Albion Victor (1958)
This lovely former Guernsey Railway coach was recently on display at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Bridgeton Bus Garage in Glasgow.
I was unable to to take proper photographs of this coach’s interior, which is understandable as there was a large crowd at the Open Day and the vehicle owners are reluctant to allow public access, unless supervised, or by prior arrangement.
Albion Victor (1958)
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
- YFO 127: ex-Guernsey Railways Albion Victor (fleet no. 77).
- Type: Albion Victor FT39 KAN chassis with Reading (Portsmouth) B35F body (35 seats, front entrance).
- New: 1958 for Guernsey Railway Company / Guernsey Motors, fleet no. 77. Original Guernsey registration 8227.
- Measurement: Dimensioned for Guernsey’s narrow roads: 27 ft long x 7 ft wide; licensed for 35 seated + 7 standing (typical for the Guernsey Albions).
- Entered service: 1958 with Guernsey Railway Co (which, after trams closed in 1934, was the island’s bus operator). The bus worked the general island network from St Peter Port Town Terminus.
- End of service: Withdrawal from Guernsey service: around the 1979–1980 handover period when Guernsey Railway Company’s bus operation ceased and Guernseybus took over. Vehicles (incl. no. 77) were sold by auction.
- Engine: Albion 4-cyl diesel (noted for reliability & economy ~15–17 mpg in service).
- Transmission: 5-speed constant-mesh (“crash”) gearbox.
- Axle & performance: No overdrive; top speed 34 to 48 mph depending on rear-axle ratio. Guernsey 77 was new with a low-ratio axle (34 mph).
- Body/fit-out: Reading B35F single-door front-entrance layout; 7 ft width to suit Guernsey width limits.
Sources
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
Albion Victor FT39 KAN: Photo by Frank Harrigan
