Leicester Tram 31 Group acquire former Dennis Demonstrator.

Former Dennis double deck Falcon V demonstrator XPD 659Y, chassis number DDA402/102, has been acquired by the Leicester Tram 31 Group as a non PSV vehicle. The registration number may ring a bell to members because it was used on trail by LCT from 15th September to 4 October 1982. It carried a two tone green livery. It was a larger vehicle than the 76-seat Dominators LCT were purchasing at the time. Its East Lancs body had a capacity for 82 passengers; 45 upstairs and 37 downstairs.

After use as a demonstrator the bus became a Playbus and then latterly converted for a non PSV role with a school. Although converted the bus was never used and has stood idle for the last three years until now.

The Tram 31 Group plan on repainting the bus into the livery that was carried by LCT Dominator 251 from December 1985 to August 1987. This was replica of the 1901 horse tram livery to commemorate 85 years of municipally owned transport in 1986.

The engine fitted is a Mercedes unit instead of the usual Gardener power pack but much of the mechanical equipment is similar to the Dominator. The bus was returned to Leicestershire at the end of September.