Subject: National Welsh U5962 (613 BBO)
Chassis: Leyland Leopard PSU3/2R
Body: Willowbrook B54F
Location: Penygraig, Swan Terrace
Date: 6-Sep-1978

An unexpected sight on the 520 was this 1962 Leopard. It was unexpected firstly because it must have been a changeover, as I had been on the route all day and not seen it earlier but even more unexpected as this was not a type associated with Porth depot.

They were closely associated with Bridgend although not all the type were based there. One was based much further west, in Haverfordwest and transferred to the South Wales fleet along with the depot and services there in 1972.

One peculiarity of this vehicle, which had been new in Oct-1962, was the use of a fleet name intended for vehicle in dual-purpose livery, meaning that it had red letters on a white background. It would not remain in service much longer, passing through Ensign (Grays) as a dealer in Nov-1978 and ultimately for scrap.

It is storming up the hill from Dinas to the roundabout at Penygraig. The White Rock Hotel in the background ceased to be a pub in 2011.