Window pans arrive

The arrival of the first batch of specially fabricated steel window pans has allowed a big step forward in the restoration project. Four new units have been fitted to the lower deck, thanks to Rob Duker who had the units commissioned.

Other progress on the specialist timberwork continues, with the offside headlamp surround (illustrated) being one example of the joiner's work. Further joinery work has been completed at the rear end and both the rear wheelarches.

Emergency Exit rebuild

The emergency exit timbers have been rebuilt this week, which means the rear roof dome and new aluminium roof panelling can be fitted. Other work has involved rebuilding the rear platform bulkhead and fitting all seat fixings and brackets on the lower deck. Good news also that some RT window pans are ready and we hope to collect these next week - then we really will start seeing some progress!

Panelling progresses

Whilst work progresses on the lower deck, fitting new seat brackets and the rear emergency exit timberwork is rebuilt, further between deck panelling is in hand. Once the emergency exit timbers are replaced (which is quite complex), the rear roof dome can be refitted and the roof panelling completed. Still waiting for some window pans which would really transform RTW335!

Back with the dome

RTW335's rear dome has arrived back after a few weeks of TLC having the dents knocked out of it and now looks as good as new. It has been prepared by a company that was formed by a small group of staff that were formerly employed in the TVR Cars panel shop at Bispham in Blackpool. The specialist shaped timberwork around the dome and emergency exit is being rebuilt (more rot having been found), but the roof panelling is now ready for refitting.

Also returned recently has been the window parts sent away for re-chroming - again all looking as good as new. All we need now are some window pans - these are being fabricated under the car of Routemaster owner Rob Duker.

Dome of discovery

Ok, I know exactly what you're thinking - one step forward, two steps backward. Why is the roof panelling now off?

Well, this week we removed the front roof dome off RTW335 - it is completely shot. This resulted in two discoveries. The first was that it wasn't one dome - it was two! The outer panel was battered but this was actually a replacement dome with the layer underneath even more battered. Our other discovery was rot in the timbers underneath the dome. The roof panels on the RTW are solid riveted and overlap. To remove the front dome, the first roof panel had to be disturbed and some soft (but not rotten) timber was discovered. In the interests of RTW335's long term conservation and undertaking a thorough restoration, it was therefore decided to repanel the entire roof and replace the timber inserts. The ceiling panels have been taken down - although these were only loose fitted. Other developments are the fabrication of new seat frame supporting brackets and the top securing bolts so characteristic of the London RT and RM classes. Whilst new timbers for the front between deck area are awaited, the back board for the destination box has been replaced with new bulb holders and new wiring.

Plenty of seats on top!

We have been busy fabricating the original style seat fixing brackets and this has allowed a trial refitting of the RTW seat frames. We have also made an interesting discovery - the seat backs from a Routemaster will (with a slight modification) fit RTW seat frames. RTW335 returned from Germany without seat frames, so the use of standard RM/RML backs will save having to fabricate from scratch.

Other progress includes removal of the front and rear domes - which are both badly dented and not fit for re-use. A local company will make new, using sister bus RTW467 as a template.

Fabrication of new window pans is in progress and the re-fitting of these will make a great visual appearance to RTW335's extensive restoration.

All that should glisten

Not the most exciting of photographs, but one that illustrates one of the many tasks in bus restoration - one of the tasks that are taken forgranted. The photo is of the component parts of the wind-down half drop windows from RTW335. The units have been stripped down and separated from the glazing ready for re-chroming. Screws were seized, gears were seized or covered in years of solidified grease and rubber gaskets have perished - all need restoring to form their part of the many pixels that will become the fully restored picture of a London RTW.