More specialist panels prepared

Whilst work on the exterior of RTW335 has visibly progressed by the fitting of the simple flat sheet panels, further work has been progressing on the more complex panelling ready for refitting. Again, parts of the RTW jigsaw but currently "work in progress" and not particularly photogenic. Below are a selection of panels, all previously stripped of paint but now prepared and treated awaiting their turn for reassembly.

Platform bulkhead rebuilt

Another area of RTW335 that has required major structural attention is the area around the rear platform bulkhead and nearside rear wheelarch. Despite the main steel frame being in generally good condition, this area had suffered severe corrosion. The bulkhead has been rebuilt and the steel framing completely replaced with new stress panelling also fitted - as seen in the picture below.

February - Progress Report

After several weeks of plenty of activity but no 'visible' achievement on RTW335, the jigsaw puzzle of parts being worked on are now ready for assembly on the vehicle. Following further rewiring work, the ceiling and interior roof cove panels are being refitted on both decks. Working down the bus, this has allowed the refitting of the rexine covered green & cream window cappings to be refitted - allowing the interior to start to come alive once more with the character of the London RT class. Meanwhile, on the exterior only specialist panels await fitting before the lengthy process of refitting new panel mouldings commences. The original rear flasher unit and registration plate unit has been restored, lamp holders replaced and refitted - another feature that is helping to bring the jigsaw of RTW335 back to life. Meanwhile, a prototype for new window pans will soon be ready for inspection off-site.

Emergency exit - rebuilt

As reported in the last posting, the Emergency Exit framing was partly rotten and this has now been rebuilt by our specialist joinery contractors. It has now been returned to us and will allow the relevant parts to be refurbished and refitted.

Emergency - Exit!

Another example of one of the many restoration jobs that ends up being a time-consuming task. The Emergency exit framework was rebuilt last year before the rear dome was refitted but now it is time to tackle to exit door itself. The timber is partly rotten, a steel section is severely corroded and the whole door has had to be stripped for rebuilding. With the exception of the glazing, some of the component parts are visible in the picture below.

More pieces of the RTW jigsaw

Over the last month, more pieces of the RTW jigsaw have been progressed in preparation for a reassembly onslaught once some other significant BusWorks' projects are completed (including conversion of some Big Bus Olympian buses for export and a double deck Limo bus).

We have commissioned some cant-rail 'drip' moulding that was once such a feature of bus bodywork in the 40s/50s in particular at a cost of £2,758 - but as usual with these things, the minimum order is enough to do about 10 buses!

Other work has included the preparation of parts that we want to get sprayed in LT red before re-assembly, allowing some of those 'difficult' to get to areas to be treated with paint. This includes the engine bonnet and front panelling, some between deck corner panels, the cab door & battery box panel

Sorry for the delay....

One of the unfortunate problems with blogs - is that you are expected to keep them updated. I offer both the blog readers and RTW335's owners sincere apologies for the failing to do this over the summer & autumn months. I am sure many will be well aware that the BusWorks was affected by the effects of both the recession beginning to bite - and staff shortages resulting from previous recruits returning to Optare.

Anyway, back to RTW335. Following the resumption of work early in October, we are focussing on the reassembly of the upper deck interior. The restored aluminium window cappings are now being refitted and the new ceiling panels are back in - following a coat of Chiswick Cream - and likewise the aluminium cove panels with light fittings. Readers will recall that this follows the complete renewal of the roof timbers and aluminium panelling. The slatted timbers for the centre gangway are prepared, but await fitting - and the cork flooring for the areas underneath the seat frames are on hand.

Are biggest head scratching for the exterior - which impacts on the top deck - is the rubber gasket required for the new RT window pans. This is ongoing because neither the traditional RT rubber appears not to fit. We need to resolve this before finalising the fabrication of the non-standard front & rear window pans. Watch this space!

Finally, several specialist panels - carefully rescued when the bus was stripped down to its main frame - have been dipped to remove paint and will soon go away for respraying in two-pack London red prior to refitting.

Picture: Dave our coachpainter prepares the front interior roof dome for painting after returning from being dipped to remove previous layers of paint.