Reproduced here are two articles written by John Child about the restoration of his prized ex-Northampton bus, number 129.  In an earlier article John had described how and where the bus had been found and the start of the work.  This article, published two years later in December 2003, describes the work done and the progress.

The article appeared in Bus & Coach Preservation, a monthly magazine published by Ian Allan Publishing.  The magazine is available from newsagents from the first Friday in every month.  Back issues can be obtained at cover price plus a charge for postage and packing from Ian Allen on 01932 266622 or subs@ianallanpub.co.uk 

Remember that glorious summer of 2003?  Who could forget it.  It will remain in the minds of Phil and Brian from MPM Restorations of Lincoln for some time to come.  In the hottest week in August, when temperatures reached 33oC in Lincolnshire, they climbed up, over, through and under 129 and blasted around three tonnes of sand on the chassis, roof, stairs, platform and upper and lower saloons.  Spraying of grey primer quickly followed to avoid any oxidisation.  Phil reflected at the end of the job, which took nearly four days, that he wouldn't want to take on a job like that every week!

Outstanding condition 

Like all others involved in this project Phil marvelled at the condition of 129 throughout.  The chassis in particular was outstanding, with no scaling at all. He said he'd come across chassis less than ten years old in far worse condition - no doubt the absence of road salt in the 1940 and 1950s, plus regular washing by Northampton Corporation garage staff, had paid dividends.  As expected sandblasting teased out the weak areas, which were few and far between - a few rusted areas at the back of the staircase and some perforations in the fuel tank and battery boxes were about the sum total.  Good news generally all round and a hurdle well crossed.  These August red-letter days were just part of a steady programme of work that has taken place over the last two years.  A year earlier, we explored the chassis of 129 with trepidation. Here no man, nor woman for that matter, had gone for the past 43 years. It was very eerie with little more than a couple of bulbs in bayonet fittings lighting that pit.  We needn't have worried.  Under a few bucketfuls of Northampton dirt, grease and grime removed over several weekends we reached the solid chassis. The grease was so embedded, particularly on the front axle, that it had to be gently chiselled off. It was a very mucky job with suggestions from so-called friends that those involved were wearing eyeliner for quite a few days afterwards.

Behind the scenes 

Bystanders may conclude that the bus may look very much the same as it did two years ago. But like other major projects, much work has gone on behind the scenes. The front mudguards have been repaired, a new exhaust manufactured, the radiator kindly made available by the Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust, completely refurbished, and the local funeral director is standing by, as they do, awaiting the go-ahead to make a quantity of wood trim for both saloons. Add to that the correct matching of the Northampton vermilion paint, thanks to Dave Wilkins and Terry Willis of the Northampton 154 Preservation Society, and identification of a paint supplier, the purchase of matching front lamps and sidelights, the continuing work on the engine and the acquisition of matt-black-rimmed jelly mould lights to replace the many missing ones. It all adds up to pretty pacey progress. A special thank you must go to John Bedford, Secretary and Legal Trustee of the London Bus Preservation Trust. John is one of the few people recognised by the DVLA as having authority to validate the status of the vehicle to support an application to reinstate an original registration number. When the V5 slipped through the letter box reinstating VV 8934 another milestone was crossed.

Life left 

Like many post-war municipal vehicles withdrawn in the 1950s, 129 was far from life-expired when, with three others, it was driven over to Molesworth by members of the Hunt family in the summer of 1959. Solid as a rock, straight as a die, the simple classic design of the utility bus continues to excite and impress those enthusiasts and others who are involved in her restoration. Here is a bus that saw the heyday of public transport in Northampton, the abundance of three bell starts followed by the decline in passenger numbers in the 1950s. Much evidence of those heady days remains - the worn fabric stair treads, the odd tickets, both TIM and Ultimate, found tucked away, several complete TIM ticket rolls left at the back of the conductor's locker and the last paint date - 5/55. Having explored and dismantled, repaired and renewed, the time is approaching to refit and revive. Those involved are under no illusion - there is a great deal of work to be done before that prized class 5 ticket will be won. Completion is some time off yet, but the corner has been turned and this great survivor is getting fitter by the week. It will indeed be a great day when 129 joins the ranks of other ambitious and completed projects encouraged by the Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society and takes its turn in the queue at Open Days to give as much pleasure to others as it is giving to those involved with this restoration.