Dennis Dart: Difference between revisions

Dennis Dart
Dennis Dart
	Arriva North West & Wales Duple Dartline bodied Dennis Dart in Crewe
Overview
Manufacturer	Dennis (1989–2001); TransBus International (2001–2004); Alexander Dennis (2004–2008); Thomas Built Buses
Production	1989–2008
Body and chassis
Doors	1 or 2
Floor type	Step-entrance (Dart); Low-floor (Dart SLF)
Powertrain
Engine	Cummins B Series; Cummins ISBe
Capacity	23−44 seated
Transmission	Allison; Eaton; Voith
Dimensions
Length	Dart: 8.5 m (28 ft), 9.0 m (29.5 ft), 9.8 m (32 ft); Dart SLF:8.8 m (29 ft),9.2 m (30 ft), 9.3 m (31 ft), 10.0 m (32.8 ft), 10.1 m (33 ft), 10.6 m (35 ft), 10.7 m (35 ft), 11.3 m (37 ft);
Width	2.3 m (7 ft 7 in), 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) or 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Dennis Domino; Dennis Lance
Successor	Alexander Dennis Enviro200

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Revision as of 03:49, 3 June 2023

The Dennis Dart is a rear-engined single-decker midibus chassis that was introduced by Dennis of Guildford, England in 1989, replacing the Dennis Domino. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the low-floor second generation Dennis Dart SLF was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; Alexander Dennis took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the Alexander Dennis Dart SLF.

More than 12,600 Darts were produced in total during a 19-year production run. Most were purchased by United Kingdom operators, although examples were sold in Europe, North America, Australia and Hong Kong. In the United States, the Dart SLF, with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, was built and sold by Thomas Built Buses as the Thomas SLF 200.

The first generation Dart ceased production in 1998. Production of the Dart SLF continued until 2008, when it was replaced by the Alexander Dennis Enviro200.

First generation (high-floor)

The Dennis Dart was conceived when Hestair Group (owner of Dennis and Duple) decided to produce a bus between a minibus and a full-sized single-decker.

It was launched in October 1988 at the British International Motor Show and was originally only available with Duple Dartline bodywork.^[1] It was 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) wide and was initially available in the length of 9.0 m (29.5 ft), but later available in lengths of 8.5 m (28 ft) and 9.8 m (32 ft). It was powered by a Cummins 6BT engine and coupled to the Allison AT545 gearbox.^[2]^[3]^[4]

In 1989 the Dart chassis was made available for bodying by other manufacturers.^[5] In 1990, Wadham Stringer became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the UVG Urbanstar in 1995.^[6] In the same year, Wright bodied the Dart with the Handybus.^[7] In early 1991, Plaxton launched the Pointer (which was initially designated as Reeve Burgess Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's Scarborough plant).^[8] Later in 1991, East Lancs bodied the Dart with its EL2000.^[9] In the latter half of 1991, Alexander launched the Dash.

As the low-floor single-decker buses became more popular in late 1990s, orders for standard-floor Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998. Over 3,400 first generation Darts were produced.^[4]^[10]^[11]

Second generation (Dart SLF)

In 1996, Dennis launched a low-floor version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for Super Low Floor in reference to the new low-floor design.^[4]^[11]^[12] It was 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) wide and initially offered in lengths of 10 m (33 ft) and 10.6 m (35 ft), with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design.

It was initially offered with the low floor version of the Pointer bodywork (which was notable for being wider), replaced by the updated Pointer 2 in 1997. It was also offered with a wide variety of bodies, namely the East Lancs Spryte, UVG Urbanstar (later renamed as the Caetano Compass; replaced by the Nimbus in 1999), the Wright Crusader, Alexander ALX200 (discontinued in 2001 with the formation of TransBus International and being replaced by the Pointer 2), Marshall Capital (developed from the C37; later built by MCV), Caetano Nimbus and MCV Evolution (since 2005 - a further evolution of the Marshall bodywork).

With the move to Euro III emissions in October 2001, the new Cummins ISBe engine was launched, with the four-cylinder 3.9-litre (240-cubic-inch)-litre model being used in all lengths except the 11.3 m (37 ft) version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, 5.9 L (360 cu in) version. The Cummins ISBe Euro IV engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the Alexander Dennis Enviro200.^[13] Over 9,100 low floor Darts were built, the last entering service with Park Island Transport in Match 2008.^[14]

Dart SPD

In 1997, the Dart SPD (short for Super Pointer Dart) was launched with a length of 11.3 m (about the same length as a long Leyland National), typically seating 40 to 44 passengers.^[12] The Dart SPD was launched to compete with full-size buses such as the Volvo B10BLE and Scania L94UB, while retaining the more lightweight construction of the basic Dart SLF. The Dart SPD has a more powerful engine and a more heavy duty Allison World Series B300R gearbox than the Dart SLF, but also with an option of a Voith gearbox. Originally offered only with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodywork (hence the 'P' in the name), this larger bus was later offered with other bodywork such as the East Lancs Myllennium, the Alexander ALX200 with a few bodied by Marshall.

Dart MPD

In 1998, the Dart MPD (short for Mini Pointer Dart) was launched. At 8.8 m (29 ft) long, the Dart MPD was a model reminiscent of the original 8.5 m (28 ft) Darts; it was launched to compete with newly emerging shorter midibuses such as the Optare Solo. The Dart MPD typically seated 23 to 29 passengers, and was available in both provincial and London specifications. As with the Dart SPD, the MPD was launched initially with only the Plaxton Pointer 2 bodywork, although other bodies became available later on.

Narrow width Dart SLF

In 2002, TransBus launched a narrower-width variant of the Dart SLF at the request of bus operators in the Channel Islands of Guernsey and then Jersey, who replaced the majority of their fleets with slightly narrower Darts designed to comply with the islands' vehicle size restrictions, sporting adapted versions of existing East Lancs Myllennium and Caetano Nimbus bodies respectively. Further examples have since joined them and small numbers of similar buses have entered service with other operators around the UK. Gibraltar also has a fleet of these narrower buses. The last ones entered service in summer 2007 in Gibraltar.

Thomas SLF 200

The Dennis Dart SLF, with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, was constructed in the United States for the North American market by Thomas Built Buses, being sold as the Thomas SLF 200.^[15] Following a restructure by parent company Daimler Truck North America, it was sold as the DaimlerChrysler SLF 200.^[16]

Exports

Although primarily sold in the United Kingdom, some were sold overseas:

Australia

In Australia, ACTION (25),^[17] Brisbane Bus Lines (3),^[18] Invicta Bus Services (27),^[19]^[20] TransAdelaide (2)^[21] and Transperth (2)^[22] purchased Darts.

Canada

In British Columbia, BC Transit took delivery of 90 Dart SLFs with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies from 1999 to 2001 for services in the resort municipality of Whistler and its other transit system companies in the province.^[23]

Hong Kong & Macau

In Hong Kong, Citybus, Kowloon Motor Bus, New Lantao Bus, New World First Bus and Park Island Transport purchased Darts. Some of Citybus' were repatriated back to England by parent Stagecoach Group for use at its Devon and Hampshire subsidiaries.^[24]^[25]

In Macau, Transmac took delivery of ten dual-door and air-conditioned Pointer-bodied Darts in January 1996.^[26]

Netherlands

Arriva Netherlands purchased 50 Darts with Alexander ALX200 bodies.^[11]

Portugal

Stagecoach Group had 10 Dart SLFs bodied locally in 1999 for its Portuguese subsidiary in Lisbon.^[14]

Singapore

In Singapore, Singapore Bus Service purchased 10 Duple Metsec bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183)..^{[citation needed]}

References

^ Major Show 88 Commercial Motor 27 October 1988
^ Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart Commercial Motor 22 September 1988
^ Dennis launches darts Commercial Motor 13 July 1989
^ ^a ^b ^c 25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart Buses issue 714 September 2014 page 22
^ Dart dialogue Commercial Motor 14 December 1989
^ "Wadham low-floor midi". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 19 April 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ "Wright midi boosts jobs". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 November 1990. p. 20. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ "RB Dart body on target". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 August 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
^ East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis Commercial Motor 16 May 1991
^ The Model Page Bus & Coach Preservation May 2017 page 58
^ ^a ^b ^c Britain's Buses (6 ed.). Key Publishing. 2021. pp. 17, 90, 108. ISBN 978 1 802820 096.
^ ^a ^b The History of Alexander Dennis Alexander Dennis
^ Alexander Dennis revaels Enviro200 Dart Bus & Coach Professional 20 March 2006
^ ^a ^b Darting around Lancashire Buses issue 793 April 2021
^ Thomas SLF 200 Thomas Built Buses
^ DaimlerChrysler SLF 200 Thomas Built Buses
^ Low-Floor Buses Fleetline issue 247 July 1997 page 132
^ A Friendly Dart Truck & Bus Transportation July 1997 page 150
^ Invicta Sells to Grenda Australian Bus Panorama issue 24/5 March 2009 page 12
^ Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services Australian Bus issue 98 March 2020 page 20
^ Dennis Buses in Adelaide Transit Australia June 1997 page 138
^ Transperth News Rattler issue 399 January 2006 page 6
^ Goundry, Andy (23 March 2020). Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles. Crowood Press. p. 146. ISBN 978-1-78500-708-8. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
^ Dart regains its Hong Kong look Buses issue 775 October 2019 page 67
^ Far East Pointer Darts Buses issue 784 July 2020 pages 44/45
^ Jones, Stuart (19 April 1996). "Plaxton". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 354. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. pp. 13–17. A short distance from Hong Kong is Macau where Transmac are operating ten conventional Darts with dual-door Pointer bodies.

External links

Media related to Dennis Dart at Wikimedia Commons

Dennis Dart SLF Alexander Dennis

[1] Major Show 88 Commercial Motor 27 October 1988

[2] Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart Commercial Motor 22 September 1988

[3] Dennis launches darts Commercial Motor 13 July 1989

[Buses714-4] 25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart Buses issue 714 September 2014 page 22

[5] Dart dialogue Commercial Motor 14 December 1989

[6] "Wadham low-floor midi". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 19 April 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[7] "Wright midi boosts jobs". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 November 1990. p. 20. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[8] "RB Dart body on target". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 16 August 1990. p. 19. Retrieved 28 May 2023.

[9] East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis Commercial Motor 16 May 1991

[10] The Model Page Bus & Coach Preservation May 2017 page 58

[BritainsBuses-11] Britain's Buses (6 ed.). Key Publishing. 2021. pp. 17, 90, 108. ISBN 978 1 802820 096.

[History-12] The History of Alexander Dennis Alexander Dennis

[13] Alexander Dennis revaels Enviro200 Dart Bus & Coach Professional 20 March 2006

[Buses793-14] Darting around Lancashire Buses issue 793 April 2021

[15] Thomas SLF 200 Thomas Built Buses

[16] DaimlerChrysler SLF 200 Thomas Built Buses

[17] Low-Floor Buses Fleetline issue 247 July 1997 page 132

[18] A Friendly Dart Truck & Bus Transportation July 1997 page 150

[19] Invicta Sells to Grenda Australian Bus Panorama issue 24/5 March 2009 page 12

[20] Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services Australian Bus issue 98 March 2020 page 20

[21] Dennis Buses in Adelaide Transit Australia June 1997 page 138

[22] Transperth News Rattler issue 399 January 2006 page 6

[23] Goundry, Andy (23 March 2020). Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles. Crowood Press. p. 146. ISBN 978-1-78500-708-8. Retrieved 3 January 2023.

[24] Dart regains its Hong Kong look Buses issue 775 October 2019 page 67

[25] Far East Pointer Darts Buses issue 784 July 2020 pages 44/45

[26] Jones, Stuart (19 April 1996). "Plaxton". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 354. Spalding: Glen-Holland Limited. pp. 13–17. A short distance from Hong Kong is Macau where Transmac are operating ten conventional Darts with dual-door Pointer bodies.

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@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 {{Unreliable sources|date=May 2023}}
 }}
-<!--  -->{{short description|British rear-engined single-decker midibus}}
+{{short description|British rear-engined single-decker midibus}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
 {{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
 {{Infobox automobile
 |name         = Dennis Dart
-|image        = Thames Travel KU52 RXF front (Cropped).jpg
+|image        = DennisDartDupleDartlineBusG123RGT (cropped).jpg
-|caption      = [[Thames Travel]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodied Dennis Dart MPD
+|caption      = [[Arriva North West & Wales]] [[Duple Dartline]] bodied Dennis Dart in [[Crewe]]
-|manufacturer = [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles]] (1989–2001)<br />TransBus International (2001–2004)<br />[[Alexander Dennis]] (2004–2008)<br />[[Thomas Built Buses]] (North American market)
+|manufacturer = [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] (1989–2001)<br />TransBus International (2001–2004)<br />[[Alexander Dennis]] (2004–2008)<br />[[Thomas Built Buses]]
 |factory      = [[Guildford]], England
 |production   = 1989–2008
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 |successor    = [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]]
 |capacity     = 23−44 seated
-|operator     =
 |length       = {{ubl|'''Dart:''' {{cvt|8.5|m}}, {{cvt|9.0|m}}, {{cvt|9.8|m}}|'''Dart SLF:'''{{cvt|8.8|m}},{{cvt|9.2|m}}, {{cvt|9.3|m}}, {{cvt|10.0|m}}, {{cvt|10.1|m}}, {{cvt|10.6|m}}, {{cvt|10.7|m}}, {{cvt|11.3|m}}}}
 |width        = {{cvt|2.3|m}}, {{cvt|2.4|m}} or {{cvt|2.5|m}}
-|height       =
 |floortype    = [[High-floor|Step-entrance]] (Dart)<br />[[Low-floor bus|Low-floor]] (Dart SLF)
 |doors        = 1 or 2
-|weight       =
-|chassis      =
 |engine       = [[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins B Series]]<br />[[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]]
 |powerout     =
 |transmission = [[Allison Transmission|Allison]]<br />[[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]]<br />[[Voith]]
 |options      = }}
-The '''Dennis Dart''' is a [[Rear-engine design|rear-engined]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]] [[midibus]] chassis that was introduced by [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles]] of [[Guildford]], England in 1989, replacing the [[Dennis Domino]]. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] second generation '''Dennis Dart SLF''' was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; [[Alexander Dennis]] took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the '''Alexander Dennis Dart SLF'''.
+The '''Dennis Dart''' is a [[Rear-engine design|rear-engined]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]] [[midibus]] chassis that was introduced by [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] of [[Guildford]], England in 1989, replacing the [[Dennis Domino]]. Initially built as a high-floor design, in 1996 the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] second generation '''Dennis Dart SLF''' was launched. In 2001, production of the Dart SLF passed to TransBus International, during which time it was sold as the TransBus Dart SLF; [[Alexander Dennis]] took over production in 2004, renaming the product as the '''Alexander Dennis Dart SLF'''.
-More than 11,000{{nbsp}}Darts were produced in total during a 19-year production run. Most were purchased by United Kingdom operators, although examples were sold in North America, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. In the United States, the Dart SLF, with [[Alexander ALX200]] bodywork, was built and sold by [[Thomas Built Buses]] as the Thomas-Dennis Dart SLF 200.
+More than 12,600{{nbsp}}Darts were produced in total during a 19-year production run. Most were purchased by United Kingdom operators, although examples were sold in Europe, North America, Australia and Hong Kong. In the United States, the Dart SLF, with [[Alexander ALX200]] bodywork, was built and sold by [[Thomas Built Buses]] as the Thomas SLF 200.
 The first generation Dart ceased production in 1998. Production of the Dart SLF continued until 2008, when it was replaced by the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]].
 ==First generation (high-floor)==
+The Dennis Dart was conceived when [[Hestair Group]] (owner of [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] and [[Duple Coachbuilders|Duple]]) decided to produce a bus between a [[minibus]] and a [[rigid bus|full-sized]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]].
-{{refimprove|section|date=May 2023}}
-[[File:DennisDartDupleDartlineBusG123RGT (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Arriva North West & Wales]] early (1989) [[Duple Dartline]] bodied Dennis Dart in [[Crewe]]]]
+It was launched in October 1988 at the [[British International Motor Show]] and was originally only available with [[Duple Dartline]] bodywork.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-october-1988/37/motor-show-88-report Major Show 88] ''[[Commercial Motor]]'' 27 October 1988</ref> It was {{cvt|2.3|m}} wide and was initially available in the length of {{cvt|9.0|m}}, but later available in lengths of {{cvt|8.5|m}} and {{cvt|9.8|m}}. It was powered by a [[Cummins UK|Cummins]] 6BT engine and coupled to the [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] AT545 gearbox.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-september-1988/5/-hestair-duple-and-dennis-specialist-vehicles-have Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart] ''Commercial Motor'' 22 September 1988</ref><ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/13th-july-1989/20/dennis-launches-darts Dennis launches darts] ''Commercial Motor'' 13 July 1989</ref><ref name=Buses714>25 Years Ago: The birth of the Dennis Dart ''[[Buses (magazine)|Buses]]'' issue 714 September 2014 page 22</ref>
-The Dennis Dart was conceived when [[Hestair Group]] (owner of [[Dennis Specialist Vehicles|Dennis]] and [[Duple Coachbuilders|Duple]]) decided to produce a bus between a [[minibus]] and a [[rigid bus|full-sized]] [[single-decker bus|single-decker]].<ref>[http://www.countrybus.org/Dart/DT.htm DT, DC: The Duple / Carlyle Darts] Ian's Bus Stop</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}<ref>[http://www.countrybus.org/Dart/Dart.htm Dennis Dart: the first Generation] Ian's Bus Stop</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
+In 1989 the Dart chassis was made available for bodying by other manufacturers.<ref>[https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/14th-december-1989/18/dart-dialogue Dart dialogue] ''Commercial Motor'' 14 December 1989</ref> In 1990, [[Wadham Stringer]] became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the [[Caetano Compass|UVG Urbanstar]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=19 April 1990 |title=Wadham low-floor midi |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/19th-april-1990/19/wadham-low-floor-midi |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In the same year, [[Wrightbus|Wright]] bodied the Dart with the [[Wright Handybus|Handybus]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1 November 1990 |title=Wright midi boosts jobs |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-november-1990/20/wright-midi-boosts-jobs |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=20 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In early 1991, Plaxton launched the [[Plaxton Pointer|Pointer]] (which was initially designated as [[Reeve Burgess]] Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's [[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]] plant).<ref>{{cite magazine|date=16 August 1990 |title=RB Dart body on target |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-august-1990/19/rb-dart-body-on-target |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Later in 1991, [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied the Dart with its [[East Lancs EL2000|EL2000]].<ref>[http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-may-1991/20/east-lams-to-build-two-on-dad-chassis East Lancs set to build on Dart chassis] ''Commercial Motor'' 16 May 1991</ref> In the latter half of 1991, [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] launched the [[Alexander Dash|Dash]].
-It was launched in 1988 and was originally offered with the [[Duple Dartline]] bodywork. It was {{cvt|2.3|m}} wide and was initially available in the length of {{cvt|9.0|m}}, but later available in lengths of {{cvt|8.5|m}} and {{cvt|9.8|m}}. It was powered by a [[Cummins UK|Cummins]] 6BT engine and coupled to the [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] AT545 gearbox (the same engine and gearbox were also used in the [[MCW Metrorider]], latterly the [[Optare MetroRider]]).<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=22 September 1988 |title=Hestair Duple and Dennis Specialist Vehicles have released more information on their new midibus, the Dart. |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-september-1988/5/-hestair-duple-and-dennis-specialist-vehicles-have |magazine=[[Commercial Motor]] |page=5 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
-{{stack|[[File:20161210 L116 YVK.jpg|thumb|right|Preserved [[Arriva London]] [[Northern Counties Paladin]] bodied Dennis Dart in  2016]][[File:Ecobus.jpg|thumb|right|Dennis Dart Carlyle "Ecobus"]]| float=right}}
-This model was sold to [[London Regional Transport]] and to some operators outside London. Soon after it was launched, Duple was sold to [[Plaxton]] and the [[Blackpool]] plant closed. Plaxton decided not to acquire the design rights of the Duple Dartline and it was sold to [[Carlyle Works]], who continued producing the bodywork from 1991. Production passed to [[Marshall Bus]] of [[Cambridge]] in 1992 who bodied five Darts to this design. In 1993, Marshall updated the design to the C36 and later, the [[Marshall C37|C37]].
-{{stack| [[File:GHA Coaches NDZ 3161.JPG|thumb|left|[[GHA Coaches]] 1993 [[Wright Handybus]] bodied Dennis Dart in [[Wrexham]] in 2009]] | float=left}}
-In 1990, [[Wadham Stringer]] became the next builder to body the Dart with a body called the Portsdown, but it was sold in small numbers and replaced by the [[Caetano Compass|UVG Urbanstar]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=19 April 1990 |title=Wadham low-floor midi |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/19th-april-1990/19/wadham-low-floor-midi |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In the same year, [[Wrightbus|Wright]] bodied the Dart with the [[Wright Handybus|Handybus]].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=1 November 1990 |title=Wright midi boosts jobs |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-november-1990/20/wright-midi-boosts-jobs |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=20 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> In early 1991, Plaxton launched the [[Plaxton Pointer|Pointer]] (which was initially designated as [[Reeve Burgess]] Pointer as it was built at Reeve Burgess's plant, until later in the same year when it was transferred to Plaxton's [[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]] plant).<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=16 August 1990 |title=RB Dart body on target |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-august-1990/19/rb-dart-body-on-target |magazine=Commercial Motor |page=19 |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref> Later in 1991, [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied the Dart with its [[East Lancs EL2000|EL2000]]. In the latter half of 1991, [[Walter Alexander Coachbuilders|Alexander]] launched the [[Alexander Dash|Dash]]. Another contender entering the market at the same time was the [[Northern Counties Paladin]]. Initially, it was built with a design of a barrel shaped windscreen with quarterlights (which were mainly sold to [[Warrington's Own Buses|Warrington Borough Transport]]), later models had a deep double-curvature two-piece windscreen. It was phased out when [[Plaxton]] bought [[Northern Counties Motor & Engineering Company|Northern Counties]] in 1995.
-In 1993, [[Southampton Citybus]] purchased 16 Dart 9SDL Carlyle bodied buses adapted to use natural gas, the cylinders being mounted in a pod on the roof.
-As the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] [[single-decker bus]]es became more popular in late 1990s, orders for [[High-floor|standard-floor]] Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998, with the final five delivered to Jersey Motor Transport. A total of 3,470 first generation Darts were produced.<ref>[http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=585&Type=Chassis Dennis Dart] Bus Lists on the Web</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
+As the [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] [[single-decker bus]]es became more popular in late 1990s, orders for [[High-floor|standard-floor]] Dart dropped heavily and production ceased in 1998. Over 3,400 first generation Darts were produced.<ref name=Buses714/><ref>The Model Page ''[[Bus & Coach Preservation]]'' May 2017 page 58</ref><ref name=BritainsBuses>{{cite book|title=Britain's Buses|date=2021|publisher=[[Key Publishing]]|isbn=978 1 802820 096|pages=17, 90, 108|edition=6}}</ref>
 {{-}}
 ==Second generation (Dart SLF)==
 [[File:Arriva Guildford & West Surrey 3091 P291 FPK.JPG|thumb|[[Arriva Guildford & West Surrey]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 1]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in 2009]]
+In 1996, Dennis launched a [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for Super Low Floor in reference to the new low-floor design.<ref name=Buses714/><ref name=BritainsBuses/><ref name=History>[http://web.archive.org/web/20221229175419/https://www.alexander-dennis.com/about-us/our-history/ The History of Alexander Dennis] [[Alexander Dennis]]</ref> It was {{cvt|2.4|m}} wide and initially offered in lengths of {{cvt|10|m}} and {{cvt|10.6|m}}, with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design.
-In 1996, Dennis launched a [[Low-floor bus|low-floor]] version of the Dart known as the Dart SLF, with the letters SLF standing for "Super Low Floor" in reference to the new low-floor design. It was {{cvt|2.4|m}} wide and initially offered in lengths of {{cvt|10|m}},  and {{cvt|10.6|m}}, with air suspension introduced in place of the taper leaf used in the original design. The driveline of the [[High-floor|step-entrance]] Dart was retained, although some early examples were fitted with [[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]] manual transmission.
-[[File:S824 WYD 42824 East Lancs Spryte- Dennis Dart (8528234001).jpg|thumb|left|[[First Somerset and Avon]] [[East Lancs Spryte]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] in 2013]]
-[[File:First Hampshire & Dorset 41646.jpg|thumb|right|[[First Hampshire & Dorset]] 1997 [[Marshall Capital]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in [[Portsmouth]] in  2008]]
 It was initially offered with the [[low-floor bus|low floor]] version of the Pointer bodywork (which was notable for being wider), replaced by the updated Pointer 2 in 1997. It was also offered with a wide variety of bodies, namely the [[East Lancs Spryte]], UVG Urbanstar (later renamed as the [[Caetano Compass]]; replaced by the [[Caetano Nimbus|Nimbus]] in 1999), the [[Wright Crusader]], [[Alexander ALX200]] (discontinued in 2001 with the formation of TransBus International and being replaced by the Pointer 2), [[Marshall Capital]] (developed from the C37; later built by [[MCV Bus & Coach|MCV]]), Caetano Nimbus and [[MCV Evolution]] (since 2005 - a further evolution of the Marshall bodywork).
+[[File:S824 WYD 42824 East Lancs Spryte- Dennis Dart (8528234001).jpg|thumb|left|[[First Somerset & Avon]] [[East Lancs Spryte]] bodied Dennis Dart SLF in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] in 2013]]
-With the move to [[Euro III]] emissions in October 2001, the new [[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]] engine was launched, with the four-cylinder {{convert|3.9|L|cuin|abbr=off|adj=on}}-litre model being used in all lengths except the {{cvt|11.3|m}} version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, {{convert|5.9|L|cuin|abbr=on|adj=on}} version. The Cummins ISBe [[Euro IV]] engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]]. The last Alexander Dennis Dart SLF was delivered to [[Park Island Transport]] of Hong Kong in March 2008. A total of 9,191{{nbsp}}Dart SLFs were produced, making it one of the most successful buses of all time.<ref>[http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=587&Type=Chassis Dennis Dart SLF] Bus Lists on the Web</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
+With the move to [[Euro III]] emissions in October 2001, the new [[Cummins B Series engine|Cummins ISBe]] engine was launched, with the four-cylinder {{convert|3.9|L|cuin|abbr=off|adj=on}}-litre model being used in all lengths except the {{cvt|11.3|m}} version, which uses the more powerful six-cylinder, {{convert|5.9|L|cuin|abbr=on|adj=on}} version. The Cummins ISBe [[Euro IV]] engine became available on the Dart SLF chassis since late 2006. In 2007, the Dennis Dart SLF was superseded by the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro200]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20060324091514/http://www.busandcoach.com/newsStory.aspx?id=680 Alexander Dennis revaels Enviro200 Dart] ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 20 March 2006</ref> Over 9,100 low floor Darts were built, the last entering service with [[Park Island Transport]] in Match 2008.<ref name=Buses793>Darting around Lancashire ''Buses'' issue 793 April 2021</ref>
 {{-}}
 ===Dart SPD===
 [[File:Hedingham Omnibuses bus L351 Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer EU56 FLM (1).jpg|thumb|[[Hedingham & Chambers]] [[Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodied Alexander Dennis Dart SPD in 2016]]
-In 1997, the Dart SPD (short for ''Super Pointer Dart'') was launched with a length of 11.3{{nbsp}}m (about the same length as a long [[Leyland National]]), typically seating 40 to 44{{nbsp}}passengers. The Dart SPD was launched to compete with full-size buses such as the [[Volvo B10BLE]] and [[Scania L94UB]], while retaining the more lightweight construction of the basic Dart SLF. The Dart SPD has a more powerful engine and a more heavy duty [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] World Series B300R gearbox than the Dart SLF, but also with an option of a [[Voith]] gearbox. Originally offered only with [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodywork (hence the 'P' in the name), this larger bus was later offered with other bodywork such as the [[East Lancs Myllennium]], the [[Alexander ALX200]] and a few have also been bodied by [[Marshall Bus|Marshall]]. At least 230{{nbsp}}Dart SPDs were produced.<ref>[http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=589&Type=Chassis Dennis Dart SPD] Bus Lists on the Web</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
+In 1997, the Dart SPD (short for Super Pointer Dart) was launched with a length of 11.3{{nbsp}}m (about the same length as a long [[Leyland National]]), typically seating 40 to 44{{nbsp}}passengers.<ref name=History/> The Dart SPD was launched to compete with full-size buses such as the [[Volvo B10BLE]] and [[Scania L94UB]], while retaining the more lightweight construction of the basic Dart SLF. The Dart SPD has a more powerful engine and a more heavy duty [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] World Series B300R gearbox than the Dart SLF, but also with an option of a [[Voith]] gearbox. Originally offered only with [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodywork (hence the 'P' in the name), this larger bus was later offered with other bodywork such as the [[East Lancs Myllennium]], the [[Alexander ALX200]] with a few bodied by [[Marshall Bus|Marshall]].
+{{-}}
 ===Dart MPD===
 [[File:Bluebird Bus & Coach bus 21 (MX56 HYR), 25 July 2008 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Bluebird Bus & Coach]] [[Plaxton Pointer|Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodied Alexander Dennis Dart MPD in 2008]]
+In 1998, the '''Dart MPD''' (short for Mini Pointer Dart) was launched. At {{cvt|8.8|m}} long, the Dart MPD was a model reminiscent of the original {{cvt|8.5|m}} Darts; it was launched to compete with newly emerging shorter midibuses such as the [[Optare Solo]]. The Dart MPD typically seated 23 to 29{{nbsp}}passengers, and was available in both provincial and London specifications. As with the Dart SPD, the MPD was launched initially with only the [[Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodywork, although other bodies became available later on.
+{{-}}
-In 1998, the '''Dart MPD''' (short for ''Mini Pointer Dart'') was launched. At {{cvt|8.8|m}} long, the Dart MPD was a model reminiscent of the original {{cvt|8.5|m}} Darts; it was launched to compete with newly emerging shorter midibuses such as the [[Optare Solo]]. The Dart MPD typically seated 23 to 29{{nbsp}}passengers, and was available in both provincial and London specifications. As with the Dart SPD, the MPD was launched initially with only the [[Plaxton Pointer 2]] bodywork, although other bodies became available later on.
 ===Narrow width Dart SLF===
-[[File:20180309-M-travel-AE54HYU (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Caetano Nimbus|Caetano "Slimbus"]] bodied Narrow width Dart SLF in 2018]]
+[[File:20180309-M-travel-AE54HYU (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Caetano Nimbus|Caetano Slimbus]] bodied narrow width Dart SLF in 2018]]
 In 2002, TransBus launched a narrower-width variant of the Dart SLF at the request of bus operators in the [[Channel Islands]] of [[Guernsey]] and then [[Jersey]], who replaced the majority of their fleets with slightly narrower Darts designed to comply with the islands' vehicle size restrictions, sporting adapted versions of existing [[East Lancs Myllennium]] and Caetano Nimbus bodies respectively. Further examples have since joined them and small numbers of similar buses have entered service with other operators around the UK. [[Gibraltar]] also has a fleet of these narrower buses. The last ones entered service in summer 2007 in Gibraltar.
-===Thomas-Dennis Dart SLF 200===
+===Thomas SLF 200===
-The Dennis Dart SLF, with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, was constructed in the United States for the North American market by [[Thomas Built Buses]], being sold as the '''Thomas-Dennis Dart SLF 200''' in reference to both the chassis and bodywork.<ref>[http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=588&Type=Chassis Dennis Dart SLF (USA)] Bus Lists on the Web</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
+The Dennis Dart SLF, with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, was constructed in the United States for the North American market by [[Thomas Built Buses]], being sold as the Thomas SLF 200.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010223203157/http://www.thomasbus.com/products/commercial/slf200.asp Thomas SLF 200] [[Thomas Built Buses]]</ref> Following a restructure by parent company [[Daimler Truck North America]], it was sold as the DaimlerChrysler SLF 200.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20030603180532/http://www.thomasbuiltbuses.com/transitshuttle.asp?busid=tslf    DaimlerChrysler SLF 200] Thomas Built Buses</ref>
 ==Exports==
@@ Line 90: / Line 71: @@
 ===Australia===
-[[ACTION]] (25),<ref>Low-Floor Buses ''[[Fleetline (periodical)|Fleetline]] issue 247 July 1997 page 132</ref> [[Brisbane Bus Lines]] (3),<ref>A Friendly Dart ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' July 1997 page 150</ref> [[Invicta Bus Services]] (27),<ref>Invicta Sells to Grenda ''[[Australian Bus Panorama]]'' issue 24/5 March 2009 page 12</ref><ref>Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services ''[[Australian Bus]]'' issue 98 March 2020 page 20</ref> [[TransAdelaide]] (2)<ref>Dennis Buses in Adelaide ''[[Transit Australia]]'' June 1997 page 138</ref> and [[Transperth]] (2).<ref>Transperth News ''[[Rattler (periodical)|Rattler]]'' issue 399 January 2006 page 6</ref>
+In Australia, [[ACTION]] (25),<ref>Low-Floor Buses ''[[Fleetline (periodical)|Fleetline]]'' issue 247 July 1997 page 132</ref> [[Brisbane Bus Lines]] (3),<ref>A Friendly Dart ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' July 1997 page 150</ref> [[Invicta Bus Services]] (27),<ref>Invicta Sells to Grenda ''[[Australian Bus Panorama]]'' issue 24/5 March 2009 page 12</ref><ref>Melbourne's TeleBus: a pioneer of on-demand services ''[[Australian Bus]]'' issue 98 March 2020 page 20</ref> [[TransAdelaide]] (2)<ref>Dennis Buses in Adelaide ''[[Transit Australia]]'' June 1997 page 138</ref> and [[Transperth]] (2)<ref>Transperth News ''[[Rattler (periodical)|Rattler]]'' issue 399 January 2006 page 6</ref> purchased Darts.
 ===Canada===
-In [[British Columbia]], provincial operator [[BC Transit]] took delivery of 90 Dart SLFs with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies from 1999 to 2001 for services in the [[resort municipality]] of [[Whistler, British Columbia|Whistler]] and its other transit system companies in the province.<ref name="Goundry2020">{{cite book|last=Goundry|first=Andy|title=Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O53SDwAAQBAJ|accessdate=3 January 2023|date=23 March 2020|publisher=Crowood|isbn=978-1-78500-708-8|page=146}}</ref>
+In [[British Columbia]], [[BC Transit]] took delivery of 90 Dart SLFs with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies from 1999 to 2001 for services in the [[resort municipality]] of [[Whistler, British Columbia|Whistler]] and its other transit system companies in the province.<ref>{{cite book|last=Goundry|first=Andy|title=Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O53SDwAAQBAJ|accessdate=3 January 2023|date=23 March 2020|publisher=[[Crowood Press]]|isbn=978-1-78500-708-8|page=146}}</ref>
 ===Hong Kong & Macau===
-[[File:LL3004 PITCL NR332 16-09-2015.jpg|thumb|left| [[Park Island Transport]] Plaxton Pointer 2 bodied TransBus Dart SLF in [[Kwai Fong]] in 2015]]
+[[File:LL3004 PITCL NR332 16-09-2015.jpg|thumb|left|[[Park Island Transport]] Plaxton Pointer 2 bodied TransBus Dart SLF in [[Kwai Fong]] in 2015]]
-In Hong Kong, [[New World First Bus]] purchased 76, [[Kowloon Motor Bus]]  60, [[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]] 30, [[New Lantao Bus]] three, [[Park Island Transport]] 15 and Discovery Bay Buses five. They were delivered between 1994 and 1999. Most were retired in 2014{{ndash}}2017.{{cn|date=May 2023}}
+In Hong Kong, [[Citybus (Hong Kong)|Citybus]], [[Kowloon Motor Bus]], [[New Lantao Bus]], [[New World First Bus]] and [[Park Island Transport]] purchased Darts. Some of Citybus' were repatriated back to England by parent [[Stagecoach Group]] for use at its [[Stagecoach South West|Devon]] and [[Stagecoach South|Hampshire]] subsidiaries.<ref>Dart regains its Hong Kong look ''Buses'' issue 775 October 2019 page 67</ref><ref>Far East Pointer Darts ''Buses'' issue 784 July 2020 pages 44/45</ref>
 In Macau, [[Transmac]] took delivery of ten dual-door and air-conditioned Pointer-bodied Darts in January 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Stuart |date=19 April 1996 |issue=354 |pages=13-17 |title=Plaxton |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Limited|quote=A short distance from Hong Kong is Macau where Transmac are operating ten conventional Darts with dual-door Pointer bodies.}}</ref>
-===Singapore===
+===Netherlands===
+[[Arriva Netherlands]] purchased 50 Darts with Alexander ALX200 bodies.<ref name=BritainsBuses/>
-In Singapore, [[SBS Transit|Singapore Bus Service]] purchased 10 [[Duple Metsec]] bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183). All the buses were retired in 2010 and replaced by [[Volvo B10M]]s.<ref>[http://www.sgbuses.com/v/sbst/dart/ Dennis Dart (Duple Metsec)] SGBuses.com</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}} Several private operators used Dennis Darts (including SLF), those were scrapped by 2019.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
+===Portugal===
-{{Clear}}
+Stagecoach Group had 10 Dart SLFs bodied locally in 1999 for its [[Stagecoach Group#Portugal|Portuguese]] subsidiary in [[Lisbon]].<ref name=Buses793/>
+===Singapore===
-==Earlier front-engined Dart==
+In Singapore, [[SBS Transit|Singapore Bus Service]] purchased 10 [[Duple Metsec]] bodied Darts in 1994 for smaller routes (M1, M2, M4 and 183)..{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
-[[File:1980 West Midlands Fire Service Dennis Dart.jpg|thumb|right|1980 West Midlands Fire Service Dennis Dart]]
-The Dart name was originally applied to a front-engined single-decker bus chassis produced by Dennis between 1978 and 1980. However, the front-engined Dart remained unsuccessful, with only two examples produced, both with [[Marshall Bus|Marshall]] bodywork. The first was built for the [[Iraqi University]] and exported to [[Baghdad]] in 1978; the second was produced for the [[West Midlands Fire Service]] as a mobile command centre in 1980.<ref>[http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=586&Type=Chassis Dennis Dart Front Engined] Bus Lists on the Web</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=May 2023}}
-{{Clear}}
 ==References==
 {{Reflist}}
+==Further reading==
+*{{cite book|last=Beddall|first=David|title=The London Dennis Dart and Dart SLF|date=2019|publisher=[[Pen & Sword]]|isbn=9781445687520}}
 ==External links==
 {{Portal|Buses}}
 {{commons category-inline}}
-*[http://web.archive.org/web/20070927015255/http://www.alexander-dennis.com/single_deck/dart.htm Alexander Dennis Dennis Dart SLF product website - Web archive]
+*[http://web.archive.org/web/20070927015255/http://www.alexander-dennis.com/single_deck/dart.htm Dennis Dart SLF] [[Alexander Dennis]]
 {{Dennis}}

v t e Dennis vehicles
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