A Discovery: in 2001

Sadly, in 1976, with the Iranian Revolution creating serious safety hazards,the Asian Highway was closed and trip No. 16, destined for Sydney, Australia, was cancelled. The regular journeys had come to an end. Andy, not wanting to sell the bus, was as a result forced to find Albert a comfortable home. He left the bus with small yard preservationist at Canvey Island, Essex . . . a Mr. Cunningham.
Mr Cunningham, after some years, moved/sold the bus which re-appeared on a caravan site in Lincolnshire. Then a group of well-intentioned hippies took it to Chepstow, South Wales to use as a home, during the years 1984 to 2001.
Fast forward to January, 2001. Andy with the help of Paul Adams, another Albion owner and restorer, had traced Albert to Steyning, near Brighton in Sussex (England). An offer was made to buy back No. 2004 but, unfortunately, this was declined, with the owner wanting to preserve the bus for its historic value. It would be eight years before Andy heard of Albert again. With the restoration of Albert being difficult, the then-current owner re-contacted Andy, who, in December, 2009, bought the bus back. Andy knew Albert was up to the challenge of completing his 16th, and final, journey home to retire in Sydney, Australia. There was also no doubt, that Albert’s current condition, and the restoration required, was going to be a physical and mental journey all on its own! Notorious Scottish weather being what it is, ensured that a large part of the restoration had to take place under cover.

When given the chance, and a break in the weather, some of the restorations were moved outdoors. Some modifications were made to incorporate a removable floor, which, when removed, exposed the gearbox and chassis. This was deemed a necessity in case running repairs needed to be undertaken throughout the journey.

The old floor has been ripped out allowing access to the body cross members which rest on the (red) chassis Rusted sections are cut out and new pieces (home made) are welded in.
Friends Cliff, Davie and John get into it. Look at the rusty cross members (below)!

The furnishings now included a lounge and collapsible tables, with a kitchen in the middle of the bus that has a gas stove and storage for enough water to last a week.