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Post by capitalomnibus on Oct 1, 2015 14:12:59 GMT
The E400 was a big improvement interior and stylewise over the ALX400. The ALX200/400 at the front had the retro styling at the front when it came out giving circular headlamps. ADL (mayflower then) also shot themselves in the foot I believe discontinuing the ALX200 early in favour of the Plaxton Pointer and also discontinuing the Plaxton President in favour of the ALX400. They decreased choice and then also lost out on orders. They believed that operators who even took at times both bodywork i.e President and ALX400 would just stay loyal to ALX400 but this then say many took ALX400 and also Wright Gemini or ELC bodywork. I think it is good there is this MMC cuty and the standard MMC and gives more choice. I realy hope they have sorted out many rattles around the cab, the best bus so far is the Gemini 2, virtually rattle free. The normal MMC is rattle free as I've rode many examples on the 109 & 415 and they don't rattle regardless of whether it's the cab or not. The Gemini2 however isn't rattle free but it's one of the better buses when it comes to how bad they rattle. The Gemini2 only rattles if certain panels are not put back properly.
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Post by vjaska on Oct 1, 2015 14:14:52 GMT
The normal MMC is rattle free as I've rode many examples on the 109 & 415 and they don't rattle regardless of whether it's the cab or not. The Gemini2 however isn't rattle free but it's one of the better buses when it comes to how bad they rattle. The Gemini2 only rattles if certain panels are not put back properly. I've been on brand new examples straight into service that have rattled though.
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Post by snowman on Oct 1, 2015 15:52:34 GMT
ADL has added 2 news stories in the media section of its website.
The reason for its existance is to have a London look (their words)
Haven't put up full technical details but does say it is 10.4m and carries over 90 passengers. Also has latest Lithium-ion batteries and sky view glazing at rear of upper deck. The news article also refers to the bright convivial ambience matched by a sophisticated temperature control system....
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Post by romfordbuses on Oct 1, 2015 16:42:57 GMT
Certain panels are removed before the bus even enters service to check stuff like oils etc etc
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Post by Nathan on Oct 1, 2015 19:34:10 GMT
The Gemini2 only rattles if certain panels are not put back properly. I've been on brand new examples straight into service that have rattled though. Rattled more than a Metroline VP even?
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Post by capitalomnibus on Oct 1, 2015 20:19:54 GMT
The Gemini2 only rattles if certain panels are not put back properly. I've been on brand new examples straight into service that have rattled though. The WTO versions of it seemed to be very quiet to me; not sure what pre WTO ones were like when they were new into service.
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Post by vjaska on Oct 1, 2015 21:30:16 GMT
I've been on brand new examples straight into service that have rattled though. Rattled more than a Metroline VP even? Lol, not that bad of course.
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Post by snowman on Oct 6, 2015 14:43:26 GMT
Alexander Dennis have now added full specs and clearly not just aimed at London E400 City SpecsAvailable as 10.4m or 11.1m lengths One door or two door Manual or powered ramps Interestingly, destination blinds are full electronic, lowly LED backlit blinds are only an option All lighting is LED (except headlights) Seats are choice of : Civic V2, Civic V3, Pratico Low Back, Pratico High Back, Ethos High Back, Transito Plenty of options available Note it is more powerful in electric mode (195KW peak) than diesel (157KW or 207 HP) Also has full air suspension, so should be able to go over road humps at speed limit (unlike steel suspension buses) which should help minimise creating a queue of traffic behind it
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Post by routew15 on Oct 6, 2015 16:22:58 GMT
11.1m... Interesting. Would be nice on the 109. Gradually warming to this bus and its hackneyed styles.
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Post by Connor on Oct 6, 2015 17:04:23 GMT
11.1m... Interesting. Would be nice on the 109. Gradually warming to this bus and its hackneyed styles. Would be a waste to buy new buses for the 109, are the current E400H MMCs not good enough?
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Post by routew15 on Oct 6, 2015 17:44:12 GMT
11.1m... Interesting. Would be nice on the 109. Gradually warming to this bus and its hackneyed styles. Would be a waste to buy new buses for the 109, are the current E400H MMCs not good enough? Not necessarily, if these buses are purchased under another routes contract for the 109, with tendered route getting the MMCs. It could seriously benefit the 109 during peak periods we're talking about an extra 125 getting a seat on the bus, with standing capacity also getting a tad boost. It may seem like hassle for nothing, but it all adds up in my eyes.
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Post by vjaska on Oct 6, 2015 17:58:47 GMT
Would be a waste to buy new buses for the 109, are the current E400H MMCs not good enough? Not necessarily, if these buses are purchased under another routes contract for the 109, with tendered route getting the MMCs. It could seriously benefit the 109 during peak periods we're talking about an extra 125 getting a seat on the bus, with standing capacity also getting a tad boost. It may seem like hassle for nothing, but it all adds up in my eyes. The route really needs the capacity increase (and some extra help south of Streatham Hill) and whilst I prefer the MMC every single time to the City, if 11.1m City's were ordered for the route, I'd welcome that capacity boost. If current trends continue, the 109 will jump above the 12 and would become the 2nd busiest route in South East/West London behind the 53.
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Post by vjaska on Oct 6, 2015 17:59:46 GMT
Alexander Dennis have now added full specs and clearly not just aimed at London E400 City SpecsAvailable as 10.4m or 11.1m lengths One door or two door Manual or powered ramps Interestingly, destination blinds are full electronic, lowly LED backlit blinds are only an option All lighting is LED (except headlights) Seats are choice of : Civic V2, Civic V3, Pratico Low Back, Pratico High Back, Ethos High Back, Transito Plenty of options available Note it is more powerful in electric mode (195KW peak) than diesel (157KW or 207 HP) Also has full air suspension, so should be able to go over road humps at speed limit (unlike steel suspension buses) which should help minimise creating a queue of traffic behind it What happened to Lazzerini seats being available as on Arriva's batch for the 78?
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Post by Danny on Oct 6, 2015 18:22:39 GMT
Alexander Dennis have now added full specs and clearly not just aimed at London E400 City SpecsAvailable as 10.4m or 11.1m lengths One door or two door Manual or powered ramps Interestingly, destination blinds are full electronic, lowly LED backlit blinds are only an option All lighting is LED (except headlights) Seats are choice of : Civic V2, Civic V3, Pratico Low Back, Pratico High Back, Ethos High Back, Transito Plenty of options available Note it is more powerful in electric mode (195KW peak) than diesel (157KW or 207 HP) Also has full air suspension, so should be able to go over road humps at speed limit (unlike steel suspension buses) which should help minimise creating a queue of traffic behind it What happened to Lazzerini seats being available as on Arriva's batch for the 78? The Lazzerini seats are called Pratico's
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Post by ilovelondonbuses on Oct 6, 2015 18:25:35 GMT
Would be a waste to buy new buses for the 109, are the current E400H MMCs not good enough? Not necessarily, if these buses are purchased under another routes contract for the 109, with tendered route getting the MMCs. It could seriously benefit the 109 during peak periods we're talking about an extra 125 getting a seat on the bus, with standing capacity also getting a tad boost. It may seem like hassle for nothing, but it all adds up in my eyes. With the route 25's tender coming up. 11.1m E400H Citys would suit the route perfectly, I hope TfL look towards it. They can not just keep on putting up the PVR for the 25, They have to find other ways to satisfy the demand on this route
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