66694

[DD12]

I've been wondering why it's taking so long to get this one back on the road.

Could it be -- (a) - a shortage of mechanics/ engineers ? --

(b) - a cash flow problem relating to First group's financial woes ?
-- Has anyone noticed the sudden appearance of NATWEST bank adverts on our buses -- "Keeping First Groups 5,700 buses On The Road"

(c) - is FMR waiting for suitable parts to turn up at a breakers yard ?

Also, I've only just noticed that 66694 with it's Herefordshire "Village Links" decoration, and usage, is "registered HVJ" - which traditionally was a Herefordshire mark !

(Sorry if someone else has already posted that).

[AdamH]

In the absence of our famous engine builder a refurbished second-hand engine was found and fitted. It got as far as the bus park on the other side of the road before it failed. After a bit of arguing with the supplier the bus was moved back indoors and the "new" engine removed and sent back. Another replacement has now been found and is sat on a pallet next to the bus waiting to be fitted...

[DD12]

In the absence of our famous engine builder a refurbished second-hand engine was found and fitted. It got as far as the bus park on the other side of the road before it failed. After a bit of arguing with the supplier the bus was moved back indoors and the "new" engine removed and sent back. Another replacement has now been found and is sat on a pallet next to the bus waiting to be fitted...

[AdamH]

Engine is now in the vehicle. Not sure if it's connected to anything yet.

[AdamH]

66694 was back on the road this morning and I was allocated it for the 482 to Leominster. Unfortunately pulling out of the yard onto Pheasant Street it was clear it had an air leak so I did a 180 at the next roundabout and limped back to the depot.

Ended up taking 63359 to Leominster which would normally annoy me as I’m not a fan of StreetLites, however it’s a hot day and the air conditioning works on this bus, so for once I won’t moan!

[willr7]

Just noticed that the fleet list states that 66694 is back on the road which hopefully means the air leak has been fixed! Do you know (Adam) whether it got further than it did when you drove it! lol

[AdamH]

Yes it has been fixed. However it hasn't been out yet as they decided to do a bit of glass-work modification. The driver's window used to rattle like crazy and was very annoying so the whole section has been removed and replaced with a brand new one. If the work is now finished I suspect I'll be using it on the 405 to Hereford tomorrow.

[willr7]

Thanks for the info Adam, sounds like they're doing a thorough job on it!

[AdamH]

Yes, I currently waiting time in Bromyard in it to run the morning 674, and I’m pleased to say it’s going well.

[MattW]

If the work is now finished I suspect I'll be using it on the 405 to Hereford tomorrow.

As you can see I had a trip out on the full route today, some excellent driving from our leader on some very narrow country lanes! I'd only looked briefly at the stopping points on the route and didn't realise how convoluted it was!