MidlandRed.net

It was new with 22 seats because the old Midland Red West minibus agreement still applied when it was new. Minibus drivers got less money and 22 seats was the magic number agreed with the union. Same reason all the O.814 Varios were fitted as such.

The agreement was scrapped by the time Worcester got their Solos, with all drivers being expected to drive all types on all routes.

All Worcester Enviro 300 are going to Potteries.

Shame that the heritage livery is going but will another vehicle get painted into heritage livery?

….. "Thorntons have not yet confirmed the dates for the remaining examples"
(the Mercs).

-- -- this implies that it's intended that we will still get all six of the older Mercs.

IF so, that means we will have an intake of 19 vehicles (starting from October) :-
20370,71, 53041,53155, 53207, 64012,13,14,15,16,18, 21, 33, 35, 42,43, 44, 45, 69460.

and 21 planned disposals / transfers-out (starting from October) :-
20202, 33043, 42892,93, 94, 53044, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 61, 62, 63358, 59, 67652, 59, 62, 63, 64, 99.

Therefore IF things go to (that) plan, that would give an overall reduction of just two vehicles -- I expected the reduction to be more !

Rich82 wrote: ↑

07:42 Sunday 4th November 2018

All Worcester Enviro 300 are going to Potteries.

Shame that the heritage livery is going but will another vehicle get painted into heritage livery?

I would expect that if any vehicle was to be painted into the heritage livery as a replacement to 67664 it would most likely be one of the (SN64...) Streetlite's, one of the 3 E200's or one of the older Mercs that are yet to arrive. I think this as they will be the only vehicles that are not in the new 'Urban 2' livery yet except the DD's (once the latest arrivals/disposals have taken place)

But hopefully, Adam will have a simpler Yes or No Answer to your question!

willr7 wrote: ↑

12:08 Sunday 4th November 2018

But hopefully, Adam will have a simpler Yes or No Answer to your question!

As far as I know there are no plans for another Heritage bus.

Going off topic a little, 33404 was booked out yesterday for a driver's wedding. Engineers made an effort to fix the fuel pump in time but then it suffered an electrical failure. In the end 67664 was cleaned up and used, so all was not lost, but it shows the need for a spare in my view! I hope the lack of decks didn't spoil the happy day.

AdamH wrote: ↑

12:16 Sunday 4th November 2018

As far as I know there are no plans for another Heritage bus.

Going off topic a little, 33404 was booked out yesterday for a driver's wedding. Engineers made an effort to fix the fuel pump in time but then it suffered an electrical failure. In the end 67664 was cleaned up and used, so all was not lost, but it shows the need for a spare in my view! I hope the lack of decks didn't spoil the happy day.

Thanks Adam!
It's a shame 33404 was not able to make the event! Like you say, a spare is always good, I think First really need to consider bringing in a couple 'NEWER' DD's to act as 'back-up's' for the current ones! (I'm sure DD12 will strongly agree! )

willr7 wrote: ↑

13:05 Sunday 4th November 2018

...I think First really need to consider bringing in a couple 'NEWER' DD's to act as 'back-up's' for the current ones! (I'm sure DD12 will strongly agree! )

Or get 6015 back on the road and keep it!

Lots of good info here. I guess we're lucky to have a bloke in charge such as Nigel who is happy to give the information he can.
I like the look of the Mercs I must admit, nice simple styling, and while we're on the subject of wanting (but not getting) another heritage bus, a Solo in GWR chocolate and cream or even the original Citibus livery would do me.

AdamH wrote: ↑

13:11 Sunday 4th November 2018

Or get 6015 back on the road and keep it!

Now that is a good idea!

AdamH wrote: ↑

13:11 Sunday 4th November 2018

willr7 wrote: ↑

13:05 Sunday 4th November 2018

...I think First really need to consider bringing in a couple 'NEWER' DD's to act as 'back-up's' for the current ones! (I'm sure DD12 will strongly agree! )

Or get 6015 back on the road and keep it!

Yes, ….. YES !!