*BEAST* Ride on First Leicester 236 - KP51 VZR - Alexander ALX400 - Shuttle Run

Because of circumstances in my personal life, I wasn’t planning to attend this year, though as time went on, it did get tempting just to go and see 219 in its original livery. What I didn’t know was that 236 would also be in attendance, so naturally, I got a video of it.

236 is the other First Leicester ALX400 that’s now preserved. It was new to the operation in January 2002 and was one of 35 for the 26, 38 and 54 (the first two then running cross-city on what is today’s 88 and 88A). This one received branding for the 38 (I’m actually old enough to remember that going down Saffron Lane), which has been restored (along with some very staggering prices). Under the national numbering, it became 32067, and continued to serve Leicester until May 2015, when it transferred to Worcester to allow Gemini 32645 to return from an extended loan. It was later joined by 32066, and both served Worcester until January 2022, when they were replaced by two Gemini 2s from Sheffield. They transferred to the Potteries, and were finally withdrawn the following year. 32066 was scrapped, while 32067 was preserved by a group in Birmingham, restored, and became 236 again.

This was one of two runs I got on it, and truth be told, I wish I’d filmed the second one as it was driven a lot faster. I was upstairs the second one and got launched out my seat going over the canal bridge on Nottingham Road. Having done a run on 219 as well, it’s safe to say I got my money’s worth out of First ALX400s that weekend, since as I’ve said before, I did them a few times on the 14, but that was a good 20 years ago now.