Ambassador Travel 897 (A101 HNC) and 800 (OEX 800W) at Barton Mills - 28 Apr 1985 (16-26A)

Sunday 28 April 1985 (1513) – Work had already started to upgrade the A11 to dual carriageway between Fiveways, Barton Mills and Red Lodge and I took the opportunity to climb a huge pile of earth positioned by the construction company to get this unique photograph. It shows two Ambassador Travel coaches heading westbound past the Bull Inn at Barton Mills. The roadway where the coaches are is still there although it takes a 90 degree turn towards the pub alongside the second coach. The alignment of the dual carriageway was to the right of the camera.

Now to the coaches! Leading is LT893 (A101 HNC) working the 1330 Great Yarmouth-Norwich-London National Express ‘Rapide’ service 599, a new service launched this day. ‘Rapide’ services offered featured toilet and refreshment facilities the latter served by a steward/stewardess. Ambassador Travel received four Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodied Leyland Tigers from other National Bus Company affiliates to work on this improved service.

Following is LL800 (OEX 800W), a Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopard new to Eastern Counties Omnibus Company in December 1980, that was operating the 1455 service from RAF Mildenhall to London.