Thursday June 23rd 2011 ~ Order, Order !

37575 ready to work the 07.30 Yarmouth to Lowestoft (Y13) this morning. Photo from Des Speed.

With the current X1 fleet now having amassed a huge mileage, I was told today that a request has been made for 22 new buses for the route. A higher specification has been asked for and amongst improvements if the order is sanctioned are all leather seats and a  return to the comfort afforded by coaches whilst retaining the low floor access. Good news for X1 passengers if it comes to fruition.
Although the current fleet have excellent reliability figures, 37160 was in the wars again last night. It has already had a replacement starter motor fitted this year, but Wilf's report on Monday was given further credence when 37160 again expired at Peterborough on Y13, the last run from Peterborough last night. Temporary repairs were effected and it got back to Lynn somewhat late. Today it was kept in for attention and went out on K5 on which it completed the turn.
A five vehicle collision between Wisbech and Guyhirn took its toll on mid afternoon services today. Services from Peterborough passed me as follows : K14 with 37564 1 late. K15 with 37579 7 late, K16 with 37578 42 late, K17 with 37571 16 late (and just 4 minutes behind K16) then K18 with 37574 7 late. Going westbound K1 with 37567 was viewed at 15.51, but was back 8 minutes later diverting over Wisbech town bridge, through the Old Market and then continuing via Wisbech St. Mary.
37572 began the day on K18, but it was changed in King's Lynn and the 14.15 to Peterborough was 37574. K16 with 37578 which, as reported above, was heavily delayed saw 37566 take over on the 16.02 to Lowestoft, having had its MOT earlier. K4 with 37568 also changed vehicles with 37572 taking over on the 16.45 to Peterborough. 37568 is due to go to Volvo for modifications tomorrow.
37156 remained at Lowestoft today and may well have seen use on the X2, Malcolm reported 32100 out again on the 14.38 service to Norwich.
Profile 20352 is beginning to defy the types reputation for poor reliability and has worked K3 every day (Sunday excepted) since 14th.

37157 was Y6 today - normally a B9 turn, here it arrives at Wisbech as the 08.48 to Peterborough.

I am now away until Tuesday, so expect the next blog around then. All reports welcome as always.