1953 Leyland OPD2/1 [2818]
2022
Body March
Norman Julian 11th Mar
With what I said the other day and the ever increasing costs of steel I went ahead and ordered enough to make 10 of these floor bearers as the one just sitting there ready to be made up.
I chose a size I was happy with and today I went and picked them up.
I really don't know how many I am going to use but I have 2 buses that are bad enough on the top to realise they won't be too healthy underneath.
In most cases they tend to corrode the most where they meet the wall pillar. It is easy enough to join them.
The total cost to buy the steel and get them folded was over $700.
The last time I got 2 made up I got them spot welded as well but this time I will do them myself.
If I was to get them done the price would have doubled what I paid today.
That is where we are at the moment folks.
There is a shortage of workers and the ones they can get have to be paid an attractive wage or they won't stay.
It's either that or they won't stay.
The guy next door has sold me his bender and that is coming but unfortunately it doesn't go to 2400mm wide.
I can live with that because there are only a few things on this and the other buses that require a folder greater than 1800mm.
There is another increase in steel prices coming very soon and I believe 3 more after that.
I have enquired about aluminium and have ordered 10 sheets of 1mm and some 1.2 and the difference is $120 a sheet compared to $80 a sheet.
What used to be a relatively inexpensive hobby isn't anymore.
With what I said the other day and the ever increasing costs of steel I went ahead and ordered enough to make 10 of these floor bearers as the one just sitting there ready to be made up.
I chose a size I was happy with and today I went and picked them up.
I really don't know how many I am going to use but I have 2 buses that are bad enough on the top to realise they won't be too healthy underneath.
In most cases they tend to corrode the most where they meet the wall pillar. It is easy enough to join them.
The total cost to buy the steel and get them folded was over $700.
The last time I got 2 made up I got them spot welded as well but this time I will do them myself.
If I was to get them done the price would have doubled what I paid today.
That is where we are at the moment folks.
There is a shortage of workers and the ones they can get have to be paid an attractive wage or they won't stay.
It's either that or they won't stay.
The guy next door has sold me his bender and that is coming but unfortunately it doesn't go to 2400mm wide.
I can live with that because there are only a few things on this and the other buses that require a folder greater than 1800mm.
There is another increase in steel prices coming very soon and I believe 3 more after that.
I have enquired about aluminium and have ordered 10 sheets of 1mm and some 1.2 and the difference is $120 a sheet compared to $80 a sheet.
What used to be a relatively inexpensive hobby isn't anymore.
Gregor Neil Robertson
Who makes your steel?
I assume quality of Chinese steel is not adequate for you.
When I was a lad in the 50’s we made steel all over in the Uk. Sadly no longer.
It’s tragic.
Norman Julian
Gregor Neil Robertson Bluescope steel is Australian steel and Australian made.
That is all they deal with.
This is sheet steel I'm talking about.
I do from time to time when I go to steel merchants buy Chinese steel but not in this case.
Gregor Neil Robertson
Norman Julian thanks Norman.
I’m tempted by the Leyland Olympian for sale at about £1200 near me.
Been standing 20 years.
But I’ll leave it.
Norman Julian
Gregor Neil Robertson I don't know your circumstances over there but I will tell you this that even if everything is going OK for you it will cost you money.
Who makes your steel?
I assume quality of Chinese steel is not adequate for you.
When I was a lad in the 50’s we made steel all over in the Uk. Sadly no longer.
It’s tragic.
Norman Julian
Gregor Neil Robertson Bluescope steel is Australian steel and Australian made.
That is all they deal with.
This is sheet steel I'm talking about.
I do from time to time when I go to steel merchants buy Chinese steel but not in this case.
Gregor Neil Robertson
Norman Julian thanks Norman.
I’m tempted by the Leyland Olympian for sale at about £1200 near me.
Been standing 20 years.
But I’ll leave it.
Norman Julian
Gregor Neil Robertson I don't know your circumstances over there but I will tell you this that even if everything is going OK for you it will cost you money.
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