Diamond East Midlands (formerly Midland Classic)

[winston]

They were, but Midland Classic now operating them on behalf of Diamond instead.

Is that just until the Solus coaches registrations kick in or have things changed?

[Cheese]

Is that just until the Solus coaches registrations kick in or have things changed?

Things have changed it seems, Solus don't want to run them now it would seem.  I wouldn't be surprised if their registration to operate them is cancelled, or if it does go ahead is somewhat amended (which I really hope does not happen).

[Justin Tyme]

That's interesting - thanks Cheese!

I've found the timetable on the Midland Classic website, stating that the company started operating services 20-23 (on behalf of Diamond) from 16 November and will do so until Christmas Eve: -

http://www.midlandclassic.com/media/1945/Lichfield-Timetable-161115-web.pdf

[broma1k]

3(JB64 MCL) & 208(MX12 CGE)

[Cheese]

That's interesting - thanks Cheese!

I've found the timetable on the Midland Classic website, stating that the company started operating services 20-23 (on behalf of Diamond) from 16 November and will do so until Christmas Eve: -

http://www.midlandclassic.com/media/1945/Lichfield-Timetable-161115-web.pdf

Unsure as of yet who will be operating the services after Christmas, I guess it will become clear in the near future.

[James]

This weekend sees the first day of operation of a Sunday service on route 9 between Burton and Swadlincote. Subject to availability we will be running the whole day with our Routemaster. Normal fares apply and link to timetable is below:

http://www.midlandclassic.com/media/1931/9-261015.pdf

James

[Ashley 60171]

83 reported as having had a repaint and losing its X12 branding.

[Dylanbusboy45]

Just visited the depot.
If not already mentioned they have got 4 Pulsar Geminis
42 LJ03MWA
43 LJ53BFP
44 LJ53BGK
45 LJ53BGO
Also there was a DAF DB250/Alexander ALX400. It is plain red and has logos applied. It is number 40 X438FGP. There were two tridents there number 93 and an UNID one.Spectra 41 was there but had a panel missing on the front so may be withdrawn. Also looking to be withdrawn was 72.

[P419 EJW]

Spectra 41 was there but had a panel missing on the front so may be withdrawn.

If it is true 4002 may be withdrawn then it is a shame she had a short life outside NX... Hope 4002 goes into preservation. :)

[John]

If it is true 4002 may be withdrawn then it is a shame she had a short life outside NX... Hope 4002 goes into preservation. :)

I really wouldn't think it wold be withdrawn just yet. Might just be having work done on it

[JoNi]

Came across 42 in Burton on dull day last week.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/e2467f

[Dylanbusboy45]

It may not be withdrawn but that was just my guess. There may also be a lack of spare parts.

[Westy]

It may not be withdrawn but that was just my guess. There may also be a lack of spare parts.

Wonder why they bought it if there was likely to be a spare part issue?

Didn't WMPTE have a similar problem with a FODEN double decker they bought in the late 70's?

[James]

The engine has expired on the Spectra in a big way. The DLA has been purchased to donate its engine (and it's X441 not 438, that's the one at Arriva Burton!) but will run it in the short term. So don't worry, it's in good hands. Shows as a warning that the purchase price of a bus for preservation is most certainly the cheap part!

71 and 72 both withdrawn for scrap.

James

[barry619]

Wonder why they bought it if there was likely to be a spare part issue?

Didn't WMPTE have a similar problem with a FODEN double decker they bought in the late 70's?

The problem with the few Foden-NCs built was that Foden inexplicably went for an Allison gearbox and that was its Achilles heel. Parts were difficult to get and very expensive. Had Foden gone for the more conventional five-speed semi auto it could have been much different, as long as they were kept away from the likes of the idiot on here who thinks that a semi is driven the same as a full auto.

Parts for a Spectra's chassis are likely to be easy to come by as there are plenty of DB250s coming out of service and littering scrapyards. Body parts may be another matter.