Southern Vectis - Bristol RESL
HDL 25E
Engine: Gardner 6LW
Current Status: Fully Operational
Former Southern Vectis, Bristol RESL, HDL 25E is one of only two survivors of the type to serve the Isle of Wight.
810 is restored in National Bus Company livery to represent travel on the island in the 80's.
810 is restored in National Bus Company livery to represent travel on the island in the 80's.
The latest news with 810
Fit for another year!
Following a successful MOT pass on Saturday 21st September 2019, HDL 23 and 25E are both fit for another year of service.
The vehicles will both be in service at our mini Bristol RE Running Day on Sunday 3rd November, in Winchester.
Our thanks to I.M Services of Romsey for their continued support.
The vehicles will both be in service at our mini Bristol RE Running Day on Sunday 3rd November, in Winchester.
Our thanks to I.M Services of Romsey for their continued support.
MOT prep & servicing
Quick interior washes for HDL 23 and 25E were carried out on Friday 20th of September 2019 in preparation for their MOT's on the Saturday. 23 has been stored for many months and was full of dust and dirt. 25 has only been off the road for the last couple of months but still held a lot of dirt and grime from different jobs we have been carrying out recently.
On September 15th 2019 Jason, Daniel and family friend Thomas spent the day preparing HDL 25E for MOT.
Jobs completed included:
- Full engine oil and filter change
- Removal and cleaning of the air filter - which looked as though it hadn't been changed in years (see pics)
- Replacement of worn water hoses inside on the heater boxes. Following a pipe splitting on the Alton Beer & Bus event in July, we have replaced all hoses on the interior water system to ensure this doesn't re-occur.
- Exhaust sealing - over time the exhaust has worked gaps within some of the main joints. The brackets were taken apart and sealed with exhaust sealant before being put back together.
- Exterior wash
- General MOT checks (lights, levels etc)
- Grease up underneath
Along with 25, we also dug out HDL 23E from storage on behalf of Terry Hussey. We gave the vehicle a well needed wash and general check over of lights and levels to ensure she is ready for MOT.
Jobs completed included:
- Full engine oil and filter change
- Removal and cleaning of the air filter - which looked as though it hadn't been changed in years (see pics)
- Replacement of worn water hoses inside on the heater boxes. Following a pipe splitting on the Alton Beer & Bus event in July, we have replaced all hoses on the interior water system to ensure this doesn't re-occur.
- Exhaust sealing - over time the exhaust has worked gaps within some of the main joints. The brackets were taken apart and sealed with exhaust sealant before being put back together.
- Exterior wash
- General MOT checks (lights, levels etc)
- Grease up underneath
Along with 25, we also dug out HDL 23E from storage on behalf of Terry Hussey. We gave the vehicle a well needed wash and general check over of lights and levels to ensure she is ready for MOT.
Back home for 810 at Rydabus
19th May 2019
810 returned home to Ryde depot for the annual Rydabus event staged by a friends at the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.
The event recreates the Rydabus network operated by Southern Vectis during the early 80's whilst under the ownership of the National Bus Company.
810 performed perfectly on Route 3 to Haven Street Railway Station operating three round trips. One trip was driven by family friend and Radio DJ Rick Jackson of Wave 105FM. Rick himself owns a former Southern Vectis bus - Leyland Olympian RDL696X.
"It was great to see 810 back on home turf and we received many excellent comments from passengers who remember the buses from years ago" said Jason.
810 returned home to Ryde depot for the annual Rydabus event staged by a friends at the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.
The event recreates the Rydabus network operated by Southern Vectis during the early 80's whilst under the ownership of the National Bus Company.
810 performed perfectly on Route 3 to Haven Street Railway Station operating three round trips. One trip was driven by family friend and Radio DJ Rick Jackson of Wave 105FM. Rick himself owns a former Southern Vectis bus - Leyland Olympian RDL696X.
"It was great to see 810 back on home turf and we received many excellent comments from passengers who remember the buses from years ago" said Jason.
Sisters Reunited
Sunday 5th November 2018, 810 was joined by sister 808 for a photo shoot around Hampshire.
The buses are 50 years old this year and so we decided it would be good to get the two together for some photos and mark the occasion. A full article is due out in Bus & Coach Preservation magazine soon so look out for it the next issue!!
The buses are 50 years old this year and so we decided it would be good to get the two together for some photos and mark the occasion. A full article is due out in Bus & Coach Preservation magazine soon so look out for it the next issue!!
Engine Service
Following the Stokes Bay rally in August 2018, Jason carried out a basic engine service on 810.
Fuel and oil filters were changed and fresh oil replaced the rather dark and old oil. It is standard practice for us to change fuel filters on our vehicles on an annual basis in order to prevent the build up of any foreign bodies in the fuel system. 810 should be good for another year now !!
Fuel and oil filters were changed and fresh oil replaced the rather dark and old oil. It is standard practice for us to change fuel filters on our vehicles on an annual basis in order to prevent the build up of any foreign bodies in the fuel system. 810 should be good for another year now !!
Western Vectis
On Sunday 10th July 2017 Jason and Daniel attended the Hants & Dorset Centenary event in Poole with Southern Vectis HDL 25E.
The event was held at Poole Quay where various vintage bus services operated around the area to destinations such as Sandbanks. Other buses and coaches were also on display in Seldown Coach Park, a short walk away from Poole Bus Station.
We operated a town circular service during the morning of the event which linked the Quay, Static Display, Bus Station and Railway Station. Most of the journeys were full and standing loads which did not prove at all a challenge for our HDL. She performed very well and we were very overwhelmed with the kind comments we received.
Some pictures of the event can be found using this link - Hants and Dorset Centenary.
The event was held at Poole Quay where various vintage bus services operated around the area to destinations such as Sandbanks. Other buses and coaches were also on display in Seldown Coach Park, a short walk away from Poole Bus Station.
We operated a town circular service during the morning of the event which linked the Quay, Static Display, Bus Station and Railway Station. Most of the journeys were full and standing loads which did not prove at all a challenge for our HDL. She performed very well and we were very overwhelmed with the kind comments we received.
Some pictures of the event can be found using this link - Hants and Dorset Centenary.
Compressor Fault Rectified
On Sunday 3rd July 2017 Daniel set about removing the compressor on HDL as we were experiencing some issues with it whereby a strong vibrating sensation would rumble the bus whilst running.
Upon removing the compressor from the engine, it became clear that there was a lot of dirt and old oil stuck around the compressor and its mounting point. Once we cleaned the compressor, we replaced the mounting bracket which we believed was the problem. Daniel also removed all of the old dirt and grime off of the mounting point in order to ensure the compressor fitted flush, in the correct position.
Along the way we also found a small oil leak from a pipe that connected onto the compressor. This was due to a washer that had deteriorated over time and so this and the bolt that attached the pipe, were replaced.
We then refitted the compressor with new nuts and bolts and fired her up! Thankfully, the fault was rectified and there is no longer any vibrating!
Once the work was completed, Jason and Dan set about giving her a good scrub as she has spent a few months in storage and was rather dusty.
810 is now all set and ready to attend the Hants & Dorset Centenary Event in Poole on Sunday 10th June 2016.
To see what other events 810 will be appearing at, visit our 'Rally Diary' under the 'Events' section above.
Upon removing the compressor from the engine, it became clear that there was a lot of dirt and old oil stuck around the compressor and its mounting point. Once we cleaned the compressor, we replaced the mounting bracket which we believed was the problem. Daniel also removed all of the old dirt and grime off of the mounting point in order to ensure the compressor fitted flush, in the correct position.
Along the way we also found a small oil leak from a pipe that connected onto the compressor. This was due to a washer that had deteriorated over time and so this and the bolt that attached the pipe, were replaced.
We then refitted the compressor with new nuts and bolts and fired her up! Thankfully, the fault was rectified and there is no longer any vibrating!
Once the work was completed, Jason and Dan set about giving her a good scrub as she has spent a few months in storage and was rather dusty.
810 is now all set and ready to attend the Hants & Dorset Centenary Event in Poole on Sunday 10th June 2016.
To see what other events 810 will be appearing at, visit our 'Rally Diary' under the 'Events' section above.
HDL on tour!
On Friday 15th April 2016, Heather and Jason headed west with HDL25E to Penzance for the annual Running Day.
Stopping off at Exeter to pick some friends, HDL then headed south west via Plymouth and St Austall before arriving at Penzance Bus Station around 1700. The bus was then taken to First's depot at Long Rock where she stayed alongside some former Western National vehicles for the duration of the weekend.
At the event itself, HDL performed faultlessly on services to St Ives and proved to be a real hit with the passengers. Some invited guests were treated to a private outing to a Real Ale pub in Hayle on Sunday evening rounding off the day nicely. We departed Penzance at 0930 on Monday and following a couple of stops for refreshments and fuel, we arrived back in Winchester at 1630.
Below are some pictures of HDL25E 'on tour'.
Stopping off at Exeter to pick some friends, HDL then headed south west via Plymouth and St Austall before arriving at Penzance Bus Station around 1700. The bus was then taken to First's depot at Long Rock where she stayed alongside some former Western National vehicles for the duration of the weekend.
At the event itself, HDL performed faultlessly on services to St Ives and proved to be a real hit with the passengers. Some invited guests were treated to a private outing to a Real Ale pub in Hayle on Sunday evening rounding off the day nicely. We departed Penzance at 0930 on Monday and following a couple of stops for refreshments and fuel, we arrived back in Winchester at 1630.
Below are some pictures of HDL25E 'on tour'.
End of day line up.
Exhaust defect discovered and rectified
On Monday 28th December the old section was replaced with a newly built pipe and fixings. With the assistance of Richard we quickly fitted the new section returning the vehicle to roadworthy condition. She was rather loud with that section missing!
On Sunday 29th November, we inspected a repair that had been carried out on the exhaust of the bus.
Sadly, we found that a section of pipe from the engine to the mid section had deteriorated with old age and is now unserviceable. With the assistance of Richard, the damaged pipe was removed and a new design of pipe and fixings are being devised.
On Sunday 29th November, we inspected a repair that had been carried out on the exhaust of the bus.
Sadly, we found that a section of pipe from the engine to the mid section had deteriorated with old age and is now unserviceable. With the assistance of Richard, the damaged pipe was removed and a new design of pipe and fixings are being devised.
HDL 25E on the South Coast
After successfully passing her MOT in late July, HDL made an unadvertised appearance at the Stokes Bay Bus Rally near Gosport on Sunday 2nd August 2015. It was the first time for a couple of years HDL has attended a rally and didn't she do us proud! We spent a fair few hours scrubbing her up ready for her very special appearance.
Here you can see her at the event in the glorious summer weather. Also in attendance was her old stablemate PDL 491H.
Here you can see her at the event in the glorious summer weather. Also in attendance was her old stablemate PDL 491H.
Successful MOT Pass!
On Friday 31st July 2015 HDL passed her MOT with flying colours. After being stored for two years it's great to know she is absolutely faultless! She will now be entered into a few rallies along the South Coast for the remainder of this years rally season.
Our thanks go to IM Services of Romsey. Heather is seen here proudly holding up the certificate.
Our thanks go to IM Services of Romsey. Heather is seen here proudly holding up the certificate.
Welcome...
On Saturday 25th July 2015 we welcomed HDL into our collection.
She was collected from our very close friend, Richard Sinclair, who has carried out an extensive restoration on the vehicle. Hand painted, she wears the Leaf Green and White National Bus Company livery to represent Southern Vectis in the 80's. The vehicle has been in storage for the past two years and is soon to be MOT'd so she can return to the rally circle.
We look forward to including 810 in our collection.
She was collected from our very close friend, Richard Sinclair, who has carried out an extensive restoration on the vehicle. Hand painted, she wears the Leaf Green and White National Bus Company livery to represent Southern Vectis in the 80's. The vehicle has been in storage for the past two years and is soon to be MOT'd so she can return to the rally circle.
We look forward to including 810 in our collection.
HDL 25E pictured early in it's working life on the Isle of Wight. Photo courtesy of John Haines.
