Hong Kong Bus Model -- New World First Bus Leyland Victory Mk2 Alexander Farewell Victory
Leyland Victory Mk2
Leyland Victory Mk2 (利蘭勝利二型) is a front-engine double-decker bus chassis built by Leyland between 1978 and 1981. Like its competitor Dennis Jubilant, it was specifically designed for contemporary operating environment (hilly roads and "one-man-operation" with a farebox) in Hong Kong.
The chassis was developed from the Guy Victory J, which was also chosen by Bus Bodies (South Africa) Limited for the development of its own double decker (four examples had been delivered to Kowloon Motor Bus for evaluation). It could be fitted with Gardner 6LXB engine and Voith D851 gearbox, but one Victory Mk2 for China Motor Bus had been experimentally fitted with SCG GB350 gearbox.
Almost all Leyland Victory Mk2s built for Hong Kong were fitted with Alexander bodywork, only the last 20 buses built for China Motor Bus were fitted with Duple Metsec bodywork.
The orders
Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) introduced 540 Victory Mk2s between 1979 and 1983, including one air-conditioned coach which was unsuccessful and had the air-conditioning unit removed. China Motor Bus (CMB) purchased 167 Victory Mk2s between 1979 and 1982. New Lantao Bus (NLB) also purchased nine between 1980 and 1983, with a further six buses acquired from KMB in later years, in 1993 NLB sold 10 of its Victory Mk2s to Citybus which took over 26 routes from CMB on 1 September 1993.
This model of double-decker bus had served nearly all regions in Hong Kong, including New Territories, Kowloon as well as Hong Kong Island.
All NLB and Citybus's Victory Mk2s were withdrawn in mid-1990s. KMB gave up its last Victory Mk2 in early 1998. CMB operated Victory Mk2s until the takeover of its routes, as well as these buses, by New World First Bus on 1 September 1998, the ex-CMB Victory Mk2s were gradually replaced by new low-floor buses, the last Victory Mk2s were withdrawn on 31 August 2000.
Four Citybus's Victory Mk2s became service vehicles after withdrawal. On the other hand, some withdrawn KMB/CMB Victory Mk2s were sold for use on rescue training.
Accidents
Leyland Victory Mk2 is rather accurately reputated as a type prone to turning over. This was mainly due to its soft suspension and high centre of gravity.
Trivia
Leyland Victory Mk2 was also known as "chicken" in Hong Kong because its soft suspension made it look like chicken during acceleration and deceleration.
Leyland Victory Mk2. (2007, August 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
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