First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[Busaholic]

33420 (got the number right now!) out on the U4 again today. I followed it from Marazion to Long Rock, non stop, and I was surprised, on a relatively mild day, to not only be well aware of the exhaust but the colour of it, blackish to say the least. I've never noticed this with other MMC 200s, and I'm frequently behind them, given my habit of (usually) slowing or pausing to allow buses out from stops, just as long as they are signalling.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I had a gut feeling that the next lot would be Scania/ E400MMC’s, no inside information other than an engineer praising the demo bus up when it was down here.

The 368xx numbers will presumably follow on from the Bristol batch?
Wonder if they will get Cornish registrations as well?

I will look out for them in the coming weeks. Presume they are still planned for service 27?

Little bit surprised by the "two-tone universal green colours and are all going to Camborne" quote. I thought these were all going to the East of Cornwall (one of the last contributions of FSW Official) so more likely to be based at Summercourt? I'd be surprised if we don't see the Newquay to Truro corridor get an upgrade - don't know about anything else.

Something to look forward to when I visit in the summer.

Also, for Busaholic, 33420 is a standard e400 (not an MMC) and is nearly 10 years old, perhaps explaining its asthmatic state. Seem to recall that it was mooted (rumour/conjecture) that two additional MMCs were due for the U4?

 

[83G/84D]

TGW, I think all buses in the First Kernow fleet are at least "on paper" based at Camborne as it is the registered address. I would think they would at least come to Camborne for preparation for service unless this is done at Summercourt.

The idea was that these new vehicles were going on service 27. I doubt the PVR on that route will require all the buses that are due so maybe some for the 87/90/93 group of services as these services are interworked.
There was also mention previously of 2 or 3 to replace the older remaining E400's on "Unibus" services?

Maybe this delivery will see off the "W - DWX" batch of Volvo B7TL's and some Trident's.

Anyway I guess all will become clearer soon.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

TGW, I think all buses in the First Kernow fleet are at least "on paper" based at Camborne as it is the registered address. I would think they would at least come to Camborne for preparation for service unless this is done at Summercourt.

The idea was that these new vehicles were going on service 27. I doubt the PVR on that route will require all the buses that are due so maybe some for the 87/90/93 group of services as these services are interworked.
Wasn't there are also mention previously of 2 or 3 to replace the older remaining E400's on "Unibus" services?

Maybe this delivery will see off the "W - DWX" batch of Volvo B7TL's and some Trident's.

Anyway I guess all will become clearer soon.

Hi there

I thought the previous situation was that all vehicles were allocated to Camborne and were cycled through the depot accordingly. However, seem to recall FSW stating that it was changing so that Penzance, Truro and Summercourt would have their own allocations?

Also, think FSW only said it would be east of Cornwall and the 27 is just one route mentioned. It has a PVR of 4 IIRC whereas the Newquay to Truro corridor is a lot chunkier.

 

[MrKnow]

The next order of new buses are intended for the whole of East Cornwall with no specific priority being for the 27 alone. As for the 3 08 plate Enviro's they're not going anywhere for the time being as they're a mainstay for the Uni routes that work out of Falmouth. The next buses to go will be the last of the T & V reg Dennis Tridents and W reg B7TL's tho they may stay on a bit longer until all of the new vehicles are up and running.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

The next order of new buses are intended for the whole of East Cornwall with no specific priority being for the 27 alone. As for the 3 08 plate Enviro's they're not going anywhere for the time being as they're a mainstay for the Uni routes that work out of Falmouth. The next buses to go will be the last of the T & V reg Dennis Tridents and W reg B7TL's tho they may stay on a bit longer until all of the new vehicles are up and running.

That was what I think FSW Official said and he should know!

Things may well have changed but I seem to recall that some of the W regs were to go to BoS to replace the Tridents up there. Local watchers will be able to confirm the position with the oldest Tridents but I suspect that a number have already succumbed to unit failures etc and have been replaced by the ex Go North East/Ensign deckers in the interim.

 

[Robertj21a]

The next order of new buses are intended for the whole of East Cornwall with no specific priority being for the 27 alone. As for the 3 08 plate Enviro's they're not going anywhere for the time being as they're a mainstay for the Uni routes that work out of Falmouth. The next buses to go will be the last of the T & V reg Dennis Tridents and W reg B7TL's tho they may stay on a bit longer until all of the new vehicles are up and running.

Many thanks. After some confusion in recent times, is it possible to confirm how many double/single decks are now expected ?

 

[richw]

Hi there

I thought the previous situation was that all vehicles were allocated to Camborne and were cycled through the depot accordingly. However, seem to recall FSW stating that it was changing so that Penzance, Truro and Summercourt would have their own allocations?

Also, think FSW only said it would be east of Cornwall and the 27 is just one route mentioned. It has a PVR of 4 IIRC whereas the Newquay to Truro corridor is a lot chunkier.

I’m led to believe everything goes through Camborne for PMIs at the moment. Monthly? I’d assume vehicles would need to pass through for inspections before entering service

 

[83G/84D]

The Tinner MMC’s had quite a period of time being readied for service at Penzance or Camborne.

 

[mic]

anyone know if 32097 is still to be converted to part open topper

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I’m led to believe everything goes through Camborne for PMIs at the moment. Monthly? I’d assume vehicles would need to pass through for inspections before entering service

I imagine that the new vehicles will be delivered for initial preparation prior to entering service (e.g. ticket machines, vinyls etc) at Camborne (and possibly Summercourt).

However, seem to recall that FK were going for fixed allocations to four main depots (Camborne, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro) though heavy maintenance etc would still be done at Camborne. Hence, what wondering if their allocation will be Summercourt (and associated outstations)?

 

[83G/84D]

If Summercourt has the facilities to do the preparation to service works then makes sense to do it there rather than in West Cornwall.

Not sure why 32097 never got converted to open top last year although it would be handy as a back up if 32027 is unavailable in Falmouth.

I seem to recall there were a few times last summer when 32027 was off the road.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

If Summercourt has the facilities to do the preparation to service works then makes sense to do it there rather than in West Cornwall.

Not sure why 32097 never got converted to open top last year although it would be handy as a back up if 32027 is unavailable in Falmouth.

I seem to recall there were a few times last summer when 32027 was off the road.

The plan was for 32097 to be done - wonder if they just ran out of time or were short of vehicles.

 

[richw]

32097 received it’s open top re-registration. Nothing else in worn barbie has received a Irish plate, so hopefully hints it’s still to be done!

 

[83G/84D]

There is an Eden project artic on Truro Park and Ride services today. It is the Truro Festival of Lights tomorrow, postponed from the festive season due to bad weather.

May explain the artic on the park and ride.

 

[Busaholic]

There is an Eden project artic on Truro Park and Ride services today. It is the Truro Festival of Lights tomorrow, postponed from the festive season due to bad weather.

May explain the artic on the park and ride.

Have you seen the weather forecast for tomorrow? Just when my car's off the road...

 

[83G/84D]

Trident 32758 on service T1 this morning.

 

[richw]

A post on a firstbus enthusiast Facebook group says the drivers have been told the MMCs are around 12 weeks away. A driver has commented 21 E400mmcs and 20 E200mmcs are coming. The single deck figure being considerably more than previous mentions?

 

[83G/84D]

Tinner E400 MMC 33468 will be out of action for some time as it has sustained front end damage. Extent of damage and circumstances unknown.

 

[83G/84D]

A post on a firstbus enthusiast Facebook group says the drivers have been told the MMCs are around 12 weeks away. A driver has commented 21 E400mmcs and 20 E200mmcs are coming. The single deck figure being considerably more than previous mentions?

If this is correct then they are unlikely to be ready for service much before late May or early June.

As regards the E200’s the number is a big surprise. Again if correct that would be a major improvement in the age profile of the single deck fleet and a substantial investment in vehicles for the First Kernow network.

 

[83G/84D]

Just had a brief interlude at Penzance bus station:-

Metrodecker departed 10 minutes late on U4 to Penryn / Tremough.

Trident 32758 still on T1 duties.

Wonder if the Metrodecker will switch to the T1 / T2 route with a MMC short?

 

[busKernow]

If this is correct then they are unlikely to be ready for service much before late May or early June.

As regards the E200’s the number is a big surprise. Again if correct that would be a major improvement in the age profile of the single deck fleet and a substantial investment in vehicles for the First Kernow network.

That is correct , 21 E40Ds & 20 E20Ds though some confusion on dates i think the letter states for the whole changes coming in over 12 weeks i think the new buses will be here before that ,lots of stuff leaving the fleet to including all 20 Jersey Darts .

 

[busKernow]

A post on a firstbus enthusiast Facebook group says the drivers have been told the MMCs are around 12 weeks away. A driver has commented 21 E400mmcs and 20 E200mmcs are coming. The single deck figure being considerably more than previous mentions?

The Number quoted originally was 5 it is now 20.

 

[83G/84D]

Talking of Jersey Dart’s, one has just arrived at Penzance on service U4.

First time I have seen one on it.

 

[83G/84D]

That is correct , 21 E40Ds & 20 E20Ds though some confusion on dates i think the letter states for the whole changes coming in over 12 weeks i think the new buses will be here before that ,lots of stuff leaving the fleet to including all 20 Jersey Darts .

Great news, thanks for confirming. Looking forward to the new arrivals and subsequent fleet changes.

 

[Busaholic]

Just had a brief interlude at Penzance bus station:-

Metrodecker departed 10 minutes late on U4 to Penryn / Tremough.

Trident 32758 still on T1 duties.

Wonder if the Metrodecker will switch to the T1 / T2 route with a MMC short?

I saw that Trident, and there was another about an hour later: meantime a Tinner on school duties!

 

[Busaholic]

Talking of Jersey Dart’s, one has just arrived at Penzance on service U4.

First time I have seen one on it.

Unusual, but not a first. Much more common recently on A17, almost every day in fact, including today.

 

[richw]

The comment on first bus enthusiasts says

News letter in the office today said 41 new buses for us. 21 E400MMC’s & 20 E200MMC’s.

Another driver has then commented

And along with these, we're also expecting 22 Trident 2s and the 4 ADL Enviro 200s

 

[fgwrich]

I've got to ask, why are the Jersey Darts going? I Thought they were brought in to cover some of Kernow's narrower lanes. I.e for the 24 to Fowey.

 

[Goldfish62]

The comment on first bus enthusiasts says

Another driver has then commented

What is probably an unprecedented level of investment for Cornwall. May explain the snail's pace of repaints.