BHO 670J was brought new to Castle Coaches of Waterlooville, Hampshire in 1971.
After 670 revisiting its old haunts of Horndean, it was revealed by an ex-driver of 670 that one evening in 1973, 670 was on an outing when it suffered from an electrical fault, causing damage to the Fibreglass front. As 670 was needed for a tour the following week, a replacement coach had to be brought to replace 670 while repair. Sadly after repaired, 670 was sold on.
670 was sold onto Hatts Coaches of Foxham. After two years in service it was sold onto Vranch of Coleford and later onto Down of Mary Tavy, Devon.
In 1983 the coach then was used for Gracekanders Junior Jazz Band, Nottingham. While with the jazz band the coach was kept well maintained by Camms of Nottingham.
Then in 1992, VAL enthusiast, M Redgate brought 670. His first task was to repaint the VAL from Pink (Shown ^) to Green and Black with TBG Transfers.
The coach was kept MOT'd and remained on the road, as well as attending occassional rallies.
In 2001, 670 was taken off the road for restoration work on the body. Panels were removed to reveal little rot (Surprised!!). There was only two areas that needed major repair.
Firstly the Wheel Arches, which were relined and new outers were made.
Secondly, new boot floor members were fabricated, new plywood floor and a new cross-member was installed above the boot.
670's original skirt panels had been retained, but has replaced all og the flat panelwork. The Fibreglass front and rear needed some filling and sanding after bumps over the years.
The Stainless Steel trim was in very good condition and placed back onto the coach.
Then 670 was painted Brown and Cream and owner, M Redgate added "Castle Coaches" to the destination blind.
More work is needed to complete the bodywork, but these tasks can be made while 670 is on the road. These tasks include replacing window rubbers and Windscreen gaskets.
670 was planned to visit Southsea in June 2002 so that M Redgate could take 670 around some of its old destinations around Waterlooville and Horndean. M Redgate kept in touch with editor of Bus and Coach Preservation, P Lamb and an ex-driver of 670 that he met in 1994 when TBG attended Southsea Spectacular in FAR 724K (Duple Viceroy VAL, identical to 670).
Sadly, restoration to 670 took longer than M Redgate had imagined, and so the relaunch was postphoned. 670 did make an return to the road by attending Bedford Gathering 2002 with 17 other VALS to celebrate 40 years of the Bedford VAL.
But all hopes were not lost for the trip to Southsea. 670 was taken to Southsea on 6th June 2003, where the coach was taken for a photoshoot on 7th June with P Lamb, T Hobbs (ex-driver of 670), and some other enthusiasts. The following day the coach attended Southsea Spectacular.
The article on 670 by P Lamb was published in August 2003 edition (Volume 6 Number 3) of Bus and Coach Preservation.
Sadly, in 2005, BHO 670J failed it's MOT with brake problems. Sadly due to personal reasons and other commitments, M Redgate has been unable to repair the fault and re-mot the coach. Luckily the coach has been kept safely undercover.
In July 2009, M Redgate removed the water pump from BHO 670J has there had been signs of a water leak. Evidence shown that the Water Pump had 'gone' and a replacement is currently being sourced.
In August 2009, D Howdle became a Share Owner of BHO 670J. This is to assist with the maintaining and upkeep of this unique vehicle. Hopefully when a Water Pump has been sourced, and a few adjustments are made for the MOT, BHO 670J will hopefully be returning to the road within the next few months.
