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Drizzle, grey skies, and SC61 greet the arriving tourists at Rosslare Harbour on a "soft" summer morning

B7R for O’Connors of Cork

O'Connors new Volvo B7R - photo by Volvo Bus

FROM THE VOLVO DELIVERY FILES

O’Connors Coach Hire of Bandon, Co Cork, have just taken delivery of a new Volvo B7R Sideral 10.

The majority of O’Connors’12 strong fleet is Volvo and the operator was keen to try out the newest addition to the range. Cormac O’Connor explained, “We were in the market for a midi-coach, and I personally prefer the coach-built style to a minibus. So when we saw that Volvo were introducing the B7R Sideral 10 we were very interested, particularly as we already have a couple of full size Sunsundegui bodied B7Rs in our fleet. They’re extremely popular with our passengers and we find them very economical to run.”

The 10.3m B7R Sideral 10 is based on the B7R chassis, which is renowned for its versatility, dependability and good economy, as well as excellent ride and drive qualities. Available exclusively with the striking Sunsundegui body, it has been designed for applications where a full sized coach may not be necessary, but where on-board comfort and luggage capacity are still vital.

Specified with Volvo’s Euro 4 compliant 7 litre engine – rated at 290hp – featuring common rail technology and metered fuel injection, coupled to a ZF six speed automatic gearbox, the driveline combination offers excellent fuel economy and driveability.

The restyled Sideral 2000 body boasts full climate control, 43 seats – all with three point belts, a multimedia system, incorporating 15” LCD monitor, GPS navigation system and MP3, RDS radio, CD/DVD player and Bluetooth hands free mobile phone installation, and an ergonomic, comfortable driver’s environment.

The new vehicle is now being used for private hire throughout Ireland and O’Connors are delighted, but not surprised, that it is living up to expectation. “Of course, one of the main factors in our decision was simply that it is a Volvo,” said Cormac O’Connor. “For us, that means reliability, good availability of spare parts and excellent servicing from McCarthy Commercials of Cork.”

RA farewell tour

The RA-class Volvo Olympian / Alexander (Cummins powered) double-decker has bowed out of service with Dublin Bus, leaving just over 300 similar but Volvo powered RV class still in service.

Enthusiasts enjoyed a fine sendoff for the RA class, organised by Dublin Bus drivers Tony, Barry and Kevin, thanks also due to the management of Donnybrook depot for retaining the last two servicable examples until the weekend for us.

The buses RA302 and RA305 carried enthusiasts over the 46A and 14 routes, joined by trainer RA176, the first RA, and originally also a Donnybrook bus.

RA305, 302 and 176 at Dundrum LUAS station, which was the ideal location for group photos.

Lineup at Dundrum.

Trainer RA176, the first of the class, was guest of honour on the run!

The new order - AX613, one of the buses whose transfer to Donnybrook brought about the end of the RAs, overtakes at the old 14 terminus on Braemor road

The RAs at Dun Laoghaire 46A terminus, showing the blinds custom-made for the occasion.