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Bristol B21

Ipswich was only one of two operators in the UK to buy the Bristol B21. Intended for the export market, Ipswich purchased four in 1985 which were destined for Tel-Aviv in Israel. These were among the last vehicles built at Brislington.

In 1991 however, Ipswich purchased the six vehicles that had been supplied to Ulsterbus, Belfast and set all but one onto Suffolkbus duties due to their single-door. The other one (148) was dual door and went to work on town services. However, the bus was sold to RoadCar in 1996.

The days of the Bristol B21 seem to be numbered as the Suffolkbus operations are due to recieve newer vehicles, we shall wait and see if these rare beasts can survive.....

B114 LDX - One of the original batch of
four that were purchased in 1985. This
batch are more likely to be seen on
school and contract services It is seen
here in the Old Cattle Market Bus Station
layover alongside ex-Citybus 151.
Photo: Peter Horrex
B115 LDX - Seen when almost new in 1985
115 (as was) was used heavily on the 12/13
Chantry routes. It has this attractive variation
of the Ipswich livery, and was named "Great
Eastern" to commemorate the electrification
of the Ipswich to London rail line.
Photo: Peter Horrex

B115 LDX - Compare that last view with
this one taken on 7th March 2001 at East
Bergholt High School. Now renumbered
145 it is demoted to contract and school
workings but still looks as good as it did 16
years ago!
Photo: Peter Horrex

WOI 607 - One of the ex-Ulster vehicles, 148
was unique in that in was dual door. This
vehicle was demonstrated to Ipswich in 1983
but is seen here 9 years later when with IB at
the Rail Station
Photo: Mark Pitman

WOI 3005 - One of the six bought from
Ulsterbus in 1991, 150 shows off the
"reversed" Suffolkbus livery of mainly dark
green. It is seen here in June 1992 about to
depart on a service to Stowmarket.
Photo: Mark Pitman
TDX 120W - Now re-registered with a local
registration, 151 is seen here in 2000 again
on layover at the Old Cattle Market.
Photo: Simon Barnett

XRT 932X - This up-to-date photo of 152
shows the usefulness of the Irish B21s, in
that whilst able to shift the commuters on
Suffolkbus routes, they are also good for
school services too! It is seen barely minutes
after 145 (see above) on 7th March 2001 at
East Bergholt High.
Photo: Peter Horrex