January - GB Bus Group

Trident January 2013 

GB Bus Group 

www.gb-bg.co.uk issue 85

Chairman GB Bus Group - 

Who Does What? 

Got a question to ask, or need an answer to a problem 

General and non e-mail enquiries 

Matters pertaining to group financial affairs 

Hazel Roberts – hazelrose63@yahoo.co.uk 

(01270) 216212 (press 5 after message) 

37 Abbey Place Crewe CW1 4JR. 

Frank Gold – gbbg.treasurer@talktalk.net 

A membership query 

A query to do with the website 

Hazel Roberts - gbbgsecretary_memsec@yahoo.co.uk 


Steve Lynn, website.mamager@gb-bg.co.uk 

Information for inclusion in Trident 

A query about a late Trident 

Fleet list requests 

For sightings reports 

Gerald Nicholls – Gez.Stagecoachnorthwest@btopenworld.com 

(01524) 846 476 

19 Aldrens Lane, Lancaster, Lancs LA1 2DT 

(Please enclose sae if reply required) 

Eddie Roberts – pcsn2001@yahoo.co.uk 

(01270) 216212 (press 5 after message) 


(Please enclose a sae if a reply required) 

Ken Pitt – pittken95@yahoo.co.uk 

(01527) 591 195 

52 Loxley Close, Church Hill South, Redditch B98 9JG 

Arthur & Debbie Shelton – arthur.shelton@btinternet.com 

(0121) 454 3147 

111 Rodney Close, Birmingham B16 8DP 

Area reporters: Scotland Arthur Moorse – arthurmoorse@gmail.com 

(01506) 438 988 

66 Ryebank, Ladywell, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6HA 

Northeast & Yorkshire 

Wales 

South & South West 

North West & London 

vacant 

Geoff Moseley- geoff.moseley@ymail.com 

(01452) 381 107 

11 Hartley Gardens, Gloucester, Gloucs GL4 4PJ 

Geoff Moseley – enviro400@btinternet.com 

Gerald Nicholls – details as above 

Trident is compiled monthly by the Editorial team and is published for the personal use of GB Bus Group members or 

individuals. We are happy to share information contained in the magazine with other non-commercial societies and 

organisations for use in fellow publications, but ask that our name be quoted as the source whenever this happens. It 

is not permitted to copy such information in any commercial publication or otherwise for gain without obtaining prior 

permission, in writing, from the Secretary of the GB Bus Group. Failure to do so is a breach of our copyright. 

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and might not be supported by the Editor 

or Officials of GB Bus Group. 

£1.25 where sold 

The closing date for the February 2013 magazine will be January 28 th 

Printed by Minuteman Press, 120 Manchester Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4PY

Group News 

Editorial Notes 

Well that’s Christmas come and gone again; we all hope you all had a restful season. As you would expect, 

it is a rather quiet time as far as buses go. I’ve had nothing from Arthur & Debbie, so will have to make do 

with my notes from West Yorkshire for “out and about”. Good new with the website though, and the yahoo 

group is back. 

It is getting to the time of year when people are composing their calendars, ready for the summer season of 

Rallies. So, please, if you are aware of any forthcoming ones let me know, as we will not have Mike Pinder 

to send all the details this year as he is now taking a well earned retirement. 

The GB Bus Group Yahoo site 

Thanks to Eddie Roberts, your gb-busgroup group at Yahoo! Groups is now good to go! 

Group home page: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/gbbusgroup 

Group email address: gbbusgroup@yahoogroups.co.uk 

To join, all you need to do to join is visit and follow the instructions. Please be sure to include your 

membership number. 

Our Website – www.gb-bg.co.uk 

We’ve got some really good news on this front. We have a new Website Manager! Yes, member Steve 

Lynn responded to the plea in December’s Trident and volunteered his services. We are sure you will find 

his expertise makes our site an excellent one to view. Now, that’s all very well, if we publish what you find 

interesting. So tell us. The address is website.manager@gb-bg.co.uk. The pages have been brought up 

to date and as a member you can obtain additional information in the Members’ Area by using your 

selected name and password. If you do not have one, Email website.admin@gb-bg.co.uk. with your 

chosen user name and password. Each of those must be a maximum of ten characters (no spaces, but 

you can use hyphens and/or full stops – and each counts as a character). Please ensure you include your 

membership number with your application, particularly if you are a new member. 

Membership Matters 

The annual subscription to the group is still just £13.60. 

The benefits available to our members will remain the same as at present: 

Our monthly magazine –‘Trident’. 

Access to our informative website. 

A 10% discount on Ian Allan publications and first time magazine subscriptions. 

A 20% discount on GBBG published book titles. 

News from the industry 

Arriva has announced an order for 50 Optare Versa, in a mix of 11m and 11.7m lengths, for delivery during 

2013. Individual companies are yet to be announced. 

Hackney Community Transport subsidiary, CT Plus Jersey, began operations on the island of Jersey on 

3rd January. It has introduced a new fleet of ADL Enviro 400 double decks, Optare Solo SRs and Bluebird 

Orion minibuses on a network of 17 routes, using the trading name “Liberty Bus” 

Arriva Southern Counties has extended its Fastrack B service to the Ingress Park housing development at 

Greenhithe. A new bus only road has been opened from Greenhithe station, which the rerouted service

takes every ten minutes during the day, Monday to Saturday. A new weekly ticket has been introduced, 

costing £5 for seven days unlimited travel between the new development and the station. 

MCV has finally managed to break into the London Bus market, albeit not the TfL red bus portion it is 

aiming for. Golden Tours is expanding its sightseeing fleet and has placed an order for nine of the MCV 

double deck bodies, to be built on the Volvo B9TL chassis. Six of the new buses will be open top. Aside 

from three demonstrators currently in the UK, these will be the first production buses to enter service. 

A & A Mason of Bo’ness unexpectedly ceased trading in mid December. Five school contracts were 

operated for Falkirk Council and operators have been found to take these on. Several vehicles were noted 

at the premises of auctioneers Sweeney Kincaid. 

National Express is looking into the future of its depot at Crawley, located next to the depot of Metrobus, 

close to the London – Brighton railway line. Despite a viable operation at present, significant investment is 

required to bring the depot up to modern standards and allow continued operation at the depot, which 

employs 140 staff, or it will become unviable. 

Tees Valley Luxury Coaches Ltd. became the last of many operators to cease trading during 2012. 

Administrators were called in at the end of December. Several factors have lead to the firm’s demise over 

the last few months; as with other firms, the cuts in BSOG and concessionary reimbursement led to the 

commercial bus services becoming unviable. A £62,000 VAT bill impacted on the firm’s cash flow and led 

to its inability to fulfil a new contract with Middlesborough College. 

Oxford Bus Company is currently taking delivery of 19 Volvo B5LH / Wrightbus Gemini 2 hybrid double 

decks. They feature the 4.23m low height body and were part funded through the Government’s Green Bus 

Fund; they will join 17 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 hybrids already operated. 

Fleet News 

Arriva 

North East: Keith Bailey has told me that an order has been placed for ten MAN EcoCity single decks, 

following a successful trial of a demonstrator. 

North West: Sold to Southdown PSV (dealer) have been 2536 (MX52 XNN), 2537 (MX52 XNO), 2538 

(MX52 XNP), 2539 (MX52 XNR) and 2559 (MM02 ZVJ). This latter is now with Tanat Valley. 

Cymru: The former Crosville depot at Llandudno Junction is to be vacated in the New Year. Operations will 

move to new premises in Llandudno, next to the Alpine depot on Builder Street. 

Ex London DAF DB250 / Alexander ALX400 4159 (S289 JUA) has been scrapped, whilst sister 4157 (S287 

JUA) has been moved to Merseyside, now residing at Bootle garage. 

Midlands: Withdrawn have been 2316, 2318, 2320, 2332, 2337, 2346, 2347, 2349, 2352, 2364, 2366 and 

2397. A couple of allocation changes: 2217 Burton to Thurmaston: 2258, 2259 Burton to Wardles: 3417 

Telford to Shrewsbury: 3419 reinstated at Shrewsbury: 

The Shires: The refurbished Volvo / Alexander 400 double decks, from London, VLA164 to VLA179, are 

now all in use at Garston garage on TfL routes142, 340 and 642 

6164 LJ55 BVS 6168 LJ55 BVW 6172 LJ55 BVD 6177 LJ55 BVK 

6165 LJ55 BVT 6169 LJ55 BVX 6175 LJ55 BVG 6178 LJ55 BVL 

6166 LJ55 BVU 6170 LJ55 BVY 6176 LJ55 BVH 6179 LJ55 BVM 

6167 LJ55 BVV 6171 LJ55 BVZ 

London: Aside from the remaining handful of hybrid Volvo / Wrightbus that remain to be delivered, It has 

been very quiet here of late, the only allocation change being DLA183 from Croydon to Brixton. PDL53 and 

PDL56 have headed to Derby for refurbishment, prior to onward allocation elsewhere. 

Southern Counties: A number to disposals to record. Mike Nash, Cobham (dealer) has taken Dennis 

Darts 3086, 3088 and 3101, along with Olympian 5925. A H Hardwick (dealer) has Dennis Darts 3092 and 

3100. Dennis Dart 3306 has been moved to Kent & Surrey at Maidstone as a driver trainer T306

First Group 

Glasgow: Plaxton President bodied Tridents 33015 and 33040 have moved from Parkhead to Larkfield. A 

number of Wright bodied Scanias are now withdrawn: 61234, 61479, 61480, 61482, 61532, 61535, 61539, 

61549, 61552, 61561 and 65533. 

Scotland East: A batch of ten Alexander Dennis E30D / Enviro 300 single decks is in the course of 

delivery to Galashiels garage. They will enter service on the lengthy X95 “Borders Rail Link” route, which 

links Carlisle with Edinburgh. 

67773 SN62 AXH 67776 SN62 AXU 67779 SN62 AXZ 67781 SN62 AYB 

67774 SN62 AXK 67777 SN62 AXW 67780 SN62 AYA 67782 SN62 AYJ 

67775 SN62 AXO 67778 SN62 AXY 

Arthur has noted more strangers in the camp at Livingston: 20360, 33131 and 33138 

Manchester: PVS, Carlton (dealer) continues to remove redundant vehicles, the latest being; Dennis Arrow 

31940, 31951: Volvo Olympian 34070: Dennis Dart SLF 40000, 40338, 40344, 40350, 40353, 40402, 

40405, 40408, 40413, 40415, 40428: Volvo B6BLE 40569: Dennis Dart SLF 42175: Volvo B10BLE 60399. 

A few transfers: 37420 Bolton to Bury: 40421 to disposal: 60105, 60112 Chester to Bolton: 60244 Bury to 

Oldham: 61351 Wigan to Bury, 66701, 66704 Chester to Birkenhead: 61533 and 61538 have been 

transferred to South East & Midlands, Chelmsford from Chester, with 61528 heading there from 

Birkenhead. 

Midlands: 

(Wyvern): Following work at Cummins, Dennis Trident / Plaxton President 32884 (T884 KLF) and 32886 

(T886 KLF) have finally entered service at Redditch, having been transferred from East England. 

(Potteries): Moving down to Leicester from Newcastle have been Volvo B7RLEs 66841 (MX05 CGF) and 

66845 (MX05 CGU). Volvo B7TL / Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 32639 (KP54 AZA) has moved from 

Leicester. PVS, Barnsley (dealer) has taken more withdrawn Dennis Lances: 67249 (M249 MRW) and 

67318 (ODZ 89178). Ex London Caetano bodied Transbus Dart SLFs 41495 (LK03 LME), 41496 (LK03 

LMF), 41497 (LK03 LNU), 41520 (LK03 UEX) and 41521 (LK03 UEY) are now in service at Adderley 

Green. Scrapped have been 40165, 40166, 40169, 40170 and 40176. 

London: Buses transferred elsewhere in the group have been VNZ32328, 32332, 32333, 32334, 32337, 

32342 and 32346 to “South West & Wales”, TN33045, TNL33077, 33078, 33088 to “South East & 

Midlands” TNL33091, 33092, 33097 to “Glasgow”. Further Darts to Alpha Recovery have been DM41790 

and 41794.: 

Somerset & Avon: The full list of the B33F Alexander Dennis E20D / Enviro 200s mentioned last month: 

44520 YX62 DVM 44522 YX62 DWM 44524 YX62 DXC 44526 YX62 DXH 

44521 YX62 DWG 44523 YX62 DWO 44525 YX62 DXF 

Allocation changes through December, with grateful thanks as always to Steve White for allowing us to use 

the information; 32003, 32004 Marlborough Rd to Weston: 32686, 32688, 32690, 32691 Bath to 

Marlborough Rd: 33422 Weston to Devon & Cornwall: 40835 Bath to Taunton: 41135 Taunton to 

Bridgwater: 41686, 41687 Weston to Taunton: Hampshire to Bath: 46250, 46256 Marlborough Rd to 

withdrawn: 42895 to 42901 Bath to Lawrence Hill: 46610 Marlborough Rd to withdrawn: 46623 Lawrence 

Hill to Marlborough Rd: 46902 Marlborough Rd to Lawrence Hill: 57000 Devon & Cornwall to Bath: 66161 

Lawrence Hill to Marlborough Rd: 

Hampshire & Dorset: A batch of ten Alexander Dennis E20D / Enviro 200s was delivered to Southampton 

in December and can usually be found on route 7, linking the City Centre with Portswood and Midanbury. 

44527 SN62 AYV 44530 SN62 AZB 44533 SN62 DBV 44535 SN62 DCY 

44528 SN62 AYZ 44531 SN62 AZW 44534 SN62 DBX 44536 SN62 DCZ 

44529 SN62 AZA 44532 SN62 DBO 

Buses transferred into Southampton from Devon & Cornwall have been Dennis Trident / East Lancs Lolyne 

32764 (WJ55 CSO), 32765 (WJ55 CSU), 32767 (WJ55 CTE) and 32768 (WJ55 CTF). Optare Solo 53206 

(T777 TRU), Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointers 42454 (R454 CCV) and 42457 (R457 CCV). Weymouth 

has received Dennis Trident / East Lancs Lolyne 32751 (X501 BFJ), 32752 (X502 BFJ), 32753 (X503 BFJ) 

and 32754 (X504 BFJ), along with Enviro 200 32925 (SN05 EAC).The Tridents at Weymouth have 

replaced Olympians 34336 (H136 FLX), 34623 (K623 LAE), 34628 (K628 LAE) and 34629 (K629 LAE), 

which have been transferred to Plymouth. 

Dennis Dart SLFs 40825 and 40827 have moved across to Hilsea. On loan from Volvo at Fareham, whilst 

the “Eclipse” buses undergo warranty work is Volvo B7RLE / Wrightbus Eclipse Urban 2 BF62 UYO. It 

remains all over white. 69391 and 69392 have also been drafted in.

Go Ahead Group 

North East: Mercedes-Benz articulated Citaro 5357 (BX54 UCO) has been withdrawn after little use, as its 

internal layout is not suitable for use in this neck of the woods. Former London Dennis Tridents 3904, 3916, 

3917, 3918, 3936, 3937, 3938 and 3939, along with Dennis Super Pointer Dart 82120, have all been sold 

to Tees Valley Stage Carriage. 

Hedingham: Former Trent Optare Excels 216 to 219 and 229 have been moved here from Konect Bus. 

London: Nothing new to report this month, but a number of transfers to note: DWl15 Bexleyheath to New 

Cross: E80 to E93 Stockwell to Merton: LDP206 Peckham to Mandela Way: PVL61 Stockwell to Peckham: 

PVL94 Merton to Bexleyheath: PVL97 Silvertown to Belverdere: PVL113 Putney to Merton: PVL115 

Silvertown to Belverdere: PVL145 Merton to Bexleyheath: PVL149, PVL150 Putney to withdrawn: PVL152 

to 155: PVL159 Bexleyheath to New Cross: PVL160 to 167 Merton to Bexleyheath: PVL169 Merton to 

withdrawn: PVL170 Merton to New Cross: WVL199, 201, 203, 204 Merton to Northumberland Park: 

Oxford Bus Company: Delivery has been underway over recent week of nineteen Volvo B5LH / Wrightbus 

Eclipse Gemini 2 hybrid double decks. They are built with the low height version of the bodywork. 

351 R1 OXF 356 R6 OXF 361 R11 OXF 366 V16 OXF 

352 R2 OXF 357 R7 OXF 362 K1 OXF 367 V17 OXF 

353 R3 OXF 358 R8 OXF 363 M1 OXF 368 N1 OXF 

354 R4 OXF 359 R9 OXF 364 V14 OXF 369 Y25 OXF 

355 R5 OXF 360 J1 OXF 365 V15 OXF 

Southern Vectis: to follow on from the South Coast allocation list that Steve sent me last time, Ian Rivett 

passes on the current list that is on the Isle of Wight. The livery each vehicle carries is in italics 

DAF SB220 / Ikarus Citibus (Southern Vectis) 

507 

Bristol K5G / ECW (Southern Vectis) 

702 

Scania N94UD / East Lancs Omnidekka (Southern Vectis) 

1051 1052 1053 1054 1055 

Scania CN270UD Omnidekka (Southern Vectis) 

1101 1104 1107 1110 1113 1116 1143 1145 1147 1149 1151 

1102 1105 1108 1111 1114 1117 1144 1146 1148 1150 1152 

1103 1106 1109 1112 1115 1142 

Alexander Dennis E40D (Vectis Blue) 

1507 1509 1511 1513 1515 1517 1519 1521 1523 1525 1526 

1508 1510 1512 1514 1516 1518 1520 1522 1524 

Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President (1991 to 1997 Southern Vectis, rest London Red / Grey skirt) 

1941 1946 1949 1952 1972 1974 1992 1994 1995 1996 1997 

1943 1947 1951 1953 1973 1991 1993 

Mercedes-Benz O530G articulated (2908 in GSC blue, rest London Red / grey skirt) 

2903 2904 2905 2906 2907 2908 2909 2910 2911 2912 2913 

Dennis Mini Pointer Dart SLF (Southern Vectis) 

3314 3317 3322 3324 3325 3326 3328 3329 3361 3362 3363 

3315 3321 3323 

Optare Solo M850 (Wilts & Dorset) 

3628

Optare Solo M890SR (Vectis Blue) 

3803 3805 3807 3809 3811 3813 3815 3816 3817 3818 3819 

3804 3806 3808 3810 3812 3814 

Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties Palatine 1 (Island Breezers) 

4637 4638 4639 4641 

Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties Palatine 1 (Island Breezers) 

4642 4643 

Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties Palatine 2 (Moss Motors Red) 

4862 4868 4873 4887 

Volvo B10B / Northern Counties Paladin (Shanklin Steamer) 

5625 

Volvo B10M / Plaxton Premiere (Vectis Blue) 

7007 7008 7009 7010 

Volvo B10M / Plaxton Excalibur (Vectis Blue) 

7029 7030 

Volvo B12M / Van Hool Alizee T9 (Vectis Blue) 

7031 7033 7035 7037 7038 7039 7040 7041 7042 7043 7044 

7032 7034 7036 

Volvo B10M / Plaxton Paragon (Vectis Blue) 

7080 7085 

Volvo B12M / Plaxton Paragon (Vectis Blue) 

7086 7093 

Scania K114IB4 / Irizar Century (Vectis Blue) 

7175 7180 

DAF DB250 / Optare Spectra (Vectis Blue) 

8232 

That’s the current fleet, and with all the new buses into service of late there are a lot of changes to get 

through. 

The coach unit was disbanded in November and, as a result, several additional coaches were withdrawn. 

The withdrawal of several coaches in September meant the use of ‘Fountain’ and ‘West Wight’ branded 

coaches ceased. The ‘Moss’ brand continued until the end of the school term in December, and then that 

brand ceased, with the replacement of the ex-Metrobus double deckers. Private hire work will be 

undertaken by spare Vectis Blue coaches outside of the school run commitments, or by one of three 

coaches retained - 7030 now in Vectis Blue livery and used as a driver trainer and 7175 & 7180, both of 

which are now scheduled for repaint into Vectis Blue livery. All surplus coaches will be sold or transferred to 

other Go Ahead operations. Many of the withdrawn coaches departed in December, with their cherished 

numbers being retained by Southern Vectis. (see below) 

In addition, “Vectis Blue” double decker coach 8232 (NCZ6561) is used for a separate Ryde Schools 

contract: Mini Pointer Dart 3315 is undergoing accident damage repairs and Optare Solo M850 3628 

(S628 RJU) has been moved from Wilts & Dorset as cover.

A number of re-registrations have taken place: 4637 (R737 XRV) to XDL 872; 4638 (R738 XRV) to 934 

BDL; 4639 (R739 XRV) to WDL691; 4641 (R741 XRV) to VDL744; 4642 (K742 ODL) to GSK 962; 7007 

(N307 UTT) to LIL 2665; 7008 (P308 CTT) to LIL 3748; 7010 (R807 NUD) to XXI 8502; 7029 (R809 NUD) 

to WKZ 8689; 7086 (GSK 962) reverted to NA52 RNE; 7093 (XXI 8502) reverted to WV52 HTT; 7175 

(WDL 691) reverted to YN04 GHF; 7180 (XDL 872) reverted to YN04 GHV; 

Sold to Ensignbus (dealer) have been Volvo B10M / Plaxton Paramount 591 (G392 GJT), 592 (G358 GJT): 

Volvo B10M / Plaxton Premiere 596 (K728 JWX): DAF DB250 / Northern Counties Palatine II 3148 (M17 

WAL), 3149 (M18 WAL), 3150 (M19 WAL), 3151 (M20 WAL): Volvo B10M / Plaxton Premiere 7005 (M305 

KDO), 7012 (R812 NUD), 7013 (R813 NUD): Volvo B10M / Caetano Algarve7060 (M559 VNN): DAF 

MB230 / Van Hool Alizee 7261 (K408 XFX), 7265 (K529 RJX): Dennis Javelin / Plaxton Paramount 3200 

7351 (F783 AFX): Mercedes-Benz 711D / Autobus 7411 (N411 WJL): Toyota Coaster / Caetano Optimo 

II7603 (S603 KUT), 7605 (M845 LFP), 7606 (L396 YAM), 7636 (V736 OOF): MAN 11.190 Caetano 

Algarve 7846 (M846 LFP). 4830 to 4839, 4841, 4843 and 4845 are possibly being transferred to the Events 

fleet. 

Sold to Abus: DAF DB250 / Northern Counties Palatine II 3152 (N13 WAL) and 3157 (M645 RCP) 

Transferred to Bluestar: Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President 1940 (Y704 TGH): Volvo B10M / Plaxton Premiere 

7011 (R811 NUD): 

Transferred to Damory: Optare Solo M850 3602 (R602 NFX), 3618 (R618 NFX), 3620 (R620 NFX), 3621 

(R621 NFX), 3631 (S631 JRU), 3644 (T644 AUT), 3649 (T649 AUT): Volvo B12M / Plaxton Paragon 7090 

(GX02 ATF): Scania K340EB4 / Irizar PB 7101 (HF08 UHS): 

Transferred to Thames Travel: Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President 1909 (W399 WGH): 

Transferred to Tourist: Volvo B10M / Plaxton Paragon 7081 (Y781 MFT), 7083 (Y783 MFT), 7084 (Y784 

MFT): Volvo B12M / Plaxton Paragon 7091 (MIL7595, 7092 (NBZ 2184): Scania K340EB4 / Irizar PB 7103 

(HF08 UHU): 

Returned to Wilts & Dorset: Optare Solo M850 3640 (T640 AUT): 

Earmarked for Damory and awaiting transfer as we went to press are Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President 1903 

(W503 WGH), 1907 (W507 WGH), 1908 (W508 WGH), 1928 (W498 WGH), 1939 (Y739 TGH): 

The following coaches are withdrawn and await transfer or sale in addition to those listed above: 

095 (F505 LAP), 7285 (YJ03 PPF), 7286 (YJ03 PPK), 7301 (ODL 447), 7302 (VDL 744), 7401 (LX03 KPA) 

& 7402 (5184 MM). 

Wilts & Dorset: Vectis Blue Enviro 400 1519 (HW62 CCD) is on loan temporarily, for use on the 

Bournemouth Uni-Link service until Easter. 

Stagecoach Group 

Highlands: Last month I noted 42019 down twice (the second Vario should have read 42021). They have 

both now been scrapped, along with Volvo B10M / Alexander PS 20957 and Volvo / Plaxton Premiere 

52429. Sold have been Volvo B10M / Van Hool coaches 52044 and 52048. They regained their original 

registrations before leaving: M873 GYS and N230 RGB. An exchange of Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profiles has 

taken place, with 53201 to 53203 and 53207 moving from Thurso to Orkney in exchange for 53204, 53215, 

53217 and 53218. 

Bluebird: The new Enviro 300s 27806 to 27812 operate out of Stonehaven on the 7 group of services. As 

noted elsewhere, MANs 22352 to 22358, 22361 and 22362 are now at Manchester. Similar buses 22359, 

22360, 22363 and 22364 are now with West Scotland. Arriving from Cumbria have been two Optare Solos 

47016 and 47019, both now at Peterhead. A couple of other allocations: 16112 Stonehaven to reserve: 

16153 Aberdeen to McDuff: 16200 McDuff to disposal: 22705 reserve to Insch: 50144 reserve to 

Peterhead: 52362 reserve to Stonehaven: 53222 Aberdeen to reserve: 

East Scotland: I am unsure if I have noted the new coaches that were delivered in November, so just in 

case I have not, here they are; all are 15m Volvo B13B / Plaxton Panthers. At Perth in Megabus colours are 

54118 (SP62 CFE), 54119 (SP62 CFM), 54120 (SP62 CGV), 54121 (SP62 CGY) and 54122 (SP62 CHH). 

At Rennies in Citylink livery are 54123 (SP62 CHK), 54124 (SP62 CJU), 54125 (SP62 CKF), 54126 (SP62 

CKJ) and 54127 (SP62 CKY). The ones at Perth replace 15m Volvo B12B models 54021 to 54025, which 

are being returned off lease. Coaches replaced at Rennies by the new arrivals have been Jonckheere 

bodied Volvo B10Ms 52649, 52655, 52657, 52668 and 52669. 52655, re-registered back to V905 DPN, and 

52657 has been transferred to S/C South along with similar 52658, the others to reserve. For disposal are 

52670 to 52672. B12Bs 54033 and 54048 are now at Perth, from Rennies. 

Moved up from East have been Volvo Olympians 16228 (S758 DRP), 16229 (S759 DRP), 16230 (S760 

DRP), 16231 (S761 DRP) and 16232 (S762 DRP). 16228, 16229 and 16231 are at Rennies, 16230 at

Aberhill and 16232 at Cowdenbeath. They replace older models 16092, 16098, 16100, 16518 and 16658 

on school contracts. Volvo Olympian 16045 has been sold to McColls, whilst 16646 and 16656 have 

transferred to S/C South. 16658 has been moved to Arbroath, where it has replaced 16686, which is now 

for disposal with chassis trouble. Volvo B10BLE / Wright 21126 and 21127 have been sold to Docherty’s, 

whilst Ensignbus have taken Volvo B10M / Plaxton Expressliner 52433. 

A chunk of re-registrations to note, with departing coaches regaining original plates. 52649 D6 BUS to T669 

XTV: 52655 NSU 133 to V955 DPN: 52669 GDZ3363 to X679 NSE: 53275 KX56 JZN to GDZ 3363: 53276 

KX56 JZO to NSU 133: 53304 SP07 FCY to LSK 478: 53305 SP07 FCZ to LSK 479: 59614 MX06 ONV to 

D6 BUS: 

Ignore the note of 22400 moving to Perth last month. It is immaterial anyhow, as this and the others of the 

batch up to 22407 have migrated south to Manchester, for use at the newly acquired Wigan operation. 

Another batch of ex Stagecoach London Dennis Tridents has moved north. They are currently undergoing 

conversion to single door layout at Ferrymill Motors (Torrance). Once in service they will allow the 

withdrawal of older Volvo Olympians. 17347, 17351, 17374, 17378 to 17381, 17387, 17392 to 17394 and 

17424 being the buses in question. 

West Scotland: Transferred down from Bluebird have been MAN / ALX300 single decks 22359 (SV55 

CBO), 22360 (SV55 CBU), 22363 (SV55EEJ) and 22364 (SV55 EEM). They are to replace older examples 

at Glasgow. Moving south have been Dennis Dart SLFs 33772, 33773, 33775, 33779 and 33780 (on paper 

at least) to Manchester. 34596 to 34602 have also migrated, but are currently parked at Gillmoss garage on 

Merseyside. MAN / Enviro 300 22532 suffered a fire whilst working an X16 service in early December. 

Damage is extensive and it is currently de-licenced, awaiting assessment. The 100 group of services from 

Dumfries to Edinburgh via Biggar have been taken over from McEwans; as a result, several Volvo B7R / 

Plaxton Profile coaches have moved to Dumfries: 53213, 53216, 53234 to 53236 and 53322. A swap 

around of coaches on Joint Venture work has taken place, with Glasgow based Volvo B12Bs 54008, 54010 

and 54011 now with Bluebird, in exchange for 54009, 54013 and 54014 (although 54008 soon departed to 

Cwmbran). Volvo B10M 20517 moved from Stranraer to Glasgow, but was not there long, soon being 

replaced by MAN 22379, displaced by new Enviros from Dumfries. Mini Pointer Dart 33089 has been 

scrapped. Sold have been Volvo B10M / Plaxtons 52419 and 52425. Newly arrived at Dumfries, from East 

Scotland, is Iveco Daily 46692 (SP54 ETX) on staff bus duties, which replaces Mercedes-Benz Vito 60005, 

now for disposal. Neoplan 50143 has been re-registered to 143 CLT. Rounding off this month: a couple of 

Solo transfers. 47497 Ardrossan to Ayr and 47502 Kilmarnock to Cumnock. 

Hot off the press. The first of the new Plaxton Elite I Interdecks arrived late in the year, so already dotted 

about on driver familiarisation. 54201 (SF62 CLV), 54203 (SF62 CMU), 54206 (SF62 CRK), 54207 (SF62 

CRZ), 54209 (SF62 CUA), 54210 (SF62 CZN) and 54211 (SF62 CZU) 

North East: Sold to Ensignbus (dealer) have been Volvo B10BLEs 21102, 21103, 21136, 21139, 21140, 

21144, 21145, 21147, 21149 and 21158. Similar 21105 has been sold for scrap. A H Hardwick have bought 

Volvo Olympians 16704, 16705, 16707 and 16730, most likely for scrapping. How time marches on! I well 

remember visiting Byker garage many years ago, just as these were being delivered. Three ADL Enviro 

400s 19194, 19196 and 19197 have been moved from Slatyford to South Shields, in exchange for MAN / 

ALX300s 22068, 22069 and 22071 

Cumbria & North Lancs: sales this month have been Volvo Olympian 16335 (N335 NPN) and Volvo 

B10M 20994 (R994 XVM) to A H Hardwick (dealer), with Volvo B10M 20907 (R907 XVM) and MAN 22142 

(S142 TRJ) to Wigleys (dealer). Optare Solos 47016 and 47019 have moved north to Stagecoach Bluebird. 

Allocation changes for period 8 consisted of 16330, 16647, 16709, 16870 reserve to disposal: 17017 

Carlisle to Morecambe: 18365 Morecambe to Carlisle: 20128, 20546 reserve to disposal: 20967 disposal to 

reserve: 22269 S/C South Lancs to reserve: 33162, 33173 reserve to disposal: 47018 reserve to 

Morecambe. Mid December saw a few swaps, involving Morecambe Olympians 16659 and 16660 move to 

Kendal, with 18375 returning. 16667 moved from Kendal to West Cumbria, to release 18330 back to 

Morecambe. Finally, 16661 and 16662 head to Barrow, in exchange for 18139 and 18140 

Manchester: Delivery has just commenced of forty Alexander Dennis E40H / ADL Enviro 400 hybrid 

double decks. They will convert the busy route 192 linking Manchester with Stockport and Hazel Grove to 

hybrid operation. Deliveries will run through to the middle of March. 

12180 MX62 GAO 12190 MX62 GHB 12200 MX62 GTF 12210 MX62 GYJ 

12181 MX62 GBO 12191 MX62 GKG 12201 MX62 GTY 12211 MX62 GYS 

12182 MX62 GCK 12192 MX62 GKP 12202 MX62 GUO 12212 MX62 GYV 

12183 MX62 GDF 12193 MX62 GKV 12203 MX62 GVE 12213 MX62 GYY 

12184 MX62 GEJ 12194 MX62 GKZ 12204 MX62 GWE 12214 MX62 GYZ 

12185 MX62 GEK 12195 MX62 GNN 12205 MX62 GWL 12215 MX62 GZJ 

12186 MX62 GFK 12196 MX62 GNP 12206 MX62 GXH 12216 MX62 GZK

12187 MX62 GFO 12197 MX62 GOP 12207 MX62 GXO 12217 MX62 GZL 

12188 MX62 GFY 12198 MX62 GPJ 12208 MX62 GXT 12218 MX62 GZO 

12189 MX62 GGP 12199 MX62 GPZ 12209 MX62 GYG 12219 MX62 GZV 

Thanks, as usual, to Tony Kent noting a few finger slips. I said that some of the new Enviro 400s carried 

branding for the 76. 10042 to 10051 are the ones and the route actually goes to Oldham not Ashton as I 

had noted. And it is 19008 that moved to South West, not 19004. 

Merseyside &South Lancs: A correction to last month: 22270 should have been 22260. I also noted 

33036 as moving from reserve to Preston, it actually transferred to Cumbria. Moving down from West 

Scotland has been a batch of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts SLFs, displaced from Ayr by new buses, 

34596 (SF04 VSV), 34597 (SF04 VSX), 34598 (SF04 VST), 34599 (SF04 VSZ), 34600 (SF04 VTA), 34601 

(SF04 VTC), 34602 (SF04 VTD), 34603 (SF04 VTE) and 34604 (SF04 VTG). All currently parked at 

Gillmoss in reserve. Many older Dart SLFs are now awaiting disposal: 33029, 33135, 33145 to 33147, 

33149, 33414 and 33473. These are joined by Volvo Olympians 16669, 16706 and 16874. Two more 

Olympians: 16636 and 16639 are now in reserve at Chorley, having been displaced by the two new 

Scanias. MAN / ALX300 22257 is now in service at Chorley, replacing Volvo B10M 20794, now in reserve. 

Yorkshire: Now in the course of delivery to Holbrook garage, for use on route 52, are nineteen Alexander 

Dennis E40H / Enviro 400 hybrid double decks. 

12161 YN62 BBE 12166 YN62 BSU 12171 YN62 BXO 12176 YN62 BYU 

12162 YN62 BBX 12167 YN62 BTV 12172 YN62 BXS 12177 YN62 BZG 

12163 YN62 BCY 12168 YN62 BVR 12173 YN62 BXX 12178 YN62 BZK 

12164 YN62 BEY 12169 YN62 BVS 12174 YN62 BYA 12179 YN62 BZT 

12165 YN62 BFP 12170 YN62 BXA 12175 YN62 BYS 

East Midlands: Volvo B10M / Plaxton 52357 is now awaiting disposal, following accident damage. Dennis 

Tridents 18033 and 18036 are back in service at Mansfield, after having new Euro 5 engines fitted. Volvo 

Olympians 16347 and 16497 are back in reserve as a result. 18037 moves from Hull to Lincoln, 22162 is 

back in use at Hull, ex reserve, and 33207 is now n reserve at Gainsborough from Lincoln. 

Midlands: Quite a number of buses have been sold recently, with A H Hardwick taking the lion’s share, 

Volvo Olympians 16020 (P820 GMU) and 16796 (P726 GND), Volvo B10M 20214 (N214 TDU) and Dennis 

Dart SLFs 33132 (P810 YCW), 33140 (P814 YCW), 33322 (P322 EFL), 33323 (P323 EFL), 33356 (P806 

NJN) and 33457 (S457 CVV). Geoff Lister (dealer) has taken Volvo B10M 20226 (R226 CRW). Allocation 

changes have been 16015 Northampton to disposal: 16113 reserve to Kettering: 16454 Kettering to 

disposal: 16492 reserve to Northampton: 16514 Leamington to reserve: 16616, 22460, 33351 reserve to 

disposal: 34133 disposal to reserve: 52645 Rugby to disposal 

East: Quite a few internal transfers to record. Dennis Tridents 18421 to 18424 have moved from 

Peterborough to Fenstanton, now that the new Enviro 400s are in service. These have replaced Volvo 

Olympians 16049, 16056, 16070 and 16146, all now in reserve. Also moving into Fenstanton, from 

Cambridge, have been Optare Solos 47394, 47395, 47658 and 47659, and from Bedford 47341. Dennis 

Dart SLF 34479 has moved to Bedford in exchange for the latter. MAN 22309 is now in reserve at 

Cambridge. Buses transferred elsewhere in the group have been Volvo 16588 and 16590 to South. MAN 

22308 joining others at Manchester. Finally, 33462 too 33464 are now at Oxford. 

Oxfordshire: Loaned Darts from Northampton 33454 and 33455 have returned east. More MAN / ALX200s 

moving across to East Kent have been 22054, 22057, 22279, 22942 and 22943. Several of the recent 

Dennis Dart arrivals have transferred from Oxford to Witney: 33947, 33970, 33462, 33463 and 33464, 

along with Optare Solo 47551. The batch of Solos noted last month should read 47237 to 47239. 

West: Sold to Trevor Wigley (dealer) have been Volvo Olympians 16006 (P806 GMU), 16203 (R203 DHB), 

16443 (N343 HGK). The new Enviro 400s are actually allocated to Gloucester, and not Cheltenham as I 

noted. Anyway, their arrival has led to a cascade of other vehicles through the fleet; 16005 reserve to 

disposal: 16007 Ross to reserve: 16009, 16126 to 16129 Stroud to reserve: 16746, 16751 Gloucester to 

reserve: 18017, 18018 Gloucester to Swindon: 18019, 18020, 18177, 18179, 18181 Gloucester to Stroud: 

19128 to 19130 Gloucester to Ross: 33501, 33503 to 33505 Gloucester to disposal 

Wales: Six Alexander Dennis E20D / Enviro 200 single decks have been delivered to Porth and a second 

batch is due for delivery shortly. 

36772 CN62 BFF 36774 CN62 BFY 36776 CN62 CNU 36777 CN62 CNZ 

36773 CN62 BFX 36775 CN62 BHA 

These have replaced six Dennis Darts SLFs: 34501 to 34506, which are at Bulwark being repainted, prior 

to reallocation. 

Also new, at Merthyr, are three Optare Tempos: 25104 (YJ62 FAF), 25105 (YJ62 FBF) and 25106 (YJ62 

FBZ). Strangely, they have taken the same fleet numbers as three older ones YJ61 MMA, YJ61 MME and

YJ61 MMF. These three have been transferred to Richards Bros. Further to this it has been reported that a 

Tempo has been seen bearing fleet number 25116. I will let you know next time if this is indeed the case. 

Scrapped have been Volvo B10M 20872 (one of the Blackwood training buses), its place being taken by 

20810 (N810 DNE), The Merthyr staff shuttle bus Mercedes-Benz 709D 41414 and Dennis Dart SLF 33282 

have both been scrapped. Optare Solo 47633 (CN58 BYB) suffered a fire before Christmas and is now 

awaiting disposal, as is Dart SLF 33609 with a failed engine. 

London: Just the one bus heading to Ensignbus to report this time: Dennis Dart SLF 34237. Other 

members of the class have been transferred to S/C South: 34239, 34243, 34367 and 34371. Moving north 

to S/C East Scotland have been further Dennis Tridents: 17351, 37374, 37378 to 17381 and 17424. Piers 

Metals have taken the remains of Scania Omnicity 15013. Allocation changes to note have been 17496 

West Ham to disposal: 18451 North St to reserve: 34253 Catford to disposal: 34355, 34357, 34358 reserve 

to Catford: 34373 Catford to disposal: 34366 Catford to Bromley: 

Kent & East Sussex: Five more MAN 18.220 / ALX300 single decks have been transferred from Oxford: 

22054 (KX53 VNK), 22057 (KV53 FAA), 22279 (SP51 AMO), 22942 (OU51 WLK) and 22943 (OU51 WLL). 

All were awaiting allocation as we went to press. Internal movements have been 16801 Eastbourne to 

Ashford: 22192 reserve to Ashford: 22947 reserve to Eastbourne: 33080 Thanet to disposal: 33294 

Hastings to Thanet: 33370 Ashford to reserve: 34078 Eastbourne to Dover: 34091 Hastings to disposal: 

South: Three Volvo B10M / Jonckheere Mistral 50 coaches have arrived from East Scotland for the rail 

replacement fleet: 52655 (V905 DPN), 52657 (V907 DDY) and 52658 (V908 DDY). They are based at 

Winchester and replace the three coaches sold to Ensignbus noted below. Also from north of the border 

are Volvo Olympians 16646 (R246 NBV) and 16656 (R256 NBV), both now at Winchester. From London 

have come Dennis Dart SLFs 34239 (Y239 FJN) and 34243 (Y243 FJN). These are destined fro Fleet 

Buzz. Vehicles sold have been Volvo B10M / Plaxtons 52365 (P565 MSX), 52366 (P566 MSX) and 52367 

(P567 MSX) to Ensignbus (dealer), with Trevor Wigley taking Volvo B6 32302 (N302 AMC), Allocation 

changes consist of:- 20004 to 20006 and 20012 reserve to disposal: 33074 reserve to Andover: 33387 

reserve to Chichester: 33814 reserve to disposal: 40896 Andover to reserve: 42051 Farnham to disposal: 

South West: Delivery of nine Scania N230UD / ADL Enviro 400 double decks is currently under way, all 

for Exeter. 

15860 WA62 AKU 15863 WA62 ANP 15865 WA62 ANX 15867 WA62 AOJ 

15861 WA62 AKV 15864 WA62 ANU 15866 WA62 AOH 15868 WA62 AOM 

15862 WA62 AMK 

A quiet time otherwise, with just Volvo B10M 52341 to note as now for disposal. Long withdrawn Volvo 

B10M 20347 is now with Roselyn Coaches, Par 

Independent Operators 

Scotland 

Avondale: New into the fleet are ex Quality Line Optare Solo M850s YE52 FHH, YE52 FHJ and YE52 

FHK. 

Gibson Direct: A Plaxton Derwent bodied Leyland Tiger has been acquired from Classic (Anfield Plain) 

G325 BRT. It retains its yellow livery and will be used on school contracts. Plaxton Cheetah SF08 FSU has 

left the fleet, going to Blythswood (dealer). 

E & M Horsborough: Recently acquired from Volant (dealer) has been ex Preston Bus Optare Solo PN52 

ZVK 

James King (Newton Stewart): YN12 BWH 

MacEwans Coaches: MAN / Wright Meridian SJ09 GDV has been sold to Ferrymill Motors and is being 

used as part of their hire fleet. 

McGills: Wrightbus Streetlite demonstrator MX62 ARU was in use in early December. With very grateful 

thanks to Stuart Martin, we can list the buses recently taken over from McColls: 

New No Registration Chassis type Body type McColls No 

2619 V168 MYS Volvo B6BLE Wrightbus Crusader 2 2020 



2627 P245 AAP Volvo B6LE-53 Wright Crusader 2027

2631 P251 AAP Volvo B6LE-53 Wright Crusader 2031 

2632 T504 TOL Volvo B6BLE Wright Crusader 2 2032 

2637 T505 TOL Volvo B6BLE Wright Crusader 2 2037 

2638 R514 KNJ Volvo B6LE-53 Wright Crusader 2038 

2649 P378 DSA Volvo B6LE-53 Alexander ALX200 2049 

4761 P908 SMR Dennis Dart SLF 10.1m Alexander ALX200 2061 

4762 Y265 FJN Dennis Dart SLF 10.1m Alexander ALX200 2062 












4776 LX51 FPE Dennis Dart SLF 10.1m Alexander ALX200 2076 

We can also now also bring you the full list of ex London Tridents put into use over the last couple of 

months: 

Fleet No Registration Allocation Old Stagecoach Number 

9940 LX51 FKL Johnstone 17439 

9941 LX51 FKT Greenock 17457 

9942 LX51 FKU Greenock 17459 

9943 LX51 FKW Greenock 17461 

9944 LX51 FKZ Johnstone 17463 

9945 LX51 FLE Johnstone 17468 

9946 LX51 FLG Johnstone 17471 

9947 LX51 FLJ Dumbarton 17473 

9948 LX51 FLK Johnstone 17474 

9949 LX51 FLL Johnstone 17475 

9950 LX51 FLN Johnstone 17477 

9951 LX51 FLM Dumbarton 17476 

9952 LX51 FNR Dumbarton 17513 

9953 LX51 FNS Dumbarton 17514 

9954 LX51 FOV Dumbarton 17533 

9955 LX51 FLB Dumbarton 17465 

9956 LX51 FLV Dumbarton 17480 

9957 LX51 FLW Dumbarton 17481 

9958 LX51 FMA Dumbarton 17483 

9959 LX51 FPA Dumbarton 17534 

England 

Abellio: The Dennis Tridents that had been used by Selwyns on the Liverpool rail replacement job had all 

returned here by the beginning of November: 9740, 9741, 9742, 9744, 9746, 9747, 9750 and 9752. The 

Green Bus, Birmingham, has taken a large number of other Dennis Tridents: 9716, 9723, 9724, 9743, 

9748, 9749, 9760. Dennis Dart SLFs 8453 to 8459 have been sold to Universitybus. 8453 to 8458 had 

been on loan to the Green Bus up until October. 

Amport & District (Thruxton): Newly acquired is YK04 FWB Volvo B12B / Van Hool C49FT, which has

come from McMackin, High Wycombe. 

Bath Bus Company: 361 (YN55 NKZ) is a Scania N94UD Omnidekka / East Lancs newly into service at 

Windsor. It was formerly with London United as its SLE 52 and has been converted to part open top, 

following a low bridge accident. 

Bevan (Lydney): Acquired from Compass, Worthing in October were GX56 AEB and LJ56 LDC ADL Dart 

SFD B29F. 

Blackpool Transport: Olympians 365 (UWW 5X), 369 (F369 AFR), 402 (XAU 702Y, 403 (XAU 703Y), 410 

(A710 DAU), 413 (A705 YFS), 416 (A720 YFS) and 417 (A721 YFS) have all been sold to Parton (dealer). 

More ex Isle of Man stock now re-registered are 364 (FMN 405T) to UWW 5X, 365 (FMN 181P) to J70 

BTS, 366 (GMN 498T) to J90 BTS. Richard Dodge informs me a further pair of DAF / DB250 / East Lancs 

deckers left the Island: 76 (FMN500T) and 79 (FMN 502T). Like the rest, both heading to Bus and Coach 

World at Blackburn for refurbishment before moving to the Fylde coast. 

Bluebird (Middleton): On loan from Ensignbus have been Dennis Dart / East Lancs Spryte P989 AFV and 

P893 AFV, along with Caetano Nimbus MA02 BLU. They replace several Stagecoach Manchester Dennis 

Dart SLFs that had been borrowed during late November. 

Blue Iris (Nailsea): Scania K114EB / Irizar YN55 NJX now carries registration M18 LUE. 

Carmel Coaches (Northlew): Acquired from Nelson, Glyn Neath in October was YN05 VRW Irisbus 

397E.12.35 / Plaxton C49FT. 

Claribels (Birmingham): The two new VDL Bus SB200 / Wrightbus Pulsar 2 single decks that were 

delivered some time ago have entered service as YJ62 JZG and YJ62 JZH. 

Coach Services (Thetford): A pair of ex Alfa Volvo B12B / Plaxton coaches have been in use here for a 

couple of months: PN06 KJZ and PN06 KXA. 

Compass (Worthing): Acquisitions here include W341 VGX, W342 VGX Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton 

Pointer, which had been returned to dealer (ex Huyton Travel, Huyton); YN04 LXE Optare Solo B29F from 

Bevan, Lydney; YJ05 WCE/, YJ05 WCG, YK05 CDU, YK05 CDV, YK05 CDX Optare Solos previously with 

Countryliner, Uckfield and MX09 HJK, MX09 MHN ADL Dart SFD / ADL Pointer 2 from Sheffield 

Community, Upperthorpe. Meanwhile, Dennis Darts SA52 MYR and SA52 MYS have gone to Mid Wales, 

Penrhyncoch. 

Courtney (Bracknell): New here are YJ62 FCC and YJ62 FEU Optare Solo SR’s. On loan from 

Dawsonrentals (ex Abellio) in October was KV02 USJ Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 

Daishs Coaches (Torquay): Tees Valley Coaches, Eaglesciffe have taken SUI 8191 (ex R903 YBA) and 

SUI 8192 (ex R940 YNF) Volvo B10M Van Hool, and SUI 8195 (ex R951 YNF) Volvo B10M Jonckheere. 

Epsom Coaches Group (Epsom): It appears I noted the new Optare Solo SRs twice in last month’s 

Trident. The fleet numbers OPL01 to OPL08 are correct, although they were due the take the numbers 34 

to 41. 

Fairbrother (Warrington): In use here is ex Metroline Dennis Trident X326 HLL. 

Fourway Coaches (Leeds): new is a Volvo B9R / Plaxton Elite YN62 AZL. It carries a silver / grey 

Executive colour scheme. 

Gills (Long Eaton): Now in use here, having been bought from Doyle (Alfreton), are Dennis Dart SLF / 

Plaxton Pointers V263 BNV and V264 BNV. 

Go Goodwins (Eccles): A former Dublin Bus Volvo Olympian, 99-D-580 was bought in October and,, 

following a conversion to single door and refurbishment, it has entered service as V551 PBA. 

Grand Prix (Brough): A former Trent Optare Excel has been purchased: Y249 DRC. 

The Green Bus (Birmingham): A number of Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 double decks have 

arrived from Abellio 115 (V15 TGB) ex V332 KGW, 116 (V316 KGW), 117 (YN51 KUY), 118 (YN51 KVE), 

119 (YN51 KVF), 120 (YN51 KVT) and 121 (V324 KGW). 

Halton Transport: Three former Blackpool Transport Optare Solo M850s have been acquired: V269 HEC, 

V271 HEC and V272 HEC. They are to be used on a new service which requires smaller vehicles. 

King Henry’s Coaches (Hartfield): The operations ceased back in March, following tehpassing of its 

owner. The assets were auctioned in September and Andrew Churchill has sent us some details; E963 

SVU, withdrawn way back in 2001 was sold fro scrap as were C263 GMA and E705 WNE. Former London 

Transport RF592 (MXX 472) was purchased by Autocar, Five Oak Green, who continue to operate irt in 

country area green. 

Heritage Travel (Partridge Green): With the cessation of Countryliner, Uckfield, several vehicles have 

been acquired: P268 FPK, P2282 FPK, P686 RWU, P688 RWU, P727 RYL, R58 GNW, S303 MKH, X214 

ONH, Y157 NLK, Y656 NLO and Y657 NLO Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer; FE51 RCY Volvo B7TL / 

East Lancs; AE56 MDK AE56 MDO ADL Dart SLF / MCV Evolution; MX09 HJF, MX60 BXE, MX60 BXF, 

MX60 BXG ADL Enviro 200. Further acquisitions include T186 AUA DAF SB220 / Ikarus B43F from Wilts & 

Dorset; T137 CLO, T140 CLO Dennis Trident / Plaxton President from Metroline; T426 LGP Dennis Dart 

SLF / Caetano from Go Northern, and X227 NNO, X236 NNO, X237 NNO Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer

Hodson (Clitheroe): Volvo D10M / Alexander F112 XCW has been re-registered IIG 8280. 

Howard (Runcorn): A pair of ex Stagecoach Merseyside East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart SLFs: P459 

DCW and P461 DCW have been acquired. Meanwhile, leaving the fleet has been Dennis Dart SLF Y399 

LCS, which is now with RML Buses (Wem) 

Imperial (Southall): Acquired from Reays (Wigton) has been Mercedes-Benz O.816 / Plaxton Cheetah 

YN10 FZD. 

Irvings (Carlisle): Now here is Leyland Tiger / Wright K460 CBU. It latterly worked for Heartland bus, with 

whom it was registered 520 MWX, but originally with Ulsterbus.. 

Kirkby Lonsdale Mini Coaches (Carnforth): Optare Solo YJ05 WCO has been returned to Lancashire 

County Council, whilst similar YJ54 UBK has been bought from the council. Purchased from Ensignbus 

(dealer) has been ex Stagecoach North East Volvo B10BLE / Alexander R244 KRG. Ex Go South Coast 

Optare Solo R610 NFX is also a new arrival here. 

Lancashire United (Blackburn): Moved across from Keighley & District have been Transbus Mini Pointer 

Dart SLFs 604 (YJ04 LXP) and 706 (YJ04 LXN). From Coastliner has come Volvo B7Tl / Wrightbus Gemini 

CH41/28F 405 (YK55 ATN). The latter now has Lancashire Way branding. 

Leven Valley: New arrivals have been four Mini Pointer Darts 31 (V331 CVV), 65 (W365 ABD), 93 (W793 

VMV) and 94 (V794 VMV). All four have come from K & H Doyle (Alfreton) and were refurbished and 

repainted before arrival. Enviro 200s 11 (T11 GAJ) and 12 (T12 GAJ) have been returned to Mistral 

(dealer), with the latter being re-registered to MX59 CZL. 

London Dial a Ride: TfL is adding additional Volkswagen / Bluebird Tucana minibuses to replace further 

Mercedes-Benz Sprinters in the fleet, the first of the new batch being 

D7210 YX62 ACV D7213 YX62 AEJ D7216 YX62 AKG D7218 YX62 AKK 

D7211 YX62 AEC D7214 YX62 AEK D7217 YX62 AKJ D7219 YX62 AKZ 

D7212 YX62 AED D7215 YX62 AHU 

London United: As shown last month, the Volvo B9TL / MCV double deck VM1 (BF62 UXU) can usually 

be found on the H32, working out of Hounslow garage. 

Luckett (Fareham): Scania / Irizar Century 4950 (DL03 GSU) has been re-registered as A19 LTG. 

Marchant (Cheltenham): YN08 JBE Scania K340EB / Berkhof C57F has been acquired from Tedd, 

Thruxton, while YN08 NXR and YN08 NXS Mercedes-Benz O.816D / Plaxton Cheetah C20F have come 

from Logan, Dunloy. 

Metroline: Under delivery at the moment are two batches of buses for route 52, operating out of Willesden 

garage (AC). Fifteen H39/23D 10.5m Volvo B9TL / Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2s 

VW1393 LK62 DUU VW1397 LK62 DVG VW1401 LK62 DVO VW1405 LK62 DVV 

VW1394 LK62 DVB VW1398 LK62 DVH VW1402 LK62 DVP VW1406 LK62 DVX 

VW1395 LK62 DVC VW1399 LK62 DVJ VW1403 LK62 DVR VW1407 LK62 DVZ 

VW1396 LK62 DVF VW1400 LK62 DVL VW1404 LK62 DVU 

These are being joined by twelve Volvo B5LH / Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 hybrids 

VWH1408 LK62 DWA VWH1411 LK62 DWF VWH1414 LK62 DWO VWH1417 LK62 DWY 

VWH1409 LK62 DWD VWH1412 LK62 DWJ VWH1415 LK62 DWU VWH1418 LK62 DXF 

VWH1410 LK62 DWE VWH1413 LK62 DWM VWH1416 LK62 DWV VWH1419 LK62 DXG 

A goodly number of transfers to record; DLD170 Kings Cross to withdrawn: DP1010, 1011 Potters Bar to 

Perivale: TE833, 881 Cricklewood to Edgware: TPL237, 240, 262, 272, 275 Cricklewood to withdrawn: 

TP409, 416, 426 Brentford to Holloway: VPL135, 137, 139, 148, 150Holloway to withdrawn: VPL156, 161, 

165 Edgware to withdrawn: Ensignbus (dealer) has taken several Dennis Dart SLFs DLD141, 164, 165, 

171, DLM152, 158, DSD208, 210, DP1001, 1003, 1004 and 1007. A pair of Plaxton President bodied 

Volvos have also headed there: VPL136 and VPL138, more to follow in the next couple of months I am 

sure. 

National Express West Midlands: Now undergoing delivery are the first of thirty Alexander Dennis B37F 

E20D single decks. The eleven below have been allocated to Birmingham Central garage for route 99, of 

which 801 to 808 carry branding. 

801 BX62 SBY 804 BX62 SFJ 807 BX62 SKJ 810 BX62 SLV 

802 BX62 SCV 805 BX62 SFY 808 BX62 SJU 811 BX62 SNF 

803 BX62 SEY 806 BX62 SJU 809 BX62 SJV 

6001 to 6009 and 6011 have all now departed for PVS, Barnsley (dealer) as has 4088. EMR, Kingsbury for 

scrap have gone 612, 641, 647, 656, 678. Allocation changes have been 643, 644 Birmingham Central to 

withdrawn: 1619 West Bromwich to withdrawn: 1908 has been returned to Volvo: 4041 Birmingham Central 

to Acocks Green: 4056 to 4058, 4086, 4105 to 4107, 4109, 4116 to 4119, 4121. 4122 Birmingham Central 

to Yardley Wood: 4143, 4146, 4155, 4160, 4161, 4180, 4182, 4183, 4189, 4191, 4218, 4328, 4365, 4367

Yardley Wood to Birmingham Central: 4642 Acocks Green to West Bromwich: 

North Somerset Coaches (Nailsea): Acquired from Trent Buses are Y243 DRC and Y251 DRC Optare 

Excel B42F. Dennis Tridents T805 RFG and T810 RFG have been re-registered to VFT 581 and VHY 437 

respectively. 

Parnham (Ludgershall): New here is WA62 BAU VDL FHD Bova C54FT. 

Pilkingtons (Accrington): Arriving in October was ex Stagecoach London Dennis Trident X374 NNO. A 

Dennis Dart SLF has also been bought from North Somerset Coaches: P302 HDP. 

Premiere (Nottingham): New here, having been bought from the Stafford Bus Centre, is 3337 (PT59 JPT) 

an ADL Enviro 300. It was formerly with JP of Middleton, the registration being a bit of a give away. 

Reays (Wigton): The latest service to be operated in competition with Stagecoach Cumbria is the 300R 

linking Carlisle with Maryport, extended beyond to Workington as the 302R. 

A recap of the latest arrivals: VDL SB180 / MCV Evolutions YJ62 JXG, YJ62 JXW, YJ62 JWF and YJ62 

JWL, VDL Bus SB200 / Wright Pulsar 2s YJ62 JZR and YJ62 JZT and Mercedes-Benz O.816 / Plaxton 

Cheetah YN62 AAV. The ex Shearings Volvo B12Ms acquired from Shearings last year have been reregistered: 

YJ03 VOT to FPN 259 and YJ03 VOY to TFO 532. 

ADL Enviro 400 demonstrator SN61 DFK was in use at Carlisle during December. Mercedes-Benz Varios 

YN54 WWU and YN54 WWV, Volvo B10M / Plaxtons Y733 HWT and Y734 HWT and Dennis Dart SLFs 

GX54 AOR and GX54 AOU have all gone to Plaxton (dealer). Volvo B10M M414 RRN has been reregistered 

to B4 CWR. 

Reading & Wokingham (Wokingham): New here is OVK 902 (ex X812 XEX, J9 VOL) Volvo B10M / 

Plaxton, which has come from Snowdon, Easington Colliery, and X13 OVA Bova Futura, which has come 

from Whitestar Coaches. 

Redwoods Travel (Hemyock): New here is WA62 VCF Mercedes-Benz 0816D / Sitcar Beluga C29F. 

Robinsons (Great Harwood): A new coach is Volvo B9R / Plaxton Paragon C48FT 284 (PO62 GHY). 

Neoplan 274 (GM03 JVE) has gone to Volvo (dealer) 

Roselyn Coaches (Par): Several re-registrations to note are: 

KSU 454 Volvo B10M-60 / Plaxton to G801 BPG; 

237 AJB Volvo B10M-61 / Van Hool to E44 SAF; 

M687 HPF Volvo Olympian / East Lancs to VIB 3903; 

N399 LRN Volvo Olympian / Alexander to SIL 4465, 

N789 VRM Volvo KSU 454 

R807 JDV Volvo B10M-55 Alexander to 237 AJB 

Rossendale Transport: Latest arrivals are three Scania / Wright Solar single decks, arriving from Reading 

Transport 228 (YN06 NXX), 229 (YN06 NXY) and 230 (YN06 NXY) 

Rotala Group: 

Diamond) 

(Flights Hallmark) Bova Magiq 10014 (FOR 35T) is now at Birmingham. A new arrival at Birmingham is 

Volvo B12B / Plaxton Panther 11523 (CN05 DZH). Sold to NPC Coaches has been Volvo B12B / Plaxton 

Panther 11004 (RK04 BWU) re-registered from Y20 HMC. Similar 11514 (YN54 WWG) re-registered from 

Y30 HMC) has been sold to Campdon Coaches. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 15516 (BD57 WCX) has been 

withdrawn from Heathrow. 

(Preston Bus): Four Volvo B5L / Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 bodies were delivered during December and 

were due into service in early January: 40606 (PR62 TON), 40607 (PO62 LNU), 40608 (PO62 LNF) and 

40609 (PO62 LNN). 

(Wessex Connect): Withdrawn at Avonmouth are Mini Pointer Darts 20301 (BU53 AWP) and Mercedes- 

Benz Sprinters 20306 (BW03 ZVB) and 20312 (BU53 AXB). Mini Pointer Dart 20304 (KX03 HZJ) did not, in 

the end, move to Diamond; 20606 (KV51 KZH) has moved instead. 30295 (A2 UOB) has been sold to 

Reliance of York. 

Selwyns (Runcorn): I now have fleet numbers for the new Caetano Levante’s noted last month: 204 

(FN62 CCV), 205 (FN62 CDE), 206 (FN62 CCZ) and 207 (FN62 CDY). 

South Lancs Travel (Atherton): Now here, having been moved from Maytree Travel, is Optare Versa 

hybrid YJ61 ENU. It carries fleet number 62. 

Stotts (Oldham): Another Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 acquired from Ensignbus (dealer) is LX51 

FHT, it being the former 17405 of Stagecoach. Also new here is ex Keighley & District Volvo B10BLE / 

Wright X572 YUG. 

Summercourt Travel (Summercourt): Optare Solos W599 PTO and W605 PTO have been re-registered 

to AIG 9449 and OUI 8952 respectively. 

Target Travel (Plymouth): KX59 CYW and KX59 CYY ADL Dart SLF B29F have been acquired from 

Huyton Travel, Huyton for Plymouth City Council park-&-ride service PR3, which is the revamped version of 

service 60. The vehicles are white, with blue and green vinyls.

Warrington Transport: More double deckers have been acquired from London, these being the three 

Volvo B7TL / Wright Gemini double decks that London United operated: BD51 YCR, BD51 YCS and BD51 

YCT. They will be converted to single door H41/28F layout before use. 

Weaver (Newbury): New here are YX62 EDO and YX62 EDP Alexander Dennis E20D / Enviro 200. 

Wheelers Travel (North Baddesley): New here in November was WL62 WTL MAN 18.293 / Hispano 

Intea C70D. Several acquisitions to record are: K312 FYG DAF DB250 / Optare Spectra H44/27F from RH 

Transport and now reregistered NIL 7251, Finstock; Y226 NAY Volvo B10M-62 Van Hool C49FT from 

Kinell Coaches, Fraserburgh and now reregistered YIL 5883; YN51 XMU Neoplan N122/3 CH57/18CT from 

Active, West Molesey; PO53 OOA MAN 18.310 / Marcopolo C70F from Hayton, Burnage now re-registered 

N5 WTL along with PF04 SYJ MAN 18.310 / Marcopolo now re-registered L7 WTL and PN08 CMX MAN 

18.350 / Marcopolo C70FL from Edwards, Llantwit Fardre. The following vehicles have now left the fleet: 

P271 CAJ Mercedes-Benz 814D / Acl (Vale, Thruxton), and P198 FGM Dennis Javelin Berkhof (BASE, 

Holmeswood). 

Whittle Bus & Coach: The fleet was renumbered during December, so an opportune time to list it 

11 RUI 2116 Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere C57F 

12 W119 PNP Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere C57F 

14 T638 XNP Dennis Javelin Plaxton Premiere C53F 

15 VX 55 OBV Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C57F 

16 VX 55 OBY Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C57F 

17 YX 07 HKJ Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C53F 

18 YX 07 HKK Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C53F 

19 YX 07 HKL Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C49FT 

20 YX 07 HKM Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon C49FT 

21 YN 60 FLR Volvo B9R Plaxton Paragon C53FT 

22 YX 07 HJJ Volvo B12B Caetano Levante C49FLT 

23 YX 62 HLC Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite 

83 YX 07 HJF Volvo B12B Caetano Levante C49FT 

84 FJ 11 GJX Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

85 FJ 11 GJY Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

86 FJ 11 GJZ Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

87 FJ 11 GKA Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

88 FJ 11 GKC Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

89 FJ 11 GLV Volvo B9R Caetano Levante C48FT 

152 V428 DNB MB O405N Mercedes-Benz B40F 

153 V429 DNB MB O405N Mercedes-Benz B40F 

154 YX 03 MWG Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B41F 

155 YX 03 MWJ Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B41F 

156 YX 03 MWK Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B41F 

157 YX 56 HVF Alexander Dennis Dart 4 ADL Enviro 200 B38F 

158 YX 56 HVG Alexander Dennis Dart 4 ADL Enviro 200 B38F 

159 YX 56 HVH Alexander Dennis Dart 4 ADL Enviro 200 B38F 

160 YX 56 HVJ Alexander Dennis Dart 4 ADL Enviro 200 B38F 

161 R409 FFC Dennis Dart SLF Wright Crusader B34F 

162 Y213 HWJ Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B37F 

163 Y214 HWJ Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B37F 

164 GK 03 NFT Transbus Dart SLF Transbus Pointer 2 B31F 

165 W462 UAG Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B29F 




169 W694 EOP Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 2 B29F 

170 YX 04 JVW Transbus Dart Transbus Pointer 2 B37F 

418 YX 51 MUO Mercedes O814D Plaxton Cheetah B31F

Wellglade Group: 

(Notts & Derby): Bought from Ensignbus (dealer) has been a pair of ex Southern Vectis Volvo B10M / 

Plaxton Premiere coaches R812 NUD and R813 NUD. 

(Trent Barton) Optare Excels 234, 260, 262 and 266 are now withdrawn. 

Wales 

1st Call (Merthyr Tydfil): Acquired from MOD recently were T943 XBX and V 230 HUH Dennis Javelin / 

Plaxton Premiere and from RH Transport, Finstock R75 GNW EOS E180Z C49FT. 

Alpine (Llandudno): New here is 34 (AP62 ALP) Mercedes-Benz Tourismo C49FT (may enter service as 

BJ62 VPA for re-registration when above mark is cleared). On order for next year is 11 (AP13 ALP) Volvo 

B9R / Plaxton Panther 2 C53F. Vehicles re-registered include Duple 425s 42 (XFV 257) to D361 VHH and 

43 (XIL 1328) to D362 VHH; Mercedes-Benz Touros 20 (AP05 ALP) to CX05 JXS, 32 (BX06 UNH) to XIL 

1328 and 33 (BX06 UNJ) to XFV 257; Mercedes-Benz 0.814D 26 (PN05 BUA) to AP05 ALP and Irisbus 

Beulas 33 (AP07 ALP) to CX07 FWN. Plaxton, Anston took CX07 FWN and BP07 ALP, both Irisbus Beulas 

in November. 

Brent Thomas (Tonypandy): New in November was BX62 BXL Volvo B13R / Jonckheere SHV C57FT. 

Bysiau Cwm Taf (Whitland): Acquired in October was N209 HWX Volvo B10M-62 / Plaxton Premiere 

C53F from Crawley Luxury Coaches, Crawley. 

Chepstow Classic: Acquired from Stagecoach Hampshire in October was P621 PGP Dennis Dart SFD / 

Alexander B36F. Meanwhile, vehicles gone for scrap include JDZ 2360 Dennis Dart / Wright; K561 NHC 

Dennis Dart / Alexander; N912 NAP, N960 NAP, N981 NAP Mercedes-Benz 709D / Alexander Sprints and 

R610 KDD Iveco / Mellor; all have gone to Wigley, Carlton. 

Cymru Coaches (Fforestfach): Acquired in October was RJZ 2286 (ex FE52 HFX) Irisbus Eurorider 

397E.12.35 Beulas Stergo C51FT from Dover, Hetton-le-Hole. However, it proved to be unsuitable and was 

returned to Santander Used Assets. 

Davies (Crosshands): Volvo Caetano T366 AJF has been reregistered to KIG 1256. 

Edwards (Llantwit Fardre): New in November were PK62 VUW Neoplan Tourliner N2216SHD and PK62 

VUX Neoplan Starliner N2518SHD. A further two Neoplans are expected early next year. 

Express Motors (Penygroes): MAN / Optare R1 EMS was re-registered to R433 YCC in November, while 

MAN 14.240 / ADL Enviro 200 CX60 AAU has been re-registered to R1 EMS. Also re-registered now is 

Mercedes-Benz Vario / Plaxton Cheetah S1 EMS to S710 AFF. Van Hool T815H KOI 7625 (ex D305 HMT) 

went to Barker Bus, Roydon in November. Noted for sale on ebay in November were F622 HGO DAF / Van 

Hool and Y202 HGY MAN / Berkhof. 

GHA Group (Ruabon): Two Optare Solos have been acquired from Scarlet Band, West Cornforth: T645 

HBF and T789 KNW. The latest arrival is R457 KWT DAF SB220 / Alexander B42F, which was new in July 

1998 to Arriva Yorkshire West. Optare Solo YM52 TPU entered service, in November in orange “into the 

port” livery, while YN03 NDF is in Bryn Melyn livery. Further Solo YJ60 KBN has received Vale Travel 

livery, but is not yet in service. Volvo B7R / Plaxton HM03 GSM has been re-registered to 708 WPG. 

Gary’s (Tredegar): JIL 4502 (ex K726 GWR) Volvo B10M / Plaxton was acquired from A&M, Nantyglo in 

October. 

Gibbons (Bedlinog): New here is Setra 416GTHD C49FT, which was displayed at Euro Bus Expo, NEC in 

November (BJ62 VOK). 

Glamorgan Bus (Aberaman): New here in November was V268 BNV Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 

B29F from K&H Doyle, Alfreton. 

Goodsir Coaches (Holyhead): New in October was BF62 JZR Mercedes-Benz Tourismo C51FT. 

Gwyn Jones (Bryncethin): Acquired from RH Transport, Finstock in October was M627 RCP DAF 

SB3000 / Van Hool C53F. 

Lets Go (Fforestfach): New here in September was W425 VCH Bluebird FC5RE B60F, which came from 

Staffordshire CC. 

Morris Travel (Carmarthen): Purchased in September were KF52 TZL Mercedes-Benz 0814D / Plaxton 

Beaver B33F, which came from S&S Travel Services, Darwen, and ST52 GZD Volvo B12M / Plaxton 

Paragon C49FT, which came from National Express. Volvo B10M / Jonckheere 262 ACA reverted to its 

original registration and has subsequently gone to Express Motors, Kenfig Hill. 

Movereturn (Pontycymmer): Acquired from Hayward, Carmarthen in November was N473 KHU Dennis 

Javelin / Plaxton Premiere. 

NAT Group (Gabalfa): Another new Scania / Irizar has arrived YR62 xxx. Meanwhile, H3 KFJ and H4 KFJ 

Irisbus Beulas have reverted to their original registrations of FJ03 ZZU and FJ03 ZZN respectively and

have passed to Plaxton, Anston. Neoplan Skyliner OX04 BZP (ex T55 UBE) has been reregistered to H2 

KFJ. 

Nelson’s (Gwyn Neath): New in September was YN62 AXA Volvo B9R / Plaxton C53F. Plaxton took 

YN05 VRW Irisbus Plaxton in October and this has since passed onto Camel Coaches, Northlew. 

Newport Transport: We now have details of the new buses Arthur has been noting at ADLs. Five 

Alexander Dennis E40D / Enviro 400 H41/31F 400 (SN62 AOH), 401 (SN62 AOO), 402 (SN62 AOP), 403 

(SN62 AOW) and 404 (SN62 AOX) 

PTS (Pontyberem): Acquired from Thandi Executive, Smethwick is M411 TWF Neoplan N116/3 C48FT. 

Pat’s Coaches (Southsea): Van Hool T815 LIL 8045 (ex G541 XHW) has come from Stafford’s 

Coedpoeth. The report in last months edition of Volvo B10M X824 PBA being acquired is incorrect; the 

vehicle is actually with Price, New Broughton. 

Peake’s (Pontypool): New here is VX10 VWE Scania K400EB / Lahden, while Volvo B12B / Plaxton CJ04 

SDX (ex B12 VOL, LD 04 MCT) has been reregistered to J55 PKE. 

Thomas Rhondda: WA62 BDV VDL Futura FHD2.129.365 was on loan from Moseley, Wellington in 

November for two weeks and has since returned. On order for early 2013 are two MAN based Van Hools. 

Watts (Bonvilston): Acquired from Ellison’s, St Helens in November was YJ08 NTN Van Hool T917 

C48FT. 

Williams (Brecon): RJZ 4782 (ex R909 BKO) DAF SB3000 / Plaxton Premiere C53F has been acquired 

from Smith & May, Benfleet. 

New deliveries 

Anderson (Bermondsey) YN62 GXK Plaxton Panther 

Barnes (Aldbourne) BX62 BCO Volvo B9R / Jonckheere SHV C53FT 

Peter Carol (Bristol) WA62 AVY Van Hool TX16 

Chiltern Travel MV62 VPD Chiltern Travel 

Commandery (Worcetser) YT62 JCO Scania K360EB4 / Irizar 

Davies Coaches (Llanelli) DC62 WAL Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panther 

Ellisons DS62 ELL Neoplan N2216/3SHDL C61F 

Gibbons BJ62 VOK Setra S416GT-HD 

Hemmings HM62 HEM Setra S416GT-HD 

Lakeside (Ellesmere) BX62 BNU Volvo B9R / Sunsundegui 

Lakeland (Hurst Green) PO62 KBP Mercedes-Benz O.816 / Plaxton Cheetah) 

Leisure Time (Cardiff) YN62 AXA Volvo B9R / Plaxton Elite 

MCH (Uxbridge) PO62 XZL Neoplan N2216SHD C49FT 

Minibus Executive (Watford) YP62 FPF Scania K350IB / Irizar i6 C53F 

Moving People BJ62 VOM Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 

Peakes (Pontypool) YN62 CXC Irizar i6 

Pirie (Dundee) SF62 DXT Mercedes-Benz O.816D / Plaxton Cheetah C29F 

Roy McCarthy (Macclesfield) YN62 ACU Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panther 

Scania GB YT62 JBV Scania / Irizar i6 (demonstrator) 

Alexander Dennis Ltd (Falkirk) 

4 th December 

First Hampshire & Dorset Enviro 200 44533 SN62 DBV (C247/7) 

??? Enviro 300 C314/2 

All white 

Enviro 200 MX60 BWZ 

18 th December 

First Scotland East Enviro 300 SN62 AYB (67781): 67778: 

Stagecoach Manchester Enviro 400H 12180 to 12182 MX62 GAO MX62

Ensignbus (October) 

Vehicles in 

London United: Volvo B7TLs SK52 MKV, SK52 MPU, SK52 MPV, SK52 MSO: 

Metroline: 

Darts W141 ULR, W149 ULR, Y664 NLO, Y665 NLO, Y671 NLO, Y152 NLK, 

Y158 NLK, RX51 FNP, RX51 FNT, RX51 FNU, Y63 LTF, LR02 BDV, LR02 BDY: 

Volvo B7TLs X636 LLX, X638 LLX: 

Stagecoach East Scotland: Volvo B10M R453 MSL: 

Stagecoach London: Tridents LY02 OAE, LY02 OBK: Dart LV52 HGF: 

Stagecoach NE: Volvo B10BLEs R236 KRG, R239 KRG, R240 KRG, R244 KRG, R245 KRG, 

R246 KRG, R247 KRG, R249 KRG, R258 KRG, P602 JBU, P603 JBU: 

Astons Coaches: Volvo B12Bs FJ06 GHB, CN05 DZH: 

Bear Buses: Trident X319 HLL: 

Bournemouth Transport: Darts P989 AFV, P993 AFV: 

Carters Coaches: Trident T101 KLD: 

Cedrics Coaches: Dart V161 EFS: 

DeckerBus: Olympian J852 CEV: 

OTT: 

Trident T122 KLD: 

RH Transport Tridents PJ02 PZM, PJ07 PZN, PJ07 PZP, PJ07 PZY: 

Sanders Coaches: Olympian E300 MSG: 

Seaford and District: Bova SIL 9638: 

Webberbus: Enviro 200s KY07 OOW, KY07 OOY: 

Vehicles out 

MANs AE57 LYO, AE57 LYH, AE57 LYJ, AE57 LYK, AE57 LYP, AE57 LYR, AE57 LYS, 

AE08 DLD, AE08 DKY: Associated Coach Sales, Palmerston, New Zealand: 

Darts X227 WNO, X234 WNO, X236 WNO, X237 WNO Heritage Travel, Brighton: 

Tridents X232 NNO, X258 NNO Heritage Travel, Brighton: 

DAF SB220 T186 AUA: Heritage Travel, Brighton. 

Tridents T104 KLD, T113 KLD, T144 KLD: DeckersBus, Whittlesey, Cambs: 

Trident X254 NNO MC Tractors, Ely, Cambs for scrap: 

Dart V436 KGF: MC Tractors, Ely, Cambs for scrap: 

Routemaster RML2714: Stowe School, Buckingham: 

Dart LX51 FHF: Roadrunner Buses, Harlow: 

Trident LX51FHT: Stotts Tours, Oldham: 

Tridents Y436 NHK, Y458 NHK; Ipswich Buses: 

Fleetline GVF 954T : Alternative London, Fairfield Road, London: 

Metrobus E767 JAR: San Francisco City Sightseeing: 

Darts V118 GBY, V129 GBY : Xelabus, Eastleigh, Hants: 

Dart LT02 ZDO: Carters Coaches, Capel-st-Mary, Suffolk: 

Dart W149 ULR: Logic Travel, Nazeing, Essex: 

Olympian J339 BSH: Jacksons Transport Services, Paphos, Cyprus: 

Olympian J340 BSH: Dremwell Consultants Ltd, Paphos, Cyprus: 

Metrobus KYV 670X : Greysand Shipping Ltd, Paphos, Cyprus: 

Tridents LX51 FLB, LX51 FMA, LX51 FPA, LX51 FLW, LX51 FLV: McGills Buses, Glasgow: 

Dart W143 ULR: Fast Productions, Shepperton, Middx: 

Dart LR02 BFA: Bear Buses, Feltham, Middx: 

Dart V434 KGF: NIBS Buses, Wickford: 

Olympian H337 YYD: Regent NW Ltd, Kirkdale, Merseyside: 

Dart V161 EFS: Seaford and District MS: 

Ged’s Jaunt 

My last jaunt of 2012 took me to West Yorkshire. Many years ago, going back to de-regulation here, it was 

a very regular trip - at least once a month. In those days it was much easier to get around the various 

garages; no such joy nowadays without prior planning, which I had not. Anyway, another thing to change 

are the trains: the first generation class 101 Met Cams that frequented the Lancaster – Leeds line have

given way to class 142 Pacer Units, which do the job, albeit not in the same comfort. Also no longer about 

is the 1930 departure from Leeds, which gave a full day in the area. Our last one now is 16:39, which 

means one has to travel back either via Manchester Piccadilly or my preferred (quieter route) via Halifax, if I 

stay past tea time. 

Enough pre-amble. Departure was on the 07:10 departure from Lancaster, with a day return at £26.50. 

Someone at the ATOC has finally noticed the Cheap Day Return one could purchase, even at this time of 

day, is no longer available, so it cost me a bit more than I had been expecting. Back in the day, West 

Yorkshire PTE (as it was then) had a day ticket covering the county on bus and train called (if memory 

serves) KerChing. Today that has morphed into the “West Yorkshire Day Rover”, but it does the same job 

and, at £7.10, still remains very good value for money. It is an off peak ticket though, and you cannot use it 

before 9.30 Monday to Friday, so I stayed on the train until Leeds, where unusually for this train we got 

straight into a platform and arrived a couple of minutes early at 09:00. 

First order of business was to head down to the bus station and purchase my ticket for the day from the 

Metro Travel Centre. On my way passing Kirkgate, a healthy group of passengers waiting to board 54052 

on the southbound Megabus service. Parked close by was new King Long BX62 BEU, belonging to 

Hunters Coaches (Leeds). Down at the bus station were a couple of Selwyns coaches, working the 060 

service, and a Neoplan Tourliner PJ60 VNF, belonging to Voel Coaches and in Eurolines colours. Ticket in 

hand, which is of the scratch off variety, and it was back to the station to jump on a 158 unit over to 

Bradford Interchange. 

The Interchange as far as the bus part is concerned is a shadow of its former self and it no longer contains 

the bus garage underneath that it once did. Not everything calls in either and so, unless you have a pair of 

bins, a couple of spots are needed, albeit only a hundred yards apart. The first is the entrance / exit to the 

interchange on Bridge Street, the second spot being just down by St Georges Hall on the corner of Hall 

Ings. Quite a number of the First services run past here and do not go into the interchange. So what can be 

seen? Well, as you would expect, the majority of services are operated by First, with a growing number in 

the new livery, including a batch of Wright bodied Volvos (60847 to 60855) which are branded for routes 

620 / 621. Other branded buses are Volvo B7 / Wright Geminis 37065 to 37070, for the 617/618. This is 

also one end of route 72, on which the Wrightbus Streetcars in their Hyperlink livery now operate, these 

running every seven or eight minutes. The odd Solo is also still in use, including three on the free city 

centre shuttle bus. 

Arriva work in from Brighouse, Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Wakefield, whilst from the other direction 

Keighley and District work in from Keighley. Volvo B7RLE / Wrightbus are on the main shuttle service, for 

which they are suitably branded, and B10BLEs in the blue / green fleet livery. As shown on the front cover, 

Geldards now use ex London Dennis Tridents. TLC won several tenders recently, for which they use Enviro 

200s. Lastly, Centrebus use Scania Omnicitys on its various runs to Leeds Bradford Airport. An hour or so 

netted a good eighty First bus amongst the other operators noted. 

Next job was to head up to the First garage on Bowling Back Lane. The 630 service passes the depot and 

runs every twenty minutes. It is much like many other depots nowadays; a lag yard with engineering 

facilities. Unfortunately, since the last time I visited the yellow school buses have migrated to the far end of 

the yard, next to the railway track, and even with binoculars they proved particularly troublesome to see. I 

did manage to note around 30 buses from the road outside, so not all was lost. I managed a circuit of the 

surrounding streets, but there are no other accessible views aside from Bowling Back Lane itself. It was 

now lunch time, so use was made of the butty wagon parked across the road before a gentle 15 minute 

walk back down to the Interchange; quite straightforward, - just follow the road down the hill and hey presto. 

Next stop was to be Halifax, so back onto a train for the quick 15 minute ride. It is quite a walk from Halifax 

railway station to the bus station, so I thought I would stroll round to the First garages at Elmwood and 

Skircoat Rd and then catch a bus into town. I did not know what was going on, but a large private hire, 

involving members of the Dewhirst of Bradford fleet along with a large number of Yelloway liveried 

coaches, were in the car park by the station, so a quick detour was needed. Once these were in the bag it 

was to the end of the station approach and a left turn. Seven or eight minutes later along this road and you 

are at Elmwood garage. This is the engineering bit, with a good number of buses on the pits. By the side is 

a yard where the school bus fleet park up. Just as I was there the PVS flat bed came out, with Dennis Dart 

42460 on the back, I followed it round to Skircoat Road garage (which is opposite), where it collected a 

further Dart 41247. Without bins very little can be seen from the outside.

As the school buses were my aim, and I managed a good number, I crossed the road and jumped on a 

passing 503 service into town, alighting at the bus station. The bus station here has one way in and one 

way out, so standing by the entrance / exit will enable you to see everything. There are a few services that 

do not enter - particularly the mini buses of J P Walsh, although a growing number of Plaxton Primo midi 

buses are in service (one of the few places that they seem to have run with any success). These do pass 

by, so will be seen as well. In addition to these and First, Centrebus has quite a presence in the town; 

mainly with Optare Solos, but other types do appear. Aside from those, Halifax Joint Committee, whose 

buses are painted in the old Halifax Corporation colours, must be mentioned. Although now no longer 

running stage carriage services they do run the Tesco shoppers bus, today using Olympian H764 PVW. 

Being Yorkshire, Arriva also work in on the 255 to Leeds and 278 to Wakefield. 

An hour or so here was long enough to make a big dent in the local fleets. Next stop Huddersfield, so back 

into the bus station to wait for a 503. These run a “regular service” which means ten minutes or better. 

There was quite a queue at the stop and one soon turned up, with a new driver at the helm under tutorage. 

I elected to let this one go, as I had spotted another arrive. This duly turned up at the stop and I had it to 

myself. We passed the one I let go at the very next stop. A very spirited ride ensued and we were pulling 

into the bus station by half past two. 

Huddersfield is quite a large bus station of the pull in / reverse off type, with bus parking against the back 

wall. It is situated just across from the railway station, so if arriving by train just turn right. A multi storey car 

park sits atop and the station is just off the ring road. 

Not every service uses the station, and so standing by the entrance on Trinity Street is advised. There is a 

pub on the corner if it is inclement, but I did not take advantage. Again, First is the dominant operator but 

Centrebus (which owns both Huddersfield Bus Company and K Line) has quite a presence..The latter 

unusually retains its own livery, rather than that of its parent. Stotts of Milnsbridge have a handful of routes, 

which use Optare Solos, and the odd remaining Mercedes minibus. Arriva, of course, operate in on several 

routes. Lastly, we have Streamline, which use an ex London Dennis Dart SLF V166 MVX on its service to 

Lindley. I had an hour here: just enough time to see round the First operated 370-372 routes, which are 

some of the ones that do not use the bus station. All the buses noted were in the new livery 325xx and 

667xx batches. 19 buses are needed for the routes, with the 370 and 371 interworking. The only branded 

buses aside from those on the 503 from Halifax are Volvo B7RLE / Wrightbus single decks for the 328 

service, 66772 to 775, 784 and 786 being noted. Aside from these, a further 54 First buses were noted, 

including one from Manchester, which work the lengthy 184 route. 18 K Line and 13 HBC, made up the 

Centrebus log, five from Stotts, eight Arriva and the single Streamline made a good log for an hour. 

I wanted a spell in Leeds before the train home, to bag a few of the ex Olympic fleet Geminis, so I headed 

to the railway station, but not before sampling a couple of jars in the “Head of Steam”. As Rod gave us all 

about Leeds a few issues ago I will not go over it again. 

Out & About 

Bradford, outside Interchange / George St 18 th December (1030-1130) 

First West Yorkshire 

route 72 19001 19002 19004 19007 19009 19011 19019 19026 19028 32439: 

route 576 37079, 32528 37732 37735 

route 607 60823 60824 60825 60908 69474 

route 612 30814 60831 60923 60924 

route 613 32529 37095 

route 614 30909 69316 

route 615 60828 60845 

route 617 37067 37068 37070 69482 69483 69485 

route 618 37065 37066 37069 69480 69485 

route 620 60847 60848 60850 60851 60852 60853 60854 60855# 

route 622 66999 69316 

route 626 37055 37086 69472 

route 630 30912 50292

oute 633 37091 60829 60836 60843 66715 69479 

route 637 37363 37364 69473 

route 640 32531 37074 37362 69272 

route 641 37073 37075 37077 

route 645 37093 37095 37102 60908 69317 69321 

route 680 60904 60906 69480 

Freebus 53910 53911 53912 

Others 30814 30834 30890 30980 31763 31770 32530 37057 50286 50294 50295 60816 60829 

60833 60878 60903 60905 62118 69273 69476 

Arriva 716 1050 1405 1480 1493 1494 1903 

Centrebus 781 YJ02 UVS YJ03 UWP 

Geldards 361 (KV02 URL) 365 (KV02 URS) 

Keighley & District 

1081 1083 1801 1802 1803 1809 1811 1812 1846 

TLC 12616 MX12 DZB) 12664 (MX10 DYE) 12879 (MX12 DZJ) X171 NWR MX12 DYN 

Halifax, outside bus station 18 th December (1300-1345) 


Route 503 32460 32539 32540 32542 37046 37047 37049 37050 37052 37053 66703 

Route 505 32696 

Route 508 30859 32525 

Route 510 30849 66754 66757 

Route 512 60816 66748 66749 66763 66780 

Route 521 60628 61288 66747 66761 66762 

Route 522 41282 41283 

Route 523 41315 

Route 537 60936 

Route 539 30858 66712 

Route 542 41317 66778 66790 

Route 549 66738 66777 66783 

Route 576 32532 32534 32536 37735 

Route 579 30800 37692 66781 

Route 590 66782 66789 

Route 592 32693 66758 

School bus 68610 68614 68625 68674 68683 68702 68707 68708 

Others 30846 30855 30788 31775 32523 32526 32528 32693 60816 66751 69315 69471 

Arriva 57 1056 1545 

Centrebus 311 312 313 314 315 316 325 327 329 330 340 342 343 774 

K Line 309 328 343 

J T Walsh TJ11 (B11 TJW) TJ22 (P919 HVX) TJ30 (R814 GNW), TJ36 (MX10 DXF) 

TJ37 (MX10 DXG), TJ38 (MX07 BCZ), TJ39 (V628 GLC) JT40 (MX56 ABF), MX59 AUY 

Huddersfield, outside bus station 18 th December (1430-1530) 


Route 182 30851 

Route 185 30917 30945 30951 31146 60935 

Route 301 30935 32519 66764 

Route 302 32510 32513 32519 

Route 306 60930 69307 

Route 307 34046 

Route 308 30822 30865 30941 

Route 313 30823 30853 32507 

Route 314 66775 

Route 316 30916 

Route 324 30863 30943 66788 69324 69419 

Route 327 30841 

Route 328 66751 66752 66772 66773 66774 66784 66786 

Route 351 30909 

Route 370/1 32509 32511 32512 32515 32516 32517 32518 66769 66787 66789 66791 69323 

Route 372 66753 66765 66766 66767 66768

Route 549 60819 66777 66783 

Route X6 37059 37080 37085 69271 

Route X63 30947 32504 32508 69329 

Others 30818 30850 30854 30920 30944 33690 60932 60936 66792 

Arriva 58 1537 1613 1803 1809 1814 

Huddersfield Bus Co 336 366 381 625 627 652 702 720 731 732 733 735 803 

K-Line 326 355 357 360 613 614 615 619 621 622 623 YJ07 JVL YJ07 JVM 

Stotts X165 NWR N266 JUG YK05 CCN MX05 OUF YJ55 BLZ 

Streamline V166 MVX 

Acknowledgements 

Our grateful thanks are extended this month to LOTS, The SOES, Eric Wilson, Brighton & Hove 

Bus Co, Go North East, Nigel Diplock Keith Bailey, Martin Townsend, Roy Burroughes, Ian 

Attenborough, Mick Sheather, John A Henley, Rod Whitaker, Andrew Churchill, Bryan Goodman, 

John Goodman, Mike Wallington, Alan Spencer, Ross Newman at Ensign Bus, Tony Kent, David 

Blean, Paul Jenkinson, Tony Hunter, Matthew Baker, Ian Rivett, Steve White and my very good 

friend, Stuart Martin. Apologies if I have missed anyone. 

Cover photograph notes 

Front cover: Geldards Coaches of Leeds have undergone a fleet upgrade over the summer, with 

the arrival of a number of Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Tridents with London origins. This 

particular example, KV02 URS, seen in Bradford, working the 710 route came from Abellio. (Gez) 

Rear cover top: I think, although only a subtle change, the new First Group livery is rather more 

appealing than the old one it is replacing. Also seen in Bradford is one of the many Volvo / 

Wrightbus Gemini double decks found throughout the West Yorkshire fleet, 37070. It shows the 

rather more restrained route branding than previously used. The front top deck, though, is rather 

obtrusive if you are on the taller side. 

(Gez) 

Rear cover bottom: In spite of carrying “Connecting Kirkless” branding for routes 126 and 127, 

Arriva Yorkshire Volvo B9TL / Wrightbus Gemini 2 1533 (YJ61 OBG) is operating on a 203 

nearing its terminus in Leeds. 

(Gez) 

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January - GB Bus Group

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