Stagecoach Manchester

[Owl]

RE: Stagecoach Manchester and Wigan

(09/07/2016 11:25)Dentonian Wrote:  10578-97 are now all confirmed in service at AZ, along with 10608 and almost certainly 10607. 10609-13 are all at HE. 10598 has been reported with three different registrations and at two different depots, so we are no nearer clarifying the situation with this and 10599-606. Indeed, as of last weekend most of these hadn't been delivered, but maybe some will arrive today/tomorrow.
Meanwhile, older Enviro400s seem to be moving, with all early Euro4s up to (at least) 19264 (except 19220/1/35/6/42/7 at ST) transferred to. or earmarked for. Magic Bus ops, replacing the remaining 15+ year old Tridents. The older Euro3s (basically most of the 190xxs) are expected to leave AZ for destinations unknown, although three went to MN some weeks ago. As well as new MMCs, AZ has also received some 193xx examples from HE - presumably released by the arrival of 10609-13 - but its not clear which ones and whether they are just on loan until 10598-606 become available. Finally, the suggestion that 16968 had already been withdrawn from pasenger service before it was de-roofed, suggests that other changes may also have gone unreported. And that's all before the September changes, which should be registered by today!

There seem to be a number of moves afoot as vehicles are cascaded on the back of the new deliveries. Some other websites report that Middleton now have nine Enviro 400s, which if correct would suggest that the T, V and X Tridents are on the way out. 16971 was also reported as withdrawn along with its now de-roofed sister.

On a different note, I also noted 17497 out of service close to Middleton Depot yesterday, although I was not able to tell if it was still in dual door configuration. This had previously been in reserve. Does anyone know if it has been converted to single door, or if it is actually at Middleton?