Salvador
Caetano site in Hampshire on 4th October 2006
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I
was very fortunate to be invited
to the Salvador Caetano site in Hampshire on 4th October 2006 to
witness
the finished Scania with KMB decals applied. Upon arrival I was told
that
the bus was about to depart for some final road trials, and was asked
aboard
- well how could I refuse!
We spent a few
hours traversing the M27 Motorway
in Hampshire, at a steady 80 kilometres per hour (the speed retarder
being
set to this limit to comply with Hong Kong Transport legislation)
whilst
some final tests were carried out.
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It
was at the refuelling stop
(which I am very glad I didn't have to pick up the tab for!) that a few
of the changes were noticed from its first appearance at Showbus. The
application
of KMB decals was the most noticeable difference, but more subtle
additions
included the Scania badges, the neater paint finish on the front dome
and
the repainted side grilles from champagne to black. These can be seen
in
the two photographs below. |
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Returning
to the Salvador Caetano
site at lunchtime enabled one or two minor adjustments to be made, and
enabled me to take a few photographs before we headed out again for the
afternoon run. |
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The
vehicle performed well on
both runs and we returned to 'base' late afternoon, when the vehicle
was
tucked away ready for a final clean before its departure for the docks
the following day. I was then given a tour of the site, which carries
out
a large range of work. Of particular interest to me was the third
Scania,
which was nearing completion.
The bus carries
little evidence to link it
to Salvador Caetano, a SC Coachbuilders Ltd plate is evident near the
chassis
plate at the front entrance, and the windows have an etched SC logo in
their corners. The product is being promoted as a Scania.
I am extremely
grateful to Ian Tubbs, Director
and General Manager of Salvador Caetano for inviting me along for the
day
and for giving me the background to this venture, and also to his
helpful
staff, who were always willing to answer any question put to
them.
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