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First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

TheGrandWazoo

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As stated Dart 42365 & Olympian 34161 were collected from Camborne by Alpha Recovery this afternoon. I did not witness the loading of the Dart but did see the sight of several members of engineering staff pushing 34161 from it's parking place so the tow truck could hook up to it!

Long way north on a wrecker for 34161! It'll doubtless be broken for spares (though surprised they've not done so locally).

Sad to see 46235 go - looks like the era of the step Dart has now ended as First Somerset and Avon seem to have also withdrawn their last example at Wells
 
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baza585

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Long way north on a wrecker for 34161! It'll doubtless be broken for spares (though surprised they've not done so locally).

Sad to see 46235 go - looks like the era of the step Dart has now ended as First Somerset and Avon seem to have also withdrawn their last example at Wells

Not quite; FHD still have two left (46324/5) both based at Southampton. Tend to be used on closed contracts but seen from time to time on public routes as well, including Sundays!!
 

83G/84D

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A member of First staff said that they understood that the electrical faults on the E400 fleet in recent weeks was related to the recently installed wi-fi.

I have not seen any in Camborne this week so hopefully the problems whatever they were and however they were caused are now sorted.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Long way north on a wrecker for 34161! It'll doubtless be broken for spares (though surprised they've not done so locally).

Sad to see 46235 go - looks like the era of the step Dart has now ended as First Somerset and Avon seem to have also withdrawn their last example at Wells

I saw it reported somewhere that 34161 was involved in a collision with another vehicle not long after it arrived from South Wales. There appeared to be little sign of damage when I saw it taken away so not exactly sure why it is presumably being scrapped. If that is the case and it is being scrapped I thought it may have been robbed for spares as well but nothing obvious appeared to have been removed.

The Dart, whilst some parts had been removed, internal fittings such as seats were largely still in place.

Another decker was damaged a few weeks ago when it crashed into the bus wash at Camborne, not sure which one though. No idea what caused the incident so not pointing any fingers at anyone / anything just to make it clear!
 
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TheGrandWazoo

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A member of First staff said that they understood that the electrical faults on the E400 fleet in recent weeks was related to the recently installed wi-fi.

I have not seen any in Camborne this week so hopefully the problems whatever they were and however they were caused are now sorted.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I saw it reported somewhere that 34161 was involved in a collision with another vehicle not long after it arrived from South Wales. There appeared to be little sign of damage when I saw it taken away so not exactly sure why it is presumably being scrapped. If that is the case and it is being scrapped I thought it may have been robbed for spares as well but nothing obvious appeared to have been removed.

The Dart, whilst some parts had been removed, internal fittings such as seats were largely still in place.

Another decker was damaged a few weeks ago when it crashed into the bus wash at Camborne, not sure which one though. No idea what caused the incident so not pointing any fingers at anyone / anything just to make it clear!

Regarding 34161, I thought I'd read that it had arrived from Pontardawe and worked for a short time but then something like a seized engine (or did I dream that?) meant its withdrawal.
 

83G/84D

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Regarding 34161, I thought I'd read that it had arrived from Pontardawe and worked for a short time but then something like a seized engine (or did I dream that?) meant its withdrawal.

Yes I have since been told it was a serious mechanical issue that meant it was taken out of service. No accident involved (did I dream that!?).....
 

Birdbrain

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32879 noted on the U1 today again. Are there enough E400's to cover the U1/2 or are there always other types on these routes?
 

richw

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32879 noted on the U1 today again. Are there enough E400's to cover the U1/2 or are there always other types on these routes?

There are 9 E400s, U1 and U2 would require 8 buses at a time guessing looking at timetable.
 
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Long way north on a wrecker for 34161! It'll doubtless be broken for spares (though surprised they've not done so locally).

Sad to see 46235 go - looks like the era of the step Dart has now ended as First Somerset and Avon seem to have also withdrawn their last example at Wells

First have a contract with Alpha who take the vehicles North, then send back the units that the First operating company wants. They get paid for the bus and the units they want back.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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First have a contract with Alpha who take the vehicles North, then send back the units that the First operating company wants. They get paid for the bus and the units they want back.

I know. They're up in Northumberland. Just remarking that it's a long way with a wrecker as opposed to a low loader and that some do get robbed locally.
 
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83G/84D

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And the 9 E400s that arrived in it from Plymouth, which have retained it (with branding for 8) for the Unibus network
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


One blue Scania has been replaced on the Park and Ride for now by a Citaro bendi, and along with the red/silver and black/cream liveried ones, is operating for now in existing colours. The silver Solo received from Ensign in staying silver for now, with a further two about to arrive in Maroon and Cream. There will be another one later.
At least two of the ex Truronian Solos have been refreshed for now in a simplified version of Barbie for the 2 November competitive services with Western Greyhound.
This is all due to the planned introduction of a new First Kernow livery in the New Year.

A brief glimpse of the Solo's in a "revised" livery. 53402 - 53404 have been seen in this version,53403 shown here in the foreground with 53404 in the background. None have been seen in service in these colours.
 

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richw

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I've been waiting to see one in the revised livery for a week or so. Just less pink looking at it.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Ah right. May be a height issue?

Sorry but I was not really explaining myself very well. Using my iphone quickly rather than the lap top. :D

You're right that they couldn't put a decker on a low loader because of the height issues. Motorway bridges are generally built to 16'3 clearance.

34161 would usually have been driven to its fate but of course, it suffered a major mechanical failure hence its demise. I just thought that it was a long arduous journey on a wrecker, as opposed to a low loader which is how 46235was removed. Not entirely certain that it wouldn't be a three day exercise? In the light of that, a little surprised that they didn't break her locally as not every vehicle does head to Alpha for component recovery.
 
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Sorry but I was not really explaining myself very well. Using my iphone quickly rather than the lap top. :D

You're right that they couldn't put a decker on a low loader because of the height issues. Motorway bridges are generally built to 16'3 clearance.

34161 would usually have been driven to its fate but of course, it suffered a major mechanical failure hence its demise. I just thought that it was a long arduous journey on a wrecker, as opposed to a low loader which is how 46235was removed. Not entirely certain that it wouldn't be a three day exercise? In the light of that, a little surprised that they didn't break her locally as not every vehicle does head to Alpha for component recovery.

Ah! Generally everything that has left FSW for scrap (which is most!) has been taken by Alpha, if not direct from the home depot, then from Muller Road having been either driven or towed to Bristol first. Even vehicles that have been cannibalised locally have still be taken by Alpha. It's quite a sight when they go in batches. They took four from Plymouth on one occasion in one go using a mixture of low loaders and wreckers.
 

83G/84D

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I've been waiting to see one in the revised livery for a week or so. Just less pink looking at it.

53403 was in Newquay this afternoon although I am not entirely on what services. It went past the Railway station inbound to the bus station displaying "First Kernow" on the electronic display. It later headed the other way following an empty 53805 (which was on the 87) and it was displaying "Duplicate" on the display. :?

Solo 53803 was rather unexpected on the 91 to Truro, no First Dart's to be seen in the time I was there (3 hours) mainly Olympian's and Trident's. A member of First staff was on hand to assist passengers and the Western Greyhound travel shop was closed all the time I was there.
 
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83G/84D

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Remember these!?

Ford Transit 160 (D75 KRL) & Mercedes Benz 608D 155 (C108 HGL) at Camborne in October 1987. I think the route number boxes on the front of the Transit were added after they were delivered.:)

In the second picture 163 (D78 KRL) leaves Camborne on service 40A to Truro not long before the Transit fleet was withdrawn by Western National.
 

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83G/84D

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A trio of AEC Regent's from East Kent / Maidstone & District were purchased by Western National for driver training duties in 1987.

MFN 944F shown at Laira Bridge depot (Plymouth) in the first picture and GJG 739D which was based at Truro shown leaving Camborne.
6794 FN was the first to arrive and is shown at Camborne shortly after arrival. 6797 FN was also in the County at the same time, operated by Roselyn.
 

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83G/84D

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Bristol Lodekka's were also used in the driver training role. 314 PFM a former Crossville example is seen at Camborne whilst YDL 316 was in a red colour scheme when seen at Torpoint in 1987.
 

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83G/84D

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Former Kelvin Scottish Daimler Fleetline BSG 502L was on loan to Western National from a dealer in the Summer of 1988 and is seen at Laira bridge, whilst 816 (WOW 538J) was one of ten purchased in 1988 from Southampton City Bus.

Finally Western National inherited some decidedly non-standard types with the purchase of Robert's of Plymouth. Seen in 1989 at Laira Bridge depot is 566 (DVR 142T) a Harwin bodied Fiat 55F10.

Most of these non-standard types were soon disposed of by Western National.
 

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winston270twm

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Another load of timetable variations + the new route registrations:

PH0004983/36 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Dartmouth Pontoon and Dartmouth Pontoon given service number 90/90A/90B/90C effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/38 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kingsbridge Quay and Dartmouth Pontoon given service number 93 effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/120 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Woolwell and Coombe Dean School given service number 808/807/809 effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/186 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Bretonside Bus Station and LAUNCESTON Westgate Street given service number 76 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/188 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO COLLEGE and NEWQUAY given service number 224/225/226 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/196 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro Bus Station and St Austell Bus Station given service number 27/214/215/216/217 effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/202 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Columb Major and TRURO College given service number 212/213 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/406 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between CAMELFORD and ST COLUMB ROAD given service number 212 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/407 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Camelford Museum and Boscastle Bridge given service number 212 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/428 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Launceston and Bodmin given service number 211/223 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/456 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Columb Major and Truro College given service number 218 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/457 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Camelford and St Columb Major given service number 218 effective from 05-Jan-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/467 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between MOUNT GOULD, LIPSON ROAD and COOMBE DEAN SCHOOL given service number 806 effective from 04-Jan-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/504 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Fowey
Finish Point: Mevagissey
Via: Par, St Austell, Pentewan
Service Number: 24
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 04-JAN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday except public holidays.

PH0004983/505 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Bodmin Morrisons
Finish Point: St Austell Bus Station
Via: Roche, Bugle, Penwithick
Service Number: 27
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 04-JAN-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday excpet public holidays.
 
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83G/84D

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Plaxton Cheetah bodied Vario 56001 (YN53 VBT) arrived at Camborne this afternoon for rail replacement work which starts at the end of this week.
 
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Plaxton Cheetah bodied Vario 56001 (YN53 VBT) arrived at Camborne this afternoon for rail replacement work which starts at the end of this week.

That's a permanent transfer from Aberdeen. The Truronian W reg is at Taunton on an ex Quantock contract.
 

Busaholic

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From various local news media, reports of armed police storming a bus between Trispen a nd Truro yesterday afternoon at about 14.45 to take off a passenger allegedly involved in an assault using a weapon in Newquay earlier. Would this have been a First or WG bus? Don't know the current pattern of routes well enough to tell.
 

83G/84D

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I had a day ticket today and travelled some of the First Kernow network including two of the new routes (21 & 91). Whilst travelling I observed that Solo's 53403 & 53404 have received new style "First Kernow" branding which compliments the livery quite well. Here are some views of 53404 at Newquay.
 

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83G/84D

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This morning I travelled on the 16A from St Ives to Penzance via Gurnards Head. Unfortunately the weather was not very good and the spectacular scenery was cloaked in low cloud.

However I did ride on Vario 52526 which despite it's bone shaking suspension and a pronounced engine whistle performed well.

As we arrived in Penzance the other surviving Vario 52554 departed on service 6 to Mousehole followed by 52526 on the town service (No11).

This might have been my last ride on a front engined bus in regular service with First and last on the type.
 

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overthewater

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I had a day ticket today and travelled some of the First Kernow network including two of the new routes (21 & 91). Whilst travelling I observed that Solo's 53403 & 53404 have received new style "First Kernow" branding which compliments the livery quite well. Here are some views of 53404 at Newquay.


It would have been nice to have a wee bit of green inbetween the White and Blue. ;)
 

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