CVH29 - VanHool Acron

Fleet number: CVH29
Registration: SI 2029
Year: 1986
Make: VanHool
Body: VanHool Acron
Engine: Cummins L10
Gearbox: Voith
W/d: 2006
Status: Restored

CVH29 was delivered new to Waterford and worked Dublin - Dungarvan express. It was delivered in tours livery and carried branding for the express route. In 1991 it transferred to Limerick. In 1993 it transferred again to Sligo. In 1999 it became CVS29 after being cascaded onto the Schools fleet. It was purchased for preservation in April 2006.

The bus lay in cold storage before restoration began in March 2008. Over 5 weeks it was stripped inside and out. It received a repaint from Ger Grant. It attended the ITT Cultra Rally on the 26th of April 2008. It was featured along with DF839 in 'Bus & Coach Preservation' Magazine.

A special thanks to Ger Grant for his usual high standard on this project. Thanks also D Hughes, J Gately, D Laffan, G Manahan and P Losty.

In August 2009, CVH29 returned to Waterford gargage while on a run. It also visited Cork on the two day run. See site features for photos.

CVH29 in Broadstone in tours livery. Note ‘Dungarvan - Dublin’ branding. It did not operate as a tour bus but was delivered new in the livery. (C) Patrick Losty	Loading up in Bus Aras for Sligo, now painted into standard Bus Eireann colours. (Mid-1990s) (C) Patrick Losty	Day of collection from Ballina - April 2006
Start of restoration, first phase of sanding.	Ger Grant masking the offside after sanding in preparation for undercoat.	CVH29 in undercoat. External parts such as wipers and grill were removed for painting.
CVH29 in undercoat rear.	Rear light lenses were removed for painting.	Owner Des Willis and Ger examining the rear bumper which is out of alignment with the body of the bus.
By the using a jack, Ger was able to move the bumper into line with the body without needing to reposition the mounts.	Ger starting to apply the white gloss. A skilled application and mixture of thinners created a spray like finish.	Ger analysing the finish.
The whole bus was painted in one go from only one tin of paint - Don't ask how!	Ger removing masking tape.	A wide angle view of the work in progress.
The entire restoration was filmed by Mr. Dan Laffan. Note : Camera in foreground.	CVH29 outside complete in gloss white. Only the red and gold bands left. A huge amount of interior work had to be done including fitting of curtains (removed for school duties).	Ger applying the red gloss.
The finished product at the ITT Rally. 26/4/08	July 2009 – CVH29 undergoing servicing. Most of the E/CVHs suffered from structural problems due to rust, 29 however, had no such problems. A general dock and service was completed ahead of its run to Waterford and Cork.	CVH29 in Waterford Garage, August 2009. The bus visited Waterford and Cork on a two day run. See site features for more photos.