Taybus Vintage Vehicle Society contacted my dad, Brian and I in 2012.
The group of enthusiasts are the proud guardians of Dundee’s famous open top double decker. The Volvo Ailsa bus was operated by Tayside Regional Council since 1979 and ended in the loving care of Taybus. The enthusiasts wanted to restore the double decker to its former glory.
The team at Taybus got to work sanding the entire bus, shortly after we all met to discuss the coach painting process, .
Brian painted the bus years earlier when he was employed with Tayside Region. Remnants of the previous livery were visible under the topcoat once the bus had been thoroughly sanded.
Brushing several layers of paint to a solid white finish before the recognisable stripes lasted over two to three weeks. Oil based coach enamel was used throughout for it’s high colour opacity and suitability for brush painting. We also trusted the paint’s durability and knew it’d last for years.
Artwork was supplied for us to ensure we’d replicate the livery as it was originally. Part of the livery involved the painting of the outlined ‘Tayside’ lettering all around the bus. We also supplied and applied legal lettering, all carefully designed by Andrew Macintosh.
Replicating the legal text positioned all around the vehicle makes the livery authentic and essential for the double decker’s era.
The bus is still used and enjoyed. It’s driven to open days and events, bringing a sense of nostalgia and winning awards.
Visit here to see another vintage vehicle refurbished.
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