National Express West Midlands

[Metroline1511]

RE: National Express West Midlands

(18/09/2015 20:53)NX Spectra 4001 Wrote:  The final day of the B6LE's, B10L's, Mercedes O405N's & Spectras has been confirmed as Saturday 3rd October.

The vehicles that have been confirmed as taking part will be 620 [S620 VOA], 1436 [P436 JJW], 1447 [P447 JOX], 4017 [T417 UON], 4020 [T420 UON] & 4021 [T421 UON], as well as two Mercedes O405N's that are yet to be confirmed (A possibility is that a Coventry Merc may be used, as well as a WM Merc)

The farewell day will take place around Walsall, with all of these vehicles allocated to route 301 [Walsall-Walsall Garage-Leamore-Bloxwich-Mossley], with the B10L's & B6LE being allocated to standard running boards, in place of B7RLE's, with the Mercs and Spectra's being operated as duplicates. It may also be possible that these vehicles will operate an X51 into Birmingham, presumably as a duplicate, rather than replacing a Platinum.

This will be the last chance to see any of these types in service.

One other B6LE is currently remaining, 662 [S662 VOA], however, this will be withdrawn on the 26th September, with the most likely bet for finding it being the 11 [Wolverhampton-Fallings Park-Underhill].

1421 & 1475 are withdrawn now, along with a damaged 1446

It is very considerate and thoughtful to enthusiasts to have the finale all on the same day! It enables those of us interested to plan a big day out for all these. Provided that is, we have not got anything else planned.

This proves that NXWM are heading towards a more standardised fleet now.

As WMT / TWM / NXWM ordered so few vehicles between 1990 and 1995 then diversified the fleet as so many new buses were needed, now the chickens have come home to roost.