Classic Bus Histories : MCW Metrobus Part 1

Welcome to another episode of Classic Bus Histories. In this episode we look at the MCW Metrobus. I've decided to do this video in two parts as otherwise it would have been around twenty minutes long and nobody wants to listen to my voice for that long!

Designed by Metro Cammell Weymann in Birmingham, the Metrobus was their answer to the all conquering Leyland National and Leyland Titan - or so it seemed at the time. Popular with the PTE fleets like West Midlands, Greater Manchester Transport and Greater Glasgow, it also found customers with the municipal fleets, National Bus Company and was exported to Hong Kong.

I hope you enjoy this video. I may have left a few bits out, although I've tried to include as many fleets as I can. If I've left out something I do apologise.

If you enjoyed this video, please like and share it and don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

#mcw #busvideo #vintagebus #oldbus #ukbuses #doubledecker #history #metrobus

[ronkessler]

Hi i started driving for London buses at Cricklewood Garage and we had the first MCWs M1 to 5 from memory, i drove all of them each one had something designed differently but i enjoyed driving them.
I then went to Barking Garage and the Titans not so enjoyable.
Ove your videos Ron.

[BAGGIES]

Glad you did the metrobus becauae it was a staple of my childhood, I grew up in the west midlands and west midlands travel had the largest fleet of these, around 1100 I believe, they were slow and quite noisy BUT I think the oldest versions were probably over 25yrs old by the time the last ones left service so were obviously a decent workhorse and you rarely saw one broken down tbf although it always puzzled me how they only had a 3sp box. Also I'm far from a bus nerd but i can still remember a lot of the reg groups of the wmpte ones even now.

[markcf]

One of the most successful buses in my lifetime.

[unclenolly]

I loved the metrobus - The single, inward facing seat, upstairs, behind the stairwell was my seat of choice.

[ViatronTumpington]

Hi i'm viatron from Sheffield again, since the early days of the Metropolitan integral double deck bus together with Scania running units which it's something similar to the old A.E.C. BRIDGEMASTER version via only have one lowhight double deck bus body provided by Park Royal at the time. The M.C.W. METROBUS was a semi integral just like the A.E.C. RENOWN lowhight double deck bus via it can be bodied by other coach builders. But also in G.M.P.T.E. with the local bus body builder Northern Counties with their G.M. Standard Mk.ll double deck bus body for G.M. BUSES back in the mid-80s just before deregulation had set in. Thank you for your co-operation on this very special M.C.W. METROBUS subject from David Viatron Esquire of crookes in Sheffield.

[discogareth]

As a boy from Washwood Heath and of Metrobus age, this video was very much appreciated. Looking forward to part 2.

[lucythemoggy]

I passed my test in a MCW metrobus when I applied to work for London Transport. M271 BYX 271V. I have very fond memories of the metrobus, and it holds a very special place in my heart. I would love to drive one again!

[stuartn]

I remember wondering why the Voith transmission was so noisy!

The local operator had two versions; Gardener and Rolls Royce Eagle powered examples.

I preferred the sound of the RR powered units.

I preferred travelling on the Bristol VR, although when I travelled on a Leyland Titan... Wow... What a difference!

Childhood memories! 😅

[jadeboswell-rzly]

Hi Jake great video. P.s Dad(known as Buz), lifted out of his chair when he saw the Swanley SNB. He also remarked he still thinks the Metrobus was great vehicle and having driven one or two, thought that they we're the easiest bus he'd ever driven. Somewhat off topic, Dad said if you have time check out SNC158(HH), SNC168(MA).. they had non standard liveries applied much to the dismay of Reigate ho ho.

[Simonfd]

Good and interesting video, looking fwd to part 2, remember when these metrobuses arrived in Manchester in early 80s that they seemed a lot more modern than the Atlanteans in use, I always preferred the metros myself.
The trans lanc express metrobuses arrived I think in 86?, were used on the 500 service after deregulation between man airport -Stockport and Bolton, lasted into the 90s that service, always seemed nice to ride on anyway!

[DarrenSaw]

very enjoyable, one of my favourite vehicles!

[craigsibley]

Good stuff 👍👍👍
You sold yourself short on the 20 mins. We could just about have suffered it lol. Still, looking forward to part 2...

[fonzypop]

Did you know Northern General had a batch of 11 with tinted glass, 6LXDT engines coach seats and carpeted walls with luggage racks? They were 3779-89, C779-789OCN. I believe these were the only U.K. buses fitted with the LXDT

[zebedep]

Great video - looking forward to the second instalment!

[marksinthehouse]

Hi Jake as I’ve told you a million times the metro was my daily stead when I worked for London transport (London United ) mk1s some we had were ex Airbus with the four speed gearbox and high speed axle great for running light back from Camden via the west way 😊, LT took two mk2s as M1441-1442 but M1443 was going to be a mk3 metrobus so I’m thinking when optare took over the rights was the spectra a hint of what the mk3 would of looked like mmm me thinks this need a bit of detective work my bus driver chum 😂
Always a pleasure
Mark (proud to been a metro driver ) 😊😊😊😊

[peterjohnson]

hull corporation blue and white mcwmetrobus 78 to81 also bought 6 from mersyside pte in 83

[axtonhaltjoshua]

after you've finished this two parter, do you think a history of the Plaxton pointer 2 could be done?

[NextSound]

Hallelujah, been looking forward to this one as the Precursor metropolitan with Scania was interesting as well! Your videos go nicely with a big kebab. 😎

[micks]

Ex Reading Transport driver, and to my mind, the Mk1 Metrobus was just utterly perfect for the job. Everything in the cab was where you needed it, the steering was great and the brakes superbly powerful yet progressive. The warning lights had actual writing on them too, for whatever the problem was - No trying to figure out daft hieroglyphyics there!
We town drivers were lucky enough to get our hands on the ex London Line MCWs too when they went over to coaches - an extra gear in the box and a turbocharger I believe - whatever, proper flying machines they were!
The Scania Metropolitans were good too, but a tad bouncy for my liking.
The Leyland Titans we had I hated with a passion! The original hydraulic brakes were terrible (later converted to air brakes and so vastly improved) but the slow lumbering progress, the truly horrible steering, the 'spangle' door buttons partially hidden under the steering wheel, the inability to see the destination blinds from inside the vehicle (I mean... who thought that was a good idea?!) and their annoying habit of losing their gears all made them just utterly unpleasant things. I'd have happily parked each and every one of them in the River Kennet given half a chance!
The Leyland Olympians in contrast were great - no issues with them at all.
But the Mk 1 MCWs were just an absolute pleasure to spend a working day in. We had some ex Harrow Mk 2s but they seemed a bit gutless in comparison.
We had some Optare Spectras just before I left which were supposed to be a modern version of the Metrobus, and they were alright, but the handbrake was slightly behind the driver, travelled through a tiny arc and could trap your little finger against the side of the cab. Little details like that matter when you're stopping and starting all day long!
Thanks for this - Looking forward to the next episode!

[colineccles]

Chassis number MB5002 was the Test shell never registered for road use, TOJ592S MB5003, the single decks were mid engined high floor