First Eastern Counties

[MrGriff500]

30886 was a total and utter basket case. By far the worst of the W-reg B7s at FEC, they'd already spent thousands on a new engine earlier this year and I think they've finally cut their loses.

It was not a bad bus, mate. The new engine was alright. If anything they need to withdraw 32062.

 

[buslad1988]

I see FEC have received a couple of B7TL’s for Great Yarmouth to start ousting some of the oldest members of the fleet (and will probably be helped with the winter service reductions coming soon too). https://eastnorfolkbus.blogspot.com/?m=1

Are we expecting some of the Volvo B7/9TL’s to start being repainted into a Coastal Clippers livery? The branding has been used in all the publicity for the past 2 years but as yet hasn’t been rolled out onto the actual buses! Or is this because they are awaiting the new excel fleet?

 

[F Great Eastern]

Couple of ex Essex ALX400s turned up in Ipswich recently.

 

[MrGriff500]

Couple of changes to report: Yarmouth B7TLs 36269/32064/30954 all moved to Colchester Essex, two more B7TLs arrived in Yarmouth from Doncaster being 37150/174. 30959 was withdrawn but returned. The final of the Ex Colchester L94’s 65673 withdrawn.

It is also reported that two vehicles, 60916 from Norwich and 30888 from Lowestoft are to be donated for preservation soon!

 

[83G/84D]

This Volvo B7RLE was repainted last week and was on display at Showbus on Sunday, also on display in a Eastern National colour scheme was Dart S731 TWC:-

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Couple of changes to report: Yarmouth B7TLs 36269/32064/30954 all moved to Colchester Essex, two more B7TLs arrived in Yarmouth from Doncaster being 37150/174. 30959 was withdrawn but returned. The final of the Ex Colchester L94’s 65673 withdrawn.

It is also reported that two vehicles, 60916 from Norwich and 30888 from Lowestoft are to be donated for preservation soon!

This Volvo B7RLE was repainted last week and was on display at Showbus on Sunday, also on display in a Eastern National colour scheme was Dart S731 TWC:-

View attachment 68981

It would be good if 60916 were preserved - the B7L was never sold in great numbers so be good to see one saved.

However, I do wonder what the point of these preserved liveries actually is? I know I can be curmudgeonly but they have limited relevance for anything other than enthusiasts (It's fun for gricers but how many really remember Thamesway??) Perhaps the management might be better served sitting down with Ray Stenning and coming with a marketing concept that will deliver bottom line benefits?

 

[F Great Eastern]

Saw three different Double Decker Ipswich Reds vehicles today so it seems they are finally starting to paint these after seemingly only painting single deckers to start of with.

Ex Ipswich Park and Ride Enviro 300 67763 (SN12 AUK) has now been painted in Ipswich Reds livery. It's pretty distinctive because it's the only non Park and Ride bus with a white LED and really suits the livery.

What is noticeable is that the only deckers to be repainted so far are ones on 05 plates (some of which have only recently joined the fleet) and the only Volvo Wright Eclipses repainted so far have been ones on 58 plates.

The fact they're not painting older Eclipses and deckers and concentrating on the newer vehicles, may suggest that some new stock is incoming from somewhere to replace the older ones?

Any truth that the non leather seated double decker vehicles are getting a retrim in old moquette?

 

[buslad1988]

Saw three different Double Decker Ipswich Reds vehicles today so it seems they are finally starting to paint these after seemingly only painting single deckers to start of with.

Ex Ipswich Park and Ride Enviro 300 67763 (SN12 AUK) has now been painted in Ipswich Reds livery. It's pretty distinctive because it's the only non Park and Ride bus with a white LED and really suits the livery.

What is noticeable is that the only deckers to be repainted so far are ones on 05 plates (some of which have only recently joined the fleet) and the only Volvo Wright Eclipses repainted so far have been ones on 58 plates.

The fact they're not painting older Eclipses and deckers and concentrating on the newer vehicles, may suggest that some new stock is incoming from somewhere to replace the older ones?

Any truth that the non leather seated double decker vehicles are getting a retrim in old moquette?

Those deckers certainly do look smart! The orange LED blinds go well with the livery too... just a shame they can’t retrofit the 53 plate examples as those old flip-dot blinds don’t do anything to help disguise their age!

I don’t think Ipswich is due any newer stock unfortunately. It’s a shame they can’t get hold of more enviro 300’s as they are perfect for the long distance 64’s. I noticed that the 88 is generally allocated ALX400’s now also; after being a single deck allocation for over 20+ years. Perhaps by using the red deckers on there it’ll boost its profile to locals.

IMO you can’t beat the original barbie moquette so hope the rumours are true about the non leather deckers! Local First management in Badgerline territory are also of that opinion having refurbed a number of Volvo B7RLE’s back into that trim.

Now the Ipswich network is basically down to the bare bones it’ll be interesting to see what Firsts next moves are in the area!? Personally I’d like to see the Aldeburghs become an excel type route and put some real focus into revitalising and adapting the 66.

Also now SCC have ditched doing the bus stop timetable displays First will be doing their own so they should be much more visually appealing with more fares/app info publicity (like they do in Norwich).

 

[F Great Eastern]

I don’t think Ipswich is due any newer stock unfortunately. It’s a shame they can’t get hold of more enviro 300’s as they are perfect for the long distance 64’s. I noticed that the 88 is generally allocated ALX400’s now also; after being a single deck allocation for over 20+ years. Perhaps by using the red deckers on there it’ll boost its profile to locals.

I haven't heard anything either, but it is strange that they're not made any effort to paint the older stock or even put Ipswich Reds stickers over them, the way they did with the newer stock prior to repaint, it makes me think they are not going to get one because they are not hanging around long.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I haven't heard anything either, but it is strange that they're not made any effort to paint the older stock or even put Ipswich Reds stickers over them, the way they did with the newer stock prior to repaint, it makes me think they are not going to get one because they are not hanging around long.

Thanks for the updates FGE. Of course, cascades might be on hold given the issues with Wrightbus?

It's good to see a bit of TLC on the Ipswich fleet and perhaps some of the older Eclipses could be used to get rid of the last B7Ls or some older Scanias

 

[dlp_888]

Just to bring things up to date, buses in Ipswich Reds livery as of 15/10/19 are as follows:

B7TL: 32651/32652/32654
B7RLE: 69422-69428
Enviro 200: 44516-44519
Enviro 300: 67406/67763

Repaints have now started on the 53-plate B7TL's with 32487 away at present.
Repainting has also started on the "older" 05-plate B7RLEs 69005-69011, with 69007 due to return imminently. 69006 is still VOR having sustained accident damage late-July. 69008/69011 have recently received engine rebuilds, and many are being fitted with emissions upgrades (traps, eFans etc.).

No news on newer stock, sadly - although 66986-66987, 66950/66959/66957 are really beginning to show their age these days and if any transfers are to be expected, these are to be the likeliest casualities.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Thanks for the updates FGE. Of course, cascades might be on hold given the issues with Wrightbus?

It's good to see a bit of TLC on the Ipswich fleet and perhaps some of the older Eclipses could be used to get rid of the last B7Ls or some older Scanias

All the B7Ls and Scanias are long gone now but the fleet is not exactly new.

Deckers wise there is 11x ALX 400 from 2003 (incl loans) with green DMD and I think 6 from 2005 with LED. Think there is a 2003 Trident ALX400 on loan as well but not sure what it is.

Single deckers (P&R aside) you have 12 Eclipses from 2005, a short E200 from 2008, a short E200 from 2009, 7 Eclipses from 2009, 4 E200s from 2009, an E300 from 2012 (Ex P&R) and an E300 from 2013.

The freeing up of that ex P&R Enviro 300 for other routes seemingly will be the only upgrade Ipswich is going to get in the next little while. The fact there is only two vehicles outside the Park and Ride which are under 10 years old and the newest decker is 15 years old almost tells a story.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

All the B7Ls and Scanias are long gone now but the fleet is not exactly new.

Deckers wise there is 11x ALX 400 from 2003 (incl loans) with green DMD and I think 6 from 2005 with LED. Think there is a 2003 Trident ALX400 on loan as well but not sure what it is.

Single deckers (P&R aside) you have 12 Eclipses from 2005, a short E200 from 2008, a short E200 from 2009, 7 Eclipses from 2009, 4 Enviro 200s from 2009, an E300 from 2012 (Ex P&R) and an E300 from 2013.

The freeing up of that ex P&R Enviro 300 for other routes seemingly will be the only upgrade Ipswich is going to get in the next little while.

No, I meant Eclipses being displaced to replace B7Ls and Scanias elsewhere in FEC (and Essex)

 

[MrGriff500]

Little update, as we are nearing the festive season. There has been a lot of cascades around Eastern Counties. These are to do with a rise in production at Bernard Matthews. So far:

Three Transbus Darts arrived from Essex, two from Chelmsford and one from Hadleigh I believe. All allocated to Great Yarmouth.

Two Ipswich B7RLE Eclipses are on temporary loan to Norwich in the old grey front livery, with a third recently being given a lilac front and waiting to be prepped for service. The grey ones are vehicles 66950/9 and the lilac vehicle is 69006.

Two Yarmouth vehicles have also moved to Norwich, apparently as a permanent move. These are President 32204 LT52WTK and Eclipse 66344 MV02VCX. (the other B7Ls that went to Yarmouth returned earlier being 66328/66333)

There will probably be more arrivals in the near future, apparently the B7L’s have until the end of the year before being withdrawn. Ten replacements will be needed to replace ten Norwich Tridents that were made to comply with Euro 5 and some parts are so expensive it’s no longer justifiable. (These vehicles are all Orange Line Tridents and Purple Line Tridents except 33003, no other Tridents or B7TL’s are effected)

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Little update, as we are nearing the festive season. There has been a lot of cascades around Eastern Counties. These are to do with a rise in production at Bernard Matthews. So far:

Three Transbus Darts arrived from Essex, two from Chelmsford and one from Hadleigh I believe. All allocated to Great Yarmouth.

Two Ipswich B7RLE Eclipses are on temporary loan to Norwich in the old grey front livery, with a third recently being given a lilac front and waiting to be prepped for service. The grey ones are vehicles 66950/9 and the lilac vehicle is 69006.

Two Yarmouth vehicles have also moved to Norwich, apparently as a permanent move. These are President 32204 LT52WTK and Eclipse 66344 MV02VCX. (the other B7Ls that went to Yarmouth returned earlier being 66328/66333)

There will probably be more arrivals in the near future, apparently the B7L’s have until the end of the year before being withdrawn. Ten replacements will be needed to replace ten Norwich Tridents that were made to comply with Euro 5 and some parts are so expensive it’s no longer justifiable. (These vehicles are all Orange Line Tridents and Purple Line Tridents except 33003, no other Tridents or B7TL’s are effected)

Thanks for the updates. Are these changes dependent on the receipt of the Excel deckers?

 

[MrGriff500]

Thanks for the updates. Are these changes dependent on the receipt of the Excel deckers?

Not heard any more about them. It’s gone eerily quiet with the whole new Excel Decker stuff. Nothing much else to report here, except I’m really not sure what’s planned for Ipswich 66950/9. They’re odd ones as they still have the Battleship Grey fronts. I’m not sure if they will receive the Ipswich Reds treatment or what’s due to happen with them.

 

[dlp_888]

66950/66959 are back in Ipswich following their short loan to Norwich.
69006 is a permanent transfer to Norwich as previously mentioned.
69007 returned from repaint yesterday in "Ipswich Reds" livery - 69008 is due back shortly. B7TL 32487 is also a recent recipient of the new colour scheme.
Other buses currently out of action at Ipswich are 44518 (acc. damage) and 66987 (engine failure).

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Not heard any more about them. It’s gone eerily quiet with the whole new Excel Decker stuff. Nothing much else to report here, except I’m really not sure what’s planned for Ipswich 66950/9. They’re odd ones as they still have the Battleship Grey fronts. I’m not sure if they will receive the Ipswich Reds treatment or what’s due to happen with them.

Hmmm.... Dare I suggest that they might not appear until January and the next financial year??

 

[Volvodart]

Someone on Facebook posted a rather blurred and dark photo of a Scania in two tone red with a clear staircase, which was claimed to be for First heading to Millbrook for testing. Is anywhere else in First expecting Scania double deckers (not gas)?

 

[buslad1988]

Someone on Facebook posted a rather blurred and dark photo of a Scania in two tone red with a clear staircase, which was claimed to be for First heading to Millbrook for testing. Is anywhere else in First expecting Scania double deckers (not gas)?

These could well be the ones for FEC... although someone mentioned a green based livery? However red would make much more sense.

 

[Volvodart]

The post was deleted by one of the Firstbus Enthusiasts admin, so it is likely to be true.

 

[InspectorBloke]

Someone on Facebook posted a rather blurred and dark photo of a Scania in two tone red with a clear staircase, which was claimed to be for First heading to Millbrook for testing. Is anywhere else in First expecting Scania double deckers (not gas)?

I understand First Essex have bid for some Scania buses to deploy on the X30 route in 2020.

 

[goldisgood]

A bus has been spotted, supposedly for First West of England. My instinct tells me it's one of the Scanias for Excel, because of the livery, and it also looks to have higher standard seats. Here's the photo link anyway.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/49039296078/

 

[Volvodart]

That was the one like I mentioned earlier in this thread but no photo link was available for posting then.

 

[MrGriff500]

A bus has been spotted, supposedly for First West of England. My instinct tells me it's one of the Scanias for Excel, because of the livery, and it also looks to have higher standard seats. Here's the photo link anyway.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/49039296078/

That will be, yes. Scania Enviros I believe.

 

[MrGriff500]

Couple of changes to report, in total, four Darts have come to Yarmouth from Hadleigh and Chelmsford. These are 42483-6. 32204 requires a new engine but will eventually return back to Norwich.

From Colchester, 32064 has arrived at Ipswich but is bound for Yarmouth once more in the next few weeks. The previously mentioned Ipswich B7RLE’s returned home, only for two more to be transferred to Norwich!

These new ones are 66957 and 66986 currently still Charcoal fronted. These are with us for a short time, then returning to Ipswich BRIEFLY to cover last few repaints, before returning to Norwich permanently. On the way it’s most likely they will receive the Lilac front Livery for Norwich. Both have been seen in service, 66957 on the 36 and later 22’s, and 66986 is doing Bernard Matthews contract work, still adorned with its Ipswich logos.

 

[MrGriff500]

As of 16th November:

66957/66986 have returned to Ipswich, should hopefully be returning to Norwich again soon.

Yarmouth’s last operational B7L, 66334 has now moved to Norwich with all its siblings to see out its final days. Arriving at Yarmouth today was 32064 now ready for service.

 

[F Great Eastern]

A couple of changes this week, that were not in the original batch of November changes that were announced last month in relation to Suffolk County Council subsidy cuts.

Changes to services 70A and 72 from Monday 18th November.
Following a review of usage on some of our Suffolk County Council contracted services we will be making some minor alterations to the following services.

Service 70A - will see the withdrawal of the 07:20 journey from Ipswich to Woodbridge via Grundisburgh. Passengers wishing to travel from Grundisburgh to Woodbridge are advised to catch the service 70 towards Ipswich at 07.50 from The Dog PH, getting off at the bottom of Bolton Lane. From here take a short 200m walk to the stop on Cobden Place, where the 08.10 service 64 will stop for onward travel to Woodbridge. This journey is scheduled to arrive at the Turban Centre at 08.40.

We will also be adding in a better timed journey back from Ipswich in the evening, with a NEW 17.10 service 70A journey fast to Woodbridge via Grundisburgh.

Service 72 - the journey at 17.15 from Old Cattle Market Bus Station will be withdrawn, due to extremely low passenger numbers. This change doesn't affect any journeys of service 72 run by other operators.

 

[chubs]

Lots of problems in Norwich recently. Long delays in the peak. Clapped out ancient single deckers subbing for services that are usually a newer double decker. Some services not turning up at all.

Things were going so well for a while.

 

[Robertj21a]

Lots of problems in Norwich recently. Long delays in the peak. Clapped out ancient single deckers subbing for services that are usually a newer double decker. Some services not turning up at all.

Things were going so well for a while.

First, still Transforming Travel.