ALEXANDER AV AILSA
STRATHCLYDE AV17 (MGE 192P)

The model is one of the rare Ailsas produced by ABC models before they went out of business. It was not until I took the paint off the bus that I appreciated how good a casting it was. This model was a China Motor Bus liveried vehicle which had been tagged onto the end of a Fife order and had many Fife features when new. The model also portrayed an accurate copy of the early style front panel and included such added details as repositioned side indicators, correct for the earlier buses.

My model represents the second batch of Ailsas delivered to GGPTE and were unique not only in being specified with panoramic windows, but also curved roof domes like the Atlanteans. This was recreated on the model using a rear dome from an EFE Y-type. various window pillars were removed and the new rubbers built up with filler. All the ABC front and rear lights were removed and new ones added which are resin mouldings from EFE Y-type, Bristol VR etc. This allows the correct type of lights to be fitted at the rear and solves the problem of the ABC front lights dissolving in paint stripper and not coming off too easily. In any case, the fog lamps were different too so there was no value in retaining just clear headlamps. The windscreen surround was re-shaped to accept my usual windscreen and etched wipers. Two of the rear lower deck seats were reversed and grab handles were added throughout together with flush glazing.

AV8 has survived into preservation and is a bus I am particularly looking forward to seeing finished in an authentic Glasgow livery.