Work resumes on Leicester 100

Work has recommenced on the restoration of former Leicester Dennis Dominator 100, which latterly operated with Warrington Transport. The glazing has been removed for replacement of life expired glazing rubbers and the platform stripped for rebuilding of corroded steelwork. Following this work, alongside for mechanical and auto-electrical work, 100 will then be ready for repainting in the 1980s Leicester bus livery of red, white and grey. Not as classy as the former cream and maroon colours associated with Leicester City Transport, but nonetheless distinctive.

VRT emigrates to Florida, the Sunshine State

Former Alder Valley, but latterly Western Greyhound and then Classic Bus North West, Bristol VRT reg CJH119V is getting ready to pack its bags and report to passport control for a one-way journey to Florida. The bus has been sold for sightseeing open top tours and this summer it will join other expats in the Florida sunshine. CJH119V was originally converted with an offside doorway for export to Budapest but in the event the vehicle was not required and the bus was offered for sale. In the next few weeks the VR will report to Liverpool docks once the shipping has been arranged.

Signed, sealed & delivered

Former Stagecoach Dennis Dragon was delivered back to the "Message Trust" in Manchester today following its 3-month refit into a mobile limo & multi-media entertainment bus. The "Eden Bus" will enter service with the trust after its official launch on 6th February.

Philip Higgs, Managing Director of the BusWorks said “we felt that young people could be engaged by a bright and contemporary limo style vehicle whereas the upper deck features wifi computers, X-Box games consoles, a music room and even a nail boutique”. Julie Mason, who has project managed the bus for the Message Trust commented “the Busworks has been a genius in capturing our vision and delivering it”.

Eden Bus almost ready to spread the message

The limo lounge and entertainment vehicle being prepared for The Message Trust in Manchester is now almost complete. Dennis Dragon M680TDB, donated to the Trust by Stagecoach, arrived at the Busworks in mid-October and the vehicle has now been prepared for its multi-functional role. The picture above shows the bus released from the paint shop prior to the application of graphics for the "Eden Bus" project. The Message Trust works with the hardest-to-reach young people through innovative and effective work in the schools, communities and prisons of Greater Manchester, and beyond through the UK-wide Eden Network.

Ginger Beer Routemaster gets a refresh

Former RMC1459, which assumed a new life as a promotional bus for Crabbies Ginger Beer back in 2009, has entered the workshop for a refresh after travelling several thousands of miles on advertising duties. The work includes interior alterations, panelling repairs and a new fibreglass front dome after several knocks with trees on its travels. Whilst off the road, RMC1459 is also receiving mechanical repairs preparing it for a very busy summer ahead on promotional work.

Crosville FSF stripped for makeover

Crosville FSF DFG81 is being treated to a complete lower repanel as part of its makeover for our client Crosville Motor Services of Weston-Super-Mare. Whilst the between-decks are being left untouched, save for repaint preparation, the lower panels are being replaced after the typically aged and soft horizontal timbers have been renewed. Some interior improvements are also planned and the lower deck window rubbers replaced.

Duple Viceroy arrives for restoration

A very unique vehicle to arrive at the BusWorks is a Duple Viceroy of 1969 origin that started life with Premier Travel of Much Wenlock. Registered UOX533G, the vehicle is bodied on a Ford R192 lightweight chassis and the body was built only a stones-throw away from the BusWorks' site in Blackpool where Duple was based.

The coach arrived at the BusWorks on 23rd January for a complete restoration. It is certainly a challenging job - the coach body is completely rotten below the waistrail and will need a complete rebuild, whilst the body itself has literally "broken its back" around the rear axle.