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.

Lodekka 651 and New Year resolutions

Work is due to re-start on United Counties Lodekka 651EBD early in the new year after several months in store. Work ground to a halt after difficulties in matching the Gardner 6LX engine and Bristol gearbox supplied but, thanks to Carl Ireland of Hull, we now think the problem has been resolved. To fit the 6LX engine, the engine mountings and supporting cross-members will need to be changed and Carl Ireland thinks the correct ones have now been sourced - they differ from the pattern used for Bristol or Gardner 6LW engines. So, our new year's resolution is to get this Lodekka project back on track and returned to its home with the Rushden Historical Transport Society.

Southend 232 takes shape

Resembling a scene more akin to Northern Counties' works, Southend 232 is taking good shape. The roof has been completely repanelled after discovering several areas of severe oxidisation, and the window pans have also been renewed. This work follows replacement of the typical Northern Counties 'top-hat' section around the main steel framing, which all had to be replaced. Work is progressing from top to bottom - but there is still much work to be done, particularly on the front and rear framing which is badly corroded.

National 1000 repanelled

Repanelling is well under-way on ex-Merseyside PTE Leyland National 1000 (OHF858S). The Busworks has been busy snapping up Leyland National panels from contacts around the country, to assist with 1000's restoration - but I think we could build a few from scratch now as well! We have also had some new side panelling made for 1000 using templates supplied to a local fabrication company.

Catching up with the Bristol J-type

It has been a while since we caught up with progress on Bristol J-type BHW432. Following the fabrication of a complete new timber framed rear end and the replacement of all side and roof timbers, repanelling is well advanced. We have made new fibreglass window pans, to replace the original ones that were steel and badly corroded. BHW432 will return to its role within a vintage fairground company upon completion.

Routemaster overhauls progress

The complete overhaul and restoration of two Routemasters continues at the BusWorks and the photograph illustrates the extent of the work being undertaken. Both RML2590 and RML2680 have been stripped down to their basic framework ready for rebuilding. Both vehicles are expected to receive new roof panelling as well before major re-assembly work begins.

Routemaster stars at EuroBus Expo

London Routemaster RM1152 is one of the stars of EuroBus Expo at Birmingham's NEC following its restoration at the BusWorks. The bus features on the Omnibus Systems stand, the leading supplier of bus and crew scheduling software to the bus industry.

The sell-out show features 260 vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, more than 100 coaches and buses, a dedicated technology zone, and a programme of seminars hosted by leading industry professionals. Running from 2 to 4 November at the NEC in Birmingham, this annual bus motor show gives visitors the chance to bring themselves completely up to date with all the latest developments and talk to the companies that are shaping the industry.

The BusWorks is very proud to have completed RM1152 for the show and the bus has certainly been turning heads amongst the contemporary buses surrounding it.