(05 Sep 2016, 9:41 pm)Dan wrote I'd expect them to look smart externally when freshly painted - but they're all very... worn... internally.I've been on CLS' first omnidekka, think YN04GJJ, didn't look or feel too bad. Got shifting and didn't feel tacky or worn. I wasn't close up to either of the newer two, but I can also say the same of a few of Stanley's interiors. GX03S(UH/VE) especially have loads of mismatch seats and generally don't feel nice to be in, although the motors are always great on those.
Bit of a kick in the teeth when you get a red bus on the X21 lacking the usual features of the StreetDecks as it is, never mind a red bus with threadbare seats!
(05 Sep 2016, 9:45 pm)S813 FVK wrote Will they bother retrimming the seats on these ones or are they just staying the way they are given how long they are probably going to be in the fleet for?
I've been on all of Stanley's up Whickham/Dunston or Watergate bank and beyond every working day since they were introduced. As stated, I believe the motors are good/great, better than Stanley's other buses. I've only ever experienced one break down where GX03SVA was coming downhill on Watergate bank and the engine just revved high and cut. It was back up in service the next day and I believe this is a mechanical caveat with Diesel automatics. I think they'll be going strong for a while, certainly not numbered years from what I know of them. Just a few need a re-trim and they'll be top notch.
Oh and the back row of seats on all of them on the lower deck.. whoever designed the space hopefully was sacked. Waste of 4 seat spaces, neebody sits on them except for the middle area. Other than that, though.