Eleven Volvo B7RLEs are due to arrive in the next couple of weeks. 3 will be 5 years old (57/08 plates) but Eight will be brand new
Quote from: Tony on March 23, 2013, 09:47:41 AM
Eleven Volvo B7RLEs are due to arrive in the next couple of weeks. 3 will be 5 years old (57/08 plates) but Eight will be brand new
any idea where they are for
Quote from: bewminster on March 23, 2013, 09:52:56 AM
Quote from: Tony on March 23, 2013, 09:47:41 AM
Eleven Volvo B7RLEs are due to arrive in the next couple of weeks. 3 will be 5 years old (57/08 plates) but Eight will be brand new
any idea where they are for
Four of the new ones, and the three second hand ones, along with three currently at Wessex Connect (10 altogether) are for the West Midlands.
The other four new ones are for Wessex
Is it Wright bodywork that they have?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on March 23, 2013, 10:40:42 AM
Is it Wright bodywork that they have?
Yes, new ones are Eclipse 2, 5 year old ones will be Eclipse
On Uk bus fleet news just found a picture of 5413 at Leyland this morning.
Does anyone know where the second hand non-wessex ones are coming from? Personally I think this is great news. Hopefully they will give a much needed boost to the rotala wm business and may help to get rid of some of the complaints in places like redditch. Also, with volvo you know what you are getting-maybe rotala have learnt the lesson of buying optare buses
Quote from: Peter123 on March 23, 2013, 11:54:01 AM
Does anyone know where the second hand non-wessex ones are coming from? Personally I think this is great news. Hopefully they will give a much needed boost to the rotala wm business and may help to get rid of some of the complaints in places like redditch. Also, with volvo you know what you are getting-maybe rotala have learnt the lesson of buying optare buses
It could be Midland Classic? They're are apparently in the process of replacing their Volvo B7RLE/Wright for Scania/Wright ex SLT. They have 3 and are 2 x 57/ 1 x 08 plate.
It's good to see Diamond are finally getting further new/second-hand full size single deckers, however, Peter123 I don't think 10 will make a much difference as you suggest. The majority of the 10 would be used just to convert the 4/4H/4M if that was where they were intended for. If those were used to cascade full size single deckers from Tividale to RH or KR then Tividale would be no better off.....
Have to agree with you Winston!! but here hopes it a start to improvements. The other option to putting them on the 4 could be spilt them between 002 and 301, but the 002 must keep its brand I think and really the buses on the 4 rebranded as black country connection and them hopefully branding to enhance 301!
I would be positive they will pretty much all be for Redditch as the Tividale fleet is nowhere near as bad as people think.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 23, 2013, 01:33:08 PM
I would be positive they will pretty much all be for Redditch as the Tividale fleet is nowhere near as bad as people think.
The main problem with the Tividale fleet is that it now comprises of too many MPD & Solo's & too few full size single deckers, to the point that core/high frequency services such as the 4/4H & 4M are served by unsuitable midibuses
Certainly I think the b7rles would improve quality in redditch and get rid of some of the overcrowding issues as darts on the 57/58 was always going to be a recipe for disaster.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 23, 2013, 01:40:26 PM
Certainly I think the b7rles would improve quality in redditch and get rid of some of the overcrowding issues as darts on the 57/58 was always going to be a recipe for disaster.
What about Tividale though? Tony did actually say they were destined for the West Midlands so may not be heading to Redditch
Quote from: Winston on March 23, 2013, 01:51:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 23, 2013, 01:40:26 PM
Certainly I think the b7rles would improve quality in redditch and get rid of some of the overcrowding issues as darts on the 57/58 was always going to be a recipe for disaster.
What about Tividale though? Tony did actually say they were destined for the West Midlands so may not be heading to Redditch
West Midlands in Rotala bus speak means not Preston or Wessex.
Just had a quick tot up from Tony's updated Diamond fleetlist, the combined Diamond businesses (KR/LA/RH & TE) now operate some 220 buses, the 10 new/used B7RLE will only replace approx 4.5% of the fleet
Also with some of the signature services being lost by rotala later this year it will release some of the newer solo's, versa's and citaro's to be used hopefully going to Tividale.
I was on a W reg refurbed dart on the 301 the other week and have to say it was ten times better than Arriva ones intsrior wise and didnt sound s#####d like most of Cannocks
Quote from: Winston on March 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
Just had a quick tot up from Tony's updated Diamond fleetlist, the combined Diamond businesses (KR/LA/RH & TE) now operate some 220 buses, the 10 new/used B7RLE will only replace approx 4.5% of the fleet
That's more than FMR had before they sold KR /RH to diamond ,
Quote from: bob on March 23, 2013, 03:43:51 PM
I was on a W reg refurbed dart on the 301 the other week and have to say it was ten times better than Arriva ones intsrior wise and didnt sound s#####d like most of Cannocks
Most of diamond's darts don't sound too bad they just need a bit of an overall, repainting and the interiors smartened up.
Does anyone know what the current PVR of diamons 4/4H/4M service currently is I'm guessing around 15. At the moment over the last week the service has seen around 3 midi darts and 2 solo's along with around 3/4 white and red darts and the rest being made up of the odd centro and about 5 cadets. For me the eclipses should be used on the 301 moving the cadets on the 4 and branding the 14 cadets for the 4/4H/4M service along with T447EBD if 15 is the PVR at least then it's a similar looking vehicle type on the service and would look smart. I might be being a bit stupid here but when it says there for the West Midlands is that just Tividale/Long Acre or including Redditch and Kidderminster as there Worcestershire or whatever they are.
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2013, 04:33:29 PM
Quote from: bob on March 23, 2013, 03:43:51 PM
I was on a W reg refurbed dart on the 301 the other week and have to say it was ten times better than Arriva ones interior wise and didn't sound s#####d like most of Cannocks
Most of diamond's darts don't sound too bad they just need a bit of an overall, repainting and the interiors smartened up.
Does anyone know what the current PVR of diamonds 4/4H/4M service currently is I'm guessing around 15. At the moment over the last week the service has seen around 3 midi darts and 2 solo's along with around 3/4 white and red darts and the rest being made up of the odd centre and about 5 cadets. For me the eclipses should be used on the 301 moving the cadets on the 4 and branding the 14 cadets for the 4/4H/4M service along with T447EBD if 15 is the PVR at least then it's a similar looking vehicle type on the service and would look smart. I might be being a bit stupid here but when it says there for the West Midlands is that just Tividale/Long Acre or including Redditch and Kidderminster as there Worcestershire or whatever they are.
Worcestershire is in the west midlands geographical area which is what I think they mean ,
Quote from: bewminster on March 23, 2013, 05:47:02 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2013, 04:33:29 PM
Quote from: bob on March 23, 2013, 03:43:51 PM
I was on a W reg refurbed dart on the 301 the other week and have to say it was ten times better than Arriva ones interior wise and didn't sound s#####d like most of Cannocks
Most of diamond's darts don't sound too bad they just need a bit of an overall, repainting and the interiors smartened up.
Does anyone know what the current PVR of diamonds 4/4H/4M service currently is I'm guessing around 15. At the moment over the last week the service has seen around 3 midi darts and 2 solo's along with around 3/4 white and red darts and the rest being made up of the odd centre and about 5 cadets. For me the eclipses should be used on the 301 moving the cadets on the 4 and branding the 14 cadets for the 4/4H/4M service along with T447EBD if 15 is the PVR at least then it's a similar looking vehicle type on the service and would look smart. I might be being a bit stupid here but when it says there for the West Midlands is that just Tividale/Long Acre or including Redditch and Kidderminster as there Worcestershire or whatever they are.
Worcestershire is in the west midlands geographical area which is what I think they mean ,
Yeah thats what I meant thank you bewminster. So does this mean non of these buses could go to Tividale.
All ten B7RLE/Eclipse will go to Tividale. There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT
Quote from: Tony on March 23, 2013, 07:02:29 PM
All ten B7RLE/Eclipse will go to Tividale. There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT
That's good news for Tividale then. Do we know any more about whether the takeover will be given the go-ahead or not?
What service will the new buses be going on & do we have a
date of when the new buses will b in service
Quote from: Solo1 on March 23, 2013, 07:14:21 PM
What service will the new buses be going on & do we have a
date of when the new buses will b in service
I would think they will see off the remainder of the darts that are in the red and white diamond livery maybe apart from W335-7VGX as there the newest 3 in that type of livery but including W335-7VGX theres still 9. I'm guessing they will be spread out over a number of services but would probably be seen mostly on the 4/4H/4M/40/42/43/301. With the 56 and 002/202 already using the centro's and the 226 having the swift branded darts.
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2013, 07:24:10 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on March 23, 2013, 07:14:21 PM
What service will the new buses be going on & do we have a
date of when the new buses will b in service
Think they would be a bit too big for the 40 doesn't seem busy enough and cant say about 42. didn't even think about the 56 but I hope it keeps its centros
They could appear anywhere really. It's possible that they'd go on the 4 but the way they're going with that, withdrawing off evenings and nights, it'll be interesting to see what they're planning on that front. Really, the 301 seems a likely place.
I can see some of the signature buses ie the mercs and solos heading to Preston as they have them already, as if I remember they equal to 5 which would make a clean swap for the 5 Presidents from Preston, as for the rest of Signature it would be put on any Brum Service I would think.
Apparently someone mentioned on here that the signature buses and the royale black diamond buses are going to be put into another brand which I'm guessing certain services would be upgraded to use these leather/high spec buses.
Yes that was me as that is what I was told by someone from Diamond who wasn't a Driver but from either Tividale offices or Long Acre Offices and she had said that Signature and Royal are to be merged but didnt say anything about what buses would transfer into there new top brand.
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2013, 03:36:52 PM
Also with some of the signature services being lost by rotala later this year it will release some of the newer solo's, versa's and citaro's to be used hopefully going to Tividale.
What's actually happening to the S2 and S3 services? I heard on the radio that Network West Midlands are running on them which I find hard to believe. I'm hoping the Optares go; not the most reliable buses ever built.
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 24, 2013, 11:24:13 AM
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2013, 03:36:52 PM
Also with some of the signature services being lost by rotala later this year it will release some of the newer solo's, versa's and citaro's to be used hopefully going to Tividale.
What's actually happening to the S2 and S3 services? I heard on the radio that Network West Midlands are running on them which I find hard to believe. I'm hoping the Optares go; not the most reliable buses ever built.
Centro put out a questionnaire about the services and are looking at making some changes in June. Central Buses have registered the 82 and the S2/3 Solihull - Dorridge/Hockley Heath, which may be commercial - The NWM facebook confirmed the 82 was a commercial registration
Thanks; can see the changes here http://www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk/pdfs/busRoutes.pdf, look some interesting new routes being developed. I assume Central buses are the red Central buses?
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 24, 2013, 11:53:08 AM
Thanks; can see the changes here http://www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk/pdfs/busRoutes.pdf, look some interesting new routes being developed. I assume Central buses are the red Central buses?
Yes, but looking at those changes Central Buses route are going to confuse the passengers with 2 S3s and 2 S2s
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 24, 2013, 11:24:13 AM
What's actually happening to the S2 and S3 services? I heard on the radio that Network West Midlands are running on them which I find hard to believe. I'm hoping the Optares go; not the most reliable buses ever built.
The tender is up for renewal this summer. Whoever it is that wins, it won't be 'network west midlands' ;-)
Quote from: neale95 on March 24, 2013, 11:41:35 AM
Centro put out a questionnaire about the services and are looking at making some changes in June. Central Buses have registered the 82 and the S2/3 Solihull - Dorridge/Hockley Heath, which may be commercial - The NWM facebook confirmed the 82 was a commercial registration
Nope again. As per my earlier reply to your same statement on another thread, the 82 is
tendered.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on March 24, 2013, 12:03:46 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 24, 2013, 11:24:13 AM
What's actually happening to the S2 and S3 services? I heard on the radio that Network West Midlands are running on them which I find hard to believe. I'm hoping the Optares go; not the most reliable buses ever built.
The tender is up for renewal this summer. Whoever it is that wins, it won't be 'network west midlands' ;-)
Quote from: neale95 on March 24, 2013, 11:41:35 AM
Centro put out a questionnaire about the services and are looking at making some changes in June. Central Buses have registered the 82 and the S2/3 Solihull - Dorridge/Hockley Heath, which may be commercial - The NWM facebook confirmed the 82 was a commercial registration
Nope again. As per my earlier reply to your same statement on another thread, the 82 is tendered.
The 82 is tendered at the moment and may still be some tendered journeys in June. However on the NWM facebook the wrote:
"I can confirm that the contract to operate Service 82 is due for renewal in June. All operators have been invited to submit a bid under our competitive tendering process and these have all been received. We are aware that Central Buses have registered a number of journeys on this route to operate commercially (without asking for any subsidy). However, we are still negotiating with all operators who have submitted a bid and further details will be available next month, once these discussions have been completed"
I really hope that rotala win the contracts and add more journeys commerically. I travel regularly on the 82 and ot seems really popular and busy at any time of day
Quote from: dannygill on March 24, 2013, 12:42:57 PM
I really hope that rotala win the contracts and add more journeys commerically. I travel regularly on the 82 and ot seems really popular and busy at any time of day
Yeah i travel on the 82 quite alot but the last twice I have used it I got a hybrid 30136 and a nifty fifty centro 30801 and the centro was awful no power at all and the fans were constantly on it even struggled to get up the slip road to join the A45 think there might have been a fault with it as it certainly wasn't that slow when it used to be used on the 404E a few years back.
I've started a new topic on the subject of the South Solihull changes, to help this thread from going off-topic. ;)
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1509.0
I would think the remaining red and white darts, but does anyone have any ideas what buses the b7rle's will be replacing once they arrive at Tividale.
I hope they replace optare products-keep the darts as they are good buses-repaint them. I would love to see diamond do what NXWM are aiming for-having a fleet free of optare buses.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:40:30 PM
I hope they replace optare products-keep the darts as they are good buses-repaint them. I would love to see diamond do what NXWM are aiming for-having a fleet free of optare buses.
I doubt you'll see a Diamond fleet free of Optares for a long while considering their Hybrids are Optares.
Quote from: JackC on March 24, 2013, 06:51:50 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:40:30 PM
I hope they replace optare products-keep the darts as they are good buses-repaint them. I would love to see diamond do what NXWM are aiming for-having a fleet free of optare buses.
I doubt you'll see a Diamond fleet free of Optares for a long while considering their Hybrids are Optares.
Its such a pity as they are hated by drivers, engineers and by passengers left stranded when they break down. Optare are good at doing nice interiors but as I have said before this is useless if the buses are so unreliable and cheap and badly made that passengers never get a chance to sample them!!
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 24, 2013, 06:51:50 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:40:30 PM
I hope they replace optare products-keep the darts as they are good buses-repaint them. I would love to see diamond do what NXWM are aiming for-having a fleet free of optare buses.
I doubt you'll see a Diamond fleet free of Optares for a long while considering their Hybrids are Optares.
Its such a pity as they are hated by drivers, engineers and by passengers left stranded when they break down. Optare are good at doing nice interiors but as I have said before this is useless if the buses are so unreliable and cheap and badly made that passengers never get a chance to sample them!!
I can't say anything from a driver/engineer view myself so I won't disagree or agree with you, but from my own passenger experience on Optares, they seem fairly decent buses. The Hybrid Versas in particular are absolutely fantastic. Maybe I've just had good experiences but that's just my own two cents.
Quote from: JackC on March 24, 2013, 07:02:16 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:55:47 PM
Quote from: JackC on March 24, 2013, 06:51:50 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 06:40:30 PM
I hope they replace optare products-keep the darts as they are good buses-repaint them. I would love to see diamond do what NXWM are aiming for-having a fleet free of optare buses.
I doubt you'll see a Diamond fleet free of Optares for a long while considering their Hybrids are Optares.
Its such a pity as they are hated by drivers, engineers and by passengers left stranded when they break down. Optare are good at doing nice interiors but as I have said before this is useless if the buses are so unreliable and cheap and badly made that passengers never get a chance to sample them!!
I can't say anything from a driver/engineer view myself so I won't disagree or agree with you, but from my own passenger experience on Optares, they seem fairly decent buses. The Hybrid Versas in particular are absolutely fantastic. Maybe I've just had good experiences but that's just my own two cents.
Yeah the interiors seem nice the seats are good and comfy and the white plastics and ceiling make for a nice environment. But are they built to last? They rattle, handle poorly and the materials dont seem to be strong or built to last. Yes, white plastics look nice but they are highly impractical, compared to say your standard nx spec. The problems come with reliability and vehicle availability which has led companies such as trent barton to stray from buying optare buses many times due to reliability and that of the tempo sr's is appaling and I have also heard of leaking roofs etc. All of which seems poor. It seems wrong to complain/put the blame on poor maintainance when companies such as go north east and trent barton have had major issues.
The 03 reg solo's always seem like there ready to breakdown one of them might be 20538 seems to struggle from 1st to 2nd gear there like a long pause before finally finding the gear the 57 reg ones seem a lot better.
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 07:06:49 PM
The 03 reg solo's always seem like there ready to breakdown one of them might be 20538 seems to struggle from 1st to 2nd gear there like a long pause before finally finding the gear the 57 reg ones seem a lot better.
Yep these are especially bad having been worked hard and also being ex lease where lets face it many of these operators wont care for the buses as well as if they were their own buses/assets. Proves the point that they are badly made minibuses not suited to hard work
The solo's at diamond are good for the local centro tendered services for example the 24/30/54/54A but when they turn up on the 4 and 301 there useless and when the sun's comes out there lucky to last the whole day in service.
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 07:12:10 PM
The solo's at diamond are good for the local centro tendered services for example the 24/30/54/54A but when they turn up on the 4 and 301 there useless and when the sun's comes out there lucky to last the whole day in service.
Really though the darts that are far older seem far more reliable, good solid buses that diamond can rely on, unlike the solos. To be honest for tendered stuff diamond would be better using MPDs.
The air systems also have serious issues; the other day I was getting off an old solo and the driver tried to open the doors. Nothing happens; so he tells me just to pull them open! Then again about last week later, funny enough the same driver, said just to press the door open button. It's ridiculous; that same week one of the Versas I saw broken down on the S2 (I was meant to catch that bus, but missed it); then another Versa lost its' air on the 82. They are pretty bad considering most are 10 reg and 61 reg!
Quote from: Liberator9 on March 24, 2013, 08:29:18 PM
The air systems also have serious issues; the other day I was getting off an old solo and the driver tried to open the doors. Nothing happens; so he tells me just to pull them open! Then again about last week later, funny enough the same driver, said just to press the door open button. It's ridiculous; that same week one of the Versas I saw broken down on the S2 (I was meant to catch that bus, but missed it); then another Versa lost its' air on the 82. They are pretty bad considering most are 10 reg and 61 reg!
This is awful and I have heard many similar stories from drivers. Why anyone buys them is a mystery to me!!
I wonder if the hybrids will ever return to Tividale, they just seem lost originally for the 56 and 301 (according to diamond buses personnel on facebook) they have just seem to have ended up on the 16 I understand why due to the emission ruling in the city centre but with the loading on the 16 6XMPD darts would have probably provided the required capacity with the hybrids being ideal on more stop/start services may be upgrading the 40/42/43 with some of them in West Bromwich.
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 09:26:24 PM
I wonder if the hybrids will ever return to Tividale, they just seem lost originally for the 56 and 301 (according to diamond buses personnel on facebook) they have just seem to have ended up on the 16 I understand why due to the emission ruling in the city centre but with the loading on the 16 6XMPD darts would have probably provided the required capacity with the hybrids being ideal on more stop/start services may be upgrading the 40/42/43 with some of them in West Bromwich.
I guess rotala thought that the hybrids wouldd revive loadings on the 16 which has certainly NOT happened. To revive the 16 and the 50 as I have said before branding is required on dedicated buses and on the 50 upping the frequency as the buses on there seem to do well-they just need a few more on there as people are buying the returns. It would be good if Green Bus and Diamond could reach some sort of a deal on the 50 maybe with joint ticketing and really attack NXWM together as between them they would put up a very good fight.
Quote from: Peter123 on March 24, 2013, 09:40:15 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 09:26:24 PM
I wonder if the hybrids will ever return to Tividale, they just seem lost originally for the 56 and 301 (according to diamond buses personnel on facebook) they have just seem to have ended up on the 16 I understand why due to the emission ruling in the city centre but with the loading on the 16 6XMPD darts would have probably provided the required capacity with the hybrids being ideal on more stop/start services may be upgrading the 40/42/43 with some of them in West Bromwich.
I guess rotala thought that the hybrids wouldd revive loadings on the 16 which has certainly NOT happened. To revive the 16 and the 50 as I have said before branding is required on dedicated buses and on the 50 upping the frequency as the buses on there seem to do well-they just need a few more on there as people are buying the returns. It would be good if Green Bus and Diamond could reach some sort of a deal on the 50 maybe with joint ticketing and really attack NXWM together as between them they would put up a very good fight.
Very good idea, and couldn't agree more with the branding issue. The 50 does need frequency increasing but not sure about the 16. The 16 just seems to have too many buses for the amount of passengers I see travelling. I really think they should of kept the 97 on too!
Does anyone know exactly when diamond will be getting the b7rle's i presuming the older ones will enter before the new ones as I expect they haven't been built yet. Also agree that the 50 needs to have it's frequency increased to make diamond serious competition the service I would say withdraw off the 16 and put the hybrids and centro's on the 50 making 13 vehicles on route (8 hybrids + 5 centros).
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 09:26:24 PM
I wonder if the hybrids will ever return to Tividale, they just seem lost originally for the 56 and 301 (according to diamond buses personnel on facebook)
As I've inferred before, once the original Wessex placement fell through, the Versa's were earmarked for a 24/7 operation on the 97 from City - BHX/NEC. (Sounds familiar ?? ;) )
The new buses could be used for the 002 route as part of the Merry Hill upgrade and this route having on vehicle talking display.
The 50 should have a few more buses and all hybrids on this route.
Quote from: Mike360 on March 24, 2013, 11:56:41 PM
The new buses could be used for the 002 route as part of the Merry Hill upgrade and this route having on vehicle talking display.
The 50 should have a few more buses and all hybrids on this route.
I forgot about the upgrade so you could be right they might be for the 002 with hopefully Tividale keeping the displaced centro's and using them on other services.
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 11:41:01 PM
Does anyone know exactly when diamond will be getting the b7rle's i presuming the older ones will enter before the new ones as I expect they haven't been built yet. Also agree that the 50 needs to have it's frequency increased to make diamond serious competition the service I would say withdraw off the 16 and put the hybrids and centro's on the 50 making 13 vehicles on route (8 hybrids + 5 centros).
The new B7RLE could be being sourced from Volvo bus & coach stock? If that is the case, they could take delivery of them quite quickly
There is no point in putting new buses on the 002 when the ones on there are in great nick and branded up. Yes, the B7rles could be sourced from stock it is a possibility. Yes, the frequency on the 50 should be upped and is it true about diamond planning to run the 97 24hrs a day to the airport.
Quote from: Ash on March 24, 2013, 11:41:01 PM
Does anyone know exactly when diamond will be getting the b7rle's i presuming the older ones will enter before the new ones as I expect they haven't been built yet. Also agree that the 50 needs to have it's frequency increased to make diamond serious competition the service I would say withdraw off the 16 and put the hybrids and centro's on the 50 making 13 vehicles on route (8 hybrids + 5 centros).
I think my posting that started this subject (posting number 1) answers your question!
One of Midland Classic's is at Long Acre this morning
Quote from: Tony on March 29, 2013, 07:28:52 AM
One of Midland Classic's is at Long Acre this morning
Thanks for the update Tony, I wonder if they might sneak into service by the end of this week I wonder what services will get them but knowing diamond they will be spread out all over their services as 30209 was out on the 67 today the amount of passengers on that service a car would be too big let along a full sized cadet.
I wonder if the b7rle's from midland classic have all arrived and been painted into the new blue diamond livery yet. Can anyone confirm if they are for a specific service or are just for general use on most diamond services and also what are they likely to replace in the fleet.
I would hazard a guess with the Ex Midland Classics they could go to Redditch to free up some of the Midi Darts or Centros to go else where. and the newer ones I have no idea
Quote from: tank90 on April 07, 2013, 05:13:21 PM
I would hazard a guess with the Ex Midland Classics they could go to Redditch to free up some of the Midi Darts or Centros to go else where. and the newer ones I have no idea
Apparently there all for Tividale, I did notice a red diamond b7rle was parked up at Tividale last week for a couple of days may still be there now not sure if it has anything to do with the new buses arriving driving training as the b7rle's have been used at Tividale on occasions before.
Quote from: Ash on April 07, 2013, 05:45:55 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 07, 2013, 05:13:21 PM
I would hazard a guess with the Ex Midland Classics they could go to Redditch to free up some of the Midi Darts or Centros to go else where. and the newer ones I have no idea
Apparently there all for Tividale, I did notice a red diamond b7rle was parked up at Tividale last week for a couple of days may still be there now not sure if it has anything to do with the new buses arriving driving training as the b7rle's have been used at Tividale on occasions before.
There was a Red Diamond Volvo B7RLE parked in Kiddiminster depot on Easter Sunday
I remember for a short time the 59 service at Tividale used red diamond's b7rle's and even appeared occasionally on the 404E. Personally I think the centro's look better and quite unusual shame they don't make them anymore as the interiors are quite good especially for leg room and also quite quick buses.
An ex midland classic b7rle repainted into the new blue diamond livery on the 4 service today :D
Quote from: Ash on April 08, 2013, 10:02:05 AM
An ex midland classic b7rle repainted into the new blue diamond livery on the 4 service today :D
That's quick. Any idea of the reg Ash?
AE57FXW is the reg just looked outside the window as it was passing, I think the blue livery really suits it looking very smart.
Quote from: Ash on April 08, 2013, 10:50:02 AM
AE57FXW is the reg just looked outside the window as it was passing, I think the blue livery really suits it looking very smart.
Thanks Ash. Will have to try and find it soon!!
A new 62 reg enviro 200 demostrator on the 40 yx62fdg
Are all the ex midland classics E200?
Quote from: dgss1 on April 09, 2013, 01:15:25 PM
Are all the ex midland classics E200?
No, Volvo B7RLE/Wright
Quote from: Ash on April 09, 2013, 10:46:21 AM
A new 62 reg enviro 200 demostrator on the 40 yx62fdg
This is promising
http://www.flickr.com/photos/welshpete2007/8450342691/
That is the bus that was on the 40 today, leather seating and tinted windows. Needed a diamond logo somewhere though especially with NXWM using the same type of vehicle on the service. Not sure why they need the demonstrator as they already have an enviro 200 in the fleet even if it isn't one of the best.
AE57 FXW on the 4 again. Pic to follow. Also got a picture of the Enviro200 on the 40
Here is 'AE57 FXW'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8635511838/
Any idea of the fleetnumber?
Enviro200 demo -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8634411619
Not sure of the fleet number for AE57FXW the smaller fleet name on the side look better but could do with some sort of slogan as it's very plain. Not sure if these b7rle are gonna be used on the 4 on a regular basis but apart from the 301 there's not much call for them on any other diamond services as both the 56 and 002 have their own centro's.
Quote from: Ash on April 09, 2013, 06:44:31 PM
Not sure of the fleet number for AE57FXW the smaller fleet name on the side look better but could do with some sort of slogan as it's very plain. Not sure if these b7rle are gonna be used on the 4 on a regular basis but apart from the 301 there's not much call for them on any other diamond services as both the 56 and 002 have their own centro's.
Sorry off topic a little but
are Diamonds Centros and NXWM Ominilinks the same length or are the ominilinks longer
NXWM omnilinks are B43F so can seat 43 passengers
Diamond full length centro's i.e. the royale ones can seat 45 passengers B45F
I mean i'm not sure but I would think the centro's are slightly longer.
Diamonds Centros are 12.1m long
That E200 looks fantastic :o
Quote from: JackC on April 09, 2013, 11:54:02 PM
That E200 looks fantastic :o
If you think the outside is good you should see the interior. If diamond get some they will probably order 1 lol.
Quote from: Ash on April 09, 2013, 11:55:22 PM
Quote from: JackC on April 09, 2013, 11:54:02 PM
That E200 looks fantastic :o
If you think the outside is good you should see the interior. If diamond get some they will probably order 1 lol.
Any pictures?
Quote from: John on April 09, 2013, 06:37:45 PM
Enviro200 demo -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8634411619
It looks a lot better than their other examples
Quote from: JackC on April 10, 2013, 12:01:02 AM
Quote from: Ash on April 09, 2013, 11:55:22 PM
Quote from: JackC on April 09, 2013, 11:54:02 PM
That E200 looks fantastic :o
If you think the outside is good you should see the interior. If diamond get some they will probably order 1 lol.
Any pictures?
I only had a quick glance inside through the tinted window as I was a 15 year old dart on the 4 at the time but I think it's high backed leather seats similar to the royale centro's.
It would be nice for diamond to buy some enviro 400s and more volvo b7rles but with two nice looking MAN/plaxton centros in this week's route one, do we think rotala could buy two more of these?
I hope they do then hopefully they can replace some of the darts ?
I dont see why they cant arrange something with ADL to replace Darts and Pesidents with E200s and E400s and may be a few E300s with the veiw of helping ADL to sell them in Africa or parts of India.
I thin Diamond should buy some e200's to replace the darts
and some MCV's/B7RLES
I think some second hand centro's would be a good purchase and there reliable and smart looking buses. I would prefer centro's over enviro 200's as already have quite a few it would provide some consistency in vehicle types. Also will be good when the new b7rle's enter service and the additional b7rle's from midland classic. Also are diamond getting 3 of the older one's from Wessex.
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
I wouldn't imagine the BD 50 requires Doubles hence why its always small darts,
But with a push the 56 could be converted to doubles on a Monday-Friday Peak hours instead of the small darts Ive seen appear on there
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
I wouldn't imagine the BD 50 requires Doubles hence why its always small darts,
But with a push the 56 could be converted to doubles on a Monday-Friday Peak hours instead of the small darts Ive seen appear on there
The small darts/solo's are peak extras that come off centro funded services. This is the reason for the smaller buses which most will be allowed in Birmingham with the emission ruling.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
I wouldn't imagine the BD 50 requires Doubles hence why its always small darts,
But with a push the 56 could be converted to doubles on a Monday-Friday Peak hours instead of the small darts Ive seen appear on there
But if you want to attack TGB then thats the only way to do it as well as fares.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
But with a push the 56 could be converted to doubles on a Monday-Friday Peak hours instead of the small darts Ive seen appear on there
I do agree with that Nathan, something I've been thinking about for a while. I saw 20855 yesterday at 5.30pm. That left full, as did the red/white dart before that at 5.15. Some nice Some new Gemini hybrids would be nice for the 56, the same as Preston (unless there's a height restriction). It also keeps up the Hybrid theme on the 56, replacing the Versa's.
true true or E400Hs
Quote from: John on April 09, 2013, 06:37:45 PM
Here is 'AE57 FXW'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8635511838/
Any idea of the fleetnumber?
I have been told in a comment on my picture that it is 30833. Tony's Rotala changes also show this
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
Dan,
What sort of time frame were you basing the above bulk order on? I like your thinking, but I think the chances of that ever happening are slim to none, Rotala don't buy new buses in quantity, it's generally only small quantities of new vehicles, supplemented by newer used vehicles. As for Diamond ever getting new E400's, I reckon you've got no chance; the vast majority of Diamond's loadings don't justify double deckers, let alone brand new ones. Redditch may get some newer double deckers in the future as all the Tridents allocated there are 13/14 years old (T/V reg), but I expect these will be second-hand possibly ex London again.
The Centro body has been discontinued and was never built on the Dart SLF/E200 chassis, so unless Rotala would be prepared to order hundreds of them I don't think that will be a viable option
I agree there is not one diamond service out of Tividale that needs double deckers, if there was they would have had some a long while ago and be in service this present day. There are two yourbus presidents parked up at Long Acre not sure if there for sale or going to be brought and used at Redditch. The b7rle being brought in will have the capacity for any of diamond's service. Unless the peak time extra's get taken off a commercial service or get taken straight out of the garage they will always remain to be a MPD or solo. Some older centro's would be a good suggestion to be brought in and use them on some of the service in West Bromwich where the main concentration of Black diamond services are.
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2013, 10:29:12 PM
I agree there is not one diamond service out of Tividale that needs double deckers, if there was they would have had some a long while ago and be in service this present day. There are two yourbus presidents parked up at Long Acre not sure if there for sale or going to be brought and used at Redditch. The b7rle being brought in will have the capacity for any of diamond's service. Unless the peak time extra's get taken off a commercial service or get taken straight out of the garage they will always remain to be a MPD or solo. Some older centro's would be a good suggestion to be brought in and use them on some of the service in West Bromwich where the main concentration of Black diamond services are.
Thought i saw a report somewhere saying that there were four now at Long Acre, originally on the Yourbus group they were supposed to be destined for Wessex, but plans could have changed? The 10 ex First Trident/Presidents are still for sale in the latest Routeone today
30130 the all over green wrapped hybrid was on the X30 today. These hybrid versa's just seem a waste being put on any random service at Long Acre. I know there will be a couple spare ones when 6 have been allocated to the 16 but surely they would of better use on service 301 for example which is stop/start and the leather seats and mood lighting would make good publicity and attract more people to the service. You might aswell transfer the existing solo's at Tividale to Long Acre in a swop for the hybrid versa's and use them on the 301 and may be the two others on the 4/40/42/43.
Quote from: Winston on April 10, 2013, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
Dan,
What sort of time frame were you basing the above bulk order on? I like your thinking, but I think the chances of that ever happening are slim to none, Rotala don't buy new buses in quantity, it's generally only small quantities of new vehicles, supplemented by newer used vehicles. As for Diamond ever getting new E400's, I reckon you've got no chance; the vast majority of Diamond's loadings don't justify double deckers, let alone brand new ones. Redditch may get some newer double deckers in the future as all the Tridents allocated there are 13/14 years old (T/V reg), but I expect these will be second-hand possibly ex London again.
The Centro body has been discontinued and was never built on the Dart SLF/E200 chassis, so unless Rotala would be prepared to order hundreds of them I don't think that will be a viable option
I do see your point, but RH can make the loadings for new E400s tho, the 57/58 could easierly make the loading with a frequency of upto every 5 mins peak as there are 3 high schools and other middle and First schools. Also it would show the good folk of Redditch they care, as if TGB are going to extend the 50A Diamond are going to feel it.
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 11:29:02 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 10, 2013, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
Dan,
What sort of time frame were you basing the above bulk order on? I like your thinking, but I think the chances of that ever happening are slim to none, Rotala don't buy new buses in quantity, it's generally only small quantities of new vehicles, supplemented by newer used vehicles. As for Diamond ever getting new E400's, I reckon you've got no chance; the vast majority of Diamond's loadings don't justify double deckers, let alone brand new ones. Redditch may get some newer double deckers in the future as all the Tridents allocated there are 13/14 years old (T/V reg), but I expect these will be second-hand possibly ex London again.
The Centro body has been discontinued and was never built on the Dart SLF/E200 chassis, so unless Rotala would be prepared to order hundreds of them I don't think that will be a viable option
I do see your point, but RH can make the loadings for new E400s tho, the 57/58 could easierly make the loading with a frequency of upto every 5 mins peak as there are 3 high schools and other middle and First schools. Also it would show the good folk of Redditch they care, as if TGB are going to extend the 50A Diamond are going to feel it.
Diamond might lose out on a few cash fares but I guess most regular users of the service and school children will have some sort of diamond pass.
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 11:29:02 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 10, 2013, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 10, 2013, 09:36:46 PM
I was thinking one big bulk order with some form structured plan, ie enough E400s for Preston Wessex and RH & LA (50 Brum to Druids) and then replace All darts over an age ie R,S,T,V,W,X,Y,51 with full lenght E200s thus meanig they will have buses to suit there needs in the Midlands if Wessex need smaller ones then buy them smaller ones as well but would never make it up here unless to replace Solos! Then if Diamond kept the best Solos they have for workings that need a bus that big they will be rolling in it.
buying E300s was only an idea so they only had to make one order.
Im sure you can buy An E200 with a centro body as they are made by the same company at a different site. You'd never know till they asked.
Dan,
What sort of time frame were you basing the above bulk order on? I like your thinking, but I think the chances of that ever happening are slim to none, Rotala don't buy new buses in quantity, it's generally only small quantities of new vehicles, supplemented by newer used vehicles. As for Diamond ever getting new E400's, I reckon you've got no chance; the vast majority of Diamond's loadings don't justify double deckers, let alone brand new ones. Redditch may get some newer double deckers in the future as all the Tridents allocated there are 13/14 years old (T/V reg), but I expect these will be second-hand possibly ex London again.
The Centro body has been discontinued and was never built on the Dart SLF/E200 chassis, so unless Rotala would be prepared to order hundreds of them I don't think that will be a viable option
I do see your point, but RH can make the loadings for new E400s tho, the 57/58 could easierly make the loading with a frequency of upto every 5 mins peak as there are 3 high schools and other middle and First schools. Also it would show the good folk of Redditch they care, as if TGB are going to extend the 50A Diamond are going to feel it.
Haven't there also been issues with vandalism in Redditch when using double deckers on the 57/58 & also at one time services were suspended after 8pm due to risk of attack etc. I think Diamond would need to making some serious wedge in Redditch to justify them investing that kind of money in brand new double deckers. I will be interesting to see what the 10 x Trident/Presidents are replaced with, as they are still currently for sale, Rotala could be using the ex Yourbus Trident in to replace them which are X-reg so not much newer. It wont hurt Diamond to gain some competition, it may help keep them on there toes.....
I think it's interesting to how diamond compete with NXWM in the West Midlands on services such as the 4/40/42/43/301 as only a few people actually purchase a diamond bus pass, which means diamond must do well at selling their return tickets, accumulating cash fares and the money they get from the n passes and concessionary passes.
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2013, 11:58:02 PM
I think it's interesting to how diamond compete with NXWM in the West Midlands on services such as the 4/40/42/43/301 as only a few people actually purchase a diamond bus pass, which means diamond must do well at selling their return tickets, accumulating cash fares and the money they get from the n passes and concessionary passes.
I would imagine nxwm loose out a lot on nbus ticket repeat tickets, I know when ive used one the driver have just registered it as a repeat travelcard and not registering it as a nbus so obviously would be loosing out.
On the subject of newer buses I think Centros would be a good solid idea and I would love to see the ones from Minsterley Motors bought or something similar. Then the ones on the daf chasis for smaller routes and more MAN ones. Really like the centro and its such a shame they are discountiued I know if I had a company I would definely be a customer for them. I really hope rotala don't get enviro 400's and to be honest proberly enviro 200 from my enthuistast point of view they are too common are boring. Would love to see more optare versas coming in and ones with the cummins engines would be a bonus maybe even some tempos. Or for a double decker the wright bus would be a better option or even the mcv one.
New B7RLE's parked up at Long Acre this afternoon
Quote from: andy on April 12, 2013, 04:22:10 PM
New B7RLE's parked up at Long Acre this afternoon
Must have been bought from volvo stock them-anyone got any pictures and surely with these new buses they could paint them in a less bland livery and shout about the fact that theyre new-at least for a bit
Quote from: Peter123 on April 12, 2013, 06:29:37 PM
Quote from: andy on April 12, 2013, 04:22:10 PM
New B7RLE's parked up at Long Acre this afternoon
Must have been bought from volvo stock them-anyone got any pictures and surely with these new buses they could paint them in a less bland livery and shout about the fact that theyre new-at least for a bit
Any idea what services there specifically going to be used on. Surely will be a waste if there going to be just dotted around anywhere. Also aren't diamond going to be receiving 3 b7rle's from Wessex as there to receive some new buses as well.
I think that diamond should extend the 50 to Redditch via 57 and 58 route, transfer to redditch, and use the wright eclipse urbans there on that route, keep the deckers that are currently for sale, do an X56 and put the wright eclipse urbans on that route with spares going on the 56
Quote from: dgss1 on April 13, 2013, 02:51:53 PM
I think that diamond should extend the 50 to Redditch via 57 and 58 route, transfer to redditch, and use the wright eclipse urbans there on that route, keep the deckers that are currently for sale, do an X56 and put the wright eclipse urbans on that route with spares going on the 56
What a great idea!! but I would personally still prefer to see them on the 4
Quote from: dannygill on April 14, 2013, 12:45:56 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on April 13, 2013, 02:51:53 PM
I think that diamond should extend the 50 to Redditch via 57 and 58 route, transfer to redditch, and use the wright eclipse urbans there on that route, keep the deckers that are currently for sale, do an X56 and put the wright eclipse urbans on that route with spares going on the 56
What a great idea!! but I would personally still prefer to see them on the 4
They rather need to be on the 4 if Diamond have any hope of reviving their fortunes on the route.
Quote from: JackC on April 14, 2013, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: dannygill on April 14, 2013, 12:45:56 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on April 13, 2013, 02:51:53 PM
I think that diamond should extend the 50 to Redditch via 57 and 58 route, transfer to redditch, and use the wright eclipse urbans there on that route, keep the deckers that are currently for sale, do an X56 and put the wright eclipse urbans on that route with spares going on the 56
What a great idea!! but I would personally still prefer to see them on the 4
They rather need to be on the 4 if Diamond have any hope of reviving their fortunes on the route.
The ex56 centros go onto the 4, with the E200's and keep some of the cadets for the 4
Quote from: JackC on April 14, 2013, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: dannygill on April 14, 2013, 12:45:56 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on April 13, 2013, 02:51:53 PM
I think that diamond should extend the 50 to Redditch via 57 and 58 route, transfer to redditch, and use the wright eclipse urbans there on that route, keep the deckers that are currently for sale, do an X56 and put the wright eclipse urbans on that route with spares going on the 56
What a great idea!! but I would personally still prefer to see them on the 4
They rather need to be on the 4 if Diamond have any hope of reviving their fortunes on the route.
Diamond's 4 service I don't believe is struggling Monday to Saturday daytime's. It shouldn't be struggling on a Sunday or with it's evening service but thanks to timetable changes that thinks running 5-10 Minutes behind NXWM is going to work it is going to be withdrawn. Previously when it was the 404E the Sunday service was well used and could easily be successful commercially I remember traveling on full MCV's on the service on a Sunday but to be honest someone has really messed up the timetable.
Im coming round to the opinion that the 56 is their most successful route as last saturday i saw it take on huge loads in birmingham city centre-it must do well. If so, begs the question why arriva axed it. Mind you, the same could be said about the X31
Quote from: Peter123 on April 14, 2013, 08:00:54 PM
Im coming round to the opinion that the 56 is their most successful route as last saturday i saw it take on huge loads in birmingham city centre-it must do well. If so, begs the question why arriva axed it. Mind you, the same could be said about the X31
Yes I agree with the 56, and I think the 002 is another successful route, whenever I have been on it, that is nearly full.
Was it an old Ludlows route, or Diamonds own?
002 was a Ludlows route
Quote from: John on April 14, 2013, 08:06:43 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 14, 2013, 08:00:54 PM
Im coming round to the opinion that the 56 is their most successful route as last saturday i saw it take on huge loads in birmingham city centre-it must do well. If so, begs the question why arriva axed it. Mind you, the same could be said about the X31
Yes I agree with the 56, and I think the 002 is another successful route, whenever I have been on it, that is nearly full.
Was it an old Ludlows route, or Diamonds own?
I believe it was a previous Ludlows route, as well as the 004, 417 & a few others
There is just a comparison in terms of passengers as I know profit would be affected due to the frequency but the 56 is every half hour compared to the 4 which every 6 minutes so does the 56 take more passengers in 1 bus or the 4 service in 5 buses. Also the 4 is a quick service from only Walsall to West Bromwich which takes only 24 minutes. So could possible do 3 all around trips compared to 1 all round trip of the 56.
30832 now in service on the 4 the second ex midland classic b7rle to enter service with diamond.
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30835.html
Tony has uploaded a photo of one of the new 13 reg b7rle's looking very smart in the diamond livery.
how many B7RLE's are they having in all & when will they all be in service i take it they will be on the 4
Quote from: Ash on April 18, 2013, 09:30:07 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30835.html
Tony has uploaded a photo of one of the new 13 reg b7rle's looking very smart in the diamond livery.
All four new ones are currently in Long Acre fully painted and taxed, two more photos should appear shortly
I would imagine it's either just the lighting or me going mad but it looks as if they don't have side displays :o
Quote from: JackC on April 18, 2013, 10:28:17 PM
I would imagine it's either just the lighting or me going mad but it looks as if they don't have side displays :o
It doesn't look as though they do as its masked off.
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
They still have it think its used on the national grid contract
Quote from: Ash on April 19, 2013, 03:59:19 PM
They still have it think its used on the national grid contract
Cheers Ash-seems a bit of a waste of a new bus though
Its also used on Rail Replacement
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
I thought it was some of the FJ57 batch?
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 04:27:55 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
I thought it was some of the FJ57 batch?
Not sure then? I was under the impression that they might have been newer than those, but I've just checked the start of the thread & Tony doesn't say whether the Wessex ones are Eclipse 1 or 2, only the 3 x 5 year old ex Classic are 57/08 plate. So not sure where I got that from?
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Wessex have as follows:
5 x FJ57--- At Avonmouth in UWE livery (30508/9 & 30813-5)
3 x BX62--- At Avonmouth in Wessex Red Livery (30525-7)
5 x BX62--- At Keysham, 4 in Royal Bath, 1 in Uni Connect (30924-8)
I think my money is on 3 x BX62--- (30525-7) coming to Tividale, I have thought they may have replaced all 5 x 57 plate in UWE livery rather than just 3? No doubt I'll be wrong though......
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:58:28 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 04:27:55 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
I thought it was some of the FJ57 batch?
Not sure then? I was under the impression that they might have been newer than those, but I've just checked the start of the thread & Tony doesn't say whether the Wessex ones are Eclipse 1 or 2, only the 3 x 5 year old ex Classic are 57/08 plate. So not sure where I got that from?
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Yeah shocking news for us in Redditch and Kidder. Mind you I wounder what the V reg darts are like that were on the 37, if they are in good nick paint them blue and pack them off to Kidder then use Solos on the 141 and 133 and maybe a newish network map for Bromsgrove (splitting up the 143 abit from the railway station).
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:58:28 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 04:27:55 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
I thought it was some of the FJ57 batch?
Not sure then? I was under the impression that they might have been newer than those, but I've just checked the start of the thread & Tony doesn't say whether the Wessex ones are Eclipse 1 or 2, only the 3 x 5 year old ex Classic are 57/08 plate. So not sure where I got that from?
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Wessex have as follows:
5 x FJ57--- At Avonmouth in UWE livery (30508/9 & 30813-5)
3 x BX62--- At Avonmouth in Wessex Red Livery (30525-7)
5 x BX62--- At Keysham, 4 in Royal Bath, 1 in Uni Connect (30924-8)
I think my money is on 3 x BX62--- (30525-7) coming to Tividale, I have thought they may have replaced all 5 x 57 plate in UWE livery rather than just 3? No doubt I'll be wrong though......
I would be surprised if such new buses newly painted moved over
Quote from: tank90 on April 19, 2013, 05:08:29 PM
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Yeah shocking news for us in Redditch and Kidder. Mind you I wounder what the V reg darts are like that were on the 37, if they are in good nick paint them blue and pack them off to Kidder then use Solos on the 141 and 133 and maybe a newish network map for Bromsgrove (splitting up the 143 abit from the railway station).
[/quote]
There are quite a few bigger Darts parked up out of use in Tividale's overflow yard that could be used in the interim, plus two 05 plate ex Travel London MPD's, they will more than likely be missing a few panels of bodywork. The V-reg Darts were withdrawn as route 37 ceased & they wouldn't have complied with the Min Euro 3 B'ham emission zone
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 05:21:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:58:28 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 04:27:55 PM
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 03:27:44 PM
Did blue diamond have an existing wright eclipse 2 in white that was new last year or have i made that up? If so, anyone know where it is-is it the white eclipse in one of the photos of the new buses?
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
I thought it was some of the FJ57 batch?
Not sure then? I was under the impression that they might have been newer than those, but I've just checked the start of the thread & Tony doesn't say whether the Wessex ones are Eclipse 1 or 2, only the 3 x 5 year old ex Classic are 57/08 plate. So not sure where I got that from?
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Wessex have as follows:
5 x FJ57--- At Avonmouth in UWE livery (30508/9 & 30813-5)
3 x BX62--- At Avonmouth in Wessex Red Livery (30525-7)
5 x BX62--- At Keysham, 4 in Royal Bath, 1 in Uni Connect (30924-8)
I think my money is on 3 x BX62--- (30525-7) coming to Tividale, I have thought they may have replaced all 5 x 57 plate in UWE livery rather than just 3? No doubt I'll be wrong though......
I would be surprised if such new buses newly painted moved over
I can see where you're coming from but on the other hand it wouldn't be good for Diamond Bus/Tividale getting 6 x 5yr old B7RLE & 4 brand new ones either. They'd be older than native examples at Redditch. I was thinking unless the 3 x 62 plate Wessex Red examples need repainting to suit a contract extension at UWE or something?
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 05:26:12 PM
Quote from: tank90 on April 19, 2013, 05:08:29 PM
Just noticed Tony's other statement 'There will be no capital expenditure at Kidderminster or Redditch until the purchase is given the OK by the OFT'
Yeah shocking news for us in Redditch and Kidder. Mind you I wounder what the V reg darts are like that were on the 37, if they are in good nick paint them blue and pack them off to Kidder then use Solos on the 141 and 133 and maybe a newish network map for Bromsgrove (splitting up the 143 abit from the railway station).
There are quite a few bigger Darts parked up out of use in Tividale's overflow yard that could be used in the interim, plus two 05 plate ex Travel London MPD's, they will more than likely be missing a few panels of bodywork. The V-reg Darts were withdrawn as route 37 ceased & they wouldn't have complied with the Min Euro 3 B'ham emission zone
[/quote]
Those V reg darts are knackered seriously-one was on the 82 a year or so ago and so, so slow and underpowered. I think the 05 darts are on rotala's for sale list...
Quote from: Peter123 on April 19, 2013, 06:14:23 PM
I think the 05 darts are on rotala's for sale list...
I'm pretty sure they are the two advertised @ £33k each, nothing seems to be selling very quick. I think the two MPD's were originally £35k or more
Quote from: Winston on April 19, 2013, 04:18:09 PM
30923 BD62FGD, I presume it could be some of the rest of this batch that went to Wessex that could be returning to supplement the brand new & ex Classic examples @ Tividale
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55059449@N06/page1/
At the moment the ex midland classic b7rle's are being used on the 4 and most likely the new b7rle's and the ones from Wessex will too. But with a PVR of 15 I'm guessing the other buses will be made up of the enviro 200, mcv evolution along with a cadet or too as lately both the enviro 200 and mcv has been allocated to the 4 service along with the enviro 200 demonstrator.
Are the Ex Midland Classic B7RLEs Eclipse Urban 1 or 2??
Quote from: trainbasher on April 19, 2013, 10:23:48 PM
Are the Ex Midland Classic B7RLEs Eclipse Urban 1 or 2??
Urban 1
Been on two of the ex midland classic b7rle's now must say there nice buses with plenty of room for passengers and hardly any rattles due to them being solidly built compared to mcv evolutions that used to be on the 4
Bk13nzs on the 4
Quote from: dannygill on April 25, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Bk13nzs on the 4
I was just going to post that on here Danny as one of the new 13 reg ones just whizzed past my house.
Only one ive seen of the new volvos on the 4 from a trip over from walsall
The new one on 4 today is very rattlely!! And been told by a driver that volvo will be recalling the new ones as there is something wromg with the engines. Dont know what in particular anyone shed some light?
Quote from: dannygill on April 25, 2013, 02:52:26 PM
The new one on 4 today is very rattlely!! And been told by a driver that volvo will be recalling the new ones as there is something wromg with the engines. Dont know what in particular anyone shed some light?
Well they were nice while they lasted.... MCV situation all over again??
Quote from: Ash on April 25, 2013, 11:16:23 AM
Quote from: dannygill on April 25, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Bk13nzs on the 4
I was just going to post that on here Danny as one of the new 13 reg ones just whizzed past my house.
Here it is
http://wmbusphotos.com/diamondpages/30836.html
On the topic of new rotala buses, why have the ex travel london darts that were acquired been withdrawn without entering service-surely these could replace a couple of older MPDs?
Does anyone else think that the second hand ones with bonded glazing and the old style front look far far better than the ugly new ones?
Quote from: Peter123 on April 25, 2013, 06:46:05 PM
Does anyone else think that the second hand ones with bonded glazing and the old style front look far far better than the ugly new ones?
I prefer the new look eclipse with the black on the front like nx2153. I think the all over colour like diamond have done and what nx have done to the rest of the fleet make them look boring where as arriva's pulsars look great. I do prefer the new look eclipse but the engine in them is just a waste of time really don't like the new Volvo engines!
Quote from: dannygill on April 25, 2013, 06:58:26 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on April 25, 2013, 06:46:05 PM
Does anyone else think that the second hand ones with bonded glazing and the old style front look far far better than the ugly new ones?
I prefer the new look eclipse with the black on the front like nx2153. I think the all over colour like diamond have done and what nx have done to the rest of the fleet make them look boring where as arriva's pulsars look great. I do prefer the new look eclipse but the engine in them is just a waste of time really don't like the new Volvo engines!
Yeah I agree-some of arrivas pulsars do look good and yeah i prefer the engine in the old b7rles too-although maybe its just a case of how the engine management is set up-unsure if different engine
Does anyone think that NXWM will respond to Diamond using new and nearly new buses on the 4?
Quote from: richie on April 25, 2013, 08:28:18 PM
Does anyone think that NXWM will respond to Diamond using new and nearly new buses on the 4?
Doubt it after branding the omnilinks-does anyone else think on the 4 though it would make sense to have nat ex do the 4m and diamond the 4h as opposed to both on both-surely they could reach some sort of agreement??
Nxwm 4H loadings between Halesowen and Blackheath are poor from what i have seen diamond do far better wouldnt suprise me if they pull off the 4H
Quote from: Ash on April 25, 2013, 09:54:55 PM
Nxwm 4H loadings between Halesowen and Blackheath are poor from what i have seen diamond do far better wouldnt suprise me if they pull off the 4H
Adding on the Hasbury/Hayley Green loop to NXWM 4H would help boost passenger numbers, both services are then like for like
The fact NXWM and Diamond's 4H stops at the opposite end in Halesowen doesn't help.
Quote from: Mike360 on April 25, 2013, 11:12:35 PM
The fact NXWM and Diamond's 4H stops at the opposite end in Halesowen doesn't help.
That is one of the big problems but also diamond operates the 4H every 20 minutes compared to NXWM 30 minutes and offers a £2.50 return 40p cheaper than NXWM.
The point did cross my mind. The 4 obvious is a big key important route for both operators. 58 plate omnilinks are getting a little old for such a key route I think. Another route I think the same about is the 997. 57 plates on that very old considering the geminos was just 3 years old when they was replaced
Quote from: dannygill on April 25, 2013, 11:42:07 PM
The point did cross my mind. The 4 obvious is a big key important route for both operators. 58 plate omnilinks are getting a little old for such a key route I think. Another route I think the same about is the 997. 57 plates on that very old considering the geminos was just 3 years old when they was replaced
Normal passengers won't know or indeed look at the age of a vehicle. As long as the buses are in good condition (which the Omnilinks are) there's no need to replace them. Other vehicles need to be replaced first. The introduction of the route branding has extended the life of those vehicles on the route too..
The mercs were on the route for over 10 years and I believe only got replaced due to diamond using the plaxton centro's on the 404B/E/H services otherwise they might have seen a couple more years in service.
Diamond had B7RLE BK13NZU out on the 4H earlier today
Quote from: Ash on April 26, 2013, 10:35:43 AM
The mercs were on the route for over 10 years and I believe only got replaced due to diamond using the plaxton centro's on the 404B/E/H services otherwise they might have seen a couple more years in service.
NXWMhad no choice but to buy new buses because of the cheaper return's and new buses
Bk13nzu on 4 today
Quote from: dannygill on April 27, 2013, 09:04:29 AM
Bk13nzu on 4 today
Managed to find and photo BK13 NZR/NZS/NZU out on the 4 today.
Anyone got any idea of their fleetnumbers?
MX08NNU on the 301 today. haven't seen one of the new eclipses on the 301 yet.