Double Decker Bus Maintenance and Restoration | Thats Not A London Bus??

[@michaelkeen5010]

Reminds me of a long serving Leaside Buses driver, used to RM’s and Metrobuses, spending a whole day driving an ex-East Kent AEC Regent V, with no power steering and a manual box, around and across Kent. At one stage he was heard to utter the words “how did they ****ing drive these all day, I’ve found muscles in my legs that I didn’t know I had”. That says it all really. 😂

[@Steve14ps]

I was born in 1957 the year this bus was built. In my younger days I travelled on this type of bus on the route 41 which was operated out of New Ferry depot and not Laird Street. Birkenhead's blue buses were always well kept.

[@christopherhulse8385]

Imagine driving one of these all day long in service! My great uncle did in the 1950s at Wolverhampton Corporation Transport and apparently had very strong muscles in his arms!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

I can imagine, my arms were knackered after less than a mile!

[@geofham8332]

Hi, enjoy the videos. An old mate of mine , now passed away, worked at Laird Steet all his life and probably worked on that bus many times.He would have loved this video. Many thanks.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

British bus engineering always amazes me on your show!

[@mikeslipper1779]

I thoroughly enjoy these commentaries

[@allenwilliams1306]

When I did my test (in the old days), I did 1 week at the South Yorkshire PTE driving school in a manual ex-Wigan PD2. After the first morning I got out of the cab for lunch and collapsed on the floor of the garage because my left leg gave way. “Ah!”, said Dickie, the Instructor, “You've got 'Leyland Knee'”. Anyway, I passed the test first time, so give me a PD2 over a Routemaster any day! I have driven Routemasters in service, too, so, yes, they are much easier to drive, but you do not get that feeling of being part of the vehicle and at the same time master of it as you do with a PD2.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

I totally see your point Allen, I think I just about fell out of the cab after driving it for less than a mile!! But, for me at my age, I prefer the easy life, this bus is just too much like hard work.

[@Piglife101]

Tightening that sump nut the wrong way was painful to watch 😂 Great vid keep them up 👍🏼

[@tonytigerstrains]

One of my regular school buses in the 1970s was an old Birkenhead Corporation PD3 rather than a PD2. I spent my first few years in London working on Routemasters. Lots of fun and the video brought back a lot of memories. Thank You 😊

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks Paul, glad the videos are bringing back some fond memories.

[@johnboytd]

Birkenhead never had PD3s!

[@johnbratley6926]

For anybody that's interested at the transport museum in St Helens there is a Leyland double decker back loader that was exported to Australia. It was used on the cross desert runs. After completing two and a quarter MILLION miles it was sold to a family who used it to tour Europe. It then arrived back in the UK and after an overhaul they used it to tour the UK.

[@Big.Al.3]

An excellent film. Very interesting to see another type of vehicle being serviced. Great meeting the team. Looking forward to your next film.

[@peterlangridge4639]

Nice one again boys. Surely though, the woodruff key slot on that flange looked a bit dodgy? Long term, can't help thinking that will be loose again.

[@NissanNut74]

I was born in Birkenhead in 1968. My parents both lived in Birkenhead and met at the bus spot. I probably rode on that bus!

[@stevena9305]

Me too! Born in 1965 in my case. I think these used to be on the 92 route we took to Park High School.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Always loved the RM as a child in their original LT livery. Beautiful lines and as Colin Curtis said a beautiful piece of street furniture. The PD2 is a real beautiful vehicle, classic lines and very nice design all around. An absolute pleasure to look at and to think they were on the streets as a public conveyance, now looked upon with great fondness and a wonderful time to travel.

[@lordbyrom100]

I used to stand on the platform as the bus went round the roundabout just a few yards from my stop and I always jumped off while it was still moving (quite slowly) I never had a fall but it was probably me and a few others that led to doors being fitted 😂😂😂😂It was a Birkenhead corporation bus ….it brought back really good memories …thanks so much 👍👍👍👍👍

[@tillmanscollection7504]

I USE TO DIVE THIS BUS ON THE WIRRAL AT TAYLOR St HAPPY DAYS Robbie Bather

[@kenglass6130]

I watched the guys at Taylor Street, swapping the 9.8 litre original engine on this bus, for a 10.8 litre Atlantean engine. It was about 20 years ago. I took photos and passed them on to the 201 Bus Group (John Nolan) a couple of years ago. They used a stacker truck and chains to lower it into place. Yes, I know the Atlantean engine was mounted sideways, but it was basically the same engine and I can assure you it fitted!

[@alecwakley9239]

Lovely to see the Birkenhead Corporation Bus PD2. No:10. I enjoyed your film I passed my test at Laird Street Depot Feb '72 in a PD2 We had a lot of PD2's Some PD1's and a few Guy's , so we drove them on a regular basis but the guy's had crash boxes we were glad to have a PD2 with synchro. Keep up the good work

[@tenfootvoyager]

My Grandad said the Birkenhead buses didn't compare to the London RT/RTL. But I used to love the sound and smell of a Guy Arab with it's 5cyl Gardiner and musical gearbox chugging up Whetstone Lane to Higher Tranmere where my Grandparents lived.

[@murraydalziel4701]

Love the Channel. I grew up with Bristol Lodekkas as the double deckers and if even they were too tall then my favourite was - the Leyland Leopard. Please Please keep this story going.

[@michaelstaley2241]

Very interesting old bus I do like the midland red D9 lovely bus, lovely dog.✔️

[@dazzlerbob1870]

Only found this channel yesterday, watched all the content, now want more! Really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks Bob, really appreciate the comment and glad you are enjoying our videos.

[@mikelane4896]

Have watched a few of your vids out of interest. I am a fully skilled diesel mechanic, trained on trucks and busses, I worked for Leyland bus and travelled throughout the country working at many bus depots, repairing busses until we were taken over by Volvo! I was born in 1950 and started my apprenticeship in 1967, I was taught the old school way! The few vids that I have watched of yours have had me jumping up and down un disagreement to what you are preaching! My wife says if I have nothing nice to say I should keep quiet lol. But when one has been trained to old school methods, one does find it hard to accept some bad practices! I wish you all well and hope things will get better in some instances

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Mike, can you give us some examples of what you consider to be bad practice? Happy to accept constructive criticism from anyone, but you haven't given us any details on what (in your opinion) we are doing wrong?

[@redbank542]

I got my licence in a PD2 and later taught others in one. We still had one or two in the depot in 1977. Greater Manchester Transport

[@garynightingale7923]

Another great video hopefully be up in the next few weeks as the restrictions are being lifted stay safe.

[@danielrussell446]

This video proves the position between the LT and the provincial fleet and also why London needed bespoke buses to meet its local and important need There was also difference in the provincial offer and well financed fleets like Birmingham and Manchester had well designed standard buses and then other occupiers who bought off the shelf buses and then the bristols of the nationalised fleets Great video and interesting content so glad I’ve subscribed keep up hard work guys daniel Halesowen uk

[@paultilly]

great video as per usual i reckon Alan might have struggled in the lovers seat

[@davidbassett4577]

Great Video Dave ... very enjoyable.. Jess rules you lot I see 🐾❤️🐾

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Glad you enjoyed it and yes she is the leader of the pack!!

[@robertbustard6496]

down to earth , brilliant!! , well done lads.

[@johnboytd]

Whilst I love the Leyland PD2, I must say Leyland NEVER learned their lesson. The pre-war Leyland TD6c (Birmingham Spec) and TD7 were fitted with worm and nut steering but for some reason the postwar Leyland PD1, PD2, PD3 and corresponding Tiger PS chassis and, strangely enough, the Atlantean and Leopard were fitted with Marles Cam and Roller steering which was last fitted on the pre-war TD5 and Tiger models. Also this PD2 is fitted with a Leyland 0680 engine so the characteristics may be different. However, well done Dave for handling the Leyland GB83 gearbox so well! Why Leyland never developed a full synchro gearbox, like the AEC Regent MkV, I don't know. Massey Bros. bodywork is my all time favourite, I grew up with them, of course!! Many thanks for all these videos!!

[@oc2phish07]

Lovely video. Really enjoyed it. Mind you, I enjoy all your videos.

[@theSTUNTHAMSTER]

That was a great trip down memory lane, I was born in 1960 in Birkenhead. It was great to see one of the buses that I was so familiar with as a child. I remember that a small hill next to St Catherines hospital was a big challenge to some of this buses stable mates (51/51a) and they would struggle with a full load to crest the hill. I would use this oppertunity to jump off the platform of the moving bus so I didn't have to walk back from the bus stop to my home near the top of the hill. To drive one of those all day long must have been very hard work, hats off for the men who drove them.

[@highpath4776]

Dont forget in London, there were only 2700ish RM family, with over 4700 RT plus the RTWs and the RTLs (PD2 by any other name) so if driving a London Bus in the 60s you were about (if double decked) looking at a 50:50 chance in the central area of getting a regent or a titan. By the 70s the rear engined fleet were in place, with a good mix of RMs when spares allowed and RTs likewise !

[@petrolhead28]

My dad drove rm's in the sixties. He loved them.

[@highpath4776]

Always interesting that the RM was designed for Trolleybus replacement , but I think early schemes saw RTs being used for that , hence the power steering / auto gearbox.

[@highpath4776]

Hired a Titan for sons wedding in London - one of the Leeds City Transport ones (as he had been in Leeds when Black Prince were running them) , bigger and could carry more than even the RMLs. Wedding venue had two other weddings on same day, they had RMs and some of their invitees managed to get on the wrong bus ( despite ours being Green !!). Buses Magazine has done with Stepen Morris - and I think Bus and Coach did too, RT vs RM comparisons. The RM came out better on fuel per passenger consumption (ali body mainly)

[@Rwalt61]

I first started watching your videos last night and I find it interesting watching you guys work on these iconic vehicles.

[@Mark_T]

Always interesting content. The main buses of my childhood were MCW bodied Bristol VR's. There are just two out of 200 preserved. I look forward to the next video.

[@danielrussell446]

Always remember WMPTE had a big fleet of those which looked like a fleetline at the back instead of the more common ECW bodywork

[@michaelgoulding8182]

Another great video lads , happy Easter

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thank you Michael. Happy Easter to you too.

[@bloomers359]

Brilliant very entertaining and I had a laugh what more do you need... keep them coming...

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it.

[@briangentle5515]

Hi, I have become hooked on your channel and always look forward to the next instalment. It was really interesting to see the PD2 this time. Such a world of difference between this representative of standard buses of the time and the RM, which was rocket science when it came out. Oh, and if any team member is looking for a forever home, they can apply. Just one condition, you have to bring a Routemaster with you! Great videos; thank you.

[@leejones5849]

Hi guys thank you for the video very enjoyable as always. Made a change to see you are working on a different type of bus. It was nice to see all the rest of the team who put so much hard work into making these videos. Here’s to many more videos to come. Happy Easter to you all and the rest up KZbin subscribers.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thank you Lee, glad you enjoyed the episode. Happy Easter to you too.

[@ianmcgee9945]

Hi, I've just found your channel and spent too much time watching and enjoying all your older videos. Can I make a suggestion? How about a video showing the cab and controls of a Routemaster? I think people would enjoy that.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Ian, many thanks for your suggestion, glad you have enjoyed binge-watching all our videos. Our plan is to do some much needed work in the cab so there will be an episode dedicated to this sometime in the near future. Cant say when at this point, but it is defiantly something we will be doing after the lower and upper decks have been finished.

[@johnmichaeldorienjohn467]

I have a deep respect for the drivers who did this out of London, they must of had arms & thighs of steel!

[@wobbbs]

they had power steering and automatic transmission.....

[@johnmichaeldorienjohn467]

@@wobbbs Thanks, but I actually referring to Leyland pd2 in the video!

[@johncourtneidge]

And in London on the RTLs and RTWs: PD Leylands but with pre-selector boxes (and, I think, no power-assisted steering).

[@johnbratley6926]

That was part of the last batch of ten PD2/40's to Birkenhead Corporation just before Merseyside Passenger Transport was formed. They were quickly replaced by a load of Liverpool City's clapped out Atlanteans, always breaking down. The PD2/40's were mostly sold to Helm's, a local coach firm. They kept the blue and cream livery and used them mainly on school contracts.

[@davidjones332]

In fairness, the Titan was designed to run on crossply tyres, and it wouldn't be quite such a trial of strength if it still had them. My Daimler CVG6 on crossplies isn't much heavier than a Routemaster, unless you have to manoeuvre at low speed with a full load. You can certainly keep that manual 'box though....

[@skippybingham5715]

If you think that PD2 is heavy go up to Scotland and try the Albion that came back from Sydney, Australia to be rebuilt and placed in a Museum there. I believe it may be a pre-war bus.

[@peter6411]

Hi Dave, like you I don't like the modern buses, they are just boxes on wheels, but they do job I guess. Great meeting the team love what you do and the video's, I'm working my way through all of them.. Peter

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

Wonderful to see such action! by my two favourite buses types!

[@peterwatson9280]

Love this channel keep up the great work

[@davemiller6893]

It's maybe a Birkenhead corporation Leyland or Guy Arab? Love these old buses😊

[@johnboytd]

Massey Bothers bodied Leyland Titan PD2/40

[@johnbratley6926]

A handful of ancient Guy Arab's were rebodied by a local firm after they were badly damaged in a German bombing raid during the war. They had a strange double cowling around the radiator.

[@roberthuron9160]

Wasn't the London equivalent- the RTL,?? The do look like cousins! One thing for sure,those builders meant there products to last[forever?]!! Thank you for excellent mechanical service operations! To use the old saw,good mechs, are very rare,but,when you have them,golden!

[@lesthiele4921]

Many thanks for the rid-along, I assume the R'masters had power steering? And the BT did not?, great videos of these buses.

[@ashandkirstblackman]

Looking forward to this episode!!!!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thank you. 🙂

[@davidwebster537]

Hi Dave was wondering when you move off in the Leyland Pd2 did you move off in Second Gear as you seem to get up to fourth gear quite quickly ?.

[@jamesfrench7299]

What about the RTL that served at the same time as the RMs for a time? Only difference was the wheelbase and they had the luxury of preselect transmission.

[@MrKinnoull]

I ran the Stagecoach Heritage Fleet in E. Scotland from 2004-12 and we had a Titan PD3 as well as two Routemasters. Whislt there is no doubt that the RM ride is even superior to many more modern buses the PD3 was nowhere near as bouncy as that Birkenhead PD2! We also had a Ribble White Lady but that is another story. Mistakes made in the restoration plus weak rear springs made it a major problem when we first got it. Replacement of rear springs or re-tempering has a lot to do with ride quality.

[@busesinnottingham3369]

Keep up the good work! really enjoy this so if You get any other buses - like alx400- Make it a video 😎😀😃😄😁😆☺️🙂

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Blimey, over 1000 views in the first 24hrs, we've never had that amount of views so soon on previous videos. THANK YOU everyone for watching and please remember to hit the like button.

[@jps1179]

I probably rode that bus between Birkenhead Tech and Hamilton Sq in the early 60's.

[@thatbusdriverguy4182]

Good stuff wow, respect to you guys

[@juliesmith5567]

Surely alot Todo underneath a bus to do and there is a lot of work to keep them on run very safterly

[@miguelnascimento4647]

In lisbon we have bus like that. The AEC Regal and Regent.. Left and drive and the most part automatic door s in the front.. it's possible speak, or make a video, about this lisbon bus?? Thanks.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

I'm often in Lisbon (pre - covid) - are they in the Carris Museum? Driving a bus without power steering and no synchromesh on the hills and cobbles of Lisboa takes some skill. Would love to see a video as you suggest - especially to hear the symphony of the AEC transmission. Obrigado!

[@denisflannery8415]

The buses in Sydney were like the blue bus they were predominately aec with 5 speed pre select and air brakes what year was the pre select transmission introduced? 😊

[@rudybreuker]

Good mechanics 👍

[@kbrickell4732]

that shaft from the engine / fluid coupling/ clutch and gearbox is called a carden shaft ..

[@petersmith4455]

hi there did the pd2 get an engine oil change ? if the diff oil was dirty what about the gearbox and engine, personaly i prefer the pd2 its a mans bus and love the double-de-clutching that has to be done,

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Peter, not when it was with us, but we were told it had recently had both the engine and gearbox oils changed.

[@charlieboyok]

Yeah what a nice change , maybe guys you should look at doing this on & off just to keep things fresh. Try & contact other bus owners to join for service & advice too. May be put power steering & auto box on this " bus" & put the older parts in a box for safe keeping. I hope it happens it would be " Bloody Awesome guy's 😱😨😳

[@AgathaAndAnything]

Blimey that diff oil was 90% water 😂 the concentration on your face driving a manual bus.... I do love the tickover on these old diesels tho, sounds so good. Those older ones remind me of the “on the busses” ones. Great video tho.

[@jammiedodger7040]

Could you experience from fixing up the Routemasters mean you could actually build a new routemaster

[@kinklesstetrode]

Thanks!!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

No problem!

[@nataliegardner3122]

Some guntherers....a big shifter on a diff nut? Bloody socket and big pull bar.

[@harshakarunaratne9581]

I think finally Technician Mr. Alan used some heavy Box Spanner and a Too Long " L " Handle to tighten the 24mm Sump Nut in the Engine. As a Motor Technician I think the correct tool to tight that nut is 22 - 24mm Slotted Double Ended Rings Spanner ( When the thread is British Standard Wentworth - B.S.W. you have to go for the Inches Scale ) with the Pressure of Hand Maximum. Their after must wipe Sump Nut area and check wether is their any sign of a Engine Oil leak. But I am sure the job is end. Finally I like to say don't show that kind of mistakes hear after because it is a Disgrace to the Technicians in England. Reason to printout this mistake is l had already seen your Routemaster Double Decor bus Videos over 4/3 but this the first time l saw a such mistake. Anyway your all the Videos are excellent.

[@davids8449]

I traveled regularly on the Birkenhead bus in the 1960s the ride was quite reasonable every bus had a different smell to it. It Was a man's job to drive the bus that is why you see so many women driving the modern bus. Operation is by little finger

[@ABCDEF-yf4yu]

Isn't the RM Routemaster is not much different to the older RT Regent? Birkenhead's buses were mainly Leyland PD2s but the nearby Crosville depot's standard double decker was the Bristol Lodekka.

[@IrishvintageTVRadio]

Nothing like the smell of old different oil in the morning after a few pints!

[@roberthuron9160]

Got a question? Does anyone know if the RLH,type low bridge version was ever in preservation? I always got a kick out of that,as those are my initials! How many other people have bus types with their initials??? London and the provinces always had surprises in the nooks,and crannies! Thank you for your attention,and Happy New Year 😊!

[@dancedecker]

Just seen your question and if you hadn't found an answer yourself yet, RLH 48 is preserved at the London Bus Museum at Brooklands and looks superb. There may be others too as a lot ended up in America as Niagra Falls buses etc, so you may find some surviving out there too. Cheers.

[@fluffybadger9832]

How would it compare to driving an RT? Similar era.

[@jacksugden8190]

Remember buses like this with Southend Transport back in the 1960’s, but might be wrong, as a long time ago.

[@dancedecker]

No you are correct. Very similar buses at Southend. A few survive after becoming Driver Training Units for various organisations and companies.

[@brianholding4357]

I drove Leyland Titan and Concorde's around Stockport, in the early 70's, then joined the army, and swithed to real tanks 😁

[@darrenprice9765]

Bit like Blackpool in the late 80s when Blackpool still had PD3s when they bought two batches of RMs.The Titans then became somewhat unpopular with drivers!

[@smurf302]

Can see the nerves in his face when driving the Birkenhead bus

[@ronnieg6358]

At least it had a syncromesh gearbox. Perhaps not on 1st gear by the sound of it.

[@johnboytd]

The Leyland PD2/40 like number 10 were fitted with the Leyland GB83 gearbox which only had synchromesh on third and top gear, the AEC manual gearboxes (fitted on AEC Regent MkIII and MkV) were (I think!) full synchro.

[@bradjarrett4756]

Awesome....

[@jaimeangulo5455]

Hi all: Just got a what I believe is an 1950 RT but might be earlier version because the second floor has walking corridor that is lower than the floor. it also has a hinged door on the driver cab. All this is new to me so any help to connect with the enthusiasts of the old Double Decker bus club is appreciated. A friend of mine made a video of me driving the bus but I don't know how to upload it here. I am in Mt Shasta, California.

[@dancedecker]

Hello. It sounds like you have what is known here as a "lowbridge" bus. It meant that it has a sunken gangway on the offside to reduce the overall height so that it could go under more bridges than the more usual highbridge ones. I'd suggest if it's an ex London one, that it was an ARC RLH. If you know it's UK registration/ number/ licence plate, I could confirm this, or not. There are vintage bus organisations here that I happily could put you in touch with if you haven't got very far yourself with finding any. Cheers.

[@cannadineboxill-harris2983]

Hi There my name is Mr Cannadine T. Boxill-Harris I was wondering, why couldn't you Rebuild a nice fresh shiny Scania N113, Gardner LG1200, Gardner 6LXCT, Gardner 6LXC and Volvo TD102KF 3 speed Voith DIWA Northern Counties Palatine 1’s and Repaint them to a Grey Green Colour's just like the original Scania Grey Green's which were in the East London bus route's such as 125, 141, 210, 20, 173, 179, 167, 313 and also the bus route 103, if you guys would like to Rebuild about 176 of Those Scania N113, Gardner LG1200, Gardner 6LXCT, Gardner 6LXC and Volvo TD102KF 3 speed Voith DIWA Northern Counties Palatine 1 Buses Pretty Please could you Repaint them in the Exact Grey Green Bus Colour’s and put them on those London Bus Routes witch are the 341, N41, 34, 123, N29, 149, 221, N73, 121, 86, 30, 262, 147, 396, 41, 56 and N26 for all of us because it would be a Very Very Very Very Very Very Very Interesting Buses to see them Repainted to a Grey Green Colour's and I'am a Big Fan of all of those Scania N113, Gardner LG1200, Gardner 6LXCT, Gardner 6LXC and Volvo TD102KF 3 speed Voith DIWA Northern Counties Palatine 1 Buses Please?

[@raechelgarza5258]

Would love to own one

[@simongill4715]

Can they be converted to electric?

[@northstar1950]

At least it has a synchromesh box, you could have ended up with a Bristol and a 'crash box'

[@GP-mf6im]

11:06 Aaaaahhhrrrrrgggghhhh LoL 😂😂😂😂 This is not definitely for easy!

[@josephtdi8764]

Cool vid

[@suzyqualcast6269]

"See/Sea Green", said the Councillor, or was that over the river ¿?

[@johnboytd]

That was in reference to Wallasey's Primrose Yellow livery!

[@mistero4]

How does an enthusiast who also works under them treat a clutch like that?

[@nickraschke4737]

Gee this looks like the Australian busses from the time.

[@TozziWelding]

We call the Snap On screwdriver , a "soft face chisel"

[@JakobKsGarage]

Shouldn't you cover the inside of the diff before wirebrushing it?

[@cav551]

Oh wow that's going to last about five minutes.

[@kbrickell4732]

Is is a diff pinion gland rather than a seal !!!

[@daviddoyle9310]

The Leyland is a much better looking Bus. I use to drive a Leyland Leppard. She was beautiful beautiful to drive. Even without power steering.

[@g7puw]

im slightly disturbed by the way the whole steering wheel and columb wobbles about when it goes over lumps and bumps in the road ,if they were like this in thier hayday them drivers must of been worth thier weight in gold !!

[@kbrickell4732]

Wow just tightening it up with an adjustable spanner is nowhere tight enough there is a torque for that about 300 lbft to 400lbft and you will need to use a flange holder C spanner !!