Dundee's 9 new ADL E400H are also due in service during March and are destined to operate / be branded for route 5, article on NXD website including an artists impression showing the livery/branding
http://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/news/dundee-hearts-hybrids
Xplore Dundee (formerly Travel Dundee and National Express Dundee) was acquired from National Express by the McGills Group at the end of 2020.
Info later in this topic: http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1377.msg286722#msg286722
I believe the 5 may be operated by a mixture of B10L/B10BLE with some peak workings operated by Geminis or even Presidents 4123/4 do put in the occasional appearance.
At last count the Hybrids were expected to boost the double decker contingent at Dundee, and are therefore expected to replace further P/R reg B10L's in the 7122-7147 range
I understand that Dundee may also be expecting a further 2 or 3 Presidents from B'ham in the next couple of months to allow for the withdrawal of the remaining step entry Volvo Olympians. ex TWM private hire 3125 & 3126 N125/6YRM appear to have finally been withdrawn for good
I was in Dundee last Summer and seem to remember that most of the 5's were double deck.
The 5 is Gemini operated, but everything else Winston says is factually correct!
We are due 3 more of your Presidents, and B10Ls will be withdrawn in place of the Hybrids.
A network review is due end of may so I suspect a B10L or two maybe kept pending this, the rest heading south!?
Quote from: gc802002 on February 14, 2013, 08:56:32 PM
A network review is due end of may so I suspect a B10L or two maybe kept pending this, the rest heading south!?
All the other B10L withdrawn in the last 12 months or so for Dundee have gone direct to a local scrapman, can't see NXWM taking them in to reserve, it already has a decent collection of its own gathering dust/rotting.
Thanks for the correction on the 5 being Gemini operated, I knew some worked the 5 but didn't realize it was full decker operated these days. Is there any indication which route will benefit from the increase in double deckers once the Geminis are displaced from the 5?
The St Mary's (1A/1B) mainly and Kirkton (18/19)
Quote from: gc802002 on February 14, 2013, 09:35:10 PM
The St Mary's (1A/1B) mainly and Kirkton (18/19)
Thanks for the info
Hi I`m trying to keep a record of Withdrawn B10L for Dundee 7122-7151. So far
7139-Withdrawn June 2013
7141-Withdrawn June 2013
7142-Withdrawn May 2013
7115/7123/7125/7126 to NX West Midlands June 2010 (Not Used)
If Anyones got infomation on Withdrawal Dates for this Batch of Fleet I would be Grateful.
Thanks
Hi Lynx1103,
I don't keep a record of withdrawal dates, but only ten of that batch remain in service in Dundee as follows:
7127-9, 7138, 7144-8 & 7151
7146 is currently parked up in Dock St depot with a red sticker 'do not move' so that could also now be withdrawn making 9 left.
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:01:53 AM
Hi Lynx1103,
I don't keep a record of withdrawal dates, but only ten of that batch remain in service in Dundee as follows:
7127-9, 7138, 7144-8 & 7151
7146 is currently parked up in Dock St depot with a red sticker 'do not move' so that could also now be withdrawn making 9 left.
When Did 7128 make it back to Dundee ?
Quote from: NathanJC on July 25, 2013, 09:48:24 PM
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:01:53 AM
Hi Lynx1103,
I don't keep a record of withdrawal dates, but only ten of that batch remain in service in Dundee as follows:
7127-9, 7138, 7144-8 & 7151
7146 is currently parked up in Dock St depot with a red sticker 'do not move' so that could also now be withdrawn making 9 left.
When Did 7128 make it back to Dundee ?
Easy enough to check on here
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/7128.html
Thanks Winston for help
Quote from: Winston on July 25, 2013, 11:01:53 AM
Hi Lynx1103,
I don't keep a record of withdrawal dates, but only ten of that batch remain in service in Dundee as follows:
7127-9, 7138, 7144-8 & 7151
7146 is currently parked up in Dock St depot with a red sticker 'do not move' so that could also now be withdrawn making 9 left.
7146 is not withdrawn because it has been out in service today from 0520 and will continue until 2348!
Here are withdrawn dates
7122 - July 2013
7124 - March 2013 (scrapped June 2013)
7132 - June 2013
7140 - May 2013
7143 - May 2013 (I think, scrapped June 27 2013)
7149 - June 2013
7150 - July 2013
Thanks Kiewell
I can start building my list now
7144 was withdrawn tonight so you could add that one to your list.
just out of curiosity, what is going to happen to the LED destination displays on the withdrawn buses?
Quote from: Sayeed_M on August 08, 2013, 11:20:47 PM
just out of curiosity, what is going to happen to the LED destination displays on the withdrawn buses?
Most of the ones from Dundee & NX B10L's in reserve ended up at PE & retrofitted to Mercs
Only ever ridden one from this batch, 7127 on the 69 when it was at Walsall.
I must say it sounded more Metrobus-like than the 14** Voith B10Ls
When 7127 - 29 were at AG I only noticed them when they appeared on the 5 and 966, they blended in too easily on the 71 and 72 to notice whether it was a 14xx or a 71xx going past.
When they came to WA, only one i got a journey on was 7128 on the 7, wasnt much cop compared to ours. Think ive got a phone pic of 7129 on the 40 and got a proper photo of 7127 on the 302
Quote from: Ashley 4569 on August 09, 2013, 01:18:32 AM
When 7127 - 29 were at AG I only noticed them when they appeared on the 5 and 966, they blended in too easily on the 71 and 72 to notice whether it was a 14xx or a 71xx going past.
When they came to WA, only one i got a journey on was 7128 on the 7, wasnt much cop compared to ours. Think ive got a phone pic of 7129 on the 40 and got a proper photo of 7127 on the 302
I rode 7127/8/9 all on the 69 plenty of times.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 09, 2013, 09:09:14 AM
Quote from: Ashley 4569 on August 09, 2013, 01:18:32 AM
When 7127 - 29 were at AG I only noticed them when they appeared on the 5 and 966, they blended in too easily on the 71 and 72 to notice whether it was a 14xx or a 71xx going past.
When they came to WA, only one i got a journey on was 7128 on the 7, wasnt much cop compared to ours. Think ive got a phone pic of 7129 on the 40 and got a proper photo of 7127 on the 302
I rode 7127/8/9 all on the 69 plenty of times.
So have I, though not on the 69!
Route banding on the Dundee Enviro400Hs has been amended with the new X5 service, and a blue stripe like our branding has been added
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisforbes105/13982263957/
Anyone got the body numbers for these hybrids?
Are Dundee due anymore second-hand NXWM buses?
Dundee needs a new MD:
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/dundee/national-express-dundee-boss-is-leaving-on-good-terms-1.668245
So I know this is not part of the West Midlands scene however it is related to NX
I believe NXD have the following buses that need replacing this year:
16 Presidents
6 Volvo B10L
8 Volvo B10BLE (R reg)
14 Volvo B10BLE (V reg)
Will these be replaced by NXWM cascades or new vehicles (or combination of both)?
Is NX expecting more than 171 buses this year to cover fleets outside the West Midlands?
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Horrible. Also appears to be getting rid of 'national express' from the fleet name
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Thanks for posting!
Looks very smart indeed and promising NX intend to invest there as the age profile there doesn't seem as good as at some NXWM depots is/will be.
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 05:48:11 PM
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Horrible. Also appears to be getting rid of 'national express' from the fleet name
The green is only a proposal. It says the new livery will be chosen by/ consulted with local people in the Spring.
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 05:48:11 PM
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Horrible. Also appears to be getting rid of 'national express' from the fleet name
The green is only a proposal. It says the new livery will be chosen by/ consulted with local people in the Spring.
I am aware of that.
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 09:11:13 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 05:48:11 PM
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Horrible. Also appears to be getting rid of 'national express' from the fleet name
The green is only a proposal. It says the new livery will be chosen by/ consulted with local people in the Spring.
I am aware of that.
I dare say you will all opt for corp colours back.
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2015, 09:14:20 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 09:11:13 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 05:48:11 PM
Quote from: Reece on February 26, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
A new 2 tone green and gold livery could be chosen as the new National Express Dundee home colours. Also some hints about some new hybrid/Eco buses as we'll. :D
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed (http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/new-dundee-bus-boss-promises-to-bring-a-bit-more-pride-back-to-our-service-1.843859?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed)
8)
Horrible. Also appears to be getting rid of 'national express' from the fleet name
The green is only a proposal. It says the new livery will be chosen by/ consulted with local people in the Spring.
I am aware of that.
I dare say you will all opt for corp colours back.
Probably. This new livery has grown on me in the last few hours and I wouldn't mind seeing it now
I was only born not long after NX took over Tayside so I certainly cannot remember the green corpy buses!
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 09:20:24 PM
Probably. This new livery has grown on me in the last few hours and I wouldn't mind seeing it now
I was only born not long after NX took over Tayside so I certainly cannot remember the green corpy buses!
Blimey, you change your mind quick....
I'm getting confused, the green proposal is fitting with Dundee corp colours. I actually meant two tone blue to match former Tayside colours
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2015, 09:28:36 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 26, 2015, 09:20:24 PM
Probably. This new livery has grown on me in the last few hours and I wouldn't mind seeing it now
I was only born not long after NX took over Tayside so I certainly cannot remember the green corpy buses!
Blimey, you change your mind quick....
I'm getting confused, the green proposal is fitting with Dundee corp colours. I actually meant two tone blue to match former Tayside colours
Yes, I do.
we have been told it will probably be called 'dundee buses' dropping the national express name.
Named 'Dundee Buses' and with a variation of the old Tayside two tone blue livery, I think the livery could be impressive.
As for the artists impression of a potential green livery, my thoughts are that without the additional route branding colours as shown it would be depressing.
My only visit to the city was in 1977 with a good proportion of the Tayside fleet in blue and a few in the old Dundee green. Strange that it may sound, the blue colours fitted in more naturally with the city's buildings than the old green, and the vehicles looked newer whatever their age. That also included old Daimler CVG6 rear entrance buses.
Personally I wouldn't mind a "new" version of the "old" blue livery.
Bear in mind though that Stagecoach are NX Dundee's main competition, and their buses are partly painted in blue, particularly at the front end, so a green livery for NXD would mean that there would be less risk of confusion for passengers.
Quote from: D10 on March 01, 2015, 10:39:50 AM
Personally I wouldn't mind a "new" version of the "old" blue livery.
Bear in mind though that Stagecoach are NX Dundee's main competition, and their buses are partly painted in blue, particularly at the front end, so a green livery for NXD would mean that there would be less risk of confusion for passengers.
There is no confusion for passengers, as Stagecoach buses are in better condition and cleaner than NXD buses
Quote from: Kiewii on March 01, 2015, 12:11:53 PM
Quote from: D10 on March 01, 2015, 10:39:50 AM
Personally I wouldn't mind a "new" version of the "old" blue livery.
Bear in mind though that Stagecoach are NX Dundee's main competition, and their buses are partly painted in blue, particularly at the front end, so a green livery for NXD would mean that there would be less risk of confusion for passengers.
There is no confusion for passengers, as Stagecoach buses are in better condition and cleaner than NXD buses
Of course you can tell both of those things from the front of the bus coming down the road towards you!
Quote from: Kiewii on March 01, 2015, 12:11:53 PM
Quote from: D10 on March 01, 2015, 10:39:50 AM
Personally I wouldn't mind a "new" version of the "old" blue livery.
Bear in mind though that Stagecoach are NX Dundee's main competition, and their buses are partly painted in blue, particularly at the front end, so a green livery for NXD would mean that there would be less risk of confusion for passengers.
There is no confusion for passengers, as Stagecoach buses are in better condition and cleaner than NXD buses
that my dear man is libel .
1787 is not included in the March changes as being transferred to Dundee. Is it only on loan? Dundee will need to replace the 6 B10L's by the end of 2015 and the remaining 8 Rreg B 1 BLE's,if they do not have ramps
Quote from: Eric Shaw on April 08, 2015, 08:24:00 PM
1787 is not included in the March changes as being transferred to Dundee. Is it only on loan? Dundee will need to replace the 6 B10L's by the end of 2015 and the remaining 8 Rreg B 1 BLE's,if they do not have ramps
1787 is allocated to Walsall
The B10Ls and B10BLEs do have ramps but they are located behind the driver
1787 was mentioned somewhere on this site as moving to Dundee. Evidently it did not happen.
C8 NEX Health Bus in Dundee for a few weeks!
Quote from: Eric Shaw on April 09, 2015, 09:27:39 PM
1787 was mentioned somewhere on this site as moving to Dundee. Evidently it did not happen.
It might be there now, it has been deleted from Walsall's fleet strength, but I don't know if it has physically jeft yet
I was on it today,a nice conversion job.what was its previous fleet number?.
Quote from: JIM C on April 14, 2015, 10:26:45 PM
I was on it today,a nice conversion job.what was its previous fleet number?.
What are you on about?
Quote from: JIM C on April 14, 2015, 10:26:45 PM
I was on it today,a nice conversion job.what was its previous fleet number?.
I presume you're referring to the Health Bus Merc (C8 NEX)? If so, previous fleet number was 1687 (T687 FOB)
I just noticed that Dundee's Geminis have a black radiator grill, why is that ?!
4028, 4045 and 4074 are reported as being transferred to Dundee.
Quote from: gc802002 on April 15, 2015, 01:39:22 PM
4028, 4045 and 4074 are reported as being transferred to Dundee.
Yes by me on the vehicle transfer thread!
Quote from: BusFan on April 14, 2015, 11:36:24 PM
I just noticed that Dundee's Geminis have a black radiator grill, why is that ?!
They were just painted like that. No conspiracy theories! It's not a radiator either, just moulding on the front panels.
Quote from: Gareth on April 15, 2015, 02:11:28 PM
They were just painted like that. No conspiracy theories! It's not a radiator either, just moulding on the front panels.
I wonder if the Dundee Geminis are due refurb soon?
Quote from: Gareth on April 15, 2015, 02:11:28 PM
They were just painted like that. No conspiracy theories! It's not a radiator either, just moulding on the front panels.
They also have (or had) black window surrounds which in my view makes them look smarter than their WM counterparts.
Quote from: Cammy7153 on April 14, 2015, 08:13:20 PM
C8 NEX Health Bus in Dundee for a few weeks!
Presumably it arrived in Dundee on the back of a low-loader - I saw it leave Coventry garage that way?!
Quote from: paulb1973 on April 15, 2015, 03:35:46 PM
Presumably it arrived in Dundee on the back of a low-loader - I saw it leave Coventry garage that way?!
Don't they trust a Merc to go all the way to Dundee?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 15, 2015, 03:48:21 PM
Don't they trust a Merc to go all the way to Dundee?
Probably not! Especially one they've spent so much money on kitting out
It did arrive on a low loader. ,and the gemini,s came back from repainting some with black surrounds some not depending on who painted them .
Photo here of 1687 https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/16971074038/
1787 Now in dundee.
Are all the B7s transferring to Dundee, hope not, think they lovely buses, better than the Omnidumps!
Quote from: Rhys S on April 23, 2015, 07:17:44 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 23, 2015, 07:09:37 PM
Are all the B7s transferring to Dundee, hope not, think they lovely buses, better than the Omnilinks !
Personal opinion expressed Rhys!
Stagecoach Enviro 400 photo bombing!
As mentioned on the Dundee forum, Dundee are getting five Wright Streetlites in September
Quote from: Kiewii on May 07, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
As mentioned on the Dundee forum, Dundee are getting five Wright Streetlites in September
Thought nx had a alexander dennis exclusive contract for next few years or that just nxwm and nxc
Quote from: Kiewii on May 07, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
As mentioned on the Dundee forum, Dundee are getting five Wright Streetlites in September
Should be before that
Quote from: Chris2301 on May 07, 2015, 04:50:08 PM
Thought nx had a alexander dennis exclusive contract for next few years or that just nxwm and nxc
WE NEED BUSES OF THE WHEELS FORWARD TYPE FOR OUR RURAL ROUTES .AND AS THE SOLOS ARE GETTING PAST IT THE MANAGEMENT THINK THEY ARE THE IDEAL REPLACEMENT
Quote from: JIM C on May 08, 2015, 11:48:19 PM
WE NEED BUSES OF THE WHEELS FORWARD TYPE FOR OUR RURAL ROUTES .AND AS THE SOLOS ARE GETTING PAST IT THE MANAGEMENT THINK THEY ARE THE IDEAL REPLACEMENT
Excellent news Dundee is receiving some new vehicles (as opposed to cascades).
Leading to speculation - what will the fleet numbers be and will they be in the new Dundee Buses livery?
My guesses are 735-740 or 741-5!!
THEY ARE REPORTEDLY COMMING IN GREEN LIVERY. AS FOR FLEET NUMBERS GOD KNOWS .
Quote from: JIM C on May 09, 2015, 11:09:31 PM
THEY ARE REPORTEDLY COMMING IN GREEN LIVERY. AS FOR FLEET NUMBERS GOD KNOWS .
Is your keyboard stuck on caps lock? Lol :)
Quote from: JIM C on May 09, 2015, 11:09:31 PM
THEY ARE REPORTEDLY COMMING IN GREEN LIVERY. AS FOR FLEET NUMBERS GOD KNOWS .
Will be interesting to see - also if the cascades get repainted.
Quote from: Kiewii on May 07, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
As mentioned on the Dundee forum, Dundee are getting five Wright Streetlites in September
will they be buying some next year for the West Midlands
Quote from: Solo1 on May 10, 2015, 12:45:31 PM
will they be buying some next year for the West Midlands
Doubt it. We already have E200 SWB, which replaced Darts (36**) and Solos, etc...
I notice on Tony's recent photos of B7RLEs that Dundee has an Outer Circle 11 just like Birmingham's! Do the AG B7TLs, which were on the Birmingham 11, ever work it?
Quote from: Stevo on May 12, 2015, 10:22:56 PM
I notice on Tony's recent photos of B7RLEs that Dundee has an Outer Circle 11 just like Birmingham's! Do the AG B7TLs, which were on the Birmingham 11, ever work it?
No, the 11 is allocated Volvo B7RLE Urban 2s
I don't think I've ever seen a President on the 11A or 11C variations of the route though
The Dundee outer circle is split up into four different services: 9 and 11 (clockwise) and 10 and 12 (anticlockwise)
I have seen a President on the 9, 10 and the 12.
Ex twm 1481 Y722 CJW ,i [7067] Is the new training bus in dundee.
Quote from: JIM C on May 19, 2015, 04:42:51 PM
Ex twm 1482 Y722 CJW ,i [7067] Is the new training bus in dundee.
1481
Quote from: The Real 4778 on May 19, 2015, 05:50:32 PM
1481
It's the'test' bus not the training bus, It's used on schools in the peak, but during the day for driving tests
Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2015, 05:55:25 PM
It's the'test' bus not the training bus, It's used on schools in the peak, but during the day for driving tests
YEY!! That means the rattling pile of scrap is off service duties and hopefully on it's way out!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on May 21, 2015, 10:36:25 PM
YEY!! That means the rattling pile of scrap is off service duties and hopefully on it's way out!
Engineering Manager just confirmed to me he doesn't intend using 7067 in passenger use again. 7171 is also now withdrawn.
7168 & 7175 are the next two expected withdrawals if anyone wants last rides on those two.
When are the expected replacements due? .
My guess would be when the batch of 50 new Enviro 200MMC's arrive in the WM and set the cascades into motion.
After the trial and failure of the New Routemasters on route 73, Stagecoach are due to launch there New Volvo B5LH Hybrid Euro6 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400MMC in Dundee on Monday for route 73.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 23, 2015, 09:47:56 PM
After the trial and failure of the New Routemasters on route 73, Stagecoach are due to launch there New Volvo B5LH Hybrid Euro6 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400MMC in Dundee on Monday for route 73.
Were you here to observe the NBFL's while they were in service with Strathtay to say they were a failure?
I wouldn't say the NBFL's failed on the 73 with Stagecoach Strathtay; they were taken out of their normal environment and placed in one completely different - which caused them not to work at the top of their capabilities. That was fairly obvious from the outset however.
The NBFL's are more suited to sitting in queues of traffic and not moving at more than 20-25 mph, which is totally the opposite to what they were expected to do on the 73. Also, the fact that all 3 doors are opened when they button is pushed in the cab, had a very severe effect. We shall see how the Volvo BRLH/Alexander Dennis prove when they enter service in the next few days.
A lot of people turned up for the launch, the bouncy castle seemed popular too. The new hybrids seemed to be running on time, with a few running early.
4028 entered service in Dundee today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisforbes105/18075025122/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisforbes105/18076093412/in/datetaken/
Photo of 4680 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/18586113289/
4682 was in the pits getting Dundee fleet names applied.
They're nice buses, im sad to see them go. I only ever drove 4680 and 4685
Quote from: Kiewii on June 13, 2015, 05:12:07 PM
Photo of 4680 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/18586113289/
4682 was in the pits getting Dundee fleet names applied.
Two ex Walsall buses side by side!
4681/2/3 entered service in Dundee today. 4681 is missing Dundee fleet names on the sides
Quote from: Kiewii on June 16, 2015, 05:00:35 PM
4681/2/3 entered service in Dundee today. 4681 is missing Dundee fleet names on the sides
Do you know what routes they were being used on?
Quote from: D10 on June 16, 2015, 08:41:41 PM
Do you know what routes they were being used on?
4681 - 22, 4682/3 - 28/29
Photos on my Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/
Quote from: Kiewii on June 16, 2015, 08:54:59 PM
4681 - 22, 4682/3 - 28/29
Photos on my Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/
I presume the native geminis or presidents have gone down to Edinburgh for the rail replacement
Quote from: Tony on June 16, 2015, 08:57:57 PM
I presume the native geminis or presidents have gone down to Edinburgh for the rail replacement
1787 and 2030-2035 are on the rail replacements
7138 and 7148 now withdrawn
Quote from: Tony on June 16, 2015, 08:57:57 PM
I presume the native geminis or presidents have gone down to Edinburgh for the rail replacement
I saw 2032/4/5 on there when in Edinburgh today.
Quote from: Tony on June 16, 2015, 08:57:57 PM
I presume the native geminis or presidents have gone down to Edinburgh for the rail replacement
No, only new singles doing the railway work.
Quote from: Kiewii on June 16, 2015, 08:54:59 PM
4681 - 22, 4682/3 - 28/29
Photos on my Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/
they will be routed depending on where they are in the depot ,there is no set route for them .
Quote from: JIM C on June 16, 2015, 10:59:40 PM
they will be routed depending on where they are in the depot ,there is no set route for them .
Thanks for the info both of you. I was kind of hoping they would be used on something that needed smartly repainted high back seated double deckers, otherwise standard Geminis could have gone up. ???
I think NX Dundee get some best buses 1787 should went Perry Barr get rid the scanias and 4680-4686 should went to acocks green
To be honest, i think they should transfer Presidents and Omnidumps to Dundee, the B7Rles are to good for Dundee!!
Only 4684 has yet to appear in service in Dundee. 4046 has not yet appeared out either.
7168 now finished also.
I agree with stu get rid scanias to Dundee keep the b7rle transfer to Perry barr
Why transfer Scanias up to Dundee when firstly Dundee already have B7RLEs, secondly Dundee sent Scanias down after only under 2 years of use of them, and why transfer Scanias out of the west mids when they're doing fine.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 21, 2015, 09:36:25 PM
To be honest, i think they should transfer Presidents and Omnidumps to Dundee, the B7Rles are to good for Dundee!!
Better still, sell off the Dundee garage and keep all your crap down south, we'll look after ourselves.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 21, 2015, 10:04:42 PM
Better still, sell off the Dundee garage and keep all your crap down south, we'll look after ourselves.
If only it was that easy!
I'm sure Stagecoach or First would be only too happy to take over, and they are Scottish companies at least.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 21, 2015, 10:12:52 PM
I'm sure Stagecoach or First would be only too happy to take over, and they are Scottish companies at least.
The problem is that National Express should have kept the West Midlands and Dundee operations totally seperate, therefore any new buses buses required by Dundee could stay with them and all the West Midland buses would either be used down here or withdrawn.
The same happened here in the West Midlands for example when WB received the Darts ex Travel London. They weren't that old, but even a few years of service in London and they can be tired and worn.
You're probably right, but when TWM took over Tayside in 1997 our fleet of relics was in such need of replacement that all TWM could do was bring us into the fold in order to spread the cost needed to replace our aging buses, and for as much as it pains me to say it, we'll be stuck under english rule until the books balance.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 21, 2015, 10:28:42 PM
You're probably right, but when TWM took over Tayside in 1997 our fleet of relics was in such need of replacement that all TWM could do was bring us into the fold in order to spread the cost needed to replace our aging buses, and for as much as it pains me to say it, we'll be stuck under english rule until the books balance.
When TWM took over in Dundee they invested massively compared to the size of the fleet with all those B10L & B10BLEs, making Dundee the first low floor fleet in Scotland/
The problem with Scanias in Dundee is there is no Scania dealer nearby for parts & repairs which is one reason those 15 came south
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 21, 2015, 09:36:25 PM
To be honest, i think they should transfer Presidents and Omnidumps to Dundee, the B7Rles are to good for Dundee!!
what makes you think that .i have been driving buses here for 40 years and can safely say these volvo B7s are the worst new buses we have ever had .the scanias were much better .
Quote from: JIM C on June 21, 2015, 10:43:50 PM
what makes you think that .i have been driving buses here for 40 years and can safely say these volvo B7s are the worst new buses we have ever had .the scanias were much better .
I think the Volvo B7s are excellent machines and had hoped we would get them at PE.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 21, 2015, 10:19:48 PM
The problem is that National Express should have kept the West Midlands and Dundee operations totally seperate, therefore any new buses buses required by Dundee could stay with them and all the West Midland buses would either be used down here or withdrawn.
The same happened here in the West Midlands for example when WB received the Darts ex Travel London. They weren't that old, but even a few years of service in London and they can be tired and worn.
when we sold our company to twm we were assured it would be run totally independent from the parent company ,but as the years went by more and more things were decided by the management in birmingham
Jim c, which Volvo B7,s are you referring to
4046 Has entered service today
Quote from: Tony on June 21, 2015, 10:39:08 PM
When TWM took over in Dundee they invested massively compared to the size of the fleet with all those B10L & B10BLEs, making Dundee the first low floor fleet in Scotland/
The problem with Scanias in Dundee is there is no Scania dealer nearby for parts & repairs which is one reason those 15 came south
What is so amazing to me is the sheer number of bus spotters whose technical knowledge ,based purely on observation,makes them far more qualified to run a bus Company than professionals with years of experience
Quote from: arrifirststage on June 22, 2015, 11:46:57 AM
What is so amazing to me is the sheer number of bus spotters whose technical knowledge ,based purely on observation,makes them far more qualified to run a bus Company than professionals with years of experience
This quote wins the thread.
Quote from: 2900 on June 22, 2015, 10:37:39 AM
Jim c, which Volvo B7,s are you referring to
The single deck 61/12 reg ones .
Quote from: arrifirststage on June 22, 2015, 11:46:57 AM
What is so amazing to me is the sheer number of bus spotters whose technical knowledge ,based purely on observation,makes them far more qualified to run a bus Company than professionals with years of experience
I'm surprised you can interpret what a number of them are even saying :P
National Express Dundee will be changing its name to 'Xplore Dundee', with a brand new livery to go with it
Quote from: Kiewii on June 27, 2015, 03:05:45 PM
National Express Dundee will be changing its name to 'Xplore Dundee', with a brand new livery to go with it
Does this meaning it is leaving the 'National Express' Franchise?
Quote from: Dom on June 27, 2015, 03:07:09 PM
Does this meaning it is leaving the 'National Express' Franchise?
No, should still be NX
Quote from: Dom on June 27, 2015, 03:17:41 PM
How do you know this?
Managing Director of NXD, and their Facebook page.
Open day today at the depot ,the public voted for a new livery [2 tone green] with the name XPLORE DUNDEE] We will still be part on the group nothing will change apart from the name .Its to bring back a local identity to the service.
Jim, the public voted for the most acceptable version of what the MD wanted, we had no say in the matter what so ever, Dundee isn't that big, I will walk before I get on a bus that colour and I've got a free concession pass! (I need the exercise anyway!)
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 28, 2015, 12:02:05 AM
Jim, the public voted for the most acceptable version of what the MD wanted, we had no say in the matter what so ever, Dundee isn't that big, I will walk before I get on a bus that colour and I've got a free concession pass! (I need the exercise anyway!)
This is very much a generation thing........we all prefer what existed in our teens,in your case blue buses.
Because I am much older than you,for example,I much prefer green Dundee buses and yellow Alexander Northern buses for that matter.
Just seen this. I think it's a really good idea! Maybe the whole of National Express should follow:
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/dundee-buses-to-pull-over-to-respect-national-minute-s-silence-for-tunisia-beach-attack-victims-1.887446
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 30, 2015, 07:18:07 PM
Just seen this. I think it's a really good idea! Maybe the whole of National Express should follow:
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/dundee-buses-to-pull-over-to-respect-national-minute-s-silence-for-tunisia-beach-attack-victims-1.887446
Instead of just posting what you see on facebook without checking first why not have a look at the NXWM website. It's on the front page, so doesn't take much checking
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2015, 07:22:15 PM
Instead of just posting what you see on facebook without checking first why not have a look at the NXWM website. It's on the front page, so doesn't take much checking
If it's safe to do so?
Sutton lines on the expressway lol
Quote from: MW on June 30, 2015, 07:25:17 PM
If it's safe to do so?
Sutton lines on the expressway lol
Exactly, but i assume drivers will keep an eye on there watch and maybe even slightly delay there journey so this can take place.
Very very sad especially as we also shortly have the commemoration of the 10 year anniversary of 7/7, probably shouldn't say it here, but i will, we all have to stand firm to ensure that the terrorists never ever win and showing our solidarity and respect for the dead and injured on Friday will help this cause.
We're not all on twatbook, and as far as the pull over is concerned, I totally support it, the loss of British lives to extremists should always be commemorated and I applaud National Express Dundee and West Midlands for their stance on this issue.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 30, 2015, 07:32:33 PM
Exactly, but i assume drivers will keep an eye on there watch and maybe even slightly delay there journey so this can take place.
Very very sad especially as we also shortly have the commemoration of the 10 year anniversary of 7/7, probably shouldn't say it here, but i will, we all have to stand firm to ensure that the terrorists never ever win and showing our solidarity and respect for the dead and injured on Friday will help this cause.
I agree whole-heartedly.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 30, 2015, 07:35:58 PM
We're not all on twatbook, and as far as the pull over is concerned, I totally support it, the loss of British lives to extremists should always be commemorated and I applaud National Express Dundee and West Midlands for their stance on this issue.
I can almost guarantee that was where Michael, from Birmingham, saw a link to the local Dundee newspaper though, I saw the same posting which also had almost the same question attached to it on there
http://dundee.stv.tv/articles/1323841-national-express-dundee-unveil-new-bus-designed-by-dundee-and-angus-college/?fromstreampost=233694
That is a nice looking livery...
Don't believe the hype! the new green livery is not a popular choice up here, this was supposed to be a public consultation on the new livery, in actual fact the decision on the green had already been taken, these were the 'choices' we had to choose from, you can see why A was so popular! Will Walsall be painting future cascades into green before sending them north I wonder?
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/527/19077003679_e62df51823_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v4LCyx)National Express Dundee Open Day 2015 (https://flic.kr/p/v4LCyx) by DD02 BUS (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66812080@N03/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3862/19257195452_401d269e00_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vkGaif)National Express Dundee Open Day 2015 (https://flic.kr/p/vkGaif) by DD02 BUS (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66812080@N03/), on Flickr
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/361/19075543640_7f6cbf599a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v4D9xs)National Express Dundee Open Day 2015 (https://flic.kr/p/v4D9xs) by DD02 BUS (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66812080@N03/), on Flickr
Looks like a good livery - this green is like the old Corporation livery they had up in Dundee so it's quite suitable. I'm sure most of the public aren't that bothered regarding the colour - sure most are more interested in that the buses have well maintained interiors, and more importantly are punctual and reliable.
It's a smart design - must say NX's new liveries are a far cry from the old two band thing. Just wish we'd had this a few years earlier!
Not sure on the new fleetname though. What's wrong with National Express?
Quote from: Gareth on July 02, 2015, 02:55:01 PM
Not sure on the new fleetname though. What's wrong with National Express?
It's English?
The first recent repaint at Dundee should be back next week, but don't expect it to be in that livery or red/white
That would be 7001 in the heritage livery, the rumours were that it should have been done in time for the open day!
I too arent very impressed with the new name . But as long as getting paid by them i,ll suffer it .
Jim, it's the first step to independence m8, one atep at a time!
Quote from: Tony on July 02, 2015, 07:37:25 PM
The first recent repaint at Dundee should be back next week, but don't expect it to be in that livery or red/white
Training bus 7067 (Y722CJW) in White?
Will the first buses in the new XPlore Dundee livery be the new Wright single deckers?
Quote from: don on July 04, 2015, 06:39:47 PM
Training bus 7067 (Y722CJW) in White?
Will the first buses in the new XPlore Dundee livery be the new Wright single deckers?
They will be in the new livery, not sure if they will be the first yet
Quote from: Tony on July 04, 2015, 06:47:59 PM
They will be in the new livery, not sure if they will be the first yet
Curious to see if the B7RLEs transferred get repainted - or if any more double deckers get transferred and if they're repainted.
Quote from: don on July 04, 2015, 06:39:47 PM
Training bus 7067 (Y722CJW) in White?
Will the first buses in the new XPlore Dundee livery be the new Wright single deckers?
7067 has been reinstated temporally to service to cover an unexpected wiithdrawal.[7138]
The winning livery design was ;A ; With 82% of the vote .it was announced today .
It was hardly a fair contest. I was secretly hoping that B was going to win! Haha. Did they just pick one so awful and one too bland that A had to win?
7138, 7148, 7168 and 7175 have been reported withdrawn on this thread but have not been reported in the monthly changes. Why is this please?
Maybe NXD haven't updated their system or passed on the information to the relevant people.
Quote from: Gareth on July 06, 2015, 09:31:13 PM
Maybe NXD haven't updated their system or passed on the information to the relevant people.
Spot on!
Quote from: Eric Shaw on July 06, 2015, 09:23:41 PM
7138, 7148, 7168 and 7175 have been reported withdrawn on this thread but have not been reported in the monthly changes. Why is this please?
Only 7138, 7148 and 7168 have been withdrawn out of those
Quote from: Gareth on July 06, 2015, 07:08:13 PM
It was hardly a fair contest. I was secretly hoping that B was going to win! Haha. Did they just pick one so awful and one too bland that A had to win?
That's definitely the impression I got.
I was asked on the Dundee forum if I could give an idea of how the double deckers will look in the new livery, just thought I'd share it here as well, have to admit, it looks a lot better on an actual bus than in drawings.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/529/18881137844_4c57243036_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uLsLto)5429 SP13 BSZ Xplore Dundee Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H (proposed) (https://flic.kr/p/uLsLto) by DD02 BUS (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66812080@N03/), on Flickr
7001 is now in Dundee Heritage Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/19581867115/
Quote from: John on July 10, 2015, 07:33:16 PM
7001 is now in Dundee Heritage Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/19581867115/
Yet it's still got worn looking TWM trim ::)
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 10, 2015, 10:04:46 PM
Yet it's still got worn looking TWM trim ::)
NX Dundee are currently working on finding someone to do all the retrims. Miller Street hasn't got the capacity even if the seats could get there
Quote from: Tony on July 10, 2015, 10:31:30 PM
NX Dundee are currently working on finding someone to do all the retrims. Miller Street hasn't got the capacity even if the seats could get there
Didn't they retrim and refurb a B10L with a matter of months left in service?
Quote from: John on July 10, 2015, 07:33:16 PM
7001 is now in Dundee Heritage Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/19581867115/
Love the comments to the photo - it had never occurred to me that the company name abbreviates to the singularly Scottish slang term of 'NED.'
Quote from: John on July 10, 2015, 07:33:16 PM
7001 is now in Dundee Heritage Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/19581867115/
Looks good, works as both a reminder of their heritage, and to pre-empt the arrival of the next generation of green liveried buses to the streets of Dundee!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on July 07, 2015, 09:03:28 PM
I was asked on the Dundee forum if I could give an idea of how the double deckers will look in the new livery, just thought I'd share it here as well, have to admit, it looks a lot better on an actual bus than in drawings.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/529/18881137844_4c57243036_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uLsLto)5429 SP13 BSZ Xplore Dundee Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H (proposed) (https://flic.kr/p/uLsLto) by DD02 BUS (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66812080@N03/), on Flickr
Looks excellent - nice job DavieDD2. The one thing the impressions of all the liveries don't give, which is quite stunning on the vehicles, particularly the Crimson and Coventry liveries is the very high gloss finish. I'm sure this will be the case with the XPlore Dundee livery as well.
Quote from: John on July 10, 2015, 07:33:16 PM
7001 is now in Dundee Heritage Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/19581867115/
That looks excellent - nice livery. Not too sure about those rear upstairs seat passengers though!! Looks like it has inward facing seats unless the passengers are sat on each other's laps!!
Quote from: don on July 11, 2015, 11:13:04 PM
That looks excellent - nice livery. Not too sure about those rear upstairs seat passengers though!! Looks like it has inward facing seats unless the passengers are sat on each other's laps!!
Surely it's the same spec as the NXWM 4600 batch?
Quote from: MW on July 11, 2015, 11:35:52 PM
Surely it's the same spec as the NXWM 4600 batch?
Quote from: don on July 11, 2015, 11:13:04 PM
That looks excellent - nice livery. Not too sure about those rear upstairs seat passengers though!! Looks like it has inward facing seats unless the passengers are sat on each other's laps!!
Quote from: MW on July 11, 2015, 11:35:52 PM
Surely it's the same spec as the NXWM 4600 batch?
No rear facing seat. You can see the (faded) red handlebar on the seat, above the green hoodie's shoulder. ;)
I know its a long shot, but does anyone know where in Edinburgh the NXD rail replacement starts from. Is it outside Edinburgh Waverley?
Off to Edinburgh after work tomorrow till Tuesday and planning to visit Dundee one day too
Dundee is only an hour and a quarter away from Edinburgh by train, most of the waterfront area is nothing more than a massive building site just now but don't let that put you off visiting!
Quote from: John on July 15, 2015, 05:39:41 PM
I know its a long shot, but does anyone know where in Edinburgh the NXD rail replacement starts from. Is it outside Edinburgh Waverley?
Off to Edinburgh after work tomorrow till Tuesday and planning to visit Dundee one day too
Yes, should be outside Waverley
Only two buses are on rail replacement now, though I didn't see any while in Edinburgh last Monday
Quote from: DavieDD2 on July 15, 2015, 05:43:47 PM
Dundee is only an hour and a quarter away from Edinburgh by train, most of the waterfront area is nothing more than a massive building site just now but don't let that put you off visiting!
It won't! It would be a shame going all the way to Edinburgh and not going to Dundee.
Thanks both for the info
Bus wise, given all the cascaded Presidents and Geminis up here you'll feel right at home! If you're bringing a camera with you, be sure to snap anything with a 7xxx fleet number, they're a dying breed and will soon be extinct (even our SP54 plated Geminis are starting to show their age!)
7001 has been refurbished with hybrid seat covers.
I was briefly in Dundee last night and managed a spin on ex Yardley Wood 4119 on route 17. I had not appreciated that the interiors were pretty much unchanged. Driver was amenable and loved our travel cards.
Quote from: crepello on July 31, 2015, 08:36:13 AM
I was briefly in Dundee last night and managed a spin on ex Yardley Wood 4119 on route 17. I had not appreciated that the interiors were pretty much unchanged. Driver was amenable and loved our travel cards.
All Dundee have done to them is change the fleetnames cosmetically. What they have done to the presidents is seal all the leaks on the bodywork, so they are waterproof again
Tony any idea of the fleet numbers for the 5 streetlites due in september?.
Quote from: JIM C on August 04, 2015, 03:50:37 PM
Tony any idea of the fleet numbers for the 5 streetlites due in september?.
They were already posted on the Dundee forum. 431-435
when? as my boss,es dont seem to know yet.
Couldn't say I saw them on the Dundee forum either
Any idea what the plain white unregistered WF StreetLite that was parked in the garage is for? Don't know if it is still there now, but it seemed to be used as a staffroom when I was up there last month. Is it one of the new batch mentioned?
Quote from: John on August 05, 2015, 12:05:09 PM
Any idea what the plain white unregistered WF StreetLite that was parked in the garage is for? Don't know if it is still there now, but it seemed to be used as a staffroom when I was up there last month. Is it one of the new batch mentioned?
I was told they were used for type training, but
@JIM C will tell you the definite answer.
The fleet numbers mentioned are correct. Anyone wanting to see 1779. There is apparently a vehicle show in Dundeethis weekend and NXD are taking 1779 & 7001
Quote from: ross4122 on August 05, 2015, 04:00:00 PM
I was told they were used for type training, but @JIM C will tell you the definite answer.
As ross say it was used as type training for the drivers . its gone now as it was,nt one of ours .it was here for the open day in june and was kept for a few weeks .
1779 now arrived in Dundee,
@Tony, time to update the name of this thread m8, it's Xplore Dundee now!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on August 05, 2015, 08:32:53 PM
1779 now arrived in Dundee, @Tony, time to update the name of this thread m8, it's Xplore Dundee now!
It was there at 15:00.
I drove it there
As we say in Dundee, 'chaps' m8, if anyone should know it's you under the circumstances! I hope you weren't too embarrassed driving such a poorly liveried bus up here, my heart goes out to the poor sods that have to drive it on whichever routes it's hoisted upon, only camouflage uniforms could do it justice. Welcome to Dundee by the way! (you don't have to tell me it's a toilet, I live here, I know!)
Will you be bringing 1786 up?
Quote from: DavieDD2 on August 06, 2015, 02:08:39 AM
As we say in Dundee, 'chaps' m8, if anyone should know it's you under the circumstances! I hope you weren't too embarrassed driving such a poorly liveried bus up here, my heart goes out to the poor sods that have to drive it on whichever routes it's hoisted upon, only camouflage uniforms could do it justice. Welcome to Dundee by the way! (you don't have to tell me it's a toilet, I live here, I know!)
Will you be bringing 1786 up?
Strange because it got a lot of good comments including some like. At last, Dundee buses are the proper colour again
Read the Dundee Area Bus Forum Tony, you'd be surprised just how unpopular the rancid green is!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on August 06, 2015, 05:21:50 AM
Read the Dundee Area Bus Forum Tony, you'd be surprised just how unpopular the rancid green is!
Yes, but read this forum and a lot of things NXWM or Diamond do are 'unpopular' amongst armchair forum experts, but it's quite often a different story from Joe Public when passenger numbers increase. Read any Railway forum and Pendolino and Voyagers are the worst trains ever built, but your ordinary passenger will say otherwise except for the overcrowding because they are so popular
The new livery looks very good - very eye catching and smart. The Crimson version already turns heads, and sure this will too. It's a far cry from the previous red and white livery! Yeah - do like the Pendolinos and Voyagers - if the latter were longer and had a refurb then they'd be better.
Personally I like it, it gives Dundee it's own brand instead of using the NXWM livery they have their own and have their own name.
Quote from: Tony on August 06, 2015, 05:16:15 AM
Strange because it got a lot of good comments including some like. At last, Dundee buses are the proper colour again
Shall you be bringing back 1787 for rebranding? Or one of the 468x?
You're right about enthusiast forums (or is it fora?!) - no matter what the subject area, be it cars, music, trains or even buses, views expressed are often far removed from what the general public think. For example, who'd have thought the general public would perceive a re trimmed and nicely refurbished 14 yr old Trident to be a new bus?
I really like the Dundee livery but it's a shame some tartan couldn't have been incorporated, such as on the side flash, or on the seats like my golf gti (my missus wouldn't allow leather upholstery because she so likes the standard tartan!!) - although I guess choosing one would be a nightmare to please everyone - rather like the livery.
Latest Photo of NXD 321 with Merry Christmas on the blinds in the middle of Summer haha
Quote from: Chris on August 09, 2015, 08:04:32 PM
Latest Photo of NXD 321 with Merry Christmas on the blinds in the middle of Summer haha
Because most NXD buses do not have 'Not in Service' on the displays
Quote from: Kiewii on August 09, 2015, 08:18:52 PM
Because most NXD buses do not have 'Not in Service' on the displays
321 dose have Not In Service, look at the picture below.
Quote from: 2206 on August 09, 2015, 08:24:41 PM
321 dose have Not In Service, look at the picture below.
What picture below?
Quote from: ross4122 on August 09, 2015, 09:15:39 PM
What picture below?
Tonys second picture down http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/321.html
Quote from: 2206 on August 09, 2015, 09:19:26 PM
Tonys second picture down http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/321.html
I saw lots of Dundee vehicles displaying 'sorry not in service' returning to the garage when I was there
its true to say that most hanover displays dont have not in service programed into them . lots of drivers use the other obscure blinds like happy birthday, congratulations and merry christmas. they seem to be getting round to re-programming them now ,
Quote from: JIM C on August 11, 2015, 12:26:38 AM
its true to say that most hanover displays dont have not in service programed into them . lots of drivers use the other obscure blinds like happy birthday, congratulations and merry christmas. they seem to be getting round to re-programming them now ,
But 321 obviously has Not in service programmed into the Hanover display so that is not why 321 was displaying Merry Christmas.
I like the black below the windscreen on these repainted eclipses, with the paler green detailing below that. Minor details yes, but they do enhance the appearance of the buses and much smarter than the plain one colour front of the old livery.
Look forward to seeing some Wright Volvos in the crimson livery.
Withdrawn in Dundee
0322, 7127, 7128, 7175, 7344
Scrapped June-August
7138, 7148, 7156, 7158, 7168, 7171, 7177, 7419
B10(L/BLE) left in service in Dundee
7129, 7147, 7153, 7155, 7157, 7159, 7160, 7161, 7165, 7166, 7167, 7169, 7170, 7172, 7173, 7174, 7176, 7179
7151 (the last of our batch of B10L's) is in use as a driver trainer.
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on August 19, 2015, 10:22:23 PM
Withdrawn in Dundee
0322, 7127, 7128, 7175, 7344
Scrapped June-August
7138, 7148, 7156, 7158, 7168, 7171, 7177, 7419
B10(L/BLE) left in service in Dundee
7129, 7147, 7153, 7155, 7157, 7159, 7160, 7161, 7165, 7166, 7167, 7169, 7170, 7172, 7173, 7174, 7176, 7179
I think the current fleet should look like this:
National Express Dundee Fleet
321; 731-734; 2030-2058; 4025-4026/4028/4036/4045-4046/4074/4103/4110-4112/4115-4124; 4680-4686; 5422-5430; 7001-7018; 7067; 7129/7147/7153/7155/7157
7159-7161/7165-7167/7169-7170/7172-7174/7176/7179; 7323; 7345; 7423-Crew Bus
Trainer at NX Dundee
1366/7151/7419
Withdrawn at NX Dundee
322/7127-7128/7175/7344
(to come: new 431-435 & from NXWM 1774-1787)
I suppose it would have been possible to eradicate further, the 7xxx number series, by renumbering Gemini's 7001-18 (4782-99, a batch of eighteen fleet numbers was 'free' until 4816 became 4799 in 2013). The Dundee fleet has a more 'NX West Midlands' look about it these days.
You've forgotten 1787 which has been in service for a couple of months
Quote from: paulb1973 on August 20, 2015, 02:12:48 PM
I think the current fleet should look like this:
National Express Dundee Fleet
321; 731-734; 2030-2058; 4025-4026/4028/4036/4045-4046/4074/4103/4110-4112/4115-4124; 4680-4686; 5422-5430; 7001-7018; 7067; 7129/7147/7153/7155/7157
7159-7161/7165-7167/7169-7170/7172-7174/7176/7179; 7323; 7345; 7423-Crew Bus
Trainer at NX Dundee
1366/7151/7419
Withdrawn at NX Dundee
322/7127-7128/7175/7344
(to come: new 431-435 & from NXWM 1774-1787)
I suppose it would have been possible to eradicate further, the 7xxx number series, by renumbering Gemini's 7001-18 (4782-99, a batch of eighteen fleet numbers was 'free' until 4816 became 4799 in 2013). The Dundee fleet has a more 'NX West Midlands' look about it these days.
0321 and 7153 have been withdrawn (since yesterday).
7419 was scrapped in June.
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on August 20, 2015, 07:13:52 PM
0321 and 7153 have been withdrawn (since yesterday).
7419 was scrapped in June.
Yes, thanks for that (and of-course 1787 is already in service). I think 7419 may have been an ex-Your Bus vehicle (or at the least, ex-Travel Your Bus) from the mid 90's.
ive heard rumours the rest of walsalls geminis are going to dundee
Quote from: paulb1973 on August 20, 2015, 07:47:54 PM
Yes, thanks for that (and of-course 1787 is already in service). I think 7419 may have been an ex-Your Bus vehicle (or at the least, ex-Travel Your Bus) from the mid 90's.
7419 was an ex Travel Your Bus vehicle new in 1995 (Your Bus was taken over by WMT in March 1994). Originally with double doors for an Airport contract (replacing the monorail between the Airport and Bham International) it was rebuilt to single door in 1999.
Two more 17xx should have arrived today
1776 and 1782
Two more Presidents heading up in the next couple of weeks as a paintfloat to get more of the native fleet into green
Quote from: Tony on August 23, 2015, 06:54:21 PM
Two more Presidents heading up in the next couple of weeks as a paintfloat to get more of the native fleet into green
Is 7002 currently being repainted into the Xplore Dundee livery
@Tony
Quote from: 2206 on August 23, 2015, 07:00:20 PM
Is 7002 currently being repainted into the Xplore Dundee livery @Tony
Dundee's native fleet will be done by outside contractors in Scotland and I don't know what order they will be done in
Quote from: Tony on August 23, 2015, 07:08:39 PM
Dundee's native fleet will be done by outside contractors in Scotland and I don't know what order they will be done in
Thanks
@Tony read that one was being done on another website.
Tony any idea of the reg Nos of the new streetlites .ive noticed in the past you have known on order plates well before they arrive?
Quote from: JIM C on August 23, 2015, 08:18:57 PM
Tony any idea of the reg Nos of the new streetlites .ive noticed in the past you have known on order plates well before they arrive?
Not yet I'm afraid
SP65 ...
Davie they might not be registered in dundee .look at birmingham they have glasgow and yorkshire registrations .
Being from Wrights, most likely be SN65 ***.
Quote from: T840MAK on August 24, 2015, 09:16:01 AM
Being from Wrights, most likely be SN65 ***.
Do Wrightbus have a dealer in Scotland? If not, and they're registered by Wrightbus, wouldn't they have Northern Ireland plates?
Quote from: Stu on August 24, 2015, 06:12:37 PM
Do Wrightbus have a dealer in Scotland? If not, and they're registered by Wrightbus, wouldn't they have Northern Ireland plates?
In Short no not NI plates the only reason TFL has LTZ is because thats what they are using for the Boris buses. Wright tend to use Scotland for its buses.
Quote from: tank90 on August 24, 2015, 06:52:23 PM
In Short no not NI plates the only reason TFL has LTZ is because thats what they are using for the Boris buses. Wright tend to use Scotland for its buses.
I find the new system post local DVLA office closure confusing. I understand why most ADL vehicles have Scottish or Yorkshire plates, and many Volvos carry Birmingham plates, but some deliveries including some Arriva, Go North East and the new yellow E400s for Plymouth Citybus carry local plates. How do they do that with no local DVLA offices? And why do Brigton's Wright Streetdecks carry Birmingham plates?
Quote from: Mike K on August 24, 2015, 07:26:18 PM
I find the new system post local DVLA office closure confusing. I understand why most ADL vehicles have Scottish or Yorkshire plates, and many Volvos carry Birmingham plates, but some deliveries including some Arriva, Go North East and the new yellow E400s for Plymouth Citybus carry local plates. How do they do that with no local DVLA offices? And why do Brigton's Wright Streetdecks carry Birmingham plates?
As I understand it, with the closure of local DVLA offices, vehicles are now registered from where they are supplied, so yes Volvo Bus have a dealership in Warwick, so those would have Birmingham Bx plates, and ADL have factories supplying direct in Falkirk and Scarborough so those have either Sx or Yx plates.
Wrightbus don't show any dealers on their website, so if they sell their own buses (eg Streetlites) direct from factory, my presumption would have been that they would have NI plates. And yes, 'LTZ' does appear to be an exclusive NI prefix for buses built for TFL.
Yeah I get all that Stu but I still don't get why there are Brighton Streetdecks with Birmingham plates and Plymouth bound E400s with local West Country plates. And most (not all) of what GNE buys have Newcastle plates, regardless of make.
Anyway, back to Dundee. (Or SP).
BusTec at Bellshill usually paint the buses for NED.
2058 is currently in prep for a paint too.
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on August 24, 2015, 08:58:01 PM
BusTec at Bellshill usually paint the buses for NED.
2058 is currently in prep for a paint too.
Possible two contractors will be used to speed things up
4 Xplore Dundee B7s now in service up in Dundee
Quote from: Tony on August 24, 2015, 09:10:47 PM
Possible two contractors will be used to speed things up
Ferrymill Motors at Torrance may be the other
Saw a photo somewhere this morning of a completed Xplore Dundee mini microwave. Looked bostin but cor rememba the website
Not my photo (Credit to Alex for showing me)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11911086_471956786298600_1156156863_n.jpg?oh=9082b7b21b30aa15e563d18b33556b40&oe=55DF831C)
Streetlite looks good
@Dom new xd livery suits it
I agree with you
@Chris the new livery very much suits the streetlite.
Doesn't look too bad but the WF element of the bus does the bus no favours - although it does get me wondering, would the livery look any better on a DF Streetlite where there's actually some room between the front wheel and the front of the bus itself...?
this looks like someones chopped the front overhang off and stuck it back on!
1774 is on the 11A (Dundee one) today - don't suppose it ever appeared on the Birmingham one?
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on August 29, 2015, 11:16:45 AM
1774 is on the 11A (Dundee one) today - don't suppose it ever appeared on the Birmingham one?
May have done between 2007-2010 some definetley did make it onto the 11A
Yes I remember seeing 1787 on the 11 coming out of the villa a few years ago
Quote from: tphi12000 on August 29, 2015, 11:24:45 AM
Yes I remember seeing 1787 on the 11 coming out of the villa a few years ago
Some did the 11E journey to The Fox And Goose a couple of times aswell
All of the new NXD/XD timetables are now available on Traveline Scotland.
431 one of the streetlites arrived yesterday .reg no SN 65 OMA .
Here is a photo of one of the StreetLites, it will oad slowly as it is a high-res image
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/432.html
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2015, 08:02:13 PM
Here is a photo of one of the StreetLites, it will oad slowly as it is a high-res image
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/432.html
Interesting, I thought they might have been 'second-hand' considering the 'exclusive' deal with ADL?
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2015, 08:02:13 PM
Here is a photo of one of the StreetLites, it will oad slowly as it is a high-res image
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/432.html
@Tony is that a different Marquette?
Quote from: Stu on September 10, 2015, 08:05:38 PM
Interesting, I thought they might have been 'second-hand' considering the 'exclusive' deal with ADL?
Not 'exclusive' might be a non Alexander-Dennis new vehicle in the West Midlands soon as well
Quote from: Dom on September 10, 2015, 08:07:52 PM
@Tony is that a different Marquette?
Don't know, I haven't seen one until tomorrow, that is a photo sent to NX from Ballymena, not mine
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2015, 08:08:21 PM
Not 'exclusive' might be a non Alexander-Dennis new vehicle in the West Midlands soon as well
@Tony so is the deal X amount of buses from ADL over the 5 years?
Looks excellent - the new Dundee branding is certainly very smart and eye catching.
I heard that apparently the deal is that nxwm would buy buses from ADL, but they could buy From elsewhere as well
Quote from: Dom on September 10, 2015, 08:07:52 PM
@Tony is that a different Marquette?
Yes its grey with red dots very nice .all the green b7s have the same .
Quote from: JIM C on September 10, 2015, 10:21:28 PM
Yes its grey with red dots very nice .all the green b7s have the same .
That'll be 'moquette' then, for reference. ;)
I've seen on picture's they started to put the new xplore Dundee logo on all the Dundee buses and they also now change the website aswell
About 1230 today i viewed a couple of ex Walsall buses in the new Dundee livery heading north up the M6 around Stafford - Dundee bound no doubt!
1775, 1777, 1780, 1784, 1785 have arrived in DUNDEE in the last week. None have yet been seen in service
Looking very smart those transfers up, even red and white buses have had rounded corners logos of the new brand identity applied, not slapped on in some half hearted effort. All looks very smart and similar to Lothian Buses. A Lothian buses style NXWM and Xplore Dundee has got to be good for passengers though!
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on September 13, 2015, 09:01:18 PM
1775, 1777, 1780, 1784, 1785 have arrived in DUNDEE in the last week. None have yet been seen in service
I took 1777 & 1784 up on Friday along with a colleague.
1778 was finished on Friday, The last two, 1781 & 1783 should both be painted this week
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2015/09/12/national-express-dundee-buses-rebranded-as-xplore/
Have any of the green liveried buses been 'colour coded'?
Quote from: Stevo on September 14, 2015, 06:19:34 PM
Have any of the green liveried buses been 'colour coded'?
Only WF Streetlite 431 has the bright green fading stripe above its windows to date
Seen a picture on flikr and 5424 has lost its most of it branding https://www.flickr.com/photos/45168281@N05/21472572566/
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 18, 2015, 08:17:46 AM
Seen a picture on flikr and 5424 has lost its most of it brandinghttps://www.flickr.com/photos/45168281@N05/21472572566/
Because the branding is now pointless since the service changes. Only four or five of them are on the 5, the rest are on the Outer Circle
6 Hybrids are allocated to the Outer Circle, 3 on the 5.
I've seen a picture of 7002 I think repainted in the new livery
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 21, 2015, 07:08:23 AM
I've seen a picture of 7002 I think repainted in the new livery
Here's a picture of the rear. Does look smart
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82245594@N07/21355545210/
Quote from: John on September 21, 2015, 01:21:49 PM
Here's a picture of the rear. Does look smart
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82245594@N07/21355545210/
There's a picture of it here in a line-up at Dock St garage, it has been re-trimmed with hybrid moquette rather the latest NXWM pattern as well.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/67444577@N02/21389193758/in/dateposted/
If possible should this thread be re-named Xplore Dundee
Quote from: Dom on September 21, 2015, 08:53:08 PM
If possibly should this thread be re-named Xplore Dundee?
If possible, it would be good if Xplore Dundee could have its own section, like NX Coventry, rather than being stuck in NXWM - the buses aren't even red anymore, so there's no link between them.
Quote from: Oozells on September 21, 2015, 09:33:06 PM
If possible, it would be good if Xplore Dundee could have its own section, like NX Coventry, rather than being stuck in NXWM - the buses aren't even red anymore, so there's no link between them.
Id second that
@Oozells
At last, Dundee in the proper colours again.
All the Solo's have now left the fleet
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on September 27, 2015, 07:55:42 AM
All the Solo's have now left the fleet
That should be: 321-322/7323/7344-7345 (is that all withdrawn & stored or all sold on?).
7345 GOT WRITEN-OFF IN THE GARAGE ON ITS LAST DAY .IT HIT A GREEN B7 .ALL WENT TO FORFAR FOR SERVICE AND SPARES .(JP COACHES)
2058 NOW IN GREEN XPLORE DUNDEE LIVERY .
Quote from: JIM C on September 27, 2015, 11:22:33 PM
2058 NOW IN GREEN XPLORE DUNDEE LIVERY .
Hopefully, 1787 will be the next single decker done to complete the batch
7175 was the single that got hit by 7345 .
Quote from: JIM C on September 29, 2015, 10:56:22 PM
7175 was the single that got hit by 7345 .
Do you mean 1775?
2058 looks good in dundee colours, im looking forward to the when the first nxwm b7lres mk 2 gets repainted in crimson
Quote from: Chris on September 30, 2015, 10:30:29 PM
2058 looks good in dundee colours, im looking forward to the when the first nxwm b7lres mk 2 gets repainted in crimson
None this year
TONY ,is that all our cascades here now or is there any more comming ,? apart from what was agreed.
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2015, 11:18:30 AM
Dundee still need some more vehicles transferred in to replace the last B10s
@JIM C Tony's posted elesehwere that are still some more to come, see above quote
@JIM C @Winston how come Xplore Dundee use lower case letters on the blinds? I.e. pic of 4120 has 10a as apposed to 10A
Quote from: Chris on October 04, 2015, 04:23:00 PM
@JIM C @Winston how come Xplore Dundee use lower case letters on the blinds? I.e. pic of 4120 has 10a as apposed to 10A
This has just started in the past three weeks . the reason being 18 and 1B looked so alike it was causing confusin with parcially sighted people. i mentioned using lower case letters a while ago ,and now they have finally done it .
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2015, 03:46:50 PM
@JIM C Tony's posted elesehwere that are still some more to come, see above quote
when we calculated the cascades it came to the exact number of B10s that would leave .the only other thing is a few more spare buses which would be handy .
Quote from: JIM C on October 04, 2015, 04:36:51 PM
when we calculated the cascades it came to the exact number of B10s that would leave .the only other thing is a few more spare buses which would be handy .
The last two Presidents to arrive are reserve fleet vehicles to act as a paint float, so Dundee can send two extra buses at a time away for repaint, not transfers as such
7147 is the last remaining Volvo B10L in the National Express fleet.
I believe there are 5 new Volvo B5LH Gemini 3 on order for Xplore Dundee due for arrival next year, and 4798 is being brought up to Dundee in February for trial.
Quote from: ross4122 on October 14, 2015, 08:43:46 PM
I believe there are 5 new Volvo B5LH Gemini 3 on order for Xplore Dundee due for arrival next year, and 4798 is being brought up to Dundee in February for trial.
Interesting. Are these the subject of any funding such as Green Bus? I thought that without that, the costs of hybrids was prohibitive. Good to see Wright / Volvo deckers back on the order books if this is true (shame the new Gemini 3 body is so weird looking).
Quote from: Mike K on October 14, 2015, 09:03:52 PM
Interesting. Are these the subject of any funding such as Green Bus? I thought that without that, the costs of hybrids was prohibitive. Good to see Wright / Volvo deckers back on the order books if this is true (shame the new Gemini 3 body is so weird looking).
There has recently been another round of Scottish Green Bus Funding just released, but I believe operators are only just in the process of bidding for it, let alone any awards being made.
Quote from: ross4122 on October 14, 2015, 08:43:46 PM
I believe there are 5 new Volvo B5LH Gemini 3 on order for Xplore Dundee due for arrival next year, and 4798 is being brought up to Dundee in February for trial.
Best of luck waiting for those
Quote from: Tony on October 14, 2015, 10:02:19 PM
Best of luck waiting for those
Take it that's a no then?
We have so many geriatric Presidents up here propping up Dundee's fleet that will fall foul of some kind of legislation before long that we're going to need some kind of significant cascade to keep us on the road, reliant on the english again, makes me puke.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on October 15, 2015, 01:40:25 AM
We have so many geriatric Presidents up here propping up Dundee's fleet that will fall foul of some kind of legislation before long that we're going to need some kind of significant cascade to keep us on the road, reliant on the english again, makes me puke.
Lol, they're terrible aren't they. I've only had one Gemini break down on me (4525). I've had at least 10 Presidents break down in comparison.
Eh'm geen it laldy the night boys, just ingroe uz!!
Quote from: MW on October 15, 2015, 01:45:09 AM
Lol, they're terrible aren't they. I've only had one Gemini break down on me (4525). I've had at least 10 Presidents break down in comparison.
You've just made my point for me m8, not that half of our Gemini's are any better (7001-7018), compared to the WM ones, they're scrap, (7002,3, finally been refurbed into Xplore Dundee, first referb in their life)
Apparently some of the Presidents are good to drive, Some love them and some just despise them!
Personally I hate these presidents. Slow, Unreliable and interiors are a mess!
468-4686 aren't so bad but I think our Dundee Geminis have more power than you guys sent us!
The Dundee Geminis, 7001-7018 are crap, simply that. Noisy, dirty, clout black smoke out of the exhaust pipe and I could carry on. 4680-4686 are much better, not nearly as noisy, and have been fully refurbished.
My info about the Hybrids for Dundee was given from a 3rd party source on the Dundee forum, Dean Hutton then Cammy7153 on here carried on and said that they were the Volvo Hybrids.
Quote from: ross4122 on October 15, 2015, 09:04:34 AM
The Dundee Geminis, 7001-7018 are crap, simply that. Noisy, dirty, clout black smoke out of the exhaust pipe and I could carry on. 4680-4686 are much better, not nearly as noisy, and have been fully refurbished.
My info about the Hybrids for Dundee was given from a 3rd party source on the Dundee forum, Dean Hutton then Cammy7153 on here carried on and said that they were the Volvo Hybrids.
Baring in mind I used the word 'apparently' that there's 5 B5LHs on order..
Quote from: Cammy7153 on October 15, 2015, 10:23:49 AM
Baring in mind I used the word 'apparently' that there's 5 B5LHs on order..
You didn't. You only used apparently for 4798
Quote from: Kiewii on October 15, 2015, 12:59:13 PM
You didn't. You only used apparently for 4798
The whole thing.
As i said on the the dundee ,we are hopefull of getting new DDs next year .nothing definate .
Quote from: JIM C on October 16, 2015, 12:10:56 AM
As i said on the the dundee ,we are hopefull of getting new DDs next year .nothing definate .
If anything though, it would most likely be standard E400MMC's unless some of the latest Scottish Green Bus funding can be secured.
At the end of the day, all the scrap Presidents Dundee has received over the past 2 years are going to need to be replaced in the next year or so, either give us some decent cascades or cut us loose and let us do our own thing, ffs.
A couple of observations from Flickr yesterday:
7172 now scrapped:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82245594@N07/22954047242/
7129 also scrapped:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82245594@N07/22344724554/
2057 now in Xplore green:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/57307454@N08/22964350185/
Quote from: Niall on November 13, 2015, 04:26:06 PM
A couple of observations from Flickr yesterday:
2057 now in Xplore green:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/57307454@N08/22964350185/
2057 has also retained the black window surrounds which adds another variation to WM painted examples:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/1750-1953/1776.html
Quote from: Winston on November 13, 2015, 04:34:49 PM
2057 has also retained the black window surrounds which adds another variation to WM painted examples:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/1750-1953/1776.html
I think that looks smarter tbh.
Quote from: T840MAK on November 13, 2015, 04:40:02 PM
I think that looks smarter tbh.
Much better. A couple of the earliest Eclipse 2s were delivered without the black window surrounds and looked terrible, fortunately the black was applied before they entered service. They look smartest with bonded glass.
NONE OF THE ECLIPSES THAT WERE SENT UP HAVE BLACK SURROUNDS ,2057 IS THE FIRST.MAINLY DUE TO THE THREE SHORT REAR WINDOWS .
Quote from: JIM C on November 17, 2015, 01:00:11 AM
NONE OF THE ECLIPSES THAT WERE SENT UP HAVE BLACK SURROUNDS ,2057 IS THE FIRST.MAINLY DUE TO THE THREE SHORT REAR WINDOWS .
@JIM C 2058 that was painted at Dundee depot doesn't have them either
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5685/22182832572_404cecfb2d_b.jpg
I take it the new paint job on 2057 was done by an outside contractor?
No both painted inhouse, i think the management seen the awful look of too much green and went for the black surruond.Iwill ask our painter if 2058 is being altered to match 2057.
Quote from: JIM C on November 17, 2015, 09:31:57 PM
No both painted inhouse, i think the management seen the awful look of too much green and went for the black surruond.Iwill ask our painter if 2058 is being altered to match 2057.
@JIM C Oh right, expected it to have been done out. See if 1787 can be booked in to be treated next, it's letting the side down
From what i,ve seen it appears to be 2056 next . the DDs are being done in the same fashion ie lowest number first ,7004 is back on site today .all retrimed and painted .
Quote from: JIM C on November 17, 2015, 10:33:52 PM
From what i,ve seen it appears to be 2056 next . the DDs are being done in the same fashion ie lowest number first ,7004 is back on site today .all retrimed and painted .
I happened to notice the Gemini's are returning back in Hybrid Green/Yellow moquette (Well 7002 atleast). I would have thought they would have gained the new 'red dot' trim?
Quote from: Nathan on November 17, 2015, 10:40:30 PM
I happened to notice the Gemini's are returning back in Hybrid Green/Yellow moquette (Well 7002 atleast). I would have thought they would have gained the new 'red dot' trim?
They are now gaining red dot moquette, 7002 was a one off which Dundee Corp 7001
dean finch the cheif exec didnt like the green with the blue interior.unfortunatly 7002 was already done .
Quote from: JIM C on November 17, 2015, 11:40:53 PM
dean finch the cheif exec didnt like the green with the blue interior.unfortunatly 7002 was already done .
I didn't realize Dean Finch would get involved in decisions such as those
when he was up here on a visit he was shown the new colours and took an instant dislike to the blue interior and green seats .
Strange how the bus passengers are rarely asked what the environment they wish to travel in. After all drivers have a cab committee to give feedback on their environment. I wonder how wide Mr Finch's experience is of passengers expectations.
The final Liberator Volvo B10L 7147 has now been withdrawn along with Wright Renown B10BLE 7160.
How many wright renown bodied volvo B10BLE's are left ? How long till there all withdrawn ?
Quote from: Wright liberator on December 08, 2015, 08:13:39 AM
How many wright renown bodied volvo B10BLE's are left ? How long till there all withdrawn ?
With the above withdrawals, there are 6 x B10BLE's left in service i.e. 7159 / 66 / 67 / 73 / 76 & 7179. I believe these have to be removed from service by 31.12.15 due to being none DDA compliant.
Quote from: Winston on December 08, 2015, 05:48:30 PM
With the above withdrawals, there are 6 x B10BLE's left in service i.e. 7159 / 66 / 67 / 73 / 76 & 7179. I believe these have to be removed from service by 31.12.15 due to being none DDA compliant.
I have mentioned this in the new orders thread but do you think Dundee might have some tridents from nxwm
Quote from: Chris on December 08, 2015, 05:53:36 PM
I have mentioned this in the new orders thread but do you think Dundee might have some tridents from nxwm
Possibly the Coventry Gemini .
Quote from: Chris on December 08, 2015, 05:53:36 PM
I have mentioned this in the new orders thread but do you think Dundee might have some tridents from nxwm
Doubt Tridents, Dundee is mainly a Volvo depot. The most logical President replacement would be by cascading 51 plate Volvo B7TL/ALX400's
Quote from: Winston on December 08, 2015, 05:48:30 PM
With the above withdrawals, there are 6 x B10BLE's left in service i.e. 7159 / 66 / 67 / 73 / 76 & 7179. I believe these have to be removed from service by 31.12.15 due to being none DDA compliant.
7159 Is also withdrawn .
Quote from: JIM C on December 08, 2015, 11:30:24 PM
7159 Is also withdrawn .
Cheers
@JIM C - 5 x B10BLE's it is then!
I don't normally do advance transfers, but just in case anyone needs them for anything
4053; 4056 & 4113 will be heading to Dundee on the 17th December, so get them while you can!
They have been chosen as they are three with the best paintwork / interior
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2015, 07:36:31 PM
I don't normally do advance transfers, but just in case anyone needs them for anything
4053; 4056 & 4113 will be heading to Dundee on the 17th December, so get them while you can!
They have been chosen as they are three with the best paintwork / interior
?????
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 09, 2015, 07:38:54 PM
?????
What's your comment for?
In Dundee they will be expected to put in a couple more years service, so vehicles in the best condition are chosen, Presidents in the West Midlands obviously have a very short life span
Just find it strange that Dundee get the best all the time, in the past why send the WA B7RLe's, surely the Omnilinks would have been better to send?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 09, 2015, 07:48:53 PM
Just find it strange that Dundee get the best all the time, in the past why send the WA B7RLe's, surely the Omnilinks would have been better to send?
Now you're having a laugh
Dundee getting the best?
They have an average age nearly two years older than any garage in the West Midlands, and what makes you think Scanias would have been better to send than B7s?
There is no Scania dealer to get parts from anywhere near Dundee. The B7 sent to Dundee are the oldest possible buses, and these 'best buses' are chosen from a fleet due for scrap in the West Midlands within the next few months!
That just shows what they think of us .All these brand new buses for england and send the scrappers to dundee . :)
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2015, 07:52:47 PM
Now you're having a laugh
Dundee getting the best?
They have an average age nearly two years older than any garage in the West Midlands, and what makes you think Scanias would have been better to send than B7s?
There is no Scania dealer to get parts from anywhere near Dundee. The B7 sent to Dundee are the oldest possible buses, and these 'best buses' are chosen from a fleet due for scrap in the West Midlands within the next few months!
It would be astonishing if Dundee didn't receive any new vehicles in the next 12 months to bring the average age down - also, there won't be effective competition with Stagecoach with 20%+ of the fleet comprising pre 2000 vehicles. I would have thought the Presidents should not last too long - I could envisage all of these being replaced in due course - how about 15 new vehicles and 10 refurbished cascades (Geminis - perhaps Coventry's?). All guess work of course..........
Quote from: JIM C on December 10, 2015, 05:24:07 PM
That just shows what they think of us .All these brand new buses for england and send the scrappers to dundee . :)
I'm sure you'll get something new plus newer cascades next year, new/newer double deckers are the highest priority for requirements.
The NX/Centro quality partnership & B'ham City Centre SQPS have dictated where the majority of NX new vehicles have been allocated.
If you want more new buses encourage Dundee CC to sign up to quality partnership scheme or failing that you need to be nice to the allocator..... ;)
Can anyone explain what the signs in the windows mean, blue on the hybrid? Green on the Gemini?
Private Hires maybe, coloured coded buses for ID's
Quote from: Winston on December 11, 2015, 04:59:34 PM
Private Hires maybe, coloured coded buses for ID's
True didn't think of that, had a thought it could be repaints haha
Quote from: WN on December 11, 2015, 04:51:04 PM
Can anyone explain what the signs in the windows mean, blue on the hybrid? Green on the Gemini?
Ticket colours for Madras College.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 09, 2015, 07:48:53 PM
Just find it strange that Dundee get the best all the time, in the past why send the WA B7RLe's, surely the Omnilinks would have been better to send?
Your having a giraffe. Dundee gets cast offs from down the M6, nothing new (the recent lampposts are exceptions) or decent comes our way. The travelling public of Xplore Dundee are treated as second rate citizens, if the bus turns up in the first place!
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on December 13, 2015, 06:26:57 PM
Your having a giraffe. Dundee gets cast offs from down the M6, nothing new (the recent lampposts are exceptions) or decent comes our way. The travelling public of Xplore Dundee are treated as second rate citizens, if the bus turns up in the first place!
Dundee had a decent batch of new B7RLE's in 2011, another 6 in 2012 & the 9 x E400H in 2013. It's just been 2014 & 2015 where little or nothing has been delivered new, it's Dundee's double decker fleet that is getting pretty old & in need of new investment
Quote from: Winston on December 13, 2015, 08:38:10 PM
Dundee had a decent batch of new B7RLE's in 2011, another 6 in 2012 & the 9 x E400H in 2013. It's just been 2014 & 2015 where little or nothing has been delivered new, it's Dundee's double decker fleet that is getting pretty old & in need of new investment
Think we're forgetting the SWB Streetlites, delivered this year. ;)
Quote from: clayderman on December 13, 2015, 10:04:32 PM
Think we're forgetting the SWB Streetlites, delivered this year. ;)
Think we're not
Dundee: your more than welcome to the Scottish built MK2 ADL ENVIRO 400s and 200s we hate them , send the volvos back if you think your hard done by.
@2900 : Well send them up then, Falkirk is a lot closer to Dundee than Brum for getting them sorted. 4053, 4056 and 4113 have now joined the ever increasing scrap pile of Presidents up here.
Quote from: Winston on December 13, 2015, 08:38:10 PM
Dundee had a decent batch of new B7RLE's in 2011, another 6 in 2012 & the 9 x E400H in 2013. It's just been 2014 & 2015 where little or nothing has been delivered new, it's Dundee's double decker fleet that is getting pretty old & in need of new investment
The 2011/2 batch of B7RLE's decent? Have u tried travelling on them fully loaded at peak time?? Or at all? Or spoke to the steering wheel attendants who are subjected to them? Even the Omnilumps were better, although I'm not sure the Scania dealer in Dundee would agree.
The 9 ADL E40H's were obtained through the Scottish equuvilant of the green bus fund
Quote from: ChrisF7165 on December 19, 2015, 12:26:23 AM
The 2011/2 batch of B7RLE's decent? Have u tried travelling on them fully loaded at peak time?? Or at all? Or spoke to the steering wheel attendants who are subjected to them? Even the Omnilumps were better, although I'm not sure the Scania dealer in Dundee would agree.
The 9 ADL E40H's were obtained through the Scottish equuvilant of the green bus fund
A 'decent' sized batch of new single deckers! The B7RLE's are set-up for optimum fuel consumption not performance, there was not a much better combination of full size single decker on the market at the time other than the Volvo/Wright combination, Citaro's never sold for fleet orders.
The Scottish Green Bus fund as per the English pays for the cost difference between hybrid & conventional diesel powered double deckers only, so I fail to see your point
We have a large number of them in the West Midlands and whilst not being able to comment from a driver's perspective, yes, they are geared up like the newer E400s for optimal efficiency and aren't therefore the quickest off the mark, but they're smooth, quiet and have better legroom than the Scanias. I can't see the problem with them myself. Be thankful you don't have the old model E200s up there. Now they are crap.
Quote from: DavieDD2 on December 18, 2015, 10:49:36 PM
@2900 : Well send them up then, Falkirk is a lot closer to Dundee than Brum for getting them sorted. 4053, 4056 and 4113 have now joined the ever increasing scrap pile of Presidents up here.
4053 is a beautiful bus to drive
@Mike K We have 4 of the older E200's, 731 - 734. As for the B7RLE's, I have to say that from a passenger's point of view, they are better than the Omnilinks or E300's to travel on, the suspension on the Volvo chassis seems to cope a lot better with potholes and uneven surfaces than the other 2, the Scanias seem to have a bit more umph to them but you could feel every bump in the road, as for the E300's, I had the misfortune to cross the Forth Bridge on one earlier this year, never again, I've never been so glad to get off a bus in my life! so if NX stick with the Volvo/Wright combo for their singles I for one will be happy about that.
Oops, my bad
@DavieDD2. I didn't realise they'd inflicted them on you too.
Our 4 E200's are SN11 plates and were bought second hand from newbury and district to replace solos.
nearly all the drivers here would love thre return of the scanias,they were far better to drive,but as tony said there is no dealership here for back-up the maintenance .
Quote from: JIM C on December 20, 2015, 12:32:36 AM
nearly all the drivers here would love thre return of the scanias,they were far better to drive,but as tony said there is no dealership here for back-up the maintenance .
I'm not a driver but would love them back as a passenger, very smooth ride!
7176 and 7179 withdrawn
3 remaining B10BLEs left will be withdrawn by the end of this week...7166, 7167 and 7173.
I've heard that some Plaxton Presidents are being sent to Dundee. Is this true ?
Quote from: Demonstrator4698 on December 30, 2015, 09:03:20 PM
I've heard that some Plaxton Presidents are being sent to Dundee. Is this true ?
I took three up a couple of weeks ago!
7166 is the only one that now remains, well worth for preservation I think..
4682 never had advert frames.
Some of the Volvo B10Bs are for sale on Drew Wilsons website.
http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/1999-volvo-b10b-wrights-body/
Quote from: 2206 on January 13, 2016, 10:00:35 PM
Some of the Volvo B10Bs are for sale on Drew Wilsons website.
http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/1999-volvo-b10b-wrights-body/
Look decent tbh, ex GNE ones have been snapped up by independents, they can be DDA'd and probably run and run!
how are these buses not dda?. they have everything that a gemini have .
Quote from: JIM C on January 15, 2016, 12:47:49 AM
how are these buses not dda?. they have everything that a gemini have .
good question, I to have often thought that, the mercs 0405N T and v plates disabled area looks no different to a plaxton president which were made DDA compliant during there refurbs during 07/08, the T and V plate mercs also had ramps built into the floor as well. Clearly I,m missing some thing here, may be those who know could enlighten us.
Quote from: 2900 on January 15, 2016, 08:50:29 AM
good question, I to have often thought that, the mercs 0405N T and v plates disabled area looks no different to a plaxton president which were made DDA compliant during there refurbs during 07/08, the T and V plate mercs also had ramps built into the floor as well. Clearly I,m missing some thing here, may be those who know could enlighten us.
I've always thought it's something to do with the width and length of the actual ramp and disabled area and the corridor.
Quote from: MW on January 15, 2016, 08:52:26 AM
I've always thought it's something to do with the width and length of the actual ramp and disabled area and the corridor.
to me any way the presidents are the narrowest double deckers in the fleet especially the area between the front two wheels and yet these were made compliant.
Could it not also have something to do with the emissions on the B10BLE's? they have older 9.8L engines in them. (not sure what the Mercs have)
I thought of that but it cant be as they wouldn,t be able to sell them on .
DDA is nothing to do with engines, emissions or the like, It is solely to do with helping less able people travel easily. It's not just about wheelchairs, it is about all sorts of thing and problems people with reduced mobility or reduced vision may need to make life easier
Quote from: Tony on January 15, 2016, 04:20:09 PM
DDA is nothing to do with engines, emissions or the like, It is solely to do with helping less able people travel easily. It's not just about wheelchairs, it is about all sorts of thing and problems people with reduced mobility or reduced vision may need to make life easier
We know that
@Tony , we were just trying to work out why these last few B10BLE's were being withdrawn and sold on instead of being scrapped. You know how to hit a nerve!, as a passenger with 'reduced vision', would you like to inform XD that covering the windows of our B7RLE's with promotional stickers you can't see through isn't very helpful!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on January 15, 2016, 04:41:00 PM
We know that @Tony , we were just trying to work out why these last few B10BLE's were being withdrawn and sold on instead of being scrapped. You know how to hit a nerve!, as a passenger with 'reduced vision', would you like to inform XD that covering the windows of our B7RLE's with promotional stickers you can't see through isn't very helpful!
Haha, thought those ad's had been gone a while now though? https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/8108082336/ They did look absolutely horrendous though, cheap and nasty!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on January 15, 2016, 04:41:00 PM
We know that @Tony , we were just trying to work out why these last few B10BLE's were being withdrawn and sold on instead of being scrapped. You know how to hit a nerve!, as a passenger with 'reduced vision', would you like to inform XD that covering the windows of our B7RLE's with promotional stickers you can't see through isn't very helpful!
B10BLEs can be converted to DDA reasonably easily as proved by First Group who have converted many of them, so although NX didn't need to as they have enough DDA buses, it doesn't mean another operator after a bargain might buy one and convert it
Fair point
@Tony , I'm guessing the 4 for sale are the best of the bunch so resale was possible for them.
@DiamondDart , Yes, those ads are long gone but were better than the ones on the side windows of our single deckers, the old ads were made of a dot matrix pattern which meant you could still see out from onboard, the new ones are solid vinyls and you can see SFA through them.
Quote from: Tony on January 15, 2016, 05:18:10 PM
B10BLEs can be converted to DDA reasonably easily as proved by First Group who have converted many of them, so although NX didn't need to as they have enough DDA buses, it doesn't mean another operator after a bargain might buy one and convert it
£7k for a 17 year old bus you'd have to pay DDA conversion costs on on top is a bargain???!!! The ex GNE heavily refurbished ones are selling but they've been refloored, seats recovered, new frames and plastic all repainted. Those NX ones aren't anything approaching that...
they are all gone now.
Quote from: JIM C on January 28, 2016, 12:31:29 AM
they are all gone now.
They sold pretty quick, surprised more weren't offered for sale instead of being scrapped
7147; 7160; 7166; 7167; 7169; 7173; 7176; 7179 have all been sold to Drew Wilson Coach Sales
7159 has gone to Bryans Coaches, Denny
I'm surprised to 7147 on that list as it was a B10L, all the others are B10BLE's.
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2016, 12:19:14 PM
7147; 7160; 7166; 7167; 7169; 7173; 7176; 7179 have all been sold to Drew Wilson Coach Sales
7159 has gone to Bryans Coaches, Denny
Think that means there are no withdrawn vehicles at Dundee and that has cleared all the older 7xxx Volvo single-deckers. Assuming 7423 is still a crew bus and trainers 1366/7151 remain in use as such.
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2016, 12:19:14 PM
7147; 7160; 7166; 7167; 7169; 7173; 7176; 7179 have all been sold to Drew Wilson Coach Sales
7159 has gone to Bryans Coaches, Denny
http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/1999-volvo-b10b-wrights-body/
Quote from: paulb1973 on January 28, 2016, 02:18:12 PM
Think that means there are no withdrawn vehicles at Dundee and that has cleared all the older 7xxx Volvo single-deckers. Assuming 7423 is still a crew bus and trainers 1366/7151 remain in use as such.
7067 is still in service ,part time trainer part time service .
Jim C, DavieDD2, are there are more XPlore Dundee buses repainted in the two tone green?
It would also be nice, should NX decide to order any, for some Streetdecks to replace the Plaxtons. I'm sure the livery would suit them.
repaints are still suspended pending a decision from the bosses at birmingham .
Quote from: JIM C on January 28, 2016, 11:15:57 PM
repaints are still suspended pending a decision from the bosses at birmingham .
According to Money Supermarket, insurers do not take colour into account when setting premiums for vehicles as the statistics are too unreliable...and other factors have far more influence. Studies in the past have shown similar, or contradictory results for different colours. I guess there must have been a particular incident
XPLORE DUNDEE
7423 is the staff bus
1366 and 7151 are the training buses (7151 noted this morning covering for 7423)
No withdrawn stock remains.
Repainted local stock is 2057, 2058, 7002, 7003, 7004
Quote from: Adam 404 on January 28, 2016, 05:57:40 PM
http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/1999-volvo-b10b-wrights-body/
The ad says it seats 51. 45, more like!
The 51 seats is probably right for a step entrance B10B, the buses for sale are B10BLE's which are 45 seaters.
As regards repaints
There is no problem with the livery itself, and that is not the reason for the suspension of repaints as has been suggested.
Repaints will be restarting very soon
Has 1776 been in an accident before? It has the different Wright logo at the front, very clean inside and also it has the new Euro 6 Volvo dashboard?
A recent selection of photo's from Explore Dundee's Dock St depot:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/68628359@N04/
Quote from: Cammy7153 on February 16, 2016, 04:02:01 PM
Has 1776 been in an accident before? It has the different Wright logo at the front, very clean inside and also it has the new Euro 6 Volvo dashboard?
Ive had a look today at 1776 and i cant see any difference from the other ones of that batch .
4076 ready to head North
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4076.html
HOLY CRAP! That actually looks really nice!
No retrim?
My god, that looks stunning times 1 million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
4076 ready to head North
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4076.html
It looks very good. Surprised that it has had a repaint really though... With 4076 being withdrawn so many times / put in reserve, It probably has a much lower mileage. Good Job :)
Talk about unexpected, I never saw that happening!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on March 25, 2016, 06:15:10 PM
Talk about unexpected, I never saw that happening!
Doesn't look bad for a 17 year old worn old bucket does it
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
4076 ready to head North
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4076.html
Looking good
Quote from: Winston on March 25, 2016, 06:39:03 PM
Doesn't look bad for a 17 year old worn old bucket does it
As someone has just said on the Dundee forum, what's the point? it does look good but it'll be baked beans tins in 2 or 3 years!
Quote from: DavieDD2 on March 25, 2016, 06:43:51 PM
As someone has just said on the Dundee forum, what's the point? it does look good but it'll be baked beans tins in 2 or 3 years!
Have a look at the picture below, it was in no fit state to come up looking like that
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
4076 ready to head North
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4076.html
This should hopefully end the rumours that repaints stopped because people weren't happy with the livery which was not correct
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2016, 06:45:45 PM
Have a look at the picture below, it was in no fit state to come up looking like that
It did look a bit rough Tony, but to be fair it didn't look any worse that some of our B10's did in the last few years of their service and they weren't treated to a fresh coat of paint, I'm not complaining mind, 4076 does look good, but it's going to stick out, I very much doubt that the other 25+ Presidents we have here now will get the same treatment given their life expectancy. (talking of rough looking, 7013 http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/7013.html)
Quote from: DavieDD2 on March 26, 2016, 11:34:11 AM
It did look a bit rough Tony, but to be fair it didn't look any worse that some of our B10's did in the last few years of their service and they weren't treated to a fresh coat of paint, I'm not complaining mind, 4076 does look good, but it's going to stick out, I very much doubt that the other 25+ Presidents we have here now will get the same treatment given their life expectancy.
I suspect a large proportion of both NXWM's & XD's Presidents will be withdrawn this year upon receipt of new vehicles & resulting cascades, no doubt 4076 will now be one of the last to go.
With 100 new buses due, NXWM has 66 Presidents remaining (excluding 4076) & XD has 27 (including 4076) = 93.
Quote from: Tony on March 25, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
4076 ready to head North
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4076.html
Surprising what a good paint job can do to a 17 year old bus. Makes it look almost like new, does make you think how good they would of looked like in crimson if it had rolled out earlier in its life. May it stay in service for awhile yet in this livery
Great April Fool! A few days early, though. ;)
Quote from: Stevo on March 26, 2016, 07:48:07 PM
Great April Fool! A few days early, though. ;)
Yes too early. Not an April Fools...
Quote from: Winston on March 26, 2016, 11:41:38 AM
I suspect a large proportion of both NXWM's & XD's Presidents will be withdrawn this year upon receipt of new vehicles & resulting cascades, no doubt 4076 will now be one of the last to go.
With 100 new buses due, NXWM has 66 Presidents remaining (excluding 4076) & XD has 27 (including 4076) = 93.
Oooh! Can we look forward to more 12 year old Geminis? :)
Quote from: DavieDD2 on March 26, 2016, 11:51:10 PM
Oooh! Can we look forward to more 12 year old Geminis? :)
You'd have nothing to moan about if you had brand new..... ;)
Just seen former Dundee 7176 near Arena Park Tesco, Coventry
Quote from: clayderman on April 16, 2016, 03:47:47 PM
Just seen former Dundee 7176 near Arena Park Tesco, Coventry
What's it doing there?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on April 16, 2016, 06:57:31 PM
What's it doing there?
@Michael Bevan - No idea what it was doing there, but have been informed, via Flickr - that it been acquired by
A-Line Coaches, of
Bedworth, Coventry. I guess that answers
why it was in Coventry; but as for the intentions, I am still unbeknownst.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122377951@N02/26370252432/in/dateposted-friend/
Dundee has got a loan bushttps://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/26387687633/
Quote from: Jack6101 on May 13, 2016, 07:03:31 PM
Dundee has got a loan bushttps://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/26387687633/
Nice Pic
@Kiewii what company is that bus from
Quote from: Kiewii on May 13, 2016, 07:29:09 PM
Wrightbus
I know that i mean the actual operator
Quote from: RS on May 13, 2016, 07:37:35 PM
I know that i mean the actual operator
The thread will give you a clue & failing that the logo on the the front of it
Quote from: RS on May 13, 2016, 07:37:35 PM
I know that i mean the actual operator
Demonstrator from Wrightbus.
Quote from: Winston on May 13, 2016, 07:39:33 PM
The thread will give you a clue & failing that the logo on the the front of it
it wasnt in XD Livery so thats why i asked
@Winston Quote from: Nathan on May 13, 2016, 07:42:02 PM
Demonstrator from Wrightbus.
Thanks
@Nathan
Quote from: RS on May 13, 2016, 07:43:54 PM
it wasnt in XD Livery so thats why i asked @Winston
It doesn't need to be in XD Livery, the logo on the front of it confirms who it's operating for a simple Google search of its registration will confirm it is a Wrightbus demo
its not on demonstration .it is here to cover warranty repairs to the streetlites.whilst they are away back to wrights .
Ex Dundee 7160 is now with Bryan's Coaches. Just seen some photographs of it on Facebook.
Streetlite 435 is now named 'Georgia'
Quote from: John on June 04, 2016, 12:04:48 PM
Streetlite 435 is now named 'Georgia'
431 Leah
432 Gillian
433 Lisa
434 Ryan
Just read this about the forthcoming changes in Dundee.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/190965/services-dundee-lost-cost-cutting-bus-shake-announced/
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 16, 2016, 10:40:39 AM
Just read this about the forthcoming changes in Dundee.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/190965/services-dundee-lost-cost-cutting-bus-shake-announced/
Sounds like those route cuts will allow a few Dundee Presidents to be withdrawn.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 16, 2016, 10:40:39 AM
Just read this about the forthcoming changes in Dundee.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/190965/services-dundee-lost-cost-cutting-bus-shake-announced/
That proposal may well get affected by this.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/191567/stagecoach-confirms-that-dundee-bus-depot-will-close/
Quote from: Adam 404 on June 16, 2016, 09:22:58 PM
That proposal may well get affected by this.
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/191567/stagecoach-confirms-that-dundee-bus-depot-will-close/
It's been well known that Stagecoach were planning on closing Dundee base long before the service cuts / changes were proposed
From what I have gathered , the changes will be pretty similar PVR wise , only a bus or two difference.... Please remember that this local paper is published by the same company that produces Beano and Dandy.... This should tell you something!!
4110 withdrawn, blown engine.
4110 Starting to get striped of parts .4116 Accident damage might not be worth repairing .
Quote from: JIM C on July 21, 2016, 04:50:32 PM
4110 Starting to get striped of parts .4116 Accident damage might not be worth repairing .
@JIM C - I thought 4116 had on received a broken windscreen?
4708 will be making its first public appearance in Green at WMT30 on Sunday
Quote from: Winston on July 21, 2016, 05:26:03 PM
@JIM C - I thought 4116 had on received a broken windscreen?
looking at it ,its the windscreen and destination glass,but with the immanent arrival of the cascades they might not bother .it was in the bodyshop over the weekend but came out untouched.
Is there any reason why the StreetLites don't seem to be used much in service? As in the 2 days I spent in Dundee this week I only ever saw 434 each day in service on the 51. On Tuesday, all the others were parked in the garage and Wednesday, another one was been used for a time as a staff shuttle. All of the Enviro200s were out on various services
Or was it just those days that I saw them?
Quote from: John on July 22, 2016, 10:02:47 AM
Is there any reason why the StreetLites don't seem to be used much in service? As in the 2 days I spent in Dundee this week I only ever saw 434 each day in service on the 51. On Tuesday, all the others were parked in the garage and Wednesday, another one was been used for a time as a staff shuttle. All of the Enviro200s were out on various services
Or was it just those days that I saw them?
Yesterday, 431 and 434 were out.
433 had accident damage when I saw it in the depot yesterday and 435 was just sitting at the back of the fence, never saw 432 at all.
Quote from: John on July 22, 2016, 10:02:47 AM
Is there any reason why the StreetLites don't seem to be used much in service? As in the 2 days I spent in Dundee this week I only ever saw 434 each day in service on the 51. On Tuesday, all the others were parked in the garage and Wednesday, another one was been used for a time as a staff shuttle. All of the Enviro200s were out on various services
Or was it just those days that I saw them?
Dundee have E200s ? I couldn't find them on the fleetlist
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on July 22, 2016, 12:25:27 PM
Dundee have E200s ? I couldn't find them on the fleetlist
731-734
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on July 22, 2016, 12:25:27 PM
Dundee have E200s ? I couldn't find them on the fleetlist
731-734. They were brought second hand a couple of years ago
Such a mistake from myself, I thought they were part of WN !
Thanks the pair of you,
Quote from: Cammy7153 on July 22, 2016, 12:22:57 PM
Yesterday, 431 and 434 were out.
433 had accident damage when I saw it in the depot yesterday and 435 was just sitting at the back of the fence, never saw 432 at all.
its m o t time for the streetlites . 433 has not got accident damage the side panal is off for wrights to inspect something under it .
Quote from: JIM C on July 21, 2016, 09:24:36 PM
looking at it ,its the windscreen and destination glass,but with the immanent arrival of the cascades they might not bother .it was in the bodyshop over the weekend but came out untouched.
I looked inside today and could,nt see any internal damage to it ,but mind you 4110 might be a donar if its going back into service .
4709 repainted
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4709.html
4708 just passed through Walsall with
@Tony driving. Will put a photo link later
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 26, 2016, 01:03:03 PM
4708 just passed through Walsall with @Tony driving. Will put a photo link later
4709 Will be in 30 min
Dundee bound?
Upcoming service changes can be found here.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1065577410190880.1073741842.428325790582715&type=1&l=de9c735cbc
Quote from: DavieDD2 on July 26, 2016, 02:33:11 PM
Dundee bound?
Quote from: Tony on July 26, 2016, 04:13:00 PM
Thursday
https://www.flickr.com/photos/45168281@N05/27994544723/ (not my photo)
Spotted: 4709 - What I find funny is a Dundee bus having the NXWM Brand on the displays.. :P
Quote from: clayderman on July 28, 2016, 05:51:36 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/45168281@N05/27994544723/ (not my photo)
Spotted: 4709 - What I find funny is a Dundee bus having the NXWM Brand on the displays.. :P
With me at the wheel
Arrived a the depot and they look great! Was nice meeting yous! :)
4709 one the the better ones to drive in that batch , even after its disagreement with a large tree.
Can't say I'll miss them all that much. But they do look very good in green
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 29, 2016, 05:36:45 PM
Can't say I'll miss them all that much. But they do look very good in green
4712 and 4715 were having final hurrahs on the Dudley Road today
Quote from: 2900 on July 29, 2016, 10:09:41 AM
4709 one the the better ones to drive in that batch , even after its disagreement with a large tree.
4709 was my favourite of the batch as a spotter/passenger.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 29, 2016, 06:26:43 PM
4712 and 4715 were having final hurrahs on the Dudley Road today
Saw 4702 and 11 on the 80, 4700/07 on 83/89 and 4713 on the 5. Apparently they're supposed to all be off service this weekend?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on July 30, 2016, 06:58:19 AM
4709 was my favourite of the batch as a spotter/passenger.
Saw 4702 and 11 on the 80, 4700/07 on 83/89 and 4713 on the 5. Apparently they're supposed to all be off service this weekend?
4703 is also on the 5 today.
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 29, 2016, 05:36:45 PM
Can't say I'll miss them all that much. But they do look very good in green
What's wrong with them?
Quote from: Cammy7153 on July 30, 2016, 07:04:45 PM
What's wrong with them?
They are going to Dundee. 708/9 are already up there.
Quote from: markcf83 on July 30, 2016, 07:29:00 PM
They are going to Dundee. 708/9 are already up there.
Yes, I saw them getting transferred. But people seem to dislike them, why?
Quote from: markcf83 on July 30, 2016, 07:29:00 PM
They are going to Dundee. 708/9 are already up there.
Cammy is from Dundee. I've never travelled on one and never will but from a passenger perspective I'm sure I'd find it hard to tell them from any other NX B7TL Gemini. Maybe drivers might feel differently.
Quote from: Mike K on July 30, 2016, 07:34:36 PM
Cammy is from Dundee. I've never travelled on one and never will but from a passenger perspective I'm sure I'd find it hard to tell them from any other NX B7TL Gemini. Maybe drivers might feel differently.
There are quite a few differences, the blue interior, the different doors, the cab, the A/C on the back of the top deck, slightly different vents from the back and some more.
Quote from: Ronnoc on July 30, 2016, 07:39:17 PM
There are quite a few differences, the blue interior, the different doors, the cab, the A/C on the back of the top deck, slightly different vents from the back and some more.
I was referring more to the quality of the ride, comfort etc rather than aesthetics.
Quote from: Mike K on July 30, 2016, 07:43:04 PM
I was referring more to the quality of the ride, comfort etc rather than aesthetics.
They're not much different in comfort and ride from my perspective.
Quote from: Ronnoc on July 30, 2016, 07:39:17 PM
There are quite a few differences, the blue interior, the different doors, the cab, the A/C on the back of the top deck, slightly different vents from the back and some more.
The cabs are the same as 1750-87, but a passenger as opposed to a busnut looking for differences isn't going to tell the difference between 4700-17 & 7001-18
Quote from: Ronnoc on July 30, 2016, 07:43:54 PM
They're not much different in comfort and ride from my perspective.
I will get videos of them when they enter service.
Quote from: Tony on July 30, 2016, 07:45:10 PM
The cabs are the same as 1750-87, but a passenger as opposed to a busnut looking for differences isn't going to tell the difference between 4700-17 & 7001-18
I don't like the 1750-1787 style dash seems backwards how the instrument cluster doesn't adjust with steering wheel. Feel like the steering wheel is blocking the speedo
Quote from: Cammy7153 on July 30, 2016, 07:04:45 PM
What's wrong with them?
Nothing, just not as good as the early Geminis, do have a tendency to roar
Just seen what looked like an ex Travel Dundee Solo in a yard near Laurencekirk station, possibly with an operator called Nichols? No idea which one it was.
I've just been looking through some of the Dundee photographs on the website and noticed quite a few vehicles are being repainted at the moment. I'm probably a bit late in asking and also it's probably been mentioned before, but do these vehicles go to Walsall Paint Shop for repaint? Or do they go to somewhere in Scotland for repaint?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 06, 2016, 07:27:15 PM
I've just been looking through some of the Dundee photographs on the website and noticed quite a few vehicles are being repainted at the moment. I'm probably a bit late in asking and also it's probably been mentioned before, but do these vehicles go to Walsall Paint Shop for repaint? Or do they go to somewhere in Scotland for repaint?
Any from brum are done at Walsall but the Dundee buses are done by an independent company up in Dundee or in house I think
Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 06, 2016, 07:27:15 PM
I've just been looking through some of the Dundee photographs on the website and noticed quite a few vehicles are being repainted at the moment. I'm probably a bit late in asking and also it's probably been mentioned before, but do these vehicles go to Walsall Paint Shop for repaint? Or do they go to somewhere in Scotland for repaint?
Nothing has ever come down to Walsall yet (well not since the Volvo Citybuses many years ago) just for repaint, but watch this space!
Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 06, 2016, 07:27:15 PM
I've just been looking through some of the Dundee photographs on the website and noticed quite a few vehicles are being repainted at the moment. I'm probably a bit late in asking and also it's probably been mentioned before, but do these vehicles go to Walsall Paint Shop for repaint? Or do they go to somewhere in Scotland for repaint?
The ones cascaded up to Dundee are obviously painted at Walsall prior to departure. The existing Dundee fleet are painted by an outside contractor in Scotland, Dundee did/do have a painter that painted 2057/8 in-house at Dock St depot, I'm not that option still exists and they still sent the Gemini's out to be done at that time.
Quote from: Winston on August 06, 2016, 07:31:56 PM
The ones cascaded up to Dundee are obviously painted at Walsall prior to departure. The existing Dundee fleet are painted by an outside contractor in Scotland, Dundee did/do have a painter that painted 2057/8 in-house at Dock St depot, I'm not that option still exists and they still sent the Gemini's out to be done at that time.
Ah ok. I'm aware the cascades are done at Walsall. I just wondered what happened to the existing fleet. Thanks for that
@Winston!
1774 now branded for the 32/3 services
Are there any photos
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 08, 2016, 05:37:13 PM
Are there any photos
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155105243138852&set=o.1547277218859132
Quote from: Cheese on August 05, 2016, 05:49:15 PM
Just seen what looked like an ex Travel Dundee Solo in a yard near Laurencekirk station, possibly with an operator called Nichols? No idea which one it was.
Nichols is owned by JP Coaches Forfar.whom we have sold a good few solos to .Probably up there for school contracts .
Quote from: JIM C on August 09, 2016, 07:31:12 PM
Nichols is owned by JP Coaches Forfar.whom we have sold a good few solos to .Probably up there for school contracts .
Thanks for that, was difficult to see when going past at speed on a 170! Had a closer look on Sunday when going back south on a HST but couldn't see an ID.
Quote from: Kiewii on August 08, 2016, 06:51:51 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155105243138852&set=o.1547277218859132
Something doesn't look right with that eclipse, the emergency door looks too narrow to other eclipse Urbans?
Quote from: BU07 LGO on August 10, 2016, 12:21:30 AM
Something doesn't look right with that eclipse, the emergency door looks too narrow to other eclipse Urbans?
Might just be the angle of the photo, having the right coloured replacement panels underneath the advert would be a big plus....
4053,4056,4110,4115,and 4116.All withdrawn from today .hoppers and ticket machines all taken out of them .
4708 made its debut on the 5 today and only lasted an hour on the road!
Quote from: Cammy7153 on August 15, 2016, 04:27:38 PM
4708 made its debut on the 5 today and only lasted an hour on the road!
Bit of an exaggeration
It went out just before 07:00 and got changed in the city at 13:18 and seems to have visited a lot of the City, from Ninewells in the West to Broughty Ferry in the East and Craigowl in the North
Can you track the Dundee buses too then Tony? You'll get all the Dundee spotters asking for timings now!
Quote from: Gareth on August 15, 2016, 09:49:30 PM
Can you track the Dundee buses too then Tony? You'll get all the Dundee spotters asking for timings now!
4708/9/13/4/6 haven't been taken off the West Midlands system yet
1775 and 1776 are now branded for the 32/33, though it is clearly proving too difficult to apply branding on the offside.
4713, 4714 and 4716 now in service.
4715 & 4717 will hopefully be heading North next week
4053,56,4115 have all gone to a buyer in Ireland .
Quote from: JIM C on August 21, 2016, 09:59:50 PM
4053,56,4115 have all gone to a buyer in Ireland .
Jim,
Does that not include 4110 & 4116?
Ahh good old 4115, I wish I got to drive that and 4112
4110 Is a scrapper and 4116 was accident damaged ,but now repaired .Its got a notice on it saying no parts to be removed.so it will going sometime soon .
Quote from: JIM C on August 22, 2016, 10:58:35 PM
4110 Is a scrapper and 4116 was accident damaged ,but now repaired .Its got a notice on it saying no parts to be removed.so it will going sometime soon .
Thanks for the confirmation Jim, but you posted the following on the Dundee Forum:
Quote from: Jim C on August 19, 2016, 12:14:33 PM
The presidents that are not getting scraped i.e. 4110/16 are being sold on .more info when received.
Quote from: Jim C on August 22, 2016, 11:26:48 AM
4116 has been repaired and is ready for going away like the other 3.
my mistake ,4110and4116 were ment to be scraped . but they did a body repair to 4116 ,and 4110 is being striped for spares . 4715/17 arrived today so another 2 presidents will be withdrawn soon.
Make sure the boss stays out of trouble whilst up your neck of the woods.... ;)
Quote from: Winston on August 25, 2016, 09:47:08 PM
Make sure the boss stays out of trouble whilst up your neck of the woods.... ;)
Makes sure he earns his stripes and doesn't scrape anything!
Met tony for the first time yesterday .he and another driver were just entering the garage with 4715/17..so I went to say hello .
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/Coaches/SR111.html
Coaches C111 & C112 about to leave Sipson Road on the first leg of their journey to Dundee
4116 now withdrawn
Hi Tony, what will these coaches be used for?
Quote from: Tony on September 09, 2016, 08:52:51 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/Coaches/SR111.html
Coaches C111 & C112 about to leave Sipson Road on the first leg of their journey to Dundee
Amazon Contract between Dundee and the Dunfermline site and also a Fife Council School contract, and hopefully railway replacements etc
According a person on Flickr 1777 is now called Brian
I see
@Tony is taking 4705 to Showbus this Sunday.
Entry number 279: http://www.showbus.com/entry/entry2016.htm
4111 /4103 ARE THE LATEST WITHDRAWALS.
Coaches 111 & 112 .are now in Dundee, in all over white.
Friend spotted an ex-Xplore Dundee (I assume President) running around Nottingham still fully branded on school services earlier
Some of the Presidents are up for sale
http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/2000-volvo-b7tl-plaxton-president/
4046; 4103 & 4110 have all been sold to Stuarts Coaches, Carluke
I believe a few have been sold to Ireland as well.
Quote from: Cammy7153 on October 14, 2016, 10:07:51 PM
I believe a few have been sold to Ireland as well.
That's 4053; 4056 & 4115 to Express Bus
Quote from: Tony on October 14, 2016, 10:31:26 PM
That's 4053; 4056 & 4115 to Express Bus
The Presidents seem to be finding buyers pretty quick
Quote from: Winston on October 14, 2016, 10:56:35 PM
The Presidents seem to be finding buyers pretty quick
Certainly a contrast to the Volvo B6LE/B10L's and the Mercedes O405N's - quite literally no-one wanted any of those. Will be interesting to see if any of the early Tridents find buyers, when that time comes.
4113 withdrawn.
4043 now withdrawn.
Quote from: JIM C on November 14, 2016, 11:12:42 AM
4043 now withdrawn.
Jim, I think that leaves 118 buses in service at XD (assuming 4700/1/6/10 have yet to enter service)
431-435; 731-734; 1774-1787; 2030-2058; 4025-4026/4028/4036/4042/4045/4074/4076/4112/4117-4124; 4680-4686; 4702-4705/4707-4709/4711-4717; 5422-5430; 7001-7018; 7067.
Crew Bus (1)
7427 (SP16 UZU)
Trainers (2)
1366/7151
Withdrawn (4)
4043/4111/4113/4116
(4700-1/6/10 in reserve waiting transfer here)
I suppose 7067 could go back to its old 1481 number and even 7001-18 could have used up 'spare' fleet numbers 4782-99 [granted 4799 is in use now]. Thinking ahead you could free-up most of the 7xxx series - for future/potential MMC deliveries! - by renumbering 7019-33, tagging them onto 1953, as 1954-68.
Quote from: paulb1973 on November 14, 2016, 01:33:08 PM
Jim, I think that leaves 118 buses in service at XD (assuming 4700/1/6/10 have yet to enter service)
431-435; 731-734; 1774-1787; 2030-2058; 4025-4026/4028/4036/4042/4045/4074/4076/4112/4117-4124; 4680-4686; 4702-4705/4707-4709/4711-4717; 5422-5430; 7001-7018; 7067.
Crew Bus (1)
7427 (SP16 UZU)
Trainers (2)
1366/7151
Withdrawn (4)
4043/4111/4113/4116
(4700-1/6/10 in reserve waiting transfer here)
I suppose 7067 could go back to its old 1481 number and even 7001-18 could have used up 'spare' fleet numbers 4782-99 [granted 4799 is in use now]. Thinking ahead you could free-up most of the 7xxx series - for future/potential MMC deliveries! - by renumbering 7019-33, tagging them onto 1953, as 1954-68.
Quote from: TH on November 05, 2016, 06:50:38 PM
4700 isn't quite ready, so that won't be coming up for 3 weeks as I am on holiday from Tuesday.
4701 arrived safely, and 4716 is back at Walsall, I don't know what Dundee engineers have done to it, they deny doing anything, but it is ten times better than when I brought it up, holding 50mph even on the steepest hills including Beattock which even slows coaches down, probably now the best Gemini I have ever driven!
When I am back off holiday I will sort out bring 4700; 4706 & 4710 up, they will all be finished by then, and taking 4713; 4714 & 1787 back to Walsall for repaint.
@paulb1973 - Fyi from Dundee Bus Forum - 4701 is now in Dundee with 4716 coming back at the same time for refurb.
I make it 121 in service at Dundee, i.e. 111 & 112 (the 2 Volvo/Caetano Coaches) + 4701. Although I believe that figure is inflated, as not all of the refurb'd Gemini's are in service & I suspect there are further Presidents to be withdrawn as a result
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 01:42:29 PM
@paulb1973 - Fyi from Dundee Bus Forum - 4701 is now in Dundee with 4716 coming back at the same time for refurb.
I make it 121 in service at Dundee, i.e. 111 & 112 (the 2 Volvo/Caetano Coaches) + 4701. Although I believe that figure is inflated, as not all of the refurb'd Gemini's are in service & I suspect there are further Presidents to be withdrawn as a result
Thank you for that, updating my own notes. I hadn't accounted for 111-2, but with 4701 in service it is 119 buses plus two Volvo coaches (I'm never quite sure if I should include coaches, I normally exclude No's 90-95 in my own NXWM/NXC totals !). Yes, as you say, I assume more Presidents will bite the dust soon.
Quote from: paulb1973 on November 14, 2016, 02:21:40 PM
Thank you for that, updating my own notes. I hadn't accounted for 111-2, but with 4701 in service it is 119 buses plus two Volvo coaches (I'm never quite sure if I should include coaches, I normally exclude No's 90-95 in my own NXWM/NXC totals !). Yes, as you say, I assume more Presidents will bite the dust soon.
Yes, 119 buses + 2 coaches. But I don't believe all withdrawals have been made for all Gemini's received
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 02:22:55 PM
But I don't believe all withdrawals have been made for all Gemini's received
I suspect the same is true for AG and WB also!
On a related topic, are any of 7010-7018 being
returned refurbished currently?
Quote from: don on November 14, 2016, 07:09:48 PM
I suspect the same is true for AG and WB also!
On a related topic, are any of 7010-7018 being returned currently?
Returned? If you mean for refurb, that batch has been repainted by a sub contractor in Scotland.
Quote from: Winston on November 14, 2016, 08:21:38 PM
Returned? If you mean for refurb, that batch has been repainted by a sub contractor in Scotland.
I did indeed - Apple seems to think I meant a different word lol!! I knew they were being refurbed in Scotland but there seem to have not been any recently?
Not since 7010 a while back .As the geminis go into service a president should come off keeping the operational fleet the same .
Quote from: JIM C on November 15, 2016, 10:44:26 PM
Not since 7010 a while back .As the geminis go into service a president should come off keeping the operational fleet the same .
@JIM C - I'm assuming that Dundee will still be left with a number of Presidents in service even once all 18 x Gemini's are in service/refurb'd
HI WINSTON , YES ABOUT 7 WILL STILL BE OPERATIONAL UNTIL NEWER BUSES ARRIVE EITHER CASCADES OR NEW VEHICLES. MIND YOU MOST OF THE PRESIDENTS ARE STILL GOOD BUSES. HOPE ALLS WELL .JIM.
Quote from: JIM C on November 16, 2016, 01:07:29 PM
HI WINSTON , YES ABOUT 7 WILL STILL BE OPERATIONAL UNTIL NEWER BUSES ARRIVE EITHER CASCADES OR NEW VEHICLES. MIND YOU MOST OF THE PRESIDENTS ARE STILL GOOD BUSES. HOPE ALLS WELL .JIM.
@JIM C - can you please watch your lanuage, Dundee and 'New Vehicles' should not be posted in the same sentence...... :P
5424 (5 branded) - 10
5429 (5 branded) - 10
Quote from: lauren1993 on November 18, 2016, 03:02:57 PM
5424 (5 branded) - 10
5429 (5 branded) - 10
yes, the 5 interworks with the 9 and 10
Quote from: lauren1993 on November 18, 2016, 03:02:57 PM
5424 (5 branded) - 10
5429 (5 branded) - 10
The 5/9/10 interwork.
Just seen on Facebook that 111 has now had Xplore Dundee vinyl's applied to it.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on November 18, 2016, 05:40:56 PM
Just seen on Facebook that 111 has now had Xplore Dundee vinyl's applied to it.
Are they the green based ones?
If so, doubt it would look any worse than green vinyls on the red/white livery
4683 and 7005 are looking very festive and are all decorated inside and out. 4683 also on the city centre tinsel tour.
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Are they the green based ones?
If so, doubt it would look any worse than green vinyls on the red/white livery
This is one of the Levante's that has recently been acquired.
Quote from: Winston on November 18, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Are they the green based ones?
If so, doubt it would look any worse than green vinyls on the red/white livery
Pictures of 111 on here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/psvcircle/permalink/1320611921290348).
Quote from: Michael Bevan on November 18, 2016, 11:22:46 PM
This is one of the Levante's that has recently been acquired.
I know what vehicle it is, I was referring to the vinyl's on the allover white
Quote from: P419 EJW on November 19, 2016, 09:58:17 AM
Pictures of 111 on here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/psvcircle/permalink/1320611921290348).
Ta for that, that vinyl application looks much smarter.
Quote from: Winston on November 19, 2016, 10:19:48 AM
Ta for that, that vinyl application looks much smarter.
I agree
@Winston the larger font looks a lot better than the smaller squareish livery applied to the old liveried buses but would be to big for the red/white liveries
What are the Levantes for at Dundee?
Quote from: MW on November 19, 2016, 04:07:32 PM
What are the Levantes for at Dundee?
Amazon service and private hires
Quote from: John on November 19, 2016, 09:09:11 PM
Amazon service and private hires
Plus Fife school services, MD3 and GF1.
https://www.facebook.com/sharpesofnottingham/posts/1544331265582949
4043 is the first Dundee president to get to The Green Bus at Hockley
4076 has been part of a publicity video about the danger of buses and antisocial behaviour.
Mobile Phone link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=7_gBwXR1Q1w
Computer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=7_gBwXR1Q1w
Full marks to anyone identifying the location of the top photograph on this page, taken today
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4045.html
Quote from: Tony on January 19, 2017, 08:17:53 PM
Full marks to anyone identifying the location of the top photograph on this page, taken today
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4045.html
Don't remember the exact name but it's just north of Crewe ?
Quote from: Tony on January 19, 2017, 08:17:53 PM
Full marks to anyone identifying the location of the top photograph on this page, taken today
http://www.wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4001-4224/4045.html
Kinderton Street, Middlewich
The pub in the picture helped Google solve the question :)
Quote from: Adam 404 on January 19, 2017, 08:23:14 PM
Kinderton Street, Middlewich
The pub in the picture helped Google solve the question :)
Damn google! Yes the M6 was solid tonight so we took it for a ride through Cheshire
4074 Now withdrawn.
Couple of Dundee related questions. I have 4112 as withdrawn in Dundee - is that correct? And is 4045 down with the Green Bus in B'ham, I assume it is.
4112 still in service
4042 & 4045 are now with Blueline Travel Canewdon, Essex
Its now been 20 years since national express bought Tayside buses ,How time flies.
Date for your diary if anyone is interested,
Open day here on 8th July.
Recently acquired a travel Dundee model a wright Gemini, the fleet number on the model was 04 did Dundee have a different fleet numbering system before nx rebranded to NXD?
Others can correct me if I'm wrong but there was only subtle changes to the fleet numbering system for the Dundee fleet,such as adding on numbers.
Quote from: Chris on April 09, 2017, 02:11:00 PM
Recently acquired a travel Dundee model a wright Gemini, the fleet number on the model was 04 did Dundee have a different fleet numbering system before nx rebranded to NXD?
Yeah
Here is 7008, when it was 08
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43911105@N00/7154096581
Quote from: markcf83 on April 09, 2017, 02:14:47 PM
Others can correct me if I'm wrong but there was only subtle changes to the fleet numbering system for the Dundee fleet,such as adding on numbers.
The 7xxx range was allocated to Dundee vehicles for a while. Not sure what happened there though. I still think 7019-7033 should be renumbered to 1954-1968, but hey maybe that's not a priority.
Quote from: MW on April 09, 2017, 02:19:16 PM
The 7xxx range was allocated to Dundee vehicles for a while. Not sure what happened there though. I still think 7019-7033 should be renumbered to 1954-1968, but hey maybe that's not a priority.
I think, but not sure that when it was 'Travel' buses swapped fleetnumbers when transferred, but once rebranded 'National Express' buses received a fleetnumber for life. The reason why short Excels had numbers in both the 4** and 72** series and why the ultimately unused 7115 wasn't renumbered back to 1466 on return to the West Midlands.
Those eighteen Gemini's in Dundee (7001-18) could have gained numbers 4782-99 to fill a gap there, but the re-numbering of 4816 took out the last number. The Wright Gemini Demonstrator BX14 TJV was 4798 briefly.
Quote from: paulb1973 on April 09, 2017, 06:59:24 PM
Those eighteen Gemini's in Dundee (7001-18) could have gained numbers 4782-99 to fill a gap there, but the re-numbering of 4816 took out the last number. The Wright Gemini Demonstrator BX14 TJV was 4798 briefly.
But the Gemini 3 demonstrator was with NX Birmingham, so surely they could reuse the number with NX Dundee?
Quote from: YN63 BYJ on April 11, 2017, 12:15:04 PM
But the Gemini 3 demonstrator was with NX Birmingham, so surely they could reuse the number with NX Dundee?
No it can't, as NXD is on the same system as NXWM.
Once a fleetnumber has been allocated, it cannot be reused.
Quote from: Winston on April 11, 2017, 03:09:17 PM
No it can't, as NXD is on the same system as NXWM.
Once a fleetnumber has been allocated, it cannot be reused.
Once a fleet number has been allocated it cannot be reused? Come on Winston, that sounds like some bollocks Trident 4194 would say. What about 1908? What about 2001-2152?
Quote from: MW on April 11, 2017, 03:13:12 PM
Once a fleet number has been allocated it cannot be reused? Come on Winston, that sounds like some bollocks Trident 4194 would say. What about 1908? What about 2001-2152?
It is correct on the current system, no reusing of numbers now.
First bus are the same, no 5 digit number has ever been re-used.
Quote from: Tony on April 11, 2017, 03:15:44 PM
It is correct on the current system, no reusing of numbers now.
First bus are the same, no 5 digit number has ever been re-used.
OK, I was thinking of Arriva (Re-using all the time!) and Stagecoach (If in doubt Google 15196 and 15222, sure there are plenty more)
4036 withdrawn.
4036 Is still in service 17/04 /17.
111 out on Megabus M11 today
Quote from: YN63 BYJ on May 28, 2017, 01:32:25 PM
WHY???
Would you rather have 6 yr old coaches sat in the yard on weekends, or out earning money?
Heard a rumor the Pensnett Streetdecks are heading to Dundee, is this correct?
I hope it's not true :'(
Quote from: Dutsey on June 26, 2017, 10:09:01 AM
Heard a rumor the Pensnett Streetdecks are heading to Dundee, is this correct?
you misheard the Black Country accent they said dudlay
Quote from: Dutsey on June 26, 2017, 10:09:01 AM
Heard a rumor the Pensnett Streetdecks are heading to Dundee, is this correct?
Hope not, we've got 5 Streetlites and they're bad enough!
According to the management, 3301-3305 are due at the end of the year.
Quote from: Cammy7153 on June 26, 2017, 09:13:47 PM
According to the management, 3301-3305 are due at the end of the year.
It would make sense for them to go. Will be a sad day though such great solid buses.
Supposedly pensnett might (use the term lightly) get streetdecks for the 9 sending the mmcs else where... would rather have the streetdecks than mmc (personal preference)
Personally, I'm not taking anything as gospel until Tony can confirm it; perhaps we'll know when/if the Streetdecks go in for repaint (into Xplore Dundee livery)?
Nevertheless, it is hard for me to deny the fact that I'd be sad to see them go. Loss of variation among the West Midlands fleet (cue backlash, lol) - though, to be fair, the majority of Dundee's fleet is made up from Wrightbus products, anyway. Thus, I see some validity in
@Trident 4194 's comment,
@Dom :) Despite this, I really do think it's wonderful that Dundee are getting such younger buses recently, albeit cascades.
In addition to my point before, Dundee has got Eclipse 2s, (WF) Streetlites, and B7TL Geminis, so to have a fleet made up from the products of a single manufacturer would make sense, to me at least. Obviously with the exception of their ADL products; E200s (731-734), and E400Hs (5422-5430) - also, apologies for not keeping up, but have all the Presidents been withdrawn? If not, then they're an exception too. ;)
Quote from: clayderman on June 27, 2017, 12:30:18 AM
Personally, I'm not taking anything as gospel until Tony can confirm it; perhaps we'll know when/if the Streetdecks go in for repaint (into Xplore Dundee livery)?
Nevertheless, it is hard for me to deny the fact that I'd be sad to see them go. Loss of variation among the West Midlands fleet (cue backlash, lol) - though, to be fair, the majority of Dundee's fleet is made up from Wrightbus products, anyway. Thus, I see some validity in @Trident 4194 's comment, @Dom :) Despite this, I really do think it's wonderful that Dundee are getting such younger buses recently, albeit cascades.
In addition to my point before, Dundee has got Eclipse 2s, (WF) Streetlites, and B7TL Geminis, so to have a fleet made up from the products of a single manufacturer would make sense, to me at least. Obviously with the exception of their ADL products; E200s (731-734), and E400Hs (5422-5430) - also, apologies for not keeping up, but have all the Presidents been withdrawn? If not, then they're an exception too. ;)
No all the Presidents in Dundee have not been withdrawn.
One problem with the streetdecks is the constant beeping noice when the bus has the doors opened. Anyone know why this is? Heard that a couple of PN drivers don't like the streetdecks to drive
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 03:29:35 PM
One problem with the streetdecks is the constant beeping noice when the bus has the doors opened. Anyone know why this is? Heard that a couple of PN drivers don't like the streetdecks to drive
You should here what the Dundee drivers say about the Streetlites, doesn't sound good for Wright products does it? lol
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 03:29:35 PM
One problem with the streetdecks is the constant beeping noice when the bus has the doors opened. Anyone know why this is? Heard that a couple of PN drivers don't like the streetdecks to drive
what crap you on about now beeping noise
@pndriver
Quote from: karl724223 on June 27, 2017, 03:37:46 PM
what crap you on about now beeping noise @pndriver
There's a consant noice when the doors are open.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 03:56:06 PM
There's a consant noice when the doors are open.
Isn't that just your whining about buses being late ?
Quote from: pndriver on June 27, 2017, 04:56:58 PM
Isn't that just your whining about buses being late ?
You PN drivers need to cheer up
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 05:16:11 PM
You PN drivers need to cheer up
:o I'm very cheerful as long as there's no idiots about. How about you
@karl724223
Quote from: DavieDD2 on June 27, 2017, 03:35:41 PM
You should here what the Dundee drivers say about the Streetlites, doesn't sound good for Wright products does it? lol
I drive both Streetlites and StreetDecks at Worcester and they are completely different buses. The Streetlites are terrible but the StreetDecks are fantastic buses which are lovely to drive.
Quote from: pndriver on June 27, 2017, 05:28:43 PM
:o I'm very cheerful as long as there's no idiots about. How about you @karl724223
Driving the 246 must make you miserable
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 06:08:48 PM
Driving the 246 must make you miserable
Except he doesn't drive the 246 much anymore?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2017, 06:08:48 PM
Driving the 246 must make you miserable
yet more crap from trident but where is
@Winston delete blue pen
@Dom @pndriver@karl724223 & still more crap replies being posted! Why do you need pndriver & Dom to fight your battles ??
As a Dundee driver the streetlites are one of the worst buses I have driven .And I,ve been here for many years.(almost 42)
Quote from: JIM C on June 27, 2017, 10:52:58 PM
As a Dundee driver the streetlites are one of the worst buses I have driven .And I,ve been here for many years.(almost 42)
@JIM C nice display picture mate
Reported on the Dundee bus forum all of their 10 Presidents were in service today.
4062 now in Dundee garage. It's not for use there.
731 transferring to WM tomorrow
Does that mean 732-4 will follow suit?
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2017, 06:33:21 PM
4062 now in Dundee garage. It's not for use there.
731 transferring to WM tomorrow
Do you know / are you able to share what garage it will end up at? It'll be interesting to see an older style E200 being operated by NXWM, to say the least.
Quote from: DJ98 on September 13, 2017, 08:18:46 PM
Do you know / are you able to share what garage it will end up at? It'll be interesting to see an older style E200 being operated by NXWM, to say the least.
WB
Quote from: DJ98 on September 13, 2017, 08:18:46 PM
It'll be interesting to see an older style E200 being operated by NXWM, to say the least.
Urban90 seats as well, if i'm right? Not the 'standard' Lazzerini Practico ones. :o
Quote from: CL on September 13, 2017, 08:34:30 PM
Urban90 seats as well, if i'm right? Not the 'standard' Lazzerini Practico ones. :o
Yes, Urban90 seats.
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2017, 06:33:21 PM
731 transferring to WM tomorrow
Will it get Crimsoned?
Quote from: Dom on September 13, 2017, 08:29:36 PM
Which route are they for?
Are they Mini E200's? If so then I'd say they would be used on the 44 and 47/A.
Quote from: Jack on September 13, 2017, 08:49:58 PM
Are they Mini E200's? If so then I'd say they would be used on the 44 and 47/A.
Yes SWB E200s. Like the ones Igo have.
Quote from: 2206 on September 13, 2017, 08:51:35 PM
Yes SWB E200s. Like the ones Igo have.
NX have SWB E200's 751-764.
Quote from: Jack on September 13, 2017, 08:53:55 PM
NX have SWB E200's 751-764.
Its an older style E200, like the igo ones
@Jack
Quote from: 2206 on September 13, 2017, 08:54:36 PM
Its an older style E200 @Jack
I do know. 731-733 are '11' plates and 734 is an '61' plate.
Horrible Urban 90 seats too.
Quote from: Jack on September 13, 2017, 08:49:58 PM
Are they Mini E200's? If so then I'd say they would be used on the 44 and 47/A.
Except they already have SWB Enviro 200s.
Quote from: Dom on September 13, 2017, 09:07:22 PM
Except they already have SWB Enviro 200s.
Yes but since the start of the year they've gone from having 8 down to 4.
Quote from: Jack on September 13, 2017, 08:55:59 PM
Horrible Urban 90 seats too.
I'd like to think they will go when it comes to them being Crimsoned, urban 90s are like sitting on lego...
Quote from: V89MOA on September 14, 2017, 10:01:26 AM
I'd like to think they will go when it comes to them being Crimsoned, urban 90s are like sitting on lego...
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2017, 12:08:39 PM
731 which I'm bringing down today is only a loan for a couple of months. So if you want to ride/photo/see it you won't have ling
Quote from: V89MOA on September 14, 2017, 10:01:26 AM
I'd like to think they will go when it comes to them being Crimsoned, urban 90s are like sitting on lego...
Even though it's a loan bus, I'm sure it'll remain with the company for years to come. In that time, I can't see them fitting new/used seats into it.
Quote from: V89MOA on September 14, 2017, 10:01:26 AM
I'd like to think they will go when it comes to them being Crimsoned, urban 90s are like sitting on lego...
They are horrible. Some of Diamonds Darts feel like I'm sitting on a rock...
Quote from: Jack on September 14, 2017, 04:10:22 PM
They are horrible. Some of Diamonds Darts feel like I'm sitting on a rock...
If you think they are bad, don't ever sit on the rear seats of a Thandi Dart!
Quote from: DJ98 on September 14, 2017, 04:30:21 PM
If you think they are bad, don't ever sit on the rear seats of a Thandi Dart!
They are terrible too, but Diamonds feel awful.
When your bouncing along Powis Avenue (because of the terrible suspension) you jump on them!
You want to try driving them. They bounce all over the place.
Not sure if i missed something somewhere but Tony's latest pictures of 205x B7RLEs in Dundee show an interesting change to the new livery - with the graduated section of light green on the panels above the windows - looks very neat and makes them appear a lot brighter.
Quote from: don on September 15, 2017, 01:41:15 AM
Not sure if i missed something somewhere but Tony's latest pictures of 205x B7RLEs in Dundee show an interesting change to the new livery - with the graduated section of light green on the panels above the windows - looks very neat and makes them appear a lot brighter.
Makes them look more like an Urban 1. I think they look smart with black section retained.
Profits are way down @ Xplore Dundee:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/business/business-news/521208/profits-slump-for-tayside-transport-provider/
That's a big drop, would NX sell it?
There was a post on here from June; a rumour about the Streetdecks moving to Dundee by the end of this year. Of course, with no actual confirmation, I took it with a grain of salt - but it still plays on my mind. Would be a shame to see them go as I quite like them, but is it all rubbish?
Was going to just wait and see, but this thread appears to be back in motion so why not 🤷♂️
732,733,734 Withdrawn
Quote from: JIM C on November 01, 2017, 10:52:30 PM
732,733,734 Withdrawn
Do you know what is going to happen to them? Will they be sold on, of join the WM fleet?
Quote from: 2206 on November 01, 2017, 11:00:35 PM
Do you know what is going to happen to them? Will they be sold on, of join the WM fleet?
If they don't move down here and join the WM fleet, then I'd 100% expect them to be sold on. They're only 6 years old, so there'd certainly be some interest in them.
2048 Now repainted in green .
Passed what looked like 2 B10ls heading south on the M6 last night at Preston around 5:30, presume they were heading for Miller Street?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 03, 2017, 12:00:26 PM
Passed what looked like 2 B10ls heading south on the M6 last night at Preston around 5:30, presume they were heading for Miller Street?
Doubt it, Dundee don't have any B10L's left other than one trainer (7151)
Interesting one definitely had a 71xx fleet number but can't be 100% certain .
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 03, 2017, 12:40:15 PM
Interesting one definitely had a 71xx fleet number but can't be 100% certain .
That sentence is hilarious. It definitely has a 71xx but you can't be 100% certain...
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 03, 2017, 12:40:15 PM
Interesting one definitely had a 71xx fleet number but can't be 100% certain .
they've been sat in the dealer's yard who bought them for many months, looks like he might have finally sold a couple
Quote from: MW on December 03, 2017, 12:52:09 PM
That sentence is hilarious. It definitely has a 71xx but you can't be 100% certain...
Sorry meant to say that it definitely had a 71xx fleet number, but because it was dark and raining couldn't be 100% certain they were NX Dundee buses.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 03, 2017, 01:20:31 PM
Sorry meant to say that it definitely had a 71xx fleet number, but because it was dark and raining couldn't be 100% certain they were NX Dundee buses.
Must of been the B10BLEs at Drew Wilsons at Carluke.
Am I being blind? Or is Comic Sans MS the font used for the 22/23 branding?!
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 17, 2018, 10:41:48 PM
Am I being blind? Or is Comic Sans MS the font used for the 22/23 branding?!
Nope, they actually used Comic Sans, same for the 28/29 branding.
Quote from: DJ98 on February 18, 2018, 01:48:35 AM
Nope, they actually used Comic Sans, same for the 28/29 branding.
Because they were comic book based characters that were originally made in Dundee, hence the Comic Sans font.
4 was The Minnie the Minx Route
22 was The Oor Wullie Route
28/29 was The Dennis and Gnasher Route
Quote from: Cammy7153 on February 23, 2018, 09:47:33 PM
Because they were comic book based characters that were originally made in Dundee, hence the Comic Sans font.
4 was The Minnie the Minx Route
22 was The Oor Wullie Route
28/29 was The Dennis and Gnasher Route
Comic Sans is still an awful font choice for that purpose. There are a ton of comic book fonts on Font Squirrel that are free for commercial use that would have looked a lot better than the tacky, outdated Comic Sans, which was intended for use in informal documents and children's materials, not for comic books!
Mentioned today that Dundee is getting 10 new double deckers this year.
That should see the presidents off the road.
5429 Is the first hybrid to be repainted in xplore green .
Announced in this weeks staff business brief
We've placed an order this week for some brand new, Platinum-style buses for Dundee. We're working on the specific livery and spec with the Xplore team, and they will definitely be the pride of the city.
The new buses should arrive towards the end of the year.
Is it for 10 or more?
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2018, 09:05:20 AM
Announced in this weeks staff business brief
We've placed an order this week for some brand new, Platinum-style buses for Dundee. We're working on the specific livery and spec with the Xplore team, and they will definitely be the pride of the city.
The new buses should arrive towards the end of the year.
Are NXWM getting some new buses towards the end of the year?
Possible brand for the platinums in Dundee maybe Xplore Saltire?
5427 has gone to contractor for repaint.
4680 Is now xplore green .
Quote from: JIM C on May 16, 2018, 06:01:13 PM
4680 Is now xplore green .
I got a nice photo to go on the main site tonight or tomorrow
Quote from: Tony on May 16, 2018, 06:16:46 PM
I got a nice photo to go on the main site tonight or tomorrow
Will the other 468* be getting repainted into Dundee Green
@Tony?
Quote from: Jack on May 16, 2018, 10:14:31 PM
Will the other 468* be getting repainted into Dundee Green @Tony?
Not immediately. 4680 was done because of the advert removal
Will 732 be joining 733/4 at acocks green? Are there plans to crimson them or take them back to Dundee in green?
Quote from: Tony on May 16, 2018, 10:21:27 PM
Not immediately. 4680 was done because of the advert removal
4680 has reverted to green lining & stripe, whilst Hybrids 5429/30 have those in gold (which looks much better)
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 16, 2018, 10:36:41 PM
Will 732 be joining 733/4 at acocks green? Are there plans to crimson them or take them back to Dundee in green?
No, AG only need 2, no plans for repaint hence 734 getting a new red front
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 16, 2018, 10:36:41 PM
Will 732 be joining 733/4 at acocks green? Are there plans to crimson them or take them back to Dundee in green?
Dundee minibus PVR drops from 2 to 1 (or 3 on weekend evenings) at the end of the month, so there is no need for them to come back
Quote from: Winston on May 16, 2018, 10:38:58 PM
4680 has reverted to green lining & stripe, whilst Hybrids 5429/30 have those in gold (which looks much better)
I disagree with you - the green looks better on the Xplore Dundee livery - a bright contrast to the darker greens of the main livery - the after view of 731 (especially with the graduated green on the cove panels) looks great.
So it looks like it's Emerald, rather than Platinum in Dundee! Will we see a funky new green variation of the livery. Maybe a nice metallic looking green? And Fleetnumbers? Following on from Platinums? Maybe preceding them? 66**?
Quote from: Gareth on June 21, 2018, 06:13:00 PM
So it looks like it's Emerald, rather than Platinum in Dundee! Will we see a funky new green variation of the livery. Maybe a nice metallic looking green? And Fleetnumbers? Following on from Platinums? Maybe preceding them? 66**?
Tony has confirmed the fleetnumbers a few weeks ago on the Dundee Forum, they will be 6687-6700 (14) due Autumn
Quote from: Winston on June 21, 2018, 06:35:54 PM
Tony has confirmed the fleetnumbers a few weeks ago on the Dundee Forum, they will be 6687-6700 (14) due Autumn
Thanks Winston! Surprised no one mentioned it on here.
With regards to livery. I've just seen a cartoon version on XD's Facebook page. I can't work out if the front of the bus and swoop is gold or the usual green.
I'd imagine the livery would be the same but instead of the red bits, it's green?
Quote from: MW on June 21, 2018, 07:23:58 PM
I'd imagine the livery would be the same but instead of the red bits, it's green?
The livery is standard style, but two much lighter shades of green
Quote from: Jim C on July 20, 2018, 11:55:50 PM
731-732 officially withdrawn from service.
Read on the Dundee forum that 731 and 732 are now withdrawn and that 731 never entered service in the green Xplore Dundee livery.
Quote from: 2206 on July 25, 2018, 04:03:23 PM
Read on the Dundee forum that 731 and 732 are now withdrawn and that 731 never entered service in the green Xplore Dundee livery.
I'll have them.
No you don't. They have the horrible Urban 90 seats.
According to the local press National Express have sold the depot, and are leasing it back meantime.
Quote from: JIM C on August 06, 2018, 11:33:52 PM
According to the local press National Express have sold the depot, and are leasing it back meantime.
Yes, that was confirmed in part of the half year results documents
Is there a link to the press article or more details on this closure please guys ? Thanks
Quote from: TT90 on August 07, 2018, 10:23:40 PM
Is there a link to the press article or more details on this closure please guys ? Thanks
@TT90 - It's not closing, it is currently being leased from the new owners, I expect Dundee depot will relocate elsewhere, sounds as though Gallagher Retail Park nextdoor *may* have bought it to expand further:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/business/business-news/696258/dundee-bus-depot-sale-gives-parent-group-boost/
Hi Winston, many thanks for this. I'll have a read.
Quote from: TT90 on August 07, 2018, 10:23:40 PM
Is there a link to the press article or more details on this closure please guys ? Thanks
There is no closure
Quote from: Tony on August 08, 2018, 06:21:47 AM
There is no closure
looked pretty open for business when we was there
Dundee will be getting a new all electric bus for there new route then. -
"It will be a brand new route with a brand new (all-electric) bus, running around the City Centre every 20 minutes, every day."
https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/information/service-changes/city-circle-service-360
I thought NXWM were getting some electric buses?
Wright Streetair LK16 ETA has turned up at Dundee depot, presumably it's something to do with the 360 city circular mentioned a few posts above.
Its for the 360 city circle route .its been covered in advertising vynal for the service.
Any photo links for when the Nxwm buses were up Dundee for the golf park and ride ?
Quote from: karl724223 on September 15, 2018, 06:48:52 PM
Any photo links for when the Nxwm buses were up Dundee for the golf park and ride ?
Plenty here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/taysidetrainz/albums/72157671422562018
5413 AND 5429 Is yours truly behind the wheel .
SN15 LRU, hydrogen powered E400MMC. Currently at the depot on demonstration. Won't be used in service
Sorry if this has been asked before but is there a link where I can see the usual XD fleet allocations sheet please ?
Thanks in advance.
Pretty sure I saw 731 heading south on the M6 and was wondering why?
Quote from: Abluhwleh on October 06, 2018, 05:02:35 PM
Pretty sure I saw 731 heading south on the M6 and was wondering why?
Heading down to Pensnett garage to join 732 I believe with
@Tony driving
@Abluhwleh
Quote from: Squiz1971 on October 06, 2018, 05:06:39 PM
Heading down to Pensnett garage to join 732 I believe with @Tony driving @Abluhwleh
732 is still in Dundee at present.
Quote from: Winston on October 06, 2018, 05:14:45 PM
732 is still in Dundee at present.
My mistake 732 is to follow, just looked up the Pensnett thread
@Winston.
Quote from: Squiz1971 on October 06, 2018, 05:23:32 PM
My mistake 732 is to follow, just looked up the Pensnett thread @Winston.
Plan is for 732 a week on Tuesday
There is a picture of new E400MMC for XD by Gordon Scott.
Quote from: Sayeed on October 19, 2018, 07:51:45 PM
There is a picture of new E400MMC for XD by Gordon Scott.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/31557928898/in/dateposted/
Anyone know if there will be a launch date for the Emeralds in the City and when they are likely to enter service on the 22 ?
6688,6690 Were delivered today.
Quote from: JIM C on October 25, 2018, 05:09:31 PM
6688,6690 Were delivered today.
(https://i.imgur.com/GIAbNaF.jpg)
Photo by 'Onionwolf' on the Virtual Hub Discord server.
Quote from: TT90 on October 24, 2018, 09:54:33 PM
Anyone know if there will be a launch date for the Emeralds in the City and when they are likely to enter service on the 22 ?
Mid November and yes for the 22 Downfield/ Ninewlls hospital route.
Quote from: TT90 on October 24, 2018, 09:54:33 PM
Anyone know if there will be a launch date for the Emeralds in the City and when they are likely to enter service on the 22 ?
Public unveiling 19th November ,Dundee city square.
I have put the full details of all the full batch on the main site now
How hard is it for DVLA to issue consecutive number plates .14 buses for Dundee and a variety of different combinations .
Take a look at the batch of B5LH's at Stagecoach Strathtay - mixture of SA15 and SJ15 plates all in no particular order!
Exactly ,someone must have a job of issuing them surely its simple enough to type in 14 consecutive plates .
Are the plates not just all given to Alexander Dennis and it's up to them to allocate them to specific vehicles? I know with cars, a dealership is given a pool of new number plates and it's up to them to allocate them to each car. I would imagine it works like this with the bus manufacturer/dealerships too. When I purchased a new car from th dealer I asked to see what number plate would be allocated and if I could choose out of the ones they have, and was told that they have a large amount and they're allocated by the dealerships Head Office.
Some new arrivals 6688,90,92,94,95,
Quote from: JIM C on November 02, 2018, 11:30:11 AM
Some new arrivals 6688,90,92,94,95,
Does anyone know where 6687 currently is, as the show at the NEC finished yesterday?
Quote from: 2206 on November 02, 2018, 06:20:19 PM
Does anyone know where 6687 currently is, as the show at the NEC finished yesterday?
It's still under Alexander Dennis's control, so I would imagine it will be driven straight from the NEC to Scotland once they dismantle the stands
Quote from: Tony on November 02, 2018, 06:53:32 PM
It's still under Alexander Dennis's control, so I would imagine it will be driven straight from the NEC to Scotland once they dismantle the stands
6687 arrived back at ADL, Falkirk 2.11.18:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/44961063064/in/dateposted/
6687 Now in dundee
Looks as if the 22 is due to get some black-on-yellow route branding...
https://www.facebook.com/mobilesignsltd/photos/a.205198832908475/1952198374875170/?type=3
Quote from: CL on November 10, 2018, 09:38:22 AM
Looks as if the 22 is due to get some black-on-yellow route branding...
https://www.facebook.com/mobilesignsltd/photos/a.205198832908475/1952198374875170/?type=3
@CL there are some pics on ajrm1976's flickr page.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajrm1976/45684907082/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajrm1976/45735261201/in/photostream/
Quote from: 2206 on November 10, 2018, 09:54:57 AM
@CL their are some pics on ajrm1976's flickr page.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajrm1976/45684907082/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajrm1976/45735261201/in/photostream/
must've missed it.. but it does look amazing!
The launch of the Emerald buses has been put back to 2end December .
Emeralds on show to the public today in the city square. They start on service on sunday 2en December .
Quote from: JIM C on November 30, 2018, 12:18:02 PM
Emeralds on show to the public today in the city square. They start on service on sunday 2en December .
@JIM C - any idea what the extra Emerald's will replace as Presidents are already down to 8 left in service.
I,ve heard on the quiet that some of the 17,, eclipse,s are coming off .I will post when I know for certain. There is some that really lack power and that's whats been mentioned as going.
Quote from: JIM C on November 30, 2018, 12:56:26 PM
I,ve heard on the quiet that some of the 17,, eclipse,s are coming off .I will post when I know for certain. There is some that really lack power and that's whats been mentioned as going.
Cheers Jim, I assume all the 54 Plate Gemini's are still useful capacity wise. So other than making 1481 a permanent trainer, there's not a lot else they could remove from service.
It seems both Dundee & NXWM still have too many single deckers.
Quote from: Winston on November 30, 2018, 12:43:31 PM
@JIM C - any idea what the extra Emerald's will replace as Presidents are already down to 8 left in service.
I thought there was 10 left in service? Maybe 2030/31 to WN in Crimson?
Quote from: Winston on November 30, 2018, 12:43:31 PM
@JIM C - any idea what the extra Emerald's will replace as Presidents are already down to 8 left in service.
Don't forget the two Levantes may finish
Quote from: BN on December 02, 2018, 07:47:31 PM
I thought there was 10 left in service? Maybe 2030/31 to WN in Crimson?
There was, but two were withdrawn early. Up to yesterday there were actually only 4 left in service.
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2018, 07:54:46 PM
Don't forget the two Levantes may finish
I thought 1 Levante was already out of use? Not enough work ffor them. They're contract fleet rather than main fleet.
Quote from: Winston on December 02, 2018, 08:59:37 PM
There was, but two were withdrawn early. Up to yesterday there were actually only 4 left in service.
I thought 1 Levante was already out of use? Not enough work ffor them. They're contract fleet rather than main fleet.
The Levantes did school work which is a pvr as other buses need to do those school runs
Quote from: Tony on December 02, 2018, 09:36:47 PM
The Levantes did school work which is a pvr as other buses need to do those school runs
112 was reported withdrawn on 4th Nov
Quote from: Winston on December 02, 2018, 10:18:45 PM
112 was reported withdrawn on 4th Nov
Yes, but still needs replacing
Quote from: Tony on December 03, 2018, 06:22:45 AM
Yes, but still needs replacing
Does the same apply for 731 & 732? Or where they never added on to fleet strength.
Quote from: Winston on December 03, 2018, 02:55:19 PM
Does the same apply for 731 & 732? Or where they never added on to fleet strength.
They came off last year with the loss of some tendered routes
Quote from: Tony on December 03, 2018, 02:58:26 PM
They came off last year with the loss of some tendered routes
I'm not sure whether 731 ever saw service in Dundee despite being repainted two tone green & sent back up from NXWM.
Quote from: Winston on December 03, 2018, 03:03:02 PM
I'm not sure whether 731 ever saw service in Dundee despite being repainted two tone green & sent back up from NXWM.
Only the two week loan to the local police
Are 6687-6700 now all in service? Any news on withdrawn vehicles?
All new emeralds now in service ,And all presidents withdrawn along with 7067 apparently now a full time training bus,
Quote from: JIM C on December 11, 2018, 11:32:40 PM
All new emeralds now in service ,And all presidents withdrawn along with 7067 apparently now a full time training bus,
Even 4076? The smartest a president has ever looked! The only livery to suit it.
Quote from: JIM C on December 11, 2018, 11:32:40 PM
All new emeralds now in service ,And all presidents withdrawn along with 7067 apparently now a full time training bus,
Thanks JIM C - presumably the two coaches also withdrawn?
Is there any update on repainting of the B7RLEs and E400Hs, or has that stopped now?
Quote from: don on December 12, 2018, 01:55:34 AM
Thanks JIM C - presumably the two coaches also withdrawn?
Is there any update on repainting of the B7RLEs and E400Hs, or has that stopped now?
112 has been withdrawn since early Nov
111 still in use meantime, and yes even 4076 is lying idle in the (graveyard).
Quote from: don on December 12, 2018, 01:55:34 AM
Thanks JIM C - presumably the two coaches also withdrawn?
Is there any update on repainting of the B7RLEs and E400Hs, or has that stopped now?
5428 is the latest repaint after accident damage. apparently 1774,1775 are going to be training buses. The latter is very poor in power when climbing hills.
Seen 1774 today all converted into a trainer.1775 being done in workshop.
I've noticed that Dundee are still using all caps for the destination displays, even on the new Emerald buses. I've been told by a friend from Uno that their Northampton operations had to change theirs or else they would be fined, does this rule not apply in Scotland or is it only a matter of time before they have to be changed?
It does apply, and there's been various comments about it, but they don't seem to take note.
Surely it makes it easier to read, the partial sighted people.
Quote from: JIM C on December 18, 2018, 12:18:20 PM
Surely it makes it easier to read, the partial sighted people.
Perhaps, but rules are rules:
QuoteRoute Numbers
Route number means any combination of numbers and letters that designate a bus route.
Route number characters should be a minimum of 200mm high for the front and rear displays, and a minimum of 70mm high for a side display.
A route number display must be capable of displaying at least 3 characters.
Route numbers must contrast with the background and have a display that is capable of being illuminated.
Destination Information
Destination means a word or words that describe a bus route or final destination.
Destination information characters should be a minimum of 125mm high for the front display, and a minimum of 70mm high for a side display.
Destination information must be written in a combination of upper and lower case characters and not all in capitals. The character heights specified above refer to the height of the initial capital letter that starts a destination.
A destination information display must be capable of displaying at least 15 characters.
Destination information must contrast with the background and have a display that is capable of being illuminated.
http://www.bus-blinds.com/index.php/dda-compliance
Perhaps this will be brought up at the public inquiry next year.
"Destination information must be written in a combination of upper and lower case characters and not all in capitals. The character heights specified above refer to the height of the initial capital letter that starts a destination."
If this is to be taken literally, then XD's displays are fine and not in any breech of the rules as only the main destination is in capitals, e.g. "NINEWELLS", where as the via information is in lower case, e.g. "via City Centre, Blackness Road"... etc, the 2 elements of the display give the required combination of upper and lower case print as set out in the terms posted by Ross.
"Destination means a word or words that describe a bus route or final destination."
Via points do not describe the final destination, but do describe the bus route, so it does seem a little controversial...
Aren't those only in the advisory section?
Still no mention of Dundees emeralds on the fleet news.
Quote from: JIM C on December 28, 2018, 12:58:12 AM
Still no mention of Dundees emeralds on the fleet news.
@JIM C - they're all listed on the December fleet changes on the main site as entering service.
1366,7067, 7151,Have all been disposed of. 1774,1775,now full time training buses. Still in green but route branding stripped off,
Quote from: JIM C on January 05, 2019, 12:20:58 PM
1366,7067, 7151,Have all been disposed of. 1774,1775,now full time training buses. Still in green but route branding stripped off,
1776 is also allocated to the training fleet
Here is a picture of 1774 *credit to Stefan*
I've received a message from a friend of mine stating that either 111 or 112 will be leaving Dundee tomorrow to head down to Walsall.
PI for Xplore Dundee after service cancellations due to driver shortages:
https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/today-xplore-dundee-must-explain-cancelled-bus-services-in-public-inquiry/
£35,000 fine.
1366,7067,and7151,Have sold to JP COACHES Forfar
Quote from: JIM C on January 21, 2019, 05:44:09 PM
1366,7067,and7151,Have sold to JP COACHES Forfar
Should be 112 that is still in Dundee and 111 which has transferred to Walsall. I haven't been to Walsall to check yet
Quote from: Tony on January 21, 2019, 05:54:14 PM
Should be 112 that is still in Dundee and 111 which has transferred to Walsall. I haven't been to Walsall to check yet
111 is the one that has transferred to Walsall
@Tony. I was sent some photos of it leaving Dundee.
1774,1775.1776.have been downgraded to training buses(when converted)1777-1780 withdrawn as of last week.
1776,1779 .Are back in service. You cant keep a good bus down ..
Quote from: JIM C on January 21, 2019, 05:44:09 PM
1366,7067,and7151,Have sold to JP COACHES Forfar
Would anyone know if they've been sold for service or sold for spares?
They have gone to be scrap and spares .
4036,4117 Were towed away today by wrigleys bus scrappers
7067 is on drew wilsons site ,Its advertised as a 2002 dennis dart £ 5000.
Quote from: JIM C on March 06, 2019, 10:46:52 PM
7067 is on drew wilsons site ,Its advertised as a 2002 dennis dart £ 5000.
It's a bit expensive for a Y reg Volvo B7L?
Link here for those interested: http://www.drewwilson.co.uk/listings/2002-dennis-dart/
that's the last president 4121 left for the breakers.(wigleys)
Quote from: JIM C on March 18, 2019, 05:20:56 PM
that's the last president 4121 left for the breakers.(wigleys)
That sounds like 4025-26/28/76/121-124 have all gone to their makers.
4076 Is up for auction at Errol Auctions,
Quote from: JIM C on March 18, 2019, 06:46:46 PM
4076 Is up for auction at Errol Auctions,
and 4 others were bought for possible re-use as well
Quote from: JIM C on January 21, 2019, 10:53:20 PM
1774,1775.1776.have been downgraded to training buses(when converted)1777-1780 withdrawn as of last week.
Are 1777-80 back in service now? (think you did say 1779 was returned to service quite quickly anyway) with 1774-6 as trainers (or is 1776 back in ordinary service too?).
Quote from: paulb1973 on March 19, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
Are 1777-80 back in service now? (think you did say 1779 was returned to service quite quickly anyway) with 1774-6 as trainers (or is 1776 back in ordinary service too?).
I've got 1774/5 as trainers, 1776/1779 back to normal service, 1777/1778 & 1780 in reserve.
Quote from: Winston on March 19, 2019, 02:35:13 PM
I've got 1774/5 as trainers, 1776/1779 back to normal service, 1777/1778 & 1780 in reserve.
That's exactly how my own notes read - I assume those 3 are still in reserve.
1776 appears to be a part time trainer ,doing the occasional day on service ,1779 reinstated to a service bus.
2249
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/2201-2250/2249.html
Quote from: Tony on April 13, 2019, 08:07:03 PM
2249
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/2201-2250/2249.html
Is this the only one coming north
@Tony, or will there be more to follow? I hear 2249 is getting swapped with one of our StreetLites, is this permanent?
Quote from: DavieDD2 on April 13, 2019, 08:14:38 PM
Is this the only one coming north @Tony, or will there be more to follow? I hear 2249 is getting swapped with one of our StreetLites, is this permanent?
It was already answered in another thread, 2249 and 2250. The Streetlites are needed for TFWM wins. NXWM have won lots of these but they don't have any sutiable buses which is why they're using virtually empty deckers on the 10H and 36. So I would assume so.
Its been said that the 6 will be getting new Electric Double Deckers at the end of the year. Which will free up the rest of 2230 - 2248. So I suppose there is a possibility more could follow at a later date, but they could always just end up at another WM Garage.
Thanks
@2206, I didn't see the post in the other thread.
Good luck with the streetlites .
Quote from: JIM C on April 14, 2019, 11:01:40 PM
Good luck with the streetlites .
Not seen it mentioned on here, but apparently they're for BC? According to what someone has said on Rail Forums.
For the 36 and 10H then?
Quote from: 2206 on April 15, 2019, 09:02:31 AM
Not seen it mentioned on here, but apparently they're for BC? According to what someone has said on Rail Forums.
For the 36 and 10H then?
I've heard that a couple of 17** are coming down to join the training fleet
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on April 15, 2019, 12:15:33 PM
I've heard that a couple of 17** are coming down to join the training fleet
Apparently 1780 is coming back to Walsall.
Just 1780 at the moment, not two
Quote from: Tony on April 15, 2019, 07:54:47 PM
Just 1780 at the moment, not two
Thanks much appreciated
@Tony and
@Jack
Tony in Dundee with 2248
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiewii/32807430207/in/feed
New service to Edinburgh Airport starting next month. Expect to see 4 coaches transferred north of the border.
Quote from: JIM C on May 15, 2019, 11:33:01 PM
New service to Edinburgh Airport starting next month. Expect to see 4 coaches transferred north of the border.
Is that a brand new service?
Or a existing service withdrawn by another operator?
Quote from: Winston on May 15, 2019, 11:37:26 PM
Is that a brand new service?
Or a existing service withdrawn by another operator?
Brand new service from what I can tell.
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstourvalley.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F05%2FFs2Pt1H.png&hash=27d57d6f779e44e8d58b53ef6c30781e56225960)
This is one I can see taking off. The fares are cheap and with a 24 hour service I cant see this failing .
Quote from: JIM C on May 21, 2019, 07:54:53 PM
This is one I can see taking off.
Pun intended? 😂
2248 entered service this morning on route 18
Former KINGS FERRY coaches BF63 ZSW ,ZSX AND ZSZ ,are in Dundee with BF63 ZSY Due .They are for the new airport service.
BF63 ZSY Is now here .
Quote from: JIM C on May 28, 2019, 12:47:54 PM
BF63 ZSY Is now here .
Any idea on fleet numbers?
Quote from: Winston on May 28, 2019, 12:48:59 PM
Any idea on fleet numbers?
I'm expecting them to keep 451-454 which are currently free in the main NX Bus series
Are the 4 coaches for the service confirmed as 451-4 as I have seen a post on Facebook with the fleet number being prefixed with C? I thought that all National Express Group companies just had fleet numbers without any prefixes.
Quote from: andymacp on June 09, 2019, 03:23:50 PM
Are the 4 coaches for the service confirmed as 451-4 as I have seen a post on Facebook with the fleet number being prefixed with C? I thought that all National Express Group companies just had fleet numbers without any prefixes.
The coaches at Start Hill have an SH prefix, don't they? ???
Fleet Nos C451 ETC.
All coaches have a fleet number starting c and 3 digits officially. As you say the south east garages put their allocation on some vehicles
Edinburgh Airport Xpress X90 branding:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232392@N06/48045549611
Quote from: paulb1973 on March 18, 2019, 05:36:55 PM
That sounds like 4025-26/28/76/121-124 have all gone to their makers.
Saw 4028 being driven through Kidderminster yesterday, fleet names removed but otherwise still in NX Red and white standard livery.
Quote from: JIM C on July 10, 2019, 11:12:52 PM
In Dundee our 54 plates are getting a refurb seats and paintwork.
Do all Dundee repaints get a retrim? B7RLE's etc
At last count, nothing under 4718 (07 plate E400's) would be gaining a Crimson refurb at NXWM, also buses below 4718 that hadn't already been upgraded to Euro 6 will not now treated, as service life insufficent / too old to recoup upgrade/refurbisment costs.
Quote from: Winston on July 10, 2019, 11:45:17 PM
Do all Dundee repaints get a retrim? B7RLE's etc
At last count, nothing under 4718 (07 plate E400's) would be gaining a Crimson refurb at NXWM, also buses below 4718 that hadn't already been upgraded to Euro 6 will not now treated, as service life insufficent / too old to recoup upgrade/refurbisment costs.
There's a surprise, Dundee has 4700-17 in our garage, they're trapped fair enough, but added to the 25 older Geminis in our fleet, I'm beginning to think Xplore Dundee aren't as green as they claim to be on Facebook, I've heard many a Gemini pass where I live sounding like an asthmatic hoover!
Currently, the buses that have been retro-fitted with adblue in the Dundee fleet are: 4700, 4703, 4706, 4707, 4708, 4710, 4717, and are intended for the Douglas route - but you'll be lucky if you see 3 of them there a day. Only 9 out of the 17 47-- batch were actually in service today - yet only 2 of the natives (7001-7018) were off. Perhaps this implies the 47-- Gemini's are not as reliable, and/or not preferred by the steering wheel attendants?
The 20-- B7RLEs do not get a retrim when repainted - only a fresh coat of paint.
I'm positive Dundee have got funding for a further 10 Euro 6 conversions - I can only assume they'll start working their way through the Euro 5 B7RLEs next.
Quote from: ross4122 on July 11, 2019, 12:07:00 AM
Currently, the buses that have been retro-fitted with adblue in the Dundee fleet are: 4700, 4703, 4706, 4707, 4708, 4710, 4717, and are intended for the Douglas route - but you'll be lucky if you see 3 of them there a day. Only 9 out of the 17 47-- batch were actually in service today - yet only 2 of the natives (7001-7018) were off. Perhaps this implies the 47-- Gemini's are not as reliable, and/or not preferred by the steering wheel attendants?
The 20-- B7RLEs do not get a retrim when repainted - only a fresh coat of paint.
I'm positive Dundee have got funding for a further 10 Euro 6 conversions - I can only assume they'll start working their way through the Euro 5 B7RLEs next.
Depends if the 47-- batch being out in such low quantities is a regular occurrence? Could a number have been kept in the garage for inspections / routine maintenance? Aren't some of those normally found on the Fife School services.
Oh, some there's some inconsistences between NXWM B7RLE refurbs with Dundee's only get new paintwork.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Dundee get an additional batch of Emeralds potentially next year, once the NXWM mass Euro 6 upgrade is out the way.
Also, with Platinum's 7518-38 now heading to Yardley Wood 5-6 months earlier than the Electric DD's, it looks as though homes for more single decker's will need to be found, potentially needing re-homing may be E200MMC's 2230-2247 ?
It's been fairly regular recently. Fife school buses are usually red Geminis - so 4681-4686 and 7011-7013/7015-7018 - but Scottish schools finish at the end of June, so they're being used in daily service now.
Doubt we will be getting any more E200MMCs. They're completely useless for the majority of our routes, because of the abysmal turning circle on them.
Quote from: ross4122 on July 11, 2019, 06:47:51 AM
Doubt we will be getting any more E200MMCs. They're completely useless for the majority of our routes, because of the abysmal turning circle on them.
Quote from: Winston on July 11, 2019, 01:00:24 AM
It looks as though homes for more single decker's will need to be found, potentially needing re-homing may be E200MMC's 2230-2247 ?
If NX will soon possibly have 25 single deckers (2134 - 2140 and 2230 - 2247) that will possibly need a new home, with nowhere else really needing more single decker's.
Could that perhaps mean the withdrawl of of the euro 3 B7RLE then in the West Midlands (1750 - 1773)? Possibly joining the training fleet?
Quote from: 2206 on July 11, 2019, 11:57:46 AM
If NX will soon possibly have 24 single deckers (2134 - 2140 and 2230 - 2247) that will possibly need a new home, with nowhere else really needing new single decker's.
Could that perhaps mean the withdrawl of of the euro 3 B7RLE then in the West Midlands (1750 - 1773)? Possibly joining the training fleet?
Depends whether NX are looking at any parts of First UK bus that are currently for sale. They could become a home for spare B7RLE & E200MMC's.
Realistically, NXWM could do with loosing more the just 24 single deckers, Dundee has a large proportion of single decekrs, I assume loadings are lower in Dundee compared with main Birmingham corridors?
Quote from: ross4122 on July 11, 2019, 12:07:00 AM
Currently, the buses that have been retro-fitted with adblue in the Dundee fleet are: 4700, 4703, 4706, 4707, 4708, 4710, 4717, and are intended for the Douglas route - but you'll be lucky if you see 3 of them there a day. Only 9 out of the 17 47-- batch were actually in service today - yet only 2 of the natives (7001-7018) were off. Perhaps this implies the 47-- Gemini's are not as reliable, and/or not preferred by the steering wheel attendants?
The 20-- B7RLEs do not get a retrim when repainted - only a fresh coat of paint.
I'm positive Dundee have got funding for a further 10 Euro 6 conversions - I can only assume they'll start working their way through the Euro 5 B7RLEs next.
Fleet numbers 7011 -70184681-4686 Are the allocated buses to us on the fife schools .Each one of the 7011 etc. in turn is getting a full retrim ,The seats are threadbare and all are badly needing it. Fife council have a 15 year rule on contract buses so it will be interesting to see what we get next term.
Quote from: JIM C on July 16, 2019, 11:06:25 PM
Fleet numbers 7011 -70184681-4686 Are the allocated buses to us on the fife schools .Each one of the 7011 etc. in turn is getting a full retrim ,The seats are threadbare and all are badly needing it. Fife council have a 15 year rule on contract buses so it will be interesting to see what we get next term.
Likely the 47-- batch that the service drivers don't like! :D
Quote from: JIM C on July 16, 2019, 11:06:25 PM
Fleet numbers 7011 -70184681-4686 Are the allocated buses to us on the fife schools .Each one of the 7011 etc. in turn is getting a full retrim ,The seats are threadbare and all are badly needing it. Fife council have a 15 year rule on contract buses so it will be interesting to see what we get next term.
I thought The Fife schools would be due for replacement.
I dont think they will convert the 06 plates for adblue and then have them sitting in fife all day.
Only 7 out of 18 have been converted, and Fife only needs 8 deckers.
As you said they have got green bus funding to convert another 10.
I believe that's going towards the 20-- batch of B7RLE Eclipses
Forgot to mention 7013 has been withdrawn ,and is being used for spares.
Quote from: JIM C on July 17, 2019, 12:59:24 AM
I dont think they will convert the 06 plates for adblue and then have them sitting in fife all day.
All of the MD- schools were 06 reg B7TL Geminis today. Only two fitted with AdBlue were on the 28/29, where the 7 of them were intended for...
What's happened to the Dundee Bus Forum?
Its back up and running. I too had difficulty getting on last weekend. Must have been some technical trouble.
Sure I heard somewhere the 360 had finished, does that mean 432/434 are surplus now?
Quote from: BN on November 05, 2019, 08:33:46 AM
Sure I heard somewhere the 360 had finished, does that mean 432/434 are surplus now?
No, they have one 'Country route' which requires a minibus, and the other is spare for it, but used elsewhere if needed
When are the next batch of Emeralds due?
The Xplore Dundee website (Solution to Pollution) states more are due in 2019
Quote from: Wolves256 on November 05, 2019, 03:42:37 PM
When are the next batch of Emeralds due?
The Xplore Dundee website (Solution to Pollution) states more are due in 2019
Due in December, expected to enter service in January
Thank you Tony, can you confirm how many are due for delivery?
Quote from: Wolves256 on November 05, 2019, 07:00:20 PM
Thank you Tony, can you confirm how many are due for delivery?
9
According to a post on the Dundee forum, they're replacing the E400Hybrids 5422-30.
Quote from: Nathan on November 07, 2019, 07:33:50 PM
According to a post on the Dundee forum, they're replacing the E400Hybrids 5422-30.
Are they going to be converted and sent south to Wolves?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on November 07, 2019, 07:44:14 PM
Are they going to be converted and sent south to Wolves?
If they are joining the WM fleet, it could explain Tony's comment maybe. About increasing the number of deckers in the WM fleet which will become clearer tomorrow?
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2019, 02:45:11 PM
I have a plan how to increase the double decks in the WM which will become clearer on Friday
Tony also said on the Dundee forum "then there will be another swap as well".
Quote from: 2206 on November 07, 2019, 07:49:31 PM
If they are joining the WM fleet, it could explain Tony's comment maybe. About increasing the number of deckers in the WM fleet which will become clearer tomorrow?
Yes I am currently in Dundee to bring a hybrid south tomorrow. I don't know the number yet
Quote from: Tony on November 07, 2019, 07:56:21 PM
Yes I am currently in Dundee to bring a hybrid south tomorrow. I don't know the number yet
What garage would the hybrids go? And what route/s would they most likely go on?
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 07, 2019, 08:51:23 PM
What garage would the hybrids go? And what route/s would they most likely go on?
Likelyhood would be to join their sisters at WN?
So will the single decker's displaced be going up to Dundee then?
2239 - 2247 then maybe?
Quote from: 2206 on November 07, 2019, 09:02:09 PM
So will the single decker's displaced be going up to Dundee then?
2239 - 2247 then maybe?
Dundee is getting 9 new emeralds
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on November 07, 2019, 09:12:03 PM
Dundee is getting 9 new emeralds
And we're losing our 9 SP13 plated E400H's in the process, Dundee has 2 of the top 5 most polluted roads in Scotland both of which are on the 28/29 Douglas to Charleston route yet where are the hybrids? These 9 new emeralds would have been the ideal opportunity to cascade the older hybrids onto this route. Xplore are all over facebook claiming their green credentials yet the one route they have that needs the hybrids the most rarely sees one, all the new buses get put on the money making routes... imagine that...
Quote from: DavieDD2 on November 07, 2019, 11:57:19 PM
And we're losing our 9 SP13 plated E400H's in the process, Dundee has 2 of the top 5 most polluted roads in Scotland both of which are on the 28/29 Douglas to Charleston route yet where are the hybrids? These 9 new emeralds would have been the ideal opportunity to cascade the older hybrids onto this route. Xplore are all over facebook claiming their green credentials yet the one route they have that needs the hybrids the most rarely sees one, all the new buses get put on the money making routes... imagine that...
Yes, 9 x new Emerald's in, 9 x E400H out to NXWM - as Tony has already confirmed on the Dundee Forum.
From Explore Dundee's press release (All there in black & white....):
The operator is currently retrofitting 10 single decks, funded by the BEAR 2 government grant, which will join seven upgraded double deckers on Service 28/29.https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/news/xplore-dundees-2020-vision
Quote from: Winston on November 07, 2019, 11:59:07 PM
Yes, 9 x new Emerald's in, 9 x E400H out to NXWM - as Tony has already confirmed on the Dundee Forum.
And from rumours I've heard the E400H's are to be converted to fully diesel? that doesn't say much for the hybrid technology in them, anyway that wasn't my point Winston, my point was that there are routes in this city that need the new buses if XD are to be taken seriously when it comes to all their green claims. The air pollution monitoring equipment is in a big grey box on the corner of my street, yet only occasionally on a Sunday does a hybrid pass it. I appreciate what you pointed out about the retro fitted buses, and that is to be applauded, but even the high standards of Euro 6 aren't the same as hybrids, I'm no eco warrior, but I do have COPD in my lungs and the more that can be done to clean up the air I breathe the better,buses aren't the problem, the number of cars on the road are.
Quote from: Nathan on November 07, 2019, 08:54:25 PM
Likelyhood would be to join their sisters at WN?
Could be WB, to replace the non-trapped Volvos that are going to be withdrawn after their MOTs expire.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 08, 2019, 12:16:59 AM
Could be WB, to replace the non-trapped Volvos that are going to be withdrawn after their MOTs expire.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on November 07, 2019, 09:12:03 PM
Dundee is getting 9 new emeralds
Since Tony has stated that the plan involves increasing the number of double deckers in the fleet, it sounds like they are going to be displacing single deckers?
Quote from: DavieDD2 on November 08, 2019, 12:07:49 AM
And from rumours I've heard the E400H's are to be converted to fully diesel? that doesn't say much for the hybrid technology in them, anyway that wasn't my point Winston, my point was that there are routes in this city that need the new buses if XD are to be taken seriously when it comes to all their green claims. The air pollution monitoring equipment is in a big grey box on the corner of my street, yet only occasionally on a Sunday does a hybrid pass it.
No, only a couple of NXWM's E400H are being converted to diesel at present, mostly when major components fail as they're costly to replace (batteries especially) and the E400H's are not as reliable/fuel efficient in Hybrid form as NXWM's Volvo B5LH have been over the same period. The Hybrid Technology was fine at the time, but six years later, Technology has advanced such that E400MMC Euro 6 smart hybrids are now more environmentally friendly and don't come with the added complications.
And my point was the very route you mentioned i.e. 28/29 is having more existing buses upgraded to Euro 6 with exhaust treatment upgrades (as per NXWM's existing fleet), with more to follow according to the press release. Dundee with a total fleet of 114 aren't going to get 18 new Emerald's every year, looking at the numbers, the 28/29 is quite a high Pvr.
Plus there's more newer buses to follow via a swap with NXWM.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 08, 2019, 12:16:59 AM
Could be WB, to replace the non-trapped Volvos that are going to be withdrawn after their MOTs expire.
Where's the logic in putting 9 completely none standard hybrids in to WB when they aren't familiar with them? Especially when you have an existing fleet of 21 identical examples at WN
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 07, 2019, 08:51:23 PM
What garage would the hybrids go? And what route/s would they most likely go on?
The will probably be going to WN for the 1
Quote from: BH2004 on November 08, 2019, 08:05:02 AM
The will probably be going to WN for the 1
They won't be. WN already have enough for the 1. They're not going to have 9 extra's for the same service.
Quote from: Nathan on November 08, 2019, 10:15:49 AM
They won't be. WN already have enough for the 1. They're not going to have 9 extra's for the same service.
Crimson them for the 59 with the green branding :D
Quote from: Winston on November 08, 2019, 12:27:29 AM
And my point was the very route you mentioned i.e. 28/29 is having more existing buses upgraded to Euro 6 with exhaust treatment upgrades (as per NXWM's existing fleet), with more to follow according to the press release. Dundee with a total fleet of 114 aren't going to get 18 new Emerald's every year, looking at the numbers, the 28/29 is quite a high Pvr.
Correct - 28/29 has a Monday-Saturday PVR of 15. Despite 7 (out of the 18 BU06 reg) B7TLs being Euro6 compliant, very rarely are all of these vehicles deployed on the 28/29 in one day - presumably due to maintenance requirements, or the way they are parked at night in the depot. Moreover, 9 out of 18 47-- Geminis are required for Fife Schools.
Last I heard,
which was some time ago, was that the new vehicles were to go on the 1A/1B which has a Mon-Sat PVR of 8.
Quote from: ross4122 on November 08, 2019, 04:03:10 PM
Correct - 28/29 has a Monday-Saturday PVR of 15. Despite 7 (out of the 18 BU06 reg) B7TLs being Euro6 compliant, very rarely are all of these vehicles deployed on the 28/29 in one day - presumably due to maintenance requirements, or the way they are parked at night in the depot. Moreover, 9 out of 18 47-- Geminis are required for Fife Schools.
Last I heard, which was some time ago, was that the new vehicles were to go on the 1A/1B which has a Mon-Sat PVR of 8.
With Dundee CC looking to introduce Low Emission Zones as per the West Midlands, I suspect Explore Dundee with see an increasing number of new deliveries & Euro 6 upgrades of the existing fleet during the course of the next two years, plus during 2020, NXWM will be fully Euro 6 compliant.
Quote from: Winston on November 08, 2019, 05:19:19 PM
With Dundee CC looking to introduce Low Emission Zones as per the West Midlands, I suspect Explore Dundee with see an increasing number of new deliveries & Euro 6 upgrades of the existing fleet during the course of the next two years, plus during 2020, NXWM will be fully Euro 6 compliant.
Dundee will be 46% euro 6 by April. NXWM 100% target is Apeil 2021
Quote from: Tony on November 08, 2019, 07:56:09 PM
Dundee will be 46% euro 6 by April. NXWM 100% target is Apeil 2021
Forgot NXWM had gone back due to Tridents & B7TL coversions.
Quote from: Winston on November 08, 2019, 08:19:06 PM
Forgot NXWM had gone back due to Tridents & B7TL coversions.
At the moment 4535 is the only Euro 6 certified trident or B7TL. 4510 has been at Graysons to see what work needs doing on B7TLs, and there is still a chance the 42 Green Urban 2018 conversions (YW Tridents and now CV Geminis) could be certified
Quote from: Tony on November 08, 2019, 08:25:15 PM
At the moment 4535 is the only Euro 6 certified trident or B7TL. 4510 has been at Graysons to see what work needs doing on B7TLs, and there is still a chance the 42 Green Urban 2018 conversions (YW Tridents and now CV Geminis) could be certified
I assume what they already have can be modified / upgraded in some way?
I take it the existing conversions won't need fully replacing? Can NX claim any money back ?
Quote from: Winston on November 08, 2019, 08:50:13 PM
I assume why they already have can be modified / upgraded in some way?
I take it the existing conversions won't need fully replacing? Can NX claim any money back ?
The new company set up to replace Green Urban have promised to look at those 42 as a gesture of goodwill.
As Green Urban has been wound up no-one to claim anything off.
Graysons are going to have a look at what needs doing on a Tridents and B7 that has a green urban soon to see what they can do
The 9 new Emerald E400MMC's (Fleet no's. 6678-6686) have been confirmed for the 5 (Barnhill to Ninewells Hospital).
Edit: Plus the 9 & 10 Outer Circle services that it interworks with.
Quote from: Nathan on December 09, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
The 9 new Emerald E400MMC's (Fleet no's. 6678-6686) have been confirmed for the 5 (Barnhill to Ninewells Hospital).
Edit: Plus the 9 & 10 Outer Circle services that it interworks with.
Full details of them are now on my website
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/fleetlist/5001-9959.html
The first 3 have had their pre delivery inspection so should arrive soon
Quote from: Tony on December 14, 2019, 06:12:13 AM
Full details of them are now on my website
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/fleetlist/5001-9959.html
The first 3 have had their pre delivery inspection so should arrive soon
Tony,
I think you have had a copy and paste mistake as they all have the same reg: SN69 ZNY
Quote from: Ian Hardy on December 14, 2019, 01:31:30 PM
Tony,
I think you have had a copy and paste mistake as they all have the same reg: SN69 ZNY
All corrected now
6683 on test
https://flic.kr/p/2i2pdRa - (one of Gordon Scott's)
edit: Is this not a smart hybrid? ??? Alluded to this conclusion by the additional grills towards the rear that aren't present on the hybrids. Happy to stand corrected, though
Quote from: CL on December 19, 2019, 02:26:57 PM
6683 on test
https://flic.kr/p/2i2pdRa - (one of Gordon Scott's)
edit: Is this not a smart hybrid? ??? Alluded to this conclusion by the additional grills towards the rear that aren't present on the hybrids. Happy to stand corrected, though
Looks strange seeing Travel West Midlands on its display. I love the Emerald livery. Gorgeous colours.
Have just seen a photograph of four of the new Emeralds at Dundee; all fitted with the SmartVision cameras..
New standard for all subsequent NX orders? ???
At least 8 of them have the camera mirrors; all are now delivered. They're not smart hybrid, but have stop/start fitted.
Do we know when 6678 etc are to enter service please?? I'm in Dundee in a couple of weeks for a few hours so hope to catch a few on camera if they're out...
Thanks in advance!
Quote from: gka472l on December 27, 2019, 07:09:57 PM
Do we know when 6678 etc are to enter service please?? I'm in Dundee in a couple of weeks for a few hours so hope to catch a few on camera if they're out...
Thanks in advance!
I was told 'mid-january'
Quote from: ross4122 on December 24, 2019, 10:30:18 PM
At least 8 of them have the camera mirrors; all are now delivered. They're not smart hybrid, but have stop/start fitted.
How come 6683 (pictured above) in the middle of the batch has standard mirrors when the rest have camera mirrors ?
Presumably, it's the one that wasn't in the two photos that I have seen (at the Xplore depot), or it's been changed since it was seen on a test run in Falkirk.
2247 now at the depot, 5426 leaving tomorrow
Quote from: Tony on January 13, 2020, 07:43:00 PM
2247 now at the depot, 5426 leaving tomorrow
Are Walsall getting some of Dundee 56 plate b7s for the extended 11
Just had a brief trip to Scotland this week with a few hours in Dundee, most of the mew MMC's seen although 5422 was still out in service, 5424, 5427 plus another were parked at the depot.
HTH
Quote from: gka472l on January 17, 2020, 12:31:39 PM
Just had a brief trip to Scotland this week with a few hours in Dundee, most of the mew MMC's seen although 5422 was still out in service, 5424, 5427 plus another were parked at the depot.
HTH
Edit, 5425 was the other one parked up at the depot.
Quote from: gka472l on January 18, 2020, 08:46:19 PM
Edit, 5425 was the other one parked up at the depot.
And 5423, 5429, 5430.
5425 was inside being prepared as the next one to head south, so surprised you saw that one
Quote from: Tony on January 18, 2020, 09:01:05 PM
And 5423, 5429, 5430.
5425 was inside being prepared as the next one to head south, so surprised you saw that one
How are the battery packs doing on these near 7 year old hybrids? I've read online that they don't last as long as they were expected to and cost 1/3 of the original price of the bus to replace, if they do fail, will they be replaced or will the buses gut upgraded to Euro V or VI diesel?
Quote from: DavieDD2 on January 18, 2020, 09:27:58 PM
How are the battery packs doing on these near 7 year old hybrids? I've read online that they don't last as long as they were expected to and cost 1/3 of the original price of the bus to replace, if they do fail, will they be replaced or will the buses gut upgraded to Euro V or VI diesel?
The Volvo's for some reason are doing well, these ones not so much.
Quote from: Tony on January 18, 2020, 09:01:05 PM
And 5423, 5429, 5430.
5425 was inside being prepared as the next one to head south, so surprised you saw that one
There it is just to the right of 4062, taken around midday on 15/1/20, 5424 & 5427 were right against the back fence so no pic possible, no other E400H's visible.....
5430 is now Crimson
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/5430.html
4709 has just bee for a trip to Douglas. Looks like it is the first Gemini back in use
Quote from: Tony on June 04, 2020, 11:50:59 AM
4709 has just bee for a trip to Douglas. Looks like it is the first Gemini back in use
Nope, there was a Gemini on the 32 (Fintry) last Friday.
4700 is also out today on the 1a/1b
Passed 2244 heading towards its new home at 9ish This morning M6 north near Knutsford.
Quote from: Mayfield on July 20, 2020, 11:07:17 AM
Passed 2244 heading towards its new home at 9ish This morning M6 north near Knutsford.
Now safely at Dundee
You could have brought some sun up with you as well Tony! lol
Sounds like you had a good clear run up there.
Are you bringing anything back.
Xplore 2245 just passed through St Pauls (I'm kicking myself as I was the wrong side of the crossing by the 934 stand)
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 18, 2020, 04:26:18 PM
Xplore 2245 just passed through St Pauls (I'm kicking myself as I was the wrong side of the crossing by the 934 stand)
Taking it to Walsall garage ready for me to take to Dundee on Monday
How come 1785 is down in Walsall?
Saw just over an hour ago in Leamore.
Quote from: Westy on September 22, 2020, 06:40:28 PM
How come 1785 is down in Walsall?
Saw just over an hour ago in Leamore.
Because I have just driven it back to join 1779. 1780 & 1784
Quote from: Tony on September 22, 2020, 06:51:07 PM
Because I have just driven it back to join 1779. 1780 & 1784
That was me by Green Lane looking surprised by the way!
According to adl Facebook page xplore Dundee has secured funding for zero emissions buses so looks like they are getting their first electric buses
https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/information/service-changes/our-plan-for-your-new-network
Wander how many vehicles will be made spare later in 2021 as a result of reduced frequencies? As presumably West Midlands will see simialr as well?
"When physical distancing is no longer required, Government funding will stop. This means local bus services will once again have to bring in enough revenue to cover basic costs (such as driver wages, fuel and vehicle maintenance).
The only way we can economise our service is to slightly reduce frequencies."
And whether some Dundee Gemini will come down to replace older vehicles/single deckers in the West Midlands if these are made spare then?
Quote from: 2206 on November 15, 2020, 01:15:26 PM
"When physical distancing is no longer required, Government funding will stop. This means local bus services will once again have to bring in enough revenue to cover basic costs (such as driver wages, fuel and vehicle maintenance).
Don't forget that the COVID-19 funding arrangements for bus services are different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so what maybe appropriate for Xplore Dundee might not be so for NXWM.
Listening to a recent briefing to Go North East staff by Martijn Gilbert (the MD) (on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009920923911 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009920923911)), he said that at present the UK Government is funding bus services in England but they are not allowed to make a profit out of the arrangement, it will only cover the bus company costs.
There are negotiations under way to attempt to ensure that when the social distancing requirements are removed, the Government funding does not completely stop at the same time, as people will not suddenly return to using buses that day. There needs to be a transition period where the funding is gradually reduced to ensure that services are retained and therefore are ready for when people do return to using the bus.
I've heard word about a possible sale of Dundee to McGills, with it expected to be completed tomorrow or Thursday. Apparently notices have gone up in the depot earlier today about it. Anyone know anything more concrete about it?
Edit: Confirmed now. https://scottishbusinessnews.net/mcgills-buses-to-purchase-xplore-dundee-xplore-more/
Yes, its correct.
I have a copy of the notice, however unsure if it is permitted to post on here!?
Quote from: gc802002 on December 22, 2020, 02:30:56 PM
Yes, its correct.
I have a copy of the notice, however unsure if it is permitted to post on here!?
Yes, if you wish
Quote from: DJ on December 22, 2020, 02:19:07 PM
I've heard word about a possible sale of Dundee to McGills, with it expected to be completed tomorrow or Thursday. Apparently notices have gone up in the depot earlier today about it. Anyone know anything more concrete about it?
Edit: Confirmed now. https://scottishbusinessnews.net/mcgills-buses-to-purchase-xplore-dundee-xplore-more/
Wow. I guess it's ok for NX. 1 less garage to worry about costs.
There's a copy of the notice on another forum: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/mcgills-buses.117550/post-4915981
I wonder if any of the fleet will move back down to the Midlands
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 22, 2020, 03:07:29 PM
I wonder if any of the fleet will move back down to the Midlands
Doesn't look like it.
NX are to retain ownership of some of the vehicles I believe
Quote from: ross4122 on December 22, 2020, 03:38:24 PM
NX are to retain ownership of some of the vehicles I believe
There's 3 vehicles which are not part of the deal which will be coming south in January, and others on long leases to McGills
Quote from: Tony on December 22, 2020, 03:44:59 PM
There's 3 vehicles which are not part of the deal which will be coming south in January, and others on long leases to McGills
Please tell me those 3 vehicles aren't the Streetlites?
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 22, 2020, 04:46:21 PM
Please tell me those 3 vehicles aren't the Streetlites?
Don't they have just 3 Urbans? The trainer ones?
1774-1776 and 1782 are still here. We only have 2 Streetlites - 432 and 434
Quote from: Tony on December 22, 2020, 03:44:59 PM
There's 3 vehicles which are not part of the deal which will be coming south in January, and others on long leases to McGills
How long are the leases for? A year or more?
Quote from: 2206 on December 22, 2020, 06:11:55 PM
How long are the leases for? A year or more?
Probably like with first and diamond, once mcgills sources replacements they'll be sent back down
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on December 22, 2020, 06:38:50 PM
Probably like with first and diamond, once mcgills sources replacements they'll be sent back down
@Tony said the emeralds have a 10 year lease on Dundee Forum I notice
Quote from: TH on December 04, 2020, 04:45:36 PM
I have heard that both Hydrogen and Electric buses will be on their way, but not a timescale
What about these? Are they cancelled, redirected to West Midlands, or will they also go on Lease?
Quote from: Tony on December 22, 2020, 03:44:59 PM
There's 3 vehicles which are not part of the deal which will be coming south in January, and others on long leases to McGills
Let me see if I can get close, the 3 buses going back south will be the 17xx's still here, the long term leases to mcgills will be all the emeralds. My guess would be that Xplore has been punted because of the logistics of transferring buses north and south, add that to the number of aging Geminis due for replacement means we're not a 'financially viable option' anymore. The way mcgills are throwing money around, especially in the current climate, I can see this going tits up, I'm just glad Dundee isn't that big to walk around when it does.
Any reason for the sale
Quote from: Solo1 on December 22, 2020, 09:33:33 PM
Any reason for the sale
Look at the post above you. Should been a good insight.
I guess it is a logical move to sell off a "distant outpost" . The next question will be [ maybe already answered ] ,is it a move to raise capital or to invest in expansion nearer to home ?? Lets see what the coming weeks bring.
Over the years I have read many anti NX comments from the scots I guess a fair few single malt whiskey bottles will be drunk over the coming days.
2021 a fresh start I wish you all merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on December 23, 2020, 10:12:03 AM
I guess it is a logical move to sell off a "distant outpost" . The next question will be [ maybe already answered ] ,is it a move to raise capital or to invest in expansion nearer to home ?? Lets see what the coming weeks bring.
I guess we shall
With XPLORE being sold off ,does that mean it will disappear from here?.
Quote from: JIM C on December 24, 2020, 08:39:43 PM
With XPLORE being sold off ,does that mean it will disappear from here?.
Just will need moving to 'other operators'
If McGills have the intention of buying the fleets of NX, maybe NX could throw the Solos and 800 as part of the package?
Quote from: Sayeed on December 30, 2020, 11:23:38 PM
If McGills have the intention of buying the fleets of NX, maybe NX could throw the Solos and 800 as part of the package?
What makes you think McGill's, who have one of the youngest fleets in the whole UK, would want these?
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2020, 10:05:32 AM
What makes you think McGill's, who have one of the youngest fleets in the whole UK, would want these?
Why not? They got loads of their own solos and few of them are slightly older than the 323-5. So, it would be a use for them temporarily.
Quote from: Sayeed on December 31, 2020, 01:32:01 PM
Why not? They got loads of their own solos and few of them are slightly older than the 323-5. So, it would be a use for them temporarily.
Why would they be any use? They have enough solos for their own service and certainly don't need any for Dundee
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2020, 01:34:32 PM
Why would they be any use? They have enough solos for their own service and certainly don't need any for Dundee
I don't know, maybe replace the old ones or use the parts in their other depots, or is it better to be unused and rot at Miller St?
Have McGills said if they will be retaining the Xplore Dundee name or will they rebrand everything as McGills. I'm not from Dundee so I don't know if Xplore have a good reputation in the area.
Quote from: bususer28 on December 31, 2020, 02:08:46 PM
Have McGills said if they will be retaining the Xplore Dundee name or will they rebrand everything as McGills. I'm not from Dundee so I don't know if Xplore have a good reputation in the area.
Yes, Xplore branding to stay
Quote from: bususer28 on December 31, 2020, 02:08:46 PM
Have McGills said if they will be retaining the Xplore Dundee name or will they rebrand everything as McGills. I'm not from Dundee so I don't know if Xplore have a good reputation in the area.
We have an excellent reputation in Dundee ,even before NATIONAL EXPRESS bought us.
Two McGills branded Levantes, I6008 and I6010 I believe, have arrived in Dundee this afternoon.
The 4 levante coaches for xplore more were returned to Birmingham today.
Quote from: JIM C on January 13, 2021, 12:01:47 AM
The 4 levante coaches for xplore more were returned to Birmingham today.
Went direct to Kings Ferry
Quote from: ross4122 on January 04, 2021, 05:10:21 PM
Two McGills branded Levantes, I6008 and I6010 I believe, have arrived in Dundee this afternoon.
They would be I0608 & I0610, as I6008 & I6010 are VDL SB200/ Wright buses that originated with Arriva Scotland West.
Which buses are on loan to McGills Xplore and which were brought back to the Midlands?
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 13, 2021, 10:49:21 PM
Which buses are on loan to McGills Xplore and which were brought back to the Midlands?
Do you mean normal service buses? From what I gather none are on on loan to McGills. All buses were either sold or leased to McGills with the exception of 2246 and two 17** B7RLE. (I think)
Quote from: Gareth on January 13, 2021, 11:15:19 PM
Do you mean normal service buses? From what I gather none are on on loan to McGills. All buses were either sold or leased to McGills with the exception of 2246 and two 17** B7RLE. (I think)
Yes 1776, 1782 & 2246 will be heading south, and many buses are still owned by NX and on a 10 year lease to McGills. NX do similar things with coaches, hence the 69 plates at DeCourceys co.ing to NX when they failed. A 10 year lease takes them past 2030 the deadline for zero emissions in the West Midlands, so they are unlikely to run here
Quote from: Ian Hardy on January 13, 2021, 09:02:25 PM
They would be I0608 & I0610, as I6008 & I6010 are VDL SB200/ Wright buses that originated with Arriva Scotland West.
That's right - apologies. I0607 and I0609 are the others
What is/was the date of transfer to McGills? I can't seem to find any dates on the various articles published in late December. They all mention that the deal was expected to be finalised at the end of 2020, but again, no actual date.
Quote from: MW on January 20, 2021, 11:21:01 PM
What is/was the date of transfer to McGills? I can't seem to find any dates on the various articles published in late December. They all mention that the deal was expected to be finalised at the end of 2020, but again, no actual date.
I was curious about this myself.
I notice just now checking the Xplore Dundee website that it has been updated and the footer links now refer to the McGills website. Though it seems NX Bus are still hosting the website for now.
https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee
Quote from: Stu on January 21, 2021, 06:55:51 PM
I was curious about this myself.
I notice just now checking the Xplore Dundee website that it has been updated and the footer links now refer to the McGills website. Though it seems NX Bus are still hosting the website for now.
https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee
National Express are still providing IT support along with several other services
Quote from: Tony on January 21, 2021, 06:58:03 PM
National Express are still providing IT support along with several other services
Cool, thanks for confirmation, I was wondering if this had actually gone ahead, as there hadn't been any further updates, and there was no notice for passengers on the Xplore Dundee site.
I'll move this to the Other Operators category then.
As far as I can see the current Dundee liveries make no mention of National Express so I presume there's no need to stick bits of vinyl over an obsolete fleetname.
Quote from: Stevo on January 23, 2021, 07:40:48 PM
As far as I can see the current Dundee liveries make no mention of National Express so I presume there's no need to stick bits of vinyl over an obsolete fleetname.
It's dependant if the fonts used on the branding and logo is copyrighted by NX, in which case, it's have to be changed.
Quote from: Stevo on January 23, 2021, 07:40:48 PM
As far as I can see the current Dundee liveries make no mention of National Express so I presume there's no need to stick bits of vinyl over an obsolete fleetname.
The only thing they probably needed to do was change the contact details printed on the side of the bus from NX to McGills (unless it is already under an Xplore Dundee address).
EDIT: unless it was all (https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/bus/search/?text%5Bsearch%5D=TAYSIDE%20PUBLIC%20TRANSPORT%20CO%20LTD&filter%5BtrafficArea%5D=&filter%5BbusRegStatus%5D=Registered&search=TAYSIDE%20PUBLIC%20TRANSPORT%20CO%20LTD&searchBy=&security=4d1f9c3b48d17c63a3d58916291efd93-4abfa3d8eb9a3a6bd51a0c3142c1fe0c) just conducted as "Tayside Public Transport Co. Ltd", then it could've been achieved without changing anything.
Every bus has always had TAYSIDE PUBLIC TRANSPORT 44-48 EAST DOCK STREET, as the legal lettering ,as apparently that,s what the licence is under.
Quote from: Pat on January 23, 2021, 07:48:06 PM
It's dependant if the fonts used on the branding and logo is copyrighted by NX, in which case, it's have to be changed.
The font used is Neo Sans, which is commercially available, so McGills would likely just need to purchase a license for it. The logo design itself, with the modified X, would've been under copyright by NX, but I'd imagine the rights to it would have been included in the sale.
I've been told that the recent Emeralds (69 plates) are driven by ZF gearboxes rather than Voith (68 plates).
Is this true? Why the change in drivetrain? Seems very odd..!
Quote from: MW on January 26, 2021, 04:12:47 AM
I've been told that the recent Emeralds (69 plates) are driven by ZF gearboxes rather than Voith (68 plates).
Is this true? Why the change in drivetrain? Seems very odd..!
Yes, the newest ones there are ZF ones. I was hoping we'd get some down here too, but that ain't happening now.
EVs for Dundee
https://www.route-one.net/news/mcgills-extends-electric-buses-order-to-35-hydrogen-to-follow/
TL;DR
QuoteThe further order will see Xplore Dundee receive 12 BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deckers...
QuoteXplore Dundee will deploy its Enviro400EVs to service 28 between Myrekirk and Douglas via the city centre. They will be known as Electric Emeralds.
QuoteIn addition to the confirmed battery-electric bus orders, McGill's says that it is in "advanced talks with a variety of partners" to bring 12 hydrogen fuel cell-electric examples into the Xplore Dundee fleet. They are due to arrive "in the next 12 months."
McGills willingness to invest and expand comes at a cost of robbing employees of their conditions . that have been in place for many years .
Quote from: JIM C on April 06, 2021, 11:13:00 AM
McGills willingness to invest and expand comes at a cost of robbing employees of their conditions . that have been in place for many years .
Did the staff not get TUPE'd across on their current contracts, or was there amendments that had to be agreed beforehand?
We got 3 months then the cuts came .
6689 renumbered 8911
presumably the entire fleet is/will be in due course
Quote from: CL on June 01, 2021, 11:40:56 AM
6689 renumbered 8911
presumably the entire fleet is/will be in due course
Thanks to RC
432/4 to 405/6
1774/5 to 2412/3
2030-2058 to 2414-2442
2239-2250 to 4111-4121
4680-4686 to 2819-2825
4700-4717 to 2826-2843
6678-6700 to 8900-8922
7001-7018 to 2801-2818
Quote from: Kiewii on June 01, 2021, 12:11:41 PM
Thanks to RC
432/4 to 405/6
1774/5 to 2412/3
2030-2058 to 2414-2442
2239-2250 to 4111-4121
4680-4686 to 2819-2825
4700-4717 to 2826-2843
6678-6700 to 8900-8922
7001-7018 to 2801-2818
Presumably there is no 7013 - or should I say no 2813. Unless that is still around withdrawn? And obviously the new numbers 4111-21 didn't include 2246.
Quote from: Kiewii on June 01, 2021, 12:11:41 PM
Thanks to RC
432/4 to 405/6
1774/5 to 2412/3
2030-2058 to 2414-2442
2239-2250 to 4111-4121
4680-4686 to 2819-2825
4700-4717 to 2826-2843
6678-6700 to 8900-8922
7001-7018 to 2801-2818
Does that mean NX can use 7001-18 again?
Quote from: mesub on June 01, 2021, 05:52:51 PM
Does that mean NX can use 7001-18 again?
Not with the current engineering system, the same as no sold vehicle number can be reused
Quote from: Tony on June 01, 2021, 05:56:50 PM
Not with the current engineering system, the same as no sold vehicle number can be reused
A system based on or similar to the one First used from 2003 for a guess?
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 01, 2021, 09:26:53 PM
A system based on or similar to the one First used from 2003 for a guess?
No, completely different
Quote from: Tony on June 01, 2021, 05:56:50 PM
Not with the current engineering system, the same as no sold vehicle number can be reused
Alright, thank you
Dundee's 12 x Electric Emeralds for route 28 are starting to arrive:
https://twitter.com/XploreDundee/status/1466039038750695426
Quote from: winston on December 03, 2021, 03:58:20 PM
Dundee's 12 x Electric Emeralds for route 28 are starting to arrive:
Are these identical to the West Midlands versions? I'd imagine they were ordered before the sale, or not?
Quote from: MW on December 03, 2021, 04:18:22 PM
Are these identical to the West Midlands versions? I'd imagine they were ordered before the sale, or not?
Near enough - https://www.instagram.com/xploredundee/p/CXJiWOKItpp/?utm_medium=copy_link
In Xplore Dundee's latest post, it appears their fleet numbers are in the 8500 range (with 8502 pictured)
Nearly identical except they have side mirrors rather than cameras.
When Xplore Dundee was sold, it was mentioned that the E400mmcs were on long term lease to McGill's. Are they due to return to NX at some point or has McGill's purchased them now?
Quote from: BK63 YWP on February 18, 2022, 10:14:44 PM
When Xplore Dundee was sold, it was mentioned that the E400mmcs were on long term lease to McGill's. Are they due to return to NX at some point or has McGill's purchased them now?
Not sure to be honest
@Tony knows probably
Quote from: BK63 YWP on February 18, 2022, 10:14:44 PM
When Xplore Dundee was sold, it was mentioned that the E400mmcs were on long term lease to McGill's. Are they due to return to NX at some point or has McGill's purchased them now?
Some are leased, but the current agreement runs until 2030 when the West Midlands is due to be fully diesel
Quote from: Tony on February 20, 2022, 01:52:26 PM
Some are leased, but the current agreement runs until 2030 when the West Midlands is due to be fully diesel
don't you mean electric /gas as nxbus aren't buying anymore diesel buses
Quote from: Solo1 on February 20, 2022, 02:55:06 PM
don't you mean electric /gas as nxbus aren't buying anymore diesel buses
No. Read the question I was answering.
Sorry, but I don't understand that reply.
Quote from: Stevo on February 20, 2022, 06:10:18 PM
Sorry, but I don't understand that reply.
The question was are some of Dundee's E400MMCs leased to them by NX and will they return to the West Midlands. My answer is yes, some are leased, but the lease agreement runs past 2030 and by then the West Midlands will be zero emissions so they are unlikely to return