Due to the popularity of our ‘Barnards Belle’ shuttle service that we run on selected running days, that one unit would not be enough, and so a new unit was constructed in-house post-covid.
The majority of the chassis / framework, wood panels and painting was completed on-site by our team, with the electrics and ‘driving parts’ completed by CMD Engineering. The unit is roughly 3 inches taller than the 1993 original Barnards Belle, has a grey roof as opposed to white, and of course different names on the side.
After testing and commissioning the unit was introduced into service, making its debut and official naming ceremony in October 2023. In April 2025 both Barnards Belle #1 and #2 ran in service together for the first time, alternating in services between Burtonshaw and Lake End.
In 2026, the driving cab and electrics were completely overhauled with two-two horn, cab lighting, communication bell and voltage indicators.