The Circle of London : 01/05/2014

Its been a long one since the blog was last updated and an even longer one since we even did a CELF visit, but you know know they say, good things come to those who wait and it seems as if I was rewarded for my patience as what I pictured was not what I came here to see.

Above we have a picture of the recently delivered VWH2002, a Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B5LH which is one of two that have been delivered to the Centre early for driver familiarisation prior to entering service on the Route 7/N7 which was retained by the company following a successful round of bidding last year. The vehicles have been allocated fleet numbers VWH2001-2023 which follow directly on from the Greenford based TEs that are allocated to the 92. This batch of vehicles are only the second batch of Gemini3 Hybrids in London, with the first being operated from Stagecoach's Plumstead base on the 53 and they are quite eye catching too, which is probably exaggerated by the stunning paintwork as well as gold advert frames.

A keen eye will notice that the vehicles have been delivered with their hubcaps intact, so it remains to be seen whether Metroline will start to adopt hubcaps on their vehicles as they formerly did.

Upon entering service on the 21st of June 2014, these vehicles will see the SELs (739-764) pushed to the Routes 79 and 297 after a refurbishment which is nonchalantly taking place at the moment. At present SEL746, 760 & 763 have been refurbished, while SEL747 & 749 are both receiving remedial treatment prior to their refurbishment. The introduction of the Scanias on the 79 and 297 will push 24 VWs to Holloway to convert the 43 to a full allocation of VWs whilst displacing the TPs and TPLs in the process.

Upper Deck interior of Metroline VWH2002

Lower Deck interior of Metroline VWH2002

Long term absentee VP623 and Metroline VWH2002

The nearside and rear of Metroline VWH2002

Another sight was the long anticipated delivery of Metroline's Gemini3 bodied Volvo B5TL which finally arrived at the Centre on Tuesday 20th of May 2014. The vehicle has been allocated the fleetcode VW1469 and will go into service on the 297 once fully commissioned, all it awaits at present is a wayfarer machine as well as few more CCTV cameras.

Metroline demonstrator VW1469 BF63 HDG
and DLD204 LN51 KXK

Seeing the vehicle here today is somewhat of the highlight of my day as I have personally been tracking the whereabouts of the vehicle ever since it was announced that Metroline would be allocated one of three demonstrators. The other V6 BF63 HFE which was allocated to GAL departed service in January 2014 whilst Arriva's one BF63 HDE which was originally on paper allocated to Metroline has been delivered to Wood Green Garage but has yet to see service. Below are some other shots of what was at the premises today.