ENGINEERING ENDEAVOURS
Many readers of 'Omnibus' will have seen the publicity the Museum gained by the appearance of our Wolverhampton Roadliner (NJW719E) on the Cummins stand at the Euro Bus Expo 2008 in November.
This project began with a request from Cummins a year ago, of which a part of the deal was that Cummins would sponsor its repaint and return to the road. Work on the bus started after the August Bank holiday event day when the bus was extracted from the Power Hall and its place taken by Walsall 56 (also Cummins engined).
Once extracted it was put over the pit, examined and rectification work done where necessary, primarily by Dave Parry but with assistance from others. Paul Gray then did the preparation work ready for the repaint by Kevin Hill. With transfers applied, the bus then went for Class V Test on Saturday 25 October and passed. The final on-site preparation for its show debut was undertaken by a Cummins contractor who carefully cleaned the engine and engine compartment prior to painting it all silver.
Sunday 2 November saw the Roadliner's departure for the NEC where its windows were adorned with iconic figures from the 1960s, all intended to show Cummins' long association with the bus industry. Cummins professed themselves well pleased with the exercise, although their views on Buses magazine subsequently pointing out the Cummins engine in this application was not the greatest of success stories is not known. Thanks to all who helped to prepare the bus for the show, including Mick Green who thoroughly cleaned the bus after the paint preparation work had been done.
The Roadliner is the only Trust bus to have been tested recently. Unfortunately, although the West Bromwich Daimler managed to earn its keep during event days it became obvious that all was not well with its engine, the oil level rising with a watery sludge amongst other things. Hence it was decided major surgery was required which Dave Parry now has in hand. Whilst the engine is out the opportunity has been taken to steam clean and then silver paint the engine compartment.
The Soudley Valley Leyland Tiger Cub was also subjected to the steam clean and paint treatment by Kevin Hill and there is the intention to bring this to Class VI standard over the next several months. A jobs list has been drawn up and Dick Lolley and others are gradually working on these.
As reported in 'Omnibus' no.189, Walsall 815 is now receiving bodywork attention, as is also the Barton Leyland PD1.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
