Metroline CELF Centre Part 32...Route 90 gets its MMs back

Things at CELF Centre are generally starting to become quieter following the recent deliveries of the remaining TEHs to Cricklewood Garage so there was not much to really see here today. So please don't expect many photos in this post.

Amid there not being much to see, a welcoming sight was seeing  MM825 LK57 AYM at Perivale West Garage (PA) undergoing driver type training duties. This batch is part of the 18 buses that make up the Route 90 allocation, numbered between 810 - 827. Since PA undertook the Route on November 26th 2011, it has been allocated DLDs, DPs and the odd SEL, this is due to the fact Metroline were considering whether to convert PA to a whole MM operation on the single deck side of the operations or whether to convert the 90 to DE operation which is the main allocation PA's single deck routes.

It was decided last week that the MMs would return to the Route 90 following driver training and a refurbishment,  however the only thing that changes is the MMs will be maintained at CELF Centre in order to ensure that they receive the best care possible. I was quite happy to understand that the MMs would be returning to the 90 as they are my favourite single deck buses, the sheer power and comfort of these beasts is what makes them stand out to other single deck buses that I have travelled on I.E E200s.

Once all 300 drivers at this garage become familiar with these buses, the DLDs and DPs will be swiftly withdrawn before being sold on to Ensignbus.

Other Buses to note were TEH1110 which has been withdrawn since June 2011, TA652 which had an RTA (Road Traffic Accident) and TE729 which looks as if it had a serious RTC (Road Traffic Collision).

More photos of today are available to view below.

Please note that all photographs were taken with the permission of the CELF Centre management and all safety procedures were followed whilst on sight. Please do not attempt to wander onto the CELF Centre premises prior booking an appointment and this is classed as trespassing and you could get fined for this.

Metroline TA652 LK05 GGA stands outside of Metroline's CELF Centre following a RTC, this bus will more than likely receive its treatment here then be sent of for refurbishment prior to Olympic contractual work

Metroline TA652 LK05 GGA and TEH1225 LK61 BKE stand side by side at Metroline's CELF Centre. 

Metroline TEH1238 LK61 BLN stands outside of Metroline's CELF Centre prior to being delivered to Cricklewood Garage to take up duties on the Route 16 and 139 contracts.

Two Buses stand in the chassis cleaning facility at  Metroline's CELF Centre

MM825 LK57 AYM stands inside of Perivale West Garage prior to doing a driver training course which consisted of going to Scotch Common and back via South Greenford, Ruislip Road East and back to Perivale West Garage. 

Metroline MM825 LK57 AYM  and DLD142 W142 ULR stands inside of Perivale West Garage

Metroline DE1138 LK10 BZE stands inside of Perivale West Garage

A nearside view of the beauty that is MM825!

Metroline TEH1227 LK61 BKG stands outside of Metroline's CELF Centre after delivery from ADL Falkirk 's Factory

Metroline TE729 LK07 AZF, seems to have had a serious accident, repairs will be done in house at CELF as per usual, then this bus will be refurbished then returned for work on Route 186/204 contracts. 

Key facts to note about Metroline's CELF Centre 

• CELF Stands for Central Engineering Logistics Facility 
• Opened in September 2007
• Metroline's central maintenance facility 
• The Centre deals with repaints, refurbishments and chassis cleaning
• Has a dedicated section for Perivale West's Buses
• The place where new Metroline Buses to go to be commissioned into service
• Has very friendly and professional staff