Arriva North West - Bootle Depot

[M113 YKC]

RE: Arriva North West - Bootle Depot

(14/09/2012 13:49)mathias Wrote:  The Marshalls that have had P&P seem to be of a better quality than 'untouched' ones (yellow roller blinds, standard livery, red MTL moquette) like 7662, 7663 etc.
When they get Interurban paint etc, the Bodyshop boys seem to tighten them up, so they don't rattle as much.

As a regular user of Bootle's Marshalls, I'm afraid that I don't agree with that statement.

"Original Marshalls"
I had 7659 today on the 59 and, despite it sounding odd after gear two, its ride-quality was fine. Interestingly, this bus is the only "Interurban" Bootle-based bus that features manual destination equipment. I also had 7667 today on the 59 and somebody has definitely improved this bus - apart from its dodgy suspension! 7663 was a bit rattly when I had it a month or two ago on the 58, however it managed to travel on Great Homer Street without forcing me to commit suicide...! 7626 was fine when I had it a month or two ago on the 56A, too - only its back-end window was a problem. 7662 - well, I enjoyed my ride on it a few months ago but it seems that it's downgraded itself in quality since then...!

"Interurban Marshalls"
I had 7669 on the 53A during the week and this was fine - as was 7646 on the 311 yesterday. Both of them felt a bit sluggish, but were comfortable. 7661 was OK on the 311 during the week, too - quite rattly, but it sounded great and it was quite comfortable. 7638, 7648 and 7660 have been the worst buses on my 311 during the past two weeks - as was 7645 on the 53A today. All four of them have offered unbearable ride-quality - uncomfortable seats and banging and clanging on-board... Both 7633 and 7639 have been OK when I've rode on them during the past few months on the 311 and the 345 respectively. Despite 7643 and 7649's fast speed, they were both unbearable to ride on when I last had them - again, a while ago. Finally, 7675 was sluggish and quite rattly when I had it on the 345 a while ago.

If you've been reading closely, you may have noticed that I haven't mentioned 7674. There's a fire-damaged "Interurban" Marshall in one of the garaged bays in Bootle depot at the moment. I've seen all of the "Interurban" Marshalls recently, apart from 7674. The question is - will this one be replaced by one of the new Pulsar 2s or will it be repaired and put back onto the road? I'm thinking that the five T-PNBs will be withdrawn (sadly), along with the five "Original Marshalls". The five ALX200s could also be replaced and sent elsewhere - possibly to Green Lane to replace 2103, 2310, 2313 and 2133 and maybe a T-registered Marshall...? Either way, there will be some interesting movements in the near-future.

Of interest... 3107 is on the 62 today. 3108 and 3109 are on the 52/52A. 3114 is parked in Bootle depot. 2315 is on the 53, along with 2324 (I've forgotten whether the latter was on the 53 or the 53A, though). 2263 is on the 58 again today. 2265 and 2268 are on the 59/61, along with 7626, 7659, 7662 and 7667.