THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - WORKSHOP
REPORTS
After many years of compiling Workshop
News, Pete Westwater has decided to call it a day and take a well-earned rest.
Many thanks for all your efforts, Pete. We will of course be continuing to receive
updates on shed 47 railway progress from him.
Since the last issue much progress has been
made on workshop residents both long and short stay. I propose however to
restrict commentary to matters of newsworthy interest; this will not include
vehicles in for routine maintenance or pre-MOT checks, for example. I will try
to get round everybody before each issue goes to press but if I miss somebody
please let me know. Remember - if all you've done is remove a wheel nut and
polish it I don't intend to publish!
Links: Main Workshop Workshop Annex
ABV 33A (KCH112),
1957 Leyland Titan PD2/12/MCW, Trent 1012
(Photo: Jim Crichton, April 2008)
Dec 2007
A newcomer to the workshop, the lower deck roof panels have been exposed to reveal holes in the roof created when the vehicle was a playbus. Some rear external panels have been removed exposing rot in the framework which will also require attention.
ACB
904, 1947 Guy Arab Mk III 6LW Recovery Wagon, Blackburn Corporation 76
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
Roland and Ian Parry have stripped the nearside of the chassis by removing the vacuum tank and fuel filters, cleaned and fettled, and refitted. Also the exhaust system has been removed and dismantled for replacement.
Dec 2007
Roland and lan Parry have now removed and replaced the rear springs and stripped down the rear brakes. The rear part of the chassis has been silvered ready for the floor and rear wheel arches to be reinstated.
BDJ 67, 1950 AEC Regent 3RT, St Helens D67
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
After passing its MoT Jim Methven encountered a few teething troubles with the compressor and sundry air leaks which he has attended to.
Dec 2007
Jim Methven advises that work on this bus proceeds with a headlamp conversion fitted which now gives a road legal double dip/beam. The air discharge valve has been repaired and appears now to work satisfactorily. The clutch pedal valve was leaking and a stripdown has removed offending crusty deposits inside it, the bus now holding air for hours rather than minutes. The steel window pans were corroding and to stop further decay were rubbed down and primed, Peter Mitchell kindly applying the final paint coating. The bus certainly looks a lot smarter as a result. Next step is a brake test followed by an MOT if the readings come up correctly.
July 2007
More items from the defect list have been rectified and Jim Methven has reached the 'Electrical Items' heading on the 'to do' sheet. A lot of the wiring problems were easy to repair, however it was discovered that the bus headlamps were not fitted with a focussed high and dip beam system. As with many older buses and LT vehicles it has a single n/s lamp for low beam use and high beam brings the o/s lamp on through plain glass. This system is no longer accepted for current road use and moreover the lamps are not a matching pair; consequently a correct set of RT headlights are being urgently sought. Unfortunately this holdup is likely to prevent the bus being MOTd in time for the Open Weekend.
May 2007
Since entering the workshop in April Jim, supported by Bob Paterson, has been
making his way through the tasks listed in Roland's inspection. The bus is in
fairly good condition (i.e. not doomed!). The first major task is to renew all
of the wheel bearing seals which have failed or are about to do so. New seals
are difficult to come by but have been sourced and ordered up. Additional
repairs are likely to take a month or so yet to complete, after which it can be
submitted for MOT.
CSG 29C 1965 Bristol FLF/ECW tow wagon Eastern
Scottish E6
(Photo: Jim Crichton, 2005 Open Weekend)
April 2008
This has had saloon heaters reinstated. The owners clearly are looking for increased comfort in their advancing years!
CSG 43C, 1965 Bristol Lodekka FLF6G/ECW H__/__F,
Scottish Omnibuses AA43
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
Rab has been converting a Gardner 6LXB
engine from a Fleetline to fit in the chassis of this long-term project
Dec 2007
The rebuilt engine and gearbox have been successfully tested and the bus MoT'd in readiness for a return to revenue-earning service.
May 2007
The defective engine was removed by Roland's team and transported to the Winkleigh
outstation of Chepstow Classic Buses, where it was overhauled. The gearbox has
been repaired by replacement of an input shaft bearing. Both units are now back
in the bus and it is running under its own power.
CUH 856, 1947 Leyland Tiger PS1/ ECW B--R, Western Welsh 856
(Photos: Jim
Crichton, Left April 2008, Right May 2007)
April 2008
Again, Tam has completed the exterior panelling and moulding and a start made on the interior.
June 2007
A set of window pans has been sourced but Tarn is looking for a set of original sliding window units which were peculiar to early postwar ECW bodies.
DMS
325C, 1965 Leyland Leopard PSU3/3R, W Alexander (Midland)
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
Unspecified work
DMS
823, 1951 Leyland Tiger OPS2/1/Alexander C__F, W Alexander PB10
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2008)
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.
EDS 50A 1960 AEC Routemaster5RM/ Park Royal H36/28R, Stagecoach (A1) RM560
(Photo: Jim Crichton, April 2008)
Dec 2007
Roland relined the rear brakes and fitted new seals in September and this bus is also ready for next year. This particular bus has been used on a Perth Vintage tour this summer and has been a regular at other times on Guide Sunday operations.
FAS 982 (J 1359), 1958 Albion Victor FT39KAN/Reading FB35F,
Jersey Motor Transport 5 (See Bus Profile)
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
Ongoing restoration
FEF
462, 1957 Bedford SB1/Plaxton, Paterson, Dufftown (Sorry, no photo)
Dec 2007
One of three coaches preserved by the son of the former operator, FEF has been in the paint shop for a repaint. The only preparatory work required other than rubbing down has been to remove the entrance door and re-skin its exterior panel.
FGS 59D, 1953 Bedford SB/ Mulliner B36F, McLennan, Spittalfield
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
Graham Martin-Bates has cleaned and painted the destination box, restored the mechanism to working order and fitted a genuine McLennan destination screen from his own collection.
FWG 846, 1955 Bristol LS6G/ ECW B--F, W Alexander Ell (See Bus Profile)
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May
2007)
May 2007
Jim Methven advises me that after delivery of an extra large alloy sheet he and
Mike Chapman carefully marked and cut alloy shapes to complete the lower
sections of the rear wheel arches. This was an interesting job which sharpened
up their use of the guillotine, the metal folder and the rolling machine to
fabricate the sections. After a lot of repositioning and final trimming they
were fitted on with countless rivets and bolts.
The axle is now back in position and they used new UNC studs to fix it to the springs. Mike has been lifting the old floor over the front axle which is the next area for re-instatement.
GLS
265S, 1978 Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R/Alexander C49F, W Alexander (Midland)
MPE265
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
Dec 2007
Work has centred on the wheels and hubs which have all been shotblasted. A faulty brake drum has been replaced as have the hub oil seals.
GM 6384, 1954 Leyland PD2/10/ Leyland L27/28R, Central SMT L484
(Photos: Jim Crichton,
Left April 2008, Right May 2007)
April 2008
Since the last report much progress has been made on this vehicle by Tam Loggie and his team. After the exterior had been completely repanelled attention turned to the interior trim. The new staircase has been fitted and a run of moquette to the original pattern has been made for this and B87 and there may be enough left to retrim other vehicles also. On the mechanical side the radiator has been retubed and Roland Williams has carried out a complete overhaul of the suspension and braking system and relined the shoes. The wheels have been stripped and fitted with brand new tyres and the interior electrical wiring has also been completed.
Dec 2007
Tarn and his team constructed a special jig for the top deck structure and a complete new floor has been installed. All interior panels have been renewed and the external ones refurbished, the roof sticks having been found to be in good condition. Paul has fabricated new window pans for both decks; the top deck ones have been fitted and the interior window trim round the pans has been dressed up. New roof vents have been made from scratch and during October the completed top deck was lowered back on to the lower deck structure, thanks to the assistance of Jan Littwin and his 'Iron Fairy'.
All pillar inserts (for fixing the outer panels to) have been made in hardwood, the hard-wood waist rail and cant rail inserts also and the nearside ones are now on. Paul is presently fabricating a complete new staircase.
One curious fact is that despite Central 'deckers having traditionally been fitted with side destination screens above the entrance Tarn reports that there is no evidence of L484 ever having had this feature. Was this the case with the rest of this particular batch of PD2/10s - can anyone shed light on the matter?
June 2007
Attention has centred on the cab which is currently being assembled. The o/s front wing is also being worked on.
May 2007
The engine and gearbox, fuel tank and brake parts were removed earlier in the
year and Tarn Loggie rapidly reduced the rusty body to a skeleton. The top deck
has been removed and the chassis shotblasted and silvered. The brakes have been
re-assembled and the lower deck body frame rebuilt.
GM 9287, 1958 Bristol Lodekka LD6G/ ECW H33/27R, Central SMT B87 (Photos: Jim Crichton, April 2008)
April 2008
Tam’s team have also been working on this bus. Floor lino and treads have been fitted and floor covings have been fabricated and fitted to this bus. The interior is currently being repainted by Peter Mitchell and the seats are being retrimmed with the moquette mentioned above.
JSC 869E, 1967 Leyland Atlantean PDR2/1/ Alexander OH47/35F, Edinburgh
Corporation 869
(Photo: Jim Crichton, April 2008)
April 2008
This former airport coach (!) is a temporary visitor to the workshop, having had its gearbox rebuilt and replaced by Rab Paterson. The frame has been repaired, repanelled where required and is currently being prepared for painting. A start has also been made on refurbishing the interior.
JTU 588T, 1978 Leyland National 10351B/1 B--F, Crosville SNG588
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
Gordon has completed further electrical work requiring attention. The bus was parked outside at the Open Weekend last year and the torrential rain revealed severe shortcomings in the water-tightness of some of the panelling! This has been rectified with appropriate sealant. Gordon is confident that the bus remains on track for its MoT.
Dec
2007
Gordon McGregor has been concentrating on the cab interior, replacing pipework and overhauling the demister. After some attention to the engine and electrics this bus should be ready for MOT in 2008.
May 2007
Gordon McGregor has been busy cleaning the seat backs and cushions on his vehicle.
Indeed, having really got the bit between the teeth he has also been tackling
cleaning the seats in the Museum's Seddon DSD936V and also John Carson's
Leopard Y-type ex-Central SMT T64. What dedication!
JVB 908, 1952 Leyland Royal Tiger PSU1/13/Mann
Egerton HD24/26F,
Homeland, Croydon
(Photo: Jim Crichton, April 2008)
June 2007
Tarn Loggie advises that new frames have now been made for both sides. The insides require to be sheeted in plywood and trimmed before refitting. The nearside frame was offered up to the side of the bus and it fits perfectly!
May 2007
The nearside plywood frame has been removed and a copy is being made in
aluminium which will make it considerably stronger. The Mann Egerton coach body
is assembled in an amazing way with the seats requiring to be installed first.
KGM 664F, 1968
Leyland Leopard PSU3/1R/ Alexander B53F, Central T64
LUS
524E, 1967 AEC Reliance 2U3RA/Willowbrook C49F, David MacBrayne 150
(Photo, Jim Crichton, April 2008)
Unspecified work
NCS
16P, 1976 Leyland Fleetline FE30AGR/ Alexander H43/31F, Hill (A1), Stevenston
(Photo, J Crichton, April 2008)
April 2008
Rab Paterson has fitted a reconditioned road spring and given the brakes a thorough overhaul.
May 2007
Also after a long period in store, this bus has been prepared for the road with
a new battery box, new stub pin and repairs to the cab.
NDL 656R, 1977 Bristol VRT/SL3/6LXB/ ECW H43/31F, Southern Vectis 656
(Photo, Jim Crichton, April 2008)
Unspecified work
NFS
176Y, 1982 Leyland Leopard PSU3G/4R/ Alexander C49F, W Alexander (Fife) FPE176
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
Ongoing restoration
NMS 366, 1960 AEC Reliance 2MU3RV/Alexander C41F, W Alexander (Northern)
AC155
(Photo, Jim Crichton, April 2008)
Ongoing restoration
OFS
798, 1957 Leyland Titan PD2/20/ Metro-Cammell H34/29R, Edinburgh Corporation
798
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May
2007)
Ongoing restoration
OSC711 (RMS714),
1961 Leyland Tiger Cub/Alexander, Fife Scottish FPD225
(Photo: Eddie Busst 2006)
April 2008
John Brooksbank tells me that he
has fitted saloon heaters and had the fuel injectors overhauled by Paterson
Diesels at Cowdenbeath
OWS 620, 1957
Bristol Lodekka LD6G/ ECW H33/27R, Scottish
Omnibuses AA620
(Photos:
Jim Crichton, Left April 2008, Right May 2007)
Ongoing restoration
RU
8678, 1929 Leyland PLSC3/
Leyland B--F, Hants &
Dorset 268
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2008)
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.
Dec 2007
The Scoulars are certainly powering ahead with work on this one. The brakes have been refurbished using the supply of new band steel and new rear wheel arches have been fitted using the old ones as patterns. The wooden framing has been attended to as necessary, and the missing framing around the cab area has also been completed. Finally the nearside has been repanelled below the windows and a start is being made on the offside. Meanwhile some debate is ongoing regarding the correct pattern of head and side lights and these are currently being sourced.
June 2007
Douglas and Ross Scoular continue to make good progress on the body, and a quantity of strip steel band has just arrived which is enough to make new brake linkages for this, P573 and H110. Hopefully a more detailed report will appear in the next issue.
May 2007
The
Scoulars continue to make good progress on the new body. An article detailing
the recovery of the replacement body from deepest Southampton appears elsewhere
in this issue.
SMS 120P, 1977 Daimler Fleetline
CRG6LXB/
Alexander H44/31F, W Alexander (Midland) MRF120 (See Bus Profile)
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
April 2008
Treadmaster lino has been fitted to the front entrance area and the bus is being sanded down externally in readiness for painting, hopefully in May.
Dec
2007
The Booths have now finished all the exterior paneling and were fitting a new front panel below the windscreen. The front platform floor has also been repaired. This bus is also expected to be ready for MOT in 2008 - what confidence!
S0 3740
1929 Leyland Tiger TS2/
Alexander B32F, W Alexander P63
(Photo: Stuart McRae, Whitburn, pre-1995)
Dec 2007
After fitting a reconditioned water pump and some minor mechanical attention, Roland obtained an MoT in September and P63 will take to the road in 2008 for the first time in ten years.
SS 7501, 1950 Bedford OB/ Duple Vista C29F, Cleghorn, Haddington (See Bus Profile)
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May
2007)
April 2008
Edward George reports that he has carried out a complete overhaul of the brakes, and has also replaced the exhaust system. He is currently replacing two cracked window glasses.
May 2007
Since Pete's last report Edward advises that the front brakes have been stripped
down, the seals replaced, and reinstalled on the bus. The cylinder head has
been overhauled and replaced, and the steering box has been removed and is
awaiting new parts.
SSX 602V, 1979 Seddon Pennine Mk VII/ Alexander B53F, Scottish Omnibuses S602
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, May 2007)
Unspecified work
VMP 8G, 1968 Albion Viking VK43AL/ Alexander C40F,
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May 2007)
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.
May 2007
Douglas Forbes informs me that Peter the painter has done some finishing work
on the gold leaf lettering, and is also dealing with legal lettering. Another
specimen of window rubber has been supplied, and this time, successfully fitted
by Tam Loggie; following this, an order has been placed for all the window rubber
required, and fitting is anticipated shortly. Work has progressed on refitting
trim, adapting the front panel to fit snugly, and a range of other jobs. Once
the windows are in, the priority will be to check what mechanical work remains
to be done, hopefully to fit a 6th speed/overdrive to the gearbox (courtesy of
John Rentoul's expertise), and get the bus MOTd.
WG 3260, 1935 Leyland LT5A/Alexander B—F,
ex-Alexander P705 (similar to P721)
(Photo: Jim
Crichton, April 2008)
WG 8107, 1939 Leyland Tiger TS8/ Alexander Tow Wagon, W Alexander 205
(Photo: Jim Crichton, May
2007)
April 2008
David Heathcote removed the engine over the winter, planning to replace it with a similar E181 7.4 litre unit. Unfortunately a small crack in the latter’s block was discovered and David has reverted to overhauling the original engine prior to re-installing it in the chassis.
Dec
2007
David Heathcote continues to make progress, having been concentrating on replacing the wiring in the cab.
June 2007
David continues to make good progress, having now completed rewiring to the rear lights and towing connection.
May 2007
David has had the rear brake shoes relined with woven linings (at an exorbitant
cost, he tells me). The wheels have now all been shot blasted, primed and fitted
with new tyres and tubes, ready for putting back on.
WG
8790, 1939 Leyland Tiger TS8sp./ Alexander C—F,