Liverpool Corporation L227

L227 seen in service at Pier Head

HISTORY

L227 was part of a batch of 34 Leyland Titan PD2/20s, numbered L212 – L244 with Crossley bodywork similar to those on Liverpool’s first AEC Regent Vs delivered at the same time. L211 – L224 arrived as complete vehicles, with the remainder, L225 – L244, being delivered in a basic frame only condition to be completed by the Corporation’s own staff at Edge Lane Works.

A bus seen under construction in Edge Lane works

New in May 1956, L227 was allocated for most of its working life at Litherland garage. All Liverpool’s Leyland PD Titans were always allocated to garages serving the North and the East of the City (except for a small number used on the City Shopping service in the mid 1960s). It passed to Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (MPTE) on its formation in December 1969 and in the following January, it was transferred to Gillmoss were it remained until November 1975.

Re-allocated to Green Lane, L227 joined the last of the remaining ex Liverpool Titans remaining in service mainly used on peak hour and industrial workings. It became the last ex Liverpool rear loader remaining in service until it too was withdrawn on the 10th January 1977 as a result of major service cuts when large numbers of vehicles were withdrawn.

Shortly prior to withdrawal, the Mersey & Calder BPG organised a farewell tour using L227 on a route tour on a freezing day. From this tour the Merseyside Bus Club was formed, which is now in its 26th year. Details of the MBC can be obtained from membership secretary, Dave Mitchell, 16 Allington Street, Liverpool L17 7AD.

After withdrawal, the MPTE kindly donated L227 to the Mersey & Calder BPG, now the Merseyside Transport Trust, for preservation. Over the next 20 years, the group rallied L227 extensively throughout the UK. It is currently awaiting a major body overhaul, which will take place when the time and resources become available.