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(22/03/2013 22:15)DEM777Y Wrote: [ -> ]Apparently Southport are not now receiving the ex-Blue Bus Tridents, at least not imminently. DLAs from Bootle are due to replace the Palatines (sob!).

Well, in my opinion, that's actually great news! Those three Presidents would have been a terrible addition to Southport's service fleet. Yes, they were intended to replace the Palatine 2s in the school fleet, but just look at how regularly they go into normal service... They would have been hell on the 375/385 - for their unsuitable seating, reliability and, in Y46 ABA (4000)'s case, deficient speed. As demonstrated recently, the school fleet has pretty-much been a fleet to cover troublesome "normal" buses - the Presidents wouldn't live up to the job, as they've clearly demonstrated at Birkenhead!

Whilst "DLAs" may be seen as similar, most of Bootle's seem to have grew-out of their primary teething problems. Like every buses, though, they have their pros and cons - pros are better seating and cons are fuel consumption and, in some cases (again), speed. However, whilst "DLAs" are older, in my opinion, age is just a number in this situation as most of Bootle's have been maintained over their short lives there (as I said, primary problems have been addressed). Again, though, not ideal buses for the 375/385 - but problems when Southport had a fleet of them were down to Skelmersdale's maintenance budget (lack of it) upon their closure and overdue work needed.

The situation may be that some of Bootle's "DLAs" will be arriving alongside the three Presidents due to them replacing four Palatine 2s - only one way to find-out for sure, though, and that is by waiting to see what happens...!

(22/03/2013 22:15)DEM777Y Wrote: [ -> ]The Darts are due for replacement, with first generation Pulsars from Runcorn stepping in. Or cascaded Cadets from London, depending on who you talk to!

I remember that, a while ago, ex-London Darts were brought-up on here from a reliable source. The discussion went along the lines of their being a lack of the Plaxton Pointer 2 body left in Arriva's London fleet so the likely candidates would be ALX200s - or something like that.

As for first generation Pulsars from Runcorn, they have/had Pulsar 2s - some of which are on loan to Birkenhead so may arrive at Southport after their holiday there.

Interesting times ahead! Thanks for the information! :-)

DLAs seem the sensible option for schools, so presumably five or six will arrive from Bootle in the coming weeks. Does this pave the way for the ex-Blue Bus Tridents to return to Speke? They would certainly be well utilised there.

To be honest, my little 'sob' was more to do with the withdrawal of the Palatines as I'd rather drive a Volvo over a Trident or DAF any day. They may be old, but all of Southport's Olympians (with the exception of 3310) are a pleasure to drive, if a little chilly in this weather.

7646 is the Marshall withdrawn for scrap. Apparently another is due in addition to the delectable 7664. 2 Pulsars are due on loan as well here

(23/03/2013 05:05)B10B6514 Wrote: [ -> ]7646 is the Marshall withdrawn for scrap. Apparently another is due in addition to the delectable 7664. 2 Pulsars are due on loan as well here

Thanks for that. Are the Pulsars for the Kew Park & Ride?

Presumably they will be.
The Blue Bus Tridents long earmarked for here are required by LS for tacho reasons, apparently none of the new B5 hybrids are so fitted.
The gearbox from 7646 went into newly MOTed 7654 which failed on the way back from test the other day-it is now back in service.
Also making a return to service after collision repairs are 2725 and 4105- both on 375/385s yesterday.
With the forthcoming demise of the Olympians, Southport will once again be 100% lowfloor on arrival of the DB250s.
3319 is already parked up.

Enjoy Bootle's DLAs!
Just make sure you're wrapped-up warm (draughty), keep your foot stamped to the floor (comical acceleration) and try to avoid 4028 (S268 JUA) and 4074 (S244 JUA)

3319 seen parked up at Canning Road showing:

722 Shevington Lane Highfield Road
SCHOOL BUS

first time I'd seen this particular display!

7654's collision damage to its front end has been repaired using a bumper from a withdrawn 'old liveried' vehicle and looks odd to say the least. Sticking plaster springs to mind as their days are numbered!

(23/03/2013 17:32)canning road Wrote: [ -> ]3319 seen parked up at Canning Road showing:

722 Shevington Lane Highfield Road
SCHOOL BUS

first time I'd seen this particular display!

That's one of my regular schools. Runs from Maricourt High in Maghull to Tower Hill, Kirkby via Old Roan, Melling and Waddicar. As B10B6514 noted above, 3319 is due for imminent withdrawal upon expiry of its MoT.