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Scania K310UD / Salvador Caetano |
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Below are a selection of photographs taken at Showbus, the Salvador Caetano site in Hampshire where the body was produced and on it's first day of service in Hong Kong. On 25th November 2007 a 1/150
scale plastic model of this bus was released, followed a
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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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| This Salvador Caetano bodied
Scania is one of three built for trials with Kowloon Motor Bus. It is pictured
here making it's first public appearance at Showbus 2006 at Duxford. One
is believed to be in Sweden undergoing road tests.
Yet to receive KMB logos, it is expected to be shipped to Hong Kong in the new few weeks. It is due to have a 'tilt-test' this week and this was evident with the upper deck saloon being fitted out with weights. Technical details of the vehicle are as follows:-
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and were taken on 24th September 2006 |
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