Liverpool Corporation L255

2025 seen in service at Pier Head in the '70s

HISTORY

New in November 1956, L255 was one of a batch of 65 Leyland Titan PD2/20 chassis that had been ordered back in 1955, partly to enable the 19 & 44 tram routes to be converted to bus operation.

The first 35 of these Titans (L245 to L279) arrived with fully completed Crossley bodywork with seating for 62, this total being made possible by the rearward facing seat for 5 located against the front bulkhead. The remaining 30 (L280 to L309) arrived in 1958 with the Crossley bodywork in shell form only, to be completed by the Corporation's own workforce at Edge Lane Works. However due to staff shortages and the major bus refurbishment program in progress at the time, the shells were never completed in Liverpool. After a long period in storage were finally completed by Metro-Cammell finally entering service in late 1961.

When new L255 was allocated to Carnegie Road garage, but its stay here was only short lived as it was transferred to Walton in March 1957. Here it was used on the routes serving the new expanding housing estates of Kirkby, Southdene and Tower Hill as well as the Corporations own Kirkby Industrial Estate. When Walton closed for rebuilding in October 1962, L255, along with the majority of Waltons allocation moved to the new Gillmoss garage were L255 remained until August 1973. It then moved to Litherland garage and saw use on services to Ford, Nertherton and Sefton. The stay at Litherland was a short one as it was transferred for the last time in April 1975 to Green Lane. Here it was used mainly on peak hour extras and industrial workings until it was finally withdrawn from service on the 1st May 1976.

L255 seen in service with the PTE.

Following withdrawal it was purchased for preservation by Rob Wilson and was soon painted back into the early 1960's livery of green with cream staircase panel and window surrounds. Over the next 10 years or so it attended numerous rallies throughout Britain. It was also borrowed to commemorate the retirement of the MPTEs last Clippy at Litherland depot, it even being used unofficially in service on the occasion!

L255 seen part way through its restoration

After more than 20 years in active preservation and with more than 25 years since a major overhaul, it was time for some major body restoration. After stripping every external panel off the bus, it was soon found that there was a fair amount of work involved and over the last few years both the front and rear bulkheads have been replaced along with the complete back end including the platform and staircase, new saloon floors with new lino. A replacement Leyland O.600 engine was also fitted

L255 as she looks today.