Latest Project - May 2023

Our next project is to get 255 looking like this...

Plans to return the outside appearance to something nearer the original condition are contunuing.
The above image shows 255 when still quite young. It has the CCFL logo on the side and a normal sized advert panel.
Additionally, 255 sports a full set of sun shades above the windows, including the front upper deck.

The other significant difference are the roof mounted lights, which can just be seen proud of the domes.
The image of Carris260 (above) is interesting as it appears to have a white bonnet top (which makes the vehicle look less bulky), and another image of the same date also confirms it had black mudguards (difficult to tell on the top image).
The side blind above the platform, which was painted over, had never been an issue. However, due to the livery change, it was agreed that we should bring it back to life.
At the same time we are also bringing back the rear destination blind, which involves building a frame from scratch as well as making alterations to the rear blind panel in a similar fashion to the side blind.
AEC images show that the original affair had set back window glass without a rubber surround. The only way to accomplish this was to ask our body specialist to construct a bespoke panel based on the original plans.  A job for the future would be to get blind gear back in the box and working plus treat the rear blind in the same manner.
You will note from the image below that 255 now has roof lights and the sunshades. Last autumn, we also added the semaphore indicators, when, upon investigation, 255 still had the void in which to install these and after quick trawl around, a set of indicators were sourced and tested. We now need to change the rear light confiuration too, but as we run with a modern light bar, it won't be a problem on the road.

A slight change was made to the side front lights which were altered to be used as indicators along with the semaphores. This was done with safety in mind, due to the low visibility of the semaphores, especially at dusk.
And finally, if the Sagres advert is retained it will be proportioned to fit within the five central bays.