Chris - Was interested to hear the problems you had with your gears that necessitated the change back to manual control. I had a similar problem a few years ago with 2 gears being enaged simultaneously. The cause of the problem was traced a faulty EP unit on the side of the gearbox. One this was changed (for a unit from a DMS!) then the problem was solved.

As a matter of interest are you able to divulge how much Queensbridge are charging for a reconditioned gearbox?

My bus number (if any): RM1699 Eastbourne Regent V 69

The EP valve works fine with the wiring as shown. I suspect it is a control unit problem, shame, as I'd like to return to automatic on RM2213, and it worked very well before. The exchange gearbox was £1,450 +VAT with a one year guarantee. Ouch. I wasn't able to get a second hand one from the Routemaster Association despite trying. Any way a rebuilt one with a guarantee is a better option.

My bus number (if any): RM471 and RM2213

When I first took delivery of 1699 I only had manual control. After a few months I decided to remove the shorting pin and re-connect the control panel. Unfortunately as soon as I did so, the wiring loom shorted out and the cab was filled with acrid smoke. With some assistance, I managed to re-wire the loom and got the bus on the move again. Ultimately a replacement gear control panel was supplied and fitted by Dave Kreisler and fully automatic gear change was restored.

My bus number (if any): RM1699 - Eastbourne Regent V 69