I saw 4533 either on the 75 or the 80 at West Brom bus station any idea if this has transferred or how many more are going to get transferred and what they are replacing, also has 1584 transferred to BY or on loan
WB have been receiving Geminis from AG and PB in order to upgrade the 127 and 128 to double-decker operation, following customer complaints about overcrowding and reliability.
The Geminis from AG have been replaced by Presidents from BC, and the Geminis from PB have been replaced by brand new Enviro 400s.
I believe this may also be in anticipation of the new bus emission requirements due to come into force in the summer for buses travelling within the city centre.
At the moment, without necessary modifications, the current batch of Presidents used by Birmingham Central, Acocks Green and West Bromwich do not meet the emissions requirements set out . This was mentioned in a forum post here before the forum died again recently, and it was suggested that the Presidents would mostly transfer to Acocks Green, in order to operate the 11A/C services, which do not enter the city centre, and Gemini buses would transfer out of Acocks Green in exchange for buses that go into Birmingham, such as West Bromwich's 74, 75, 82, 87, 127 and 128 services, or remain there to be used on the 1, 5, 31/31A and 37 services which do serve the city centre.
Does the alx 400 '51 reg' buses fit in with new emmission requirements as these are the buses normally used on the soho road services
Quote from: Ash on March 18, 2012, 12:17:23 AM
Does the alx 400 '51 reg' buses fit in with new emmission requirements as these are the buses normally used on the soho road services
Yes
Quote from: Michael on March 18, 2012, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 18, 2012, 12:17:23 AM
Does the alx 400 '51 reg' buses fit in with new emmission requirements as these are the buses normally used on the soho road services
Yes
Thanks for reply so basically is it all the Y reg vehciles and newer that are OK
Quote from: Ash on March 18, 2012, 06:20:23 PM
Quote from: Michael on March 18, 2012, 05:19:02 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 18, 2012, 12:17:23 AM
Does the alx 400 '51 reg' buses fit in with new emmission requirements as these are the buses normally used on the soho road services
Yes
Thanks for reply so basically is it all the Y reg vehciles and newer that are OK
4125 & onwards, as far as I'm aware.
I think they're doing what they used to do with the 128/9 where they had metrobuses allocated monday-saturday and mercs on sunday, but now they have volvo b7s
Quote from: Stu on March 17, 2012, 07:07:03 PM
WB have been receiving Geminis from AG and PB in order to upgrade the 127 and 128 to double-decker operation, following customer complaints about overcrowding and reliability.
The Geminis from AG have been replaced by Presidents from BC, and the Geminis from PB have been replaced by brand new Enviro 400s.
I believe this may also be in anticipation of the new bus emission requirements due to come into force in the summer for buses travelling within the city centre.
At the moment, without necessary modifications, the current batch of Presidents used by Birmingham Central, Acocks Green and West Bromwich do not meet the emissions requirements set out . This was mentioned in a forum post here before the forum died again recently, and it was suggested that the Presidents would mostly transfer to Acocks Green, in order to operate the 11A/C services, which do not enter the city centre, and Gemini buses would transfer out of Acocks Green in exchange for buses that go into Birmingham, such as West Bromwich's 74, 75, 82, 87, 127 and 128 services, or remain there to be used on the 1, 5, 31/31A and 37 services which do serve the city centre.
As West Brom seem to be getting more AG gemini's will it mean the presidents will move to AG in return as a swop
Quote from: Ash on March 19, 2012, 10:26:28 PM
As West Brom seem to be getting more AG gemini's will it mean the presidents will move to AG in return as a swop
No, West Brom are losing B6LE/Mercs and gaining Deckers, to make the 128/129 into a double deck operation. It would be pointless if they were in exchange for Presidents.
I reckon AG will be getting a shed load of ex BC Presidents in the next coming months for use on routes not visiting Birmingham. Having said that, routes like the 1 & 31 have to be operated by Geminis, and with most of the 45** batch left AG, it seems the BX54 ones will be used, with the Presidents on the 11A/C.
Quote from: Michael on March 20, 2012, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 19, 2012, 10:26:28 PM
As West Brom seem to be getting more AG gemini's will it mean the presidents will move to AG in return as a swop
No, West Brom are losing B6LE/Mercs and gaining Deckers, to make the 128/129 into a double deck operation. It would be pointless if they were in exchange for Presidents.
I reckon AG will be getting a shed load of ex BC Presidents in the next coming months for use on routes not visiting Birmingham. Having said that, routes like the 1 & 31 have to be operated by Geminis, and with most of the 45** batch left AG, it seems the BX54 ones will be used, with the Presidents on the 11A/C.
I know it would be pointless, but what i ment was the presidents at WB now that don't meet requirements would be pushed onto other WB routes and i can't see any other routes that need double deckers at WB as the presidents would have to come off the 74/75 and other routes like the 127/8 where they appear on now and move onto other routes currently at WB
Michael, it looks as though you were right, and looking more likely that Presidents will have be used on the 11A/11C, surely this can only be a interim measure what with the Outer Circle being a famous route, and new double deckers can be ordered later in the year.
Problem is, I can't yet see what's going to replace the remaining Presidents at BC?, unless they intend to replace the Presidents with new B7RLE single deckers temporarily, but I can't see that going down well with passengers on any of BC's routes as they are get so busy
Quote from: Michael on March 20, 2012, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 19, 2012, 10:26:28 PM
As West Brom seem to be getting more AG gemini's will it mean the presidents will move to AG in return as a swop
No, West Brom are losing B6LE/Mercs and gaining Deckers, to make the 128/129 into a double deck operation. It would be pointless if they were in exchange for Presidents.
I reckon AG will be getting a shed load of ex BC Presidents in the next coming months for use on routes not visiting Birmingham. Having said that, routes like the 1 & 31 have to be operated by Geminis, and with most of the 45** batch left AG, it seems the BX54 ones will be used, with the Presidents on the 11A/C.
At a best guess, I imagine a 'three-way' trade-off between three garages:
BCs Presidents to AG
AGs Geminis to WA
WAs Tridents to BC
That should leave enough Geminis at AG for the 1, 5, 31/A and 73 services that serve the City Centre, with Presidents operating on the 11A/C and 966.
At the moment, only AG, BC and WB operate Presidents, there is also a possibility they could be introduced at another garage, for example Wolverhampton.
I believe the exclusion area now excludes the complete 1 route, so the 1 can keep its Presidents
One simple solution would be to transfer Presidents to YW to operate services 18, 49, 49A and 76.
Quote from: admin on March 21, 2012, 08:14:39 AM
I believe the exclusion area now excludes the complete 1 route, so the 1 can keep its Presidents
;D
Am I right then in thinking that this 'exclusion' zone is just within the inner ring road then?
Quote from: Stu on March 21, 2012, 07:01:37 PM
Quote from: admin on March 21, 2012, 08:14:39 AM
I believe the exclusion area now excludes the complete 1 route, so the 1 can keep its Presidents
;D
Am I right then in thinking that this 'exclusion' zone is just within the inner ring road then?
The 1 is an interesting one, as the off peak runs are extended to the Town Hall, so surely it can't be operated by Presidents but Tony's comment suggests the Town Hall is in the exclusion area.
Quote from: winston on March 20, 2012, 10:12:20 PM
Michael, it looks as though you were right, and looking more likely that Presidents will have be used on the 11A/11C, surely this can only be a interim measure what with the Outer Circle being a famous route, and new double deckers can be ordered later in the year.
Problem is, I can't yet see what's going to replace the remaining Presidents at BC?, unless they intend to replace the Presidents with new B7RLE single deckers temporarily, but I can't see that going down well with passengers on any of BC's routes as they are get so busy
Quote from: Michael on March 20, 2012, 08:36:59 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 19, 2012, 10:26:28 PM
As West Brom seem to be getting more AG gemini's will it mean the presidents will move to AG in return as a swop
No, West Brom are losing B6LE/Mercs and gaining Deckers, to make the 128/129 into a double deck operation. It would be pointless if they were in exchange for Presidents.
I reckon AG will be getting a shed load of ex BC Presidents in the next coming months for use on routes not visiting Birmingham. Having said that, routes like the 1 & 31 have to be operated by Geminis, and with most of the 45** batch left AG, it seems the BX54 ones will be used, with the Presidents on the 11A/C.
A possibly swap is between AG-PB-BC (Geminis, ALX400s, Presidents) or perhaps Walsall as suggested. I think that a possible trade with Wolverhampton is likely, with Presidents moving over there in exchange for Tridents, as that would be easier.
If the inner ring road is the 'borderline', then yes even the 1 would be 'safe', as it terminates on Paradise Circus, on the inner ring road.
And yes, PB could be another transfer option, as they already operate Geminis, but I believe they don't have any Tridents either, but the similar B7TL ALX400s, don't know how much different they are to the Tridents, but they would be non-standard at BC.
I don't work in fleet management, so I'm no expert on the subject :P, but the more I think about it, as a short-term measure, seeing as NXWM have been investing money in repainting and repairing the Presidents recently, it does make sense that a large number of the Presidents could in time well end up at Wolverhampton garage, who only operate one route into Birmingham (the 126), maybe used to withdraw the awful Optare Spectras, then you'd see their Tridents cascaded elsewhere to garages that already use them, or the similar ALX400 B7TLs..
I think the B7s meet euro emmissions, because they're used on quite a few services in Birmingham... 16, 74, 75, 80, 82, 87, 94, 115, 907...
This is irrelevant, but can someone explain to me why the 9 and 126 don't have a joint Monday-Saturday frequency along the Hagley Road, they have similar frequencies and go the same way from Hagley Road - Colmore Row, just seems strange to me.
Will the emission requirements affect operators like Sunny, Joes, VIP, Central Connect who run into the city centre, or are they exempt?
Yes it will include any operator wanting to run a service of a frequency greater than every 30 min. Most of VIPs fleet are OK anyway
Cheers, Tony, thanks for that.
Information here:
http://www.centro.org.uk/newsroom/PressReleases/PressRelease17143.aspx
Quote from: Stu on March 21, 2012, 08:42:02 PM
If the inner ring road is the 'borderline', then yes even the 1 would be 'safe', as it terminates on Paradise Circus, on the inner ring road.
And yes, PB could be another transfer option, as they already operate Geminis, but I believe they don't have any Tridents either, but the similar B7TL ALX400s, don't know how much different they are to the Tridents, but they would be non-standard at BC.
I don't work in fleet management, so I'm no expert on the subject :P, but the more I think about it, as a short-term measure, seeing as NXWM have been investing money in repainting and repairing the Presidents recently, it does make sense that a large number of the Presidents could in time well end up at Wolverhampton garage, who only operate one route into Birmingham (the 126), maybe used to withdraw the awful Optare Spectras, then you'd see their Tridents cascaded elsewhere to garages that already use them, or the similar ALX400 B7TLs..
The inner road is pretty much the 8A/C route isn't it? The A4540, which the 1 crosses at Five Ways, which is why I said it'd be interesting because the 1 crosses the border only at off peak times.
As for the ALX400s, well BC drivers should pretty much all be type trained on the Volvo variants shouldn't they? (except ones that transferred from Lea Hall), Especially as the already operate Presidents, which are very similar in the cabin.
It's a possibility I suppose.
Quote from: KayP on March 22, 2012, 01:05:38 AM
I think the B7s meet euro emmissions, because they're used on quite a few services in Birmingham... 16, 74, 75, 80, 82, 87, 94, 115, 907...
This is irrelevant, but can someone explain to me why the 9 and 126 don't have a joint Monday-Saturday frequency along the Hagley Road, they have similar frequencies and go the same way from Hagley Road - Colmore Row, just seems strange to me.
The 126 links the Bull Ring markets with the rest of the city, along with the 16 and 37 (well it did the last time I was in the City like a year ago!) so it operates a different way into the city.
No - The 8 operates around the 'Middle' ring road, not the inner.
The 126 does not go around the city, just onto Colmore Row the same as the 9, 22, 23, 140 & 141
What is the PVR of the Outer Circle? 40 ish?
Quote from: KayP on March 22, 2012, 01:05:38 AM
This is irrelevant, but can someone explain to me why the 9 and 126 don't have a joint Monday-Saturday frequency along the Hagley Road, they have similar frequencies and go the same way from Hagley Road - Colmore Row, just seems strange to me.
I think that the 9 has a slightly higher overall frequency, i.e. 7 buses/hour daytime compared to the 126's 6/hour. I know that the 9 and the 141 often seem in practice to run in convoy!
Quote from: admin on March 22, 2012, 08:06:12 PM
No - The 8 operates around the 'Middle' ring road, not the inner.
The 126 does not go around the city, just onto Colmore Row the same as the 9, 22, 23, 140 & 141
Ah, getting mixed up with the 'Inner Circle' and Middle Ring Road.
The 126 used to go around then, shows how long I haven't been into the City for!
Cheers. Just doing some rough 'calculations'.
I'm sure they could sacrifice one journey on the 9, or add a journey on the 126, I think the 9, 140 and 141 used to run at a combined frequency of every 3 mins to quinton church
Quote from: Ossie on March 22, 2012, 08:44:21 PM
Quote from: KayP on March 22, 2012, 01:05:38 AM
This is irrelevant, but can someone explain to me why the 9 and 126 don't have a joint Monday-Saturday frequency along the Hagley Road, they have similar frequencies and go the same way from Hagley Road - Colmore Row, just seems strange to me.
I think that the 9 has a slightly higher overall frequency, i.e. 7 buses/hour daytime compared to the 126's 6/hour. I know that the 9 and the 141 often seem in practice to run in convoy!
The 126 is operated by a different garage (Wolverhampton) which is probably why it doesn't 'combine' with the 9, 140 and 141 as you might expect it to.
Having said that, the 9 and 126 are pretty frequent during the day anyway, so no need to really. The Hagley Road is well served anyway, there is also the 120, 127 and 128 which serve parts of it, as well as Bearwood.
I'm assuming the 11 is going to converted to Presidents as a short term thing before new deckers are ordered next year.
The basic points are thus:
1) I make it that AG would need 65 Presidents (57 plus 8 spare) if they used them solely on the 1, 11 and 966. They currently have 39. Obviously they need 26 from somewhere.
2) WB needs 18 more Geminis to make all their Birmingham decker services comply with the new regulations.
3) BC Needs to lose its 31 Presidents.
The following would satisfy this:
18 Presidents WB > AG
18 Geminis AG > WB
(This leaves 11 Presidents at WB for the 451)
8 Presidents BC > AG
8 Geminis AG > WA
8 Tridents WA > BC
23 Presidents BC > WN/YW
23 Tridents WN/YW > BC
(Think WN would be better as they only have one City Centre route they could stray onto).
Any thoughts?
Instead of the 8 geminis going from AG to WA it could be 8 presidents from BC for straight swap for tridents this will not add another type of bus at Walsall as it would be a straight swap and WA used to have presidents for the 51, just another option. This i think would not happen but tranfer the 529 back to WA garage and use presidents then the PVR nummber of tridents on the 529 could go to BC as there not needed this would eliminate another type of bus being used at Wolverhampton. There will be spare drivers at wolverhampton from the transferral of the 529 so may be the 39/89 transferring to Wolverhampton and use the mercs that may be withdrawn due to the new arrival of the b7rle's.
Pete, like your thinking...
Another scenario may be as follows, the remaining 31 x Volvo B7RLE single deckers which are currently unallocated, but I believe it's been suggested that they may be going to BC. Could these be used as an interim measure to convert a couple of BC's routes temporarily to single deckers thus releasing the 31 x Presidents to AG, with onward Gemini cascades to WB?
Quote from: westbromdepot on March 23, 2012, 10:26:35 PM
I'm assuming the 11 is going to converted to Presidents as a short term thing before new deckers are ordered next year.
The basic points are thus:
1) I make it that AG would need 65 Presidents (57 plus 8 spare) if they used them solely on the 1, 11 and 966. They currently have 39. Obviously they need 26 from somewhere.
2) WB needs 18 more Geminis to make all their Birmingham decker services comply with the new regulations.
3) BC Needs to lose its 31 Presidents.
The following would satisfy this:
18 Presidents WB > AG
18 Geminis AG > WB
(This leaves 11 Presidents at WB for the 451)
8 Presidents BC > AG
8 Geminis AG > WA
8 Tridents WA > BC
23 Presidents BC > WN/YW
23 Tridents WN/YW > BC
(Think WN would be better as they only have one City Centre route they could stray onto).
Any thoughts?
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2012, 10:41:19 PM
Instead of the 8 geminis going from AG to WA it could be 8 presidents from BC for straight swap for tridents this will not add another type of bus at Walsall as it would be a straight swap and WA used to have presidents for the 51, just another option.
Though seeing as WA already operate Geminis and haven't operated Presidents for some years, the three way swap would be less hassle due to not having to type-train the Walsall drivers on the Presidents.
Honestly, I hope none of this happens. The Presidents at AG are getting too much now. They're bloody everywhere! On the 1, 31, 37, 966, and since I work in Solihull, they're all I see, along with Omnishi*s. See the few Tridents & Geminis here and there, but mainly Presidents & Scanias now.
I can't see the 11 being all President operated anyway. I see it partially operated by Presidents yes, but not the whole thing. I doubt AG will lose a large amount of Geminis, but that's possibly wishful thinking? I reckon we'll lose the 45** batch soon, to WB, but I hope not.
I read somewhere, someone suggesting YW for Presidents. Just to make a point, that would be absolutely ridiculous!
Quote1) I make it that AG would need 65 Presidents (57 plus 8 spare) if they used them solely on the 1, 11 and 966. They currently have 39. Obviously they need 26 from somewhere.
I believe that from 1st April the frequency of the 11 is being reduced slightly, this may mean not as many buses being required for this route.
Basically, the long & short of it is NXWM are short of newer (Min Euro 2) double deckers, they desperately need to order some further new one's or consider acquiring some second hand examples as an interim measure. Even the 21 x Hybrid double deckers NX have been awarded Green Bus funding for will not be here until Spring 2013
Quote from: Michael on March 24, 2012, 05:51:46 AM
Honestly, I hope none of this happens. The Presidents at AG are getting too much now. They're bloody everywhere! On the 1, 31, 37, 966, and since I work in Solihull, they're all I see, along with Omnishi*s. See the few Tridents & Geminis here and there, but mainly Presidents & Scanias now.
I can't see the 11 being all President operated anyway. I see it partially operated by Presidents yes, but not the whole thing. I doubt AG will lose a large amount of Geminis, but that's possibly wishful thinking? I reckon we'll lose the 45** batch soon, to WB, but I hope not.
I read somewhere, someone suggesting YW for Presidents. Just to make a point, that would be absolutely ridiculous!
What route(s) at BC could be converted to single deck for a while? 97, seeing as that has had SD recently?
The reasons I don't see this happening - unhappy customers due to the reduced capacity, and you will then also be short of SD to convert the non compliant routes (17, 66, 89 etc).
Nothing wrong with Presidents at YW considering they have operated them in the past and have several non City Centre routes to use them on.
Quote from: winston on March 24, 2012, 03:36:45 PM
Basically, the long & short of it is NXWM are short of newer (Min Euro 2) double deckers, they desperately need to order some further new one's or consider acquiring some second hand examples as an interim measure. Even the 21 x Hybrid double deckers NX have been awarded Green Bus funding for will not be here until Spring 2013
They are not short of Euro 2 deckers, only 120 of the current fleet don't meet that spec, and there are well over 120 double deck duties that don't come into Birmingham City Centre. AG garage alone had about 60.
Although I am not party to it, I do know an allocatioon plan is already drawn up for July to make sure all vehicles in the City Centre do meet Euro2
It would be funny if someone at NXWM was actually reading through our suggestions, most of which make sense!
Tony is right, there are plenty of double-decks in the fleet to go round, look at Wolverhampton. They have plenty of Tridents, yet only operate one route into Birmingham.
And with the money and time invested in repairing and repainting the Presidents, they're not going away for withdrawal any time soon. More likely they'll get transferred to another garage that may have operated them in the past (Walsall or Yardley Wood?), introduced at a garage that hasn't used them before (Wolverhampton), or kept at Acocks Green for the Outer Circle.
At the moment, NXWM are rightly concentrating on withdrawing the older battered single-decks that are really showing their age (funny how double-decks seem to last much longer!) and definitely aren't suitable for use in the city centre.
My only concern, and as this topic may have gone off at a tangent already might justify a new one, is what will happen to the 636 and its allocation of B6LEs.
Do the 'W' reg darts at WB meet the emmission requirements if so may be using them again for the 636 may be a short term solution i know not ideal due to capacity issues but would be short term only.
They're older than the Presidents, so probably not.
If NXWM need to transfer newer double deckers within the fleet, obviously they are still short of Min Euro 2 double deckers within the Birmingham depots. It's not an improvement to transfer say 04/54 plate Tridents from the likes of WN to be replaced with 12/13 yr old Presidents, yes they have been extensively refurbished but the chassis & body structure has seen 12/13 years of service already, and ultimately they are early low floor double deckers. NXWM are stuck with many elderly early low floor single deckers that date from 1996-1999, however few new double deckers were purchased in 2005/2006/2008/2009 & 2010; many went to Travel London instead. Ultimately in a couple of years time they will have a similar situation with double deckers as they are currently experiencing with single deckers, where large quantities will need replacing altogether i.e. 99 x V/W-reg Presidents, 100 x Y-reg Tridents, 80 x 51/02 reg Volvo B7TL/ALX400 etc
I think it's been suggested that some of the 30 x Midi's on order from autumn 2012 delivery may be for the 636 & possibly the 222, something will need to replace the B6's at BC for a few months though whilst the new buses are being built
Quote from: Stu on March 24, 2012, 07:03:03 PM
It would be funny if someone at NXWM was actually reading through our suggestions, most of which make sense!
Tony is right, there are plenty of double-decks in the fleet to go round, look at Wolverhampton. They have plenty of Tridents, yet only operate one route into Birmingham.
And with the money and time invested in repairing and repainting the Presidents, they're not going away for withdrawal any time soon. More likely they'll get transferred to another garage that may have operated them in the past (Walsall or Yardley Wood?), introduced at a garage that hasn't used them before (Wolverhampton), or kept at Acocks Green for the Outer Circle.
At the moment, NXWM are rightly concentrating on withdrawing the older battered single-decks that are really showing their age (funny how double-decks seem to last much longer!) and definitely aren't suitable for use in the city centre.
My only concern, and as this topic may have gone off at a tangent already might justify a new one, is what will happen to the 636 and its allocation of B6LEs.
So this would include diamond darts that run on route 16 (every 12 minutes) wouldn't it? As well as blue diamond darts that run on 37/E (every 15/30 minutes), 17 (every 15 minutes) & 97/A (every 12 minutes - joint frequency).
Quote from: admin on March 22, 2012, 07:00:36 PM
Yes it will include any operator wanting to run a service of a frequency greater than every 30 min. Most of VIPs fleet are OK anyway
Couldn't they use the new enviros on the 529 if it transferred, increase the 935 frequency and give it B7RLEs, then some WA & WN tridents could be cascaded to BC, with presidents from BC and WB going to AG and AG gems going to WB - just a thought :)
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2012, 10:41:19 PM
Instead of the 8 geminis going from AG to WA it could be 8 presidents from BC for straight swap for tridents this will not add another type of bus at Walsall as it would be a straight swap and WA used to have presidents for the 51, just another option. This i think would not happen but tranfer the 529 back to WA garage and use presidents then the PVR nummber of tridents on the 529 could go to BC as there not needed this would eliminate another type of bus being used at Wolverhampton. There will be spare drivers at wolverhampton from the transferral of the 529 so may be the 39/89 transferring to Wolverhampton and use the mercs that may be withdrawn due to the new arrival of the b7rle's.
Black diamond have been recieving some solo's from preston aswell as a few smaller darts from wessex connect so these may be used on the 16 along with the 51 or 02 wright cadets. From blue diamond who have an older fleet compared to black diamond i see as much more of a problem but again i have saw a few 53 and newer small darts in all over white working for blue diamond so they may getting some more of these to replace the older darts for the 17/37/96
Quote from: Ash on March 23, 2012, 10:41:19 PM
Instead of the 8 geminis going from AG to WA it could be 8 presidents from BC for straight swap for tridents this will not add another type of bus at Walsall as it would be a straight swap and WA used to have presidents for the 51, just another option. This i think would not happen but tranfer the 529 back to WA garage and use presidents then the PVR nummber of tridents on the 529 could go to BC as there not needed this would eliminate another type of bus being used at Wolverhampton. There will be spare drivers at wolverhampton from the transferral of the 529 so may be the 39/89 transferring to Wolverhampton and use the mercs that may be withdrawn due to the new arrival of the b7rle's.
Not that this really matters but I moved 8 Geminis to Walsall (4672-79 in my plan) as they already have 4680-86 from the same batch.
Quote from: westbromdepot on March 24, 2012, 06:19:09 PM
Nothing wrong with Presidents at YW considering they have operated them in the past and have several non City Centre routes to use them on.
It's not practical because it'd be splitting up Presidents into smaller batches than they currently are. What with them being older vehicles, it's easier to keep them together. My original suggestion of Wolverhampton gaining a large amount of Presidents would be much better. They'd continue their final days on easy local services, and passengers would benefit from better interiors than Tridents already based at WN. It would also be practical for BC to gain further Tridents, in the interest of vehicle maintenance and spares.
Having Presidents on the Outer Circle is another good alternative, however as the flagship route of NXWM, and one of Europe's famous bus routes, it would have to be a temporary measure. The Outer Circle is already due newer vehicles!
Time will tell what happens of course.
Would you mind doing your plan Michael? I just can't visualise the moves you want to make.
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
Leaves the enviro's for the 21 and other routes when spare and the presidents for the rest of the double decker routes, coventry hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution so thought i would mention it, suprised someone thought it may be a good idea was expecting loads of negative comments :(
Quote from: KayP on March 26, 2012, 07:08:24 PM
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
I think that's a complete non starter, as I'm sure Coventry signed up to some quality partnership scheme and therefore doubt they'll be able to transfer out newer buses on mass to be replaced by 12/13 yr old Presidents. I'm sure the good people of Coventry would be really impressed, not....
Basically it comes back to the point that NXWM do not have sufficient Euro 2 & above double deckers, Birmingham may well benefit from newer buses, as a result of the quality partnership scheme being introduced within the City Centre, but this will be at the expense of other areas which will have newer vehicles transferred out to be replaced by 12/13 year old Presidents. The Presidents have been heavily refurbished, but this was back in 2007/2008.
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 11:19:52 PM
Leaves the enviro's for the 21 and other routes when spare and the presidents for the rest of the double decker routes, coventry hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution so thought i would mention it, suprised someone thought it may be a good idea was expecting loads of negative comments :(Quote from: KayP on March 26, 2012, 07:08:24 PM
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
The tridents at coventry quite a few have been retrimmed and i think the 12 year old presidents are in a better condition that most tridents/alx 400 and gemini's and im sure if u asked the public which they thought was the newer bus, cleanest and modernest quite a few would say the presidents, but i agree is a non starter.
Quote from: westbromdepot on March 26, 2012, 12:21:49 AM
Would you mind doing your plan Michael? I just can't visualise the moves you want to make.
Right, first of all, the only service WN run into Birmingham is the 126. This requires roughly 25 vehicles at most.
Birmingham Central Presidents:
33 President - BC to WN
33 Trident - WN to BC
That solves BC.
Acocks Green:
All currently allocated Presidents used on route 1 & 11 with Geminis filling in the gaps.
All remaining Geminis allocated to the 5, 31, 73. (72 is in the process of receiving Eclipse2s)
13 Presidents gained from West Bromwich, 13 45** batch Geminis to West Bromwich
West Bromwich:
13 Presidents move to Acocks Green in exchange for 13 Geminis.
To conclude, here's the outcome. Correct me if I've made any mistakes guys.
- WB now operate 4511-4514 & 4517-4534, leaving 14 Presidents to operate service 451, and occasionally one appears on local West Bromwich routes.
- AG now operate 52 Presidents (13 more) for use on the 1 & 11(obviously 52 isn't enough so Geminis are used on top
- AG use 4635 to 4679 to operate services 5, 31, 31A, 73 & 966, and covering insufficient Presidents on the 1/11
- BC exchange 33 Presidents for 33 Tridents at WN (no set allocated routes)
Quote72 is in the process of receiving Eclipse2s
AG haven't used double-decks on the 72 for sometime, and would be impossible I believe because of a low-bridge.
And don't forget they also operate the double-deck 966 (Solihull - Erdington, via Airport), which can use Presidents as this route doesn't serve the city centre.
Otherwise I like your plan, its not far off embellishing what I suggested previously. ;)
I'm sure they're only 3 years old than the ALXs and gems at coventry + they did get refurbed
Quote from: winston on March 26, 2012, 11:43:18 PM
I think that's a complete non starter, as I'm sure Coventry signed up to some quality partnership scheme and therefore doubt they'll be able to transfer out newer buses on mass to be replaced by 12/13 yr old Presidents. I'm sure the good people of Coventry would be really impressed, not....
Basically it comes back to the point that NXWM do not have sufficient Euro 2 & above double deckers, Birmingham may well benefit from newer buses, as a result of the quality partnership scheme being introduced within the City Centre, but this will be at the expense of other areas which will have newer vehicles transferred out to be replaced by 12/13 year old Presidents. The Presidents have been heavily refurbished, but this was back in 2007/2008.
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 11:19:52 PM
Leaves the enviro's for the 21 and other routes when spare and the presidents for the rest of the double decker routes, coventry hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution so thought i would mention it, suprised someone thought it may be a good idea was expecting loads of negative comments :(Quote from: KayP on March 26, 2012, 07:08:24 PM
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
Michael:
AG have only 10 45** left (4513, 4517, 4518, 4519, 4520, 4521, 4522, 4529, 4530 and 4532).
If you gave 13 Geminis (by including 3 extra 46**) to WB they would have 79 ALX400 and Geminis.
The total PVR of the 74/75/80/82/87/127/128 is 75, leaving 4 spare in this case.
This isn't enough. It would leave spare capacity at 5.33%. They would need 9 spare to be at the usual level of 12%.
Quote from: KayP on March 29, 2012, 12:24:46 AM
I'm sure they're only 3 years old than the ALXs and gems at coventry + they did get refurbed
Quote from: winston on March 26, 2012, 11:43:18 PM
I think that's a complete non starter, as I'm sure Coventry signed up to some quality partnership scheme and therefore doubt they'll be able to transfer out newer buses on mass to be replaced by 12/13 yr old Presidents. I'm sure the good people of Coventry would be really impressed, not....
Basically it comes back to the point that NXWM do not have sufficient Euro 2 & above double deckers, Birmingham may well benefit from newer buses, as a result of the quality partnership scheme being introduced within the City Centre, but this will be at the expense of other areas which will have newer vehicles transferred out to be replaced by 12/13 year old Presidents. The Presidents have been heavily refurbished, but this was back in 2007/2008.
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 11:19:52 PM
Leaves the enviro's for the 21 and other routes when spare and the presidents for the rest of the double decker routes, coventry hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution so thought i would mention it, suprised someone thought it may be a good idea was expecting loads of negative comments :(Quote from: KayP on March 26, 2012, 07:08:24 PM
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
Also another WB route that may need newer buses is the 89 as it's operated by mercs at the moment.
Quote from: Ash on March 29, 2012, 06:25:20 PM
Also another WB route that may need newer buses is the 89 as it's operated by mercs at the moment.
I'm guessing that will get 5 Scanias from from somewhere, probably BC if they receive most of the 31 remaining B7RLEs.
Or they could just get a few more Geminis and upgrade it to double-deck operation instead.
From what I've seen the loadings don't justify deckers. We'll see.
Quote from: Stu on March 28, 2012, 08:31:54 PM
Quote72 is in the process of receiving Eclipse2s
AG haven't used double-decks on the 72 for sometime, and would be impossible I believe because of a low-bridge.
And don't forget they also operate the double-deck 966 (Solihull - Erdington, via Airport), which can use Presidents as this route doesn't serve the city centre.
Otherwise I like your plan, its not far off embellishing what I suggested previously. ;)
Yes they have used them on the 72, on rare occasions. They can fit on the 72, but because it interworks the 71, they don't use them. Some peak journeys don't interwork the 71, and those are the ones that can be operated with deckers. (According to Mr T)
Quote from: Stu on March 28, 2012, 08:31:54 PM
And don't forget they also operate the double-deck 966 (Solihull - Erdington, via Airport), which can use Presidents as this route doesn't serve the city centre.
Yes, but Presidents on the 966 are kinda s*** :)
You can use them on the 966 yeah, if they don't blow up on the way as it's a pretty long route, with long roads to drive at speed unlike the 11 which is mainly stop start traffic.
Quote from: westbromdepot on March 29, 2012, 02:16:46 AM
Michael:
AG have only 10 45** left (4513, 4517, 4518, 4519, 4520, 4521, 4522, 4529, 4530 and 4532).
If you gave 13 Geminis (by including 3 extra 46**) to WB they would have 79 ALX400 and Geminis.
The total PVR of the 74/75/80/82/87/127/128 is 75, leaving 4 spare in this case.
This isn't enough. It would leave spare capacity at 5.33%. They would need 9 spare to be at the usual level of 12%.
I'm going on Mr Hunters fleet list. Lets just say my changes apply a few weeks ago in the past then, when there was 13 Geminis at AG.
I agree about the presidents on the 966, would love to see it return to being operated by Tridents or even Enviro's. I think the tridents are much better buses, but I'm guessing that will never happen at AG. Glad the gemini's are moving out though, especually the 45** fleet numbers.
I agree with you, it's my local route, but WB only have mercs, B6s and dart singles, the B6s are being withdrawn, darts are too small and WB aren't getting any new buses this year to my knowledge
Quote from: Ash on March 29, 2012, 06:25:20 PM
Quote from: KayP on March 29, 2012, 12:24:46 AM
I'm sure they're only 3 years old than the ALXs and gems at coventry + they did get refurbed
Quote from: winston on March 26, 2012, 11:43:18 PM
I think that's a complete non starter, as I'm sure Coventry signed up to some quality partnership scheme and therefore doubt they'll be able to transfer out newer buses on mass to be replaced by 12/13 yr old Presidents. I'm sure the good people of Coventry would be really impressed, not....
Basically it comes back to the point that NXWM do not have sufficient Euro 2 & above double deckers, Birmingham may well benefit from newer buses, as a result of the quality partnership scheme being introduced within the City Centre, but this will be at the expense of other areas which will have newer vehicles transferred out to be replaced by 12/13 year old Presidents. The Presidents have been heavily refurbished, but this was back in 2007/2008.
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 11:19:52 PM
Leaves the enviro's for the 21 and other routes when spare and the presidents for the rest of the double decker routes, coventry hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution so thought i would mention it, suprised someone thought it may be a good idea was expecting loads of negative comments :(Quote from: KayP on March 26, 2012, 07:08:24 PM
That's actually a great idea
All BC, and the major of WB, and a few AG presidents > CV
CV tridents > BC
CV geminis > AG
CV ALXs > WB
Quote from: Ash on March 26, 2012, 01:55:14 AM
Do the gemini's/alx400 have similar controls to the presidents meaning not much type training is needed if at all due to them both being volvo. Or are they completely different just that certain garages operate all three types of vehicles or at least 2 and not tridents or enviro 400. (WB,PB and AG). If so it wouldnt take much type training if at all, if the presidents returned to Walsall. This would be a huge task but transfer the tridents at Coventry to BC and replace them with the presidents from BC as the red would be changed to sky blue and vice versa so could be quite easily repainted and training on the vehicles would have to be learnt just as if they went to Wolverhampton.
Also another WB route that may need newer buses is the 89 as it's operated by mercs at the moment.
That could happen, but it's not busy enough for doubles
Quote from: Stu on March 29, 2012, 07:43:48 PM
Or they could just get a few more Geminis and upgrade it to double-deck operation instead.
Couldn't they do a swap with YW for another route, or transfer WA tridents to YW then transfer the 966, to solve your problem. I personally like the 966 with presidents.
Quote from: Michael on March 29, 2012, 08:19:22 PM
Quote from: Stu on March 28, 2012, 08:31:54 PM
And don't forget they also operate the double-deck 966 (Solihull - Erdington, via Airport), which can use Presidents as this route doesn't serve the city centre.
Yes, but Presidents on the 966 are kinda s*** :)
You can use them on the 966 yeah, if they don't blow up on the way as it's a pretty long route, with long roads to drive at speed unlike the 11 which is mainly stop start traffic.
Another PB Gemini has moved to WB it's 4509 spotted it on the 75 today ;)
When do west brom ever get new buses.....sighhhhhhhh
And when we do, walsall nick them ;)
the 529 is WA operated.
If the Plaxtons were to go anywere they should move them to YW to use on the 18/49/76/50.
I like the 966 with Plaxton Presidents although the 966 would look better with the new B7RLE'S or Ominilinks but saying that is there any part of that route between Erdington & Birmingham Airport where an ominilink wouldnt be able to get through. I only travel on the 966 between International Airport & Solihull
I Havent notcied the 71/72 interworking before but to be honest i dont pay much attention to that route in Solihull.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Bromwich would look good with Enviro400's using them on the 74/75/451 ;D
For example if YW got some Plaxton Presidents from WB they could swap say 4 Plaxtons for 4 Enviro400's that would be amazing if that actully happend.
I think Plaxtons Would look good at Perry Barr for the 934/A and the Sutton Lines routes like before. But if PB got any plaxtons that they wont but if they did they would be placed upon the Sutton Line Routes (902/904/905/914/915/115) like in the past
if the garages were to get Plaxtons from BC/AG this is how I think they would be used;
AG - Have them already on the 31/A and 37 (PEAK TIMES)
BC - used solo on the 61/63
BY - The 55 at peak times as that gets overcrouded
PB - Sutton Lines (They wont get them neither)
PE - Wouldnt get that type of bus I wouldnt imagine
WA - 51/935 (They probally wont be going there)
WN - I dont think they would get any to be fair but if they did then the 126
WB - 451/74/75 sometimes the 82/87
YW - 2/3/18/49/49A/76 & rare working on the 50
Not that theres being any talk about Plaxtons going to any other garages Im just talking out loud
We already covered this already in this topic, if the Plaxton Presidents are to transfer anywhere, it would be for routes that don't serve Birmingham city centre, as after Summer 2012 when the new emissions requirements for public transport vehicles come into force, the Presidents will be unsuitable.
BC have been sending Presidents to AG, and WB have been swapping their Presidents for AG's Geminis.
I agree with you Nathan, would love to see the 966 SD especially with the new B7RLE'S and even perhaps increase the frequency, but sadly this route does not serve Birmingham City Centre so as pointed out by Stu doesn't require buses with low emissions so we are going to have to put up with the Presidents and the noisy gemini's.
No offence, but are you a blithering idiot?
We've already established that Presidents cannot be used on Birmingham City Centre routes. Also, BY cannot have double deck vehicles as they wouldn't fit inside the depot.
On what planet would Presidents be on the 50, and send four Enviro400s to West Bromwich.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 08, 2012, 11:44:08 AM
the 529 is WA operated.
If the Plaxtons were to go anywere they should move them to YW to use on the 18/49/76/50.
I like the 966 with Plaxton Presidents although the 966 would look better with the new B7RLE'S or Ominilinks but saying that is there any part of that route between Erdington & Birmingham Airport where an ominilink wouldnt be able to get through. I only travel on the 966 between International Airport & Solihull
I Havent notcied the 71/72 interworking before but to be honest i dont pay much attention to that route in Solihull.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Bromwich would look good with Enviro400's using them on the 74/75/451 ;D
For example if YW got some Plaxton Presidents from WB they could swap say 4 Plaxtons for 4 Enviro400's that would be amazing if that actully happend.
I think Plaxtons Would look good at Perry Barr for the 934/A and the Sutton Lines routes like before. But if PB got any plaxtons that they wont but if they did they would be placed upon the Sutton Line Routes (902/904/905/914/915/115) like in the past
if the garages were to get Plaxtons from BC/AG this is how I think they would be used;
AG - Have them already on the 31/A and 37 (PEAK TIMES)
BC - used solo on the 61/63
BY - The 55 at peak times as that gets overcrouded
PB - Sutton Lines (They wont get them neither)
PE - Wouldnt get that type of bus I wouldnt imagine
WA - 51/935 (They probally wont be going there)
WN - I dont think they would get any to be fair but if they did then the 126
WB - 451/74/75 sometimes the 82/87
YW - 2/3/18/49/49A/76 & rare working on the 50
Not that theres being any talk about Plaxtons going to any other garages Im just talking out loud
I can't see this happening myself, Enviros at WB would get wrecked by hoodlums that ride on Dudley Road and Soho Road routes, even though it would be good to see - even though they wouldn't appear on the 89. But I can't see YW using presidents on the 50, it's their showcase route, and as far as I know requires new buses every few years.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 08, 2012, 11:44:08 AM
the 529 is WA operated.
If the Plaxtons were to go anywere they should move them to YW to use on the 18/49/76/50.
I like the 966 with Plaxton Presidents although the 966 would look better with the new B7RLE'S or Ominilinks but saying that is there any part of that route between Erdington & Birmingham Airport where an ominilink wouldnt be able to get through. I only travel on the 966 between International Airport & Solihull
I Havent notcied the 71/72 interworking before but to be honest i dont pay much attention to that route in Solihull.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Bromwich would look good with Enviro400's using them on the 74/75/451 ;D
For example if YW got some Plaxton Presidents from WB they could swap say 4 Plaxtons for 4 Enviro400's that would be amazing if that actully happend.
I think Plaxtons Would look good at Perry Barr for the 934/A and the Sutton Lines routes like before. But if PB got any plaxtons that they wont but if they did they would be placed upon the Sutton Line Routes (902/904/905/914/915/115) like in the past
if the garages were to get Plaxtons from BC/AG this is how I think they would be used;
AG - Have them already on the 31/A and 37 (PEAK TIMES)
BC - used solo on the 61/63
BY - The 55 at peak times as that gets overcrouded
PB - Sutton Lines (They wont get them neither)
PE - Wouldnt get that type of bus I wouldnt imagine
WA - 51/935 (They probally wont be going there)
WN - I dont think they would get any to be fair but if they did then the 126
WB - 451/74/75 sometimes the 82/87
YW - 2/3/18/49/49A/76 & rare working on the 50
Not that theres being any talk about Plaxtons going to any other garages Im just talking out loud
A personal suggestion. Decrease the frequency of route 404, extend it to Merry Hill Centre 7 days a week and use Presidents that can't be used on Brimingham routes, this releases a large number of Scanias that can replace more WB Mercs or something.
Presidents can also go on the 451. As for the AG ones, they could be used on the Outer Cricle until new double deckers replace them, if that happens. Just an idea
The 404 is operated by Walsall not West Brom so theres the first problem, the 404 at the moment also has lots of delays due to the island on all saints way so if the frequency was to be reduced then they you would get 3/4 stuck together with a 30/40 min gap and also they have to compete with diamond and there 6 minute frequency. the 404 is also a showcase route so needs newer buses than V/W reg presidents but double deckers on occasions would b good tho.
Quote from: Ashley on April 09, 2012, 12:16:59 AM
A personal suggestion. Decrease the frequency of route 404, extend it to Merry Hill Centre 7 days a week and use Presidents that can't be used on Brimingham routes, this releases a large number of Scanias that can replace more WB Mercs or something.
Certainly agree with decreasing the frequency of the 404, the competition with Diamond is leading to a massive overkill. I've found I've been the sole passenger on the bus more than once (both weekday and Saturday travel).
The other problem with the route is the passage through Caldmore, which is fraught with parking problems. A good case for midis on this route if ever there was one!
Just my view ...
Quote from: Ossie on April 09, 2012, 12:07:28 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 09, 2012, 12:16:59 AM
A personal suggestion. Decrease the frequency of route 404, extend it to Merry Hill Centre 7 days a week and use Presidents that can't be used on Brimingham routes, this releases a large number of Scanias that can replace more WB Mercs or something.
Certainly agree with decreasing the frequency of the 404, the competition with Diamond is leading to a massive overkill. I've found I've been the sole passenger on the bus more than once (both weekday and Saturday travel).
The other problem with the route is the passage through Caldmore, which is fraught with parking problems. A good case for midis on this route if ever there was one!
Just my view ...
The midi's would not be suitable for the route as often the scania's get really full at times with people standing especially between Walsall and West Brom but the overcrowding is more due to the 3-4 turning up in one go due to the delays all routes are experiencing through all saints way. Caldmore was even worse before they made the buses entering Walsall use the Wednesbury Road as often 2 buses apporaching each other would get stuck. The frequncy with diamond and NXWM is leading to a bus every 3 minutes and has been like this for some time so there must be making money for operating at this frequency as both companies buses get quite busy at times. Why in the evenings would the 404 only go to Oldbury when it always goes to Blackheath but i do agree with the 404H being extended to Merry Hill weekdays as it would mean one extra bus to be used and it would give a quicker route to Merry Hill from West Brom aswell as giving people of Walsall a direct service Merry Hill.
The trouble is that WB garage is pretty much full to capacity and can't fit the 20 buses needed for the 404 in there.
Do WB still use the overflow bus park at the end of Oak Road/Izons Road, former Stevensons depot?
Quote from: D10 on April 09, 2012, 03:47:53 PM
The trouble is that WB garage is pretty much full to capacity and can't fit the 20 buses needed for the 404 in there.
Ah yes, hadn't considered the large portion of B6LE's that have been replaced by full size Mercs cascaded by further Gemini. I have WB's current fleet as 167 buses, so it hasn't shrunk any further since the transfer of 20 Omnilinks to WA along with the 404
With all the re-development work going on around WB garage, it wouldn't surprise me in the future if NXWM received a compulsory purchase order to re-develop the land the garage is on for residential use
Quote from: thetruth on April 09, 2012, 04:28:00 PM
Quote from: winston on April 09, 2012, 04:23:35 PM
Do WB still use the overflow bus park at the end of Oak Road/Izons Road, former Stevensons depot?
Quote from: D10 on April 09, 2012, 03:47:53 PM
The trouble is that WB garage is pretty much full to capacity and can't fit the 20 buses needed for the 404 in there.
Yes Winston.
The limiting factor is not the number of vehicles but the length.
For instance, they had 187 buses around April 2006 but a lot more of these were B6LEs.
There is also the problem with traffic as the depot is in residental area, plus the fact that a new retirement home is nearing completion opposite the depot. More buses = more noise = complaints.
I heard before that the bus garage was going to be moved to somewhere else in West Brom but i guess this was just a rumour but only a few years ago WB used to operate the 79,120,140,238 and 404 aswell as the 16 for a short period so i guess there was more problems in terms of space then than there is now.
I know one of the old General Managesr of WB garage and he did tell me that at least 10 years ago Sandwell Council wanted them out, but at the council couldn't find a replacement site, nothing happened.
They could make the 404 NXWM & Diamond every 10 minutes during the day, and just co-ordinate them to run every 5 minutes, problem solved, then maybe there could be an every 20 minute frequency to Merry Hill on the 404H, just a though ;D
Quote from: Ossie on April 09, 2012, 12:07:28 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 09, 2012, 12:16:59 AM
A personal suggestion. Decrease the frequency of route 404, extend it to Merry Hill Centre 7 days a week and use Presidents that can't be used on Brimingham routes, this releases a large number of Scanias that can replace more WB Mercs or something.
Certainly agree with decreasing the frequency of the 404, the competition with Diamond is leading to a massive overkill. I've found I've been the sole passenger on the bus more than once (both weekday and Saturday travel).
The other problem with the route is the passage through Caldmore, which is fraught with parking problems. A good case for midis on this route if ever there was one!
Just my view ...
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 12:36:59 AM
They could make the 404 NXWM & Diamond every 10 minutes during the day, and just co-ordinate them to run every 5 minutes, problem solved, then maybe there could be an every 20 minute frequency to Merry Hill on the 404H, just a though ;D
Quote from: Ossie on April 09, 2012, 12:07:28 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 09, 2012, 12:16:59 AM
A personal suggestion. Decrease the frequency of route 404, extend it to Merry Hill Centre 7 days a week and use Presidents that can't be used on Brimingham routes, this releases a large number of Scanias that can replace more WB Mercs or something.
Certainly agree with decreasing the frequency of the 404, the competition with Diamond is leading to a massive overkill. I've found I've been the sole passenger on the bus more than once (both weekday and Saturday travel).
The other problem with the route is the passage through Caldmore, which is fraught with parking problems. A good case for midis on this route if ever there was one!
Just my view ...
If this was to ever happen then NXWM would need to use double deckers and diamond would need to use at least there royale centro's to cope with the capacity issues
I forgot to say when writing the 404 idea to transfer the route back to WB. I didn't realise that it was a showcase route, but as with the Outer Cricle, using Presidents could be a short term solution and a combined NXWM and Diamond frequency which regularly serves Merry Hill Centre could be achieveable
This is a stupid sugesttion but
In another topic under (Geminis to WB) in NXWM theres a post about A residental home being bulit and more noise is going to be made making more complaints to Centro.
My first option would be to move WB garage to a more industrial place of West Bromwich if you get what I mean. Or if not then close WB down and Transfer the routes/buses to other garage like so;
Routes:
74/75/82 could go to Perry Barr Garage (Certain buses could transfer there to) possibly the 80/88/89
87 could be transferred to Pensett Garage the geminis could be placed in another garage as PB wouldnt have the space :(
127/128 Could go to Pensett Garage or Perry Barr
401/402/402A could maybe be placed at Walsall
405/406 - Walsall
410/414 - Walsall
428/429 - Perry Barr
447 - Walsall
448/448A/448 - Birmingham Garage or Bordsley Green
449 - Walsall
450 - Walsall
451 - Perry Barr
West Bromwich Buses
Mercedes-Benz O405N - To be placed at Walsall Garge/Pensett Garage/Perry Barr
Dennis Darts - Birmingham/Pensett/Walsall
Volvo B6LE'S - Walsall/Pensett
Volvo BR7TLS - Perry Barr/Acocks Green/Walsall
Thats just my opinon though
Im sure they would never get rid of West Brom Garage completley, in time the location may change and a new garage may be opened in Oldbury or another area near by. Other garages are near on full in capacity anyway and so extra buses and routes from West Brom would not be an option, i just wondered how West Brom garage used to cope when Hockley garage closed and they had all the extra buses from the 16 as well as still having the 120/140 then and certain running boards on the 79 as metrobuses used to appear with the ocassional merc
To be honest I don't think West Brom could cope at all when Hockley closed, hence the rather rapid transfer of the 16 on to Perry Barr.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2012, 07:23:16 PM
This is a stupid sugesttion but
In another topic under (Geminis to WB) in NXWM theres a post about A residental home being bulit and more noise is going to be made making more complaints to Centro.
My first option would be to move WB garage to a more industrial place of West Bromwich if you get what I mean. Or if not then close WB down and Transfer the routes/buses to other garage like so;
Routes:
74/75/82 could go to Perry Barr Garage (Certain buses could transfer there to) possibly the 80/88/89
87 could be transferred to Pensett Garage the geminis could be placed in another garage as PB wouldnt have the space :(
127/128 Could go to Pensett Garage or Perry Barr
401/402/402A could maybe be placed at Walsall
405/406 - Walsall
410/414 - Walsall
428/429 - Perry Barr
447 - Walsall
448/448A/448 - Birmingham Garage or Bordsley Green
449 - Walsall
450 - Walsall
451 - Perry Barr
West Bromwich Buses
Mercedes-Benz O405N - To be placed at Walsall Garge/Pensett Garage/Perry Barr
Dennis Darts - Birmingham/Pensett/Walsall
Volvo B6LE'S - Walsall/Pensett
Volvo BR7TLS - Perry Barr/Acocks Green/Walsall
Thats just my opinon though
One big problem. Where would you park all those buses you think could go to Perry barr?
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2012, 09:30:39 PM
One big problem. Where would you park all those buses you think could go to Perry barr?
If you really had to close West Bromwich, what's stopping NX reopening Lea Hall as a normal depot again. That'd transfer a lot of BC and some stuff from PB to LH, freeing up the space, simple. NX still have one less depot, so costs are not changed much.
Quote from: Michael link=topic=87.msg892#msg8atelierate=1334092963
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2012, 09:30:39 PM
One big problem. Where would you park all those buses you think could go to Perry barr?
If you really had to close West Bromwich, what's stopping NX reopening Lea Hall as a normal depot again. That'd transfer a lot of BC and some stuff from PB to LH, freeing up the space, simple. NX still have one less depot, so costs are not changed much.
Well why not reuse XS as a sub depot of PB and use the "car park" for the spare buses that XS holds with the trainers moving to WA?
Quote from: thetruth on April 10, 2012, 10:45:39 PM
Quote from: Michael on April 10, 2012, 10:22:43 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 10, 2012, 09:30:39 PM
One big problem. Where would you park all those buses you think could go to Perry barr?
If you really had to close West Bromwich, what's stopping NX reopening Lea Hall as a normal depot again. That'd transfer a lot of BC and some stuff from PB to LH, freeing up the space, simple. NX still have one less depot, so costs are not changed much.
Because Lea Hall is full of reserve fleet buses? Where are you planning to move those?
Most of what is at Lea Hall is up for sale. A lot is waiting to be scrapped so it's simple. They can easily be dealt with. There's also the Car Park, as well as Volant PSV.
Space would be tight over the next year with the Mercs being withdrawn, but with the small yard at Miller Street, and Walsall, as well as Wolverhampton which has had it's fleet shrunk over the years, there should be enough space.
The 88 doesn't exist anymore it was withdrawn 3 years ago
It would make more sense for the 74/75 to operated by PE, WN or WA and the 401 to be operated by WN.
428/429 should be operated by Walsall as they both go to Wednesbury
448/A/B should go to YW or BC, also, what buses would the 448/A/B be operated by?
Quote from: NathanJC on April 10, 2012, 07:23:16 PM
This is a stupid sugesttion but
In another topic under (Geminis to WB) in NXWM theres a post about A residental home being bulit and more noise is going to be made making more complaints to Centro.
My first option would be to move WB garage to a more industrial place of West Bromwich if you get what I mean. Or if not then close WB down and Transfer the routes/buses to other garage like so;
Routes:
74/75/82 could go to Perry Barr Garage (Certain buses could transfer there to) possibly the 80/88/89
87 could be transferred to Pensett Garage the geminis could be placed in another garage as PB wouldnt have the space :(
127/128 Could go to Pensett Garage or Perry Barr
401/402/402A could maybe be placed at Walsall
405/406 - Walsall
410/414 - Walsall
428/429 - Perry Barr
447 - Walsall
448/448A/448 - Birmingham Garage or Bordsley Green
449 - Walsall
450 - Walsall
451 - Perry Barr
West Bromwich Buses
Mercedes-Benz O405N - To be placed at Walsall Garge/Pensett Garage/Perry Barr
Dennis Darts - Birmingham/Pensett/Walsall
Volvo B6LE'S - Walsall/Pensett
Volvo BR7TLS - Perry Barr/Acocks Green/Walsall
Thats just my opinon though
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
Since the 404 went to Walsall to stop the dead mileage in the evening there is now 2 extra buses from West brom at around 23:30 and 23:55 to Walsall which is better becuase when it was at WB the last bus was 23:00.
Heard a couple of whispers off drivers about this and locating to Oldbury crops up alot!
Also the residential home that's being built is suppose to be sound proof
Also the yard which WB use (down the road) backs unto houses
I've never heard any owners complain about buses revving up in the early hours
In the yard they use at West Brom is it the older buses that go into there remember when West Brom had the scania's i never saw any parked up there and i could b wrong but dont think i have ever seen a gemini in there, i know the darts get parked at the back of the actual garage outside.
I have seen double deckers in there but can't be 100% sure if they put the Gemini's in there!
I assume when day time services end buses get
washed/refuelled and moved down the road till it's filled
Quote from: thetruth on April 11, 2012, 02:06:14 AM
They currently park anything in the top yard except Darts.
Never saw a Scania in there though. Before the Scanias arrived there always used to be around 5 of the 'talking Mercs' (1524-9/31-5/7-9/658) parked at the top yard in the evening or on Sundays which suggests that there were some 404 boards run from there. This obviously changed when the Scanias arrived.
Lol the 'talking mercs' the system were good especially if you were not familiar to the route and good if you wanted to know the time it's a shame some of the scania's dont have them installed as there still installed on the merc's along with some of the diamond darts
Michael like i said it was a sueggestion I didnt say IT had to happen. I even quoted it at the top it was a silly sueggestion so ..
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:17:23 PM
The 88 doesn't exist anymore it was withdrawn 3 years ago
It would make more sense for the 74/75 to operated by PE, WN or WA and the 401 to be operated by WN.
428/429 should be operated by Walsall as they both go to Wednesbury
448/A/B should go to YW or BC, also, what buses would the 448/A/B be operated by?
[/quote]
If the 448/A/B went to YW it would probally be Volvo B10L or Scania Operated
If the 448/A/B went to BC it would probally be Scania operated or Dennis Triednet operated :D
4029 has gone to Acock's Green, looks like the presidents are starting to move there for more gemini's in return i would think
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:44:09 PM
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
They won't close west brom garage they are having a new roof this year. but they will most likely dispose of the land by the town or be made to? 74 and 75 should stay at WB relief at WB no book on time 87 82 to PN 80 89 to BC 636 to PN WB low or non profitable routes give to diamond in the sandwell network review they like empty routes
With all the re-development work going on around the main WB garage site, I'm surprised the council haven't considered a compulsory purchase order & NXWM have been forced to re-locate WB garage to an industrial estate.
Problem is, where would PE accommodate all those extra buses at present? that is unless they decide to acquire the derelict land adjacent to the bottom of the garage yard, the other problem is PE depots infrastructure doesn't really seem capable/wasn't designed to deal with a 150+ fleet
Quote from: richie on April 27, 2012, 06:59:25 AM
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:44:09 PM
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
They won't close west brom garage they are having a new roof this year. but they will most likely dispose of the land by the town or be made to? 74 and 75 should stay at WB relief at WB no book on time 87 82 to PN 80 89 to BC 636 to PN WB low or non profitable routes give to diamond in the sandwell network review they like empty routes
BC is more than capable to operate the Dudley Road corridor if it came to it.
Quote from: richie on April 27, 2012, 06:59:25 AM
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:44:09 PM
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
They won't close west brom garage they are having a new roof this year. but they will most likely dispose of the land by the town or be made to? 74 and 75 should stay at WB relief at WB no book on time 87 82 to PN 80 89 to BC 636 to PN WB low or non profitable routes give to diamond in the sandwell network review they like empty routes
Im sure WB would find another park up may be near kenrick way where there sure to be empty units, If not i would think the 405/6 would return to Walsall and use the liberators on them, 451 may return to PB due to them running the service before, the 448 could go to BC and may be another suggestion change the 75 back to the 79 and get Wolverhampton to run the service again using the tridents. (only suggestions) but i cant see WB losing or reducing there sevices also i think we would have heard something about the park up space they have now if it was to be redeveloped as the police station has been built opposite and they seem to be building around it. All diamond routes they operate around west brom are defo not empty as there service that have been operated by either petes travel or birmingham coach company or ludlows for a long time, also i dont think any WB routes are that low profitable or certainly not non profitable because if they were do you really think NXWM would be operating them .
I'm pretty sure PB is already at capacity, so any further route transfers in are unlikely. PE is at or near capacity without any extension. I'm not sure how close BC is to its total capacity.
Quote from: Ash on April 27, 2012, 12:34:52 PM
Quote from: richie on April 27, 2012, 06:59:25 AM
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:44:09 PM
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
They won't close west brom garage they are having a new roof this year. but they will most likely dispose of the land by the town or be made to? 74 and 75 should stay at WB relief at WB no book on time 87 82 to PN 80 89 to BC 636 to PN WB low or non profitable routes give to diamond in the sandwell network review they like empty routes
Im sure WB would find another park up may be near kenrick way where there sure to be empty units, If not i would think the 405/6 would return to Walsall and use the liberators on them, 451 may return to PB due to them running the service before, the 448 could go to BC and may be another suggestion change the 75 back to the 79 and get Wolverhampton to run the service again using the tridents. (only suggestions) but i cant see WB losing or reducing there sevices also i think we would have heard something about the park up space they have now if it was to be redeveloped as the police station has been built opposite and they seem to be building around it. All diamond routes they operate around west brom are defo not empty as there service that have been operated by either petes travel or birmingham coach company or ludlows for a long time, also i dont think any WB routes are that low profitable or certainly not non profitable because if they were do you really think NXWM would be operating them .
Due to most garages seeming to be at full capacity im sure if the puter parking area has to close alternative parking and storage i would think would be found
Watch this space i hear that the duty roster is to change signifinatly at PN in October
Don't forget that there is a Sandwell Bus Review this year and the most likely date for implementation is the last Sunday in October, when some Centro tendered services will also change.
Ritchie,
I don't mean to sound pedantic, but why is it only you that refers to Pensnett garage as 'PN' when everybody else, including NXWM themselves, use the short garage code 'PE'?
Quote from: Ash on April 26, 2012, 09:46:26 PM
4029 has gone to Acock's Green, looks like the presidents are starting to move there for more gemini's in return i would think
2 More Gemini's from Acocks Green have moved to West Browmich and they are 4522 & 4530 ;) both were operating on the 451 today
Looks like their swapping them for the presidents then im sure in time west brom will have all the 53 gemini's
Quote from: winston on April 27, 2012, 01:55:42 PM
I'm pretty sure PB is already at capacity, so any further route transfers in are unlikely. PE is at or near capacity without any extension. I'm not sure how close BC is to its total capacity.
Quote from: Ash on April 27, 2012, 12:34:52 PM
Quote from: richie on April 27, 2012, 06:59:25 AM
Quote from: KayP on April 10, 2012, 11:44:09 PM
The only solution would be to either transfer the 74/75 to BC or - which I think is better - split up the routes, 74 to PE and 75 to WA/WN which ever is closer to Wednesbury, I'm not sure :)
Quote from: Ash on April 10, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
To me there is one big issue with transferring all these routes from WB to different garages, is the dead mileage which would be huge especially for example if the 74/75 had to travel all the way to Wolverhampton after fininshing, but saying that when the 79 terminates at West Brom it then has all the dead mileage back to Wolverhampton so would be similar for the 74/75 so who knows
They won't close west brom garage they are having a new roof this year. but they will most likely dispose of the land by the town or be made to? 74 and 75 should stay at WB relief at WB no book on time 87 82 to PN 80 89 to BC 636 to PN WB low or non profitable routes give to diamond in the sandwell network review they like empty routes
Im sure WB would find another park up may be near kenrick way where there sure to be empty units, If not i would think the 405/6 would return to Walsall and use the liberators on them, 451 may return to PB due to them running the service before, the 448 could go to BC and may be another suggestion change the 75 back to the 79 and get Wolverhampton to run the service again using the tridents. (only suggestions) but i cant see WB losing or reducing there sevices also i think we would have heard something about the park up space they have now if it was to be redeveloped as the police station has been built opposite and they seem to be building around it. All diamond routes they operate around west brom are defo not empty as there service that have been operated by either petes travel or birmingham coach company or ludlows for a long time, also i dont think any WB routes are that low profitable or certainly not non profitable because if they were do you really think NXWM would be operating them .
Walsall is closer to Wednesbury Bus Stn
Wednesbury is closer to Walsall, what do you mean by this point you mean certain services through wednesbury should go to WA from WB
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
Wednesbury is closer to Walsall, what do you mean by this point you mean certain services through wednesbury should go to WA from WB
I think that certain WB routes to operate from a garage close to there terminus
e.g. 405/406 - WA
451 - PB
444 - PB
etc
Quote from: NathanJC on April 29, 2012, 09:53:57 AM
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
Wednesbury is closer to Walsall, what do you mean by this point you mean certain services through wednesbury should go to WA from WB
I think that certain WB routes to operate from a garage close to there terminus
e.g. 405/406 - WA
451 - PB
444 - PB
etc
All those routes terminate at West Bromwich bus station, which is literally two minutes from the depot. ::)
And the 444 (West Bromwich to Bearwood) goes nowhere near Perry Barr! ???
Imagine all the dead mileage if the 451 transferred to PB...
Quote from: trident4370 on April 29, 2012, 10:41:58 AM
Imagine all the dead mileage if the 451 transferred to PB...
Presumably this is why the 451 was transferred back to WB garage, cos I can certainly remember the 451 being run from PB back in the early 1990's.
Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2012, 10:37:59 AM
Quote from: NathanJC on April 29, 2012, 09:53:57 AM
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
Wednesbury is closer to Walsall, what do you mean by this point you mean certain services through wednesbury should go to WA from WB
I think that certain WB routes to operate from a garage close to there terminus
e.g. 405/406 - WA
451 - PB
444 - PB
etc
All those routes terminate at West Bromwich bus station, which is literally two minutes from the depot. ::)
And the 444 (West Bromwich to Bearwood) goes nowhere near Perry Barr! ???
Isnt Bearwood close to PB, straight down Hagley Road - Birmingham - PB garage
Quote from: trident4370 on April 29, 2012, 10:41:58 AM
Imagine all the dead mileage if the 451 transferred to PB...
What you mean 'Dead Mileage'
Dead Mileage is any mileage that is run when the vehicle is not in passenger service. I.e. running to the garage to take up it's first trip, and then the run back to the gaarge afterwards.
Quote from: D10 on April 29, 2012, 11:00:32 AM
Dead Mileage is any mileage that is run when the vehicle is not in passenger service. I.e. running to the garage to take up it's first trip, and then the run back to the gaarge afterwards.
ohhh 8),
So it would depend on were the 451 starts then
As has already been mentioned, PE, PB & possibly BC? are all full to capacity or near capacity, therefore nothing could be transferred in without a route being transferred out to another garage. PE could possibly be extended to increase capacity, but that remains to be seen whether it will actually ever happen.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 29, 2012, 09:53:57 AM
Quote from: Ash on April 28, 2012, 10:29:17 PM
Wednesbury is closer to Walsall, what do you mean by this point you mean certain services through wednesbury should go to WA from WB
I think that certain WB routes to operate from a garage close to there terminus
e.g. 405/406 - WA
451 - PB
444 - PB
etc
I know becuase of the walsall network review that the 404 transerred to Walsall with the 405/6 in the opposite direction, but most of the 404 services finish in West Brom or start at West Brom with some even finishing in Blackheath so there must be quite a bit of dead mileage here even though i know there some extra services in the evening that finish at Walsall since the transfer.
With other garages at full capacity i cant see West Bromwich garage closing without a replacement garage near the current location.
AG use their initiative and have a lot of vehicles terminating in Solihull to run as 37Es back to Acocks Green.
Why would a residential hopme be built next to a garage and expect no noise?
From a fleetlist I have in 2000 only 31 of the same vehicles from the West Bromwich garage remain in the fleet to this day from the 150 that was in the fleet at that time.
These being buses : 590,670,674,675,680,681,682,1523,1526-9,1532/4/8/9,1577,1581/2/5-7/9,1592,1613,1617-9,1622/4/6 and soon all these buses could be replaced
And by looking at other garages fleetlists in 2000 WB seems to be the garage with the same vechicles remaining now were in 2012
Not all garages can do that as some routes dont go by the garage, its ok if the routes stops 2 mins away from the garage (37)
Not quite sure what that has to do with the question
Quote from: Michael on April 29, 2012, 02:04:58 PM
AG use their initiative and have a lot of vehicles terminating in Solihull to run as 37Es back to Acocks Green.
Not every garage can have a route run to the garage to save dead milage, AG is lucky they have the 37 ::)
Yes but all services NXWM run are given normally to the nearest garage to the service in question to reduce dead mileage, i think the worst case of dead mileage ive heard of was when the 900 was ran by Walsall garage with the dp metrobuses, dont know the year was too young to remember and i believe Acock's Green has ran the route, has Coventry ever ran the service?
Quote from: Ash on April 29, 2012, 06:17:19 PM
has Coventry ever ran the service?
Yes, they used branded MK2A Metrobuses, not sure when but late 90's/early 00's.
3063, 3065, 3068, 3073, 3074, 3085-7 were branded, might have been more.
Quote from: Ash on April 29, 2012, 06:17:19 PM
Yes but all services NXWM run are given normally to the nearest garage to the service in question to reduce dead mileage, i think the worst case of dead mileage ive heard of was when the 900 was ran by Walsall garage with the dp metrobuses, dont know the year was too young to remember and i believe Acock's Green has ran the route, has Coventry ever ran the service?
I second that. All garages can terminate certain routes closer to their garage on the last journeys rather than just drive up with that dead mileage.
Quote from: NathanJC on April 29, 2012, 10:56:06 AM
Isnt Bearwood close to PB, straight down Hagley Road - Birmingham - PB garage
I think you need to have a look on Google Maps and look where these places are. PB = Perry Barr. ???
There has been talk of West Brom depot closing for years. At one point the depot was going to be located next to the Midland Metro depot, but the problem was the access for double deckers (because of the low bridge) Also I'm pretty sure that at least part of the depot has listed status, I remember hearing that the depot has tram lines underneath the depot floor. I'm not sure about that but would sure be interesting if it was for the council
Yeah,AS IF! can anyone tell me when Sandwells retirement home for second hand/hand me down buses,(better Known as WB) -last had a new delivery??. My earliest record is of 2598
Jan 1983, the latest may be at least 12 years ago- 4087 to 4098,I imagine. :-\ (most of which are currently providing blanket coverage on the 451.) although I suspect these may have gone to HY after a week? :-\
1878-1882?
The 56 Plate Geminis that arrived brand new for the 82/87 Routes???
Scanias in 2008. Geminis in 2006. Presidents in 2000.
Quote from: Michael on April 30, 2012, 02:09:55 PM
Presidents in 2000.
No President's have been new to West Brom, They are Yardley Wood cast off's in 2002 when the Trident's replaced them on the 6. 4087-4097, 4099 all moved in May 2002 and then moved to BC when Hockley Closed. I'm guessing to make room for the 42** Volvo's and other buses gained during the closure. West Brom didn't have any President's again until 2007 when the 451 gained refurbished examples.
I certainly do share Windy Miller's frustrations at West Brom's lack of new vehicles though. Having been born & raised in Smethwick :'( i always paid close attention to my former 'home' garage.
Oh well.... there's always the Sandwell Bus Review lol
Quote from: Ash on April 29, 2012, 06:17:19 PM
Yes but all services NXWM run are given normally to the nearest garage to the service in question to reduce dead mileage, i think the worst case of dead mileage ive heard of was when the 900 was ran by Walsall garage with the dp metrobuses, dont know the year was too young to remember and i believe Acock's Green has ran the route, has Coventry ever ran the service?
I seem to remember didnt CV operate 1 or 2 journeys on the 900 :-\
Some NXWM services terminate away from the garage
The presidents 4088-4099 were swapped for 4290-4299 these were joined for the 16 branded b7's from Hockley when it closed, the newest buses delivered to West Brom were the 20 '58','09' scania's
:-[Swifty-my apologies mate!-I meant to specify D/Deck deliveries, which would have narrowed it down a bit! but as you say I had completely forgotten about the 47xx series
Quote from: John-s-91 on April 30, 2012, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: Michael on April 30, 2012, 02:09:55 PM
Presidents in 2000.
No President's have been new to West Brom, They are Yardley Wood cast off's in 2002 when the Trident's replaced them on the 6. 4087-4097, 4099 all moved in May 2002 and then moved to BC when Hockley Closed. I'm guessing to make room for the 42** Volvo's and other buses gained during the closure. West Brom didn't have any President's again until 2007 when the 451 gained refurbished examples.
My mistake, I confuse Hockley & West Bromwich a lot, where the Presidents and ALX400s are concerned!
Full histories of all vehicles in the 4001-4260 range are now on their pages on the main site. I am slowly going through checking every page to make sure the history is correct and putting previous page links on along with removing all codes and replacing them with full vehicle descriptions to make the site more understandable to novice bus spotters.
As you can imagine this is a mammoth task, as I am not only doing it for NXWM but all operators. This is why adding the Metrobus histories has stalled a bit. All of 2679-2735 are now finished with full histories and these will be added for all Metrobuses soon
Quote from: windy miller on April 30, 2012, 01:25:39 PM
Yeah,AS IF! can anyone tell me when Sandwells retirement home for second hand/hand me down buses,(better Known as WB) -last had a new delivery??. My earliest record is of 2598
Jan 1983, the latest may be at least 12 years ago- 4087 to 4098,I imagine. :-\ (most of which are currently providing blanket coverage on the 451.) although I suspect these may have gone to HY after a week? :-\
2598 was most definitely new to Washwood Heath, not WB. Part of the 2583-2600 batch they had.
Quote from: Gareth on April 30, 2012, 08:54:25 PM
Quote from: windy miller on April 30, 2012, 01:25:39 PM
Yeah,AS IF! can anyone tell me when Sandwells retirement home for second hand/hand me down buses,(better Known as WB) -last had a new delivery??. My earliest record is of 2598
Jan 1983, the latest may be at least 12 years ago- 4087 to 4098,I imagine. :-\ (most of which are currently providing blanket coverage on the 451.) although I suspect these may have gone to HY after a week? :-\
2598 was most definitely new to Washwood Heath, not WB. Part of the 2583-2600 batch they had.
Not quite true WH had 2586-2600; 2583/4 were new to LH. I was the first driver to drive WH's last Mk2 (not mk2a) 2910 in service, all of 2907-10 were first used on rail replacement between New Street and Aston while a bridge was replaced just outside New Street, and I remember it having the 'new car' smell, something new buses don't have any more
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2012, 09:05:34 PM
Not quite true WH had 2586-2600; 2583/4 were new to LH. I was the first driver to drive WH's last Mk2 (not mk2a) 2910 in service, all of 2907-10 were first used on rail replacement between New Street and Aston while a bridge was replaced just outside New Street, and I remember it having the 'new car' smell, something new buses don't have any more
I dunno, I was on one of Pensnetts new B7RLEs on Sunday on the 120, and it still remarkably had that 'new-car' scent. :D
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2012, 09:05:34 PM
Quote from: Gareth on April 30, 2012, 08:54:25 PM
Quote from: windy miller on April 30, 2012, 01:25:39 PM
Yeah,AS IF! can anyone tell me when Sandwells retirement home for second hand/hand me down buses,(better Known as WB) -last had a new delivery??. My earliest record is of 2598
Jan 1983, the latest may be at least 12 years ago- 4087 to 4098,I imagine. :-\ (most of which are currently providing blanket coverage on the 451.) although I suspect these may have gone to HY after a week? :-\
2598 was most definitely new to Washwood Heath, not WB. Part of the 2583-2600 batch they had.
Not quite true WH had 2586-2600; 2583/4 were new to LH. I was the first driver to drive WH's last Mk2 (not mk2a) 2910 in service, all of 2907-10 were first used on rail replacement between New Street and Aston while a bridge was replaced just outside New Street, and I remember it having the 'new car' smell, something new buses don't have any more
Of course 2583 was Lea Hall. Shame on me! :-[ I blame a twitch of the finger hitting a 3 instead of the 6! ;)
lol Windy no need for sorry, damn ? button stuck on this comp lol
Quote from: thetruth on May 01, 2012, 01:38:34 AM
I saw 4312 and 4314 new parked outside WB in March 2002. The 4312-30 batch were originally intended for the 74 but plans change and they eventually ended up on the 79 which moved to WN in the May 2002 service changes.
Tony, do you have any pictures of this batch with 74 branding before it was replaced with 79 branding?
I don't think any gained branding, as they moved to Wolverhampton before branding was applied, but I might be wrong.
I think they moved to avoid introducing another vehicle type to West Brom, as Wolverhampton already had Trident's.
Ah right, ok. Thanks
Quote from: John-s-91 on May 01, 2012, 09:53:11 AM
Quote from: thetruth on May 01, 2012, 01:38:34 AM
I saw 4312 and 4314 new parked outside WB in March 2002. The 4312-30 batch were originally intended for the 74 but plans change and they eventually ended up on the 79 which moved to WN in the May 2002 service changes.
Tony, do you have any pictures of this batch with 74 branding before it was replaced with 79 branding?
I don't think any gained branding, as they moved to Wolverhampton before branding was applied, but I might be wrong.
I think they moved to avoid introducing another vehicle type to West Brom, as Wolverhampton already had Trident's.
I don't have any photos of them with 74 branding on, but they were all parked up at Walsall garage when new with 74 branding on
Anyone know when they're planning to get rid of the green branding
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2012, 06:14:43 PM
Quote from: John-s-91 on May 01, 2012, 09:53:11 AM
Quote from: thetruth on May 01, 2012, 01:38:34 AM
I saw 4312 and 4314 new parked outside WB in March 2002. The 4312-30 batch were originally intended for the 74 but plans change and they eventually ended up on the 79 which moved to WN in the May 2002 service changes.
Tony, do you have any pictures of this batch with 74 branding before it was replaced with 79 branding?
I don't think any gained branding, as they moved to Wolverhampton before branding was applied, but I might be wrong.
I think they moved to avoid introducing another vehicle type to West Brom, as Wolverhampton already had Trident's.
I don't have any photos of them with 74 branding on, but they were all parked up at Walsall garage when new with 74 branding on
Quote from: 4504 on May 01, 2012, 08:43:29 PM
Anyone know when they're planning to get rid of the green branding
Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2012, 06:14:43 PM
Quote from: John-s-91 on May 01, 2012, 09:53:11 AM
Quote from: thetruth on May 01, 2012, 01:38:34 AM
I saw 4312 and 4314 new parked outside WB in March 2002. The 4312-30 batch were originally intended for the 74 but plans change and they eventually ended up on the 79 which moved to WN in the May 2002 service changes.
Tony, do you have any pictures of this batch with 74 branding before it was replaced with 79 branding?
Hopefully soon the green looks horrible, the grey they used look so much better and part of the livery
I don't think any gained branding, as they moved to Wolverhampton before branding was applied, but I might be wrong.
I think they moved to avoid introducing another vehicle type to West Brom, as Wolverhampton already had Trident's.
I don't have any photos of them with 74 branding on, but they were all parked up at Walsall garage when new with 74 branding on
1532 and 1587 seen in the garage parking area over the road from the actual bus station this afternoon and 1532 looked as if its being stripped down for parts so think both of these buses are now witdraw as buses never seem to be kept here in the daytime.
1698 is parked up infront of the garage with cones around it and what looks like to be an engine fire is very noticable, for me it looks like its ready to be picked up and taken from the garage as where it's parked is in the way to the entry of the garage.
451 Service
The 451 was run by Perry Barr until March 1998 then transferred to West Bromwich. As for Dead Milege a lot of Afternoon journeys terminated at Great Barr Scott Arms and started there in the morning going both directions
This is random but I am pretty sure Perry Barr used to run a service to a College service from Soihull/Balsall common to Stratford on Avon for a fair while before AG took it over and withdrew it
Quote from: monkeyjoe on June 06, 2012, 05:11:37 PM
This is random but I am pretty sure Perry Barr used to run a service to a College service from Soihull/Balsall common to Stratford on Avon for a fair while before AG took it over and withdrew it
Yeah, the 220 and 221. AG ran them with the last few Metrobuses. No idea what happened to it to be honest!
Quote from: Michael on June 06, 2012, 05:14:58 PM
Yeah, the 220 and 221. AG ran them with the last few Metrobuses. No idea what happened to it to be honest!
I think Perry Barr gained them when Hockley closed. I think that is why 2769, 2988 and 3022 transferred from PB to AG for, to cover for these 2 routes.
Don't Johnsons run the one into Solihull now?
Hockley used to run loads of various city centre routes randomly.
Did they run the Airbus routes as well?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on June 06, 2012, 05:21:58 PM
Hockley used to run loads of various city centre routes randomly.
Did they run the Airbus routes as well?
Hockley did the private and school stuff really. It ran the Private Charter fleet, which was mainly DP Metrobuses I think?. It also had the N reg Olympians I think.
Hockley ran the Harborne routes, Dudley Road (I think), 16 (Birmingham to Hamstead) and the 101, and the 8 (which had Presidents on it from time to time!)
I think it also ran the 65/66, but not sure on that.
I was suprised to see a alx400 from WB on a school service by the new invention (4274 was the bus) is this a regular working from WB as im sure WA would be more suited from running the school service
From Memory Quinton ran the Harborne routes however Hockley did run the 82 128 & 129 & the *8A/C on top of the routes already mentioned.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on June 06, 2012, 06:29:57 PM
From Memory Quinton ran the Harborne routes however Hockley did run the 82 128 & 129 & the *8A/C on top of the routes already mentioned.
I'm sure the 82 and 103 were run by the same garage, because they were both operated by Mercs and metrobuses
Quinton ran the 82 when Hockley closed. Then it was Quinton that ran both the 82 and 103
Hockley ran the 120 service after Dudley garage closed. Then when Hockley closed, it passed to West Bromwich, and then onto Pensnett after the Dudley Review.
They could shut every garage and buy Burnt Tree Tescos! there's plenty of parking and office space and local to many existing garages! Tesco Travel...Trust me it will happen!!!! ;D
Quote from: 4006 on June 06, 2012, 07:29:55 PM
They could shut every garage and buy Burnt Tree Tescos! there's plenty of parking and office space and local to many existing garages! Tesco Travel...Trust me it will happen!!!! ;D
Or run everything from Longbridge. Plenty of space for 1800 buses!
Quote from: thetruth on June 06, 2012, 08:09:25 PM
Quote from: Stu on June 06, 2012, 06:59:41 PM
Hockley ran the 120 service after Dudley garage closed. Then when Hockley closed, it passed to West Bromwich, and then onto Pensnett after the Dudley Review.
Not quite. The 120 moved to WB in the May 2002 service changes (along with the 87, 88, 128 and 129). Hockley closed in May 2005.
WB also had a couple of running boards in the 120 prior to May 2002.
Thanks for the info! :D
1703-7 moved to WB with the 120 as 1703-6 were branded for the route
At one time nearly all the WB mercs were branded and it was very very rare to find them on different routes and still to this day must buses stay on the correct services if branded for them
Quote from: Ash on June 07, 2012, 05:54:55 PM
At one time nearly all the WB mercs were branded and it was very very rare to find them on different routes and still to this day must buses stay on the correct services if branded for them
Yeah, I remember the 74, 79, 120, 404 and 451 were all branded.
Nowadays, you can see 74/75 branded buses on the 80, and 14 branded buses on the 60
WB had 4530 out on the 406 today!
Another b6le has been withdrawn 624, double deckers are now not uncommon to see on the 405/6 there is often one on there each day, the mercs and b6le buses seem to be getting withdrawn and being replaced by gemini's in most cases although a b6le 569 has come from Walsall
Quote from: Ash on June 06, 2012, 06:15:26 PM
I was suprised to see a alx400 from WB on a school service by the new invention (4274 was the bus) is this a regular working from WB as im sure WA would be more suited from running the school service
Yes Ash, it has been since September. A WB running board operates the 702 (am) and 703 (pm) and I assume goes onto the 75 / 75E / 74E as the vehicle is often a Birmingham - West Bromwich branded bus.
I know the 775 on an afternoon once finishes works the 80 service into Birmingham before all the changes last July it used to be a 451 branded president so im guessing used to work a peak 451
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 15, 2012, 07:18:44 PM
Quote from: Ash on June 06, 2012, 06:15:26 PM
I was suprised to see a alx400 from WB on a school service by the new invention (4274 was the bus) is this a regular working from WB as im sure WA would be more suited from running the school service
Yes Ash, it has been since September. A WB running board operates the 702 (am) and 703 (pm) and I assume goes onto the 75 / 75E / 74E as the vehicle is often a Birmingham - West Bromwich branded bus.
I have seen this many times round the Ashmore Park/New Invention area what school does it serve and where does it go?
The 702 operates between St Thomas More School and Bentley:
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B702/
The 703 operates between St Thomas More School and New Invention:
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B703/
Cheers would make better sence to operate from Wolves though surely?
Quote from: 4006 on June 16, 2012, 04:21:01 PM
Cheers would make better sence to operate from Wolves though surely?
Not necessarily, as mentioned above the vehicles that WB use come in from other routes. if WN couldn't do this, then it would need an extra bus to operate these school trips.
I agree with relocating WB to an area like Kenrick Way or an area around Oldbury plenty of redevelopment ground or units to refurb plus no noise problems with 79 being put back to Wolves it was cut due to reliability issues Soho road was one reason I can think of plus WBA at home would be stupid to alter it back I would not think VOAS would be happy too as theyare clampng down a lot on buses running to time would NXWM want that I think not.
At one time west brom seem to operate alot more services than it does now maybe due to PVR increases and needing extra vehicles it has ment routes to transfer to other garages but when the 79 used to be operated by WB they also had the 238,404 and the mini link services i dont know wether they had the dudley road and 128/9 services back then but also have operated the 16 in 2005 when Hockley shut.
Quote from: Ash on June 17, 2012, 07:22:22 PM
At one time west brom seem to operate alot more services than it does now maybe due to PVR increases and needing extra vehicles it has ment routes to transfer to other garages but when the 79 used to be operated by WB they also had the 238,404 and the mini link services i dont know wether they had the dudley road and 128/9 services back then but also have operated the 16 in 2005 when Hockley shut.
The Dudley Road services were operated by Hockley I think.
So they transferred when Hockley closed?
So WB then must have had a high vehicle allocation i have the fleet list for 2000 before the changes
Yeah and strange enough the buses for the 16 returned to WB around 2/3 years later for the 74 when the omnilinks were suppose to be used on the 16
Some of the evening workings dont interchange (405/6). So it looks as if 1587 has been reinstated and 1527 withdrawn in its place. I would think the ex 404 mercs have a high mileage as they were well used.
Hi, Thetruth
I think 1698 has transferred to other garage.
Why would 1698 transfer to another garage
It was withdrawn due to a engine fire
oh, I though 1693 has been scrap because due to engine fire.
Where is 1698 at now??
Quote from: jade4444 on June 30, 2012, 08:00:08 PM
Where is 1698 at now??
Not sure unless the damage was not that bad and it was a straight engine replacement the scrapyard in the sky shame as the mercs are pretty good
Im not suprised 1698 has been moved, it was in the way where it was parked right at the front of the garage near the entrance. With the gemini's and extra b6le's WB have picked up i guess it wont be replaced and likely to be withdrawn.
626 in from Walsall seen on the 405 today another recent transfer from Walsall.
Quote from: jade4444 on July 23, 2012, 07:32:59 PM
I can't believe all mercs withdrawn in west brom :(
What are you on about?
Still plenty of Mercs in Service at WB
Not all mercs withdrawn just the ones that Have been
Left in the yard for the last few weeks
Not sure how many have gone or the fleet numbers!
1518 is at WB was on the 128 with blank blinds
1686 is now at WB was on the 405 yesterday
1686 im quite sure had West Bromwich on the blind but the via blind was blank
last time i was in 1698 was in the engineering bay at WB either being repaired or being chopped up for bits. i'll try and find out next time i'm in.
1691 now at WB was on service 410 today, with 1677 with blank blinds on service 406
Quote from: Ash on July 24, 2012, 07:18:07 PM
1677 with blank blinds on service 406
1677 has come from Wolverhampton then, not Bordesley. Maybe because of 2013 entering service.
Yeah i think these will be replacing the travel west midlands livery and unrefurbished mercs and b6le's. I would think 681/682 along with 1617/1619 being the next ones to be withdrawn.
Has 1518 returned to Pensnett along with the other mercs from BY apart from 1699 as 1686 seems to have gone to Wolverhampton.
Quote from: Ash on August 07, 2012, 10:33:43 PM
Has 1518 returned to Pensnett along with the other mercs from BY apart from 1699 as 1686 seems to have gone to Wolverhampton.
1518 is back at PN
Why did West Brom borrow so many mercs for only a short time, did they have a bus shortage which meant loaning vehicles from other garages as I was quite suprised to see them having destination blinds fitted so expected them to be transfers.
I think 1526/9 time in service is very limited especially as its likely WB will recieve mercs from BY. On Saturday i saw 1523 parked up outside WB even though in NXWM i thought this could have been withdrawn as its seems to have a really bad lean to it but saw it in service today on the 448A so is still going, but i know leaning mercs are common.
With quite a few recent merc transfers to WB from BY what buses are these mercs likely to replace as mercs such as 1619 in travel west midlands livery are still in service and thought these might have been the buses being replaced, or are these mercs from BY extra buses which will be needed when the sandwell review happens so will not be replacing any buses in service there, or finally replacing some of the last b6le in service at WB i havent saw 524 or 595 for a while but probably just not being in the right place.
Does anybody know where the Un-Branded 61/63 (Bristol Rd) Plaxtons are going ?
Quote from: NathanJC on September 13, 2012, 09:12:16 AM
Does anybody know where the Un-Branded 61/63 (Bristol Rd) Plaxtons are going ?
Id guess WB or AG
Maybe they're being debranded so they can put new branding on? Just a shot in the dark really, could very likely be wrong...
Quote from: JackC on September 13, 2012, 06:13:07 PM
Maybe they're being debranded so they can put new branding on? Just a shot in the dark really, could very likely be wrong...
When the new emmission ruling comes into place the presidents wont be able to enter the city centre which is probably the most likely reason for them being debranded and also allowing them to be transferred elsewhere which i would guess AG as BC seem to be recieving some tridents off Wolverhampton as possible replacements with Wolverhampton recieving mercs from BY.
Ah, had forgotten about those emission rules. They'll probably just go wherever they can be transferred for buses eligible to enter the city then.
Quote from: wbdriver on July 24, 2012, 06:56:30 PM
last time i was in 1698 was in the engineering bay at WB either being repaired or being chopped up for bits. i'll try and find out next time i'm in.
Any update on 1698?
Doea anyone know whats happening to the president that has been sitting in the outside store area of the garage by the police station, normally this park up is empty in the daytime but one NXWM livery president has just been sitting there. Im guessing it has a problem mechanically otherwise it would be in normal service.
Quote from: settlerman on September 29, 2012, 03:33:59 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on July 24, 2012, 06:56:30 PM
last time i was in 1698 was in the engineering bay at WB either being repaired or being chopped up for bits. i'll try and find out next time i'm in.
Any update on 1698?
It had gone from that spot last week
Quote from: thetruth on October 19, 2012, 09:51:25 PM
The President is 4092.
Thanks the truth, any idea whats up with the bus?
Quote from: thetruth on October 29, 2012, 07:27:21 PM
Mercs on the 83/89 today then. 2-3 months to the emission zone. Wonder what will happen.
Surely WB must be due some new single deckers to replace those, but no further orders have been announced for 2013 to date.
Otherwise could WB receive further Euro 3 cascades if the Hybrids arrive/enter service before the emission zone comes in to force?
THe 83 and 89 are both shown as running every 30 minutes. This seems to mean they can be run by Euro 2 vehicles. the same applies to Birmingham routes 73 and 90.
Does anyone know how the new extended routes / new links are settling in at WB? Are they very proving popular with passengers?
I can't speak for all passengers but me and my grandparents are finding the new 129 very useful. They're also find the the new better links to hospitals much more helpful.
Does the 42 and 46 interwork in the evenings now. As yesterday evening a 42 came into West Bromwich bus station but then left as a 46.
Id personally have the 128 back to lion farm so i cant get in to brum in under an hour, rather that than a crammed merc were u get spat at going through cape hill.
Quote from: JackC on November 03, 2012, 11:40:02 PM
I can't speak for all passengers but me and my grandparents are finding the new 129 very useful. They're also find the the new better links to hospitals much more helpful.
I like the new 83 (Birmingham - West Bromwich). It seems faster than the 74/75
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
Quote from: wbdriver on January 11, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
The outer station holds a fair amount of buses i'm guessing 40/50 buses. It's a shame for WB to lose so many of it's services if they can't find another piece of land in time and will cause a big move around in the fleet.
Given WB only have 4 Diagrams on the 53/289 combo I assume PE will take on all 4 Diagrams?
It will be interesting to see the moves that materialise. I imagine some Dudley terminating routes being transferred to PE
Quote from: wbdriver on January 11, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
Why don't NXWM turn Shady Lane in to an operational base/outstation?
Shady Lane could take on certain routes from WB to eliminate the problem of loosing Oak Road & also possibly the 16 & 101 off PB to provide spare capacity at that garage
Quote from: wbdriver on January 11, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
How come Sandwell Council are after Oak Lane anyway?
Quote from: Westy on January 11, 2013, 10:40:25 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on January 11, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
How come Sandwell Council are after Oak Lane anyway?
It's to do with this regeneration of West Bromwich maybe something to do with the Police Station over the road or just turn it into another car park as so many people visit West Bromwich for the pound shops :P. Aren't most NXWM already running at full capacity because if that out station closes it's like a small garage closing as it holds quite a lot of buses.
Quote from: Ash on January 11, 2013, 10:44:19 PM
Aren't most NXWM already running at full capacity because if that out station closes it's like a small garage closing as it holds quite a lot of buses.
I think most if not all of the Birmingham garages are at or near capacity, PE could take on extra work as it has the additional plot of land which is now used as a staff car park / to store the Excels from the car park, but the garage infrastructure isn't really set up to handle such a large fleet, a number of functions have to operate out of portacabins dotted around the garage yard as it is. No doubt both WA & WN could accommodate additional vehicles should the need arise
As well as the fleet movement, wouldn't it mean drivers moving to other garages depending on where the services transfer to as their wouldn't be enough work to cover all the drivers currently at WB. Hopefully another outer station will be found close by.
Quote from: Ash on January 11, 2013, 10:44:19 PM
Quote from: Westy on January 11, 2013, 10:40:25 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on January 11, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
changes soon to WB routes. 289 to PE permantly in March, not sure about 53 yet as they interwork, and strong rumours the 45 is going back to WA.
you may also remember me posting about a new outstation on Kenrick Way - deal broken down and the council want Oak Lane Outstation land back ASAP so more routes possibly out of WB soon.
How come Sandwell Council are after Oak Lane anyway?
It's to do with this regeneration of West Bromwich maybe something to do with the Police Station over the road or just turn it into another car park as so many people visit West Bromwich for the pound shops :P. Aren't most NXWM already running at full capacity because if that out station closes it's like a small garage closing as it holds quite a lot of buses.
if my memorys correct there will be a multi story car park there to allow more parking at the bus station end of the town. at the moment all the car parks are to the north of the town due to some parking being lost for the police station, college and tesco development.
if anything else comes up i'll let you all know. :-X
What would wa use on the 45? Few b6s left and b7s are commited..cant see mercs being introduced to wa.. new buses perhapes ?
Quote from: andyr on January 13, 2013, 12:35:59 AM
What would wa use on the 45? Few b6s left and b7s are commited..cant see mercs being introduced to wa.. new buses perhapes ?
I would almost guarantee b6le's would transfer back to Walsall with the 45 probably the same ones that were sent not so long back 534/564/566/568/569/584 those 6 will be my guess. Also this could mean the b6le's and the dart crusaders not being operated by West Bromwich anymore as most single decker services would just use either the enviro 200's or the mercs. Other service that could move might be the 42 not sure if it's interworked with the 43 anymore if not could transfer to Pensnett along may be with the 121.
The 45 is operated by more merc than b6s these day so if b6s are returned to wa the route will see a big drop in capacity. Are there any surples b10s that could be transfered ?
I'm biased because I used to live down the road from it but RE-OPEN LEA HALL! :D more capacity, bigger garage etc. If its a money issue, they could get rid of Bordesley because 1) it only operates 3 services (4 if you count 55A) and 2) its less than 5 minutes away from Central garage!! If the original Lea Hall routes moved back to Lea Hall then it would free up space at Central, and maybe West Bromwich's routes into Birmingham (at least some of them) could move there?
Quote from: JB93 on January 13, 2013, 03:38:24 AM
I'm biased because I used to live down the road from it but RE-OPEN LEA HALL! :D more capacity, bigger garage etc. If its a money issue, they could get rid of Bordesley because 1) it only operates 3 services (4 if you count 55A) and 2) its less than 5 minutes away from Central garage!! If the original Lea Hall routes moved back to Lea Hall then it would free up space at Central, and maybe West Bromwich's routes into Birmingham (at least some of them) could move there?
Great thought, where would the reserve fleet go? Most could be scrapped to be honest.
LH garageis still for sale though. Why was LH closed anyway?
Quote from: andyr on January 13, 2013, 01:26:24 AM
The 45 is operated by more merc than b6s these day so if b6s are returned to wa the route will see a big drop in crapacity. Are there any surples b10s that could be transfered ?
There are quite a lot of reinstatable B10L, even counting only those in NXWM livery.
A couple of months ago, I worked out that there was enough B10L in reserve in NXWM livery to replace all of WA's B6LE.
Quote from: Ash on January 13, 2013, 12:53:57 AM
Quote from: andyr on January 13, 2013, 12:35:59 AM
What would wa use on the 45? Few b6s left and b7s are commited..cant see mercs being introduced to wa.. new buses perhapes ?
I would almost guarantee b6le's would transfer back to Walsall with the 45 probably the same ones that were sent not so long back 534/564/566/568/569/584 those 6 will be my guess. Also this could mean the b6le's and the dart crusaders not being operated by West Bromwich anymore as most single decker services would just use either the enviro 200's or the mercs. Other service that could move might be the 42 not sure if it's interworked with the 43 anymore if not could transfer to Pensnett along may be with the 121.
Or the 74 or 87 could be operated from Pensnett, if a number of WB routes were to move in to Pensnett, the stored Excels would need to move on
Quote from: andyr on January 13, 2013, 01:26:24 AM
The 45 is operated by more merc than b6s these day so if b6s are returned to wa the route will see a big drop in capacity. Are there any surples b10s that could be transfered ?
There are 37 B10L's in reserve, some of which already have NX livery & the darker blue moquette.
Quote from: JB93 on January 13, 2013, 03:38:24 AM
I'm biased because I used to live down the road from it but RE-OPEN LEA HALL! :D more capacity, bigger garage etc. If its a money issue, they could get rid of Bordesley because 1) it only operates 3 services (4 if you count 55A) and 2) its less than 5 minutes away from Central garage!! If the original Lea Hall routes moved back to Lea Hall then it would free up space at Central, and maybe West Bromwich's routes into Birmingham (at least some of them) could move there?
Bordesley wouldn't be got rid of as it is still NXWM HQ despite reports that was moving in to B'ham Coach Station with the rest of the NX Group functions. Bordesley is also home to a £1 million central control room which has recently been installed, the garage could be used to store withdrawn vehicles which is what it was originally thought to have been used for.
I can't see NX re-opening LH, however I think it should be retained rather than sold incase increased capacity is required if & when the economy picks up. Beside LH is once again being filled up with part of the reserve fleet which was stored at the car park.
Surely NXWM will find another out station for WB buses theres units just outside of great bridge and im sure some of them are empty.
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 13, 2013, 09:21:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on January 13, 2013, 03:38:24 AM
I'm biased because I used to live down the road from it but RE-OPEN LEA HALL! :D more capacity, bigger garage etc. If its a money issue, they could get rid of Bordesley because 1) it only operates 3 services (4 if you count 55A) and 2) its less than 5 minutes away from Central garage!! If the original Lea Hall routes moved back to Lea Hall then it would free up space at Central, and maybe West Bromwich's routes into Birmingham (at least some of them) could move there?
Great thought, where would the reserve fleet go? Most could be scrapped to be honest.
LH garageis still for sale though. Why was LH closed anyway?
I heard rumours when it shut that it was closed because they couldn't afford to keep it running any more but whether that's true I don't know. I agree with Winston it shouldn't be sold, but I still think that if they modified things a bit it would make more sense to have a bigger garage open. Maybe move the reserve fleet to Bordesley and the rest to Miller Street, and then send Bordesley's routes and Central's ex LH routes back to LH too. It doesn't seem fair there aren't any garages in East Birmingham :P
Other solutions could be bring the 79 back Wolverhampton to Birmingham and withdraw the 75 and operate it from Wolverhampton using the alx400. I know Wolverhampton aren't type trained on this vehicle but i'm sure the controls can't be too different from the tridents. Also gets rid of the alx400 from WB well some of them anyway.
Other transfers could be the:
45 to Walsall
42 to Pensnett
5 to Perry Barr with the presidents. (as PB have operated presidents and the 451 in the past), for an exchange move the 654 or any other solo routes to WB and use the alx200 on there.
Wolverhampton are type trained on the alx400's as the Tridents are alx400. If i'm not mistaken alx400 is the body. So that would mean wolverhampton have got y, 51, 02, 52, 53, 04 & 54 reg alx 400's.
the alx400 is the body. however there will be differences as nxwm operate some volvo b7tl alx400's and a heck of a lot of dennis tridents. so type training will be needed id guess for both types. one thing i wonder though is would a driver need type training if they been typed on a trident alx400, and a president b7tl if they had to drive a volvo b7tl alx400?
Quote from: JB93 on January 13, 2013, 03:24:46 PM
I heard rumours when it shut that it was closed because they couldn't afford to keep it running any more but whether that's true I don't know. I agree with Winston it shouldn't be sold, but I still think that if they modified things a bit it would make more sense to have a bigger garage open. Maybe move the reserve fleet to Bordesley and the rest to Miller Street, and then send Bordesley's routes and Central's ex LH routes back to LH too. It doesn't seem fair there aren't any garages in East Birmingham :P
LH was closed down as part of a review of NX group businesses after Dean Finch joined as CEO to start to turn around group fortunes. LH was closed down as a cost saving exercise / to reduce the amount of spare capacity at NXWM garages across Birmingham, and ultimately improve profit margins at NXWM which were low by past WMT/TWM standards.
Quote from: Ash on January 13, 2013, 03:33:28 PM
Other transfers could be the:
45 to Walsall
42 to Pensnett
5 to Perry Barr with the presidents. (as PB have operated presidents and the 451 in the past), for an exchange move the 654 or any other solo routes to WB and use the alx200 on there.
The 5 moving to PB is a none starter as PB is full to capacity, remember PB couldn't even accommodate the new deliveries / preparation for service of ADL 400 (4843-4856), they had to be prepared elsewhere & swapped with the vehicles they were replacing
So really another outer station has to be found as probably the only suitable solution.
Quote from: Ash on January 13, 2013, 05:09:25 PM
So really another outer station has to be found as probably the only suitable solution.
Realistically yes, I believe BC, BY, PB, WB & YW are all at or few close to capacity, I think the only B'ham garage that may some capacity is AG, it the fleet size was bigger pre - Solihull bus review that at present,
There's only really CV, PE, WA & WN that could take on any extra routes / vehicles, with PE I doubt the garage facilities would be able to cope with a significantly bigger fleet, the garage was only designed to operate 100 vehicles, its at 114 already.
Quote from: mranon on January 13, 2013, 03:54:45 PM
the alx400 is the body. however there will be differences as nxwm operate some volvo b7tl alx400's and a heck of a lot of dennis tridents. so type training will be needed id guess for both types. one thing i wonder though is would a driver need type training if they been typed on a trident alx400, and a president b7tl if they had to drive a volvo b7tl alx400?
Drivers would have to be typed on the alx b7 if they have only driven the alx trident
Quote from: Ash on January 13, 2013, 03:33:28 PM
Other solutions could be bring the 79 back Wolverhampton to Birmingham and withdraw the 75 and operate it from Wolverhampton using the alx400. I know Wolverhampton aren't type trained on this vehicle but i'm sure the controls can't be too different from the tridents. Also gets rid of the alx400 from WB well some of them anyway.
Other service that could move might be the 42 not sure if it's interworked with the 43 anymore
I think that would work, ALXs moving to WN, both the 74 & 79 being operated by Tridents and B7s, and interworking at Birmingham. If WN can operate the 257, which doesn't run to Wolverhampton, I'm sure they could run the 74.
I think the 42 and 43 do still interwork.
Quote from: madabouttransport on January 13, 2013, 07:41:02 PM
I think that would work, ALXs moving to WN, both the 74 & 79 being operated by Tridents and B7s, and interworking at Birmingham. If WN can operate the 257, which doesn't run to Wolverhampton, I'm sure they could run the 74.
You seem to have forgotton one thing. How long would it take a bus to go Wolverhampton-Birmingham-Dudley-Birmingham-Wolverhampton? More than 5 hours 30 minutes a driver is allowed to drive without a break!
My suggestion would mean the 74 would still remain at WB using the geminis and the remaining alx400 that didnt transfer to Wolverhampton for the extended 79. The reason I suggested alx400 to Wolverhampton and not the gemini's is that the gemini's are used on the Dudley Road service and still have some branded for it.
I can't see the 79 ever going back to B-ham. For a start off It would be very confusing for passengers! secondly the 79 is much more reliable than it was before (all be it less frequent) Thirdly longer routes are less reliable & harder to manage (i'm sure if they could split the 126 they would) and it would take a fair bit of sorting out like it did to change it in the first place..buses, allocations, duties, staffing, timetables & leaflets, bus stops & flags....what a headache!
Quote from: 4006 (Not NEL 111P) on January 13, 2013, 08:57:25 PM
I can't see the 79 ever going back to B-ham. For a start off It would be very confusing for passengers! secondly the 79 is much more reliable than it was before (all be it less frequent) Thirdly longer routes are less reliable & harder to manage (i'm sure if they could split the 126 they would) and it would take a fair bit of sorting out like it did to change it in the first place..buses, allocations, duties, staffing, timetables & leaflets, bus stops & flags....what a headache!
I agree with you 4006, but the situation which WB garage is in seems unforeseen and an extreme situation of which may be short term measures like this being carried out, but only a suggestion and do agree with you that it would be confusing and a hassle for both garages involved.
Quote from: Martin Morris (Autistic.) on January 13, 2013, 03:45:39 PM
Wolverhampton are type trained on the alx400's as the Tridents are alx400. If i'm not mistaken alx400 is the body. So that would mean wolverhampton have got y, 51, 02, 52, 53, 04 & 54 reg alx 400's.
Maybe the same body but a different vehicle all the same! The dash board & controls are different on the Tridents from the B7 for a start! Type training would be required if this was the case!
The 126 is not too bad but agree if it could be split they would do it but there is people whom do travel through maybe not the whole route but travel through Dudley (the possible place of split if they tried splitting the 126) I agree I do not see NXWM splitting it. Could do with some newer deckers on it most other Garages have very new stuff going down the hagley road apart from the upcoming hybrids looks like no more new deckers to PL. The buses comly with the LEZ in Brum but like WB always older stuff unlike WA and others nice to see a few newer ones.
Quote from: Tony on January 13, 2013, 07:50:46 PM
Quote from: madabouttransport on January 13, 2013, 07:41:02 PM
I think that would work, ALXs moving to WN, both the 74 & 79 being operated by Tridents and B7s, and interworking at Birmingham. If WN can operate the 257, which doesn't run to Wolverhampton, I'm sure they could run the 74.
You seem to have forgotton one thing. How long would it take a bus to go Wolverhampton-Birmingham-Dudley-Birmingham-Wolverhampton? More than 5 hours 30 minutes a driver is allowed to drive without a break!
It was a 3 hour round trip on the old 79 and could still not keep to time not sure on the 74 but I reckon it has got to be close to this
Any news on 53 and 89 changes? They're my local routes. I hope 89 won't go back to being tendered on evening and Sumday
53 and 289 are supposedly to be entirely operated by Pensnett? So assume so tweaks to accommodate this.
Its been rather nice having WB Mercs back in Merry Hill, would be a shame if they change it
With the land grab of the extra bit of garage would it be sensible to build a new depot out of town like said in the industrial areas just outside West Brom or with a lot of the empty industrial warehouses or unts convert them into garage facilities there has got to be something there.
Quote from: Discodave on January 22, 2013, 11:01:40 AM
With the land grab of the extra bit of garage would it be sensible to build a new depot out of town like said in the industrial areas just outside West Brom or with a lot of the empty industrial warehouses or unts convert them into garage facilities there has got to be something there.
They could open a new outstation in an industrial unit near to WB, they are unlikey to relocate the entire garage as the main garage has had / is still in the process of having a complete new roof
I personally think that NXWM should open the car park site as a low cost garage with similar facilities to Bordesley, that could then be used to operate certain WB services now that the Oak Road land needs to be vacated & to also relieve capacity issues @ PB. Services operating in the Great Barr / Scott Arms / Hamstead / Erdington/ Kingstanding areas
The way its looking people just want the garage gone as its in a residential area and noisy even though it has been there for years. I was told Quinton went due to it being noisy and people complaining. The garage had been there just as long as the houses maybe longer and what happened it became a tesco a lot noiser than a bus garage and more traffic congestion.
It is quite residential around Yardley Wood grage but that seems to be ok. Shame Selly Oak was closed as I have always thought that garage was in the ideal spot for both a number of Brum routes and the outer circle.
There was also a gemini on the 40 also today.
Quote from: thetruth on February 07, 2013, 02:45:16 PM
4044 and 4113 (on the 40) noted in service today, guessing 4054 is at paint?
817 spotted on the High Street this afternoon OOS, might have being going out on schools
4113 was back on the 5 this evening.
4054 still in tootpaste livery, as are 4113 and 4044.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:41:54 PM
4054 still in tootpaste livery, as are 4113 and 4044.
Any idea of what has been withdrawn out of WB due to the new enviro's are what buses are expected to leave/transfer. I guess 1622 and maybe 595 could be two buses that get withdrawn and may be a few alx200 darts.
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 08:44:41 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:41:54 PM
4054 still in tootpaste livery, as are 4113 and 4044.
Any idea of what has been withdrawn out of WB due to the new enviro's are what buses are expected to leave/transfer. I guess 1622 and maybe 595 could be two buses that get withdrawn and may be a few alx200 darts.
only 1600 has gone so far. i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as well. but that's my opinion. nothing official yet. all darts still in service at the moment.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 08:44:41 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:41:54 PM
4054 still in tootpaste livery, as are 4113 and 4044.
Any idea of what has been withdrawn out of WB due to the new enviro's are what buses are expected to leave/transfer. I guess 1622 and maybe 595 could be two buses that get withdrawn and may be a few alx200 darts.
only 1600 has gone so far. i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as well. but that's my opinion. nothing official yet. all darts still in service at the moment.
1634 should have gone by now as well (probably at Walsall for the application of a blue front)
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as
But it has completely refurbished inside, so it may hold on a bit longer.
Quote from: John on February 08, 2013, 08:57:55 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as
But it has completely refurbished inside, so it may hold on a bit longer.
it may have been refurbed inside, but it's still a bag of nails. ;D starter motor seems to be going on it as well, you can hear a grinding noise trying to start it up.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:59:59 PM
Quote from: John on February 08, 2013, 08:57:55 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as
But it has completely refurbished inside, so it may hold on a bit longer.
it may have been refurbed inside, but it's still a bag of nails. ;D starter motor seems to be going on it as well, you can hear a grinding noise trying to start it up.
A few months ago it broke down on consecutive days couldn't get it going in West Bromwich bus station, the best b6le by far is 568 you was right WB driver (when you had it on the 5 one time) always seems to be on high revs and is definitely quick for a b6le. 7084 and 7086 have got to be 2 of the worst buses at WB not great buses for comfort and vibrate like mad.
Quote from: Ash on February 08, 2013, 09:03:24 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:59:59 PM
Quote from: John on February 08, 2013, 08:57:55 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:47:01 PM
i'm guessing 674 will be gone soon as its the last B6 in TWM livery, possibly a few early mercs as
But it has completely refurbished inside, so it may hold on a bit longer.
it may have been refurbed inside, but it's still a bag of nails. ;D starter motor seems to be going on it as well, you can hear a grinding noise trying to start it up.
A few months ago it broke down on consecutive days couldn't get it going in West Bromwich bus station, the best b6le by far is 568 you was right WB driver (when you had it on the 5 one time) always seems to be on high revs and is definitely quick for a b6le. 7084 and 7086 have got to be 2 of the worst buses at WB not great buses for comfort and vibrate like mad.
hopefully them 2 will go as well. noone likes driving them, no room in the cab, can't get to the blinds easily, rattle like mad, steering wheel doesn't come high enough, seat doesn't go down low enough, old style metrobus seats and possibly some other things wrong with them i can't remember. thank god we don't get them on the 5!
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
Not when they are due the new buses they must be needed somewhere. But saying that are any of the enviros there last thing I saw they were being used at BC.
Quote from: Discodave on February 09, 2013, 02:16:14 PM
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
Not when they are due the new buses they must be needed somewhere. But saying that are any of the enviros there last thing I saw they were being used at BC.
BC loaned some of the Enviro200s destined for WB as they and AG had a bus shortage at the time. The Enviro200s for WB have now returned, Tony has already photographed some in service.
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
apparantly it's not going now. just driver talk and nothing official yet........
the only routes definatly out of WB are the 53 and 289.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 09, 2013, 08:16:08 PM
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
apparantly it's not going now. just driver talk and nothing official yet........
the only routes definatly out of WB are the 53 and 289.
and still time for that to change!
Would have thought the 121 was another candidate for PE!!!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2013, 08:52:18 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 09, 2013, 08:16:08 PM
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
apparantly it's not going now. just driver talk and nothing official yet........
the only routes definatly out of WB are the 53 and 289.
and still time for that to change!
Would have thought the 121 was another candidate for PE!!!
The 121 is operated by the darts so doubt it as PE have never operated the alx200 and guess drivers would need training if some were to go there although they have operated the old 688 in the past using solo's.
But couldn't they convert the 121 to B6 or E200 operation. Then move it to PE
Quote from: trainbasher on February 09, 2013, 10:16:40 PM
But couldn't they convert the 121 to B6 or E200 operation. Then move it to PE
They wouldn't convert the 121 to E200 operation because the E200s are for the 222
Quote from: Shaun on February 09, 2013, 10:58:00 PM
Quote from: trainbasher on February 09, 2013, 10:16:40 PM
But couldn't they convert the 121 to B6 or E200 operation. Then move it to PE
They wouldn't convert the 121 to E200 operation because the E200s are for the 222
But they could transfer 2
I think the reason the 121 is dart operated is because of the tight roads around Oakham and sometimes you are missing cars by millimetres passenger wise it could probably do with b6le's but the streets are too tight for them so darts almost have to be used or an equivalent like solo's.
I think, if WB need to transfer any routes, it should be the 45 to WA
Quote from: Shaun on February 09, 2013, 11:16:09 PM
I think, if WB need to transfer any routes, it should be the 45 to WA
It wouldn't happen but would like a few running boards of the 4 to return be great to see the mercs back on their again may be as a swap for the 45. There just seems a lot of dead mileage running a bus back from Blackheath to Walsall or from Walsall to West Bromwich or Blackheath at the start of service.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 09, 2013, 08:16:08 PM
Quote from: tom_h on February 08, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I heard a bus driver mention today that the 45 will return to Walsall. So, I assume this means less vehicles will be required at West Bromwich but also that the 45 will lose it's Enviro's.
apparantly it's not going now. just driver talk and nothing official yet........
the only routes definatly out of WB are the 53 and 289.
Well the driver in question was WA telling a WB driver who didn't seem to know. I just thought I'd mention it even though it's just a rumour. I'd quite like WB to keep the 405, they've done a good job since taking it over. I'll still never understand why it swapped with the 404 though.
The 404 went to Walsall because after the Wolverhampton and West Walsall review in 2011, WB garage took on more work, mainly the new 75 service.
They needed to lose work out due to this ongoing capacity issue so the 404 (PVR then 20) went to WA and the 405 (PVR 5?) came in.
Quote from: D10 on February 10, 2013, 10:46:23 AM
The 404 went to Walsall because after the Wolverhampton and West Walsall review in 2011, WB garage took on more work, mainly the new 75 service.
They needed to lose work out due to this ongoing capacity issue so the 404 (PVR then 20) went to WA and the 405 (PVR 5?) came in.
At that time the PVR for the 404 mon-fri was 19 and the PVR for the 405 was 6 but also the 406 got returned to WB I think the PVR was 3 or may be 4 cant remember. Yeah but Walsall lost the 405/406/529 and essentially got replaced with the 404 of which Walsall had previously operated 6 running boards on using buses 1848-1853.
529 was never the same for me, after it got transferred to Wolves.
Only saving grace was that you occasionally saw other Wolves specific vehicles types(Spectras, B7 singles, Mercedes & once a Solo!) on there!
Made a change from Trident, Trident, Trident etc from Walsall.
Don't think you ever got an Enviro or Gem on there, for variety.
Quote from: Westy on February 10, 2013, 10:05:10 PM
529 was never the same for me, after it got transferred to Wolves.
Only saving grace was that you occasionally saw other Wolves specific vehicles types(Spectras, B7 singles, Mercedes & once a Solo!) on there!
Made a change from Trident, Trident, Trident etc from Walsall.
Don't think you ever got an Enviro or Gem on there, for variety.
There was normally one or two Gemins allocated to be on there, and were most days. Wasn't unusual for anything off Walsall's allocation to get on there including B6s
Quote from: Tony on February 10, 2013, 10:13:36 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 10, 2013, 10:05:10 PM
529 was never the same for me, after it got transferred to Wolves.
Only saving grace was that you occasionally saw other Wolves specific vehicles types(Spectras, B7 singles, Mercedes & once a Solo!) on there!
Made a change from Trident, Trident, Trident etc from Walsall.
Don't think you ever got an Enviro or Gem on there, for variety.
There was normally one or two Gemins allocated to be on there, and were most days. Wasn't unusual for anything off Walsall's allocation to get on there including B6s
Forgot about the B6. Bloody things.
7084 or 7086(can't remember which one) being driven down the Newton Road yesterday by an engineer, blinds removed, on its way to the bus depot in the sky. much joy at WB. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: wbdriver on February 13, 2013, 08:28:24 PM
7084 or 7086(can't remember which one) being driven down the Newton Road yesterday by an engineer, blinds removed, on its way to the bus depot in the sky. much joy at WB. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thats one down then hope the other follows shortly much prefer the b6le's (refurbished ones) to these.
Quote from: Ash on February 13, 2013, 08:29:49 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 13, 2013, 08:28:24 PM
7084 or 7086(can't remember which one) being driven down the Newton Road yesterday by an engineer, blinds removed, on its way to the bus depot in the sky. much joy at WB. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thats one down then hope the other follows shortly much prefer the b6le's (refurbished ones) to these.
it might have already gone. hopefully.... possibly some more B6 gone as well, but it looks like 1698 might be back very soon.....
680 made an appearance on 41 last week which led me to think the alx200's are starting to be withdrawn as with 14 of them i thought there would be sufficient numbers to cover, to ensure services like the 41 were 100% alx 200 operated.
Surely they will have to keep some ALX200s for the 121?
Quote from: wbdriver on February 13, 2013, 08:31:17 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 13, 2013, 08:29:49 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 13, 2013, 08:28:24 PM
7084 or 7086(can't remember which one) being driven down the Newton Road yesterday by an engineer, blinds removed, on its way to the bus depot in the sky. much joy at WB. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thats one down then hope the other follows shortly much prefer the b6le's (refurbished ones) to these.
it might have already gone. hopefully.... possibly some more B6 gone as well, but it looks like 1698 might be back very soon.....
Yes both now in reserve
you can get a B6 round the 121, but its very tight. but i don't think all darts will go. some, but not all.
Quote from: thetruth on February 13, 2013, 09:19:34 PM
5 vehicles have left so far then (626, 1600, 1634, 7084 and 7086). 7 to go.
They could withdraw 7 Darts, leaving 7 for the 41/44 and 121 (PVR 6 plus 1 spare) and convert the 47/47A back to B6LE operation. But no more than 7.
Only managed to quickly see 2 b6les on the 47/47A so at least 2 b6le's on there if the rest were darts.
Whats happening with WBs B6LEs then?
Quote from: Ashley on February 15, 2013, 10:44:49 PM
Whats happening with WBs B6LEs then?
Hopefully 524 will be off to the scrapper at least. Went on it the other day and it sounded horrendous. And abnormally loud too. Could barely hear myself think over that engine.
Quote from: JackC on February 15, 2013, 10:46:29 PM
Quote from: Ashley on February 15, 2013, 10:44:49 PM
Whats happening with WBs B6LEs then?
Hopefully 524 will be off to the scrapper at least. Went on it the other day and it sounded horrendous. And abnormally loud too. Could barely hear myself think over that engine.
524 broke down a couple of weeks ago in Wednesbury it didn't sound seem too good, I haven't saw certain b6le recently at WB but probably just not spotted them 595,674 are two I haven't saw for a while. 4267 sounds terrible it's making a very strange noise when on the move heard it when it went passed me today didn't sound too good at all but WB alx400 are not generally in good shape inside the un-refurbished ones there filthy worn/dirt seats shame the presidents had to go off the 74/75 they were a million times better.
Quote from: Ash on February 15, 2013, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 15, 2013, 10:46:29 PM
Quote from: Ashley on February 15, 2013, 10:44:49 PM
Whats happening with WBs B6LEs then?
Hopefully 524 will be off to the scrapper at least. Went on it the other day and it sounded horrendous. And abnormally loud too. Could barely hear myself think over that engine.
524 broke down a couple of weeks ago in Wednesbury it didn't sound seem too good, I haven't saw certain b6le recently at WB but probably just not spotted them 595,674 are two I haven't saw for a while. 4267 sounds terrible it's making a very strange noise when on the move heard it when it went passed me today didn't sound too good at all but WB alx400 are not generally in good shape inside the un-refurbished ones there filthy worn/dirt seats shame the presidents had to go off the 74/75 they were a million times better.
Definetly, the ALX400 at WB are quite probably the worst batch in the whole fleet in terms of being mostly in low floor livery, original seats and some terrible sounding engines on a few of them. Even worse when a few creep onto the 87.
And agree about the Presidents, those at YW now are better than the Tridents they've got and some of the Outer Circle ones are tidier than the Gemini's they replaced
Quote from: thetruth on February 18, 2013, 03:56:46 PM
Saw 6 B6LEs and a Dart on the 47/47A today. Must have been a change bus at some stage.
3602 is the dart on the 47/47A. Only managed to see 3602/3612/3614 at a quick glance of about 5 minutes in the bus station today.
Both 4049 and 4054 heading towards Walsall this evening guess these are the next 2 buses to be checked out at Walsall Garage.
4049 has already been done, 4048 is still toothpaste< had 4054 yesterday< still says 451 on the back, thats what people still think of it as that
Quote from: Ashley on February 18, 2013, 09:18:43 PM
4049 has already been done, 4048 is still toothpaste< had 4054 yesterday< still says 451 on the back, thats what people still think of it as that
There not heading to Walsall for a repaint or a refurb as there in NXWM livery and have 5 branded I think there going to Walsall to be mechanically checked similar to the gemini's.
Quote from: Ashley on February 18, 2013, 09:18:43 PM
4048 is still toothpaste
4048 is in NXWM livery with 5 branding
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8447433357/
1698 back on the road now. drove it on the 5 Wednesday morning.
Quote from: thetruth on February 21, 2013, 07:47:16 PM
3609 is SORN. First ALX200 withdrawn?
wonder how many more to follow?
Quote from: wbdriver on February 21, 2013, 08:31:37 PM
1698 back on the road now. drove it on the 5 Wednesday morning.
Has it been repainted or re-furb'd?
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2013, 09:00:29 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 21, 2013, 08:31:37 PM
1698 back on the road now. drove it on the 5 Wednesday morning.
Has it been repainted or re-furb'd?
no. i think the engine from 1532 has gone into it, as well as some bodywork and seats, as it is in garage with no engine and various bits and pieces missing.
Quote from: wbdriver on February 21, 2013, 09:08:44 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 21, 2013, 09:00:29 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on February 21, 2013, 08:31:37 PM
1698 back on the road now. drove it on the 5 Wednesday morning.
Has it been repainted or re-furb'd?
no. i think the engine from 1532 has gone into it, as well as some bodywork and seats, as it is in garage with no engine and various bits and pieces missing.
Will be interesting then as it should sound more like an R reg merc rather than a newer T or V reg merc which sound different to the earlier versions.
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order, but will get 810 from BC when the 99 is cut back to finish at Priory Queensway releasing 1 PVR
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order, but will get 810 from BC when the 99 is cut back to finish at Priory Queensway releasing 1 PVR
Surely they've got to be due some newer cascades released by the 2013 new deliveries?
does anyone know what the 2013 order comprises of and allocations yet, apart from 21 hybrids to wn
Quote from: mranon on February 27, 2013, 06:11:43 PM
does anyone know what the 2013 order comprises of and allocations yet, apart from 21 hybrids to wn
It will also include the 9 x E400H for Dundee, so there should be 100 new bus orders still to be announced
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: mranon on February 27, 2013, 06:11:43 PM
does anyone know what the 2013 order comprises of and allocations yet, apart from 21 hybrids to wn
It will also include the 9 x E400H for Dundee, so there should be 100 new bus orders still to be announced
I think it was mentioned somewhere that 10 Eniro400's are going to Coventry for route 10. there may be more as well for other garages.
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Maybe some Omnilinks will come from somewhere with a lot of luck. ;D Not exactly sure where'd we get them from mind you,
Quote from: John on February 27, 2013, 06:16:49 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: mranon on February 27, 2013, 06:11:43 PM
does anyone know what the 2013 order comprises of and allocations yet, apart from 21 hybrids to wn
It will also include the 9 x E400H for Dundee, so there should be 100 new bus orders still to be announced
I think it was mentioned somewhere that 10 Eniro400's are going to Coventry for route 10. there may be more as well for other garages.
I thought CV were due to get 23 new buses!
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Maybe some Omnilinks will come from somewhere with a lot of luck. ;D Not exactly sure where'd we get them from mind you,
Looks unlikely, unless BY get a new batch of singles
Well, the omnilinks could come from WB or be augmented by some from PB, which I imagine will get the lion's share of the year's deliveries as they are losing older e400s to pensnett. I would imagine they may get new enviro 400s for either the sutton lines or something like the 16 not only replacing a few of the e400s for transfer elsewhere but perhaps also transferring omnilinks elsewhere or perhaps even transferring some geminis or some of the alx400s to WB for use on their city services.
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 06:29:55 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Maybe some Omnilinks will come from somewhere with a lot of luck. ;D Not exactly sure where'd we get them from mind you,
Looks unlikely, unless BY get a new batch of singles
Probably the most likely place we'll ever see them coming from. Would probably cascade our youngest Mercs around to replace older Mercs if it were to happen too so not a terribly bad idea - just as we both say, unlikely.
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order, but will get 810 from BC when the 99 is cut back to finish at Priory Queensway releasing 1 PVR
Forgot to mention this last post but when will that happen?
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:36:14 PM
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 06:29:55 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Maybe some Omnilinks will come from somewhere with a lot of luck. ;D Not exactly sure where'd we get them from mind you,
Looks unlikely, unless BY get a new batch of singles
Probably the most likely place we'll ever see them coming from. Would probably cascade our youngest Mercs around to replace older Mercs if it were to happen too so not a terribly bad idea - just as we both say, unlikely.
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order, but will get 810 from BC when the 99 is cut back to finish at Priory Queensway releasing 1 PVR
Forgot to mention this last post but when will that happen?
I doubt NatEx would give new buses to BY seeing as there are no vehicles there to be replaced as they're all pretty new and given the fact theyre oftern on loan to other garages shows they must be in pretty decent nick.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 27, 2013, 06:40:36 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:36:14 PM
Quote from: Shaun on February 27, 2013, 06:29:55 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
Maybe some Omnilinks will come from somewhere with a lot of luck. ;D Not exactly sure where'd we get them from mind you,
Looks unlikely, unless BY get a new batch of singles
Probably the most likely place we'll ever see them coming from. Would probably cascade our youngest Mercs around to replace older Mercs if it were to happen too so not a terribly bad idea - just as we both say, unlikely.
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order, but will get 810 from BC when the 99 is cut back to finish at Priory Queensway releasing 1 PVR
Forgot to mention this last post but when will that happen?
I doubt NatEx would give new buses to BY seeing as there are no vehicles there to be replaced as they're all pretty new and given the fact theyre oftern on loan to other garages shows they must be in pretty decent nick.
They could do as Bordesley is also head office, it also appears Bordesley will be the first garage to have re-branded all its fleet as NXWM regardless of livery
Quote from: John on February 27, 2013, 06:16:49 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: mranon on February 27, 2013, 06:11:43 PM
does anyone know what the 2013 order comprises of and allocations yet, apart from 21 hybrids to wn
It will also include the 9 x E400H for Dundee, so there should be 100 new bus orders still to be announced
I think it was mentioned somewhere that 10 Eniro400's are going to Coventry for route 10. there may be more as well for other garages.
Yes there are the 10 x ADL E400's as that was confirmed by Tony (so 90 new buses still left to be confirmed). The article in CBW by NXC's MD quoted 23 new buses being due for NXC this year, but there are all sorts of quantities / combinations being banded around so this could have since changed.
I'm also expecting NX to bring forward part/all of the 2014 order to take advantage of buying the cheaper Euro 5 engined buses
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
And me considering that Sandwell has only recently had a network review which has resulted in arrival of 12 new Enviro 200's, this account for less than 10% of WB's fleet
Quote from: Peter123 on February 27, 2013, 06:33:36 PM
Well, the omnilinks could come from WB or be augmented by some from PB, which I imagine will get the lion's share of the year's deliveries as they are losing older e400s to pensnett. I would imagine they may get new enviro 400s for either the sutton lines or something like the 16 not only replacing a few of the e400s for transfer elsewhere but perhaps also transferring omnilinks elsewhere or perhaps even transferring some geminis or some of the alx400s to WB for use on their city services.
Don't forget that PB still have 15 x B10L to be replaced first before PB could release any Omnilinks in quantity
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 07:59:08 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
And me considering that Sandwell has only recently had a network review which has resulted in arrival of 12 new Enviro 200's, this account for less than 10% of WB's fleet
WB's average fleet age would have been less but it lost it's 20 omnilinks to Walsall when the 404 transferred.
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 08:02:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 07:59:08 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
And me considering that Sandwell has only recently had a network review which has resulted in arrival of 12 new Enviro 200's, this account for less than 10% of WB's fleet
WB's average fleet age would have been less but it lost it's 20 omnilinks to Walsall when the 404 transferred.
It may not have changed that much as the fleet would have been bigger than at present, i.e. they lost 20 buses to WA & only had 5/6 in return
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
2. Routes like the 74/75/82/87 would be ideal for Hybrid operation, plenty of stop start running and the traffic around Handsworth (must burn gallons of Diesel).
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
2. Routes like the 74/75/82/87 would be ideal for Hybrid operation, plenty of stop start running and the traffic around Handsworth (must burn gallons of Diesel).
Not just that though, you'd think that WB would get treated to some nice new single deckers to go with our new E200s on its other routes, the 83 and 89 springing to mind aswell as all the various town routes, so we can finally start putting the B6s and Mercs into retirement.
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
2. Routes like the 74/75/82/87 would be ideal for Hybrid operation, plenty of stop start running and the traffic around Handsworth (must burn gallons of Diesel).
I agree with you, but a President wouldn't be enough capacity for the 87/74/75, but would be enough for the 82. In fact apart form shireland I don't see why the 82 needs a decker, it would be better suited to the 89.
Not just that though, you'd think that WB would get treated to some nice new single deckers to go with our new E200s on its other routes, the 83 and 89 springing to mind as well as all the various town routes, so we can finally start putting the B6s and Mercs into retirement.
I agree the Mercs are old, noisy, get stuck on hills, and go slowly in the rush hour, and the 53/83 need newer buses, and a decker for the 89.
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
2. Routes like the 74/75/82/87 would be ideal for Hybrid operation, plenty of stop start running and the traffic around Handsworth (must burn gallons of Diesel).
Not just that though, you'd think that WB would get treated to some nice new single deckers to go with our new E200s on its other routes, the 83 and 89 springing to mind aswell as all the various town routes, so we can finally start putting the B6s and Mercs into retirement.
Surely NXWM must be contemplating what will replace the B6s and Mercs as especially the Mercs are beginning to look quite worn out! The 83/89 could do with new single deckers as a must.
Be careful with your new Enviro 200s, don't get putting to much mileage on them, or it appears (as is the case at PE and their 400s) they will take them off you and bring back the B6s.
Quote from: dgss1 on February 27, 2013, 08:28:37 PM
Quote from: JackC on February 27, 2013, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
2. Routes like the 74/75/82/87 would be ideal for Hybrid operation, plenty of stop start running and the traffic around Handsworth (must burn gallons of Diesel).
I agree with you, but a President wouldn't be enough capacity for the 87/74/75, but would be enough for the 82. In fact apart form shireland I don't see why the 82 needs a decker, it would be better suited to the 89.
Not just that though, you'd think that WB would get treated to some nice new single deckers to go with our new E200s on its other routes, the 83 and 89 springing to mind as well as all the various town routes, so we can finally start putting the B6s and Mercs into retirement.
I agree the Mercs are old, noisy, get stuck on hills, and go slowly in the rush hour, and the 53/83 need newer buses, and a decker for the 89.
The 89 certainly doesn't need deckers. Some new buses for the 83/89 would be nice though, even cascading singles, but that is very unlikely
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
I wouldn't necessarily say the Soho Rd & Dudley Road services have any more issues with the above than any most other B'ham services some of which have received new buses.
I think the problem with upgrading the Soho Road group of services is that is would need a sizeable batch of double deckers due to the Pvr
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
I wouldn't necessarily say the Soho Rd & Dudley Road services have any more issues with the above than any most other B'ham services some of which have received new buses.
I think the problem with upgrading the Soho Road group of services is that is would need a sizeable batch of double deckers due to the Pvr
True Winston, especially as the 82/87 now interwork. As an aside, do like it now the 82/87 go round the city now, pity they didn't go along Colmore Row, but then i think you can catch the Colmore Row services on Great Charles Street/Paradise Circus Bus Hub.
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:06:24 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 08:02:21 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 07:59:08 PM
Quote from: don on February 27, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 27, 2013, 05:47:51 PM
West Bromwich are not due to receive any new buses from the 2013 order
This is extremely surprising given the number of old vehicles they have......perhaps some fairly new cascades will be provided? When you compare it with the likes of Wolverhampton, which has been remarked before has/will have over 35% of its vehicles less than 18 months old when the hybrids start operating.
And me considering that Sandwell has only recently had a network review which has resulted in arrival of 12 new Enviro 200's, this account for less than 10% of WB's fleet
WB's average fleet age would have been less but it lost it's 20 omnilinks to Walsall when the 404 transferred.
It may not have changed that much as the fleet would have been bigger than at present, i.e. they lost 20 buses to WA & only had 5/6 in return
WB lost the 20 omnilinks but gained quite a few presidents to run the 75 along with b6le's from Walsall in return.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
I wouldn't necessarily say the Soho Rd & Dudley Road services have any more issues with the above than any most other B'ham services some of which have received new buses.
I think the problem with upgrading the Soho Road group of services is that is would need a sizeable batch of double deckers due to the Pvr
True Winston, especially as the 82/87 now interwork. As an aside, do like it now the 82/87 go round the city now, pity they didn't go along Colmore Row, but then i think you can catch the Colmore Row services on Great Charles Street/Paradise Circus Bus Hub.
I assume NX could upgrade a few routes along different corridors / from different garages with the size of batch of new buses needed to upgrade the Soho Rd
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:49:52 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
I wouldn't necessarily say the Soho Rd & Dudley Road services have any more issues with the above than any most other B'ham services some of which have received new buses.
I think the problem with upgrading the Soho Road group of services is that is would need a sizeable batch of double deckers due to the Pvr
True Winston, especially as the 82/87 now interwork. As an aside, do like it now the 82/87 go round the city now, pity they didn't go along Colmore Row, but then i think you can catch the Colmore Row services on Great Charles Street/Paradise Circus Bus Hub.
I assume NX could upgrade a few routes along different corridors / from different garages with the size of batch of new buses needed to upgrade the Soho Rd
I think the gemini's suit the 74/75 some just need a refurb but the ones that have been done are in good condition and look relatively new, in comparison the alx400 are in an awful condition (the unrefurbed ones) the seats are threadbare and the buses are just dirty.
Quote from: Ash on February 27, 2013, 08:54:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:49:52 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 27, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 27, 2013, 08:13:26 PM
There must be a reason why NXWM don't invest more into WB, because it does need some newer buses.
You could look at it from 2 ways:
1. Problem is i suppose would you want a brand new bus on the 74/75/82/87 given the amount of vandalism, weed smoking, fare evasion etc that goes on. But they could surely cascade some newer buses from other garages to replace the really old ones (not the Presidents as they look really good after refurbishment).
I wouldn't necessarily say the Soho Rd & Dudley Road services have any more issues with the above than any most other B'ham services some of which have received new buses.
I think the problem with upgrading the Soho Road group of services is that is would need a sizeable batch of double deckers due to the Pvr
True Winston, especially as the 82/87 now interwork. As an aside, do like it now the 82/87 go round the city now, pity they didn't go along Colmore Row, but then i think you can catch the Colmore Row services on Great Charles Street/Paradise Circus Bus Hub.
I assume NX could upgrade a few routes along different corridors / from different garages with the size of batch of new buses needed to upgrade the Soho Rd
I think the gemini's suit the 74/75 some just need a refurb but the ones that have been done are in good condition and look relatively new, in comparison the alx400 are in an awful condition (the unrefurbed ones) the seats are threadbare and the buses are just dirty.
I agree with you about the ALXs, the 74/75 get a good mix of ALX400s and Geminis
Quote from: nobody on February 28, 2013, 08:15:43 PM
3610 now SORN.
How do people find out which vehicles are SORN is there a website or just know internally.
Quote from: nobody on February 28, 2013, 08:15:43 PM
3610 now SORN.
That's the one with the private plate isn't it? Presume the plate will go down with the bus as it isn't really relevant to anything anymore
Quote from: nobody on February 28, 2013, 08:29:05 PM
Telepathy. Or the Directgov DVLA site.
They've actually cleaned the glass on the rear blinds on some of the remaining Darts now so you can see the route number.
Ok thank you, yeah 3610 has an Conex registration plate and is C8NEX.
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 28, 2013, 09:20:40 PM
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
because its 2 different sort of bus classes, Midibuses vs minibuses
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 28, 2013, 09:20:40 PM
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
I'm surprised the Darts made surplus at WB aren't going to PB to see off the last of the Optare Solos from NXWM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 28, 2013, 09:20:40 PM
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
NXWM seem to have very little requirement for mini sized vehicles, hence the withdrawl of these MPD's and Solo's. They have a greater need for 37 seat Midibuses such as the remaining B6LE's and the new Enviro200's
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 28, 2013, 09:20:40 PM
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
Because to be quite honest, most if not all of the B6's left are good un's and from my experience much better than the Darts and although not perfect are quieter, rattle less, all in NXWM livery, most have refurbished interiors and crucially are bigger than the Darts
Quote from: Ash on February 28, 2013, 09:09:14 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 28, 2013, 08:29:05 PM
Telepathy. Or the Directgov DVLA site.
They've actually cleaned the glass on the rear blinds on some of the remaining Darts now so you can see the route number.
Ok thank you, yeah 3610 has an Conex registration plate and is C8NEX.
Depends how you look at it it could be viewed as conex or nex national express
At WB the darts will be needed for certain services due to the roads they use even though b6le's can get around the route it's not always that easy especially with the way people park on some tight narrow streets, Tantany is one example where there is not a lot of room for buses due to the narrow roads and is served by the 41 so ideally needs darts. The best b6le at WB is 568 you don't need to see the bus to know which b6le it is due to the high revs of the engine and is very quick generally for a single decker let alone a b6le.
It was definitely Connex as it was bought up in 2004 by the National Express group and the darts were purchased for Connex London operations prior to the take over and I think they were used on the C1 might be wrong there though.
Quote from: Winston on February 28, 2013, 09:22:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 28, 2013, 09:20:40 PM
probably a daft question, i'm full of them, but why are NXWM withdrawing W reg ALX200s when there are still P reg B6s on the road?
I'm surprised the Darts made surplus at WB aren't going to PB to see of the last of the Optare Solos from NXWM
The B6 and solo are more passenger friendly than the darts. The darts are dark crammed and dingy but the others are lighter and airey.
Quote from: Ash on February 28, 2013, 10:05:08 PM
At WB the darts will be needed for certain services due to the roads they use even though b6le's can get around the route it's not always that easy especially with the way people park on some tight narrow streets, Tantany is one example where there is not a lot of room for buses due to the narrow roads and is served by the 41 so ideally needs darts. The best b6le at WB is 568 you don't need to see the bus to know which b6le it is due to the high revs of the engine and is very quick generally for a single decker let alone a b6le.
It was definitely Connex as it was bought up in 2004 by the National Express group and the darts were purchased for Connex London operations prior to the take over and I think they were used on the C1 might be wrong there though.
Ash,
You're correct. C8NEX came up from Travel London to TWM originally ex Connex
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
Quote from: Ash on February 28, 2013, 10:05:08 PM
At WB the darts will be needed for certain services due to the roads they use even though b6le's can get around the route it's not always that easy especially with the way people park on some tight narrow streets, Tantany is one example where there is not a lot of room for buses due to the narrow roads and is served by the 41 so ideally needs darts. The best b6le at WB is 568 you don't need to see the bus to know which b6le it is due to the high revs of the engine and is very quick generally for a single decker let alone a b6le.
Really? Why do keep coming on the 53 , along with cadets meaing people are skippied? And if NXWM want darts, why can't they get full length darts??
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
I know where I'm going to point my camera tomorrow then. How many remaining?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
I know where I'm going to point my camera tomorrow then. How many remaining?
14-8?
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
I know where I'm going to point my camera tomorrow then. How many remaining?
14-8?
You mean 3608 - 3614?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:58:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
I know where I'm going to point my camera tomorrow then. How many remaining?
14-8?
You mean 3608 - 3614?
No Tony means work it out for yourself, 14 in the batch, 8 have left = 6 remaining
Quote from: Winston on March 01, 2013, 07:07:02 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:58:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 01, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ash on March 01, 2013, 06:16:01 PM
Quote from: nobody on February 27, 2013, 04:52:09 PM
There seems to be 7 Darts remaining. 3601-5, 3608 and 3612. All 7 were seen in service on both Saturday and today.
3614 is still operating was on the 41 today. Not sure how many are to be withdrawn.
I haven't got the Feb changes yet, but I believe 8 have now left
I know where I'm going to point my camera tomorrow then. How many remaining?
14-8?
You mean 3608 - 3614?
No Tony means work it out for yourself, 14 in the batch, 8 have left = 6 remaining
Whatever happened to giving a straight answer? ::)
Quote from: nobody on March 05, 2013, 03:59:08 PM
3606, 3607, 3611 and 3613 now SORN. They've randomly decided to fix 3608s side blind recently. Bit late now.
4714 still unbranded.
Wonder how withdrawls have been decided on, condition or just random?
I would think 3601 and 3608 would be the 2 last darts to be withdrawn as 3601 has been refurbished and both 3601/3608 are in the NXWM livery. What I find interesting probably a coincidence is that 3601-3605 were the 5 darts that stayed at WB when the 636 went to BC then BY and none of them have been withdrawn so could have less mileage or be in a better condition due to the time 3606-3614 spent on the 636.
What is the meaning behind the word or abbreviation SORN guys?
Quote from: Wolfman on March 05, 2013, 07:42:51 PM
What is the meaning behind the word or abbreviation SORN guys?
Statutory Off Road Notification, means a vehicle is being kept untaxed, but not on a public road.
Often used when a vehicle is being repaired for an MOT and the tax disc has run out.
Quote from: Wolfman on March 05, 2013, 07:42:51 PM
What is the meaning behind the word or abbreviation SORN guys?
Statutory Off Road Notification - it basically means declaring a vehicle will not be used on the public road, so you don't need to pay road fund license or insurance
Quote from: nitromatt1 on March 05, 2013, 07:49:24 PM
Quote from: Wolfman on March 05, 2013, 07:42:51 PM
What is the meaning behind the word or abbreviation SORN guys?
Statutory Off Road Notification - it basically means declaring a vehicle will not be used on the public road, so you don't need to pay road fund license or insurance
and has to be renewed every 12 months at least its free.
Statutory Off Road Notification
Ah, makes sense. Thanks all. So with NX policy not to sell unwanted vehicles to other operators, I can't see them being scraped just yet.
Quote from: Wolfman on March 07, 2013, 12:44:41 AM
Statutory Off Road Notification
Ah, makes sense. Thanks all. So with NX policy not to sell unwanted vehicles to other operators, I can't see them being scraped just yet.
Not quite, thats Firsts policy, NXWM will sell vehicles to other operators outside the West Midlands and to operators that wont use them on competing services (i.e Diamond, Joes Travel etc)
Quote from: Lukeee on March 07, 2013, 09:34:17 PM
Quote from: Wolfman on March 07, 2013, 12:44:41 AM
Statutory Off Road Notification
Ah, makes sense. Thanks all. So with NX policy not to sell unwanted vehicles to other operators, I can't see them being scraped just yet.
Not quite, thats Firsts policy, NXWM will sell vehicles to other operators outside the West Midlands and to operators that wont use them on competing services (i.e Diamond, Joes Travel etc)
Wouldn't surprise me if the Darts somehow end up at Travel Express to go with the 2 newer ones they already have lol :o
Anyone seen 680 lately,not noticed it for a month or two.john
Quote from: 37351ml on April 14, 2013, 04:47:01 PM
Anyone seen 680 lately,not noticed it for a month or two.john
Nope, I haven't seen it for a while either.
Still looking for 1698, its the last WB Merc I need for haulage. Presumably still off the road.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 19, 2013, 09:24:46 PM
Still looking for 1698, its the last WB Merc I need for haulage. Presumably still off the road.
I think it is back out. Pretty sure there was a message on the forum a few weeks ago
I've been commuting around Sandwell for the last 4 weeks and haven't seen it so I have my doubts.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 19, 2013, 09:48:31 PM
I've been commuting around Sandwell for the last 4 weeks and haven't seen it so I have my doubts.
Digging a bit through past topics, I have found the quote I was referring to
Quote from: wbdriver on February 21, 2013, 08:31:37 PM
1698 back on the road now. drove it on the 5 Wednesday morning.
Cheers, maybe it has had another issue? I'm only a 2 minute walk from WB, am dying to pop in there (with permission of course) to check
I want to take a trip on 1698 as I believe it's now got the engine from 1532 so wonder what it sounds like.
Quote from: Ash on April 19, 2013, 10:02:40 PM
I want to take a trip on 1698 as I believe it's now got the engine from 1532 so wonder what it sounds like.
Has 1640 got an engine from a R/S reg merc? It sounds like it does
680 is completley dead. won't see service again.
1698 been in the pits for a long time and not in service, perhaps tidying it up or replacing worn out parts that take time to replace, don't know.
Quote from: wbdriver on April 20, 2013, 05:57:48 PM
680 is completley dead. won't see service again.
What finished her off?
Any update on 4709?
The driver had an heart attack and the bus crashed into a lamp post or something on the Dudley Road. I saw the accident damage and the front looks in a bad state but I'm sure will be repaired quickly enough.
Was the driver ok? I haven't heard anything since it happened
Complaint in the Express and Star yesterday about deckers on the 49. Too wide for one of the roads apparently and privacy issues.
Centro can't do anything about it because its a commercial service.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 24, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Complaint in the Express and Star yesterday about deckers on the 49. Too wide for one of the roads apparently and privacy issues.
Centro can't do anything about it because its a commercial service.
Privacy Issues??
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 24, 2013, 08:42:45 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on April 24, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Complaint in the Express and Star yesterday about deckers on the 49. Too wide for one of the roads apparently and privacy issues.
Centro can't do anything about it because its a commercial service.
Privacy Issues??
Probably some woman in the bath with her window open, because she isn't used to deckers going past...
Quote from: nitromatt1 on April 24, 2013, 08:45:45 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 24, 2013, 08:42:45 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on April 24, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Complaint in the Express and Star yesterday about deckers on the 49. Too wide for one of the roads apparently and privacy issues.
Centro can't do anything about it because its a commercial service.
Privacy Issues??
Probably some woman in the bath with her window open, because she isn't used to deckers going past...
was she complaining that the passengers could see or that they couldn't see! ;D
There used to be double-decks all the time on the 449 (ok, so a few years ago when it was all Metrobuses), so okay maybe the Geminis are a bit wider, but there were never any 'privacy issues' at the time, maybe the person in question should invest in some net curtains? ::)
I assume it is a road somewhere between Brandhall and Lightwoods Hill where the 200/201 use to operate with single decks.
It was breastfeeding woman btw.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 24, 2013, 08:51:33 PM
I assume it is a road somewhere between Brandhall and Lightwoods Hill where the 200/201 use to operate with single decks.
It was breastfeeding woman btw.
Seems a little silly to me, nobody on the bus probably noticed anything, and has been said, perhaps someone should invest in a pair of net curtains.
With the imminent arrival from BC of e200 810 next week,does anyone know what it will replace? 674 perhaps ? or could be a direct replacement for 680.? John
Quote from: 37351ml on April 24, 2013, 08:59:07 PM
With the imminent arrival from BC of e200 810 next week,does anyone know what it will replace? 674 perhaps ? or could be a direct replacement for 680.? John
I doubt 810 will replace anything as the PVR of the 46 is increasing by 1 due to its extension to Pheasey.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 24, 2013, 08:55:50 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on April 24, 2013, 08:51:33 PM
I assume it is a road somewhere between Brandhall and Lightwoods Hill where the 200/201 use to operate with single decks.
It was breastfeeding woman btw.
Seems a little silly to me, nobody on the bus probably noticed anything, and has been said, perhaps someone should invest in a pair of net curtains.
Or maybe do the breast feeding downstairs?..... in the back room? In PRIVACY????
How stupid are some people! u gonna breast feed at an open window people will look
You gonna walk down the street in a low top 'jiggling' them about people will look
If you don't want people to look KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!! honestly
And someone dare reply with 'I have the right to desplay my breasts where and whenever I like' Please!!
castle road west/east. one of them but according to drivers who do the route, no one gets on or off from brandhall to bearwood anyway, and centro are paying NXWM to do the extension x amount of money until June i think, when it will be reviewed again. Personally i can see it being withdrawn and just going West Brom to Brandhall again like it used to.
Quote from: wbdriver on April 25, 2013, 02:58:17 PM
castle road west/east. one of them but according to drivers who do the route, no one gets on or off from brandhall to bearwood anyway, and centro are paying NXWM to do the extension x amount of money until June i think, when it will be reviewed again. Personally i can see it being withdrawn and just going West Brom to Brandhall again like it used to.
I've used it before and it's not that busy. I was surprising the 449 (now 49) was extended to Bearwood when there's so many other routes on the route that serve Bearwood
Quote from: Shaun on April 25, 2013, 03:36:25 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on April 25, 2013, 02:58:17 PM
castle road west/east. one of them but according to drivers who do the route, no one gets on or off from brandhall to bearwood anyway, and centro are paying NXWM to do the extension x amount of money until June i think, when it will be reviewed again. Personally i can see it being withdrawn and just going West Brom to Brandhall again like it used to.
I've used it before and it's not that busy. I was surprising the 449 (now 49) was extended to Bearwood when there's so many other routes on the route that serve Bearwood
i would have thought Blackheath was a better option than Bearwood, as its closer and more pensioners go there for shopping, plus it would have gave people of Langley, Brandhall etc another route there
I would actually hazard a guess its more as a connection thing for people from Brandhall, cause face it there aren't really that many options without going up to the hagley road and getting the 9
Quote from: wbdriver on April 25, 2013, 05:07:42 PM
Quote from: Shaun on April 25, 2013, 03:36:25 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on April 25, 2013, 02:58:17 PM
castle road west/east. one of them but according to drivers who do the route, no one gets on or off from brandhall to bearwood anyway, and centro are paying NXWM to do the extension x amount of money until June i think, when it will be reviewed again. Personally i can see it being withdrawn and just going West Brom to Brandhall again like it used to.
I've used it before and it's not that busy. I was surprising the 449 (now 49) was extended to Bearwood when there's so many other routes on the route that serve Bearwood
i would have thought Blackheath was a better option than Bearwood, as its closer and more pensioners go there for shopping, plus it would have gave people of Langley, Brandhall etc another route there
I thought the same, as the 88 has never really been replaced between Londonderry and Blackheath. I also think Brandhall is lacking a frequent route to Oldbury and Halesowen, also viable options for the 49 terminus
off topic but Didn't really want to start a new topic so this was the closet,
but are all WB Presidents branded for the 5 or are 1 or 2 unbranded
Quote from: NathanJC on April 28, 2013, 01:43:33 PM
off topic but Didn't really want to start a new topic so this was the closet,
but are all WB Presidents branded for the 5 or are 1 or 2 unbranded
No not all.
Branded ones are 4047, 4048, 4049, 4055, 4083, 4087 and 4114
Unbranded in NXWM livery is 4053
Still in 'Toothpaste' livery are 4044, 4054 and 4113 (which I think is in for repaint)
Quote from: John on April 28, 2013, 01:48:14 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on April 28, 2013, 01:43:33 PM
off topic but Didn't really want to start a new topic so this was the closet,
but are all WB Presidents branded for the 5 or are 1 or 2 unbranded
No not all.
Branded ones are 4047, 4048, 4049, 4055, 4083, 4087 and 4114
Unbranded in NXWM livery is 4053
Still in 'Toothpaste' livery are 4044, 4054 and 4113 (which I think is in for repaint)
Thanks John, looks like I need to update my Plaxton, Flickr Set -.-
Quote from: NathanJC on April 28, 2013, 06:52:32 PM
Quote from: John on April 28, 2013, 01:48:14 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on April 28, 2013, 01:43:33 PM
off topic but Didn't really want to start a new topic so this was the closet,
but are all WB Presidents branded for the 5 or are 1 or 2 unbranded
No not all.
Branded ones are 4047, 4048, 4049, 4055, 4083, 4087 and 4114
Unbranded in NXWM livery is 4053
Still in 'Toothpaste' livery are 4044, 4054 and 4113 (which I think is in for repaint)
Thanks John, looks like I need to update my Plaxton, Flickr Set -.-
4113 is now in NXWM livery Nathan, back out today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8692135451/
810 now at West Brom
I had no idea that the 49 now terminates on the Hagley Road instead of Bearwood Bus Station. Must pay more attention.
Quote from: uniquicity on May 09, 2013, 11:28:48 PM
I had no idea that the 49 now terminates on the Hagley Road instead of Bearwood Bus Station. Must pay more attention.
Does it? I didn't know either
I thought itwas a bus shelter mistake
Quote from: uniquicity on May 09, 2013, 11:28:48 PM
I had no idea that the 49 now terminates on the Hagley Road instead of Bearwood Bus Station. Must pay more attention.
Quote from: dgss1 on May 10, 2013, 07:39:22 AM
I thought itwas a bus shelter mistakeQuote from: uniquicity on May 09, 2013, 11:28:48 PM
I had no idea that the 49 now terminates on the Hagley Road instead of Bearwood Bus Station. Must pay more attention.
It does a loop around Bearwood, used Galton Road to the Hagley Road, stops with the 126 on the Hagley Road, and then turns left into Bearwood High Street
1698 out on 40, west brom- Wednesbury, if anyone wants to sample it. Should do 12.32 13.44 14.56 16.08 ex wb, seems quite nippy for a merc. John
Quote from: 37351ml on May 11, 2013, 11:35:16 AM
1698 out on 40, west brom- Wednesbury, if anyone wants to sample it. Should do 12.32 13.44 14.56 16.08 ex wb, seems quite nippy for a merc. John
Probably seems more nippy as I think it's the engine out of 1532 and the R and S reg mercs seem quicker generally than the T and V reg mercs.
Haven't seen a decker on the 49 for a while now. Guess they have took notice.
The deckers seem to be regularly being used on the 83/89 instead of the mercs so may be a swap for the deckers that were allocated on the 49.
Quote from: Ash on May 22, 2013, 11:11:27 PM
The deckers seem to be regularly being used on the 83/89 instead of the mercs so may be a swap for the deckers that were allocated on the 49.
I hope they keep it that way. You get a nice mix of B7TL and mercs on the 83/89 nowadays :)
Is 674 still around,not noted it for a month or so, was usually on 47/47a.john
Quote from: 37351ml on May 27, 2013, 08:58:18 PM
Is 674 still around,not noted it for a month or so, was usually on 47/47a.john
It hasn't been withdrawn yet, according to past fleet change news, so unless it has been withdrawn during May, then it should be still about.
I haven't seen it this month either. Not showing as SORN on the DVLA. Neither is the other missing one 680.
680 is dead. rear bumper missing and windows being removed last time i was in. no clue about 674.
on another note, some WB enviros are approaching 20000 miles already, time for them to be swapped with B6s and Mercs from PE? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: wbdriver on May 30, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
680 is dead. rear bumper missing and windows being removed last time i was in. no clue about 674.
on another note, some WB enviros are approaching 20000 miles already, time for them to be swapped with B6s and Mercs from PE? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
From what stated on another thread, seems WB are to get 823.
Quote from: wbdriver on May 30, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
on another note, some WB enviros are approaching 20000 miles already, time for them to be swapped with B6s and Mercs from PE? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
B6LEs for E200s on the 46, yes please ;D
6 vehicles off the road now I make it - 674, 680 4044, 4048, 4054 and 4709. Might explain why more ALX400 and Gemini have been appearing on the 5 recently, presumably the 83/89 is back to mostly Mercs now because of this.
Quote from: Shaun on May 31, 2013, 07:12:26 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on May 30, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
on another note, some WB enviros are approaching 20000 miles already, time for them to be swapped with B6s and Mercs from PE? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
B6LEs for E200s on the 46, yes please ;D
Try finding Queslett or Londonderry on a WB B6 blind ;)
(Pheasey Estate was on it before the 28 April changes)
Quote from: uniquicity on May 31, 2013, 07:21:48 PM
Quote from: Shaun on May 31, 2013, 07:12:26 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on May 30, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
on another note, some WB enviros are approaching 20000 miles already, time for them to be swapped with B6s and Mercs from PE? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
B6LEs for E200s on the 46, yes please ;D
Try finding Queslett or Londonderry on a WB B6 blind ;)
(Pheasey Estate was on it before the 28 April changes)
I've noticed the B6s did eventually get a set of blinds with Londonderry, Queens Head as a destination ;D
Damn, never saw a B6 at the Londonderry end of the 46 to find out. It was usually a Merc (which definitely have Londonderry on) before the E200s entered service.
Quote from: uniquicity on May 31, 2013, 07:33:28 PM
Damn, never saw a B6 at the Londonderry end of the 46 to find out. It was usually a Merc (which definitely have Londonderry on) before the E200s entered service.
The 2 Crusader Darts also had the Londonderry destination in their blind 8)
Talking about blinds, how long has the 205 been going to Blackheath and some Mercs still don't have Blackheath on their top blind.
Saw 1525 the other day which had to display "Via Blackheath"
pns mercs do have blackheath on the blinds, but were wallheath is on the top blinds the one down from it is blank and blackheath on the bottom is only number 6 so theres not alot of winding to do, its better than going from like 64 (wallheath) to 32(blackheath) when youv got 1 minuet in blackheath and 2 minuets in wallheath
Wondered where 1526 had got to. Thinking about it hadn't seen it for a few weeks just like 674.
Good job the summer timetables start from 9 June, WB becoming short of vehicles it seems (PVR of 144 I make it with only 157 on the road)
On the subject of the 46, within 10 minutes I saw one heading to Great Barr, Scott Arms, one to Queslett and one to Pheasey, how are these 46' being ran?
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 02, 2013, 01:03:24 PM
On the subject of the 46, within 10 minutes I saw one heading to Great Barr, Scott Arms, one to Queslett and one to Pheasey, how are these 46' being ran?
Supposed to be every 15 minutes to Scott Arms, every 30 minutes to Londonderry and Pheasey/Queslett.
It normally runs Scott Arms, Pheasey, Scott Arms, Pheasey.
Scott Arms buses go down to Londonderry and Pheasey buses end in West Brom, but a couple go from Queslett to Londonderry and vice versa at peak times.
Also depends on traffic, as it is one of the worst routes for it. From Londonderry you have:
Galton Bridge dual carriageway
Spon Lane
Hallam Street (evening peak)
All Saints Way
Newton Road/Hamstead Road junction
Hamstead Road/Old Walsall Road Junction
Scott Arms
Queslett (especially evening peak)
Has 4115 come to WB to replace 4048? Also whats the latest on 680?
Quote from: wbdriver on June 11, 2013, 06:04:52 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 02, 2013, 01:03:24 PM
On the subject of the 46, within 10 minutes I saw one heading to Great Barr, Scott Arms, one to Queslett and one to Pheasey, how are these 46' being ran?
Supposed to be every 15 minutes to Scott Arms, every 30 minutes to Londonderry and Pheasey/Queslett.
It normally runs Scott Arms, Pheasey, Scott Arms, Pheasey.
Scott Arms buses go down to Londonderry and Pheasey buses end in West Brom, but a couple go from Queslett to Londonderry and vice versa at peak times.
Also depends on traffic, as it is one of the worst routes for it. From Londonderry you have:
Galton Bridge dual carriageway
Spon Lane
Hallam Street (evening peak)
All Saints Way
Newton Road/Hamstead Road junction
Hamstead Road/Old Walsall Road Junction
Scott Arms
Queslett (especially evening peak)
cheers for clearing that up, seems a very complicated way to run it
564 and 568 have had their old side fleetnames replaced with (smallish) NXWM ones.
Some of the ALX400s have had their offside fleetnumbers removed. 4272 is one, also a couple of the Soho Road branded ones.
569 is another one who has had them replaced I think it's any bus with the 'west midlands part of national express' logo's have had them replaced.
566 is the only other B6 which needs doing with 680 off the road. 569 never had side fleetmanes in the first place ;)
Don't think any Mercs or deckers have been done yet.
Quote from: Ash on June 19, 2013, 05:58:25 PM
569 is another one who has had them replaced I think it's any bus with the 'west midlands part of national express' logo's have had them replaced.
Quote from: uniquicity on June 19, 2013, 06:16:06 PM
566 is the only other B6 which needs doing with 680 off the road. 569 never had side fleetmanes in the first place ;)
Don't think any Mercs or deckers have been done yet.
Yes, I'm sure some of the O405Ns I saw on the 49 yesterday have had them replaced, I was too far away to see fleetnumbers, but they had the larger logos
There were 6 Mercs that needed doing. 1561, 1577, 1589, 1592, 1601 and 1699, plus 3608.
Looks like 1561 and 4266 have been done. On the 49 and 74 respectively.
Quote from: uniquicity on June 20, 2013, 09:36:28 AM
Looks like 1561 and 4266 have been done. On the 49 and 74 respectively.
I saw 4266 yesterday
1699 has been done. 1592 hasn't.
3608 has been done. 4275 is the only decker at WB that needs doing now.
Think 4266 has also lost its green branding in the process.
Quote from: uniquicity on June 20, 2013, 07:32:38 PM
3608 has been done. 4275 is the only decker at WB that needs doing now.
Think 4266 has also lost its green branding in the process.
Yes saw 4266 the other day with no green branding
Cheers. I wasn't 100% sure, was too busy looking at the fleetnames tbh ;)
680 on the 47a (21/6/13)
Is 4709 still off the road?
Quote from: John on June 25, 2013, 04:27:30 PM
Is 4709 still off the road?
Haven't seen it, have been looking for it myself.
566 and 4275 have the new fleetnames.
Is there any truth in the rumor that the additional parking area in Oak Road will close at the end of July?
If so what routes are being transferred out of WB to reduce the PVR?
Saw 4523 on the 74 and 4712 on the 87 today, both sounded awful with the engines banging and clanging.
Second oldest WB Merc 1534 was failed in Sutton last night during a Benz slight return on the 451. Nearside ceiling lights were out, it caused much disbelief and a near riot from the dozen or so young people waiting at 2230.
1577 has the new logos. Just 1592 now carrying the interim ones (obviously the TWM liveried buses still have TWM logos)
Quote from: uniquicity on July 05, 2013, 05:26:45 PM
1577 has the new logos. Just 1592 now carrying the interim ones (obviously the TWM liveried buses still have TWM logos)
Let's hope they can finally finish exercise this time around, I see don't see why they can't replace the TWM logo's without repainting, BY & NXC have done it, as have Dundee. It's now been 6 years since NXWM was first launched, I don't understand what the problem is to finally remove the TWM brand
4528 now also has the proper NXWM logos
Quote from: John on July 05, 2013, 06:26:00 PM
4528 now also has the proper NXWM logos
Could do with a refurb too
4709 is now back in one piece with a new front end on. Not sure how much internal work is still to do. It will presumably then visit Walsall as the new front end is currently white
Quote from: Tony on July 15, 2013, 09:20:01 PM
4709 is now back in one piece with a new front end on. Not sure how much internal work is still to do. It will presumably then visit Walsall as the new front end is currently white
Thanks Tony ;). Hopefully it will be ready for when the PVR increases after the summer timetables finish.
524 in walsall bradford place being put on a mansfield
564 sounding very unhealthy on the 47A tonight. Was consistently making a very bad noise, almost like the floor or the gearbox was hitting the road.
The b6le's at West Brom are not sounding good at all 568 is the best by far and with only 680 as an S reg b6le the others are well over 13 years old if not more.
566 has expired on the 40 at lidl, friar park. 4044 on 40 too. John
I thought 680 was dead or did it just need a repair at the time?
680 has been back in service the last couple of weeks or so.
4054 is now branded for the 5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9378640032/
Yuck, tacky insults to the 451.
I think the toothpaste 451 livery branding combo looked somewhat nicer
Quote from: Ashley 4569 on August 01, 2013, 08:01:15 PM
I think the toothpaste 451 livery branding combo looked somewhat nicer
Agreed, don't particularly mind the new branding that much though, it does a job after all
Haven't seen 1534 for a while.
Quote from: uniquicity on August 01, 2013, 09:33:07 PM
Haven't seen 1534 for a while.
It was on my missing list from my visit two weeks ago as well, think I noted virtually every other WB Merc over those couple of days....
I hope it's not been withdrawn as it's the last ex 404 branded merc still in service. With the arrival of the presidents from Yardley Wood I expect quite few mercs to be withdrawn soon I haven't saw 1613 for a while.
Yesterday morning saw something strange, all 3 types of WB decker in Blackheath at the same time!
I was onboard a Gemini on the 241, an ALX400 was coming in on the 127 and a President was departing on the 89.
Just an odd sight.
An everyday sight in Sutton. Albeit not usually all WB's at exactly the same time.
Quote from: Ash on August 03, 2013, 09:31:36 PM
I hope it's not been withdrawn as it's the last ex 404 branded merc still in service. With the arrival of the presidents from Yardley Wood I expect quite few mercs to be withdrawn soon I haven't saw 1613 for a while.
Its a couple of weeks now since I was over but I noted 1613 working the 49 on 13th July so maybe its been withdrawn since then.....
I've seen 1613 since then.
1613 rarely seems to make it on the 45 for example and usually seems to stick to the Birmingham services such as the 83 or 89 as did most of the 16xx S reg mercs when WB had more of them and the 15xx seemed to do the West Bromwich town services I always seemed to notice.
4084 on wb 5, presume transfer from yarlwood. John
Quote from: 37351ml on August 04, 2013, 02:44:39 PM
4084 on wb 5, presume transfer from yarlwood. John
Already listed in the fleet changes on the main page
Quote from: Ash on August 04, 2013, 01:27:36 PM
1613 rarely seems to make it on the 45 for example and usually seems to stick to the Birmingham services such as the 83 or 89 as did most of the 16xx S reg mercs when WB had more of them and the 15xx seemed to do the West Bromwich town services I always seemed to notice.
The week I was over 1523 seemed to be allocated to the 48 on a daily basis which gave the chance of a good long spin in it.
I had 1613 on the 405 if that counts
The mercs that normally stick to the 45 are 1582/1586/1607.
Saw 4039 out of service at Ladywood Middleway, possibly moving to WB ??? ?
4057 and 4085 now at WB.
4709 back repainted, waiting for mot and possible branding for 82/87 to match the rest of 06 geminis.
4048 back in service after RTA repairs, missing branding on near side.
3604 off road due to serious RTA damage when on staff bus.
3610 in rear car park with front bumper missing.
Quote from: wbdriver on August 04, 2013, 07:11:30 PM
3604 off road due to serious RTA damage when on staff bus.
Was going to try get a picture of that and the rest of the Darts in Dudley, but thats off the list now
Quote from: Nathan on August 04, 2013, 07:19:51 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on August 04, 2013, 07:11:30 PM
3604 off road due to serious RTA damage when on staff bus.
Was going to try get a picture of that and the rest of the Darts in Dudley, but thats off the list now
Another crash! What is going on?
There will be a few b6le and enviro 200 sneaking on to the 121 and 41 and 44 i suspect then with a couple of the alx200 darts out of service unless a couple of solo's get put back into service at WB to replace them as solo's have been there before.
3610 was already withdrawn. There are still 7 available for the 6 usual Dart workings.
Anybody know how many presidents are going to transfer to WB, I hope there not arriving to replace most of the mercs left in service there.
If you didn't know already Ash, 2 more recently transferred over after Tonys update are 4057 and 4085. I guess these plus more Presidents that may transfer will cause the majority, if not all of the older O405Ns at West Brom to be withdrawn, and maybe some of the newer ones transferred elsewhere.
Just a quick question how many E200's have appeared on the 121 as i've never spotted one on there. Only seen darts and the odd B6
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:30:54 PM
Just a quick question how many E200's have appeared on the 121 as i've never spotted one on there. Only seen darts and the odd B6
I'm sure there has been one sighting (not by me), a few months ago
I have never seen an enviro 200 on the 121 but wouldn't surprise me if one does appear, I haven't saw 4057 yet but did see 4084 on the 45 the other day. I'm not sure routes like the 42/43/45 that use mercs would benefit from presidents unless they go back to being operated by b6le's and enviro 200's.
Quote from: Ash on August 04, 2013, 10:33:14 PM
I have never seen an enviro 200 on the 121 but wouldn't surprise me if one does appear, I haven't saw 4057 yet but did see 4084 on the 45 the other day. I'm not sure routes like the 42/43/45 that use mercs would benefit from presidents unless they go back to being operated by b6le's and enviro 200's.
I do think the 48 could be upgraded to President operation, but it seems like the 83/89 is having the Presidents, so the newer O405N's may stay for the time been on the 42/43/45
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:30:54 PM
Just a quick question how many E200's have appeared on the 121 as i've never spotted one on there. Only seen darts and the odd B6
Imagine a B6 struggling up that steep hill on the 121
Think i remember an E200 being reported on the 121 at some point although some of the streets on that route just about get a dart down it
Quote from: John on August 04, 2013, 10:35:36 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 04, 2013, 10:33:14 PM
I have never seen an enviro 200 on the 121 but wouldn't surprise me if one does appear, I haven't saw 4057 yet but did see 4084 on the 45 the other day. I'm not sure routes like the 42/43/45 that use mercs would benefit from presidents unless they go back to being operated by b6le's and enviro 200's.
I do think the 48 could be upgraded to President operation, but it seems like the 83/89 is having the Presidents, so the newer O405N's may stay for the time been on the 42/43/45
Thought the 83/9 had Geminis on it alongside the mercs?
B6le's used to be used on the 120 occasionally and doesn't that take some of the similar roads around Oakham but agree the b6le would really struggle especially with a few on board. Wouldn't surprise me if 1652 doesn't get withdrawn as it's still in it's initially livery and the last time I was on that bus on the 5 I think most people were getting high off the diesel fumes that could be smelt at the back of the bus.
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:37:24 PM
Thought the 83/9 had Geminis on it alongside the mercs?
A few Geminis get onto the 83/89, but they are mainly for the Soho Road, alongside the ALX400s, the 127/8/9 and the 82/87
Quote from: John on August 04, 2013, 10:39:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:37:24 PM
Thought the 83/9 had Geminis on it alongside the mercs?
A few Geminis get onto the 83/89, but they are mainly for the Soho Road, alongside the ALX400s, the 127/8/9 and the 82/87
Thanks John :) Just a quick question am i right or does the WB 140/241 journey go onto a 74?
I thought it was just a peak morning run, getting back to the depot about 11ish?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:43:18 PM
Quote from: John on August 04, 2013, 10:39:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 04, 2013, 10:37:24 PM
Thought the 83/9 had Geminis on it alongside the mercs?
A few Geminis get onto the 83/89, but they are mainly for the Soho Road, alongside the ALX400s, the 127/8/9 and the 82/87
Thanks John :) Just a quick question am i right or does the WB 140/241 journey go onto a 74?
Yes it does because if you remember the Gemini that I had on the 241 (4523) on Friday appeared on a 74 a short while later in Dudley :)
Yes thats the bus i was thinking off matt ;) What does school service 703 (St Thomas Moore-New Invention Via Ashmore Park) come off/go onto? Is it the Soho Road as it used to have presidents on the 703 but ever since the Emissions Zone came into force its now branded ALX400's and also Geminis
Quote from: John on August 04, 2013, 10:35:36 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 04, 2013, 10:33:14 PM
I have never seen an enviro 200 on the 121 but wouldn't surprise me if one does appear, I haven't saw 4057 yet but did see 4084 on the 45 the other day. I'm not sure routes like the 42/43/45 that use mercs would benefit from presidents unless they go back to being operated by b6le's and enviro 200's.
I do think the 48 could be upgraded to President operation, but it seems like the 83/89 is having the Presidents, so the newer O405N's may stay for the time been on the 42/43/45
The 48 could really do with doubles. I think the 129 massively helps with West Bromwich loads by being double deck
This might be a stupid comment but with the new square shopping centre opening and more shops and facilities to open it may be bringing more people into the town and more people on the buses arriving into West Bromwich meaning more capacity is needed on services.
1652, 4084, 4086, 4290, 4504 on the 83/89 today, refreshing to see such a range of buses on both routes. I wonder what will happen when the Summer Timetable ceases on the 5 in September
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 12:31:34 AM
This might be a stupid comment but with the new square shopping centre opening and more shops and facilities to open it may be bringing more people into the town and more people on the buses arriving into West Bromwich meaning more capacity is needed on services.
I'd agree actually, caught the bus through West Brom at the weekend and the number of people that caught the 4 I was on from the new shops there was mad. Most of them got off just the other side of the town centre and by Oldbury it was back to nearly empty, but it was very noticeable
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Yes. deckers used to be banned on the 311/3 because a bus lost its roof when the driver went the wrong way (for deckers) back to garage.
Only way to put Deckers on the 4 would be to transfer it to WB (no chance) or PE (not really much chance either)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 05, 2013, 09:18:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Yes. deckers used to be banned on the 311/3 because a bus lost its roof when the driver went the wrong way (for deckers) back to garage.
Only way to put Deckers on the 4 would be to transfer it to WB (no chance) or PE (not really much chance either)
Why carnt the 4 go back to WB and the 45/46 go back to WA?
Quote from: Nathan on August 05, 2013, 09:41:29 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 05, 2013, 09:18:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Yes. deckers used to be banned on the 311/3 because a bus lost its roof when the driver went the wrong way (for deckers) back to garage.
Only way to put Deckers on the 4 would be to transfer it to WB (no chance) or PE (not really much chance either)
Why carnt the 4 go back to WB and the 45/46 go back to WA?
From what i know, WB are very very short of space, that is why the 4 was transferred at WA.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 05, 2013, 09:45:03 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 05, 2013, 09:41:29 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 05, 2013, 09:18:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Yes. deckers used to be banned on the 311/3 because a bus lost its roof when the driver went the wrong way (for deckers) back to garage.
Only way to put Deckers on the 4 would be to transfer it to WB (no chance) or PE (not really much chance either)
Why carnt the 4 go back to WB and the 45/46 go back to WA?
From what i know, WB are very very short of space, that is why the 4 was transferred at WA.
Oh, I didnt know that (: thanks
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 05, 2013, 09:18:46 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 08:35:04 PM
I wonder in time if the 4 will ever be upgraded to double decker operation
The reason the 4/H/M don't get deckers is something about the route back to garage has a low bridge or something if i correctly read on here?
Yes. deckers used to be banned on the 311/3 because a bus lost its roof when the driver went the wrong way (for deckers) back to garage.
Only way to put Deckers on the 4 would be to transfer it to WB (no chance) or PE (not really much chance either)
The way back to the garage on the 4 is from Blackheath/West Bromwich via the normal route then right at the fullbrook along the broadway to the arboretum over the lights straight on and then turn right via the 301 route back to the garage so no low bridges so double deckers could be used.
I swear 4869 was reported on the 4M some months back
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:10:14 PM
I swear 4869 was reported on the 4M some months back
Yeah I think it was, the 4 gets busy enough especially on the 4M on sundays with the 289 not going to Merry Hill and leave 3 vehicles needed for the sunday 4 being omnilinks. Would be good to see the occasional trident, gemini or enviro 400 to appear.
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 11:15:05 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:10:14 PM
I swear 4869 was reported on the 4M some months back
Yeah I think it was, the 4 gets busy enough especially on the 4M on sundays with the 289 not going to Merry Hill and leave 3 vehicles needed for the sunday 4 being omnilinks. Would be good to see the occasional trident, gemini or enviro 400 to appear.
Well there are plenty of tridents at WA spare as i never seem to see them out on Sundays. Do WA's tridents even operate Sundays and if so which routes as i never see them appear apart from the odd appearence on the 997?
One quick question, Why is the 289 sunday service operated by WB? Shouldn't they just operate it from there full time?
Due to the 53 not being operated by NXWM on a sunday so it cant be interworked with it so has to be operated by WB to allow driver changes at West Bromwich allowing the 289 to be operated on a sunday as a single route. The 53 on a sunday is operated by diamond between Bearwood and West Bromwich only.
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 11:28:36 PM
Due to the 53 not being operated by NXWM on a sunday so it cant be interworked so has to be operated by WB to allow driver changes
Do the 53/289 still interwork then even after the 289 was curtailed to Old Hiill?
Yeah like Ash said, the 289 no longer goes to any of the 3 PN driver changeover points (Stourbridge, Merry Hill, Dudley), it's alright when it interworks with the 53 Mon-Sat as drivers can change over at Merry Hill on the 53 (I believe) but when it works on its own on Sunday it now needs to be operated by WB so drivers can change at West Bromwich
Yeah your right nitromatt they change drivers at Merry Hill and usually the 53 and 289 change services at West Brom so a 53 will come in and go out as a 289 and vice versa.
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 11:42:18 PM
Yeah your right nitromatt they change drivers at Merry Hill and usually the 53 and 289 change services at West Brom so a 53 will come in and go out as a 289 and vice versa.
Would it make sense operating the 53/289 just from West Brom Garage (probably a bad idea)? Anyway thanks for the info Ash and Matt :)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:49:25 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 05, 2013, 11:42:18 PM
Yeah your right nitromatt they change drivers at Merry Hill and usually the 53 and 289 change services at West Brom so a 53 will come in and go out as a 289 and vice versa.
Would it make sense operating the 53/289 just from West Brom Garage (probably a bad idea)? Anyway thanks for the info Ash and Matt :)
I don't think there is enough capacity for WB to take both routes on, hence their permanent move to PE only. I still think the 289 should move to WB, it only uses 4 buses
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:25:10 PM
One quick question, Why is the 289 sunday service operated by WB? Shouldn't they just operate it from there full time?
It only operates using one bus on Sundays, last time I saw it on Sunday, 813 was on there ;)
Quote from: Sh4166 on August 06, 2013, 11:45:18 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:25:10 PM
One quick question, Why is the 289 sunday service operated by WB? Shouldn't they just operate it from there full time?
It only operates using one bus on Sundays, last time I saw it on Sunday, 813 was on there ;)
Thanks for that Shaun :)
Quote from: Sh4166 on August 06, 2013, 11:45:18 AM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 05, 2013, 11:25:10 PM
One quick question, Why is the 289 sunday service operated by WB? Shouldn't they just operate it from there full time?
It only operates using one bus on Sundays, last time I saw it on Sunday, 813 was on there ;)
You can't just move the 289 as it interworks with the 53. It would require a timetable change to uninterwork them. And the routes may not be viable that way with regard to the timings.
FAO Ash.
1613 is still in service, on the 42/43.
Good news thanks for the update hope the R/S reg mercs last in service for a while longer yet.
If any R and S reg Mercs make it into next year then that would be good, if any T or V reg Mercs make it into 2015 that would be even better
Quote from: Ashley 4569 on August 08, 2013, 10:36:32 AM
If any R and S reg Mercs make it into next year then that would be good, if any T or V reg Mercs make it into 2015 that would be even better
The best of the R&S reg Mercs should do, as there are only 26 x E400's due during the rest of the this year, then than balance of the 300 new buses will follow 2014 onwards
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly
Does anyone know if 4248 sounds any better lately about a year ago this bus used to over rev like mad and was a bone shaker the worse alx400 I had ever been on mechanical related.
Quote from: Ash on August 09, 2013, 10:12:20 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly
Does anyone know if 4248 sounds any better lately about a year ago this bus used to over rev like mad and was a bone shaker the worse alx400 I had ever been on mechanical related.
Still the same as far as I know
5 branded 4055 has lost it's yellow vinyl around the destination box, noticed it on All Saints Way earlier.
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:11:15 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:11:15 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Take it will follow the 50/87/5 branding
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:11:15 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Take it will follow the 50/87/5 branding
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:11:15 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Take it will follow the 50/87/5 branding
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
Do you think the 900/957 will receive the similar style branding to the 934/935/6
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Just because West Brom are repainting some of their branded ALX400s, it doesn't mean that they will be re-branded. At least it means that West Brom are slowly getting rid of the rubbish green branding
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:51:09 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Just because West Brom are repainting some of their branded ALX400s, it doesn't mean that they will be re-branded. At least it means that West Brom are slowly getting rid of the rubbish green branding
I Didnt say it did, I was just mearly asking if the 74/75 would receive a branding
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:51:09 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Just because West Brom are repainting some of their branded ALX400s, it doesn't mean that they will be re-branded. At least it means that West Brom are slowly getting rid of the rubbish green branding
I Didnt say it did, I was just mearly asking if the 74/75 would receive a branding
That was not in response to you Nathan. I was referring to Matts comment
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:19:10 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:11:15 PM
Quote from: John on August 09, 2013, 10:04:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Off topic a littl, but how many ALX's are still branded for '74/75' at WB
I have it as 4227, 4228, 4230, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270, 4271 - so that is 10
4229 is in for refurb, should be finished shortly, that did have the branding
Will the 74/75 receive a new branding or not ?
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Take it will follow the 50/87/5 branding
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
Do you think the 900/957 will receive the similar style branding to the 934/935/6
It would be good if they did but I don't think its going to happen :)
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:56:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:51:09 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Just because West Brom are repainting some of their branded ALX400s, it doesn't mean that they will be re-branded. At least it means that West Brom are slowly getting rid of the rubbish green branding
I Didnt say it did, I was just mearly asking if the 74/75 would receive a branding
That was not in response to you Nathan. I was referring to Matts comment
Oh Sorry John thought it was replying to me ::) ::) ::).
It would be nice to see the 900/957 branded similar to the 934
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:56:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Quote from: John on August 10, 2013, 08:51:09 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:12:16 PM
As they seem to be refurbing/repainting the ALX400s I'd say it's likely
Just because West Brom are repainting some of their branded ALX400s, it doesn't mean that they will be re-branded. At least it means that West Brom are slowly getting rid of the rubbish green branding
I Didnt say it did, I was just mearly asking if the 74/75 would receive a branding
That was not in response to you Nathan. I was referring to Matts comment
Refurbing and repainting of vehicles can sometimes indicate new route branding is coming
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
;D ;D ;D
4229 was reported as being at YW for refurbishment, its not been touched, its still in service
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Why?
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Why?
Does the Soho Road strike you as a place you'd particularly want to spend a lot of time?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 05:21:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Why?
Does the Soho Road strike you as a place you'd particularly want to spend a lot of time?
Yes. The Soho Road has some of the best collection of shops in Birmingham, Birmingham Carnival was there last week, and it is certainly no worse for trouble than most areas of Birmingham. The only annoying thing about Soho Road is the random parking causing the slow traffic that started this thread. It certainly is nowhere near the top 3 places I would not want to be in voluntarily.
When was the last time you were down Soho Road? You will find all the different cultures mixing far better down there than you will in other areas
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:41:27 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 05:21:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Why?
Does the Soho Road strike you as a place you'd particularly want to spend a lot of time?
Yes. The Soho Road has some of the best collection of shops in Birmingham, Birmingham Carnival was there last week, and it is certainly no worse for trouble than most areas of Birmingham. The only annoying thing about Soho Road is the random parking causing the slow traffic that started this thread. It certainly is nowhere near the top 3 places I would not want to be in voluntarily.
When was the last time you were down Soho Road? You will find all the different cultures mixing far better down there than you will in other areas
What are your top 3 places you would not want to be in voluntarily Tony?
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on August 11, 2013, 09:01:31 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:41:27 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 05:21:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2013, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 11, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 03:48:38 PM
Quote from: JackC on August 11, 2013, 11:48:52 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 10, 2013, 08:15:24 PM
Don't think the 934/5/6 branding style would work on the Soho Road ;D
SLOW between Birmingham, Soho Road and West Bromwich ::)
Id prefer the word "Leisurely", makes it sound more attractive....
The Soho Road is not a very leisurely place to be ;)
Why?
Does the Soho Road strike you as a place you'd particularly want to spend a lot of time?
Yes. The Soho Road has some of the best collection of shops in Birmingham, Birmingham Carnival was there last week, and it is certainly no worse for trouble than most areas of Birmingham. The only annoying thing about Soho Road is the random parking causing the slow traffic that started this thread. It certainly is nowhere near the top 3 places I would not want to be in voluntarily.
When was the last time you were down Soho Road? You will find all the different cultures mixing far better down there than you will in other areas
What are your top 3 places you would not want to be in voluntarily Tony?
Not posting that on a public forum when I have to stand there for work!
I think due to past unpleasant experiences on the 14, I'd nominate Alum Rock as one of the places I'd not want to have to walk home through.
Quote from: JB93 on August 12, 2013, 01:56:47 AM
I think due to past unpleasant experiences on the 14, I'd nominate Alum Rock as one of the places I'd not want to have to walk home through.
I've live just off the Alum Rock Road on and off since 1989, before that Washwood Heath Road.
I'm not dead yet, I've never been shot or stabbed. I've never been approached by a drug dealer and never been mugged.
Keep yourself to yourself, yet be streetwise at the same time. It's not the most glamorous area, the traffic is a nightmare and the pedestrians are even worse on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon. But it's not half as bad as people think it is.
But if you've had bad experiences, then I'm sorry to hear that. It is very much a non regular thing.
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Quote from: John on August 13, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Would have thought it deserved a full repaint.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 13, 2013, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: John on August 13, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Would have thought it deserved a full repaint.
Why can't they do a proper job on these Wright Eclipse repaints and keep the destination surrounds black? Detracts from the modern looks having red bars in place of black.
Same applies to E400 repaints (and Spectras and Presidents before them). The black window surrounds look far more stylish.
Quote from: Mike K on August 13, 2013, 10:44:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 13, 2013, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: John on August 13, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Would have thought it deserved a full repaint.
Why can't they do a proper job on these Wright Eclipse repaints and keep the destination surrounds black? Detracts from the modern looks having red bars in place of black.
Same applies to E400 repaints (and Spectras and Presidents before them). The black window surrounds look far more stylish.
No doubt it's down to time & ultimately cost. More colours/ more stages/ more masking etc
Quote from: Winston on August 13, 2013, 11:03:52 PM
Quote from: Mike K on August 13, 2013, 10:44:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 13, 2013, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: John on August 13, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Would have thought it deserved a full repaint.
Why can't they do a proper job on these Wright Eclipse repaints and keep the destination surrounds black? Detracts from the modern looks having red bars in place of black.
Same applies to E400 repaints (and Spectras and Presidents before them). The black window surrounds look far more stylish.
No doubt it's down to time & ultimately cost. More colours/ more stages/ more masking etc
Well yes, you hit the nail on the head Winston. But it's a pity, the livery is crap as it is without doing away with the minor touches that break up the dreadful expanse of white and red. With just single tree deflectors on the more recent E400s NXWM take cost cutting to another level.
Quote from: Mike K on August 13, 2013, 11:10:36 PM
Why can't they do a proper job on these Wright Eclipse repaints and keep the destination surrounds black? Detracts from the modern looks having red bars in place of black.
Same applies to E400 repaints (and Spectras and Presidents before them). The black window surrounds look far more stylish.
No doubt it's down to time & ultimately cost. More colours/ more stages/ more masking etc
Well yes, you hit the nail on the head Winston. But it's a pity, the livery is crap as it is without doing away with the minor touches that break up the dreadful expanse of white and red. With just single tree deflectors on the more recent E400s NXWM take cost cutting to another level.
[/quote]
I'm with you Mike on the black window surrounds, I agree it is the finer detail that is still lacking/letting NX down. With the latter Enviro 400's at Pensnett that already had black window surrounds from new, you would think retaining them would have been the easier option as the whole window extent could have been masked off in one go rather than having to do each individual window. There still doesn't seem to be any consistency........
Quote from: Mike K on August 13, 2013, 11:10:36 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 13, 2013, 11:03:52 PM
Quote from: Mike K on August 13, 2013, 10:44:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 13, 2013, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: John on August 13, 2013, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on August 09, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
4709 back in service on the 82/87 today, still has the green branding on the rear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9501972413
Would have thought it deserved a full repaint.
Why can't they do a proper job on these Wright Eclipse repaints and keep the destination surrounds black? Detracts from the modern looks having red bars in place of black.
Same applies to E400 repaints (and Spectras and Presidents before them). The black window surrounds look far more stylish.
No doubt it's down to time & ultimately cost. More colours/ more stages/ more masking etc
Well yes, you hit the nail on the head Winston. But it's a pity, the livery is crap as it is without doing away with the minor touches that break up the dreadful expanse of white and red. With just single tree deflectors on the more recent E400s NXWM take cost cutting to another level.
The two big problems is that, 1) NX no doubt want to churn out these refurbs as quick as possible and if that means painting everything you can get away with and skipping some masking then that's what will happen. 2) While these bits of trim being painted over may tick off us enthusiasts, I doubt it makes much different to the average customer. Infact, the average customer probably wouldn't even notice the fact that a Scania is supposed to have silver front trim. NX can't just do everything to please enthusiasts as we are a small group in a massive customer base. The general consensus is that if it's quick to achieve and won't affect their public image with customers then it's fair game.
I agree that the red on 4709 looks tacky but with the toothpaste enviros I think the white beams look quite good, and on the 4763-4767 batch.
Though I still think they should have splashed the cash with the enviros like they did on 4698 with the silver light surrounds and silver grille
Just got off 4709 on the 87 should be in Oldbury now.
What a disgrace of a bus green branding incomplete connection bars, burn marks on seat covers, only front end repaint filthy seats. Rant over.
F.A.O Uniquicity
Tried to reply to your PM, but you have PM blocked ;)
With the state of 4709 you'd be forgiven for thinking NXWM is returning to the glory days of no VCR's and shoddy repairs with norepainting. Shame on you NX. It alls comes down to cash again. I wish that company wasn't so tight fisted.
1852 has had part of its rear advert removed ages ago probably due to a repair but half of it remains and doesn't look great, not sure if this advert has to be kept until the duration of what has been paid for the advert is up but surely either way it could be reapplied as it's a mess and at the moment advertising nothing. May be WB would have removed the advert and tidied the bus up.
4709 now branded for 82 and 87 to match the other 06 gems.
4291 back at garage, repainted but as of this morning, the old seat covers were still on, ie not the grey ones with dots, the same as the old 451 presidents had before refurb.
3610 still in back car park, not moved an inch yet.
2 mercs being driven by engineers with blank blinds past the malt shovel on the newton road yesterday, didn't get numbers, but i think being withdrawn.
Quote from: wbdriver on August 22, 2013, 07:46:38 PM
4709 now branded for 82 and 87 to match the other 06 gems.
4291 back at garage, repainted but as of this morning, the old seat covers were still on, ie not the grey ones with dots, the same as the old 451 presidents had before refurb.
3610 still in back car park, not moved an inch yet.
2 mercs being driven by engineers with blank blinds past the malt shovel on the newton road yesterday, didn't get numbers, but i think being withdrawn.
There were 2 Mercs parked outside on Monday afternoon. One was 1523, the other 1561 or 1589.
Quote from: wbdriver on August 22, 2013, 07:46:38 PM
4291 back at garage, repainted but as of this morning, the old seat covers were still on, ie not the grey ones with dots, the same as the old 451 presidents had before refurb.
Strange that 4291 hasn't been re-trimmed, must be the first one in a long while. It has been away a good while as well
Quote from: Winston on August 22, 2013, 10:57:05 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on August 22, 2013, 07:46:38 PM
4291 back at garage, repainted but as of this morning, the old seat covers were still on, ie not the grey ones with dots, the same as the old 451 presidents had before refurb.
Strange that 4291 hasn't been re-trimmed, must be the first one in a long while. It has been away a good while as well
It has been re trimmed, just in the dark blue moquette, not the grey
Quote from: Tony on August 23, 2013, 04:44:23 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 22, 2013, 10:57:05 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on August 22, 2013, 07:46:38 PM
4291 back at garage, repainted but as of this morning, the old seat covers were still on, ie not the grey ones with dots, the same as the old 451 presidents had before refurb.
Strange that 4291 hasn't been re-trimmed, must be the first one in a long while. It has been away a good while as well
It has been re trimmed, just in the dark blue moquette, not the grey
Thanks Tony, they must have found some spare to use up!
I wrongly took the comment
old 451 presidents had before refurb. to mean the light blue original moquette
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
Think they are on diamond as well though I have seen 3 at least crammed on a 002 which doesnt have much buggy room-ie complying with dda stuff but not pandering to the buggy brigade by giving them lots of space!!!! In the early days though of b10ls and crusaders-diamonds as well as twm ones-the buggy bay was really a bit big which was good last week for a couple of wheelchairs and pushchairs on diamonds 4 but in my view reduces seated capacity too much.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Because there was space for it
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Possibly if it was an enviro there may still have been a little bit of room but probably for easiness and to avoid being sworn at by the mother or possibly even the baby as well. Anythings possible in the west midlands
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Problem is that it's Sunday service today and with a bus only every hour, i suppose the driver was trying to be s little sympathetic, saying that an E200 is not a suitable bus to be used on the 289 on a Sunday service.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:22:30 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Because there was space for it
Wouldn't one of them spaces that the buggy took up before a wheelchair user if one boarded the bus ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:27:41 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:22:30 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:16:05 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
I am saying what happened in reality, not what 'should' happen. Besides, the driver turned away a 4th buggy-party.
Why Did he not turn away the 3rd too
Because there was space for it
Wouldn't one of them spaces that the buggy took up before a wheelchair user if one boarded the bus ?
Yeah one of the buggies at least would have to be folded. NX don't seem to have a published procedure for this but in fairness to first midland red one of the few things theyve ever done right lol there is a notice outlining the procedure
Matt, Never saw the 3rd buggy? Thought the third buggy got on the 4M infront?
It was busy on the 4/M/289 today due to passengers catching it to West Brom to then catch the 400 shuttle bus to the Sandwell show :)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on August 26, 2013, 07:35:14 PM
Matt, Never saw the 3rd buggy? Thought the third buggy got on the 4M infront?
It was busy on the 4/M/289 today due to passengers catching it to West Brom to then catch the 400 shuttle bus to the Sandwell show :)
No that was the 4th buggy that got on the 4M, the 3rd buggy got on our bus
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 26, 2013, 07:19:23 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 07:14:15 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 26, 2013, 06:52:31 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 26, 2013, 06:04:25 PM
819 was the bus on the 289 today, but to be honest they should've put a decker on, or a Merc at least, the journey I was on was jam-packed towards West Bromwich with at least 5 standees, the driver had to stop picking up passengers at some points
Are they allowed to do that, I thought E200's can hold more than 5 standee's ?
Plus I think 3 buggies were also onboard. Forget the 'limits', there simply wasn't any room
I thought all buses were only allowed two Unfolded buggies on the bus :-\
Think they are on diamond as well though I have seen 3 at least crammed on a 002 which doesnt have much buggy room-ie complying with dda stuff but not pandering to the buggy brigade by giving them lots of space!!!! In the early days though of b10ls and crusaders-diamonds as well as twm ones-the buggy bay was really a bit big which was good last week for a couple of wheelchairs and pushchairs on diamonds 4 but in my view reduces seated capacity too much.
Two wheelchairs on one bus? now that is dangerous because it means one hasn't got a safe space.
3610 in pits now, being checked and prepared for service.
1523 going to be withdrawn soon, if not already.
Buses are generally far busier coming in and out of West Bromwich when the Sandwell Show is on, a couple of years ago, when it was on, they used deckers on every route serving West Bromwich, 401, 402A, 448A, 449 etc.
Rules and procedures are there for a reason and need to be upheld by all employees. The driver of the next bus who coreectly refuses a 3rd buggy then gets verbally abused because a colleague has failed in his duty. Rules are rules and there is never space for a 3rd buggy or a wheelchair and 2buggys.
will there ever be new buses on the 74or 75
Are you being serious, Jack Corbett?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 01, 2013, 02:26:03 PM
Are you being serious, Jack Corbett?
Yes, I think he is. But have WB ever had any new buses other than the E200's ? or have they been transfers
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 01, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 01, 2013, 02:26:03 PM
Are you being serious, Jack Corbett?
Yes, I think he is. But have WB ever had any new buses other than the E200's ? or have they been transfers
Yes plenty, just not too many recently, 20 Scanias and 4700-17 being the last ones before the E200s
Quote from: Tony on September 01, 2013, 06:22:00 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 01, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 01, 2013, 02:26:03 PM
Are you being serious, Jack Corbett?
Yes, I think he is. But have WB ever had any new buses other than the E200's ? or have they been transfers
Yes plenty, just not too many recently, 20 Scanias and 4700-17 being the last ones before the E200s
Scania which went to WA , shame they went, love to see one work the 5 now :)
not 100% sure if permanent, but 4225 and 4226 back at WB on Saturday, one on the 80 and the other on the 74/75.
Quote from: jack corbett on September 01, 2013, 10:30:53 AM
will there ever be new buses on the 74or 75
Well you never know :) 300 buses are due over the next few years.
Quote from: wbdriver on September 01, 2013, 06:55:56 PM
not 100% sure if permanent, but 4225 and 4226 back at WB on Saturday, one on the 80 and the other on the 74/75.
keep seeing them on 74 and once on 87 (think)
I think 4225 is a permanent move, it was on the 127-9 the other day. Haven't seen 4226
ya 4226 has been on 74 all week
Hopefully 4225/6 will allow a couple of the alx400 to be refurbished at WB as there in a bad state.
Does anyone have the list for the when all the WB bus services changed numbers/garages, what routes were incorporated in to what routes etc, much appreciated :)
Nath
As far as i can remember, the following happened on the 28th October 2012 when the Sandwell Review took place:
401 became the 43 same route
402 became the 42, replaced 402A daily and extended from Tipton to Dudley
404 became the 4, extended to Halesowen (4H) and Merry Hill (4M) 7 days a week
405 became the 45 same route
406 became the 46, extended to Londonderry replacing part of the 444 route
410 became the 40 same route
414 became the 41 same route
428 and 429 became the 47/A same route, replacing Centro 478 on evenings and Sundays
444 replaced by 53, 46, 129 and 83
447 replaced by 129 and 53
448 became the 48 same route
449 became the 49, extended to Bearwood
450 replaced by 53 and extended to Merry Hill via the 123 (Central bus?), origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN
451 became the 5 same route
238 became the 289, same route but recently curtailed to Old Hill origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN except on Sundays when WB run it to Rowley Regis Hospital
644 became the 44 same route
688 became the 121 same route
129 introduced replacing 444 and 447
89 extended to Blackheath, replacing 128 which was curtailed at Oldbury
74, 75, 82 and 87 unchanged
mght be others as well, but this is as much as i can remember at the minute.
Quote from: wbdriver on September 15, 2013, 06:59:40 PM
Nath
As far as i can remember, the following happened on the 28th October 2012 when the Sandwell Review took place:
401 became the 43 same route
402 became the 42, replaced 402A daily and extended from Tipton to Dudley
404 became the 4, extended to Halesowen (4H) and Merry Hill (4M) 7 days a week
405 became the 45 same route
406 became the 46, extended to Londonderry replacing part of the 444 route
410 became the 40 same route
414 became the 41 same route
428 and 429 became the 47/A same route, replacing Centro 478 on evenings and Sundays
444 replaced by 53, 46, 129 and 83
447 replaced by 129 and 53
448 became the 48 same route
449 became the 49, extended to Bearwood
450 replaced by 53 and extended to Merry Hill via the 123 (Central bus?), origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN
451 became the 5 same route
238 became the 289, same route but recently curtailed to Old Hill origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN except on Sundays when WB run it to Rowley Regis Hospital
644 became the 44 same route
688 became the 121 same route
129 introduced replacing 444 and 447
89 extended to Blackheath, replacing 128 which was curtailed at Oldbury
74, 75, 82 and 87 unchanged
mght be others as well, but this is as much as i can remember at the minute.
83 was introduced, reintroducing a direct link between City Hospital and West Bromwich, and replacing the 444 in Kendrick Park and Devonshire Road/Stoney Lane
Quote from: wbdriver on September 15, 2013, 06:59:40 PM
Nath
As far as i can remember, the following happened on the 28th October 2012 when the Sandwell Review took place:
401 became the 43 same route
402 became the 42, replaced 402A daily and extended from Tipton to Dudley
404 became the 4, extended to Halesowen (4H) and Merry Hill (4M) 7 days a week
405 became the 45 same route
406 became the 46, extended to Londonderry replacing part of the 444 route
410 became the 40 same route
414 became the 41 same route
428 and 429 became the 47/A same route, replacing Centro 478 on evenings and Sundays
444 replaced by 53, 46, 129 and 83
447 replaced by 129 and 53
448 became the 48 same route
449 became the 49, extended to Bearwood
450 replaced by 53 and extended to Merry Hill via the 123 (Central bus?), origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN
451 became the 5 same route
238 became the 289, same route but recently curtailed to Old Hill origionally shared between WB and PN, now just at PN except on Sundays when WB run it to Rowley Regis Hospital
644 became the 44 same route
688 became the 121 same route
129 introduced replacing 444 and 447
89 extended to Blackheath, replacing 128 which was curtailed at Oldbury
74, 75, 82 and 87 unchanged
mght be others as well, but this is as much as i can remember at the minute.
Thanks WB, now I can make a few amendments to my timetables :)
1668 now has up to date destination blinds. Well done Simon ;)
(Nothing else of interest seen in WB recently)
Quote from: uniquicity on September 17, 2013, 09:10:23 PM
(Nothing else of interest seen in WB recently)
Where is 4529? Either it's become one of my very illusive buses, or something's being done to it
4517 set off a speed camera on the 74 this evening lol
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 18, 2013, 11:05:20 PM
4517 set off a speed camera on the 74 this evening lol
Was it the one by the West Bromwich Albion ground along the Birmingham Road.
The speed cameras are all turned off but the one in west brom on the 5/4 route by the fire station seems to randomly flash 3/4 times
Quote from: BU07 LGO on September 19, 2013, 12:50:40 AM
The speed cameras are all turned off but the one in west brom on the 5/4 route by the fire station seems to randomly flash 3/4 times
Think Matt means those LED signs that tell you your speed (Like in.Wolverhampton Bus Station)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 19, 2013, 03:40:29 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on September 19, 2013, 12:50:40 AM
The speed cameras are all turned off but the one in west brom on the 5/4 route by the fire station seems to randomly flash 3/4 times
Think Matt means those LED signs that tell you your speed (Like in.Wolverhampton Bus Station)
No I don't, I mean a Gatso, as in big yellow box. It did seem to flash somebody else a few seconds before we passed as well though so perhaps it's just set up to scare people into slowing down
Oh ok Matt :) Reason i didn't think you meant that was because as mentioned previously they are 'meant' to be ALL switched off ;) But evidently not! ;)
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 19, 2013, 05:31:20 PM
Oh ok Matt :) Reason i didn't think you meant that was because as mentioned previously they are 'meant' to be ALL switched off ;) But evidently not! ;)
When i was in Walsall on the 51 route the other day, numerous cameras were covered up with a sign saying "NOT IN USE"
Quote from: BU07 LGO on September 19, 2013, 12:50:40 AM
The speed cameras are all turned off but the one in west brom on the 5/4 route by the fire station seems to randomly flash 3/4 times
This one has been like this for years randomly flashing did it twice to two cars when I walked past last week, also the one by the WBA football ground flashed at a car last week, so any flashing at a bus I'm sure are just faulty camera's I doubt any bus on the 74 gets up to over 30mph with the stop/starts and traffic even in the evening.
They don't have film in the cameras anyway. Its the LED digital ones - the size of a shoe; on a lamppost are the ones to watch.
Quote from: Ash on September 19, 2013, 06:29:06 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on September 19, 2013, 12:50:40 AM
The speed cameras are all turned off but the one in west brom on the 5/4 route by the fire station seems to randomly flash 3/4 times
This one has been like this for years randomly flashing did it twice to two cars when I walked past last week, also the one by the WBA football ground flashed at a car last week, so any flashing at a bus I'm sure are just faulty camera's I doubt any bus on the 74 gets up to over 30mph with the stop/starts and traffic even in the evening.
The Gemini I was on last night certainly did! Quiet roads and an enthusiastic driver :)
4517 had its rear window smashed by 5505.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 20, 2013, 08:48:33 AM
4517 had its rear window smashed by 5505.
When was this, I rode it just the night before last?!
This morning 5505's mirror put. A hole in the window
Out of Questions are newspapers removed from buses at the end of each day, today WB Plaxton had a whole rack full of Yesterdays papers
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 12:04:24 PM
Out of Questions are newspapers removed from buses at the end of each day, today WB Plaxton had a whole rack full of Yesterdays papers
Isn't it the driver who takes it back to the garage who's supposed to remove them?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 12:04:24 PM
Out of Questions are newspapers removed from buses at the end of each day, today WB Plaxton had a whole rack full of Yesterdays papers
Isn't it the driver who takes it back to the garage who's supposed to remove them?
was it 4087 by any chance? it was in garage nearly all day.
and it is the cleaners who are supossed to remove the papers and any other rubbish when the bus is back at garage. all the driver has to do is a lost property search and close the windows.
Quote from: wbdriver on September 21, 2013, 01:24:03 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 21, 2013, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 12:04:24 PM
Out of Questions are newspapers removed from buses at the end of each day, today WB Plaxton had a whole rack full of Yesterdays papers
Isn't it the driver who takes it back to the garage who's supposed to remove them?
was it 4087 by any chance? it was in garage nearly all day.
and it is the cleaners who are supossed to remove the papers and any other rubbish when the bus is back at garage. all the driver has to do is a lost property search and close the windows.
Not 100% on the fleet number but It could have been
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Quote from: John on September 21, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Its probably not shown on the timetable past Priory Queensway as when it srrives there the 82 becomes the 87 and vice versa.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
Quote from: John on September 21, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Its probably not shown on the timetable past Priory Queensway as when it srrives there the 82 becomes the 87 and vice versa.
I just searched 82 and both 82/87 came up with terminus Priory Q'Way
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:53:15 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
Quote from: John on September 21, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Its probably not shown on the timetable past Priory Queensway as when it srrives there the 82 becomes the 87 and vice versa.
I just searched 82 and both 82/87 came up with terminus Priory Q'Way
Thats right Nathan, the route terminates at priory to allow the route to change number and then leaves City via Colmore Row.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:55:22 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:53:15 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
Quote from: John on September 21, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Its probably not shown on the timetable past Priory Queensway as when it srrives there the 82 becomes the 87 and vice versa.
I just searched 82 and both 82/87 came up with terminus Priory Q'Way
Thats right Nathan, the route terminates at priory to allow the route to change number and then leaves City via Colmore Row.
Thanks Stu, Well if they stop on colemore I can kill 3 birds with one stone instead of 2 ;) Hybrids/PE's E400'S & WB Gemini (82/7 branded) 8)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:55:22 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:53:15 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 21, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
Quote from: John on September 21, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 21, 2013, 07:33:59 PM
Does the 82/87 run to Colemore Row, only reason I ask is because the timetable on the NXWM site is telling me to Priory Q'Way only ?
Yes they do now, since the tunnels reopened, the 82/87 continue to use and stop on Colmore Row
Its probably not shown on the timetable past Priory Queensway as when it srrives there the 82 becomes the 87 and vice versa.
I just searched 82 and both 82/87 came up with terminus Priory Q'Way
Thats right Nathan, the route terminates at priory to allow the route to change number and then leaves City via Colmore Row.
The route number is normally changed just after Town Hall (entering Birmingham)
Saw 3610 this morning on the 41/44, first time in service since it came back to WB?
(Also 4053 on the 40 this afternoon)
Quote from: Sh4166 on September 14, 2013, 08:21:57 PM
I think 4225 is a permanent move, it was on the 127-9 the other day. Haven't seen 4226
Still at West Bromwich, on the 80s today
Anybody know the current status of Merc 1601. Listed as withdrawn 6/2013 by some sources but still listed as being in service by others.....
Ive got it down as being in service ? not seen it though
Quote from: 4130Quinton on September 30, 2013, 02:02:12 PM
Anybody know the current status of Merc 1601. Listed as withdrawn 6/2013 by some sources but still listed as being in service by others.....
Haven't seen it in ages
Which buses are left a WB With the 74 branding ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 01, 2013, 04:12:54 PM
Which buses are left a WB With the 64 branding ?
Guess you mean 74/75.
Those are
4227
4228
4229
4230
4231
4232 (Missing front)
4248 (Missing Front)
4265
4267
4270
4271 (missing front)
Quote from: John on October 01, 2013, 04:20:59 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 01, 2013, 04:12:54 PM
Which buses are left a WB With the 64 branding ?
Guess you mean 74/75.
Those are
4227
4228
4229
4230
4231
4232 (Missing front)
4248 (Missing Front)
4265
4267
4270
4271 (missing front)
Thanks, my next objective will be to get the rest of the branded 74/5's :)
4299 looking ex-works on the 451 in Sutton on Monday evening.
seen 4640 on 40 at about 1pm
on friday at 8am on seen 4807 on 74 has it been transferred .
Quote from: jack corbett on October 05, 2013, 11:03:17 PM
on friday at 8am on seen 4807 on 74 has it been transferred .
4807 was on the 9 today so I doubt it.
Quote from: jack corbett on October 05, 2013, 11:03:17 PM
on friday at 8am on seen 4807 on 74 has it been transferred .
Dreaming?
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
4529 is out today, on the 74/75.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 17, 2013, 09:28:10 AM
4529 is out today, on the 74/75.
Thank you. It's not just me is it? It has been away for a while?
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 17, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 17, 2013, 09:28:10 AM
4529 is out today, on the 74/75.
Thank you. It's not just me is it? It has been away for a while?
I hadn't seen it for ages either. Its rear blind wasn't working which may or may not be relevant.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 17, 2013, 08:00:32 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 17, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 17, 2013, 09:28:10 AM
4529 is out today, on the 74/75.
Thank you. It's not just me is it? It has been away for a while?
I hadn't seen it for ages either. Its rear blind wasn't working which may or may not be relevant.
The rear blind wasn't working on it last time I saw it. Maybe 4529 needed some mechanical work. I bet I'll see it all the time now that it's out again ::)
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade - 1223 23/10/2013
I just thought it may be worth a mention
Quote from: Ashley 4566 on October 23, 2013, 12:31:17 PM
Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade - 1223 23/10/2013
4054 running late on the 5, i know it was late because 1695 came in a minute behind, one was late.
Report the driver to NX, you can give them the vehicle number and the time it happened
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 23, 2013, 07:30:07 PM
Quote from: Ashley 4566 on October 23, 2013, 12:31:17 PM
Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade - 1223 23/10/2013
4054 running late on the 5, i know it was late because 1695 came in a minute behind, one was late.
I just thought it may be worth a mention
Report the driver to NX, you can give them the vehicle number and the time it happened
Feel good does it to know you could be the reason for a humans life be ruined? Feels good to have that power over someone?
But if you must...
I don't want to start a war here but if you need to complain about a driver please don't post it on the forum, as it isn't any of our business.
The 3 messages above have been edited by me because as LS has said If you see a driver doing something you think is wrong this should be reported to NXWM or whichever company he is employed by. The driver can then be called in to a fact finding interview to give his version of events to management. Something he cannot do when it is posted on here Tony.
I apoligise for the post.
Has an Enviro200 appeared on the 83/89 yet? (guessing there hasn't been one the 74 and 74E/75 boards).
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 10:40:02 PM
Has an Enviro200 appeared on the 83/89 yet? (guessing there hasn't been one the 74 and 74E/75 boards).
I don't think one has been reported on the 83/89, I think they've been on everything but the 74/75 & 83/89
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 23, 2013, 11:19:35 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 10:40:02 PM
Has an Enviro200 appeared on the 83/89 yet? (guessing there hasn't been one the 74 and 74E/75 boards).
I don't think one has been reported on the 83/89, I think they've been on everything but the 74/75 & 83/89
Don't think one has been reported on the 48 neither
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 25, 2013, 11:17:50 AM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 23, 2013, 11:19:35 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 10:40:02 PM
Has an Enviro200 appeared on the 83/89 yet? (guessing there hasn't been one the 74 and 74E/75 boards).
I don't think one has been reported on the 83/89, I think they've been on everything but the 74/75 & 83/89
Don't think one has been reported on the 48 neither
I think there has been one on the 48 Nathan
Quote from: John on October 25, 2013, 11:29:53 AM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 25, 2013, 11:17:50 AM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 23, 2013, 11:19:35 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 10:40:02 PM
Has an Enviro200 appeared on the 83/89 yet? (guessing there hasn't been one the 74 and 74E/75 boards).
I don't think one has been reported on the 83/89, I think they've been on everything but the 74/75 & 83/89
Don't think one has been reported on the 48 neither
I think there has been one on the 48 Nathan
must have missed the post.
B6 524 on the 451 this evening; not a fan of the type but this old warrior was going well !
It was 822 on the 48 last month I think
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579869403/
That is 1633
Quote from: Winston on October 30, 2013, 08:11:40 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
That is 1633
Apologies, its the correct link now. (The one time I don't check ::))
Quote from: Winston on October 30, 2013, 08:11:40 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579869403/
That is 1633
Think he meant this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 30, 2013, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 30, 2013, 08:11:40 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579869403/
That is 1633
Think he meant this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
That's the one. Thanks Matt.
1653 is currently parked up in West Brom Bus Station with 82 Bearwood on the blind. Which is odd.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 31, 2013, 09:35:51 AM
1653 is currently parked up in West Brom Bus Station with 82 Bearwood on the blind. Which is odd.
Probably a driver messing around
Must have been really bored then, seeing as the side and rear blinds also had 82 on them.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 31, 2013, 09:45:03 AM
Must have been really bored then, seeing as the side and rear blinds also had 82 on them.
Well the obvious thing to do it to keep an eye on the 82/87 later on to see if it's appeared on there
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 31, 2013, 09:47:08 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 31, 2013, 09:45:03 AM
Must have been really bored then, seeing as the side and rear blinds also had 82 on them.
Well the obvious thing to do it to keep an eye on the 82/87 later on to see if it's appeared on there
It's on the 80
Quote from: Dylan4579 on October 31, 2013, 10:05:54 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 31, 2013, 09:47:08 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 31, 2013, 09:45:03 AM
Must have been really bored then, seeing as the side and rear blinds also had 82 on them.
Well the obvious thing to do it to keep an eye on the 82/87 later on to see if it's appeared on there
It's on the 80
More than likely it might have been on the 82 late last night and went NIS from Bearwood to garage. It was then taken from the garage this morning to work the 80
1577 (unsure), 1585 and 1592 withdrawn. parked up Oak Road garage with no blinds and scrap written on them. no news on whats replaced them yet.
Quote from: wbdriver on November 01, 2013, 07:52:03 PM
1577 (unsure), 1585 and 1592 withdrawn. parked up Oak Road garage with no blinds and scrap written on them. no news on whats replaced them yet.
4250 is already at WB as one replacement
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 01, 2013, 10:09:35 PM
Quote from: Tony4250 is already at WB as one replacement
Volvo B7TL ALX400 at WB again? Are you sure Tony?
I assumed, as this was the WB thread, that Tony meant WB.
I did (Tony)
4248 won't be lonely for much longer then ;)
Saw a WB 82/7 branded Gemini Head down Wolverhampton Rd past New Cross Hospital towards Wednesfield about 9:10 this morning whilst onboard 5512 on the 59.
Any ideas where it was going? Walsall Garage possibly?
Are the three above mentioned Mercs still parked at WB garage?
Also, I like how WB's best R reg Merc, 1556 is still avoiding the cull
No scrap Mercs at Oak Lane at 1245, visible were 1696 1699 and some B7TLs
Quote from: Ashley on November 03, 2013, 01:35:30 PM
No scrap Mercs at Oak Lane at 1245, visible were 1696 1699 and some B7TLs
Knowing the difference between Oak Lane and Oak Road is important.
Oak Lane is the garage. Oak Road is the outstation.
The 3 Mercs are at Oak Road.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2NIG49bv_4/Une5OckaMKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/xFlvirSMf1E/s640/mercs.jpg)
1585 still has its blinds fitted so may be awaiting repair.
With 3 Mercs out of action and only 1 vehicle in as a replacement there were bound to be odd workings today.
There were 3 ALX400s on the 40 - 4264, 4268 and 4269.
Hoping that 1585 makes a return to service, always regarded it as one of the best Mercs and it was the first one I ever travelled on so holds a bit of special significance. Loosing 1540 at Pensnett is bad enough but not 1585 as well :'(
Where is Oak Road from oak Lane? Is it close by?
Quote from: Ashley on November 04, 2013, 05:09:42 PM
Where is Oak Road from oak Lane? Is it close by?
The outstation is by the Bus Station. Next to the Police Station, that the 4 passes going to Oldbury just after crossing the bridge over the Metro line just after leaving the Bus Station
Hopefully they'll still be there on wednesday when I have a chance to go looking
Today there seems to be less presidents out on the daytime 5. I've noted 5 alx's an 2 gemini's now . This common or what, never really had the chance to focus on the daytime 5 unless something catches my eye
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 05, 2013, 01:56:35 PM
Today there seems to be less presidents out on the daytime 5. I've noted 5 alx's an 2 gemini's now . This common or what, never really had the chance to focus on the daytime 5 unless something catches my eye
You can get any number of non-President vehicles on the 5, as Presidents are also used on the 83/89, so the unbranded one go on there. 5 ALX400s does seem more than usual though. You do see a few Geminis on there daily, and around 2 ALX400s whenever I use it or am in Sutton
Quote from: John on November 05, 2013, 05:25:12 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 05, 2013, 01:56:35 PM
Today there seems to be less presidents out on the daytime 5. I've noted 5 alx's an 2 gemini's now . This common or what, never really had the chance to focus on the daytime 5 unless something catches my eye
You can get any number of non-President vehicles on the 5, as Presidents are also used on the 83/89, so the unbranded one go on there. 5 ALX400s does seem more than usual though. You do see a few Geminis on there daily, and around 2 ALX400s whenever I use it or am in Sutton
Plus WB are still a President down, as I'm assuming 4048 is still being re-built at YW
Branded Dudley Road Gem on the 82 this evening with most of the LED display on the number side missing.
Does anybody know where 1556 is today?
Quote from: Ashley on November 06, 2013, 10:48:17 AM
Does anybody know where 1556 is today?
It isn't on the 48 (1618, 1694, 1700, 4057 and 4115 today).
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:24:45 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 30, 2013, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 30, 2013, 08:11:40 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579869403/
That is 1633
Think he meant this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
That's the one. Thanks Matt.
The reg is wrong on the link
Thanks uniquicity. I found it not long after I asked
Quote from: richie on November 06, 2013, 07:00:39 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:24:45 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 30, 2013, 08:15:38 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 30, 2013, 08:11:40 PM
Quote from: N94 on October 30, 2013, 08:04:27 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 23, 2013, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on October 23, 2013, 08:57:06 AM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on October 09, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
Mercs 1586 and 1702 were parked in the exact same position outside the shed at Oak Lane with their backs facing the road for the duration of my five day West Midlands visit. Possibly awaiting attention or maybe even withdrawn......
1586 is still in service. Haven't seen 1702 since you posted this.
Great thanks, good to see 1586 is still on the go (it was the last to carry 74 branding). 1702 was parked right at the front when I last saw it with its back facing the road. I only get over on average about three times a year so rely on this site to keep up to date :)
1702 was in service today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579869403/
That is 1633
Think he meant this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/10579531236/in/photostream/
That's the one. Thanks Matt.
The reg is wrong on the link
Whoops! Probably from typing T FOB so many times! Thanks for pointing it out.
1696 now has NXWM fleetnames
My old favourite 3033 noted on the hospital shuttle at the QE. From what I remember 3118 is the usual vehicle for this service.
Quote from: uniquicity on November 18, 2013, 05:30:52 PM
My old favourite 3033 noted on the hospital shuttle at the QE. From what I remember 3118 is the usual vehicle for this service.
Yes, 3118 is the usual, 3033 seems to spend most its time parked up in Halesowen.
It will be interesting to see what happens when all the Soho Rd branded ALXs are repainted. Whether the 74/75 will see more Geminis and less ALXs, or whether all double deck routes see more of an even share of Geminis and ALXs
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 18, 2013, 07:19:02 PM
It will be interesting to see what happens when all the Soho Rd branded ALXs are repainted. Whether the 74/75 will see more Geminis and less ALXs, or whether all double deck routes see more of an even share of Geminis and ALXs
Well whenever I see or catch the 74 it seems to be about 50:50 Gemini/B7 ALX already
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on November 18, 2013, 09:39:19 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 18, 2013, 07:19:02 PM
It will be interesting to see what happens when all the Soho Rd branded ALXs are repainted. Whether the 74/75 will see more Geminis and less ALXs, or whether all double deck routes see more of an even share of Geminis and ALXs
Well whenever I see or catch the 74 it seems to be about 50:50 Gemini/B7 ALX already
I know it's 50:50 at the moment, but when repainted, the branded ALXs will be able to go on all routes, so we could possibly see a more even share of Gemini and ALXs on the 80 & 127-9 which currently see more Geminis than ALXs, or more ALXs on the 82/87, which occasionally sees 1 ALX a day
E200 I was travelling on on the 40, didn't get the fleet number, had its entire near side mirror and arm ripped off earlier near Wednesbury. Driver just looked perplexed as he brought them onto the bus and stuck them in the luggage rack ::)
Repainted 4298 is out on the 127/8/9 today if anyone needs a photo.
Quote from: JackC on November 19, 2013, 07:58:31 AM
E200 I was travelling on on the 40, didn't get the fleet number, had its entire near side mirror and arm ripped off earlier near Wednesbury. Driver just looked perplexed as he brought them onto the bus and stuck them in the luggage rack ::)
Another one?!
Saying that those E200 mirror arms do stick out dangerously.
519 was on the 5 morning then entered Wensbury on the 47A ? Didn't know any 5's went onto the 47/A
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 19, 2013, 01:02:41 PM
Quote from: JackC on November 19, 2013, 07:58:31 AM
E200 I was travelling on on the 40, didn't get the fleet number, had its entire near side mirror and arm ripped off earlier near Wednesbury. Driver just looked perplexed as he brought them onto the bus and stuck them in the luggage rack ::)
Another one?!
Saying that those E200 mirror arms do stick out dangerously.
How many have been de mirrored now?
Quote from: JackC on November 19, 2013, 06:10:38 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 19, 2013, 01:02:41 PM
Quote from: JackC on November 19, 2013, 07:58:31 AM
E200 I was travelling on on the 40, didn't get the fleet number, had its entire near side mirror and arm ripped off earlier near Wednesbury. Driver just looked perplexed as he brought them onto the bus and stuck them in the luggage rack ::)
Another one?!
Saying that those E200 mirror arms do stick out dangerously.
How many have been de mirrored now?
I don't have a list but I'd say at least half of BC's, don't know about other allocations, but looking at the pictures, a fair few!
The BC mirror arms are terrible; they're around 6inches away from the body edge on the closest setting. Bad design.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10948966083/in/photostream/
Does anyone know why 4229 has a different emergency door at the back there? It's different from any other ALX400 I've seen and looks the same as the door on the Tridents.
Quote from: JB93 on November 20, 2013, 09:13:46 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/10948966083/in/photostream/
Does anyone know why 4229 has a different emergency door at the back there? It's different from any other ALX400 I've seen and looks the same as the door on the Tridents.
I'm not sure really. Always has
Yeah it has been like that for years now, probably just a mistake ordering a spare part ages ago. They are compatible so it isn't dangerous or anything like that.
Why was 4637's screen removed? Looks slightly odd compared to the other 46**s:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4637.html
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 09:55:40 PM
Why was 4637's screen removed? Looks slightly odd compared to the other 46**s:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4637.html
I didn't think any of those CrystalEye screens worked since 2004?
Was this the first bus to receive the infamous green branding? The shade of green on this one, and the way the lettering was applied, i.e. in a straight line, was far more acceptable than the hideous efforts that followed.
Is it just me or have more single deckers appeared on the 5 more than when it was the 451 ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 20, 2013, 10:02:58 PM
Is it just me or have more single deckers appeared on the 5 more than when it was the 451 ?
Nope, years ago the 451 was allocated branded Mercs
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 20, 2013, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 09:55:40 PM
Why was 4637's screen removed? Looks slightly odd compared to the other 46**s:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4637.html
I didn't think any of those CrystalEye screens worked since 2004?
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
It might have been removed due to vandalism and never replaced for obvious reasons.
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 10:07:56 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 20, 2013, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 09:55:40 PM
Why was 4637's screen removed? Looks slightly odd compared to the other 46**s:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4637.html
I didn't think any of those CrystalEye screens worked since 2004?
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
Was probably smashed or cracked, so rather then lino-ing the front like BC do, they just remove it.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 20, 2013, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 10:07:56 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 20, 2013, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 09:55:40 PM
Why was 4637's screen removed? Looks slightly odd compared to the other 46**s:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4475-4699/4637.html
I didn't think any of those CrystalEye screens worked since 2004?
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
Was probably smashed or cracked, so rather then lino-ing the front like BC do, they just remove it.
Yeah, those screens just look strange
Quote from: Mike K on November 20, 2013, 10:02:46 PM
Was this the first bus to receive the infamous green branding? The shade of green on this one, and the way the lettering was applied, i.e. in a straight line, was far more acceptable than the hideous efforts that followed.
I agree Mike and I think it was the first one.
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 10:07:56 PM
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
4655 and 4664 have also had the top deck screens removed. There is also a 45**/46** I can recall that has had the monitor removed but the blue panel it sits on remains
Who designed the Green branding was a competition from local school kids or something? Apologies if has been posted but have always been curious
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 10:32:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 10:07:56 PM
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
4655 and 4664 have also had the top deck screens removed. There is also a 45**/46** I can recall that has had the monitor removed but the blue panel it sits on remains
Are you referring to a Gemini or Trident John?
I would presume he was on about Gemini's with this beingvthe West Brom Garage thread
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 20, 2013, 11:23:39 PM
Quote from: John on November 20, 2013, 10:32:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 20, 2013, 10:07:56 PM
I know that, but why get rid of 4637's and not the others? :-\. The downstairs screen is still there
4655 and 4664 have also had the top deck screens removed. There is also a 45**/46** I can recall that has had the monitor removed but the blue panel it sits on remains
Are you referring to a Gemini or Trident John?
Wolverhampton or Central Tridents
Do you mean entirley removed or covered over with some metal plating like i have noticed? If you mean entirley removed then that doesn't apply to any WN tridents
The monitor has been removed and the place where it was covered with a metal plate
4290 is currently parked at Oak Lane repainted.
I'm waiting for them to get started on 4272, it looks woeful (from the outside at least)
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
These Darts were new to a company in London Called Connex, hence the plate C8 NEX. National Express took then over, forming Travel London.
This plate is still relavent for NX though, with NEX (National Express) in it
6022 has 'S1 TWM', as you can tell with TWM in the numberplate, I guess it may have been just a novelty plate with the company's initials in it. This used to be carried by 6001 before the OmniCitys were new, and the O405GNs were branded for the 67. It lost 'S1 TWM' for S314 JFP' in 2004 when 6001 transferred to Coventry along with the remaining O405GNs
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
Quote from: Stu on November 28, 2013, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
and of course 4001/2 were the first low floor double deckers, hence the R1 NEG & R2 NEG plates.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 28, 2013, 06:59:55 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 28, 2013, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
and of course 40001/2 were the first low floor double deckers, hence the R1 NEG & R2 NEG plates.
Was the NEG intended to be an acronym of something?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 28, 2013, 06:59:55 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 28, 2013, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
and of course 40001/2 were the first low floor double deckers, hence the R1 NEG & R2 NEG plates.
Was the NEG intended to be an acronym of something?
National Express Group
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 28, 2013, 06:59:55 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 28, 2013, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
and of course 40001/2 were the first low floor double deckers, hence the R1 NEG & R2 NEG plates.
Was the NEG intended to be an acronym of something?
National Express Group?
Ahh of course - thanks John + Settlerman.
Quote from: settlerman on November 28, 2013, 07:03:05 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 28, 2013, 06:59:55 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 28, 2013, 06:54:18 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 28, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
anyone know why 3601 is C8 NEX and not W601 like the rest?, Same for 6022 (S1 TWM) ?
3610 (C8 NEX) is an ex-Travel London Dart, and was new to Connex which was acquired by them, hence the private reg.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/3225-3614/3610.html
and of course 40001/2 were the first low floor double deckers, hence the R1 NEG & R2 NEG plates.
Was the NEG intended to be an acronym of something?
National Express Group?
3610s reg is quite appropriate especially as NXs stock ticker is...NEX (National Express Group PLC)
Thanks for that info John ;) I now finally know exactly what the NEG stands for now and i have been wondering that for ages. Thanks again for sharing that :)
Or in the case of 4001 earlier this year. The NEG could have also meant "Never Ever Going" :D
Quote from: Ashley on November 28, 2013, 09:56:17 PM
Or in the case of 4001 earlier this year. The NEG could have also meant "Never Ever Going" :D
or Needs Exceptional Grinding
You've got me there, yours was better :)
The three evening 5 boards are all dd tonight which is unusual.
Are WB short on Mercs? With the Presidents coming in a couple months ago and 4250 transferring from PB?
No, these extra B7TL's are Merc replacements
Anybody know if 1585 has returned to service or is it still parked up at Oak Road yard with 1577 and 1592?
Does anybody know when NXWM will replace the remaining darts at WB :)
Quote from: Jack2001 on December 09, 2013, 07:01:08 PM
Does anybody know when NXWM will replace the remaining darts at WB :)
Probably in about 12 months time
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2013, 07:08:30 PM
Quote from: Jack2001 on December 09, 2013, 07:01:08 PM
Does anybody know when NXWM will replace the remaining darts at WB :)
Probably in about 12 months time
Am I right saying they would probably be replaced by E200's
Quote from: Jack2001 on December 09, 2013, 07:12:56 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2013, 07:08:30 PM
Quote from: Jack2001 on December 09, 2013, 07:01:08 PM
Does anybody know when NXWM will replace the remaining darts at WB :)
Probably in about 12 months time
Am I right saying they would probably be replaced by E200's
No new vehicles of any type are currently on order. The only decision so far made is that the Darts and B6s at WB will be replaced by new vehicles next year, so
all other comments in this and other threads are at the moment just guesswork.
4048 repairs now complete, a whole new white front end on it, parked around Walsall paintshop. 4296 is also there, been there all day
Quote from: John on December 10, 2013, 04:06:40 PM
4048 repairs now complete, a whole new white front end on it, parked around Walsall paintshop. 4296 is also there, been there all day
Sorry, mind blank again, was 4048 accident damage repair or rot?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 10, 2013, 04:09:42 PM
Sorry, mind blank again, was 4048 accident damage repair or rot?
Front end accident damage repairs
Quote from: John on December 10, 2013, 04:06:40 PM
4048 repairs now complete, a whole new white front end on it, parked around Walsall paintshop.
Front end now repainted. I wonder if it will regain its 5 branding, or lose it altogether?
4268 still looks great its refurb a while back 8), was on the 83/89 yesterday
Bit of a strange one, noted 4297 on 74 at 12.30......but it was at the Scott arms and about to turn on to the 51 route heading for city, with a few passengers on board, assuming there was a blockage on the soho road.
Quote from: 37351ml on December 27, 2013, 08:09:02 PM
Bit of a strange one, noted 4297 on 74 at 12.30......but it was at the Scott arms and about to turn on to the 51 route heading for city, with a few passengers on board, assuming there was a blockage on the soho road.
That's funny you should say that while I was on 4865 on the 51 this morning I noticed 4267 at Perry Barr coming off the 11 Route and following the 33/46/51/X51/907/934/935/936/952 into Birmingham seen this just before 8am
Quote from: Rob H on December 27, 2013, 08:13:43 PM
Quote from: 37351ml on December 27, 2013, 08:09:02 PM
Bit of a strange one, noted 4297 on 74 at 12.30......but it was at the Scott arms and about to turn on to the 51 route heading for city, with a few passengers on board, assuming there was a blockage on the soho road.
That's funny you should say that while I was on 4865 on the 51 this morning I noticed 4267 at Perry Barr coming off the 11 Route and following the 33/46/51/X51/907/934/935/936/952 into Birmingham seen this just before 8am
That might have been the one I saw in Sutton Coldfield showing 74.
Has 4056 ever been branded for the 5, it looks different ?, this is posted using my phone an not got the internet time to find 4056 sorry if this annoys certain people (:
Quote from: Nathan4775 on December 28, 2013, 07:29:18 PM
Has 4056 ever been branded for the 5, it looks different ?, this is posted using my phone an not got the internet time to find 4056 sorry if this annoys certain people (:
No it hasn't. It was sent for repaint not long after transfer from Yardley Wood. It would still be like 4057 (with connection bars) if not repainted again, also on the 5 today.
another couple of mercs parked up Oak lane waiting to be scrapped. unsure of the numbers but one is in TWM colours and another is red. If i take a bus from there in the next few days i'll get the fleet numbers for y'all, and i my cameras working a photo.
4048 on the 5 finally. First time its been on the 5 since its came back to my knowledge
1556 and 1694 the mercs parked up Oak Lane along with the other 3. 1694 blinds removed and 1556 still has them. no photo unfortunatly, was chucking it down and my battery died as well.
I'm sure I've just seen a B7RLE go past on the 241 board which, given it is now a normal Mon-Fri timetable, should be operated by WB. Unless the B7RLE was on the 9, is this board now operated by Pensnett?
There was a Merc on early morning 46s during the Christmas period. Strange seeing them on the 46 these days. Too used to hearing the sound of an Enviro 200 past my house. Speaking of which, I haven't seen a Merc on the 83/89 for a good month
823 was on the west brom 241/149 running board saw it up dudley bus station 09.21
Quote from: karl724223 on January 02, 2014, 05:58:48 PM
823 was on the west brom 241/149 running board saw it up dudley bus station 09.21
Can you tell me when this moved from Pensnett, thanks.
Quote from: filbus1 on January 02, 2014, 06:14:49 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on January 02, 2014, 05:58:48 PM
823 was on the west brom 241/149 running board saw it up dudley bus station 09.21
Can you tell me when this moved from Pensnett, thanks.
June 2013 after the 222 route had been reduced from 5 to 4 buses per hour.
4640 is this morning's 140/241 bus sadly.
Whats wrong with 4640 Matt?
Quote from: Roy on January 02, 2014, 06:24:09 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on January 02, 2014, 06:14:49 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on January 02, 2014, 05:58:48 PM
823 was on the west brom 241/149 running board saw it up dudley bus station 09.21
Can you tell me when this moved from Pensnett, thanks.
June 2013 after the 222 route had been reduced from 5 to 4 buses per hour.
Many thanks for that
Quote from: Matt on January 03, 2014, 12:36:03 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 03, 2014, 10:30:16 AM
Whats wrong with 4640 Matt?
It's not an Enviro200
I presume you wanted 823 or another E200 to turn up again on the WB 140/241
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2014, 02:32:34 PM
Quote from: Matt on January 03, 2014, 12:36:03 PM
Quote from: Ashley on January 03, 2014, 10:30:16 AM
Whats wrong with 4640 Matt?
It's not an Enviro200
I presume you wanted 823 or another E200 to turn up again on the WB 140/241
Well I wanted a Merc or B6 to turn up, but no such luck...
Quote from: Matt on January 03, 2014, 09:59:05 AM
4640 is this morning's 140/241 bus sadly.
On the 74 this afternoon as expected
4640, which was this morning's 140/241 bus, went onto the 74 afterwards. I often notice the 140/241 bus on the Soho Road later on. I wonder if that means 823 got onto the Soho Road yesterday?
Quote from: Matt on January 03, 2014, 07:16:16 PM
4640, which was this morning's 140/241 bus, went onto the 74 afterwards. I often notice the 140/241 bus on the Soho Road later on. I wonder if that means 823 got onto the Soho Road yesterday?
According to the running board it should run dead back to garage but I guess sometimes they put the bus straight onto Soho Rd.
Quote from: Nathan on January 03, 2014, 07:18:12 PM
Quote from: Matt on January 03, 2014, 07:16:16 PM
4640, which was this morning's 140/241 bus, went onto the 74 afterwards. I often notice the 140/241 bus on the Soho Road later on. I wonder if that means 823 got onto the Soho Road yesterday?
According to the running board it should run dead back to garage but I guess sometimes they put the bus straight onto Soho Rd.
Yeah, I doubt they'd see 823 fit for the Soho Road, but you never know!
I was in West Brom on 31.12.2013 and saw 1577, 1585, 1592, 1556 and 1694 parked in a line at the back of the yard near to the bus station. All had red notices in the windscreen. 1577 and 1592 were with drawn in October. Does anyone know the status of the other three? 1585 has been there for a couple of months but has not been recorded aswithdrawn.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on January 07, 2014, 08:31:55 PM
I was in West Brom on 31.12.2013 and saw 1577, 1585, 1592, 1556 and 1694 parked in a line at the back of the yard near to the bus station. All had red notices in the windscreen. 1577 and 1592 were with drawn in October. Does anyone know the status of the other three? 1585 has been there for a couple of months but has not been recorded aswithdrawn.
1585, 1592 & 1694 are all operational according to Ton's latest fleetlist. However i am sure i read somewhere on here that they had been withdrawn.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 07, 2014, 08:41:48 PM
Quote from: Eric Shaw on January 07, 2014, 08:31:55 PM
I was in West Brom on 31.12.2013 and saw 1577, 1585, 1592, 1556 and 1694 parked in a line at the back of the yard near to the bus station. All had red notices in the windscreen. 1577 and 1592 were with drawn in October. Does anyone know the status of the other three? 1585 has been there for a couple of months but has not been recorded aswithdrawn.
1585, 1592 & 1694 are all operational according to Ton's latest fleetlist. However i am sure i read somewhere on here that they had been withdrawn.
1585 was never technically withdrawn. In fact it was retaxed for 2015 while parked up at Oak Road. 1577 and 1592 weren't.
1653 and 1698 new megarears for Silks Solicitors. 1613 still with megarear for industrious.co.uk.
Quote from: uniquicity on January 10, 2014, 05:16:39 PM
1653 and 1698 new megarears for Silks Solicitors. 1613 still with megarear for industrious.co.uk.
Does 1699 still have its HELP megarear?
Quote from: Matt on January 10, 2014, 05:18:19 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 10, 2014, 05:16:39 PM
1653 and 1698 new megarears for Silks Solicitors. 1613 still with megarear for industrious.co.uk.
Does 1699 still have its HELP megarear?
Whoopsie. 1699 has the new megarear. Haven't seen 1698 this week; that one also had a HELP one.
Quote from: uniquicity on January 10, 2014, 05:19:37 PM
Quote from: Matt on January 10, 2014, 05:18:19 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 10, 2014, 05:16:39 PM
1653 and 1698 new megarears for Silks Solicitors. 1613 still with megarear for industrious.co.uk.
Does 1699 still have its HELP megarear?
Whoopsie. 1699 has the new megarear. Haven't seen 1698 this week; that one also had a HELP one.
I got a photo of 1699 on Wednesday with the Help! ad, and saw 1698 on Thursday, also with the Help! ad
What else does the vehicle that does a.m. school service 775 do? Yesterday that journey was operated by a Dudley Road Gemini, just wondered?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 11, 2014, 10:18:11 PM
What else does the vehicle that does a.m. school service 775 do? Yesterday that journey was operated by a Dudley Road Gemini, just wondered?
The AM journey is operated on it's own on running board 775/01. This returns dead to depot after operation.
The PM journey is operated on running board 80/10, which operates the 775 followed by one return trip on the 80 (1630 ex WB & 1725 ex Birmingham).
On other school routes, the 703 & 731 (AM) are all on 74/75 boards, whilst the PM 731 journey then goes on to operate the 82/87.
Note panel,What does the PM 703 do after it terminates in New Invention? Back to Garage?
Quote from: Nathan on January 12, 2014, 08:35:20 PM
Note panel,What does the PM 703 do after it terminates in New Invention? Back to Garage?
It operates dead to Dudley, before operating the 74 as follows:
1647 ex Dudley
1806 ex Birmingham
1920 ex Dudley
2025 ex Birmingham
2130 ex Dudley
2225 ex Birmingham
2320 ex Dudley
0015 ex Birmingham
Quote from: notepanel on January 12, 2014, 10:24:58 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 12, 2014, 08:35:20 PM
Note panel,What does the PM 703 do after it terminates in New Invention? Back to Garage?
It operates dead to Dudley, before operating the 74 as follows:
1647 ex Dudley
1806 ex Birmingham
1920 ex Dudley
2025 ex Birmingham
2130 ex Dudley
2225 ex Birmingham
2320 ex Dudley
0015 ex Birmingham
It operates the last 74 out of Birmingham ah :) that journey can get busy though :(
1698 also has the Silks megarear. 4226 has a new one too; didn't see what for
4 of the 5 Mercs parked at Oak Road have moved. 1577 is still there.
1613 has lost its megarear over the weekend.
WN Merc 1660 on the WB5 today. Blank blinds showing.
Are buses ever painted at WB, saw a 51 plate trident heading towards WB garage at lunchtime, had several new panels on it? Couldn't get the fleet number.
I think WB has a small paint unit
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 15, 2014, 01:52:58 PM
Are buses ever painted at WB, saw a 51 plate trident heading towards WB garage at lunchtime, had several new panels on it? Couldn't get the fleet number.
Was it definetley a 51 plate trident or was it a B7TL ALX400? The only 51 plate trident that i can think of that is due for repaint is if 4312 has transfered to PL and put in for refurb/repaint
Or 4314, as thats away for refurb
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 15, 2014, 01:52:58 PM
Are buses ever painted at WB, saw a 51 plate trident heading towards WB garage at lunchtime, had several new panels on it? Couldn't get the fleet number.
WB do MOT's & refurb work.
Quote from: Ashley on January 15, 2014, 04:32:40 PM
Or 4314, as thats away for refurb
Oh ok :) Wasn't aware 4314 was in for refurb so it may have been that
Quote from: uniquicity on January 15, 2014, 09:36:47 AM
WN Merc 1660 on the WB5 today. Blank blinds showing.
So WN have loaned two buses out to 2 different garages today then? Along with 4587 on the 9?
Correct
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on January 15, 2014, 05:42:27 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 15, 2014, 09:36:47 AM
WN Merc 1660 on the WB5 today. Blank blinds showing.
So WN have loaned two buses out to 2 different garages today then? Along with 4587 on the 9?
Yes. Iirc PL have loaned buses to WB before including Mercs and i briefly remember an Excel being on the old 410 and a WN Transbus (46**) i think it was a few years back on the 88 although i can only recall only Mercs being on loan to PE from PL. Can't ever recall a WN trident being loaned to PE before today
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on January 15, 2014, 05:42:27 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 15, 2014, 09:36:47 AM
WN Merc 1660 on the WB5 today. Blank blinds showing.
So WN have loaned two buses out to 2 different garages today then? Along with 4587 on the 9?
I would imagine that if any garage has the odd vehicle to spare at present it's WN
Wonder why WB are so short of buses today?
4509 was rattling like hell earlier (might have been the window) caught it on the 89
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 07:19:51 PM
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Who says WB are getting any new buses?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 20, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 07:19:51 PM
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Who says WB are getting any new buses?
There was an article in the Express And Star say in there would be a £3 million investment I think it was for Sandwell. Although you can't say when as NX haven't even placed an order for any vehicles yet
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 20, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 07:19:51 PM
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Who says WB are getting any new buses?
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2204.0
Quote from: Winston on January 20, 2014, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 20, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 07:19:51 PM
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Who says WB are getting any new buses?
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2204.0
Expected in the second half of 2014 last time I asked
Quote from: Tony on January 20, 2014, 07:57:47 PM
Quote from: Winston on January 20, 2014, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on January 20, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 07:19:51 PM
When are new buses coming west Bromwich garage
Who says WB are getting any new buses?
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2204.0
Expected in the second half of 2014 last time I asked
...and has been stated several times already, nothing has been confirmed as being on order at this time. So plenty of time for the powers-that-be to decide what will be purchased. We're all just going to have to wait and see... Meanwhile, let the speculation recommence... ;D
Just a guess :P
10.2m E200s for 121 route
and rest 10.8m E200s
Quote from: Sayeed_M on January 20, 2014, 08:13:12 PM
Just a guess :P
10.2m E200s for 121 route
and rest 10.8m E200s
or just 10.8m E200s as they have already been used on the 121 a few times already.
I would love some Enviro 400s for the Dudley Road :P
And on Soho road
Stereotyping is ignorant.
Quote from: Nathan on January 20, 2014, 10:45:30 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 10:31:20 PM
And on Soho road
That's if they wouldn't get trashed on the first day in service!
Why would they get trashed on the Soho Road?
Quote from: Matt on January 20, 2014, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 20, 2014, 10:45:30 PM
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 20, 2014, 10:31:20 PM
And on Soho road
That's if they wouldn't get trashed on the first day in service!
Why would they get trashed on the Soho Road?
Well I didn't mean completley 'trashed' so that was worded wrong but as you know there's a chance it can happen just as much on plenty of other routes not just the Soho road
Quote from: uniquicity on January 20, 2014, 10:46:57 PM
Stereotyping is ignorant.
Don't worry I am not stereotyping :) As I said in my last post, vandalism takes place on plenty of bus routes. I never considered WN's 1 route to be a route for vandalism but you if you look at the top deck of the 9 month old E400H's they have etching on the windows
All will get trash but it don't matter about the area there in
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 21, 2014, 07:46:52 AM
All will get trash but it don't matter about the area there in
How doesn't it matter about the area they're in when they get trashed?
Surely NXWM finds it useful to understand the patterns of vehicle abuse.
No route is immune to vandalism
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 21, 2014, 04:13:57 PM
No route is immune to vandalism
Precisely. And every sensible and proportionate measure available should be brought to bear to stamp it out, wherever it occurs.
For someone to shout 'stereotyping' is irrelevant, unhelpful, and misses the point.
The only buses which I rarely see any vandalism on are the Scanias, E200s and the Eclipse Urbans. Most of the double decks have some sort of seat back scratching although fortunately I'm seeing window etching less now. Really frustrating to see how some people just think they'll wreck the property of a company; wonder how'd they'd like it if their car or house was damaged.... The only solution I see to solving the seat back scratches and graffiti are black needle felt seat backs, such as those they use on Stagecoach Gold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPbTRqOKtE (go to around 0:58 can see the seatback felt on seat to the left)
That may put some off from etching as it they can't see the scratches or their "art." Sorry for going off topic, but it's something that really annoys me at times.
The back seats on 823 have been scratched to death.
Haven't been on that one; 4719 has got three large window etchings now on the upper deck.
Evens WN's E400H's which are only 9 months old have etching on seats/windows on the top deck!
Wouldn't surprise me; literally every double decker has some vandalism in the fleet. Quite good in Devon where the Stagecoach buses are completely devoid of the stuff!
Looks like 1666 has had a prang of some sort.
It now has a red front bumper where the number plate is. Looks odd (but makes it easy to spot now ;))
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 21, 2014, 08:03:14 PM
Wouldn't surprise me; literally every double decker has some vandalism in the fleet. Quite good in Devon where the Stagecoach buses are completely devoid of the stuff!
Although the unbranded B5's at WN don't seem to have any etching on any seats or windows (Although 5510 has a bit of etching on the downstairs back offside window although I hear that will be replaced soon)
Anyway back on topic, Is it me or were there at least 3 Single Deckers Reported on the 5 today (Two B6's and an E200?)
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 08:09:17 PM
Is it me or were there at least 3 Single Deckers Reported on the 5 today (Two B6's and an E200?)
4, with 1585 I reported as well. (It was on the 5 in the morning and on the 83 in the afternoon)
Quote from: John on January 21, 2014, 08:21:49 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 21, 2014, 08:09:17 PM
Is it me or were there at least 3 Single Deckers Reported on the 5 today (Two B6's and an E200?)
4, with 1585 I reported as well. (It was on the 5 in the morning and on the 83 in the afternoon)
Are WB short of Dd's today as surely 4 single deckers in one day isn't normal?
No because 4269 on the 42 at around 10 to4
Quote from: nxwm4709 on January 21, 2014, 08:24:51 PM
No because 4269 on the 42 at around 10 to4
That doesn't answer my question though? Just because there is a B7TL on the 42/3 doesn't mean they are not short of double deckers
Maybe 5branded ones are being fix or something
As far as I know, the only double at WB that is out of action is 4230, due to a refurb
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 21, 2014, 09:07:16 PM
As far as I know, the only double at WB that is out of action is 4230, due to a refurb
& 4296 is still away
Maybe more double deckers were allocated to other routes like the 42/3 or some of the single deckers on the 5 today replaced breakdowns as 4 single deckers on the 5 (1585 was taken off and put onto the 83) is not a common sight
1585 not has a grey front panel on (under the right indicator) and has lost its Mercedes badge :(
Quote from: uniquicity on January 22, 2014, 05:07:23 PM
1585 not has a grey front panel on (under the right indicator) and has lost its Mercedes badge :(
Was it missing a panel whilst parked up?
No, its front was intact when I saw it last parked up. The grey panel looked primed and ready to paint
Quote from: Ashley on January 22, 2014, 11:13:45 PM
1585 was at Bilston on WB42 around 1730 this evening
42 doesn't go to Bilston. Do you mean the 43?
1673 on loan to WB today, on the 5.
Had 1582 on the 48 this morning, it absolutely stunk of diesel. Good job nobody was smoking at the rear.
Quote from: uniquicity on January 24, 2014, 12:47:04 PM
Had 1582 on the 48 this morning, it absolutely stunk of diesel. Good job nobody was smoking at the rear.
If you drop a cigarette in Diesel all that will happen is the cigarette will go out, you need a lot higher temperature or pressure than a naked flame to set fire to diesel
Yeah, I was probably exaggerating. My defense is that I was still high on diesel fumes when I wrote the post ;)
(Will see soon if it is still in service)
4249 is having work done at Perry Barr, on the pits and on test drive with an engineer
Seen 4247 finally Seen coming to an on 74
4226 has a new meagrear
4226s megarear is for KHCSC
(1582 was replaced by 4298)
Quote from: uniquicity on January 24, 2014, 09:29:06 AM
1673 on loan to WB today, on the 5.
Some photographic evidence for non-believers. (Phone camera, pic through glass, hence poor quality)
Quote from: uniquicity on January 25, 2014, 12:25:17 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 24, 2014, 09:29:06 AM
1673 on loan to WB today, on the 5.
Some photographic evidence for non-believers. (Phone camera, pic through glass, hence poor quality)
Nice photo :) There is no reason why anyone shouldn't believe you ;) WN seem to have be the garage most able to plan buses out atm
...That is certainly not the case, especially one day last week
4292 was on the 48 yesterday.
4229 has finally gained an offside advert frame, making it look a lot smarter now.
It still looks strange with its Trident emergency door as opposed to the usual B7TL one with the long rectangular window
Why does 4229 have a Trident style emergency door? Looking back at the old pics of it, it's been like that since early days of route 65 branding, wonder if it was delivered like that?
Quote from: craighu on February 06, 2014, 04:59:11 PM
Why does 4229 have a Trident style emergency door? Looking back at the old pics of it, it's been like that since early days of route 65 branding, wonder if it was delivered like that?
No it wasn't delivered with it. I have a pic of 4229 with a B7TL door, it was brand new then.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/12346765125/
It must have had it replaced when still quite new due to accident damage etc
Aaah...cheers John. Very interesting.
:-)
When in West Bromwich last Sunday I saw a B6 on 48 (I think) and Mercedes 0405s on other routes, isn't there any more modern buses that could be used?
Quote from: JoNi on February 07, 2014, 12:53:53 PM
When in West Bromwich last Sunday I saw a B6 on 48 (I think) and Mercedes 0405s on other routes, isn't there any more modern buses that could be used?
There was an Enviro 200 on the 48 last week too. To answer your question, no, the newest full size singles at WB are the Mercs, all the other Enviros are doing all other 4* routes on Sundays
Noticed 4532 on the 48 today showing "vis" instead of via...
Quote from: trident4370 on February 07, 2014, 07:14:13 PM
Noticed 4532 on the 48 today showing "vis" instead of via...
The first thing that springs to mind is a typo, as 'S' is next to 'A' on a standard QWERTY keyboard
That was my first thought too but thought it might be worth mentioning so it gets sorted as it is probably going to be like that on all the deckers.
Thanks Sh4318 for your reply.
564 and another B6 on 47/47A/49 circuit
One possibly two B6's on 45/43.
I didn't put them in "Noteworthy's" in case this happens every sunday.
Also, 1651 was today's 289E with blank blinds as "Rowley Regis" must not be included
Quote from: Ashley on February 16, 2014, 06:35:52 PM
564 and another B6 on 47/47A/49 circuit
One possibly two B6's on 45/43.
I didn't put them in "Noteworthy's" in case this happens every sunday.
Also, 1651 was today's 289E with blank blinds as "Rowley Regis" must not be included
May have via Rowley Regis Hospital from old 238 days
No it was blank upper and lower
813 on 121
1577 still parked all alone at Oak Road. A sad sight.
a sad sighting . have you got a photo because I cannot find one
Quote from: uniquicity on February 17, 2014, 08:21:13 PM
1577 still parked all alone at Oak Road. A sad sight.
Had the pleasure on riding 4290 on the 48 yesterday, it sounded and looked sweet on the inside and outside
534 was one of the nicest bus rides I've had this year... not bad for a 17 year old vehicle.
4234 on the 127-9s today. Yeah noisy bus, every time I see it, the coolers are on
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 12:08:15 PM
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
Yes
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 12:08:15 PM
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
I think it was the only time I ever saw it, so yes
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 12:08:15 PM
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
I think it was the only time I ever saw it, so yes
Thanks for the replies Tony and Winston :)
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 07:59:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 12:08:15 PM
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
I think it was the only time I ever saw it, so yes
Thanks for the replies Tony and Winston :)
Wasn't the 82/87 still Metrobus operated at that time?
Quote from: John on March 01, 2014, 08:10:22 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 07:59:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on March 01, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2014, 12:08:15 PM
Would this have been a rare working at the time?:
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/232.html
I think it was the only time I ever saw it, so yes
Thanks for the replies Tony and Winston :)
Wasn't the 82/87 still Metrobus operated at that time?
82 would've been Metrobus, 87 would've been Metrobus and Merc, I think... And possibly president, depending on the date the photo was taken
Always liked the 87 when it was operated by Oldbury garage and was operated with a set of Scottish made buses, always seemed strange seeing the driver get in through his own cab door!!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 02, 2014, 12:56:45 PM
Always liked the 87 when it was operated by Oldbury garage and was operated with a set of Scottish made buses, always seemed strange seeing the driver get in through his own cab door!!
The Ailsa Volvo's.
Loved them when we had them at Walsall.
Quote from: Westy on March 02, 2014, 01:14:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 02, 2014, 12:56:45 PM
Always liked the 87 when it was operated by Oldbury garage and was operated with a set of Scottish made buses, always seemed strange seeing the driver get in through his own cab door!!
The Ailsa Volvo's.
Loved them when we had them at Walsall.
I don't think anyone had a bad word to say about the Ailsas. Shame that they were never bought in greater quantities, although I'm pleased I got the chance to ride on many of these to and from school, when they ended up at PB and were used extensively on the Outer Circle.
4230 now repainted and refurbed
In the front yard at west brom
4272 now in Walsall paint shop
Quote from: Rainman13 on March 02, 2014, 05:31:25 PM
4230 now repainted and refurbed
In the front yard at west brom
4272 now in Walsall paint shop
Is 4297 still out & about in NXWM livery? As that is the last one from 4290-4299 to complete that block of fleet numbers
Quote from: Rainman13 on March 02, 2014, 05:31:25 PM
4230 now repainted and refurbed
In the front yard at west brom
4272 now in Walsall paint shop
One less with the awful green branding :)
Nice to hear 4272 is now in, that was a tatty one
Yes Winston. 4227, 4228, 4229, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270 and 4271 are still in TWM livery with Soho Road branding. 4264, 4273 and 4297 are still in just TWM livery
Quote from: John on March 02, 2014, 05:37:33 PM
Quote from: Rainman13 on March 02, 2014, 05:31:25 PM
4230 now repainted and refurbed
In the front yard at west brom
4272 now in Walsall paint shop
One less with the awful green branding :)
Nice to hear 4272 is now in, that was a tatty one
Quote from: Ashley on March 02, 2014, 07:11:17 PM
Yes Winston. 4227, 4228, 4229, 4231, 4232, 4248, 4265, 4267, 4270 and 4271 are still in TWM livery with Soho Road branding. 4264, 4273 and 4297 are still in just TWM livery
Quote from: Winston on March 02, 2014, 05:36:45 PM
Quote from: Rainman13 on March 02, 2014, 05:31:25 PM
4230 now repainted and refurbed
In the front yard at west brom
4272 now in Walsall paint shop
Is 4297 still out & about in NXWM livery? As that is the last one from 4290-4299 to complete that block of fleet numbers
##4272 gas had a bad life it had a heavy front end accident when at perry Barr a few years back.
If I heard right one of the remaining 13 4200's volvo's is gunna go into a West Bromwich
Heritage livery just like Coventry one (4453)BJ03EVC
Not sure when it's gunna happen tho,
4272 smashed into the back of 4268 on the 16 when it was operated by WB, sometime around May 2005 I think?
Quote from: uniquicity on March 02, 2014, 08:41:09 PM
4272 smashed into the back of 4268 on the 16 when it was operated by WB, sometime around May 2005 I think?
Sounds about right to me
591 turned up a day early at Park Lane for its MOT. I think the dates got mixed up
I received a £2 off daysaver voucher through my door today, only redeemable on the 82 and 87. I wonder if they are doing a similar thing for all bus corridors.
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2014, 12:13:26 PM
I received a £2 off daysaver voucher through my door today, only redeemable on the 82 and 87. I wonder if they are doing a similar thing for all bus corridors.
Same for 51 and X51.
Quote from: P419 EJW on March 17, 2014, 02:02:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2014, 12:13:26 PM
I received a £2 off daysaver voucher through my door today, only redeemable on the 82 and 87. I wonder if they are doing a similar thing for all bus corridors.
Same for 51 and X51.
I believe this promotion is being offered by Centro, through funding from Government as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).
Door drops are taking place on the 37 & 45/47 routes, in addition to the two other corridors already stated for Daysavers, and a Family Daysaver voucher is being 'door-dropped' along the 126 route.
Quote from: notepanel on March 17, 2014, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on March 17, 2014, 02:02:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2014, 12:13:26 PM
I received a £2 off daysaver voucher through my door today, only redeemable on the 82 and 87. I wonder if they are doing a similar thing for all bus corridors.
Same for 51 and X51.
I believe this promotion is being offered by Centro, through funding from Government as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).
Door drops are taking place on the 37 & 45/47 routes, in addition to the two other corridors already stated for Daysavers, and a Family Daysaver voucher is being 'door-dropped' along the 126 route.
Bristol Road as well I think.
Quote from: notepanel on March 17, 2014, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on March 17, 2014, 02:02:11 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2014, 12:13:26 PM
I received a £2 off daysaver voucher through my door today, only redeemable on the 82 and 87. I wonder if they are doing a similar thing for all bus corridors.
Same for 51 and X51.
I believe this promotion is being offered by Centro, through funding from Government as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).
Door drops are taking place on the 37 & 45/47 routes, in addition to the two other corridors already stated for Daysavers, and a Family Daysaver voucher is being 'door-dropped' along the 126 route.
So Centro are really using government money to promote one operator's ticket at a reduced price? When they have their own nbus scheme that is much fairer? Or are they offering discounts on nbus hopefully? If not it is fundamentally unfair and anticompetitive. ..
I think there was 4 DDs on the 48, Gemini and rest Alx400s
Quote from: Sayeed_M on March 18, 2014, 04:41:45 PM
I think there was 4 DDs on the 48, Gemini and rest Alx400s
Just like it should be :). The 48 has been crying out for deckers for years, used to be fully ALX back when it operated via Blue Gates
Quote from: Sayeed_M on March 18, 2014, 04:41:45 PM
I think there was 4 DDs on the 48, Gemini and rest Alx400s
All 5 48s are Double deck. 4226, 4275 & 4297 + 4522 & 4523
For anyone interested 533 is on 49 at Bearwood at 7:25 this morning.
1699 was in Miller Street yesterday, has it been withdrawn or just visiting?
Quote from: filbus1 on March 24, 2014, 04:14:57 PM
1699 was in Miller Street yesterday, has it been withdrawn or just visiting?
it was parked up most of the last 2 weeks in garage, so might be withdrawn.
1699 in service on the 42/43 today
1. PD0001111/81 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham City Centre, Upper Bull Street and Dudley, Bus Station given service number 74/75 effective from 25-May-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Not sure what this is.
5 deckers on the 48 today.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 25, 2014, 01:34:32 PM
1. PD0001111/81 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham City Centre, Upper Bull Street and Dudley, Bus Station given service number 74/75 effective from 25-May-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Not sure what this is.
City centre route change? End of the roadworks in Dudley?
Quote from: Stu on March 25, 2014, 06:59:39 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 25, 2014, 01:34:32 PM
1. PD0001111/81 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham City Centre, Upper Bull Street and Dudley, Bus Station given service number 74/75 effective from 25-May-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Not sure what this is.
City centre route change? End of the roadworks in Dudley?
The roadworks in Dudley are due to finish the end of may so it could be.
The 82 and the 87 are screwed today, don't know why.
The branding on 4706 and 4708 is partially missing.
What route was 823 0n today
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2014, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Is it just B6s in NX's fleet now that have the force 1st/2nd gears?
Quote from: Matt on April 20, 2014, 03:08:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2014, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Is it just B6s in NX's fleet now that have the force 1st/2nd gears?
I asked the driver and he said he couldn't get it into 3rd gear. It sounded good but I did think, this will overheat very soon. Matt how do you mean by force 1st and 2nd gears, do you just mean the ability to over-rev. If so then no you can get any B6 to do it.
Some of the B10L Ultras also have this. It is to stop the bus going into 3rd, say if you are going up a long steep hill and only need lower gears
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 03:27:23 PM
Quote from: Matt on April 20, 2014, 03:08:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2014, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Is it just B6s in NX's fleet now that have the force 1st/2nd gears?
I asked the driver and he said he couldn't get it into 3rd gear. It sounded good but I did think, this will overheat very soon. Matt how do you mean by force 1st and 2nd gears, do you just mean the ability to over-rev. If so then no you can get any B6 to do it.
No in some older buses such as B6s and Olympians the driver can manually select first and second gear, for steep hills etc. For example in this Leyland Olympian cab if you look at the gear selection panel, below the usual RND are the 1st/2nd gear selection buttons
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6140/5954759251_15707ac64d_z.jpg)
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 03:27:23 PM
Quote from: Matt on April 20, 2014, 03:08:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2014, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Is it just B6s in NX's fleet now that have the force 1st/2nd gears?
I asked the driver and he said he couldn't get it into 3rd gear. It sounded good but I did think, this will overheat very soon. Matt how do you mean by force 1st and 2nd gears, do you just mean the ability to over-rev. If so then no you can get any B6 to do it.
B6s and B10s have gear selectors with buttons 1 2 3 D N R (on vehicles with a 3 speed box there is no 3)
D (drive) N (neutral) & R (reverse) are the same as on any selector. 1 will hold the vehicle in 1st gear, 2 in 1st & 2nd, 3 in 1st 2nd & 3rd.
Supposed to be used for hill climbing to give you extra revs before allowing it to change up or to stop it going 2/3/2/3/2/3 (or similar) all the time when it is working hard and keeps trying to change up, struggles, changes down, again and again.
I have known drivers use it to over rev when out of garage on a cold morning just to get some heat through the demisters but this is not what it is meant for!
You can also do it accidentally with clumsy fingers and press D and catch the button next to it so they both stay depressed
Am I right in thinking that a lower gear could be selected when driving down a steep hill? By also using the footbrake to prevent overreving, wouldn't this aid control of speed ?
Solos also have these extra selectors but on a lever rather than push button. Some of the ones I drive at Worcester certainly need them to get up hills (Newtown Road is a particular hot spot) as dropping down a gear or two gives it some extra umph!! One or two of the Enviro 300s also have them as well but the majority don't for some reason.
Quote from: j789 on April 21, 2014, 04:45:14 PM
Solos also have these extra selectors but on a lever rather than push button. Some of the ones I drive at Worcester certainly need them to get up hills (Newtown Road is a particular hot spot) as dropping down a gear or two gives it some extra umph!! One or two of the Enviro 300s also have them as well but the majority don't for some reason.
Are they the older 53 plates, or just seemingly random vehicles?
I cant remember the exact fleet number as a while since I drove the vehicle so may be 67601-4 but I am 99% certain it was a 6765... vehicle (possibly 67653 which I think had a rebuilt front end after an accident).
Quote from: Matt on April 20, 2014, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 03:27:23 PM
Quote from: Matt on April 20, 2014, 03:08:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 20, 2014, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Ashley on April 20, 2014, 02:31:18 PM
534 on 47/47A yesterday. Only first and second gears were working if thats useful to anybody from WB garage. Sounded rather good but thats just a spotter talking
On B6s it is possible for the driver to select just 1st & 2nd gears. Not good driving though if doing over 25mph
Is it just B6s in NX's fleet now that have the force 1st/2nd gears?
I asked the driver and he said he couldn't get it into 3rd gear. It sounded good but I did think, this will overheat very soon. Matt how do you mean by force 1st and 2nd gears, do you just mean the ability to over-rev. If so then no you can get any B6 to do it.
No in some older buses such as B6s and Olympians the driver can manually select first and second gear, for steep hills etc. For example in this Leyland Olympian cab if you look at the gear selection panel, below the usual RND are the 1st/2nd gear selection buttons
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6140/5954759251_15707ac64d_z.jpg)
Cracking shot of my favourite cab, the old Olympian. Comfortable, perfect height, loads of space and excellent visibility. If you sat in a Gemini cab and then jumped in here, I know what you'd prefer. The gear selectors were fitted that way at a time when engines and auto transmission were far less compatable and durable with the varied driving conditions. The difference now is that a Scania Omnilink or a Volvo B9 don't struggle in a higher gear like their predecessors may have so there is no longer the need to try to limit them.
Personally though you can't beat a high gear ratio Olympian with a semi auto gear selector. Lovely to drive, until the gears started slipping.
I take it there are a couple of Darts off the road, as there have been B6LEs / Enviro200s on the 41/44 for the past 3 days
This morning a Gemini on the WB 241 (that should leave Halesowen at 10:05) was sat outside the swimming baths at 10:25, after the next (PE) 241 had already unloaded in the bus station. It was empty but still with Halesowen on the display. I wonder if it was broken down?
Quote from: uniquicity on April 25, 2014, 06:06:53 PM
I take it there are a couple of Darts off the road, as there have been B6LEs / Enviro200s on the 41/44 for the past 3 days
3610 was parked at Miller Street this morning.
Quote from: N94 on April 29, 2014, 09:18:48 PM
This morning a Gemini on the WB 241 (that should leave Halesowen at 10:05) was sat outside the swimming baths at 10:25, after the next (PE) 241 had already unloaded in the bus station. It was empty but still with Halesowen on the display. I wonder if it was broken down?
strange you say that,i passed it at 1030 and the driver was sat reading his paper, no hazards on.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 29, 2014, 10:48:07 PM
Quote from: N94 on April 29, 2014, 09:18:48 PM
This morning a Gemini on the WB 241 (that should leave Halesowen at 10:05) was sat outside the swimming baths at 10:25, after the next (PE) 241 had already unloaded in the bus station. It was empty but still with Halesowen on the display. I wonder if it was broken down?
strange you say that,i passed it at 1030 and the driver was sat reading his paper, no hazards on.
Was it the usual old bloke?
Quote from: Matt on April 29, 2014, 10:51:34 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 29, 2014, 10:48:07 PM
Quote from: N94 on April 29, 2014, 09:18:48 PM
This morning a Gemini on the WB 241 (that should leave Halesowen at 10:05) was sat outside the swimming baths at 10:25, after the next (PE) 241 had already unloaded in the bus station. It was empty but still with Halesowen on the display. I wonder if it was broken down?
strange you say that,i passed it at 1030 and the driver was sat reading his paper, no hazards on.
Was it the usual old bloke?
no matt it wasn't him, younger guy.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 29, 2014, 11:03:45 PM
Quote from: Matt on April 29, 2014, 10:51:34 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 29, 2014, 10:48:07 PM
Quote from: N94 on April 29, 2014, 09:18:48 PM
This morning a Gemini on the WB 241 (that should leave Halesowen at 10:05) was sat outside the swimming baths at 10:25, after the next (PE) 241 had already unloaded in the bus station. It was empty but still with Halesowen on the display. I wonder if it was broken down?
strange you say that,i passed it at 1030 and the driver was sat reading his paper, no hazards on.
Was it the usual old bloke?
no matt it wasn't him, younger guy.
Yep, I nearly posted this in the noteworthy workings thread. Not because of the bus, but the 08.15 WB 140 from city was driven by someone who was NOT the usual white haired fella.
Well there you go! The lovely old man that does the WB 140/241 peaks would never be late, fantastic driver and lovely manner with all passengers! Strange though because I do usually see him every morning M-F, I'll keep my eye out today as a drive past, just missed it yesterday as it was in front of me in Blackheath and never got the chance to overtake
Has no one else noticed that, towards Bearwood, the 82 is now using Sandon Road then Rutland Road?
Quote from: uniquicity on May 01, 2014, 10:40:04 AM
Has no one else noticed that, towards Bearwood, the 82 is now using Sandon Road then Rutland Road?
I was in Bearwood just yesterday, and I didn't notice that. Is the 53 going up Sandon/Rutland Road too?
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 01, 2014, 10:49:25 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on May 01, 2014, 10:40:04 AM
Has no one else noticed that, towards Bearwood, the 82 is now using Sandon Road then Rutland Road?
I was in Bearwood just yesterday, and I didn't notice that. Is the 53 going up Sandon/Rutland Road too?
There is a notice on the buses about it, though i can't see it mentioned on the NX website.
I was waiting at the Rutland Road stop weeks ago for the 11A, and noticed that the 82 was on the timetable display there, but couldn't work out why.
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Seems fairly logical. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same to the 62 and whatever else goes past the Wolverhampton ground.
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 06:38:08 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Seems fairly logical. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same to the 62 and whatever else goes past the Wolverhampton ground.
Yes it gets very bad on Waterloo Rd too (People trying to get onto ASDA car park adds to the problem!)
Quote from: Nathan on May 02, 2014, 07:38:36 PM
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 06:38:08 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Seems fairly logical. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same to the 62 and whatever else goes past the Wolverhampton ground.
Yes it gets very bad on Waterloo Rd too (People trying to get onto ASDA car park adds to the problem!)
I think the 244 should divert up Furnace Lane when the Yeltz are playing at home too. It can get quite tight when cars are parked erratically and adjacent to each other
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 07:43:24 PM
Quote from: Nathan on May 02, 2014, 07:38:36 PM
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 06:38:08 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Seems fairly logical. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same to the 62 and whatever else goes past the Wolverhampton ground.
Yes it gets very bad on Waterloo Rd too (People trying to get onto ASDA car park adds to the problem!)
I think the 244 should divert up Furnace Lane when the Yeltz are playing at home too. It can get quite tight when cars are parked erratically and adjacent to each other
244 diverts down whittingham road both directions on match days
Quote from: karl724223 on May 02, 2014, 08:07:18 PM
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 07:43:24 PM
Quote from: Nathan on May 02, 2014, 07:38:36 PM
Quote from: Matt on May 02, 2014, 06:38:08 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Seems fairly logical. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same to the 62 and whatever else goes past the Wolverhampton ground.
Yes it gets very bad on Waterloo Rd too (People trying to get onto ASDA car park adds to the problem!)
I think the 244 should divert up Furnace Lane when the Yeltz are playing at home too. It can get quite tight when cars are parked erratically and adjacent to each other
244 diverts down whittingham road both directions on match days
Oh right cheers karl
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Where are they diverted to, the only diversion I can think of is through Smethwick, past Rolfe Street
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 02, 2014, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on May 02, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
Network West Midlands service changes page been updated at last.
From 25 May 2014, services 74/75 Diverted away from West Bromwich Albion ground for an hour after home football matches?
Where are they diverted to, the only diversion I can think of is through Smethwick, past Rolfe Street
trinity way, dartmouth street and middlemore street i think at the moment, but whether this will be the case from August is another question. this is normally the way they go when Junction 1 M5 screws up as well.
WB 1652 now at miller street
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on May 05, 2014, 01:53:30 PM
WB 1652 now at miller street
It was last at Wolverhampton, only for a few weeks before withdrawal
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on May 05, 2014, 01:53:30 PM
WB 1652 now at miller street
It has been at MS for a number of weeks James :)
Quote from: Nathan on May 05, 2014, 04:45:58 PM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on May 05, 2014, 01:53:30 PM
WB 1652 now at miller street
It has been at MS for a number of weeks James :)
ok thought it got there around this week because B10 7115 was moved next to 9955 at MS
Quote from: tphi12000 on April 29, 2014, 09:30:11 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on April 25, 2014, 06:06:53 PM
I take it there are a couple of Darts off the road, as there have been B6LEs / Enviro200s on the 41/44 for the past 3 days
3610 was parked at Miller Street this morning.
3610 in service today on the 41/44.
4267 is out on the 74E/75.
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 12, 2014, 02:26:03 PM
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
4048 was on the 89 on Saturday and it still had part of its branding missing (On the nearside above the doors and offside above the cab)
Quote from: Nathan on May 12, 2014, 02:37:19 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 12, 2014, 02:26:03 PM
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
4048 was on the 89 on Saturday and it still had part of its branding missing (On the nearside above the doors and offside above the cab)
Oh? The big "5 West Bromwich to Sutton Coldfield" sticker? It was a quick glance while I was getting on 45, I'm 75% certain 4048 has got them back on. Someone would need to confirm for me - I'm in Walsall now.
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 12, 2014, 02:26:03 PM
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
Yeah, it's been like that for a while now. I'm surprised they haven't either rebranded it or debranded it, they just seem happy to leave it the way it is. 4048 appears on the 83/89 fairly regularly
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 12, 2014, 03:33:21 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 12, 2014, 02:26:03 PM
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
Yeah, it's been like that for a while now. I'm surprised they haven't either rebranded it or debranded it, they just seem happy to leave it the way it is. 4048 appears on the 83/89 fairly regularly
It has been fully rebranded, with the addition of the yellow stripe
Another one has had the yellow around the LED replaced too, with the stripe added also
Thanks for explaining, John. I was right then! ;)
Who stole the deckers from the 48? 4 Mercs yesterday, 5 today :(
Quote from: John on May 12, 2014, 06:15:18 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 12, 2014, 03:33:21 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 12, 2014, 02:26:03 PM
Just noticed 4048, a 5 branded President, has a yellow stripe (just one colour) like other branded buses. Apologies in advance if this is a common knowledge. I have not visited West Bromwich for several weeks.
Yeah, it's been like that for a while now. I'm surprised they haven't either rebranded it or debranded it, they just seem happy to leave it the way it is. 4048 appears on the 83/89 fairly regularly
It has been fully rebranded, with the addition of the yellow stripe
Another one has had the yellow around the LED replaced too, with the stripe added also
Oh I see. I didn't notice. Still seems to be used on the &3/89 according to today's post
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:51:51 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Maybe. I will show you a picture to clarify.
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:51:51 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Maybe. I will show you a picture to clarify.
Yup, as previously stated.
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:51:51 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Maybe. I will show you a picture to clarify.
Yeah, says 'Screen Wash' on the panel in black :)
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:57:38 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:51:51 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Maybe. I will show you a picture to clarify.
Yup, as previously stated.
Okay, so should it be in service or not?
Sh4318: Yeah, thanks. I didn't know what it is and I had to find a picture of B6 and crop it. >_>
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:59:28 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:57:38 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 14, 2014, 03:51:51 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 14, 2014, 03:41:34 PM
Blimey. Just saw 568 on 45, it had the uhm... What's the name... The rectangular cover under the front windows missing! Should it be in service having that not covered and looking like that?
The screenwash access panel?
Maybe. I will show you a picture to clarify.
Yup, as previously stated.
Okay, so should it be in service or not?
Sh4318: Yeah, thanks. I didn't know what it is and I had to find a picture of B6 and crop it. >_>
No.
584 currently sitting in the middle of West Brom Bus Station unattended with the bonnet up. Another B6 having to cool off after suffering in the sun again perhaps?
Not read all the posts, however does anyone have any idea whilst driving up sheepcote street, towards Brindley place. I would see a 75 with Wednesbury as the destination driving towards the NIA with passengers on?!?
A 129/128 doing a change over in Brum?!?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on May 14, 2014, 09:23:44 PM
Not read all the posts, however does anyone have any idea whilst driving up sheepcote street, towards Brindley place. I would see a 75 with Wednesbury as the destination driving towards the NIA with passengers on?!?
A 129/128 doing a change over in Brum?!?
Yeah. Must've been a changeover between the 127, 128 or 129. Only West Bromwich routes that operate around there
4048 back in its usual habitat on the 5
this was out today on 121 service is this rare or not ass I belive they normally have the London darts on https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14021107580/
Quote from: Solo1 on May 17, 2014, 09:48:20 PM
this was out today on 121 service is this rare or not https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14021107580/
Not rare
4521's rear dot matrix display isn't working again. Saw it on the 83 on Holly Lane
Has anyone seen 1607 recently, it was the only Merc that I didn't account for on my last visit over
Haven't seen it recently
@4130Quinton. Looks like its still taxed though.
4048 looks funny as the yellow masking around the front blind is thicker. Makes it easy to spot though ;)
1607 on the 42/43 today ;)
1607 was on the 40, followed by the 5 last night. i was driving it.
731 is in the garage at the moment. wondering if we'll get some of those to replace the darts?
Quote from: wbdriver on May 20, 2014, 11:11:07 AM
731 is in the garage at the moment. wondering if we'll get some of those to replace the darts?
They're actually for Dundee.
Quote from: Kiewii on May 20, 2014, 04:32:17 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on May 20, 2014, 11:11:07 AM
731 is in the garage at the moment. wondering if we'll get some of those to replace the darts?
They're actually for Dundee.
Kiewii,
I think WB driver was referring to any new ones that may be due, as WB are expecting some new buses
1607 now parked outside the depot looking dead... #1607watch
Quote from: Winston on May 20, 2014, 05:24:43 PM
Quote from: Kiewii on May 20, 2014, 04:32:17 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on May 20, 2014, 11:11:07 AM
731 is in the garage at the moment. wondering if we'll get some of those to replace the darts?
They're actually for Dundee.
Kiewii,
I think WB driver was referring to any new ones that may be due, as WB are expecting some new buses
correct Winston.
Has 1607 been withdrawn?
Whoops. My 48 just turned left at West Cross instead of going straight on. Thought I'd travelled back in time and was on the 448 ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on May 23, 2014, 09:40:34 AM
Whoops. My 48 just turned left at West Cross instead of going straight on. Thought I'd travelled back in time and was on the 448 ;)
@uniquicity did he actually follow the old route to Blue Gates/Devonshire Road or turn around at the next roundabout :)
No, it turned at the Tollhouse Way roundabout to get back to West Cross. Still got to the university on time. 1666 was the vehicle.
After being thrashed up and down Oldbury Road at 40mph, it did smell of combustion ;)
1666 has always had a delightful diesel smell whenever I've ventured out on her, a good Merc that one
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 23, 2014, 03:38:47 PM
1666 has always had a delightful diesel smell whenever I've ventured out on her, a good Merc that one
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lolwut.com%2Flayout%2Flolwut.jpg&hash=7d0381ea3e39d68cd60e57ae44b16482a1920798)
Probably not healthy to be breathing those fumes, bro.
Forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere in this thread.
WB have the main depot and the overspill yard. This evening I was driving up Spon Lane with 4234 in front of me and a Dudley Road branded Gemini behind me both not in service. After passing the Police Station 4234 proceeded round to the depot and the Gemini pulled into the overspill yard.
Three questions
1. How do drivers know which location to take the bus to, does the running board specify?
2. If buses go directly to the overspill yard how do they get fuelled and washed?
3. At the start of the morning shift I assume drivers collect their bus either from the depot or overspill yard. Do
certain running boards begin from one as opposed to the other. If drivers don't know where the bus for their
running board is in advance doesn't this lead to late starts since it takes about 5 minutes to walk from depot to the
overspill yard?
I hope this makes sense.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 24, 2014, 09:36:03 PM
Forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere in this thread.
WB have the main depot and the overspill yard. This evening I was driving up Spon Lane with 4234 in front of me and a Dudley Road branded Gemini behind me both not in service. After passing the Police Station 4234 proceeded round to the depot and the Gemini pulled into the overspill yard.
Three questions
1. How do drivers know which location to take the bus to, does the running board specify?
2. If buses go directly to the overspill yard how do they get fuelled and washed?
3. At the start of the morning shift I assume drivers collect their bus either from the depot or overspill yard. Do
certain running boards begin from one as opposed to the other. If drivers don't know where the bus for their
running board is in advance doesn't this lead to late starts since it takes about 5 minutes to walk from depot to the
overspill yard?
I hope this makes sense.
1) Running board specifies.
2) Shunter takes them back over to the depot.
3) Allocation sheets dictate where the vehicle is.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 24, 2014, 09:39:40 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 24, 2014, 09:36:03 PM
Forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere in this thread.
WB have the main depot and the overspill yard. This evening I was driving up Spon Lane with 4234 in front of me and a Dudley Road branded Gemini behind me both not in service. After passing the Police Station 4234 proceeded round to the depot and the Gemini pulled into the overspill yard.
Three questions
1. How do drivers know which location to take the bus to, does the running board specify?
2. If buses go directly to the overspill yard how do they get fuelled and washed?
3. At the start of the morning shift I assume drivers collect their bus either from the depot or overspill yard. Do
certain running boards begin from one as opposed to the other. If drivers don't know where the bus for their
running board is in advance doesn't this lead to late starts since it takes about 5 minutes to walk from depot to the
overspill yard?
I hope this makes sense.
1) Running board specifies.
2) Shunter takes them back over to the depot.
3) Allocation sheets dictate where the vehicle is.
How many vehicles does the overspill yard hold?
Also does anyone know how many vehicles are allocated to WB.
Just trying to work out how many buses they'd need to lose, to get rid of the overspill yard.
Quote from: Michael on May 25, 2014, 12:53:30 AM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 24, 2014, 09:39:40 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 24, 2014, 09:36:03 PM
Forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere in this thread.
WB have the main depot and the overspill yard. This evening I was driving up Spon Lane with 4234 in front of me and a Dudley Road branded Gemini behind me both not in service. After passing the Police Station 4234 proceeded round to the depot and the Gemini pulled into the overspill yard.
Three questions
1. How do drivers know which location to take the bus to, does the running board specify?
2. If buses go directly to the overspill yard how do they get fuelled and washed?
3. At the start of the morning shift I assume drivers collect their bus either from the depot or overspill yard. Do
certain running boards begin from one as opposed to the other. If drivers don't know where the bus for their
running board is in advance doesn't this lead to late starts since it takes about 5 minutes to walk from depot to the
overspill yard?
I hope this makes sense.
1) Running board specifies.
2) Shunter takes them back over to the depot.
3) Allocation sheets dictate where the vehicle is.
How many vehicles does the overspill yard hold?
Also does anyone know how many vehicles are allocated to WB.
Just trying to work out how many buses they'd need to lose, to get rid of the overspill yard.
WB's allocation is around 163.
I think the overflow yard holds around 30 buses
There's a view on bing or Google maps which shows the yard full up. Think it had 45 vehicles, so basically the same size as Bordesley allocation wise.
Quote from: uniquicity on May 25, 2014, 01:37:25 AM
There's a view on bing or Google maps which shows the yard full up. Think it had 45 vehicles, so basically the same size as Bordesley allocation wise.
Didn't realize it held that many. So the main WB garage capacity is similar to Pensnett's then i.e. can accommodate 120 buses
The Sunday decker boards are out on the 5 all day.
Quote from: Michael on May 25, 2014, 12:53:30 AM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on May 24, 2014, 09:39:40 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 24, 2014, 09:36:03 PM
Forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere in this thread.
WB have the main depot and the overspill yard. This evening I was driving up Spon Lane with 4234 in front of me and a Dudley Road branded Gemini behind me both not in service. After passing the Police Station 4234 proceeded round to the depot and the Gemini pulled into the overspill yard.
Three questions
1. How do drivers know which location to take the bus to, does the running board specify?
2. If buses go directly to the overspill yard how do they get fuelled and washed?
3. At the start of the morning shift I assume drivers collect their bus either from the depot or overspill yard. Do
certain running boards begin from one as opposed to the other. If drivers don't know where the bus for their
running board is in advance doesn't this lead to late starts since it takes about 5 minutes to walk from depot to the
overspill yard?
I hope this makes sense.
1) Running board specifies.
2) Shunter takes them back over to the depot.
3) Allocation sheets dictate where the vehicle is.
How many vehicles does the overspill yard hold?
Also does anyone know how many vehicles are allocated to WB.
Just trying to work out how many buses they'd need to lose, to get rid of the overspill yard.
1 - only late night drivers can drop their bus off at Oak Road on a night. all other drivers finishing at garage MUST take it down to the main garage.
2 and 3 correct.
i think max capacity up OR is 45ish. any bus except darts can end up there, including branded buses. its the luck of the draw when you book on in the morning. Drivers can either catch a lift with a passing bus, walk or catch the WB Mobile (garage Vauxhall Astra) up there.
@wbdriver - Just using BC standard for answering, sorry about number 1.
1 - only late night drivers can drop their bus off at Oak Road on a night. all other drivers finishing at garage MUST take it down to the main garage.
.
[/quote]
WB driver when you say 'only late night drivers can drop their bus off...' I assume you mean drivers who are doing a late night duty but finish in depot after the first part of their duty and then need to get back to the bus station to take up the second part of their duty. By 8p.m. at the latest the overspill yard is full and the gates locked.
1666 and 591 running consecutively on WB40
813 has some side adverts above the windows advertising the £8 ticket I think
Quote from: uniquicity on May 31, 2014, 06:44:18 PM
813 has some side adverts above the windows advertising the £8 ticket I think
811 has these too
4716 was in the bus station yesterday around 4pm with a couple of engineers on.
816 (I think) was on the 121.
I saw 3 Mercs on the 5: 1653, 1589, and one in TWM livery.
819 was on the 83 at 6:15, I don't know if this usually happens or not?
@N94 Enviros on the 83/89 are unusual
810 4249 and a Gemini on the 5 today
3603 on the 40, no Mercs or deckers so far this week
A 87 had a Rta with a car bottom of trindle road earlier
Is there any differences in engine between the 44**/45** and 46** batch of Geminis? I ask because the 46** Geminis seem to have a bit more about them
Quote from: uniquicity on May 31, 2014, 06:44:18 PM
813 has some side adverts above the windows advertising the £8 ticket I think
808 at Central also has these now
Most have the WB ones have them now, apart from 815 which I saw on Monday
Ive just had confirmation that the mercs and b6's are being withdrawn at the end of the month and that wb will be having e400h's for the 74
Quote from: NXDom on June 06, 2014, 08:03:02 AM
Ive just had confirmation that the mercs and b6's are being withdrawn at the end of the month and that wb will be having e400h's for the 74
Confirmed by who?
No new buses will be delivered in June so West Bromwich will be very short of buses if the B6s and Mercs are withdrawn.
This story was also posted on WMbus yahoo group 'confirmed by the WB garage manager' which is also incorrect
Are NXWM even due E400Hs this year? Thought it would just be the MMC model.
Quote from: danny on June 06, 2014, 09:27:21 AM
Are NXWM even due E400Hs this year? Thought it would just be the MMC model.
The E400H's are Hybrids for starters, so definitely not.
I believe NXWM are due some further E400's this year (as the current design) before changing to the E400 MMC
we are getting some enviro darts like the dundee ones and i think some long wheel base enviro 200s from July onwards, fresh from the factory as the union chaps said last night to replace the darts, b6s and mercs. about 10 of each. no mention of any new deckers at all.
nothing else to report at the minute.
Quote from: wbdriver on June 06, 2014, 09:59:17 AM
we are getting some enviro darts like the dundee ones and i think some long wheel base enviro 200s from July onwards, fresh from the factory as the union chaps said last night to replace the darts, b6s and mercs. about 10 of each. no mention of any new deckers at all.
nothing else to report at the minute.
I've also heard talk of new E200's for WN to replace B6's however it has been said WN are not due to recieve any new buses this so must be incorrect. I also wonder if WA will actually recieve any E200's like previously suggested?
Quote from: Nathan on June 06, 2014, 10:43:26 AM
Quote from: wbdriver on June 06, 2014, 09:59:17 AM
we are getting some enviro darts like the dundee ones and i think some long wheel base enviro 200s from July onwards, fresh from the factory as the union chaps said last night to replace the darts, b6s and mercs. about 10 of each. no mention of any new deckers at all.
nothing else to report at the minute.
I've also heard talk of new E200's for WN to replace B6's however it has been said WN are not due to recieve any new buses this so must be incorrect. I also wonder if WA will actually recieve any E200's like previously suggested?
Nathan, WA had only bid for new E200's, they didn't confirm that they were getting them. That was also over 7 months ago, so no doubt plans will have changed since then.
@Winston Thats why i said 'I wonder if'. Has the delivery date been put back for the new buses for this year to July?
Quote from: Nathan on June 06, 2014, 11:44:25 AM
@Winston Thats why i said 'I wonder if'. Has the delivery date been put back for the new buses for this year to July?
Don't think so, WB Driver has confirmed above that E200's will start arriving from July.
An NXWM E400 was also sighted at Falkirk a week ago
Quote from: Winston on June 06, 2014, 11:48:26 AM
Quote from: Nathan on June 06, 2014, 11:44:25 AM
@Winston Thats why i said 'I wonder if'. Has the delivery date been put back for the new buses for this year to July?
Don't think so, WB Driver has confirmed above that E200's will start arriving from July.
An NXWM E400 was also sighted at Falkirk a week ago
Cheers Winston :)
@Winston surprisingly I did know that the E400H was the hybrid version which is why I was quite shocked .
Realistically speaking how many E200s would be needed to see off the mercs and B6s. And would more have to be instated then that of the number of buses withdrawn. As I don't frequent WB very often I don't no if the mercs. Are used to capacity hence.
Well there are 11 B6LEs and 8 Darts, so if 20 Enviro200s are on order then these will replace them almost like for like. Does that mean some Mercs are being replaced by cascades from elsewhere?
Quote from: uniquicity on June 06, 2014, 04:06:41 PM
Well there are 11 B6LEs and 8 Darts, so if 20 Enviro200s are on order then these will replace them almost like for like. Does that mean some Mercs are being replaced by cascades from elsewhere?
Presumably B7TLs could replace Mercs on routes like the 48 and then, as you say, darts and b6s replaced by nice new e200s. No doubt slightly less e200's could replace the b6s and darts as they will probably be more reliable?
The PVR of all the potential Enviro200 routes is 31. 20 more would give WB 34. Thats a spare % of 9.68.
Took this just before 5pm today. 820 has had a little accident.
At least 820 apologised :P
Not a lot is being made of the change to operate the 89 along Oldbury Road and Mallin St rather than St Paul's Road, I wonder how passengers will react when all of a sudden one day their 89 goes past Smethwick Galton Bridge rather than St Paul's Road
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/winson-green-bus-driver-attacked-7236419
anyone knows who these knobheads are? please let the police know. ta
Quote from: wbdriver on June 09, 2014, 11:43:07 AM
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/winson-green-bus-driver-attacked-7236419
anyone knows who these knobheads are? please let the police know. ta
Update: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/winson-green-bus-attack-two-7301147
4532 has the £8 daysaver ad now
Quote from: uniquicity on June 24, 2014, 09:31:52 AM
4532 has the £8 daysaver ad now
I saw a 463* ($636 i think) at the weekend with an advert above the doors
A Coventry liveried alexander alx400 trident arrived at West Bromwich garage towards the end of last week , currently parked in refurb bay , didn't see fleet number
Quote from: 2900 on June 25, 2014, 10:55:26 PM
A Coventry liveried alexander alx400 trident arrived at West Bromwich garage towards the end of last week , currently parked in refurb bay , didn't see fleet number
It may well be 4407, which is currently in for refurb
Continuing from the Enviro400 thread, it looks like 10 short E200s are coming here. Which is a strange number. 7 would have been enough for the 41/44 and 121, so I'm guessing 3 will appear on the 47/47A too
Quote from: uniquicity on July 01, 2014, 07:54:16 PM
Continuing from the Enviro400 thread, it looks like 10 short E200s are coming here. Which is a strange number. 7 would have been enough for the 41/44 and 121, so I'm guessing 3 will appear on the 47/47A too
@uniquicity what's the PVR of the 40, if I'm right in thinking 5, that means 6 E200s for the 46, 5 for the 40, with your estimations, the 3 spare E200s and 3 spare short E200s would be enough for the 47/47A.
I've probably got that completely wrong
@Sh4318The PVR of the 40 is 6. 12 are needed with the 46, so there are only 2 spare so the 47/47A can't be fully converted.
I'm assuming the 10 short E200s will replace 8 Darts and 2 B6LE. 2 on the 121, 4 on the 41/44, 3 on the 47/47A with 1 spare maybe.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 01, 2014, 09:22:44 PM
@Sh4318
The PVR of the 40 is 6. 12 are needed with the 46, so there are only 2 spare so the 47/47A can't be fully converted.
I'm assuming the 10 short E200s will replace 8 Darts and 2 B6LE. 2 on the 121, 4 on the 41/44, 3 on the 47/47A with 1 spare maybe.
@uniquicity ahh, I knew I made a mistake there somewhere. So presumably PB would receive 4 short E200s? 3 for the 654/A and 1 spare
Yeah. Looking at the timetable the PVR is 3 so that would fit
Remembering back to Express and Star article which stated WB was to get 20 new buses the year, I'm guessing the other 10 will be E200s similar to 801-30 and replace the remaining B6LEs and maybe a couple of Mercs (i.e. the allocation of the 45 and half of the 47/47A)
Why do I see WB being a garage of only midi-buses and deckers?
I can see the 5, 42/43, 48, 74/75, 80, 82/87, 83/89, 127-9 all being double deck, and everything else being midi-bus (although it might be a stretch to put midi-buses on the 49)
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 01, 2014, 09:58:30 PM
Why do I see WB being a garage of only midi-buses and deckers?
I can see the 5, 42/43, 48, 74/75, 80, 82/87, 83/89, 127-9 all being double deck, and everything else being midi-bus (although it might be a stretch to put midi-buses on the 49)
You could put deckers on there!
Quote from: Tony on July 01, 2014, 10:00:54 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 01, 2014, 09:58:30 PM
Why do I see WB being a garage of only midi-buses and deckers?
I can see the 5, 42/43, 48, 74/75, 80, 82/87, 83/89, 127-9 all being double deck, and everything else being midi-bus (although it might be a stretch to put midi-buses on the 49)
You could put deckers on there!
Thanks, I never thought of that.
4249 just left Birmingham on the 80. I assume it's just a matter of time before WB fix its rear dot matrix. WB are usually quiet good at fixing for dot matrix malfunctions, i.e. 4272, 4297, 4521
Not on the Darts - 3602s side blind has always been ropey & 3610s rear blind has never ever worked.
(1653 on the 46 today btw)
@uniquicity good point. They've always neglected the darts in that respect.
Just seen 1653, it's doing the 11:41 from Queens Head - Scott Arms
Oak road out station refurb should be completed by sept,October , porta cabins ,old buildings demolished and replaced, resurfaced , parking bays painted on, new flood lights etc etc . About bloody time.
Quote from: 2900 on July 03, 2014, 11:35:09 PM
Oak road out station refurb should be completed by sept,October , porta cabins ,old buildings demolished and replaced, resurfaced , parking bays painted on, new flood lights etc etc . About bloody time.
It's all happening down WB garage the next few months then.
I thought that land the outstation was on, was to be compulsory purchased by Sandwell Council as part of the re-development of the Town Centre
Other than the drivers mess being painted vomit cream color ,some new notice boards ,h&s notices every bloody where and a tiny flat screen tv, west brom has had nothing to shout about for quite some considerable time. Man this is one shit garage.
What are the facilities like in the rest room at the Bus Station. I guess most driver would spend their break their rather than returning to depot?
Where you have your breaks depends on your rota , services that serve west brom bus station drivers have access to the canteen there which is decent enough , some toe rag stole the tv from there 18 months ago ,this is the 2nd that has gone walk about cento say nothing on CCTV what a load of bollocks, still waiting for a replacement . If your doing oldbury services your breaks are usually taken in your car , library , sainsbury , McDonald's , or the bus shelter . On Sundays after 4pm you have nothing other than McDonalds which costs money to use there facility . Truly awfull in winter when you spend your break in a bus shelter . Company still expects drivers to deliver first class service. Drivers still waiting for canteen facility's in oldbury since 2002 . Management keep fobbing drivers off . Shoddy treatment doesn't even come close to the way many feel.
680 sighted in Dudley Bus Station just before 2PM with some drivers aboard. As i mentioned in the PE thread its most likley route training for the 20th July changes (The 127)
I saw 1653 in Roseville earlier pulling onto B'ham New Rd following my bus upto Priory Rd junction. It had 49-Bearwood Via Langley Green and Causeway Green on the blinds and was being driven by an engineer. I wonder where it was coming from? Any ideas?
Quote from: Nathan on July 06, 2014, 10:18:57 PM
I saw 1653 in Roseville earlier pulling onto B'ham New Rd following my bus upto Priory Rd junction. It had 49-Bearwood Via Langley Green and Causeway Green on the blinds and was being driven by an engineer. I wonder where it was coming from? Any ideas?
I doubt it had actually been on the 49 today. That would be very unusual.
Quote from: Matt on July 06, 2014, 11:28:55 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 06, 2014, 10:18:57 PM
I saw 1653 in Roseville earlier pulling onto B'ham New Rd following my bus upto Priory Rd junction. It had 49-Bearwood Via Langley Green and Causeway Green on the blinds and was being driven by an engineer. I wonder where it was coming from? Any ideas?
I doubt it had actually been on the 49 today. That would be very unusual.
Didn't say it did. Probably was on there on Saturday. But it came fom Coseley/Roseville so i wonder what it was doing?
1653 back out on the 45 today.
The first 3 casualties of the new arrivals at West Bromwich have already occurred despite the new arrivals not here yet
569; 1702 & 3602 are all now at Miller Street
Quote from: Tony on July 07, 2014, 11:30:23 AM
The first 3 casualties of the new arrivals at West Bromwich have already occurred despite the new arrivals not here yet
569; 1702 & 3602 are all now at Miller Street
Crikey. When was the last time WB has less than 160 vehicles?
Don't know the exact PVR at the moment, but they must be running with only 7-8% spare presently
Something was up with the 48 today.
The 17.02 departure from WB was running as a 48E to Weoley Castle so presumably late. The 17.32 (1696) arrived in WB 35 mins late, alongside 4514 which was the bus behind
Quote from: uniquicity on July 08, 2014, 06:43:12 PM
Something was up with the 48 today.
The 17.02 departure from WB was running as a 48E to Bartley Green so presumably late. The 17.32 (1696) arrived in WB 35 mins late, alongside 4514 which was the bus behind
The 48 terminates at Bartley Green anyway ???
Weoley Castle. Just testing ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on July 08, 2014, 06:46:54 PM
Weoley Castle. Just testing ;)
I wouldn't have thought the roller blinds would have had Weoley Castle on them!
The 48E was a decker ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on July 08, 2014, 07:03:31 PM
The 48E was a decker ;)
With them losing 4 single deck (564, 569, 1702 & 3602) and one double deck (4115) so far without replacement and two buses away for refurb they will be working to the limit with fewer spares. They have managed to get a full service out yesterday and today without borrowing from other garages, so a few odd workings are likely. It is possible their first new buses may arrive Friday. Registration will be on the main site soon
Has 1696 got a gearbox off an older merc? Sounded like it when it passed me in Bearwood earlier.
Quote from: Tony on July 08, 2014, 07:33:23 PM
With them losing 4 single deck (564, 569, 1702 & 3602) and one double deck (4115) so far without replacement and two buses away for refurb they will be working to the limit with fewer spares. They have managed to get a full service out yesterday and today without borrowing from other garages, so a few odd workings are likely. It is possible their first new buses may arrive Friday. Registration will be on the main site soon
So the new buses likely to be pushed into service straight away then?
1656 (I think) being towed out of the QE hospital about 45 mins ago.
How fitting ;D
Quote from: AndrewLee on July 09, 2014, 01:03:20 PM
1656 (I think) being towed out of the QE hospital about 45 mins ago.
If 1656 is unwell, shouldn't it have been towed into the QE? ;D ;D ;D
I noticed a merc dumped in the far corner of the out station ,with a red label stuck on windscreen, looked like an ex Hockley vehicle.
It won't be 1656 as that is at Coventry
Yeah couldn't remember the number - it was dead anyway
The dead Merc at Oak Road is 1697.
R.I.P 1697, a favourite of mine, a few years ago when PE were short of Mercs and had to lend one from WB, for some reason quite often it would be 1697 and would seem to end up on the X96.
754 & 755 have just arrived at West Bromwich garage
Quote from: Tony on July 11, 2014, 01:52:53 PM
754 & 755 have just arrived at West Bromwich garage
I take it they are required in service sharpish & are not going to WA first for preparation then
Typical, had a walk round the outskirts of Oak Lane an hour ago and didn't see anything
Quote from: uniquicity on July 11, 2014, 02:10:37 PM
Typical, had a walk round the outskirts of Oak Lane an hour ago and didn't see anything
I got sent a photograph timed at 13:48 of them right by the gates
Cool, might have another wander in a bit. ;) I'm only two streets away ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on July 11, 2014, 02:21:36 PM
Cool, might have another wander in a bit. ;) I'm only two streets away ;)
And still you can't see them :P
Was just outside when 2 more got delivered, 756 and 757 and I have a photo.
What's the length of these ones? 8.9m?
757. But not a Boeing.
Anyone know which gearbox these new 200s have?
Hopefully one of the new Enviros will make an appearance on the 46 at some point :D
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 11, 2014, 07:01:02 PM
Hopefully one of the new Enviros will make an appearance on the 46 at some point :D
God these damn route numbers confuse me. I was thinking 63 plate E400s and the PB 46 and wondering why it was in this thread.
Quote from: Mike K on July 11, 2014, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 11, 2014, 07:01:02 PM
Hopefully one of the new Enviros will make an appearance on the 46 at some point :D
God these damn route numbers confuse me. I was thinking 63 plate E400s and the PB 46 and wondering why it was in this thread.
A 14 plate E200 could appear on either!
Here is 754
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/754.html
Quote from: Matt on July 11, 2014, 05:56:32 PM
Anyone know which gearbox these new 200s have?
To this specification I would imagine Voith
Quote from: Tony on July 11, 2014, 07:45:23 PM
Here is 754
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/754.html
With that ridiculously short wheel base that looks like a really bad cut and shut.
Is there a reason the fleet name looks tiny ? Branding maybe ?
Or is it just because it's a baby bus ?
Anyone want to put money on one of them getting on the 141 or 74??
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 11, 2014, 09:53:49 PM
Anyone want to put money on one of them getting on the 141 or 74??
I'm thinking exactly the same when PB get theirs, fully expecting one to end up on the 16 or the 94 at one point
I see WB are getting some cute little E200's
Whoopie more rattle cans , send,em straight to Pvs by pass service all together , sparing passengers and drivers migraines .
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
Are these the short wheel base enviro 200's?
Quote from: NXDom on July 12, 2014, 03:02:43 PM
Are these the short wheel base enviro 200's?
Yes they are Dom :) 831 onwards will be the long wheelbase ones (Like 801-30)
Quote from: 2900 on July 12, 2014, 11:18:41 AM
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
I hope they have an Allison gearbox but knowing NX somehow I doubt it!
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: 2900 on July 12, 2014, 11:18:41 AM
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
I hope they have an Allison gearbox but knowing NX somehow I doubt it!
What's the gearbox spec of 801-30? Voith?
Quote from: Nathan on July 12, 2014, 03:25:47 PM
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: 2900 on July 12, 2014, 11:18:41 AM
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
I hope they have an Allison gearbox but knowing NX somehow I doubt it!
What's the gearbox spec of 801-30? Voith?
Yes
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 12, 2014, 03:25:47 PM
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: 2900 on July 12, 2014, 11:18:41 AM
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
I hope they have an Allison gearbox but knowing NX somehow I doubt it!
What's the gearbox spec of 801-30? Voith?
Yes
Thought they were, Cheers :)
Quote from: Nathan on July 12, 2014, 03:28:21 PM
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 12, 2014, 03:25:47 PM
Quote from: Matt on July 12, 2014, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: 2900 on July 12, 2014, 11:18:41 AM
What's the specs on the various e200s , engine , gearbox, axles, brakes etc appreciate any info
I hope they have an Allison gearbox but knowing NX somehow I doubt it!
What's the gearbox spec of 801-30? Voith?
Yes
Thought they were, Cheers :)
For me Allison gearboxes are far superior, far quicker pull off than their Voith equivalents of course and seem to change gear at the best time. We all know how good Solos from the 2006 - 2010 era are.
Allison are crap and boring, I hope they are voith like the 62 plates, you dont see many short midis with voiths so they'd be interesting on that score alone.
@trident4370 @Matt do Arriva's Enviro 200s have Allison gearboxes?
The ones that are on the 35 do I think.
What routes are these e200's for?
Quote from: NXDom on July 12, 2014, 04:34:11 PM
What routes are these e200's for?
Logic dictates the 41, 44, 47 & 121
@Matt don't forget the odd 45/46 possibly?
I say put the entire enviro 200 fleet on Dudley road or soho road should be laugh .
@2900 I think at least 1 will end up on the 74 eventually. Probably the board that the 141 will be on if they did...
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 12, 2014, 04:44:47 PM
@Matt don't forget the odd 45/46 possibly?
tbh they will most likely appear on most of WB's services at some point especially routes already operated by the 62 plate E200's
The first 4 E200s are now parked up in the 'Dart yard' at the top of the car park
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/755.html
Appear to be ready to roll except tax discs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in use by the middle of next week
I notice that new buses these days arrive complete ready to roll no messing. Back In the day buses arrived half built I kid but engineers did spend ages fitting bits of equipment and decals etc it could take weeks . IMO having complete buses from factory is a far better option.
Am i vindicated lol
757 came to Dudley for Black Country day (yesterday)
Picture from facebook
754 was on wb 45
756 was on wb 5 last night
755 was on the 47A in the day.
42 route looks a good one to check today. They aren't on the AVL system, so i cannot see for definate where they are
Just saw 756 on the 42/43.
I hope one gets on the 141 board west bromwich start next week
I assume the 'lower' fleet number for these Enviro200's - is because they are the shorter wheel-based ones? (i.e. they weren't ever going to be 831-44 etc).
757 also on the 42/43 in its first real day out.
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2014, 08:38:57 PM
The first 4 E200s are now parked up in the 'Dart yard' at the top of the car park
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/755.html
Appear to be ready to roll except tax discs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in use by the middle of next week
Hahahaha, WHERE'Z THE REST OF UR BUS, M8?!
Quote from: uniquicity on July 11, 2014, 05:55:20 PM
757. But not a Boeing.
Ha. With how slow 801 etc is then it'll be the farthest thing from a Boeing!
To bump the question that has been asked several times. Does anyone know any of the spec details of these 200s, engine, gearbox etc.?
My VRM lookup doesn't quote a cc figure, but it says that YY14WHE has a 140bhp Cummins engine.
Sunday allocations will be very interesting once all the new Enviros are in service. Potentially all the Mercs could be kept in the garage on Sundays
Odds on a 7xx enviro doing the west bromwich 289 in lieu of the 8xx ones
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 15, 2014, 08:20:17 PM
Odds on a 7xx enviro doing the west bromwich 289 in lieu of the 8xx ones
Sunday 289s, wouldn't one of TGB taxis manage on it!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 15, 2014, 08:29:55 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 15, 2014, 08:20:17 PM
Odds on a 7xx enviro doing the west bromwich 289 in lieu of the 8xx ones
Sunday 289s, wouldn't one of TGB taxis manage on it!
Are you obsessed with our taxis?
Quote from: Matt on July 15, 2014, 08:32:12 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 15, 2014, 08:29:55 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 15, 2014, 08:20:17 PM
Odds on a 7xx enviro doing the west bromwich 289 in lieu of the 8xx ones
Sunday 289s, wouldn't one of TGB taxis manage on it!
Are you obsessed with our taxis?
Sorry Matt, couldn't resist it. :) :)
Just read about the route change to service 44 in Tipton area to replace Arriva's 310. Seems pretty pointless in my opinion. It is only covering one small part of the route along Alexandra Road (Which is also covered by Diamond's 42A / 42C). Waste of time & effort!
when are the rest of the batch due as they have 4 would of thought they would of had them all together & then put them into service
My spots of the new E200 mini's so far
One on the 40 on monday
757 on 42/43 yesterday
Saw three today, 755 was one
More interested in the Darts and B6's though
To answer another question, the engine is a powerless shoebox sized thing with a Voith gearbox
I drove 756 and 757 yesterday on the 42/43 routes. 755 seems to keep going back to depot with a couple of issues.
Not too bad to be fair but god are they slow to pull away!
Quote from: Solo1 on July 16, 2014, 05:37:28 PM
when are the rest of the batch due as they have 4 would of thought they would of had them all together & then put them into service
Quote from: Tony on June 23, 2014, 07:45:43 PM
... 751-764 are expected to be delivered between 8th & 21st of July...
Quote from: Ashley on July 16, 2014, 08:31:24 PM
My spots of the new E200 mini's so far
One on the 40 on monday
757 on 42/43 yesterday
Saw three today, 755 was one
More interested in the Darts and B6's though
To answer another question, the engine is a powerless shoebox sized thing with a Voith gearbox
There was one on the 46 today. Don't know which one it was though
Are the 74/75 getting the commonwealth buses then?
Quote from: John on July 16, 2014, 09:10:35 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 16, 2014, 08:31:24 PM
My spots of the new E200 mini's so far
One on the 40 on monday
757 on 42/43 yesterday
Saw three today, 755 was one
More interested in the Darts and B6's though
To answer another question, the engine is a powerless shoebox sized thing with a Voith gearbox
There was one on the 46 today. Don't know which one it was though
When I saw them today:
754 - 46
755 - ? (possibly 45 or 46?)
756 - 47A
757 - 47
I'm not sure what 755 was on, I only saw it as I was leaving and can't remember what route it was on. 754, 756 and 757 were all in the bus station at almost the same time. I can imagine people getting on them and thinking "Wasn't this bus was bigger yesterday?"
I'll upload pictures to flickr tomorrow
Quote from: monkeyjoe on July 16, 2014, 10:09:25 PM
Are the 74/75 getting the commonwealth buses then?
Tony said 100 buses by September so the Commonwealth buses could still go somewhere else.
Quote from: Andrew on July 16, 2014, 10:24:37 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on July 16, 2014, 10:09:25 PM
Are the 74/75 getting the commonwealth buses then?
Tony said 100 buses by September so the Commonwealth buses could still go somewhere else.
20 buses wouldn't be enough to cover the PVR of the 74/75, you'd need 30+
The Oldbury Road isn't that bad for noise pollution today (albeit, I haven't seen any 47**s yet). 4234 (on the 89, I think) and 4518 (87) are up to their usual antics. 4225 (87), 4505 (80) & 4507 (89) are as quiet as ever (for a B7 anyway)
EDIT: 4234 was on the 80, saw it again a minute ago, still with the coolers on
Quote from: WB on July 16, 2014, 08:38:45 PM
I drove 756 and 757 yesterday on the 42/43 routes. 755 seems to keep going back to depot with a couple of issues.
Not too bad to be fair but god are they slow to pull away!
No change from the rest of the E200's then! Are they as rattly and unstable as the full length E200's?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on July 17, 2014, 03:15:37 PM
Quote from: WB on July 16, 2014, 08:38:45 PM
I drove 756 and 757 yesterday on the 42/43 routes. 755 seems to keep going back to depot with a couple of issues.
Not too bad to be fair but god are they slow to pull away!
No change from the rest of the E200's then! Are they as rattly and unstable as the full length E200's?
I've ridden some of the Enviro 200s at BC now, and they are still miles better than Optare's Solo SRs which I have to put up with every day of the week (808 in particular was very good). The Solo SR engines sound rotten on most of them, and struggle along any slight incline, with noisy cooling fans almost up to the extent of the B7s. The suspension on one was leaning the other day, and the ride terrible. One of the Solos used also had a loose window at the back which would move very freely whilst moving! I had one driver tell me that they were useless, constantly breaking down (they'd dismantled the engine on one and still couldn't find the problem straight away), rattly cramped cabs with a poor seat. I still miss the Liberators down on the S2/S3 - solid reliable buses that did their job well. The Solos will never last as along as them.
I'd still take Enviro 200s any day over the solo SRs.
Nobody noticed the new e200s havnt got tax disks
@karl724223 they don't need to display them now do they under the new dvla policy?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on July 17, 2014, 03:15:37 PM
Quote from: WB on July 16, 2014, 08:38:45 PM
I drove 756 and 757 yesterday on the 42/43 routes. 755 seems to keep going back to depot with a couple of issues.
Not too bad to be fair but god are they slow to pull away!
No change from the rest of the E200's then! Are they as rattly and unstable as the full length E200's?
They rattle just as much as the big ones do. Quality, eh ::)
48 was on diversion this afternoon. Harborne Road was being resurfaced so it was turning left onto Abbey Road and following the 129 route to Bearwood. Same in reverse.
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 17, 2014, 06:11:58 PM
@karl724223 they don't need to display them now do they under the new dvla policy?
i know that I'm just saying nobody else spotted it
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 17, 2014, 06:11:58 PM
@karl724223 they don't need to display them now do they under the new dvla policy?
Thought that didn't begin till October?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 17, 2014, 06:44:40 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 17, 2014, 06:11:58 PM
@karl724223 they don't need to display them now do they under the new dvla policy?
Thought that didn't begin till October?
i think thats for the older fleet
Quote from: karl724223 on July 17, 2014, 06:09:19 PM
Nobody noticed the new e200s havnt got tax disks
i wonder if this is the same as new cars. you get a certificate of registration, and 14 days grace to use the vehicle whilst the dvla post the tax disc. if you don't receive it within 8 days, they ask you to contact them. (a relative has ordered a new motor, and asked me to make sense of the letter he received from the dealer) so i wondered if this applies to all new vehicle registrations?
3 more Enviro200s have just been delivered to WB. One of them was 759, didn't see the numbers of the other 2
Could anybody tell me where the Short Wheelbase E200's are today please? I am currently about to depart Wolverhampton on the 79 and i want to try and get a ride on one of the 75*'s when i arrive in West Bromwich :)
Cheers :)
Think one was on the 46, one on the 42/43 and 2 on the 47/47A. All 4 were definitely out this morning.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 18, 2014, 01:07:57 PM
Think one was on the 46, one on the 42/43 and 2 on the 47/47A. All 4 were definitely out this morning.
Thanks for that :) Much appreciated. I will try and catch the one on the 42/3 then as that will take me closer to home
It will do the 15.15 43 to Bilston, so you won't see it for a while I think
Quote from: Nathan on July 18, 2014, 01:15:31 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on July 18, 2014, 01:07:57 PM
Think one was on the 46, one on the 42/43 and 2 on the 47/47A. All 4 were definitely out this morning.
Thanks for that :) Much appreciated. I will try and catch the one on the 42/3 then as that will take me closer to home
Would have thought the 47s were easier for you. Two on that route and you could have just got off the 79 at Wednesbury for it
Quote from: Tony on July 18, 2014, 01:28:34 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 18, 2014, 01:15:31 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on July 18, 2014, 01:07:57 PM
Think one was on the 46, one on the 42/43 and 2 on the 47/47A. All 4 were definitely out this morning.
Thanks for that :) Much appreciated. I will try and catch the one on the 42/3 then as that will take me closer to home
Would have thought the 47s were easier for you. Two on that route and you could have just got off the 79 at Wednesbury for it
Suppose so :) Never done the 47 route before so i will try it out. What are the fleet numbers of the E200's on the 47 may i ask?
Don't remember. Sorry.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 18, 2014, 01:25:09 PM
It will do the 15.15 43 to Bilston, so you won't see it for a while I think
Well if i am in West Brom at that time then i will catch it as i can get home from Bilston without having to go through W'ton City Centre ;)
Tax disks now fitted ??
755 was the one on the 46. 757 was on the 45. 754 was on the 47/A
Are some of the Darts off this weekend?
Does anyone know what time the trips on the 141 west bromwich are going to operate are?
Quote from: Ashley on July 18, 2014, 07:19:19 PM
755 was the one on the 46. 757 was on the 45. 754 was on the 47/A
Are some of the Darts off this weekend?
If you are referring today then 757 was on the 47.
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 18, 2014, 07:24:24 PM
Does anyone know what time the trips on the 141 west bromwich are going to operate are?
all the running boards for the 141 I have are all from pensnett non from west brom
Quote from: karl724223 on July 18, 2014, 08:30:48 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 18, 2014, 07:24:24 PM
Does anyone know what time the trips on the 141 west bromwich are going to operate are?
all the running boards for the 141 I have are all from pensnett non from west brom
This thread mentioned about WB doing a peak trip on the 141
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=3017.0
Quote from: fleetline6477 on July 04, 2014, 06:47:57 PM
This morning I was speaking to the regular driver who operates the a.m. peak running board on the 140 / 241. He said that with the changes to the 140 / 241 / 141 timetables at the end of July WB will be operating a peak board on the 141 instead of 140 / 241
So coming to the 141 WB buses and potentially a regular sighting of a B7 Gemini, not sure what timings it will operate.
The last 6 brand new short E200's are now parked up in the rear car park at west brom garage ;)
And the Coventry bus in the workshop being refurbished is 4407
Had a look at 4407 in the refurb bay sheet metal work done , glass back in so a trip to the painters next then. It does look good in bare metal though may be the grp could be painted grey to match.
The shorty enviro 200 does appear to be regular on west broms 49 service on the evenings.
Quote from: 2900 on July 19, 2014, 09:32:26 AM
The shorty enviro 200 does appear to be regular on west broms 49 service on the evenings.
Due to interworking with the 47/A in the evenings and Sundays. I presume they will start to keep B6's in the garage on Sundays now the new E200's are here.
Makes sense . Nxwm serious obsession with inter working everything.
What services r the new envrios out on today
Quote from: 2900 on July 19, 2014, 10:11:10 AM
Makes sense . Nxwm serious obsession with inter working everything.
To be honest, NX's interworking seems a lot better than the likes of Arriva, from what I've read on here & Facebook!
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Quote from: N94 on July 19, 2014, 07:51:10 PM
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Another (hopefully soon to be preserved) West Bromwich 241
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/241.html
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 07:59:26 PM
Quote from: N94 on July 19, 2014, 07:51:10 PM
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Another (hopefully soon to be preserved) West Bromwich 241
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/241.html
Has anyone stepped forward with an offer yet? I also really hope it is preserved!
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 08:21:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 07:59:26 PM
Quote from: N94 on July 19, 2014, 07:51:10 PM
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Another (hopefully soon to be preserved) West Bromwich 241
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/241.html
Has anyone stepped forward with an offer yet? I also really hope it is preserved!
Someone is talking to the company about buying it at the moment
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 08:26:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 08:21:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 07:59:26 PM
Quote from: N94 on July 19, 2014, 07:51:10 PM
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Another (hopefully soon to be preserved) West Bromwich 241
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/241.html
Has anyone stepped forward with an offer yet? I also really hope it is preserved!
Someone is talking to the company about buying it at the moment
Brilliant news! Hope it all goes through and 241 can join the ranks of preserved WM buses!
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 08:50:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 08:26:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 19, 2014, 08:21:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 19, 2014, 07:59:26 PM
Quote from: N94 on July 19, 2014, 07:51:10 PM
The last West Brom 241 ...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/101550299@N05/14505618427/
Another (hopefully soon to be preserved) West Bromwich 241
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0116-0422/241.html
Has anyone stepped forward with an offer yet? I also really hope it is preserved!
Someone is talking to the company about buying it at the moment
Brilliant news! Hope it all goes through and 241 can join the ranks of preserved WM buses!
Same Here Mate also it'll be the only example of this kind :)
Having checked VOSA, the 6 delivered yesterday are already taxed.
From what I can tell the new buses are taxed as soon as they are registered and tax discs are sent to the new owner within 8 days of delivery.
All the new buses have a sheet printed out with the owner details, chassis number and the taxation class etc..
584 just came into Dudley with a bus full of drivers on route learning duties (certainly was different to see a west bromwich b6!)
@wb I'm willing to bet I know (without doing a vehicle enquiry at work) who dvla have down as the owner)
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 20, 2014, 09:49:02 AM
584 just came into Dudley with a bus full of drivers on route learning duties (certainly was different to see a west bromwich b6!)
@wb I'm willing to bet I know (without doing a vehicle enquiry at work) who dvla have down as the owner)
I presume you didn't see this story then
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Haverhill/Bus-spotter-must-pay-11000.htm
If you are checking the ownership of vehicles on Dudley MBC computers you are doing exactly what Mr Curl was doing. Very naughty!
Quote from: Tony on July 20, 2014, 09:54:34 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 20, 2014, 09:49:02 AM
584 just came into Dudley with a bus full of drivers on route learning duties (certainly was different to see a west bromwich b6!)
@wb I'm willing to bet I know (without doing a vehicle enquiry at work) who dvla have down as the owner)
I presume you didn't see this story then
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Haverhill/Bus-spotter-must-pay-11000.htm
If you are checking the ownership of vehicles on Dudley MBC computers you are doing exactly what Mr Curl was doing. Very naughty!
We've only had to check (in my department) once and it was a good reason related to the traffic management act, and I wouldn't actually do it for my own use. What I meant was that I could probably guess based of that prior legitimate business dvla search (plus a search that was sent to my department accidentally which I had to forward to the correct department).
And that I can assure you that I would NEVER do DVLA searches for private purposes using council equipment/powers/etc.
All searches are liable for audit (both internal and DVLA - I should know as I had to pull the data from the system for the auditors) so I couldn't fudge it even if I wanted to which I wouldn't.
And it's all computer driven anyway, all I have to do is wait for the response to come back so I can send any notice to owners.
West brom garage used have a so called deep clean programme of vehicles has this stopped . I haven't seen a clean decker for a long time now.
The dot matrix numbering (on the 89 at least) has changed. I saw an ALX earlier displaying 89 in a bold font. I imagine the 83. 127, 128 and 129 would have this bolder font
@the trainbasher - they are all (as far as I know) registered to West Bromwich garage with West Bromwich garage being the legal keeper on the V5.
@2900 - I don't think deep cleans happen anymore. As far as I know they are all just bought in at night put through the bus wash, swept and mopped off
First ride on a short enviro 200
757 on the 121, plastic coving where pole attatches rattles a little bit, engine sounds just like the longer version, nice whistle sound from the engine when slowing down or braking going down tower road. Overall they seem more 'solid' and more comfortable than the 800's
Comments from drivers of the shorty enviro 200 , most like them vast improvement over the dart. Few have said no rattling up to 20mph after that rattling from above cab door area.
If you lock the door on the top using that bolt lock that should stop the rattle above the door
The rear number displays on the '06 Geminis has changed to a skinnier number size. On another note, the display for route 83 looks much better with bigger numbers for '83', saw it on an ALX today. Still yet to see the front destination display on the 127, 128, 129 and 48, although I'm sure they would've changed
3601 and 3612 were still out today. Seemed as though all the new E200 minis were out, full house on 47/47A with some on 45/46 also. Not as many B6LE's out either, only saw 3
Quote from: Ashley on July 21, 2014, 10:12:01 PM
3601 and 3612 were still out today. Seemed as though all the new E200 minis were out, full house on 47/47A with some on 45/46 also. Not as many B6LE's out either, only saw 3
No B6s or darts have died since 3602, 564 & 569 due to the arrival of the E200s
534 was on late night 47's, 680 came off either a 41 or 44 around 18.00 hrs.
Merc 0405n 1701 parked next to 564 with missing panel under engine cover , could be next for the chop. Being in twm colours could be a possibility .
1701 has been delicensed so I'm guessing it will be leaving soon for scrap and 564 suffered engine/gearbox failure to the point it couldn't get up any kind of hill so that too will probably be going for scrap
760 out on the 121 today alongside 756
Sampled on of these little buses on the 40 today, however for the life of me I can't remember which one. Despite the floor being strewn with litter and food, there was a nice new smell to it.
I can't imagine me having much cause to use them again, as I don't use any of the routes they will probably be based on. Maybe in 12-14 years when they are all being withdrawn.
Never been a fan of small buses especially those of the Dart variety. (Although I know there are very different to the old Darts)
751/753-760 all out today at West Brom bus station between 12.10-13.15.
Dennis Dart 3610 failed at bus station and was returned to depot.
3610 is always breaking down. New bus 752 was towed back to garage by Mansfield this afternoon not sure why?
One of the short Enviros was on the 5 this evening. It would've been the 5E to Kingstanding, from West Bromwich. Either 753 or 754
1700 has joined 1697 at Oak Road.
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
I was on 753 yesterday and that felt like it was going to rattle itself to bits.
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
What do you mean by "only another 5 years to put up with it"??
Nx have bought them haven't they?
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
What do you mean by "only another 5 years to put up with it"??
Nx have bought them haven't they?
Yes they have. I was referring to being exclusively tied to buying ADL products for the next 5 years. Tongue in cheek by the way, hence the winkie in my post.
Looks like 680 replaced 1613 on the 48 at some stage today.
Think 4636 kaput somewhere near Selly Oak on the 48 at around 16.30, disappeared from the real time and never turned up at the QE at 16.44.
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
What do you mean by "only another 5 years to put up with it"??
Nx have bought them haven't they?
Yes they have. I was referring to being exclusively tied to buying ADL products for the next 5 years. Tongue in cheek by the way, hence the winkie in my post.
Oh yes I understand what you meant now sorry! Not looking good for nx bus then ;)
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:57:03 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
What do you mean by "only another 5 years to put up with it"??
Nx have bought them haven't they?
Yes they have. I was referring to being exclusively tied to buying ADL products for the next 5 years. Tongue in cheek by the way, hence the winkie in my post.
Oh yes I understand what you meant now sorry! Not looking good for nx bus then ;)
Nearly all new buses have breakdowns and niggles when they first enter service of any make
Quote from: Tony on July 23, 2014, 06:57:38 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:57:03 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 23, 2014, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: WB on July 23, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
759 towed back to depot today from West Bromwich high street. Now two new buses off the road with what looks like the same problem
They are ADL products after all. Never mind, only another 5 years to put up with it ;)
What do you mean by "only another 5 years to put up with it"??
Nx have bought them haven't they?
Yes they have. I was referring to being exclusively tied to buying ADL products for the next 5 years. Tongue in cheek by the way, hence the winkie in my post.
Oh yes I understand what you meant now sorry! Not looking good for nx bus then ;)
Nearly all new buses have breakdowns and niggles when they first enter service of any make
Hard to fully understand why that is acceptable though, because if you were to go out and buy a brand new car and it had 2 or 3 issues in the first week then you would definitely look for a replacement or a change
To be fair they really shouldn't be having the issues that they are having. 757 had its wipers stop working, 752 and 759 have both had their props/some kind of shaft blown off the bottom of the bus after 450 miles and 670 miles!
If I had just bought these I'd be fuming to be honest :(
Perry barr's 4914 at West Bromwich garage for the next week for vehicle type training for the west brom drivers. Told today west brom are due some E400's in the next two/three weeks
When are the Lwb E200's due?
Quote from: WB on July 25, 2014, 08:45:06 PM
Perry barr's 4914 at West Bromwich garage for the next week for vehicle type training for the west brom drivers. Told today west brom are due some E400's in the next two/three weeks
That should be the ones currently working the Commonwealth Games shuttles in Glasgow
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 09:15:17 PM
Quote from: WB on July 25, 2014, 08:45:06 PM
Perry barr's 4914 at West Bromwich garage for the next week for vehicle type training for the west brom drivers. Told today west brom are due some E400's in the next two/three weeks
That should be the ones currently working the Commonwealth Games shuttles in Glasgow
Maybe, maybe not. Wasn't it stated WB needed more than 20. Unless of course more will be here to add to the ones in glasgow by then.
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 09:15:17 PM
Quote from: WB on July 25, 2014, 08:45:06 PM
Perry barr's 4914 at West Bromwich garage for the next week for vehicle type training for the west brom drivers. Told today west brom are due some E400's in the next two/three weeks
That should be the ones currently working the Commonwealth Games shuttles in Glasgow
4940 upwards are not for WB
Quote from: Tony on July 25, 2014, 09:46:57 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 25, 2014, 09:15:17 PM
Quote from: WB on July 25, 2014, 08:45:06 PM
Perry barr's 4914 at West Bromwich garage for the next week for vehicle type training for the west brom drivers. Told today west brom are due some E400's in the next two/three weeks
That should be the ones currently working the Commonwealth Games shuttles in Glasgow
4940 upwards are not for WB
Oh ok :) I was looking at the time period given as those E400's are surely due in the next few weeks as the Commonwealth Games only last for 11 days.
Do you know where 4940 upwards are expected for then @tony
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 25, 2014, 09:53:29 PM
Do you know where 4940 upwards are expected for then @tony
Yes thank you, and as soon as management tell me I can put it on the main website it will be on there.
Sorry if that sounds harsh.
What you have to remember is those 20 were built in May and taxed in June Alexander Dennis have had plenty of time to build some more, so those 20 may not be the first to arrive!
Which fleet numbers will the next batch take 5000's or 3000's ?
Saw a BC 49xx E400 on West Bromwich Ringway at 1250ish thursday lunchtime and yes it was a BC one, had no branding or adverts #stickerspotters
Quote from: Ashley on July 26, 2014, 08:56:29 AM
Saw a BC 49xx E400 on West Bromwich Ringway at 1250ish thursday lunchtime and yes it was a BC one, had no branding or adverts #stickerspotters
Probably just going to west brom garage to use the rollers in the workshop. There's a 45** parked in the front yard not sure where it's from or why it's there
Quote from: WB on July 26, 2014, 09:02:34 AM
Quote from: Ashley on July 26, 2014, 08:56:29 AM
Saw a BC 49xx E400 on West Bromwich Ringway at 1250ish thursday lunchtime and yes it was a BC one, had no branding or adverts #stickerspotters
Probably just going to west brom garage to use the rollers in the workshop. There's a 45** parked in the front yard not sure where it's from or why it's there
Might it have been there for MOT as they are a year old now? Or can they do that at BC?
Quote from: WB on July 26, 2014, 09:02:34 AM
Quote from: Ashley on July 26, 2014, 08:56:29 AM
Saw a BC 49xx E400 on West Bromwich Ringway at 1250ish thursday lunchtime and yes it was a BC one, had no branding or adverts #stickerspotters
Probably just going to west brom garage to use the rollers in the workshop. There's a 45** parked in the front yard not sure where it's from or why it's there
A 45**? Trident or B7TL (Wright Eclipse Gemini?)
Is a 42xx Volvo normal on the 42?
759 is back in service.
Looks like 3 more vehicles have died at Oak Road. 584, 1696 and 3603 have joined 1697 and 1700 there
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 26, 2014, 11:32:02 AM
Is a 42xx Volvo normal on the 42?
There haven't been many Deckers this week on the 42/3. They were appearing regularly a few weeks back but these were mostly Gemini's from my observation
4519(?) has suffered a minor collision on the Soho Road. A car was backing out and the bus (on service 74) was trying to avoid it by swerving. Needless to say, that plan didn't work ot. we heard a bump, and a minor scream, but I don't think it was too serious. If repair was to happen, I'd say it'll just be the front leftside bumper that sticks out on the hefty Geminis.
The current scrap line.
Suppose they'll be gone by the end of the month. :(
I reckon I need to get out and start catching some of the 0-405s ; I've only ever caught three of them! Although all three were excellent rides - notably a rather empty 246 thrash back to Dudley...how that bus flew :o
Quote from: Nathan on July 26, 2014, 09:24:35 AM
Quote from: WB on July 26, 2014, 09:02:34 AM
Quote from: Ashley on July 26, 2014, 08:56:29 AM
Saw a BC 49xx E400 on West Bromwich Ringway at 1250ish thursday lunchtime and yes it was a BC one, had no branding or adverts #stickerspotters
Probably just going to west brom garage to use the rollers in the workshop. There's a 45** parked in the front yard not sure where it's from or why it's there
A 45**? Trident or B7TL (Wright Eclipse Gemini?)
Sorry missed that part it was a trident but it's gone now.
The mercs are being scrapped as and when the mots run out and I'm guessing it's going to be the same with most darts and b6's
That will be one of the WN tridents then.
Quote from: Liberator9 on July 26, 2014, 06:30:55 PM
I reckon I need to get out and start catching some of the 0-405s ; I've only ever caught three of them! Although all three were excellent rides - notably a rather empty 246 thrash back to Dudley...how that bus flew :o
I will miss them. I'm sure there's still a fair few at Pensnett that's not going anywhere for at least another month, I'll be sure to catch those near Halesowen/Dudley... Great Machines. Love buses that rattle a bit, don't you agree? Speaking of rattling buses, the WB President on the 5 today had a smoother ride. I really must travel more before my bus pass runs out, nonetheless, it won't stop me from getting daysavers if ii'm planning a journey with 3+ buses...
Agreed there Clayderman! I do love buses that have that bit of character - the Mercs have that and certainly the few times I've caught them they haven't let me down. The Liberators at YW (and the ex AG ones - wish they were still here) are the same - 1419 in particular can be thrashed well, and you can feel the power of it. Even better was when it was literally hurtling down a bumpy road, the rattling giving it a really good character, but it was still solid and easily getting up any hill.
Metrobuses were the days. Those were the days, I tell you...
Does anybody know what will happen to (i think) 4519, involved in a minor Soho Rd collision? Somebody tell me if it's returned to service tomorrow. Many Thanks!
4914 in t'bus station doing type training today. I remember seeing the same thing in May 2002 with a YW President ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on July 28, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
4914 in t'bus station doing type training today. I remember seeing the same thing in May 2002 with a YW President ;)
Does that confirm where the Commonwealth Games buses are going then?
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on July 29, 2014, 10:24:35 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on July 28, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
4914 in t'bus station doing type training today. I remember seeing the same thing in May 2002 with a YW President ;)
Does that confirm where the Commonwealth Games buses are going then?
Reply #1239 Tony confirmed that 4940 up are not for WB just incase you didn't see it.
Quote from: Andrew on July 29, 2014, 10:37:09 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on July 29, 2014, 10:24:35 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on July 28, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
4914 in t'bus station doing type training today. I remember seeing the same thing in May 2002 with a YW President ;)
Does that confirm where the Commonwealth Games buses are going then?
Reply #1239 Tony confirmed that 4940 up are not for WB just incase you didn't see it.
But he did say there may be other E400s that arrive before 4940+ are finished at the Commonwealth Games, so they may be going to West Brom, and then the E400s at the Games may be going to another garage?
752 is having a day on the 45 today if anybody is interested.
A west brom gemini at merry hill bus station this morning at 0720 with a certain driver at the wheel
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 04:24:12 PM
752 is having a day on the 45 today if anybody is interested.
Already a daily fixture. 752 is/was on a running board that until now has always been Mercs
Quote from: Ashley on July 29, 2014, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 04:24:12 PM
752 is having a day on the 45 today if anybody is interested.
Already a daily fixture. 752 is/was on a running board that until now has always been Mercs
Didn't say it wasn't however i personally haven't seen one yet on the 45. Thanks for letting me know for future reference though :)
Quote from: karl724223 on July 29, 2014, 05:34:10 PM
A west brom gemini at merry hill bus station this morning at 0720 with a certain driver at the wheel
on the 141 by any chance?
Was set up for a 241
Quote from: karl724223 on July 29, 2014, 07:08:21 PM
Was set up for a 241
Must do the 07:30 to Dudley (241), then perhaps it's 08:47 to Birmingham (140) & then 09:45 to Merry Hill (141) arriving 10:50, then to garage?
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 07:06:00 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 29, 2014, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 04:24:12 PM
752 is having a day on the 45 today if anybody is interested.
Already a daily fixture. 752 is/was on a running board that until now has always been Mercs
Didn't say it wasn't however i personally haven't seen one yet on the 45. Thanks for letting me know for future reference though :)
The 07:52 and 08:07 45's ex West Brom are still a B6LE every day if you want to figure that out to a more socialable time to be out of a morning but it's one if the more unsuitable routes for the new mini E200's IMO
Three Darts still out today, are these all coming off the road soon?
Quote from: Ashley on July 29, 2014, 09:46:45 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 07:06:00 PM
Quote from: Ashley on July 29, 2014, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Nathan on July 29, 2014, 04:24:12 PM
752 is having a day on the 45 today if anybody is interested.
Already a daily fixture. 752 is/was on a running board that until now has always been Mercs
Didn't say it wasn't however i personally haven't seen one yet on the 45. Thanks for letting me know for future reference though :)
The 07:52 and 08:07 45's ex West Brom are still a B6LE every day if you want to figure that out to a more socialable time to be out of a morning but it's one if the more unsuitable routes for the new mini E200's IMO
Three Darts still out today, are these all coming off the road soon?
It is ropey buses or ones with near MoT expiry dates that will come off first, not necessarily a particular type, hence a B6, a Dart and some Mercs in that line up at WB. Once all 100 vehicles are delivered and cascades have happened then it will look more systematic as to what has gone.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 26, 2014, 12:33:17 PM
Looks like 3 more vehicles have died at Oak Road. 584, 1696 and 3603 have joined 1697 and 1700 there
Glad I had the last ride on 584 on 45, on 19th July.
Tony has posted 4950-4982 coming to west brom , for the soho road, wonder how long they,ll survive on there before being vanadilized . I,ll give it hours
I guess orange branding will return for soho rd as it was on the mercs , not sure how it will look against a red back ground.
Did I hear WB will be getting some of the 8xx's aswell as 751-760? Because they could be the remaining 10 thats currently unknown.
Quote from: Rob on August 01, 2014, 04:14:44 PM
Did I hear WB will be getting some of the 8xx's aswell as 751-760? Because they could be the remaining 10 thats currently unknown.
I had something in my back of my head along those lines. Think it was a post on here a while back.
Quote from: 2900 on August 01, 2014, 09:30:02 AM
Tony has posted 4950-4982 coming to west brom , for the soho road, wonder how long they,ll survive on there before being vanadilized . I,ll give it hours
Not all 33 are going on the soho road. 28 are going to be branded leaving 5 spare from what I have been told
Yes west brom also due regular length enviro 200 to see off the b6le,s
Quote from: WB on August 01, 2014, 05:30:50 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 01, 2014, 09:30:02 AM
Tony has posted 4950-4982 coming to west brom , for the soho road, wonder how long they,ll survive on there before being vanadilized . I,ll give it hours
Not all 33 are going on the soho road. 28 are going to be branded leaving 5 spare from what I have been told
Will the 5 spare be used on top of the 47**s on the dudley road instead of the extra Geminis?
Quote from: Dylan4579 on August 03, 2014, 10:25:24 AM
Quote from: WB on August 01, 2014, 05:30:50 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 01, 2014, 09:30:02 AM
Tony has posted 4950-4982 coming to west brom , for the soho road, wonder how long they,ll survive on there before being vanadilized . I,ll give it hours
Not all 33 are going on the soho road. 28 are going to be branded leaving 5 spare from what I have been told
Will the 5 spare be used on top of the 47**s on the dudley road instead of the extra Geminis?
Just because only 28 are being branded doesn't mean that is the total needed for a full service on Soho Road
will the branding be 74/5 or will it be soho road?
Quote from: NXDom on August 03, 2014, 11:25:53 AM
will the branding be 74/5 or will it be soho road?
I imagine it'll be like the 82/87 Branding :)
Quote from: Rob on August 03, 2014, 12:05:32 PM
Quote from: NXDom on August 03, 2014, 11:25:53 AM
will the branding be 74/5 or will it be soho road?
I imagine it'll be like the 82/87 Branding :)
I was hoping it would be for the routes not like that vile green branding there was/is
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
Unless they use the Volvos to replace the Mercs on routes like the 48/42/43/49?
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 03, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
Unless they use the Volvos to replace the Mercs on routes like the 48/42/43/49?
That's what i was thinking. Although how many Mercs are left at West Brom?
Once all the unrepainted ones have gone there will be 13. Personally I think those will stay for the 42/43 and 49. Combined PVR of 12. The loadings on these routes don't justify deckers IMO.
Quote from: Nathan on August 03, 2014, 01:53:52 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 03, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
Unless they use the Volvos to replace the Mercs on routes like the 48/42/43/49?
That's what i was thinking. Although how many Mercs are left at West Brom?
16 Mercs, 8 B6LEs and 6 Darts according to the main site.
Some more 8xx E200s could replace the B6s, the 7xx E200s and 8xx e200s for darts and 16 existing B7TLs for Mercs.
That only leaves at least 12 enviros unaccounted for (plus how many unbranded) unless they are replacing Presidents too which means that there are 16 presidents, of which 12+ The 4 unbranded E400s will cascade ALX/Volvos onto president routes, cascading the 45xx Geminis onto the existing non Soho Road ALX/Volvo Duties.
So effectively the Soho Road B7 duties are going to E400, and in one swoop I've just in my workings out eliminated two types from the WB fleet (Mercs and Presidents)
As an aside, is there any routes with low bridges on in WB land?
No low bridges i can think of on wb routes, just the issues of narrow roads on some routes.
33 e400's will see off all the mercs and presidents with three left over so 10 more e200's would be enough to withdraw all darts and b6le's "gets tissues out" plus sad face
What is the PVR of the 74/5 altogether?
31 or 32
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 02:51:01 PM
31 or 32
Cheers :) That leaves one or two spare.
I've just popped to West Brom and noticed a Merc operating on the 42/3. I also noticed that the 47/A are operated by the 62 plate LWB E200's instead of the new 14 plate SWB's.
Surely the 42/3 could be operating with the new SWB E200's on Sundays as per Mon-Sat?
You mean the 47 should be having the short enviros on Sunday?
If presidents are taken from west brom it will be sad day personally , it will mean more time on alx 400 b7tls , I bet some of the branded alx b7s are battered being on the soho road. On dear
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 03, 2014, 03:13:08 PM
You mean the 47 should be having the short enviros on Sunday?
Not exactly, Was just making a general observation there as i just assumed they would be used like in the week (Darts are still making appearances on there) .
In regards to the 42/3 service surely there are enough E200's (Long or Short Wheelbase) to use on there instead of using Mercs stil
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
They're welcome to 4518!
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 03, 2014, 02:16:59 PM
Quote from: Nathan on August 03, 2014, 01:53:52 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 03, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on August 03, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: 4006 on August 03, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
So which buses will be leaving WB? and where are they going?
Hopefully 45xx Geminis, so another garage can tidy them up ;)
Unless they use the Volvos to replace the Mercs on routes like the 48/42/43/49?
That's what i was thinking. Although how many Mercs are left at West Brom?
16 Mercs, 8 B6LEs and 6 Darts according to the main site.
Some more 8xx E200s could replace the B6s, the 7xx E200s and 8xx e200s for darts and 16 existing B7TLs for Mercs.
That only leaves at least 12 enviros unaccounted for (plus how many unbranded) unless they are replacing Presidents too which means that there are 16 presidents, of which 12+ The 4 unbranded E400s will cascade ALX/Volvos onto president routes, cascading the 45xx Geminis onto the existing non Soho Road ALX/Volvo Duties.
So effectively the Soho Road B7 duties are going to E400, and in one swoop I've just in my workings out eliminated two types from the WB fleet (Mercs and Presidents)
As an aside, is there any routes with low bridges on in WB land?
There was 11 B6 + 17 Presidents + 8 Darts & 20 Mercs before the new one's started to arrive i believe?
Total of 56 3 short of whats currently coming to WB!
I think i've got that right tony can correct me if it's inaccurate?
Sorry if ive got my numbers wrong. The 42/43 needs more than swb e200's on Sundays, maybe the lwb ones are off for maintenance today
Noticed 4048 today has gained the yellow strip
At least 1 (4950) has now arrived at West Bromwich
Quote from: Tony on August 06, 2014, 05:57:35 PM
At least 1 (4950) has now arrived at West Bromwich
4951/52 + 1 other seen today around 2.30 coming off at jct 10 m6 heading into walsall?
Also saw WB 818 in wolves bus station around 10.30 ish?
1695 died on the 42/43 this afternoon, was towed back to Oak Lane an hour ago
Quote from: pb2012 on August 06, 2014, 06:17:22 PM
Also saw WB 818 in wolves bus station around 10.30 ish?
Yes it is at Park Lane for type training.
Quote from: uniquicity on August 06, 2014, 06:25:43 PM
1695 died on the 42/43 this afternoon, was towed back to Oak Lane an hour ago
1695 was parked up at Dudley this afternoon in the layby area with several NX Inspectors, An engineer who had brought 4044 up and parked up next to 1695, Police and an Ambulance. Something must have happened?
Also saw a WA B7RLE pulling out of Oak Lane depot displaying 70-Bloxwich this afternoon. Any ideas what it was doing?
Quote from: Tony on August 06, 2014, 05:57:35 PM
At least 1 (4950) has now arrived at West Bromwich
ETA on these entering service? Next few days I imagine?
On the same subject, I must say it's fantastic to see WB finally getting the investment it's been sorely after these past few years.
I'd love to see a spare one used on either the 48, 80, 83, 87, 89 or 129
A spare one on the 40 would do me nicely :D
I got on 4044 at around 1735 from All Saints Way to WB Bus Station on the 5 so must have swapped at some point
Quote from: Nathan on August 06, 2014, 06:56:29 PM
Quote from: pb2012 on August 06, 2014, 06:17:22 PM
Also saw WB 818 in wolves bus station around 10.30 ish?
Yes it is at Park Lane for type training.
Quote from: uniquicity on August 06, 2014, 06:25:43 PM
1695 died on the 42/43 this afternoon, was towed back to Oak Lane an hour ago
1695 was parked up at Dudley this afternoon in the layby area with several NX Inspectors, An engineer who had brought 4044 up and parked up next to 1695, Police and an Ambulance. Something must have happened?
Also saw a WA B7RLE pulling out of Oak Lane depot displaying 70-Bloxwich this afternoon. Any ideas what it was doing?
A drunk bloke got off the 243 and was saying he was gonna fight everyone and was headbutting the bus and then fell over so the ambulance was there to check him over. 1695 just broke down.
When will the new e400's enter service on the 74? Just wondering as the comenwealth games are done
Quote from: NXDom on August 07, 2014, 08:53:50 AM
When will the new e400's enter service on the 74? Just wondering as the comenwealth games are done
4950-2 were noted at West Brom Garage yesterday.
couple of enviro 400,s mixing with scrappers at west west brom traffic
4914 being used to type train? Being the reason 4808 on loan to PB? 4808 maybe being different to the later batches so unsuitable to type train?
4952 - 75, great hampton street ex city @ 08.22.
Quote from: 37351ml on August 08, 2014, 08:49:19 AM
4952 - 75, great hampton street ex city @ 08.22.
One of the new ones are in service!?!?
Edit: Is there one on the 74?
Quote from: NXDom on August 08, 2014, 09:00:43 AM
Quote from: 37351ml on August 08, 2014, 08:49:19 AM
4952 - 75, great hampton street ex city @ 08.22.
One of the new ones are in service!?!?
Edit: Is there one on the 74?
74 / 75 interwork so I imagine it will be on there at some point today
Does anyone know where 4952 is now? I want to try and get a picture at some point in West Brom or Dudley :)
EDIT: Managed to just board 4952 on the 75 at West Brom towards Brum. Just a quick question, Are these Euro 5 or Euro 6 engines? Sound pretty much the same as the last batch at PB and BC
4914 is parked up again at West Brom Bus Station for type training
4951 is also out on the Soho Rd. Seen on Snow Hill Queensway at 13:56
Don't know which one I saw. It's on it's way to West Bromwich on the 74E. Looks strange, but nice... It's probably there by now anyway, or somewhere along the Soho Road... My god, the TRAFFIC! lol
Quote from: clayderman on August 08, 2014, 05:32:10 PM
Don't know which one I saw. It's on it's way to West Bromwich on the 74E. Looks strange, but nice... It's probably there by now anyway, or somewhere along the Soho Road... My god, the TRAFFIC! lol
Once me and Nathan got off it went to a 74E so could of been 4952.
Caught 4952 on 75 at 15:39 from Birmingham. Felt strange to be on E400 on 75, but it was a nice change, I admit.
4950 broke down at wednesbury bus station, failed to start and was eventually retuned to garage :(
Here are photos of
4951
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4951.html
4952
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4952.html
Quote from: WB on August 08, 2014, 06:15:37 PM
4950 broke down at wednesbury bus station, failed to start and was eventually retuned to garage :(
<Comment deleted> see below
Quote from: lauren1993 on August 08, 2014, 07:37:56 PM
Quote from: WB on August 08, 2014, 06:15:37 PM
4950 broke down at wednesbury bus station, failed to start and was eventually retuned to garage :(
LOL! Sad thing is, can't say I'm even surprised. ADL really are the <deleted> buses ever. NX is doomed if they are going to order from this <deleted> company for the future!
Don't talk such utter rubbish. Whilst I much prefer Volvo/Wright your comments are libelous to Alexander Dennis. Any bus that has been parked up for a few days with the battery being drained by the radio/ticket machine and other electrics that don't switch off even when the cab master switch is switched off can have dead batteries
4952 hit the road pn the 74 at 07:30. Was photting outside wb bus station, then my camera died soon as I saw it.
There's one out for the night, spotted at Dudley bus station at 1930 approx. Bet that one gets back to garage with some scribbles on it
Quote from: P419 EJW on August 08, 2014, 05:42:09 PM
Caught 4952 on 75 at 15:39 from Birmingham. Felt strange to be on E400 on 75, but it was a nice change, I admit.
It does feel weird to see an Enviro on the Soho Rd, I never thought WB would ever get any, I wonder if spares will be used elsewhere on Sundays. That would be amazing
I do like volvos then ADL but it id nice to see new buses at WB
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 08, 2014, 10:03:49 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on August 08, 2014, 05:42:09 PM
Caught 4952 on 75 at 15:39 from Birmingham. Felt strange to be on E400 on 75, but it was a nice change, I admit.
It does feel weird to see an Enviro on the Soho Rd, I never thought WB would ever get any, I wonder if spares will be used elsewhere on Sundays. That would be amazing
You never know. They may appear on routes like the 48,83/9 and 127/8 on Sundays
Personally I can't wait to see one on the 45 ;D
Quote from: Nathan on August 08, 2014, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 08, 2014, 10:03:49 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on August 08, 2014, 05:42:09 PM
Caught 4952 on 75 at 15:39 from Birmingham. Felt strange to be on E400 on 75, but it was a nice change, I admit.
It does feel weird to see an Enviro on the Soho Rd, I never thought WB would ever get any, I wonder if spares will be used elsewhere on Sundays. That would be amazing
You never know. They may appear on routes like the 48,83/9 and 127/8 on Sundays
Might depend on the PVR of the Soho Road on Sunday, (I'm guessing it's around 14-16?). Which would leave around 19 left, which could just go on the Dudley Road, would only need 12 Enviros for the 48 (4), 83/89 (5), 127/128 (3). All guesswork, probably won't happen, but an Enviro on the 89 would be unreal ::)
Does anyone know the id of the b6 to the left of 1701 in yesterday's oak lane picture posted by 2900? I'm guessing it may be 564?
Any 495 E400s out in Birmingham today
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 09, 2014, 06:27:13 AM
Any 495 E400s out in Birmingham today
Probably. 4950/1/2 were out yesterday although there might be the possibility that several others make it into service today
Will some appear on 74/75 route
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 09, 2014, 07:12:47 AM
Will some appear on 74/75 route
See previous comments, intended for use on Soho road with a couple spare
My own question would be is anything for the chop this weekend?
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 09, 2014, 06:27:13 AM
Any 495 E400s out in Birmingham today
4950- 75 heading for Birmingham
4951 - 74 heading for Dudley
4952 - 74 heading for Birmingham
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 09, 2014, 08:23:02 AM
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on August 09, 2014, 06:27:13 AM
Any 495 E400s out in Birmingham today
4950- 75 heading for Birmingham
4951 - 74 heading for Dudley
Cheers for that :) Only managed to get a pic of 4952 yesterday so will try for 4950/1 today
4950 (75) seen heading towards Brum with 4952 (74) behind it in Handsworth at 12:05.
The real time screen in the centre of Handsworth said it was 20:14!!
Managed to get pics of 4950/4952
4950- https://flic.kr/p/onjKXD
4952-https://flic.kr/p/oDM7eh
751 had a ride on this bus earlier, quite impressed considering it's an adl minibus. The ride was pleasant, engine/box smooth, vastly better than the 800 series at west brom. Rattling quite minimal even going over rough roads all very composed. Well it's any ones guess how they fare over the coming months.
Quote from: 2900 on August 09, 2014, 05:18:44 PM
751 had a ride on this bus earlier, quite impressed considering it's an adl minibus. The ride was pleasant, engine/box smooth, vastly better than the 800 series at west brom. Rattling quite minimal even going over rough roads all very composed. Well it's any ones guess how they fare over the coming months.
Think i had that one on the 47 earlier. They do seem better than the LWB ones in my opinion
Quote from: 2900 on August 09, 2014, 05:18:44 PM
751 had a ride on this bus earlier, quite impressed considering it's an adl minibus. The ride was pleasant, engine/box smooth, vastly better than the 800 series at west brom. Rattling quite minimal even going over rough roads all very composed. Well it's any ones guess how they fare over the coming months.
Did you not find 751 to have stupidly strong retarder throwing you forward everytime it stopped? Maybe you just had a driver that has figured out how to drive them properly because I can't ;)
The pic of 4950 has a bus enthusiast about to board in the green t-shirt,not sure if he is on this group.
I've noticed on the windows at the back that there is a notice telling people to keep their feet off the rear facing seats
Quote from: WB on August 09, 2014, 06:38:27 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 09, 2014, 05:18:44 PM
751 had a ride on this bus earlier, quite impressed considering it's an adl minibus. The ride was pleasant, engine/box smooth, vastly better than the 800 series at west brom. Rattling quite minimal even going over rough roads all very composed. Well it's any ones guess how they fare over the coming months.
Did you not find 751 to have stupidly strong retarder throwing you forward everytime it stopped? Maybe you just had a driver that has figured out how to drive them properly because I can't ;)
Same as Some Spectra's
Same As
Some Trident's (4565 - 4584) (Not Only NX but other operators also)
Same as Some Of The Metro's
Similar (but not as bad) on Streetlites
Common Denominator - VOITH!!
Quote from: WB on August 09, 2014, 06:38:27 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 09, 2014, 05:18:44 PM
751 had a ride on this bus earlier, quite impressed considering it's an adl minibus. The ride was pleasant, engine/box smooth, vastly better than the 800 series at west brom. Rattling quite minimal even going over rough roads all very composed. Well it's any ones guess how they fare over the coming months.
Did you not find 751 to have stupidly strong retarder throwing you forward everytime it stopped? Maybe you just had a driver that has figured out how to drive them properly because I can't ;)
Found that on one of the PB E200s on the 654, only really noticable when you get some speed though which on that route doesn't really happen too much
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2014, 11:27:48 PM
I've noticed on the windows at the back that there is a notice telling people to keep their feet off the rear facing seats
BC 4159 has that aswell :)
Quote from: Rob on August 10, 2014, 09:11:06 AM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2014, 11:27:48 PM
I've noticed on the windows at the back that there is a notice telling people to keep their feet off the rear facing seats
BC 4159 has that aswell :)
If only people took any notice of them!
I have always thought a clear plastic sheet over the bottom seat pad of the rear facing seats would be a good idea to prevent the wearing out of the seats by peoples feet
WB, at no point did I during the twenty minute journey experience being thrown forwards by the retarder, mind you it was early morning nothing on the road so the the driver just cruising along. I guess the driver has Sussed out the retarder.
Quote from: John on August 10, 2014, 09:39:56 AM
Quote from: Rob on August 10, 2014, 09:11:06 AM
Quote from: Nathan on August 09, 2014, 11:27:48 PM
I've noticed on the windows at the back that there is a notice telling people to keep their feet off the rear facing seats
BC 4159 has that aswell :)
If only people took any notice of them!
I have always thought a clear plastic sheet over the bottom seat pad of the rear facing seats would be a good idea to prevent the wearing out of the seats by peoples feet
Well, it's the soles of the shoes which are the issue. If it was simply flesh then nothing would be corroded.
Nah I'm just messin
Noticed 4953 out this morning also
How many more have they got ATM?
Quote from: vinh1000 on August 11, 2014, 07:46:06 AM
Noticed 4953 out this morning also
How many more have they got ATM?
4950-9 if they are all back in the West Midlands now?
Saw a new WB SWB E200 at Oldbury about 1.30pm which looked to be heading back to WB garage with '54 New Buses For West Bromwich' on the LED display, not sure if it was returning from some sort of launch event?
Quote from: Winston on August 11, 2014, 02:27:20 PM
Saw a new WB SWB E200 at Oldbury about 1.30pm which looked to be heading back to WB garage with '54 New Buses For West Bromwich' on the LED display, not sure if it was returning from some sort of launch event?
That would allow all B6 to be removed 11 LWB E200 WB, 14 WN & 5 WA= 30!
4955 was on the 74 to DY at 21.00 from wb, 3610 also still darting around on late night 47s .
754 actually made it into Birmingham City Centre today
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/754.html
Noted 4957 in west bromwich this afternoon.
4958/4959 - 74/75 for anyone it may concern
Was on 591 yesterday and good god it has some terrible brakes. Squealing under any form of braking and under heavy braking the rears scream like there's nothing left on the brake pads and it's rubbing metal on metal. Can't see that one lasting much longer. :o
Quote from: Nathan4775 on August 16, 2014, 10:57:33 AM
4958/4959 - 74/75 for anyone it may concern
4955 and 4957 noted alongside 4950 and 4952 today
What routes does a b6 appear on ?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 05:53:52 PM
What routes does a b6 appear on ?
Wb b6's appear on routes 42 43 45 47 47a sometimes the 40, one on evening 49's most nights
Don't forget the 41/44.
4228 was back out repainted today
Quote from: Ashley on August 16, 2014, 06:16:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 05:53:52 PM
What routes does a b6 appear on ?
Wb b6's appear on routes 42 43 45 47 47a sometimes the 40, one on evening 49's most nights
So they appear on all of them? Or is there a slight possibility it might be another type bus? If so what else could it be?
I would probably get the 47
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 07:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ashley on August 16, 2014, 06:16:13 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 05:53:52 PM
What routes does a b6 appear on ?
Wb b6's appear on routes 42 43 45 47 47a sometimes the 40, one on evening 49's most nights
So they appear on all of them? Or is there a slight possibility it might be another type bus? If so what else could it be?
The 42/3 also have Mercs, Short Wheelbase E200's and B7TL's
The 45 also has Mercs and E200's
40 has majority E200's
47/A also have E200's and Darts allocated
How long the b6s got left?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 07:23:19 PM
How long the b6s got left?
Would guess they will be gone before the end of the year, if not sooner.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2014, 07:23:19 PM
How long the b6s got left?
I'd speculate it could be at the end of August, if not then a week before. :'( Because the number of E200s coming in WA, WN and WB are the same number as the current B6s so it looks like a B6 wipeout.
Wonder if they will have a farewell b6 day or just withdraw
them
Quote from: Solo1 on August 16, 2014, 08:08:27 PM
Wonder if they will have a farewell b6 day or just withdraw
them
Lets hope a farewell day, maybe they could transfer one or two back to all the garages that had them, but don't now so they could have a last day going round there old haunts, eg: PE for the 222?
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Maybe the same ones I saw in merry hill mostly?
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 17, 2014, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
9? Speaking of the 9, does BC still operate the 9S?
The real time information in the 5/46 bus stop by the Red Lion on all saints way is showing service information for the 8 and 9 to coventry rail station and green lane which caused confusion for passengers.it has the location correct though.
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 17, 2014, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
Bearwood is a good shout, though not regularly served by 5 garages, and I personally don't count Birmingham as it is made up of lots of different sections, so you can't stand in just one place to see buses from 9 garages
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 17, 2014, 07:54:39 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 17, 2014, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
Bearwood is a good shout, though not regularly served by 5 garages, and I personally don't count Birmingham as it is made up of lots of different sections, so you can't stand in just one place to see buses from 9 garages
If you stand in front of Moor Street station you can see all 9 garages
Quote from: Tony on August 17, 2014, 12:29:04 PM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 17, 2014, 07:54:39 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 17, 2014, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
Bearwood is a good shout, though not regularly served by 5 garages, and I personally don't count Birmingham as it is made up of lots of different sections, so you can't stand in just one place to see buses from 9 garages
If you stand in front of Moor Street station you can see all 9 garages
Might be me, not got my brain into gear yet, but what PE route passes Moor Street?
757 on the 47/9 today. First SWB E200 I've seen out on a Sunday
Quote from: Nathan on August 17, 2014, 02:57:13 PM
757 on the 47/9 today. First SWB E200 I've seen out on a Sunday
757 is on the 40 today. First time I've seen one of the SWB E200's appear on there
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
4085 under going some bodywork, n/s skirt panels replaced or repaired in grey primer also n/s top roof corner receiving attention as well probably tree damage.
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
4802 still has its original paintwork from new, could it just be the fact its new paintwork rather than a different shade?
I have seen some of Pensnett's refurb'd E400's with the bolder red/cargo white have had replacement panels painted in brilliant white rather than colour matched
Does anybody know if 1586, 1589 & 1613 are still in service? I was staying in West Brom over the weekend and saw all the other Mercs there several times but not the above three at all.
Quote from: 4130Quinton on August 20, 2014, 02:51:34 PM
Does anybody know if 1586, 1589 & 1613 are still in service? I was staying in West Brom over the weekend and saw all the other Mercs there several times but not the above three at all.
1586 & 1589 have both been in regular use
1613 doesn't seem to have been out for a few days
Quote from: Tony on August 20, 2014, 03:12:16 PM
Quote from: 4130Quinton on August 20, 2014, 02:51:34 PM
Does anybody know if 1586, 1589 & 1613 are still in service? I was staying in West Brom over the weekend and saw all the other Mercs there several times but not the above three at all.
1586 & 1589 have both been in regular use
1613 doesn't seem to have been out for a few days
Thanks Tony, the first two must have been playing hide and seek with me :)
The older deckers at WB have started to receive fleet numbers inside at the front left of the top deck, similar to where they are in the new Enviro400s
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 17, 2014, 12:34:19 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 17, 2014, 12:29:04 PM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 17, 2014, 07:54:39 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 17, 2014, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: JB93 on August 17, 2014, 01:37:44 AM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on August 16, 2014, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 16, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
Loads of photographers at west brom today my bus was well photographed 1515 on the 53/289
Yes, seemed a huge convention of spotters, nearly ran 2 down whilst driving to the Hawthorns!
But suppose West Brom is the place to be at the moment, Darts and B6's on the way out, Mercs also on the way out plus new Enviro 200's and 400's! And in West Brom you get to see buses from PE, WB, WA and WN, can't think of an interchange that gets more!
Chelmsley Wood has buses from BC, BY, PB and AG
Dudley has WN, WB, WA, PE
Birmingham has AG, BC, BY, PB, PE, WA, WB, WN, YW
Halesowen has BC, PE, WA, WB
Bearwood has BC, WN, AG, WB, PE (anyone guess the BC duty?)
Bearwood is a good shout, though not regularly served by 5 garages, and I personally don't count Birmingham as it is made up of lots of different sections, so you can't stand in just one place to see buses from 9 garages
If you stand in front of Moor Street station you can see all 9 garages
Might be me, not got my brain into gear yet, but what PE route passes Moor Street?
There isn't one my brain being messed up first thought 87 & 74 but there wb don't think there is one
Quote from: Winston on August 19, 2014, 10:57:04 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
4802 still has its original paintwork from new, could it just be the fact its new paintwork rather than a different shade?
I have seen some of Pensnett's refurb'd E400's with the bolder red/cargo white have had replacement panels painted in brilliant white rather than colour matched
a lot of our deckers seem to have had new panels put on to tidy them up
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
we don't sent buses to west brom for mot driver might have been sent there by Avl if we have a problem over that way
4802 panel under the engine cover could have been painted,if they are replacements i just assumed they arrived in a white gell coat finish as they made from grp, the bus in the refurb bay has been fitted with new red front bumper which i assume red gel coat has been used.
4232 is out on the 74E/75 if anyone needs a pic of it repainted, just left WB for Wednesbury
Quote from: karl724223 on August 20, 2014, 08:05:53 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
we don't sent buses to west brom for mot driver might have been sent there by Avl if we have a problem over that way
I'm pretty sure 4802 on 9 today
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 21, 2014, 12:09:09 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on August 20, 2014, 08:05:53 PM
Quote from: 2900 on August 19, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
4802 at west brom this afternoon I presume mot, I noticed all the panels under engine cover and lights have been changed completely different shade of white.
we don't sent buses to west brom for mot driver might have been sent there by Avl if we have a problem over that way
I'm pretty sure 4802 on 9 today
Sorry for having to contradict previous comments, but Pensnett buses are sent to WB (and WN) for their MOTs. You can quite often see PE vehciles on their way to and from WB on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for their tests.
3604 moved to the front yard looks like it,ll be going to the breakers soon.
4636 still at WB. On the 127/128s today
Does the 74 and 75 interwork on sundays?
Quote from: NXDom on August 25, 2014, 03:31:21 PM
Does the 74 and 75 interwork on sundays?
Just the 74Es and 75s that interwork isn't it?
4636 is on the 83/89s today. Maybe I can get a last ride on it, surely its move to AG is imminent
4265, 4049 dumped by the tyre bay in the corner of the garage, next to all the deceased mercs, real collection going on now. 4265 has the red sticker plastered on the windscreen been there a while. 4049 has the front panel removed i asume what ever the issue it's been shunted there by the tinnie truck. There's a another dart on the back car park taking up the space 3604 had called home. In rush to get away didn't catch the number.
4513 passed me outside city hospital at 1541 on an 82e to cape hill, is this a timetabled journey?
Also , there's an e400 on the 80 today
Quote from: Ashley on August 28, 2014, 03:57:55 PM
Also , there's an e400 on the 80 today
4954 unless there's more than one out.
831; 832 & 4960 delivered today and may be in service Monday. 64 plates on 1st September. It may also be worth watching Coventry routes Monday afternoon as well
4951 left the garage at 17.40, maybe out to do a peak working on something?
Quote from: Ashley on August 28, 2014, 03:57:55 PM
4513 passed me outside city hospital at 1541 on an 82e to cape hill, is this a timetabled journey?
Also , there's an e400 on the 80 today
Argh! I keep missing this
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYmjaih2Hno/VAR28hT4X5I/AAAAAAAAFls/38rfbPqj_eU/s1600/IMG_5260.JPG
photo 833/835!
4960 '64' plate out on Soho Rd today
Quote from: pb2012 on September 01, 2014, 06:36:00 PM
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYmjaih2Hno/VAR28hT4X5I/AAAAAAAAFls/38rfbPqj_eU/s1600/IMG_5260.JPG
photo 833/835!
I did mention it earlier in another thread but if you didn't see it (I would have posted the link to the post but this bloody phone won't let me), 831/2 made it into service on the 46 today
64 platers I saw today were
4960
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14931047247/
831
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14930997290/
833 on the 80
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14931100728/
834
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14931079887/
835
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14931015390/
Yes, also saw 831/3/4 and 4960 today in a half-hour spell at West Bromwich bus station.
I came out of work one 40 behind 835 or I would have had it, saw 834, look much fresher than their older siblings
Does that mean wolves are getting their 64 plate e200 soon?
Quote from: Chris2301 on September 02, 2014, 09:00:35 PM
Does that mean wolves are getting their 64 plate e200 soon?
Correct. Probably within the next few weeks
4711 broken down on Castle Hill in Dudley
The vehicle allocations at WB will be in transition for a while until there is continuity I guess. Anything goes at the moment.
This afternoon I saw 834 on the 40 and 4960 on the 74.
Also 566 & 591 were on the 5.
Ian Hardy
Are any more '64' Enviro400s in service yet, or only 4960?
831 is on the Londonderry 46s. 4249 is on the 83/89s, its rear dot matrix has been completely removed
Walking through the garage yesterday I noticed 5 new 64 plate enviro 400,s and few more 200,s parked by the traffic office where the scrap mercs were, some were in the engineering bays.they appear to freshly delivered still got quality control stickers on the windscreen, that does make me laugh, ADL and quality control don't really go hand in hand. Only 564 left as scrap by traffic now. Did take some pics I won't upload on here something do with bandwidth.
Today in West Brom i noted:
832 on the 47/A/49
834 on the 40
835 on the 45
3604 at PVS
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15164744971/
Quote from: John on September 08, 2014, 12:24:39 AM
3604 at PVS
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15164744971/
RIP (Rust in Pieces)
Seen 4963 at dudley bus station
4962 was noted leaving city around 18.00. 74e
Wb836 was out on evening 5's, 838 on late night 47 together with 591.
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 08, 2014, 12:27:07 AM
Quote from: John on September 08, 2014, 12:24:39 AM
3604 at PVS
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15164744971/
RIP (Rust in Pieces)
Quite surprised they're scrapping these off so quickly, thought out of all the withdrawn NXWM stuff these are the only ones likely to sell
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on September 09, 2014, 03:06:35 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 08, 2014, 12:27:07 AM
Quote from: John on September 08, 2014, 12:24:39 AM
3604 at PVS
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15164744971/
RIP (Rust in Pieces)
Quite surprised they're scrapping these off so quickly, thought out of all the withdrawn NXWM stuff these are the only ones likely to sell
They're probably not worth a lot, using the link below as a guide £3-4k tops
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on September 09, 2014, 03:06:35 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 08, 2014, 12:27:07 AM
Quote from: John on September 08, 2014, 12:24:39 AM
3604 at PVS
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15164744971/
RIP (Rust in Pieces)
Quite surprised they're scrapping these off so quickly, thought out of all the withdrawn NXWM stuff these are the only ones likely to sell
3604 had quite bad RTA damage, that is why that was the first one to go. WB had already robbed reusable parts
could just see travel express running a couple round as they are lol
This morning,
4960 on 74,
4961 75
4962 74
4963 74
4964 74
836 40
838 40
3612 on 41. These must be getting rare now.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 09, 2014, 08:04:09 PM
This morning,
4960 on 74,
4961 75
4962 74
4963 74
4964 74
836 40
838 40
3612 on 41. These must be getting rare now.
Just 3612 & 3614 on the road today, both on the 41. 3610 isn't officially withdrawn yet
519 on late night 47's this evening.
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Quote from: filbus1 on September 10, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Jesus! someone reported 754 on the 48 and now another one?????
the hell are they thinking? that route gets ridiculously busy for a decker sometimes!!
Quote from: Kevin on September 10, 2014, 09:19:59 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on September 10, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Jesus! someone reported 754 on the 48 and now another one?????
the hell are they thinking? that route gets ridiculously busy for a decker sometimes!!
Just 754
753 spent all day on the 41 & 44
For anybody wanting final pics or journeys of WB B6's
524 566 5668 are on 42/43's today
519 on 45's
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2014, 09:23:19 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 10, 2014, 09:19:59 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on September 10, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Jesus! someone reported 754 on the 48 and now another one?????
the hell are they thinking? that route gets ridiculously busy for a decker sometimes!!
Just 754
753 spent all day on the 41 & 44
753 Definitely on 48 at about 11.00. even wrote the number down so I would not forget it.
Quote from: filbus1 on September 11, 2014, 12:20:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2014, 09:23:19 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 10, 2014, 09:19:59 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on September 10, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Jesus! someone reported 754 on the 48 and now another one?????
the hell are they thinking? that route gets ridiculously busy for a decker sometimes!!
Just 754
753 spent all day on the 41 & 44
753 Definitely on 48 at about 11.00. even wrote the number down so I would not forget it.
753 operated the 10:50 41 from Friar park to West Bromwich, actually left at 10:53, arrived West Bromwich at 11:16. It then operated the 11:20 44 from West Bromwich to Tipton, leaving West Bromwich Bus Station at 11:22 arriving Tipton at 11:48 so was definately nowhere near the 48 route
Quote from: Tony on September 11, 2014, 12:27:39 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on September 11, 2014, 12:20:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 10, 2014, 09:23:19 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 10, 2014, 09:19:59 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on September 10, 2014, 12:15:23 PM
753 on 48 in Bearwood.
Jesus! someone reported 754 on the 48 and now another one?????
the hell are they thinking? that route gets ridiculously busy for a decker sometimes!!
Just 754
753 spent all day on the 41 & 44
753 Definitely on 48 at about 11.00. even wrote the number down so I would not forget it.
753 operated the 10:50 41 from Friar park to West Bromwich, actually left at 10:53, arrived West Bromwich at 11:16. It then operated the 11:20 44 from West Bromwich to Tipton, leaving West Bromwich Bus Station at 11:22 arriving Tipton at 11:48 so was definately nowhere near the 48 route
OK fair enough,I must be losing it ;)
Just an additional question from my post this morning, are any B6's up for withdrawal this week?
Does anybody know what's happening with the E400 that had a coach hit it on snow hill last week? Think it was 4959??
Quote from: WB on September 11, 2014, 07:33:07 PM
Does anybody know what's happening with the E400 that had a coach hit it on snow hill last week? Think it was 4959??
At Carlyle for repairs
I believe there was another dinky bus on the 48 this afternoon.
Why is there a board on the 80 that has an E200 (big and small)??
Quote from: uniquicity on September 11, 2014, 08:18:15 PM
I believe there was another dinky bus on the 48 this afternoon.
Not quite so dinky 811 replaced a defective 4503
Cheers. That's what happens when a non anorak gives you info.
Quote from: Dylan4579 on September 11, 2014, 08:20:37 PM
Why is there a board on the 80 that has an E200 (big and small)??
If it's in the mornings then a peak extra maybe?
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
What colour blue? Similar to the 51/X51?
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 03:40:27 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
What colour blue? Similar to the 51/X51?
Think it's a little bit darker, similar style to sutton routes
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:43:41 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 03:40:27 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
What colour blue? Similar to the 51/X51?
Think it's a little bit darker, similar style to sutton routes
Nice one, ta for that!
It will be interesting to see one in the flesh
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
I can't wait to see it. Technically buses are every 4-6 minutes to West Bromwich, so it'll be interesting to see what frequency is displayed on the branding
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 03:53:40 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:43:41 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2014, 03:40:27 PM
Quote from: Andrew on September 13, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
E400 having full rear blue soho road branding applied at WB garage this afternoon. Couldn't ID it though sorry.
What colour blue? Similar to the 51/X51?
Think it's a little bit darker, similar style to sutton routes
Nice one, ta for that!
It will be interesting to see one in the flesh
It's4966, 4966~82 being done photos on main site later
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Interesting that the 79 is given a mention
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Has 4966 been named Susan? :)
Quote from: Rob2832 on September 13, 2014, 07:53:42 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Has 4966 been named Susan? :)
Yes, all of 4966-82 are to be named
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:56:47 PM
Quote from: Rob2832 on September 13, 2014, 07:53:42 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Has 4966 been named Susan? :)
Yes, all of 4966-82 are to be named
Thank You Tony :) Branding looks great
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
I presume they are names of daughters of drivers and garage staff, like the previous named buses
Quote from: John on September 13, 2014, 08:04:55 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
I presume they are names of daughters of drivers and garage staff, like the previous named buses
It's a nice idea, but I'm sure someone had said that there's been two buses named the same name. I just think, had they used the 'bubbles' with the full names on (like the Scanias on 17 Branded Buses & 4781), it'll mean something more personal, and more likely not to get confused with others...
Any WB B6's still out does anybody know?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
They are not 'random names' Susan is the name of the twin sister of the garage based driving instructor at West Bromwich who he last a couple of years ago, every name has a meaning to someone, and the reaction from normal passengers has been very positive
Quote from: clayderman on September 13, 2014, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: John on September 13, 2014, 08:04:55 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
I presume they are names of daughters of drivers and garage staff, like the previous named buses
It's a nice idea, but I'm sure someone had said that there's been two buses named the same name. I just think, had they used the 'bubbles' with the full names on (like the Scanias on 17 Branded Buses & 4781), it'll mean something more personal, and more likely not to get confused with others...
Very good point Claderman & why not boys names?
I mean the next new batch of E400 could be called Tony, Winston, Nathan, Stu etc etc (Hint Hint)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:33:36 PM
Quote from: clayderman on September 13, 2014, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: John on September 13, 2014, 08:04:55 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
I presume they are names of daughters of drivers and garage staff, like the previous named buses
It's a nice idea, but I'm sure someone had said that there's been two buses named the same name. I just think, had they used the 'bubbles' with the full names on (like the Scanias on 17 Branded Buses & 4781), it'll mean something more personal, and more likely not to get confused with others...
Very good point Claderman & why not boys names?
I mean the next new batch of E400 could be called Tony, Winston, Nathan, Stu etc etc (Hint Hint)
It's similar to Eddie Stobart in a way, really like the branding AMAZING shade of blue, one of my most favourite go to colours.
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 08:32:04 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
They are not 'random names' Susan is the name of the twin sister of the garage based driving instructor at West Bromwich who he last a couple of years ago, every name has a meaning to someone, and the reaction from normal passengers has been very positive
There's a 900 E400 named after a cousin who we lost in a car crash on New Year's Eve in 2001 - 4900 'Jennifer'
Would it not be an idea to put a poster on the buses affected telling people a little about the naming scheme (obviously not about every name), am sure there are more people out there that just thought that names were being selected at random.
@Stuharris 6360 there's an idea...name the fleet after us forumites :-)
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:54:52 PM
Would it not be an idea to put a poster on the buses affected telling people a little about the naming scheme (obviously not about every name), am sure there are more people out there that just thought that names were being selected at random.
There was something like that on one of the X96 branded B7's cant remember which one annoyingly.
Quote from: NXDom on September 13, 2014, 09:10:29 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:54:52 PM
Would it not be an idea to put a poster on the buses affected telling people a little about the naming scheme (obviously not about every name), am sure there are more people out there that just thought that names were being selected at random.
There was something like that on one of the X96 branded B7's cant remember which one annoyingly.
2093 has a poster with a short text of the person named. Frank Foley - the Man Who Saved 10,000 Jews
Quote from: NXDom on September 13, 2014, 09:10:29 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:54:52 PM
Would it not be an idea to put a poster on the buses affected telling people a little about the naming scheme (obviously not about every name), am sure there are more people out there that just thought that names were being selected at random.
There was something like that on one of the X96 branded B7's cant remember which one annoyingly.
i just think it might be a good PR thing for NE, showing people that they haven't just invented names, that they have consulted with there drivers and there is a reason for every name used.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 09:17:22 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 13, 2014, 09:10:29 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:54:52 PM
Would it not be an idea to put a poster on the buses affected telling people a little about the naming scheme (obviously not about every name), am sure there are more people out there that just thought that names were being selected at random.
There was something like that on one of the X96 branded B7's cant remember which one annoyingly.
i just think it might be a good PR thing for NE, showing people that they haven't just invented names, that they have consulted with there drivers and there is a reason for every name used.
The fact that they are only using girls names is infuriating me. If the names really do mean something to people, then why haven't they used any male names? Bit unfair! And you do get male buses.
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 13, 2014, 07:52:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Interesting that the 79 is given a mention
Very interesting..... Considering the 79 is a different garage so isn't going to use these buses
Quote from: Kevin on September 14, 2014, 07:35:01 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 13, 2014, 07:52:05 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 07:50:14 PM
Here is the new Soho Road branding
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4966.html
no nearside yet, it hadn't been applied!
Interesting that the 79 is given a mention
Very interesting..... Considering the 79 is a different garage so isn't going to use these buses
It's very smart and I do like the current branding efforts but there are now quite a few key corridors / routes all branded blue, some of them very similar shades like the 50, 51 and Soho Road. I know that not everything goes that well with red but time for something different perhaps like purple, lilac, orange, silver / grey? Maybe the original 94 brown might make a comeback at some stage.
To celebrate 100 years of westbromwich corporation transport why not paint one of the new enviro's or other d/d in corporation colours like they have with coventry it would generate promotional interest in public transport?
Quote from: pb2012 on September 14, 2014, 10:00:03 AM
To celebrate 100 years of westbromwich corporation transport why not paint one of the new enviro's or other d/d in corporation colours like they have with coventry it would generate promotional interest in public transport?
Agree totally! It would have been nice if they could have done one, and of had it ready for the 100 year celebrations that were held yesterday at the Black Country Museum.
Quote from: pb2012 on September 14, 2014, 10:00:03 AM
To celebrate 100 years of westbromwich corporation transport why not paint one of the new enviro's or other d/d in corporation colours like they have with coventry it would generate promotional interest in public transport?
They'll put about the same effort into that as they did for Brum's 100 years... A line up of a handful of buses in a square and that's it...
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
It was only 4 days early
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
It was only 4 days early
The branding is to be finished off soon with the yellow strip. The 82/87 is also to get the strip
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
It was only 4 days early
Yeah but knowing NE the service changes had probably not been released at that point
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:57:40 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
It was only 4 days early
Yeah but knowing NE the service changes had probably not been released at that point
I think you mean Centro,
I'd image the change of long standing route numbers caused more confusion than the branding, at least 451 passengers knew 4 days in advance that they would traveling on No 5's in future ;)
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
May sound daft but possibly to avoid confusion with the Walsall 51
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 09:07:41 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
May sound daft but, wasn't the WA51 changed to that number at the same time, possibly to avoid confusion with the Walsall 51
The WA 51 has been numbered that for years
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
I'm not sure two service 51s both serving the Scott Arms would have been a good idea.
Quote from: Rob2832 on September 13, 2014, 08:37:53 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 13, 2014, 08:32:04 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 13, 2014, 08:04:03 PM
Isn't this idea of naming buses getting a bit daft, when PE did it they named them after people famous in the Black Country and of course 4817 was a one off for the young disabled lad, no problem there, but Just calling buses random names doesn't mean anything.
They are not 'random names' Susan is the name of the twin sister of the garage based driving instructor at West Bromwich who he last a couple of years ago, every name has a meaning to someone, and the reaction from normal passengers has been very positive
There's a 900 E400 named after a cousin who we lost in a car crash on New Year's Eve in 2001 - 4900 'Jennifer'
I think that one of the E400's has my mom's name, Debbie, who passed away in 2011, and 33 E400, 4850, has the same name as this girl i like in my class at school, Lisa
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2014, 09:11:54 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 09:07:41 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
May sound daft but, wasn't the WA51 changed to that number at the same time, possibly to avoid confusion with the Walsall 51
The WA 51 has been numbered that for years
Ignore that then my mistake
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
Wasn't this the bus used at the photo shoot/ press release to advertise the Sandwell Network review? Along with Central Buses new Enviro 200's etc... Which probably explains why it received the branding early
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 14, 2014, 09:03:51 PM
Can't understand why they made it the 5 and not the 51, would have made it easier for people.
WA51 and WB5 cross at Scott Arms so you would have had to renumber the 51
Has 4966 entered service yet? Speaking of the 79 mentioned on the branding, would be nice to see the service extend into Birmingham again, or if not, have WB provide some extra journeys, which I doubt would be necessary.
4225 is the west bromwich 140 working today
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2014, 08:50:28 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 14, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Might be late here but, wasn't this a bit premature
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampriseman/8119563962/in/photolist-a5pqzV-cNvauU-bxNhcB-9vUReh-9DzevX-dnuTu7-8qzp2r-dRUosb-b3edSM-dCH4AX-9TMHjr-a5Qguj-dYwjMx-e9ZAvz-813Qgq-7RCyVs-9rSG2U-9vVoaf-dnVY9q-aveB2i-beTvBT-bu9ger-9ttpTY-9qStqr-fzEP93-dqhr83-bWwqAz-bqATE8-8VcQtd-9FKWA3-9vWjJs-9vS9eX-bkT3zM-aFeQDb-bqBd1a-cHDeZs-7SZ9WJ-9twyiQ-7SVSEg-7Tou6z-d216uE-cHDdjN-8w3bYJ-79CAUC-4cAD7D-83DG5g-4cADjv-dpxDS9-4cEEaW-dLbfS6
It was only 4 days early
The branding is to be finished off soon with the yellow strip. The 82/87 is also to get the strip
Not related to West Brom I know, but is the 51 branding ever going to get finished off?
Centro are interviewing people about Sandwell/Merry Hill bus services in West Brom bus station.
Does anyone know which ALX400 is running in front of 4268 on WB5? I took a video and forgot to look at the fleet number ::) Thanks
Quote from: N94 on September 17, 2014, 04:42:54 PM
Centro are interviewing people about Sandwell/Merry Hill bus services in West Brom bus station.
Does anyone know which ALX400 is running in front of 4268 on WB5? I took a video and forgot to look at the fleet number ::) Thanks
Not another network review surely :o :o :o
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on September 17, 2014, 04:44:30 PM
Quote from: N94 on September 17, 2014, 04:42:54 PM
Centro are interviewing people about Sandwell/Merry Hill bus services in West Brom bus station.
Does anyone know which ALX400 is running in front of 4268 on WB5? I took a video and forgot to look at the fleet number ::) Thanks
Not another network review surely :o :o :o
Surely Dudley would be next if there were anymore re-reviews?
837 out today on 48
4966 was on the 74 yesterday.
1666 has shown up at Miller Street.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 17, 2014, 07:55:59 PM
4966 was on the 74 yesterday.
Saw it today. A really nice shade of blue
Is 3601 still going?
Thanks, missed Tony's post somehow.
An E200 was broken down on the 42/43 this afternoon in Great Bridge
Quote from: N94 on September 17, 2014, 04:42:54 PM
Centro are interviewing people about Sandwell/Merry Hill bus services in West Brom bus station.
Does anyone know which ALX400 is running in front of 4268 on WB5? I took a video and forgot to look at the fleet number ::) Thanks
As long as they leave my local routes alone, I'm happy
Random question, but does anyone know when 4249 lost its connection bars?
519 worked this mornings 06:20 46 Wb - Scott Arms and 06:44 return, then goes onto 45
The destination on the 74 has changed it now reads 74 Birmingham, the side no longers shows the destination just 74 via west bromwich, Soho and Hockley.
The back reads
Birmingham
. 74
Quote from: NXDom on September 21, 2014, 12:42:23 PM
The destination on the 74 has changed it now reads 74 Birmingham, the side no longers shows the destination just 74 via west bromwich, Soho and Hockley.
The back reads Birmingham
. 74
For short journeys, the side shows
74E
this bus terminates at [enter terminus here]
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 21, 2014, 12:45:54 PM
Quote from: NXDom on September 21, 2014, 12:42:23 PM
The destination on the 74 has changed it now reads 74 Birmingham, the side no longers shows the destination just 74 via west bromwich, Soho and Hockley.
The back reads Birmingham
. 74
For short journeys, the side shows
74E this bus terminates at [enter terminus here]
I don't mind it but I think I prefer have it alternate between 74 Birmingham and 74 via west Bromwich
Has it been reported that 4966 is now named 'Susan'?
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on September 22, 2014, 09:01:07 PM
Has it been reported that 4966 is now named 'Susan'?
Yes, been on the main site fleetlist since 13th September. 4967 is Rachel, and I will put all the other names for 74/75 on later tonight or tomorrow
4968 spotted an hour ago, not in service now with Soho Road branding.
Don't think its been mentioned yet, some of the older E200s now have blue branding for the Black Country £11 direct debit. 815 and 812 I saw with it today
4970 & 4971 noted coming off the M5 junction at West Bromwich this morning. Must have been an early start from Falkirk. Out of interest who goes to collect them or do AD deliver them as part of the contract? and how do they get back to Scotland.
Quote from: 37351ml on September 26, 2014, 08:28:13 AM
4970 & 4971 noted coming off the M5 junction at West Bromwich this morning. Must have been an early start from Falkirk. Out of interest who goes to collect them or do AD deliver them as part of the contract? and how do they get back to Scotland.
Alexander Dennis deliver them
4971 on the 74 and 4972 on the754 this morning.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 30, 2014, 08:08:31 PM
4971 on the 74 and 4972 on the754 this morning.
4974 & 4975 have now arrived as well
Quote from: 37351ml on September 26, 2014, 08:28:13 AM
4970 & 4971 noted coming off the M5 junction at West Bromwich this morning. Must have been an early start from Falkirk. Out of interest who goes to collect them or do AD deliver them as part of the contract? and how do they get back to Scotland.
I'd imagine by train.
West Bromwich's new Enviro400s are behaving themselves at the moment. All of 4950-73 inclusive are currently on the Soho Road
There newest Geminis are doing just as well though with all of 4700-17 currently on the Dudley Road
B6 fleet shrinking though, just 519; 524; 533 & 568 left there now with 534; 566; 584; 591 & 680 at Miller Street
refurbished 4270 now ready for collection at Walsall
Soho Road Branded E400s are nice. The interior of 4971 has a big sticker of the 74/75 route. Also, some of the unbranded E400s are getting names now. One has been named 'Sandeep Khan' - if I remember correctly.
Quote from: clayderman on October 01, 2014, 05:39:04 PM
Soho Road Branded E400s are nice. The interior of 4971 has a big sticker of the 74/75 route. Also, some of the unbranded E400s are getting names now. One has been named 'Sandeep Khan' - if I remember correctly.
Yeah, i'd noticed the interior sticker and thought it was a nice touch on 4967 on Saturday, also are 4969, 4970 and 4971 in service yet
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 01, 2014, 05:47:07 PM
Quote from: clayderman on October 01, 2014, 05:39:04 PM
Soho Road Branded E400s are nice. The interior of 4971 has a big sticker of the 74/75 route. Also, some of the unbranded E400s are getting names now. One has been named 'Sandeep Khan' - if I remember correctly.
Yeah, i'd noticed the interior sticker and thought it was a nice touch on 4967 on Saturday, also are 4969, 4970 and 4971 in service yet
Why not just read the three messages above?
4974 should be the 0750 74 ex Dudley, I'm one in front but for the benefit of the enviro veg I thought id post
Saw 4974 being photographed by male accompanied by inspector at Priory Queens way at 14:30. He was taking close up shots of destination "Dudley 74"
591 and 680 basically spent all of their time at West Bromwich until now.
591 started off at Travel London before moving north and also was withdrawn and reinstated at WB. 680 had a short spell in the strategic reserve fleet before moving back to WB. Shame to see these 2 go especially.
And, of course, 1586 spent all of its 16 years at WB.
Quote from: uniquicity on October 02, 2014, 08:11:17 PM
591 and 680 basically spent all of their time at West Bromwich until now.
591 started off at Travel London before moving north and also was withdrawn and reinstated at WB. 680 had a short spell in the strategic reserve fleet before moving back to WB. Shame to see these 2 go especially.
Wonder if NE will look at all the remaining B6s to see which are in the best condition and transfer the best to WN to get rid of some of of their worst ones?
533 568 582 669 673 677 would be the better choices of what's left. 533 just needs a few rattles sorted now as the diff has been repaired. 524 would be better without the groan and 519 is just a tad slow. 582 needs new trim if that stays, all the current seats are rock solid. You all already know my thoughts on 244...
Not the ones id have kept at all if there were still plenty to choose from but I'm just a spotter so I assume my opinions are outright null and void
Quote from: Ashley on October 02, 2014, 08:56:16 PM
533 568 582 669 673 677 would be the better choices of what's left. 533 just needs a few rattles sorted now as the diff has been repaired. 524 would be better without the groan and 519 is just a tad slow. 582 needs new trim if that stays, all the current seats are rock solid. You all already know my thoughts on 244...
Not the ones id have kept at all if there were still plenty to choose from but I'm just a spotter so I assume my opinions are outright null and void
It would be lovely to be able to keep the ones that seemed nice, but for instance 1477 rode nice but has to be withdrawn because underneath it is too rotton to repair at any reasonable cost. Not sure why you dislike 244, nicest of all the B6s to ride on
Quote from: uniquicity on October 02, 2014, 08:14:22 PM
And, of course, 1586 spent all of its 16 years at WB.
It managed to sneak onto WN59 last year as a temporary loan for the day
519 should do 19.40 47 wednesbury to west brom where it will finish. Will it survive another week....
4976 spotted on it's delivery run to Leyland or WB
http://malsfotofile.smugmug.com/Other-2/M6-Motorway/30654943_RHpKL3#!i=3584492499&k=b9FqsKB&lb=1&s=A
Quote from: Winston on October 04, 2014, 08:17:02 PM
4976 spotted on it's delivery run to Leyland or WB
http://malsfotofile.smugmug.com/Other-2/M6-Motorway/30654943_RHpKL3#!i=3584492499&k=b9FqsKB&lb=1&s=A
West Bromwich - a photo of it in the garage will be on the main site later
Quote from: Tony on October 02, 2014, 09:18:10 PM
Quote from: Ashley on October 02, 2014, 08:56:16 PM
533 568 582 669 673 677 would be the better choices of what's left. 533 just needs a few rattles sorted now as the diff has been repaired. 524 would be better without the groan and 519 is just a tad slow. 582 needs new trim if that stays, all the current seats are rock solid. You all already know my thoughts on 244...
Not the ones id have kept at all if there were still plenty to choose from but I'm just a spotter so I assume my opinions are outright null and void
It would be lovely to be able to keep the ones that seemed nice, but for instance 1477 rode nice but has to be withdrawn because underneath it is too rotton to repair at any reasonable cost. Not sure why you dislike 244, nicest of all the B6s to ride on
Well I suppose it is just survival of the fittest regardless of which nutters like which vehicles
West Bromwich has no B6s on the road today. 519 went to Miller Street yesterday, and has been taken to Lea Hall today.
533 is still at West Bromwich, but hasn't been out of the garage
4976 was in service today on the Soho Rd unbranded
Quote from: uniquicity on October 08, 2014, 06:32:49 PM
4976 was in service today on the Soho Rd unbranded
4975 & 4976 both entered service yesterday for the first time
4977 is now taxed too.
West Bromwich is now B6 free, the last one 533 has gone over to Park Lane
The end of an era at Wb then :'( when 501-515 arrived they helped to oust the fleetlines,18 years later they in turn are extinguished by new e400s.
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2014, 11:25:21 AM
West Bromwich is now B6 free, the last one 533 has gone over to Park Lane
Have 524 and 568 been withdrawn then?
568 arrived MS on Monday, 524 there as well, info on the withdrawn vehicle thread .
Quote from: 37351ml on October 09, 2014, 03:05:10 PM
568 arrived MS on Monday, 524 there as well, info on the withdrawn vehicle thread .
Thanks. I must have read it and forgot about it (and for some reason those posts didn't show up on the forum search earlier)
4518 still here. On the 82/87s today. No idea if it's due to transfer, but it would be odd for AG to have one dot matrix Gemini
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 10, 2014, 09:51:05 AM
4518 still here. On the 82/87s today. No idea if it's due to transfer, but it would be odd for AG to have one dot matrix Gemini
Not due to transfer
4248 seen today being dragged through West Bromwich by the Mansfield tow truck about 10 am
The last Enviro 400s have now been delivered, so no more new buses for a few months
4953/60/63 are E400's that have been on the 80 today
Quote from: OH25 on October 13, 2014, 03:38:23 PM
4953/60/63 are E400's that have been on the 80 today
And 4959 was on the 87 this morning.
4962 on 82/87 today. Left Dudley on the 87 at 0650, another E400 10 or 20 minutes behind
820 left WB approx 0727 on the 80
4226 on the 40 as well
Branded 4981 out today on the Soho Rd
West brom garage at nite does feel like double deck city at the moment.
4978-4982 all on Soho Road services today.
Quote from: JIM H on October 14, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
4978-4982 all on Soho Road services today.
4525 was on the 74E/75s as well
Quote from: Ashley on October 14, 2014, 06:50:27 AM
4962 on 82/87 today. Left Dudley on the 87 at 0650, another E400 10 or 20 minutes behind
820 left WB approx 0727 on the 80
4226 on the 40 as well
It felt so weird seeing an Enviro 400 actually in service on the Oldbury Rd, hopefully this will be a daily occurrence?
Anyone interested just seen an E400 on the 82, too far to ID.
Quote from: trident4370 on October 17, 2014, 10:45:11 AM
Anyone interested just seen an E400 on the 82, too far to ID.
4951 is on the DR today, did the 0720 87 ex Dudley
Quote from: Ashley on October 17, 2014, 04:42:55 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 17, 2014, 10:45:11 AM
Anyone interested just seen an E400 on the 82, too far to ID.
4951 is on the DR today, did the 0720 87 ex Dudley
One on the 82 too, think it was 4964. Bit too far away
Quote from: trident4370 on October 17, 2014, 10:45:11 AM
Anyone interested just seen an E400 on the 82, too far to ID.
4959
Not sure if mentioned before, but I didn't know WB has the (predominantly Pensnett operated) 9 programmed on their displays. I saw 427* (ALX with LEDs) changing it's display from the 83 to the 89, but instead, it changed into a 9 for a brief 10-20 seconds... Like the old style alternating displays, although, I don't think it had what the E400s previously had. Example: it has Bearwood as a single 'via' point, instead of saying 'Hagley Road, Bearwood'.
Wonder if any more Mercs will go with the 41 not being operated now.
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 27, 2014, 11:04:59 PM
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
It doesn't. Two buses aren't being used because of the withdrawl of the 41, which means two Mercs can be withdrawn
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 27, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 27, 2014, 11:04:59 PM
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
It doesn't. Two buses aren't being used because of the withdrawl of the 41, which means two Mercs can be withdrawn
Or two E200's could always be moved elsewhere
Quote from: Winston on October 28, 2014, 12:02:02 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 27, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 27, 2014, 11:04:59 PM
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
It doesn't. Two buses aren't being used because of the withdrawl of the 41, which means two Mercs can be withdrawn
Or two E200's could always be moved elsewhere
Or a couple of B6LEs could go?
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 28, 2014, 12:59:54 AM
Quote from: Winston on October 28, 2014, 12:02:02 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 27, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 27, 2014, 11:04:59 PM
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
It doesn't. Two buses aren't being used because of the withdrawl of the 41, which means two Mercs can be withdrawn
Or two E200's could always be moved elsewhere
Or a couple of B6LEs could go?
If anything the B6LEs will just be transferred or become 'straticgic reserve'.
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 28, 2014, 12:59:54 AM
Quote from: Winston on October 28, 2014, 12:02:02 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 27, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on October 27, 2014, 11:04:59 PM
I didn't think that the 41 used Mercs, just the Darts and E200 SWBs
It doesn't. Two buses aren't being used because of the withdrawl of the 41, which means two Mercs can be withdrawn
Or two E200's could always be moved elsewhere
Or a couple of B6LEs could go?
They've all gone already
While sat at the lights at Snow Hill this morning, I couldn't help but notice this on the back seat of 4980 as it stopped alongside the 9 I was on.
It looks like someone has taken a saw or something to one of the light grey handle parts of the second back row of seats on the upper deck, as it was split in two down the middle!
(not a great photo but you can just about make it out)
The innovative mind of the West Bromwich vandal - doesn't surprise me really - never hear many positives about the Dudley Road and 74 etc. clientele.
I also noticed this on 4973 on Saturday 18/10, about 3 seats from the back on the offside upstairs, one had been cut right through and an attempt had been made on the seat next to it. There appears to be someone with a hacksaw on the loose on the soho road.
Certain corridors don't deserve new buses it's just wasted on scum.
Just to say. We don't know whether this vandalism occurred on the Soho Road section of the route, or the Birmingham Rd - Dudley/Wednesbury section
Really annoying to hear about this deliberate damaging of brand new buses - these individuals should count themselves lucky as having new buses. Would love to have some new stock at YW/AG now. I mean would they go sawing their own property in half - no. Why they have to saw through bus seats is beyond me - NX should get the CCTV reviewed, to try and discover the person doing this.
4955 on 80 I presume this sort of appearance will become regular?
4229 is out on the 80 if anyone wants a photo
Quote from: Liberator9 on October 28, 2014, 10:14:19 PM
Really annoying to hear about this deliberate damaging of brand new buses - these individuals should count themselves lucky as having new buses. Would love to have some new stock at YW/AG now. I mean would they go sawing their own property in half - no. Why they have to saw through bus seats is beyond me - NX should get the CCTV reviewed, to try and discover the person doing this.
Like they care about having 'new' things at all, they are spoiled imbeciles who have never had to so much as earn anything in their pathetic lives, especially respect, which is a word they have heard of but utterly misunderstand.
Quite frankly these overgrown babies don't deserve their liberty; they certainly haven't earned it, carrying on like this.
More worrying though is the thought of people walking around with saws on them in the first place, I'm sure he hadn't just got on the bus straight from Homebase... Of course the one good thing about it being a new bus is that the CCTV should be as clear as possible so the coppers should have no problems finding the scum that did it.
Quote from: trident4370 on October 31, 2014, 04:08:45 PM
More worrying though is the thought of people walking around with saws on them in the first place, I'm sure he hadn't just got on the bus straight from Homebase... Of course the one good thing about it being a new bus is that the CCTV should be as clear as possible so the coppers should have no problems finding the scum that did it.
That'll be the day
There was another Enviro 200 on the 83/89s today. Best to assume the routes are Enviro 200 on Sundays?
4506 has received front fleet numbers. It's on the 48 today
What journeys / times does the peak a.m. running board do on the 14o/141/241? Is it still the same driver who used the 140/241 peak before the changes?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 06, 2014, 06:20:43 PM
What journeys / times does the peak a.m. running board do on the 14o/141/241? Is it still the same driver who used the 140/241 peak before the changes?
8:05 241 to Dudley all I know, was 4960 this morning
That's from halesowen bus station
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 06, 2014, 06:40:02 PM
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 06, 2014, 06:20:43 PM
What journeys / times does the peak a.m. running board do on the 14o/141/241? Is it still the same driver who used the 140/241 peak before the changes?
8:05 241 to Dudley all I know, was 4960 this morning
That's from halesowen bus station
I've caught the WB 140 from Quinton at around 9:20 heading for Birmingham, which should be the 0847 from Dudley. It was the same driver that time.
A few WB service took part in the 2 minute silence at 11 pulling over and switching off their engines, kudos to nx
Haven't seen anything but Geminis on the 127-9, and ALXs on the 48, including 4248 about an hour ago, which for some reason decided to turn onto Barclays Road instead of following the normal route to Bearwood along Lightwoods Hill
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 11, 2014, 05:16:32 PM
Haven't seen anything but Geminis on the 127-9, and ALXs on the 48, including 4248 about an hour ago, which for some reason decided to turn onto Barclays Road instead of following the normal route to Bearwood along Lightwoods Hill
Severn Trent are doing sewer works on Wigorn Road, 48 has been diverted for a few weeks now
Quote from: uniquicity on November 11, 2014, 05:27:59 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 11, 2014, 05:16:32 PM
Haven't seen anything but Geminis on the 127-9, and ALXs on the 48, including 4248 about an hour ago, which for some reason decided to turn onto Barclays Road instead of following the normal route to Bearwood along Lightwoods Hill
Severn Trent are doing sewer works on Wigorn Road, 48 has been diverted for a few weeks now
Ahh. I see, thanks for clearing that up
My driver this morning missed Barclay Road.
We ended up following Adkins Lane to Bearwood Bus Station. It was too tight to turn right to the Kings Head so we went Bearwood Road, Sandon Road, Barnsley Road, Hagley Road then left at the Kings Head to get back on route.
If you look closely at the rear of 4264, you can just about see the outline of its original 50 branding.
About 1:10 pm today, 1665 on the 53 completely missed out Kenrick Park - it stayed on the dual carriageway up to the roundabout and went up Trinity Way to West Bromwich
Smethwick High St, between Brewery St and Stony Lane is closed. I imagine the 55, 80 and 87 will use Tollhouse Way, completely avoiding Blue Gates. The 89 should be unaffected. The 83, I've just seen 4506 on it, will have to turn left onto High St and right onto Fenton St and then use Tollhouse Way.
4265 back out in service on the 127/8/9 today
Quote from: uniquicity on November 18, 2014, 09:56:50 AM
4265 back out in service on the 127/8/9 today
4296 on there too after a day at Pensnett
Quote from: OH25 on November 13, 2014, 06:52:16 PM
About 1:10 pm today, 1665 on the 53 completely missed out Kenrick Park - it stayed on the dual carriageway up to the roundabout and went up Trinity Way to West Bromwich
resurfacing work they was told to do that in both directions
53 pensnett not wbrom
I thought member 4006 might like a photo of the real 4006! It will appear on the main site soon, but here is a preview
2 of the 4 late night 74's were non enviro 400 earlier, 4506 is one, the other passed me at speed but could have been 4503 as that was the other I saw earlier on in the evening.
Noticed wb 74 blinds look likes Coventry's old blinds they used on the 20 now
Quote from: clayderman on October 23, 2014, 05:07:20 PM
Not sure if mentioned before, but I didn't know WB has the (predominantly Pensnett operated) 9 programmed on their displays. I saw 427* (ALX with LEDs) changing it's display from the 83 to the 89, but instead, it changed into a 9 for a brief 10-20 seconds... Like the old style alternating displays, although, I don't think it had what the E400s previously had. Example: it has Bearwood as a single 'via' point, instead of saying 'Hagley Road, Bearwood'.
I think you will find that a good number have got some Pensnett routes programmed in for Boxing day services. Some are now incorrect due to service changes.
4957 (?) on the 83
244 parked up in WB garage for a few days now, not moved at all. is this still in service?
Quote from: wbdriver on December 03, 2014, 09:08:59 PM
244 parked up in WB garage for a few days now, not moved at all. is this still in service?
It was in service at WN for a week or two before appearing to be 'not in use'
Quote from: Nathan on December 03, 2014, 09:49:16 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on December 03, 2014, 09:08:59 PM
244 parked up in WB garage for a few days now, not moved at all. is this still in service?
It was in service at WN for a week or two before appearing to be 'not in use'
It has had some work done on it to make it fit to use if need be
244 on the back car park dumped in the corner does look presentable, with mini enviro 200s around it doesn't look that dated to be fair still hold its own. Credit to the wrightbus design I guess.
Overall which type of E200 do drivers / passengers prefer? SWB or LWB?
Quote from: NXDom on December 07, 2014, 12:02:09 PM
Overall which type of E200 do drivers / passengers prefer? SWB or LWB?
Possibly LWBs!
Quote from: NXDom on December 07, 2014, 12:02:09 PM
Overall which type of E200 do drivers / passengers prefer? SWB or LWB?
I've only been on lwb ones, and it was on the 99 round the bumpy roads of Welsh house farm, which may be why they are so rattle. Never been on swb one, but I think they would be even worse
At least 5 Enviro400s on the 82/7, and at least 3 42**s on the Soho Road today
Quote from: John on December 07, 2014, 05:00:29 PM
At least 5 Enviro400s on the 82/7, and at least 3 42**s on the Soho Road today
4952 87
4248 74
And I've seen just one Gemini on the 87
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 07, 2014, 05:44:55 PM
Quote from: John on December 07, 2014, 05:00:29 PM
At least 5 Enviro400s on the 82/7, and at least 3 42**s on the Soho Road today
4952 87
4248 74
And I've seen just one Gemini on the 87
You obviously didn't watch the route for very long then, there are 7 of them on there
568 was shown as withdrawn in the October changes, but is still shown as at WB on the NXWM fleet list. Which is correct, please?
May have been withdrawn short teremed and must be at west brom
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 07, 2014, 08:33:45 PM
May have been withdrawn short teremed and must be at west brom
Short teremed?? You mean turned into a mini bus?
No I mean short termed position as withdrawn
withdrawn. No B6s in service at WB. (apart from 244 which as Tony said is here for repairs)
Quote from: Eric Shaw on December 07, 2014, 08:31:56 PM
568 was shown as withdrawn in the October changes, but is still shown as at WB on the NXWM fleet list. Which is correct, please?
Quote from: wbdriver on December 07, 2014, 08:48:15 PM
withdrawn. No B6s in service at WB. (apart from 244 which as Tony said is here for repairs)
In main site updates thread tony said he is having trouble updating the website so when he can update the site he will change 568 to withdrawn
Thanks Tara, I did not mean to be critical, I think Tony's fleet lists are the best anywhere, however we can all help by checking ourselves to keep them the best.
Quote from: wbdriver on December 07, 2014, 08:48:15 PM
withdrawn. No B6s in service at WB. (apart from 244 which as Tony said is here for repairs)
Still in the back car park..
1671 in use at West Brom, was on the 5 today with blank desinations
Quote from: John on December 10, 2014, 10:04:25 PM
1671 in use at West Brom, was on the 5 today with blank desinations
Dammit! I was around today for a change, I'd have had a flail if I'd known...
1671 is on the 49, had West Bromwich on top blind and blank lower. Think it will do the 10.50 from WB
4952 having a trip on the 127 in Broad Street at 11:00am
There were 2 Presidents on the 48 today. 4113 was the other one. It is still mostly ALX400 / Gemini, with maybe a couple of Presidents per week usually (today being the exception to this rule)
I had thought 1671 was 'in reserve' (previously at WN) - is this a permanent transfer or a loan?
760 wb 40
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 03:21:33 PM
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
You've just posted in another thread that they are adding to the branding, hardly a sign of them being withdrawn
Quote from: Tony on December 16, 2014, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 03:21:33 PM
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
You've just posted in another thread that they are adding to the branding, hardly a sign of them being withdrawn
I know but I keep hearing they are being replaced by E40D's. When I saw the branding earlier I got confused.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 08:30:12 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 16, 2014, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 03:21:33 PM
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
You've just posted in another thread that they are adding to the branding, hardly a sign of them being withdrawn
I know but I keep hearing they are being replaced by E40D's. When I saw the branding earlier I got confused.
Just out of curiosity, who/where are you hearing this from?
Just got a quick question is wb garage opposite the bus station?
Tara
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 16, 2014, 09:24:00 PM
Just got a quick question is wb garage opposite the bus station?
Tara
No it's on Oak Lane!
On sunday i went to new square and The bus drove past wb bus station and opposite there was e400 branded gems and plaxtom presidents is it an out station
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 16, 2014, 09:30:48 PM
On sunday i went to new square and I drove past wb bus station and opposite there was e400 branded gems and plaxtom presidents is it an out station
You're 16 yet you drive, hmmm interesting.
Haven't seen 1585 for a while. Guess I'm just being unlucky.
Quote from: ARJ2901 on December 16, 2014, 09:20:41 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 08:30:12 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 16, 2014, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 03:21:33 PM
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
You've just posted in another thread that they are adding to the branding, hardly a sign of them being withdrawn
I know but I keep hearing they are being replaced by E40D's. When I saw the branding earlier I got confused.
Just out of curiosity, who/where are you hearing this from?
A few sources.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 17, 2014, 09:04:13 AM
Quote from: ARJ2901 on December 16, 2014, 09:20:41 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 08:30:12 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 16, 2014, 03:38:27 PM
Quote from: Michael Bevan on December 16, 2014, 03:21:33 PM
Does anyone know if the Plaxton Presidents on WB 5 are being withdrawn?
You've just posted in another thread that they are adding to the branding, hardly a sign of them being withdrawn
I know but I keep hearing they are being replaced by E40D's. When I saw the branding earlier I got confused.
Just out of curiosity, who/where are you hearing this from?
A few sources.
Well at some point in the next 4 years the Presidents are likely to be withdrawn, and new Enviro 400s delivered, but there is nothing to say the new buses will go on the 5
Theres no talk around the garage of the presidents leaving as yet, its all very quiet. i myself have noticed lately more presidents on the 83/89 service all good with me. i wish these enviros would self combust.
Quote from: uniquicity on December 16, 2014, 10:40:10 PM
Haven't seen 1585 for a while. Guess I'm just being unlucky.
Yes on my recent visit I couldn't find my old friend 1585 at all in spite of being around West Brom quite regularly over four days. Didn't see 1613 either.....
Quote from: 4130Quinton on December 17, 2014, 05:12:33 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on December 16, 2014, 10:40:10 PM
Haven't seen 1585 for a while. Guess I'm just being unlucky.
Yes on my recent visit I couldn't find my old friend 1585 at all in spite of being around West Brom quite regularly over four days. Didn't see 1613 either.....
West Bromwich had a full set of Mercedes on the road today, 1585 is on the 45, 1613 is on the 49
Noted 4044 just being towed by Mansfield, look like it had come from Oak Lane. Off to be repaired somewhere?
Quote from: uniquicity on December 19, 2014, 09:27:54 AM
Noted 4044 just being towed by Mansfield, look like it had come from Oak Lane. Off to be repaired somewhere?
It has gone to Carlyle
Quote from: Tony on December 19, 2014, 09:34:59 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on December 19, 2014, 09:27:54 AM
Noted 4044 just being towed by Mansfield, look like it had come from Oak Lane. Off to be repaired somewhere?
It has gone to Carlyle
Forgive me for my lack of knowledge but what is Carlyle 😥
Quote from: RR378 on December 19, 2014, 11:36:44 AM
Quote from: Tony on December 19, 2014, 09:34:59 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on December 19, 2014, 09:27:54 AM
Noted 4044 just being towed by Mansfield, look like it had come from Oak Lane. Off to be repaired somewhere?
It has gone to Carlyle
Forgive me for my lack of knowledge but what is Carlyle 😥
A vehicle repair centre based near Great Bridge
4606 parked here at west bromwich by the traffic office, got some pics parked next to every type of decker operated currenty at this garage. i,m thinking it could be here for repairs or its parked because its close to carlyle.
Quote from: 2900 on December 20, 2014, 09:49:46 AM
4606 parked here at west bromwich by the traffic office, got some pics parked next to every type of decker operated currenty at this garage. i,m thinking it could be here for repairs or its parked because its close to carlyle.
Wouldn't it be cool if they made it into a open top bus used for special events like yesterday in wolves? It could be a really good promo bus.
Quote from: NXDom on December 21, 2014, 08:15:29 AM
Quote from: 2900 on December 20, 2014, 09:49:46 AM
4606 parked here at west bromwich by the traffic office, got some pics parked next to every type of decker operated currenty at this garage. i,m thinking it could be here for repairs or its parked because its close to carlyle.
Wouldn't it be cool if they made it into a open top bus used for special events like yesterday in wolves? It could be a really good promo bus.
Tbh WN need all of their tridents in normal public service as they always seem to be 'short of buses'
Are E400s rare on Sunday 80's
4225 WB87
450* WB74
1671 is still in use at WB. Seen yesterday on the 49
1589 and 1699 WB 42
ALL Ive seen for the last two months is enviros
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 30, 2014, 05:58:40 PM
1683 and 1699 WB 42
ALL Ive seen for the last two months is enviros
Happens most days. 1683? That's withdrawn now from WN isn't it?
Not sure Nathan it was something 3 on the end and yes 1683 is withdrawn
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 30, 2014, 06:26:19 PM
Not sure Nathan it was something 3 on the end and yes 1683 is withdrawn
1613 or 1653?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 30, 2014, 06:29:57 PM
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 30, 2014, 06:26:19 PM
Not sure Nathan it was something 3 on the end and yes 1683 is withdrawn
1613 or 1653?
got it completely wrong just looked at the photos I taken of it and its 1589
4272 87
Thanks for the reference sh4318
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 31, 2014, 04:22:16 PM
4272 87
(I'm guessing I can do this here). This isn't rare, in fact the only rare decker you'll find on the 82/87 is a Plaxton President
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 31, 2014, 05:09:30 PM
Quote from: Tara4352 on December 31, 2014, 04:22:16 PM
4272 87
(I'm guessing I can do this here). This isn't rare, in fact the only rare decker you'll find on the 82/87 is a Plaxton President
You can. I missed deleting it off here, Tara, you are seriously starting to get irritating multiple posting non-news. I deleted it from the unusual workings page
Is there any news on 758?
Was very badly damaged in an accident, just wondered if it was being repaired or is it one of the first new buses to go? :(
Quote from: WB on January 02, 2015, 11:03:09 AM
Is there any news on 758?
Was very badly damaged in an accident, just wondered if it was being repaired or is it one of the first new buses to go? :(
Didn't tony say it was away at Carlyle getting repaired?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on January 02, 2015, 11:18:33 AM
Quote from: WB on January 02, 2015, 11:03:09 AM
Is there any news on 758?
Was very badly damaged in an accident, just wondered if it was being repaired or is it one of the first new buses to go? :(
Didn't tony say it was away at Carlyle getting repaired?
Tony reported it being at Carlyle on 17/12/14
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
I've been on 4955, on the 87 with Super-X. I'd like to see it on the Dudley Road Volvos, but I'm sure they'd get there soon. The '82' display definitely needs updating. The alternating displays aren't consistent. On one slide, you see 'Bearwood' in 8pt font, in the next it's in 9pt font. Same for the via points. 8pt font, then 7pt font.
Quote from: clayderman on January 04, 2015, 02:59:50 PM
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
I've been on 4955, on the 87 with Super-X. I'd like to see it on the Dudley Road Volvos, but I'm sure they'd get there soon. The '82' display definitely needs updating. The alternating displays aren't consistent. On one slide, you see 'Bearwood' in 8pt font, in the next it's in 9pt font. Same for the via points. 8pt font, then 7pt font.
Most of the Dudley Rd buses I saw yesterday had scrolling destionations
On another note I see the AG1 now shows Broad St, Five Ways Island opposed to Sheepcote Street.
I notice on some destinations, there is quite a few via points whereas on others, BC58 for example just shows 'via Coventry Road' where it could list Small Heath, Yardley & Lyndon/Wells Green
Quote from: clayderman on January 04, 2015, 02:59:50 PM
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
I've been on 4955, on the 87 with Super-X. I'd like to see it on the Dudley Road Volvos, but I'm sure they'd get there soon. The '82' display definitely needs updating. The alternating displays aren't consistent. On one slide, you see 'Bearwood' in 8pt font, in the next it's in 9pt font. Same for the via points. 8pt font, then 7pt font.
There were 2 B7TLs on the Soho Rd today, and their Dudley/Wednesbury destinations are now then same as the Enviro400s on the front, with the destination in large with no via points on the front display
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
Super X might actually be winning me over, dare I say the scrolling displays look good on the '06 Geminis.
Hopefully I can catch a glimpse of a President with Super X
Quote from: John on January 04, 2015, 05:19:22 PM
There were 2 B7TLs on the Soho Rd today, and their Dudley/Wednesbury destinations are now then same as the Enviro400s on the front, with the destination in large with no via points on the front display
I wish the Enviros would have the same displays on the 82/87 as they do on the 74/75
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 04, 2015, 09:15:13 PM
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
Super X might actually be winning me over, dare I say the scrolling displays look good on the '06 Geminis.
Hopefully I can catch a glimpse of a President with Super X
Quote from: John on January 04, 2015, 05:19:22 PM
There were 2 B7TLs on the Soho Rd today, and their Dudley/Wednesbury destinations are now then same as the Enviro400s on the front, with the destination in large with no via points on the front display
I wish the Enviros would have the same displays on the 82/87 as they do on the 74/75
Two of the 5 branded Presidents have Super-X's now, 4085 and another that i saw yesterday in West Brom
Quote from: clayderman on January 04, 2015, 02:59:50 PM
Quote from: JackC on January 03, 2015, 07:43:43 AM
Super X displays have finally made their way onto WB buses
I've been on 4955, on the 87 with Super-X. I'd like to see it on the Dudley Road Volvos, but I'm sure they'd get there soon. The '82' display definitely needs updating. The alternating displays aren't consistent. On one slide, you see 'Bearwood' in 8pt font, in the next it's in 9pt font. Same for the via points. 8pt font, then 7pt font.
That's sheer LED sacrilege!! It all should be either one or the other... I hate inconsistencies as you've described.
That's why I'm in favour of superx with scrolling...
Very upset that no one noticed todays historic journey, that is set to become a new novelty working.
The 0800 6E Walsall - Aldridge is operated by WB garage, before later running on the (WB)40 & evening 5 service.
Todays vehicle was Merc 1699 - not sure if this will more commonly be an Enviro200 though!
No idea what the Merc displayed on its destination blind, but pretty sure this is the first WB service to depart from the main bus station in Walsall.
Quote from: notepanel on January 05, 2015, 06:28:00 PM
Very upset that no one noticed todays historic journey, that is set to become a new novelty working.
The 0800 6E Walsall - Aldridge is operated by WB garage, before later running on the (WB)40 & evening 5 service.
Todays vehicle was Merc 1699 - not sure if this will more commonly be an Enviro200 though!
No idea what the Merc displayed on its destination blind, but pretty sure this is the first WB service to depart from the main bus station in Walsall.
Well did anyone know?
I'd have to look through my old 70's timetables but surely there was there was a WB - Streetly - Aldridge - Walsall in the 70's into the old St Pauls BS?
Quote from: notepanel on January 05, 2015, 06:28:00 PM
Very upset that no one noticed todays historic journey, that is set to become a new novelty working.
The 0800 6E Walsall - Aldridge is operated by WB garage, before later running on the (WB)40 & evening 5 service.
Todays vehicle was Merc 1699 - not sure if this will more commonly be an Enviro200 though!
No idea what the Merc displayed on its destination blind, but pretty sure this is the first WB service to depart from the main bus station in Walsall.
Runs as a 4 West Bromwich to Walsall; a 6 to Aldridge, then special to Queslett and a 5 back to West Bromwich, so the first three journies are on three different, but consequetively numbered routes!
Quote from: Tony on January 05, 2015, 07:30:36 PM
Quote from: notepanel on January 05, 2015, 06:28:00 PM
Very upset that no one noticed todays historic journey, that is set to become a new novelty working.
The 0800 6E Walsall - Aldridge is operated by WB garage, before later running on the (WB)40 & evening 5 service.
Todays vehicle was Merc 1699 - not sure if this will more commonly be an Enviro200 though!
No idea what the Merc displayed on its destination blind, but pretty sure this is the first WB service to depart from the main bus station in Walsall.
Runs as a 4 West Bromwich to Walsall; a 6 to Aldridge, then special to Queslett and a 5 back to West Bromwich, so the first three journies are on three different, but consequetively numbered routes!
This will produce a few interesting sightings
Suppose it has to be asked... Why?
Don't Walsall have enough buses to run the extra 6 or 4 journeys? If there was such a need for the extra 5 journey couldn't it come from West Brom as a 5?
1699 was on 5 @ 22.20 from wb.Its appearance on the 4 this morning must be the first merc on there for over 5 years. Also the 1st ever merc to visit Aldridge in service?
Quote from: Kevin on January 05, 2015, 10:23:06 PM
Suppose it has to be asked... Why?
Don't Walsall have enough buses to run the extra 6 or 4 journeys? If there was such a need for the extra 5 journey couldn't it come from West Brom as a 5?
Judging by the fact the extra journey has been timetabled on the 6, I would assume WB were the only garage with a spare morning peak bus and the 4 and 5 journeys are simply there to reduce dead mileage.
Was the vehicle on this board today 1671?
Quote from: uniquicity on January 06, 2015, 10:06:12 AM
Was the vehicle on this board today 1671?
I think so, but 4971 is currently on that running board, so that is a rare working on the 40
Quote from: Tony on January 06, 2015, 10:10:53 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on January 06, 2015, 10:06:12 AM
Was the vehicle on this board today 1671?
I think so, but 4971 is currently on that running board, so that is a rare working on the 40
That would make sense as 1671 just ran empty back to Oak Lane after arriving on in WB the 5
4964 was on the 5 part of this board (22.20 Wb-Sutton) so 4971 must have been swapped.
4086 noted on the 40 and evening 5 portions of the "novelty board". Three days and 3 different vehicle types...
@Sh4318 4962 appeared on the 48 on 19/12/2014 ;)
Quote from: uniquicity on January 08, 2015, 10:20:20 PM
@Sh4318
4962 appeared on the 48 on 19/12/2014 ;)
I'll second that. Mr Uniquicity beat me to posting the sighting by 5 minutes.
4249 has had a new rear LED blind fitted, but it hasn't been fitted properly so is leaning backwards :/
On the 48 if anyone wants to see. 09.02 from WB
Quote from: uniquicity on January 09, 2015, 09:00:58 AM
4249 has had a new rear LED blind fitted, but it hasn't been fitted properly so is leaning backwards :/
On the 48 if anyone wants to see. 09.02 from WB
Interesting. Yesterday while I was waiting for the 1607 to Birmingham New Street (on platform 4 of Smethwick Galton Bridge), I saw an ALX on the 83 along Telford Way, which appeared to have a rear LED, I had a hunch that it was 4249, but then realised how absurd that sounded and convinced myself I was seeing things. I'll certainly be on the lookout for it now :), saying that, 4249 literally follows me everywhere
4950 is back in service after its accident. Not sure how long it has been back
Quote from: uniquicity on January 22, 2015, 02:34:29 PM
4950 is back in service after its accident. Not sure how long it has been back
A couple of months. 4044 is also back out today for the first time, came out as a change bus on the 74, did WB-Dudley-WB and now swapped onto the 83
Pretty embarrassed that I hadn't noticed it for that long.
Noted 4249 running dead down the Hagley Road at Bearwood going towards Quinton. Rear display now fixed securely
4951 was some etching on the upper saloon windows, it was on the 80 today.
Quote from: uniquicity on January 22, 2015, 02:43:48 PM
Pretty embarrassed that I hadn't noticed it for that long.
Noted 4249 running dead down the Hagley Road at Bearwood going towards Quinton. Rear display now fixed securely
It's on the 127E/128, it looks good, gives it personality and makes it unique
Have you got a photo
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:21 PM
Have you got a photo
No. I don't take bus photos, I'll try and take a pic if I see it again, I see 4249 all the time
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 22, 2015, 09:41:01 PM
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:21 PM
Have you got a photo
No. I don't take bus photos, I'll try and take a pic if I see it again, I see 4249 all the time
@Sh4318 thanks if you say it's unique it must be good
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:21 PM
Have you got a photo
@Tara4352 I have a photo of 4249 working a 74 on Sunday (Still the slowest i went on a bus that day, and thats saying summat when my previous bus was an E200SWB). Heres the link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127701512@N04/16123550570/
Quote from: ARJ2901 on January 22, 2015, 09:47:17 PM
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:21 PM
Have you got a photo
@Tara4352 I have a photo of 4249 working a 74 on Sunday (Still the slowest i went on a bus that day, and thats saying summat when my previous bus was an E200SWB). Heres the link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127701512@N04/16123550570/
Thanks dislike the display though
@Matt Sunday is a day to go slow on some buses
@Tara4352 not necessarily
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 22, 2015, 09:59:20 PM
@Tara4352 not necessarily
Agreed, when i was on 756 (Yes, you can critiscise me for going on a piece of plastic, unneccersairily ) the driver moved like hell
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 22, 2015, 09:41:01 PM
Quote from: Tara4352 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:21 PM
Have you got a photo
No. I don't take bus photos, I'll try and take a pic if I see it again, I see 4249 all the time
I was stuck behind that pesky thing driving up regent road today the rear display stands out for a mile
some asked to see 4249's LED's?: https://www.flickr.com/gp/101550299@N05/h0CX43
The super-X display for the 87 displays Smethwick as 'Swethwick'
I believe it might need changing :)
Quote from: OH25 on January 25, 2015, 12:15:17 AM
The super-X display for the 87 displays Smethwick as 'Swethwick'
I believe it might need changing :)
@OH25 I think typos are common on NX's buses. BC's 23A display (outbound) says '
Kiwell & Woodgate'
- same on the tridents, although it misspells Woodgate. Not sure if this problem has been rectified, as I haven't seen a Trident on the 23A since around Autumn 2014.
Anyone know what times the west bromwich workings on the 140/241 are?
All I know is 8:05 am from halesowen to dudley 241 is wb
Quote from: the trainbasher on January 27, 2015, 12:19:23 AM
Anyone know what times the west bromwich workings on the 140/241 are?
141, 06:35 Bearwood - 07:20 Merry Hill
241, 07:30 Merry Hill - 08:40 Dudley
140, 08:47 Dudley - 09:43 Birmingham
4950 has some ticket branding but it still got blue on the sides similar to the 74/75 branding
seen it earlier today on the 80
4292 is on the 82 in Bearwood at 1:45
Quote from: filbus1 on February 04, 2015, 02:07:25 PM
4292 is on the 82 in Bearwood at 1:45
It's currently on the 83.
Quote from: filbus1 on February 04, 2015, 02:07:25 PM
4292 is on the 82 in Bearwood at 1:45
There were at least 2 on the 82/87 today, nothing usual
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 04, 2015, 05:51:08 PM
Quote from: filbus1 on February 04, 2015, 02:07:25 PM
4292 is on the 82 in Bearwood at 1:45
There were at least 2 on the 82/87 today, nothing usual
Never said it was , just saying
If anyone goes down and stands outside West Bromwich garage in the next hour or so they might get a photo of one of the oddities in the fleet psrked by the gates waiting to move on to somewhere else
Would that be 244 by any chance. Where is it going.
244 is still parked at Oak Lane
Quote from: uniquicity on February 06, 2015, 02:56:54 PM
244 is still parked at Oak Lane
It was 244 that was parked right by the gate, but is now back inside!
Quote from: Tony on February 06, 2015, 03:15:31 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on February 06, 2015, 02:56:54 PM
244 is still parked at Oak Lane
It was 244 that was parked right by the gate, but is now back inside!
When I went past 90 minutes ago it was halfway down the forecourt next to the wall
Do b7tl run on 127?
Tridents and geminis run on the 127
But today it is diamond operation on the 127 dudley to blackheath
Quote from: Rhys S on February 08, 2015, 09:19:51 AM
Tridents and geminis run on the 127
But today it is diamond operation on the 127 dudley to blackheath
I didn't know west brom had tridents?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2015, 09:27:09 AM
Quote from: Rhys S on February 08, 2015, 09:19:51 AM
Tridents and geminis run on the 127
But today it is diamond operation on the 127 dudley to blackheath
I didn't know west brom had tridents?
Presumably he meant ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's which have the same bodywork as our Tridents but with noticeable differences
Don't worry @Trident4194 they do but they are scattered go 4225-4474 Fleetlist on the main site
Quote from: Nathan on February 08, 2015, 09:29:54 AM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2015, 09:27:09 AM
Quote from: Rhys S on February 08, 2015, 09:19:51 AM
Tridents and geminis run on the 127
But today it is diamond operation on the 127 dudley to blackheath
I didn't know west brom had tridents?
Presumably he meant ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's which have the same bodywork as our Tridents but with noticeable differences
Is it the same chances of getting Gemini or b7tl, I would prefer a b7tl
127 service from brum to dudley day time is always volvo b7tl alexander and wrightbus,
127E service from brum to blackheath as above, occasionally enviro 200 might creep on as change bus.
Yes it is the same chances
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2015, 09:34:48 AM
Quote from: Nathan on February 08, 2015, 09:29:54 AM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2015, 09:27:09 AM
Quote from: Rhys S on February 08, 2015, 09:19:51 AM
Tridents and geminis run on the 127
But today it is diamond operation on the 127 dudley to blackheath
I didn't know west brom had tridents?
Presumably he meant ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's which have the same bodywork as our Tridents but with noticeable differences
Is it the same chances of getting Gemini or b7tl, I would prefer a b7tl
A Gemini is a body type that a Volvo B7TL can have.
NXWM also have Volvo B7TLs with Alexander ALX400 and Plaxton President bodies.
Tridents also have ALX400 bodies, hence the confusion.
4952 has got the unlimited travel branding on the rear and upper front window. No blue destination surround/front panel though, and nothing on the side.
Who's clever idea is it to put a SWB E200 on the 80 during morning peak?
The 80 needs sorting out in terms of frequency especially in the mornings going towards West Bromwich. The 8:30ish bus from Dudley Road didn't show and the next one was 758 and completely packed and drove straight past the bus stop.
There's an extra 6E to Aldridge 0800 from Walsall operated by West Bromwich
New envir0 49xx made an aperance today
Quote from: lynx1103 on February 12, 2015, 01:15:11 PM
There's an extra 6E to Aldridge 0800 from Walsall operated by West Bromwich
New envir0 49xx made an aperance today
Mentioned a while back. A Merc made an appearence on the first day of operation of this trip. I believe it works a daytime 40 then an evening 5
Was the Merc a roller blind or electronic displays?
If it's roller blind, I assume it can't display Aldridge!
Quote from: OH25 on February 12, 2015, 09:26:20 AM
Who's clever idea is it to put a SWB E200 on the 80 during morning peak?
The 80 needs sorting out in terms of frequency especially in the mornings going towards West Bromwich. The 8:30ish bus from Dudley Road didn't show and the next one was 758 and completely packed and drove straight past the bus stop.
It used to happen everyday, in the morning and evening peak boards, but now only tends to happen occasionally in the morning.
Quote from: Westy on February 12, 2015, 05:54:10 PM
Was the Merc a roller blind or electronic displays?
If it's roller blind, I assume it can't display Aldridge!
Only PE have Mercs with electronic displays, so should have been a blind fitted vehicle.
Separate subject are their still plans for a west brom sub unit to house services like the 101/16 etc?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 12, 2015, 10:06:01 PM
Separate subject are their still plans for a west brom sub unit to house services like the 101/16 etc?
For extra routes to transfer to WB, said garage would need to transfer routes out first, most likely to Pensnett. For that to ever happen PN would need to be expanded first
Quote from: Winston on February 12, 2015, 11:25:38 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 12, 2015, 10:06:01 PM
Separate subject are their still plans for a west brom sub unit to house services like the 101/16 etc?
For extra routes to transfer to WB, said garage would need to transfer routes out first, most likely to Pensnett. For that to ever happen PN would need to be expanded first
Didn't someone on here a while ago talk of a sub unit being built round the Oldbury area?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 13, 2015, 06:25:48 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 12, 2015, 11:25:38 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 12, 2015, 10:06:01 PM
Separate subject are their still plans for a west brom sub unit to house services like the 101/16 etc?
For extra routes to transfer to WB, said garage would need to transfer routes out first, most likely to Pensnett. For that to ever happen PN would need to be expanded first
Didn't someone on here a while ago talk of a sub unit being built round the Oldbury area?
At one point NX were thought to be looking at setting up a new outstation @ Keltruck (Scania dealer) West Bromwich & the existing Oak Road outstation would be closed. But that fell through for reasons unknown.
@Winston isn't a certain local MP involved in keltruck (the hon member for Dudley south)
The Mini E200s have now been named, I have the list of names but not which bus is which. If anyone sees them can they report them please.
Only one I know so far is 759 is Hanso
I've photographed 756 and 759 but on my photo on the front of the bus u cannot see a name on 756
I have been sent the full list now
see
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/fleetlist/0501-0830.html
Quote from: Rhys S on February 15, 2015, 10:33:11 AM
I've photographed 756 and 759 but on my photo on the front of the bus u cannot see a name on 756
Only 759 has been done so far..
4974 was on Priory Queensway with two nearside windows broken & a damaged nearside panel, with Police and an Inspector in attendance at about 16.30 today - looked like something might have hit it coming from Steelhouse Lane
1671 now has WB blinds, although they've managed to put an old font via one in.
4055 and 4087 now have the modified 5 branding.
4956 was parked at Oak Lane with minor rear accident damage.
Quote from: Matt on February 17, 2015, 09:33:43 AM
Non branded 4961 on 80 no idea if unusual or not.
Happens every now and again, not too unusual. More likely to see an Enviro on the 82/87 though
832 on the 48
Accident damage on 4966
4084 seems to have adopted an unofficial name (I guess) only on the rear in a different style of lettering. I think it was 'Sarah Lynn' or similar
4295 WB 42
Trident 87
Quote from: John on February 18, 2015, 05:14:52 PM
4084 seems to have adopted an unofficial name (I guess) only on the rear in a different style of lettering. I think it was 'Sarah Lynn' or similar
Can confirm it is 'Sarah Lynn'. On the 5 today
Quote from: Rhys S on February 19, 2015, 04:48:35 PM
4295 WB 42
Trident 87
WB do not have Tridents! They have ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's (Same bodywork as our Tridents)
Quote from: Nathan on February 19, 2015, 04:57:37 PM
Quote from: Rhys S on February 19, 2015, 04:48:35 PM
4295 WB 42
Trident 87
WB do not have Tridents! They have ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's (Same bodywork as our Tridents)
You knew where you were with Metrobuses!
Quote from: Rhys S on February 19, 2015, 05:49:25 PM
Quote from: Matt on February 19, 2015, 05:44:09 PM
Enviro400 with green megarear on 128
Probably 4961
Saw it in Bearwood on the 129 to West Bromwich about 20 mins ago. So it won't be on one of the late night boards
756 has been named Irene Amelia and 753 is Lillymai, not sure if it's been mentioned.
4272 on the 74
A lot of WB E400's rear advert boards seems to be colour co-ordinated with
the branding.
Did 1667 make an appearance on the 80 over the past couple of days?
4294 on the 87 and a Enviro 400
How many non-Enviros appear on the 74/75 per day?
Quote from: Rhys S on March 01, 2015, 03:52:36 PM
4294 on the 87 and a Enviro 400
All of which are usual. 4232 and 4247 on there today
4952 was out all day on the 48. Spotted a discarded ticket on there issued at 5.50am
Quote from: uniquicity on March 06, 2015, 07:06:30 PM
4952 was out all day on the 48. Spotted a discarded ticket on there issued at 5.50am
I thought it was an 18 at first, but the rear writing is so small
Did anyone see which e400 was on the 40 yesterday?
Quote from: 37351ml on March 08, 2015, 08:36:14 AM
Did anyone see which e400 was on the 40 yesterday?
there a photo on flickr of 4961
From today two additional journeys commenced on the WA4 service at 0642 ex Blackheath & 0724 ex West Brom. These journeys are operated by WB garage - the first using the vehicle that then goes on to operate the 881 school service and the second by the vehicle that goes onto operate the 6E Aldridge journey.
Both journeys only operate school term time only.
Quote from: notepanel on March 09, 2015, 10:09:22 PM
From today two additional journeys commenced on the WA4 service at 0642 ex Blackheath & 0724 ex West Brom. These journeys are operated by WB garage - the first using the vehicle that then goes on to operate the 881 school service and the second by the vehicle that goes onto operate the 6E Aldridge journey.
Both journeys only operate school term time only.
I take it the 881 vehicle is a B7TL ALX, are they using Mercs or Presidents on the 6E?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on March 09, 2015, 11:45:13 PM
Quote from: notepanel on March 09, 2015, 10:09:22 PM
From today two additional journeys commenced on the WA4 service at 0642 ex Blackheath & 0724 ex West Brom. These journeys are operated by WB garage - the first using the vehicle that then goes on to operate the 881 school service and the second by the vehicle that goes onto operate the 6E Aldridge journey.
Both journeys only operate school term time only.
I take it the 881 vehicle is a B7TL ALX, are they using Mercs or Presidents on the 6E?
The 6 has tended to be Enviro400s lately.
What's the allocation for the 42/43?
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 11, 2015, 12:06:55 PM
What's the allocation for the 42/43?
Something like 6 LWB E200s and a couple of Mercs
Quote from: uniquicity on March 11, 2015, 12:22:31 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 11, 2015, 12:06:55 PM
What's the allocation for the 42/43?
Something like 6 LWB E200s and a couple of Mercs
All 8 are E200s LWB
Quote from: 979 on March 11, 2015, 02:42:09 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on March 11, 2015, 12:22:31 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 11, 2015, 12:06:55 PM
What's the allocation for the 42/43?
Something like 6 LWB E200s and a couple of Mercs
All 8 are E200s LWB
but Mercs still cover a couple of boards Mon-Sat (Despite the allocation being E200's)
Quote from: Nathan on March 11, 2015, 03:27:51 PM
Quote from: 979 on March 11, 2015, 02:42:09 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on March 11, 2015, 12:22:31 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 11, 2015, 12:06:55 PM
What's the allocation for the 42/43?
Something like 6 LWB E200s and a couple of Mercs
All 8 are E200s LWB
but Mercs still cover a couple of boards Mon-Sat (Despite the allocation being E200's)
Not today, or a lot of other days
Then its funny that the past few times i've seen the 43 in Bilston, it has been a Merc!
Quote from: Nathan on March 11, 2015, 06:33:54 PM
Then its funny that the past few times i've seen the 43 in Bilston, it has been a Merc!
Sometimes vehicles get changed during the day for various reasons!
Quote from: 979 on March 11, 2015, 06:57:51 PM
Quote from: Nathan on March 11, 2015, 06:33:54 PM
Then its funny that the past few times i've seen the 43 in Bilston, it has been a Merc!
Sometimes vehicles get changed for during the day for various reasons!
I'm aware.....
Apologies. I just thought a couple of boards may have had Mercs allocated if E200's were not avaliable....
does anyone know what has happened to the registration that 3610 carried (C8NEX)?
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 12, 2015, 12:55:58 PM
does anyone know what has happened to the registration that 3610 carried (C8NEX)?
On 1687
4274 worked the 703 school service from St Thomas Moore-New Inventiin this afternoon. Seen on Stubby Lane at 15:30
This has been operated by an E400 ever since they arrived at WB
Will be interesting to see whether they use deckers on the 49 when the Mercs have gone after the residents complained
Quote from: uniquicity on March 16, 2015, 04:23:22 PM
Will be interesting to see whether they use deckers on the 49 when the Mercs have gone after the residents complained
Why were they complaining, the 449 was pre-dominantly B6LE for years
I was when it was extended to Bearwood in the Sandwell review via the 200/201 route. Residents weren't used to having deckers going down their street.
Maybe that bit could be done by another route and the 49 shortened to Bearwood again
Quote from: uniquicity on March 16, 2015, 11:08:02 PM
I was when it was extended to Bearwood in the Sandwell review via the 200/201 route. Residents weren't used to having deckers going down their street.
Maybe that bit could be done by another route and the 49 shortened to Bearwood again
I was surprised to see it extended in the first place to be honest, almost every section of the route has an alternative to Bearwood.
West Brom to Mallin Street - 48/129
Rood End to Langley Green - 120, 128
Causeway Green - 53, 126
Brandhall - 127
Warley Woods - 48, 127-9 (if you fancy a walk)
A link to Oldbury would be much more useful, especially in the Brandhall area
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2015, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on March 16, 2015, 11:08:02 PM
I was when it was extended to Bearwood in the Sandwell review via the 200/201 route. Residents weren't used to having deckers going down their street.
Maybe that bit could be done by another route and the 49 shortened to Bearwood again
I was surprised to see it extended in the first place to be honest, almost every section of the route has an alternative to Bearwood.
West Brom to Mallin Street - 48/129
Rood End to Langley Green - 120, 128
Causeway Green - 53, 126
Brandhall - 127
Warley Woods - 48, 127-9 (if you fancy a walk)
A link to Oldbury would be much more useful, especially in the Brandhall area
Yeah. Didnt the 441 go to Brandhall? Don't recall that getting replaced
Quote from: uniquicity on March 17, 2015, 12:21:40 AM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 17, 2015, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on March 16, 2015, 11:08:02 PM
I was when it was extended to Bearwood in the Sandwell review via the 200/201 route. Residents weren't used to having deckers going down their street.
Maybe that bit could be done by another route and the 49 shortened to Bearwood again
I was surprised to see it extended in the first place to be honest, almost every section of the route has an alternative to Bearwood.
West Brom to Mallin Street - 48/129
Rood End to Langley Green - 120, 128
Causeway Green - 53, 126
Brandhall - 127
Warley Woods - 48, 127-9 (if you fancy a walk)
A link to Oldbury would be much more useful, especially in the Brandhall area
Yeah. Didnt the 441 go to Brandhall? Don't recall that getting replaced
That's a good point. I'm not sure whether it did, I don't remember the 441 that well, all I remember is that it went to Halesowen
It could be said that the existing 122 is a partial replacement for the 441, all be it well after the service was axed, between Oldbury and pound road, as I seem to recall from Living in Langley at the time the 441 ran from west brom to Halesowen via Langley, Brandhall and Quinton, it got cut back to run Oldbury to Halesowen in order to use one bus I'd imagine as the west brom section is well covered with the 4, 121 and the 289, pitty it was axed to be honest whenever I used it it seemed to be well used by pensioners headed for the shops in Halesowen.
The Halesowen to Quinton section was replaced IIRC by the 636 (current 99)
I'd actually have said 49 up from Brandhall to the Hagley Road at Quinton instead
Rumour mill in full swing at west brom, 74/75 to go 24 hour from May , the 87 to start an hour earlier in the morning holding off the 24 hour operation for time being, all dudley road services to be rerouted into city 83/89 left newhall hill,right graham St,new hall street, on to charlotte St, luggate hill,then great Charles St, normal line of route, 82/87 same as above but will continue along newhall St, over gt Charles St , left Edmond St,right livery st, left turn at Barclays bank colmore row then towards colmore circus, priory Queensway,right moor St Queensway,right carrs lane, terminus somewhere round that area of Brum.
I must stress this is drivers talking nothing on notice boards yet.
Quote from: 2900 on March 17, 2015, 09:01:54 PM
Rumour mill in full swing at west brom, 74/75 to go 24 hour from May , the 87 to start an hour earlier in the morning holding off the 24 hour operation for time being, all dudley road services to be rerouted into city 83/89 left newhall hill,right graham St,new hall street, on to charlotte St, luggate hill,then great Charles St, normal line of route, 82/87 same as above but will continue along newhall St, over gt Charles St , left Edmond St,right livery st, left turn at Barclays bank colmore row then towards colmore circus, priory Queensway,right moor St Queensway,right carrs lane, terminus somewhere round that area of Brum.
I must stress this is drivers talking nothing on notice boards yet.
The 74 is going 24hrs from 26th April between city centre and Carters Green
Quote from: 2900 on March 17, 2015, 09:01:54 PM
Rumour mill in full swing at west brom, 74/75 to go 24 hour from May , the 87 to start an hour earlier in the morning holding off the 24 hour operation for time being, all dudley road services to be rerouted into city 83/89 left newhall hill,right graham St,new hall street, on to charlotte St, luggate hill,then great Charles St, normal line of route, 82/87 same as above but will continue along newhall St, over gt Charles St , left Edmond St,right livery st, left turn at Barclays bank colmore row then towards colmore circus, priory Queensway,right moor St Queensway,right carrs lane, terminus somewhere round that area of Brum.
I must stress this is drivers talking nothing on notice boards yet.
Yes 74 going 24 hour (Carters Green to Birmingham) is correct. I posted this in the service changes thread last week.
Yes, Dudley Road services have to be rerouted because the part of Paradise Circus they use is being closed
More and more deckers appearing on the 40 lately. Usually E400s lately too. Not entirely sure why but hey ho.
There is always a decker on there from the 6E Aldridge working
1613 was/is on the 40 today
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 18, 2015, 06:26:28 PM
1613 was/is on the 40 today
The decker on it today was an ALX400.
There was a Merc on the 46 too
Quote from: uniquicity on March 18, 2015, 06:28:51 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 18, 2015, 06:26:28 PM
1613 was/is on the 40 today
The decker on it today was an ALX400.
There was a Merc on the 46 too
And a President
Quote from: uniquicity on March 18, 2015, 06:28:51 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 18, 2015, 06:26:28 PM
1613 was/is on the 40 today
The decker on it today was an ALX400.
There was a Merc on the 46 too
Thought I heard a Merc going past my house, couldn't tell ::)
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 18, 2015, 06:26:28 PM
1613 was/is on the 40 today
1613 in Sutton on the 451 tonight.
Raked in a bit of thrash.
Most satisfactory.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on March 18, 2015, 11:54:34 PM
1613 in Sutton on the 451 tonight.
Raked in a bit of thrash.
Most satisfactory.
cant beat a merc and nice to see it been called 451 not a poxy 5!
4522 spotted on the A457 by Smethwick Rolfe Street station, probably heading back to WB after a repaint/refurb
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 20, 2015, 01:14:36 PM
4522 spotted on the A457 by Smethwick Rolfe Street station, probably heading back to WB after a repaint/refurb
Been out ages.
Supposed to be on the 83, but got stuck in West Bromwich Bus Station for an hour due to the chaos I mentioned in another thread
4226 has gained a strange humming wine, it's been on the 127E/128 all day
752 has been branded with front stickers for the 40
*EDIT* 751 and 754 has been branded for the 40 too and it's not just front stickers it's around the whole bus (only saw the front to begin with from the bus I was on)
Why on earth are they branding minis for the 40? Thought that was one route they bought the lwb E200s for in the first place? He'll there's even been deckers on there recently
Quote from: Kevin on March 23, 2015, 06:01:20 PM
Why on earth are they branding minis for the 40? Thought that was one route they bought the lwb E200s for in the first place? He'll there's even been deckers on there recently
will the £2.50 return on the 40 be rolled out on other routes.
Quote from: Kevin on March 23, 2015, 06:01:20 PM
Why on earth are they branding minis for the 40? Thought that was one route they bought the lwb E200s for in the first place? He'll there's even been deckers on there recently
Branding will be changed to the LWB.
What's the Pvr of the 11 route, quite few of the recent refurbs a west brom have been gems, just thinking once the enviros start coming from YW will these go first straight to AG to be branded up I guess.
Quote from: 2900 on March 24, 2015, 10:35:27 AM
What's the Pvr of the 11 route, quite few of the recent refurbs a west brom have been gems, just thinking once the enviros start coming from YW will these go first straight to AG to be branded up I guess.
@2900 Outer Circle Pvr is circa 42-44
Quote from: 979 on March 23, 2015, 08:07:20 PM
Branding will be changed to the LWB.
I should hope so, the 40 wouldn't cope on SWB E200's. It regularly fills LWB's to the rafters.
Did my eyes deceive me or is 4956 (which is on the 80 today) called 'Animal', as in the crazy drummer from the Muppets?
Quote from: Mike K on March 25, 2015, 05:51:40 PM
Did my eyes deceive me or is 4956 (which is on the 80 today) called 'Animal', as in the crazy drummer from the Muppets?
Very close! According to Tony's fleet list on this site it's "Anmol".
Quote from: Winston on March 24, 2015, 10:43:33 AM
@2900 Outer Circle Pvr is circa 42-44
Woah! I was expecting it to be around 25.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on March 25, 2015, 07:24:52 PM
Woah! I was expecting it to be around 25.
It's probably for both 11A/C which comes to over 20 for each route
Quote from: BusFan on March 25, 2015, 07:46:08 PM
It's probably for both 11A/C which comes to over 20 for each route
I knew that but I was still surprised about 40.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on March 25, 2015, 08:15:03 PM
I knew that but I was still surprised about 40.
tbh, i would think that the PVR is over 40 off peak, but with extra running time during the peaks, i wouldn't be surprised if during the peak the PVR was nearer 50!
I first started on another thread although seeing as it involves this garage, I'll continue it here, with YW getting the new Enviro 400MMCs, I believe 26 standard Enviro400s will be moving to WB but I believe the Geminis are on the way out, question is Where ?!
Has anybody seen 4717 the last week or so as I've been up dudley Monday and Tuesday and haven't seen it
Quote from: Rhys S on March 26, 2015, 07:59:14 AM
Has anybody seen 4717 the last week or so as I've been up dudley Monday and Tuesday and haven't seen it
West Bromwich have managed to get all 18 47xx Geminis on the 82/87 most days this week
Quote from: OH25 on March 23, 2015, 05:54:21 PM
752 has been branded with front stickers for the 40
*EDIT* 751 and 754 has been branded for the 40 too and it's not just front stickers it's around the whole bus (only saw the front to begin with from the bus I was on)
They have all being de-branded now, but no LWB examples have been branded as of yet
Quote from: Matt on March 28, 2015, 05:55:13 PM
Why brand them then remove it?
@Matt They put the branding on the wrong version of the E200's: SWB's were branded rather than LWB's, which are needed on the 40
Quote from: Alex on March 28, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
@Matt They put the branding on the wrong version of the E200's: SWB's were branded rather than LWB's, which are needed on the 40
"We got the wrong buses"
If that's the genuine reason then that's bloody hilarious
Quote from: Kevin on March 28, 2015, 09:00:24 PM
"We got the wrong buses"
If that's the genuine reason then that's bloody hilarious
How can you f*** up that bad there quite a length difference and the fleet number 754 and 838 are soooo different
When are the rest of the Enviro400s going to be finished off in terms of the ticket branding? How come there is a delay with them being finished?
Quote from: Alex on March 28, 2015, 06:19:57 PM
@Matt They put the branding on the wrong version of the E200's: SWB's were branded rather than LWB's, which are needed on the 40
Is there much of a mark left behind on the short E200's.
You notice, if you look carefully at debranded vehicles that have had the branding on for ages, you can tell which buses used to have it!
The ex 997's at Walsall are currently ones to look for.
Nothing announced yet on NWM or NX websites about the 74 going 24hrs from April 26th.
Anyone know if it's true that Centro are subsidising the night-time journeys?
the 47xx's are now being de-branded. I've seen 4711, 4717, 4703, 4714 out today de-branded. 4704, 4716, 4701, 4709, 4705 still branded.
Quote from: Matt on March 30, 2015, 07:53:03 PM
E200 on the 5 is this normal? Think it was 816
Yes. The late night 5s are Enviro200s. I think they come off the 40
Quote from: Matt on March 30, 2015, 07:58:29 PM
Cheers John, how about 1607 on the 43?
I know I'm not John but if its any use to you, one or two Mercs are on 42/43 most days
Quote from: N94 on March 30, 2015, 04:14:10 PM
the 47xx's are now being de-branded. I've seen 4711, 4717, 4703, 4714 out today de-branded. 4704, 4716, 4701, 4709, 4705 still branded.
I wonder what will happen to 4700-4717 when the Enviros arrive. I have a feeling they may be used on the 5
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 30, 2015, 09:53:05 PM
I wonder what will happen to them when the Enviros arrive. I have a feeling they may be used on the 5
Thought they were to be used on 82/7?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 30, 2015, 09:54:37 PM
Thought they were to be used on 82/7?
I meant what would happen to the Geminis, should've been clearer with that post
Wouldn't have thought that WBs Presidents were top of the pile to be withdrawn, Maybe to AG to replace some of there Presidents??
4711 has lost its branding
So theirs talk of WB's President's and Geminis leaving with the arrival YW's Enviros. Questions is Where to ?! My guess is AG.
Quote from: BusFan on March 31, 2015, 11:28:48 PM
So theirs talk of WB's President's and Geminis leaving with the arrival YW's Enviros. Questions is Where to ?! My guess is AG.
13 Mercs, 13 Presidents, 26 Enviros..
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 01, 2015, 12:08:50 AM
13 Mercs, 13 Presidents, 26 Enviros..
14 Mercs, 16 Presidents at WB. Not sure if you want odd vehicles left
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 01, 2015, 12:08:50 AM
13 Mercs, 13 Presidents, 26 Enviros..
So.. where are they going then. I'm assuming Acocks Green although I very well could be wrong
Quote from: uniquicity on April 01, 2015, 12:32:27 AM
14 Mercs, 16 Presidents at WB. Not sure if you want odd vehicles left
An additional 4 buses from elsewhere could easily see the end for the mercs/presidents
74/75 seem to be using Hamstead Road out of town at present, also saw an 11A going the other way. Is there something up in Handsworth at present?
Quote from: Cheese on April 03, 2015, 01:24:28 PM
74/75 seem to be using Hamstead Road out of town at present, also saw an 11A going the other way. Is there something up in Handsworth at present?
Easter parade
4703 is on the 80 (Normally on the 82/87) but I guess it doesn't count as it isn't branded anymore
Quote from: Matt on April 04, 2015, 09:57:17 AM
4962 on the 40
4294, 4226 on the 42/43
4230 on there on the 43 heading to bilston
Seems like the Soho Road buses has gained/gaining scrolling displays.
Quote from: clayderman on April 04, 2015, 03:05:28 PM
Seems like the Soho Road buses has gained/gaining scrolling displays.
Advertising the new 24 hour service.
4745 has come out at WB for the first time on the 74
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2015, 11:05:58 AM
4745 has come out at WB for the first time on the 74
Saw that heading towards Dudley at 9.40am NIS
Also 4742 heading away from WB garage with an engineer at the wheel, assume transferred?
4706 is debranded
751 is running about 20 down on the 121. 760 is on time on there
There are three 80's a few minutes apart from each other currently heading to West Bromwich, they should be coming up to Smethwick High Street
4700 has been debranded (was however branded yesterday as it was on the 241)
Quote from: Rhys S on April 10, 2015, 06:31:04 PM
4719 WB 80
4250 WB 5
4233 WB 87
4226 WB 45
4953 and 4969 WB 87
@Rhys S None of those, apart from 4226 are unusual.
4719 is a Yardley Wood bus branded for the 35
4709 and 4710 are debranded.
4702 now debranded, this was parked up at Oak Lane
With regards to the enviro 400's from other garages i have been told by the training manager that west brom are only getting 7 400's from other garages??
Anybody else know anything different? There are some parked at the back of oak lane depot but not sure which fleet numbers.
Quote from: WB on April 12, 2015, 09:27:33 AM
With regards to the enviro 400's from other garages i have been told by the training manager that west brom are only getting 7 400's from other garages??
Anybody else know anything different? There are some parked at the back of oak lane depot but not sure which fleet numbers.
I know where that has come from (that planned changes sheet that was posted on Facebook), but I expect all 25 to arrive judging by the MD's business brief a few weeks ago
Quote from: Tony on April 12, 2015, 09:40:46 AM
I know where that has come from (that planned changes sheet that was posted on Facebook), but I expect all 25 to arrive judging by the MD's business brief a few weeks ago
Oh right so we're going to have a garage pretty much full of dennis buses?
It was only the week before last she told me that we was only getting 7 of them and that type training would be for all drivers but priority for the 82/87 rota due to them being branded for those routes.
That doesn't really make sense, as the 82/87 needs more than 7 buses, and are the 57 plate Enviros really that much different to the 14 plates that type training needs to be given?
Quote from: Gareth on April 12, 2015, 12:11:06 PM
That doesn't really make sense, as the 82/87 needs more than 7 buses, and are the 57 plate Enviros really that much different to the 14 plates that type training needs to be given?
The cab on the older 400's has a different layout, different way of starting the bus etc..
Thats all :)
Quote from: WB on April 12, 2015, 12:36:22 PM
The cab on the older 400's has a different layout, different way of starting the bus etc..
Thats all :)
The new ones are nicer to drive and really smooth but you cant beat the older ones!
Quote from: WB on April 12, 2015, 11:56:39 AM
Oh right so we're going to have a garage pretty much full of dennis buses?
It was only the week before last she told me that we was only getting 7 of them and that type training would be for all drivers but priority for the 82/87 rota due to them being branded for those routes.
The fleet changes sheet for changes up to 26/4 had just 4745-51 transferring which is where the 7 has come from, but it also only had 6123-9 entering service at YW, hence why only 7 were to move on that sheet. I presume she hasn't seen a later one yet
Quote from: Tony on April 12, 2015, 12:40:48 PM
The fleet changes sheet for changes up to 26/4 had just 4745-51 transferring which is where the 7 has come from, but it also only had 6123-9 entering service at YW, hence why only 7 were to move on that sheet. I presume she hasn't seen a later one yet
Sounds good to me!
Im guessing the remaining mercs will go along with some of the older deckers then?
1661 is also dumped on the back car park at west brom garage
Personal,s at West Bromwich not the most clued up on the comings and goings of fleet transfers, from my dealings with training office they just show you what's wot on the bus, if you ask detailed questions about a particulars of a vehicle they eh got a clue. The one time one of the new enviro 400s was having its branding applied when I went for type training the training woman was amazed it was vinyl transfers being applied she assumed it was painted on. I thought really imagine the cost.
Follow this website for accurate info from Tony and others.
4715 debranded
Are the 47** Gemini's at West Brom euro 3 or euro 4?
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on April 12, 2015, 04:19:42 PM
Are the 47** Gemini's at West Brom euro 3 or euro 4?
Not 100% sure, but I think they may be Euro 3.
IIRC Euro 4 came in on Volvo's when the double decker chassis switched from B7TL to B9TL.
Quote from: Winston on April 12, 2015, 04:55:23 PM
Not 100% sure, but I think they may be Euro 3.
IIRC Euro 4 came in on Volvo's when the double decker chassis switched from B7TL to B9TL.
Correct. Yes they are Euro 3
Ugh... Does that mean it'll come to a point when the only buses allowed in city centre are Enviros? Kill me now
Quote from: Kevin on April 12, 2015, 05:32:08 PM
Ugh... Does that mean it'll come to a point when the only buses allowed in city centre are Enviros? Kill me now
Nope. Scania Omnicity DD's (Excluding 4697), Omnilinks, B7RLE's (Mk2), Volvo B5LH Double Deckers and E200's. Also, Certain Tridents would be allowed as a handful were re-engined with Euro 4 spec.
Quote from: Nathan on April 12, 2015, 05:38:21 PM
Nope. Scania Omnicity DD's (Excluding 4697), Omnilinks, B7RLE's (Mk2), Volvo B5LH Double Deckers and E200's. Also, Certain Tridents would be allowed as a handful were re-engined with Euro 4 spec.
Unless the rule where if the service frequency is every 20 minutes or less will still apply
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 12, 2015, 06:23:16 PM
Unless the rule where if the service frequency is every 20 minutes or less will still apply
It's 30 minutes isn't it?
The 73 would still qualify then.
Quote from: Michael on April 12, 2015, 08:10:20 PM
It's 30 minutes isn't it?
The 73 would still qualify then.
It is 30 minutes, anything less, Plaxton's wouldn't be allowed in
@OH25 The Merc on the 89 is more likely to be 1698, as 1688 burnt out near Junction 10 a couple years ago
Quote from: BusFan on April 12, 2015, 08:59:39 PM
It is 30 minutes, anything less, Plaxton's wouldn't be allowed in
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2385.msg74126#msg74126
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 13, 2015, 03:26:47 PM
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=2385.msg74126#msg74126
Link doesn't seem to work although the thread gives a keen insight.
I can't help but think in the future the emission policy may be stricter which may limit more buses than just Plaxton's
@BusFan The SQPS (Emission Zone) IS becoming stricter in 2016, to limit the use of Euro 3 spec vehicles into the city centre, with Euro 4 spec becoming necessary for frequent services, as has been discussed earlier.
Quote from: Alex on April 13, 2015, 03:56:16 PM
@BusFan The SQPS (Emission Zone) IS becoming stricter in 2016, to limit the use of Euro 3 spec vehicles into the city centre, with Euro 4 spec becoming necessary for frequent services, as has been discussed earlier.
Start of 2017 Isn't it?
Page 16 of the following document has the details
https://www.centro.org.uk/media/20830/SQPS_Full_Document_July2013.pdf
Quote from: BusFan on April 13, 2015, 04:42:57 PM
Page 16 of the following document has the details
https://www.centro.org.uk/media/20830/SQPS_Full_Document_July2013.pdf
Single deckers Jan 2016 (All NXWM single decker routes are already complaint)
Double deckers May 2017
Quote from: Winston on April 13, 2015, 04:44:46 PM
Single deckers Jan 2016 (All NXWM single decker routes are already complaint)
Double deckers May 2017
For the deckers, are all compliant bar Plaxtons and Spectras ?!
Quote from: BusFan on April 13, 2015, 04:48:17 PM
For the deckers, are all compliant bar Plaxtons and Spectras ?!
Spectra's and Presidents are non compliant at present. When the new SQPS comes in, Gemini's, Tridents (Bar a few which were refitted with Euro 4 spec engines) plus 4697 and 4698 will be non compliant on services more frequent than every 30 minutes.
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2015, 04:55:09 PM
Spectra's and Presidents are non compliant at present. When the new SQPS comes in, Gemini's, Tridents (Bar a few which were refitted with Euro 4 spec engines) plus 4697 and 4698 will be non compliant on services more frequent than every 30 minutes.
That'll be a big change, unless I'm (Someone please correct me fi I am) Tridents & Gemini make up a good portion of the fleet and BC is packing Tridents,
Whats NXWM doing about all this
P.S I think a thread should be created for bus talk which isn't pertinent to any particular garage and is about buses altogether.
Quote from: BusFan on April 13, 2015, 05:05:24 PM
That'll be a big change, unless I'm (Someone please correct me fi I am) Tridents & Gemini make up a good portion of the fleet and BC is packing Tridents,
Whats NXWM doing about all this
P.S I think a thread should be created for bus talk which isn't pertinent to any particular garage and is about buses altogether.
That will be the day I lose interest
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2015, 04:55:09 PM
Spectra's and Presidents are non compliant at present. When the new SQPS comes in, Gemini's, Tridents (Bar a few which were refitted with Euro 4 spec engines) plus 4697 and 4698 will be non compliant on services more frequent than every 30 minutes.
The 126 is F***ed then, saying that unless there is an upgrade between now and 2017 which I would imagine is likely.
Quote from: NXDom on April 13, 2015, 06:45:42 PM
The 126 is F***ed then, saying that unless there is an upgrade between now and 2017 which I would imagine is likely.
How majestically put ! It'll be alot more than just the 126 which I believe has a 10 minute frequency, imagine those with less than 10
Quote from: BusFan on April 13, 2015, 06:52:58 PM
How majestically put ! It'll be alot more than just the 126 which I believe has a 10 minute frequency, imagine those with less than 10
Just blunt, I put things as they are not sugar coated.
Can anyone tell me any Euro 4/5 engined ALX400's?
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on April 13, 2015, 07:16:47 PM
Can anyone tell me any Euro 4/5 engined ALX400's?
4166,4177,4186,4586,4619,4633,4634 are the ones I'm aware of
Quote from: Nathan on April 13, 2015, 07:20:51 PM
4166,4177,4186,4586,4619,4633,4634 are the ones I'm aware of
4148, 4176, 4178, 4179, 4185 also. Its a question thats been asked many times.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on April 13, 2015, 07:25:54 PM
4148, 4176, 4178, 4179, 4185 also. Its a question thats been asked many times.
On the related note, wouldn't be better to add a table column on the fleetlist for Euro rating?
4745 just passed me on Holly Lane, West Smethwick Park displaying 'Driver Training'
4750's on the 82, just left Colmore Row
4707 debranded
Quote from: uniquicity on April 14, 2015, 06:30:50 PM
4707 debranded
They all are now, save any multiple postings
Great :)
My 48 just went via Barclay Road and Upper St Mary's Road instead of Wigorn Road. Temporary diversion?
Quote from: uniquicity on April 16, 2015, 10:04:05 AM
My 48 just went via Barclay Road and Upper St Mary's Road instead of Wigorn Road. Temporary diversion?
Wigorn Road's closed. No idea why, tried to drive down there yesterday, but I couldn't
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 16, 2015, 10:53:55 AM
Wigorn Road's closed. No idea why, tried to drive down there yesterday, but I couldn't
Thanks, it was open Wednesday morning so something must have happened sometime yesterday
758 now back at West Bromwich after its RTC repairs
@Rhys S Now that 4703 is de-branded from the 82/7, it will appear on any other B7TL operated route, so it is not unusual on the 127. Also remember that West Brom have also lost a few of their ALX400s too
Looking at the outgoings, 4297 is still clinging on here on the 48 today
Quote from: uniquicity on April 17, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
Looking at the outgoings, 4297 is still clinging on here on the 48 today
And 4292 on the 5
4745 was parked up at West Bromwich bus station around 6 today, not too sure what it was doing there
4974 has lost its nearside advert frame. Accident repairs?
(Can't remember if this was one of the two off the road)
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 17, 2015, 09:24:04 PM
4745 was parked up at West Bromwich bus station around 6 today, not too sure what it was doing there
It is on the 80 today
Quote from: OH25 on April 19, 2015, 03:55:45 PM
It is on the 80 today
Any on the 89? ::), I wouldn't know, I've been out all day
The 82/87 is a right mixed bag at the moment. ALX B7s, 45** Geminis, 47** Geminis, early Enviros and 49** Enviros. It was a bit exciting waiting for my 87 last Sunday, I genuinely had no idea what bus I'd get
Don't know about the 89, but 4749 was on the 74 today though
Quote from: John on April 19, 2015, 06:25:08 PM
Don't know about the 89, but 4749 was on the 74 today though
There were two or three 47xx Enviros on the 82/87 yesterday. 4745 on lates
4746 on the 74/75 today
4742 on 5
Quote from: uniquicity on April 20, 2015, 03:17:59 PM
4746 on the 74/75 today
4270 and 4749 also on 74/75 today
Does the WB peak a.m. board which arrives in Birmingham as a 140 at 0943 then go to Priory Queensway to make a 74E to West Brom at 095x and then stay on the Soho Road? What is the running board number?
Does one of the early 45 arrivals in Walsall go on to a Barr Beacon school service?
4745 on 127
4753 on 128
EX YW E400 on the 703 School Service (St Thomas Moore-New Invention Via Ashmore Park) this afternoon .
Seen pulling out of Stubby Lane onto Linthouse Lane (Lichfield Road Junction by The Albion Pub) at 15:30
Quote from: filbus1 on April 24, 2015, 01:07:43 PM
4745 on 127
4753 on 128
What times and which direction?
Quote from: Westy on April 24, 2015, 07:38:28 AM
Does one of the early 45 arrivals in Walsall go on to a Barr Beacon school service?
not a 45, but the bus does a 4 working from WB to Walsall and then the 881 (i think is the number)
The volvo single deck bus that caught fire at the front this afternoon is now parked in west bromwich garage with the front all covered up and the bus numbers all covered up
Quote from: wbdriver on April 25, 2015, 12:21:57 AM
not a 45, but the bus does a 4 working from WB to Walsall and then the 881 (i think is the number)
Aaah I saw it as 881.
Just assumed as it was a Gemini DD, it came off a 45.
With alx400 b7tl leaving West Bromwich, what is replacing these ?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 25, 2015, 08:39:20 AM
With alx400 b7tl leaving West Bromwich, what is replacing these ?
Enviro400 from Yardley Wood
Quote from: John on April 25, 2015, 08:40:42 AM
Enviro400 from Yardley Wood
Are they keeping their geminis?
Quote from: Matt on April 26, 2015, 06:45:12 PM
4744 on the 48
It's still out now, heading towards Bartley Green
Quote from: WB on April 25, 2015, 12:26:21 AM
The volvo single deck bus that caught fire at the front this afternoon is now parked in west bromwich garage with the front all covered up and the bus numbers all covered up
NXWM appear to have gone secrecy bonkers!!!! Why on earth cover up the vehicle numbers!!
I don't think that's too unusual. Buses, especially in the past have been covered up and identities hidden after accident or fire damage. I think at one time it was also the norm to move these vehicles around at night between locations.
Quote from: Gareth on April 26, 2015, 11:23:34 PM
I don't think that's too unusual. Buses, especially in the past have been covered up and identities hidden after accident or fire damage. I think at one time it was also the norm to move these vehicles around at night between locations.
Well certainly in the case of severely damaged vehicles (although I well remember almost swerving off the A456 in the middle of the day looking at a Midland Red coach being towed - some months after a bad roll over accident on the M5 - the coach plus roof took up the whole traffic lane) but in the case of a relatively minor damage as shown in the Twitter fire brigade picture of the B7RLE it seems a little ott to be covering up the number plates and fleet numbers - makes you wonder what the reason is ........
Quote from: don on April 27, 2015, 12:14:06 AM
Well certainly in the case of severely damaged vehicles (although I well remember almost swerving off the A456 in the middle of the day looking at a Midland Red coach being towed - some months after a bad roll over accident on the M5 - the coach plus roof took up the whole traffic lane) but in the case of a relatively minor damage as shown in the Twitter fire brigade picture of the B7RLE it seems a little ott to be covering up the number plates and fleet numbers - makes you wonder what the reason is ........
Well its all definately covered. Had a cheeky walk around it yesterday and couldnt tell you any details about it. Theyve even gone to the trouble of making sure the paper taped over the bus number is coloured so you cant see through it!
I wonder if they'll do it with the bus thats gone up in smoke in wednesbury this morning???
4762 on 82 or 87 this morning around 8:20
Not su8re if its already been mentioned but one of the wb unbranded presidents has been named?
Quote from: BU07 LGO on April 30, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Not sure if its already been mentioned but one of the wb unbranded presidents has been named?
Yeah, been mentioned before... Unofficially named 'Susan Lynn' or something if I remember correctly. Not the same font used is not the same as the ones on Enviros. Name was only on the rear, wasn't it?
Quote from: clayderman on April 30, 2015, 08:43:55 PM
Yeah, been mentioned before... Unofficially named 'Susan Lynn' or something if I remember correctly. Not the same font used is not the same as the ones on Enviros. Name was only on the rear, wasn't it?
4084. I saw it a few months back
Quote from: John on February 18, 2015, 05:14:52 PM
4084 seems to have adopted an unofficial name (I guess) only on the rear in a different style of lettering. I think it was 'Sarah Lynn' or similar
Quote from: John on February 19, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
Can confirm it is 'Sarah Lynn'. On the 5 today
Following on from the review thread, wouldn't the turn from St Marys Road onto Bearwood High St (and vice versa) be too tight for a Scania on the 48 and 49?
Quote from: uniquicity on May 03, 2015, 12:41:09 PM
Following on from the review thread, wouldn't the turn from St Marys Road onto Bearwood High St (and vice versa) be too tight for a Scania on the 48 and 49?
Why? how long do you think they are compared to a Mercedes?
Scania's back at west brom? Whens this supposed to be happening? They went to walsall just before i started there so never had the chance to drive one :(
WB keep your ears open a lot of the rumours gossip floating around the garage is true, I use to take it all with a pinch of salt.
Quote from: Tony on May 03, 2015, 12:46:41 PM
Why? how long do you think they are compared to a Mercedes?
Don't shoot the messenger. Someone in the other thread mentioned they were bigger
With the arrival of Enviros from YW, have any Geminis left for AG ?!
Quote from: BusFan on May 03, 2015, 02:49:40 PM
With the arrival of Enviros from YW, have any Geminis left for AG ?!
Was it confirmed they're going to ag?
I thought the enviros were replacements for the b7 alx gone to wa
Quote from: BU07 LGO on May 03, 2015, 04:06:48 PM
Was it confirmed they're going to ag?
I thought the enviros were replacements for the b7 alx gone to wa
I believe someone mentioned it on another thread. I thought the Geminis leaving was balancing off the Enviros arriving.
Quote from: BusFan on May 03, 2015, 05:11:26 PM
I believe someone mentioned it on another thread. I thought the Geminis leaving was balancing off the Enviros arriving.
In answer to your original question - No
When anything does move, I post it in the vehicle transfer thread, so no need to ask the question anyway.
Any mention of Geminis to AG has only been speculation
@Tony so does that mean that the omnilinks to WB rumour is just that?
Quote from: NXDom on May 03, 2015, 05:32:13 PM
@Tony so does that mean that the omnilinks to WB rumour is just that?
2900 has been told by the training department they will be type training people at WB on them soon.
Quote from: Tony on May 03, 2015, 05:37:18 PM
2900 has been told by the training department they will be type training people at WB on them soon.
I hope its true then about time we got some quality buses at west brom! Cant say i like the new E200's at all!
I'll have to have a sneaky word with the training department and see ;)
4745 passed through Yardley this morning just after 09:30 heading towards Sheldon seen it while aboard 4909 on the 957 heading to Solihull
Quote from: Rob2832 on May 06, 2015, 01:48:22 PM
4745 passed through Yardley this morning just after 09:30 heading towards Sheldon seen it while aboard 4909 on the 957 heading to Solihull
Along with 4757 both on free shuttle service to Resort World at the NEC
Quote from: Tony on May 06, 2015, 01:55:25 PM
Along with 4757 both on free shuttle service to Resort World at the NEC
Thank You for the info
@Tony just thought I'd post it just in case. :)
The other day I saw on a Soho Road branded E400 that it is 24hr to West Bromwich as well as saying 74/75 Dudley/Wednesbury. Is this right or was I seeing things somebody confirm if this was always the case or a new thing just acquired
Quote from: Squiz1971 on May 08, 2015, 04:28:16 PM
The other day I saw on a Soho Road branded E400 that it is 24hr to West Bromwich as well as saying 74/75 Dudley/Wednesbury. Is this right or was I seeing things somebody confirm if this was always the case or a new thing just acquired
74 became 24hr from 26th April 2015.
4799 at west brom having some bodywork done. Is this another one coming to west brom from YW as this is an 09 plate and the rest arriving are 57 plates?
Quote from: WB on May 08, 2015, 09:57:44 PM
4799 at west brom having some bodywork done. Is this another one coming to west brom from YW as this is an 09 plate and the rest arriving are 57 plates?
4799 has transferred to Perry Barr :)
Quote from: Rob2832 on May 08, 2015, 09:58:58 PM
4799 has transferred to Perry Barr :)
4799 will be moving to Walsall next week for repaint in Crimson and a return to PB
4756 & 4758 are now at WB
Ah i missed the transfer to PB!
Cant wait to see what it looks like compared to the new models in that case :)
Quote from: Nathan on May 08, 2015, 05:48:27 PM
74 became 24hr from 26th April 2015.
@NathanThanks for that info mate as I didn't think I had seen the 24hr sticker on them before last weekend as I pass them regularly parked up by Old Square waiting to start back to West Brom cheers Nathan
Quote from: Tony on May 08, 2015, 10:00:36 PM
4799 will be moving to Walsall next week for repaint in Crimson and a return to PB
4756 & 4758 are now at WB
will 4799 then be on 16 as the first route to have the new livery
or another route
Quote from: Solo1 on May 10, 2015, 12:42:46 PM
will 4799 then be on 16 as the first route to have the new livery
or another route
Likelihood of it being on the 16 is quite high. Seeing as the 16 is allocated Trident E400s now... Although, it may make an appearance on the 7, 65(?), and 101 - or possibly as a change bus on the 33 or Sutton Lines, I presume.
Quote from: clayderman on May 10, 2015, 12:59:27 PM
Likelihood of it being on the 16 is quite high. Seeing as the 16 is allocated Trident E400s now... Although, it may make an appearance on the 7, 65(?), and 101 - or possibly as a change bus on the 33 or Sutton Lines, I presume.
Branded 16 maybe.
Quote from: NXDom on May 10, 2015, 01:17:30 PM
Branded 16 maybe.
Then again, they are allocated to more than one service, the 7 & 101. PB didn't brand the B7TLs, despite the large fleet. (And I am aware of the old 16 branding) ;) I mean, i'm open-minded, perhaps they will, but I'm not too certain about it... :-\
I hope not everything seems to be branded now
Quote from: BU07 LGO on May 10, 2015, 04:54:44 PM
I hope not everything seems to be branded now
Frankly i'm quite bummed about the rear windows on the platinum buses. However, lighting on the MMC certainly makes up for it, despite the loss of natural lighting.
We are yet to see a conmetely unbranded decker since the 61 plate enviros
Quote from: BU07 LGO on May 10, 2015, 05:54:50 PM
We are yet to see a conmetely unbranded decker since the 61 plate enviros
4944 didn't have any branding when I went on it this afternoon! That's a 14 plate.....
Quote from: Nathan on May 10, 2015, 06:03:20 PM
4944 didn't have any branding when I went on it this afternoon! That's a 14 plate.....
Oh yeah forgot bc had some more
Is the ticket branding on the 49** Enviro400s ever going to be completed? Is there any reason for the delay
Any news on the crimson decker at West
Brom entering service
Quote from: Solo1 on May 15, 2015, 07:31:11 PM
Any news on the crimson decker at West
Brom entering service
As I have already posted it will be painted next week, No!
Quote from: Solo1 on May 15, 2015, 07:31:11 PM
Any news on the crimson decker at West
Brom entering service
See here:
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=3492.345
4952 on the 83/89. Is this noteworthy?
Quote from: Nathan on May 16, 2015, 01:30:28 PM
4952 on the 83/89. Is this noteworthy?
I think it is as according to the spreadsheet, B7TL buses are allocated to the route
Quote from: BusFan on May 16, 2015, 06:28:40 PM
I think it is as according to the spreadsheet, B7TL buses are allocated to the route
I am aware of the main allocation :) But with ex YW E400's moving to WB, i have seen a couple of E400's here and there but i do not see the 83/9 often enough to define as noteworthy.
Quote from: Nathan on May 16, 2015, 06:37:55 PM
I am aware of the main allocation :) But with ex YW E400's moving to WB, i have seen a couple of E400's here and there but i do not see the 83/9 often enough to define as noteworthy.
Thats a valid point. I just go by the spreadsheet !
Quote from: Nathan on May 16, 2015, 01:30:28 PM
4952 on the 83/89. Is this noteworthy?
Yeah, pretty much. Anything that isn't B7TL can be considered as noteworthy
On the Portland rd services yesterday bulk of vehicles used were gems good to see, quite a few were 4700s, I wander if the 4700 gems could be placed on the 127/8/9 more than enough to cover all the boards.
Good to be back on broad St on the weekends it's free live entertainment even if it makes us late, well I left every inbound and outbound journey on time, on my last journey I was only ten minutes late getting to ivy bush not bad really in the past it was more like 15/20 mins plus late granted its early days, I guess the coming bank holiday will be different story.
Passengers waiting at the George Warley were amazed to see the 2214 on time they had braced themselves for a long wait, smiles all round.
On personal level it was nice to be greeted by people with big smiles on broad St rather than bullshit you get on Dudley rd services.
Looks like there is an ex X96 branded Merc parked in the rear car park. 1631 or 1705 I guess if its a withdrawn one
Quote from: uniquicity on May 18, 2015, 02:13:24 PM
Looks like there is an ex X96 branded Merc parked in the rear car park. 1631 or 1705 I guess if its a withdrawn one
It is 1631
Thanks. Impossible to ID it from the street
Good to see 83/89 operated by majority placky volvos of late , with the up coming emission changes will services that have a frequency of 30 minutes or less require minimum of euro 3 spec bus.
IMO services such 48/49 may be others at WB could make use of plackys as they have years left in them, in the peak the 49 does carry standing loads at times especially when schools kick out.
It's not pleasant at times when these loud obnoxious kids are mixed in with pensioners, moms with there babies. At least with a decker every one gets space.
4751 at WB, 4752 gone to WA paint shop
4751
Quote from: 979 on May 23, 2015, 01:14:18 PM
4751 at WB, 4752 gone to WA paint shop
The crimson livery does suit the e400s. Look forward to when the single decks go on
Fairly sure the Scanias will get into it in the near future - the YW batch in particular would be ideal as they only operate the 6/27 (well and the 84) - if they were put into Crimson then that would mean a good proportion of YW have Crimson buses and routes.
i thought NX said it was two-tone maroon nor crimson
Quote from: Nathan on May 23, 2015, 01:40:37 PM
'If' single deckers are repainted into Crimson
Hopefully they do. 8)
Has wb sole scania ventured out?
Quote from: Chris2301 on May 23, 2015, 02:28:11 PM
Hopefully they do. 8)
Has wb sole scania ventured out?
Presumably WB drivers will require driver training/refreshing on this particular bus type!
A Scania @ WB, what ever will see next !
Quote from: BusFan on May 23, 2015, 05:34:58 PM
A Scania @ WB, what ever will see next !
They were new to WB. 1848-62 were. 1878-82 aswell I believe.
Quote from: BusFan on May 23, 2015, 05:34:58 PM
A Scania @ WB, what ever will see next !
Well tony did say gona be movement between all garages excluding cov and Bordesley
I was type trained on the scania at west brom station the other day. We are having them from other garages just not sure on numbers. 4751 look lovely in the new colours! Such a nice livery
That enviro looks absolutely amazing
Quote from: pjp1991 on May 23, 2015, 10:34:44 PM
That enviro looks absolutely amazing
Where can I see the picture ?!
Quote from: BusFan on May 23, 2015, 10:37:40 PM
Where can I see the picture ?!
Here you go,
@BusFan. :) Click here (http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.msg145085#msg145085).
Quote from: BusFan on May 23, 2015, 10:37:40 PM
Where can I see the picture ?!
@979 has posted photos on the previous page.
Tony has said that a photo of 4751 will go up on the main site.
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 23, 2015, 10:40:31 PM
Here you go, @BusFan. :) Click here (http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.msg145085#msg145085).
Thanks !
Damn, that looks good ! NX are on the roll here.
Are all Enviros going Crimson ?!
Quote from: BusFan on May 23, 2015, 10:43:01 PM
Thanks !
Damn, that looks good ! NX are on the roll here.
Are all Enviros going Crimson ?!
So far, 4738-62, 4799-4815 and 4817-4829
Quote from: P419 EJW on May 23, 2015, 10:40:31 PM
Here you go, @BusFan. :) Click here (http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.msg145085#msg145085).
Wow, a well deserved repaint on that Enviro.
4751 that does look seriously impressive, make the most of it before it's infested with vinyl stickers.
Quote from: 2900 on May 24, 2015, 10:14:30 AM
4751 that does look seriously impressive, make the most of it before it's infested with vinyl stickers.
When I went onto WB to photograph it the two engineers on said the both thought it was a new vehicle arriving
Quote from: Tony on May 24, 2015, 10:23:14 AM
When I went onto WB to photograph it the two engineers on said the both thought it was a new vehicle arriving
That was my first thought when I saw 4738 outside the paint shop yestetday morning!
Quote from: BU07 LGO on May 24, 2015, 10:32:56 AM
That was my first thought when I saw 4738 outside the paint shop yestetday morning!
I think it was 4751 you saw, 4738 is still inside being done. here is the photo off my camera as opposed to a phone shot
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4751.html
Quote from: Tony on May 24, 2015, 10:35:31 AM
I think it was 4751 you saw, 4738 is still inside being done. here is the photo off my camera as opposed to a phone shot
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4751.html
@Tony It's not there.
It is, just refresh the page if it isn't
@TonyLooks brilliant - can see why the engineers thought it was new!
Quote from: 2900 on May 24, 2015, 10:14:30 AM
4751 that does look seriously impressive, make the most of it before it's infested with vinyl stickers.
And vandalism...
Quote from: 2900 on May 24, 2015, 10:14:30 AM
4751 that does look seriously impressive, make the most of it before it's infested with vinyl stickers.
I can't wait to see what the 61 plate E400's would look like, with the revised headlight design, and slightly pointed bumper... Sure, to the untrained eye, it'll be "the same" - but honestly, I prefer that body design to the older trident ones. Also, if/when the Wrightbus vehicles get painted, i'm sure they'll look stunning with their 'curvy' exterior.
Quote from: Tony on May 24, 2015, 10:35:31 AM
I think it was 4751 you saw, 4738 is still inside being done. here is the photo off my camera as opposed to a phone shot
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4751.html
It must have been, though I could of swore it was 4738 parked sideways by the paint shop shutter
42/3 on diversion this morning due to a building fire on Whitehall Rd
Quote from: 2900 on May 24, 2015, 10:14:30 AM
4751 that does look seriously impressive, make the most of it before it's infested with vinyl stickers.
when will 4751 re enter service or are they waiting for 7 more to be painted so the 82 will be all in the new livery
Quote from: Solo1 on May 28, 2015, 02:17:25 PM
when will 4751 re enter service or are they waiting for 7 more to be painted so the 82 will be all in the new livery
Need a few more than 7
Need to paint 24 buses into Crimson to cover the 24 boards on the 87 , 82 is inter worked with 87 these days.
Quote from: 2900 on May 28, 2015, 03:51:16 PM
Need to paint 24 buses into Crimson to cover the 24 boards on the 87 , 82 is inter worked with 87 these days.
when did they inter work 82/7
82/87 first interworked about about 5 years a go on a Boxing Day service, that's when I thought this is a sign of things to come, a while later Sunday boards were done, then 2 or 3 years back Monday to saturday boards were done. Drivers were getting one hours travelling time to bearwood bus interchange, management were saying this can't go on any more. We were loving it, it made for excellent duties. There have been times I,ve forgotten to change service cause so use to it being run as an individual service, not much fun explaining to people you forgot change over.
4958 on the 127 just left Dudley bus station 5 down
Note in the garage saying all drivers to type train on scanias as they will used any where.
Love to see it on the 121 service then.
@2900 WB must be getting a fair number of AG's Scanias in that case - will be good for WB to have some - beats the ADLs! AG/YW's Euro 5 batch are the best Scanias I've found.
While walking through the garage last nite I though it didn't take very long at all for it become ADL
ENVIRO city, it was like spot the MERC if you can
WB certainly does seem to be ADL Enviro city - Mercs going, Geminis lost to AG; suppose at least the 57 reg ones are decent and good to have Scanias coming in as well.
Quote from: Liberator9 on May 30, 2015, 10:39:55 AM
@2900
WB must be getting a fair number of AG's Scanias in that case - will be good for WB to have some - beats the ADLs! AG/YW's Euro 5 batch are the best Scanias I've found.
Euro 5? I thought they were Euro 4, they sound exactly like the 57 reg ones.
They are Euro 5 the YW/AG versions - there is a subtle difference between the engine/gearbox - firstly the Euro 5 batch are much smoother at changing gear, don't vibrate on idle as the Euro 4s do and engine is more "growly" (if that makes any sense) on the Euro 4s. There are not my videos, but when pulling away you can hear a difference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGoxsWuoAV8 Euro 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P1HfF7j77U Euro 5
Just been looking at AG,s fleet list quite a sizeable fleet of scanias they have there, as I mentioned before 83/89 could go back to single decks, why not 127/8/9 as well apart from peaks it doesn't warrant double decks. Just have to wait I think by September all will be clear.
Yeah that would sense it would - hopefully something like that will happen. The 37 down at AG, which usually has Scanias, has been mainly Geminis over the last few days. AG now got a fair few spare Geminis with the incoming ones so with the E200MMCs issues (surprise surprise) delaying their delivery (wish NX were having B8RLEs instead) think the 37 is having Geminis on in sizeable number now to allow the Scanias to be transferred out still on time. At least that's what I've seen on here..
Maybe the OmniStinks will replace a few Presidents as well
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on May 30, 2015, 11:19:10 AM
Maybe the OmniStinks will replace a few Presidents as well
I would think only enough to replace the Mercs. The rest to Walsall to release the B7RLEs for elsewhere.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on May 30, 2015, 11:19:10 AM
Maybe the OmniStinks will replace a few Presidents as well
I hope not. There's plenty of 18XX in Slutton as it is, without more filth coming in by way of the Axis of Evil, aka the 451.
It's the 5 now
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on May 31, 2015, 08:00:51 AM
It's the 5 now
For people only capable of remembering a single digit, maybe. If you're from here and used it before silliness set in, it will always be the 451, like the 377 will always be itself.
Axis Of Evil ?
Quote from: The Real 4778 on May 31, 2015, 07:49:01 AM
I hope not. There's plenty of 18XX in Slutton as it is, without more filth coming in by way of the Axis of Evil, aka the 451.
I don't want that to happen. If the Presidents came off the 451. My spotter side would like to see it fully 42xx operated but I do like the Presidents.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on May 31, 2015, 09:54:51 AM
I don't want that to happen. If the Presidents came off the 451. My spotter side would like to see it fully 42xx operated but I do like the Presidents.
The Volvo ALX breed will always be welcome in Scutter.
Right now we get them from PB via the main road and occasionally the 907, from Warsaw on the 377 and 366, and sometimes they come via the Axis of Evil. However, that route is more often the conduit for horrible little buses like 839 which I had the misfortune to catch a couple of weeks ago.
I,m thinking refurbed 4700 gems could go on the 451 service being euro 3 no problem, if plackys are to be moved on, from a drivers point of view this would be a down grade, presidents wipe the floor with 4700s gems.
4500s all but gone now from West Bromwich, the grand plan of vehicle simplification of most garages I.e less vehicle types one or two types of single or double decker seems to be playing out.
If you look at what's left West Bromwich its not hard to work out the rest.
I won't spoil it for every one, reading some of the ideas poeple post all part of the fun.
Quote from: 2900 on June 01, 2015, 10:34:01 AM
I,m thinking refurbed 4700 gems could go on the 451 service being euro 3 no problem, if plackys are to be moved on, from a drivers point of view this would be a down grade, presidents wipe the floor with 4700s gems.
4500s all but gone now from West Bromwich, the grand plan of vehicle simplification of most garages I.e less vehicle types one or two types of single or double decker seems to be playing out.
If you look at what's left West Bromwich its not hard to work out the rest.
I won't spoil it for every one, reading some of the ideas poeple post all part of the fun.
4505 on 127/8/9
4503 on 82/87
For anybody who may be looking.
Mits off the 451 Presidents for now thank you.
Endangered species at West Bromwich
Quote from: 2900 on June 01, 2015, 10:34:01 AM
I,m thinking refurbed 4700 gems could go on the 451 service being euro 3 no problem, if plackys are to be moved on, from a drivers point of view this would be a down grade, presidents wipe the floor with 4700s gems.
Would be a downgrade for passengers too, Presidents are awesome buses, and so comfy as well
Does any one know why 4751 absent came out yet after its repaint?
Quote from: 2900 on June 01, 2015, 10:34:01 AM
I,m thinking refurbed 4700 gems could go on the 451 service being euro 3 no problem, if plackys are to be moved on, from a drivers point of view this would be a down grade, presidents wipe the floor with 4700s gems.
4500s all but gone now from West Bromwich, the grand plan of vehicle simplification of most garages I.e less vehicle types one or two types of single or double decker seems to be playing out.
If you look at what's left West Bromwich its not hard to work out the rest.
I won't spoil it for every one, reading some of the ideas poeple post all part of the fun.
Can't speak highly enough of the Presidents. I can see 47**s going on the 5 eventually
Quote from: 2900 on June 01, 2015, 10:34:01 AM
I,m thinking refurbed 4700 gems could go on the 451 service being euro 3 no problem, if plackys are to be moved on, from a drivers point of view this would be a down grade, presidents wipe the floor with 4700s gems.
4500s all but gone now from West Bromwich, the grand plan of vehicle simplification of most garages I.e less vehicle types one or two types of single or double decker seems to be playing out.
If you look at what's left West Bromwich its not hard to work out the rest.
I won't spoil it for every one, reading some of the ideas poeple post all part of the fun.
@2900 do the 47**s have kickdown/the click at the bottom of accelerator pedal? Had a 45** recently and found they don't have it when the 46**s do. Was surprised at that!
Quote from: MW on June 02, 2015, 09:22:14 PM
@2900 do the 47**s have kickdown/the click at the bottom of accelerator pedal? Had a 45** recently and found they don't have it when the 46**s do. Was surprised at that!
4534 has it
4751 out today on 82/87. 😎
Quote from: 979 on June 03, 2015, 07:32:13 AM
4751 out today on 82/87. 😎
Finally thanks for that mate cheers do you know where it is
Finally thanks for that mate cheers do you know where it is
[/quote]
Currently just left Dudley Bus Station.
Currently just left Dudley Bus Station.
[/quote
Just look out my window and seen it go past at the bottom of the road looks very nice
4751 fresh from refurb complete with chicken bones,peanut shells and super strong larger cans to make the clientele feel at home, it's all part of the service we go that extra mile.
:)lol that the 87 for u
Quote from: BU07 LGO on June 02, 2015, 09:40:48 PM
4534 has it
I stand corrected. 4509 has it too, weird how 4525 hasn't got it.
4974 got it branding and blue line back but no advertisement boards yet can any why it lost is branding plz thanks
4506 still hanging on, on the 127-9s today
Quote from: Jack6101 on June 04, 2015, 05:01:57 PM
4974 got it branding and blue line back but no advertisement boards yet can any why it lost is branding plz thanks
It lost it due to accident damage
Thank you john
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 04, 2015, 05:19:40 PM
4506 still hanging on, on the 127-9s today
I wonder what'll happen to the 03 Geminis at WB. Is it 4503-5? Go back to PB or come to AG I wonder.
I,d guess the remaining 03 plate gems would go home to Perry Barr to join the rest of clan, berry Barr I guess would move on some ALX 400 b7tl,s to Walsall.
Quote from: 2900 on June 07, 2015, 09:17:37 AM
I,d guess the remaining 03 plate gems would go home to Perry Barr to join the rest of clan, berry Barr I guess would move on some ALX 400 b7tl,s to Walsall.
4303/4304 will be transferred to WA no doubt.
Quote from: Nathan on June 07, 2015, 09:25:08 AM
4303/4304 will be transferred to WA no doubt.
These two are going when repaints of the 48**s are complete
Is it true the 74 and 75 dont interwoven on a Sunday .
the75 interworks with the 74E doesn't it can any one tell me many thanks
Just seen 4747 on its way back to west brom with its lovely fresh red paint job :)
Quote from: WB on June 10, 2015, 09:15:14 AM
Just seen 4747 on its way back to west brom with its lovely fresh red paint job :)
how long before its back on the road
I think it was out today but no 100% sure
4747 was not out yesterday as far as i know only by engineers. Could possibly be out today but i dont know what other work needed doing to it before its ready for service
1582 and 1661 look like theyre going for scrap today. Mansfield about to take one of them away and i know a merc was removed yesterday but not sure which one
Quote from: WB on June 11, 2015, 01:29:45 PM
1582 and 1661 look like theyre going for scrap today. Mansfield about to take one of them away and i know a merc was removed yesterday but not sure which one
Shame that. Had a soft spot for 1661, it had a rakish, roguish quality.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on June 11, 2015, 04:22:12 PM
Shame that. Had a soft spot for 1661, it had a rakish, roguish quality.
I called it the Pink Panther when it was at PL with the fading paintwork.
Both 1582 and 1661 were both still in garage last night so not quite sure what mansfield was doing with them. Both in a sorry state though!
4953 has jus been swapped for 4716 on the 74 in Dudley. 4953 receiving attention by engineer.
Saw 4 different different types on the 48 this morning. 4753, 4506, 4053 and 4267?. Thought this was interesting. Didn't see the 5th vehicle
4747 out today on the 87
For who it was that was asking about 1952, it was driver training around the Bus Station this morning
A president before it came into West Bromwich bus station to go on the 5 was displaying 6E to Aldridge
Quote from: 979 on June 16, 2015, 02:29:47 PM
4747 out today on the 87
here its is on 82 service https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/18704374030/in/dateposted-public/
4754 and 4762 on 127/8/9, seems to be a regular thing now.
Quote from: filbus1 on June 19, 2015, 12:00:27 PM
4754 and 4762 on 127/8/9, seems to be a regular thing now.
Wish it was on the 89 (wishful thinking)
Half an hour ago on Harborne High Street, a full 48 (4270), about a minute later, a 48 to QE Hospital (4231)
4739 out on the Dudley Road with its new paintjob. Leaving City now on the 82
822 would have been a change bus for 4113 on the 48 I believe. Both on the same running board judging by the times
Just seen ex wb 3601 come into merry hill twice
3601 is now a walsall training bus, not sure why it would be in merry hill
It's a video bus used to video the bus routes
Has the omnilinks been used yet? I'm a bit behind with all vehicle transfers
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 28, 2015, 01:45:13 PM
Has the omnilinks been used yet? I'm a bit behind with all vehicle transfers
Don't think so. To my knowledge, they only still have the one, 1952 (Which was still been used for type training on the 16th)
No they havent been used yet as we still only have one. I'd say more to arrive this week due to AG getting a few more E200 mmc's this week
1952 & 1953 now at west brom
1953 is out on the 49. Did the 08.20 from WB
@Rhys S We don't know what routes the omnilinks are for yet so can't class what they work as noteworthy . Also shouldn't you be at school?
we have today til friday off
Quote from: Dom on June 30, 2015, 10:31:41 AM
@Rhys S We don't know what routes the omnilinks are for yet so can't class what they work as noteworthy . Also shouldn't you be at school?
They are O405N replacements so I would think that the 49 would be one of their regular routes
Quote from: Rhys S on June 30, 2015, 10:55:36 AM
we have today til friday off
Out of curiousity, what for? Never known a school have fopur consequetive days off for teacher training
4747 & 4749 on 82/87 looking really smart in the new crimson livery saw them following each other just going up Priory Queensway while I was on the 72 . I know its not noteworthy hence its in the garage thread.
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2015, 11:12:38 AM
Out of curiousity, what for? Never known a school have fopur consequetive days off for teacher training
Tony I am not replying to that one. In the middle of West Brom garage thread
Quote from: Squiz1971 on June 30, 2015, 12:09:42 PM
4747 & 4749 on 82/87 looking really smart in the new crimson livery saw them following each other just going up Priory Queensway while I was on the 72 . I know its not noteworthy hence its in the garage thread.
4738 was out aswell
@Squiz1971 :)
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2015, 11:12:38 AM
Out of curiousity, what for? Never known a school have fopur consequetive days off for teacher training
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidefacebook.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F10%2Ffacebook_like_button_big.jpeg&hash=bc912efa207ab2d3f4745d9aeebd15dd9e4b0fa0)
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on June 30, 2015, 01:26:20 PM
4738 was out aswell @Squiz1971 :)
Cheers
@nxwmbusfan1999 but I only saw those 2 today plus 4755 looking drab in the old livery which pulled up by the 72 at the lights waiting to turn right into Moor Street Queensway while we waited to turn left.
@Tony A quick question if you can answer it, will the 82/87/Dudley Road branding be used on the E400's at any point just wondered that's all
4961 seen broken down it looked like it was waiting for a tow truck
Quote from: Trident4590 on June 30, 2015, 06:20:48 PM
4961 seen broken down it looked like it was waiting for a tow truck
Correct, just came past west brom station on a mansfield truck :(
Quote from: Rhys S on June 30, 2015, 01:08:42 PM
Tony I am not replying to that one. In the middle of West Brom garage thread
Maybe but we are now secretly wanting to know. PS I have a feeling Tony was allowing you the chance to respond in the thread to him and us all as you posted into the public.
Quote from: tank90 on June 30, 2015, 07:20:33 PM
Maybe but we are now secretly wanting to know. PS I have a feeling Tony was allowing you the chance to respond in the thread to him and us all as you posted into the public.
Some school kids today, they don't know they're born! When I was a lad we had to wait over half hour for a B6 to take us home from school...and we didn't have as many INSET days as they do nowadays!
[/old man at the age of 24]
Quote from: WB on June 30, 2015, 07:20:13 PM
Correct, just came past west brom station on a mansfield truck :(
West Brom station?
Haha
@the trainbasher your comment made me chuckle as I'm from that era, it was an ALX100 or merc Minibus for us on the 414 then the good old mercs on the 404 and 120..
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 30, 2015, 07:59:18 PM
Some school kids today, they don't know they're born! When I was a lad we had to wait over half hour for a B6 to take us home from school...and we didn't have as many INSET days as they do nowadays!
[/old man at the age of 24]
They only get one more than we did (I'm older at 25!). Now if it's an academy then they are a different kettle of fish they can have more or less.
B6 to take you home, here in Redditch we had Lynx Lance then E300s when they arrived, then when the horrid SFL Lances turned up they had only one plus in this weather, the amount of windows that opened.
Hope this works, link to my phone pic of 1953. Blind not showing because of the shadow
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=469342019898505&l=34c2c699a4 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=469342019898505&l=34c2c699a4)
Quote from: Dom on June 30, 2015, 01:33:17 PM
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidefacebook.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F10%2Ffacebook_like_button_big.jpeg&hash=bc912efa207ab2d3f4745d9aeebd15dd9e4b0fa0)
I fail to see what any of this has to do with the thread
4957 and a MK2 merc were/are on the 48 today
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 30, 2015, 11:37:52 PM
I fail to see what any of this has to do with the thread
Referring to the comments made as quoted below
@Sh4318 Quote from: Rhys S on June 30, 2015, 10:55:36 AM
we have today til friday off
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2015, 11:12:38 AM
Out of curiousity, what for? Never known a school have fopur consequetive days off for teacher training
Quote from: Rhys S on June 30, 2015, 01:08:42 PM
Tony I am not replying to that one. In the middle of West Brom garage thread
Hence the
Like from
@Dom
A 57 plate Enviro 400 (4746 IIRC) with rear bonnet up and hazards on earlier in Cape Hill can only assume it was a breakdown?
1953 is on the 45. Left walsall about 15 mins ago.
Quote from: WMT3000 on July 01, 2015, 05:31:32 PM
1953 is on the 45. Left walsall about 15 mins ago.
Been on since 10 this morning
Quote from: tank90 on June 30, 2015, 10:46:36 PM
They only get one more than we did (I'm older at 25!). Now if it's an academy then they are a different kettle of fish they can have more or less.
I'm much older and we didn't have INSET days - but I'm surprised none of the older guys remember the 'revision leave' which occurred around this time of the year which led to plenty of playing of football, bunking of bus garages and railway sheds and happy days spent riding around in trains and buses - often in exotic new places - oh and a bit of revision!!!! Not that I'm advocating people misuse their study leave - in hindsight the bus spotting could have waited a few weeks and more time spent studying would have been beneficial!
As I noted on the Noteworthy Workings topic, 821 was on the WA 4 this morning. Then this evening I got the same bus on the WB 40. Am I missing something new like WB having a morning run on the 4 or is there a less simple explanation for it?
Quote from: JackC on July 06, 2015, 07:36:58 PM
As I noted on the Noteworthy Workings topic, 821 was on the WA 4 this morning. Then this evening I got the same bus on the WB 40. Am I missing something new like WB having a morning run on the 4 or is there a less simple explanation for it?
The explanation has already been posted. WB do one trip on the 4 into Walsall, then a trip on the 6 (extra for college) then goes onto the 40
Quote from: John on July 08, 2015, 11:13:27 AM
@nxwmbusfan1999
4249 is a West Brom Bus, which is on the 5 today. ALX400s on the 907 are not unusual. The 907 is a route that gets any type of decker
It was on the 82/87 this evening. The rear LED has gone wonky again
4750 gone off to paint this evening
Quote from: WB on July 09, 2015, 12:31:21 AM
4750 gone off to paint this evening
I only rode it yesterday! Great bus though. Loving the mix and match TWM moquette... Would be ashame to see them replaced. Though, my inner perfectionist will be calm, knowing that it'll be all uniform. Lol
Which route goes past (Or closest) to the garage
Quote from: BusFan on July 11, 2015, 11:46:38 PM
Which route goes past (Or closest) to the garage
42/43 pass Oak Lane, the main garage. Oak Road outstation is a 2 - 3 minute walk from West Bromwich Interchange.
Oak road is full of buses on sundays so you'll only really see whats parked at the front. I can tell you that 1951 and 1953 are at the front because i saw them on return to garage last night. Oak lane will have buses parked out front all day waiting for engineers attention
4715 is not majorly unusual on the 42/3 as B7TL Tridents and Plaxtons are usual on it
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 03:57:52 PM
4715 is not majorly unusual on the 42/3 as B7TL Tridents and Plaxtons are usual on it
Don't know where you get that from? 42/43 are usually E200 with Mercs covering unavailablity. I can't remember the last time a Gemini was on there, it has happened, but not very often, and certainly never Tridents on there
A plaxton was on the other week and a B7 TRIDENT TYPE THING was on Saturday
How come 812-818 were at Birmingham central for a month before coming to West Bromwich
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 04:03:37 PM
A plaxton was on the other week and a B7 TRIDENT TYPE THING was on Saturday
You must be talking about a Volvo B7TL/ Alexander ALX400. This is the same body as the NXWM Tridents but the Trident is very different to the B7TL chassis. There are some minor differences to the bodies on these two bus types, they were discussed at length in another thread.
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 04:15:38 PM
How come 812-818 were at Birmingham central for a month before coming to West Bromwich
Wasn't it due to a bus shortage at BC at the time?
It was an icy period I seem to remember, BC had a few buses off the road with accident damage.
1953 made and appearance on the 42/43 today, first time I think?
No not the first time an omnilink has appeared on the 42/3
1951 was on their the other day as i walked into the bus station
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 07:05:31 PM
No not the first time an omnilink has appeared on the 42/3
1951 was on their the other day as i walked into the bus station
More inset days?!
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 07:33:51 PM
No Summer Holidays
Dudley Schools don't start Holidays until 21st July
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2015, 07:40:33 PM
Dudley Schools don't start Holidays until 21st July
I am not going to answer that one cause this is stupid
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 07:42:20 PM
I am not going to answer that one cause this is stupid
People who don't attend school are normally the ones that end up stupid.
School terms affect PVRs which I need to know as part of my job, hence I do know the dates
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2015, 07:46:14 PM
People who don't attend school are normally the ones that end up stupid.
School terms affect PVRs which I need to know as part of my job, hence I do know the dates
I also know as my sister is a primary school teacher in Dudley, hence why I posted.
Quote from: Dom on July 13, 2015, 07:48:22 PM
I also know as my sister is a primary school teacher in Dudley, hence why I posted.
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2015, 07:46:14 PM
People who don't attend school are normally the ones that end up stupid.
School terms affect PVRs which I need to know as part of my job, hence I do know the dates
none of my class are at school and i am not stupid
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 07:49:41 PM
i am not stupid
No, that's why you think being in a photo entitles you to steal it.
Quote from: Rhys S on July 13, 2015, 07:49:41 PM
none of my class are at school and i am not stupid
¬_¬ No neither are we, and no one was stating that.
So what is the name of your Primary School?
If we know the name then we can check to see if you are right. I am more than sure if you had made us aware of the name of your primary school folks wouldn't be taking the line they have been. One thing you have to remember when most of us older folks were your age we had fewer Teacher training days (not that I'm knocking them as teachers are no longer just teachers, but police, social workers, Parents and admin staff), and schools ran to tighter holiday patterns set by the LEA (Local Education Authority). Now the DoE has allowed Academies to set the term dates they want the eagle eyed of us folk and the fact we all here know how much we need a good education and all years should be taken seriously. So you at the tender age of 10 not being in school raises some eye brows to why.
Look at it from our point, the term dates are quite predictable really look at when the August Bank holiday is and you get the start of the year but count six weeks back to July you get the last day of term. and the third week of July is normally the week english schools break up for summer.
Quote from: Dom on July 13, 2015, 07:48:22 PM
I also know as my sister is a primary school teacher in Dudley, hence why I posted.
I don't think that primary children will be taking the bus.
Just my input - http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/learning-school/schools-and-colleges/school-information/school-term-dates/
Notice that included is a "Primary School Liaison Week" - 6th - 10th July 2015 - I assume a few days off for those not involved.
Anyway, we should probably should turn back to buses rather than enquiring about other people's private information (aka what school they go to).
Quote from: Liberator9 on July 14, 2015, 07:25:02 AM
Just my input - http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/learning-school/schools-and-colleges/school-information/school-term-dates/
Notice that included is a "Primary School Liaison Week" - 6th - 10th July 2015 - I assume a few days off for those not involved.
Anyway, we should probably should turn back to buses rather than enquiring about other people's private information (aka what school they go to).
I agree
A Crimson Enviro 400 has not long left West Bromwich on the 75 to Birmingham first time this has happened I believe?
Quote from: AV4248 on July 14, 2015, 02:24:29 PM
A Crimson Enviro 400 has not long left West Bromwich on the 75 to Birmingham first time this has happened I believe?
4749
@Bham Central Driver I think he's referring to the West Bromwich 45 service.
4747 on the 80 earlier
4742 on the 82/87 earlier
Have west broms scania's 1950, 1951 and 1953 gone off to paint as i havent seen them at garage or in service? I know 1952 is currently having work done on it at garage
Quote from: Tony on July 13, 2015, 04:00:16 PM
Don't know where you get that from? 42/43 are usually E200 with Mercs covering unavailablity. I can't remember the last time a Gemini was on there, it has happened, but not very often, and certainly never Tridents on there
Just to say, 4504 on 43 atm, just left West Brom
Quote from: WB on July 18, 2015, 03:52:27 PM
Have west broms scania's 1950, 1951 and 1953 gone off to paint as i havent seen them at garage or in service? I know 1952 is currently having work done on it at garage
1953 has been in service. Last Saturday I saw it on the 49
There was a 49xx E400 on the 87 and on the 42 today.
Also a Gemini on the 40 today
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 18, 2015, 06:06:06 PM
There was a 49xx E400 on the 87 and on the 42 today.
Also a Gemini on the 40 today
4961 87
4963 42
49xx 48
@Rhys S 754 on WB49 is the normal Sunday allocation.
Quote from: John on July 18, 2015, 06:03:10 PM
1953 has been in service. Last Saturday I saw it on the 49
Yes they have been in service but they have vanished from garage
Quote from: WB on July 19, 2015, 03:38:14 PM
Yes they have been in service but they have vanished from garage
All of 1951; 1952 & 1953 are currently parked in the garage
4495 was on the 48. Is this a loan?
@OH25 Omnilinks on the 49 are the main allocation.
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 19, 2015, 11:55:13 PM
4495 was on the 48. Is this a loan?
@Sh4318 4495 is based at Perry Barr depot
so yes this was on loan to WB :)
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on July 20, 2015, 03:12:25 PM
@Sh4318
4495 is based at Perry Barr depot
so yes this was on loan to WB :)
Its been at West Brom for now nearly 2 weeks as we have 751 or 754 (can't remember which) covering for accident damaged 764
Not quite correct John. It was 4496 last week, 4495 now. 751 is currently at PB. 764 now being painted, so should be back soon
Anybody have any idea when west brom are going to get anymore Scania's and get rid of more mercs?
Quote from: WB on July 22, 2015, 08:54:49 PM
Anybody have any idea when west brom are going to get anymore Scania's and get rid of more mercs?
I think the Mercs will start going as and when MoT's expire so I'm assuming more Scania's will arrive once this happens?
Quote from: AV4248 on July 22, 2015, 10:54:03 PM
I think the Mercs will start going as and when MoT's expire so I'm assuming more Scania's will arrive once this happens?
Unless a mechanical failure occurs, maintenance budgets for Mercs must now be very low ..
Quote from: WB on July 22, 2015, 08:54:49 PM
Anybody have any idea when west brom are going to get anymore Scania's and get rid of more mercs?
If it helps, 1945 was being prepped for transfer earlier today. Another went for steam cleaning a few days ago, which would suggest a departure may be likely?
Has nobody else noticed the First logo on the stairwell on 4741?
831 on 42/43 with what appears to be accident damage repairs - Has a new rear bumper and engine bonnet.
831: I noticed that too at nite when I passed it the headlights highlighted the brush marks, my thoughts really a brush finish on 12 month old vehicle , I wander if they used tekaloid or knacker lacquer which would be appropriate for said vehicle.
Any omnilinks on 48/49?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 25, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
Any omnilinks on 48/49?
1953 49 earlier dunno if still on
751 is back home now.....
Quote from: uniquicity on July 25, 2015, 07:00:29 PM
751 is back home now.....
Been back a few days now went on it Tuesday.
A lot of the allocation for the 82/87 is the 47 gemini's and ticket branded mk2 E400's.
Quote from: uniquicity on July 25, 2015, 07:00:29 PM
751 is back home now.....
Because 764 is now repaired at Perry Barr
Ta everyone. Hadn't seen it back until tonight
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on July 25, 2015, 07:34:44 PM
A lot of the allocation for the 82/87 is the 47 gemini's and ticket branded mk2 E400's.
And of course the mk1 E400's...
I think that once all of the 57 plates have been put into Crimson they'll stick onto the 82/87, considering that they have been transferred to WB for those routes.
Quote from: AV4248 on July 25, 2015, 08:02:48 PM
And of course the mk1 E400's...
I think that once all of the 57 plates have been put into Crimson they'll stick onto the 82/87, considering that they have been transferred to WB for those routes.
I saw 4503 & 4504 on there today, lots of 47** Geminis on there today. Is it my imagination or has 4504's cooling fan been fixed?
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 25, 2015, 08:04:48 PM
I saw 4503 & 4504 on there today, lots of 47** Geminis on there today. Is it my imagination or has 4504's cooling fan been fixed?
I think so, now it's 4503's cooling fan that is a problem now.
IMO the scania that have arrived at West Bromwich condition wise look no better maybe worse than the MERCS they,ll replace.
1951 had its rear bumper painted brilliant white using BQ,s finest own brand, it really does blend in well with the mucky white, the arse of this bus is a real eyesore, panel gaps all over the place, nothing lines up, I think it's mend and make do with these at the moment, crimson treatment could be long time coming as west broms scania,s aren't assigned to any particular route, as all drivers have been requested to type train on them.
@2900 Yeah AG really haven't done great on their appearance - quite a number have off white colour panels applied and 1942 has a red surround headlight as opposed to silver. 1933 just looks a mess at the front. The headlight panels also seem to look tired out now. YW who have the rest of that late 2009/early 2010 batch have done far far better. Most still look very good with little panel damage etc. They look neat - 1923 and 1928 look a bit odd as they've gained the vivid red at the front, but kept the silver light surrounds after accident damage. Other than that YW's still look great externally.
I agree with this about the scania buses arriving at west brom also! 1953 seems to be the only one thats fit for service! 1952 arrived with so many defects that its still off the road and 1951 has had a bright white rear bumper and has just been left sat at the back of the garage :(
Great preparation work by AG there....to be honest, when riding them, they don't seem as good as YW's either. Hopefully WB can sort them out, and they also get a trip to the paint shop!
From a passenger's perspective, I noticed nothing wrong whenever I travelled on 1952 in its last days cruising up and down the Warwick Road, what defects are keeping it off the road?
Quote from: Stu on July 27, 2015, 08:42:03 PM
From a passenger's perspective, I noticed nothing wrong whenever I travelled on 1952 in its last days cruising up and down the Warwick Road, what defects are keeping it off the road?
Not sure whats keeping it off the road if im honest. Its in the work bay so cant see whats being done. I was told by an engineer that it had been checked over and had issues
4734 is in West Bromwich bus station parked in the unload stand don't know what for though.
Quote from: AV4248 on July 28, 2015, 12:32:22 PM
4734 is in West Bromwich bus station parked in the unload stand don't know what for though.
4734 was in Wolverhampton Bus Station this morning.
Quote from: P419 EJW on July 28, 2015, 12:35:46 PM
4734 was in Wolverhampton Bus Station this morning.
And about half hour ago as well
Quote from: P419 EJW on July 28, 2015, 12:35:46 PM
4734 was in Wolverhampton Bus Station this morning.
Type training maybe?
Quote from: Chris on July 28, 2015, 01:10:07 PM
Type training maybe?
Doubt it they're part of the 47xx batch which WB already have most of.
Quote from: AV4248 on July 28, 2015, 01:18:15 PM
Doubt it they're part of the 47xx batch which WB already have most of.
For the WN drivers i was on about. WN drivers only trained on e400 hybrids duno if that means they can drive any e400? But i think Tony said once trained on either e200 or e400 you can drive both
Quote from: Chris on July 28, 2015, 02:33:01 PM
For the WN drivers i was on about. WN drivers only trained on e400 hybrids duno if that means they can drive any e400? But i think Tony said once trained on either e200 or e400 you can drive both
The 47** Enviro400s and the Hybrids have different dashboards (The same dashboard as 4830 onwards), so type training would be needed on both. Tony's comment was referring to the Enviro200/400 MMCs
Quote from: John on July 28, 2015, 02:37:59 PM
The 47** Enviro400s and the Hybrids have different dashboards (The same dashboard as 4830 onwards), so type training would be needed on both. Tony's comment was referring to the Enviro200/400 MMCs
Thank you for the clarification
@John
4734 has been out all day with a Driver Trainer doing training for mobility scooters
Quote from: Chris on July 28, 2015, 02:33:01 PM
For the WN drivers i was on about. WN drivers only trained on e400 hybrids duno if that means they can drive any e400? But i think Tony said once trained on either e200 or e400 you can drive both
That only applies to the MMCs. They are exactly the same in the cab, minus one screen I think. I would have thought the previous gen differ.
Quote from: MW on July 28, 2015, 08:51:01 PM
That only applies to the MMCs. They are exactly the same in the cab, minus one screen I think. I would have thought the previous gen differ.
No it doesn't. At BC anyone trained on the standard E400s is allowed to drive the E200s
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2015, 08:58:26 PM
No it doesn't. At BC anyone trained on the standard E400s is allowed to drive the E200s
Which ones have the same cab layout?
Would it be the facelift E400s and all the E200s?
And then the 47**s being different?
Quote from: MW on July 28, 2015, 10:03:28 PM
Which ones have the same cab layout?
Would it be the facelift E400s and all the E200s?
And then the 47**s being different?
E200's and E400's from 4830 onwards have the same dashboard then E200MMC's and E400MMC's are the same
Haven't seen an E40D on the 5 in a while! 4965 it is today.
Quote from: Tony on July 28, 2015, 08:58:26 PM
No it doesn't. At BC anyone trained on the standard E400s is allowed to drive the E200s
Its only recently changed though because I have drove mk2 400's pretty much every day but when I did a duty on the 70 they had to show me the controls before I could take it out
1613 being looked at by an engineer currently sat in WB Bus Station.
What is the red decker in West brom just left for city
4751 was on the 74E, circa midday today. Still on there now?
1618 (i think) was removed from west brom garage by mansfield today guessing off for scrap. Not sure if anything else has gone before it or since
Quote from: WB on August 05, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
1618 (i think) was removed from west brom garage by mansfield today guessing off for scrap. Not sure if anything else has gone before it or since
If it's Mansfield it won't be for scrap. The scrap men use their own trucks
812 has gained a new Skegness megarear
Quote from: Tony on August 05, 2015, 05:45:06 PM
If it's Mansfield it won't be for scrap. The scrap men use their own trucks
Strange. It was definately a mansfield truck and i know that bus has been stripped of its vault, ticket machine etc...
Quote from: WB on August 05, 2015, 09:38:55 PM
Strange. It was definately a mansfield truck and i know that bus has been stripped of its vault, ticket machine etc...
Taken to Miller Street or PE perhaps?
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 05, 2015, 09:05:13 PM
812 has gained a new Skegness megarear
Thought it had been changed a few months ago, unless it's been changed again?
@Trident 4194 Not unusual.
Quote from: Dom on August 06, 2015, 09:47:52 PM
@Trident 4194 Not unusual.
I didn't think double decker so could go around Bradford place?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 06, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
I didn't think double decker so could go around Bradford place?
Well considering there are B7TL or Gemini's on the 45 most days...
@Dom and tridents on the 4 on boxing day...plus the rumoured plans to put Geminis on the 311/3
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 06, 2015, 10:13:24 PM
@Dom and tridents on the 4 on boxing day...plus the rumoured plans to put Geminis on the 311/3
[/quoteI thought the rumoured plans were to put the Volvo B7TL ALX400 on the 311/313 though it did have Geminis on Boxing Day
Quote from: AV4248 on August 05, 2015, 09:48:27 PM
Thought it had been changed a few months ago, unless it's been changed again?
Not really sure, don't really focus too much on 812, the last time I saw it, it didn't have a megarear
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 06, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
I didn't think double decker so could go around Bradford place?
@Trident 4194: I think you may be getting confused with this.
Quote from: Tony on January 03, 2015, 07:04:04 PM
The booking out sheets specifically state 'No double deck vehicles' against all Bradford Place Routes.
Eclipse will fit under the bridge, one was taken under when they were first delivered to check, but it was considered 'close' so an Eclipse going back that way should not damage the vehicle
The 45 doesn't go under the nearby bridge however some of Walsall's Bradford Place routes do hence the lack of double deckers there.
The megarear for Skegness on 812 has been updated, not sure when. Must have been recently. The old version was blue, this has rainbow colours on it I seem to remember.
I'm sure there's a decker on the 45 most days. Usually see one in the morning peak, not sure if it stays out at night etc
Quote from: uniquicity on August 06, 2015, 10:32:26 PM
The megarear for Skegness on 812 has been updated, not sure when. Must have been recently. The old version was blue, this has rainbow colours on it I seem to remember.
Yes that's correct I think there's a B7RLE in the fleet somewhere that has the same ad, think it's a Wolverhampton one.
Quote from: uniquicity on August 06, 2015, 10:34:15 PM
I'm sure there's a decker on the 45 most days. Usually see one in the morning peak, not sure if it stays out at night etc
Yes there are deckers most days on the 45. There was a President today (again most days).
The only routes at Bradford Place that can't have DD's is the 34/A/8 (And some 39 boards due to interworking)
The other WA routes serving Bradford Place could theoretically have deckers (4769 and several Tridents have got onto the 4). I guess it is either the 4 doesn't warrant deckers (I do not know the loadings well enough but daytimes seem to cope with Omnilinks when i see them)or there are no spare deckers avaliable.
@AV4248 I think you are talking about 2018 (Currently has an advert for Skegness. Can't remember if it had another one previously)
6108 has a poster onboard advertising the 400 route. It was 2 45** Gemini last year. Wander what it will be this year.
Quote from: 2206 on August 08, 2015, 04:39:54 PM
6108 has a poster onboard advertising the 400 route. It was 2 45** Gemini last year. Wander what it will be this year.
Yes 2 gemini's were used last year. Probably be the same again or 42** buses. Dont think they'll risk the newer buses even though they showed one off last year!
Quote from: WB on August 08, 2015, 07:28:06 PM
Yes 2 gemini's were used last year. Probably be the same again or 42** buses. Dont think they'll risk the newer buses even though they showed one off last year!
Yes they did show of 4958. I believe they were also doing some sort of competition on board. I used the 400 on the Bank Holiday Monday, it was raining that day and ran empty for most off the day. The driver did say the bus was full the other day. What particuarly makes you doubt they would put a newer bus on it.
Sorry for my ignorance here, but what is the 400 route? :)
400 is a service from west brom bus station to the park for the event
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 08, 2015, 08:04:37 PM
Sorry for my ignorance here, but what is the 400 route? :)
The 400 is a shuttle service wich National Express operate two days a year between Sandwell Valley and West Bromwich Bus Station West Bromwich will operate 2 buses on this service and will load in the centre of of the bus station operating on Sunday at every 20 minutes and Monday at every 10 minutes. http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/sandwell-show-shuttle-bus-service/?size=1 http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/sandwellshow Last year National Express also put 4958 on show.
@Liberator9
@2206 @Solo1 Thanks for informing me - I'd never heard of it till now.
Quote from: WB on August 08, 2015, 07:28:06 PM
Yes 2 gemini's were used last year. Probably be the same again or 42** buses. Dont think they'll risk the newer buses even though they showed one off last year!
In all fairness, if the never buses occasionally end up on routes they shouldn't really be on (42, 43, 45, etc), then I wouldn't be surprised if one does show up on the 400.
The problem with the newer buses is that the body is lower and the speed humps going down to the park are quite high. Although the one they showed off last year was fine it hadnt got a full load of passengers and a driver trying to keep to time ;)
Quote from: WB on August 09, 2015, 12:30:41 AM
The problem with the newer buses is that the body is lower and the speed humps going down to the park are quite high. Although the one they showed off last year was fine it hadnt got a full load of passengers and a driver trying to keep to time ;)
Do you think there's any chance of getting a 47** Enviro 400 then.
Quote from: 2206 on August 09, 2015, 09:21:01 PM
Do you think there's any chance of getting a 47** Enviro 400 then.
Could happen i guess. It pretty much depends on whats going spare on the mornings of the show really as a lot of buses will be locked away at oak lane bus park until the tuesday morning
1953: Leaving as a 43 to Bilston now but it had came from the High St in West Bromwich not in service. I reckon it came from Bilston out of service or it had visited Carlyle Bus and Coach.
Quote from: AV4248 on August 12, 2015, 01:18:20 PM
1953: Leaving as a 43 to Bilston now but it had came from the High St in West Bromwich not in service. I reckon it came from Bilston out of service or it had visited Carlyle Bus and Coach.
I saw it leave as a 42 on the trip before. It might have got held up on there
Quote from: John on August 12, 2015, 01:27:35 PM
I saw it leave as a 42 on the trip before. It might have got held up on there
Yeah your probably right, completely forgot that the 42/43 interwork at West Brom for a second. Little bit embarrassing considering that I spend most my time up there!
Yes it got turned at some point due to the traffic problems on both 42 & 43 routes
Am I right in saying that WB has the most diverse amount of vehicles within the fleet ?!
I've counted 7 different types (B7TL ALX400, B7TL Gemini, B7TL Plaxton, Enviro 400, Mercedez O406N, Scania OmniLink & Enviro 200).
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on August 13, 2015, 12:31:19 AM
Am I right in saying that WB has the most diverse amount of vehicles within the fleet ?!
I've counted 7 different types (B7TL ALX400, B7TL Gemini, B7TL Plaxton, Enviro 400, Mercedes Benz O405N, Scania OmniLink & Enviro 200 SWB and LWB).
Technically it's 8, Enviro 400 Mk1 and Mk2.
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on August 13, 2015, 12:31:19 AM
Am I right in saying that WB has the most diverse amount of vehicles within the fleet ?!
I've counted 7 different types (B7TL ALX400, B7TL Gemini, B7TL Plaxton, Enviro 400, Mercedez O406N, Scania OmniLink & Enviro 200).
No WA has more with Volvo B7RLE, Volvo B10l, Volvo B7TL Gemini, Dennis Trident, Volvo B7Tl ALX400, Enviro 200, Enviro 400 Mk1 and Enviro 400 MK2, Enviro 400MMC and Scania Omnilinks. 11 veichle types.
@GeminiFan1991
Quote from: 2206 on August 13, 2015, 12:44:23 AM
No WA has more with Volvo B7RLE, Volvo B10l, Volvo B7TL Gemini, Dennis Trident, Volvo B7Tl ALX400, Enviro 200, Enviro 400 Mk1 and Enviro 400 MK2, Enviro 400MMC and Scania Omnilinks. 11 veichle types. @GeminiFan1991
I feel so stupid for not compiling my WA list and instead being in awe of WB, It's quite an impressive set of vehicles to say the least, thanks
Any Scania hunters... Possibly two on the 49 today. 1953 which has just come into service from WB and I think 1951.
Quote from: AV4248 on August 13, 2015, 07:18:24 AM
Any Scania hunters... Possibly two on the 49 today. 1953 which has just come into service from WB and I think 1951.
Yep. Have just seen these 2
1950 now back at west brom garage
Is the 10:05 241 exiting Halesowen for Dudley still operated by wb?
@Trident 4194 it's 0805 to Dudley that is 5 west Bromwich bus
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 14, 2015, 07:24:19 PM
@Trident 4194 it's 0805 to Dudley that is 5 west Bromwich bus
What time dose that leave the City Centre for Merry Hill on the 141
@the trainbasher
The peak a.m. WB board does
Depot for 141 journey 0635 Bearwood - Merry Hill arrive 0720
241 0730 journey Merry Hill - Dudley arrive 0840
140 0847 journey Dudley - Birmingham arrive 0943
Private Birmingham Colmore Row - Old Square
74E 0955 Birmingham - West Bromwich arrive 1030
Private to Depot
Quote from: 2206 on August 13, 2015, 12:44:23 AM
No WA has more with Volvo B7RLE, Volvo B10l, Volvo B7TL Gemini, Dennis Trident, Volvo B7Tl ALX400, Enviro 200, Enviro 400 Mk1 and Enviro 400 MK2, Enviro 400MMC and Scania Omnilinks. 11 veichle types. @GeminiFan1991
Only a scania and b10 I haven't driven in service so far!
Quote from: BU07 LGO on August 15, 2015, 10:10:01 PM
Only a scania and b10 I haven't driven in service so far!
Ah your lucky! Soon to be just two vehicle types here I suspect! Rumours suggest a new type but it's just rumour!
Quote from: MW on August 16, 2015, 01:10:19 AM
Ah your lucky! Soon to be just two vehicle types here I suspect! Rumours suggest a new type but it's just rumour!
most days its just mk2 enviros though :( and will soon be 100% platinum :(
Quote from: BU07 LGO on August 16, 2015, 05:54:56 PM
most days its just mk2 enviros though :( and will soon be 100% platinum :(
@BU07 LGO are you still or were you on a spare rota? Or straight onto the 934/5/6 rota? As you get a decent variety when on spares here, mixture of the 1/5/11A/11C/31/37 for me.
Quote from: MW on August 16, 2015, 11:14:47 PM
@BU07 LGO are you still or were you on a spare rota? Or straight onto the 934/5/6 rota? As you get a decent variety when on spares here, mixture of the 1/5/11A/11C/31/37 for me.
@MW just wandering what is your faveroute route to drive at AG would be interesting to have that answered from a drivers point of view.
Quote from: 2206 on August 16, 2015, 11:22:51 PM
@MW just wandering what is your faveroute route to drive at AG would be interesting to have that answered from a drivers point of view.
I don't have one to be quite honest. They all have there pros and cons. I've found that I get bored of the same route after 2-3 days, whatever route it is.
What I'm on now suits me better so I get all of them (out of that list). I'm not considering learning the 71/72/73/966/S1 at the moment. The relief point is in Solihull which I cba to travel to every day!
Quote from: MW on August 16, 2015, 11:14:47 PM
@BU07 LGO are you still or were you on a spare rota? Or straight onto the 934/5/6 rota? As you get a decent variety when on spares here, mixture of the 1/5/11A/11C/31/37 for me.
Straight into 934/5/6 mate would like a bit more variety but walsall have that many routes they don't start you on them all
The 966 is quite an interesting route - quite long but lots of turns - same with the 71 and 72. Think someone who drove for AG once described the 966 as "if you see a turn, take it!" This was it http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1596.msg35509#msg35509
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 17, 2015, 06:39:36 AM
The 966 is quite an interesting route - quite long but lots of turns - same with the 71 and 72. Think someone who drove for AG once described the 966 as "if you see a turn, take it!" This was it http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1596.msg35509#msg35509
As a passenger my faviroute has got to be the 71
@Liberator9
Quote from: Liberator9 on August 17, 2015, 06:39:36 AM
The 966 is quite an interesting route - quite long but lots of turns - same with the 71 and 72. Think someone who drove for AG once described the 966 as "if you see a turn, take it!" This was it http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1596.msg35509#msg35509
I'd have to disagree with his view one Warwick rota, I find it boring on the 37 2 days in a row, it's just a straight road pretty much.
A lot of drivers say the Moseley rota is the best in the garage. I wouldn't know.
He also doesn't seem to like the Widney road. He's right about the 11 though! 11C is definately busier both passenger and traffic wise.
Quote from: MW on August 17, 2015, 12:32:42 PM
I'd have to disagree with his view one Warwick rota, I find it boring on the 37 2 days in a row, it's just a straight road pretty much.
A lot of drivers say the Moseley rota is the best in the garage. I wouldn't know.
He also doesn't seem to like the Widney road. He's right about the 11 though! 11C is definately busier both passenger and traffic wise.
I agree the 11C is definitely busier passenger wise you can have bout 3 buses turn up at the Yew Tree in the morning and they will all leave with standing loads and overcrowded full of school childeren.
@MW not sure if you have ever driven one that gets to the Yew Tree at about 8AM.
@2206 @MW - Can you continue your conversation in the AG thread & get this back on topic, Winston
I really miss the 45**s at WB, the 47**s just don't compare
4738 is on 82/87 not the 5 cause it is parked up in bearwood bus station
Quote from: jack4325 on August 20, 2015, 12:22:00 PM
4738 is on 82/87 not the 5 cause it is parked up in bearwood bus station
It was this morning. Must have been changed
4716 has a problem with its destination displays as nothing ia being shown yet route 127E has been programmed to appear
Is the ticket branding on the Enviro400s ever going to get finished?
4951/2/3/4 are still running around with only the rear branding and the front window done
Quote from: John on August 24, 2015, 05:54:27 PM
Is the ticket branding on the Enviro400s ever going to get finished?
4951/5/3/4 are still running around with only the rear branding and the front window done
4955 has branding, £8 group daysaver: http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4955.html
It's 4952 the one you missed off that also hasn't had its branding completed.
There was a Crimson e400 on 127/8/9s earlier around half 3 duno if its still on now
Couldn't tell for certain, but 758 has been finally been named. Didn't see what it was exactly, but having looked at the main site it should be named Carla.
Quote from: Chris on August 24, 2015, 07:34:55 PM
There was a Crimson e400 on 127/8/9s earlier around half 3 duno if its still on now
It was still on the 128 @ 19:50 on city road going towards bearwood and dudley
822, 1585, 1607, 1613, 4268, 4273 and 4705 on the 45 today. Quite a mixture.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on August 25, 2015, 08:00:59 PM
822, 1585, 1607, 1613, 4268, 4273 and 4705 on the 45 today. Quite a mixture.
Pause for thought for the unlucky ones who got the E200 for their duty.
Not sure if this will be the norm, but 1952 was on the 42/43 this afternoon. Normally has Enviro 200's on Sunday service.
Also 4247 & 4504 were on today's 400 Sandwell Show Special if anyone wanted to know.
Quote from: AV4248 on August 31, 2015, 05:33:17 PM
Not sure if this will be the norm, but 1952 was on the 42/43 this afternoon. Normally has Enviro 200's on Sunday service.
Also 4247 & 4504 were on today's 400 Sandwell Show Special if anyone wanted to know.
It was yesterday
Quote from: RS on August 31, 2015, 06:02:03 PM
It was yesterday
And today, it is a two day event.
@AV4248 From my observations E400's do appear on the 48 (especially Sunday's).
4966 was also on static display at the sandwell show.
1950 made it out on to the 49 today, first time I've seen it in service since it moved.
(awaits someone proving me wrong)
Quote from: uniquicity on September 01, 2015, 10:17:03 AM
1950 made it out on to the 49 today, first time I've seen it in service since it moved.
(awaits someone proving me wrong)
@uniquicity Read somewhere that 1950 was getting a replacement engine, so no don't think you're wrong, I'm guessing that today is it's first day in service (at WB).
One of the learner training Mercs, 1689 I think it was, was seen near the 44 route in Hill Top/Harvills Hawthorn.
I can't seem to find the Training Bus Sightings thread hence why I posted here.
Quote from: AV4248 on September 05, 2015, 02:52:56 PM
One of the learner training Mercs, 1689 I think it was, was seen near the 44 route in Hill Top/Harvills Hawthorn.
I can't seem to find the Training Bus Sightings thread hence why I posted here.
It has been removed from the forum july/august time
@AV4248
Quote from: Squiz1971 on September 05, 2015, 03:03:01 PM
It has been removed from the forum july/august time @AV4248
Thanks for letting me know
@Squiz1971
How come its been removed?
Dont recall it going off topic/arguments starting etc.
Its not even in the Deleted Threads section either.
Quote from: Westy on September 06, 2015, 12:46:43 AM
How come its been removed?
Dont recall it going off topic/arguments starting etc.
Its not even in the Deleted Threads section either.
I haven't removed it
Merc 1653 parked up in the repair bays with red sticker plastered to windscreen possibly withdrawn.
The other 5 withdrawn mercs still parked in front of admin block.
1950 was dragged into garage the other night not having a very good start to life here , I wonder if its one of those basket cases.
? Will the remaining 4500s move on this year
I beleive 1950 was dragged back due to losing all gears on the 45 route the other day. The scania's west brom have had really dont seem very reliable at all!
Quote from: Tony on September 06, 2015, 09:23:02 AM
I haven't removed it
I got a email telling me it had been removed by the guy who started it off. But cannot remember who it was and I have deleted the email too
@Tony
@WBReally not having much luck there then - AG must've knackered it :D
Quote from: Liberator9 on September 06, 2015, 05:00:59 PM
@WB
Really not having much luck there then - AG must've knackered it :D
Well 1950 apparently had a replacement engine fitted by Keltruck!! Not a perfect job by the sounds of it :(
@WB I thought 1950 had had the replacement engine but wasn't 100% sure, so thanks for clarifying that. Can't have done a very good job then if it's already having problems :( - hopefully will be resolved soon.
Quote from: 2900 on September 06, 2015, 10:12:33 AM
? Will the remaining 4500s move on this year
I always thought 4503-5 would go to PB, and 4506 to AG. Much point in keeping 4 of them?
4105 was on the 451 yesterday. Hadn't seen its transfer or loan from WA recorded anywhere, but it's a pretty obvious, and sensible move.
Caught 1949 the Wednesday on the 42 it still has some of its acocks green posters in there and near the steering wheel something about low speed in Solihull town centres
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 11, 2015, 08:18:28 AM
Caught 1949 the Wednesday on the 42 it still has some of its acocks green posters in there and near the steering wheel something about low speed in Solihull town centres
We do tend to find at west brom that any bus that has come from AG/YW has old adverts and the small sticker about using lights in birmingham and solihull.
I saw yesterday that RS recovery was collecting 4048 from pheasey after it broke down. Never seen NX use RS before ive only ever seen diamond use them?
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 11, 2015, 08:18:28 AM
Caught 1949 the Wednesday on the 42 it still has some of its acocks green posters in there and near the steering wheel something about low speed in Solihull town centres
Says something like watch out for pedestrians in Birmingham City Centre and Solihull Station.
Interestingly the 45xx that were at AG a few years ago and then WB, look like they've had the stickers for years, so they must have had them whilst at WB too. A lot of them the 45xx seem to have a piece of glass over the CCTV screen too for some reason.
Quote from: MW on September 11, 2015, 01:39:49 PM
Says something like watch out for pedestrians in Birmingham City Centre and Solihull Station.
Interestingly the 45xx that were at AG a few years ago and then WB, look like they've had the stickers for years, so they must have had them whilst at WB too. A lot of them the 45xx seem to have a piece of glass over the CCTV screen too for some reason.
It say drive at a slow speed within the City Centre and Solihull Town watch out for crossing predestrian well thats what I thought it says
@MW
Any news on the 47xx geminis? I thought they were going when the yw enviros came or was that just a rumour?
Quote from: BU07 LGO on September 11, 2015, 07:22:23 PM
Any news on the 47xx geminis? I thought they were going when the yw enviros came or was that just a rumour?
I dont think they are going anywhere. We dont have enough buses at west brom to start losing them to other garages especially with the mercs being retired and still only having 5 Scanias to replace them
Ticket branded E400parked in Merry Hill Bus Station now
The wb in merry hill is Helen 4962 is it or does 4962 front display very dim
Is it on loan to pensnett then?
Quote from: WB on September 17, 2015, 06:51:49 PM
Is it on loan to pensnett then?
I don't see why Pensnett need to loan it, there were plenty of spare Tridents parked in the depot at 8.45am this morning
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 17, 2015, 06:40:21 PM
The wb in merry hill is Helen 4962 is it or does 4962 front display very dim
4962's dim display: Been like that ever since it entered service.
And they didn't even have to program the displays (if my theory is right)
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 17, 2015, 09:32:35 PM
And they didn't even have to program the displays (if my theory is right)
Correct
Quote from: Dom on September 17, 2015, 09:33:29 PM
Correct
Like this (http://trainbasher.busphotography.co.uk/rsz_4348-44.jpg)... :)
Quote from: Winston on September 17, 2015, 07:09:27 PM
I don't see why Pensnett need to loan it, there were plenty of spare Tridents parked in the depot at 8.45am this morning
It came in on a 141
Quote from: pndriver on September 17, 2015, 10:05:01 PM
It came in on a 141
Thats a strange one. I thought west brom only ran a pensnett service early morning and then went on to the 74?
Not noteworthy in any sense, but 4248 is on the 82/87. Been a while since I last saw a ALX400 on there.
Quote from: AV4248 on September 21, 2015, 01:51:36 PM
Not noteworthy in any sense, but 4248 is on the 82/87. Been a while since I last saw a ALX400 on there.
With the influx of Enviros that have come into WB, I suppose chances of seeing a B7TL vehicle on the route was always going to be minimal although nice to know they sometimea make their way on their
4969 has been in collision with 4823 in Birmingham today
https://www.facebook.com/BhamUpdates/photos/pcb.1014086878641382/1014086858641384/?type=1&theater
Quote from: nxwmbusfan1999 on September 21, 2015, 03:57:36 PM
4969 has been in collision with 4823 in Birmingham today
https://www.facebook.com/BhamUpdates/photos/pcb.1014086878641382/1014086858641384/?type=1&theater
Ouch! Bit of a nasty one there. I presume the driver of 4823 misjudged the amount of space they had and just turned in too tightly?
Quote from: AV4248 on September 21, 2015, 04:21:19 PM
Ouch! Bit of a nasty one there. I presume the driver of 4823 misjudged the amount of space they had and just turned in too tightly?
Seems like it, plus the 74 is at an angle which would not have helped. It is an awful stop when two or three buses are already there, say when a 110, 74 and 16 are all there at the same time.
Looks like there is a President on the 74/75 from that picture
Looks like it is either 4044 or, 4056? Dose anyone know which one it is?
I think 4969 has been in service a whole year as well today
Quote from: 2206 on September 21, 2015, 04:47:27 PM
Looks like there is a President on the 74/75 from that picture
Looks like it is either 4044 or, 4056? Dose anyone know which one it is?
4056
Quote from: John on September 21, 2015, 04:45:19 PM
Seems like it, plus the 74 is at an angle which would not have helped. It is an awful stop when two or three buses are already there, say when a 110, 74 and 16 are all there at the same time.
Jeez some of those comments - there really are a high proportion of retards using Facebook. A timely reminder, as if I needed one, as to why I'm not on there.
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 21, 2015, 08:56:15 PM
Someone told me there was a president on the 74 in dudley at around 5 could of been 4056 not sure dow
Looks like the one that replaced 4969 after its accident. There was a President parked in the background
is 1607 still on the 74 please
1640 on west brom 45 just on stand at west brom station. Guessing its on loan?
Quote from: WB on September 22, 2015, 05:27:34 PM
1640 on west brom 45 just on stand at west brom station. Guessing its on loan?
There's been quite a few noteworthy workings today from WB, so I'd agree probably just a loan.
Rumours flying around concerning routes operated by west brom garage ,I,m hearing from colleagues and members of the public 89 service to be curtailed to oldbury town centre as it did when first operated. 129 service to be scrapped again.
If it's the case I wander if the frequency of the 289 could be increased or reinstate the 128 to blackheath. November is the month of changes I hear any way. November was also the month used to introduce the last big round of changes concerning these routes.
Maybe 289 will re numbered again 238 who knows.
Quote from: 2900 on September 23, 2015, 10:11:44 AM
Rumours flying around concerning routes operated by west brom garage ,I,m hearing from colleagues and members of the public 89 service to be curtailed to oldbury town centre as it did when first operated. 129 service to be scrapped again.
If it's the case I wander if the frequency of the 289 could be increased or reinstate the 128 to blackheath. November is the month of changes I hear any way. November was also the month used to introduce the last big round of changes concerning these routes.
Maybe 289 will re numbered again 238 who knows.
The 129 isnt being scrapped it is to be operated from pensnett garage from november. Rumours that the 53 is coming back to west brom but only operating to bearwood as the old 450 route. No one will know the truth until changes are actually properly announced :(
Quote from: WB on September 23, 2015, 11:24:33 AM
The 129 isnt being scrapped it is to be operated from pensnett garage from november. Rumours that the 53 is coming back to west brom but only operating to bearwood as the old 450 route. No one will know the truth until changes are actually properly announced :(
Can PN even facilitate another route ?!
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on September 23, 2015, 11:31:07 AM
Can PN even facilitate another route ?!
Well if rumours are true the 53 would be gone from pensnett. Also the 129 is planned to run from merry hill to birmingham if it happens
Quote from: WB on September 23, 2015, 11:33:34 AM
Well if rumours are true the 53 would be gone from pensnett. Also the 129 is planned to run from merry hill to birmingham if it happens
all true 15/11/15 changes
Another route to Birmingham from Merry Hill, felt like Merry Hill got cut off from brum apart from 138/139 (99) when they took away 127, 258, 109 back in the mid 2000s
Quote from: Chris on September 23, 2015, 12:01:42 PM
Another route to Birmingham from Merry Hill, felt like Merry Hill got cut off from brum apart from 138/139 (99) when they took away 127, 258, 109 back in the mid 2000s
Don't forget, we still have the 141.
Quote from: 2900 on September 23, 2015, 10:11:44 AM
Rumours flying around concerning routes operated by west brom garage ,I,m hearing from colleagues and members of the public 89 service to be curtailed to oldbury town centre as it did when first operated. 129 service to be scrapped again.
If it's the case I wander if the frequency of the 289 could be increased or reinstate the 128 to blackheath. November is the month of changes I hear any way. November was also the month used to introduce the last big round of changes concerning these routes.
Maybe 289 will re numbered again 238 who knows.
I hope not. They need to leave my route alone
well the rumour has it that the 129 is to be extended to Merry Hill vice the 53 which will only operate between West Bromwich and Smethwick Bearwood!
Quote from: clayderman on September 23, 2015, 04:42:57 PM
Don't forget, we still have the 141.
Aka 139 renumbered lol 141 used to go to blackheath and its now thw old 139 lol
Quote from: Chris on September 23, 2015, 05:12:53 PM
Aka 139 renumbered lol 141 used to go to blackheath and its now the old 139 lol
Ah, hadn't realised! My brain is a bit 'go-slow' when it comes to bus routes. Took me until early 2013 to realise the 21 had been withdrawn for quite some time! Haha!
@clayderman could be worse - I still think of some of the routes as their pre network review numbers (where the routing remained the same) like 366, 404, 501, 428/429, 209 etc!
Quote from: WB on September 23, 2015, 11:33:34 AM
Well if rumours are true the 53 would be gone from pensnett. Also the 129 is planned to run from merry hill to birmingham if it happens
Well rumours are the 53 will do merry hill to Beareood then 129 Bearwood to Birmingham then 129 to Bearwood and 53 to merry hill
815 is still on the 87
It should be by Smethwick heading for Dudley
Quote from: Dom on September 23, 2015, 06:59:24 PM
Well rumours are the 53 will do merry hill to Beareood then 129 Bearwood to Birmingham then 129 to Bearwood and 53 to merry hill
53 west brom to bearwood
129 merry hill to brum
Quote from: karl724223 on September 24, 2015, 01:06:40 AM
53 west brom to bearwood
129 merry hill to brum
No 129 to West Brom then, any changes to the 48 to cover this
Quote from: uniquicity on September 24, 2015, 02:11:43 AM
No 129 to West Brom then, any changes to the 48 to cover this
You would think either half hourly shorts between West Brom and Bearwood, or full route every 20 minutes
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 24, 2015, 05:41:09 AM
You would think either half hourly shorts between West Brom and Bearwood, or full route every 20 minutes
Maybe the 46 will go every 20 mins and 48 every 20 mins to cover the missing 129
Quote from: Chris on September 24, 2015, 08:48:02 AM
Maybe the 46 will go every 20 mins and 48 every 20 mins to cover the missing 129
I suppose this could be done, however the frequency of the Great Barr/Queslett part of the 46 would need to change as a result.
Quote from: uniquicity on September 24, 2015, 02:11:43 AM
No 129 to West Brom then, any changes to the 48 to cover this
There is supposed to be a change to the 48 but not due to the 129 being moved. Apparently the 48 os going to be terminating at northfield, not sure if its still doing bartley green or not!
Quote from: WB on September 24, 2015, 10:34:41 AM
There is supposed to be a change to the 48 but not due to the 129 being moved. Apparently the 48 os going to be terminating at northfield, not sure if its still doing bartley green or not!
48 is well used what i can see would be nice to see it get an upgrade to 20 mins frequency. Unless they introduce a renumbered 447 variant that terminates at Bearwood bus Station?
Quote from: Chris on September 24, 2015, 10:55:12 AM
48 is well used what i can see would be nice to see it get an upgrade to 20 mins frequency. Unless they introduce a renumbered 447 variant that terminates at Bearwood bus Station?
Pretty much the same thing I suggested
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 24, 2015, 05:41:09 AM
You would think either half hourly shorts between West Brom and Bearwood, or full route every 20 minutes
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 24, 2015, 08:36:30 PM
Pretty much the same thing I suggested
Sorry
@Sh4318 i didn't read your post correctly aplogises
Quote from: Chris on September 24, 2015, 10:20:43 PM
Sorry @Sh4318 i didn't read your post correctly aplogises
Don't feel bad, just pointing it out :)
ALX400 on the 47 this morning. School working I presume. Might go onto another service later on
Quote from: uniquicity on September 25, 2015, 08:22:38 AM
ALX400 on the 47 this morning. School working I presume. Might go onto another service later on
A double decker on the 47?? Are you sure it wasnt the pheonix school bus?
Quote from: WB on September 25, 2015, 09:24:23 AM
A double decker on the 47?? Are you sure it wasnt the pheonix school bus?
Yep. Left WB bus station at 08.20 on the 47
4968 has lost its front upstairs window branding. Must have had a replacement window recently.
One of the 49** was in dudley with RWC1on paper on the side bus
Quote from: Chris on September 28, 2015, 09:44:16 PM
One of the 49** was in dudley with RWC1on paper on the side bus
4974 - got it from City Centre on a 74
1945 is on the 74E / 75 today
In case of interest: 1949 is on WB80, just turned left to Grand Central from Selfridges at 14:13, heading to West Bromwich.
1695 had now finished its life at west brom
4762 just on its way to walsall paint shop
Plenty of scanias on late nite boards last nite, 48/48/80 does look odd at the moment.
West broms dead merc pile still hasn't moved from admin block yet, must be taking roots by now.
Seen a merc on the 45 earlier on this morning if it is of interest to anyone.
Saw 4969 whilst onboard 1641 when passing through Walsall yard, looks almost ready to return back to service at WB after its collision with 4823.
why does 837 always smell of curry
4960 (I think) is on the 246
814 is on the 222
Quote from: wembley86 on October 03, 2015, 03:42:07 PM
why does 837 always smell of curry
Another member to add to Curry Club
Quote from: Dom on October 03, 2015, 04:08:35 PM
Another member to add to Curry Club
Haha! This comment made me laugh!!! Theres a few E200'd at west brom that have the distinctive curry smell. Seems to come from the passenger heating
Should 1585 have been out today??
Quote from: WB on October 03, 2015, 06:10:20 PM
a few E200'd at west brom that have the distinctive curry smell. Seems to come from the passenger
:D
Quote from: WB on October 03, 2015, 06:10:20 PM
Haha! This comment made me laugh!!! Theres a few E200'd at west brom that have the distinctive curry smell. Seems to come from the passenger heating
The 47**s (Geminis)
were exactly the same, I don't know if they still have that smell though
4962:129
4965: 80
Quote from: uniquicity on September 25, 2015, 09:32:00 AM
Yep. Left WB bus station at 08.20 on the 47
Was 4249 today so seems to be regular
Quote from: uniquicity on October 05, 2015, 08:30:38 AM
Was 4249 today so seems to be regular
I heard one of the 47 running boards runs the 42/43 on mornings so perhaps this bus ends up on the 42/43 later in the morning? I dont drive the 47 and dont work earlys so never see it :(
1585 on the 45, approaching Walsall atm.
1607 is also on there.
Quote from: WB on October 05, 2015, 10:52:04 AM
I heard one of the 47 running boards runs the 42/43 on mornings so perhaps this bus ends up on the 42/43 later in the morning? I dont drive the 47 and dont work earlys so never see it :(
Would be interesting to see where it is now. I'm at work too so can't look either
Quote from: trident4370 on October 05, 2015, 11:02:02 AM
1585 on the 45, approaching Walsall atm.
1607 is also on there.
So much for the farewell day and the lot being withdrawn from service on that day like everyone was saying!
Are wb short of buses if so that's may b why the mercs are still running
Only short if any of the scanias transfered over arent fit for service yet i think
Tony did mention some scanias staying to cover E200 "teething problems".
Quote from: uniquicity on October 05, 2015, 12:06:18 PM
Would be interesting to see where it is now. I'm at work too so can't look either
I'm trying to imagine how a double decker would manage the 47 route, bit tight through Chestnut Road?
Would be even funnier seeing one on the 47A. Would give the residents of the Millfields estate a bit of a shock! That will probably never happen though.
Quote from: AV4248 on October 05, 2015, 01:38:29 PM
I'm trying to imagine how a double decker would manage the 47 route, bit tight through Chestnut Road?
Would be even funnier seeing one on the 47A. Would give the residents of the Millfields estate a bit of a shock! That will probably never happen though.
ive took a decker round when it was the 428, and took a merc on the 429 as well. i remember one driver took a metrobus on the 78A (as it was then), took a window out or something like that round the millfields, so they are supposed to be banned from the routes.
Quote from: wbdriver on October 05, 2015, 01:48:49 PM
ive took a decker round when it was the 428, and took a merc on the 429 as well. i remember one driver took a metrobus on the 78A (as it was then), took a window out or something like that round the millfields, so they are supposed to be banned from the routes.
I went on 1526 many years ago, and the last time I saw a Merc in there was around a couple of years ago, 1585 I think it was. I just find it funny how you'd very rarely see a full length single decker on the 47 and yet recently they've thrown double deckers in the route! Very strange.
Quote from: AV4248 on October 05, 2015, 02:06:09 PM
I went on 1526 many years ago, and the last time I saw a Merc in there was around a couple of years ago, 1585 I think it was. I just find it funny how you'd very rarely see a full length single decker on the 47 and yet recently they've thrown double deckers in the route! Very strange.
Double decks are shorter and more manouverable than full length single decks, hence why Walsall use an ALX400 when an E200 isn't available for the 335/6
47/428 is just half of the old 78, and that used to have deckers. Correct me If I'm wrong
Quote from: uniquicity on October 05, 2015, 02:43:32 PM
47/428 is just half of the old 78, and that used to have deckers. Correct me If I'm wrong
Yes, just about remember it myself. Good times seeing the Metrobuses on there. I live in Hateley Heath so know the route pretty well.
When it got renumbered to the 428/429, it pretty much spelled the end of double deckers on there.
Quote from: AV4248 on October 05, 2015, 03:28:49 PM
Yes, just about remember it myself. Good times seeing the Metrobuses on there. I live in Hateley Heath so know the route pretty well.
When it got renumbered to the 428/429, it pretty much spelled the end of double deckers on there.
There was a time when a decker off the 449 would swap with a B6LE on the 428 during the afternoon. Presumably school related too
Quote from: uniquicity on October 05, 2015, 03:53:31 PM
There was a time when a decker off the 449 would swap with a B6LE on the 428 during the afternoon. Presumably school related too
It amazes me to think how the 47/47A copes with the mini E200's. Mind you it is pretty quiet around the Wednesbury end of the route. Also there's the school workings (728 & 775 I think) so they probably help out a lot.
Ever since NXWM withdrew from the 41 it's mostly the small E200's. Quite regularly they put a longer one out usually on the last running board, presumably when there's not enough small E200's spare.
Quote from: AV4248 on September 26, 2015, 09:58:58 AM
4968 has lost its front upstairs window branding. Must have had a replacement window recently.
And I've just seen 4973 which is missing some of its branding near the cab area.
Quote from: AV4248 on October 05, 2015, 01:38:29 PM
I'm trying to imagine how a double decker would manage the 47 route, bit tight through Chestnut Road?
Would be even funnier seeing one on the 47A. Would give the residents of the Millfields estate a bit of a shock! That will probably never happen though.
Back in the day I recall having a merc on my 1st portion on 429. Then coming back off my split to find I had a metrobus on 428 for my 2nd portion with a massive branch sticking out the top of it.
The driver said he wondered why people kept flashing him and pointing upwards ;)
There was a crimson enviro on 5 last night- 4738.
I was just Thinking if WB are waiting for 819 to come back, to then withdraw 1607, probably wrong.
the way it works is each bus is located its own parking space when the driver starts his shift he has a allocation number to show where the bus is parked and is ready to be driven out of garage en route
Quote from: iansdavies on October 12, 2015, 04:01:44 PM
the way it works is each bus is located its own parking space when the driver starts his shift he has a allocation number to show where the bus is parked and is ready to be driven out of garage en route
I don't think each bus has their own designated parking spot. I'm led to believe their just parked to the first space at the front otherwise you'll find the same individual bus on the same board
Quote from: iansdavies on October 12, 2015, 04:01:44 PM
the way it works is each bus is located its own parking space when the driver starts his shift he has a allocation number to show where the bus is parked and is ready to be driven out of garage en route
What is that in reference to?
If you are referring to Dom's post then he is referring to the fact 819 is (or was) on loan to PE.
Quote from: Nathan on October 12, 2015, 04:11:54 PM
What is that in reference to?
If you are referring to Dom's post then he is referring to the fact 819 is on loan to PE.
819 is at WB, currently on the 47
4754 on 75 today
4956 on 82 today
Buses at west brom are parked according to whether they have any defects or need any work done over night. Buses taken to top yard are ones that have been booked off as ok and arent due mot, service work etc. Buses kept inside the garage but have a defect are left with their hazards flashing so engineers know which buses require attention and buses parked at the front of garage are buses either for overnight service/staff bus and buses requiring service/mot etc..
1950 was on the 47 just. Knew they would chuck a Scania on there at some point. On the 80 now, been swapped with 818 which was on the route earlier.
Was so happy when it came round only to have been swapped, was literally waiting to board it!
With double deckers previously and 1950 today, does anybody know if this is to be a regular occurrence now?
Just so I can update my allocations spreadsheet, am I right in thinking that OmniLinks are now the norm for the 45 and 49 routes? As they were previously listed as Merc routes.
Any other routes they frequently turn up on?
Quote from: Stu on October 13, 2015, 01:06:06 PM
Just so I can update my allocations spreadsheet, am I right in thinking that OmniLinks are now the norm for the 45 and 49 routes? As they were previously listed as Merc routes.
Any other routes they frequently turn up on?
@Stu you get them occasionally on the 42/43, and the rare one on the 5 during peak hours. the first part of your question, E200 LWB on the 45 as well, mainly on Sundays and evenings, with the occasional double deck on as well.
Quote from: wbdriver on October 13, 2015, 02:32:14 PM
@Stu you get them occasionally on the 42/43, and the rare one on the 5 during peak hours. the first part of your question, E200 LWB on the 45 as well, mainly on Sundays and evenings, with the occasional double deck on as well.
Great stuff, thanks for the insight! ;)
Not often I'd complain about a nx service but they seriously need to sort out the number 80 afternoon journeys, the 15.48 from blue gates to West Bromwich is frequently late, today and last week over 20 mins and when it finally does come it's an Omnilink! With standees all the way to the front and people having to alight and re board just to let people off! Ridiculous situation.
Quote from: Bob on October 13, 2015, 04:21:12 PM
Not often I'd complain about a nx service but they seriously need to sort out the number 80 afternoon journeys, the 15.48 from blue gates to West Bromwich is frequently late, today and last week over 20 mins and when it finally does come it's an Omnilink! With standees all the way to the front and people having to alight and re board just to let people off! Ridiculous situation.
Traffic.
I've experienced similar elsewhere, at different times of the day. Even at the time of day you mention, the city centre is already getting snarled up with traffic, so it just needs one bus to get delayed because of the traffic, that causes the issue you raise. More people have been waiting further back down the route, so they all try and cram on the bus, then once it reaches your stop it is already full, and it takes longer to load and unload passengers, which delays the journey even more.
However, as I've seen myself before, I'm willing to bet there are seats available, further down the bus, which people choose not to take, but just start standing either next to the driver, or in the narrow gangway between the front wheels. It only takes four or five people standing there, to make the bus appear full, and rather than moving down the bus to stand, people start standing by the doors or up against the front windscreen!
Believe me, I've 'fought' my way onto a seemingly crowded bus, and once I've pushed my way through the crowd (on more than one occasion I've been told by standing passengers "there's no more room") hogging the gangway, I've usually either found a seat, or a space to stand out of the way.
It's not a nice situation, but other passengers really don't help sometimes.
Quote from: Stu on October 13, 2015, 05:41:37 PM
Believe me, I've 'fought' my way onto a seemingly crowded bus, and once I've pushed my way through the crowd (on more than one occasion I've been told by standing passengers "there's no more room") hogging the gangway, I've usually either found a seat, or a space to stand out of the way.
It's not a nice situation, but other passengers really don't help sometimes.
That sounds like the 37 in Sparkbrook lol.
Quote from: MW on October 13, 2015, 07:51:15 PM
That sounds like the 37 in Sparkbrook lol.
Sounds more like the 76E in the morning, that is absolutely jam packed full, mainly with school kids. There are a few certain kids that take one seat for themselves and the other seat for their bags, whilst the rest of the bus is jam-packed full. I understand why you're not allowed to stand upstairs.
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on October 13, 2015, 08:00:17 PM
Sounds more like the 76E in the morning, that is absolutely jam packed full, mainly with school kids. There are a few certain kids that take one seat for themselves and the other seat for their bags, whilst the rest of the bus is jam-packed full. I understand why you're not allowed to stand upstairs.
I hold my hands up, I used to do that when I was around 13-14 on the way to school. I would sit upstairs near the back on the seat near the walkway with my school bag on the other seat. But my justification for that was the amount of weirdos who also use buses. Even as a bus driver, you see so many strange people catching the bus. That was my view on it back then, so that'd be why people do it.
@MW what is the weirdest thing that a person has done on your bus?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 13, 2015, 08:34:02 PM
@MW what is the weirdest thing that a person has done on your bus?
I had one drunk guy sitting on my bus, on the 11E to Perry Barr, it was a late night bus. Got to Perry Barr, and told him it was the last stop. He was the only one on the bus. I then went upstairs to close all the windows, and when I came downstairs, he was p*ssing in a can of liqour and got in on the seats and the floor at the back.
I had two passengers having a full blown fight a couple weeks ago in Erdington. As they were getting on. One of them had a can of some sort of alcohol too. That can ended up going all over the platform, and a little bit got through the gaps in the assault screen and went on me. I then chucked the whole bus off, went back to garage, went home to get changed/showered and then got adjusted when I came back.
Quote from: MW on October 13, 2015, 08:40:12 PM
I had one drunk guy sitting on my bus, on the 11E to Perry Barr, it was a late night bus. Got to Perry Barr, and told him it was the last stop. He was the only one on the bus. I then went upstairs to close all the windows, and when I came downstairs, he was p*ssing in a can of liqour and got in on the seats and the floor at the back.
I had two passengers having a full blown fight a couple weeks ago in Erdington. As they were getting on. One of them had a can of some sort of alcohol too. That can ended up going all over the platform, and a little bit got through the gaps in the assault screen and went on me. I then chucked the whole bus off, went back to garage, went home to get changed/showered and then got adjusted when I came back.
Personally, I think that drunk people shouldn't be allowed on the bus because they cause public disturbance and most of them piss on the floor.
Quote from: MW on October 13, 2015, 08:40:12 PM
I had one drunk guy sitting on my bus, on the 11E to Perry Barr, it was a late night bus. Got to Perry Barr, and told him it was the last stop. He was the only one on the bus. I then went upstairs to close all the windows, and when I came downstairs, he was p*ssing in a can of liqour and got in on the seats and the floor at the back.
I had two passengers having a full blown fight a couple weeks ago in Erdington. As they were getting on. One of them had a can of some sort of alcohol too. That can ended up going all over the platform, and a little bit got through the gaps in the assault screen and went on me. I then chucked the whole bus off, went back to garage, went home to get changed/showered and then got adjusted when I came back.
To be honest I would prefer to work early shifts to late night shifts. Both of these reported are absolutely disgraceful
Quote from: ronnoc1k8 on October 13, 2015, 08:46:45 PM
Personally, I think that drunk people shouldn't be allowed on the bus because they cause public disturbance and most of them piss on the floor.
No, most drunk people do not piss on the floor.
Just the occasional dirty b*****d
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 13, 2015, 08:47:59 PM
To be honest I would prefer to work early shifts to late night shifts. Both of these reported are absolutely disgraceful
Forget that. 4-6am starts. Forget that lol. I don't touch anything before 9am. I don't mind late. It's an experience lol. The fight wasn't a late night bus. It was in the afternoon peak.
Quote from: Tony on October 13, 2015, 08:58:13 PM
No, most drunk people do not piss on the floor.
Just the occasional dirty b*****d
I was going to say the same thing. Over the years, going back to my late teens, I've caught many a late night Friday or Saturday bus from town whilst much the worse for wear. I've done nothing worse than fall asleep and wake up at the Bartley Green terminus (or Quinton bus garage on one occasion). Most drunk people go quietly about their business without offending anyone, it's the minority of a***holes who behave inappropriately.
It's a common pre conception that late nite buses = more trouble , from listening to colleagues the very early buses have there fair share of troubles with people going home from late nite bars or clubs, during the day vastly more people about so the odds of trouble go up IMO .
I personally can't stand west brom garage day time dutys it's a complete mess you have a pick and mix of dutys like early,middle,split,combo in a week, at hockley we had a week of earlies,middles ,splits and late nights you had continuity not this load of crap.
Quote from: 2900 on October 14, 2015, 10:36:18 AM
It's a common pre conception that late nite buses = more trouble , from listening to colleagues the very early buses have there fair share of troubles with people going home from late nite bars or clubs, during the day vastly more people about so the odds of trouble go up IMO .
I personally can't stand west brom garage day time dutys it's a complete mess you have a pick and mix of dutys like early,middle,split,combo in a week, at hockley we had a week of earlies,middles ,splits and late nights you had continuity not this load of crap.
At BC we have late night rotas, school rotas, 4 day rotas, 5 day rotas, twilight rotas...
President 4057 is on the 80 this evening.
Think somebody at WB should have a look at 810. On the 47 currently with a very bad sounding creaking noise from around the middle of the bus!
Quote from: AV4248 on October 17, 2015, 10:24:11 AM
Think somebody at WB should have a look at 810. On the 47 currently with a very bad sounding creaking noise from around the middle of the bus!
Isn't that normal for the Enviro 200s ;)
Quick question, is the Bagnall St that the 44 goes down, the same Bagnall St that the 311/313 goes past the end of just before Wednesbury? I get off about halfway down near Waterside St for work occasionally, if it's the right street how long would it take to walk from the 311/3 stop? This could potentially avoid me needing to go to West Bromwich and catch the 44!
Quote from: Bob on October 17, 2015, 02:03:49 PM
Quick question, is the Bagnall St that the 44 goes down, the same Bagnall St that the 311/313 goes past the end of just before Wednesbury? I get off about halfway down near Waterside St for work occasionally, if it's the right street how long would it take to walk from the 311/3 stop? This could potentially avoid me needing to go to West Bromwich and catch the 44!
Nope, it's a different Bagnall Street. It's about a 35 minute walk from there to Waterside St according to Google Maps.
Bugger
Quote from: AV4248 on October 17, 2015, 10:24:11 AM
Think somebody at WB should have a look at 810. On the 47 currently with a very bad sounding creaking noise from around the middle of the bus!
Drive 810 quite often and its been making this noise for quite a while now! Really bad squeak from middle/rear of bus made worse on bumps. Sounds like a rubber mount is worn but nothing ever gets done about it
Just seen 4233 on the 129, looks like it's back from some sort of front end repairs. Brighter red has been sprayed onto the front and has now been given a front logo, though it's side and rear blind weren't working when I walked past it.
So I've just got off 4250 on the 47, been a very long time since going on a double decker on the route.
This is getting a bit ridiculous now I think, don't think the driver wasn't to happy either. Nevertheless was quite fun ride.
I promise this is the last time I'll say anything about the route now!
Quote from: AV4248 on October 24, 2015, 06:02:43 PM
So I've just got off 4250 on the 47, been a very long time since going on a double decker on the route.
This is getting a bit ridiculous now I think, don't think the driver wasn't to happy either. Nevertheless was quite fun ride.
I promise this is the last time I'll say anything about the route now!
It's fine, carry on. Not enough WB talk on here ;)
Its been on there all night. Quite funny seeing a 47A double decker turning into wednesbury bus station
Quote from: AV4248 on October 24, 2015, 06:02:43 PM
So I've just got off 4250 on the 47, been a very long time since going on a double decker on the route.
This is getting a bit ridiculous now I think, don't think the driver wasn't to happy either. Nevertheless was quite fun ride.
I promise this is the last time I'll say anything about the route now!
On evening services too, so it ventured onto the 49, weird seeing it
Quote from: X94 on October 24, 2015, 10:46:32 PM
4274 (I think. Someone might be able to confirm) was on the 47 earlier. Seen in Wednesbury
Did the bus have a front LED display, if so, it would have been 4274
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 25, 2015, 01:23:45 AM
On evening services too, so it ventured onto the 49, weird seeing it
Did the bus have a front LED display, if so, it would have been 4274
No it didn't. It must've been 4250. Hey ho, it was still a nice rare working 😉
4747 on 74 today.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 26, 2015, 04:41:31 PM
4747 on 74 today.
Still has the old display setting, by that I mean a static front display and scrolling destination on rear blind, well it was like that when I saw it on the 75 later.
Rumour the return of the 120 service to West Bromwich next spring that's 14/15 running boards, so some thing has to go my guess the 127/128 most logical step as pensnett would already have the 129 service.
Quote from: 2900 on October 27, 2015, 11:09:14 AM
Rumour the return of the 120 service to West Bromwich next spring that's 14/15 running boards, so some thing has to go my guess the 127/128 most logical step as pensnett would already have the 129 service.
Would seem like a sensible action. Wonder if some of Pensnett's B7RLE's would come the same way? I doubt it really as Scania's have only just entered service again at WB.
Quote from: AV4248 on October 27, 2015, 12:03:26 PM
Would seem like a sensible action. Wonder if some of Pensnett's B7RLE's would come the same way? I doubt it really as Scania's have only just entered service again at WB.
Maybe the 140/241 go back to single decker with existing double deckers going on to 127/128
I think the return of the 120 west brom may be due more 120E journeys to oldbury as done with the 87 service some years back most cards use to finish in Dudley or city vast majority now finish oldbury town centre and a 5 minute trip to garage , very minimum of dead mileage.
Quote from: 2900 on October 27, 2015, 03:38:58 PM
I think the return of the 120 west brom may be due more 120E journeys to oldbury as done with the 87 service some years back most cards use to finish in Dudley or city vast majority now finish oldbury town centre and a 5 minute trip to garage , very minimum of dead mileage.
The 120 is going back to WB???
839 was on the 49 this morning so just have swapped onto the 5.
There is a Crimson E400 on the Metro Replacement today.
I think its 4744
Quote from: clayderman on October 28, 2015, 07:40:04 PM
Ticket Branded E200 on the 5
@clayderman What time did you see it?
Enviro 200s are used on the 5 in the evenings
Quote from: 2206 on October 29, 2015, 10:06:59 AM
@clayderman What time did you see it?
Enviro 200s are used on the 5 in the evenings
Somewhen between half 9 and 10. Very vague, sorry(!) - but if it narrows it down, it was at Kingstanding Circle...
Quoted from the loans thread
Quote from: Tony on October 29, 2015, 02:34:36 PM
Both transfers, not loans, 1936 & 1939 have gone the other way ready for the new 48 timetable
So the 48 is getting singles. Surely the frequency is being upped then
Any news/ideas what will operate the 129 after its extension??
Quote from: danny on October 29, 2015, 09:40:32 PM
Any news/ideas what will operate the 129 after its extension??
Tridents if it's moving to PN
Quote from: James4368 on October 30, 2015, 10:43:46 AM
4227 - WB5 (Usually Presidents)
@James4368 not unusual, there is a couple on there daily
4751 is on the Soho Road
810 just left WB on the 80, might be the peak board E200s are normally on so unsure if noteworthy
Will wb's 47** enviro be branded for 82/87 once the repaints for that batch are done?
Has nobody noticed the novelty bus out on the 45 today?
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 11:44:48 AM
Has nobody noticed the novelty bus out on the 45 today?
Is it 866 (i think) from pensnett?
It was out on the 5 yesterday :)
Quote from: WB on November 03, 2015, 01:06:11 PM
Is it 866 (i think) from pensnett?
It was out on the 5 yesterday :)
866 was spotted on the 128 earlier!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 03, 2015, 01:12:19 PM
866 was spotted on the 128 earlier!
No, it is 1585 which has been fetched out the scrap line reinspected and put back into service
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 01:23:33 PM
No, it is 1585 which has been fetched out the scrap line reinspected and put back into service
I though 1607 was going to be the first one reinstated? I'm assuming this will still be one of the 4 that will be reinstated?
I saw an engineer driving 1585 up the newton road yesterday towards great barr and i thought it was off to its final resting place before scrap!! How wrong was i!
Any particular reason why WB are short of buses?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 03, 2015, 01:43:57 PM
Any particular reason why WB are short of buses?
They have buses on metro replacement work
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
They have buses on metro replacement work
Will any be coming onto the 5? Would love to have a ride on one to West Bromwich!
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
They have buses on metro replacement work
Is that to cover the Snow Hill to St Paul's ML1
@Tony or in West Brom itself??
1607 now showing as reinstated as well, but still in the garage
1695 & 1699 also reinstated, but deleted off the tracking system so I cannot see where they are
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
1607 now showing as reinstated as well, but still in the garage
1695 & 1699 also reinstated, but deleted off the tracking system so I cannot see where they are
Oh HAPPY DAYS!
Take it
@Tony 1613 isn't being reinstated?
Quote from: Squiz1971 on November 03, 2015, 02:27:42 PM
Is that to cover the Snow Hill to St Paul's ML1 @Tony or in West Brom itself??
@Squiz1971 It's Snow Hill to St Paul's cover whilst the extension works take place.
Surely the metro replacement only uses 2 buses? Christ it's only from St Pauls to snow hill
Quote from: Kevin on November 03, 2015, 06:23:03 PM
Surely the metro replacement only uses 2 buses? Christ it's only from St Pauls to snow hill
There were at least three replacements this morning. I'm guessing they only need that many during the peaks?
Quite a lot of people walk it from St Paul's into the city centre anyway. A little surprising really that WB are providing Metro work yet they're having a slight vehicle shortage.
Quote from: AV4248 on November 03, 2015, 07:32:10 PM
There were at least three replacements this morning. I'm guessing they only need that many during the peaks?
Quite a lot of people walk it from St Paul's into the city centre anyway. A little surprising really that WB are providing Metro work yet they're having a slight vehicle shortage.
@AV4248 Think the Metro replacement work is causing the shortage!
Quote from: AV4248 on November 03, 2015, 07:32:10 PM
There were at least three replacements this morning. I'm guessing they only need that many during the peaks?
Quite a lot of people walk it from St Paul's into the city centre anyway. A little surprising really that WB are providing Metro work yet they're having a slight vehicle shortage.
They haven't got a vehicle shortage. They have an increased vehicle requirement so get extra buses!
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2015, 07:36:12 PM
They haven't got a vehicle shortage. They have an increased vehicle requirement so get extra buses!
That makes more sense now, forgive me if what I said came across as wrong.
I cant believe west brom are that short of buses. Walking through the garage yesterday mid afternoon before my duty and there were at least 4 scania's and a load of deckers. Must be plenty of defective buses if this is the case
Quote from: WB on November 03, 2015, 09:26:20 PM
I cant believe west brom are that short of buses. Walking through the garage yesterday mid afternoon before my duty and there were at least 4 scania's and a load of deckers. Must be plenty of defective buses if this is the case
You are NOT short of buses!
The PVR has increased by 4, so 4 extra buses are needed, as simple as that!
1585 came into West Bromwich bus station this morning on the 45 and then appeared to have some problem and did not go out again. I had hoped to travel on it.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on November 04, 2015, 05:00:49 PM
1585 came into West Bromwich bus station this morning on the 45 and then appeared to have some problem and did not go out again. I had hoped to travel on it.
1585 came back out in the afternoon, caught it around 16:15 from West Bromwich. It was on 45/04, will go back to the garage at 19:40.
Quote from: P419 EJW on November 04, 2015, 07:17:21 PM
1585 came back out in the afternoon, caught it around 16:15 from West Bromwich. It was on 45/04, will go back to the garage at 19:40.
It stayed on the same running board all day
What are passenger loads like in general on these Metro replacement services? I saw a Soho Rd branded E400 on there tonight leaving city at around 5.20pm, so peak time, and a Ford Fiesta could have coped with the number of people on there. I guess a lot of passengers must be deciding to walk to St Paul's instead?
Quote from: Mike K on November 04, 2015, 09:37:48 PM
What are passenger loads like in general on these Metro replacement services? I saw a Soho Rd branded E400 on there tonight leaving city at around 5.20pm, so peak time, and a Ford Fiesta could have coped with the number of people on there. I guess a lot of passengers must be deciding to walk to St Paul's instead?
@MikeK I saw 4744 last week on there and it had around 8 passengers on it
Quote from: Mike K on November 04, 2015, 09:37:48 PM
What are passenger loads like in general on these Metro replacement services? I saw a Soho Rd branded E400 on there tonight leaving city at around 5.20pm, so peak time, and a Ford Fiesta could have coped with the number of people on there. I guess a lot of passengers must be deciding to walk to St Paul's instead?
Saw that E400 earlier today. Downstairs seems pretty decently loaded, but upstairs was completely empty. Perhaps WB should use smaller buses like the E200s or Scanias? Deckers seem the norm, currently - doubt that'll change.
It seems 1585 missed one round trip to Walsall yesterday, when it should have left West Bromwich at about 10. 40 a.m
@Tony Has 1607 been swapped off the 74?
Just been working out the PVRs of the new timetables.
46 is 5, 48 is 8, 50A/50C is 5, 127/128 is 10.
Omnilinks seem to be commonplace on the 83/89, along with Presidents, Geminis, ALX400
1607 just came by West Bromwich Bus Station with it's hazards on. Any idea why?
4747 was on 74's today.
Quote from: RS on November 08, 2015, 06:39:11 PM
4740 too
Bloody hell two of 'em! There's gotta a few off the road then!
Quote from: Dom on November 08, 2015, 06:41:02 PM
Bloody hell two of 'em! There's gotta a few off the road then!
The 64 plate ones don't have much character
Can anyone confirm whether there's a 49** Enviro on the 83/89 today. Just heard out of my back window what sounded like a 49** decelerating
Quote from: RS on November 08, 2015, 06:54:59 PM
The 64 plate ones don't have much character
I agree, I actually prefer them to the Euro 4s though.
Quote from: Dom on November 08, 2015, 06:41:02 PM
Bloody hell two of 'em! There's gotta a few off the road then!
It's not uncommon to see non '64 plates on the Soho Road on Sunday's
Quote from: Dom on November 08, 2015, 06:41:02 PM
Bloody hell two of 'em! There's gotta a few off the road then!
WB usually park all the good buses in the outstation closer to the bus station and keep it locked up on Sundays, just using the buses in the actual garage, so chances are most of the E400s were there
Looks like 1571 is on loan from Pensnett and is currently in Smethwick looking like it is going into service!
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2015, 08:46:49 AM
Looks like 1571 is on loan from Pensnett and is currently in Smethwick looking like it is going into service!
1571 still in it Coventry colours
is on the 80 .. seen in Cape Hill heading for West Bromwich
Quote from: OH25 on November 09, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
1571 still in it Coventry colours
is on the 80 .. seen in Cape Hill heading for West Bromwich
They're hardly going to bother painting it for max 7 weeks service
Anyone know why 1571 is on loan?
Looks like 1571 has been swapped because the times are tracking now. I could be wrong though.
Quote from: P419 EJW on November 09, 2015, 12:28:19 PM
Looks like 1571 has been swapped because the times are tracking now. I could be wrong though.
Yes it has been swapped, Currently in Weoley Castle!
Quote from: OH25 on November 09, 2015, 11:29:17 AM
1571 still in it Coventry colours
is on the 80 .. seen in Cape Hill heading for West Bromwich
Think that's the one with the washed-out faded window surrounds on the offside.
1571 is currently stuck on West Bromwich ringroad opposite the metro stop. Looks like there's been an accident involving other vehicles. No buses I don't think.
Expect delays to all services from the look of it, nothing was moving
Quote from: uniquicity on November 09, 2015, 05:18:29 PM
1571 is currently stuck on West Bromwich ringroad opposite the metro stop. Looks like there's been an accident involving other vehicles. No buses I don't think.
Expect delays to all services from the look of it, nothing was moving
Would make sense 4Hs running very late
Quote from: Tony on November 09, 2015, 01:26:34 PM
Yes it has been swapped, Currently in Weoley Castle!
Shame I missed it in its original haunts of Harborne and Bartley Green.
One for Merc hunters, 1695 is on the 42/3 i'm told.
Quote from: Nathan on November 10, 2015, 11:30:21 AM
One for Merc hunters, 1695 is on the 42/3 i'm told.
1585 is apparently on the 49.
Was there a Scania route learning on the 48 this afternoon?
2242 currently parked up in west brom garage next to the diesel tanks with a red sticker in the windscreen. Any ideas why??
And there was a scania on the 48 route earlier dont think there was any route training
Quote from: WB on November 11, 2015, 09:34:17 PM
2242 currently parked up in west brom garage next to the diesel tanks with a red sticker in the windscreen. Any ideas why??
And there was a scania on the 48 route earlier dont think there was any route training
Yup, seen the Scania on Bearwood High Street at around 20:10. Looked weird seeing it surrounded in AG Geminis on the 11, and it being on a WB route lol.
Quote from: WB on November 11, 2015, 09:34:17 PM
2242 currently parked up in west brom garage next to the diesel tanks with a red sticker in the windscreen. Any ideas why??
And there was a scania on the 48 route earlier dont think there was any route training
1941. There was a Scania on the 129 too. Probably moved onto the 127/128 now
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 11, 2015, 10:32:47 PM
1941. There was a Scania on the 129 too. Probably moved onto the 127/128 now
And also one on the 80.
1953 was on the 127-9 this morning too. On Colmore Row at 08.40
1695 worked the 06.43 46 scott arms to wb, nice to have some merc thrash along the newton road again.
Quote from: 37351ml on November 12, 2015, 01:40:44 PM
1695 worked the 06.43 46 scott arms to wb, nice to have some merc thrash along the newton road again.
Is it still on the 46?
No it's a 45 board that goes private oak lane to scott arms to do a 46. Then upon arrival at wb goes onto a 45 to walsall at 07.11. Not sure if there is an evening equivalent, although I believe the 19.00 46 from west brom comes off a 45 and does a one way trip.
Saw a scania 1946 i think on the 48 with the rear blinds showing 48 with Bartley Green scrolling underneath it
Quote from: Chris on November 12, 2015, 02:39:18 PM
Saw a scania 1946 i think on the 48 with the rear blinds showing 48 with Bartley Green scrolling underneath it
Any vehicles with rear LEDs, do the same, apart from 4113 for some reason, and I'm guessing 1951 (which had a different LED display which can only show route numbers in a certain way (wow, I sound so geeky right now :-[))
4760 - 80
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 12, 2015, 10:07:17 PM
Any vehicles with rear LEDs, do the same, apart from 4113 for some reason, and I'm guessing 1951 (which had a different LED display which can only show route numbers in a certain way (wow, I sound so geeky right now :-[))
May be wrong, but could it be that 4113 hasn't had its blinds updated? Saw it a few days ago with the *very much missed* static alternating displays still programmed.
@Sh4318
The 5 has a strange allocation today. A President, Gemini, B7TL, Crimson E400 & Omnilink
Quote from: clayderman on November 15, 2015, 12:57:28 AM
May be wrong, but could it be that 4113 hasn't had its blinds updated? Saw it a few days ago with the *very much missed* static alternating displays still programmed. @Sh4318
You're probably right
@clayderman, I didn't really pay much attention to the front display when I saw it
Allocations are a bit all over the place today, with 4739 on the 127/8s, 4744 on the 83/89s and 4746 on the 50C
1945 and 1942 were in convoy on the 48, this afternoon. Strange seeing Scanias in Harborne! :P
Not impressed at all with your new 50a! Waited from 15.45 for the 15.53 from Rolfe St it hadn't come by 16.15! Had to run for the 80 on the high St. Did it not run???
Not the place to be asking about late/missing services. You need to contact nx for that information. its a new service so im sure the timings will change once its known when and where its being made late
Just seen two 127's followed by an MMC on the 9 go towards Moor Street. Any idea why?
Queen visiting brum so guessing theres a few diversions in place
Quote from: WB on November 19, 2015, 10:21:26 AM
Queen visiting brum so guessing theres a few diversions in place
I was told Colemore Row was shut. However after helping the driver of 6105 I ended up walking down Colemore Row and it was open and had been all the time. It was probably the Police confusing them.
Anyone what is WB best merc? I like the later version
Personally 1585
Quote from: Dom on November 22, 2015, 06:45:54 PM
Personally 1585
Any reasoning and Thankyou for your response
@Dom
1607 on the 48
Anyone know what is the most popular route for the Mercs?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 27, 2015, 07:07:23 PM
Anyone know what is the most popular route for the Mercs?
42/3/5
Quote from: Dom on November 27, 2015, 07:08:47 PM
42/3/5
Cheers
@Dom is it worth planning a trip or just going by the day?
Quote from: Sayeed on November 27, 2015, 08:30:25 AM
1607 on the 48
I noticed earlier WB Bound it displayed West Brimwich
And Northfields Bound the blind was blank
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 27, 2015, 07:11:57 PM
Cheers @Dom is it worth planning a trip or just going by the day?
Go by day
Quote from: RS on November 27, 2015, 07:28:21 PM
I noticed earlier WB Bound it displayed West Brimwich
And Northfields Bound the blind was blank
This is hardly surprising considering WB have not operated routes into Northfield before, it could be the first time sine HY operated the 29 that a Mercedes would be in Northfield. As it was planned that all vehicles with roller destination blinds would be withdrawn by now no new blinds will have been ordered. The only destinations for that area that could be on a WB board would be Hawkesley and Bartley Green, possibly Selly Oak, Cotteridge and Weoley Castle for shortworkings.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 27, 2015, 07:11:57 PM
Cheers @Dom is it worth planning a trip or just going by the day?
The 49 is usually a good bet to find one.
Quote from: Nathan on November 27, 2015, 07:54:58 PM
The 49 is usually a good bet to find one.
Tbf
@Nathan I havent seen one on there for a while as ive seen them mainly on the 45 or 42/3 where i found 1585
Quote from: RS on November 27, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Tbf @Nathan I havent seen one on there for a while as ive seen them mainly on the 45 or 42/3 where i found 1585
Just going off what i saw last week. Cheers for that.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 27, 2015, 07:46:53 PM
This is hardly surprising considering WB have not operated routes into Northfield before, it could be the first time sine HY operated the 29 that a Mercedes would be in Northfield. As it was planned that all vehicles with roller destination blinds would be withdrawn by now no new blinds will have been ordered. The only destinations for that area that could be on a WB board would be Hawkesley and Bartley Green, possibly Selly Oak, Cotteridge and Weoley Castle for shortworkings.
I think Mercs may have ventured into Northfield a bit more recently than that when the 20 route (city to Great Park via QE, Weoley and Northfield) ran.
Quote from: Nathan on November 27, 2015, 08:03:41 PM
Just going off what i saw last week. Cheers for that.
Ok Buddy :)
Quote from: Mike K on November 27, 2015, 08:10:18 PM
I think Mercs may have ventured into Northfield a bit more recently than that when the 20 route (city to Great Park via QE, Weoley and Northfield) ran.
Yes, it was 2010. One of my pics pf the short lived 20 route. This is the only picture below I have with the full roller blinds in use, all of the other pictures I have are either blank, or they have a black/yellow card in the front window with the destinations on
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5543690176/
Quote from: John on November 27, 2015, 08:15:25 PM
Yes, it was 2010. One of my pics pf the short lived 20 route. This is the only picture below I have with the full roller blinds in use, all of the other pictures I have are either blank, or they have a black/yellow card in the front window with the destinations on
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5543690176/
@John Off topic a bit but I prefer the picture to the left for obvious reasons :)
1699 on 5 and 1607 on 45
Quote from: Michael Bevan on November 30, 2015, 01:47:11 PM
Is it still on the 5?
Yes it's still out, just came into West Bromwich bus station.
Quote from: AV4248 on November 30, 2015, 04:45:21 PM
Yes it's still out, just came into West Bromwich bus station.
Sorry not sure
Does anyone know if the 4 mercs are due to finish as the metro replacement service will cease from this Sunday with the opening of the bull street section.
Quote from: 37351ml on December 04, 2015, 03:04:31 AM
Does anyone know if the 4 mercs are due to finish as the metro replacement service will cease from this Sunday with the opening of the bull street section.
No they have a couple more weeks yet
One of the Mercs, fairly sure it was 1607 crossed the Wolverhampton Road on the 49 this morning.
Any chance any of the WB Merc's will be out tomorrow or they mainly in use M-F?
Thanks,
Dave
1585 was out last Saturday
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/22747808964/in/dateposted-public/
There's a President on the 50
First of all i would like to ask why the omnilinks seem to be on the 5 a lot,
And is it really noteworthy now as the otherweek there was at least 5 on there
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 04, 2015, 06:54:10 PM
There's a President on the 50
The (WB) 50 is one of the routes that doesn't have a specific allocation and can be run by any bus available, so nothing is noteworthy on there
Quote from: Tony on December 07, 2015, 05:28:07 PM
The (WB) 50 is one of the routes that doesn't have a specific allocation and can be run by any bus available, so nothing is noteworthy on there
I didn't know that, makes for interesting workings. All I've seen on it are Gems and ALXs (and the odd Enviro 400)
The evening 5's have been producing a mixed bag of late.previously the 3 boards came off 40's so e200's were the norm. Now there is quite often a scania on there from board 42/01 together with a 5 branded plaxton and an e200.
1607 seems to be on the 49 most days at the moment.
With the 16 being branded up with its Crimson E400's, I'd imagine the Dudley Rd will follow suit with branding reapplied to the corridor?
Merc seen in Oldbury didn't catch fleet but said 49 on the back
Another Merc has joined 1631 in the rear car park at Oak Lane. Can't ID without trespassing ;)
Does anyone know how long the Mercs have got? Will they be used after Christmas?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 14, 2015, 06:22:08 PM
Does anyone know how long the Mercs have got? Will they be used after Christmas?
They won't be able to be used after 31/12/15.
Quote from: Nathan on December 14, 2015, 06:32:10 PM
They won't be able to be used after 31/12/15.
Oh crap best get searching for 1695 and 1699 on Saturday then
Quote from: Nathan on December 14, 2015, 06:32:10 PM
They won't be able to be used after 31/12/15.
Why cant they be used after that date? Other companies use older buses
Quote from: WB on December 15, 2015, 01:35:43 PM
Why cant they be used after that date? Other companies use older buses
Not DDA Compliant. Tony has said WB and PN have permission to use the Mercs up until this date.
Plenty of traffic clogging up West Bromwich bus station at the minute.
Seems to be happening quite alot now, not too sure why.
Quote from: AV4248 on December 16, 2015, 04:40:35 PM
Plenty of traffic clogging up West Bromwich bus station at the minute.
Seems to be happening quite alot now, not too sure why.
Chirstmas lol
Quote from: AV4248 on December 16, 2015, 04:40:35 PM
Plenty of traffic clogging up West Bromwich bus station at the minute.
Seems to be happening quite alot now, not too sure why.
Its because cars are coming through the pedestrian zone on new street. This puts too much traffic outside the bus station and the the buses cant get out! Once its queued up theres nothing that can be done. It took some services 30 minutes to get out of the station yesterday.
Sandwell council were going to put cameras up ok New Street to stop cars using that particular road but the taxi drivers objected it because they would have to drive around the ring road!!
Bit of a joke if you ask me, and NX, Diamond and Centro are stupid for letting it keep happening and losing money left, right and centre
West brom bus station:
Bus companies should send the lost mileage bill to Sandwell council for not sorting out New st, so what a few taxis carrying a few people have to go around the ring road , buses move the masses many thousands are being inconvenienced by the total in action from the council.
Does anyone know why the style of destinations on the 74 & 75 changed? Just curious because they didn't seem that bad when the full screen destination was in use.
1585 has finally retired at west brom now. Parked inside garage at the rear with its red slave wheels on
Quote from: WB on December 22, 2015, 12:02:11 AM
1585 has finally retired at west brom now. Parked inside garage at the rear with its red slave wheels on
Oh no :'( which ones we got left
Just 1607 & 1699 left now at WB.
Quote from: 37351ml on December 22, 2015, 05:41:37 AM
Just 1607 & 1699 left now at WB.
Can you locate 1699 again please. I had a crisis yesterday so I was unable to go WB
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 22, 2015, 08:03:30 AM
Can you locate 1699 again please. I had a crisis yesterday so I was unable to go WB
42
Quote from: Nathan on December 22, 2015, 10:12:56 AM
42
@Trident 4194 1699 left West Bromwich at 0928 on a 42 to Tipton, so should be back in for the next xx:28 departure, unless Tipton 42s interwork?
Quote from: Alex on December 22, 2015, 10:31:48 AM
@Trident 4194 1699 left West Bromwich at 0928 on a 42 to Tipton, so should be back in for the next xx:28 departure, unless Tipton 42s interwork?
Ok thanks so should be 28 past from west brom every hour?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 22, 2015, 10:45:57 AM
Ok thanks so should be 28 past from west brom every hour?
25 past. Other board 55 past
Quote from: 37351ml on December 22, 2015, 05:41:37 AM
Just 1607 & 1699 left now at WB.
I saw 1607 on the 48 about 30 mins ago
1699 should do the 17.25 42 to Dudley then as that is what 1607 did yesterday. (I rode it to moat farm for 1699 back)
Anyone know if the Mercs likely to still be out ~7pm? Guess not but worth a shot
Someone might want to check 4707 because it's bouncing a lot when moving and it's not because of bumpy roads
I may go to chase Mercs again tommorow. Can you tell me if 1699 is on 49 or 42 to Dudley please. I also like 1607 with its slightly strange engine noise.
I think 1607 was removed from service yesterday. Was parked at rear of garage with a red sticker in the windscreen so not sure if it will be out again. If not it leaves 1699 that is definately out but not sure what service its on
Quote from: WB on December 23, 2015, 07:08:58 AM
I think 1607 was removed from service yesterday. Was parked at rear of garage with a red sticker in the windscreen so not sure if it will be out again. If not it leaves 1699 that is definately out but not sure what service its on
1607 was apparently reported on 48 yesterday?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 23, 2015, 08:15:05 AM
1607 was apparently reported on 48 yesterday?
He probably means last night
Yes i meant last night. It was at the rear of garage next to the diesel tanks. Not sure if its finished its life in service of whether it just had a defect
1607: I too noticed it parked next to the tanks with the red sticker plastered to the windscreen , didn't notice wether the ticket machine was still in it .
1585: parked next to the tyre bay with red rims, game over for that one.
1699: I heard that roaring down past the garage and I thought that's proper engine note how rare that sound has become soon be no more.
810 is on 48 today. Did 1330 departure from Northfield
1607 has been out today making a rare appearance on the 46 service all day
Quote from: WB on December 23, 2015, 07:33:07 PM
1607 has been out today making a rare appearance on the 46 service all day
Wow, when's there last day 29th?
1607 was ready to work the 19.00 46 from wb, however driver appeared to have an issue with near side rear tyre and the merc remained in the layover point. Replacement arrived at 19.17 in the form of 1699!....to scott arms and then back private to oak lane.
Will 1699 work right up to New Years Eve?
1699 on 45 today. At 16.20 it was waiting to enter the bus station but it was gridlocked again, nothing moving for 25 minutes or so.
I don't think there's anything more satisfying than being only one of two passengers on a bus. At the time of posting, i'm currently on the 80 (47** Gemini). Really pleasant. Though, frankly, it is rather chilly!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2015, 10:23:48 AM
Anyone seen any presidents that are not on the 5 today? What is my best chance? Would like 4114 but any will do. Thanks
4114 is branded, so hardly likely to be anywhere else
Quote from: Tony on December 30, 2015, 10:28:49 AM
4114 is branded, so hardly likely to be anywhere else - why post this in addition to your post in Buses to find, why not just put it all in one post.
Are the Meeks gonna lest till next year because they have put the new ticket prices on.Today two Meeks are on the 49
1667 just left the lane for the last time @ 14.50 behind a recovery truck.rip
Quote from: Jack6101 on December 30, 2015, 02:56:27 PM
Are the Meeks gonna lest till next year because they have put the new ticket prices on.Today two Meeks are on the 49
No they can't be used after the 31st they, aren't DDA compliant are they?
1699 and 1607 both parked up at the outstation now ready to do battle again tomorrow.
Quote from: 37351ml on December 30, 2015, 07:27:34 PM
1699 and 1607 both parked up at the outstation now ready to do battle again tomorrow.
Great news will hopefully get one last bash on them. I always wondered if I should take pics, but I know you have to have a license at west brom?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2015, 07:31:25 PM
Great news will hopefully get one last bash on them. I always wondered if I should take pics, but I know you have to have a license at west brom?
To take the picture ?!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 30, 2015, 07:59:18 PM
Yes
If the bus is visible from the road, you can do it from there providing you dont go onto NXWM property
Quote from: 37351ml on December 30, 2015, 07:27:34 PM
1699 and 1607 both parked up at the outstation now ready to do battle again tomorrow.
Hopefully they get put on something rare tomorrow like the 5, 82/87 or the 80/83.
4756 has got it's hazard lights on, on Priory Queensway, with an ambulance and paramedic biker in attendance. I hope it's not too serious.
There is a Merc on either on the 48 or 49 (most likely the 49)
Seen in the distance in Bearwood heading for West Bromwich
Quote from: OH25 on December 31, 2015, 03:19:31 PM
There is a Merc on either on the 48 or 49 (most likely the 49)
Seen in the distance in Bearwood heading for West Bromwich
1607 and 1699 are both on the 49 (Along with 4963 and a Crimson Omnilink)
822 is on the 48
The final merc workings were : 1699 18.05 bearwood to wb, arrive 18.37.
1607 18.30 wb- bearwood then private to oak lane, seen at the top of spon lane @ 19.17.
With regard to uniquecity's post of 12 December #2537,(page 170) it is 1613, the one that gave up the ghost with tony at the helm in bloxwich on the 301 back in October!
4755 has got a very wonky front display. On the 87 currently.
4962 and PB's 4800 was in a collision yesterday
Some of the crimson enviro 400's currently being branded in west brom garage for the 82/87 routes. Bright pink branding!!! Looks tidy though :)
Quote from: WB on January 09, 2016, 02:53:11 PM
Some of the crimson enviro 400's currently being branded in west brom garage for the 82/87 routes. Bright pink branding!!! Looks tidy though :)
YES!!!!! Just what I would of wanted.
Any pictures to be released yet?
Quote from: WB on January 09, 2016, 02:53:11 PM
Some of the crimson enviro 400's currently being branded in west brom garage for the 82/87 routes. Bright pink branding!!! Looks tidy though :)
I take it the style of branding is in line with the PB16 ?!
I wonder if the Crimson Geminis will get branding like the PB/WB E400s.
No i didnt manage to get any pictures as they was still there doing them. I'm guessing three will be out tomorrow on the 82/87 though unless they take them to the top yard tonight
4744 is one of them. It is now parked up at the top yard so will be out monday. All have been given names too
Quote from: WB on January 09, 2016, 06:25:15 PM
4744 is one of them. It is now parked up at the top yard so will be out monday. All have been given names too
I'm assuming it will be the same names they all had before they were repainted.
Quote from: AV4248 on January 09, 2016, 06:30:19 PM
I'm assuming it will be the same names they all had before they were repainted.
I'd imagine they'll be new names; since the last names belonged to loved ones/relatives of YW drivers, etc... Suppose I could be wrong, but it's a valid reason, surely. ???
Quote from: clayderman on January 09, 2016, 08:09:19 PM
I'd imagine they'll be new names; since the last names belonged to loved ones/relatives of YW drivers, etc... Suppose I could be wrong, but it's a valid reason, surely. ???
No buses are named for life except in special circumstances
@WN some which be at the bus garage out station near the police station
Quote from: Tony on January 09, 2016, 08:48:12 PM
No buses are named for life except in special circumstances
like if a driver has one named after an ex ? ;)
The pink branding actually works well with the Crimson paintwork ,much better than previous effort, looks very tidy indeed.
Mercs 1667, 1582 have moved from admin block leaving 1698,1589 which currently have red rims on wont be long before these are gone as well.
Quote from: 2900 on January 10, 2016, 10:40:32 AM
The pink branding actually works well with the Crimson paintwork ,much better than previous effort, looks very tidy indeed.
Seen one in Tividale earlier, must agree does look the part.
Hopefully the new branding means that we will see an end to the Geminis creeping onto these routes. I thought the whole point of them transferring was to make the 82/87 100% Enviro ???
4747 is now branded
Seen a b7 and 1950 being towed looks like they were heading to garage
Quote from: Trident4590 on January 11, 2016, 03:26:53 PM
Seen a b7 and 1950 being towed looks like they were heading to garage
1950 is at Walsall for repaint
I've noticed that the branded 47++ have had new stickers on the doors and also by the push chair and disable seats as well look nice also a little route map inside as well
Quote from: Tony on January 11, 2016, 03:50:16 PM
1950 is at Walsall for repaint
Thanks for the correction, it was definitely a scania I saw
Will Some of the 47** Have price branding ?
Any one know why 4761 lost its front logo
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 13, 2016, 12:39:51 PM
Any one know why 4761 lost its front logo
Accident repairs. 4739 is missing its offside fleet number too
One of the 47** 57reg e400 have a first sticker inside on the stairs forgot which one but wonder why
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 16, 2016, 05:21:45 PM
One of the 57ref e400 have a first sticker inside on the stairs forgot which one but wonder why
It is probably there from the Commonwealth games which is where the E400's were first used before coming down to WB.
4958: https://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/14694010662/in/photolist-oosDrq-ojLeYd-o2k5Ei-ovKx7K-oM5uXR-ouAcn5-ouA4kd-ouzFqx-oJNYJC-ouAnAa-oumFLB
Quote from: WN on January 16, 2016, 05:26:24 PM
It is probably there from the Commonwealth games which is where the E400's were first used before coming down to WB.
4958: https://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/14694010662/in/photolist-oosDrq-ojLeYd-o2k5Ei-ovKx7K-oM5uXR-ouAcn5-ouA4kd-ouzFqx-oJNYJC-ouAnAa-oumFLB
Those are the 49**'s. The 47**'s weren't used there.
Quote from: Nathan on January 16, 2016, 05:36:30 PM
Those are the 49**'s. The 47**'s weren't used there.
My mistake, don't know why I thought he meant the 14 plates.
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 16, 2016, 05:21:45 PM
One of the 47** 57reg e400 have a first sticker inside on the stairs forgot which one but wonder why
4741
That's the one 4741 anyone now why it got a first logo
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 16, 2016, 07:00:40 PM
That's the one 4741 anyone now why it got a first logo
Probably because some idiot enthusiast thought it funny to stick one on?
That is why a load of strange stickers appeared bus stop plates and shelters some time ago
Quote from: Tony on January 16, 2016, 07:10:04 PM
Probably because some idiot enthusiast thought it funny to stick one on?
That is why a load of strange stickers appeared bus stop plates and shelters some time ago
That's how 3022 for its TWM "twin peaks" logo on the front lol. One Sunday in Perry Barr garage.
Must've been that - never had a First sticker when running around at YW.
These oddities are nice though. The First one a bit random but it's nice to see the odd TWM logo now and then. 4312 had one on the rear emergency exit window upstairs but it was taken off which is a shame but anyway.
Sorry for drifting.
I think there were a number of Metrobuses that ended up with old West Midlands Travel sticker stuck on the upstairs panel above the front window.
Has any more buses been branded for the 87/2 yet
4048 in an rtc with a red ka next to cat and fiddle
Notice 4758 has 2 sets of fleet numbers on the back
1948 on42 looks very smart
According someone on twitter, a regular user of 74/75 said that national express invests more into Harborne routes that get newer buses than soho road.... wow so the 61/13/14 buses that run the Harborne corridor are younger than the 14/64 plates that have been invested into the soho road hahaha
Quote from: Chris on January 21, 2016, 01:14:31 PM
According someone on twitter, a regular user of 74/75 said that national express invests more into Harborne routes that get newer buses than soho road.... wow so the 61/13/14 buses that run the Harborne corridor are younger than the 14/64 plates that have been invested into the soho road hahaha
Assuming this is an ordinary commuter, as opposed to us enthusiasts, spotters, etc... - then they may not have noticed the plates and perhaps think the hybrids are the newest buses in the fleet. I know my non-enthusiast friends call the Euro V (and below) Enviro 400 "the 9 buses" - despite the MMCs... Lol!
Quote from: clayderman on January 21, 2016, 05:37:19 PM
Assuming this is an ordinary commuter, as opposed to us enthusiasts, spotters, etc... - then they may not have noticed the plates and perhaps think the hybrids are the newest buses in the fleet. I know my non-enthusiast friends call the Euro V (and below) Enviro 400 "the 9 buses" - despite the MMCs... Lol!
Maybe repaint the soho road buses crimson. Everyone i know think crimson = brand new bus. I feel the crimson looks shiny therefore they think its a new bus
Crimson does give the impression of new buses - however very very unlikely the Soho Road buses will be done for a few years considering they're still fairly new, and there's a far more pressing need to repaint other vehicles in the fleet (e.g Newer BC Tridents, YW Scanias, remaining Geminis etc.)
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 21, 2016, 06:43:44 PM
Crimson does give the impression of new buses - however very very unlikely the Soho Road buses will be done for a few years considering they're still fairly new, and there's a far more pressing need to repaint other vehicles in the fleet (e.g Newer BC Tridents, YW Scanias, remaining Geminis etc.)
I know that they are not priority to paint, my point is paint a bus crimson they think its new. My grandad said to me, i went on a new bus earlier it was a single deck (WB48) and i said its nearly 6 years old 😂😂😂
@Chris Haha - I get what you mean :D Yeah - stick a personalised number plate on them and most pax wouldn't notice the difference ;)
Last week while on the 120 a passenger was praising the "brand new buses" on her local route - the 87, even reckoned they had wifi on them!
Can anyone help ? I might have to go to Bagnall St ( by waterside st) in West Brom there's one nx route that stops right outside where I need to go it's a 40 something the one that uses mini e200 & goes to and from Tipton. are there any other route that would get me within walking distance of my destination guys?
Quote from: Bob on January 22, 2016, 10:54:27 AM
Can anyone help ? I might have to go to Bagnall St ( by waterside st) in West Brom there's one nx route that stops right outside where I need to go it's a 40 something the one that uses mini e200 & goes to and from Tipton. are there any other route that would get me within walking distance of my destination guys?
44?
Quote from: Bob on January 22, 2016, 10:54:27 AM
Can anyone help ? I might have to go to Bagnall St ( by waterside st) in West Brom there's one nx route that stops right outside where I need to go it's a 40 something the one that uses mini e200 & goes to and from Tipton. are there any other route that would get me within walking distance of my destination guys?
Central Buses 30
The 44 dosen't go to Tipton anymore and is West Bromwich - Harvils Hawthorne Circular it only goes to Tipton on Sundays now when operated by Igo.
Google Maps says the 75 (Birmingham City Centre - Wednesbury) stops a 13 minute walk away.
Why not just try the NXM Journey Planner? :D
http://journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com/
@Jack6101 there were a few Gemini's on the 82/87 today. Nothing unusual about it
@Jack6101 before the YW E400's were transferred 4700-17 were route branded for the 82/87 Dudley Road services with the 53 plate ex PB/AG Gem's covering too.
@Squiz1971 I do know as I've lived on
Route for near 15 years
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 25, 2016, 02:11:28 PM
@Squiz1971 I do know as I've lived on
Route for near 15 years
Oh ok didn't realise I was making an unwarranted assumption
@Jack6101 sorry about that
From what I've seen, I think 4742-55 are all Dudley Road branded. Anybody seen more?
Quote from: uniquicity on January 27, 2016, 05:31:08 PM
From what I've seen, I think 4742-55 are all Dudley Road branded. Anybody seen more?
4757 is
Quote from: uniquicity on January 27, 2016, 05:31:08 PM
From what I've seen, I think 4742-55 are all Dudley Road branded. Anybody seen more?
Saw 4756 on Dudley Rd services today. That one is branded too.
4758/9are both branded as well but 4760/1/2 are not
Quote from: busboy31 on January 29, 2016, 04:00:49 PM
4760-62 are now branded.
4760 and 4761 are not branded
Quote from: John on January 30, 2016, 03:13:16 PM
4760 and 4761 are not branded
4762 is not branded to
I noticed 1699 has been placed in front of west broms admin block
1585 has gained red rims last I saw it by the tyre bay it was parked
4739 is ticket branded
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 01, 2016, 12:16:55 PM
4739 is ticket branded
So is 4741 - Evening 5 branded
Quote from: 2900 on January 31, 2016, 09:03:44 AM
I noticed 1699 has been placed in front of west broms admin block
1585 has gained red rims last I saw it by the tyre bay it was parked
1699 looks like it could be off for resale or for use somewhere else as its had it outside cctv cameras removed and small metal plates fitted to cover the holes
4740 is Family Daysaver branded
Saw 4865 in west Bromwich bus station, saw a b7 with route 728?
Today i saw 4249 on the 5 and its display has broken
Quote from: RS on February 07, 2016, 06:32:24 PM
Today i saw 4249 on the 5 and its display has broken
Broken how?
4738 is also ticket branded
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 07, 2016, 10:19:24 PM
Broken how?
4738 is also ticket branded
It's on my Flickr stream
Went on routes 74/75/126 today, never ever ever ever again. out of interest any routes longer then the WN 126?
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 10, 2016, 03:45:03 PM
Went on routes 74/75/126 today, never ever ever ever again. out of interest any routes longer then the WN 126?
11A and 11C - 1 Journey (2 Hours 30 Minuttes)
I will go on those.
4966 went wrong way at castle gate island went Down the road after the tiption road (311/3) but turned around at the round bout by McDonald's on castle gate estate it was a learner driver by the way
Think it was his first time doing the 74
Quote from: 2206 on February 10, 2016, 04:26:19 PM
11A and 11C - 1 Journey (2 Hours 30 Minuttes)
Crikey - at 26 miles that's an average of 10.4 mph - quite commendable for a route crossing so many arterial routes in a congested urban area.
Quote from: don on February 10, 2016, 07:07:25 PM
Crikey - at 26 miles that's an average of 5.76 mph!!!
That can't be right.
5.76 x 2.5 = 14.4 miles. The 11 is 26 miles, so it must be faster than 5.76?
I make it 10.4mph if the route is 26 miles long, unless I'm mistaken.
Quote from: MW on February 10, 2016, 10:32:42 PM
That can't be right.
5.76 x 2.5 = 14.4 miles. The 11 is 26 miles, so it must be faster than 5.76?
I make it 10.4mph if the route is 26 miles long, unless I'm mistaken.
MW, you are correct - I wonder how many bus stops there are per direction?
Quote from: don on February 11, 2016, 12:38:25 AM
MW, you are correct - I wonder how many bus stops there are per direction?
There's 40 fare stages. There's approx 3-4 stops per fare stage I think (with the exception of Stage 40 and Stage 1, The stop just before Perry Barr on the 11C is Stage 1, and the stop after is Stage 40, same in both directions). Say 3 stops, so at least 120 stops per direction?
According to wikipedia, there's 266 bus stops on the route, so 133 each side?
Wikipedia says "
A full circuit takes up to three hours to complete, with the service carrying 50,000 passengers each day. There are 266 bus stops on the route. The route serves 233 schools, colleges or universities, 69 leisure and community facilities, 40 pubs, 19 retail centres, six hospitals, and one prison. It also links some 15 commercial centres, and passes Cadbury's in Bournville, one of the world's largest chocolate factories."
Edit: lets see if I can still remember the fare stages
1 Wellington Road/Grosvenor Road
2 Church Lane/Hinstock Road
3 Rookery Road/Newcombe Road
4 Soho Rd/Boulton Road
5 Winson Green Prison/Lodge Road
6 Dudley Rd/Summerfield Park
7 City Road/Shenstone Road
8 City Road/Fountain Road
9 Sandon Road/Poplar Road
10 Bearwood/Hagley Road
11 Elm Tree Road
12 Harborne Park Road/Vivian Road
13 Metchley Lane
14 Sainsburys/Selly Oak
15 The Green/Bournville
16 Franklin Road
17 Breedon Road
18 The Worthings
19 Vicarage Road/Cartland Road
20 All Saints Church/Kings Heath
21 Wheelers Lane/Billesley
22 Swanshurst Lane/Meadow View
23 South Birmingham College/Stratford Road
24 Hall Green Church
25 Fox Hollies/Lidl
26 Acocks Green Village
27 Yardley Road/Francis Road
28 Yardley Swan
29 Foliots Fields/Stoney Lane
30 Yardley Fields Road
31 Flaxley Road Bingo
32 Old Bromford Lane
33 Drews Lane
34 Tyburn Road
35 Jaffary Crescent
36 Highcroft Hospital
37 Woolmore Road/Marsh Hill
38 Moor Lane/Brookvale Road
39 Witton Square
40 Perry Barr/Crown and Cushion
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 10, 2016, 03:45:03 PM
Went on routes 74/75/126 today, never ever ever ever again. out of interest any routes longer then the WN 126?
tom try the 87 meet the brothers on the top deck, blood claat man
Quote from: 2900 on February 11, 2016, 10:40:27 AM
tom try the 87 meet the brothers on the top deck, blood claat man
LMFAO!!! He needs to make sure he sits right at the back!
I assume the duties/running boards are split points to get around tacho?
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 11, 2016, 11:05:29 AM
I assume the duties/running boards are split points to get around tacho?
If you mean the 11 route then Tacho doesn't apply as at no point is it 25 miles from home depot. I drive the 144 which is a 27-28 mile trip one way (55 mile round trip) into Brum but it is still not 25 miles from Worcester depot to Birmingham via the quickest route so this is ok without tacho. The 144 used to run to Great Malvern a number of years ago and one of the reasons this was curtailed to Worcester (and the 44 route created Worcester to Malvern) was that it would have required a Tacho to run the whole route.
The actual rule is 50km, as long as the route is less than 50km then it can be run under domestic rules with no tachograph
Quote from: Tomf1993 on February 10, 2016, 03:45:03 PM
Went on routes 74/75/126 today, never ever ever ever again. out of interest any routes longer then the WN 126?
tom you say never ever again, can you elaborate why I,m sure NX would your most welcome your views. Oh Tom when you decide to sample the 87 in all its techni Colour greatness , first board bus give the driver a real dirty look, drop in a pound coin then walk off with that hard man walk , that way you,ll blend right in. You get me bredrin
Quote from: 2900 on February 12, 2016, 10:30:44 AM
tom you say never ever again, can you elaborate why I,m sure NX would your most welcome your views. Oh Tom when you decide to sample the 87 in all its techni Colour greatness , first board bus give the driver a real dirty look, drop in a pound coin then walk off with that hard man walk , that way you,ll blend right in. You get me bredrin
Good one there mate! :D
Although in all seriousness, I hardly ever touch the 74/75 between Birmingham and West Bromwich as I don't like venturing through Hockley and Handsworth. I always get the X51 and 5 to West Bromwich as I love doing the X51 and the 5.
I've been catching the 87 all of my life, and have never had a problem. Saying that, I rarely use it these days
Dont know if this is noteworthy so ll post it here
760 on WB43
Dont usually see swb on this route only lwb E200s
Quote from: 900 on February 12, 2016, 12:56:52 PM
Dont know if this is noteworthy so ll post it here
760 on WB43
Dont usually see swb on this route only lwb E200s
It is.
Quote from: WN on February 12, 2016, 01:07:12 PM
It is.
Not really noteworthy sorry! West brom had a small enviro on the 42/43 nearly every weekday a couple of weeks back
Quote from: WB on February 12, 2016, 01:25:26 PM
Not really noteworthy sorry! West brom had a small enviro on the 42/43 nearly every weekday a couple of weeks back
Did they?
There is also a Gemini on there today.
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 12, 2016, 11:01:13 AM
I've been catching the 87 all of my life, and have never had a problem. Saying that, I rarely use it these days
i,ve done it since 98 I,ve all ways had issues with it might be fact I spend a duty on it rather than your odd trip as passenger so a huge discrepancy in time spent on said route I think, at the moment I,m the only driver who's commenting on the bullshit that is Dudley rd , the only reason you don't hear more from other Dudley rd drivers is quite simple most can't speak English properly it's not there first language as they see it they keep quiet to keep there jobs where as I don't give a shit , I'll say it as it is basically as it goes. This is where our problem lies, As I say I longer give a shit nobody wants to back a driver, I can't speak for other garages in the system as I,ve never worked there.
Quote from: 2900 on February 12, 2016, 11:03:23 PM
i,ve done it since 98 I,ve all ways had issues with it might be fact I spend a duty on it rather than your odd trip as passenger so a huge discrepancy in time spent on said route I think, at the moment I,m the only driver who's commenting on the bullshit that is Dudley rd , the only reason you don't hear more from other Dudley rd drivers is quite simple most can't speak English properly it's not there first language as they see it they keep quiet to keep there jobs where as I don't give a shit , I'll say it as it is basically as it goes. This is where our problem lies, As I say I longer give a shit nobody wants to back a driver, I can't speak for other garages in the system as I,ve never worked there.
When I did my NHS Apprenticeship in 2014. If I had to go to City Hospital. I made a point of using the 83 back to West Bromwich or the 89 from Oldbury as I knew I'd have a quieter albeit longer ride.
If I'm ever bashing now. Even the Tividale part of the 87 has got worse the last year or so. At various points I've used the 87 between 0630 and after 2230. I can't say I'm fond of the DR, it just sums up everything wrong with the West Midlands. I'm just fond of the buses which are like toilet paper on that run but anyway.
Quote from: 2900 on February 12, 2016, 11:03:23 PM
i,ve done it since 98 I,ve all ways had issues with it might be fact I spend a duty on it rather than your odd trip as passenger so a huge discrepancy in time spent on said route I think, at the moment I,m the only driver who's commenting on the bullshit that is Dudley rd , the only reason you don't hear more from other Dudley rd drivers is quite simple most can't speak English properly it's not there first language as they see it they keep quiet to keep there jobs where as I don't give a shit , I'll say it as it is basically as it goes. This is where our problem lies, As I say I longer give a shit nobody wants to back a driver, I can't speak for other garages in the system as I,ve never worked there.
Cogs in a system bro, replaceable ones.
Quote from: 2900 on February 12, 2016, 11:03:23 PM
i,ve done it since 98 I,ve all ways had issues with it might be fact I spend a duty on it rather than your odd trip as passenger so a huge discrepancy in time spent on said route I think, at the moment I,m the only driver who's commenting on the bullshit that is Dudley rd , the only reason you don't hear more from other Dudley rd drivers is quite simple most can't speak English properly it's not there first language as they see it they keep quiet to keep there jobs where as I don't give a shit , I'll say it as it is basically as it goes. This is where our problem lies, As I say I longer give a shit nobody wants to back a driver, I can't speak for other garages in the system as I,ve never worked there.
I've never actually done the full 82/87 routes yet. Have you ever thought about transferring onto another route or to another depot?
Most routes have their village idiots! The 74/75 isnt half as bad as some of the tipton routes can be most of the time. Management wont back any drivers up and thats a big problem. West brom are short of drivers and the management think its because people are leaving for better paid jobs!!! Most drivers are leaving with a £2/£3 per hour pay cut just to get out!
Quote from: WB on February 13, 2016, 07:42:46 AM
Most routes have their village idiots! The 74/75 isnt half as bad as some of the tipton routes can be most of the time. Management wont back any drivers up and thats a big problem. West brom are short of drivers and the management think its because people are leaving for better paid jobs!!! Most drivers are leaving with a £2/£3 per hour pay cut just to get out!
So much so, they've loaned about 5 or 6 drivers from Wolverhampton. As have Pensnett.
Quote from: WN on February 13, 2016, 07:46:36 AM
So much so, they've loaned about 5 or 6 drivers from Wolverhampton. As have Pensnett.
Wolverhampton loaned 3 Drivers to west bromwich
and now wolverhampton are short
Quote from: 900 on February 13, 2016, 07:50:38 AM
Wolverhampton loaned 3 Drivers to west bromwich
and now wolverhampton are short
It was more than three. How are Wolverhampton Short? We have too many drivers if anything.
Quote from: WN on February 13, 2016, 07:56:36 AM
It was more than three. How are Wolverhampton Short? We have too many drivers if anything.
WN loaned 6 drivers out 3 to PN and 3 to WB
I know one of the driver who got sent to WB and he sais they have beening call back to WN cause WN are short
Quote from: MW on February 13, 2016, 02:48:57 AM
Cogs in a system bro, replaceable ones.
i fully accept I am nothing more than a number and there for expendable I got my head round that a long time a go. I am prepared to take on a job with less pay for peace of mind, it can't be normal where every time I put on my uniform I,m thinking what's gona happen today. At the moment every time I park the bus at the pumps and sign off is when i think I,ve made it in one piece. I,m always saying it ain't over till the fat lady sings.
As for changing garage I wanted to go to Liverpool st back in the day I won't go there now cause of who's in charge I won't say anything more on that there aren't enough pages for that.
The farm has a strange duty set up from what I,m told they don't get traveling time is this true may be someone could enlighten me.
If west brom is short on drivers transfer to another garage won't be considered by management.
Well it hasn't been a good week for drivers at west brom 3 suspensions and a sacking I,m told.
4951 was parked on conegrey road Friday around 10/10:30 any idea why
Quote from: Jack6101 on February 15, 2016, 12:00:54 AM
4951 was parked on conegrey road Friday around 10/10:30 any idea why
On route 42 thats the timing point on way back from dudley??
1947 returned from repaint last night is out on the 48 this morning, presumably looking very smart
@2900 wow I was thinking of coming bk to west brom as well, but from the sounds of it things have just got worse.
4740 Maggie mai is on the 74
@Jack6101 not noteworthy there are a mix of buses on the 42/3 everday, 1940 and 4711 are also on there today.
...4055 has a water leak. :o :o No ,not the engine.( Fortunately). its above the first offside seat behind the staircase) good job I was wearing my oilskins :) in use on the 5 today to/from Sutton. Another candidate for Dundee...?
Quote from: windy miller on March 04, 2016, 10:47:43 PM
...4055 has a water leak. :o :o No ,not the engine.( Fortunately). its above the first offside seat behind the staircase) good job I was wearing my oilskins :) in use on the 5 today to/from Sutton. Another candidate for Dundee...?
Should of reported it to the driver to get it sorted. Worse when your driving and get soaked from above you normally all over the steering wheel
@RS B7TLs are no where near noteworthy. There is a decker on the 42/3 almost every day. Whilst were here Tridents aren't noteworthy on the 1 either.
Quote from: WN on March 05, 2016, 03:19:47 PM
@RS B7TLs are no where near noteworthy. There is a decker on the 42/3 almost every day. Whilst were here Tridents aren't noteworthy on the 1 either.
Especially as every spare hybrid was on the 59, meaning if a hybrid failed on the 1, a Trident would almost certainly be the replacement.
Quote from: WB on March 05, 2016, 12:04:36 PM
Should of reported it to the driver to get it sorted. Worse when your driving and get soaked from above you normally all over the steering wheel
WB thanks for your advice.....
YES
I did report it to the driver, (A Stocky guy in his late forties poss. with short ginger hair).. as I got off the service from Sutton around 5pm. TBH it was not until I saw the dolphin that I realised there might be a problem :)...seriously,. I would have considered changing my seat as I'm sure there would have been at least
one seat free from crisp packets, drinks cans, chewing gum or chip papers but couldn't be asked...
Didn't catch the fleet number but there was a WB President (I presume) been driven into WA this morning by a WA engineer, still with 5 - Sutton Coldfield on the destination!?
1942 first day on the road in Crimson is having a day on the 5
Was on the 46 earlier
Anybody interested 4706 is on 45 just arrived at Walsall
1942 looking very smart in th sunshine just arrives at West Brom on the 45
I noticed today that 4234 doesn't have the vents at the back unlike all the other B7TL ALX400's at NXWM. Does anyone know why?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on March 13, 2016, 05:44:39 PM
I noticed today that 4234 doesn't have the vents at the back unlike all the other B7TL ALX400's at NXWM. Does anyone know why?
Just the way it was repaired after it was deroofed on Witton Lodge Road on the 7. None of the 10 Coventry examples have them either
Quote from: John on March 13, 2016, 05:49:09 PM
Just the way it was repaired after it was deroofed on Witton Lodge Road on the 7. None of the 10 Coventry examples have them either
I didn't know it was the one involved in that incident! I know the NXC ones don't have them.
Quote from: Michael Bevan on March 13, 2016, 06:23:02 PM
I didn't know it was the one involved in that incident! I know the NXC ones don't have them.
@Michael Bevan Your signature is wrong. It's Bilston then Moxley. (I know it's off topic but just making him aware)
Quote from: John on March 13, 2016, 05:49:09 PM
Just the way it was repaired after it was deroofed on Witton Lodge Road on the 7. None of the 10 Coventry examples have them either
I remember first time seeing a B7TL/ALX400 on the 87 a long time ago, I saw the infamous B7TL block steering wheel and I thought it was was shoddy fix on a Trident !
4709 on the 5 today, probably not uncommon, but first time I can recall noting one of that batch on the route .....
Quote from: Ossie on March 15, 2016, 04:47:42 PM
4709 on the 5 today, probably not uncommon, but first time I can recall noting one of that batch on the route .....
It's not really, it's quite refreshing to see a different type of bus on the 5 every time I visit West Bromwich
West Bromwich is grid locked
Is 48 allocated all scania or is it split between E200 and scanias as i seen 820 and another e200 on there today
Quote from: Chris on March 19, 2016, 06:59:43 PM
Is 48 allocated all scania or is it split between E200 and scanias as i seen 820 and another e200 on there today
It's all Scania, although the odd E200 pops up every now and again
@Niall A comment on Facebook seems to suggest the 48 has reverted back to deckers to cope with peak time loads. The OmniLinks are being used on the 50 circular
@Niall apparantly there is a President on there too. According to a Facebook Post, the allocation has changed because the Scania's can't cope with loadings. In the same post, it was said Scania's are now moved to the 50A/C....
Quote from: Nathan on March 21, 2016, 04:26:10 PM
@Niall apparantly there is a President on there too. According to a Facebook Post, the allocation has changed because the Scania's can't cope with loadings. In the same post, it was said Scania's are now moved to the 50A/C....
Interesting if correct, with the increase in frequency from 30 to 20 mins there are a similar number of seats per hour as there were before (a few less, granted). Having said that, I've seen 48s bunching a bit more with the higher frequency.
Thanks
@John and
@Nathan, I thought it odd seeing the one this morning, then seeing a second on my way home seemed really strange.
Quote from: John on March 21, 2016, 04:22:50 PM
@Niall
A comment on Facebook seems to suggest the 48 has reverted back to deckers to cope with peak time loads. The OmniLinks are being used on the 50 circular
This must have begun today, although I haven't seen either route today, the 48 was Scania, and the 50A/C doubles all last week
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 21, 2016, 05:33:47 PM
This must have begun today, although I haven't seen either route today, the 48 was Scania, and the 50A/C doubles all last week
Yes the comment said it had changed 'as of yesterday. I assume from the detail given the person who said it works at WB.
Quote from: Nathan on March 21, 2016, 06:28:40 PM
Yes the comment said it had changed 'as of yesterday. I assume from the detail given the person who said it works at WB.
Interesting, I wonder if they'll use doubles (on the 48) on Sundays, like they used to
@uniquicity Rolling back the years that is ::), a president on the 87. Sure I heard an ALX400 down my road earlier (therefore on the 50A/C), can anyone confirm?
Does west Bromwich run some of the morning wa 4's as I seen 4707 on the 4?
Quote from: Trident4590 on March 24, 2016, 08:58:39 PM
Does west Bromwich run some of the morning wa 4's as I seen 4707 on the 4?
yes
Crimson 4738 is on the 45
4069 is on the 83/89 today
4955 ADL ENVIRO 400
This bag of shite has fortunately, sorry i mean unfortunately been involved in a rear end shunt fair amount of damage has been caused the steel work behind the rear bumper is bent quite badly the oil filter housing is damaged as well , may well be engine damage to.
Has been dumped outside west broms admin block for the last several days now.
@Chris WB board on 241 is usually both types of b7tl except president
@John Stait - 4057 seems to have been on there all day. Didn't think anything of it at the time; although I did enjoy the sighting of a President on Colmore Row... :) I saw it around 1530(?)
Quote from: clayderman on April 02, 2016, 10:43:40 PM
@John Stait - 4057 seems to have been on there all day. Didn't think anything of it at the time; although I did enjoy the sighting of a President on Colmore Row... :) I saw it around 1530(?)
They do still appear on the 83/89, just not as many
Any particular reason why buses aren't serving Smethwick Blue Gates at the moment?
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 04, 2016, 12:13:15 PM
Any particular reason why buses aren't serving Smethwick Blue Gates at the moment?
Water main works till Sunday 10th
4761 on the 74 today. Saw it in City around 11.15am
Omnilink convoy noted this evening at all saints way: 1945, followed by another which had no fleet numbers, and then a support vehicle. Presume en route to be crimsoned at walsall.
Quote from: 37351ml on April 26, 2016, 10:20:35 PM
Omnilink convoy noted this evening at all saints way: 1945, followed by another which had no fleet numbers, and then a support vehicle. Presume en route to be crimsoned at walsall.
The unnumbered one will have been 1944
I visited WB today as I was on the 42, I noticed a bus yard full of WB buses, I initially thought I missed my stop but when I got off, the garage was in front me so I'm surmising this yard is WB's equivalent of BC's Adderley Street yard ? I had no idea about this although I've always thought how WB manages to fit its fleet inside !
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on May 02, 2016, 06:49:28 PM
I visited WB today as I was on the 42, I noticed a bus yard full of WB buses, I initially thought I missed my stop but when I got off, the garage was in front me so I'm surmising this yard is WB's equivalent of BC's Adderley Street yard ? I had no idea about this although I've always thought how WB manages to fit its fleet inside !
I assume you mean the overflow yard near the bus station?
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on May 02, 2016, 06:49:28 PM
I visited WB today as I was on the 42, I noticed a bus yard full of WB buses, I initially thought I missed my stop but when I got off, the garage was in front me so I'm surmising this yard is WB's equivalent of BC's Adderley Street yard ? I had no idea about this although I've always thought how WB manages to fit its fleet inside !
The outstation on Oak Road? The outstation is not far from the Bus Station.
Quote from: 2206 on May 02, 2016, 06:51:17 PM
The outstation on Oak Road? The outstation is not far from the Bus Station.
It's directly opposite the Police Station
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on May 02, 2016, 06:52:42 PM
It's directly opposite the Police Station
Yes thats the outstation.
https://flic.kr/p/GUTz7j
89 serves Municipal Offices?? ???
Quote from: clayderman on May 11, 2016, 07:47:24 AM
https://flic.kr/p/GUTz7j
89 serves Municipal Offices?? ???
It used to but, was rerouted in 2015.
Quote from: 2206 on May 11, 2016, 04:34:55 PM
It used to but, was rerouted in 2015.
Fully aware of this; would use Municipal Offices along with the 83 - whereas 82/87 would've gone down Paradise Circus/Town Hall. Was just a rhetorical question referring to the 'glitch' in the app.
Just a clarity for anyone wondering - it didn't show; thankfully. ::) :P
Saw a notice on a bus yesterday that the 45 is to be diverted away from Milton Street on Fridays. Is the mosque traffic really that bad?
I think a 45 got a bit lost this evening. Just after 5PM, I passed a red/white OmniLink on the Newton Road as I was coming home from West Brom. It was at the Forge Lane traffic lights, and by the position the bus was in, it looked like it was attempting to make a U-turn at the lights, to head back to All Saints Way. It didn't move even though the lights changed to green and back to red, with impatient motorists behind beeping horns as they could not turn right and blocking one lane for straight on too. I had drove on before it had moved again
755 (?) is on the 42/3 if of interest to anyone.
Quote from: Kevin on May 23, 2016, 07:36:35 AM
Saw a notice on a bus yesterday that the 45 is to be diverted away from Milton Street on Fridays. Is the mosque traffic really that bad?
yep. lost count how many times ive been stuck there. a couple of weeks ago, 3 were stuck due to inconsiderate parking. i think it was mentioned on here but hopefully we wont go up milton street at all soon as the garage is having too many incidents there.
Quote from: wbdriver on May 25, 2016, 10:06:22 AM
yep. lost count how many times ive been stuck there. a couple of weeks ago, 3 were stuck due to inconsiderate parking. i think it was mentioned on here but hopefully we wont go up milton street at all soon as the garage is having too many incidents there.
Then someone will moan that they're not being served then the local Mp will get involved etc(refer to the next 79 change on that one!)
You drivers get slagged off but those inconsiderate drivers are just the limit!
Quote from: 2900 on March 31, 2016, 08:56:11 AM
4955 ADL ENVIRO 400
This bag of shite has fortunately, sorry i mean unfortunately been involved in a rear end shunt fair amount of damage has been caused the steel work behind the rear bumper is bent quite badly the oil filter housing is damaged as well , may well be engine damage to.
Has been dumped outside west broms admin block for the last several days now.
Now back from Carlyle repaired and out on the 74 today
Quote from: Tony on May 25, 2016, 02:00:30 PM
Now back from Carlyle repaired and out on the 74 today
It was on the 80 on Icknield Port Road going toward West Bromwich at about 19:00 yesterday.
Just noticed that the May 29th service changes page on the NX website says
Service 80 - West Bromwich - Birmingham Corporation Street, though it hasn't terminated at Corporation Street for nearly 4 years.
http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/bus-service-changes-in-the-black-country-from-29th-may-2016
1940 now in for refurb, so red/white Scania operation at WB has now finished
A crimson ticket branded E400 is currently on the 74 if of interest to anyone. Just about to leave West Bromwich towards Birmingham
Quote from: Tony on May 26, 2016, 07:11:08 PM
1940 now in for refurb, so red/white Scania operation at WB has now finished
with west broms scanias nearly all done in Crimson , which batch will be next from my understanding the plaxtons and Alexander volvos won't be done, the 4700 gems look tired , may be the first batch of enviro 200s possibly .
Quote from: 2900 on May 31, 2016, 01:51:53 PM
with west broms scanias nearly all done in Crimson , which batch will be next from my understanding the plaxtons and Alexander volvos won't be done, the 4700 gems look tired , may be the first batch of enviro 200s possibly .
All single decks and double decks 4425 onwards will be repainted. I have heard that WA omnilinks are to be started. I do think PN B7RLE's should be looked at as they are a bit of a state.
I thought LWB E200's couldn't get around the 44?
Think it'll just be a bit tight getting it through Harvills Hawthorn, there have LWB E200s ones on there in the past but there are very rare on the route.
Quote from: AV4248 on May 31, 2016, 05:06:13 PM
Think it'll just be a bit tight getting it through Harvills Hawthorn, there have LWB E200s ones on there in the past but there are very rare on the route.
Just like the 121.
LWB is fine on the 644. Used to be operated by B6LEs anyway.
Its been said on the Dundee Forum that the rumors of the 06 plate Gemini transferring are true and 4700 - 4717 are transferring to Dundee by the end of the year.
@2206 the info doesn't need posting twice, post in one thread or the other, Winston
Quote from: 2206 on June 02, 2016, 01:38:12 PM
Its been said on the Dundee Forum that the rumors of the 06 plate Gemini transferring are true and 4700 - 4717 are transferring to Dundee by the end of the year.
@2206 the info doesn't need posting twice, post in one thread or the other, Winston
If that's true, you have to wonder what will replace them on the 80, 83/89, 127/128. The ALX 400s will be banned on these routes from next year
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 02, 2016, 06:40:31 PM
If that's true, you have to wonder what will replace them on the 80, 83/89, 127/128. The ALX 400s will be banned on these routes from next year
Perhaps cascades from elsewhere with the delivery of the new buses?
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 02, 2016, 06:40:31 PM
If that's true, you have to wonder what will replace them on the 80, 83/89, 127/128. The ALX 400s will be banned on these routes from next year
Even the Gemini's will be banned from these routes next year.
Quote from: Ronnoc on June 02, 2016, 06:55:17 PM
Even the Gemini's will be banned from these routes next year.
Not if the exhaust traps are being fitted to them for next year
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 02, 2016, 06:40:31 PM
If that's true, you have to wonder what will replace them on the 80, 83/89, 127/128. The ALX 400s will be banned on these routes from next year
Quote from: Tony on May 28, 2016, 06:19:03 PM
You probably can't see some of the transfers that are about to happen in the next couple of weeks happening either though
??? Complete speculation, so don't shoot me down, lol.. Perhaps the MMCs at PN will transfer to WB, allowing Platinums on the 9 & X10?
And 4027 was out and about on 5 today
Dont suppose WB is running shuttles next Saturday to Birmingham Rocks at Sandwell Valley are they?
Alternatively any chance of a double decker on the 45 next Saturday night, as Walsall wont stick a double decker on the 4 will they?
Quote from: Westy on June 04, 2016, 07:56:38 AM
Dont suppose WB is running shuttles next Saturday to Birmingham Rocks at Sandwell Valley are they?
Alternatively any chance of a double decker on the 45 next Saturday night, as Walsall wont stick a double decker on the 4 will they?
Full allocation of Platinums on the 4 ;) :D
I thought Walsall ran the 4
Quote from: monkeyjoe on June 04, 2016, 08:03:43 AM
I thought Walsall ran the 4
They do but the first part of Westy's comment was about the 45 which is a WB route
When and where did you see 4958
@Michael Bevan ?
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on June 04, 2016, 11:34:17 AM
When and where did you see 4958 @Michael Bevan ?
It departed West Bromwich around 15 minutes ago.
Are the 46 allocated to omnilinks cause 1945 on their today and yesterday 1951 and 2 was on their
Quote from: Jack6101 on June 04, 2016, 09:39:24 PM
Are the 46 allocated to omnilinks cause 1945 on their today and yesterday 1951 and 2 was on their
They are regulars on there alongside E200's.
There was a right mix on the 48 yesterday. 2 Presidents, 1 Gemini and 1 LWB Enviro 200
Quote from: 2206 on June 02, 2016, 01:38:12 PM
Its been said on the Dundee Forum that the rumors of the 06 plate Gemini transferring are true and 4700 - 4717 are transferring to Dundee by the end of the year.
@2206 the info doesn't need posting twice, post in one thread or the other, Winston
Will these be repainted before they go up to Dundee?
Quote from: Dom on June 04, 2016, 07:57:40 AM
Full allocation of Platinums on the 4 ;) :D
Yeah right.
As bad as the rumour, the 311/313 routes were getting double decks!
Guess extending the 75 will need 1 extra bus. 21 mins return to Darlaston ish, 20 minute frequency, already a 12 minute layover in Wednesbury so 32 minutes to play with.
Luckily externally there are only 3 mentions of Wednesbury on the branded Enviros
Quote from: uniquicity on June 13, 2016, 06:46:16 PM
Guess extending the 75 will need 1 extra bus. 21 mins return to Darlaston ish, 20 minute frequency, already a 12 minute layover in Wednesbury so 32 minutes to play with.
Luckily externally there are only 3 mentions of Wednesbury on the branded Enviros
It is still serving Wednesbury.
Quote from: Dom on June 13, 2016, 07:01:31 PM
It is still serving Wednesbury.
I never said it wasn't.
Quote from: uniquicity on June 13, 2016, 07:29:24 PM
I never said it wasn't.
So why's it lucky there are only 3 mentions on the branding?
Well the current branding has terminals on. So it should be changed to Darlaston to be consistent. Ergo the fewer mentions of Wednesbury the better as less work and money is needed to correct this.
Regards
Quote from: uniquicity on June 13, 2016, 07:57:30 PM
Well the current branding has terminals on. So it should be changed to Darlaston to be consistent. Ergo the fewer mentions of Wednesbury the better as less work and money is needed to correct this.
Regards
Lots of branding doesn't mention the final terminus
Would look odd with Dudley as a terminus and Wednesbury as not. Guess it won't be changed then... just me being OCD is the problem here
Another double on the 48, I'm assuming this is normal on Sunday's again?
Quote from: P419 EJW on June 20, 2016, 04:06:39 PM
759 on WB 5; seen it in Great Barr, Scott Arms at 16:05, towards West Bromwich.
What time is it next due at Pheasey Church? Next two departure's if possible.
West brom soon to be gemni free garage, Volvos ere will be endangered species with 4000s going as well , I personally think the 07 plate enviro 400s may come this way or the disastrous e40d,s
Quote from: 2900 on June 28, 2016, 11:27:58 PM
West brom soon to be gemni free garage, Volvos ere will be endangered species with 4000s going as well , I personally think the 07 plate enviro 400s may come this way or the disastrous e40d,s
I wonder if AG will gain any more or will they begin to loose them? Can't see them losing anytime soon with the 11 being recently branded up and the Crimson ones enough for the 5/31/37. I reckon the 966 Platinums will directly see some Plaxtons off. Maybe we'll gain some more if PB get anything this year to see the last Plaxtons off, or maybe a new vehicle type.
Anyway, apologies for hijacking the West Brom thread. I type this whilst on board 4639, hint hint :)
Quote from: MW on June 28, 2016, 11:32:17 PM
I wonder if AG will gain any more or will they begin to loose them? Can't see them losing anytime soon with the 11 being recently branded up and the Crimson ones enough for the 5/31/37. I reckon the 966 Platinums will directly see some Plaxtons off. Maybe we'll gain some more if PB get anything this year to see the last Plaxtons off, or maybe a new vehicle type.
Anyway, apologies for hijacking the West Brom thread. I type this whilst on board 4639, hint hint :)
Somebody had mentioned that the Volvo B7TL ALX400's were going to be sent to AG to see off some Presidents.
Quote from: Ronnoc on June 29, 2016, 12:06:35 AM
Somebody had mentioned that the Volvo B7TL ALX400's were going to be sent to AG to see off some Presidents.
PLEASE don't send any of those to AG we don't want them ;) keep them over at WB you lot can run them into the ground and to be honest the ALX400's are not THAT much younger as the oldest president is on a V plate which is circa 2000 and the youngest president is on a W plate circa 2001 so if they are already phasing out the presidents then surely the B7TL ALX400's should be soon to follow?
Quote from: dw1308 on June 29, 2016, 11:31:54 AM
PLEASE don't send any of those to AG we don't want them ;) keep them over at WB you lot can run them into the ground and to be honest the ALX400's are not THAT much younger as the oldest president is on a V plate which is circa 2000 and the youngest president is on a W plate circa 2001 so if they are already phasing out the presidents then surely the B7TL ALX400's should be soon to follow?
I'd happily keep them at WB. I think they're quality. Still no indication of what will replace the Geminis leaving for Dundee
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 29, 2016, 09:25:51 PM
I'd happily keep them at WB. I think they're quality. Still no indication of what will replace the Geminis leaving for Dundee
Maybe a potential platinum WB route?? Or cascades from other garages receiving the beware buses for this year
Green 4708 currently sat on the drive at WB garage
How long for
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2016, 08:24:56 AM
Green 4708 currently sat on the drive at WB garage
maybe west brom going to operate some of Dundees routes , running private to Scotland to pick up service should be interesting
Quote from: RS on June 30, 2016, 08:35:36 AM
How long for
Until it goes into the engineering bay for a VI
@Tony what will be replacing them?
4190 on the 8
Not quite sure what this has to do with WBVery Sorry
@Tony I'm having problems with my phone and i keep catching wrong threads
Caught the 48 to west bromwich to Northfield yestaday it an all right route
4271 on the 87 tonight
There was a Crimson Enviro on the 127 earlier. It'll be on the last 128 of the night to Oldbury now
Are they. Getting rid of the 75 or did I miss read something ?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on July 18, 2016, 06:18:55 PM
Are they. Getting rid of the 75 or did I miss read something ?
Where'd you hear this? As far as I'm aware, they're planning to extend it to Darlaston..
On the centro weekly list they just sent me
I don't normally do advance notice on transfers, but a word of warning
Anybody wanting photos or rides on 4700-7/10-17 better hurry up
Quote from: monkeyjoe on July 18, 2016, 06:43:42 PM
On the centro weekly list they just sent me
No the 75 is being extended to Darlaston according to my copy of the list.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 18, 2016, 08:36:03 PM
No the 75 is being extended to Darlaston according to my copy of the list.
Yeah, from 24th July. I can see what
@monkeyjoe is referring to. In this weeks email, the 4th September changes list the 75 as being withdrawn. Whether there is more to it, i wouldn't know. I'm just stating what it says.
Quote from: Nathan on July 18, 2016, 09:05:24 PM
Yeah, from 24th July. I can see what @monkeyjoe is referring to. In this weeks email, the 4th September changes list the 75 as being withdrawn. Whether there is more to it, i wouldn't know. I'm just stating what it says.
Found it now
@Nathan , that seems a bit stupid, surely it can't be correct?
Quote from: Tony on July 18, 2016, 06:49:52 PM
I don't normally do advance notice on transfers, but a word of warning
Anybody wanting photos or rides on 4700-7/10-17 better hurry up
4707 usefully took me home from Scott Arms on the 451 last week, it struck me that could be my last fling on one of the batch.
Quote from: The Real 4778 on July 19, 2016, 09:28:08 AM
4707 usefully took me home from Scott Arms on the 451 last week, it struck me that could be my last fling on one of the batch.
I'll need to get a few rides as I've never rode on these before.
4054 was on the 703, which is extremely striking to see in New Invention!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 18, 2016, 09:09:20 PM
Found it now @Nathan , that seems a bit stupid, surely it can't be correct?
Can any insiders shed any light on this then?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on July 19, 2016, 06:29:00 PM
Can any insiders shed any light on this then?
From what I,ve read on west broms newsletter come September 75 service will be withdrawn due to reliability issues, the 79 service to west brom will be retimed and have frequency of every 10 mins, 74 will also be retimed to be every 10 mins to Dudley and every few minutes on soho rd.
4095 and 4097 currently parked up at WB could be transfers from YW with a few more plaxtons possibly to follow.
Quote from: 2900 on July 25, 2016, 08:54:51 AM
From what I,ve read on west broms newsletter come September 75 service will be withdrawn due to reliability issues, the 79 service to west brom will be retimed and have frequency of every 10 mins, 74 will also be retimed to be every 10 mins to Dudley and every few minutes on soho rd.
Fancy withdrawing a route that has just been extended, NE haven't given it chance to see whether the extension to Darlaston would improve the reliability issues?
Quote from: 2900 on July 25, 2016, 08:54:51 AM
From what I,ve read on west broms newsletter come September 75 service will be withdrawn due to reliability issues, the 79 service to west brom will be retimed and have frequency of every 10 mins, 74 will also be retimed to be every 10 mins to Dudley and every few minutes on soho rd.
That should free up a couple of Enviros
I have read the allocations sheet.
What is the best bet to find a president other than the 5?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 25, 2016, 06:29:04 PM
I have read the allocations sheet.
What is the best bet to find a president other than the 5?
They sometimes appear on the 83/89
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on July 25, 2016, 06:32:54 PM
They sometimes appear on the 83/89
And if your lucky you can find a few of them on the 48
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 25, 2016, 06:34:53 PM
And if your lucky you can find a few of them on the 48
With the extras arriving now they will obviously be a bit more widespread
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 25, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
That should free up a couple of Enviros
I'd assume that the WB E400's freed up from the 75 will eventually cascade to replace the 06 plate Gemini's heading to Dundee.
Quote from: Tony on July 25, 2016, 06:37:17 PM
With the extras arriving now they will obviously be a bit more widespread
Yes they will be more common on 48/83/89 with more arriving. How many more Presidents are WB getting
@Tony ?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 03:29:58 PM
Fancy withdrawing a route that has just been extended, NE haven't given it chance to see whether the extension to Darlaston would improve the reliability issues?
Generally speaking, extending an already unreliable service tends to make it even more unreliable.
Thankyou for your responses did attempt to find one on 89 but 4269 turned up
Quote from: Stu on July 25, 2016, 07:18:53 PM
Generally speaking, extending an already unreliable service tends to make it even more unreliable.
So why did NE extend it then?
The problem isn't at the Wednesbury/Darlaston end, its on the Handsworth part of the route!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 07:28:54 PM
So why did NE extend it then?
The problem isn't at the Wednesbury/Darlaston end, its on the Handsworth part of the route!
This is the bit I don't get, why does the 75 get the short of the stick and gets withdrawn and the 74 leaves pretty much unscathed ?
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on July 25, 2016, 07:33:48 PM
This is the bit I don't get, why does the 75 get the short of the stick and gets withdrawn and the 74 leaves pretty much unscathed ?
Withdrawing the 74 would never have been an option. Perhaps there isn't that much demand for a service between Wednesbury and Birmingham
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 25, 2016, 07:36:24 PM
Withdrawing the 74 would never have been an option. Perhaps there isn't that much demand for a service between Wednesbury and Birmingham
More to the point, NE would never upset customers around Birmingham, to me NE should be approaching the council regarding the traffic problems and urge them to take action, Handsworth has been a bottle neck for to long!
If the council refuse to take action, withdraw all the routes through Handsworth, although NE are to weak to do that!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 07:45:43 PM
More to the point, NE would never upset customers around Birmingham, to me NE should be approaching the council regarding the traffic problems and urge them to take action, Handsworth has been a bottle neck for to long!
If the council refuse to take action, withdraw all the routes through Handsworth, although NE are to weak to do that!
Soho Road services are well used so pulling completely would deprive NX of some good revenue.
I think your right about the council taking action as its hardly the case of NX buses clogging up the road.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 07:45:43 PM
More to the point, NE would never upset customers around Birmingham, to me NE should be approaching the council regarding the traffic problems and urge them to take action, Handsworth has been a bottle neck for to long!
If the council refuse to take action, withdraw all the routes through Handsworth, although NE are to weak to do that!
Generally Handsworth isn't the problem with the 74/75 though!
Quote from: Tony on July 25, 2016, 07:51:08 PM
Generally Handsworth isn't the problem with the 74/75 though!
Where is then
@Tony because whenever I have been on the 74/5 everything has been ok till you approach Handsworth and then you can take ages just to get through there!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 07:53:44 PM
Where is then @Tony because whenever I have been on the 74/5 everything has been ok till you approach Handsworth and then you can take ages just to get through there!
Yes, but it is always the same, so timetabled to match. The problems that cause late running are normally either M5 Junction 1 problems or West Bromwich Ringway completely seizing up when too many cars come through the two bus only approaches to the bus station which the traffic lights cannot cope with
Quote from: Tony on July 25, 2016, 08:09:23 PM
Yes, but it is always the same, so timetabled to match. The problems that cause late running are normally either M5 Junction 1 problems or West Bromwich Ringway completely seizing up when too many cars come through the two bus only approaches to the bus station which the traffic lights cannot cope with
Ah right
@Tony , I know nothing can be done to mitigate M5 problems, however the Ringway, surely Sandwell Council could be approached to try and solve the problems. Otherwise surely they could be diverted around the outside of West Bromwich town centre!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 08:19:53 PM
Ah right @Tony , I know nothing can be done to mitigate M5 problems, however the Ringway, surely Sandwell Council could be approached to try and solve the problems. Otherwise surely they could be diverted around the outside of West Bromwich town centre!
Sandwell Council have promised bus lane cameras later in the year which should help
Quote from: Tony on July 25, 2016, 08:21:06 PM
Sandwell Council have promised bus lane cameras later in the year which should help
Well that's a bit of good news then
@Tony , just annoys me when routes start to get withdrawn especially when the customers that are affected aren't causing the problems.
Hopefully if the cameras come along as promised and actually reduce the problems, then maybe the 75 could return.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 25, 2016, 06:29:04 PM
I have read the allocations sheet.
What is the best bet to find a president other than the 5?
Here's what was on yesterday (route 5) https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/28262152280/in/photostream/
and (route 83) https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/28439912372/in/photostream/
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 25, 2016, 08:25:59 PM
Well that's a bit of good news then @Tony , just annoys me when routes start to get withdrawn especially when the customers that are affected aren't causing the problems.
Hopefully if the cameras come along as promised and actually reduce the problems, then maybe the 75 could return.
The only people losing out are those who travelled from beyond Carters Green past West Bromwich Bus Station, which was very few, most people doing that journey used the tram, it's much faster, everyone else gets a better services with these changes, the only reason for the extension to Darlaston was to fill the gap caused by the withdrawal of the 38, but this is now being filled by the twice as frequent 79
So will the 74 get new branding?
For President fans the number 5 today is 100% President, long time since that happened!
None of the recent arrivals are on there either, four are out today all on the 48. 4027; 4031; 4095; 4109
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2016, 08:26:12 AM
For President fans the number 5 today is 100% President, long time since that happened!
None of the recent arrivals are on there either, four are out today all on the 48. 4027; 4031; 4095; 4109
Could I have times for 4031/4095/4109 please Tony?
4761 on the 74/75
Quote from: RS on July 28, 2016, 01:44:08 PM
Where did you see it
Dudley, about an hour ago
Presidents on the 42/3 are not noteworthy, happens quite often
Does any one know why in west brom bus station the 74/5/9 all stop at the same stop now and the 74/5 change over is in the unload bay in the bus station
Quote from: Jack6101 on July 30, 2016, 09:05:21 PM
Does any one know why in west brom bus station the 74/5/9 all stop at the same stop now and the 74/5 change over is in the unload bay in the bus station
Not sure on that one, though there's a notice on the Dudley 74 stand saying the 75/79 will revert to Stand S again on 1st August, where they originally stopped before.
would have thought it was more convenient to changeover in the unloading stop, trying to do it at the departure stop with everybody waiting to get on impatiently isn't a good idea!
1941 is ticket branded. On the 50 today
@Jack6101 Omnilinks aren't noteworthy on the 42/3 it gets a mix of E200/Omnilink/President and the occasional Gemini (not for much longer though)
4700-17 (unfortunately not the Bristol VRs
4700 parked up in West Bromwich
4701; 4702; parked up in Miller Street
4703; 4704; 4705 parked up in West Bromwich
4706 still in use
4707 parked up in West Bromwich
4708; 4709 in Dundee in Green.
4710; 4711; 4712 still in use
4713; 4714; 4716 going to Dundee Thursday in red/white, currently parked at Walsall
4715; 4717 currently being painted green
1950 and 4760 are on the 80 today
4250 is on the 74 today
4232 is on the 82/87 today
1943 is on the 5 today
Quote from: Tony on August 02, 2016, 03:41:12 PM
4700-17 (unfortunately not the Bristol VRs
4700 parked up in West Bromwich
4701; 4702; parked up in Miller Street
4703; 4704; 4705 parked up in West Bromwich
4706 still in use
4707 parked up in West Bromwich
4708; 4709 in Dundee in Green.
4710; 4711; 4712 still in use
4713; 4714; 4716 going to Dundee Thursday in red/white, currently parked at Walsall
4715; 4717 currently being painted green
Thanks for the update - is it planned for the ones going in red/white to be repainted/retrimmed etc in Scotland straight away or as part of a normal rota based on condition?
Quote from: don on August 04, 2016, 01:27:38 PM
Thanks for the update - is it planned for the ones going in red/white to be repainted/retrimmed etc in Scotland straight away or as part of a normal rota based on condition?
@Tony said they'll be coming back to Walsall soon after going to Scotland to be repainted/retrimmed
@don .
Quote from: 2206 on August 04, 2016, 01:45:59 PM
@Tony said they'll be coming back to Walsall soon after going to Scotland to be repainted/retrimmed @don .
Hell of a lot of unnecessary mileage there.
Dundee can paint buses as well surely?
Anyone got any recommended presidents to travel on?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 05, 2016, 03:02:30 PM
Anyone got any recommended presidents to travel on?
Just do them all while you have chance! At least then when they're gone you can't say "I wish I'd done them now".
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 05, 2016, 03:02:30 PM
Anyone got any recommended presidents to travel on?
Go on YW 4089. It's amazing, you won't be disappointed. Here is my video of 4089: http://youtu.be/eQl_joy-VN4
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 05, 2016, 03:02:30 PM
Anyone got any recommended presidents to travel on?
4023.
Quote from: P419 EJW on August 05, 2016, 08:46:49 PM
Go on YW 4089. It's amazing, you won't be disappointed. Here is my video of 4089: http://youtu.be/eQl_joy-VN4
I will second that! 4089 definitely should get preserved in my opinion. I hope to get a last ride in the coming few weeks. Will be very sad to see buses like 4089 go which I have grown up around on the 49 :'(
Quote from: 2206 on August 05, 2016, 08:50:06 PM
4023.
I'd second this. 4023 and it's weird gearbox. Sometimes high revving, sometimes not. This bus definitely had character. Fond memories of thraping this one between Perry Barr and Selly Oak (via the A38 tunnels).
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 05, 2016, 03:02:30 PM
Anyone got any recommended presidents to travel on?
4044, best one I've been on
Thanks for all your feedback will try and ride those ones.
4741 is on the 83 today
Maybe it's the locals taking the piss.... But,
4114 (branded for the 5) has a sticker on board advertising the 16 Hamstead to Brum
Quote from: lauren1993 on August 11, 2016, 07:51:06 PM
4052 - 83
Usual allocation is Presidents (and ALX400/B7s)
6729 in WB bus station
Also 4707,,4711 both left at 12:45
Not many presidents on 5 today?
E400s on 5 aren't noteworthy to me.
Them, alx400 b7tl, and presidents all allocated, all be it e400 less common
4101 on 83/89 would definitely recommend
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 13, 2016, 01:56:03 PM
E400s on 5 aren't noteworthy to me.
Them, alx400 b7tl, and presidents all allocated, all be it e400 less common
Enviro400s are not on there very often at all. First one I've seen or heard of one on there for a while
There was a Gemini still roaring about on the 80 today. Probably 4712, I've seen that a lot recently
Ladies and gentlemen, it's the summer. Lower PVRs. Unbranded buses will appear elsewhere more often. The spreadsheet doesn't really apply at the moment
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 14, 2016, 12:57:12 AM
There was a Gemini still roaring about on the 80 today. Probably 4712, I've seen that a lot recently
I'll assume at time of posting the date you're referring to is 13.08 - in that case, I saw 4712 on the 82/87 on Newha Street in the afternoon.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 13, 2016, 01:56:03 PM
E400s on 5 aren't noteworthy to me.
Them, alx400 b7tl, and presidents all allocated, all be it e400 less common
4101 on 83/89 would definitely recommend
I have never seen an E400 on the 5 in my many escapades so as John says this would be noteworthy
4710 was having possibly one of it's last runs on the 127 this evening.
4706 on the 82/87 yesterday for possibly the last time
Quote from: Lukeee on August 15, 2016, 10:18:13 AM
4706 on the 82/87 yesterday for possibly the last time
On there today aswell
I passed 1 heading in the Walsall direction about 2.20 this afternoon
Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 16, 2016, 04:38:14 PM
I passed 1 heading in the Walsall direction about 2.20 this afternoon
That was me taking 4704 to Walsall for paint
4955 is on the 80.
Quote from: Tony on August 16, 2016, 05:07:43 PM
That was me taking 4704 to Walsall for paint
I glanced at that and thought it said
'That was me taking 4704 to Walsall for a pint' :D
Quote from: The Real 4778 on August 19, 2016, 11:51:57 AM
I glanced at that and thought it said
'That was me taking 4704 to Walsall for a pint' :D
If only there was a like button on these posts ;D ;D
As the 75 being withdrawn soon will the Soho road branding buses be change.
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 21, 2016, 02:55:04 PM
As the 75 being withdrawn soon will the Soho road branding buses be change.
Why? All they need to do is peel off the bits that mention the 75 and Wednesbury ;D
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 21, 2016, 02:55:04 PM
As the 75 being withdrawn soon will the Soho road branding buses be change.
Quote from: Stu on August 21, 2016, 06:16:35 PM
Why? All they need to do is peel off the bits that mention the 75 and Wednesbury ;D
In all honesty, the branding is already a little outdated. The interior routemap still mentions the 311/313 - despite being renumbered not too long ago.. Though, I believe some blue gaffer tape would cover the "prefix" '3' tremendously. :P
It still looks alright from the outside, I wouldn't have said dated. As Stu says all it would need is the 75 bits peeling off, and perhaps the interior maps tweaking slightly... I reckon a few of these need doing by now though not just Soho Road.
4711 still hanging on on the 80 today. Seen at New St Station at 17:58
4707 was on 48 also
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 31, 2016, 07:28:42 PM
4711 still hanging on on the 80 today. Seen at New St Station at 17:58
And 4710 for anyone interested.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 31, 2016, 07:28:42 PM
4711 still hanging on on the 80 today. Seen at New St Station at 17:58
4712 was on the 48 yesterday
4710-82- Bearwood at 12 noon.
75 has been scraped today they did it operate to Darlaston not long before withdrawing it does anyone why NX did this.
Quote from: BusFan94 on September 04, 2016, 02:15:04 PM
75 has been scraped today they did it operate to Darlaston not long before withdrawing it does anyone why NX did this.
Severe traffic congestion in particular along the Soho Road and across the M5.
http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/black-country-service-changes-from-4th-september
I knew that but what I meant why run it to Darlaston if they were scrapping it.
Quote from: BusFan94 on September 04, 2016, 06:11:30 PM
I knew that but what I meant why run it to Darlaston if they were scrapping it.
Seemed to be just a stopgap measure
What's that
Quote from: BusFan94 on September 05, 2016, 09:22:56 AM
What's that
Ever heard of Google? ;D
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=stop+gap+measure&gfe_rd=cr
I can't be bothered finding the post now, but Tony did state here somewhere that the 75 extension to Darlaston was introduced as a temporary measure due to the Walsall/Wolverhampton changes that came into effect at the end of July.
So, I notice the 82/87 stop on Colmore Circus Queensway is now only served by the 16/A/W & the 424s - I'm speculating - with Sand Pits opening again (outbound only currently) - could we see the 82/87 be rerouted again - via Smallbrook Queensway and Suffolk Street? ???
All the Soho road branded e400s still have 75 on windows rear a d the route map
Notice on one of the 497+ that it's has 74 dudley on the rear display but it didn't scroll like before
4094's hoovering. On 50s yesterday, 48 today
4275 having a day on the 87, revving while stationery at the bus stop opposite the Red Cow
How many of the Crimson Scanias carry the small Scania badge?
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on September 16, 2016, 04:49:49 PM
How many of the Crimson Scanias carry the small Scania badge?
I believe the small Scania badgees where introduced from 1909 onwards & include ex Dundee 10 plate examples.
Quote from: Other Walsall Tony on September 16, 2016, 04:49:49 PM
How many of the Crimson Scanias carry the small Scania badge?
They should have all been taken off at repaint, I have two of them sat in front of me here
Quote from: Tony on September 16, 2016, 05:40:08 PM
They should have all been taken off at repaint, I have two of them sat in front of me here
Why? If the vehicles are seen as good enough to purchase why hide their make?
Quote from: RW on September 16, 2016, 10:28:23 PM
Why? If the vehicles are seen as good enough to purchase why hide their make?
We're out the EU init
There's only a handful that have made it through repaint with the badges still affixed. Believe NX and Scania had a falling out a few years ago - hence the reluctance I suspect for keeping the badges on these days. Although, could also be for more practical reasons, such as cleaning. YW's batch are looking very smart - good job by WA!
Has this falling out with Scania ever been confirmed? Seems very petty to remove badges? And what exactly would removing badges gain? They've also removed badges/logos from Tridents / Geminis and still bought from ADL / Wrightbus / Volvo
Is the 74 now the route with the highest PVR in the company (other than Outer Circle). I make the PVR at around 26. Can't think of anything on the top of my head at that PVR.
Would've thought removing the badges prevented them being nicked by third parties!
(But what do I know! )
Is that silly rumour of of NX called Scania's mum a name still going round?!
Are 4710 - 4712 still in service at WB?
Quote from: 2206 on September 18, 2016, 03:01:52 PM
Are 4710 - 4712 still in service at WB?
Just saw 4711 about 5 mins ago on the 80 heading to West Bromwich, around Blue Gates
...and if it helps, just time I saw 4712 was Thursday night, on the 127/8s
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 18, 2016, 04:27:26 PM
Just saw 4711 about 5 mins ago on the 80 heading to West Bromwich, around Blue Gates
...and if it helps, just time I saw 4712 was Thursday night, on the 127/8s
Thanks.
4710 was on late night 5's yesterday.
4706 - 82/87
4711 - 83/89
Quote from: Tony on September 23, 2016, 11:46:21 AM
4711 WB - reserve
(4706/10 still in use)
4706 - 80
4710 - 48
4960 is on the 42E today. First one I've seen on that running board for a long time.
4706 is on the 82/87 today.
4706 on 127/128 today
1951 on a 127 today
4710 is on the 83 too
Quote from: Squiz1971 on October 04, 2016, 05:24:20 PM
4956 I think was on the 82/87 seen on Priory Queensway about 12pm today
Definitely not rare. 49** E400s are on there along with the 47** E400s are on the 82/87 every day. Spare 49** E400s have been on the 82/87 nearly every day since new.
Quote from: 2206 on October 04, 2016, 05:37:06 PM
Definitely not rare. 49** E400s are on there along with the 47** E400s are on the 82/87 every day. Spare 49** E400s have been on the 82/87 nearly every day since new.
Oh right ok I will remember that for next time
@2206
Haven't posted it as noteworthy as I know any wb bus can turn up on there but 4710 is on the 50a/50c today.
Quote from: WMT3000 on October 07, 2016, 03:41:28 PM
Haven't posted it as noteworthy as I know any wb bus can turn up on there but 4710 is on the 50a/50c today.
You get the odd President & Enviro 200 on there. Haven't seen a Gemini for a while. I'm also aware the allocation is any bus ::)
4052 seems to have had circular lights fitted. Saw it today on the 48 and noticed this. Will post a photo link once I have uploaded the photo.
Quote from: MW on September 17, 2016, 12:38:18 AM
Has this falling out with Scania ever been confirmed? Seems very petty to remove badges? And what exactly would removing badges gain? They've also removed badges/logos from Tridents / Geminis and still bought from ADL / Wrightbus / Volvo
1950 seems to still have the badge. https://www.facebook.com/369276339910972/photos/a.591525697686034.1073742282.369276339910972/522325864606018/?type=3&theater
4066 towed from the garage this morning about 10. possibly to the scrap heap?
Quote from: wbdriver on October 13, 2016, 04:55:19 PM
4066 towed from the garage this morning about 10. possibly to the scrap heap?
yes went past burnt tree around 10:20 whist on the 74 /// 4236&4248 are on 82/7 this is becoming more common
Quote from: Jack6101 on October 13, 2016, 06:05:56 PM
yes went past burnt tree around 10:20 whist on the 74 /// 4236&4248 are on 82/7 this is becoming more common
4261 also on the Dudley Road
Quote from: Jack6101 on October 13, 2016, 06:05:56 PM
4236&4248 are on 82/7 this is becoming more common
4236 was swapped onto it around 8 or 8:10 (I think) this morning
Quote from: Dom on October 13, 2016, 07:00:32 PM
4236 was swapped onto it around 8 or 8:10 (I think) this morning
I'm pretty sure I saw 4235 on there this evening. Saying that I saw a lot of ALXs, Smethwick Blue Gates was choka this evening
Quote from: Sh4318 on October 13, 2016, 07:39:18 PM
I'm pretty sure I saw 4235 on there this evening. Saying that I saw a lot of ALXs, Smethwick Blue Gates was choka this evening
4235 was on there this morning. 4236, unless it was a morning peak bus wasn't, as I got a pic of it on the 5 this afternoon
Quote from: John on October 13, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
4235 was on there this morning. 4236, unless it was a morning peak bus wasn't, as I got a pic of it on the 5 this afternoon
I may be confused of whether it was 35 or 36 to be honest.
Quote from: Dom on October 13, 2016, 07:52:20 PM
I may be confused of whether it was 35 or 36 to be honest.
4235; 4261 & 4268 were the three on there. 4248 just covered one trip. 4235 was allocated from garage and did the whole board, was not a swap
Quote from: Tony on October 13, 2016, 08:01:20 PM
4235; 4261 & 4268 were the three on there. 4248 just covered one trip. 4235 was allocated from garage and did the whole board, was not a swap
Oh okay, like I said, though I may have been wrong. Was 4235 swapped on this morning then?
Quote from: Dom on October 13, 2016, 08:03:58 PM
Oh okay, like I said, though I may have been wrong. Was 4235 swapped on this morning then?
I've just said it did the whole board and was not a swap!
What routes are the ex Suttons on today? Are they going to be for 127/128?
Quote from: Chris on October 17, 2016, 12:53:54 PM
What routes are the ex Suttons on today? Are they going to be for 127/128?
im pretty sure i saw a 63 plate enviro at burnt tree this morning heading towards dudley about 10. it had no branding on it so might have been on the 87.
4914 seen on 87 in Brum.
4706's last journey as a West Bromwich bus will be the 20:43 82 from the Square Peg to Bearwood. It is going to the paintshop tomorrow for a coat of green.
4710 can run until Wednesday, not sure if it will
4915 is on the 74
B7TLs on the 74 seem to be a common thing on Sundays. 4236 (or 4235) on there today
4950was on 42/3 this morning then around 3/4 was on the 5
4101 now has the circular headlights
Could I ask why the Presidents' original rectangular headlights are being replaced by the circular headlights?
Quote from: P419 EJW on November 02, 2016, 01:23:02 PM
Could I ask why the Presidents' original rectangular headlights are being replaced by the circular headlights?
I remember asking this question a while back and it was mentioned that it is cheaper and I think easier due to them already possessing the lights for Tridents and so on.
The reason for the circular lights are because the standard ones are long to change whereas the circular ones are relatively quick and easier. According to an engineer this is the case anyway.
Quote from: MW on November 02, 2016, 04:51:14 PM
The reason for the circular lights are because the standard ones are long to change whereas the circular ones are relatively quick and easier. According to an engineer this is the case anyway.
They are also easier to set accurately for MoT
4914's front LED display displaying rubbish this morning on the 80. Could just make out the number and the scrolling via points
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 04, 2016, 07:40:20 AM
4914's front LED display displaying rubbish this morning
Well it's inevitable now it's no longer a Sutton bus.
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 04, 2016, 07:40:20 AM
4914's front LED display displaying rubbish this morning on the 80. Could just make out the number and the scrolling via points
I've just seen it, it's completely fu**ed tbh, can't really tell the route of anything as its tiny tbh
UID 63 plate on 43/2 seen on upper church lane 10 mins ago
4917 is on the 80.
Quote from: Dom on November 04, 2016, 09:20:57 AM
I've just seen it, it's completely fu**ed tbh, can't really tell the route of anything as its tiny tbh
Saw 4914 later in West Bromwich yesterday afternoon and it must of been repaired as it was displaying 80 Birmingham correctly
hit listed 4087 on late night 5's. 20.05 ex Sutton, should do 20.50 from Wb.
@Michael Bevan 4917 is now on the 48 :)
Quote from: Chris on November 11, 2016, 12:25:16 PM
@Michael Bevan 4917 is now on the 48 :)
why do two people need to post the same thing
Managed to get 4114 on 5!
Virtually all presidents allocated to 48 today. 4950 was exception
813 was on the 49 today. In Bearwood at 13:25.
4048 has expired at While Road/ Birmingham Road in the heart of Sutton this morning; poor old gal.
If anyone wants a photo of 1918 at West Bromwich in Red/White you need to go and have a look at the 50 today.
It should go in for repaint on Monday
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2016, 10:49:14 AM
If anyone wants a photo of 1918 at West Bromwich in Red/White you need to go and have a look at the 50 today.
It should go in for repaint on Monday
Why didnt it go for repaint before transferring?
Was WB short?
Quote from: Westy on December 10, 2016, 01:10:32 PM
Why didnt it go for repaint before transferring?
Was WB short?
Perhaps waiting on another WB vehicle to return from paint shop first?
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2016, 10:49:14 AM
If anyone wants a photo of 1918 at West Bromwich in Red/White you need to go and have a look at the 50 today.
It should go in for repaint on Monday
Quote from: Westy on December 10, 2016, 01:10:32 PM
Why didnt it go for repaint before transferring?
Was WB short?
I'll probably see it at some point as the 50 runs on my road. Will WB be getting any more Omnilinks?
Quote from: The Real 4778 on November 29, 2016, 07:42:09 AM
4048 has expired at While Road/ Birmingham Road in the heart of Sutton this morning; poor old gal.
I Broke Down on the Birmingham Road Wednesday 7th on the No5 as bus 4225 had no oil Pressure
Quote from: WB Driver on December 11, 2016, 10:40:52 PM
I Broke Down on the Birmingham Road Wednesday 7th on the No5 as bus 4225 had no oil Pressure
Why were you in Wednesbury on the 5 West Brom - Sutton
Quote from: fleetline6477 on December 12, 2016, 08:01:03 PM
Why were you in Wednesbury on the 5 West Brom - Sutton
He said Wednesday
1918 hasn't actually got to paint yet (it is due to be done by the bodymakers at WB so harder to spot) but looks like it might come out again tomorrow
1918 was on the 46 this morning.
Looks like the last President I'll see in service was 4048 on the 451 at Boldmere lights/ Sutton Park Hotel on Sunday afternoon.
Yesterday seemed to be solid Enviro as I drove much of the length of the Queslett Road/ Kingstanding Road.
Im sure I've seen an price branded ex perry Barr on wb127
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 02, 2017, 12:33:20 PM
Im sure I've seen an price branded ex perry Barr on wb127
4927, the only one West Brom have
The 5 is a real mixed bag today, at least 2 Enviro200s and 2 OmniLinks. Is this normal now the Presidents have gone?
Quote from: John on January 10, 2017, 12:19:58 PM
The 5 is a real mixed bag today, at least 2 Enviro200s and 2 OmniLinks. Is this normal now the Presidents have gone?
Omnilinks appear to be everyday going off what I see when going to college and E200s do appear every few days from what I've seen.
Quote from: John on January 10, 2017, 12:19:58 PM
The 5 is a real mixed bag today, at least 2 Enviro200s and 2 OmniLinks. Is this normal now the Presidents have gone?
From what I've seen its a lot more E400s but yeah definitely seen a fair share of singles this last week
4271 now had a front LED. On the 47 too
Have some of the soho road branded buses been debranded? I've seen it a few times now.
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 04:37:55 PM
Have some of the soho road branded buses been debranded? I've seen it a few times now.
Sure you're not seeing the old Perry Barr buses that were branded for the Sutton services?
Quote from: John on January 23, 2017, 05:12:37 PM
Sure you're not seeing the old Perry Barr buses that were branded for the Sutton services?
No I don't mean those. The one's I'm referring to have a blue stripe and blue on the front.
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 05:23:32 PM
No I don't mean those. The one's I'm referring to have a blue stripe and blue on the front.
Unless they have missing parts of the branding.
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 05:23:32 PM
No I don't mean those. The one's I'm referring to have a blue stripe and blue on the front.
How do you know what colour the stripe was if it's been debranded?
Quote from: Tony on January 23, 2017, 05:35:55 PM
How do you know what colour the stripe was if it's been debranded?
Because the stripe is still there, but there's no mention of West Bromwich Dudley etc anymore, just price branding.
I've seen some PN buses with just a green ring around the display too.
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 05:43:58 PM
Because the stripe is still there, but there's no mention of West Bromwich Dudley etc anymore, just price branding.
I've seen some PN buses with just a green ring around the display too.
So they're the price branded ones then, not the route branded ones!
Quote from: Tony on January 23, 2017, 05:48:28 PM
So they're the price branded ones then, not the route branded ones!
Yes! But what I'm asking is, are they ex-Soho branded buses? If so, why have they been debranded?
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 05:49:37 PM
Yes! But what I'm asking is, are they ex-Soho branded buses? If so, why have they been debranded?
I've just answered you.
It is a price branded one
The main site answers your questions
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4950.html
been like that for two years.
Quote from: Tony on January 23, 2017, 05:54:44 PM
I've just answered you.
It is a price branded one
The main site answers your questions
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4950.html
been like that for two years.
But why do they have the blue on them?
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 23, 2017, 06:18:26 PM
But why do they have the blue on them?
Would imagine as their still intended for the 74/74E which uses blue as its colour scheme for branding. After all, despite not been branded for the Soho road corridor these price branded buses are still regulars on there along with the route branded examples
The mention of the 75 is gradually being removed on the soho Road brandeds. Rear still says the same although I doubt that'll change anytime soon.
Exported from VOSA Site
D West Midlands WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ, GB PD0001111 Valid PD0001111/102 Registered 20 26/01/2017 30/01/2017 31/12/2099 48 (48) "Route change between QE Hospital and Gibbins Road due to long term closure of Harborne Lane has a result of a burst water main. Non Chargeable change. (No change to timetable)" 2017-01-27T00:00:00+0000 Variation Accepted by SN Variation applications
Does anyone know which journeys WB operate on the 140/241?
I Believe it operates three morning trips on the 140 as it is a special duty as its the same driver Monday-Friday and Does
Dudley-Birmingham
Birmingham-Dudley
Dudley-Birmingham
It then changes to a 74 back to WB
Quote from: WB Driver on January 31, 2017, 07:12:34 PM
I Believe it operates three morning trips on the 140 as it is a special duty as its the same driver Monday-Friday and Does
Dudley-Birmingham
Birmingham-Dudley
Dudley-Birmingham
It then changes to a 74 back to WB
Indeed it does, same driver does the duty everyday as well.
Quote from: Dom on January 31, 2017, 07:34:30 PM
Indeed it does, same driver does the duty everyday as well.
Is it the same driver who used to do the 141/241 years ago?
Quote from: Dom on January 31, 2017, 07:34:30 PM
Indeed it does, same driver does the duty everyday as well.
Thanks for the info
@Dom and
@WB Driver.
Does anyone know which 3 journeys they are?
It does the 06:38 Dudley to Birmingham, 07:37 Birmingham to Dudley and 08:38 Dudley to Birmingham. Not sure after that. Today was 4962 which had some strange repair to the roof upstairs at the front, there seemed to be rain dripping from it. Bring waterproofs.
4962 was on the 74 this morning arrived in Dudley around 8.30ish so could have swap on there????
Sounds like it as I got the 6.38 ex Dudley into town this morning (it didn't get into town till about 7.40)
Quote from: RobQuinton on February 06, 2017, 06:14:35 PM
Sounds like it as I got the 6.38 ex Dudley into town this morning (it didn't get into town till about 7.40)
Two separate running boards
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on February 11, 2017, 04:43:37 PM
4956 on the 48
Not noteworthy now the presidents are gone there's a few on there everyday
Quote from: WB Driver on February 11, 2017, 06:19:37 PM
Not noteworthy now the presidents are gone there's a few on there everyday
First time I have seen it happen. Thanks
@WB Driver I know for next time
@Pete50492 Any E400 on 87 is not noteworthy there is usually a red and white e400 on 82/87 most days
Quote from: Chris on February 14, 2017, 03:42:42 PM
@Pete50492 Any E400 on 87 is not noteworthy there is usually a red and white e400 on 82/87 most days
Thanks Chris & apologies....hadn't been up to Oldbury for a few weeks! Make a great photo though among all the route branded 82/87 batch!
Quote from: Pete50492 on February 14, 2017, 03:57:59 PM
Thanks Chris & apologies....hadn't been up to Oldbury for a few weeks! Make a great photo though among all the route branded 82/87 batch!
No need to apologise Pete if You didn't know, I think there is only enough crimson e400 to cover the route so if one is unavailable they use the red n white uns.
@2900 might be able to clarify this
An Enviro400 on an Enviro400 operated route is not noteworthy, no matter what colour it is ;)
Quote from: Chris on February 14, 2017, 05:45:03 PM
No need to apologise Pete if You didn't know, I think there is only enough crimson e400 to cover the route so if one is unavailable they use the red n white uns. @2900 might be able to clarify this
Red/white enviro 400s are a daily occurrence on the 82/87 there's nearly always a couple of crimsons in the garage requiring some sort of attention etc etc , it appears that way to me when walking through the garage.
4264 now back at WB with a replacement engine.
So that means 4232 is now up for scrap
4264 out on the 48 today, first time for over 3 months that has been in service
Been doing a lot of waiting around at westbromwich bus station for the joke service that is the 83, I noticed how many 4200,s are in appalling state
Quote from: 2900 on March 02, 2017, 03:38:31 PM
Been doing a lot of waiting around at westbromwich bus station for the joke service that is the 83, I noticed how many 4200,s are in appalling state
4249 was/is on there today. Take it you saw it? ::)
I think 4232 was on the 48 this afternoon in Bearwood. Is this reinstated?
Quote from: RobQuinton on March 06, 2017, 06:24:46 PM
I think 4232 was on the 48 this afternoon in Bearwood. Is this reinstated?
Definitely still at Miller Street with its engine missing
Thanks Tony.
Quote from: Kevin on March 26, 2017, 11:41:48 AM
Mini E200 756 is on WB 46 atm, 11:40 All Saints heading for Scott Arms
There was two on there last week as I believe they try to avoid using Scania's on Sunday as there's not many people about and the mini e200's are easier to get round the turning in Great Barr.
Quote from: 1907 on April 08, 2017, 06:05:49 PM
817-48, also 4954 was on the 48 on Thursday
E400 on the 48 aren't unusual.
An Audi in Cape Hill was parked at the bus stop next to the JD and claims he left his handbrake off and rolled back into 4230 on the 80 that just pulled in and was stationary.
Now the 80 is missing a bus as the driver needs to deal with this incident.
The car is 100% to blame.
Quote from: OH25 on April 09, 2017, 08:14:08 PM
An Audi in Cape Hill was parked at the bus stop next to the JD and claims he left his handbrake off and rolled back into 4230 on the 80 that just pulled in and was stationery.
Now the 80 is missing a bus as the driver needs to deal with this incident.
The car is 100% to blame.
You should write a letter to NX explaining what happened.
(I enjoy a stationery pun but a ruler is where I draw the line).
Just seen a 74E and what I think was "Carters Green" with something scrolling underneath. I get the 74 regularly and I've never seen that before
Quote from: OH25 on April 09, 2017, 08:14:08 PM
An Audi in Cape Hill was parked at the bus stop next to the JD and claims he left his handbrake off and rolled back into 4230 on the 80 that just pulled in and was stationery.
Now the 80 is missing a bus as the driver needs to deal with this incident.
The car is 100% to blame.
thats when the drive cam.would be ideal
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 10, 2017, 07:13:51 AM
Just seen a 74E and what I think was "Carters Green" with something scrolling underneath. I get the 74 regularly and I've never seen that before
I take it you've never used the 74 past midnight
Quote from: MW on April 10, 2017, 03:07:27 PM
I take it you've never used the 74 past midnight
No, can't say I have used it that late.
4761 on 74 if of any interest
From June 4th.
The 45 will be amended to operate along All Saints Way in both directions and will no longer serve Hallam Street. Frequency reduced to every 20 minutes.
The 46 will be amended to serve the stops outside New Square on Cronehill Linkway in both directions.
The 40 will be amended to serve Hallam Street.
Quote from: 2206 on April 20, 2017, 04:50:18 PM
From June 4th.
The 45 will be amended to operate along All Saints Way in both directions and will no longer serve Hallam Street. Frequency reduced to every 20 minutes.
The 46 will be amended to serve the stops outside New Square on Cronehill Linkway in both directions.
The 40 will be amended to serve Hallam Street.
I wonder if the 46 will be reduced to every 20 minutes too. Funny to think the 406(H) was once every 10 minutes
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 20, 2017, 07:14:20 PM
I wonder if the 46 will be reduced to every 20 minutes too. Funny to think the 406(H) was once every 10 minutes
No changes to the 46 frequency according to the NXWM changes sheet.
813 was on the 48E today. Don't know what else was on the 48
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 20, 2017, 07:14:20 PM
I wonder if the 46 will be reduced to every 20 minutes too. Funny to think the 406(H) was once every 10 minutes
The 45 and 46 are both already every 20 minutes each on Saturdays
Already, I've spotted 1937 displaying "120 Birmingham" while going outbound! Surely some confused passengers expecting to go to Dudley on board! ???
@filbus1 that will happen most weeknights mate. A Oldbury rota driver told me that's one of the boards off the 120A goes on to the 127/128 late night.
Quote from: Dom on April 26, 2017, 08:31:19 AM
@filbus1 that will happen most weeknights mate. A Oldbury rota driver told me that's one of the boards off the 120A goes on to the 127/128 late night.
I suppose that makes sense. Do you know if this will happen Sunday's as well?
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 26, 2017, 06:28:20 PM
I suppose that makes sense. Do you know if this will happen Sunday's as well?
My friend just got back to me, he say the 120A board he has on Sunday didn't go onto the 127/8
Popped over to my parents house yesterday, so had a chance to get the 120A.
While on 1951 I couldn't help but notice it still has a poster up behind the drivers cab for House Of Play in Acocks Green. Its been nearly two years since these transferred, you'd think they'd replace the posters with something more relevant to the local area! :D
Still, it was a little nostalgic to be back on a bus that I would have previously regularly travelled on, though to be honest, I really don't miss them!
Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2017, 11:59:29 AM
Popped over to my parents house yesterday, so had a chance to get the 120A.
While on 1951 I couldn't help but notice it still has a poster up behind the drivers cab for House Of Play in Acocks Green. Its been nearly two years since these transferred, you'd think they'd replace the posters with something more relevant to the local area! :D
Still, it was a little nostalgic to be back on a bus that I would have previously regularly travelled on, though to be honest, I really don't miss them!
Wouldn't worry about them changing that I swear there's one PB Omnilink that's still got either that same poster or a similar one
Just watched the video of the chav dad shouting at an old lady on the 80 yesterday "oh dear". Fair play to the driver.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on May 04, 2017, 08:19:55 AM
Just watched the video of the chav dad shouting at an old lady on the 80 yesterday "oh dear". Fair play to the driver.
That's what a life on benefits does to people. No respect for anyone apart from their ratty kids.
Quote from: WMT3000 on May 04, 2017, 09:11:53 AM
No respect for anyone apart from their ratty kids.
From my observation they have complete disrespect for their children too, swearing at and smoking over them, and yelling at them in public.
A lot of the WB E200s that were left plain now have the gold ticket branding. 831 being one of them.
@Dom does it cover the back window aswell?
@Tony Are any of the 80 branded Enviro's out today?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on May 13, 2017, 12:10:29 PM
@Tony Are any of the 80 branded Enviro's out today?
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=1567.msg214051#msg214051
Scania's having the air horns removed and electric ones fitted this morning.
Quote from: 979 on May 27, 2017, 08:32:58 AM
Scania's having the air horns removed and electric ones fitted this morning.
Why the horns on scanias are best for making people jump.
Quote from: WB Driver on May 27, 2017, 10:19:06 AM
Why the horns on scanias are best for making people jump.
Problems with Noise abatement at West Bromwich when drivers are testing them on walk around check
@2206 I only saw Enviro 200s on the 120A today. Not really sure why
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 28, 2017, 12:24:45 AM
@2206 I only saw Enviro 200s on the 120A today. Not really sure why
There was one Omnilink on there. 1950, I think.
Quote from: 2206 on May 28, 2017, 09:43:20 AM
There was one Omnilink on there. 1950, I think.
1937; 1940 and 1951 were all on there yesterday (1950 wasn't)
Quote from: Tony on May 28, 2017, 09:49:12 AM
1937; 1940 and 1951 were all on there yesterday (1950 wasn't)
Thanks for the info, it was 1951 that I saw on there then.
Quote from: Westy on May 30, 2017, 07:12:03 AM
Rare Eclipse 2 working on Bradford Place routes.
2116 on Wa 11 / 13.
Plus rare Trident/Alx double decker (cant tell fleet number!) on Wb 45 as well
WB don't have any Tridents. Its a Volvo B7TL ALX400
The 45 is always WB's 'anything' route and does quite often see ALX400s. This week WB are tight on meeting SQPS requirements which started this week, so have put Scanias on some Birmingham boards.
Quote from: Tony on May 30, 2017, 09:36:08 AM
The 45 is always WB's 'anything' route and does quite often see ALX400s. This week WB are tight on meeting SQPS requirements which started this week, so have put Scanias on some Birmingham boards.
Are BC tight, lots of there Y reg Tridents are Euro 3?
Quote from: 2206 on May 30, 2017, 09:54:10 AM
Are BC tight, lots of there Y reg Tridents are Euro 3?
They are all on the 70/73 today which are not classed as 'core' services.
I have just checked the BC allocations and they are 100% compliant at the moment, but if they need to change a bus there are a lot of 41xx in the garage!
Quote from: Tony on May 30, 2017, 09:58:49 AM
They are all on the 70/73 today which are not classed as 'core' services.
I have just checked the BC allocations and they are 100% compliant at the moment, but if they need to change a bus there are a lot of 41xx in the garage!
Thanks for the info
@Tony.
It is normal atm (See Below)
Quote from: Tony on May 30, 2017, 09:36:08 AM
This week WB are tight on meeting SQPS requirements which started this week, so have put Scanias on some Birmingham boards.
809 is on the 120A.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2017, 08:30:47 PM
Maybe I should have put that differently. Having single deckers on a previously 99% of the time double decker route? Is that not suggesting there is going to be overcrowding? Same for the 127/128 omnilink s being used?
Apart from peak times, 127/128 can cope with single deckers, they did for years
New arrival 4241 out on the 74
Would anybody be able to confirm which buses have transferred to/from West Brom Please
Quote from: WB Driver on June 03, 2017, 10:36:20 PM
Would anybody be able to confirm which buses have transferred to/from West Brom Please
@WB Driver have you looked at the Vehicle Transfers thread, Tony normally keeps that as up to date as possible.
I've been trying to monitor all these transfers, I think WB is looking like this currently (possibly more changes to come) :
29 E200 (753-57; 805-9/13-22/31-9)
19 Scania (1918/36-53)
37 B7/ALX (4228/35-36/40-41/44-54/56-76)
72 E400 (4738-62; 4914-27; 4950-82)
___
157
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 06, 2017, 06:57:33 PM
4927 - 49 (unless it came off a 47/A)
Probably came off an 89 as they interwork on some running boards
Blackcountry's gained an advert bus 4239, don't think Dudley Zoo will be too impressed.
1952 and another Omnilink were on the 127/128 last night.
Another Omnilink has been on the 127/128 today.
Is this usual now.
Quote from: 2206 on June 17, 2017, 06:47:49 PM
1952 and another Omnilink were on the 127/128 last night.
Another Omnilink has been on the 127/128 today.
Is this usual now.
This explains one of the Omnilinks
Quote from: Dom on April 26, 2017, 08:31:19 AM
@filbus1 that will happen most weeknights mate. A Oldbury rota driver told me that's one of the boards off the 120A goes on to the 127/128 late night.
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 17, 2017, 07:20:47 PM
This explains one of the Omnilinks
greetings all, it's been a while since my last post, just thought I,d add this bit of info running card 120/16 comes off the 120A at 1930 hrs Oldbury and leaves Oldbury as the 1942 128 to brum
Quote from: 2900 on June 28, 2017, 09:42:14 AM
greetings all, it's been a while since my last post, just thought I,d add this bit of info running card 120/16 comes off the 120A at 1930 hrs Oldbury and leaves Oldbury as the 1942 128 to brum
I often see a double deck on the 120A in the evenings. Does this come off something?
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 28, 2017, 09:32:45 PM
I often see a double deck on the 120A in the evenings. Does this come off something?
127/07
@Kevin it was indeed! Saw it in West Brom about 2:45pm
How long does the 74 around this time to get Birmingham
From Where?
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B074/?timetable[day]=&
NXWM website is your friend
55 mins from Dudley
30 mins from WB
Quote from: Chris on August 04, 2017, 09:15:45 PM
From where?
http://nxbus.co.uk/routes/west-midlands/B074/?timetable[day]=&
NXWM website is your friend
55 mins from Dudley
30 mins from WB
Cheers I wanted West Bromwich
@DJ98, WB don't operate Tridents, it will be a ALX400 B7TL on the 87.
Quote from: Jack on August 22, 2017, 10:00:41 PM
WB don't operate Tridents, it will be a ALX400 B7TL on the 87.
4738 - 4762? ;)
Then again, common sense would dictate that the allocated bus on its allocated route is not noteworthy at all. :P
Quote from: CL on August 22, 2017, 11:07:53 PM
4738 - 4762? ;)
Then again, common sense would dictate that the allocated bus on its allocated route is not noteworthy at all. :P
On NW thread he said a Trident was on the 87. I know the E400's on it are technically Trident but they are the usual allocation, I presumed he meant an ALX400 B7TL. :D
Quote from: Jack on August 22, 2017, 11:13:07 PM
On NW thread he said a Trident was on the 87. I know the E400's on it are technically Trident but they are the usual allocation, I presumed he meant an ALX400 B7TL. :D
Would've been a B7TL then, my bad. I just assumed Trident from the ALX400 body, since Trident is the most common chassis. Couldn't really tell from the distance though.
It was 4270 on 87 yesterday.
The 728 has been cancelled.
PD0001111/686 Cancelled
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD
Route: Phoenix Collegaite to West Bromwich
Service number: 728 (728)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 22 Oct 2017
I was looking at 4072's oldest photo, and it shows it outside Birdcage Walk in Dudley on the 87. I've always known the 87 to have came into Dudley through Castle Gate island, was it different back in 2004 or would this have just been a diversion?
@MasterPlan Enviro 400s aren't really that unusual on the 48
Quote from: DJ98 on September 13, 2017, 02:55:10 AM
I was looking at 4072's oldest photo, and it shows it outside Birdcage Walk in Dudley on the 87. I've always known the 87 to have came into Dudley through Castle Gate island, was it different back in 2004 or would this have just been a diversion?
There was a time when on late night journeys the 120 and 87 interworked, not sure if that had ended by 2004. If this is the case 4072 could have come into Dudley as a 120 and the destinations set ready to depart on the 87. Nights would be light in June.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 13, 2017, 10:31:12 PM
There was a time when on late night journeys the 120 and 87 interworked, not sure if that had ended by 2004. If this is the case 4072 could have come into Dudley as a 120 and the destinations set ready to depart on the 87. Nights would be light in June.
Ah, didn't know that, thanks for the insight. That does make sense now that I think about it.
Do you know how often the Presidents got onto the 401 on Sundays? I remember catching one home from visiting family in Bradley as a kid, but my memory isn't great. I do remember it being a Gemini most of the time though.
731 which I'm bringing down today is only a loan for a couple of months. So if you want to ride/photo/see it you won't have ling
Does the 74 divert away from the Hawthorns when there's a match on? I noticed a sign on the stops near the ground that the 74 doesn't stop there for up to 90 minutes after the matches end, and I only every saw them heading towards Birmingham while walking back into West Browmich, with none ever passing me towards Dudley.
Quote from: Tony on September 14, 2017, 12:08:39 PM
731 which I'm bringing down today is only a loan for a couple of months. So if you want to ride/photo/see it you won't have ling
It'll be attending showbus alongside 3304 tomorrow.
http://showbus.com/entry/entry2017.htm
805 is on the WB 89 today.
Quote from: CL on October 08, 2017, 07:45:59 PM
816 on the 48, according to a friend
Not unusual on a Sunday.
Sundays are Single Deckers (E200 and Omnilinks) from what i've seen.
Quote from: 2206 on October 08, 2017, 08:04:11 PM
Not unusual on a Sunday.
Sundays are Single Deckers (E200 and Omnilinks) from what i've seen.
Correct. Double deckers aren't required on Sunday's. I remember when the 447 & 448 ran, for a while, the B6LEs that spent the day on the 447 would spend the evening on the 448, the 448 was also 100% B6LE on Sunday's in those days
Ah ok, was just going by what's on the spreadsheet. E200's aren't listed at all for the 48
4245 is on the WB 74.
Surely West Brom must be soon up for a new bus station? It's ridiculous witnessed an argument between diamond and nx driver over the nx being on stand for 10 mins apparently- ended up with the inspector taking it to remove congestion.
42/43 diamond and nx buses have to reverse out of their stand to pull round the bus parked in front. Much worse than dudley
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 09, 2017, 05:49:16 PM
Surely West Brom must be soon up for a new bus station? It's ridiculous witnessed an argument between diamond and nx driver over the nx being on stand for 10 mins apparently- ended up with the inspector taking it to remove congestion.
42/43 diamond and nx buses have to reverse out of their stand to pull round the bus parked in front. Much worse than dudley
It's the traffic lights on the roads around the bus station. Last years two Diamond buses crashed into eachother because there wasn't not being enough room to go round an NX Bus. I would think Bradford Place is worse than this.
Any truth about west brom closing and possibly new garage great bridge area
Nxwm great bridge ?
Council are monitoring the garage noise levels with their decibel meter, council have said noise levels are unacceptable levels, drivers are no longer allowed to test vehicle horns in the morning at the garage. The old peoples home and few residents not happy, there is also a new assisted living housing est being built. Can't see how they won't complain when buses are running in and out.
Quote from: 2900 on November 19, 2017, 10:35:11 AM
Council are monitoring the garage noise levels with their decibel meter, council have said noise levels are unacceptable levels, drivers are no longer allowed to test vehicle horns in the morning at the garage. The old peoples home and few residents not happy, there is also a new assisted living housing est being built. Can't see how they won't complain when buses are running in and out.
Well who would have though that, constructing all those buildings over the road from a bus garage, and then there being noise from said bus garage, fancy that!
Quote from: 2900 on November 19, 2017, 10:35:11 AM
Council are monitoring the garage noise levels with their decibel meter, council have said noise levels are unacceptable levels, drivers are no longer allowed to test vehicle horns in the morning at the garage. The old peoples home and few residents not happy, there is also a new assisted living housing est being built. Can't see how they won't complain when buses are running in and out.
quinton was the same
Quote from: D10 on November 19, 2017, 11:32:06 AM
Well who would have though that, constructing all those buildings over the road from a bus garage, and then there being noise from said bus garage, fancy that!
Exactly! Same thing happened with Quinton garage in the 1990s which led to its closure. Annoyingly, I think that garage would have been perfectly placed to have still been around now as it could have had all the Harborne and Hagley Road routes taking pressure off BC and PN.
I am surprised Yardley Wood hasn't been the victim of clueless councillor petitioning about noise either, based on where it is situated.
Quote from: j789 on November 19, 2017, 11:58:21 AM
Exactly! Same thing happened with Quinton garage in the 1990s which led to its closure. Annoyingly, I think that garage would have been perfectly placed to have still been around now as it could have had all the Harborne and Hagley Road routes taking pressure off BC and PN.
I am surprised Yardley Wood hasn't been the victim of clueless councillor petitioning about noise either, based on where it is situated.
Same could be said of Perry Barr
Quote from: j789 on November 19, 2017, 11:58:21 AM
Exactly! Same thing happened with Quinton garage in the 1990s which led to its closure. Annoyingly, I think that garage would have been perfectly placed to have still been around now as it could have had all the Harborne and Hagley Road routes taking pressure off BC and PN.
I am surprised Yardley Wood hasn't been the victim of clueless councillor petitioning about noise either, based on where it is situated.
Agreed re Quinton, I was really surprised at the time when that closed, without knowing the circumstances behind it. The solution of trying to shoehorn most services into BC, HY and YW at the time, and the 136/7/140 going to WB seemed a bit of a short term fix - most of the services that moved on QN's closure have moved garage again since - the 22 and 23 being the exceptions.
Services on the west side of the city must incur a fair bit of dead mileage these days.
Quote from: Mike K on November 19, 2017, 01:38:25 PM
Agreed re Quinton, I was really surprised at the time when that closed, without knowing the circumstances behind it. The solution of trying to shoehorn most services into BC, HY and YW at the time, and the 136/7/140 going to WB seemed a bit of a short term fix - most of the services that moved on QN's closure have moved garage again since - the 22 and 23 being the exceptions.
Services on the west side of the city must incur a fair bit of dead mileage these days.
I bet the residents around Quinton garage are really happy, they've got rid of the bus depot but gained a Tesco.... :-)
Dudley garage was the same to noise levels, diesel smoke , now they have a bypass much better don't you think.
Had Quinton stayed open up to now,what routes would it be running,just out of interest?
Quote from: markcf83 on November 19, 2017, 03:05:17 PM
Had Quinton stayed open up to now,what routes would it be running,just out of interest?
Bit of a silly question.
It's not open anymore. Nobody knows what would have happened years after it closed had it stayed open.
Perhaps had it remained open one of the other garages may have closed. Nobody knows.
Quote from: markcf83 on November 19, 2017, 03:05:17 PM
Had Quinton stayed open up to now,what routes would it be running,just out of interest?
At the time Quinton closed it was operating a number of local Stourbridge services following the closure of Stourbridge and Hartshill garages and Pensnett didn't exist in its current form. So the make up and capacity of other garages has changed since it closed. If my memory serves me (the Black Country routes here might not be 100% correct) upon closure it operated the 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 (103), 29, 82, 136/7, 140, 241, 242, 247/8, 296, 297.
Quote from: Mike K on November 19, 2017, 03:23:30 PM
At the time Quinton closed it was operating a number of local Stourbridge services following the closure of Stourbridge and Hartshill garages and Pensnett didn't exist in its current form. So the make up and capacity of other garages has changed since it closed. If my memory serves me (the Black Country routes here might not be 100% correct) upon closure it operated the 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 (103), 29, 82, 136/7, 140, 241, 242, 247/8, 296, 297.
QN also operated Stourbridge Circulars 293/4/5 and peak 298/9. The 247A/248A operated hourly alongside the hourly 247/248.
In reality if it were open today it'd have most routes in that corner of the city (22/3/4/9, potentially 61/3) and BC would have more of the East routes taking pressure off PB (94) and AG (72/966 now X12)
If this noise thing becomes an issue then let's face it only PN and BC are safe. In London at the weekend I passed Willesden garage and that's in a similarly residential area, would they face the same issue down there or are London garage's and transport network iconic enough to have immunity from noise complaints?
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/sandwell/smethwick/2017/11/20/smethwick-high-street-blocked-after-van-and-bus-crash-leaves-three-injured/
If anyone wondered why Cape Hill was shut Yesterday
Bus involved was 4924
Quote from: Kevin on November 21, 2017, 08:09:19 AM
In reality if it were open today it'd have most routes in that corner of the city (22/3/4/9, potentially 61/3) and BC would have more of the East routes taking pressure off PB (94) and AG (72/966 now X12)
If this noise thing becomes an issue then let's face it only PN and BC are safe. In London at the weekend I passed Willesden garage and that's in a similarly residential area, would they face the same issue down there or are London garage's and transport network iconic enough to have immunity from noise complaints?
Suprised they never considered a super garage in South Staffs to replace Wolves & Walsall & possibly to have a go at Arriva?
Quote from: Westy on November 21, 2017, 12:05:46 PM
Suprised they never considered a super garage in South Staffs to replace Wolves & Walsall & possibly to have a go at Arriva?
Without going too much off topic, the way Arriva are exiting certain areas of their UK ops I can see them scaling back further.
Doubt South Staffs is prime bus territory, as the majority use alternative means of transport over the bus due to low frequencies / poor service provision / continual service cuts etc. The Arriva Midlands ops are on a downward spiral
Just to kill off some rumours 120 will not be moving from THE FARM , 128 wil not be returning to blackheath, the 127 could be terminated to blackheath April time, 49/89 should be getting an extra bus to improve reliability, that extra will come off a school service which is making no money, X87 is just an idea currently, with local elections next year nobody's going to rock the boat with huge bus service changes, as for garage closure just rumours full stop. This is what I heard myself at wesbrom garage management meeting a few days a go. Other items on the agenda included PVR reduction, and AVL I won't go into to much detail about those.
Quote from: 2900 on December 09, 2017, 11:56:18 AM
Just to kill off some rumours 120 will not be moving from THE FARM , 128 wil not be returning to blackheath, the 127 could be terminated to blackheath April time, 49/89 should be getting an extra bus to improve reliability, that extra will come off a school service which is making no money, X87 is just an idea currently, with local elections next year nobody's going to rock the boat with huge bus service changes, as for garage closure just rumours full stop. This is what I heard myself at wesbrom garage management meeting a few days a go. Other items on the agenda included PVR reduction, and AVL I won't go into to much detail about those.
Are the E400 currently being transfered from BC to WB to replace the ALX400 on the 127/8?
Quote from: 2206 on December 09, 2017, 06:25:36 PM
Are the E400 currently being transfered from BC to WB to replace the ALX400 on the 127/8?
No
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2017, 06:32:14 PM
No
So they're for the 5, or 48 then, as the other decker routes at WB already have a E400 don't they, or will they just be used on any WB decker route alongside ALX400?
Quote from: 2206 on December 09, 2017, 06:40:27 PM
So they're for the 5, or 48 then, as the other decker routes at WB already have a E400 don't they, or will they just be used on any WB decker route alongside ALX400?
Think they would be just ran alongside b7tl
I have heard on the grape vine the 5 service is to be upgraded , because you have platinums from city, I don't see what that has to do with it , the 5 comes from westbromwich, may be the 4700s could go the 5 being euro 4 emissions, and the 4900s being euro 5 emissions on the 82/87 which would come into alignment with the 80s having these already
Quote from: 2900 on December 12, 2017, 10:48:04 AM
I have heard on the grape vine the 5 service is to be upgraded , because you have platinums from city, I don't see what that has to do with it , the 5 comes from westbromwich, may be the 4700s could go the 5 being euro 4 emissions, and the 4900s being euro 5 emissions on the 82/87 which would come into alignment with the 80s having these already
When the 529 became Platinum and it became clear it wasn't just for express routes I thought the 5 would be a good contender
I also heard 15 plate platinums for the 5 , but I dismissed that idea completely, I guess anything is possible
Quote from: karl724223 on November 17, 2017, 09:47:43 PM
Any truth about west brom closing and possibly new garage great bridge area
Nxwm great bridge ?
Found the attached from a few years back.http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/22081/west_bromwich_area_action_plan_part_2.pdf
@MasterPlan there's nothing usually about an Enviro 400 being on the 48/A.
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 17, 2017, 01:44:30 AM
@MasterPlan there's nothing usually about an Enviro 400 being on the 48/A.
It's usually an ALX400 or an Omnilink.
The spreadsheet doesn't mention e400 either. So if there's a change surely it needs to be mentioned?
With ALX400s been replaced by Enviro400s, they will be more regular on the 48. They did appear on there before the recent transfers from time to time
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 17, 2017, 06:54:16 AM
It's usually an ALX400 or an Omnilink.
The spreadsheet doesn't mention e400 either. So if there's a change surely it needs to be mentioned?
Possibly, it should. I see the 48/A more than any other route (the bus stop is 5 mins up the road). Currently, it's a mixed bag of Omnilinks, ALX400s & 49** Enviros - apart from Sunday's, of course
@Tony any reason why WB 834/5/6/7/8 have lost there route branding.
Quote from: WB Driver on January 01, 2018, 06:31:12 PM
@Tony any reason why WB 834/5/6/7/8 have lost there route branding.
Might be something to do with the price changes
WB are getting new ticket machines now, I saw 4262 on the 5 with one in Sutton earlier today.
Does anyone know what garage are next?
Quote from: MW on January 03, 2018, 04:57:14 PM
WN5405 1 Wolverhampton - Dudley
Another first lol. The drivers keep giving me evils as they stare out of ticket on the WA/WN buses I've caught so far but I'm guessing that's because I've got a daysaver issued on the old ticket machines which you don't get on this side of the region anymore.Straight away I noticed how cold it was on this bus compared to the Platinum I just got off! The interior was welcoming, just like the other hybrid I caught earlier on Bristol Road. The rear downstairs seats however were terrible. Very hard seats. I remember 4738-62 being like this when I used to get them on the 50 many years ago. It's not as noisey on this bus compared to the B5LH. The drive train is interesting. Seems like it's a CVT style gearbox where the engine just revs constantly and the speed increases as the clutch is gradually released. It has that sort of electric whine as well which sounds good. I think I prefer this to the Volvo B5LH, it definitely sounds better.
You still get buses in Dudley with the old machines. WB enter Dudley Bus Station and they still have buses with the old machines, the E400 i've seen on the 5 today that still have them.
Quote from: 2206 on January 08, 2018, 03:16:36 PM
WB are getting new ticket machines now, I saw 4262 on the 5 with one in Sutton earlier today.
Does anyone know what garage are next?
You still get buses in Dudley with the old machines. WB enter Dudley Bus Station and they still have buses with the old machines, the E400 i've seen on the 5 today that still have them.
Well they can't change ticket machines that fast.... WB does have 180 odd buses
Walsall is in progress too
Leaves BC and Borlesley, would say BC as the platinums have the new machines
Quote from: Chris on January 08, 2018, 04:25:09 PM
Well they can't change ticket machines that fast.... WB does have 180 odd buses
Walsall is in progress too
Leaves BC and Borlesley, would say BC as the platinums have the new machines
I never said they could change them that fast?
BY? All the BY Omnilinks already have them, they were 3rd to have them after Perry Barr and Coventry.
Acocks Green and Yardley Wood are still yet to have them as well
@Chris.
I forgot about AG and YW hahaha
How come the 74s don't seem to be tracking on the app anymore?
@MasterPlan 74s appear to be tracking now.
On a separate note, what was 4738 doing in Jewellery Quarter this afternoon/evening? Was parked up on the kerb for a bit before driving down a few yards to the Red Lion on Warstone Lane. Had Private Hire on the displays. Anymore intel on this, or just an exclusive pub crawl? lol
Caught a photo of 4780 passing it.
Quote from: CL on January 19, 2018, 10:24:40 PM
@MasterPlan 74s appear to be tracking now.
On a separate note, what was 4738 doing in Jewellery Quarter this afternoon/evening? Was parked up on the kerb for a bit before driving down a few yards to the Red Lion on Warstone Lane. Had Private Hire on the displays. Anymore intel on this, or just an exclusive pub crawl? lol
Caught a photo of 4780 passing it.
Might be the same one I saw at Aston Cross earlier this afternoon heading into City
Quote from: CL on January 19, 2018, 10:24:40 PM
@MasterPlan 74s appear to be tracking now.
On a separate note, what was 4738 doing in Jewellery Quarter this afternoon/evening? Was parked up on the kerb for a bit before driving down a few yards to the Red Lion on Warstone Lane. Had Private Hire on the displays. Anymore intel on this, or just an exclusive pub crawl? lol
Caught a photo of 4780 passing it.
theyve been tracking for nearly a week now
Quote from: CL on January 19, 2018, 10:24:40 PM
@MasterPlan 74s appear to be tracking now.
On a separate note, what was 4738 doing in Jewellery Quarter this afternoon/evening? Was parked up on the kerb for a bit before driving down a few yards to the Red Lion on Warstone Lane. Had Private Hire on the displays. Anymore intel on this, or just an exclusive pub crawl? lol
Was taking groups from the Copthorne Hotel to various places around Birmingham.
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 19, 2018, 10:30:19 PM
theyve been tracking for nearly a week now
Didn't take much notice of it until this afternoon, when three were expected to come at the same time! (4 mins, 5 miins, 5 mins) ! :P Aha
Quote from: WB Driver on January 19, 2018, 10:40:42 PM
Was taking groups from the Copthorne Hotel to various places around Birmingham.
Cheers
@WB Driver
4929 has had yellow route branding applied for the 5 (West Bromwich to Sutton Coldfield). There is a photo somewhere on Facebook.
Quote from: Nathan on January 28, 2018, 05:30:41 PM
4929 has had yellow route branding applied for the 5 (West Bromwich to Sutton Coldfield). There is a photo somewhere on Facebook.
Oh no, why put branding on red and white buses !
Quote from: Nathan on January 28, 2018, 05:30:41 PM
4929 has had yellow route branding applied for the 5 (West Bromwich to Sutton Coldfield). There is a photo somewhere on Facebook.
Yep, same style as the 80. Looks good. I presume 4927-4937 will be branded? Nice to see that they rebranded it in yellow.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 28, 2018, 05:54:19 PM
Oh no, why put branding on red and white buses !
What's wrong with branding red and white buses? Looks smart, main thing it's not green or blue!
Quote from: Jack on January 28, 2018, 05:54:59 PM
Yep, same style as the 80. Looks good. I presume 4927-4937 will be branded? Nice to see that they rebranded it in yellow.
What's wrong with branding red and white buses? Looks smart, main thing it's not green or blue!
I wish they would just brand Crimson buses. Tourist's coming to the West Midlands probably think there are to different bus companies !
I don't see the point of branding the red & whites, especially as the vehicles concerned will more than likely get a crimson repaint in the next few years, and why put new style branding on the red & whites?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 28, 2018, 06:25:59 PM
Tourist's coming to the West Midlands probably think there are to different bus companies !
Amazing isn't it
NXWM have 3 liveries in use and people "probably think there are to different bus companies"
Nottingham has multiple liveries on both main operators and it is genuinely difficult to tell which is Trent and which is Nottingham yet both get praised as top operators.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 28, 2018, 06:25:59 PM
Tourist's coming to the West Midlands probably think there are to different bus companies !
I the line of work that do, I deal with 90% of people who are not local to the Midlands. Both national and international guests. Never, have I been asked about any local buses. Trains, yes. Planes, yes. Local taxi firms, walking, cycle routes. Never buses.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 28, 2018, 06:25:59 PM
I wish they would just brand Crimson buses. Tourist's coming to the West Midlands probably think there are to different bus companies !
Not hard to tell, all buses in the NXWM fleet say National Express West Midlands.
The only time people are going to care who operates the bus is if they've bought a pass/ticket that excludes certain operators, eg. on the 11 someone buys a NX pass/day ticket that excludes Social Travel/DTS.
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2018, 06:36:17 PM
Amazing isn't it NXWM have 3 liveries in use and people "probably think there are to different bus companies"
Nottingham has multiple liveries on both main operators and it is genuinely difficult to tell which is Trent and which is Nottingham yet both get praised as top operators.
I DID GET ASKED IF THE RED X10 GOES THE SAME WAY AS THE GREY X10 YESTERDAY
Quote from: Westy on January 28, 2018, 06:30:15 PM
I don't see the point of branding the red & whites, especially as the vehicles concerned will more than likely get a crimson repaint in the next few years, and why put new style branding on the red & whites?
If NXWM only repaint 50 double deckers a year, then these would be done in the next two years if they go in date order - thus plenty of life for the branding - which will also cover up faded red nicely as well 😏 👍
4929 now with yellow instead of black
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4929.html
Quote from: Tony on January 29, 2018, 11:51:44 AM
4929 now with yellow instead of black
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4929.html
yellow branding matches the wing mirrors 😂
I have to say, this style of branding looks really good. It adorns the vehicle well and makes it stand out.
Good, I'm pleased that for the first time since the demise of the Presidents, the 451 is getting dedicated buses. The fact these are ex-Sutton machines is even sweeter!
Have anymore E400's received the new 5 branding?
Quote from: Jack on February 05, 2018, 07:05:29 PM
Have anymore E400's received the new 5 branding?
4930, 4932 and 4933
4928, 34 & 35 have all received 5 route Branding.
4967 has lost its Soho Rd branding but not sure why.
Quote from: WB Driver on February 12, 2018, 02:09:44 PM
4928, 34 & 35 have all received 5 route Branding.
4967 has lost its Soho Rd branding but not sure why.
all of it
@WB Driver
Saw i presume a WB omnilink near Stourbridge junction railway station. Bit far away from West Brom?
Quote from: Jack on February 10, 2018, 04:01:03 PM
Not madly unusual but 757 is on WB 46, wonder what's doing the 44 today?
A bit late to reply to this but it was 834 on 44 on that day.
Having seen 2 e200 which apparently aren't walsall- I believe West Brom's- I'm speculating whether the 4/4H/4M may move to West Brom or they're PN e200s im not sure. Maybe something to do with garage closures?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 16, 2018, 11:47:31 AM
Having seen 2 e200 which apparently aren't walsall- I believe West Brom's- I'm speculating whether the 4/4H/4M may move to West Brom or they're PN e200s im not sure. Maybe something to do with garage closures?
Stop posting complete rubbish. It appears you have seen 823.
No I've no idea why it has gone around Hayley Green, but it has
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2018, 11:59:24 AM
Stop posting complete rubbish. It appears you have seen 823.
No I've no idea why it has gone around Hayley Green, but it has
There's another e200 as well.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 16, 2018, 12:01:48 PM
There's another e200 as well.
Haven't you thought as you haven't seen the fleetnumber it could be the same one twice
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2018, 12:06:19 PM
Haven't you thought as you haven't seen the fleetnumber it could be the same one twice
Maybe but that would mean it just riding round Hayley green which seems a bit weird? X9 route learning one could dream haha
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 16, 2018, 12:10:10 PM
Maybe but that would mean it just riding round Hayley green which seems a bit weird? X9 route learning one could dream haha
There is on thing a bit weird
4937 now 5 branded.
Not 100% sure but I think 4968 is also unbranded now from soho road
4257 out on late night 5's, since it went to E400's they seemingly now do late nights. Nice having one of these for late night thrash.
Quote from: Jack6101 on February 19, 2018, 08:02:23 PM
Not 100% sure but I think 4968 is also unbranded now from soho road
Yes it is.
How come 4967 and 4968 have been debranded?
Quote from: 2206 on February 21, 2018, 04:34:00 PM
How come 4967 and 4968 have been debranded?
So they can be used on other routes now that the 5 service is branded.
With 754 being on the 74 this morning any idea what was covering on the 44. Posted this earlier but obviously in the wrong thread.
813 was on the 44 should have been 757 but had a problem in garage this morning so was swapped.
757 was eventually swapped onto the 46 in the afternoon.
Quote from: WB Driver on February 27, 2018, 05:46:11 PM
813 was on the 44 should have been 757 but had a problem in garage this morning so was swapped.
757 was eventually swapped onto the 46 in the afternoon.
Thank you for the information
@CL I wouldnn't say so, they're not a regular enough occurrence. Some other bus types can get on there during peak hours
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 01, 2018, 06:47:35 AM
@CL I wouldnn't say so, they're not a regular enough occurrence. Some other bus types can get on there during peak hours
Fair enough, these sightings have usually just been one bus on the day I've seen them.
A Ticket Branded 474X, 4740 I think was on Edgbaston Park Road and Church Road in Edgbaston at about 13:30 today with passengers on displaying Park And Ride, does anyone know what it was doing? Something to do with the University of Birmingham, Johnsons usually do a Park and Ride shuttle when they have an open day or something on?
It looked odd seeing a double decker on Edgbaston Park Road and a E400 round there.
Quote from: 2206 on March 24, 2018, 11:31:53 PM
A Ticket Branded 474X, 4740 I think was on Edgbaston Park Road and Church Road in Edgbaston at about 13:30 today with passengers on displaying Park And Ride, does anyone know what it was doing? Something to do with the University of Birmingham, Johnsons usually do a Park and Ride shuttle when they have an open day or something on?
It looked odd seeing a double decker on Edgbaston Park Road and a E400 round there.
Not 4740, would have been one of the tacho pair on a private hire for a school
4275 ALX400 B7TL
This has been parked outside the admin block for a while now ,steering wheel covered up in a high viz jacket, by the looks of it, it looks withdrawn from service.
Quote from: 2900 on March 27, 2018, 02:45:50 PM
4275 ALX400 B7TL
This has been parked outside the admin block for a while now ,steering wheel covered up in a high viz jacket, by the looks of it, it looks withdrawn from service.
No. Trap fitted so won't be withdrawn
I was thinkin that, it's had the euro 6 treatment so plenty of life in that old bus
1938? On the 5 if of any interest.
4958 on 120A today not often I see deckers on there
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 14, 2018, 09:52:24 PM
4958 on 120A today not often I see deckers on there
I saw an E200 on it which I don't think is usual.
Quote from: Jack on April 14, 2018, 10:34:59 PM
I saw an E200 on it which I don't think is usual.
It isn't, you do get one on there on Saturdays
4274 - 74
@MasterPlan isn't it usual to have the E400's on the 48/A?
Quote from: Jack on April 26, 2018, 07:10:28 PM
@MasterPlan isn't it usual to have the E400's on the 48/A?
Usually B7 / ALX or Scanias
Quote from: filbus1 on April 26, 2018, 07:42:27 PM
Usually B7 / ALX or Scanias
I've seen a few on there on Saturdays but not many on weekdays
Quote from: Jack on April 26, 2018, 07:10:28 PM
@MasterPlan isn't it usual to have the E400's on the 48/A?
Not really? Besides if it is then the spreadsheet needs updating then.
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 26, 2018, 08:08:50 PM
Not really? Besides if it is then the spreadsheet needs updating then.
There is one on their quite often recently. Not a regular or booked working though
Quote from: Tony on April 26, 2018, 08:11:19 PM
There is one on their quite often recently. Not a regular or booked working though
Some B7TLs missing?
822 on the 48
Is something up with the deckers? I've seen 3 omnilinks on the 5 at pheasey in the last ten minutes.
Most of the buses on the 80/80A/82/87/89 that i've seen today are advertising that they are accepting contactless payments now
Quote from: OH25 on May 03, 2018, 12:26:19 PM
Most of the buses on the 80/80A/82/87/89 that i've seen today are advertising that they are accepting contactless payments now
I think it's gone live every where as WN had it also
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 03, 2018, 12:30:06 PM
I think it's gone live every where as WN had it also
Contactless is now available on all routes operating from the 4 black country garages (PN, WA, WB and WN) and the BC operated journeys on the 9. Birmingham garages will be coming soon.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 03, 2018, 12:30:06 PM
I think it's gone live every where as WN had it also
Only live in Black Country at the moment.
Are you able to pay for day tickets with contactless, or can you only get singles?
Quote from: StourValley98 on May 03, 2018, 05:30:15 PM
Are you able to pay for day tickets with contactless, or can you only get singles?
Only singles but you are not charged more than a daysaver price if you go on more than one bus
Quote from: John on May 03, 2018, 05:55:53 PM
Only singles but you are not charged more than a daysaver price if you go on more than one bus
Good, I was worried any such technology wouldn't include a cap like that
Quote from: John on May 03, 2018, 05:55:53 PM
Only singles but you are not charged more than a daysaver price if you go on more than one bus
Ah, that makes sense. Will it be capped at the Sandwell & Dudley daysaver price though, if I only travel in that area, or at the regular daysaver price?
What's the pvr for the 40 on a Sunday, just looking at the timetable the inbound service arrives at wb at 50 and 20 and the departure times are 50 and 20 as well, or is there interworking with another service
Quote from: 37351ml on May 07, 2018, 01:37:28 PM
What's the pvr for the 40 on a Sunday, just looking at the timetable the inbound service arrives at wb at 50 and 20 and the departure times are 50 and 20 as well, or is there interworking with another service
Interworks with the 46.
Quote from: Kevin on May 03, 2018, 06:06:56 PM
Good, I was worried any such technology wouldn't include a cap like that
Still light-years behind the Oyster / Contactless capping system...
The 'only in the Black Country' wording is very woolly too and not very clear for the average customer.
4240 is on the 120A. Noteworthy? Not seen an ALX for a while.
1951 - 5
4758 on the 120A
Quote from: Jack6101 on May 30, 2018, 07:32:43 PM
also 4967 or8 was on there too
I'm sure I saw 4967 on the 74.
Quote from: Jack6101 on May 30, 2018, 07:32:43 PM
also 4967 or8 was on there too
4968 was allocated from the start and did the whole day
4758 was a late afternoon change bus for 1951
4274 - 74
Quote from: Jack on June 02, 2018, 06:29:46 PM
4274 - 74
4274 was the Dudley Road 82/87 on Friday as well.
The main website is not showing that 4932 & 4936 have received route 5 branding which I noticed on Saturday.
P.S. The open day was good.
Ian Hardy
818 & 49** are on the 120A
how come 4968 has been debranded
Quote from: Jordan on June 23, 2018, 05:43:48 PM
how come 4968 has been debranded
It's been like that for a while IIRC.
They debranded a few from the Soho Road, after the 5 started to receive branding. I heard it was to allow some versatility within the E400 allocation, now that a few has received some branding - how true that is, I'm not sure. However, it does make some sense to me.
oh okay then thanks
Quote from: CL on June 23, 2018, 05:46:19 PM
It's been like that for a while IIRC.
They debranded a few from the Soho Road, after the 5 started to receive branding. I heard it was to allow some versatility within the E400 allocation, now that a few has received some branding - how true that is, I'm not sure. However, it does make some sense to me.
Only 4967 and 4968 were debranded.
While driving behind 4749 the other day, I couldn't help but notice that (the rear display still isn't working and) the 82 & 87 to Victoria Park are advertised. The 82 doesn't serve Victoria Road, literally every 8* bus serves Victoria Park more directly than the 82 (the 80, 87 & 89 stopping right outside of it). If you want to get off on Waterloo Road and have a 5 minute walk to Victoria Park, that's fine, but it's in no way direct
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 03, 2018, 01:59:30 PM
Omnilink on 127
1945. I never realised how loud the coolers were on the Scanias until they moved to WB
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 03, 2018, 06:12:02 PM
1945. I never realised how loud the coolers were on the Scanias until they moved to WB
Yup they can get pretty loud. Not on B7TL level though, but definitely loud. Summer of 2015, I remember driving them up and down Warwick Road. You regularly see the YW ones with cooling fans on blaring up and down Stratford Road. I remember I managed to get 2206's (the bus, not the guy on here) cooling fans on, shortly before it broke down and needed a new alternator belt (unrelated to cooling I know, although it had a burning smell) on its second day in service. The first day it barely left the depot and broke down.
4290 is on loan to West Brom today. It's on the 49.
Quote from: Nathan on July 17, 2018, 12:44:39 PM
4290 is on loan to West Brom today. It's on the 49.
It will be there for some time though. It's cover while WB put more E200s through paint
814 is now in the full WMB livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/814.html
Quote from: Tony on August 14, 2018, 03:02:46 PM
814 is now in the full WMB livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/814.html
Crimson would of been better, this livery is quite bland
When I saw WMB - I thought of the WM Buses era (1994-96) and the blue/silver and red. Alas, not the same colours this time. Looks fairly similar to the crimson, from a distance I guess!
Wonder if it will gain branding for the 42/3
Quote from: Tony on August 14, 2018, 03:02:46 PM
814 is now in the full WMB livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/814.html
What on Earth is going on with the front logo?
They clearly ignored any corporate branding guidance when doing that!
Quote from: Straightlines on August 14, 2018, 04:38:51 PM
What on Earth is going on with the front logo?
They clearly ignored any corporate branding guidance when doing that!
It's been changed since the orignal mock-up on 4878, presumably so passengers can tell NXWM & Diamond apart.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4700-4879/4878.html
The two reds are so similar that it looks like just another plain red bus from a distance.
Just looks a rubbish London rip off, bring back the classy crimson!
Quote from: V89MOA on August 14, 2018, 06:15:32 PM
Just looks a rubbish London rip off, bring back the classy crimson!
I agree, it reminds me of 4177 - London Lookalikes!
Quote from: Tony on August 14, 2018, 03:02:46 PM
814 is now in the full WMB livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/814.html
I don't think it actually looks that bad. The thing that sticks out for me (or the opposite) is the colour of the font of the word 'Bus', it's hard to read
Is the Coventry version [if there is one] going to follow the same pattern - i.e. a lot of blue. Or will NXC just carry on painting buses in the current two-tone blue livery?
Quote from: paulb1973 on August 15, 2018, 12:16:38 AM
Is the Coventry version [if there is one] going to follow the same pattern - i.e. a lot of blue. Or will NXC just carry on painting buses in the current two-tone blue livery?
two tone livery I think
Quote from: V89MOA on August 14, 2018, 06:15:32 PM
Just looks a rubbish London rip off, bring back the classy crimson!
It's awful. Just awful. Please bring back crimson.
Notices up on WB buses about the 42/43 from September, 3 separate notices about the service, the ticket validity, and contactless payment
You can guarantee people won't read them but at least they're getting the message out
Quote from: Kevin on August 16, 2018, 12:00:42 AM
Notices up on WB buses about the 42/43 from September, 3 separate notices about the service, the ticket validity, and contactless payment
You can guarantee people won't read them but at least they're getting the message out
I thought the 42/43 were re-launching from Monday (19th August), 31/32 was from 2nd Sept
Quote from: Winston on August 16, 2018, 12:02:40 AM
I thought the 42/43 were re-launching from Monday (19th August), 31/32 was from 2nd Sept
wonder if they have put it back to September
Quote from: Winston on August 16, 2018, 12:02:40 AM
I thought the 42/43 were re-launching from Monday (19th August), 31/32 was from 2nd Sept
Starts Sunday 19th August.
Quote from: lauren1993 on August 15, 2018, 08:32:03 AM
It's awful. Just awful. Please bring back crimson.
Just add the gold puma stripe from Crimson livery then it's not million miles away.
I assume NX will provide 8 enviro 200s for the 42/43
What will diamond supply, my guess 2 b7s, 2 solos, enviro 200s, 2 enviro 300s , for variety
Quote from: 2900 on August 17, 2018, 02:36:58 PM
Just add the gold puma stripe from Crimson livery then it's not million miles away.
I assume NX will provide 8 enviro 200s for the 42/43
What will diamond supply, my guess 2 b7s, 2 solos, enviro 200s, 2 enviro 300s , for variety
You guess wrong, 6 x 62 plate B7RLE/Wright are being re-branded in TfWM livery (much better than E200's)
Quote from: 2900 on August 17, 2018, 02:36:58 PM
Just add the gold puma stripe from Crimson livery then it's not million miles away.
I assume NX will provide 8 enviro 200s for the 42/43
What will diamond supply, my guess 2 b7s, 2 solos, enviro 200s, 2 enviro 300s , for variety
6 E200s from NX (811-816)
6 B7RLES from Diamond (30525-7; 30924-6)
Most of the Diamond contribution will be heading there from Bristol if not already there.
Quote from: markcf83 on August 17, 2018, 04:10:40 PM
Most of the Diamond contribution will be heading there from Bristol if not already there.
No it's not. I've already posted the fleet numbers. They are all coming from Hounslow, released by the new Streetlites off the 555
Quote from: markcf83 on August 17, 2018, 04:10:40 PM
Most of the Diamond contribution will be heading there from Bristol if not already there.
No, they have come from Hallmark, Heathrow released by 9 new WF/DF Streetlites.
Quote from: Winston on August 17, 2018, 02:46:43 PM
You guess wrong, 6 x 62 plate B7RLE/Wright are being re-branded in TfWM livery (much better than E200's)
That's a turn up for the book - Diamond providing a better calibre or vehicle than NXWM.
Quote from: Mike K on August 17, 2018, 05:08:41 PM
That's a turn up for the book - Diamond providing a better calibre or vehicle than NXWM.
Really? The 4H has the 4 13 reg b7RLES as well as 07 reg ones, compared with nx who use 09 plate scans and 06/56 plate B7RLES?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 17, 2018, 05:13:31 PM
Really? The 4H has the 4 13 reg b7RLES as well as 07 reg ones, compared with nx who use 09 plate scans and 06/56 plate B7RLES?
I was thinking in terms of the overall fleets in general rather than one or two routes. The Scanias and older B7RLEs are decent enough buses - light years ahead of the shockingly bad E200.
Quote from: Mike K on August 17, 2018, 05:43:43 PM
I was thinking in terms of the overall fleets in general rather than one or two routes. The Scanias and older B7RLEs are decent enough buses - light years ahead of the shockingly bad E200.
The 42/43 has been enviro 200 since they have arrived
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 17, 2018, 05:13:31 PM
Really? The 4H has the 4 13 reg b7RLES as well as 07 reg ones, compared with nx who use 09 plate scans and 06/56 plate B7RLES?
NX use 57/58/09 plate Omnilinks and 56 plate B7RLE's.
Diamond also have YJ56 PAO (30407) branded for 4H.
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on August 17, 2018, 06:19:36 PM
The 42/43 has been enviro 200 since they have arrived
No they haven't was merdesdes 405N up till 2014/5
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 17, 2018, 08:41:02 PM
No they haven't was merdesdes 405N up till 2014/5
They've been a mix of both since the 0405N's left. Think the same can be said for the 45.
Why can't nx bus use scania buses on 42/43 to match diamonds volo b7's
Diamond will now have newer buses with greater capacity, interesting!!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on August 17, 2018, 08:56:13 PM
Diamond will now have newer buses with greater capacity, interesting!!
All 12 buses are 62 plate
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 17, 2018, 08:41:02 PM
No they haven't was merdesdes 405N up till 2014/5
What I meant was since the enviro 200 have came they have been allocated to the routes
Quote from: Jack on August 17, 2018, 08:46:02 PM
They've been a mix of both since the 0405N's left. Think the same can be said for the 45.
Its not. Scanias are hardly used on the 42/43.
Quote from: Dom on August 17, 2018, 09:53:16 PM
Its not. Scanias are hardly used on the 42/43.
Where have you got that from? I just said it was usual to see a mix of 0405N's and E200's on the 42/43 till the 0405N's left. I referred to the 45 as that was the same as it was a mix of 0405N's and E200's till the Merc's left. The 45 is barely Omnilink now seems to be solid E400 and ALX400's.
Quote from: Jack on August 17, 2018, 10:35:17 PM
Where have you got that from? I just said it was usual to see a mix of 0405N's and E200's on the 42/43 till the 0405N's left. I referred to the 45 as that was the same as it was a mix of 0405N's and E200's till the Merc's left. The 45 is barely Omnilink now seems to be solid E400 and ALX400's.
"mix of both since"
Quote from: Tony on August 14, 2018, 03:02:46 PM
814 is now in the full WMB livery
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/814.html
I know a lot will disagree with me, but I really like that, nice and plain. Will all NXWM buses eventually be this colour?
Nx bus 37 seats diamond 44 seats so how come nx bus are using e200 v volo diamond would of thought nx bus would of had same seating or transferred some buses from another depot BC PL WA to WB as it can get busy on there
Quote from: PinkBus on August 17, 2018, 11:07:26 PM
I know a lot will disagree with me, but I really like that, nice and plain. Will all NXWM buses eventually be this colour?
No, if you read back through earlier posts all is explained.
Quote from: filbus1 on August 18, 2018, 06:35:35 AM
No, if you read back through earlier posts all is explained.
A pointer would be helpful filbus. Surely it doesn't mean yet another livery only on certain joint services. 'One Network' suggests otherwise. If the current livery continues on NX vehicles it has to be seen as a step back from One anything, surely?
Quote from: RW on August 18, 2018, 06:45:05 AM
A pointer would be helpful filbus. Surely it doesn't mean yet another livery only on certain joint services. 'One Network' suggests otherwise. If the current livery continues on NX vehicles it has to be seen as a step back from One anything, surely?
As you say, joint services only.
Quote from: Solo1 on August 18, 2018, 05:47:54 AM
Nx bus 37 seats diamond 44 seats so how come nx bus are using e200 v volo diamond would of thought nx bus would of had same seating or transferred some buses from another depot BC PL WA to WB as it can get busy on there
Why? It must cope with Enviro200s for them to still be on there
Quote from: John on August 18, 2018, 07:13:00 AM
Why? It must cope with Enviro200s for them to still be on there
I've used the routes all my life, back when they were the 401/402/402A, they can certainly cope with the E200's without issues. In fact, I think Diamond would've been better off using smaller vehicles too, due to that tight corner on Cupfields Avenue. It coped fine back then with the Pete's/Diamond Darts and the TWM B6's, which are fairly close to an E200, capacity wise, I think.
Either way, I'm glad it's seeing some investment on the Diamond side of things, hopefully they don't pull out of this at a later date, like last time they invested in the routes with the 'Black Diamond Royale' buses, only to go back to Darts a while later.
So 'One Network' introduces yet another livery into the WM!!
Quote from: StourValley98 on August 18, 2018, 11:54:37 AM
I've used the routes all my life, back when they were the 401/402/402A, they can certainly cope with the E200's without issues. In fact, I think Diamond would've been better off using smaller vehicles too, due to that tight corner on Cupfields Avenue. It coped fine back then with the Pete's/Diamond Darts and the TWM B6's, which are fairly close to an E200, capacity wise, I think.
Either way, I'm glad it's seeing some investment on the Diamond side of things, hopefully they don't pull out of this at a later date, like last time they invested in the routes with the 'Black Diamond Royale' buses, only to go back to Darts a while later.
The Black Diamond Royale's were bought new for the 9.
Quote from: John on August 18, 2018, 07:13:00 AM
Why? It must cope with Enviro200s for them to still be on there
Have diamond been told to use modern vehicles? I would use some old darts if I was Simon Dunn, seeing as though their essentially the same company with nx on this route
813 has had new logos put on
Quote from: Winston on August 18, 2018, 12:24:04 PM
The Black Diamond Royale's were bought new for the 9.
I may have been getting mixed up with the regular Black Diamond Centros then, but there were certainly some brought in new for the 404 and the 401/2 at the time.
Quote from: StourValley98 on August 18, 2018, 05:33:32 PM
I may have been getting mixed up with the regular Black Diamond Centros then, but there were certainly some brought in new for the 404 and the 401/2 at the time.
Yes the standard ones. 30502 was one of them.
Seen the notice in the garage yesterday 82/87 will use the 89 route to colmore row from 2nd sept ,excellent news from a drivers point of view, hate doing the city loop.
Also saves on 2 buses being run around the , less carbon footprint for those environmentalists.
Some interesting allocations today with 1938 on the 13/A, 4228 on the 49, and at least one ALX400 on the 48
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 02, 2018, 04:07:42 PM
Some interesting allocations today with 1938 on the 13/A, 4228 on the 49, and at least one ALX400 on the 48
There was a scania on the 3
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 02, 2018, 04:07:42 PM
Some interesting allocations today with 1938 on the 13/A, 4228 on the 49, and at least one ALX400 on the 48
Omnilinks are the booked type on Sunday 13/A's
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on September 02, 2018, 04:12:34 PM
There was a scania on the 3
Same goes (albeit its the allocation throughout the week too)
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 02, 2018, 04:07:42 PM
Some interesting allocations today with 1938 on the 13/A, 4228 on the 49, and at least one ALX400 on the 48
Isn't that the norm?
Quote from: 2900 on August 27, 2018, 09:56:52 AM
Seen the notice in the garage yesterday 82/87 will use the 89 route to colmore row from 2nd sept ,excellent news from a drivers point of view, hate doing the city loop.
Also saves on 2 buses being run around the , less carbon footprint for those environmentalists.
paradise circus is closed so that reason
Seems that the ALX400 on the 48 last Sunday was an anomaly, just E200s & Omnilinks on it today by the looks of it
4738 is on the 12A if of any interest
Not exactly noteworthy exactly but 4741 on the 74.
Following the Dudley service changes does WB still operate a peak morning board on the former 140 / 241 routes, now 14 and X8?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 20, 2018, 09:55:21 PM
Following the Dudley service changes does WB still operate a peak morning board on the former 140 / 241 routes, now 14 and X8?
There was a WB 495x E400 on the X8 the other morning.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 20, 2018, 09:55:21 PM
Following the Dudley service changes does WB still operate a peak morning board on the former 140 / 241 routes, now 14 and X8?
Yes, on the X8. Running board 74/10 starts at Bearwood at 06:30 towards Wolverhampton; arrives there at 07:36. It departs on the 07:43 X8 from Wolverhampton, arriving in Birmingham (Colmore Row) at 09:29, then goes onto the Soho Rd for the rest of the day.
The 23:08 80A has not shown up in Birmingham
Anybody know why?
Update:
The 23:38 80 has disappeared off the bus stop too!
Does West Bromwich garage do a journey on WA 4 and WA 6
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 08, 2018, 08:00:39 PM
Does West Bromwich garage do a journey on WA 4 and WA 6
used to but not now.
There is a car accident in Cape Hill so I'd expect the 80/80A and 82/87/89 to all be affected from now.
Two WB 42**s not in service at the inbound and outbound stops by University Station. Not sure if they're broken down or not but that was a strange sight.
Quote from: MasterPlan on October 14, 2018, 01:53:24 PM
Two WB 42**s not in service at the inbound and outbound stops by University Station. Not sure if they're broken down or not but that was a strange sight.
One broken down and the other the change bus / engineers?
Travelled on 4927 on the 12A today. What a great bus. Fast, fairly smooth. I'm sure there not all as good as that mind. Really enjoyed the route and bus
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 18, 2018, 08:43:59 PM
Travelled on 4927 on the 12A today. What a great bus. Fast, fairly smooth. I'm sure there not all as good as that mind. Really enjoyed the route and bus
4927 was one of the better ones, just seemed to be a bit faster
It had around 30,000 miles less than the others from its time off the road when we had it
Quote from: John on October 18, 2018, 09:18:14 PM
4927 was one of the better ones, just seemed to be a bit faster
It had around 30,000 miles less than the others from its time off the road when we had it
It was a rocket today between Oldbury and bearwood, then the driver must have been running early as he eased off a bit
Is this what they do before sending them into paint
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/815.html
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 20, 2018, 11:59:44 PM
Is this what they do before sending them into paint
http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/0501-0830/815.html
Tony mentioned on Facebook that it's common for buses to get panels replaced like that before going into repaints, you can tell that it's been done on the B7RLEs by comparing one from before and after a repaint, as the original livery version would've had a ridge on the side panels, whereas the new panels are flat. 2102 is one of them, it's gained flat side panels at the same time as it's 'new' heritage livery.
Well I'm too Young for Facebook so I didn't know
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on October 21, 2018, 03:56:06 AM
Well I'm too Young for Facebook so I didn't know
You're a good boy obeying the rules about Facebook!
After these new deliveries, will WB be the only garage to not have any platinums? (Bar Bordesley). In fact they don't even have any MMCs at the moment?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 08, 2018, 07:54:16 PM
After these new deliveries, will WB be the only garage to not have any platinums? (Bar Bordesley). In fact they don't even have any MMCs at the moment?
But WB do have quite of lot of 13/14 plate E400's (57) + then 25 x 57 plate E400's.
Yes to WB & Platinum's
Quote from: John on November 07, 2018, 09:36:38 PM
Not quite. The letter is a bit smaller and at the top of the number rather than the bottom. I suppose there will be a pic of it taken before too long
Eww! No. 4924 & 4925 have the new displays, to be honest, it doesn't look too bad on the 80. I don't like the new displays on the 80A at all, just looks squashed, font is too thick and narrow
Does anyone know more details about the inter working between the 49 & 89?
Is it just one bus an hour? The 89 is every 30 mins and the 49 is every 20. So it can't be very journey that interworks?
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 29, 2018, 07:44:15 PM
Does anyone know more details about the inter working between the 49 & 89?
Is it just one bus an hour? The 89 is every 30 mins and the 49 is every 20. So it can't be very journey that interworks?
They're both standalone
Noticed 4253 on 12A/13 even though it doesn't have a trap fitted.
Quote from: Nathan on November 30, 2018, 11:29:11 AM
They're both standalone
I see. When did they stop interworking?
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 30, 2018, 07:03:01 PM
I see. When did they stop interworking?
I don't remember them ever interworking
Quote from: CL on December 02, 2018, 12:55:31 AM
UID ticket-branded E200 on the 74.
Just entered Birmingham
@CL aren't E200s used on the overnight 74Es? Correct me if I'm wrong
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 02, 2018, 04:47:30 PM
@CL aren't E200s used on the overnight 74Es? Correct me if I'm wrong
Last time I caught it it was, and rather full at that
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 02, 2018, 04:47:30 PM
@CL aren't E200s used on the overnight 74Es? Correct me if I'm wrong
Correct. The overnight bus is meant to be an Enviro 200.
Quote from: Nathan on December 02, 2018, 05:04:25 PM
Correct. The overnight bus is meant to be an Enviro 200.
Apologies. I'm not usually out at that time of night. 😂
Quote from: CL on December 02, 2018, 05:22:03 PM
Apologies. I'm not usually out at that time of night. 😂
Me neither 😂. I probably won't be, until a 24 hour service is introduced on the 87 (or the 12 - which is closer to my house - wishful thinking ;D)
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 02, 2018, 10:57:47 PM
Me neither 😂. I probably won't be, until a 24 hour service is introduced on the 87 (or the 12 - which is closer to my house - wishful thinking ;D)
Ironically, the 74
is one of my locals! :-[ :P
Quote from: CL on December 02, 2018, 11:18:17 PM
Ironically, the 74 is one of my locals! :-[ :P
I'm not out at that time either 😂 I'm just aware what is the allocated type to that board.
4237 having an outing on the 82
An idea:
The Hagley Road and Harborne buses use the bus lane on Great Charles Street to get on to Paradise Circus and that side road to go behind the library round to Broad Street and are less likely to get stuck in traffic.
Just sat on the 82 and when it gets to the same part of the route, why can't the 82/87/89 and X7 use the same bus lane to go onto Paradise Circus and then do a full turn back on themselves to their normal line of route (similar to what buses do on Moor Street Queensway).
The traffic for the buses could be avoided and there wouldn't be a need to go around the outside and then cut back into the lane last minute.
4677 is on WB5, just left towards Sutton from pheasey at 08:05
4677 on the 47 won't be noteworthy.....
As Gemini's are replacing ALX400s that are already on the route
Quote from: OH25 on December 08, 2018, 07:06:59 PM
An idea:
The Hagley Road and Harborne buses use the bus lane on Great Charles Street to get on to Paradise Circus and that side road to go behind the library round to Broad Street and are less likely to get stuck in traffic.
Just sat on the 82 and when it gets to the same part of the route, why can't the 82/87/89 and X7 use the same bus lane to go onto Paradise Circus and then do a full turn back on themselves to their normal line of route (similar to what buses do on Moor Street Queensway).
The traffic for the buses could be avoided and there wouldn't be a need to go around the outside and then cut back into the lane last minute.
What do a u turn just before Cambridge street seems tight to me.
I have no issues on great Charles st most Dudley rd drivers drive up to the bus gate indicate right wait to be let in into the right lane and on you go takes minute or so which isn't bad at all considering how long it use to take before the bus lane was installed ,yes we might hold up the buses going to broad street can't win them all , on average it takes me from colmore row to springhill tesco island 5/7 minutes normal peak conditions.
I have noticed lately the right hand lane great Charles towards Saint chads backs up when people,re doing u turns onto the opposite side of the carriage way, the left lane has to be used to keep going if you wish to finish work.
Good to see a gemni in Oldbury it's been a while.
I read in the garage newsletter that westbrom should be getting a heritage liveried bus at sometime during 2019 look forward to it.
Quote from: 2900 on December 19, 2018, 10:13:51 AM
Good to see a gemni in Oldbury it's been a while.
I read in the garage newsletter that westbrom should be getting a heritage liveried bus at sometime during 2019 look forward to it.
Much needed, 12A/13 can't cope with the passenger loadings between the busy Bearwood and City corridor during the peak period with the current single deckers.
I'm guessing it's to do with the demise of the 42xxs, but recently the 42xxs that have the trap fitted on them have appeared all over the place, like today 4243 and 4274 were on the 48, I had 4270 on the 48 last week as well
Couple of minor changes happening on January 6th:
40 service will return to using All Saints way.
45 service will return to using Hallam Street.
46 times will be altered to create a combined 10 minute frequency along Hallam Street with the 45.
Timetable changes to the 47.
Quote from: WB Driver on December 28, 2018, 06:00:52 PM
Couple of minor changes happening on January 6th:
40 service will return to using All Saints way.
45 service will return to using Hallam Street.
46 times will be altered to create a combined 10 minute frequency along Hallam Street with the 45.
Timetable changes to the 47.
Reducing the 46 again. They can never make up their mind with that
Reduced to every 20 like on Saturdays. It was every 10 at one stage when the B6's arrived. Wonder if the 16w is affecting loadings.
West Bromwich Garage don't have any MMCs right?
Quote from: mesub on December 29, 2018, 01:14:08 PM
West Bromwich Garage don't have any MMCs right?
You would be correct. They do not have any Enviro 400MMC's.
Quote from: mesub on December 29, 2018, 01:14:08 PM
West Bromwich Garage don't have any MMCs right?
They don't have any MMC (Enviro 200 MMC or Enviro 400 MMC) and neither do Bordesley.
Though they do have a relatively large batch of 49XX E400 on the 74, 5 and 80/A as well as the batch of 47XX on the Dudley Rd (Wolverhampton also use some relatively new MMC on the X7 on that corridor as well).
Quote from: WestMidlandsTravels on December 31, 2018, 10:37:13 AM
4515 on 48A Just Left WB Bus Station
Not noteworthy in the slightest as Geminis are replacing ALX400s. The untrapped Geminis are meant to be on the 48, and the 89
Quote from: John on December 31, 2018, 10:42:25 AM
Not noteworthy in the slightest as Geminis are replacing ALX400s. The untrapped Geminis are meant to be on the 48, and the 89
So they aren't trapping the 45** then?
Quote from: Jack on December 31, 2018, 11:03:06 AM
So they aren't trapping the 45** then?
No, That's why they are moving to a garage that doesn't need trapped vehicles next year.
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2018, 11:26:10 AM
No, That's why they are moving to a garage that doesn't need trapped vehicles next year.
Will the Omnilinks that are currently enter the City Centre on the 17, 55 and 66 at Bordesley and Perry Barr be gettting traps?
I recall reading on here that the buses entering the City Centre will have to be Euro 6 by 2020?
Quote from: 2206 on December 31, 2018, 11:41:56 AM
Will the Omnilinks that are currently enter the City Centre on the 17, 55 and 66 at Bordesley and Perry Barr be gettting traps?
I recall reading on here that the buses entering the City Centre will have to be Euro 6 by 2020?
Yes, over 400 traps to fit in 2019
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2018, 11:26:10 AM
No, That's why they are moving to a garage that doesn't need trapped vehicles next year.
Then why send trapped 4677 (presume 4678/9 are to move in due course) to a garage that doesn't need trapped buses when the garage it's come from sends untrapped ALX400's into Solihull town centre which is Euro 4 when they often get put onto the 72?
Quote from: Jack on December 31, 2018, 02:00:59 PM
Then why send trapped 4677 (presume 4678/9 are to move in due course) to a garage that doesn't need trapped buses when the garage it's come from sends untrapped ALX400's into Solihull town centre which is Euro 4 when they often get put onto the 72?
Because there are no more untrapped Geminis to send from Acocks Green I believe. Plus the Untrapped ALX400s at Acocks Green will be replaced by the trapped Geminis when the MMCS arrive
Quote from: Jack on December 31, 2018, 02:00:59 PM
Then why send trapped 4677 (presume 4678/9 are to move in due course) to a garage that doesn't need trapped buses when the garage it's come from sends untrapped ALX400's into Solihull town centre which is Euro 4 when they often get put onto the 72?
Because I do actually know what I am doing, and know lots of other things you don't about the fleet
4236 is one good bus. Very quick indeed! Withdrawal imminent I guess?
Gemini on 40
B7tl-5
that was 4508
@Westy, Gemini's are usual on the 47.
Quote from: Jack on January 28, 2019, 05:21:12 PM
@Westy, Gemini's are usual on the 47.
That must have been since mid November then, as I never saw one before then!
Quote from: Westy on January 28, 2019, 07:10:52 PM
That must have been since mid November then, as I never saw one before then!
Well as WB didn't have any then.
Quote from: Westy on January 28, 2019, 07:10:52 PM
That must have been since mid November then, as I never saw one before then!
Its an ex 11 Outer Circle bus.
New Platinums for the 9 and 50, has allowed E400 MMC to move to AG for the 11 and so, Gemini from the 11 to WB.
Quote from: 2206 on January 28, 2019, 07:21:52 PM
Its an ex 11 Outer Circle bus.
New Platinums for the 9 and 50, has allowed E400 MMC to move to AG for the 11 and so, Gemini from the 11 to WB.
Of which the Gemini's are used on routes the uncompliant ALX400's are being used on, the 47 is one.
@StourValley98, E400's are usual on the 45, it doesn't have a fixed allocation, so therefore see's any bus.
1953 is on the 5.
Quote from: Jack on February 09, 2019, 03:39:23 PM
@StourValley98, E400's are usual on the 45, it doesn't have a fixed allocation, so therefore see's any bus.
1953 is on the 5.
Ah, I was just going off the spreadsheet which didn't list E400s, and I haven't seen one on there in ages.
Quote from: StourValley98 on February 09, 2019, 04:57:02 PM
Ah, I was just going off the spreadsheet which didn't list E400s, and I haven't seen one on there in ages.
Last I saw one on there was December when a Soho road was on there
74 - New Timetable is now on the NX website:
The 24/7 service is being scrapped, during the week. Last bus from Birmingham is 01:00, then the next one is 04:00.
Which leaves just the X1 as the only service that runs non stop through the night 24/7. There's the 63 but that has a gap between 2 and 4.
They haven't mentioned it under the service changes page only the reroute via Trindle Rd in Dudley. I only realised when I was looking at the timetable.
The changes come into effect from the 24th February 2019.
Quote from: 2206 on February 11, 2019, 04:23:36 PM
74 - New Timetable is now on the NX website:
The 24/7 service is being scrapped, during the week. Last bus from Birmingham is 01:00, then the next one is 04:00.
Which leaves just the X1 as the only service that runs non stop through the night 24/7. There's the 63 but that has a gap between 2 and 4.
They haven't mentioned it under the service changes page only the reroute via Trindle Rd in Dudley. I only realised when I was looking at the timetable.
Do you have link to this please
Quote from: Jack6101 on February 11, 2019, 04:30:13 PM
Do you have link to this please
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/current_timetables/2019-Timetables/24th-Feb-Timetables/b74_240219.pdf
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/black-country-service-changes-from-24th-february
A shame that 24hr buses haven't worked out. It would have been nice to have seen larger network instead of journeys cancelled. But at least they tried. Hopefully one day there will be a bigger demand.
Quote from: Gareth on February 11, 2019, 07:05:00 PM
A shame that 24hr buses haven't worked out. It would have been nice to have seen larger network instead of journeys cancelled. But at least they tried. Hopefully one day there will be a bigger demand.
Not whilst Uber and taxis are around.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2019, 07:22:02 PM
Not whilst Uber and taxis are around.
Buses are cheaper than Uber and plus the demand is not there in the weekday barring the X1, weekends the city evenings are a lot busier
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2019, 07:22:02 PM
Not whilst Uber and taxis are around.
Value for money they're certainly better.
It cost me about approx.. £10 - £15 to take a taxi from the New Street Station to the Fox and Goose back in 2014, so that would have been £30 there and back. NXWM are £4 for an all day ticket and evening group ticket is £5 I think, the NXWM fares are cerainly much better in comparison to the limited times i've used a taxi.
Only time i've used a taxi in Birmingham in recent years is once or twice from Stechford to the Fox and Goose and its only about 5 - 10 minutes up the road and that tends to cost more than £5 (£10+ return), again NX are better in terms of value for money.
On the other hand, i'd have thought hourly services and the possibility of having to stand a bus stop for 60 minutes in the middle of the night should they miss it could probably put people of using the bus.
Quote from: 2206 on February 11, 2019, 07:33:39 PM
Value for money they're certainly better.
It cost me £10 to take a taxi from the New Street Station to the Fox and Goose back in 2014, so that would have been £20 there and back. NXWM are £4 for an all day ticket and evening group ticket is £6 I think, the NXWM fares are cerainly much better in comparison to the limited times i've used a taxi.
Only time i've used a taxi in Birmingham in recent years is once or twice from Stechford to the Fox and Goose and its only about 5 - 10 minutes up the road and that tends to cost more than £5 (£10+ return), again NX are better in terms of value for money.
On the other hand, i'd have thought hourly services and the possibility of having to stand a bus stop for 60 minutes in the middle of the night should they miss it could probably put people of using the bus.
What about when 5 people are travelling in a taxi or 4 people. That works about £2.50 each way per person, considerably faster than a bus and can drop you exactly where you want to go away from other idiots
4748, 4739, and 4740 noted on the 74 this morning
I know certain garages donmt differentiate their Enviros; regardless, it's not often a Trident appears on there. Just thought it was worth mentioning, if anyone's interested.
Regarding the all night 74 single decker that leaves garage just after 12 ,drivers who have done it have said its waste of time and money non fare payers , people just riding around on it to keep warm .
Yeah great advertisement for 24 HR operation , IMO to do it properly you need the heavy mob at the door £2.40 flat fare or walk , Petes travel had bouncers when they did nite services back in the day.
Then again brum eh London totally different dynamics.
Can't see any one shedding a tear over the demise of 74 24 hour operation, may be in the future it could return on Friday and Saturday only who knows.
I regularly used Pete's Travel on the 94N. We never had bouncers on ours. I've always said the 94 isn't as bad as people make out! 😜
Quote from: Gareth on February 12, 2019, 11:25:29 AM
I regularly used Pete's Travel on the 94N. We never had bouncers on ours. I've always said the 94 isn't as bad as people make out! 😜
The bouncers were on the Wolverhampton Fri/Sat night services, these were run in partnership with the night clubs and operated by TWM
@Dutsey, Gemini's are common on the 5. As well as 4515, 4512 was also on it.
Quote from: StourValley98 on February 25, 2019, 05:16:04 PM
1918 - WB42
Should be on the 1721 from Tipton Railway Station towards West Bromwich, arriving there at 1748 if anyone wants it
This is/has been a regular occurrence for a few weeks as that bus comes of a 3A and goes onto 42s it does Tipton/Dudley/Tipton Empty back from Tipton. It replaced a 42 Running board that came from garage around 1445.
Quote from: WB Driver on February 25, 2019, 07:08:54 PM
This is/has been a regular occurrence for a few weeks as that bus comes of a 3A and goes onto 42s it does Tipton/Dudley/Tipton Empty back from Tipton. It replaced a 42 Running board that came from garage around 1445.
Gotcha, thanks for the heads up then, makes sense why I've seen one on there a few times lately.
There was a 47xx Dudley Road branded E400 Trident in Wednesbury around 30 mins ago out of service, any idea what one was doing over there? At a guess, it was heading up to Walsall for work or something, but I'm not sure.
There's normally an 82/7 branded bus at the the other school oppersite Wood Green high school on the kfc side
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 04, 2019, 05:53:54 PM
There's normally an 82/7 branded bus at the the other school oppersite Wood Green high school on the kfc side
You mean Stuart Bathurst on Axletree Way?
Arr Bathurst... Fond memories with its mini bus station In the forecourt.
There's a 87 afternoon running board which does a school then private to Dudley bus station to do the peak time extra 1625ish where the service becomes every 5 minutes , when it gets to brum it stays on the 82,s till 2100ish , it use to be 87/24 running card but since the sept 19 changes where 2 buses were removed not certain which board it is now.
Quote from: 2900 on March 06, 2019, 10:04:36 AM
There's a 87 afternoon running board which does a school then private to Dudley bus station to do the peak time extra 1625ish where the service becomes every 5 minutes , when it gets to brum it stays on the 82,s till 2100ish , it use to be 87/24 running card but since the sept 19 changes where 2 buses were removed not certain which board it is now.
87/23
Rumour mill westbrom , 82/87 to remain at colmore row and the 80 gets an extra bus , good news if true.
Omnilink on the 5.
Left Scott Arms about 10 mins ago for Sutton.
4757 has been debranded from the 87 seen in oldbury towards city now
Quote from: Jack on March 15, 2019, 08:04:02 AM
Omnilink on the 5.
Left Scott Arms about 10 mins ago for Sutton.
1947, 1951 also appeared on an evening peak Board
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 15, 2019, 02:35:19 PM
4757 has been debranded from the 87 seen in oldbury towards city now
4750 has also lost its route branding.
Quote from: Speebird96 on March 15, 2019, 05:46:16 PM
4750 has also lost its route branding.
Whats the reason for this? Are WB getting new platinums for the 82/87?
Quote from: 2206 on March 15, 2019, 05:48:28 PM
Whats the reason for this? Are WB getting new platinums for the 82/87?
There being Withdrawn...... 🤔😂😃
Quote from: 900 on March 15, 2019, 05:51:51 PM
There being Withdrawn...... 🤔😂😃
The routes or the bus fleet?
4743 also debranded
Just seen an email from garage management that new platiniums are arriving in the next few weeks.
Also westbrom has won NX garage of the year
Quote from: 2900 on March 20, 2019, 02:42:40 AM
Just seen an email from garage management that new platiniums are arriving in the next few weeks.
For WB 82/87?
The email mentions 16 vehicles arriving and a request for girls names to be put forward
82/87 pvr is currently 23 boards so 16 new platiniums well short
Quote from: 2900 on March 20, 2019, 03:28:33 AM
82/87 pvr is currently 23 boards so 16 new platiniums well short
Quote from: 2900 on March 20, 2019, 03:28:33 AM
82/87 pvr is currently 23 boards so 16 new platiniums well short
What about the 74 doo you know the pvr on that or maybe the 80?
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 20, 2019, 05:48:10 AM
What about the 74 doo you know the pvr on that or maybe the 80?
I'd imagine the 74 is higher than the 82/87.
Presuming 6968 - 6993 will be for 82/87 as the current busses the have are 25
The first two are going to YW to top up the 50 allocation, then the next 24 to WB. The 47xx are staying at WB to save loads of speculation posts on where they are going
Will WB get a Platinum on loan before the New Buses arrive for Type Training? Also if the 47xx are staying wonder what will be making way for Platiums 4914-4937 perhaps?
There are 29 boards for 74 (1 AM Board/2 PM Boards) so a PVR of around 27.
Quote from: WB Driver on March 20, 2019, 03:59:00 PM
Will WB get a Platinum on loan before the New Buses arrive for Type Training? Also if the 47xx are staying wonder what will be making way for Platiums 4914-4937 perhaps?
There are 29 boards for 74 (1 AM Board/2 PM Boards) so a PVR of around 27.
The death of more 42xx at West Brom or the 47xx going onto the 12/A 13/A/B ?
Tony will westbrom platiniums be micro hybrid spec
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 20, 2019, 04:36:17 PM
The death of more 42xx at West Brom or the 47xx going onto the 12/A 13/A/B ?
Either way the 42** will be withdrawn pretty soon unfortunately
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 20, 2019, 06:14:25 PM
Either way the 42** will be withdrawn pretty soon unfortunately
Someone else who knows my job!
At the moment I do not intend withdrawaing WB's 42xx
Given the number of vehicles that will need to be off the road this year for Euro6 conversion I would expect the trapped 42** to be invaluable for the likes of WB, PB and maybe CV too
Quote from: cardew on March 20, 2019, 07:42:31 PM
Given the number of vehicles that will need to be off the road this year for Euro6 conversion I would expect the trapped 42** to be invaluable for the likes of WB, PB and maybe CV too
Its been said the trapped Euro 6 42XX and 43XX won't be going anywhere for now as these and the ones at AG/YW will be needed when Birmingham goes Euro 6 in January 2020.
The debranding of the Dudley Road buses has begun, spotted 4748 looking naked on the 87 earlier today
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 24, 2019, 09:23:05 PM
The debranding of the Dudley Road buses has begun, spotted 4748 looking naked on the 87 earlier today
It has been mentioned I bet
@2900 is dissapointed that he won't be driving theses much anymore?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 24, 2019, 09:33:39 PM
It has been mentioned I bet @2900 is dissapointed that he won't be driving theses much anymore?
Why?
Tony's already confirmed they will not be leaving WB garage.
Quote from: Winston on March 24, 2019, 09:59:58 PM
Why?
Tony's already confirmed they will not be leaving WB garage.
Yes but he drives the 82 and 87 I believe?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 25, 2019, 07:20:23 AM
Yes but he drives the 82 and 87 I believe?
Yes and I'm sure as a driver he has a copy of the cascade plan, not.
Quote from: BN on March 25, 2019, 07:40:06 AM
Yes and I'm sure as a driver he has a copy of the cascade plan, not.
Because of several unknowns including tender awards, possible emergency contracts etc even the Engineering managers haven't got a full cascade plan as I have only issued April's changes so far, so noboby 'knows' yet.
4929 out on the 5 at the moment. Looks very scruffy, majority of front panel is white where branding has been removed.
Quote from: Dom on March 27, 2019, 02:23:32 PM
4929 out on the 5 at the moment. Looks very scruffy, majority of front panel is white where branding has been removed.
Guessing it's been debranded
Look out for a Platinum arriving tomorrow.
4521 on 48 with a broken card reader
Quote from: Dom on March 27, 2019, 02:23:32 PM
4929 out on the 5 at the moment. Looks very scruffy, majority of front panel is white where branding has been removed.
Has now been painted over so dosent look as bad.
4739 has also lost its (ticket) branding, interesting, perhaps they'll all be rebranded for a particular route
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 29, 2019, 10:45:06 PM
4739 has also lost its (ticket) branding, interesting, perhaps they'll all be rebranded for a particular route
4740, 4741 have too not to sure if 4760-2 have been done as well
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 30, 2019, 05:44:32 AM
4740, 4741 have too not to sure if 4760-2 have been done as well
4761 and 4762 have lost their branding, just seen them both at City Hospital.
Quote from: BN on March 27, 2019, 08:59:23 PM
Look out for a Platinum arriving tomorrow.
Any news on which route. Can see 87 dudley to Birmingham
Quote from: Ginger66 on April 02, 2019, 07:59:00 PM
Any news on which route. Can see 87 dudley to Birmingham
It'll be for the 87, it's already been confirmed, and there's already an image of the branding design for it about.
Quote from: Ginger66 on April 02, 2019, 07:59:00 PM
Any news on which route. Can see 87 dudley to Birmingham
The Platinum being referred to is WN's 6759, on loan for type training. WB are due 24 new Platinum spec E400MMC's (6970-6993) for the 82/87.
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2019, 08:19:04 PM
The Platinum being referred to is WN's 6759, on loan for type training. WB are due 24 new Platinum spec E400MMC's (6970-6993) for the 82/87.
First WB ones are due around the 20th April
Quote from: Tony on April 02, 2019, 08:25:41 PM
First WB ones are due around the 20th April
Has the remaining new batch been allocated? Still have my fingers cross for 15/16/17 xD
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 02, 2019, 08:31:59 PM
Has the remaining new batch been allocated? Still have my fingers cross for 15/16/17 xD
Nah I don’t think 15/16/17 will be platinum I think the West Bromwich garages enviro 400’s that are currently on 5/80 will be transfered to WN for 15/16/17.
Quote from: Nathan on April 02, 2019, 08:19:04 PM
The Platinum being referred to is WN's 6759, on loan for type training. WB are due 24 new Platinum spec E400MMC's (6970-6993) for the 82/87.
Ah, I mistakenly thought they were referring to the arrival of a 19 plate. My bad.
Looking forward to the new platinums arriving at WB. Type trained on the platinum that's on loan from WN, must say it was marvelous. Wish the 74's would go platinum too as I'm on the Soho Rota, but would imagine they will get trashed very quickly if they were to go on there.
Maybe spare ones will goo on the 74's on Sunday's and nights ?
Quote from: aSingh on April 07, 2019, 08:38:01 PM
Looking forward to the new platinums arriving at WB. Type trained on the platinum that's on loan from WN, must say it was marvelous. Wish the 74's would go platinum too as I'm on the Soho Rota, but would imagine they will get trashed very quickly if they were to go on there.
The 74's e400s seem to be okay from what I've seen?
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 07, 2019, 09:13:15 PM
The 74's e400s seem to be okay from what I've seen?
Couldn't they use any spare ones on the 89? Would make sense as it's the the other Dudley Road route, but I doubt NX will do that.
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 07, 2019, 09:13:15 PM
The 74's e400s seem to be okay from what I've seen?
The 11A/C got treated to some e400mmc's, and that gets some right riff raff on. Fair dodgers, smoking, what I can only presume gypsies with dogs letting there dogs run riot on the bus, jumping up and down of seats. I generally am glad I only have to travel on it for a maximum 15 minutes at a time
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 07, 2019, 09:16:46 PM
The 11A/C got treated to some e400mmc's, and that gets some right riff raff on. Fair dodgers, smoking, what I can only presume gypsies with dogs letting there dogs run riot on the bus, jumping up and down of seats. I generally am glad I only have to travel on it for a maximum 15 minutes at a time
Of which have crystal clear CCTV monitors so they'll be caught...
I don't think the 74 needs an upgrade really, the Dudley Road services hardly need one either! Not like they are constantly operated by 18 year old buses! Cough 5 and 73.
It's hardly good news for the WB 5 either, upgrade and brand it all up with E400's, then a year later go and debrand them and downgrade it back to B7TL operation!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 07, 2019, 09:16:46 PM
The 11A/C got treated to some e400mmc's, and that gets some right riff raff on. Fair dodgers, smoking, what I can only presume gypsies with dogs letting there dogs run riot on the bus, jumping up and down of seats. I generally am glad I only have to travel on it for a maximum 15 minutes at a time
I don't see any of that happen (Not very often anyway) when i'm on them and i'm on them everyday. Unless its worse over some sections. I've never seen the last one happen.
Quote from: Jack on April 07, 2019, 09:19:52 PM
Of which have crystal clear CCTV monitors so they'll be caught...
I don't think the 74 needs an upgrade really, the Dudley Road services hardly need one either! Not like they are constantly operated by 18 year old buses! Cough 5 and 73.
It's hardly good news for the WB 5 either, upgrade and brand it all up with E400's, then a year later go and debrand them and downgrade it back to B7TL operation!
73 doesn't need new buses either in my opinion, it doesn't seem to be the buisiest route at times either. Only time it seems to get busy are when students/school kids finish. Those unbranded E400 MMC are always on the 5/73 as well. 6111 - 6114 and 6147 - 6148?
Where are the 47XX going to go then when they come of the 82/87 if they aren't going onto the 5? 12A/13 or 74?
Quote from: Jack on April 07, 2019, 09:19:52 PM
Of which have crystal clear CCTV monitors so they'll be caught...
I don't think the 74 needs an upgrade really, the Dudley Road services hardly need one either! Not like they are constantly operated by 18 year old buses! Cough 5 and 73.
It's hardly good news for the WB 5 either, upgrade and brand it all up with E400's, then a year later go and debrand them and downgrade it back to B7TL operation!
The 5 has been having problems in Kingstanding with break glass hammers being stolen from the e400s and I also heard they were having their windows smashed in the evening/nights by a bunch of youths. Just what iv heard.
Quote from: 2206 on April 07, 2019, 09:25:46 PM
I don't see any of that happen (Not very often anyway) when i'm on them and i'm on them everyday. Unless its worse over some sections. I've never seen the last one happen.
73 doesn't need new buses either in my opinion, it doesn't seem to be the buisiest route at times either. Only time it seems to get busy are when students/school kids finish. Those unbranded E400 MMC are always on the 5/73 as well. 6111 - 6114 and 6147 - 6148?
Where are the 47XX going to go then when they come of the 82/87 if they aren't going onto the 5? 12A/13 or 74?
The 47XX's have been all over recently. I absolutely love how powerful they are, especially from stand still.
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 07, 2019, 09:13:15 PM
The 74's e400s seem to be okay from what I've seen?
They are okay and handle the route well but some are quite sluggish with heavy steering (some*). The e400s I particularly like are the 80/80a branded. The ones with the chunkier steering wheel are light to handle from my perspective.
The platinum on loan from WN will be here until the 12th. Last day of type training on that particular bus. Its compulsory for all drivers to be type trained on the platinums.
Quote from: Jack on April 07, 2019, 09:14:49 PM
Couldn't they use any spare ones on the 89? Would make sense as it's the the other Dudley Road route, but I doubt NX will do that.
That would make sense to be fair.
Quote from: Jack on April 07, 2019, 09:19:52 PM
Of which have crystal clear CCTV monitors so they'll be caught...
I don't think the 74 needs an upgrade really, the Dudley Road services hardly need one either! Not like they are constantly operated by 18 year old buses! Cough 5 and 73.
It's hardly good news for the WB 5 either, upgrade and brand it all up with E400's, then a year later go and debrand them and downgrade it back to B7TL operation!
The Dudley Road corridor is one of the most frequent in the West Midlands, and uses buses that are now 12 years old.
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 07, 2019, 11:46:09 PM
The Dudley Road corridor is one of the most frequent in the West Midlands, and uses buses that are now 12 years old.
You could also say the same for the Washwood Heath Road corridor, but there's no sign of this corridor being upgraded. Every 4 minutes, so equally one of the most frequent corridors in the West Midlands and a very busy corridor using buses that are up to 16 years old.
I can see the Crimson E400's spread other all WB routes on routes the B7TL's are being operated.
Quote from: aSingh on April 07, 2019, 09:56:18 PM
The 5 has been having problems in Kingstanding with break glass hammers being stolen from the e400s and I also heard they were having their windows smashed in the evening/nights by a bunch of youths. Just what iv heard.
You are right, the E400's have been trashed on the 5, I'd put the route back to single deckers and there'd probably be reduction in crime on there. Will be nice to have B7TL's on it constantly though!
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:47:15 AM
I can see the Crimson E400's spread other all WB routes on routes the B7TL's are being operated.
You are right, the E400's have been trashed on the 5, I'd put the route back to single deckers and there'd probably be reduction in crime on there. Will be nice to have B7TL's on it constantly though!
Then that would cause overcrowding ?
Quote from: aSingh on April 07, 2019, 10:12:30 PM
They are okay and handle the route well but some are quite sluggish with heavy steering (some*). The e400s I particularly like are the 80/80a branded. The ones with the chunkier steering wheel are light to handle from my perspective.
I meant with regards to the alleged trashing of them because they're on the 74,
@aSingh.
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 08, 2019, 08:29:35 AM
Then that would cause overcrowding ?
Well, perhaps if the little darlings behaved themselves, then you could have the double deckers on instead!
Quote from: 2206 on April 08, 2019, 12:00:07 AM
You could also say the same for the Washwood Heath Road corridor, but there's no sign of this corridor being upgraded. Every 4 minutes, so equally one of the most frequent corridors in the West Midlands and a very busy corridor using buses that are up to 16 years old.
That's irrelevant, the Dudley Road has up to 12 buses an hour, so I'd worthy of an upgrade, in my opinion
I wasn't talking about the Washwood Heath corridor - that's been talked about to death
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 08, 2019, 06:21:52 PM
That's irrelevant, the Dudley Road has up to 12 buses an hour, so I'd worthy of an upgrade, in my opinion
I wasn't talking about the Washwood Heath corridor - that's been talked about to death
No it isn't, there's corridors using older buses than the current Dudley Road buses, 97 at every 4 mins using 16 year old Tridents. The 79 competing against the metro, tell me when that last had an upgrade? Oh yes the buses that currently operate it was the last time they decided to upgrade it. But unless you live on NX's 'favourite' routes they aren't interested...
It's a shame the X21 won't be getting any Platinums, not like the 69** are even used on the X70 anyway...
But the 97 tridents are all at Euro 6 standers and the 47** are only euro 4 atm
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 08, 2019, 07:28:03 PM
But the 97 tridents are all at Euro 6 standers and the 47** are only euro 4 atm
That's irrelevant, nothing to do with the Euro standards here, it's to do with the age of vehicles on key routes and corridors.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:29:18 PM
That's irrelevant, nothing to do with the Euro standards here, it's to do with the age of vehicles on key routes and corridors.
So do you work NXWM ? , you don't no if this was one of the reasons why ?
Yes the decision has been based on which routes management think they will bring in the most extra money
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:17:56 PM
No it isn't, there's corridors using older buses than the current Dudley Road buses, 97 at every 4 mins using 16 year old Tridents. The 79 competing against the metro, tell me when that last had an upgrade? Oh yes the buses that currently operate it was the last time they decided to upgrade it. But unless you live on NX's 'favourite' routes they aren't interested...
It's a shame the X21 won't be getting any Platinums, not like the 69** are even used on the X70 anyway...
The 97 doesn't need an upgrade. The 94 doesn't need an upgrade. If anything I would have platinums bought in for the 61/63 and use the hybrids on the 97.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 08:01:31 PM
The 97 doesn't need an upgrade. The 94 doesn't need an upgrade. If anything I would have platinums bought in for the 61/63 and use the hybrids on the 97.
Like the Bristol Road, there are not enough Hybrids to completely convert the 97. I still think they should be put onto the 60 there there would be more than enough to cover all boards
Quote from: John on April 08, 2019, 08:10:05 PM
Like the Bristol Road, there are not enough Hybrids to completely convert the 97. I still think they should be put onto the 60 there there would be more than enough to cover all boards
too many for that
The Hybrids probably would've been perfect for the 45/47. Though, let's not forget originally it was just the 63 when the Hybrids went onto the Bristol Road.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:17:56 PM
No it isn't, there's corridors using older buses than the current Dudley Road buses, 97 at every 4 mins using 16 year old Tridents. The 79 competing against the metro, tell me when that last had an upgrade? Oh yes the buses that currently operate it was the last time they decided to upgrade it. But unless you live on NX's 'favourite' routes they aren't interested...
I don't know if you're unaware of this, but 'new buses' don't grow on trees, they cost money. And they're not cheap either.
As a businessman myself, I can tell you that if you're going to shell out a lot of money - or 'invest' - it is preferable to try and recoup most of those costs involved as soon as possible. So naturally you would invest in something that would start to pay itself back quickly.
I think its applaudable that NX is keen to reinvest the profits that it does make into purchasing new vehicles to 'enhance' certain routes that it sees fit to do so. There simply isn't enough money to just go and buy 1500 odd new vehicles every couple of years. Some routes will lose out, but even so, the 'cascade' effect of using slightly older vehicles to 'upgrade' perhaps 'less-worthy' routes does have its benefits. Don't forget up until recently the 11A/C was still using the same Geminis purchased when it was 'last upgraded' back in 2004. But it has made a massive difference having the ex-YW and PN E400s transferred in, just as good as having 'new buses'.
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 07:46:17 PM
Yes the decision has been based on which routes management think they will bring in the most extra money
I agree completely. It's nothing to do with 'favourite routes' but those that will return the investment made quickest.
I know 'money doesn't grow on tree's' but what's annoying is the same routes that constantly keep getting upgrades yet other routes have to deal with the slack. Yes the 11 has been upgraded, which it did need, but did the 50 actually need an upgrade? You could of sent the current batch of Platinums to AG for the 11 and leave the 50 with its fairly new E400MMC's.
These E400's going to WN, would be nice to see them used on the 79, Crimson them and brand them would be nice.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 08:35:23 PM
I know 'money doesn't grow on tree's' but what's annoying is the same routes that constantly keep getting upgrades yet other routes have to deal with the slack. Yes the 11 has been upgraded, which it did need, but did the 50 actually need an upgrade? You could of sent the current batch of Platinums to AG for the 11 and leave the 50 with its fairly new E400MMC's.
These E400's going to WN, would be nice to see them used on the 79, Crimson them and brand them would be nice.
The way it has been done means two routes get an upgrade and both get the benefits and extra passengers
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 08:35:23 PM
I know 'money doesn't grow on tree's' but what's annoying is the same routes that constantly keep getting upgrades yet other routes have to deal with the slack. Yes the 11 has been upgraded, which it did need, but did the 50 actually need an upgrade? You could of sent the current batch of Platinums to AG for the 11 and leave the 50 with its fairly new E400MMC's.
These E400's going to WN, would be nice to see them used on the 79, Crimson them and brand them would be nice.
The 50 and 9 have always been the 2 key routes having brand new buses on. The 4800's which were brand new at the time went straight onto the 50 and 9. And now they Also have the most modern vehicles on. Says a lot about how important nx deem these. Arguably the 9 has seen a decrease in frequency and a reduction in passenger numbers in recent times.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 08:40:50 PM
The 50 and 9 have always been the 2 key routes having brand new buses on. The 4800's which were brand new at the time went straight onto the 50 and 9. And now they Also have the most modern vehicles on. Says a lot about how important nx deem these. Arguably the 9 has seen a decrease in frequency and a reduction in passenger numbers in recent times.
are you counting the passengers as well now
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 08:40:50 PM
The 50 and 9 have always been the 2 key routes having brand new buses on. The 4800's which were brand new at the time went straight onto the 50 and 9. And now they Also have the most modern vehicles on. Says a lot about how important nx deem these. Arguably the 9 has seen a decrease in frequency and a reduction in passenger numbers in recent times.
Yet Diamomd pulled from the 9, you'd think those passengers would get the NX 9, but looks like they've picked their alternative route...
Quote from: karl724223 on April 08, 2019, 08:42:59 PM
are you counting the passengers as well now
Oh come on Karl even you have got to have seen a decline in passenger numbers on the 9. I doubt you are even allowed to drive the 9. Probably stick you on the 28 on purpose so that you don't meet many of the public. . I travelled on the 9 for many years now, and it is often very quiet nowadays even on a 10 min frequency. The x8 and x10 could be responsible for this ofc
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 08:40:50 PM
The 50 and 9 have always been the 2 key routes having brand new buses on. The 4800's which were brand new at the time went straight onto the 50 and 9. And now they Also have the most modern vehicles on. Says a lot about how important nx deem these. Arguably the 9 has seen a decrease in frequency and a reduction in passenger numbers in recent times.
The 50 has never had 48xx
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 08:54:39 PM
The 50 has never had 48xx
It was the 47**s that's currently being debranded from the 82/87 wasn't it?
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 08:54:39 PM
The 50 has never had 48xx
Yeah my bad even so they were the most recent of the time were they not?
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 08:54:39 PM
The 50 has never had 48xx
Only 4799 if that counts.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 08:35:23 PM
I know 'money doesn't grow on tree's' but what's annoying is the same routes that constantly keep getting upgrades yet other routes have to deal with the slack. Yes the 11 has been upgraded, which it did need, but did the 50 actually need an upgrade? You could of sent the current batch of Platinums to AG for the 11 and leave the 50 with its fairly new E400MMC's.
These E400's going to WN, would be nice to see them used on the 79, Crimson them and brand them would be nice.
I completly agree. The passengers on the 9 aren't paying anymore than anyone on any other route, I don't see why it deserves upgrading anymore than any other main routes. They shouldn't get another upgrade for a few more years now in my opinion. Though thats probably unlikely to happen, it seems to always be the same route that are consistently upgraded.
97 and 94 seem very busy, though i've no idea on any passenger numbers. Presumably the 9 and 50 are more profitable though.
Quote from: 2206 on April 08, 2019, 09:17:47 PM
I completly agree. The passengers on the 9 aren't paying anymore than anyone on any other route, I don't see why it deserves upgrading anymore than any other main routes. They shouldn't get another upgrade for a few more years now in my opinion. Though thats probably unlikely to happen, it seems to always be the same route that are consistently upgraded.
97 and 94 seem very bus, though i've no idea on any passenger numbers. Presumably the 9 and 50 are more profitable though.
How many more times do I have to explain. Routes aren't due upgrades. When new buses are due management do calculations on a lot of factors to work out where to put them based on where they are likely to attract an increase in business
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 09:38:31 PM
How many more times do I have to explain. Routes aren't due upgrades. When new buses are due management do calculations on a lot of factors to work out where to put them based on where they are likely to attract an increase in business
When calculating payback time and costs was it 18 years useful life you said for these new vehicles? Presumably that leaves a residual value of 0 at the end?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 09:56:05 PM
When calculating payback time and costs was it 18 years useful life you said for these new vehicles? Presumably that leaves a residual value of 0 at the end?
That's depreciation. It will be the same overall whatever the bus is used on. My comments are about the 'New bus effect ' and where using them will get the most extra revenue
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 10:00:45 PM
That's depreciation. It will be the same overall whatever the bus is used on. My comments are about the 'New bus effect ' and where using them will get the most extra revenue
How do you measure that though? Car ownership in areas near bus routes??
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:17:56 PM
No it isn't, there's corridors using older buses than the current Dudley Road buses, 97 at every 4 mins using 16 year old Tridents. The 79 competing against the metro, tell me when that last had an upgrade? Oh yes the buses that currently operate it was the last time they decided to upgrade it. But unless you live on NX's 'favourite' routes they aren't interested...
It's a shame the X21 won't be getting any Platinums, not like the 69** are even used on the X70 anyway...
Yes, it is. Would you like to point out where I mentioned the Washwood Heath corridor? I was talking about the
Dudley Road corridor
@Tony any idea what's up with 4527 has been sat in same Place for last 2-3 Weeks and looks as if its not being worked on.
West Bromwich got 4679 Inspected and internally special cleaned last night and have it out on the 5 all day today
What times will 4679 be in west brom thank you
Now in West Brom Bs.
Departing in a few mins.
Looks like 4679 got put on the 89
4917 now unbranded from the 80
WB are getting 24 new platinums and have 24 E400s in the range 4914-4937 so it could be assumed that they are (all?) off to Wolverhampton
Quote from: cardew on April 11, 2019, 09:13:31 PM
WB are getting 24 new platinums and have 24 E400s in the range 4914-4937 so it could be assumed that they are (all?) off to Wolverhampton
Knew about the Platinums but had no idea that some E400's would/maybe be moving. Interesting few weeks ahead.
4915/4918 also debranded now
It looks increasingly likely that 4738-4762 will replace 4914-4939 as the allocation on the 5, 80/A
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 13, 2019, 12:47:47 PM
It looks increasingly likely that 4738-4762 will replace 4914-4939 as the allocation on the 5, 80/A
4914-4937, 4938/9 are at BC :)
With WB gaining the 22 will there be another Short E200 arriving to Work it as the current one is used on the 44.
On Flickr there's a pic of 6975 coming out of the adl garage and it's got black headlights looks really nice
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 18, 2019, 10:22:10 PM
On Flickr there's a pic of 6975 coming out of the adl garage and it's got black headlights looks really nice
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/46722914195/in/dateposted/
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 18, 2019, 10:22:10 PM
On Flickr there's a pic of 6975 coming out of the adl garage and it's got black headlights looks really nice
If anyone can't find it: https://flic.kr/p/2ebK9A8
Edit: Looks like I was beaten to it while I was making a cuppa, my bad.
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 18, 2019, 10:22:10 PM
On Flickr there's a pic of 6975 coming out of the adl garage and it's got black headlights looks really nice
might not have them for long 16 regs had em but they didn't come out into service with them
I'm confused, the 3 currently doesn't serve Rowley Regis Hospital, isn't it suppose to? The flag doesn't say 3, but the timetable does. Also why doesn't it? The 289 served the hospital.
I saw an Omnilink skip it out earlier.
Quote from: Jack on April 20, 2019, 09:24:56 PM
I'm confused, the 3 currently doesn't serve Rowley Regis Hospital, isn't it suppose to? The flag doesn't say 3, but the timetable does. Also why doesn't it? The 289 served the hospital.
I saw an Omnilink skip it out earlier.
Hasn't served rowley Regis hospital since the changes in sept 2018
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 20, 2019, 10:30:56 PM
Hasn't served rowley Regis hospital since the changes in sept 2018
It was to help the service run better
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 20, 2019, 10:52:26 PM
It was to help the service run better
Fair enough, even though the timetable had it listed.
4679 venturing into Birmingham in service for the first time today on the 89 service. 12:10, 14:40 & 17:15 from Colmore Row if anyone wants to find it
4679 appeared on a late evening 89 on the 16th April, could of been a changed bus ?
@Tony do you know which of WB Platinum's are getting Route Branding and which are getting Generic.
Quote from: WB Driver on April 24, 2019, 12:10:21 PM
@Tony do you know which of WB Platinum's are getting Route Branding and which are getting Generic.
No, but it will always be the middle of the batch where possible to make transfers easier if odd ones have to move
Quote from: Tony on April 24, 2019, 12:15:51 PM
No, but it will always be the middle of the batch where possible to make transfers easier if odd ones have to move
6970 has been 82/87 branded today
Quote from: Winston on April 24, 2019, 05:34:00 PM
6970 has been 82/87 branded today
Photo here
https://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/5001-9959/6970.html
6970 at wb garage. Spoke to engineer. Says two have arrived, one being 6970 in pic. He also said that they will be put out on road on Monday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsPqpzBhFP/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1wbur6p3u0mdj
Quote from: aSingh on April 25, 2019, 09:11:19 PM
6970 at wb garage. Spoke to engineer. Says two have arrived, one being 6970 in pic. He also said that they will be put out on road on Monday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsPqpzBhFP/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1wbur6p3u0mdj
I dropped both off this afternoon, at least 6970 could be ou tomorrow
Quote from: Tony on April 25, 2019, 09:31:56 PM
I dropped both off this afternoon, at least 6970 could be ou tomorrow
Oh i see and what about the rest Tony? Quite excited to finally have Platinums are WB.
Quote from: aSingh on April 25, 2019, 09:37:21 PM
Oh i see and what about the rest Tony? Quite excited to finally have Platinums are WB.
One more will arrive tomorrow, the next on Monday
6970 is out on 82/7
4931 just been took of the 87 at oldbury towards Birmingham going back to garage
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 26, 2019, 02:35:07 PM
4931 just been took of the 87 at oldbury towards Birmingham going back to garage
What was it replaced with?
I'm not sure
6970 is a beast of a bus
Looks amazing in person and already got the next stop annocements
6787 at WB, parked at front entrance.
One of west broms platinums involved in a fender bender on great Charles st yesterday afternoon
S##t happens in this job. We Oldbury rota drivers were just having laugh who gona be first to be involved in a incident with the new plattys.
Well at least we got that monkey off our backs now.
Quote from: 2900 on April 30, 2019, 11:19:14 AM
One of west broms platinums involved in a fender bender on great Charles st yesterday afternoon
S##t happens in this job. We Oldbury rota drivers were just having laugh who gona be first to be involved in a incident with the new plattys.
Well at least we got that monkey off our backs now.
6973 has been repaired and has now got a different shade of grey on the o/s front side panel looks awful on a brand new bus.
Just seen 4679 go past me on the way to Northfield. That's one hell of a lot of dead mileage!
Quote from: MasterPlan on May 03, 2019, 06:40:09 AM
Just seen 4679 go past me on the way to Northfield. That's one hell of a lot of dead mileage!
It's not really that massive the lost mileage. The 48 route is very windy and long but running direct to Northfield from West Brom garage is probably only about 10 miles - it probably runs from West Brom through Oldbury up to the M5 junction 2 island, then down Wolverhampton road/south then West Boulevard and Barnes Hill up to Northfield. That time in the morning probably takes less than 30 minutes too.
We get 50mins to run dead to Northfield from the garage, most of us do that mentioned above, takes about 25mins tops
Quote from: j789 on May 03, 2019, 06:10:29 PM
It's not really that massive the lost mileage. The 48 route is very windy and long but running direct to Northfield from West Brom garage is probably only about 10 miles - it probably runs from West Brom through Oldbury up to the M5 junction 2 island, then down Wolverhampton road/south then West Boulevard and Barnes Hill up to Northfield. That time in the morning probably takes less than 30 minutes too.
Yeah I knew it'd be quicker than the actual route itself but still thought it might be quite long compared to most dead runs. Saw it going up Shenley Lane.
The new platinums seem to be breaking down one after the other. 6976 the latest to also needing a new belt after shredding its original
Quote from: aSingh on May 04, 2019, 11:36:12 PM
The new platinums seem to be breaking down one after the other. 6976 the latest to also needing a new belt after shredding its original
Nothing new, new buses you always get teething problems
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/double-decker-bus-hits-bridge-16276149
Bus: 4963
Bridge height: 12.4
Driver was a master driver.
Quote from: aSingh on May 15, 2019, 07:49:24 AM
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/double-decker-bus-hits-bridge-16276149
Bus: 4963
Bridge height: 12.4
Driver was a master driver.
....putting the emphasis on the word WAS.....
Quote from: markcf83 on May 15, 2019, 08:52:39 AM
....putting the emphasis on the word WAS.....
Don't wish any bad upon anyone but it is how it is. Bad things happen to the best of us.
True.
74 Branded 4972 was at the Swan with a 51 Branded E400 at about 15:30.
They came down Yardley Road, then went down Coventry Road towards the Airport.
Were they being moved from the Graysons place in Tyseley to the one by the Airport for some reason?
Quote from: 2206 on May 28, 2019, 04:17:16 PM
74 Branded 4972 was at the Swan with a 51 Branded E400 at about 15:30.
They came down Yardley Road, then went down Coventry Road towards the Airport.
Were they being moved from the Graysons place in Tyseley to the one by the Airport for some reason?
Wouldn't have been going to the place at the Airport, the Tyseley one has replaced it
Quote from: 2206 on May 28, 2019, 04:17:16 PM
74 Branded 4972 was at the Swan with a 51 Branded E400 at about 15:30.
They came down Yardley Road, then went down Coventry Road towards the Airport.
Were they being moved from the Graysons place in Tyseley to the one by the Airport for some reason?
Just on road test to Stonebridge Island and back
Are e400s really necessary on the 3?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2019, 05:37:40 PM
Are e400s really necessary on the 3?
Hmm🧐 a Scania breaks down/not available and the only bus available at the time is an E400.
Do you
A. Send the E400 out to cover the board
Or
B. Not send a bus out at all and leave a gap in service??
End of the day would rather have a bus regardless of size than none at all!
There was a stumpy e200 on the 15 last year and customers were thankful there was a bus turn up than wait another 30 mins for one
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on May 31, 2019, 05:45:29 PM
Hmm🧐 a Scania breaks down/not available and the only bus available at the time is an E400.
Do you
A. Send the E400 out to cover the board
Or
B. Not send a bus out at all and leave a gap in service??
End of the day would rather have a bus regardless of size than none at all!
There was a stumpy e200 on the 15 last year and customers were thankful there was a bus turn up than wait another 30 mins for one
I hate this reply. There was one on there yesterday too. Maybe start buying more single deckers??
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2019, 05:52:47 PM
I hate this reply. There was one on there yesterday too. Maybe start buying more single deckers??
Why should they for the odd day one is not available. There are lots of routes where at present a single decker would be inadequate.
If they did that they'd probably have to increase the frequencies, since the double deckers have more capacity than the single decks.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2019, 05:52:47 PM
I hate this reply. There was one on there yesterday too. Maybe start buying more single deckers??
Please tell me the negative impact if a service that is normally a 43 seater has a 77 seater on as cover.
Quote from: Tony on May 31, 2019, 06:12:35 PM
Please tell me the negative impact if a service that is normally a 43 seater has a 77 seater on as cover.
Aren't they heavier on fuel for a stater. Especially at PN where we have crimson tridents instead of e200s currently
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2019, 09:15:50 PM
Aren't they heavier on fuel for a stater. Especially at PN where we have crimson tridents instead of e200s currently
They are no heavier at PN than any other garage.
What difference does that make to the passenger?
I really do not know what your problem is. The other way around where a small bus has to be used instead of a large one can be, But you want more small buses, so that would become even more likely.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 31, 2019, 05:52:47 PM
I hate this reply. There was one on there yesterday too. Maybe start buying more single deckers??
for some unknown reason the single deckers always end up on the City runs 12/13 and the running boards say DD, Drivers just end up driving past bus stops during the peak periods.
22 got a fair few more passengers than diamond achieved under the 122. Wonder why that is
Its got to be the 'Nx effect' surely?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 10, 2019, 12:07:07 PM
22 got a fair few more passengers than diamond achieved under the 122. Wonder why that is
What you actually mean is you have just seen a 22 with a few passengers on and it looks more than I remember last time I saw a Diamond one.
Quote from: Tony on June 10, 2019, 12:50:02 PM
What you actually mean is you have just seen a 22 with a few passengers on and it looks more than I remember last time I saw a Diamond one.
Nope never saw a 122 that busy before especially at 11:00 in the morning
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 10, 2019, 01:04:11 PM
Nope never saw a 122 that busy before especially at 11:00 in the morning
So i was right. You have seen one bus!
6990 now at WB. That completes the WB batch
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 14, 2019, 08:10:05 AM
What time's this off Dudley?
I'm not certain of timings, but if it's of any use to you - I posted around the time I got off it in Birmingham! I presume in the hour since I've posted it'll be preparing for the return trip into the city from Dudley around about now.
Tomorrow 3 of WB tacho buses will be on a private hire from Kings Heath to Drayton Manor. May Possibly be 6991,2,3.
Quote from: WB Driver on June 18, 2019, 04:31:59 PM
Tomorrow 3 of WB tacho buses will be on a private hire from Kings Heath to Drayton Manor. May Possibly be 6991,2,3.
Along with 2 from YW. Those two garages not providing cricket buses. WA, PN, AG, PB & BC will be
Quote from: Tony on June 18, 2019, 04:34:31 PM
Along with 2 from YW. Those two garages not providing cricket buses. WA, PN, AG, PB & BC will be
How many buses does the cricket buses require? What is the frequency?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on June 19, 2019, 09:33:48 PM
How many buses does the cricket buses require? What is the frequency?
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/places-to-visit/catch-the-cricket-with-your-shuttle-bus-ticket
What's allocated to the 5 these days? I thought it would be the 47**s, but they appear to be mainstays on the 12A/13s & 80/80A
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 22, 2019, 12:41:06 PM
What's allocated to the 5 these days? I thought it would be the 47**s, but they appear to be mainstays on the 12A/13s & 80/80A
From observation, it looks as though it's reverted back to Volvo B7TLs (both ALX/Gemini bodyworks) - however, the 47**/49** E400s still appear on there from time to time.
edit: I can't be certain, seeing as they're still relatively new, but the MMCs have been known to make one or two odd appearances on the 5, here and there; likewise with the 74. I'd give that one a while before it's decided whether or not they're definitively noteworthy or not (i.e. a Sunday allocation, perhaps?)
Quote from: Sh4318 on June 22, 2019, 12:41:06 PM
What's allocated to the 5 these days? I thought it would be the 47**s, but they appear to be mainstays on the 12A/13s & 80/80A
Mixed. B7TL's (ALX400 & Gemini bodied examples), 47** & 49** E400's all seem to be on daily, there havd been a number of Omnilinks and E400MMC's from observation this week.
Also, from observation the 47** Enviro 400's are spread across on the 5, 12A/13, 74 & 80 daily and then the other routes that see double deckers have them cropping up often.
From this week, the Sunday allocation sheets will specify Platinums on the 5 & 80, although WB are different in that anything parked in the overflow yard on a Saturday night doesn't come out till Monday morning so as seen last week they'll probably appear all over WB's network.
Didn't realise how many alx 400 b7tl were still in operation at WB. I would say over 50% of the allocation on the 5 was 42**. There was also an omnilink on there as well as a fee e400s.
6991 is on the 80/80A. Meanwhile, there's a Crimson Enviro 400 on the 82/87. Logic
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 04, 2019, 08:38:00 AM
6991 is on the 80/80A. Meanwhile, there's a Crimson Enviro 400 on the 82/87. Logic
I'm not sure on the layout of WB, but perhaps the E400 was easier to take out due to parking or something, whereas the Platinum could've been blocked in etc? Either way, the 82/87 still aren't fully Platinum from what I've seen, so it's no biggie.
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 04, 2019, 08:38:00 AM
6991 is on the 80/80A. Meanwhile, there's a Crimson Enviro 400 on the 82/87. Logic
Yes there is
4760 is needed in garage for an inspection, so has to be on a morning peak board
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 04, 2019, 08:38:00 AM
6991 is on the 80/80A. Meanwhile, there's a Crimson Enviro 400 on the 82/87. Logic
Good one less platinum for us on the Dudley rd
Quote from: 2900 on July 04, 2019, 02:19:14 PM
Good one less platinum for us on the Dudley rd
Lol, you really don't like them, do you?
6991 now on the 74
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 04, 2019, 05:54:46 PM
Lol, you really don't like them, do you?
They,re fine for a couple hours but 4/5 hours plus it's taxing , if it's busy you make every stop that feels like a constant battle with the brake pedal waiting for the green lights to go out,
These are good buses for long runs without stopping every few yards running private etc.
I think I,m done now, with these buses and 3 part dutys coming online ,the summer dutys are aweful cost cutting everywhere to pay for new buses I bet .
12/13 every half an hour during the holidays a first for me during the day
87s every 12 minutes during the day , we got hammered last year.
The unbranded 6991 was in use on the WB 5 at lunchtime today. (Sunday) Its the first time I've
seen a platinum on this service. Makes a pleasant change from the usual 48xx I have yet to see 6992 .
Quote from: windy miller on July 07, 2019, 04:05:02 PM
The unbranded 6991 was in use on the WB 5 at lunchtime today. (Sunday) Its the first time I've
seen a platinum on this service. Makes a pleasant change from the usual 48xx I have yet to see 6992 .
theyve
Theres been a few on there now but Wb don't have any 48** they have 47,49**
2 Platinums noted on the 74; 6988 being one. I couldn't identify the other.
Are they to become the secondary allocation in addition to the current mix of 47** & 49**s?
Quote from: CL on July 08, 2019, 08:35:06 AM
2 Platinums noted on the 74; 6988 being one. I couldn't identify the other.
Are they to become the secondary allocation in addition to the current mix of 47** & 49**s?
Lots of WB 49xx are currently at graysons being made euro 6, so cover is whatever 'Birmingham' buses are available
Quote from: Tony on July 08, 2019, 08:44:39 AM
Lots of WB 49xx are currently at graysons being made euro 6, so cover is whatever 'Birmingham' buses are available
Ah, cheers. Admittedly, Graysons completely slipped from my mind! :P
@Sh4318 47xx on the 80/A aren't noteworthy they appear on there everyday. Especially since the 80 got debranded and some buses moved to WN.
Quote from: WB Driver on July 13, 2019, 06:59:10 PM
@Sh4318 47xx on the 80/A aren't noteworthy they appear on there everyday. Especially since the 80 got debranded and some buses moved to WN.
I never said they were? I see the 80s everyday, I was referring to the Omnilink that was on there. Also, it's usually a more balanced mix of 49**s and 47**s, but it was mostly 47**s today
Quote from: Sh4318 on July 14, 2019, 12:38:31 AM
I never said they were? I see the 80s everyday, I was referring to the Omnilink that was on there. Also, it's usually a more balanced mix of 49**s and 47**s, but it was mostly 47**s today
They are unbranded E400s as far as the garage are concerned
4679 and 6975 were present at the Aston Manor Transport Museum running day but only on static display.
4679 on 12a heading to city on hagly rd
4751 is on the 13A, just left Blackheath. Can someone explain the new interworkings on the 12s/13s?
From Sunday just gone 21st both PN and WB are operating the 12/13 corridor I believe due to a shortage of drivers.
Quote from: WB Driver on July 24, 2019, 05:03:07 PM
From Sunday just gone 21st both PN and WB are operating the 12/13 corridor I believe due to a shortage of drivers.
Nothing to do with shortage of drivers, it's a combination of things reduction in service 12,s 13,s every half an hour with A,s in between making it every 15 minutes during summer timetable, the other thing is you now have all 4 services on one running board.
From sept westbrom will gain all the remaining running boards from pennsnet garage with the 45 going to Walsall garage so I am told. It's all fluid
Quote from: 2900 on July 26, 2019, 10:14:29 AM
Nothing to do with shortage of drivers, it's a combination of things reduction in service 12,s 13,s every half an hour with A,s in between making it every 15 minutes during summer timetable, the other thing is you now have all 4 services on one running board.
From sept westbrom will gain all the remaining running boards from pennsnet garage with the 45 going to Walsall garage so I am told. It's all fluid
Will PN reclaim the 3 back?
I thought WB run the 45 anyway not PN
Quote from: I love Walsall buses on July 27, 2019, 01:48:51 AM
I thought WB run the 45 anyway not PN
No one said it didn't. The post suggests the 45 will move to Walsall from West Brom.
I have heard the 12s/13s to remain half hourly from September going to every 20 minutes in the peak
45 to move later on in year
Quote from: 2900 on August 02, 2019, 11:23:22 AM
I have heard the 12s/13s to remain half hourly from September going to every 20 minutes in the peak
45 to move later on in year
Looking at the September timetables, that would be correct. Can all 4 routes cope on an half hourly frequency?
Just saw 4679 on the 12 and it's looks like it needs some work doing on the back it's got a grey patch by the nx logos on the back
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 12, 2019, 06:04:48 AM
Just saw 4679 on the 12 and it's looks like it needs some work doing on the back it's got a grey patch by the nx logos on the back
Yes, heading to Walsall this week
Quote from: Tony on August 12, 2019, 06:21:03 AM
Yes, heading to Walsall this week
To be repainted into white and blue perhaps?
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 12, 2019, 10:34:28 PM
To be repainted into white and blue perhaps?
No, making good it's WB heritage livery.
A couple of platinums have gained split mirrors similar to those arriva use are all buses going to be fitted with them?
4679 having day on 74 today. 06.35 hockley to dudley
2 Platinums on the 48 today.
1 was a branded 82/87 that left West Brom for Northfield at 10.15.
The other was 6991 or 2 which is doing the West Brom to Harborne runs only.
Are WB getting more scanias? Saw 1909 parked in garage this evening
Quote from: Zander on August 29, 2019, 09:52:39 PM
Are WB getting more scanias? Saw 1909 parked in garage this evening
Speaking of Scanias, is the 89 100% Omnilink these days? I haven't seen a double on there for a while, would it have anything to do with the diversion near Rolfe Street?
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 30, 2019, 01:08:54 AM
Speaking of Scanias, is the 89 100% Omnilink these days? I haven’t seen a double on there for a while, would it have anything to do with the diversion near Rolfe Street?
There was a trident on there yesterday if I'm not mistaken.
Quote from: mesub on August 30, 2019, 05:39:03 AM
There was a trident on there yesterday if I'm not mistaken.
Probably a Volvo / ALX, WB have no Tridents
Quote from: mesub on August 30, 2019, 05:39:03 AM
There was a trident on there yesterday if I'm not mistaken.
An Enviro 400?
Quote from: Sh4318 on August 30, 2019, 01:08:54 AM
Speaking of Scanias, is the 89 100% Omnilink these days? I haven't seen a double on there for a while, would it have anything to do with the diversion near Rolfe Street?
Saw a gemini on there yesterday.
4275 finally been moved from the garage
Quote from: Zander on September 21, 2019, 04:37:40 PM
4275 finally been moved from the garage
Not quite its been moved to the back of the Engineering bays. Presumably to be stripped of parts before being scrapped.
Quote from: WB Driver on September 21, 2019, 07:10:54 PM
Not quite its been moved to the back of the Engineering bays. Presumably to be stripped of parts before being scrapped.
I saw the engineers stripping the backend, the ad blue system and euro 6 exhaust traps very valuable still
Couple of changes coming up on October 27th
The daytime 45 journeys will be moving to Walsall however WB will still operate a couple of early morning and all late night journeys that interwork with 46.
We will also be operating the 10&10s (from BC) and 54/A (from Diamond).
Why is the 10 moving to West Bromwich? Doesn't make sense to me. Either they're thinking of combining the 54/A with the 10/H/S later on or the non-compliant BC tridents are finally being withdrawn.
10S moving from BC to WB?
Makes no sense to me
Quote from: WB Driver on September 24, 2019, 03:23:44 PM
Couple of changes coming up on October 27th
The daytime 45 journeys will be moving to Walsall however WB will still operate a couple of early morning and all late night journeys that interwork with 46.
We will also be operating the 10&10s (from BC) and 54/A (from Diamond).
Real shame about the 54 been taken off diamond. One of my favourite routes and recognise fair few drivers who drive it from their days on the 142. Real shame that. Good luck keeping to time with that one
Quote from: WB Driver on September 24, 2019, 03:23:44 PM
Couple of changes coming up on October 27th
The daytime 45 journeys will be moving to Walsall however WB will still operate a couple of early morning and all late night journeys that interwork with 46.
We will also be operating the 10&10s (from BC) and 54/A (from Diamond).
How come? And why just the 10/10S and not the 10H too?
All I'm going of is the poster they put up at WB asking for volunteers to go on the new Quinton Rota which would be 10/S and 54/A I have heard mentioned that they will interwork the 54 and 10S.
So would do 54 to Quinton change to 10S do a trip and then change back to a 54 to West Brom.
Quote from: WB Driver on September 24, 2019, 06:25:06 PM
All I'm going of is the poster they put up at WB asking for volunteers to go on the new Quinton Rota which would be 10/S and 54/A I have heard mentioned that they will interwork the 54 and 10S.
So would do 54 to Quinton change to 10S do a trip and then change back to a 54 to West Brom.
Sonic84's prediction came true.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 24, 2019, 04:14:58 PM
Real shame about the 54 been taken off diamond. One of my favourite routes and recognise fair few drivers who drive it from their days on the 142. Real shame that. Good luck keeping to time with that one
Carries fresh air most of the time. It's such a convoluted route these days, the change to serve St Paul's Road and Spon Lane South hasn't helped
Quote from: WB Driver on September 24, 2019, 06:25:06 PM
All I'm going of is the poster they put up at WB asking for volunteers to go on the new Quinton Rota which would be 10/S and 54/A I have heard mentioned that they will interwork the 54 and 10S.
So would do 54 to Quinton change to 10S do a trip and then change back to a 54 to West Brom.
If this is the case there will need to be changes to routes as the 10/H/S terminate at Quinton Tescos and the 54 World's End. Is the 55 also coming to NX. Will the 48 be added to the Quinton rota as it covers some of that area?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 25, 2019, 07:30:01 PM
If this is the case there will need to be changes to routes as the 10/H/S terminate at Quinton Tescos and the 54 World's End. Is the 55 also coming to NX. Will the 48 be added to the Quinton rota as it covers some of that area?
Don't know about 55. But the 10/s and 54/A was mentioned to be placed on the same rota as the 48s and the 47/49 moved from the 48 rota to the Soho Rota.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 25, 2019, 07:30:01 PM
If this is the case there will need to be changes to routes as the 10/H/S terminate at Quinton Tescos and the 54 World's End. Is the 55 also coming to NX. Will the 48 be added to the Quinton rota as it covers some of that area?
Diamond are no longer operating the 55 from 27th October, I assume that is also moving to NXWM with the 54/54A
Quote from: Winston on September 25, 2019, 08:05:18 PM
Diamond are no longer operating the 55 from 27th October, I assume that is also moving to NXWM with the 54/54A
Have the tender results been announced?
Quote from: Dom on September 25, 2019, 10:21:30 PM
Have the tender results been announced?
Not publically that I'm aware of.
Saw 1913 at WB this morning any idea if it's a transfer or here for MOT.
Can anyone update me on the current rota's and what routes are on them?
Oldbury rota: 82/87, 12/12a, 13/13a.
Soho rota: 74, 89, 80/80a, 47, 49.
West Brom rota: 44, 45, 46, 40, 5, 42/43/43a, 3/3a.
Bearwood rota: 48/48a, 47, 49.
New Quinton rota: 54/54a, 10s/10.
Wasn't the 40 on its own rota at some point?
The 40 was on its own separate rota but merged into the West Brom a few years ago I think.
So what's happening with 10H? Is that not coming over too?
No it's not because the 10/S and the 54 are going to interwork.
Will the streetlites come over to wb or just swb e200s
Wouldn't it make sense for the 10H to be there too though? As it also goes to Quinton currently.
Quote from: MasterPlan on September 30, 2019, 01:58:46 PM
Wouldn't it make sense for the 10H to be there too though? As it also goes to Quinton currently.
Yes, but maybe NX are planning something down the line.
Quote from: Busboy105 on September 30, 2019, 02:54:29 PM
Yes, but maybe NX are planning something down the line.
That is why I said currently. Could be subject to further changes, yes.
What changes could they make? Extend the 54 to Harborne or Brum or the 10 to West Bromwich. There's quite a few they could make.
Quote from: Busboy105 on September 30, 2019, 12:13:52 PM
No it's not because the 10/S and the 54 are going to interwork.
But the 54 is half hourly and the 10S is hourly. With the 10 only operating at peak times every 45 mins.
I would be surprised if the 10H didn't also interwork with the 54 too unless the 10H is dropped and 10S increased in frequency.
I wonder whether they will take the 54 out of Worlds End and have it follow the 19 route from Quinton Church to Four Dwellings roundabout.
Can any one help me out please but what time does the WB working of the x8 leave Dudley towards Birmingham on a morning
Quote from: Jack6101 on October 13, 2019, 06:49:47 PM
Can any one help me out please but what time does the WB working of the x8 leave Dudley towards Birmingham on a morning
08:23
Quote from: WB Driver on October 13, 2019, 06:59:59 PM
08:23
Thank you for the info I thought it was thar one but wasn't sure
Quote from: Jack6101 on October 13, 2019, 07:23:10 PM
Thank you for the info I thought it was thar one but wasn't sure
Is that running board still operated by the same driver who has done the WB running board on those routes for several years?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 13, 2019, 09:17:44 PM
Is that running board still operated by the same driver who has done the WB running board on those routes for several years?
Certainly was last time I checked.
Anyone know which buses will be used on the 54?
Quote from: aSingh on October 14, 2019, 03:47:23 PM
Anyone know which buses will be used on the 54?
Either the MMCs or the e200s.
Quote from: aSingh on October 14, 2019, 03:47:23 PM
Anyone know which buses will be used on the 54?
SWB E200's - WB have received more from PN is exchange for LWB E200's (see transfers thread)
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 14, 2019, 03:48:41 PM
Either the MMCs or the e200s.
It's a minibus route, you won't get a WB E200MMC around
When the Paradise works end, will the 82/87 go back to the route they had before the works? I.e. continuing straight on from Parade to Suffolk Street Queensway then turning left at the roundabout to Smallbrook Queensway to New Street Station then carry on to Moor Street Station and The Square Peg.
Anymore E200s turned up yet for the 54/54A from perry barr
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 23, 2019, 06:48:23 PM
When the Paradise works end, will the 82/87 go back to the route they had before the works? I.e. continuing straight on from Parade to Suffolk Street Queensway then turning left at the roundabout to Smallbrook Queensway to New Street Station then carry on to Moor Street Station and The Square Peg.
I think the diversion it's currently on helps its timing as less stop, start traffic, but iv never done the original route so what do I know.
So atleast 1 platinum appears on the 74 and 80 everyday now. Are they testing the waters with these two routes for maybe a future platinum order? Just curious.
Also how long do WBs 4200 tridents have left before they are scrapped, withdrawn or sold?
Quote from: aSingh on October 27, 2019, 08:56:41 PM
So atleast 1 platinum appears on the 74 and 80 everyday now. Are they testing the waters with these two routes for maybe a future platinum order? Just curious.
Also how long do WBs 4200 tridents have left before they are scrapped, withdrawn or sold?
Great idea to put Platinums on the 74, 80/80A... let them get trashed and wrecked and the 74's E400's aren't even that old!
They are ALX400 B7TL's, not Tridents...
Quote from: Jack on October 27, 2019, 09:40:45 PM
Great idea to put Platinums on the 74, 80/80A... let them get trashed and wrecked and the 74's E400's aren't even that old!
They are ALX400 B7TL's, not Tridents...
87 similar to 74 and 80, it's platinum. 74 goes through rough area (Handsworth) like 87 (Cape Hill), also goes through a less busy area (great bridge), 87 (Oldbury). Some similarities between the 2. Just curious.
Oh I see, I didn't check. I stand corrected 😁
Does anyone have an ETA on when the Volvos are being withdrawn? They are my favourite buses in the current fleet right now so I just want to know so I won't be left in the cold.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 03, 2019, 02:40:19 PM
Does anyone have an ETA on when the Volvos are being withdrawn? They are my favourite buses in the current fleet right now so I just want to know so I won't be left in the cold.
Some of the none trapped ALX will come off in the next couple of months at MoT expiry. No plans to withdraw any other
Quote from: Tony on November 03, 2019, 02:42:29 PM
Some of the none trapped ALX will come off in the next couple of months at MoT expiry. No plans to withdraw any other
Ok thank you.
Quote from: aSingh on October 27, 2019, 08:53:41 PM
I think the diversion it's currently on helps its timing as less stop, start traffic, but iv never done the original route so what do I know.
I have heard rumours the 82/87 might return to serving the city loop on the 8th December, I wonder if it will go up carrs lane again what a joke that is far too many buses and people playing chicken with there life's walking out into traffic without any care.
Current route into city is the most reliable I have ever known and I,ve done plenty of variations in the last 22 years. I have heard the old stop outside the figure of eight is now used by harborne services ,
I can't some how see how Sutton ,harborne and Dudley rd services will fit in there.
We shall see. Have those traffic lights at hotel la tour been sorted out man they took the piss especially turning left onto the bus mall.
Quote from: 2900 on November 04, 2019, 09:52:04 AM
I have heard rumours the 82/87 might return to serving the city loop on the 8th December, I wonder if it will go up carrs lane again what a joke that is far too many buses and people playing chicken with there life's walking out into traffic without any care.
Current route into city is the most reliable I have ever known and I,ve done plenty of variations in the last 22 years. I have heard the old stop outside the figure of eight is now used by harborne services ,
I can't some how see how Sutton ,harborne and Dudley rd services will fit in there.
We shall see. Have those traffic lights at hotel la tour been sorted out man they took the piss especially turning left onto the bus mall.
The Sutton services don't use Broad St anyway?
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 04, 2019, 12:44:36 PM
The Sutton services don't use Broad St anyway?
His on about the bus stops on corporation st
Quote from: 2900 on November 04, 2019, 09:52:04 AM
I have heard rumours the 82/87 might return to serving the city loop on the 8th December, I wonder if it will go up carrs lane again what a joke that is far too many buses and people playing chicken with there life's walking out into traffic without any care.
Current route into city is the most reliable I have ever known and I,ve done plenty of variations in the last 22 years. I have heard the old stop outside the figure of eight is now used by harborne services ,
I can't some how see how Sutton ,harborne and Dudley rd services will fit in there.
We shall see. Have those traffic lights at hotel la tour been sorted out man they took the piss especially turning left onto the bus mall.
The 23/24 will probably go back to serving Colmore Row only after December. Don't think NX are going to be that stupid to allow all those routes to serve Corporation Street; it's going to be a nightmare for buses to get out especially at peak times.
Quote from: Jack6101 on November 04, 2019, 12:59:15 PM
His on about the bus stops on corporation st
The Figure of Eight isn't on Corporation St.
Yes I know that but you can tell from what he has said what stops he is on about
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 04, 2019, 01:37:06 PM
The 23/24 will probably go back to serving Colmore Row only after December. Don't think NX are going to be that stupid to allow all those routes to serve Corporation Street; it's going to be a nightmare for buses to get out especially at peak times.
When I see it the stop outside New Street Station, it seems to be well used. Can see there being some people not being pleased with that, if that's the case and the 23/24 return to terminating at Colmore Row.
There's no room for any more services on the Corporation Street stop.
If they did return to looping the City Centre, they'd probably use Moor Street Queensway and Priory Queensway, i'd have thought rather than using the 23/24 stop.
Quote from: 2206 on November 04, 2019, 05:02:44 PM
When I see it the stop in the City Centre the stop outside New Street Station, it seems to be well used. Can see there being some people not being pleased with that, if that's the case and the 23/24 return to terminating at Colmore Row.
There's no room for any more services on the Corporation Street stop.
If they did return to looping the City Centre, they'd probably use Moor Street Queensway and Priory Queensway, i'd have thought rather than using the 23/24 stop.
What about the stops on Albert Street? If NX are keeping the 23/24 route as it is and the 82/87 go back to their city centre loop could the 23/24 stop at Albert Street instead?
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 04, 2019, 05:39:00 PM
What about the stops on Albert Street? If NX are keeping the 23/24 route as it is and the 82/87 go back to their city centre loop could the 23/24 stop at Albert Street instead?
That would cause chaos with the parked cars on the other side of the road and our Sutton buses trying to get up Albert Street. It would get gridlocked with cars and buses stuck behind the 23/24 trying to get round, backing up onto Dale End and then blocking the road for traffic travelling up Albert Street
Quote from: John on November 04, 2019, 05:52:08 PM
That would cause chaos with the parked cars on the other side of the road and our Sutton buses trying to get up Albert Street. It would get gridlocked with cars and buses stuck behind the 23/24 trying to get round, backing up onto Dale End and then blocking the road for traffic travelling up Albert Street
What if the 23/24 was curtailed to the old MegaBus terminus at Colmore Street Queensway? I believe they used to stop there and there is no issue with parked cars over there.
Quote from: Busboy105 on November 04, 2019, 06:32:18 PM
What if the 23/24 was curtailed to the old MegaBus terminus at Colmore Street Queensway? I believe they used to stop there and there is no issue with parked cars over there.
Sure fire way to lose passengers. Drop them off at at stop with no cross city connections and a 1/2mile walk to Priory Queensway!
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 04, 2019, 12:44:36 PM
The Sutton services don't use Broad St anyway?
2900 means the Square Peg, not the Figure of Eight - getting the Wetherspoons mixed up. Easily done.
Quote from: Mike K on November 05, 2019, 08:32:06 AM
2900 means the Square Peg, not the Figure of Eight - getting the Wetherspoons mixed up. Easily done.
Thanks for clearing the name of the wetherspoons pub name , so many pubs.
Some times people say to me on the bus The George Oldbury mate I say yeah , then it dawns on me there 3 George's in Oldbury
George Oldbury Warley 13/13A , Birmingham rd Oldbury 13 87, Dudley rd / Albion rd 87
Omnilinks on the 48 are not the most comfortable of buses for the route. Had one three times this week, and every time there has been standing. Furthermore a lot of elderly travel on the route between QE and bearwood anyway, and it seems more a safety hazard than anything for them
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 08, 2019, 07:32:23 PM
Omnilinks on the 48 are not the most comfortable of buses for the route. Had one three times this week, and every time there has been standing. Furthermore a lot of elderly travel on the route between QE and bearwood anyway, and it seems more a safety hazard than anything for them
So a bus with more seats downstairs is unsafe for the elderly. You do post some complete rubbish
Quote from: Tony on November 08, 2019, 08:14:03 PM
So a bus with more seats downstairs is unsafe for the elderly. You do post some complete rubbish
Not really it's not like the most mobile can go upstairs like myself is it now?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 08, 2019, 08:34:18 PM
Not really it's not like the most mobile can go upstairs like myself is it now?
No, but you can give up your seats for the elderly like used to be standard practise
Quote from: Tony on November 08, 2019, 08:37:20 PM
No, but you can give up your seats for the elderly like used to be standard practise
Yeah but when 75% of the bus is OAP then how can they give up their seats.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 08, 2019, 08:45:54 PM
Yeah but when 75% of the bus is OAP then how can they give up their seats.
75% is OAP, so are you saying there were over 70 people on the scania? 49 seats + 25%?
As you post so much which is not true most of us don't actually believe anything.
Since when did 4748 turn into a bag of nails? Heavy rattling on the top deck, mismatch seat cushions on the back row, filthy floor, mismatch seat backs with etchings and cigarette burns.
Compare it to 4735, it's night and day, I know these are 12 years old now, but I was a little disappointed
Can I have verification of the name for 1844 please? Its not terribly clear on the photo I took - looks like Charlie Jane.
Quote from: darthdc on November 23, 2019, 07:45:30 PM
Can I have verification of the name for 1844 please? Its not terribly clear on the photo I took - looks like Charlie Jane.
1844 is a Walsall bus do you mean 1944?
Quote from: WB Driver on November 23, 2019, 08:32:17 PM
1844 is a Walsall bus do you mean 1944?
It was definitely 1844 - it's just that I took the photo at WB Bus Station.
Three more buses will be withdrawn this week
4228 last day 4/12
4230 last day 5/12
4262 last day 6/12
Quote from: Tony on December 03, 2019, 08:29:12 AM
Three more buses will be withdrawn this week
4228 last day 4/12
4230 last day 5/12
4262 last day 6/12
Will the Volvos and the Tridents be given a final goodbye like they did with the 0405Ns and the other older buses back in 2015?
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 03, 2019, 08:33:28 AM
Will the Volvos and the Tridents be given a final goodbye like they did with the 0405Ns and the other older buses back in 2015?
No good asking that now.
I've no idea what's going to happen years ahead
Saw 4525 back at WB not sure if 4524 is back as well.
Quote from: WB Driver on December 03, 2019, 10:57:09 AM
Saw 4525 back at WB not sure if 4524 is back as well.
Yes, both back
Probably been asked before, but why does 4968 have the indicator stalk on the opposite side of the steering wheel?? Very strange when driving it
Quote from: Sh4318 on November 17, 2019, 11:25:16 AM
Since when did 4748 turn into a bag of nails? Heavy rattling on the top deck, mismatch seat cushions on the back row, filthy floor, mismatch seat backs with etchings and cigarette burns.
Compare it to 4735, it's night and day, I know these are 12 years old now, but I was a little disappointed
Many of westbroms 4700s are a degusting mess inside ,some do rattle good and proper, few are very poor to drive now, they have done hard trunk work all there life's on no 50/87 I guess to be expected proper wear and tear.
Quote from: 2900 on December 11, 2019, 10:21:29 AM
Many of westbroms 4700s are a degusting mess inside ,some do rattle good and proper, few are very poor to drive now, they have done hard trunk work all there life's on no 50/87 I guess to be expected proper wear and tear.
If I remember rightly they were the first refurbs into Crimson back in 2015 so may be due for attention within the next 2 years. I wonder if the equivalent Coventry 47xx are as worn? Or maybe they haven't had quite such a hard life.
Put it in the depot thread as not too sure if this is worth a mention but 4955 is on the 82/87 today. Not long left Oldbury for Brum. Personally never copped a 49xx on the 87.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 16, 2019, 11:35:49 AM
Put it in the depot thread as not too sure if this is worth a mention but 4955 is on the 82/87 today. Not long left Oldbury for Brum. Personally never copped a 49xx on the 87.
4917 was on there a couple of weeks ago ;D
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 16, 2019, 11:35:49 AM
Put it in the depot thread as not too sure if this is worth a mention but 4955 is on the 82/87 today. Not long left Oldbury for Brum. Personally never copped a 49xx on the 87.
4967 was on 87 on Saturday. Good bus drive
Saw 4750 being towed somewhere around half 3 possibly Carlyle as had front end damage.
Also
@Tony how many more e200mmc are WB getting?
@MasterPlan 74E to Dudley Port am common tbh
Quote from: Jack6101 on December 23, 2019, 05:33:28 PM
@MasterPlan 74E to Dudley Port am common tbh
Fair enough, aa I say juat not seen it before myself like.
6991 on the 74, just arrived into Birmingham
Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but from the 26th January, the 82 and 87 will be going back to doing the City Centre loop, but instead will service Priory Queensway instead of up Carrs Lane. Again the 89 is left out...
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2020, 11:20:27 PM
Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but from the 26th January, the 82 and 87 will be going back to doing the City Centre loop, but instead will service Priory Queensway instead of up Carrs Lane. Again the 89 is left out...
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
Not clear what route the 23/24 and 10H would supposedly use then.
Will the 23/24 still do the City Loop in the present direction? And if so will it still go in via Bath Row and out along Broad Street, or will it serve Broad Street in both directions now.
Didn't know there were any diversions/ammendments in place on the 80/80A and X20/X21/X22, so also unclear what its referring to there.
Quote from: 2206 on January 04, 2020, 11:30:09 PM
Not clear what route the 23/24 and 10H would supposedly use then.
Will the 23/24 still do the City Loop in the present direction? And if so will it still go in via Bath Row and out along Broad Street, or will it serve Broad Street in both directions now.
Didn't know there were any diversions/ammendments in place on the 80/80A and X20/X21/X22, so also unclear what its referring to there.
I'm pretty sure the 10H, 23/24 will continue doing their current route, hence why they just said the 82/87 will change.
I didn't know that either, but I presume they would have their frequency playing with to cope with the extra traffic along Bath Row.
So what does that mean? Services can go down Broad Street from 26th?
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2020, 11:20:27 PM
Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but from the 26th January, the 82 and 87 will be going back to doing the City Centre loop, but instead will service Priory Queensway instead of up Carrs Lane. Again the 89 is left out...
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
I agree that the 89 should go the same way.
Not sure why a lot of those are mentioned, I don't know what supposed diversion / bus stop change was made to the 61/63 & X20/X21/X22 because of these works. Would be great if they could be more clear rather than just expecting people to know.
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 05, 2020, 10:40:36 AM
I agree that the 89 should go the same way.
Not sure why a lot of those are mentioned, I don't know what supposed diversion / bus stop change was made to the 61/63 & X20/X21/X22 because of these works. Would be great if they could be more clear rather than just expecting people to know.
Agreed. It looks unlikely the full length of broad street will open so can't see what changes can be made to the 9, 10, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 126, X8 and X10.
I wonder whether the 23, 24 will run the loop the opposite way as they used to now that Suffolk Street Queenways will be open to traffic again?
Quote from: sonic84 on January 05, 2020, 11:33:40 AM
Agreed. It looks unlikely the full length of broad street will open so can't see what changes can be made to the 9, 10, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 126, X8 and X10.
I wonder whether the 23, 24 will run the loop the opposite way as they used to now that Suffolk Street Queenways will be open to traffic again?
I sincerely hope not. Reliability of the 23/24 was decimated when they used to use Smallbrook Queensway outbound. I hope that eventually, once Broad Street is fully reopened, that they revert to using Broad Street in both directions, and use the current anti-clockwise city loop as they do now.
Prior to the latest set of Broad Street closures, reliability was miles better than when they did the clockwise loop.
Quote from: sonic84 on January 05, 2020, 11:33:40 AM
Agreed. It looks unlikely the full length of broad street will open so can't see what changes can be made to the 9, 10, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 126, X8 and X10.
I wonder whether the 23, 24 will run the loop the opposite way as they used to now that Suffolk Street Queenways will be open to traffic again?
From what I understand the X8 and 13A are running back via Sheepcoate Street again but I may be wrong and am happy to be corrected.
Quote from: Jack on January 04, 2020, 11:20:27 PM
Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but from the 26th January, the 82 and 87 will be going back to doing the City Centre loop, but instead will service Priory Queensway instead of up Carrs Lane. Again the 89 is left out...
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
The 89 doesn't need to serve the loop - though it would be useful.
Will there be enough platinums to cover the 82/87? Presumably the PVR will increase
Quote from: MasterPlan on January 05, 2020, 10:40:36 AM
I agree that the 89 should go the same way.
Not sure why a lot of those are mentioned, I don't know what supposed diversion / bus stop change was made to the 61/63 & X20/X21/X22 because of these works. Would be great if they could be more clear rather than just expecting people to know.
89 is lovely on its current route. Much better traffic wise going into city the way it currently goes.
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 06, 2020, 06:52:17 PM
The 89 doesn't need to serve the loop - though it would be useful.
Will there be enough platinums to cover the 82/87? Presumably the PVR will increase
OM has put a notice on drivers app mentioning that the "Service 82/87 will be having an extension in the form of a City Loop (Markets) from 26/01/20".
Next 2 Sundays drivers will have to report to West brom bus station for route learning.
So... The 82/87 are going round to the markets???
Quote from: aSingh on January 06, 2020, 07:47:21 PM
OM has put a notice on drivers app mentioning that the "Service 82/87 will be having an extension in the form of a City Loop (Markets) from 26/01/20".
Next 2 Sundays drivers will have to report to West brom bus station for route learning.
So... The 82/87 are going round to the markets???
so as to stop rumours why don't you ask your OM or your AOM or your road rep or your DTO who will probably be doing the training
Quote from: aSingh on January 06, 2020, 07:47:21 PM
OM has put a notice on drivers app mentioning that the "Service 82/87 will be having an extension in the form of a City Loop (Markets) from 26/01/20".
Next 2 Sundays drivers will have to report to West brom bus station for route learning.
So... The 82/87 are going round to the markets???
Quote from: karl724223 on January 06, 2020, 08:27:22 PM
so as to stop rumours why don't you ask your OM or your AOM or your road rep or your DTO who will probably be doing the training
According to NX Bus website:
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
QuoteThe below services will no longer be diverted from the 26th January but will be following a different route.
82 - Birmingham - Bearwood
87 - Birmingham - Dudley
The route will be as follows -
Summer Hill Road, Paradise Circus Queensway, Suffolk Street Queensway, Smallbrook Queensway, Moor Street Queensway, Priory Street Queensway, Old Square, Colmore Circus Queensway and Colmore Row.
Quote from: Stu on January 06, 2020, 08:53:17 PM
According to NX Bus website:
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/metro-extension-broad-street-paradise-circus-closures
the website also mentions the 13B and the 46 too
Quote from: OH25 on January 06, 2020, 08:56:05 PM
the website also mentions the 13B and the 46 too
Have to say I find bits of the NX website confusing for one page says
"Services will no longer be diverted due to the extension of the West Midlands Metro in Birmingham city centre." and it lists all the Broad Street services, yet another page says
"There will be changes to bus services travelling into Birmingham city centre and along Broad Street between Monday 2 September and Spring 2020 as essential work to extend the Birmingham West Midlands Metro to Edgbaston continues." ???
Quote from: aSingh on January 06, 2020, 07:47:21 PM
OM has put a notice on drivers app mentioning that the "Service 82/87 will be having an extension in the form of a City Loop (Markets) from 26/01/20".
Next 2 Sundays drivers will have to report to West brom bus station for route learning.
So... The 82/87 are going round to the markets???
It looks like a minor route change in the City centre back to how it used to be some years ago. How minor a route change does there need to be for drivers to need route training, there must be a significant number of drivers on the Oldbury rota who need route training?
What about drivers on other rotas, do they need route training before they could work a duty on the 82 / 87?
Was the service (82/87) reliable when it originally was on the city loop?
Currently it's not too bad from my experience when driving on its current diverted route. Only bit of bad traffic it gets affected by is on the usual Dudley Road.
Depends, I remember it took me an hour to get in and out of town doing the loop, Suffolk Street Queensway was just like a car park at times
Quote from: Zander on January 07, 2020, 06:42:25 AM
Depends, I remember it took me an hour to get in and out of town doing the loop, Suffolk Street Queensway was just like a car park at times
Well it can always do the old 126 route into the markets to escape the traffic.
Quote from: Busboy105 on January 07, 2020, 12:38:50 PM
Well it can always do the old 126 route into the markets to escape the traffic.
Wouldn't be able to access Brunel Street as it's been closed off; additionally, the flow of traffic has been reversed to run in the opposite direction (up the hill, rather than down)
Quote from: CL on January 07, 2020, 12:50:08 PM
Wouldn't be able to access Brunel Street as it's been closed off; additionally, the flow of traffic has been reversed to run in the opposite direction (up the hill, rather than down)
Oh ok, didn't know about that.
Noticed the page has been updated.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/82-87-route-change-from-26th-january-2020-2020-01-10
And all the incorrect information has been removed.
Quote from: 2206 on January 10, 2020, 03:32:21 PM
Noticed the page has been updated.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/82-87-route-change-from-26th-january-2020-2020-01-10
And all the incorrect information has been removed.
"Services 87 & 87 will still serve Colmore Row."
:)
I love the fact it says new one way loop. Have they forgot it used to do a loop of city before the metro works.
Do the Crimson E200's actually have an allocated route anymore? The 40 is E200MMC now and the 47 is now mainly always Deckers?
Quote from: Jack on January 11, 2020, 09:45:08 AM
Do the Crimson E200's actually have an allocated route anymore? The 40 is E200MMC now and the 47 is now mainly always Deckers?
42/3 and 44 ?
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 11, 2020, 09:50:43 AM
42/3 and 44 ?
The 42/43 mainly get the WMB ones and the 44 is a SWB. I know the 40/46 is Crimson E200 on Sundays, but they don't seem to be 'fixed' anywhere on the weekdays and Saturdays...
44 during the week is now a LWB e200 as the SWB are needed for the 54/10 e200 mainly get used on the 47 and 40 as atm there aren't enough Mmc to for the 40 especially as there all due to go in WMB livery.
Does anyone here know if the 3 and 3A Interwork ?
Quote from: WB Driver on January 11, 2020, 11:38:56 AM
44 during the week is now a LWB e200 as the SWB are needed for the 54/10 e200 mainly get used on the 47 and 40 as atm there aren't enough Mmc to for the 40 especially as there all due to go in WMB livery.
Thanks for the confirmation,
@WB Driver. I presume the 22 is still SWB?
Quote from: Jack on January 11, 2020, 04:17:57 PM
Thanks for the confirmation, @WB Driver. I presume the 22 is still SWB?
Yes
Quote from: Jack6101 on January 11, 2020, 03:49:10 PM
Does anyone here know if the 3 and 3A Interwork ?
At West Brom 3 comes in becomes 3A and vice versa
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on January 11, 2020, 04:38:49 PM
At West Brom 3 comes in becomes 3A and vice versa
Its even funnier in Blackheath when a driver forgets he is on a 3A and ends up outside the old Blackheath Post Office when he doesnt look at the duty working looks at his ticket machine and ends up NIS opposite the new libarary waiting for the 24 you would be surprised how often that happens!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 06, 2020, 10:17:53 PM
It looks like a minor route change in the City centre back to how it used to be some years ago. How minor a route change does there need to be for drivers to need route training, there must be a significant number of drivers on the Oldbury rota who need route training?
What about drivers on other rotas, do they need route training before they could work a duty on the 82 / 87?
Theres nothing new about the 82/87 city loop done it for years after the bullring/markets was remodel,ed .
Same stops as before from what i have read,
Colmore row as now is the terminus back then it was the bus mall. I wont be wasting my sunday morning route leaning that, not interested in 90 mins pay either.
I
Well i can talk about now , there will 25 running boards on82/87s during peak now from the 26th currently 23 boards before that the previous loop 24 boards.
There will 7 boards operating on evenings instead of 6 boards due to interworking of 82/87s during the evening/ late nite period call what you will.
Welcome the interworking at nite as i can use toilets at dudley now, i have been watering the bushes at lightwoods park for many years.
One of the many downsides of the loop we can no longer use the toilets at snowhill cop shop.
I went up to use the toilets at Bearwood bus station where you insert 10p to use and to my shock I found a homeless couple sleeping in there 😯😯😯
Quote from: aSingh on January 12, 2020, 01:33:55 PM
I went up to use the toilets at Bearwood bus station where you insert 10p to use and to my shock I found a homeless couple sleeping in there 😯😯😯
we got the same problem in Halesowen bus station toilet
Quote from: karl724223 on January 12, 2020, 03:36:43 PM
we got the same problem in Halesowen bus station toilet
Really I will raise this to TfWM as it is clearly unacceptable and have not heard of this previously the toilet in Bearwood is the responsibility of Sandwell MBC. The Mayor has a clear strategy for overcoming homelesness but I dont think it includes sleeping his bus stations.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 12, 2020, 03:42:54 PM
Really I will raise this to TfWM as it is clearly unacceptable and have not heard of this previously the toilets in Bearwood are the responsibility of Sandwell MBC
stourbridge is the same disabled toilets locked up after a certain hour due to anti social behaviour
Dudley another problem disabled toilets opened up if somebody can be bothered to open them up
Quote from: karl724223 on January 12, 2020, 03:47:49 PM
stourbridge is the same disabled toilets locked up after a certain hour due to anti social behaviour
Dudley another problem disabled toilets opened up if somebody can be bothered to open them up
Yes I am aware of the locking of the toilets at night sadly its due to constant vandilism but not of anyone sleeping in them thanks for the information I wll follow this up.
The Dudley toilets have now moved from inside the Bus Station to on Castle St. The council willl only unlock the Bus Station gate to the Disabled toilet if they feel like it. With regards to Stourbridge's disable toilet it should be open all hours for people who have a radar key. Maby I'm wrong. I'llask at my next meeting with TfWM.
Quote from: karl724223 on January 12, 2020, 03:47:49 PM
stourbridge is the same disabled toilets locked up after a certain hour due to anti social behaviour
Dudley another problem disabled toilets opened up if somebody can be bothered to open them up
There aren't any toilets at Beawood to my knolage!!! The only toilets I know of in Bearwood are the ones in the park and the one disabled one by the bus station.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 12, 2020, 04:51:52 PM
There aren't any toilets at Beawood to my knolage!!! The only toilets I know of in Bearwood are the ones in the park and the one disabled one by the bus station.
Isnt that what I said the toilet at Bearwood Bus Station is run by Sandwell MBC.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 12, 2020, 04:57:19 PM
Isnt that what I said the toilet at Bearwood Bus Station is run by Sandwell MBC.
Yes you did but the way you were thinking I thought they had reinstated the men's and womens toilets as well.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 12, 2020, 04:59:38 PM
Yes you did but the way you were thinking I thought they had reinstated the men's and womens toilets as well.
My post said no such thing I correctly posted the toilet at Bearwood Bus Station is run by Sandwell MBC
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 12, 2020, 05:01:32 PM
My post said no such thing I correctly posted the toilets at Bearwood Bus Station are run by Sandwell MBC
Thats the thing if you put toiltes that somevpeople would probably jump to a colclution that there's a mens and womens toilet there as well as a disable one. Thats where I'm coming from... I personally now that there only a disable toilet there but for other people on this forum they may not. I know most of the people on this forum are possibly drivers.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 12, 2020, 05:05:49 PM
Thats the thing if you put toiltes that somevpeople would probably jump to a colclution that there's a mens and womens toilet there as well as a disable one. Thats where I'm coming from... I personally now that there only a disable toilet there but for other people on this forum they may not. I know most of the people on this forum are possibly drivers.
My post said no such thing I correctly posted the toilet (singular) at Bearwood Bus Station is run by Sandwell MBC. I corrected the plural to the singular on the post to avoid any confusion as far as I am aware the toilet is open to all genders.
6990 is parked on Stand U in Wolverhampton Bus Station this evening. Any ideas what it's doing here? Cheers.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 12, 2020, 05:12:32 PM
My post said no such thing I correctly posted the toilet (singular) at Bearwood Bus Station is run by Sandwell MBC. I corrected the plural to the singular on the post to avoid any confusion as far as I am aware the toilet is open to all genders.
[/quote ]
I have seen the local police on several occasions removing bedding from here, also others have reported seeing used needless etc on the floor. There's now a notice stating unit temporarily closed.
This is a matter for Sandwell MBC
Quote from: Nathan on January 12, 2020, 07:31:12 PM
6990 is parked on Stand U in Wolverhampton Bus Station this evening. Any ideas what it's doing here? Cheers.
West Brom Garage Social outing to the Panto at the Grand Theatre
Myself and my road rep went to see West Bromwich head manager about a many issues one subject always on the list bearwood toilets always a problem.
Currently the one in the park is closed and the one on the bus interchange closed because of rough sleepers and drivers coming across used drug needles just before Christmas.
I really wanted to pee the other day but couldn't currently I am limiting the amount of fluids I drink because the toilet situation on this f,ing job is a joke, dry lips, dry tongue just some of issues I have now.
Quote from: 2900 on January 14, 2020, 09:57:56 AM
Myself and my road rep went to see West Bromwich head manager about a many issues one subject always on the list bearwood toilets always a problem.
Currently the one in the park is closed and the one on the bus interchange closed because of rough sleepers and drivers coming across used drug needles just before Christmas.
I really wanted to pee the other day but couldn't currently I am limiting the amount of fluids I drink because the toilet situation on this f,ing job is a joke, dry lips, dry tongue just some of issues I have now.
Have access to a toilet is a requirement for a job though. im Sure there's a legality there too
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 14, 2020, 10:32:39 AM
Have access to a toilet is a requirement for a job though. im Sure there's a legality there too
I am sure in Blackheath there must be some kind agreement between Sainsburys and WMT because when your on the self service tills in front of toilets there are always plenty of male West Midlands Travel drivers coming in and out of the Gents I have often wondered about them while beeping and what they were doing you often expect to hear the phrase unexpected bus driver in the bogging area!
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 12, 2020, 04:49:32 PM
The Dudley toilets have now moved from inside the Bus Station to on Castle St. The council willl only unlock the Bus Station gate to the Disabled toilet if they feel like it. With regards to Stourbridge's disable toilet it should be open all hours for people who have a radar key. Maby I'm wrong. I'llask at my next meeting with TfWM.
The Dudley toilets have been at Castle Street for ages now.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 14, 2020, 10:49:00 AM
I am sure in Blackheath there must be some kind agreement between Sainsburys and WMT because when your on the self service tills in front of toilets there are always plenty of male West Midlands Travel drivers coming in and out of the Gents I have often wondered about them while beeping and what they were doing you often expect to hear the phrase unexpected bus driver in the bogging area!
We had an agreement with the beach tree blackheath to use there toilets but that been stopped due to new owners , so drivers have been using sainsburys again still a problem after its closed, I,ll leave it to your imagination to what happens.
Quote from: 2900 on January 14, 2020, 01:07:10 PM
We had an agreement with the beach tree blackheath to use there toilets but that been stopped due to new owners , so drivers have been using sainsburys again still a problem after its closed, I,ll leave it to your imagination to what happens.
I wonder if Wetherspoons would be equally obliging in The Brit?.
Quote from: 2900 on January 14, 2020, 01:07:10 PM
We had an agreement with the beach tree blackheath to use there toilets but that been stopped due to new owners , so drivers have been using sainsburys again still a problem after its closed, I,ll leave it to your imagination to what happens.
At bearwood could you not go in kings head especially at evenings?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 14, 2020, 02:13:23 PM
At bearwood could you not go in kings head especially at evenings?
Its a bit posh for a pub my advice stroll up to The Dog proper M&B pub.
I think what TfWM needs to do is what TfL has done at bus termini which don't have any facilities, they have built small buildings about the same size as Doctor Who's Tardis which only bus drivers have access to.
Unfortunately they have gained the nickname Turdis by local residents who don't want them, see the following link with a picture:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/march-of-the-turdis-forty-stainless-steel-lavatories-for-bus-drivers-planned-on-londons-streets-a4021316.html
Reminds me of the time I parked my bus on Bearwood High Street outside Pepes and went inside. They let me use the staff toilet. It was almost midnight I believe.
Quote from: Ian Hardy on January 14, 2020, 08:40:47 PM
I think what TfWM needs to do is what TfL has done at bus termini which don't have any facilities, they have built small buildings about the same size as Doctor Who's Tardis which only bus drivers have access to.
Unfortunately they have gained the nickname Turdis by local residents who don't want them, see the following link with a picture:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/march-of-the-turdis-forty-stainless-steel-lavatories-for-bus-drivers-planned-on-londons-streets-a4021316.html
I will see if I can find out from The Mayor his thoughts on the toilet habits of West Midland Travel bus drivers and thier needs and what could be done in terms of relief at terminals.
The amenities at WB bus station are great. Toilets for all people downstairs and toilets upstairs for bus station staff and drivers. Really glad I chose WB Garage, bus station's closeness to the garage which you can easily get to in 7 mins
by walking makes life really easy.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 14, 2020, 11:41:48 PM
I will see if I can find out from The Mayor his thoughts on the toilet habits of West Midland Travel bus drivers and thier needs and what could be done in terms of relief at terminals.
My gaffer has mentioned the name Andy street he's the mayor a conservative I think and he has overall say in public transport in the wmca transport issues correct me if this is wrong.
I am thinking of emailing him about the dire toilet issues for bus drivers in the Midlands.
The RMT has a campaign going on about toilet dignity, it's shocking that in 2020 we,re even discussing this.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 14, 2020, 02:13:23 PM
At bearwood could you not go in kings head especially at evenings?
One of the drivers did try and got turned away, I think it has gone upmarket after its refurb more of a eating place now
Oldbury relief point is a joke now not fit for purpose being harassed by drunks and others, I have on 2 occasions before Christmas have had to defend myself I ended up flooring one after he swung his bag at me. I know of at least half a dozen assaults on drivers here, one colleague lost his eye after altercation.
Back in the day it was ok ample free parking in sainsburys and side streets that's all gone now I now park half mile away by Royal Mail Oldbury. Most of us took our breaks in our cars I miss it dry warm , football on the radio etc. We,ve had enough of macdonalds and sainsburys cafe too it's not cheap.
I have started to bring my own food from and eat it under the canopy of sainsburys again.
It's time to move Oldbury rota back to Dudley bus station where it belongs there we have full facilities for drivers, customers would get a better service no relief point in Oldbury and this happens on regular basis when a relief driver fails to show up it causes conflict with customers.
There's not enough bus parking space in the peak here either.
Out of all the Black Country garages we are the only rota with no facilities.
Dudley bus station has 2 inspectors , security staff, bus station staff, more police presence, emergency button etc etc, sod all in Oldbury.
All the routes on Oldbury were operated from Dudley for decades
13s now on the 12 running boards
82s on the 87 boards there's no issue that I can see why we can't return to Dudley bus station.
It was very terrible decision made in 2012 to move the 87s ,120s down here time to reverse it ,plus it would help with driver retention IMO plenty would return from West Bromwich.
Quote from: 2900 on January 15, 2020, 09:48:39 AM
Oldbury relief point is a joke now not fit for purpose being harassed by drunks and others, I have on 2 occasions before Christmas have had to defend myself I ended up flooring one after he swung his bag at me. I know of at least half a dozen assaults on drivers here, one colleague lost his eye after altercation.
Back in the day it was ok ample free parking in sainsburys and side streets that's all gone now I now park half mile away by Royal Mail Oldbury. Most of us took our breaks in our cars I miss it dry warm , football on the radio etc. We,ve had enough of macdonalds and sainsburys cafe too it's not cheap.
I have started to bring my own food from and eat it under the canopy of sainsburys again.
It's time to move Oldbury rota back to Dudley bus station where it belongs there we have full facilities for drivers, customers would get a better service no relief point in Oldbury and this happens on regular basis when a relief driver fails to show up it causes conflict with customers.
There's not enough bus parking space in the peak here either.
Out of all the Black Country garages we are the only rota with no facilities.
Dudley bus station has 2 inspectors , security staff, bus station staff, more police presence, emergency button etc etc, sod all in Oldbury.
All the routes on Oldbury were operated from Dudley for decades
13s now on the 12 running boards
82s on the 87 boards there's no issue that I can see why we can't return to Dudley bus station.
It was very terrible decision made in 2012 to move the 87s ,120s down here time to reverse it ,plus it would help with driver retention IMO plenty would return from West Bromwich.
@2900 abuse is so common now for anyone in uniform whilst doing my H M.Gov work we had to wear a uniform including a high vis the abuse you.got on the X8 was unbelievably sick of two twats one day I got off at Amber Tavern to get a 9 but they followed me determined to start a fight one took swing at me blissfully unaware of my charity boxing, weight training and lane swimming as he went to punch me one swing back from me band he was sprawled on the pavement to the shock of his mate who ran off not wanting.a decking too I just got on 9 & left him in.the bus shelter and reported the matter to the police so you are not alone with that kind of abuse and assault. Mind you
@Tony is convinced from my history on the form I go around looking for fights everywhere after winding people up I try not too to be honest.
Quote from: 2900 on January 15, 2020, 09:14:28 AM
My gaffer has mentioned the name Andy street he's the mayor a conservative I think and he has overall say in public transport in the wmca transport issues correct me if this is wrong.
I am thinking of emailing him about the dire toilet issues for bus drivers in the Midlands.
The RMT has a campaign going on about toilet dignity, it's shocking that in 2020 we,re even discussing this.
Andy Street welcomes comments on all matters and can be contacted as follows:
Correspondence address:
Andy Street
c/o West Midlands Combined Authority
16 Summer Lane
Birmingham
B19 3SD
Email: andy.street@wmca.org.uk
Quote from: richardjones210368 on January 15, 2020, 12:48:58 PM
Andy Street welcomes comments on all matters and can be contacted as follows:
Correspondence address:
Andy Street
c/o West Midlands Combined Authority
16 Summer Lane
Birmingham
B19 3SD
Email: andy.street@wmca.org.uk
The things we have to put up with just earn a crust
Quote from: Stu on March 21, 2012, 07:01:37 PM
;D
Am I right then in thinking that this 'exclusion' zone is just within the inner ring road then?
It is
@Stu for example at Hockley the Bolton Industrial Center in Icknield St is within the zone but New Bingley Hall isn't; the old Hockley bus garage; while The Old Mint is but Tescos isn't.
Quote from: 2900 on January 15, 2020, 12:51:47 PM
The things we have to put up with just earn a crust
Tell me about I seem to have become some Urban Bus Ninja over the years !
Stu's quote is very old. I'm sure it would it would have already been answered?
Quote from: mesub on January 15, 2020, 04:28:32 PM
Stu's quote is very old. I'm sure it would it would have already been answered?
It came to me via a personal message on the forum last night to which I respond too but accidently posted it. Apologies
4275 had moved from its spot in the garage we're it's been stood a couple of months has it finally gone for scrap?
Quote from: WB Driver on January 16, 2020, 03:24:20 PM
4275 had moved from its spot in the garage we're it's been stood a couple of months has it finally gone for scrap?
Engineers certainly robbed a great many parts from it while it stood.
4265 going the same way parts being harvested to keep the other 4200s going , it was a decent bus I guess not being add blue it's fate was sealed.
4275 4278 I always remember from brand new at Hockley garage as being slugs, so painfully slow, but they did have excellent cab air con, on a boiling hot day you could sit in the cab with jumper on tie done up and be cool as cucumber sadly once they broke that was it.
2232 in new West Midlands livery having a run on the 49 this morning
Lovely to see the Platinums on the Dudley Road are being treated nicely! 6976 stinks of weed, rubbish scattered, people putting feet on seats! Actual waste of time upgrading them if you ask me, still struggle to understand why they upgraded them to Platinums when the E400's had only been running about for 4 years on them and there's route that haven't been upgraded for over 10 years!
Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2020, 09:10:02 AM
Lovely to see the Platinums on the Dudley Road are being treated nicely! 6976 stinks of weed, rubbish scattered, people putting feet on seats! Actual waste of time upgrading them if you ask me, still struggle to understand why they upgraded them to Platinums when the E400's had only been running about for 4 years on them and there's route that haven't been upgraded for over 10 years!
It's one of the busiest bus corridors in Birmingham
Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2020, 09:10:02 AM
Lovely to see the Platinums on the Dudley Road are being treated nicely! 6976 stinks of weed, rubbish scattered, people putting feet on seats! Actual waste of time upgrading them if you ask me, still struggle to understand why they upgraded them to Platinums when the E400's had only been running about for 4 years on them and there's route that haven't been upgraded for over 10 years!
To add to that I went on one of the ex WB e400's 475* on the 126 yesterday. The seat cushions were not in a very clean state, and the blue interior really showed how dirty the bus was.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2020, 10:33:56 AM
To add to that I went on one of the ex WB e400's 475* on the 126 yesterday. The seat cushions were not in a very clean state, and the blue interior really showed how dirty the bus was.
Yeah, they're a bit worse for wear, they look like they've been neglected since coming off the Dudley Road, it's sad to see, but I guess they're getting on a bit at 13 years old
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 08, 2020, 11:01:08 AM
Yeah, they're a bit worse for wear, they look like they've been neglected since coming off the Dudley Road, it's sad to see, but I guess they're getting on a bit at 13 years old
I remember the 47** Gemini's in the same state when they came off.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2020, 10:33:56 AM
To add to that I went on one of the ex WB e400's 475* on the 126 yesterday. The seat cushions were not in a very clean state, and the blue interior really showed how dirty the bus was.
I had 4749 on an 80 earlier and that it was in the same state as the one you had on the 126.
I have to say I've been on a few 47**s on the 74 and you can certainly see wear and tear.
Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2020, 09:10:02 AM
Lovely to see the Platinums on the Dudley Road are being treated nicely! 6976 stinks of weed, rubbish scattered, people putting feet on seats! Actual waste of time upgrading them if you ask me, still struggle to understand why they upgraded them to Platinums when the E400's had only been running about for 4 years on them and there's route that haven't been upgraded for over 10 years!
Totally agree with that!!!!
Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2020, 09:10:02 AM
Lovely to see the Platinums on the Dudley Road are being treated nicely! 6976 stinks of weed, rubbish scattered, people putting feet on seats! Actual waste of time upgrading them if you ask me, still struggle to understand why they upgraded them to Platinums when the E400's had only been running about for 4 years on them and there's route that haven't been upgraded for over 10 years!
You get the same on the 50. A majority of passengers welcome and enjoy these new buses, and it helps with passenger growth. Its a minority of individuals who don't care and have no respect.
There were I think 4 49XX and a 4693 on the 87s. The 80 had 2 platinums. What's going on there?
Quote from: Stu on February 08, 2020, 05:14:01 PM
You get the same on the 50. A majority of passengers welcome and enjoy these new buses, and it helps with passenger growth. Its a minority of individuals who don't care and have no respect.
Passengers on ex lea hall routes or " North Solihull" in the main wouldn't really know what it's like to welcome new buses.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 08, 2020, 11:37:55 PM
Passengers on ex lea hall routes or " North Solihull" in the main wouldn't really know what it's like to welcome new buses.
71/72/X12 all serve North Solihull.
https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Portals/0/InfoandIntelligence/North-Solihull-Locality-Profile-2018.pdf
That's North Solihull.
I already know what you're gonna say. Can I point out to you that by your logic, Kings Heath/Maypole/Yardley Wood passengers wouldn't know what new buses are like. The same way you make the exception of the above 3 routes, I make for the 50...
Quote from: MW on February 09, 2020, 12:43:19 AM
71/72/X12 all serve North Solihull.
https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Portals/0/InfoandIntelligence/North-Solihull-Locality-Profile-2018.pdf
That's North Solihull.
I already know what you're gonna say. Can I point out to you that by your logic, Kings Heath/Maypole/Yardley Wood passengers wouldn't know what new buses are like. The same way you make the exception of the above 3 routes, I make for the 50...
71 is operated by Omnilinks and 72 is operated by Gemini, neither of which are new buses.
I completely agree
@monkeyjoe, i'm sure people in Alum Rock, Shard End, Ward End, Bordesley Green, Washwood Heath and Stechford on the 14, 55, 94 and 97 routes wouldn't really know what its like to welcome new buses.
Quote from: Stu on February 08, 2020, 05:14:01 PM
You get the same on the 50. A majority of passengers welcome and enjoy these new buses, and it helps with passenger growth. Its a minority of individuals who don't care and have no respect.
Don't think many would enjoy travelling on these new buses when they are scattered with rubbish and smell of weed as described. And it can't help passenger growth either.
Guys, my reply to Jack was based on what I think he was alluding to, that the 82 & 87 'doesn't deserve' Platinum buses because of the 'scummy areas' they go through, that's the insinuation.
My response was that you get exactly the same behaviour on the 50, which goes through 'nicer' areas like Moseley and Kings Heath.
@monkeyjoe and
@2206 your responses are becoming completely predictable, if you want to have a robust discussion on East Birmingham bus services please feel free to start a new topic, as this is nothing to do with West Bromwich garage.
Quote from: Stu on February 09, 2020, 10:22:39 AM
Guys, my reply to Jack was based on what I think he was alluding to, that the 82 & 87 'doesn't deserve' Platinum buses because of the 'scummy areas' they go through, that's the insinuation.
My response was that you get exactly the same behaviour on the 50, which goes through 'nicer' areas like Moseley and Kings Heath.
@monkeyjoe and @2206 your responses are becoming completely predictable, if you want to have a robust discussion on East Birmingham bus services please feel free to start a new topic, as this is nothing to do with West Bromwich garage.
Agreed, plus, these constant regurgitated arguments are becoming really annoying.
If anything, I feel for passengers on the 5 & 80/80A, who had their '14 plate branded Enviros, replaced with 13-19 year old buses
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 09, 2020, 10:42:56 AM
If anything, I feel for passengers on the 5 & 80/80A, who had their '14 plate branded Enviros, replaced with 13-19 year old buses
It was a good thing they did remove the 63 plate E400's off the 5, they were trashed when they came off it and chavs of Kingstanding and Pheasey were breaking and stealing the hammers used for emergencies. The 5 and 80/80A do still see MK2 E400's on a regular basis so it's not like they don't see them at all.
Quote from: Jack on February 09, 2020, 10:57:32 AM
It was a good thing they did remove the 63 plate E400's off the 5, they were trashed when they came off it and chavs of Kingstanding and Pheasey were breaking and stealing the hammers used for emergencies.
All complete exaggeration
Quote from: Stu on February 09, 2020, 10:22:39 AM
Guys, my reply to Jack was based on what I think he was alluding to, that the 82 & 87 'doesn't deserve' Platinum buses because of the 'scummy areas' they go through, that's the insinuation.
My response was that you get exactly the same behaviour on the 50, which goes through 'nicer' areas like Moseley and Kings Heath.
@monkeyjoe and @2206 your responses are becoming completely predictable, if you want to have a robust discussion on East Birmingham bus services please feel free to start a new topic, as this is nothing to do with West Bromwich garage.
Just saying it how it is, no to worry got a busy week at work this week.
Buses being trashed, bulk of west broms 4900s interior still in good shape IMO and for the Dudley rd platinums I haven't seen a single ripped seat or USB points vandalised yet, vehicle cleaning could be better I do wonder why the single decks get better cleaning treatment, any way I digress yes maybe it's dawning people if we trash it we lose it.
Quote from: 2900 on February 10, 2020, 11:28:04 AM
Buses being trashed, bulk of west broms 4900s interior still in good shape IMO and for the Dudley rd platinums I haven't seen a single ripped seat or USB points vandalised yet, vehicle cleaning could be better I do wonder why the single decks get better cleaning treatment, any way I digress yes maybe it's dawning people if we trash it we lose it.
It sounds like I'm just moaning for fun when I say that about Wolverhampton buses but I best not take it off topic again.
If you feel like you have a valid point then it isn't moaning for fun. Personally as a regular user of pensnett and wear brom routes I think the standard of cleaning is a vast improvement over the past. The 87s I've been on have been spotless.
Quote from: danny on February 10, 2020, 05:47:48 PM
If you feel like you have a valid point then it isn't moaning for fun. Personally as a regular user of pensnett and wear brom routes I think the standard of cleaning is a vast improvement over the past. The 87s I've been on have been spotless.
Not anymore 87's have had the chicken bones and chips / clothing security tags etc all making a comeback.
Quote from: 979 on February 10, 2020, 08:43:31 PM
Not anymore 87's have had the chicken bones and chips / clothing security tags etc all making a comeback.
The dreaded chicken bones. I witnessed an animal chewing his chicken bones and throwing them on the floor on the 80/80A.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 10, 2020, 10:08:01 PM
The dreaded chicken bones. I witnessed an animal chewing his chicken bones and throwing them on the floor on the 80/80A.
Seen it happen many a time on the 74.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 10, 2020, 10:08:01 PM
The dreaded chicken bones. I witnessed an animal chewing his chicken bones and throwing them on the floor on the 80/80A.
The 80/80A is pretty bad for litter
2236 will be out on the 40 for anyone who wants it in WMB Livery.
Scania seem to be making a reappearance on the 12's, 1933 and 1934 on there this morning.
Thought 800s were the biggest they can send round on the 44 not a 22xx
Quote from: Zander on February 21, 2020, 07:37:18 AM
2234 on WB 44
This was swapped for 819 before the 1430 departure from West Brom.
Was quite a few passengers on about 11:30 when I got on it.. (most for the experience)
Surprised me when it turned up so worth a ride
Will 82/87 get another 2 platinums for the extra 2 running boards that were added after route changed?
Quote from: aSingh on March 06, 2020, 02:00:14 AM
Will 82/87 get another 2 platinums for the extra 2 running boards that were added after route changed?
YWs 6968 and 6969 would seem likely candidates
Couple of stand changes at WB bus station from March 15th
44 from Stand J
54/54A from stand G
2232 now fully branded for the 40 - surprised it wasn't mentioned earlier! ;)
Quote from: CL on March 14, 2020, 12:53:33 AM
2232 now fully branded for the 40 - surprised it wasn't mentioned earlier! ;)
2233 & 2234 are as well
Quote from: Tony on March 14, 2020, 08:21:06 AM
2233 & 2234 are as well
2235 and another that I can't identify were being done up earlier too, as per a photo put up by Mobile Signs Ltd. on Facebook.
2236 was the other being done.
818 is on the Wb 3 today
Saturday service commencing next week on the 25th for WB services until further notice
Quote from: aSingh on March 18, 2020, 01:11:58 AM
Saturday service commencing next week on the 25th for WB services until further notice
Have heard PB will be the same
Quote from: aSingh on March 18, 2020, 01:11:58 AM
Saturday service commencing next week on the 25th for WB services until further notice
A reduced Saturday service
Special timetables reduced daytime service
Eg WA service 51 will run every 15 minutes instead of every 10 minutes.
Does the 12, 12A, 13, 13A run from WB or PN
Quote from: BH2004 on March 30, 2020, 04:10:04 PM
Does the 12, 12A, 13, 13A run from WB or PN
Usually both depots (all routes) Monday to Saturday, PN only on the 12 and 13 & 13A from WB on Sundays.
I believe West Brom are operating them all at the moment under the current emergency timetable.
Quote from: Nathan on March 30, 2020, 04:31:01 PM
Usually both depots (all routes) Monday to Saturday, PN only on the 12 and 13 & 13A from WB on Sundays.
I believe West Brom are operating them all at the moment under the current emergency timetable.
Yes WB only running the 12/13s atm.
Quote from: WB Driver on March 30, 2020, 06:46:28 PM
Yes WB only running the 12/13s atm.
Are WB operating the 12 on Sundays too?
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 31, 2020, 12:53:11 AM
Are WB operating the 12 on Sundays too?
WB will be operating R/B's 12/81, 12/82, 13/81, 13/82 and 13/83
@Tony there is a E400 parked by the traffic office with its panels and windows stripped, what happened to it?
Quote from: aSingh on March 31, 2020, 01:45:15 PM
@Tony there is a E400 parked by the traffic office with its panels and windows stripped, what happened to it?
If it is 4936 it has an RTC last week
Quote from: BH2004 on March 31, 2020, 02:02:00 PM
If it is 4936 it has an RTC last week
Has no fleet number on it.
Quote from: aSingh on March 31, 2020, 02:25:30 PM
Has no fleet number on it.
Do u know the registration
Quote from: BH2004 on March 31, 2020, 02:32:52 PM
Do u know the registration
Will post when I go into garage later today
Quote from: aSingh on March 31, 2020, 02:34:57 PM
Will post when I go into garage later today
Probably 4722 which is at WB getting a full refurb by the bodymakers there before repaint
Quote from: Tony on March 31, 2020, 03:14:42 PM
Probably 4722 which is at WB getting a full refurb by the bodymakers there before repaint
Was definitely a 57 plate when I last saw it would I be right in thinking this has been put on hold whilst this virus is going on.
Quote from: Tony on March 31, 2020, 03:14:42 PM
Probably 4722 which is at WB getting a full refurb by the bodymakers there before repaint
it is Fleet number is inside.
Also at westbrom is BC hybrid volvo B5LH rtc damage every panel behind driver side rear wheel has been replaced .
4722 is a refurb not rtc , the refurb,ed seat cushions stacked up inside wrapped in plastic
Does anyone know if a Platinum has sneaked onto the 42/43 at all in the past? I found 6972 on there yesterday, and I think that may be the first time one's ever been on there, but obviously I've not seen every single trip, so I could be wrong. Cheers.
They're all over the place but mostly on 5, 48, 3, 89 and 13s on Sunday. But yh would be my first time seeing it on the 42s
What's 732 doing at WB?
Quote from: aSingh on April 05, 2020, 10:28:16 AM
They're all over the place but mostly on 5, 48, 3, 89 and 13s on Sunday. But yh would be my first time seeing it on the 42s
Seeing platinum/s on the 48 four days in a row now. Obviously it is a nice treat to have it but E200s would have been better during daytime.
Quote from: Sayeed on April 07, 2020, 06:28:31 PM
Seeing platinum/s on the 48 four days in a row now. Obviously it is a nice treat to have it but E200s would have been better during daytime.
Platinums are better suited for a few reasons:
- Better on fuel than the E200's
- The extra space means that passengers can stay 2m apart more easily
Quote from: NXWMFAN1105 on April 07, 2020, 07:11:53 PM
- The extra space means that passengers can stay 2m apart more easily
And people can make use of the top deck.
15 passengers in close proximity on a single decker. With a double decker, those same 15 people could spread themselves out by making use of both the bottom and top deck.
Quote from: Zander on April 06, 2020, 06:32:31 AM
What's 732 doing at WB?
Had a ride on this last nite on the staff bus, what a piece of crap this bus is its an awful shed, myself and others were saying it's like being on a diamond bus shed.
It rattled from all 4corners unbelievable racket. Drive straight to Barnsley bus breakers do not pass go or collect £200
Quote from: 2900 on April 08, 2020, 10:51:06 AM
Had a ride on this last nite on the staff bus, what a piece of crap this bus is its an awful shed, myself and others were saying it's like being on a diamond bus shed.
It rattled from all 4corners unbelievable racket. Drive straight to Barnsley bus breakers do not pass go or collect £200
Walk next time ........
Quote from: richie on April 08, 2020, 12:48:26 PM
Walk next time ........
He's a driver. Perfectly entitled to use staff transport!
Quote from: 2900 on April 08, 2020, 10:51:06 AM
Had a ride on this last nite on the staff bus, what a piece of crap this bus is its an awful shed, myself and others were saying it's like being on a diamond bus shed.
It rattled from all 4corners unbelievable racket. Drive straight to Barnsley bus breakers do not pass go or collect £200
731 is better from a passengers view , it's been retrimed to nx but the seats are not nice but doesn't rattle as much
Quote from: 2900 on April 08, 2020, 10:51:06 AM
Had a ride on this last nite on the staff bus, what a piece of crap this bus is its an awful shed, myself and others were saying it's like being on a diamond bus shed.
It rattled from all 4corners unbelievable racket. Drive straight to Barnsley bus breakers do not pass go or collect £200
Seem faster than the 75* though
Quote from: richie on April 08, 2020, 12:48:26 PM
Walk next time ........
What's your problem, just making an observation, comment on a westbrom bus , may be you are offended by the diamond bus comment remark.
Good to see west brom garage has made a shuttle bus available for Oldbury rota drivers from 9am till 1700 , running every 20 minutes between garage and Oldbury.
I hope it's replicated at other garages too.
Looking at the running boards for the timetable change Sunday looks like WB are taking over the 45 again for the time being as both 46 running boards have daytime journeys on 45.
Quote from: 2900 on April 10, 2020, 09:57:01 AM
Good to see west brom garage has made a shuttle bus available for Oldbury rota drivers from 9am till 1700 , running every 20 minutes between garage and Oldbury.
I hope it's replicated at other garages too.
pensnett are using 4 buses from wednesbury wmsnt depot for shuttle
Quote from: 2900 on April 10, 2020, 09:57:01 AM
Good to see west brom garage has made a shuttle bus available for Oldbury rota drivers from 9am till 1700 , running every 20 minutes between garage and Oldbury.
I hope it's replicated at other garages too.
Makes me wonder why they need such long breaks in the first place when there's spare staff this is just adding to social gathering. should be straight through duties and go home.
Al to do with the driving time & breaks
Quote from: 979 on April 10, 2020, 05:45:47 PM
Makes me wonder why they need such long breaks in the first place when there's spare staff this is just adding to social gathering. should be straight through duties and go home.
Yeah they should be straight through duties, what about the late night drivers what are they going to do after 1700hrs
Quote from: 2900 on April 10, 2020, 08:11:10 PM
Yeah they should be straight through duties, what about the late night drivers what are they going to do after 1700hrs
No idea with breaks in the ghost town a bit unfair in the current climate.
@Paul are you sure 4917 is on 44 as that route should be e200s only due to low hanging trees and tight roads. Have you got a picture?
Yes I was on the bus it didn't have many issues with trees although the driver kept looking up from his cab. It did have problems turning into other roads though mounting the kerb surely was a rare sight though.
4962 on WB44
Sticking a decker on the 44 doesn't make sense at the best of times it hardly picks anyone up.
I thought WB had 7 short e200s and 732 on loan so why use a 49xx.
Current operational fleet
758
760
761
762
763
764
4914
4915
4916
4917
4918
4950
4951
4952
4953
4954
4955
4956
4957
4958
4959
4960
4961
4962
4963
4964
4965
4966
4967
4968
4969
4970
4971
4972
4973
4974
4982
6970
6971
6972
6973
6974
6975
6976
6977
6978
6979
6980
6981
6982
6983
6984
6985
6986
6987
6988
6989
6990
6991
6992
6993
I'm just reinstating 4741, 4743, 4747; 4749; 4975; 4977; 4978; 4979; 4980; 4981 for the service increase next week
Just looking through my historic notes, Thursday 16 May 1985 - 4535 was noted on the 406, PB vehicle at that time.
@Tony any idea what will happen to the Untrapped 42xx will they be withdrawn or Reinstated.
Quote from: WB Driver on May 16, 2020, 02:31:04 PM
@Tony any idea what will happen to the Untrapped 42xx will they be withdrawn or Reinstated.
All vehicles that were allocated to garages as at lockdown service cuts are all being reinstated from 1/6/20
Quote from: Tony on May 16, 2020, 02:59:31 PM
All vehicles that were allocated to garages as at lockdown service cuts are all being reinstated from 1/6/20
Ok
Quote from: j789 on May 26, 2020, 07:39:26 PM
There was a 51 plate Volvo on the 48 today seen in Cotteridge, possibly the oldest vehicle out so far?
Possibly. Not particularly noteworthy though
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 26, 2020, 07:53:53 PM
Possibly. Not particularly noteworthy though
In normal times no it wouldn't be unusual, however when was the last time you saw one of 51 plate Volvos out? Therefore I would say it was noteworthy in this instance.
Quote from: j789 on May 26, 2020, 07:57:45 PM
In normal times no it wouldn't be unusual, however when was the last time you saw one of 51 plate Volvos out? Therefore I would say it was noteworthy in this instance.
.
It is the first day that WB have used there B7/ALX400. AG started using theirs last week. The entire fleet is now available for use again and garages have been asked to use DD as much as possible, so these 42xx take priority over Scanias
Quote from: Tony on May 26, 2020, 08:25:09 PM
It is the first day that WB have used there B7/ALX400. AG started using theirs last week. The entire fleet is now available for use again and garages have been asked to use DD as much as possible, so these 42xx take priority over Scanias
Have PB used any Gemini anywhere yet?
Looks like the 44 has gone back to single deckers as 817 is on there today
4476 & 4485 will be on 49/89 if anyone wants them at WB.
4482 also out on 49/89
Is 2237/ 2238 branded for the 40
Quote from: BH2004 on June 22, 2020, 12:17:44 PM
Is 2237/ 2238 branded for the 40
No. In Crimson livery still as spares.
Looks like some Scanias are starting to reappear on services noted 3/3A and 46 are mainly Scanias again.
Any idea what's going on with 4687, 4690-4 as they've been sat on the back yard at WB since Friday.
Quote from: WB Driver on June 24, 2020, 09:36:26 AM
Looks like some Scanias are starting to reappear on services noted 3/3A and 46 are mainly Scanias again.
Yes, on the weekdays they seem to be back again but Saturdays appear to be solid Double Decks still.
Quote from: WB Driver on June 24, 2020, 04:11:38 PM
Any idea what's going on with 4687, 4690-4 as they've been sat on the back yard at WB since Friday.
They need some adjustments to the Euro 6 system before being used, so Scanias are having to cover for them. 4523 is the same
Quote from: Tony on July 05, 2020, 11:57:31 AM
They need some adjustments to the Euro 6 system before being used, so Scanias are having to cover for them. 4523 is the same
Ah ok Thanks Tony. I imagine Scanias will be more common from tomorrow anyway with Service increasing as the 47s allocation is Scanias.
Quote from: WB Driver on July 05, 2020, 12:08:39 PM
Ah ok Thanks Tony. I imagine Scanias will be more common from tomorrow anyway with Service increasing as the 47s allocation is Scanias.
Can Scania's actually get around Hateley Heath? I know one did it and managed.
Quote from: Jack on July 05, 2020, 12:50:36 PM
Can Scania's actually get around Hateley Heath? I know one did it and managed.
The allocators must think so I didn't think a Decker would get round the 44 but they managed.
Think it'll be quite tight myself, can see several drivers complaining about it
Quote from: Zander on July 05, 2020, 02:00:54 PM
Think it'll be quite tight myself, can see several drivers complaining about it
I'm pretty sure a few 0405N's did it when the 428/429 were going, still I think it would be too tight for one to get through.
Gemini seen in merry hill this morning. Can't remember the last time I saw one here
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 05, 2020, 02:49:08 PM
Gemini seen in merry hill this morning. Can't remember the last time I saw one here
I Had 4511 there yestaday on the 3 nice bus
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 05, 2020, 02:49:08 PM
Gemini seen in merry hill this morning. Can't remember the last time I saw one here
I remember when WB did PNs Boxing Day serves and got a Gemini on the X96!
6104 on 12/14
6108 on 48/A
Quote from: aSingh on July 23, 2020, 08:37:25 PM
What are they doing here?
Covering for Scanias going for Euro 6 Upgrades
@Jack i think the e200 you saw was on driver training as ive been on the 5s all day and it past me Not in service with just drivers on.
Quote from: WB Driver on July 30, 2020, 04:08:17 PM
@Jack i think the e200 you saw was on driver training as ive been on the 5s all day and it past me Not in service with just drivers on.
I saw it in the distance on the Queslett Road so instantly thought it was on the 5.
4679 out for the first time in a few months currently on the 74.
Can anyone help with locations for pictures on the 40,between West Brom and Wednesbury? Not too bothered where,preferably not in West Bromwich town itself. Will be in the Midlands in October. Thanks in advance for any help.
Stone Cross is possibly the best
Quote from: fleetline6477 on August 15, 2020, 10:30:04 PM
Stone Cross is possibly the best
Thanks. I think I know where that is. Will also try a couple of others too.
How much longer are the PB Gemini's staying as I've noticed a couple of the Gemini's that we're parked at BC have returned along with 4521 from hartshornes.
Quote from: Jack6101 on September 02, 2020, 06:19:28 PM
UID - E200mmc on the WB3 again today
Also 6108 -wb44
Neither really that noteworthy as the 22xx were used on the 3 on Sundays and do appear on the 3/3A on a Regular basis.
6104 not 6108 was on the 44 yesterday as well, as the running board its on does a school service then does 44s till half 2 before going onto the 5s so a Decker will be common on the 44
48 extended from Northfield to Weoley Castle from 1st November 2020.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=33048&sup=S&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_75183390&lineVer=16&itdLPxx_spTr=16&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=NXB
Wow down to 30 mins Weoley to Northfield, the high street must really have gone to pot. When I was a youth that used to be every 15/10 mins carry full loads from Northfield on the 29
Quote from: monkeyjoe on September 18, 2020, 11:07:22 PM
Wow down to 30 mins Weoley to Northfield, the high street must really have gone to pot. When I was a youth that used to be every 15/10 mins carry full loads from Northfield on the 29
@monkeyjoe this is probably in addition to the 76. The 48 says its operating via Swathmore Road. The 76 will likely still run in addition to this.
Quote from: 2206 on September 18, 2020, 10:55:14 PM
48 extended from Northfield to Weoley Castle from 1st November 2020.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=33048&sup=S&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_75183390&lineVer=16&itdLPxx_spTr=16&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=NXB
That route keeps getting longer. Might as well extend it to town at this point 😂😂😂.
Quote from: 2206 on September 18, 2020, 10:55:14 PM
48 extended from Northfield to Weoley Castle from 1st November 2020.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=33048&sup=S&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_75183390&lineVer=16&itdLPxx_spTr=16&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=NXB
Why?
Quote from: 2206 on September 18, 2020, 11:09:43 PM
@monkeyjoe this is probably in addition to the 76. The 48 says its operating via Swathmore Road. The 76 will likely still run in addition to this.
Didn't consider that, however might become the new western circular lol.
However the 76 every 20 and this every 30, will that be it really?
Quote from: MasterPlan on September 19, 2020, 12:10:50 AM
Why?
It would appear from the same date that Kev's are making changes to their 39 / 39A services. In particular, this extension of the 48 from Northfield to Weoley Castle appears to replace that part of the 39A which is being rerouted.
Perhaps there are capacity issues along that section of route, that would be better met with a double-deck service? I don't know for sure, that's just a best guess.
Quote from: Stu on September 19, 2020, 09:58:22 AM
It would appear from the same date that Kev's are making changes to their 39 / 39A services. In particular, this extension of the 48 from Northfield to Weoley Castle appears to replace that part of the 39A which is being rerouted.
Perhaps there are capacity issues along that section of route, that would be better met with a double-deck service? I don't know for sure, that's just a best guess.
The 48 is going definitely going via Swathmore Road
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_33048_S_H_y11_16-16
click on 'View Map'
Quote from: Stu on September 19, 2020, 09:58:22 AM
It would appear from the same date that Kev's are making changes to their 39 / 39A services. In particular, this extension of the 48 from Northfield to Weoley Castle appears to replace that part of the 39A which is being rerouted.
Perhaps there are capacity issues along that section of route, that would be better met with a double-deck service? I don't know for sure, that's just a best guess.
Do you have a link to the 39A changes?
Well, that's all well and good but then you're relying on an already lengthy route to be reliable enough along that section. Similar to the 76.
Also, according to that timetable it terminates on the stop after Beckbury Road, which I don't understand as it'll block other buses and there are a couple of unused stops available.Scrap that last part, the latest link provided by
@Steve3229vp says Somerford Road which makes more sense.
Quote from: MasterPlan on September 19, 2020, 12:26:32 PM
Do you have a link to the 39A changes?
Well, that's all well and good but then you're relying on an already lengthy route to be reliable enough along that section. Similar to the 76. Also, according to that timetable it terminates on the stop after Beckbury Road, which I don't understand as it'll block other buses and there are a couple of unused stops available.
Scrap that last part, the latest link provided by @Steve3229vp says Somerford Road which makes more sense.
Here's the link for the 39A
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_3039A_%20_H_y11_2-2
and the 39
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_30039_%20_H_y11_2-2
Quote from: Steve3229vp on September 19, 2020, 12:34:13 PM
Here's the link for the 39A
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_3039A_%20_H_y11_2-2
and the 39
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_30039_%20_H_y11_2-2
Looks like both routes are going to be exactly the same now, apart from the Worlds End / Woodgate Valley North ends of the route respectively.
Quote from: 2206 on September 18, 2020, 10:55:14 PM
48 extended from Northfield to Weoley Castle from 1st November 2020.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=33048&sup=S&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_75183390&lineVer=16&itdLPxx_spTr=16&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=NXB
That should resolve the capacity issues- 5 buses an hour, nearly up to the same frequency of 6 buses per hour before they got rid of the 29.
How many routes are really for 'operational conveience' really, because surely most Weoley Castle people will tend to go to Brum, rather than West Brom?
I liken it to when they shut both the Dudley & Harts Hill garages & they extended a few routes, like the Walsall to Dudley routes extended to Stourbridge, or operated placing journeys for the garages taking over, for example the old 558 had some journeys that went onto certain Dudley routes.
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2020, 02:36:37 PM
How many routes are really for 'operational conveience' really, because surely most Weoley Castle people will tend to go to Brum, rather than West Brom?
I liken it to when they shut both the Dudley & Harts Hill garages & they extended a few routes, like the Walsall to Dudley routes extended to Stourbridge, or operated placing journeys for the garages taking over, for example the old 558 had some journeys that went onto certain Dudley routes.
Oh, don't be silly. Why would you want a direct bus to the City Centre when you can go to Maypole, Yardley Wood, West Bromwich etc...
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2020, 02:36:37 PM
How many routes are really for 'operational conveience' really, because surely most Weoley Castle people will tend to go to Brum, rather than West Brom?
The idea is to link Northfield and Weoley Castle and it's convenient to extend a route rather than create a new one. You'll be surprised how busy the corridor is- no point in making judgements if you don't know how the route is used.
Quote from: bususer28 on September 19, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
The idea is to link Northfield and Weoley Castle and it's convenient to extend a route rather than create a new one. You'll be surprised how busy the corridor is- no point in making judgements if you don't know how the route is used.
That's why I said 'operational conveinance' !
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2020, 04:55:01 PM
That's why I said 'operational conveinance' !
I guess but lots of people prefer to go to Northfield from Weoley Castle as its much closer.
For a service like the 48, its never been about passengers travelling between the 'endpoints', but those travelling between the various places en-route.
I seriously doubt that - with the exception of some more 'hardcore' bus enthusiasts - anyone regularly travels from West Bromwich to Northfield (and vice-versa).
There are probably passengers who use the 48 between West Bromwich and Bearwood/Harborne, who have never even been to places like Northfield, Hawkesley and West Heath, and likewise there are probably people in Cotteridge and West Heath who have no interest in travelling to Londonderry or West Bromwich.
It may be an even longer route from 1st November, but as long as it gets people to where they ultimately want/need to travel to, so be it.
Quote from: Stu on September 19, 2020, 08:28:24 PM
For a service like the 48, its never been about passengers travelling between the 'endpoints', but those travelling between the various places en-route.
I seriously doubt that - with the exception of some more 'hardcore' bus enthusiasts - anyone regularly travels from West Bromwich to Northfield (and vice-versa).
There are probably passengers who use the 48 between West Bromwich and Bearwood/Harborne, who have never even been to places like Northfield, Hawkesley and West Heath, and likewise there are probably people in Cotteridge and West Heath who have no interest in travelling to Londonderry or West Bromwich.
It may be an even longer route from 1st November, but as long as it gets people to where they ultimately want/need to travel to, so be it.
I suppose if you live in West Brom & work in Northfield, but want to avoid any issues in the City Centre, then it's a possible useful alternative, but is it quicker going via City?
Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2020, 11:02:14 PM
I suppose if you live in West Brom & work in Northfield, but want to avoid any issues in the City Centre, then it's a possible useful alternative, but is it quicker going via City?
Google Maps seems to suggest the X20 or 61/63 and change for the 48 at Selly Oak or University is quickest by bus and I assume going into the City Centre and getting the Tram would also be quicker.
As
@Stu has already explained thats not the purpose of this route, not everyone wants to travel end to end.
Most people on most routes only use the service over sections of the route.
Same can probably be said for other routes most people on the 11 in Ward End and Stechford probably have never heard of/been to Harborne or Bearwood.
X12 and 5 are other examples, nobody would take them City Centre to Solihull, over the faster and direct X2. X12/5 exist to serve the places in between.
Although it's not been confirmed yet it was mentioned that they maybe rerouting the 48 in hawkesley to follow the current 35 and the 35 to be rerouted to the current 48.
It will be good to see the Swarthmore Road section of the route see a frequency increased.
Having lived along there it was well used when the 29 and the 48 used to serve it. It saw a big reduction when the 39A was rerouted along there to replace the 48.
Quote from: WB Driver on September 20, 2020, 08:32:58 AM
Although it's not been confirmed yet it was mentioned that they maybe rerouting the 48 in hawkesley to follow the current 35 and the 35 to be rerouted to the current 48.
I guess if every second 35 extended beyond Hawkesley to follow the 48 it might work but the 35 is plagued with problems at peak times and they use different garages.
Quote from: bususer28 on September 20, 2020, 05:01:43 PM
I guess if every second 35 extended beyond Hawkesley to follow the 48 it might work but the 35 is plagued with problems at peak times and they use different garages.
35 is chaos at Peak times.Too many people especially kids.
Quote from: bususer28 on September 20, 2020, 05:01:43 PM
I guess if every second 35 extended beyond Hawkesley to follow the 48 it might work but the 35 is plagued with problems at peak times and they use different garages.
Think you've misread my comment as I said there thinking of swapping the routes they take in the Hawkesley estate so the 35 would go straight up Shannon road to its Hawkesley terminus with the 48 doing what the 35 currently does then carrying on to Northfield.
Quote from: WB Driver on September 20, 2020, 10:23:18 PM
Think you've misread my comment as I said there thinking of swapping the routes they take in the Hawkesley estate so the 35 would go straight up Shannon road to its Hawkesley terminus with the 48 doing what the 35 currently does then carrying on to Northfield.
I was wondering that's how I read it too, is this meant to make the 35 quicker and help reliability is that the rationale?
Quote from: WB Driver on September 20, 2020, 10:23:18 PM
Think you've misread my comment as I said there thinking of swapping the routes they take in the Hawkesley estate so the 35 would go straight up Shannon road to its Hawkesley terminus with the 48 doing what the 35 currently does then carrying on to Northfield.
Oh right, my bad! That actually sounds like a really good idea.
Been listening to this rumour for a while now. "4526-4534 to West Bromwich."Will this happen eventually?
Quote from: bbs on September 27, 2020, 08:10:08 PM
Been listening to this rumour for a while now. "4526-4534 to West Bromwich."Will this happen eventually?
Stop posting daft guesses. Wait till they happen, be patient as they may start this week.
Quote from: BN on September 27, 2020, 08:16:29 PM
Stop posting daft guesses. Wait till they happen, be patient as they may start this week.
it's not guesses I've been hearing this all over Instagram
Quote from: bbs on September 27, 2020, 08:10:08 PM
Been listening to this rumour for a while now. "4526-4534 to West Bromwich."Will this happen eventually?
So what is 4526-4534 going to be replacing at WB then? If these aren't 'guesses'. You was saying the other day BY Omnilinks are going WB and WA. Doubt WB would need more Gemini's...
How about you be patient and see for yourself what the moves are instead of put random guesses up everyday?
Quote from: bbs on September 28, 2020, 12:17:00 AM
it's not guesses I've been hearing this all over Instagram
I don't know who you follow on Instagram but it is someone with a sense of humour.
Some of the things I see posted have been discussed, but decided against, but the last two things you have posted have never even been thought of!
I can assure you it has never crossed my mind to send 4526-34 to WB
Quote from: Jack on September 28, 2020, 12:27:36 AM
So what is 4526-4534 going to be replacing at WB then? If these aren't 'guesses'. You was saying the other day BY Omnilinks are going WB and WA. Doubt WB would need more Gemini's...
How about you be patient and see for yourself what the moves are instead of put random guesses up everyday?
Why are you saying im guessing? Im literally telling you what people are saying.
Quote from: bbs on September 28, 2020, 07:37:44 PM
Why are you saying im guessing? Im literally telling you what people are saying.
Because it is my job to allocate the vehicles, and as I posted the thought of moving those 9 buses to WB never crossed my mind, so it is 100% guesswork
Quote from: bbs on September 28, 2020, 07:37:44 PM
Why are you saying im guessing? Im literally telling you what people are saying.
What people? Links, please.
Clearly the people you are listening to are very ill-informed or just guessing themselves.
Repeating rumours and guesses doesn't make them any more valid. Ever heard of 'Chinese Whispers'?
Quote from: Tony on September 28, 2020, 07:46:00 PM
Because it is my job to allocate the vehicles, and as I posted the thought of moving those 9 buses to WB never crossed my mind, so it is 100% guesswork
Right I'm sorry then,I should not do that again.Sorry again.
Is 6968 a permanent transfer?
Quote from: aSingh on October 08, 2020, 08:54:02 PM
Is 6968 a permanent transfer?
Yes, extra vehicle to cover the PVR increase on the 82/87
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2020, 08:54:43 PM
Yes, extra vehicle to cover the PVR increase on the 82/87
Just curious as to whether you mean the PVR increase that's already happened or is happening soon? Asking because there are 26 buses now for 25 R/B's, of which 2 R/B's are peak time boards. Morning peak 87/13 which comes back in garage at 10:38 and the afternoon peak 87/25 out at 13:05. Wouldn't the morning peak bus be back out on the afternoon peak board?
Quote from: aSingh on October 09, 2020, 01:55:34 PM
Just curious as to whether you mean the PVR increase that's already happened or is happening soon? Asking because there are 26 buses now for 25 R/B's, of which 2 R/B's are peak time boards. Morning peak 87/13 which comes back in garage at 10:38 and the afternoon peak 87/25 out at 13:05. Wouldn't the morning peak bus be back out on the afternoon peak board?
Yes the one already happened, to provide spares to help keep the service as close to fully platinum as possible
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2020, 02:07:02 PM
Yes the one already happened, to provide spares to help keep the service as close to fully platinum as possible
No wonder why ive been saying E400 and 6104-6108 on those routes.
Quote from: bbs on October 09, 2020, 03:40:17 PM
No wonder why ive been saying E400 and 6104-6108 on those routes.
Who says they are?
I have no plans at the moment for any more vehicle moves
Quote from: Tony on October 09, 2020, 02:07:02 PM
Yes the one already happened, to provide spares to help keep the service as close to fully platinum as possible
Thank you for the answer, as an 87 driver I appreciate the effort in keeping the route as close to fully platinum as possible. Love them buses.
Has 4275 finally gone for scrap? Saw it getting winched up to a tow truck on Wednesday morning
Have 4264 and 4273 also gone for scrap? As both were parked next to 4275
Quote from: ANDYWMPTE on October 13, 2020, 07:07:07 PM
Have 4264 and 4273 also gone for scrap? As both were parked next to 4275
4273 isn't withdrawn, let alone gone for scrap. I haven't had confirmation of 4264 yet, but it is going if it hasn't already
Quote from: Tony on October 13, 2020, 07:23:28 PM
4273 isn't withdrawn, let alone gone for scrap. I haven't had confirmation of 4264 yet, but it is going if it hasn't already
How many are going and from where?
Quote from: BN on October 13, 2020, 08:18:13 PM
How many are going and from where?
After 4264 it's 10 shells from Miller Street
@Sh4318 I wouldn't class E200mmc on the 3 as noteworthy there was 2 on there most days in the week always either 2237 or 2238
@2206 E200mmc are not noteworthy on the 89 2237/8 are on there a lot ( just so you know but I'm guessing you didn't hope the info helps
@Jack OmniLinks are on the 5 every day so I don't class them as noteworthy. More than one a day some days as well
Quote from: John on December 14, 2020, 02:06:49 PM
@Jack
OmniLinks are on the 5 every day so I don't class them as noteworthy. More than one a day some days as well
Was going to say it's becoming a more usual thing, I am on 1935 now as well.
From what I have heard April is the month for the first new cross city service 50/87
I have been down to Moseley for various things in the past it does seem very hectic , those of you with real experiences of 50 route please share , from what my dad has told me it's a pain in the butt better off changing rota.
Quote from: 2900 on December 23, 2020, 01:00:51 PM
From what I have heard April is the month for the first new cross city service 50/87
I have been down to Moseley for various things in the past it does seem very hectic , those of you with real experiences of 50 route please share , from what my dad has told me it's a pain in the butt better off changing rota.
I thought the whole cross-city routes were just a rumour?
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 23, 2020, 02:00:59 PM
I thought the whole cross-city routes were just a rumour?
Oh no gone way beyond that eventualy 40% of the city centre bus routes will be cross city.
Yardley wood will do 50/82 cross city
Westbrom will do 50/87
Long term i am thinking when central garage moves to its new premises these routes will end up there , more efficent operational reasons eg duties , dead mileage etc.
Maybe these hydrogen buses could be used on these new routes.
50 was a nightmare when I used to do cross city from c Brom to kings heath. That was back in 1995. Traffic is much worse now, I don't even do the A435 in the car now.
Quote from: 2900 on December 23, 2020, 02:41:03 PM
Oh no gone way beyond that eventualy 40% of the city centre bus routes will be cross city.
Yardley wood will do 50/82 cross city
Westbrom will do 50/87
Long term i am thinking when central garage moves to its new premises these routes will end up there , more efficent operational reasons eg duties , dead mileage etc.
Maybe these hydrogen buses could be used on these new routes.
Interesting stat so have we already speculated which corridors will cross over then ie
97 & 61/63 link hospitals
X10 x8 with x1 x2 hotels and airport. All just random of course.
Every time I've been on the Alcester Road after 7am, it is just a nice slow procession of following the traffic jams and buses down the road. With added cars/trucks randomly double parked that you need to negotiate your way around.
There would need to be a lot of favourable bus-priority measures in places along all the routes to stand a chance of keeping the buses on time.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on December 23, 2020, 04:45:55 PM
Interesting stat so have we already speculated which corridors will cross over then ie
97 & 61/63 link hospitals
X10 x8 with x1 x2 hotels and airport. All just random of course.
I think the X1 and X2 are linking with the 51 as a Sprint route (No I don't like Sprint either)
Quote from: monkeyjoe on December 23, 2020, 04:45:55 PM
Interesting stat so have we already speculated which corridors will cross over then ie
97 & 61/63 link hospitals
X10 x8 with x1 x2 hotels and airport. All just random of course.
No one on their right mind would book a hotel on Hagley Road when needing the airport. I mean there's nothing stopping anybody merging those bus routes, but there's no way they could advertise it as an airport/hotel link.
Quote from: Gareth on December 23, 2020, 05:40:43 PM
No one on their right mind would book a hotel on Hagley Road when needing the airport. I mean there's nothing stopping anybody merging those bus routes, but there's no way they could advertise it as an airport/hotel link.
You mean like the old Airbus service offered a link from the Hagley Road hotels to the Airport?
Quote from: 2900 on December 23, 2020, 01:00:51 PM
From what I have heard April is the month for the first new cross city service 50/87
I have been down to Moseley for various things in the past it does seem very hectic , those of you with real experiences of 50 route please share , from what my dad has told me it's a pain in the butt better off changing rota.
No way! 1. Will they merge numbers or will they keep them individual? 2. Will the 50 see a decrease in frequency or will the 82/87 see an increase?
I do like the idea just not with the current levels of congestion in the city.
Quote from: bususer28 on December 23, 2020, 07:58:06 PM
No way! 1. Will they merge numbers or will they keep them individual? 2. Will the 50 see a decrease in frequency or will the 82/87 see an increase?
I do like the idea just not with the current levels of congestion in the city.
Of course they will have through service numbers, no point in combining services then identifying them as different services.
Why do you need a frequency change when both services are every 5 minutes for most of the day
Quote from: Tony on December 23, 2020, 08:01:46 PM
Of course they will have through service numbers, no point in combining services then identifying them as different services.
Why do you need a frequency change when both services are every 5 minutes for most of the day
I thought the 50 was every 4 mins throughout the day. Especially on such a busy route taking away 3 buses an hour can make quite a difference.
Quote from: 2900 on December 23, 2020, 01:00:51 PM
From what I have heard April is the month for the first new cross city service 50/87
I have been down to Moseley for various things in the past it does seem very hectic , those of you with real experiences of 50 route please share , from what my dad has told me it's a pain in the butt better off changing rota.
Quote from: 2900 on December 23, 2020, 02:41:03 PM
Oh no gone way beyond that eventualy 40% of the city centre bus routes will be cross city.
Yardley wood will do 50/82 cross city
Westbrom will do 50/87
Long term i am thinking when central garage moves to its new premises these routes will end up there , more efficent operational reasons eg duties , dead mileage etc.
Maybe these hydrogen buses could be used on these new routes.
That's an interesting correlation, as the hydrogen buses are expected to come into service around that time, it has been suggested around 'Spring 2021'.
https://westmidlandsbususers.co.uk/2020/10/hydrogen-buses-coming-to-birmingham-in-spring-2021/
Quote from: bususer28 on December 23, 2020, 08:05:28 PM
I thought the 50 was every 4 mins throughout the day. Especially on such a busy route taking away 3 buses an hour can make quite a difference.
There's a few 4 minute gaps in the morning peak, but only a few and all through the evening peak it is every 5
Quote from: Tony on December 23, 2020, 08:08:27 PM
There's a few 4 minute gaps in the morning peak, but only a few and all through the evening peak it is every 5
Oh right- the branding confused me then. In that case sounds like a really good plan. If they use the hydrogen buses that'll be even better.
Quote from: bususer28 on December 23, 2020, 08:11:42 PM
Oh right- the branding confused me then. In that case sounds like a really good plan. If they use the hydrogen buses that'll be even better.
You will need 50 odd buses, so doubtful!
Quote from: Tony on December 23, 2020, 08:01:46 PM
Of course they will have through service numbers, no point in combining services then identifying them as different services.
Why do you need a frequency change when both services are every 5 minutes for most of the day
Just Suggestion:
C1 - Dudley-Oldbury-Dudley Road-CITY-Moseley-Kings Heath-Maypole-Druids Heath
C2 - Bearwood-Dudley Road-CITY-Moseley-Kings Heath-Maypole-Druids Heath
Quote from: Tony on December 23, 2020, 05:41:45 PM
You mean like the old Airbus service offered a link from the Hagley Road hotels to the Airport?
Times have moved on. Otherwise there would still be an Airbus service. Also in the last 20 years thousands of more hotel rooms are available at the NEC/Airport.
Quote from: Gareth on December 23, 2020, 10:33:09 PM
Times have moved on. Otherwise there would still be an Airbus service. Also in the last 20 years thousands of more hotel rooms are available at the NEC/Airport.
a few Hagley road hotels now being used for illegal immigrants
Quote from: karl724223 on December 23, 2020, 10:39:29 PM
a few Hagley road hotels now being used for illegal immigrants
Yep strathallen hotel is one, Covid fest apparently
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 23, 2020, 11:08:00 PM
Yep strathallen hotel is one, Covid fest apparently
It was used in September for Asylum seekers who had been moved from a hostel following a covid outbreak there.
'Illegal immigrants' and 'covid fest' are maybe not the best terms to use.
Does this make sense to anyone on the current snow updates page, regarding the 45, because it doesn't to me, knowing the route in the past?
45 | Walsall to West Bromwich unable to serve Charlemont Estate.
45 | West Bromwich to Walsall unable to serve Charlemont Estate and Yew Tree, buses will terminate at Stone Cross, unable to serve Milton Street.
I have tried to point it out to the FB people, but I don't think they understand.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/service-updates/severe-weather?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo
They've modified it now, but is it now saying it cannot serve West Bromwich?
Why have you put it in this thread? The 45 is a Walsall route...
Quote from: Jack on January 25, 2021, 07:31:08 PM
Why have you put it in this thread? The 45 is a Walsall route...
@Jack It is a Walsall route but it's operated by West Brom Garage. Well acording to the NX webiste it is!! 😁
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 25, 2021, 08:30:45 PM
@Jack
It is a Walsall route but it's operated by West Brom Garage. Well acording to the NX webiste it is!! 😁
The same website also says the 126 (https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/services-timetables/126-dudley-birmingham) is operated out of Walsall..
The 45 route transferred to Walsall in October 2019, with some journeys operated by West Bromwich - though I'm not sure if that's still the case (still, not wholly inaccurate)
Quote from: 4679 on October 27, 2019, 11:17:05 AM
Quote from: cris 99 on October 27, 2019, 11:13:09 AM
has the 45 transferred to walsall now with 1909-1912 going?
Yes however WB will Still be Operating Late Night trips and Two Early Morning Weekday trips.
Quote from: CL on January 25, 2021, 09:00:36 PM
The same website also says the 126 (https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/services-timetables/126-dudley-birmingham) is operated out of Walsall..
The 45 route transferred to Walsall in October 2019, with some journeys operated by West Bromwich - though I'm not sure if that's still the case (still, not wholly inaccurate)
Yes however WB will Still be Operating Late Night trips and Two Early Morning Weekday trips.
Thanks
@CLI will let the people know that the website is incorrect.... are there anyother routes that are wrong?
Gets confusing, this does!
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on January 25, 2021, 09:12:51 PM
Thanks @CL
I will let the people know that the website is incorrect.... are there anyother routes that are wrong?
Quote from: Westy on January 25, 2021, 10:59:45 PM
Gets confusing, this does!
@Westy Speaking of confusing.. ;)
West Bromwich now runs the 'Perry Barr/Hamstead' 54/54A as well - in addition to routes under the same numbers that operate between West Bromwich/Quinton
@Bus Man K2 Both are still listed as Perry Barr routes. If I manage to find any more anomalies, I'll PM you to save clogging a thread. :)
Quote from: CL on January 26, 2021, 12:10:25 AM
@Westy Speaking of confusing.. ;)
West Bromwich now runs the 'Perry Barr/Hamstead' 54/54A as well - in addition to routes under the same numbers that operate between West Bromwich/Quinton
@Bus Man K2 Both are still listed as Perry Barr routes. If I manage to find any more anomalies, I'll PM you to save clogging a thread. :)
Ok
@CL thanks for that...I'll let them know about all the ones mention above now..
Hi all
Just a quick update... just emailed NX they are now looking into the incorrect information..
Anymore found please PM me and I'll get them sorted!!!! 😁
Hi all just a quick update it looks like all of the incorrect garage info has now been updated to the correct info!! 😁
Does anyone know if there's any differences on the body between the E400 tridents and E40Ds? I'm asking in here since WB have
Quote from: Trident4590 on March 07, 2021, 10:54:38 AM
Does anyone know if there's any differences on the body between the E400 tridents and E40Ds? I'm asking in here since WB have
There's almost 300 Enviro400 photos on the main website.
Quote from: Trident4590 on March 07, 2021, 10:54:38 AM
Does anyone know if there's any differences on the body between the E400 tridents and E40Ds? I'm asking in here since WB have
The E40Ds at NXWM have the facelifted headlights and bumpers, whereas the Trident ones have the older style. However, they can be changed over, at least with the bumpers, and certain operators such as Stagecoach specced their later ones with the pre-facelift fronts.
Quote from: DJ on March 08, 2021, 03:11:01 AM
The E40Ds at NXWM have the facelifted headlights and bumpers, whereas the Trident ones have the older style. However, they can be changed over, at least with the bumpers, and certain operators such as Stagecoach specced their later ones with the pre-facelift fronts.
thanks mate appreciate it
Quote from: Trident4590 on March 07, 2021, 10:54:38 AM
Does anyone know if there's any differences on the body between the E400 tridents and E40Ds? I'm asking in here since WB have
The E400 tridents have twin tree deflectors and the upper salon emergency exit as openable.
The E40Ds have a singular tree deflector and the upper salon emergency exit is break glass.
At the moment, at WB, all of the E400 tridents are in crimson and the E40Ds in red and white
I've noticed that on the last 3 Saturdays the 23.20 wb- pheasey (5e) has been a Dudley road branded platinum (6983 yesterday). I initially thought that it's part of an 87 board but it appears not as it starts with the 06.20 wb- Sutton. Seems too much of a coincidence so is that board actually allocated a spare DR platinum?
What is happening to Smethwick High St after 19th July? Will it refer back to a two way system? And does anyone know if service 80 will make a comeback?
@samuel derrington, Platinums are a common sight on the 5...
Has the 45 returned back full time to West Brom or is it just Summer Timetables?
Quote from: Jack on July 19, 2021, 11:19:35 AM
Has the 45 returned back full time to West Brom or is it just Summer Timetables?
Looks like it's being ran jointly by WB & WA
What's happened to 4523? I haven't seen it in weeks
Looks like WB are back jointly running the 12s & 13s. Which can only be a good thing as all four routes are crying out for more deckers
WB only have four running boards
Major RTC on the Hagley Road this evening blocking it.
WB Scania was stationary behind it for a few minutes and had to go on the pavement to go round.
And then hit hard with a high number passengers into City.
Did they put a diversion in place for this?
Quote from: Tony on November 26, 2021, 06:19:30 PM
Well what do you think if the road is blocked?
I was more wondering what way they diverted them? Down Icknield Port Road?
Quote from: 2206 on November 26, 2021, 06:20:50 PM
I was more wondering what way they diverted them? Down Icknield Port Road?
Due to a non NX RTC at the end of Portland Road / Hagley Rd, the above services are diverted as follows,
12/12A/13/13A services towards Birmingham, NLR to Sandon Rd, Continue along Sandon Rd and join Hagley Rd, then follow diversion below.
Hagley Rd services Towards City, NLR to Hagley Rd, Turn right onto Norfolk Rd, Left onto Augustus Rd, Left onto Chad Rd, Right onto Hagley Rd resume NLR.
From Birmingham, 12/12A/13/13A only, continue past Portland Rd, Right onto Sandon Rd and resume NLR. All other services are NLR from Birmingham.
Quote from: Tony on November 26, 2021, 07:31:02 PM
Due to a non NX RTC at the end of Portland Road / Hagley Rd, the above services are diverted as follows,
12/12A/13/13A services towards Birmingham, NLR to Sandon Rd, Continue along Sandon Rd and join Hagley Rd, then follow diversion below.
Hagley Rd services Towards City, NLR to Hagley Rd, Turn right onto Norfolk Rd, Left onto Augustus Rd, Left onto Chad Rd, Right onto Hagley Rd resume NLR.
From Birmingham, 12/12A/13/13A only, continue past Portland Rd, Right onto Sandon Rd and resume NLR. All other services are NLR from Birmingham.
Thanks.
Quote from: Raedwald on November 27, 2021, 02:11:21 PM
4476 and 6972 - PN12
Nothing unusual about that, WB also operate the 12/A and is booked euro 6 complaint deckers
4239 is operating school service 703 offering another "rare" bus type into the Walsall area with a Volvo B7/ALX400 type. What does this board go onto work next as I think it runs private from WB to New Invention?
*Great to see these sojourns from other non-native garages providing such variety, in the same vain that the X8 does with the occasional Gemini straying into Wolverhampton.
Quote from: Wumpty on November 30, 2021, 08:30:06 AM
4239 is operating school service 703 offering another "rare" bus type into the Walsall area with a Volvo B7/ALX400 type. What does this board go onto work next as I think it runs private from WB to New Invention?
*Great to see these sojourns from other non-native garages providing such variety, in the same vain that the X8 does with the occasional Gemini straying into Wolverhampton.
It's not that rare to see one in Walsall, they get on the 45 from West Bromwich fairly regularly.
Quote from: Wumpty on November 30, 2021, 08:30:06 AM
4239 is operating school service 703 offering another "rare" bus type into the Walsall area with a Volvo B7/ALX400 type. What does this board go onto work next as I think it runs private from WB to New Invention?
*Great to see these sojourns from other non-native garages providing such variety, in the same vain that the X8 does with the occasional Gemini straying into Wolverhampton.
Will see the 703 either crossing Shepwell Green in the morning or coming down Clarkes Lane in Willenhall at night!
Quote from: DJ on November 30, 2021, 08:56:57 AM
It's not that rare to see one in Walsall, they get on the 45 from West Bromwich fairly regularly.
Its pretty much regular, lets not forget though he is a computer spotter so he doesn't see much... Geminis aren't rare on WB X8 boards either because the bus does the 74 after and the Euro 6 Geminis are a regular occurrence on the 74...
WB have been sending ALX400's into Walsall for years...
Quote from: Jack on November 30, 2021, 01:07:11 PM
Its pretty much regular, lets not forget though he is a computer spotter so he doesn't see much... Geminis aren't rare on WB X8 boards either because the bus does the 74 after and the Euro 6 Geminis are a regular occurrence on the 74...
WB have been sending ALX400's into Walsall for years...
Geminis on the X8 are very rare. I think it is less than 5 times that one has been used on that board
An odd one. Caught 496* on the 12A from Dudley to oldbury at 2:20. Followed the route 12A even though it should have operated the 12.
Quote from: Tony on November 30, 2021, 01:15:23 PM
Geminis on the X8 are very rare. I think it is less than 5 times that one has been used on that board
I thought they were rare - thanks for confirming
@Tony Quote from: Jack on November 30, 2021, 01:07:11 PM
Its pretty much regular, lets not forget though he is a computer spotter so he doesn't see much... Geminis aren't rare on WB X8 boards either because the bus does the 74 after and the Euro 6 Geminis are a regular occurrence on the 74...
WB have been sending ALX400's into Walsall for years...
Who's a computer spotter
@Jack ? Unsure about which or whose post you're referring to?
Nice to see 4476 and 4523 on the 82/7 today had a nice ride on 4476
Quote from: Tony on February 11, 2022, 05:41:30 PM
That is a normal allocation, and if you look at the spreadsheet link it is first choice vehicle
Are E200s still common on the 47? Most of the time I've seen it it's been a Gemini, or some other decker; in fact looking on Bustimes all bar one of the boards currently running are Geminis or B7 Tridents
Quote from: Raedwald on February 11, 2022, 06:07:30 PM
Are E200s still common on the 47? Most of the time I've seen it it's been a Gemini, or some other decker; in fact looking on Bustimes all bar one of the boards currently running are Geminis or B7 Tridents
It's not noteworthy! WB have more of them again now so it will be common to see them more on the 47 and other WB routes, the 46 see's them more again now even though that does get pretty much any bus.
4951 has now had its fire damage repaired from the arson attack in January, but its MoT expires while it was off the road, so should be presented next week and back on the road. The only red/white bus with a full set of crimson seats
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2022, 07:47:43 PM
4951 has now had its fire damage repaired from the arson attack in January, but its MoT expires while it was off the road, so should be presented next week and back on the road. The only red/white bus with a full set of crimson seats
That's was fast and downstairs aswell
@Tony
@Raedwald, E200's aren't noteworthy on the 89.
Quote from: Jack on March 12, 2022, 04:37:01 PM
@Raedwald, E200's aren't noteworthy on the 89.
They are according to https://wmbu.org.uk/enthusiasts/nx-bus-usual-allocations/ (see tab 4).
The Usual allocations are as attached. No mention of E200s, thus noteworthy by the rules of the thread.
Quote from: Wumpty on March 14, 2022, 07:23:53 AM
They are according to https://wmbu.org.uk/enthusiasts/nx-bus-usual-allocations/ (see tab 4).
The Usual allocations are as attached. No mention of E200s, thus noteworthy by the rules of the thread.
It was said a good few months ago that they are used on the 89, also more Omnilinks have left WB in exchange for more E200's meaning they'll be used on services that use Omnilinks.
Quote from: Jack on March 14, 2022, 09:55:19 AM
It was said a good few months ago that they are used on the 89
By whom? If this is the case, then why don't the allocations reflect this?
I'll wait for the allocations list to be amended beforehand, if it's all the same ::)
Quote from: Wumpty on March 14, 2022, 10:27:29 AM
By whom? If this is the case, then why don't the allocations reflect this?
I'll wait for the allocations list to be amended beforehand, if it's all the same ::)
The sheet in some cases isn't up to date. Buses are being almost everywhere and have been for the last 2 years, majority of the things that get reported and aren't even noteworthy in the slightest and the same goes route branded buses off route.
E200's are a commonplace again on the 45/46 as well as the 3/3A, 47 and 89 getting them on occasion.
Quote from: Jack on March 14, 2022, 10:39:48 AM
The sheet in some cases isn't up to date. Buses are being almost everywhere and have been for the last 2 years, majority of the things that get reported and aren't even noteworthy in the slightest and the same goes route branded buses off route.
The ALX400 on the sheet don't come into the City anymore as far as I know.
Obviously it is a big task for
@Stu to update it, when he might not know allocations for every route across such a vast area. So some things on there might not be up to date.
Also when I was in Coventry on Saturday, the 20 and 3 had double decks on there.
Quote from: 2206 on March 14, 2022, 10:42:07 AM
The ALX400 on the sheet don't come into the City anymore as far as I know.
Obviously it is a big task for @Stu to update it, when he might not know allocations for every route across such a vast area. So some things on there might not be up to date.
My point exactly. We all know that those can't be used but I'm sure we'll have the usual 'oh they can it's on the sheet' blah blah blah.
I do think the NW thread should be closed because there isn't a purpose for it anymore, majority of things aren't noteworthy anymore and reading the same thing is quite boring.
Quote from: Jack on March 14, 2022, 10:39:48 AM
The sheet in some cases isn't up to date. Buses are being almost everywhere and have been for the last 2 years, majority of the things that get reported and aren't even noteworthy in the slightest and the same goes route branded buses off route.
E200's are a commonplace again on the 45/46 as well as the 3/3A, 47 and 89 getting them on occasion.
West Bromwich's 37 seat E200s are allocated there for the 42/43 & 45/46 routes. So any other route is not scheduled so an unusual working.
Quote from: Tony on March 14, 2022, 10:52:59 AM
West Bromwich's 37 seat E200s are allocated there for the 42/43 & 45/46 routes. So any other route is not scheduled so an unusual working.
Thanks for the clarification
@Tony - I prefer to trust sources that we know to be trusted and as accurate as they can be like yourself and
@Stu (
@Stu is a volunteer in all aspects of this forum too so due respect given if some areas aren't as accurate/updated and we're reporting based on his allocation sheet - keep up the great work bud!).
Quote from: Jack on March 14, 2022, 10:45:48 AM
My point exactly. We all know that those can't be used but I'm sure we'll have the usual 'oh they can it's on the sheet' blah blah blah.
I do think the NW thread should be closed because there isn't a purpose for it anymore, majority of things aren't noteworthy anymore and reading the same thing is quite boring.
Not everyone DOES know what can/can't be used unless you have the appropriate knowledge - and comments like, "'oh they can it's on the sheet' blah blah blah", really doesn't help your cause
@Jack - perhaps being a tad more positive, informing and explaining your rationale may help. Most of us are looking to enjoy this forum and I'd be more annoyed at the negativity shown, rather than posts that are in the sprit of the thread and the enjoyment.
Please stop @ing me every time. You aren't exactly either, you seem to lack a sense of humour and your constant comebacks at people make yourself seem arrogant. I'm happy to stand corrected but not by someone who obviously enjoys watching things through a remote cam daily.
If there's an issue PM me instead of moan in the threads....
Bearing in mind, you can't report sightings based on Bustimes.org info, isn't the remote cam the same sort of thing really, the only difference being you see the actual bus in front of you, rather than assuming Bustimes.org is correct.
For the record, is spotting a bus physically, then cross checking with Bustimes.org allowed, as that's what I did, when I spotted that 4xx on the X529 last year?
Quote from: Westy on March 14, 2022, 12:33:22 PM
Bearing in mind, you can't report sightings based on Bustimes.org info, isn't the remote cam the same sort of thing really, the only difference being you see the actual bus in front of you, rather than assuming Bustimes.org is correct.
For the record, is spotting a bus physically, then cross checking with Bustimes.org allowed, as that's what I did, when I spotted that 4xx on the X529 last year?
Remotecam is a dashcam system used in my logistics role. Unfortunately, most of my team are bus enthusiasts (!) and when we're not telling each other about what they've seen, then I get to see what's happening live via Remotecam. Cheating a bit......maybe, but if I see something and can't identify it, I'll report as UID and hope that someone will fill in the blanks for me (though I might check bustimes for my own sanity!).
@2206, E200MMC's aren't really noteworthy on the 5. They do appear quite on there quite a bit.
Quote from: Jack on May 25, 2022, 07:46:04 PM@2206, E200MMC's aren't really noteworthy on the 5. They do appear quite on there quite a bit.
I didn't know. It just looked strange as its 40 branded and in WM Bus livery, like the 31/32 one on the X15.
I saw them both while I was on the Arriva Streetdeck.
2235 was on the 5 yesterday too
Quote from: cris 99 on May 25, 2022, 09:54:52 PM2235 was on the 5 yesterday too
2234 was also on it too recently.
A full house of Mr Fitchew''s beloveds on wb 47 today
2236 has been debranded from the 40
Quote from: mesub on August 29, 2022, 12:46:34 PM811 - WB49. An interesting one to see.
That is not noteworthy as they are on there every Sunday
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 30, 2022, 08:05:44 AMThat is not noteworthy as they are on there every Sunday
I think you're correct, when I was in Bearwood on Sunday the other week I also saw an E200 on there. BusTimes would appear to agree too, so I'll get that updated on my list.
QuoteThat is not noteworthy as they are on there every Sunday
Oh, alright.
Question to those who understand these things (I'm a railway rolling-stock guy so I can make an educated guess, but that's all it is):
Last weekend WB 4245 turned its last wheel in service as it was due its MOT test. This week sister 4244 has passed its test and is out today on the Newton Road. Is this due to a combination of stock position at WB (could lose 1 but not 2 older vehicles due to transfers-in), known/ likely expenditure to get a bus through its test, general vehicle condition, etc.
Just interested, you understand. TIA.
4245 needed a lot of work, 4244 didn't, simple as that, same principle as why some locomotives survive while classmates don't
Cheers Tony. Yes, the simple economics of a class being run down, with which I am very familiar!
I suspected 4245 was known to have exceeded the expenditure ceiling before even being presented for its test, you've confirmed that hunch, so thank you.
QuoteCheers Tony. Yes, the simple economics of a class being run down, with which I am very familiar!
I suspected 4245 was known to have exceeded the expenditure ceiling before even being presented for its test, you've confirmed that hunch, so thank you.
Chassis would have needed extensive welding
WB to gain all remaining 12s 13s from PN and lose 22/42/45 to diamond. 43 to be operated by WB completely, 46 to be covered by PB16
Quote from: 2900 on December 07, 2022, 10:07:15 AMWB to gain all remaining 12s 13s from PN and lose 22/42/45 to diamond. 43 to be operated by WB completely, 46 to be covered by PB16
Would assume diamond will withdraw 401e then if they are operating the 45
Quote from: 2900 on December 07, 2022, 10:07:15 AMWB to gain all remaining 12s 13s from PN and lose 22/42/45 to diamond. 43 to be operated by WB completely, 46 to be covered by PB16
Guessing the PB 16 will now go to West Bromwich bus station ?
Quote from: Jack6101 on December 07, 2022, 01:26:27 PMGuessing the PB 16 will now go to West Bromwich bus station ?
Yes
Quote from: 2900 on December 07, 2022, 10:07:15 AMWB to gain all remaining 12s 13s from PN and lose 22/42/45 to diamond. 43 to be operated by WB completely, 46 to be covered by PB16
Nothing on Diamond nor TFWM page about 45 service going to Diamond yet but there is information on both about changes to services from 1st January.
Quote from: Jack6101 on December 07, 2022, 01:26:27 PMGuessing the PB 16 will now go to West Bromwich bus station ?
So does that mean Diamond will no longer be operating the 16 from January if so there looks to be some very interesting changes forthcoming
Quote from: hlliwmai on December 07, 2022, 10:27:42 PMSo does that mean Diamond will no longer be operating the 16 from January if so there looks to be some very interesting changes forthcoming
Diamond might do West Brom trips, NX Great Barr possibly.
Are WB not running any services on Boxing Day? :grin:
The Christmas and New Year timetables were due on the NXWM website on Monday, and currently no WB services are showing on Boxing Day, apart from a couple late night/early morning 74 journeys
National Express West Midlands bus driver Ranjit Singh becomes singing sensation:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/national-express-west-midlands-bus-driver-ranjit-singh-becomes-singing-sensation/vi-AA15x3dm?category=foryou
WB were doing some peak duties on WA 11 but these don't seem to be happening at the moment. When the route transfers to PN, will WB pick up any peak duties again?
Not sure about WA 11
But WB will no longer be doing school journeys on 705 & 788.
It looks like WB are now operating Sunday journeys on the 20 (QEH to Cofton Hackett)?
https://bustimes.org/services/20-qe-hospital-selly-oak-northfield-longbridge-red#map
WB have got all jouneys on the 20 now
Interworking with the 48
I'm guessing WB no longer operate any boards on the 11?
Quote from: Bus_user_jay on January 04, 2023, 04:41:03 PMI'm guessing WB no longer operate any boards on the 11?
A quick check on bustimes.org suggests that to be the case.
4967 was heading down Bearwood Road not in service this morning with 'In memory of bus driver Dean Jones 1965-2022' on the destination display. Understand he's the driver who sadly passed away following a medical incident at the wheel on Wolverhampton Road a few months back.
For anyone after 1860 at WB , it's now tracking again and is on WB3 today
2237 and 3 other 40 branded buses (E200MMC) on the 43 today allocation changed ?
Can anyone confirm why the E200 MMCs branded for the 40 are no longer allocated on there.
QuoteCan anyone confirm why the E200 MMCs branded for the 40 are no longer allocated on there.
Maybe the 43 needs longer buses?
They need to stop putting scanias on 12/13 it's to busy people standing at front
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 05:45:37 PMThey need to stop putting scanias on 12/13 it's to busy people standing at front
So which route do you propose the Scanias go on? Once the next 170 Electrics start arriving then some single decks may be able to get converted to double deck, until then they have to be used on routes where when the service is running properly they can get people home even if it is standing.
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2023, 05:48:29 PMSo which route do you propose the Scanias go on? Once the next 170 Electrics start arriving then some single decks may be able to get converted to double deck, until then they have to be used on routes where when the service is running properly they can get people home even if it is standing.
They should put the singles on 5 and doubles on 12/13
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 06:10:20 PMThey should put the singles on 5 and doubles on 12/13
Is that the same 5 that carries full loads on double decks?
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2023, 06:14:44 PMIs that the same 5 that carries full loads on double
Sutton Coldfield one and also they should debrand the 22xx 40 brands as they are on 43
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 06:20:34 PMSutton Coldfield one and also they should debrand the 22xx 40 brands as they are on 43
Yes, the one that regularly leaves Sutton Coldfield with full double decks, what makes you think that is a good route for Scanias?
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2023, 06:22:11 PMYes, the one that regularly leaves Sutton Coldfield with full double decks, what makes you think that is a good route for Scanias?
Straight line and also quiter
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 07:06:02 PMStraight line and also quiter
I've just told you it is not quieter, it carries full loads, and what has straight line got to do with it?
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2023, 07:38:09 PMI've just told you it is not quieter, it carries full loads, and what has straight line got to do with it?
straight lines look pretty on bustimes 😂
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 05:45:37 PMThey need to stop putting scanias on 12/13 it's to busy people standing at front
I have seen double deckers on both 12/12a and 13. It might be to do with maintenance as well why a certain vehicle is used.
I sometimes catch the 12/12a 13 around 3:30 have had no issues, bar the odd occasion when the scanner for phone is low down
In fairness, the 3/3A and 89 have been largely relegated to Enviro 200s to allow Scanias to appear on the 12/13s and 80. That being said, even when WB & PE joint ran the 12/13s, single deck B7RLEs weren't an uncommon sight
@18WilliamsLi please tell me, what is your qualifications for running a bus service? Btw being a full time spotter doesn't count....
The 5 is a mix of Doubles and Singles and there's some boards you wouldn't put an Omnilink on. When I have had singles on the 12/13's they've always coped fine, in fact those routes have always traditionally been single. When I've had some doubles on there the loads would easily cope with a single decker. Quite clearly you don't use the 5 or see the loadings.
Problem is too many schools along these services resulting in loading issues also I had a passenger attempting to get on from Morrisons 5-ways during the evening peak with a pushchair on a full standing load Scania which I refused and she said driver I have already been waiting 30 minutes for the 13, I apologised and said the 13 is a 30 minute service.
The 47 has always struck me as a weird service for a decker unless it has school traffic on it
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on February 28, 2023, 07:06:02 PMStraight line and also quiter
When has the 5 been quiet lol, even taking it after peak times on a short service terminating short at kingstanding it still can fill up a g1 (from wb)
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 01, 2023, 08:31:04 AMThe 47 has always struck me as a weird service for a decker unless it has school traffic on it
It does and non compliant deckers are usually allocated to these local services.
The 12/12a should be re allocated to PN imo the Volvo b7s and e400 mmc suited them better
I dont understand why the 11 hadn't remained at walsall so the 12 wouldn't be displaced at PN
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 07, 2023, 09:57:07 PMThe 12/12a should be re allocated to PN imo the Volvo b7s and e400 mmc suited them better
I dont understand why the 11 hadn't remained at walsall so the 12 wouldn't be displaced at PN
I'm sure whoever allocated the 12/12A to WB likely knows better. WB lost some routes recently 45/46/48 Northfield section, etc so presumably have more drivers and buses for the route.
And also it probably makes sense having whole route at one garage again.
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 07, 2023, 09:57:07 PMThe 12/12a should be re allocated to PN imo the Volvo b7s and e400 mmc suited them better
I dont understand why the 11 hadn't remained at walsall so the 12 wouldn't be displaced at PN
Walsall were struggling more than other garages due to acute driver shortages, I beleive reliability of the 11 had suffered as a result. PN had spare capacity following the the loss of Dudley area TfWM contracts (by not bidding) to Diamond.
PN now only have 3 x E400MMC's, I assume they will soon be joining the rest of the batch at AG.
Quote from: winston on March 07, 2023, 10:08:20 PMWalsall were struggling more than other garages due to acute driver shortages, I beleive reliability of the 11 had suffered as a result. PN had spare capacity following the the loss of Dudley area TfWM contracts (by not bidding) to Diamond.
PN now only have 3 x E400MMC's, I assume they will soon be joining the rest of the batch at AG.
It's better for 1 garage to have the 12 as it make it more reliable as pensnet do nothing
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on March 07, 2023, 10:26:03 PMIt's better for 1 garage to have the 12 as it make it more reliable as pensnet do nothing
As it is now with just WB doing them. When it was joint operated it was still usual to see buses missing with no relief.
Quote from: 2206 on March 07, 2023, 09:59:08 PMI'm sure whoever allocated the 12/12A to WB likely knows better. WB lost some routes recently 45/46/48 Northfield section, etc so presumably have more drivers and buses for the route.
And also it probably makes sense having whole route at one garage again.
I wonder if National Express will take back the 45 service from the 15th April when Diamond stop running it.
QuoteIt's better for 1 garage to have the 12 as it make it more reliable as pensnet do nothing
What do you mean pensnett do nothing? You seem to have forgotten the 12A, 13 and 13A was worked by both garages. I seem to recall seeing PN buses operating some of the services, so they did in fact did something...
Quote from: BK63 YWP on March 08, 2023, 07:21:03 AMWhat do you mean pensnett do nothing? You seem to have forgotten the 12A, 13 and 13A was worked by both garages. I seem to recall seeing PN buses operating some of the services, so they did in fact did something...
They are always late and wait at bus stops and wait for west brom buses to overtake so they don't have to pick any passengers up
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on March 08, 2023, 07:26:00 AMThey are always late and wait at bus stops and wait for west brom buses to overtake so they don't have to pick any passengers up
I'd be very interested to see what evidence you have to support this
@18WilliamsLi - I very much doubt that any of these practices happen and would suggest that your perception is very much flawed.
Guessing there at wb for repairs
Ex cov ( blue/white) gemini / 101 branded e400 and and possible Walsall platinum on front yard this morning at 6:30
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 08, 2023, 09:33:27 AMGuessing there at wb for repairs
Ex cov ( blue/white) gemini / 101 branded e400 and and possible Walsall platinum on front yard this morning at 6:30
Will be there for MoT test
If their waiting at bus stops that would indicate that their waiting time and not running late
I have read that from 16th April the 20 will be re-routes to serve Bromsgrove and replace the 144A. Does this mean that WB will be operating into Bromsgrove, if the 20 continues to interwork with the 48 at QEH?
Yes, that's right, WB garage to operate the route, still interworking with he 48
Does that make WB the garage with the largest operating area?
Quote from: Westy on March 29, 2023, 09:01:51 PMDoes that make WB the garage with the largest operating area?
Possibly
Quote from: Westy on March 29, 2023, 09:01:51 PMDoes that make WB the garage with the largest operating area?
Stretches from Bromsgrove to Wolverhampton area with the 703/751/X8 workings and to Sutton Coldfield on the WB 5. So a sizeable operating area at least.
Quote from: 2206 on March 29, 2023, 09:24:51 PMStretches from Bromsgrove to Wolverhampton area with the 703/751/X8 workings and to Sutton Coldfield on the WB 5. So a sizeable operating area at least.
Walsall have always traditionally had the largest, and Tamworth, Cannock, Merry Hill, Birmingham still takes some beating
Birmingham Central's operating area is also quite large these days spanning Rubery in the south to Sutton Coldfield in the north, with Solihull, Coleshill and Coventry in there too
The new timetable for the 20 is now on Bus Times.
Quote from: SO6597 on April 01, 2023, 02:43:27 PMThe new timetable for the 20 is now on Bus Times.
https://bustimes.org/services/20-qe-hospital-selly-oak-northfield-longbridge-red?date=2023-04-20&service=72405
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on April 01, 2023, 03:32:54 PMhttps://bustimes.org/services/20-qe-hospital-selly-oak-northfield-longbridge-red?date=2023-04-20&service=72405
First bus from Bromsgrove being 6:25ish am, with no previous service from the QE - so I'm guessing either empty from WB garage down the M5 to j4 to start at Bromsgrove or will YW operate that first journey?
Quote from: j789 on April 01, 2023, 08:59:28 PMFirst bus from Bromsgrove being 6:25ish am, with no previous service from the QE - so I'm guessing either empty from WB garage down the M5 to j4 to start at Bromsgrove or will YW operate that first journey?
Not sure they'd use the motorway. Apparently stagecoach aren't allowed to use the motorway runing dead to and from Rugby as well.
They could go dead via Oldbury, Wolverhampton Road, Barnes Hill and Northfield to Bromsgrove.
I guess they will already be running dead to operate that 04:57am 20A and Bromsgrove is only a little bit further from there.
Quote from: 2206 on April 01, 2023, 09:51:35 PMNot sure they'd use the motorway. Apparently stagecoach aren't allowed to use the motorway runing dead to and from Rugby as well.
They could go dead via Oldbury, Wolverhampton Road, Barnes Hill and Northfield to Bromsgrove.
I guess they will already be running dead to operate that 04:57am 20A and Bromsgrove is only a little bit further from there.
In terms of the difference between YW and WB in getting to Bromsgrove (and avoiding the motorway), there's probably only a couple of miles in it.
I'm a little confused as to why the existing 20 had to change number, surely the Bromsgrove alternative could've been numbered 20A. Now stops around Cofton Hackett etc will have to be changed unnecessarily.
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 01, 2023, 10:18:40 PMI'm a little confused as to why the existing 20 had to change number, surely the Bromsgrove alternative could've been numbered 20A. Now stops around Cofton Hackett etc will have to be changed unnecessarily.
People have known that route as 144 forever, don't understand the number change????
Quote from: BN on April 02, 2023, 08:00:32 AMPeople have known that route as 144 forever, don't understand the number change????
But you've already got the 144 between Worcester and bromsgrove and .
it's now going to a new destination the QE
Quote from: BN on April 02, 2023, 08:00:32 AMPeople have known that route as 144 forever, don't understand the number change????
The same reason NX keep changing route numbers: for the sake of it.
Quote from: ellspurs on April 02, 2023, 09:28:23 AMThe same reason NX keep changing route numbers: for the sake of it.
It's TfWM, not just NX
Quote from: BN on April 02, 2023, 08:00:32 AMPeople have known that route as 144 forever, don't understand the number change????
The 144 route hasn't got much in common in the revised 20 service, the 144 didn't serve the QE Hospital or Rednal. A link to the City is no longer needed as most passengers prefer the train which made the 144 uneconomical
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 02, 2023, 10:40:52 AMThe 144 route hasn't got much in common in the revised 20 service, the 144 didn't serve the QE Hospital or Rednal. A link to the City is no longer needed as most passengers prefer the train which made the 144 uneconomical
The Bromsgrove to Birmingham route would have continued to be perfectly economical had the will to do so actually been there. First made a massive mistake dropping that part of the route, especially after the expense of relaunching it as the 'Salt Road' route. If they had put a little more effort into imaginative ticketing options (or even more sensible) some sort of NX partnership operation that would have allowed the First 144 to terminate at Longbridge and passengers transfer onto NX at no additional cost. A little bit of creative thinking would have gone a long way to keeping the link going. The drivers knew that, it was just a shame those making the decisions couldn't see this.
The link to the QE will no doubt be popular. However, I'd imagine that NX may well have gone the full length back to Brum if only it wasn't for their driver shortage. Hopefully, the increased pay should reduce this so perhaps in the next year or so, this route will be looked at again and expanded further.
Drivers and bus 817 seen in the bus station in Bromsgrove earlier today.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 02, 2023, 01:22:11 PMDrivers and bus 817 seen in the bus station in Bromsgrove earlier today.
I believe it was 824 today. It passed me whilst I was waiting for the 55 on Leach Green.
Will this service be single deck or double deck like the current 20?
Quote from: Bus_user_jay on April 05, 2023, 10:19:39 PMWill this service be single deck or double deck like the current 20?
If it's still going to interwork with the 48, then doubles, surely?
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 05, 2023, 11:03:05 PMIf it's still going to interwork with the 48, then doubles, surely?
Interworking with the 48 so based on the current pattern, mainly doubles with some single decks appearing from time to time.
Quote from: SO6597 on April 06, 2023, 07:20:01 AMInterworking with the 48 so based on the current pattern, mainly doubles with some single decks appearing from time to time.
Planned to be doubles
Was behind 1940 on New Birmingham road Tividale , on 12 route but bus was displaying 13A Blackheath it then turned up city road , this was about 1:15
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 07, 2023, 03:00:21 PMWas behind 1940 on New Birmingham road Tividale , on 12 route but bus was displaying 13A Blackheath it then turned up city road , this was about 1:15
there are a few buses with blind display issues etc one of the geminis has an issue
Quick question. Any particular why the name Scott Arms Stop GG has changed to bromford walk? This is for the 5 bus stop.
QuoteQuick question. Any particular why the name Scott Arms Stop GG has changed to bromford walk? This is for the 5 bus stop.
Probably something to do with TfWM. They've changed quite a few stop names over the last few years.
I'll put this here as it's relation to the 20 route, But am I able to tap on the bus using my Swift go card at Bromsgrove on my return journey towards Longbridge?
Thanks in advance.
https://buscapade.wordpress.com/2023/04/18/nxwm-20-to-bromsgrove-and-other-gemini-stuff-17-4-23/
Perry Barr driver Mark Fitchew's recent trip on the service.
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on April 20, 2023, 03:56:57 PMI'll put this here as it's relation to the 20 route, But am I able to tap on the bus using my Swift go card at Bromsgrove on my return journey towards Longbridge?
Thanks in advance.
Swift Go is valid on all NX West Midlands services.
Quote from: Stu on April 20, 2023, 07:09:11 PMSwift Go is valid on all NX West Midlands services.
But is it valid for travel to Bromsgrove as Nbus and Nnetwork tickets are certainly not?
Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 20, 2023, 08:45:46 PMBut is it valid for travel to Bromsgrove as Nbus and Nnetwork tickets are certainly not?
Given that you can use Swift Go to pay for parking at Bromsgrove train station I would certainly hope so.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 20, 2023, 08:45:46 PMBut is it valid for travel to Bromsgrove as Nbus and Nnetwork tickets are certainly not?
Why wouldn't it? It caps at the operator's own rates.
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/swift-and-tickets/swift-go/swift-go-cap-prices/
NX's Regional rate is the same for ALL of its services, including those that go 'cross-border'.
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on April 23, 2023, 02:43:26 PMNot sure whether this Is rare but 1939 is on 12 Today rare to get a single on a single but also 1939 only go's on 12 once every few months any idea why
Unusual for a Sunday, but standard allocation any other day of the week
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 23, 2023, 05:09:05 PMUnusual for a Sunday, but standard allocation any other day of the week
1939 hasn't been on 12 for 5 month
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on April 23, 2023, 06:31:53 PM1939 hasn't been on 12 for 5 month
So you've been watching its every move? Wish my life was as easy as that....
Quote1939 hasn't been on 12 for 5 month
And so?
Quote from: mesub on April 23, 2023, 08:47:43 PMAnd so?
It kind of means it's not allowed jn Birmingham as all scanias going in Birmingham
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on April 23, 2023, 09:35:10 PMIt kind of means it's not allowed jn Birmingham as all scanias going in Birmingham
It means nothing if the sort. There's probably lots of buses at various garages that purely by chance avoid certain routes. If it hasn't been on the 12, and you've no proof it hasn't, then it's purely by chance
6969 now back in service, currently on the 87, but not tracking
Already reported this.
Quote from: Tony on April 28, 2023, 06:28:01 PM6969 now back in service, currently on the 87, but not tracking
Already reported this.
Very good news
Quick question regarding the G1s. Why were 4512 and 4517 withdrawn? Ive tried looking everywhere but i cant find anything...
Old age I'd guess.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 01, 2023, 08:52:19 AMQuick question regarding the G1s. Why were 4512 and 4517 withdrawn? Ive tried looking everywhere but i cant find anything...
End of life.
Quote from: markcf83 on May 01, 2023, 09:46:27 AMOld age I'd guess.
But why were those two specifically withdrawn, seeing as the other 20 or so are operating?
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 01, 2023, 01:18:34 PMBut why were those two specifically withdrawn, seeing as the other 20 or so are operating?
Because they obviously have issues that aren't worth spending money at their age, and the others will come off when they die...
Quote from: Jack on May 01, 2023, 01:20:29 PMBecause they obviously have issues that aren't worth spending money at their age, and the others will come off when they die...
Yes... that's literally what I'm trying to find out. I asked because I wanted to know what issue they had
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 01, 2023, 08:52:19 AMQuick question regarding the G1s. Why were 4512 and 4517 withdrawn? Ive tried looking everywhere but i cant find anything...
Sad to see 4512 go, it's one of my favourites of the '53 examples
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 01, 2023, 11:18:45 PMYes... that's literally what I'm trying to find out. I asked because I wanted to know what issue they had
It could be something as simple as MOT expiry and not needed to be renewed for another year. It's not that deep. Don't stress yourself out as to why those two went.
Quote from: Gareth on May 02, 2023, 08:22:18 PMIt could be something as simple as MOT expiry and not needed to be renewed for another year. It's not that deep. Don't stress yourself out as to why those two went.
Excuse me, I was just asking a question... I don't appreciate it when you and a few others give your unwanted opinions on my query. I didn't say I NEEDED to know, I was just asking in case anybody did 100% know why they were withdrawn.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 02, 2023, 11:56:33 PMExcuse me, I was just asking a question... I don't appreciate it when you and a few others give your unwanted opinions on my query. I didn't say I NEEDED to know, I was just asking in case anybody did 100% know why they were withdrawn.
Suggest you learn some respect. No one is being rude here but you... they have most likely failed MOT expiry and their age isn't worth it. 2 People have told you the most likely reasons, and you are blatantly arrogant.
Quote from: Jack on May 03, 2023, 12:05:04 AMSuggest you learn some respect. No one is being rude here but you... they have most likely failed MOT expiry and their age isn't worth it. 2 People have told you the most likely reasons, and you are blatantly arrogant.
Sorry if I came across as rude, but I just wanted an answer that was definite from somebody that knows, rather than speculation. I will try to word my posts better in the future.
Any non-Euro 6 bus that needs money spending on it will die. 4579 looks like being the next
4517 not much left on it now its well stripped, top deck could repair the fire damaged crimson GEMNI but no action as yet i forget the fleet no, Westbroms dead row is quite full right now long term Enviro 200 still parked up next to a Scania and 3 GEMS
Hi sorry just another question. Are WB's BU53s definitely being withdrawn later on this year? If they are then it will definitely be such a shame 😢
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 04, 2023, 06:39:35 PMHi sorry just another question. Are WB's BU53s definitely being withdrawn later on this year? If they are then it will definitely be such a shame 😢
They are all non Euro 6 apart from 4523 so yes.
Quote from: Jack on May 04, 2023, 06:48:06 PMThey are all non Euro 6 apart from 4523 so yes.
24th January 2024 is the last date TfWM will allow them to be used
Quote from: Tony on May 04, 2023, 06:48:48 PM24th January 2024 is the last date TfWM will allow them to be used
What happened to May 2023?
QuoteWhat happened to May 2023?
I'm sure that deadline was for tendered routes, although I stand to be corrected.
Quote from: mesub on May 04, 2023, 07:28:16 PMI'm sure that deadline was for tendered routes, although I stand to be corrected.
@Stu said NX Bus and Diamond Bus have been granted an exemption.
1st May Vehicle Emissions standards deadline: operators apply for temporary exemptions – West Midlands Bus Users (wmbu.org.uk) (https://wmbu.org.uk/2023/04/1st-may-vehicle-emissions-standards-deadline-operators-apply-for-temporary-exemptions/)
So full service can continue to run until more electric/euro 6 vehicles enter service
Quote from: mesub on May 04, 2023, 07:28:16 PMI'm sure that deadline was for tendered routes, although I stand to be corrected.
What do you mean by tendered routes?
Quote from: Jack on May 04, 2023, 06:48:06 PMThey are all non Euro 6 apart from 4523 so yes.
So will 4523 stay for longer or could they be changed to euro 6?
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on May 04, 2023, 07:53:21 PMSo will 4523 stay for longer or could they be changed to euro 6?
Yes, 4523 can run after the 24th January, along with all the 44xx ones. No more will be converted. It is expensive and not worth doing on a 20 year old bus
Quote from: Tony on May 04, 2023, 08:04:55 PMYes, 4523 can run after the 24th January, along with all the 44xx ones. No more will be converted. It is expensive and not worth doing on a 20 year old bus
Why were the 44xx ones converted and not the 45xxs? Just out of curiosity
because the were allocated which had to have Euro 6 buses for the Birmingham Caz. They are all 2003 so no big deal between them
Quote from: 2206 on May 04, 2023, 07:48:01 PM@Stu said NX Bus and Diamond Bus have been granted an exemption.
1st May Vehicle Emissions standards deadline: operators apply for temporary exemptions – West Midlands Bus Users (wmbu.org.uk) (https://wmbu.org.uk/2023/04/1st-may-vehicle-emissions-standards-deadline-operators-apply-for-temporary-exemptions/)
So full service can continue to run until more electric/euro 6 vehicles enter service
Death, Taxes and TfWMs favourites being given preferential treatment again!
Quote from: Straightlines on May 04, 2023, 09:11:19 PMDeath, Taxes and TfWMs favourites being given preferential treatment again!
What's the other choice? Service cuts? NXWM have 80 electric double decks built but not in use, more than the number of non Euro 6 buses in use, Similarly Diamond have had a plan in place which has been let down by outside suppliers not meeting original timelines
4689 on 74 today this bus hasn't been in service for about 11 months
How long have West Brom garage been running the 751 Wolverhampton schools service?
Hi anybody know what buses are on 501 I just saw 6992
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on June 03, 2023, 09:56:10 PMHi anybody know what buses are on 501 I just saw 6992
4741,6990,91,92
Quote from: 979 on June 03, 2023, 10:11:40 PM4741,6990,91,92
Ohh thanks presume always same buses on 501
Anybody know if wb operating 501 tonight and what buses thanks
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on June 12, 2023, 07:17:09 AM4525 (BU53 UNF) is tracking again on bustimes for the first time since October last year!
It's been tracking for last few days
On 6993 on the 5 to West Brom currently and there seems to be some flooding on both decks along with a persistent high pitched buzzing. Wonder why..?
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on June 12, 2023, 07:50:01 AMOn 6993 on the 5 to West Brom currently and there seems to be some flooding on both decks along with a persistent high pitched buzzing. Wonder why..?
Have/did you inform the driver ?
Quote from: Jack6101 on June 12, 2023, 09:31:40 AMHave/did you inform the driver ?
I hope he did don't want another platuim broken for ages 6993 is usually a good bus
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on June 12, 2023, 11:12:04 AMI hope he did don't want another platuim broken for ages 6993 is usually a good bus
Not being funny but a bus will be of the road for as long is needed to be
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on June 12, 2023, 11:25:24 AMNot being funny but a bus will be of the road for as long is needed to be
I know that but if something is wrong with bus he should of said something to driver
Quote from: Jack6101 on June 12, 2023, 09:31:40 AMHave/did you inform the driver ?
The driver was informed by many people and he said it was fine. The bus seemed to be operating ok though. And also just a quick note about the high pitch beeping- I looked inside the drivers cabin as I was getting off and one of the screens said "security breach". Interesting...
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on June 12, 2023, 05:28:43 PMThe driver was informed by many people and he said it was fine. The bus seemed to be operating ok though. And also just a quick note about the high pitch beeping- I looked inside the drivers cabin as I was getting off and one of the screens said "security breach". Interesting...
Someone opened an emergency exit?
Quote from: Westy on June 12, 2023, 06:36:38 PMSomeone opened an emergency exit?
Quite possibly, however I was sitting at the back downstairs and everything looked normal, so it must've been upstairs?
@18WilliamsLi 4679 only did a oldbury to Dudley and back to oldbury then garage run
Quote from: Jack6101 on June 20, 2023, 08:11:43 PM@18WilliamsLi 4679 only did a oldbury to Dudley and back to oldbury then garage run
No it didn't it's currently on 82 it does dead run to bearwood
Any idea which platuims are up glastonbury thanks
6990, 6993
6945, 6946
7541
7507
6942
6795
6944
Z4001-8
Quote from: Tony on June 25, 2023, 05:17:58 PM6990, 6993
6945, 6946
7541
7507
6942
6795
6944
Z4001-8
Thanks
Has 1860 returned to walsall
@Tony having a day out on the WB20.......that's 4679, no the man, the myth, the legend :wink:
Will 1860 and 1887 return to Walsall soon
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 02, 2023, 09:37:33 AMWill 1860 and 1887 return to Walsall soon
They will return when they aren't needed at WB, already been said.
Quote from: Jack on July 02, 2023, 12:11:51 PMThey will return when they aren't needed at WB, already been said.
They are not needed at wb now
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 02, 2023, 12:52:51 PMThey are not needed at wb now
So you would prefer service deletions then?
Quote from: Tony on July 02, 2023, 02:19:06 PMSo you would prefer service deletions then?
Get rid of 74 🤣
Out of interest, does anyone know what interworked with the old 441 at West Bromwich back in the early 2000s?
Quote from: Tony on July 02, 2023, 02:19:06 PMSo you would prefer service deletions then?
No definitely not, but I don't see why you didn't bring the 69**s from Wolverhampton and keep the 49**s I thought this would of made more sense being double deckers but I may be wrong
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 03, 2023, 12:19:45 PMNo definitely not, but I don't see why you didn't bring the 69**s from Wolverhampton and keep the 49**s I thought this would of made more sense being double deckers but I may be wrong
I'm pretty sure Tony knows his job and what will work where...
Quote from: Busses_transport_ on July 03, 2023, 12:19:45 PMNo definitely not, but I don't see why you didn't bring the 69**s from Wolverhampton and keep the 49**s I thought this would of made more sense being double deckers but I may be wrong
Because Wolverhampton would have been 4 double decks short then
Quote from: Tony on July 03, 2023, 01:23:17 PMBecause Wolverhampton would have been 4 double decks short then
There 37 buses spare
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 03, 2023, 01:41:28 PMThere 37 buses spare
What on earth are you on about now.
Quote from: Jack on July 03, 2023, 12:45:46 PMI'm pretty sure Tony knows his job and what will work where...
I didn't say Tony didn't know his job I just asked a question, so please stop jumping into conclusions,
Quote from: Tony on July 03, 2023, 02:03:33 PMWhat on earth are you on about now.
Wolverhampton have 37 spare buses
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 03, 2023, 02:25:50 PMWolverhampton have 37 spare buses
Have you factored in brakedowns/ accidents/ VOR before you committed this?
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 03, 2023, 02:25:50 PMWolverhampton have 37 spare buses
You don't know what their PVR is (obvious from this statement which is miles out) so how can you possibly say they have 37 spare buses
Any idea how long roughy till 6972 is back out after its rtc 3 months ago
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 06, 2023, 07:58:44 AMAny idea how long roughy till 6972 is back out after its rtc 3 months ago
i saw it last week in the body repair bay the driver side had various panels changed and resprayed with rattle cans not a great colour match, front was a diffrent story no windsreen and the front panels all missing
Quote from: 2900 on July 06, 2023, 10:02:34 AMi saw it last week in the body repair bay the driver side had various panels changed and resprayed with rattle cans not a great colour match, front was a diffrent story no windsreen and the front panels all missing
Just saying when it will be back out it seems to be back out now
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 06, 2023, 01:58:16 PMJust saying when it will be back out it seems to be back out now
it'll be back out when engineers have finished with it, the long periods off the road could be down to supply issues with parts etc back order can be major headache, it is in the car trade, Tony would know about the bus parts supply chain etc etc
From my point of view one less crap platinum to drive , happy days
Quote from: 2900 on July 07, 2023, 10:43:40 AMit'll be back out when engineers have finished with it, the long periods off the road could be down to supply issues with parts etc back order can be major headache, it is in the car trade, Tony would know about the bus parts supply chain etc etc
From my point of view one less crap platinum to drive , happy days
6972 best platuim
Quote from: 2900 on July 07, 2023, 10:53:39 AMno such thing IMO :smiley:
From a drivers point of view I agree there is no decent platinum to drive. I much prefer a trident and the odd enviro at BC specifically 4910, 4927 and 4905 decent motors on em and don't feel like a slug can overtake you at any moment
Quote from: dw1308 on July 08, 2023, 07:11:45 PMFrom a drivers point of view I agree there is no decent platinum to drive. I much prefer a trident and the odd enviro at BC specifically 4910, 4927 and 4905 decent motors on em and don't feel like a slug can overtake you at any moment
4905 must of been fixed then as it was struggling to pull away when it was on loan to WB.
Quote from: 979 on July 08, 2023, 08:40:19 PM4905 must of been fixed then as it was struggling to pull away when it was on loan to WB.
Well before it went to WB it was a decent bus haha seems like WB could have killed her then but I have not had it since a day or so before pride and she was decent then, I shall report back when I next have 4905 allocated to my duty
Quote from: dw1308 on July 08, 2023, 09:02:11 PMWell before it went to WB it was a decent bus haha seems like WB could have killed her then but I have not had it since a day or so before pride and she was decent then, I shall report back when I next have 4905 allocated to my duty
Probably because all bc drivers are used to driving 49s a lot and they like them there as at wb drivers don't get 49s as often and they are rubbish as west brom have 47s and scanias which are better personally the 49s are the worst buses nx have
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 08, 2023, 09:24:05 PMProbably because all bc drivers are used to driving 49s a lot and they like them there as at wb drivers don't get 49s as often and they are rubbish as west brom have 47s and scanias which are better personally the 49s are the worst buses nx have
I'm sure they get the 49** often they are used on most of WB's services...
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 08, 2023, 09:24:05 PMProbably because all bc drivers are used to driving 49s a lot and they like them there as at wb drivers don't get 49s as often and they are rubbish as west brom have 47s and scanias which are better personally the 49s are the worst buses nx have
Doesn't WB have 4950-78, so therefore, they would experience with 49s?
Quote from: dw1308 on July 08, 2023, 07:11:45 PMFrom a drivers point of view I agree there is no decent platinum to drive. I much prefer a trident and the odd enviro at BC specifically 4910, 4927 and 4905 decent motors on em and don't feel like a slug can overtake you at any moment
As a BC drivers POV, I agree 100%! Although with the platinums, there's some good ones (favourite one is 6948). But only 1 or 2 I can think of. Much prefer a trident or a E400 49**.
Quote from: mrboshell on July 08, 2023, 10:38:47 PMAs a BC drivers POV, I agree 100%! Although with the platinums, there's some good ones (favourite one is 6948). But only 1 or 2 I can think of. Much prefer a trident or a E400 49**.
Quote from: Zaccy_Dee on July 08, 2023, 10:32:02 PMDoesn't WB have 4950-78, so therefore, they would experience with 49s?
Yes but drivers on routes other then 74 mainly get other buses like E200 platuims so they prefer them over 49s personally I think most of 49s are sluggish but I have to admit they is a few decent ones which can beat platuims like 4958 or 4962
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 08, 2023, 11:42:42 PMYes but drivers on routes other then 74 mainly get other buses like E200 platuims so they prefer them over 49s personally I think most of 49s are sluggish but I have to admit they is a few decent ones which can beat platuims like 4958 or 4962
I personally prefer E400s over MMCs due to the engines being much louder but will admit MMCs are smoother and comfier (passenger POV)
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 08, 2023, 11:42:42 PMYes but drivers on routes other then 74 mainly get other buses like E200 platuims so they prefer them over 49s personally I think most of 49s are sluggish but I have to admit they is a few decent ones which can beat platuims like 4958 or 4962
Plenty 4900s on Oldbury rota daily, yes there are a few stand out examples that absolutely fly can't think of there fleet numbers right now
Quote from: 2900 on July 10, 2023, 03:13:27 PMPlenty 4900s on Oldbury rota daily, yes there are a few stand out examples that absolutely fly can't think of there fleet numbers right now
4951 4958 4960 4962 4968
Nice to see some parts of 6988 being stripped and being on other buses one of downstairs window has been saved and is on 6969 I can tell by a particular scrape as I take notice to things and memorise things
Is there any plans to debrand/ rebrand the e200 at WB , as the 40 branded MMC's have spent most of there times since January on the 43 and the 42/3 Branded buses spend most of there time on orthorhombic routes such as 44/40/89
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 06, 2023, 07:58:44 AMAny idea how long roughy till 6972 is back out after its rtc 3 months ago
Repairs finished, part of the front borrowed from 6988 it seems, back on the road broken down near Snowhill this morning
Anybody seen 4516 / 4514 operating recently?
4487 has gained a front LED Display.
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on July 15, 2023, 11:21:44 PMNice to see some parts of 6988 being stripped and being on other buses one of downstairs window has been saved and is on 6969 I can tell by a particular scrape as I take notice to things and memorise things
Quite common for parts to be re-used if possible. Saves waiting for new parts to be delivered by the manufacture.
Quote from: Jack on August 08, 2023, 11:55:47 AM4487 has gained a front LED Display.
It's had that for months
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on July 25, 2023, 10:17:50 AMAnybody seen 4516 / 4514 operating recently?
4516 Parked on the rear car park since last week, looks to be withdrawn
Any idea why 1853 4 branded is in West brom garage
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 10, 2023, 07:20:42 PMAny idea why 1853 4 branded is in West brom garage
Maybe it had a problem whilst on route and it was close to wb so gone in there to get something changed /fixed
Quote from: Jack6101 on August 10, 2023, 07:27:53 PMMaybe it had a problem whilst on route and it was close to wb so gone in there to get something changed /fixed
Broke down in Oldbury
Do you know how long roughly west brom 45s will have left in service
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 14, 2023, 05:11:11 PMDo you know how long roughly west brom 45s will have left in service
They have time until replacements arrive or until some one sets fire to them, mechanical failure ETC
4768 first day out today on 82/87
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 15, 2023, 12:33:47 PM4768 first day out today on 82/87
Good to the locals it looks like a platinum they,ll board it, just amazes me when you turn up WITH a red/white /crimson /Cov livery punters just look at you as if your from another planet.
Quote from: 2900 on August 16, 2023, 08:30:25 AMGood to the locals it looks like a platinum they,ll board it, just amazes me when you turn up WITH a red/white /crimson /Cov livery punters just look at you as if your from another planet.
And it has high back seats and wifi
I never got to travel on those enviros with the leather seats. What was the reason for getting rid of the leather?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 16, 2023, 10:50:12 AMI never got to travel on those enviros with the leather seats. What was the reason for getting rid of the leather?
They all went for refurbishment. And retrimmed in standard moquette. Probably cheaper as well as looking smarter and possibly more hardwearing.
The interior on a whole looks a lot more new and clean on 4768-76. I just don't understand the blue bars.
Quote from: Owen on August 16, 2023, 11:20:54 AMThe interior on a whole looks a lot more new and clean on 4768-76. I just don't understand the blue bars.
They are quite worn out now being refurbed in 2015, but the blue bars is what they were delivered with.
Quote from: Owen on August 16, 2023, 11:20:54 AMThe interior on a whole looks a lot more new and clean on 4768-76. I just don't understand the blue bars.
These were the premier spec buses a platinum of its day basically but better
Quote from: 2900 on August 16, 2023, 02:37:12 PMThese were the premier spec buses a platinum of its day basically but better
makes a lot more sense tbf
4774 repainted. Parked outside paint shop when I left today.
Quote from: CL on August 16, 2023, 08:10:41 PM4774 repainted. Parked outside paint shop when I left today.
YW bus
Is there a chance that 12 and 13s may move back to pensnet as heard they may move back Christmas time
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 20, 2023, 03:47:38 PMIs there a chance that 12 and 13s may move back to pensnet as heard they may move back Christmas time
Where did you hear this?
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 20, 2023, 03:47:38 PMIs there a chance that 12 and 13s may move back to pensnet as heard they may move back Christmas time
i hope not, doing just dudley rd day in day out got mentally taxing the pits it was, when the 12s 13s came back it paused my transfer
work would have to leave THE FARM for that to happen , they got loan drivers from wolves helping out, what could go to wolves from the farm as i hear wolves are not short of drivers right now.
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 20, 2023, 03:47:38 PMIs there a chance that 12 and 13s may move back to pensnet as heard they may move back Christmas time
@Tony is this true?
12/13 could got to.pensnett if
11/11A return to Walsall but there needs to be more staff first.
Quote from: Lynx1103 on August 31, 2023, 10:00:19 AM12/13 could got to.pensnett if
11/11A return to Walsall but there needs to be more staff first.
Nah not really then to many drivers at West brom
Quote from: Lynx1103 on August 31, 2023, 10:00:19 AM12/13 could got to.pensnett if
11/11A return to Walsall but there needs to be more staff first.
Pensnett nearly fully staffed with its own drivers now loan drivers going back mid sept
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on August 31, 2023, 11:11:52 AMNah not really then to many drivers at West brom
@18WilliamsLi What has that got to do with the 11/11A returning to Walsall?
Quote from: 2900 on August 09, 2023, 11:57:27 AM4516 Parked on the rear car park since last week, looks to be withdrawn
Ah ok. What about 4514?
6988 running gear removed now parked by the wall oxford lane infront of the gas cylinder shed
Quote from: 2900 on September 05, 2023, 06:59:00 PM1796 whats with the black go faster roof spoiler :smiley: i noticed it in garage early this morning is a sensor/radar equipment etc
1795 has this too, certainly gives the rear a different look
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 11, 2023, 07:00:50 PM1795 has this too, certainly gives the rear a different look
It scans road surfaces and reports potholes directly to Birmingham Council, but given the current position of Birmingham Council it is probably pretty pointless!
Quote from: Tony on September 11, 2023, 07:07:24 PMIt scans road surfaces and reports potholes directly to Birmingham Council, but given the current position of Birmingham Council it is probably pretty pointless!
Birmingham rds are awful now, council with no money oh dear, the block paving on broad street starting failing after a few weeks of buses pounding them, block paving does'nt work as a road surface total waste of money
Saw a platinum which I guess is 6966 followed by the electric nx Coventry engineer van on Gads lane West Bromwich this morning
4765 damaged in various places, driver side skirts smashed in, rear bumper missing possible something rear ended it
Quote from: 2900 on September 14, 2023, 08:27:12 PM4765 damaged in various places, driver side skirts smashed in, rear bumper missing possible something rear ended it
Oh dear. Didn't it just get refurbished/repainted
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 15, 2023, 03:39:25 PMOh dear. Didn't it just get refurbished/repainted
It's back on rd now
Quote from: 18WilliamsLi on September 15, 2023, 03:53:35 PMIt's back on rd now
on the 80 yesterday , side skirts still battered in though probably stay that way now till withdrawn notice, so mid night spray man did'nt get on the case :smiley:
Sorry just to confirm, will 4514 and 4516 be withdrawn?
WB 815 has now been debranded from the 42/3
Any information on the situation with WB and the 5? Just been told by some other passengers that they have been waiting a fair while for one, and ones just arrived now but it's not in service!
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on November 20, 2023, 05:13:28 PMAny information on the situation with WB and the 5? Just been told by some other passengers that they have been waiting a fair while for one, and ones just arrived now but it's not in service!
Something happened around 14:30, I don't know what, but since then it has ben taking buses up to 35 minutes to get from West Bromwich to Scott Arms throwing the service out of sync.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on November 20, 2023, 05:13:28 PMAny information on the situation with WB and the 5? Just been told by some other passengers that they have been waiting a fair while for one, and ones just arrived now but it's not in service!
The routes awful for reliability at times, has been for many years. Can't exactly flyover the hotspots for rush hour traffic.
Quote from: Jack on November 20, 2023, 06:10:40 PMThe routes awful for reliability at times, has been for many years. Can't exactly flyover the hotspots for rush hour traffic.
M5 fuel spillage incident enough said
This may be a really stupid question, but is 4679 named after the Tony from this forum? I always knew it was dedicated to someone called Tony Hunter but I only just realised it probably is this Tony.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on December 18, 2023, 04:24:12 PMThis may be a really stupid question, but is 4679 named after the Tony from this forum? I always knew it was dedicated to someone called Tony Hunter but I only just realised it probably is this Tony.
It is.
Its a shame the bus itself is very slow as the livery is cool
4516 and 4483 have now gone for scrap
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 18, 2023, 06:16:13 PM4516, 4483, 1945 and 1946 have now gone for scrap
No 1945 & 1946 haven't gone for scrap, they have just been moved from WB
Quote from: Tony on December 18, 2023, 06:48:14 PMNo 1945 & 1946 haven't gone for scrap, they have just been moved from WB
Oh I see, sorry I do appologise, I thought because they disappeared the same time as 4516 and 4483 went for scrap. Any ideas why 4516 was taken for scrap first when could of been used for parts, I thought 4517 would of been taken first.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 18, 2023, 07:31:27 PMOh I see, sorry I do appologise, I thought because they disappeared the same time as 4516 and 4483 went for scrap. Any ideas why 4516 was taken for scrap first when could of been used for parts, I thought 4517 would of been taken first.
So you think you know my job better than me again.
Quote from: Tony on December 18, 2023, 07:36:09 PMSo you think you know my job better than me again.
No I never said that, I just though 4517 would of gone first that's all.
Oh can't we just tell Mr Williams is back under a different disguise. 🤣🤣
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 08:07:54 PMOh can't we just tell Mr Williams is back under a different disguise. 🤣🤣
I'm not mr Williams, I haven't done anything wrong I'm not arguing as I'm not being banned off the forum again.
So your not Mr Williams but you've been banned of the forum before. So why were you banned before then ?
Yet again ALF's are back and it's always longstanding members getting told off...
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on December 18, 2023, 05:36:01 PMIts a shame the bus itself is very slow as the livery is cool
I quite like 4679. I think it sounds fantastic, especially with its kickdown and when it's charging down Queslett Road towards Sutton.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on December 18, 2023, 08:25:31 PMI quite like 4679. I think it sounds fantastic, especially with its kickdown and when it's charging down Queslett Road towards Sutton.
Doesn't sound fantastic when it's crawling up Newton Road, even a B6 can take that faster!
Quote from: Jack on December 18, 2023, 08:28:19 PMDoesn't sound fantastic when it's crawling up Newton Road, even a B6 can take that faster!
It's still an interesting bus. I do agree with the fact that it is fairly slow compared to others though.
Quote from: Jack on December 18, 2023, 08:23:00 PMYet again ALF's are back and it's always longstanding members getting told off...
Note how he's gone quiet because he's been caught out yet again. Admins I know you don't like spamming and arguing but must we really have to put up with this guy again. He was banned before and now back under another name. I've blatantly caught him out as you can see so what's going to happen now?
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 08:31:05 PMNote how he's gone quiet because he's been caught out yet again. Admins I know you don't like spamming and arguing but must we really have to put up with this guy again. He was banned before and now back under another name. I've blatantly caught him out as you can see so what's going to happen now?
I've gone all quiet because I told you I'm NOT arguing, admins don't like arguments, I have done nothing wrong, you haven't caught me out on anything because again I'm NOT mr Williams and
@Tony can even say that himself.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 18, 2023, 08:37:21 PMI've gone all quiet because I told you I'm NOT arguing, admins don't like arguments, I have done nothing wrong, you haven't caught me out on anything because again I'm NOT mr Williams and @Tony can even say that himself.
You've just said you've been banned before? And also trying to act like you know what's better so I think we are right to assume who you are, constantly spamming threads.
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 08:31:05 PMNote how he's gone quiet because he's been caught out yet again. Admins I know you don't like spamming and arguing but must we really have to put up with this guy again. He was banned before and now back under another name. I've blatantly caught him out as you can see so what's going to happen now?
Agreed.
Quote from: Jack on December 18, 2023, 08:40:51 PMYou've just said you've been banned before? And also trying to act like you know what's better so I think we are right to assume who you are, constantly spamming threads.
Agreed.
You can assume what you like, as I said Tony can even say I'm not mr Williams, it's not just mr Williams who has been banned off this forum.
And how would Tony know that. Has he met you? all you need to do is answer the question why were you banned before? You say admins don't like arguments but yet your still arguing back so answer the question and problem is solved then ? End of subject
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 08:44:29 PMAnd how would Tony know that. Has he met you? all you need to do is answer the question why were you banned before? You say admins don't like arguments but yet your still arguing back so answer the question and problem is solved then ? End of subject
It's Tony site, he can see email addresses of each account, now end it here.
Yes it's so hard to create a new email isn't it and yet you still won't answer the question why you were banned before? Sounds to me like you've got something to hide? You've replied 5 times yet you still won't say. This conversation could have ended ages ago but it won't because you're avoiding the question
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 08:53:02 PMYes it's so hard to create a new email isn't it and yet you still won't answer the question why you were banned before? Sounds to me like you've got something to hide? You've replied 5 times yet you still won't say. This conversation could have ended ages ago but it won't because you're avoiding the question
You don't really need to know my name, but my email is under my name so nothing to hide.
We will have to agree to disagree neither of us is getting anywhere
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 09:04:25 PMWe will have to agree to disagree neither of us is getting anywhere
What part of "I'm NOT arguing" do you not get?
I actually ended the conversation with my previous message but if you want to come at me with attitude bring it on. I'm not sure if your just being thick or your assuming every member on here is thick either way your barking up the wrong tree. I know your Mr Williams and so does everyone else the fact that you won't say why you were banned says it all really. Everything you post every day is exactly what Mr Williams did the places you go are the same places posting false information aswell. Do you want me to carry on. Give me attitude again and I will carry on do you understand 😡😡😡😡😡😡
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 18, 2023, 09:10:47 PMWhat part of "I'm NOT arguing" do you not get?
He did just try and end it by saying 'we will agree to disagree' you are the one who's biting back.
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 09:19:39 PMI actually ended the conversation with my previous message but if you want to come at me with attitude bring it on. I'm not sure if your just being thick or your assuming every member on here is thick either way your barking up the wrong tree. I know your Mr Williams and so does everyone else the fact the won't say why you were banned days it all really. Everything you post every day is exactly what Mr Williams did the places you go are the same places posting false information aswell. Do you want me to carry on. Give me attitude again and I will carry on do you understand 😡😡😡😡😡😡
Again, I do have to correct you, I'm not mr Williams, I'm sick of people keep targeting me I did nothing wrong yet I get called a ALF and other things, and might be some places the same but they definitely aren't all the same, no need to get so angry you started arguments I'm trying to say I'm not arguing because I don't want to get banned again, if it's really any of your business I got banned because I thought somone was using my account so Tony banned it, I'm not mr Williams just thought I'd point it out again. Now as I said I'm not trying to get banned again so if you can leave me alone that would be marvellous!!!
Quote from: Jack on December 18, 2023, 09:21:59 PMHe did just try and end it by saying 'we will agree to disagree' you are the one who's biting back.
I'm not bitting back, I've said we will end it here but he had to reply again didn't he, I'm NOT mr Williams I don't know what is so hard to understand about that.
My apologies then
Quote from: cris 99 on December 18, 2023, 09:35:31 PMMy apologies then
It's fine, It just annoys me because I didn't do anything and was being targeted then, hope your okay, sorry if my comment seemed rude to you
interesting 2 pages of bickering how insightful
Quote from: 2900 on December 19, 2023, 09:58:19 AMinteresting 2 pages of bickering how insightful
Just think, a few hours from now, it will be as if it was never there!
Quote from: Westy on December 19, 2023, 10:32:56 AMJust think, a few hours from now, it will be as if it was never there!
Strange how the Internet works sometimes.
4514 out on the 5 this afternoon.
First time out for 168 days, one that was claimed to be withdrawn in previous comments
Quote from: Tony on December 19, 2023, 03:30:10 PM4514 out on the 5 this afternoon.
First time out for 168 days, one that was claimed to be withdrawn in previous comments
Fantastic! Just noticed this aswell.
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on December 19, 2023, 03:47:44 PMFantastic! Just noticed this aswell.
I've just seen it at Scott arms and noticed it has a bit of a trapped hoover now!
whos mr williams
Quote from: spacecowboy150 on December 19, 2023, 08:07:29 PMwhos mr williams
A previously banned member. Enough of this bickering now please.
West Bromwich's other long term dead Gemini, 4691 is having a rebuilt engine put back in today, so should be back in the new year.
after a week off come into garage all the scrap buses have been moved about, admin block now just 4517 6988 not much left on either bus now, 1947 i think is in body shop bay missing its front end now.
Quote from: 2900 on December 21, 2023, 11:25:10 PMafter a week off come into garage all the scrap buses have been moved about, admin block now just 4517 6988 (tel:4517%206988) not much left on either bus now, 1947 i think is in body shop bay missing its front end now.
1940 is the one in the body shop bay by the fuel pumps, 1947 was outside infront of 6988 when it was outside, 4516 went for scrap I thought 4517 would of gone first being as most of the parts are missing from it then they could of had more parts from 4516, maybe no more parts was needed I don't know but I'm sure Tony has done the right thing.
Does WB now operate some 4 / 4M running boards, if so what is the split between WB and WA?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on December 22, 2023, 10:20:24 PMDoes WB now operate some 4 / 4M running boards, if so what is the split between WB and WA?
Sure its all WA?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on December 22, 2023, 10:20:24 PMDoes WB now operate some 4 / 4M running boards, if so what is the split between WB and WA?
No it's all Walsall run, just Walsall have now got new 4 West Bromwich to Walsall only now but still oporated by Walsall garage.
Quote from: 2900 on December 21, 2023, 11:25:10 PMafter a week off come into garage all the scrap buses have been moved about, admin block now just 4517 6988 (tel:4517%206988) not much left on either bus now, 1947 i think is in body shop bay missing its front end now.
Noticed yesterday that 6988 isn't park at front now has it been moved or gone for scrap now ?
Quote from: Jack6101 on December 23, 2023, 10:14:20 AMNoticed yesterday that 6988 isn't park at front now has it been moved or gone for scrap now ?
It's been moved inside onto death row.
4973, driver just went straight past the stop on Birmingham road, yes football is on I know that before anyone says that, my username is a big giveaway, but come on it's a absolute joke, getting a pay rise for what, the driver unloaded up the road not a designated bus stop, and then missed the bus stop out where we was waiting, I'm sorry but I'm so annoyed freezing cold and wanted a bus and yet he dosent even stop, posters on the bus stop say bus stop is not in use after the match not before 😡.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 29, 2023, 07:49:56 PM4973, driver just went straight past the stop on Birmingham road, yes football is on I know that before anyone says that, my username is a big giveaway, but come on it's a absolute joke, getting a pay rise for what, the driver unloaded up the road not a designated bus stop, and then missed the bus stop out where we was waiting, I'm sorry but I'm so annoyed freezing cold and wanted a bus and yet he dosent even stop, posters on the bus stop say bus stop is not in use after the match not before 😡.
I take it you have contacted the company via social media or phone call before this post?
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on December 29, 2023, 08:21:54 PMI take it you have contacted the company via social media or phone call before this post?
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 29, 2023, 07:49:56 PM4973, driver just went straight past the stop on Birmingham road, yes football is on I know that before anyone says that, my username is a big giveaway, but come on it's a absolute joke, getting a pay rise for what, the driver unloaded up the road not a designated bus stop, and then missed the bus stop out where we was waiting, I'm sorry but I'm so annoyed freezing cold and wanted a bus and yet he dosent even stop, posters on the bus stop say bus stop is not in use after the match not before 😡.
Maybe garage told him to do it
Keep posting dribble all the while
Quote from: karl724223 on December 29, 2023, 08:30:07 PMMaybe garage told him to do it
Keep posting dribble all the while
Well no I highly doubt garage told him to stop in the middle of the road and use it as a bus stop and not serve the actual bus stop. Highly doubt that what so ever.
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on December 29, 2023, 08:21:54 PMI take it you have contacted the company via social media or phone call before this post?
Not just yet no, I have to find the correct details and then I will.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 29, 2023, 09:02:19 PMWell no I highly doubt garage told him to stop in the middle of the road and use it as a bus stop and not serve the actual bus stop. Highly doubt that what so ever.
Wonder what cctv will show
Quote from: karl724223 on December 29, 2023, 09:31:58 PMWonder what cctv will show
It will show the driver on the Birmingham road clicking the open button door pressing the kneel button look in the mirror to let see when passengers have got off and click close door button and pull off and not stop at the designated bus stop. That's what it will show.
Maybe the bus was rammed to standing point and the driver unloaded further up to prevent it becoming overcrowded and not being able to move?
Quote from: Jack on December 30, 2023, 03:04:12 AMMaybe the bus was rammed to standing point and the driver unloaded further up to prevent it becoming overcrowded and not being able to move?
Again not a chance he was practically empty.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 29, 2023, 07:49:56 PM4973, driver just went straight past the stop on Birmingham road, yes football is on I know that before anyone says that, my username is a big giveaway, but come on it's a absolute joke, getting a pay rise for what, the driver unloaded up the road not a designated bus stop, and then missed the bus stop out where we was waiting, I'm sorry but I'm so annoyed freezing cold and wanted a bus and yet he dosent even stop, posters on the bus stop say bus stop is not in use after the match not before 😡.
Yes but a Lane of Birmingham Road is Closed before the match maybe he couldn't pull in and serve the match. Why would you be waiting for a bus if your already at the ground shouldn't be going inside to warm up I know I would be. And who knows the signs could be wrong. I've never see the 74's stop on the Birmingham Road Birmingham Bound half an hour before the game due to congestion due to the outside lane being closed
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on December 30, 2023, 11:34:43 AMYes but a Lane of Birmingham Road is Closed before the match maybe he couldn't pull in and serve the match. Why would you be waiting for a bus if your already at the ground shouldn't be going inside to warm up I know I would be. And who knows the signs could be wrong. I've never see the 74's stop on the Birmingham Road Birmingham Bound half an hour before the game due to congestion due to the outside lane being closed
To be fair, the 74s towards West Brom do stop at the stops on Birmingham Road - the stop closest to Greggs where the fan zone is I saw 3 74s stop there yesterday before the match letting passengers off whilst I was waiting in the Greggs queue.
However I would say that WBAlad should have set off earlier - an 8:15pm kick off means you'll be catching a less frequent evening service, and throw in the traffic chaos around Birmingham, delays should be expected.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on December 30, 2023, 11:34:43 AMYes but a Lane of Birmingham Road is Closed before the match maybe he couldn't pull in and serve the match. Why would you be waiting for a bus if your already at the ground shouldn't be going inside to warm up I know I would be. And who knows the signs could be wrong. I've never see the 74's stop on the Birmingham Road Birmingham Bound half an hour before the game due to congestion due to the outside lane being closed
Yes a lane is closed, but not sure if you've ever seen there a gap where the bus stop is to allow the bus to still serve the bus stop. And I go to most games but just had to do a few things yesterday and one of the things was by the Albion ground, else I would of gone to the match, and I have seen the 74s stop before the game because the bus after 4973 stopped and even he said he should not of unloaded where he unloaded and should of still served the bus stop regardless.
30 pages later we're now all bored
Quote from: karl724223 on December 30, 2023, 01:23:46 PM30 pages later we're now all bored
This is going to be the new PE thread at this point... filled with dribble and crap.
Quote from: Jack on December 30, 2023, 07:28:57 PMThis is going to be the new PE thread at this point... filled with dribble and crap.
Yes it is because you've just commented something unnecessary same with
@karl724223. I had a genuine post to do with West Brom garage.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 30, 2023, 03:08:07 AMAgain not a chance he was practically empty.
Chances are he was probably instructed to run drop off only, had he pulled up at the stop to unload people would simply ignore him and get on regardless
Quote from: Lukeee on December 30, 2023, 09:24:39 PMChances are he was probably instructed to run drop off only, had he pulled up at the stop to unload people would simply ignore him and get on regardless
Yeah Exactly, As I said the signs do get messed around with and maybe the Driver couldn't gesture to indicate I'm stopping down there. Although don't NX have a blind that says Dropping Off Only and the driver could have scrolled it between that and 74 to Birmingham/Dudley
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on December 31, 2023, 04:32:50 PMYeah Exactly, As I said the signs do get messed around with and maybe the Driver couldn't gesture to indicate I'm stopping down there. Although don't NX have a blind that says Dropping Off Only and the driver could have scrolled it between that and 74 to Birmingham/Dudley
I thought NXbus had blind unload only
Quote from: Solo1 on December 31, 2023, 06:14:25 PMI thought NXbus had blind unload only
It used to, got removed - guessing over covid. That blind looked very nice, would like to see it come back.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 22, 2023, 11:01:53 PMNo it's all Walsall run, just Walsall have now got new 4 West Bromwich to Walsall only now but still oporated by Walsall garage.
Quote from: Wba_lad on December 22, 2023, 11:01:53 PMNo it's all Walsall run, just Walsall have now got new 4 West Bromwich to Walsall only now but still oporated by Walsall garage.
1860 (4 branded) noted on the 13A (WB) in Bearwood If the 4 / 4M is operated by WA alone, why are 4 branded buses reported on WB services?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 02, 2024, 07:57:20 PM1860 (4 branded) noted on the 13A (WB) in Bearwood
If the 4 / 4M is operated by WA alone, why are 4 branded buses reported on WB services?
1860 is a WB bus and wasn't debranded after it transfered over.
Quote from: 2206 on January 02, 2024, 08:11:52 PM1860 is a WB bus and wasn't debranded after it transfered over.
Tony said 1860 and 1887 are long term loans until WB don't need then anymore, but you may be correct and they may have transferred as WB have 1795 and 1796 now if they needed two extra Omnilinks
But they have also lost 1945/6/7 that wasn't predicted that's probably why they've stayed
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 02, 2024, 07:57:20 PM1860 (4 branded) noted on the 13A (WB) in Bearwood
If the 4 / 4M is operated by WA alone, why are 4 branded buses reported on WB services?
Because 1860 is on loan along with 1887
Quote from: cris 99 on January 02, 2024, 09:43:07 PMBut they have also lost 1945/6/7 that wasn't predicted that's probably why they've stayed
And possibly 1940 but haven't 1948 and 1949 returned 1949 I think certainly has so with that 1/2 plus 1795 and 1796 they should have enough but I maybe wrong although maybe an E200MMC is off the road
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on January 03, 2024, 11:56:25 AMAnd possibly 1940 but haven't 1948 and 1949 returned 1949 I think certainly has so with that 1/2 plus 1795 and 1796 they should have enough but I maybe wrong although maybe an E200MMC is off the road
1940 and 1947 I believe 1940 is being used to repair 1947 or 1947 is being used to repair 1940 one way or the other bus one will be back.
Stand L in West Bromwich bus station is closed, not too sure what stand is being used as a alternative.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 04, 2024, 12:00:38 PMStand L in West Bromwich bus station is closed, not too sure what stand is being used as a alternative.
I saw this Yesterday if the 49 usually stops there then They were stopping on the opposite side near to Stand S where the 79 picks up. I don't know West Brom that well just S where the 79 picks up and the Stand where the 74 to Birmingham and Dudley Picks up. I don't know the letter either as I was running to make the 74 both times I caught it.
Quote from: frostjay974 on January 05, 2024, 08:09:01 PM4508 - 89
In the evening (and Sundays) the 48 interworks with the 89, so Geminis at this time aren't particularly unusual
Looks like 80/13 has no relief driver for the 12:23 departure off West Bromwich.
Never mind relief turned up a driver told the passengers that there was no relief which would of been a issue as blocking the 80 stand but all sorted now and relief driver is here.
@Wba_lad - Can you please be certain of the facts before posting in future!
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 03, 2024, 10:11:51 PM1940 and 1947 I believe 1940 is being used to repair 1947 or 1947 is being used to repair 1940 one way or the other bus one will be back.
1947 front end used on 1940, not sure which scania got 1947 engine/gearbox
According to bustimes, 4514 hasn't operated since the 22nd of December. Is this simply a tracking issue or is there another problem with it?
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on January 12, 2024, 07:15:01 AMAccording to bustimes, 4514 hasn't operated since the 22nd of December. Is this simply a tracking issue or is there another problem with it?
Engine needs replacing
Quote from: Tony on January 12, 2024, 09:36:38 AMEngine needs replacing
Will it be withdrawn or could it possibly get a euro 6 engine as aren't the non euro 6 buses starting to be withdrawn soon?
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 12, 2024, 11:37:16 AMWill it be withdrawn or could it possibly get a euro 6 engine as aren't the non euro 6 buses starting to be withdrawn soon?
4504 is at WB for a transplant
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 12, 2024, 11:37:16 AMWill it be withdrawn or could it possibly get a euro 6 engine as aren't the non euro 6 buses starting to be withdrawn soon?
There are no Euro 6 engines in Gemini's, just retrofitted Euro 6 exhaust systems
Quote from: Tony on January 12, 2024, 02:46:45 PM4504 is at WB for a transplant
Did you mean to say 4514?
4504 at WB for parts recovery as Tony mentioned further up the post, so i assume engine will go into 4514, guessing 4504 has a rotten chassis otherwise doesnt look to bad
Correction Tonys comment on 4504 parts recovery is in the withdrawn buses thread
Quote from: 2900 on January 14, 2024, 09:04:02 AM4504 at WB for parts recovery as Tony mentioned further up the post, so i assume engine will go into 4514, guessing 4504 has a rotten chassis otherwise doesnt look to bad
Yes, all correct there.
Was 4504 one of the Geminis trapped to meet clean air zone regulations (can it enter Birmingham City Centre)?
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 14, 2024, 12:55:41 PMWas 4504 one of the Geminis trapped to meet clean air zone regulations (can it enter Birmingham City Centre)?
No, it never had the HJS system fitted.
It originally had one of the discredited 'Green Urban' traps fitted
Quote from: 2900 on August 25, 2023, 09:26:14 AMi hope not, doing just dudley rd day in day out got mentally taxing the pits it was, when the 12s 13s came back it paused my transfer
work would have to leave THE FARM for that to happen , they got loan drivers from wolves helping out, what could go to wolves from the farm as i hear wolves are not short of drivers right now.
What does "mentally taxing the pits" supposed to mean?
Quote from: frostjay974 on January 14, 2024, 05:33:15 PMWhat does "mentally taxing the pits" supposed to mean?
There's punctuation missing.
Quote from: frostjay974 on January 14, 2024, 05:33:15 PMWhat does "mentally taxing the pits" supposed to mean?
i hate Dudley rd routes it does my head in. The Pits its shite man, hopefully that helps
Quote from: 2900 on January 15, 2024, 11:49:39 PMi hate Dudley rd routes it does my head in. The Pits its shite man, hopefully that helps
You said that about the 12 and 13 that don't even serve Dudley Rd.
Quote from: frostjay974 on January 16, 2024, 04:52:02 PMYou said that about the 12 and 13 that don't even serve Dudley Rd.
He said just doing Dudley Road (routes which he also drives) all day got mentally taxing, it was a reply to a question about the 12/13 routes potentially moving back to Pensnett. It was also posted 5 months ago so maybe you've not followed what was posted before it?
WB management need to tell drivers that Diamond NBus tickets don't scan on NX ticket machines
Looks like 6969 had a crash yesterday in Birmingham, from what I saw looks like the BMW tried beating the bus and was a unsuccessful attempt, looks repairable but may be off the road for a while.
4508, just saw it being towed through West Bromwich by RS
Long time missing 4764 passed an MoT today so is likely to be in service tomorrow freshly painted. First time out since September last year
I have a question why does the 89 not go to bearwood bus station, its terminus is down the road I thought it would of been at bearwood bus station.
Quote from: Wba_lad on February 11, 2024, 10:20:53 PMI have a question why does the 89 not go to bearwood bus station, its terminus is down the road I thought it would of been at bearwood bus station.
That's probably the most efficient place to turn that service around at.
The bus station might be 'down the road', but we are talking about Bearwood Road, with its traffic and numerous traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
Those extra few minutes could mean an extra bus would be needed, which then makes it unviable.
Passengers wanting to get further down Bearwood Road can always change onto the 11A on Rutland Road.
Just seen and got vid of 6988 leaving West Brom garage on its final journey.
https://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/birmingham-busiest-bus-routes-national-express-west-midlands-4522034
74 seems to have come out 1st.
Quote from: 979 on February 20, 2024, 10:55:42 PMhttps://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/birmingham-busiest-bus-routes-national-express-west-midlands-4522034
74 seems to have come out 1st.
They have the wrong 16 labelled at number 10 - I'm sure they mean the every 5 mins 16 Brum to Scott Arms rather than the half hourly 16 Wolvo to Stourbridge!
Heavy traffic on Queslett Road leading up to Scott Arms, causing the 5 to run late.
Edit: It's due to the outside lane on Queslett Road (just after the Nether Hall stop) being closed.
Quote from: 979 on February 20, 2024, 10:55:42 PMhttps://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/birmingham-busiest-bus-routes-national-express-west-midlands-4522034
74 seems to have come out 1st.
last 18 months 82/87 has just gone nuts in terms of passenger numbers, many of the new punters are folks with study visas which is being abused to the max by agents thanks to TORY policies for cheap labor
Was just in West Brom, seen some guy throwing scaffolding foam around the bus station, when 4694 came into the station the 2 of them threw the foam at the bus. They then picked up the foam which was on the floor and the one was egging on the other person to put it into the bus engine bay. This is what they did. Luckily I seen this I quickly told the driver of the incident luckily got it out it had already starting burning and melting and was not even in the engine 5 minutes imagine what it would of done if driver carried on in service. Now we got it out the engine the bus won't start so not sure if it's caused engine damage.
Quote from: Wba_lad on March 01, 2024, 09:25:30 PMWas just in West Brom, seen some guy throwing scaffolding foam around the bus station, when 4694 came into the station the 2 of them threw the foam at the bus. They then picked up the foam which was on the floor and the one was egging on the other person to put it into the bus engine bay. This is what they did. Luckily I seen this I quickly told the driver of the incident luckily got it out it had already starting burning and melting and was not even in the engine 5 minutes imagine what it would of done if driver carried on in service. Now we got it out the engine the bus won't start so not sure if it's caused engine damage.
Why didn't you tell a Bus Station supervisor before they managed to get 4694 or BTP if there was any
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 02, 2024, 01:42:15 PMWhy didn't you tell a Bus Station supervisor before they managed to get 4694 or BTP if there was any
First of all no bus station supervisor at 9 o'clock at night, I told the driver I did the right thing not like I just left it!!!!!.
Quote from: Wba_lad on March 02, 2024, 05:53:14 PMFirst of all no bus station supervisor at 9 o'clock at night, I told the driver I did the right thing not like I just left it!!!!!.
I didn't know it was 9PM did I, surely there would have been Police around as West Brom were playing at home
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 02, 2024, 09:08:49 PMI didn't know it was 9PM did I, surely there would have been Police around as West Brom were playing at home
The football ground is 1.4 miles away from the town centre. The game had kicked off at 8pm therefore the supporters would already have been at the ground watching the match with the police cordoning off and patrolling in and around the stadium.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 02, 2024, 09:08:49 PMI didn't know it was 9PM did I, surely there would have been Police around as West Brom were playing at home
If there was police around they would have seen this and stopped it, also would have been someone who I would have reported it too. I think I did the right option by informing the driver of the vehicle and helping him get it out quickly.
Quote from: Wba_lad on March 03, 2024, 11:06:49 AMIf there was police around they would have seen this and stopped it, also would have been someone who I would have reported it too. I think I did the right option by informing the driver of the vehicle and helping him get it out quickly.
Well if there was no one around yes you do the right thing
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 03, 2024, 09:49:50 AMThe football ground is 1.4 miles away from the town centre. The game had kicked off at 8pm therefore the supporters would already have been at the ground watching the match with the police cordoning off and patrolling in and around the stadium.
I thought some would Patrol in the town ready for when Fans start leaving and the Albion fans start heading to the Pubs and maybe some Coventry fans to
Does anyone have any news if the guy has survived involving the incident on 4972 earlier today please I saw it all I just hope he has survived.
Quote from: Wba_lad on March 05, 2024, 07:41:16 PMDoes anyone have any news if the guy has survived involving the incident on 4972 earlier today please I saw it all I just hope he has survived.
What incident? Seems you know more than anyone else does!
Quote from: Stu on March 05, 2024, 08:10:53 PMWhat incident? Seems you know more than anyone else does!
I don't want to say wrong info so I'll go with a elderly man collapsed on the floor in the pushchair bay, ambulances came from all directions one paramedic car and 2 ambulances and police was also in attendance. Paramedics was doing CPR near enough soon after they arrived on the bus after around 10-15 mins roughly they brought the man off the bus on a stretcher and moved him into the back of an ambulance while still giving him CPR while moving into the ambulance then after a bit he was then blue lighted away from the scene with police escort. It didn't look good I just hope he survived
Is this really something that you should post on a forum though? I mean why would you stand and watch for around 20 mins at what was going on have you not got nothing better to do. Yet again your posting just for the sake of it.
@cris99 - We don't need you to do the moderating thanks, you seem to be getting increasingly invovled in provoking the forum arguments of late & it's getting very tiring! Winston.
Quote from: cris 99 on March 05, 2024, 09:54:27 PMIs this really something that you should post on a forum though? I mean why would you stand and watch for around 20 mins at what was going on have you not got nothing better to do. Yet again your posting just for the sake of it.
An admin asked what had happened.
Also who said I was standing around I went and got some food on my break and came back when they was bringing the guy off. My original post was asking if anyone knew if the guy was okay I was asking a serious question as would love to know hes recovering. I was replying to a admin who asked. I'd admins or Tony have an issue with my post then they can remove it I don't have an issue. I was just asking if the guy is okay.
Quote from: cris 99 on March 05, 2024, 09:54:27 PMIs this really something that you should post on a forum though? I mean why would you stand and watch for around 20 mins at what was going on have you not got nothing better to do. Yet again you're posting just for the sake of it.
Why don't you keep your mouth shut and mind your own damn business!! You remind me of
@karl724223 who's another fucking asshole that needs banning!
Will has got himself permanently banned, as
'personal attacks' will not be tolerated on here & neither will the swearing! Winston
4514 has been in service since yesterday. Great to see!
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on March 14, 2024, 07:15:29 AM4514 has been in service since yesterday. Great to see!
A look on Bustimes will show you it wasn't on the road yesterday, but did re-enter service with a rebuilt engine last Wednesday
4514 - BU53 UML – National Express West Midlands – bustimes.org (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-4514)
Quote from: Tony on March 18, 2024, 06:50:41 PMA look on Bustimes will show you it wasn't on the road yesterday, but did re-enter service with a rebuilt engine last Wednesday
4514 - BU53 UML – National Express West Midlands – bustimes.org (https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-4514)
My post was written last Thursday meaning at the time it would've been "yesterday".
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on March 18, 2024, 07:13:16 PMMy post was written last Thursday meaning at the time it would've been "yesterday".
Sorry, it only appeared in my unread today for some reason
Quote from: Tony on March 18, 2024, 07:17:40 PMSorry, it only appeared in my unread today for some reason
All good, no problem!
With the Trams being down will WB possibly position extra Spare Double Deckers outside The Hawthorns. I know last time the Tram was down BC Sent a couple of buses that were parked outside the Hawthorns to get fans away
Are there any plans for a new bus to receive the West Bromwich heritage livery when 4679 eventually gets withdrawn?
4954 out this afternoon for the first time in Grey
What has happened to 4766 tonight? Due to leave the Markets at 2255. For some reason BusTimes has it down as being on time l
I just saw it about 10 minutes ago on Shireland Road, West Bromwich bound
Quote from: Jay71 on May 03, 2024, 11:21:59 PMWhat has happened to 4766 tonight? Due to leave the Markets at 2255. For some reason BusTimes has it down as being on time l
Quote from: Sh4318 on May 04, 2024, 12:55:11 AMI just saw it about 10 minutes ago on Shireland Road, West Bromwich bound
Any idea what caused the delay?
Well where do i start the state of things at WB, the platinums proving to be very unreliable quite easily the worst buses i've ever experienced for reliability, its adding to the bus shortage problems here, there's that air of doing the minimum to keep buses going that are due for withdrawal going, the Gemnis still doing a sterling job at over 20 years old.
1887 wot a turd struggles to 20 mph, like driving bouncy castle while stuck in sauna.
Quote from: 2900 on May 11, 2024, 09:39:00 AMWell where do i start the state of things at WB, the platinums proving to be very unreliable quite easily the worst buses i've ever experienced for reliability, its adding to the bus shortage problems here, there's that air of doing the minimum to keep buses going that are due for withdrawal going, the Gemnis still doing a sterling job at over 20 years old.
1887 wot a turd struggles to 20 mph, like driving bouncy castle while stuck in sauna.
Isnt 1887 supposed to transfer to Walsall like 1860 did?
Quote from: a4 funcool 2022 on May 11, 2024, 11:57:19 AMIsnt 1887 supposed to transfer to Walsall like 1860 did?
It's a longterm loan but might be a permanent Tranfer at this point, there are Walsall buses though or 1887 was
Quote from: 2900 on May 11, 2024, 09:39:00 AMWell where do i start the state of things at WB, the platinums proving to be very unreliable quite easily the worst buses i've ever experienced for reliability, its adding to the bus shortage problems here, there's that air of doing the minimum to keep buses going that are due for withdrawal going, the Gemnis still doing a sterling job at over 20 years old.
1887 wot a turd struggles to 20 mph, like driving bouncy castle while stuck in sauna.
1887 was a decent bus when it was at Walsall from what i remember it was such a good bus.
It's back at Walsall now
Quote from: 2900 on May 11, 2024, 09:39:00 AMWell where do i start the state of things at WB, the platinums proving to be very unreliable quite easily the worst buses i've ever experienced for reliability, its adding to the bus shortage problems here, there's that air of doing the minimum to keep buses going that are due for withdrawal going, the Gemnis still doing a sterling job at over 20 years old.
1887 wot a turd struggles to 20 mph, like driving bouncy castle while stuck in sauna.
WB platinum's issues are electrical , Red STOP light plus 1 or 2 red battery symbols common.
All the dash lights up like a xmas tree followed by limp mode .
i hear on the grape vine, oak road to receive EV charging infrastructure in 2025, ready for late 25 delivery's of 40 MILK FLOATS
6956 on the 80 tonight
It was supposed to do the 23:25 departure from Town - it got to NS10 outside New Street and the road through to the markets was closed off by roadworks about 5 mins before it got there
The driver parked the bus in the road and got off and started smoking a cigarette and presumably ringing control for the diversion. He stated that it wasn't going to anywhere else in Birmingham and will be going straight back out to West Bromwich.
He proceeded around the loop and up to the Mailbox, Smallbrook Queensway and back out of Town.
There's gonna be a fair few upset customers who have to wait an extra hour for the last 80 if it even goes to the markets and New Street with no explanation.
Is this another garage who are short of buses?
Quote from: Jay71 on May 25, 2024, 05:48:54 PMIs this another garage who are short of buses?
If they was short of buses I doubt they would be loaning buses to other depots...
Quote from: Jack on May 25, 2024, 08:59:50 PMIf they was short of buses I doubt they would be loaning buses to other depots...
Just wondered why they were using Omnijunks on the 74
Quote from: Jay71 on May 25, 2024, 09:26:48 PMJust wondered why they were using Omnijunks on the 74
They have been for ages it's not recent. It depends on where buses are parked are depot etc mainly and then depending on the availability of Deckers able that can be used.
I'd rather an Omnilink than no bus at all and a missing bus
4766 involved in RTC another decker down.
4964 has just passed its MoT so will probably be out this afternoon in Grey for the first time
4767 on the 80 has just booted everyone off because the gearbox was overheating according to the driver
maybe it did because he was flooring it at every chance
parked up outside Grand Central just before the Markets
Quote from: OH25 on June 20, 2024, 07:55:54 PM4767 on the 80 has just booted everyone off because the gearbox was overheating according to the driver
maybe it did because he was flooring it at every chance
parked up outside Grand Central just before the Markets
As a regular passenger I would be mad, but as a bus nut I wouldn't be mad lol.
Quote from: OH25 on June 20, 2024, 07:55:54 PM4767 on the 80 has just booted everyone off because the gearbox was overheating according to the driver
maybe it did because he was flooring it at every chance
parked up outside Grand Central just before the Markets
A driver cannot make any difference whatsoever. It's a fully automatic gearbox.
Quote from: OH25 on June 20, 2024, 07:55:54 PM4767 on the 80 has just booted everyone off because the gearbox was overheating according to the driver
maybe it did because he was flooring it at every chance
parked up outside Grand Central just before the Markets
They tend to do that when the gearbox is broken. I once had 6955/58 when they were at WN on the 79 and the Driver had to rev the nuts of the bus trying to leave the Traffic lights at Darlaston, as the gearbox wouldn't Engage. He kept revving the bus trying to get the Gearbox to engage every time we left or to try and get it to change. We made it to Bilston before he gave up and caught the Trident that had caught us up on the journey after ours behind.
@OH25, Geminis aren't noteworthy on the 82/87, they do appear quite often.
Any idea what's happening with 4691 it's been parked outside at front wb garage for ages and hasn't been in service for over a year ?
Will it ever see rd again ?
Any idea what's wrong with 4691 to make it off rd for a year
Quote from: Funnysnow18 on June 27, 2024, 10:16:14 PMAny idea what's wrong with 4691 to make it off rd for a year
Pretty Sure Tony said it was having an Engine rebuild
@Wba_lad, Omnilinks aren't noteworthy on the 5, there's a few on it everyday.
Quote from: Jack on July 01, 2024, 08:29:04 PM@Wba_lad, Omnilinks aren't noteworthy on the 5, there's a few on it everyday.
Not a normal allocation though.
Quote from: Wba_lad on July 01, 2024, 08:36:32 PMNot a normal allocation though.
Yes it is, there is a few on it daily. So it obviously is. They've been a very common occurrence on the 5 for some time now.
Quote from: Wba_lad on July 01, 2024, 08:36:32 PMNot a normal allocation though.
Scanias 22s 44s 45s 46s 47s 49s 69s all go onto 5s daily with an occasional 7xx or 8xx
Quote from: Wba_lad on July 01, 2024, 08:36:32 PMNot a normal allocation though.
West brom bus on WB service as Tony would say
Quote from: 2900 on July 02, 2024, 09:23:26 AMWest brom bus on WB service as Tony would say
Yep same goes for the Omnilink on the 74 that's been reported, the Omnilinks are common on the 74.
Quote from: Jack on July 02, 2024, 11:31:52 AMYep same goes for the Omnilink on the 74 that's been reported, the Omnilinks are common on the 74.
https://wmbu.org.uk/enthusiasts/nx-bus-usual-allocations/
Take a little look at that pal. Omnilinks are not usual allocations for the 74.
Quote from: Wba_lad on July 02, 2024, 11:46:56 AMhttps://wmbu.org.uk/enthusiasts/nx-bus-usual-allocations/
Take a little look at that pal. Omnilinks are not usual allocations for the 74.
I have not updated that for some time.
I don't work for NX, and I have no idea - apart from the routes I regularly travel on - what the regular allocations now are.
People like
@Jack seem to know far more than me, or others, but choose to keep their knowledge a secret and make no effort to help keep that spreadsheet updated.
If the bickering and arguing continues, then we'll just stop the Noteworthy Workings threads.
4679 is back out today on 5 after a few weeks not out
Any ideas when 2238 will be back on the road, what is wrong with it, is it still sat at miller street.
Quote from: Wba_lad on July 08, 2024, 10:27:07 PMAny ideas when 2238 will be back on the road, what is wrong with it, is it still sat at miller street.
New engine I think
Quote from: Funnysnow18 on July 08, 2024, 10:29:28 PMNew engine I think
The last route it was on was 12 and 12A so they probably killed it off with the hill, that's if it is a new engine and the old one is dead.
4966 just came through stone cross heading towards West Brom from paint for anyone who is interested.
Can someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 04:54:00 PMCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
shock horror, a bus got delayed like thousands do in the UK every day and one was actually carrying some passengers!
QuoteCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
Maybe there's a certain event on in Dudley that has been widely advertised (Dudley Grand Prix (https://www.dudleygrandprix.com/)) and with buses having to run on diversion could be that it was late, just maybe...
@the trainbasher, Geminis are usual to see on the 74.
Quote@the trainbasher, Geminis are usual to see on the 74.
Ah, fair enough, tbf I thought they were unusual as I haven't been out much photographing the last couple of years (knee issues). Cheers for clarifying that
@Jack
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 04:54:00 PMCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
What a ridiculous question a bus running late and full of passengers!!!!
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 04:54:00 PMCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
If you look at BusTimes at that vehicles journey history, you should understand better what happened.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on July 12, 2024, 06:45:06 PMWhat a ridiculous question a bus running late and full of passengers!!!!
how is it a ridiculous question?
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 04:54:00 PMCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
Because the driver decided he wanted 14mins of overtime, or maybe because of the event in dudley, traffic, bus issues, passengers issues, take your pick
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 07:37:21 PMhow is it a ridiculous question?
If a bus is running late on a service that's every 30 minutes then there will obviously be more passengers waiting, you don't often see late buses completely empty.
Quote from: frostjay974 on July 12, 2024, 04:54:00 PMCan someone please explain to me why the 12A turned up 14 minutes late at Colmore Row and the double decker that came with it was absolutely packed with nowhere to sit??
Reasons, Plenty of new drivers on oldbury rota, some of the boards are prone to getting hammered timing etc getting all the school kids plus workers , getting stuck behind bin wagons, etc etc , happened to me the other day bus was packed at bearwood from there just drop off only left the rest to my colleagues with empty buses.
Or contact NXWM customer service department if your not happy with the service
The levels of entitlement from that comment is shocking
4511 on 12/13, hope somebody's paid the fine.
Quote from: Zander on July 29, 2024, 04:38:45 PM4511 on 12/13, hope somebody's paid the fine.
Are you referring to the Clean Air Zone charge?
I thought NX & Diamond had exemptions
Quote from: Zander on July 29, 2024, 04:38:45 PM4511 on 12/13, hope somebody's paid the fine.
You only get fined if you don't pay the fee.
Quote from: Jay71 on July 29, 2024, 05:09:44 PMAre you referring to the Clean Air Zone charge?
I thought NX & Diamond had exemptions
They have an exemption from TfWM to continue to use non-Euro6 vehicles in the West Midlands while the fleets are replaced.
This is to do with the West Midlands Enhanced Partnership, I don't think the exemption applies to the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, hence why it is quite rare now for a non-Euro6 vehicle to be used on a city centre route.
QuoteThey have an exemption from TfWM to continue to use non-Euro6 vehicles in the West Midlands while the fleets are replaced.
This is to do with the West Midlands Enhanced Partnership (https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/zuhdzhqk/wm-enhanced-partnership-v002-v7-6-final.pdf), I don't think the exemption applies to the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, hence why it is quite rare now for a non-Euro6 vehicle to be used on a city centre route.
The exemption was for a limited time wasnt it?
Very sad day today at WB the passing of legendary driver GR Patel from stage 4 cancer sadly, remarkable service of 55 plus years, lovely chap always happy, just got on with the job. R.I.P Uncle
Quote from: 2900 on August 06, 2024, 04:45:49 PMVery sad day today at WB the passing of legendary driver GR Patel from stage 4 cancer sadly, remarkable service of 55 plus years, lovely chap always happy, just got on with the job. R.I.P Uncle
Is there a picture that you could post so we know who the driver is pls
Quote from: Nxwm on August 06, 2024, 08:57:35 PMIs there a picture that you could post so we know who the driver is pls
That would be considered probably disrespectful at this time. And also why do you need to know what he looked like. The local rag will report on it probably then they will have a picture.
All that needs to be said is Cancer is a horrible disease may he Rest In Peace. And thoughts go out to everyone at WB and his family at this time.
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on August 07, 2024, 12:46:57 AMThat would be considered probably disrespectful at this time. And also why do you need to know what he looked like. The local rag will report on it probably then they will have a picture.
All that needs to be said is Cancer is a horrible disease may he Rest In Peace. And thoughts go out to everyone at WB and his family at this time.
Plus its probably against the rules anyway!
Quote from: 2900 on August 06, 2024, 04:45:49 PMVery sad day today at WB the passing of legendary driver GR Patel from stage 4 cancer sadly, remarkable service of 55 plus years, lovely chap always happy, just got on with the job. R.I.P Uncle
Top man he was best of the best, 812 was also named after him around 5-6 years back for his long service commitment . 🙏🏽
So sad R.I.P, he was a loverly driver. Cancer is such a horrible disease 😢.
Quote from: 2900 on August 06, 2024, 04:45:49 PMVery sad day today at WB the passing of legendary driver GR Patel from stage 4 cancer sadly, remarkable service of 55 plus years, lovely chap always happy, just got on with the job. R.I.P Uncle
I saw 6970 in West Brom today showing his name on the destination display R.I.P to him :sad:
Quote from: frostjay974 on August 12, 2024, 07:51:55 PMI saw 6970 in West Brom today showing his name on the destination display R.I.P to him :sad:
I saw 6804 on Saturday by the Queens Head showing his name. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues :sad:
Quote from: Nxwm on August 06, 2024, 08:57:35 PMIs there a picture that you could post so we know who the driver is pls
There is a picture of him shared on the PSV Circle Facebook page. A really nice man, I was surprised to catch his 74 about 12 months ago and see him still driving. I'm sure he spent some years at Pensnett.
What's happened to 4507 has disappeared off bus times
It's been withdrawn
Shame. 4507 was unique with its LED front destination display, often made it hard to differentiate from the ex Coventry B7s
Quote from: 37351ml on August 15, 2024, 02:32:39 PMWhat's happened to 4507 has disappeared off bus times
The answers in the transfers section
Quote from: 2900 on August 06, 2024, 04:45:49 PMVery sad day today at WB the passing of legendary driver GR Patel from stage 4 cancer sadly, remarkable service of 55 plus years, lovely chap always happy, just got on with the job. R.I.P Uncle
Vey sad news. May he rest in peace.
4692 on the 74
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on August 28, 2024, 01:34:42 PM4692 on the 74
Common occurrence doesn't need to be reported everyday.
It's not tracking that's why
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on August 28, 2024, 04:41:39 PMIt's not tracking that's why
Why not post in the correct topic then?
That topic isn't tracking on his browser!
754 on its way back to West Bromwich now
Is 1798 a loan or transfer to west brom
Quote from: Wba_lad on September 04, 2024, 10:53:27 AMIs 1798 a loan or transfer to west brom
Feels very strange seeing a red and white scania in the city centre, let alone on a WB route
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on September 06, 2024, 06:28:44 PMWell then that information is faulty as I am 100% certain that I was on it on the 5 yesterday. I even filmed onboard it.
Might want to check your footage then...
Here's the GPS of everywhere 4506 went yesterday
Quote from: Tony on September 06, 2024, 07:05:11 PMHere's the GPS of everywhere 4506 went yesterday
Ok so what else could it have been then?
Check your footage?
4481 not tracking on the 20/48 today. Must say this one really does sound like a MK1 B7RLE great whine too it.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 07, 2024, 05:55:29 PM4481 not tracking on the 20/48 today. Must say this one really does sound like a MK1 B7RLE great whine too it.
Have you put it in the reporting thread?
This is for WB, I just moved the previous conversation here since I'm not meant to make comments in the other thread.
4481 was reported on the list of vehicles not tracking that tony posted 2 days ago so doesn't need reporting
Every bus tracking on the 80 today (bar 4695) has been a platinum, including four Sutton Line branded platinums
I'm probably jumping to conclusions, but is it likely that the branded 68**s will be rebranded for the 80? They seem to be on that route more than most
The last set of ex Sutton Line branded buses were rebranded for the (5 and) 80
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 13, 2024, 05:31:58 PMbut is it likely that the branded 68**s will be rebranded for the 80?
Very high chance no... It's been mentioned that NX won't be doing route branding anymore, sadly.
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 13, 2024, 05:31:58 PMEvery bus tracking on the 80 today (bar 4695) has been a platinum, including four Sutton Line branded platinums
I'm probably jumping to conclusions, but is it likely that the branded 68**s will be rebranded for the 80? They seem to be on that route more than most
The last set of ex Sutton Line branded buses were rebranded for the (5 and) 80
It is just a coincidence that the ex-PB E400MMCs are replacing the vehicles normally used on the 80. You'll find them being used on any other WB double-deck service too.
It is highly unlikely that any new route brandings will be applied to any vehicles.
Quote from: Stu on September 13, 2024, 06:43:01 PMIt is just a coincidence that the ex-PB E400MMCs are replacing the vehicles normally used on the 80. You'll find them being used on any other WB double-deck service too.
It is highly unlikely that any new route brandings will be applied to any vehicles.
WB regards them as 'unbranded platinums' so the will go anywhere WB uses platinums
I saw 6815 on the 80 today, and (like AG, YW, BC and PB platinums) the rear destination read:
80 Birmingham
Does this mean all WB platinums will be adopting this format for their routes?
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 26, 2024, 02:47:39 PMI saw 6815 on the 80 today, and (like AG, YW, BC and PB platinums) the rear destination read:
80 Birmingham
Does this mean all WB platinums will be adopting this format for their routes?
I'd imagine so as I've seen plenty of 74, 82 & 87 showing the same.
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 26, 2024, 02:47:39 PMI saw 6815 on the 80 today, and (like AG, YW, BC and PB platinums) the rear destination read:
80 Birmingham
Does this mean all WB platinums will be adopting this format for their routes?
When the opportunity arises to have the display controllers updated, then yes.
Quote from: Sh4318 on September 26, 2024, 02:47:39 PMI saw 6815 on the 80 today, and (like AG, YW, BC and PB platinums) the rear destination read:
80 Birmingham
Does this mean all WB platinums will be adopting this format for their routes?
If you mean the number on the offside of the bus on the front then no, That will be where a blind set up for the rear has been used in the front and the setting not changed.
@MSU2008, Euro 6 Geminis aren't noteworthy on the 80.
Quote from: Jack on October 01, 2024, 04:34:00 PM@MSU2008, Euro 6 Geminis aren't noteworthy on the 80.
If it was last year then yes I would agree with you, but with Geminis in their final days at WB then I'd say it is noteworthy.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 01, 2024, 05:53:02 PMIf it was last year then yes I would agree with you, but with Geminis in their final days at WB then I'd say it is noteworthy.
They are Euro 6 and are allowed to be used, same goes for the Tridents that can be used. I've been seeing WB Geminis commonly on their B'ham services ever since all the Platinums arrived. Not noteworthy when they are Euro 6 and allowed in.
Quote from: Jack on October 01, 2024, 09:01:08 PMThey are Euro 6 and are allowed to be used, same goes for the Tridents that can be used. I've been seeing WB Geminis commonly on their B'ham services ever since all the Platinums arrived. Not noteworthy when they are Euro 6 and allowed in.
Our opinions differ
As someone who catches the 80 almost everyday, I've definitely been seeing the Geminis less.
Come to think of it, I haven't seen an '05 plate in weeks, I thought it was just the non-Euro 6 ones that were going? Happy to be corrected on that
@MSU2008 Platinums are not noteworthy on the 74.
Quote from: frostjay974 on October 02, 2024, 05:00:02 PM@MSU2008 Platinums are not noteworthy on the 74.
@MSU2008 , Geminis are not noteworthy on the 12/13's and neither are E200MMC's on the 80.
In fact most of what you post as noteworthy is not noteworthy!
Quote from: Jack on October 02, 2024, 05:06:28 PM@MSU2008 , Geminis are not noteworthy on the 12/13's and neither are E200MMC's on the 80.
In fact most of what you post as noteworthy is not noteworthy!
We don't always agree on things but I am 100% with you on that
Quote from: Jack on October 02, 2024, 05:06:28 PM@MSU2008 , Geminis are not noteworthy on the 12/13's and neither are E200MMC's on the 80.
In fact most of what you post as noteworthy is not noteworthy!
As I've said previously, Geminis days are numbered on City routes so as far I am concerned they are noteworthy.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 02, 2024, 05:40:46 PMAs I've said previously, Geminis days are numbered on City routes so as far I am concerned they are noteworthy.
There's always a few on the 12/13's everyday.
Okay so in your sense shall we mention every Gemini that appears on any service because they don't have long left?
They may not have long left but they are compliant for the City Centre and allowed to venture in. Does the forum need spamming everytime they are on City services?
Quote from: Jack on October 02, 2024, 06:09:53 PMThere's always a few on the 12/13's everyday.
Okay so in your sense shall we mention every Gemini that appears on any service because they don't have long left?
They may not have long left but they are compliant for the City Centre and allowed to venture in. Does the forum need spamming everytime they are on City services?
Jack, we all have our opinions
Quote from: frostjay974 on October 02, 2024, 05:00:02 PM@MSU2008 Platinums are not noteworthy on the 74.
Quote from: Jack on October 02, 2024, 05:06:28 PM@MSU2008 , Geminis are not noteworthy on the 12/13's and neither are E200MMC's on the 80.
In fact most of what you post as noteworthy is not noteworthy!
Perhaps you would both like to volunteer to help update and maintain the 'usual allocations' list for me, based on your extensive knowledge of what the actual allocations are.
Or maybe someone would like to start a new list from scratch, and save me the bother.
Quote from: Stu on October 02, 2024, 07:21:48 PMPerhaps you would both like to volunteer to help update and maintain the 'usual allocations' list for me, based on your extensive knowledge of what the actual allocations are.
Or maybe someone would like to start a new list from scratch, and save me the bother.
Or change it all to 'it's a bus on a bus route' that's what most the comments seem to be. I think the whole thread is pointless these days. Time to retire it.
Quote from: Gareth on October 02, 2024, 11:05:24 PMOr change it all to 'it's a bus on a bus route' that's what most the comments seem to be. I think the whole thread is pointless these days. Time to retire it.
And the Route Branded Buses Off Route thread. It's just as noteworthy to see them on the route they're branded for these days.
@MSU2008, E200MMC's aren't unusual on the 12/13...
Quote from: Jack on October 03, 2024, 10:24:55 AM@MSU2008, E200MMC's aren't unusual on the 12/13...
I would call them unusual. I see them mainly on the 43
Quote from: Jack on October 03, 2024, 10:24:55 AM@MSU2008, E200MMC's aren't unusual on the 12/13...
They are actually to be fair
Quote from: frostjay974 on October 03, 2024, 01:33:42 PMThey are actually to be fair
They are quite common during the weekdays, I tend to see at least one of them are there.
It's a bus on a bus service. I don't see those that interesting. Full size single Decker on a full size single decker route, not really noteworthy at all.
Quote from: Mike K on October 03, 2024, 12:05:49 AMAnd the Route Branded Buses Off Route thread. It's just as noteworthy to see them on the route they're branded for these days.
Quote from: Gareth on October 02, 2024, 11:05:24 PMOr change it all to 'it's a bus on a bus route' that's what most the comments seem to be. I think the whole thread is pointless these days. Time to retire it.
These threads should've gone when Bustimes appeared and after the lockdown as it's a bus on a bus route. Hardly anything is noteworthy or of interest.
I also don't believe half the of big posts on these threads because a lot of could easily been spotted off a screen!
A Gemini on the 12/12A 13 is not noteworthy at all considering they have been on all this week. Final days or not they don't need to be reported every single day . The point of this thread is to name something out of the ordinary so for something that's out every day is a bit pointless in my opinion
@MSU2008,
once again Geminis are not noteworthy on the 12/13's. They are common same goes for the other City services.
They don't need reporting everyday because you're spamming the forum with stuff that we already know.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on October 04, 2024, 06:24:55 PMYou're not an administrator or moderator on forum, it would be easier if you just didn't look at the Noteworthy thread
I hope you've also said that to the post above mine! Neither are you!
It wouldn't be an issue if people didn't post things that are not noteworthy!
Any more of this stupidness and threads that cause arguments will all be deleted.
What some people find noteworthy is different to others.
The three moderators will decide what is inappropriate.
As vehicle types get withdrawn and fewer of them they get more noteworthy to some. Where the four Omnicitys are today is noteworthy as it should be their last day, but they are all on routes they have worked for many years
Quote from: Tony on October 04, 2024, 06:45:09 PMAny more of this stupidness and threads that cause arguments will all be deleted.
What some people find noteworthy is different to others.
The three moderators will decide what is inappropriate.
As vehicle types get withdrawn and fewer of them they get more noteworthy to some. Where the four Omnicitys are today is noteworthy as it should be their last day, but they are all on routes they have worked for many years
Apologies Tony, I've removed my previous comment out of courtesy
@MSU2008 , Platinums aren't noteworthy on the 5 and neither are the Scania's on the 20/48's...
Quote from: MSU2008 on October 05, 2024, 07:58:25 AM2077 on the X8
6990 on the 5
4693 on the 87
1949 on the 20
1940 on the 20A
@MSU2008 have you honestly seen all those in person in such a short period of time so early in the morning?
I can confirm 4693 is on the 87 today. 4690 is on the 80 too, first time I've seen an '05 Gemini in at least 10 days
Is there some kind of diversion in town for the buses?
yesterday I saw a 35 leave past the markets in the opposite direction to its normal route
and today the 80 went the same way and turned left towards Hurst St direction
Quote from: OH25 on October 07, 2024, 11:18:30 PMIs there some kind of diversion in town for the buses?
yesterday I saw a 35 leave past the markets in the opposite direction to its normal route
and today the 80 went the same way and turned left towards Hurst St direction
Yes, there was, finished now though.
https://x.com/nxwestmidlands/status/1843003332295639163
Quote from: Stu on October 08, 2024, 07:43:31 AMYes, there was, finished now though.
https://x.com/nxwestmidlands/status/1843003332295639163
Interesting that the 35, went that way. Road was fully open when I was doing the 61/63 last night.
Was on the 48 this morning. It was nice to see a driver stand up to a lout. Well done to the driver for refusing to move.
Shame on the passengers who moaned to the driver for leaving 20 mins late
Quote from: Jay71 on October 13, 2024, 10:39:42 AMWas on the 48 this morning. It was nice to see a driver stand up to a lout. Well done to the driver for refusing to move.
Shame on the passengers who moaned to the driver for leaving 20 mins late
I wonder if its the same driver I had on the 20 last monday, a group of youths got on in Northfield and was rude and swore at him as the boarded and ran up the stairs, refused to move till they apologized.
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on October 13, 2024, 01:14:17 PMI wonder if its the same driver I had on the 20 last monday, a group of youths got on in Northfield and was rude and swore at him as the boarded and ran up the stairs, refused to move till they apologized.
Big white driver with a beard
Quote from: Jay71 on October 13, 2024, 01:58:39 PMBig white driver with a beard
I believe it was the same driver, Was quite friendly and welcoming to everyone who boarded at QE so didn't justify the abuse the youths gave him in Northfield!
these WB BV57s (specifically 4748) are sounding tired... it really sounded like it was struggling getting up the hill on Newton Road just before Scott Arms!
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on October 17, 2024, 04:28:50 PMthese WB BV57s (specifically 4748) are sounding tired... it really sounded like it was struggling getting up the hill on Newton Road just before Scott Arms!
Everything struggles up that hill!
4748 was quite fast time I caught it.
Quote from: Jack on October 17, 2024, 05:21:58 PMEverything struggles up that hill!
4748 was quite fast time I caught it.
4747 is a beast flies up city rd tividale and that is much steeper than newton rd
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on October 17, 2024, 04:28:50 PMthese WB BV57s (specifically 4748) are sounding tired... it really sounded like it was struggling getting up the hill on Newton Road just before Scott Arms!
Not 477x imo
Quote from: West_Brom/WalsallBusGeek on October 17, 2024, 04:28:50 PMthese WB BV57s (specifically 4748) are sounding tired...
Not 4739 when I saw it flying down the A38 dual carriageway in Rubery on the 20 on Thursday.
People on the 80 can be the worst, some guy was begging the driver to let him on , after the driver refused his partner started using the emergency doors after the driver said it was too late to get off.
Props to the people who redid 6807, looks good
6814 no longer route branded
6815/6811 no longer route branded
6809 no longer route branded
@twm1990s as these ex-PB buses will all eventually be debranded, I don't think you need to let everyone know once they are.
I noticed last week that Monday to Friday, there's 1 decker a day on the 89 (today there were 2, in the form of 4485 and 6807)
Is this to meet passenger demand?
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 05, 2024, 07:47:05 PMI noticed last week that Monday to Friday, there's 1 decker a day on the 89 (today there were 2, in the form of 4485 and 6807)
Is this to meet passenger demand?
4956 did the evening journeys on it to
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 05, 2024, 07:47:05 PMI noticed last week that Monday to Friday, there's 1 decker a day on the 89 (today there were 2, in the form of 4485 and 6807)
Is this to meet passenger demand?
it could be 87s being delayed that deckers being allocated to the 89 to take some load off as many folks that get off red cow/bluegates live in and around in the uplands area which the 89 covers
Would anyone be able to confirm if 6968 was on the 54 today for me please
Apart from specially kept 4125, NXWM's oldest service bus, 4476, was presented for an MoT today and passed with no advisories as it has done for the last 8 years, so will hopefully still be in service for most of 2025
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=bj03ewg&checkRecalls=true
Quote from: frostjay974 on December 11, 2024, 02:45:10 PMWould anyone be able to confirm if 6968 was on the 54 today for me please
Easy enough to check it wasn't off Bustimes. Just click on the alleged journey
Quote from: frostjay974 on December 11, 2024, 02:45:10 PMWould anyone be able to confirm if 6968 was on the 54 today for me please
Saw it on the 43 earlier
Quote from: frostjay974 on December 11, 2024, 02:45:10 PMWould anyone be able to confirm if 6968 was on the 54 today for me please
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-6968
Quote from: jasmine on December 11, 2024, 03:51:40 PMhttps://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-6968
And click on the journey and you will see it wasn't
Quote from: jasmine on December 11, 2024, 03:51:40 PMhttps://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-6968
I know how to use bustimes thanks
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2024, 04:56:08 PMAnd click on the journey and you will see it wasn't
Are you sure?
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2024, 02:52:05 PMEasy enough to check it wasn't off Bustimes. Just click on the alleged journey
That's why I asked if someone like you or who works at West Brom could confirm as I saw it was tracking on the 54 this morning and didn't believe it as bustimes is known to show false workings at times.
Quote from: frostjay974 on December 11, 2024, 09:11:44 PMAre you sure?
I'll think you'll find he is, 6968 did not do a journey on the 54
Just to confirm, 6968 was sent as a replacement for 754 on the 54, but it was then swapped with 815 off the 43 service as only 700s/800s are permitted on the 54
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2024, 02:48:04 PMApart from specially kept 4125, NXWM's oldest service bus, 4476, was presented for an MoT today and passed with no advisories as it has done for the last 8 years, so will hopefully still be in service for most of 2025
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=bj03ewg&checkRecalls=true
Well done engineering team
Anyone know what is going on with 6812?
It has been in the workshop for a while with a serious mechanical defect. It's 4747 that I would be asking about, that one has been parked in death row with panels missing off it. Another driver reckons it should be back because it's a good bus, but the same thing happened with 4478 and that never came back
Over the past week I've seen quite a few double deckers on the 43 route? What's the reason for this?
Quote from: Jay71 on December 16, 2024, 05:40:19 PMOver the past week I've seen quite a few double deckers on the 43 route? What's the reason for this?
There's more double deckers available than single deckers?
Quote from: Gareth on December 16, 2024, 08:49:20 PMThere's more double deckers available than single deckers?
Or, do they a few single deckers thar are off the road
Quote from: Jay71 on December 16, 2024, 05:40:19 PMOver the past week I've seen quite a few double deckers on the 43 route? What's the reason for this?
Maybe School Journeys, Busier loadings, Bilston is probably one of the very few towns which has very few large chain retail shops at my last visit I think it had Peacocks as the only Clothing shop so Bilston probably busy with people looking for some Christmas Bargains or unique gifts from it's independent shops and the Market looking to get some cheap produce, my family used to use it a lot, but also probably more Double Deckers than Single Deckers, But I always used to see a Double Decker or two on the 43 around November and December
4744 on the 5 broken down at Scott Arms
4747 first day in service after being off the road since November
4679 has just passed another MoT to hang around a little longer.
6810 back on the road currently on the 87 been off since 27th Nov
Quote from: MSU2008 on January 09, 2025, 08:34:47 AM6810 back on the road currently on the 87 been off since 27th Nov
6992 which has been of for exactly twice as long (84 days against 42 days) passed an MoT today so will also reappear.
4971 back in service currently on the 87 to Dudley after a repaint into the grey colour scheme
4481 broken down at Scott Arms.
So drivers think that it's ok to leave a terminus three mins early. The clown who was driving 4769 has landed himself in the brown stuff
Quote from: Jay71 on January 25, 2025, 10:52:22 PMSo drivers think that it's ok to leave a terminus three mins early. The clown who was driving 4769 has landed himself in the brown stuff
Are you sure about that ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on January 26, 2025, 07:15:52 AMAre you sure about that ?
Check bustimes.org for the 2240 43(4769)
Quote from: Jay71 on January 26, 2025, 08:13:03 AMCheck bustimes.org for the 2240 43(4769)
Actually check properly
Quote from: Tony on January 26, 2025, 08:17:55 AMActually check properly
Are you telling me that he left bang on time? Isn't that strange. When I was by the traffic lights near to the 74 stop the destination screen said 2237. Bustimes.org also showed him as leaving at 2237
Tony, why do you take the side of your chums?
Quote from: Jay71 on January 26, 2025, 08:31:42 AMAre you telling me that he left bang on time? Isn't that strange. When I was by the traffic lights near to the 74 stop the destination screen said 2237. Bustimes.org also showed him as leaving at 2237
Tony, why do you take the side of your chums?
If BusTimes is correct, 4769 left West Brom 58 minutes late:
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tcvw-cv-4769#journeys/678132694
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2025, 09:30:51 AMIf BusTimes is correct, 4769 left West Brom 58 minutes late:
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tcvw-cv-4769#journeys/678132694
One trip from Bilston was missed out. He was parked in WB at about 2220. I know somebody who caught this service last night
Quote from: Jay71 on January 26, 2025, 08:31:42 AMAre you telling me that he left bang on time? Isn't that strange. When I was by the traffic lights near to the 74 stop the destination screen said 2237. Bustimes.org also showed him as leaving at 2237
Tony, why do you take the side of your chums?
On certain ticket machines bus times occasionally logs the time the bus gets to a timing point as the time it's departed it, had this happen a few times to myself, even if you sit and wait your time it will show the time the bus arrived so it appears it was running early when in reality it departed on time.
Why does west brom do the x8 in the morning. Plus how would it work eg does the drivers on specific rotas/route need to do it or just a free for all whoever gets picked.
Quote from: Appleby on February 06, 2025, 09:57:34 PMWhy does west brom do the x8 in the morning. Plus how would it work eg does the drivers on specific rotas/route need to do it or just a free for all whoever gets picked.
They've done that for years it goes back to them doing a board on the 140/241.
QuoteThey've done that for years it goes back to them doing a board on the 140/241.
I'm sure they also used to do at one stage, like WN, a board on the 246. I know WN used tridents on one specific journey which did a 256>246>126E>Depot but I'm sure i remember seeing a WB Metro on a 246 that had come into Stourbridge about 15 years ago and then went off NIS at the same time the WN trip had departed
Quote from: Appleby on February 06, 2025, 09:57:34 PMWhy does west brom do the x8 in the morning. Plus how would it work eg does the drivers on specific rotas/route need to do it or just a free for all whoever gets picked.
WB have had a one board on PN routes for about 15 years, before that it was the 140/241, then other routes, including the X10? For years it was the same driver every day, probably retired now. At one time with the 140 and then 141/X10 the bus took up service at Bearwood, so less dead mileage than from PN and ended ended in B'ham City Centre, so switched to run 74Es to West Bromwich for rest of day.
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2025, 09:30:51 AMIf BusTimes is correct, 4769 left West Brom 58 minutes late:
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tcvw-cv-4769#journeys/678132694
Had a phone call this money off NX Customer Services. They confirmed that the above service did leave early
the PB52 has went to WB as we know
intrestingly the last trip to Perry Barr still exists
idk passenger numbers but one would assume it isnt well used at there is a 51 10mins in front of it and we can assume that the last 52 is because its the same route to Perry Barr
now WB has it it doesnt seem to be as benefical for the driver on their last shift, i wouldnt be suprised if they get rid of it, doubt its well usrd
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on March 09, 2025, 09:35:52 PMthe PB52 has went to WB as we know
intrestingly the last trip to Perry Barr still exists
idk passenger numbers but one would assume it isnt well used at there is a 51 10mins in front of it and we can assume that the last 52 is because its the same route to Perry Barr
now WB has it it doesnt seem to be as benefical for the driver on their last shift, i wouldnt be suprised if they get rid of it, doubt its well usrd
Doesn't the 52 run the old 46 route between City and Perry Barr so goes a completely different way to the 51???
Quote from: j789 on March 09, 2025, 10:32:25 PMDoesn't the 52 run the old 46 route between City and Perry Barr so goes a completely different way to the 51???
I think he's talking about the journey from Perry Beeches to Perry Barr
Quote from: Wm2001 on March 09, 2025, 10:45:21 PMI think he's talking about the journey from Perry Beeches to Perry Barr
yea, i doubt anyone uses it + it goes against the deadrun route
surely would be quicker to go great barr then 5 route to WB than thru handsworth
Quoteyea, i doubt anyone uses it + it goes against the deadrun route
surely would be quicker to go great barr then 5 route to WB than thru handsworth
When I used to drive the late night 952's in 2019, it had a couple of regulars that would get on tbf.
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on March 09, 2025, 11:52:46 PMyea, i doubt anyone uses it + it goes against the deadrun route
surely would be quicker to go great barr then 5 route to WB than thru handsworth
Take it you don't live here or have used the route. There is people who use it in the evenings, the short trips are positioning trips but there is also people who do get off on Walsall Road and connect to the 51 late in the evening, I know because i've done it plenty of times in the past.
The dead run from Perry Barr to West Brom isn't long at all, West Brom run dead to places further like Sutton Coldfield. So there is a point in the short late night run, it's a handy link that is used.
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2025, 11:05:03 AMTake it you don't live here or have used the route. There is people who use it in the evenings, the short trips are positioning trips but there is also people who do get off on Walsall Road and connect to the 51 late in the evening, I know because i've done it plenty of times in the past.
The dead run from Perry Barr to West Brom isn't long at all, West Brom run dead to places further like Sutton Coldfield. So there is a point in the short late night run, it's a handy link that is used.
fair enough
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2025, 11:05:03 AMTake it you don't live here or have used the route. There is people who use it in the evenings, the short trips are positioning trips but there is also people who do get off on Walsall Road and connect to the 51 late in the evening, I know because i've done it plenty of times in the past.
The dead run from Perry Barr to West Brom isn't long at all, West Brom run dead to places further like Sutton Coldfield. So there is a point in the short late night run, it's a handy link that is used.
West Bromwich run dead depot to /from Bromsgrove and Cofton Hackett!
6808 on 52 today, so it's not strictly single deck as we were led to believe. Wonder if the dead mileage and the pay for drivers' travel time to city is worth it
Quote from: ZF B7 on March 15, 2025, 09:07:28 AM6808 on 52 today, so it's not strictly single deck as we were led to believe. Wonder if the dead mileage and the pay for drivers' travel time to city is worth it
So much for 'Strict Scania' when they had LWB and SWB E200's on it when they got it.
Quote from: ZF B7 on March 15, 2025, 09:07:28 AM6808 on 52 today, so it's not strictly single deck as we were led to believe. Wonder if the dead mileage and the pay for drivers' travel time to city is worth it
No one ever said it was strict Scania
Yes but I thought the purpose of the decision was to have the route be single decks? Pointless if PB was able to do it. Furthermore the running board itself states Scania only, so that's not adhered to as well
Quote from: ZF B7 on March 15, 2025, 02:04:18 PMYes but I thought the purpose of the decision was to have the route be single decks? Pointless if PB was able to do it. Furthermore the running board itself states Scania only, so that's not adhered to as well
PB being able to it is not the issue, the reason why the 52 moved to WB was due to Pensett losing some tendered work so most of the 3/3A was moved there from WB and the 52 moved to WB. It's a simple case of moving work to where there are more drivers available.
Quote from: ZF B7 on March 15, 2025, 02:04:18 PMYes but I thought the purpose of the decision was to have the route be single decks? Pointless if PB was able to do it. Furthermore the running board itself states Scania only, so that's not adhered to as well
PB weren't though, that was the only reason it moved. To balance driver requirements
Does anyone know what this means?
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 18, 2025, 07:08:45 PMDoes anyone know what this means?
It's the name of the Spanish contract WB do that takes the workers into town who are building the recycling/environment plant thing on Kelvin Way.
Quote from: frostjay974 on March 18, 2025, 07:08:45 PMDoes anyone know what this means?
Google translates it from Latin into "Indian boiler houses" :shocked:
Quote from: Zander on March 18, 2025, 07:11:00 PMIt's the name of the Spanish contract WB do that takes the workers into town who are building the recycling/environment plant thing on Kelvin Way.
is this contract a closed door service?
it has never tracked nor anything on bustimes
or r u joking, i cant tell
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on March 18, 2025, 09:08:22 PMis this contract a closed door service?
it has never tracked nor anything on bustimes
or r u joking, i cant tell
Im not joking, WB does a trip in the morning from town to the plant, believe it's on an 80 running board then does a trip from the plant to town in the evening and it comes off a 48 running board. It's not open to the public.
Are there any other unique contracts like this?
Where do driver reliefs happen on the 52 route?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on March 28, 2025, 06:49:13 PMWhere do driver reliefs happen on the 52 route?
Livery Street
Quote from: Zander on March 28, 2025, 07:38:09 PMLivery Street
So, presumably drivers travel in by the Metro, makes sense.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on March 29, 2025, 08:55:30 PMSo, presumably drivers travel in by the Metro, makes sense.
if they got the 74 to town the 52 would be birminghams most unreliable bus with no drivers showing up half the time because they are stuck on soho road!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on March 29, 2025, 08:55:30 PMSo, presumably drivers travel in by the Metro, makes sense.
Yes, 25 minutes travel time which is a bit tight
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on March 29, 2025, 09:40:41 PMif they got the 74 to town the 52 would be birminghams most unreliable bus with no drivers showing up half the time because they are stuck on soho road!
Most likely why the use the metro.
82/87 branding has started to go now, I think it's only the 11 branding and the 529 branding left now?
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 07, 2025, 04:22:51 PM82/87 branding has started to go now, I think it's only the 11 branding and the 529 branding left now?
8/X8 still exists for now?
Quote8/X8 still exists for now?
How are we all forgetting the veteran 74 branding
Quote from: BBS on April 07, 2025, 04:43:58 PMHow are we all forgetting the veteran 74 branding
74 branding is easily the 2nd longest standing branding (after the 35) of all lasting nearly 11 years i reckon. the 74 buses dont actually look too bad as well
however 4966-4968 n 4979-4982 got its branding removed early...
does anyone know what influenced the decision to remove all branding, seemed a bit execcive esp when you had platinum branded routes like X21 X22 23 24, could branding not hv been removed on refurb.. some buses look worse without branding than branding
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 07, 2025, 04:22:51 PM82/87 branding has started to go now, I think it's only the 11 branding and the 529 branding left now?
The 4 branding is still here.
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 07, 2025, 04:22:51 PM82/87 branding has started to go now, I think it's only the 11 branding and the 529 branding left now?
still plenty of 82/87 branding running around Dudley Road Corridor
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 07, 2025, 05:27:36 PM74 branding is easily the 2nd longest standing branding (after the 35) of all lasting nearly 11 years i reckon. the 74 buses dont actually look too bad as well
however 4966-4968 n 4979-4982 got its branding removed early...
does anyone know what influenced the decision to remove all branding, seemed a bit execcive esp when you had platinum branded routes like X21 X22 23 24, could branding not hv been removed on refurb.. some buses look worse without branding than branding
some still rocking the 75 to Wednesbury on the sides too
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 07, 2025, 04:22:51 PM82/87 branding has started to go now, I think it's only the 11 branding and the 529 branding left now?
6973 and the back of 6970
Quote from: OH25 on April 07, 2025, 08:25:13 PMsome still rocking the 75 to Wednesbury on the sides too
Yeah I noticed that even if the 75 still ran that wouldn't be accurate as it extended to Darlaston, I think some still have 75 to Wednesbury and the ones that were updated just removed the 75 to Wednesbury and kept the 79 reference to Wednesbury I believe the branding used to say 75/79 to Wednesbury maybe wrong there, the update deffo says 79 to Wednesbury now
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on April 08, 2025, 10:33:14 AMYeah I noticed that even if the 75 still ran that wouldn't be accurate as it extended to Darlaston, I think some still have 75 to Wednesbury and the ones that were updated just removed the 75 to Wednesbury and kept the 79 reference to Wednesbury I believe the branding used to say 75/79 to Wednesbury maybe wrong there, the update deffo says 79 to Wednesbury now
It used to say 75/79 to Wednesbury on a fair few its just 79 unsure if any still rock the now dead 75
Just seen 6971 without its 82/87 branding replaced with that ugly sticker slapped on it. Feels weird seeing it without the branding
Am I right in thinking there used to be 79 branded Mercs? Same colour as what the 74 branding used to be, and it was before the Tridents came about, when WB still operated the 79. I'm sure I used to catch them as a kid but I've never seen any photos 🤔
Quote from: tombzy on April 08, 2025, 03:35:37 PMIt used to say 75/79 to Wednesbury on a fair few its just 79 unsure if any still rock the now dead 75
Pretty sure they do
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on April 09, 2025, 12:25:31 PMPretty sure they do
AFAIK most have just 79 idk which exactly do and dont have the 75 aswell as 79
QuoteAm I right in thinking there used to be 79 branded Mercs? Same colour as what the 74 branding used to be, and it was before the Tridents came about, when WB still operated the 79. I'm sure I used to catch them as a kid but I've never seen any photos 🤔
Don't quote me. But I feel like there was. The branding was green is I remember correctly. I can't find any pictures of it anywhere
QuoteJust seen 6971 without its 82/87 branding replaced with that ugly sticker slapped on it. Feels weird seeing it without the branding
I know the platinum brand is obsolete now, but I think the original decals should've been kept and applied to debranded "platinums".
While I don't hate the new red stickers (they look horrible on the BU07 enviros), they look uninspiring compared to the original platinum decals you see on 6759-6762, 6791-6799, 6818-6839, 6850-6857, 6890-6892, they look classy, upmarket and prestige
Heck, even the newer red diamond style branding was half decent
Quote from: Sh4318 on April 09, 2025, 06:28:06 PMDon't quote me. But I feel like there was. The branding was green is I remember correctly. I can't find any pictures of it anywhere
I thought green was for the 59 and the red on green was the 1
Unless you are refering to something like 4320
Had a look through buses and found 404 as green and 74 as a redish but nothing with 79
The Mercedes O405N I've noted were
Green branded for 404
Orange branded for 74
Yellow branded for 451 ?? - have photo on 1627 on route 451 with yellow band applied but no lettering
Orange branded for Network Harborne
no colour band for 66 66A
Yellow branded for X96
Dark Blue branded for 94
and the two versions of Coventry based Merc's for PrimeLine.
Quote from: andyh on April 09, 2025, 08:45:34 PMThe Mercedes O405N I've noted were
Green branded for 404
Orange branded for 74
Yellow branded for 451 ?? - have photo on 1627 on route 451 with yellow band applied but no lettering
Orange branded for Network Harborne
no colour band for 66 66A
Yellow branded for X96
Dark Blue branded for 94
and the two versions of Coventry based Merc's for PrimeLine.
You missed out the Inner Cirlce Mercs and the Dudley Road branded mercs.
Quote from: Bus_user_jay on April 08, 2025, 11:28:36 PMAm I right in thinking there used to be 79 branded Mercs? Same colour as what the 74 branding used to be, and it was before the Tridents came about, when WB still operated the 79. I'm sure I used to catch them as a kid but I've never seen any photos 🤔
There were some 43xx Tridents branded for the 79, which used the same colour as the 74 Mercs. I don't remember any 79 branded Mercs. A picture of one of the Tridents here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5598794296
Quote from: andyh on April 09, 2025, 08:45:34 PMThe Mercedes O405N I've noted were
Green branded for 404
Orange branded for 74
Yellow branded for 451 ?? - have photo on 1627 on route 451 with yellow band applied but no lettering
Orange branded for Network Harborne
no colour band for 66 66A
Yellow branded for X96
Dark Blue branded for 94
and the two versions of Coventry based Merc's for PrimeLine.
94 was brown. Arguably the worst of the coloured branding.
https://flic.kr/p/DTUrhy
1530, 1533, 1536, 1613-21 were 79 branded. Don't quote me on that.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 09, 2025, 10:16:14 PMhttps://flic.kr/p/DTUrhy
1530, 1533, 1536, 1613-21 were 79 branded. Don't quote me on that.
Fair play - I stand corrected.
Sorry - I just quoted you on that.
Quote from: uniquicity on April 09, 2025, 10:16:14 PMhttps://flic.kr/p/DTUrhy
1530, 1533, 1536, 1613-21 were 79 branded. Don't quote me on that.
Thanks! Was starting to think I was going mad! I remember the green 404 and orange 74 0405N branded, and I've seen lots of pictures. Wonder why there are hardly any 79 pics?
Quote from: Gareth on April 09, 2025, 10:12:39 PM94 was brown. Arguably the worst of the coloured branding.
120 Birmingham - Dudley also had non-coloued branding
does 4955 rev to 2000rpm if you put your foot down or is it in the same fuel saving mode as 4978?
id reckon that some of these 74 enviros are the quickest E40Ds at NXWM compared to how much slower the Birmingham Central ones are
Quotedoes 4955 rev to 2000rpm if you put your foot down or is it in the same fuel saving mode as 4978?
We use the bus to go places not to veg
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 12, 2025, 09:16:18 PMid reckon that some of these 74 enviros are the quickest E40Ds at NXWM compared to how much slower the Birmingham Central ones are
They're all part of the same batch. How can the 497x ones be so much quicker than the 494x ones?
Quote from: Mike K on April 12, 2025, 09:34:22 PMThey're all part of the same batch. How can the 497x ones be so much quicker than the 494x ones?
talking abt the 48xx
Quote from: BBS on April 12, 2025, 09:22:58 PMWe use the bus to go places not to veg
a fare paying passenger is a fare paying passenger!
whether to go shopping, meeting friends, bus chasing, its all £4.90 in the managers eyes
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 12, 2025, 09:46:00 PMa fare paying passenger is a fare paying passenger!
whether to go shopping, meeting friends, bus chasing, its all £4.90 in the managers eyes
Seriously, what are you on about?
QuoteSeriously, what are you on about?
His name being mega kickdown makes it even more confusing
Quote from: BBS on April 12, 2025, 09:22:58 PMWe use the bus to go places not to veg
Regardless of the use whatever money is made is money made doesnt matter what its used for
Quote from: tombzy on April 12, 2025, 10:48:59 PMRegardless of the use whatever money is made is money made doesnt matter what its used for
ye this
the kidsfare dodging are worse than the paying greggs fatty riding 15 buses a day thats my point
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 12, 2025, 10:55:34 PMye this
the kidsfare dodging are worse than the paying greggs fatty riding 15 buses a day thats my point
could you re-write that again please ?
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 12, 2025, 10:55:34 PMye this
the kidsfare dodging are worse than the paying greggs fatty riding 15 buses a day thats my point
What? Make a coherent sentence first before trying to insult me.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on April 12, 2025, 11:21:47 PMcould you re-write that again please ?
what i mean is a paying passenger is always better than a non paying passenger in the managers eyes
regardless if its a greggs fatty riding 15 buses a day or a commuter riding 2
still more money than that kid who didnt pay for 1 bus
Yet admin tell off longstanding members and not these people who keep posting rubbish.
Quote from: Jack on April 13, 2025, 12:30:24 PMYet admin tell off longstanding members and not these people who keep posting rubbish.
really dont understand what is wrong with my statement, or rude, (nothing offensive or irrelevant to buses said correct me if im wrong) bit anyway if fare evasion wasnt a issue in the west midlands there wouldnt be teams of orange hi-vis checking peoples tickets on the 74!
other cities in the UK dont have inspectors because the people there dont walk on buses and threaten drivers once challenged, if they do its very rare not common enough to warrant inspectors
these inspectors are a good thing as well, helps drivers to focus on their jobs driving and makes them worry abt ticketing less, for example i once showed my daysaver upside down and didnt notice and the driver didnt even tell me it was upside down. revenue would have confirmed that my ticket was indeed valid.
p.s comments like the one you just made is what gets you told off, no relevance to the thread
despite scanners slowing down journey times at major interchanges and costing money to implement i believe it would be a decent idea
it makes the driver notice a invalid ticket easier as it will go BEEP! compared to showing where the driver cant see whether its a adult or child ticket if the person is a fast walker.
it also helps fish out the fare dodgers as everyone is queuing* (*not in birmingham everyone just pushes) on one side
ye it will cost, but
@Tony has the option of scanners been explored and wt is the result?
Quote from: Jack on April 13, 2025, 12:30:24 PMYet admin tell off longstanding members and not these people who keep posting rubbish.
Because a handful of "long-standing members" seem to think that the
Forum Rules (https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=4859.0) don't apply to them.
If you don't like what someone has posted then either reply to it constructively, or just ignore it and skip over.
I remind all members to observe the Forum Rules, especially in regard to 'attacking other members' as well as 'posting rubbish because you're bored'.
Now please lets get this thread back on topic, which is "West Bromwich Garage" and discussing its buses and routes.
@Mega Kickdown there is already another topic here for discussing fare dodgers.
With the 20 supposedly going to BC Garage how would that impact the interworking that the 48 20 and 20A have.
I doubt it will due to the three routes interworking but it could happen.
Quote from: tombzy on April 13, 2025, 09:50:59 PMWith the 20 supposedly going to BC Garage how would that impact the interworking that the 48 20 and 20A have.
I doubt it will due to the three routes interworking but it could happen.
Unless the X20 was to come back maybe so it can be interworked with the X21/X22?
Tony did say a brand new route would be coming to BC though.
Quote from: tombzy on April 13, 2025, 09:50:59 PMWith the 20 supposedly going to BC Garage how would that impact the interworking that the 48 20 and 20A have.
I doubt it will due to the three routes interworking but it could happen.
That's not what's going to happen. BC will have a new route
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 13, 2025, 10:07:10 PMThat's not what's going to happen. BC will have a new route
What exactly is happening then because im so out of it
Quote from: tombzy on April 13, 2025, 10:19:28 PMWhat exactly is happening then because im so out of it
the new route is a secret, i doubt anything is happening to the WB 20 and it shd stay as normal
Quote from: Zander on April 14, 2025, 05:32:53 AMWB have lost the 20/20a from 1st June, not sure whose got those, 48 is changing too from the same date, will be doing West Brom to Northfield, as it is now to the University Station then will be doing the 76 route to Northfield.
48a is also being completely scrapped. The Bearwood rota is taking a massive hit cos will be sharing the 74 and 80 with the soho rota to.
Wouldn't it therefore be pointless having the Bearwood rota at that point? Exactly the same as Soho
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 14, 2025, 06:03:23 AMWouldn't it therefore be pointless having the Bearwood rota at that point? Exactly the same as Soho
No? Doesnt the bearwood rota have the 82,87 and 49? Or am i mistaken
Quote from: tombzy on April 14, 2025, 01:39:39 PMNo? Doesnt the bearwood rota have the 82,87 and 49? Or am i mistaken
82, 87 on Oldbury rota
Quote from: CJS47 on April 14, 2025, 01:51:07 PM82, 87 on Oldbury rota
What is on the bearwood rota then
20 20A 48 48A 49 89?
Quote from: tombzy on April 14, 2025, 01:59:30 PMWhat is on the bearwood rota then
20 20A 48 48A 49 89?
Yes including some 47
Quote from: tombzy on April 14, 2025, 01:59:30 PMWhat is on the bearwood rota then
20 20A 48 48A 49 89?
So, drivers on the current Bearwood rota are going from driving the 20, 20A both nice, scenic relatively quite, easy routes to the 80 and 74, bet that's gone down well!!
Quote from: fleetline6477 on April 14, 2025, 10:04:19 PMSo, drivers on the current Bearwood rota are going from driving the 20, 20A both nice, scenic relatively quite, easy routes to the 80 and 74, bet that's gone down well!!
Both pairs have their dues tbh. It is what it is fho
Quote from: 2206 on April 13, 2025, 10:03:39 PMUnless the X20 was to come back maybe so it can be interworked with the X21/X22?
Tony did say a brand new route would be coming to BC though.
Why and for what reason?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on April 14, 2025, 10:04:19 PMSo, drivers on the current Bearwood rota are going from driving the 20, 20A both nice, scenic relatively quite, easy routes to the 80 and 74, bet that's gone down well!!
20 and 20A, Nice? They go through Northfield! :grin: :grin:
so today I took 4769 a vehicle that's been off the road for agesss. last time I took it, something felt really off with the gearbox as it use to slip through gears and was totally sluggish! Today it finally hit the roads again and its improved especially with performance I was wondering if this bus received a new or a rebuilt gearbox? just a question as nothing has been mentioned about it.
I saw one of the grey 47s getting a brand new engine a few weeks ago, mostly likely 4769. So it probably has a whole new engine nevermind just a gearbox
4775 in service today on the 80
6972 now debranded
6974 had a smash this afternoon at Smethwick
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 18, 2025, 03:56:32 PMI saw one of the grey 47s getting a brand new engine a few weeks ago, mostly likely 4769. So it probably has a whole new engine nevermind just a gearbox
4775 in service today on the 80
6972 now debranded
6974 had a smash this afternoon at Smethwick
any idea if the soho road 4900s will be debranded before wolverhampton or when they are being painted? surely would be better to leave it until refurb
Just seen a EV parked up at WB garage. Any idea what it's doing at this garage?
Quote from: Jay71 on April 22, 2025, 08:18:20 PMJust seen a EV parked up at WB garage. Any idea what it's doing at this garage?
It's E277 was there not long ago
Quote from: Jack6101 on April 23, 2025, 09:44:55 AMIt's E277 was there not long ago
It's been there for a few days. Not tracked since 17/04. I wondered what it was doing at WB
Quote from: Jay71 on April 23, 2025, 10:10:14 AMIt's been there for a few days. Not tracked since 17/04. I wondered what it was doing at WB
Probably too soon for an MOT, delivered August 2024, so I can only assume it is at WB having some mechanical work done.
Quote from: Stu on April 23, 2025, 07:20:37 PMProbably too soon for an MOT, delivered August 2024, so I can only assume it is at WB having some mechanical work done.
E277 was also at WB having an MoT.
You don't wait until they are a year old to MoT buses or you have to present you whole fleet at the same time, any new batch of buses start going for MoTs, normally after the first month to spread them out over the whole year
Quote from: Tony on April 23, 2025, 07:24:06 PME277 was also at WB having an MoT.
You don't wait until they are a year old to MoT buses or you have to present you whole fleet at the same time, any new batch of buses start going for MoTs, normally after the first month to spread them out over the whole year
Thanks for clarifying, mystery solved! :azn:
Sorry if this is a stupid question but now that 4679 has been withdrawn could we potentially see a new West Brom livery appear or has it actually stopped now as I know it was said it was being stopped then 6148 was painted as a replacement for 4651 when that goes.
Quote from: Wba_lad on April 25, 2025, 09:53:11 PMSorry if this is a stupid question but now that 4679 has been withdrawn could we potentially see a new West Brom livery appear or has it actually stopped now as I know it was said it was being stopped then 6148 was painted as a replacement for 4651 when that goes.
There will be no more heritage liveries, too expensive