After 4501's brief stay on ebay, the sale of 4501 seems to have fallen through with 4501 still standing in its owners yard in Staffs. He has told me that if any reasonable offer is put onto the table, he would consider it and would open negotiations. If anyone has any offers, they can contact myself (Martin Dry) and I'll pass on any info or offer you have.
4501s restoration has gone to an advanced stage now. The owner kindly texted me to say that the engine has had a partial rebuild, but the problem is still there, more diagnostics I presume, the floor on which we were in the process of re boarding has now been completed, many of the skirt panels plus the front and rear ends have been repainted into Arriva blue plus the wheels. All of the seats downstairs are now in the same moquette and a ticket machine base has been fitted. Advert boards have been fitted and the yellow body stripe reinstated.
With me moving to Australia in April, I'll need a new sidekick to look after things so if your a trusted member, let me know and we'll have a chat.