(19 Dec 2018, 8:47 pm)Andreos1 wrote Recently spent some time in the Highlands. Did the Highland Chieftan there and back, so lots of new rail miles and easily my longest trip on a Class 43.WF streetlites are a crime and aren't to be talked about or referenced at any point ever!
I've mentioned elsewhere the spotting of an ex-SNE dart in Inverness, but the main highlight of the trip (bus wise), was a ride out on the 10.
Having been on a spare MMC 300 and a branded MMC 300 on the 11, I managed to bag one of the coaches that appeared last year on the 10.
The power difference between the MMC300 and the B11R was more than evident.
The seating comfort similar (more legroom on the coach), but ride quality on the coach a mile ahead.
There were some narrow streets to the west of Nairn that could cause issues at certain times, but it was fine when I rode it.
I didn't need to use the on-board toilet, but on arriving at Inverness Retail Park, the driver made use.
I'd hope it was cleaned and maintained at each end.
What was noticeable, was that we left Nairn approx 10 late. The driver wasn't in any rush before leaving either. Without hammering the vehicle at all, it arrived at the Retail Park dead on time.
The ride out on the MMC was laboured and on long stretches of straight, flat road, it needed that extra space in terms of gearing. It was screaming at times. The total opposite to the coach.
Independant wise, D&E Coaches seemed to be the main player. Wheel forward Streetlites seemed to be the mainstay of work around Inverness, although I did see an old school Merc minibus blinded up for a Private Hire of sorts.
...They're hideous!
North scotland is unexplored for me, I'd find it hard to find the motivation to head up that way rather than cheap flights to warmer lands in the summer. Thats if I can have a day off, whatever one of them is
