Volume 3 No 3 March 2008 - GB Bus Group

The Trident
The Monthly Magazine of the GB Bus Group
Southdown PSV’s new Enviro 200’s GX 57 BXG & BXH
Web Site – www.bg-gb.co.uk
Photo Southdown PSV
Volume 3
No 3 March 2008

President: Steve Swain – Southdown PSV
Chairman: Gerald Nicholls,
e-mail: Gez.Stagecoachnorthwest@btopenworld.com
Vice President: Jeff Hall, 3 Ingham Grove, Hartlepool, TS25 2LH
e-mail: jeff@gb-bg.co.uk
Vice President: Chris Morton, 14, Keble Grove, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3DD
e-mail: chris@gb-bg.co.uk
Secretary: Maurice Brown, 192 Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3PW
e-mail: maurice@gb-bg.co.uk Telephone : 0121 624 8641
Treasurer: Frank Gold
Membership: Maurice Brown, 192 Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3PW
Editor:
David Sharpe, 25, Lynfield Road, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancs, BB6 7TS.
Telephone : Home: 01254 887127, Mobile: 07944 718429
e-mail : david@gb-bg.co.uk
Sub Editors
Preservation and Rallies: Maurice Brown – as above
Web Site: Jeff Hall, 3 Ingham Grove, Hartlepool, TS25 2LH
Area Representatives
Eastern Counties – Chris James, 13 Station Road, Reedham, Norwich NR13 3TA
e-mail: chrisj@gb-bg.co.uk
London – Gerald Nicholls,
e-mail: Gez.Stagecoachnorthwest@btopenworld.com
Midlands – Dave Francis,
e-mail: dave47549@hotmail.com
North East of England – Steven Hodgson, 26 Orwell Close, Biddick Hall Estate, South Shields
Tyne and Wear, NE34 9JT
e-mail: steven@gb-bg.co.uk
North West of England – Gerald Nicholls,
e-mail: Gez.Stagecoachnorthwest@btopenworld.com
Scotland – Thomas Graham, 80 Corrie Avenue, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk
e-mail: thomas@gb-bg.co.uk
South East of England – Vacant
South West of England – Geoff Colclough, Tim & Simon Jennings
Fleet Lists - Ken Pitt, 52, Loxley Close, Church Hill South, Redditch, B98 9JG
e-mail: kenneth.pitt06@btinternet.com
Sightings - Arthur & Debbie Shelton, 111 Rodney Close, Ladywood, Birmingham, B16 8DP
e-mail: rovingart@aol.com
All reports and queries are most welcome by forwarding to the relevant person above. For further
information please ring, write or e-mail Maurice Brown.
Noticeboard
Editors Bit
Well I write my last editorial rather sadly as I will miss the challenge of putting out our monthly
updates to you the group. A number of changes are afoot with Stephen Hodgson stepping down
from the North East, Ken Pitt the South East (is there something wrong with the East!!). Ken has
changed roles to look after providing fleet lists for the magazine, and it looks like Stephen’s
colleague will be taking over the NE reins. Gez the current Chairman will be taking over from me at
the Editorial desk, but we are looking for someone to come forward and take on the Chairman’s
role to make life easier. A packed mag as usual, so I say goodbye to you, at the end of two
enjoyable years. All that is left is enjoy the mag and your spotting.
David
2

Membership Details
Membership of the GB Bus Group is £13 per year. This gives you a monthly magazine and 20%
discount on all HB Publication Bus Books. Please make all cheques and Postal Orders payable to
GB Bus Group
Welcome to new members M. Adcock (Watford), David Dawes (Reading), Roger Harris (Paignton),
Adrian Martin (Southend –on –Sea), David Woodings (Nottingham), Mark Woodward (Derby)
Contributions
Thanks go to contributors : Dave Stewart, LOTS, Ross Newman, Tony Allen, Dougie King, Oxford
& Chiltern Bus Page, James Scanlon and apologies to anyone whom we have inadvertently
missed.
We look forward to receiving your valued contributions.
Magazine
The deadline for the magazine is 28 th March, 2008. Please can you send any contributions to the
area editors a few days before to give them chance to deal with the information. Many thanks.
AGM
The first AGM will be held on Saturday the 17 th May 2008, at a venue in the Birmingham area. It is
anticipated that it will be in close proximity to road & rail links. We are in the process of sorting this
out and it would help if members who would wish to attend could contact Maurice Brown, details on
page 2, as this could change the size requirements etc.
Readers Letter
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you to ask if I can become a member of the “GB –Bus Group” the reason I’ve just
received a bus book I ordered from – HB Publications at Hartlepool and enclosed was a January
copy of ‘The Trident’ which I found to be, an excellent little magazine to read.
I regularly buy “Buses” magazine every month and take an interest in buses all over the country,
but my main interest is in “coaches”. I go by the company, who they are, where they come from etc
rather than the technical side.
But with your magazine and Buses etc, I’m starting to see the difference between say, Scania
“Irizar” and a “Caetano Levante”!
So please find enclosed my remittance for £13.00 for my membership to the “GB – Bus Group”
Yours sincerely,
Roger Harris
Paignton, Devon
(Roger has now become a member of the group and we hope he continues reading and enjoying
our magazine. Thanks for your letter Roger)
Fleet News
Arriva
Kent Thameside: New 8.9m Enviro200Darts entered service from Dartford on February 23 rd on
route 233 won from Metrobus:- 1643 (GN57BPF), 1644 (GN57BPK), 1645 (GN57BPO), 1646
(GN57BPU), 1647 (GK57BPV), 1648 (GN57BPX) and 1649 (GN57BPY).
Arriva Midlands North – Swadlincote depot is now used for maintenance only :
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Fleet changes are as follows :
1154, 1161 : Coalville to Hinckley
1167 : Hinckley to Head Office
1170 : Head Office to Derby
1175, 1179 : Hinckley to Head Office
2002 : Swadlincote to Head Office
2003, 2004, 2006 : Swadlincote to Burton
2007 : Burton to Cannock
2008, 2009 : Burton to Head Office
2023 : Swadlincote to Head Office
2028 : Stafford to Wellington (Telford)
2038, 2043, 2044, 2045 : Swadlincote to Burton
2048, 2049 : Swadlincote to Burton
2089, 2090 : Derby to Burton
2123 : Head Office
2205 : Coalville to Leicester Southgates
2239 : Hinckley to Coalville
2322, 2324, 2326, 2327 : Swadlincote to Burton
2738, 2739 : Swadlincote to Tamworth
3084 : Swadlincote to Wellington (Telford)
3301, 3302 : Head Office
3304, 3305, 3309 : Shrewsbury to Wellington (Telford)
3314 : renumbered 9520
3475, 3479 : Swadlincote to Burton
3701, 3702, 3703, 3704 : Thurmaston to Cannock
4506 : Hinckley to Head Office
4534 : Swadlincote to Head Office
4535 : Swadlincote to Burton
4537 : Thurmaston to Hinckley
4540 : Thurmaston to Head Office
4541 : Thurmaston to Hinckley
4644, 4648, 4649 : Swadlincote to Burton
9308 T454OHE : Ford Transit (Burton) Crew Vehicle
Arriva North East
29/01/08 - Arriva Northumbria Scania L113 / East Lancs 277 (P277 VRG) has indeed been
replaced at Blyth by sister 282 (N282NCN).
29/01/08 - Arriva Durham County Leyland Olympian / Northern counties 7285 (G762 UYT) has
now had its ticketing equipment removed, effectively confirming its fate as sealed. DAF SB220 /
Ikarus 4084 (J927 CYL) is now removed from Bishop Auckland depot.
01/02/08 - Arriva Durham County Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties 7285 (G762 UYT)
awaiting its fate and also reports the unexpected arrival at Bishop Auckland (reason unknown) of
Optare Solo 2501 (YM52 TOU) which was expected to pass to Compass Royston when service 70
passed to them.
01/02/08 – Lee Wardle has noted Arriva Northumbria Volvo Olympian / East Lancs 7421 (M685
HPF) operating for Blyth earlier this week. It is not clear if it is a transfer or a loan.
03/02/08 - Arriva Northumbria Volvo Olympian / East Lancs 7421 (M685 HPF) is confirmed as
only having been a loan to Blyth and is again operating for Jesmond. Leyland Olympian / ECW
7220 (D178 FYM), remains in service at Ashington, usually on the 420 which appears now to be
almost completely full-size, pleasingly. Scania N113 / Northern Counties 7258 (N183 OYH) was
still operating for Ashington yesterday and has yet to move to Jesmond. Dave reports that DAF
SB220GS / Plaxton 4031 (R431 RPY) is at Blyth, believed on loan from Bishop Auckland as an
extra vehicle during a level crossing closure at Newsham Farm, which will free up a Blyth minibus
to provide a special shuttle. For anyone who has not seen it, Steven Hodgson provides details of
4

DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7436 (Y686 EBR) following its repaint - note how the front corners have
been painted to resemble an Enviro 400. Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties 7420 (P420 CCU) is
back in use at Jesmond after repairs to accident damage sustained in a well publicised incident
while operating for Durham. Sisters 7411-3 (P411-3 CCU) were all pulled off service yesterday
morning within a short period and lined up to go inside the shed at Ashington, while 7410 (P410
CCU) was parked up at Alnwick. Could this suggest a depot move for them today?
03/02/08 - Reports that Arriva Durham County MCW Metrobus 614 (GYE 515W) was on loan to
Bishop Auckland yesterday
05/02/08 - Reports that Arriva Durham County's Bishop Auckland depot has also been using
Leyland Olympian / ECW 7221 (D157 FYM). Optare Solo 2501 (YM52 TOU) was only visiting for
final preparations before transfer to Compass Royston. It is not clear whether DAF SB220GS /
Plaxton 4031 (R431RPY) was only visiting Blyth for MOT work and some changes in the roadwork
arrangements in Blyth may mean that we'll never be 100% sure!
08/02/08 - Reports the arrival at Arriva Northumbria of DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7453. It was
noted at Jesmond under preparation for Alnwick. It is understood that the full batch of four will be
7453-6 (YJ57 BVD-G).
08/02/08 - Reports that Arriva Durham County Optare Alero 2502 (YN03 UXW) is unlikely to
operate at Bishop Auckland again, as it has been out of use for sometime and the contact passes
to The Eden later this month. He also notes that Durham now have Volvo Olympian / East Lancs
7424 (M688 HPF) in exchange for Optare Delta 4010 (K410 BHN), that DAF SB220GS / Plaxton
4031 (R431 RPY) is expected back at Bishop imminently with a new MOT and that Leyland
Olympian / ECW 7221 (D157 FYM) is expected to remain at Bishop Auckland for a while.
08/02/08 - Reports that Arriva Teesside Optare Metrorider 2612 (P612 FHN) is expected to be
converted into a staff bus, replacing one of 9962/3 (N878/82 RTN).
09/02/08 - It is reported that Arriva Durham County DAF SB220GS / Plaxton 4047 (S347 KHN)
was destroyed in a fire yesterday.
11/02/08 - Colin Davidson reports that Arriva Northumbria DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7456 (YJ57
BVG) entered service on Friday, followed by 7453/4 (YJ57 BVD/E) on Saturday. 7455 (YJ57 BVF)
has yet to enter service. Thanks to Steven Hodgson for the details of 7456. Lee Wardle notes that
Leyland Olympian / ECW 7220 (D178 FYM) is now operating from Blyth. Andy Scott reports that
some of Classic's bus work will transfer over to Jesmond/Blyth from 24/02/08.
11/02/08 -Stu Gray reports that Arriva Durham County are expected to move Dennis Dart /
Plaxton 1688 (J468 OKP) from Bishop Auckland to Peterlee, displacing a Cadet to Stockton to
allow DAF SB220GS / Plaxton 4042 (S342 KHN) to Bishop Auckland, restoring Bishop's low floor
compliment following the loss of 4047.
11/02/08 - Reports that Arriva Teesside Optare Metrorider 2612 (P612 FHN) has returned from
repaint in white as 9966 for use as a crew bus.
18/02/08 - Arriva Northumbria DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7455 (YJ57 BVF) is now in service. The
four Lowlander were expected to displace Volvo Olympian / East Lancs 7421/3 (M685/7 HPF) and
Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties 7376/7 (M376/7 FTY) to Jesmond. 7421/3 is not now there,
but 7376/7 is not as yet. In turn this will allow Leyland Olympian / ECW 7212/3/5/7
(D198/223/155/65 FYM) to be withdrawn. Sister 7220 (D178 FYM) has today been on loan to
Darlington (use in service by Faverdale this morning) and has now returned north. The services
being taken over from Classic will commence on 01/03/08 and are reportedly moving as part of the
closure of Classic's Washington depot.
18/02/08 - Ian Wilson and Peter Tuck report that Arriva Teesside crew-ferry Optare Metrorider
9966 (P612 FHN) is now in use and has replaced 9963 (N882 RTN), which is now parked up at
Redcar.
20/02/08 - Sightings confirm that a number of swaps between Arriva Durham County and Arriva
Teesside occurred over the weekend. MPDs 1743/8/57 (V743/8 ECU, W759 SBR) are now at
Peterlee [it is highly likely that 1723 (V723 DNL) is there also] in exchange for DAF SB120 / Wright
1914/5/7/20 (W319 PPT, W69/76/81 PRG), this has allowed Stockton service 9 to go over to low
floor operation by SB120s. It is also understood that the intended move of Optare Vectas
1515/7/27/40 (K515/7 BHN, L527/40 FHN) to Stockton has now occurred (1527 is certainly there).
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These moves have allowed services 28/28A/29 to go over to Optare Vecta operation. Stuart Gray
reports that the swap involving 1688, an SB120 and 4042 is not now to happen.
23/02/08 - Arriva Northumbria now have Optare Metrorider 2642 (P642 FHN) in use at Ashington,
ex Redcar, ex Loftus. Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties 7377 (M377 FTY) can now be confirmed
as in use at Jesmond.
23/020/08 - Steve "National" reports that Arriva Durham County Leyland Olympian / Northern
Counies 7285 (G762 UYT) was due to be towed away today to meet its fate. ECW bodied sister
7224 (D146 FYM) is sold for scrap, but not yet removed. Also, something I forgot to mention earlier
in the week, Alex Kennedy noted sister 7220 (D178 FYM) at Peterlee depot on Tuesday, only the
day after Darlington returned it to Jesmond!
First
First Edinburgh – Scania Onmidekka’s 30624, 30625, 30627, 30628, 30629, 30630 have been
transferred from Linlithgow to Livingston, Volvo Olympian 30833 has been transferred from
Livingston to Larbet, Mercedes 62314 L554GMS is now working of Livingston. New at Linlithgow
are : 69281 SN57JBZ, 69282 SN57JCJ, 69286. Dennis Dart 40902 is in the new Barbie livery.
New in are Volvo B9 Gemini’s : 37269 SN57JEV, 32272 SN57JEV.
Go Ahead
London: Now to hand are the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro artics that have entered service on route
453.
MAL95 BD57WCY MAL102 BD57WDM MAL108 BL57OXJ MAL114 BP57UYF
MAL96 BD57WCZ MAL103 BD57WDN MAL109 BL57OXK MAL115 BP57UYG
MAL97 BD57WDA MAL104 BD57WDP MAL110 BL57OXM MAL116 BP57UYH
MAL98 BD57WDC MAL105 BD57WDR MAL111 BL57OXN MAL117 BP57UYJ
MAL99 BD57WDE MAL106 BD57WDS MAL112 BL57OXP MAL118 BP57UYK
MAL100 BD57WDK MAL107 BD57WDT MAL113 BP57UYE MAL119 BP57UYL
MAL101 BD57WDL
Go North East
29/01/08 - Steven Hodgson passes on confirmation from Go North East that they have acquired
the service bus operations of Redby, Sunderland. Vehicles taken into stock for use are Optare
Sigma 4782 (L482CFT) and Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander 618/9 (NK55 RUV/W). Vehicles taken
into stock, but not expected to be used are Optare Excels P322 KAR, P325/9 NHJ, P333 HBC,
Leyland Titan NUW668Y and Leyland Olympian / Alexander E221 WBG. Volvo Olympian / East
Lancs R367 DJN is on loan from Redby at the moment. Redby's coaching operations continue as
before, and the remaining modern services buses (such as the Enviro 200 above) are understood
to have returned to their lesser.
01/02/08 - Go North East have repainted DAF SB120 / Wright 8252 red.
03/02/08 - As noted, Go North East have now painted Deptfords MPD 509 (X509 WRG) in green
and this and other MPDs are now regulars on the 160, while Darts and various white spares work
service 35 pending delivery of the new Citaros. Chris also provides details of 618 (NK55 RUV) with
GNE logos..
05/02/08 - Steven Hodgson and Peter Barclay (with thanks to his brother, John) provide the above
photos of Go North East DAF SB120 / Wright 8252 (NA52 BVJ) in red, and Steven also provides
details of Optare Sigma 4782 (L482 CFT) since its return to Go North East. Movements now listed
on the Go North East website that have not yet been noted here are of DAF SB120 / Wright 8258
(NK04 FPC) from Gateshead to Deptford, MPD 543 (NA52AXH) from Winlaton to Deptford, Dennis
Dart SLF / Caetano 8284 (V424KGF) from Deptford to Washington and SPD 8241 (NK51MKP)
from Percy Main to Deptford.
08/02/08 - Go North East DAF SB120 / Wright 8253 (NK04 FOP) into red. Reports that Volvo
Olympian / East Lancs, R367 DJN, on loan from Redby, and is numbered 9367.
6

11/02/08 - Reports that Go North East Mini Pointer Dart 510 (X551 FBB) is repainted green. Lee
Wardle reports that Optare Sigmas 4776/8/81/8 (L476/8/81/8 CFT) is now with Compass Bus of
Worthing.
18/02/08 – Lee Wardle provide updates on things at Go North East. MPD 511 (X511 WRG) is now
green. Sister 505 (X595FBB) was briefly swapped for Ashington Mercedes Sprinter 470
(BU53AXC) last week. Dennis Trident / East Lancs 3871/2 (W181/2SCU) are now cream for the
upcoming extension of Coaster services to Kibblesworth /Low Fell (extensive changes are
expected on North Tyneside) and sisters 3869/70 (W179/4 SCU) are following. Volvo Olympian /
Northern Counties 3816 (S816 FVK) has been partly de-roofed in Percy Main.
23/02/08 - Go North East revise a number of their services in County Durham tomorrow, including
the wholesale revision of the X21/X22/X23. As if to say farewell to the X23 in its current form,
though probably not intentionally (!), they unusually had Optare Spectra 3847 (K315 FYG) in use!
The Scania OmniLink demonstrator, on loan while native OmniCity are modified, is again back at
Stanley.
27/02/08 - An anonymous report has been received that Go North East have ordered ten
Mercedes Citaros for Winlaton depot. Obviously, this has not been officially confirmed, but would
seem quite logical. Lee Wardle report that MPDs 508/12 (X508/12WRG) are now green, while Neil
Watson and Paul Moseley report that DAF SB120 / Wright 8254 (NK54FOT) is now red and at
Percy Main. Lee Wardle and Steven Hodgson report that SPD 8240 (NK51MKO) is now at
Deptford.
National Express
Travel West Midlands
Acocks Green (AG) - Metrobus 2654 have been transferred from YW.
Birmingham Central (BC) – Volvo B7TL ‘s : 4028, 4058, 4077, 4101, 4110 are fresh refurbs and
resprayed in to the new red corporate livery. Daf DB250 4006 has suffered an electrical fire, it is
unlikely to return to service.
Lea Hall (LH) - Fresh withdrawl is Metrobus 2531. Metrobus 2792 is now working here again.
Miller Street (XS) – The scrap row here on 09/02 was : 3035, 2651, 1374, 2696, 3090, 2680, the
scrap row here on 22/02 was : 3035, 2651, 2827, 9171, 1374, 2679, 2981, 2680. Fresh vehicles
noted here are : Metrobus Mark 2 2531, 2618, 2646, 2795, 2933, DAF DB250 4006, Optare
Metrorider 9171, Optare Solo’s 300, 306 are parked inside the main garage. Mercedes Minibuses
266 from Pensnett, 272 from Travel Dundee are fresh here. Awaiting refurb Volvo B7TL 4024.
Perry Barr (PB) – Metrobus 2975 has been withdrawn and almost immediately sold to an
unidentified buyer. Gemini 4493 has returned to service after being out of service for several
months. Enviro 4736 is still parked up at Carlyle Parts, West Bromwich with front accident damage
on 08/02. Fresh Scania K230’s noted in service are : 1838 on service 16 on 05/02, 1839 on
service 16 on 05/02, 1840 on service 16 on 06/02, 1841 on service 16 on 06/02, 1842 on service
16 on 05/02, 1843 on service 16 on 06/02. Scania Omnidekka’s 4777 and 4778 were noted in
service week beginning 18/02.
Training Centre (TC) – Leyland Lynx 9262 has been noted at a Barnsley scrapyard.
Walsall Works – Fresh refurbs and resprays into the new livery are Volvo B6’s : 557, 569, Volvo
B7TL 4101.
West Bromwich (WB) – Fresh withdrawl are Metrobuses 2680, 2860 which are now at Miller
Street. Mercedes 0405 1527 has been sprayed in the new red corporate livery.
Yardley Wood (YW) – ADL Enviro’s noted in service week beginning 18/02 are : 4741, 4742,
4743, 4744, 4746, 4750, 47541, 4753, 4754.
Stagecoach
East Midlands: Catching up with a few disposals now left the fleet are 14362, 14621, 15079,
15080, 15081, 15946, 15962, 15971, 25806, 26063, 30158, 30982, 40798, 40799, 41345, 42583,
42590 and 52095. The odd re-allocation 14345 to disposal, 15934 to Scunthorpe. Withdrawn
trainer 52032 has gone to East Open Top 15991 has been re-reg’d to TIL7901
7

East Scotland:
Eighteen MAN 18.240 / Enviro 300s have just started to be delivered following on from the
Yorkshire example 22564 (SP57DYA) and 22565 (SP57DYB) arrived in Dundee on February 29 th
but will be re-registered as below before entering service. 14 will be allocated to Strathtay and 4 to
Perth, and two of them (1 each) will receive a special livery for new P&K Council/NHS Tayside
supported service 333 linking Perth Royal Infirmary and Ninewells Hospital.
22564 SP08DBY 22569 SP08DCU 22574 SP08DDA 22578 SP08DDK
22565 SP08DBZ 22570 SP08DCV 22575 SP08DDE 22579 SP08DDL
22566 SP08DCE 22571 SP08DCX 22576 SP08DDF 22580 SP08DDN
22567 SP08DCF 22572 SP08DCY 22577 SP08DJJ 22581 SP08DDO
22568 SP08DCO 22573 SP08DCZ
(StrathTay): Courtesy of our man in “Havana” well the Kingdom these are the remaining vehicles
in StrathTay colours, get them while you can as they aint going to be around for long 14682
SSA11X at M, 14683 C116BTS at M, 14686 D819EES at B, 25817 VLT217 at M, 42232 S347SWF
at D, 47940 R507WRV at F, 52054 E883LSL at K, 59070 866PYC at F, 59071 HSK765 at A and
59082 FSU309 at K.
Manchester: A new arrival, from StrathTay, for the training fleet is Plaxton Interurban 52296
Stagecoach North East
29/01/08 - Stagecoach in Newcastle now have Enviro 400s up to 19207.
03/02/08 - Steven Hodgson reports that Stagecoach North East Volvo B10BLE / Alexander 21145
(R245KRG) has joined 21138/43/50/7/8 (R238/43/50/7/8 KRG) at South Shields. Reports that
sister 21136 (R236 KRG) is under repaint at the Wheatsheaf, along with Transbus Dart SLF 34605
(NK04 NPF) and MAN 18.220 / Alexander 22030 (NK03 XJZ). He also corrects his previous report,
the Dart withdrawn at the Wheatsheaf is 32633 (P633 PGP), not sister 32623. Leyland Olympian /
Northern Counties 14672 (H672 BNL) is out of use again following recurrence of a fault, while
sister 14668 (H668 BNL) is expected back at Hartlepool imminently. Preserved Leyland Olympian /
Alexander 14655 (C655 LFT) has now left the Wheatsheaf for Hetton
05/02/08 - Busways / Stagecoach North East Scania N113 / Alexander G923 TCU has turned up
with Powells, Hellaby.
08/020/8 - Reports of the entry into service of Stagecoach North East Alexander Dennis Enviro
400 19210.
11/02/08 - Reports that Stagecoach North East Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties 14672
(H672BNL) is back in use at Sunderland and sister 14668 (H668 BNL) is being refurbished for
return to Hartlepool. He also reports that Lynx 29541 (F251 JRM) is being sold to some Cumbrian
preservationists. Grant Potter has spotted Leyland Olympian / Alexander C658 LFT for sale on
eBay
23/02/08 - Stagecoach North East continue to receive Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s and put
them into service at Walkergate. Noted in use today was 19213/6/7. For the record, 19204-17 is
(NK57 DWL-P/V-XD). Assuming all the ones in-between those sighted are in use, this leaves only
19218/9 to complete the delivery. Volvo B10M / Northern Counties 20273 (M713 KRH) is now at
Walkergate ex South Shields, being noted on service 18 in Byker today. Lee Wardle reports that
Leyland Olympian 14669 (H669 BNL) is now fully open top (previously still had roof over first two
bays). Elliot Stuffins noted one of these vehicles in use for promotional purposes in Chester-le-
Street today.
27/02/08 - The Stagecoach Hartlepool website confirms that nineteen new MAN 14.240 /
Alexander (E200) are due soon. Their arrival should make the Hartlepool fleet almost 100% low
floor, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the likes of Leyland Olympian /
Northern Counties 14668 (H668BNL), which is back in full service.
North West:
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(in Lancaster): A clear out of the yard at Morecambe as seen the four stored Titans 10285,
10311, 10698 and 10738 towed away to the Barnsley scrapyards. The two stored at Lillyhall 10073
and 10686 have also made the trip east.
Stagecoach Warwickshire - On 24 th January 2008 parked withdrawn at Leamington depot were
Leyland Olympians : 14028, 14381, 14515, 14517.
Stagecoach South Yorkshire (Barnsley) - New vehicles are MAN : 22535 YN57MXB, 22536
YN57MXC, 22537 YN57MXD, 22538 YN57MXE, 22539 YN57MXF, 22540 YN57MXH, 22542
YN57MXJ , 22543 YN57MXK and are all allocated to Shafton, 22546 YN57MXO, 22551
YN57MXU. 52380 P180PRH has been replated 2408HE. Scania 28934 is unlikely to return to
service after suffering damage in an RTA.
Wales: BMC 29705 suffered an engine fire whilst out on a test run so has once again been put into
store. Its place at Blackwood being taken by 27909.
Warwickshire: Merc minis Scrapped and now residing at PVS are 40155, 40156 and 41505
West: A new Solo in service at Cheltenham is 47555 (VX57NZW) whilst over at Gloucester is a
solitary Optare Versa VX57OEU.
West Scotland: More new vehicles are several Panthers at Cumnock to replace the Volvo artics
54038 (SJ57AAX), 54039 (SJ57AAY), 54040 (SJ57AAZ), 54041 (SJ57DPV), 54042 (SJ57DPX),
54044 (SJ57DPZ) and 54045 (SJ57DRV). The missing one 54043 (SJ57DPY) ias allocated to
Glasgow for use on the X25. A third B10M has arrived at Stranraer, 20567 (M5487ASW), which
replaces the last Scania in the fleet 28928 (H428FET) now for disposal. Dart 32061has moved
from Dumfries to Cumnock replacing Merc 709 40065 which moves in the opposite direction.Enviro
300 22534 (SF57LVC) did indeed arrive in early February and is now in service at Ayr.
Yorkshire:
Now the MANs have entered service quite a few vehicle movements have occurred of late
31935-31938 (V135-8MAK) and 31943 (V143MAK) are now at Holbrook, 33094 (T63AUA) is at
Doncaster with 33258 (R442THL) moving in to Holbrook. Dennis Dart 32485 (K411EWA) has been
donated to South Yorkshire PTE whilst sister 32492 (K418HWG) has been scrapped. MANs
22421-22423 (YN07KPL/O/P) have moved to Barnsley Volvo B10B 21033 (L33HHN) has been
withdrawn.
The full batch of Enviro 300 / MANs are as follows with the last few expected to be re registered
with 08 plates, 22535-22544 are at Shafton, 22545-22557 Doncaster and 22558-63 at Holbrook
22535 YN57MXB 22543 YN57MXK 22550 YN57MXT 22557 YN57MYA
22536 YN57MXC 22544 YN57MXL 22551 YN57MXU 22558 YN57MYB
22537 YN57MXD 22545 YN57MXM 22552 YN57MXW 22559 YN57MYC
22538 YN57MXE 22546 YN57MXO 22553 YN57MXX 22560 YN57MYD
22539 YN57MXF 22547 YN57MXP 22554 YN57MXY 22561
22540 YN57MXG 22548 YN57MXR 22555 YN57MXY 22562
22541 YN57MXH 22549 YN57MXS 22556 YN57MXZ 22563
22542 YN57MXJ
Transdev
Accrington Transport: Now here are Metroriders 635 (N635LFR) and 641 (R642OBV). A disposal
is similar 87 (R87BDW).
Burnley & Pendle: The new Optare Versas began entering service in early February
251 YJ57XVN 256 YJ57XVT 261 YJ57XVY 266 YJ57XWD
252 YJ57XNO 257 YJ57XVU 262 YJ57XVZ 267 YJ57XWE
9

253 YJ57XVP 258 YJ57XVV 263 YJ57XWA 268 YJ57XWF
254 YJ57XVR 259 YJ57XVW 264 YJ57XWB 269 YJ57XWG
255 YJ57XVS 260 YJ57XVX 265 YJ57XWC
Veolia
Paul James (Hugglescote, Leicestershire) – New vehicles are 40 FD57VYA, 41 FD57VYB, 42
FD57VYC, 43 FD57VYE.
Veolia North East
05/02/08 - Steven Hodgson notes that Veolia North East have transferred a second fleet-liveried
Solo up from Wales, in this case YJ55 BHX, joining YJ55 BHZ, which regularly operates the 516 in
Hartlepool.
Independents
London
Addison Lee: The owners of Redwing have on order 12 Beulas Cygnus EuroRider Cursor 10’s for
the Reliance operation and will feature PLS Side Lifts.
Ensignbus: Darts R864MCE and R876MCE converted to single door , painted blue and silver,
numbered 764/776 and into service. Metrobus 157 to PVS for scrap and Metrobuses 161 and 162
sold to Hardy Miles, Southend.
MCH (Uxbridge): On order from Mentor are three two axle Neoplan Tourliners
Midlands
Midlands
Central Buses (Newtown) – Fresh vehicles in here are ex Nottingham City Transport Optare Solo
M920’s : S290NRB, S291NRB.
Joes Travel (Bilston) – This operator has brought Dennis Dart’s M803GFT, M810GFT, M811FTG
from Go West Midlands.
Hardings (Redditch): New here is a Scania / Irizar PB TR57HCR
Hills Coaches (Wolverhampton) - A new coach here is Scania JC57KZL and is a 57 seater.
Thandi Companies (West Midlands) – Dennis Darts M442BLC, M443BLC, M445BLC are in use
here ex Go West Midlands, it is unknown which of the Thandi Companies they are operating for as
they have no legals !
Travel Ride Corporation / Bharat (Handsworth, Birmingham) – Mercedes minibus K5SBC has
been noted back in use, Mercedes Vario T4RTL has not been seen in service during mid January
and Mid February.
Wootens Coaches: Three East Lancs bodied Leyland Tigers have been purchased from Strathtay
D315SGB ex25814, THL290Y ex 15826 and A127ESG ex 25819.
Yorks (Cogenhoe, Northants) – Noted working around Birmingham have been coaches : 62
VHM847, 91 XHO856, 99 PUI9499.
North East
Compass Royston, Stockton
10

23/02/08 - LW notes that Compass Royston, Stockton Durham CC-owned Optare Solo
YM52TOU has been under much-needed repaint at Gardiners, Spennymoor.
Glynn, Seaton Sluice
03/02/08 - Glynn, Seaton Sluice have re-registered Volvo B9M / Van Hool WSV479 to K16GLY.
Griersons, Fishburn
20/02/08 - Steven Hodgson reports that Griersons, Fishburn have acquired Leyland Atlantean /
Alexander UHG142/3V ex Preston bus.
John Bell, Ryhope
11/020/8 - The VOSA website shows that Durham's Cathederal Bus service is to be taking over by
John Bell, Ryhope from JSB, Coundon from 24/02/08.
27/02/08 - John Bell, Ryhope are operating 2 new Optare Solo SE, on the Cathedral bus service
in Durham. One was operating in white and another in DCC livery.
JSB, Coundon
03/02/08 - An Optare Solo in service with JSB, Coundon, this being MX56NME.
23/02/08 - A number of other Durham County Council contracts are also changing hands this
weekend. Possibly the most interesting of these is the previously mentioned loss of the Catherderal
Bus by JSB, Coundon, though this is outweighed by gains they have made elsewhere. Neither
Alero was noted on the service today (presumably these are off to Bell's), with only a solitary Solo
being observed.
Perrymans, Berwick.
08/02/08 - Reports yet another Optare Solo, MX57UPF, for Perrymans, Berwick.
20/02/08 - Reports a further Optare Solo with Perrymans, Berwick as MX57UPZ.
Scarlet Band, West Cornforth
23/02/08 - Lee Wardle has identified one of the three MCW Metrobuses with Scarlet Band, West
Cornforth as FEZ3829.
The Eden, West Auckland
23/02/08 - A very smart new arrival at The Eden, West Auckland is Optare Solo Slimline
MX57URA. It is in full Eden livery and is for use on "Cockfield Connection" service 83. The Eden
livery suits this vehicle very well.
Tri-star, Pegswood
03/02/08 - A second Mercedes 709 / Alexander noted with Tri-star, Pegswood is M337LHP.
North West
Avon Buses (Merseyside) – Plaxton Primos 556 YN56NHB and 656 YN56NHC have been sold
HTL Buses (Merseyside) - New veicles here are ADL Dart’s 10.4M with ADL bodywork :
DK57OPY, DK57OPZ
Scotland
AA Mason (Boness) – Noted in use here are : ex Cumberland Olympian J130AAH, and ex
Wallace Arnold coaches P318NWR, P321NWR.
Bulldog (Bathgate) – This operator appears to have now ceased trading with First Edinburgh
covering some of the work.
Lothian (Edinburgh) – A new vehicle noted here is Volvo B9 Gemini : 873 SN57CNK.
Nordi (Lanark) – A fresh vehicle in here is Mercedes Minibus NIL9905.
South East
New into Southdown PSV sales stock are:
East Lancs Scania P653/655VWX these were new to Black Prince but have come from NIBS.
DAF Ikarus SLF T654/657APS due shortly from Leasks
East Lancs Pioneer Volvo Olympian S647/653DGX New to Metrobus but have come from
Courtney in Bracknell
Recent departures from service stock: T138AUA DAF DB250 Plaxton President new to Capital
Logistics For route 60 in London. This has become a play bus in the Bristol area.
Odd Workings for Southdown PSV:
11

T130AUA DAF DB250 Plaxton President was very unusual working route GH4 Europa hotel –
Gatwick Airport Shuttle on the 12 th Feb 2008.
T421LGP Dennis Dart Caetano Compass working route 526 Crawley Local service on the 18 th Feb
2008 this bus is in our sales fleet but on temp loan to our service fleet and was new to Limebourne
and latterly with Connex and Trustline.
South West
Frickers, Worle (North Somerset Coaches) – the new to Badgerline Volvo B10M/Alexander
D101 GHY has entered service on school contracts. Also aquired from Dealtop, Clyst (Dartline) is
vintage Volvo B10M/Van Hool Alizee LIL 7802, new as A644 UGD.
Hookways, Meeth – In here are Van Hool Alizee bodied Volvo B10M’s L3 SKC and L919 NWW.
Out are J511 LRY, M39 LHP and N843 NBV
In One Spin, Bridgwater – a new operator running commercial bus services around Weston
Super Mare. The first service, route 2 to the Bourneville Estate started late in January using ex
Stagecoach Dennis Dominator B909 TVR in a distinctive yellow livery. Also owned is Lynx F727
LRG. A slight problem in the third week of operation with both buses off the road but Bakers-
Dolphin supplied a Mercedes minibus and an ex MoD Leyland Tiger for a few days to assist. Also
hired in, but only for a day was RM180 (XVS 830) from operator Comer of Kingswood, this
operating on Monday 18 th February. A night service from Weston Super Mare to Bristol is also
operated at weekends.
South Gloucester Bus & Coach, Patchway – two of the ex Airbus Volvo Olympian/Alexander
Royale’s have returned to the fold, N122 UHP and N600 WGL.
Out are Mercedes minibuses J297 NNB, J430 PPF, K879 UDB, L776 RWW, L779 RWW & T135
ARE, Lynx’s H356 WWX, H756 WWW, K623 YVN & K624 YVN, Dennis Dart M102 BLE and
Olympian G508 SFT.
Webberbus, Bridgwater – YJ57 CYA & YJ57 CYB Optare Versa B38F
These have been purchased for a new hourly bus service between Bridgwater and Taunton which
commensed on 18 th February
Western Greyhound, Summercourt – In here are ex Nottingham Volvo Olympian’s R467 RRA,
R472 RRA, R473 RRA, R475 RRA & R476 RRA.
Out go the older L reg ex Nottingham Olympians. The additional one is for an extra decker diagram
on the 510 Newquay to Exeter service owing to heavy loadings.
Wales
Alpine Travel: Duple bodied DAF E661KCX has been sold for scrap
Company News
News from our President – Southdown PSV
Our two new Enviro 200's went into service on Jan 11th on routes 526/527 these are circular
services from Crawley operated on behalf of Surrey County Council. The registration numbers of
the new buses are GX57 BXG (Fleet no 101) & GX57 BXH (Fleet no 102) (Cover photo)
Go West Midlands (Diamond) has been sold to the Rotola Group on Monday 3 rd March.
Truronian have sold out to First after a period of discussions with both Veolia and Stagecoach.
12

The taxi side of the business was sold seperately last month. At a guess First D&C will reacquire a
number of staff they got rid of many years ago but no VR’s according to the company’s own fleet
list. Sad day as another well known independent operator bites the dust.
Stagecoach Red & White 25211 CN 57 BYX, was in an accident with a car in Tredegar St.Risca,
on 4th February 2008. There was slight damage to the bus but no casualties. The car involved
with the bus is write off and driver had serious injuries. First accident with one of the new buses!
East Yorkshire Motor Services are to purchase six Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton Centro vehicles for
operation on its recently won Scarborough Park and Ride services to begin later in the year. Two
routes will run from car parks on Seamer Rd and Filey Rd into the town centre running up to every
7/8 minutes. The buses will seat 44 with 29 standees.
Citylink Coaches, the joint venture operation between Stagecoach and Comfort Delgro has sold a
portion of its “Saltaire Cross” services to Parks of Hamilton. The company was ordered to divest
part of its portfolio by the Competition Commission brought about when the joint venture was set
up. The ruling has angered many people including Scottish MPs, user groups and the CPT
Scotland. However as Parks is already a major provider of vehicles on the routes there will be very
little change outwardly.
First Group have announced a £100m investment in over 700 new vehicles for 2008 and 2009,
the first of which will enter service in Leeds during April followed by more vehicles in South
Yorkshire
The replacement bus services covering the closed East London Line were changed from late
February. The ELP (Canada Water to Rotherhithe) was withdrawn from the 22 nd being covered by
extra journeys on the 381. From March 3 rd the ELC (Canada Water- New Cross Gate) is reduced in
frequency in the am peak to every six minutes at peak times, this matches the pm peak and will
save two buses reducing the pvr to ten. The two saved will be used to enhance the 381
Reading Transport said goodbye to its former Harrow Metrobuses on February 23 rd with 463
(E463SON), 464 (E464SON), 466 (E466SON), 468 (E468SON) and 469 (E469SON) being used
on its scheduled network for the very last time.
C & N of Leicester ceased trading on February 29 th . 12 school contracts were operated 3 will be
covered by Confidence.
National Express is expanding its commuter service following the success of its pilot service
between Milton Keynes and Canary Wharf. A new service will commence in April from Swindon
and Reading into the Capital
North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell has confirmed the hearing into allegations against
national operator Stagecoach will take place at a venue in the city between Tuesday, June 10 and
Thursday, June 19. The hearing will centre around allegations that Stagecoach used unfair
competition in a bid to drive rival Preston Bus off routes across the city. Mrs Bell told an initial
hearing at Preston Town Hall on Thursday: "The situation is that we have a very complex inquiry
and at this stage there has been a lot of correspondence with third parties, bus operators and
members of the public. "For this reason we have set aside a number of days in which we can call
witnesses, however, I would like this to be carried out in the shortest possible timescale."
Witnesses from Stagecoach, Preston Bus, city councillors and members of the public caught up in
the 'wars' will be visited by officials from VOSA to take official statements over the next three
weeks. There will be pre-inquiry hearing at the Town Hall on Friday, May 23, where further details
of the case against Stagecoach will be discussed.
Berlin Transport Authority BVG have ordered 200 MAN Lion’s City double decks. The vehicles
are 13.7m three axle buses with dual doors and a capacity for 128 passengers.
Ensign (Dealer)
VEHICLES IN.
From Metroline: M1.
From Galleon Travel: Volvo B10M's J894/5CEV.
From Brighton and Hove: Dart J980JNJ.
13

From Imperial Buses: T214.
From Travel with Hunny: Olympian F41XCS.
From Goomies Travel: Lances L404/5BFX.
From Stagecoach SE: Dart K580NHC.
VEHICLES OUT.
Olympian G183JHG: Stephensons, Southend, Essex.
Darts K414FHJ, M69CYJ: Regal Busways, Chelmsford.
Dublin Olympian 91-D-1068 now H760PVW with Holloways, Scunthorpe.
Dart R710MEW: Imperial, Rainham, Essex.
Olympian J842TSC: Prospect Education Technology Trust, Putney.
Merc 709 N661VSS and Metrobuses F761/2EKM: Hardy Miles, Southend, Essex.
Merc 811's R107/10NTA: S and A coaches, Renfrew.
Darts S517/9KFL: A2Z Travel, Walsall.
Dart K59LLG: Galleon Travel, Stansted.
Darts J53EDM, K56LLG, M165XMA: Best Bus, Crewe, Cheshire.
Volvo D10M F306MYJ: Travel With Hunny, Ipswich.
Olympian G554VBB: Croydon Council.
M1437: Over The Top Travel, Faversham.
L173: Blackpool Transport, converted to open top.
Volvo B10M's J894/5CEV: Travelmasters, Sheerness.
Lances L404/5BFX: Geoff Amos Coaches, Eydon, Northants.
Olympian C615LFT and T214: P and M Coaches, Wickford, Essex.
Olympian E916DRD: Eastonways, Ramsgate.
Olympian S130RLE: ATBUS, Ashford, Middx.
Preservation News
Preservation News & Events
Events:
Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum: 23rd March – Open day
South Yorkshire Transport Museum: 23 rd March -Open Day
Nottingham Transport Heritage: 23/24th March – Easter Event
Midlands Festival of Transport: 23/24 th March – Weston Park, Shropshire
BaMMot, Wythall: 23/24 th March – Easter Operating Days
Ipswich Transport Museum: 24 th March – Eastern Counties Double Deck Day
London Bus Preservation Trust: 6 th April – Annual Open Day and Bus & Coach Gathering
South Yorkshire Transport Museum: 13 th April – Open Day
North West Museum of Road Transport: 13 th April – Chester Buses day
Sometimes the above rallies can be canceled at short notice – so please check before hand,
as you do not want a wasted journey
Forthcoming Events for your diary – Mike Pinder
Saturday, April, 26th. Low Street, Keighley, Buses on display, craft stalls etc.
Sunday, April, 27th. Heritage bus on service 22 - Museum of Rail Transport, Ingrow Loco, Cliffe
Castle, East Riddlesden Hall and Keighley Bus Museum
Sunday 4th and Monday 5th May, Buses on display at Bradford Industrial Museum.(Free local
heritage bus service).
Saturday 24th to Monday 26th May. Scenic Bus service from Ilkley Station to Bolton Abbey
Station hourly from 09.35 to 15.35 in conjunction with Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway
Sunday, 4 th June. Bus display at Bolton Abbey Station
Sunday, 6th July. Keighley Festival of Transport Historic buses and lorries on display at Ingrow
Rail Centre, Cars and light Commercials start with a Road Run and then display at Oxenhope
14

Station. 09.00 - 17.45 .Buses and Trains run between both Venues one ticket valid on both forms
of transport.
Sundays 3, 10, 17 and 31st August, Scenic bus service from Bolton Abbey to Bolton Abbey
Station (connects with trains)
Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August. Scenic Bus Service from Ilkley Station to Bolton Abbey
Station hourly from 09.35 to 15.35 in conjunction with Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway
Sundays 7, 14, 21, 28th September -.Scenic bus service from Bolton Abbey to Bolton Abbey
Station (connects with trains)
Saturday 13th September Display of restored buses in Centenary Square, Bradford 10.00 - 16.00
Preservation update - (Scotland)
Thomas Graham our Scottish Area Representative, reports - that he has now purchased a second
vehicle for preservation at Beith Museum - WCW318R an ex Lancaster City Transport Alexander Y
type with DP seats
Details:
Leyland Leopard PSU3D/4R
Alexander AYS Body DP49F
New in 05/77 to Lancaster City Transport as 318.
Sold 03/93
Dobbins of Ayr 03/93
Collison of Stonehouse 08/00
Cutmore of Coatbridge 04/01
Mason of Bo'ness 03/02
Dunn of Port Glasgow 06/02
Weirs of Clydebank 03/03 till 05/06 when it passed into preservation.
Owned by various preservationists until, I bought it on Sunday 17/02/08.
It will remain at Beith Transport Museum but should be on the road by late summer.
ULS658T update – Thomas Graham
As far as The Fleetline is concerned it is being painted this week. The vinyls will be applied on
Sunday ready for its public debut on 26/02/08 to Rothesay Isle of Bute. The bus has caused some
interest with the local newspaper "The Buteman" who will be coming along to take pictures and run
a story on the bus. Apparently it will be the first closed top double decker to carry passengers on
the Island since Western SMT withdrew from there. See page 23 for photo.
Trip report from Mike Pinder, Steve Jenner and Marc Baker
Another early start, 0430 pick up Marc and head over to Weston super Mare to pick up Steve,
today we will be using the meandering country roads called Motorways, back up the M5 and East
on the M4 (our project for today is aircraft)M25 The scenery on this road is beautiful, metal statues
everywhere, M1 to Luton Airport, saw 45 in an hour and lots of buses, including 3 First Bus Bendy's
19030/2/4, on Luton to Airport service, from here on A505 to A1(M) north. At the junction of the
B658 and well signed we headed to Old Warden for the SHUTTLEWORTH COLLECTION. This is
split into three parts, Collection, Birds of Prey and Gardens, each costs £10.very pricey if you do all
three. 8 hangers to look at, we enter No.2 first, the shop & cafe, 3 bacon and egg baguettes with
weed around the edges,3 teas that didn't even bend a plastic stirrer and that's another £18 gone.
However the collection is brilliant, every single exhibit is photographically available with excellent
lighting 56 air related, some cars, some military items and in Hanger 5(I'd love to see this fly)
Clayton and Shuttleworth 46817, Convertible Traction Engine YA 2095. In hanger 7 we got another
surprise, FM 63 a 1901 Steam Car, Locomobile (1718).Time to leave and go to our next port of
call, it is known as "one of Bedfordshire's best kept secrets" and don't we know it, with Steve
navigating we got hopelessly lost, but found another airfield we didn’t know about (another 12
Aircraft), now thinking of renaming him Dai Version!. The easiest way to find it is off the A1 onto
A507 then at 4th roundabout turn left, go through RAF Henlow to a small roundabout and go
straight over to STONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM only £6 here, small cafe and shop, and WOW!
15

150+ cars,70+ motor cycles,3 aircraft,1 hearse all brilliant condition, this is no museum it's an
Aladdin’s cave, fault, not suitable for photography as things are so close together, Military vehicle
collection (Incl. Missile on carrier), AND THEN,OH NO NOT AGAIN! the Commercial section, 4 x
Fire engines, and 2 buses, JXN 263 AEC Regent 3 ex London RT 885 and VA 5777 AEC Renown
in Midland Red livery, all these exhibits were rusting away, paint flaking off and looking so bad that
the only way you could tell the Renown was in Midland Livery was Midland on the side and the
Exhibit board told you it was home to Wales via M4 stopping at White Waltham (another 49
aircraft). Long day, shattered but yes, I would go again tomorrow.
Observations
Football Sightings - Wolves v Sheffield United 2 nd January 2008 - Derek Lines
BX56BXN VIP CO, B20WGS GORDON TC, N571AWJ MICHAELS, YN56MNO JOHNSON,
MXI8433 MXI2269 MAXFIELD, X215AWB STOTTS Y162EAY STOTTS SIB2633 WIZARD,
R70JCS COOPER, P407MDT BRIDGE CO, ACH854Y DIAMOND
K 576 NHC Dennis Alexander and A 8 KRT Ford Transit Minibus of Redline Buses Aylesbury
were in MK seen on 29/12/07 AF 57 WHF Dennis Javelin of Flowers Travel from Holbeach Drove
was in MK coach park on 3/1/08. This coach was pictured in Buses January issue page 10. YKG
Mercedes 709D, V 262 BNV Dennis Dart SLF & M 65 HHB Dennis Dart 9.8SDL of Redline Buses
Aylesbury were on MK Metro routes 19/01/08. Note M 65 HHB is not listed in the Eastern Counties
as it has not long been with the fleet and is Ex-Stagecoach Red & White from Wales. A number of
coaches were seen at MK Coach Park on 24/01/08 and are listed below
YJ 55 EYY Bova Barfordian Bedford
224 ASV Bova Barfordian Bedford
SN 03 TKF Bova Barfordian Bedford
NKZ 2490 Volvo Mistral B10M Jeffs Brackley
W633FUM Volvo Jeffs Brackley
W636 FUM Volvo Jeffs Brackley
P557 ETF Ford Courier Service Van Jeffs Brackley
729 JUD Volvo Jeffs Brackley
279 JJO Volvo B10M Jeffs Brackley
NUI 4181 Volvo Jeffs Brackley
Y806 YBE Iveco Jeffs Brackley
N787 SJU Volvo Britannia Hitchin
N786 SJU Volvo Britannia Hitch1n
WDD 194 Volvo Pulhams Bourton-on the-Water
R200 TMS Volvo Pulhams Bourton-on the-Water
D 7 CCW Setra Rebound of Witney Oxfordshire
LJZ 5185 Vdl bova Euro Bus Express London
JIL 7651 Daf Charlbury ravel Chipping Norton
WX 06 SLV Ayats A3E / BR1 Heyfordian Bicester
S102 SET Mercedes Neoplan Cozy's Coaches Letchworth
JHZ 4875 Double Decker Coach Three Star Coaches Luton
MT 07 MTT Volvo Motts travel Aylesbury
P 50 SOU Volvo Souls Olney
MK Metro has a mixture of numbers on its fleet, Some Arriva some there own and some that are
not relevant to either. 2310 Mercedes T 629 LNV is Arriva No 610 and was white with a black No
610 over front nearside headlight. Since it has been painted yellow it has been given the No 2310
which is not relevant to Arriva or the flow of numbering associated with MK Metro.
Also MK No 3443 Optare YN 55 SVG if this was an Arriva number it would be a DAF reg R 203
VPU. On looking through the registration lists in the Regional Register and Eastern Counties Bus
Datafile 2007 & 8 the registration YN 55 SVG does not exist, but it does, as it is currently painted
mauve and marked route 8. I first saw this bus 21/06/07 and is still in service.
3334 Written up as a DAF reg L 124 VKU is in actual fact Dennis Dart 9SDL3034 reg L 124
16

YVK as listed in Eastern Counties Book Arriva Shires & Essex.
3344 Optare R 234 AEY ex- Arriva Northwest Wales has been here in MK for some time
1 first recorded it 3/8/07 but is still not in the Eastern Counties lists.
I have just seen what I thought was a new bus on MK Metro but it turns out to be MK Metro fleet
No 51 reg HX 51 LSO Arriva No 3526 repainted bright green and numbered 3256 this is a Dennis
Dart SLF.
The Arriva No 3256 is a Volvo B6BLE reg V 256 HBH based in Hartow also not relevant to either
fleet.
MK Metro is actually owned by Arriva the Shires & Essex and run from Luton/Dunstable by
managing director Keith Spicer to whom I think I shall write to asking about the MK Fleet
numbering system as no one locally seems to know what is going on including Metro themselves.
If anyone wants to come to Milton Keynes the best place to see the most Buses is just outside
CMK Rail Station.There you will see most of MK Metro's Buses also Virgin, Stagecoach, Grant
& Palmer, Arriva and Langston & Tusker.
At the far side of the shopping centre MK North there is a Coach Park. The best time I found is
about midday on a Thursday or Friday when coaches from all around as well as local firms turn up
usually 20 - 30.
Alexander Dennis Factory, Falkirk - Arthur Moorse
29 th January 2008
Stagecoach
(ALX300) YN57MXS
Stagecoach East (United Counties)
(Enviro 400) KX57UXL
Stagecoach North East
(Enviro 400) NK57DWZ
Travel West Midlands
(Enviro 400) BV57XJU BV57XKE
5 th February 2008
Stagecoach
(ALX300) YN57MXX
Stagecoach North East
(Enviro 400) NK57DXE
12 th February 2008
Dublin Bus 05-D-30637
19 th February 2008
Stagecoach East (United Counties)
(Enviro 400) KX57UXN KX57UXR KX57UXU
Arriva London
(Enviro 400) TEF1 LJ08CVS TEF2 LJ08CVT TEF3 LJ08CVV
Rail Replacements (Birmingham Snow Hill) - Saturday 9 th February - Andrew Williams
A J K Travel (Walsall) -
P90ASH
Alan Davies Travel (West Bromwich) -
AT55ADT
De Courcey Travel (Coventry) -
PN06KTG
J K T t/a Karvien Tours -
C3JKT
Prospect Coaches (Lye near Sturbridge) - N713AHP
17

Whittle Bus and Coach (Kidderminster) -
VX55OBU, VX55OBW
Rail Replacements (Birmingham Snow Hill) -11 th February
A 2 Z (Walsall) -
X488AHE, HIL6462
Aston Manor Coaches (Birmingham) -
DKZ7319
Commandery Coaches (Worcester) -
YM52UVY
De Courcey Travel (Coventry) - 562, 563, 564
Hardings (Redditch) -
P6HCR
Hills (Wolverhampton) -
YN04GOP
I C M -
L524EHD
Malik (Birmingham) -
M68LAG
Meadows (Crewe) -
G506VYE
Prospect Coaches (Lye near Sturbridge) - B10MNC, T638JWB
Skyline (Oldbury) -
W736PPR
Travel West Midlands - 2668, 4603, 4723
Rail Replacements (Birmingham Snow Hill) - Tuesday 12 th February
Aston Manor Coaches (Birmingham) -
VIL1488
De Courcey Travel (Coventry) -
560, 565, MJI7863
Elcock Reisen (Wellington) -
OIW7027
Travelstar European (Walsall) -
YN06CLF
Rail Replacements (Birmingham Snow Hill) - Tuesday 12 th February
A J K Travel (Walsall) -
YN51MHY
De Courcey Travel (Coventry) -
MJI3529
Elcock Reisen (Wellington) -
E686BTL, 3572NT
Suzannes -
BJ52YJYP
Prospect Coaches (Lye near Sturbridge) - P22TCC, PR57PCC
Travel West Midlands - 4742, 4743
Leamington Spa - Friday 15 th February 2008 - Mike Enstone
Central Connect -
AE06OPG
Laguna Holidays (Bournemouth) -
YN53OZJ
Rotherham - Saturday 16 th February - Andrew Williams
Powells (Rotherham) -
G923TCU, K826NKH, T984OWA
Sheffield City Centre
First South Yorkshire –
37149, 37150
61483, 61487, 61488, 61520, 61523
TM Travel –
W292EYG, YN03ZKE, YJ07JBE, YJ57EHB, YJ57EHC, YN57KFE,
Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield
Stagecoach South Yorkshire –
16874
20721
22430, 22535, 22536, 22537, 22538, 22539, 22541, 22542
22546, 22551, 22803
31908
35109, 35110
47293, 47295, 47297, 47298, 47299
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Burton on Trent - Saturday 23rd February - Andrew Williams
Midland Classic
15 J315XVX, 74 WDA4T, 80 TOJ592S, GBU7V
Nottingham City Centre
Cresswells (Leicester)
A15CCG
Dunn Line (Veolia)
SJ56GBY, AE57CNF
K & H Doyle (Ripley)
M460EDH, M457UUR
Nottingham City Council 905
Nottingham City Transport
120, 124, 134, 135, 138
201, 212, 214, 215, 218, 222, 235, 245, 246, 252, 258, 272, 273, 275
302, 303
435, 452, 456
504, 507, 508, 512, 516, 517, 532, 535, 543, 551, 553
647, 651, 658, 665, 666, 667, 676, 677, 678, 679, 681, 683, 685, 690,
692, 696
728, 730, 734, 735, 736, 740, 741, 748, 751, 755, 756, 757
941, 942, 943, 944
National Express
FJ57SKF
National Holidays
Y732HWT
Paul James
W20PJC
Paul S Winson
R282RAU
Silverdale
SJ55DYW
Trent Barton
314, 72 FLO2ZXH
Sightings Report for Sunday 17 th February - Barry Harper
Feeling bored at home, I took a ride down to the West Somerset Railway. On the M5 Motorway
down spotted Dartline Iveco WJ02KEU, GA Northern 7083, First Devon & Cornwall 20528, Berrys,
Taunton Van Hool Astrobel A06CDN, WA Shearing Van Hool Gold Euro Livery 809
I had to wait for snack until I reached Minehead. Sausage balm went down well with a mug of tea.
Whilst in Minehead, I sighted 66166 First Somerset and Avon, a Leyland D/D HKO169 Quantock
Motor Services and a Kingdoms Tiverton Coach a Van Hool D38KTT. On my way home called into
Bridgewater and spotted at the depot First Somerset & Avon buses 51592, 51594, 51602, 51593,
51889, 51590, 34178, 34172, 34149, 42834, 46219, 46727, 42831, 42830, 42634
Fleet Profile
Lochs & Glens Holidays
The address of Lochs & Glens Transport Limited, is -The Old Schoolhouse, Gartocharn in Scotland
and operates a very modern fleet.
Lochs & Glens is a coach touring company specialising in holidays based around Loch Lomond
side and the North of Scotland.
The operating base is located at the Inversnaid Hotel by Aberfoyle in the Trossachs
Coach livery is all over cream
Fleet
FJ04ETD Volvo B12B YV3R8G11X4A014280 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ05AOM Volvo B12B YV3R8G1245A102333 Jonckheere 27257 C57FT
FJ05AON Volvo B12B YV3R8G1225A102377 Jonckheere 27258 C57FT
FJ05AOO Volvo B12B YV3R8G1245A102378 Jonckheere 27259 C57FT
FJ05AOP Volvo B12B YV3R8G1255A102406 Jonckheere 27260 C57FT
FJ05AOR Volvo B12B YV3R8G1275A102407 Jonckheere 27261 C57FT
FJ06BSO Volvo B12B YV3R8G1256A110278 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ06BSU Volvo B12B YV3R8G1276A110279 Jonckheere C57FT
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FJ06BSV Volvo B12B YV3R8G1236A110280 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ06BSX Volvo B12B YV3R8G1256A110281 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ06BSY Volvo B12B YV3R8G12X6A110339 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ07AEA Volvo B12B YV3R8L2267A117992 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ07AEB Volvo B12B YV3R8L2237A118016 Jonckheere 27914 C57FT
FJ07AEC Volvo B12B YV3R8L2297A118330 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ07AED Volvo B12B YV3R8L2247A118333 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ07AEE Volvo B12B YV3R8L2297A118344 Jonckheere C57FT
FJ07AEF Volvo B12B YV3R8L2287A118948 Jonckheere 28049 C57FT
Thanks go to Thomas Graham, who obtained the above information
FJ 06 BSV seen on the M6 at Preston on the 11 th August 2007. These are very common going up
& down from Scotland on holiday traffic
Photo David Sharpe
Bus Spots for Spotters 2 - By Cassandra Sweeting
Newcastle – under – Lyme Bus Station
Variously described as ‘Improved’ and ‘Funsized’
Food – Cafes, pubs nearby
Toilets – Free, on Hassell Street
Information – Small enquiry office, some timetables on stands
Nearest station – Stoke – on – Trent
Leave Stoke station over crossing towards statue of Josiah Wedgwood, left to bus stop. Scragg
Blue minis & First - to Keele, Penkhull, Newcastle, some National Express coaches also call here.
Taxi rank nearby
Buses:
First Potteries – Local, Stafford
Arriva – X64 Shrewsbury
D & G – 106 Leek, Crewe, Local
Bus layovers in School Street
Leave bus station, cross dual carriageway, left 50 yards, turn right into School Street. It is also day
trip pick up point
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Photography is permitted but there is little room, better from other side of Hassell Street, or on
access road, from bench by no.1 stand. The sun is behind you from this point
Shaw’s High Street is recommended for traditional fish & chips (5 minutes walk)
Arriva Day ticket available to Shrewsbury
First Day ticket available local
Congleton Bus Station (old fairground) – Situated off Mountbatten Way
Toilets – free on site
Information enquiry office
Photography permitted, wide open site, good photographs obtained.
Food – Numbers of cafes/pubs close by
Nearest station – Congleton, Park Lane, Mountbatten Way, long walk into town c40 minutes
Buses – Bakers run past ex – Biddulph to bus station
Services:
Arriva – Macclesfield – Crewe
Bakerbus – Macclesfield – Biddulph, Knutsford (0620, 0710 only)
Ladyline – Town Services
Clowes – Tuesday only
Holmeswood is situated close by – in Scragg Street
Info:
Arriva North West day ticket valid/available
BakerBus 01782 522101 www.bakerbus.co.uk
Cheshire Traveline 0870 608 2608 (M –Sun 08 -12.00)
Green Bus, Jacob’s Hall Lane, Great Wyrley
Sited on Jacobs Hall Lane, just off the A34, at Landywood - Enthusiast friendly
Train: Landywood, into Landywood Lane, follow curve into Gorsty Lane, left into Bentons Lane, to
A34. Cross A34, turn right on A34, 100 yards left into Jacob’s Hall Lane. Green Bus is on your left
Bus: There is a bus service – Cannock to Bloxwich
Some vehicles are visible from public land
Food – Near shops/pubs Enthusiast Friendly
Arriva, Delta Way, Cannock
Sited south of Cannock on A34, Turn into Delta Way at Traffic Island, continue across another
Traffic Island. Arriva is on your right. Some vehicles are visible from public land
Train – Cannock
Bus – From Cannock Arriva Cannock to Wolverhampton, pass close to garage
Food – In their canteen (this is not a misprint 11/2007) toilets/parking in garage
JST International, Bramshall Industrial Estate
The company is sited just west of Uttoxeter on the B5027 Stone Road. The garage is on PRIVATE
land in a ‘sensitive’ area. Entry is UNWELCOME & INADVISIBLE without written authority. The
buses are not visible from public land. However there is a decent greasy spoon caravan close by,
which the owner tells me, that it replaced a converted bus
D & G, Mossfield Road, Adderley Green, Stoke on Trent (Tel: 01782 332 337)
(New address – Data File Editor)
Sited at the end of Mossfield Road, off Anchor Road (B5039) see also Eurobus and First Potteries,
Anchor Road, links B5040 Dividy Road and Longton A50/A5007
Rail – Longton (sparce service Central Trains
Bus - First Potteries 1A & 2 Hanley – Longton passes along Anchor Road, and then 20 minutes
walk
Food - Caravan close by Much visible from public land Enthusiast friendly
Eurobus, Mossfield Road, Adderely Green
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Sited close to D&G (See D&G for directions – note for Data File Editor)
A hot food van is directly outside the small yard, also taxis and minibuses on site
Visible from public land
See D&G, First Potteries
(Predominantly a private hire company – have 2 or 3 buses
First Potteries, Head Office, Adderley Green Garage, Dividy Road, Adderley Green
Tel: 08708 500 868
(Note: New address – Hobson Street, Closed c10 yrs ago
Station – Longton (but Stoke – on – Trent is better)
Much is visible from public land and with binoculars from Mossfield Road
See D&G, Eurobus
G.E. Scragg, Buckenall Garage, Pennell Street, Buckenall, Stoke –on Trent Tel: 01782 213
832
This company may resite during 2008 to Mossfield Road
Sited near the junction with Werrington Road (A52)
Buses – First Potteries 32/32A Hanley to Uttoxeter
D& G – 106 Leek to Newcastle – under – Lyme
Proctor 16 Hanley to Leek
Scragg 31 Newcastle to Hanley, Werrington
Pennell Street is situated off the A52 in Bucknall. Alight at Newhouse Road, cross road and
proceed towards the Co-op store. Pennell Street is first right
Rail – Stoke – on- Trent. Chip shop and pub close by Much is visible from public land
NX new livery launch event outside the ICC, Birmingham on 04/02/08 & features National Express Scania K340EB6
Caetano Levante SC36 (FJ57KHD) & National Express West Midlands Alexander-Dennis Trident 2/Alexander-Dennis
Enviro 400 4775 (BV57XKW) in their respective new colours
Photo Dave Francis
22

Remember this from a couple of issues ago? Now re-painted in Kelvin livery F133 ULS 658T
Leyland Fleetline ECW H43/32F our Scottish Reps bus.
Photo Thomas Graham
Post Bus - update from Robin Farmer - Editor of ‘Ride the Royal Mail Post Bus’
NEW VEHICLES
A surprise order has been received for three 8-seat LDV Maxus postbuses. A fourth vehicle to be
numbered 7751004 was understood to have been ordered to replace 3751031 (Ayr npsv). Subsequently
it is understood to have been cancelled and that 3751031 will continue in use at Ayr for the time being.
Unlike earlier postbuses these vehicles appear to be to the same configuration as the '79' series
crewbus currently entering service with Royal Mail. Passenger accommodation consists of one seat next
to the driver, three seats together in the first row and four seats against the rear bulkhead. There is just
window on each side for passengers as the mail is carried in a full height compartment accessed
through rear doors. The main modification is the provision of an electric step interlocked with the
passenger door. A metal cash box is fitted between the front seats and the destination board is carried
in the nearside front visor. LDV Maxus 8 seat postbus
7751001 BD57BNN Skipton – Malham 2/08 replacing 3752003
7751002 Lutterworth - Peatling Parva replacing 1750006
7751003 Pitlochry - Rannoch Station replacing 3751027
Skipton received 7751001 at about 1pm on the 21 st February; however it was unable to enter service as
LDV had failed to provide the requisite fire extinguisher and first aid kit required for pcv use. As of 23 rd
February, when RMPB135 was finalised, neither Lutterworth nor Pitlochry had received their vehicles.
Services
Just 54 services remained in operation as at 31 st December 2007. It is understood that a further ten to
fifteen are subject to review as part of the current exercise based on operational or financial reasons. It
would seem that around 40 services will remain as a result of this exercise.
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A Look at Peterborough
A visit here on the 1 st March for a group meeting threw up these contrasting vehicles.
Ford Transit H332 HKX Tractor Boys.com waiting for Ipswich supporters & WOT 21RE Kassbohrer
S415HD in Orbis livery. One of three Polish vehicles seen on the day. Both photos David Sharpe
24