THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - SMS 120P

BACKGROUND HISTORY

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HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE

SMS 120P was new in July 1976 to W. Alexander & Sons (Midland) Ltd, fleet no MRF120. It operated from Milngavie Depot before being relocated to Perth.

It was transferred throughout the Alexander fleet, to: Northern in May 1977 as fleet no NRF18; Fife in August 1987 as fleet no FRF 80; Highland in October 1988 as fleet no D920 before being bought for preservation in July 1997.

RESTORATION DETAILS

When acquired from Highland this vehicle had a current PSV ticket but as is so often the case this in no way meant that restoration would be easy!

The first major task on this vehicle has been to the chassis and mechanics, where years of Highland road salt had taken its toll. After sandblasting, some welding to outriggers and flitch plates has been necessary although the main chassis members were acceptable. Much grime was removed painstakingly from the "box" sections of the chassis over the rear axles to enable these to be given protective coating on the inside as well as the outside. This is a weak spot on Fleetlines. A good painting job has been done to the chassis for future protection.

Other mechanical jobs done to date include a new front offside spring, spring bushes, replacement air tanks and piping where required, replacement fuel tank - work is ongoing with much remaining to be done.

Perhaps the biggest job so far has been to the electrics, which were in a shocking (!!) condition. The junction box below the rear seat had all but disintegrated and much of the under-floor wiring was in a poor state. Also, it was discovered that at some time in the past, a short circuit had caused wiring between the decks to melt. This has been replaced and necessitated cutting holes in the ceiling (with a careful repair to the panels afterwards). Much of the wiring plan had to be deduced from first principles - whilst the Daimler manual gives basic details of chassis wiring it does not give details of body wiring.

This completed, some panelling has been done 'tween the decks, the interior spruced up (for light relief) including reinstating the 1970s "beige" areas and partial retrimming of seats. The lower ends of body pillars have been replaced, and future work will be to complete the repanelling, overhaul the braking system, smaller mechanical jobs such as overhauling air valves and so on, and preparation for painting. Restoration is well under way, although it will be some time before this vehicle is completed. (Gavin F Booth)