299's first test run

Today, I took North Western 299 on its first test run since I bought it last year. It's in dire need of a wash, and there are several faults to rectify (speedo, water overpressurising) and in particular - and audible in this video - a slipping flywheel. But it goes, and rather well at that - we clocked 45 mph with plenty more oomph left, on a first test run we didn't push our luck. But the brakes were lovely, steering was fine, and most surprising for a Marshall body it was free from rattles and signs of weakness.
If you're wondering why I keep looking down to my right, there are two reasons: firstly, that's where the indicator switch is. There is a light tell-tale and a clicking audio relay, but this is very quiet so I kept checking to see if I'd cancelled the indicator after a turn. The second reason was the coolant issues: helpfully there is a detachable panel just above the water filler cap (and just below the driver's right elbow) so I was checking that no water was being forced out of the filler cap.
To the best of my knowledge it's the first time the bus has been seen out since 2006.
Then back to the depot for a rest and a celebratory bottle of fruit juice, given the current heatwave.