delayed until Monday, August 9th for Buses
Festival.
Editorial
This has been a busy week with such varying weather, sun, warmth, wind and rain showers. A lot has and is happening in our world of interest including Buses Festival at The East of England Showground on August 8th, hence my reason for delaying this issue until Monday.
I have written an article for readers on a subject of
current interest entitled -
The Electric Bus and what we may all miss in the future.
I'm always delighted to the web sites name up in lights as shown here by
Oxford's 35 at the event - Jack Cooper
On the local front service improvements are coming and Redline is one company which is introducing an interesting development from September 2nd.
X20 - New express service operating between Aylesbury Bus Station - Thame - Oxford.
https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/media/4517017/x20-redline-buses-september-2021.pdf
The X20 will operate up to every hour Monday to Sunday. The timetable for this service is at the above link.
https://www.redlinebuses.com/2nd-september-changes
This is an interesting addition since it will compete directly with Arriva's 280 but will miss Haddenham and Wheatley.
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An apology
May I apologise to those readers who may have had trouble accessing the page from the opening page which seems to have locked onto the last issue being 164. I've corrected the error and hope that everyone will not have any further problems.
I also had a request from a reader asking if it was possible to use a larger font. This person concerned was in his latter years and his eyesight was not so good. I looked at the problem and find that when using most browsers you can "zoom" to see the page larger. Just click on tools or similar in the top right hand corner of your browser, pick up the zoom and you can incase the size to a much higher level to suit your requirements.
I hope those two matters resolve any problems readers have?
The Electric Bus and what we may all miss in the future
EVM and Altas team up to achieve zero-emissions mission
EVM’s minibus range never stands still for long, and now the popular Cityline has been electrified from Richard Sharman.
Pictures from Richard Sharman.
I was interested to read the recent article by Richard Sharman, of Coach & Bus
Week, on the growing use of electric buses, whilst watching his posting of the
video above on the EVM Electric bus.
This prompted me to think about life before such developments when it was a case
of even knowing what bus was coming or passing one’s house in the dark by the
fact of the noise it made. This identified the bus in question.
By this of course I mean either the engine or gearbox noise? Often with older
buses the sound of the gearbox was often melodious and memorable.
Listening to the video report from Richard, found myself. Listening to body
rattles and other such Noises so this did not appear to be what I was
used to and I found it rather disconcerting.
Even now in my mind, I find myself still able to hear the difference between a
Daimler and a Leyland, even more so the AEC.
An interesting point is that prior to the second world war (1939-45) most buses
had a sound of their own and one could differentiate between makes. This seemed
mainly down to the gearbox so that one found a difference between crash,
synchromesh and preselect types.
The AEC was a well-known sound since London had a large fleet as well as a
number of other cities.
The AEC RT had an air assisted pre select gearbox. Paul Bateson.
The Bedford was more associated with small buses and coaches such as the OB and
many war time versions of this type being the WTB. They generally had crash
gearboxes which were far from easy to drive.
The epitome of the OB is shown in this picture.
The Bristol often ran with a Gardner engine and with its crash gearbox also had
melodious sound in second and especially third.
The Daimler often had a preselect gearbox which produced a sound in many ways
very unique.
when this picture was taken by Paul Bateson.
Dennis were another make which had sounds all of its own on inter war types but
later when using Leyland engines another quite distinct sound.
Guy were not so popular pre war but during the war they produced many utility
variants, and many fleets received these buses. Probably due to the gearbox when
changing gear, a whistle was to be heard.
These were rebodied by Willowbrook in the early '50s. Very harsh ride !
The Leyland was a famous make dating back to pre-first world war (1914-18) and
over the intervening years seemed to have developed a sound quite unique to the
make. My head can still remember that sound from an early age these noises were
always part of my memory. Again, there were differences especially when Leyland
introduced gearless buses which had a different sound.
Pre-war and post-war withdrawn Manchester Leyland's remembered from my young
days.
2nd from the right is a Leyland PD1 new in 1946. The engine was originally for
the Leyland Tank
and was a harsh running sound with a crash gearbox!
5th from the right is a Leyland bodied pre war Titan, the ones with melody !
There were numerous other makes but not produced in such great numbers.
One should also be aware that the smaller models in a range often sounded much
different to the large brothers and here I am thinking about the Leyland coaches
and small buses which carried many less people.
For example, the Cub had a higher pitched sound than larger buses when moving
through the gears.
At these early times I am talking about, there were of course trolley buses,
which had sounds akin to electric trains and to we early bus enthusiasts did not
have the character of the diesel buses and the many petrol ones.
Trams in early those days had sounds all their own and since so many were
elderly produced many strange grinding sounds. The bus was an altogether
different beast !
After the second world war in my young and teenage days newer models were coming
into service and the synchromesh gearbox produced a much harsher sound.
Memorable but different.
The AEC always seemed to retain its melodious sound even into their last front
engined buses. However, many other types lost that pre-war melody, but it was
still possible to distinguish between most makes.
The best place on the bus to listen to the noise was a couple of seats back from
the driver on the lower deck if a double deck was being ridden on.
As time passed by, I grew to enjoy the sounds of more modern buses and coaches
and although many of the remembered sounds were somewhat different to those of
earlier memories, there was nevertheless a recognisable audible change,
seemingly from the larger engines and the more modern gearboxes.
A growing development in the ‘60s and ‘70s were the use of automatic gearboxes
providing an altogether stronger sound. I remember the Atlanteans of Ribble,
especially the Standerwick “Gay Hostess” coaches which if one returned to the
Preston depot in the late evening must have startled the residents around with a
distinct howl. This was created by changing down the gears to use the engine to
reduce the speed on the steep slope to the Frenchwood depot.
I must explain that the early automatic gearboxes were semi manual in that
although there no clutch the gears were changed using a small selector to the
left under the steering wheel.
When training on these buses, such as the Atlantean one was instructed to use
the gearbox as if one still had a clutch. Under no circumstances was one to race
through the gears. Doing so caused inevitable problems with clutch slip and
other failings.
Of course, at this time there were still vehicles with crash gearboxes and the
models of the late ‘50s such as the Leyland Tiger Cub had such provision making
the driving of same a real challenge.
On those Tiger Cubs there was often a two-speed rear axle which was useful on
hills, especially when the small o350 engine was running out of puff!
Also, there was a trend towards more gears as on the
AEC Reliance’s with six speed boxes, these buses and coaches still having a
distinct AEC sound. I do remember the gears being awfully close together and if
one was not used to this type, you found yourself moving from 2nd to
5th gear with some dire consequences!
Current types still have a pleasant whine from some gearboxes but with the
engine at the rear, the ride somehow does not seem the same.
I have found some videos with good sounds to example what I have been talking
about.
I appreciate that time may restrict what you can view
but you will appreciate my
comments.
youtube video references
AEC Regal RF LT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAav3tXUDk
AEC Regent RT3251
AEC Routemaster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05mAZZRnjtQ
AEC Regent III
Bedford OB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJFeZQzggUs
Bristol K6B https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svf7_cBm4t0
Daimler CWA6
Bolton
Leyland TitanTD1
IOM Leyland PD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIb7g45yKc
Ribble Leyland PD3 1775 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmy-tYEXDJ4
megabus Astromega
megabus Panorama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TXjRpoGEso
Oxford Tube 50422 London – Oxford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nwPa0_GpZE
Classic Buses in Minehead
Scottish Vintage Bus Museum 21st Open Weekend
Ribble Bus Running Day Lytham Hall 2019
North Western AEC Reliance MU3RA with Burlingham body
from 1955 seen in Altrincham on what was then my local bus route.
These buses sounded very AEC inside but outside the engine restriction seemed to
cause the exhaust to protest.
The sound was always as if the governor was being pushed.
Sunday August 8th 2021 at The East of England Showground, Peterborough
https://www.keybuses.com/buses-festival
Jack Cooper forewarned me that he would be going to the event and has provided his promised photographs. As there were a great number I have chosen those which I feel will interest readers most.
I will not add much in the way of description as many of you will know only too well what each photographs is. So a PICTUREVIEW of BUSES FESTVAL 2021
A personal favourite of mine is this Carris AEC Regent with Weymann body on
which I have ridden many times and also its sisters
when I worked for TAP Air Portugal from 1966 to 1975. These were the
mainstay of the fleet in the early years!
As ever Delaine sent their newest bus.
This Fowlers Volvo Plaxton is really immaculate and wins a prize from me. It
is a 2017 B8R and its presentation is superb.
This is part of the future for buses from Nottingham looking very trim.
I really like the destination displays on 35 in these pictures !
This E400 from Stagecoach in London is a really
excellent offering of what is good and maybe gone now.
Banbury depot sent this ex London E200
resplendent in the latest livery.
Happy memories of my Stagecoach days with this immaculate Sharpes Astromega
in Concours turn out.
Very pleased to see this coach restored to Shearings
livery, I have driven for them, but this Van Hool is after my time!
Now for those who have read my piece on bus
sounds this Dennis is a veritable beast, I always felt they looked up to the
job
and as seen last forever as this 1932 bus shows some 88 years on. Wow!!
Dennis Lancet I (MJ
4549)
from 1932 with a Short body.
No event of this nature would be complete without
a Bedford OB- Duple coach. Very much a major part of travel after the second
world war.
Thornes' OKP
980 is
a Beadle chassisless coach utilising running units from a pre-war Leyland
TD4 and looking beautiful.
uno sent this brand new Volvo/eVoRa BV21ONO which
looks a very smart and serviceable bus to me.
Whippet is mentioned
elsewhere in this issue and this E200 ex First and Metroline London is
providing good service for its' new operator.
Martyn Sacaloff
Many more pictures can be found on Martyn's Facebook page, link below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226808206461288&set=pb.1534651426.-2207520000..
Strange times where some areas or towns are reporting high levels of Covid infection and others a lowering of the rates. The Government has relaxed the travel restrictions and one hopes that we are moving towards a more normal situation in the coming days and months.
I am hearing that the longer distance coach operators are adding more duplicate operations to cope with the passenger demand ! A good sign indeed.
Fleet news and developments
Kevin Fuller
2990, an Optare Versa pauses at Bourne End station with the 10.25
Maidenhead - High Wycombe route 37 service on July 29th 2021.
Tony Bungay
3867 setting out on a return X60 journey to Milton
Keynes, it sports an older style destination/route number arrangement !
Taken on August 3rd in Aylesbury.
2451 on August 7th in Aylesbury unusually working a full 150 service to Milton
Keynes.
I have seen them on the 150 before and have sent a photo for the webpage
but these have been on a 150 short working to Leighton Buzzard,
this is first time I have seen them personally working to Milton Keynes.
Mark Wakefield
Since my last issue 18312 has lost Cambridge branding in favour of London -
August 5th.
Last week I included a picture taken at a distance from Mark Wakefield of a new coach for use on Flixbus services by Ridleys of Leamington Spa. For this issue Gavin Francis has caught this coach in London.
Gavin Francis
Tourismo BF21EPA near VCS with service 024 to Coventry on August 4th.
| BF21EPA | MB Tourismo M/2 WEB41055523001905 | MB | C??FLt | 7/2021 | Ridleys, Leamington Spa |
Luke Fisher
Linburg's 28 L28URG seen in Peterborough on August 1st working Rail Replacement.
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/oxford-bus-company/news/fare-changes-9th-august-2021-431599
From Monday, August 9th 2021, the free travel offer from the Coachway on Park&Ride bus services 8/X8 on Mondays to Fridays will come to an end and most passengers will need to purchase a ticket. Free travel will continue for Concessionary Pass Holders (at valid times), Chiltern Railways Season ticket holders and NHS Staff.
Carousel is introducing revised and new services one of which will offer a direct service to the Cressex Park & Ride from places such as Wycombe Marsh, Abbey Barn and areas in between.
https://www.carouselbuses.co.uk/routes/34
Timetable *
https://assets.goaheadbus.com/media/cms_page_media/2021/7/22/Carousel_34_-_leaflet_-_4pp_DL_-_July_2021WEB2.pdf
*If the junction between Abbey Barn Lane and
Heath End Road is not open on August 29th, it will not be possible to start the
additional journeys until the road is open.
Frank Brown
Sprinter 977 (RF68FLC) outside High Wycombe station awaiting departure
time for an evening peak 34 Abbey Barn Park journey August 4th.
More details of the 34 can be found above under the
Editorial.
Silver 980 (RN19WSV) at the foot of Gore Hill, Amersham on the Hospital Shuttle
July 18th.
The shuttle was resurrected for two weekends during July (10/11 and 17/18)
when Whielden Street was again closed in connection with HS2 work which
has now
gone for repaint.
Kevin Fuller
Scania 242 seen at Flackwell Heath, terminus of the 35, on July 29th.
Seen at Bourne End Station with service 36 on July 29th.
Malcolm Crowe
Sprinters 977 and 979 at the depot on August 5th.
Citaro 857 again at the depot on August 5th. 869 remains on loan to Thames
Travel.
Gavin Francis
Recently wrapped 300 is seen working 4 road in Park End Street on August
8th.
Hybrid 303 is seen working 4 road in New Road on August 8th.
Hybrid 306 branded for 35 road is seen St Aldates on August
8th.
Girl guiding wrap 369 is seen working 400 road in New Road on August 8th.
Brookes 371 is seen working the U1 in by Oxford Castle on August 8th.
Jack Cooper
Scania 220 has acquired an AbingdonRDA super rear seen leaving Cowley House
on August 8th.
Richard Griffin
As I (unusually) cycled the 19 miles home to Staines
from my train-driving job at Harrow-on-the-Hill, I encountered OBC Airline
coach
38 on the little buses/cycles-only bridge over the Longford River
between Longford and the Heathrow Perimeter Road near Terminal 5 -- as
illustrated!
Jack Cooper
..... advises that a group will be taking coach 35 to Buses Festival.
Tourismo 35 is seen at Buses Festival - East of
England Showground on August 8th.
Mandy Studley
Ben Studley ready to join 35 for the trip to
Buses Festival.
Jack Cooper busy getting all the pictures at
Peterborough.
Gavin Francis
Ex London General now with TT is 942 working the X32
to Harwell Campus on August 4th.
This bus was London Central WVL240 and often worked the 36 by Marble Arch.
Scania 913 is seen with an X38 working in St Aldates, Oxford on August 8th.
This bus still looks immaculate and is a credit to the group.
New coaches to look out for.
| BF21DBU | Vo B11RT YV3T2U823KA198205 | Co F193043066 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 333 |
| BF21DBV | Vo B11RT YV3T2U828LA200984 | Co F203043013 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 334 |
| BF21DBX | Vo B11RT YV3T2U828LA201049 | Co F203043014 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 335 |
| BF21DBZ | Vo B11RT YV3T2U828LA201052 | Co F203043015 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 336 |
| BF21DCE | Vo B11RT YV3T2U823LA201055 | Co F203043016 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 337 |
| BF21DCO | Vo B11RT YV3T2U826LA201096 | Co F203043017 | C55FLt | 7/2021 | West Midlands | 338 |
Gavin Francis
Edwards BV19XRT with a 502 service in Elizabeth
Street, London on August 4th.
Recent delivery SH317 is working the 075 to Cambridge
in Elizabeth Street, London on August 4th.
East Yorkshire's nr 3 with service 451 leaving
Bulleid Way on August 4th, showing an interesting wrap!
Gavin Francis
Acklams Tourismo BV69LOH seen arriving in London
with a 540 from the North West on August 8th.
Daniel Harwood
MCV eVoRa BB70BUS seen in Abingdon with a service 15
on July 26th.
including Courtney, Newbury & District &
Thames Valley
Robert Williams - CEO Reading Buses
August 3rd 2021: Here is the latest arrival from the paint shop, former ADL demonstrator 795, previously on the Milton Park contract and social distancing duties with Thames Valley Buses, now branded for Green Line 702.
Pictures courtesy Robert Williams
On August 9th MMC 795 SN66WLK has been seen working the Green Line 702 in a new Green Line livery.
Gavin Francis
Gavin did not have a chance to picture this bus which was, as I write this, at Legoland !
MMC 1205 has joined 1204 working the 701 from London as seen on August 2nd.
More of the Reading "group" buses can be seen under Readers visits to outside our area below when a number of buses have been loaned to Yellow Buses in Bournemouth.
S130 - New service S130 operating between High Wycombe - Bledlow - Princes Risborough - Butlers Cross - Aylesbury College
Mention is made in the Editorial about the new service X20 between Aylesbury and Oxford. Buses to be used on this service are some 16 plate E200s from Whitelaws Coaches Limited, which have leather seats and are Euro 6 compliant. The should arrive shortly and will be eventually repainted in a dedicated X20 livery.
Kevin Fitzpatrick
E200 YX61FZH is seen with a 17 service in Bicester on August 7th. This service
commenced a week ago.
I am told that they were using a double decker last Friday, if anyone caught any pictures?
Paul Coley
Went out for a quick walk yesterday around Hawkeslade Farm, Aylesbury.
Surprise was the Spryte on route 10, I assume deputising for a regular ELC
Scania. There can’t be too many Sprytes in service anywhere these days, this
example being quite tidy but in the older Red Rose non-metallic Red base livery.
I would assume very much a ‘spare bus’ these days?
Stagecoach announced a joint venture with City Sightseeing and Groupo Julià which will see it operate a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service in London. This began on May 20th.
West
Nearly all of the new Scania fleet has now been used in service in recent days, one even appearing working the 98 last week.
Oxfordshire
Daniel Harwood
In the gloomy shade of the trees along Bath Street, Abingdon 15830 is seen on
July 29th.
Gavin Francis
A now elderly E200 seen in Oxford working the S4, 36761 from Banbury on August
2nd.
This quite a come down from the Gold Scanias which up until recently were
branded and used on the S4. (S stands for Superior.)
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Banbury depot appear to be having some staff issues at the moment. Maybe someone
else knows more
As I write on August 7th the B5 and B9 circulars are running with one bus each.
...
and the Gateway part of the B9 running separate with 10067 (picture above) .
Meanwhile the S4 is also down to just one bus
Banbury Operational Service Disruptions - Friday,
August
6th
Due to exceptional circumstances we are unable to operate some services
across our Banbury network.
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