79976		Colne Valley Railway
79978		Colne Valley Railway
Now Cut Up
79979		Strathspey Railway

Two vehicles made it to preservation, 79976 and 79978. Both are now on the Colne Valley Railway.

79976 was bought by the Bleadon & Uphill Station Museum, near Weston-super-Mare where it was displayed in the open until sold to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in the '80s. This line used it as a static buffet, but it was put in store about 1990. The railway then decided to dispose of it as it wasn't suitable for use on the line's steep gradients. It was bought by Chris Leigh, long time editor af various railway magazine titles, who used to ride on it as a kid.

He moved it to County School station in Norfolk, arriving there on the 2nd November 1993 in very poor condition. Most of the glass was broken and the interior was very wet. It was missing its engine, gearbox and control system. Major restoration was required. Chris set up the "Railbus Restoration Group" to tackle this.

79976 was later moved to the Colne Valley Railway, still engine-less. The owners have obtained a Leyland unit to be fitted rather than an AEC. It is currently undergoing major restoration.  John Joyce

79978 was originally sold to the NYMR in '68 and had worked there under it's own power to Pickering, staging overnight at Heaton. It worked passenger services for some time.  When it was put up for sale, a group of KWVLR members put in a bid for it, although they were not successful. It is now located on the Colne Valley Railway, owned by Dick Hymas, and continues to give good service.

The body of 79979 survived for some time at Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway, although due to the asbestos this was disposed of. Picture Robert Frise Collection