The Bus Preservation Society of Western Australias Lancet J3 that was number D24 in the fleet of the Western Australian Government Railways went on a test run today following the fitting of a rebuilt engine. The engine that was in the bus when we acquired it had deteriorated to the extent it was unserviceable and a replacement was built up from spare engines held by the Society.
A major problem encountered was internal corrosion due to the poor quality water used as coolant for the first 20 years. The use of corrosion inhibitors was virtually unknown in motor vehicles in the 1940s, 50s and into the 1960s, with consequent bad effects. Several blocks were found to be beyond redemption we hope this one will last the distance in an irregularly used and much pampered preserved vehicle. D24 is running well, although we need to get on top of smoke emissions. The governor and internals of the fuel pump are worn and we cannot get replacement parts. The pump is the best of several.
Anyhow, apart from new refuse collectors and a handful of Javelins, a Dennis bus (proper Dennis with Dennis engine) is running again 12,000 miles away.