There’s no mistaking the VDL Futura FHD2 that is part of Northumberland operator Glen Valley Tours’ fleet, and it has recently been joined by another new coach for UK and continental tour work
March is new coach time once again for Wooler, Northumberland-based Glen Valley Tours.
A 17-plate Neoplan Tourliner Select has recently been delivered to go with a VDL Futura FHD2 that entered service around a year ago, and the latter has more recently been treated to a so-far unique and highly distinctive interpretation of Glen Valley’s identity.
The 12.9m, two-axle FHD2 was supplied by Moseley (PCV) carrying a white-based scheme, but more recently it has gained a unique metallic green livery.
Back to the metal
“We took the FHD2 back to the metal to apply the metallic paint to ensure that it looked just right; we couldn’t afford to take it out of service during the summer as we were so busy, so it did its first season largely in white,” says Director Iain Moffat.
Ian explains that the FHD2 is used on UK and continental tour work, including on behalf of Shearings, and for incoming Chinese and Japanese parties.
It is very soon to be joined on those duties by the new Tourliner Select, which has recently been delivered and is in the process of being modified in Glen Valley’s workshop.
The Tourliner will carry Glen Valley’s more usual white-based livery but it is currently receiving a number of additional fittings, including alloy wheels, USB charging points and a comprehensive CCTV system. It is a 13.9m P22 model that seats 61.
“We bought the Tourliner Select because it is very good value, but the FHD2 has done well for us so far and we have found that the backup from Moseley (PCV) has been good,” says Iain. “The VDL has returned around 11.5mpg on tour work.”
Netherlands’ finest
The FHD2 is powered by a 370bhp DAF MX-11 engine that drives through ZF’s EcoLife automatic gearbox. It has 57 Vogel Conturo seats with leather trim and three-point belts, and a centre sunken toilet.
Iain does not rule out applying the VDL’s metallic green livery to further members of Glen Valley’s 10-strong coach fleet, but he points out that it requires a great deal of care to keep it looking its best.
The coach’s allocated driver cleans it by hand and it has attracted much attention since it received the new livery. Iain says that it is planned to enter the FHD2 in May’s UK Coach Rally in Blackpool, the first time that a Glen Valley vehicle will take part in the revitalised event.
