THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM – RESTORATION UPDATE
March 2009 - a technical warning from Roland Williams
One technical item of note is the increasing problems with pumps and filters due to the removal of the sulphur content from diesel. The initial low sulphur followed by today's 'green' diesel does not contain sufficient lubricant for old-style fuel pumps. It also seems to lift the silt off the bottom of fuel tanks which accumulates over the years and used to remain undisturbed. The worst problem was with a certain Royal Blue coach failing to attain its 52 mph cruising speed. The primary filter had been in for only 3000 miles but was completely full of silt. Be warned - this problem is not going to go away and it's no fun to be called out at dead of night to a roadside repair when this happens. We'll have more to say about this in DUP54.
Link to Main Workshop
Aug 2009 (From Raymond Devlin)
(Photo: BL346, Jim
Crichton, May 2009, Lathalmond)
(Photo: E6,
Charles Roberts, May 2008, Lathalmond)
(Click photos for larger
image)
A squad have been busy over the last couple of weeks replacing the clutches in two FLF Lodekkas, Central SMT BL346 (HGM346E) and Eastern Scottish wagon E6 (CSG29C). This involved the machining of flywheel and pressure plate facings and replacement of other heavily worn operating components and friction plates. E6 is also being prepared for test. Thanks to Rab Patterson whose knowledge and experience proved invaluable when undertaking this task.
/Screen%20Size/20080404%20ABV33A%20(KCH112).jpg)
ABV 33A (KCH112), 1957 Leyland Titan PD2/12/MCW,
Trent 1012
(Click photo for
larger image) (Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2008)
May 2010
Graham Ellery reports that Andrew Crockett has built and fitted a new exhaust system. The planned shotblasting has been further delayed but hopefully will be done by May so that necessary welding and bodywork can commence.
March 2010
Graham Ellery has been busy removing the lower deck windows and more panels. This has revealed lots of rot in the frame and much welding will be necessary as a result. The planned visit to the shotblaster has been delayed by the weather.
June 2009 (from Graham Ellery)
Lower deck external panels removed along with side rails. Lot of rust and stubborn rusted bolts. In process of removing windows, emptying bus and preparing for grit-blasting chassis over the summer. Due to fact highbridge vehicle, this has proved difficult but fingers crossed that commercial lifts are repaired in time for use on this activity
March 2009
Graham Ellery has been busy on the top deck interior, stripping paint and removing the side panel coverings, getting old glue over himself in the process. A set of seats from a Stockport PD2 has been obtained for the lower deck.
July 2008
Graham has been working on
stripping the paint off the upper deck ceiling, a miserable job at the best of
times and hat-wearing is mandatory. The seats which received the unwanted
attention of pigeons at the previous storage site have been stashed away
(courtesy of G McG) for future attention.
May 2008
Work on stripping the paint on roof of upper deck internally. Time consuming job as stripper drops off reducing contact time- well worth wearing a hat. 6 coats of paint don't help. General prep ahead of planned chassis sand blast and silvering. More parts acquired from various sources. On schedule for 2011!!!
BXA464B 1964
Bristol Lodekka FS6GLX/ECW Alexander (Fife) FRD 199
(Photo: Charles
Roberts, May 2008) (Click photo
for larger image)
March
2010
Jim Methven advises that since the last report he and Mike Chapman found after the strip down that they needed a new engine cylinder block at considerable cost, or a replacement serviceable one at a less painful price. They managed to get a used one, after a lot of engine stripping, which was good enough to hone and use for the rebuild. While the engine is an LX it was a good time to consider using LXB/C pistons which are greener and give a cleaner start up from cold. They got hold of six and built them into the engine with new piston rings. While off, the cylinder heads were stripped, cleaned and reassembled with new valve guides. One of the old guides was
5 thou oversize and this delayed the refitting slightly. They turned to David Roberts at Gardner Enthusiasts Ltd. and sourced the unusual part with ease. Dave Roberts has been very helpful and indeed has supplied a piston, guides, sprayer castle nuts, gaskets, filters and Gardner enamel for the job, sent by post at an economic price.
Jim adds: "We have added over 100 hours to our original 50 but the rebuild is nearing its conclusion. The bus heating pipes have been re-routed, as we found that the previous set up had cut into the inlet manifold, and the fuel system is being connected up. The oil sprayers are in and piped to the pump and the compressor and drive belts are back on. Next will be the radiator, breather and inlet ducting and then refitting the cover panels. It has been an interesting learning curve made possible with Rab Patterson's guidance and specialist tools. The start up is a few weeks away and if it goes we will tell you about it next time."
Dec
2009
Work continues on the engine which remains in situ.
Aug
2009
FRD 199 obtained a workshop space on 19th May and since then Jim Methven and Mike Chapman have opened up its Gardner engine to investigate the cause of its considerable oil consumption. The engine was opened with the unit still in the bus to try and save effort. With the heads off and the pistons out the reason for the oil loss became apparent. The piston rings on cylinders 3 and 4 had broken up causing some damage to each of these pistons and their cylinder liners. The possibility of a cheap repair is fading fast and for an engine which seemed to run so well it needs some new replacement components. The owners are considering their options and visiting the Gardner enthusiasts' website for ideas. Work so far has taken about 50 hours and there is a long way to go. We could still be well and truly doooomed!!
CSG29C 1965 Bristol FLF6GLX Tow Wagon Eastern Scottish
(Photo:
E6, Charles Roberts, May 2008, Lathalmond) (Click photos for larger image)
May 2010
Meanwhile, Raymond has treated his other wagon to a new 5-speed gearbox. This will act as the Museum's unofficial recovery vehicle during 2010 while MPE59 is undergoing overhaul.
%20HRS270V%20CRG325C.jpg)
CYJ252
(Left) 1953 AEC Regent Ill/Alexander - Dundee 137
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, April 2008) (Click
photo for larger image)
March 2010
John Lydiate has been stripping the areas of white paint which had crazed significantly, not having been properly etched when last painted some years ago. A repaint is planned shortly, after which it is hoped the bus will be back on the road in 2010.
DMS359C 1965 Leyland Leopard PSU3/3 Tow Wagon Alexander
(Midland) MPE59
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, May 2009) (Click
photo for larger image)
May 2010
Some severe rot has been discovered in a crossmember over the front axle and this has had to be replaced, a tricky operation due to the limited access. Raymond reckons a botched repair here has already been tried sometime in the past.
March 2010
After many threats Raymond has finally commenced the external repanelling of his wagon, after which it will be treated to a full repaint. Must remember to look out the shades in good time ........
DMS 823, 1951 Leyland Tiger OPS2/1/Alexander C__F, W Alexander PB10
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, April 2008) (Click
photo for larger image)
May
2010
After the initial fire up of the engine subsequent attempts proved fruitless, with fuel stubbornly refusing to enter the pump despite every effort. Eventually this was traced to blocked fuel filters occasioned by sludge in the fuel tank. Arthur has removed this and has been trying to shake stones out through the neck with limited success. He was last seen loading it into the back of his car to take home to attempt major surgery on it. Meanwhile the windscreen and cab area windows have been refitted.
Aug
2009
Passing shed 99 the other day I heard the unmistakable sound of a Leyland 0600 in full cry - on investigation Arthur was firing up PB10 but not for the first time as the inevitable bugs were still being ironed out.
May 2009
Arthur Davis advises that all mechanical components are now in place apart from a few minor items awaited from Ray Trigg. Everything seems to be working as far as can be ascertained - but Arthur is prepared for any nasty surprise when the time comes to fire it up!
July
2008
Arthur advises that the clutch plate has been
relined and the gearbox and prop shaft refitted. The front section of the prop
shaft was found to be too long, another reflection of the fact that when the
vehicle last ran it was with PS1 running units, which included the smaller (and
shorter) 7.4 litre engine. The prop shaft therefore needed to be cut and
welded. Work has now turned to connecting all the linkages, fuel and vacuum
lines and the exhaust.
April
2008
Since acquiring this bus from Tam Loggie, Arthur Davies has wasted no time in cracking on with its restoration. Some years ago Tam obtained a WSMT PD3 which yielded its running units to enable PB10 to be returned to its original condition, with 8ft wide axles and O600 engine. He had fitted the axles and rebuilt the body frame before mothballing it to concentrate on more pressing work and since its return to the workshop Arthur has overhauled the engine and refitted it to the chassis. This is definitely one to watch.
/Screen%20Size/DRS122A%20(CWG283)%2020080518%201451%20CCR.jpg)
DRS 122A (CWG283) 1950 Leyland PS I /Alexander PA 181
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2009) (Click
photo for larger image)
May
2010
At last the reconditioned cylinder heads have been fitted to the engine and the tappets adjusted, ready to fire up ...
May
2009
Bill McAlpine is progressing with the engine rebuild as mentioned in the last Update.
March 2009
Unfortunately this bus suffered a major engine failure on its way back from the GWT Open Day last October, and Bill McAlpine has been rebuilding the engine using parts from a spare one.
DSD936V 1979
Seddon PennineJAIexander T type Western SMT S2936
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, June 2008) (Click
photo for larger image)
Dec 2009
After the Museum's own Seddon had limped back from the Bridgeton Open Day on 11 October with a serious fuel starvation problem, efforts to cure this proved fruitless and with a trip planned to Aviemore with the Guide Sunday stalwarts the following week your Membership Secretary was running out of ideas and showing early signs of panic. However the redoubtable Rab Patterson was summoned and quickly solved the problem. The cause? A tiny pinhole in the fuel line coupled to the fact that the engine had been fitted at some time in the past with a lift pump designed for a vertical 6LX engine - most of us not knowing there was a difference! In practice the bus had been able to run after a fashion with the wrong lift pump but the combination of the pinhole and the almost empty fuel tank proved too much for it to function at all. A lifetime of engineering experience enabled Rab to quickly identify and solve the problem - a practical demonstration of the very point Andrew Walker makes in his article above. Happily, DSD ran to Aviemore and back the following weekend without mishap with a correct replacement pump - Eddie and Lesley reporting vastly improved performance! Once again, Rab, many thanks for coming to the rescue.
March 2009
EDS50A 1960AEC Routemaster (ex-RM560, A1 livery): New kingpins have been fitted and the power steering ram has been overhauled. The old aluminium battery cables have been replaced with more normal copper ones and an overhauled fuel injection pump has also been fitted.
ESF647W 1980 Guy Victory Mk2/Alexander China Motor Bus LV36
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2009) (Click
photo for larger image)
May
2009
After an inspection by Rab Patterson, Jim Methven has been beavering away to get LV36 ready for MoT. Several air leaks have been located and dealt with, air chamber components cleaned and painted, and finally the wiring around the dashboard has been tidied up.
March 2009
A few members have suggested to me pointedly that it would be nice to see the Museum's China Bus back on the road again as it has been dormant for a few years now. I don't normally dirty my hands with anything post-1965; however there are suggestions that it could be an easy MOT and we do have a running day coming up soon. Hopefully we can dig it out soon and put it on the lift.
Rab will point out the few areas requiring attention and if these can be rectified without too much bother then I will have a go at it. Watch this space!
GLS 265S, 1978 Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R/Alexander C49F, W Alexander
(Midland) MPE265
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2009) (Click photo
for larger image)
May
2009
The current owners are busy upgrading the original restoration carried out by the previous owner. The interior and seats are being attended to, and some electrical problems ironed out. The heater channels have been repainted, and the heating ducts refurbished. The exterior is being prepared for repainting. (Yet another one for Peter! When is that poor guy going to get a rest?!)
JTT724 1943-ish
Leyland Lynx lorry ex-MoD, Women's Land Army, St Helens Corp.
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, March 2010, Lathalmond) (Click photo for larger image)
March 2010
Some years ago this arrived on the back of Dave Hoare's AEC Mammoth 8-legger PLF500 which subsequently departed and has since been restored. Dave retained the Lynx and a new cab is being built on it by Andrew Crockett, ably assisted by BJ who has been displaying hitherto unknown joinery skills..........
LIL9929 1979
Bedford PJK/Plaxton ex-Blood Transfusion Service
March 2009
Having sold his JMT Albion, Doug Dickson has turned his attention to his other bus, which has entered the workshop and is receiving attention to the brakes and wheel hubs.
LUS 524E, 1967 AEC Reliance 2U3RA/Willowbrook C49F, David MacBrayne
150
(Click photo for
larger image) (Photo, Jim Crichton, April 2008)
May 2010
Andrew Crockett has installed a new boot floor, replacing a previous attempt of doubtful quality.
March 2009
After almost a decade looking after Lawrence Macduff’s Reliance without it requiring major work this year (2008) heavy repairs were unavoidable. The slave and master clutch cylinders were overhauled, a reconditioned starter motor and overhauled fuel injection pump fitted and the bus sailed through its MOT first time.
OFS 798, 1957 Leyland Titan PD2/20/ Metro-Cammell H34/29R,
Edinburgh Corporation 798
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, April 2009) (Click
photo for larger image)
March
2010
Problems still continue to plague the Scoulars. Due to overheating, the rear axle differential has had to be stripped and is being replaced with new bearings. Some 'tweaking' of the engine has been necessary, and the tappets have been adjusted.
Dec
2009
Mechanical
problems overcome, the bus has now passed its MoT but subsequently has required
replacement of a leaking water pump. It will be out and about next year, and
definitely promises to be a real head-turner............
Aug 2009
Restoration
complete, 798 made its debut at the Running Day but a fault developed in the
fuel pump which has had to be removed and reconditioned. Some problems also
manifested themselves in the brake servo and Edward George, our resident expert
in such matters, is providing advice on rectification.
May
2009
The Scoulars have been busy since completion of the paintwork applying transfers, refitting the lower deck windows and the seats. Completion of this very comprehensive restoration, having been initially stripped down to the last nut, bolt and rivet, is now not far away.
March 2009
Peter has completed the paintwork both inside and out - not without problems in getting the precise shade of madder - and the bus is now resplendent in ECT livery complete with appropriate advertisements.
OWS620 1957 Bristol LD6G/ECW - Eastern Scottish AA620
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, March 2010, Lathalmond) (Click
photo for larger image)
May 2010
The Gardner 6LW engine has been overhauled and reconditioned and is ready to fit back in the bus.
March 2010
Raymond and John have recently commenced repanelling the exterior of this Lodekka.
RCS 382 1961 Leyland Titan PD3f3|Alexander - Western SMT D
1684
(Photo:
Jim Crichton, June 2002, Perth) (Click
photo for larger image)
March 2010
After the end of a very full wedding hire season - RCS is undoubtedly the hardest-worked bus in the Stagecoach 'heritage' fleet - Andrew Crockett stripped out the seats in the lower deck and replaced the side panelling with new rexine covering. Its transformation from a rather tatty appearance is quite dramatic....
RU 8678, 1929 Leyland PLSC3/
Leyland B--F, Hants & Dorset 268
(Photo:
Jasper Pettie, Oct 2008) (Click
photo for larger image)
May 2010
Douglas and Ross have started to fit the glazing and Ross has been figuring out how the roller mechanism works for the drop windows. He has four of these but needs a few more and has been casting the net accordingly.
March 2010
Meanwhile, Douglas and Ross have been managing to make progress on their other bus. All the external panelling and special mouldings have now been fitted, and Douglas tells me he is 'sussing out' a supplier of canvas for the external roof covering.
March 2009
Understandably, work has slowed while the Scoulars' attentions have been directed towards the painting of Edinburgh 798, but Douglas advises that lengths of body moulding to the correct pattern have been obtained for fitting, as have new headlamps which have been specially made.
July 2008
As we are now in rally season,
Douglas and Ross have been away quite a few weekends, so progress has been
slower than usual. However, Douglas has made good progress with the driver’s
cab door; a new ash pillar has been made and the door has now been rehung and
reskinned inside and out. They are also in the
process of sourcing an appropriate door lock.
April 2008
Since the last report Douglas and Ross have been repanelling the offside and are currently sourcing replacement canvas for the roof from a sail maker. When obtained this will be glued and stretched over the slatted boards of the roof to make it waterproof. A Sheffield-based manufacturer has been located to provide new headlights to the correct pattern; a voltage regulator has also been obtained and the question of the rest of the electrics is the next problem to be tackled.
SO 3740 1929 Leyland Tiger
TS2/AIexander - W Alexander P63
(Photo:
Paul Johnston, Sep 2007, Lathalmond) (Click photo for larger image)
May 2010
The brakes having been attended to, the bus emerged on a lovely sunny April day for a run round the site to bed in the new linings. After some minor adjustments it's off for MoT.
March 2010
In preparation for a return to the road in 2010 the brakes were sent away for relining; these have returned - the lining material was still on the shelf of the supplier!! – and Andrew is currently refitting these and attending to a leaking rear hub seal.
VMP 8G, 1968 Albion
Viking VK43AL/ Alexander C40F,
(Click photo for
larger image) (Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
July
2008
Douglas has been refitting the external body trim
including the plastic inserts – and has the sair fingers to prove it.
April
2008
Douglas Forbes reports that the windows have all been refitted with new rubber, the brakes have been fully overhauled and the brake drums skimmed. Douglas is now turning his attention to the body trim.
/Screen%20Size/20080404%2011%20P573.jpg)
WG 8790, 1939 Leyland Tiger TS8sp./ Alexander C—F, W Alexander P573
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2008) (Click
photo for larger image)
WS 4522, 1935 Leyland Tiger TS7/Cowieson B34RD, SMT H110
(Click photo for
larger image) (Photo: Jim Crichton, April 2009)
See history of body at SMTBodyB124
Dec 2009
After a bit of a lull, work has recommenced. I have been attending to the electrical I wiring for the interior lights and bells, and also the rear lights. In the cab a new dashboard has been made, with appropriate 'period' switches and gauges, and a driver's seat of the correct pattern has been sourced and fitted. I've also fitted a set of re-chromed pull-out steps to the rear roof luggage rack while Paul Queen has been busy fabricating a new exhaust system and fitting the half-drop windows. The overhauled servo has just been installed and when the brakes have been connected up we'll be ready for road-testing............
March 2009
The clutch, gearbox and transfer box have been refitted by the expert duo David and Andrew (with your editor acting as gofer). The rear brake hydraulic cylinders which were overhauled some time ago have now been refitted as have new clamps to the front springs, and I've also been attending to the fuel and vacuum pipe work to and from the Autovac. Meanwhile, Tarn has started to glaze and fit the six half-drop windows. I had cleaned up the frames some time ago but on fitting the glass we discovered the accumulation of 70 years of solid grease clogging the windings and these have had to be steeped in penetrating oil in an attempt to free them.
July 2008
Tam is making progress on the
fabrication of the roof luggage rack and the bus is now beginning to take the
distinctive shape of a 1930s SMT saloon. He tells me that once he has complted
the assembly of the rack framing it’s removed from the roof in order to fit the
base on which the luggage is placed and offered back up again. Meanwhile, Paul
has fabricated new nearside front wings for this busand also for P573, from the
remains of two which had been acquired for patterns.
April 2008
The roll-back sunshine roof has been fabricated and fitted and a start has been made on the fabrication of the roof-mounted luggage pod using old photographs as a guide, again courtesy of Tam and his team.
.jpg)
YYJ914 (ESS989) 1961 Leyland
Tiger Cub PSUC 1/2/Alexander - Starks H8
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, March 2010) (Click
photo for larger image)
March 2010
Andrew has also been working on this bus which had latterly been a car transporter, having grafted the rear end off an ex-Northern Reliance on to it. The paint is being stripped off the exterior prior to a complete repaint into Starks livery in the near future..........