GBB 516k

THE RESTORATION OF EX TYNESIDE PTE

LEYLAND ATLANTEAN

FLEET No. 680 REG No. GBB 516K

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The way 680 was when operating in service in the the 1970s and the way she looked when we brought her home

This Photo of GBB 516K was taken on the 22nd July 1978 at the top of Shields Road Byker.

Photo courtesy of Dave Cousins

GBB 516 K On Route Service 2 To Montague Estate Leaving Central Station

Photo (c) courtesy of S.De. Reuther

Here another Photo of 680 at the Central Station on Service 47 to Fawdon Lane

photo courtesy of Craig a 680 group member (C)

How she looks at this point in time

Standing at Walker Bus Terminus 18th December

this Photo will be updated regularly when possible

The Story of 680

On the 3rd of May I was invited along to Heysham docks to see the return of GBB 516K a 1972 Leyland Atlantean that had been saved from being scrapped by Fred Mckale. Fred Mckale Roy Carrington Eddie Tweddle and myself witnessed her arrival as she drove off the ferry back onto her native soil where she would undergo a major restoration project to return her to her original condition and pride.This Atlantean was purchased by the TYNESIDE P.T.E in 1972 being one of a batch twenty five purchased at that time and was given fleet number 680 later in 1974 she was renumbered to 716. She ran in service on Tyneside until in 1981 being one of a batch of sixteen she was sold to the Isle Of Man National Transport Company where she ran for a further four years in service on the island. Then after her service life came to an end she was sold to a karting club to be used as a control centre and tower. When a newer vehicle was sought to replace her it was decided that her future, unless someone could be found to restore her, that her demise would be at the hands of the scrapyard people, Richard Dodge and Les Cannan two island enthusiasts were informed and stored 680 for two years and would restore her themselves at a later date if no one could be found, that would take on the restoration. That is when Fred McKale came onto the scene and set about her subsequent repatriation and restoration. All of the pals are to take part in this restoration but being disabled I can only supply my technical knowledge and let the others do the heavy work still being part of it is a great pleasure though.

Thanks to Richard Dodge for the above information.

THE RESTORATION OF 680 BEGAN ON THE 5th OF MAY 2003

in service on the Isle of Man

On the way home to be restored

On the journey home (I have added the spots)

The Trophy below our first, won for "Best newcomer 2004" in the Tyne Tees Run

hosted by the HCVS

680 WAS WINNER OF "BEST OF ITS CLASS" 2005

The Trophy Presented To The 680 Group In The 2005 TYNE TEES RUN

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Restoration Of The Bodywork _

The Mechanical Side of 680

The News To The Present Day

RALLIES ATTENDED BY 680

2005 ......... Enthusiasts are quite welcome to board our vehicle at rallies when we are in attendance

2004 ...........

Links to the website__

I am in the proccess of making some changes to the format of this page owing to the size please click on the links above for the stories

In our continuing search for parts and help for the engine of 680 I had a trip to The Newcastle College Motor Department meeting Graeme Bell the team Leader to read of my short visit click here

CONTACTS

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I will change this email address every month owing to stupid spam emails

Webmaster 680 preservation group

Fred

Linda

Craig

680 has a new keeper it will return to us eventually hopefully not in the too far distant future. It has been an experience that we would not have missed.

I am still keeping this site going and have updated the busgroup page.

At this point in time We believe 680 is in secure premises after she was vandalised.

NEW News

After Fred and Linda travelled down to Blackpool to try and meet David, Mr Hunt the present owner of 680. David took them to where 680 is stored this is in the grounds of the secure building which suffered a major fire. 680 was rescued and driven out damaging bodywork but many other vintage vehicles were destroyed. While parked outside the brave young vandals attacked her causing more damage. Now David Hunt wants 680 to be returned to the Northeast where the 680 group can be reformed and 680 once again restored. We can only thank David in giving us this chance of again having 680 returned

Below are just a few images of 680