First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[fgwrich]

Prior to the demise of Western Greyhound this turned up although I don't think it has been in service yet:-

Ah, I think there was some talk further up on this thread about some ex First Scotland East vehicles arriving - could these be the first of them then?

Good too see AFJ is still there as well.

 

[83G/84D]

And some more views, nothing much more than unedited record shots, 62194 had a window sticker marked 18 tonight so perhaps it has been in use:-

 

[83G/84D]

And finally coming down from Somerset was:-

 

[83G/84D]

Ah, I think there was some talk further up on this thread about some ex First Scotland East vehicles arriving - could these be the first of them then?

Good too see AFJ is still there as well.

The VR was last used late last year (?) on a Truro College service hence the 236 service number displayed.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Dart 42563 seemingly broken down at 10pm on the eastbound 27 at Grampound.Could have been worse though as it was stopped right outside the pub!

 

[fgwrich]

The VR was last used late last year (?) on a Truro College service hence the 236 service number displayed.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Dart 42563 seemingly broken down at 10pm on the eastbound 27 at Grampound.Could have been worse though as it was stopped right outside the pub!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Dart 42563 seemingly broken down on.the eastbound 27 at 10pm at Grampound.It could have been worse,the bus was stopped right outside the pub!

Interesting, and thanks for the pictures 83G/84D. I wonder how many of the ex Lothian SPDs FK will take in the end. Actually, I'm rather surprised they haven't set up a link with Reading Buses or Lothian yet, both fleets will have at least been rather well looked after!

I'll admit I'm actually looking forward to seeing the ex Lothian's out - We used to have a batch of rather fine Dart SPDs around here with the same deeper Cummins engine/Voith transmission & retarder set up, before Stagecoach sadly sold them on.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Ouch. So this Mr Smith - correct me if I'm wrong but, the past and future isn't looking rosy for either of those two - ''Smith was convicted of possessing counterfeit money a month later, but avoided a prison sentence as jobs at Velvet depended upon him''. So potentially with the above information of WGH Running vehicles out of Tax & MOT, and potentially Insurance too I don't think any of the Traffic Commissioner's going to be pleased. Not least then with Smith facing 3 Separate Enquiries for Buses ETC, Velvet and WGH.

It seems that the comments from the Flickr link continue to make for interesting and uncomfortable reading too - Bishop's history doesn't appear to be very rosy either, as having 2 companies dissolved, 3 in liquidation and still showing Black Velvet Travel and WGH as trading.

Either way, this could be an interesting next few weeks to see what else may come out. And the irony in seeing K50WGH isn't lost either, the bus Mr Smith promised would herald the future of Western Greyhound is now with First Kernow.
While I still remain sorry to both independent's Velvet and Western Greyhound go, certainly Greyhound wasn't the same since the fire thanks to a lot of mismanagement, vehicle issues, and financial issues, with the more that comes out I can't say I'm that sorry to see WGH disappear.

I guess we have to be a little bit careful as to what is said - there was quite a bit on the Southampton bus blog in relation to Messrs Bishop and Smith with their record at Buses Excetera and Velvet, and indeed, Countryliner Sussex.

There are some indisputable facts relating to their past which are in the public domain (Mr Smith's convictions for hooky money - see below).

http://www.route-one.net/legal/black-velvet-travel-owner-adam-smith-spared-jail/

However, we should all be a bit circumspect on what we say

Given that this is the third business that they've been heavily involved that has failed (not counting Velvet - it has already had ceased operations before Adam Smith was involved, was resurrected and had a more orderly sale to Xelabus), then one can only wonder what Sarah Bell will do.

Lastly, given how in their time both Velvet and WG were examples on how to develop a small operation, it is very sad to see how things have turned out. However, the decline of both firms was noticeable for some years before.

 

[LAIRA]

Then after the much publicised event on Friday the 13th:-

Thanks for the pics

 

[83G/84D]

Solo 50290 in Barbie at Camborne this morning parked up around the side of the depot but gone/moved by late afternoon.

 

[Busaholic]

Ouch. So this Mr Smith - correct me if I'm wrong but, the past and future isn't looking rosy for either of those two - ''Smith was convicted of possessing counterfeit money a month later, but avoided a prison sentence as jobs at Velvet depended upon him''. So potentially with the above information of WGH Running vehicles out of Tax & MOT, and potentially Insurance too I don't think any of the Traffic Commissioner's going to be pleased. Not least then with Smith facing 3 Separate Enquiries for Buses ETC, Velvet and WGH.

It seems that the comments from the Flickr link continue to make for interesting and uncomfortable reading too - Bishop's history doesn't appear to be very rosy either, as having 2 companies dissolved, 3 in liquidation and still showing Black Velvet Travel and WGH as trading.

Either way, this could be an interesting next few weeks to see what else may come out. And the irony in seeing K50WGH isn't lost either, the bus Mr Smith promised would herald the future of Western Greyhound is now with First Kernow.
While I still remain sorry to both independent's Velvet and Western Greyhound go, certainly Greyhound wasn't the same since the fire thanks to a lot of mismanagement, vehicle issues, and financial issues, with the more that comes out I can't say I'm that sorry to see WGH disappear.

It appears that Adam Smith was not his name at birth - Paul Jones it apparently was, and there may be convictions in this name for this person. Now wasn't Paul Jones the lead singer for Manfred Mann, who went on to forge a solo career, his biggest hit being 'I've Been a Bad, Bad Boy' ?!!

 

[fgwrich]

Looking through various pictures on Flickr this evening and reading the comments seem to show one theme with Western Greyhound over the past few weeks - The management certainly were keen on splashing money over paint jobs and private registrations for several vehicles - one ex Velvet Dart was photted in the Sommercourt depot fresh from repaint last Tuesday, not turning one wheel in service in it's new coat.

Have there been anymore arrivals in the First Kernow fleet than the Lothian Dart and Solos & Wright Renown this week?

 

[83G/84D]

If 15 extra buses were required, I think they have more or less got them. ten from Western Greyhound plus 2 ex Lothian Dart's, a Solo, Renown and Marshall Dart.

 

[richw]

Looking through various pictures on Flickr this evening and reading the comments seem to show one theme with Western Greyhound over the past few weeks - The management certainly were keen on splashing money over paint jobs and private registrations for several vehicles - one ex Velvet Dart was photted in the Sommercourt depot fresh from repaint last Tuesday, not turning one wheel in service in it's new coat.

Have there been anymore arrivals in the First Kernow fleet than the Lothian Dart and Solos & Wright Renown this week?

That could be my photo you refer to, as a service i was on that day called through the depot.

It would be interesting whether they actually paid for all the repaints or were on credit.
Most of the fleet was sold to ensign about a week before the end and leased back. Probably as a last attempt to raise funds.
The pink solos were owned by Dawson Rentals along with several of the coaches.

 

[83G/84D]

Great Yarmouth bus blog reports that Scania L94 65579 was due to head from Ipswich to First Devon & Cornwall today. Final destination was not mentioned.
Ipswich bus blog says it was due to set off for Cornwall at 5am today.

Volvo B10BLE 62194 was on the way from Truro to St Ives in service this afternoon.

 

[South Westerly]

If 15 extra buses were required, I think they have more or less got them. ten from Western Greyhound plus 2 ex Lothian Dart's, a Solo, Renown and Marshall Dart.

There are more. A PVR of 15 would suggest a fleet on 17 at least, and I believe that they are taking more to be on the safe side.

One of the ex Lothian SPDs failed on route to Cornwall at Bridgwater and has ended up at Taunton for assessment to see whether it continues or returns.

Three more MPDs have been bought by Ensign and rented to First, these being taken by First straight from Summercourt.

Other odds and sods due in from other First operating companies too.

 

[RPI]

An Olympian was on its way from Weymouth to Kernow today, was left at Exeter St David's for a Camborne driver to collect, didn't note fleet number or anything.

 

[fgwrich]

That could be my photo you refer to, as a service i was on that day called through the depot.

It would be interesting whether they actually paid for all the repaints or were on credit.
Most of the fleet was sold to ensign about a week before the end and leased back. Probably as a last attempt to raise funds.
The pink solos were owned by Dawson Rentals along with several of the coaches.

It may have been, unfortunately I've lost the picture I saw on Flickr - Did you take it on an in service Trident passing through Sommercourt?

An Olympian was on its way from Weymouth to Kernow today, was left at Exeter St David's for a Camborne driver to collect, didn't note fleet number or anything.

Found it - 34165 - S665AAE - another ex Bristol exile.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/40121963@N03/16861753102

 

[83G/84D]

Another new arrival for First Kernow this afternoon was Solo 53040.

 

[CD]

It may have been, unfortunately I've lost the picture I saw on Flickr - Did you take it on an in service Trident passing through Sommercourt?



Found it - 34165 - S665AAE - another ex Bristol exile.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/40121963@N03/16861753102

34044 is also reported to be on its way from Weymouth.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

There are more. A PVR of 15 would suggest a fleet on 17 at least, and I believe that they are taking more to be on the safe side.

One of the ex Lothian SPDs failed on route to Cornwall at Bridgwater and has ended up at Taunton for assessment to see whether it continues or returns.

Three more MPDs have been bought by Ensign and rented to First, these being taken by First straight from Summercourt.

Other odds and sods due in from other First operating companies too.

The ex Lothian Dart was in the workshop at Taunton depot Wednesday. Today it is stored in the yard.

 

[fgwrich]

The Taunton 'based' ex Lothian Dart is former Lothian Buses 62 SK52 OJF -

https://www.flickr.com/photos/74802869@N03/16846499492/in/photolist-rEEHnN-hsgNPa-onVwV6-ajY5Ye

Which somewhat ironically isn't the first visit of an ex Lothian dart to Taunton as Quantock Motor Services did operate Y184 CFS in the town. Now with Target Travel Plymouth.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/benbe...dwD-btcfbr-8cbKKX-8ceRGj-8PfhjC-a65A46-a68rtu

Has the Cambourne one moved at all yet?

 

[83G/84D]

Olympian 34044 was also at Camborne earlier.There were two Lothian Dart's at Camborne but no sign of them (SK52 OKD & SK52 OKF) this afternoon.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Another new arrival for First Kernow this afternoon was Solo 53040.

Wonder if that was the First Solo as I saw crossing Avomouth Bridge about 1015 this morning as I drove along the Portway?

 

[traveller1]

Wonder if that was the First Solo as I saw crossing Avomouth Bridge about 1015 this morning as I drove along the Portway?

Any arrived from Cymru? Saw an out of service going down the M4 last Monday. Dont know which one sorry. Thought it might have been heading down South West.

 

[83G/84D]

Recent arrivals, the Solo caught me unaware's whilst the Olympian arrived before I did.62194 was photographed on Thursday and is a noisy bus (you'll hear it roaring away before you see it). Solo 915 ex Western Greyhound had a run on the 47 with an incorrect destination screen and a piece of paper stuck on the windscreen with "Troon" written on it :-

 

[richw]

It may have been, unfortunately I've lost the picture I saw on Flickr - Did you take it on an in service Trident passing through Sommercourt?

Yes.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/82289286@N06/16596411378/

 

[Penwithian]

Recent arrivals, the Solo caught me unaware's whilst the Olympian arrived before I did.62194 was photographed on Thursday and is a noisy bus (you'll hear it roaring away before you see it). Solo 915 ex Western Greyhound had a run on the 47 with an incorrect destination screen and a piece of paper stuck on the windscreen with "Troon" written on it :-

Spent a day shopping in the capital (Truro) yesterday (20th March) and managed to photograph a few ex Western Greyhound and recently transferred First Group buses.

Ex Western Greyhound buses seen were, 816 (K50WGH) on 522 to St Austell; 817 (WK55BUS); 956 (WK56PEN) on 585 to Newquay; 214 (KN52NFU) completed route 522 empty to depot. All were in Western Greyhound green with First logos except 214 which was white with a pink first logo on front.

I saw newly transferred Volvo B10BLE 62194 (X688ADK) on 18 from Cambourne, while 34165 (S665AAE) arrived in the bus station, but I was unable to see the route it was on. Optare Solo 53402 was sporting First Kernow fleetnames on the front and significantly large ones on the sides.
Mercedes support van 90472 (DG03VWY) also put in an appearance coming to the aid of a bus I was unable to note as I had to make a quick exit to catch my train home.

Later in Penzance the new style First liveried Optare Solo 50292 was working the 16 to St Ives via Nancledra.

 

[83G/84D]

There has been two more new arrivals at First Camborne today with Volvo B7TL 32097 and Marshall Dart 41383 present.

 

[iantherev]

There has been two more new arrivals at First Camborne today with Volvo B7TL 32097 and Marshall Dart 41383 present.

41383 is from Cymru. 41265 also rumoured to be due.

 

[83G/84D]

41383 is from Cymru. 41265 also rumoured to be due.

41383 is prefixed with a P (Port Talbot),I'll look out for 41265.

 

[DD12]

There has been two more new arrivals at First Camborne today with Volvo B7TL 32097 and Marshall Dart 41383 present.

I find the info. about 32097 particularly interesting - IF it's a permanent transfer, I believe it is the first of the KP51 batch to leave Leicester (?) and, "it isn't a Trident"!
I get the impression that "old" Tridents are not acceptably reliable enough, and that "old" B7TLs would be better when available (although spares/ parts possibly more expensive ?)
- also how would B7TLs cope with Cornwall's hills ?

Any facts anyone ?

 

[richw]

I find the info. about 32097 particularly interesting - IF it's a permanent transfer, I believe it is the first of the KP51 batch to leave Leicester (?) and, "it isn't a Trident"!
I get the impression that "old" Tridents are not acceptably reliable enough, and that "old" B7TLs would be better when available (although spares/ parts possibly more expensive ?)
- also how would B7TLs cope with Cornwall's hills ?

Any facts anyone ?

B7TLs cope better with hills than Tridents, but saying that Tridents manage walking pace up most hills in cornwall.

First wyvern Solo 53040 was parked at Tiverton parkway on Friday am Presumably waiting collection from a first driver.