ENGINEERING ENDEAVOURS
The D9 passing its annual test in August was the final bus requiring a test for this year. The cycle starts again in the spring next year although all the buses we use in service still need periodic checks before then. Thanks to Dave Parry, John Townshend and Dick Lolley for doing the engineering checks and to a number of other people for rectifying the (relatively few) faults they have found. All the regular drivers of BCT Guy 2976 breathed a sigh of relief when the radial tyres on the front axle were changed back to brand new cross-ply tyres.
Work on various vehicle exhibits continues. As always, the application of paint makes a huge difference to a vehicle's appearance and recent recipients of this treatment have been the S16, Cheltenham RE and West Bromwich Daimler Fleetline 101. The latter has also had all its window rubber replaced, some remedial work to the lower deck nearside floor, and refurbishment and painting of the seat frames. As these notes are being written the privately owned BCT Fleetline 3796 is in the latter stages of repaint into Birmingham livery. The Jumbo Fleetline is also changing colour gradually as new panels are put on ready painted but it will be treated to an all over paint when complete. Similarly the Southport open top PD2 is gradually changing colour as paint is applied to protect completed work. Other vehicles that have received restoration work recently, with apologies to any I have omitted, are Dave Taylor's Walsall 56, 1685 Group's Midland Red LD8 and BCT 1107, Midland Red S12 and DD12, the Tilling, West Bromwich 248, James Munro's West Midlands Bristol VRT 4413, and Phil Ireland's Sheffield Bristol VRT. PLI
09926 - Tilling Stevens TTA2 / Tilling
(Birmingham 26) - BaMMOT
Most of the panel beading has now been cut and fixed. The remainder is to be done shortly. All the window beadings have now been cut by Peter Murphy and expertly shaped by Fred Withers. All 76(!) are now primed and cream undercoat is now well advanced. Completion of these will allow the glazing to be ordered. Meanwhile Maurice Collignon has been enjoying himself scraping old paint from the underside of the rear axle. The axle and wheels will then be painted. RW
HA3501 - SOS Standard / Ransomes
(Midland Red 501) - BaMMOT
The front end of the chassis was scraped and cleaned, removing rust, grey primer and pink primer. Two coats of black paint were then applied to give a much-improved appearance in time for the Midland Red event. RW
NOB413M - Bristol VRT / MCW
(West Midlands PTE 4413) - James Munro
Steady progress has been maintained on 4413 during the early part of the season. A full set of original seating has now arrive at Wythall and will be fitted shortly. The offside upper deck seat frames have now been repainted. Once the nearside frames have been complete, this will allow the upper deck to be reseated. A new engine bonnet has now been made and fitted to the bus. Prior to the bonnet being fitted, work was required to the heatshield area, due to corrosion. The corroded section was cut away and a new section was made and fitted. Work is now required to the neighbouring rear corner panels, to allow the bonnet to lock into place.
John Townshend has been making good progress with mechanical matters. The nearside kingpin has been adjusted, as have most of the steering ball joints and track rod ends. A shock absorber is currently being sourced, with efforts now concentrated towards getting it through an Annual Test. JM
SDA757S - Leyland Fleetline / East Lancs
(West Midlands PTE 6757) - James Munro
During May 2005, 6757 received attention to the accelerator slave cylinder. An overhauled replacement was sourced via Jeremy Price and subsequently fitted. The fluid within the system was changed at the same time. An intermittent air leak was eventually traced to the condenser valve. At least that was the original diagnosis. However, due to a faulty reconditioned unit, the rectification process became somewhat muddled. An inoperative speedometer was also rectified, following replacement of the speedometer drive. JM
WDA971T - Leyland Fleetline / MCW
(West Midlands PTE 6971) - Andy Walcott
6971 received attention to the front brakes in early May 2005. The offside brake cam was suffering from partial seizure, resulting in a slight brake bind. An overhaul of the offside hub was therefore undertaken. The rear brakes were adjusted and a number of steering ball joints renewed. A few spring clamps were found to be loose, and they were also attended to. It was submitted for Annual Test during May 2005, gaining a successful pass. John Townshend undertook the majority of these tasks. JM
Phil Ireland, Bob Williamson, James Munro
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
