The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  

Issue 251
(OBP-464)
Sunday 23rd December
2007
next update week ending 5th January 2008

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002


News Archive Pages from the "Oxford Bus Page"
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/6995/archiveindex/arcindex.html
I regret that the server used to store the pictures for many of these pages is no longer available.
I hope to restore the pictures at some time in the future.

Please note that any comments made in this news page are those of the Editors' and in no way constitute 
any official points of view from the bus companies mentioned,  or indeed any other official body. 
As a news page we reserve the right to make valid comments as seen from an editorial point of view.

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid-week news please let me know
malcolmhc@aol.com

To see the pictures full size just click on the thumbnail

Wishing all my readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year


 

Editorial

I have been saving news to ensure a bumper edition for Christmas, when hopefully most of you will have time to read a newsy page.

New orders for 2008 feature in this edition and with current deliveries should see a large number of new vehicles by the spring of next year.

In this issue I have some really nice contributions to "Buses in the Landscape" and I also include a photo report on my recent visit to my eldest daughter who lives in Bangor, North Wales. The bus scene up there is really interesting with some strong competition between the various operators.

My regular contributors have been busy and we have some very interesting photographs and news.

I read with some concern the report in The Oxford Times of an incident between a bus and bike on the Cowley Road. The bus company has been prosecuted because the bus caught a cyclist who was near the rear nearside at the time. As the bus turned outwards the cyclist was knocked off his bike by the "tail swing".

Now whilst this is a most regrettable accident and also cyclists have every right to be on the road, it does draw attention to the fact that so many cyclists come up the inside of heavy vehicles, especially buses, in the city centre, where they can be obscured to the drivers view. This happens at St Clements where one turns left onto the Plain roundabout and to be totally save one needs eyes in the back of ones head as the expression goes. I have also experienced the cyclist who rides up the inside at pedestrian crossings, such as the one near Queens College, ignores the red light and pedestrians have to jump for their lives.

There needs to be a lot more training and awareness by cyclists as well as vehicle drivers before we can be safer on the roads.

Update on the Aylesbury Transport hub by Colin Richardson

The Hub's bus stops and bus lanes are now completed.  Only the real-time information are yet to be installed during spring/Summer in 2008. 

Construction work is now progress on the Enquiry Office close to the lending library and should be completed during Spring 2008.  It will be staffed by Buckinghamshire County Council and will be open Monday - Saturday daytime.  An information keypad with screen and print out facility.  The real time information will be available 24 hours. 

The new Southcourt Bridge construction should commence on 21 January 2008 and work should be completed during the winter 2008.  The bus boulevard from the Train and Friarage Road should be completed at the same time. 

I will provide updates during 2008. 

Colin Richardson

Thames Valley and related books by Paul Lacey

I commend readers to an excellent web site giving details of available books on Thames Valley, South Midland, Newbury & District and other local operators. Some photographs are available on the web site which makes interesting viewing.


The coach above was part of a batch delivered just prior to World War 2. Stored during the early part of the war at Stokenchurch or Lane End
these coaches were sometimes used by South Midland on hire for London services after the war.

The link below will take you to Paul Lacey's site.

http://uk.geocities.com/paul_lacey_transport_books/MP/2WayFrameHolder.htm

News from Alistair Liddle on Darwen Coachbuilders and Wrights deliveries through Fleetwood.

I was over at East Lancs, sorry, Darwen Group on Thursday and managed to get a few photographs with the brand new all singing, all dancing camera. 

Unfortunately the sun was very, very bright and starting to get quite low in the sky, so even with the new equipment I struggled to get any decent photographs.

In the main yard and parked in the road outside????? were a pair of VDL 250's for Arriva SC as well as a B9TL for Arriva Yorkshire and one for Delaine. Photographs of the SC ones and the rest can be seen at:

http://alistair268.fotopic.net/c1423617.html

The first of the Reading chassis is on the line and no doubt over the next few weeks (Christmas and New Year aside) we will see some interesting vehicles and liveries popping out of the finishing shop.


The first Scania chassis for Reading - Alistair Liddle

Versa on the run – Steve Annells asks a question

I noted Optare Versa demonstrator YJ57EHE passing through Sutton Courtenay just before 8am this morning (Thu) - don't know who was using it, but it was about the time I often see one or both of Weavaway's pair of MAN/MCV Evolution, and I didn't see either today.  I'll keep my eyes open tomorrow.

Saw it again Friday morning at the same point, but I was late this morning so didn't see anything Weavaway at all!  It is of course close to the end of term.

Bus Station at http://www.busstation.net

Buses from the past by Mike Penn 

I have just completed scanning my 1997 photographs which included the Challenger operation in Luton, set up by LDT ("The Shires") to compete with Lutonian Buses, so as it is now ten years ago I thought it would be worthwhile to record the events.

The original Challenger company started operations in Luton in October 1991 using second hand Freight Rover Sherpa minibuses (although some hired double deckers were used initially).  Operations later spread to St Albans, Borehamwood and Milton Keynes.  However the operation was gradually wound down with the services in Milton Keynes the last to run in September 1997.

LDT ("The Shires") then took the opportunity to use the name for a new operation in Luton in direct competition with Lutonian Buses.  This started officially on October 6th 1997, although some of the buses were in service a couple of days earlier providing free rides.  Several routes were operated, shadowing most of the Lutonian routes.  Vehicles used were twelve Mercedes L608D minibuses with various body makes obtained from Clydeside Buses.  They were used in Clydeside's lemon yellow livery but with Challenger vinyls replacing the F & L ones used by Clydeside.  Subsequently two further vehicles were obtained from Crosville Wales.  A major event was a vandal attack on the night of 30th/31st October in which most of the windows of the vehicles were smashed.  That day very little operated although two interesting vehicles were used.  One was a Sherpa from the original Challenger company (D820 PUK) and the other was an MCW Metrorider from the main LDT fleet (E990DNK) which was in an all white livery having recently been repainted out of an advertising livery.

The result was that Lutonian were driven out of business and sold out to LDT on March 13th 1998, with the Challenger operation finishing on March 28th. Most of the vehicles were withdrawn immediately but two or three were retained for a short while as back up  for the Lutonian vehicles.   The Competition Commission took a dim view of the tactics employed and ordered LDT to sell off the Lutonian operation.  The appeals procedure took some while but eventually the sale took place on September 23rd 2000, with Lutonian remaining independent until acquired by Centrebus on June 19th 2004.

This raises a number of questions.  What was the relationship between LDT and the original company?  I understand that LDT took on the staff but not the vehicles.  LDT also used the former Challenger premises in Sundon Park Road, Luton but whether this was a direct acquisition from Challenger or not I don't know.  Also how was it that LDT managed to use one of the Challenger vehicles on October 31st?

Also did LDT actually acquire the vehicles from Clydeside or merely hire them?  They retained Clydeside legal lettering while with LDT and nearly all returned to Clydeside afterwards.  The ex Crosville Wales ones received LDT legal lettering but they too went to Clydeside at the end of the operation.

Photographs are as follows.


D206 SKD in Bridge Street while running the free service on October 4th.


D820 PUK in Leagrave on October 31st.


E990 DNK in Leagrave on October 31st.


D440 UHC, one of the ex Crosville Wales examples in Leagrave on December 12th.


LAZ 5785 (ex C203 PCD) in Leagrave on the penultimate day of operation - March 27th.

Altogether a most interesting article which seems to bring thoughts of MK Metro to mind. Also the C20x PCD batch spent some time at High Wycombe, hardly used following the withdrawal of all the Bristol VRs on day. 

Thornhill Park & Ride too small

Reports are appearing in the local Oxford press about the lack of space in the Thornhill Park & Ride. It seems that overflow customers are parking in the residential area of Sandhills, sometimes for several days if they are maybe going to the airports.

It just goes to show that if you provide the service and no charge is made, then people will use the Park & Ride. Thornhill offers around 1000 spaces already and is often full by 1000 hrs each weekday and Saturday.

A study is being made as to how the problem can be solved and where any increased space can be made available.

Developments are awaited with interest.

Luton Airport and a possible contender for the rail air link at that point by Matt Robinson

This FTR Streetcar was on a familiarisation trial at Luton Airport today. Rumours I could muster among the NCP staff was that First are taking on the Parkway Station - Luton Airport free shuttle bus service and will be using these buses. Certainly the 53-reg Transbus Darts currently used on the service have provided good service but are quite often carrying standing loads.
 
This photo is off my phone (maybe I've finally got my resolution settings right!). Matt Robinson

National wanted for preservation

Skidder writes "I am writing regarding UTJ595M Leyland National that I saw on your page. Is it possible that the owner would sell it for preservation?"

New Trident model with an Oxford flavour

Date: 21st December 2007. 

ukbus 1036 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident

 Stagecoach in Oxfordshire

Creative Master Northcord is proud to release a brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1036 carrying standard Stagecoach livery but with special route branding livery.

This model represents Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 18394 (KX55 TLN). This is the second Stagecoach in Oxfordshire ADL ALX400-bodied Trident model that CMNL produced. The previous one is ukbus 1026 with Brookes bus colours. 

Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 18394 is one of a fleet of seven Tridents introduced onto route 27 in March 2006 to replace Volvo B10M single deckers. Route 27 operates between Oxford and Bicester up to every 15 minutes at busy times with three main route variants around Bicester – 27A to Glory Farm and Launton, 27B to Glory Farm and Langford and 27C to Ambrosden and Arncott. 

18394 is one of three vehicles which carry supplementary branding for the Bicester Duo ticket which was introduced during 2007. The ticket allows two people to travel from Bicester to Oxford for the price of one.

 

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, engine detail and the representation of LED lights at the rear. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.  

It will be a good opportunity to make a twin Stagecoach in Oxfordshire bus model set with ukbus 1036 and ukbus 1025 representing the common street scene in Oxford. 

North Wales – Bangor

Friday 14th December saw my wife and I en route to Bangor, North Wales, for a lunch with our eldest daughter who lives in the city. I always find Bangor an interesting place for buses as there are a number of operators, some of whom compete head to head on a variety of routes.

Below you will find a selection of what was on offer and The British Bus Fleet volume for Arriva will help with what is around that area. Two local operators have excellent web site which give e fleet lists. The links for these are included below.

Arriva Cymru


The double deck fleet at Bangor now comprises NCME Palatine I bodied Olympians which are used on a variety of routes, mostly school runs.
They came from Arriva Southern Counties in 2004.


Since my last visit, a year ago, a new batch of VDL/Wrights saloons has arrived fro the X5 route from Caernarfon to Llandudno operated in competition with KM P Llanberis.
Now both operators use similar bodies for these services on their main diagrams.


The majority of local services are in the hands of the erstwhile Dart/Plaxton Pointer bus. A local service in competition with
Padarn Bus is operated by the Dart/MPD above branded for The Dinas Dash.


A few elderly Darts remain such as the one above received from Southern counties back in 2001.
I can remember such buses operating when new in Staines, near Heathrow.


Blue Bus Bolton provided a quad of Varios in 2005, the above seemingly on Staff Bus duties when pictured.

Express Motors
http://www.expressmotors.co.uk/fle.html


The December issue of Buses gave an interesting insight into this operator whose main route is the
1 / 1A Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog - Caernarfon - Bangor
Imagine my surprise when I found this Olympian working this long route which takes all but 5 minutes short of two hours for the complete route.
As readers will see from the fleet list there are a number of much newer buses to operate.

 

KMP Llanberis
http://www.kmpbus.co.uk/inffl.html 


There are at least seven Volvo B7RLEs to operate the long route 9/9A but other buses seem to appear also.
The route takes 1h 25 min and covers some beautiful coastal scenery.
The latest Volvo pictured above is N77KMP in a metallic blue livery.
The route operates in competition with Arriva. q.v.

 

Padarn Bus
http://www.padarnbus.co.uk/


Padarn Bus has been around for 25 years and operates a number of services in the North Wales area.
The Bangor-Bethesda route takes just over 20 minutes end to end and follows the route once served by Purple Motors of Bethesda.
This company ran a double deck Crossley for many years.
One of the newest buses in the district can be seen above and is an Enviro 200 in the attractive red and black livery.

The old Crosville depot on the front has now gone and the current depot is on an industrial estate someway out of Bangor. The Crosville liveried Dart, featured on these pages last year has now regained normal Arriva livery, rather sad really, it looked good.

Buses in the Landscape

Keith Shayshutt writes "Some photos for the Buses in the Landscape feature if you think fit.

These were taken today, Saturday 15 December 2007, on the top of the Cat and Fiddle pass on the Derbyshire/Cheshire border and feature Bowers 58 route which runs hourly over the pass between Macclesfield and Buxton. You have one photo of a Solo in the Buxton direction and three of another Solo in the opposite direction heading towards Macclesfield. And boy, was it cold standing at the side of the road in below freezing temperatures waiting for these to come along!"


I remember this road well, having driven a brand new Bedford VAL/Plaxton 52 seater on its first outing on a mystery evening drive back in the early '60s.
It was 800YTU and belonged to Jacksons of Altrincham. On the way back it got the most awful wheel wobble attributed later to wrong tyre pressures on the trailing axle.


A Routemaster - RM29 - and the London Eye taken by Peter Edgar a week or so ago.

A correction

Last week I used a picture taken by Terry Partridge, which I am now told was a view is of Outer Hope and not Inner Hope in south Devon !! Thanks to Andrew Morgan for that one.


A photo of a VR in the snow taken in February 1985 by Dave Godley. Very seasonal. 


Bob Stanger sent this picture taken last year by him when driving RT1499 on a private hire to both Marlow and Henley, the latter being the location of the shot.


Now I like this one taken at around 07.20 one recent cold morning in Wantage. Also very seasonal by MC.


The bus is on its own but on the 12th December TWO hot air balloons came over Oxford side by side.


An interesting picture from Gavin Francis - Christmas CSS style.


Finally a Christmas present of sorts for those who own a copy of The Bedside Bus Book.
This picture by John Marsh was not in the book. I'm sure if I took this picture I'd get arrested !!!!!!

Happy Christmas folks. 


Malcolm Crowe - Sunday 23rd December 2007

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002 to date

News of the local companies – 23rd December 2007 

Branding has at last appeared on the Line 40 Solos suggesting they will continue in service and not as suggested be replaced by Versas. Gavin Francis and Mike Chadwick both reported this and various photos were submitted.

Gavin comments "...... usual Arriva style branding. Nothing on front, Route 40 on nearside, Route details along roof on both sides, route details on back. Every expense has been spared on the size of the lettering on the back."

These Solos still appear to be the only ones in the area in the "inter-urban livery"

Mike Chadwick wrote "I notice the two Solos now have side and rear branding for Route 40 - an indication that they will be staying, one might think!?

I also note Arriva fare increases announced for next week Probably inevitable given recent fuel rises, and to be fair it's quite a while I think since the last one,"

Matt Robinson writes "I came across LBZ-based Scania 3161 (N711EUR) broken down on St. Mary's Road in Luton on Monday night, working the Airport-bound 70 at around 19.15. I was unable to find out what the problem was but Arriva engineers were in attendance with the engine cover up and the battery boost flap underneath the cab window was open.
 
Luton depot rescued the journey by providing one of their 55-reg Scanias to complete the duty.

It looks like DAF 4428 (S428MCC) has moved back to Watford, as it was on the 321 this afternoon (22nd December). I understand that one of the Line 100 DAFs at Aylesbury was recently out of use with mechanical failure so it may have been a temporary loan?
 
I was surprised to see that Stevenage depot were using Alexander-PS bodied B10M 3331 (M782PRS) on the 301 today. I got this photo in Welwyn bus station. I was then even more surprised when 3332 (M783PRS) passed us later also on the 301!"


Stuart Turner notes "Have looked up the dart KX04HRF and it was with Metrobus as their 222"

Mark Munday writes "... just a quick note to let you know that Wycombe's 3805 has been transferred to Watford on a semi permanent bases. This is to help with the problems with engines and gearboxes in some of the fleet there.

I would also like to thank you for a wonderful job you do with this site and wish you and all the other readers a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Thanks again." 

Nigel Peach advises "I've notice that another SLF Dart has appeared in Wycombe; 3216 (S216 XPP) joins 3217 here - not sure how long it's been around, but I've only noticed it recently. I attach a photo taken at Cressex on Sunday 15th.

 

I read in the latest "Buses" that Volvo B6 3115 (L315 HPP) has been transferred to MK Metro. I hadn't realised it had gone. I think I'm right in saying that this bus is a rarity, having been based at HW since new - which was in 1994. No doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

The second picture (also taken on Sunday 15th) captures all three of the Transbus Darts, used for the TfL U9 route in Uxbridge; 3837-3839. I've not seen the newer red Dart 3805 lately - presumably it is still around?

 

With very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, and many many thanks for keeping lots of anoraks very happy!!"

 

Pete Cannon reports "It looks like all the High Wycombe buses have electric destinations installed except for L415NHJ and L43MEH. I was quite surprised that 3833 M503VjO has been treated to electric blinds."

 
Russell Young sent this excellent picture of Trident 5431 in Oxford.


Glenn Knight sent this interesting picture of 4361 at Victoria Coach Stn with "31 Leighton Buzzard on its blind."

Glenn Knight adds "I have attached Green Line coach times, New fare revision, Stevenage Xmas & New Year bus times, and Luton Bus stn closure where to get your bus."

Various personal observations on 23 December 2007.

I saw the first Olympian/NCME Palatine II from Aylesbury today with a digital display. I was lucky to catch up with it in Wheatley with my camera at the ready. It is 5161. I saw another in the distance still with the old display.

A week ago I saw one of the Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban from the batch which works the 510 Harlow-Stansted route minus its branding. I wondered if they had got around to repainting the batch but this morning, 23/12, my question was answered in the shape of a new bus on the 510, see the picture below of 3874.


Another chance to view one of the new Mercedes mini coaches now in use on the Stansted-London service of easyBus.

Carousel

 

 

 

Centrebus

Glenn Knight writes "A few photos taken on the 18.12.2007, Centrebus staff shuttle at Luton Bus Station R185VOH and look at the front windscreen drivers side its received a £30.00 parking ticket and a shot of the last remaining days of Luton Bus stn & Centrebus customer news."


Dennis Dart J134DUV Dunstable square 21/12/2007 on 231, Glenn Knight

Little Jim Buses

I wondered if there had been some reregistration going on and asked Jim Petty who responded promptly saying "No, I haven't reregistered anything at any time!

Since sending my previous trusty steed G71PKR to the bus-station in the sky, I have been hiring two vehicles from Next Bus, Chippenham. These are FIG 4531 and HNZ 2859. What their previous registrations were I have no idea!

I am hiring different vehicles from Next Bus until I find one that ticks all my boxes! As we are in a very busy period at the moment and as a lot of intending passengers are people who do not usually travel by bus, I have put "vinyls" on both hired vehicles pointing out that YES U CAN use this bus, with further messages saying:-

Saver Cards Accepted!  -   Herts Free Passes Welcomed!  - Cash Fare-Payers Adored! 

Since applying these signs revenue has risen by about 25% and passenger numbers has soared."

So it seems that branding does work after all.

Magpie 

Paul Davis writes "Malcolm,  I couldn't remember if you'd shown a picture of the Magpie-operated 334 from Wycombe to Speen.  It's pretty plain, with just a slip board in the front."


J630 KCU is seen at Wycombe 14th December 2007.

Motts


One of Motts latest, MT56MTT - picture by Gavin Francis.

The current Levante situation as at 09:00 23/12/07 is that the Levante fleet at STN is as follows with those in service so far in bold. The registrations of the latest buses are really mixed up, I wonder why.

1 FJ56 PFE Two axle
2 FJ56 PFF Two axle
3 FN07 Tri axle
4   Tri axle
5   Tri axle
6   Tri axle
7   Tri axle
8   Tri axle
9   Tri axle
10   Tri axle
11   Tri axle
12   Tri axle
13   Tri axle
14   Tri axle
15   Tri axle
16   Tri axle
17   Tri axle
18   Tri axle
19   Tri axle
20 FJ57 KHZ Tri axle
21 FJ57 KJA Tri axle
22 FJ57 KHM Two axle
23 FJ57 KHK Two axle
24 FJ57 KHL Tri axle
25 FJ57 KJE Tri axle
26 FJ57 KHT Tri axle
27 FJ57 KJF Tri axle
28 FJ57 KHU Tri axle
29 FJ57 KHV Tri axle
30   Tri axle
31 FJ57 KGY Tri axle
32 FJ57 KGZ Tri axle
33 FJ57 KHA Tri axle
34 FJ57 KHB Tri axle
35   Tri axle
36    
37    
38    
39    
40    


SC's 29, 31, 32 and 34 all delivered in December 2007

The Levantes, as is often the case with a new model, have the fair share of problems and to help this problem with the Stagecoach Oxford batch, an ex Go West Midlands DAF/Van Hool was hired in during December. The coach took its fair share of 737 duties as seen below.

   
The second and third pictures are by Gavin Francis, the first one by your Editor.


From time to time when a coach is just not available a hired in coach is used as seen below a week ago.

Oxford - our Oxford (OBC)


Picture by Richard Griffin

Reports are coming in of a new batch of Citaros for this company. It seems that eleven are due and that these may be used on the 13/X3/X4/X13 group of route. This suggestion is supported by the fact that some of the last batch of Citaros (849-859) are already losing their branding, certainly 849 has.

The first three of the new batch have been delivered - thanks to Chris Maxfield and Ken McKenzie for this - and the batch would appear to be 860-871 with at least one of the three being 862. Chris Maxfield was on hand to provide us with a photograph. From this we may deduce that the batch will be registered AF-KF57 OXF (I is never issued.) 862 CF57OXF is featured below branded for Abingdon routes. These new buses will bring the total of Citaros operated by Oxford to a grand total of 50 such buses. All the latest buses are to Euro 5 standards. The new buses will oust quite a number of the Volvo B10Bs, I saw 613 today (23/12) still a white top. Indeed the white top now has a very limited life span with OBC. All remaining saloons will be in the new livery.


Picture by Chris Maxfield.

I have been unable to obtain official confirmation of the above information and must emphasise that it is supposition at this time.

Another order for new vehicles concerns NINE new Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther C46FLT coaches for the airport. I am told that from the opening of Terminal 5 an alternative half hour service will be provided, one to Central Bus Station/Terminal 4 and one to Terminal 5, giving an overall headway of 15 minutes to Heathrow. This should take fleet numbers to 99 unless the company starts at 51 again. Confirmation is awaited.

Whatever the final outcome the Oxford Bus Company will have a significantly GREEN fleet with one of the lowest emission levels of any fleet in the country.


The last of the present batch of 2007 Volvos, nr 90 departs Gloucester Green for Gatwick last week.


The first Citaro, a dual door version, 822, passes Gloucester Green out of service.


One of the last batch of 2007 Citaros, 855 is seen on a Didcot working last Sunday. Picture by Gavin Francis.


The depot that wouldn't die - Cowley Road A garage, long vacated by OBC, still standing at the end of 2007.
395 Cowley Road, part of "A" garage and the wall of the gents' is still standing, 3 years after the rest of the complex was demolished!
Picture by Richard Griffin.

R H Transport

Richard Sharman sent a number of interesting pictures including one of a recent Plaxton Primo in use on the X15.


This Solo appears to be a late addition.


This should be entitled Reflections.


Marcus Lapthorn took this picture of a Solo on the newly acquired 67A.

New Scania deckers for Stagecoach in Oxfordshire.

News of the week has to be the revelation that THIRTEEN brand new Scania double decks will join the fleet in the Spring of 2008. Details of such buses may be gleaned from the current edition of Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2007 from British Bus Fleets, which mentions a batch of 25 such buses on order.

They are Scania N230UD 10.6 metre chassis with bodies by ADL, being the Enviro 400 model. Seating configuration is not known at this time. The buses for Oxford will need to be low height so that they can be used under the rail bridge on the Botley Road and as such may not relate to the batch mentioned.

The company advises that seven will be based at Chipping Norton, mainly for the 20 and 20A services with six based at Oxford.

These new buses could see the reduction of the Volvo B10M/Alexander PS buses and some of the NCME Paladin bodied B10Ms but this remains to be seen.

A third trainer arrives.

 
To finalise replacement of the Lynx training fleet a further Volvo B10M/Plaxton Interurban has arrived from Kirkcaldy, Scotland being 52424.

Some rebranding on the X5 coaches.

Adam Rideout, Marketing Manager of Stagecoach East & Stagecoach in Warwickshire advises that X5 coaches 52437 and 52387 have been for repaint and have been with new vinyls last week - including two new mega rears!  Sadly I have yet to obtain a photo as these coaches seem to eluded our cameras.

I was however surprised to one of the X5 coaches working the VT99 in Luton a week or so ago and just was lucky to get a picture.

 
The impending arrival of new double decks will see the departure of many of the batch of once dual door Olympians,
which when new worked the Blackbird Leys route. 16518 to 16526 remain in service on the 20/20A/31/34/100 and various other routes.
The picture of 16526 above was taken by Gavin Francis.
These buses have been faithful workhorses for Stagecoach in our area and will doubtless be missed by many when they have gone.
I remember using 16523 and 16524 on Megabus relief's to London back in 2004.


Another type with a limited life in Oxford is the Alexander PS as shown above. Picture by Chris Maxfield.


Another super rear for a Bravo bus is on 22947 seen above in a picture by Gavin Francis.
Out of interest I note that 22946 was on the 31 today (23/12) totally unbranded but recently repainted.

New Trident model with an Oxford flavour

Date: 21st December 2007. 

ukbus 1036 Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident

 Stagecoach in Oxfordshire

Creative Master Northcord is proud to release a brand new livery on its well-known casting – the Alexander Dennis ALX400-bodied Trident. This is ukbus 1036 carrying standard Stagecoach livery but with special route branding livery.

This model represents Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 18394 (KX55 TLN). This is the second Stagecoach in Oxfordshire ADL ALX400-bodied Trident model that CMNL produced. The previous one is ukbus 1026 with Brookes bus colours. 

Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 18394 is one of a fleet of seven Tridents introduced onto route 27 in March 2006 to replace Volvo B10M single deckers. Route 27 operates between Oxford and Bicester up to every 15 minutes at busy times with three main route variants around Bicester – 27A to Glory Farm and Launton, 27B to Glory Farm and Langford and 27C to Ambrosden and Arncott. 

18394 is one of three vehicles which carry supplementary branding for the Bicester Duo ticket which was introduced during 2007. The ticket allows two people to travel from Bicester to Oxford for the price of one.

 

The replica features excellent detailing, inside and out, including an opening engine door, engine detail and the representation of LED lights at the rear. This is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. The model has no unnecessary metal poles to hold it together.  

It will be a good opportunity to make a twin Stagecoach in Oxfordshire bus model set with ukbus 1036 and ukbus 1025 representing the common street scene in Oxford.

Tappins Coaches


The latest livery graces one of the Van Hools. Picture by Gavin Francis.

Thamesdown


Stuart Curwen sent this picture of a very recently delivered Scania for the fleet.
www.thamesdown.fotopic.net

Contributors have been busy and we now have some pictures of the new Enviro 200s.

 


John Hammond sent this rather nice picture of the first of the new Enviro 200s on the Reading express in St Aldates.


Gavin Francis caught up with Enviro 200 nr 2, once again in St Aldates.


Finally Andy Millwood sent in this picture of 252 on the 144 in Reading.

Uno of Hatfield


Following a recent article on the route 636,  Glenn Knight sent this picture of one of the latest Citaros working this route.
Glenn says this is most unusual.

 

A note regarding photographs which show drivers faces.
Following one complaint from a bus driver in Oxford but considering the fact that the photographs are taken of the vehicle not any person,
I will blank out the face to avoid any discomfort to the individual concerned. If you are the person involved send me an email to have this action taken.
I am sure people will realise that to ask everyone in advance of publication, whose face may appear in a picture is wholly impractical in both time and practice.
I am sorry to have to mention such a matter but we now live in a world of human rights and political correctness which must be considered.

 

PHOTO CORNER
If you have a digital camera and wish to submit photos for this page please send them to the me at 
malcolmhc@aol.com

Gavin Francis wrote to note that late last week the Victoria area was gridlocked with coaches mainly going back to Poland. With the number of passengers involved safety is now a real issue in both Bullied Way and VCS. I have attached a picture taken of a 4 axle Megaliner in VCS. Pax wandering around all over the place, even a Police M/Cyclist in view. It looks as if it was going out the back way. Best of luck in the back streets with that coach!!

First operate into Wycombe and use a variety of buses. Last week Gavin Francis took this picture of an overall ad bus.

 

HISTORY IN PICTURES AND WORDS

If you have any pictures or historical memories and wish to submit them for this page please send them to the me at  malcolmhc@aol.com

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Coming events, models and useful links

PSV Circle publishes latest issue of the fleet list for Berkshire and Oxfordshire

Ken MacKenzie writes to note that the new PSV Circle fleet list for Berkshire/Oxfordshire (G432) is now available.

Those readers wishing to buy a copy should write to: PSV Circle, 59 Palmer Avenue, Cheam SM3 8EF - Cost id £7.00 plus 50p P & P and it will also be available at the PSV Circle sales stand at Showbus 2007.

This will be a most useful reference for all those interested in the local scene.

Editors review - I have now had chance to review this book and it is indeed very useful, giving details of all known fleets in Berks and Oxon. Whilst some information is not totally up to date it allows the readers to have a comprehensive view of the local fleets and up dates can be gained by joining the PSV Circle. At £7.00 this represents value for money as it also includes a number of good photographs.

Britbus

A new casting with a local flavour has been released by Britbus as a picture from Mark Lyons shows. It is a nice model but as Mark says, a little pricey at £33.

Model News of an Oxford bus

Guy writes to send a picture of the latest offering on the model front related to Oxford.

 

A photo disc for your collection

This week I can bring details of a really super new photo disc from Vics cliix. The disc contains pictures taken in the early 1970s by Vic Zealey and copies can be obtained through Malcolm Hyland's web site http://www.cliix.co.uk.

Here are some samples of the 158 pictures on this disc.

       
The quality is good and they are all at high resolution.

Oxford Bus 125 commemorative book

In last week's issue I mentioned that Oxford Bus were publishing a book to commemorate the 125 years of public transport in Oxford. Thanks to Phil Ashworth I have had a review copy and hereunder give my thoughts on this book.

The book is well presented and includes a number of historical pictures of interest including some I had not seen before. The modern pictures have received a nice treatment reflecting the modern fleet against a background of typical Oxford architecture. The Botley Road rail bridge gets a mention and a picture of an AEC pre war decker which has done battle with said bridge and come off worse from its encounter is included.

The book, whilst rather small to reflect the 125 years in detail is nevertheless a must for all who love Oxford, historians and enthusiasts alike.

Copies of the book can be bought from the Oxford Bus Company, Cowley House, Watlington Rd, Oxford OX4 6GA. The cost is £5.95 including postage. Cheques should be made payable to "Oxford Bus Company", it is also available in person from the Oxford Bus Museum during normal opening hours. 

New DVD by Robin Clare - http://www.robinclare.co.uk

Robin sent me a copy of his latest DVD to review. "Today's buses - Oxfordshire" is the compelling title which includes Henley, Wallingford and Didcot before the viewer is taken onto Wantage, Witney, Banbury and finally Bicester. Each of these locations is covered in2 to 5 minutes and each shows the current selection of buses and coaches to be found. Finally over 37 minutes is devoted to Oxford with filming in a variety of locations in the city.

On another subject the road sense and behaviour of cyclists in Oxford has to be seen to be believed!!!!

The quality of the DVD is excellent and one can really see clearly the details of each vehicle, something which older video always seemed unable to do. All the latest developments are shown in this September 2007 DVD, including workings from Broad Street during the St Giles Fair weekend.

The DVD provides a unique record of events in Oxfordshire during this period and at £10 is not a very large outlay.

Robin Clare Transport Video
74 Polruan Place, Fishermead,
Milton Keynes MK6 2EA

The full details of DVDs available from Robin Clare may be found at his web site :- http://www.robinclare.co.uk/

Citaro models

Dave Rogers sent the following press release.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE 

Mercedes-Benz Citaro - ukbus 5004 Arriva Manchester  -  ukbus 5007 Oxford Bus

 

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release two brand new liveries on its well known Mercedes-Benz Citaro casting. Both models have received significant, yet different, modifications to the tooling in order to represent, as close to 100% accuracy as possible, the real buses on the roads. 

ukbus 5004 represents fleet number Arriva North West’s 2851 (CX55 EAA). This Mercedes Citaro is one of three such vehicles with dedicated route branding for service 700 and with the destination set to Manchester. The model features a redesigned interior layout that includes the reduced seating capacity and luggage racks. 

Starting on 29th October 2005, Arriva North West’s service 700 runs from Manchester’s Piccadilly Railway Station to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport. For the service, 3 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses were purchased and numbered 2851-3. They were painted in the same style and colours as the Scania OmniCity buses that already operated between John Lennon and Liverpool city centre. 

ukbus 5007 represents fleet number 830 (X13 OXF) of Oxford Bus Company. 830 entered service in December 2003, to upgrade the X3 & X13 Oxford – Abingdon services. The bus was painted in a new and distinctive livery designed by Best Impressions. 

ukbus 5007 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass rather than the protruding destination found on the Park & Ride Citaros in the fleet. This feature is one of the standard specifications on other Citaros that the Go-Ahead Group has purchased. 

Mercedes-Benz Citaro ukbus 5004 and 5007 models are each a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on both models is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

 

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5004 and 5007 models are limited to 1700 pieces worldwide respectively. 

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Would readers who respond to the above please quote my site when doing so.

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid week news & when each News Page is posted
please let me know on malcolmhc@aol.com

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002 to date

Links

These are nine most interesting sites which I do recommend

Bus Zone Logo (2421 bytes)

Mike Penn's photo page with much from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire as well as Buckinghamshire

Chris Lowe's Photo page - mainly North West UK

John Marsh's pictures with a difference

The Oxford Bus Museum


Ray Jackson Art

A web site which has paintings of buses.
Nice present for a Christmas or Birthday wish list !!

http://www.rayjacksonart.co.uk/index.htm
 

 


Stagecoach Handbook for 2006
from British Bus Publishing

Arriva Handbook for 2006-2007
from British Bus Publishing

http://www.britishbuspublishing.co.uk/

The latest handbooks are now on sale, the ever
popular Stagecoach edition now in its 13th year.

Links

Bus Services in Buckinghamshire

Bus services in Oxfordshire

Bus services in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire Logo/link

Where are the Chilterns?

Visit this informative site through the link below.

back to home page
Map showing the Chilterns Hills beginning in Oxfordshire in the Thames Valley and stretching north-east through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire. The highest points are over 250m. There are various water courses running from the Chilterns to the South East.

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002