FLEETLINE FOCUS
NOV796G - Daimler Fleetline / Park Royal - Birmingham City Transport 3796
In March 2005 a group of nine people met to agree to the acquisition of the bus by way of a bid at auction. The vehicle in question was a 1968 Daimler Fleetline originally delivered to Birmingham City Transport and was fitted with front entrance and centre exit doors. The bus was coming to auction after being in service with BCT and then as a hospitality vehicle for Birmingham Leisure Services Dept. Kevin Hill and others attended the sale at which there was only one other interested party. When the other party realised the bus was wanted for preservation, Kevin was able to secure the purchase, for a very reasonable amount. It was soon back at Wythall, and work began to source materials and spares to commence the restoration.
The bus had been allocated originally to Hockley depot and the original destination blinds were found behind blank panels, which had been put on by the Leisure Services Dept over the destination display area. The bus in a grey and red livery with City of Birmingham Leisure painted on the front arid along both sides on the inter-deck panels. (See photo.) The Group agreed to restore the bus back to its 1968 original state in BCT deep blue and cream with khaki roof, as although it may have passed to WMPTE it was felt that there were too many “Munro Blue and Creams” around already. Another aim was to firstly arrange a Class V Test so that if successful we could take it to Rallies.
Accommodation was arranged at Wythall and work began. The outside was repanelled in places, including the front where a replacement panel with destination display apertures had been sourced, and fitted. The Leisure Services Dept. had covered all interior panels and ceilings with a sponge based material and it took many man-hours to finally remove this and the adhesive that had been used. The original interior panels and fittings were in good condition after cleaning and the fibreglass domes at front and rear are the only areas which have needed slight attention. Eventually, the seats were taken out and repainted, whilst Kevin (No Railways) Hill did his usual first class job of painting the outside of the bus and putting the necessary transfers in place. The seats were re-fixed in the bus and placed on new mounting plates, and the flooring was relaid with new lino. The bus then passed its first Class V Test with no problems and was given a rally debut at Sandwell in 2006. (See restored photo.)
Over the last twelve months work has continued. New footrests have been made and fitted in front of the bench seats in the forward lower saloon. Aluminium strips on the floor between seats and down the aisles are now refixed. Heaters have been sourced and Fred has cleaned and repainted them. They will soon be fitted and plumbed in to complete another part of the restoration.
There are still other minor jobs to carry out, but this year the bus was passed for Class VI operation and helps out on Operating Days at the Museum as a supplementary vehicle. Kevin, Fred and I took the bus to Stoneleigh to provide a shuttle service from Coventry for the patrons attending the Garden Railway Exhibition. Many favourable comments were received from passengers, and it is this which is most satisfying to the Group members, knowing that the bus is being used for its intended purpose and not just a static exhibit.
The Group members have done the bulk of the work, but thanks must also be given to Mark Priest and Dave Parry for examining the mechanical aspects, and Pete Murphy for a small amount of welding. The Group is celebrating success this year. Dave and Alex Potts took the bus to Sandwell and came home with a cup for the best post-1950 bus.
Alwyne Marsden
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
