22086 was new to Stagecoach Manchester in October 2004, working out of their Princess Road garage. Originally branded for the Skyline service 105 between Piccadilly and Manchester Airport (interweaving with the 255 to Partington). Her Manchester career was unfortunately rather short-lived, and in late 2006, this and 22083-89 moved to Stagecoach Yorkshire, to work their branded 222 service between Doncaster and Barnsley. It remained in revenue service with Stagecoach Yorkshire for the remainder of its life, before being converted to be a training bus in 2016, along with all sisters, bar 22083 which was scrapped in 2017. It then worked until its MOT expiry last year, on day to day training duties, and becoming favoured with the instructors. Due to newer replacement vehicles, it was stood down after a lengthy 21 year and a month career in November of 2025.
22086 is a MAN 18.220 LF Mk2 ALX 300, fitted with a MAN D0836 engine and a 4 speed voith gearbox, it was the standard, full length single deck for Stagecoach from 1999 - 2007, then being replaced by the slightly newer MAN 18.240/50 LF Enviro 300s until 2010.
As for plans, first is to get it through an MOT. It’s been up on the lifts today for a quick inspection by us and the chassis is extremely solid, few scabby bits that want tidying up but structurally sound. No evidence of chassis warp which is a relief compared to 22026. The engine is extremely clean and tidy, we’ve found one oil pipe that we’re going to look at replacing in the not so distant future, as it doesn’t look so clever. As you can hear from the video, she sounds fantastic! It performed faultless over the Pennines back, some motorway stints and country driving, and nothing phased it. Even fighting small blizzard at the top of Woodhead Pass, and slippy roads. It has a small air leak above the doors, but nothing serious. Eventually, it will be repanelled and returned to Beachball. We are going to look at rebuilding the interior to original, or as close we can get it. We’re getting ideas as to how to do this as the training conversion is far more extensive than it was on 60663.
Overall, we’re extremely happy and it’s a solid preservation candidate, and believed to be the only surviving Mk2 Manchester ALX 300. We look forward to getting to work on her and giving her the WBP love.
A massive thank you to Stagecoach Yorkshire and their staff for all their help and assistance to save 22086, it certainly wouldn’t have been possible without you!
