Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Happy New Year!

Thu Dec 24 2009

Thursday 24 December 2009:

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!" />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2003

Wed Jan 1 2003

Wednesday 1 January 2003:
Work on framework replacemnt continued at Tours Isle of Man depot at Summerhill. We were given six months notice to leave the premesis as were all non company vehicles in June 2003. By December the Leopard was re-clad, albeit held together with a large amount of self tapping screws. The move to the North of the Island went according to plan.

June 2003. Work progresses on the O/S." /> Sept 2003. 665 in amongst the Body panels." /> Sept 2003 New Cab Floor, Steelwork Ducting...." /> Oct 2003 665 with new cab floor!" /> October 2003. Only 12 weeks until Christams!" /> October 2003 The Vehicle examiner passes 665 for re-cladding" /> November 2003 and only weeks to go before an enforced move to new accommodation." /> November 2003 A great transformation in only 4 weeks." /> December 2003. Hastily fastened together. 665 almost ready for the journey North." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2004

Thu Jan 1 2004

Thursday 1 January 2004:

After the move from Douglas the body panels that were largely screwed on were removed and sides refitted correctly. Rubbing down and pink undercoating continued.

March 2004. The rebuild continues." /> March 2004. The interior is slowly re-installed." /> March 2004. Emergency exit door removed for renovation." /> July 2004. The roof and front panels remain to be stripped of paint." /> December 2004. Festive few minutes in the Sunshine." /> December 2004. Happy Christmas 665.! " />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2005

Sat Jan 1 2005

Saturday 1 January 2005:

Fitting roof panels and guttering, rubbing down and painting, flatting off and first top coat applied. Second coat applied to window surrounds. After a being shown how to fit a side glass by 'National Windscreens' we quickly got to grips with the remainder of the glass.
July 2004. Roof panels are Removed stripped and re-fitted." /> 665 March 2005 Roof Refitted" /> 665 March 2005 Two sections of Guttering re-fitted" /> June 2005 Guttering complete" /> July 16th 2005 Roof light surrounds fitted and final few flaws in bodywork filled." /> August 2005. Flooring fitted, Battery boxes and ducting re-instated. " /> Final roof preperation 23rd September 2005" /> First top coat progressing well 23rd September 2005" /> 3rd October 2005. 1st Top coat complete." /> 5th October 2005. Preperation for the second coat." /> Re-fitting the glass commences. 8th October 2005" /> 19th October 2005. Rear screens re-fitted." /> 22nd October 2005. Front Windscreens and light units fitted." /> 5th November 2005. Another three windows installed. Just three more to go!!! " /> 16th November 2005. Saloon glazing installed." /> December 2005. Christmas fast approaching..!! Soon be 2006." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2006

Sun Jan 1 2006

Sunday 1 January 2006:
Testing the speedo in the snow. Painting the exterior bodywork and some inital lettering and numbers added.
January 21st 2006. 665 & 97. 97 had been cleaned in readiness for a Sunday drive on the 22nd" /> 11th Feb 2006. Time to do some spring cleaning and anything else for that matter." /> 4th March 2006. Testing the speedo in the snow." /> 8th July 2006. Light surrounds removed for painting to continue. Doors, Hub-caps re-fitted." /> July 21st 2006. An almost complete little Leopard." /> 8th August 2006. 665 at Jurby. Some wipers wouldn't go a miss in this weather." /> 8th August 2006. 665 at Jurby for final coat of paint." /> 8th August 2006. 665 joins a brace of Atlanteans for a few days." /> 23rd August 2006. A day at the races.. 665 awaiting the finish of the MGP practice." /> 23rd August 2006. A day at the races.. 665 awaiting the finish of the MGP practice." /> 28th August 2006. Ribble badge secured. Not sure about the round mirrors." /> September 16th 2006. 665 at St Judes. " /> September 16th 2006. 665 on a test drive, having replaced auxiliary drive couplings and alternator shaft. " /> 23rd December 2006. Fleet numbers added. R.Davis" /> 23rd December 2006. Close up of the Rear Fleet number. R.Davis." /> 23rd December 2006. Well if you can't get them... Make it yourself.. RibblE lettering added on the rear roof dome. R.Davis." /> 23rd December 2006. Close up of RibblE lettering on the rear roof dome. R.Davis." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2007

Mon Jan 1 2007

Monday 1 January 2007:
Overhaul rear brakes, replacement of front brake drums, grit blasting rear chassis sections. Painting and lettering exterior bodywork in readiness for the Jurby Transport Festival. Steam cleaning in Douglas and refuelled at the Milestone.
January 2007. Interior Fleet No and Emergency Door lettering applied." /> January 2007. Emergency Door lettering added." /> 24th February 2007. First Aid Lettering installed. Supplied by me.." /> 24th February 2007. A new addition to the lettering range. What shall I do next? Used tickets maybe? Or pay as you enter signs for the exterior...?" /> 24th February 2007. Is this what they mean by "Under wraps"? " /> 3rd March 2007. Compound polishing the body panels. Can you see the difference...?" /> 4th May 2007 Grit blasting in progress." /> 19th May 2007. Grit blasting takes time. Need a week off work to finish this section!." /> 6th July 2007. 665 Arrives in Ramsey after a brief drive from Ballaugh. " /> 6th July 2007. Just watch your mirror...!" /> 6th July 2007. "How did you miss the turn off..?" "I wasn't sure where I was going Chris.."" /> 6th July 2007. Parked on the slipway in Ramsey." /> 6th July 2007. Paddy worked on Leopards in the early 80's for CIE, Coras Iompair Eirann. He just came along for a chat when we passed by." /> 6th July 2007. Just what route number was Barrow shipyard then...?" /> 8th July 2007. Return journey from the shipyard. Thanks for the use of the shed Chris." /> 8th July 2007. 665 outside Ramsey Grammar school, East Building." /> 8th July 2007. Emergency Door lettering fitted. I need to wear my RVPT t shirt when I take pictures like this. I'll blend in." /> 8th July 2007. Fuel oil lettering fitted. Maybe fit the legal lettering next." /> July 18th 2007. Mud Flaps, Lettering, Could just do with some seats..." /> 22nd July 2007. 665 and 97 at Jurby transport festival." /> 22nd July 2007. Nine years on and 665 is starting to look like a RibblE bus once more." /> 1st September 2007. New N/S Brake drum fitted and adjusted. Noticed some play in the N/S king pin. Have to phone Autofast on Monday..." /> 8th September 2007. The new brake drums seem to work well." /> 18th August 2007. One drum fitted, just needs a quick coat of paint. Have to do the other one next time... " /> 18th August 2007. New Brake drums to be fitted. Parts supplied by Autofast, Thanks Matt. Collected By Barry, Thanks Barry. Just got to put it all back together now...!" /> 1st December 2007. O/S rear brake drum and shoes removed for attention." /> 1st December 2007. O/S rear brake drum re-installed after cleaning and lubrication of brake camshaft and brake shoe mountings. That should improve the braking efficiency." /> 1st December 2007. O/S rear wheels re fitted. The handbrake is much easier to operate. Just the N/S rear drum to tackle next time." /> 30th December 2007. �80.00 of diesel. It should last a while though." /> 30th December 2007. Hmmm Mobile turkish bath house..." /> 30th December 2007. Its difficult to see what your cleaning with all this steam." /> 30th December 2007. Steam Cleaning in process." /> 30th December 2007. Dont forget to clean the back of the fuel tank." /> 30th December 2007. Now thats what I call a people carrier... " />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2008

Tue Jan 1 2008

Tuesday 1 January 2008:
Grit blasting, air tank replacement. Fan shaft and steering link overhaul.
January 12th 2008. Steering drag link refurbished, ready to be re-fitted." /> 26th January 2008. No its not another of our projects. We just used the AEC Merryweather fire engine to hold the steering track rod whilst the paint dried." /> 2nd February 2008. Steering box and brake valves removed. Time to clean up!" /> 2nd February 2008. Whilst the steering box is off we changed the oil seal as it was weeping. Brake valves have also been removed for overhaul." /> March 15th 2008. Cleaned and painted parts of the 3D Leopard Jigsaw." /> 15th March 2008. Don't worry. 665 is sitting on some large wooden blocks and a wheel centre. They are obscured by the blue plastic sheet." /> 29th March 2008. Grit blasting still in progress..." /> 3rd May 2008. Grit blasted and painted. Its the RVPT running day tomorrow.... Oh well, maybe next year..." /> 8th June 2008. TT over, lets get back to grit blasting..." /> Its a 570443 drive coupling" /> 20th June 2008. How to dismantle a fan shaft. First get a slide hammer. This one was made for us by Booth W. Kelly of Ramsey." /> 20 th June 2008. Whilst one pair of hands holds the vice the other gives the slide hammer a few good belts and it all comes off!!" /> 20th June 2008. The main air tank will have to be replaced due to corrosion. It looks like Atlanteans may have the same type of tank. If not I will exchange this one for that on 672." /> 28th June 2008. So how did you celebrate 665's 10th anniversary in preservation? I removed an airtank from 672 with my 1" 1/16 �4.50 e-bay spanner. Then did a spot of grit blasting." /> 26th July 2008. 665 Looking rather dirty after several months inside the barn. I'll bring my bucket, sponge and hose attachments tomorrow!" /> 6th September 2008. One day I'll have this all done. " />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 2009

Thu Jan 1 2009

Thursday 1 January 2009:
Chassis painting renewal of water hoses, refitting the alternator, move to Jurby transport Museum, two new tyres and an outing to Peel Carnival.

21st February 2009. Steering box from 671 cleaned and almost ready to install on 665." /> 28th February 2009. Steering box replaced and towing eye assembly re-fitted." /> 7th March 2009. With slight play found in the king pins we had no alternative but to dismantle the hub assembly." /> 7th March 2009. Close up of N/S hub. Brake drum removed and shoes released for better access." /> 7th March 2009. N/S front hub removed. Good opportunity to clean and paint before re-assembly." /> 7th March 2009. N/S front hub after steam cleaning." /> 28th March 2009. O/S/F de-greased ready for cleaning with a cup brush." /> 28th March 2009. N/S/F painted silver." /> 28th March 2009. O/S/F Hub removed ready for steam cleaning." /> 28th March 2009. N/S/F hub and front drums re-painted." /> 29th March 2009. O/S/F hub steam cleaned, just need to transport it back to the barn in my car!" /> 4th April 2009. Front end of the chassis looking quite respectable. Just need to refasten the wiring harness." /> 4th April 2009. Fibreglass wheel arch panels painted silver. N/S/F brake chamber resting on the front axle." /> 4th April 2009. O/S/F axle cleaned and primed." /> 4th April 2009. O/S/F hub cleaned and primed." /> 9th May 2009. N/S front hub re-fitted, new kingpin installed." /> 16th May 2009. O/S/F Hub refitted. Ran out of time to re connect the slack adjuster." /> 16th May 2009. One of the O/S/F brake shoe fulcrums had become pitted and had to be replaced.." /> 23rd May 2009. So what have you been doing for the last eleven months..." /> 25th May 2009. Bank holiday Monday was spent washing and cleaning the grit from 665." /> 6th June 2009. Whilst bad weather postponed the TT races cleaning and painting continued." /> 13th June 2009. New budget locks fitted, speedo drive replaced, S&T light switch changed, fuel sediment filter replaced, flexible fuel pipe also replaced. What else did we do? Oh yes rubbed down some more of the chassis and painted a few bits silver." /> 20th June 2009. Eleven seat frames rubbed down and undercoated!!! Thanks Barry." /> 21st June 2009. I made a start on cleaning the seats. If they all come up like this I will be very pleased." /> 12th July 2009. Whilst I continued the chassis work Sam polished the seat frame grab rails. " /> 12th July 2009. I didn't take a picture yesterday when we had finished cleaning the coolant pipes and fitting new hoses. " /> July 18th 2009. Water hoses replaced and system pressure tested." /> July 18th 2009. Water hoses replaced. Mark came up to lend a hand, I should have taken a picture of the seat legs that were rubbed down whilst I fitted water pipes." /> July 19th 2009. My Dad left at Lunch time but Sam continued painting seat frames all afternoon! Mark also returned to rub down some of the few remaining seat frames. Thanks again Mark." /> 19th July 2009. Seat legs also painted, some of which were rubbed down yesterday by Mark and my Dad. " /> 1st August 2009. 665 at Jurby Transport Museum." /> 1st August 2009. 665 at Jurby Transport Museum." /> 2nd August 2009. Outside the House of Manannan, Peel Carnival." /> 2nd August 2009. The end of a great day out at Peel Carnival." /> 2nd August 2009. Back inside Hangar 230." /> 30th August 2009. 665 at the Festival of Jurby." /> Need I say more?" /> 11th October 2009. New O/S/F tyre fitted to rim and re-inflated." /> 10th October 2009. New N/S tyre fitted. " /> 5th December 2009. 665 has a leaking water pump. I must fit a different one. Pictured in hangar 244." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 671

Wed Feb 4 2009

Wednesday 4 February 2009:
671 was acquired in 1998 as a source of spares. Over the course of almost 11 years various items have been removed from 671 to be reused on 665. The most obvious items used are the front panels, the least apparent are several cross members removed from the mid section of the bodywork.
August 1998. 671 ready for the trip to Douglas." /> August 1998. 671 hidden behind Tours Isle of Man's Top Shed. Lower body panels were quickly removed to reveal serious corrosion." /> August 1998. Interior shot of 671. Notice the daylight below the O/S rear seat!" /> August 1998. 671's rear panels were the only reference we had to enable us to rebuild 665." /> August 1998." /> August 1998." /> August 1998. One of the body cross members, showing a distinct lack of metal work holding it the the Body." /> November 2003. Stripped for much needed frame components." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 672

Wed Feb 4 2009

Wednesday 4 February 2009:
Having been used as a store shed for 24 years, 672 was bought for preservation on the 6th October 2007. After a thorough inspection 672 was driven six miles to join 665 and the chassis of 671.

November 2001 672 pictured at Regaby, Isle of Man" /> August 2007. View of the cab." /> August 2007. Close up of the notice to passengers." /> August 2007. But this time I have a digital camera. Look no seats. Interior shot of 672." /> August 2007. NBC logo has been exposed by the weather." /> August 2007. Not much has changed since the last time we were able to have a look round in November 2001." /> 6th October 2007. Fuel, water, batteries. Clean the glass. Time to move!" /> 6th October 2007. Check the oil level." /> 6th October 2007. Put the trade plates in a prominent position." /> 6th October 2007. On the road again albeit briefly." /> 6th October 2007.Awaiting the departure of the X-trail support vehicle." /> 6th October 2007. No Passengers at Regaby Bus Stop. " /> 6th October 2007. Hmm.. This steering is a touch heavy." /> 6th October 2007. 672 Negotiates Sulby Bridge." /> 6th October 2007. Waiting for the traffic to pass." /> 6th August 2007. Let me have a drive then." /> 6th October 2007. Almost at our destination." /> 6th October 2007. 665 and 672 reunited after 24 years." /> 6th October 2007. A pair of RibblE Leopards. 665 and 672. " /> 6th October 2007. Did 665 really look like that ten years ago...!" /> 6th October 2007. 672 safe in her new home." /> 7th October 2007. The chassis looks quite rusty just behind the N/S rear wheels. " /> 7th October 2007. W.Jackson. You don't see that every day. " /> 7th October 2007. It doesn't look so bad from this angle." /> 7th October 2007. Where do you start..?" /> 7th October 2007. A close up of the switches for the air operated roof vent! " /> 7th October 2007. Only the 2nd day in preservation and already a worldwide sensation..!" /> October 13th 2007. The valve was damaged in the N/S front wheel so we changed the inner tube. Its a bit of a mess compared to 665." /> October 13th 2007. More rust." /> October 13th 2007. Is that the sort of thing you had in mind Richard...? " /> October 13th 2007. Four inflated tyres on my wagon.. or should that be Ribble Leopard. Just need to find five replacement wheels. Only one rim has the correct Leopard offset." /> October 13th 2007. Exhaust flexi pipe partially removed. Ever get that feeling of deja vu.." /> October 13th 2007. That looks a bit ominous." /> October 13th 2007. Nine years later, I Still have enough flexi pipe in stock to make up another three sections." /> October 13th 2007. NBC logo. The ruler is in the gutter for a purpose!" /> October 13th 2007. Turned around to allow better access to the exhaust. " /> 28th October 2007. Exhaust refitted, body work pressure washed and O/S rear beading strip screwed on to avoid further damage. 665 is parked in the background. " /> 28th October 2007. No longer a moss green Leopard. Made a start on removing the black paint from the glass on the windows too." /> 28th October 2007. 672 Before....." /> 28th October 2007. .....and 665 After." /> 28th October 2007.672 and 665." /> 3rd November 2007. 672 Swept out and black paint removed from the glass. Just enough space to fit two Ribble Leopards in the shed." /> 23rd May 2009. The N/S rear wheel kept deflating so today, whilst 665 was in the yard we changed it." /> 5th September 2009. 672 and the chassis of 671 are keeping the minis company." />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopard 665 1998-2002

Mon Jun 1 1998

Monday 1 June 1998:
Rescued from a farm in 1998 along with 671, 665 was first washed and displayed at the June 1998 transport gathering at Noble's Park. Work quickly started and panels were removed to reveal the true extent of the corrosion.

Artwork from 1966 Leyland Leopard brochure." /> 1982. 665 In Ramsey Depot. R.Dodge" /> Jan 1983. 665 and 662 Douglas Railway Station. R.Dodge" /> June 1998. 671 left and 665 right in the Sunshine at Glenduff." /> June 1998. IOMRS 97 and Ribble 665 Nobles Park." /> June 1998. IOMRS 97 and Ribble 665 Nobles Park." /> Late 1998. The extent of the Rear Corrosion." /> December 1999. Lower External panels removed." /> March 2002. Rear Crossmembers installed and new steel work fitted." /> March 2002. Close up of rear crossmember." /> March 2002 The remains of an old cross member." /> September 2002. Roof spar replacemnet in progress." /> September 2002. Cramped conditions with limited storage facilities." /> September 2002. View of the roof spars taken from the roof!" /> October 2002 N/S roof spars replaced." /> October 2002 N/S Inner Coving re-fitted." /> December 2002. 665 in Daylight, The Turning point." /> 5th July 2008. Did RibblE bring coaches to the Isle of Man? Or did they hire locally operated vehicles. " />
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Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Ribble Leopards on the Isle of Man

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!" /> Published in

Ribble Leopard 665 2003

Ribble Leopard 665 2004

After the move from Douglas the body panels that were largely screwed on were removed and sides refitted correctly. Rubbing down and pink undercoating continued.

Ribble Leopard 665 2005

Fitting roof panels and guttering, rubbing down and painting, flatting off and first top coat applied. Second coat applied to window surrounds. After a being shown how to fit a side glass by 'National Windscreens' we quickly got to grips with the remainder of the glass.

Ribble Leopard 665 2006

Testing the speedo in the snow. Painting the exterior bodywork and some inital lettering and numbers added.

Ribble Leopard 665 2007

Ribble Leopard 665 2008

Grit blasting, air tank replacement. Fan shaft and steering link overhaul.

Ribble Leopard 665 2009

Chassis painting renewal of water hoses, refitting the alternator, move to Jurby transport Museum, two new tyres and an outing to Peel Carnival.

Ribble Leopard 671

671 was acquired in 1998 as a source of spares. Over the course of almost 11 years various items have been removed from 671 to be reused on 665. The most obvious items used are the front panels, the least apparent are several cross members removed from the mid section of the bodywork.

Ribble Leopard 672

Having been used as a store shed for 24 years, 672 was bought for preservation on the 6th October 2007. After a thorough inspection 672 was driven six miles to join 665 and the chassis of 671.

Ribble Leopard 665 1998-2002

Rescued from a farm in 1998 along with 671, 665 was first washed and displayed at the June 1998 transport gathering at Noble's Park. Work quickly started and panels were removed to reveal the true extent of the corrosion.

Happy New Year!" />
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