Class History:

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The Metrobus was born out of LT’s need to displace the unsuccessful Merlin and Swift class as well as the DMS which had defeated LTs best efforts to run. Leyland’s problems of time meant that the new order could not be solely of Titans so another vehicle was needed, and LT turned to MCW having previously operated the MD class from this maker. Initially MCWs demonstrator was despatched for London to evaluate which led to an order for 200, that would be upped on a per year basis until over 1400 were in service by the time the last ones arrived in 1986. The vehicles proved to be reliable and rugged and whilst it was often said you were either a ‘Metro’ or ‘Titan man’ but unlikely to be both, each of this period of London’s buses went onto to give service into the 21st century.

The Metrobus was in many ways far

more of a work in progress, from the very first ones that had different blind displays, to later ones that were ordered for the Airbus or the Sightseeing operations, or with Cummins engines, variety and modifications, the Metro seemed to do easier. After London life many went, much as DMS had done into sightseeing duties, with both London Pride and Original using large amounts of them. Later many would cross the Atlantic and give further service as sightseeing buses in the USA.



Vehicle History:

 

M1 was as the fleet number fairly obviously points out the very first of the order. Originally the first five were given the fleet numbers MT1-5 but the T was dropped soon after and the Metros were always the M class.  New in April 1978 it was delivered with a three piece front blind display, like Routemasters and given a black skirt panel, something it still retains and something that was unique to M1.  Into service at Cricklewood , its regular haunt was the route 16. It was relegated to training duties around 1997 and spent time at Harrow Weald and Willesden, where even after many of its younger sisters had been disposed off, M1 was kept as a ‘special’ due to its historical significance. However, January 2008 saw the vehicle disposed off to the Ensignbus dealership who recognising its significance elected to pass it over for continued use and preservation in the heritage fleet. It was repainted into the 1978 livery and is still used on various events and has also been pressed back into service during emergencies such as rail replacement or inclement weather situations.



Vehicle Allocation History:

 

MT1   THX 101S  4/78    new to Aldenham: 1M1: DR101/3, MCW H43/28D, Lockheed brakes

red, white uppers, small blind apertures

4/78 CS to Chiswick experimental

6/78 W  trainer (Cricklewood)

M1            8/78    reclassified

11/78 W  into service on 16/16A

1981 W  in use on 32

1982 W

1983    overhaul: repainted red with white uppers, black skirt

2/84 W  used on 32

6/84 W  used on 205

8/85 W  unusually used on 16 (crew)

10/94    privatised to Metroline

12/97    Metroline, trainer

4/98    at Cobham Open Day: original livery

9/99    at Showbus 99

7/00 HD trainer (Harrow Weald)

1/03 AC transfer, trainer (Willesden)

4/03 AC trainer, repainted, 1978 livery style

4/03    used at Cobham Museum Open Day

3/04    used on last crew day of 6, 98

5/04    used on last crew day of 8

9/04 AC used on last crew-day on 390

9/04 AC used on Metrobus send-off on 84, 242

10/04 PA transfer, special events (Thorpes)

1/05 NW transfer, special events (North Wembley)

2/05 HD transfer, special events (Harrow Weald)

5/05 HT transfer, special events (Holloway)

1/07 PA transfer, special events

1/08 PT bought by Ensignbus

6/08    repainted into original livery

6/08 PT used on 15, 9, X25, Bow Garage Centenary / pre-LEZ

6/08    used on LOTS Annual Rides Evening

7/08 PT Potters Bar Running Day (84)

With thanks to Ian’s bus site for allocation history



Technical Specifications:

Date of first registration: 24 April 1978
Chassis: MCW Metrobus
Chassis number: MB5010
Engine: Leyland Gardner 6LXB
Fuel: Diesel
Body: MCW , 1M1
Seating: 71 seats (43 upstairs & 28 downstairs)