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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