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Windows
Sept 21, 2016 8:29:55 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by passenger859 on Sept 21, 2016 8:29:55 GMT 1
Hi, does anyone know why Arriva always seem to go for "gasket" windows rather than bonded windows?
I'm sure the simple answer is operator preference, or something to do with speed of replacement as no glue required (however it must be difficult getting them in and out of rubber gasket). I do think that gasket method looks rather old fashioned, however they do seem to rattle far less. I assume the rubber absorbs some shock / vibrations.
I've probably just answered my own question, however it would be nice to hear views of other folks or the official line.
Written with my arm resting on the mega rubber window sill of 19?? Cheers.
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Windows
Sept 21, 2016 20:38:20 GMT 1
Post by pub146g on Sept 21, 2016 20:38:20 GMT 1
This is something I mentioned some time ago either on this or another forum when I said gasket glazing looks decidedly old fashioned on modern buses.
The Arriva decision to specify gasket glazing was said to be purely for ease of replacement when this question was asked during a press launch of the first Arriva Streetdeck, which was also the first Streetdeck with gasket glazing. My own opinion is that gasket does still remind me of something from the 70's and not at all aesthetically suited to modern buses.
However, latest developments in glazing from ADL are interesting in that on their new Enviro MMC model they use neither gasket or bonded glazing but a new (patent applied for) system known as QRG which stands for Quick Release Glass. This has all the aesthetic benefits of bonded glazing yet surpasses the quicker replacement times of gasket glazing. A demonstration by an ADL fitter had him remove a full depth pane of glass from the top deck and reinstall it in not much more than five minutes without leaving the bus interior or the need for specialist scaffolding. And when he had finished the bus was ready to go straight back into service.
I somehow think we'll be seeing more of this new technology.
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Windows
Sept 22, 2016 8:11:40 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by passenger859 on Sept 22, 2016 8:11:40 GMT 1
Thanks pub146g. I really look forward to seeing this type of new window technology in the North. Are there any vids online do you know?
The argument of "speed of replacement" leaves me with some doubt. Do they really have to replace windows so often that it's of real concern? Also, granted, with bonded windows they have to wait for glue to set. However, with gasket windows, surely they have to cut the old rubber away and replace the entire rubber gasket? I also imagine it's real difficult to 'prize' the new glass in, unless there is some sort of a special tool. Assume there is.
Yesterday I was on an Arriva Gemini and a load of tree branches fiercely scraped by the upper deck windows above the door. After that I noticed a string of rubber hanging down, so unsure if this had damaged the gasket.
I also regularly see thick interior side of the gaskets with evidence of having been carved into by vandals.
I'm sure that going back to the 80s,the gaskets on the likes of the ECW bodied Olympians were much slimmer and had a metal window sill, rather than the gasket forming the sill. I guess having the whole sill rubber is more cost effective.
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wibble
Forum Member
Posts: 204
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Windows
Sept 22, 2016 9:07:59 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by wibble on Sept 22, 2016 9:07:59 GMT 1
When a window would come in smashed (usually one of the last buses at night) we would ring a contractor to replace the glass. They usually take around 2 - 4 hours to attend. Sealant takes 4 hours to set. If window smashed around 11pm (and you have to wait for bus to return before ringing glass company in case driver got window number smashed wrong) it is the difference between that bus going out in the morning and not as to whether the window is gasket or sealed.
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Windows
Sept 22, 2016 11:03:03 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by passenger859 on Sept 22, 2016 11:03:03 GMT 1
Cheers Wibble.
My solution to the issue would be to let the bus with the setting glue be one of the buses allocated to it's regular "day off road for maintenance".
Not sure how often a bus gets this now.
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wibble
Forum Member
Posts: 204
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Windows
Sept 22, 2016 11:37:18 GMT 1
Post by wibble on Sept 22, 2016 11:37:18 GMT 1
Cheers Wibble. My solution to the issue would be to let the bus with the setting glue be one of the buses allocated to it's regular "day off road for maintenance". Not sure how often a bus gets this now. Every 4 to 6 weeks depending on how dvsa feel that companies maitenance standards/age of buses are. For example arriva yorkshire buses are examined every 5 weeks First hudds are every 4 weeks but the 13 plate volvo and 64 plate streetlites are examined every 6 weeks
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Windows
Sept 22, 2016 11:54:22 GMT 1
via mobile
Post by passenger859 on Sept 22, 2016 11:54:22 GMT 1
Wow. Thanks Wibble. I'm sure in the West Riding days it used to be at least one day a week, or fortnight at the minimum.
Guess I meant "rest day" rather than full service day too.
I suppose a lot of vehicles get no use on Sundays due to the lower number of services operated and lower frequency of service.
I guess it's a cost pressure more than ever these days. However I'd sooner have a 15 minute service operated with well maintained clean buses than a 10 minute service with shabby, dirty buses.
Arriva has never really let me down in that respect. They do seem to take pride and still manage to turn out well maintained and clean vehicles, despite the fact it sounds like most of them are in more or less continual operation.
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