Recorded on 10/02/23. A warning that there is swearing in this video.
In this video, I film the Ilkeston Flyer between Ilkeston Market Place and Spondon. Please see the timestamps below for some key moments:
0:27 - Departing from Ilkeston
1:41 - Strange rumbling sound
3:15 - Nice deceleration
4:30 - Downhill section
5:11 - Mini thrash
6:23 - Muted ZF whine
7:33 - Beautiful ZF whine
8:11 - Thrash to the max
12:55 - Fast acceleration
Ilkeston Flyer has had a long and complex history. In the 2000s, the route (which only went from Derby to Ilkeston, not Cotmanhay) was jointly operated by Felix of Stanley and Trent Barton. Each company provided a single vehicle each, offering a combined frequency of every 30 minutes.
Between 2002 and 2004, Felix employed a single Optare Solo (FE02 LWD). In 2004, Felix switched the Solo for a Scania Solar (YN04 AGY). This Solar would remain on Felix's Ilkeston Flyer until their collapse in 2012.
Meanwhile, between 2003 and 2008, Trent Barton utilised Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 926 (R926 RAU). By 2009, Trent Barton had replaced 926 with Optare Tempo 306 (FD54 JYF). The Tempo was the first to sport the iconic light blue colour scheme.
In 2011, Trent Barton increased their PVR to 2. This increased the joint frequency to every 20 minutes. Simultaneously, 306 was taken off the Ilkeston Flyer and swapped for two Scania Solars - 632 (FJ03 VWX) and 633 (FJ03 VXA). Both were formerly branded for the Spondon Flyer.
Everything changed in 2012, when Wellglade purchased Felix's operations. Most of Felix's vehicles were transferred to Notts and Derby. This included YN04 AGY, which gained the fleet number 599. Despite this, Ilkeston Flyer continued to utilise 599, 632 and 633 on a 20 minute frequency.
In the following year (2013), the combined frequency was upgraded to 4 buses an hour. Therefore, Trent Barton 635 (FJ03 VXC) was repainted into Ilkeston Flyer livery. In 2014, the frequency returned to every 20 minutes. However, the service was extended to Cotmanhay. The PVR remained at 4 (3 Trent Barton vehicles, 1 Notts and Derby).
In 2015, 599 was transferred from Notts and Derby to Trent Barton. All Ilkeston Flyer journeys were now provided by Trent Barton. Two years later, in 2017, Ilkeston Flyer received another major overhaul.
Newly refurbished Volvo B7RLE Eclipses were introduced - featuring USB power sockets, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The branding was also updated and the frequency was increased to every 15 minutes. All six Volvo B7RLE Eclipses (including 719 - FJ58 KKN) were initially branded for the Indigo.
In 2019, the frequency was upgraded again to every 12 minutes. This increased the PVR to 7. Therefore, 740 (FJ09 BXE) was refurbished for the route. Following the pandemic, the 12 minute frequency was never reinstated. Subsequently, in 2022, 740 was taken off the Ilkeston Flyer. In January 2023, 740 gained its new role on The Villager.
Now onto 719 itself. Since last time, all of the Ilkeston Flyer Volvos have gained interior LED lighting. This shows up really well in this video as we approach evening time. But, undeniably, the most impressive aspects of 719 are the turbo and the ZF gearbox. 719 is renowned for its whistling turbo and, my word, is it epic. No other Trent Barton Eclipse I've been on has matched the immensity of this one.
Even without the whistling turbo, the ZF gearbox is still quite vocal. This is the most fun I've ever had on the Ilkeston Flyer fast section.
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