Messages

According to Bus and Coach Professional Year Book 2012 the MGW of a Solo is 8t to 11.3t and Enviro200 13.1t whatever the length. This does not seem logical for the Enviro, but I am quoting from the book.

There was only one Bendie on the 67 yesterday, 6030. Other vehicles were 4256, 4300, 4492, 4282, 4246, 4923, 4829 and 4486.

809 was still on the 59 this afternoon. I live on the route and it is the first time I have seen an E200 on the route.

Many thanks Tony, I was quite confused as I had checked quite carefully.

6030 and 6031 on the 67 today. I counted 7 deckers on the route as well. I thought there were 8 vehicles off peak, presumably I was mistaken.

2120 has recently been repainted, which could be why 2119 has been transferred.

And also been fitted with a tachometer

A branded 900 was involved in an accident at Bordesley Circus this morning which resulted in the attendance of all three emergency services. I couldn't see the damage or the fleet number as I was on a 73 going into the city.

4283, 4278, 4256, 4302, 4259, 4239, 4261 and 6029 on the 67 [off peak] today. I waited for 6029 for my journey back, thinking it may be 8 deckers and no bendies next time I go that way. 6029 was running well, with a few rattles from the area of the join.

Tony, some time ago you told us that all but one of the B7RLE's were on the road on one particular day. Would it be possible to do the same check on the Presidents. They are near the end of their working life and it would be interesting to see how reliable they are. I can't remember the last time I saw one of them parked up having failed, a big contrast with the Mercedes when they were on the 13 and 17 through Yardley.

6030 was on the 67 this afternoon.

Trams I saw in service today were 04, 06, 08, 09, 10, 12, 16 19, 22 and 26. 24 had the pantograph up and appeared ready for service. I think the three  parked way down the yard were 03, 05 and 11.

I travelled  on two of the Banga Vario's today, P108 and W193. Bus and Coach Weekly, December 23rd issue suggests that they will not be allowed to run after tomorrow as they are not DDA compliant. P102, R136 and X657 were also in service.

Boxing Day brings back memories of Ron. Some years ago on Boxing Day Lea Hall decided to put their last few Metrobuses on all their double deck routes. Ron somehow got to hear of this and spent much of the day in the Square Peg in Corporation Street, indulging in his two favourite hobbies, Metrobuses and beer.

The fleet list on the Green Bus web site shows the fleet reduced from 41 vehicles to 25, with some of the Tridents and Olympians missing and both single deckers gone.

It was chaos this morning with services disrupted between Birmingham and West Bromwich due to power failure. One tram was apparently running a shuttle, but I didn't see it. 04, 08, 10, 12, 16, 19 and 26 were running between West Bromwich and the Royal. Passengers were dumped at the Royal with little information as to how to get the rest of the way. 05, 06 and 11 were parked together with 03 at the Birmingham end of the yard and were all probably out of service.