In 1985, a dance troupe in Stirchley, Shropshire aquired 724.

Sadly, due to mechanical problems, the Dance Troupe decided to sell the Coach in 1987.
It was saved for preservation by enthusiast, K Ellis.

724 was repaired, and a few panels were replaced. Owner, K Ellis painted FAR 724K into the same colour scheme as his other vehicle, RNA 236J, which is painted in its last operator, GMPTE. The Telford Bus Group logo ("T Blom") was added a while later.

At many rallies (mainly at Manchester rallies) we confuse many people. Many questions are asked include "Are you sure FAR 724K operate for Manchester Transport?".
(Well, you now know!)

724 has been very busy since 1987. While WWY 115G was being restored between 1994 and 2000, 724 and RNA 236J were the main TBG workhorses.

FAR 724K was 1 of 18 Bedford VALS that attended Bedford Gathering on 25th August 2002, to celebrate 40 years of the Bedford VAL.

'On-Road' Restoration tasks began recently. In 2004, the Side lockers were repaired. Minor restoration repairs have been and are are being made when the weather is fine.

In July 2006, FAR 724K participated in the Free Shuttle Service, that TBG kindly provide to connect Telford Steam Railway with the Model Train exhibition at Telford Town Centre. On returning back to Pelsall that evening, K Ellis realised an problem with the rear O/S corner. The wood behind had rotted away, and was causing the panels to give way. K Ellis placed new pieces of wood to repair this. As some of the skirt panels had to be removed, the same has had to apply to these. However the more K Ellis did, the more problems was found. By end of 2006, the whole of the Skirt on the O/S was removed.

Work is slowly commencing on this vehicle, and K Ellis is hoping to have FAR 724K back onto the road soon. However, with finding spare time with personal life and repainting of RNA 236J, the Coach has remained static for the meanwhile.

If you wish further information about this vehicle, e-mail owner, K Ellis.