The model -
This 'Long Dragon' was one of two (see also 8008A)
released by the Hong Kong Model Co. in June 2005. This example is typical
of the prototype in 1970, when it carried a darker maroon livery, the entrance
and exit signs had disappeared and most noticeably, strengthening work behind
the front bulkhead and behind the centre doors had been carried out.
At least four,
five,
six
(now seven!) different versions are currently known, namely:-
AC4786 on
route 8A to North Point .... thanks to Jotus.com
AC4788 on route 8 to Wan Chai Ferry ....
thanks to Albion Lowlander
AH4066 on route 8 to Chai Wan (San Ha St)
.... thanks to Donald MacRae
AH4077 on route 8 to Chai Wan (San Ha St)
....
Update 20th September
2005
AC4746 on route 8A to North Point....thanks
to Anthony Miles
Update 21st September
2007
AH4028 on route 8 to Chai Wan (San Ha St)
.... thanks to Andy Morgan
Update 5th October
2007
AC4758 on route 8A North Point ....
thanks to Mike Sproat
The bus
- China Motor Bus took delivery of 40 long wheelbase Guy Arab Mk Vs between
1965 and 1967. These were used for the rapidly growing Chai Wan area, where
double deckers were, at the time, unsuitable. These single-deckers, known
as 'Long Dragons' were the first standee type bus, seating just 29 with
50 standees. They mainly operated routes 8 and 8A between North Point and
Chai Wan.
By 1969, the anticipated structural problems
began to come to the surface and the buses were strengthened by using thicker
pillars at the front bulkhead and immediately behind the centre doors.
The second release (8009A) represents a vehicle
in this condition.
The above information has been extracted
from Mike Davis's excellent book - 'Hong
Kong Buses - China Motor Bus',
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