Worcester Optare Solo's

Vehicle and Fleet discussions for First Midland Red Buses Limited or its predecessor, Midland Red West Limited.
Matt560Breese
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Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by Matt560Breese » 15:21 Sunday 6th January 2019

As I'm sure you all aware with the Citaros entering service the original 03 plate and 53 Plate solo's will me being disposed of shortly. As I'm also sure you aware I own a few vehicles one of which was the pre curser to the solos Worcester has.

I have been in talks with first over a few months and i have now had confirmation that it looks like one of the solo's will end up in preservation with my group. we are still unsure at this time which one as over the xmas period certain plans have been made and I believe that 53047 will be required of its engine at least so watch this space.

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AdamH
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by AdamH » 15:29 Sunday 6th January 2019

53047 certainly has the best engine in it, but First knows this and although I was rather drunk last night I'm sure I remember Mechwr26 saying they were going to take the engine out and fit it to 53802.

My last shift in Ledbury was on New Years Eve in 53048 and that was perfectly adequate, and it's still in the correct livery for your needs.

MattW
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by MattW » 17:39 Sunday 6th January 2019

Good news Matt. Happy to assist if you need another spanner monkey!

willr7
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by willr7 » 20:55 Sunday 6th January 2019

I believe there was talk of 53062 being kept and solo 53155 (CN06 BXH) being transferred over from Potteries for use on service 31. Whether that's still happening or not I don't know...

Matt560Breese
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by Matt560Breese » 15:38 Thursday 17th January 2019

So i have an Update

First Midland Engineering Director has now come back to me and given me a list of the solos they deem to be fit enough for preservation/ ones that are not going else were ether

the list is as follow

53048
53050
53051
53061

so that narrows the list down but i think gives me a good choice

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AdamH
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by AdamH » 19:41 Thursday 17th January 2019

I think you should get 53061 and return it to it's original condition... photo link.

willr7
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by willr7 » 18:46 Monday 25th February 2019

Have most of the Solo’s been Withdrawn now?

I ask this as I see that 53061 & 53062 are the only (older) solo’s to appear on the bustimes.org tracking system now which would suggest the rest have been withdrawn... But I won’t jump to any conclusions :lol:

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AdamH
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by AdamH » 20:40 Monday 25th February 2019

From what I'm told by other enthusiasts, I believe most are mow withdrawn and are parked up waiting for disposal.

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Red Midland
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by Red Midland » 01:48 Tuesday 26th February 2019

All of the original Worcester Solos are now withdrawn. 53051 was the last to be withdrawn, on February 6.

The only minibus allocations at Worcester now are the 'Wyes Moves' Solos, 53061-2, and the two examples fitted with seatbelts, 53802 and 53207.

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AdamH
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Re: Worcester Optare Solo's

Post by AdamH » 08:00 Tuesday 26th February 2019

Red Midland wrote:
01:48 Tuesday 26th February 2019
All of the original Worcester Solos are now withdrawn. 53051 was the last to be withdrawn, on February 6.

The only minibus allocations at Worcester now are the 'Wyes Moves' Solos, 53061-2, and the two examples fitted with seatbelts, 53802 and 53207.
Thanks for the update 👍

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