The restoration of RT8

Return to London part 2

2010-08-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

So it was time to head up towards Trafalgar Square....
(Photos 1,2,3,4,8,9,11) Mark Kehoe whose copyright they are

In Whitehall RT 8 joined a bendy bus in waiting to get into the square which these days has a far different traffic layout to last time she passed through

With traditional RT lean she entered the square...

... She was then pulling up on the 15 stop at Charing X and thus re-entering service for the first time in 55 years. A few enthusiats boarded as well as at least six tourists, who were destined for St Pauls and couldn't believe their luck in getting such a vehicle as their ride. A heritage route 9 passed on its way to Kensington just as 8 set off..

Having dropped off at St Pauls and picked up yet more rather suprised 'regular' passengers 8 made he way ontowards the Tower, seen here dropping off at Cheapside. It is amazing how well such a 70 year old design does in doing the job it was built for. As was said on the day if you compared a 70 year old aircraft and the difference between a modern day jet in the time they take to do the same route the difference is astounding, but with the buses, RT8 had little problem keeping up with its modern day successors.

Having dropped off on the eastbound stop a quick run around Minories saw RT8 heading back towards the Tower entrance where one final and unique photo opportunity awaited

The barrier was raised as she approached and a guard of honour of two Yeoman Warders escorted across the cobble stones of the Tower of London to be situated between two of London's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Witnessed by many thousands of tourists it made quite a sight and was starkly different from the skeleton I had been used to visiting in the depth of our 'barn' for the past four years...

As it was reversed into position, crowds flocked to the vehicle all keen to be photographed in front of it. For me this was a moment of almost relief, not only had the project come to a conclusion but the day of launch which took a lot of planning and that can go wrong so easily had been an enjoyable event. Now watching the smiles on everyones faces from the old to the young as they viewed the vehicle was very satisfying for all of us who had been involved.

And then just when everyone was saying, what a marvellous day it had been Tower Bridge was opened for a passing ship. A photo opportunity not planned but very welcome!

We were very kindly given access to the battlements to be able to get some birdseye views of the bus as the crowds disipated into the Friday evening and we prepared for the final stage of taking her back to Purfleet.

For us as a family it has been an adventure and source of huge pride the interest and enjoyment the return of the bus not only to the road but to the UK has brought to so many people already. So here's a snap of us, Peter left, me centre, and Ross right, enjoying the moment.

So that I guess is a fitting point to end this blog. I will put up some more detailed pictures of the interior detail and follow the last few jobs that she requires on the new new Ensign Vintage Fleet blog at http://ensignvintagebuses.blogspot.com

Look forward to seeing you all there, kind regards and very best wishes

Steve Newman and all at Ensignbus

RT8 The return to London Part 1

2010-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

OK no apologies for the length of this and tomorrows post as we follow RT8's return to London on Friday. I will be putting the posts up over today and tomorrow and would like to thank all those who contributed photos including, David Thrower, Russell Young, Chris Ruff, Paul Dickson, Bob Stanger, Dean Sullivan and Mark Kehoe.
The day was beautiful weather wise as the invited guests and RT8 eyed each other up. We were lucky to have such a wide range of people who had helped or contributed to the project from the beginning, including our guests and friends Molly and Scott who travelled all the way from St Louis, USA to represent the Museum of Transportation who donated the vehicle to us and who were the custodians of it for over 40 years.

Some body who just had to be onboard was our own Peter Howes, who is the man responsible for around 95% of the work on the vehicle and who has been tasked to work on the vehicle now for the past four years.

The first stage was to run to London where we would meet the remaining guests who had chosen Central London as opposed to Purfleet to join us. The venue was Aldgate Bus Station, where with TfL permission and a bay very kindly set aside for us RT8 pulled up around 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

The old meets the new with Enviro and RT side by side. It was interesting how many of the drivers came over to have a quick look over the vehicle, fascinated by how their predecessors had driven the same routes as they do today

With everybody ticked off on the list it was at 1330 time to move on to the Embankment where a lunch aboard the permanently moored boat the Hispaniola had been arranged. Ross Newman swapped over with Leon Daniels who drove the bus out of Aldgate and onwards to lunch.

Inside a party atmosphere reigned as RT8 made its way through once familiar streets for it. This was her first time in London for some 50 years and later when she re-entered service on a regular route, the 15, it would be her first time carrying passengers in our capital since 1955.

Leon, said he didn't stop smiling all day as this picture bears testament to. Or maybe that was just because he found a parking bay right outside the restaurant...

On the Embankment empty whilst everyone had lunch, RT8 drew dozens of tourists and families at one point queing to have their picture taken in front of her. There is something very iconic about Londons older generation of buses, that crosses age, sex and nationality with just about everyone passing commenting, waving or taking a picture.

And then it was time to leave the lunch venue and head off to Charing Cross, and a short run on the 15's, which already having so many guests on didn't leave a great deal of room for 'regulars', but we had 12 seats available so the time for her to re-enter was here...

Tomorrow I will finish the update with part 2 but for those regulars amongst you, the new blog following all we do with the vintage fleet will be at this address

We made it.... just

2010-07-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Well I wasn't going to update until after we had finished everything, but seeing as how we scraped in time wise to getting her tested and COIF'ed in time for my wedding, and that so many people stopped and videoed it and pictured it, all day whilst carrying guests about it seems the cat is out of the bag so to speak...

So as I am dashing about a bit today but felt followers of this blog deserved to see it before other 'passers by' posted it on facebook or something, here you go... alas you will have to forgive no commentary from me and let the pictures, which are courtesy and copyright of John Lidstone do the talking...

Steve

2010-07-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

So she returned from paint two weeks ago and all efforts have been made to try and finish her within the next two weeks. As you can see the upstairs is getting there, all the rexined panels are on and the last fittings and cappings are going on, before the ceiling beading goes back and can then be painted.

A closer view of the front shows some of the 2RT differences such as the mouldings that hold the T shape pieces are covered in rexine, whereas on the later versions, both the sleeve and these cappings were all chromed.

Downstairs is not as advanced as up, and the light for the photo was also far worse, so apologies but I think the general gist can be seen as rexined panels go back and it starts to take the look of an RT.

Now I couldn't decide what to do about showing the exterior as it has been painted and is now being signwritten with adverts, (it looks great I have to say) but seeing as some of you were keen to see it painted and others wanted to wait until the finished item, and seeing as there was debate about what livery it would be wearing, I decided to include some shots of it on the day we collected her, so painted yes, complete no.... here you go

And there is the famous rear view with rear roof box...

.. And one last one to tease you all a bit with... So its all hands on deck to finish her now. On or around July 30 if all has gone to plan there should be an update here showing you the finished item...

Steve

2010-06-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

Well a slight delay but hopefully worth it.... The reason for the delay was that the engine went in and out 8 times eventually, to solve various leaks, (oil, water and air) and all the other various issues associated with getting a 70 year old bus back on the road after such a long absence.

But today she enjoyed the sunshine, blinked a few times having come out of her long term bay and went for a drive to the paint shop. I'm pleased to report the 30 minute trip went perfectly and she didn't miss a beat.

So with mechanicals now done, electrics in and the exterior complete, we are down to paint and interior as well as of course the small matter of MOT and COIF, but the journey is nearly complete....

Which brings me on nicley to this blog and its conclusion.

The question is how much do I show now of RT8 before its official unveling... The plan is that it will debut 99% finished at my wedding on July 17, before having a full public unveiling on July 30. So do I show it painted or do I in the next update stick to just interior shots and be a terrible tease? I haven't decided as yet... but what I will say is that I will do an update on July 1/2 and then most definitely another one immediately after the public debut on July 30. I will then change the course of the blog over to a general museum one that I will update monthly still and show both large projects and more minor work, and all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes to keep the fleet running as a number of you have expressed an interest in this.

Cheers for now
Steve

2010-04-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

So, all in all a bit disapointing in terms of visual progress due to the delays in the mechanical side that led to RT8 being in the main workshop for three weeks. First the air tank blew out, then all the pipes went the same way, the water pump went U/S, the fuel tank decided to start leaking, the engine decided it wanted to join in sympathy and offered us an oil leak, and after we finally got most of those cured and gave her a good run, the fly wheel has now got a leak! Sadly this will result in the bus returning to the workshop this month and having the engine removed for this to be resolved. On the bright side the gears and brakes all ran really well and the vehicle was driving as other wide you would hope, so in short we have a fly wheel oil leak to resolve and an air system unloader valve..... for now.

But that has not stopped work continuing and whilst the engineering was being tackled body work continued with the bonnet, wing, rear mud guard etc all being prepared to go back on. The faulty fuel tank now rectified has gone back on which allows the rest of the nearside to be panelled up. As can be seen the last of the lower framework has gone in place as have the brackets that hold the life guard rail. Now they are on the rear mudguard can be fitted and then the last remaining panels, which are the current bits being worked on.

A close up of the fuel tank, which interestingly is cylindrical on 2RT2's and not on the post war versions. The 'life guard/dog rail' brackets can be seen in place which are situated a little higher than original but still within the legal limits for COIF, this is a result of seeing the damage modern day speed bumps can do to them and regularly do, not something that was ever taken into account by the 1930's designers.

And the offside has now been pretty much completed, with the last of the beadings going on. The air system inspection panel is currently off as this needs further work, but other than that it only requires garage codes, the half round advertising 'runner' and the panel around the cab to be screwed into place, which for the moment will not be done to make access to the electrics easier. So if mechanicals and exterior can be finished by next month then the summer completion date is still on, lets hope for a smoother month than this has been.

Some one more clever did manage to upload it running!!

2010-03-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

March 5

2010-03-05T06:41:00.001-08:00

Well a few more pictures this month as lots has been happening. The first part of the month saw most of the offside panelling fitted, the fuel tank cleaned out and refitted, the fuel system drained and cleaned and the air system blown through, diif and gearbox oil were alos changed. Then on March 1 RT8 moved from its long term restoration bay to the main workshops for its engine refit....

Monday and Tuesday were spent getting the engine in, whilst by Wednesday the radiator was being fitted, therefore giving the RT its 'face' back.

Whilst up in the air having pipes and systems connected the progress to the offside can be seen. The 'flared' rear wheel arch with mud guard that has a 'tail' are very distinct 2RT features.
After a failure on Thursday morning to get her running a second attempt was made Thursday afternoon after changing the fuel pump.

On Thursday afternoon we had success in firing her up and she ran sweetly, not stalling on tick over and producing very little smoke. We did video this but alas it appears the blog won't accept the footage so I will try and get someone more clever than me to upload it to the main site. Once the run up was complete, she went back up in the air so that the fuel system could be checked as the supply from the lift pump was slow and the air system was not building as it should.

By Friday morning the fuel system had been sorted and the bus would happily start 'on the button' and tick over at a steady pace. The throttle was checked as was the stop to make sure all was in order, after minor adjustments all was well and attention turned to the air system.

The nearside still requires its lower panels but these were needed to be off to access the small fuel filter that resides just behind the front wheel.

The air system proved more troublesome and as today slipped by it looked unlikely that she would be returned to the restoration bay under her own power. One air pipe blew under the pressure, this was quickly replaced, and on the next run up the air pressure got to the magic 120psi, only to fall back quickly as soon as the vehicle went to tickover.

Another attempt was made which successfully rectified a leak only for a valve to then stay stuck open and thus let the air escape again. So it would appear we failed to drive RT8 out due to one sticking valve but this is now off and being fixed and after Monday morning services for the fleet, attention will once again turn to getting RT8 going. As soon as she does she will go on the brake rollers for a test to see how good they are at the first time of asking and how much we need to do to adjust them to get them up to MOT standard.

So an interesting month, which has seen her move from static project to almost running unit. The priority will be to get all the mechanicals finished next week so that she can return to her bay. At that point the remaining panels, wings and bonnet can be fitted which will just about complete the exterior. With mechanical and exterior done the attention will turn to exterior painting and interior fitting out, so who knows what you will find here next month.....

February 8

2010-02-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

A really good month for progress! Firstly the cab area has been completed as can be seen. The front mud guards have been repaired and fitted, the foot hold and electric booster panel all repaired and fitted and the inspection panel and all its holding fittings is also now back on. The lower deck panelling is all now being fitted and is the current job.

RT8 is also now off its long term axle stands. The rear brakes have been relined, completely overhauled and put back together, allowing the wheels to be fitted and the vehicle to stand up on her own 'feet' again.

Also completed was the lower deck flooring, the wheelarches have been fitted and indeed the bench seats are now in place as well.

As mentioned before the lower deck offside panels are the current project but before these can be done, the brackets that hold the 'life guard' to prevent people or animals going under the bus need to be fitted. Alas RT8's were beyond repair so all new ones are being produced, such as this one now fitted at the rear.

And lastly the plans for the next month... Firstly the aforementioned brackets will be fitted, the remaining panels, mudguards and then life rails, will see the outside of the vehicle completed, with the exception of the engine bay area, bonnet and front NS mudguard. Of course there is no pointing in fitting those until the engine is in. So on completion of the bodywork attention will once again switch to the mechanical side, with first the wiring loom going in and then the engine and radiator. As can be seen the fully reconditioned engine awaits ots top cover of black paint that will be done this week in preparation for its fairly imminent refitting. Whether that happens before the next update is unclear, so best you pop back and see in roughly 4 weeks! Until then cheers for now!

Start of the New Year

2010-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

So a Happy New Year to everyone!

Well its funny when you do projects like this there suddenly seems to be a point where things are moving quickly and you can sense a change in momentum and for some reason that seems to be the case now. Maybe its because engineers are also now working on the bus in servicing the last of the brakes and getting ready to put the engine in fairly shortly.

So a good place to start with a view of the offside rear stub as all the drums and pads are off as it is serviced and bought up to standard. Interestingly the guy working on this (Bernie) has worked on RT's for years and has never seen the same brakes or half shaft on any other RT, including even on RT8's nearside. Clearly they were updated to the latter post war type in their service life but the offside of RT8 remains as it was built. Fortunately everything is in good shape and the pads themselves are the same so for once one of the oddities is not going to cause us an issue.

The nearside was done sometime back and whilst the wheel has again been removed to assist in fitting the wheelarches as soon as the offside is done the wheels will go back on and she will come off axle stands and stand on her own 'feet' for the first time in a long while.

Looking in from the platform, the wheelarches and associated bench seats are now in place and fitted. The remaining floor boards are now going down which will complete all the flooring on RT8. It will then be treated again before the slats are laid but this will not be an imminent job, even though they are now all cut and ready to be fitted.

Looking at the nearside you can just see the inspection panel to get to the diff for topping up the oil level. Also you can see the seat frame which makes up part of this whole unit, which due to its weight and size is a fairly cumbersome part to fit. Another little known fact is that the seat frames on the 2RT2's were painted green, whilst on the post war variants they were brown. Interestingly this practice seemed to last through to the end for 2RT2's as all RT8's were green (if it looks brown its surface rust I'm afraid!) and a few other frames we acquired that also came from 2RT2's were also green and had never got even a light coat of brown.

This coming month will see the last of the floor boards laid, then the external panels around the wheelarches and the last remaining glazing done. The brakes will be finished and the wheels refitted and if all this is done and then being able to roll we may well move her into an engineering bay and get the engine fitted and run up to make sure all is OK in that department.

Of course to see how much we complete of that you will need to come back next month and see, sometime hopefully around the 7th should be the next update.

Cheers for now

2009-12-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

A bit late in posting this month as our running day last Saturday took up a fair bit of time last weekend, but was a good event and blessed with some great morning sunshine, but onto RT8...

Starting with the nearside view, the last of the beadings have gone on as have most of the lower deck panels and as can be seen the rear wheels are off so the wheel arches can be fitted and the last of the windows go in. The wheel arches are one of those jobs that have been put off as they are awkward, heavy and fiddly but alas the time has come...

Onto the offside and a similiar story in that most of the uppder deck panelling is done and the wheels are off. One of the great things about doing this is finding out about all the small differences on a 2RT from the post war variants. In this case its the stencil holder... RT8 arrived without one as late in their London lifes they were removed but when new they were fitted in a one piece panel, thus not being in their own small panel and having the beading around them as on later variants. So we have done the same and adjoined a stencil holder to a panel through welding and have made a one piece panel of them as would be accurate for the period we are aiming for circa 1943-44.

The front has been another benefactor of recent work and is now largely complete except for the glass in the destination displays. This has been one of the most difficult parts of the whole reframing to match up accurately but does now appear to be correct... was it R. J. Mitchell who said 'if it looks right it probably is right'?

Another view of the offside but i'm afraid with it being so close to the wall it is hard to get any really decent shots but I think you can probably get the general feel for where it has got to.

And finally a view of the wheel arch area currently being worked on. With any luck these should be done over the Christmas period which will then allow the last window pan on each side to be added. the missing panels, mudguards etc. all of which will make the nearside look very complete and she can then come down off axle stands and be back on her own 'feet' again.

Well this is the last update of 2009 which I optimistically thought would be the year she would've been running again. However, you cannot rush such a large project without cutting corners and we are not going to do that here, so its going to take as long as it takes, (although I do honestly think 2010 will be the year she is back) which of course will be exactly 70 years after she entered service in 1940.

So Merry Christmas to one and all and see you early in the New Year, which of course I hope will be a happy one for you all.

Cheers for the year
Steve

Update Nov 6

2009-11-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

So here we are again....

Thought we'd start with some interior shots, as whilst no work has been on going here lately the addition of the windows has made the interior come alive and really look and feel like an RT. Above of course is the lower deck, whilst below is the upper, just to confuse you all!

The focus has been on panelling the bus up this month and the nearside upper deck is just about finished. There are one or two more vertical beadings to go on, then the beading that runs above the lower deck windows. Once these are done the offside will be taken to the same point.

Once the offside is also complete (to the lower deck windows) it will be the turn of the rear wheel arches to be fixed in. Completion of this will allow us to panel the area around the wheel arch which in turn means that the bus will be a solid structure with only the open platform allowing the cold winter air in, which of course will enable us to heat the bus so that interior finishing and painting can be started.

The fuel tank will also need to come off again and be cleaned again as despite the previous efforts some more residue has built up and no one has a wish to suck that into the fuel system the first time she starts up, so cleaned agin it will be and monitored again to make sure it remains clean.

A better angle to see the wheelarches from which have been sized but not fitted and will present some awkwardness in fitting, but in the scale of whats already been done, nothing to scary I guess.

Of course thats all a month away, so wish you all well for now, be you a follower, regular visitor or new to this blog, just to nice to know people are interested and out there!!

Update Oct 8

2009-10-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

So the scaffolding has now all gone as the panels, beading and windows are all completed on the upper deck. Work has then been of finishing the fuel system, the front bulkhead, mud guard area and the canopy.

As can be seen from this angle the near completed front area has really taken on the look of an RT and I know that the team will be glad this part is finished as the great looking curves are pleasing on the eye but awfully hard to recreate properly!

And as mentioned the last parts of the fuel system have been put in place along with the last parts of the front bulkhead.

Next month will see us finish a few parts of framework that for some reason beyond us do not feature on the drawings of the time, and then start the panelling up process and fitting of window pans and glass. All things being equal next month should be another good visual step forwards

Cheers for now

2009-09-07T08:33:00.001-07:00

Firstly, thanks for the comments last month, nice to know not only are there regulars out there but new people are finding us which is terrific and makes writing this worthwhile!!

This month, I am pleased to say we have a far more visual update than of recent times....

As can be seen the scaffolding around the roof height has gone and come down to the waist rail. All the window pans are in and the beading and drip guards are either on or going on.

The nearside from the rear looking forwards shows quite clearly the drip guards and beading. The larger over the roof beadings are also now all fitted in place and have added sealant around them to ensure the all damaging rain cannot get back and have another go at the wood!

The front nearside looking back and quite clearly now its an RT. Interestingly the first RT's had enlarged vents that took air in just below the beading line across the front above the windows, which protrudes quite away out although not obvious to see in this picture. These were later blocked in by various means as they were in reality to effective and blasted air, rain, cold draughts and even mud in. LT ordered them to be modified, whilst some may have received genuine modifications others received the 'make do and mend' type fix of World War II and have copies of 1940 ear newspapers wedged in!

Finally, a nearside view as the last of the roof beadings and drip guards and horizontal beadings go on. It has been possible to use almost all of the original beading as whilst twisted and warped it has been possible to straighten most of it up.

This month will see us utilise the scaffolding and start panelling up the rest of the upper deck, which should hopefully make for another nice visual update the first week in October, until then cheers for now

2009-08-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

This month has been a month of preparation for the next big visual improvement...

Firstly, the long awaited scaffolding arrived and RT8 was entombed in it. At the moment the level is around the roof so we can refit the roof panels back, whilst working safely. This will also allow us to be able to seal it all properly, so that god forbid should it ever rain won't have drips coming in.

A slightly unusual view of an RT from the back lookiing forwards gives a good idea of the job to be done. At this stage the panels are just lying in place and have not been fiited whilst everything is measured up to make sure the beadings will all fit and join everything together.

And the same view but looking from the front back...

And as I mentioned before, the time has been used preparing the items due to go back in. The top deck windows and pans can be seen here in a before and after stage. The before is with the 'pink' paint thats still left, whilst the grey panels are the completed item. All the winding gear is taken apart, overhauled, greased and replaced where necessary leaving them winding as smooth as when they were built. Once the roof is fitted the standing level of the scaffolding will be lowered to allow the windows to go back in. The plus of making the bus enclosed again will be as the weather turns colder it is easy to keep the interior of the bus warm so work can continue.

Next updates should hopefully be a little more photogenic!

July 09

2009-07-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

So back again! This month has been all about the front end with the cab being finished and painted and the framework around the blindbox being completed and the first of the upper deck window pans going back in.

Its not just been the bodywork though that has been tackled as the fuel system has been checked over and the gravity tank refitted having been thoroughly cleaned, sealed and painted. The observant amongst you will notice that the gravity tank on a 2RT2 is deeper than on the post war versions and the handle for turning it off, is notr the large top mounted handle found on the later versions.

A nearside view shows that the canopy is in place now along with spring loaded stencil holder for the route number. The wrapped round panel that runs from the cab window to the first of the nearside windows has also been repaired and coated and is ready to go back on. The sidelight panel that also supports the mud guard is now being worked on as its a little battered and the wood inside it is as rotten as they come but the plan now is to finish the front off to the same level as the rear.

Lastly, not a to brilliant shot of the cab which shows it now its been painted. The cab seat and steering wheel will be last to go back in so as to make as much space as possible to work in whilst the wiring is all put in.

Well hope it was worth the wait and hopefully next month I will be a little more prompt if we have no more holidays or sickness... cheers for now

June 09

2009-06-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

Just a brief note that due to sickness and holiday, not enough progress has been made to warrant a full update, so the next one will be first week in July when there should be quite a bit to show

Until then...

2009-05-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

OK not going to be a great deal I can write this month as almost all of the work has taken place in the cab, equally the photos won't be the greatest either as its not the easiest place in the world to photograph! Above can obviously be seen the front panel that is now fitted along with side light and headlight mounting.

Well I had to put my tea down somewhere! All the floor has been replaced with original RT parts as the floor on RT8 was as rotten as the proverbial pear. New rubbers have been mounted around the floor and everything has been cleaned and modified to fit.

As can be seen the original flag unit has been restored and repainted and is now mounted back in position as have the front screens. The steering wheel has been recoated and is back with us and will be one of the last things to go back in.

Looking in from the emergency window you can get a better view of the rubbers that have gone down on the floor, the restored hand brake area and the mounting where on later RT's the indicator switch went but on the 2RT2 an antiquated horn is fitted.

Again taken from the emergency window you can see the winding handles that allow the driver to open the front windows and get some air. These were all seized solid and are made up of a spring and bicycle chain like mechanism. Eventually one was freed off enough to allow us to get it all out repaired, re-fitted and working, it is 'small' detailed jobs like this that don't look much but that take up so much time. This month is going to be all about finishing the cab to the point that everything is painted and fitted permanently, then perhaps we can move on to somewhere easier to photograph... until then cheers!

RT8 March Update

2009-04-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome back. Alas visually there is not a great deal to see this month although what has been done is all time consuming stuff that will allow for the completion of the cab area.

The cab door has been stripped down and reassembled. Obviously it takes a lot of work to make sure that it runs true and is alinged properly. As can be seen new rubber has been fitted to the edges and now following numerous small modifications it all glides along perfectly.

One of the more famous faetures of the 2RT2's is of course the 'drooping' front cab window, which has now been repaired, coated and is being fitted back in place on a permanent basis. Perhaps its to poetic calling it a landmark point, but its certainly visually a very pleasing point of the restoration.

Another view showing the panelling going back on the front end. As can be seen the area above the front screen has gone in and the front windscreen is all set to go on as well. The only snag is that the bottom part of the front screen needs to go in first but the winding gear allowing this to be opened is seized solid. Thus far we have sourced four others that have all been seized as well, but maybe, just maybe the one sourced from one of our readers (thanks Mike) appears in better nick and is currently being soaked to try and free it up, fingers crossed.

Its hard to get the feel from this photo but the cab is now getting that enclosed feeling rather than just being an open space on an otherwise reframed vehicle. It has proved time consuming and fairly complex with numerous mods needed to make everything fit but the look of it now is right and by next month should be panelled in its entirety.

And finally a close up of runner for the cab door and the wheelarch framework. The keen eyed amongst you may spot that the runner is topped by a form of hard wearing canvas that was fitted to RT's when new on areas of friction. This has been sourced and used to ensure that the level of restoration on this vehicle is to the highest standard we could possibly reach.

Happy Easter to all

February Update

2009-03-06T08:21:00.001-08:00

So here we are again back! This last period has seen two RT cabs tackled, RT624 came in was reframed and has gone back out to be painted and tested, whilst RT8 has had the cab framework fitted as can be seen from this shot.

The side walls and every vestige of the cab has been removed, straightened, stripped, undercoated and put back in. The steering wheel has also been removed to be recovered.

A few other bits still need to go in around the cab, such as the supports for the side light and front headlight (and before the purists amongst you point out the 2RT's weren't delivered with the second headlight, whilst you are indeed correct we are restoring to 1943-44 era and by then the modification had been made!) We also need to add the framework above the wheel arch which will go in next week.

And a final shot looking from the front into the cab towards the bulkhead. Whilst not the best of photos I'm pleased to show that the hand brake has indeed lined up correctly with the newly fitted cab floor, so we are presumably not to far out on the rest of the bus!

Next update will be as usual in the first week of next month, when hopefully some more progress will have been made.

2009-01-08T07:47:00.001-08:00

So a warm welcome to 2009! Alas to start with we have an interloper in the form of RT624. This RT was the very last to run in LT service back in 1979 and this being the 30th anniversary of that event she is already in great demand for the season. Unfortunately she requires a complete reframing of the cab, so progress on RT8 will be somewhat less than hoped for whilst her younger sister is brought back to full fitness.

Interestingly the cab area is one that changed little between the 2 and 3RT's with the droopy window being the main difference. After the war with the rush to replace London's tired fleet the decision was made not to make wholesale changes to the cab area, (unlike much of the rest of the construction), and to save time the curved window was done away with for a far easier to construct straight one.

But this is not to say nothing has been done with RT8 as these photos show. As can be seen the lower deck ceiling has gone up as have the interior side walls. Currently work is being done on the inspection hatches.

A close up of the front bulkhead of the lower deck, showing the vents and some of the interior fittngs that are now in place.

As to my next posting it will largely depend on progress. If we get back on RT8 quickly then will post as normal at the beginning of February, if however there is little to report the next update will be at the start of March. All the best til next time!

2008-12-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

So December is upon us and the last post of the year is here. At the beginning of the year RT8 was a 'single deck toast rack' and at the end not only a double deck but clearly a 2RT2, so all in all a good effort. The early part of this month has seen us tackle alot of the electrics, all the wiring is now in for the lighting, brakes lights and the charging system, so whilst not very visible it has clearly been an important stage.

As can be seen from the wiring now flooding into the cab, a chunk of the month was spent on running this through. The brakes were looked at as well at this time and the tyre and wheel refitted.

The next area tackled was the lower deck saloon where the coving and side panels have been fitted. Once again the original drawings are at odds with certain features such as the seat brackets and floor traps but these have all been negotiated around and are now in place pending rexine and painting in due course.

One interesting point note on the covings is the two and in some cases three small holes around the light fitting, at the '9 o'clock' and '3 o'clock' positions on this example, (no it isn't dirt) this is actually where the springs were fitted for the wartime blackout cowls.

So this is now what the lower deck looks like as it starts to take shape. The wheelarches have been removed and will undergo some further work before being refitted permanently.

And finally a view of the side now as it continues to become less skeletal. This of course is the last posting of 2008 and whilst progress may well be slow over the festive break we will continue to chip away at this project. It certainly looks like 2009 will be the year that RT8 returns to the capitals streets after some half a century away! On that note I will wish all of you who follow this or have just randomly popped by a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2009

November 4 Update

2008-11-05T03:50:00.001-08:00

So another month passes us by and this month has seen the majority of the work being carried out on largely completing the rear of the vehicle. The rear quarter can be seen here in the first picture and has been the source of most problems, as we know from records that RT8 took a nasty rear end crunch in the late 1940's. Where we have rebuilt the framework to original 1940 spec it would appear some of the panels had been modified to fit a slightly wonky rear end! However, it has been overcome and is all back together now. Worthy of note is the bottom panel on this quarter which is a unique 2RT2 feature. The steel panel that looks like it has beading around it when in fact this is purely a slightly raised edge to give the impression of beading and this conplete the symmetery of criss crossing beading.

A slightly different view this time taken from a conveniently parked open top.

The rear end is largely now complete as can be seen from this image. Glazing, beading and blind boxes are all now in place. The only problem is now when you walk in to the 'barn' you think its almost finished and then you see the rest of it!

The latest area being seen to is the platform and lower saloon. As can be seen the ceiling has gone in around the platform and this progress will continue through the month as the lower saloon is brought up to the same stage as the upper one, with ceilings and side panels all being added. The unseen area that holds the battery cradle and the conductors 'cubby hole' are also all being finished off.

And finally the cab area, now all stripped down and ready for the the framework to start going back on. A couple of metal brackets that have rotted away need to be recreated before we can start reinstating this area. Hopefully if the progress on the lower saloon is good this month we will get started in earnest on the cab. Who knows maybe the scaffolders will give us a confirmed date and the roof can go back on... well pop back next month and find out what exactly was tackled next on this project

2008-10-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

So Autumn is upon us and it's time for another update on what has been another excellent month. The first job tackled was the remainder of the upstairs coving, panelling and ceiling, which was completed fairly early in the month and left the upper deck looking like less skeletal and more like a bus! A couple of window pans were added on a temporary basis to check sizes and allow the interior mouldings to be checked and fitted.

Following this we started work on the emergency exit. Now this was a slower and more difficult task as RT8's original was in a terrible state. However, it was successfully restored to full working order utilising most of the original parts.

So with this in place the focus moved to the exterior of the bus where, the blind box frame, rear quater panels and blind box glazing went in allowing the rear of the bus to reall take shape.

Meanwhile it was felt approrpriate at this point by Tony to add a route 37 blind being the first route to get 2RT's and thus very likley the first route RT8 operated on!

The rear window pan has again been removed this time to be restored as we know the fitting size is accurate and hopefully that will go back in place early in October and be followed by the lowermost panels.

From there it will be a case of either putting the roof back on, but for this we are awaiting scaffolding and don't yet have a date for it, or tackling the downstairs saloon to bring it up the stage as the upstairs. Either way some good progress should be made and the back end should be largely finished. So don't forget to pop by at the beginning of November for your next fix of RT restoration monthly!

August 31 Update

2008-09-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

Well I was hoping to get back onto regular updates at the end of the month and lo and behold my second child came along a few days earlier and delayed it!! Quite ironic as when the first baby came along it was on th very day we started the strip down on RT8 back in August 2006!
So as you can see we have started now fitting out the interior. The sides walls are going on in Gaboon Ply as they were originally and then the original cappings are being put back on to check the sizes and also allow for the window pans to be fitted. We also had all the seat frames in and checked they all aligned as they should and what a difference it made to the look, but alas at the end of the month they had been removed again. As you can see the very first of the ceiling panels are in and by the end of the month the remaining ones will all be in. So all in all a good deal of change and with the first of these panels going in she is starting to look less skeletal and more like a bus. I will endeavour next month to actually publish on time around September 30, until then for Cheers for now.

Only one seat frame has remained in which is a rather convenient store for some of the drawings being used.

Finally the 'toast rack' look is departing and a sense of a real bus is prevailing

The original coving panels are all now back in upstairs having been stripped and prepared. The first ceiling panel has gone in along with the original front internal dome and blind box.

July

2008-08-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

Well July has been a good month for progress and August is all set visually to be either better. Its been a three pronged attack on the body work following the wiring all going in during the early part of the month. From there the rear upstairs was tackled with the blindboxes completed, the rear seat, stairwell and handrails all going in as well as the last biths of framework around the top of the stairs. All added together its left the rear looking very RT'like. The window cappings and surrounds have all been temporarily fitted to check sizes before being removed again at a later date and rexined. Meanwhile the cab has been started by our willing volunteer Tony (many thanks) and the floor removed before we start putting it back together again, even an old LT collar badge was found wedged underneath the cab seat area!. The last thing started has been the front upstairs area with internal panels around the blind box being fitted and now we are working back. Back to monthly updates now so on or around Aug 31 should bring the next one.

May 2008

2008-06-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well as can be seen much of this month has been spent working on the blind boxes and the rear of the vehicle. All the blind boxes are now in having been carefully freed up from years of non use, they were in remarkably good condition, except for the ply wood surrounds which had rotted. Perhaps the best know feature of a 2RT2, the rear roof box is also now back in place and as can be seen is also in good shape, requiring only minor straightening. The conduit for the wiring is now all going in as can be seen in the shots taken of the rear end, linking up the side and rear blind boxes and also the wiring for the light switches under the stairs to the upper deck lighting. You can also still see on the interior of the rear roof box one of the 'Emergency Exit' stickers still left from its time in London nearly 50 years ago. The engine also returned this month and as can be seen looks splendid, (the oil underneath is not from it by the way!) it now only needs to be painted black and will then go back in at some time soon. Next some more interior fittings will be added, the upstairs rear seat and staircase guard added and some minor framework bits completed, which will take us nicely to the next update around August 1. Thanks to those who took the time to post messages last month, always nice to know you are out there and reading and really nice to know its not limited to those just on the UK.

April 2008

2008-05-07T03:59:00.000-07:00

So good progress has been made this month with the front framework being completed and the front blind boxes all going in. These were all in remarkably good condition with little attention needed to get them working again, the pply wood however was certainly a different matter! The last part of the body framing is going in as can be seen with the lower sections that hold the drainage holes all having gone in, obviously as this is a natural water gathering point the wood in these areas no longer even existed. Work has now started on the rear blind box and a couple of pictures are included showing it being broken down into its individual parts, such as the ultimate blind. All these will be thoroughly overhauled refitted to the new ply and the original frames and put back, the side blind will follow. The next job after that will be fit to fit some of the lower upstairs interior panels but this is all for next month and with Peter, the chap working on this having a weeks holiday the next update will be around June 15.

March 2008

2008-04-08T00:55:00.000-07:00

Well I was hoping at this point to be able to show the full front upper deck framework on but alas as the end of the month hit, it wasn't quite finished but hopefully you can see the progress made.

It has been the most complex and difficult part of the framework, due to the fact that we have very few drawings for this part, very little survived that was complete enough even to be used for patterns and of course it a very curved area, leaning back, tapering in and rounded on top!

As can be seen though the front two sides bays are in complete with the metal supports, which are both the originals, the roof box and front top window support went in, again for some peculiar reason the wood around the roofbox all survived and is the original stuff that has been cleaned up and treated. We will now finish this area off, add the blind box framework, the front central pillar and fix the floor boards at the front down. We will then go back and finish some framework around the rear blind box and top of the stairs and for now that will be the framing finished.

If that’s all completed for next month then we will start fitting the wiring, conduit and light fittings to the upper deck and also anytime now the engine should be back from recon and it will be our intention to fit this before starting on any panel work either outside or in but that’s all some time away.

As to completion date, thank you for those who fired in dates (mostly sensible!) Cobham next year (2009) was the favourite and I think if I had of suggested that when the vehicle was being stripped down most would have laughed, so clearly the progress has been good. My feeling however is that it will be slightly behind that and possibly London-Brighton run in May next year? But you never know, however we aren't setting a date on this to then have to rush (and possibly mess up) any of the finishing items, its one of those that will take as long as it takes. I will do an update at the end of April/beginning of May, so cheers 'til then.

February 2008

2008-02-20T06:08:00.001-08:00

Well as can be seen the upstairs ceiling framework has largely gone up and is in place now giving the whole rear end a distinct RT look. It took as expected the best part of a month to make and fit, it was also done with fitting the original rear domes and roof panels to make sure everything did fit as planned, and I am glad to report that with only a few minor alterations all was well. The next month or so is going to see some of the smaller and less noticeable finishing pieces done. There are a number of small framing bits for the rear that need to be added so we will now go back and do this before the front is tackled. The front of course is the next (and last!) serious major reframing task although we will do it in two stages and leave the cab (as it is suspended from above) until last and perhaps do it after the engine is back in. I will update around Easter but if the progress is not visual enough may hold on until March 31, so you will just have to pop by from time to time! I have been emailed to ask to run a sweepstake on the completion date and seeing as many people said the condition was so bad it would never get done I guess it’s a positive response, anyone want to take a guess?

January 2008

2008-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Well this month has seen us tackle the rear framework and as can probably be seen this was quite a complex task. Whilst the lovely curves of an RT may be pretty to look at they are quite a nightmare to make! Fortunately most of the metal work had survived quite well and was taken off cleaned, protected and put back on thus helping us to ensure that the distances and angles were all correct. We brought out the rear blind box and rear seat area to use what remained for patterns as well as the aforementioned metal work and will reuse most of the remainder once we come to fit the blindbox and rear seat area, which has can be seen is not in bad shape. So this next month will see us work our way towards the front. The first job will be to make a few of the roof ribs and ensure that we have the correct size and angles as this is an area where a number of the drawings are missing for and any small error we have made earlier will be highlighted at this point. As long as all is well then we will tackle the front framework. Next update will be around February 5 subject of course to there being progress to show at that time!

2007-12-10T02:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this month's update. The first thing is to apologise for the quality of the pictures, normally the roof skylights are open and this little camera here will make do, alas in the current conditions they are closed and as such the pictures have suffered but I wanted to get something up. As can bee seen the side upstairs framing has now gone in thus at last giving us the look that it is a double deck and not some strange single deck. We are now working on the rear framework which thanks to all the beautiful RT curves is one of the most difficult bits we have tackled. We are however progressing and I would expect by the next update to have most of the rear framework in place. With such terrible weather and light it must be near Christmas, so an opportune moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The next update will go up at the end of the first week in January 2008.

October update

2007-11-13T04:40:00.001-08:00

Well the latest update has not shown as much visual progress had I had hoped but that is purely down to us discussing how we were going to tackle the top deck and changing how we are doing it. We have a lot more detailed drawing for upstairs and of course we now have a lower deck that we know is correct to build up from. As such we have just completed cutting, preserving, shaping and restoring all the framework required to get the project above the upstairs windows and they will start going on at the end of this week. In the meantime as can be seen, the staircase was completed as was the conductors area and staircase bulkhead. The between decks aluminium has gone in as have the upper deck floorboards, which have now been sanded, treated and varnished. As can be seen RT8 has a friend visiting in the shape of RT113, the only other 2RT2 that is fully preserved and roadworthy. Interestingly the two buses entered service on the same day, at the same garage in 1940. Do pop by next month when hopefully a large step forward will have been taken and will be posted up here the first week in December.

31 August

2007-08-31T07:09:00.001-07:00

A slight change of plan from last months anticipated actions. We did as planned put in the front framework around the cab, level and straighten the front bulkhead and support the remains of the cab. Alas not much more can be tackled here now until the upstairs goes in and provides the necessary support. So we decided to tackle the staircase and conductors area before moving on to the upstairs flooring, purely to make it easier to work on the floor and in addition to fit back a number of the original panels to make sure everything is fitting as it should!! As you can see the results are pretty good. All the panels that have gone back on are originals that were all in good condition and generally required sanding down and etching before going back into their rightful place. All the kick plates are again the originals and some of the wood supports are but alas most of the other wood was beyond re-use. Next month hopefully the flooring and last of the staircase will all be in place, unless of course we have another change of plan!

1 August 2007

2007-08-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome back after the enforced break! With a gradual catch up in commercial work we got back on RT 8 at the end of June and have been making steady progress and as you can probably see she has moved ‘barns’. As can be seen the most obvious addition is that of the downstairs ceiling, which is now largely in place, all the wood in the ‘red’ looking primer is original wood in case you were wondering. The interior light fittings have also been, cleaned checked and re-fitted as have all the original conduit wiring sections of the lights and the bells. It’s interesting to note one of the conduits leading to where the push button bell in the ceiling will be as 2RT2’s never had the downstairs bell chord like their later sisters. The cab has also been an area where work has finally commenced. Because the support for this all comes from the top deck and the front bulkhead and as we have had to remove and repair much of the front bulkhead (which is now finished) the cab has sunk and sunk. We therefore have now removed all the windows, glass and reusable pans and are currently working on this front framework around the cant rail so we can commence the upstairs framework which will then provide the strength to hang the cab from once again.

The next stage will see the front framework finished and the cab ceiling and canopy finished. We will then be laying first the very thin aluminum and then the wooden floor boards to start work on the top deck, once these are in position then the brackets and vertical framework can start going in. Hopefully by the next update on or around August 31 the top deck will be starting to take some form of very limited shape.

30 April 2007

2007-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

So welcome back to a strangely prompt update this month! As can be seen a lot has happened this month. All the rear lower deck supports are now in and some of the conduit tubing that houses the electrics can also be seen.

The battery cradle is now in position as are the rear lights and number plate (which was placed there to see if the drawings are accurate and it fits (!) looked good so we left it in for the photos!). Above the window line the horizontals have also gone in making it look less like a toast rack and is it me or is it just starting to look like a 2RT2? The next jobs will be to start putting in the ceiling and intermediate floor, quite a large job that won’t be completed for next month I suspect as most of it needs to be cut and shaped. If however it is we will then start on putting the staircase back in to allow us to then begin the upstairs and it is at that time that we will start to tackle the cab area which is presently supported by means of a jack but should in reality gain its strength and support from the upper deck.

One person this month asked how we intend to ‘launch’ RT8 when its finished and to be honest not something I’d really thought about, any one got any great ideas on how she should debut?

30 March 2007

2007-03-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Firstly thank you to those of you who took the time to write in and say you were missing the monthly updates, nice to know you are all out there! A number of people suggested making this a blog type update where people could ask questions along the way. SO, that's why you're reading this "Blog-Style" update!

But now on to bus things. Firstly the reason for the delay was that up until last week there really wasn’t much to show for a hard months labour. The reason is simple in that it’s the platform that has been worked on and this is a very complicated part of the vehicle that is compounded by a lack of drawings that are available for this area. Fortunately RT113 was borrowed and a number of the missing areas measured and checked. Nearly 40 individual parts make up the framework for the platform and each of these had to be cut and shaped before the construction could be begin, hence the delay. But then all of sudden, framework was down, floor boards were laid and now as can be seen the vertical frames are going up. With only one more, that of the one by the entrance left to add, (which is going on now) the lower deck framing will be complete. Quite a few joining pieces still need to be added, particularly on the rear but for these we have all the drawings and most bits cut so we are ready to move on. Other progress has seen the seats over the wheel arch be repaired and the actual wheel arch itself be readied to go back on. These need to go in before the floor supports can be laid and as soon as this is done and the floorboards put down it will be possible to stand inside RT8 again without putting your foot through. From there ceiling and staircase will be the next to be tackled but more on that in the next update, which will be at the end of April and I’m sure will be on time as we have many made and original parts ready to go back on at this stage.

February 2007

2007-03-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Firstly a happy new year to one and all reading this page, secondly a progress report. This month is quite a visual report as a lot of changes are quite easy to see. The vertical supports are largely in with the offside only needing the rear two added whilst the nearside is complete. The platform bulkhead has gone back in place and only actually required its ‘feet’ replacing as the rest was in good shape. The front wheels received their under coat and the rear wheels are due to go back on next week in preparation for the wheel arches which will follow shortly afterwards and will allow the remainder of the floor and platform area to be laid. The next update will be at the end of February and should hopefully be another fairly visual update.

December 2006

2007-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

This month has seen the final work carried out on the chassis and the start of the work on the body. The chassis having been returned in anti-corrosion grey paint was painted matt black as 2RT2’s were when new (unlike later ones that were silver). The refurbished compressor went back on, the gearbox was drained, checked, tested and refilled and the front brakes were checked and replaced where necessary (and a small wasps nest removed!), the original type wheel hubs being fitted and work is currently ongoing on the rear brakes. The floor supports of the lower deck saloon were laid, all done to the exact specifications of the original drawings. The chassis itself was in great condition and is 100% original with no structural parts actually requiring replacing. The floor supports are made of 80% originals that have been cleaned and treated, although a couple were two far gone to be saved, however 90% of the wood inserts needed replacing. The next stage now will be the first six vertical framings going in which will start to take the structure to just above the lower deck window line, all these have to be built from new as the originals have rotted away to about 30% of their original size! From there some of the 1800 individual parts that are stored will start to go back on, from tiny brackets, to seat frames, around 1300 of them appear to be reusable, which will give a great percentage of originality for this classic. With Christmas coming up a chance to wish regular readers of the updates (are there any out there!!??) a Merry Christmas and due to the break in work, for most, the next update will be at the end of January.

31 October 2006

2007-03-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

October has been a busy time in the restoration of RT8. The vehicle was removed via lowloader to be shot blasted and then treated with anti-corrosion paint. This was successfully completed and the bus returned on October 24. The engine has also been removed and is being reconditioned prior to be being installed back in the bus. Much of the steel work that is required for the framing is all now ready and can be seen in the before and after pile. The next job to be tackled is to repaint the chassis into matt black as they were when new and then start to relay the floor.

5 October 2006

2007-03-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

The bus has now had the body removed which is all stored, as much of it is reusable as we start to put the bus back together again. The first three of the body cross members have now been rebuilt, all in seasoned Ash as they would’ve been when the bus was new and these can be seen in position but not yet fitted to the chassis. The close ups show the old and new steel support brackets which were used as patterns for the new ones to be made. The last rear cross member is next to be built as are the frameworks that run between the cross members, one of these can be seen on the worktop, (along with a happy Peter enjoying his work!) only one end of the steel actually needs to be replaced on this, the rest will be cleaned, treated and refitted to the cross members. Before any of these are fitted permanently the vehicle will be put on stands and have the wheels removed to allow it to be shot blasted and treated, first in anti corrosion paint and then repainted into matt black as they were when new. This will also allow the brakes to be completely overhauled, the wheels blasted and painted and the fitting of new tyres and the original type front AEC covers. The bus will remain on the stands as the body is rebuilt, to ensure that rigidity is maintained and that the bus is level and doesn’t shift as weight is added in different places with new framework via the suspension. The next update will be in the last week of October.

Mid-September 2006

2007-03-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

By September the entire top deck has been removed as has most of the lower deck. On the front bulkhead as was standard on 2RT2’s blinds were used for draught proofing and these can still be seen in situ. The cab area is left in place along with the front bulkhead whilst the remainder is removed. The blinds were carefully removed and remounted on a modern bus blind and will go back into their hiding place of the last 67 years. With 7 days of these pictures taken the bus was down to its chassis and mechanical work being carried out, more of which will be in the next progress report which will go up the first week in October.

Late August 2006

2007-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

RT8 moved into the restoration bay in mid August. The first job is to remove, panel by panel every piece of the vehicle. On removal they are cleaned labelled and stored, or if no longer good enough for further service are used as patterns for new build parts. The top deck, roof panels and many of the window pans are all OK to be re-used as is the wooden framework between the decks. The staircase is also removed in one piece to aid the restoration of it to be as authentic as possible.

RT8's own blog!

2007-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Finally RT8 has got its own blog.

Regular updates will be posted right here!