Wright Eclipse Gemini

The Wright Eclipse Gemini is a type of double-decker bus body built for Volvo B7TL and later Volvo B9TL for use in the United Kingdom.

They have been mass-introduced into London since 2001, where they replaced types such as the Routemaster and Leyland Titan (B15).

The Eclipse Gemini is also popular with FirstGroup, with around 200 buses being put into service throughout 2007. Some of these (national fleet numbers 37156-85) retained the old B7TL chassis and bodywork, with the remainder based on the new B9TL chassis and featuring the facelifted bodywork. Incidentally, when First bought the Eclipse Geminis, it introduced a no food or drink policy on board in an attempt to preserve the condition of its new investment.

Features

The Gemini has both the upper and lower deck front windows forming part of a single oval shape, with the destination blind in between. In London, they often have two doors for passenger loading, one at the front and one in the centre. The staircase is situated across from the centre entrance. The staircase itself differs from other modern buses as rather than simply having a banister, the Gemini features a glass panel underneath the handrail, giving a stylish appearance. All Eclipse Geminis are fitted with LED rear lights and although London models retain manual destination boards, LED versions are available. As is common on most new buses, stop request buttons appear on both floors and should these be pressed, the word "Stopping" appears in green on a black glass effect panel, much more streamlined than the traditional box housing. The interior of the Gemini features curves similar to its exterior, and continues the modern feel. This, however, is slightly spoiled by the square driver abuse guards fitted by some operators.

With the introduction of the 2-axle Volvo B9TL chassis in 2007, Wrightbus facelifted the Eclipse Gemini. The facelift is largely confined to the rear of the body, where it has a more rounded appearance and centralised LED route number panel, housed within in a smoked glass effect panel underneath the upper rear window. Other external modifications include the relocation of the rear number plate from its integrated position with the upper rear window to a more conventional sighting at the bottom of the bus.

Internally, the facelift consists of an extension of the driver guard panel to include the On-Bus vault (passengers now must put their hand through a gap in the panel to reach the vault) and a slightly modified staircase separation wall, which now features a glass panel, presumably to improve the view of passengers sitting in the seat directly in front of the wall.

External links

* [http://www.wrightbus.com/site/default.asp?CATID=31 Product description in Wrightbus website]
* [http://www.britishmodelbuses.com/Gallery_Wright%20Gemini.htm Eclipse Gemini pictures at britishmodelbuses.com]