First Manchester

[pete tierney]

RE: First Manchester

(08/06/2014 10:07)Dentonian Wrote:  Following comments I made about the UK-Buses Fleet list site under Stagecoach, I've been asked to post some observations/corrections to that site, pertaining to First Manchester. This came about due to a number of errors dating back mostly to the time First acquired Finglands, including the Rusholme depot. At that time, a few exLondon/Glasgow Presidents were shown as in service at Bolton - None of the type ever saw service there - and 27 Enviro400s were shown as due at Queens Road imminently.
As regards the Enviro400s, as discussed on various sites their status is not known for sure, but it is believed that any due for Manchester (or any other First company) that have not yet entered service, will go to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games first. Therefore, there is no point in jumping to conclusions until after the CG.
As I understand it, all Presidents with the possible exception of 32906 are now in service at Rusholme. Certainly, 32926 shown on the UK-B list as reserve, is in service, as its one of the few I've actually seen earning its keep.
Other, more recent errors I have spotted are 42941 shown as back at Devon & Cornwall. This is still at Pennine AFAIK, and I think it was one of the pair I saw in Ashton last Saturday. Conversely, 62904/5 are still shown as expected to go to Devon & Cornwall. However, this exchange (with 42942/3) was cancelled some months ago, and these two B7RLEs continue in service at Oldham.
Finally, 69566/7 are shown as still at Bury. However, these transferred to Bradford at the same time as 69568/71/2/3 last month.

hth

Dentonian,

Thanks for your updates & other information. I am just one of a number of people who attempt to keep the UK Buses "First" site up to date & I have amended the entries you have supplied. As regards 69566/7 I knew they were due to go to Bradford but was awaiting confirmation that they have gone, which you have provided. The same thing sort of applies to the swap with Devon, I needed confirmation. As I live in the Midlands I can't get around to all the various First area's as often as I would like, but make every effort I can including Devon/Cornwall & Scotland & everywhere in-between.
I take on board your comments regards the Enviro400s. I was advised by a normally very good source that they are due for the Manchester division, I didn't specify any particular garage as I didn't know & only advised them as "on order". I was aware about the Games arrangements. I do make every effort to get the information I provide as accurate as I can but it is a major task attempting to keep tabs on the thousands of vehicles. Comments like yours really do help as you are obviously closer to the action in the Manchester area than I am. Thanks again. Pete.