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2711 on 36, 3/4 full as well!

(05/03/2013 11:27)bolton bus basher Wrote: [ -> ]well at least one problem is fixed but if i had my way i would repair a marshall at green lame and sent it here even tho i hate marshalls, the solo SR would be a good idea for that tender birkenhead have got but i know that would never happen, still glad one problem is fixed tho

Lose a brand new vehicle in favour of something life expired and imminent for withdrawal for the sake of 4 seats? I don't think I'd be the only one to take issue with that Terry, even if the SRs are a bit small for the routes they're sometimes allocated to.

In my opinion, and from what I've noted, the capacity issues on the 33s stem directly from timetable issues; when a bus goes 'missing' due to late running, you essentially have two bus loads of passengers trying to use one vehicle which would be sufficient for a single bus load. By addressing some of the timetable issues, I'm hopeful that it may alleviate some of the capacity issues. Before the split shift running, capacity was less of an issue and it would only be a few peak journeys that would really fill the SRs. Without a doubt though, the 58 plate examples should be confined to duties on the 35/A and 312.

As I have said before, it was always a mistake with the 32 and 33 group of routes reducing both the frequency and size of vehicle at the same time. The Solo SR's are an indirect replacement for the Paladin Scanias and some cascaded Darts, so for each bus, there has been a losst of 7 - 10 (13 - 20 if you include the 58 Solos in this). We just need more full sized vehicles in St Helens.

On another note, for second day in succession I have had to endure 7640 as it was on the 34/34A this afternoon - Arrrgh!.

Might of seen ths answered befoe but does anyone know what happened to the X-ANC that was sat on the fron fence for a while? thought it was for servive in st helens. Also why are only front led blinds being fitted and not all round? surely there is enough spare.

(05/03/2013 16:37)chris-s Wrote: [ -> ]Might of seen ths answered befoe but does anyone know what happened to the X-ANC that was sat on the fron fence for a while? thought it was for servive in st helens. Also why are only front led blinds being fitted and not all round? surely there is enough spare.

It was X226 ANC (2226). I believe that this is back in Bootle now - parked by the entrance to the building. I seen this a few weeks ago with its external electrical compartment open; the bus is still there now, however I presume that it's awaiting further attention as I haven't seen it on the road.

The 58 reg Solos are in my opinion too small for the 32, 33, or 35 group of services. I'm not sure how they do on the 156 or 312 but on the town locals M950 would be better than these.

Not a good day for St Helens' cadets.

2489 was noted on the back of a recovery truck coming back into St Helens (after presumably breaking down on the 329 as it was on there this morning). 2977 replaced it on the 329.

The gears on 2490 packed in on the 38 this morning. It refused to move out of 1st gear from Windle Island onwards. 2709 was on there this evening. 2490 was also playing up on the 38 last night- the driver having to stop and restart the engine.

2491 had to be stopped and restarted no less than 5 times on the 329 this morning. This piece of junk had to be stopped and started yesterday morning on the 329 too. (2702 replaced it yesterday and 2322 replaced it today).

It could be the reliability of these Cadets which keeps that beckoning withdrawal a bit further away for the likes of the T-PNB Dart's and 7623. While the Darts are still road legal with a valid MOT and these Cadets amongst others continue to fail around them, they're very much earning their rightful keep. The troublesome trio in the case of 2489, 2490 and 2491 it would appear.

I obviously don't drive or maintain these cadets but this does seem to be a bit of bad luck with them really. They don't seem to get replaced by other buses during the day anymore than anything else in St Helens' fleet. From a passengers perspective, they provide a decent ride (although 2491 and 2494 are an exception to this - these are truly awful).

I'd have to disagree somewhat with the reliability of the Cadets as discussed above. On the whole, they are fairly reliable. Other than a handbrake issue last year, I'm not aware of any issues with 2489 since and although 2491 is a bit of a dog, it's never been unreliable as far as I'm aware (since having had some work done last year) and it does frequent 356 evening duties which means its out from ~06.00 in the morning to ~00.15 the next morning. With regards 2494, the ride is hit and miss depending upon the roads. It's fine down the likes of the Rainford by-pass but over rougher roads, that suspension really slams down at the rear!

With regards 2490, that's had gearbox issues for months on end though they only seem to occur following a longer stint at high speed and I'm yet to see it unresolved by a restart personally.

2709 has been on the 37/38 since first thing and 2494 was on the evening duty with the third vehicle being an unidentfied old livery Cadet which I assume to be 2490.