All In A Day's Work
It is not just restoration work that keeps our vibrant organisation ticking over. We like to keep a clean and tidy workplace, and recently, our volunteers were happily sorting tools and sweeping up to keep the workshop ship-shape. Other volunteers were also out and about searching for and retrieving recyclable materials.
Profile on BPSWA By Australasian Bus & Coach
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Check out this informative video on BPSWA produced by Australasian Bus & Coach in 2017. Some of the restoration projects featured are now complete (M199 and Scarborough 15) and the dedicated gang at the workshop are continuing their efforts on other restorations. Our thanks to Australian Bus & Coach.
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Model Demonstration
BPSWA Member Robert Jones recently treated the Tuesday workshop team to a demonstration of his beautifully hand-crafted remote-controlled model buses. Rob has built to-scale replicas of our 1938 International D35B Scarborough Bus #15, and Scarborough Bus #8 - a semi trailer bus. Both bus models are fully operational and built with meticulous attention to detail - including Scarborough Bus Company paintwork and logo, working lights and sounds. In addition to the bus models, Rob has also built a beautiful replica of our horse-drawn wagonette c1890.
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A Trip Down Memory Lane
Take a trip down memory lane with our late President Tom Curtis, and irrepressible BPSWA Honorary Life Member, Pat Hallahan, as they reflect on their love and appreciation of heritage buses in Western Australia.
Hear, Hear!
Listen to this short podcast from the Community Chat Show and hear about the beginning of the Bus Preservation Society of WA and its development over the decades to its current operation at Whiteman Park. An example of the extensive restoration work undertaken by the enthusiastic volunteers is this beautiful 1929 Leyland Lion.
BPSWA 2023 AGM
Despite the threatening weather, the BPSWA members were out in force for the Annual General Meeting to elect new office bearers and councillors and to plan the year ahead. We thank and congratulate Ian Kerr on his election to the role of President, Heather Curtis to the role of Secretary, and Colin Davison who re-joins the committee as a Councillor. The Committee acknowledged the tireless commitment and dedication of Malcolm Crosbie who stood down from the BPSWA Committee after 12 years service which included the Treasurer role since 2012. The major focus for the coming year are the funding for the proposed museum, and more shelters in the southern yard for our preserved buses. Following the formal proceedings, everyone enjoyed a sausage sizzle and the chance to catch up with those members who do not have the opportunity to regularly attend the workshop days. It's full steam ahead for the coming year!
Who Wants to Drive a Bus?
I do! Small visitors to the workshop have had a wonderful time recently checking out our heritage buses and all the interesting activities at the workshop.
* Henry and his friend took turns sitting at the wheel of a bus pretending to be bus drivers.
* Parker took his Grandad, BPSWA member Kevin Nichols, to take a closer look at a Mercedes Benz gas engine.
* Callum and his brother Declan were on hand to watch their mum, BPSWA member Meagan Hedges, take driving lessons in one of our heritage buses.
Families and visitors of all ages are welcome at our Whiteman Park workshop and we have many members who are happy and willing to give a personalised guided tour of our buses and operations. If you are interested in visiting us on a Tuesday or Thursday, contact us in advance to let us know you are coming:
Use the "Contact Us" button below to send us a message, or,
Ring us on 0483 832 375.
* Henry and his friend took turns sitting at the wheel of a bus pretending to be bus drivers.
* Parker took his Grandad, BPSWA member Kevin Nichols, to take a closer look at a Mercedes Benz gas engine.
* Callum and his brother Declan were on hand to watch their mum, BPSWA member Meagan Hedges, take driving lessons in one of our heritage buses.
Families and visitors of all ages are welcome at our Whiteman Park workshop and we have many members who are happy and willing to give a personalised guided tour of our buses and operations. If you are interested in visiting us on a Tuesday or Thursday, contact us in advance to let us know you are coming:
Use the "Contact Us" button below to send us a message, or,
Ring us on 0483 832 375.
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The BPSWA Events Bus
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After months of restoration and modification work, our hard-working team has our events bus ready for the road. Displaying company logos of pre-MTT era bus companies, (re-created by BPSWA Member Brett McPherson), the bus will accompany us to community heritage events to help promote the goals and achievements of BPSWA. The 1980 Mercedes Benz O305 was generously donated to BPSWA by long-serving BPSWA member Ian Kerr. Photos: Shane Montague, Brett McPherson and Ron McDiarmid
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BPSWA Night of Buses & Stars
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Members of the Bus Preservation Society gathered on Sunday 4th December to celebrate our achievements and to acknowledge and thank our members for their contribution to the many successes throughout the year.
Our 2022 annual Night of Buses & Stars was a huge success, kicked off with a bus ride around Whiteman Park for our members to enjoy. The parade featured our 1952 AEC Regal Mark IV Kalamunda 17 (celebrating 70 years), 1949 Leyland Tiger Metro 81 (celebrating 50 years since it was donated by the MTT for preservation), 1967 Leyland Lion PSR1/1 WAGR DP90, 1938 International D35B Scarborough 15, and 1951 Guy Arab WAGT 101. The stars of the night were our very own BPSWA members who make everything happen here at the Bus Preservation Society of WA. It was a full house/workshop with over 70 people attending. The buffet dinner was followed by the appearance of Santa who assisted with the raffle prize draws. Sincere thanks to our many members who helped with donations, preparation, driving and clean up to ensure the night was enjoyed by everyone. |
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Our Workshop Springs Into Action
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When spring sets in, our depot workshop is a hive of activity of all types.
Our restoration projects are in full swing - Miss Pemberton now has more body panels, the Alpine Parlour Car work continues, and the Thornycroft charabanc continues to take shape. We also have a de-construction project underway! One of our buses, former MTT 228, is being dismantled in readiness to be used as a cut-down museum display. |
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Keeping the Records Straight
Work continues on getting our archive material recorded and digitised. A whole team of people have been sorting, scanning and storing our huge collection of bus timetables dating back to the early 1900s. We regularly receive generously donated documents and artefacts of all sorts that need to be accurately recorded and safely stored and protected. BPSWA members Andrew and Jacob were working on scanned timetables.
BPSWA's 2021 In Pictures
Our team of BPSWA volunteers was kept very busy in 2021. Major projects in progress are the restoration of a 1946 Bedford touring bus "Miss Pemberton", a 1930 Thonycroft charabanc, and restoration of the paint and bodywork of a 1967 Leyland Lion PSR1/1 - a former West Australian Government Railways bus. In addition to the restoration work, there were a number of teams tidying up the spare parts, sorting through documentary artefacts, cleaning of our regular service buses, and providing bus services at Whiteman Park when COVID restrictions were not in place. The team is looking forward to an equally busy 2022.
"Guest" Coach
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2021 marked 150 years of railways in WA, and this TransWA 2016 Volgren coach was a special guest display bus at our Night of Buses and Stars Christmas event at Whiteman Park.
This luxury Volgren coach is one of the latest coaches servicing the Western Australian network. It has a Volvo chassis from Sweden fitted with an Iriza body and interior from Brazil. It has a 450hp turbo-charged diesel engine, a steerable lazy rear axle and is also fitted with a wheel chair hoist. The coach’s luxury interior is fully air-conditioned with a hands free phone system, 56 reclining seats, a full entertainment system and an on-board toilet. |
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The Thornycroft Revs Up
Another sigificant milestone was achieved in the workshop recently with the start-up of the Thornycroft engine. After many months of hard work the engine was purring beautifully - and it is more than 50 years since it last ran!
The Parlour Car
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The Parlour car returned to the BPSWA workshop in 2021 to continue its restoration. The vehicle belongs to the WA Museum and BPSWA will be assisting with the completion of the restoration work. A full assessment will be carried out to determine what work needs to be completed to restore the vehicle to display condition.
Photos: Colin Davison |
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Workshop Days
Volunteer days at our Whiteman Park workshop are:
- Every Tuesday from 8am to 1pm
- Every Thursday from 8am to 111am
BPSWA's Busy 2020 - In Pictures
Despite the challenges posed by COVID19, the team of volunteers at the BPSWA workshop were kept extremely busy. We reflect on some of those busy times with restorations, general maintenance and community events throughout 2020.
A Milestone Moment
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It was a pivotal and rewarding moment in the workshop recently when some components of the charabanc restoration project came together for the first time. A number of our volunteers took part in positioning the wood-framed charabanc body into place over the 1930 Thornycroft chassis. There is much more to do but progress is steady. A great moment!
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"Miss Pemberton" Steps Forward
"Miss Pemberton", our 1946 Bedford OB bus is in the workshop undergoing 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 wheatbelt before being donated to BPSWA for restoration.
K17 Sparkles
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One of the most important and regular tasks at our workshop on Tuesday is keeping our restored buses clean and in pristine condition ready for presentation at community events.
One of our newest members, Maree, takes a well-earned break after giving K17 a thorough clean inside and out. Well done Maree - K17 is sparkling! Kalamunda 17 (K17) is the sole surviving bus from the Kalamunda Bus Service. The 1952 AEC Regal Mark IV was donated to BPSWA by the Kostera family in 2008 and is a popular and regular exhibit at community events. |
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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
ABC Radio Perth Visit
ABC Radio Perth came out to our workshop and interviewed some of the active volunteers on the day including our President Tom Curtis and the ever-lively Pat Hallahan. If you missed the interview with ABC's Emma Wynne, you can always watch the ABC online video - click on this link
Photo: Dave Tierney
Photo: Dave Tierney
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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It's always a busy time at the Workshop - come join us!
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.
