BL: 2-axle Leyland Olympians

After the success of three 10.3-metre Leyland Olympians, KMB introduced 120 Leyland Olympians in length of 9.7 metres, all bodied by Alexander, during 1983-1986.

The first few demonstrators include 2 prototypes (BL2 and 3) and one production type (BL1), but as the production type was the first one to register, it was allocated the fleet number BL1 as a result. At first, they were all equipped with Leyland TL11 engines and Voith D851 gearboxes, but after 1987 the Leyland engines were removed and typical Gardner 6LXB engines have been used until the withdrawal of these buses in 1999.

After this all Leyland Olympians are of Alexander bodyworks. All buses of BL4-123 are powered by Voith D851 gearboxes and Gardner 6LXB engines. Despite similar mechanical specifications they have got different looks. For example, the windows of BL4-23 are divided into upper and lower parts with upper parts being able to be opened only, while others, BL24-123 are fitted with the popular pull-and- push windows. Starting from BL54 the windows are green in colour, and the front destination panel and rear upper-deck windows are enlarged. The last batch, BL94-123, have ventilation systems. The front radiators on these buses are of different designs, but later many of them have changed to the modern one for easy maintenance.

This page includes some photographs of Leyland Olympians in service. Please click on the photograph for a larger version.

BL54
BL54 is a scheduled bus of route 17.
Date: 12/12/2001
BL56
The original third-generation front of this bus has been retained. In fact, it is now very hard to find a bus like this now.
Date: 12/12/2001
BL61
Like BL56, this bus has also got a original front retained.
Date: 12/12/2001
BL80
This photo is not very good-looking because the metal plates that make up BL80's body have changed the shape. This shows the weaknesses of KMB's maintenance of buses.
Date: 28/07/2001
BL118
BL118 is equipped with ventilation systems, but from its car number DG3522 we can know that it was registered before the existence of S3BLs (with car number DK~DM). Date: 28/07/2001
BL122
When comparing the position of the route display panel of this bus and BL118 you will easily find the difference.
Date: 28/07/2001

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	BL54 BL54 is a scheduled bus of route 17. Date: 12/12/2001
	BL56 The original third-generation front of this bus has been retained. In fact, it is now very hard to find a bus like this now. Date: 12/12/2001
	BL61 Like BL56, this bus has also got a original front retained. Date: 12/12/2001
	BL80 This photo is not very good-looking because the metal plates that make up BL80's body have changed the shape. This shows the weaknesses of KMB's maintenance of buses. Date: 28/07/2001
	BL118 BL118 is equipped with ventilation systems, but from its car number DG3522 we can know that it was registered before the existence of S3BLs (with car number DK~DM). Date: 28/07/2001
	BL122 When comparing the position of the route display panel of this bus and BL118 you will easily find the difference. Date: 28/07/2001