Update: received August 18th 2011

To Albert's Crew! and those thinking about it!

Updating - Albert's RRR usually requires a rainy day, so why aren't there at least three updates per week, you may ask, given we are still waiting for summer to arrive in Scotland (or for winter to go away).

Weather - the fact is that of late even on rainy days restoration work has proceeded, albeit at a slower pace. We do not grizzle here at the Craigend Albion Recovery Centre, but by heck, it's been frustrating!

So what has been going on?

Engine - fully overhauled; re-installed in bus; original fuel injector pump; recon injectors and dynamo all the way from Sydney; new batteries purchased; plenty of cussing to get all finally in place; but, quite literally the CX19 engine started on the first push of the button - as you would expect.

Look at all that copper and bronze! No wonder rascals pinch these things, for their scrap metal value! The arrows show burned areas on the contact surfaces. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Starter - An unpleasant surprise when starting the engine for a move around the yard: the engine ran but so did the starter keep running, to the extent of straining batteries and some nasty noises. The starter switch contacts had welded themselves together as they can, if a bit dirty and overheated.  A recond. switch has been sent.

Mobility - with all 6 cylinders rumbling perfectly to the Albion tune ALBERT turned around to allow easy access to the rear end.

Radiator - original unit expertly reconditioned by Paul and Derek, now proudly and magnificently in place up front (see pic. in earlier post).

Rear platform - reconditioned and sealed all round with new floor covering - looking smart.

Staircase - lower steps re-built to allow clean storage space beneath, with upper section currently being restored.

Top deck - apart from two sections on either side and a piece at the rear the original Aussie hardwood floor (64 yrs old) has been retained in excellent condition, with a brand new plywood topping fitted throughout. Side panels restored, some renewed, all with insulation between inner/outer plus internal gutter sealing (no draughts up yer pillow this time). Floor red, lower panels green; upper panels white.

Rear axle - now here lies a story . . . but more later.   (see 'Rear Axle" post: ed.)
Suffice to say Albert has an as-good-as new high ratio diff in place which, with our existing 2-speed transfer box will give a top road speed of 50 mph / 80kph . . . unheard of for Sydney double-deckers!

Rear wheels - bit of a problem from the past here as it was found the nearside rear wheel studs were badly worn (due to running with loose wheel nuts at some time). The kerbside rear hub: click on the photo to see the grooves worn into the two studs at RHS

So . . . damaged wheel now replaced; replacement wheel studs machined as of yesterday (thankyou Peter Burt) and ready to be fitted in next few days. Rear mudguards being renewed also.

The wheel back on: an Albion fanatic will ask: "how can the exhaust pipe be visible in this shot??" Reason: it was moved to this side to enable larger fuel tanks to be fitted.

On the Crew, Operational and Administrative fronts . . .

Crew - committed all the way; Andy, David; "Popeye"; Rosemary; Trudy

Drivers - we have three Albion experienced drivers for the entire journey (Andy, David, "Popeye")

Reserve Skipper - a capable crew member to take over should Andy step on an IED or fall over laughing with the Kazahks (D G)

Purser - our on-board crew member to run the bus "office" . . . all the way to Sydney(R D)

Finances - ALBERT's restoration remains below budget for the work done, although it must be added that there have been significant contributions of time and expertise by many individuals to make this situation possible and whose efforts will be recognised in an appropriate way, allbeit not at the expense of Albert-Share holder funds. Meanwhile, enlisted crew members are asked to maintain their Albert-Share purchases as per schedule, please.

Open crew portfolios - "Popeye" and Trudy have yet to select their full journey portfolios; opportuntities for sector travellers will be offered a little later in the piece . . . meanwhile, keep talking - please!

Crew Vacancies - there are now FIVE full journey slots to be filled, as well as places on intermediate sectors B & C.

Sector travel - UK to Istanbul - 3 places confirmed (AM, PD x2); Perth to Sydney - 4 places confirmed (AM, LP; KP; HW)

In the wings . . . if just ten per cent of those join who have expressed such a desire, we are full! However, it is well understood that not everyone can make their commitment way in advance. The Crew list will be filled, the only question mark really being . . . will we need a relief Albion double-decker Perth to Sydney?

NEW! Itinerary extension - from Shanghai to Singapore - we are currently researching the route south through Laos, Thailand, Malaysia to Singapore and will make a decision in the next few weeks. If adopted this extension will add another sector to our overall journey (2 more Albert-Shares for those not already on board) and, surely, a most fascinating conclusion to this grand expedition - plus! - a much simplified shipping challenge across the ocean to Fremantle-WA!

Sponsorship - following our discussions with the CPN group in California, so near yet so far but not meant to be, ALBERT is still seeking that special entity to support our shipping expenses and to add a spark of additional glamour to the expedition. Many formal applications have been submitted during the past year; the website is constantly being viewed by sponsor prospects - that we know; still the message continuesd to out . . . likely as not our supporter will come from an unexpected direction!

Schools - now working on the schools initiative with one already keen to follow Albert's round-the-world adventure. This is a subject really worth developing; for school children to have an inter-active connection with the bus; what we are doing; where we are; make friends with schools along the way; etc.. Please extend any thoughts or experience you have on this subject.

Albert Film - regular movie shots continue of the various restoration processes for inclusion in the on-road documentary film. No "big-brother-bus" film here, no way; but an extraordinary and real-life tale of energy, enthusiasm, enterprise and expedition that has the potential to keep schoolies, mums, dads, uncles, aunts, workers, professionals, prime ministers and world-wide royalty glued to our wavelength for as many weeks as it takes us to get there . . and beyond. Anyone in Australia willing to get this one off the Aussie ground?

Web-site - although fairly static for some while there will be more regular updates now on. Anyone with constructive comments about this important window on our activity PLEASE SAY!

Adding your Voice - this is a participation expedition. Everyone involved is asked to chip in. You will be heard. Please let your ideas flow.


Nothing ventured . . . nothing gained . . . just fantastic NEW days to look forward to . . . SMILES to share . . . EXPERIENCES to encounter . . . GOODWILL to exchange . . . LIFE to be enriched . . . and a HAPPY CROWD in Sydney to say . . .

. . . "Hey! - welcome home ALBERT. We were a part of that too . . . "!

Crew Registration Update

CREW REGISTRATION UPDATE from Andy Stewart, team leader

18th May 2011

To Everyone - who has taken an interest in ALBERT'S restoration and Repatriation Project which will soon culminate in the long awaited 'Highroad to Oz' overland adventure to Australia - a Big Thank You!

With the engine overhaul and back in the bus together with extensive chassis and lower deck restoration complete, work will now proceed apace to re-furbish the rear lower-deck, to fit out the upper deck and to place ALBERT back on the road.

Recent Publicity - in Scotland and in Australia - where ALBERT went nationwide on prime-time Sunday television - has generated huge awareness and more applications have been received to join the trip.

(ed.) have a squizz at:

THIS VIDEO

THIS PRESS REPORT

It is time, therefore, to formalize the various degrees of interest that have been expressed and to invite those who seriously want to secure a place on the overland adventure to proceed without delay.

To assist you all in your deliberations please read carefully the following review of the Project to date, detailed exactly as things are.

-----------------------------------

The RRR Project (Recovery - Restoration - Repatriation) - now at the half-way point, fell behind the original schedule principally because of the time required to expertly overhaul the engine, work done on a voluntary basis under some extreme Scottish winter conditions.

As with any such undertaking a delay in one area inevitably holds back progress in another and so it was that our journey dates had to be changed. Now that the bus is independently mobile again and with the extra time available our new travel dates are published (below).

The ALBERT Film - well, two films, actually. First, our Edinburgh based movie maker is persistently ear-bashing his concept of a TV series or documentary spectacular onto the powers that be, the same powers who are no doubt experiencing budget cuts.

Second, all stages of the restoration are being photographed and filmed for own in-house records, as will be the great adventure itself, so we will have our own permanent adventure movie. As with all things ALBERT, patience remains our best friend, always.

Our Sponsorship Partner to assist with the shipping has not yet arrived, but no worries, he/she will come. Albert has sailed on 10 ships in the past and will sail again. We have fall-back funds if necessary so for now we simply maintain pace and keep to schedule.

Overland Timetable - 2012

Sector 'A' Sunday 01 April dep. Glasgow

Wednesday 18 April arr. Istanbul

Sector 'B' Sunday 22 April dep. Istanbul

Wednesday 16 May arr . Almati

Sector 'C' Tuesday 22 May dep. Almati

Sunday 17 June arr . Shanghai

Sector 'D' Sunday 08 July dep. Perth

Saturday 21 July arr. Sydney !!! ------ to be escorted into town by a convoy of restored Albions!

Joining the Project - to become a part of the trip means sending in a Crew Registration form and, when accepted, buying your Albert-Shares. These two processes are detailed below.

Crew Registration - the form is attached to this Update (some of you already completed this so no need to do again). Simply, print the form, complete, scan and send back . . or . . transfer the required information via a regular email.

Trip Vacancies - with Crew Registrations now arriving frequently this is an opportunity to secure your place if you are ready to do so. Right now there are more applicants than places without including many who have verbally expressed a desire to join (but have not applied).

Those who have already joined have agreed to be flexible with regard to on-board duties, therefore all slots are 'vacant'. The aspiration is to allocate in the most appropriate way based on individual skills and anyway, we can all chip in and help one another - no problem there!

Buying Albert-Shares - first please read the Page "Become a Shareholder" at top RHS of the blog. Albert-Shares (one share = £250 or $450) can be bought as a single purchase, or incrementally as follows:

To follow the project all the way by live film footage: One Share-- makes you a silent partner.

To join project : 2 Shares - guarantees place on trip

by 28 July 2011 : 50% of Shares balance for your travel sectors

by 28th Sept 2011 : 100% of Share balance for your travel sectors

With an Option to buy in either Australian or British currency, there may be an advantage in buying in British pounds. A bit of swings and roundabouts perhaps, not uncommon when you travel, but it is your choice as to which currency you choose. Please note, if only joining us in Australia then your Albert-Share purchase must be in Aussie $.

Your Investment - in ALBERT is confirmed with your Albert-Shares purchase. If you are forced to withdraw for a genuinely unforeseen reason and if we can replace you with a suitable participant your investment in the ALBERT RRR Project may be refunded to you.

If Albert's Repatriation - does not take place for any reason your investment remains in the outstanding balance of the Albert operating fund and in the value of the bus.

General Information

ALBERT. The fun of all this is the bus which really has a personality of its own; an Aussie bus with Scottish ancestry and a gearbox that all enthusiasts fall to the floor to listen to. Crazy people! If you do decide to come along, ALBERT will be your home on wheels for the duration.

Accommodation. Two-tier bunks on the upper deck. Basic, but cosy, comfortable and secure. Some nights we park in official roadside parking areas; sometimes in suitable caravan parks; more regularly 'out East' in safe off-road parking areas. In major cities pre-booked hotel accommodation is an option to the chosen city caravan park.

Lounges (firm bus seating) - front and rear lower deck; front upper deck.

Chart Room - for navigation, online contact, film making etc.

Galley (kitchen) - with gas rings, pressure cooker pans, sink, fresh water, refrigerator, cupboards, work top. Strictly for Chefs of the Day!

Bathroom - Outside! hand shower, wash bowl, mug and limited water.

Loo - No! Near civilisation we stop by public facilities; out 'east', desert rules apply, stopping where there is cover. Never a problem.

Extra Costs - Beyond your on-board travel entitlements budget for:

a) Food Kitty, The bus carries reserve supplies plus basic food, (dried and canned products) to supplement meals. Fresh food is bought along the way at local markets from the Food Kitty to which we all contribute in local currency. Approx £10/$20 per week each.

b) Visas - approx £150/A$300 for full trip (for AU/GB/NZ passports)

c) Personal spending along the way.

d) Your airfare(s) to connect with ALBERT travel.

Accurate detail on all these additional costs will be provided later.

Crew Responsibilities. ALBERT travel is participation travel. We all take on a role for the trip, look after the bus, help one another. Our input will add to the trip - for you and for your companions. The difference between being a 'passenger' and being an Albert-eer!

Detailed Updates - will be circulated well in advance of travel. Meanwhile the website information is up to date and correct.

All Elements - of this ALBERT RRR Project are portrayed and will be conducted in Food Faith and with Honesty and in accordance with the Principles of Fair Play and Common Sense.