Seen at Beach Coach Station mid-afternoon was Brighton & Hove's Scania Irizar 503 (YR58RUH).
Sister vehicle 502 (HF08UHT) also visited Great Yarmouth on the 15th August this year
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Brighton Breeze
Seen at Beach Coach Station mid-afternoon was Brighton & Hove's Scania Irizar 503 (YR58RUH).
Sister vehicle 502 (HF08UHT) also visited Great Yarmouth on the 15th August this year
Thursday, 29 December 2011
2011 ~ A Review
As the year draws to a close it is time to reflect on what has happened on the local bus scene during 2011.
First Eastern Counties
2011 began with Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot still using two step entrance Darts on local services but both had gone by the end of February.
February also saw Flying Banana Routemaster NML623E moving to Norwich for storage. It re-emerged in July wearing London red colours and working for First Essex at Chelmsford.
The month also witnessed the surprise arrival of Dart 46440 (N810VOD) on local duties.After a 4-5 week tour, also taking it to Ipswich and Norwich, it went south to Basildon.
New timetables were introduced on 27th March and, with the reallocation of ten Volvo B7TL/Presidents from Norwich, the number 8 route became all double deck and low floor operated. Not all went to plan though as three were reported to have expired on their first day!
Also during June the six tri-axles languishing at the rear of Caister Road depot made their last journeys. With the exception of 30097, all were taken for scrap by Earith Commercials. 30097 was preserved by a private buyer from Essex.
Early September saw blue Routemaster SMK717 leave Caister Road on a low loader bound for a Glasgow museum.
The fleet's last Leyland Olympian 34333 (H132FLX) was finally withdrawn in mid-October; only to see it resurrected a month later for use on Bernard Matthews contracts on the run up to Christmas.
Finally, following accident damage to 37156 at the end of November, one of Norwich's new Eclipses (36180) stepped up to X1 duties.
Ambassador Travel
Little to report here other than the sale of their sole Optare Tempo to Norfolk Green. It arrived at the latter's Kings Lynn premises during the week before Christmas.
Anglian Bus & Coach
Anglian took delivery of eight brand new vehicles during 2011 - five Scania Omnilinks and three Optare Versas.
It also acquired five former Stagecoach London Trident ALX400's during August and September. A further Optare Solo was purchased from Veolia during September.
In the opposite direction three former Chester Bus Scanias were sold to Ixworth-based Mulleys and were re-registered.
Anglian also hired a number of vehicles during the year including two StreetLites and a MAN Ecocity branded gas bus (WX61FXO)
Norse sold six of its Agoralines to Norfolk Green during May. In the same month one of their Tridents caught fire whilst on the Postwick Park and Ride.
With First Eastern Counties terminating its Service 3 at Market Gates, Swift introduced a seafront service during the school summer holidays. The hourly service was provided by their Mercedes Vario AE07NZC.
Surprisingly, during August, Bedford-based W & H Peacock auctioned off ten of Swift's vehicles. It is believed that the reduction in school contracts and services led to their disposal.
First Eastern Counties
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| One of the last step entrance darts in use in Great Yarmouth |
The month also witnessed the surprise arrival of Dart 46440 (N810VOD) on local duties.After a 4-5 week tour, also taking it to Ipswich and Norwich, it went south to Basildon.
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| A newly transferred President on local services |
In April, First announced its withdrawl from Kings Lynn by selling its town services to Norfolk Green. This resulted in Caister Road benefitting from three Volvo B7TLs (30887-9) with a fourth following later.
During June four of the new Wright Eclipse Geminis, destined for Norwich, were seen on their journey to Norfolk. Apart from appearing on Royal Norfolk Show shuttles, they were not used again until mid July when they appeared on city routes 25 and 35 following tree lopping.
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| Traxles in their last days at Caister Road |
Early September saw blue Routemaster SMK717 leave Caister Road on a low loader bound for a Glasgow museum.
The fleet's last Leyland Olympian 34333 (H132FLX) was finally withdrawn in mid-October; only to see it resurrected a month later for use on Bernard Matthews contracts on the run up to Christmas.
Finally, following accident damage to 37156 at the end of November, one of Norwich's new Eclipses (36180) stepped up to X1 duties.
Ambassador Travel
Little to report here other than the sale of their sole Optare Tempo to Norfolk Green. It arrived at the latter's Kings Lynn premises during the week before Christmas.
Anglian Bus & Coach
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| Anglian's 509 X309NNO still in Stagecoach London red in Beccles during September |
It also acquired five former Stagecoach London Trident ALX400's during August and September. A further Optare Solo was purchased from Veolia during September.
In the opposite direction three former Chester Bus Scanias were sold to Ixworth-based Mulleys and were re-registered.
Anglian also hired a number of vehicles during the year including two StreetLites and a MAN Ecocity branded gas bus (WX61FXO)
Konectbus
Konectbus evaluated a Brighton bendybus in late March on city services. It must have been a success as the Dereham based business took delivery of three of them from Go Ahead London in October with more following towards the end of the year.
All five new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400's arrived before Christmas ready to enter service in the new year on the new konectexpress 8 service.
Nightingales
Nightingales were observed using former Barfordian Leyland Olympian F633LMJ (seen above) on a schools service in Beccles during September
Norse
Norse sold six of its Agoralines to Norfolk Green during May. In the same month one of their Tridents caught fire whilst on the Postwick Park and Ride.
Reynolds Coaches
In June Reynolds Coaches received Mercedes Benz BX55FYO from Clarkson of South Elmsall and it was immediately pressed into use on schools services. In the following month the Caister-on-sea operator unveiled its rebodied and repainted Van Hool BEZ3139. It also launched a new website during the summer.
Swift Taxis
Swift Taxis
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| Vario AE07NZC on Summer Service 500 |
Surprisingly, during August, Bedford-based W & H Peacock auctioned off ten of Swift's vehicles. It is believed that the reduction in school contracts and services led to their disposal.
On the positive side, however, Swift did gain a former Wallace Arnold Volvo B10M (491JVX) which was noted on schools' services during October.
Thanks
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all the regular contributors to the blog. Please keep the reports coming in. I would be pleased to hear from new contributors too.
A Happy New Year To You All!
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Festive Visitors
Quite a number of visitors have been seen in the Great Yarmouth area over the Christmas Day/Boxing Day period; three Shearings coaches have been amongst them.
Observed on Marine Parade in Great Yarmouth during the afternoon of Boxing Day were 109 (BK09RNF), 229 (BF10VCZ) (pictured above) and 509 (MX03ABF). Their passengers were enjoying their stay at the nearby Carlton Hotel.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Season's Greetings
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| Former Caroline Seagull G470LVG, now with Swift Taxis |
I tentatively started the blog in early January of this year and initially thought that I would run out of things to say and photograph within weeks - how wrong can you be! Thanks to the support of Grahame Bessey, Syd Eade, Stephen Gowler, Tim Major and Mark P in particular for their photos and information, it has continued to be the success that it is. The number of page views and the countries of origin have been quite staggering!
My thanks also go to Andy of Andys Bus Blog and Joe of Norwich Bus Page for their support and encouragement too - check their blogs if you haven't already!
So thanks for your interest and here's to an even better 2012
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Friday, 23 December 2011
City Sights
Yesterday saw a visit to Norwich for some last minute Christmas shopping. It also provided the opportunity for some more pictures!
The first picture is that of Simonds Volvo B10M SLK886 on St Stephen's Street. This vehicle has had many previous guises including K289GDT and A9HRR
Coach Services Scania YN04YJA followed closely behind displaying 'CS66 Stanton' on its destination screen. Apologies for the poor quality photo - I will get the sun moved next time!
Also continuing to ply their trade were First's new(ish) B9TLs and 36167 (BD11CFM) is also seen here on St Stephen's Street destined for the railway station
Simonds MAN/MCV AE09DJF was being used on their Service 1 to Diss
Anglian's new Scanias also had a presence on St Stephen's Street with 439 (AN61LAN) prepared to head off to Bungay on the 588.
With all my shopping and business completed it was time to head for home. There was, however, a surprise to come. Having tried to get a picture of Anglian's on hire gas bus without success during the past fortnight (especially on the 601s last week!), I stumbled across it whilst it was waiting in the queue of vehicles at the lights in Surrey Street. A dash across the other side of the road enabled me to get the reasonable picture.
Anglianbus loanee WX61WFO at Surrey Street heading for Bungay 'running on gas'!
The first picture is that of Simonds Volvo B10M SLK886 on St Stephen's Street. This vehicle has had many previous guises including K289GDT and A9HRR
Coach Services Scania YN04YJA followed closely behind displaying 'CS66 Stanton' on its destination screen. Apologies for the poor quality photo - I will get the sun moved next time!
Also continuing to ply their trade were First's new(ish) B9TLs and 36167 (BD11CFM) is also seen here on St Stephen's Street destined for the railway station
Simonds MAN/MCV AE09DJF was being used on their Service 1 to Diss
Anglian's new Scanias also had a presence on St Stephen's Street with 439 (AN61LAN) prepared to head off to Bungay on the 588.
With all my shopping and business completed it was time to head for home. There was, however, a surprise to come. Having tried to get a picture of Anglian's on hire gas bus without success during the past fortnight (especially on the 601s last week!), I stumbled across it whilst it was waiting in the queue of vehicles at the lights in Surrey Street. A dash across the other side of the road enabled me to get the reasonable picture.
Anglianbus loanee WX61WFO at Surrey Street heading for Bungay 'running on gas'!
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Unusual First 6B Working
First Eastern Counties operates its 6B service between Market Gates Bus Station and Belton via Bradwell and Mallard Way on Mondays to Fridays during school and college days. It comprises an 08:00 Belton to Great Yarmouth and a 15:20 return from Market Gates.
Surprisingly, as schools have finished for the holiday period, it was operating again yesterday afternoon despite the timetable indicating that it wasn't! Instead of the usual double decker, the handful of passengers were treated to the delights of a Volvo B10M. Above First's 20115 (N615APU) is photographed prior to its departure from Market Gates.
Surprisingly, as schools have finished for the holiday period, it was operating again yesterday afternoon despite the timetable indicating that it wasn't! Instead of the usual double decker, the handful of passengers were treated to the delights of a Volvo B10M. Above First's 20115 (N615APU) is photographed prior to its departure from Market Gates.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Beach Coach Station ~ 19th December 2011
A call into Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station at around 2.15 yesterday afternoon coincided with some busy activity.
At the coach station there were only two vehicles on view; National Holidays B12M 658 (NH04JCH) and Shearings Grand Tourer Setra 109 (BK09RNF)
As I was photographing the twosome, a convoy of buses on contract workings headed towards the pick up point outside the coach station. At the front of the queue was Chenery's Setra 2508EL followed by three First Eastern Counties Olympian double deckers. The trio was headed by 34110 (W437CWX) followed by 34333 (H132FLX) and 34112 (W432CWX). Photos of 34110 and 34333 can be seen here on the 'Contract Work' posting of the 22nd November
At the coach station there were only two vehicles on view; National Holidays B12M 658 (NH04JCH) and Shearings Grand Tourer Setra 109 (BK09RNF)
As I was photographing the twosome, a convoy of buses on contract workings headed towards the pick up point outside the coach station. At the front of the queue was Chenery's Setra 2508EL followed by three First Eastern Counties Olympian double deckers. The trio was headed by 34110 (W437CWX) followed by 34333 (H132FLX) and 34112 (W432CWX). Photos of 34110 and 34333 can be seen here on the 'Contract Work' posting of the 22nd November
Sunday, 18 December 2011
A Busman's Day in 1947
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| Click on the picture to view the film |
Entitled A Busman's Day, it begins by showing the Social Club Committee sitting around a table having a discussion and includes some close up shots of some of its members.
People catch a bus at a suburban stop (by a public house) and there are shots taken through the window as they drive towards the bus station at Surrey Street. We see the bus arrive here with other buses in view. One bus is started using a starter handle. Another is a self-starter. Mechanics work in the garage and a selection of destination boards are shown.
The next sequence shows the buses and busmen at Thorpe Station, which was a major terminal at the time. There are scenes from Orford Place, showing the busmen outside their social club and buses passing through.
In the social club, the takings of the savings club are counted. There is a shot of the ledger showing proposed payouts for holidays in 1948.
The film ends by showing the large crowds of people waiting to catch a bus at the Surrey Street Bus Station on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
An Afternoon's Amble
A trip to Great Yarmouth on a cold sunny afternoon began with a ride on one of Anglian's 57 registered Scania deckers from Gorleston High Street. I sat on the bottom deck which was decorated with Christmas trimmings!
Next a walk to the seafont and I passed two coaches outside the Raynscourt Hotel on Marine Parade; Abbey Travel of Hull's YIL3202 and A11WEY of Allways of Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
On arrival at Market Gates, I was met by what appeared to be an abandoned Setra oustside the Troll Cart public house. It was EDZ114 of Norwich-based Avanti Coaches and minutes later I saw one of Chenery's coaches (NBU707) arrive with a fitter/driver (?) who immediately set to work on it.
I then visited Beach Coach Station where Shearings Setra 109 (BK09RNF) was enjoying the wintry sun in Grand Tourer livery!
Next a walk to the seafont and I passed two coaches outside the Raynscourt Hotel on Marine Parade; Abbey Travel of Hull's YIL3202 and A11WEY of Allways of Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
The coach layby near the Britannia Pier was occupied by Smith of Blofield's Setra S1WDA - thought to be on a schools trip to the Marina Centre.
Looking northwards along North Drive I again saw Chenery's NBU707 in the far distance outside the Burlingham Hotel. Retracing my steps towards the Hollywood Cinema I was passed by another Shearings Volvo B12, this time it was 640 (MX03ACZ)
I then returned to Market Gates Bus Station for the journey home and saw First Eastern Counties Volvo B10/Plaxton Premier 20126 (P766XHS) being readied for its next duty following contract work.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Anglian in Gorleston
Beccles - based Anglian Bus operates two services through Gorleston, a major urban part of Great Yarmouth. As expected they both serve the main shopping area of the High Street.
The first appearance of Anglian vehicles in Gorleston was with the introduction of its hourly interval A47 route linking Gorleston and Great Yarmouth with Norwich via the A47 road. Normally provided by a Beccles based vehicle, the service was worked by one of the new Rackheath 61 registered Scanias during yesterday lunch time.
The 601 service connects Great Yarmouth with Lowestoft via Gorleston on an half hourly frequency with some services continuing on to Southwold. Above one of the former Stagecoach London Tridents is seen in Gorleston High Street destined for Southwold on the 601 route.
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| Anglian's 440 AN61BUS lays over at Church Lane terminus in Gorleston |
The first appearance of Anglian vehicles in Gorleston was with the introduction of its hourly interval A47 route linking Gorleston and Great Yarmouth with Norwich via the A47 road. Normally provided by a Beccles based vehicle, the service was worked by one of the new Rackheath 61 registered Scanias during yesterday lunch time.
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| Trident 508 (X251NNO) on the 12:20 Great Yarmouth to Southwold |
The 601 service connects Great Yarmouth with Lowestoft via Gorleston on an half hourly frequency with some services continuing on to Southwold. Above one of the former Stagecoach London Tridents is seen in Gorleston High Street destined for Southwold on the 601 route.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Chenery Contract
My main reason for visiting Great Yarmouth this afternoon was to photo Anglian's loaned gas bus on the 601 service between Great Yarmouth and Southwold, but I was unsuccessful!
However, in between the scheduled 601 services I visited Beach Coach Station - again I drew a blank as no coaches were on site. However, as I backtracked to the town centre a Chenery's Setra was driving towards me northbound on Nelson Road North. On noticing his passengers were on the opposite side of the road, he quickly reversed into a side road to turn to face the right direction!
Here then is a photo of NBN922 on the workers' contract picking up passengers outside the coach station. Unfortunately I am unable to trace the vehicle's previous identity. Any help appreciated
However, in between the scheduled 601 services I visited Beach Coach Station - again I drew a blank as no coaches were on site. However, as I backtracked to the town centre a Chenery's Setra was driving towards me northbound on Nelson Road North. On noticing his passengers were on the opposite side of the road, he quickly reversed into a side road to turn to face the right direction!
Here then is a photo of NBN922 on the workers' contract picking up passengers outside the coach station. Unfortunately I am unable to trace the vehicle's previous identity. Any help appreciated
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Anglian Gas Bus Loan
Anglian Bus have stated on their Facebook page that they will be trialling a single deck MAN Ecocity branded gas bus. Registered as WX61FXO, it is to be used on the following routes from 8th to 23rd December 2011:-
Service 525 on 8th & 9th Dec
Service 601 on 12th/13th/15th/16th Dec
Service 588 on 19th/20th/21st/22nd Dec
Grahame Bessey recorded W61FXO on the 525 earlier today at Lowestoft's Carlton Road.
She was also being used by Norse (Norfolk County Council) earlier in the week on the County Hall Circular service 100
Service 525 on 8th & 9th Dec
Service 601 on 12th/13th/15th/16th Dec
Service 588 on 19th/20th/21st/22nd Dec
Grahame Bessey recorded W61FXO on the 525 earlier today at Lowestoft's Carlton Road.
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| Copyright Grahame Bessey |
She was also being used by Norse (Norfolk County Council) earlier in the week on the County Hall Circular service 100
Monday in Norwich
Regular contributor Grahame Bessey spent a few hours in a chilly Norwich on Monday to catch up on recent developments.
Following First's recent transfer of ALX 400s onto X2 servies (as already report here) Grahame photographed 32656 (AU05MVA) waiting to depart for the coast at Norwich Bus Station.
Also present at there was Chenery's Volvo B9 FJ11MKC awaiting its next duty; the 490 London service.
Konect was seen using one of its Merceded Benz Citaros on the 604 Costessey Park and Ride. BD57WCZ was still sporting its London red colour scheme.
Following First's recent transfer of ALX 400s onto X2 servies (as already report here) Grahame photographed 32656 (AU05MVA) waiting to depart for the coast at Norwich Bus Station.
Also present at there was Chenery's Volvo B9 FJ11MKC awaiting its next duty; the 490 London service.
Konect was seen using one of its Merceded Benz Citaros on the 604 Costessey Park and Ride. BD57WCZ was still sporting its London red colour scheme.
Two of Anglian's new Scanias (AN61BUS and AN61AVK) were being employed on the 123 route between Norwich and Wroxham.
My thanks go to Grahame for the report and pictures
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Monday's Visitors
Unusually for a Monday afternoon, I took a trip into Great Yarmouth and found a number of visiting coaches present around the town.
At Beach Coach Station there was just the one solitary vehicle present and that was National Holidays Setra 163 (NH09PRH). She didn't stay long as when I passed two hours later she had gone!
An hour later I noted two Simonds coaches in the coach layby near to Britannia Pier. At the front was Volvo B10M HIB644 (pictured below) whilst behind was Volvo B12B GM06GSM
With the light fading I headed south along Marine Parade towards Wellington Pier. Outside the Carlton Hotel were two Shearings Setra coaches. One of them, 206 (BK10EJG), was languishing in the winter sun in the car parking area.
Meanwhile, 130 (BK09LUY) had just arrived at the hotel and its luggage was being removed when I photographed her.
At Beach Coach Station there was just the one solitary vehicle present and that was National Holidays Setra 163 (NH09PRH). She didn't stay long as when I passed two hours later she had gone!
An hour later I noted two Simonds coaches in the coach layby near to Britannia Pier. At the front was Volvo B10M HIB644 (pictured below) whilst behind was Volvo B12B GM06GSM
With the light fading I headed south along Marine Parade towards Wellington Pier. Outside the Carlton Hotel were two Shearings Setra coaches. One of them, 206 (BK10EJG), was languishing in the winter sun in the car parking area.
Meanwhile, 130 (BK09LUY) had just arrived at the hotel and its luggage was being removed when I photographed her.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Bus & Coach Preservation - January 2012
In a second article John G Lidstone looks at Southend's ex-London wartime Daimlers and meets the sole survivor 263 (GLX913) on its return to Essex.
Finally, also included in the publication is a photo of Awaydays of Wood Dalling's Leyland Olympian open topper G520VBB on a city sightseeing tour of Norwich
Presidents Replaced on X2
The Volvo B7s/Plaxton Presidents acquired from London have not been a success on the X2 Lowestoft-Norwich service with reliability being poor.
So on the evening of Friday 2nd December five of them were replaced with ALX400s 32651/2/4/5/6(AU05MUO/P/W/Y/VA). Presidents 32212/3/4 (LT52WTV/W/X) went direct to Norwich and 32207/8 (LT52WTN/O) should now be at Great Yarmouth's Caister Road allowing the shorter length 32100/101 (LT02ZCJ/K) to return to Norwich.
So on the evening of Friday 2nd December five of them were replaced with ALX400s 32651/2/4/5/6(AU05MUO/P/W/Y/VA). Presidents 32212/3/4 (LT52WTV/W/X) went direct to Norwich and 32207/8 (LT52WTN/O) should now be at Great Yarmouth's Caister Road allowing the shorter length 32100/101 (LT02ZCJ/K) to return to Norwich.
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| Copyright James Race |
The ALX 400s were out on the X2 on Saturday (the 3rd), but of course one just had to put in a first day appearance on town services! So above is a photo of 32652 at Carlton Colville on the normally Dart operated service 103
My thanks to regular contributor Syd Eade for the information and to James Race for the photograph.
Friday, 2 December 2011
National Holidays 564
This afternoon I travelled back from Great Yarmouth via the golden mile (Marine Parade) and saw a National Holidays' coach unloading passengers outside the Carlton Hotel.
I identified it as one of their Volvo B12M's - 564 (YJ03VNA). My photo shows the Volvo leaving the hotel bound for its night's stay at Beach Coach Station; the only resident there when I passed later in the afternoon.
Click here to visit the National Holidays webiste
I identified it as one of their Volvo B12M's - 564 (YJ03VNA). My photo shows the Volvo leaving the hotel bound for its night's stay at Beach Coach Station; the only resident there when I passed later in the afternoon.
Click here to visit the National Holidays webiste
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Chenery Workings
Early this afternoon I observed two Chenery coaches in Great Yarmouth with the first being Setra BNG444Y. It was completely devoid of any fleetnames and could only be identified through its legal lettering. It looked as if had recently undergone a repaint.
The plate was originally used on Chenery's previously owned Bedford YNT
Arriving at Beach Coach Station at around 14:10, I was greeted by a convoy of four vehicles heading south along Nelson Road North. At the front of the procession was another of Chenery's Setras; this was 2508EL on a workers' contract.
Following immediately behind were three First Eastern Counties buses - Volvo B7TL 30888 (W743DWX), recently reprieved Olympian H132FLX and 34112 (W432CWX). A couple of minutes later a fourth First double decker arrived in the form of 34110 (W437CWX). All four picked up workers at the coach station destined for Bernard Matthews.
The plate was originally used on Chenery's previously owned Bedford YNT
Arriving at Beach Coach Station at around 14:10, I was greeted by a convoy of four vehicles heading south along Nelson Road North. At the front of the procession was another of Chenery's Setras; this was 2508EL on a workers' contract.
Following immediately behind were three First Eastern Counties buses - Volvo B7TL 30888 (W743DWX), recently reprieved Olympian H132FLX and 34112 (W432CWX). A couple of minutes later a fourth First double decker arrived in the form of 34110 (W437CWX). All four picked up workers at the coach station destined for Bernard Matthews.
Silent Night
As the first day of December arrives everyones thoughts turn to Christmas. So I thought I would use Silent Night as the title to illustrate the latest set of pictures sent to me by Syd Eade.
The photos were taken in the very early hours of the morning and reflect a period of quietness not usally seen at bus depots during the normal working day. The scene is early Tuesday morning 30th November at Lowestoft's Gasworks Road Depot.
The second picture shows a line up of Lowestoft's Dennis Dart SLFs all with Plaxton Pointer bodywork. Finally another Dart this time it's 42447 (R447CCV) undergoing attention in the workshop.
All pictures are copyrighted to Syd Eade - My thanks to Syd for the regular supply of photographs
The photos were taken in the very early hours of the morning and reflect a period of quietness not usally seen at bus depots during the normal working day. The scene is early Tuesday morning 30th November at Lowestoft's Gasworks Road Depot.
The second picture shows a line up of Lowestoft's Dennis Dart SLFs all with Plaxton Pointer bodywork. Finally another Dart this time it's 42447 (R447CCV) undergoing attention in the workshop.
All pictures are copyrighted to Syd Eade - My thanks to Syd for the regular supply of photographs
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Great Yarmouth News Round Up
Beach Coach Station Housing Plan
Norfolk County Council has agreed a loan of just over £2 million to fund the development of the Beach Coach station car park. The money is to be used to build 19 homes at the car park which is located at the northern end of the site. It will also fund a new entrance to the site.
The full story can be found here
Two Belles
Two Setras from Belle Coaches were parked up at Beach Coach Station this afternoon. Both 37 (MIL5303) and 46 (LIL9718) were thought to be laying over prior to working their return to Suffolk.
Contract Work
Shortly after lunchtime today three First Eastern Counties vehicles were noted on Bernard Matthews contracts. The first to pass me was 34110 W437CWX) (below) with 'Contract' displayed but with no passengers. This vehicle is the final production Volvo Olympian with Alexander Royale bodywork.
BBC Comes To Town
Pictured in Great Yarmouth Market Place this afternoon was this BBC owned vehicle. KX55APY is a 2005 MAN with East Lancs Myllenium bodywork. It is thought that it was being used in conjunction with the digital television switchover later in the month.
Caister Road Depot
Developments at First Eastern Counties depot at Caister Road include the return of Routemaster 39480 (JJD480D) to the town.The Routemaster was being used to promote Norfolk County Council's Fare Fares campaign in the Market Place on Friday last (18th)
Another withdrawn Dart has left the depot with 43450 (P450NEX) being recently collected by Erith Commercials for scrapping.
The full story can be found here
Two Belles
Two Setras from Belle Coaches were parked up at Beach Coach Station this afternoon. Both 37 (MIL5303) and 46 (LIL9718) were thought to be laying over prior to working their return to Suffolk.
Contract Work
Shortly after lunchtime today three First Eastern Counties vehicles were noted on Bernard Matthews contracts. The first to pass me was 34110 W437CWX) (below) with 'Contract' displayed but with no passengers. This vehicle is the final production Volvo Olympian with Alexander Royale bodywork.
Next up was sister vehicle 34111 (W431CWX) displaying '...Sorry Not In Service...' but carrying passengers! As 34110 arrived via different route, I can only assume that 34111 was experiencing problems and that passengers would transfer from one to the other at the next stop. Normally only two deckers are used for Bernard Matthews contract work at that time.
Following closely behind was the recently resurrected Olympian 34333 (H132 FLX) with 'Contract ' displayed and carrying passengers.
BBC Comes To Town
Pictured in Great Yarmouth Market Place this afternoon was this BBC owned vehicle. KX55APY is a 2005 MAN with East Lancs Myllenium bodywork. It is thought that it was being used in conjunction with the digital television switchover later in the month.
Caister Road Depot
Developments at First Eastern Counties depot at Caister Road include the return of Routemaster 39480 (JJD480D) to the town.The Routemaster was being used to promote Norfolk County Council's Fare Fares campaign in the Market Place on Friday last (18th)
Another withdrawn Dart has left the depot with 43450 (P450NEX) being recently collected by Erith Commercials for scrapping.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Silver Service and More
With Christmas almost a month away (oh no I hear you say!) a timely visit was made yesterday to the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex.
As well as the shopping, there was also an opportunity to view bus activity serving the centre. The principal operator is the family owned business of Ensign - also well known as one of the UK's largest used bus dealers. So having been given approval (!) to get out of the shopping, I made my way through Debenhams and out to the bus station. My first sighting there was Ensignbus Dart 771 (M871MCE) which was laying over between duties.
First Essex also had a presence with its Scania/Wright Solar 65666 (SN51UXY) the next to appear. Sister vehicles have recently transferred from First Essex to Norwich.
Arriva Southend's 3971 (YE06HPX) was then seen approaching the bus station nearing the end of its 370 journey from Romford.
As well as the shopping, there was also an opportunity to view bus activity serving the centre. The principal operator is the family owned business of Ensign - also well known as one of the UK's largest used bus dealers. So having been given approval (!) to get out of the shopping, I made my way through Debenhams and out to the bus station. My first sighting there was Ensignbus Dart 771 (M871MCE) which was laying over between duties.
Also awaiting its next working was First London Dart DML41431 (LN51DWU) having arrived on the 265 route from Brentwood.
First Essex also had a presence with its Scania/Wright Solar 65666 (SN51UXY) the next to appear. Sister vehicles have recently transferred from First Essex to Norwich.
Arriva Southend's 3971 (YE06HPX) was then seen approaching the bus station nearing the end of its 370 journey from Romford.
Former Alexander Dennis Trident demonstrator 123 (SN59AWV) was then noted on the stand at the bus station looking very smart in Ensign's silver and blue livery.
Further recent additions to the Ensign fleet include two former Sanders of Holt East Lancs Olympus bodied Volvo B9TLs. Above is one of them, 121 (PL08YLZ) is on the X80 service linking the Lakeside and Bluewater Shopping Centres.
As I was about to return to the shopping centre, Stagecoach London's Alexander Dennis Trident 19730 (LX11AZT) arrived on the stand. I quickly tried to get a photo of it just as it was about to pull away; but I was too slow! However, the driver immediately stopped and manoeuvred his vehicle into position so that I was able to get a good picture of it! How unusual to get such a helpful driver, who then acknowledged my thanks before proceeding to his next duty.
Just over an hour then watching activities at Lakeside Bus Station which afforded some different vehicles in different liveries. Worthwhile escaping from the shopping!
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