Ipswich Exile In Derby

Just before Christmas I heard from Tim Robertson in Nottingham regarding a former First Ipswich double decker

Tim writes: 'I’ve followed the blog here for a couple of years in order to keep track of the fates of the Volvo B7TLs at First Eastern Counties. I thought you might be interested to know that former Ipswich-based AU05 MUO/32651 has pitched up in Derby with Hawkes Tours, where it sees sporadic use on football home match shuttles. It’s been there most of the year but I’ve only recently seen it for myself.

'As is evident in the attached photo, it remains in as-withdrawn condition by First, right down to the adverts and painted-over fleet names, which isn’t unusual for Hawkes as they also have a few other double deckers in unaltered First livery. The photo shows it on Pride Parkway in Derby on the 20th of December.'

'As far as I know, 32651 is the only surviving example of the 26 low height ALX400s delivered to Eastern Counties – and by extension the sole survivor from First’s final batch of ALX400s. For a long time I’ve been hoping that one of this batch makes it into preservation, so I’d be more than willing to assist if you know anybody who is interested in trying to save it. The only thing preventing me from having a go by myself is that I already own one ALX400 and don’t have the resources for two!'

My thanks to Tim for the report and photo. If you would like to discuss the preservation of a low height ALX400 contact Tim direct by email at timothyliam3@gmail.com

Roy