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.

Day 5 - Nearside panel woodwork final push

Side panels on CRG163 are put together again after new wood work is completed. (20.01.25)

Day 4 - Nearside woodwork continues and we have a special guest

The nearside panel woodwork continues and we have a special guest visit. (19.01.25)

Day 3 - New nearside panel woodwork installation begins

New panel woodwork is added to CRG163’s nearside. (18.01.25)

Day 2 - Panel removal and woodwork continues

Nearside panel removal and woodwork continues on CRG163. (17.01.25)

Day 1 - Panel removal and woodwork commences …… with a surprising find!

Nearside panels on CRG163 are removed slowly so that damaged woodwork can be renewed. (16.01.25)

New gearbox selector plate fitted

The new aluminium gearbox selector plate is fitted to CRG163. (12.01.25)

The new gearbox selector plate arrives

New manufactured aluminium gearbox selector plates arrive for CRG163. (30.12.24)

Nadolig Llawen / Merry Christmas

Dymunwn y gorau i chi oll ar gyfer yr Wŷl. / Sending nest wishes of the Season to all. (25.12.24)

Searching for a mechanic/electrician

Searching for a mechanic / electrician for CRG163. (14.12.24)

Rhag i ni anghofio / Lest we forget

So very important we remember and not forget. (09.11.24)

Cab dashboard preparation and painting

CRG163’s cab area and dashboard is prepared and painted. (13.10.24 - 03.11.24)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Painting of wheels and front grille

Whilst we have nice weather we take the opportunity to paint CRG163’s wheels, front grille, number plate, fleet plates. (16 - 18.08.24)

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)

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)

Another special reunion

My Father Richard Lloyd Jones is reunited with CRG163 having not seen the vehicle for many years. (03.04.24)

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)

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)

Road testing continues - our second nocturnal road run

Road testing of CRG163 continues with a second nocturnal road run (11.03.24)

A productive Saturday afternoon

A productive Saturday afternoon with CRG163. (09.03.24)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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/

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)

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.

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)

CAV 460C-5 regulator board acquired

A CAV460C-5 regulator board is purchased from France. (24.11.23)

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).

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)

Sunday morning road run

Sunday morning road run. (16.04.23).

New regulator arrives

The new regulator arrives from Gardner Spare Parts. (08.03.23).

Alternator testing & regulator replacement

Alternator testing and regulator replacement ordered for delivery. (06.03.23).

Battery charging issues

Battery charging issues so immobile once again unfortunately. (February 2023).

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).

CRG163 - yard testing

CRG163 being yard tested. (04.01.23).

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).

CRG163’s rebuilt radiator re-fitted

CRG163’s radiator is refitted following rebuild. 09.12.22.

Collection of CRG163’s rebuilt radiator following refurbishment

The collection of CRG163’s radiator following its full refurbishment - 11.11.22.

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).

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.

Radiator packed and delivered for refurbishment

Radiator packaged and transported by car to Cropper & Jones, Ellesmere Port for full refurbishment - 07.10.22.

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.

We’re mobile but we have a water leak!

At last we’re mobile but unfortunately we’ve got a leak - 19.08.22.

New trafficators and emergency door lock fitted

New front trafficators (indicators fitted, near and offside - 16.07.22.

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

CRG163 - 20 years of ownership

CRG163 - 20 years of ownership: 09.06.02 - 09.06.22

New batteries ordered and ready

New batteries have been ordered and are ready to be fitted on CRG163 - 27.05.22.

New tyres fitted on completed rims (wheels)

CRG163’s new tyres have now been fitted on completed rims (wheels) - 23.05.22.

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.

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.

Rims and new tyres fitted

CRG163 with treated rims and new tyres fitted - 22.05.22.

Rims (wheels) treatment for painting

CRG163’s rims (wheels) have now been treated. Painting tomorrow, ready for Saturday - 12.05.22.

Rims (wheels) sent for sandblasting

CRG163’s rims (wheels) and old tyres are removed, with rims sent for sandblasting and treatment - 20.02.22

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.

Frankmann Trafficators & emergency door lock

Frankmann Trafficators and emergency door lock - 08.07.21.

Nearside front fog lights x2

New Butler fog lamps arrive - 15.06.21.

Cleaning commences

Cleaning has commenced. CRG163 is well into it's second restoration phase - 14.06.21.

New Tyres - 9.00 x 20

6 Dunlop tyres arrive. Special thanks to Dereks Tyre Services for finding them! 12.06.21.

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.

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.

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.