Electric buses

[malumbu]

I thought I'd started a topic on my favourite buses but can't find it.  Admin no issues with merging this id that thread exists.  Anyway, exciting news, I saw an electric 363 today.  Hopefully they will electrify all the 363s as per most of the 185s and 63s.  A raspberry for those new routemasters such as the 12s and 176s.  An expensive indulgence projects from the last Mayor.  The new electric double deckers are more comfortable, smoother, have good on board information , charging points and even holders for your phone.

[Spartacus]

You sold it on the phone holders alone 🤣

[Guest]

IMO the 363's are badly designed, short on seats and are uncomfortable

[malumbu]

But not the new electric ones 

[George Orwell]

There's still a few of us around who remember these:

https://www.londonbusmuseum.com/shop/cravens-rt1493-on-route-63-to-honor-oak-a-brand-new-casting-from-efe/

Plenty more info here:

https://londonbuses.co.uk/_routes/current/063.html

[malumbu]

Also worth visits to the transport museum in Covent garden and perhaps even more wonderful Actin depot.  Funny that there is all this nostalgia for the routemaster to yet it was out of date when it was introduced.  Yes I know that the RT series predates this 

[Spartacus]

George, they were the best with the wind down windows that let the air really flow through them on a hot day and the excitement of running after a bus that was departing the stop and jumping on the rear platform with a grin of satisfaction (to hell with health and safety) and the sound of the conducters hand cranked ticket machine "one and two half's please to Oxford circus" 

Oh the nostalgia 

And best of all they were efficient and you didn't get " the driver has been instructed to wait at this stop to regulate the service" 🤣

[malumbu]

Apparently the P4 is the best bus.  Optare, probably the Metrocity.  Was a bit surprised as not my favourite model, although some of the routes are really sexy.  They don't do a single decker electric version, The earliest electric buses were electric (BYD) but not around here.

[Guest]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Spartacus]

19 minutes ago, malumbu said:

Apparently the P4 is the best bus.  Optare, probably the Metrocity.  Was a bit surprised as not my favourite model, although some of the routes are really sexy.  They don't do a single decker electric version, The earliest electric buses were electric (BYD) but not around here.

At weekends Mal also likes to don his anorak and stand on the end of platforms,  "oh look thete goes a class 255 diesel shunt" he cries 🤣

[Spartacus]

Mal 

This will allow you to be the trendy nerd on the platform 

 

[malumbu]

Nothing wrong with being a bus spotter.  I recommend the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden and even better their depot at Acton.  The TV channel Yesterday has showcased the underground so only matter of time before they do buses.

[Spartacus]

Nothing at Mal 

Do you also like looking out for shiny white ambulances when the men with your special tight fitting jacket come to take you for a short holiday 🤣

 

Joking aside the transport museum is fab as is the bus museum down near brooklands.   

[vladi]

On 04/03/2024 at 22:04, malumbu said:

I thought I'd started a topic on my favourite buses but can't find it.  Admin no issues with merging this id that thread exists.  Anyway, exciting news, I saw an electric 363 today.  Hopefully they will electrify all the 363s as per most of the 185s and 63s.  A raspberry for those new routemasters such as the 12s and 176s.  An expensive indulgence projects from the last Mayor.  The new electric double deckers are more comfortable, smoother, have good on board information , charging points and even holders for your phone.

Only problem is that all the major components ( chassis, motor, gearbox ,axles, batteries etc) are made in China.They arrive here as fully assembled and running chassis. Only the external bodywork is added in the UK.

A few decades ago, the UK had a highly successful bus manufacturing industry that exported busses all over the world. Such brands as Leyland, AEC, Guy, Albion and Dennis spring to mind. Sad, very sad!

[Spartacus]

Mal 

Now don't get over excited but this may be just the thing for you 🤣

 

[George Orwell]

Fully battery powered Tram ? / Buses  ? / Trolley Buses ? at Crystal Palace apparently.

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/londons-bus-route-358-debuts-electric-buses-with-tram-inspired-design-77202/

Edited February 5, 2025 by George Orwell

[Sue]

Never mind that, I want to know more about the train cake tin!

[vladi]

1 hour ago, George Orwell said:

Fully battery powered Tram ? / Buses  ? / Trolley Buses ? at Crystal Palace apparently.

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/londons-bus-route-358-debuts-electric-buses-with-tram-inspired-design-77202/

As a vehicle vehicle design engineer, I would  suggest going further towards the trolley bus arrangement with a pantograph connecting to overhead wires  on bus lanes, such as on straights running up to and including traffic lights, so allowing more time to recharge whilst in transit. This would be preferrable to charging from structures that have to be activated by the driver.