The Bedfore VAL's

[G-CPTN]

Some links:-
http://wakefield-files.freehostia.co...rdval-list.htm
http://rides.webshots.com/album/36579442wsCSnw

http://woollen797.fotopic.net/c732466.html
http://woollen797.fotopic.net/p21714477.html
http://woollen797.fotopic.net/p21714478.html
http://woollen797.fotopic.net/p21714479.html
http://woollen797.fotopic.net/p21714480.html
http://woollen797.fotopic.net/p21714481.html

http://www.flickr.com/groups/bedfordval/

http://www.transportdiversions.com/p...asp?pubid=6614
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford_VAL

http://nationalbusco.fotopic.net/p11574723.html
http://retrorides.proboards86.com/in...&page=2#692811

http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/.../number545.asp
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...GVI_1800DD.jpg
http://www.gakei.com/15m/15m.htm

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl...-8&sa=N&tab=wi

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=88697

[Mr-Tomcat]

G-CPTN:

Some very good links, and doesn't that VAL look good with four axles.

Andy.

[Ian L Jamieson]

My experience was somewhat different for I hated the things.* My company had just two VALs in the 1980s and I was mortified when I was told to take one out on a job.* I didn't like the low driving position and found the steering too light.* And I agree that the brakes were suspect - especially on the many steep hills on the Isle of Wight.* We had Bedford 466 units and that didn't help much, either.

[billyboy]

I drove 3 vals. Comfortable, great steering, but the brakes did leave a lot to be desired. If you had one with a Telma you were laughing. The 46 units were all right on the flat but show them a hill and they died. the Leyland 400 power plus series units were far better. I quite liked the VAL's.

[Western SMT]

There is also the ‘Beatles’ connection – story from 2001

Mystery also surrounds the Magical Mystery coach itself. The Beatles hired the coach from a firm in Middlesex, but after its starring role, it vanished for nearly two decades. Then, in the late 1980s, Hard Rock Cafe bought the vehicle - a Luton-built, Bedford Val luxury six-wheeler - from a man in England.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...us-692384.html

[midlandredc4]

Going to post a picture of a VAL taken by myself in 1965 or 66 somewhere near Leamington Spa (maybe Bishops Tachbrook but I've slept since then) It was owned by small independent Marvin's of Rugby. Myself and redd9 are working on something interesting to post about this vehicle in the near future - so keep watching this space.

[wilfo098]

Typical !! wait for hours for a bus and they all come along together. Regards, Alan.
PS. Appologies I must keep on posting otherwise you'll all forget me..........