A trip on Western National

Another short story from Alan M Watkins

Here is a brief glimpse into the job of the conductor - prompted by the posting onto the Ceased Bus Operators photo group of a shot of Western National 2000 (805 KDV), a Bristol FLF6B with ECW H38/32F body, new in 1962, seen when brand new in Bretonside Bus Station, Plymouth on 2nd August 1962. It was working the 128, Plymouth to Torquay, a joint route with Devon General.

So let's join Alan for a brief stint conducting a 128:

"Yes it was joint with Devon General Service 45.  Very, very busy in the Summer.  Many out of Torquay going only to Paignton Zoo. Joint returns - retained and an exchange issued and the cancelled return attached to the Waybill, like LRCC with BMMO and Trent.

Happy Days!  Swung aboard a couple of those, possibly this one, on this route.  They had that new car smell even if they were buses.  I blame Lowestoft.

Starting numbers already on the Waybill.  Two buzz, the door folds shut.  Off we go!  Close on two hours.

And the 6 cylinder gals could seriously motor.

Fares Please!

"Two and two half returns to Paignton Zoo please (the third kid sitting on Dad's knee looked "under three" so let it pass)."

Not a blink. "Eighteen shillings please."  Churn, churn.  Change to CH RET.  Churn, churn.

Dad proffers a �1 and gets a two shilling piece back.

Mum says: "Will you tell us when we get there?".

(Sure sign of a holidaymaker).

"Yes I will."

On we go.

"Single to Ivybridge."

One and eleven please carefully switching from CH RET to S.

Holds hand out.  Gets two shilling piece and gives a penny change.

Two returns to Torquay.

Thirteen shillings please.

"What time does the last bus come back to Plymouth"
"Ten past nine".

Plods on.  Two returns to Shinners Bridge please.

(Defeated, has to get the book out for that one)

Looks it up.  Nine shillings please.

Halcyon days.  Lovely days. There she is all smelling new and raring to go.

I appear to have rambled again.............................