Scintillating Scania steals spooky spotlight.

NNRG owned Scania L94 , NK54 NVN, 5217 is seen passing Penshaw Monument during the NNRG Open Day convoy! - M. Parker

After four long years of extensive restoration work, former Go North East Scania L94UB, 5217 makes its devilish debut at the Northern National Restoration Group Halloween open day, on 28th October 2023.

5217 has had no expense spared in the restoration of this very special vehicle, resulting in a sight to behold, from its shining silver wheels, to its blazing blue, red and yellow bodywork, 5217 is testament to the hard work that takes place at NNRG Philadelphia Headquarters.

This Scania is like no other, named after one of the founding members of the Go-Ahead Group and Go-Ahead Northern back in 1987, Chris Moyes.

Chris Moyes, along with Martin Ballinger and Trevor Shears were the main people involved in the management buyout of the then publicly owned National Bus company subsidiary The Northern General Transport company whose operational heartland being at 117 Queen Street in Bensham just outside of Gateshead Town Centre. He was also a key player in the birth of the Northern National Restoration Group after assisting with the acquisition of Leyland National 4681 (UPT 681V)

Sadly in 2006, Chris Moyes OBE DL passed away but his legacy stretches far beyond the North East and he is fondly remembered by all.

5217 carries a dedication to the late Chris Moyes OBE DL, as a mark of recognition for his superb work within the bus industry and beyond.

You may well be wondering why 5217 carries Go Gateshead fleet names, the answer is simple, in 1883 parliament passed a decree that allowed the Gateshead and District Tramways to construct a tramway, 140 years on we celebrate how far transport has come within the Gateshead boundary. On the 29th of November 1913, the Northern General Transport company was formed, and a depot built at Chester-Le-Street. sadly the 109 year old depot was closed for good in 2022 and not long after was demolished.

5217 was joined alongside, 4710, 4708, 981, 4855, 4922, 574.

5217 makes its devilish debut at the Northern National Restoration Group Halloween open day, on 28th October 2023. A maiden run at 14:30, a full bus with only standing room left, headed by Ian Robinson and Callum Bowes, 5217 went down a storm.

At the end of the day a line up took place with 5217 to celebrate the history of the Easy Access livery and the former years of Go Ahead Group. 5217 was joined alongside, 4710, 4708, 981, 4855, 4922, 574 and 5232.

5217 will be available to see at NNRG events and at events in the 2024 rally season,