New Deliveries / New Livery & Branding Discussion

[CL]

I've been wondering, how are those E200MMC's with the start/ stop tech doing ?

2203/2204 weren't they? ??? Didn't they convert back to "normal"?

[MasterPlan]

I don't know the numbers so this won't be accurate, but in the region of 14-15 vehicles on the 22/23, maybe 9-10 on the 24? The 29 is the longest of the routes but also the least frequent so maybe up to 10 buses. So my guess would be a requirement for around 34-35 vehicles with 3 to 4 spare which I understand at c 10% is the norm.

On the livery, I'm guessing standard Platinum with green swoop and detailing instead of red.

I don't know why, but I envisioned a dark green, like Xplore Dundee. Or even the current green but full-bodied like the crimsons. Just with silver instead of cream. Maybe even a 'Turning Harborne Green' ...

I'd have thought the 24 needs more than 10. The 29 won't be as long when it gets curtailed back to Northfield. The 22 and 23 are both 15, mins combining to make a 7/8 mins frequency. As they interwork surely they don't need as many?

[Stevo]

I've been wondering, how are those E200MMC's with the start/ stop tech doing ?

I ride on them on the 58 and they never stop/start. It was always a bit 'violent' on these and the body shook when the engine stopped.

[Stevo]

Doing a spot of reading on this new hybrid technology you describe. An article in Bus & Coach Buyer has this:

"For 2018, ADL is developing a 48V Hybrid system using a motor generator connected to the propshaft via a drive belt and storing energy in supercapacitors. The system is independent on the vehicle's 24V electric system and contains no high voltages. By recovering up to 12kW during braking, it can deliver an additional 180Nm torque on starting, reducing fuel consumption by 4-8% on an Enviro400."

Possibly way wide of the mark, but I wonder if these new vehicles will use the system referred to above (although the timing might be too early for something reportedly not due until next year?)

Thanks for this - looks like what's coming. I wonder if they'll have the 4 cylinder engine as in the proper E400H with batteries or have to keep the six. The four, I'd guess.

[Mike K]

I'd have thought the 24 needs more than 10. The 29 won't be as long when it gets curtailed back to Northfield. The 22 and 23 are both 15, mins combining to make a 7/8 mins frequency. As they interwork surely they don't need as many?

The 24 is a relatively short route by today's standards in Birmingham, with a total round trip time of around 1 hr 20 mins. Round that up to 1 hr 30 to allow for layover time and a bus leaving town at say 12.00 would be back again for the 13.30 departure, which at a 10 min frequency would need 9 buses. Factor in 1 or 2 extras for much longer journey times during the peak and 10 probably isn't far wide of the mark.

The 22/23 are longer routes than the 24 plus combined require 2 extra buses per hour, so again, 14 or 15 is probably not miles off.

[MasterPlan]

Personally I can see them finding an excuse to exclude the 29 anyway.

[BK63 YWP]

I wonder if NX will use fleet no 5*** for these hybrids or the 69** as they are Platinums

[karl724223]

I wonder if NX will use fleet no 5*** for these hybrids or the 69** as they are Platinums

or maybe used at Pensnett ?

[MW]

I've always thought that the 50 would be suited to Hybrids. On the other hand I've also thought Enviro 500s would suit the 50, given its loadings. Always rammed at peaks. Have you guys seen the queue for the 50 stop outside the Bullring? Most orderly bus stop queue in Birmingham City Centre!

[GeminiFan1991]

I've always thought that the 50 would be suited to Hybrids. On the other hand I've also thought Enviro 500s would suit the 50, given its loadings. Always rammed at peaks. Have you guys seen the queue for the 50 stop outside the Bullring? Most orderly bus stop queue in Birmingham City Centre!

It must be my bad luck as whenever I see a 50 its usually mostly empty and their running in pairs !

[MW]

It must be my bad luck as whenever I see a 50 its usually mostly empty and their running in pairs !

Peaks. Have a look at the Birmingham stop at around 4-5pm on a weekday evening.

[Stevo]

Will these hybrid platinums have the same grey livery as the others? Or will it be green? And is 38 enough to cover the entire Harborne corridor?

As the earlier hybrids are getting standard crimson it's a fair bet these will get standard Platinum, no doubt with vinyls advertising their hybrid green credentials.

[Jack]

Peaks. Have a look at the Birmingham stop at around 4-5pm on a weekday evening.

I see them scattered in threes. The first bus at the stop is the full Bus, then the second and third appear. The third tends to leave empty. If one goes missing then they cue for the 35! That's the same story on Stratford Road in Peaks.

I've always thought that the 50 would be suited to Hybrids. On the other hand I've also thought Enviro 500s would suit the 50, given its loadings. Always rammed at peaks. Have you guys seen the queue for the 50 stop outside the Bullring? Most orderly bus stop queue in Birmingham City Centre!

I think the Hybrids should be allocated to routes that sit in the cues for half the route. I.E the 5/6/31/37 (Could include the 2 aswell but the 3 would have them as they interwork. 14/74 I think. I think they would look nice on the 14.

[Mike K]

I see them scattered in threes. The first bus at the stop is the full Bus, then the second and third appear. The third tends to leave empty. If one goes missing then they cue for the 35! That's the same story on Stratford Road in Peaks.
I think the Hybrids should be allocated to routes that sit in the cues for half the route. I.E the 5/6/31/37 (Could include the 2 aswell but the 3 would have them as they interwork. 14/74 I think. I think they would look nice on the 14.

I think the word you are looking for is queue / queues

[Lukeee]

I think the word you are looking for is queue / queues

That was right on cue  ;)