Created 26-May-19
Modified 8-Mar-24
Two batches of Leyland Tiger Cubs joined the Rhondda fleet in 1961. Although of similar appearance they were to different specifications and were used differently throughout their lives.
378-380 (378-380 GNY) were PSUC1/2 models with Metro-Cammell dual-purpose bodies which entered service at the beginning of the year. The PSUC1/2 was a coach variant of the chassis which allowed fitting of a luggage boot. These seem to have been belated replacements for the Leyland-bodied Royal Tiger coaches 327-329 which had been taken out of service the previous year.
These Tiger Cubs were regularly employed on the services from Porth and Treorchy to Porthcawl but also on long-distance work supplementing the coach fleet. Over the years they carried several liveries, the original being red below the waistrail and cream above, later becoming cream with just a red skirt and finally receiving the green and cream coach livery.
Renumbered 2378-2380 in 1971 upon absorption by Western Welsh, all three were downgraded as buses and received bus livery later in 1971. 2378 and 2379 were withdrawn in 1973 and worked for a couple of years for Sir Alfred McAlpine. However 2380 lasted longer, being renumbered again as U961 in 1974 and not finally being withdrawn until 1976.
In June 1961 a further five Tiger Cubs entered service, these having PSUC1/1 chassis with Park Royal bus bodies. These had a fairly uneventful life, becoming Western Welsh 2381-2385 in 1971 and U1061-1461 in 1974. They were withdrawn and sold for scrap in 1976.
More than any other batch, these Tiger Cubs wandered from their home depot with all being noted working from other former Western Welsh depots including Bridgend, Barry, Cardiff and Brecon.
© David Beilby
