KD221 - Restoration

Fleet number: KD221
Registration: 221 OZU
Year: 1982
Make: Bombardier
Engine: GM Detroit 6V-71
Gearbox: Allison V730
W/d: 2001
Status: Undergoing Restoration

KD221 is a Bombardier double-decker built in Shannon in 1982 by Bombardier (Canada). It was one of 366 built. The KD was the iconic Irish/Canadian bus and were the workhorses of Dublin Bus until they were withdrawn in 2001. With their roaring Detroit diesels, they echoed through the streets of Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Most were operated by Dublin Bus but some were operated by Bus Eireann. They were delivered in the iconic 'two tone green' which lasted until their withdrawal.

221 operated from Phibsboro Garage mainly on the Route 10 and 19. It was withdrawn from service in January 1999 but was modified and placed in the Dublin Bus driving school until January 2001. Since 221's withdrawal it has been idle until December 2007 when restoration began.

KD221 in December 2007. Work had started but the bus need to be moved to continue. 221's engine had been stripped so it needed to be towed.	RV14 (towtruck) was Purchased in 2006 for preservation. It was originally owned by Shell Oil before being converted for use with Bus Eireann. It is powered by a Cummins L10.	KD221 front.
KD221 arriving before the beginning of it's extensive restoration.	KD221 undergoing restoration : Note add-frames now applied	New scroll area. It was modified with a single window for driving school use.
Off side Note : Add frames applied , these were removed for Driving school.	Offside bodywork complete.	Just some of the spares being used in this extensive restoration
The brand new exhaust box.	KD221s cab area. This standard dash is seen on all the 'K' range bar the KR.	New seats on upper deck
Upper deck	Upper deck. All seats have been re-trimmed.	Peroid signs are some of the many authentic items being applied.
Signs in the upper saloon.	Lower Saloon - New floor (front)	Lower Saloon - New floor (Rear)
Lower Saloon - New floor (front)	Nearside Panel work complete.	Nearside Panel work complete. (Rear)
Brand new doors from the stores.	Despite all the work put into rebuilding KD221’s engine, it has been decided to replace it with the one from KD306. This will allow the project continue as the original engine is sent away to be overhauled.	The engine was removed in less than one day.
The engine bay certainly looks bare!	KD221's old engine and gearbox.