(2/12/2017) London Transport MD60 Metro-Scania Metropolitan KJD260P - Ensignbus Running Day 2017

As the predecessor of Metrobus, Metropolitan looks similar to its successor, although being taller and bulgier, and having deeper windscreen. Another major difference is that the radiator grille of Metropolitan is not at the front, but one on each side in front of rear axle instead. The chrome beading below lower deck windows is a nice touch, relieving the plainness of the livery. Mechanically, Metropolitan is based on Scania BR111DH chassis, upon which MCW built the all-welded, steel, integral body structure. All running units, including engine, gearbox and axles, are Scania products. The Scania D11C06 11-litre naturally-aspirated engine can deliver 190bhp, and was one of the most powerful bus engines at the time. The gearbox is a Scania HR501 2-speed automatic unit (consider it as a Voith D851 that skips the 2nd gear), which was quite jerky in operation - it make a strong jolt at every upshift if the driver does not ease off the throttle. In addition, the gear selector cannot hold the gearbox in 1st gear, so the gearbox inevitably keeps hunting between 1st and 2nd gears when ascending gentle slopes, producing jolts repeatedly. However, on the other end of the scale was the extremely smooth ride, if prone to roll, thanks to the marshmellowly soft air suspension - for instance, there was not much difference in ride quality when running on tile or tarmac surface. Thank you for watching!