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Just a quick question, I'm not too familiar with this route.

Could the 55/55A still be operated by deckers, or is there a low bridge somewhere on the route?

Just out of curiosity as I recall LH using Metros on it back in the day.


(Before the arrogant knobs come along, yes I know BY only has single deckers)

Just hypothetically,

What would happen if I just bought a bus and advertised a route locally and started running it, ignoring all DVSA/TC's. What can they actually do in this scenario? If I'm not in contract with them, surely they can't do anything?

http://www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/Manley-Summers-LTD/jobs/Pcv-Bus-Driver-a3804405ef2e40cb?q=Pcv+Driver

Came across this today. £11 an hour? I was getting £9.50ish when I was there. I know it's through an agency, but £11 an hour seems like they are desperate?

Interesting

I don't think I've ever made a message regarding the state of this forum, but I feel that I should, especially seeing as one or two long standing members have actually left. Now I don't know if anyone agrees with me, but can the moderators please address this issue about the utter retards who seem to have sprung up in this forum clogging things up, asking stupid questions, posting pointless things, and spewing constant rubbish about giving change. The change issue, fair enough it's a simple enquiry/question but it's been answered so many times and this guy still goes on about it.

I've seen certain members touch on this before. I've been "on the bus scene" since about 2007-8, and it's just in the past year or two I feel that the level of trolling and bullshit has excelled for some reason.

I think the moderators should go on a deleting spree firstly, if it's already not done, and then address the rules and actively make some examples out of people.

I'm not targeting anyone for any other reason than their posts and attitude on this forum. Such members of the top of my head include RS, the guy who keeps banging on about 4817, and then the change guy. And then we've got members like trident4370 and possibly thetrainbasher (haven't seen him post in a while, maybe it's another reason) leave.

First world problems eh, but it is really irritating.

Am I being unreasonable or inconsiderate by posting this and having these thoughts? Or are other people in agreement with me?

I'm pretty sure the reg on the following vehicles is slightly incorrect, with them all being BT11 rather than YT11? Fleet numbers are 33002/3/4/5/7/9.

Preston   33002   YT 11 UWG   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB62808023122212   Mercedes B42F       
Preston   33003   YT 11 UWH   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB62808023122213   Mercedes B42F       
VoR   33004   YT 11 UWJ   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB62808023122214   Mercedes B42F       
VoR   33005   YT 11 UWK   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB62808023122215   Mercedes B42F       
VoR   33007   YT 11 UWM   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB628080231224217   Mercedes B42F       
Preston   33009   YT 11 UWO   Mercedes Citaro O530G   WEB62808023122444   Mercedes B42F       

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8050359@N07/17858101019

I've always wondered why some had bigger rear windows than others. It seems the later ones had the bigger rear window.

Also, look at the number plate of the Plaxton on the right. Did not know it was re-registered.

Looking at Tony's fleet list, 4475-4491 are H43/29F, and 4492-4534 & 4635-4679 are H45/29F, and then 4687-4696 are H43/29F, but 4700-17 are H45/29F

Is this a fault in the website or is this correct? I was under the impression that all were H43/29F? Can anyone clarify this?

[(8 years old)]

Just looking at the average fleet ages, it's bloody impressive. It's all excluding the Mercs (as they'll be gone soon).

Unless I've worked it out wrong, it's the following.


Average operational fleet age: 2007.53 (8 years old)


Pensnett: 2009.19 (6 years old)

Walsall: 2008.48 (7 years old)

Birmingham Central: 2008.43 (7 years old)

West Bromwich: 2008.24 (7 years old)

Perry Barr: 2007.59 (8 years old)

Coventry: 2007.44 (8 years old)

Bordesley: 2007.08 (8 years old)

Wolverhampton: 2007.01 (8 years old)

Yardley Wood: 2006.81 (9 years old)

Acocks Green: 2006.58 (9 years old)

Dundee: 2005.35 (10 years old)


This is based on the current fleet as mentioned, excluding all the O405Ns, 3225, withdrawn, reserve and driver trainer fleets, and is based on when vehicles were "New to" each respective garage (i.e. 4060 was new in Jan 2000, whilst 4061 was new in Dec 1999).

Pensnett is the most transformed. From being one of the oldest, if not the oldest, it's now the newest!

What do you guys think of the AG Solihull routes (71, 72, 73, 966, S1). I'm considering learning them, as I'm starting to get a little bored of my normal routes (basically everything else AG runs). The only thing putting me off is the Solihull start or finish. I've been told a lot of duties either start or end in garage, but I'll have to check (so that means catching 37 to Solihull Station).

Out of these routes, I've only ever been on the 966, which would have been around 7 years ago (would have been around 13 years old then!). It was when PB operated it I think, I'm not sure though, it was definately a Gemini anyway. The rest I've never caught. The 72 looks interesting to me.

I'm sure some, if not most of you have ridden these routes, so what are your opinions on them? Dead routes, or interesting? They all except the S1, look like a hell of a lot of turns which is interesting! I'm just looking at the NXWM website where it has the map view of the routes.

I make a note of every bus I've driven in service. Was just updating my notes, thought I'd share in case anyone is interested (I doubt anyone will be but hey!)

If any other drivers have a record, feel free to share.



1935
1936
1940
1943
1944
7021
7022
7028

2115
2116

2206
2210
2212
2217
2218
2219
2222

4023
4024
4027
4029
4033
4034
4035
4037
4038
4041
4042
4043
4052
4059
4060
4061
4062
4066
4067
4070
4071
4073
4076
4078
4100
4101
4102
4104

4507
4509
4510
4511
4512
4513
4514
4517
4519
4520
4521
4522
4523
4524
4525

4635
4637
4639
4640
4642
4643
4644
4646
4647
4651
4652
4653
4654
4656
4659
4660
4661
4662
4663
4665
4668
4669
4670
4672
4673
4675
4677
4678
4679


As of 21st August 15

Have you seen this? Absolutely insane driver, listen to the engine scream!

Hi all,

I know I rarely post on here but I wanted to find out about the interview stage (and onwards) of the Trainee Driver programme.

I was going through the process a year ago but I didn't pass the Driving Assessment (clipped the curb on a turn), but I retried this year and passed.

Anyway, I'm now at the interview stage and was wondering if any current drivers who've recently joined can give me any tips.

I believe John was doing his training at a similar time to me last year, so if you're reading this, what kinda stuff do they ask/look for?

Many thanks
Michael

Observe and discuss

An AG Omnilink went crazy today at Wilkinsons, in Acocks Green. The engine just had an insane amount of steam/smoke coming out of it, as I drove past. The driver opened the bonnet and left it there. I drove again half an hour later to see a Mansfield Truck towing it, and then later a big pool of liquid where the Scania was parked. I don't know if it turned into a fire, or was a fire initially and needed putting out. Either that, or some sort of leak underneath the bus, fuel maybe?

Was just looking at the latest photos and came across the following.

Just commenting on the photo (like you could it the old fotopic days! some of you will remember that site lol).

It seems absolutely ages since this brand! Photo was taken 10 years ago!

Question for all you folks working at NXWM.

Basically, I managed to fail my driving assessment twice. The second time I was just bloody nervous after the first time, and managed to curb the van. This was around 1-2 months ago.

Anyway, where do I stand now from becoming a driver. Is there a probation time that I have to wait for, or start a new application fresh, or simply banned from NXWM.

Was just thinking about it today, and it's kind of annoying. I know it's my fault and whatnot, but I really do want to have another shot. Third time lucky and all that!     

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody has an excel spreadsheet copy of the NXWM fleet list?

I did have one, but I've just replaced my laptop and lost the file.

Thanks in advance.

As the subject, does anyone else find it annoying that on West Midlands Bus Photos, you get the same few banging on about the same thing everyday, yes it might not be a good operation, but there's no need to tell us all 12 times a day... Rant over.

Spotted a mistake on the Midland Red fleetlist. The new Enviros are listed as KX61 instead of KX62.

There was a slow and very polluting steam train thing in Acocks Green today. It was driving from Tyseley and was arriving in Acocks Green. It was part of some carnival event going on and it blocked up Warwick Road and made the 37 I was waiting for very late!

It looked a bit like this:

http://www.steamscenes.org.uk/images/main1.jpg