MidlandRed.net

33401 is the only one of WR's deckers that hasn't returned to service --

Does anyone know what's wrong with it ?

I'm afraid that it might be earmarked for early transfer to Essex ??

-- -- The Potteries have gained 3 DDs recently, and a further one to come apparently, AND, Leicester are to put into service their 7 Enviro 400s, but are apparently only going to lose the 3 Geminis -- --

- so I'm very disappointed that WR looks unlikely to get any extra DDs !

( - I guess that the school-time services they are used on are still very lightly loaded due to fears about covid 19 ?)

I would like to think that WHEN everyone has been vaccinated (!!) a few extra DDs will be needed for the 32S, S44, S45, 144, and 51S/ X50, 363/365, to include competition with Astons for school work in south Worcestershire ( - massive new housing development just south of Worcester !)

I don't know what is wrong with 33401....

But what I am wondering is that if we are are losing our 5 Tridents + 2 B7TL + 4 StreetDecks (?).

We are going to need more than just 3 Geminis from Leicester to replace our fleet of 11 DDs... Will we get additional Geminis from elsewhere? (Maybe some from FSY, like the three 07 plate B9TLs that the Potteries have just gained...) I wouldn't like to see anything older than that otherwise its not a step forward!

33401 finally back in service today, according to the tracker !

DD12 wrote: ↑

10:50 Monday 2nd November 2020

33401 finally back in service today, according to the tracker !

With kind permission of Bob Hemming here is a panorama of double-deckers parked up on Padmore Street 'patch Saturday 7 November 2020.

Possibly good timing for that photo, thanks Tim !

-- It's reported elsewhere that Leicester's 3 Geminis have just finished there and are still due here (FMR) to replace 3 Tridents which are going to Essex (apparently).

I hope they will be repainted asap, although it would be fun to see 32646 running WR routes in it's Leicester heritage livery for a while -- --

- - the fact it has spent it's entire life at Leicester adds an air of authenticity to the livery,
and a reminder that the Leicester operation of First is ex. City of Leicester and not ex. Midland Red !! ( - I sometimes forget !)

32644 has arrived.

From what I could see, from a distance, the paintwork doesn't look too bad -- --

on one of the facebook pages, Nigel Eggleton has inferred that he doesn't feel justified in
repainting 32644+45, ( - cost), - but there surely must be some modern cleaning stuff that could improve the appearance ( - without ingredients that smear windscreens and transfer to the bus-wash !).

I actually prefer the barbie livery for Geminis, compared to that worn by our StreetDecks !

DD12 wrote: ↑

14:58 Thursday 12th November 2020

32644 has arrived.

From what I could see, from a distance, the paintwork doesn't look too bad -- --

on one of the facebook pages, Nigel Eggleton has inferred that he doesn't feel justified in
repainting 32644+45, ( - cost), - but there surely must be some modern cleaning stuff that could improve the appearance ( - without ingredients that smear windscreens and transfer to the bus-wash !).

I actually prefer the barbie livery for Geminis, compared to that worn by our StreetDecks !

That surprises me considering we recently had a 2003 Solo (53062) Repainted & older Citaro's (64012 - 64018) refurbished around the same age of these gemini's when they were done!
I guess there is no choice with 32646 considering the livery it currently wears!

Perhaps we could persuade the MD to have it painted in a new heritage livery, how about NBC Red livery, in a similar style to one of First Essex have (theirs is in green)
I like to stir things up, perhaps other forum members would like to comment.

bmmoboy wrote: ↑

23:32 Thursday 12th November 2020

Perhaps we could persuade the MD to have it painted in a new heritage livery, how about NBC Red livery, in a similar style to one of First Essex have (theirs is in green)
I like to stir things up, perhaps other forum members would like to comment.

How about putting SOUTH MIDLAND fleet names and X50 promotional stuff on it ?

The X50 still uses one DD all day, and 32646 could be the one.

When everyone is vaccinated and the pandemic is over, there could be celebratory bunting etc. painted on it, and the X50 could be extended to Chipping Norton twice a week ( - with frequent connections to Oxford) !!

On my way back from Evesham this afternoon ,33401 was noted in Pershore and on my arrival back in Bromsgrove , I passed 32644 heading up Rock Hill on a 144 service .