Phil Hiles tells the story of the first production National 2
This vehicle is historically significant as the first production Leyland National 2 by chassis number. LAG 188V's first rally since entering preservation on 1st March 2003 was a return to Hull - A fitting start to life in preservation.
First registered on 1st Jan 1980, she was new to National Bus Company subsiduary, East Yorkshire Motor Services as their 188. She remained in service with East Yorkshire until she was sold to East Midlands Motor Services along with sister 189 (LAG 189V) on 11th August 1988 where 188 stayed until 1999. She was bought by Chester City Transport on 28th October 1999, for use on School contracts and proved to be rather elusive to National enthusiasts as a result.
After withdrawal on 28th February 2003, the current owner, Mr. P.J. Hiles secured her for preservation on 1st March 2003. It is planned that 188 will eventually be restored to NBC Poppy Red and white livery, as delivered - when additional work has been completed and when funds allow! Following the expiry of LAG 188V's MOT for 2003, the decision was taken to re-MOT her to full PCV status. The work was undertaken at Yorkshire Traction in Barnsley between late November 2003 and February 2004. During that time, the following work (detailed below) has been carried out by the helpful and obliging Central Workshop staff.
Attention to both front inner wheel arch flanges and outer panels
Attention to both rear inner wheel arch flanges and outer panels
New steering rack fitted
New airtank retaining strap fitted
Thorough steam clean of engine and chassis
Seven replacement seat frames fitted
New set of seats throughout, including driver’s seat
Original style rear lights fitted and rewired
Replacement emergency door
Replacement rear engine bay door fitted
Repairs to accident damage on o/s/r corner and side engine bay door
Rear number plate refurbished and refitted
Several new light lenses fitted
Restrictor valve fitted to doors and current air leaks repaired
New rear corner panels fitted, including both rear light holding panels
Thorough clean of interior prior to MoT testing
All the attention mentioned above paid off as LAG 188V achieved a Class VI MoT on 11th March 2004 much to the delight of Phil Hiles, the proud owner. However, there are still some minor jobs to do now that the MoT has been secured, these include:
Source and refit an original rear engine door
Source and refit an original style rear number plate light
Source and refit rear Leyland National 2 badges
Source and refit original o/s and n/s engine bay doors
Removal and sourcing of a new front bumper
Source and fit new bracket to replace existing o/s/f fog light bracket
Fitment of new front fog lights and internal switch
Fitment of new direction indicator control stalk
Attention to alternator mounting bracket
Source and reinstate rear nearside sliding window
Source and reinstate offside emergency side window
Source and replace 3 etched panes of glass and 2 window panels
Remove skirt panels and treat inner panels with rust inhibitor
Replacement cooling fan internal cover to fit
Recoat some of the vertical interior handrails
Repainting some of the matt black internal surfaces
Refit luggage pen, reseating the bus to original B49F status
Source and replace the four side vents on the nearside
Shot blast and repaint road wheels into NBC Grey
Source correct Fleetnames and lettering
Finally a full repaint into NBC Poppy Red
Getting 188 into preservation has only been possible thanks to the help and support of the following individuals.
Stuart Hyslop - Managing Director of Chester City Transport Ltd.
Mike Nash - Managing Director of British Bus Sales Ltd.
Yorkshire Terrier - Sheffield for assisting with storage.
K-Line Travel, Honley near Huddersfield for assisting with rally preparation.
Yorkshire Traction Ltd, Barnsley for Engineering and MOT work and preservation support
