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Post by sid on Jun 28, 2018 11:45:22 GMT
I have no idea how familiar you are with the route, however I have no idea what you mean by doing “homework”. Is my experience not enough? I am all too familiar with the difficult circumstances, particularly in Richmond, but to have bunching at the beginning of the route is far too common. On Tuesday I was waiting at Kingston Ststion when two buses came within the space of a minute. My friend, who isn’t remotely interested with buses, asked why the company can’t just hold one of the buses back at the terminus? Sometimes we see three or four buses bunched together. I must admit that this is better than constant curtailments, such as what happens on the 111. As for the SPs, they are extremely uncomfortable and I’ve spoken to a few drivers who say they aren’t that great to drive. I’m just glad I got to experience a TA working with a driver who certainly loves them. 😀 Not surprised to hear from a passengers point of view about how comfortable a Scania is but I'm surprised that the drivers on the 65 don't like driving them as Scanias are one of the favourite types for a driver generally - I can't really remember hearing a driver dislike driving one before so wonder what FW are doing differently? I have heard some MB drivers expressing their dislike of Scanias although some drivers love them. |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 14:27:53 GMT
I have no idea how familiar you are with the route, however I have no idea what you mean by doing “homework”. Is my experience not enough? I am all too familiar with the difficult circumstances, particularly in Richmond, but to have bunching at the beginning of the route is far too common. On Tuesday I was waiting at Kingston Ststion when two buses came within the space of a minute. My friend, who isn’t remotely interested with buses, asked why the company can’t just hold one of the buses back at the terminus? Sometimes we see three or four buses bunched together. I must admit that this is better than constant curtailments, such as what happens on the 111. As for the SPs, they are extremely uncomfortable and I’ve spoken to a few drivers who say they aren’t that great to drive. I’m just glad I got to experience a TA working with a driver who certainly loves them. 😀 Very familiar actually, especially on the northern end to realise that traffic is all over the route, including Ealing where the southbound buses start from. Therefore bouncing is often unavoidable. There are many reasons why an Operator May choose not to hold buses and many as to why they regulate. Driver shifts, anticipation of being able to regulate further along past traffic hotspots... this is why it’s unfair to rant against an Operator unless you have evidence to demonstrate they can’t or won’t operate it properly. A few bunching buses on a route affected by traffic outside the operator’s control doesn’t cut it. I don’t think the Scania’s will be lasting that long. Try catch a G3 instead, if you can bear the equally ugly sight of them! Thank you! I didn’t realise the Ealing end was such a problem. The point you raise about not holding the buses back does make sense. Could it be to do with capacity issues particularly during school hours? I will try to catch a G3, however only 3 are left now since LJ16 EVG transferred to the 85. Do you know if it’s a permanent transfer? |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 14:31:17 GMT
I have no idea how familiar you are with the route, however I have no idea what you mean by doing “homework”. Is my experience not enough? I am all too familiar with the difficult circumstances, particularly in Richmond, but to have bunching at the beginning of the route is far too common. On Tuesday I was waiting at Kingston Ststion when two buses came within the space of a minute. My friend, who isn’t remotely interested with buses, asked why the company can’t just hold one of the buses back at the terminus? Sometimes we see three or four buses bunched together. I must admit that this is better than constant curtailments, such as what happens on the 111. As for the SPs, they are extremely uncomfortable and I’ve spoken to a few drivers who say they aren’t that great to drive. I’m just glad I got to experience a TA working with a driver who certainly loves them. 😀 Not surprised to hear from a passengers point of view about how comfortable a Scania is but I'm surprised that the drivers on the 65 don't like driving them as Scanias are one of the favourite types for a driver generally - I can't really remember hearing a driver dislike driving one before so wonder what FW are doing differently? The gentleman I spoke to was the spare driver if I recal correctly and commented on the poor steering and acceleration. He also did mention that the 09 reg examples are a bit better than the others. Perhaps this is due to their recent refurbishment? |
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Post by Hassaan on Jun 28, 2018 14:55:40 GMT
Not surprised to hear from a passengers point of view about how comfortable a Scania is but I'm surprised that the drivers on the 65 don't like driving them as Scanias are one of the favourite types for a driver generally - I can't really remember hearing a driver dislike driving one before so wonder what FW are doing differently? The gentleman I spoke to was the spare driver if I recal correctly and commented on the poor steering and acceleration. He also did mention that the 09 reg examples are a bit better than the others. Perhaps this is due to their recent refurbishment? The 09-reg acceleration is fine but the 59-reg ones have always been programmed with lower acceleration. While the 2009 ones new to Fulwell (SP40052-67 and SP40088-104, although most of this second batch went to Tolworth with the 71) are the worst for engine vibration and have been for many years. |
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Post by londonbusboy on Jun 28, 2018 15:13:56 GMT
I have no idea how familiar you are with the route, however I have no idea what you mean by doing “homework”. Is my experience not enough? I am all too familiar with the difficult circumstances, particularly in Richmond, but to have bunching at the beginning of the route is far too common. On Tuesday I was waiting at Kingston Ststion when two buses came within the space of a minute. My friend, who isn’t remotely interested with buses, asked why the company can’t just hold one of the buses back at the terminus? Sometimes we see three or four buses bunched together. I must admit that this is better than constant curtailments, such as what happens on the 111. As for the SPs, they are extremely uncomfortable and I’ve spoken to a few drivers who say they aren’t that great to drive. I’m just glad I got to experience a TA working with a driver who certainly loves them. 😀 Not surprised to hear from a passengers point of view about how comfortable a Scania is but I'm surprised that the drivers on the 65 don't like driving them as Scanias are one of the favourite types for a driver generally - I can't really remember hearing a driver dislike driving one before so wonder what FW are doing differently? Scania Olympus arent great but thats because of ELC. Handbrake in a stupid location, all dash switches & ETM too far away plus i found the brake/accelerator pedal to be halfway down my foot as opposed to the top and if i sat further back then im too far away from the steering wheel. |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 15:51:58 GMT
The gentleman I spoke to was the spare driver if I recal correctly and commented on the poor steering and acceleration. He also did mention that the 09 reg examples are a bit better than the others. Perhaps this is due to their recent refurbishment? The 09-reg acceleration is fine but the 59-reg ones have always been programmed with lower acceleration. While the 2009 ones new to Fulwell (SP40052-67 and SP40088-104, although most of this second batch went to Tolworth with the 71) are the worst for engine vibration and have been for many years. I believe the worst Scanias are the 10 reg on the H91. They aren’t great considering how much they vibrate compared to the others. I think this might be down to the early returb they got over two years ago. How do buses get programmed with lower acceleratation? Sorry to ask I just have no idea how engines/ gearboxes work. Also, does anyone know what that loud sound is on the SPs which spontaneously switches on and off? |
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Post by dannyl1989 on Jun 28, 2018 16:55:52 GMT
Another rant about the 123 and 179.
This morning I waited for half an hour for a 123 at Waterworks corner and then it arrived and drove straight past.
Heading home this evening and been waiting for a 179 in chingford for 45 minutes.
These routes are always delayed. I assume it's been another incident on the a406 again.
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Post by snowman on Jun 28, 2018 17:19:56 GMT
The 09-reg acceleration is fine but the 59-reg ones have always been programmed with lower acceleration. While the 2009 ones new to Fulwell (SP40052-67 and SP40088-104, although most of this second batch went to Tolworth with the 71) are the worst for engine vibration and have been for many years. I believe the worst Scanias are the 10 reg on the H91. They aren’t great considering how much they vibrate compared to the others. I think this might be down to the early returb they got over two years ago. How do buses get programmed with lower acceleratation? Sorry to ask I just have no idea how engines/ gearboxes work. Also, does anyone know what that loud sound is on the SPs which spontaneously switches on and off? It is possible to plug in a coding device and change the parameters of the engine management computer. The main changes are top speed limiter, gearbox upshift program, and a maximum power or rev limit Not normally possible to directly change the acceleration, as would need to change the fuel burn rate, and the vehicles type rating will have been certified as that affects emissions. A real cowboy way would be use a bigger spring on accelerator pedal, but a heavy footed driver could overcome this. Some buses are fitted with monitoring telematics, and gentle driving gets more brownie points, but this is a recording device not a restrictor. However by restricting the above items can effectively make the bus more sluggish. If it is overdone the diesel particulte filters clog and then either costs more in fuel to burn off excess carbon, or need to ceramex clean it (which is hundreds of pounds each time). I suspect the noise is a fan, or ventilation unit cutting in and out. |
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Post by 6HP502C on Jun 28, 2018 17:21:25 GMT
The 09-reg acceleration is fine but the 59-reg ones have always been programmed with lower acceleration. While the 2009 ones new to Fulwell (SP40052-67 and SP40088-104, although most of this second batch went to Tolworth with the 71) are the worst for engine vibration and have been for many years. I believe the worst Scanias are the 10 reg on the H91. They aren’t great considering how much they vibrate compared to the others. I think this might be down to the early returb they got over two years ago. How do buses get programmed with lower acceleratation? Sorry to ask I just have no idea how engines/ gearboxes work. Also, does anyone know what that loud sound is on the SPs which spontaneously switches on and off? The engines are all computer controlled now. The rate at which fuel is pumped to the engine can be restricted in order to limit the rate of acceleration. That sound you refer to is most likely the air compressor which is quite invasive. Fortunately those things aren't to be found where I live! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 17:30:30 GMT
Very familiar actually, especially on the northern end to realise that traffic is all over the route, including Ealing where the southbound buses start from. Therefore bouncing is often unavoidable. There are many reasons why an Operator May choose not to hold buses and many as to why they regulate. Driver shifts, anticipation of being able to regulate further along past traffic hotspots... this is why it’s unfair to rant against an Operator unless you have evidence to demonstrate they can’t or won’t operate it properly. A few bunching buses on a route affected by traffic outside the operator’s control doesn’t cut it. I don’t think the Scania’s will be lasting that long. Try catch a G3 instead, if you can bear the equally ugly sight of them! Thank you! I didn’t realise the Ealing end was such a problem. The point you raise about not holding the buses back does make sense. Could it be to do with capacity issues particularly during school hours? I will try to catch a G3, however only 3 are left now since LJ16 EVG transferred to the 85. Do you know if it’s a permanent transfer? No worries, also important to note that in the evenings in particular the bus is usually chock-a-block as soon as the second stop outside the Broadway shopping centre. This unsurprisingly causes delay and increases the possibility of a second and third bus catching it quite early on, particularly if (as is often happens), buses arrive late to the Ealing terminus in the first place. Others would know better than I about specific bus transfers. |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 20:09:30 GMT
I believe the worst Scanias are the 10 reg on the H91. They aren’t great considering how much they vibrate compared to the others. I think this might be down to the early returb they got over two years ago. How do buses get programmed with lower acceleratation? Sorry to ask I just have no idea how engines/ gearboxes work. Also, does anyone know what that loud sound is on the SPs which spontaneously switches on and off? It is possible to plug in a coding device and change the parameters of the engine management computer. The main changes are top speed limiter, gearbox upshift program, and a maximum power or rev limit Not normally possible to directly change the acceleration, as would need to change the fuel burn rate, and the vehicles type rating will have been certified as that affects emissions. A real cowboy way would be use a bigger spring on accelerator pedal, but a heavy footed driver could overcome this. Some buses are fitted with monitoring telematics, and gentle driving gets more brownie points, but this is a recording device not a restrictor. However by restricting the above items can effectively make the bus more sluggish. If it is overdone the diesel particulte filters clog and then either costs more in fuel to burn off excess carbon, or need to ceramex clean it (which is hundreds of pounds each time). I suspect the noise is a fan, or ventilation unit cutting in and out. Thanks you! I had no idea engines were so advanced. I can see why the fans make that sound, which is probably why I hear it more often in the summer. |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 20:11:54 GMT
Thank you! I didn’t realise the Ealing end was such a problem. The point you raise about not holding the buses back does make sense. Could it be to do with capacity issues particularly during school hours? I will try to catch a G3, however only 3 are left now since LJ16 EVG transferred to the 85. Do you know if it’s a permanent transfer? No worries, also important to note that in the evenings in particular the bus is usually chock-a-block as soon as the second stop outside the Broadway shopping centre. This unsurprisingly causes delay and increases the possibility of a second and third bus catching it quite early on, particularly if (as is often happens), buses arrive late to the Ealing terminus in the first place. Others would know better than I about specific bus transfers. I see. I apologise for my ignorance in the first place. I believe the frequency is every 4 minutes, which leaves quite small gaps in the service so I guess even the smallest bit of traffic could lead to one bus catching up with the one infront. |
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Post by Frenzie on Jun 28, 2018 20:12:53 GMT
I believe the worst Scanias are the 10 reg on the H91. They aren’t great considering how much they vibrate compared to the others. I think this might be down to the early returb they got over two years ago. How do buses get programmed with lower acceleratation? Sorry to ask I just have no idea how engines/ gearboxes work. Also, does anyone know what that loud sound is on the SPs which spontaneously switches on and off? The engines are all computer controlled now. The rate at which fuel is pumped to the engine can be restricted in order to limit the rate of acceleration. That sound you refer to is most likely the air compressor which is quite invasive. Fortunately those things aren't to be found where I live! Thank you! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 21:34:01 GMT
No worries, also important to note that in the evenings in particular the bus is usually chock-a-block as soon as the second stop outside the Broadway shopping centre. This unsurprisingly causes delay and increases the possibility of a second and third bus catching it quite early on, particularly if (as is often happens), buses arrive late to the Ealing terminus in the first place. Others would know better than I about specific bus transfers. I see. I apologise for my ignorance in the first place. I believe the frequency is every 4 minutes, which leaves quite small gaps in the service so I guess even the smallest bit of traffic could lead to one bus catching up with the one infront. Lol don’t stress, no apology required. I’m just a staunch RATP defender |
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Post by busaholic on Jun 28, 2018 21:51:23 GMT
I see. I apologise for my ignorance in the first place. I believe the frequency is every 4 minutes, which leaves quite small gaps in the service so I guess even the smallest bit of traffic could lead to one bus catching up with the one infront. Lol don’t stress, no apology required. I’m just a staunch RATP defender This may be false memory syndrome, but I seem to remember that at one time a long time ago, when the 65 ran Ealing to Chessington, there were times of the day/days of the week, or whatever, that it ran in two distinct sections, Ealing to Richmond (?) and Kingston to Chessington, with another route (71?) filling the gap in the middle. Is this a figment of my fevered imagination? I have very few personal memories of the 65, unfortunately.Put me out of my misery. The 65 in those days would have been worked by Turnham Green (V) and Norbiton (NB), so feasible from that point of view. |
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