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PPM Class 139
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generalvegitable
Member
from images of the interior, I would say that they are just like a normal bus, but run on rails
43034 The Black Horse
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Nothing special, they do what they're designed to do. Maybe a few more seats wouldn't hurt. Nothing special from the 2.0l LPG Ford engine, but hey, it's a line in the book....
Jordy
Established Member
Yes it is extremely bouncy, and if its sunny, very hot!
generalvegitable
Member
I take it there is no air con on board
Jordy
Established Member
No there isn't
In all fairness, though, the route is only about 3 minutes long. If it was going into Birmingham, then that may be a problem, but for a 3 minute shuttle service, surely it does the job that's asked of it? Indeed, it frees up a 153 which'll help some other service somewhere.
poshbakerloo
Member
The 153 was much better...What is the advantage of a 139 anyway over a 153?
Jordy
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theblackwatch
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I agree, it does the job for the short journey of about 3 minutes. I did however travel on a PPM for a longer distance a few years back (around 4 miles in each direction), I can only echo Mojo's comments about a pacer being more comfy!
GNERman
Established Member
lighter and uses much less fuel due to the flywheel inside it
lighter means it doesn't damage the track as much meaning less maintenance is needed
newer, more reliable
I went on it on Friday - it's OK. Not as comfy as a Sprinter and as others have pointed out a bouncy ride.... but..... given the route it's been deployed on (very short <5 min journey) it makes complete sense. A 153 was probably massively underworked on that route, so the PPM makes alot of sense. And the 153 will be far better utilised somewhere on one of the local routes out of New St.
37401
Established Member
153 is better indeed, holds more diesel carries more passengers and costs less, big waste of money IMO and the PPM is kept in a garden shed
Crossforth
Established Member
What happened to the experimental unit 999 900?
asylumxl
Established Member
I think it may still be in service.
Both Parry People movers currently out of service, on my way back from the SVR sat I noticed it was buses in operation, while waiting my train home at the junction today 153371 was performing the honours on the branch to a reduced service than that operated by the PPM. If anyone fancies a trip with a 153 now is your chance then!
The PPMs have issues with the wheels apparently - I presume that means they are square!!!
Whoopsie!
Was talking to Jed the other week at Kiddy and he was saying the one was oos with wheelset problems but the other one was operating last Wednesday when I passed, had collapsed by Saturday though...
A total farce it is. If my understanding is correct, the PPMs use dedicated drivers who are only trained on PPMs and get paid a lower rate. Bet they're laughing all the way to the bank sat being paid for doing naff all!!!
Yup I believe you are correct, was an LM crew on it today but the service frequency was reduced from 6 trips an hour to 4 departing at 07, 24, 37 & 54 minutes past the hour from the Jn, not sure how long it will be like this for, still a least they have managed to get a unit on the branch and not use a coach like at the start of the year.
starrymarkb
Established Member
Elastic band issues again?
Jordy
Established Member
Time for some brick bashing then!
Yup, heard that too now, 153371 on the town again today.
poshbakerloo
Member
I'm guessing it will be worse that a 142!!! and thats saying summit!!! although I haven't been on it, I bet it is...
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