| The model -
This model, like the 'Network 26' liveried Atlantean (44603)
was primarily released by Citybus into the UK market, with only 200 being
issued in Hong Kong. It was issued just in time for Christmas 1999. This
model, albeit with a minor variation (see photos below), appeared in an
Ocean Park set, with a suitably adorned Leyland Victory, in December 2000
(see 45007a
and 45007b).
The bus
- To meet its expansion into China and to replace withdrawn vehicles, Citybus
acquired 6 Leyland Olympians from West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive
(WYPTE) in 1987. These vehicles were new to WYPTE in 1983. They were originally
numbered L55-L60 by Citybus, but were renumbered 12/14-18 in 1991.
In 1980 Citybus started operating a direct
bus service to the newly opened Ocean Park from Central and from Admiralty
MTR station.
Ocean Park is Hong Kong's major theme park,
that provides endless hours of enjoyment and entertainment to both visitors
and local people in Hong Kong.
The Park has a number of attractions, including
an artificial reef, a shark aquarium and "wave cove", which is specially
created to replicate the home environment of the sea lions, penguins and
seals which live there.
There are also large amusement rides and
a replica of the Chinese Middle Kingdom, where visitors can see the sights
and sounds of China's 13 dynasties from the Xia dynasty of 2205 BC to the
Qing dynasty of 1911 AD.
The famous Dolphin livery was first introduced
shortly
after that on the open top buses that were used on the service The design
of the livery meant that the people riding on the back of the dolphin were
painted next to the bus seats so that the real passengers head would be
part of the advert design.
The advert featured on this Olympian model
was the second version of the dolphin livery, featuring dark blue lower
panels and a lighter blue up to the mid deck panels. |
