Basically this is a passenger version of 2900s reviews - write on this topic any buses you've been on, your opinion on them and score them out of 10. This is so the drivers opinions are separate to the passenger opinions - they can vary due to the fact that drivers can give further detail of handling, braking etc. It also avoids the likes of me clogging up that thread!
I'll start off with these three -
1912 - Smooth riding, very few rattles, and internally and externally smart. 9/10
4041 - Suspension not great, some loud rattles from panels and body - interior still smart though. 6/10
4375 - Suspension fine, rattles at back of upper deck. Powerful engine however - fast pull off. 8/10
4391 - Suspension outstanding, some rattles, good and powerful engine - never fails me 10/10
4358 - Suspension superb, different indicator noises and quiet doors 9/10
4523 - Loud powerful and supreme cooling fan, suspension great and not really any rattling 10/10
4033 - Nice suspension, a little slow but overall a good bus 8/10
4895 - Not really a good suspension to my views, engine noise is completely rubbish and just too slow 3/8
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
:D There's certain Voith Tridents I love (4370 is one of them!).
4370 needs its whine back! (purely from the enthusiast point of view) .
Out of interest are we limited to NXWM in this topic? I think Diamond 30832 should get a quick brief mention, I know I know it is one of the newer Volvo sheds but the fact it is an ecomat makes a difference, it is amazingly quick off the mark and a fun ride with the right driver as I discovered today :P
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:33:59 PM
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
Obviously not driven them then :D :D :D
Yeah sure - the odd Diamond mention is fine ;)
The Tridents probably aren't the best to drive - remember one driver a few months ago moaning about the lack of heat in the bus, and the pain in adjusting the steering wheel. Suspension was knackered as well on that YW Trident (forgotten the no'). He was saying to a colleague on the 6 he wished he could have the Scania instead!
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:52:54 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:33:59 PM
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
Obviously not driven them then :D :D :D
Sadly, I've never had that pleasure :P
8 times out of 10 its not a pleasure lol
Somehow that doesn't surprise me, a few buses that are favoured by enthusiasts tend to be hated by drivers, B10Ls spring to mind there!
My only complaint with the tridents, is more the bodywork than anything else. The front windows both down and upstairs never seem to be sealed properly and a lot of the time they pour water in when it is raining, admittedly not all do that but a lot do. I don't know but I'm assuming it is the same with the B7/ALX.
I would love to hear views on the new E20's from a passengers view I cant recall 1 driver from WN offering anything positive about the new arrivals (other than they go up hills ok and the heating works) (no doubt the heating will be ****** next year in any case!)
I traveled on one this evening and to be honest the journey and ride was good but then again the driver I had is a very good driver so what do you all think?
And before LS jumps in with a barrage of insults...(I agree! I don't like them!!)
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:52:54 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:33:59 PM
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
Obviously not driven them then :D :D :D
Sadly, I've never had that pleasure :P
8 times out of 10 its not a pleasure lol
Somehow that doesn't surprise me, a few buses that are favoured by enthusiasts tend to be hated by drivers, B10Ls spring to mind there!
My only complaint with the tridents, is more the bodywork than anything else. The front windows both down and upstairs never seem to be sealed properly and a lot of the time they pour water in when it is raining, admittedly not all do that but a lot do. I don't know but I'm assuming it is the same with the B7/ALX.
Ah yes the cab 'Tidal Wave' everytime you go round a bend water runs from the windscreen shelf and onto the cab floor (usually via the handbrake & door controls) lol, water enters through holes in the roof and finds its way down into the cab area and the lovely watermarks on the inside of the windscreen also great, especially when the sun comes out....superb visibility!!
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 11:05:00 PM
I would love to hear views on the new E20's from a passengers view I cant recall 1 driver from WN offering anything positive about the new arrivals (other than they go up hills ok and the heating works) (no doubt the heating will be ****** next year in any case!)
I traveled on one this evening and to be honest the journey and ride was good but then again the driver I had is a very good driver so what do you all think?
And before LS jumps in with a barrage of insults...(I agree! I don't like them!!)
As a passenger they're just ok, i couldn't sit on one for a long time the noise gives me a headache, they do the job. As a driver, i've only had 1 for type training but so far i like them, the one i had was fun to drive.
I have seen that a lot actually where rain has dried on the windscreen from the inside! A lot of the time aswell depending on how bad the weather has been, there are puddles upstairs on the floor that like to roll around as the bus turns, soaking everyones feet!
Regarding the 200s, my only real complaints are rattles and lack of legroom. Personally I find the voith much smoother than the new ecolife buses but just think the E200 bodywork is a bit of a letdown.
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:14 PM
4370 needs its whine back! (purely from the enthusiast point of view) .
Out of interest are we limited to NXWM in this topic? I think Diamond 30832 should get a quick brief mention, I know I know it is one of the newer Volvo sheds but the fact it is an ecomat makes a difference, it is amazingly quick off the mark and a fun ride with the right driver as I discovered today :P
@trident4370 if you wanna hear a bus with a good whine I suggest a ride on 4445, it screams when its coasting!
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on October 10, 2014, 11:38:30 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:14 PM
4370 needs its whine back! (purely from the enthusiast point of view) .
Out of interest are we limited to NXWM in this topic? I think Diamond 30832 should get a quick brief mention, I know I know it is one of the newer Volvo sheds but the fact it is an ecomat makes a difference, it is amazingly quick off the mark and a fun ride with the right driver as I discovered today :P
@trident4370 if you wanna hear a bus with a good whine I suggest a ride on 4445, it screams when its coasting!
Oh How could I forget 4445, I was very lucky to film it in July on Pershore Road duties and well it is the first ZF Trident I'm happy to admit I like. Infact of all the quirky tridents I've been on that is one of the loudest!
Ahh, the leaky and freezing Tridents - have the pleasure of that to come still this Winter. The heaters barely work on some of them - upstairs is freezing on some cold mornings. Then last year during some heavy rain water kept falling onto me when I was on the upper deck at the front (Trident). When it came to getting off the bus, I picked up my bag on the floor next to me and it was soaked - water had obviously soaked through the front windscreen. The seals are terrible on them - just poor bodywork on them- Wrights and Scanias don't have this problem.
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 11:10:27 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:52:54 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:33:59 PM
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
Obviously not driven them then :D :D :D
Sadly, I've never had that pleasure :P
8 times out of 10 its not a pleasure lol
Somehow that doesn't surprise me, a few buses that are favoured by enthusiasts tend to be hated by drivers, B10Ls spring to mind there!
My only complaint with the tridents, is more the bodywork than anything else. The front windows both down and upstairs never seem to be sealed properly and a lot of the time they pour water in when it is raining, admittedly not all do that but a lot do. I don't know but I'm assuming it is the same with the B7/ALX.
Ah yes the cab 'Tidal Wave' everytime you go round a bend water runs from the windscreen shelf and onto the cab floor (usually via the handbrake & door controls) lol, water enters through holes in the roof and finds its way down into the cab area and the lovely watermarks on the inside of the windscreen also great, especially when the sun comes out....superb visibility!!
Ah yes, some of out 42**s leak like a seive. 4260 is one that rings a bell, i had it on Thursday when it was raining and I was constantly wiping the water from the inside of the window. If as a passenger you want a warm ride catch 4263, the driver will be frozen as the cab heaters don't work, but you will be lovely and warm. I had it for a late night 94 once and I was shocked how warm it was even upstairs
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 11:01:51 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:52:54 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:48:44 PM
Quote from: 4006 on October 10, 2014, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 10, 2014, 10:33:59 PM
Any Voith trident, 10/10 ;)
Obviously not driven them then :D :D :D
Sadly, I've never had that pleasure :P
8 times out of 10 its not a pleasure lol
Somehow that doesn't surprise me, a few buses that are favoured by enthusiasts tend to be hated by drivers, B10Ls spring to mind there!
My only complaint with the tridents, is more the bodywork than anything else. The front windows both down and upstairs never seem to be sealed properly and a lot of the time they pour water in when it is raining, admittedly not all do that but a lot do. I don't know but I'm assuming it is the same with the B7/ALX.
I don't know about the front windows, but the side windows definitely can on our B7/ALX. I feel the same way about the B7/ALXs as you do about the Tridents, it's probably a bit irrational, but I love them
I had a really nice ride on 4202 on the 15:30 odd departure from stourbridge on the 246. Really well driven. Didn't overbrake or anything. comfy bus and despite the time for the 246 being ridiculously tight timings still managed to be on time.
Some more to add -
4729 - Route 76 - Nice recently refurbed Enviro 400. Suspension good and engine performed excellently despite the full load. No rattles in passenger areas - smartly turned out bus. 9/10
4907 - Route 957 - Sat right at the front, on the left hand seat. Another good Enviro 400 - good, firm suspension, with smooth riding gearbox. Very few rattles in drivers area - bus still looks very smart externally and internally. 9/10
1921 - Route 6 - Excellent Scania - suspension superb - absorbed potholes and rough surfaces perfectly. Engine and gearbox very smooth. Very little rattling as well. Smart inside and outside. Worthy of 10/10!
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
Two BY buses to add
1833 - Excellent Scania - good suspension and engine, with cooling fan running for some sections. Outside as the recent NX livery - favourite version of the Scania livery has it has the smart, blood red livery, but unlike the other BY versions, still has the silver light surrunds. Interior still the original, but the moquette is still smart. Prefer it to the NX grey seats and blue panels. 10/10
1799 - Another good Scania - bouncy suspension that absorbs the potholes very well. Few rattles, and engine and gearbox still very smooth. Externally very smart and interior also well turned out. BY are maintaining these buses very well. Nothing really wrong, so deserves - 10/10
4395 - Suspension ok - engine and gearbox fine. Rattles like mad on the upper deck - front destination panel is loose and squeaks and rattles at every opportunity. Externally and internally looking tired - the old TWM need replacing now. Quite a lot are threadbare. Not the best trident, but not the worse either. 6/10
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTC damage
Quote from: Nathan on October 19, 2014, 03:21:32 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTA damage
What does RTA stand for?
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on October 19, 2014, 05:18:54 PM
Quote from: Nathan on October 19, 2014, 03:21:32 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTA damage
What does RTA stand for?
Road Traffic Accident
RTA - Road Traffic Accident
also
RTC - Road Traffic Collision
RTI - Road Traffic Incident
Quote from: Nathan on October 19, 2014, 03:21:32 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTA damage
Such a shame, still one of the best in the whole Hybrid fleet, don't you think?
Quote from: clayderman on October 19, 2014, 07:28:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan on October 19, 2014, 03:21:32 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTA damage
Such a shame, still one of the best in the whole Hybrid fleet, don't you think?
I prefer 5421 personally
Quote from: Andrew on October 19, 2014, 09:19:57 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 19, 2014, 07:28:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan on October 19, 2014, 03:21:32 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 18, 2014, 11:31:33 PM
Safe to say, 5409, no doubt one of, if not, the best Hybrid Bus out of the West Midlands. Very unique, seeing as it's the only E400H modified with Start/Stop technology. Although, quite dark on sunny days, due to the big allover window sticker on both rear windows.
Missing it so very much from Birmingham. Have to visit Wolverhampton sometime soon for a ride on the 1.
I've heard 5409 is currently off the road with RTA damage
Such a shame, still one of the best in the whole Hybrid fleet, don't you think?
I prefer 5421 personally
To be honest with you. I've only ever been to Wolverhampton twice. I really need to explore the county, before my Term Plus (School Days) days are over. I'll be sure to hunt it down on the 1 for a ride.
4757 - Terrible suspension, the doors rattle like mad even over the tiniest pothole, a strange whistling noise keeps emanating from midway down the bus (presumably where the air tanks for the brakes are), engine however is still full of life and the gearbox doesnt hunt about for a gear like some enviros, the interior was smart and the bodywork was not too bad either - 6.5/10
Rode 1921, 4052, 4376 today:
1921 - Its short loan at PB has taken the bounce out of its tyres/suspension! Rode it this morning and the ride was not as bouncy, or absorbing the road surfaces as well, as it did the other day. Led to some higher levels of rattles as a result. Due to the tyres inflation I suppose? Down to 8/10 for the poorer quality ride compared to the other day!
4052 - Warm, smooth riding and doesn't rattle or creak much. Nice President, that is good for its age. 8/10
4376 - Good Trident - suspension very good, engine and gearbox smooth too. Few rattles as well. Sadly the interior has a graffiti tag at the rear, which will need cleaning off at some point. Also, this is a first, there is a graffiti tag on the outside, by the Graham Nash name tag. How some low life has managed to get away with tagging the exterior I will never know.
4590 and 4603- All i need to say is the the gearbox is knackered. The engine sound is different to other tridents as a result
4560- Very nippy Trident. Has a distinctive B7RLE MK1 like whine.
WN E200's- For brand new buses they don't half rattle! This is mainly from the cab area. They do feel smoother than the 62 plates in my opinion but the breaks do feel sharp.
Quote from: Nathan on October 20, 2014, 09:56:46 PM
WN E200's- For brand new buses they don't half rattle! This is mainly from the cab area. They do feel smoother than the 62 plates in my opinion but the breaks do feel sharp.
I haven't been on an NXWM one but went on two brand new Stagecoach ones in Devon a couple of months back. Sat at the back on both. They both suffered from significant vibration of the panels and glazing only in the second window on the near side - that area is where the second door would be on the London version and notably doesn't have the same stanchion and handrail arrangement of the rest of the body, as it's the wheelchair/buggy bay. It would be interesting to hear if the NXWM ones do this (they were long wheelbase). I thought they were both very smart and solid except that - one was very smooth on acceleration and braking but the other was notably more jerky especially under braking but that may have been down to the standard of driving (possibly).
Nathan - do you think the rattling around the cab is maybe down to the amount of cash in the cash vault?
1896 - Nice Scania - very smart externally and internally due to its refurb last year. Suspension very good, with quick acceleration and smooth gearbox. Rattles are few, but some of the panels do creak a bit on turns. Haven't noticed this on the YW examples much recently - I don't know whether its due to the panels having been tightened up during refurb. Heating very good - hoping I'll have this during the cold Winter mornings. Like most of the WA Scanias, seems to vibrate a lot when idle. AG and YW examples don't do this - 8/10
4675 - Had this on the 5 today - nice Gemini - few rattles, suspension rides well, and smooth gearbox on the whole. Will be perfect when it's been refurbed. 8/10
4664 - Same as 4675 - noisy cooling fan, but suspension fine and doesn't rattle much. Again - once refurbished with new seat covers and etchings removed, it will be another good Gemini. 8/10 Beats a Trident!
7023 - AVOID!! Absolute shed of a bus - looks dreadful from the outside - very faded red front with the lack of silver lights, due to accident repairs. Rattles like mad on any road surface, and the suspension is abysmal most of the time. Literally felt like the floor fell through when going over the road humps on the 71. The cab door alarm went off at one point, due to the fact that it had been shaken loose. Worse Scania by a mile I have ever ridden - avoid it! 3/10
4138 - Route 6 WALSALL - In contrast, excellent Trident. Suspension is best I've known from a Trident - virtually no rattling, and engine smooth running - gearbox occasionally jolted, but it is a Y reg. Very smart externally and internally. 9/10
4764 - X51 - Great Enviro 400 - very smooth riding and love the leather seats on this bus. Fast running and smooth gearbox - very smart inside - outside smart as well, just the faded red now needs repainting. Virtually no rattling either, despite having sat up near the cab. 9/10
1935 - 37 - Fortunately 1935 was a typical Scania Omnilink - smooth running, little rattling and good suspension. AG are looking after their original order very well I must say - interior and exterior very smart. 9/10
30134 - S2 - Black Diamond livery - very smart internally and externally - smooth running, warm, and does the job fine. Suspension not as good as the Enviro 400, Trident, or 1935. Having ridden 1935 over the same patch of road, 1935 did a thousand times than the Optare. 8/10
Aside from the abysmal 7023, all the buses today were very good. I shall avoid 7023 as far as possible now. Never moaned about the Scanias, but this one is not worthy of wearing the badge - needs the Enviro 200 name tag being stuck to it! ;)
839: sat on rear seat my experience of this as follows, annoying rattle from the right hand side opening window, every thing from the platform rattled pretty crap really ,smooth engine and box,
Suspension ok, on the whole not great 3/10
BC802 - I had the unfortunate pleasure to catch this ppiece of proverbial shit from town to a friends in Quinton. Has to be the worst 'new' bus in the fleet, very noisy from rattles, dreadfully slow (and it wasn't the driver) , extremely harsh suspension and the retarder is very poor (comes on in one big lump. I nearly fell over)
Interior Quality - 1/10 - It gets a 1 for its bright lighting.
Passenger Comfort - 0/10 - See above.
Drivetrain - 0/10 - Terrible Engine & Gearbox setup.
Overall: 0/10
Its shameful a 62 plate vehicle could be this bad. If my car was anything remotely like that, I would expect a full refund.
Shame on you, ADL.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 06, 2014, 12:56:44 PM
BC802 - I had the unfortunate pleasure to catch this ppiece of proverbial shit from town to a friends in Quinton. Has to be the worst 'new' bus in the fleet, very noisy from rattles, dreadfully slow (and it wasn't the driver) , extremely harsh suspension and the retarder is very poor (comes on in one big lump. I nearly fell over)
Interior Quality - 1/10 - It gets a 1 for its bright lighting.
Passenger Comfort - 0/10 - See above.
Drivetrain - 0/10 - Terrible Engine & Gearbox setup.
Overall: 0/10
Its shameful a 62 plate vehicle could be this bad. If my car was anything remotely like that, I would expect a full refund.
Shame on you, ADL.
Agreed, I have been in one and fell over nearly 5 times, the 5th one was when the bus was braking and I nearly hit my head on the handrails.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on November 06, 2014, 04:04:55 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 06, 2014, 12:56:44 PM
BC802 - I had the unfortunate pleasure to catch this ppiece of proverbial shit from town to a friends in Quinton. Has to be the worst 'new' bus in the fleet, very noisy from rattles, dreadfully slow (and it wasn't the driver) , extremely harsh suspension and the retarder is very poor (comes on in one big lump. I nearly fell over)
Interior Quality - 1/10 - It gets a 1 for its bright lighting.
Passenger Comfort - 0/10 - See above.
Drivetrain - 0/10 - Terrible Engine & Gearbox setup.
Overall: 0/10
Its shameful a 62 plate vehicle could be this bad. If my car was anything remotely like that, I would expect a full refund.
Shame on you, ADL.
Agreed, I have been in one and fell over nearly 5 times, the 5th one was when the bus was braking and I nearly hit my head on the handrails.
I thought it was just me imaging it, or my elderly (albeit muscular) legs were weakening...
Nope! Just shitty ADL products failing to meet even one of my own 'quality measures'.
I pray the E200MMC has rectified these issues.
they are cheap and nasty end of. i think they ride and travel better with anything but the voith gearbox. the retarder is all or nothing, the gears clunk and cant make their mind up. massive step into cab. and the rattles! disgusting. shame nx have abandoned other brands esp volvo.
1930 - Finally got on this one - along with 1929, I have managed to ride all YW's original Scanias now.
Excellent bus, had it on the 27 today. Suspension very smooth and rides out the road imperfections excellently. Virtually no rattles. Engine and gearbox smooth running. Externally and internally in perfect condition - well done YW and Scania. 10/10
1929, 1910 - 9/10 for both of them. Good suspension, few rattles and smooth running. That's about all there is to say, but in this case that's a good thing.
4089 - 49 (YW) Good for its age - Whiny ZF gearbox, but smooth. Suspension fine and few rattles. Interior and Exterior in good condition. 8/10
4674 - 11C Nice Gemini - engine and gearbox smooth riding. Suspension was excellent - as most of the AG Geminis are. Rattles are minimal, and being a 2012 refurb, is well presented. Paintwork is vivid red and NX Grey Dot scheme inside, which is smart. Be good to have all the Gems in this refurbed state. 9/10
Quote from: mranon on November 07, 2014, 05:02:35 PM
they are cheap and nasty end of. i think they ride and travel better with anything but the voith gearbox. the retarder is all or nothing, the gears clunk and cant make their mind up. massive step into cab. and the rattles! disgusting. shame nx have abandoned other brands esp volvo.
The cost driven 5 year deal with ADL may prove to be short sighted. Costs may be saved in the short to medium term but imagine what these E200s might be like in 15 years.
I dread to think - no way will they last as long as Wrights products, or the Scanias.
Quote from: Liberator9 on November 07, 2014, 07:16:36 PM
1930 - Finally got on this one - along with 1929, I have managed to ride all YW's original Scanias now.
Excellent bus, had it on the 27 today. Suspension very smooth and rides out the road imperfections excellently. Virtually no rattles. Engine and gearbox smooth running. Externally and internally in perfect condition - well done YW and Scania. 10/10
1929, 1910 - 9/10 for both of them. Good suspension, few rattles and smooth running. That's about all there is to say, but in this case that's a good thing.
4089 - 49 (YW) Good for its age - Whiny ZF gearbox, but smooth. Suspension fine and few rattles. Interior and Exterior in good condition. 8/10
4674 - 11C Nice Gemini - engine and gearbox smooth riding. Suspension was excellent - as most of the AG Geminis are. Rattles are minimal, and being a 2012 refurb, is well presented. Paintwork is vivid red and NX Grey Dot scheme inside, which is smart. Be good to have all the Gems in this refurbed state. 9/10
The same can't be said for CV Gemini 4695! Terrible interior that is a mess and as for the exterior... 4695 is easy to notice with its big large fleet number at the front!
Would be interesting to see some additional comments on the cleanliness of buses in this thread and also about heating systems working or not as the case may be.
The Omnilinks at AG definitely have working heating; been quite toasty on the 37 all last week! Unless you're unlucky to get one that's just entered service having been parked outside the garage all night, as I did one Saturday early morning last year! :o
Love warm buses in a morning - 1928 was excellent a few weeks ago, and 1896.
You usually hear 4695 before you see it!
4382 is a perfect ALX400 with a perfect chassis. No rattles at all, engine perfect, suspension excellent, clean and tidy, 1 year since refurb and the seats are in the grey moquette, the bodywork perfect. Nothing bad to say about this bus. 10/10
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
The heating on the Enviros are just plain rubbish. I actually feel something on the ALX400s, I actually feel something on the Plaxtons.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on November 16, 2014, 12:32:43 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
The heating on the Enviros are just plain rubbish. I actually feel something on the ALX400s, I actually feel something on the Plaxtons.
As an occasional bus passenger (but regular train traveller) the last thing I felt on an ALX400 was water pouring on my knees and dripping on my head - front seat passenger on a very rainy day. I might be doing it a disservice as there is a possibility it was a chop shop special as one of the batch of 3 or 4 was completely de-roofed and fixed about a year ago.
Quote from: don on November 16, 2014, 12:37:10 PM
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on November 16, 2014, 12:32:43 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
The heating on the Enviros are just plain rubbish. I actually feel something on the ALX400s, I actually feel something on the Plaxtons.
As an occasional bus passenger (but regular train traveller) the last thing I felt on an ALX400 was water pouring on my knees and dripping on my head - front seat passenger on a very rainy day. I might be doing it a disservice as there is a possibility it was a chop shop special as one of the batch of 3 or 4 was completely de-roofed and fixed about a year ago.
Was that one 4234? That's one problem though, but I suspect that on most buses, most of these windows were probably replaced as I don't really see Alexander Dennis on the front windows of the ALX400s. National Express may need to do something about that area!
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on November 16, 2014, 12:32:43 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
The heating on the Enviros are just plain rubbish. I actually feel something on the ALX400s, I actually feel something on the Plaxtons.
After popping into work for a few hours yesterday, I went a slightly different way home; took in an Enviro400 on the 3 down to Swanshurst Park, which was relatively warm upstairs, then changed onto a President on the 11A, which was quite cold inside. So my experience is sort of in contrast to yours.
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
Which E200s are these then? I got on one of the first batch ones, 804, I think it was on the 24. Good grief, it was almost like Antarctica in those things.
Quote from: clayderman on November 16, 2014, 02:51:07 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
Which E200s are these then? I got on one of the first batch ones, 804, I think it was on the 24. Good grief, it was almost like Antarctica in those things.
The smaller the bus the warmer it should be
In the winter, as long as the heater knob hasn't fallen off and is stuck on cold air (it has happened!) Optare Solos are the best buses to drive. They warm up really quickly and don't lose it when the doors are open. In summer however, they are like driving around all day in a large greenhouse with that massive windscreen.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on November 16, 2014, 02:10:40 PM
Was that one 4234?
No it was an Arriva Southern Counties one. I've read other people on this forum have similar experiences with certain NXWM ALX400s. Bodywork leaks aren't restricted to road vehicles - take a look at the carriage roof/cab joints on class 319 units!!
Quote from: clayderman on November 16, 2014, 02:51:07 PM
Quote from: Ashley on November 16, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
E200's are probably the warmest buses I get in the mornings. Most Tridents and B7TL's are just iceboxes and it hasn't snowed yet lol
On the flipside E400's and E400H's are nice and cool in the summer , well upstairs they are
Which E200s are these then? I got on one of the first batch ones, 804, I think it was on the 24. Good grief, it was almost like Antarctica in those things.
The West Brom LWB E200's
Well, my aim of getting on each of YW's ex WA Scanias is on the way there: had three of them out of three possible trips - only problem is that two were ones from before
1896 - same as before - very smart inside and outside. Same more than normal rattling - engine vibration less this time though 8/10
1898 - first time on this one - nice bus - few rattles and engine is good - suspension is a bit odd - rides well, but juddered a bit at times at the rear after going through a few of the bumps - springs? Not severely, just lightly - felt it occasionally on a Omnilink last year.
1899 - Improvement from last time - vibration at idle much less than last time, and was a lively affair on the 27. The suspension was felt firmer and much better as well - although still not as good as the AG/YW original deliveries.
Then Presidents - 4046, 4074 and 4106 - these buses are outstanding for their age - all went along well, smartly turned out and minimal rattling from them. Like how 4046 was refurbished with NX dot seats, and the vivid red paint given to it as well.
Caught 4191 on the 141 this evening and thought it was worth a mention, it's a bit of an oddball.
The interior isn't in good shape - it looks a bit of a mess really. Half the seats are still wearing the original trim, looking more grey than blue now. The other half are also in TWM trim, but they are still bright and aren't faded, i'd imagine they were replaced when it was painted, although that said they still don't look particularly clean or inviting. On the other hand this one seems very sturdy - none of the usual rattles and shakes from handrails and the staircase surround panels (upstairs, at least).
What I find most intriguing about this bus is the noise it makes when pulling off. It sounds more like the T69 trams than a bus (if you ignore the sound of the engine).
1756 on the 4 service makes a pleasant change from the scanias soon as I boarded you notice straight away how much more roomy these buses feel. The orignal blue trim with grey seat covers did look very odd on this vehicle, very pleasant ride on this very minimal rattling from front cab area, engine/gearbox sounds good on these not strangled like euro5 versions. Company should have bought a lot more of these volvos than the scanias IMO. Very solid products indeed built to last.
To those that know do these mark one b7rle,s share the same chassis as the later ones.
Quote from: 2900 on November 23, 2014, 11:00:42 AM
1756 on the 4 service makes a pleasant change from the scanias soon as I boarded you notice straight away how much more roomy these buses feel. The orignal blue trim with grey seat covers did look very odd on this vehicle, very pleasant ride on this very minimal rattling from front cab area, engine/gearbox sounds good on these not strangled like euro5 versions. Company should have bought a lot more of these volvos than the scanias IMO. Very solid products indeed built to last.
To those that know do these mark one b7rle,s share the same chassis as the later ones.
They are the same chassis as the later 2011/2012 versions - B7RLEs. I fully agree - NX/TWM should have bought more on them - they are solid buses - used to have them on the 37 and they were excellent buses then. Shame when they left for WA. Ridden a few up at WA this year and they haven't changed a bit - still rattle very little and ride well, although it is odd with the grey trim on blue seatbacks.
I'm with Liberator9 on this one, used to enjoy these on the 37 when they were at AG. Nice and spacious, with plenty of grab-rails for standing passengers, which the later Eclipse 2s seem to be lacking.
Quote from: Stu on November 23, 2014, 11:31:54 AM
I'm with Liberator9 on this one, used to enjoy these on the 37 when they were at AG. Nice and spacious, with plenty of grab-rails for standing passengers, which the later Eclipse 2s seem to be lacking.
Good times back then!
4489 - Geminis are quite easily the best buses in the fleet. They're really comfortable, with plenty of legroom for passengers, they're nippy, the average passenger wouldn't be able to tell that the PB Geminis are 11 years old, very little rattle, clean, fresh interior, the only thing I'd say is, with most ZF engines, they have a tendency to throw you about a bit when accelerating, stopping and starting, and I feel like the engine is missing something, they don't have that godly whine that the 46** Geminis do. Still solid buses, can't think of any buses that NX have that are better. 9/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 25, 2014, 10:16:14 PM
4489 - Geminis are quite easily the best buses in the fleet. They're really comfortable, with plenty of legroom for passengers, they're nippy, the average passenger wouldn't be able to tell that the PB Geminis are 11 years old, very little rattle, clean, fresh interior, the only thing I'd say is, with most ZF engines, they have a tendency to throw you about a bit when accelerating, stopping and starting, and I feel like the engine is missing something, they don't have that godly whine that the 46** Geminis do. Still solid buses, can't think of any buses that NX have that are better. 9/10
It also has a whiny gearbox, give it a few years and it'll be the new 4089 :P
1667 caught this merc the other day to West Bromwich first thing I noticed as it pulled up how tidy and presentable the exterior bodywork is, must be one the best out there. Interior seats covered in dark blue TWM spec moquette looks good IMO, while sat at the rear I noticed how good condition the plastics are in most are battered. The ride was smooth and comfortable not much in the way of rattling. I think this one should survive for while, having said that It,ll self combust now.
BC 4318 - Absolute sack of crap. When I caught it was of Sunday evening, bus is slow (only felt like about 25 down Bristol Road), stinks of urine and all round unpleasant journey. 3/10 Overall.
I asked the driver weather he was early and driving slow, but he said he was flat out all route, just a crap bus haha.
4522. Don't see this one very often, and it's a good thing, cooling fan is on literally all the time, Geminis would be a solid 10/10 for me if their cooling fans weren't so loud. 3/10.
4526, in comparison, a much better bus, smooth, quiet and comfortable, just needs a refurb. 9/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 01, 2014, 05:46:02 PM
4522. Don't see this one very often, and it's a good thing, cooling fan is on literally all the time, Geminis would be a solid 10/10 for me if their cooling fans weren't so loud. 3/10.
4526, in comparison, a much better bus, smooth, quiet and comfortable, just needs a refurb. 9/10
I love the hoover noises, but in videos they don't sound nice.
4340 - Nice Trident - best suspension on a Trident I've had for a while, and engine/gearbox smooth. Bit rattly at times, and the heaters on the upper deck useless, as usual on Tridents. Sadly the unique engine sound it was making has now been eliminated. 8/10
4651 - Suspension superb - engine and gearbox relatively smooth, and a fast Gemini. Very few rattles; just some minor rattling at the rear of the lower deck. Interior needs refurbishing now badly - the trim is worn out. Most of AG's need doing - they would be even better if the interiors were of a higher quality. 8.5/10
1930 - Warm, few rattles and suspension excellent. Smart internally and externally - just what you want on a cold evening in December - 10/10
4353 - good trident, not many rattles, smooth, a good noice, the interior is in grey moquette, looks brand new. One of pe best tridents. 9/10
Quote from: Liberator9 on December 01, 2014, 07:42:48 PM
4340 - Nice Trident - best suspension on a Trident I've had for a while, and engine/gearbox smooth. Bit rattly at times, and the heaters on the upper deck useless, as usual on Tridents. Sadly the unique engine sound it was making has now been eliminated. 8/10
4651 - Suspension superb - engine and gearbox relatively smooth, and a fast Gemini. Very few rattles; just some minor rattling at the rear of the lower deck. Interior needs refurbishing now badly - the trim is worn out. Most of AG's need doing - they would be even better if the interiors were of a higher quality. 8.5/10
1930 - Warm, few rattles and suspension excellent. Smart internally and externally - just what you want on a cold evening in December - 10/10
4340 was on the 76 today, I was on it at 7:30-7:45AM. Was it today that you have taken a ride on it?
Yeah it was ;)
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 01, 2014, 05:41:57 PM
BC 4318 - Absolute sack of crap. When I caught it was of Sunday evening, bus is slow (only felt like about 25 down Bristol Road), stinks of urine and all round unpleasant journey. 3/10 Overall.
I asked the driver weather he was early and driving slow, but he said he was flat out all route, just a crap bus haha.
Never used to be that bad. Used to be a good bus at WN. Used to be very nippy
Quote from: Nathan on December 02, 2014, 02:41:45 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 01, 2014, 05:41:57 PM
BC 4318 - Absolute sack of crap. When I caught it was of Sunday evening, bus is slow (only felt like about 25 down Bristol Road), stinks of urine and all round unpleasant journey. 3/10 Overall.
I asked the driver weather he was early and driving slow, but he said he was flat out all route, just a crap bus haha.
Never used to be that bad. Used to be a good bus at WN. Used to be very nippy
Hmm, some of the Tridents are starting to get a little sluggish and dirty.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on December 02, 2014, 04:26:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on December 02, 2014, 02:41:45 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 01, 2014, 05:41:57 PM
BC 4318 - Absolute sack of crap. When I caught it was of Sunday evening, bus is slow (only felt like about 25 down Bristol Road), stinks of urine and all round unpleasant journey. 3/10 Overall.
I asked the driver weather he was early and driving slow, but he said he was flat out all route, just a crap bus haha.
Never used to be that bad. Used to be a good bus at WN. Used to be very nippy
Hmm, some of the Tridents are starting to get a little sluggish and dirty.
...although not as slow as E200's may I add.
4905 - Comfortable to travel on, but scary-ingly slow on roundabouts. I really am surprised an RTC hasn't happened on these E400's. Surely the company's fuel bill is of excuse for the slowness of these buses & the health and safety of passengers? - even from the upper saloon the bus felt grounded, little rattles and smooth over smooth roads. Damping is a little poor off speed bumps unfortunately which ruined the ride.
Comfort - 6/10
Drivetrain - 0/10
Overall I think from a passenger perspective this bus is about 4/10, and that's being generous.
Piss poor buses to be honest. In addition, the late 49's (4941 etc) are much better with better gear setup.
4963 Freya, had this for a long stint got to give a it good work out and have a nosy around, I still can't get round how spacious the enviro 400 compared to the gems even upstairs there is more legroom,warm through out the bus good heating while it works, up on moving away straight away I,m hit with this annoying squeak from the over head radio console which I sorted with wedging bits of newspaper here and there, cab door rattles aswell not good, more rattling from saloon door area.
On the level at no point did the engine go over 1500 rpm can't believe it on an incline i did manage 1600 rpm. Over taking is a new challenge I went overtake a gemni on the dual carriage way it seemed to take for ever so now you have to think twice about it in one these, bloody gutless. I did notice you can see through the n/s mirror without obstruction. I thought these had voith gearboxes this has a zf fitted.
Engine:it's smooth and quite no issues
Gearbox:yes the ecu is set up to change gears quickly, another annoying fault under braking the box sometimes changes down carrying the bus forwards so your having to brake harder last time I experienced that was in Lynx not nice at all.
Retarder: very good
Brakes:good
Suspension: front axle load of shit, poor damping, hopeless on speed bumps
Steering :good
Body:5/10
Chassis:2/10 being generous me thinks
823 what a f##king piece of dog turd should have gone straight to Pvs barnsley from the ADL factory by pass passenger service all together.
ADL please contact the Volkswagen and Audi group on how to assemble vehicles you might just learn a thing or two.
just realised put my comments in the wrong thread sorry.
An Enviro I went on which was on the route 50: First of all the engine wasn't healthy, there was a kind of ruler sound and it was rattly. The heating is worse then the older Tridents and the bodywork is just rubbish.
Bodywork 0/10
Chassis 0/10
Heating 1/10
Comfort 1/10
Overall 0/10! I am not just posting bad about Enviros, there are some ALX400s that are getting a bit weird like 4360.
1629- my now favourite merc. Grey moquette interior, fairly warm, exterior quite smart, bit slow as are all Mercs. Overall I'm not fans of Mercs but this one is ok, far from perfect however
Bodywork 4/10
Chassis 2/10
Heating 3/10
Comfort 6/10
Interior 6/10
If you take in to account the mercs are 15 years old they are not that bad when YOU consider the enviro 200 is as bad straight from the factory, brand new the mercs were just awesome machines you CAN never say that about any ADL SINGLE DECKER.
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 05:56:10 PM
If you take in to account the mercs are 15 years old they are not that bad when YOU consider the enviro 200 is as bad straight from the factory, brand new the mercs were just awesome machines you CAN never say that about any ADL SINGLE DECKER.
Yes i know I wasn't comparing to e200s, just general single deckers. Look at the Walsall volvos they are in really good condition considering there age.
yeah i agree the WRIGHTBUS B10L,s have faired much better than most single deckers still excellent. May be one should be sent to ADL so they can strip it down and learn how to build a quality bus.
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 06:25:25 PM
yeah i agree the WRIGHTBUS B10L,s have faired much better than most single deckers still excellent. May be one should be sent to ADL so they can strip it down and learn how to build a quality bus.
Agreed! After all that rubbish they have been building since the ALX200/300/400 stopped being produced. The box design appeals to most other bus lovers then curves.
The ALXs were ok - heating as on the Enviro 400s is very poor on most of them. Suspension is similar to the E400s - basic and can't handle road bumps at all well. I do like the design on them though - basic but appealing at the same time.
The Volvo B10Ls are fabulous for their age - rather keep them than have the new Enviro 200s. The Geminis are better than the Tridents of the same age in terms of suspension and rattling, but the engine at idle is deafening and AG's versions looks a mess most of the time. The Tridents' engines being fair to them are still very good - at least at YW.
The YW and AG Scanias and the 56 reg Eclipses (not to mention the old B10Ls ;) ) are the best for me - good suspension, smart and attractive in terms of design, and the heating actually works on most of them. The pre 1909 Scanias are fine, but the suspension on the ex WA versions isn't as good, with the engines noisier at idle and more jerky gear changes at low speeds.
Four reviews:
4731 - Good Enviro - didn't rattle much (even up by driver's cab), smart internally and externally, with the engine smooth running. Suspension was good most of the time but doesn't cope well with the potholes. Heaters ineffective on a cold morning. 8/10
4799 - Same as 4731 really - smart looking. Rattles minimal, engine powerful on this one seemingly. Suspension was good actually most of the time. Heating again was pathetic though. 8/10
4382 - Average Trident - suspension fine, rattles up by cab on rough surfaces. Engine still going well - gearbox nearly lost it on a kickdown however - seemed to jump from 3rd to 1st; I've never heard such a high noise from a Trident! But at least unlike the new ADL ones it has a good amount of power behind it. Heating though rubbish even on lower deck by the vents - not great on a cold evening 7.5/10
1912 - Excellent Scania on the 27. Suspension superb - even handled the rough Highter's Heath roads extremely well. Rattling only occurred on rough surfaces, coming predominantly from the ticket bin (needs tightening - YW had solved that a few months ago on 1912 as it had stopped). Engine and gearbox very good running and internally and externally smart. Heaters working very well - only bus in the last two days with any good heating. Driver was also excellent - a friendly person who drove it extremely well. 10/10
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on December 08, 2014, 07:20:08 PM
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 06:25:25 PM
yeah i agree the WRIGHTBUS B10L,s have faired much better than most single deckers still excellent. May be one should be sent to ADL so they can strip it down and learn how to build a quality bus.
Agreed! After all that rubbish they have been building since the ALX200/300/400 stopped being produced. The box design appeals to most other bus lovers then curves.
You think the ALX series were built better than the Enviros? No they were just as bad. The main difference at the moment seems to be Falkirk build slightly better than Scarborough
I agree with Tony here - ALXs seem to suffer from the same "build quality" issues. The leaking windows seems to spring to mind first and foremost.
Let's face it most us are of the same opinion ADL=crap bus manufacture,er. Spare a thought for us poor bastards that have to drive these turds with our ever longer duty compasses that have been festooned up on us from the powers that be who must be rubbing there hands with glee.
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 10:25:15 PM
Let's face it most us are of the same opinion ADL=crap bus manufacture,er. Spare a thought for us poor bastards that have to drive these turds with our ever longer duty compasses that have been festooned up on us from the powers that be who must be rubbing there hands with glee.
Steady on Eddy
Quote from: 979 on December 08, 2014, 10:39:39 PM
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 10:25:15 PM
Let's face it most us are of the same opinion ADL=crap bus manufacture,er. Spare a thought for us poor bastards that have to drive these turds with our ever longer duty compasses that have been festooned up on us from the powers that be who must be rubbing there hands with glee.
Steady on Eddy
They seem to get on fine elsewhere in the country!! The Dart must be the best selling single deck bus of the last two decades - the fact NXWM and its predecessors have only operated a handful until the E200 successors more recently is the odd thing. It's undeniable that the Volvo/Wright combination has proved durable but frankly, the E200s I've travelled on elsewhere in the country are pretty reasonable buses from a passenger viewpoint and particularly the SWB ones in London.
Not sure where the problem arises in NXWM - Poor spec? Maintenance issues? Inadequate driver training? I'm very curious about this!! You can't compare them to a B7RLE as they are larger (and no doubt more expensive) vehicle.
There are a handful of P reg mid life refurbished SLF Darts still operating inter urban services here and they are really very smooth with reasonably rattle free and decent interiors - I guess it's down to the mid life refurb and decent maintenance.
Quote from: don on December 08, 2014, 11:37:38 PM
Quote from: 979 on December 08, 2014, 10:39:39 PM
Quote from: 2900 on December 08, 2014, 10:25:15 PM
Let's face it most us are of the same opinion ADL=crap bus manufacture,er. Spare a thought for us poor bastards that have to drive these turds with our ever longer duty compasses that have been festooned up on us from the powers that be who must be rubbing there hands with glee.
Steady on Eddy
They seem to get on fine elsewhere in the country!! The Dart must be the best selling single deck bus of the last two decades - the fact NXWM and its predecessors have only operated a handful until the E200 successors more recently is the odd thing. It's undeniable that the Volvo/Wright combination has proved durable but frankly, the E200s I've travelled on elsewhere in the country are pretty reasonable buses from a passenger viewpoint and particularly the SWB ones in London.
Not sure where the problem arises in NXWM - Poor spec? Maintenance issues? Inadequate driver training? I'm very curious about this!! You can't compare them to a B7RLE as they are larger (and no doubt more expensive) vehicle.
There are a handful of P reg mid life refurbished SLF Darts still operating inter urban services here and they are really very smooth with reasonably rattle free and decent interiors - I guess it's down to the mid life refurb and decent maintenance.
NX Specification is crap quite frankly. And the damn obsession with fuel saving has killed the kickdown and any sort of proper power from the engine & gearbox. Oddly though 804 seemed to have been tunes differently, that one is actually quick and over revs in all gears, and drops down a gear uphill and maintains high revs constantly. A real diamond in a batch of rough. Still a bag of shit as its a cut price ADL box but still, you can't polish a turd.
Quote from: don on December 08, 2014, 11:37:38 PM
Not sure where the problem arises in NXWM - Poor spec? Maintenance issues? Inadequate driver training? I'm very curious about this!! You can't compare them to a B7RLE as they are larger (and no doubt more expensive) vehicle.
There are a handful of P reg mid life refurbished SLF Darts still operating inter urban services here and they are really very smooth with reasonably rattle free and decent interiors - I guess it's down to the mid life refurb and decent maintenance.
Mid life overhaul? There isn't much round here that gets one of those anymore. Not since the Tyburn works went really. A new set of seat covers and a lick of paint, and in the case of the ALX's it took many of them 13 years and being reduced to fleapits on wheels to get that. One can only assume NX think they are going to get 26 years of service out of them if this is what they call a midlife overhaul these days!!
And before anybody gets on my case I spent 2 years travelling backwards and forwards into town on 4284 and its friends.
Quote from: andy on December 09, 2014, 01:54:23 AM
Quote from: don on December 08, 2014, 11:37:38 PM
Not sure where the problem arises in NXWM - Poor spec? Maintenance issues? Inadequate driver training? I'm very curious about this!! You can't compare them to a B7RLE as they are larger (and no doubt more expensive) vehicle.
There are a handful of P reg mid life refurbished SLF Darts still operating inter urban services here and they are really very smooth with reasonably rattle free and decent interiors - I guess it's down to the mid life refurb and decent maintenance.
Mid life overhaul? There isn't much round here that gets one of those anymore. Not since the Tyburn works went really. A new set of seat covers and a lick of paint, and in the case of the ALX's it took many of them 13 years and being reduced to fleapits on wheels to get that. One can only assume NX think they are going to get 26 years of service out of them if this is what they call a midlife overhaul these days!!
And before anybody gets on my case I spent 2 years travelling backwards and forwards into town on 4284 and its friends.
Next year will hopefully see a much more systematic approach to which vehicles get retrims/repaints. The rest of what Tyburn Road used to do is normally done by exchange components at garage now.
What happens in the service support bays at Walsall & West Bromwich now is not much different to what Tyburn Road used to do other that Tyburn Road always used to fit a refurbished engine, they are now only replaced when they break!
Maybe I am in a minority on here but I like the look and comfort of the Enviro 400s. The only bad journey I have had in one of these was on the 141 from Merry Hill to Birmingham.
All the Sutton lines I have been on there has been no rattling and egine sounded fine (to the untrained eye admittedly)
Just because the dart/enviro 200 is the best selling small bus in the country doesn't make them any good. There price dictates the sales. As for myself I guess I,ve been spoilt up here in the Midlands driving all types of metrobuses, Lynx,s, placky volvo b7tl with zf box,wrightbus gemni volvo b7tl zf, mercedes 0405N , I look back at that list and feel a little sad, West Midlands bought excellent buses though some of you might debate the leyland Lynx.
Quote from: 2900 on December 09, 2014, 10:34:14 AM
Just because the dart/enviro 200 is the best selling small bus in the country doesn't make them any good. There price dictates the sales. As for myself I guess I,ve been spoilt up here in the Midlands driving all types of metrobuses, Lynx,s, placky volvo b7tl with zf box,wrightbus gemni volvo b7tl zf, mercedes 0405N , I look back at that list and feel a little sad, West Midlands bought excellent buses though some of you might debate the leyland Lynx.
I did love the Leyland lynx's especially when they came back to Walsall in 2007 being used on 377/351.
Another great time was September 2004-January 2005 2 Lynx's on loan to Hockley 1188 1219
Made appearances on 68A/68C and 111 great memories
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2014, 07:53:12 AM
Next year will hopefully see a much more systematic approach to which vehicles get retrims/repaints. The rest of what Tyburn Road used to do is normally done by exchange components at garage now.
What happens in the service support bays at Walsall & West Bromwich now is not much different to what Tyburn Road used to do other that Tyburn Road always used to fit a refurbished engine, they are now only replaced when they break!
This is good news. I have always thought they should outsource vehicle batch refurb and concentrate on repaints, retrims and unit replacement/ routine maintenance in house. I know they do use other firms but it seems on a small scale basis.
Tony, have any of volvo b7tl,s been re engined. I,ve never seen one done here at west brom.
I hear of tridents being done, seen a few mercs done here at west brom. Come to think of it I,ve never even heard a volvo b7tl engine sound rough like its on its last legs.
Quote from: 2900 on December 09, 2014, 10:34:14 AM
Just because the dart/enviro 200 is the best selling small bus in the country doesn't make them any good. There price dictates the sales. As for myself I guess I,ve been spoilt up here in the Midlands driving all types of metrobuses, Lynx,s, placky volvo b7tl with zf box,wrightbus gemni volvo b7tl zf, mercedes 0405N , I look back at that list and feel a little sad, West Midlands bought excellent buses though some of you might debate the leyland Lynx.
Leylands were excellent but I never had a chance to ride on them!
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2014, 07:53:12 AM
Quote from: andy on December 09, 2014, 01:54:23 AM
Quote from: don on December 08, 2014, 11:37:38 PM
Not sure where the problem arises in NXWM - Poor spec? Maintenance issues? Inadequate driver training? I'm very curious about this!! You can't compare them to a B7RLE as they are larger (and no doubt more expensive) vehicle.
There are a handful of P reg mid life refurbished SLF Darts still operating inter urban services here and they are really very smooth with reasonably rattle free and decent interiors - I guess it's down to the mid life refurb and decent maintenance.
Mid life overhaul? There isn't much round here that gets one of those anymore. Not since the Tyburn works went really. A new set of seat covers and a lick of paint, and in the case of the ALX's it took many of them 13 years and being reduced to fleapits on wheels to get that. One can only assume NX think they are going to get 26 years of service out of them if this is what they call a midlife overhaul these days!!
And before anybody gets on my case I spent 2 years travelling backwards and forwards into town on 4284 and its friends.
Next year will hopefully see a much more systematic approach to which vehicles get retrims/repaints. The rest of what Tyburn Road used to do is normally done by exchange components at garage now.
What happens in the service support bays at Walsall & West Bromwich now is not much different to what Tyburn Road used to do other that Tyburn Road always used to fit a refurbished engine, they are now only replaced when they break!
I seriously hope they never allow this next fleet to get into anything like the same state, the facilities certainly do seem to have improved but I have to say the standard of some of the refurbs has gone south recently so I guess we will see.
As others have said there still a large number of vehicles out there that got the new livery but no other treatment and are desperately in need of a facelift.
I'd be intrigued to know the cost of these service bays running round the clock as they have been for some considerable time now. Maybe this is where we can look for the cause of steep fares rises.
30940 diamond wrightbus b7rle, sat towards the rear, I do like the interior on this red moquette with Matt grey seat backs these look so much better than NX shiny grey seat backs. The grey and red does work rather well. Straight away you can see the interior plastics are of a far better quality no exposed screw heads. A very pleasant ride to be had only spoiled by the rattling from the fire extinguisher housing up front. The engine is smooth but muted imO. No strange noises from the drive train or suspension. Probably boring as hell to those who like whines and various other noises you might say this has no defining features. Oh well 8/10
4517 - Fresh out of refurbishment on the 11C this morning - looked brand new! Externally great with glossy paint and new wheel covers. Internally very smart with the new trim and also had a fresh, new trim smell to it. Even had some kids saying how it was like a new bus regarding the smell and look - credit to WA's work there. Hasn't changed since 2900 commented on it regarding how it was to drive. Suspension was superb, very smooth gearbox and engine, with no rattling in passenger saloon. Can't wait for the rest of the Geminis to be given the refurbishment treatment. Only disappointing thing is that WA had not removed some etching on the pointless upstairs "TV" screen at the front - NX may as well remove the things. 10/10 bus
4727 - Rare working on a daytime 76 board - nice refurbishment with glossy paint, and smart interior - quality job by WA. Suspension very good, along with gearbox and engine. Only thing was the annoying rattle from one of the rear upstairs windows. Other than that beats a Trident any day. 9/10
Quote from: Liberator9 on December 12, 2014, 04:32:58 PM
4517 - Fresh out of refurbishment on the 11C this morning - looked brand new! Externally great with glossy paint and new wheel covers. Internally very smart with the new trim and also had a fresh, new trim smell to it. Even had some kids saying how it was like a new bus regarding the smell and look - credit to WA's work there. Hasn't changed since 2900 commented on it regarding how it was to drive. Suspension was superb, very smooth gearbox and engine, with no rattling in passenger saloon. Can't wait for the rest of the Geminis to be given the refurbishment treatment. Only disappointing thing is that WA had not removed some etching on the pointless upstairs "TV" screen at the front - NX may as well remove the things. 10/10 bus
4727 - Rare working on a daytime 76 board - nice refurbishment with glossy paint, and smart interior - quality job by WA. Suspension very good, along with gearbox and engine. Only thing was the annoying rattle from one of the rear upstairs windows. Other than that beats a Trident any day. 9/10
Well, 4727 technically is a Trident but 4378 is something that obviously beats it, hardly any rattles at all unlike most ALX400s and good heating and was really fast 9/10. The heating on the Enviros are nice to be honest!
Few more to add from me
1917 - Pure excellence - no rattles, smooth engine, perfect suspension. Sat on the back seat and quite nice to have a foot warmer in the form of the metal plates on the back row floor which form part of the access to the engine etc. from the saloon. 10/10
4378 - Sorry; hardly any rattles? Sat upper deck front - the destination display cover was rattling like mad and squeaking - useless. Heating very good though, and the engine was a fast one. Suspension also did well. If there weren't the rattles would be 9/10, but down to 7.5/10
4719 - Good Enviro 400 - rattles a bit though and suspension not always the best. Engine & gearbox beats the newer versions though and looked very smart having been refurbished. 8/10
4107 - Not the best one - engine seems to cause a shaking at idle, or more like a jolting. Suspension ok, but rather severe on the road bumps. Presentation ok - window etching in heavy amounts on upper deck, and some seat backs darker, royal blue colour. 6/10
Not NX, but two Diamonds and a Green Bus - worth mentions though:
YJ10MFY - Worse Optare Solo SR Diamond have. Cooling fan constantly on, generating as much noise as a Gemini! Engine and gearbox pretty slow - although at least doing faster than previously. Suspension does well most of the time, and heating very good. Interior now has black smudges on panels near the back - probably due to the black smoke that leaked in a few weeks ago :-\ Also some little vandals have stabbed holes into the leather on seatback, at rear. Rattles come from some loose panels + metal rattle now sounds at back, certainly when idling. 5/10
YJ10MFV - Great Solo SR in comparison. Engine sounds as it should, and performs well. Smart looking still, with suspension doing well in ride quality. Bit of rattling at times, but overall good bus. 9/10
GB922 - Wonderful bus - build quality obviously very good considering the way it is performing still and the lack of rattling. Powerful and smart looking. Ride quality beats a Trident anyday and the engine runs rings around the new Enviro 400s. 10/10
Quote from: Liberator9 on December 20, 2014, 08:19:06 AM
Few more to add from me
1917 - Pure excellence - no rattles, smooth engine, perfect suspension. Sat on the back seat and quite nice to have a foot warmer in the form of the metal plates on the back row floor which form part of the access to the engine etc. from the saloon. 10/10
4378 - Sorry; hardly any rattles? Sat upper deck front - the destination display cover was rattling like mad and squeaking - useless. Heating very good though, and the engine was a fast one. Suspension also did well. If there weren't the rattles would be 9/10, but down to 7.5/10
4719 - Good Enviro 400 - rattles a bit though and suspension not always the best. Engine & gearbox beats the newer versions though and looked very smart having been refurbished. 8/10
4107 - Not the best one - engine seems to cause a shaking at idle, or more like a jolting. Suspension ok, but rather severe on the road bumps. Presentation ok - window etching in heavy amounts on upper deck, and some seat backs darker, royal blue colour. 6/10
Not NX, but two Diamonds and a Green Bus - worth mentions though:
YJ10MFY - Worse Optare Solo SR Diamond have. Cooling fan constantly on, generating as much noise as a Gemini! Engine and gearbox pretty slow - although at least doing faster than previously. Suspension does well most of the time, and heating very good. Interior now has black smudges on panels near the back - probably due to the black smoke that leaked in a few weeks ago :-\ Also some little vandals have stabbed holes into the leather on seatback, at rear. Rattles come from some loose panels + metal rattle now sounds at back, certainly when idling. 5/10
YJ10MFV - Great Solo SR in comparison. Engine sounds as it should, and performs well. Smart looking still, with suspension doing well in ride quality. Bit of rattling at times, but overall good bus. 9/10
GB922 - Wonderful bus - build quality obviously very good considering the way it is performing still and the lack of rattling. Powerful and smart looking. Ride quality beats a Trident anyday and the engine runs rings around the new Enviro 400s. 10/10
I've been on 4719 and the ticket machine is all the way in the disabled area, it was too slow and it stank. 4378 might've gained a few rattles.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on December 20, 2014, 09:41:15 AM
I've been on 4719 and the ticket machine is all the way in the disabled area
All of the '07' Enviro400s are like that. When they were on the Suttons, I always thought what a strange place for the printer. It was also quite funny when people couldn't find their ticket . Another difference are the seats behind the stairs on the lower deck are sideways, but not fold up seats, whereas the '57' Enviro400s have them facing the front
Most of the 35 passengers have got used to the ticket machines now, but when you see one on the 50 nobody has a clue where the ticket is!
Quote from: trident4370 on December 21, 2014, 01:08:33 AM
Most of the 35 passengers have got used to the ticket machines now, but when you see one on the 50 nobody has a clue where the ticket is!
Is it like that on every Normal bus on the 35?
Quote from: John on December 20, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on December 20, 2014, 09:41:15 AM
I've been on 4719 and the ticket machine is all the way in the disabled area
All of the '07' Enviro400s are like that. When they were on the Suttons, I always thought what a strange place for the printer. It was also quite funny when people couldn't find their ticket . Another difference are the seats behind the stairs on the lower deck are sideways, but not cold up seats, whereas the '57' Enviro400s have them facing the front
Think PB adjusted those seats sometime before the batch transferred to YW
Having never been inside a 07/57 plate enviro 400 trident2, I assume these came with blue interiors, so lower Seating arrangement not standard on this batch then. Ticket machine location seems like an after thought.
Quote from: Ashley on December 21, 2014, 09:45:43 AM
Quote from: John on December 20, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on December 20, 2014, 09:41:15 AM
I've been on 4719 and the ticket machine is all the way in the disabled area
All of the '07' Enviro400s are like that. When they were on the Suttons, I always thought what a strange place for the printer. It was also quite funny when people couldn't find their ticket . Another difference are the seats behind the stairs on the lower deck are sideways, but not cold up seats, whereas the '57' Enviro400s have them facing the front
Think PB adjusted those seats sometime before the batch transferred to YW
Isn't it like it on omnicities
Quote from: 2900 on December 21, 2014, 10:51:55 AM
Having never been inside a 07/57 plate enviro 400 trident2, I assume these came with blue interiors, so lower Seating arrangement not standard on this batch then. Ticket machine location seems like an after thought.
The 57 plates have the standard seating positions (ie seats behind the stairway are facing forward unlike the 07 plates) and have the ticket machines in the correct place
Quote from: NXDom on December 21, 2014, 08:12:46 AM
Quote from: trident4370 on December 21, 2014, 01:08:33 AM
Most of the 35 passengers have got used to the ticket machines now, but when you see one on the 50 nobody has a clue where the ticket is!
Is it like that on every Normal bus on the 35?
Nah, most people can just see the normal ones when they get on.
Went on a 4 branded omnilink- I can't believe how slow these things are, especially when they make so much noise. Nice exterior, a bit grubby interior. When I went on the 37 (AG) I never experienced as much noise. Doors are also very slow.
5/10
School route - it really is a nice motor 8) - very happy to see it is staying at Greenbus and not being sold. Do you have a favourite bus in the Greenbus fleet Matt?
New Years Eve
4004- good exterior and interior engine sounding healthy suspension good but not perfect doors open fast and shut fast drives quite fast which I liked overall I'd give this bus 10/10
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 02, 2015, 10:39:42 AM
New Years Eve
4004- good exterior and interior engine sounding healthy suspension good but not perfect doors open fast and shut fast drives quite fast which I liked overall I'd give this bus 10/10
Which route was that on then?
The 82
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 02, 2015, 11:03:29 AM
The 82
Which is a bit strange as 4004 never went near the 82 route on New Years Eve (It is on there today though!)
I think it was either 4004 or 4008
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 02, 2015, 11:11:45 AM
I think it was either 4004 or 4008
Nope! 4008 not on the 82 either
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
1436 would sound different as 1431 to 1440 have ZF gearboxes in comparison to Voiths. Never been on one lacking power though.
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 03, 2015, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
1436 would sound different as 1431 to 1440 have ZF gearboxes in comparison to Voiths. Never been on one lacking power though.
I remember hearing on this forum that 1436 was one of the best ZF's after it's accident. But I am still surprised how it got repaired when these buses get withdrawn after a small engine fire etc due to their age.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on January 03, 2015, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 03, 2015, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
1436 would sound different as 1431 to 1440 have ZF gearboxes in comparison to Voiths. Never been on one lacking power though.
I remember hearing on this forum that 1436 was one of the best ZF's after it's accident. But I am still surprised how it got repaired when these buses get withdrawn after a small engine fire etc due to their age.
When was the last B10L to have an engine fire?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
There is no reason why any Bradford Place route, (with the exception of the 38 and consequently interworked services) can't be double deck. Boxing day proved this.
It is widely talked about WA seeming reluctant to use double decks on routes to there. Whether this is true or not (they have made appearances in the past) possibly for fear of drivers failing to follow the instructed route back to garage (via the ASDA) and striking the bridge on Bridgeman Street, or perhaps for fear of Bradford Street being closed by an incident which would make it very hard for double decks to serve Bradford Place, is unknown.
WA also used B7RLEs on the 311/313 for a couple of years which can't make it under the bridge, and it was not uncommon for the 337/333E or the 305 to see double deck vehicles make appearances.
From the 10th - 19th January Bridgeman Street is shut for roadworks - it will be interesting to see if any double decks or B7RLEs make their first appearances on the 38!
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2015, 06:45:27 PM
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on January 03, 2015, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 03, 2015, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
1436 would sound different as 1431 to 1440 have ZF gearboxes in comparison to Voiths. Never been on one lacking power though.
I remember hearing on this forum that 1436 was one of the best ZF's after it's accident. But I am still surprised how it got repaired when these buses get withdrawn after a small engine fire etc due to their age.
When was the last B10L to have an engine fire?
No, I am just saying. Sorry to confuse anybody.
Quote from: notepanel on January 03, 2015, 06:52:11 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
There is no reason why any Bradford Place route, (with the exception of the 38 and consequently interworked services) can't be double deck. Boxing day proved this.
It is widely talked about WA seeming reluctant to use double decks on routes to there. Whether this is true or not (they have made appearances in the past) possibly for fear of drivers failing to follow the instructed route back to garage (via the ASDA) and striking the bridge on Bridgeman Street, or perhaps for fear of Bradford Street being closed by an incident which would make it very hard for double decks to serve Bradford Place, is unknown.
WA also used B7RLEs on the 311/313 for a couple of years which can't make it under the bridge, and it was not uncommon for the 337/333E or the 305 to see double deck vehicles make appearances.
From the 10th - 19th January Bridgeman Street is shut for roadworks - it will be interesting to see if any double decks or B7RLEs make their first appearances on the 38!
The booking out sheets specifically state 'No double deck vehicles' against all Bradford Place Routes.
Eclipse will fit under the bridge, one was taken under when they were first delivered to check, but it was considered 'close' so an Eclipse going back that way should not damage the vehicle
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 03, 2015, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 03, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
1436- 4M- caught from merry hill to Blackheath. Not the best of rides, as was a full bus, unfortunately having too sit where the two seats face each other, very uncomfortable all the way. The b10 lacked power, and does not sound like the b10 I have used in the past.
I know that Bradford place is not useable for double decker buses, but the 4M in particular needs double decker buses during peak times
1436 would sound different as 1431 to 1440 have ZF gearboxes in comparison to Voiths. Never been on one lacking power though.
I would sooner have EITHER type of B10L over an Omnilink, and I am an omnilink fan so that must be saying something... I would also go as far as to say 1436 is one of the better ZF B10Ls in general.
Another two Diamond buses - but worth the mention:
S2 - YJ10MFZ - Like MFV, an excellent Solo SR. Nice to get on a different one to MFY, which constantly follows me on the S2. Pleasure to ride on in comparison to MFY as well. Engine sounds excellent and smooth. Suspension was superb - dealt with road surfaces and potholes perfectly. Very few rattles as well. Heating system really good as well. 10/10
S3 - Green Hybrid (shall check reg) Very pleasant ride from Maypole to Solihull - suspension did well along country roads and minimal rattling. Heating performing well and engine/electric gear performing well too. 9/10
The Green Hybrid Versa is 30130, mate
Thanks for letting me know :)
More to add from today:
4430 - 957 - Nice Transbus Trident 2 - gearbox smooth and pretty quick bus along the expressway in Small Heath. Little rattling and suspension did well - actually did better at dealing with the potholes and road bumps better than 4949 did later on. 9/10
7030 - 952 - Solid Scania - no rattles at all. Suspension was firm and dealt well with the road surfaces. Engine and gearbox smooth running, with the bus in very good condition externally and internally. 10/10
761 - 654 - Complete opposite to 7030 above. Rattles like anything. I used to think one or two of YW's tridents could rattle badly at times - well this makes them look fine. Abysmal build quality from ADL here - never known a bus make so much rattling, even older ones. Suspension was good - quite bouncy at times but fine overall. Gearbox was very good - actually has a kickdown function - Enviro 400s seem dead in comparison. Engine is fast and good at picking up speed. The retarder on these is strong - no problem braking! Bus in immaculate condition in and out. It was a fun little ride - must say very nippy and if it wasn't for the rattling would be a great bus. So it's 7/10
4301 - 16 - Never ridden one of the Volvo B7TLs with Alexander bodywork, but must say 4301 is a great one. Only a few rattles when on poor roads. Suspension is great - though it is a Volvo so no surprise. Externally and internally immaculate. Engine and gearbox very smooth - engine slow at trying get up hills though. Great bus though and enjoyable ride. 10/10
4949 - 957 - Unfortunately not a great Enviro 400 - first 14 reg I've ridden and not that great. Build quality seems to have declined in comparison to the 2013 BC versions. Rattling constantly upstairs (from loose panel at front) - least it wasn't squeaking. Suspension was poor - didn't deal with potholes very well and was painful going over Lode Lane bumps. Engine fine - although when going into idle did cause a judder/rattle. I'd expect this sort of performance from a 52 reg Trident, but not a 14 reg Enviro 400. 6/10
So really Scania and the older Volvo/Alexander combo win the quality award today. ADL's 14 reg products look smart but the rattling from them is worse compared to Scanias/Volvos, and even their older counterparts. However the Enviro 200 was a fun little ride and lively - if the Enviro 200 MMC doesn't rattle as much then will be a good bus.
804 - 99 - BC - Travelled on this the other day, just remembered to post a review! The service I caught of an evening was running a few minutes late and we had a young driver who wasn't scared of speed shall we say. Or of judging gaps in traffic, come to think of it. Anyway, after the initial pull away the bus picks up speed well, but doesn't seem to hold its speed after the driver came off the throttle for a split second.. Down gear changes were abysmally slow, its as if you could fit another gear between each one! Up changes were fine, and also held its revs quite high, and gave a lovely turbo whine in second gear. The suspension was horrendous. It seems as if the shocks had some sort of incorrect damping; it would rock like a boat after potholes and bumps, and when turning corners, and pretty much all what suspension is supposed to do it didn't do anything well. But the worst thing, the absolute worst thing was the damn interior noise!!! Not only was the engine sound extremely loud internally, (like they've fitted the engine inside the bus with no sound damping) but the rattles were headache inducing!! Everything was rattling. The vault, the wayfarer, the ticket machine, the CCTV screen, the poles, the ceiling, every access panel in the saloon - even the windows were rattling!! I had the unfortunate task to answer the mobile telephone whilst aboard this vehicle, I ended up shouting down the microphone and had to call the recipient back has I was unsuccessful in holding a conversation. Oh, some panels worked their selves loose within the saloon - I told the driver when I got off that his bus was falling apart - he just laughed and said "you wouldn't believe it was only 2 years old". He also apologised for chucking me forward under smooth braking, a known issue about the sharpness of the retarder. 4/10 for the engine and upchanges. 0/10 for Passenger Comfort
I have one I forgot to post as well.
I travelled on 4256 on the 7, from Villa Park (Witton) to Livery Street just before Christmas. It was a full and standing load. The bus was very tidy inside and out, seats in good condition. Very smooth ride with good suspension and felt powerful on pulling away with smooth starts and stops - no jerkiness.
I was extremely impressed - this bus has the short connector bars so not repainted/re trimmed that recently.
The only thing that let it down was the interior of the windows were extremely badly steamed up - although as it was so full and at times making slow progress owing to traffic congestion at Witton it's not surprising I guess.
9/10 - excellent.
1665- 244 absolutely awful. It is so slow, and struggled to get up the hill from halesowen bus station. It juddered as it moved up a gear, and was a very bad ride. Interior smart on the other hand.
4/10 for looks
1/10 for ride
4109 - 49 - Well in comparison to the above mentioned Enviro 400, this is miles better. Quiet engine - really smooth running ZF gearbox. Suspension dealt with the roads very well - certainly over the bumps - only lost it in a bad pothole or two. Heating system working well as always on the Presidents and in a smart condition. 9/10
Interesting to see you mentioned the strong retarder as well LS - ADL seem awful at putting these buses together. To be fair I'm probably being kind giving 761 a 7/10. Feel sorry for the drivers who have to put up with some of these things - They should issue them all with noise cancelling headphones ;D
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 12, 2015, 07:11:03 PM
4109 - 49 - Well in comparison to the above mentioned Enviro 400, this is miles better. Quiet engine - really smooth running ZF gearbox. Suspension dealt with the roads very well - certainly over the bumps - only lost it in a bad pothole or two. Heating system working well as always on the Presidents and in a smart condition. 9/10
Interesting to see you mentioned the strong retarder as well LS - ADL seem awful at putting these buses together. To be fair I'm probably being kind giving 761 a 7/10. Feel sorry for the drivers who have to put up with some of these things - They should issue them all with noise cancelling headphones ;D
Yeah I've noticed the retarder a lot on new ADL products. Even the 400's to an extent are fairly sharp. Not as bad as those 200's though. And I agree, build quality seems to be reduced for a higher turn out of vehicles.
The build quality certainly has suffered on them - I mean the 13 reg Enviro 400s on the 957 are fine - not much rattling and suspension most of the time is fine - except it feels like it's detached over the road bumps. The 14 reg I rode the other day was much worse - I mean they look very smart, but the ride quality towards the front felt terrible most of the time, much like one of YW's Tridents. Rattling was much worse as well - I just hope the Enviro 200 MMC is better than the current one - i.e a lack of constant rattling. I can accept minor rattles when going over rough surfaces or into potholes, but no continuous amounts which make a racket.
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 12, 2015, 07:23:55 PM
The build quality certainly has suffered on them - I mean the 13 reg Enviro 400s on the 957 are fine - not much rattling and suspension most of the time is fine - except it feels like it's detached over the road bumps. The 14 reg I rode the other day was much worse - I mean they look very smart, but the ride quality towards the front felt terrible most of the time, much like one of YW's Tridents. Rattling was much worse as well - I just hope the Enviro 200 MMC is better than the current one - i.e a lack of constant rattling. I can accept minor rattles when going over rough surfaces or into potholes, but no continuous amounts which make a racket.
Annoyingly, I can't remember the last modern new bus without some sort of irritating rattles. The Omnilinks bin, the Enviros complete body, the B7RLE cab door and a few panels, urm... Possibly the last time I remember a 'good' new bus was the Trident E400's!
You're right there - every new bus type NX gets seems to have some sort of irritating rattle. The Enviros all over are fairly bad - though some of the 07 ex PB versions are pretty good - 4718 in particular. The 56 reg Eclipse Urbans are probably the best - still barely rattle and ride very well. The newer 61 reg plus ones rattle much more, and sound lifeless - the joys of Euro 5......I still like the Tridents - certainly since my first trip on PB's 4301, the Voith/Volvo set up. Well built and smooth riding. Some of the Tridents still barely rattle - only real source usually is the upper deck destination covers.
I don't know why they just don't remove the Omnilinks ticket bin - no one uses them (most prefer the floor or wedging in them in between seats). YW have tightened some back up before now - 1912's squeaked badly for a while early last year and being fair to YW they tightened it back up, although it's starting to squeak again now. But apart from than that they are good buses - engine has power, chassis is good and the design attractive. The AG/YW versions beat the equivalent age Optares Diamond have. The Solo SRs they have on my local route are terrible reliability wise - breakdown this morning stranded me high and dry. Rarely see Scanias parked up broken down ;)
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 12, 2015, 08:15:12 PM
You're right there - every new bus type NX gets seems to have some sort of irritating rattle. The Enviros all over are fairly bad - though some of the 07 ex PB versions are pretty good - 4718 in particular. The 56 reg Eclipse Urbans are probably the best - still barely rattle and ride very well. The newer 61 reg plus ones rattle much more, and sound lifeless - the joys of Euro 5......I still like the Tridents - certainly since my first trip on PB's 4301, the Voith/Volvo set up. Well built and smooth riding. Some of the Tridents still barely rattle - only real source usually is the upper deck destination covers.
I don't know why they just don't remove the Omnilinks ticket bin - no one uses them (most prefer the floor or wedging in them in between seats). YW have tightened some back up before now - 1912's squeaked badly for a while early last year and being fair to YW they tightened it back up, although it's starting to squeak again now. But apart from than that they are good buses - engine has power, chassis is good and the design attractive. The AG/YW versions beat the equivalent age Optares Diamond have. The Solo SRs they have on my local route are terrible reliability wise - breakdown this morning stranded me high and dry. Rarely see Scanias parked up broken down ;)
Not as Trident! The Voith/
Volvo tells you that, Dennis built Tridents
Quote from: Tony on January 12, 2015, 08:34:01 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 12, 2015, 08:15:12 PM
You're right there - every new bus type NX gets seems to have some sort of irritating rattle. The Enviros all over are fairly bad - though some of the 07 ex PB versions are pretty good - 4718 in particular. The 56 reg Eclipse Urbans are probably the best - still barely rattle and ride very well. The newer 61 reg plus ones rattle much more, and sound lifeless - the joys of Euro 5......I still like the Tridents - certainly since my first trip on PB's 4301, the Voith/Volvo set up. Well built and smooth riding. Some of the Tridents still barely rattle - only real source usually is the upper deck destination covers.
I don't know why they just don't remove the Omnilinks ticket bin - no one uses them (most prefer the floor or wedging in them in between seats). YW have tightened some back up before now - 1912's squeaked badly for a while early last year and being fair to YW they tightened it back up, although it's starting to squeak again now. But apart from than that they are good buses - engine has power, chassis is good and the design attractive. The AG/YW versions beat the equivalent age Optares Diamond have. The Solo SRs they have on my local route are terrible reliability wise - breakdown this morning stranded me high and dry. Rarely see Scanias parked up broken down ;)
Not as Trident! The Voith/Volvo tells you that, Dennis built Tridents
Easy mistake. ALX400 is I'm sure the correct terminology.
I always get caught out by that - keep forgetting that they are not Tridents ::)
General comment on the ALEXANDER ALX400 B7TL VOITH combo, with the recent departure of so many gemni,s I now spend a lot more driving these VOLVOS about , I,ve never been the biggest fan of this combination since the arrival of the ADL E40D chassis to west brom I now appreicate the alexander Volvo a whole lot more, there are quite a few gems out there.
I,ve been reading the BC garage thread with interest it appears people from down south don't under stand our hatred of complete ADL products, I find it rather amusing.
I now find myself hoping I don't get stuck with one ADL,s contraptions, err I mean bus that's how I feel about them not good I think.
754: sat in the middle of this bus on Sunday it has now developed some annoying problems, saloon heater motor has become loud, a loud annoying rattle/ rumbling of plastic panels now em inmates from o/s rear roof area. Plenty of rattles from saloon door/ cab area while cruising along decent roads nice work ADL thanks for the shit you produce. Made in Britain stickers should be removed not a great advertisement for UK plc
Travelled on 803 on the 63 today.
Actually speed wise not too bad, a lot of the same in retrospect of what I wrote about 804.
Suspension just as bad across the whole batch of E200's it seems. Was literally bounced out of my seat at certain points of the journey.
Doors slow.
7/10 - Gearbox/Engine speed (and seems to have developed kickdown some how? Probably a fault but sounds thrashingly good nonetheless)
0/10 - Passenger Comfort (and that's being generous)
I would like some opinions on the scania bendys having never experienced them, may be I should get out to brum and try them out before they vanish over nite.
Quote from: 2900 on January 20, 2015, 11:14:47 AM
I would like some opinions on the scania bendys having never experienced them, may be I should get out to brum and try them out before they vanish over nite.
It's been a few years since I last travelled on one, but I used to catch the 67 frequently when I worked on Gravelly Industrial Estate.
The novelty of a bendi-bus soon wears off after a while, especially when you wait ages and then you have to try and get on one that's packed. When they weren't so crowded, they seemed okay to travel on, could pick up some speed when the driver wanted (or was able) to. And the rear doors did help to speed up loading and unloading. Must say I never saw anyone try sneaking on through the back!
Three to add:
4390 - 49 - Fantastic bus - really powerful and driver was thrashing it along the 49. Suspension was good and not much rattling. Newer style TWM seats - still in good condition. Actually wears better than some of the grey seating. 9/10
4677 - 11C - Good all round Wright Gemini - no rattling on upper deck, and engine was doing well - smooth running. Suspension was very good. 2012 vivid red refurbishment - paintwork still looking freshly done and has a smart interior. 10/10
1920 - 6 - Never been on this Scania - only one out of the original YW 2010 batch. Really good Scania - gearbox smooth and engine fast running. Barely any rattles - just the occasional noise from the metro secured ticket bin ;) Suspension dealt with the rough roads well and any imperfections. Exterior and interior smart as well. 10/10
Travelled on 4610 not so long ago. Excelled on all criteria. Interior solid, virtually rattle free, (although it still has blue TWM seating which is wearing well), very powerful engine and great gearbox, overtakes cars with ease. Dead smooth gear changes for the ZF lump, and excellent smooth brakes. Doors quick and everything is just dandy. This thing is pushing 11 years old and is still behaving like new! Anybody wants to know what a proper modern bus should be like should travel on BC's 4610. Acredit to Central, A credit to Transbus/ADL.
10/10 - Drivetrain
10/10 - Passenger Comfort
9/10 - Bodywork & Interior Quality (seats still original. Wearing excellently though)
Quote from: 2900 on January 19, 2015, 02:50:08 PM
754: sat in the middle of this bus on Sunday it has now developed some annoying problems, saloon heater motor has become loud, a loud annoying rattle/ rumbling of plastic panels now em inmates from o/s rear roof area. Plenty of rattles from saloon door/ cab area while cruising along decent roads nice work ADL thanks for the shit you produce. Made in Britain stickers should be removed not a great advertisement for UK plc
Ok I've joined in with this.
Last night my usual class 465 unit left the station just as I arrived and the alternative, a short wheelbase TfL Enviro 200 (2 years old) for the same short journey was about to leave so I caught this. I have never heard a bus rattle so much. All of the yellow stanchions were vibrating and rattling and the joints of the ones close to me could be seen to have had some type of rubber solution applied within the joints to quieten them - without success. Internal panels rattling, windows vibrating but the icing on the cake was the doors opening - a sound reminiscent of someone dropping several scaffold poles on a hard surface!! I endured this bus for 15 minutes and left it, thankfully arriving in time for my next train. The bus was far worse rattle wise when stationary than when under drive, the rattling being replaced by a shrill turbo hiss and whine. The bus also seemed to get quieter and less rattly the more it filled with people - presumably loading the body and fittings and quieting them.
A definite 0/10 - I agree 2900 and Liverpool Street - this bus was a pile of crap! If the NXWM ones are like this then they're very poor.
Quote from: don on January 28, 2015, 12:26:29 AM
Quote from: 2900 on January 19, 2015, 02:50:08 PM
754: sat in the middle of this bus on Sunday it has now developed some annoying problems, saloon heater motor has become loud, a loud annoying rattle/ rumbling of plastic panels now em inmates from o/s rear roof area. Plenty of rattles from saloon door/ cab area while cruising along decent roads nice work ADL thanks for the shit you produce. Made in Britain stickers should be removed not a great advertisement for UK plc
Ok I've joined in with this.
Last night my usual class 465 unit left the station just as I arrived and the alternative, a short wheelbase TfL Enviro 200 (2 years old) for the same short journey was about to leave so I caught this. I have never heard a bus rattle so much. All of the yellow stanchions were vibrating and rattling and the joints of the ones close to me could be seen to have had some type of rubber solution applied within the joints to quieten them - without success. Internal panels rattling, windows vibrating but the icing on the cake was the doors opening - a sound reminiscent of someone dropping several scaffold poles on a hard surface!! I endured this bus for 15 minutes and left it, thankfully arriving in time for my next train. The bus was far worse rattle wise when stationary than when under drive, the rattling being replaced by a shrill turbo hiss and whine. The bus also seemed to get quieter and less rattly the more it filled with people - presumably loading the body and fittings and quieting them.
A definite 0/10 - I agree 2900 and Liverpool Street - this bus was a pile of crap! If the NXWM ones are like this then they're very poor.
NXWM are just as bad, if not worse as they're the long wheel base ones and have more space for more rattles!!!
Honestly I do believe a rough running lawnmower with a box of bolts resting on top will result in less rattles.
1450: now a training vehicle, externally all white and looking in excellent condition. Internally at some point it underwent a major refurb floors,poles,seat cushions,covers,frames all redone, still in good condition. The black trim around window frames appears to be plastic coated metal which has bubbled up on most of them so looking a bit unsightly. While on the move few of the windows rattled along, the ride was comfortable, the gearbox unmistakably a voith box whining away at rear along with engine in good shape nothing out of order. Brakes omg not good at all they are harsh when cold it seemed to take a great deal of time to become acceptable. overall for vehicle that's almost 20 years old it's excellent 8/10
5503: currently on board this on my way home from work. Still looks like new inside, refreshingly largely free of vandalism and window etching (do these buses get special attention in terms of removing graffiti?). Nice bright (non-grey) interior.
Legroom is huge on the B5s. Smooth, quiet and quick when the driver needs it to be. The only slight glitch on these is the lag between the change of gears / transition from electric to diesel mode - although I don't notice this as much as I used to.
This bus is entirely rattle free, it feels solid and well put together. Ride quality is nice and smooth, handling bumps and potholes without fuss (unlike its E400 Hybrid counterparts which feel like they've hit a roadside bomb when they go over a pothole - stiffer suspensions than a chavved up Vauxhall Corsa).
All in all a pleaesure to travel on and a 10/10. I should deduct a point for Phil Upton's voice but that would be unfair. I travelled on 5515 this morning and most of the above comments apply, but loses a mark due to slight rattles right at the back upstairs.
From a passenger perspective (I know not all drivers find them the easiest) these are in my opinion some of the best buses in the current fleet and I'm glad they're on my local route. Shame we won't be seeing any more of them.
Random side note - the driver is wearing sunglasses, at 6pm on a dark winters evening.
829 A good bus even though they rattle a lot
Passenger Comfort 3/10
1707 one of the best mercs i like
passenger comfort 10/10
4540 bit loud and got annoying noise on
passenger comfort 8/10
4196 like above
passenger comfort 10/10
4804 on along journey to birmingham nice bus and interior still as good as new
passenger comfort 10/10
People say some buses these days rattle, i remember in the 70s when all buses rattled.
Especially remember D9 4981 which sound like it's underframe was loose for weeks if not years, gave you a headache if you had a long journey on it.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 31, 2015, 10:34:39 PM
People say some buses these days rattle, i remember in the 70s when all buses rattled.
Especially remember D9 4981 which sound like it's underframe was loose for weeks if not years, gave you a headache if you had a long journey on it.
Yes but it was expected in those years with the d9's especially; this is modern times now rattles should be a thing of the past.TThey've had 45 years to fix it haha.
4718: this bus was a dream to ride, I've heard other people talk highly of 4718, and it's entirely justified, comfortable seating, warm heating, a few etches on the seat, but nothing terrible, it's remarkable that these buses are 8 years old. They look a lot younger than that, the refurb was very well done. The engine is great, I didn't feel like I was knocked about like usually when I'm on a ZF, sounded great, as expected, it has a glorious whine. 8/10
4104: I'm usually the first to praise presidents, they are remarkable buses. This one isn't, the heating was basically non-existent, the seats are ok, I didn't feel as comfortable as on the Enviro, a lot of etching on windows, scratched up seat backs, some seat backs covered with metal plates, one of the seats were on the floor. The only saving grace, was its ever whiny engine, which is much nicer on the ears than the 44**/45** Geminis. 4/10
1703: considering this bus is 16-18(?) years old, it's still a great engine, rattled a bit as expected for a such an old bus, would happily ride one of these on any of my locals. Not a whole lot to say really. 7/10
4322: my favourite bus, the Dennis Trident, in my opinion, the Voith gearbox is smoother and sounds nicer. Fairly nippy, not very bumpy, a pleasure to ride, especially on a route I've never been on. Although Dennis Tridents are my favourite buses. I can admit that there are far superior buses, such as the Wright Eclipse Gemini. 8/10
4407: still a nice engine, decent suspension, nice speed, and a good driver, typical ZF though. 6/10
4190- this bus was ok very smooth, externally average, internally bad, however I can credit them that there are only a few nxwm seats, with the rest in the light blue, which is very unusual to me anyway. 7/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 06, 2015, 07:58:20 PM
4718: this bus was a dream to ride, I've heard other people talk highly of 4718, and it's entirely justified, comfortable seating, warm heating, a few etches on the seat, but nothing terrible, it's remarkable that these buses are 8 years old. They look a lot younger than that, the refurb was very well done. The engine is great, I didn't feel like I was knocked about like usually when I'm on a ZF, sounded great, as expected, it has a glorious whine. 8/10
4104: I'm usually the first to praise presidents, they are remarkable buses. This one isn't, the heating was basically non-existent, the seats are ok, I didn't feel as comfortable as on the Enviro, a lot of etching on windows, scratched up seat backs, some seat backs covered with metal plates, one of the seats were on the floor. The only saving grace, was its ever whiny engine, which is much nicer on the ears than the 44**/45** Geminis. 6/10
1703: considering this bus is 16-18(?) years old, it's still a great engine, rattled a bit as expected for a such an old bus, would happily ride one of these on any of my locals. Not a whole lot to say really. 7/10
4322: my favourite bus, the Dennis Trident, in my opinion, the Voith gearbox is smoother and sounds nicer. Fairly nippy, not very bumpy, a pleasure to ride, especially on a route I've never been on. Although Dennis Tridents are my favourite buses. I can admit that there are far superior buses, such as the Wright Eclipse Gemini. 8/10
4407: still a nice engine, decent suspension, nice speed, and a good driver, typical ZF though. 7/10
Remember when we had 1703 at PE as part of the first wave of Mercs at the garage, although it was later transferred to CV. Thought then it was one of the better "later" Mercs, far superior to some of them we have now.
4751: Operated a late service with good thrashing from the driver on the 50. The seats, as usual were rock hard but I'd say I would find it better then most other Enviros, the doors were ok, the bodywork was not that bad and the suspension was good. 6/10
1661-244- now my favourite merc. Even though it is looking a bit old now, and does require pe blinds. I really do think the twm seats suit the Mercs lots, as it lightens up the bus, even though they are looking a bit bare. The driver was going very quickly and the pull off was instant, also doors shut reasonably quick in comparision with other Mercs. Great suspension. If I could guarantee I could get one like this every time I would actually find the Mercs ok. As you can tell I'm not a fan of Mercs but this one has something unique about it.
7/10 drive
4/10 interior- twm seats suit these buses, but are looking a bit bare
Quote from: Matt on February 10, 2015, 06:27:17 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 10, 2015, 05:06:51 PM
1661-244- now my favourite merc. Even though it is looking a bit old now, and does require pe blinds. I really do think the twm seats suit the Mercs lots, as it lightens up the bus, even though they are looking a bit bare. The driver was going very quickly and the pull off was instant, also doors shut reasonably quick in comparision with other Mercs. Great suspension. If I could guarantee I could get one like this every time I would actually find the Mercs ok. As you can tell I'm not a fan of Mercs but this one has something unique about it.
7/10 drive
4/10 interior- twm seats suit these buses, but are looking a bit bare
How are the gear changes, do they shake the whole bus like on some Mercs?
Quite smooth unlike some 15 series
1931 - 6 - Good transfer in for YW - good at picking up speed and is a fast bus; very smooth engine/gearbox. Suspension is good, although does need some minor attention I think after a few too many trips along the 71/72 with its rough roads ;) Rattles a bit, but a good bus. 8/10
1902 - 6 - Still not overly keen on these ex WA examples, bar 1896. Gearboxes on these are not as smooth at lower speeds in comparison to the 2010 versions YW/AG have. Engine also vibrates more at idle. Suspension fine, although bit rough on uneven roads - rattles near the back by the emergency exit, some loose fitting on the door. Needs repainting now and interior refurbishment. 7/10
4741 - 76 - One of my regulars in terms of Enviro 400s - really good bus; still in good condition inside and outside. Suspension does well and barely rattles. Some good power in it and smooth running gearbox. 9/10
4761 - 50 - Two days in a row, and two good rides. Suspension good, doesn't rattle much. Could benefit from refurb now with some etching inside. Bit slow picking up speed as well. 8/10
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 11, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Smooth and quiet LS. Nice. The polar opposite of the sh*tty E200s they buy instead these days. That decision still astounds me.
Quote from: Mike K on February 12, 2015, 08:50:10 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 11, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Smooth and quiet LS. Nice. The polar opposite of the sh*tty E200s they buy instead these days. That decision still astounds me.
The whole buying all the buses from one firm business astounds me!!
Quote from: Matt on February 12, 2015, 09:06:09 PM
1643 - another of Pensnett's finest Mercs, really quiet engine (but loud gearbox), kickdown works very well, very very fast acceleration, grey dot seats (not that I like these!), clean interior, only negative point is that it is one of the ones with the upchanges which shake the whole bus. Adds to their character I guess... 9/10
Video to follow
The only thing I agree with there is the grey seats make them look worse. I'm sure Mercs don't have kick down. Fast acceleration? These buses can't go quickly.
Quote from: Mike K on February 12, 2015, 08:50:10 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 11, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Smooth and quiet LS. Nice. The polar opposite of the sh*tty E200s they buy instead these days. That decision still astounds me.
Its sheer madness, Mike. I'm disgusted at all new ADL products quite frankly. Even the moderately good E400's don't impress me. The 4800's when new were impressive, as were the Omnicities and Enviro'Trident'400's (4698 etc) but these 200's and E40D's are shocking.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 12, 2015, 10:12:05 PM
Quote from: Mike K on February 12, 2015, 08:50:10 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 11, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Smooth and quiet LS. Nice. The polar opposite of the sh*tty E200s they buy instead these days. That decision still astounds me.
Its sheer madness, Mike. I'm disgusted at all new ADL products quite frankly. Even the moderately good E400's don't impress me. The 4800's when new were impressive, as were the Omnicities and Enviro'Trident'400's (4698 etc) but these 200's and E40D's are shocking.
You haven't been on Enviro 300s I suppose? The new ones at Stagecoach in Fife are great. Rattle free and smooth.
Quote from: Kiewii on February 13, 2015, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 12, 2015, 10:12:05 PM
Quote from: Mike K on February 12, 2015, 08:50:10 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on February 11, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
2142 - travelled on the other day. Mundane everything basically. Boring. Smooth, yes. Quiet, yes, Clean yes. Not sure why this one has the repainted red front; and smaller windscreen wipers?
It gets 7/10 across the board for having no problems, but no character either. It would've got 6/10 for its standardness, but with the alternative front end and wipers, gives it a little interesting differences.
Smooth and quiet LS. Nice. The polar opposite of the sh*tty E200s they buy instead these days. That decision still astounds me.
Its sheer madness, Mike. I'm disgusted at all new ADL products quite frankly. Even the moderately good E400's don't impress me. The 4800's when new were impressive, as were the Omnicities and Enviro'Trident'400's (4698 etc) but these 200's and E40D's are shocking.
You haven't been on Enviro 300s I suppose? The new ones at Stagecoach in Fife are great. Rattle free and smooth.
No ADL E300s down here. UNLESS a Transbus one counts. We've got plenty of those, lol. (FirstBus & Diamond, Rotala)
Some new ones to add from yesterday;
Diamond Versa CHH - Nice run - pretty quick running, with suspension doing well. Rattly from various fittings, but didn't really matter. 8/10
Scania Omnilink - 37 - 1944 - Good Scania - engine/gearbox smooth running, with suspension doing well most of the time. A rattle from roof panel, but other than that very solid. Rode it later in the day and again did very well. 9/10
Plaxton President - 11A - 4041 - Engine/gearbox still doing well; still in good condition in regards to seats/panels. Unfortunately the door banged loudly when opening - wouldn't fancy that for a few hours next to the cab! Rattling from cab area clear as well; not as good as some of the other Presidents. So 6.5/7 out of 10.
Scania Omnilink - 28 - 187(3 or 4?) - Sat at the front - suspension was very good and engine/gearbox doing well. Very smart looking being an ex Coventry repaint example. The bus wouldn't rattle much if the ticket bin wasn't fitted - one of the rattly ones certainly - they need removing as they're never used. 8/10
Scania Omnilink - 952 - 1841 - Very smart inside and outside - these refurbs have been done really well. Engine/gearbox very smooth; Suspension was good - dealt with some of the rougher roads well. Not much rattling either, Pleasant first ride on this so gets a 9/10.
The doors on the Presidents usually smash themselves on the bus when they open.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on February 15, 2015, 08:33:23 AM
The doors on the Presidents usually smash themselves on the bus when they open.
4074 also closes doors very quickly, just age I think
It's like it on some spectras in my point of view but the seating layout on them is weird
Quote from: clayderman on February 13, 2015, 06:05:52 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on February 13, 2015, 11:22:11 AM
You haven't been on Enviro 300s I suppose? The new ones at Stagecoach in Fife are great. Rattle free and smooth.
No ADL E300s down here. UNLESS a Transbus one counts. We've got plenty of those, lol. (FirstBus & Diamond, Rotala)
What's this then?
Diamond 30879
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55059449@N06/16056591452/
Also sister 30878 SN10CDF, both allocated to Redditch
2118 - Route 37 AG - Nice change to the usual Scanias and Geminis on the 37 - suspension really good - well built with no rattling in the passenger area. Interior and exterior in good condition - although will be nice when these get a repaint like 2110 and 2120. Engine/gearbox smooth although ZF lifeless sounds. 9/10
6031 - Route 67 PB - Never been on a bendibus, but thanks to Tony managed to at last. Found iit weird sitting at the back at the start! Got some power in it and runs along well. Suspension was good on smooth roads - when it came to some rough parts including the humps round Castle Vale, it got a bit bumpier - thought the bottom had fallen through at one point! But good bus ride and still in pretty good shape - seats need a retrim and the handlebars a repaint if it goes on to another company. 7/10
4259 - Route 67 PB - Great running ALX/Volvo - good suspension and good acceleration. Prefer these to the YW Tridents actually - smoother riding. Few rattles on it and newer refurb so in good condition. Also the windows weren't leaking, unlike some of the other old ADL bodies. 9/10
1947 - Route 37 AG - Good Scania - suspension smooth, little rattling and good engine/gearbox. Engine seemed very quiet and actually could hear the air circulation system instead. Good condition but will benefit from retrim soon. 8.5 or 9/10
4808 - 9 PE Am glad that they are getting rid of the older enviros to PB if this bus is anything to go by. Very slow and as we turned to go up the hill on Spies Lane, the bus started to shake and the noise from the engine was deafening!Are these buses due to be refurbed i wonder because if this one is anything to go by, they need it!
4802- was being driven extremely quickly, fairly powerful. However I could not believe how bad the interior was: newspapers on the floor,cigarette ends on the floor, and the rear facing seats were very muddy. These buses need refurb. Probably one of the worst pe enviros, back seats were all uneven
4587- WN
I wasn't a fan of this one in the past. However, this one has improved massively. Pretty nippy bus and suspension is pretty good for a Trident. External repaint is current vivid red with grey dot seat moquette so very smart. 8/10 for this one
@Matt 4259 certainly is a great one - had it on the 67 yesterday and brilliant run on it. I too prefer them to the Tridents actually!
Few more to add from today; some are not National Express.
Diamond MFZ - Felt like it was going to die going up the hill - could've walked quicker than it was moving. Other than that decent Solo SR - heating as always toasty and ran along smoothly, albeit fairly slow. Fairly dull ride though but interior/exterior in good shape. 7/10
1927 - Route 6 - Suspension was doing very well and riding out the potholes, bumps etc. very well. Did very well at dealing with Poplar Road as well, which can cause most of the buses to judder slightly. Warm on there as well, with interior in good condition. Only very minor rattling.
However very soon the gearbox nearly lost it, kicking down very weirdly; the doors also decided to open and close by themselves. Driver radioed in and said to us we would have to transfer off the bus. I was speaking to him and he said that the doors had a mind of their own and there was some light coming up on the dash.
First Scania to pack up on me - must have been an electrics issue. Driver was a friendly chap and got us all transferred onto the 76 behind.
Johnsons Scania Omnilink YN63BYP - 150. Gearbox and engine lifeless but smooth running. Suspension was perfect - best bus I've known to deal with the potholes south of King's Heath. Interior and exterior in pristine condition - the interior is so much better than NX's - panels are lighter shade, look of a better quality actually and there is legroom on them! Deserves a 10/10
Quote from: Matt on February 23, 2015, 07:40:40 PM
4226 - caught this on the 127 on Saturday, bit slow pulling off and it didn't like the Portway Hill, old seats as well but what I liked about it was the way it sounded, possibly a dodgy rear axle causing some nice sounds as it accelerates. 8/10
4565 - caught this on the 1 last night, now I have never heard a Trident sound like this, another dodgy rear axle I think but this one was LOUD. It almost sounded like a Spectra. Definite 10/10... quick clip of it on my phone: http://youtu.be/1pTqd2w0t2E?t=3m23s
4565 is a great bus. Just see your video of it on the 126.....
4333 - Caught this on the 76 today and this is an amazing bus. Sounds nearly like what 4370 used to sound like. Grey moquette seats, they are comfortable. Hardly any rattles, only with the window but it's not really major. Had a really fast driver. I recommend trident4370 to try and find this bus. 10/10
4157 - on the 97 today, last caught 4 years ago, when it was branded for the 14. Still every bit as good as it was, a quality 41** Trident. 8/10
Silverline - S10 - YX63XWM - Enviro 200 (Short Wheel Base)
At last - a really good Enviro 200! After a not so great ride on 761, and a Yorkshire E200, finally got on a good one - although 808 is a good one at NX. Engine has power in it; got up a steep hill easily on the route. No rattling - just something from the ticket machine. Really smart inside and out - Silverline really looking after this bus. Suspension was really good most of the time - rode smoothly and was just a bit unsettled on one rough section. Miles better than the Solo SRs round by me and so deserves a 10/10!
NXWM - 6 - 1923 - Scania Omnilink
Normal, smooth running Scania - suspension very good. Interior in good condition and same for exterior - would still love to see these put into the Platinum or new 2015 livery :D Very little rattling - just some minor noise from near the cab - seemed to be a soft squeaking from the cab wall partition (which I've noticed on some of them - 1924 e.g) when hitting pot holes. 9/10
Diamond - 96 - Optare Solo - YJ 54 BUE
Typical Optare - feels like it will fall apart at any minute or breakdown. Rattling everywhere - squeaking from the roof hatch. Suspension not good at dealing with road humps. 6/10
Some more to add:
4369 - Shed of a Trident - destination box cover squeaks and rattles like mad. Suspension not very good either - like a rock going over the road humps. Engine and gearbox were fine - although couldn't really much else than the rattling. In an increasingly tatty condition - will be improved once refurbished soon. 5/10
4740 - Brilliant Enviro 400 - 76 - in great internal/external condition. Doesn't rattle - engine/gearbox smooth. Suspension was very comfortable - much better than the Tridents. Heating was also very warm for an Enviro 400. No reason for not giving it 10/10
1927 - Take Two! After the last failed trip, turned up for me again. Brilliant all round - suspension is perfect. No rattling either - interior and exterior smart still. Engine/gearbox all working correctly this time and no door problems - although YW did get it out not long after its glitch. 10/10
1922 - Haven't been on 1922 for a while but hasn't changed. Smooth comfortable ride. Looks smart internally and externally; at least YW have used some smart blood red paint on a new front panel. 9/10
1921 - Same as 1922 really - bit of rattling from a loose roof side panel but sure it will be fixed back in pretty soon. 9/10
Noticed this week that most of the YW fleet have had their wheels cleaned - certainly the E400s and Scanias have. Good idea to do that as enhances their appearance.
Look forward to trying one of the MMC Enviro 400s on Saturday.
6103 - Honestly the best bus i've ever rode. 10/10
Quote from: NXDom on March 11, 2015, 08:11:32 PM
6103 - Honestly the best bus i've ever rode. 10/10
despite failing on first day of service? lol, i'm only joking.
I guess we all have our own preferences for the MMCs. Mine is 6101, here's my review:
Quote from: clayderman on March 10, 2015, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 10, 2015, 07:43:20 PM
Quite a few passengers I've heard say that they're quieter, roomy and better. you could even smell the newness!
I caught 6101 this morning. I could definitely smell something 'pleasant'... A bus equivalent to new car smell? :P
Brilliant bus(es) - I hope I can catch them to school most mornings... Of course a 100% chance when all 22 are in service. I agree with some statements, regarding the cooling fan(?), my opinion: It seems a tad bit loud, though, it shouldn't really 'block' speech, so to speak, no pun intended. It did seem a bit too warm, though, nonetheless pleasant. It is very spacious, compared to the Euro 5 version, especially around the door... The interior did seem stupendously well-lit...
What's more, he driver was awfully friendly, and quite talkative to his passengers, seeing as the new cab door 'protrudes' outwards slightly, giving a more sociable, and an approachable feel to it. We exchanged thanks when I got off my stop. Other passengers' reaction were mostly, if not, all positive, from what I could see...
I have a day off school on Friday, so I hope I can spend the whole day on some MMCs, and possibly a cheeky round trip. ;)
Overall, I'd give this bus a whopping 9/10, despite the ever so slightly askew (in my opinion) temperature, and the relatively loud cooling fan.
4196 alxander alx400 dennis trident2, refurbed not too long ago from appearances, it's rare for me to travel on one of these , engine sounded like it means business powerful like, smooth gear changes, front flatform, cab area fair amount of rattle standard for alexander, front suspension going over rough road didn't feel the best, standing near the front wheels I could feel something not quite 100%, a lot of the interior plastics looked really clean bonus I say, considering it's nearly 15 years old not bad really 5/10
Quote from: Matt on March 18, 2015, 08:57:14 PM
4634 - just caught this on the 61, absolute beast of a bus, powerful engine and really loud ZF sounds particularly when pulling away with kickdown, would recommend to any Trident fans, probably the best NX Trident I've been on.
Sounds good. I can't recall going on it since its AdBlu upgrade. It has always been a fast one, mind.
4044 - This bus is a great example of a President in my opinion. NX grey seat trim, decent suspension, comfortable, a bit of rattling but nothing that would make you think this bus is over 15 years old. It looks no older than an ALX 400 on the inside. The journey was a typical 89 bus ride, a near empty upper saloon and the passenger who realises too late that the 89 takes an entire different and less direct route to Cape Hill than the 87. 8/10
4504 - Despite the very apparent issue of the cooling fan constantly being on, this one isn't bad at all. Very quick bus (cleared Hagley Road very quickly) good suspension, comfortable despite being ZF. The cooling fan and bad rattling does let it down though. 6/10
Quote from: Matt on March 23, 2015, 04:51:30 PM
4194 - caught this on the 241, looks great on the outside and inside, nice whine from the engine and pulls away quite quick. Second favourite Trident at PN...
You best not take my trident.
4800- what a good bus, driver was thrashing it, and down mucklows hill was incredibly quick, will be a shame to see them go, much prefer these too new number 9s
Quote from: Matt on March 23, 2015, 06:44:07 PM
You can keep it, 4193 is mine
Last time i checked it was property of West Midlands Travel Ltd..... ;)
4194 on the 246 the otherday good but not over the top
8/10
I wouldn't normally contribute to this thread, but just wanted to make one observation:
AG 1950 - which I caught home from Sparkbrook on the 37 this evening. I've read comments here and elsewhere about the Scania Omnilinks being 'slow'... well, combine an expert driver with a bit of late running, and trust me, these things can shift when they want to (or at least when the driver wants to!).
Fast acceleration, and some smooth braking, once we got through the bad driving on the Stratford Road, and onto the Warwick Road and some clear stretches... any bus is only as good as the driver, in my opinion.
Travelled on YW's 4096 earlier this afternoon, on a 49 from Kings Norton/Druids Heath to Shirley - sat upstairs, and all I could hear was what sounded like something stuck in the bodywork above the lights rattling and rolling around, what on earth was it?
@Stu Funny enough I heard that on 4096 the other week - up near the front left? Sounds like there's something heavy rolling about.
4591 - Very harsh suspension
3/10
Few to add, including two Stagecoach Devon Enviro 200s - thought I may as well put them here :)
37033 - Enviro 200 - Route 157 - Sidmouth to Exmouth - Great Enviro 200 - fast, smooth and barely rattled. Very smart externally and internally - despite working country routes not a panel scratched or out of place - true for most of the Stagecoach Exmouth fleet. 9/10
37031 - Enviro 200 - Route 157 - Exmouth to Sidmouth - Very much like 37031 - fast voith, smooth suspension and well built. Smartly presented. 9/10
NX809 - Enviro 200 - Route 58 - Good Enviro 200 again actually - bit rattly up at the front as these 62 regs are, but other than that nice bus - still smartly turned out, and suspension was good. 8/10
NX4910 - Enviro 400 - Route 957 - Fast one this - picked up speed well, smooth riding suspension and just some rattles up at the front. Cooling fan kicked in a few times, and actually made an unusual whining sound compared to most cooling fans.
A few old bus reviews today
620- just how I remember the b6s when at pensnett, they are absolutely stunning vehicles. I admit they are not the fastest and the legroom is not great, but the sounds that these things produce is amazing. The driver was not thrashing it, but it was reaching 20 mph. The indicators still make the sound. Today I have relived my childhood, just wish they would come back to pensnett. Way better than the Mercs
4002- quite lucky to find this on the 82, it was being driven extremely slowly unfortunately, but it had a nice noice, suspension was good, seat trims remind me of the old West Midlands buses. Back seats were a bit hard to sit on, and not that comfortable for an hour. Very good- but not outstanding
B6s are better than Mercs!!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2015, 06:46:42 PM
A few old bus reviews today
620- just how I remember the b6s when at pensnett, they are absolutely stunning vehicles. I admit they are not the fastest and the legroom is not great, but the sounds that these things produce is amazing. The driver was not thrashing it, but it was reaching 20 mph. The indicators still make the sound. Today I have relived my childhood, just wish they would come back to pensnett. Way better than the Mercs
4002- quite lucky to find this on the 82, it was being driven extremely slowly unfortunately, but it had a nice noice, suspension was good, seat trims remind me of the old West Midlands buses. Back seats were a bit hard to sit on, and not that comfortable for an hour. Very good- but not outstanding
B6s are better than Mercs!!
Have to see if 582 remains at PE for the next couple of days
@Trident 4194 , would be lovely to see it on the 243/4 one final time.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 08, 2015, 06:56:20 PM
Have to see if 582 remains at PE for the next couple of days @Trident 4194 , would be lovely to see it on the 243/4 one final time.
Hopefully it will
582 back at pl
I must admit, I'm quite a fan of Geminis. Their sheer size as well smooth ride make for quite the ride, Tridents have always looked reliable in my eyes (I just see them all the time).
4946 - Enviro 400 - 957 - Excellent E400 - no rattling, suspension very good and looking smart internally and externally. Engine/gearbox smooth, although they aren't exactly the fastest at pulling off. 10/10
6126 - Enviro 400 MMC - 50 - First ride on one of these and must say they are excellent. They stand out in the streets due to their design and livery - a lot of people looking up at them and commenting. Smooth running, and noticeably faster than the Euro 5 bunch actually. Suspension is good - firm but handles the rough roads well. No rattling either.
4956 (on the 87) - hard to believe this is the first time I've got on one of WBs new(ish) Enviros. The Euro 5 Enviros really do grow on you, handled bumps on Smethwick High Street really well, decent suspension, very little rattle, seems very well built, engine sounds great, does seem slower than its Euro 4 counterparts, not a patch on the Geminis quality wise, but I definitely favour them ahead of the Geminis just for the engine sound, 8/10
4340 - Caught this on the 18 yesterday and the bus was amazing. There were hardly any rattles and minor squeaks. The interior and the painting wasn't in good condition and deserves a repaint, there is no logo at the front. When it was on Yardley Wood road the driver decided to speed it up all the way to 46mph despite the really bendy and hilly road. Bodywork is good. Interior and exterior both needs a refurb. 9/10
Quote from: Matt on February 23, 2015, 07:40:40 PM
4226 - caught this on the 127 on Saturday, bit slow pulling off and it didn't like the Portway Hill, old seats as well but what I liked about it was the way it sounded, possibly a dodgy rear axle causing some nice sounds as it accelerates. 8/10
4565 - caught this on the 1 last night, now I have never heard a Trident sound like this, another dodgy rear axle I think but this one was LOUD. It almost sounded like a Spectra. Definite 10/10... quick clip of it on my phone: http://youtu.be/1pTqd2w0t2E?t=3m23s
4226 sounds like a classic metrobus with a worn planet gear its an awesome sound, have caught this a few times either on the 127/128 or 129 depending which route it happened to be working on. I agree its slow to pull off but makes up for it with the axle sounds 9/10
4637- great Gemini, I'm a fan of geminis anyway but this one was really fast. Yes the cooling fan is always on and slightly annoying, interior not good!
7/10
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 06:25:03 AM
4340 - Caught this on the 18 yesterday and the bus was amazing. There were hardly any rattles and minor squeaks. The interior and the painting wasn't in good condition and deserves a repaint, there is no logo at the front. When it was on Yardley Wood road the driver decided to speed it up all the way to 46mph despite the really bendy and hilly road. Bodywork is good. Interior and exterior both needs a refurb. 9/10
How do you know it was doing a precise 46?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on April 17, 2015, 04:19:15 PM
How do you know it was doing a precise 46?
I was going by the cab to get off at the next stop and I noticed in the cab the bus was doing a little over 45.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on April 17, 2015, 04:19:15 PM
How do you know it was doing a precise 46?
Do you know Yardley Wood Road LS?
There is no way you could safely drive a bus down there at that speed
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 04:29:55 PM
Do you know Yardley Wood Road LS?
There is no way you could safely drive a bus down there at that speed
I literally felt that it was going to topple over when it went up the bend on the hill next to the garage.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 04:27:17 PM
I was going by the cab to get off at the next stop and I noticed in the cab the bus was doing a little over 45.
Are you sure it wasn't 45kph rather than 45mph?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on April 17, 2015, 04:19:15 PM
How do you know it was doing a precise 46?
Hi LS, now I know a lot of drivers think Traffilog is a spy for management to use against them, but obviously if a complaint was made to the company that a driver was doing 16mph over the speed limit the driver would be called in for a 'fact finding'.
Here's where Traffilog comes in, you see the fastest 4340 got up to at anytime during the whole of the 16th April was 36mph. The fastest I can find on Yardley Wood Road is 28mph!
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 06:40:57 PM
Hi LS, now I know a lot of drivers think Traffilog is a spy for management to use against them, but obviously if a complaint was made to the company that a driver was doing 16mph over the speed limit the driver would be called in for a 'fact finding'.
Here's where Traffilog comes in, you see the fastest 4340 got up to at anytime during the whole of the 16th April was 36mph. The fastest I can find on Yardley Wood Road is 28mph!
which is roughly equivelant to 46kph.
You have to be very careful when you make an accusation without knowing 100% of the facts.
Quote from: Winston on April 17, 2015, 04:35:16 PM
Are you sure it wasn't 45kph rather than 45mph?
It wasn't 45kph, it was mph.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 07:36:24 PM
It wasn't 45kph, it was mph.
What time of day? I will then tell you exactly what speed it was doing
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 07:36:24 PM
It wasn't 45kph, it was mph.
@ronnoc1k8 Read Tony's comment above, NE can tell you the speed that any bus does at anytime on a particular day.
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 07:38:49 PM
What time of day? I will then tell you exactly what speed it was doing
Oh cool! It was around 15:00.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 07:40:46 PM
Oh cool! It was around 15:00.
Climbing the hill to the garage the did get it up to 35mph
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 07:45:38 PM
Climbing the hill to the garage the did get it up to 35mph
When I saw it went up to 46mph. I know the Tridents pretty well and I knew that it went to 46mph, I even took a peek in the cab as I was near the cab.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 07:48:29 PM
When I saw it went up to 46mph. I know the Tridents pretty well and I knew that it went to 46mph, I even took a peek in the cab as I was near the cab.
I have driven Tridents up that hill there is no way you could get even the best one up to that speed. The recording system on the bus shows that at 15:00:13 as he went past the end of Pendeen Road he reached his fastest. The driver then slowed for the corner where it bends over the river bridge. At no point did it get near 46mph, which I know from experience would be impossible anyway
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 07:56:38 PM
I have driven Tridents up that hill there is no way you could get even the best one up to that speed. The recording system on the bus shows that at 15:00:13 as he went past the end of Pendeen Road he reached his fastest. The driver then slowed for the corner where it bends over the river bridge. At no point did it get near 46mph, which I know from experience would be impossible anyway
@Tony Do buses have speed limiters on them?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 17, 2015, 08:03:03 PM
@Tony Do buses have speed limiters on them?
They do. Most (not all) NXWM ones are set at 50mph
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 08:04:05 PM
They do. Most (not all) NXWM ones are set at 50mph
Thanks
@Tony.
The only other reason i can see for this occurance is that the speedometer on the bus is faulty. But like you Tony, have been on the 18 many times and there is no way a driver could get a Trident (or any other bus for that matter) up to that speed on that portion of road, not saying its impossible but very very unlikely and if the driver did it, sheer madness.
Quote from: Matt on April 17, 2015, 08:24:51 PM
Tridents' speedos are known to be a little "optimistic" at times.
Same with the B6s, have seen them behave like a rev counter and not a speedo!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 17, 2015, 08:11:05 PM
Thanks @Tony.
The only other reason i can see for this occurance is that the speedometer on the bus is faulty. But like you Tony, have been on the 18 many times and there is no way a driver could get a Trident (or any other bus for that matter) up to that speed on that portion of road, not saying its impossible but very very unlikely and if the driver did it, sheer madness.
For another thing it is uphill all the way from the mini roundabout, so it would take even the best bus longer than that to get to 46.
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 08:48:10 PM
For another thing it is uphill all the way from the mini roundabout, so it would take even the best bus longer than that to get to 46.
Wait, it's mainly straight in that section but the hill starts from near Stoneyford Grove and ends by YW garage.
the only place I know of where 50 is possible is the short section on the a5 by the rising sun on 935A
BC 4159 Y756TOH Got on her yesterday evening on the 70 to town, was making some weird whistling sounds when driver was braking to stop. The sound could be heard outside 4159 when it pulled off then slowed to start the return journey as a 56 by Old Square. Apart from that a tidy bus with a few rattles as you would expect 8/10 :)
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 04:29:55 PM
Do you know Yardley Wood Road LS?
There is no way you could safely drive a bus down there at that speed
I know the road yeah, hence my sarcasm in the post. (Although it is hard to be sarcastic when written)
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 04:32:35 PM
I literally felt that it was going to topple over when it went up the bend on the hill next to the garage.
You know a double decker can't topple over in those circumstances. The camber of the road would have to be more then 45 degrees and then you'd have to have some enthusiastic steering to get the thing to flip.
Quote from: Winston on April 17, 2015, 04:35:16 PM
Are you sure it wasn't 45kph rather than 45mph?
Most likely scenario.
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 06:40:57 PM
Hi LS, now I know a lot of drivers think Traffilog is a spy for management to use against them, but obviously if a complaint was made to the company that a driver was doing 16mph over the speed limit the driver would be called in for a 'fact finding'.
Here's where Traffilog comes in, you see the fastest 4340 got up to at anytime during the whole of the 16th April was 36mph. The fastest I can find on Yardley Wood Road is 28mph!
My sentiments exactly. And 36 in a 30 is hardly big news is it? In fact in most cases it's safer to do that speed in a 30 as you keep up with traffic flow and saves any car trying to dangerously overtake you.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 17, 2015, 07:48:29 PM
When I saw it went up to 46mph. I know the Tridents pretty well and I knew that it went to 46mph, I even took a peek in the cab as I was near the cab.
The speedo might've been calibrated incorrectly slightly, or your view impaired.
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 08:04:05 PM
They do. Most (not all) NXWM ones are set at 50mph
Which we've been inclined not to test *wink wink*
Quote from: Tony on April 17, 2015, 06:40:57 PM
Here's where Traffilog comes in, you see the fastest 4340 got up to at anytime during the whole of the 16th April was 36mph. The fastest I can find on Yardley Wood Road is 28mph!
Perhaps we're talking kph here?!
Have you guys seen that you tube video of a London b7TL being driven around a suburban route at high speed? From that and knowledge of Yardley Wood Road I'd say 40 ish is possible. In fact I remember a white knuckle ride on a BCT 4xx KOV Fleetline on the 13 over the stretch from the bus garage to where the outer circle crosses!! Opposite direction I know but it was being driven seemingly flat out.
I would be surprised if Traffilog was much good picking up spot speeds - average over short periods would be the best available presuming satellite based location technology?
I like how NXWM know the whereabouts of each bus and what speed it was doing at a particular time and date. I knew they were technical with tracking on each bus alongside CCTV but being a technical person myself I can't help but admire that !
P.S I have to say, I find Geminis to be quite smooth.
Quote from: BusFan on April 20, 2015, 12:59:04 AM
I like how NXWM know the whereabouts of each bus and what speed it was doing at a particular time and date. I knew they were technical with tracking on each bus alongside CCTV but being a technical person myself I can't help but admire that !
P.S I have to say, I find Geminis to be quite smooth.
I quite agree but in most Gemini's the downside is that they vibrate so much, it moves my glasses out of place, you can hardly hear anything somebody is saying. That was the case of 4654.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 20, 2015, 06:21:28 AM
I quite agree but in most Gemini's the downside is that they vibrate so much, it moves my glasses out of place, you can hardly hear anything somebody is saying. That was the case of 4654.
The biggest downfall of the Geminis, in my opinion, are the cooling fans, they're so loud, much louder than those of an Enviro 400. Other than that, they're the best buses NX have
Was it true that transport for london banned any further b7tl's due to the cooling fans been anti socially loud?
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 20, 2015, 07:40:58 AM
The biggest downfall of the Geminis, in my opinion, are the cooling fans, they're so loud, much louder than those of an Enviro 400. Other than that, they're the best buses NX have
I love that sound, I find the sound really good.
I've never found the cooling fans on the Geminis to be an issue (Although I tend to wear headphones so hence why) although I like the ease of movement despite their bulk. The way the 5 and 31 move through Hall Green, Acocks Green, Gospel Oak and Monkspath/ Widney Manor is quite something, I didn't know buses can go on those roads !
1775 wrightbus B7RLE great bus very comfortable sat in the middle hardly any thing rattled properly solid bus, engine gearbox sounds as it should, good suspension as well, if these are going to Dundee they are getting probably the best single decks in the fleet imO 8/10
Quote from: BusFan on April 20, 2015, 05:11:14 PM
I've never found the cooling fans on the Geminis to be an issue (Although I tend to wear headphones so hence why) although I like the ease of movement despite their bulk. The way the 5 and 31 move through Hall Green, Acocks Green, Gospel Oak and Monkspath/ Widney Manor is quite something, I didn't know buses can go on those roads !
Next time you see 4518, listen out for the roar of the coolers. They are always on !
Quote from: Michael on April 21, 2015, 01:01:13 PM
Next time you see 4518, listen out for the roar of the coolers. They are always on !
I used to have the displeasure of hearing it on a regular basis. The only Gemini that I was glad to see the back of
Quote from: Michael on April 21, 2015, 01:01:13 PM
Next time you see 4518, listen out for the roar of the coolers. They are always on !
4078 has them too.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 21, 2015, 03:41:07 PM
4078 has them too.
Our 4276 is a noisy one as well, had it for a trip on the 94 yesterday afternoon, and every time you pulled off the fans came on (plus it takes forever to accelerate too, apart from that a good solid bus)
Quote from: John on April 21, 2015, 04:14:25 PM
Our 4278 is a noisy one as well, had it for a trip on the 94 yesterday afternoon, and every time you pulled off the fans came on (plus it takes forever to accelerate too, apart from that a good solid bus)
Add 4271 to that list. 4504 too, but I've grown fond of that bus
@Sh4318 Sorry, I mean 4276! I'm not with it this afternoon!
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 21, 2015, 04:25:14 PM
Add 4271 to that list. 4504 too, but I've grown fond of that bus
4504 sounds a bit weird from the inside. It gets really hot. I remember after I recorded 4504 on both trips I made I felt pretty hot.
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 21, 2015, 01:33:31 PM
I used to have the displeasure of hearing it on a regular basis. The only Gemini that I was glad to see the back of
It's been like that for ages weirdly. Seen it for the first time since it's back a few days ago, knew instantly it was 4518.
4698 - I can't believe this is the first time I've ever been on this bus, it's a very typical demonstrator, showing some of the ideas and changes that were made to the final design, decent turn of speed, comfortable ride, just a bit of annoying rattling, but this bus certainly has personality. I wonder what will happen to it when Euro 3 engines are no longer allowed to enter the City Centre. 7/10
4640 - Has all the components to be perfect, just needs a refurb, desperately, very good turn of speed, cleared Shaftmoor Lane in no time. 8/10
4674 - The opposite to 4640 in some respects, one of the best internal refurbs I've seen, cooler came in a couple times, a bit of annoying rattling, but a very unique and interesting whine. 8/10
4177 - Engine sounds incredible, as always, very good refurb, light blue interior still shows its age though, very fast bus. 8/10
4661 - The best gemini of the day, couldn't find fault with it, fit for any service, never mind the 11, nippy bus, comfortable seating, no signs of rattling or harsh suspension. 9/10
4250 - Shocking ex PB transfer, I don't know what's worse about this bus, the constant window rattling, the annoying idle noise, or the colour coming off the poles, very disappointing bus. 5/10
Funny enough I had 4698 yesterday - really is a nice bus - there is some rattling/squeak from down by the cab area. I'm sure it will just work the 76/18/49 ,or the 84 if they think a single decker is not enough.
4698 might be used for the 18 when the Euro 3's are not allowed in the city centre.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 22, 2015, 08:01:13 PM
4698 might be used for the 18 when the Euro 3's are not allowed in the city centre.
Or the 49 or 76.
Maybe the 84 as it only requires one bus
Maybe - but I'm sure YW would easily be able to keep it occupied on the 18/49/76 - 84 is fine with a single decker really.
632- Ok, i guess(?), for a B6, rattles a fair bit, but i suspect that was more to do with the road surface than the bus itself, as even the sturdiest of vehicles shake on the roads round Willenhall, still trying to decide if i'll be glad to see these go or not
4527-Seems to rattle a bit on the Lichfield Rd, but other than that, solid bus, although a strange smell was noticable when stopped, and in dire need of a refurb, but overall decent
Went on my first E200 today (806 I think) and talk about rattle ! Surprisingly shakey but somewhat nippy.
Also went on a Gemini 4645 and it just cemented my belief that Geminis are the best in the fleet. Such a massive vehicle moving gracefully and so smooth is something to behold.
4525 - I spent the whole journey shocked about how good this bus actually is. The longer the ride went on, the more I resented AG for taking it off us. Great engine, nice and fast, suspension flawless, no rattle whatsoever, most comfortable ride of the day. I presume this one's due for a refurb very soon, so it's a 10/10 for me.
4723 - Engine fine, typical euro 4 with whines and a good turn of speed, suspension ok, not the finest 47**, noticeable rattling, messy blue interior with etches and overall dirty. 6/10
4170 - most of the rating is due to these batch of Tridents being my favourite type of bus. Driving was pretty slow, although this didn't bother me, rattling got annoying and suspension was poor. But it's Voith so 7/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 18, 2015, 07:38:05 PM
4525 - I spent the whole journey shocked about how good this bus actually is. The longer the ride went on, the more I resented AG for taking it off us.
[/quote
Except you nicked it of us and now it's back home :P
4944 - Route 957 - Like 4946, very good. Some rattling upstairs from the front panel, but other than that everything solid - Looking smart as well. Suspension was very good - even fine over Old Lode Lane bumps. Smooth running engine/gearbox - actually fast moving as well when needed; flying along Small Heath Highway! Must say I quite like the E400s now - better made than the E200s.
4698 - I caught this for the first time ever, it was on the 6 today as a slightly unusual working. I must say this bus is really unique, the obvious part is that is never came with a batch and it is a demonstrator but there are so many differences. In most areas there is no rattling, the driver had some difficulty with the wheelchair ramp to let a disabled person off. There does need to be some more bars and better placed stop signs. The doors nearly does not make a single sound when it opens and closes. The engine was loud and growly, the cooling fan did come on from time to time. The interior was much like an ALX400's one and on the whole it is a good bus.
Gearbox - 7/10
Bodywork - 6/10
Suspension - 8/10
The bus itself - 8/10
4287 - This is my first B7TL AlX400 so I didnt know what to expect although I instinctively thought it'll he like a Trident but my what a sutprise ! It was smooth like a Gemini and the extra row of seats a head of the stair case was good !
4496 haring along the expestway on the 904E.
Mechanically a really nicely conformed bus.
Interior very faded. Outside clean and tidy.
PB why are you hiding such generally decent buses back?
4375 - A bus that I have caught every now and again. First of, the interior is alright, could do with a refurb and a retrim. The suspension was as usual, not really impressive with bumps. The bodywork seemed strong and had no rattles. The driver never went over 20mph and it was making a line of cars on Kings Heath High Street.
Suspension 6/10
Bodywork 9/10
Gearbox 8/10
Overall 8/10
4068 - The driver nailed it through the eastern half of the outer circle and for a Plaxton, it moved well. It picked up speed as well. And I thought Plaxtons were slow
Quote from: BusFan on June 20, 2015, 10:22:59 PM
4068 - The driver nailed it through the eastern half of the outer circle and for a Plaxton, it moved well. It picked up speed as well. And I thought Plaxtons were slow
4062-64 are noticeably quicker than others. There's a handful of surprisingly quick ones. Same with Geminis, 4517 feels noticeably slower to 4524. Every bus is different I suppose.
Even today most buses are basically hand assembled with automation where possible that's why to me no two buses are ever exactly the same each one IMO has its own unique character
For me any way the biggest variances in a particular vehicle type currently from my point of view must be Alexander ALX400 B7TL then PLAXTON President B7TL
From the past I know a lot of people look at metrobuses through rose tinted specs let me tell some needed the can of petrol and some matches treatment
Quote from: BusFan on June 20, 2015, 10:22:59 PM
4068 - The driver nailed it through the eastern half of the outer circle and for a Plaxton, it moved well. It picked up speed as well. And I thought Plaxtons were slow
Plaxton Power!
;)
4756 - Spent most of the journey wishing the gearbox was Voith... and that the upstairs fan would stop blowing... and the rattling on the roof would stop. I do love the Euro 4 Enviro 400s, I must just be so used to them now that they don't really impress me anymore. 6/10
6705 - These buses are very good. The extra leg room was useful, the seating was great, so much so that I felt myself sliding down my feet on several occasions, this bus can go, even on 30mph roads, the acceleration was noticeably quick. Ultimately, the engine is boring, from an enthusiast point of view, it took me a while to get used to the Euro 5 Enviros, but I don't think I'll ever come around to Euro 6. Wi-Fi was quick, although disappointingly I couldn't watch YouTube videos, still wish it had plug ports but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The inside branding was excellent, something NX could learn for their normal (non-platinum) branded services. 8/10
873 - Considering the 46 goes straight past my house, I very rarely ride these. All I hear is people complaining about them, but from this example, I can't see the problem. Comfortable ride, didn't seem fast at all, but it was probably due to the driver. Not really any problems with rattling or shaking, apart from one of the windows on the left with the 'another brand new bus for you' sticker. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't wanna do a full trip on the 900 on one of these, but for the services they serve, they seem fine. 7/10
4754 - Much better in all departments than 4756, seems quite bland though, which is strange for an Enviro. I just think Voith wipes the floor with ZF on the Euro 4 Tridents, this is an enthusiast opinion of course. 7/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 25, 2015, 09:53:45 PM
4756 - Spent most of the journey wishing the gearbox was Voith... and that the upstairs fan would stop blowing... and the rattling on the roof would stop. I do love the Euro 4 Enviro 400s, I must just be so used to them now that they don't really impress me anymore. 6/10
6705 - These buses are very good. The extra leg room was useful, the seating was great, so much so that I felt myself sliding down my feet on several occasions, this bus can go, even on 30mph roads, the acceleration was noticeably quick. Ultimately, the engine is boring, from an enthusiast point of view, it took me a while to get used to the Euro 5 Enviros, but I don't think I'll ever come around to Euro 6. Wi-Fi was quick, although disappointingly I couldn't watch YouTube videos, still wish it had plug ports but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The inside branding was excellent, something NX could learn for their normal (non-platinum) branded services. 8/10
873 - Considering the 46 goes straight past my house, I very rarely ride these. All I hear is people complaining about them, but from this example, I can't see the problem. Comfortable ride, didn't seem fast at all, but it was probably due to the driver. Not really any problems with rattling or shaking, apart from one of the windows on the left with the 'another brand new bus for you' sticker. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't wanna do a full trip on the 900 on one of these, but for the services they serve, they seem fine. 7/10
4754 - Much better in all departments than 4756, seems quite bland though, which is strange for an Enviro. I just think Voith wipes the floor with ZF on the Euro 4 Tridents, this is an enthusiast opinion of course. 7/10
The ZF's sound much better when the kickdown function is used.
865- I'm growing fond of these, they are very quick when once they reach 25-30 mph, the seats are comfortable and in good condition. Also the air conditioning unit seems to be very effective in the warm conditions, brakes a bit jerky but not dangerous.
8/10
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2015, 08:11:09 PM
865- I'm growing fond of these, they are very quick when once they reach 25-30 mph, the seats are comfortable and in good condition. Also the air conditioning unit seems to be very effective in the warm conditions, brakes a bit jerky but not dangerous.
8/10
Air conditioning unit? is that the new name for the opening windows?
Quote from: Tony on June 27, 2015, 08:20:24 PM
Air conditioning unit? is that the new name for the opening windows?
No air conditioning, blowing air out under the seats I was wearing shorts and could notice the difference!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2015, 08:37:21 PM
No air conditioning, blowing air out under the seats I was wearing shorts and could notice the difference!
There is no air conditioning on NXWM buses
Probably just cool air being pumped out of the ventilation system - must've been set on the coolest settings. Surprised the Platinums don't have Air Con actually on that point.
Quote from: Tony on June 27, 2015, 08:39:06 PM
There is no air conditioning on NXWM buses
Ok cool air being pumped out like liberator said, but it was very efficient and made 865 sound like an aeroplane. My apologies Tony
Quote from: Liberator9 on June 27, 2015, 08:40:43 PM
Probably just cool air being pumped out of the ventilation system - must've been set on the coolest settings. Surprised the Platinums don't have Air Con actually on that point.
There is no settings either on an E200. Air Con is expensive on fuel and virtually useless on vehicles with opening windows
That's true - not as if the UK suffers long periods of warm weather anywhere to warrant the use of air con ;) So how is the heating controlled on the E200s - is it switched on/off in the depot (I know some buses have that design) or is there just a button for passenger heating.
What was the cold air on the bus then and the noise?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 27, 2015, 08:54:48 PM
What was the cold air on the bus then and the noise?
Presumably it just like a car, you turn the heating off and cooler air is sucked into the car.
I think its all automatic, the only controls the driver can alter are for the cab fans/heater
@BU07 LGO Thanks - sounds right - the E400s and 400MMCs seem to blow out cold air as well on warm days - notice at the front on the upper deck, coming from the small grilles, cold air coming out. Have know the occasional Trident do it as well.
Quote from: Liberator9 on June 27, 2015, 10:41:45 PM
@BU07 LGO
Thanks - sounds right - the E400s and 400MMCs seem to blow out cold air as well on warm days - notice at the front on the upper deck, coming from the small grilles, cold air coming out. Have know the occasional Trident do it as well.
Yeah the mk2s enviros are always blowing something out lol, it's really loud upstairs at the back
@BU07 LGO Haha yeah - if I sit upstairs at the front of an MMC on warm days, there's a constant whistling!
It's annoying from a spotters point of view yoy can't hear the engine!
I've yet to ride an MMC :o although I've had the privilege of sitting in the drivers seat of 1 !
1671 MERCEDES 0405N EVOBUS, had a quick ten minute ride on one of hockley garage few surviving mercs, bodywork not the best, oh dear the interior is awfull what's left of the original moquette all faded and thread bare not good at all. The ride was smooth driver obviously just cruising being on time, I could hear some light rattling from rear axle. Engine/gearbox sounded in good health as well,
For the merc fans make the most of them they,ll be gone before you know it.
I had a good ride on the Outer Circle, from Erdington to Stechford on the 11A. Got to know the route a lot better, was tempted to get off by Wellhead Lane to see PB but thought better of it. 4063 is a good Plaxton, picked up speed well and moved well, it kept up with the Geminis which is always good.
Two to add today
6717 - First day out in service - certainly better than the E400s they've replaced. Good at pulling away and cruise along smoothly. Suspension is very good - certainly noticeable improvement. No rattling and very smart internally/externally. 10/10
2201 - I'm a big Scania lover, and will miss them on the 37. However these more than match them. Suspension is excellent - much improved from the previous incarnation of the E200. No rattling in passenger area - very small one up front from the screen but hardly noticeable. Fast moving - acceleration is better than the E400MMCs. Voith gearbox was very smooth as well. Interior is very airy and smart - exterior stylish - they look far better and larger in the flesh than in photos. Only thing is that taller passengers may not like the rear seats which like the Scanias, have little legroom. The good thing is that it feels like a big bus, and not like a long dart. 10/10
Feel bad for not remembering the fleet number but I rode my worst Gemini today. As it approached me, I could tell something was off and as I rode it, my fears were confirmed ! It made this annoying whirring sound like a Plaxton would.
Quote from: BusFan on July 03, 2015, 11:42:43 PM
Feel bad for not remembering the fleet number but I rode my worst Gemini today. As it approached me, I could tell something was off and as I rode it, my fears were confirmed ! It made this annoying whirring sound like a Plaxton would.
4639 is the worst one I've ever driven. If you ever get a chance, try it and see how slow it pulls from stop.
Quote from: MW on July 03, 2015, 11:48:08 PM
4639 is the worst one I've ever driven. If you ever get a chance, try it and see how slow it pulls from stop.
Thanks, I'll keep that noted,
I have two 11 journies tomorrow, heres hoping I get something a lot better ! The Plaxton on my way home was better but damn it was hot inside (Presumably the engines running all day)
Quote from: BusFan on July 03, 2015, 11:53:23 PM
Thanks, I'll keep that noted,
I have two 11 journies tomorrow, heres hoping I get something a lot better ! The Plaxton on my way home was better but damn it was hot inside (Presumably the engines running all day)
Plaxtons seem hotter inside to me aswell. I had 4027 today around 7ish (expected 4521 but that was swapped for some reason, probably a late running bus replaced on time by 4027).
Quote from: MW on July 03, 2015, 11:55:15 PM
Plaxtons seem hotter inside to me aswell. I had 4027 today around 7ish (expected 4521 but that was swapped for some reason, probably a late running bus replaced on time by 4027).
I was sat at the bottom all the in the back so that may have been it. I checked the NXWM app and I saw a 5 minute wait for an 11C, as I walking up to the stop, the bus was pulling away and I had a slow 15 minute wait ...... >:(
4870 on 997: wow these things can go fast when they want too, unfortunately i didn't get a leather e400 but it was a pleasant surprise. The interior was smart. We did arrive late even thought the driver was putting his foot to the gas.
2202. Great ride, though, driver left city with Birmingham on its blinds. Also, spotted two spotters so far.
Thought I'd start posting my bus reviews on here...
4425: Very impressed by this. Can never get bored of Tridents in particular ZF ones. No complaints here, a nice jerk from the gearbox in the higher gears and a great sounding engine. 10/10
4651: Good all round bus looks brilliant in red and white just come out of paint. Decent ride. Cooling fan came on occasionally wasn't too loud though. 8/10
6715: First Platinum bus was very impressed. Look very smart these do, was rather impressed by the amount of legroom. Pretty fast these things are too. Don't think the next stop announcement was working properly kept scrolling Solihull Station and one of the passenger doors had a rather loud slam each time it closed. Few let downs but didn't spoil the ride too much. 9/10
2218 - Very good - only a few days in service and obviously looking smart. Suspension was very good - far cry from the previous incarnation E200s. Barely any rattling - well built. Quick at pulling off - fast buses they are. 10/10
2205 - Third ride on a 200MMC - good as 2201 and 2218. Again, could really pick up speed. Very smooth suspension and little rattling. Only thing is perhaps the engine vibration felt at the back through the floor. But very minor and didn't notice it after a while. 10/10
They really are good buses - best ADLs I've ridden actually - by the sounds of it they're good to drive - although of course the only thing is perhaps the turning circle isn't as impressive as the Scanias. Anyway they continue to surpass expectations.
1627- terrible merc- seating uncomfortable, find the mk2 series much more comfortable. Vibrating and rattling badly from the rear, and although a refurb a few odd cushions. The engine compartment was making a horrible noise every so often that scares the s*** out of the passengers.
2/10
632- wow I love b6s, I was particularly happy as it was ex 636 one, so I was familiar with it. Slow off the mark as expected, legroom abysmal as expected, but I can't help but really enjoying riding on them. There overpowered engine, the handbrake noise. I love them
10/10
4020- wasn't as big a fan of spectras as I was off b6s and b10s, I think it's because there dAF powered. I do like them more than mercs and yesterday it was being driven quite quickly, engine had a nice roar, not much rattling. I would not moan about these if they were on my local route.
Unfortunately didn't get b10 so can't post
1613: Fantastic Merc will miss this one when it's gone. Fantastic engine nice and loud and does have some good acceleration. Looking a little tired now but it's great that it's still in service for now considering it's spent most of its life at WB. One of the best Merc's IMO. 9/10
1867: First Crimson Scania, Nothing special in my opinion. Drives well, little bit of rattling though. Appearance is really good, the seat trim seems to suit the grey-ish interior. Caught my attention that its fleet number is applied on the rear blind box at the back, wonder if any other Scania's are like this? 7/10
4503: Really like this one been a while since I've seen it in service and last week I end up on it twice! Both rides were great albeit spoilt by the persistent roaring of the cooling fan. Lovely whine from the engine though and can certainly get up to a good speed. Could do with a refurb and if it wasn't for the cooling fan full marks would be scored here. 8/10
4301: seemed to struggle alot on the 935 earlier to the point that it took a while to pull off. Wasn't that bumpy, pretty smooth ride and doesn't rattle too much.
5/10
2220 - This was my first E200MMC. Didnt know what to expect but what was surprised, it makes this whining noise. 1 thing I noticed is that it picks up speed well. I wish I could say more although I was only on it briefly.
I still can't get over my ride on 4489 on the 94 last year. The Geminis are really a class above
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 28, 2015, 06:47:11 PM
I still can't get over my ride on 4489 on the 94 last year. The Geminis are really a class above
A lot of them vibrate so much I can't even focus on what I see on my phone.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on July 28, 2015, 07:01:44 PM
A lot of them vibrate so much I can't even focus on what I see on my phone.
Can't say I've ever experienced that
4197 This bus does have a good Kickdown but is god awfully slow with the doors looked an eyesore as it is currently unrefurbished but as tony said a while back they wont be for while
Passenger Comfort 3/10
Suspension 2/10
4198 same but worse so a big fat zero
4357 Love this bus lovely smmoth 10/10
4425- absolutely fantastic bus. Has this had a re trim recently as the old twm seats are in immaculate condition! Great
4273: Another favourite of mine. Would seem like a normal Volvo ALX 400 to everyone else but it seems to do everything fine. Rides well, still looks great after its repaint/refurb and a little unique with its different sound when the stop button is pressed. 8/10
@Trident 4194 - Totally agree with you about 4425 went on it a few weeks ago. One of the best Tridents I've been on IMO. Wonder if any others are as good as this from this batch? Mind you I don't really end up on the 03 plate Tridents that much anyway.
6122 - Having had most if not all of PN's E400MMC's this is by far the WORST. Overall it had the basic elements of a MMC, but when the platform was raised it sounded as if it was going to snap in half as it sounded really strained. The doors squeaked like mad and were quite slow. For the first time on a mmc I heard rattles from the rap poles.
Overall not the standard we've had across them all so far.
Quote from: Dom on August 06, 2015, 06:57:29 PM
6122 - Having had most if not all of PN's E400MMC's this is by far the WORST. Overall it had the basic elements of a MMC, but when the platform was raised it sounded as if it was going to snap in half as it sounded really strained. The doors squeaked like mad and were quite slow. For the first time on a mmc I heard rattles from the rap poles.
Overall not the standard we've had across them all so far.
That's the only pe mmc I haven't been on. 6120 is my favourite.
866- absolute rubbish, why do these vibrate so much? It is appalling they are slow in my opinion. I actually want mercs back on the 244 now. They are disgraceful, the amount of rattling for a new bus
1447- what a contradiction to a 15 year old + bus. It was absolutely fantastic and the driver seemed to enjoy driving it. They are so smooth, and no vibrations and almost silent when stationary. These could last another few years if needed. I like the indicator noises and plenty of space.
Must say, had 1447 a few weeks back and was a good bus for it's age. 1440 was great as well :) Very glad AG have the MMC 200s as opposed to the normal E200s!
1913 - Excellent Scania - suspension was perfect and gearbox and engine very smooth. Very little rattling as well. Internally still very neat (some seats have new pads) and externally as well. 10
4294. Beautiful bus. Does everything well, and still looking the business after refurb/repaint. I noticed that the floor at the back downstairs has been redone, seemed to stand out quite well. Occasional roar of the cooling fan here and there but wasn't too bad. Quite a lot of exhaust fumes coming out of the exhaust however. 9/10
4733: Quite a decent bus really, still can't believe how quick these are to accelerate, remarkable when compared to the Mk2 Enviro 400's. Shame about the annoyingly sticky floor, and the strange sounding cooling/heating system at the back upstairs. 8/10
1923 - Looking smart at the front with a new red front (with the silver light panels retained) - also very neat in the interior. Suspension excellent and very smooth running. Virtually no rattles as well. 10/10
2203 - First ride on this one - has the start stop system fitted which was used a few times. Looking very smart - suspension fine. Squeaking coming from a loose fitting and a bit rattly on potholes. However could certainly move at a pace! 8/10
1943 - Probably one of the few opportunities to get a Scania on the 37 now. Interior still neat - stop buttons all been replaced and no etching/vandalism either. Exterior looks tired though - the headlight covers even look tired out, unlike the YW ones. Very solid however - not much rattling when hitting potholes. Suspension was fine, but not as smooth or assured as most of YW's 19XX batch Gearbox/Engine still good though. 7/10
4641 - What to say ! I was most impressed with its speed, DAMN this thing flies down the road, I got at Erdington and off at Stechford which normally takes 20 minutes but I got there in 10 ! A nice combination of dead service, green lights and no one wanting to get off. The odd bump was noticeable but you can't really expect a faultless smooth ride from a 10+ Tonne vehicle !
I had 4641 the other day - great Gem! Was on the 5 and could really move along, smoothly. Just needs a refurb.
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 15, 2015, 11:47:36 PM
I had 4641 the other day - great Gem! Was on the 5 and could really move along, smoothly. Just needs a refurb.
The interior could do with work buts its an aging vehicle. I still can't get over its speed. The driver almost looked possessed !
Yeah - I had a fast driver as well and it could really move.
Look out for 4649, that's another rapid and sounds beautiful!
Quote from: Dom on August 06, 2015, 06:57:29 PM
For the first time on a mmc I heard rattles from the rap poles.
What do these do/ where are they?
West broms 814 ADL ENVIRO 200 SHED
I spent a good 25 minutes on this pile of crap first I sat at the rear lots of annoying vibrating panels not pleasant at all, then I moved to the front the driver pointed out the cab doors on these enviro 200s are being fitted with rubber strips to stop them rattling so badly, still doesn't deal with the fact every thing else rattles so appallingly, the driver was saying the front wheels have a mind of its own very wayward. I really can't see these getting to there 10th birthday they are that bad.
From a passenger point of view a BIG PHATT ZERO
Oh yes the delightful 814 (Dragon). The number of times I've had this jaunty cart and it's been in the process of shaking itself to pieces. It's like one of those exploding clown cars.
Yes 814 and the rest are quite bad. One thing that makes up for their poorness is the whine that comes out of the engine, quite a few of the WB ones do that. Gives me something to smile about when I go on one anyway...
The driver did point out 814 engine was good one, if you think about it It's one of only hand full of parts that ADL didn't build , I,m guessing the cummins engines arrive at Guildford in a crate from there factory.
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2015, 10:33:38 AM
The driver did point out 814 engine was good one, if you think about it It's one of only hand full of parts that ADL didn't build , I,m guessing the cummins engines arrive at Guildford in a crate
...to be loaded into another crate!
The real 4778: very amusing, that made me laugh
Had a ride on 4081 on Thursday, on the 11. Didn't pay too much attention to the quality of the ride, as I was socialising with my friends who've come from results day.
Though, overall, I didn't notice too many hiccups on the journey, the engine sounds themselves were quite beastly, imo. Great bus, for it's age, at least - Personally, i'll be sad to see the Presidents go. I think they're beautiful buses. Well, not the bug-eyed ones. :P
2214 - I don't think I'll ever come around to how these vehicles look externally and internally was a nice treat, layout looks good and clean. It was a quite smooth vehicle and I have to say it picked up speed well. Overall I'm impressed !
2231
I caught this yesterday on an inbound 72, I like these new 200MMC's but 2231 has developed a nasty squeaking sound coming from somewhere. I was sitting around the middle of the bus sounded more like a bus a lot older than about a week or so old.
Overall 9/10 for these although my 1 minor gripe about the 4 speed voith gearboxes is that the ratio's are to me too close together especially 1st to 2nd gear. Other than that I am impressed with these buses will be glad when they are all delivered and on the road
Quote from: Squiz1971 on August 27, 2015, 01:47:55 PM
2231
I caught this yesterday on an inbound 72, I like these new 200MMC's but 2231 has developed a nasty squeaking sound coming from somewhere. I was sitting around the middle of the bus sounded more like a bus a lot older than about a week or so old.
Overall 9/10 for these although my 1 minor gripe about the 4 speed voith gearboxes is that the ratio's are to me too close together especially 1st to 2nd gear. Other than that I am impressed with these buses will be glad when they are all delivered and on the road
The 400MMC's have a really short 1st gear. I think its to stop it accelerating fast and people falling over!
People have commented frequently on the loud Gemini cooling fans. I've got the office window open here and London Road is approx 20 metres away. Arriva's Derby Gems can be heard ages before they pass along the old A6.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on August 28, 2015, 10:13:11 AM
People have commented frequently on the loud Gemini cooling fans. I've got the office window open here and London Road is approx 20 metres away. Arriva's Derby Gems can be heard ages before they pass along the old A6.
As somebody who has driven buses I never thought I'd see the day I complained about them. But I now live on the 966 route and am thoroughly fed up of the Geminis cooling fans. I am pretty sure that they don't need to be roaring away quite so much of the time with better maintenance. The noise is deafening and my house is set back quite a long way off the road. When it was 68's up and down here you never noticed a bus, now we have the cooling fans of the Geminis and ALX400's on the 38 (which are nowhere near as bad). I am writing to NX as I consider it to be unacceptable.
Quote from: andy41 on August 28, 2015, 10:51:40 AM
As somebody who has driven buses I never thought I'd see the day I complained about them. But I now live on the 966 route and am thoroughly fed up of the Geminis cooling fans. I am pretty sure that they don't need to be roaring away quite so much of the time with better maintenance. The noise is deafening and my house is set back quite a long way off the road. When it was 68's up and down here you never noticed a bus, now we have the cooling fans of the Geminis and ALX400's on the 38 (which are nowhere near as bad). I am writing to NX as I consider it to be unacceptable.
NXWM probably don't want to do anything about a bus that is over 9 years old (counting the 47XX batch too).
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on August 28, 2015, 11:18:01 AM
NXWM probably don't want to do anything about a bus that is over 9 years old (counting the 47XX batch too).
I'm sure they don't, but that's why there are regulations about that sort of thing. Those regulations are not only there for the tin pot cowboys.
Quote from: BU07 LGO on August 27, 2015, 07:52:16 PM
The 400MMC's have a really short 1st gear. I think its to stop it accelerating fast and people falling over!
Could be
@BU07 LGO plus I guess I am metrobus blind as to me they had the best engine/gearbox combo though the Trident2/B7TL/ALX400 combo is good too
Quote from: andy41 on August 28, 2015, 10:51:40 AM
As somebody who has driven buses I never thought I'd see the day I complained about them. But I now live on the 966 route and am thoroughly fed up of the Geminis cooling fans. I am pretty sure that they don't need to be roaring away quite so much of the time with better maintenance. The noise is deafening and my house is set back quite a long way off the road. When it was 68's up and down here you never noticed a bus, now we have the cooling fans of the Geminis and ALX400's on the 38 (which are nowhere near as bad). I am writing to NX as I consider it to be unacceptable.
Similar thing here for me. During the summer when it's hot, I tend to leave my bedroom window open for ventilation. So it's not amusing for me getting woken at around 4:30am when Geminis start chugging along Westley Road and Shirley Road on the 11A/C and 31 with their cooling fans at full blast. >:(
Quote from: andy41 on August 28, 2015, 10:51:40 AM
As somebody who has driven buses I never thought I'd see the day I complained about them. But I now live on the 966 route and am thoroughly fed up of the Geminis cooling fans. I am pretty sure that they don't need to be roaring away quite so much of the time with better maintenance. The noise is deafening and my house is set back quite a long way off the road. When it was 68's up and down here you never noticed a bus, now we have the cooling fans of the Geminis and ALX400's on the 38 (which are nowhere near as bad). I am writing to NX as I consider it to be unacceptable.
I experience the same only living around the corner from the 89. The 47** Geminis are really badly maintained, at least when it comes to cooling fans. 4506 has started hoovering too
What actually causes the Gemini's to be noisy?
It's the cooling fans on them - a few seem to have them running constantly such as 4518. The ADL cooling fans are actually quieter I find.
Former Walsall Enviro 400s.
I can't say I have a specific verdict for all of them. I haven't been on all of them, in fact. IIRC i've only been on the following:
4874; 4875; 4880; 4881; 4882; 4884
4874, I had today. Decent, though, as it approached the City Centre, it did feel slow.
488*(s) - Better than the 487* fleet, imo. Perhaps its the revised seating layout(?), which gives for a more spacious feel - which may also be why I prefer the 49** fleet... - Anyway, great buses. I haven't found any to be as slow as people say. Yet.
1845 Scania omnlilink
While in west brom I boarded this bus to oldbury I didn't notice anything different at first just thought another one of walsalls Scania,s as I walked to the back I thought eh up blue floor and side panels and high back seats throughout, I guess this used to be leather seated then, while sat at the rear by the spacious exit door seat I notice the engine sounds different less refined more diesel knock to it, still very solid at the rear only some rattling cab area , interior is a bit strange from waist up its all grey like every other Scania I,ve been on. Pleasant enough ride though, brakes seem sharp always stop with a jolt. I know there's quite a few who hate these calling them Omnidumps plastic crap to be fair there's no more plastic than a merc to be fair. These will probably out live there ADL counter parts.
7.5/10 from passenger point of view.
4662 - I think this takes the crown for my favourite bus. It's speed is amazing not to mention it doesnt rattle to much, the cooling fans aren't a problem and I found it moved gracefully. A fine example of how a B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini should be !
4952 - one of the rare occasions I use the bus, caught the 87 yesterday morning. I've fallen in love with the mark 2 Enviros, they sound incredible, and are very comfortable. I like these just as much as the original Enviros, if not more. I completely understand why drivers wouldn't like these though, the set up makes the engine sound, unnatural to be honest, you could hear the engine struggling as we were going past Victoria Park, when a Gemini, Enviro mark 1, or even an ALX would've cleared it with ease. Still, I'm not a driver, and these are a dream. 8/10
From passengers point of view these MK2 enviro 400s probably very nice, the engine does sound very good from outside got some bass to it, old skool in some ways must be the exhaust system set up.
To drive oh my god these thing are dull to drive.
Quote from: 2900 on October 05, 2015, 10:39:11 AM
From passengers point of view these MK2 enviro 400s probably very nice, the engine does sound very good from outside got some bass to it, old skool in some ways must be the exhaust system set up.
To drive oh my god these thing are dull to drive.
I'll second that. They are so sluggish at pulling away. Not helped by the door interlock taking a couple of seconds to dis-engage. Precious time lost when you are running late. It comes to something when I (and most other drivers at BC) prefer to drive a 14 year old Trident instead.
Quote from: 2900 on October 05, 2015, 10:39:11 AM
From passengers point of view these MK2 enviro 400s probably very nice, the engine does sound very good from outside got some bass to it, old skool in some ways must be the exhaust system set up.
To drive oh my god these thing are dull to drive.
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on October 05, 2015, 11:27:24 AM
I'll second that. They are so sluggish at pulling away. Not helped by the door interlock taking a couple of seconds to dis-engage. Precious time lost when you are running late. It comes to something when I (and most other drivers at BC) prefer to drive a 14 year old Trident instead.
I don't think I'd enjoy driving them myself, it would be frustrating. If they struggle with Victoria Park, I can only imagine how much they'd struggle on Hill Top
1886;
This one is not bad for an omnilink
There was a few minor rattles
Good bus
Could do with a refurb
8/10
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 05, 2015, 09:39:51 PM
I don't think I'd enjoy driving them myself, it would be frustrating. If they struggle with Victoria Park, I can only imagine how much they'd struggle on Hill Top
Hill Top in West Bromwich? They're actually don't seem too bad getting up there. You get a little extra revs from the engine sometimes, eventually they get up to good speed.
1585: Managed to ride it today, very solid bus for its age. Shame it won't be in service much longer! 8/10
4746: But of a rush job painting this into crimson it seems, you can see bits of red on the front upstairs windscreen. That aside, a fantastic bus! Can really get up to speed this one, maybe it was because of the way the driver was driving it? Either way was still good, 8/10
4963: Oh dear what a let down. Not a good bus at all, not helped by it being generally filthy upstairs, spilled drinks and rubbish all over. Rattling and creaking everywhere and handling road bumps terribly. It seems strange how a bus of this age is so much worse than 4746 as described. Only a year old as well, it must be horrible for drivers to drive these sometimes. 3/10
Looking at arrivas wrightbus streetlites long wheelbase on the 110 service do carry some road presence very smart looking, up close I noticed ghosting on the paintwork I assume these were branded for another service some where else when new.
My question is which is better ADL ENVIRO 200MMC vs WRIGHTBUS STREETLITE
Both are intregral vehicles , I think both using Cummings diesel lumps
I would appreciate comments
I haven't yet had the opportunity to sample any Streetlite, but as a regular user of the E200 MMCs I'm pretty happy with them!
From a passenger's perspective, they can be a little noisy, especially if you sit near the rear, but they are quite comfortable inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom, minimal rattling and quite a smooth ride. And they are pretty nippy too, don't appear to like being driven slowly!
I did like the OmniLinks, despite their faults (lack of headroom and legroom at the rear) but these new E200 MMCs are more than adequate replacements.
It's been 8 months since I've wanted to go on this bus, in that 8 months I would see it at least twice a week passing my on any of the routes I go on, but in the other direction. When I first went on this bus I was overwhelmingly impressed, I wanted to go again, I have bugged many people for this bus, this bus usually goes on my every day routes but I have never managed to catch it. But on Friday I have finally caught it, 4374 it was, one of the only Tridents that has a really unique whine, just like 4370. Everything in this bus was perfect, no rattles, BEAST engine, great suspension, everything. 10/10 for everything. This may seem like over-exaggeration but this bus has took me to this level.
4141-126- what a fantastic bus, this was so fast along the bearwood-Dudley section. A pleasure to go on, and will hope to get more of these tridents. Are all 4125-4145 this good?
10/10
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2016, 08:22:14 PM
4141-126- what a fantastic bus, this was so fast along the bearwood-Dudley section. A pleasure to go on, and will hope to get more of these tridents. Are all 4125-4145 this good?
10/10
Not all of them are as good as your review of 4141.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2016, 08:22:14 PM
4141-126- what a fantastic bus, this was so fast along the bearwood-Dudley section. A pleasure to go on, and will hope to get more of these tridents. Are all 4125-4145 this good?
10/10
Some drivers at WN have a different opinion of this (and some other 41**'s)
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2016, 08:22:14 PM
4141-126- what a fantastic bus, this was so fast along the bearwood-Dudley section. A pleasure to go on, and will hope to get more of these tridents. Are all 4125-4145 this good?
10/10
I do prefer the earlier 41** Tridents. Particularly 4125, 4126, 4134, 4136 & 4137
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 01, 2016, 10:22:30 PM
I do prefer the earlier 41** Tridents. Particularly 4125, 4126, 4134, 4136 & 4137
The 43xx are the best imo, they're beasts especially 4331
The 43XXs have always been great I've found - certainly YW's lot. Also the 45XXs at WN I've always liked. May as well put a short comment on 4549 whilst I think of it:
Very solid Trident - very little rattling and good suspension. Engine/gearbox sounded good and performance was good as well along the 256 route - enjoyable ride. Externally and internally smart so deservces a 9/10.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2016, 08:22:14 PM
4141-126- what a fantastic bus, this was so fast along the bearwood-Dudley section. A pleasure to go on, and will hope to get more of these tridents. Are all 4125-4145 this good?
10/10
4141 was great to drive when at BC, fast and warm - two vital things from a bus drivers point of view!
6106 ENVIRO400 MMC
This is my first ride on one of these From blackheath to johnasons Wolverhampton rd Oldbury,
For me any way this bus doesn't live up to the hype, it was no more smoother than a mk2 enviro 400 while idling there's a steady vibration going on, taking up drive there's a slight jolt when the cogs engage, proceeding a long various poles and plastic rattling here and there. The design of stairs is compact very good on space saving , that annoying seat behind the driver has gone thankfully I can't stand it when some smelly bastard sits there you can't breath or when some toerag decides to blast there music out loud seriously infuriating I can tell you.
It was nice and warm through the lower saloon, apart from the interior side panelling ,the shape of the rear window and area around the cab it's not to different. Doubt if the average punter even notices the differences between the two enviro 400s internally.
@2900 I know some people who find them quite 'posh' in comparison to other NX buses - these being non-bus interested people so I think some do notice a difference. The Platinums are worth going on - really notice the difference then.
The suspension on them is ok - feels better and more refined than the MK1 E400 but still not up there with a Volvo or Scania really. Don't rattle as much as a MK1 which is good but still occurs; but the heaters as you say are better. I probably prefer the E200MMC redesign as opposed to the E400MMC, the E200 feeling more powerful and better suspension - although they couldn't have gone backwards with the E200MMC considering the MK1 quality....
By the way have you driven any of the new Scania arrivals at WB yet 2900?
With regards suspension a lot of the time it's the state of the road
I have to agree, I think the buses are great, I done a round trip on the 900 and I felt the buses could have moved faster although 1 could argue the driver could drive faster and the bumpy ride was caused by the suspension. Having taken a Platinum on the X51, they moved well !
Quote from: karl724223 on January 21, 2016, 05:10:04 PM
With regards suspension a lot of the time it's the state of the road
@karl724223 Very true - state of some of the roads is abysmal at times.
"that annoying seat behind the driver has gone thankfully I can't stand it when some smelly bastard sits there you can't breath or when some toerag decides to blast there music out loud seriously infuriating I can tell you."
- Couldnt agree more, once had a guy sat in that seat talking loud on his phone, so infuriating. I kept thinking he'll probably get off soon, but he got on in Town and got off at the LAST stop!
The other 2 seats are just as bad at the front, you feel like you're being watched. >:(
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on January 21, 2016, 07:06:41 PM
"that annoying seat behind the driver has gone thankfully I can't stand it when some smelly bastard sits there you can't breath or when some toerag decides to blast there music out loud seriously infuriating I can tell you."
- Couldnt agree more, once had a guy sat in that seat talking loud on his phone, so infuriating. I kept thinking he'll probably get off soon, but he got on in Town and got off at the LAST stop!
The other 2 seats are just as bad at the front, you feel like you're being watched. >:(
I hate that, you watch the doors close and have them staring at you like your looking at them!
Quote from: BU07 LGO on January 21, 2016, 08:14:58 PM
I hate that, you watch the doors close and have them staring at you like your looking at them!
I quite like sitting there ! I like to see how the driver drives the vehicle although I can see the intrusive nature the position of the seat brings
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on January 21, 2016, 08:58:19 PM
I quite like sitting there ! I like to see how the driver drives the vehicle although I can see the intrusive nature the position of the seat brings
Yes, I'm one to talk. I used to always pick the front side seat on the Fleetlines, but watching the driver changing gears and pulling that large steering wheel round as it made hissing noises was more appealing than watching a driver on an E400.
Ah the days when buses had sideseats over wheelarches and buses didn't need signs not put your feet on seats!
Quote from: JoNi on January 21, 2016, 09:12:44 PM
Ah the days when buses had sideseats over wheelarches and buses didn't need signs not put your feet on seats!
Loved them! Mind you, was more fond/accustomed to the Metrobus over the Spectra, which I know both had these seats; and I must say, I really do prefer the Metrobus's seating over the Spectra's. Speaking of Metrobuses and Tony's photo of 9959 today; I almost forgot to mention, I saw it come out of Carver Street (near Jewellery Quarter) and onto Hingeston Street. Made me remember when Metrobuses operated the 101!
Quote from: clayderman on January 21, 2016, 10:20:16 PM
Loved them! Mind you, was more fond/accustomed to the Metrobus over the Spectra, which I know both had these seats; and I must say, I really do prefer the Metrobus's seating over the Spectra's. Speaking of Metrobuses and Tony's photo of 9959 today; I almost forgot to mention, I saw it come out of Carver Street (near Jewellery Quarter) and onto Hingeston Street. Made me remember when Metrobuses operated the 101!
In the proper old days Clayderman the Fleetlines had sideways seats over the front wheel arches. In fact the dual door / centre stairs NOV---G and SOE---H Fleetlines had a lower saloon seating layout more akin to a tube train than most modern buses. I do miss those days.
Liberator
Nope still haven't driven a Scania since its re,introduction here at west brom
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on January 21, 2016, 09:06:55 PM
Yes, I'm one to talk. I used to always pick the front side seat on the Fleetlines, but watching the driver changing gears and pulling that large steering wheel round as it made hissing noises was more appealing than watching a driver on an E400.
Me too when I was younger used to love sitting on the side watching the driver change gears & struggle with the large steering wheel mmm the good old days.
@Mike K The DMS variants WMPTE purchased had normal seating with a side seat in the space where the centre exit door used to be. As for our dual doored Fleetlines there were side seats to the stairs/Centre Exit then normal seating beyond this.
Clayderman metrobuses never had the front side seat only rear side seats although I believe 6831 was the only metrobus to have this feature fitted
2083 - IMO these buses are crap but christ almighty this is the crapiest one to date. Slower than a sloth and rattles and whines more than a sprog. Having spoken to a driver he saod the brakes are shite and that when you take the handbrake off it takes about 5 seconds for it to be able to move. Door mechanism is shot and the stopping sign stayed on fully between Stourbridge - Wollaston - Merry Hill, also causing confusion for the driver since the bell was strangly quiet for a B7.
Quote from: WN on February 16, 2016, 06:23:04 PM
2083 - IMO these buses are crap but christ almighty this is the crapiest one to date. Slower than a sloth and rattles and whines more than a sprog. Having spoken to a driver he saod the brakes are shite and that when you take the handbrake off it takes about 5 seconds for it to be able to move. Door mechanism is shot and the stopping sign stayed on fully between Stourbridge - Wollaston - Merry Hill, also causing confusion for the driver since the bell was strangly quiet for a B7.
if the bus had a brake problem it should have been parked up and driver notify Avl or garage of problem
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 16, 2016, 08:35:39 PM
Defective bus I believe, not allowed out of garage😜
if a bus had a brake problem at garage it would not have come out till until it was checked however if a bus develops a break problem In service that's different
Regardless of whether the bus is in service any issue with brakes you park up and seek advice from avl or garage even when the ABS light is on you get one chance to clear it by switching the engine then isolate the electrics wait 5 minutes , restart engine most times the ABS light goes out if returns game over back to garage , that's been my experience.
Quote from: Ronnoc on November 21, 2015, 06:19:08 PM
, one of the only Tridents that has a really unique whine, just like 4370.
Unique then ::)
I had my first experience of an E400 MMC today, 6104 on the 9. Whilst in many respects my impressions were favourable, I don't recall the last time I rode on a bus that rattled and vibrated so badly. It was shaking like a sh*tting dog.
I'm sure I recall reading some time back that ADL were aspiring to a "rattle free bus" with the new MMC.
I think not.
Quote from: Mike K on February 26, 2016, 12:45:50 PM
I had my first experience of an E400 MMC today, 6104 on the 9. Whilst in many respects my impressions were favourable, I don't recall the last time I rode on a bus that rattled and vibrated so badly. It was shaking like a sh*tting dog.
I'm sure I recall reading some time back that ADL were aspiring to a "rattle free bus" with the new MMC.
I think not.
They were rattle free when they were first introduced. Almost a year old now so some rattles are surely to be expected
Quote from: WN on February 26, 2016, 01:48:09 PM
They were rattle free when they were first introduced. Almost a year old now so some rattles are surely to be expected
Whilst I agree in part, I think they shouldn't rattle one bit!
It frustrates me that ADL produce such shocking quality buses and everyone thinks "it's ok, it's normal" at the end of the day your car doesn't rattle and that only cost 20k so why should a 100k+ bus do it?
Give me a decent Wrights Volvo any day :)
Rant over :D
Quote from: WN on February 26, 2016, 01:48:09 PM
They were rattle free when they were first introduced. Almost a year old now so some rattles are surely to be expected
Maybe so, but this was far worse than any 61, 13 or 14 plate BC E400 I've been on. I travelled on 5506 yesterday and that was almost entirely rattle free after more than 4 years.
On the other side of the spectrum, I also sampled a ride on PE's newest addition, 3301. Left city at 16:19.
It was great ride in general. Smooth, quick when pulling off, rattle-free (for the most part), even had a WB driver do a double take... Aside from this I do feel the gangway is awkwardly narrow nearer the seating area of the saloon; I feel as if some grab handles may have been out of reach at times when the bus was in transit, despite the masses of them on board.
9 out of 10. ;)
Edit: Almost forgot about the awkward camera postitioning. Long story short, I don't like it. ::)
4813 - travelled on this today, sat downstairs at back. Felt like the rear suspension had gone, very bouncey and felt every hole in the road.
4712-48 what a great bus, very smooth and internally very good condition, picked up speed fast.
Well haven't done one for ages, and as this was my first Crimson Scania, worth noting. 1898 - very smart in its new livery; far cry from what it was before. Interior all cleaned and seating very well done up. Rode well and also seemed far smoother than my last ride on it last September in pre refurb state. Keep up the good work NX - fleet is looking the best I've seen it with the new buses/livery.
4674 - A good Geminis!
It was quite quick, although I was on it for a frief brief while, I was impressed. It only rattled ever so slightly as it was gaining speed but that was present when the bus was idle.
Going through Gospel Oak on the 31 today, I'm consistently staggered how the bus moves around on those roads. I saw 1 person seemingly struggling to drive a Corsa and the Gemini effortlessly handled the roads.
Personal opinion of course but they're fine buses !
4687 looking good in the new crimson livery & new seats.
Seems to be a bit sluggish when pulling off on occasions unless that was the driver
Great sounding engine & voith gearbox got into 4th a few times
The advertising area inside the bus between the windows & lights could do with a good scrub but otherwise a tidy bus
The doors did creak & groan when opening and closing as well
Generally I give it an 8/10 as it is sounding tired and cranky when braking but otherwise a cracking refurb look forward to sampling 4688 at some point
Quote from: Squiz1971 on August 10, 2016, 07:03:52 PM
4687 looking good in the new crimson livery & new seats.
Seems to be a bit sluggish when pulling off on occasions unless that was the driver
Great sounding engine & voith gearbox got into 4th a few times
The advertising area inside the bus between the windows & lights could do with a good scrub but otherwise a tidy bus
The doors did creak & groan when opening and closing as well
Generally I give it an 8/10 as it is sounding tired and cranky when braking but otherwise a cracking refurb look forward to sampling 4688 at some point
Do they prefer them to the ZF Geminis?
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 10, 2016, 07:24:41 PM
Do they prefer them to the ZF Geminis?
As much as I like the ZF Gem's the 4 speed voith Gem's to me personally are a welcome change from the norm like when the ALX400 bodied B7TL are on the 94 too.
As for the PB drivers I guess to them its the same as driving the ALX bodied variety but with an extra gear. Though I think the driver did find the braking strange as sometimes it was jerky braking when coming to junctions or the bus stops
Quote from: Squiz1971 on August 10, 2016, 07:31:49 PM
As much as I like the ZF Gem's the 4 speed voith Gem's to me personally are a welcome change from the norm like when the ALX400 bodied B7TL are on the 94 too.
As for the PB drivers I guess to them its the same as driving the ALX bodied variety but with an extra gear. Though I think the driver did find the braking strange as sometimes it was jerky braking when coming to junctions or the bus stops
That braking natural on crap e200s.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 10, 2016, 07:59:20 PM
That braking natural on crap e200s.
Braking on E200s is actually quire good according to a driver i know who drives them almost everyday and says they're not too sharp not to weak
Quote from: Dom on August 10, 2016, 08:09:46 PM
Braking on E200s is actually quire good according to a driver i know who drives them almost everyday and says they're not too sharp not to weak
The brakes are weird on the MMCs. At the beginning nothing happens then as you press the pedal harder, all the braking force seems to come at once.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 10, 2016, 07:59:20 PM
That braking natural on crap e200s.
What has that go to do with Gemini braking????
6122- a crap mmc, very slow picking up speeds, and struggled up hills.
4671 (11A) - I quite liked this bus ! I got on at Swan Centre, Yardley and got off an Vicarage Road, Kings Heath. I had time to kill so I figured I'll learn the route as I meant potentially end driving it ! The bus got some good speeds, although I felt as though it was capable of going faster. It was a nice smooth ride. Thumbs up for more Geminis at AG !
4486 - Reminded me of that Beach Boys song - Good Vibrations.
I think 4105 was a brilliant bus at Walsall Garage.
Nice Engine, Smooth Ride, Nice Suspension, Nice and Clean. Only negative the doors creaked shut so I'll give it a 9.5/10
4033 was another good President At Walsall Garage
Nice Engine, Comfy and Clean Old Moqutte, Fast, No Rattles, Fast Quick Doors and Nice Suspension. 10/10
I think 4734 is the best Envrio 400
It is fast, nice suspension, Very good Doors, Comfy Seats and Warm. 10/10
I think the best Dennis Trident is 4125
It is Very Fast and is good runner 10/10
The Best Scania Omnilink is 1844
It is nice and overall a good Scania Omnilink 10/10
The Worst buses are 1887, and 4600
1887 is the worst Omnilink horrible engine, slow and rattles a lot. 6/10
4600's engine is slow and horrible the interior is dirty and the livery a mess.5/10
Quote from: BusFan94 on October 22, 2016, 12:54:44 PM
4033 was another good President At Walsall Garage
Nice Engine, Comfy and Clean Old Moqutte, Fast, No Rattles, Fast Quick Doors and Nice Suspension. 10/10
No rattles?!
I'm sorry but unless they've given 4033 a transplant, I beg to differ. 4033 was one of the worst ones for rattling when I drove it, and I've driven it around 10 times from what I remember. The cab door and window used to rattle like mad. Enough to give one a headache!
Quote from: MW on October 22, 2016, 01:04:36 PM
No rattles?!
I'm sorry but unless they've given 4033 a transplant, I beg to differ. 4033 was one of the worst ones for rattling when I drove it, and I've driven it around 10 times from what I remember. The cab door and window used to rattle like mad. Enough to give one a headache!
When I rode it didn't rattle.
Quote from: MW on October 22, 2016, 01:04:36 PM
No rattles?!
I'm sorry but unless they've given 4033 a transplant, I beg to differ. 4033 was one of the worst ones for rattling when I drove it, and I've driven it around 10 times from what I remember. The cab door and window used to rattle like mad. Enough to give one a headache!
This is the difference between passengers opinions and drivers opinions.
I remember years ago someone on the old wmbus forum saying 4236 was a fast bus, but I had drove it a few days earlier and found it sluggish.
4114- what a a wonderful bus that is. Interior in very good condition.
Relatively quick and no vibrations.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2016, 07:35:15 PM
4114- what a a wonderful bus that is. Interior in very good condition.
Relatively quick and no vibrations.
and withdrawn
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 18, 2016, 02:21:54 PM
Today?
No, Tony reported 4114's withdrawal on 2nd December 2016. http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2279.msg202348#msg202348
Quote from: P419 EJW on December 18, 2016, 02:29:53 PM
No, Tony reported 4114's withdrawal on 2nd December 2016. http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2279.msg202348#msg202348
and sold
http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/NXWM.html
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2016, 07:35:15 PM
4114- what a a wonderful bus that is. Interior in very good condition.
Relatively quick and no vibrations.
Probably why it sold so quickly!
4928- was hoping for a 48** branded bus so when this turned up I was a little disappointed. However this bus was not too bad. Interior in Good condition. Acceleration not the best, struggled a little bit up hill- not as bad as expected overall. 7/10
4931- this one was very similar to above. Did seem slower than 4928. 6/10
Overall not bad buses- are these the worst e400s or are there worse??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 24, 2017, 05:59:56 PM
4928- was hoping for a 48** branded bus so when this turned up I was a little disappointed. However this bus was not too bad. Interior in Good condition. Acceleration not the best, struggled a little bit up hill- not as bad as expected overall. 7/10
4931- this one was very similar to above. Did seem slower than 4928. 6/10
Overall not bad buses- are these the worst e400s or are there worse??
They've grown on me massively, I think I like them better than their Euro 4 equivalents, don't seem to be popular among drivers on here, from what I've seen
Just ridden 4599 on the 10A today and I must say it has been improved from where saw the tatty looking thing on the 41 before It got branded
Engine Smooth Quick sounds like a trident now not an Envrio. 10/10
Interior Now deep cleansed and tidy 10/10
Exterior looks much better now 10/10
Suspension the occasional rattle 9.5/10
Doors nice and Quick 10/
Then later rode 4544 on a 79 to West Bromwich
Engine Smooth and driver could really gun it if he wanted too but he was a slow one 10/10
Interior Nice, clean and bright inside only problem some scumbag decided to chuck dirty tissues and Burger Wrappers on the backseat.
Exterior looks like it has been repainted and love the wood instead of the Ad's on the frame on the bonnet.
Suspension I could feel the bumps on Dangerfield lane yet I could also feel them in my mates Jaguar no rattles 10/10
Doors Quick and Do not creek 10/10
4247 - ALX400 B7TL
Rode this from West Brom to Sutton Coldfield. Was hoping for 4254 but I was more than happy to have this. Pulls away fine, not sluggish compared to 4253. No harsh brakes and no rattles. Suspension wasn't that good, could feel every pothole. Has the later TWM interior which was is still in mint condition after 5 years of having it. The doors were quite slow but didn't make a fart sound like 4284 does. Was running 10 minutes late but it did get thrashed after Scott Arms which was nice. Paint still looking in good condition.
8/10
Rode 4314 and 4538 today on the 79
4314 was on my 15:25 79 from Darlaston to Wolverhampton
Seats are nice, smart and Comfy, 10/10
Interior Clean bar some Chav spilling bear on the Floor and leaving The cans on the Floor butwent upstairs and it was clean so 10/10
Exterior Smart and Nice 10/10
Doors Quick but a Slight Creek nothing WB40 couldn't solve 9.5/10
Suspension Ok a but of a rattle so 9/10
Engine really good 10/10
Total 9.5/10
4538
Seats are Grimy 5/10
Engine a bit unhealthy 7/10
Exterior a bit faded 8/10
Interior Grimy and Looks old
Suspension Good 10/10
Doors 10/10 No Creeks
Total 7/10
'Door creeks????' Well you definitely wouldn't have got on well with the doors on MK1 Metrobuses, used to slam open and closed. Must have weakened the front chassis I'd think too.
1763 - Volvo B7RLE
Had this on Saturday on the 4H. Beast! Really fast pulling away and could handle steep hills after leaving Bradford Place. Very good suspension and no rattles whatsoever, brakes were good. Interior refurbed in Red and grey, looks smart aswell on its exterior. Only problem was the seats at the back, they were really rock hard and not comfy whatsoever. The walls and floor looked abit grubby and could do with a deep clean. Other than that it's a fine bus = 7/10
4463 - Transbus Trident
Had this on the 97. My favourite 97 branded bus. Quickly pulls away and isn't always sluggish like 4465. Had a rattling emergency exit but that was only when it was stationary, the brakes were fine and not like some others. Repaint still looks really smart and the interior does aswell. This one has a working kickdown and a howl like 4445, not as loud, however. Great bus = 9/10
Quote from: j789 on June 26, 2017, 07:58:11 PM
'Door creeks????' Well you definitely wouldn't have got on well with the doors on MK1 Metrobuses, used to slam open and closed. Must have weakened the front chassis I'd think too.
suprised the glass never shattered how fast some doors opened
Quote from: Jack B on June 26, 2017, 08:48:49 PM
4463 - Transbus Trident
This one has a working kickdown and a howl like 4445, not as loud, however. Great bus = 9/10
44XX do not have kickdown
Quote from: Tony on June 26, 2017, 08:57:43 PM
44XX do not have kickdown
It sounded like it did. It's probably the driver revving it like 6103 does.
Quote from: Tony on June 26, 2017, 08:57:43 PM
44XX do not have kickdown
I thought all ALX400s in the West Midlands did.
Quote from: BusFan94 on June 26, 2017, 07:38:56 PM
Rode 4314 and 4538 today on the 79
4314 was on my 15:25 79 from Darlaston to Wolverhampton
Interior Clean bar some Chav spilling bear on the Floor and leaving The cans on the Floor
Presumably it was Hoffmeister.
(That possibly means nothing to anyone under the age of 40)
Quote from: Tony on June 26, 2017, 08:57:43 PM
44XX do not have kickdown
Probably explains why 4465 is an awful bus.
I have always preferred the Voith gearbox to the ZF, but only marginally until recently. I now take my wife on the bus in a wheelchair and sit in the wheelchair space to be near her. As I sometimes am sitting at odd angles I find that the Voith gearbox gives a much smoother change up and down, irrespective of the type of vehicle.
Quote from: j789 on June 26, 2017, 07:58:11 PM
'Door creeks????' Well you definitely wouldn't have got on well with the doors on MK1 Metrobuses, used to slam open and closed. Must have weakened the front chassis I'd think too.
I remember the look from some of the passengers, I'm sure they thought we did it on purpose.
Quote from: B.C Driver on June 29, 2017, 12:31:56 PM
I remember the look from some of the passengers, I'm sure they thought we did it on purpose.
Under heavy braking and if the door opening jammed ever-so-slightly while opening, it would slam against the interior with one hell of a thump. I remember a few Coventry Mk1's doing that, 2016/23 possibly, its a long time ago. And as alluded to, would close just as viciously as it opened.
Quote from: paulb1973 on June 29, 2017, 02:56:28 PM
Under heavy braking and if the door opening jammed ever-so-slightly while opening, it would slam against the interior with one hell of a thump. I remember a few Coventry Mk1's doing that, 2016/23 possibly, its a long time ago. And as alluded to, would close just as viciously as it opened.
The doors on mk1 Metrobuses were a real hazard to school bags. If you weren't careful your bag got trapped between the door and the panel below the windscreen if you stood too close to the edge of the platform when the doors were opening.
4846 - Enviro 400
Had this yesterday from town to Beeches Road on a 52A. One thing I've noticed on the E40D's is that the doors open just before the bus has fully stopped. Slow pulling away but I do love the sound of them pulling away (probably the only one who likes the E40D's on here). Minor rattles from the downstairs interior window. Interior still looking smart after a year of being in Crimson. Suspension good, brakes good. Exterior smart. Does the job fine
9/10
2 weeks ago, I was waiting for the 54 to Stafford at 11.05. the bus came in late, and it was changed for a 2 branded b7rle.
these are so much more comfortable to ride on, and seem a lot better suited to that route. those e200s are real bone shaking and slow pulling away, especially when half full etc trying to get out of a layby on a national speed limit road. those Volvos and zf boxes cruise along effortlessly wheras the e200s sound like a washing machine on spin cycle. think the voith box is not well suited to them. the retarders seem too fierce on them too. on chatting to the driver whilst waiting time in Stafford, I told him my thoughts, he commented that he likes the Volvos, and on the rare occasion one might deputise, it makes the journey more enjoyable
Quote from: mranon on July 15, 2017, 08:13:33 PM
2 weeks ago, I was waiting for the 54 to Stafford at 11.05. the bus came in late, and it was changed for a 2 branded b7rle.
these are so much more comfortable to ride on, and seem a lot better suited to that route. those e200s are real bone shaking and slow pulling away, especially when half full etc trying to get out of a layby on a national speed limit road. those Volvos and zf boxes cruise along effortlessly wheras the e200s sound like a washing machine on spin cycle. think the voith box is not well suited to them. the retarders seem too fierce on them too. on chatting to the driver whilst waiting time in Stafford, I told him my thoughts, he commented that he likes the Volvos, and on the rare occasion one might deputise, it makes the journey more enjoyable
I think near enough everyone will agree with your comments regarding the e200s. Horrid buses! the b7Rles are probably slower at picking up speed but far less rattly
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 15, 2017, 09:44:36 PM
I think near enough everyone will agree with your comments regarding the e200s. Horrid buses! the b7Rles are probably slower at picking up speed but far less rattly
The B7RLEs are pretty quick picking up. Just because they don't rev high, a lot of people assume that they're slow.
Buses I had yesterday To Wolverhampton then back from Brum
4547 Interior Good Clean 10/10
Engine good 10/10
Gearbox 9/10 a bit of a Judder
Brakes Squeak 9/10
Doors Good10/10
Exterior Good 10/10
If I'm allowed to Post Tram Review I will here
Back from Brum
4915 80
Interior Nice and Smart only probably someone dropped Crisps and Tissue at the back 9.5/10
Engine Good 10/10
Gearbox 10/10
Exterior Nice and Smart new Branding is very smart 10/10
Doors 10/10
Brakes 10/10
834 45
Interior good 10/10
Engine Good 10/10
Suspension Rattled 8/10
Gearbox good 10/10
Brakes Good 10/10
Doors 10/10
1848 34
Overall good Bus Very smart Crimson Refurb
Quote from: BusFan94 on July 16, 2017, 02:13:14 PM
Interior Nice and Smart only probably someone dropped Crisps and Tissue at the back 9.5/10
Its not NXs fault if someone made a mess on it.
There always could be a bit of a mess on a bus after a day of carrying passengers in service.
I know not blaming NXWM
4503 - Wright Eclispe Gemini
Caught this from Solihull to town on the 5. Beast! Had its cooling fans going for most of the journey. Never got to ride this at PB unfortunately. Fast doors and very nice whiny sounds from the engine. Good brakes and no rattling whatsoever, good suspension and very smart interior and exterior. Was empty for the whole journey. The nice thing about the Gemini's cooling fans is that they echo down tight roads. Going down Springfield Road you can hear it echoing. I recommend anyone who sees this to ride it!
10/10, nothing can beat a good Gemini!
Quote from: Jack B on July 20, 2017, 06:04:47 PM
4503 - Wright Eclispe Gemini
Caught this from Solihull to town on the 5. Beast! Had its cooling fans going for most of the journey. Never got to ride this at PB unfortunately. Fast doors and very nice whiny sounds from the engine. Good brakes and no rattling whatsoever, good suspension and very smart interior and exterior. Was empty for the whole journey. The nice thing about the Gemini's cooling fans is that they echo down tight roads. Going down Springfield Road you can hear it echoing. I recommend anyone who sees this to ride it!
10/10, nothing can beat a good Gemini!
Oooh I remember blasting it down Springfield Road. Loads of tight gaps. I was nicknamed by a load of kids as The Stig haha. The aim of the game when getting into any Gemini is to end your shift with the cooling fans blaring.
Quote from: MW on July 20, 2017, 06:18:25 PM
Oooh I remember blasting it down Springfield Road. Loads of tight gaps. I was nicknamed by a load of kids as The Stig haha. The aim of the game when getting into any Gemini is to end your shift with the cooling fans blaring.
Haha. The 5 and 31 are the best routes for Gemini thrash. Loads of tight roads. 4503 is a bus compared to 4639, which can hardly move.
Quote from: Jack B on July 20, 2017, 06:34:21 PM
Haha. The 5 and 31 are the best routes for Gemini thrash. Loads of tight roads. 4503 is a bus compared to 4639, which can hardly move.
It's good around Monkspath. Nice empty stretches. And then between Shirley & Sparkhill like you're saying.
Sparkbrook to City is decent aswell. I don't know if I should say this here but screw it. Me and another driver would often get put on similar times and end up driving 'spiritedly' together . He was often the bus in front or behind on the Outer Circle, just by chance lol. Anyways this one time, we would race into City from Sparkbrook, and then out of City lol. Took up two lanes on Camp Hill island once blasting a 37 and a 5. 4656 was the one I was driving, he had an E200 MMC. Then I split off onto Bradford Street and he obviously went straight. First one to the markets lol. Then first one back to Camp Hill. The lights at the Bradford Street/High Street caught him on the 37 that time., and I came out of Bradford Street, cooling fans blaring, and first to Camp Hill. Lol good times.
Quote from: MW on July 20, 2017, 06:51:59 PM
It's good around Monkspath.
Tight down Highlands Road. Parked cars allover the shop, 4503 and 4640 funnily got stuck, resulting in 4640 reversing into some side street. Looked fun!
4928 on the 24 today. What an excellent bus. Picked up speed well compared to others I've travelled on. Good smooth ride. Must say this is the best e400 of that series that I've traveled on.
@John can you remember if 4928 was one of your favourites to drive at PB?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2017, 07:44:40 PM
4928 on the 24 today. What an excellent bus. Picked up speed well compared to others I've travelled on. Good smooth ride. Must say this is the best e400 of that series that I've traveled on. @John can you remember if 4928 was one of your favourites to drive at PB?
To be honest, I can't remember what it was like. 4927 is a good one. Can't recall 4928 been a bad one though.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 15, 2017, 09:44:36 PM
I think near enough everyone will agree with your comments regarding the e200s. Horrid buses! the b7Rles are probably slower at picking up speed but far less rattly
the b7s are much better picking up speed in my opinion. this certainly was a good one, but the gearbox is much better too, as retarder seems to come in smooth. its amazing how different an experience this was
Quote from: mranon on July 24, 2017, 10:00:30 PM
the b7s are much better picking up speed in my opinion. this certainly was a good one, but the gearbox is much better too, as retarder seems to come in smooth. its amazing how different an experience this was
I don't travel on nx B7RLES, but I do regularly travel on diamonds. The only sluggish one diamond have is 30942
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 24, 2017, 07:44:40 PM
4928 on the 24 today. What an excellent bus. Picked up speed well compared to others I've travelled on. Good smooth ride. Must say this is the best e400 of that series that I've traveled on. @John can you remember if 4928 was one of your favourites to drive at PB?
Sorry it's a late reply, but I rode 4928 back in April. It was a good one. The worst one I can think of that PB have/had was 4925. That was slow and sluggish. If you want a good one try 4844 and 4846, these are some good ones. Walsall's 4859 is another good one.
@Trident 4194
1928 - Scania Omnilink
Had this on the 52 home. Crappy suspension, felt every bump down Birchfield Road. Brakes good. Interior looked smart in Crimson apart from etchings on seat backs and it could do with a 'deep' clean. Grimy floors, I suppose this is from its day on the Stratford Road. Exterior smart. Shame really as its good bus when it pulls away and has a good engine = 8/10
4226 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this on the 73. This beats 4295 at AG. Great bus, great suspension, the brakes were abit squeaky, as are most ALX400 B7TL's. Interior faded, original TWM interior abit faded. Very clean inside - credit to AG. Nice beastly gearbox which howls while coasting. Exterior is abit tired - original NX Livery with connection bars. Could do with a repaint = 10/10
7023 - Scania Omnilink
Nothing to say about this, shed! Everything about it is crap! = 0/10
1935 - Scania Omnilink
Caught this morning to City. I remember this from the 37, use to be a stalker at AG. Nothing's changed since its days on the 37. Fast pulling away, good suspension and good brakes. The doors are very slow. The interior needs a refurb, seats are all tired and the paint still looks presentable compared to WA's red/white Omnilinks. If you look closely on the windows, you can see where the big 37 stickers use to be. Good bus = 9/10
4283 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this on the 33, full route. Ridden this one before. Right after I get off 1935 this pulls up. First time riding one of these on the 33, very weird too. Fast pulling away, suspension was naff, the brakes were loud and squeaky. The doors were squeaky aswell. Interior tired, original TWM trim. Paint looks smart, interior lets it down. Not that bad = 7/10
4914 - E400 (E40D)
Caught this on the 80A. I remember this on the Suttons. Fast pulling away, suspension awful (not sure what's happened, never like this at PB) brakes were terrible. Doors fast, interior could do with a 'deep' clean. The Branded looked really smart. The paintwork is looking orange now. Shame = 5/10
WB have ruined this bus.
4656 - Gemini
Caught this on the 5. Great bus, fast pulling away, good suspension, good brakes. Interior smart in Crimson, Exterior is smart. Cooling fans going the whole journey. Doors made a right racket. Low vibrations. Nice kickdown. Good bus = 9/10
Quote from: Jack B on August 16, 2017, 09:46:47 PM
4656 - Gemini
Caught this on the 5. Great bus, fast pulling away, good suspension, good brakes. Interior smart in Crimson, Exterior is smart. Cooling fans going the whole journey. Doors made a right racket. Low vibrations. Nice kickdown. Good bus = 9/10
Had some good drives on 4656. There was a period when I had it every day for a few days in a row. The final day of which, I was involved in an RTC. Bus was off road for a couple days.
Quote from: MW on August 17, 2017, 12:24:50 AM
Had some good drives on 4656. There was a period when I had it every day for a few days in a row. The final day of which, I was involved in an RTC. Bus was off road for a couple days.
It was my first time on it. After the doors closed the fans would start going like 4276 does. AG do keep their vehicles in good condition. I am really starting to miss the Presidents.
4287 - ALX400 B7TL
Rode it this morning on the 52, been a while since I last rode 4287. Had the new ticket machine. Was running 5 minutes late. Was the only passenger for the whole journey. Suspension good, brakes good, bell sounded weird and the gearbox had a nice whine while changing gears. Doors fast, interior mainly original twin peaks but few grey dot replacement seats. Nice bus = 8/10
4479 - Gemini
Ran for it on Bull Street on the 52A. Real treat, it was one of my stalkers on there. First Gem I've ridden on the 52/A since May. Suspension good, brakes abit squeaky, doors were creaky. Cooling fans blaring down Turnberry Road. Driver battered it = 7/10
4503 - Gemini
Rode it again on the X12 today. Beast! Driver thrashed it round Damsonwood and the Airport. It got stuck down Chipperfield Road. Lovely and whiny. Pretty much the same as last time on the 5 = 10/10
I'm sick of catching stupid slow omnilinks. Don't get me wrong they are smoothish buses but they quite simply have the worlds slowest doors, the worst acceleration and seem incapable of running above 20 mph despite running late.
The WA mk1 b7rles are simply excellent in comparison. Very powerful buses, excellent acceleration and seem very good at maintaining speed
Diamond buses of course have insane power
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 07, 2017, 08:04:03 PM
I'm sick of catching stupid slow omnilinks. Don't get me wrong they are smoothish buses but they quite simply have the worlds slowest doors, the worst acceleration and seem incapable of running above 20 mph despite running late.
The WA mk1 b7rles are simply excellent in comparison. Very powerful buses, excellent acceleration and seem very good at maintaining speed
Diamond buses of course have insane power
Is it 'post rubbish Saturday ' today?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 07, 2017, 08:04:03 PM
I'm sick of catching stupid slow omnilinks. Don't get me wrong they are smoothish buses but they quite simply have the worlds slowest doors, the worst acceleration and seem incapable of running above 20 mph despite running late.
The WA mk1 b7rles are simply excellent in comparison. Very powerful buses, excellent acceleration and seem very good at maintaining speed
Diamond buses of course have insane power
Lol, they're not that bad. The Euro 4's (1788-1907) are better than then the Euro 5's. The Euro 4's are simply a more smoother rider, whereas a Euro 5 you'll be jumping all over the place! I pretty much like all the Euro 4's, the Euro 5's I like but they're quite a bumpy ride.
Quote from: Jack on October 07, 2017, 08:10:15 PM
Lol, they're not that bad. The Euro 4's (1788-1907) are better than then the Euro 5's. The Euro 4's are simply a more smoother rider, whereas a Euro 5 you'll be jumping all over the place! I pretty much like all the Euro 4's, the Euro 5's I like but they're quite a bumpy ride.
I've only sampled the euro 5 ones. Another thing is drivers sometimes have to open the doors as soon as they are closed, I think this might be to do with the ramp not coordinating or the kneeling?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 07, 2017, 10:11:54 PM
I've only sampled the euro 5 ones. Another thing is drivers sometimes have to open the doors as soon as they are closed, I think this might be to do with the ramp not coordinating or the kneeling?
The ones on the 4 are Euro 4. The door issue are drivers being impatient and trying to rev to make the doors move faster but instead they reopen and close. The Euro 4's are way better especially the '58' plates (1848-1877) are my favourite batch as they are really nice but I like all the Euro 4's.
1850, 1853, 1854, 1861, 1865 and 1872 are some good ones.
1897- finally found a fast omnilink
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 20, 2017, 10:44:09 PM
1897- finally found a fast omnilink
Really? I found that the ex AG batch were nippy. Irritating doors, but once going, they're quite nippy.
Maybe you're getting these buses when they're on time/early so the driver isn't booting it. Not as good as the B7RLEs overall, but the Ines I've driven are pretty quick.
Quote from: MW on October 20, 2017, 11:36:25 PM
Really? I found that the ex AG batch were nippy. Irritating doors, but once going, they're quite nippy.
Maybe you're getting these buses when they're on time/early so the driver isn't booting it. Not as good as the B7RLEs overall, but the Ines I've driven are pretty quick.
1897 had quite fast doors to for an omnilink. A lot does depend on the driver. Can't remember the last time I caught an ontime omnilink
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 20, 2017, 11:38:45 PM
1897 had quite fast doors to for an omnilink. A lot does depend on the driver. Can't remember the last time I caught an ontime omnilink
The ones on the WA 11/13 are generally punctual when they aren't on peak, but there's usually a lot of traffic between Dudley and Tipton at peak times, and I'm guessing the M5 junction near Wednesbury doesn't help too. They don't seem sluggish by any means, but I still prefer a B7RLE.
Quote from: DJ98 on October 20, 2017, 11:49:02 PM
The ones on the WA 11/13 are generally punctual when they aren't on peak, but there's usually a lot of traffic between Dudley and Tipton at peak times, and I'm guessing the M5 junction near Wednesbury doesn't help too. They don't seem sluggish by any means, but I still prefer a B7RLE.
M6 Junction actually. I use to think the Omnilinks doors were slow until I rode most of BC's 46** with absolutely slow doors. 4623 is one.
Whilst on subject of Scania OmniLinks, I had 1850 on (3)11 last week with
@BU07 LGO driving. I have to say 1850 has to be the quickest Scania out of the rest of Walsall Scanias. Flawless and smooth bus, and the doors were quick when opening and closing.
Quote from: Jack on October 21, 2017, 10:49:43 AM
M6 Junction actually. I use to think the Omnilinks doors were slow until I rode most of BC's 46** with absolutely slow doors. 4623 is one.
Ugh, I always manage to get them two mixed up somehow. The doors have never seemed too slow to me, but there is a noticeable difference compared to the ones on a B7RLE. Still, it doesn't really affect anything, so I don't see how it's an issue.
Quote from: P419 EJW on October 21, 2017, 11:52:55 AM
Whilst on subject of Scania OmniLinks, I had 1850 on (3)11 last week with @BU07 LGO driving. I have to say 1850 has to be the quickest Scania out of the rest of Walsall Scanias. Flawless and smooth bus, and the doors were quick when opening and closing.
The BX58's feel faster than the BX09's. Though I think the Euro 4 Omnilinks are better than the Euro 5's.
4279 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this yesterday. Beast! Nice whiny gearbox. Interior tired, exterior smart. Brakes good, suspension fine. An annoying hiss happens when the driver changes gears. 7/10
4290 - ALX400 B7TL
Nice bus. Interior clean, seats looking great after 3 years. Paint smart. Brakes good, suspension all over the place. 8/10
4382 - Dennis Trident
Wonderful bus! Flew down Stratford Road on the 6 (was the only passenger from Solihull to Springfield). Driver floored it the whole way. Brakes good, suspension good. Paintwork looking exceptional, interior wonderful condition. Minor rattles. 9/10
4659 - Gemini
Caught this on the 31 from Solihull to City. Good bus. Driver thrashed it down Pitmaston Road which was fun on a tight road with speed bumps. It did cause 4526 on the 31 in the opposite direction go on the kerb on Severne Road. Brakes good, suspension good, howly gearbox. Interior and exterior smart, low vibrations and got howled down Shaftmoor Lane lovely. Average Gemini = 8/10.
7019 - Scania Omnilink
After 5 years of trying to ride it, I finally got it! Last Ex Dundee to be repainted last June, looks extremely smart, heating extremely strong (Scania's are great buses for heating). Suspension bouncy (typical Euro 5 Omnilink). Brakes ok, no rattling = 8/10
7023 - Scania Omnilink
PB have given this a transplant as its a way better bus, I last rode it in August and it was awful. Bouncy Suspension, brakes good, no rattling (use to be tedious for rattling). Interior/Exterior look smart (Price Branding makes the Omnilinks look extremely new still) = 8/10
4731 - Trident E400
Caught this on the 6 from Solihull to Shirley (where we broke down). Was so nice to ride ones of these on the 6. Brakes good, suspension good. Nice kickdown and thrash down Blossomfield Road. Interior/Exterior good, some seats look a little worn. Suspension and brakes are good. Shame it broke down, but 1910 was behind and I'm happy an Omnilink appeared than an E200 MMC.
7/10
I may sound stupid but I think the Omnilinks are the best Single Deckers NX currently have (I've always liked them but I seem to be in love with them now). People will disagree with me but I think they are better than Eclipse 1 B7RLE.
Quote from: Jack on November 25, 2017, 06:06:16 PM
I may sound stupid but I think the Omnilinks are the best Single a Deckers currently have (I've always liked them but I seem to be in love with them now). People will disagree with me but I think they are better than Eclipse 1 B7RLE.
Not stupid, everyone has their opinion. The Scanias remind me of the O405Ns
As I've said before, to drive I prefer the Eclipse 2 though
Quote from: MW on November 25, 2017, 06:10:51 PM
Not stupid, everyone has their opinion. The Scanias remind me of the O405Ns
As I've said before, to drive I prefer the Eclipse 2 though
They do actually, the Euro 5 Omnilinks sound a lot like 0405N's.
I like the Eclipse 2, but I probably prefer the Omnilinks as I'm a regular on them. I'll always prefer Urban 2's and Omnilinks on the 37 than E200 MMC's but I enjoy them as well, but not as good.
Quote from: MW on November 25, 2017, 06:10:51 PM
Not stupid, everyone has their opinion. The Scanias remind me of the O405Ns
As I've said before, to drive I prefer the Eclipse 2 though
My fave single deckers are the eclipse 2. In my opinion They are better than the WA 56 plates. Scanias are boring in my opinion
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 25, 2017, 06:24:57 PM
My fave single deckers are the eclipse 2. In my opinion They are better than the WA 56 plates. Scanias are boring in my opinion
1) Scania Omnilink
2) Eclipse 1
3) Eclipse 2
4) E200 MMC
5) E200
That's my order from good to bad of NX's current SD's.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 25, 2017, 06:24:57 PM
My fave single deckers are the eclipse 2. In my opinion They are better than the WA 56 plates. Scanias are boring in my opinion
I agree with you there regarding the Wright Eclipse 2s. Great replacement for the 0405N at PE
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 25, 2017, 10:06:55 PM
I agree with you there regarding the Wright Eclipse 2s. Great replacement for the 0405N at PE
I do as well. Not sure why people say they've got no life in them, you should here them rev up hills. Widney Manor Road on the 5 outbound on Sunday's was great, drivers use to rev high up that hill.
I enjoyed riding them on the 58/59 as well.
Quote from: Jack on November 25, 2017, 10:10:01 PM
I do as well. Not sure why people say they've got no life in them, you should here them rev up hills. Widney Manor Road on the 5 outbound on Sunday's was great, drivers use to rev high up that hill.
I enjoyed riding them on the 58/59 as well.
Haha I'm one of those drivers. Also got one to scream up Bradford Street. They certainly sound like the 56 plates when they rev high enough. The only thing I'd fix with them is sort out the Rev limiter, but thatsbfrom an enthusiasts point of view. Performance wise they are fine how they are. They're quick. Very torquey and not gutless
4508 - Gemini
Caught this on the 11C from Perry Barr to the Fox & Goose. As soon as I entered this I could hear the fans ready to start hoovering. Beast, one of my favourites now. Brakes great, suspension good, doors quick. Exterior smart-ish, interior faded but this is expected from a 2012 repaint.
@MW you were right about this one!
Quote from: Jack on December 28, 2017, 10:27:48 PM
4508 - Gemini
Caught this on the 11C from Perry Barr to the Fox & Goose. As soon as I entered this I could hear the fans ready to start hoovering. Beast, one of my favourites now. Brakes great, suspension good, doors quick. Exterior smart-ish, interior faded but this is expected from a 2012 repaint. @MW you were right about this one!
I bet it must have roared after Marsh Hill & Erdington, depending on how it was being driven of course, but by the sounds of what you're saying, it probably did! I used to love flooring it between Tyburb Road and Jaffray Crescent (11A), up that incline and then stop and the top, and then you'd hear the cooling fans come to life.
Yeah that was probably my favourite 45xx Gemini to drive. 4637 & 4638 were amongst my favourite from the 46xx batch. You can add 4663 to that aswell. From an enthusiasts view, 4637/38 are probably boring but to drive they are rapid and lightly weighted controls-wise, and basically didn't feel their age to drive.
Quote from: MW on December 29, 2017, 01:37:34 AM
I bet it must have roared after Marsh Hill & Erdington, depending on how it was being driven of course, but by the sounds of what you're saying, it probably did! I used to love flooring it between Tyburb Road and Jaffray Crescent (11A), up that incline and then stop and the top, and then you'd hear the cooling fans come to life.
Yeah that was probably my favourite 45xx Gemini to drive. 4637 & 4638 were amongst my favourite from the 46xx batch. You can add 4663 to that aswell. From an enthusiasts view, 4637/38 are probably boring but to drive they are rapid and lightly weighted controls-wise, and basically didn't feel their age to drive.
It howled down Wood End Road in Erdington. Was thrashed down Bromford Lane. I don't think I've ridddeb 4637/8. 4663 is a nice one. 4643 is a good as well.
B5LH - 5515
This was my first proper ride on a B5 and I have to say, they are remarkable vehicles. I caught it from Northfield to Birmingham on the 63 and it moved effortlessly and the ride is quite smooth. They move well and the start stop technology is subtle. In many respects, I personally find them to be superior to B7TL Geminis.
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on December 30, 2017, 05:09:48 PM
B5LH - 5515
This was my first proper ride on a B5 and I have to say, they are remarkable vehicles. I caught it from Northfield to Birmingham on the 63 and it moved effortlessly and the ride is quite smooth. They move well and the start stop technology is subtle. In many respects, I personally find them to be superior to B7TL Geminis.
They are the best buses at NX in my opinion.
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 30, 2017, 07:18:34 PM
They are the best buses at NX in my opinion.
I like them, they look smart in Crimson as well. Their stop/start is better than the E400 MMC's.
Quote from: Jack on December 30, 2017, 07:19:46 PM
I like them, they look smart in Crimson as well. Their stop/start is better than the E400 MMC's.
I still like the green but they do look smart in crimson. I agree with what someone said about them looking more at home on the 63 in crimson too as I guess the green is associated more with Harborne.
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 30, 2017, 07:18:34 PM
They are the best buses at NX in my opinion.
I couldn't disagree with that assessment. Even their interiors are still really good. Only negative thing I can really point out is the odd seating arrangements on the bottom deck in the rear.
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on December 30, 2017, 08:10:24 PM
I couldn't disagree with that assessment. Even their interiors are still really good. Only negative thing I can really point out is the odd seating arrangements on the bottom deck in the rear.
I like it in that form. The green is started to look faded and tatty now, the Crimson suits them so much, especially on the 63. Will miss them on the Harbournes, precisely the 22 as I rode the most of them on it.
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on December 30, 2017, 08:10:24 PM
I couldn't disagree with that assessment. Even their interiors are still really good. Only negative thing I can really point out is the odd seating arrangements on the bottom deck in the rear.
I usually sat upstairs on them but yeah I don't understand that pattern either. May sound odd but I like the sound of the engine too. As opposed to the horrible sound of the B7RLE
My two pennies worth on the B5LH: Love them! Used to catch them to/from school, well, whenever I got the chance to. I agree with the general concensus that they'll be missed on the Harborne corridor, along with the fact that the lower saloon layout is a little odd. Having said that, I guess it adds to the uniqueness of the buses in the entire NX fleet, albeit at the expense of passenger capacity. I don't think I had a favourite in particular - though, I did prefer the ex-Wolvo 13 plates over the 61 plates, as the rear windows weren't covered in that oversized leaf branding.
Usually riding from one end of the 24 to the other, I'd often try to snag a seat right at the back (as a school student would do, lol), out of anyone's way. Contrary to the ideology that people are entitled to sit anywhere, I did find it slightly irritating when city workers would pile onto the bus (sitting in the most ridiculous places) to only travel as far as Brindleyplace. It wasn't so much the distance that they were travelling - moreso the fact that it made for quite tightly packed lower deck on such a weirdly laid out bus that irked me.
Compared to the Volvo B7RLEs, I much prefer these - partically due to the exclusivity of them in the entire network. However, I've no problem with the B7s. I find them quite solidly built; unlike Diamond's - which, though quite nippy (for which I appreciate), feels like one of the wheels may fly off from their axles! If I am comparing them to the E400Hs, I'd still choose these over those. 5409 was my favourite of the E400Hs, but since they transferred in 2014, I haven't had much time to visit them in Wolverhampton. I did catch 5402 on the 126 about a fortnight or so ago. Little bit of nostalgia from when the Harbornes used to stop at SH1 on Colmore Row. ;)
If I were to give them a rating:
★★★★☆
4/5 stars.
(+)
Solidly built buses
Noticeable 'hybrid' mode
Hasn't really aged as much as others in the fleet
(-)
"unconventional" lower saloon layout - makes for awkward shuffling
TL;DR: I like them.
4269 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this on the 5 from Scott Arms to Sutton Coldfield. Nice bus, never ridden this one before. Pulls away great, brakes and suspension were great. Doors slow and make racket too like 4247. Handles Hill great compared to 4253. 7/10.
4357 - Dennis Trident
Caught this on the 77 on the whole route. Fast pulling away, brakes good, suspension a little bouncy, no vibrating. Doors quick. Doesn't struggle up hills, handled Beacon Hill great. 4357 carried no more than 10 people on the whole ride. Interior is a mixture of original TWM trim, some seats were faded and some were newer. Exterior smart, great example of Trident, 9/10.
Caught 2 of PN finest vehicles today
4198- no wait involved so was glad to see this rather than the dull crimson tridents that PN is dominated by now. This vehicle was good, love the old twm interior- and still looks very clean and tidy. My favourite interior of them all really lightens up the interior with the blue. Good acceleration, doors a.bit slow but that can be expected for a bus of its age. Made a few strange notices when stationary, suspension very good. 9/10
Having arrived at Russell hall to see 4147 just leave was a dissapointment. Expecting a crimson trident to turn up I thought it would be a boring ride back. Then 4185 arrives. What an incredible bus. Such good acceleration, dark moquette up to good standard. Doors were good. My first time on a trapped bus and if all the 41** trapped buses are good as this, I hope they have a long future.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2018, 04:53:32 PM
Caught 2 of PN finest vehicles today
4198- no wait involved so was glad to see this rather than the dull crimson tridents that PN is dominated by now. This vehicle was good, love the old twm interior- and still looks very clean and tidy. My favourite interior of them all really lightens up the interior with the blue. Good acceleration, doors a.bit slow but that can be expected for a bus of its age. Made a few strange notices when stationary, suspension very good. 9/10
Having arrived at Russell hall to see 4147 just leave was a dissapointment. Expecting a crimson trident to turn up I thought it would be a boring ride back. Then 4185 arrives. What an incredible bus. Such good acceleration, dark moquette up to good standard. Doors were good. My first time on a trapped bus and if all the 41** trapped buses are good as this, I hope they have a long future.
How are the Crimson Tridents dull? I assume you not ridden one of them running late, I remember riding 4433 a couple of months ago and the driver thrashed it down Hagley Road!
4185 is not a trapped bus, it's re-engined as a Euro 4. I remember 4147 at BC, an extremely sluggish 41** Trident. I'm glad that they are starting to be withdraw, most of them are crap, 4138/4145/4147/4199 are a few that spring to mind, 4173 too.
Quote from: Jack on January 18, 2018, 05:01:02 PM
How are the Crimson Tridents dull? I assume you not ridden one of them running late, I remember riding 4433 a couple of months ago and the driver thrashed it down Hagley Road!
4185 is not a trapped bus, it's re-engined as a Euro 4. I remember 4147 at BC, an extremely sluggish 41** Trident. I'm glad that they are starting to be withdraw, most of them are crap, 4138/4145/4147/4199 are a few that spring to mind, 4173 too.
Look at the title of this thread, it mentions the word opinion. Do I have to define opinion to you?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2018, 04:53:32 PM
Caught 2 of PN finest vehicles today
4198- no wait involved so was glad to see this rather than the dull crimson tridents that PN is dominated by now. This vehicle was good, love the old twm interior- and still looks very clean and tidy. My favourite interior of them all really lightens up the interior with the blue. Good acceleration, doors a.bit slow but that can be expected for a bus of its age. Made a few strange notices when stationary, suspension very good. 9/10
Having arrived at Russell hall to see 4147 just leave was a dissapointment. Expecting a crimson trident to turn up I thought it would be a boring ride back. Then 4185 arrives. What an incredible bus. Such good acceleration, dark moquette up to good standard. Doors were good. My first time on a trapped bus and if all the 41** trapped buses are good as this, I hope they have a long future.
How do you know Crimson Tridents are dull if you've never been on a trapped Trident?
Quote from: Tony on January 18, 2018, 05:26:12 PM
How do you know Crimson Tridents are dull if you've never been on a trapped Trident?
Crimson tridents are dull in my opinion. Change up gears too quickly. Gearboxes are different too I believe? Not sure on this but I know there's 5 speed, 6 speed etc??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2018, 05:42:44 PM
Crimson tridents are dull in my opinion. Change up gears too quickly. Gearboxes are different too I believe? Not sure on this but I know there's 5 speed, 6 speed etc??
But you stated you had never been on a trapped one?
There's no five or six speed Tridents
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2018, 05:06:32 PM
Look at the title of this thread, it mentions the word opinion. Do I have to define opinion to you?
Doesn't mean I can't politely disagree. It's not all about opinions!
Quote from: Tony on January 18, 2018, 05:45:46 PM
But you stated you had never been on a trapped one?
There's no five or six speed Tridents
I have been on a crimson trident before?? I haven't been on a re engined or trapped y reg trident before today. Apologies if I'm making no sense
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 18, 2018, 05:58:33 PM
Apologies if I'm making no sense
Well, there's nothing new there....
Excuse my ignorance on the matter, and this is a genuine question, but from a passenger perspective what's the difference between a trapped and an un-trapped Trident? I've been on plenty of 44xx and 46xx ones before the traps were fitted, and some after, but wouldn't have a clue what the difference between them was.
Quote from: Mike K on January 18, 2018, 07:25:14 PM
Excuse my ignorance on the matter, and this is a genuine question, but from a passenger perspective what's the difference between a trapped and an un-trapped Trident? I've been on plenty of 44xx and 46xx ones before the traps were fitted, and some after, but wouldn't have a clue what the difference between them was.
Seconded.
No idea about Tridents, but the AG Gemini's sounds different. From the outside, they sound sort of more dieseley when accelerating and less of a scream. That may be to do with the e fans, I don't know, but the Outer Circle branded ones sound normal. 4519 proved this earlier as it roared into Solihull Town Centre off it's normal branded route on the 37.
Quote from: Mike K on January 18, 2018, 07:25:14 PM
Excuse my ignorance on the matter, and this is a genuine question, but from a passenger perspective what's the difference between a trapped and an un-trapped Trident? I've been on plenty of 44xx and 46xx ones before the traps were fitted, and some after, but wouldn't have a clue what the difference between them was.
There is nothing. If a bus had a good engine before the trap was fitted it still will have. If a bus had a tired engine before it still will have. The trap doesn't change the performance in that way at all despite some people imagining it does.
Quote from: MW on January 18, 2018, 07:43:07 PM
No idea about Tridents, but the AG Gemini's sounds different. From the outside, they sound sort of more dieseley when accelerating and less of a scream. That may be to do with the e fans, I don't know, but the Outer Circle branded ones sound normal. 4519 proved this earlier as it roared into Solihull Town Centre off it's normal branded route on the 37.
Perry Barr's 44** are like that. They don't sound as loud as they did, nothing to do with the fans going but they sound more smooth and less of a scream. Have no idea about PB's 46**. 4489 fans tend to come on/off still, 4504 is still blaring around too but not that loud as it was. 4482 still going round really loud, was when I caught it on the 7 last week, probably beacause it's still in red/white.
4130 - 76. Best sounding engine of any other type of bus in the fleet, in my opinion. Upper saloon was freezing, as it would be on any ALX400. Seat backs weren't in the greatest condition, rattled a little, but not to an annoying level. 9/10... It's a voith trident, so it was always going to get a high rating
Is it just me who doesn't like Voiths then? I hate the brakes on anything Voith I've driven. They're too bloody sensitive. What I don't like about them is the retarder.
6101- quite good mmc actually- was being floored by the driver to the point the cooling fans came on which is very unusual on these mmcs from my experience. Sounded like I was on a Gemini when the fans kicked in.
4329 - Will always love this Trident, warm, interior and exterior still looking smart. Love it's howl. 10/10.
4508 - Gemini
Had a great ride on the 31 on this. Definitely AG's best 11 branded 45**. 10/10
4642 - Gemini
Caught this on the X12 on Thursday. This sounds way louder than any other 46**. Had a loud groan too. Flew down the Bus-Only road at the airport. Driver thrashed it down Chipperfield Road. 10/10
(Hopefully 4508 will make it onto the X12 at some point)
Quote from: Jack on February 24, 2018, 08:58:28 PM
4508 - Gemini
Had a great ride on the 31 on this. Definitely AG's best 11 branded 45**. 10/10
4642 - Gemini
Caught this on the X12 on Thursday. This sounds way louder than any other 46**. Had a loud groan too. Flew down the Bus-Only road at the airport. Driver thrashed it down Chipperfield Road. 10/10
(Hopefully 4508 will make it onto the X12 at some point)
4508 was my favourite 45xx to drive too.
Quote from: MW on February 24, 2018, 09:02:51 PM
4508 was my favourite 45xx to drive too.
I hope it can sneak onto the X12 at some point. The driver of 4642 constantly threw the bus round on the X12 the other day, so did 4655 a few weeks back on the X12.
1937 - 120A
Great buses, the Omnilinks, always thought WB could do with more of them. Didn't like not being able to see out of the back window, a little more legroom would've been nice.
7/10
4249 - 89
I was quite excited when this one turned up, I was under the impression it had been refurbished, to my disappointment, I was wrong, it was just a repaint, it was practicality the same as when I last rode it 4 years ago
6/10
4746 - 87
I understand why these MK1 Enviros have so popular amongst enthusiasts, they really have some go, sounded great in kickdown, driver used it as much as he could. There was a strange squeak coming from the upper saloon - which sounded like it could have been the windscreen wiper.
8/10
4291 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this yesterday. How nice it was to get one of these on the 52. Haven't ridden this one for a year. Normally sluggish but felt faster and its door are no longer squeaky. Dark Blue TWM interior still looking smart, few replacement cushions. Paintwork looking slightly worse for wear after the Samsung AD. 6/10
4692 - Gemini
Caught this home yesterday on the 52A. Haven't caught a Voith Gemini for a year now so was a nice treat. Felt sluggish, not as good as 4687 but a tad better than 4689. Was like 4291 when it was really sluggish. Crimson interior and exterior looking exceptional. Still had an NXC advert which made me chuckle. Bouncy suspension, felt the potholes on Newtown Row. 5/10
@John are the Ex Coventry Gemini's nice buses to drive? I've heard they are often criticised and have been since they moved over.
Quote from: Jack on March 18, 2018, 08:57:16 PM
4291 - ALX400 B7TL
Caught this yesterday. How nice it was to get one of these on the 52. Haven't ridden this one for a year. Normally sluggish but felt faster and its door are no longer squeaky. Dark Blue TWM interior still looking smart, few replacement cushions. Paintwork looking slightly worse for wear after the Samsung AD. 6/10
4692 - Gemini
Caught this home yesterday on the 52A. Haven't caught a Voith Gemini for a year now so was a nice treat. Felt sluggish, not as good as 4687 but a tad better than 4689. Was like 4291 when it was really sluggish. Crimson interior and exterior looking exceptional. Still had an NXC advert which made me chuckle. Bouncy suspension, felt the potholes on Newtown Row. 5/10
@John are the Ex Coventry Gemini's nice buses to drive? I've heard they are often criticised and have been since they moved over.
Some are ok and some are terrible. 4687 I don't like, slow, sharp brakes and the drivers seat is too low for me. The best one I would say is 4696, get a good one and they are decent to drive. They are slower than the 44** Geminis, about on par with the ALX400s I guess because they have the same gearboxes. Used to get them quite a bit but not as much now
Quote from: John on March 18, 2018, 09:21:42 PM
Some are ok and some are terrible. 4687 I don't like, slow, sharp brakes and the drivers seat is too low for me. The best one I would say is 4696, get a good one and they are decent to drive. They are slower than the 44** Geminis, about on par with the ALX400s I guess because they have the same gearboxes. Used to get them quite a bit but not as much now
I've like 4687 as it's quite nippy, 4689 is the worst one I've had, but then again I've only ridden three of them, but I rarely see them now. I've been told 4688 is a good one and 4696, as you've already mentioned.
I think buses with Voith gearboxes on a whole have rubbish brakes, in terms of refinement. The retarder is what I'm referring to. ZF is much better.
2106- these are in a completely different league to the crap adl e200s. Smooth, fast, comfy these really are tremendous vehicles to travel on and I'm glad that nx have so many at PN anyway.
1840- wahey a Omnilink with a bit of oomph. Nice moquette always preferred the blue seat back to the grey ones makes the interior feel much brighter and airier. Cooling fans also on full go.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 18, 2018, 06:28:17 PM
1840- wahey a Omnilink with a bit of oomph. Nice moquette always preferred the blue seat back to the grey ones makes the interior feel much brighter and airier. Cooling fans also on full go.
A lot of the Omnilinks have 'oomph', just the ones have ridden are being slow which is quite surprising as they are mainly late! I miss those Omnilinks at Perry Barr, 1837-1847 and 1836 which constantly was swapped between BY and PB. They sounded nice as they were the early Euro 4's and yes I do miss the dark TWM seats, seat backs and blue floor make the bus feel brighter compared to the depressing grey. 1844-7 were nice with their leather seats on the 952, pretty much had them everyday and was quite sad when they started leaving for repainted and then WA. 1843 was another nice one at PB, but never ridden it at WA since.
The Omnilinks fans are louder on the Euro 5's, 7027 and 7033 were roaring today on the 952, with 1866 doing the same on the 28.
4931 - E400
These E400's (4928-4937) have seriously been trashed since been branded for the 5. Graffitied windows upper deck and lower deck, rubbish everywhere, burnt seat backs etched as well. Vehicle wise sounded good and suspension good, doors smash themselves open, which is usual. Really think the 5 should go back to SD. Don't care whether people agree with me or not. The 6 and 37 went SD and look what happened a reduction in anti-social behaviour. These 5 branded E400's are in awful condition interior wise, never like this at PB.
Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2018, 08:38:14 PM
4931 - E400
These E400's (4928-4937) have seriously been trashed since been branded for the 5. Graffitied windows upper deck and lower deck, rubbish everywhere, burnt seat backs etched as well. Vehicle wise sounded good and suspension good, doors smash themselves open, which is usual. Really think the 5 should go back to SD. Don't care whether people agree with me or not. The 6 and 37 went SD and look what happened a reduction in anti-social behaviour. These 5 branded E400's are in awful condition interior wise, never like this at PB.
37 still gets a few deckers?? People moaned about the 74/75 getting new buses but if there required then it's only in Nx interests to meet these demands
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 23, 2018, 08:41:08 PM
37 still gets a few deckers?? People moaned about the 74/75 getting new buses but if there required then it's only in Nx interests to meet these demands
The 37 is mostly single decker operated, main allocation is E200 MMC.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 23, 2018, 08:41:08 PM
37 still gets a few deckers?? People moaned about the 74/75 getting new buses but if there required then it's only in Nx interests to meet these demands
Yes the 6 and 37 still a get a few DD's. Which is good for Peaks, which should be the same for the 5 mainly Omnilinks and two/three DD's on it.
I'm happy the route never got Platinums like suggested.
Quote from: 2206 on May 23, 2018, 08:42:57 PM
The 37 is mostly single decker operated, main allocation is E200 MMC.
So the route never see's Gemini's? Last time I saw, there's usually 2 Gemini's every other day.
Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2018, 08:43:08 PM
So the route never see's Gemini's? Last time I saw, there's usually 2 Gemini's every other day.
Thats why I said mostly.
Quote from: 2206 on May 23, 2018, 08:45:22 PM
I said mostly.
Before you edited your post, it said
mainly.
Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2018, 08:46:02 PM
Before you edited your post, it said mainly.
No I never edited my post, if I had it'd say I edited it and the time I edited it bellow
Quote from: 2206 on May 23, 2018, 08:47:17 PM
No I never edited my post, if I had it'd say I edited it and the time I edited it bellow
That doesn't always happen. Sometimes I make a small edit to my posts it doesn't always say that I edited and the time I edited it below.
Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2018, 08:48:49 PM
That doesn't always happen. Sometimes I make a small edit to my posts it doesn't always say that I edited and the time I edited it below.
It always says edited and the time if it has been changed like it does on your post above where I have just put a space bar in
Quote from: Tony on May 23, 2018, 08:56:57 PM
It always says edited and the time if it has been changed like it does on your post above where I have just put a space bar in
If you say so.
Quote from: Tony on May 23, 2018, 08:56:57 PM
It always says edited and the time if it has been changed like it does on your post above where I have just put a space bar in
No it doesn't, if you edit it soon after it was posted.
Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2018, 08:46:02 PM
Before you edited your post, it said mainly.
Definition of mostly, as per the Thesaurus:
generally, mainly
http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/mostly
Really nothing to argue about here, they literally mean the same thing.
4688 - Gemini
Had this beauty on the 16:13 departure from Hassop Road to City. Sounds great, didn't struggle up Booths Farm Hill. Interior stills looks smart, exterior looking exceptional. Brakes good, doors quick and don't squeal, suspension a little bouncy. A real Gem! 9/10
Been travelling on alx 400 B7TL all week for about 40 mins a day. Must say these are amazing vehicles and beat most tridents still in service. The powerful engines give them good acceleration and I must say are far smoother than the tridents. I've been on some with the old moquette which still looks alright to be honest as there quite a bright blue still. Will be a sad time when these dissapear. Good old Volvo make a great product here, and the Gemini's are as good. Put adl to shame really...
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 13, 2018, 09:02:42 PM
Been travelling on alx 400 B7TL all week for about 40 mins a day. Must say these are amazing vehicles and beat most tridents still in service. The powerful engines give them good acceleration and I must say are far smoother than the tridents. I've been on some with the old moquette which still looks alright to be honest as there quite a bright blue still. Will be a sad time when these dissapear. Good old Volvo make a great product here, and the Gemini's are as good. Put adl to shame really...
Very underrated vehicles
4693 - Gemini
Had this on the 907 from Sutton to Birmingham. The interior and exterior look smart, the bus looked smartly presented. Was quick when the driver put his foot down over the A34 flyover and underpass. Lovely warm heating throughout the vehicle. Suspension is fine, brakes a little noisy.
This one sounded more like a ZF Gemini over a Voith Gemini but that could of been because of the loud heaters.
8/10
4319 - Only had it for a short trip from Darlaston to Wednesbury on the 79 but even then, it went like the clappers, still has the original TWM moquette in pretty good condition and is fairly clean overall. 10/10 would veg again.
Quote from: StourValley98 on January 02, 2019, 06:29:33 PM
4319 - Only had it for a short trip from Darlaston to Wednesbury on the 79 but even then, it went like the clappers, still has the original TWM moquette in pretty good condition and is fairly clean overall. 10/10 would veg again.
Passenger: Driver, is the lad at the back of the bus ok? Seems to be not moving at all
Driver: I believe he is vegging, which is also know as a Busgasm
4672 on the 11 today. Cooling fans blaring away, haven't been on a Gemini this loud for a long time. Interior a bit of a mess, and not the quickest of buses picking up speed, but the cooling fans made up for that.
8/10
732- on the 19 last night. These are so much better than the other stumpys. Got great power and vibrate a lot less than the other stumpys however they are still incredibly rattly. If only nx had more of them.
4435- on the 9 tonight. Incredibly fast and warm trident. All that you need from a bus. It's smart card reader wasn't working mind, which sped boarding up, and saved my bus pass its trouble of being rejected before eventually being accepted. 9/10
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 24, 2020, 09:23:54 PM
732- on the 19 last night. These are so much better than the other stumpys. Got great power and vibrate a lot less than the other stumpys however they are still incredibly rattly. If only nx had more of them.
4435- on the 9 tonight. Incredibly fast and warm trident. All that you need from a bus. It's smart card reader wasn't working mind, which sped boarding up, and saved my bus pass its trouble of being rejected before eventually being accepted. 9/10
Have these got Allison gearboxes? If so, that's probably why they perform better.
Allison/Cummins is a much better set up than Voith/Cummins.
If only Streetlites (Euro 5) came with an Allison option. They'd no doubt be a hell of a lot better than they are with the Voith set up.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 24, 2020, 09:23:54 PM
732- on the 19 last night. These are so much better than the other stumpys. Got great power and vibrate a lot less than the other stumpys however they are still incredibly rattly. If only nx had more of them.
4435- on the 9 tonight. Incredibly fast and warm trident. All that you need from a bus. It's smart card reader wasn't working mind, which sped boarding up, and saved my bus pass its trouble of being rejected before eventually being accepted. 9/10
Can I ask why you don't have an nBus pass and buy Diamond passes when youbtravelmon so many NX buses
Quote from: Tony on January 24, 2020, 09:31:30 PM
Can I ask why you don't have an nBus pass and buy Diamond passes when youbtravelmon so many NX buses
I have an NBus Tony, £435 for a year, however family of mine only have the diamond passes. I have to travel on at least 4 NX buses everyday
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 24, 2020, 09:23:54 PM
732- on the 19 last night. These are so much better than the other stumpys. Got great power and vibrate a lot less than the other stumpys however they are still incredibly rattly. If only nx had more of them.
4435- on the 9 tonight. Incredibly fast and warm trident. All that you need from a bus. It's smart card reader wasn't working mind, which sped boarding up, and saved my bus pass its trouble of being rejected before eventually being accepted. 9/10
Pretty sure I used to get her on the 140 in the morning very nippy and like sitting in a toaster so much so if it's the one I think it is was so warm and comfortable on it I fell fast asleep on the top deck went into Brum on it came out of Brum on it fast asleep went to Dudley and was finally woken by the driver in Halesowen nearly two hours later who was doing his walk check upstairs very oddly the same has never happened on its replacement! strangely I too buy TfWM Nbus products like
@Trident 4194 too
@Tony and not WMT Travelcards and but also have an annual Diamond Bus Newtwork Pass that's takes me beyond the boundaries to a galaxy's far beyond TfWM & on that bombshell..................
So I had my first ride on one of the new electric buses on the 6 this evening (E001).
I was quite impressed to be honest. The interior layout was a bit 'unfamiliar' at first, but once seated and the bus started moving, you could really feel the difference. Well, there wasn't much to feel, as it was a very smooth ride, with none of the usual engine vibrations, most noticeable on those vehicles that 'stop-start'.
And none of the usual engine 'noise', just the sound of the rear fans really.
Once we got through the usual traffic congestion through Sparkhill, it was surprising to observe just how 'nippy' these vehicles are too, seemingly able to pick up speed relatively quickly.
Certainly not 'slow' or sluggish vehicles, as someone on my FB page suggested they would be. ;D
From a passenger perspective, they get a big thumbs up from me!
It was noted that the E buses have a reasonable range 100m+ on a full charge? eg from heathrow to Central garage...with plenty to spare? If I load my car with 4 passengers and a full load of luggage my MPG will deteriorate rapidly What are the chances of running
an E bus with a full load of passengers? or are they tested with added weight?
Back on 12 January, I bought a new car and decided to catch the bus to collect it rather than remortgage my house for an Uber. I work extensively with bus operators, though rarely as a passenger so the perfect opportunity to do a review.
Firstly, caught WN2076 on a 9 from Wednesfield to Bloxwich at 18.23hrs - on time and a very pleasant female driver who arrived on time and allowed a couple of elderly passengers sit down before pulling away. Paid by contactless and sat in the single seat opposite the driver. Not a great deal of leg room but a fantastic view of the road ahead and the cab. Very smooth and courteous driver, bus very clean and amazingly still on time when I got off at Bloxwich with the traffic.
Next bus was WA6758 on X51 from Bloxwich to Birmingham. Again, very polite and courteous driver - very smooth drive even with the frequent stops and the occasional miscreant boy racer cutting up the bus! Very surprised (from a build aspect, rather than driver!) how very few rattle and how good the condition of both buses were considering their age.
And as for the value, having paid contactless on each bus, very well worth the £2 fare on each bus. Took me right back to my younger days catching the 560 and 951!
Nice work NX!
Quote from: Wumpty on January 23, 2024, 01:03:10 PMBack on 12 January, I bought a new car and decided to catch the bus to collect it rather than remortgage my house for an Uber. I work extensively with bus operators, though rarely as a passenger so the perfect opportunity to do a review.
Firstly, caught WN2076 on a 9 from Wednesfield to Bloxwich at 18.23hrs - on time and a very pleasant female driver who arrived on time and allowed a couple of elderly passengers sit down before pulling away. Paid by contactless and sat in the single seat opposite the driver. Not a great deal of leg room but a fantastic view of the road ahead and the cab. Very smooth and courteous driver, bus very clean and amazingly still on time when I got off at Bloxwich with the traffic.
Next bus was WA6758 on X51 from Bloxwich to Birmingham. Again, very polite and courteous driver - very smooth drive even with the frequent stops and the occasional miscreant boy racer cutting up the bus! Very surprised (from a build aspect, rather than driver!) how very few rattle and how good the condition of both buses were considering their age.
And as for the value, having paid contactless on each bus, very well worth the £2 fare on each bus. Took me right back to my younger days catching the 560 and 951!
Nice work NX!
Thought you had a oap pass 😂
On behalf of my sister, a bus on time from.Wednesfield to Bloxwich!
Wonders will never cease!
Quote from: karl724223 on January 23, 2024, 03:09:44 PMThought you had a oap pass 😂
Close, I've got the first of the honorary ALF passes :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
n all fairnQuote from: Westy on January 23, 2024, 07:49:59 PM
On behalf of my sister, a bus on time from.Wednesfield to Bloxwich!
Wonders will never cease!
She's obviously catching it at the wrong time - I must have dropped lucky, especially with the traffic!
1840 I already posted about in the Walsall Thread, but the Driver was a good bloke, professional made a suitation on board the Veichle really well. Appolgised to the people involved and the other passenger and even did a bit of traffic management to help his colleague behind. I've seen these suitations before go badly wrong and maybe it was because the other passengers and the people involved weren't in particular rush as it was at about 2-3ish in the afternoon and not a school time or peak time service, but because he was being a top bloke the other passengers me included were being respectful. He couldn't see his colleague behind, so I was sat at the back I let him know so he could help/inform of him of what was happening.
Driver of 1886 coming home on the 15:10 39 which was rammed Female Driver, She had just taken over the journey gave everyone a smile, drove professionally and kept to time despite the traffic and rammed nature of the bus stopped at near enough every stop between The Manor and Darlaston. Made sure there was enough room for other passengers with pushchairs to get on, she asked for some to be folded up as there was already two on board. First time I've ever seen a driver ask this and overall two professional drivers.
Quote from: Wumpty on January 23, 2024, 08:51:06 PMClose, I've got the first of the honorary ALF passes :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
@Wumpty, my ALF permit arrived this morning - I paid the extra and got a nationwide one (although only England - doesn't cover Scotland, Wales or N Ireland). It also has exceptions - apparently travel on bus routes operated by the agricultural community (aka farm hands, run from operating centres referred to as farms) are not included..... 😀😀🤣
Quote from: don on January 25, 2024, 06:54:55 PM@Wumpty, my ALF permit arrived this morning - I paid the extra and got a nationwide one (although only England - doesn't cover Scotland, Wales or N Ireland). It also has exceptions - apparently travel on bus routes operated by the agricultural community (aka farm hands, run from operating centres referred to as farms) are not included..... 😀😀🤣
FFS :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
What a dreadful noise these hydrogens make. That high pitch yearning when stopping and accelerating. I wasn't expecting them to make no noise at all, but neither one to make my ears bleed. They should be installed with an artificial diesel sound just enough to cover that horrible high pitch alien spaceship noise. Having a passenger experience on one of those made me uneasy.
Quote from: JosephR on February 02, 2024, 09:03:09 PMWhat a dreadful noise these hydrogens make. That high pitch yearning when stopping and accelerating. I wasn't expecting them to make no noise at all, but neither one to make my ears bleed. They should be installed with an artificial diesel sound just enough to cover that horrible high pitch alien spaceship noise. Having a passenger experience on one of those made me uneasy.
its not so bad for me but you're not the only one that wants artificial diesel engine sounds :)
Quote from: JosephR on February 02, 2024, 09:03:09 PMWhat a dreadful noise these hydrogens make. That high pitch yearning when stopping and accelerating. I wasn't expecting them to make no noise at all, but neither one to make my ears bleed. They should be installed with an artificial diesel sound just enough to cover that horrible high pitch alien spaceship noise. Having a passenger experience on one of those made me uneasy.
They don't make any noise accelerating and stopping.
The noise you are on about is a legal requirement for all electric vehicles below 15mph
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on February 02, 2024, 09:07:22 PMits not so bad for me but you're not the only one that wants artificial diesel engine sounds :)
While we and lots of others. can agree that we'd like AI diesel sound systems installed. We know we'll never hear the sound of roaring tridents etc, because that is a sound that over time has been died down for a 'better passenger experience' anyway. which is each to their own really. I'm not suggesting a loud robust engine like sound because that's unrealistic and Trivial.
Our opinion is our own and I really hope it's something that'll be considered.
Quote from: Tony on February 02, 2024, 09:47:35 PMThey don't make any noise accelerating and stopping.
The noise you are on about is a legal requirement for all electric vehicles below 15mph
I know they don't make any sound that of an engine being battery/hydrogen powered. It was my impression that was the noise of the system operating. Is the vehicle is legally restricted to that one particular sound?
Quote from: JosephR on February 02, 2024, 10:18:05 PMI know they don't make any sound that of an engine being battery/hydrogen powered. It was my impression that was the noise of the system operating. Is the vehicle is legally restricted to that one particular sound?
No it's not the noise of the system operating, it is a speaker fitted in the front nearside
Quote from: JosephR on February 02, 2024, 10:11:14 PMWhile we and lots of others. can agree that we'd like AI diesel sound systems installed. We know we'll never hear the sound of roaring tridents etc, because that is a sound that over time has been died down for a 'better passenger experience' anyway. which is each to their own really. I'm not suggesting a loud robust engine like sound because that's unrealistic and Trivial.
Our opinion is our own and I really hope it's something that'll be considered.
Do any Passengers care about how the veichle sounds, non spotter/enthusiast head on here when Tridents were my everyday bus on the 79 if it wasn't one like 4446, 4542 or another one that sounded absolutely Hellfire, I would usually just read the Paper and use my phone for music. Most Passengers have there headphones in or zone out. The first time I caught 4446 I didn't pay much attention. It was only when leaving Wolverhampton and it made that howl it usually did that I thought have we broken down here but we hadn't. Most Passengers a bit like most people who aren't Car Enthusaists or Plane Enthusiasts don't care what a veichle sounds like as long as it gets them from A to B. There are some exceptions to the Car and Plane world. Cars a Screaming V10 or V12 everyone looks ie F1 or a Porsche GT and Planes everyone looked at Concorde. But do most people care about what 4864 or 6726 sound like or what a VW Golf sounds like or GE90 engine not really as long as it makes a noise. Unless it is electric then no it should just get them from A to B. Only us Enthusiasts care about the sound.
I'm sure passengers do care, but of course there's little they can do about it. Some buses are less rattly and have far more refined and quiet engines and transmissions (and this can reflect the make of the bus as well). The journey can be so much better as a result.
Motor car manufacturers have spent large amounts making cars sound, especially to their occupants in certain ways - eg Minis with mild transmission whine, reminiscent of a classic Mini, similarly with a Mazda MX5 to sound like an MG Midget/MGB transmission. My own VW car has 'piped' engine sound when in race mode, to sound reminiscent of a Subaru or 5 cylinder VAG engine.
The reason electric and hydrogen vehicles make these sounds below 15 mph is the danger of pedestrians being caught out by them - this didn't used to be the case years ago, and for instance, a Toyota Prius taxi driving around a car park might suddenly and silently appear whilst a pedestrian is crossing an aisle, with serious injury potential to the pedestrian.
That said, these modern electric vehicles do have different sounds - I recall walking along and hearing what I thought was a Morrison electric milk float* coming up behind me - I was astonished when what passed by was an electric Mini.
(* only the older folk such as
@Tony @Wumpty @winston @windy miller on the forum will understand this, although there are a few such vehicles at Wythall. For the benefit of the younger generation like
@Jack,
@Wba_lad, they were absolutely everywhere in the 1950s, 60 and 70)!!
Travelled on 4613 this afternoon on the 49 from Shirley to Solihull.
Sounds dreadful, like its on its last legs - as soon as the engine picks up speed, there's another loud whirring noise that appears over the usual 'Trident whine', didn't sound at all healthy to be honest.
Some of these Tridents really have reached the end of their useable life now.
Quote from: Stu on February 03, 2024, 06:52:36 PMTravelled on 4613 this afternoon on the 49 from Shirley to Solihull.
Sounds dreadful, like its on its last legs - as soon as the engine picks up speed, there's another loud whirring noise that appears over the usual 'Trident whine', didn't sound at all healthy to be honest.
Some of these Tridents really have reached the end of their useable life now.
Didn't that break down the other day
Quote from: Stu on February 03, 2024, 06:52:36 PMTravelled on 4613 this afternoon on the 49 from Shirley to Solihull.
Sounds dreadful, like its on its last legs - as soon as the engine picks up speed, there's another loud whirring noise that appears over the usual 'Trident whine', didn't sound at all healthy to be honest.
Some of these Tridents really have reached the end of their useable life now.
That was the one that had an engine fire about 10 years ago and was repaired, didn't think it would get worn out that easily. There are older Tridents which sound much healthier and actually have some power, like 4393, 4539 and the 4-speed voiths.
Quote from: don on February 03, 2024, 05:59:26 PMI'm sure passengers do care, but of course there's little they can do about it. Some buses are less rattly and have far more refined and quiet engines and transmissions (and this can reflect the make of the bus as well). The journey can be so much better as a result.
Motor car manufacturers have spent large amounts making cars sound, especially to their occupants in certain ways - eg Minis with mild transmission whine, reminiscent of a classic Mini, similarly with a Mazda MX5 to sound like an MG Midget/MGB transmission. My own VW car has 'piped' engine sound when in race mode, to sound reminiscent of a Subaru or 5 cylinder VAG engine.
The reason electric and hydrogen vehicles make these sounds below 15 mph is the danger of pedestrians being caught out by them - this didn't used to be the case years ago, and for instance, a Toyota Prius taxi driving around a car park might suddenly and silently appear whilst a pedestrian is crossing an aisle, with serious injury potential to the pedestrian.
That said, these modern electric vehicles do have different sounds - I recall walking along and hearing what I thought was a Morrison electric milk float* coming up behind me - I was astonished when what passed by was an electric Mini.
(* only the older folk such as @Tony @Wumpty @winston @windy miller on the forum will understand this, although there are a few such vehicles at Wythall. For the benefit of the younger generation like @Jack, @Wba_lad, they were absolutely everywhere in the 1950s, 60 and 70)!!
Yeah seen a lot of the milk floats at wythall they do look good I'll be honest,
Was on 4393 today, the final survivor of a once mighty fleet of ALX400s that dominated the Birmingham bus scene for 20 years. It really is hard to believe that this bus is 21 years old, it is quick and smooth! Apart from its scruffy interior and exterior, your standard non bus enthusiast wouldn't think it's 21 years old. Fair play to NX for maintaining these beasts really well, to say they've got their money's worth is an understatement. It's ultimately sad to see the demise of a staple to the Birmingham bus scene, but this year may be the last for the ALX400 as part of National Express West Midlands.
Went on a couple of AG's 22xx 's E200MMC's yesterday, as part of a longer bash/chasing round various charity shops/Cex's looking for old Sims 3 games for the PC.
Must admit the interior is what the Scanias should have been IMO, but how do they cope at peaks though?
Quote from: don on February 03, 2024, 05:59:26 PMI'm sure passengers do care, but of course there's little they can do about it. Some buses are less rattly and have far more refined and quiet engines and transmissions (and this can reflect the make of the bus as well). The journey can be so much better as a result.
Motor car manufacturers have spent large amounts making cars sound, especially to their occupants in certain ways - eg Minis with mild transmission whine, reminiscent of a classic Mini, similarly with a Mazda MX5 to sound like an MG Midget/MGB transmission. My own VW car has 'piped' engine sound when in race mode, to sound reminiscent of a Subaru or 5 cylinder VAG engine.
The reason electric and hydrogen vehicles make these sounds below 15 mph is the danger of pedestrians being caught out by them - this didn't used to be the case years ago, and for instance, a Toyota Prius taxi driving around a car park might suddenly and silently appear whilst a pedestrian is crossing an aisle, with serious injury potential to the pedestrian.
That said, these modern electric vehicles do have different sounds - I recall walking along and hearing what I thought was a Morrison electric milk float* coming up behind me - I was astonished when what passed by was an electric Mini.
(* only the older folk such as @Tony @Wumpty @winston @windy miller on the forum will understand this, although there are a few such vehicles at Wythall. For the benefit of the younger generation like @Jack, @Wba_lad, they were absolutely everywhere in the 1950s, 60 and 70)!!
I most certainly do
@don !!!!
In fact, Brigstock Dairies of Kingswinford still operate a modest fleet of electric milk floats and I pass these regularly and the oldest one I've seen is an N-suffix - not sure many of the younger members would appreciate its modest creature comforts!
I'm confused as to why the driver of 4506 on the 5 drove straight past me even after signalling to him to stop. Disappointing.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on February 13, 2024, 12:20:51 PMI'm confused as to why the driver of 4506 on the 5 drove straight past me even after signalling to him to stop. Disappointing.
Hows that a review if the bus itself?
You're best off making a complaint to NX themselves then to moan on a public forum.
Quote from: Jack on February 13, 2024, 04:04:37 PMHows that a review if the bus itself?
You're best off making a complaint to NX themselves then to moan on a public forum.
Well you could say it's a review of the incompetence of a WB driver.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on February 13, 2024, 05:41:41 PMWell you could say it's a review of the incompetence of a WB driver.
Yep so not of the bus itself? Maybe the WB garage thread was the best for that.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on February 13, 2024, 05:41:41 PMWell you could say it's a review of the incompetence of a WB driver.
Remember there's two sides to each story. This isn't an accusation against yourself, but an almost identical comment was posted on here against a Diamond driver by someone else.
When Diamond checked the video the person was not at the bus stop but stood a few metres in front taking a photo of the bus as it passed.
It would be interesting to hear the driver's account.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on February 13, 2024, 05:41:41 PMWell you could say it's a review of the incompetence of a WB driver.
How do you know it was 'incompetence'?
Was the bus full?
Could the driver see you signalling him to stop and did you give them enough time to do so?
Quote from: Tony on February 13, 2024, 07:45:49 PMRemember there's two sides to each story. This isn't an accusation against yourself, but an almost identical comment was posted on here against a Diamond driver by someone else.
When Diamond checked the video the person was not at the bus stop but stood a few metres in front taking a photo of the bus as it passed.
Urm no I was stud in the bus stop, thankyou very much, the driver had not in service displayed on the blinds which me and Simon sorted out. You always have something against me for some reason I have a photo that I was on the bus stop and the driver failed to run a service
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on February 13, 2024, 05:41:41 PMWell you could say it's a review of the incompetence of a WB driver.
Was the Bus Full May not look it, but he may have felt it was
Usually the passenger doesn't clearly signal which is why the bus doesn't stop.
I drove past a few bus stops today where people were stood but nobody indicated that they wanted my bus. Of course as soon as it hit them that I wasn't stopping, they begun to wave erratically.
Happens every day.
Quote from: MW on February 13, 2024, 09:22:34 PMUsually the passenger doesn't clearly signal which is why the bus doesn't stop.
I drove past a few bus stops today where people were stood but nobody indicated that they wanted my bus. Of course as soon as it hit them that I wasn't stopping, they begun to wave erratically.
Happens every day.
Are you back driving for NX these days by any chance MW, or am I well wide of the mark? A few of your posts lately have made me wonder this.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on February 13, 2024, 09:19:12 PMWas the Bus Full May not look it, but he may have felt it was
Quote from: MW on February 13, 2024, 09:22:34 PMUsually the passenger doesn't clearly signal which is why the bus doesn't stop.
I drove past a few bus stops today where people were stood but nobody indicated that they wanted my bus. Of course as soon as it hit them that I wasn't stopping, they begun to wave erratically.
Happens every day.
The lower deck was almost completely empty.
I had my hand out far enough for the driver to see, nothing unusual of what I do everyday.
I'm more than happy to leave this situation here though... it could've easily just been a simple misunderstanding. Apologies everyone and goodnight to you all.
Quote from: Mike K on February 13, 2024, 10:11:43 PMAre you back driving for NX these days by any chance MW, or am I well wide of the mark? A few of your posts lately have made me wonder this.
I am indeed
Quote from: Mike K on February 13, 2024, 10:11:43 PMAre you back driving for NX these days by any chance MW, or am I well wide of the mark? A few of your posts lately have made me wonder this.
& Bang, after 2 months handed my notice in..!
Quote from: MW on February 21, 2024, 09:10:03 PM& Bang, after 2 months handed my notice in..!
Don't blame you
Quote from: Lukeee on February 21, 2024, 09:46:14 PMDon't blame you
It was good for nostalgia purposes though. I rate those who have been working there for years and years, fair play to them.
A colleague was called into the office today after 25 years service and awarded with some sort of fountain pen in a case. I told him, "well that made it worthwhile, didn't it?" Pmsl
As I get the 79 quiet often and the two main types of buses used are E400 Hybrids eventhough most have been Diesel Converted and the E400 Diesels. I have views of both so.
The E400 Hybrids Externally some are very smart some are battered depends on the luck of the draw but overall most are well presented quiet a few have had a clean as the wheels are shiny.
The E400's ex Coventry Liveried ones are looking Tired now, The Grey Repaints look very smart I must admit I was skeptical of Grey but the E400's suit it really well as to do the B7RLE's.
Internally the E400 Hybrids a few of them have loose grab rails behind the front seat opposite the driver I have been on several getting off and felt the bar coming loose in my hand they also can be moved back and forth as a result this does mean some have rattly grab rails, a couple have broken or smashed CCTV Screens I haven't reported these as most of the time I don't pay attention to the Fleet Number when I'm on my commute. I'm to Tired or in a rush to notice. I know If I'm on an ex Dundee one as 1 it is usually still Hybrid and 2 the massive Fleet Numbers at the back upper Saloon and downstairs inside and some still say National Express Dundee inside on the NSA. The Yellow and Green is Ok and presentable although I do think it is more hard wearing especially the floor than the Regular E400's. Overall the Decent to travel on.
The E400's even the ones still in Grey Dot I've always felt that on an E400 is still Presentable obviously you have the attempts at vandalism and wear and tear but I've always thought it looked smart, the new refurbs do make them look even smarter if it wasn't for the fact ADL Released the MMC and the fact it had a normal reg plate and the fact I do know how old they are as a normal passenger I would probably think these are new.
In terms of the Engine the Hybrids are Decent they do have decent pull even the Diesel ones as to do the E400's, Rattles as mentioned on some Hybrids the loose Grab Rails do rattle quiet a bit and some do like Vibrate on idle. The E400's at there age rattle to but not as badly never noticed a loose grab rail on the E400's myself.
The Biggest Gripes I have is on the Hybrids there seems to be some sort of Heating/Cooling system on the Upper Saloon as there is on the E400's above the back seats, but on a E400 I've never noticed it being on, on some of the Hybrids I don't know if the Driver turns it on or if it comes on but in the Winter this is absolutely Freezing, On the E400's I think it is warm as I say I don't know what it is. My other biggest gripe is the leg room on the Hybrids, I'm average height for a male 5'10 but I have long legs on Single Deckers I Tend to either sit at the back or near the Emergency Exit or if those seats aren't available I sit with my knees to the side as otherwise they touch and press into the seat in front. On a Double Decker downstairs I sit at the back or again with my knees to the side. On the Platniums I go upstairs and sit anywhere as extra Leg Room. But on the Hybrids Downstairs is fine, but as I'm usually on the 79 for half an hour or more, I tend to go upstairs, now I usually sit on the last row before the back on the left handside I don't know why I just do. Although I do sit at the back if it is available. I think that maybe why I sit where I do usually as the back wasn't available.
On the Hybrids the legroom is tight on every seat I think at the back on the drivers side there is slightly more legroom, I get this is due to the Batteries or Cooling fans I think, but on the lefthand side last row of Double seats before the back there is a box no idea what it does, it blows air I think warm at My legs mostly, first time I caught a hybrid I had no idea this box existed so I sat in my normal seat and found to have no leg room or foot room at all and so I had to angle my legs away from it to the side, the back also has no leg room, the E400's on this seat have more leg room and the back on both sides but especially the right has loads of leg room. There almost like Platnium levels of room.
What is this box and why does it need to be there can it be moved because then that seat might actually have more room. Also do the Hybrids have misaligned seats as some Seats have more legroom than others yet the batteries/fans still protrude more into the Saloon but the Drivers side seems to have more leg room upstairs than the Passenger side. I can't help but feel this box plays a factor in that.
Overall there both decent to travel on but if the 79 was ever returned to Birmingham (It won't I know that) and I was travel the full journey I think I would prefer the E400 as it has better leg room than the Hybrids especially Upstairs where I usually sit.
I boarded on 6726 earlier on the X51 from Walsall to Cannock. The bus was pretty decent, only one problem with it while driving randomly the "please apply hand break" would announce when the cab door was closed. This happened a few times during the journey. Maybe it's a faulty sensor or something.
This might be the wrong place to say this but at roughly 16.25 on severene road 4A the driver of 6704 would not move because a passenger was carrying a TV, is this allowed on a bus or is the driver overreacting? He was holding 7540 up which was already 20 mins late and we couldn't go around due to a parked car.
Quote from: Wba_lad on April 02, 2024, 08:54:14 PMI boarded on 6726 earlier on the X51 from Walsall to Cannock. The bus was pretty decent, only one problem with it while driving randomly the "please apply hand break" would announce when the cab door was closed. This happened a few times during the journey. Maybe it's a faulty sensor or something.
Very likely. Probably just needs adjustment to the cab door.
Quote from: Dababa015 on April 06, 2024, 04:28:10 PMThis might be the wrong place to say this but at roughly 16.25 on severene road 4A the driver of 6704 would not move because a passenger was carrying a TV, is this allowed on a bus or is the driver overreacting? He was holding 7540 up which was already 20 mins late and we couldn't go around due to a parked car.
According to NX Conditions of Carriage (downloadable from the NX website), the driver is within their rights to refuse to carry any luggage or goods. In addition any item weighing over 22kg is prohibited. Therefore annoying as it might seem the driver was following the correct procedure in my opinion.
Quote from: Dababa015 on April 06, 2024, 04:28:10 PMThis might be the wrong place to say this but at roughly 16.25 on severene road 4A the driver of 6704 would not move because a passenger was carrying a TV, is this allowed on a bus or is the driver overreacting? He was holding 7540 up which was already 20 mins late and we couldn't go around due to a parked car.
Depends on how big the TV was and/or if it was boxed or not.
A large boxed item would have to be stowed in the buggy zone, if that area was already occupied by buggies then the driver would be perfectly right to refuse entry.
If it was a large unboxed LCD/LED TV, the driver can refuse to carry it due to the risk of getting damaged and potentially injuring other passengers, as well as making a hazardous mess.
Surely you'd know someone with a car, or get a taxi?
Quote from: Westy on April 06, 2024, 09:04:29 PMSurely you'd know someone with a car, or get a taxi?
I had 3 seperate passengers on the same journey once. One got on with an Iron (looked new but wasn't boxed), another got on with an ironing board and the another got on with a clothes rack on wheels (that he wheeled onboard). I was in stitches. This was the 11A from Erdington
Quote from: MW on April 06, 2024, 10:30:37 PMI had 3 seperate passengers on the same journey once. One got on with an Iron (looked new but wasn't boxed), another got on with an ironing board and the another got on with a clothes rack on wheels (that he wheeled onboard). I was in stitches. This was the 11A from Erdington
It's erdington, are you surprised lol
I once got an Arriva DAF Alx 400 on the 334 with a boxed PS3, I wouldn't try to get on the 34/37 or 39 with a Flat Screen TV Boxed or not risk of it being broken
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on April 07, 2024, 11:15:59 PMI once got an Arriva DAF Alx 400 on the 334 with a boxed PS3, I wouldn't try to get on the 34/37 or 39 with a Flat Screen TV Boxed or not risk of it being broken
Well, it would be a fair walk from Currys Pc World Wednesbury to the nearest bus stop on both the Darlo & Dudley routes.
I bought a laptop in the Comet closing down sale at Bescot several years ago & bought it back on the 401e & the Bloxwich route, plus I had a nice compact hi fi from Clearance in Walsall & bought it back on the bus.
Probably would still have it now, if it wasn't for the fact it wasn't DAB + compatible!
OK, back on topic now please folks
4806: this thing is so sluggish and slow it took a while to get up to 30mph and it could barely get up any hills. It used to be fast but have a slipping gearbox, id rather that than what i got today