First West of England (Bristol, Bath & The West)

TheGrandWazoo · 26 Jan 2020

BBC said:
The oldest buses at LH should be 57/58 plates soon, the plan is for all the old 32s to go with some heading to Cornwall for an easier life.

That's a lot to clear out. I was out and about yesterday (will share details at some point) but it did get me thinking about that First WoE never got that many B7TLs (37 ALXs and 31 Geminis?) and yet has amassed a substantial fleet of ones from across the country as the fleet has demanded more deckers.

Can't wait to see the new image on the 42-45. Remember when 37318 arrived and the 57 plates; didn't think they'd still be working 12 years later on the same routes.

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Private Baxter · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
That's a lot to clear out. I was out and about yesterday (will share details at some point) but it did get me thinking about that First WoE never got that many B7TLs (37 ALXs and 31 Geminis?) and yet has amassed a substantial fleet of ones from across the country as the fleet has demanded more deckers.

Can't wait to see the new image on the 42-45. Remember when 37318 arrived and the 57 plates; didn't think they'd still be working 12 years later on the same routes.

And all but one of them are still here. Two moved to Bath, where one remains on X39, whilst the other went to York a few years ago

BBC · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
That's a lot to clear out. I was out and about yesterday (will share details at some point) but it did get me thinking about that First WoE never got that many B7TLs (37 ALXs and 31 Geminis?) and yet has amassed a substantial fleet of ones from across the country as the fleet has demanded more deckers.

Can't wait to see the new image on the 42-45. Remember when 37318 arrived and the 57 plates; didn't think they'd still be working 12 years later on the same routes.

It is a lot to clear out but it’ll be done quickly as there isn’t the capacity at LH for an extra 77 buses. And yeah it’s a shame it’s taken this long for them to get new buses, if I’m correct weren’t they supposed to get the enviros that are on the 1/2 a few years ago?

freetoview33 · 26 Jan 2020

BBC said:
It is a lot to clear out but it’ll be done quickly as there isn’t the capacity at LH for an extra 77 buses. And yeah it’s a shame it’s taken this long for them to get new buses, if I’m correct weren’t they supposed to get the enviros that are on the 1/2 a few years ago?

Correct and the ones for the 48/49

Private Baxter · 26 Jan 2020

BBC said:
It is a lot to clear out but it’ll be done quickly as there isn’t the capacity at LH for an extra 77 buses. And yeah it’s a shame it’s taken this long for them to get new buses, if I’m correct weren’t they supposed to get the enviros that are on the 1/2 a few years ago?

Indeed, the e400s on 1/2 were originally planned for 42-45, but was later decided they would go on 48/49, until Wessex announced plans for their new Service One, so were then put on 1/2, all before they ever arrived. I think (though could be wrong) that those currently on 48/49 were always intended for those routes

Whiteway215 · 26 Jan 2020

BBC said:
It is a lot to clear out but it’ll be done quickly as there isn’t the capacity at LH for an extra 77 buses. And yeah it’s a shame it’s taken this long for them to get new buses, if I’m correct weren’t they supposed to get the enviros that are on the 1/2 a few years ago?

Out of interest do any of the FWE depots have spare storage capacity. WM? HE? Or are they already full of operational fleet. Not sure if BH has, there seem to be quite a few withdrawn/stored/VOR buses around there at present I believe such as 10037/174/176 30871/73/75 32090 32099 32286 65726 66731 66732.

TheGrandWazoo · 26 Jan 2020

Whiteway215 said:
Out of interest do any of the FWE depots have spare storage capacity. WM? HE? Or are they already full of operational fleet. Not sure if BH has, there seem to be quite a few withdrawn/stored/VOR buses around there at present I believe such as 10037/174/176 30871/73/75 32090 32099 32286 65726 66731 66732.

WM must have a little having lost the X5?

BBC said:
It is a lot to clear out but it’ll be done quickly as there isn’t the capacity at LH for an extra 77 buses. And yeah it’s a shame it’s taken this long for them to get new buses, if I’m correct weren’t they supposed to get the enviros that are on the 1/2 a few years ago?

Don’t worry - I wasn’t advocating that they were hanging onto them!! :lol:

Anyhow, aren’t they coming in three phases with these ones, the SG Lynx, and then the 73s?

BBC · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
WM must have a little having lost the X5?

Don’t worry - I wasn’t advocating that they were hanging onto them!! Anyhow, aren’t they coming in three phases with these ones, the SG Lynx, and then the 73s?

From what I’ve heard it’s 42-5 6/7 on the 17th of feb and a week later the 17 and 73 get theirs. Not sure about the T1 etc.

freetoview33 · 26 Jan 2020

BBC said:
From what I’ve heard it’s 42-5 6/7 on the 17th of feb and a week later the 17 and 73 get theirs. Not sure about the T1 etc.

T1 seems to already be in service!

devonexpress · 26 Jan 2020

If the M3 and Y1 buses do go onto the X39, how likely is it they will get the standard leather seating, it seems silly to have them operating with metrobus branded seat covers.

Bradley · 26 Jan 2020

Does anyone know why 10036, 10037, 10173, 10174, 10175, 10176, 32069, 32074, 32099, 32252, 32257, 32278, 32284, 32331, 32336, 32337, 32347, 32349, 32352, 32623, 32624, 32670, 32673, 32677, 32688, 32690, 33074, 33658, 33660, 33667, 33827, 33831, 33832, 33833, 33834, 33835, 33836, 33837, 33838, 33839, 33840, 33857, 33934, 33955, 33965, 35106, 35109, 35110, 35111, 35112, 35116, 35145, 35166, 36801, 36802, 36805, 36821, 36824, 36827, 37181, 37182, 37183, 37185, 37408, 37597, 37614, 37619, 37758, 37762, 37764, 37766, 39140, 39191, 39192, 39492, 42898, 42909, 42965, 42969, 53819, 53859, 66885, 69437, 69501, 69508 are not tracking for I do know that 33955 was out 27th January as I saw it but was not tracking and 37182 I saw on the 24th January but it was not tracking.

TheGrandWazoo · 26 Jan 2020

Bradley said:
Does anyone know why 10036, 10037, 10173, 10174, 10175, 10176, 32069, 32074, 32099, 32252, 32257, 32278, 32284, 32331, 32336, 32337, 32347, 32349, 32352, 32623, 32624, 32670, 32673, 32677, 32688, 32690, 33074, 33658, 33660, 33667, 33827, 33831, 33832, 33833, 33834, 33835, 33836, 33837, 33838, 33839, 33840, 33857, 33934, 33955, 33965, 35106, 35109, 35110, 35111, 35112, 35116, 35145, 35166, 36801, 36802, 36805, 36821, 36824, 36827, 37181, 37182, 37183, 37185, 37408, 37597, 37614, 37619, 37758, 37762, 37764, 37766, 39140, 39191, 39192, 39492, 42898, 42909, 42965, 42969, 53819, 53859, 66885, 69437, 69501, 69508 are not tracking for I do know that 33955 was out 27th January as I saw it but was not tracking and 37182 I saw on the 24th January but it was not tracking.

Sorry to appear rude but we’ve discussed many of these already. Some are VOR because of mechanical (like 66885) and some for reasons like repaint (like 36801/2).

Some will also be tracking using other numbers. It’s not an exact science.

D2007wsm · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
WM must have a little having lost the X5?

Don’t worry - I wasn’t advocating that they were hanging onto them!! Anyhow, aren’t they coming in three phases with these ones, the SG Lynx, and then the 73s?

You may get a few extra buses in Weston, but not many. Even with the buses from the X5 gone, when everything is in it’s pretty tight.

TheGrandWazoo · 26 Jan 2020

D2007wsm said:
You may get a few extra buses in Weston, but not many. Even with the buses from the X5 gone, when everything is in it’s pretty tight.

Hence why I said “a little”

Remember when the last Lynxes were withdrawn, they were moved to a yard near Twerton Fork!

Whiteway215 · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
Hence why I said “a little”

Remember when the last Lynxes were withdrawn, they were moved to a yard near Twerton Fork!

I remember it well.They even had a security man on patrol to guard them. After assuring him I was a bus enthusiast I did ask him very politely if I could wander around to view what was stored there but he told me less politely to 'go away!'

swifty · 26 Jan 2020

devonexpress said:
If the M3 and Y1 buses do go onto the X39, how likely is it they will get the standard leather seating, it seems silly to have them operating with metrobus branded seat covers.

I believe seats covers have already been swapped between the m2 & former m3 batch so that they no longer have the metrobus moquette.

cnjb8 · 26 Jan 2020

Whiteway215 said:
Out of interest do any of the FWE depots have spare storage capacity. WM? HE? Or are they already full of operational fleet. Not sure if BH has, there seem to be quite a few withdrawn/stored/VOR buses around there at present I believe such as 10037/174/176 30871/73/75 32090 32099 32286 65726 66731 66732.

There have been quotes describing a 'death corner' at Weston-super-Mare on here

TheGrandWazoo · 26 Jan 2020

As I mentioned, I had a trip out locally with an AvonRider despite feeling bloody awful but the opportunities are fleeting.

I began in Paulton (!) with one of Wells' loan vehicle in ex Glasgow B7 32553. It is a bit faded inside but I was only going to Farrington Gurney on the loop that I've not yet experienced. I then waited for a northbound 376 that duly arrived in 37771. Now I'm saddened that these are heading off elsewhere when the e400 are deployed as they're good machines. Mind you, I can't get over the moquette. Who would think two tone blue and green would go with purple and grey laminates.....they don't. I know it's personal choice but I don't like it. Anyhow, off we headed a bit late and continued to lose time so that by the time we reached Broadwalk, I missed my planned trip on the 96. Instead, I grabbed a coffee and then waited for the 92. It's been a long time since I travelled on that (I think in Wessex days' 51) so it was enjoyable as we then weaved around the Whitchurch suburbs on 35148, newly repainted after a spell as a Mendip Explorer!

At the curiously named Belland Drive (fnarr fnarr), I walked across the road to Paddock Gardens and waited for the now less frequent m1. 2920 of CT Plus arrived and for the next four minutes, it was a cacophony of squeaks. Worst than the Streetdeck and much worse than the older Wrights I'd had earlier. I don't know what was going on but it's poor reflection on a year old bus. I nipped off to use the toilet at Hengrove Park and waited for the 76. I was hoping for some elderly fleet but it was standard B9 37589 as we headed through the badlands of 'Artcleff. Decent loads collected as we weaved through south Brizzle and into Bemmie.

I then went off to take some pictures of the Upfest creativity; lots to love in Bemmie even if it is all a bit cloyingly hipster at times. I then spied a President coming. It was 33062, one of the ex Wales Tridents. I broke off from photography and got on and experienced the ridiculous low capacity on the lower deck as we headed off to Ashton Gate. It actually went quite well although it is terribly tired inside; I doubt it's ever been refurbished. I got off and saw 44907 doing its 24A shuttle work and nipped off to get a Subway. After lunch, it was across the road for the 24 back to Bemmie to continue my snapping with 32621, one of the more recent ex Glasgow B7 Geminis.

After completing my snapping, I headed for the 24 and waited...and waited. One was missing so it was about 25 mins until one arrived in ex York 32249. Now this is 17 year old vehicle but it had received a mid life spruce up and it was actually in decent shape. Far better than some of the native ALXs. I stayed on as we got delayed by long queues at most stops, annoyed by the missing and late vehicles. From the oldest vehicles, it was onto something brand new and onto the m3 with brand new 39487. This didn't make as much noise as 2920 earlier but it still isn't great. Off we headed and with a good mid afternoon load. I was one of 8 people who got off at Willy Wicket though how many of those are new to bus travel? Hopefully the market is growing. I then waited for my e400mmc on the Y1, only to be treated to 37620. However, this was a really good example and we fairly bowled along through Coalpit Heath, arriving on time at Yate.

I then had a short wait before grabbing the Stagecoach 86 to Kingswood. This was 47596 but I spied it had a non standard interior. A check showed it was one of the former Cooks fleet, and is a full length Optare Solo. I'd never done the 86 before but I recognised much of the route as I work near Emersons. It certainly had a struggle on some corners with the long wheelbase near Kendleshire and Henfield and around Emersons/Mangotsfield before we finally got into Kingswood. I had a short break here....or so I thought. I had 15 mins before the 18 was due but it was late....it was eventually 25 mins late. Why so on a Saturday afternoon...? I have no idea. However, 32290 eventually arrived and we made our way on the rather dull 18, eventually arriving in Bath and ready for my last bus, with the 1830 172 to Paulton. It was another refurbed B9 in 37772 with that moquette (!) but again, it was a spirited run as it fairly stormed up out of Dunkerton. It obviously had faired better than 69445, expired in Peasedown in darkness and waiting for recovery. We ground through Norton Radstock but then realised that I was on the long loop so a trip back through Farrington before finally reaching Paulton.

Hope it was of interest. Probably the last time I'll travel on a Trident in Bristol, I shouldn't wonder and have to say that the old ALXs may be old, but they were certainly built to last.

Private Baxter · 26 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
As I mentioned, I had a trip out locally with an AvonRider despite feeling bloody awful but the opportunities are fleeting.

I began in Paulton (!) with one of Wells' loan vehicle in ex Glasgow B7 32553. It is a bit faded inside but I was only going to Farrington Gurney on the loop that I've not yet experienced. I then waited for a northbound 376 that duly arrived in 37771. Now I'm saddened that these are heading off elsewhere when the e400 are deployed as they're good machines. Mind you, I can't get over the moquette. Who would think two tone blue and green would go with purple and grey laminates.....they don't. I know it's personal choice but I don't like it. Anyhow, off we headed a bit late and continued to lose time so that by the time we reached Broadwalk, I missed my planned trip on the 96. Instead, I grabbed a coffee and then waited for the 92. It's been a long time since I travelled on that (I think in Wessex days' 51) so it was enjoyable as we then weaved around the Whitchurch suburbs on 35148, newly repainted after a spell as a Mendip Explorer!

At the curiously named Belland Drive (fnarr fnarr), I walked across the road to Paddock Gardens and waited for the now less frequent m1. 2920 of CT Plus arrived and for the next four minutes, it was a cacophony of squeaks. Worst than the Streetdeck and much worse than the older Wrights I'd had earlier. I don't know what was going on but it's poor reflection on a year old bus. I nipped off to use the toilet at Hengrove Park and waited for the 76. I was hoping for some elderly fleet but it was standard B9 37589 as we headed through the badlands of 'Artcleff. Decent loads collected as we weaved through south Brizzle and into Bemmie.

I then went off to take some pictures of the Upfest creativity; lots to love in Bemmie even if it is all a bit cloyingly hipster at times. I then spied a President coming. It was 33062, one of the ex Wales Tridents. I broke off from photography and got on and experienced the ridiculous low capacity on the lower deck as we headed off to Ashton Gate. It actually went quite well although it is terribly tired inside; I doubt it's ever been refurbished. I got off and saw 44907 doing its 24A shuttle work and nipped off to get a Subway. After lunch, it was across the road for the 24 back to Bemmie to continue my snapping with 32621, one of the more recent ex Glasgow B7 Geminis.

After completing my snapping, I headed for the 24 and waited...and waited. One was missing so it was about 25 mins until one arrived in ex York 32249. Now this is 17 year old vehicle but it had received a mid life spruce up and it was actually in decent shape. Far better than some of the native ALXs. I stayed on as we got delayed by long queues at most stops, annoyed by the missing and late vehicles. From the oldest vehicles, it was onto something brand new and onto the m3 with brand new 39487. This didn't make as much noise as 2920 earlier but it still isn't great. Off we headed and with a good mid afternoon load. I was one of 8 people who got off at Willy Wicket though how many of those are new to bus travel? Hopefully the market is growing. I then waited for my e400mmc on the Y1, only to be treated to 37620. However, this was a really good example and we fairly bowled along through Coalpit Heath, arriving on time at Yate.

I then had a short wait before grabbing the Stagecoach 86 to Kingswood. This was 47596 but I spied it had a non standard interior. A check showed it was one of the former Cooks fleet, and is a full length Optare Solo. I'd never done the 86 before but I recognised much of the route as I work near Emersons. It certainly had a struggle on some corners with the long wheelbase near Kendleshire and Henfield and around Emersons/Mangotsfield before we finally got into Kingswood. I had a short break here....or so I thought. I had 15 mins before the 18 was due but it was late....it was eventually 25 mins late. Why so on a Saturday afternoon...? I have no idea. However, 32290 eventually arrived and we made our way on the rather dull 18, eventually arriving in Bath and ready for my last bus, with the 1830 172 to Paulton. It was another refurbed B9 in 37772 with that moquette (!) but again, it was a spirited run as it fairly stormed up out of Dunkerton. It obviously had faired better than 69445, expired in Peasedown in darkness and waiting for recovery. We ground through Norton Radstock but then realised that I was on the long loop so a trip back through Farrington before finally reaching Paulton.

Hope it was of interest. Probably the last time I'll travel on a Trident in Bristol, I shouldn't wonder and have to say that the old ALXs may be old, but they were certainly built to last.

Sounds like you had a day of mis-allocations, though it can be a bit of a lottery can't it. I agree I like those B9s that have been working the 173/376 over the last 15 months or so, and I actually do rather like the moquette, though agree it does rather clash with the purple back seats!

The 18 is far from my favourite route, one which, on the odd occasion when I did do it, was endured, rather than enjoyed. The 19 is a much nicer route, though doesn't run Saturdays any more, but does run on a Sunday - but not the 18!

I'm less familiar with some of the other routes you mentioned, and I am yet to try either the m2 and m3, but no doubt will at some point. Thanks for sharing.

D2007wsm · 26 Jan 2020

cnjb8 said:
There have been quotes describing a 'death corner' at Weston-super-Mare on here

The naughty corner used to be in the back corner opposite the gate. Now it is rare to see condemned vehicles there, over the last few years of increased services and extra buses required e.g. full excel network, 5s, Coaster etc. there isn’t the room. In that corner at night now, the buses are parked 3 deep to the gates.

BBC · 27 Jan 2020

devonexpress said:
If the M3 and Y1 buses do go onto the X39, how likely is it they will get the standard leather seating, it seems silly to have them operating with metrobus branded seat covers.

It’s not if its when they go on the x39. One has been repainted in new colours for a new branded X39 fleet.

Private Baxter · 27 Jan 2020

BBC said:
It’s not if its when they go on the x39. One has been repainted in new colours for a new branded X39 fleet.

That's brilliant news. Really looking forward to seeing what they've got in store for its livery. Certainly long over due!
I think the question was more about whether the current T1/Y1 scanias head over as well, as I think it was mentioned that only six of the m2 buses are going to Bath.

TheGrandWazoo · 27 Jan 2020

Private Baxter said:
That's brilliant news. Really looking forward to seeing what they've got in store for its livery. Certainly long over due!
I think the question was more about whether the current T1/Y1 scanias head over as well, as I think it was mentioned that only six of the m2 buses are going to Bath.

Would it not be dependent on the receipt of the gas buses for SG Lynx? That would allow some of 36814-24 to move across?

freetoview33 · 27 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
Would it not be dependent on the receipt of the gas buses for SG Lynx? That would allow some of 36814-24 to move across?

There are already two gas buses about on SGL

carlberry · 27 Jan 2020

freetoview33 said:
There are already two gas buses about on SGL

They appear to only do peak runs at the moment, however one of the Scanias without the Lynx logo was in Bath on Saturday out of service.

TheGrandWazoo · 27 Jan 2020

freetoview33 said:
There are already two gas buses about on SGL

Are you talking about the liveried examples or the spare ones in Urban?

freetoview33 · 27 Jan 2020

The bus shelters at Parkway are being replaced, but I wonder if the new ones will be metrobus ones.

D2007wsm · 27 Jan 2020

TheGrandWazoo said:
Are you talking about the liveried examples or the spare ones in Urban?

They may have been using one to try out on the South Glos Lynx services using one of the Urban liveried examples or the ticket machine has been swapped between buses and the fleet number hasn’t been changed.

As far as I am aware, the Marlborough Street drivers are still to receive Type Training on them. This is usually done in the bus station and I have not seen one yet in the bus station doing this. They are scheduled to be introduced on city services first. I know they have been using the red city service ones on peak extras on the m3 and m3x

AB93 · 27 Jan 2020

freetoview33 said:
There are already two gas buses about on SGL

D2007wsm said:
They may have been using one to try out on the South Glos Lynx services using one of the Urban liveried examples or the ticket machine has been swapped between buses and the fleet number hasn’t been changed.
As far as I am aware, the Marlborough Street drivers are still to receive Type Training on them. This is usually done in the bus station and I have not seen one yet in the bus station doing this. They are scheduled to be introduced on city services first. I know they have been using the red city service ones on peak extras on the m3 and m3x

Only one has been out with Marlborough Street, 39492 is still being used by Lawrence Hill.

39491 has spent all last week with Marlborough Street on T1s, and threw in a Y3 on Friday as well.

DaveHarries · 27 Jan 2020

BBC said:
It’s not if its when they go on the x39. One has been repainted in new colours for a new branded X39 fleet.

I have been told on a Facebook group that the B9 / Wright deckers currently used on the X39 are due for transfer to Hengrove for Service 24 (Ashton Gate - Southmead Hospital) and may well be branded for that route. I will be interested to see what colours the X39 branding uses. I wonder if they will name it also (as with the Wells routes being "Mendip Explorer") and all it the Abbey Explorer (bearing in mind that Bristol Cathedral was, prior to 1539, known as St. Augustine's Abbey)?

Dave

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