BBPG

Now in preservation with Karl Griffin, D41 (P411 MLA) was delivered new to CentreWest's isolated Orpington (Y) operation in August 1996, for route R9.

The low-floor revolution saw a 5 year old bus transferred away from London to First Devon & Cornwall. Of the 4 buses delivered to Orpington (D38-41), D41 is the only one of the batch to now survive First's scrappage policy and Karl - being a former CentreWest driver - was keen to see it preserved.

The bus was collected from Plymouth by Karl and drove back smoothly all the way back to Kent.

D41 safe back in Kent after its drive back from Plymouth (c) Martin Clitheroe

We were delighted to find D41 still with its rear blind intact! (c) Martin Clitheroe

D41 is being prepared for a re-panel and repaint this coming week. She is currently wearing a temporary allover white coat of paint.

P411MLA seen shortly after being given its livery of allover white (c) Karl Griffin

D41 has now been the beneficiary of a nice new shiny coat of red paint. Also, the provincial-style blind box has been replaced with a London-style one.