Saturday, January 31, 2015

VOLVO B9R Multiaxle Air Dryer Filter Cartridge

The function of a Air Dryer Filter Cartridge is to distribute air supply in the vehicle. It helps is sucking air from air compressor attached to the VOLVO D9B Engine.

VOLVO B9R AIR DRYER 
An Air Dryer is scheduled to be changed after 2.20 lakh kilometers for a VOLVO B9R Multiaxle.

VOLVO B9R AIR DRYER REGULATOR KIT
The function of an air dryer regulator kit is to distribute exact upto 12 Kg/cm square air supply. It distributes air to different parts like Safety Valve, Air Tank and System Protection Valve, Dual Valve, Measuring Gauges including Air Sensor. The details of the same can be observed on the message screen on the dashboard of a VOLVO B9R Multiaxle.

Here is some pictures wherein the maintenance of the Air Dryer is being carried out : 

MAINTENANCE OF VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE AIR DRYER 
VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE AIR DRYER - PIC FROM THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT AREA
VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE AIR DRYER ASSEMBLY FROM BELOW THE RAMP

Friday, January 30, 2015

VOLVO B9R Multiaxle Radiators for repair in Belgaum

Pics VOLVO B9R Multiaxle radiators of an operator, which have arrived in Belgaum for repairs : 

VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE RADIATORS IN BELGAUM FOR REPAIR
VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE RADIATORS IN BELGAUM FOR REPAIR

[Exclusive] NWKRTC Airavat Club Class VOLVO B9R in a new "Sleep like a Baby" Avatar

NWKRTC is repainting its entire VOLVO B9R Airavat Club Class Semi Sleeper Fleet into same white livery as the KSRTC Airavat Club Class - "Sleep like a Baby" Theme

Here is the first NWKRTC Airavat Club Class VOLVO B9R Multiaxle from Hubli Moff Depot 3 KA42 F 846 repainted in white "Sleep like a Baby" Theme :

NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MUTIAXLE KA42 F 846

[Journey Review] NWKRTC Vajra VOLVO 8400 B7R LE Belgaum - Hubli

Travelling - It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a Story Teller ~ Ibn Battuta 
Operator : NWKRTC
Depot : Hubli Moffusil Depot 3
Category : Vajra VOLVO B7R LE
Regd Number : KA01 FA 1488
Route : Hubli - Belgaum - Hubli
Journey Route : Belgaum - Hubli
Date of Journey : 29th January 2015
Departure (Belgaum) : 4:30 pm
Arrival (Hubli) : 6:15 pm
Amenities : N/A
Fare : Rs 120/-


Journey Scheduling : 

It was a fine thursday afternoon that i decided to do a VOLVO 8400 B7R LE journey from Belgaum to Hubli, in order to review the comfort level of a 8400 bus. NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) is running its VOLVO 8400 low floor bus exclusively on Belgaum - Hubli route under the service name "Vajra" from around 4 months now. While according to reports, the VOLVO 8400 belonging to Belgaum Depot 1 KA01 F 1487 was sent back to Bangalore, because of severe techincal and mechanical snags, the KA01 F 1488 with Hubli Moffusil Depot 1, is still on roads doing the Hubli - Belgaum route.

So, being set with the plan to review the VOLVO 8400 B7R LE , I set out to Belgaum Central Bus Terminus (CBT) to catch the VOLVO to Hubli. The VOLVO arrives at 4 pm from Hubli and departs after a halt of 15 minutes at CBT.

Arrival of VOLVO 8400 : 

At 4:05 pm, the red VOLVO - NWKRTC "Vajra" entered the Belgaum CBT from the entry point. After dropping the Hubli passengers, it proceeded towards the departure bay at CBT.

NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM 
While waiting for the departure, i met my friend, VOLVO In charge of NWKRTC Belgaum Depot 1 - Liyaqat Ali Hosur. I had studied the VOLVO 8400 with Belgaum Depot 1 - KA01 FA 1487 along with Mr Hosur in the Belgaum Depot earlier.
Hosur knew the crew of the 1488, that had arrived from Hubli and soon we approached the vehicle, to meet the crew. Hosur introduced me to the crew of the VOLVO 8400. They were happy to know my interest and my passion about VOLVO. The crew told that they will depart in 25 minutes.

After parking the vehicle, the crew went for reporting at the reporting terminal of CBT. I took some pics, with the NWKRTC Vajra VOLVO 8400 standing right in front me

NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
It was after 10 minutes, that the crew arrived, and they opened the front entry door. Here are some pics inside the 8400 :

NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
After clicking some pics, the conductor of the 8400 very politely offered me a front seat behind the driver, which is also my favorite as it helps me clicking during the journey. I thanked him and took the seat number 1.

Being anxious to know about the performance of the vehicle, i met Siddhu, the driver of the VOLVO 8400 and asked him some questions related to VOLVO 8400. Here is Siddhu posing for me :

CREW OF NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
A pic of the controls and automatic gear controls at the driver console of the VOLVO 8400 B7R LE

CONTROLS AND AUTOMATIC GEAR CONTROL OF NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
Siddhu gave me some vital informations about the VOLVO 8400. When asked about the performance , siddhu added that the VOLVO 8400 was giving an average of 3.5 to 4 on NH4 from Hubli to Belgaum, while when it was plied between Hubli - Dharwad as a city bus, it gave an average of only 2. He explained that it was a major reason of VOLVO 8400 being introduced as a intercity bus between Hubli and Belgaum, covering 110 kms flat out.

I had questions in my mind, as the VOLVO 8400 is generally meant for City bus destinations generally for BRTS. If inside cities, its giving a low average and if average is the reason, for taking it off from city bus services and bringing it on intercity route, then may be ageing of the vehicle is also a reason for this. I have enquired about the mileages that the new models of VOLVO 8400 that are running under BEST / TMT / NMMT in Mumbai and in BMTC in Bangalore from my fellow "BusSpotters" in those cities.

Journey : 

After a short conversation with Siddhu, i went back to my seat behind the driver console and waited for departure.
After picking up passengers upto full seating capacity, our red cruiser finally departed at 04:30 pm on time. Soon we crossed Belgaum City and hit the highway. The drive was smooth and steady, although i felt the air conditioning was satisfactory. The cooling effect was missing, and it was already stated by the conductor to me, when i asked him about the bus. There were passengers who approached the crew to raise the ac cooling, but the crew couldnt help in this situation.

Here are some pics that i clicked during the journey :

NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM : PIC FROM FIRST SEAT 
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM : PIC OUTSIDE WHILE CRUISING ON HIGHWAY 
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM
NWKRTC VAJRA VOLVO 8400 B7R LE DOING HUBLI - BELGAUM : CONDUCTOR BUSING COUNTING CASH 
Since its a non stop Hubli - Belgaum - Hubli service, the bus doesnt enter Dharwad, At 6:05 we entered Hubli. It was quite nice to feel the nice 6 lane road from Hubli by pass to Airport, which is an extension of the Gokul Road. The 6 laning have not only made the commuting better , but have made the Hubli New Bus Stand, more approachable in a short time from the Bypass.

At 6:15 pm finally i reached Hubli New Bus Stand and bid goodbye to the helpful crew of KA01 FA 1488 for their information and helping nature with a warm handshake. They thanked me and invited me to take a journey again on their bus.

Summary and Ratings :

Crew : Well dressed in Uniform. Rating : 4.5 / 5

Bus maintenance : Fairly maintained considering its an ageing vehicle, Fair air conditioning ,
Rating : 2.5 / 5

Speeding : sedate driving, being locked at 70 kmph, Rating : 4/5  

Overall rating : 3.67 / 5 

Conclusion and feedback :

Considering the comfort and time taken between belgaum and hubli its a recommended bus, but seat comfort is not that good for a intercity travel of 100+ kms one way, and we cant expect push back seats on a VOLVO 8400. Air Conditioning is fair but they need to check it and repair for faults. I found the crew nice and well behaved, which is expected and always fulfilled by NWKRTC.

Will i recommend this bus on this route? - YES 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

[Exclusive] A meeting with VOLVO India Senior Service Engineer

On 27th January 2015, i got a chance to meet Mr Joseph Raj S, Senior Service Engineer with VOLVO India, Bangalore at NWKRTC Belgaum Depot 1. Mr Joseph was here in the NWKRTC Belgaum division for some work and inspection.

It was a nice memorable moment for me to get introduced to Mr Joseph from VOLVO. After a formal introduction and exchange of visiting cards, we started chatting about the latest happenings in the industry and of course the VOLVO's future plans, in advent of Scania's venture in India with its fleet of multiaxle intercity buses.

Mr Joseph said that VOLVO is considering buses with lower engine power's (Horse Power / HP)  on Indian roads more especially the VOLVO UD series to be soon introduced on Indian Roads.

Upon being asked about the rumours of VOLVO B13R, 9900 series to be introduced in India, Mr Joseph replied that VOLVO till have no plans as such.

Here are some pics that i clicked during Mr Joseph's visit to Belgaum Depot 1 :

Liyaqat Ali Hosur, VOLVO Incharge, NWKRTC Belgaum Depot 1 was felicitated by Shri Rajkumar, DME (Divisional Mechanical Engineer), NWKRTC Belgaum Division. Also present in the pic, Mr Joseph Raj S (Senior Service Engineer), standing second from left and Shri Shriguppi, AWS (Assistant Work Superintendent) NWKRTC Belgaum Division, standing second from right.

LIYAQAT ALI HOSUR, VOLVO IN CHARGE, NWKRTC BELGAUM BEING FELICITATED BY SHRI RAJKUMAR, DME , NWKRTC BELGAUM DIVISION IN PRESENCE OF JOSEPH RAJ S FROM VOLVO INDIA 

Liyaqat Ali Hosur being congratulated for his appreciable work in NWKRTC Belgaum Depot 

LIYAQAT ALI HOSUR BEING APPRECIATED AND CONGRATULATED BY DME, NWKRTC BELGAUM
LIYAQAT ALI HOSUR BEING APPRECIATED AND CONGRATULATED BY AWS, NWKRTC BELGAUM
A PEN FROM VOLVO INDIA BEEN GIFTED TO LIYAQAT ALI HOSUR


Pics taken during inspection of the VOLVO B9R Multiaxles at Belgaum Depot 1

VOLVO MECHANICS BUSY WITH THE VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE DURING INSPECTION
VOLVO MECHANICS AT WORK 
VOLVO MECHANICS CHECKING THE REAR AXLE OF THE VOLVO B9R 
SHRI RAJKUMAR, DME, NWKRTC SEEN DISCUSSING DURING INSPECTION 
VOLVO D9B ENGINE INSPECTION OF THE VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE 
MR JOSEPH RAJ DISCUSSING WITH THE VOLVO MECHANICS DURING INSPECTION 
VOLVO D9B REAR ENGINE INSPECTION 
LIYAQAT ALI HOSUR BUSY DURING INSPECTION 
JOSEPH RAJ, INSPECTING A VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE BELOW RAMP 
SHRI RAJKUMAR SEEN INSPECTING THE D9B VOLVO REAR ENGINE 
A CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE VOLVO D9B ENGINE BY JOSEPH RAJ 
DISCUSSIONS DURING THE INSPECTION OF THE VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE 
A CLOSE WATCH AT THE VOLVO D9B REAR ENGINE BY JOSEPH RAJ DURING INSPECTION 
Overall it was a nice experience to be with an inspection team of  VOLVO B9R Multiaxle, along with an official from VOLVO India.

I was able to get ample amount of knowledge and information from the Senior Service Engineer from VOLVO India . I look forward to meet him soon again. 

NWKRTC Airavat Club Class VOLVO B9R Multiaxle Semi Sleeper

Pics of NWKRTC Airavat Club Class VOLVO B9R Multiaxle Semi Sleeper in Belgaum Depot 1

NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE
NWKRTC AIRAVAT CLUB CLASS VOLVO B9R MULTIAXLE