|
Post by 6HP502C on Aug 4, 2023 18:52:12 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. SPV1 - NK08 CHC SPV2 - NK08 CHX SPV3 - MX55 FGU SPV4 - MX55 FHC SPV5 - BX54 EBD SPV6 - BU06 HSL SPV7 - NK08 CHH, although it currently has a private plate which is being removed. Asides from SPV3 and 4 which are Wright bodied Volvo B7RLEs, the class consists of Mercedes Citaros. The class does not form part of the preserved fleet.
|
|
|
Post by SILENCED on Aug 4, 2023 19:37:47 GMT
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. SPV1 - NK08 CHC SPV2 - NK08 CHX SPV3 - MX55 FGU SPV4 - MX55 FHC SPV5 - BX54 EBD SPV6 - BU06 HSL SPV7 - NK08 CHH, although it currently has a private plate which is being removed. Asides from SPV3 and 4 which are Wright bodied Volvo B7RLEs, the class consists of Mercedes Citaros. The class does not form part of the preserved fleet. Cheers, those former Go-Ahead Citaro's look like nice buses, only had a decent Thornton's refurb a few years ago
|
|
|
Post by vjaska on Aug 4, 2023 22:29:55 GMT
SPV1 - NK08 CHC SPV2 - NK08 CHX SPV3 - MX55 FGU SPV4 - MX55 FHC SPV5 - BX54 EBD SPV6 - BU06 HSL SPV7 - NK08 CHH, although it currently has a private plate which is being removed. Asides from SPV3 and 4 which are Wright bodied Volvo B7RLEs, the class consists of Mercedes Citaros. The class does not form part of the preserved fleet. Cheers, those former Go-Ahead Citaro's look like nice buses, only had a decent Thornton's refurb a few years ago SPV5 is an excellent vehicle, it appeared at the recent East Grinstead running day and was an absolute pleasure to ride
|
|
|
Post by LondonExplorer316 on Aug 5, 2023 15:11:40 GMT
Cheers, those former Go-Ahead Citaro's look like nice buses, only had a decent Thornton's refurb a few years ago SPV5 is an excellent vehicle, it appeared at the recent East Grinstead running day and was an absolute pleasure to ride Didn't ride it, but seemed to be quite a good vehicle. It gave me an incentive to do more Citaros ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Aug 8, 2023 15:27:57 GMT
Fleet updates
New oil breathers are being sourced for SPV1, 2 and 7. Unsurprisingly the three of them have presented common faults which are being rectified.
23065 - now next in line for MOT. It needs new batteries, of which a fresh set are waiting to be fitted and putting back together from its stays at various workshops, but almost there with it.
MAL99 - in a state of component recovery.
SPV1 - serviceable and heading for a safety inspection this week. SPV2 - following its MOT pass, fresh coolant pipes are being fitted and other minor cosmetic work is being carried out ahead of it going up for sale.
SPV3 - VOR. It keeps going into limp mode which has been traced to low oil pressure. Unfortunately this likely means it’s on its way out and will be retired gracefully when the time comes.
SPV4 - on loan to another operator.
SPV5 - VOR. Awaiting its turn in the workshop for exhaust repairs and all over service. A headlight blew in the depot so I changed it - easy job.
SPV6 - VOR. Going to the bodyshop for an inspection of the roof later this week to formulate a plan for repairing the leak.
SPV7 - passed MOT with no advisories today and will be pressed straight into service. It is suspected the engine management light was on because the air filter was clogged up with some kind of gunk. This has now been replaced.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - is returning to the fold. PMI now planned so it can be used on rail replacement in London in the near future. It is still up for sale but will earn its keep in the meantime.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Aug 8, 2023 15:43:15 GMT
Cheers, those former Go-Ahead Citaro's look like nice buses, only had a decent Thornton's refurb a few years ago SPV5 is an excellent vehicle, it appeared at the recent East Grinstead running day and was an absolute pleasure to ride Thank you for your kind comments, it was great fun bringing it out. That people enjoyed it made the long return trip worth it!
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Aug 8, 2023 15:47:39 GMT
Cheers, those former Go-Ahead Citaro's look like nice buses, only had a decent Thornton's refurb a few years ago Thanks, I like the work that was done on them. The interior spec coupled with the ride quality means I don’t mind running them on 30 mile long routes and they get priority over the B7RLE.
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Aug 28, 2023 16:06:17 GMT
Fleet updates
A visit was made to a bus dismantler last week to source useful spares for TA23 and SPV1, 2 and 7. Meanwhile an addition to the fleet comes in the form of a London spec Volvo B10M-50. This will be used as a ferry vehicle for two-driver duties under the London operation.
23065 - not far off going for MOT test but is low priority while the SPVs need attention. It has had a road test - some attention required to middle axle suspension and a curious boost leak which it didn’t have before. A spot of beam welding is required and it has been decided to pay to replace the problem components in the ramp.
MAL99 - more components recovered from it to keep SPV1, 2 and 7 going.
SPV1 - taken to the workshop today for new levelling valves and shock absorbers to be fitted. Otherwise ok. SPV2 - has been out earning its keep. Fitted with a refurbisbed Hanover sign. A new exhaust pipe has been fitted after the last one was lost when it was towed. It’s a strong performer. It will be departing the fleet soon and as such, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it working in London for one last time on Sunday.
SPV3 - low oil pressure problem resolved for the time being and is ok.
SPV4 - back into fleet as a spare vehicle - to be collected and inspected this week, with changes to speed limiter and engine mapping pencilled in.
SPV5 - VOR awaiting exhaust repairs and gearbox oil change and will likely be up for disposal as a complete vehicle once these repairs are completed.
SPV6 - done very little mileage since purchase but many faults becoming apparent. VOR due to oil ingress in coolant tank and water ingress in tail light. The roof leak has been traced to air conditioning pod sealant wear, so it will need to be opened up and fixed. Wheel arch rot is also very apparent and needs addressing. Windscreen clouding means it needs replacing. Cab heater blowing cold has been traced to the water pipe carrying hot coolant to the front being bypassed, so this will be undone and a new pipe fitted. Also has an issue with transmission overheating - the radiator has been cleaned out but problems with the coolant and possibly oil cooler will need to be checked out too. Decision will be made as to whether to persist with it or dispose of it. It drives, but is clearly showing its age and requires substantial investment to bring it to a satisfactory standard and get it MOT’d again. The only things saving it from the scrappers right now are the interior setup and the engine’s performance - but if the coolant problem is down to an expensive fault then it will be binned.
SPV7 - VOR due to electrical fault.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - PMI now planned so it can be used on rail replacement in London in the near future. It is still up for sale but will earn its keep in the meantime.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Sept 23, 2023 18:13:01 GMT
General news
Activity under the London & South East division is increasing. SPV1 was loaned in last weekend and covered Royston to Cambridge, St Pancras to St Albans and Bromley South to Sevenoaks via Swanley, as well as Clapham Junction to Surbiton and Hampton Court earlier in the month. Appropriate vehicles will be procured and vacancies for drivers will soon be open.
The SPV fleet will be reduced to five. The ex Go North East Citaros have demonstrated remarkable versatility with routes, performing well on mountainous terrain and in city conditions with acceptable fuel consumption. The cooling system they have holds up well so these vehicles will retained. The B7RLEs are popular with drivers and reliable so at least one will stay for the time being, but they are currently banned from routes with a lot of high speed running, steep hills or lengthy inclines, which limits their utility somewhat.
Fleet updates
23065 - stored unserviceable. Bottom of the queue for the workshop at the moment which would change if there is demand for its use.
MAL99 - yet more components recovered from it to keep SPV1, 2 and 7 going.
SPV1 - Had a new airbag, top plate and piston which has cured the levelling / suspension issues it had. Some minor bits lined up for its next workshop visit - a baseplate for the nearside rearview mirror, bumper panel for the towing eye compartment and a wheel speed sensor, along with attention to the fuel injectors. SPV2 - although still on decision, is now likely to stay. It has had wiring repairs made to the steering adjust circuit and is after a solenoid.
SPV3 - has had repairs carried out. The wiring harness was spiked when it was boosted by SPV5 and consequently cannot talk to the alternators, although they are functioning just fine. A new harness is required. The tensioner has been seen to which has sorted the noisy belt issue. It is in the workshop queue for exhaust manifold repair, interior sealing and steering adjust pedal cable repair.
SPV4 - in the workshop queue for electrical repairs, interior door button replacement and to have the air feed to the rear axle suspension reinstated. Also booked in for a speed limiter increase.
SPV5 - the exhaust manifold has been repaired, resulting in it being much quieter and power delivery significantly increasing. When it was used to boost SPV3, a number of electrical issues arose - the ramp sensor went, preventing the front doors from closing and the feeds to the transmission have gone awry, so it will not engage gear if it is allowed to go into neutral. This will be repaired then the bus will be up for sale.
SPV6 - the head gasket is almost certainly gone which explains why it has always overheated. The first that was known of this was when the coolant tank was flushed and engine oil came out of it. Coupled with the misaligned air conditioning pod and rotten wheel arches, it’s time to call it for this bus. It will be up for sale for spares or repairs or scrapped. Component recovery has already started.
SPV7 - the shorted ignition circuit issue has been resolved and the bus is ok once again. Likely to be allocated to the next London division job.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - ok, up for sale.
VLA176 - stored unserviceable. Engine rebuild/replacement pending but not a priority.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
|
|
|
Post by JamesG on Sept 23, 2023 19:44:27 GMT
VLA170 - ok, up for sale. Interested! ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
|
|
tts
Conductor
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Wished he got all Tridents driven like how he got TN33186 driven!
Posts: 76
|
Post by tts on Nov 27, 2023 22:54:17 GMT
Hey mate - been a few months and wondering if there are any updates to share?
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Nov 29, 2023 18:23:42 GMT
General news
The SPV fleet has been out working on blockades. The plan is still to reduce the number of them, but to three instead of five. The buses up for sale will also be available for loan.
Earlier this month a 12 metre Optare Tempo joined the fleet as SPV8. It currently has a private registration but this will revert to its original YJ07 VST as soon as possible. I used to see this bus daily when I was a student in Loughborough - I had no idea I'd be operating it one day. As is customary for the SPV fleet, a LEZ fee was paid to give people a chance to ride it on London area rail replacement. It did a very long London Victoria to London Bridge via Crystal Palace trip and later did Victoria to East Croydon. SPVs 4, 5 and 6 are yet to do this and will be prioritised when London jobs come up, subject to availability.
Another addition to the preserved division of the RBH fleet is a Volvo B10TL which will be numbered AVW96. It's currently dead running to the London depot and is booked into a workshop for prep. It will join 23065, TA23 and the Volvo B10M Citybus in this division.
Fleet updates
23065 - stored unserviceable. Still bottom priority for the workshop, but at least it's now known why the ramp isn't working properly - it's after new proximity switches. It still needs welding and a levelling valve fitted but I'm confident it will go for MOT in the next 3 months.
MAL99 - more components recovered to keep SPV 1, 2 and 7 going. It has now had critical parts removed from the engine cooling system and cannot be started. As time goes by it's more likely it will be towed out for scrap.
SPV1 - VOR, non-start. Something is shorting in the ignition circuit - bypassing the engine door sensor and replugging the MR control unit only gave it a temporary reprieve so awaiting attention from an electrician. Once repaired, will be up for sale. SPV2 - final decision made - it's definitely leaving the fleet. It is now restricted to ferrying and ultra local jobs. The steering adjust never did work - it turns out this was down to steering adjust solenoid wear. A replacement was ordered. It is situated in the frame underneath the cab seat and the old one was found to be rotten inside.
SPV3 - has had repairs carried out. The overheating issue has been rectified and it now sits at 60mph on the motorway and climbs mountains without breaking a sweat - it resolutely stays at or below 93 degrees. Various faults with electrics and the exhaust system have been repaired and the saloon heating blowers are now strong. It has however sprung a coolant leak so is VOR pending a trip to the workshop.
SPV4 - in a workshop for various repairs - the exhaust, engine boost pressure, speed limiter, roof condition, suspension and brake valves are all being looked at. Once repaired it will be up for sale.
SPV5 - currently in a workshop as an electrical fault is causing the bus to put itself in neutral. An alternator related fault has reduced the function of a few systems including demister, saloon heaters and saloon lights.
I'm not keen on the transmission it has - it's a bona fide 5 speed with short gear ratios, as opposed to a 6 speed with 6th locked out. It was previously upshifting at 1900rpm maximum with the kickdown pretty much non-functioning. I have changed the shift pattern to SP5 "Ecomat Super Power" so it now upshifts at anything up to 2400rpm. The downshift parameters and certain other elements of transmission behaviour appear to be independent of the shift pattern - one day I will work it out. A speed limiter increase from 80 to 95kph has been requested.
Once the electrical issues are resolved it will be put up for sale.
SPV6 - has been sent to the workshop for MOT prep. The oil in the coolant is down to a worn oil cooler. A replacement has been delivered. It does require welding to the crossmember, exhaust and wheel arches. A new windscreen has been fitted as it formed a crack and pane separation. Upon closer inspection it would appear the vehicle underwent some modifications to prepare it for a life in Malta. It has also transpired the coolant pipework has been "modified" in the past - this will be undone so the saloon and cab heating work properly. The roof pod will be inspected - from the ground it appears to be ajar and the seal will also be checked.
It is staying as I do like the engine, transmission and interior.
SPV7 - ok. The demister recently failed which isn't helpful in a place where it rains almost daily. After removing and testing the fan and robbing the working one from MAL99 to no avail, it turns out the plug linking the demister controller to the fans was rotten. This was addressed and it is toasty once again. This vehicle will stay for the time being.
SPV8 - ok for now, has been inspected and was pressed into service. Requires some work - a load of parts are on order. One issue is a wiper fault appears to be causing a fuse to blow, knocking out the wiper motor, one head/foglight, half the saloon lights, the speedometer and the speed limiter which is set to 60mph when it's working. The OM936 engine has too much power for its own good so the speed limiter needs to be working to protect it.
TA23 - stored unserviceable.
VLA170 - up for sale.
VLA176 - passed MOT with no advisories a couple of weeks ago. The engine still needs replacing but it has been reactivated after sitting in storage for either months. A minor electrical fault meant it was left in a service station overnight and towed to the workshop as I couldn't get it to start. But it seems after running it for a while the fault has sorted itself out. Asides from this and the alternator not charging due to a belt seizing, it has behaved.
VNW32423 - stored unserviceable.
That's all for now.
|
|
|
Post by SILENCED on Nov 29, 2023 19:14:05 GMT
A B10TL? A tri-axle?
|
|
|
Post by 6HP502C on Nov 29, 2023 23:19:37 GMT
|
|
|
Post by allentc on Nov 30, 2023 11:23:05 GMT
That would be ex-KMB Wright bodied Volvo Super Olympian AVW96.
@6hp502c - how difficult was it to purchase a bus from HK, did HK bus expert Dave Rogers assist? HK buses don't seem to have second lives elsewhere to the same extent as say ex-London buses do. I imagine most are scrapped over there so does that make purchasing one (i.e. the purchase price) quite cheap compared to an equivalent aged UK bus ignoring of course the not insignificant shipping cost and duties that come afterwards. I look forward to hearing more about this bus in the upcoming months. I love HK buses, they have such a high spec compared to the pauper specced buses we have here. They also appear to be kept in very nice condition whilst in service judging by photos.
|
|