MidlandRed.net

42892 has bitten the dust, due to chassis corrosion.

In its place, 43876 (MX56HYP) has arrived from Stoke as its replacement. It will need some attention before entering service as the back is covered in oil. It might be an engine swap with 42892, MechWR26 will sort it!!

Thanks bmmoboy.

I believe 42892 was the last bus in the FMR fleet with a local registration code (VX) --

I think the official name for our registration area is Severn Valley, or Vale of Severn (?)

This marks the end of local registrations that were introduced with the first new vehicles ordered by Midland Red West, ( IE: Worcestershire's AB, NP, UY, WP )

Yep she's finished with unfortunately. The replacement bus needs an engine, all the brake shoes replacing and a set of spring bushes. We've got most of an engine which we pulled out of storage tonight and I seem to recall that it's a good one. The engine and box is out of the baby Dart ready to swap parts
over.

When I saw the "MX" reg , I - wrongly - assumed that 43876 was originally a First Manchester vehicle . . . . . . WRONG . . . . It was new to National Car Parks of Marble Arch - office address not depot I guess ! One of a batch of 5 , which according to my records are vehicles I have not ever seen.

42893 and 42894 are still soldiering on with First Cymru:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/129716166 ... bU-2hJTyVw

43876 is seen working a 34 in Tolladine Road today; photo displayed with kind permission of Bob Hemming who commented that it has good legroom (unlike the usual Citaros)!

First Cymru has now withdrawn 42893 from service at Swansea Ravenhill depot. However, 42894 soldiers on.

Sat on 43876 at Ledbury Memorial waiting to depart on the 13:10 675 to Great Malvern on 21st March. Just been for a ride round the 600 Ledbury Town Circular to kill a bit of time before it forms the 675. The usual rattly pointer body but sounded in good nick to be fair.

First Cymru has now withdrawn 42894 from service.