Just to let people know we plan to do a Midland Red West territory tour on Sunday 9th June using Dennis Lance M246MRW. This is free, but kind donations towards the £175 fuel bill will be welcome! Tour is subject to the bus being fit for use on the day.
Itinerary will be as follows.
0900 Lichfield Bus Station (POSITIONING MOVE)
Then MRW territory!
1000 Birmingham, Smallbrook Queensway 146 Stand
1100 Kidderminster Town Hall
Photo stops at Bewdley, Clee Hill, Ludlow on request.
1300 Hereford Country Bus Station arrival.1400 depart.
1515 Worcester Cathedral
Photo stop at Stourport.
1615 Kidderminster
Photo stop at Bromsgrove on request.
1650 Lickey End
1730 Birmingham 146 Stand.
1815 Lichfield
Can you just turn up and go or do you need to confirm a space in advance?
No need to book, just remember to let us know that you're getting on for the tour when you get on. :)
Brilliant, I'll do my best to come :P
Birmingham to Kidderminster in under an hour, good luck with that ;D which way will you go, straight down the A456?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 01, 2013, 11:49:06 PM
Birmingham to Kidderminster in under an hour, good luck with that ;D which way will you go, straight down the A456?
Traffic conditions from Land Oak onwards permitting it's a piece of p!$$, no problem in doing it in under 40 mins - & there's no reason to mess about around Halesowen or Hagley either.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on June 02, 2013, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 01, 2013, 11:49:06 PM
Birmingham to Kidderminster in under an hour, good luck with that ;D which way will you go, straight down the A456?
Traffic conditions from Land Oak onwards permitting it's a piece of p!$$, no problem in doing it in under 40 mins - & there's no reason to mess about around Halesowen or Hagley either.
In a car I suppose, but in a bus... but oh well :P
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 02, 2013, 02:46:09 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on June 02, 2013, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 01, 2013, 11:49:06 PM
Birmingham to Kidderminster in under an hour, good luck with that ;D which way will you go, straight down the A456?
Traffic conditions from Land Oak onwards permitting it's a piece of p!$$, no problem in doing it in under 40 mins - & there's no reason to mess about around Halesowen or Hagley either.
In a car I suppose, but in a bus... but oh well :P
Those Dennis Lance can shift when you want them too, I used to catch them back from a night out up Broad St when MRW did the 9N, they wer packed & the drivers often 'had the pedal to the metal'
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 02, 2013, 02:46:09 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on June 02, 2013, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 01, 2013, 11:49:06 PM
Birmingham to Kidderminster in under an hour, good luck with that ;D which way will you go, straight down the A456?
Traffic conditions from Land Oak onwards permitting it's a piece of p!$$, no problem in doing it in under 40 mins - & there's no reason to mess about around Halesowen or Hagley either.
In a car I suppose, but in a bus... but oh well :P
It's been done in 38 minutes by a MAN/MCV on a 192. I've got the log somewhere but no questions, no pack drill ;)
18mph average speed from Brum to Kidderminster on a Sunday morning, going direct and non-stop doesn't seem that ambitious. If we arrive late in Kidderminster it won't be by much.
Can you get on in Birmingham as opposed to from the start at Lichfield?
Anyone is welcome to board / be dropped off at any "timing point" during the day. With doubt planted in my mind, I've checked the old MRW timings on the 192. M-F was 61 mins via Halesowen, stopping at bus stops, dealing with change and in slower buses. Sundays were 50 mins.
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 02, 2013, 07:00:32 PM
Anyone is welcome to board / be dropped off at any "timing point" during the day. With doubt planted in my mind, I've checked the old MRW timings on the 192. M-F was 61 mins via Halesowen, stopping at bus stops, dealing with change and in slower buses. Sundays were 50 mins.
Cheers-I think its a great idea tbh and sounds fantastic just hope I can make it!
Loved driving the Lances, doing a 144 in one was fun. My favourite was 67234 which was withdrawn a couple of years ago. Glad I got to drive 67254 earlier this year before it retired too.
Sorry to be the stupid one, but I get all the Queensways in Birmingham mixed up... which one is Smallbrook Queensway, and where is the 146 stand?
I am very interested in coming as I have only ever been on one Lance (Green Bus 206) and loved it
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 06, 2013, 07:12:45 PM
Sorry to be the stupid one, but I get all the Queensways in Birmingham mixed up... which one is Smallbrook Queensway, and where is the 146 stand?
I am very interested in coming as I have only ever been on one Lance (Green Bus 206) and loved it
Smallbrook Queensway is near New Street station, I believe the 146 stop is opposite TK Maxx, unless its moved.
Quote from: Stu on June 06, 2013, 07:43:57 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 06, 2013, 07:12:45 PM
Sorry to be the stupid one, but I get all the Queensways in Birmingham mixed up... which one is Smallbrook Queensway, and where is the 146 stand?
I am very interested in coming as I have only ever been on one Lance (Green Bus 206) and loved it
Smallbrook Queensway is near New Street station, I believe the 146 stop is opposite TK Maxx, unless its moved.
Got it thanks Stu ;) looking on Google Street View I know where it is now, I can get a 9 then an 82
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 06, 2013, 07:12:45 PM
Sorry to be the stupid one, but I get all the Queensways in Birmingham mixed up... which one is Smallbrook Queensway, and where is the 146 stand?
I am very interested in coming as I have only ever been on one Lance (Green Bus 206) and loved it
If you walk down from the 61/63 stops you'll find it :P Its over the road from TK Maxx
Quote from: trident4370 on June 06, 2013, 08:05:09 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 06, 2013, 07:12:45 PM
Sorry to be the stupid one, but I get all the Queensways in Birmingham mixed up... which one is Smallbrook Queensway, and where is the 146 stand?
I am very interested in coming as I have only ever been on one Lance (Green Bus 206) and loved it
If you walk down from the 61/63 stops you'll find it :P Its over the road from TK Maxx
It's ok I know where it is now ;) I'll get off the 82 and cross over the road
Are you planning on coming by the way?
146 Stand is NS7 under the Bull Ring link bridge by the old New Street Station entrance.
Loved going on the Lances having been on the Green Bus ones (when TGB used to operate the 63 journey once a day) and the 146 first version often
A great day out, thanks to all who organised and especially Steve for doing all the driving!
Yes an excellent day out and the Lance performed brilliantly, even if it was a bit hair-raising on the Clee Hills!!!
Highlight was the two ladies in Stourport attempting to jump on thinking it was a service bus!
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on June 09, 2013, 11:51:15 PM
Yes an excellent day out and the Lance performed brilliantly, even if it was a bit hair-raising on the Clee Hills!!!
Highlight was the two ladies in Stourport attempting to jump on thinking it was a service bus!
haha that was quite funny, the look she gave Steve as we drove off was priceless
Quote from: trident4370 on June 11, 2013, 12:41:23 AM
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on June 09, 2013, 11:51:15 PM
Yes an excellent day out and the Lance performed brilliantly, even if it was a bit hair-raising on the Clee Hills!!!
Highlight was the two ladies in Stourport attempting to jump on thinking it was a service bus!
haha that was quite funny, the look she gave Steve as we drove off was priceless
What sort of look was it?
And thanks to Steve for driving even though I was only able to hop on for 20 minutes, great Lance and got a few nice kickdowns
Quote from: nitromatt1 on June 11, 2013, 10:38:01 AM
Quote from: trident4370 on June 11, 2013, 12:41:23 AM
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on June 09, 2013, 11:51:15 PM
Yes an excellent day out and the Lance performed brilliantly, even if it was a bit hair-raising on the Clee Hills!!!
Highlight was the two ladies in Stourport attempting to jump on thinking it was a service bus!
haha that was quite funny, the look she gave Steve as we drove off was priceless
What sort of look was it?
And thanks to Steve for driving even though I was only able to hop on for 20 minutes, great Lance and got a few nice kickdowns
The sort of look an Evil Witch gives to somebody they are hexxing...
I proffered the Lynx to the Lance I have to say.
Glad you enjoyed it guys. Kickdowns totally unnecessary on our route out off Brum, but always good to have a bit of fun with the gearbox for enthusiasts :)
And tank90 watch this space as we also own 2 Lynxes. Neither is MoT'd at the moment a it's to expensive to have more than one on the road at any one time.
It was a brilliant day so thanks for organising it :)
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 12, 2013, 08:58:30 AM
Glad you enjoyed it guys. Kickdowns totally unnecessary on our route out off Brum, but always good to have a bit of fun with the gearbox for enthusiasts :)
And tank90 watch this space as we also own 2 Lynxes. Neither is MoT'd at the moment a it's to expensive to have more than one on the road at any one time.
MRW Lynx's are quicker at pulling off the line than most lol.
It would be nice to see them ramberling through Redditch again.
I have never been on a Lynx but have heard great things about them and have watched Youtube vids so would love to ride on one in person
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
Photos from the tour with 246 can be found here. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmtlynx/sets/72157633427307894/
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 01:30:05 PM
Photos from the tour with 246 can be found here. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmtlynx/sets/72157633427307894/
Very nice. Really nice shots. Do you mind if I use one as my Desktop background?
Personal favourite is the one on Clee Hill.
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 01:45:34 PM
Personal favourite is the one on Clee Hill.
I like that one as well :)
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 01:45:34 PM
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 01:30:05 PM
Photos from the tour with 246 can be found here. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmtlynx/sets/72157633427307894/
Very nice. Really nice shots. Do you mind if I use one as my Desktop background?
Personal favourite is the one on Clee Hill.
Feel free to use one as your background :-)
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Nice! I'll book a con day at work and I'll deffo come with you on that one.
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Same here!!!!! Used to love a good ride on the 129. lynxes-fond memories of 1290 in particular on a good run from town to northfield when it was all one route-35. Brilliant stuff
Quote from: Peter123 on June 14, 2013, 03:39:44 PM
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Same here!!!!! Used to love a good ride on the 129. lynxes-fond memories of 1290 in particular on a good run from town to northfield when it was all one route-35. Brilliant stuff
That's what I'm saying!!
I remember a thrash on a Lynx on the rare working when it was on the 18. I used to sit right at the front on the 'sideways seats' over the front n/s wheel.
Remember the fake CCTV box behind the cab, you knew it had nothing in it as the hole for the wires was filled in or had wires leading to no where.
I hate time. I wish those days would just stay.
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Count me in! I used to love the Lynxes being thrashed through Moseley on the 35 years ago, and seeing as it's my local route how could I resist :P
Approx how many people went on the Lance Tour - only in all the photos there seems a distinct lack of people!!
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 03:34:44 PM
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: The Rat on June 14, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 14, 2013, 11:38:06 AM
If yer doing a tour with a Lynx i'm definitely in, I miss them
+1.
Each individual one had their own personalities. I remember those legendary journeys on the 27/35 in Kings Heath. Excellent.
When we have 1292 on the road again, we'll definitely do 27 and 35 on a route tour as those were our local routes too!
Nice! I'll book a con day at work and I'll deffo come with you on that one.
Count me in aswell ;) I went on the AG ones because they were on the 71 & 72 before the B10's came in :)
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 14, 2013, 06:11:02 PM
Approx how many people went on the Lance Tour - only in all the photos there seems a distinct lack of people!!
16 in total this time. We had 22 of us on the previous tour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhC9gpKvucQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player video of 246 leaving Bromyard for Worcester .
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 07:58:02 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 14, 2013, 06:11:02 PM
Approx how many people went on the Lance Tour - only in all the photos there seems a distinct lack of people!!
16 in total this time. We had 22 of us on the previous tour.
I would imagine the reason it looks empty in the photographs is because most of the photos were taken by people on the trip so would be off the bus when photographs were being taken.
Anyone interested in this sort of thing should be advised to keep Saturday 21st September free. There may be a nice event to attend on that day. I can say no more at the moment.
Quote from: Tony on June 14, 2013, 08:21:59 PM
Quote from: wmtlynx on June 14, 2013, 07:58:02 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 14, 2013, 06:11:02 PM
Approx how many people went on the Lance Tour - only in all the photos there seems a distinct lack of people!!
16 in total this time. We had 22 of us on the previous tour.
I would imagine the reason it looks empty in the photographs is because most of the photos were taken by people on the trip so would be off the bus when photographs were being taken.
Anyone interested in this sort of thing should be advised to keep Saturday 21st September free. There may be a nice event to attend on that day. I can say no more at the moment.
Dammit, I'll be in a forest in deepest Gloucestershire with me scouts then...
I came on but only had time for a short hop
I have always wanted to go on a Lynx! From video's I've watched on Youtube they sound great, and I've heard they're pretty nippy too. Count me in for any Lynx trip!
Quote from: Tony on June 14, 2013, 08:21:59 PM
Anyone interested in this sort of thing should be advised to keep Saturday 21st September free. There may be a nice event to attend on that day. I can say no more at the moment.
May there be a certain 1950s double decker involved?
Thanks to the owners of 246 for taking it to Aldridge today. Had a nice trip up to the Chasewater Railway and back! :)
Any update on the Lynxes at all? Any plans for either to be MOT'ed?
The situation with the Lynxes is that we tend to focus on restoration more than rallying.
We like to have a bus to play with each year which we decide in the spring time. We used 1292 in 2006 + 2007, 1142 in 2008+2009, 1292 in 2009-2012, and this year 246.
Technically it ought to be the turn of 1142 next year, if it's ready. We're attempting a very basic tart-up of the exterior for now, in between doing jobs on our main long-term project. A full 'every Sunday for the next ten years' restoration is needed on 1142, but for now the focus is on the short term to be able to get it in a condition where we can use it for another season.
Quote from: wmtlynx on August 21, 2013, 11:06:37 PM
The situation with the Lynxes is that we tend to focus on restoration more than rallying.
We like to have a bus to play with each year which we decide in the spring time. We used 1292 in 2006 + 2007, 1142 in 2008+2009, 1292 in 2009-2012, and this year 246.
Technically it ought to be the turn of 1142 next year, if it's ready. We're attempting a very basic tart-up of the exterior for now, in between doing jobs on our main long-term project. A full 'every Sunday for the next ten years' restoration is needed on 1142, but for now the focus is on the short term to be able to get it in a condition where we can use it for another season.
Had a nice ride on 1142 at Bammot a few years ago-just really glad some lynxes have been preserved as they were my favourite buses by far-full old 35 route on a lynx running a bit late is one of my best bus rides ever. Can't wait and good luck with the restoration and fair play for restoring a couple :)