Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 Demonstrator

[GeminiFan1991]

It's only a short term demo, you don't paint them, all the paintshop have done is removed any old vinyls and put fleetnumbers on

oh ok, I was just surprised that they applied logos and gave the vehicle a fleet number despite being a demonstrator

Are their any exteral bodywork differences between it and the B5L Hybrids ?!

[Cheese]

oh ok, I was just surprised that they applied logos and gave the vehicle a fleet number despite being a demonstrator

Are their any exteral bodywork differences between it and the B5L Hybrids ?!

Well the upper deck is an obvious one...

[danny]

I'm a little maybe someone can help me out... I was under the impression that the 5 year ADL deal was an exclusive... Has this now changed, or was exclusive just a word thrown out by ADL and the press, or was the use of the exclusive word not legally binding, this is ofcourse on the presumption that NX were looking at alternative manufactures... Could just be evaluating duel door use.

[CL]

oh ok, I was just surprised that they applied logos and gave the vehicle a fleet number despite being a demonstrator

Are their any exteral bodywork differences between it and the B5L Hybrids ?!

The original B5LH demo was numbered 4699.

[Mike K]

Am I the only one to think it looks absolutely hideous?! What on earth have Wrightbus done to the Gemini which used to look this good:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/5621435350/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9242833456/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eybusman/19808898035/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsnwtransport/20598526853/

Or even the less attractive looking hybrids:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsnwtransport/13775854564/

And as for the front of the new StreetDecks... ::)

The B5LH looks a bit weird due to the short wheelbase. The latest version is available as a long wheelbase, as per Lothian's latest 15 plate examples and these do look far more in proportion. The latest Gemini 3 body (it's available on the Volvo B5 chassis, not just on the Streetdeck) is quite controversial, but I must admit is slowly growing on me.

I'm going to make an uncontroversial guess that this will just be trialled alongside the existing B5s on the 22/23. It's already visited BC after all.

[Liberator9]

I quite like the design of this demonstrator - always liked Volvos anyway and would still like to see new Volvos ordered again in the future. Would look great in Crimson !

I much prefer the Volvos B5s at BC in comparison to the ADL Hybrids at WN. I just feel the Volvos are better quality.

[Ronnoc]

I quite like the design of this demonstrator - always liked Volvos anyway and would still like to see new Volvos ordered again in the future. Would look great in Crimson !

I much prefer the Volvos B5s at BC in comparison to the ADL Hybrids at WN. The volvos I just feel the Volvos are better quality.

Nowadays, buses are looking a total mess. No real design in these machines anymore.

[Dutsey]

Nowadays, buses are looking a total mess. No real design in these machines anymore.

I have to disagree with this i'm afraid, maybe this was true in the mid 90's but now with the newer models ADL Enviros, Wright STreetdecks, the Boris buses I think buses are looking alot better.

[GeminiFan1991]

The B5LH looks a bit weird due to the short wheelbase. The latest version is available as a long wheelbase, as per Lothian's latest 15 plate examples and these do look far more in proportion. The latest Gemini 3 body (it's available on the Volvo B5 chassis, not just on the Streetdeck) is quite controversial, but I must admit is slowly growing on me.

I'm going to make an uncontroversial guess that this will just be trialled alongside the existing B5s on the 22/23. It's already visited BC after all.

I guess to the average person, they'll think it's the normal hybrid which has been repainted !

[Stevo]

It's presumably a Euro 6 bus but it won't be any more economically viable than any other hybrid so an order for more will need some sort of green bus grant as before. I wasn't aware any more grants were in the pipeline.

[RW]

Anyone know where it is now and what it's up to?

[The Real 4778]

Have they brought it or is a demostrator thats going to go esle where

They have brought it to Walsall. 

It may well go to Esle in future.

[The Real 4778]

I can't understand why, given its age, it wasn't given fleet number 4999.

[The Real 4778]

I guess to the average person, they'll think it's the normal hybrid which has been repainted !

The average person doesn't know hybrids exist.

[2900]

While on broad st last nite I noticed in my rear view mirror what appeared to be a Wrightbus street deck with the controversial new  front end when the street light caught the paint work it appeared to be pink reminding me of the one at a show last year.  Just wandered if any one else might of seen it around brum yesterday evening.