SOUTHPORT LEYLAND PD2
Hello everyone, this is your exiled Lancastrian, now after 40 years a naturalised Brummie. I felt it was time to write again before the Editor and his henchmen leaned on me for material for Omnibus. Pete and Tom are too busy to write, as they are catching up on their work on the Southport PD2.
I realised the other day that by the time you read this it will be twelve months since the first Epistle. (Sounds a bit like a sermon, but I leave the preaching to Pete). Visually to one who sees the bus regularly, the work may not seem further forward, but to one who hasn’t seen it for twelve months, much work that has been done is now evident.
On the upper deck area, the drain troughs were made and fitted. All brackets and stress panels were screwed in place and after an absence on holiday, I returned to find that Pete had experienced a rush of adrenalin and fixed the upper body panels in place. These at present await cleaning and painting with the first undercoat. We have still to do the lower panelling but would like to paint as we go, so that as well as protecting the structure it will make the visual appearance better for visitors.
Lower down on the nearside all vertical and horizontal timbers have been renewed where necessary. The wheelarch has been fabricated and will soon be glued, screwed and shaped ready for panelling. However, first we have to check that the wiring for the lower saloon interior lights is up to standard before panelling over the fittings. Also Pete has to repair some of the window pans before refixing them in place. To complete the restoration of the side I shall have to make a new lifeguard rail to fit below the bottom of the panels.
Moving to the rear section of the bus, I was faced with one or two problems. (No - Pete was not one on this occasion!) As mentioned before, I had no specific plan to work to but Fred had the foresight to sketch a structure and some dimensions. Using these, the old panels, light fittings, and number plate I was able to draw a plan of how it should be. I have managed to complete the construction of the framework and it is screwed and bolted in place. The rear light assemblies have been rewired and painted and are ready to fit. Two curved pieces of timber for the offside corner have been made to take the fibreglass corner panels, and with new brackets will be fitted soon. With a complete treatment of wood preservative the side and rear can then be panelled and painted in undercoat. To complete the rear assembly I have made a cycle buffer that fits at the bottom of the panelling to stop cyclists damaging the rear panels. (I am sure we’ve all in the past ridden our bikes close to the back of a bus)
As I said in the previous article, I needed to find information of the vehicle. This has now moved on quite a bit. I have been in touch with a man called Hilary Royden, an Official at St. Helens Museum, who owns No’s 84 and 86 Southport PD2s and other buses. He has provided me with a good bit of detail and I have also managed to obtain photographic detail of livery, inside colours, legal lettering etc., which will be useful as we proceed.
The destination blinds have come to light and are back in our possession. However, we still need the route number blinds. The rear blind is in situ but in poor condition and I am seeking a replacement. If any member knows the whereabouts of the front route number blind please contact myself, Pete or a Trustee.
I think this brings you up to date with progress, and by the time of the next report I hope we will have completed the nearside and rear, the bus will have been turned round and we are busy finishing the offside. Do come and see for yourself. Progress, although steady, has hopefully been worth it in the long run, to make another restoration to promote the ongoing work undertaken by the Museum for the benefit of future visitors.
Alwyn Marsden
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
