Southdown Motor Services Leyland National 37 - RUF37R
Former Southdown Leyland National, RUF37R, joined our collection in December 2023 following its purchase from family friend, Rob Lane.
37 was one of many of the type delivered to Southdown and saw service with the company throughout the network from Portsmouth in Hampshire to Haywards Heath in East Sussex. It is a well travelled bus having spent some time in Scotland with Rennies of Dumfermline before eventually returning to the south coast and joining Provincial in Fareham.
After the sale of the bus into preservation, it soon gained National Bus Company livery. After passing through a couple of owners, 37 was purchased by Rob Lane in 2012 and lived in Sussex with his other vehicles until acquisition in December.
Why 37 and what's the plan? During its time with Southdown, 37 operated out of Hilsea depot for a while and would usually be found on the 347, Fareham or Havant area services. As mentioned, Fareham became 37s home from the early 90's and so Jason has fond memories of the bus operating with Southdown in the Portsmouth area but also, he drove it in service during his short period of working for Provincial in 1994.
37 was a slightly unexpected purchase but nevertheless and great bus applicable to the collection. The plan is to take 37 to a few shows locally and do some recreation trips too alongside 2210 & 510.
Some light interior refreshment...
During February, we have been carrying out some light refreshment of some of the interior. There was evidence of surface rust in places so this has been rubbed down, protected with red oxide and then repainted with a fresh coat of black.