The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

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Colhad75
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The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Hi folks.

I hope you all don't mind me going on about the Metroliners (B10M) a lot, probably gets annoying with me talking about them all the time.

I've never really been into buses, well probably was but just didn't admit to it. I'm funny like that. Always been a rail fan and a huge fan of QR diesel locos.

The Metroliners are being retired as we all know, saddens me deeply. I didn't realise how much I liked them until I noticed them becoming less and less as I traveled on my bus route. Then I find the Bus Enthusiasts site and the lists and see that the B10Ms have gradually been disappearing over the past 2 years.

I notice that there are still a large number in service, particularly at Eagle Farm according to Bus Enthusiasts. I see the oldest are going first, 91-93 built but by and large the 94-95 built are still going.

I guess I'm asking questions as I don't know how the bus system works, so if anything I ask sounds funny please forgive me.

Are all the B10Ms at Eagle Farm still in revenue service or have they just been relocated for imminent retirement?
Are the remaining B10Ms going to be around for at least another 12 months or earlier?
I notice a lot have gone to Sydney and Melbourne, is it likely that more will be purchased by Brisbane companies at auctions and be in regular use?

Everyday I go out trying to catch a B10M, getting harder and harder now. It's like everytime I see one I ask myself is that the last time I will see them.

I hope I don't come across as silly, I could develop an interest in buses but I find I can't really warm to the modern boxy Volgrens and such these days. I went to school on the Panthers, and B59s, even Leyland Leopards.

Thanks all.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Des »

I love them to and the way they have been refurbbed over the years and maintained, they are still a great vehicle (at least from a passenger perspective - I don't know what they are like to drive)
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by BestFriendHasLeprosy »

it doesn't bother me Colh, I'm sorta the way you are about Metros for the Butterboxes :D
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Mitch »

I would say the younger Metroliners will still be around for a while, as there's less of a need to get rid of them. The older Metroliners are probably being sold off first because they're closer to the age where they have to be retired regardless.

I think quite a few Metroliners went to Transit Systems Sydney when the ex-Hornibrook O500LEs went down. If you want to catch some still in Brisbane, SouthWest Transit's entire fleet bar the two Oranas is made up of the Metroliners.

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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

You hardly see them on 375 and 379 routes anymore. The last time I rode one was route 346 from RBH and that was last week. I feel heartened by what you say Mitch, it's good they will be around a bit longer. I shall endeavor to get down to Corinda then.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Heh, I was sitting in Brunswick Street waiting for the 370 to Chermside, I saw heaps of Metroliners. Tried my hardest again to catch one, I could have gotten a 353 if I was quick enough. They stop at the next stop up from where the 370 does.

I saw quite a few but I missed them all, had to catch a Volgren to Kedron in the end.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by phoenix »

Des wrote:I love them to and the way they have been refurbbed over the years and maintained, they are still a great vehicle (at least from a passenger perspective - I don't know what they are like to drive)

Well they aren't that bad to drive, if you get a unit that is fairly clean that is, the unit i drove was fairly nice, however it has it's issues. I couldn't complain about the drive of it, felt solid and for the money considering that BT spent on them, they are still are in great condition!!
Last edited by phoenix on Sat Dec 14, 2013 2:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Let's play a little game called game called spot the Metroliner. Watch this vid of mine and see if you can see the B10M.



There's two Metroliners in this one, the Westie going past.

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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Interesting photo of ex-BT Metroliner in Sydney. Anyone know what number it was? It's now painted in pink and white and known as the Disco Bus, based in Sydney.

Image

http://www.discobus.com.au/
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by gunzelbusdriver »

It's ex bt 268
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by moreton »

All metros will be gone by next year, some are going well, some are not, so most will be going to Mainheims as soon as they can get them there, as you might already know the spare parts lists for the mark 3/4 series is diminishing very quickly and some are not going to make it through machinery tests without some major major work. Service life for these models is coming to an end,retro fitted A/C was not a great exercise in adding value to them. I preferred the jet air and open windows my self, but when you sat in traffic for so long without being able to move it was no fun at all. Only a few good examples remain, 538,539 were a few that were refurbed and used for City Sights back ups for quite a few years. If you wish to buy one keep an eye out at Mainheims for the latest offerings over the next 12/18 months. Moreton :wink:
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

I wish I had $17,000, as that seems to be the asking price.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by WBE-01 »

The following Ex-BCC Volvo B10M/Australs at Manheim Auctions are 295,296,297,298,299,300,301,304,330,345,346.
Next Auction is Wed.15/01/2014.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

I'll be trying real hard to get pics, videos etc in the coming months. Get them while I still can.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by WBE-01 »

You will still be able to get Photos of the Volvo B10M/Austral Mk.4s for a while yet.
They should be going when they reach around 21yrs old.
So by 2015,2016 they should be withdrawn from Service
Also that depends on the "New Bus Deliveries" to replace them at that time.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by MrSheaQuinn »

I'm with you Colhad75, With the exception of the new opti's I love the Metros. Especially their distinctive sound when stopping or taking off from hills. (is it the brakes? hard to describe)
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by THE INFORMANT »

What was the seating capacity of the units that were retrofitted with bench type seating?
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by phoenix »

THE INFORMANT wrote:What was the seating capacity of the units that were retrofitted with bench type seating?
The unit I had was licenced for 47, however there was a luggage bin next to the front door taking up one row thus removing the bin would turn it into a 49 seater.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

I've heard V312 broke down at Aspley Hypermarket.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by crookj21 »

Colhad75 wrote:Interesting photo of ex-BT Metroliner in Sydney. Anyone know what number it was? It's now painted in pink and white and known as the Disco Bus, based in Sydney.

Image

http://www.discobus.com.au/
I seen this bus parked in Farfield NSW today
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Where are all the Metros today. Some days they seem to be scarcer than others. Is V339 out and about at all?
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Mitch »

It's more than likely they're used more and more when they're needed rather than being places on dedicated runs. As BT receives more of the Volvos, less of the older buses will be put into service.

This is just an assumption mind you.

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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by TransitBris »

I usually see and catch the Virginia metroliners on 340's quite a bit during the week. Otherwise the best bet is to hang around Cultural Centre, especially during and on the fringe of the am and pm peak hour rush.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

Usually I hang around Chermside and Cultural Centre, as they are the Metro "hotspots" if you can call them that.
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Re: The Metroliners (B10M mk3 and mk4)

Post by Colhad75 »

What's the air conditioning unit on V341? I notice its different from the other Metros.
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