The Stroud RE Group's B52F Leyland National 2 made its first major appearance at the Fifth Stroud Vintage Running Day in July 2004, fully restored to the « refurbished » Stroud Valleys livery worn by such vehicles in the early 1990s. AAE647V was delivered new to Bristol Omnibus in May 1980 as N^o. 3503. It operated at Stroud Valleys between 1990 and early 1992 and again, under Stagecoach Stroud Valleys, between 1994 and 1999. For a time it carried former Bristol Omnibus FLF registration mark 511 OHU. From August 2000 until the company ceased trading it was operated by Surrey Buses.

A very professional organisation the Stroud RE Group were fully self sufficient in crew members so guest appearances in the driving seat were out of the question even though I would very much like to relive my time driving my old friend GUW470W, former CentreWest 607 Express LS470 turned training bus.