HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, has supported the preservation of British Transport history and heritage with its latest donation of specialist coatings to the Town & District Transport Trust.
The Trust, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to restoring and preserving historic vehicles for future generations which cares for a collection of more than 80 historic buses, showcased their work at the Great Harwood Transport Weekend event held over the 5th and 6th of September, bringing together vehicles and enthusiasts to celebrate decades of British Transport history.
Among the vehicles that have been restored by the Town & District Transport Trust is a 1973 Leyland Atlantean, one of this county’s most recognisable double-decker buses. After being retired from the roads after thousands of journeys the vehicle required care and refurbishment, HMG provided their support through a donation of specialist coatings to the Trust.
To help bring the bus back to its historic appearance, HMG Paints donated Acrythane XSC98, a two-pack acrylic coating that is designed to provide a durable, high-gloss finish.
Acrythane XSC98 was supplied in RAL 9003 and Ribble Grey, colours which were taken from HMG’s extensive colour archive which contains colours stretching back to as far as 1930. Together, the coatings provided the finish and protection required for the refurbishment, helping restore the bus back to its historic appearance.
Following the refurbishment, the 1973 Leyland Atlantean was proudly displayed at the Transport Weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to see the historic vehicle and its restored appearance up close. The renovated bus joined a wide range of heritage vehicles on display across the weekend, celebrating the history of British Transport.
Speaking about the Trust’s relationship with HMG Paints, Ian Amarnani of the Town & District Transport Trust, says: “We have received excellent service and support from the HMG team over the last 10 years, particularly with obtaining and matching colour codes to accurately replicate authentic liveries. We look forward to continuing to use HMG products across our future restoration projects.”
Previous vehicle restorations using HMG product include a Leyland Olympian, which was restored in a special Platinum Jubilee Livery, as well as a second Leyland Olympian that was given a commemorative redecoration for the Coronation of King Charles III.
Additionally, HMG also assisted in the restoration of a Halifax Joint Committee MCW Metrobus MkI, which was colour-matched to its distinctive green appearance, with the shade added to HMG’s ColourBase library and appropriately named ‘Halifax 10 Green’.
The relationship between HMG Paints and the Town & District Transport Trust will be continuing beyond the Great Harwood Transport Weekend, with further projects already well underway, including the restoration of a former Ribble Motor Services Leyland Olympian.
Martyn Binnington, General Sales Manager of Commercial Transport & Distribution at HMG Paints, comments: “Working with Ian and the team over the years has been a pleasure, and we’re proud to play a part in preserving these historic vehicles. We look forward to continuing our relationship and supporting many more restoration projects in the future.”
This project highlights the role specialist coatings continue to play across the transport sector, from the restoration of historic vehicles through to modern commercial transport application. With decades of experience within the sector, HMG remain committed to providing coatings, colour matching services and technical expertise to help protect and maintain vehicles across the UK.
About HMG Paints
Established in 1930, HMG Paints has grown to become the UK’s Leading Independent Paint Manufacturer. Offering innovative and compliant paints and coatings to a variety of markets all backed up with outstanding technical support and customer service.
For this HMG have accepted numerous awards such as the UK Coatings Care award and were the first independent UK Paint Company to be awarded British Standards quality BS5750 (FM1524). HMG’s Head office and primary manufacturing plant is based in Manchester, UK.
