WM Bus Photos Forum

West Midlands Buses in Discussion => National Express West Midlands => Topic started by: nx4737 on October 02, 2012, 03:02:40 PM

Title: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 02, 2012, 03:02:40 PM
What are Arriva doing with the Mercs? They're still not in service... So much for the first week of October!
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bruce_LOA400X on October 02, 2012, 03:19:11 PM
at Thurmaston originally for driver training/familiarisation etc. then the rest came up so there are 20 citaro's waiting in Leicester because tamworth need to hurry the hell up and make room at their depot! LOL
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tony on October 02, 2012, 03:32:23 PM
Quote from: nx4737 on October 02, 2012, 03:02:40 PM
What are Arriva doing with the Mercs? They're still not in service... So much for the first week of October!
The first three are now going to Telford now not Tamworth
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 02, 2012, 03:51:06 PM
The words 'pi$$ up' and brewery' spring to mind.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 02, 2012, 05:50:37 PM
That'll be interesting to see...
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 02, 2012, 05:53:41 PM
Quote from: Goodbus on October 02, 2012, 05:39:29 PM
The Citaros will enter service in Tamworth this Saturday.

And now you've said that so will a plethora of spotters!
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tomjusttom on October 02, 2012, 06:11:09 PM
And Will not spontaneously combust on Friday
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bruce_LOA400X on October 02, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
I spoke to an arriva guy today at a meeting.

He said there *might* be a small chance that Leicester will get a Volvo B6 or two for driver training purposes once they are displaced at tamworth by the citaros.

He said it was mentioned at Arriva Midlands HQ but its a case of wait and see.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 02, 2012, 08:43:51 PM
at least Cannock arent getting any! theyve enough S**tboxes as it is lol
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bruce_LOA400X on October 03, 2012, 12:26:23 AM
Quote from: bob on October 02, 2012, 08:43:51 PM
at least Cannock arent getting any! theyve enough S**tboxes as it is lol

better than our MPD's.....

Irony is they would be transferring buses to us which were new to us in the first place!!! LOL
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 03, 2012, 04:19:17 AM
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 02, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
I spoke to an arriva guy today at a meeting.

He said there *might* be a small chance that Leicester will get a Volvo B6 or two for driver training purposes once they are displaced at tamworth by the citaros.

He said it was mentioned at Arriva Midlands HQ but its a case of wait and see.

They're more than welcome to them...

As for Saturday, I'll believe it when I see it :)
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bruce_LOA400X on October 03, 2012, 03:53:58 PM
Why the hate on the B6's?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 03, 2012, 04:20:48 PM
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 03, 2012, 03:53:58 PM
Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 03, 2012, 04:40:45 PM
Quote from: andy on October 03, 2012, 04:20:48 PM
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 03, 2012, 03:53:58 PM
Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.

In there defense, for a bus that's nearly 13 years old, they've aged quite well, looks wise!

Though I can imagine the milage they've clocked up, even on local routes... what are they like to drive when they escape onto the 110, from personal experience they seem to fly over the Express Way...
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 03, 2012, 04:52:43 PM
Quote from: nx4737 on October 03, 2012, 04:40:45 PM
Quote from: andy on October 03, 2012, 04:20:48 PM
Quote from: Bruce_LOA400X on October 03, 2012, 03:53:58 PM
Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.

In there defense, for a bus that's nearly 13 years old, they've aged quite well, looks wise!

Though I can imagine the milage they've clocked up, even on local routes... what are they like to drive when they escape onto the 110, from personal experience they seem to fly over the Express Way...

You're right they're great once they're wound up on the flat and will float along nicely, the problem is if you have to slow down and then get them going again. And if you get a full load on one and have to thrash it for a couple of hours you're sitting there just waiting for the 'ding'

They've served well to be fair as I didn't expect them to go on so long, although they did have a mini overhaul a few years ago.  They will do fine on light work like the Midland stuff, assuming there aren't any ridiculous climbs which I can't say I know as I don't know the gradient of the routes too well.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: tphi12000 on October 04, 2012, 07:23:29 PM
Quote from: bob on October 02, 2012, 08:43:51 PM
at least Cannock arent getting any! theyve enough S**tboxes as it is lol
2626 is at CK on the 2 tonight !!. Tony
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 04, 2012, 07:56:28 PM
oh no! lets hope theyve just stuck it in service temporarily between tamworth & wednesfield!
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 04, 2012, 10:32:20 PM
2626 is one of the better ones...last Arriva bus I ever drove actually. Has 3810 still not gone over to Tamworth?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tony on October 05, 2012, 07:34:21 AM
At least two of Telford's Citaros are now at Telford
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: arrivaaston on October 05, 2012, 04:47:20 PM
2626 on the 2s today and 3719 on the greens any idea why a thurmaston commander would be at cannock?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bruce_LOA400X on October 05, 2012, 07:36:16 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on October 05, 2012, 04:47:20 PM
2626 on the 2s today and 3719 on the greens any idea why a thurmaston commander would be at cannock?

Like I said in other threads, I think it's on a temp loan but I can;t see it being transferred permanently, just one being transferred makes no sense.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: tphi12000 on October 05, 2012, 09:29:21 PM
Quote from: arrivaaston on October 05, 2012, 04:47:20 PM
2626 on the 2s today and 3719 on the greens any idea why a thurmaston commander would be at cannock?
3719 was/is a wigston bus i thing these are being transferred out as the volvo deckers enter service . Tony
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 05, 2012, 10:34:01 PM
Any news on the other decker for Cannock and anyone know if theyll be used in normal service as well as the Amazon?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 06, 2012, 04:45:34 PM
Well would you believe it, the Mercs are out in service!

About time too!
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tomjusttom on October 06, 2012, 05:32:21 PM
I am in shock
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tony on October 06, 2012, 09:20:33 PM
Back to original question, several were in service at Tamworth today
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: 2200 Bus on October 06, 2012, 09:41:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 06, 2012, 09:20:33 PM
Back to original question, several were in service at Tamworth today

All Citaros were out, the 4 B6's which are staying (2613-16) were on their allocated routes, 2,6 & 780
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 07, 2012, 12:25:24 AM
So has there been a reduction in the fleet, because as far as I remember, wasn't there 30 B6's at Tamwroth?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 07, 2012, 03:28:35 AM
Are the Citaros going to be used on the Birmingham routes?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 07, 2012, 04:01:48 AM
That's not there intended use, but one will end up on the 110 sooner or later.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 07, 2012, 10:56:57 AM
So a whole fleet of brand new Citaro's just to be used on routes to local council estates then? lol bit of a waste. cos Omnilinks are going to be doing the 785/112 arent they
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Discodave on October 07, 2012, 09:15:46 PM
seen the omnilink on the 1 route (cannock) recently thought they had gone the non x31 branded one cant remember the fleet number
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 07, 2012, 09:37:36 PM
The none branded is the only one thats stayed. Cant see it being there long to be fair
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Tony on October 07, 2012, 09:42:08 PM
Quote from: bob on October 07, 2012, 09:37:36 PM
The none branded is the only one thats stayed. Cant see it being there long to be fair

It is showing on the company fleet list as allocated to Tamworth, but I think I could still see it in Cannock yard today when I went past
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 07, 2012, 09:45:33 PM
Are Cannock due any transferred buses soon? id imagine theyll be running the 23 62 and 810 at some point
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: tphi12000 on October 09, 2012, 11:11:56 AM
 
[/quote]2626 is at CK on the 2 tonight !!. Tony
[/quote]2617 & 2627 both parked in cannock yard this morning.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 09, 2012, 11:41:28 AM
Quote from: tphi12000 on October 09, 2012, 11:11:56 AM

2626 is at CK on the 2 tonight !!. Tony
[/quote]2617 & 2627 both parked in cannock yard this morning.
[/quote]

Are the others out and about with Midland yet?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Discodave on October 09, 2012, 11:56:55 AM
I can say they are not there yet still all red will have a look when I go to work tonight just convienent working next door
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 09, 2012, 12:12:36 PM
Quote from: Discodave on October 09, 2012, 11:56:55 AM
I can say they are not there yet still all red will have a look when I go to work tonight just convienent working next door

Hmmm....if they're not at Cannock, Tamworth or Wednesbury, where are they all?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Discodave on October 09, 2012, 12:27:54 PM
being wrecked by cannocks fitters over the pits and the doors are closed so you cant see or having the alarms disconnected so the fitters have not got to come out to them when they overheat would not be suprised if cannock did that they done it to a dart once reported them to Vosa and provided them the previous defect card saying the bus was overheating and as usual nothing was done so much for safety Vosa are mor intrested in fining lorry drivers for everything as they change the rules every time.  Thankfully I have been ok.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: derningtona on October 29, 2012, 09:14:53 PM
Has anyone any idea where ex-Tamworth 2619/20/4/8/9 are?
It has already been reported that 2617/21/6/7/31 are at Cannock, 2618/22/3/5/40 at Stafford and 2613-6 still at Tamworth.
I saw 2641 (on the 27) and 2642 (on the 1) working in Shrewsbury on 20 October. There may be more there.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: andy on October 29, 2012, 09:23:03 PM
Quote from: derningtona on October 29, 2012, 09:14:53 PM
Has anyone any idea where ex-Tamworth 2619/20/4/8/9 are?
It has already been reported that 2617/21/6/7/31 are at Cannock, 2618/22/3/5/40 at Stafford and 2613-6 still at Tamworth.
I saw 2641 (on the 27) and 2642 (on the 1) working in Shrewsbury on 20 October. There may be more there.

I would be amazed if Telford haven't ended up with some. 2621-2631 were originally Telford buses and they also have the other half of the batch there.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 29, 2012, 09:24:01 PM
Are they going to stay at these garages? Or still go to Wednesfield eventually
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 30, 2012, 04:20:28 AM
Quote from: bob on October 29, 2012, 09:24:01 PM
Are they going to stay at these garages? Or still go to Wednesfield eventually

Well, until the competition commission stop ****ing around, the'll be staying where they are...
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: Bob on October 30, 2012, 08:26:54 AM
It must mean that every garage theyve gone to is running a surplus amount of buses then?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 30, 2012, 03:38:35 PM
Quote from: bob on October 30, 2012, 08:26:54 AM
It must mean that every garage theyve gone to is running a surplus amount of buses then?

Your guess is as good as mine...
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: derningtona on October 30, 2012, 06:32:03 PM
The B6s seem to be floating a bit. 2622, previously reported as being at Stafford, was in Tamworth garage this morning, together with newly-painted 2613. 2614 was on the 6, 2616 was on the 2 and 2620 (previously unreported whereabouts) was on the 780. Possibly 2615 (last noted on the 780 on the 23rd) is away for repaint but why FIVE at Tamworth? 
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: nx4737 on October 31, 2012, 04:14:23 AM
Spare capacity maybe, or to cover for whatever is away getting resprayed?
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: 2200 Bus on October 31, 2012, 07:33:39 PM
Quote from: derningtona on October 30, 2012, 06:32:03 PM
The B6s seem to be floating a bit. 2622, previously reported as being at Stafford, was in Tamworth garage this morning, together with newly-painted 2613. 2614 was on the 6, 2616 was on the 2 and 2620 (previously unreported whereabouts) was on the 780. Possibly 2615 (last noted on the 780 on the 23rd) is away for repaint but why FIVE at Tamworth?

2622 has an engine problem but is going back to Stafford and 2615 was in for a service.
Title: Re: I know it's been mentioned before, but...
Post by: tphi12000 on November 01, 2012, 10:30:43 PM
Quote from: derningtona on October 30, 2012, 06:32:03 PM
The B6s seem to be floating a bit. 2622, previously reported as being at Stafford, was in Tamworth garage this morning, together with newly-painted 2613. 2614 was on the 6, 2616 was on the 2 and 2620 (previously unreported whereabouts) was on the 780. Possibly 2615 (last noted on the 780 on the 23rd) is away for repaint but why FIVE at Tamworth?
2616 was on the 112 heading up the aston express this morning . Tony