I know it's been mentioned before, but...

[nx4737]

What are Arriva doing with the Mercs? They're still not in service... So much for the first week of October!

[Bruce_LOA400X]

at Thurmaston originally for driver training/familiarisation etc. then the rest came up so there are 20 citaro's waiting in Leicester because tamworth need to hurry the hell up and make room at their depot! LOL

[Tony]

What are Arriva doing with the Mercs? They're still not in service... So much for the first week of October!

The first three are now going to Telford now not Tamworth

[nx4737]

The words 'pi$$ up' and brewery' spring to mind.

[nx4737]

That'll be interesting to see...

[andy]

The Citaros will enter service in Tamworth this Saturday.

And now you've said that so will a plethora of spotters!

[Tomjusttom]

And Will not spontaneously combust on Friday

[Bruce_LOA400X]

I spoke to an arriva guy today at a meeting.

He said there *might* be a small chance that Leicester will get a Volvo B6 or two for driver training purposes once they are displaced at tamworth by the citaros.

He said it was mentioned at Arriva Midlands HQ but its a case of wait and see.

[Bob]

at least Cannock arent getting any! theyve enough S**tboxes as it is lol

[Bruce_LOA400X]

at least Cannock arent getting any! theyve enough S**tboxes as it is lol

better than our MPD's.....

Irony is they would be transferring buses to us which were new to us in the first place!!! LOL

[nx4737]

I spoke to an arriva guy today at a meeting.

He said there *might* be a small chance that Leicester will get a Volvo B6 or two for driver training purposes once they are displaced at tamworth by the citaros.

He said it was mentioned at Arriva Midlands HQ but its a case of wait and see.

They're more than welcome to them...

As for Saturday, I'll believe it when I see it :)

[Bruce_LOA400X]

Why the hate on the B6's?

[andy]

Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.

[nx4737]

Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.

In there defense, for a bus that's nearly 13 years old, they've aged quite well, looks wise!

Though I can imagine the milage they've clocked up, even on local routes... what are they like to drive when they escape onto the 110, from personal experience they seem to fly over the Express Way...

[andy]

Why the hate on the B6's?

You would have to drive one!

They are slow, cold, constantly overheat and suffer electrical problems and are just basically tired. They have clocked some serious service up between Telford and Tamworth since new in 1999 where they have been worked extremely hard.

They were OK buses when they were new although never really up to the job they were given due to the underpowered engine for a vehicle of their size. Saying that they probably have far more useful life in them than some newer Darts.

In there defense, for a bus that's nearly 13 years old, they've aged quite well, looks wise!

Though I can imagine the milage they've clocked up, even on local routes... what are they like to drive when they escape onto the 110, from personal experience they seem to fly over the Express Way...

You're right they're great once they're wound up on the flat and will float along nicely, the problem is if you have to slow down and then get them going again. And if you get a full load on one and have to thrash it for a couple of hours you're sitting there just waiting for the 'ding'

They've served well to be fair as I didn't expect them to go on so long, although they did have a mini overhaul a few years ago.  They will do fine on light work like the Midland stuff, assuming there aren't any ridiculous climbs which I can't say I know as I don't know the gradient of the routes too well.