The Marshall would be pretty ideal for the Huyton Circulars actually, perfect size. But yes Danny, S284 and Y196 have been SORN for a good while now (S284 was taken out of service nearly a year back now, i'm sure it was supposed to get fixed)
(10/07/2012 19:49)V671 DVU Wrote: [ -> ]The Marshall would be pretty ideal for the Huyton Circulars actually, perfect size. But yes Danny, S284 and Y196 have been SORN for a good while now (S284 was taken out of service nearly a year back now, i'm sure it was supposed to get fixed)
The Marshall is now dead and won't see service again, along with step-entranced Dart L354 FPF (47).
Infamy will be pleased! lol Shame that they've gone though, especially the Step Dart as they've had it for years and recently spent a fortune on it. I guess that makes R192 DNM the only step-entrance bus in the fleet.
Never did get a ride on either unfortunately! Leaves Hattons as the only operator of step entrance Dennis Darts on Merseyside I believe (There is SLT with those Strawberry Darts, not strictly in Merseyside though!).
The step Dart had just had a new engine and LEDs fitted as well, seems a waste to withdraw it! Any idea of the faults with the 2?
I am aware of those 2 being SORN'd, but why not just un-SORN them? No shortage of work for them these days!
I can only presume the two have faults on them, I know for certain S284 does and has done for some time. Y196 was in service until very recently. I think that HTL are trying to get rid of the older buses anyway, hence them not trying to repair the Darts and Solo and simply SORN-ing them and get some money in scrap/part exchange value.
R192 DNM was on the 883 today
(10/07/2012 20:22)V671 DVU Wrote: [ -> ]I can only presume the two have faults on them, I know for certain S284 does and has done for some time. Y196 was in service until very recently. I think that HTL are trying to get rid of the older buses anyway, hence them not trying to repair the Darts and Solo and simply SORN-ing them and get some money in scrap/part exchange value.
In that case you have to question why they put a new engine in a bus that seen less then a month, 2 month tops, service following it having it fitted. Then withdrawing a low floor bus which is 2 years newer than a step entrance bus thats still in service? The world of running a bus and coach company does often puzzle me!
Having had a look at the times the current 870 is run by Ace Travel and gets to Huyton at 08.40 before the first 246 at 09.57 so the same bus could work both!
I don't think L354 would have had a brand new engine though, more than likely a reconditioned one, which is that isn't the failure, could be sold on separately from the bus so some costs recovered.
when did that L reg dart get withdrawn :O
I only seen that step dart last week before I went away, must have only just been withdrawn. It was in service when I seen it as well.