http://www.classicbuses.co.uk/help.html#VS
There used to be a fabulous website by John Wakefield detailing all the surviving Bedfords (including the VAL:-
http://wakefield-files.freehostia.co...rdval-list.htm)
but it appears to have 'disappeared' - maybe it's only temporary (I hope so)/
There was a series for every type of Bedford bus and coach with histories and differences and lists of known survivors.
http://wakefield-files.freehostia.com/
It'll be a shame if they've gone!
This might explain the demise:-
http://safebrowsing.clients.google.c...edford-val.htm
See also:-
http://tbg.150m.com/wwy115g.html
and:-
https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/125869030883844/
BTW, the VAL is a superb vehicle to drive (light, precise steering). Fully laden it can be slow climbing on steep hills (though you should have no problems with your anticipated load), and the brakes are a weak point if you operate at full weight in steep, mountainous areas due to fade and rapid wear (the drums were small because of the small wheels).
I drove many miles running with overheated brakes to check the wear rate.