History of SYPTE 836 (GWA836N)

836 is a 1975 ECW bodied Daimler Fleetline with a Gardner 6LXB engine. It is the sole survivor of a batch of 56. This is an interesting bus in many ways. It was ordered by Sheffield Transport featuring a blue interior and destined to be delivered in cream and blue but was actually delivered to the SYPTE in May 1975 in brown & cream with no branding. It had a very different appearance to contemporary ECW bodies (think Bristol VR) at the PTE’s request with flat windscreens and a peaked dome only used elsewhere on 6 Colchester Atlanteans. The flat windscreens caused a blind spot and reflection problems, miti- gated by adding pillar windows and removing interior lights. It operated from East Bank Rd garage for its whole 12 years service in Sheffield.

 

After service in Sheffield it was operated by Ribble in Bolton from 1986-1990 then by Darwen Morris Dancers from 1990-1998. Rescued by Darren Sentance in 1998 for preservation, supplying the morris dancers with a replacement ex-SYPTE Atlantean. The bus was owned by Jason Thurston from 1998-2005, remaining as withdrawn, then bought by Richard Gregory in 2005 in a complete but very tired state.

 

The restoration started in June 2006 and has been very extensive. Like most Fleetlines, the chassis has had to be repaired. An overhauled engine has been refitted along with the gearbox. Much work has been done on the body and interior. It is safe to say that this vehicle has been done to a very high standard.


Some of the jobs include:

Chassis flitch panels replaced from engine bulkhead to the centre doors 

Engine bulkhead and rear crossmember replaced

Rear lower deck stress panels replaced & new formica fitted

All wooden fillets in the body replaced

Body re-panelled and fibre glass skirt panels repaired

Centre door bulkheads replaced

Lower deck floor and all supports replaced

VIDEMAT machine carrier reinstated

Cab restored and electrics re-commissioned

Most lower saloon seats re-upholstered

Brakes and suspension overhauled

Engine serviced, fuel pump overhauled and new injectors fitted 

Correct split rim wheels sourced and new tyres fitted

Doors stripped and overhauled

Fuel tank repaired and new air tanks sourced 


In 2022, the engine and gearbox were mounted back in the bus. The first time they've been in for a number of years.


Owner - Private