Even though I'm a Walsall driver, I admire (love) the bendy buses at Coventy.
Not long ago I went for a day out with a friend of mine to find a few and have the odd trip here or there. (I also went for a trip on the 12X :D)
Anyway, what I'm getting at is, we wont have the joy of them for much longer. From what I've heard they will be removed entirely come this December. Is it true? Do I only have a few months left to find them all?
Quote from: Isobel6725 on June 03, 2017, 09:14:25 AM
Even though I'm a Walsall driver, I admire (love) the bendy buses at Coventy.
Not long ago I went for a day out with a friend of mine to find a few and have the odd trip here or there. (I also went for a trip on the 12X :D)
Anyway, what I'm getting at is, we wont have the joy of them for much longer. From what I've heard they will be removed entirely come this December. Is it true? Do I only have a few months left to find them all?
No definite withdrawal date yet.
Thanks Tony, That's good to know.
I can take my time enjoying them :D
Quote from: Isobel6725 on June 03, 2017, 09:14:25 AM
Even though I'm a Walsall driver, I admire (love) the bendy buses at Coventy.
Not long ago I went for a day out with a friend of mine to find a few and have the odd trip here or there. (I also went for a trip on the 12X :D)
Anyway, what I'm getting at is, we wont have the joy of them for much longer. From what I've heard they will be removed entirely come this December. Is it true? Do I only have a few months left to find them all?
I find the bendy buses quite a novelty myself in Coventry. Always love seeing them around Coventry on the 4 and taking trips on them. Will be a shame to see them withdrawn like the ex Perry Barr one's along with 6012 and 6016.
Latest Bendy news
6013 in service
6014 in service
6015 laid up not sure whats wrong with it
6017 havent seen in a while
6018 in service
6019 seems turntable has failed on this rumours will cost 20K to fix no idea if this will ever be out again
6020 off road not sure why
6021 in service
Only two Bendys out yesterday 6014 and 6018.
6013, 6014, 6018 and 6021 were on the 4 yesterday together with 4402, 4408, 4410 and4216.
4408 replaced early afternoon with repaired 6017
I noted the following bendies out in service today.
6014.
6015.
6017.
6018.
6014 and 6017 both went back to garage for some reason. 6017 being driven by an engineer (I think it was swapped with 4770).
really? 15 is back out? thats good news
Quote from: Twi on June 25, 2017, 12:43:38 AM
really? 15 is back out? thats good news
Has 6015 been off the road then?
yes for about a month
Latest bendi news 28.06.17
6013 - In service
6014 - in service
6015 - in service
6017 - in service
6018 - in service
6019 - off road turntable failure
6020 - off road uknown reason
6021 - off road turntable failure
(in service doesnt mean its on road today just means in general its in working order)
the rumour of scania bendi's coming to coventry is doing the rounds again interestingly some of the scania bendi's have reportedly been seeing been driven around birmingham (testing maybe)
what makes this more interesting is that apparently platinums have been cancelled for the uni routes so the current uni busses will not be moving to the 4 route after the current bendi's have gone this makes the scania rumour even more interesting but of course they only rumours
Quote from: Twi on June 28, 2017, 12:43:05 PM
Latest bendi news 28.06.17
6013 - In service
6014 - in service
6015 - in service
6017 - in service
6018 - in service
6019 - off road turntable failure
6020 - off road uknown reason
6021 - off road turntable failure
(in service doesnt mean its on road today just means in general its in working order)
the rumour of scania bendi's coming to coventry is doing the rounds again interestingly some of the scania bendi's have reportedly been seeing been driven around birmingham (testing maybe)
what makes this more interesting is that apparently platinums have been cancelled for the uni routes so the current uni busses will not be moving to the 4 route after the current bendi's have gone this makes the scania rumour even more interesting but of course they only rumours
As far as I know non of the Scanias have moved for months. They are all started once a month to keep the engines and electrics working though
Thanks Tony seems they are just rumours then.
6014 had window smashed at Arena park by youths tonight
Thank you everyone for these updates. :)
6020 is now back out again, joining 6014; 6017 & 6018 in service today
Latest Bendy news
6013 in service
6014 in service
6015 In Service
6017 Unsure of status
6018 in service
6019 Been told this will not be repaired
6020 No Idea where this is
6021 in service
Quote from: Twi on August 11, 2017, 11:58:06 AM
Latest Bendy news
6013 in service
6014 in service
6015 In Service
6017 Unsure of status
6018 in service
6019 Been told this will not be repaired
6020 No Idea where this is
6021 in service
6020 is in the garage; no request to withdraw 6019 made yet
it will come apparently 6019 is as dead as a dead thing thats been dead
:'(
6013 towed back from hipswell highway on monday 21st
6020 was at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham Bus Bash, today
It made it back to run on 4 today, after a day on the "X1" alongside a 159!
6014 fitted with new ticket machine there maybe me more but was first one id seen yesterday
6013 RIP
6018 smells bad kicking vast amounts of blue smoke out
was told to day bendies be gone in 8 weeks as they fail they are being withdrawn
6015, 6018, 6020, 6021, 4212, 4423, 4453 and 4454 on the 4 today. I travelled on 6015 and 6018, both of which had the new ticket machines. 6013 was parked behind the garage with a red sticker on the windscreen.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 20, 2017, 07:14:03 PM
6015, 6018, 6020, 6021, 4212, 4423, 4453 and 4454 on the 4 today. I travelled on 6015 and 6018, both of which had the new ticket machines. 6013 was parked behind the garage with a red sticker on the windscreen.
All of Coventry's fleet now have new ticket machines. The fitting team have now moved to Perry Barr
From my observations and reading posts on this subject 6014, 6015, 6018, 6020 and 6021 have the new ticket machines. Have any others been seen with them? I don't get to Coventry very often.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 27, 2017, 08:24:34 PM
From my observations and reading posts on this subject 6014, 6015, 6018, 6020 and 6021 have the new ticket machines. Have any others been seen with them? I don't get to Coventry very often.
All of the fleet in service at Coventry have the new machines.
@Eric Shaw
I follow that Adam, thank you but 6013 and 6019 haven't been in service for sometime, although not yet officially withdrawn.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 29, 2017, 07:25:55 PM
I follow that Adam, thank you but 6013 and 6019 haven't been in service for sometime, although not yet officially withdrawn.
They are withdrawn now, just 6 left
Quote from: Tony on September 29, 2017, 07:26:18 PM
They are withdrawn now, just 6 left
That takes CV's total to 151 buses (excluding reserve 4129) - the lowest for quite some time I think, unless some replacements arrive. I assume withdrawn 4224 plus 6012/13/16/19 are all still at Coventry garage.
yep all still at cov garage
6014,6015,6017,6018,6020 and 6021 all in service
though 6017 and 6018 are pumping out plumes of blue smoke on idle and as they accelerate
Five out of the six bendies remaining were out yesterday. 6018 was the only one I didn't see. Although 6021 did get swapped for 2165 at around 14:15 as it kept cutting out occasionally at bus stops. I think it did it about four times when I went on it from Pool Meadow to Arena Park.
All 6 are out this monring
Quote from: Tony on October 11, 2017, 08:46:40 AM
All 6 are out this monring
Wonder how many were out by lunch time ;)
6021 was swapped again today for the same fault. Its had to be swapped every day this week
6017 has had new injectors and drives very nice now though front doors seemed to have suffered lethargy
All 6 out in service again today
6017's engine went with style today after allegedly being pulled over by the police for excessive smokiness
According to a comment on Facebook by a Coventry engineer, 6017 has died due to an engine failure.
6020 starring in a Lancashire Evening post video
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/transport/could-tramway-solve-preston-s-traffic-chaos-1-8823999
A couple of photos of 6020's day out yesterday
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/6020.html
After attending what i heard was the brilliant Birmingham Big Bus Bash event in Cannon Hill Park last month (which i unfortunately couldn't get to, much to my annoyance !), its good to see that 6020 has made yet another trip out beyond the City Of Coventry's boundary, although i'd never in a million years expect it to venture as far north as Preston ? (Got to be the furthest distance one from Cov has traveled to i reckon, unless anyone else knows different ?).
A group of us did all travel once to the Sandwell Rally on 6018 when the Bus was relatively new, although it got bogged down in the wet soil there and so we were late leaving the Park there that day, as we had to get towed out ! The Rally Plaque from that event is supposed to be fitted up in its Cab still and i'll have to have a look at that before the Bus ends up being withdrawn from service, which i guess is only a matter of time now ???
Wonder if anyone will ever be brave enough to preserve one of these Bendi-buses and if so (out of curiosity ?), how much would one actually cost to buy ???
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on October 26, 2017, 09:02:51 PM
After attending what i heard was the brilliant Birmingham Big Bus Bash event in Cannon Hill Park last month (which i unfortunately couldn't get to, much to my annoyance !), its good to see that 6020 has made yet another trip out beyond the City Of Coventry's boundary, although i'd never in a million years expect it to venture as far north as Preston ? (Got to be the furthest distance one from Cov has traveled to i reckon, unless anyone else knows different ?).
A group of us did all travel once to the Sandwell Rally on 6018 when the Bus was relatively new, although it got bogged down in the wet soil there and so we were late leaving the Park there that day, as we had to get towed out ! The Rally Plaque from that event is supposed to be fitted up in its Cab still and i'll have to have a look at that before the Bus ends up being withdrawn from service, which i guess is only a matter of time now ???
Wonder if anyone will ever be brave enough to preserve one of these Bendi-buses and if so (out of curiosity ?), how much would one actually cost to buy ???
I've seen some ex London ones for about 12 grand. Probably cheaper than that now though.
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on October 26, 2017, 09:02:51 PM
Wonder if anyone will ever be brave enough to preserve one of these Bendi-buses and if so (out of curiosity ?), how much would one actually cost to buy ???
There's at least one ex London Mercedes preserved:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/londonbuses24/26594830333
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on October 26, 2017, 09:02:51 PM
After attending what i heard was the brilliant Birmingham Big Bus Bash event in Cannon Hill Park last month (which i unfortunately couldn't get to, much to my annoyance !), its good to see that 6020 has made yet another trip out beyond the City Of Coventry's boundary, although i'd never in a million years expect it to venture as far north as Preston ? (Got to be the furthest distance one from Cov has traveled to i reckon, unless anyone else knows different ?).
A group of us did all travel once to the Sandwell Rally on 6018 when the Bus was relatively new, although it got bogged down in the wet soil there and so we were late leaving the Park there that day, as we had to get towed out ! The Rally Plaque from that event is supposed to be fitted up in its Cab still and i'll have to have a look at that before the Bus ends up being withdrawn from service, which i guess is only a matter of time now ???
Wonder if anyone will ever be brave enough to preserve one of these Bendi-buses and if so (out of curiosity ?), how much would one actually cost to buy ???
Current value im told is around 15k but to ever run one would be totally prohibitive, i'm told repairs to 6019 for instance is in the region of 20k the biggest cost on these busses is the turntable.
knowing the coventry bendies well i'm very surprised they even attempted to take one that far away, i was not aware it had gone there so no idea who took it and how
Quote from: Twi on October 28, 2017, 11:10:29 PM
Current value im told is around 15k but to ever run one would be totally prohibitive, i'm told repairs to 6019 for instance is in the region of 20k the biggest cost on these busses is the turntable.
knowing the coventry bendies well i'm very surprised they even attempted to take one that far away, i was not aware it had gone there so no idea who took it and how
Judging by the photos of 6019 and in and around Preston, it was Tony
Quote from: MW on October 28, 2017, 11:36:22 PM
Judging by the photos of 6019 and in and around Preston, it was Tony
It was 6020 that Tony took to Preston
Fame at last for Tony,
NXC press release
One of National Express Coventry's famous bendibuses was spotted recently on the streets of Preston.
The Midlands vehicle was running around the Lancashire city as part of an investigation into possible tram services. Because it's roughly the same length as the proposed trams, the bendibus was used to test how such a vehicle would affect major junctions in Preston.
National Express West Midlands' Tony xxxxxxxx took bendibus 6020 up north on its day trip.
He said: "I think the Preston team were pleased with the results.
"And I was very impressed with our bendibus - it did over 240 miles on the motorway and ran the whole day in Preston without a single problem. Thanks to our Coventry engineers for getting it shipshape for me.
"As well as being an unusual day out for me, I think we also confused some local bus enthusiasts!"
Published 8th November 2017
http://nxbus.co.uk/coventry/news/cov-bendibus-escapes-to-preston-disguised-as-a-tram
Thats nice kinda proud to be a Bendi bus driver now :))
Only 6014 and 6018 are out today.
Bendi status
6014 in service
6015 off road (seized rear brakes possibly, maybe the end for this its not being worked on just parked up)
6017 off road (engine failure RIP)
6018 in service
6020 off road (parked up with 6015 and 6021 probable RIP)
6021 of road (parked up with 6020 and 6015 Probable RIP)
the current forecast is bendi's will be gone in 2 weeks this seems accurate as the off road bendi's are not being worked on
Quote from: Twi on November 25, 2017, 09:45:46 PM
Bendi status
6014 in service
6015 off road (seized rear brakes possibly, maybe the end for this its not being worked on just parked up)
6017 off road (engine failure RIP)
6018 in service
6020 off road (parked up with 6015 and 6021 probable RIP)
6021 of road (parked up with 6020 and 6015 Probable RIP)
the current forecast is bendi's will be gone in 2 weeks this seems accurate as the off road bendi's are not being worked on
Ahh poor 6020. My favourite Bendi Citaro. Will have to venture to Coventry next week to have a final ride on the last two on 4. (If they don't die)!
Not sure if it means anything but 6020 has been moved from its place parked with 6021 and 6015 to a repair bay so maybe this one will return
Quote from: Twi on December 02, 2017, 07:22:27 PM
Not sure if it means anything but 6020 has been moved from its place parked with 6021 and 6015 to a repair bay so maybe this one will return
6020 & 6021 both have 'VI' defects (thing found on their 4 weekly inspection), nothing major wrong with them.
6014 the only bendy out on the 4 today, together with 7 Tridents including red and white liveried 4142.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on December 06, 2017, 08:20:52 PM
6014 the only bendy out on the 4 today, together with 7 Tridents including red and white liveried 4142.
6018 is out at the moment
Many thanks to you "Eric Shaw" and to "Tony" for posting on here, what Bendi-buses are out and about on the 4 route, as it's much appreciated ! I really wish i'd come on here and read your message a lot sooner Tony regarding 6018, as i would no-doubt have popped out for a run out on it tonight, but unfortunately it's a bit late for me to do so now ? ("DAMN IT" !!!lol). I've got to go down to Holbrooks in the morning, which fortunately is where the No.4 Bus happens to venture to, so fingers crossed that 6018 (and maybe one or two more Bendi's ?) will be out in service tomorrow ??? ("FINGERS CROSSED" !).
Anyway, thanks again guys for your appreciated Bendi-bus information and just in case i don't get to see any at all tomorrow, then please keep your info / sightings of them posted on here, as time is fast running out now for me to be able to get out and go for a nostalgic trip or two on them !!!!!
6014 went past primark towards Arena 09:15ish.
If you're going out don't forget your anorak.
Quote from: JoNi on December 07, 2017, 10:10:57 AM
6014 went past primark towards Arena 09:15ish.
If you're going out don't forget your anorak.
6018 also out again today
With the Warwick University term ending and the trams to start running through to Wolverhampton at the end of the week the end of the Bendies may be close.
Arrived in Holbrooks this morning and i'd only been there 5 minutes, when to my surprise, 6018 comes down Holbrook Lane bound for Arena Tesco. I quickly jumped on it (my first time in God knows how many years ?) and i was pleasantly surprised to see its Rally Plaque from the Sandwell Rally it once attended, still fitted above the Windscreen in the Drivers Cab ! After a little run 'round on 6018, i was fortunate enough to have 6014 being the next No.4 to follow this, so it was basically off one Bendi, hang around for about 10 minutes and then straight on to the next one ! ("HAPPY DAYS", i duly shouted !!!lol). I didn't see any other Bendi's out today, as the 4 route seemed to have lots of the old "Y" registered Tridents on it today, of which i saw 4206, 4207, 4208, 4209, 4214 and i think the other one was 4216 ?
I traveled quite often on all of Coventry's Bendi-buses when they were new and used on the old 17/27 route, but after they finished on there, i think i maybe only ever caught one or two afterwards on the 4 route, but that was years ago now ? After today's trips out on 6014 and 6018, it made me truly regret not going for the odd trip out on them more often than i have in their latter years and i think i'm really gonna miss these Buses when they've all sadly gone ??? They may not be very reliable and unfortunately have their problems from what i've been told, but they are such a distinctive vehicle for Coventry (and beyond !) to have in their fleet and as a Passenger on them, they are just great Buses to travel on !!!!! The Driver of 6014 traveled at speed along the Foleshill Road today and sitting at the back as i was, it still amazes me to see the front half of the Bus disappear for a split second, as we traveled over Courtaulds Canal Bridge and then it just seemed to bounce along and was going up and down like a "YO YO" whenever it hit any dips in the road ?lol. (Will have to go for another trip out on them if possible, before they do all finally go ?).
It's probably a "NO GO" and not really worth me asking, but will the Bendi-buses here have some sort of farewell send off, for enthusiasts to have their last ever ride on them (similar to what the Fleetlines and Metrobuses did here !), or will they just all go quietly, like the other old Mercs (1571, 1591, 1594 etc..) did here 2 years ago ! (Be good to take one on the old 17/27 route again, just for old times sake ?).
Both bendies out today
"THANK YOU" JoNi for letting us know !!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on December 07, 2017, 10:18:24 PM
It's probably a "NO GO" and not really worth me asking, but will the Bendi-buses here have some sort of farewell send off, for enthusiasts to have their last ever ride on them (similar to what the Fleetlines and Metrobuses did here !), or will they just all go quietly, like the other old Mercs (1571, 1591, 1594 etc..) did here 2 years ago ! (Be good to take one on the old 17/27 route again, just for old times sake ?).
I think with only the two now seeing service that's unlikely but you never know. I would love that myself
Well if they did i'd be up for driving one of them for that would be nice to see i mean the mercs had a send off Bendi's should get one
Quote from: Twi on December 10, 2017, 06:35:06 PM
Well if they did i'd be up for driving one of them for that would be nice to see i mean the mercs had a send off Bendi's should get one
I'd love to see a bendy bus farewell too! It would be a good time to do it over Christmas with most of the schools off and the PVR dropping. I think it would attract quite a few people including those who aren't bus enthusiasts.
Would be nice if they did a particular route in Coventry like the 301 in Walsall as extras.would be nice to get a couple Scalia vendors from miller st as well to make it a proper farewell
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on December 10, 2017, 07:18:17 PM
Would be nice if they did a particular route in Coventry like the 301 in Walsall as extras.would be nice to get a couple Scalia vendors from miller st as well to make it a proper farewell
Would be nice to see the Citaro's have a farewell but I guess they won't last very long - I'd like to see 6020 return. No way would I like to see those sheds at Miller Street on the 67 for a farewell, they are horrible, noisy and unreliable. PB struggled to get them out a lot. The Citaro's in my opinion have done well, I've only ever heard of them start struggling to stay in service was when they started being withdrawn.
I'll be in Coventry on Wednesday, so it seems like a good opportunity to have a ride on one before they're gone. I think the last time I caught one, was back in the days of Travel Coventry, on the 27. How many are usually out, versus the deckers?
There are only two left for the eight workings on route 4.
It takes two hours to do a complete round trip to both sides of the city so you shouldnt have to wait more than 45 minutes to catch one if the service is running on time.
Quote from: JoNi on December 11, 2017, 08:30:53 PM
There are only two left for the eight workings on route 4.
It takes two hours to do a complete round trip to both sides of the city so you shouldnt have to wait more than 45 minutes to catch one if the service is running on time.
6018 is one of them, presumably on the 4 today (Mon). It seems towards the end of each year, another vehicle type retires. Is that due to happen with the Bendi's?
6014 is the other operational one as mentioned before on this thread. That was also out today.
Saw 6018 out late tonight on the 4E route, coming along Holbrook Lane (by the Hollybush Pub) at about 11.10pm and was heading towards Town !
6018 only one seemingly out withplenty of snow on roof still.
6021 is back on the road
Quote from: JoNi on December 14, 2017, 09:21:21 AM
6021 is back on the road
6021 with hazards on at the hospital. Had a rear off side scrape. Part of the side mesh grill edge strip at very rear is mangled and sticking out.
Quote from: Sandy Lane on December 21, 2017, 02:42:52 PM
6021 with hazards on at the hospital. Had a rear off side scrape. Part of the side mesh grill edge strip at very rear is mangled and sticking out.
They must be jinxed. Think that's trying to tell them something, the end is very near.
Any bendies out today
@Tony?
6014 and 6018 together with 4989 on 4!
Looks like there is a bendie parked up outside at back of garage. Is it for disposal?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on December 29, 2017, 01:56:10 PM
Looks like there is a bendie parked up outside at back of garage. Is it for disposal?
6012/6016 are at the Ford St end and what looks like 6013 (and possibly 6017 too) at the Swanswell pool end.
Saw 6021 on the 4 this afternoon
Three bendis out today (6014/8/21), so they have made it into 2018
Saw 6014 out on the 4 route today, which was a pleasant sight to see !!!!! A sad sight on the other hand to see today though, was withdrawn Bendi's 6012 and 6016 still standing in the front yard of Wheatley Street Garage and both in a very sorry looking state now, while at the Swanswell end of the Garage, were 6013 and 6017, both also waiting for the scrap men to come and collect them ?
6014 and 6021 are both out on the 4 route today !!!!! Went for a trip up to Holbrooks on 6021, although my journey on it was somewhat spoiled, by some moron sitting opposite me who was rolling a joint ! (Was glad when a passenger sitting directly in front of him opened his Window, so as to let the terrible smell out and also to hopefully freeze the drug smoking little git ?lol).
6017 and 6015 both made a brief return to service yesterday though weren't out for long
Quote from: Twi on January 10, 2018, 10:24:26 AM
6017 and 6015 both made a brief return to service yesterday though weren't out for long
6015 stayed out until midnight
Quote from: Twi on January 10, 2018, 10:24:26 AM
6017 and 6015 both made a brief return to service yesterday though weren't out for long
Would be very surprised if 6017 made it out into service at all yesterday, as when i saw it in the morning (just before Midday !) , it was parked up withdrawn from service in a sorry looking state, outside at the Swanswell end of Wheatley Street Garage, with a half flat front O/S tyre, no front panel or bumper and no registration plates on it front and back ? The Garage Staff at Wheatley Street might be good, but if they were able to get that Bus ready and roadworthy some time from Midday onwards yesterday and back on the road, then they would have had to have been miracle workers ???lol. The only other Bendi's that it must have been, was either 6014, 6018, 6020 or 6021 ? I actually caught 6021 yesterday and so that one was definitely out !!! (I think 6019 is possibly withdrawn now, so doubtful that that one made a brief return out in service ?).
I saw 6014 out on the 4 route this morning and 6015 came down the side of Wheatley Street Garage and then was taken inside and parked up at the front of either Row E or F ?
yeah my mistake with 6017 they called it on the radio but actually meant 6014
Four bendis out today, that's the most for a few weeks
6014; 6015; 6018 & 6021 all on the 4
6020 has been on the move around the garage as well
All 5 have been out today, although 6014 had to go back to garage before 6020 came out
Report received that one of the Bendies has gone from the front yard.
Quote from: JoNi on January 15, 2018, 11:58:58 AM
Report received that one of the Bendies has gone from the front yard.
6012 gone to PVS, more to follow this week
Saw 6015, 6018 and 6021 out on the 4 route today ! (Went for a trip up to Holbrooks on 6015).
A horrible sight was to be seen down at Wheatley Street Garage this morning, when just after 10.00am, i saw 6016 being towed off from the front of the Garage by a "PVS" tow-truck, sadly taking it on it's final journey ever !
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on January 16, 2018, 09:16:29 PM
Saw 6015, 6018 and 6021 out on the 4 route today ! (Went for a trip up to Holbrooks on 6015).
A horrible sight was to be seen down at Wheatley Street Garage this morning, when just after 10.00am, i saw 6016 being towed off from the front of the Garage by a "PVS" tow-truck, sadly taking it on it's final journey ever !
6020 was out all day as well, 6014 is currently poorly, bus is being worked on
I saw 6013 being towed off to Barnsley by a "PVS" lorry this morning !
I also saw 6020 and 6021 out on the 4 route today, although i don't know if any of the other Bendi's were out at all ? (Went for a trip on 6020 on its last trip up to Holbrooks earlier tonight !).
There are 4 Bendi's out on the 4 route today ! (6015, 6018, 6020 & 6021). 6014 was inside the Garage parked over one of the pits !
I left Town at just after 2.30pm and up until then, "PVS" hadn't arrived at all today to take either 6017 or 6019 away ?
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on January 18, 2018, 03:26:20 PM
There are 4 Bendi's out on the 4 route today ! (6015, 6018, 6020 & 6021). 6014 was inside the Garage parked over one of the pits !
I left Town at just after 2.30pm and up until then, "PVS" hadn't arrived at all today to take either 6017 or 6019 away ?
6014 is running again after failing on Saturday, nearly ready to return. PVS weren't due today
Tow truck arrived to remove 6019.
Only 3 bendi's out today 6015,6020 & 6021 I'm guessing 6017 has gone for scrap carn't see it outside depot ?
It will have been moved inside for ticket machine removal
I saw 6015 out on the 4 today, but not too sure if any of the others were out at all ? (I'd say "YES" to that !).
6014 was still parked over one of the pits inside the Garage Maintenance area !
6017 is still standing outside at the Swanswell end of Wheatley Street Garage, waiting for "PVS" to come and collect it ? Was told that it should have gone today, but i left Town firstly just before 1pm and it was still there, then when i left Town for the second time at just after 4pm, it again was still standing there ! (Not that i'm in any rush to see it go that is, as i personally do like the Bendi's !).
6015, 6018 and 6020 were all out on the 4 route today, but i'm not sure whether 6021 was out as well ? (I never saw it !).
Is there going to be a last running day for the bendies? I would like to take a last ride on them.
At least 2 bendies out this pm. 6020 & another I could not see the no.
6021 with its orange destination out.
Just 6014 missing today
I passed by Wheatley Street Garage in a Car late this afternoon and i saw that withdrawn Bendi 6017 is still standing outside at the top end of the garage, but has now been moved back about 20ft, away from the corner !
6014, 6018 and 6020 have now been withdrawn according to a post on Facebook. This leaves 6015 and 6021 as the last two bendies left in Coventry, and actually still in service in the West Midlands.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on February 16, 2018, 08:43:31 PM
6014, 6018 and 6020 have now been withdrawn according to a post on Facebook. This leaves 6015 and 6020 as the last two bendies left in Coventry, and actually still in service in the West Midlands.
What about 6021?
@Michael Bevan
Quote from: Jack on February 16, 2018, 08:48:10 PM
What about 6021? @Michael Bevan
Presumably thats a typing error as he's said 6020 has been withdrawn and then said its one of the last 2 left.
Quote from: Jack on February 16, 2018, 08:48:10 PM
What about 6021? @Michael Bevan
Quote from: 2206 on February 16, 2018, 08:49:55 PM
Presumably thats a typing error as he's said 6020 has been withdrawn and then said its one of the last 2 left.
Yes I made a typing error...6020 is the one which is withdrawn, and 6021 is still in service,
Both out today
I saw both 6017 and 6018 standing outside at the Swanswell end of Wheatley Street Garage today, but didn't see any others anywhere at all full stop ???
I was told today that the last two of the Bendi's (6015 and 6021) were both withdrawn two days ago on Tuesday and to say i was gutted to hear that, would be an understatement, as i'd have been out on them and photographing them for one last time, had i have known it was their final day on the road ??? Then to my surprise, i was told by a good friend of mine tonight, that he saw a Bendibus on the road yesterday (Wednesday), but was too far away to see exactly which one it was ? Scratching my head now, as to what's actually going on with them (as i'm completely confused !!!lol), can anyone tell me please if they are now finally withdrawn, or am i still able to go out tomorrow and travel on one ??? Any help with this query, would be very much appreciated !!!!!!!! (Think i need to go for a lie down now !!!lol).
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on February 22, 2018, 07:37:37 PM
I saw both 6017 and 6018 standing outside at the Swanswell end of Wheatley Street Garage today, but didn't see any others anywhere at all full stop ???
I was told today that the last two of the Bendi's (6015 and 6021) were both withdrawn two days ago on Tuesday and to say i was gutted to hear that, would be an understatement, as i'd have been out on them and photographing them for one last time, had i have known it was their final day on the road ??? Then to my surprise, i was told by a good friend of mine tonight, that he saw a Bendibus on the road yesterday (Wednesday), but was too far away to see exactly which one it was ? Scratching my head now, as to what's actually going on with them (as i'm completely confused !!!lol), can anyone tell me please if they are now finally withdrawn, or am i still able to go out tomorrow and travel on one ??? Any help with this query, would be very much appreciated !!!!!!!! (Think i need to go for a lie down now !!!lol).
6015 & 6021 were both out in service yesterday, so weren't withdrawn on Tuesday!
"THANK YOU" for your reply Tony, as it's "VERY MUCH APPRECIATED" ! (Fingers Crossed hey, that they'll both be out tomorrow ?).
6021 on 4 to Tesco at 0920 pursuing 2150 on 5 up Trinity Street
How long do you reckon the last two will remain?
Quote from: JoNi on February 23, 2018, 09:25:46 AM
6021 on 4 to Tesco at 0920 pursuing 2150 on 5 up Trinity Street
Thanks JoNi for letting me know about 6021 being out, as i got to do a couple of round trips on it in the afternoon and it was actually the only Bendi out all day ! The Bus ran quite well actually and at one point when travelling at speed, the Bus his a couple of dips in the road and two girls sitting infront of me at the back of the Bus, literally bounced up off their seat twice, much to their amusement ! (And mine to !!!lol). On talking to the Driver at the terminus just as i was getting off it, he told me that the Bendi's were his favourite Bus to drive (for quite a number of reasons !) and that he asked specifically to be put on the Bendi-bus rota ! He even admitted that he'd buy one if he could, but it was the not knowing of a place to keep it, that unfortunately was stopping him from possibly doing so ? (Such a shame that is !). If he was to buy one though, he said he'd go for 6015, as that he reckons, is the best one of the lot and he mentioned about it having a new engine fitted not so long back to, so if that's true, then providing its bodywork and everything else on it is OK, he'd be mad not to choose that one ? On saying that though, it's easy enough to get one, but it's the cost afterwards of restoring and running the thing that 'ill take the money, depending i guess on where you kept it (in an ideal world, kept undercover !) and how often you used it ???
One worrying thing that i overheard mentioned while i was on 6021, was that some lowlife scum had damaged some Buses a few nights ago up by the Ricoh Arena, after throwing some Bricks / Rocks at them from off a bridge that goes over the dual carriageway nearby. As a result of this, the No.4 Bus was terminating at Hen Lane and not continuing underneath the rock throwers bridge and up the Arena Tesco Bus Hub / Terminus ? During this conversation though about the incident, i heard the word Bendi-bus mentioned and i thought straight away, that if one or more of them had been damaged, would they bother repairing it and was it the end of the road for any involved ??? Fortunately not, as i found out late last night (23/2/18), that it was one Bendi and two Tridents that were damaged and believe it or not, it was actually 6021 that had its Windscreen smashed !!! (I can't believe that they've actually repaired it, but i'm glad that they have done !!!!!!).
The Bendi's can't have many days left on the road here now, so if anyone wants to have one last ride on them (or photograph them ?) before they go, then i'd get over here as quickly as you can ???lol. Some people will no-doubt be glad to see the back of 'em, but not me, as i personally will miss them a lot when they do all finally go !!!
If you see any of them out at all JoNi over the next few days or so, can you mention it on here please, as i wanna try and photograph one of 'em coming over Lockhurst Lane Railway Bridge if i can and also over Courtaulds Canal Bridge as well ??? ("FINGERS CROSSED" !).
6021 is out again today
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2018, 09:11:36 AM
6021 is out again today
Many thanks Tony for telling me about 6021 being out today, as it's very much appreciated ! I wasn't able to get out as early as i'd planned to go and photograph it, as i had a few jobs to do first, but when i did eventually get down to Lockhurst Lane Railway Bridge this afternoon, i must have just missed 6021 by a matter of minutes ??? Reason being, that i got to the Bridge at about 2pm, but every other No.4 Bus (a Double Decker !) came past me except 6021 ? I did start to think it might have been taken off the road for some reason, but then after 1 hour and 35 minutes of waiting up on that freezing cold Bridge (lol), finally it arrives ! ("HAPPY DAYS", i say to myself !). By this time, my feet and fingers had gone virtually numb due to the biting cold wind, so how i managed to take a photo of it is beyond me ???lol. Was considering then whether to head straight down to Courtaulds Canal Bridge as i'd planned and photograph it coming over that, but because my feet had virtually started to seize up at this point (lol), i just stuck around for an extra 25 minutes and took another photo of 6021 on its return back over the Bridge, while on its way back to Town and later onwards then to University Hospital. (It's terminus !). I did photograph every other Coventry Bus that crossed over the Bridge today and that even included Stagecoach Buses to, which is something i very rarely photograph, but i'm glad that i did and wish now that i'd have done it years ago ?
As for 6021 though, it was the only Bendi-bus out today and as it went off down along Lockhurst Lane and into the distance, i did start to wonder whether that will be the last time i ever see that Bus running in service ? Hopefully not and i'm just gonna keep my fingers crossed that you Tony, or JoNi, or somebody else, will post on here next week that it's out on the 4 again !
Do we know how long the bendi's are going to last/When they're final day will be?
Thanks
Quote from: Ben on February 27, 2018, 01:03:40 AM
Do we know how long the bendi's are going to last/When they're final day will be?
Thanks
This week could very well be the last. The maintenance parts contract finishes tomorrow, so 6021 will carry on until it needs something!
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2018, 10:04:01 AM
This week could very well be the last. The maintenance parts contract finishes tomorrow, so 6021 will carry on until it needs something!
Has 6015 already been withdrawn then?
Quote from: dingding on February 27, 2018, 01:12:35 PM
Has 6015 already been withdrawn then?
Not officially withdrawn yet, but won't re-appear
6021 was out earning its keep early this am
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2018, 10:04:01 AM
This week could very well be the last. The maintenance parts contract finishes tomorrow, so 6021 will carry on until it needs something!
Sounds ominous!
I saw withdrawn Bendi-buses 6014 and 6020 both parked out in the yard at the front of Wheatley Street Garage this afternoon !
I went for a trip out on 6021 again this afternoon, as i thought i'd make the most of it while i still can ?lol. The Driver of it, was the same guy who i spoke to on it last Friday and is the guy who is seriously keen on preserving one, possibly 6015 ! I've taken his contact details from him, as i said that i'd try and find out who specifically he has to contact, in order for him to make his inquiry and hopefully to try and set the wheels in motion ? Does anyone here on this forum, know the phone number, or have a contact address at all please (Email or Postal !) for the people responsible for the sale of any West Midlands Buses, as i can pass this information on then to the Driver concerned ! (Any help at all on this would be very much appreciated !!!!!).
As for a place to keep a Bendi (if it was to be purchased ?), i've mentioned a storage yard here in Coventry, in Oban Road, Longford, as a preserved "WMPTE" Fleetline was parked in there once, among all the Lorries and Coaches etc that were also parked in there at the time ! Other than DeCourcey's yard as well, up in Baginton, i don't really know of anywhere else that would be able to accommodate a Bendi-bus ??? If it had to be parked up outside of Coventry, i can't see as that would be a problem, providing that the place was safe and secure !
Anyway, it's a case now really of just to "WATCH THIS SPACE" and hopefully this Driver might be able to do something and help to save a Coventry Bendi-bus ??? (He seriously is keen on doing so !).
It's not just the storage you have to think of but also the upkeep of the bus. Not too many places that will be able to maintain the vehicle. Parts will be extortionate & the fuel costs will be much higher than any other bus. That's probably why you don't see many bendies preserved.
Quote from: Steveminor on February 27, 2018, 10:34:55 PM
It's not just the storage you have to think of but also the upkeep of the bus. Not too many places that will be able to maintain the vehicle. Parts will be extortionate & the fuel costs will be much higher than any other bus. That's probably why you don't see many bendies preserved.
Thank you for your reply Steveminor, as i appreciate it and will let the Driver know what you've mentioned here above ! He did say that he wouldn't be using that much if he did buy one and would probably only take it to a few local rally events each year ? I'd certainly hate for him to end up with a "WHITE ELEPHANT" though and it does make sense for him to seriously consider the possible costs involved in the upkeep of one ? If he's able to contact somebody at West Midlands and speak to them about it, then i guess the ball will be in his court then on what he decides to do, but thank you again though for your help and especially for pointing out the negatives of owning a Bendi, as it's certainly a good point you've made there !!!!! (He might end up having to keep it as just a static display ???lol).
Maybe I'm becoming an increasingly cynical person. If the driver was as serious as he sounds as wanting to preserve one, then he would have made the relevant enquiries. He works for the company after all. Rather than relying on a member of the public to post on a forum asking other members of the public for advice or hoping that the right people within NX see the post.
However saying that, if he is indeed serious, them I wish him all the very best!
Just at the moment the remaining 5 complete bendies are not for sale
Quote from: Gareth on February 28, 2018, 07:26:49 AM
Maybe I'm becoming an increasingly cynical person. If the driver was as serious as he sounds as wanting to preserve one, then he would have made the relevant enquiries. He works for the company after all. Rather than relying on a member of the public to post on a forum asking other members of the public for advice or hoping that the right people within NX see the post.
However saying that, if he is indeed serious, them I wish him all the very best!
I promise you there's nothing wrong Gareth in being cynical, as i appreciate your reply and respect yours and everyone's opinions on this forum ! To be fair on the Driver in question, he no-doubt would have made a move himself eventually to speak to someone about buying a Bendi, but what i think was putting him off from even bothering to do so, was that he had no idea at all where he would be able to keep it once he'd got it ??? I myself then offered to ask around on his behalf (by Phone and on this Forum !) and see if i could find a safe and secure place for him to keep it, as that would solve a problem for him there and it may well just give him a slight nudge then to go ahead and buy one, if that's what he really wants to do, which it is ! You're dead right in what you say, in that he could easily have asked someone inside Wheatley Street Garage for a contact number / address of who to speak to, with regards to the sale of a Bus, but again, i then said that i'd try and find all that information out for him and then contact him afterwards with all the details ! Some might say that i'm basically trying to put everything on a plate for him (as the saying goes !) and i guess i am, but if i can help someone try and get something that they really want, then i'll certainly do my best to help them do so, but at the same time, i'll make sure that they know the negative side of owning a Bendi-bus to. (Would hate for him to end up having to be continuously spending, just to keep the thing roadworthy and in preservation full stop !). I'd be sad to see the Bendi-buses disappear from the Bus scene completely and it certainly would be nice to see one saved (even if it was as a static display somewhere ?), but i'll leave that up to the Driver in question on what he eventually decides to do there ??? From what Tony has posted after you Gareth, the Bendi's are currently not for sale at the moment anyway, so no need for him to worry about them for the time being !!!!
Thanks again though Gareth for your reply !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2018, 08:00:14 AM
Just at the moment the remaining 5 complete bendies are not for sale
That's good news to hear Tony !!!!! (Don't think i could bare the thought of that "PVS" Lorry coming back here again and taking them away ?lol).
6021 just gone to Arena on 4
Would like to have photographed 6021 out in all the snow JoNi, but unfortunately i wasn't able to get down to do so ? (Good to hear it's still in service though !).
6021 has been/is out today on the 4. Saw it a couple of times in Cov this afternoon. Was doing a 4e to Hen Lane about 1715 on The Burges.
Watch out Dude 6021 heading for Arena at 0920
I couldn't get down to see it today JoNi, as i had too many jobs to do, but thanks for the heads up on it being out on the road today, as it's good to hear it's still going strong and your message is much appreciated mate ! (Will definitely try and see it again one day this week if i can, hopefully still in service ?).
Hey dude
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/1hFwct
Flats available outside bus garage £99 a week!
Quote from: JoNi on March 08, 2018, 01:38:47 PM
Hey dude
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/1hFwct
Flats available outside bus garage £99 a week!
Not a bad price that JoNi for a flat in the City Centre, although if my flat just happened to be at the back of that block (near to the entrance of Wheatley Street Garage), i'd hate to be awoken at some ridiculous hour of the morning, by the sound of Bus engines being started and then revved up ???lol. (Hopefully, the flats will be fitted with very good double glazing windows ?lol).
A nice photo of 6021 there by the way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on March 05, 2018, 07:43:51 PM
I couldn't get down to see it today JoNi, as i had too many jobs to do, but thanks for the heads up on it being out on the road today, as it's good to hear it's still going strong and your message is much appreciated mate ! (Will definitely try and see it again one day this week if i can, hopefully still in service ?).
Still going Friday March 9th.
Mingling with Gold
https://www.flickr.com/photos/69947186@N08/25841897007/in/photolist-FnytEp-GTW7ZW-24XVwiU-FV329i-FV2Z3p-ZRA7Qr-ZRA6sM-XDaQPh-Qu6LCZ
Quote from: DeanM66A on March 09, 2018, 07:27:42 PM
Still going Friday March 9th.
Mingling with Gold
https://www.flickr.com/photos/69947186@N08/25841897007/in/photolist-FnytEp-GTW7ZW-24XVwiU-FV329i-FV2Z3p-ZRA7Qr-ZRA6sM-XDaQPh-Qu6LCZ
Some really nice photo's of it that you've taken there DeanM66A !!!!!!
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on March 09, 2018, 07:46:09 PM
Some really nice photo's of it that you've taken there DeanM66A !!!!!!
Thanks for that. It was a pretty poor afternoon light-wise, but it meant the Ironmonger Row / Flying Standard shot was possible.
It wasn't a bad afternoon Coventry's Heritage Fleet. As well as 6021, 4190 was in action, 4144 went off to Keresley and the hundred-year old bus, 4453, was on the 6A, the Farmyard Shuttle. ;D
Is 6021 out today please. with timing if possible? I don't want to make the journey if it is not.
No sign of 6021 yet but Corpy 4453 on 4
6021 is on the 4. Pool Meadow at 11:22 towards Arena Park.
4772 is also on there.
6021 just passing Ball Hill on 4 going to hospital
Thank you Nathan. I had an enjoyable trip from Pool Meadow to the Hospital and back this after noon. 6021 seems to be running well with very few rattles.
Maybe the secret with Mercedes is to not touch them and they run better than ever! Maybe that's where they were going wrong all along as I know the contract for parts etc is over now. 😉
Are the b7rles replacing the bendi that are coming from BC?
6021 is working this afternoon
Any News on the last day in service for the bendi buses ?
Tuesday 20th March is the last day for 6021, into the garage at 18:00.
6021 0917 to Arena
Savouring ride on 6021 in the company of a mother swigging beer telling young child to stop pressing the f*cking bell.
Quote from: JoNi on March 19, 2018, 04:27:42 PM
Savouring ride on 6021 in the company of a mother swigging beer telling young child to stop pressing the f*cking bell.
Hope your new Beer Swigging Missus and Bell Pressing Child (lol) ain't on 6021 tomorrow JoNi, as i don't want them to spoil my last ever ride on it ???lol. Will try and get into Town around lunchtime if can and do a couple of round trips on 6021, before waiting (with Camera at the ready !) for it to make its final journey back into Wheatley Street Garage at around 6pm time ? (Be nice if a number of enthusiasts are around to travel on it and photograph it on its last day on the road ?).
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on March 19, 2018, 09:53:31 PM
Hope your new Beer Swigging Missus and Bell Pressing Child (lol) ain't on 6021 tomorrow JoNi, as i don't want them to spoil my last ever ride on it ???lol. Will try and get into Town around lunchtime if can and do a couple of round trips on 6021, before waiting (with Camera at the ready !) for it to make its final journey back into Wheatley Street Garage at around 6pm time ? (Be nice if a number of enthusiasts are around to travel on it and photograph it on its last day on the road ?).
It's being allocated to running board 2 tomorrow
Quote from: Tony on March 19, 2018, 10:10:38 PM
It's being allocated to running board 2 tomorrow
"THANK YOU" for that Tony !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Tony on March 19, 2018, 10:10:38 PM
It's being allocated to running board 2 tomorrow
Will it still be out until 18:00 tonight? As I'm told 4/02 is a late night board. I think the wording on the Facebook post has changed too.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on March 20, 2018, 07:23:55 AM
Will it still be out until 18:00 tomorrow? As I'm told 4/02 is a late night board. I think the wording on the Facebook post has changed too.
4-02 finished at the Ricoh at 17:39
Quote from: Tony on March 20, 2018, 08:08:57 AM
4-02 finished at the Ricoh at 17:39
Thanks
@Tony. Must have been misinformed then. Will hopefully get to see it later on it's last day in service.
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on March 19, 2018, 09:53:31 PM
Hope your new Beer Swigging Missus and Bell Pressing Child (lol) ain't on 6021 tomorrow JoNi, as i don't want them to spoil my last ever ride on it ???lol. Will try and get into Town around lunchtime if can and do a couple of round trips on 6021, before waiting (with Camera at the ready !) for it to make its final journey back into Wheatley Street Garage at around 6pm time ? (Be nice if a number of enthusiasts are around to travel on it and photograph it on its last day on the road ?).
No she isn't on the 08:13 to hospital its on same working as yesterday 13 minutes past even hour to hospital, 17 mins past odd to Arena.
The last bendie got a mention on BBC Coventry radio at tea time.
Well, i knew this day had to come eventually and sadly today was it, with the final withdrawal of Coventry's last Bendi-bus ! (6021). It got a great send off by the many enthusiasts who ventured into Town to travel on it for one last time and it was also nice to meet up with lots of enthusiasts from this forum, who had traveled over from Birmingham, West Bromwich and beyond to make what i thought would be a sad day, into a really enjoyable one ! The Bus itself ran brilliantly and was driven brilliantly to by our Driver Shaun, for the final 4 hours or so of its time left on the road ? I'd only planned to go on it for a couple of round trips, but as i went to get off it, a friend of mine got on and this happened on a couple of occasions during the afternoon, so by the end of the day, i stayed on it with them and ended up being on it for "5 HOURS" in the end !!!!! (It's a very sad life i live !!!lol). My thanks must go to Driver Shaun and to the National Express Publicity Photographer (Brian) and to Sam Houlders (Manager) from Wheatley Street Garage, who made sure that all the enthusiasts were able to get the photographs that they wanted and went out of their way to make sure that everybody did so, both at the terminus at each end of the route and later outside Wheatley Street Garage itself at the end of the day ! One very nice thing that these three guys did (a real compliment indeed !), was when arriving at the Arena Tesco terminus at the end of its final run, they allowed us all to stay on the Bus (which was still three quarters full at this time !) and run back "OUT OF SERVICE" down to Pool Meadow Bus Station. They then allowed us all time to get off and walk the 2 minutes down near the front of Wheatley Street Garage itself, ready for everyone to get in position and photograph 6021 as it then pulled off and came slowly down the driveway into the Garage ! One nice thing i must mention before i start boring you all on here (lol) and that is that even some non-enthusiasts (normal passengers !) got caught up in all the fun with the enthusiasts on 6021 today and they enjoyed it so much, that even they stayed on board and came back down to Pool Meadow on the sadly "OUT OF SERVICE FOR GOOD" 6021 !!!!!!lol. (Great to see that was !). "THANK YOU" Shaun, Brian, Sam and to all attending enthusiasts, for an enjoyable and certainly an unforgettable day today !!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on March 20, 2018, 11:18:20 PM
Well, i knew this day had to come eventually and sadly today was it, with the final withdrawal of Coventry's last Bendi-bus ! (6021). It got a great send off by the many enthusiasts who ventured into Town to travel on it for one last time and it was also nice to meet up with lots of enthusiasts from this forum, who had traveled over from Birmingham, West Bromwich and beyond to make what i thought would be a sad day, into a really enjoyable one ! The Bus itself ran brilliantly and was driven brilliantly to by our Driver Shaun, for the final 4 hours or so of its time left on the road ? I'd only planned to go on it for a couple of round trips, but as i went to get off it, a friend of mine got on and this happened on a couple of occasions during the afternoon, so by the end of the day, i stayed on it with them and ended up being on it for "5 HOURS" in the end !!!!! (It's a very sad life i live !!!lol). My thanks must go to Driver Shaun and to the National Express Publicity Photographer (Brian) and to Sam Houlders (Manager) from Wheatley Street Garage, who made sure that all the enthusiasts were able to get the photographs that they wanted and went out of their way to make sure that everybody did so, both at the terminus at each end of the route and later outside Wheatley Street Garage itself at the end of the day ! One very nice thing that these three guys did (a real compliment indeed !), was when arriving at the Arena Tesco terminus at the end of its final run, they allowed us all to stay on the Bus (which was still three quarters full at this time !) and run back "OUT OF SERVICE" down to Pool Meadow Bus Station. They then allowed us all time to get off and walk the 2 minutes down near the front of Wheatley Street Garage itself, ready for everyone to get in position and photograph 6021 as it then pulled off and came slowly down the driveway into the Garage ! One nice thing i must mention before i start boring you all on here (lol) and that is that even some non-enthusiasts (normal passengers !) got caught up in all the fun with the enthusiasts on 6021 today and they enjoyed it so much, that even they stayed on board and came back down to Pool Meadow on the sadly "OUT OF SERVICE FOR GOOD" 6021 !!!!!!lol. (Great to see that was !). "THANK YOU" Shaun, Brian, Sam and to all attending enthusiasts, for an enjoyable and certainly an unforgettable day today !!!!!!!!!!
I fully agree with
@Coventry Transport Dude here! The staff at NX made it such a brilliant day, and such a good send-off for 6021! They went out of their way to make sure we got the photos that we wanted! I just want to thank the guys at NX for holding such a brilliant and enjoyable farewell event for the bendies! I had good fun with people on the bus too which made the day even more enjoyable! :)
19 total years of West Mids bendi operation closes if you include the 1999 start for the Perry Barr ones. Some kind of record for an operator maybe?
Also, was 6021 the very last Mercedes bus in service for NX in the Midlands ? There have been Merc products on the road continuously since 1997 with the Minibuses and then 0405Ns etc. Not from today.
Quote from: craighu on March 21, 2018, 08:02:13 AM
19 total years of West Mids bendi operation closes if you include the 1999 start for the Perry Barr ones. Some kind of record for an operator maybe?
Also, was 6021 the very last Mercedes bus in service for NX in the Midlands ? There have been Merc products on the road continuously since 1997 with the Minibuses and then 0405Ns etc. Not from today.
Still have the Health Bus
Reading the comment above about being allowed to stay on the bus back to garage, reminded me of what was supposed to be the last Metrobus day in February 2010. When 2654 finished in service, we were allowed to stay on board and run back to Perry Barr. The remaining Metrobuses at AG were only going to stay as school service buses, but regularly ran in service until withdrawal a few months later.
Wish I had known about this!!
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/last-bendi-bus-making-its-14434677
The day got a brief mention in the Coventry telegraph.
Very enjoyable well done to NX. Some passengers were quite lively including a dude who didnt realise he could switch off the flash on his camera!
Quote from: JoNi on March 21, 2018, 02:34:38 PM
Very enjoyable well done to NX. Some passengers were quite lively including a dude who didnt realise he could switch off the flash on his camera!
I learnt a lot about my Camera yesterday JoNi that i never even knew ???lol. (God only knows how many people i've blinded with that flash over the years ?lol). I still haven't downloaded any of yesterdays photo's yet, so i dread to think what they're gonna turn out like when i do eventually do them ? Will be very surprised if my interior shots on 6021 don't show its passengers all having red eyes (from my camera flash !), especially the bearded little old man with a woolly hat and a funny Southern accent (possibly a Kent one ?), who was sitting directly infront of Me when the flash went off !!!lol.
It certainly did turn out to be a good day though, on what fast became the party Bus that was 6021 ! (A great atmosphere and laugh all round was had on that Bus yesterday !).
Yesterday was a great day and I was honoured to drive the last bendy bus in service, glad you all enjoyed it and thanks for the mention aswell 👍
How long before the Bendies leave the depot for the last time? Do you think one of them could go for preservation?
It would be an extremely expensive hobby.
I believe there is an offer in for one of them, but NX are checking they don't need them anywhere else first
Hey dude,
In Brighton on packed Bendibus with aircon full on like a fridge!
Glorious!
"NO WAY" ????? "RIGHT JoNi, I'M ON MY WAY DOWN, RIGHT NOW" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lol.
One of the 4 bendies at the garage has gone and a truck is preparing to take another away right now.
Quote from: Sandy Lane on June 12, 2018, 04:35:23 PM
One of the 4 bendies at the garage has gone and a truck is preparing to take another away right now.
Tony did mention they might hold onto one for a possible preservationist bid, but whether that actually happens is another thing! Who'd want to own one of those enormous and complex things. That sounds like PVS doing a pick-up for scrap.
They're going away to be prepared for a return to use at another garage
Quote from: Tony on June 12, 2018, 05:51:33 PM
They're going away to be prepared for a return to use at another garage
Ooh haha, now you're teasing us! Before the inevitable speculation, might I guess its not going to be to any of the West Midlands or Dundee garages? :D
Quote from: Stu on June 12, 2018, 06:44:04 PM
Ooh haha, now you're teasing us! Before the inevitable speculation, might I guess its not going to be to any of the West Midlands or Dundee garages? :D
Stansted garage would seem the most logical
They might need a bit of a wash and spruce up first.
Quote from: Winston on June 12, 2018, 07:38:11 PM
Stansted garage would seem the most logical
Seen a comment by a NX employee on Facebook 'Start Hill for the car parks at Stansted.'
Quote from: P419 EJW on June 12, 2018, 08:23:39 PM
Seen a comment by a NX employee on Facebook 'Start Hill for the car parks at Stansted.'
They are one Bendi down which self combusted not so long ago in front of the terminal building. At least they will be around longer and saved from the scrappy's cutting torch....
Did anyone manage to get a photo at all of the Stanstead bound Bendibuses leaving Wheatley Street Garage last week (on the back of a low-loader !), as i've not come across any photo's of them at all yet ??? (Maybe just that none were actually taken ?).
I've just seen a photo on Facebook of former Coventry Bendibus 6015, which was taken today (14/9/18) and shows it being driven Northbound on the M1 Motorway in Leicestershire. It had a Trade Plate on display in its Windscreen, which was registered: 171 DU, but i wonder if anyone knows or has heard at all, where it might have been heading to ? Was horrified to read a post below the photo, that said it was off up to "PVS"s yard to be scrapped, but hopefully that was just a guess on the posters part there and not 100% correct information ???
Quote from: Coventry Transport Dude on September 14, 2018, 11:03:52 PM
I've just seen a photo on Facebook of former Coventry Bendibus 6015, which was taken today (14/9/18) and shows it being driven Northbound on the M1 Motorway in Leicestershire. It had a Trade Plate on display in its Windscreen, which was registered: 171 DU, but i wonder if anyone knows or has heard at all, where it might have been heading to ? Was horrified to read a post below the photo, that said it was off up to "PVS"s yard to be scrapped, but hopefully that was just a guess on the posters part there and not 100% correct information ???
Do you have a link bye any chance
6 months today since the last run.
3 years on - Are there any bendies left in the uk?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on September 04, 2021, 10:15:18 PM
3 years on - Are there any bendies left in the uk?
Aberdeen, Brighton, and Cardiff springs to mind.. York has a handful on their Park & Ride services.
Still plenty dotted around the UK airports as well; notably, fairly recent 20-plates at with NX at Stansted (SC01-21) - http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/fleetlist/SC01-99.html
Quote from: CL on September 04, 2021, 10:33:28 PM
Aberdeen, Brighton, and Cardiff springs to mind.. York has a handful on their Park & Ride services.
Still plenty dotted around the UK airports as well; notably, fairly recent 20-plates at with NX at Stansted (SC01-21) - http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/fleetlist/SC01-99.html
Belfast too, with their BRT system. Leicester had some until fairly recently, but I believe they've been withdrawn at this point.
Quote from: DJ on September 05, 2021, 06:18:49 AM
Belfast too, with their BRT system. Leicester had some until fairly recently, but I believe they've been withdrawn at this point.
re: Leicester
The Arriva fleet changes on the main site shows that 5001/6/7 have been reinstated at EMA, and 5003 reinstated at Thurmaston back in June. I'm unsure if anything has changed since then, but they don't appear to be listed, let alone track, on bustimes!
(Unless, of course, that's what you had been referring to!) :P
Quote from: CL on September 05, 2021, 10:24:42 AM
re: Leicester
The Arriva fleet changes on the main site shows that 5001/6/7 have been reinstated at EMA, and 5003 reinstated at Thurmaston back in June. I'm unsure if anything has changed since then, but they don't appear to be listed, let alone track, on bustimes!
(Unless, of course, that's what you had been referring to!) :P
The East Midlands airport ones won't on internal shuttles