CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW
As if 10 October had not been lively enough, a fortnight later we were again in action, having been recruited by the organisers of the Classic Motor Show at the NEC to provide a suitably classic touch supplementing the car park shuttle buses. Whilst last year's hire was the biggest we had then handled, the job was even bigger this year because the event was spread over three days, requiring two buses on the Friday and three on Saturday and Sunday, although we took an extra bus with us each day in case of breakdown. The buses in action were the Birmingham Guy, the Midland Red D9 and the Cheltenham Lodekka, with the Crosville L5G as spare.
Once again the NEC visitors appreciated our buses and litter was minimal. We had some lively weather, especially the exceptionally wet Saturday, but the buses all performed well apart from the Lodekka needing an emergency engine repair on the Saturday night; special thanks to John James and Peter Murphy who stayed on to ensure it could run on the Sunday. Lots of volunteers offered their assistance for what were long days; thanks to all of you for your help and the good service provided to the NEC visitors. Our crews comprised Clive Bennett, John Bowden, John Brogan, Mick Green, David Hales, Nigel Hall, Phil Hoole, Phil Ireland, John James, Steve Johnson, Mike Jordan, Malcolm Keeley, Alwyne Marsden, Jim Munro, and Fred Withers (think that's the lot - apologies to anyone left out!)
Malcolm Keeley
DESTINATIONS
The Midland General Bristol RELH referred to in the last 'Omnibus' has now had the modern 'dayglo' blind removed and replaced by a 1970s/early 1980s black and white blind, which gives the vehicle a more genuine NBC appearance. Unfortunately the blind is not complete but still has a large number of destinations to give variety.
A search of the sales stands at Duxford produced a 1997 set of WMT West Bromwich and a 1998 Yardley Wood Upper. These were purchased for a nominal sum and have been donated to the Museum collection for future use. Although all are 'Dayglo' it will not be many years from now that visitors (and indeed future members) will only remember when the Metrobuses carried this style of display!!
Following on from previous appeals for spare blinds it has been found that the museum is very short of pre-NBC 'tall' Midland Red number track blinds. There were two types - one with numbers and letters, the other with just numbers. These were fitted to tracks two and three of the winding unit. Any will be most welcome.
Bob Williamson
ENGINEERING ENDEAVOURS
TILLING STEVENS TTA2 26 (O9926)
A start has now been made on the preparation and painting of the window frames and surrounding areas, initially to the front, nearside and rear. Sanding the top part of the doorway to the lower saloon uncovered the official seating capacity lettering which will be photographed and traced before painting continues. During sanding of the window frames small areas of the original 1913 Midland Red paint were also uncovered! Fred Withers has carried out minor repairs to the doorframe and a rear window frame.
LEYLAND LEOPARD 5212 (5212HA)
An update from 'Omnibus' no.160 is that the roof domes were painted in grey primer and the whole vehicle then painted red by a four-man team. Kevin Hill applied the transfers so that the bus could take its place in the line-up at the open day on 10 October.
DAIMLER FLEETLINE (NHR 156M)
Aluminium panelling fixed to the front end some time ago has now been painted in WMPTE blue even though it was originally a Thamesdown (Swindon) vehicle. The rear engine cover and surrounds have also been painted blue which has considerably improved its appearance for the visiting public.
Bob Williamson
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
The Trustees and Committee recently decided to simplify the task of collecting members' annual subscriptions by fixing the renewal date at 1 January for those members who pay by cash or cheque. This means that we only have the task of sending out reminders once a year instead of every month.
If you already pay your subs by bank standing order, your membership fees and payments will stay the same, the change does not affect you!
So, for members paying by cheque or cash only, when your membership becomes due during 2005, Roger Hodson, the Membership Secretary, will write to you, asking for a proportion of the annual subscription to take you to the end of the year, then on 1 January 2006 you will be asked to pay the full annual amount to cover the whole year.
The end result costs the same but it means that all cash/cheque subscriptions eventually become due on the same date. If you have any queries about this new procedure, please contact Roger, or myself.
Dave Taylor
LETTERS TO "OMNIBUS"
I am writing on behalf of a neighbour, Marian, whose father Bob Pallet was a Midland Red driver at Two Gates and the 'New' garage in Aldergate, until his untimely death in 1948. Marian asked for the Museum address two or three weeks ago, for her cousin Brian Beaman, who lived in Canada, so I directed her to the BaMMOT website. Brian did contact the Museum and was pleased to receive lots of Midland Red information. I saw Marian yesterday (1 October), and she told me that sadly Brian had passed away. She wishes to thank the Museum staff, on behalf of her Canadian relatives, for contacting Brian.
Phil Crook, Tamworth
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
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