UCOC Lodekka 651 returns to BusWorks

Ex-United Counties Lodekka 651 (651EBD) has been returned to the main BusWorks site today for the bodywork restoration to resume. Restoration of this vehicle stalled during 2010 due to problems with the engine/gearbox combination. Recently, however, the brakes on both axles have been relined and the skimmed brake drums refitted and a decision was taken to resume the bodywork restoration whilst the running unit problem is solved.

Metropolitan reframe progresses

The reframing of London Metropolitan MD60 continues to make good progress at our Brinwell Road site. A freelance welder/fabricator has been dedicated to the project and has reached the stage where the steel supports that were bracing the upper structure whilst the waistrail was rebuilt have now been removed.

There is still much work to do but MD60 is certainly on the road to recovery. Further horizontal steel sections are required and upon completion, the lower structure steel stress panelling will be welded to the frame structure.

FoKAB Panther 419 arrives

FoKAB's Panther 419 (UOU419H) has arrived at the BusWorks for a roof rebuild. Built in 1970 with a Plaxton 'Derwent' style body, the construction includes a substantial amount of timber, which was very uncommon for buses even by the 1960s.

The FoKAB group had become increasingly concerned by body movement and water ingress on 419; sister bus 417 owned by the group had its roof extensively rebuilt many years ago, but the extent of the work meant that 417 was off the road for several years.

An initial inspection of 419 shows that there is soft or rotten roof timbers and the sealent between the roof panels and timber has broken down, leading to loose panelling, corroded screws to secure panel mouldings and water ingress. The BusWorks has therefore been tasked to rebuild the roof of this fine vehicle.