First Western National: the Bristol VR Era
First Western National: the Bristol VR Era
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Author(s): Smith, Vernon
ISBN No.: 9781445676821
Pages: 96
Year: 202002
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $ 28.50
Dispatch delay: Dispatched between 7 to 15 days
Status: Available

Western National is a company with a long history, and upon privatisation in 1987 introduced a striking new livery to replace the all-conquering NBC Green. The company was initially part-owned by Plympton Coachlines and Badgerline, but upon Badgerline's merger with GRT Holdings, it became a FirstBus Company. Starting initially as First Western National, later changing to plain First on the buses, the company became First Devon and Cornwall. Changes took place around the company with some depots closing or being relocated, and competition being encountered from various independents, Western Greyhound and Plymouth Citybus. The company has always had a very varied fleet, even including, for a short time, ex-London Metrobuses, a heritage Bristol FLF and even a couple of Routemasters for special events. But one of the company's greatest claims to fame was being the last big fleet to operate Bristol VRTs in normal service in large numbers. Using the authors photographic collection, we look at First Western National's varied fleet, covering some of the many the many different vehicles and liveries to be found, finishing our journey in 2006 when the last VRTs ran in normal service.


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