Trip On New Routemaster

As regular readers may be aware, I am currently spending a few days on the south coast based in Worthing and would, therefore, like to thank Grahame for his postings whilst I have been away

Yesterday allowed for a trip to London by train and provided the opportunity to see and travel on one of the New Routemasters for the first time

We waited for the 24 service at the Victoria Station stop for the short run to Trafalgar Square. After a few minutes, a sparkling LTZ1113 came into view and overall  I was quite impressed by the travelling experience on the 'Borismaster'

Although some traffic delays were experienced, we did enjoy the views from the top deck

Another Stagecoach Arrival

After yesterday's surprise sighting of a Stagecoach liveried Dart in Norwich, I received a call to say another Stagecoach liveried vehicle had been spotted this time in Great Yarmouth. Luckily I am off work for a couple of days so was able to go and view said vehicle this morning.

Winter sun put paid to a decent shot!

The vehicle is N368LPN (16368) an Alexander bodied Olympian which is ex Stagecoach Kent.
It has been purchased by a local charity and is to be converted for use a shelter/sos type vehicle for the charity.

Grahame

Update on Yarmouth/Lowestoft Refurbs

Had a meeting with First Yarmouth operations Manager Danny Beales this afternoon and he has updated me on the current situation regarding the refurb program of the Volvo B7TL/ALX 400 Fleet.

30889 ready for the trip to Rotherham this morning. Photo Roger Bellward

32058 was taken to Rotherham on Monday with 32064 returning to Caister Road for MOT, she will return North next week for repaint with completed 32061 returning in its place.

30901 at Rotherham about to head back  Photo Roger Bellward

30889 from Lowestoft has headed North this morning with 30901 returning home. 30900 remains at Rotherham. This then leaves just 30888 to be done.

The trio of 32059, 32062 and 32063 still await their turn to head to Rotherham

Grahame.

March Morning In The City

A rare weekday visit to Norwich for me today as I had appointments in the city, once completed I spent a while in Castle Meadow observing the operations as you do!

First sighting was former Lowestoft Enviro 200 44928 EU08FHB which is now wearing Purple line branding, all Enviros were noted in use apart from one which was seen heading out of the city towards the A47 so i am guessing it was Caister Road bound for an MOT. The new changes mean that photographing the Purple line seems easier as the frequency is shorter.

Former Yarmouth Volvo 32203 LT52WTJ now wears the Purple line livery.

Next sighting was something you dont see everyday, a Stagecoach liveried Dart!. Recently arrived on loan with Norfolk Green is Stagecoach Hants 33020 T593CGT, quite a surprise to see it pull up on the X29 from Fakenham!

There were also plenty of coaches around today with Norse having a few in use for Schools work and also Simonds were out in force but the stand out visitor had to be this beast from Tours Designed Ltd of Chesterfield in Derbyshire, Neoplan Skyliner PO63FMY, had a few Bus drivers interested!

Certainly worth a photo

First had a few Tridents and Volvo B7's on the 25's this morning with Gemini 36173 noted in Thorpe on the 18 earlier but apart from that nothing really out of the ordinary, I did finally see the two turquoise line liveried vehicles 32100 & 33167 on the 13 both had eluded me until today!

33167 LR02LYF sits awaiting its journey out to Attleborough in Castle Meadow

A productive time this morning with plenty of decent photos in the can as well as a naughty Bacon Roll from Norwich Market!!

Grahame.

Eastbourne Visit

Today we decided to take a trip to Beachy Head and visit nearby Eastbourne as part of the experience. We parked in the multi storey car park in Eastbourne and searched for an eatery outside the shopping centre. We exited on to Terminus Road which we found to be a place of much bus activity!

Immediately outside the exit was a green and white Mercedes minibus operating the 44 to Berwick Station. The vehicle was Cuckmere Buses KE07HXK Mercedes 616i which has Mellor bodywork

Having never visited the town before, I rightly assumed Stagecoach South East would be the significant player, but what I didn't expect was the appearance of Brighton & Hove deckers on a coastal 12 route

One of Stagecoach's services was the Loop and one of their saloons was appropriately adorned for the circular service

In the short time I was there I also observed a Compass Bus -  Optare Solo SR YJ12PLX arriving with the 143

An interesting location for photography but found the presence of the sun a little challenging at times!

Yarmouth Update

32200 At Caister Road back in March 2011

With Gemini 37576 away at Full Circle having bodywork repairs, 32200 LT52WTE has returned to Yarmouth on loan from Norwich. She is out on the 8's today.

Postcard From Worthing Day 2

Little to report today as I was either visiting relatives or driving, plus a Sunday service was in operation as well!

However, a visit to the paper shop first thing meant  crossing the busy Brighton Road which Stagecoach uses for its 700 route. As I left the shop I noted a decker heading towards me in the far distance

Scania 15990 YN64XSU on Brighton Road in Worthing in its new Coastliner livery on the 700

As it was a sunny morning (and as I just so happened to have my camera with me!) I got into position for a shot and hoped that traffic in the other direction wouldn't spoil the photo

I needn't have worried as the driver saw me and slowed so that I could get a reasonable photo of Scania 15990 YN64XSU - very much appreciated