SOUTHDOWN

2103-2127 entered service in BH&D livery with gold underlined BH&D fleetnames. Additionally, fleetnames were carried centrally on the front panel below the windscreen, the first batch, nos. 2103-2112, having a smaller size fleetname unique to this batch whereas the second batch, nos. 2113-2127 had standard size fleetnames. Throughout 1973, the gold underlined BH&D fleetnames were replaced with white N.B.C. `Southdown-BH&D` joint fleetnames on vehicle sides. At the same time the front fleetnames were simply removed, although no. 2109 did actually carry the Corporate fleetnames whilst still retaining the gold underlined BH&D fleetname on the front panel for short period. Not one of these Fleetlines ever carried traditional Southdown colours, being repainted directly into National Bus Company green and white Corporate livery between late 1973 and 1974. Due to the dual-door layout, the nearside fleetnames were always positioned in the rear of centre exit doors. The offside fleetnames (either gold underlined or NBC white) being placed in the corresponding position whilst in red and cream livery or intially in Corporate colours. However, upon deletion of the BH&D portion in May 1974, fleetnames were re-positioned to a more forward central position behind the front wheel arch. Whilst carrying the joint fleetnames the `Southdown` portion was placed above the `-BH&D` portion. With the introduction of the revised style red/blue-on-white-panel double-N logo these Fleetlines also gained the NBC double-N logo, placed centrally below the windscreen. This revised logo appeared in 1976 on the PUF-H batch but the later VUF-K batch was not so treated until 1978.