Is it just me or do others get pi$$ed off when as soon a someone posts something without specifying bus details they immediately get asked for fleetnumbers, owners name, location etc. It has been asked in the "buses for sale" thread and happened recently when Charles asked about Titan seats and it was immediatey asked what Titan did he have, that's just few that come to mind, unfortunately it happens constantly on here and is spoiling a great resource.

This information is private to bus owners and I'm sure that many members now think twice before posting details because of this, similarly I have just purchased an RM but I'm really reluctant to post details here because of this.

What do you guys think?

Gary

Hi Gary

I don't think this is the issue you make it out to be but, rather, just one aspect of the very diverse hobby that we are privileged to be able to enjoy. Some people keep a track of the numbers/whereabouts of buses for the rest of us.

If an owner doesn't wish to divulge such info he/she is at liberty to ignore the request or give only the info that they wish. The general covenant that exists on the Forum is not to divulge the location of a bus but the fleet number is quite different and most people are happy (IMHO) for others to know which bus they have. This information informs the spare parts discussions because knowledge of the fleet number gives information as to the engine/gearbox combination amongst other things and such things as back axle ratio. All very useful stuff.

In the end, it's a hobby that attracts a diverse (isn't that what were told we should all be these days?) mix of people. Get over it.



John

Also one often reads a request for information with interest, i.e how many routemasters are there, and await someone in the know to answer only to find that the suggestion is to look at this website or read that book. Perhaps that person would have simply liked an answer. I like the questions asked as quite often it is nice to be told the answer instead of having to search for it.

If one considers these things as a problem perhaps stamp collecting is an alternative hobby.

David

Gary, its a valid and fair comment, but one which we must live with! Personally, I think if you are lucky enough to own an RM you may want to flaunt it to set yourself apart from those who own lots of books containing numbers but no bus!

Its not just a rule of this forum, its a general unwritten rule amongst enthusiasts that a third party does not reveal the location of anothers bus, but details of owners and numbers are generally in the public domain, Ians bus stop website is up to date where people have passed on their details, Andrew Morgans books also contained lists of buses and their owners which were accurate at the time of publishing.

I personally don't see the difference in us knowing whether Arriva own RM531 or whether Steve Anderson owns it, I may choose not to advertise ownership...but as soon as I took my bus to an event it would be photographed and would probably have my name as a rally entrant attatched to it anyway.

Steve

I was not aware of this unwritten rule. Perhaps it should be a written rule. Are there others I should know about. Seriously are we talking addresses (fairly obvious I would say) or towns that we shouldn't mention. I can't think of why I wouldn't want anyone to know I am in Chesterfield. I agree that it is nice to show off the vehicles you have. Equally i am happy to share the experience with others and have never refused a request to board and in some cases drive my RML. Life is unfortunately too short so lets keep this fun.

David

RML2276 M1001 T806

The "rule" is that exact locations are never revealed, for security reasons. Towns and regions are fine! My bus lives in Ellesmere Port.

Thanks steve. Understood.

PS for Gary. I'm all for a bit of bad language to emphasise a point but replacing the S's in the word you used with dollar signs is a bit of a waste of time!

David

Gary, Bus owning, preservation and small operations all stem from the past time of bus spotting and enthusiasm.
Even if you did not partake in the hobby at some point in life. (and many didn't) Nonetheless, it laid down the footings for bus preservation.

It does not matter whether it is trains, aircraft, classic cars, or even football, there are always going to be different areas within, that will appeal to others.

Numbers and collecting is not for me, never was, but knowing, and understanding detail and engineering differences and that the references are based on bonnet numbers does mean that some significant knowledge is needed from time to time.

Some people number crunch because they will never be in a position to own or even drive a Routemaster.

Some, as we all know, are downright embarrassing. But they are people, and this is a free inclusive country.

Sure, Gary it can be a bit of an irritation but simple straightforward answers are free and really it harms no-one.
Giving owners details and locations is another issue and the rule of not publishing on this site is one of common sense. But a bus number? surely not?

But if it does irritate you, then it's easy, ignore it and don't respond. No one is under obligation.

But if it floats their boat it's always mindful to know that by cheerily giving that harmless nugget of info, someone is made happy and happy people in this country are in short supply.

What's good about this site is that it has a myriad of opinions, some infantile, some pompous, some really useful and some are really interesting. There's a bit of everything and anyone is free to say what they think, even if it leads so spats and farce. That is only occasionally but that mirrors life.

If it wasn't for the number crunchers and rivet counters of the hobby then a lot of us would be kept in the dark more than we already are.
All I can say is did all the fresh air on your recent trip to the seaside go to your head leading to your outburst.

Hi Gary

Most people know where i live as i am membership secretary of the Routemaster Association. I am also aware of the buses people own and where they live so we can send them their magazine.

What people dont know is where my bus is stored. It is stored a great many miles from my address and takes me a while to go over to collect her. I dont want too many people to know where my bus lives and i respect that others dont want the public to know where theirs are kept either.

When i attended my first show with the bus (Showbus and Cobham), people knew I was from Northamptonshire but very few people know where my RM is stored.

I wish you luck with your new purchase and contact me if you would like to join the Association. Use the forum for help and advise but dont worry about the number crunchers. I did not collect numbers etc but a great many people do and as long as they dont annoy me i can live with them.

David

Hi David

Thanks for that, I've been in communication with Alan and have already printed off a membership form that will be winging it's way to you this week.

Thanks everyone else for the responses, that's what these forums are all about, having a good old discussion, it would be very boring if we all thought the same!

Cheers

Gary

I wrote a big long chapter on this subject, but i got logged out as i spend far too long in composing it properly checking spelling and making sure i did not angry anyone, haha! Anyway, in brief i totally agree with much that has been said already on this. I too found people wanting to know where my bus is kept somewhat annoying but at the sametime a little unnerving too. As with many of us we don't have a 15 foot high heated garage with a inspection pit, pool of spares and a private fuel tanker in my back garden! But have to commute there instead and fear the day that there is a small number of i quote 'number crunchers' wanting a look around or even a drive! You see me like most of us have spend many hours and much money making our buses as they are today. Hence me being VERY VERY choosey of who drives my POPPY about (yes thats her name, you heard it hear first!)
I would rather ask someone if they would like to drive. Than someone asking me if they could drive. Enough said..