Welcome to the North West Preservation Group!

Back in December 2021 we visited Cardiff Bus at their Sloper Road depot to view vehicle 604 (CN06GDK), a Scania CN94UA Scania Omnicity Bendy Bus. After a vast discussion as a group we decided to purchase 604 for preservation, on January 27th 2022 we embarked on the journey to bring 604 to the North West. A successful 7.5 hour journey saw 604 arrive safely. Over the first quarter of 2022 604 took to the roads of Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Yorkshire, before taking a well deserved rest to be repainted into its second "BayCar" livery which was designed by Creating Desire's very own Ray Stenning. Recreating the livery was quite tough but as a whole we completed the turnaround productively and effectively, and 604 first ventured out in "BayCar" Livery at Town & District Transport Trust's famous Great Harwood Show. Towards the end of 2022 604 underwent a thorough inspection and service, it was unfortunate to say that some major components in articulated vehicles were starting to deteriorate. To add to the long list of defects requiring attention, it was brought to our attention that our insurer would no longer be willing to accommodate Bendy Buses, so in January 2023 we were faced with the task of attempting to find a new insurer. Unfortunately due to the vehicles age and specification no insurers are willing to issue a policy, meaning we had no choice but to find 604 a new home... as a group we are proud of how far we came and we are certainly not ashamed to say we took on the task and tried as hard as we possibly could! 604 left the group in February 2023 to start a new life in Bristol, we are unaware at current of the new owners intentions. However it has been speculated 604 is again listed as for sale.

In February 2023, one of the team visited Sheffield to view vehicle 69217 (MX56AEF), a Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Urban. It was decided that 69217 would join the group in March 2023 and the vehicle has since had its E-Leather seats returned to moquette along with a deep clean both inside and out. Following a thorough inspection and service it is apparent that 69217 requires little to no work prior to its repaint. It is anticipated that 69217 will be repainted into First Group's Barbie livery complemented by Overground 67 Branding for the route it was new for... You may see 69217 on test around Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire, however 69217 will go through the paint process before attending any shows or Rallies. Please keep a close eye on our social media for updates as we progress, please don't forget to share your photos with us too!

We can't wait to see you!