First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[83G/84D]

A rumour was heard a while back that it is to be transferred to First Hampshire and Dorset.

I recall something similar as well.

Have just experienced the exmoor coaster today. I travelled to Taunton for the 28 to Watchet in time for the 09.55 coaster to Lynmouth. Unfortunately single decker 44639 arrived and the driver advised that 2 of the open toppers would not start, and they hoped to get one running later. On arrival at Minehead 37058 pulled up behind in lands end livery and we were all advised to change buses. I had originally planned to spend an hour in Lynmouth and travel back on the 1230 to Watchet, but as there was only one open topper running, and I was advised that some of the coaster journeys had been cancelled, I got straight back on and returned to minehead for the 28 to Taunton.

Sorry to hear that your day didn’t go to plan, such a shame with the lovely weather as well.

 

[Ancelljb]

Has the Buses of Somerset open top Volvo B9TL 36100 moved on? It appears under Hampshire & Dorset on Bustimes (for what it's worth), so was just wondering if it was no longer required for the Exmoor Coaster.

It is now with First Solent at Hoeford (link here of photo) for use on the new Southsea Coaster 50 starting up this summer.

 

[On the Buses]

We’re waiting for parts on a couple of the open tops. However 33600 is on Minehead Depot so we’re all good to go for tomorrow.

 

[Jamesbus80]

A rumour was heard a while back that it is to be transferred to First Hampshire and Dorset.

36100 has turned up at Hoeford depot today and is being prepared to operate the new Portsmouth seafront service 50.

Registration (appreciate this isn’t VOSA) - links on the First Solent Facebook page too.

PH0006159/502 – bustimes.org

bustimes.org

There’s a photo of it on First Hants, Dorset & Berkshire enthusiasts at Hoeford as shared previously in this thread.

 

[Goldfish62]

Have just experienced the Exmoor Coaster today. I travelled to Taunton for the 28 to Watchet in time for the 09.55 coaster to Lynmouth. Unfortunately single decker 44639 arrived and the driver advised that 2 of the open toppers would not start, and they hoped to get one running later. On arrival at Minehead 37058 pulled up behind in lands end livery and we were all advised to change buses. I had originally planned to spend an hour in Lynmouth and travel back on the 1230 to Watchet, but as there was only one open topper running, and I was advised that some of the coaster journeys had been cancelled, I got straight back on and returned to Minehead for the 28 to Taunton.

So only one open topper out of four available!

 

[83G/84D]

It is now with First Solent at Hoeford (link here of photo) for use on the new Southsea Coaster 50 starting up this summer.

We’re waiting for parts on a couple of the open tops. However 33600 is on Minehead Depot so we’re all good to go for tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[richw]

So only one open topper out of four available!

33600 is there to cover.

 

[Goldfish62]

33600 is there to cover.

I assume Porlock and Countisbury Hills combined with heavy loading take their toll on the vehicles.

 

[On the Buses]

I assume Porlock and Countisbury Hills combined with heavy loading take their toll on the vehicles.

They’re maintained preventatively for the routes they’re operating. Yesterday from the 6 open tops / sides was a wheel bearing, a starter motor, suspension failing, overheat. It happens. If we could plan when buses would fail live would be much easier. It’s just coincidence.

 

[Ryan H]

Is 33600 out on the Exmoor Coaster today it says that 66847 is so will 33600 replace 66847 when it gets back to Minehead

 

[On the Buses]

Don’t know. May be a ticket machine swap

 

[Ryan H]

Don’t know. May be a ticket machine swap

Ok

 

[Busaholic]

Anyone wanting an almost guaranteed open top ride could do worse than aim for Penzance and catch a number 19 - can't remember the last time I saw any other vehicle on the service, and I live mere yards from its route! Not an exciting ride, but there's a great view of St Michaels Mount and Mounts Bay from Madron.

 

[83G/84D]

I have noticed that Lizard open top 33085 has vanished from bustimes.
I think it’s the one that I saw in Camborne yesterday, wondering what has happened to it?

 

[Andyh82]

I have noticed that Lizard open top 33085 has vanished from bustimes.
I think it’s the one that I saw in Camborne yesterday, wondering what has happened to it?

BusTimes says it’s been withdrawn for scrap

 

[richw]

Is 33600 out on the Exmoor Coaster today it says that 66847 is so will 33600 replace 66847 when it gets back to Minehead

Don’t know. May be a ticket machine swap

Dan (@TechDan2002) has posted a pic on Facebook as he’s up there this weekend and it’s tracking on open data as something else.

 

[Whiteway215]

Both 33085 and 66847 are showing as ‘Statutory Off Road Notification‘ on DVLA website.

 

[Summers510]

END OF SERVICE NOTICE - DISCOVER EXETER - From Monday 11th July 2022
Due to ongoing staff shortage and sickness
from 11/07/2022 the Discover Exeter service will finish operating for the remainder of the season.

Don't anyone make a special trip to catch it!

 

[embers25]

All Day trippers are suspended from 11 July too but cant find link, I think due to Thai Twitter issues, sorry

 

[richw]

All Day trippers are suspended from 11 July too but cant find link, I think due to Thai Twitter issues, sorry

It’s on the adventures by bus Facebook page

 

[Andyh82]

All Day trippers are suspended from 11 July too but cant find link, I think due to Thai Twitter issues, sorry

Although they were operating in the shadows up to now. Not included in any of the First Kernow or TFC printed publicity for the summer

 

[embers25]

All cancellations make much sense to focus resources where usage is higher.

 

[DaveLondon]

Both 33085 and 66847 are showing as ‘Statutory Off Road Notification‘ on DVLA website.

Sadly that does not mean that much - they could easily have been scrapped.

 

[32625]

I believe 33085 has blown another engine and isn’t economical to repair

 

[83G/84D]

I believe 33085 has blown another engine and isn’t economical to repair

It was in Camborne with a defect sticker on the windscreen a day or two ago.

 

[32625]

It was in Camborne with a defect sticker on the windscreen a day or two ago.

It broke down a few weeks ago and was decided that it’s not worth repairing again.

 

[sbrignall72]

Is 33600 out on the Exmoor Coaster today it says that 66847 is so will 33600 replace 66847 when it gets back to Minehead

Is 33600 still expected to move to Cornwall

 

[32625]

Is 33600 still expected to move to Cornwall

It has been on the Cornwall fleet since last year, it is just on loan to Somerset as they are a few open tops short.

37388 and 37396 arrived Wednesday evening, although 37388 has had problems already, being unable to move from its current position due to electrical gremlins apparently

 

[83G/84D]

All three Mousehole liveried Solos are in service this morning on the Mousehole service!

 

[Goldfish62]

All three Mousehole liveried Solos are in service this morning on the Mousehole service!

They may be old and scruffy but those three don't do badly!