Can anyone explain the Gemini models to me in the context of Lothian's fleet?
I think I can tell 1/2/3 apart mainly from the front end but the B7 Mk1s seem to have a different rear end to the B9 variants - the B9s seem to have Mk2 rears almost.
There are Wright badged (ex London) and unbadged front end Mk2s (original to Lothian) but otherwise these are fairly easy to spot with the cluster headlights.
Mk3s are fairly distinctive with the staircase windows but what are the 64 plates with the led 'dot' lighting on the lower front panel they don't quite conform! Look more like 3s with a modified 2 front end?
Our Wright Gemini's (not mk1) - just known as Gemini's are known by their flat rear end and generally roller blinds, these are on B7TL chassis. These were delivered on 55/56 plates. With curvy cab doors etc. 701-825.
Then, Wright released a facelift for the B9TL chassis, which included a curved rear end and updated interior, flat cab door etc. These were delivered on 07 plates upwards. So 826+ and Lothian stopped receiving new deliveries of these in 2009, when the Gemini 2 came out, these have the same interior styling as the facelifted Gemini's but a facelifted front end. Examples include all of the London second hand stuff, 20937-20950 etc.
Lothian stopped receiving Gemini 2's in 2011 and ordered its first batch of Gemini 3's in 2014. There only 25 in the following configuration. Curvy front end as per the Gemini 2 with LED lighting. Essentially these look like a dysfunctional adult version of the Gemini 2. 401-425.
Lothian received the facelifted Gemini 3 which has a more angled design and this is what we had been receiving between 2015 and 2018.
Lack of Wright logo was previous managements style choice. It was thought to be sleeker. But the nee management like having all the right logos in all the right places. So all of Lothians Gemini's, Gemini 2's (And Gemini 3's between 2014-2015). Arrived badgeless OR these were removed shortly after arrival.
301- 400 - Gemini 2
401- 425 - Gemini 3
425 - 510 - Gemini 3 Facelift With Badge
551 - 590 - Gemini 3 Facelift Wirh badge
701 - 825 - Gemini
825 - 926 - Gemini Facelift
927 - 960 - Gemini 2
1001 - 1050 - Gemini 2 London with Badge
1141 - 1153 - Gemini 2 London With Badge
During reprints, buses are recovering vinyl logos.
Some fleet numbers may be wrong. I just fix the things, I dont count the rivets.