Saw a London Dart scooting round my home town and wondered what it was doing. Now I know! Weird to see familiar roads on one of these CZcams videos. Nicely preserved bus and great video 👍
Wait let me get this right, he works as a lorry driver then on weekends he drives a car 40 miles to go drive around in a bus all day just for fun then he drives 40 miles back home in a car? On his day off! Legend.
Some people just love driving and I'm one of them I have my PSV and class 1 license I spend more time sat in vehicles than I do at home and I wouldn't have it any other way. Honestly driving a bus is much more fun than you might think too they actually handle really well and are seriously fun to chuck round corners.
7.8/10 not enough rattling. On a serious note, there is something oddly entertaining about buying an old bus like that and just using it as you would any other vehicle, like taking mates down to the pub and all. My dream vehicle would be an old bus on a Scania L94UB bus like a Access Flowline or Solar, purely for the sound but I think I'd gotta focus efforts on learning to drive beforehand! Great video and got a chuckle from the Senna reference.
I used Dart SLf for 12 years, like you say, they were one of the best to drive, didn't have any hot start issues on the ones I was driving, had Marshall, East lancs, Plaxton and Alexander bodied at the garage I worked from, sometimes the back suspension would bang on cornering and split turbo pipes would make for a slow bus! All in all I've very fond memories, they even made a model of the exact bus I used W215 DNO, stagecoach 34215. Happy days. 👍
I was a driver for 12 years, nearly always had a Dart SLf, Marshall, Plaxton, East lancs (only a few) or Alexander bodied, the Marshall bodies liked to eject their windscreens as the body became loose and they did rattle , great to drive, much better than the Optare or Volvo B6's we also had. I'd be tempted if I had storage, that's a lot of vehicle for the money. 👍
I remember driving these in Huddersfield from 2002 to 2009 at Firstbus. We had R reg and S reg long and medium wheelbase versions. They were sluggish up hills, but were a smooth drive and were nicely lit up inside.
This is one of the most amusing things... as a frequent user of London buses especially. The rail replacement bit, oh my god. Also, seeing an older beaut like this is rather nostalgic for me, as one of the sorts of buses I would have ridden on when I was younger. Engine noise, rattling and all.
Glad that youtube randomly recommended this video and really enjoyed watching. Think it was the obvious joy in your face while you were driving and talking about the bus.
You made me smile again today. I remember that engine whine from when I used to board the 274 St John's Wood to Islington for work. Great to re-purpose for pub crawls and generally nurturing local communities that have a crap public transport system - how to fund it without getting drawn into the law? Maybe have a word with local Community transport groups. Wheelchair accessible is much needed. Could be a step up from my 7-seater GM Zafira 2008! Subscribed - go viral
Whoa. This reminds me of a primary school I used to attend back when I lived in Australia back in the early 2000s, as their school bus they used for excursions _(edit: at the time)_ used to belong to Transperth for one of their public bus services. The Transperth logos on the livery were removed, but there were still some stickers for warnings and such on the inside, and if I recall correctly, remnants of where the old MultiRider card reader used to be installed.
Can’t imagine using anything smaller in such a gargantuan vehicle. The 5.9 Cummins 6BT was used in the 90s Dodge Ram pickups and has a great reputation for making insane horsepower and torque with only minor modifications, while still giving excellent fuel economy.
I miss the old busses, especially this one and the double versions of this very spec. This is legit my old 203, 235, 110 bus which I take for school growing up. This bus right here got me into learning more in depth about TFL busses generally. From there it has gotten me into becoming into becoming a car guy too Edit: The best thing about these old modelled busses were that they had legit terrible radiators for the passengers and also the driver was the only individual that would have the radiator on, in a very cold damp season of London.
Yep great memories, looks like you're from the neighbourhood..lol... 203, 235 was a regular ride for me as well during my college days too...Martindale Rd...🙂
Brings back great memories of the old 110 buses in Isleworth. Used to ferry me to and from school in Twickenham. Shame they switched to electric models.
I own a Dennis Dart myself, it was a spare bus for Cardinal Buses in Surrey and it was Ex-Go Ahead London based, planning to convert her into a camper van soon.
Driving Darts for many years in Brighton, my only complaint was that there was no where to stretch out my left leg - very cramped in that respect - Great video, thanks for posting
The design of the Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF is so timeless and common on London roads at one time, I didn't even realise that they have now started to go to private owners or preservation.
I am a bus driver in London… I am driving bus for RATP GROUP London United London sovereign…. we he’d few this buses in our garage in 2014 they were called as DPS and most of the drivers use to hesitate to drive because the brake paddle on this buses was bit and hard… … You have done a excellent video and great explanation…. 👍🏻 How is the breaking on your bus ….
I remember these buses on the 239 route in London (now discontinued) I only liked these ones as the doors opened inwards and I had a massive phobia of the plug doors growing up!! 😂
I passed my test in a dart, back when darts had just come off the road. Enviro 200s, euro 4 , were commonplace at the time. I had so much fun learning to drive buses in a dart. In my 8 years of being a bus driver as a 27y/o, ive only ever driven 2 darts. Shame about that. Being a learner was a cracking experience.
Thank you Simon for sharing your story. You living your dream. Could arrange a Pub crawl avent: Party bus. Nothing wrong in just having fun. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.
I guess that bus would be really handy for moving your friends around when you can find a place to park it or you could convert the bus into a motor home! :)
This is a cool video. With a nice thumbnail and title, you might be able to earn a lot of views - driving my bus through McDonald's sounds very appealing 😂
american viewer here. ive always wanted to own a bus. like a retired C40 or something. ive always been a bus enthusiast and ive always wanted to own a bus to ride around my friends in nyc and drive on tight roads that a bus shouldnt be on. nice video!
@@themagiccartoon1306 yeah but they usually retire for severe issues like engine or trans failure. i saw a 2017 LFS online for 500 and it had a dead transmission.
Old buses are fun! I have a 1961 Bedford SB3, 1968 Austin 2.45F, 1983 MAN SL200, and a 1986 Mercedes O305. Getting bits for all of them are a right pain!
Stagecoach surrey and hants are running busses this age and similar spec currently in aldershot and the blackwater valley with no sign of upgrading anytime soon
I always wondered if old city buses were for sale and if they'd make fir good camper conversions. I see the odd grey nomad in Australia tour with ancient Greyhound buses from the 70s making their rounds.
I hope one day I would be able to own classical buses like the Plaxton President DAF that operated in 98 route and many different routes. For my own sanity I would add a colour skirt cause my goodness, it looks good for it.
I just remembered a funny story about our dennus Marshall darts at first rainham. As I previously mentioned we had discussed and dml variants which one had single door and the other had twin doors. They had a talking self diagnostic system with warnings for apply handbrake and so forth well one dms with single door had an identity crisis. It used to come out with centre door open. When I first heard it I looked round out of the cab and thought hang in I'm in a dms with one door. Lol.
I used to drive these at Stagecoach, if you maxed it out in 4th and quickly slip it into neutral and back into drive with your foot on the floor it would trick it into unlocking 5th, then youd get to about 60mph - not recommended on something you have to fix yourself mind!
Fair play to you mate I’d own one aswell if I had the space for it and parking, I’ve had some darts up to the restricted Speed 56 MPH, I’m not sure if they would do more
100% take this to the Nürburgring with a party of 26, would be a right laugh to see, and to see the time it would take to complete the track 😂
Ooh yes an original step dart that would be a lot of fun. I’m more than willing to volunteer to drive that service
You need a full PSV license to carry more than 8 passengers, I think.
@@lewis72 I have one already.
@@Madmark50484
OK.
It was more of a general comment in reply to the OP though.
Sorry to be a party pooper but all occupied seats need seatbelts to drive on the Nurburgring
Driver: "But this one's been updated, so the rattling's not too bad."
Bus: *very load rattling intensifies*
"Change the sign to 'Rail replacement' and park at the station" - Best line Ever Invented 😉👍 Wish I could do that with a car
thats what the "taxi" roof sign is for ;)
Change the sign to “69 - The Local Pub” and you can use bus stops
@BanneduserbanneduserThere is nothing you can do to stop it.
"Change the sign to rail replacement, go and park at the station". Utter genius
Lovely to see a man enjoying his bus
Saw a London Dart scooting round my home town and wondered what it was doing. Now I know! Weird to see familiar roads on one of these CZcams videos.
Nicely preserved bus and great video 👍
Hertfordshire guy 🖐️
@@mrinconclusive83mcdonald's from galleria hatfield
Wait let me get this right, he works as a lorry driver then on weekends he drives a car 40 miles to go drive around in a bus all day just for fun then he drives 40 miles back home in a car? On his day off! Legend.
4head
Some people just love driving and I'm one of them I have my PSV and class 1 license I spend more time sat in vehicles than I do at home and I wouldn't have it any other way. Honestly driving a bus is much more fun than you might think too they actually handle really well and are seriously fun to chuck round corners.
7.8/10 not enough rattling. On a serious note, there is something oddly entertaining about buying an old bus like that and just using it as you would any other vehicle, like taking mates down to the pub and all. My dream vehicle would be an old bus on a Scania L94UB bus like a Access Flowline or Solar, purely for the sound but I think I'd gotta focus efforts on learning to drive beforehand!
Great video and got a chuckle from the Senna reference.
I would get a Volvo B7RLE probably an Ex First Manchester
@@Matt-di6nb I would get one of those hybrid Alexander Dennis buses, the ones with 2 gears 🤣
'Not enough rattling' , he needs a coin dispenser to add to the noise. 👍
My dream would be to get an Ex-West Yorkshire BMC 1100FE or Condor type school bus.
A dream of mine is to buy an Ikarus 260. We still have 10 of them here in Budapest.
As a bus driver myself, the Darts were one of the best buses to drive. Rattly and a pain to start when warm, but much better than modern buses 100%
What's bad about the modern ones?
@@davidwalsh6597 depressingly underpowered and unreliable.
I used Dart SLf for 12 years, like you say, they were one of the best to drive, didn't have any hot start issues on the ones I was driving, had Marshall, East lancs, Plaxton and Alexander bodied at the garage I worked from, sometimes the back suspension would bang on cornering and split turbo pipes would make for a slow bus! All in all I've very fond memories, they even made a model of the exact bus I used W215 DNO, stagecoach 34215. Happy days. 👍
Agree. Used to have MPD’s at my depot and now have Solo SR’s.
God I hate Solo’s!
❤
Drive it as an Uber
Haha this is legendary! 😃 You could take it to bus rallies and have it as an unofficial pub crawl bus 'cash only' 😁
I'm neither a bus driver nor British but I am quite sure a post 2000 city bus under 2.5k £ is a decent bargain.
Imagine turning it into a camper...
@@hamstirrer6882 I was legit thinking that.
@@MikeTorenoCIA me too
@@hamstirrer6882 Exactly. You'd really struggle to find a decent Long Wheelbase van for around £2500 and yet this bus is even bigger and better!
You would have thought it would be worth more than £2500 in scrap alone
I was a driver for 12 years, nearly always had a Dart SLf, Marshall, Plaxton, East lancs (only a few) or Alexander bodied, the Marshall bodies liked to eject their windscreens as the body became loose and they did rattle , great to drive, much better than the Optare or Volvo B6's we also had. I'd be tempted if I had storage, that's a lot of vehicle for the money. 👍
Honestly mate If you've got the money go on Ebay they sell lots of buses from E400s to Commanders ect depends on the price
This is what I imagine it feels like when you rob a bus on GTA V
I remember driving these in Huddersfield from 2002 to 2009 at Firstbus. We had R reg and S reg long and medium wheelbase versions. They were sluggish up hills, but were a smooth drive and were nicely lit up inside.
being pre-October 2001 those would've had the 5.9 litre 6 cylinder 12 valve Cummins engine
@@RWL2012 ..easy to drive too
Thanks for your service to our society mate, much respect to all the drivers
7:20 😂 It's limited to 45 miles an hour, at this point it hits 46 mph and something instantly breaks😂😂😂
When a bus is cheaper to tax than a 1.0 car we know the government are out to get us 🤣🤣
@9.27 Sainsbury's diesel price of £1:48.9! Ah, those were the days Simon.
This is one of the most amusing things... as a frequent user of London buses especially. The rail replacement bit, oh my god.
Also, seeing an older beaut like this is rather nostalgic for me, as one of the sorts of buses I would have ridden on when I was younger. Engine noise, rattling and all.
Glad that youtube randomly recommended this video and really enjoyed watching. Think it was the obvious joy in your face while you were driving and talking about the bus.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best re-use of an old Dart I've ever seen. Love it!
It was called Dart for a reason as the acceleration out the Bus Stops was legendary
I service Enviro 400’s in the US where they were only imported as tour buses, so it’s neat to see these original buses in their element.
You made me smile again today. I remember that engine whine from when I used to board the 274 St John's Wood to Islington for work. Great to re-purpose for pub crawls and generally nurturing local communities that have a crap public transport system - how to fund it without getting drawn into the law? Maybe have a word with local Community transport groups. Wheelchair accessible is much needed. Could be a step up from my 7-seater GM Zafira 2008! Subscribed - go viral
So its true that the 274 used to be a single deck?
Whoa. This reminds me of a primary school I used to attend back when I lived in Australia back in the early 2000s, as their school bus they used for excursions _(edit: at the time)_ used to belong to Transperth for one of their public bus services. The Transperth logos on the livery were removed, but there were still some stickers for warnings and such on the inside, and if I recall correctly, remnants of where the old MultiRider card reader used to be installed.
About the best single deckers to drive. We had some with the 5.9 6 cylinder. Absolute flying machine.
Can’t imagine using anything smaller in such a gargantuan vehicle. The 5.9 Cummins 6BT was used in the 90s Dodge Ram pickups and has a great reputation for making insane horsepower and torque with only minor modifications, while still giving excellent fuel economy.
@@baileyharrison1030 as an owner of a bus with a 6BT.. excellent fuel economy is not a thing for us 🤣
I miss the old busses, especially this one and the double versions of this very spec. This is legit my old 203, 235, 110 bus which I take for school growing up. This bus right here got me into learning more in depth about TFL busses generally. From there it has gotten me into becoming into becoming a car guy too
Edit: The best thing about these old modelled busses were that they had legit terrible radiators for the passengers and also the driver was the only individual that would have the radiator on, in a very cold damp season of London.
Yep great memories, looks like you're from the neighbourhood..lol... 203, 235 was a regular ride for me as well during my college days too...Martindale Rd...🙂
Brings back great memories of the old 110 buses in Isleworth. Used to ferry me to and from school in Twickenham. Shame they switched to electric models.
It was also on the H28 bus route too also come on hounslowians
@@alexkenton5934 👍 H98 as well...
@@alexkenton5934 H25 as well
All Dart SLF's actually are 4 speed. It just sounds like it has 5 gears as it the torque converter locks up in 2nd.
That was brilliant really enjoyed watching this !!! Should definitely do a part 2 haha
My old local bus on the R68.. lol
Yeahh
yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The last ever dart I went on was on the 322 back in 2018
I've been on darts also on the 315
oh
I am loving the smile on your face as your driving that bus you look like your really enjoying it.
I own a Dennis Dart myself, it was a spare bus for Cardinal Buses in Surrey and it was Ex-Go Ahead London based, planning to convert her into a camper van soon.
Driving Darts for many years in Brighton, my only complaint was that there was no where to stretch out my left leg - very cramped in that respect - Great video, thanks for posting
Love this guy's natural delivery, I would defo be a regular view should you increase your content.
Really enjoyed this video. Would love to see more like this!! Subscribed :)
I love your presenting style, keep it up lad!
This gave me so much joy to watch and I’ve now decided I have to own a bus in my lifetime
Smiled all the way through the video. And, the outro was dope.
as soon as I saw how happy you were with this purchase I subscribed, legend
Great video, Simon! Better than a lot of ‘professional’ CZcamsrs.
Only 182 subscribers! This channel deserves alot more than 182 subs. Such an under rated account, Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Glad you like what we’re doing
@@SimonSaysUK what website or how did you source your bus from please?
@BorekSigar 920 now
1.49K now :)
@@RWL2012 2.07k now
The unfailing grin on your face throughout the entire video says it all. :D What an amazing thing to have. Nice one. :)
Got sent this video by a friend, thoroughly enjoyed watching it and it's great that you've saved that Dart haha. Have subscribed :)
Im going to sub just because this video made my day lol need more vids on this bus
Love how you can see your first attempt at the roundabout at 8:43
Love this video. We need to see more of this bus
The design of the Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF is so timeless and common on London roads at one time, I didn't even realise that they have now started to go to private owners or preservation.
These buses were my childhood bro 😢😢, banging video btw
Amazing video mate 🙂 Great content
I am a bus driver in London…
I am driving bus for RATP GROUP London United London sovereign….
we he’d few this buses in our garage in 2014 they were called as DPS and most of the drivers use to hesitate to drive because the brake paddle on this buses was bit and hard… …
You have done a excellent video and great explanation…. 👍🏻
How is the breaking on your bus ….
I remember these buses on the 239 route in London (now discontinued) I only liked these ones as the doors opened inwards and I had a massive phobia of the plug doors growing up!! 😂
for £2500 you've got yourself a lovely set of wheels there! Any more videos coming xDDDD?
I feel like I am back on the 235 again 😉 Great video 😎
My memories of the first Darts was very good but brakes were like a switch . You had to press them lightly and a adventure when roads were wet .
you've inspired me to become a bus preservationist when I'm older, thank you!
Love the commentary Hahahahah you’re a funny bloke 😂
I passed my test in a dart, back when darts had just come off the road. Enviro 200s, euro 4 , were commonplace at the time. I had so much fun learning to drive buses in a dart. In my 8 years of being a bus driver as a 27y/o, ive only ever driven 2 darts. Shame about that. Being a learner was a cracking experience.
Thank you Simon for sharing your story. You living your dream. Could arrange a Pub crawl avent: Party bus. Nothing wrong in just having fun. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.
Genius for free parking with the Rail Replacement sign... until the council finds out
I guess that bus would be really handy for moving your friends around when you can find a place to park it or you could convert the bus into a motor home! :)
Awesome content! I love buses! 😁
This is a cool video. With a nice thumbnail and title, you might be able to earn a lot of views - driving my bus through McDonald's sounds very appealing 😂
Brilliant. I've had dreams where I've bought a Double Decker and am rolling around the country exploring. Still don't understand why, but I get them.
american viewer here. ive always wanted to own a bus. like a retired C40 or something. ive always been a bus enthusiast and ive always wanted to own a bus to ride around my friends in nyc and drive on tight roads that a bus shouldnt be on. nice video!
Sometimes you can get some retired XD 40s Online it may not be old but it’s pretty cool
@@themagiccartoon1306 yeah but they usually retire for severe issues like engine or trans failure. i saw a 2017 LFS online for 500 and it had a dead transmission.
You got a dart for £2500? Fucking hell I wanna get one of these just for the childhood memories haha
Love the view from the cab.
I thought it was the Green Man in Sandridge when I saw it! Been there a few times, will have to keep an eye out for you and the bus!
decent pub
Old buses are fun!
I have a 1961 Bedford SB3, 1968 Austin 2.45F, 1983 MAN SL200, and a 1986 Mercedes O305. Getting bits for all of them are a right pain!
Stagecoach surrey and hants are running busses this age and similar spec currently in aldershot and the blackwater valley with no sign of upgrading anytime soon
I always wondered if old city buses were for sale and if they'd make fir good camper conversions.
I see the odd grey nomad in Australia tour with ancient Greyhound buses from the 70s making their rounds.
When the 302 used to be assigned to the bus it was the only bus I was looking forward to getting on
Love it mate! Good stuff.
Great vid 👌 probably built that vehicle 20 years ago at adl Falkirk plant acan remember driving them brand new Great wee busses
Do you still work there mate?
Keep that thing rolling....my suggestion would be a custom destination blind for the pub crawl/stag night business
Becomes complicated as he'd need pcv and all the cpc training.
I hope one day I would be able to own classical buses like the Plaxton President DAF that operated in 98 route and many different routes.
For my own sanity I would add a colour skirt cause my goodness, it looks good for it.
You can use the bus lanes 😂😂 what a great idea!
I just remembered a funny story about our dennus Marshall darts at first rainham. As I previously mentioned we had discussed and dml variants which one had single door and the other had twin doors. They had a talking self diagnostic system with warnings for apply handbrake and so forth well one dms with single door had an identity crisis. It used to come out with centre door open. When I first heard it I looked round out of the cab and thought hang in I'm in a dms with one door. Lol.
Great video. Good choice too.
Do more videos please!! This is quality
Love to see more videos with the bus ❤🎉😊
Imagine when people see the bus, they're putting their hand out, and people are wondering why you aren't stopping.🤣🤣😁
These Dennis Darts were so good back in the days in London and the plaxton pointer model engine aswell
Darts still putter round my local, 481 generally but I’ve known that whine for some 6 years. I now want to do the same! Haha
Hey Simon, really cool interesting video! I wonder do you need to have at least a restricted “o” licence to drive this thing?
Plezzxx more on this bus plz ive been trying to see a London bus bought by real people than companies
I used to drive these at Stagecoach, if you maxed it out in 4th and quickly slip it into neutral and back into drive with your foot on the floor it would trick it into unlocking 5th, then youd get to about 60mph - not recommended on something you have to fix yourself mind!
Yes!
In next weeks episode, how to get rid of annoying squeaks on a bus. Sponsored by WD40
You handled that big bus like a pro lol .
Oh nice, you're in St Albans! When can i ride on this? 🤣
Fair play to you mate I’d own one aswell if I had the space for it and parking, I’ve had some darts up to the restricted Speed 56 MPH, I’m not sure if they would do more
Great video! I'm subbed!
This is just so wholesome. I want one too now.
I’m wanting to buy one of Sheffield buses when I get a bus license
My town has Darts in active service.
Despite their age they do the job well.
I think this bloke is my new hero.
This is such a cool video. Is it legal to park at the station and put rail replacement sign on?
definitely would like to see more content on the bus
You might say whats the fuel economy, I dont have a clue I just keep on filling it hahahaha words of wisdom my friend
Loved the senna reference
Excellent Video! Thumbs Up! 👍 Big LIKE😊
5:50 I work at that station, ill definitley keep an eye out for any suspicious looking Dennis Darts 😉