8th August 2010
Today we attended the Herne Bay Bus Rally. This time we took Bernard's TFN980T, the first time she had attended this event. She managed a few runs up to Preist and Sow Corner and one around the town run all with near full loads. 7980 proved very popular. Don't forget I'm hoping to be taking SKL681X to the New Romney Bus Rally on Sunday 22nd August which is held in the light railway car park.
14th July 2010
Bernard Sealy, 7980's owner, has now also bought ex Maidstone & District 5137 (WKO137S) from Dave Atkins of Classic Omnibus. She is a fine vehicle which will be at some of the later events this year. Talking of events, we hope to have the following buses at the following shows. Please note: the buses may be changed around due to mechanical reasons so if you wish to see a certain vehicle please CONTACT ME to check before hand.
CHILLI FARM STEAM FAIR 31st July/1st August (PKE807M & WKO137S)
HERNE BAY BUS RALLY 8th August (TFN980T & PKE807M)
NEW ROMNEY BUS RALLY 22nd August (SKL681X)
EAST KENT SHOWBUS 31st August (PKE807M, WKO137S, TFN980T & SKL681X)
SWALE FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT 5th September (WKO137S) ?
29th June 2010
Our weekend on 5807 was very comfortable with our airbeds upstairs and most of the kitchen put in downstairs and some daybeds (old bus seats). Our friends Sarah and Tony let us borrow their gas camping (thanks guys) stove which provided us with hot water and food and best of all we were next to a water pipe and tap! We only had lantens on the first night - which made you feel like being on a gallion when the bus moved they swung - but the second night I rigged up power from 7681's batteries and we had electric light. This only proved the need for curtains or blinds of some kind. A portaloo is the next step plus a cooker of our own too, but we're really looking forward to sorting her out and get it sorted now.
On a different note, I've now got postcards of 5807 and 7681 together for sale and can order mousemats and other goodies. Drop me a line if your interested.
16th June 2010
Don't forget that both 7681 AND 5807 will be at the Preston Steam Rally near Canterbury on the 26th and 27th of this month.
19th May 2010
5th May 2010
15th April 2010 (Happy Birthday Dad!)
7th March 2010
1st February 2010
21st December 2009
NEW BRISTOL / ECW TO JOIN MY COLLECTION!
15th November 2009
2nd November 2009
9th September 2009
30th August 2009.
24th August 2009
28th June 2009
28th May 2009
April / May 2009
I'm intending to tax 7681 in May. Shame she doesn't get the free historic road tax as it would save £104 per year. Not a lot I know but it could be money spent elsewhere. Also this year I'm going to treat her to breakdown insurance, following a couple of breakdowns with FotEK's buses. If you have a preserved bus it's well worth the £80 as a tow from even a short distance away can be several hundred quid. It's also that time of year when I look at what events and show we will be attending. Hopefully the Preston Steam Fair near Wingham/Canterbury will be one. This is a 2 day event and I'm hoping to stay for both days, sleeping overnight on 7681. Who needs a caravan when you have a Bristol VR. I'm also hoping to attend Herne Bay Bus Rally and the FotEK running day. I will post more on these and issue dates soon.
February / March 2009
I'm hoping to continue with 7681's bodywork during the next few months as the roof still needs finishing off and the off side 'tween decks. However this is depending on work progressing on DMS550.
Winter 2008/9 SKL681X winter hibernation
As is normal practice for my vehicles 7681 was layed up over this winter period with just checks carried out every so often to make sure she was ok. She had new batteries bought for her just before the MOT last year and it is still a novelty to be able to start her on the button and not via a jump pack! Well worth the £150 they cost.
22nd October 2008 SKL681X passes MOT
On 22nd October 7681 passed her annual test at Hersden Test Centre near Canterbury in Kent. This is good news as it means she will be out and about again this year at various local shows. Also check out the gallery where you'll find pictures of 7681 coming back from test.