(8/10/2017) West Midlands WMPTE 6835 MCW Metrobus Mk1 WDA835T - Wythall Autumn Running Day

WDA835T is one of the five trial pre-production Metrobuses (6831-6835) in WMPTE's fleet. It entered service in 10/1978, several months later than 6831-6834. It is interesting to note that their livery is a bit different (black instead of blue around the side windows, and a more delicate waistline) from production vehicles, and this "unsimplified" early livery (especially 6831 with cream door) is almost identical, apart from the shade of blue, to the 12 Metrobus coaches (MC1-12) in the fleet of China Motor Bus, Hong Kong, introduced at the same time as WMPTE's trial batch. This is the first time for me to see 6835 running and enjoy a ride on it. I visited Wythall for a few times before, and it was parked in shelter everytime. I have always wanted to ride on one of 6831-6835 (only two survive I think?), partly because they look so similar to those in Hong Kong. They being some of the earliest Metrobuses produced is also a reason why I wish to do so. After riding on leaf-sprung buses for hours, the first impression I had was that the air suspension of Metrobus is simply superb (soft and largely free from road shocks, reinforcing what I already knew). Why do buses nowadays have such firm suspension settings? Anyway, back to 6835. The trip returning from carpark to museum was fantastic, as the bus was almost empty, and a lighter bus means more excitement. The Gardner engine, the Voith gearbox and the GKN rear axle all sounded very nice, and it would be even more satisfying if the angle drive is as vocal as on a late Mk2 or Mk2A. Is there a reason why there is such a difference? Thank you for watching!