D5B - 3795

[DD12]

On this website, there is a photo of this (the only surviving D5/D5B) - taken when new, on the 144.
I have seen what little apparently remains of this bus - (on visits to Wythall), but have just had a bit of a surprise -
- seeing for the first time a photo on the museum's website that shows the bus in "as acquired" condition, and having a bit more of it's bodywork than I can remember.
(Or is this just my memory again ?)
Why this is important to me is, it MAY slightly increase the chance of "restoration".
Does anyone know if there's any chance of this ?

The bodywork would have to be about "90 % replica", I think.

And are there any accurate, "to scale" drawings, or original engineering drawings surviving, does anyone know ?

[DD12]

P.S. - Are there any useful parts remaining in the S8 - 3290, that could help with this "fantasy"?

[AdamH]

I believe engineering drawings for BMMO vehicles survive for all, or nearly all, types so I don't think that will be a problem. I doubt you will find many buses that still have their original bodywork fitted as they regularly get damaged and replaced... There is a StreetDeck in the Worcester body shop at the moment with most of the side missing!

[AdamH]

These photos were taken from the BaMMOT (BOPS at the time) newsletter when they acquired the bus in 1977. Hardly in mint condition but it's the only D5 known to survive so it's better than nothing.

[DD12]

Thanks Adam for the info, and the two photos from the newsletter.

I'm "thrilled" ! - providing, that is, that Wythall checked measurements, and retained all those bodywork parts (for copies at least).
I've only ever seen 3795 consisting of a chassis, and parts of the lower front (I think).
In fact, I cannot remember seeing it at all, when First kindly provided 33404 for the museum visit.

If no-one "in the know" replies further, I shall have to email the museum !

[AdamH]

It has been tucked away in the back corner of one off the halls in the same spot every time I have been up there. They have packed it in very tightly and with the loss off pressure in one or more tyres it was leaning against one of the steel roof supports last time I looked.

They have painted the front back into red so it looks right, but I think there is a lot of work needed elsewhere.

[TimBrown]

It has been tucked away in the back corner of one off the halls in the same spot every time I have been up there. They have packed it in very tightly and with the loss off pressure in one or more tyres it was leaning against one of the steel roof supports last time I looked.

They have painted the front back into red so it looks right, but I think there is a lot of work needed elsewhere.

This rather grainy photo was taken on 21 April 2014, I think the bus is still in the same position in a Hall at Wythall. It is therefore under cover and more or less complete apart from the nearside upper windows and seats being removed when it was used as a race commentary structure. However, it doesn't appear to have an engine (or gearbox?) so there is a mountain of work needed if it was ever to be restored to full health and road going condition - just needs some kind donor with a spare £1 million, any offers?

[AdamH]

I believe the engine and gearbox were removed by BMMO before it was sold to the Raceway.

[AdamH]

- just needs some kind donor with a spare £1 million, any offers?

SOS "Standard" HA3501 can be seen parked next to it. Much as I'd like to see the D5B back on the road, I think the SOS has much more historical significance so if I were to win the Euro Millions and were able to sponsor a restoration that is where I'd put my money.

[DD12]

Thanks Tim; - It's still far more complete than I had it in my memory.

Obviously if I won a very big amount on the lottery, I would support various bus projects, including this one.

(I think we should make Adam commit to stumping-up the money for the D5B if he wins £5 million or more !)