The preservation story for DT29 starts on 17 December 2016, when the four of us arrived at the premises of YMS Travel, Aylesham around 0915, to collect our latest acquisition. Indeed it was actually the first time we had set eyes on our purchase, as we had conducted negotiations by telephone, although we had been made well aware of the condition of the vehicle. We so much wanted an ex Roundabout DT, that we were going to buy it regardless, as it really was the last chance. Having a long MOT in place also reassured us it's restoration would be possible.

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Having completed the paper work and handover procedures 'Dennis' as DT29 was affectionately named by YMS, was driven out of the YMS Depot for the last time, just before 1000. About a mile down the road the sun came out on what was a rather cloudy day, so we hastily stopped for a photograph or two. It was here, that we noticed the brake lights had stopped working. In view of the long drive ahead, we returned to YMS for rectification - it was as though DT29 was reluctant to leave her home of the past nine years.

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           Collecting DT29 from YMS Travel, Aylesham, 17/12/16                                    DT29 shortly before leaving YMS Travel, 17/12/16

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It turned out to be just a blown fuse, so DT29 was soon on it's way again. The trip to our base was uneventful, and we were very pleased with the way 'Dennis' drove, especially the very smooth transmission. By late morning we posed the vehicle with P238 MKN for some pictures, before continuing to DT29s new base.

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                                                                                         DT29 and 3238, together for the first time, 17/12/16

 

The following day, DT29 headed back to its former ROUNDABOUT operating territory, visiting locations such as Orpington, Petts Wood and St Mary Cray, before heading off for a meet up with fellow ROUNDABOUT preserved DT39. Plenty of pictures were taken of the two vehicles together, probably the first time in 25 years that they had been side by side.

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     DT29 returns to 'ROUNDABOUT' territory, Petts Wood Station, 18/12/16         DT39 and DT29 together again after approximately 25 years, 18/12/16

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Work started on DT29 on 2 January 2017, when the YMS logos were removed, as was an interior partition that housed the sound system of its previous owner. We also removed a couple of 'extras' on the exterior that were no longer needed and thoroughly cleaned all the contacts on the rear lights, as we had blown another two fuses on the brake lights since taking ownership! We are pleased that this has cured the problem.

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                                                                                                     Removal of the YMS logos, 02/01/17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                              YMS logos removed, 02/01/17

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The next working day on 'Dennis' was 22 January. This was a freezing cold morning with temperatures down to -6C overnight, so we were particularly joyful when DT29 easily started. The aim of the day was to remove all the paint off the rear window, as this had been painted over in its entirety whilst at YMS. This was a long messy job, but by the end of the day DT29 had a clear rear window again. We made a start also on removing the paint from the front blind box, and managed to complete half of this before darkness began to fall.

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                                                                                                    Restoration of the rear window , 22/01/17

 

And that's where the story concludes at present, as DT29 is away having some mechanical work carried out. We knew on purchasing the vehicle that 'Dennis' would require a new fuel pump, plus some oil leaks attended to. There is also some welding,  plus some interior lights to fit, as DT29 had only some LED strip lighting upon withdrawal. A few LT features are also being returned.

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Hopefully some more news soon.

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