An update on 3814
The trustees at the Northern National Restoration Group wish all of our followers and friends a Happy New Year. It seems a lifetime since Philadelphia depot was shunted around to welcome the latest arrival. The warm summer sun shining through the depot windows set me up with a positive feeling for the coming months.
We acquired Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties Palatine 2 S814 FVK (3814) from the North East Electric Traction Trust in September 2021. As many will know, with effect from 1st January 2017, the DDA stipulated that step-entrance double-deck vehicles were to cease operating in public service. With this day fast approaching, on 12th December 2016, 3814 was withdrawn from the Go North East fleet and donated to the North East Electric Traction Trust at their base at the North East Land Sea & Air Museum. At the time 3814 joined us, members of the NEETT had completely refurbished the interior and had made a good start on the bodywork, having done a commendable job in keeping her presentable. We were approached in June 2021 with a view to take on 3814 for further restoration. After several years of inactivity, 3814 had developed several mechanical issues which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rectification of the incurred faults is ongoing.
Since 3814 joined our fleet, there has been a significant number of hours invested in her restoration. The group have continued with the refurbishment of the interior of the vehicle, such tasks having included the repainting of her yellow interior poles, a dashboard refurbishment, an evaluation of her electrics and replacement/rewiring where necessary. The seat frames are yet to be sanded down and repainted. The internal lighting mounts and clips have been cleaned up and repainted ahead of being put back onto the lighting units. We are satisfied with our progress thus far.
On going work with 3814
As previously mentioned, the NEETT had started to work on the cosmetic restoration of 3814. Our work here started in late November. Aside from some corrosion in the usual places such as window frames and at the rear, there is little wrong with her cosmetically. I remember sanding the bumper down and didn’t realise it had taken over five hours to do so, however I was proud of the outcome. With the group worried that the bumper may need to be replaced, this was a relief.
The corrosion around the windows was sanded off back to bare metal and re-patched so that it didn’t continue to corrode moving forward. Existing issues with the paint work were sanded down so that we were ready for our painting to commence. In December 2021, we started painting the vehicle back into the Yellow Bus livery it wore in the latter half of its service life. The battery terminals have been cleaned up and work done in and around the battery bay. The holes around the emergency exit door have been filled and fixed as well as the door hinges.
As a group we are currently undecided in what vehicles will operate for the 2022 season. As for 3814, we still have a lot of work to complete on the vehicle. There is of course more than meets the eye. 3814 will need a new alternator as well as the gear box fixing, in addition to a few air leaks resolving before the rally season and MOT. We still have a long way to go!
As always, your support is greatly appreciated and we hope to maintain this going forward. We have a few special announcements coming up in the next few months so please keep your eyes peeled.
If you would like to get involved with the restoration of the NNRG vehicles, please do contact us or visit our membership page on the website for more details. Your help is everything to us! You can now also donate to the NNRG via our website, so please check that out!
I hope you all have a great new year; I wish you all success and that 2022 is a year to remember. Please stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at some rallies across the region this year.
Alex Tighe