Subject: Rhondda Buses 657 (NHA 264M) Chassis: Leyland National 1151A/1R Body: Leyland National B51F Location: Pontypridd, Morgan Street Date: 5-Oct-1992
N657 has now acquired Rhondda fleet names, surprisingly of the style applied in National Welsh days despite only receiving them in Rhondda Buses ownership (see the earlier photos of this bus).
This bus was new in Oct-1973 as BMMO 264. BMMO stood for Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company which was the company name of the operator better known under the Midland Red trading name. From 29-Mar-1974 the company was re-named Midland Red Omnibus Company. When Midland Red was split 264 joined the Midland Red West fleet, this took place on 6-Sep-1981. In this era it spent most of its time based at Kidderminster.
In 1990 this bus was on loan to Brewers of Maesteg and whilst still on loan was actually purchased. In 1991 it was one of a batch of five Leyland Nationals which came to National Welsh from Brewers (apparently in exchange for a Leyland Tiger Coach). Only two were actually used, both of which joined the Rhondda Buses fleet, the other being 660 (MAR 796P).
