MidlandRed.net

I thought you might wish to see these pictures - I have posted many in the past, but there are new members and contributors to this website since 2014 who haven't, so that is my excuse!
33404 is depicted in Crowngate Bus station on the big day. The following shots of The Transport Museum Wythall's lovely 1940 built SON 2418 GHA 337 were taken at Crowngate and the on road pictures through the clean back window of 67664 between Worcester and Droitwich. 33404 in Droitwich. 67664 in Droitwich. Rear three-quarter view of 33404 at Worcester Racecourse. The Transport Museum's preserved heritage buses are seen leaving the Racecourse, these are Leyland National 544 NOE 544R, BMMO S22 5901 MHA 901F and BMMO D9 5399 BHA 399C. Finally I make a plea to the Senior Management and Marketing Executives at First Bus in Leicester and Chelmsford to retain the 144 number for the Worcester to Birmingham route, it has stood the test of time. Yes I quite like the 'Salt Road' branding but anyone and everyone in this area, including non-bus using car owners know exactly where the 144 comes from and goes to. Therefore the 144 number, far from being a bygone sentiment, is a far better marketing tool than any fancy livery!

Four years already?!

The livery has lasted well. As expected there has been the odd knock and bump picked up over time, but both vehicles still look good. Shame they don't drive so well anymore. I had 33404 a few days ago and it is starting to feel like a pre-war bus to match the livery!

When I did my "Job Swap" day, it was mentioned by a member of the bodyshop team that drivers seemed to look after 33404 and it was a pity that all the fleet wasn't painted the same - I'm all for that.

That would be great, I used to love driving the red buses.
And I agree with Tim the y should stick with 144 at least on the blinds, why fix what isn't broken?

Brilliant photos, Tim, thank you. Also I couldn't agree more about keeping the 144 route number. In some ways only a shadow of its former self but will always be known in the area as the 144. and to change it would seem utterly pointless.

Keep the route number please.

AdamH wrote: ↑

11:16 Monday 15th October 2018

Four years already?!

…… Shame they don't drive so well anymore. I had 33404 a few days ago and it is starting to feel like a pre-war bus to match the livery!

- it's now out of service, parked in the "scrap" corner of the patch !

DD12 wrote: ↑

16:55 Tuesday 23rd October 2018

- it's now out of service, parked in the "scrap" corner of the patch !

The fuel pump is knackered. A new one has a 4-digit price tag so they normally get them refurbished. That takes time and the one in 33404 has already been done so there is a question over how long the refurbishments last. Also, Worcester depot are desperately short of double-decks at the moment as another one (33403 I think) has gearbox problems...

I drove 33043 on Monday and although it hasn't got a rattle on it and it drives extremely well, the engine doesn't sound to good, and it appear to be misfiring when initially starting up. I don't know how much longer it will continue, so get it while you can.

AdamH wrote: ↑

07:40 Wednesday 24th October 2018

DD12 wrote: ↑

16:55 Tuesday 23rd October 2018

- it's now out of service, parked in the "scrap" corner of the patch !

The fuel pump is knackered. A new one has a 4-digit price tag so they normally get them refurbished. That takes time and the one in 33404 has already been done so there is a question over how long the refurbishments last. Also, Worcester depot are desperately short of double-decks at the moment as another one (33403 I think) has gearbox problems...

It's a shame to hear this... I hope 33404 will be able to battle on!