West Lothian buses

[Graham Alexand]

I keep on forgetting Livingston got some shorter one, when the fleet was reshuffled. Glasgow got the deckers, and something else went south.



No offical date as of yet.

Thanks

 

[Graham Alexand]

Lothian Country 119 (SN04 NHK) is now with Whippet in England. It looks like there is another one of the Lothian Country 04 plate there too don't know which one it is though.

An unexpected find

Please Note: This was taken from public land behind the fence but it involved being in a bush/hedge with many thorns with the fence being inaccessible at most points. I don't recommend doing this (it caught me by surprise so didn't think before I went). Whippet [SN04 NHK] WS339 Volvo B7RLE...

www.flickr.com

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I keep on forgetting Livingston got some shorter one, when the fleet was reshuffled. Glasgow got the deckers, and something else went south.

e400s headed to Glasgow to release 54/55/07 plate B7TLs to Bristol to convert that city's 24 service with the 474**/475** StreetLites heading back to Livingston in September. Incidentally, the B7TLs have since moved on Cornwall about only 6 months in Bristol.

 

[overthewater]

e400s headed to Glasgow to release 54/55/07 plate B7TLs to Bristol to convert that city's 24 service with the 474**/475** StreetLites heading back to Livingston in September. Incidentally, the B7TLs have since moved on Cornwall about only 6 months in Bristol.

Cheers for that.

Lothian Country 119 (SN04 NHK) is now with Whippet in England. It looks like there is another one of the Lothian Country 04 plate there too don't know which one it is though.

An unexpected find

Please Note: This was taken from public land behind the fence but it involved being in a bush/hedge with many thorns with the fence being inaccessible at most points. I don't recommend doing this (it caught me by surprise so didn't think before I went). Whippet [SN04 NHK] WS339 Volvo B7RLE...

www.flickr.com

So What are Lothian getting in there place, and were these one used on the x38? or the 275?

 

[Graham Alexand]

Cheers for that.



So What are Lothian getting in there place, and were these one used on the x38? or the 275?

My guess is the last couple B7RLE's that are with East Coast Buses 10101/101 (RIG 6491) and 10102/102 (RIG 6492) but im unsure.

No, at that time service 275 was operating to Whitburn so they mainly used double deckers, the only one used on the X38 was 116 (SN04 NHG) which is the only one that they have kept.

All other 04 plate B7RLE's (up untill 16/11/2019 when they were withdrawn) were mostly uses for the 280, withdrawn route 281 and recently withdrawn route 287.

They had originally acquired them from Lothian Buses last May for then New service X17.

Like i said i think that 116 (SN04 NHG) is they only one which has been kept.

The B7RLE's that were used for service 275 when they withdrew the part between Whitburn and Livingston The Centre they used 103 (RIG 6493), 104 (RIG 6494), 105 (RIG 6495), 106 (RIG 6496) and 107 (RIG 6497).

Hope this helps.

 

[Siemens Trains]

You’ll know this.... Are there age limits on these tenders so are the Eclipses to be used on these routes OR to release smaller Streetlites for use on them?

I don't think there's an age limit but there may be an emissions standard, like a Roman numeral Euro-something. When Lothian took over the 63 from Horsburgh a few years back they ran quite old single deck vehicles but they'd been modified to meet a particular standard.

 

[Siemens Trains]

You would think first would extend the 63 to Edinburgh city centre to give Lothian County 43 competition

There has been little in the way of competition preventing First running a decent 43 service for many years but to be honest they didn't really want it after about 2012. Also there's no loyalty from the people of Queensferry to either Stagecoach or First due to very poor experience in the past, so very few people would willingly set foot on First's 63 rather than Lothian Country's 43. Fares, comfort and journey times are almost irrelevant. The same harsh truth applies across Edinburgh in my experience.

 

[CN04NRJ]

My guess is the last couple B7RLE's that are with East Coast Buses 10101/101 (RIG 6491) and 10102/102 (RIG 6492) but im unsure.

No, at that time service 275 was operating to Whitburn so they mainly used double deckers, the only one used on the X38 was 116 (SN04 NHG) which is the only one that they have kept.

All other 04 plate B7RLE's (up untill 16/11/2019 when they were withdrawn) were mostly uses for the 280, withdrawn route 281 and recently withdrawn route 287.

They had originally acquired them from Lothian Buses last May for then New service X17.

Like i said i think that 116 (SN04 NHG) is they only one which has been kept.

The B7RLE's that were used for service 275 when they withdrew the part between Whitburn and Livingston The Centre they used 103 (RIG 6493), 104 (RIG 6494), 105 (RIG 6495), 106 (RIG 6496) and 107 (RIG 6497).

Hope this helps.

I'd say it would probably be the 171-190 batch transferring to LCB/ECB when the new single deckers arrive, with 7900s going to Marine from Longstone to replace those. Assuming that all of 115-170 and the ex Arriva stuff are being sold, of course.

Just my take on what might happen.

 

[VioletEclipse]

I'd say it would probably be the 171-190 batch transferring to LCB/ECB when the new single deckers arrive, with 7900s going to Marine from Longstone to replace those. Assuming that all of 115-170 and the ex Arriva stuff are being sold, of course.

Just my take on what might happen.

all of 115-170? Whoa
I can understand the 04/55 plates going, but the newer ones surely still have a couple more years left at least? Especially 167-170

 

[CN04NRJ]

all of 115-170? Whoa
I can understand the 04/55 plates going, but the newer ones surely still have a couple more years left at least? Especially 167-170

I was thinking about that after I posted it, with previous postings in the other thread suggesting there's 40 single decks due I don't think that's enough to replace all of the buses up to 170?

Not sure how many of the 04 plates and RIGs were left before lockdown?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I imagine the remaining 04 and 55 plates plus 136-150 will be gone. That’s because Lothian won’t need as many singles 1. As a result of Lockdown and 2. The more important thing - the loss of 20 and 63 to First. That alone means the number of singles is down around 9 or 10 I believe. Factor in replacements that number seems about right. Between 30 and 35 of the current Longstone single deck allocation will no longer be required. Many of the 04 plates that had returned to service at Marine were already not being used all the time prior to lockdown.

151-160 I think will be part of the training fleet replacing 101-108 there.

I’d only expect 31-35 from the 7900’s to leave Longstone and head to Central. That’s if any of them actually move (which might not happen). I can also imagine some of Central’s 13 plates or other 64 plate hybrids then moving to marine etc.

161-166 seem likely to end up back at Marine again.

I think it’s more likely 167-170 will end up at ECB with 171-175 and/or 186-190 heading west to LC. That would allow the remaining ex arriva buses to not return to service.

It’ll be something like that but I’m sure we’ll find out the plans in the weeks and months ahead.

 

[OmniCity999]

I'd say it would probably be the 171-190 batch transferring to LCB/ECB when the new single deckers arrive, with 7900s going to Marine from Longstone to replace those. Assuming that all of 115-170 and the ex Arriva stuff are being sold, of course.

Just my take on what might happen.

all of 115-170? Whoa
I can understand the 04/55 plates going, but the newer ones surely still have a couple more years left at least? Especially 167-170

I was thinking about that after I posted it, with previous postings in the other thread suggesting there's 40 single decks due I don't think that's enough to replace all of the buses up to 170?

Not sure how many of the 04 plates and RIGs were left before lockdown?

I imagine the remaining 04 and 55 plates plus 136-150 will be gone. That’s because Lothian won’t need as many singles 1. As a result of Lockdown and 2. The more important thing - the loss of 20 and 63 to First. That alone means the number of singles is down around 9 or 10 I believe. Factor in replacements that number seems about right. Between 30 and 35 of the current Longstone single deck allocation will no longer be required. Many of the 04 plates that had returned to service at Marine were already not being used all the time prior to lockdown.

151-160 I think will be part of the training fleet replacing 101-108 there.

I’d only expect 31-35 from the 7900’s to leave Longstone and head to Central. That’s if any of them actually move (which might not happen). I can also imagine some of Central’s 13 plates or other 64 plate hybrids then moving to marine etc.

161-166 seem likely to end up back at Marine again.

I think it’s more likely 167-170 will end up at ECB with 171-175 and/or 186-190 heading west to LC. That would allow the remaining ex arriva buses to not return to service.

It’ll be something like that but I’m sure we’ll find out the plans in the weeks and months ahead.

Essentially, itll only be Eclipse 2's being kept for the time being, with the vast majority of the Eclipse 1's being sold and some going into storage.

A couple Eclipse 2's may join ECB and a couple may join LCB. But non on mass.

There is to be no changes to the training school fleet.

 

[Graham Alexand]

So the RIG 649x buses are getting withdrawn.

Well at least the eclipses aren't getting scapped.

 

[OmniCity999]

So the RIG 649x buses are getting withdrawn.

Well at least the eclipses aren't getting scapped.

The RIG plated buses are Eclipses. They are being withdrawn and sold. As are some of Lothians Eclipses. Eclipse 2's with the curvier front end, are being kept, Eclipses are with the squarer front end are being sold. Nothing is being scrapped.

 

[Graham Alexand]

The RIG plated buses are Eclipses. They are being withdrawn and sold. As are some of Lothians Eclipses. Eclipse 2's with the curvier front end, are being kept, Eclipses are with the squarer front end are being sold. Nothing is being scrapped.

Some of them would probably be good for E&M Horsburgh. Are the Lothian Country Eclipse 2's the ones with a curvier front.

 

[Graham Alexand]

After the engine fire was Lothian Country 181 (SN13 BFA) permanently withdrawn or is it being repaired?.

 

[computerSaysNo]

Some of them would probably be good for E&M Horsburgh. Are the Lothian Country Eclipse 2's the ones with a curvier front.

For the single deck vehicles, looking at the front ends:
Eclipse 1s are the ones with the big round headlights (2 on each side of the front going horizontally, indicators are seperate).
Eclipse 2s have 3 smaller headlights at each side (going horizontally, indicators are integrated).
Eclipse 3s have 2 smaller headlights (indicators are integrated) at each side but going vertically.

EDIT: The double deckers can be identified in a similar way:
Gemini 1a: big round headlights, 2 at each side, seperate indicators, and flat rear panel.
Gemini 1b: same as 1a but with a curved rear panel.
Gemini 2: three smaller headlights arranged horizontally at each side, integrated indicators (no glass staircase).
Gemini 3a: front end is similar to Gemini 2 but 3a has a glass staircase
Gemini 3b: two headlights on each side, integrated indicators, glass staircase.

 

[Graham Alexand]

For the single deck vehicles:
Eclipse 1s are the ones with the big round headlights (2 on each side of the front).
Eclipse 2s have 3 smaller headlights at each side (going horizontally).
Eclipse 3s have 2 smaller headlights at each side but going vertically.

Oh i get it now

 

[computerSaysNo]

Oh i get it now

I've edited my post, above, to add info about identifying the deckers.

 

[Graham Alexand]

For the single deck vehicles, looking at the front ends:
Eclipse 1s are the ones with the big round headlights (2 on each side of the front going horizontally, indicators are seperate).
Eclipse 2s have 3 smaller headlights at each side (going horizontally, indicators are integrated).
Eclipse 3s have 2 smaller headlights (indicators are integrated) at each side but going vertically.

EDIT: The double deckers can be identified in a similar way:
Gemini 1a: big round headlights, 2 at each side, seperate indicators, and flat rear panel.
Gemini 1b: same as 1a but with a curved rear panel.
Gemini 2: three smaller headlights arranged horizontally at each side, integrated indicators (no glass staircase).
Gemini 3a: front end is similar to Gemini 2 but 3a has a glass staircase
Gemini 3b: two headlights on each side, integrated indicators, glass staircase.

Is Gemini 1a a B7TL and a Gemini 1b a B9TL

 

[computerSaysNo]

Is Gemini 1a a B7TL and a Gemini 1b a B9TL

In Lothian's fleet, as far as I'm aware, yes. I don't know if this goes for every B7 and B9 produced though.

 

[Graham Alexand]

In Lothian's fleet, as far as I'm aware, yes. I don't know if this goes for every B7 and B9 produced though.

Thanks

 

[Jordan Adam]

In Lothian's fleet, as far as I'm aware, yes. I don't know if this goes for every B7 and B9 produced though.

Yes it does, all B9TLs have the updated rear.

 

[computerSaysNo]

Yes it does, all B9TLs have the updated rear.

Does it work the other way as well though? (ie does every B7 have the flat rear?)

 

[Jordan Adam]

Does it work the other way as well though? (ie does every B7 have the flat rear?)

Yes, The rear design is dependant on chassis. It's the front end design that defines what 'generation' of Gemini it is.

Volvo B5TL (Gemini 3 Pre-Facelift):

loth1180

Lothian 420 - BN64 CSO Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini rear shot latest repaint into new livery. Taken at Wester Hailes Edin, on route 33, 19/03/20.

www.flickr.com

Volvo B5TL (Gemini 3 Facelift):

Lothian Buses 495 (SF17VOJ) - 18-08-17 (02)

Rear view of Lothian Buses' Volvo B5TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 3, 495 (SF17VOJ), seen on Drum Brae Drive, Edinburgh, on the 18th August 2017, whilst working service 26 to Tranent.

www.flickr.com

Volvo B7TL (Gemini):

Rear of 774

Rear view of newly repainted Lothian Buses Volvo B7TL Gemini 774 on The Mound before crossing over onto Hanover Street with an afternoon service 27 bound for Silverknowes.

www.flickr.com

Volvo B9TL (Gemini & Gemini 2):

1050's Rear

A rear view of Lothian Buses Ex London Volvo B9TL Gemini 1050 sitting at the King's Buildings before working back to Cramond on service 41.

www.flickr.com

Gemini (offered on the B7TL & B9TL):

Lothian Double (1 of 2)

Lothian Buses pair make their way along Princes St in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle. (1 of 2) Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini on Route 3 to Cloverstone. (2 of 2) Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2. Edinburgh, Scotland.

www.flickr.com

Gemini 2 (Offered on the B9TL):

Lothian 360 SN11EBK

Lothian Buses no. 360 (SN11 EBK) is a Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini new to the fleet in July 2011. It is seen here on George Street whilst working a journey on service 4 to Oxgangs.

www.flickr.com

Gemini 3 Pre-Facelift (Offered on the B5TL):

VOLVO B5TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 - Lothian Buses

406 BN64 CPO........Ocean Terminal,Leith.

www.flickr.com

Gemini 3 Facelift (Offered on the B5TL):

Lothian buses 449 - J66 LPK

Lothian buses 449 (J66 LPK) - this vehicle seen operating on East Coast Buses route 140, normally operated by green buses which were stood down during the coronavirus pandemic. Seen approaching the village of Roslin. 11th May 2020.

www.flickr.com

 

[CN04NRJ]

currently

For the single deck vehicles, looking at the front ends:
Eclipse 1s are the ones with the big round headlights (2 on each side of the front going horizontally, indicators are seperate).
Eclipse 2s have 3 smaller headlights at each side (going horizontally, indicators are integrated).
Eclipse 3s have 2 smaller headlights (indicators are integrated) at each side but going vertically.

EDIT: The double deckers can be identified in a similar way:
Gemini 1a: big round headlights, 2 at each side, seperate indicators, and flat rear panel.
Gemini 1b: same as 1a but with a curved rear panel.
Gemini 2: three smaller headlights arranged horizontally at each side, integrated indicators (no glass staircase).
Gemini 3a: front end is similar to Gemini 2 but 3a has a glass staircase
Gemini 3b: two headlights on each side, integrated indicators, glass staircase.

Tell tale sign between the Gemini 2 and 3a is the height of the upper deck windows. On the Gemini 3 they're shorter in height.

 

[Graham Alexand]

How do you delete posts by the way. I keep on doubling posts by accident and its annoying, thanks

 

[GusB]

How do you delete posts by the way. I keep on doubling posts by accident and its annoying, thanks

You can't delete posts. You can edit them to say something like "double-post - delete". Better still, if you accidentally make a duplicate post, hit the "report" link underneath, and we'll get rid

 

[Graham Alexand]

How do you delete posts by the way. I keep on doubling post and its annoying, thanks

You can't delete posts. You can edit them to say something like "double-post - delete". Better still, if you accidentally make a duplicate post, hit the "report" link underneath, and we'll get rid

thanks GusB

 

[ScotRail158725]

My guess is the last couple B7RLE's that are with East Coast Buses 10101/101 (RIG 6491) and 10102/102 (RIG 6492) but im unsure.

No, at that time service 275 was operating to Whitburn so they mainly used double deckers, the only one used on the X38 was 116 (SN04 NHG) which is the only one that they have kept.

All other 04 plate B7RLE's (up untill 16/11/2019 when they were withdrawn) were mostly uses for the 280, withdrawn route 281 and recently withdrawn route 287.

They had originally acquired them from Lothian Buses last May for then New service X17.

Like i said i think that 116 (SN04 NHG) is they only one which has been kept.

The B7RLE's that were used for service 275 when they withdrew the part between Whitburn and Livingston The Centre they used 103 (RIG 6493), 104 (RIG 6494), 105 (RIG 6495), 106 (RIG 6496) and 107 (RIG 6497).

Hope this helps.

they’ve got the 10 Ex LMC B9s now so no need for any Eclipses. i’ve heard that the LC Ex Arrivas have been sold aswell but not sure how reliable that is