RM1583 out on test

It seems to have taken a very long time and lots of promises to get RM1583 back on the road, but after several false starts, the bus made a trip to Mereside turning circle today on a test run. It has some temporary destination blinds fitted at the moment but there are just a few more issues to sort out before we can finally submit for MoT.

Blackpool buses join the heritage workplan

This week, work has been undertaken on former Blackpool Atlantean 334, Swift 570 and Optare City Pacer 575.

334 has had all its opening windows repaired and the bell system rewired, whilst the platform door faults on the City Pacer have been repaired. Today, Swift 570 was given a good wash and it is now earmarked for a good interior clean and MoT assessment.

Swift 570, looking just like it had returned from a full day out on service!

Ribble RE 366 moves for paintwork attention

Poppy red liveried ex-Ribble Bristol RE no.366 was last repainted back in November 2008 and it has been decided to tidy up the paintwork so that the bus can attend events and operate on private hires this summer. Although still looking tidy, 366 was only treated to a quick repaint into the nostalgic National Bus Company red livery and this has begun to look quite flat so the lower panels are to be redone.
The work on 366 is part of a strategy to return to the road several operational buses from the LTT collection that have not operated for some years, such as:

• Blackpool 334 - Leyland Atlantean
• Blackpool 521 - Routemaster RM1583 **
• Blackpool 570 - AEC Swift
• Blackpool 575 - Optare City Pacer
• Lytham 34 -  Leyland Lion
• Ribble 366 - Bristol RE **
• Ribble 1997 - Bristol VRT **
• This blog will record our progress. (Key ** = In Progress)

The picture below was taken on its way to Poulton where a unit has been rented on short term lease for painting various vehicles.

366 posed on Hardhorn Road on the former Blackpool 2A service whilst on its way to Poulton for a partial repaint. (Photo: David Umpleby)

Ribble 1997 receives full brake overhaul

Former Ribble Bristol VRT 1997 is also undergoing significant overhaul work with its front & rear axles both stripped down for a full brake overhaul. Here it is pictured with Oakwood's recently acquired London United Volvo B7TL reg W139EON.

RM1583 prepared for MoT

After several false starts, work on preparing former Blackpool Routemaster 521 (RM1583 / 583CLT) is very close to completion, thanks to the new regime at Oakwood Travel. The bus has benefitted from a seat retrim whilst parts removed whilst in store to keep other Routemasters in active service have all been refitted. Watch out for 521 making appearances this summer.