Thanks,

The Volvo B12B is basically the same as the B7R with a more powerfull engine etc. Also I've found out its a Plaxton Panther, not a Paragon as I was told.

In this link is the model of coach for information purposes only.

http://www.bobvalecoachsales.com/coaches/L4069.html

thanks

"Radius" explains everything!

While we're on coaches, forgive my ignorance but why is it that most urban buses (reasonably enough) have automatic gearboxes, coaches generally seem to have manuals (as does the Volvo above)?

Service work coaches will be mostly semi or fully automatic. The autos tend to be slower and thirstier. The semis autos were good for stop start and does save on clutch wear.

Some rear engine coaches can be difficult to drive as a manual as its impossible to hear or feel the engine when pulling away and you rely on the rev counter, so semi auto is better then for wear and tear. The down side is the wear on brakes with auto's and use of the retarders was a must. Coming of a slip road at full speed brakes used to fade before coming to a stop when fully loaded if a retarder wasnt used. Especially when doing booz cruises with a boot full of beer! 100 crates wheighs a Ton ! 53 passengers all carrying 5 or 6 crates ! well over weight comming of a ferry ! once a boot falls out on a motorway you dontr overload them again ! lesson learnt

Don't worry - it's called 'thread drift' and it happens on forums just as it happens in real conversations. By all means resurrect the original question if you like.

But I'm still surprised that all modern coaches aren't autiomatics.