Its all about Leyland engines...

 So we are a month off running day and its time to focus on getting what we can set and ready. First up is RM1843. A rare Leyland engined RM she has started to breathe heavily and is the policy here at such moments vehicles are 'grounded' until they can be rectified. Much better to have a running example taken out that can be repaired than one that blows or seizes and is little more than junk, so engine out time...

 In its place another Leyland engine was readied. It went in last week and was road tested, so pleased to report 1843 is now back on the road.

The next Leyland  that is poorly and has been for sometime is RTW335. The engine is out (further away unit) and the new one is being prepared to go in. It is from a provincial PD2 and is set up differently with the ancillaries so there is a fair bit of moving and movement required to get everything in place and also ensure it still fits the engine bay.  Hopefully by next week the newly constructed unit will be going back into the vehicle and with any luck its enforced long lay off will be over...

 Another long awaited Leyland engine is for the Jersey TD. Well I'm delighted to say its back with us now and being reconstructed by the team here. The bottom end is done and gasket alignment is being ensured before the head is bolted back on and the ancillaries all added. Its a slow and meticulous process and not one that can be rushed but fingers crossed for next week and if all goes well the bus can be presented for its COIF before running day and be legal to carry passengers for the first time since it left Jersey in 1960.

On the plus side the engine for the Leyland Cub is now in and running and apart from a charging defect is just about set. The Leyland TS7 engine is now away and is a Spring target for return so that DUF can return to the road for the summer season. Lets hope that will be the end of our poor run of luck on Leyland engines...

And lastly a little tease of one being readied for running day, a little off the radar. Here's a front door, but from what? The wood was rotten as was the pillar that held the door framing so these all being replaced, the interior tidied, seats retrimmed and then a repaint. Hopefully one of at least two single deck 'surprises' for this year....

Saturday December 2 is running day and all will be revealed then. Hopefully see some of you there

Cheers
Steve