Nice one mate I was meant to go but had to pull out last minute, I was requested to extend my shift into overtime last minute the night prior so by the time I got home the sun was rising and the tour was in a matter of hours. Anyway glad you all had fun
Thanks JT! It’s a shame you weren’t able to make it, but I’m sure there will be another tour sometime. I remember seeing these at Eastgardens on the 400 when I was little, so it was really nice getting to spend a day with these awesome Oranas. Thanks for stopping by JT, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
These buses were very controversial when introduced by STA because they were actually illegal but the STA was given an exemption and permitted to have them registered when Westbus were unable to register their 14.5 vehicles which they had in storage. The routes for these buses had to be approved by the RTA which meant each depot had to trial the bus on each route to determine their suitability and I had the privilege to do this for Ryde depot whilst accompanied by the senior driving instructor who was a passenger and the person who determined which routes were suitable. This process took many days as each route had to be trialled in both directions and we both enjoyed every minute of it even when we almost got stuck on the bridge at West Ryde because the right turn off the bridge was almost impossible to negotiate. These buses had the capability for high speed running which I discovered when my partner in crime produced a key which activated the "highway diff" and said" Newcastle, here we come." We had to stop our high speed journey (100kph) when we realised the tyres were not rated for speed and were (suburban) only. The BCA (bus and coach association) protested profusely and threatened legal action against the government on behalf of Westbus whose 14.5 buses were still in storage. Westbus was approved to follow the same procedure as STA for route approval and their buses were registered. The first Westbus 14.5 vehicles were tapered inwards at the back in order to prevent tailswing damage and did not have the Orana body. I loved driving these STA buses and they had a very audible rattle from the tag axel which you may have noticed on your journey. Excellent presentation, well done Sam 👍👏
I remember seeing them at Eastgardens on the 400 when I was little. I probably have been on some before, but I don’t remember it if I have. I was told that these 14.5m Oranas were very unreliable both mechanically and structurally, so it seems like they’ve never really been appreciated by the workers. From an enthusiast’s point of view these buses are awesome, they look cool and have really loud engines, but I do understand that there would have been many concerns when they were delivered. Thanks for telling me your story John, and I’m very glad you enjoyed the video! 😊
@coolsoap8 They were indeed unreliable but beautiful to drive. The aircon was too weak for the size of the vehicle, and they were constantly working against the governor ( speed limiter).
Nobody has a definitive answer right now. Some of the Keolis Downer ones might get fixed, but sadly I doubt the Busways and TDJH ones will ever run again.
How on earth did they drive these buses via Bondi Junction via Bondi Beach & onto North Bondi - I hope this bus never travelled to Dover Heights! Shows how much I cared back then about hopping on an extra long extra chunky tri axle government bus. I didn't care I just ignored the bus everytime it went over an obstacle in the middle of the road such as a round about.
Awsome video, I’m an idiot because i facking missed it. What’s the website that i have to buy the tickets on? For the 6th year anniversary if there is any?
They were so nice to drive, plenty of power!
Great video mate we are all going to miss these buses
I miss them very much. Glad you enjoyed the video
@@MrAnsairDude ummm no I just like yo yt videos and I like oranas to so I merged them to Mroranadue also I can change it if u want me to
@ oh if you could please change it to probably any other bus body
Nice one mate
I was meant to go but had to pull out last minute, I was requested to extend my shift into overtime last minute the night prior so by the time I got home the sun was rising and the tour was in a matter of hours. Anyway glad you all had fun
Thanks JT! It’s a shame you weren’t able to make it, but I’m sure there will be another tour sometime. I remember seeing these at Eastgardens on the 400 when I was little, so it was really nice getting to spend a day with these awesome Oranas. Thanks for stopping by JT, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
They still look and sound amazing such a shame they were withdrawn
It was a shame when they retired, but nothing lasts forever unfortunately 😢
These buses were very controversial when introduced by STA because they were actually illegal but the STA was given an exemption and permitted to have them registered when Westbus were unable to register their 14.5 vehicles which they had in storage. The routes for these buses had to be approved by the RTA which meant each depot had to trial the bus on each route to determine their suitability and I had the privilege to do this for Ryde depot whilst accompanied by the senior driving instructor who was a passenger and the person who determined which routes were suitable. This process took many days as each route had to be trialled in both directions and we both enjoyed every minute of it even when we almost got stuck on the bridge at West Ryde because the right turn off the bridge was almost impossible to negotiate. These buses had the capability for high speed running which I discovered when my partner in crime produced a key which activated the "highway diff" and said" Newcastle, here we come." We had to stop our high speed journey (100kph) when we realised the tyres were not rated for speed and were (suburban) only. The BCA (bus and coach association) protested profusely and threatened legal action against the government on behalf of Westbus whose 14.5 buses were still in storage. Westbus was approved to follow the same procedure as STA for route approval and their buses were registered. The first Westbus 14.5 vehicles were tapered inwards at the back in order to prevent tailswing damage and did not have the Orana body. I loved driving these STA buses and they had a very audible rattle from the tag axel which you may have noticed on your journey. Excellent presentation, well done Sam 👍👏
I remember seeing them at Eastgardens on the 400 when I was little. I probably have been on some before, but I don’t remember it if I have. I was told that these 14.5m Oranas were very unreliable both mechanically and structurally, so it seems like they’ve never really been appreciated by the workers. From an enthusiast’s point of view these buses are awesome, they look cool and have really loud engines, but I do understand that there would have been many concerns when they were delivered. Thanks for telling me your story John, and I’m very glad you enjoyed the video! 😊
@coolsoap8 They were indeed unreliable but beautiful to drive. The aircon was too weak for the size of the vehicle, and they were constantly working against the governor ( speed limiter).
My childhood buses!
Coolsoap8 STA a+
6:06 is wild
i think one 14.5 had a gold striped Qaud vent SRLT Instead of the normal 2 vent
What’s an SRLT?
Hey coolsoap is the volvo prepay gone forever or are they getting fixed
Nobody has a definitive answer right now. Some of the Keolis Downer ones might get fixed, but sadly I doubt the Busways and TDJH ones will ever run again.
How on earth did they drive these buses via Bondi Junction via Bondi Beach & onto North Bondi - I hope this bus never travelled to Dover Heights!
Shows how much I cared back then about hopping on an extra long extra chunky tri axle government bus. I didn't care I just ignored the bus everytime it went over an obstacle in the middle of the road such as a round about.
Awsome video, I’m an idiot because i facking missed it. What’s the website that i have to buy the tickets on? For the 6th year anniversary if there is any?
As far as im aware this was a private tour/ invite only
@@TheComengSset Yes Thats Correct. Invite Only.
Thanks. The tour was private and only people invited by the organisers were allowed to attend, this was to stop anyone annoying from coming.
@ … okay
@ idk if your talking about me or
quick REMINDER GO ON THE D SET FIRST TRIP TOMMOROW!
Seems like your *username* isn’t changed mind changing that so it isn’t similar to my name to avoid confusion?
@ I changed my name but that for the @ I have to wait 8 days
@ oh
Before the vandalism of putting trashy adverts on the windows of public transport.