First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[Busgeek]

No it’s social distancing relaxation that removed the need for the MMCs. They will be returning across August in any case.

With regards to the green ones, any ideas as to where they will get based? Will they return to Summercourt or be scattered about?

It’s been waiting for Cummins to come in and rebuild the engine. They’re in now.

This is great news!

 

[Lizard1324]

With regards to the green ones, any ideas as to where they will get based? Will they return to Summercourt or be scattered.

In my opinion they'll likely be scattered. I feel like some might be used on the U4 or Lizard routes or maybe the 17, so Helston and Penzance.

 

[Trainfan061193]

In my opinion they'll likely be scattered. I feel like some might be used on the U4 or Lizard routes or maybe the 17, so Helston and Penzance.

I think it’s very unlikely they’re gonna get Lizard branding, more likely some more Geminis I would’ve thought.

 

[cnjb8]

In my opinion they'll likely be scattered. I feel like some might be used on the U4 or Lizard routes or maybe the 17, so Helston and Penzance.

Why would they not return to Summercourt though?

 

[83G/84D]

Gemini 37001 and an unidentifiable open top Lands End Coaster Volvo, seen at Stuart’s Volvo on Wednesday.

 

[Lizard1324]

I think it’s very unlikely they’re gonna get Lizard branding, more likely some more Geminis I would’ve thought.

I'm not necessarily saying lizard branding but to fill in bus gaps, like the green Geminis do now with the odd L1, U4 or L3

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Surely the most likely is there return to the 87/91 and 27 which will take up 10 vehicles? Then possibly the 17/18/19 and the 86?

Not certain the clamour on other routes. There are Lizard liveried deckers available for the U4

 

[Trainfan061193]

Surely the most likely is there return to the 87/91 and 27 which will take up 10 vehicles? Then possibly the 17/18/19 and the 86?

Not certain the clamour on other routes. There are Lizard liveried deckers available for the U4

Yes I think the plan is to have Lizard liveried buses on the U4. I’m sure it’ll happen once more vehicles are painted because at this present moment in time, you are lucky to see any Lizard branded decker on any Lizard service.

Regarding the MMCs to what routes they will run when they return in August, most likely I’d have thought the green ones will mainly go back to running the 27 and 86/87/91 but who knows as you say some could go down to Penzance to help run the 17/18/19.

 

[Goldfish62]

Yes I think the plan is to have Lizard liveried buses on the U4. I’m sure it’ll happen once more vehicles are painted because at this present moment in time, you are lucky to see any Lizard branded decker on any Lizard service.

Regarding the MMCs to what routes they will run when they return in August, most likely I’d have thought the green ones will mainly go back to running the 27 and 86/87 but who knows as you say some could go down to Penzance to help run the 17/18/19.

In terms of the U4 and 17/18/19 they've had vehicle downgrades so I would hope that they're able to receive some of the MMCs. Otherwise the only modern fleet to be operating in the west of Cornwall will be on the T1/T2.

Not certain the clamour on other routes. There are Lizard liveried deckers available for the U4

There are not enough for all the L routes, and in any case is it a good idea to permanently replace nearly new Euro VI buses with WiFi, USB ports etc with elderly Euro III Tridents on quite a high profile trunk route?

Perhaps some routes in the east of the area should get their turn for the old fleet instead.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Perhaps some routes in the east of the area should get their turn for the old fleet instead.

As we've seen with the vehicles being used in Somerset, finances are the final arbiter.

 

[On the Buses]

To know where the green MMCs are likely to land you would have to know how the network is going to land when colleges return
The Lizard fleet is now starting its way through paint. The first Gemini is in now. The repaints will be 2 x Geminis, 2 x ELC Trident and 3 x E400 for now.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

To know where the green MMCs are likely to land you would have to know how the network is going to land when colleges return
The Lizard fleet is now starting its way through paint. The first Gemini is in now. The repaints will be 2 x Geminis, 2 x ELC Trident and 3 x E400 for now.

Thanks for the update. Would those be 33420-22 as the three e400 (as opposed to MMCs)?



As an aside, the Lothian thread has a number of subjects that have become "taboo" on the basis of conflicting information/speculation/strident opinion, often being repeated. You could argue there are a few subjects that fit the same criteria on this thread (e.g. MMCs returning from Somerset, Poppy/Pride liveries, L1/34 tender, etc)

 

[Trainfan061193]

Thanks for the update. Would those be 33420-22 as the three e400 (as opposed to MMCs)?



As an aside, the Lothian thread has a number of subjects that have become "taboo" on the basis of conflicting information/speculation/strident opinion, often being repeated. You could argue there are a few subjects that fit the same criteria on this thread (e.g. MMCs returning from Somerset, Poppy/Pride liveries, L1/34 tender, etc)

I had a feeling 33420-22 were going to get the new Lizard livery all along. I think the livery will be very similar in a way to the two open top Lizard Presidents.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I had a feeling 33420-22 were going to get the new Lizard livery all along

We'll have to wait and see if that it is those ones

As always, it is never boring with First South West, either in Cornwall or in Somerset; we're still waiting to see what the Somerset news is, as and when it can be shared.

It's interesting to see how the U4 is regarded these days. When I first travelled on it in the mid 1990s as the 2, I think I had a rather mature FDV-V Leopard from Falmouth before, after a break at Helston Tesco, having a refurbished VR (possibly an ex Eastern National one?) to take me to Penzance.

 

[co-tr-paul]

As long as the U4 has decent thick seat cushions ! 1 hour + can be rather uncomfortable.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

As long as the U4 has decent thick seat cushions ! 1 hour + can be rather uncomfortable.

Hmmm.... IMO, the old ex Bristol EL Tridents (e.g. 32716) were the worst. They were a*** numbing!

 

[northern506]

Does anyone know the reasoning behind the S1/S2/S3 not operating? When I was visiting last week most of them failed to operate, and judging by bustimes they rarely operate.

I understand the correct vehicles are not ready yet, although if a service is timetabled to operate you would expect it to.

 

[Peter Heath]

23651 XFF283 and 23654 UHW661 were parked up in Milehouse yard today.

 

[On the Buses]

Thanks for the update. Would those be 33420-22 as the three e400 (as opposed to MMCs)?



As an aside, the Lothian thread has a number of subjects that have become "taboo" on the basis of conflicting information/speculation/strident opinion, often being repeated. You could argue there are a few subjects that fit the same criteria on this thread (e.g. MMCs returning from Somerset, Poppy/Pride liveries, L1/34 tender, etc)

Yes

Does anyone know the reasoning behind the S1/S2/S3 not operating? When I was visiting last week most of them failed to operate, and judging by bustimes they rarely operate.

I understand the correct vehicles are not ready yet, although if a service is timetabled to operate you would expect it to.

Staff unavailability. Cornwall has some challenges last week and this.

 

[Trainfan061193]

The Lizard fleet is now starting its way through paint. The first Gemini is in now. The repaints will be 2 x Geminis, 2 x ELC Trident and 3 x E400 for now.

Will all the Lizard services be classed as an adventure? Something was telling me the whole time 33420-422 were going to get Lizard livery.

 

[Lizard1324]

Yes


Staff unavailability. Cornwall has some challenges last week and this.

Which two Geminis will be going into Lizard livery?

 

[Goldfish62]

As we've seen with the vehicles being used in Somerset, finances are the final arbiter.

Notwithstanding further comments about vehicle allocations in this thread that would certainly indicate that they wouldn't go on the 27 given that's a speculative commercial registration in competition with the tendered route 27.

 

[TechDan2002]

Which two Geminis will be going into lizard livery?

I’m led to believe 37002 and 37008

 

[Trainfan061193]

I’m led to believe 37002 and 37008

I’ve been thinking that myself.

 

[sbrignall72]

To know where the green MMCs are likely to land you would have to know how the network is going to land when colleges return
The Lizard fleet is now starting its way through paint. The first Gemini is in now. The repaints will be 2 x Geminis, 2 x ELC Trident and 3 x E400 for now.

What is going to happen to 68301 and 68302. Are they remaining on college duties from September.

 

[Volvo142]

Some spectacular views from the Exmoor Coaster today.

Brilliant sunshine on the trip from Lynmouth to Minehead, but up in the clouds on the return leg!

 

[On the Buses]

Notwithstanding further comments about vehicle allocations in this thread that would certainly indicate that they wouldn't go on the 27 given that's a speculative commercial registration in competition with the tendered route 27.

???

What is going to happen to 68301 and 68302. Are they remaining on college duties from September.

School contracts

 

[Cesarcollie]

Notwithstanding further comments about vehicle allocations in this thread that would certainly indicate that they wouldn't go on the 27 given that's a speculative commercial registration in competition with the tendered route 27.

Why not? If you’re referring to the E400s a company may well choose to put its newer/better vehicles on a competitive route.....

 

[On the Buses]

Why not? If you’re referring to the E400s a company may well choose to put its newer/better vehicles on a competitive route.....

What competition?????

 

[Lizard1324]

I do hope the new and current Lizard vehicles will receive some rear images/maps like the new opentoppers