Spottings & Jottings
Issue nr. 13 - 30th November 2009
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Welcome to issue number 13 which is more to the schedule I planned. As ever there is much to interest readers with pictures many of which have been provided by Gavin Francis, Richard Sharman and other contributors.
I was pleased to receive a number of e-mails saying how much many of you enjoyed my report on working the NEx 444 service a few weeks ago and I am hoping to have more reports on outings which is something many of you like.
The Christmas decorations are now
going up as we now have less than one month to Christmas Day.
How quickly the time seems to go, is it almost the end of 2009.
Above we see Oxford Bus 819 on the 15 to Wood Farm slowly moving along Queen
Street.
Picture by Richard Sharman.
I read an interesting piece in the latest Route One which was talking about the new trailers in use on Megabus double deck services between Scotland and London. Trailer company Ifor Williams based in Corwen, Denbighshire, North Wales met the requirement by Stagecoach for a six feet long trailer to replace the eight feet versions in use. This was needed to meet the length limit of 17.8 metres presently allowed in the UK and set by the length of the new Van Hool Astromega coaches which are 0.5 metres longer than the previously used Neoplans.
One of the new trailers seen coupled to Astromega 50230 in Bullied Way, London
on 18th October 2009.
Picture by Gavin Francis.
I find, as I am sure many others do, that the "web" is a constant source of information and surprises and this last week proved the point in a rather strange way. I had a request from a reader "did I know if there were any Optare Aleros for sale". I had earlier responded that maybe Route One might provide an answer and left it at that. Last Friday I was driving my present favourite coach, DAF L99SGB which is still on hire to us for the 737, and suffered the indignity of a breakdown near Hemel Hempstead, when the suspension arm flipped over causing the coach to lean heavily to the right with speed restricted to 20 mph. Unfortunately for the passengers on their way to Luton, Hatfield and Stansted alternative transport had to be found. This turned out to be a succeeding 707 service which took everyone to Luton. I then repaired to the local McDonalds in Hemel Hempstead to await a fitter who would arrive some hours later. I opened my laptop and looked up South Gloucestershire Bus and lo and behold their fleet list included three Aleros for sale. I e-mailed the person searching for same and he had contacted SGB by that evening. I slotted back into my service at Hemel Hempstead when the A2B Irizar PB tri-axle arrived from Luton and Stansted with my passengers.
My favourite L99SGB seen early one morning in November at The Galleria,
Hatfield.
One for Buses in the Landscape.
Picture by M Crowe, 21st November 2009.
One sometimes misses what is right under ones nose. I had not noticed that this local cafe pays tribute to the days of London Transport in High Wycombe.
Bridge Street Cafe in High Wycombe displays affinity to the bus!
Picture by M Crowe.
Buses in the Landscape
Lincoln, Stagecoach style with the Cathedral as a backdrop
by John Marsh.
Once again my thanks to all my readers, many of whom send me such pleasant notes on the work which goes into each edition of the OCBP.
Spottings
Wycombe depot allocation as at November 2009
Recently arrived from Norton Green, Stevenage, this Volvo B10BLE with Alexander
ALX300 bodywork looks smart in the new standard bus livery of Arriva.
I think someone may have forgotten to change the destination!
Picture by Gavin Francis.
2401 | YJ57EKF | Optare Versa 11.0m | Optare V1110 | B38F | Orange | WB | |
2402 | YJ57EKG | Optare Versa 11.0m | Optare V1110 | B38F | Orange | WB | |
2496 | YK57FHH | Optare Solo M950 | Optare | B33F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
2497 | YK57FHJ | Optare Solo M950 | Optare | B33F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3117 | M717OMJ | Volvo B6-50 | Northern Counts Paladin | B40F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3127 | M727OMJ | Volvo B6-50 | Northern Counts Paladin | B40F | Arriva InterUrb | WB u | |
3128 | M728OMJ | Volvo B6-50 | Northern Counts Paladin | B40F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3137 | L43MEH | Volvo B6-50 | Plaxton Pointer | B40F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Stevensons of Uttoxeter 43 |
3143 | N693EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B51F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
3144 | N694EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3145 | N695EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3146 | N696EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B51F | Blue/Cream 32 | WB | |
3158 | N708EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B49F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3162 | N712EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B49F | Blue/Cream 32 | WB | |
3163 | N713EUR | Scania L113CRL | East Lancashire European | B49F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3181 | P181SRO | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer | B39F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3203 | R203RBM | Scania L113CRL | Northern Counts Paladin | B47F | Blue/Cream 32 | WB | |
3204 | R204RBM | Scania L113CRL | Northern Counts Paladin | B47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
3205 | R205RBM | Scania L113CRL | Northern Counts Paladin | B47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
3208 | R208GMJ | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer | B31F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3210 | R210GMJ | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer | B31F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3213 | R213GMJ | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer | B31F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3214 | R214GMJ | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer | B31F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3216 | S216XPP | Dennis Dart SLF/SFD322 | Plaxton Pointer 2 | B39F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3217 | S217XPP | Dennis Dart SLF/SFD322 | Plaxton Pointer 2 | B39F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3226 | V421DGT | Dennis Dart SLF | Plaxton Pointer 2 8.8m | B29F | Arriva Lon Red | WB | ex Arriva London North PDL1 |
3241 | R602WMJ | Volvo B6LE | Wright Crusader 10.2m | B38F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 602; listed as SVu |
3248 | R604WMJ | Volvo B6LE | Wright Crusader 10.2m | B38F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 604; listed as SVu |
3298 | R607WMJ | Volvo B6LE | Wright Crusader 10.2m | B38F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 607 |
3299 | R608CNM | Volvo B6LE | Wright Crusader 10.2m | B38F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 608; listed as SVu |
3452 | W452XKX | Volvo B10BLE | Alexander ALX300 | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3453 | W453XKX | Volvo B10BLE | Alexander ALX300 | B44F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
3454 | W454XKX | Volvo B10BLE | Alexander ALX300 | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3482 | W482YGS | Dennis Dart SLF MPD | Plaxton Pointer | B29F | Arriva Lon Red | WB | |
3701 | KE55CKU | DAF SB120 | Wright Cadet 10.8m | B39F | Light Grn P&R | WB | |
3702 | KE55CKO | DAF SB120 | Wright Cadet 10.8m | B39F | Light Grn P&R | WB | |
3703 | KE55CKP | DAF SB120 | Wright Cadet 10.8m | B39F | Light Grn P&R | WB | |
3821 | N521MJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 421 |
3822 | N522MJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 422 |
3824 | N524MJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 424 |
3825 | P525YJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 425 |
3826 | P526YJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 426 |
3827 | P527YJO | Dennis Dart SLF SFD212 | Plaxton Pointer | B36F | Arriva Red | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 427 |
3837 | KE53NEU | Dennis Dart SLF MPD | Plaxton Pointer | B24F | Arriva Lon Red | WB | |
3838 | KE53NFA | Dennis Dart SLF MPD | Plaxton Pointer | B24F | Arriva Lon Red | WB | |
3839 | KE53NFC | Dennis Dart SLF MPD | Plaxton Pointer | B24F | Arriva Lon Red | WB | |
3842 | N622FJO | Volvo B10B | Plaxton Verde | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 622 |
3843 | N623FJO | Volvo B10B | Plaxton Verde | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB u | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 625; accident |
3844 | N624FJO | Volvo B10B | Plaxton Verde | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 626 |
3849 | R369TWR | Volvo B10B | Wright Endurance | DP47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 169 |
3850 | R370TWR | Volvo B10B | Wright Endurance | DP47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 170 |
3851 | R371TWR | Volvo B10B | Wright Endurance | DP47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 171 |
3852 | R372TWR | Volvo B10B | Wright Endurance | DP47F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | Ex Blazefield Holdings Sovereign 172 |
3853 | N413NRG | Volvo B10B | Plaxton Verde | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 627 |
3854 | N414NRG | Volvo B10B | Plaxton Verde | B51F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex City of Oxford Motor Services 623 |
3861 | KE05FMX | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3862 | KE05FMV | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3863 | KE05GOH | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3864 | KE05FMU | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3865 | KE05FMP | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3866 | KE05FMO | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
3867 | KE05FMM | Volvo B7RLE | Wrightbus Eclipse Urban | B44F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
4429 | S429MCC | DAF SB220 | Plaxton Prestige | B42F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Arriva Cymru 2479 |
4490 | T490KGB | DAF SB220GS | Plaxton Prestige | B41F | Color/Arr Front | WB | Ex Arriva Scotland West 490 |
4491 | T494KGB | DAF SB220GS | Plaxton Prestige | B41F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Arriva Scotland West 494 |
5109 | G129YEV | Leyland Olympian ONCL10/2RZ | Northern Counties | H49/34F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Ensign & London Pride |
5110 | G130YEV | Leyland Olympian ONCL10/2RZ | Northern Counties | H49/34F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Ensign & London Pride |
5118 | G288UMJ | Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ | Leyland | H47/31F | Arriva Nat | WB w | |
5121 | G291UMJ | Leyland Olympian ONCL10/1RZ | Leyland | H47/31F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
5132 | H202GRO | Leyland Olympian ON2R50C12Z4 | Leyland | H47/29F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
5134 | G131YWC | Leyland Olympian ONCL10/2RZ | Northern Counties | H49/34F | Arriva Nat | WB | Ex Ensign & London Pride |
5141 | N41JPP | Volvo Olympian YN2RV18Z4 | Northern Counties Palatine 1 | H47/30F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
5147 | S147KNK | Volvo Olympian OLY-50 | Northern Counties Palatine 2 | H39/29F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
5148 | S148KNK | Volvo Olympian OLY-50 | Northern Counties Palatine 2 | H39/29F | Arriva Nat | WB | |
5150 | S150KNK | Volvo Olympian OLY-50 | Northern Counties Palatine 2 | H39/29F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
5151 | S151KNK | Volvo Olympian OLY-50 | Northern Counties Palatine 2 | H39/29F | Arriva InterUrb | WB | |
5153 | S153KNK | Volvo Olympian OLY-50 | Northern Counties Palatine 2 | H39/29F | Arriva InterUrb | WB |
Nigel Peach writes on 26th November "Another different bus in Wycombe. Scania 3201 (R201RBM) was on Blue Route 32 this morning (Thurs 26th), in Interurban livery and with a conventional blind (but no destination displayed).""
Now this is not shown as being on Wycombe's allocation so maybe a very recent transfer in?
This was also reported by Peter Cabin who writes "today 26th November I saw what looks like another transfer Scania 3201 on blue route 32, no destination blind just the normal plain yellow box showing."
Peter also noted on 25th November "I saw Scania 3156 working the 13.20pm line 300 to Aylesbury and on line 800 was red route branded Dart 3826. Also arriving in High Wycombe at 13.25pm while on red route 33 was 3248, R604WMJ."
Another Scania, this time 3155 on Line 300 and now
carrying Intalink advertising livery.
Picture by Gavin Francis.
I note from the November allocation list that many Scanias including 3156 have moved to Aylesbury from Hemel Hempstead.
Regarding a question on ex OBC Dart 3833 as having moved to pastures new, indeed it is often to be seen working in Hertford, seemingly on loan from Harlow to Ware depot. Andrew Morgan sent a nice picture of this bus in Hertford Bus Station and I have also seen it twice now when on my way through Hertford on the 737.
3833 in Hertford Bus
Station on 30th October 2009. Picture by Andrew Morgan.
Andrew goes on to report "on 11th November I caught up with 3830 in Welwyn Garden City freshly repainted and then an Arriva London trainer DAF/ALX400 DLA33 passing by the bus station"
Finally on 30th November Andrew notes "Trident 5446 has been repainted in the now standard interurban livery and was on local route 403 on 30/11/09"
On another subject Andrew sent pictures of 3566, the Enviro 300 seen at Duxford this year and which was a trophy winner at the event. This is now recorded on the front of the bus in a discreet but pleasant way.
Adam Green reports "On 30th November I noted that Enviro 300 3568 was on 758 and came back from London at Lunch time."
Stevenage based 3458 is seen in London on the 797 on 23rd November.
Picture by Gavin Francis.
Solo
2497 off its more normal Line 40 route on a 31 working on 19th November.
Picture by Gavin Francis.
Route 43 provides staff bus services to Cressex whilst also giving
an enhanced public service as seen on 19th November.
Picture by
Gavin Francis.
Stuart Harvey writes "Darts now seem to be the regulars on route 305 into Uxbridge again after the brief Solo operation."
Most, if not all, buses based at Wycombe and having digital displays
have now had the service number moved to the correct pavement side
position.
Dart 3822, on route 305, displays its via points and then it will show
UXBRIDGE. Picture by Gavin Francis.
Harlow based Volvos on the 510 are now gaining super rears for the
various airlines serving Stansted.
This is one the latest for German wings. Picture by M Crowe.
Ed Maun writes "I refer to the Carousel item in Spottings & Jottings issue 12 and RM 2198 in service on the Line I to Bourne End last Tuesday. I can confirm that this was repeated the next day (Wednesday). I was killing time in Baker Street just before 8 am waiting for the Nissan garage to open when I was amazed to see the crew (driver & conductor) carrying out walk round checks on RM 2198 and then heading off presumably to the bus station to take up service on Line I to Bourne End as paper stickers indicated."
Noel Clark, Operations Manager, Carousel Buses Limited writes "In response to Paul Davis’ observation we have indeed been using both RML896 (Cummins engine) and RM2198 (AEC engine) in service on Line 1 and Line 4 in the morning peaks recently, as well as RM2198 operating a morning peak 740 from Uxbridge into town. On two occasions both have been in the bus station together just before 8am which certainly turned some heads! Unfortunately I don’t have any photos as I’ve been too busy driving one or the other on Line 1. The Routemasters are not scheduled for this work but when manpower permits it’s nice to get them out. Passenger comments have been hugely positive. Blinds are on order and will hopefully be here shortly."
What excellent news for all you Routemaster fans!
Stuart Harvey writes
"Here
is some news from this week.
Volvo B7TL EVL6 PN 02XCK has gained an electronic destination
display.
Volvo B6 P232AAP has a fleet number VWL232, although this is not
carried, it is the number allocated by the ticket machine, so I presume
P236AAP is VWL236.
VWL232 also seats 35, where as VWL236 still operates with its large
luggage racks.
On the MAN / MCV Stirling front, meant to say previously STL9 carries a
monitor inside mounted on the luggage frame on the nearside. Purpose is
unknown, as it just cycles through the booting of 'Windows'. The other
two don't have this screen. Also what is presumed to be STL11 'GCZ' is
still is service in white and blue."
The Olympian is still much in evidence in this
fleet and here L563 is seen on new Circle Line 2C leaving Wycombe Bus
Station by Gavin Francis.
Last of the newest open toppers, 905, is now in service. Picture by
Richard Sharman.
Charlton Services
in the last issue we noted that this company has a late model Leyland Tiger in service -
TR00600 Leyland Tiger | TRCL10/3RZA | H459FLD | Plaxton 8912LCA0953 | C53F | 12/1990 | Pan Atlas,W3 |
Richard Sharman has provided a picture of this coach in service in
late November.
If it is repainted into fleet livery it will look a very special coach.
Excel at Stansted have been gaining some interesting buses and have now had, due I imagine to the growing fleet, to add fleet numbers.
Here we see fleet number 802, a one time Metrobus Dart which has also seen
service with Network Colchester.
Picture by M Crowe.
The ex London Citaro 64005 continues to work on the 74 and is seen on 19th November pictured by Gavin Francis.
Further to the notes in the last issue on the new contracts Heyfordian is believed to have ordered a batch of Optare Solos for all these awards.
NATIONAL EXPRESS PICTURE VIEW
Arriva's 0419 has now gained "England" branding on the nearside only - Pictures by Gavin Francis.
Another ex Kings Ferry coach to gain NEx livery is A19TKF now C100 and seen
on 29th November.
Picture by
Gavin Francis.
A Selwyn's Van Hool enters VCS in the completely wrong direction due
to roadworks blocking the normal entrance.
The is coming from Elizabeth Street and will load for Southport on 23rd November.
Picture by
Gavin Francis.
Another Van Hool, this time belonging to Veolia and on a Birmingham based
working of the 545 from London to Pwllheli.
Seen on 23rd November by
Gavin Francis.
One of the Bruce Levante tri-axles on a 539 working leaving Gloucester Green
which now sees several daily workings with these long coaches.
Picture by
Richard Sharman.
Substitute
coaches on various services see some interesting workings as above when A
Sunsundegui FJ55YCG worked the 767 to Stansted.
Picture by M Crowe.
Finally for this picture view
Stagecoach Oxford's Levante 59211 on service 737 with West Wycombe as a
background.
David Beardmore reports that
Greys of
Witchford have a recently arrived Volvo B10B/Plaxton Verde P631FFC has been
single doored, repainted all over cream and reregistered ESU308.
http://www.david806.fotopic.net/p61996246.html
Sister vehicle
P634FFC is currently in the workshops for the same treatment and when finished
will be reregistered ESU307.
Gavin Francis took this picture of 104
on a U1 working in Park End Street, Oxford,
in the pouring rain, only too frequent in recent days.
Jonckheere coach nr 34 is framed by Christmas lights in High Street last week.
Picture by Richard Sharman.
Two of the President Tridents are still in
service and here 909 turns into St Aldates at Carfax. Picture by Richard
Sharman.
Some other Go-Ahead news is from Keith Hemmings who writes to note that ex London bendis of Go-Ahead are to appear in Bournemouth shortly.
DORSET is soon going to be home to a more flexible mode of transport – the controversial bendy bus.
It will be introduced onto the Bournemouth University U1 Wilts and Dorset service in January and will be able to take far more passengers.
This is the first time a bendy bus – which have two large single decker sections joined with a flexible middle – will be in service in Dorset.
They have been used elsewhere in the country, including London, where they were not so popular.
Mayor Boris Johnson pledged to scrap the “much-loathed” buses, saying they were dangerous to cyclists and enabled fare evasion.
He said: “These writhing whales of the road have swung their hefty rear ends round our corners for the final time.”
But Chris Harris, public relations manager for Wilts and Dorset, said: “We are absolutely satisfied everything is safe and in order.
“We think it will be a useful addition to our services and will be welcomed by the students.”
The bendy bus will run between Bournemouth University’s Talbot campus, Cranborne House, Lansdowne and through to Pokesdown.
Wilts and Dorset say they have cleared the route and agreed everything with the university and council.
“We are going to get a bus down within the next ten days for further crew training so the drivers will be absolutely familiar with the vehicle.”
The bendy bus will come into service on January 11.
Mr Harris added: “It has been down here on a few trials but this will be the first time the public have been able to ride on one in Dorset.”
Red Rose
Richard Sharman sent a picture of one of the Red rose buses used on the 275 from
High Wycombe to Oxford.
RH Buses
Ralph Adams writes "As you have noted, RH from 14 December have surplus buses as a result of Heyfordian contract gains.
I notice that from 4th January, three new routes are starting.
100 Seacourt - JR Hospital every 30 minutes from 9.00 am (2 buses)
200 Redbridge to JR Hospital every 30 minutes from 9.00 am (2 buses)
X36. The 36 Wantage - Didcot will run all day returing as X36 against the flow
to maintain an hourly service (previous 2 /3 trips only in direction of flow.
(no extra bus, just all day use)
COMS will have competition on the Park & Ride to the city and Stagecoach will have competition on 14 /14a. I wonder does this mean that the 14 will not go to tender?
Also Thames Travel will have competition on the 32 Didcot - Wantage - Grove"
Other news
The latest bus from Oxford for repaint is M A N 22915.
The original Brookes fleet have now moved on and I am pleased that the first picture of one in its new home area has arrived on my desk.
Ken Aveyard writes "On 28 October I was in Chesterfield for the first time since the 1970's taking pictures of Stagecoach, TM Travel and Hulleys buses and came across former Brookes Bus 18056 operating I think from Worksop Depot."
18056 is seen on a 77 duty heading for Worksop out of Chesterfield on 28th
October. Picture by Ken Aveyard.
One of the SC West Darts, 33909, now
working in Fraserburgh, Scotland and pictured by Dave Ballantyne.
Sunday sees one working on the S3 by Oxford depot and last Sunday one of the new
M A N s was used, 22770 pictured by Gavin Francis.
On the 11th November following a breakdown
on the S3 a 7 branded M A N, 22762 was used. Picture by M Crowe.
Stephen Le Bras writes on 21/11 "Bay 10 around the corner was being used for Oxford Tube services today (Saturday 21st). A big hole at Elizabeth Bridge was part of the major congestion around the approach to Victoria Station.
As far as Megabus 15m Plaxtons are concerned, 54062-75 seem to have been allocated to Buchan Link etc in Scotland so we may not see any more down South, although I did see an old T reg Megabus coach arriving at VCS on Saturday 21st so there are still a few around in use."
Recent roadworks in Buckingham Palace Road
have required the Tube to move its stop to Elizabeth Bridge as seen above on
23rd November.
Picture by Gavin Francis.
22926 turns into the winter sun as it heads down St Aldates. Picture by
Richard Sharman.
Andrew Morgan writes "UNO Wright Crusader Dennis Dart SLFs 647,649,653,654 and 655 have left the fleet 647, 653-655 are with Tates of Barnsley and 649 is for sale on ebay from a dealer in South YYorkshire for conversion to a camper.
Citaros 314-321 are all branded for route 602 but I have not seen 322 yet as I have not had time to go out. However branding on the rears is as follows except 314 as I did not see it to read but does have a different one to 315-321.
They all carry MY CONNECTION TO then different places and pictures on near side
of rear :
314 MY CONNECTION TO THE RUGBY
315 THE GALLERIA
316 THE HARLEQUIN CENTRE IN WATFORD
317 THE STATION ST ALBANS-RADLETT-BUSHEY
318 UNI AT HATFIELD
319 WORK
320 THE SPORTS VILLAGE AT THE DE HAVILLAND
321 WATCH WATFORD PLAY AT VICARAGE ROAD
322 ?????????????
622 is now route branded for the 602 and on the back the branding is MY CONNECTION TO THE STUDENT FORUM.
The H reg Dart is still in use on the X88 as the planned Optare is not yet ready.
Weavaway
Ken MacKenzie writes "Malcolm, I don't think they are ex Tube, they are ex Park, Hamilton (previously Trathens of Plymouth).
Trathens, Plymouth (DN) 11/09
SF56TXM Au N122/3 WAGPA8ZZ764001059 Au PA80066 CH59/20CT 10/06 (ex LSK 507 3/09)
SF56TXN Au N122/3L WAGPA8ZZ264001065 Au PA80072 CH59/20CT 10/06 (ex LSK 808 3/09)
SF56TYA Au N122/3L WAGPA8ZZ564001058 Au PA80065 CH59/20CT 10/06 (ex LSK 824 3/09)
SF56TYT Au N122/3L WAGPA8ZZ964001083 Au PA80070 CH59/20CT 10/06 (ex LSK 821 3/09)
You must have enjoyed your Gloucester experience, enjoyed reading it, same as I did with the Lands End one. I have just returned from a week by bus in Scotland, covering all the major cities and I guess around 1500 miles. Sorry the reply for the Weavaway picture was a bit limited but someone else replied on my behalf on that one."
Jottings
Go-Ahead is preferred bidder for Plymouth
As of December 1st the deal has been confirmed
Rally calendar for 2010
A date for next year’s diaries....
We’re pleased to advise that the 4th Weymouth Vintage Bus Running and Rally has been confirmed for the now usual mid-summer weekend, Sunday 20th June next year.
Once again, we shall have the use of the Weymouth College complex which is next to Lodmoor Coach Park. Various free bus services will be running around the town including the highly popular run to Portland Bill famous for its climbs up through Portland and the stunning views across Chesil Beach.
There will be a shuttle bus running from the railway station to the rally site and times for this will be announced on the groups and on our website nearer the time.
The entire event is on hard-standing including stalls, and hopefully the College will again be providing refreshments from their excellent barbecue.
Entry is open to all vehicles/stall-holders and further information can be found on our website. Entry forms are on the website now. We hope to see you there!
Graeme Selway
On behalf of Devon & Dorset Group (rally organisers)
Correction to captions on recent page by Steve Buckley
Just a quick mail to thank you for the hive of really useful information on your site, well done.
However could i just correct two captions on the photograph's taken in Daventry (7/11/09), the Solo is 47418 KX55PGO, not 47410, this vehicle is the only solo to carry Daventry Dart Branding, which is also carried by Darts 34589-595, the picture of 34532 is actually 34592 KP04GZM climbing up Abbey St past the site of what was the original Midland Red Bus Station that was closed in the early 1980's.
The Olympian 16232 is one of the batch S753-762DRP, that were all new to Northampton, all carry high backed "Dual Purpose" seating.
A New service into Daventry is the 72 from Newton via Rugby, this brings an Midland Red vehicle into the town on an Hourly basis for the first time since the mid 1980's, this service was registered, when rumours stated that Geoff Amos were thinking of withdrawing from the GA01/2 from Banbury to Rugby, these rumours proved to be false and Amo's continues to operate the Service.
The 72 operates 5 minutes behind the Amos route and covers virtually the same route (although Braunston is the only Village it serves, unlike the GA01 which serves Willoughby, & Onley), this is operated by two branded darts (i have attached a photo of them if they are of any use to you, also the Amos Excel which has been reregistered with a plate previously carried by an Olympian, and is a regular on the route).
Stagecoach also registered the service 71 from Banbury to Daventry to connect with the 72 but the registration was cancelled before the service started when it was learnt that Amos was not dropping the GA01 after all (It seems somebody forgot to tell Rugby about this).
From Geoff Cunliffe on Blackpool Trams & other items
"Just a quick note to say how fascinated I was with the report about your weekend at Gloucester on the 444. It was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have found of late that getting in and out of Cheltenham from the east side is bad at almost any time. Much of the problem seems to be at the four-way lights of London Road, Copt Elm Road, Ryeworth Road and Greenway Lane. Many locals try to use Greenway Lane. as a cut through to Priors Road just south of the GCHQ Annexe which gives access to Prestbury, the Racecourse and the Park & Ride. It saves getting involved in the edge of the town centre and several traffic lights. However, the planners don't like you taking the direct route and avoiding clogging up streets towards the centre and have phased the lights to discourage this. The knock on is that cars tend to block that junction awaiting their turn.
My good friend Bob Fergusson has let me have further details about the last tram to Fleetwood night (8th. November) which may be of interest to your readers having given them advance notice of the event previously:
Apparently it was very busy at Fleetwood Ferry on the 'last night'. Whilst there were meant to be 3 trams involved, the number of bookings meant there were 4 specials after the last schedule timetable tram (717) had left at 0015.
Because of an earlier power failure, the hired trams didn't arrive in Fleetwood until nearly 1 am, preceded by a Brush car nominally in service. There were crowds of people and speeches were made by the Mayors of Blackpool and Wyre, together with officials from Blackpool Transport.
A small group of people are trying to persuade Wyre Borough Council to be interested in a tram museum at Fleetwood (again!).
Surplus trams are now on sale and several have been bought by various individuals and organisations. Crich is to have two Balloons and a Boat, the Heaton Park (Manchester) tramway is also going to take at least two cars, possibly including replica 619. Birkenhead are also interested, and one Boat is going to Beamish in return for the loan of car 31,- an open top “standard” built in 1901.
The track is already up along much of the stretch between the Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate. It has also been lifted between Central Pier and a point about half way towards North Pier, i.e. just before the Tower with its split into three tracks.. I haven't been up to Fleetwood for a while so don't know if anything is happening north of Cleveleys.
Interestingly, it is rumoured that there will be a complete traffic rearrangement on the road past the Metropole involving tram segregation. This has been a notorious congestion point, although separating the trams from the road traffic may only be a safety measure rather than one to actually resolve the congestion.
Incidentally, Planning Permission for the contentious new tram depot at Starr Gate has been refused despite work being under way! The refusal is only on a technicality and is expected to be overturned on appeal which may be made within thirteen weeks."
Cambridge Busway update by Gary Seamarks
"Returned from Holiday late last week and found out the Busway is delayed
AGAIN and now scheduled to open next year, no better info given. So no
photo's.... As there may be an age limit on buses on this service wander how
long before new vehicles arrive, will these buses ever go on it."
New
Network Map
Please be advised that the new Winter Network Map is now out, which
can be picked up at most Libraries, Tourist Information Centres and Council
Offices. Alternatively you can view an up-to-date network map on the
Intalink website by going to
http://www.intalink.org.uk/Maps/Herts-County-Map.pdf
Also,
For the latest Service Disruption information in Hertfordshire you can
follow Intalink on Twitter, simply go to
http://www.twitter.com/intalink
Pictureview
A Titan seen at Binders Yard by
Gavin Francis.
Another Titan seen in the yard of
Ward Jones by Gavin Francis
A new service is running between VCS
and London city Airport, picture by Gavin Francis.