Molly 1 (DF 450)

Csalem

DF 450, aka Molly 1, out in service last night after 40 years in service. Dating from 1972 it was the oldest bus in the Dublin Bus fleet and the only one that was still operating from the CIE era. Some pictures of it on O'Connell Street before its final run on the 20:00 tour can be found at the link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60501971@N08/sets/72157638139627635/


DF 450 O'Connell SDF 450 O'Connell Street 27/11/13treet 27/11/13 by Rail Scene Ireland, on Flickr

StreetLight

1972, actually

busflyer

Hi. I understand that this was not the last run of DF450. She is still on active standby and will be until the delivery of the two replacements for RH31 and DF430. When they arrive, this will be marked by a ceremony to mark their introduction on to this service AND DF450s service. She will then operate her last service.

Csalem

Fixed the date. Will modify the picture captions to say one of her final runs in service.

Csalem

Yeah it seems my report of her demise were a bit premature for Molly 1 was out on the tour last (on Friday 13th no less!):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60501971@N08/11367304483/

Conway635

DF450 in service on tours again tonight (Sat 14th).

C635

Losty Dublin

Conway635 wrote: »

DF450 in service on tours again tonight (Sat 14th).

C635

Given that there is a second tour time on weekend nights, is it a safe bet to assume that she will make an appearance out on one or other departure?

end of the road

any plans for preservation of this bus i wonder?

clunked

Its interesting to note that DF 450 was removed from regular service early in 1988 well before the rest of the D 441-477 Summerhill batch of buses. I can remember working with a driver who told me that he had failed D 450(as it would have been) on its first day of service on the 54 route for heavy steering!

Csalem

Of course D 378 was another equally interesting bus in terms of livery and uniqueness:

Scan D 378 by Rail Scene Ireland, on Flickr

clunked

Pity D 378 wasn't preserved but then again they all can't be.

Trebor176

Sadly, it seems that DF450 has finally retired. She was due to stay in service until the beginning of next month, but, unfortunately, her steering pump failed the other day. Rather than repair her (due to costs), she was retired. The good news is, she seems to have been acquired for preservation. I don't know by who, though. Farewell to the old girl. She served Dublin well over her 42 year career.