11/10/2026
🚍 HERITAGE RESTORATION UPDATE – LTA 895 IS NEXT! 🔧
We are delighted to announce that LTA 895 has been chosen as the next vehicle in line for restoration!
An incredibly special coach with a tremendous amount of history behind her, and one we are very excited to see progress. 💙
LTA 895 will swap places with KFM 766, which is now nearing completion of its timber framing following a total strip-down and extensive structural work.
We fully expect to uncover a considerable amount of structural work on the Royal Blue, but our in-house carpenter is already keen to get started!
In many respects, the coach is remarkably complete, with the main exception being the interior, which we are currently working towards remanufacturing.
A huge amount of work has already been completed mechanically, including:
🔧 Major mechanical overhaul and servicing
🔧 Chassis cleaned and repainted
🔧 Extensive electrical and wiring work
🔧 New fuel tank fitted
🔧 Radiator fully overhauled
🔧 Brake system attended to
🔧 New seat frames manufactured
🔧 Brand-new, specially commissioned moquette
🔧 Numerous other mechanical improvements
🔧 new tires all round
The coach is now driving extremely well and will be making her way down to Image Coachworks in the coming weeks to begin the next chapter of her restoration.
There is certainly no pretending this will be a quick project! We know there is a long road ahead, but we are determined to see this wonderful vehicle restored properly and to the standard she deserves.
With so much Royal Blue activity taking place across the preservation movement at the moment, it would be fantastic to see our own coach joining in one day!
We also recognise that we will need support, knowledge and advice along the way. We are incredibly grateful to those who have already offered their help and expertise. Getting this restoration right is what matters most, and we certainly don’t claim to know everything!
And what about NFM 46? 🚍
NFM 46 will be the next coach to receive mechanical attention, with its body restoration also nearing completion. Another exciting milestone in our heritage programme!
There is a tremendous amount happening behind the scenes, and although these restorations take considerable time, patience and investment, seeing these historic vehicles gradually return to their former glory makes it all worthwhile.
We will continue to share progress, photographs and updates here on our page as the work develops.
Exciting times ahead for our heritage fleet! 💙
