2976
It had been decided by the Committee that certain vehicles could do with a facelift and Birmingham City Transport Guy Arab 2976 was on the list.
2976, an exceptional running bus and a joy to drive, and used on the Museum services, was looking rather sad on the inside especially the lower saloon. I offered to restore the wood finish back to its original walnut varnish. The wood trim had been painted brown with a clear varnish topcoat; this type of finish had been applied late in Birmingham City Transport’s existence and carried on into the Passenger Transport Executive days.
I unscrewed all the wood trim and have laboriously scraped the old varnish off and prepared the surface ready for the walnut stain. After the stain has been applied, clear varnish will be the last coat. At the same time Kevin Hill is replacing the ceiling in the lower saloon as the original ceiling was badly dented.
2976 has to be ready for the beginning of the season, so other jobs that can only be done in the closed season will have to be done over about three years. The Committee is scouting around looking for leathercloth, although this should have been done some years ago when the right coloured cloth was still available. The leathercloth on 2976 is looking very tatty and needs replacing. If anyone who knows of a supply source, please let the Committee know.
Fred Withers
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
