Last Night's Blue Line Stayers

As usual there were two First Norwich Blue Line overnight stayers at Caister Road depot last night with visits from Volvo B7TL/Plaxton 32105 LT02ZCU and Wright Streetdeck 35196 SK16 GVV.



The former had a short loan spell in Great Yarmouth last year assisting with additional vehicle requirements and maintenance cover. However, it has visited the town a number of times previously and the second photo shows it awaiting a Harford Park and Ride duty shortly after joining First Eastern Counties from Centre West in March 2010.

Will Drake has also provided a photo of the Pink Line Streetdeck 35196 SK16 GVV

My thanks to First for the information and to Will for the photo of 35196

Roy

Jubilee's Latest Arrival

Although now in retirement, Kevan Portas will continue to provide information and updates from his previous employer Jubilee Coaches.

Late October saw the Rollesby-based operator acquire Mercedes Benz Tourismo BF16 XRB. The coach was new to Wilfreda-Beehive of Adwick-le-Street, South Yorkshire in April 2016. It has also seen use with Elcock Reisen of Telford.

My thanks to Kevan for the information and to Simon Moore for the photo.

Roy

Another First Wessex Arrives

Simon Taylor collected another First Hants and Dorset Volvo B7RLE from Southampton yesterday for delivery to First Norwich. 69546 BF12 KWL is currently branded for the First Wessex Weymouth to Dorchester service.



My thanks to Simon for the use of his photo.

Roy

First 42911 Enters Preservation

Yesterday First Lowestoft's Dennis Dart / Plaxton Pointer 42911 WX05 RVV left its Gasworks Road depot for the last time destined for preservation in the west of England. There it will join similar 42910 WX05 RVU presently in its Badgerline colour scheme.



42911 moved from First Somerset and Avon to First Eastern Counties in December 2015, in its Barbie livery, working on town services in Lowestoft. It is seen here on Katwjck Way in the town on 15th February 2016.

Meanwhile, the only active Dart in Lowestoft is one time Great Yarmouth stalwart 42921 EU05 AUN which this morning was working 101 and 109 services to Gunton and Carlton Colville respectively.

Roy

Loan Made Permanent

The loan of First Great Yarmouth Volvo B7 37026 YJ06 XKP to First Norwich has been made permanent following its transfer to the latter's fleet.

The Volvo finally made its first appearance at Caister Road in mid-June following an engine replacement and Will Drake's photo shows it on its first day there.

My thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the information and to Will for the use of his photo.

Roy

Two More Sanders Departures

Following the eventual departure of Sanders' Wright Pulsar Gemini bodied DAF 104 LJ53 NHP yesterday, two more deckers have left for Shelton Motors today. They include similar 109 LJ53 NHV and East Lancs Lowlander bodied VDL DB250 106 PM03 EHU.



The former was new to Arriva London South in October 2003 and later transferred to Arriva London North. LJ53 NHV entered service with Sanders in 2016

PM03 EHU was new to Isle of Man Transport as GMN 74E in May 2003 and joined the Sanders fleet in 2014 and later became their 106

My thanks to LiamS for the information.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 9th November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains some items of local interest.

BR Shreeve & Sons of Lowestoft, operating as Belle Coaches, has amended the stopping places of its MILLS1 schools service from 31st October 2022. It operates between Leiston Road in Aldburgh and Thomas Mills High School in Framlington. The company has also amended the timetable of its MILLS2 service from Butchers Arms PH in Knodshall to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham from the same date.

First Eastern Counties has amended the timetable of its 975 schools service between Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe and Kesgrave High School, also from 31st October 2022

However, the full Notices and Proceedings Report can be viewed here soon.

Roy