THE MUNRO DOCTRINE
NOB413M Bristol VRT / MCW (1975)
West Midlands PTE 4413 James Munro
During the summer of 2005 a new bonnet was fabricated to the original specification by a local firm.
Considerable work was carried out to the frame that supports the bonnet,
which had suffered from a number of rear end shunts over the years! Repair work was carried out to
the main heat shield as a small section had corroded away. The new bonnet was then hung using new hinges
and the opening mechanism was taken from sister VRT 4701 (see later notes).
The interior of the bus has received a full repaint back into the standard WMPTE ‘dark grey’ interior colour.
During 4413’s time with NBC the cab, stairwell and seat frames had been repainted into their standard grey.
Some of the seats had also been painted poppy red! Therefore, all the seats requiring replacement were changed
and some work was also carried out to the downstairs floor.The batteries were replaced, during which a corroded
battery box was attended to. The battery boxes were then treated and painted prior to refitting the new batteries.
A full steam clean was carried out and following this the chassis and engine received a coat of silver paint.
The steering required a full overhaul, which included the removal of the air assisted ‘autosteer’, fitted by National Welsh.
Further to this the front brakes were overhauled and front shock absorbers replaced.
Most of the glazing was re-rubbered, including the windscreen area, as both screens needed changing due to being marked.
In October’ 2005 4413 was fully repainted back into WMPTE livery by Kevin Hill, some twenty-three years since being withdrawn
by the company.
Brand new number plates and mirrors were acquired and fitted following the repaint. 4413 was prepared for an annual
test and was submitted in late February 2006, gaining a successful pass. 4413 then returned to the road for the first
time in thirteen years!
In March 2006 4413 entered the paint shop once again for a coat of body varnish, which completes the body overhaul and repaint.
During late August 2005 I had purchased Bristol VRT 4701 (JOV701P) as a source of spare parts for 4413.
The body on 4701 was suffering from terminal corrosion and although it possessed a full PSV certificate
the bus had seen many a better day. 4701 had been sold from the WMPTE fleet and ended up working for Kettlewells of
Redford for many years, until withdrawal in 2005.
Over the winter months 4701 was stripped to a shell, providing a great number of useful parts,
which have been used on a variety of different vehicles. During January 2006 4701 was dispatched to PSV Scrap dealers,
Barnsley, South Yorkshire for cutting up.
James Munro
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
