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Roy
Today saw the arrival of a Brand New Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo Coach for Sanders.
It has been given cherished registration OC21SAN with reference to Charles Sanders grandson Oliver, the name also given to the coach and carried by the entrance door.
Grahame.
The final Coastal Clipper 'Cabriolet' has been completed in the shape of Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32348 LK53LZL. It was new to First Beeline for Greenline services between London & Windsor prior to moving to Great Yarmouth a few years ago.
It joins Dennis Trident 32905 W905VLN and Volvo/Gemini 37000 LX53AYY Which will form the Open Top Fleet for the summer season in Great Yarmouth.
Thanks to First for the Photograph.
Grahame.
First stop is Ipswich where recent arrival from First Potteries 31785 YN53EOK has now moved on to First Colchester as it was unable to use the fuel lane at Ipswich due to its slight height difference with all the native ALX400 in the fleet.
It has been swapped with another former FEC Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32476 AU53HJK from Colchester, Pictured below en route back to Ipswich yesterday.
Next we move back to Yarmouth where the latest Coastal Clipper Gemini 37570 AU58ECT entered service after its repaint into the new livery. Only 37569 is left to gain the new colours.
37570 pictured on its first trip into Lowestoft yesterday morning. The Lowestoft fleet will see two Gemini's (37575/576) gain the Clipper livery for the 99 service in the coming weeks.
Yarmouth Gemini's 37154 & 37563 are currently on loan at Lowestoft to cover the repaints.
Thanks to Joe for the Ipswich photos and to First for the info.
Grahame.
The second of three Open Top vehicles for Great Yarmouth's Coastal Clipper Fleet is due back at Caister Road today.
37000 LX53AYY is a Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini which was new to Go Ahead London as WVL147. It was sold to Ensignbus and converted to Open Top for use with Ensign and did carry Cherished registration 392MBF for a while.
It was last used in service with Ensignbus running a Seafront service in Southend On Sea last year. It was also used as a Campaign bus for the Brexit Party for a short while.It joins Dennis Trident 32905 W905VLN at Yarmouth ready for use, Gemini 32348 LK53LZL is the final vehicle of three due to arrive, that previously being part of Yarmouth's own fleet. It is currently being prepared for Repaint after its Conversion to Open Top.
Many Thanks to First for use of the Photographs.
Grahame.
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The engine secured in the van at Coventry ready for its trip to East Anglia |
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The engine arrives and all that's left to do is to fit it! |
Further to Roy's post regarding the new Enviro 400MMC with Lynx, Sam Larke has kindly sent us some excellent photos to show off both of the new additions.
The pair are 61/62 SK21FNG/H and were originally ordered at the start of 2020 after the successful trial of a demonstrator vehicle. Sockets and tables upstairs, other features include arm rests on aisle seats and a bespoke luggage rack downstairs which will be helpful for those catching the bus to their seaside holiday destinations with big suitcases!
They are the first vehicles Lynx have acquired brand new and will be employed on Coastliner 36 in anticipation of a (hopefully) busy summer!
Underneath they are powered by a 6 cylinder Cummins diesel engine with a ZF gearbox.
Many Thanks to Sam for the photographs and information.
Grahame.
Another Volvo B7TL has arrived from First Potteries in the shape of 31785 YN53EOK. It was new to First South Yorkshire in 2003 and was latterly at Doncaster Depot prior to a brief spell at Stoke with Potteries.
We are told it is to replace 32489 which has ongoing mechanical issues. It is not known at present when 31785 will enter service in the town.
Thanks to First for the info and to Mark Doggett for use of his photo.
Grahame.
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Optare Solo YJ62 FZV returning to Bradwell on the 271 via Shrublands this morning |
Yarmouth has seen the arrival of Five vehicles from Norwich on loan this weekend to assist with Vehicle Requirements and Maintenance cover.
First vehicle noted this morning at Caister Road was 32214 LT52WTX which was once a Yarmouth vehicle in its Barbie liveried days.
Another Lilac fronted vehicle here is 32105 LT02ZCU which has had previous spells in Yarmouth also
Former Manchester Volvo B7RLE 66870 MX05CKA was noted working the 8 service this morning seen above in Beatty Road heading for the Town Centre.
Two other vehicles here are former Sheffield Volvo B7RLE'S 69029 SF55UAX and 69031 SF55UAZ.
Ipswich Volvo 66986 KX05MHU also remains here on loan.
Volvo Gemini 37566 AU58ECE is now in service in full Coastal Clipper livery with 37565/567 away for repaint.
Gemini 37563 AU58ECA will return to normal duties from Contract work this monday.
As always many thanks to First for the information.
Stay Safe Grahame.
The first of three Open Toppers to be used this summer at Great Yarmouth is due to return today after repaint. Dennis Trident 32905 W905VLN has been at Yarmouth a few summers now and will again be in use but in a new look livery.
It began life as the 'Seasider' in 2016, pictured above on North Drive in that summer.
Here she is pictured in her new livery ready to head back to Caister Road.
The new services will once again see open top vehicles run from Hemsby to Great Yarmouth with some trips taking a journey along the seafront in the town.
Thanks to First for use of the photos today.
Take Care, Grahame.