KW 7604 - 1930 Leyland Badger TA4

Plaxton B20F body

Bradford Schools & Education Board No. 023

Believed to be the oldest Plaxton bodied vehicle in existence, this bus spent all of its working life up to 1962 as a school bus with the Bradford Education Department. Upon withdrawal it was bought by the Society for preservation and restoration.

The Badger was principally a goods chassis although a small number were bodied as buses or coaches.

This bus is believed to be the oldest surviving example of Plaxton coachwork.

In 1998, the 'Badger' travelled to Ireland, disguised in a red / white livery, for filming of 'Angelas Ashes', receiving a repaint into blue livery the following year.

KW 7604 (in disguise as ZA 372) during filming of 'Angelas Ashes', 1998

October 2006 - The Badger has been moved from the Museum to the workshop for a check over. Work has taken place on the mounting for the water pump and dynamo. Some of the wiring is being replaced together with the fitting of a battery isolating switch.

January 2007 - Following many hours of work the saloon has been partially rewired, an oil change carried out and the starter motor fitted (and wired up), from the Leyland Retriever. A rewire of the braking system was also completed. An MOT certificate was obtained prior to the Open Day and the bus was able to give rides on November 5th.

April 2007 - One of the internal rear wooden panels has been replaced and repainted in readiness for its trip to the Plaxton Centenary event in Scarborough, where the Badger was a special guest. http://www.plaxton2007.co.uk/home.html has more information and pictures from the event.

Oct 2007 - The Badger has been fitted with another dynamo and regulator.