RH7 - Leyland Olympian

4th July 2009

Fleet number: RH7
Registration: 90-D-1007
Year: 1990
Make: Leyland Olympian
Chassis: Leyland
Body: Alexander
Engine: Cummins L10-185
Gearbox: ZF 4HP500
W/d: 10/00 , 9/08
Status: Fully Restored

RH7 was one of 175 Leyland Olympians delivered new to Dublin Bus between March 1990 and December 1993. The RH was the first of the 640 strong fleet of the Olympians delivered to Dublin Bus between 1990 and 1999 which consisted of the RH (1-175) the Volvo RA (176 to 325) and the RV (326 - 640).

Delivered in June 1990, RH7 operated from Ringsend Garage for its service life. In October 2000 it transferred to the Driving School fleet in Broadstone, replacing the later KDs. RH7 and RH19 were acquired for preservation in September 2008.

It was decided by RH7's owner that it would be restored to the highest possible standard. For this, it was sent across to the UK where it spent some months. Every panel was replaced and ad frames were re-fitted. Damage to the front dome was repaired and front and rear bumpers made and sourced from the stores. The restoration was completed with a full respray and original Dublin Bus logos were applied.

RH7 was unveiled at the ITT rally in Cultra in April 2009. A special thanks to Wilkinson’s Vehicle Solutions in Bridlington.

RH7 as acquired. Note: modified scroll area and additional mirrors.	RH7 rear, RH1 - 18 had a smaller rear window and bigger side and rear destinations.	Cab door and drivers partition were removed for driving school use. This had to be installed during the restoration.
Instructors seat.	Lower Saloon rear	Lower Saloon front
Upper Saloon on arrival, seats were removed and stairs blocked off.	RH7,RH19, RH140 & RH141 in Broadstone.	RH7 at the Manchester Museum of Transport.
RH7 with a Wrightbus Gemini in Manchester.	RH7 in Manchester city center.	RH7 in Liverpool city center.
At the 'Liver' building, a photo at this famous landmark had to be taken.	At Hollyhead waiting to board the HSS.	RH7 on arrival in Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin.
The lower saloon needed attention, the drivers partition had to be installed and a large amount of flooring was replaced.	All the seats on the upper deck had to be re-fitted. Lights and speakers needed to be fitted too.	The finished product back on college green in Dublin city center. RH7 was unveiled at the ITT rally in April 2009.