2009 Newsletter 2 of 4

arriving in Malta. Perhaps these could be the focus of a future
article.
At the time of my latest visit to Malta, March 2009, pride of place
must undoubtedly go to Willowbrook bodied AEC Reliance
DBY300. This magnificent machine, now unfortunately fitted
with a Cummins engine, was new to Aberdare UDC in 1968 and
registered TNY495G. It passed to Cynon Valley DC on Local
Government reorganisation in 1974 and was exported to Malta by
May 1981. The centre doors were removed before it entered
service. Sister vehicle DBY345 (ex TNY494G) remains in service
but is generally in very poor condition. The third example,
formerly EBY510 (ex TNY493G) was withdrawn from service in
2003 and replaced by a new low floor King Long. However, it was
one of the vehicles retained by the Government for possible use on
heritage/tourist services and it still survives in outside storage
albeit in rapidly deteriorating condition.
The not so magnificent DBY345 at Blue Grotto terminus, March 2009
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