Is the paint shop nearly ready to start painting deckers again?
Quote from: Tony on May 04, 2021, 08:49:46 PMRepaints now getting back in to full swing, 4902 back to BC today, 733 will be the next
https://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4902.html
are the repaints going grey or are they staying red - i just wondered because i heard an AG driver saying that everything should be grey soon
Quote from: SUNDAY.BASH on February 02, 2023, 07:28:06 PMare the repaints going grey or are they staying red - i just wondered because i heard an AG driver saying that everything should be grey soon
I'm sure Tony has stated that all full repaints now will be in grey.
Quote from: Stu on February 02, 2023, 07:31:31 PMI'm sure Tony has stated that all full repaints now will be in grey.
That is correct
Can it be confirmed what the lowest numbered/ oldest saloon and double-deck vehicles are that will be eligible for repainting in glorious grey? I'm guessing the Scanias of both flavours won't be, and nothing with a life expectancy under five years?
QuoteCan it be confirmed what the lowest numbered/ oldest saloon and double-deck vehicles are that will be eligible for repainting in glorious grey? I'm guessing the Scanias of both flavours won't be, and nothing with a life expectancy under five years?
I think Yardley Woods Enviro 400 tridents
Quote from: BBS on February 04, 2023, 05:29:32 PMI think Yardley Woods Enviro 400 tridents
Yes, 4718 et al, I had thought that, but wondered if there's a push to replace/ retire at or as close to 15 years of age as feasible, which would render these vulnerable.
QuoteI think Yardley Woods Enviro 400 tridents
Actually it's the 61 plates and younger, when the paint shop is finally ready for double deckers, it's been unable to do any deckers for a while.
It's any bus that needs a full repaint.
Only the newer ones will get a refurb, but any full repaint will be grey
QuoteIt's any bus that needs a full repaint.
Only the newer ones will get a refurb, but any full repaint will be grey
Is there an eta to the beginning of the decker repaints?
4763 4884 4989 gone into paint
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on March 09, 2023, 09:13:23 PM4763 4884 4989 (tel:4763%204884%204989) gone into paint
This thread is 2 years out of date... Hasn't a new repaint one been made or is it just in the vehicles away from home thread?
Felt it only fair that, given one hadn't been created,to create a thread for repaint news from this year onwards. More than happy for Tony to alter the heading if needed.
Quote from: BK63 YWP on February 04, 2023, 05:51:17 PMActually it's the 61 plates and younger, when the paint shop is finally ready for double deckers, it's been unable to do any deckers for a while.
No 4763 received the new livery
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 10, 2023, 07:54:04 PMNo 4763 received the new livery
All blue buses will be painted out, but at the moment it is looking like on 4880 upwards will get a refurb if repainted
Quote from: Tony on March 10, 2023, 08:10:49 PMAll blue buses will be painted out, but at the moment it is looking like on 4880 upwards will get a refurb if repainted
So all the 2007-2011 vehicles are keeping worn out interiors, nice...
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2023, 08:37:18 PMSo all the 2007-2011 vehicles are keeping worn out interiors, nice...
No, I have not said that, they will just not get the new stripy trim. Perhaps you ought to look at the 48xx at Pensnett and tell me that they have worn out interiors
Quote from: Tony on March 10, 2023, 08:46:07 PMNo, I have not said that, they will just not get the new stripy trim. Perhaps you ought to look at the 48xx at Pensnett and tell me that they have worn out interiors
4836 does!
Quote from: Jack on March 11, 2023, 12:41:29 AM4836 does!
That's not what the Engineering Manager tells me, but when they are repainted any worn moquette will be replaced
Do these double decker repaints mean that the lift at Walsall garage has finally been repaired or have nx made agreements elsewhere?
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 11, 2023, 01:19:58 PMDo these double decker repaints mean that the lift at Walsall garage has finally been repaired or have nx made agreements elsewhere?
Tony said it should be ready to handle double-decks in the next 4 weeks:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=310281
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 11, 2023, 01:19:58 PMDo these double decker repaints mean that the lift at Walsall garage has finally been repaired or have nx made agreements elsewhere?
Tony indicated when he posted about 4884 arriving at Walsall for repainting that they were expecting the paintbooth to be fixed.
Quote from: Jack on March 09, 2023, 09:29:34 PMThis thread is 2 years out of date... Hasn't a new repaint one been made or is it just in the vehicles away from home thread?
I started one.
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2023, 08:37:18 PMSo all the 2007-2011 vehicles are keeping worn out interiors, nice...
The ones which I have been on are in great condition.
Any one got any pictures of this new stripey trim
Any update on when double deckers will be repainted? I know they were waiting for equipment but last update was quite a while back
Quote from: Bus_user_jay on May 31, 2023, 10:34:07 PMAny update on when double deckers will be repainted? I know they were waiting for equipment but last update was quite a while back
4763 is currently in paint
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on June 01, 2023, 12:17:01 AM4763 is currently in paint
No buses are currently being painted, they are being refurbished / prepped ready for when the spray booth is back up & running...
Quote from: winston on June 01, 2023, 12:48:42 AMNo buses are currently being painted, they are being refurbished / prepped ready for when the spray booth is back up & running...
Ohh okay
Quote from: winston on June 01, 2023, 12:48:42 AMNo buses are currently being painted, they are being refurbished / prepped ready for when the spray booth is back up & running...
First bus out of the new booth will be 2246
So when will the new booth be ready for double deckers?
Quote from: Bus_user_jay on June 02, 2023, 01:04:06 AMSo when will the new booth be ready for double deckers?
Quite possibly already been fixed or in very close proximity to be used
WB Geminis 4483 & 4501 have finally moved from dead bus row, i assume strip and repair underway now
Quote from: 2900 on June 09, 2023, 12:12:31 PMWB Geminis 4483 & 4501 have finally moved from dead bus row, i assume strip and repair underway now
Yes
4501 is withdrawn and was an Acocks Green bus
Just seen a photo of 4887 I have to admit looks better nice
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on June 23, 2023, 02:55:15 PMJust seen a photo of 4887 I have to admit looks better nice
2171 is finished as well
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on June 23, 2023, 02:55:15 PMJust seen a photo of 4887 I have to admit looks better nice
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on June 23, 2023, 02:55:15 PMJust seen a photo of 4887 I have to admit looks better nice
Looks rather nice to be fair, also looks like one shade of grey like the zenobe 8 ev buses, plus the £4 daysaver branding bit of a waste
Quote from: 2900 on June 25, 2023, 06:49:25 AMLooks rather nice to be fair, also looks like one shade of grey like the zenobe 8 ev buses, plus the £4 daysaver branding bit of a waste
if the new livery is one shade of the platinum grey it should help speed up repaints/refurb process and keep costs down which is key now.
Quote from: 2900 on June 25, 2023, 06:49:25 AMLooks rather nice to be fair, also looks like one shade of grey like the zenobe 8 ev buses, plus the £4 daysaver branding bit of a waste
Can anyone post it on here?
Quote from: 2900 on June 25, 2023, 07:00:17 AMif the new livery is one shade of the platinum grey it should help speed up repaints/refurb process and keep costs down which is key now.
It is not one shade of grey, it is exactly the same as the single decks.
Quote from: BN on June 25, 2023, 07:00:45 AMCan anyone post it on here?
https://twitter.com/westmidsbuses/status/1672250523058159618
Looks quite smart, you wouldn't think this was a 10 year old bus.
Not a fan of that drab grey livery but at least the red detailing below the windscreens on the front improves it a little - the earlier B7RLE repaints didn't have this. It help breaks up the expanse of primer grey.
Interested to see what future route branding might look like on this livery - possibly similar to the current effort but angled to work with the diagonal red/blue stripe?
Quote from: Tony on June 25, 2023, 07:40:17 AMIt is not one shade of grey, it is exactly the same as the single decks.
i only saw the driver side picture and it looks one color to me, one shade of grey would be just as good imo with todays viynl wraps anything is possible.
327 has received a fresh coat of white paint
Two more buses in for repaint are
PN 4833
BC 4883
Are the 2007-2011 Deckers being repainted getting an interior refurb into the new spec or they keeping what they already have?
Quote from: Jack on July 04, 2023, 11:06:04 AMAre the 2007-2011 Deckers being repainted getting an interior refurb into the new spec or they keeping what they already have?
Tony will have a more authoritative answer, but I would anticipate for their expected lifespan, it may not be worth doing a full interior refurb, unless one was badly needed.
NX intends to have a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030, so all these diesel double decks will be gone within the next seven years.
Quote from: Stu on July 04, 2023, 06:38:22 PMNX intends to have a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030, so all these diesel double decks will be gone within the next seven years.
Is it possible to covert the newest diesel buses to electric power to enable them to stay beyond 2030 ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on July 04, 2023, 07:10:34 PMIs it possible to covert the newest diesel buses to electric power to enable them to stay beyond 2030 ?
Theres a reason why barely any large operators do electric conversions they mostly always end up being extremely unreliable and expensive
Quote from: EK40 on July 04, 2023, 08:14:27 PMTheres a reason why barely any large operators do electric conversions they mostly always end up being extremely unreliable and expensive
I understand that point, but the platinum e400mmcs some of the newest come 2030 will only be 11 years old so if they work on book value being spread over 15 to 18 years for example, I cant see nxwm writing those off unless they either convert, or maybe sell them on?
4887 just seen on the priory Queensway in the new livery apologise if it's the wrong fleet number
Quote from: Nxwm on July 05, 2023, 10:54:14 AM4887 just seen on the priory Queensway in the new livery apologise if it's the wrong fleet number
It's definitely that one.
Quote from: mranon on July 05, 2023, 09:22:24 AMI understand that point, but the platinum e400mmcs some of the newest come 2030 will only be 11 years old so if they work on book value being spread over 15 to 18 years for example, I cant see nxwm writing those off unless they either convert, or maybe sell them on?
They should concert them 11 years isn't really a long time they should keep them longer they better keep them longer
QuoteThey should concert them 11 years isn't really a long time they should keep them longer they better keep them longer
They will sell them on, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news that there will fewer and fewer diesel by the end of the decade. You should be happy you'll get nice new electrics for the Dudley Road
Quote from: BK63 YWP on July 05, 2023, 12:15:56 PMThey will sell them on, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news that there will fewer and fewer diesel by the end of the decade. You should be happy you'll get nice new electrics for the Dudley Road
How would I be happy I have been on the platuims for 4 years !! And platuims are 10 times better then the electrics
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 12:18:45 PMHow would I be happy I have been on the platuims for 4 years !! And platuims are 10 times better then the electrics
Are they not the same spac as the platinums?
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 12:01:54 PMThey should concert them 11 years isn't really a long time they should keep them longer they better keep them longer
Really! How much do you think it costs to convert an 11 year old bus? Any how many other operators do you see converting existing diesel buses to Electric?
Also, why would they convert some buses that aren't owned, instead only leased.
Quote from: winston on July 05, 2023, 01:25:43 PMReally! How much do you think it costs to convert an 11 year old bus? Any how many other operators do you see converting existing diesel buses to Electric?
Also, why would they convert some buses that aren't owned, instead only leased.
Are platuims leased ??
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 12:18:45 PMHow would I be happy I have been on the platuims for 4 years !! And platuims are 10 times better then the electrics
have you even been on the new electrics? went on them on the 20 from nuneaton full route then took the X1 and i can say that the electric was much better lol and they are even slightly higher spec having destination screens and slightly better highback seats (the headrest is slightly better)
Quote from: EK40 on July 05, 2023, 02:30:28 PMhave you even been on the new electrics? went on them on the 20 from nuneaton full route then took the X1 and i can say that the electric was much better lol and they are even slightly higher spec having destination screens and slightly better highback seats (the headrest is slightly better)
They make me feel a bit sick no sound but I suppose when your used to them there alright
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 02:33:14 PMThey make me feel a bit sick no sound but I suppose when your used to them there alright
Makes you feel sick with no sound?
They are much more smoother than a Platinum.
Quote from: Jack on July 05, 2023, 04:30:05 PMMakes you feel sick with no sound?
They are much more smoother than a Platinum.
They seem worse
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 02:33:14 PMThey make me feel a bit sick no sound but I suppose when your used to them there alright
I'm very impressed with the Electrics, there smooth and fairly quick. It's the most impressed I've been about new buses since the Timesaver Metrobuses (2911-2960) from 1986 !
Quote from: Steve3229vp on July 05, 2023, 05:19:02 PMI'm very impressed with the Electrics, there smooth and fairly quick. It's the most impressed I've been about new buses since the Timesaver Metrobuses (2911-2960) from 1986 !
As a driver I think they are the best vehicles since the Gas powered B10Ls, although slightly overtaken by the Wrights versions both Hydrogen & Electric
4763 was painted today, should be back at WB early next week
Quote from: Tony on July 05, 2023, 05:38:22 PMAs a driver I think they are the best vehicles since the Gas powered B10Ls, although slightly overtaken by the Wrights versions both Hydrogen & Electric
That's interesting - I have yet to travel on a modern electric double decker - I've been on various types of single decker including the BYD E200 electrics on the 507 in London, which are very smooth.
The one comment I would make is that travelling on older Optare electrics around Croydon/Norwood Junction and few years back, they made an appalling din from the rattling of the bodywork and fittings over more minor roads - to the extent the rattling was far more intrusive than on a diesel bus (because of the lack of engine noise).
Therefore, and given the sort of rattling from the bodywork particularly of ADL products already in service, it'll be interesting to see if the electrics fare better. My experience of Wrights products (particularly hybrid double deckers in London) is they're very smooth and comparatively rattle free.
Quote from: don on July 05, 2023, 06:27:19 PMThat's interesting - I have yet to travel on a modern electric double decker - I've been on various types of single decker including the BYD E200 electrics on the 507 in London, which are very smooth.
The one comment I would make is that travelling on older Optare electrics around Croydon/Norwood Junction and few years back, they made an appalling din from the rattling of the bodywork and fittings over more minor roads - to the extent the rattling was far more intrusive than on a diesel bus (because of the lack of engine noise).
Therefore, and given the sort of rattling from the bodywork particularly of ADL products already in service, it'll be interesting to see if the electrics fare better. My experience of Wrights products (particularly hybrid double deckers in London) is they're very smooth and comparatively rattle free.
I took H1016 to Coventry for a VIP visit yesterday, and H1018 for fuel today. Both are an absolute pleasure to drive. A deal has finally been agreed with the fuel supplier for a fixed price for a couple of years, similar to what is done with diesel, so the hope is, (although not 100% finalised) the hydrogens can go into full use from later this month.
When will the 100 ZEBRA hydrogen buses start to arrive?
Quote from: Wolves256 on July 05, 2023, 06:58:06 PMWhen will the 100 ZEBRA hydrogen buses start to arrive?
Probably a few months after they are ordered, if they are ordered
So it sounds like hydrogen is not progressing at the speed everyone hoped for
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 05, 2023, 12:18:45 PMHow would I be happy I have been on the platuims for 4 years !! And platuims are 10 times better then the electrics
As a driver I HATE Enviro 400mmc platinums they are 10 times worse than every other diesel bus i have driven really annoying boxes of shit , Volvos just kill these plus the 4700s ENVIRO 400s 4749 one epic bus to drive.
Quote from: 2900 on July 06, 2023, 12:00:18 AMAs a driver I HATE Enviro 400mmc platinums they are 10 times worse than every other diesel bus i have driven really annoying boxes of shit , Volvos just kill these plus the 4700s ENVIRO 400s 4749 one epic bus to drive.
4747 is a gooden again now
may be bold i say 4749 most probably the best driving bus at Westbrom garage its old skool in the right areas , when i had it a few back i thought HELLO what the hell it was just so responsive just an absolute pleasure to drive my duty portion just flew by, those that know at WB know just how good it is, bonus cab chillers still work.
Haven't we strayed off the original topic now the last 34 posts aren't about refurbs or recent repaints. Apart from Tony's post about 4763 that I just noticed
Quote from: cris 99 on July 06, 2023, 10:22:16 AMHaven't we strayed off the original topic now the last 34 posts aren't about refurbs or recent repaints. Apart from Tony's post about 4763 that I just noticed
guess we have, if i knew how i would move my posts to the correct THREAD, cant be bothered to retype it
YW 4774 going for paint later
Quote from: Tony on July 07, 2023, 01:08:50 PMYW 4774 going for paint later
Just seen it on Digbeth High Street presumably it's final trip in Blue.
4913 i saw this on broad st yesterday what an eye sore surely the scruffiest 4900 hows it got so bad, non of the WB 4900s look any where near the state of 4913, surely a candiate for repaint sharpish
Quote from: 2900 on July 08, 2023, 02:34:04 PM4913 i saw this on broad st yesterday what an eye sore surely the scruffiest 4900 hows it got so bad, non of the WB 4900s look any where near the state of 4913, surely a candiate for repaint sharpish
It's just had an overall advert removed and is getting a new one next week
Quote from: 2900 on July 08, 2023, 02:34:04 PM4913 i saw this on broad st yesterday what an eye sore surely the scruffiest 4900 hows it got so bad, non of the WB 4900s look any where near the state of 4913, surely a candiate for repaint sharpish
Most of BC's red and white ones look atrocious. Even with graffiti being bad again, how the fleet looks now is a bit like 2007-2010 era...
Quote from: Jack on July 08, 2023, 02:52:52 PMMost of BC's red and white ones look atrocious. Even with graffiti being bad again, how the fleet looks now is a bit like 2007-2010 era...
Its not surprising, when there's been such a long gap between double decker repaints re-starting of years. NXWM could have subcontracted out double decker repaints in the interim, but chose not too.
Haven't got the number, but one of Walsall's Eclipse's looks a bit shabby around the skirting.
Bits of red missing.
Don't know whether it would've had a prang at some point?
Quote from: EK40 on July 04, 2023, 08:14:27 PMTheres a reason why barely any large operators do electric conversions they mostly always end up being extremely unreliable and expensive
lord bamford owner of JCB and Wrightbus is championing hydrogen, his engineers have developed an hydrogen engine from scratch for retro fitting into trucks/buses theres videos on youtube quite interesting, i think vehicles with diesel engines are more suited to this type of conversion. JCB also involved in producing the hydrogen fuel too, main priority to get the price per kilo down to attract enough interest. May be platinums could be a candiate for such conversions
I saw 4884 out driven by an engineer. Is that now ready for service?
Quote from: HARVEYCLLEE on July 13, 2023, 03:13:01 PMI saw 4884 out driven by an engineer. Is that now ready for service?
Back at BC but needs routine inspections first
with 4763 back at WB, 4768 has gone into paint. BC will be sending 4881 in next week
How come 2201 and 4884 came out with no branding?
Quote from: Tony on July 14, 2023, 09:55:50 AMwith 4763 back at WB, 4768 has gone into paint. BC will be sending 4881 in next week
It's good to see the flow of repaints/refurbs increase, but with the school summer break timetables starting soon, is it likely garages can spare more buses to go through the process at a time? I know at one stage the paint shop had around 15 vehicles at a time going through. Be good to see some of WB's oft maligned 49xx and similar BC's (I know a start has been made with 4940), go through.
Also, would the non-crimson 4718 batch (YW) qualify for repaint or are they too old (same age as the soon to depart Scanias)!!
Quote from: don on July 14, 2023, 07:20:42 PMIt's good to see the flow of repaints/refurbs increase, but with the school summer break timetables starting soon, is it likely garages can spare more buses to go through the process at a time? I know at one stage the paint shop had around 15 vehicles at a time going through. Be good to see some of WB's oft maligned 49xx and similar BC's (I know a start has been made with 4940), go through.
Also, would the non-crimson 4718 batch (YW) qualify for repaint or are they too old (same age as the soon to depart Scanias)!!
If 300 new buses come next year, which was the announcement, 170 have already been confirmed, that would wipe out the oldest 300 buses which would tale out all buses new in 2010 or before!
Quote from: don on July 14, 2023, 07:20:42 PMIt's good to see the flow of repaints/refurbs increase, but with the school summer break timetables starting soon, is it likely garages can spare more buses to go through the process at a time?
With PVRs being lower, the school summer holidays are probably an ideal time to ramp up repaints.
Quote from: Stu on July 14, 2023, 08:46:20 PMWith PVRs being lower, the school summer holidays are probably an ideal time to ramp up repaints.
Bodymakers who do the preperations also take more holidays, so actually fewer staff available to do them
Quote from: Tony on July 14, 2023, 07:24:40 PMIf 300 new buses come next year, which was the announcement, 170 have already been confirmed, that would wipe out the oldest 300 buses which would tale out all buses new in 2010 or before!
Oh Yes, bye bye Scania Omnilinks !
Quote from: Steve3229vp on July 14, 2023, 09:19:32 PMOh Yes, bye bye Scania Omnilinks !
Scanias are the best
Quote from: Steve3229vp on July 14, 2023, 09:19:32 PMOh Yes, bye bye Scania Omnilinks !
Would much rather have an Omnilink over no bus at all, and much preferred to an E200 or B7RLE imo.
Quote from: Jack on July 14, 2023, 09:22:52 PMWould much rather have an Omnilink over no bus at all, and much preferred to an E200 or B7RLE imo.
Indeed but if replaced by B7RLEs or double deckers this wouldn't happen. Another possibility is cascade of E200MMC to replace Omnilinks if the 4 gets converted to electric double decker. All conjecture but the next year will be very interesting indeed.
Has 4667 been painted to red and white? It's been edited on bus times .org by Tony.
Quote from: HARVEYCLLEE on July 18, 2023, 05:14:55 PMHas 4667 been painted to red and white?
It's at Walsall and should be being done today. I'm off work on Jury Service at the moment so not fully up to date on everything
Quote from: HARVEYCLLEE on July 18, 2023, 05:14:55 PMHas 4667 been painted to red and white? It's been edited on bus times .org by Tony.
Quote from: Tony on July 18, 2023, 05:31:58 PMIt's at Walsall and should be being done today. I'm off work on Jury Service at the moment so not fully up to date on everything
Quote from: Tony on July 18, 2023, 05:31:58 PMIt's at Walsall and should be being done today. I'm off work on Jury Service at the moment so not fully up to date on everything
Why not paint it into grey livery it's a bit silly painting it into red and white 2 livery's old would be nice to at least see a gemeni in the grey livery, plus being as the grey is what painters are doing wouldn't it just be easier to paint it into grey.
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 18, 2023, 06:27:12 PMWhy not paint it into grey livery it's a bit silly painting it into red and white 2 livery's old would be nice to at least see a gemeni in the grey livery, plus being as the grey is what painters are doing wouldn't it just be easier to paint it into grey.
Presumably its just having the blue bits painted over. Makes no sense to do a full repaint/refurb on a bus that probably only has less than a year of life left.
Quote from: Stu on July 18, 2023, 06:31:09 PMPresumably its just having the blue bits painted over. Makes no sense to do a full repaint/refurb on a bus that probably only has less than a year of life left.
Correct
Quote from: Tony on July 14, 2023, 07:24:40 PMIf 300 new buses come next year, which was the announcement, 170 have already been confirmed, that would wipe out the oldest 300 buses which would tale out all buses new in 2010 or before!
That's the Euro 4 Enviro 400s done then :cry:
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 18, 2023, 08:16:45 PMThat's the Euro 4 Enviro 400s done then :cry:
And not before time, they will be 17 years old next year
Quote from: Tony on July 18, 2023, 08:28:23 PMAnd not before time, they will be 17 years old next year
Which E400s are euro 4 I thought all enviro 400s was euro 6
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 19, 2023, 01:05:17 AMWhich E400s are euro 4 I thought all enviro 400s was euro 6
The 2007-2009 E400's? They have Euro 6 traps.
When will 4763 be out in service
QuoteWhen will 4763 be out in service
Why will 4763 be out in service for
Quote from: BBS on July 19, 2023, 11:05:03 AMWhy will 4763 be out in service for
Because it has returned back to wb
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 19, 2023, 07:36:32 AMWhen will 4763 be out in service
Whens it available and ready.
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 19, 2023, 01:05:17 AMWhich E400s are euro 4 I thought all enviro 400s was euro 6
Its referring to what originally the euro spec was, the trident 2 based ones (classics) are euro 4, the E40D based ones (facelifts) are euro 5 originally.
Quote from: Jack on July 19, 2023, 12:15:42 PMQuote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 19, 2023, 07:36:32 AMWhen will 4763 be out in service
Whens it available and ready.
In the repair bay this morning sporting a huge £ 4.50 ALL DAY TICKET on the back window, you cant miss it
4667 is back at AG this morning, so no doubt 'exclusive hunters' will be watching bustimes
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 19, 2023, 12:03:04 PMBecause it has returned back to wb
It's parked on the front yard(oak lane side now )
2075 back, replaced with 4983
waiting outside New street station the other day i notice newly repainted grey enviro 400 parked in front of a platinum, i thought oh dear how dull and boring the new livery really is, it needs the red PUMA SWOOSH down the side or something else to lift it.
4830 now back at Pensnett, their first Grey E400
4672 has just come through City on its way back to AG in fresh red.
Quote from: Jack on July 28, 2023, 02:42:56 PM4672 has just come through City on its way back to AG in fresh red.
And 4675 now at Walsy
QuoteAnd 4675 now at Walsy
Are these getting vinyl or a repaint but front only?
I didn't think anything under 4880 was going to be getting refurbished with the new interior , , PN4830 has had the new interior saw today on the 126
Quote from: Jack6101 on July 29, 2023, 01:24:45 PMI didn't think anything under 4880 was going to be getting refurbished with the new interior , , PN4830 has had the new interior saw today on the 126
I'd of expected 4718 upwards to be refurbished with new interiorr
Quote from: Steve3229vp on July 29, 2023, 02:13:49 PMI'd of expected 4718 upwards to be refurbished with new interiorr
I'd say 4763 upwards
It's only 4880 upwards unless the interior is really poor.
4830 was as it had never had a previous refurb
Looking at recent refurbs/repaints, the temporary branding to buses really does look very smart. NXWM have made a concerted effort to make temporary branding look smart, relevant and on brand, as depicted on the photo below.
The application to the ex Coventry E400s have made them look very much part of the brand with the sky blue fronts until their turn for refurb/paint, and on the Gemini posted in the link below.
It's certainly a far cry from the mid 90s when they'd just plonk a decal over the multitude of absorbed buses from Central Liner, Yourbus and Metrowest.
NXWM 4672 (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4672.html)
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 29, 2023, 02:18:42 PMI'd say 4763 upwards
still got grey and red dot trim from last refurb
Quote from: 2900 on July 31, 2023, 10:20:33 AMstill got grey and red dot trim from last refurb
Oh so it's still dirty and horrible on inside
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 31, 2023, 10:30:06 AMOh so it's still dirty and horrible on inside
it was parked really tight next to others it was 4am i popped my head inside quickly the front 2 seats did'nt look refurbed to me, hopefully the cleaners have at least scrubbed it up.
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 31, 2023, 10:30:06 AMOh so it's still dirty and horrible on inside
You already know they won't be refurbished, I'm sure they will have a deep clean though...
Quote from: Wumpty on July 31, 2023, 09:32:16 AMIt's certainly a far cry from the mid 90s when they'd just plonk a decal over the multitude of absorbed buses from Central Liner, Yourbus and Metrowest.
NXWM 4672 (wmbusphotos.com) (http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4672.html)
It's exactly the same. Plonking a decal on a multitude of liveries. On my local route I can catch buses in red/white, blue/white, crimson, NXC blue, platinum, new grey. Some say West Midlands on the side, some say Coventry, some have ugly big red stickers slapped on the sides and rear claiming to be 'on loan'. It's a mess.
Quote from: Gareth on July 31, 2023, 07:01:26 PMIt's exactly the same. Plonking a decal on a multitude of liveries. On my local route I can catch buses in red/white, blue/white, crimson, NXC blue, platinum, new grey. Some say West Midlands on the side, some say Coventry, some have ugly big red stickers slapped on the sides and rear claiming to be 'on loan'. It's a mess.
Dunno why they describe it as a 'loan', when it's a transfer?
We had this on a previous livery change, where you had 'West Midlands Part Of National Express ' on the red & white livery, until someone got round to changing the signs, while the older Metrobuses in the silver, red, white & blue livery retained the Travel West Midlands fleet name, along with vehicles in the 90's livery.
Back in 1986, you quite happily had 'West Midlands Travel' stuck over the Wmpte livery!
Quote from: Westy on July 31, 2023, 09:04:11 PMDunno why they describe it as a 'loan', when it's a transfer?
We had this on a previous livery change, where you had 'West Midlands Part Of National Express ' on the red & white livery, until someone got round to changing the signs, while the older Metrobuses in the silver, red, white & blue livery retained the Travel West Midlands fleet name, along with vehicles in the 90's livery.
Back in 1986, you quite happily had 'West Midlands Travel' stuck over the Wmpte livery!
I remember PN ended up with some ex coventry Mercs just before they was retired - think they just put a decal on them too - at least the mercs were at the end of their life anyway so it didn't really matter
Quote from: Gareth on July 31, 2023, 07:01:26 PMIt's exactly the same. Plonking a decal on a multitude of liveries. On my local route I can catch buses in red/white, blue/white, crimson, NXC blue, platinum, new grey. Some say West Midlands on the side, some say Coventry, some have ugly big red stickers slapped on the sides and rear claiming to be 'on loan'. It's a mess.
In the 90's and regardless of the colour, they would whack any old decal that came to hand.
This time, the decals have been shaped, greater thought into single colours and keeping it on brand so it's a softer attempt to absorb into the NXWM fleet.
Granted, not sure I "get" the 'on loan' element. I know why they have done it, but does it add any value to what it's trying to do?
Quote from: Wumpty on August 01, 2023, 01:40:02 PMIn the 90's and regardless of the colour, they would whack any old decal that came to hand.
This time, the decals have been shaped, greater thought into single colours and keeping it on brand so it's a softer attempt to absorb into the NXWM fleet.
Granted, not sure I "get" the 'on loan' element. I know why they have done it, but does it add any value to what it's trying to do?
4576 has an "on-loan from NX West Midlands" decal and that transferred to Coventry two years ago so maybe they had some made back then and didn't want to waste them?
Out of curiosity who repaints NETS & NEATS vehicles
Quote from: Mayfield on August 01, 2023, 05:41:12 PMOut of curiosity who repaints NETS & NEATS vehicles
The few NEAT vehicles that have been repainted were done at Walsall
NETS are contracted out, I think Evobus at Coventry did most of the Aston fleet in blue & white
4883 back at BC, 2226 ready to go back to AG. 4881 now at Walsall for turning grey
Quote from: Tony on August 02, 2023, 01:13:23 PMThe few NEAT vehicles that have been repainted were done at Walsall
NETS are contracted out, I think Evobus at Coventry did most of the Aston fleet in blue & white
The south region have there own paintshop in Gosport
Replacement new engines, i have noticed more than any other type of bus the number of Enviro 200s getting brand new crate engines from cummins, is ther a flaw with them or just normal wear and tear etc
Quote from: 2900 on August 05, 2023, 08:37:58 AMReplacement new engines, i have noticed more than any other type of bus the number of Enviro 200s getting brand new crate engines from cummins, is ther a flaw with them or just normal wear and tear
i dont think they are the best to start with hard worked small engine in a bus, im sure the same engine is used in the hybrids and those converted to diesel struggling and having engines replaced.
WB 2234 Receiving a new crate cummins engine.
Today i noticed a brand new crate ZF ECOLIFE TRANSMISSION i think its for one of the 74 branded enviro 400s on jacks
Quote from: mranon on August 05, 2023, 11:37:29 AMi dont think they are the best to start with hard worked small engine in a bus, im sure the same engine is used in the hybrids and those converted to diesel struggling and having engines replaced.
Makes sense, they do seem to be rev happy aswell
How come 4833 hasn't had the red stipe applied where the advert frames are and all other repainted E400s have? Will the rest of the be like 4833 ?
Makes sense not to put stripe there as it's a waste of time and money just to cover it up with an advert.
4768 back at WB
Late 2015 - 2021 platinum spec grey vehicles had looked to of been the best and most consistent livery. From 2015 they should have just made everything grey seens as every order thereafter was pretty much high spec. The older vehicles could have simply been repainted without the 'platinum' brand.
The fleet would have been majority Grey by now (The better grey). The cascades from cov would have been a simple change of vinyls. The red whites would have been repainted or dwindling till withdrawal. And everything would be grey.
There's now two ~ grey/blue/red livery's each. What's the point in repainting older vehicles..? by the time the red/white e400s are repainted I bet there will be another livery and when a small number of them are in whatever's new are done they'll be another one 😂😂😂[/size][/quote]
Quote from: Owen on August 13, 2023, 08:10:11 PMLate 2015 - 2021 platinum spec grey vehicles had looked to of been the best and most consistent livery. From 2015 they should have just made everything grey seens as every order thereafter was pretty much high spec. The older vehicles could have simply been repainted without the 'platinum' brand.
The fleet would have been majority Grey by now (The better grey). The cascades from cov would have been a simple change of vinyls. The red whites would have been repainted or dwindling till withdrawal. And everything would be grey.
There's now two ~ grey/blue/red livery's each. What's the point in repainting older vehicles..? by the time the red/white e400s are repainted I bet there will be another livery and when a small number of them are in whatever's new are done they'll be another one 😂😂😂[/size]
That's the NX way, even when it was branded TWM they used to chop and change livery every so many years
4774 out in grey for the first time on the 2
2070 out in grey for the first time on the 3
4983 now back at WN in grey
2212 also ready for AG to collect
Quote from: Tony on August 30, 2023, 03:15:09 PM4983 now back at WN in grey
2212 also ready for AG to collect
Chuffin' Nora
@Tony , they're rattling through these deckers at a great rate!
What's the average turnaround time for deckers from receipt to ready-for-service, assuming no major issues?
What's happening with 4763 I'm sure it returned to WB. Hasn't been in service anyway.
Quote from: Owen on August 30, 2023, 08:33:47 PMWhat's happening with 4763 I'm sure it returned to WB. Hasn't been in service anyway.
Been having work on its power steering I heard.
Quote from: Wumpty on August 30, 2023, 08:13:31 PMChuffin' Nora @Tony , they're rattling through these deckers at a great rate!
What's the average turnaround time for deckers from receipt to ready-for-service, assuming no major issues?
I think about a month. Tony can confirm exactly how long.
When the platinums get the new livery will they still have 'platinum' under nx branding?
Quote from: Owen on September 02, 2023, 11:38:26 PMWhen the platinums get the new livery will they still have 'platinum' under nx branding?
It's going to be a good while before any Platinum's are going to be repainted.
Quote from: Owen on September 02, 2023, 11:38:26 PMWhen the platinums get the new livery will they still have 'platinum' under nx branding?
dont see why they wouldnt considering how platinum is quite an established thing now; even know people who refuse to get on a non platinum bus lol
Quote from: winston on September 03, 2023, 12:50:46 AMIt's going to be a good while before any Platinum's are going to be repainted.
Well there's a few 2013-14 e400s that have never had a refurb. But 2015^ platinums haven't either.
The crimson repaints have had newer refurbs so older 15/66 reg mmc should be ahead of the queue.
Pov of a passenger ~ would preferably have the longest neglected treated/refurbed = seats won't be as dirty/ rotton for people.
(The back seats lower saloon on 4979 are abominable an need to go)
Quote from: EK40 on September 03, 2023, 03:15:09 AMdont see why they wouldnt considering how platinum is quite an established thing now; even know people who refuse to get on a non platinum bus lol
With the current service, you get on any bus that shows up! No one is refusing to get on a none platinum bus
Quote from: Gareth on September 03, 2023, 11:25:34 AMWith the current service, you get on any bus that shows up! No one is refusing to get on a none platinum bus
I don't think so either, although at five ways I've seen people have a 12 pull up and wait for a platinum 9 behind for example.
Quote from: Owen on September 03, 2023, 04:13:20 PMI don't think so either, although at five ways I've seen people have a 12 pull up and wait for a platinum 9 behind for example.
The fact they go to two different destinations, could that not be the reason why?
Quote from: winston on September 04, 2023, 12:09:56 AMThe fact they go to two different destinations, could that not be the reason why?
So the 9 and 12 don't go into the city centre via the same route from five ways? broad street? Colmore row?
Bearing in mind we are talking about people waiting for their bus, choosing to not get in a non-platinum. No one with a destination to Dudley is going to get a 9 to stourbridge
Quote from: Owen on September 03, 2023, 04:13:20 PMI don't think so either, although at five ways I've seen people have a 12 pull up and wait for a platinum 9 behind for example.
Is the 12 single decker operated? Some people will choose to avoid single decks if they can see a DD behind
Quote from: Lukeee on September 04, 2023, 03:39:47 AMIs the 12 single decker operated? Some people will choose to avoid single decks if they can see a DD behind
Single and double. Omnilinks, Geminis and Enviros
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 04, 2023, 09:47:39 AMSingle and double. Omnilinks, Geminis and Enviros
And platuims
Quote from: Owen on September 04, 2023, 01:27:13 AMSo the 9 and 12 don't go into the city centre via the same route from five ways? broad street? Colmore row?
Bearing in mind we are talking about people waiting for their bus, choosing to not get in a non-platinum. No one with a destination to Dudley is going to get a 9 to stourbridge
As you didn't say which direction from Five Ways you were talking about, we had to rely on telepathy... who's to say passengers would be going to the final destination.
The 9 is a more well known route compared with the 12.
Back on topic please folks!
Looks like 4766 is heading to paint
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on September 04, 2023, 07:39:19 PMLooks like 4766 is heading to paint
Can you please start elaborating on your posts please?
Quote from: Stu on September 04, 2023, 08:19:01 PMCan you please start elaborating on your posts please?
It's gone to Walsall garage so presume paint and 4765 returned to wb ??
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on September 04, 2023, 08:28:55 PMIt's gone to Walsall garage so presume paint and 4765 returned to wb ??
And how do you know this?
It is correct
After ex cov' are painted grey... Will all red and white e400s be painted grey?
With the only West Midlands red and white DD E400 4940, being put through so far. Is it likely anything older will remain as,, 4940-4982 to be the priority after blues?
(Although I know it was said only 4880 was allowed full repaint, I'm just going by what I've seen)
Quote from: Owen on September 10, 2023, 10:56:08 PMAfter ex cov' are painted grey... Will all red and white e400s be painted grey?
With the only West Midlands red and white DD E400 4940, being put through so far. Is it likely anything older will remain as,, 4940-4982 to be the priority after blues?
(Although I know it was said only 4880 was allowed full repaint, I'm just going by what I've seen)
I've heard 4718 to 4776 is getting painted
Quote from: Owen on September 10, 2023, 10:56:08 PM(Although I know it was said only 4880 was allowed full repaint, I'm just going by what I've seen)
Not correct, originally it was suggested that nothing under 4880 would receive the new grey livery including full internal refurb with new moquette.
Since then a number of 47** / 48** E400's below 4880 have been repainted in the new livery, whilst 4830 has had the full treatment having previously been in blue / white stripe livery.
Quote from: winston on September 10, 2023, 11:09:26 PMNot correct, originally it was suggested that nothing under 4880 would receive the new grey livery including full internal refurb with new moquette.
Since then a number of 47** / 48** E400's below 4880 have been repainted in the new livery, whilst 4830 has had the full treatment having previously been in blue / white stripe livery.
Yes sorry correction, i heard that nothing under 4880 was to revive the full refurbishment.
my point being the ones in crimson would not get the full refurbishment. (at least till the long list of run down ones are treated), but their time is nearing up due to the influx of electrics shortly due, may be deemed unworthy. Unfortunate as great vehicles.
We know that 47**, 483* have to be painted due the misrepresenting blue. But 4830 only had a new interior because it missed out on the last one. We may also see 4835 receive full treatment. But as for the rest it's very unlikely.
Just seen a photo of 4983 have nx changed the livery or did someone forget about the darker shade?
2169 now at Acocks Green fully refurbished
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on September 13, 2023, 11:37:21 AMJust seen a photo of 4983 have nx changed the livery or did someone forget about the darker shade?
Probably changed it again
2169 out at AG for the first time today. Not tracking properly, but if you click on it on Bustimes it does tell you the journies it is running on the 17
2168 now at Walsall for repaint eliminating the route 20 branding from Birmingham
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2023, 06:10:18 PM2168 now at Walsall for repaint eliminating the route 20 branding from Birmingham
I assume you mean Coventry?
Quote from: mesub on September 14, 2023, 09:18:31 PMI assume you mean Coventry?
No, I mean Birmingham, it's still live in Coventry
4881 now released from paint and back at BC, due inspection tonight so may be out in the next couple of days
4982 & 2071 both back in service at WN
4832 & 833 both now in to go Grey
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2023, 08:20:04 AM4982 & 2071 both back in service at WN
4832 & 833 both now in to go Grey
Solo grey or two tone grey ?
Quote from: karl724223 on September 27, 2023, 09:25:09 AMSolo grey or two tone grey ?
It's called the Visage livery.
It fades to grey!
Is 4983 all the one shade grey, Or just bad photography?
Quote from: Owen on September 27, 2023, 02:29:00 PMIs 4983 all the one shade grey, Or just bad photography?
It's allover grey (the same shade):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126644399@N06/53182310337
Quote from: winston on September 27, 2023, 02:34:26 PMIt's allover grey (the same shade):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126644399@N06/53182310337
Paint shop mistake or new livery mk2
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on September 27, 2023, 02:47:22 PMPaint shop mistake or new livery mk2
Doubt it's a mistake, but either way there's far too many different shades of grey & red floating around & it's starting to tell on the existing fleet.
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on September 27, 2023, 02:47:22 PMPaint shop mistake or new livery mk2
MK3 if it is.
Originally just grey, then added an extra stripe with branding and now no branding and just all over grey in one shade.
Quote from: winston on September 27, 2023, 02:34:26 PMIt's allover grey (the same shade):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126644399@N06/53182310337
certainly looks to be one shade, could be the lighting not being great giving that effect. may be 4700s or any thing older than 2010 should be repainted a single color, limited service life left etc
This is most likely some sort of mistake, or lack of resources. There have been vehicles released from paint in the two tone livery since.
Quote from: winston on September 27, 2023, 02:34:26 PMIt's allover grey (the same shade):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126644399@N06/53182310337
The ZENOBE effect
Quote from: winston on September 27, 2023, 02:34:26 PMIt's allover grey (the same shade):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126644399@N06/53182310337
The latest two-tone grey diagonal livery is bad enough, but this single colour version plumbs new depths.
I do wonder who in their right mind thought these designs and colour(s) were a good idea.
Honestly seeing the 'blueson' livery in Birmingham with the influx of transfers recently... It looks to me to be the best livery out of a bad bunch. Seeing them come back out of paint in this new grey livery is like a backwards step.
If they would have made blue the new livery widespread in 2015 'Birmingham blue' it would have looked quite unique rather than an adaptation of the London red. Plus with arriva operating just outside of Birmingham, and diamond, both in blue however different livery's... might of made blue quite an established thing getting on a bus in 'brum'
Crimson is great too, don't get me wrong! There's lots worse lol.
Just my humble opinion.
Quote from: Owen on September 27, 2023, 11:59:39 PMHonestly seeing the 'blueson' livery in Birmingham with the influx of transfers recently... It looks to me to be the best livery out of a bad bunch. Seeing them come back out of paint in this new grey livery is like a backwards step.
If they would have made blue the new livery widespread in 2015 'Birmingham blue' it would have looked quite unique rather than an adaptation of the London red. Plus with arriva operating just outside of Birmingham, and diamond, both in blue however different livery's... might of made blue quite an established thing getting on a bus in 'brum'
Crimson is great too, don't get me wrong! There's lots worse lol.
Just my humble opinion.
The following blog from 2017 addresses the very divisive subject of liveries that addressed the colours, identity and the practicalities for engineers that liveries had to be mindful of:
Crimson Tide (National Express West Midlands visual identity 2015- ) – The Beauty of Transport (https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2017/08/16/crimson-tide-national-express-west-midlands-visual-identity-2015/)
Quote from: Wumpty on September 28, 2023, 08:28:14 AMThe following blog from 2017 addresses the very divisive subject of liveries that addressed the colours, identity and the practicalities for engineers that liveries had to be mindful of:
Crimson Tide (National Express West Midlands visual identity 2015- ) – The Beauty of Transport (https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2017/08/16/crimson-tide-national-express-west-midlands-visual-identity-2015/)
well worth reading that, great insight into the thought process of rebranding
Quote from: 2900 on September 28, 2023, 09:40:52 AMwell worth reading that, great insight into the thought process of rebranding
I acknowledge that. Seems blue and cream was a grand livery. With me I think it's more the stripe I don't like, however on the new delivery's the livery you can tell is sort of dissimilar to the repaints. The white/blue fine line vinyl helps, the back roof top also sorts of breaks it up a bit.
If that's any consolation
Quote from: Owen on September 28, 2023, 01:25:33 PMI acknowledge that. Seems blue and cream was a grand livery. With me I think it's more the stripe I don't like, however on the new delivery's the livery you can tell is sort of dissimilar to the repaints. The white/blue fine line vinyl helps, the back roof top also sorts of breaks it up a bit.
If that's any consolation
Looking at the aesthetics and the practicality of the new grey livery, I personally don't like it.
An all grey (be it two tine or single colour) will always look very dull, especially as dark nights are approaching. Couple that with very sparse red relief which doesn't really break up the sides and the orange LED blinds which dont appear as clear, it's not a very inspiring livery.
From a practical angle, it's ideal for replacing large panels and touch ups as there's no great lining or other relief to worry about. It also dilutes the Platinum brand too as everything is now going to be grey.
Quote from: Wumpty on September 29, 2023, 09:30:22 AMLooking at the aesthetics and the practicality of the new grey livery, I personally don't like it.
An all grey (be it two tine or single colour) will always look very dull, especially as dark nights are approaching. Couple that with very sparse red relief which doesn't really break up the sides and the orange LED blinds which dont appear as clear, it's not a very inspiring livery.
From a practical angle, it's ideal for replacing large panels and touch ups as there's no great lining or other relief to worry about. It also dilutes the Platinum brand too as everything is now going to be grey.
I agree with everything said here.
It just would have been nice if non- platinum vehicles kept to the crimson/ blueson, would have an earlier uniformed e400 fleet, and uniformed diesel platinum fleet (the better grey). At least till the time it became withdrawal. Then for this latest one to takeover till it changed again.
I don't see the problem with keeping old livery's if they are clean, and uniform with their vehicle type. Especially considering in a few years they'll need to go early due to electric- only.
2167 back at AG, 2172 will be next in
some buses can be painted for supporting Palestine also inform for donate money it is for a good project multi color bus isn't problem why nit
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 06:59:10 PMsome buses can be painted for supporting Palestine also inform for donate money it is for a good project multi color bus isn't problem why nit
At most, an advertisement would be enough. Anyway I wouldn't think NXWM would want to involve themselves in any way to a controvertial subject.
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 06:59:10 PMsome buses can be painted for supporting Palestine also inform for donate money it is for a good project multi color bus isn't problem why nit
Why would a bus company want to upset people by getting involved in anything political that doesn't involve buses
A raincolor is no problem for bus and is wrong. I believe l in time of emergency soseverybody should help know
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 06:59:10 PMsome buses can be painted for supporting Palestine also inform for donate money it is for a good project multi color bus isn't problem why nit
In my opinion it would be completely inappropriate. Buses are for transporting people around, not spreading divisive geopolitical propaganda.
There are other places where people are welcome to discuss such issues but this forum is not one of them.
Thanks I think some people can help I do not want be dismissed
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 07:13:03 PMA raincolor is no problem for bus and is wrong. I believe l in time of emergency soseverybody should help know
Would you also support a bus in Israeli colours in support of them after the attack last week?
I wouldn't want a vehicle in support of either as it is very divisive and has nothing to do with any UK bus company
Wouldn't the pride bus be quite controvertial as well considering many people support/oppose its cause? I understand that pretty much every other major bus company has a rainbow-themed vehicle, but does it really necessitate painting a vehicle in the rainbow colours?
Not an opinion, just a genuine question.
Quote from: Ronnoc on October 16, 2023, 07:39:40 PMWouldn't the pride bus be quite controvertial as well considering many people support/oppose its cause? I understand that pretty much every other major bus company has a rainbow-themed vehicle, but does it really necessitate painting a vehicle in the rainbow colours?
Not an opinion, just a genuine question.
Yes very wrong and against our beliefs. Sometimes I see it on 97 and it hurts my heart knowing war is happening 💔rainbow is much more damaging to public
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 07:56:07 PMYes very wrong and against our beliefs. Sometimes I see it on 97 and it hurts my heart knowing war is happening 💔rainbow is much more damaging to public
@Yasir6711 - Can we please get back on the topic of buses, as the forum is intended for, thanks, Winston.
Quote from: winston on October 16, 2023, 08:16:02 PM@Yasir6711 - Can we please get back on the topic of buses, as the forum is intended for, thanks, Winston.
I don't want to offend you I will now stop
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 16, 2023, 06:59:10 PMsome buses can be painted for supporting Palestine also inform for donate money it is for a good project multi color bus isn't problem why nit
Never going to happen in a million years, where would you draw the line, big can of worms, a very slippery path. Plenty of other avenues for such things
My take on the rainbow bus is that its represents social inclusiveness every one is free to express themselves, its against all all forms of ism's, plus its not political, that rainbow bus has encouraged folks to become bus drivers because NX is an equal opportunity employer.
So apparently on bus times 2170 has gone for repaint, Where's the evidence?
Quote from: Dababa015 on October 17, 2023, 06:14:30 PMSo apparently on bus times 2170 has gone for repaint, Where's the evidence?
I drove it to Walsall this afternoon, see attached tracking screenshot!
You don't need evidence if the user is 1503 then that is Tony Hunter himself
Gotcha I'll remember for next time
I saw 2164 at WN on Saturday and it had extensive refurbishment to the lower panels - looks like it's getting the works!
Never ceases to amaze me the levels of detail and work that goes into a bus refurb - other operators would be happy just to paint over and be done with!
Quote from: Wumpty on October 18, 2023, 08:10:43 AMI saw 2164 at WN on Saturday and it had extensive refurbishment to the lower panels - looks like it's getting the works!
Never ceases to amaze me the levels of detail and work that goes into a bus refurb - other operators would be happy just to paint over and be done with!
New seats should be finished at Trimshop today, then it can get it's coat of Grey and go back to Coventry
Ra
Quote from: Tony on October 16, 2023, 07:24:46 PMWould you also support a bus in Israeli colours in support of them after the attack last week?
I wouldn't want a vehicle in support of either as it is very divisive and has nothing to do with any UK bus comp
Rainbow Bus is fine, i see no problem with that but,
The Middle East War NO
i agree it should be left alone, its one of the guidelines that in Radio you do not express opinions on such things Politics is another, so on this occasion i cant fault NXWM for ignoring such things
That's fery closed mindid
Quote from: 2900 on October 17, 2023, 03:26:25 PMNever going to happen in a million years, where would you draw the line, big can of worms, a very slippery path. Plenty of other avenues for such things
Quote from: Celestial Toymaker on October 18, 2023, 05:49:12 PMRaRainbow Bus is fine, i see no problem with that but,
The Middle East War NO
i agree it should be left alone, its one of the guidelines that in Radio you do not express opinions on such things Politics is another, so on this occasion i cant fault NXWM for ignoring such things
Agreed.
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 18, 2023, 09:07:49 PMThat's fery closed mindid
It would be a very risky move, whether you support Israel or not. Not only would the bus be at risk of an arson attack but more importantly the drivers and passengers safety would be at risk.
Quote from: Yasir6711 on October 18, 2023, 09:07:49 PMThat's fery closed mindid
oh really please do elaborate i,m all ears, i guess you missed my post on what the rainbow bus represents imo.
Folks, I did warn about this being a divisive topic so that's the end of that now please.
Now, back to repaints and refurbs discussion please!
2175 next one out, just waiting for retrimmed seats to be fitted, 4831, 833 & 4839 should follow fairly quickly
Quote from: Stu on October 20, 2023, 09:21:35 AMFolks, I did warn about this being a divisive topic so that's the end of that now please.
Now, back to repaints and refurbs discussion please!
Sorry gaffer
4839 now back at WN and out on the 59
4840 now at Walsall for repaint
Shouldnt the SN64/SL14 get priority since they have never been refurbished but they are sending in the BX61
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on October 28, 2023, 09:22:23 AMShouldnt the SN64/SL14 get priority since they have never been refurbished but they are sending in the BX61
Any thing in Cov sky blue is first in to be painted as its not a nxwm livery etc etc
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on October 28, 2023, 09:22:23 AMShouldnt the SN64/SL14 get priority since they have never been refurbished but they are sending in the BX61
It makes sense really to do the 61 and 57 plates, they are the oldest and won't have as much time left compared to the 13 plate+ ones so makes sense to give them their repaint first, the 57 plates and particularly 4841 look so faded.
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on October 28, 2023, 09:22:23 AMShouldnt the SN64/SL14 get priority since they have never been refurbished but they are sending in the BX61
These are just having a paint, so paint shop are turning them round quick. Makes sense to do the 4800's first, quicker into grey. Then carry on with the 4900's and B7's
2025 still at WN but will be due into the Paintshop in about a week or 2. Also breaks up the dash of Coventry blue flooding the Paintshop currently and the first WN 6 to be debranded
In the paint shop are,
4836/4840/4841/4842/4845
2170/2172/2173
2164 is getting the final touches applied before going back to CV
833 has returned and out on the 61 at Wolverhampton
Quote from: WA4317 on November 01, 2023, 11:28:11 AMIn the paint shop are,
4836/4840/4841/4842/4845
2170/2172/2173
2164 is getting the final touches applied before going back to CV
833 has returned and out on the 61 at Wolverhampton
2165 is in there as well
Quote from: WA4317 on November 01, 2023, 11:28:11 AMIn the paint shop are,
4836/4840/4841/4842/4845
2170/2172/2173
2164 is getting the final touches applied before going back to CV
833 has returned and out on the 61 at Wolverhampton
Is 4845 a typo for something else?
Quote from: winston on November 01, 2023, 11:44:42 AMIs 4845 a typo for something else?
No, It's in there being debranded, hopefully back on the road soon, hasn't been in service since September 2022, but passed an MoT last Friday
Quote from: winston on November 01, 2023, 11:44:42 AMIs 4845 a typo for something else?
no 4845 is in the Paintshop,
Quote from: WA4317 on November 01, 2023, 12:18:58 PMno 4845 is in the Paintshop,
RTC repairs?
Surely NX aren't repainting Crimson buses before all the NXC (blue/white) & NXWM (red/white) have been dealt with.
Quote from: winston on November 01, 2023, 12:52:12 PMRTC repairs?
Surely NX aren't repainting Crimson buses before all the NXC (blue/white) & NXWM (red/white) have been dealt with.
see my reply above, just debranded
Quote from: Tony on November 01, 2023, 12:59:44 PMsee my reply above, just debranded
Oh yeah, sorry missed your reply.
4769 now back at WB
4772 replaced it in paint
Saw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 23, 2023, 12:47:44 PMSaw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
Did you see what the reg was?
Quote from: Bartosz on November 23, 2023, 07:40:23 PMDid you see what the reg was?
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 23, 2023, 12:47:44 PMSaw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
Certainly not NX.
Quote from: Tony on November 23, 2023, 07:48:01 PMCertainly not NX.
I believe that's for Oxford bus company.
Thanks. Just wondered what was going on.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 23, 2023, 12:47:44 PMSaw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
Single or double deck?
Oxford bus 702 is a double deck Electroliner
Quote from: Tony on November 24, 2023, 11:28:53 AMSingle or double deck?
Oxford bus 702 is a double deck Electroliner
There's been an Oxford Bus Wright bodied decker around the Midlands. Seen one on the A45 around Tyseley last week. Didn't catch ID, but it had the green marker on the number plate so was Zero Emission.
It looked like this:
https://flic.kr/p/2pgsFj1
4836 and 4840 both back in grey.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 23, 2023, 12:47:44 PMSaw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
It's for Oxford Bus.
Oxford 702 is a StreetDeck Electroliner not an eclipse 2
Quote from: Tony on November 24, 2023, 11:28:53 AMSingle or double deck?
Oxford bus 702 is a double deck Electroliner
Single decker, outwardly similar in livery to NX
Quote from: Rachvince53 on November 23, 2023, 12:47:44 PMSaw a Wright Eclipse 2 bus today in NX grey but with a fleetnumber 702 on the back. Not 2002 as that has a red stripe but this one didn't. Heading down Penn Road out of service around 9.00am.
Any ideas?
Quote from: Tony on November 23, 2023, 07:48:01 PMCertainly not NX.
Are you sure it wasn't a dark green? Only eclipse ive seen knocking about with the number 702 on it, is former nxwm 1760 bx56xcd, which became fleet number 702 at green bus. Its been photographed on rail recently too. Im sure its been suggested a local operator has it in the west mids. (coastal liner?)
4834 going into paint the Monday. This will be the first numbered batch completed that came out of CV.
Quote from: BN on December 02, 2023, 06:03:15 PM4834 going into paint the Monday. This will be the first numbered batch completed that came out of CV.
Can some of our 47xx be looked at the crimson paint is terrible on some of them
Quote from: karl724223 on December 02, 2023, 08:24:13 PMCan some of our 47xx be looked at the crimson paint is terrible on some of them
4762 has been authorised.
Quote from: BN on December 03, 2023, 05:47:31 AM4762 has been authorised.
Is this going to be a refresh of the current livery already on it or will it be the new grey?
Quote from: LukeTR2000 on December 06, 2023, 11:22:53 AMIs this going to be a refresh of the current livery already on it or will it be the new grey?
Depends which is easier when it gets to Walsall
4772 now back at WB in Grey, replaced in paint by 4764
4838 back home at pn
2174 is now at Walsall, so that eliminates the blue livery from AG with all 15 ex Coventry buses sorted.
WN 4995 is also now in paint
Quote from: Tony on December 07, 2023, 08:20:47 PM4772 now back at WB in Grey, replaced in paint by 4764
Isn't 4764 SORN.
4762 now also at Walsall. It will get a coat of grey, but not a refurb
2118 could do with a paint or a touch up at least it's a right mess all down the drivers side.
4762 out in grey is that all PN buses out of paint now
Quote from: JosephR on January 24, 2024, 03:35:51 PM4762 out in grey is that all PN buses out of paint now
Yes, full steam ahead on Wolverhampton again now
Quote from: BN on January 24, 2024, 06:26:00 PMYes, full steam ahead on Wolverhampton again now
Nice. Does that includes ex wb transfers
I knew the company was being economical with repaints, but why have so many of 4880 and above been painted in single grey. As if it weren't bad enough having 6 liverys on the streets already. Now there's another one!
Quote from: JosephR on January 30, 2024, 11:05:10 PMI knew the company was being economical with repaints, but why have so many of 4880 and above been painted in single grey. As if it weren't bad enough having 6 liverys on the streets already. Now there's another one!
I'm not sure painting a bus all over dark grey qualifies as a livery. That article on why the company moved from the awful red and white diagonal livery, to the attractive crimson and platinum liveries, seems a long time ago.
Dont know whether this is the right thread or not, but is there a reason why Im seeing various Wolverhampton vehicles both in crimson & grey with missing bits of fleetnames?
Quote from: Westy on January 31, 2024, 07:00:19 AMDont know whether this is the right thread or not, but is there a reason why Im seeing various Wolverhampton vehicles both in crimson & grey with missing bits of fleetnames?
New panels from accident damage at a guess.
Quote from: karl724223 on January 31, 2024, 09:16:30 AMNew panels from accident damage at a guess.
That's the most likely explanation. Any missing details (vinyls, logos etc) will just be added back on a later date.
Quote from: Stu on January 31, 2024, 08:32:00 PMThat's the most likely explanation. Any missing details (vinyls, logos etc) will just be added back on a later date.
Dunno about the Crimsons, but the greys would have not long been repainted, so it just seemed strange you had half a logo on some vehicles.
By the way, does this mean the separate reference to 'Serving Wolverhampton since 1900' wont be reapplied, to make transfers easier?
Quote from: Westy on January 31, 2024, 07:00:19 AMDont know whether this is the right thread or not, but is there a reason why Im seeing various Wolverhampton vehicles both in crimson & grey with missing bits of fleetnames?
I've noted 2002, 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2076 that has been repainted into grey and is missing nxwm logos
Quote from: Mike K on January 30, 2024, 11:21:29 PMI'm not sure painting a bus all over dark grey qualifies as a livery. That article on why the company moved from the awful red and white diagonal livery, to the attractive crimson and platinum liveries, seems a long time ago.
Completely agree
@Mike K - that article was from 2015:
https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2017/08/16/crimson-tide-national-express-west-midlands-visual-identity-2015/
The principle, even now, is the same. Yes, there are still some red/whites running(even with connection dots!), though
@Tony has explained these as stopgap vehicles with short life left, though agree it doesn't help with strong brand affinity for customers.
Should not the all over one shade grey buses have their bus times livery rectified.
The Zenobe spares livery' is correct.
Quote from: JosephR on February 04, 2024, 11:35:17 PMShould not the all over one shade grey buses have their bus times livery rectified.
The Zenobe spares livery' is correct.
I don't think anyone will notice or care to be blunt.
Quote from: JosephR on February 04, 2024, 11:35:17 PMShould not the all over one shade grey buses have their bus times livery rectified.
The Zenobe spares livery' is correct.
I don't think it really matters, even most of us bus enthusiasts aren't really bothered about this, we just want to get on a bus just like everyone else.
Quote from: JosephR on February 04, 2024, 11:35:17 PMShould not the all over one shade grey buses have their bus times livery rectified.
The Zenobe spares livery' is correct.
If you think it's an issue you can correct it on BusTines. to the General Public it isn't as long as a Grey Bus turns up at the time it says either on the RTI, Timetable or BusTimes abs is going to where they are I don't think they are. I don't think most care if it is Blue and White ex Coventry with NX plastered on the front, Grey or Red and White if it says X51 or 79 on the front and they want to get on it they will
Quote from: Steve3229vp on February 05, 2024, 05:10:01 AMI don't think it really matters, even most of us bus enthusiasts aren't really bothered about this, we just want to get on a bus just like everyone else.
devils advocate here, I care. but it's because I'm a graphic designer. in day to day, when all I want is a damn bus, idgaf.
Quote from: jasmine on February 05, 2024, 12:15:22 PMdevils advocate here, I care. but it's because I'm a graphic designer. in day to day, when all I want is a damn bus, idgaf.
Devils advocate :grin: I don't see why everything has to turn argumentative. Have to grovel to some though
Quote from: JosephR on February 05, 2024, 12:31:53 PMDevils advocate :grin: I don't see why everything has to turn argumentative. Have to grovel to some though
how on earth is an argument happening here? unsure if you know what an argument is.
Quote from: jasmine on February 05, 2024, 01:32:38 PMhow on earth is an argument happening here? unsure if you know what an argument is.
Monty Python would know!
Suppose it matters when you sit at home being a keyboard warriors watching weg web all day every day seven days a week four weeks a month twelve months a year
Yawn I'm bored now
Quote from: karl724223 on February 05, 2024, 06:53:49 PMSuppose it matters when you sit at home being a keyboard warriors watching weg web all day every day seven days a week four weeks a month twelve months a year
Yawn I'm bored now
I'm bored of the content bickering on here, if it wasn't for the fact that I like seeing the perspectives of Tony and those that have been confirmed as drivers then I probably wouldn't be on here.
I do have to agree that I find the brand a little disconnected at the moment though once the vehicles with the older liveries are withdrawn or repainted maybe that would improve the brands connection and as time goes on I'm sure that the new grey livery will become accepted as NXBus livery and people will move on with their lives until a new brand identity is launched by NX in the future. I personally like seeing the reinvention of a brand whether or not I agree with the change doesn't really matter to anyone else.
I'm sure that there are always good reasons for every decision made when it comes to a livery and a brand since it does change the way the company looks. I know of a few people not on the forum that question aspects of the grey but I also know that it has been confirmed that the grey is more hardwearing than the red was and also since the only difference between NXWM and NXC livery is now just vinyls then it also reduces costs when transferring between brands and as a business, like all businesses, NX need costs to be a low as they can get them. So meanwhile I don't like the grey in comparison to crimson I can respect the decision that has been made and I cannot wait for the next livery - as long as things don't end up going too close to Manchester's arrangement but that's a topic I'm not willing to go into publicly
Do you not all make my point by getting involved "while being bored of it" how about some of you take a day off and leave people to it, because that's how it becomes pages of useless criticism. Like that essay that went completely off tangent. As I said grovel to some.
By the way if are logged on a bus forum 24/7 I don't think anybody can talk about 'veg'.
If I'm anything to go by, the only thought I've had is, why have occasional repaints appeared in one or other of the two tones of grey rather than the whole two tone livery?
It's a slightly odd thing but not essential to get an answer though! Back in the 70s there were several occasional peculiar variations of fleet number location and livery application, but it transpired these were usually cock ups in the various paint shops (eg Walsall).
As for 'I want a bus, I don't care about the colour' - the major groups are very conscious about image and brand, as are train operating companies and most commercial firms whatever their industry. In the bus industry this is so much so that many have employed commercial graphic designers at some expense to assist them. So I think it's quite wrong to assume this is not an important subject!
Quote from: don on February 06, 2024, 07:01:51 PMIf I'm anything to go by, the only thought I've had is, why have occasional repaints appeared in one or other of the two tones of grey rather than the whole two tone livery?
It's a slightly odd thing but not essential to get an answer though! Back in the 70s there were several occasional peculiar variations of fleet number location and livery application, but it transpired these were usually cock ups in the various paint shops (eg Walsall).
As for 'I want a bus, I don't care about the colour' - the major groups are very conscious about image and brand, as are train operating companies and most commercial firms whatever their industry. In the bus industry this is so much so that many have employed commercial graphic designers at some expense to assist them. So I think it's quite wrong to assume this is not an important subject!
The single grey colour saves a few hundred pounds over the two tone grey. As a trial a WN E400 was painted allover in the lighter grey, and an AG B7RLE was painted in the darker grey. Comments were made on social media about the WN one, but it appears initially no-one actually noticed the B7RLE. Both vehicles were taken to Digbeth Coach station for managers to look at along with the first ever two tone grey repaint. The colours were checked on the two tone bus to see if either tone had faded more than the other from the original spec and i was then decided all repaints would be in the darker grey
Quote from: don on February 06, 2024, 07:01:51 PMIn the bus industry this is so much so that many have employed commercial graphic designers at some expense to assist them. So I think it's quite wrong to assume this is not an important subject!
One thing's for certain, NX definitely haven't employed Ray Stenning to come up with that all-over dark grey livery on the most recent repaints. Ray Charles perhaps, but not Ray Stenning.
Quote from: Tony on February 06, 2024, 07:09:41 PMThe single grey colour saves a few hundred pounds over the two tone grey. As a trial a WN E400 was painted allover in the lighter grey, and an AG B7RLE was painted in the darker grey. Comments were made on social media about the WN one, but it appears initially no-one actually noticed the B7RLE. Both vehicles were taken to Digbeth Coach station for managers to look at along with the first ever two tone grey repaint. The colours were checked on the two tone bus to see if either tone had faded more than the other from the original spec and i was then decided all repaints would be in the darker grey
Thanks
@Tony for the clarification. I suppose one advantage of having a slightly different livery variation on repaints is (presuming new deliveries of electric buses continue in two tone grey) it distinguishes the two. Having said that, and from the photos on this site it's sometimes, dependent on lighting conditions, difficult to differentiate the two tones of grey anyway!
I tend to agree with others that watering down the livery to one colour is a slightly retrograde step. And particularly when compared with some other operators around the country, using two colours and more complex graphics. I guess one has to work within the finance available and it's a balancing act. I must say although I like some of Ray Stenning's work, I'm not a massive fan of the current iterations of either Stagecoach or Arriva - although I guess they're distinctive and easily recognisable.
Will the application of one colour repaints increase the speed and throughput at the paint shop?
Quote from: don on February 06, 2024, 08:41:10 PMWill the application of one colour repaints increase the speed and throughput at the paint shop?
It makes the actual painting quicker, one less baking to dry a colour which saves a few hundred pounds in gas costs, so 'greener' as well as cheaper, but NX don't just paint buses like some of the other big operators, all vehicle have all panels replaced or flatted and that is what controls the speed of repaints
Not sure if anybody would be able to answer this, but the likes of Stagecoach for example. Is their paint process more time consuming than NX?
Quote from: Tony on February 06, 2024, 07:09:41 PMThe single grey colour saves a few hundred pounds over the two tone grey. As a trial a WN E400 was painted allover in the lighter grey, and an AG B7RLE was painted in the darker grey. Comments were made on social media about the WN one, but it appears initially no-one actually noticed the B7RLE. Both vehicles were taken to Digbeth Coach station for managers to look at along with the first ever two tone grey repaint. The colours were checked on the two tone bus to see if either tone had faded more than the other from the original spec and i was then decided all repaints would be in the darker grey
I noticed the Volvo, but thought it was unnecessary to post in the forum and to save arguments, so are all buses now going to be painted into dark single tone?
Quote from: Wba_lad on February 07, 2024, 04:13:27 PMI noticed the Volvo, but thought it was unnecessary to post in the forum and to save arguments, so are all buses now going to be painted into dark single tone?
You weren't on the forum when it was done
Quote from: Tony on February 07, 2024, 04:19:47 PMYou weren't on the forum when it was done
Oh, well I was quite late noticing it then, sorry
YW 4776 now in for repaint
4990 now back at WN
2026 now in for refurb
4801 has been wrapped (not very well) in the single shade of grey livery, can only presume it was done hastily due to the previous ad on the bus expiring.
Quote from: Lukeee on March 19, 2024, 08:10:31 PM4801 has been wrapped (not very well) in the single shade of grey livery, can only presume it was done hastily due to the previous ad on the bus expiring.
What do you mean by Not very well?
I'm not having a go. Just I haven't seen it close up yet and it was wrapped by the same people who did the BC two
Quote from: Tony on March 19, 2024, 08:17:18 PMWhat do you mean by Not very well?
I'm not having a go. Just I haven't seen it close up yet and it was wrapped by the same people who did the BC two
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/53595748385/in/photolist-2pE5dKk-2pB5PDC-2pqFTLE-2pqciVi-2pnyAuq-2pixvQg-2pioW2F-2pixvf2-2piTxMA-2pfdr2E-2pc4zmq-2pgD15s-2pb9TRH-2oXQCSh-2oXSLVM-2oXVXpK-2oXrKrS-2oZx6bC-2oBRXKS-2oBVMKv-2ptW3Mo-2ou3n5c-2ohjk1H-2oguZWr-2ogXyFN
Quote from: jasmine on March 20, 2024, 01:39:50 PMhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/53595748385/in/photolist-2pE5dKk-2pB5PDC-2pqFTLE-2pqciVi-2pnyAuq-2pixvQg-2pioW2F-2pixvf2-2piTxMA-2pfdr2E-2pc4zmq-2pgD15s-2pb9TRH-2oXQCSh-2oXSLVM-2oXVXpK-2oXrKrS-2oZx6bC-2oBRXKS-2oBVMKv-2ptW3Mo-2ou3n5c-2ohjk1H-2oguZWr-2ogXyFN
That looks perfectly applied, I cannot see any peeling or bubbles
There's no peeling or bubbles and the vinyl is applied like vinyl usually is. There's no fault of the people doing the vinyl. But look at the absolute state of it.
Quote from: Gareth on March 20, 2024, 05:05:51 PMThere's no peeling or bubbles and the vinyl is applied like vinyl usually is. There's no fault of the people doing the vinyl. But look at the absolute state of it.
That's the bus, not the wrap though.
You'll see in a couple of months why it has been done
Quote from: Tony on March 19, 2024, 08:17:18 PMWhat do you mean by Not very well?
I'm not having a go. Just I haven't seen it close up yet and it was wrapped by the same people who did the BC two
When you look at it side on you can see the panels below don't look the smoothest before the wrap was applied, you can see small lumps and imperfections, can only assume the body/paint work wasn't the smoothest after the previous wrap was taken off.
Quote from: Tony on March 20, 2024, 02:00:44 PMThat looks perfectly applied, I cannot see any peeling or bubbles
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1220007036427702355/1220168299719954472/image.png?ex=660df548&is=65fb8048&hm=db8fbad6517c4bdbabca8c33dcd41d0d5d8ddcfcb5480c35df452bec017b1aa7&=)
same on the rear, i cannot pretend that this looks good, cause it doesnt.
it has 0 branding, at all, the entire thing is just a single colour with a single red line
you can see imperfections running all down the sides of the bus in real life and even in the photo
i mean if it were up to me i wouldn't have even bothered putting this bus in service in this current state but i dont work at nx and i dont know the ins and outs of their operation. it just looks tacky af to me
I wonder if the decision to wrap rather than paint is because the 2009 E400s are leased rather than owned
I could of course be way off the mark.
Quote from: jasmine on March 21, 2024, 12:33:18 AM(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1220007036427702355/1220168299719954472/image.png?ex=660df548&is=65fb8048&hm=db8fbad6517c4bdbabca8c33dcd41d0d5d8ddcfcb5480c35df452bec017b1aa7&=)
same on the rear, i cannot pretend that this looks good, cause it doesnt.
it has 0 branding, at all, the entire thing is just a single colour with a single red line
you can see imperfections running all down the sides of the bus in real life and even in the photo
i mean if it were up to me i wouldn't have even bothered putting this bus in service in this current state but i dont work at nx and i dont know the ins and outs of their operation. it just looks tacky af to me
To a passenger, a bus is a bus that's why NX let these buses run in service when they don't look the best, passengers don't really care about the appearance of the bus, more about whether or not the bus actually shows up.
From an enthusiasts POV though, I do agree it doesn't look the best.
Why isn't the vinyl two tone. Wouldn't it of cost around the same?
Quote from: cardew on March 21, 2024, 10:02:46 AMI wonder if the decision to wrap rather than paint is because the 2009 E400s are leased rather than owned
I could of course be way off the mark.
Would suppose it depends how much longer they've got in service, believe some of the scanias were leased and they regularly recived repaints
Quote from: JosephR on March 21, 2024, 07:42:00 PMWhy isn't the vinyl two tone. Wouldn't it of cost around the same?
No, a lot more, and the repaints aren't two tone so it matches
Quote from: JosephR on March 21, 2024, 07:42:00 PMWhy isn't the vinyl two tone. Wouldn't it of cost around the same?
Repaints aren't two tone anymore
Just some of my observations/opinions:
The bus is wrapped in the corporate identity - granted, there are no fleetnames, but instantly recognisable to a passenger as an NX bus.
The bus will have the odd imperfection where the vinyl has been applied to what I call, road-worn panels i.e. panels on a bus that have taken some degree of abuse, but not accident damage. Perfectly acceptable as a bus for service.
The frontal application does have some areas not completely covered, like headlight and number plate surrounds. Only we, as enthusiasts/forum members, have the opportunity to zoom in and examine this quasi-forensically. Does it look bad? On the photo closely examined yes, but to the average farepaying passenger, I doubt they're loking down, rather up at the destination displays. (I actually quite like the red headlight surrounds in red, it breaks up the grey).
I understand that this is an all over advert bus, so the most cost/time effective way to cover the bus after the previous advert was removed is this.
I would always gauge this against these factors:
Is it roadworthy and safe to drive/transport passengers? Yes
Is it "on brand" and recognisable to passengers? Yes
Will spending anymore money tittivating this bus to the "N"th degree make it any better to satisfy the above? No.
As a former bus manager, I would be more than happy for this to be pressed into service as it is to maintain service. If any of my customers, or enthusiasts, have any concerns, I'd be happy to accept their feedback via the corporate channels.
Quote from: Wumpty on March 22, 2024, 10:02:14 AMJust some of my observations/opinions:
The bus is wrapped in the corporate identity - granted, there are no fleetnames, but instantly recognisable to a passenger as an NX bus.
It's just such a shame that an all-over single primer grey colour is now the new recognisable NXWM corporate identity when you look at the attractive crimson and previous Platinum designs that preceded it.
I'm not a fan of the two-tone grey diagonal livery but to then change it to just a single dark shade on repaints because it's cheaper, and even remove the small detail of the stripes in the diagonal red sash, is really to the detriment of the corporate image of the company IMO.
I appreciate this point has already been debated, but I don't think there's a worse UK livery out there at the moment.
Stagecoach's mishmash of colours all awful
Quote from: Mike K on March 22, 2024, 11:58:19 AMIt's just such a shame that an all-over single primer grey colour is now the new recognisable NXWM corporate identity when you look at the attractive crimson and previous Platinum designs that preceded it.
I'm not a fan of the two-tone grey diagonal livery but to then change it to just a single dark shade on repaints because it's cheaper, and even remove the small detail of the stripes in the diagonal red sash, is really to the detriment of the corporate image of the company IMO.
I appreciate this point has already been debated, but I don't think there's a worse UK livery out there at the moment.
It has divided opinion, though I'm sure there is a very good reason why 4801 has received this treatment.
As for the livery itself, whilst it may appear uninspiring, it is a practical and easily manageable livery both corporately and for engineering teams.
I'm sure we'll learn more about the livery and 4801 in due course.
Quote from: Wumpty on March 22, 2024, 06:16:05 PMIt has divided opinion, though I'm sure there is a very good reason why 4801 has received this treatment.
As for the livery itself, whilst it may appear uninspiring, it is a practical and easily manageable livery both corporately and for engineering teams.
I'm sure we'll learn more about the livery and 4801 in due course.
I was talking to someone from Alexander Dennis yesterday. When they paint new Stagecoach buses there's so much work doing the different colours it can cause problems just because of the time taken masking and baking all the different colours
The current Stagecoach livery is awful in my opinion, although I guess at least it looks like some thought has gone into it. I think Go Ahead have some of the better liveries out there - often quite basic 2 colour liveries and often diagonal - but make good use of vinyls to give an end result that looks effective. Salisbury Reds and the latest Morebus m1/m2 liveried E400MMCs are examples. Practical and stylish at the same time is possible.
Quote from: Mike K on March 22, 2024, 08:04:58 PMThe current Stagecoach livery is awful in my opinion, although I guess at least it looks like some thought has gone into it. I think Go Ahead have some of the better liveries out there - often quite basic 2 colour liveries and often diagonal - but make good use of vinyls to give an end result that looks effective. Salisbury Reds and the latest Morebus m1/m2 liveried E400MMCs are examples. Practical and stylish at the same time is possible.
I was in Southampton last Saturday the fleet there is just a jumbled as the varieties in the West Midlands with the local Blue Star along with London Red, Go North East Blue & Red, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis Green, Unibus purple & Grey as well as a couple of special liveries for specific routes and a couple of specials. Last thing it looked like was there was only one operator there.
Quote from: Tony on March 22, 2024, 08:40:20 PMI was in Southampton last Saturday the fleet there is just a jumbled as the varieties in the West Midlands with the local Blue Star along with London Red, Go North East Blue & Red, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis Green, Unibus purple & Grey as well as a couple of special liveries for specific routes and a couple of specials. Last thing it looked like was there was only one operator there.
After First pulled out in 2022 it has pretty much been Bluestar (Uni-Link is part of them). There's Xelabus around but they only run a couple of services. The Sailsbury Red and the remaining First services come in from Sailsbury/Portsmouth.
Quote from: ellspurs on March 22, 2024, 09:21:54 PMAfter First pulled out in 2022 it has pretty much been Bluestar (Uni-Link is part of them). There's Xelabus around but they only run a couple of services. The Sailsbury Red and the remaining First services come in from Sailsbury/Portsmouth.
No, all those liveries were just on normal service on local Blue star routes, the unilink one was the old version without names
Quote from: Wumpty on March 22, 2024, 10:02:14 AMJust some of my observations/opinions:
The bus is wrapped in the corporate identity - granted, there are no fleetnames, but instantly recognisable to a passenger as an NX bus.
The bus will have the odd imperfection where the vinyl has been applied to what I call, road-worn panels i.e. panels on a bus that have taken some degree of abuse, but not accident damage. Perfectly acceptable as a bus for service.
The frontal application does have some areas not completely covered, like headlight and number plate surrounds. Only we, as enthusiasts/forum members, have the opportunity to zoom in and examine this quasi-forensically. Does it look bad? On the photo closely examined yes, but to the average farepaying passenger, I doubt they're loking down, rather up at the destination displays. (I actually quite like the red headlight surrounds in red, it breaks up the grey).
I understand that this is an all over advert bus, so the most cost/time effective way to cover the bus after the previous advert was removed is this.
I would always gauge this against these factors:
Is it roadworthy and safe to drive/transport passengers? Yes
Is it "on brand" and recognisable to passengers? Yes
Will spending anymore money tittivating this bus to the "N"th degree make it any better to satisfy the above? No.
As a former bus manager, I would be more than happy for this to be pressed into service as it is to maintain service. If any of my customers, or enthusiasts, have any concerns, I'd be happy to accept their feedback via the corporate channels.
was it this serious?
Quote from: jasmine on March 20, 2024, 01:39:50 PMhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/53595748385/in/photolist-2pE5dKk-2pB5PDC-2pqFTLE-2pqciVi-2pnyAuq-2pixvQg-2pioW2F-2pixvf2-2piTxMA-2pfdr2E-2pc4zmq-2pgD15s-2pb9TRH-2oXQCSh-2oXSLVM-2oXVXpK-2oXrKrS-2oZx6bC-2oBRXKS-2oBVMKv-2ptW3Mo-2ou3n5c-2ohjk1H-2oguZWr-2ogXyFN
It doesn't look great, but as it's been mentioned, I don't think there's particularly because of the vinyl (although you can see some crimson around the license at the front, as it has been pointed out), but the state of the bodywork.
It wouldn't stop me from wanting to board, a bus is a bus at the end of the day. My local routes are ran by buses in two tone grey, platinum, blueson, crimson and NX red and white
The only question I'd ask is, why have the rear windows 4801 been vinyled over?
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 22, 2024, 11:05:40 PMIt doesn't look great, but as it's been mentioned, I don't think there's particularly because of the vinyl (although you can see some crimson around the license at the front, as it has been pointed out), but the state of the bodywork.
It wouldn't stop me from wanting to board, a bus is a bus at the end of the day. My local routes are ran by buses in two tone grey, platinum, blueson, crimson and NX red and white
The only question I'd ask is, why have the rear windows 4801 been vinyled over?
your locals are also my locals nice
Quote from: jasmine on March 22, 2024, 09:38:12 PMwas it this serious?
@jasmine I don't understand your question
Do you mean was my post serious, or the comments I've responded to?
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2024, 09:49:29 PMNo, a lot more, and the repaints aren't two tone so it matches
Matches? There's repaints with a solid red line, ones with a patterned red line. Repaints with a full line, repaints with bits missing behind the advert frame. Repaints in two greys. And repaints in a single grey colour.
Oh and now vinyl with bits of red showing.
What's next? Grey without the red line?
Things can only get so economical before they get cheap and pointless
Quote from: JosephR on March 24, 2024, 09:20:54 PMMatches? There's repaints with a solid red line, ones with a patterned red line. Repaints with a full line, repaints with bits missing behind the advert frame. Repaints in two greys. And repaints in a single grey colour.
Oh and now vinyl with bits of red showing.
What's next? Grey without the red line?
Things can only get so economical before they get cheap and pointless
Due to the current situation NX needs very minimal vehicles off road.
Quote from: JosephR on March 24, 2024, 09:20:54 PMMatches? There's repaints with a solid red line, ones with a patterned red line. Repaints with a full line, repaints with bits missing behind the advert frame. Repaints in two greys. And repaints in a single grey colour.
Oh and now vinyl with bits of red showing.
What's next? Grey without the red line?
Things can only get so economical before they get cheap and pointless
You'll see nuances and differences with every livery before they get it "right".
Back when I worked for Choice Travel, we trialled a few livery variations of our lime green, yellow and brunswick green until we were happy (including an orange variation that had the spotters' heads spinning!).
I go back to my earlier post - there are very few passengers that will know/care about these variations and I wouldn't call any of them cheap and pointless (4801 is a very unique case and I'm sure all will become apparent in due course).
They are all similarly on brand, maybe not perfect or to some forum members exacting standards, but still recognisable as NX buses.
Quote from: 979 on March 24, 2024, 09:54:31 PMDue to the current situation NX needs very minimal vehicles off road.
They have had a large number of new vehicles sitting around doing nothing for months and still no definitive date for entry into service, may be a bit of forward planning would have helped.
Quote from: Mayfield on March 25, 2024, 09:38:01 PMThey have had a large number of new vehicles sitting around doing nothing for months and still no definitive date for entry into service, may be a bit of forward planning would have helped.
Not sure it's a lack of forward planning. My understanding is that the hydrogen situation is due to refuelling station issues beyond NX control.
The electrics are being delivered at a great pace, but there's only so much charging infrastructure available currently. NX would be damned either way if the infrastructure was in place and buses hadn't been delivered. Personally, I think the current situation is the better scenario.
Quote from: Wumpty on March 25, 2024, 09:59:25 PMNot sure it's a lack of forward planning. My understanding is that the hydrogen situation is due to refuelling station issues beyond NX control.
The electrics are being delivered at a great pace, but there's only so much charging infrastructure available currently. NX would be damned either way if the infrastructure was in place and buses hadn't been delivered. Personally, I think the current situation is the better scenario.
Yes, unfortunately NX didn't plan for the problems in the Red Sea, which I am lead to believe was one of the delays
4954 been back at WB several days now after refurb parked in scrap row, may be its lighting the grey does appear to be very dark, solid red stripe used, re'trimmed cushions all stacked up on rear of lower deck ready to be fitted.
Quote from: 2900 on April 04, 2024, 08:06:18 AM4954 been back at WB several days now after refurb parked in scrap row, may be its lighting the grey does appear to be very dark, solid red stripe used, re'trimmed cushions all stacked up on rear of lower deck ready to be fitted.
Still waiting for an internal panel from Alexander Dennis that was damaged in the RTC
Quote from: Tony on April 04, 2024, 08:40:33 AMStill waiting for an internal panel from Alexander Dennis that was damaged in the RTC
Would 4958 not be able to give it the part while that is off the road after RTC?
Only a suggestion you will know more ect so not telling you your doing anything wrong.
Quote from: Wba_lad on April 04, 2024, 11:56:01 AMWould 4958 not be able to give it the part while that is off the road after RTC?
Only a suggestion you will know more ect so not telling you your doing anything wrong.
It's a reasonable suggestion, but unfortunately it's one the interior panels with the formica on and that tends to break if you remove them
Quote from: Tony on April 04, 2024, 02:55:05 PMIt's a reasonable suggestion, but unfortunately it's one the interior panels with the formica on and that tends to break if you remove them
Ah I see, thank you for confirming.
Is it me or do the earlier repaints into the grey on the b7rles have a matte finish?
Noticed that 4776 has been painted in charcoal grey livery now - saw her on the 50 on Saturday. See 4775 is still sky blue - though still fully adorned in that advert for that VR online game.