Torbay ~ Late September

Whilst it's almost a fortnight ago now, I thought I would share some photos with you of my week's stay in Torbay. I was hoping to post this earlier but with the amount of photos taken and a bout of the dreaded lurgy it has been delayed until now.

Stagecoach Gold Scania N240UD/Enviro 400 15929 YN63BXB on Torbay Road in Torquay heading for Totnes

During almost all of  last week in September we were blessed with warm sunny weather whilst being based in Torquay. The predominant operator (in case you're unaware!) was Stagecoach South West. However, not all their buses were in the usual colours as three routes had special liveries and that doesn't include the presence of Stagecoach Gold which connected the area with Totnes and Plymouth.

Stagecoach South West 15316 YN67YJZ exits Paignton Bus Station on the Hop12 to Brixham

The branded Hop12 Newton Abbot to Brixham route was worked by 67 registered Scania N250UD /ADL Enviro 400 MMCs which looked very smart in their red and white colours scheme.

Hop 22 branded Scania 15865 WA62ANX  awaiting passengers at the Strand in Torquay

The Hop22, between Dawlish Warren and South Devon College was worked by green and white liveried ADL Enviro400 bodied Scania N230UDs from late 2012.

Open tops at Torquay - Stagecoach South West's 18186 MX54LPN passed by English Riviera Sightseeing's J343BSH
The latter, a Leyland Olympian, was previously used by Essex-based Talisman

The St Marychurch to Paignton Zoo Hop122 was operated by recently converted ALX400 bodied ADL Trident open toppers in their yellow white and orange colours with each one individually named.

Dartmouth Rail River Link Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President Y827TGH leaving Paignton Bus Station for Totnes

Open toppers were also provided by English Riveria Sightseeing Tours and the Dartmouth Rail River Link. The former was also using former Stockport Leyland Titan PD2/3 FFY403 on some journeys

The only independents I observed in the area were Allansway Coaches (trading as Country Bus), Dartline and Torbay Buses - all of which were seen operating Optare Solos! Photos clockwise: Country Bus uses YJ11EKJ at Teignmouth, Dartline YT09OTX also in Teignmouth, Torbay Buses 'Discover the Cockington Experience' branded RK07KOA at the Strand in Torquay and finally Torbay Buses LP15LPN departing Paignton Bus Station

Belle's Mercedes Benz Tourismo BF62JZF in the coach park of a Belgrave Road hotel in Torquay

Of the short stay tourers visiting the area, the most interesting appearance was that of a Belle Coaches' Tourismo which was last week employed on rail replacement at Lowestoft Station!

Other photos from the trip can also be viewed on the Eastnorfolkbus Flickr site

Roy