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update (24 May 2007) Latest report: After a long wait the outer body shell is now taking shape with aluminium paneling nearing completion. Window pans are still proving to be a problem. The rear entrance door has been acquired from an eariler Bristol L or J type and needs certain modifications, drivers and emergency doors are being reconstructed using the old ones for a pattern. A destination blind has been taken to Lathalmond to assist Tam in reconstructing the destination box to the correct width. Once the windows are fitted a start will be made on the interior, this poses the next problem ! material, design and colours. We hope that we can source the correct moquette and leather cloth for seats, side-walls and ceiling, this is our next task, more news will be published as progress is made.
update (8th April 2006) Report on our ex Western Welsh Leyland Tiger PS1 CUH856, from the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, where rebuilding of this fine vehicle is being undertaken. The very complicated rear end corner framing which supports the rear body domes is now fitted, and the rest of the cab frame wood, is now cut and ready for assembly also all external body panels have now been measured up and cut ready for attachment to the body frame. The search is now on for suitable replacement window pans as those on 856 were in such a poor state that they cannot be reused, if suitable replacements cannot be found then it may be possible to fashion replacements from a more modern, but similarly constructed ECW bus body. As well as progress on the body structure, by the SVBM's bodymaker Tam Loggie, Roland Williams, aka "The Bus Doctor" and his team have been busy repairing and refurbishing the water cooling system. As mentioned in our previous report, the radiator which was found to be leaking has been completely stripped and a number of tubes replaced, all tubes being fitted with new rubber "O" rings and with the top and bottom rad' tanks cleaned and repaired as necessary. All these parts are now reassembled and refitted to the working chassis. The exhaust has been removed and will be remanufactured to the same dimensions from new material, this process was underway as this news item was being prepared. Look out for further reports as progress continues. (previous reports below)
update (19th February 2006) More wooden support framing has now been added to the bodysides, pipework for the revised heating system has also been fitted. The engine was started while we were there and runs well even though being temporarily fed with fuel from one gallon 'banger' tank. It was found that the radiator has a couple of leaks and this will be rectified in due course. The chassis is now standing on it's new cross-ply tyres especially imported from China where production of cross-ply tyres continues. A set of correct profile seats has been sourced which just need some refurbishment and re-trimming, these will be stored until required. Two replacement headlamps and a fog light now need to be found to replace lost or damaged originals. Four new photographs have been added to the 'CUH856' photo page 19/2/06.
update (5th February 2006) Report on the rebuild of Western Welsh Leyland Tiger PS1 CUH856 from The SVBM.......more ash hardwood has been added to the basic skeleton of the body frame, The short sections of longitudinally mounted timbers have now gone in between the transverse roof sticks and the short vertical support wood beneath each window bay has been added. The cab frame is being built up and a new front panel beneath the drivers windscreen has been fabricated though not yet fitted to the vehicle. The engine is now complete and has been turned over but not yet run, this will take place shortly.
update (16 January 2006) Two more, new photographs received from The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, show the body of 856 under reconstruction in the museum workshop, the saloon body frame sides are nearing completion, the radiator has been refitted and is ready for testing...................more news as it becomes available..... click on 'CUH856'
update ( 9th January 2006) More news from Lathalmond on CUH856 .....The engine is now complete with newly overhauled fuel pump and injectors and is ready for testing The saloon floor boarding has been laid, body pillars fitted and roof sticks attached, the cab bulkhead has also been fitted in place and the cab frame has been repaired and is due to be put in place during the week of this report. The exhaust system is being remade using the old pipe work as a pattern and is due to be refitted shortly. A further updates will be provided as the work progresses Two new photographs are available to view just click on 'CUH856'
News from the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum on our Western Welsh Leyland Tiger PS1 is, that the chassis of CUH856 has been sand blasted, after which some small cracks were found behind the rear road spring hangers, these were ground and welded the chassis painted and all previously removed and duly overhauled chassis components have now been refitted, along with the newly reconstructed body bearers and floor frame. Thanks go to Tam Loggie and 'The Bus Doctor' aka Roland Williams for undertaking the complete rebuild of this fine machine. It is hoped that CUH856 will be returned to the CTPG for rally service during the spring of 2006. Look out for further updates on progress..
Ex Griffin Brynmawr/Red & White Services Leyland Tiger PS1 with Lydney Coachworks B35F body new in 1949 (Red & White S1449 in 1949). One of 26 Lydney bus bodied PS1s operated by Red & White, S1449 being the second of six acquired with the business of Griffin Brynmawr in 1949 hence the 'EU' registration mark as opposed to the more normal 'WO or AX' marks more associated with Red & White vehicles. At this period in history Brynmawr was within Brecknockshire, the boundaries of Monmouthshire and Brecon being later redefined, bringing Brynmawr into Monmouthshire. After withdrawal from service by Red & White S1449 was acquired by The Multiple Sclerosis Society and converted to carry disabled people, used in the Rhondda area and looked after and garaged by Rhondda Transport at it's Porth Depot. It was purchsed for preservation by Rob Edworthy a local PSV Circle member in the mid 1970s, he and a small group of associates restored the bus and rallied it during 1977/8. It was later sold again for preservation but sadly no work was carried out on it and deteriartion occured over the next twenty seven years which were spent on the driveway of it's last owner in Chepstow. It is now proposed to store S1449 undercover until such time that reconstruction can be started.
Swift News: The newly rebuilt engine of our Cardiff A.E.C. Swift number 512 was started for the first time during mid-December 2005 there just remain a few mechanical jobs such as fitting a new throttle system and a replacement set of EP valves for gear selection. The rear windows were refitted with new rubber gaskets, leaving just the replacement of the front near-side windscreen and off-side rear quarter panel, tail lights and indicators. Work was held up on 512 due in part to our move from the Wenvoe site which was our home. 512 has now been booked in at a commercial garage to be completed during 2007.