Tuesday's Virtual Lunch Room - The Mind Wanders
It's Tuesday in Perth, and if not for the COVID19 threat, most local members would be at the workshop ready to enjoy some productive work, a cuppa, a biscuit and a good chin wag with all our friends. We may not be able to be there but we can still enjoy the laughs and stories that usually go around the table. John Young tells us he had time on his hands and his mind has been wandering, so he prepared the following story and video for you to enjoy. Do you have similar happy/funny bus stories? - send them in and we'll share them around our "virtual lunch room table". We may be in isolation but we can still be in touch!
Hi All
Due to the CV19 curtailing our Whiteman Park activities this week's “The Mind Wanders Series” focuses on Music.
I am sure we all have songs that remind us of special events in our lives - “Bus Stop by the Hollies” is one of mine.
A very catchy tune with an old fashioned video clip that features some very nice bus shots.
Check out the American GM City bus which was a very popular and reliable bus that was sold in the 1,000’s.
Click here to enjoy John's video
At a Whiteman Park Workshop Tuesday morning tea a few weeks ago, Don – BPSWA Member, Volunteer Bus Driver, Curtain University Radio 100.1 Volunteer Announcer and all round Nice Guy asked if he could look around the workshop pit. Graham, Ross and I were tripping over ourselves showing him around as rarely does anyone venture down into the pit unless they have to help with some sort of problem we may be stumped on.
The following Sunday at 15:45 if you happened to be listening to CU Radio 100.1, Don gave an on-air hello to Ross, Graham and John for showing him around and let the world know that:
Sometime in the 1980’s I was doing some peak hour ticket Inspection on the Rt106 Fremantle to Perth bus service between the Causeway and Canning Bridge.
At about 8:23, I was crossing Canning Hwy at Henley St to check the next Perth bound Rt106.
A gentleman was at the stop and as usual I had a greeting to suit every occasion and this time was “do you often catch a Rt106 bus?”
He said, "very rarely as he did not live in the area but once in a while he had to take his car for a service at Henley Motors, which was just across the Hwy".
This led to a wonderful “Bus Stop” story. He said “A few years back he had dropped his car off for a service and when he arrived at the stop there was a very attractive young lady waiting for the bus. He said hello and the lady said in very halting English that she was from Germany, had only been in Australia for a week and was going to be studying at Curtin Uni.
By the time the bus got to Perth they had agreed to meet up for a drink that night – the rest is history – they are now married and they are very happy”.
They refer to the Henley St inbound bus stop as “Their Favourite Bus Stop in the whole World”
John Young
Hi All
Due to the CV19 curtailing our Whiteman Park activities this week's “The Mind Wanders Series” focuses on Music.
I am sure we all have songs that remind us of special events in our lives - “Bus Stop by the Hollies” is one of mine.
A very catchy tune with an old fashioned video clip that features some very nice bus shots.
Check out the American GM City bus which was a very popular and reliable bus that was sold in the 1,000’s.
Click here to enjoy John's video
At a Whiteman Park Workshop Tuesday morning tea a few weeks ago, Don – BPSWA Member, Volunteer Bus Driver, Curtain University Radio 100.1 Volunteer Announcer and all round Nice Guy asked if he could look around the workshop pit. Graham, Ross and I were tripping over ourselves showing him around as rarely does anyone venture down into the pit unless they have to help with some sort of problem we may be stumped on.
The following Sunday at 15:45 if you happened to be listening to CU Radio 100.1, Don gave an on-air hello to Ross, Graham and John for showing him around and let the world know that:
- We did not have a bed down in the pit and spent our day sleeping and, 😄
- He had a suspicion that we may actually do some work. 👍
Sometime in the 1980’s I was doing some peak hour ticket Inspection on the Rt106 Fremantle to Perth bus service between the Causeway and Canning Bridge.
At about 8:23, I was crossing Canning Hwy at Henley St to check the next Perth bound Rt106.
A gentleman was at the stop and as usual I had a greeting to suit every occasion and this time was “do you often catch a Rt106 bus?”
He said, "very rarely as he did not live in the area but once in a while he had to take his car for a service at Henley Motors, which was just across the Hwy".
This led to a wonderful “Bus Stop” story. He said “A few years back he had dropped his car off for a service and when he arrived at the stop there was a very attractive young lady waiting for the bus. He said hello and the lady said in very halting English that she was from Germany, had only been in Australia for a week and was going to be studying at Curtin Uni.
By the time the bus got to Perth they had agreed to meet up for a drink that night – the rest is history – they are now married and they are very happy”.
They refer to the Henley St inbound bus stop as “Their Favourite Bus Stop in the whole World”
John Young
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
PLEASE NOTE: ALL WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
In light of the government recommendation that all non-essential gatherings should not proceed, the BPSWA Committee has decided that our Tuesday and Thursday workshop activities will be suspended effective immediately until further notice.
We hope that everyone can understand and accept the measures that we have taken - the priority is to protect and ensure the health and well-being of our members throughout this challenging situation.
The Whiteman Park bus services have also been suspended until further notice.
To all our members and followers, stay safe and well and keep in touch with us via phone or email at any time. Likewise, we will keep you informed of any changes via email and website updates.
We hope that everyone can understand and accept the measures that we have taken - the priority is to protect and ensure the health and well-being of our members throughout this challenging situation.
The Whiteman Park bus services have also been suspended until further notice.
To all our members and followers, stay safe and well and keep in touch with us via phone or email at any time. Likewise, we will keep you informed of any changes via email and website updates.
Restorations In Progress
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With the corona virus threat looming, our May workshop days have been a little quieter, however, there were still many enthusiastic restorers at work on the various projects in the workshop. Colin is putting finishing touches to the rear of our Tow 4, Brian and Ron were looking at how the restored engine was going to fit into the chassis framework of our Thornycroft, Geoff was working on the strip down of our Bedford OB, and John and Graham had Riverton 8 over the pit for maintenance in readiness for an event.
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"Miss Pemberton" Steps Forward
"Miss Pemberton", our 1946 Bedford OB bus has moved into our workshop to begin her extensive restoration and transformation. This tourist coach, which was operated by Metro Tours, ended its working life on a farm near Nyabing in the Western Australian wheat belt before being donated to BPSWA for restoration. Watch this space for future updates and progress.
A Replacement Engine For the Panther
Our 1974 Leyland Panther is over the pit for some major work.
No. 988 was one of the last Panthers to enter service with the MTT in October 1974. Its passenger carrying activities continued well after the MTT was re-badged as Transperth in 1986. This bus remained in service for close to 20 years before being donated to the Bus Preservation Society of WA (Inc) in 1994 and is still used today to provide Shuttle, Explorer and Heritage tours around Whiteman Park.
Unfortunately the engine has failed and John Young and Graham Horton are preparing to fit a replacement engine. Assisting them is a team of graduate Engineering students from UWA who are gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Click here to read the full story of MTT 988
No. 988 was one of the last Panthers to enter service with the MTT in October 1974. Its passenger carrying activities continued well after the MTT was re-badged as Transperth in 1986. This bus remained in service for close to 20 years before being donated to the Bus Preservation Society of WA (Inc) in 1994 and is still used today to provide Shuttle, Explorer and Heritage tours around Whiteman Park.
Unfortunately the engine has failed and John Young and Graham Horton are preparing to fit a replacement engine. Assisting them is a team of graduate Engineering students from UWA who are gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Click here to read the full story of MTT 988
Lighting the Pit
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Improvements to our workshop and facilities continue. Two of our newest members, Bob Cotton and Geoff Sherman responded to a call from our mechanical team for improved lighting in the pit. Until now the team has relied on portable lights which are not always as efficient as needed. Bob is a qualified electrician and, ably assisted by Geoff, set about installing low voltage LED strip lighting which will improve safety and visibility in the pit. A much needed and greatly appreciated improvement!
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BPSWA's 2019 in Pictures
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With 2020 off to a quick start, we looked back at the happy snaps of our 2019 busy days, at the progress of our restorations, at our participation in providing essential bus services within Whiteman Park, in community events, weddings and reunions and at the work in and around our workshop. Despite the busy schedule and workload, the enthusiasm and camaraderie of our team of dedicated volunteers shines through.
Our sincere thanks to all our volunteers and supporters on their amazing achievements in 2019. |
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Charlie Loves Buses!
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In the workshop recently, visiting from the UK, was Charlie with his family. Charlie was keen to try out the driver's seat in all the buses in our workshop. He especially liked our 1938 International D35B (Scarborough Bus Service #15).
After taking a good look at the restoration projects and the buses, Charlie declared that he was driving to Nottingham! Enjoy your trip Charlie, we enjoyed your visit and hope you had fun with the displays. Although we don't have a museum we invite and encourage members of the public to visit and view our heritage bus collection. Click here to contact us if you would like to visit. |
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Working Hard!
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Any Tuesday is busy at our depot workshop and here is just a glimpse of the activities that interest and engage our members.
From the top left clockwise:
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SBS15 Gets Ready For Licencing
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Or 1938 International D35B, Scarborough Bus Service#15, is over the pit for final checking and maintenance in readiness for its licencing inspection. Licencing a heritage vehicle for the road poses some unique challenges. In addition to meeting some current day requirements, such as indicators and stop lights which may not have been on the original model, heritage vehicles must also meet the standards which applied at the time of original manufacture. Because of the age and service years of the vehicle, parts are often worn and replacements are not readily available. Sometimes this requires specially manufacturing a worn or damaged part. SBS15 is currently undergoing some work on the steering and suspension to ensure it is up to standard.
Click here to see the full story of SBS15. |
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1965 Leyland Royal Tiger Looking Sharp
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Our 1965 Leyland Royal Tiger (MTT 591) has had an extensive session over the pits recently. Under the skilled hands of John Young, Graham Horton and Ross Tinley, the Worldmaster is now back in service and looking very sharp. Following many years of faithful service, the water pump had to be rebuilt and and the cooling system hoses replaced. Swan Transit in Midvale generously provided a full wash and steam clean - inside, outside, under and over - efficiently delivered by Apprentice Mechanic Brendon. The popular Worldmaster will return to the Whiteman Park services this week.
Click here to read more about this 1965 Leyland Royal Tiger Worldmaster. |
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A Facelift for Tow4
Our 1950 Leyland OPS4/1 Tow Wagon is in the workshop for some overdue TLC. The ex MTT #4 tow wagon is used extensively by the Society at events and at the workshop depot and the body and paintwork is showing its age. The team are preparing the trusty workhorse for a well-deserved face-lift. Watch this space for progress.
The Hino Powers Up
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Some of our heritage buses are not simply static displays - they are used to provide essential shuttle services in and around Whiteman Park. A good example is our 1974 Hino (ex MTT #83) which is a popular bus in the park due to its eye-catching City Clipper yellow livery. For some time, the engine was losing power and required major work. Glenn Boorn and the team stripped the engine down and replaced piston rings and bearings and fitted reconditioned cylinder heads. The compressor and radiator were also reconditioned and Glenn can now finally shut the engine cover on a job well done.
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The Mezzanine Floor
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A major project commenced in the workshop in early July was installation of a mezzanine floor in Shed A. The mezzanine was purchased second-hand to provide better storage for our archive material. First, to enable better access to the shed floor space, some of the buses, including the colourful Drift bus which served as our office for many years, had to be moved to the southern lease compound.
Then began the huge task of sorting the archive material onto the floor space. Over the following weeks, the mezzanine floor, guard rails and staircase were installed, followed by re-packing the archive material back onto the mezzanine. The final step in the project was to enclose one section below the mezzanine which will serve as a tool store. Our sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to all BPSWA members who helped bring this project to fruition, either directly, or by supporting and sustaining our essential workshop, driving and restoration activities over the past 3-months. A great team achievement! |
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Trimming the Seats for 378
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It's full steam ahead with the upholstering project for our 1950 AEC Regal III (MTT 378). It has been cold and rainy in Perth but that hasn't stopped our enthusiastic team of restorers. One of our newest volunteers, Claudia Armstrong, teamed up with Brett McPherson and Ian Richter to get some hands-on restoration experience with the seat trimming for 378. Claudia said she enjoyed the day and will definitely be back for more. Ron Franklin made sure that the efforts of the team are preserved for the future by asking the BPSWA members to sign the back of one of the seats. A nice touch Ron!
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ABC Radio Perth Visit
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ABC Radio Perth came out to our workshop on 14th June and interviewed some of active volunteers on the day including our President Tom Curtis and the ever-lively Pat Hallahan. If you were up early and listening to ABC Breakfast Radio on Saturday 25th May you might have heard the interview with the ABC's Emma Wynne. If you missed it you can always watch the ABC online video - click on this link
Photo: Dave Tierney |
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Getting Ready for Heritage Displays
Our beautifully restored 1929 Leyland Lion (Metro 22) has been taken over to the Revolutions Museum in Whiteman Park to become our latest Heritage display. This replaces the equally beautiful 1938 International D35B (SBS15) which has had pride of place as our display for some time. See these and more of our heritage buses and restoration projects at Whiteman Park - click here to find out what's on at Whiteman Park.
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Restoration of 1930 Thornycroft Bus
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Our next big restoration project is well underway! Our 1930 wood-framed Thornycroft bus is in the workshop and restoration has begun.
Neil and his team have already started building the wooden frame onto the chassis. The "spare" vehicle in the southern lease compound has been stripped down to salvage any usable parts for the restoration. The engine has been partially stripped and poses numerous challenges. Work is progressing on three fronts with different teams - the chassis, the body work and the mechanical components. A big job ahead but the team is enthusiastic! |
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Mercedes Benz O405NH 1302
One of our latest buses, this 1999 Mercedes Benz (formerly TransPerth 1302) came up sparkling after a full inspection and cleanup by Ian and Andrew Kerr in preparation for licensing. It is planned that this bus will be used in and around Whiteman Park on the Shuttle and Explorer tours.
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Our New Office Accommodation
There was an air of excitement around the workshop when our office accommodation unit was delivered and placed on site next to the workshop. Bus restoration was put aside temporarily as the team set up the new offices. Roger and Shane took charge of the painting and replacement flooring to give the rooms a fresh new look and Neil and Brett installed a doorway through from the workshop. The final fit-out was completed with donated office equipment sourced by Councillor, Sean Kinsella.
The unit will provide some much needed, dedicated and fit-for-purpose office space, and at the same time, free up valuable space in the workshop for our restored buses. Ron Wiggins put the finishing touches to the installation of air-conditioners which were purchased using funds awarded to BPSWA under a Stocklands Care Grant. Thank you Stocklands and thank you Ron, we sure needed the warmth this winter! We now have a thoroughly modern and comfortable office.
The unit will provide some much needed, dedicated and fit-for-purpose office space, and at the same time, free up valuable space in the workshop for our restored buses. Ron Wiggins put the finishing touches to the installation of air-conditioners which were purchased using funds awarded to BPSWA under a Stocklands Care Grant. Thank you Stocklands and thank you Ron, we sure needed the warmth this winter! We now have a thoroughly modern and comfortable office.
Turning Scrap into Cash
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Two of our industrious volunteers, Reg and Tom, got busy stripping copper wire from an old electrical motor. The copper wire will be sold as scrap along with other scrap metals and batteries to bring in much needed funds for our restoration projects.
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It's A Multi-Talented Team at BPSWA
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The talents of our volunteers at BPSWA are not restricted to bus restoration and driving. This enthusiastic team can turn their skills and intellect to many things. In recent months, a working party has been erecting dome shelters to protect the heritage buses stored in the southern lease compound.
Photos: L McDiarmid, C Davison and D McDiarmid |
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Service Inspection
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After a very successful day providing free bus services around York at the 2018 Motor Show, John Young put our 1962 Leyland Royal Tiger Worldmaster (MTT 452) over the pits for a thorough inspection to check for any oil or water leaks. The Worldmaster performed beautifully on the day in York but it pays to be cautious and provide the 56 year-old bus with the care and respect that it deserves.
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Making Tyres Last The Distance
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One way of getting the most out of tyres is to re-groove them and the latest addition to our workshop equipment is a tyre re-groover. Not all tyres can be re-grooved, but those that are marked "Regroovable" can be given a new lease on life. A single new tyre for a bus can cost upwards of $700, so this little machine has already earned its keep. Ron Franklin (who has extensive experience with re-grooving), Ron McDiarmid and Paul Gentelli were getting acquainted with the equipment whilst Colin Davison looks on with interest.
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1950 AEC Regal MkIII (MTT 378)
Work is progressing well on the restoration of this 1950's era half cab bus. This is an example of a Western Australian Government Tramways (WAGT Bus 73) AEC Regal half cab bus that was later modernised by the MTT (MTT Bus 378). It has undergone a near complete body restoration including replacement of the floor and repair or replacement of exterior body panels. The mechanical components have been checked and repairs carried out and new tyres have been fitted. The destination rolls have been returned to original MTT display format and work is now being directed to the interior and exterior. The external panel and paint work in green and cream is looking spectacular under the skillful guidance and work of Peter Hancey and is almost complete. The next major tasks will include installation of glazing, and the internal floor covering prior to installation of the seats.
It's always a busy time at the Workshop - come join us!
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About Our Workshop
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- The BPSWA Workshop is situated inside Whiteman Park along with the Bennett Brook Railway, the Perth Electric Tramways and the Park's maintenance workshops.
- Visits by the public to the 'Workshop area are welcome by arrangement - click Contact Us to request a visit. The Workshop hours are 8am to 1pm each Tuesday.
- When visiting the workshops, please consider your safety - wear close-fitting clothing and closed shoes. Children must be supervised at all times. Hi-Vis vests, safety glasses and ear plugs are available for visitors thanks to one of our generous Sponsors - Stocklands.
- Morning Tea is generally at 9.30am and lunch at 12.00pm. You would be very welcome to join our volunteers in the crib room for coffee or tea and a biscuit.
- If you would like to join our volunteer organisation and participate in preserving Western Australian history - click Join The Fun.
The Workshop
BPSWA has about 2,500 square metres of workshop and undercover storage space at our depot at Whiteman Park. Here we house about 27 buses, some of these we have restored or rebuilt; some are in undercover storage as they are rare or unique and need to be protected from the elements. Others (about 15) have been rebuilt /refurbished and operate as part of our unique collection of operating 'in service' buses and need storage undercover.
The dedicated workshop area has;
The People
Each area has a committed team of trades and trade assistants, and each project has an identified Project Leader working under the management of the workshop foreman. A 'stores' controller, manages the supplies of (largely) recovered parts from previously 'broken up' buses. Usually the 'crib room' has about 25 to 30 people enjoying the fellowship at morning tea or lunch. A small group collect batteries and metal waste from sponsors who continually donate these items to the Society. These are 'on-sold' to earn funds for the restoration activities. There is a group of administrators/archivists who prepare material for display; digitise manuals and other documents for use in the workshops; record and manage the archival material and some 20,000 items of memorabilia, books, photographs and other records.
A small group of volunteers check tyres, batteries, water, oil and fuel each week for the operational buses in the fleet. As well, these intrepid group of volunteers service these buses on a rotational basis to make sure that they are available for the weekly running on the Shuttle and Explorer services operated by the Society for Whiteman Park, each weekend. All our members are volunteers who give up their time and energy to work on a range of projects and activities such as these.
BPSWA has about 2,500 square metres of workshop and undercover storage space at our depot at Whiteman Park. Here we house about 27 buses, some of these we have restored or rebuilt; some are in undercover storage as they are rare or unique and need to be protected from the elements. Others (about 15) have been rebuilt /refurbished and operate as part of our unique collection of operating 'in service' buses and need storage undercover.
The dedicated workshop area has;
- a pit and floor space for general maintenance,
- a body shop,
- a mechanical workshop,
- a dedicated section for up to five major projects/rebuilds.
The People
Each area has a committed team of trades and trade assistants, and each project has an identified Project Leader working under the management of the workshop foreman. A 'stores' controller, manages the supplies of (largely) recovered parts from previously 'broken up' buses. Usually the 'crib room' has about 25 to 30 people enjoying the fellowship at morning tea or lunch. A small group collect batteries and metal waste from sponsors who continually donate these items to the Society. These are 'on-sold' to earn funds for the restoration activities. There is a group of administrators/archivists who prepare material for display; digitise manuals and other documents for use in the workshops; record and manage the archival material and some 20,000 items of memorabilia, books, photographs and other records.
A small group of volunteers check tyres, batteries, water, oil and fuel each week for the operational buses in the fleet. As well, these intrepid group of volunteers service these buses on a rotational basis to make sure that they are available for the weekly running on the Shuttle and Explorer services operated by the Society for Whiteman Park, each weekend. All our members are volunteers who give up their time and energy to work on a range of projects and activities such as these.
