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[email protected] · September 20th 12, 10:45 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Paul Corfield) wrote:

On Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:04:11 -0500,
wrote:

In article

.com, (Recliner) wrote:

Mizter T wrote:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/25748.aspx

Also, in the footnotes to editors - "The operational life of the New
Bus for London is 14 years in service in London."

Doesn't this look like a major step towards the nationalisation of
London Buses?

More likely TfL turning itself into a ROSCO. But only 14 years service?
RMs got up to 50!

The NB4L is incredibly heavy because of the 2 staircase design. No one
knows what longevity there is in the bodywork but the far bigger risk
is the hybrid drive and the motors. Hybrid technology will continue
to advance and it has not been made public as to how flexible the NB4L
design might be in terms of accommodating technology changes. That is,
perhaps, understandable.

The RM was both revolutionary but also very simple and easy to
maintain. It was capable of being re-engined with several difference
designs. The RMs on the Heritage routes are effectively Dennis Darts
underneath! Who knows if the NB4L will be capable of emulating that
sort of flexibility.

Interesting. Thanks. When you say RMs now "are effectively Dennis Darts" do
you mean the engine and drive train or more?

--
Colin Rosenstiel