Spottings & Jottings nr. 71 - 14th September 2013
Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Current archives from October 2002
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malcolmhc@aol.com
Editorial
First in this issue I would like to congratulate Gordon cutting, one of the Stagecoach Chipping Norton outstation drivers, who won Driver of the Year at Blackpool for 2013.
Having tried myself at Blackpool I know how hard it is and how strong the competition is.
Meet Britain's double decker champion: Bus Driver of the Year Gordon Cutting
Well done Gordon!
The start of September saw the introduction of the 63 plate and a number of new buses entering service in the following days. This is always an interesting time and many people look out for their first new plate on the road. Of course we had been seeing 63 plates for some weeks preceding the 1st as vehicles were delivered ready for service.
The first picture I received of a 63 plate in service was from John Marsh and as ever Delaine of Bourne were hot of the mark with a new bus as seen in the picture below from John.
Delaine's 154, AD63DBL in Market Deeping on September 2nd taken b y John
Marsh.
Other companies in our area were close behind with Stagecoach in Oxfordshire putting six new ADL E200s into service on the 12, 14 and 16 routes. Thinking back to my comments about deliveries taking place in advance of the 1st I took some pictures of these new buses some two weeks earlier.
New E200s already in Oxford on August 20th before being prepared for
service, taken by Malcolm Crowe.
SN63MYF to become 36932 shortly after delivery on August 27th taken by
Malcolm Crowe.
Not to be outdone by the larger operator Redline of Aylesbury also took delivery of similar E200s for routes in Aylesbury. A picture showing preparation was supplied by Luke Braham.
Taken at the depot Redline Buses MK63 XAR was all but ready by August 23rd
taken by Luke Braham.
Details of the upcoming LEZ in Oxford can be found at the link below and make for interesting reading. I am told tha the list of buses is incomplete at this stage.
http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decEH/OxfordLowEmissionZone.htm
The battle between National Express and Green Line continues around Victoria as the pictures below show, with Green Line retaliating against the National Express actions. One wonders how this will all end?
Arriva GL 4386 with new flash branding, seen in Buckingham Palace Road on
September 4th taken by Gavin Francis.
This branding replicates the style, even down to the type style and colour,
used by National Express.
Some of the promotional actions happening at Victoria.
Reports are included in this issue of the Hemel Hempstead Running day, a visit to Bracknell by Gavin Francis and also pictures of the new Van Hool left hand drive coaches entering service on the European services of Megabus.
This use of left hand drive vehicles asks the question when is offside
offside and not nearside!!!!
55010 is seen on an early visit to Victoria.
Major road works have caused delays and problems to services in recent weeks.
Thankfully the work at Notting Hill Gate is now but a memory but some problems at Victoria by the coach station caused more than a little problem as seen in the pictures below, with three way traffic lights.
This work was in full swing when these pictures were taken by your Editor on
August 18th.
Of course since the last issue Notting Hill Carnival has taken place and I personally sat for over 30 minutes without moving during the Bank Holiday Monday afternoon!! There were literally thousands of people walking to the main area causing the police to virtually close the main road whilst they crossed. Some Go-Ahead Citaros were in use on the 453X.
A trial for the use of 15 metre coaches in Gloucester Green took place in the wee small hours recently. I am unaware of the outcome but I was provided with a picture of one of the new Megabus Altanos used in the trial.
From October 16th TEX Travel have announced deregistration of all their bus services.
Also in this issue are details of some excellent value fleet books and also the changes related to Robin Clare videos now available with new videos from Busflix.
I hope everyone enjoys this issue?
Running Days
SHOWBUS is on the move! For 2013 we are taking the event to a wider audience in the Heart of England. Join us at Long Marston Airfield in Shakespeare country just south of Stratford upon Avon on September 22nd.
Amersham & District Motorbus Society
Nearly nine years ago and on 5 October 2003,
RLH48 takes a happy group of enthusiasts on a run
There will also be visiting events and attractions at both Chinnor and Princes Risborough. For two of the weekends we have limited capacity as we are using a bubble car and so we will be using a heritage bus between Chinnor and Princes Risborough to create additional capacity.
The reason for emailing you is that we want to make this event as big an attraction as possible and, while we can’t justify hiring additional busses for the shuttle in our budget, we wondered if you have any contacts that would be interested in running tours from Princes Risborough on any or all of the weekends –round trips to West Wycombe or trips up the hill onto Bledlow Ridge etc. This would be fantastic additional attractions for the event. While we don’t have a budget for it we would be happy for anyone assisting us in this way to charge for the tours and cover their costs in this way. There is already publicity of the event in the national railway press and so we are looking at making the event as attractive to people as possible as it is a unique opportunity –the first regular train service to Chinnor in nearly 60 years.
If you do have any contacts who would be
interested in helping us in this way I would be grateful if you could pass
on my details to them.
Full details at the under mentioned link.
http://www.asmailorder.co.uk/bus/Running-Days/Amersham2.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society
The Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society was formed in June 2010 and aims to
provide an informal monthly social meeting in Oxford for those with an
interest in buses. Meetings are normally held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
and normally take the form of a picture show with local and guest
speakers. A small charge is made to cover the cost of hiring the function
room and this is usually around £1 for members per meeting depending on numbers.
For non-members a charge of £2 per head is made.
Next Meeting:
Meetings are held in the upstairs function room at:
The Folly Bridge Inn
38 Abingdon Road
Oxford
OX1 4PD
Some limited parking at the back of the pub, also close to bus stops (frequent X3/X13 or 35 routes stop outside)
or a short walk from Oxford City Centre - For directions click HERE
All meetings start at 19.30pm although you are welcome to come along beforehand for food in the bar.
A detailed programme of meetings can be found at the following link and we hope many of you will attend future meetings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When readers take copies of pictures from the OCBP site
Some of the contributors to this site have noticed that their pictures are appearing on e-bay sites selling such things.
Needless to say this is a theft of copyright and one which I deplore!
I would not wish to have to watermark photographs, thereby making them unsalable as such but if this practice continues I shall be left with no alternative. I am sure this would detract from the pleasure so many of you get from the OCBP.
May I please ask readers to do two things?
1/ If you see any photos on sale please let me know and where they are appearing.
2/ If you are someone who has copied and sold photos please desist as this is theft and I will have to take legal action against anyone found doing so.
The site is free to all readers and I pay a price to publish the pages which is not passed on.
Please respect those freedoms and I hope I may not have to mention this matter again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The level of contribution to this page by readers, as ever, remains excellent! Thank you all.
Malcolm Crowe - Editor - OCBP - 14th September 2013
Spottings
Observations and pictures
From Graham Low
Here is Stagecoach in Oxfordshire 36933, the first of the new E200s that I have seen in service. It is seen on the 12 at The Plain today (3.9.13).
I was surprised to see a DAF/ALX400 on the 280 this morning. In the distance
I saw a freshly repainted E400, not in Sapphire livery but with Sapphire
style silver displays - maybe this was 5454 or 5455. Other correspondents
will clarify this I am sure!!
From Mike Bennett
My immediate impressions were that there is no great improvement on the previous bus provisions in Bure Place; yes we have nice new shelters for the S5 and X5 services, but waiting for the local buses, whilst pleasant on this nice warm day in July, will be less than ideal during the winter months.
You are waiting under the edge of Sainsbury’s building, but have no shelter from the driving rain that will inevitably come in from the south west. I leave you to ponder whilst viewing my photos.
I came back into Oxford on an X5, and the driver commented on the tight turn around the new roundabout in Manorsfield Road; indeed you can see how tight is the turn in my photo of a Stagecoach Gold bus on the S5.
SCO 15762 on route S5 makes the tight turn in
Bicester, commented on above, on August 11th by Mike Bennett.
One wants to try it in an Oxford Tube Astromega used o n two rush hour S5
Express services every weekday. Ed.
SCO 15754 in Bicester having left the new stops
again on August 11th by Mike Bennett.
Thames Travel Solo SR 720 on route 23 in
Bicester on August 11th by Mike Bennett.
Grayline's OV51OOA on route 21 in Bicester on
August 11th by Mike Bennett.
It is interesting to see its sister now with
Marchants shown below.
Marchants ex Grayline-Bicester OV51OOC on route
J in Cheltenham on July 5th by Dave Ballantyne.
From Richard Morgan
"Pictures of an ex COMS Plaxton Verde (624) taken at Arriva's depot at MK last Saturday, July 27th."
MKDONS N624FJO on July 27th 2013 by Richard
Morgan.
"The Swindon ‘Safety’ bus is former Sullivan Buses Leyland Olympian/ECW G298
UYK. It is based at Swindon Fire Station. Is this a bus that you can recall
in service in London?
I see that it bears the logo of the Government office for the South West!
Pictures by Marcus Lapthorn.
From
John Bristow.
I have at last managed to visit the 'new' Wycombe bus station so to celebrate I attach a shot of a Carousel Primo 751 taken on 7 August. (These are almost unknown in Swansea).
The second shot is of a gaggle of 'Borismasters'
I came across at Hampstead Heath terminus, taken on
and TGM
From Luke Braham
22/8
The Sapphire route 280 spares entered service towards the end of last week.
They are 5454/5 SN58 EOA/B that have recently transferred into Aylesbury
from Hemel Hempstead. One the inside they are to Sapphire standard but have
no picture below the staircase and are in normal Arriva fleet livery. I have
included in this email pictures of them both.
Another Sapphire with damage is 5452 SN58 ENX. 5453 SN58 ENY was the one
parked in the Wycombe depot last week so its good to see that back in
service.
Sapphire spares 5454/5 SN58 EOA/B are in service but the destination on 5454
does not like the camera. I have sent a picture of 5454.
5455 is to Sapphire standard but are in Arriva
livery as a spare for the 280 along with 5454. I don't think they have the
pictures on the side of the staircase though. I saw 5454 on the 280 and 50
in Aylesbury today.
Arriva the Shires 5454 SN58 EOA was operating route 50.
Since I have been away a few things have happened at Arriva Aylesbury.
5156 S156 KNK and 5940 P613 CAY have transferred to Milton
Keynes and 5148 S148 KNK is now parked in ‘death row’ at the Aylesbury
depot.
Sapphire route 280 5435 SN58 EOG has returned to Blackburn Bus and Coach
World for a repaint.
2061
YX04 GBF was towed into the Aylesbury depot on the afternoon of 1st
September.
06/09
Today in Aylesbury I noticed Arriva the Shires Sapphire spare 5455 SN58 EOB
coming back into Aylesbury Bus Station having done the 150 school run to
Cottesloe School in Wing only and does not continue to Milton Keynes.
The Wright Eclipse 2’s for Arriva the Shires are to be shared between Luton
and Hemel Hempstead depots and will be numbered
3962-74. I’m just hoping some of Hemel’s come to
Aylesbury on Hemel’s workings of the 500.
Arriva the Shires 3745 AE56 MBV is seen operating route 31.
Arriva the Shires 3921 BK58URO is seen operating route 300.
From Bernard Lewendon
At Arriva 2496, one of their Solos, has had a repaint and now looks very
smart and shiny in the latest livery.
It was new in 2008 so this will have been its first repaint. 2497 will
presumably follow soon.
Still in service in the earlier colours with more white are now down to just
three. 3214, 3216 and 5162. They are R or S registered so a repaint at this
late date is unlikely.
| Arriva the Shires at High Wycombe | |||
| Fleet allocation | |||
| 1996 | |||
| 3821 | N521 MJO | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | withdrawn |
| 3822 | N522 MJO | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | withdrawn |
| SC3431 | P431 HVX | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | withdrawn |
| 1997 | |||
| 3181 | P181 SRO | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer | withdrawn |
| 3214 | R214 GMJ | Dennis Dart / Plaxton Pointer | |
| 3444 | R204 VPU | DAF SB220 / Plaxton Prestige | |
| 3520 | R809 WJA | Dennis Dart SLF / UVG UrbanStar | withdrawn |
| 3852 | R372 TWR | Volvo B10B / Wright Endurance s/e | withdrawn |
| 1998 | |||
| 3216 | S216 XPP | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | |
| 3217 | S217 XPP | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | |
| 5147 | S147 KNK | Volvo Olympian / N.C.Palatine ll | |
| 5151 | S151 KNK | Volvo Olympian / N.C.Palatine ll | |
| 5162 | S651 KJU | Volvo Olympian / N.C. Palatine | |
| 1999 | |||
| 3226 | V421 DGT | Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 | |
| 3261 | V261 HBH | Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown | |
| 4429 | S429 MCC | DAF SB220 / Plaxton Prestige | |
| 4490 | T490 KGB | DAF SB220 / Plaxton Prestige | |
| 2000 | |||
| 3307 | W134 XRO | Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown | |
| 3308 | W136 XRO | Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown | |
| 3309 | W137 XRO | Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown | |
| 3310 | W138 XRO | Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown | |
| 3452 | W452 XKX | Volvo B10BLE / Alexander ALX300 | |
| 3454 | W454 XKX | Volvo B10BLE / Alexander ALX300 | |
| 3457 | W457 XKX | Volvo B10BLE / Alexander ALX300 | |
| 3458 | W458 XKX | Volvo B10BLE / Alexander ALX300 | |
| 3482 | W482 YGS | D. Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer MPD | |
| 6300 | Y524 UGC | DAF SB250 / Alexander ALX400 | |
| 6301 | Y501 UGC | DAF SB250 / Alexander ALX400 | |
| 6302 | Y502 UGC | DAF SB250 / Alexander ALX400 | |
| 6303 | Y503 UGC | DAF SB250 / Alexander ALX400 | |
| 6304 | Y504 UGC | DAF SB250 / Alexander ALX400 | |
| 2001 | |||
| 4529 | LJ51 DFA | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4530 | LJ51 DFC | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4531 | LJ51 DFD | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4532 | LJ51 DFE | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 2002 | |||
| 4516 | KE51 PVK | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4517 | KL52 CWJ | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 2003 | |||
| 3837 | KE53 NEU | Transbus Dart / Mini Pointer | |
| 3838 | KE53 NFA | Transbus Dart / Mini Pointer | |
| 3839 | KE53 NFC | Transbus Dart / Mini Pointer | |
| 4519 | KE03 OUN | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4520 | KE03 OUP | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 4525 | KE53 OUM | DAF SB120 / WrightBus Cadet | |
| 2005 | |||
| 3701 | KE55 CKU | VDL SB120 / Wrightbus Cadet 2 | |
| 3702 | KE55 CKO | VDL SB120 / Wrightbus Cadet 2 | |
| 3703 | KE55 CKP | VDL SB120 / Wrightbus Cadet 2 | |
| 3861 | KE05 FMX | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3862 | KE05 FMV | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3863 | KE05 GOH | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3864 | KE05 FMU | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3865 | KE05 FMP | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3866 | KE05 FMO | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 3867 | KE05 FMM | Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban | |
| 2006 | |||
| 3741 | AE06 OPG | Man 14.220 / MCV Evolution | |
| 3742 | AE06 XRM | Man 14.220 / MCV Evolution | |
| 3743 | AE56 MBF | Man 14.220 / MCV Evolution | |
| 3744 | AE56 MBU | Man 14.220 / MCV Evolution | |
| 3745 | AE56 MBV | Man 14.220 / MCV Evolution | |
| 2008 | |||
| 2496 | YK57 FHH | Optare Solo M950 | |
| 2497 | YK57 FHJ | Optare Solo M950 | |
| August 2013 | |||
Just one correction (Thanks to Nigel).
At the Arriva garage in Lincoln Road today I noticed that the Southern
Counties bus, 3431 has been removed.
Also I could not see 3520, the long-time withdrawn Urbanstar so perhaps that
has also gone.
In the workshops it was possible to see the rear ends of two buses not seen
here previously.
(Good thing that I took my binoculars).
They are 3282 V282 HBH a Plaxton SLF with MPD body, and 4368 W368 XKX a DAF
SB3000 with Plaxton Prima Interurban body, now a driver training vehicle.
Also noted was the crew shuttle taxi FX4 P564 SYF. It has not been around
for several weeks and it looks as though it has had a repaint.
Arriva 4525 on route 40 at Stokenchurch on
September 3rd by Gavin Francis
Arriva 5439 with non working blinds on route 280
in Oxford and September 10th by Gavin Francis
Arriva 5454 on route 280 in New Rd, Oxford on
August 23rd by Gavin Francis.
Arriva DLA1 trainer in London on August 28th by
Gavin Francis.
Arriva Green Line 4377 on the 757 turns onto
Elizabeth Bridge on August 30th by Gavin Francis.
Arriva Green Line 4377 on the 757 with new flash
branding at the London Terminus on September 11th by Gavin Francis.
Now an unusual sight was Arriva 2496 on the 40
in Stokenchurch on September 5th by Malcolm Crowe.
Arriva Sightseeing DAF DLP246, seen in this
livery on August 14th by Malcolm Crowe.
Thanks to Bernard Lewendon we have a current fleet list for Carousel.
| Carousel Buses, High Wycombe. | ||
| 1989 | ||
| 923 | G530 VBB | Leyland Olympian / N. Counties |
| 924 | G534 VBB | Leyland Olympian / N. Counties |
| 1991 | ||
| 925 | H554 GKX | Leyland Olympian / Leyland |
| 926 | H556 GKX | Leyland Olympian / Leyland withdrawn |
| 927 | H563 GKX | Leyland Olympian / Leyland |
| 1997 | ||
| 561 | P423 MLE | D. Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2 Withdrawn |
| 928 | R267 LGH | Volvo Olympian / N. Counties Palatine 1 |
| 929 | R269 LGH | Volvo Olympian / N. Counties Palatine 1 |
| 930 | R270 LGH | Volvo Olympian / N. Counties Palatine 1 |
| 931 | R287 LGH | Volvo Olympian / N. Counties Palatine 1 |
| 1999 | ||
| 101 | T101 DBW | Dennis Trident 2 / Alexander ALX400 |
| 2002 | ||
| 918 | PN02 XBZ | Volvo B7TL / East Lancs Vyking |
| 919 | PN02 XCA | Volvo B7TL / East Lancs Vyking |
| 920 | PN02 XCK | Volvo B7TL / East Lancs Vyking |
| 921 | PN02 XCS | Volvo B7TL / East Lancs Vyking |
| 922 | PNO2 XCT | Volvo B7TL / East Lancs Vyking |
| 2003 | ||
| 871 | CB51 BUS | Mercedes Benz Citaro |
| 872 | CB53 BUS | Mercedes Benz Citaro |
| 415 | AF53 GCX | MAN 14.220 / M.C.V. Stirling |
| 416 | AF53 GCY | MAN 14.220 / M.C.V. Stirling |
| 417 | AF53 GCZ | MAN 14.220 / M.C.V. Stirling |
| 2006 | ||
| 801 | C1 WYC | Optare Tempo |
| 802 | C2 WYC | Optare Tempo |
| 803 | C3 WYC | Optare Tempo |
| 804 | YJ56 WUD | Optare Tempo |
| 805 | YJ56 WUE | Optare Tempo |
| 806 | YJ56 WVS | Optare Tempo |
| 807 | YJ56 WVT | Optare Tempo |
| 808 | YJ56 WVU | Optare Tempo |
| 809 | YJ56 WVV | Optare Tempo |
| 2007 | ||
| 751 | YX07 HNO | Enterprise Plasma / Plaxton Primo |
| 752 | YX07 HPJ | Enterprise Plasma / Plaxton Primo |
| 753 | RK07 BNF | Enterprise Plasma / Plaxton Primo |
| 2010 | ||
| 420 | RX60 DLY | MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 |
| 421 | RX60 DLZ | MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 |
| 422 | RX60 DME | MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 |
| 423 | RX60 DMF | MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 |
| 424 | RX60 FKF | MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 |
| 2012 | ||
| 873 | AE61 EWO | M.B. OC500U/ MCV Evolution |
| 874 | AE61 EWP | M.B. OC500U/ MCV Evolution |
| 875 | AE61 EWR | M.B. OC500U/ MCV Evolution |
| August 2013 | ||
From Bernard Lewendon
At Carousel there is a new arrival. Numbered 101 and straight from Thames
Travel at Oxford (??). Registration T101 DBW and it is a Dennis Trident 2
with Alexander ALX400 body.
It still retains side lettering listing the roads it would have travelled
whilst in Oxford.
Pictures by Bernard Lewendon
Picture by Malcolm Crowe on August 23rd.
From Luke Braham who visited High Wycombe recently.
Carousel 422 RX60 DME on route 1 arrives in High
Wycombe Bus Station on September 8th.
Carousel 422 RX60 DME in High Wycombe Bus Station
on September 8th.
From Gary Seamarks
Think this sign at First Northampton depot says it all !!!
Even in my short time since knowing of Northampton Transport this would have
seemed unthinkable in 1975 (my first number bashing visit to the town) Red
buses out numbered the Green. If anything going by what happened in
Maidstone when NBC pulled you could have seen UC pulling out with rural
services running from MK, Bedford, Wellingborough, Kettering etc and just a
small outstation in the county town. What on earth must former Transport
managers and drivers be thinking, First in Northampton or First out of town
??
R I P first Northampton ...
From Luke Braham who visited High Wycombe recently.
First Berkshire's Citaro ES 64045 looking less
than happy arrives in High Wycombe on the X74 on September 8th.
http://www.nationalexpress.com/
Epsom Coaches BU06CSO works service R21 to the
Reading Festival on August 22nd as seen by Gavin Francis.
I'm not sure if this isn't misrepresentation as the coaches pictured have never left the shores of the UK in National Express service?
SH17 was on the route on September 6th when Gavin Francis took these pictures.
A more regular performer since NEx took over is
SH141 seen at Stokenchurch on September 3rd by Gavin Francis.
It seems that Heathrow (Sipson Road) are short
of coaches hence the appearance of the tri-axles.
The two axle coaches have gone to Heathrow to
help out.
Epsom Coaches EP01, once in NEx livery now sports in house branding, in spite of being used on the 410 to Birmingham on
September 11th and pictured by Gavin Francis.
Another branding change is to that used on the 870 and 871 from Ireland as
seen in the picture above by Gavin Francis.
Graham Low
writes "OBC
Volvo B5LH 360 now has standard wheel trims - the first to be so treated I
think.
T
he company web site advises:
21 August 2013
Vehicles sold: 35/6 Holmeswood Coaches 6/13
38-40 BASE Ltd 6/13
42-6 Ensign, dealer 8/13
101 Thames Travel 8/13
13 March 2013
Vehicle reregistered: 300 to R12 OXF (3/13)
Vehicles sold: 105/6, 861 to Thames Travel (3/13)
Any pictures of the coaches in their new homes would be much appreciated.
James May sent some nice pictures of interest.
City of Oxford 119 (T119DBW) is pictured turning in Brockenhurst railway station car park. The 6 is operated as a BlueStar route but from Wilts & Dorset’s Lymington depot, and connects Lymington with Southampton. Therefore, the photo is of an Oxford Bus Company bus on loan to Wilts & Dorset operating a BlueStar route! Brockenhurst railway station is actually very good for bus photography – the Green and Blue New Forest tours pass through as well as route 6.
A shot of City of Oxford 113 (T113TBW) in Bournemouth town centre, along Gervis Place. It is pictured on an X1 heading for Lymington. The X1 and X2 were the main routes for the four Tridents allocated to Lymington earlier this year.
September 3rd and a message from Ant Poulton.
All six Tridents did indeed depart Go SouthCoast on the morning of Tuesday August 6th, presumably back to Oxford although their actual destination was not confirmed . . .
September 2nd and Luke Braham was on hand to see Oxford's coach routes on diversion.
"Due to problems on the M40 this morning (02/09/13) Oxford Bus Company’s
Airline and X90 services were on diversion through Aylesbury."
Oxford Bus Company 8 HF61 OXF is seen operating LHR in Aylesbury.
Oxford Bus Company 97 GG08 OXF is seen operating the X90 in Aylesbury.
Oxford Bus Company 98 HH08 OXF is seen operating the X90 in Aylesbury.
I didn’t see the Oxford Tube though.
Jamie Burrows wrote with an interesting picture.
I've attached a photograph of the ex. OBC Plaxton
Verde's which are still (just) in service with Damory Coaches of Dorset
(Part of Go-South Coast)
Still in operation with us are;
N602FJO: 5602 (ex 5090)
N606FJO: 5606 (ex 5091)
Until recently, all three were in regular service
in North Dorset on the Damory Coaches network. In September 2011, Damory
Coaches won a major contract with Dorset County Council, providing the
majority of the counties bus services and home to school contracts. With the
contract awarded, was the promise for low floor vehicles.
As history goes, the 3 ex Oxford Plaxton Verdes
B10B Volvo's (together with 3 ex Walls of Manchester DAF Ikarus buses)
replaced older Leyland Lynxes and Bristol LH's (I remember these new "modern
buses" taking over- I'm 23 years old).
The low floor modern replacements are now cascading
and are ex Solent Blue Line Wright Cadets and due shortly are Wilts & Dorset
Optare Excels.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41367583@N07/
As you can see from my photograph, N602/606 FJO
have both in past years received the 2-tone blue Damory livery. N616NRG has
never been repainted since it transferred in {2005?} and still wears the
turquoise Damory livery.
Also in
our fleet are several Oxford coaches.
OX 211 a Q BUSTER is seen on route 8 in High St on August 29th by Gavin
Francis.
This bus, when new, was used during the Omnibus Society's visit to Oxford.
Redline
Luke Braham keeps us up to date with happenings at Redline.
Three Alexander Dennis Enviro200’s have arrived for Redline Buses. They have
B29F seating and are registered MK63 XAR/S/T. They are for the Green Route 4
contract in Aylesbury as Redline taken over from Arriva the Shires on 1st
September.
Today changes to the Rainbow Routes in Aylesbury became visible and Redline
buses have took over the Green Route 4 service from Arriva the Shires. The
route now operates Between The Coppice, Aylesbury Town centre and the new
Berryfields Estate and operates every 20 minutes. It has a PVR of three bus
so Redline Buses have three brand new 63 plate Enviro200’s for the route.
They have free Wi-Fi and have B29F seating. They are registered MK63
XAR/S/T. They are seen on the first day of service in the pictures.
Redline Buses MK63 XAT is seen operating Green Route 4 on the first day in
service.
I think it will be interesting to see what buses Redline use as a substitute for these Enviro’s.
Thanks to
Luke Braham
Star Travel
Recently Anglian Bus have been selling on buses or transferring them to
Konect Bus due to Anglian Bus’s network revisions which started on the 2nd
September. One of the buses Anglian Bus has sold on is Optare Solo AU54 EOA
which was seen by myself in Aylesbury on the 8th September operating route 5
with Star Travel.
Luke Braham
Oxfordshire
New vehicles are being received and placed in service over the next couple of months. These are planned replacements for older Darts plus additional members to the fleet to satisfy the requirements of new contracts won.
These new services are the 700 service to Water Eaton and Kidlington, which is increased from that taken over from the now defunct R H Buses.
The 800 and 900 will serve Thornhill with services to The John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals as the map link below shows.
http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/hospitals/jr/find-us/documents/park-and-ride-map.pdf
Four new E200s will work the 800 and 900 routes and by December five new ADL E400 double decks will work the 700.
The new E200s for services 12, 14 and 16 are shown below.
36926 SN63MXY
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36927 SN63MXZ
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36928 SN63MYA
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36929 SN63MYB
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36930 SN63MYC
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36931 SN63MYD
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36932 SN63MYF
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
36933 SN63MYG
ADL Enviro 200
B38F
The arrival of these new buses will give Stagecoach in Oxfordshire one of the most modern fleets in the U.K.
SCO 36928 and 36927 on delivery at Horspath on August 16th by Gavin Francis.
SCO 12014 on route 2A starting from Broad St during St Giles Fair, seen on
September 11th by Gavin Francis.
SCO 12023 passing through the road works on St Aldates on August 13th by
Gavin Francis.
SCO 15434 on the 8 threading through St Aldates road works on August 12th by
Gavin Francis.
SCO 15762 most unusually works route 2A leaving from Debenhams on August
16th seen by Gavin Francis.
There is a regular duty by a Gold Bus on the 31 as seen by Scania 15834 in
St Aldates on September 4th by Gavin Francis.
One of the Elites used for nearly three years on the 737 paid a surprise
return visit from Dover.
53704 is seen at Horspath on September 10th by Gavin Francis.
22765 is seen in Broad Street on diversion during St Giles Fair by Gavin
Francis.
Darts 33654 and 33650 are now in reserve following the introduction of the
new E200s. Seen by Gavin Francis on September 5th.
SCO Scania 15437 on route 8 passes Headington Girls School on August 21st
taken by Malcolm Crowe.
Another Gold Bus working off route, 15754 works an X30 service to Wantage on
August 29th by Malcolm Crowe.
This one is seen by Gavin Francis on August 29th.
Midlands
Richard
Steve Burd kindly agreed to employ me as a casual driver for Special Events
so that I can drive the Bristol FLF.
It is seen leaving the soon to be replaced (demolished hopefully) Greyfriars Bus Station, recently listed in the top ten most hated buildings in the UK.
I just had to see the building before it goes !
The replacement bus station is taking shape, but seems to have fewer bays than the current building – we shall see.
North West and Cumbria
Trevor Wilson
writes "The
Stagecoach open top bus 16393 N393LPN now operating out of Fort William was
formerly with Stagecoach in Cumbria and operated open top services in the
Lake District. 16393 was originally supplied to Hampshire Bus.
It did spend a few weeks in Chester and Rock
Ferry earlier this year (along with 16294
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmc1947/8583609796/ )
after Stagecoach took over the First operations
in Chester and the Wirral http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmc1947/8583612262/
. Stagecoach withdrew ex London open top
Olympians and this bus was one of the stop gaps pending ex London Tridents
converted to open top.
I notice you covered the Stagecoach Gold new service in Devon.
There is also a new Stagecoach Gold service in Cumbria, started Monday 4th
August 2013, route 300 Whitehaven-Workington-Maryport-Wigton-Carlisle, one
bus per hour each way and has 4 new Scania double decks allocated to
Lillyhall depot.
Stagecoach is making a calculated bid to persuade
commuters between west Cumbria and Carlisle to switch to the bus.
It says that four new double deckers, purchased at
a cost of £650,000, offer standards of comfort and luxury never seen before
on a bus route in Cumbria.
Features include hand-stitched, high-backed
Lazzarini leather seats and free Wi-Fi.
They will enter service on the 300 route early next
month.
This provides an hour frequency – two-hourly on
Sundays – between Whitehaven and Carlisle via Distington, Workington,
Flimby, Maryport, Aspatria, Wigton and Thursby.
The buses will be branded ‘Stagecoach Gold’ and
finished a gold-and-blue livery.
A team of drivers will be dedicated to the route.
They have been getting extra training in customer
service in readiness for the launch.
Stagecoach also promises that the vehicles will be
subject to “a meticulous cleaning regime” as part of its strategy to
convince motorists that the bus is a realistic alternative to their cars.
Nigel Winter, managing director of Stagecoach in
Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “It is a real coup for Cumbria to be
chosen to receive these luxurious buses.
“Bus travel has come a long way in the past decade
and more and more people are realising that it is the more sustainable,
economically-friendly way to travel. You can even connect to the internet or
pick up your emails using the free on-board Wi-Fi.”
The buses will be based at Stagecoach’s Lillyhall
depot near Workington and are the first of their type to be deployed by the
company in the north of England.
Stagecoach will offer weekly tickets aimed at
commuters, offering unlimited travel from £3.71 a day.
The company saw off competition on the 300 route
earlier this year.
Wigton firm Reays launched a service between
Workington in Carlisle in January, only to withdraw it two months later when
the expected passenger numbers failed to materialise.
15431 (KX08KZA) is pictured in Bude strand, departing for Exeter on the X9.
The X9
was taken over from First last year when the North Devon operations were
closed down – there are three similar Enviros at Exeter
that
are predominantly used on the X9. It is pictured on 3rd August.
15433 (KX08KZF) is also pictured loading passengers along Bude strand on an
afternoon X9 arrival on 2nd August.
15864-WA62ANU-Holsworthy-on July 31st by James May.
GN13HHY is seen in Cornfield Road , Eastbourne 12/8/13
On 29/7/13 Renown took up route 297 ( Tunbridge Wells - Tenterden )
X965VAP is pictured in Tenterden High Street.
Stagecoach East Kent started new Routes 2/2a Ashford - Tenterden , and
operated a free service over the route on the first day,
using their Heritage AEC Regent V MFN946F, and is seen at The Vine,
Tenterden.
GX13FSP is seen in Willingdon Village on the 126 ( Seaford -
Eastbourne )
An Oxford Tube runs along the Embankment on its way from West Ham Garage to Victoria.
This was due to the closure of Sammy's for maintenance leaving no parking facilities for the park ups.
Photo by Robert Hall.
As mentioned in the Editorial above, Megabus received its ten new Altano coaches for continental services in July and August. By the time you read this they should be entering service replacing the Volvo B9/Panthers which launched services to Amsterdam and Paris from the U.K.
Gavin Francis was on hand to get some pictures of 55010 when it visited VCS on familiarisation training on September 5th.
A very fine addition to the Megabus stable.
SC Megabus 54206 and 50304 in Sammy's on September 4th by Gavin Francis. Ten
of each entered service over the past 12 months!
SC Megabus 50307 on the G6 by Victoria on August 12th by Gavin Francis.
SC Megabus 50232 runs round to VCS departures for the M11 service to
Aberdeen on August 12th by Gavin Francis.
SC City Link 54126
on Megabus duty
in Bulleid Way on August 25th by
Malcolm Crowe.
SC Megabus duty using Parks LSK844 on August 5th by Malcolm Crowe
Thamesdown
Stuart Curwen writes "Attached are few photos of the Ex-London United Scania Omnidekkas now in service with Thamesdown Transport
Full Details of the buses below
Fleet No - Reg - Name - Former London United Fleet number
371 - YN55NHD - Earl of Devon - SLE10
372 - YN55NHE - Earl of Dartmouth - SLE11
373 - YN55NHG - Earl of Plymouth - SLE13
374 - YN55NHH - City Of Exeter - SLE14
375 - YN55NHJ - River Tamar - SLE15
376 - YN55NHK - Duke of Cornwall - SLE16
377 - YN55NHL - Earl of St Germans - SLE17
378 - YN55NHM - Earl of Mount Edgcumbe - SLE18
379 - YN55NHO - City Of Truro - SLE19
Thamesdown 371 YN55NHD
Thamesdown 372 YN55NHE on September 3rd by Stuart Curwen.
M
ike Bennett writes "I was in the West Midlands in early August, and whilst in Wolverhampton Bus Station I saw Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart KP51 UFB, now 20544 in the fleet of Rotala Black Diamond, but formerly one of Thames Travel’s buses. It was in their fleet as number 551 until early 2008, when it was returned to Dawson Rentals, spending some time with Wessex Connect, before moving to the West Midlands.Last year at the same time I was in West Bromwich, when similar KP51 UFH was seen, now Black Diamond 20601, but previously with Thames Travel as its number 651."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
106 on the X39 in St Aldates on August 13th by
Gavin Francis.
109 on the 116 in Oxford con August 31st
by Gavin Francis.
718 on the 94 in Magdalen St East on August 12th
by Gavin Francis.
Z&S
From Luke Braham.
Z&S Buses have acquired six Ex–Metroline Plaxton Presidents from Ensign Bus for Milton Keynes contracts started yesterday (02/09/13). They are registered LR02 BBO/Z, BCU/F, BDO/F. LR02 BCU is seen in the picture taken on the evening of 03/09/13 after working the 12 in Milton Keynes.
Wright Streetlite MX11 JYV is also with Z&S Buses but I do not know if it is a loan vehicle or not.
Oxford Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Why do we need a LEZ?
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has been introduced to encourage the uptake of cleaner greener vehicles, leading to reductions in pollution emissions and improved air quality.
How did we decide we needed a LEZ?
Oxford City Council, together with Oxfordshire County Council have developed the LEZ over a number of years, including assessments highlighting the need to reduce the impact of vehicle generated emissions. A joint City-County feasibility study identified the process leading to the development of the LEZ, including consultation with the Bus Operators.
Which vehicles are affected?
All local bus services within the streets affected must be operated exclusively by buses whose engines meet the Euro V emission standard (for nitrogen oxides (NOx)), either as a new engine or a vehicle that has been retrofitted with equipment to reduce emissions in order to achieve the Euro V standard (for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)).
When does the LEZ apply?
The LEZ is applicable from 1 January 2014.
How is the LEZ enforced?
The Traffic Commissioner has issued a Traffic Regulation Condition (TRC) that applies to the licence of bus operators providing services in central Oxford. The full text of the TRC as published by the Traffic Commissioner can be viewed (from page 21) in TRC document below:
Traffic
Regulation Condition (430kB
PDF)
Local enforcement of the TRC is explained in the Bus Operator Guidance
Full details are available at the link below.
http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decEH/OxfordLowEmissionZone.htm
Trips
Luke Braham
writes "I went on holiday to Paignton but I end up taking a couple of bus pictures in Torquay while I was away. I include a picture of ex-Oxford 18132 KN04 XJG at Torquay with Hop 11 branding on Stagecoach livery.
This route is soon to be challenged by Stagecoach who are introducing Gold buses in competition!
http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/Timetables/X80.pdf
http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/Timetables/12A.pdf
http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/Timetables/12A.pdf
loading in Torquay for Dawlish Warren on Sunday August 25th taken by Luke Braham.
http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/Timetables/11.pdf
These taken by Luke Braham on August 30th 2013.
http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/Timetables/31.pdf
Gavin Francis visited Bracknell on September 3rd and sent a number of pictures, those of Courtney very interesting as Glenn de Sousa has reported on this company but that does not indicate the livery variations which make for a colourful sight.
Arriva have a service from High Wycombe but the advertised journey was a no show during Gavin's visit.
First operate there and Gavin saw the new Volvos on route 75.
Finally Thames Travel were recorded on service as shown below. They are certainly spreading their wings now!
Events - Running Days
Hemel Hempstead
Clive King
writes "RT3491 resumes its run round to pick up for a journey to Gadebridge at the Hemel Hempstead Running Day on Sunday 18 August.
History
Matt Bullock
Byles,
Kidlington
|
Reg |
Chassis |
Chassis No. |
Bodywork & Seating |
Body No. |
Year |
Acq |
Previous Owner |
Wdn |
Subsequent Owner |
Notes |
|
RUD 511G |
BMC 250JU |
10099 |
BMC M12 |
1968 |
10/68 |
New |
2/69 |
Sparks, Padworth 5/69 |
||
|
LFC 938G |
Ford Transit |
BC05HT50647 |
Williams Deansgate M12 |
1969 |
3/69 |
New |
12/72 |
Unknown |
||
|
MTM 937H |
Ford Transit |
BC05JB47170 |
Martin Walter M12 |
1969 |
8/69 |
New |
7/71 |
Sullivan & White, Bicester 7/71 |
||
|
MNE 221G |
Ford Transit |
BC05HT56053 |
Williams Deansgate M12 |
1969 |
3/71 |
Young, London N9 |
3/72 |
Martin, Marlow 5/72 |
||
|
WWL 801K |
Ford Transit |
BC05LP54044 |
Luton Commercial Motors M12 |
1972 |
5/72 |
New |
4/75 |
Kilsby, Flore 5/75 |
||
|
MUD 401L |
Ford Transit |
BC05MD56164 |
Moseley Envoy M12 |
231 |
1973 |
1/73 |
New |
5/80 |
Scrapped 1/81 |
|
|
VRB 283F |
Bedford J2SZ10 |
7T103679 |
Plaxton Panorama C20F |
688616 |
1968 |
5/74 |
Stone, Church Gresley |
5/75 |
Renton, Oldham 6/75 |
|
|
GER 333E |
Bedford VAS5 |
7833149 |
Duple Bella Vista C29F |
1121/21 |
1967 |
5/75 |
Aspen, Chester |
2/77 |
Mott, Upton 2/77 |
|
|
NAD 293F |
Daimler Roadliner SRC6 |
36269 |
Plaxton Panorama C47F |
689358 |
1967 |
2/76 |
Mace, Churchdown |
9/76 |
Cove, London SE25 9/76 |
|
|
YBY 969G |
Ford R192 |
BC04HS46962 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite I C45F |
692685 |
1969 |
11/76 |
Fairway, Biggleswade |
1/79 |
Eastville, Bristol 1/79 |
|
|
XGR 262L |
Bedford YRQ |
CW452887 |
Duple Dominant C45F |
266/47 |
1973 |
12/78 |
Barron, Hull |
5/82 |
Clowes, Reapsmoor 5/82 |
|
|
CVC 2C |
Bedford VAL14 |
1906 |
Plaxton Panorama C52F |
669308 |
1965 |
11/79 |
Bates, Rothwell |
6/80 |
Blunsdon, Bladon 6/80 |
|
|
NRO 258V |
Ford Transit |
BDVVWU459480 |
Tricentrol M12 |
1980 |
5/80 |
New |
7/83 |
Willoughby & Harris, Freeland 7/83 |
||
|
JKV 102N |
Bedford YRT |
EW452936 |
Duple Dominant C53F |
517/2403 |
1975 |
4/81 |
Smith, Potterspury |
10/82 |
Brown, Congleton 10/82 |
|
|
OKY 73R |
Bedford YMT |
GW454393 |
Duple Dominant II C53F |
717/2451 |
1977 |
4/82 |
Murgatroyd, Thurscross |
4/87 |
Clarke, Elmswell 6/90 |
to 102 SYB 4/87, DFC 932R 6/90 |
|
UAY 222S |
Bedford YMT |
GW453073 |
Duple Dominant II C53F |
717/2481 |
1977 |
9/82 |
Howlett, Quorn |
2/89 |
Eaglen, Morton 3/90 |
|
|
MYB 395 |
Bedford YMT |
KW451270 |
Duple Dominant IV C53F |
117/2639 |
1981 |
5/90 |
Britton & Bugler, Yate |
5/99 |
ACL Training, Liverpool 5/99 |
NJT 122W |
|
PIW 5455 |
Bova Europa EL26/581 |
2121 |
Bova Europa C49FT |
1711 |
1983 |
5/99 |
Alfa, Chieveley |
1/02 |
Ellison, Ashton Keynes 1/02 |
EGV 587Y, 5611 PP, FUA 400Y |
Blunsdon, Bladon
|
Reg |
Chassis |
Chassis No. |
Bodywork & Seating |
Body No. |
Year |
Acq |
Previous Owner |
Wdn |
Subsequent Owner |
Notes |
|
BVO 7C |
AEC Reliance 4U3RA |
4U3RA5861 |
Harrington Cavalier 36 C51F |
3156 |
1965 |
2/77 |
Premier Travel, Cambridge 242 |
5/78 |
Coaches, Catshill 5/78 |
|
|
UOM 709H |
AEC Reliance 6U3ZR |
6U3ZR7488 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite II C51F |
708973 |
1970 |
12/77 |
Bowen, Birmingham |
9/80 |
Gateway, Tingewick 9/80 |
|
|
MEL 964F |
Bedford VAM70 |
7T451237 |
Duple Viceroy 36 C45F |
1215/152 |
1968 |
5/78 |
D&P, Belper |
3/80 |
Golden Boy, Royden 3/80 |
|
|
BXE 285J |
Bedford YRQ |
0T482087 |
Duple Viceroy C45F |
227/6 |
1971 |
5/78 |
Gentle, Ashwell |
8/79 |
Avon AHA, Frenchay (N) 8/79 |
|
|
JFB 496H |
Leyland Leopard PSU3/3RT |
7001416 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite II C53F |
709115 |
1970 |
11/78 |
Down, Mary Tavy |
3/84 |
Lockside, Castleford (N) 5/84 |
|
|
JNK 555N |
Bedford YRT |
EW451018 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite III C53F |
7511TC036 |
1975 |
3/80 |
Jupiter, London SW14 |
9/83 |
Bagnall, Woodville 9/84 for spares |
Damaged in accident in 9/83 |
|
CVC 2C |
Bedford VAL14 |
1906 |
Plaxton Panorama C52F |
669308 |
1965 |
6/80 |
Byles, Kidlington |
10/80 |
Matthews, Cwmbran 1/81 |
|
|
KVD 448P |
Bedford YRT |
EW453155 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite III C53F |
7511TC107M |
1975 |
10/80 |
Trina, London WC2 |
4/88 |
Martin & Whitcombe, Cross Ash 4/88 |
|
|
UFX 97L |
Bedford YRT |
CW453052 |
Plaxton Panorama Elite III C53F |
733336 |
1973 |
2/81 |
Hoare, Weymouth |
1/88 |
Tourex, Oxford 3/88 |
|
|
ELP 553T |
Bedford YMT |
JW452060 |
Plaxton Supreme III C53F |
7911TC123 |
1979 |
3/84 |
Kirby, High Wycombe |
4/96 |
Williams, Bampton 4/96 |
to RJI 6612 2/94 |
|
SFC 2T |
Bedford YMT |
JW450803 |
Plaxton Supreme III C53F |
7911TC100 |
1979 |
11/86 |
Telford, Highworth |
4/90 |
Sanders, Holt 4/90 |
|
|
CRW 513T |
Bedford YMT |
HW455362 |
Plaxton Supreme III C53F |
7911TC010 |
1979 |
1/88 |
Rainbow, Westbury |
3/95 |
Burke, Claretuam, 3/95 |
to RJI 6610 2/94 |
|
AWB 809T |
Bedford YMT |
HW457167 |
Plaxton Supreme III C53F |
7911TC108 |
1979 |
4/88 |
Freeman, Uffington |
4/96 |
Thompson, Carterton 4/96 |
to RJI 6611 2/94 |
|
G859 VAY |
Dennis Javelin 11SDL1905 |
11SDL1905/372 |
Plaxton Paramount 3200 III C53F |
8911HAA0760 |
1989 |
12/89 |
New |
2/08 |
Wigley, Carlton (D) 4/09 for scrap |
|
|
G639 SWL |
DAF SB2305DHTD585 |
318918 |
Duple 340 C57F |
8882/1038 |
1989 |
4/96 |
Pearce, Berinsfield |
2/97 |
Lewis, Maenclochog 2/97 |
|
|
F459 NDV |
Dennis Javelin 12SDA1907 |
12SDA1907/349 |
Plaxton Paramount 3200 III C53F |
8812DAP3C039 |
1989 |
2/97 |
Dorset Queen, East Chaldon |
10/05 |
Lodge, High Easter 4/06 |
|
|
J245 MFP |
Dennis Javelin 12SDA1929 |
12SDA1929/580 |
Plaxton Paramount 3200 III C53F |
9012HDA2003 |
1992 |
11/99 |
Hedingham & District L234 |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
N8 HMC |
Dennis Javelin 12SDA2171 |
12SDA2171/1415 |
Auwarter Transliner C50FT |
5001592 |
1996 |
9/02 |
Ellison, Ashton Keynes |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
P639 OOA |
Dennis Javelin |
SFD531BR3TGJ61875 |
Auwarter Transliner C49FT |
3000010 |
1997 |
4/04 |
Collins, Carrickmacross |
2/08 |
Glenferry, Passage West, 6/08 |
97-MN 1126 |
|
PIW 5455 |
Bova Europa EL26/581 |
2121 |
Bova Europa C53F |
1711 |
1983 |
4/05 |
Ellison, Ashton Keynes |
3/06 |
Smith, Long Marston 3/06 |
EGV 587Y, 5611 PP, FUA 400Y |
|
R421 YWJ |
Dennis Javelin |
SFD731BR3TGJ21845 |
Plaxton Premiere 320 C53F |
9712HFM6043 |
1998 |
10/05 |
National Express Operations 1015 |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
R9 BJT |
Dennis Javelin |
SFD721BR3VGJ22027 |
Plaxton Premiere 320 C55F |
9712HFM6904 |
1997 |
12/06 |
Brijan Tours, Bishops Waltham 29 |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
S9 BJT |
Dennis Javelin |
SFD721BR3WGJE2167 |
Plaxton Premiere 320 C53F |
9812GHM9474 |
1999 |
12/06 |
Brijan Tours, Bishops Waltham 39 |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
DXI 74 |
Hestair Duple 425 SDA1512 |
SDA1512/066 |
Duple 425 C50FT |
8785/0626 |
1988 |
9/07 |
Helmore, Paignton |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
E572 BGA |
|
W411 HOB |
Mercedes-Benz O.404-15R |
WEB618135-21-092543 |
Hispano Vita C49FT |
084043 |
2000 |
2/08 |
Spencer, Ellistown |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
|
S455 JJB |
Mercedes-Benz O.404-15R |
WEB618135-21-089062 |
Hispano Vita C48FT |
084021 |
1998 |
3/09 |
Three Star, Luton |
9/09 |
Blunsdon, Bicester 9/09 |
|
If any of you readers can provide any additions, corrections or further info
it would be of great interest to me. I'm keen to receive info (vehicle
details, company history etc) on all Oxfordshire operators, most especially
pre-1960s. A bit of a long-shot, I know, but you never know! If anyone has
anything they can send to
theoxforddrinker@yahoo.co.uk
and I'd be most grateful.
A reader has a question saying
"one query with a caption and it relates to some
F-KOD registered Mercedes that were new to TT but subsequently sent to Devon
where they retained their
Oxford blue livery and had Coastllnk vinyls placed on the sides for the
Exeter - Dawlish - Teignmouth - Newton Abbot service.
I was with the company when they were new but had left by the time they were
transferred to Exeter. I have a note that these vehicles has semi luxury
seats for use on the Oxford Tube (!) but not sure if
they ever were. Maybe it was for a feeder to the Tube from Witney or High
Wycombe in those days
dated 15th June 1999
15th June 1999
All pictures by
Michael Wadman
I have been re-reading Paul Lacey's South Midland history and find myself admiring the development of a small private company in 1921 to a pseudo big company in latter days, always providing the latest designs of coaches in a livery which approximated to the very large operators.
http://www.paullaceytransportbooks.co.uk/
On a city tour ex an Oxford Park & Ride Trident passes a backdrop of
college buildings.
taken by Gavin Francis
http://www.londonreconnections.com/2013/in-pictures-the-imber-buses/
London General Olympian NV171 open top on the 850 service on September 4th taken by Gavin Francis.
Taylors come from Yeovil and celebrate 50 years of service.
Dave Allen took some very nice shots of the RT class working the Wartime Tour of London.
Links & Publications
Mike Penn's interesting web site for pictures
You might be interested to know that I have now uploaded 268 photos taken in
Beds, Bucks and Herts in the year 2000 to my website -
http://166emj.piwigo.com/index?/category/50-beds_bucks_and_herts_photographs_2000
One of the
major events of the year was the purchase by Arriva the Shires of the City
of Oxford operation in High Wycombe on December 13th. Two days later, as can
be seen from the photographs, vehicles had received Arriva The Shires fleet
names and legal lettering but retained their Oxford fleet numbers.
The other
major event was the enforced sale of the Lutonian operation by Arriva the
Shires.
Both Arriva
The Shires and Arriva East Herts & Essex continued to repaint vehicles into
Arriva livery though there were still many in previous liveries.
Elsewhere in
the region M K Metro continued their policy of purchasing various
interesting secondhand vehicles. Some of these came from Border Buses – the
company in Lancashire that M K Metro had bought.
Buffalo
Travel continued to run but Seamarks were taken over by Dunn-Line early in
the year.
Many other
independents are also represented.
Mike Penn
A copy of the latest book from Steven Knight has landed on my desk for review. The book contains full details of the Stagecoach Midlands fleet and is well worth the modest price of £5.50, especially since an update of the fleet can be downloaded at the web site. Allocation details are given plus details of liveries carried by buses and the associated branding where applicable.
This takes me back to the early days of Ian Allan when such books were available and as pocket books were so useful. Also each edition represents a record of the fleets which in the future can be so useful.
Specialist booklets for the bus enthusiast and historian
Check out the link below for copies of these books
http://www.stevenknightmedia.com/
BUSFLIX TRANSPORT DVD's on the web
http://www.busflixfilms.co.uk/
This review covers a 53 minute video of Oxfordshire and includes Abingdon, Oxford City Centre, Bicester and Banbury. It features buses from Thames Travel, Stagecoach, OxfordBus, Heyfordian and Tappins.
For those who haven't the time to assemble video, many of us are taking still pictures!!, this provides a current record of the local scene and at £10 represents good value for money.
THE FINAL
VOLUME IS
SO
RETAIL
PRICE £25
ORDER NOW
FOR £20+ £3
p&p
This final installment of the
4-volume 800-page history of the Thames Valley Traction Co. Ltd. brings the
story to its conclusion on the last day of 1971.
All route developments and changes
to the fleet are fully detailed, along with special appendices for the
service vehicle fleet, garages and out-stations, a route map, garage
allocations and working arrangements.
Profusely illustrated with 548
monochrome half-tone illustrations and a full-colour section of 45 photos,
this provides a very comprehensive history of this interesting decade,
including the numerous secondhand vehicles acquired during those years.
Demand will be high, so
order now from: Paul Lacey, 17
Sparrow Close
Woosehill, Wokingham, Berkshire,
RG41 3HT
If you are local and wish to
collect please call me on 0118 979 4097
A Guy Arab on the Oxford service and seen at Gloucester Green.
One of the constituent companies was Denham's.
Apart from the archaic Leylands, the company ran some AEC Regals after the
war.
These were rebodied with ECOC/ECW bodies purchased from North Western Road
Car, Stockport via dealers.
They had been new in 1936 on Bristol Jo5G chassis which were rebodied with
Brush bodies in 1946 to a similar design.
Your Editor must have travelled on one of these buses, when in NWRCC
service, as a small boy.
They would have doubtless run on service to Highclere, now well known as the
house is featured in Downton Abbey.
17 Sparrow Close
Woosehill
Wokingham
Berkshire RG41 3HT.