B87 (GM 9287) was delivered new and first registered, by Central SMT Co Ltd, in June 1958. It was one of 376 Bristol Lodekkas operated in passenger service, by the Motherwell-based company, between 1955 and 1981. B87 itself was allocated to Stewarton Street Depot, Wishaw, and would have appeared on Service Numbers: 20, 25, 27, 29, 40, 43, 44, 47, 56, 61, 67, 240 and 241. It worked those roads, with a driver and conductor crew, until 1975 when it was sold to Bingorama of Bellshill and painted blue and white. B87, along with a succession of other ex Central buses, carried Bingo players to and from their homes, until Strathclyde Regional Council gave it a new function altogether.

Carpenters completely refitted the interior as a play area - and it was painted all-over pink and decorated with famous Cartoon Characters. The Monklands Playbus was last road-taxed in 1992, when a private owner purchased it. In 2002 the bus was brought to the Enthusiast world's attention and was saved for restoration in June 2004. Upon its delivery to Bridgeton Bus Garage interior demolition and paint removal began. Between October 2004 and August 2008, the bus received repair and restoration work, from chassis up to ceiling, at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, Lathalmond. Some new parts had to be hand-made. Interestingly, the upstairs floor covering is original. Some components were donated from ex-Central Bristol BL351 (HGM351E). Central livery, reflecting the mid-1960s, was brush-painted on at Lathalmond.

In August 2008, the 112 bhp Gardner-engined LD Lodekka returned to Glasgow, under its own power. It had to be re-registered TVS367 as GM9287 is on a private car. Autumn brought an MOT pass - and, after the fuel pump was reconditioned, road tests and public service followed, in 2009. With B87 my aim is now to bring people together.

Restoration has, in part, been dedicated to the memory of the late George Dawson, a great Scots transport enthusiast, who, before and after World War Two, recorded many observations concerning Central SMT, and who, despite serious illness, came to Bridgeton to see B87, in 2004.