Phase Two - January 2011
A visit to Thamesdown Transport depot on 28 January 2011 showed much progress has been made on 1344 as follows:-


Complete new set of 10.00 x 20 tyres fitted
Remainder of exterior undercoated, and roof top coated

Interior: seat backs removed, these and the squabs stripped for re-trimming, most of the new squab covers made up (leather) and a sample one completed – looks great! Most other leather sections cut out in preparation for making up.

Lower side panels, (both decks), seat frames and upper staircase surround repaint in the darker green.

Upper deck ceiling repainted (Ivory), and both decks window surrounds painted (cream).
Red areas of platform top-coated.

In addition agreement has been reached on suitable material to re-cover the ‘seat back backs’ – It was hoped possibly to salvage the old ones, but this proved impossible. Furthermore, when the edges were exposed, the original material was a reddish-brown, not the very tarry-brown (almost black) that they had ended up! The stubbers have, of course, been carefully put away for refitting on completion!
A course of action on the floor covering, which was quite distressed along the edges of the upper deck has also been agreed. This will now be cleaned, glued down, and some broad edge strips applied to secure the edges, The whole floor covering will then be repainted in dark red to match the existing colour so far as possible. The lower deck was not so bad, though in places the leathercloth covering has been torn away. It was agreed to paint the ‘under-seats’ areas either side, leaving the centre gangway for the time being – although it may be decided later to do this as well, but it is thought it will look less ‘garish’ left as is.