First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[TheGrandWazoo]

W815EOW's going for preservation then?

And thank goodness 39920 wasn't scrapped, last time I saw her, she was doing some Atlantic Coaster workings, I also saw her as a tree lopper, I wondered where she had got to afterwards! Thanks for the info too!

Think you’re drawing conclusions there. I said 32045 was reported for collection - didn’t say preservation. Could be for further service with an operator, breaking, or non PCV use?

Most recent Flickr shot of 39920 had it parked on the deadpool at Weymouth in November https://flic.kr/p/21zVahb

Given it’s restricted use and the financial constraints at First, you wonder as to its future.

 

[richw]

38004 is at Winkleigh.

It has No engine, and has lost multiple parts to 38001 and 38006 (possibly 38000 before she was exported as well) the floor is reportedly rusted right through, which was reason for withdrawal from planned 20 day service last year.

 

[83G/84D]

Marshall Dart 41490 on service 46 today.

 

[Busaholic]

Saw two 'Mousehole' buses in quick succession this afternoon - only problem was, neither was on the Mousehole route, one on the 11 and the other on the 16.

 

[Goldfish62]

Saw two 'Mousehole' buses in quick succession this afternoon - only problem was, neither was on the Mousehole route, one on the 11 and the other on the 16.

Surely it's time to seriously consider abandoning route branding. It simply doesn't seem possible to keep the buses on the right routes to a reasonable degree.

 

[Busaholic]

Surely it's time to seriously consider abandoning route branding. It simply doesn't seem possible to keep the buses on the right routes to a reasonable degree.

An elderly acquaintance of mine who uses the 16 bus almost daily has reported two instances now of other elderly people boarding route-branded buses at Penzance Bus Station and finding they were on the wrong bus: in one case, being taken several stops before she realised. It's a moot point whether the 'error' was hers alone.

 

[Goldfish62]

An elderly acquaintance of mine who uses the 16 bus almost daily has reported two instances now of other elderly people boarding route-branded buses at Penzance Bus Station and finding they were on the wrong bus: in one case, being taken several stops before she realised. It's a moot point whether the 'error' was hers alone.

Precisely illustrates the problem. Route branding is supposed to easily identify "your bus", not actively mislead you.

 

[richw]

I was following one of the ex Portsmouth e200s working the 24 route this afternoon. Hadn’t realised how short these versions are.
And it’s nice to know the names of Heart Portsmouth’s breakfast presenters from the rear advert!

 

[Busaholic]

And it’s nice to know the names of Heart Portsmouth’s breakfast presenters from the rear advert!

Legends in their own breakfast time.

 

[ClawzOneThirty]

Does anyone know what's happening with 20357, 20358, 20363, 20802, 20803, 20804, 20805, 40570, & 52554?

The first seven fleetnumbers are all coaches that have been marked as SORN for a long time, and rumors are going that they have most likely been scrapped, could anyone confirm this?

40570 is also said to be scrapped, apparently got sent some time ago (confirmation needed)

52554 is still stored at Taunton but nobody knows what's happening with it, could anyone shed some light on this?

Also, what is happening with PN02XCF, PJ02PZE, 32029, 32030, 32047, 32048, 32049, 32050, 32051 and 32118? (Loaned vehicles from ensign)
Surely they should have gone back by now?

 

[MB162435]

Atlantic Coasters 'A5' Trident 33172 was on the 16:25 214 service from Truro College to Fowey

 

[richw]

Does anyone know what's happening with 20357, 20358, 20363, 20802, 20803, 20804, 20805, 40570, & 52554?

The first seven fleetnumbers are all coaches that have been marked as SORN for a long time, and rumors are going that they have most likely been scrapped, could anyone confirm this?

40570 is also said to be scrapped, apparently got sent some time ago (confirmation needed)

52554 is still stored at Taunton but nobody knows what's happening with it, could anyone shed some light on this?

Also, what is happening with PN02XCF, PJ02PZE, 32029, 32030, 32047, 32048, 32049, 32050, 32051 and 32118? (Loaned vehicles from ensign)
Surely they should have gone back by now?

40570 I believe went to scrap. I will check shortly and update to confirm. Do you know what advert it had on the side? Dan has a side shot of one being towed for scrap from his yard on his Facebook
The coaches, I don’t know fleet numbers but see a fair few in Dans Facebook postings of his yard.

The loan vehicles are due to leave once the new vehicles arrive and enter service. Which will be spread over a month or so, I imagine they’ll leave sometime in April.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Does anyone know what's happening with 20357, 20358, 20363, 20802, 20803, 20804, 20805, 40570, & 52554?

The first seven fleetnumbers are all coaches that have been marked as SORN for a long time, and rumors are going that they have most likely been scrapped, could anyone confirm this?

40570 is also said to be scrapped, apparently got sent some time ago (confirmation needed)

52554 is still stored at Taunton but nobody knows what's happening with it, could anyone shed some light on this?

Also, what is happening with PN02XCF, PJ02PZE, 32029, 32030, 32047, 32048, 32049, 32050, 32051 and 32118? (Loaned vehicles from ensign)
Surely they should have gone back by now?

As regards the coaches, aren’t they stored? I’d be very surprised about rumours of them being scrapped. Who’s told you that?

In respect of the Ensign fleet, they’re covering for expired Tridents that are u/s and aren’t worth repairing? They won’t go until the new fleet arrives??

Edit: was still typing when RichW posted

 

[Westnat]

Does anyone know what's happening with 20357, 20358, 20363, 20802, 20803, 20804, 20805, 40570, & 52554?

The first seven fleetnumbers are all coaches that have been marked as SORN for a long time, and rumors are going that they have most likely been scrapped, could anyone confirm this?

40570 is also said to be scrapped, apparently got sent some time ago (confirmation needed)

52554 is still stored at Taunton but nobody knows what's happening with it, could anyone shed some light on this?

Also, what is happening with PN02XCF, PJ02PZE, 32029, 32030, 32047, 32048, 32049, 32050, 32051 and 32118? (Loaned vehicles from ensign)
Surely they should have gone back by now?

Certainly most of the coaches haven't been scrapped, most are currently at Penzance depot while 20358 was at Camborne last week.

Why should the Ensign loan buses have been returned? The new E400's and cascaded Trident 2's haven't arrived yet. 32029,32030,32050 & 32051 were all on Truro college services last week.

 

[ClawzOneThirty]

If I am also correct, the older batches of trident are also being sent elsewhere apparently for further use once the new buses are here, though I'd imagine at least one or two would go for scrap, the last time I saw one of them (T876KLF) it was in a bit of a bad state: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146674753@N06/25751759398/

The same was with the coaches, you'd think that they would have been abandoned or something: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146674753@N06/39633266111/in/photostream/

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

If I am also correct, the older batches of trident are also being sent elsewhere apparently for further use once the new buses are here, though I'd imagine at least one or two would go for scrap, the last time I saw one of them (T876KLF) it was in a bit of a bad state: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146674753@N06/25751759398/

The same was with the coaches, you'd think that they would have been abandoned or something: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146674753@N06/39633266111/in/photostream/

Who’s told you that about Tridents and where are they going?

 

[ClawzOneThirty]

I don't pay attention to names but mainly First Kernow's posts is where all the talk's at

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I don't pay attention to names but mainly First Kernow's posts is where all the talk's at

Sorry but not getting you there. Are you saying that it's on First Kernow's own social media (e.g. twitter, facebook)?

 

[ClawzOneThirty]

Yes, on facebook

 

[Westnat]

Yes, on facebook

Posted by First Kernow or just speculation by a random poster?

 

[ClawzOneThirty]

Posted by First Kernow or just speculation by a random poster?

Both, as 50% of the time rumors lead to reality.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Both, as 50% of the time rumors lead to reality.

Or that half the stuff is incorrect.

Clearly, those who told you coaches that are <10 years old had been scrapped aren’t correct.

Likewise, those telling you that the older Tridents are going for further service. After all, if they’re unserviceable with major failures and FK have brought in hired kit, they’re hardly going to appeal to other operators.

If it’s from Kernow, fair enough but I’d be very circumspect on rumours.

 

[richw]

Posted by First Kernow or just speculation by a random poster?

I’ve just trawled through their page and see nothing.
Firstbus enthusiast page has a lot of information, some posters are more reliable than others.
Most of the old Tridents are knackered and I suspect have a one way trip planned (if they haven’t already gone) especially the ones that weren’t worth repairing despite a fleet shortage.

 

[richw]

First Kernow have just shared a photo of a completed e200mmc on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/firstkernowbus/posts/1754450654617650

 

[Accelerator59]

Just a little thought. Not to sound pessimistic, but will they get down here ok what with this Beast from the East blizzard taking hold at the moment?

 

[richw]

They’re due for delivery across March, so hopefully it’ll clear within a couple of days. I imagine motorways are kept clear anyway?

 

[baza585]

Or that half the stuff is incorrect.

Clearly, those who told you coaches that are <10 years old had been scrapped aren’t correct.

Likewise, those telling you that the older Tridents are going for further service. After all, if they’re unserviceable with major failures and FK have brought in hired kit, they’re hardly going to appeal to other operators.

If it’s from Kernow, fair enough but I’d be very circumspect on rumours.

I'd be amazed if any/many of the older Tridents go to another First opco. Most opcos are trying to get rid of early Tridents (some with more success than others ), and given FK will no doubt rid themselves of the worst ones in their fleet, I doubt there will be any takers.

 

[baza585]

Think you’re drawing conclusions there. I said 32045 was reported for collection - didn’t say preservation. Could be for further service with an operator, breaking, or non PCV use?

Most recent Flickr shot of 39920 had it parked on the deadpool at Weymouth in November https://flic.kr/p/21zVahb

Given it’s restricted use and the financial constraints at First, you wonder as to its future.

Dorset will have a requirement for 3 open toppers in peak summer this year, and they only have 3 open topper B7TLs, so I wouldn't be surprised if 39920 puts in the odd appearance in Weymouth (only up to 20 days of course!) over July/August 2018

 

[richw]

Dorset will have a requirement for 3 open toppers in peak summer this year, and they only have 3 open topper B7TLs, so I wouldn't be surprised if 39920 puts in the odd appearance in Weymouth (only up to 20 days of course!) over July/August 2018

Inevitable to cover maintenance etc.
What is the 3 bus requirement out of interest?

 

[Accelerator59]

They’re due for delivery across March, so hopefully it’ll clear within a couple of days. I imagine motorways are kept clear anyway?

Ah fair enough. Just something I’ve been pondering.