While the original RH Leyland Olympians ( RH 1-175 ) have been withdrawn from most Dublin Bus garage, Harristown continues to operate 5 RH's in regular service.
RH 138, 139, 159, 160 & 166 still operate on frontline duties weekdays, usually on route 17A from Finglas to Kilbarrack.
As well as this unique operation, another class of bus extinct from other garages, the Alexander bodied DAF SB220's Setanta " AD " class also still operate from Harristown, usually on the 17A.
AD 66, 67, 68, 69 & 70 operate alongside the RH's, also on route 17A.
Here is a feature on the oldest Olympian, RH 138 ( 92 D 138 ).
Delivered to Summerhill Garage in April 1992 in two tone green livery & later in 1997 into Cityswift livery for revised Cityswift routes 13/ 13A.
With the construction of Harristown Garage in late 2004 & transfer of routes 17A & 230 from Summerhill to Harristown, RH 138 was transferred along with a number of other Olympians & its entire AD fleet.
In 2006, Phibsboro, Donnybrook & Ringsend ended their RH operations fairly close together due with the arrival of new AX class deliveries. Harristown's proposed AX class have been delayed, ensuring the RH & AD classes continued use, usually on route 17A.
RH 138 at the terminus at Mellows Road, Finglas. The set down is an offshoot of the busy Mellows Road & located not too far from Finglas Village.
RH 138 participated in the annual Irish Transport Trust Rally at Cultra for the past two years, retracing its steps to the Alexander factory where it was constructed in 1992.
RH 138 pictured at the 17A terminus in Kilbarrack Industrial Estate & also close to Howth Junction train station.
Route 17A is an orbital route, not serving the City Centre. It provides links from Kilbarrack, Donaghmede, Coolock, Santry, Ballymun, Glasnevin & Finglas.
Memories of the 17A.......
During the summer months in the 80's route 17B extended to The Bull Wall in Dollymount when D class Leyland PDR's operated along the causeway, with selected 30's bringing the beach a little closer to inland Dubliner's.
Tinkering of the route to serve Airways Industrial Estate & Plastronics.
Upper saloon of RH 138, still in remarkably good condition, given some of the abuse it must take from less desirables. The green trim is all but gone from the Dublin Bus fleet, going back to the KC & KC days in the early 80's.
Finally, two RH Olympians together at the 17A terminus in Finglas.
Representing the old Dublin Bus core colours, RH 159 ( left ) originally delivered to Clontarf Garage in 1993, while RH 138 ( right ) in the current Dublin Bus colours.
Thanks to the various 17A drivers on the day for their co-operation.
Dublin Bus Leyland Olympian RH 138 at Mellows Road, Finglas
Route 17A terminus at Mellows Road, Finglas
Route 17A terminus at Kilbarrack Industrial Estate
Dublin Bus Leyland RH Olympian interior
Dublin Bus Leyland RH Olympians RH 159 & 138 meet in Finglas
This page is specially dedicated to my good friend Alan Corbally from Finglas Dublin who died tragically Sunday 23rd July 2006 while on holidays in Ibiza.
Goodbye Alan, your gone but not forgotten, thanks for all the help & friendship over the years.
5th anniversary 2011
May your soul rest in peace.
Footnote ( 12/10/06 )
RH 138 & 139 were withdrawn from Harristown Garage this week & moved to Broadstone pending sale. This follows the arrival of new 2006 AX's ex Ryder Cup shuttles to Harristown. RH 159, the last remaining Olympian at Harristown has been withdrawn there for some time & not in service. RH 138 & 139 are therefore the last 2 RH's withdrawn from normal working services ( exlcuding tours ).
During the summer months in the 80's route 17B extended to The Bull Wall in Dollymount when D class Leyland PDR's operated along the causeway, with selected 30's bringing the beach a little closer to inland Dubliner's.