Diamond East Midlands (formerly Midland Classic)

[Stu]

Hi Simon,

I've noticed on the customs that they don't have opening windows, I can see why the design would be that way for Australia but in the uk aircon isn't really a common thing on buses (it is but 99.9% of the time it doesn't work) will future batches arrive with opening windows? Or will it continue to be aircon only?

They are all climate controlled.  They won't have opening windows.

@zakbrad see my earlier reply in this topic for how vehicle aircon systems work:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=344051

To add to that, and what Simon has stated, electric vehicles have electric compressors, unlike those on combustion engines which are belt-driven, so is itself an electric powered motor. When the AC compressor is running, it will draw more energy from the battery, so it makes perfect sense to have no opening windows, otherwise it is using energy that is essentially being wasted. 

The aircon is just part of the whole HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system circulating air through the cabin/saloon. It's not just about 'keeping cool' during the summer, but maintaining a comfortable interior temperature all year around. You'll find this means these buses will be nice and warm during the winter as well - which is when some passengers will open windows for 'fresh air' which then lets all the warmth out!

Trust me, I've been working in the automotive aftermarket for nearly 30 years now, and my current employer has been specialising in vehicle aircon components for nearly 10 years now, so I like to think I know what I'm talking about. 

[Stu]

simon according to Bustimes Mercedes-Benz Vario Plaxton Cheetah 2 14520 - YY63 OTA is currently on route 8 is this correct or a tracking error?

https://bustimes.org/vehicles/mdcl-14520

@Mkinson2224 clearly this is a 'recycled' Ticketer unit from a former vehicle that has not been correctly updated.

[2206]

@Mkinson2224 clearly this is a 'recycled' Ticketer unit from a former vehicle that has not been correctly updated.

Might actually be 31420. Which stopped tracking at 14:05.
Guessing it had its machine swapped?