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Post by 6HP502C on Apr 11, 2023 18:59:14 GMT
Sorry if it might sound a little personal, but one aspect of the costs remains a curious one—how do the numbers add up with a fleet which is wholly non €6 (but entirely capable of retrofitting) and yet always runs into the LEZ, to the tune of £100-300 per job? Several operators do it and make it work! It’s not my intention to go into details of incomings and outgoings here but suffice to say basic principles of business are very much in play.
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Post by 6HP502C on May 21, 2023 3:39:58 GMT
General news
Replacement Bus Hire is now a multinational operation. The insurance policy only authorises one named driver to drive any of the vehicles, but that might change in the near future. A payscale is yet to be decided but will include hourly supplements for doing rail replacement and driving anything that has more than 2 axles, allowances for a mobile phone and subsistence as well as a scheme where hours worked accrue points that can be redeemed against paid CPC training.
A number of vehicles will be joining the fold in the near future and a few will have to leave.
Fleet updates
23065 - still a works in progress.
SPV1 - back on the road now. It passed MOT a couple of weeks ago, but further attention was required to address an overheating problem. This was caused by an issue with a cable and megafuse which prevented operation of the electronic fans. This has been repaired, but after a day or so on the road the front suspension system and a stray air connector are after attention! SPV2 - VOR. It was initially taken off road in February due to a fuel supply issue. This was traced to a melted fuel shutoff valve - a component originally made out of plastic. Funnily enough SPV1 suffered with the same problem at the same time. If the part is ordered from Evobus it appears to have had an official redesign and now comes in aluminium.
SPV2 is after several components now - a brake chamber, handbrake valve, air dryer, multi-circuit protection value, main engine control unit and various other things. The front Hanover has been repaired at my cost - turns out the colour panel previously fitted to it in an unofficial manner caused all the problems.
Apart from the fuel shutoff valve, these issues were all pre-existing which explains why the previous owners wanted rid of it. These problems will cost thousands of pounds to repair, but if the result is a good bus at the end if it, this may be more cost effective than taking on another older vehicle and whatever problems it has, or getting a newer one. A decision is to be made on it.
SPV3 - Was VOR for 6 weeks. A replacement gear selector was fitted and shorted, causing the bus to not communicate with the transmission ECU and thus not select any gears, including neutral.
Sadly summoning help from the main dealer resulted in a bill of over £1k and the bus left in a worse condition than they found it in. They said they were only prepared to rewire the entire bus to manufacturer standards and were not prepared to do anything else, including look at the fuse unless I agreed to that. I declined and had my bus towed out of their workshop.
I called Volvo specialists who I know and trust, but are based far away. They still came and they fixed the problem in 5 minutes. It was a blown fuse protecting the transmission ECU. Replacing it solved the problem. They then repaired the wiring that was disturbed by the main dealer's technicians and put the relevant bits of the bus back together following the tow.
It it very important to find suppliers that can be trusted to do a job without turning it into something that costs a lot more than it needs to.
SPV4 - on loan to another operator.
SPV5 - has been running ok for a long time. However when boosting SPV3 while the above problem was being repaired, it developed an electrical fault. The bus thinks the ramp is out and won't release the halt brake or allow the doors to be operated. My suspicion is either the door ECU, or whatever powers the sensor has expired.
On the shopping list is a transmission performance setting change, a change of the gear ratios to make the gears more like SPV1's and a tuning down of the fuel pump. In the future, a repaint.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - on loan to another operator.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable, engine rebuild pending.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
That's all for now.
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Post by galwhv69 on May 25, 2023 7:28:53 GMT
Are RBH on any upcoming work in Wales?
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Post by 6HP502C on May 30, 2023 17:41:26 GMT
Are RBH on any upcoming work in Wales? Yes, from later on this week.
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Post by galwhv69 on May 30, 2023 19:08:56 GMT
Are RBH on any upcoming work in Wales? Yes, from later on this week. Just checked the duties, unfortunately will just miss you as I'm going back on Thursday mate
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Post by allentc on Jul 25, 2023 7:04:32 GMT
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Post by 6HP502C on Jul 28, 2023 20:44:45 GMT
Just seen this, thanks. I already had a bid in for it and won. It will be towed to the yard shortly and if it's not too hard to MOT, will become SPV7.
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Post by 6HP502C on Jul 28, 2023 21:35:31 GMT
General news
Replacement Bus Hire (London) was livened up again a couple of weeks ago and appeared on Dartford to Gravesend and Canterbury West to Ramsgate rail replacement. SPV5 was also spared for the Low-ish Floor running day which was great fun. The operation will be back on the 9th and 10th September with some SWR duties.
Drivers are being taken on to cover rail replacement duties - not to say all discs will be used immediately but 3 are in active use at the moment. Recruitment will also start for pilots to assist drivers with routes not previously covered.
More buses will be entering the fleet in the next few months and some will be leaving - stay tuned for updates.
Fleet updates
23065 - MOT prep still a works in progress but edging ever closer to completion. The wheelchair ramp is still outstanding - the investment in new rollers and motors may have to be made to get it going again.
MAL99 - parts donor for the SPV fleet at present. All it needs for a MOT is a clean up and a kingpin to either be pressed or contracted by freezing before fitting. But unless someone requests an artic for a job, this is not a priority.
SPV1 - serviceable. In the last few weeks, the electric fans mysteriously ran on full chat, resulting in drained batteries and trouble starting. I traced the problem to the wiring into the top of the unit and repaired this. It has also had a brand new exhaust as the old one was life expired and the full sized cab door has been replaced with one without an assault screen. Various parts have been procured for fitment in the near future including drip rails, door switch, bulb and button and a 5 button gear selector. Hopefully will be visiting the paint shop before long. SPV2 - VOR. I had the vehicle taken to my regular workshop who have done an absolutely stunning job restoring it to working order in less than two weeks, most of which was spent awaiting parts delivery. This bus has taught valuable lessons in who to trust to carry out work. Places who break things and charge an absolute fortune for the time spent doing so and the replacement parts - then produce estimates of several thousands of pounds for work of questionable necessity are not a match for Replacement Bus Hire's requirements.
It was road tested earlier this week. The air leaks have been repaired and the engine has been repaired with the management light no longer flashing. Once it has a MOT a decision will be made to either run it or withdraw it for good.
SPV3 - serviceable. A decision is to be made on whether to retain or dispose of it. It is now non-standard in a fleet that seems to have settled on Citaros. Although it is a strong vehicle, it has a basic service bus interior - the likes of SPV1, SPV2 and SPV6 are preferred for the two hour long routes they run on.
SPV4 - on loan to another operator.
SPV5 - in the workshop queue pending exhaust and filter repairs. It is also after a replacement gearbox. The current noisy one had a tendency to get a bit warm, despite the kickdown being disabled and gentle driving. Various measures were tried to counter this - the radiator was cleaned out, the pair of cooling fans livened up, the water circuit cleared of any air locks, oil changed. But no joy with keeping the transmission cool. It has now developed a fault where it will drop out of gear if neutral is engaged.
The 3 button gear selector has been replaced with a 5 button selector and the transmission stress tested. Curiously it will now go up and down mountains with the buttons in use to increase the upshift point to up to 2500rpm, the retarder doing overtime going downhill and it can no longer be made to overheat for love nor money. So the performance settings will be changed to enable the kickdown function.
It currently has a 5 speed transmission with very short ratios - it's in 5th gear by 25mph. For the routes it does, a 6 speed transmission with longer gears would be more appropriate.
SPV6 - a former Greenline Citaro joins the fold. It has a a 6 speed transmission with long gear ratios, though the power with which it accelerates makes it hard to be able to tell unless you know what to listen for. At the moment, the fuel economy is a lot worse than the bendy buses which needs seeing to. It needs a fair amount of work doing - water ingress from above and the wheel arches, a new windscreen, corrosion repairs and Hanovers fitting.
SPV7 - to be inspected before a decision is made on whether it goes in service or becomes a spares donor.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - on loan to another operator.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable, engine rebuild pending.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
All Citaros to have cruise control activated and transmission power mode switches fitted.
That's all for now.
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Post by LK65EBO on Jul 28, 2023 21:46:00 GMT
Apologies if already mentioned elsewhere but what sort of vehicle is SPV7?
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tts
Conductor
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Wished he got all Tridents driven like how he got TN33186 driven!
Posts: 76
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Post by tts on Jul 28, 2023 22:57:45 GMT
Apologies if already mentioned elsewhere but what sort of vehicle is SPV7? Likely another former Go North West Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530 judging by the wording used.
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tts
Conductor
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Wished he got all Tridents driven like how he got TN33186 driven!
Posts: 76
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Post by tts on Jul 28, 2023 23:07:53 GMT
Fleet updates 23065 - booked in for MOT prep / ramp repair in very near future. MAL108 - this bus has been delivered to next owner and will not be referred to in future updates. TA23 - stored unserviceable. VLA170 - on hire to another operator. VLA176 - serviceable. Will be fired up in preparation for this weekend's work. It is pencilled in for a speed limit increase and delivery of its power upgrades - this had been delayed because further work needed doing on the ECU which has now been completed. Quite a bit of single deck work coming up so I'll be looking to hire/acquire a spare in the near future. To be consistent it has to be something I like and can work with so am likely to go shopping for a Citaro or a Dennis Dart with an AT545 transmission - something ex London would fit in nicely ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) Bit of an old post quoted but found this ex-Tedding Gold Millers AT545 Dart for sale which ticks the second box classifieds.busandcoachbuyer.com/classified/1998-dart-plaxton-driver-trainer/Might be of interest for you Also found this ex-First Berkshire Euro 3 Citaro which looks to have been treated to a nice refurbishment so it would certainly look the part inside for riders. Could be a good replacement should you sell the B7RLE www.ukcoachsales.co.uk/2003-mercedes-benz-citaro-41-seats-psvar-121.html
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Post by 6HP502C on Aug 4, 2023 10:15:52 GMT
Apologies if already mentioned elsewhere but what sort of vehicle is SPV7? Mercedes Citaro. It currently has a private plate on it but will revert to its original registration NK08 CHH soon.
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Post by 6HP502C on Aug 4, 2023 11:43:18 GMT
Fleet updates 23065 - booked in for MOT prep / ramp repair in very near future. MAL108 - this bus has been delivered to next owner and will not be referred to in future updates. TA23 - stored unserviceable. VLA170 - on hire to another operator. VLA176 - serviceable. Will be fired up in preparation for this weekend's work. It is pencilled in for a speed limit increase and delivery of its power upgrades - this had been delayed because further work needed doing on the ECU which has now been completed. Quite a bit of single deck work coming up so I'll be looking to hire/acquire a spare in the near future. To be consistent it has to be something I like and can work with so am likely to go shopping for a Citaro or a Dennis Dart with an AT545 transmission - something ex London would fit in nicely ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) Bit of an old post quoted but found this ex-Tedding Gold Millers AT545 Dart for sale which ticks the second box classifieds.busandcoachbuyer.com/classified/1998-dart-plaxton-driver-trainer/Might be of interest for you Also found this ex-First Berkshire Euro 3 Citaro which looks to have been treated to a nice refurbishment so it would certainly look the part inside for riders. Could be a good replacement should you sell the B7RLE www.ukcoachsales.co.uk/2003-mercedes-benz-citaro-41-seats-psvar-121.htmlThanks for those. I should have specified, the Darts I'm interested in is the Euro 3 51/02 plates with the AT545 box. But nothing that has been run into the ground or neglected! Sadly these are thin on the ground now. As for the Citaro, it's the same people I bought SPV5 from that advertised it - I think it's long gone but the page remains in cyberspace.
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Post by 6HP502C on Aug 4, 2023 12:05:07 GMT
Fleet updates
23065 - going on the back burner for the time being. The services of a Mercedes specialist have been called on which will hopefully sort this and the rest of the fleet out.
MAL99 - in a state of component recovery.
SPV1 - serviceable SPV2 - passed its MOT earlier this week with no advisories. This bus is likely to be advertised for sale in the near future.
SPV3 - serviceable. It will be kept for the time being as it is favoured by drivers.
SPV4 - on loan to another operator.
SPV5 - awaiting its turn in the workshop for exhaust repairs and all over service.
SPV6 - VOR. Recent rainfall reveals the bodywork is in poor condition with the roof leaking rainwater and surface water and dirt being pushed into the saloon through the wheel arches. It can't be used in that condition so will need repairs. Whether that's done by RBH or sold on for someone else to do is to be decided.
SPV7 - has been inspected and is in very good condition. Some very minor repairs to be carried out ahead of MOT which should hopefully be next week.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - is returning to the fold. As it is surplus to requirements it is to be put up for sale. It's a good bus that got RBH going and has paid for itself several times over, so will be sad to see it go. It has had substantial investment in life extension works and in return it has not required a tow since the initial transfer from the previous owners. Hopefully will put in good work for whoever buys it.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable, engine rebuild pending.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
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Post by SILENCED on Aug 4, 2023 14:21:18 GMT
Fleet updates23065 - going on the back burner for the time being. The services of a Mercedes specialist have been called on which will hopefully sort this and the rest of the fleet out. MAL99 - in a state of component recovery. SPV1 - serviceable SPV2 - passed its MOT earlier this week with no advisories. This bus is likely to be advertised for sale in the near future. SPV3 - serviceable. It will be kept for the time being as it is favoured by drivers. SPV4 - on loan to another operator. SPV5 - awaiting its turn in the workshop for exhaust repairs and all over service. SPV6 - VOR. Recent rainfall reveals the bodywork is in poor condition with the roof leaking rainwater and surface water and dirt being pushed into the saloon through the wheel arches. It can't be used in that condition so will need repairs. Whether that's done by RBH or sold on for someone else to do is to be decided. SPV7 - has been inspected and is in very good condition. Some very minor repairs to be carried out ahead of MOT which should hopefully be next week. TA23 - stored unserviceable. VLA170 - is returning to the fold. As it is surplus to requirements it is to be put up for sale. It's a good bus that got RBH going and has paid for itself several times over, so will be sad to see it go. It has had substantial investment in life extension works and in return it has not required a tow since the initial transfer from the previous owners. Hopefully will put in good work for whoever buys it. VLA176 - stored unserviceable, engine rebuild pending. VNW32423 - stored unserviceable. Can I ask a little favour. Is it possible to have a fleetlist, especially for the SPV vehicles ... think most will know what the rest are. If and when you have time, first post on this thread would be the ideal location in my eyes, but anywhere you deem fit will be great. Will save the semi regular , what is SPVx questions (maybe not on here!😂). If you can't do it, fair enough and will continue to enjoy reading your updates.
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