Panel removal and woodwork commences …… with a surprising find (Part 1)

Work commenced today (16.01.25) to remove nearside panels and brightwork on CRG163 so that the woodwork underneath could be inspected and renewed.

Little did we think that when the two central waist panels were removed we would find underneath the original illuminated panel apertures and black paint  from the cream and black livery CRG163 would have carried from new in 1970 until October/November 1971 as well as the original fluorescent tubes used to light the panels at night.

CRG163 when new in 1970, carrying the original cream and black coaching livery with the four illuminated panels seen, heading from Liverpool to London on the prestigious X1 coach service.

CRG163 is seen here arriving London sometime during 1970/1971 in the black and cream coaching livery.  The four illuminated side panels are clearly seen.

It has always been believed that Crosville removed the original illuminated panels and apertures from the vehicle, being replaced by standard panels with one longer illuminated panel above the front wheel each side, adopting a simpler cream and black livery, until being repainted in December 1972 into National white.

However we now find out today that Crosville had actually panelled over the original illuminated panel apertures in October/November 1971, staying hidden and preserved until today, 54 years later.  We believe that the fourth original nearside panel is also intact which will be investigated in the coming days.  The original front illuminated panel we believe was actually replaced by the longer panel, which will also be investigated.

The nearside central waist panel and brightwork is removed and reveals the original aperture of the illuminated panel and black paint, not seen since October/November 1971 - 54 years ago!

A closer inspection and further panel removal, reveals more of the original aperture for the illuminated panel.

The original aperture for the illuminated panel in full view, revealing an original fluorescent tubes that would have lighted the illuminated panel back in 1970/1971.

A closet look at the fluorescent tubes.

The original panel aperture and black paint.

A second original illuminated panel aperture comes to view.

Another angle of the second original panel aperture, also showing lower panel removal.

Panels removed, damaged woodwork removed with space cleaned in preparation for new replacement wood.