![]() November 2018
Well, here we are in November with the possibility of an exciting year ahead as we contemplate the exciting restoration project just started in the barn at Milland. With the Dennis E chassis about 85% complete - yes, still some parts to be done, we have turned to the body that will eventually be on the chassis to complete the restoration. You will all realise that the complete bus will be the oldest Aldershot & District bus in existence, the oldest Dennis E type in existence and that the body itself will be unique being one of the last built in 1928 by a firm called Strachan & Brown. For me it will be a fantastic moment to see this bus working on the road with shiny new paint and maybe having passengers on board. Before that we have to repair (rather than restore) the wooden body and to this end we have been able to obtain the services of a top professional wood Conservationist who knows what he is doing and has all the contacts. He is fascinated in the condition of the 90 year old body and hopefully will see this project to its finality. In the next few pages I will show photographs of progress with the restoration including the very slow approach to every little part before it is tackled. It is very important that we use as much of the original as possible. So far we have restored the steps by removing all the bolts and cleaning all the surface rust off. The bolts were too rusted to replace so new ones were used. The steps themselves are possibly oak, but need replacing as we need to be aware of there being safe. Although this is still in red oxide paint it will be painted green eventually. The door is a challenge. It is complete and in excellent condition, but what a task getting the old paint off! There are layer upon layer of paint, caravan paint on top off original green with the top in cream. We have removed the glass and this is stored in the 'office' to protect it. There is a lot of restoration work to do on the door, but the original wood is as good as the day it was used in 1928. Whats the cost?
(Cheques should be made payable to ADORRS). I will also be trying to get more funds from other sources. I will send out more Newsletters as soon as more progress is made.
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