Birthdays and judgement day: 1321's moment in the spotlight 05/12/14

Our newest group member, since arriving in Nottinghamshire after collection from the purveyour of fine omnibuses himself Mike Nash, had spent most of her time being checked over by our newest mechanical expert Dominic at Hammonds Coaches having numerous issues rectified as laid out in a previous blog post. With much of the work finished the day before and lighter wallets, judgement day was almost upon us...would 1321 pass her MOT?

Now, there was even more significance about the day chosen for this momentous occasion, as some further research into the vehicles history revealed that 1321 had been registered on 5 December 1990, exactly 24 years to the day of test day!! Wouldn't it be great if it passed the MOT on its 24th birthday we thought to ourselves. Well, we were about to find out.

Gary was on hand to deliver 1321 safely from Hammonds Coaches at Bilborough to Yardleys test centre at Sutton Junction, a well renowned MOT test facility within the preserved vehicle scene with owners travelling with their vehicles from all over the country to have their pride and joys tested here. While here, the gang at Yardleys put her through her paces, ensuring that the class 5 MOT standards had been met, and before too long it was time for that all important piece of paper. Had Dominic's efforts and hard work paid off?

Aaand as you'll see from the piece of paper photographed above, she did it...a pass, with flying colours and no advisories! Big grins all round! I still remember being sat with my team in the works canteen somewhere in Pride Park near Derby taking a break from being on the phones and giving out a big cheer as I punched the air when Gary gave me the verdict over the phone (thankfully my colleagues know I am a bit strange and know about my transport interests, and weeks later they still remind me of that moment I found out about 1321's MOT pass and how my one single cheer almost turned the canteen silent!)

The group now had two vehicles in its fold, and even better one of these was now roadworthy and ready to go. Another emotional day in the history of the Ulsterbus 2599 Group, and with this success still fresh in our minds we've all said we cannot wait until the nerve-wracking moment we have to take 2599 to Yardleys. But that, dear friends, will be another major turning point...still plenty to do yet!