I expect you have already tried Ray Trigg or Bernie Smith for the guage ?

My bus number (if any): RML2747

I wonder whether you may regret using an RM or RT stop flag at a later date when one could be required for the correct type of vehicle. The existing red light could be retained, but linked with a buzzer, both wired to operate (in reverse from its existing arrangement)from the vaccuum switch when assistance drops. A lit gauge would act as indication of the reason for the warning.

I'm still working through the theory at this stage so i want to keep costs down to a minimum, a higher quality quage can be sourced if the concept is sound.

Roy I do agree about the use of an RM stop flag, even if I could find one! The RT/RF units I have are u/s, plus I've had them in stock for over 15 years. The problem I have is this bus (TD) is very basic in the cab equipment dept, it has a speedo with a bulb that acts as both illumination and vacuum warning (same as GS), that's it. I am converting to square speedo and adding oil pressure and vacuum gauges (so far). I need to install a buzzer for the emergency exit, a warning light for the passenger door, a high beam light and a 'winker' light (again so far!). Adding more dash lights and/or buzzers might lead to confusion, I think the stop flag is by far the best attention getter up there in the drivers view.

Also the RT type flag has the added bonus of a contact switch that will effectively reverse the vacuum switch (wired independent) for me.

Is this TD going to be used as a psv? there may be some breaking news in the next few weeks regarding the position regarding CoiFs for old vehicles but I can't say too much just yet.

Why fit high beam warning lights? they're not a legal requirement. As for passenger door warnings, take a conductor with you! But, refer to my comment above. :)

I once had an MoT examiner who asked about the warning on the emergency rear window on our RML; I told him it was crew operated, then he asked where the conductor was! I then had to tell him inspecting the conductor was not in the psv test manual.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

Perhaps a sharp spike that comes up through the driver's seat!

Modern vehicles have plethora of warning lights but drivers still manage, although their abilities may be debatable. Even coaches from the 1980s/90s had numerous warning lights and switches, BUT they were marked to indicate their function.

If you can get an RT/RF flag unit to work then it may be your best solution. However, forgetting LT's idiosyncratic approach and terminology, if the driver has even the most basic level of competence he should be able to interpret that a green flashing warning light is for the indicators, and a blue light refers to main beam (although as said not required if never fitted originally).

He should also be able to realise that a regular tick in time with a green flashing light refers to the indicators and that a constant tone or rapid bleeping refers to a fault which requires investigating, or that he has selected operation of a system.

As far as actual warning lights go, sheer size can be used to signify importance, 8mm lenses for warning and 20 mm for STOP.

Is this bus a post war PS1 or a pre war TS? The pre war may well have vacuum hydraulic braking with the rather feeble telescopic wheel cylinders.

Talking to someone the other day about COIFs, he quoted RT1; they fitted flashing indicators as a safety issue. the nearside lens utilised the side light lens on the nearside bulkhead. the Certifying Officer didn't like it because it was too far back. Had the bus not been fitted with flashers, it would not have been a problem. Why fit stuff you don't need?

My bus number (if any): RML2532

None of this is up to me, it's customer requirements. Personally I couldn't agree more.... if it wasn't needed in the 1950's why is it needed now?

I'm not sure about future psv usage, it is probable though and that's where the passenger door comes in (originally open steps), I'm just guessing here but a conductor on a 31 seat bus may be uneconomical? I do intend to follow the universally accepted warning light colour codes, it makes life simple for everyone. I dismantled an RT flag unit today and with the valve and spring out it's almost ready made to fit a solenoid, the flag is actually quite light on the pivot pin so it should work out ok.

It's a post war PS1... vac front/vac mechanical rear, 25-30 in/Hg.

I've only had one indirect encounter with the COIF (Condescending Oaf Incites Fury) test. On an RF ten items were cited as grounds for failure and only one was legitimate, six were laughable, two were debatable and one more was a consequence of a lack of knowledge on obsolete tech.

I've had battles with the COIF officer on Rt tyre sizes, RF emergency door valve position, height of RF steps..

Like I said earlier, watch this space for COIF news.

My bus number (if any): RML2532