I used to catch these home from primary school here in Sydney in 1983.1976 build two door 10.9m models.Will never forget the jet of black smoke shooting out the side when sitting near the tailpipe behind the rear axle. Priceless memories.
Reminds me of coming home from school on the M&D No 4 bus, used to get these quite a lot. Lovely sounds from these, same with the Bristol VR or Leyland Leopards, some had coach - type seats in cut moquette. Happy days when public transport had character, like the old electric or diesel electric units did here in the South East.
I'm having to make do with virtual Leyland Nationals this year as I won't see any real ones. In 2018 I rode on a Southdown National at Winchester, and was impressed by the way it didn't clag- even when pulling away from a standing start. Although some National enthusiasts might think this wasn't right.
They were quite innovative but suffered from some basic design flaws. Ceiling heating by basic science lead to cold feet. Brake airlines, front to back were neatly tucked away in a U shaped channel which compacted ice and froze the braking system. The early models were very light at the front and on wet roads were very likely to slide, (relocating the batteries helped the solution.. The gearboxes. Although nothing wrong with the gearboxes they were not ideal and partly because of that were subject to abuse. Although on this video the driver is making it seem easy, smooth gearchanges actually require a high level of skill and practice, especially the downshifts. The driver shouldn't need to work so hard to maintain a smooth ride. The National 2,s were much smoother, the gearbox and 680 in particular, perfectly matched. On the credit side from a driving point of view, the cab layout was just about perfect, everything was well placed. They also had fewer blind spots than many other buses. Braking was beautifully smooth except on the fully autos where the gearchange destroyed any hope of smooth deceleration.
No offense, but why the improper use of "thrash" on these videos ,as a current bus driver ,I've not seen one thrash video ,whare there's been a thrash ! If u want to see a proper thrash with a bus travelling light back to depot a finishing time ,then younwill see a proper thrash !!
I used to catch these home from primary school here in Sydney in 1983.1976 build two door 10.9m models.Will never forget the jet of black smoke shooting out the side when sitting near the tailpipe behind the rear axle. Priceless memories.
I remember the sense of danger sitting on the seat behind the driver WITH THE DOORS OPEN brill times :D
Love this. It takes me back to my secondary school days and the bus journey there. East Kent Leyland nationals. Epic buses.
such a smooth beautiful Leyland sounds fantastic
She sounds lovely, a credit to you!
Reminds me of coming home from school on the M&D No 4 bus, used to get these quite a lot. Lovely sounds from these, same with the Bristol VR or Leyland Leopards, some had coach - type seats in cut moquette. Happy days when public transport had character, like the old electric or diesel electric units did here in the South East.
Just seen this, brilliant shake free video. Excellent sound too.
Brings back memories of chase bus services who had a fleet of nationals till the end.
Leyland National, Leyland Atlantean and Bristol RE very nice sounding
This sounds nice
Classic 510 thrash. Love it!
Brings back a few Bristol Omnibus Co memories...
The sound of my childhood West Midlands PTE had a massive fleet of nationals and midland red
Great Dual Door bus though.
Good speed - Top Class Sound!
I'm having to make do with virtual Leyland Nationals this year as I won't see any real ones. In 2018 I rode on a Southdown National at Winchester, and was impressed by the way it didn't clag- even when pulling away from a standing start. Although some National enthusiasts might think this wasn't right.
very modern for there time
They were quite innovative but suffered from some basic design flaws. Ceiling heating by basic science lead to cold feet. Brake airlines, front to back were neatly tucked away in a U shaped channel which compacted ice and froze the braking system. The early models were very light at the front and on wet roads were very likely to slide, (relocating the batteries helped the solution.. The gearboxes. Although nothing wrong with the gearboxes they were not ideal and partly because of that were subject to abuse. Although on this video the driver is making it seem easy, smooth gearchanges actually require a high level of skill and practice, especially the downshifts. The driver shouldn't need to work so hard to maintain a smooth ride. The National 2,s were much smoother, the gearbox and 680 in particular, perfectly matched. On the credit side from a driving point of view, the cab layout was just about perfect, everything was well placed. They also had fewer blind spots than many other buses. Braking was beautifully smooth except on the fully autos where the gearchange destroyed any hope of smooth deceleration.
I remember these in service with Yorkshire Traction back in the early 2000s and how noisy they were.
I hope the oil levels were up. Runs like a sewing machine! Good on you.
Must be ages since Shoreham heard the clatter and whine of a Southdown 0.510 Thrashional.
fantastic video, be great to get ruf & vke together for a road run
The interior of NBC Nationals always summoned up images of mobile KGB interrogation centres
especially when I hadn't done my homework and the engine was leaking into the rear "smoking" "compartment"
Am I right the national was the first bus to have air suspension
No. The Bristol RE floated on air
No offense, but why the improper use of "thrash" on these videos ,as a current bus driver ,I've not seen one thrash video ,whare there's been a thrash ! If u want to see a proper thrash with a bus travelling light back to depot a finishing time ,then younwill see a proper thrash !!