LA927 (JUS774N) entered service in 1975 from Ibrox Garage. It was delivered in GGPTE livery but was later repainted into 'PTE2' livery of Verona Green, white band and windscreen surround and Gold Cup Yellow upper deck with Trans-Clyde decals. It has the standard spec GGPTE Alexander body with panoramic slider vent windows and is fitted with a Leyland 680 engine of 11.2 litres coupled to a semi-automatic 4 speed gearbox. The interior fitted is the lighter green stitched vinyl with green patterned laminate throughout. It was withdrawn from Strathclyde PTE service in 1983 and operated for Don's of Dunmow in Essex until September 2005 at which point it was acquired for preservation and returned to Glasgow. It is now part of the collection at Bridgeton Bus Garage. The bus is being restored in it's circa 1982 livery and condition complete with Almex E ticket equipment, anti-assault screens and fare vault.
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On August 2nd 2005, Mark Budd and David Purcell flew to London Stansted Airport, a stone's throw from Dunmow to collect LA927.
The bus immediately impressed with it's 30 years easily masked by thorough maintenance - a credit to it's operator of the last 22 years. Our sincere thanks go to all of the staff at Don's Coaches for their help and enthusiasm.
The drive home was a breeze and took only one day arriving at Hillington by about 9:30pm.
The bus consumed a fair amount of diesel of course but happily cruised at over 50mph despite our best efforts to drive more slowly! A number of spare parts were also secured as Don's had operated a total of four Glasgow Atlanteans over the years, one of which LA907 (JGA189N), is now restored in GGPTE livery.
Ex-Graham's of Paisley L1 (YDS650S) was also owned and is now preserved near Glasgow.
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The bus was initially stored in Bus World at Hillington where sadly it was the subject of some mindless vandalism.
Some idiot added a quantity of (hopefully) water to the diesel tanks which resulted in an inevitable and embarrasing breakdown in the middle of Renfrew.
Some hours later the bus was towed back to Hillington where it was unfortunately locked out of the garage. It lay outside for several very wet days until air could be
added to it's tanks to release the brakes in order for the bus to be pushed inside. Many hours of work then followed involving completely draining the fuel system and
replacing the filters. Eventually the 680 spluttered into life with the help of Ian Walker and although it does not seem to start as well now, appears to have come through without any damage.
The bus was subsequently granted a place in the collection at the GVVT's premises - Bridgeton Bus Garage.
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DECEMBER 2005
It was decided to purchase another Glasgow Atlantean to break for spares so survivor LA843 (SGA726N) was secured from Smith's Coaches of Patna. The bus was hitched up to the GVVT towing wagon, a converted ex-Western SMT Leyland Leopard and latterly with Lothian Buses.
LA843 was in generally very poor condition with exposure to the elements being the main problem. However it has yielded a huge quantity of parts including much of the missing original interior for LA927.
Ironically, this was the bus which replaced L446 (SGD448) - essentially the trade-in vehicle, which entered preservation directly from Smith's, and now resides in Bridgeton Bus Garage.
It was decided to purchase another Glasgow Atlantean to break for spares so survivor LA843 (SGA726N) was secured from Smith's Coaches of Patna. The bus was hitched up to the GVVT towing wagon, a converted ex-Western SMT Leyland Leopard and latterly with Lothian Buses.
LA843 was in generally very poor condition with exposure to the elements being the main problem. However it has yielded a huge quantity of parts including much of the missing original interior for LA927.
Ironically, this was the bus which replaced L446 (SGD448) - essentially the trade-in vehicle, which entered preservation directly from Smith's, and now resides in Bridgeton Bus Garage.
We would like to thank all those involved with this project -
Hugh Cumming, John Kennedy, Lynn McIntyre and Peter Grant.
(John Kennedy, Andy McCormick, Mark Budd)
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MARCH 2006
This bus is being actively restored this year hopefully in time for the Lathalmond Rally.
So far the interior has been more or less completed with a few seat cushion repairs still required. The inside will be properly restored in the future
but for now retains a certain in-service feel appropriate to a 7-8 year old Glasgow service bus. An anti-assault screen has been obtained and restored but together with a
Bell Punch fare vault and Almex E ticket machine is not yet fitted. Brand new yellow Lucas fog lamps have also been fitted. Destination gear had been removed but is now re-instated and I am looking for a selection of period blinds especially an Ibrox one.
If you have a blind tucked away in the loft somewhere, why not sell it to me and see it back on a Glasgow bus where it belongs! I am also looking for number blinds for both Atlanteans.
This bus is being actively restored this year hopefully in time for the Lathalmond Rally.
So far the interior has been more or less completed with a few seat cushion repairs still required. The inside will be properly restored in the future
but for now retains a certain in-service feel appropriate to a 7-8 year old Glasgow service bus. An anti-assault screen has been obtained and restored but together with a
Bell Punch fare vault and Almex E ticket machine is not yet fitted. Brand new yellow Lucas fog lamps have also been fitted. Destination gear had been removed but is now re-instated and I am looking for a selection of period blinds especially an Ibrox one.
If you have a blind tucked away in the loft somewhere, why not sell it to me and see it back on a Glasgow bus where it belongs! I am also looking for number blinds for both Atlanteans.
APRIL 2006
LA843 has been progressively stripped of absolutely everything over the last few months and it's remains liberally hammered to pieces to vent the various frustrations such a rusty wreck can bring!
On Sunday the 9th, Dunsmore's wrecker took the carcass to Larkhall to meet it's final fate. There are a large number of parts available for sale from this bus so feel free to email me about anything you might need or want.
The photos show the dismantling process at its various stages. Thanks to everyone who helped and particular thanks to Peter Grant for the sheer amount of time he has spent on LA843's dismantling.
LA843 has been progressively stripped of absolutely everything over the last few months and it's remains liberally hammered to pieces to vent the various frustrations such a rusty wreck can bring!
On Sunday the 9th, Dunsmore's wrecker took the carcass to Larkhall to meet it's final fate. There are a large number of parts available for sale from this bus so feel free to email me about anything you might need or want.
The photos show the dismantling process at its various stages. Thanks to everyone who helped and particular thanks to Peter Grant for the sheer amount of time he has spent on LA843's dismantling.
(Mark Budd)
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This photo of LA843 when fairly new was recently found, although no details are known of the photographer.
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Meanwhile work has continued with the repairs to LA927's seat cushions with this nearing completion. The two over-wheel-arch cushions will need to be made up from a number of
individual panels rescued from other spares and one good battery-box type cushion is being split into two so that the visible ends will be the correct height. The entire interior will use genuine used vinyl so the seats look exactly as they should.
Replacing of the individual panels of the seat cushions was carried out in service and sometimes created a stripy look.
The roof dome is now receiving attention with consideration being given to its repair rather than replacement. The aluminium shield fitted by Don's has been removed and the fibreglass underneath inspected.
Interestingly, the roof is still faded Gold Cup yellow having never been painted since it's Glasgow days. The aerial on LA927 has always protruded from an off-centre hole and while this is authentic, it has been decided to re-fit the aerial cover in the centre so it sits straight.
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MAY 2006
The roof dome's condition became worse the more the covering was peeled
back and in places there was nothing to work with. Worse, both corners had been injected with expanding foam
which had pushed the inner dome into the bus and burst the two skins apart. To make matters worse,
it became apparent that the bus had hit something very solid along the length of its coving and had been repaired
with long lengths of aluminium which would not fit neatly with a new dome.
The decision has therefore been taken to replace at least the first two outer roof skins using those from LA843.
The four vents were mashed anyway and needed to be replaced and it is hoped that some of the internal
headlining can be replaced as this has also suffered from impact damage.
The roof dome's condition became worse the more the covering was peeled
back and in places there was nothing to work with. Worse, both corners had been injected with expanding foam
which had pushed the inner dome into the bus and burst the two skins apart. To make matters worse,
it became apparent that the bus had hit something very solid along the length of its coving and had been repaired
with long lengths of aluminium which would not fit neatly with a new dome.
The decision has therefore been taken to replace at least the first two outer roof skins using those from LA843.
The four vents were mashed anyway and needed to be replaced and it is hoped that some of the internal
headlining can be replaced as this has also suffered from impact damage.
The upper windscreen and several side windows were removed, one of which had been replaced at some time with an unusual two-pane arrangement.
The roof dome was then peeled from the bus revealing a reasonably intact but dented inner dome.
(Sean Moriarty)
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JUNE 2006
OK, so this has turned into a MUCH bigger job than anticipated! All but one of the roof skin panels have
been removed so that those from LA843 can be fitted as they are all in good condition. The framework was found to have taken quite a dunt
in the incident and bits of it had been replaced with copper piping! These will be removed and parts from LA843's roof used to put things right.
When you look down the bus, the frame is quite wobbly so an effort will be made to straighten things out. On the plus side, removing just about
everything has meant that any damaged parts can simply be replaced including all the nasty headlining coving panels and some of the aluminium beading.
OK, so this has turned into a MUCH bigger job than anticipated! All but one of the roof skin panels have
been removed so that those from LA843 can be fitted as they are all in good condition. The framework was found to have taken quite a dunt
in the incident and bits of it had been replaced with copper piping! These will be removed and parts from LA843's roof used to put things right.
When you look down the bus, the frame is quite wobbly so an effort will be made to straighten things out. On the plus side, removing just about
everything has meant that any damaged parts can simply be replaced including all the nasty headlining coving panels and some of the aluminium beading.
A quick thanks to Charles Billette for donating a stainless steel wiper blade to the cause - this coming from L1 (YDS650S) also acquired from Don's of Dunmow.
The arms can be stripped back revealing a full matching pair of silver wipers - another nice authentic touch. Meanwhile a pair of brand new rear light
clusters has been sourced courtesy of Ray Trigg Vintage Spares which will compliment the front clusters, side indicators and amber fog lamps already sourced brand new.
(Mark Budd)
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AUGUST 2006
Three of the curved parts of the roof frame from LA843 have been cut to size and slotted in with aluminium beading strip being used to reinforce the join.
This has allowed the horizontal part of the frame to be pulled back into shape with only the first pillar still showing signs of a lean. It has been decided to leave this
as to cut another beam might compromise the structure's integrity too much and the lean is not very pronounced anyway. It would also necessitate the removal of much more of the headlining. The inner dome has been removed by
removing the front beam from the frame as the rivets are underneath the main headlining. The inner dome from LA843 will be restored and (unfortunately) painted with a satin finish as gloss is felt to be too shiny
and would highlight any undulations in the paint application (which will be done by mini roller).
Three of the curved parts of the roof frame from LA843 have been cut to size and slotted in with aluminium beading strip being used to reinforce the join.
This has allowed the horizontal part of the frame to be pulled back into shape with only the first pillar still showing signs of a lean. It has been decided to leave this
as to cut another beam might compromise the structure's integrity too much and the lean is not very pronounced anyway. It would also necessitate the removal of much more of the headlining. The inner dome has been removed by
removing the front beam from the frame as the rivets are underneath the main headlining. The inner dome from LA843 will be restored and (unfortunately) painted with a satin finish as gloss is felt to be too shiny
and would highlight any undulations in the paint application (which will be done by mini roller).
Meanwhile LA389 formerly in preservation has sadly been broken up but a number of spares have been retained including some split-rim wheels fitted with 10x20 tyres which are correct for LA927.
Of interest is that Don's of Dunmow liveried ex-Graham's of Paisley Atlantean L1 (YDS650S) has now been exported to the Czech Republic for continued preservation!
(Mark Budd)
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NOVEMBER 2006
Fleet number plates have been made up for LA927, 1324 and 1443 using aluminium sheet with raised outer edging. This was then coated with 3M reflective plastic film and the raised edges painted satin black. The look of embossed letters was created using original plates from my collection.
The letters were cast into resin using rubber moulds and when painted black were bonded to the plates. The finished result is as near perfect as is necessary and I'd like to thank Gordon Tennant (co-owner of LA907) for the loan of L446's plate from which I took the 4.
Fleet number plates have been made up for LA927, 1324 and 1443 using aluminium sheet with raised outer edging. This was then coated with 3M reflective plastic film and the raised edges painted satin black. The look of embossed letters was created using original plates from my collection.
The letters were cast into resin using rubber moulds and when painted black were bonded to the plates. The finished result is as near perfect as is necessary and I'd like to thank Gordon Tennant (co-owner of LA907) for the loan of L446's plate from which I took the 4.
The outer roof panels from LA843 have been sanded back and some scoring removed by beating the panels from behind. A light coat of filler will smooth these out completely when fitted.
The inner roof coving panels which had been damaged in service have all been replaced and the inner dome re-fitted although work is still required with this to ensure a snug fit. The fitting of these parts has pulled the frame more or less back into line.
Meanwhile a large LEYLAND badge for the bonnet has been put together using letters rescued from a National 2 front some years ago and a heavily refurbished backplate found still fitted to a Manchester Atlantean in a local scrapyard recently.
(Mark Budd)
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JANUARY 2007
The steering wheel saved from LA510 which was recently scrapped has been stripped back and awaits powder coating.
This wheel is of the type which had large "knobbles" around the edge to assist with grip - not really necessary on a bus with such light power steering, but this is a feature I remember from these earlier buses when I was small.
The last cushions over the rear wheels and the large rear seat back from upstairs have now been covered in orignal green vinyl giving the bus a full set at last. Technically I should have retained the awful solid fibreglass rear seat the bus would have had in PTE2 livery days,
but not all LAs were so modified and it will be much nicer to have a complete original interior. The last pieces of laminate have been secured to the roof and the whole lot could really do with a clean now. The original Chapmans driver's seat has been covered in used genuine leather as per original,
with the rear of the original back being retained. Although the leather is now a bit worn (and has yet to be deep cleaned), its authenticity is a nice touch. To finish the cab area, the anti-assault screens have now been fitted complete with hinged upper section and catch so that it can be maintained in the open position securely.
Sanding has also begun with the roof now stripped back. The Don's livery comes away fairly easily - possibly the bus was not prepared for it that thoroughly,
but the earlier colours applied by SPTE are more firmly adhered - this is not a problem as long as they can be sanded smooth.
All the aluminium extrusions and other mouldings are being stripped back to bare metal for a perfect finish.
The steering wheel saved from LA510 which was recently scrapped has been stripped back and awaits powder coating.
This wheel is of the type which had large "knobbles" around the edge to assist with grip - not really necessary on a bus with such light power steering, but this is a feature I remember from these earlier buses when I was small.
The last cushions over the rear wheels and the large rear seat back from upstairs have now been covered in orignal green vinyl giving the bus a full set at last. Technically I should have retained the awful solid fibreglass rear seat the bus would have had in PTE2 livery days,
but not all LAs were so modified and it will be much nicer to have a complete original interior. The last pieces of laminate have been secured to the roof and the whole lot could really do with a clean now. The original Chapmans driver's seat has been covered in used genuine leather as per original,
with the rear of the original back being retained. Although the leather is now a bit worn (and has yet to be deep cleaned), its authenticity is a nice touch. To finish the cab area, the anti-assault screens have now been fitted complete with hinged upper section and catch so that it can be maintained in the open position securely.
Sanding has also begun with the roof now stripped back. The Don's livery comes away fairly easily - possibly the bus was not prepared for it that thoroughly,
but the earlier colours applied by SPTE are more firmly adhered - this is not a problem as long as they can be sanded smooth.
All the aluminium extrusions and other mouldings are being stripped back to bare metal for a perfect finish.
A lucky ebay find was an original Trans-Clyde varnish-on transfer although it will at best serve as a template to have four new ones made up as it is from the Underground and is too small.
(Mark Budd)
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FEBRUARY 2007
Work has continued removing all the old paint from the strapping and extrusions with the front of the bus being focussed on. Paint has fairly easily come away from the fibreglass
windscreen surround revealing several repairs which will need to be tidied up. The bus has knocked its fair share of high kerbs over the years and apart from fibreglass damage to the corner of the front panel, the pillar to which this is attached next to the door was bent and the aluminium panel
fitted to this was in very bad shape. This has been remanufactured and fitted, along with replacement draft exclusion brushes from a Western Leopard.
The large coach mirror has been removed (well actually it fell off!) and brand new correct pattern mounting brackets have been sourced together with new 1980 spec glass mirrors re-finished in grey. These will be fitted in due course.
Meanwhile the vertical post which seperates the two halves of the windscreen was removed to fit the final part of the anti-assault screen and as some of it was found to be in poor condition, a new one was made from the best of the parts from LA843 and LA927.
The steering wheel from LA510 cannot it seems be powder coated because of the plastic knobbles melting in the oven. Instead it has been sprayed with Plasticoat - the wheel would originally have been painted anyway.
Work has continued removing all the old paint from the strapping and extrusions with the front of the bus being focussed on. Paint has fairly easily come away from the fibreglass
windscreen surround revealing several repairs which will need to be tidied up. The bus has knocked its fair share of high kerbs over the years and apart from fibreglass damage to the corner of the front panel, the pillar to which this is attached next to the door was bent and the aluminium panel
fitted to this was in very bad shape. This has been remanufactured and fitted, along with replacement draft exclusion brushes from a Western Leopard.
The large coach mirror has been removed (well actually it fell off!) and brand new correct pattern mounting brackets have been sourced together with new 1980 spec glass mirrors re-finished in grey. These will be fitted in due course.
Meanwhile the vertical post which seperates the two halves of the windscreen was removed to fit the final part of the anti-assault screen and as some of it was found to be in poor condition, a new one was made from the best of the parts from LA843 and LA927.
The steering wheel from LA510 cannot it seems be powder coated because of the plastic knobbles melting in the oven. Instead it has been sprayed with Plasticoat - the wheel would originally have been painted anyway.
(Mark Budd, Sean Moriarty)
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MARCH 2007
Most of the damaged panels have been removed and are being replaced using new material and good panels salvaged from LA843 including the rear upper panel which had never been modified -
many LAs had this panel split in half following damage to make repair easier. The panel under the rear canopy was found to have sacrificially corroded around the brass hinge on the access door for the rear number plate lamps necessitating its replacement.
This job became complicated as it was realised that to remove this involved removing most of the back end, such is the layered method of construction. This however has permitted other replacement parts in better condition to be fitted easily like the panel mentioned above and the fibreglass shroud on the
nearside which extends right up to the upper window line. At the same time the bustle pods have been removed for repair or replacement with the availability of suitable parts being the deciding factor. One hinge was found to have sheared and a new one was brutally removed from a
scrap Manchester Atlantean. Fears of how to remove and replace the old one proved unfounded as with a little WD40 the original countersunk bolts came out no problem and have been reused.
Most of the damaged panels have been removed and are being replaced using new material and good panels salvaged from LA843 including the rear upper panel which had never been modified -
many LAs had this panel split in half following damage to make repair easier. The panel under the rear canopy was found to have sacrificially corroded around the brass hinge on the access door for the rear number plate lamps necessitating its replacement.
This job became complicated as it was realised that to remove this involved removing most of the back end, such is the layered method of construction. This however has permitted other replacement parts in better condition to be fitted easily like the panel mentioned above and the fibreglass shroud on the
nearside which extends right up to the upper window line. At the same time the bustle pods have been removed for repair or replacement with the availability of suitable parts being the deciding factor. One hinge was found to have sheared and a new one was brutally removed from a
scrap Manchester Atlantean. Fears of how to remove and replace the old one proved unfounded as with a little WD40 the original countersunk bolts came out no problem and have been reused.
(Mark Budd)
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