A transport enthusiast has custom-made two miniature radio-controlled models of buses that served Salford nearly 20 years ago.
John Solomon, 23, who goes by the twitter handle “ManchesterL94“, built the models of articulated buses, known more affectionately as bendy buses due to their adjustable centres.
Bendy buses were once a common sight in Salford on the Number 8 service between Manchester and Bolton. But the deployment by First Manchester lasted only three years between 2005 and 2008 before they were redeployed to other routes, and eventually fully withdrawn in 2017.
John created the models as none of the real bendy buses was preserved after being retired from service. He said: “I grew up with the same vehicles on my local route 135.
“Museums have no reference to ‘bendy bus’ history in Manchester which spans nearly two decades, so I decided to make two of my favourites so that their legacy could live on.
“They were introduced in 2005 as part of First Manchester’s plan to boost capacity on the busy University corridor to replace high floor step entrance buses, allowing easier access for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
“Sixteen articulated vehicles served the 8 service until 2008, when they were replaced by double deckers. The bendy buses could carry nearly 150 passengers, which is far more than a double decker can, but due to operating costs and bus stops not being suitable for the extra length of the vehicles they were withdrawn.”
The models were mainly built using a 3D printer but the framework (chassis) and bellows were made by hand. In a further bid to preserve the history of these buses, John has donated a part of the bellows from the real bendy bus to the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, where it will be exhibited in the future.
He continued: “First may be keen to forget about them, but I’m not.”
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