FMR: Refurbs and Repaints

[AdamH]

What did you think adam?

It's a bit more adventurous that the current branding as it has a logo, but it's not a huge departure from the norm so no need to get excited.

[MattW]

Hmmm... just seen 67664 going through the bus station. No vynals have been fitted.

Did I see you driving it in Tunnel Hill earlier?

[AdamH]

I did the 1640 to Tewkesbury in it tonight so maybe.

I enquired with the engineers on my return about the mini-refurb. Seems I jumped the gun a little as the visit to the body shop earlier in the week was only to have a look at what needs to be done. The vinyls are on order but haven't arrived yet.

[MattW]

That was it then mate, sorry i only realised at the last second.

[AdamH]

Yesterday I saw some art work for the new Malvern area route branding which I assume will appear on buses in mid-October when the routes change.

A copy has appeared on the canteen notice board...

(The advert is a bit on an in-joke)

[willr7]

That looks good, I like the way they don't include the route numbmers on it. They just brand it to show where it goes.

It reminds me a bit of Stagecoach's Lakes connection branding...

[DD12]

I agree with willr7, and I think it's far better for "branding" on vehicles to promote a network or group of services, rather than including route numbers,
and when done like in the "mock-up" shown above, it is less confusing for passengers when the vehicles are used on services in a different area (or inter-worked).

I would like the LED side and rear service-number indicators to have a more vivid number element displayed.

From memory, on the rear ends of our SteetDecks, the permanent "44" decoration is vivid pink, - and right next to the LED indicator which displays the ACTUAL service number BUT cannot be "read" in certain lighting conditions -
- so I'm glad this is about to end !

I am also glad that the "mock-up" picture implies that WR is to keep at least one or two StreetDecks on the Malvern services, as there was a (small) risk that we might lose them (at the end of a two-year trial period).

[AdamH]

Other sides...

[MattW]

I like the branding, but I still can't stand the colour scheme. First aren't going to change them for me though, so I'll just have to keep whinging

[DD12]

..... so I'll just have to keep whinging

Me Too ! - I LOVE "Whingeing" (or "Whinging")

The "utility blue" needs top quality paint and proper cleaning to stop the rear end becoming an eyesore, and WR's bus-wash often leaves a dirty streak up the middle of the back-ends that obliterates the rear LED route number, and unfortunately spoils any marketing embellishments !

(Many operators forget that the image that "75%" of people get of buses - is the rear-end).