On 06/06/2012 23:47, Paul Corfield wrote:
On 6 Jun 2012 20:02:50 GMT, Neil Williams
wrote:

Managed to grab a ride on it today. Overall I was impressed, particularly
with the driveline, which because of the electric transmission produced
smooth yet powerful acceleration, and smooth presumably regenerative
braking - even if the body style doesn't go forward, this IMO should. The
platform was in use, but few people seemed to be using it, though I made
sure I did for old time's sake. It didn't seem to be being overpoliced. I
noticed a crack in the platform door, perhaps too much distortion?

Yes it does give a pretty smooth ride. Last time I used one I did
leap on at the back as I'd missed it at the stop but it got stopped by
traffic lights. It felt slightly "odd" to get on a bus that way.

The interior is quite true to the original though using modern materials,
and the seats are quite comfortable, though they don't provide enough thigh
support for tall people. There were a few rattles, which in such a premium
product, but these could be sorted out with more padding I guess.

Where did you sit? Upstairs the seats and legroom are far better than
downstairs IME. Slightly surprised by the rattles - perhaps things
are working loose after a few months in service?

I noticed that the LED lighting (which looked quite cheap, bet the LEDs
don't last long) was cool white, perhaps it would be better to switch to
warm white to give the nice welcoming feel of the tungsten lighting in the
unrefurbished original?

I doubt that will change.

Surprised double glazing was not chosen, to reduce rattles, avoid steaming
up (though the air con should help here and is most welcome so long as it
is reliable) and for greater structural integrity.

Apparently the bus struggled somewhat in the recent very warm weather.
I've read several reports of it being very hot upstairs. Hopefully
that will get fixed.

I also noticed how how it was upstairs on the couple of times that I
used the Borismasters.

AIUI, those busses are prototypes that are on trial for a while? What
has been the result of those trials and when can we expect to see more
Borismasters around town?