Between 1977 and 1990, the bulk of the Public Transport Commission (PTC), Urban Transit Authority (UTA), and State Transit Authority's (STA) new buses were German made Mercedes-Benz and MAN chassis types, bodied locally to VOV-standard designs by Pressed Metal Corporation (PMC), Smithfield.

 

The second generation of Mercedes-Benz types, delivered between 1978 and 1980, was to be the largest single bus order by any operator in Australia totaling 550 vehicles (551 including the prototype bus, M/O 1951).

 

Whereas the Mark I body design had been a mix of German VOV and Leyland Leopard, these Mark II buses were a full style VOV body, albeit in right-hand drive configuration. They featured push-button next stop bells instead of cords, perforated ceiling lining to reduce noise, luggage racks and a redesigned seating arrangement over the wheel-arches. 

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These buses were delivered to all the depots in Sydney and Newcastle, except Enfield. They allowed the withdrawal of AEC Regal IVs, some Leyland ERT Worldmasters and Atlanteans, and in Newcastle the final Leyland OPSU1/1s. They were allocated fleet numbers 1966 to 2515 inclusive. 

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The Mark IIs had a long and distinguished career serving commuters and passengers in Sydney and Newcastle. Early withdrawals commenced in 1989 to a few members following accidents and fires. 1998 saw the first serious inroads into the class, however the acquisition by the STA of private operators including North & Western, Riverside Bus & Coach, and Harris Park Transport saw the type remain in service well into the new millennium.

 

Deliveries of new Volvo B12BLE and Mercedes-Benz O500LE buses saw time run out for the last Mark IIs in 2008, with 2345 from Ryde Depot operating the last service on August 28, 2008. 

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The Museum's example, 2007, was completed and delivered in November 1978 to Ryde depot, where it was shared with the depot's satellite, Leichhardt. It underwent an overhaul at Chullora Workshops in the mid-1980s, and was returned to Ryde. Around 2002, the bus was transferred to Kingsgrove depot, operating 'Green line' and other services around the South-West area. 

 

2007 was selected for preservation on the basis of its condition, and donated by the STA to the Museum in June, 2004. It is the intention of the Museum to preserve 2007 in as-withdrawn condition, representing the STA 'Corporate' era.  

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Specifications:

Engine: Rear underfloor mounted Mercedes-Benz OM407h 11.4-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine, developing 147kw at 2200 RPM. Bosch injectors and fuel pump. 

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Transmission: Three-speed Mercedes-Benz W3D080 automatic gearbox with inbuilt hydraulic retarder to a hub-reduction rear axle assembly.

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Brakes: Dual circuit air brakes, gearbox hydraulic retarder, bus stop brake and spring applied parking brake. 

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Suspension: Air bellows type. 

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Weight: 8.8 tons empty.