Latest News
Follow up-to-date news about CRG163’s on-going journey here and those connected to the vehicle. Developments are listed in date order with the most recent news at the top of this page. You can also subscribe to direct e-mail updates through the subscription box at the foot of each page.
Cab dashboard preparation and painting
CRG163’s cab area and dashboard is prepared and painted. (13.10.24 - 03.11.24)
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A new web page: Crosville in Liverpool
A new web page titled ‘Crosville in Liverpool’ is introduced to CRG163’s website and launched to promote the new book of the same title. (30.10.24)
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CRG163’s website has a redesign
CRG163’s website has a redesign. Most notably is the introduction of a new logo incorporating the CROSVILLE name and Crosville green throughout. (06.10.24)
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Bristol steering wheel cap and gear selector plate
An authentic BRISTOL steering wheel cap is found as well as a specially made indicator selector plate. (04.10.24)
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Our special visit to Edge Lane, Liverpool
On Tuesday 20 August 2024, my youngest son, my father and myself went on a pilgrimage to the former site of Crosville’s Edge Lane depot in Liverpool where CRG163 was based from new in 1970 to 1979. We met friends as well as making new friends from former Edge Lane staff, many having not seen each other in nearly forty years. This was a very special day. (20.08.24)
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Painting of wheels and front grill
Whilst we have nice weather we take the opportunity to paint CRG163’s wheels, front grill, number plate, fleet plates. (16 - 18.08.24)
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Successful MOT and celebratory road run
CRG163 passes her MOT with a clean sheet. This is followed with a celebratory drive in the evening with our special guest Don McKeown. (13.08.24)
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New authentic chrome wipers are found
Chrome windscreen wipers would have been fitted to CRG163 from new which were removed at some early point following the vehicle’s withdrawal from Crosville. It is extremely rare to find such wipers these days, but new one’s have been located. (04.04.24)
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Another special reunion
My Father Richard Lloyd Jones is reunited with CRG163 having not seen the vehicle for many years. (03.04.24)
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History in the making - A very special reunion
History was made today through a very special reunion between CRG163 and a dear friend from 40 years ago. (27.03.24)
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A positive week for CRG163
The rebuilding of CRG163’s external lockers continue, including the replacement of the vehicle’s lower wooden frame that holds all the lockers in place. (23.03.24)
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Road testing continues - our second nocturnal road run
Road testing of CRG163 continues with a second nocturnal road run (11.03.24)
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Nocturnal road run / Crosville Pwllheli
Our first nocturnal road run in many years, stopping briefly outside Crosville’s former Pwllheli depot site in order to pay our respects to all former staff. This page contains the history of the depot and photographs. (05.03.24)
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Charging issues solved and much more!
The charging issues that have plagued CRG163 has finally been resolved including much more. Click on ‘Learn More’ for more details and photographs (01.03.24)
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Charging issues sadly continue - a quick run around the block to keep the wheels turning
The modified regulator control board has now been fitted but sadly the charging issues continue. Further investigation is now required of the wiring.
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The world has lost one of its finest - Barry Thomas (Silver Star)
Mae'r byd wedi colli un o'i orau, sef Barry Thomas (Seren Arian). The world has lost one of its finest, Barry Thomas (Silver Star). (14.02.24)
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Regulator board conversion
Result! A worthwhile journey to Chester today. One CAV regulator board 460C successfully converted to a CAV460-1 for CRG163 and its regulator with my grateful thanks to my good friend Roger Downs, owner of preserved Crosville coach CRG111. My grateful thanks to Roger for your valued support. (03.02.24)
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New ‘Top 1’ headlamps
Two new ‘Top 1’ headlamps delivered today for CRG163 with grateful thanks to Jonathan Radley, fellow preservationist and owner of the fantastic preserved Red & White Bristol RELH ECW coach OAX9F from 1968: https://www.redandwhitebus.com/
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Blwyddyn Newydd Dda / Happy New Year
Blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd, a diolch am ddilyn CRG163 drwy 2023! 🥳 Happy new year to you all and my grateful thanks for following all things CRG163 during 2023! 🥳
Nadolig Llawen / Merry Christmas!
Nadolig Llawen i chi gyd! 🎄☃️ Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄☃️
New ‘NATIONAL / NATIONAL EXPRESS’ vehicle front grill enamel badge
New and rare ‘NATIONAL / NATIONAL EXPRESS’ vehicle front grill enamel badge, purchased today for CRG163. Delivery awaited (09.12.23)
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A new timeline page is added to CRG163’s website
A new timeline page is added tonight to CRG163’s website chartering key moments in the history of CRG163; Crosville Motor Services; Crosville Wales and Bristol RE.
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New ‘NATIONAL’ coach head rest covers purchased
New ‘NATIONAL’ coach head rest covers have been purchased and picked up today for CRG163. (26.11.23)
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CAV 460C-5 regulator board acquired
A CAV460C-5 regulator board is purchased from France. (24.11.23)
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A new photograph of CRG163 comes to light!
When you think you’ve found every photograph of CRG163 from back in the day another one suddenly appears today (29.10.23).
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We mourn the passing of our dear friend David Wilder
As an industry we mourn the loss of our dear friend Dave Wider. (27.09.23)
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Alternator testing & regulator replacement
Alternator testing and regulator replacement ordered for delivery. (06.03.23).
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Battery charging issues
Battery charging issues so immobile once again unfortunately. (February 2023).
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CRG163 back on the road
After specific yard testing, a total external deep clean and then further road testing we’re back on the road again! (06.01.23).
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QR code added to CRG163’s website
An easy way to find CRG163’s website is to scan this code on a smart mobile phone, tablet or other. Please share. (29.12.22).
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CRG163’s rebuilt radiator re-fitted
CRG163’s radiator is refitted following rebuild. 09.12.22.
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Collection of CRG163’s rebuilt radiator following refurbishment
The collection of CRG163’s radiator following its full refurbishment - 11.11.22.
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Chwilio am le parcio addas newydd / Looking for new suitable parking
Rydym yn edrych am le parcio addas newydd ar gyfer CRG163. / We are looking for new suitable parking for CRG163. (02/11/22).
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Wire brushing and painting
CRG163’s front cowl is removed so that wire brushing and hammerite treatment and painting can be undertaken in preparation for the return of the refurbished radiator. - 08.10.22.
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Radiator packed and delivered for refurbishment
Radiator packaged and transported by car to Cropper & Jones, Ellesmere Port for full refurbishment - 07.10.22.
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We have a damaged radiator
From the leak found at the front of the vehicle recently, closer inspection has revealed a damaged radiator to be the issue - 02.10.22.
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We’re mobile but we have a water leak!
At last we’re mobile but unfortunately we’ve got a leak - 19.08.22.
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New trafficators and emergency door lock fitted
New front trafficators (indicators fitted, near and offside - 16.07.22.
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Rebuilding and refitting of side lockers
Rebuilding vehicle side lockers, lower vehicle wooden framing that holds lockers in place and refitting of lockers on vehicle - 01.08.22 onwards
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New batteries ordered and ready
New batteries have been ordered and are ready to be fitted on CRG163 - 27.05.22.
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New tyres fitted on completed rims (wheels)
CRG163’s new tyres have now been fitted on completed rims (wheels) - 23.05.22.
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Rims (wheels) painted in National Bus Company grey
CRG163’s rims (wheels) have now been painted today in National Bus Company grey and drying. New tyres are ready and waiting to be fitted - 13.05.22.
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Completed rims (wheels) collected and transported
CRG163’s rims (wheels) have now been collected and transported locally in preparation for tyre fitment which will hopefully take place next week - 19.05.22.
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Rims (wheels) treatment for painting
CRG163’s rims (wheels) have now been treated. Painting tomorrow, ready for Saturday - 12.05.22.
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Rims (wheels) sent for sandblasting
CRG163’s rims (wheels) and old tyres are removed, with rims sent for sandblasting and treatment - 20.02.22
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We are now mobile!
Following the replacement of air pipes and batteries we are now mobile once again. CRG163 has now had a proper wash and the commencement of initial checks and assessment to see what now needs to be done. This includes side locker work, front indicator replacement and preparation for the removal of all wheels in order to sandblast all wheels before new tyres are eventually fitted - 22.09.21.
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Frankmann Trafficators & emergency door lock
Frankmann Trafficators and emergency door lock - 08.07.21.
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Cleaning commences
Cleaning has commenced. CRG163 is well into it's second restoration phase - 14.06.21.
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New Tyres - 9.00 x 20
6 Dunlop tyres arrive. Special thanks to Dereks Tyre Services for finding them! 12.06.21.
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CRG163's new website launched
In June 2021, CRG163's new Website was launched with the intention to source parts to help restore CRG163 for the second time. The website quickly grew to include all things related to CRG163 including a bespoke web and email address - June 2021.
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CRG163's new home
In 2020, CRG163 was moved to a new home where she would have access to further facilities that would help on her second restoration phase - June 2020.
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Chrome headlamp surround bezels (ECW)
Chrome headlamp surround bezels (ECW) were delivered on the 25th of January 2020. However shortly thereafter in March 2020 Covid 19 engulfed the world - January 2020.
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