Some open toppers start off as fully enclosed, only to be beheaded later in life. A few start as opentoppers, though new builds are more often convertible so that they spend the winter is normal service. Uniquely Tappins provided Oxford with some brand new half open top buses. The front section of the top deck is covered and enclosable. With the access to the rear open deck closed the bus is used on school runs either sidde of its city tour duties. 55 (PO55NXU) is an East Lancs bodied Volvo B7TL and is seen near Oxford Station in May 2008.
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Whilst 55 was for a time unique, it was followed in late 2006 by similar 56 (PO56JEJ). This is another May 2008 view in St Aldate. |
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In 2008 the Tappins Oxford fleet was bolstered by some ex CIE Alexander bodied Olympians converted to open top. 53 (MUI7853) is entering the heart of the city along St Giles. |
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53 is seen later on its tour in St Aldates. |
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From a different era is 928 (GJZ9573) an Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean, thought ex Edinburgh. As can be seen this too is in St Aldates. Whilst the Tappins coach company used to operate the Oxford City Sightseeing services, when Paul Tappin died, the coach company was sold to Heyfordian. The company had been founded by Paul's grandfather, Tom in 1900. Paul's son has retained the sightseeing operation. |
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