(29 Oct 2016, 3:14 pm)a718abb wrote Having driven both the Volvo B10BLE and DAF SB220GS, in their latter years, i can honestly say that the Volvo stood the test of time the best. The DAF's really were a nightmare to drive when old, and I gather that they had major maintenance issues as well when old. My conclusion is that, whilst I understand that bus preservation is an expensive exercise at the best of times, the DAF would probably have presented a greater challenge.
The Daf,s were nice to drive when they were new. But after A few years the throttle cables needed changing. many received the air throttle mod and were again nice to drive.
I did several engine overhauls on them at Chester LE Street and after the running in period they were fine. This said they did have A few built in problems that could not be overcome. The overheating issues in the summer being the biggest one. They needed A fair amount of attention to keep them going.
The Volvo,s however were (and still are) very good buses not so troubled by overheating. The only problem they have is the rear brakes are difficult to work on. We only got to see them every 3 weeks for inspection. They were also easer to work on.
The NNRG are looking for A much bigger building. When we find this and move in we will be holding open days to let people see what it takes to preserve and restore these buses.