ENGINEERING EXTRA
BMMO D9 BHA399C had the work on its suspension units completed in February and, following a check-over, was presented for Class VI test in March, which it passed. It was accompanied to the test station by the Crosville Bristol L5G, which also passed.
As well as his work on these vehicles Dave Parry also checked over BCT Guy 2976 and the Wendaway BMMO S23 prior to the Easter event day.
The Midland Red DD12 Fleetline is one of the Museum buses due for painting this year. Following his usual practice when the weather is unsuitable for painting Kevin Hill has been preparing the bus ready for warmer days, assisted by Paul Gray and Leo Coley. The decision has also been taken to replace several panels rather than attempt to fill them which should give a better end result.
Phil Ireland
DESTINATIONS
Thanks are again extended to Derek Potter who has donated a large number of BCT/WMPTE 44inch blinds, most of which have become part of the Museum collection. These include some very early 1950/52 printings and a now rarely seen Barford Street/Highgate Road print.
Also donated by Derek is a quantity of number blinds and number tracks together with several items of winding gear/rollers/spool ends. Several of these blinds have already been fitted (or will shortly) to preserved vehicles. For example, a vintage West Bromwich number blind is now fitted to the rear box of No.248. This now matches the front one which was already 'correct'.
With progress being made on BMMO Fleetline 6015, we need a traditional style Worcester 'B' lower blind. Does anyone have one, please? One is wanted more-or-less immediately for 6015.
Bob Williamson
RECYCLING
To elaborate on the recent mention in 'Omnibus', the official trade waste bags from the Council cost 90p each, so I offered to take anything recyclable to reduce the number of bags used. Thus paper, cardboard, plastic bottles etc. and cans are all taken, which averages out at three bags a week. This gives a saving of around £140 a year for the Museum.
Bob Williamson
SNOW PATROL
Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, so 23 March - as it occurred this year - is about the earliest it can be. Unfortunately, the very early date coincided with winter failing to finish on time. As a result the Museum's first main event weekend was accompanied by a grey chill and showers; even a few flurries of snow.
Nevertheless, this did not seem to deter the public from visiting Wythall. Apparently on Sunday the showers happened to match the times of the bus trips, and visitors returned just as the sun reappeared.
I did wonder how the Bristol L5G was going to move the queue on Hill Street on Monday morning, though this was answered by Guy 2976 performing a 'Service Extra'. (But how often has a scheduled service into central Birmingham been worked by a Bristol L5G?)
There were no new buildings to marvel at this year, just the repaired café wall and Midland Red bus stop (the AA box was still in pieces inside the Shire Hall at that stage). But vehicle restoration work is progressing apace, with plenty to look forward to at future events...
Andrew Gardner
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
