Belfast Bristol RE Driver Trainer Bus

WNG864H is a well-known, preserved, former Eastern Counties flat-front Bristol RELL, dating from 1970.

Over the years, I have produced various models of this vehicle, most frequently in the National Bus Company dual-purpose livery, but also in plain NBC red, Cambus livery, and now in Belfast Citybus livery.

Several withdrawn Cambus RELLs went over to Northern Ireland relatively late in their acquisition of the type. WNG864H was not used in service and employed as a driver trainer. It survived its time unscathed and subsequently returned to the mainland for further use.

There are a few photos of this one in Belfast; however, most appear to have been taken on the same day during what was probably an organised enthusiasts' depot visit.

No rear photos are available, so I have to assume that it retained its original reversing sign; this was certainly still fitted whilst with Cambus.

The destination blinds were never used and covered up with sheet metal.

I enjoy painting these Belfast REs, and they make a great addition to any collection.