Val Preservationist and member of the TBG, P Emery owns three Bedford VALS, two of which are used in operation for Vals Classic Coaches, Chasetown. Keeping these vehicles roadworthy is a huge effort.
Sadly Bedford VAL 14, EHL 472D has been off the road for 2 years with engine trouble. Finding parts has been hard. But a solution has been found.
A Donor vehicle has been aquired for spares by P Emery. The VAL in question is Bedford VAL 14, URO 925E.
URO 925E started life with Crump, Pinner in 1967. URO is an Bedford VAL 14, which carries a Plaxton Panorama C52F body and is powered by a Leyland 0.400 engine.
Not sure of the rest of it's history, it was later converted into a car Transporter.
Several years ago the coach was aquired by Reilly, Bootle, Liverpool, who run Bedford VALS on the famous, Beatle's Magical Mystery Tours.
2007
In September 2007, I heard that P Emery had aquired URO 925E from Reilly, and that the vehicle was aquired for Spares.
It was reported that URO would be driven from Liverpool to Rugeley on 20th September 2007. However after inspecting the vehicle on the morning, the vehicle was unfit for driving. Therefore the vehicle would have to be towed/transported from Liverpool to Rugeley on another date.
Months passed, and suddenly I recieved a text message on 25th November 2007, that URO 925E was being towed from Liverpool the following day, arriving about dinnertime.
On 26th November 2007, the coach was towed from Liverpool to Rugeley. The Coach arrived around midday to Rugeley, where I arrived shortly after for few pictures.
After a little kick start, the Leyland engine was powered up. The engine sounded fantastic. (It will be a good replacement!)
Then, the vehicle was driven into the yard, and parked up for the final time, where the engine is to be removed and the vehicle to be scrapped.
This was a sad time for VAL enthusiasts, because this means another VAL to be erased from our Lists, however at least the parts off this VAL will keep other Bedford VALS in preservation.
2008
The coach was moved into the Garage in March 2008, and parts were removed. Engine and front axles were removed from the coach.
Few days later, a bar was welded to the front and the remains of URO 925E was towed away for the final time to the sky above.
URO 925E - 1967 - 2008
If you have any comment to add, e-mail D Howdle at telfordbusgroup@yahoo.co.uk
