Gary's Bus and Coach http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/ 34 rows en-gb 60 On a Mission http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1764390.html A visit to On-A-Mission 1/10/09 provided a chance to see this greatly enlarged fleet, all deckers were seen, as well as some of the very smart modern fleet. A visit a year earlier produced only 3 deckers, how things have changed. OAM provide the MK Dons team coach (MK56 DON) as well as vehicles for Eurolines work.College work is under taken in MK. A local bus route from Soulbury to MK is also in operation Monday 5 October 2009: A visit to On-A-Mission 1/10/09 provided a chance to see this greatly enlarged fleet, all deckers were seen, as well as some of the very smart modern fleet. A visit a year earlier produced only 3 deckers, how things have changed. OAM provide the MK Dons team coach (MK56 DON) as well as vehicles for Eurolines work.College work is under taken in MK. A local bus route from Soulbury to MK is also in operation

A647 BCN still in Go Ahead livery at Depot July 08 C314 BUV in Leaside Travel colours at Depot July 08 LMO 190X and ex Reading Dual doored Metrobus at Depot July 08 MJI 7855 LWS 33Y at Depot July 08 MK56 DON at Epsom Races June 09 A978 OST a former Highland and then Fens Olympian. photo Oct 09 B821 AOP New to WMPTE one of Many Metrobuses in the fleet, photo Oct 09 B898 UAS a former Highland then Fens Olympian that had also seen service in other areas with Stagecoach, Photo Oct 09 C234 ENE a Former Manchester MagicBus Olympian, Photo Oct 09 C31 CHM Locally acquired form MK Metro this Olympian was new to London, Photo Oct 09 C365 BUV Another of the former London Metrobuses this one via Head of Lutton, Photo Oct 09 C644 LFT One of the Busways batch that are now spread far and wide this had latterly been with Lincolnshire, Photo Oct 09 C816 BYY A former Arriva the Shires and Essex Olympian that had also started out in London, Photo Oct 09 EU08 BUS In Eurolines Livery one of 2 B12B's owned the other EL08 BUS was at teh other end of the route.Photo Oct 09 F300 DRJ A Magic Bus Olympian sits in a long row of deckers, Photo Oct 09 GYE 534W and MJI 7855 had both started life in London, Photo Oct 09 M107 BLE a former Metroline Dart one of 4 operated, Photo Oct 09 MJI 7855 was new as GYE 537W and arrived from Arriva in 2006, Photo Oct 09 Genral shot of yard Oct 09, Photo Oct 09 P417 KSX still in its former Lothian Colour but now single doored, Photo Oct 09 P421 KSX, sits in a mixed line up of liveries and body styles, Photo Oct 09 P423 KSX the 3rd former Lothian Olmpian, Lothians last Olympians are now retired.Photo Oct 09 YN06 RVE a Volvo B7R with Plaxton C70F for schools work.Photo Oct 09 YN07 LGY another of the Eurolines fleet is fuelled on site, Photo Oct 09.

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]]> Mon Oct 5 2009 SHOWBUS 2009 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1760958.html The annual bash to Duxford, an early 8.30 arrival go tmost coming in, 458 shots had been taken to the end of the Buses 60 run, so would assume the event topped 500 vehicles. Between 10 and 11, 200 shots were taken. Sunday 27 September 2009: The annual bash to Duxford, an early 8.30 arrival go tmost coming in, 458 shots had been taken to the end of the Buses 60 run, so would assume the event topped 500 vehicles. Between 10 and 11, 200 shots were taken.

14070 K670 UNH from UC, one of the older deckers in the fleet 15464 AE09 GYO a Cambridge Busway vehicle still awaiting its proper new home, that's running over 6 months late 15511 FX 09 DAO of the Lincolnshire fleet in almost the golden Jubilee livery of 2002. 16625 R425 XFC now in Hampshire and Single door this vehicle was one of the first Stagecoach put into the Oxford fleet when they acquired it. 18435 YN06 LMM in the former Hull Colours that suit the ALX400 well 21230 AE09 GZA of Fens one of 20 buses placed in service for the busway at Cambridge, they still require guide wheels to be fittes 21230 AE09 GZA was parked next to the Megabus Plaxton and resulted in 'Bob the driver' getting his face on a busway vehicle. 22772 FX09 DCE an East Midlands allocated MAN for the Pronto service. 22839 KX09 BHF from Northampton in Route Livery 3165 N715 EUR of Arriva Luton Depot was one of the early arrivals on site in the Interurban Livery. 50223 OU59 AUW had only arrived with the fleet on Friday, starred at Duxford, then on its return to oxford as a winner, was put to service the same night ! 54059 KX59 DLN parks up on a deserted field at 08.30 being one of the early arrivals. 5438 SN58 EOK of Arriva Aylesbury thats route branded for the 280 to Oxford. 712 KBD 712D a former UC FS, this batch were all Gardner powered and some of which were retained as driver trainers for a few years longer A Busy scene by the American Hanger the Ice Cream Van was doing good trade as well. The site as of 8.30, as the early vehicles started to arrive Ex Eastern Scottish BSG 537L now restored, remember seeing this bus dumped many years ago in a poor state R337 RRA of Cozys arrives on site as part of a convoy of that fleet a former Nottingham bus At my First Showbus in 1980 most of these preserved buses had still to be built, how the years fly !!!!!!!! E227 CFC of Wootten looks smart despite its 23 years of lservice in the area Lunchtime Picnic around Emblings E909 KYR ex Eastern National AVX 975G was one of th ehire to UC vehicles in the mid 70's now restored to original condition. ex Eastern National FWC 439H a fine bus. J198 HFR of Centrebus a former Stagecoach standard Olympian J350 XET new to East Midland has now arrived with Nu-Venture and looks smart in Green. J534 CEV Lodges former Hong Kong Olympian. RT3254 LLU 613, a former LC/Green Line RT arrives on the site, makes a nice change from RM's verty smart. M146 VVS of Uno shows how Wrights design panel has evolved of the past few years RF 280 MLL 817 a former LCBS vehicle that would have seen service in the North of Herts on Green Line workings RVB 977S an Ex East Kent VR/Willowbrook that had been converted to open top a long while ago, makes a nice change from the VR/ECW combination A former United RELH/ECW nice to see in NATIONAL white Red Buses look good these 4 were no exception from the Buses 60 run Ex Eastern Counties SVF 896G a late Coach bodied RELH of this style Southern Vectis CDL 899, one ower from new in 1939. Can well remember seeing this bus on the Isle of Wight in 1975 and thinking how old it looked then. Nice to see her make Showbus. TD1 YPD 101Y a former LCBS Tiger that former part of the Green Line fleet in 1983, new to the rally scene UUF 110 J and FHW 156D a nice pair of Bristols.

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]]> Sun Sep 27 2009 Rennies and Lathalmond, and a bit of Scotland09 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1745621.html A trip I have wanted to make for several years to the SVBM Open day at Lathalmond (Fife) these pictures do not do the site full justice. For a Southerner this rally is well worth the effort of attending, and with todays low cost megabus and easyjet type operators an easy trip. An added addition is to ride the buses either within the massive site or to Dunfermline 6 miles distant. A quick trip to Rennies had been made also on the Saturday evening, where permission was granted for photos. Many thanks to both SVBM and Rennies for this gallery. Saturday 15 August 2009: A trip I have wanted to make for several years to the SVBM Open day at Lathalmond (Fife) these pictures do not do the site full justice. For a Southerner this rally is well worth the effort of attending, and with todays low cost megabus and easyjet type operators an easy trip. An added addition is to ride the buses either within the massive site or to Dunfermline 6 miles distant. A quick trip to Rennies had been made also on the Saturday evening, where permission was granted for photos. Many thanks to both SVBM and Rennies for this gallery.

14704 at Wellwood now to old for Fife Council Services 18100 SP04 DCX arrives in Dunfermline form a coast route 7 service in Aug 09 20325 M325 VMS on the 55 to Kelty, these were surprise to me being out on a sunday in Aug 09 22887 SP09 DOH at Dunfermline Bus Stn Aug 09 24007 SP57 CNU at Dunfermline Aug 09 27091 D6 BUS at Wellwood 27097 BHZ 9548 at Wellwood 29862 BX06 NZV at Wellwood 34726 SP05 EKY in Dunfermline Bus Stn Aug 09 47222 SV55 BZE at Pitlochry in Aug 09 on local service 52049 TRM 144 in Inverness Aug 09 52353 P153 ASA at Dunfermline in Aug 09 havving just been replaced on a Glasgow service 52386 FSU 739 leaves Dunfermline for Inverness in Aug 09 52420 R120 OPS in use on Fife-Glasgow service in Aug 09 525523 W743 NAS at Fort Augustus Aug 09 53314 SV08 DHO out side Ballater depot in Aug 09, before heading to Aberdeen 59621 N401 LTL the sole Bova sits at Wellwood A103 OUG a former Rennies Olympian NC now preserved, it was new to SY Road Transport Four Alisas, two new to Tayside and one each of Central and Eastern ARN 811C a Weymann bodied Leopard new to Ribble. BCS 256C an Albion Lowlander/Alexander that was a regular in the south many years ago, the sole Highland livered bus at the event BMS 222 a 1952 Leyland Royal Tiger with Alexander centre entrance body BXA 452B an FS new to Fife stands next to one of the museum buildings Eastern Scottish C177 VSF and TGM 214J on the far side of the site CD 7045 a 1922 Leyland G7 Short part of the Stagecoach hertiage fleet CDR 679 a former Plymouth Guy Arab/Duple Utility CRS 66T a Leopard new to Northern Scottish that passed to Strathtay CSG 29C a cut down FLF of Eastern, now in private preservation CSG 43C in the workshops, a former Eastern FLF in restoration CSG 773S a former Eastern Ailsa,heading for the Dunfermline shuttle DMS 348C a classic SBG tow car, rebuilt from a stick box Leopard EDS 50A in fake Alexander Livery this is a Stagecoach owned bus ESF 647W another overseas bus at the site, new to China Motor Bus its a 1980 Guy Victory/Alexander FES 831W one of the groups first Volvos, that was new for the London route, later rebuilt to Dominant II style GE 2446 a Leylend TD1 of 1928 that was new to Glasgow, on atrip to Dunfermline in the afternoon GSU 378 a former Sydney Albion Venturer Comeng of 1947 GUS 926 one of the MacBraynes vehicles on display HDV 639E the one that started it all, new to Western National looks smart in Bluebird Livery HGD 903L the sole Glasgow Atlantean on display alongside a more modern now retired Citybus Inside the main building at Lathalmond. JSA 102V an Alexander AT bodied Leopard, in the smart Northern livery K714 DAO a former Cumberland PS. 16244/3 L244/3 SDY two former Bedford vehicles are seen at Rennies 16673 L673 HNV a former UC Olympian now part of the Rennies Fleet at Wellwood 16678, 16245 stand out amongst Rennies livered Olympians at Wellwood St Helens Blackpool and Ribble vehicles give the feel of being in Lancashire LFS 288F a rare VRT/LL that was involved in the 1973 SBG/NBC exchange. It wasone of 4 to have been exchanged with UC FLF's, but as the FLF's had a Bristol engine and not a Gardner one the deal was called off and it went to Southdown instead LFS 288F and HGM 346E an early VR and late long FLF LOI 1878 new to Ulsterbus, and Alexander Bodied Bedford that had made the trip across the Irish Sea Edinburgh Halfcabs former a display at the far end of the site

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]]> Sat Aug 15 2009 Shoreys Travel http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1728654.html Shoreys history can be traced back to an off shoot of a coal merchant, (Black stuff you used for heating for the younger viewers). He passed into the bus industry and as had a small mixed fleet of Buses Reliances, RELH, and Fleetlines and a National have been operated in the past. Todays fleet is made up of Metrobuses and Olympians. A coaching side run till a few years back, that had started with South of France camping work and included the Luton Town team coach. Todays fleet is used on schools and a few positioning service runs Monday 20 July 2009: Shoreys history can be traced back to an off shoot of a coal merchant, (Black stuff you used for heating for the younger viewers). He passed into the bus industry and as had a small mixed fleet of Buses Reliances, RELH, and Fleetlines and a National have been operated in the past. Todays fleet is made up of Metrobuses and Olympians. A coaching side run till a few years back, that had started with South of France camping work and included the Luton Town team coach. Todays fleet is used on schools and a few positioning service runs

A728 YFS another former Lothian Olympian in the county, on Schools in June 07 G519/55 VBB former Arriva London Olympians at Base July 07, in the condition they arrived in SHOREY GOG 232W an ex WM Buses Metrobus at depot July 07 LMO 193X after repaint and at the same spot a year later, this vehicle has a unique blind display in the fleet GHV 51N sold for preservation, seen here at Showbus 08 is now under restoration GHV 999N one of 3 DM Fleetlines at Duxford that were all ex Shorey G555 VBB heads over Bedfords Town Bridge after working a schools contract in June 09 BNO 670T the sole National operated, and the one of very few in the county with smaller operators is seen here at base. DDA 66, one of the first DM/S to appear in the fleet at base in the mid 80's, BNM 71L had been sold by Ementon at this time G519 VBB recently arrived from Arriva London sits at base in Feb 07 GHM 849N at Maulden in the late 80's advert liveries were carried on quite a few DMS that were confined to contract work. GHV 999N at Ampthill in the early 90's this is now the site of Waitrose GHV 999N was a former Ebdons Sightseeing tour bus that ran in its former owners livery before repaint. GHV 999N at the old parking area opposite the base in the mid eighties GHM 849N on the old open parking site opposite the base in the mid 80's GHv 999N is seen at the base with blinds set for a tendered journey once operated GOG 205W and POG 537Y inside the depot building at Maulden, Olympian A728 YFS hides behind the closed door in March 07 GOG 232W heads to Wootton Upper to collect the kids in March 07, it would continue to do a second school run after LMO 193X retained the traditional Reading Livery for quite a while as shown in this July 06 shot at Stewartby, POG 537Y on a Harpur Trust contract in Bedford March 07 POG 598Y leaves Bedford on a Harpur Trust contract in March 07, still in its WM colours that were retained for quite a while GOG 232W at Ampthill, one of the former WM Metrobuses operated at Ampthill July 09 POG 598Y a Mk II Metrobus at Ampthill in July 09, looking smart for a 27 year old bus THX 283S a B20 Fleetline one of many that arrived in the 90's these replaced the earlier DM/S. TIL 4038 a former London Metrobus and G555 VBB, that would replace it sit at base on a frost Feb 07 Morning TIL 4038 an ex London Metrobus heads home up Fields Road Wootton in Feb 07 TIL 4038 heads to Wooton Upper in March 07, showing the dual doored layout retained by this batch

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]]> Mon Jul 20 2009 on the road 2009 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1647303.html Shots taken in 2009 that have yet to be put into their final collection. Photos of SiBedford, X5, The Shires, local ops, Sydney and Oxford are now in relevant files. Starting in Feb with Biggleswade, Luton and Hemel. A 10 Day holiday to Sydney in March, Lots of European Chassis with local bodywork, with a Leyland Tiger and Former Hong Kong deckers thrown in. An overcast day in London in early May with an RTW and RM5 seen.Then on to Sheffield for the late may bank hols. My trip to lathalmond and Rennies is on its own gallery, the museum open weekend in August is well worth a visit. A day in Oxford in Sept produced an all low floor day in the city with the new tubes, Brookes Bus and Stagecoach Gold. One final day out planned will be once the Cambridge Busway has opened, asd well as a few local shots. Monday 2 February 2009: Shots taken in 2009 that have yet to be put into their final collection. Photos of SiBedford, X5, The Shires, local ops, Sydney and Oxford are now in relevant files. Starting in Feb with Biggleswade, Luton and Hemel. A 10 Day holiday to Sydney in March, Lots of European Chassis with local bodywork, with a Leyland Tiger and Former Hong Kong deckers thrown in. An overcast day in London in early May with an RTW and RM5 seen.Then on to Sheffield for the late may bank hols. My trip to lathalmond and Rennies is on its own gallery, the museum open weekend in August is well worth a visit. A day in Oxford in Sept produced an all low floor day in the city with the new tubes, Brookes Bus and Stagecoach Gold. One final day out planned will be once the Cambridge Busway has opened, asd well as a few local shots.

15998/9 T128/9 TUA leased by the Fens fleet await collection from Bedford after repaint in April 09 Preserved Steam 70013 Oliver Cromwell powers through Stewartby on the Bedford Bletchley branch at 07.10 on 11/7/09 on a Watford - York special. The first time for many years a tender steam loco has hauled a class 1 train on the branch Sheffield Supertram 104 in Central Sheffield May 09 Sheffield Supertram 106 in Central Sheffield MAy 09 15461 AE09 GYJ at Huntingdon Aug 09, awaiting the opening of the Cambridge busway. 15465 AE09 GYP at Huntingdon Aug 09 Safeguard 200 APB at Epsom Races June 09 21221 A09 GYR at Huntingdon Aug 09 21226 AE09 GYW is seen in Huntingdon in April 09, 21229 AE09 GYZ at Huntingdon Aug 09 21230 AE09 GZA at Huntingdon Aug 09, in generic livery for both guided bus and spare cover 33300 R791 NRW at Huntingdon Aug 09, looking in need of a reapint, (or disposal) 33305 AE51 VFX at Huntingdon Aug 09 33305 AE51 VFX of the Fens fleet has worked into St Neots from Huntingdon in this April 09 shot. 33307 AE51 VFU at Huntingdon Aug 09, few vehicles were seen in the old colours on this visit 47658 AJ58 RBF of Huntingdon works a St Neots town in April 09, for the size of the town its surprising that 3 stagecoach fleets and Whippet ply for trade here Former NX A112 KFX at Epsom Races June 09 Ambassador FJ09 DXA works a NX through Huntingdon Aug 09 Andrews of Tideswell VIL 3382 a former Nottingham Lion at Base May 09 Arriva London VLT 5 Heads onto London Bridge in this May 09 Shot Big Bus E355 NUV at St Pauls May 09 Big Bus E354 NUV at Hyde Park May 09, a former KMB Olympian Big Bus G952 FVX at Hyde Park Corner in May 09 Big Bus G953 FVX a former NWFB Dragon 130509 Big Bus G96 SGO a full open top former KMB Olympian in Whitehall May 09 Big Bus OHV 739Y on the embankment May 09, the only Titan seen all day. Big Bus PF08 USC on Park Lane in May 09 CUV 260C at Epsom Races June 09 East London WLT 871 passed City Thamelink on 15 May 09 East London 527 CLT at St Pauls May 09 East London ALD 941B at St PAuls 130509 East London LX04 LCA battles with traffice at the Tower in May 09 Ensign EGP 33J at Epsom Races June 09 Former Grey Green F126 PHM at Epsom Races June 09 First 34221 S221 LLO in Sheffield May 09, the modern day answer to a VR outside Woolworths shot of the past First 60545 J703 AWF in Sheffield May 09 Go Ahead BX02 YZE (MAL1) wits the lights into London Bridge Station in May 09 Go Ahead LX53 AYZ in Lion King advert waits its turn onto Trafalgar sq May 09 H829 AHS at Epsom Races June 09 Preserved KGK 575 passes Trafalgar Square on a private hire May 09 Thamesdown KMW 175P at Epsom Races June 09 LJ58 GCF at Epsom Races June 09 Hybrid EH3 LX58 DDL at Whitehall in May 09, all 5 of the batch were seen in under a hour. London Bus LYR 854 at Epsom Races June 09 Wilts and Dorset M645 RCP at Epsom Races June 09 Red Route MLH 304L at Epsom Races June 09 OLST D675 XNO at Trafalgar Square May 09 OLST E767 JAR in Whitehall one of many former Hong Kong open toppers in service OLST LJ07 XEU at St Pauls May 09 OLST LX05 KOA heads down Whitehall in May 09

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]]> Mon Feb 2 2009 Milton Keynes West Coast Rail Replacement 07 Jan 09 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1634340.html Not the greatest of shots the weather was very overcast, but here's a selection of what appeared on a rail replacement MK to Luton Parkway. Star was the Metroliner 308 CLT, but covered by operators far and wide, I was at MK for 90 Minutes between 09.00 and 10.30 and recorded almost 80 vehicles. By 10.15 spare vehicles were a plenty and some were parked up in the bus station. This was the 6th day of a period of various failures on the line which was out of Virgin/London Midlands control. Wednesday 7 January 2009: Not the greatest of shots the weather was very overcast, but here's a selection of what appeared on a rail replacement MK to Luton Parkway. Star was the Metroliner 308 CLT, but covered by operators far and wide, I was at MK for 90 Minutes between 09.00 and 10.30 and recorded almost 80 vehicles. By 10.15 spare vehicles were a plenty and some were parked up in the bus station. This was the 6th day of a period of various failures on the line which was out of Virgin/London Midlands control.

FJ06 GGY Hamilton Uxbridge BU06 CTY Shaws KR04 HCR Hardings XL 04 EXL Excel YN05 GZT Star Tours S122 OEF AtoB Luton FJ08 BZH Hamilton 304 CLT (E99 XAK) EnsignBus G393 CLH Supreme Hadleigh T375 JWA Supreme Hadleigh R12 ESL Z&S Aylesbury Y716 SUB Tyrer Tours Burnley YN06 CKA Richards Anitas RY04 ERN L529 EHD Southern Star C141 KFL Youngs ( the oldest vehicle seen) S158 RLE Ensignbus S138 RLE Ensignbus takes another load to Luton Parkway 3275 RU Bakers P242 AUT Masons YJ05 PYL Fraser Eagle Contract Fleet WDZ 4128 JCL Coaches 3566 RU Bakers leads a lineup of spare vehiles in the bus station

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]]> Wed Jan 7 2009 X5 Oxford- MK- Bedford- Cambridge http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1633645.html Bedford had a previous history of running to both Oxford and Cambridge in Tillings days, the 131/2 were joint with Oxford then South Midland (Bicester) each had two return trips a day this route was ended in 1986, Cambridge was served more often on the 128 which served Northampton at the western end. Post 86 it became part of the coachlinks network. The X5 started out in the mid-ninties with a fleet of 6 ex Wallace Arnold Stick box B10Ms on a hourly headway over this longish route with a end to end time of just under 3 hours. It ran limited stop St Neots was not served to start with, except the Tesco on the A428, Ex Oxford Tube coaches appeared at a later date to supplement the route. Interurban B10Ms that were new to UC were used as well. Former National Express Expressliners arrived in 2004 by which time the service was half hourly through the day, including Sundays. An Olympian was tried on the route but was not capable of the punishing schedules that are required, a slight cut back in Oxford when the Rail Station was no longer served saved a coach, 14 are now required for the service with most doing 2 1/2 round trips a day (about 400 miles). Unusually for such a long route Bedford is the only depot providing vehicles, a couple of journies do run dead to or from MK. Outstations were at one time at Huntingdon and MK but have since ceased. New vehicles arrived just prior to Christmas 08 to take up the service, a total of 17 B9R Panthers, 53601-17 KX58 NBJ/K/L/M/N/ O/Y/Z, NCA/C/D/E/F/ J/N/O/U Complete with wi-fi and leather seats for this highly respected route.53614 was involved in an RTA on 14 feb 09 and suffered major fire damage, its future is at present uncertain. Livery has always been based on the basic Stagecoach colours but with route branding added, several of the NX B10Ms had adverts for Cambridge, MK and Oxford on the rear, but none had anything for there home town of Bedford. The route serves or passes near Many rail connections (all towns except Buckingham) and has NX connections at Oxford/Cambridge and MK Coachway. Tuesday 6 January 2009: Bedford had a previous history of running to both Oxford and Cambridge in Tillings days, the 131/2 were joint with Oxford then South Midland (Bicester) each had two return trips a day this route was ended in 1986, Cambridge was served more often on the 128 which served Northampton at the western end. Post 86 it became part of the coachlinks network. The X5 started out in the mid-ninties with a fleet of 6 ex Wallace Arnold Stick box B10Ms on a hourly headway over this longish route with a end to end time of just under 3 hours. It ran limited stop St Neots was not served to start with, except the Tesco on the A428, Ex Oxford Tube coaches appeared at a later date to supplement the route. Interurban B10Ms that were new to UC were used as well. Former National Express Expressliners arrived in 2004 by which time the service was half hourly through the day, including Sundays. An Olympian was tried on the route but was not capable of the punishing schedules that are required, a slight cut back in Oxford when the Rail Station was no longer served saved a coach, 14 are now required for the service with most doing 2 1/2 round trips a day (about 400 miles). Unusually for such a long route Bedford is the only depot providing vehicles, a couple of journies do run dead to or from MK. Outstations were at one time at Huntingdon and MK but have since ceased. New vehicles arrived just prior to Christmas 08 to take up the service, a total of 17 B9R Panthers, 53601-17 KX58 NBJ/K/L/M/N/ O/Y/Z, NCA/C/D/E/F/ J/N/O/U Complete with wi-fi and leather seats for this highly respected route.53614 was involved in an RTA on 14 feb 09 and suffered major fire damage, its future is at present uncertain. Livery has always been based on the basic Stagecoach colours but with route branding added, several of the NX B10Ms had adverts for Cambridge, MK and Oxford on the rear, but none had anything for there home town of Bedford. The route serves or passes near Many rail connections (all towns except Buckingham) and has NX connections at Oxford/Cambridge and MK Coachway.

53608 Not the greatest shot, but the best I could get at 8.15 in the morning of new X5 KX58 NBZ at Bedford 16 dec 08 52484 in X5 Livery sits in recent snow at Bedford in Feb 07, this vehicle was new to Kettering. 53605 KX58 NBN is seen in Bedford 231208 with vinyls for X5 relaunch added, photo thanks to David Beddall 52021 (106) VLT 225 St.Neots June 01. A former Tube vehicle that started life as L156 LBW 52114 (145) TSU 640 new as J753 CWT former Wallace Arnold B10M used on the X5 from its introduction, with suitable lettering on the windows 52155 L155 JNH Bedford Sept 96 52301 N451 XVA Bedford Aug 03. It was later painted up for X5. 52371 P171 PBD Cambridge Aug 03 52371 P171 KBD Oxford Oct 03 52373 P173 KBD Bedford Aug 04 52479 R179 DNH Bedord Aug 04 52439 R39 AKV Bedford June 05 52455 R455 RCE Milton Keynes July 05. This vehicle was withdrawn with accident damage shortly after 52113 J752 CWT Bedford March 96 52024 L159 LBW new for Oxford Tube duties, here livered up for X5 at Bedford May 03 but on a school contract 52120 K150 DNV MK March 96. The first Interurban place in service with the group, it lasted till 2007 52116 K758 FYG another of the former WA vehicles purchased for the X5 here at MK July 96 52118 K760 FYG Bedford July 96 52028 WLT 908 Bedford Dec 00 52435 R35 AKV a former National Express livered B10M at St. Neots May 08 16209 R34 TAC works through MK on an X5 June 16th 2008. In the unique livery it carried for X5 for just over a year 52452 R552 JDF arrives in Oxford with another X5 working in July 08, the X5 requires 14 vehicles 7 days a week. 52387 P627 ESO at Bedford Jan 09 with one of several rearend adverts for town on the route, none of which featured Bedford the home base for some reason 52387 P627 ESO at Bedford Jan 09, with 4 years on X5 and 7 on NX workings this vehicle must have a good few miles on the clock 52438 R38 AKV at MK Jan 09 52435 R35 AKV at MK 260109, one of 3 B10Ms seen on that day 52301/436 were the others 52436 R36 AKV at MK 260109, devoid of route branding in readyness for disposal 53608 KX58 NBZ at MK 260109 53611 KX58 NCD at MK 290109 route branded 53612 KX58 NCE at MK 260109 awaiting route branding 53615 KX58 NCN at MK 260109 Former X5 Coaches at Biggleswade awiting their next move 16 feb 09 Biggleswade outstation became home to the former X5 fleet of B10Ms in mid feb 7 were here on 16th 52447 withdrawn and unloved was devoid of route grafix at Biggleswade 16 feb 09 52436 R36 AKV leaves Bedford and works to Oxford in April 09, inplace of a B9R that had just been taken out of service. 53607 KX58 NBY is seen in St Neots heading for Cambridge in April 09 53608 KX58 NBZ at Bedford April 09, showing one of the advertising rear ends

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]]> Tue Jan 6 2009 STAGECOACH BUS (non UC) http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1620290.html This collection will feature Stagecoach shots of vehicles away from my native UC area, at present. It will feature modern shots but time travel will happen in the coming months to some of the older now departed vehicles from the group. It proves that the fleet is in no ways standardised and will not be for years to come at least. dec 08 Thursday 4 December 2008: This collection will feature Stagecoach shots of vehicles away from my native UC area, at present. It will feature modern shots but time travel will happen in the coming months to some of the older now departed vehicles from the group. It proves that the fleet is in no ways standardised and will not be for years to come at least. dec 08

30463 M429 BNV a former UC B6 at St.Neots May 08. 15999 T129 AUA at Huntingdon Depot May 08 21120 R120HNK in its home town May 08 14839 H139 GGS a former London Olympian in Huntingdon May 08 16095 R95 XNO a former London Olympian, at Huntingdon May 08 21217 KX57 MTE, a Wright Bodied Volvo in Cambridge July 08, freshly repainted 14050 H650 VVV St.Neots May 08. One of a batch of 5 now all reuinited with Stagecoach East. SC Northants KX04 RVN Peterbro June 08. Awaiting the start of a 3hour plus trip to milton Keynes. 52108 P108 PRS Peterbro June 08 15432 KX08 KZL a Alexander Bodied Scania in Oxford July 08 16210 R560 DRP a former UC Olympian now at Cambridge in July 08 16541 ACZ 7489 new as P541 EFL recently converted to open top for the Cambridge tour. July 08 16545 WLT 908 formerly P545 EFL now part open top for the Cambridge tour. July 08. WLT 908 was off a Bedford Routemaster many years ago 17696 X706 JVV Cambridge July 08 19300 AE 07 EZA one of 2 generic liveried P&R enviros at Cambridge July 08 19301 AE07 KZB all of which are allocated to p&R duties at Cambridge July 08 20006 R906 XFC a NC B10M arrives at the City Centre Oxford July 08 20329 N329 VMS parked up near Cambridge depot in July 08, one of many secondhand of this type seen on the day 20530 P530 ESA Cambridge July 08 20575 M475 ASW a former Western B10M at Cambridge July 08 22279 SP51 AMO a former Scottish based MAN in Oxford July 08 22461 T461 BNL was new to Busways but had arrived at Cambridge in July 02 seen here 6 years later 22927 S927 CFC one of the first MANs on the Woodstock Rd Oxford July 08 33461 S461 CVV a former UC Dart at Cambridge July 08 42624 R624 CTX a former Red and White vehicle now the staff shuttle at Oxford July 08 50106 KP04 GJU departs for London from Oxford July 08 50124 T55 UBE at Gloucester Green July 08, note how the blind was captured 52441 R541 GSF a former Fife B10M now a trainer at Cambridge July 08. 59215 FJ56 OCC works a 737 to Stanstead at Oxford July 08 18131 KN04 XJF at Gloucester Green Oxford July 08 18051 KX53 VNB in Brookes Bus Livery at Oxford July 08 18394 KX55 TLN enters Oxford City Centre in July 08 15434 KX08 KZG leaves a busy Gloucester Green Oxford July 08 Inverness J501 FPS at Inverness July 94, with 3 VR roof's stacked inthe background Fife L587 HSG Anstruther July 94 10950 A950 SYE many Titans were with the Western fleet few were repainted into beachball, Here at Kilmarnock March 06 13624 TSU 638, Leaves Edinburgh northbound on Megabus duties in March 2006. 13640 G283 YRJ at Showbus Sept 06, looks smart in South West Trains livery and doesn't show its age. 1412 NE after rebuild along Loch Ness in July 94 1412 NE had began life as the Aberdeen Football Coach, here its at Silverstone in Aug 87 on a private hire 143 CLT was on a Routemaster many years ago but by March 06 was on this Strathtay Olympian in Dundee March 06 14462 C462 SSO new to Bluebird had mirgrated to Glasgow and Magicbus duties by March 2006 14659 C659 LFT new to Busways another older vehicle that did not show its 20 years, here at Kilmarnock in March 06 14663 Another of the Busways batch that had crossed the border, this one had acquired Magicbus livery by March 2006 15299 C799 USG a former Fife Coastliner by March 2006 was relegated to MagicBus duties in Glasgow 16066 R166 HHK enters Dunfermline Bus Station in March 06, the Bus station closed later in the year 16073 R173 VPU makes the final turn into Dunfermline Bus Station March 06 16439 N339 HGK one of many ex London Olympians in the Fife fleet passes Glenrothes Bus Station in March 06 16862 N862 VHH one of the initial batch of Olympians purchased to replace the acquired A1 fleet, here at Kilmarnock March 06 16883 M953 XES in Dundee in March 06, awaiting renumber and repaint

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]]> Thu Dec 4 2008 Scotland in the eighties http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1603775.html This collection features pictures taken by me and my friend from visits in 1987-9 and 2006. He actually worked for Rennies in the eighties and being based in that area was able to cover most of the central belt of Scotland, captions will be kept to a minimum. NEW PHOTOS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ADDED TO THIS FILE. For a more detailed look at Rennies please visit the excellent Renniesofdunfermline site listed on my links For FifeScottish please visit via the link listed as well Friday 31 October 2008: This collection features pictures taken by me and my friend from visits in 1987-9 and 2006. He actually worked for Rennies in the eighties and being based in that area was able to cover most of the central belt of Scotland, captions will be kept to a minimum. NEW PHOTOS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ADDED TO THIS FILE. For a more detailed look at Rennies please visit the excellent Renniesofdunfermline site listed on my links For FifeScottish please visit via the link listed as well

Looking like a Southdown yard, this March 1988 shot was at Rennies Cairneyhill Fife Rennies RTF 561L at Cairneyhill, Sept 87, unique as new to Ribble all other M types were new to SBG also the only one built on a Leopard Stagecoach 9492SC (a Leopard) and OTO 151R Stagecoach A800 TGG in Edinburgh Sept 87, it later passed to UC Fife A984 FLS at Kirkcaldy Fife A986 FLS Kirkcaldy Rennies ANJ 304T a former Soyuthdown Leopard gets a clean at Cairneyhill on a sunday morning Rennies ANJ 309T a former Southdown Leopard Supreme Rennies ANJ 310T a former Southdown Leopard at Cairneyhill deopt Fife B175 FFS Dunfermline Fife B178 FFS at Dunfermline Fife B179 FFS Fife B182 FFS at Glasgow Stagecoach BWG 841L at Spittalfield Jan 89 Fife C798 USG at Dunfermline Fife C794 USG at Kinghorn Fife C799 USG runs the last few yards in Fife before crossing the forth bridge to Edinburgh Fife C801 USG at Dunfermline Fife CFS 119S at Dunfermline Stagecoach CMS 376L in Glasgow Jan 90 Stagecoach CMS 380L at Spittalfield June 88 Fife D278 FAS at Dunfermline Fife D517 DSX at Dunfermline Dunfermline Bus station Sept 87 with Rennie and Fife Vehicles present Fife Leopard/Recovery vehicle at Dunfermline Depot Sept 87 Dunfermline Bus Station, with the old Upper Rail Station in background Fife E909 KSG at Dunfermline Stagecoach EDS 48A in Glasgow Sept 87, new as RM 504 late United Counties 717 Rennies GAX 568L a non runner from Islwyn Stagecoach GFX 973N at Spittalfield, Jan 90 Stagecoach GLS 265N at Perth Jan 89 Moffat & Williamson GMS 280S at Glenrothes Rennies GWV 922T at Glenrothes one of many former Southdown Leopards acquired Stagecoach HDV 639E at Perth Jan 89 Rennies HFM 200J a former Crosville RELL Rennies SRU148R a former Hampshire Bus Leopard at Cairneyhill in 89 Western ASD 829T at Ayr Oct 87 Western GOG 544N a former WM bus at Cumnock Jan 89 Western GCS 47V at Ayr Oct 87 Western XSD 599T at Ayr Oct 87 Western ASD 825T at Ayr Oct 87 Western D225 NCS Oct 87 Western ASD 834T at Cumnock Jan 89 Western SMS 122P at Saltcoats Sep 91 Western ASD 600T Ayr Oct 87 Fife HSC 101T Kirkcaldy Rennies HTX 725N another Leyland from the valleys at Cairneyhill Stagecoach JDB 114N in Glasgow Jan 90, after coming off second best with a Kelvin RM, note the lower deck side window Rennies JFG 361N at Blairhall, a former Brighton bus Stagecoach KBD 716D ex UC and GDL 816E ex SVOC at Perth Jan 89

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]]> Fri Oct 31 2008 RED KITE of TILSWORTH http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1603347.html Situated just north of Dunstable off the A5, this operator started its decker operation with VRTs, some ex United Counties, and via MK moving on to former Go-Ahead Olympians, the fleet livery was then standardiesd on this livery but simplyfied. Two Citybuses have also entered the fleet a few years back.Some Bedfords have also appeared, almost returning home. Several tendered services are also operated as well as the school contracts. Thursday 30 October 2008: Situated just north of Dunstable off the A5, this operator started its decker operation with VRTs, some ex United Counties, and via MK moving on to former Go-Ahead Olympians, the fleet livery was then standardiesd on this livery but simplyfied. Two Citybuses have also entered the fleet a few years back.Some Bedfords have also appeared, almost returning home. Several tendered services are also operated as well as the school contracts.

D123 EFM one of many Bedford coaches operated in this reletively new fleet March 05 C78CHM a former Arriva Olympian at Base July 07 C808 BYY a former London and Cambridge Blue Olympian at base July 07 G619 BPH one of 2 former Arriva London Citybuses owned at Tilsworth July 07 D379 XRS a former UC Olympian is seen at base June 08. This was new as a dual doored bus in Aberdeen. D190 FYM at Depot June 08 G284 UMJ at Depot June 08 A66 LEW a Bedford YNT Paramount arrived in early 2008 and retained its former colours in June 08 C67 CHM a former London Olympian one of several owned here. Parked up inbetween school runs June 08 CWR 516Y new to West Yorkshire looks smart despite its 25 years, here at Tilsworth June 08 D224 FYM another of the former London Olympians, showing the version of Go-Ahead livery adopted for the fleet., photo at Tilsworth June 08 D382 XRS a former Bluebird and United Counties vehicle that arrived in late 2007, it was new as a dual doored bus G619/20 BPH arrived in 2004 from Arrivas Yorkshire operation, here at Tilsworth June 08 JTY 391X one of a large batch of former Go-Ahead Olympians that helped remove most of the VRs, here at Tilsworth in June 08

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]]> Thu Oct 30 2008 Herberts of Shefford http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1598345.html One of the newer operators of deckers on Bedfordshire School contracts, with a livery of Ford Tractor Blue and White, the fleet is always turned out clean and smart, they operate a mostly Olympian fleet, with a couple of ex Scottish Citybuses, and again Hong Kong Olympians. always a friendly welcome at this rural site. Monday 20 October 2008: One of the newer operators of deckers on Bedfordshire School contracts, with a livery of Ford Tractor Blue and White, the fleet is always turned out clean and smart, they operate a mostly Olympian fleet, with a couple of ex Scottish Citybuses, and again Hong Kong Olympians. always a friendly welcome at this rural site.

B746 GCN a former Go Ahead Olympian, near base Feb 07 G95 PES a former Tayside Citybus/RH at Base July 07. One of many former scottish vehicles in the area C800 USG and ex Fife B10M/Alexander, acquired via Red Kite leaves the base in May 08 L736 SNO,one of two former HK Citybus Olympians owned, leaving base May 07 P483 MBY another Olympian departs on a for a school run in May 08. The Blue livery is basic Ford Tractor Blue. One of the smartest fleets in the area C758 OCN departs for a pm school run May 08 F812 YLV departs the farm in May 08. It left the fleet in June 09 G526 VBB at rest May 08 G95 PES after repaint at depot May 08. It was to last another year before sale to a Humberside fleet. L735 SNO at Depot May 08 N353 AVV at base May 08. This was new to S/C Midland Red. L736 SNO under repair at base in May 08 P349 ROO one of many former London Olympians in the County leaves for a school run in May 08 R919 WOE leaves its home base on a schools contract in May 08 G552 VBB a former Arriva London Olympian leaves the farm in May 08, Shoreys also have some from this batch P422 KSX one of 3 Lothian Olympian/Alexander Royales acquired in the spring of 09 P413/25 KSX formed the rest of the batch, all 3 were parked at the rear of the site in late June and were to be repainted before they were used.More ex Lothian Olympians,proves the high quality of that fleet.

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]]> Mon Oct 20 2008 SHOWBUS 08 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1584326.html Local vehicles and those of a Stagecoach theme that attended Duxford 2008, again no rain and plenty of sunshine. A early arrival ensured that most vehicles were taken on arrival. The parking of some was a little on the tight sideto say the least, but with 500 vehicles on site that had to be expected. Not having missed a showbus rally since 1982 (the first at Woburn) things have changed alot in 27 years. Wednesday 24 September 2008: Local vehicles and those of a Stagecoach theme that attended Duxford 2008, again no rain and plenty of sunshine. A early arrival ensured that most vehicles were taken on arrival. The parking of some was a little on the tight sideto say the least, but with 500 vehicles on site that had to be expected. Not having missed a showbus rally since 1982 (the first at Woburn) things have changed alot in 27 years.

MK56 DON of on a mission serves as the MK dons team Coach 17001 S801 BWC the first group Trident that toured the UK fleets when new, now with East London 10056 WYV56T a Park Royal bodied Titan formely with Lancaster. Now preserved Former Oxford Y23 OXF arrives early on site PNM 757M from the now ceased Ouse Valley fleet in the operators unique livery YN 55NFT of Three Star arrives on site. JHZ 4975 with trailer of Three Star M942 TSX a former Fife Interurban now used by East Midlands as a trainer Former Busways JFT 413X a Scania with Alexander RH body delivered in 1982 18362 MX55 KPP of Lancaster in a promotional livery. K360 DWJ now sold partly hides its former owners livery. Star of the show for me was this ex SBG Seddon with Alexander M type London Coach, a livery well remembered from the 70s on the M1 through Bedfordshire Kimes of Folkingham has T648 KPU was new to the London operation, showing what vehicles the provincial fleets now longer have cascaded 39696 KX08 HRD one of the Summers intake for Northampton 19368 SP58 CXX had made the long trip from Perth, a recent addition to that fleet OJD 357R a former Shoreys DMS now under restoration 14476 D376 XRS now of Bedford was one of the oldest group vehicles at the Rally, it was new to Bluebird as a dual doored bus 47341 a former Corby Star Optare now in group colours and Bedford based A811 CCD anew to Southdown, served in later life with Keith Costin based at Tilsworth GX08 HBZ a recent addition to the group for the Hampshire operation Arriva 4051 R451 XKX a Plaxton bodied DAF that former part of the 1997 intake for 757 service now at Hemel Former UC FRP 692 has been a regular rally entry for many years now KBD 712D the last Bristol FS in passenger service with UC BX07 NLK of Three Star Luton J501 GCD already in the preserved ranks the first Dart delivered in 1992 to the South coast operation NFX 667 in South West Trains livery, Former East Midland Tiger/Alexander P was one of the last single deckers delivered in NBC days. 52267 PSU 789 a Welsh B10M interurban a regular at Showbus CNH 862 long term Rally entrant in the old UC coach livery Former a Strathtay Tiger/TC now in preservation J204 HFR in traditional Morecombe and Heysham livery Outside the American hanger is FRP 692 a former UC decker A972 YSX a former Fife and Cardiff Bus Ailsa now with a South Eastern operator B31 PAJ a former Harlepool Falcon, awiting restoration Former Grimsby E930 PBE a PS Body more suited in those days to a Scottish fleet A888 SYE has served with Cedars Bedford and now preserved in Bexleybus Colours Centrebus G127 NGN a former London Citybus/Northern Counties GAR 180D, TKH 270H a pair of former Hull. Leyland/Roe vehicles Tiger Line THL 290Y a rebodied Tiger new to National Travel East as a Coach Ex East Kent CFN 103 D278 FAS new to Highland a Tiger Alexander TC that would have been new in Citylink Colours VVV 952W a former Bedford based VR now awaiting restoration 19952/3 the pair of ex Eastern Counties FLFs retained as special events vehicles with East

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]]> Wed Sep 24 2008 60163 Tornado http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1581963.html A chance visit to Rothley on 20 sept and look what appeared as we were about to leave at about 15.20. Stopping in the Leicester bound platform for about 10 minutes Tornado then headed south to gain the Northbound road after a passenger train, stopping in the northbound platform for another 10 minutes or so. Plenty of chances for photos for the few of us there.These pictures are already history as the loco is now in green. This was of course the day before its first passenger train. Saturday 20 September 2008: A chance visit to Rothley on 20 sept and look what appeared as we were about to leave at about 15.20. Stopping in the Leicester bound platform for about 10 minutes Tornado then headed south to gain the Northbound road after a passenger train, stopping in the northbound platform for another 10 minutes or so. Plenty of chances for photos for the few of us there.These pictures are already history as the loco is now in green. This was of course the day before its first passenger train.

60163 at Rothley 20sept08. Moves south to gain the northbound line 60163 at rothley 20sept08 60163 cab detail at Rothley 20sept08 60163 at Rothley 20sept08 60163 cab detail at Rothley 20sept 08 60163 at Rothley 20sept08 60163 at Rothley 20sept 08, glides northbound. 60163 heads home past Sandy (Beds) 16 Feb 09 after its first trip to London, the working from Hither Green to York NRM was 45 minutes early 60163 Passes Sandy heading north 16 feb 09 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08, Valve gear details 60163 Rothley 20 Sept 08. Worksplate and RA9 showing 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08 Front end detail 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08, close inspection of the driving wheels!. 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08 60163 Rothley 20 sept 08. Departing North to a cloud of steam

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]]> Sat Sep 20 2008 Oxford July 08 Sept 09 http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1545660.html Oxford by X5 was my first visit for a good few years, where older vehicles were in few and far between But some gems did appear, including the open toppers. A good day out wall to wall buses and friendly drivers. A repeat trip was made in Sept 09. Stagecoach buses are in their own file. For news on the city and surrounding area please visit Malcolm Crowes excellent OXFORD-CHILTERN-BUS PAGE via the link below, one of the best local sites i've seen. Wednesday 16 July 2008: Oxford by X5 was my first visit for a good few years, where older vehicles were in few and far between But some gems did appear, including the open toppers. A good day out wall to wall buses and friendly drivers. A repeat trip was made in Sept 09. Stagecoach buses are in their own file. For news on the city and surrounding area please visit Malcolm Crowes excellent OXFORD-CHILTERN-BUS PAGE via the link below, one of the best local sites i've seen.

LIL 4612 found on the A421 Bukckingham bypass is this Mobile Cafe, taken from upper deck of Olympian R34 TAC on an X5 July 08, new in Sept 72 as Crosville WFM 806L and B44D, it was the 39th production National to be built. OBC 113 T113 DBW on P&R duties at Oxford July 08 OBC 38 M1OXF arrives back home in July 08 OBC 3 CF53 OXF passes an inbound tube in Oxford City Centre July 08 OBC 402 R402 FFC, one of the oldest vehicles in the fleet July 08 OBC 639 P639 FFC, one of the oldest vehicles in the fleet July 08 OBC 817 W817 FBW i tramways livery at Oxford July 08 OBC 822 MA52 OXF, one of few Citaros in P&R livery, citybound July 08 OBC 83 CF07 OXF at Oxford July 08 OBC 841 CF55 OXF heads citybound July 08. OBC 98 HH08 OXF seen at Oxford July 08 OBC 102 T102 DBW one of few Tridents not in P&R livery at Oxford July 08 Premier Connections Luton C12 PCT at Oxpens July 08 Tappins GJZ 9573 a former Lothian Atlantean on the Oxford City Tour July 08 Tappins GJZ9575 a former Plymouth Atalntean on the Oxford Tour July 08 Tapins MUI 7853 a former Dublin Olympian in Oxford July 08 Tappins PO56 JEJ on the Oxford Tour July 08 Thames Travel AE57 LYK at Oxford July 08 Thames Travel OU08 HGN at Oxford July 08 Thames Travel OU57 FGZ at Oxford July 08 Woottens YN06 MXR was in Oxpens Coach Park lunchtime 21 July 08 101 T101 DBW an early Oxford Trident Sept 09 Oxford 202 BF09 OXF a nearside shot of one of the new Brookes buses in Sept 09 Oxford 211 OS09 OXF one of the recently arrived Brookes buses, all bar one were seen in the day. Sept 09 Oxford 641 P641 FFC in Brookesbus Q Buster livery Oxford 816 W816 FBW displays the pre-NBC livery while on a City service, Sept 09 Oxford 902 R2 OXF on a park and ride duty with a split livery. Sept 09 Oxford R8 OXF a 2001 Trident new to the north-east operation seen here in the city centre Sept 09 Tappins V908 FEC a recently arrived addition to the tour, 3 others were also seen, sept 09

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]]> Wed Jul 16 2008 Bucks smaller operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1538584.html The only day we were to see rain,on our days out in 2008, a trip to Aylesbury and Wycombe with depot visits to Motts (very welcome and friendly) On A Mission and the treasure trove thats Cryers Hill. It was actually my first ever photo visit to Wycombe and a long time since I had been to Aylesbury. Thursday 3 July 2008: The only day we were to see rain,on our days out in 2008, a trip to Aylesbury and Wycombe with depot visits to Motts (very welcome and friendly) On A Mission and the treasure trove thats Cryers Hill. It was actually my first ever photo visit to Wycombe and a long time since I had been to Aylesbury.

former Southampton 318 AOW bucks July 08 ex Green Line APM 113T July 08 Cafe on A4146 July 08, sadly it was destroyed by fire in nov 08 Carosuel C356 BUV Wycombe July 08 Carosuel G530 VBB Wycombe July 08 Carosuel H554 GKX Wycombe July 908 Carousel R981 FNW Wycombe July 08 Magpie K572 DFS at Depot July 08. A former Fife Interurban Magpie THX 261S at depot July 08 Motts E153 OMD July 08. A former Boroline (Maidstone) Olympian purchased for its London Operations Motts E25 UNE July 08 Motts F763 EKM at Depot July 08. A former East Kent Coach seated Metrobus. RCN 707 Near Wycombe July 08. A former Northern General Routemaster. Zaman F41 XCS at Depot July 08 Zaman J166 UNH at Depot July 08

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]]> Thu Jul 3 2008 Cambridgeshire smaller operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1534354.html Taken from three trips over the border to Cambridgeshire in 2008, plenty of friendly operators and gems were found. A few Lincolnshire buses are also included in this page. Like Bedfordshire lots of school work is undertaken, with former NBC stock a plenty but things are changing. Wednesday 25 June 2008: Taken from three trips over the border to Cambridgeshire in 2008, plenty of friendly operators and gems were found. A few Lincolnshire buses are also included in this page. Like Bedfordshire lots of school work is undertaken, with former NBC stock a plenty but things are changing.

Whippet L51 UNS at Huntingdon May 08 Whippet KYX300X at Huntingdon Bus Stn May 08. Having served for Oxford Bus after it London life. Whippet J723 KBC owned since new at Huntingdon May 08 Whippet E912 DRD a former Reading Olympian in Huntingdon May 08 Whippet E441 ADV a Citybus acqired from a Devon operator at Huntingdon Bus Stn May 08 Whippet Titans stand at Fenstanton Base May 08 Whippet J670 LGA at Huntingdon May 08 Whippet L456 YAC a former Stagecoach B6 on ST Neots Towns May 08 Whippet POG 514,580Y on loan for the summer at Fenstanton base May 08 Delaine AD08 DBL Peterbro June 08 Emblings E909 KYR Peterbro June 08. Showing off its Manchester origins. Emblings PFM 128Y an ex Crosville Olympian/ECW Peterbro June 08 Delaine AD07 DBL Peterbro June 08 Kimes V929 EMS a former Trident demonstratior at Peterbro June 08 Kimes TAZ 4062 Peterbro June 08 one of many Dublinbus Olympians in East Anglian purchased via Ensign. Ardvark C962 XVC C179 ECK Peterbro June 08. Both had served with UC in latter days. Ardvark RIL 3104 Peterbro June 08. New to Nottingham as its G753 SRB a PS bodied Scania Ardvark TIL 3229 Peterbro June 08. Another ex Nottingham Scania/PS (G758 SRB) Ardvark RGV 337R Peterbro June 08. A 1977 Bedford YLQ/Plaxton recently withdrawn Ardvark TIL 3557 Peterbro June 08. One of the former Southend A-SVW Tigers, this was A247 SVW. Emblings FAO 418V had seen service with Cumberland and United Counties, now withdrawn at Guyhirn June 08 Emblings E922 KYR Guyhirn June 08. Parked in the dead bus area and not used with Emblings Emblings L422 LET a Wright bodied Dart recently arrived from Stagecoach Yorkshire.Guyhirn June 08 Emblings XOI 2527 a former Belfast RELL/Alexander at Guyhirn June 08 Emblings June 08 Emblings CJH 121V Guyhirn June 08, a far cry form its days when new used by Alder Valley as a semi coach. Emblings June 08, VRs that had started life with Western National, Maidstone and District and Oxford Bus. Emblings E908 KYR Guyhirn June 08, New to Bexleybus and latterly in the North East with Stagecoach. Emblings XNV 882S an Ex UC VR at Guyhirn June 08 Carnells BYX 175V Sutton Bridge June 08 Carnells MRJ 95W Sutton Bridge June 08 Dews B138 GAU, a former Derby Marshall bodied Citybus one of two in the fleet. Somersham June 08 Dews UFX 360L a Bedford VAL / Plaxton Somersham June 08, one of the smartest fleets visited recently. Dews F51ACL new to Great Yarmouth a Alexander bodied Citybus and WCE 95T a Bedford YMT/Plaxton Somersham June 08 Sun Fun F308 MYJ Earith June 08. Another ex Stagecoach decker, this Citybus/NC was new to Southdown Sun Fun H607 LNA Earith June 08. One of many ex Hong Kong Olympians in the area purchased via ENsign Bus Sun Fun SIB 4846 Earith June 08 A&P Travel TJT 181X, or whats left of it Barway June 08 Brown K355 ANV Barway June 08. New to UC and used at Corby on Magic minis for part of its life. Brown Barway June 08. NUW 649Y.A former Cleveland Transit and London Titan. Brown B871 XYR Barway June 08. New to Grey Green as a Coach it was later rebodied for London Bus work, note the lack of rear overhang Whippet H303 CAV a NC bodied D10M the last new Citybus delivered to the operator. seen at Cambridge July 08 Browns of Soham in July 08, RJI 6616 a former Buffalo/Chiltern Eurpoean Scania Paramount. Whippet G184 JHG at Huntingdon Aug 09, the best shot i could get. Whippet G184 JHG J808 WFS G340 KKW all ex Stagecoach at Huntingdon Aug 09 Whippet G340 KKW at Huntingdon Aug 09, it has bus seats up and coach downstairs Whippet H14 WCL displays the new livery at Huntingdon Aug 09 Whippet K699 ERM at Huntingdon Aug 09 Whippet S134 EJE at Huntingdon Aug 09 Whippet X605 EGK at Huntingdon Aug 09 in new livery

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]]> Wed Jun 25 2008 herts smaller operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1525806.html Mostly taken in 2008, featuring Mullanys Sullivan and Uno, again mostly older buses. Thanks to Sullivan and Mullanys for depot access. Tuesday 10 June 2008: Mostly taken in 2008, featuring Mullanys Sullivan and Uno, again mostly older buses. Thanks to Sullivan and Mullanys for depot access.

UNO YN57 YZB Scania enters Stevenage June 08 Sullivan P906 RYO an NC bodied Olympian at Base June 08 Sullivan JXN 135 awaits restoration at South Mimms in June 08 Sullivan Titans at base June 08 UNO R563 VBM a Wright bodied Dart at London Colney June 08 UNO V565 JBH and KC03 PGK both ex Centrebus at St. Albans June 08 Mullanys F708 WCS a Duple bodied B10M at Base June 08 Mullanys M602 TTV a former Nottingham B10B Alexander at base June 08 Mullanys G303 FWC a former HK Condor and J986 JNJ a former BHD Dart await school runs June 08 Tiger Line A15 WTN at Hemel feb 09 Uno W575 XRO at Hemel Feb 09, still awaiting repaint

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]]> Tue Jun 10 2008 odds and ends http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1482476.html These are photos that would not fit into other galleries but I believe are worth a gallery of there own. Some quite local others far from local, another trip to Sydney is planned in Autumn 09 with more free time, I hope to have some of the Aussie citys fleet on here later. Thursday 27 March 2008: These are photos that would not fit into other galleries but I believe are worth a gallery of there own. Some quite local others far from local, another trip to Sydney is planned in Autumn 09 with more free time, I hope to have some of the Aussie citys fleet on here later.

GHM 758N at Ensigns in Oct 86,having been rebuilt, including a step ladder as staircase, was it the ultimate high capacity minibus? it never was used in service ! APT Travel north of Sydney Aus April 08 on a day trip. AAT Kings tour coach at Ayres Rock Aus, April 08 Hair Bus NFM 853M a former Crosville National has been a long term resident at South Mimms, June 08 Former Metroline SMK 706F was on site at the coachworks in Tilsworth in June 08, looking like a conversion to open top was in progress City sightseeing Metrobus WLT 428 is seen at Windsor on August Bank Holiday weekend 08. 153325 On the Bletchley - Bedford Branch, more photos of ther line will be added over the next few months. First CU57 AJX, seen at Luton Airport Parkway in early Sept 08, one of 4 Streetcars allocated to the shuttlle service, they seem a far removed form the Nationals used in the late eighties by Luton & District. 66126 heads towards Bletchley from Forders sidings on 5 feb 09, rail continued while our road sysytem ground to a halt. Found this bus stop in Flitwick in July 09, now Buffalo ceased in 95, when did Luton and District become the Shires or even Arriva, thats the old stagecoach logo and phone number and they dont serve this stop now. The stop is about 100metres from the rail station. An advert for up to date info ?

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]]> Thu Mar 27 2008 Hong Kong and Sydney buses http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1428876.html A few shots taken from my 4 visits to this far east mecca of Deckers, how things have changed over the four visits. Now very modern and air conditioned as standard. Also shown are shots from 08 and 09 trips to Sydney, all single deck fleet mostly European chassis, but compared with Hong Kong very bland, but a fantastic City, hope to revisit both in a couple of years. Monday 24 December 2007: A few shots taken from my 4 visits to this far east mecca of Deckers, how things have changed over the four visits. Now very modern and air conditioned as standard. Also shown are shots from 08 and 09 trips to Sydney, all single deck fleet mostly European chassis, but compared with Hong Kong very bland, but a fantastic City, hope to revisit both in a couple of years.

New World HH 4157, Dragon and HK Tram 168 June 04 China Motor Bus BT 9412 and BX 2051 Metrobuses at Central May 93 China Motor Bus CR 1139 Leyland Victory May 93 China Motor Bus CR 4223, Olympian May 93 New Lantau CT 5641 Leyland Victory, May 93 China Motor Bus Guy Arab CV 1411 May 93 on my first of 4 visits China Motor Bus CV 6742 ex London DMS May 93 KMB DK 8440 Dragon May 93 KMB DP 8576 Olympian and HK tram 6 May 93 KMB Olympian DY 8392 June 04 China Motor Bus EH 5561 Dragon Central June 96 Citybus ER 8793 B10M Van Hool at Central May 93 Citybus FG 5350 Olympian May 93, many similar vehicles are now in UK KMB FT 1411 Olympian June 04 New World JX 569 Neoplan at Central May 04 Sydney Buses 1554 a Volvo B12BLE Custom Coaches new 2007 Sydney Buses 1682 a Volgren Bodied Volvo B12 at Wynyard Sydney Buses 3029 a 1983 Mercedes 0305 with PMC body these are Sydneys oldest buses Sydney Buses 3160 a Mercedes 0305 PMC of 1989 Sydney Buses 3459 an Ansair bodied tri-axle Scania K113 TRB 1 of 50 in the fleet of 1993 Sydney Buses 3832 a Scania K113CRB with Ansair body new in 1995 City Sightseeing Sydney TV3594 one of 7 operated in the city City Sightseeing Sydney TV 5654 is a former China Motor Bus ML class Metroliner Sydney Buses 4962 a Mercedes OC500 (Citero) with Custom body one of the newest buses in the fleet Sydney Buses 4968 one of the latest Mercedes TV 5101 a Leyland Tiger (chassis no 8500483) with Custom Coaches DP style body in Central Sydney March 09, the only Tiger seen in a 10 day visit to the area sydney buses, have a simple message on most cab windows, a case of the obvious ??? Forest Buslines Sydney MO 7712 a Sca L94UB with Custom Body new 2005 Hills Bus Sydney MO 1054 a Volvo B10BLE with Custom Body Hills Bus MO 7349 a 1998 Mercedes 0405 with Volgren body Hills Bus M0 805 a B10M with Custom body delivered in 1999 Hills Bus Sydney MO 9234 a 14.5m Sca L94UB with Volgren body Hills Bus Sydney MO 9319 a Sca L94UB with Volgren body Punchbowl Bus Sydney MO 8747 a Sca L94UB with Custom Body Blue Mountains Explorer TV 4061 a former Adelaide Volvo B10M artic in fake London transport livery Hoskinsons of NSW TV 528 a 1988 Denning Coach in Nowra NSW

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]]> Mon Dec 24 2007 United Counties Last new buses http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1391363.html The ARP601-20X batch of Olympians were the last buses purchased before the split, here are all 20 in a varity of liveries. Some were diverted from Alder Valley 601-3/9-11 and Southdown 612-6 to replace VRs 968-77 that went to Eastern Counties. All were new between 11/81 and 1/82 and were fitted with transign blinds. Several were rebuilt as semi coaches for Coachlinks at Bedford and Kettering. 601-3 Were at Northampton 604-11 at Bedford and 612-20 to Luton and passed to L&D in 1986. A few still survive today with new owners. 603 was an early accident victim in 1990. 601-3 were delivered as fully automatic with roller blinds but were altered before entry to service these had chassis numbers 035-7 with 620 as 169, these were some of the first Olympians built. Thursday 18 October 2007: The ARP601-20X batch of Olympians were the last buses purchased before the split, here are all 20 in a varity of liveries. Some were diverted from Alder Valley 601-3/9-11 and Southdown 612-6 to replace VRs 968-77 that went to Eastern Counties. All were new between 11/81 and 1/82 and were fitted with transign blinds. Several were rebuilt as semi coaches for Coachlinks at Bedford and Kettering. 601-3 Were at Northampton 604-11 at Bedford and 612-20 to Luton and passed to L&D in 1986. A few still survive today with new owners. 603 was an early accident victim in 1990. 601-3 were delivered as fully automatic with roller blinds but were altered before entry to service these had chassis numbers 035-7 with 620 as 169, these were some of the first Olympians built.

601 by then a Bedford vehicle at Cambridge Sept 87 this was rebuilt first of the Coachlinks vehicles and later became 14001, it passed to preservationists from UC 602 at Kettering June 89, another coach rebuild it was broken up by the company in 2004 603 at Showbus sept 87, at Woburn Abbey. withdrawn after accident damage June 90 this would have become 14003 had it survived 604 at Bedford July 90 in Chiltern radio advert livery, the only Bedford ARP-X Olympian to wear advert livery, here on Bedford High Street. This was to be the basis of a corgi model released in stripes a few years back, Chiltern Radio has now become Heart and is nothing more than a computer controlled loop of music,or am i getting old! 605 Duxford Sept 00. Last of the UC batch to go lasting till 2006 it passed for scrap. Only 601/6 managed to wear the new Stagecoach livery. 606 Northampton Aug 03, with roller Blinds. One of the batch to see further service 606 passed to a Essex operator and was seen at showbus 2006/7 607 Northampton Aug 03, VR lower Grille and Roller Blinds. This one passed to a London area non psv operator in 2005 608 Bedford Dec 84 last day of buses in Silver Street 609 Bedford 2.84, in as delivered condition, the Bedford batch seldom ventured out of town in the early years 610 Duxford sept 04 VRT Grille in white and roller blind. Both 610/1 went to Cooper Killamarsh after sale by UC 611 MK July 94, fitted with roller blinds and black grille. It was converted to open top by a later owner by sadly destroyed by fire in 2007 612 M1 Toddington July 84, returning to Luton after working a Hitchin - Toddington Shoppers special. 613 Luton Sept 97, still with brown UC Luton depot plate and awaiting repaint to red 614 Woburn Sept 89, wrong fleetname for livery. With the arrival of Alexander Olympians most of the ARP batch went to Aylesbury. 615 George St Luton Oct 87. Shown Luton Bus fleetnames but no NBC double N. George street no longer sees buses. 616 Luton March 89 it passed to a breaker in Nov 2001, 617 Leighton Buzzard Feb 89 with nearside fleetname fitted in error. The only L&D one to pass to Ensign where 604-11 of UC all went. 618 Luton 31 Dec 85 last day of UC operation at Luton, the fleetnames were added shortly after this shot was taken 619 Aylesbury Red Rover fleetname Aug 88. This became the last survivor of the L&D batch passing in 2007 to a devon operator. 620 Bedford June 85, polybus advert. The L&D batch were renumbered from 612-20 to 5062/53-60 in 1997

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]]> Thu Oct 18 2007 Sold to other operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1389123.html A select of former local vehicles, sold on to other operators outside Bedfordshire. Pre 1982 few UC buses were to see service with second owners but firstly the Lightweight Bedfords and Fords then Nicholas Ridley helped change things. Several of these vehicles lasted into preservation after their second life away from the area Monday 15 October 2007: A select of former local vehicles, sold on to other operators outside Bedfordshire. Pre 1982 few UC buses were to see service with second owners but firstly the Lightweight Bedfords and Fords then Nicholas Ridley helped change things. Several of these vehicles lasted into preservation after their second life away from the area

East Kent C84 PRP at Duxford Sept 95 ENOC CBD 901T Edmonton June 87 CMT ERP553T Liverpool Sept 00 Moore Windsor GNV 985N Windsor July 85 Buckland GRP260D Brighton May 96 Ensignbus stock JHL775L Purfleet June 89 CMT KRP 564V Liverpool Sepr 00 MK Playbus LBD 727E MK May 85 Sworders RBD102M at Walkern April 95 British Gas RBD112M WOburn Sept 91 Preserved RBD319G on return from Belfast @ Biggleswade June 90 Eagle Tonbridge RNV483M at Tonbridge March 90 Norfolk Green RRP 858R Duxford Sep 00 Ribble RRP858R Blackpool Sep 91 Ensignbus SRP 821N June 89 Purfllet Auty Rushden SRP 821N Bedford Nov 89 Sworders TBD619N at Walkern June 88 Mobile Cafe URP 344H Harlington June 88 NorthernBus UXD129G at Sheffield Sept 89 Brighton & Hove VVV 958W Brighton March 90

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]]> Mon Oct 15 2007 South Midland http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1382784.html Vehicles used on the former joint 131/2 Bedford to Oxford . Four round trips were operated daily, three on a sunday with one vehicle from each UC Bedford ( 2 trips) and SM Bicester, the route was withdrawn in May 86, Todays X5 covers the route, with 32 daily journeys. The AM and PM journey were interworked with an Oxford- Coventry service so 2 Bicester vehicles visited Bedford daily. The route was initally via Newport - Stony and Wolverton across what is now MK, it was later diverted to run Newport- MK - Bletchley as part of the growth of Milton Keynes. Thursday 4 October 2007: Vehicles used on the former joint 131/2 Bedford to Oxford . Four round trips were operated daily, three on a sunday with one vehicle from each UC Bedford ( 2 trips) and SM Bicester, the route was withdrawn in May 86, Todays X5 covers the route, with 32 daily journeys. The AM and PM journey were interworked with an Oxford- Coventry service so 2 Bicester vehicles visited Bedford daily. The route was initally via Newport - Stony and Wolverton across what is now MK, it was later diverted to run Newport- MK - Bletchley as part of the growth of Milton Keynes.

OXFORD KET 162W BEDFORD NOV 84, The only known time a citylink livered vehicle was used on 132 Oxford-Bedford CJO466R BROMHAM JAN 85 EJO 490V BEDFORD APRIL 85 EJO 490V BEDFORD JUNE 84 NUD 101L LUTON NOV 89 NUD 101L BEDFORD 18 APRIL 86 NUD 107L BEDFORD APRIL 75 PJO 7T BEDFORD MAY 85 RBW 84M BEDFORD MARCH 85 RBW 89M BEDFORD GARAGE APRIL 85 REH 49R BEDFORD JULY85 TFC 403K BEDFORD MAY 84 UTT566J BEDFORD JUNE 84 VUD 29X BROMHAM 19 APRIL86 YBW487V BEDFORD JAN 84 YBW 488V BEDFORD JAN 85 CJO 473R BEDFORD APRIL 85

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]]> Thu Oct 4 2007 Stagecoach United Counties pre swoops livery http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1378746.html Vehicles that arrived in early years of the Stagecoach ownership, the arrival of Routemaster and its departure. First Standards both Olympian and B10M with the spread of the Mini and those dreaded Volvo B6, as well as acquired Devon and Hampshire Bus VRTs, and imports from Fife and Megadekka begins its life at Bedford. The Virgin Rail VT99 also appeared between MK and Luton in this period with former Oxford Tube Volvo B10M Coaches. X5 Oxford-MK- Bedford- Cambridge now features in its own Gallery of both new and old shots Vehicles will be shown with number for life where allocated. Friday 28 September 2007: Vehicles that arrived in early years of the Stagecoach ownership, the arrival of Routemaster and its departure. First Standards both Olympian and B10M with the spread of the Mini and those dreaded Volvo B6, as well as acquired Devon and Hampshire Bus VRTs, and imports from Fife and Megadekka begins its life at Bedford. The Virgin Rail VT99 also appeared between MK and Luton in this period with former Oxford Tube Volvo B10M Coaches. X5 Oxford-MK- Bedford- Cambridge now features in its own Gallery of both new and old shots Vehicles will be shown with number for life where allocated.

52155 L155 JNH here at Bedford in April 05 with Stagecoach Fleetnames. At this time X2 was operated by Northampton 14179 C179 ECK one of many secondhand Olympians that arrived after the Biggleswade fire of 04. It lasted till 06 and passed to Goodwin of Peterbro a shot appears in another gallery of it there. Photo Bedford March 06, by which time it was restricted to School contracts 14039 (639) G639 EVV Bedford March 97 14000 F110 NES in Nov 92, recently arrived from East Midland, as shown from its livery. In 2008 it was refurbished for another few years. The UKs first 110 seater Bus. LFJ 863W Bedford July 89, former Devon General. 14484 WLT 512 Bedford June 94, former Bluebird Olympian D384 XRS one on many advert buses based at Bedford in the past 706, 647 DYE Bedford APRIL 88, when buses served Midland road 714, 685 DYE Bedford Jun91 one of the batch purchased for Corby 705, 68 CLT BEDFORD 1 FEB 88 its first day in service with UC 717, EDS48A Bedford July 89, former RM 504 it had arrived from scotland in May 88 and was sold in May 91 715 820 DYE CORBY MAY 89, lasting until April 91 it went for scrap 715 820 DYE Corby Apr90 125 A320 ANH Bedford June 91 one of 3 B10Ms transferred down from Perth initally for National Express work. 707 CUV122C Stewartby 1 FEB 88, its First day with UC , by 2001 it was back in London with Arriva 707, CUV122C Bedford JAN 88 just days after collection from London CUV 195C, three non runners were purchased in March 88, for spares only all passed to a Bedford Scrap dealer in 89, here at Kettering May 89 708 CUV192C Bedford 27 JAN 88, on driver fimilarisaton duties 52060 (130) E130 ORP Kettering June 89. The first of 6 B10M/Paramounts to arrive in 88 for the X49/50 London services. 52065 (135) F135 URP Luton Bus Station Nov 91, last of the 6 Volvos 135 was the only one on an F plate. The bus station at Luton is now no more 87 G387 PNV Luton Aug 92. One of the only batch of Expressliners purchased new by UC 116 B357 KNH, a real odd man out in the fleet. Purchased new for Malawi it was returned from Africa along with Paramount 83, both were refurbished and returned to service, this was the only Duple bodied Tiger in the fleet also having a Manual gearbox , seen here in Bedford on Driver Training duties around 1999 30419 L419 JBD one of 21 Volvo B6 used on Bedford towns after Routemasters and NBC Vehicles, these vehicles were disposed of in late 03, many reappeared with the purchase of Merseyside operations. 710 HVS 935 Kempston FEB 93, new as VLT 255, one of the Corby batch it was later sent to Bedford 52376 R176 DNH Corby Bus Station ,March 00. Another bus station now only history. 52036 9258 VC new as N46 MJO for the Oxford Tube here in Milton Keynes Aug 03 on VT99 work 52157 L157 JNH at the old Great Yarmouth Beach Rail Station coach park, in July 94, on a private hire 52122 K152 DNV Bedford March 96 52485 R185 DNH Luton May 99 30404 L404 JBD prior to entry to service, on Bedfords 536 BD trade plates, showing a slightly false destination 14476 (D376 XRS), GSO 6V as first arrived in Bedford Sept 91, it had been converted to single door at Alexanders onits way south from Aberdeen, and was pressed into service at Bedford on contract or Routemaster services before a ticket machine was fitted. VLT 167 Bedford FEB89 709 VLT51 Corby May 89, the oldest of all the acquired RMs new in 1959, sadly destroyed in an arson attack at Northampton in 96,that also claimed a Tiger 710 VLT255 one of 8 RMs allocated to Corby, seen here in May 89 at the old bus station 704 WLT908 BEDFORD 1 FEB 88, it was an accident victim and sold for spares in 91 704 WLT908 Bedford 12JAN 88 a few days after collection from London 702 WLT528 Stewartby Mar 90, on a diverted 101 waits for a Bletchley bound DMU pass. Both now history and classics 702 WLT 528 Bedford FEB 88, again a road no longer served by buses. The bus later passed to Ribble where it was never used 703 WLT 682 Is pushed out the back of Bedford Garage in Feb 89, it had no engine at the time

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]]> Fri Sep 28 2007 Arriva The Shires/ MK Metro http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1377108.html Vehicles that entered the Arriva/Luton and District fleet after United Counties days, this includes the herd of Buffalo that stampedeed south in May 1995, even it taken before that date. Through the Olympian and B6 days of Red and Cream to the Blue and Yellow of the Darts and Scanias to Arriva Aquamarine and Sandstone of the recent intake. MK Metro photos are also included of up to date MK vehicles. Older vehicles are a longer term project and will feature in a galley of its own. For the modern scene in off ATS take a look at Matts site from the link below Tuesday 25 September 2007: Vehicles that entered the Arriva/Luton and District fleet after United Counties days, this includes the herd of Buffalo that stampedeed south in May 1995, even it taken before that date. Through the Olympian and B6 days of Red and Cream to the Blue and Yellow of the Darts and Scanias to Arriva Aquamarine and Sandstone of the recent intake. MK Metro photos are also included of up to date MK vehicles. Older vehicles are a longer term project and will feature in a galley of its own. For the modern scene in off ATS take a look at Matts site from the link below

4353 W353 XKX London June 07 3066 E966 PME Luton May 99. Ex PAn Atlas going later to Southend 3169 N31 KGS Dunstable June 97, this was later written off with fire damage 5428 W428 XKX at Luton Oct 05 5432 W432 XKX at Luton Dec 00 4055 R455 SKX Luton Dec 01 4369 W369 XKX London July 03 3105 L305 HPP Luton April 95 3109 L309 HPP Stevenage June 05 3119 M719 OMJ Luton May 99 3130 M710 OMJ Luton Aug 96 3132 M712OMJ Luton June 96 3133 M713 OMJ June 94 3135 M715 OMJ Luton Aug 96 3136 M716 OMJ Luton April 95 3137 L43 NEH Luton April 95 3354 J404 XVX L. Buzzard Aug 04 3078 F314 RMH Milton Keynes July 96 1203 RDS 83W Dunstable May 92 3059 HIL 7467 Luton Aug 96 3060 URY 598 Flitwick Feb 93 3060 URY 598 Dunstable July 94 3077 NIB 8459 Luton May 92 3077 NIB 8459 Luton Aug 96 3078 F314 RMH Flitwick March 89 3078 F314 RMH Luton MArch 91 3079 F151 KGS Woburn Sept 89 3079 F151 KGS Luton Oct 90 3081 F153 KGS Bletchley April 91 3085 F155 KGS Luton Oct 89 3099 K447 XPA Woburn July 94 7178 KP as E295 VOM Luton Sept 93 3084 F154 KGS Woburn Sept 89 3102 L200 BUS a former Lucketts Dart by June 08 it had got to MK 3143 N693 EUR in Interurban Livery at MK June 08,about to start a 2 hour trek to Luton Airport 4060 M948 LYR at Stevenage June 08 3622 YN55 FZZ at CMK June 08 3511 L711 JUD a former Stagecoach Dart in MK June 08, with Driver training advert 3514 J941 MFT one of few step entrance Darts in the fleet, June 08 3497 W497 WGS in Aylesburys Route 9 Livery has strayed to MK in this June 16 2008 shot. 2451 YJ08 XDK in Central MK June 08 6038 MK Metros sole Spectra K302 SYG in CMK June 08 3316 A856 UYM Wycombe July 08 5134 G131 YWC Wycombe July 08. New to Ensign for London bus work. 5121 G291 UMJ Wycombe July 08 3701 KE55 CKU Wycombe July 08 3139 L923 LJO Wycombe July 08. Purchased when almost new with Motts bus operations 3330 M234 TBV Wycombe July 08. A former Ribble B10M now much travellled 3854 N414 NRG Wycombe July 08 3824 N524 NJO at Wycombe July 08

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]]> Tue Sep 25 2007 United Counties pre Stagecoach http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1351975.html Vehicles purchased before Stagecoach ownership. Mostly Nationals, Leopards, VRTs. seen in across the area and beyond, back to the days of UC on National Express, Limited stop routes to London, and the former joint 131/2 to Oxford. Leopards in Orange and Green as well as the later Coachlinks Blue, through to the Stagecoach Stripes and beyond to swoops for one VR. Along with plenty of colorbuses that were the Bedford scene for many years. Now sadly only memories Mostly centred on the Bedford Area. Dave Hancocks site also contains many old UC shots that predate these, please follow the link below. Monday 20 August 2007: Vehicles purchased before Stagecoach ownership. Mostly Nationals, Leopards, VRTs. seen in across the area and beyond, back to the days of UC on National Express, Limited stop routes to London, and the former joint 131/2 to Oxford. Leopards in Orange and Green as well as the later Coachlinks Blue, through to the Stagecoach Stripes and beyond to swoops for one VR. Along with plenty of colorbuses that were the Bedford scene for many years. Now sadly only memories Mostly centred on the Bedford Area. Dave Hancocks site also contains many old UC shots that predate these, please follow the link below.

150 UVV150W on a 760 joint Green Line working at Milton Keynes Dec 83. It went to MK Citybus for a while in 1986. 476 RNV 476M in Bedford June 85, heads along the now pedestrionised Harpur St. It was to go later to R&I at Milton Keynes 526 SBD 526R leaves Bromham on its way back to town in April 86. This and 525 were delivered without white relief. 545 BVV 546T at Bedford Jan 88, it had three more years left before gooing to Non PSV work around the UK 507 KNV 507P stands at Orchard St Kempston Nov 84, on a town route. Another one owner vehicle 517 OVV 517R was rebuilt mark3 style at the front end, note the number plate. here at Bedford March 85 with Wellingborough plates 525 SBD 525R leaves Stevenage on a tendered route July 89. It later passed to preservation, but was later scrapped. 939 URP 939W works a London service in may 85. This was to be the last VR painted into stripes and not till 99. 530 VRP 530S about to make the turn onto Bedford St Ampthill Feb 84 on return from Aylesbury. 534 XVV 534S in snow at Bedford Jan 85 this lasted till early 89 535 XVV 535S at Bedford Feb 85. A lodekka ORP 35 was also a bedford car with fleet number 535 for years, the National went to Hampshire Bus in early 88 171 CNH 171X on repaint at Bedford to Coachlinks Livery in June 86, 171 CNH 171X at Leicester Aug 85, it lasted till Sept 93 then passed to a Lancs operator 172 CNH 172X at Heathrow in July 85, this was later lost to fire damage,sold for scrap, it was rebuilt with Willowbrook body and used as a demo vehicle for then 177 CNH 177X heads northbound from Ampthill in July 87, it passed to the same operator as both 171/7 in 93 552 ERP 552T displays the new fleetname but no stripe in this March 86 view at Bedford. It lasted to the end of National operation in 93, another long tern Bedford Bus 553 ERP 553T also at Bedford JAn 88 lasted till the end of Nation operation in Sept 93, then operated in Liverpool 564 KRP 564V the national converted for wheelchair use at MK Sept 85 571 MNH 571V in Silver St Bedford Dec84 the day before this road was finally closed 571 MNH 571V lasted till sept 93, here in Bedford April 87 580 NRP 580V was the first National 2, here in March 85, later going to East Midland 583 NRP 583V was new to Biggleswade alnof with 584-6, here at Bedford in Jan 85 585 SVV 595W was new to Biggeswade here at Bedford in Jan 89. 586 SVV 586W Biggleswades last new saloon inside Shortmead St. Garage July 89 587 SVV is steam cleaned at Bedford in March 85. Its now preserved 178 EBD 178X at Leicester in July 86, recently repainted to Coachlinks livery, withdrawn in 93 it went to a scottish operator 178 EBD 178X passes over the Midland Mainline at Flitwick in Oct 89 heading for London. Recently repainted to Stagecoach colours 184 JNH 184Y in Ampthill in Nov 86 heads for Bedford then Kettering, this was the livery it had been delivered new in 185 JNH 185Y sits at Marylebone in March 88, It was NBCs last Leopard and UC last ECW bodied vehicle. Withdrawn in 93, it was destroyed by fire in 97 187 NNH 187Y was one of 6 12m Leopards acquired from dealer stock in early 83, they had been built in 80/1 and stored. here at Bedford in April 86 189 NNH 189Y at Purley on a private hire to Brighton and the coach Rally in April 84. Pre M25 days and always via Central London 191 NNH 191Y heads for Victoria in July 87. The last of the batch it survived till the end of Leopard operation in 93 166 VNH 166W one of 15 Dominant IV Leopards new in 1980, seen here in April 85 at Bedford its long term home 166 VNH 166W leaves the now closed LutonBus Station in December 89, with the usual 'Coachlinks via Bedford' sticker on 166 VNH166W at Bedford Oct 86.166/7 were the mainstay of the Stevenage-Peterbro X1 service in the eighties 167 VNH 167W the second of the 1980 coach intake for Bedford, was used on the X1 and 650 services when new, here it leaves Bedford for London in March 85 167 VNH 167W Bedford Dec 86, most of this batch were to pass to Kelvin after UC use, 167 returned to Leicester for its final days 167 VNH 167W as it looked when new, here passed through Bedford in Oct 84 on NX duties loaned to Luton 610 ARP 610X was to be the first Olympian/ECW in stripes in Oct 88, here on town work in Bedford March 89 1021 Biggleswades Recovery vehicle stands in Bedford Feb 85 1049 here on trade plates was new as PDC 431M a longterm service vehicle at Bedford 161 VNH 161W on route 161 heads towards Bedford Feb 88, it was later written off when hit in the rear on a Bedford - Northampton working 163 VNH 163W at Ampthill in Jan 85 on a Southbound London. 207 YNV 207J at Bedford December 84,at that time it was allocated to Huntingdon 212 YRP 212J at Milton Keynes March 85. this and Lutons 344 were painted up for Road Safety awareness. It was sold in this condition and was to see further service 215 KRP215L at Bedford Nov 85, it passed to a scrap dealer after UC service 217 KRP217L at Bedford Oct 85, with Wellingbro plates, this was the RE in Corby Rail-Link livery 222 222WFM one of two RELH in Coachlinks Livery. London bound south of Bedford Jan 88. Later passing to Northern Bus 223 SBD223M one of 5 Plaxton Bodied RELH6Ls purchased, leaves Bedford for London in April 85 277 TBD 277G with UC Engineering at Winterhill MK May 86

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]]> Mon Aug 20 2007 Non PSV operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1349862.html Some vehicles seen in the county either locally based or not that were not licenced as psvs. The days of the old Bedford or Ford as a mobile cafe has dadly now departed. Friday 17 August 2007: Some vehicles seen in the county either locally based or not that were not licenced as psvs. The days of the old Bedford or Ford as a mobile cafe has dadly now departed.

NLE 673 LUC 211 LUTON JUNE 90 A230 PGS Vauxhall Motors demo at Cedars Jan 84 B555 KRY loaned to United Counties 011184 for one day from moseley dealer E219SOL Metrorider North Beds Health Auth. Bedford Jan 89 GNK816N Luton Town FC.feb 90 JYT 618K Mobile Cafe on B530 south of Bedford Oct 87 KJD 5P Post Office. at Bedford Nov 86 NEC 828X, Olympian/ECW Jesus Army, Northants at Bedford March 89 JXD 549D at rear of United Counties Bedford, Feb 89 VHT 102H Mobile Cafe on B530 south of Bedford Jan 90 former London Buses DMS, internal use at Whipsnade Zoo July 02 RDX 20R a former Ipswich Atlantean seen alongside the A507 in late July 09. DEM 763Y a former Merseyside Olympian was found alongside the A507 within a mile of the former Ipswich Atlantean in late July 09, with a for sale sign in the front screen

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]]> Fri Aug 17 2007 Buffalo Flitwick http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1349860.html Vehicles operated by this former mid Beds operator who sold the bus routes in 1995 to Luton & District and then the Coaching unit to Dunn Line. Buffalo had a large area of local routes that reached Oxford, St Neots and St Albans, with a mixture of volvo coaches and deckers as well as some buses purchased new, they were to take one of the first B10B buses as well as some Swifts a FLF was also operated for a time. Vehicles that passed to L&D are in the Arriva the Shires gallery. Friday 17 August 2007: Vehicles operated by this former mid Beds operator who sold the bus routes in 1995 to Luton & District and then the Coaching unit to Dunn Line. Buffalo had a large area of local routes that reached Oxford, St Neots and St Albans, with a mixture of volvo coaches and deckers as well as some buses purchased new, they were to take one of the first B10B buses as well as some Swifts a FLF was also operated for a time. Vehicles that passed to L&D are in the Arriva the Shires gallery.

2583 KP Bedford Sept 87, new as FBT 936W a Volov B58 Irizar in fleet 83-June 88 CKC 328L Bedford June 88, new to Merseyside acquired via Crosville in March 87, scrapped by 91 CKN 332Y a Lex bodied YMQs never used in service owned from 10/89 EAV 810V Volvo B58, passing the site of the Galaxy in Luton. Oct 90 GHM 798N Flitwick JUNE 88 Acquired in April 88 lasting till mid 90 GSL 898N Flitwick April 90 GSL898N at Milton Keynes July 94 a former Tayside Fleetline operated Oct 87 to early 02 HRU 680E a former Hants& Dorset FLF is on a near deserted M1 at Toddington in July 84 this was their only Halfcab and only Bristol JPA 171K BEDFORD JAN 88 KAF 577W Volvo B58 at Hitchin April 92 later passing to the UK based Chinese state circus KAF 577W MK July 92 KUS 619E Bedford Oct 84, acquired at the same time as KUS 616E via the same route MJO394H at Flitwick Depot March 89 a former Oxford Bus Fleetline never used in service ODU 111M Flitwick NOV 86, anoteher vehicle with Liverpool connection arriving in late 83 going mid 88 OJD 141R BEDFORD MAR 96 OJD 141R, another ex LBL DM operated, Buffalo also had OJD 414R , photo Flitwick May 99 OJD 468R at Dunstable in April 94 withdrawn by March 97 OTN457R a former Tyne & Wear Metropolitian, at Flitwick Nov 86. Later passing to Rennine of Dunfermline PYJ 448L Bedford April 87, new to Tayside arriving via McLennan it later went to a Watford operator in 89, the front upper dome was rebuilt after a lowbridge incident in Luton RND 617X Harlington Sept 01, new as ULS 617X an Alexander Bodied Metrobus new to Central Scottish, it lasted 97-02 THM706M at Bedford Aug 87 former London DM1706Buffalos first decker in Jan 83 withdrawn Aug 92 TOE 465N a former WMPTE fleetline not operated; Here at Flitwick june 88 TOE 466N Flitwick June 88, ex Jubilee Stevenage, not operated. URY 598 a former NX Neoplan/Paramount C180 KHG here at Flitwick may 99 WNH52W a Bedford YMQs at Ampthill Dec 90. This vehicle worked for UC L&D and MK before Buffalo WWJ 771M AMPTHILL JUNE 88 WWJ 771M SHOWBUS SEPT 90 XCP 144X the only Bova operated seen here in May 99 going for scrap later in the year LXI 2741 Dunstable APRIL 94. It lasted in the fleet till the end of the year having been acquired in early 88 KUS 616E Flitwick OCT 84, a former Glasgow Atlantean acquired via Whippet in 83 scrapped by 89 HDB437V arrives at Showbus sept 89 a former GM Buses and Whippet Dominator one of 4 operated between 89 and 95

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]]> Fri Aug 17 2007 Ceased Bedfordshire operators http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1344448.html Some vehicles of ceased operators in the area. Major fleets to disappear have been Horseshoe, Taylors and Ementon, with Seamarks (no relation) and Buffalo both taken over by Dunn Line. Palmers and Tourmaster both went to L&D Smaller one man fleets included Costin Tilsworth Concept Coaches and David Litchfield of Stevington, who only had 2 coaches in almost 20 years, as well as my old school bus operator Satellite of Ampthill. Thursday 9 August 2007: Some vehicles of ceased operators in the area. Major fleets to disappear have been Horseshoe, Taylors and Ementon, with Seamarks (no relation) and Buffalo both taken over by Dunn Line. Palmers and Tourmaster both went to L&D Smaller one man fleets included Costin Tilsworth Concept Coaches and David Litchfield of Stevington, who only had 2 coaches in almost 20 years, as well as my old school bus operator Satellite of Ampthill.

COACHMILES G725 RYJ a former Brighton & Hove Scania/East Lancs at Deadmans Cross June 07 COACHMILES G807 LAG a former Hull Scania East Lancs at Deadmans cross May 07 COACHMILES KTL 43Y new to Lincoln a Long Olympian East Lancs at Deadmans Cross July 07 GOLDFINGER MUD 27W at base July 07, new to Oxford with a Duple Body. Horseshoe 240 FRH Kempston at Stewartby Oct 89 Tourmaster Dunstable A672 OKX leaves Victoria Feb84 Costin Dunstable A811 CCD at Tilsworth May 99 this coach is now preserved Seamarks Luton B544 BMH at Depot Dec 85 Horseshoe DFS 789S Kempston at Stewartby June 88 GUY 715N ex Satellite Ampthill unknown operator Tangmere March 90, one of my old school coaches from 1974-7 Palmer Dunstable JPL 173K ex London Country at Dunstable Jul92 Cooks Biggleswade KJD 209P July 84 At Depot, a vehicle never used. Horseshoe Kempston KRO663V at Bedford Feb85 Horseshoe Kempston NMJ 218V at Stewartby Oct 87 Palmer Dunstable,OHR 186R former Thamesdown Fleetline ECW at Depot Feb 93 Palmer Dunstable OJD 872R at Depot Nov 93 very few nationals appeared with small operators in the county Gammons Thurleigh, PDM 45P at Bedford Aug 84 Taylor Meppershall SMJ 521 at Bedford April 85 Palmer Dunstable THX 560S at Luton Jun93 Satellite Ampthill VDR 947 ex Plymouth at Ampthill Feb 78 Horseshoe Kempston VHK 475M at Stewarbyy April 85 Horseshoe Kempston XTM 276L at Stewartby Apr85 Loaned to Seamarks Luton. Optare Demo Concept Coaches Rushden, Based at Maulden at time LUA 715V new to West Yorkshire Jan 91

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]]> Thu Aug 9 2007 Ementon Cranfield http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1344213.html Vehicles operated by this former tour and contract fleet. Based in Mid Beds. Who had lots of contract work out of London Brick for the thousands of workers once employed in the industry in the county, now sadly all closed. I well remember as a youngster going on day trips to the seaside on a summer sunday. Sadly operations ceased in the ninties and the depot is now more housing. Many gems were operated before I started photographing buses, these included some 1959 Trent Atlanteans, Bristol MWs a former Standerwick VRL, prior to that were Guy Arabs and plenty of Bedfords and Fords, but Mr Ementon never operated minibuses. The smallest owned were 29 seaters. Thursday 9 August 2007: Vehicles operated by this former tour and contract fleet. Based in Mid Beds. Who had lots of contract work out of London Brick for the thousands of workers once employed in the industry in the county, now sadly all closed. I well remember as a youngster going on day trips to the seaside on a summer sunday. Sadly operations ceased in the ninties and the depot is now more housing. Many gems were operated before I started photographing buses, these included some 1959 Trent Atlanteans, Bristol MWs a former Standerwick VRL, prior to that were Guy Arabs and plenty of Bedfords and Fords, but Mr Ementon never operated minibuses. The smallest owned were 29 seaters.

3689 E Cranfield OCT 84. new 6.84 a DAF SB230 Jonckheere. sold as A595 XRP to a London operator 385 BMJ, at the rear of the depot, where it remained for over 10 years after withdrawal. Photo Oct 85 ANU11B a former Trent FLF leaves London Brick Stewartby 29 Feb84, 24 years to the day before the sites final closure, the last site in Bedfordshire. BNM71L Bedford YRT/Plaxton at Depot Oct 84, new with BNM 72L both were toilet fitted when new. It was to see service with other local operators after sale GHV 979N Bedford NOV 85 GKE457/8L Marsahll Bodied Leopards at Bedford Jan 85 Former M&D GKE457L leaves London Brick Stewartby July85 JBO 88 at the rear of the depot, where it remained for many years after withdrawal. photo Oct 85 JNV 78L Cranfield OCT 84, A Volvo B58 ex Yorks Cogenhoe arrived June 79 sold Sept 85 KJD 120P Cranfield July 85. One of two DMS vehicles operated MTO152F a former Nottingham Fleetline at Bedford Feb 85, it lasted in the fleet between 7.81-5.85 MTO152F a former Nottingham Fleetline at Cranfield May 84 RAY 3W at Cranfield Oct 83, the site is now housing, Thrift View SOE 950H Cranfield OCT 84, from Beeston Hadleigh in Sep 84 lastoing only 12 months before sale as scrap VCS393 behind a Barnsley dealers wrecker about to leave Cranfield for a final time Oct 84 WWH 40L Cranfield OCT 87, new to GMPTE via Stevenson Uttoxeter in Sept 87, its a Park Royal Fleetline XBH55F a former Red Rover Swift tha never entered service. Cranfield Sept 83 YHA 331J Cranfield JULY 85, another ex Beeston Vehicle a former Midland Red Ford, in the fleet June 84 to early 87 YUU 235T Stewartby APRIL 85. A Van Hool bodied YMT ex London operator that lasted till early 87

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]]> Thu Aug 9 2007 Visiting Bedfordshire http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1322927.html Vehicles not based in Bedfordshire but caught on camera passing through. Alder Valley had a share on X15 MK- Reading across Leighton Buzzard. Premier Travel and Yelloway were frequent visitors to the area on joint NX routes. With NX and Scottish Bus Group vehicles passing through on express workings to London. The Millbrook test centre off the A421 near Bedford also produces odd workings in the area. Tuesday 10 July 2007: Vehicles not based in Bedfordshire but caught on camera passing through. Alder Valley had a share on X15 MK- Reading across Leighton Buzzard. Premier Travel and Yelloway were frequent visitors to the area on joint NX routes. With NX and Scottish Bus Group vehicles passing through on express workings to London. The Millbrook test centre off the A421 near Bedford also produces odd workings in the area.

seen on A421 sat 2 june 07 Premier Travel on loan from MCW A543 WOB Bedford March 84 Premier Travel B246 JVA Bedford Oct 85 Premier Travel BVA 784V Bedford July 85 Premier Travel C330 PEW Bedford April 86 Alder Valley CJH 124V Leighton B June 87 Alder Valley CJH 124V LEIGHTON B JUNE 86 Premier Travel E362 NEG Bedford Sept 89 Viscount EAH 891Y Bedford Jan 90 Premier Travel FAV 564Y Bedord Oct 85 Premier Travel FAV 564Y Luton Oct 87 Premeier Travel FWH 37Y Bedford May 87 Yelloway FWH 37Y at Bedford Aug 83, it was later to become part of Premier Travels fleet and remained a Bedford regular Premier Travel G370 REG Bedford June 90 Premeir Travel JVE 373P Bedford Oct 85 Alder Valley PPM 889R Heath & Reach Sept 85 Premeir Travel RVE 653S Bedford Oct 85 Yelloway SBU 305R Bedford April 80 Western Scottish NCS 122W heads into its final few miles to Victoria at Toddington Services April 84, no Third lane ban or speed limiters in those days an a lack of traffic by todays M1 standards Premier Travel VAV 254X Bedford April 87 Premier Travel VAV 253X Bedford Aug 83 Priemer Travek VAV 256X Bedford June 87 Yelloway WDK 562T Bedford April 87 Yelloway WDK 563T Bedford Nov 86 Premier Travel WEB 407T Bedford March 84

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 Luton & District http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1322924.html Formed of the old southern UC depots and taking on London Country North West in 1990. L&D was a very varied and colorful fleet first Green then Red but later Blue/Yellow. The period to the mid ninties was an anything can happen time, and well remembered. The old depots at Luton, Dunstable, Aylesbury and Hitchin have since been closed as well as the short lived Dunstale site. With Native vehicles were joined by former MK vehicles and others that a few years earier would have been totally out of the question for an NBC fleet. For more pictures of this era please visit Mike Penns site from the lonk below. Tuesday 10 July 2007: Formed of the old southern UC depots and taking on London Country North West in 1990. L&D was a very varied and colorful fleet first Green then Red but later Blue/Yellow. The period to the mid ninties was an anything can happen time, and well remembered. The old depots at Luton, Dunstable, Aylesbury and Hitchin have since been closed as well as the short lived Dunstale site. With Native vehicles were joined by former MK vehicles and others that a few years earier would have been totally out of the question for an NBC fleet. For more pictures of this era please visit Mike Penns site from the lonk below.

189 NNH 189 Victoria July 87. one of the last Leoprds purchased, these were ex Dealer stock 100, 81 CBK on of three high floor Tiger/Paramounts new to UC in late 83 81CBK was to pass oin June 91 to a Scottish operator ; Photo Luton June 88 AJO 311R ex Red Rover/L&D seen with PK at Humnanby Yorks July 91 108 B500 TCJ Luton Oct 87, a former Cheltenham & D Tiger acquired for NX work. 170 CNH 170X the first of 16 ECW Leopards purchased by United Counties here at Dunstable in July 89 112 E662 AWJ at Castle St Luton Oct 89, 5 of these Tiger/ Plaxtons were acquired ex dealer stock for 757 London work 112 E662 AWJ in Castle st Luton Nov 89, renumbered 4032 in 97 later to a norfolk operator 112 E662 AWJ Luton, June 88, when almost new and pressed into service before the livery could be applied 4022 E882YKY Luton June 88, this batch were purchased from dealer stock for the 757 hence the reg was not local 182 JNH 182Y Luton June 88. With large L&D fleetnames on a NX livery, later passing to Eire 239 KVV 239V Bedford March 86. On the weds only X82 shoppers service 101 NBD 101Y Luton July 89. Passing to East Yorkshire a couple of years later 107 NBD 107Y Sheffield JULY 86. Withdrawn in 91 it passed to Kelvin Sottish SIB 9492 DUNSTABLE JUNE 94 240 SJO 871T Leighton AUG 88 a former Red Rover Vehicle on a market day service 159 VNH 159W was the first of the batch to go, with fire damage in April 89, but later repaired and used by a Yorkshire operator, here its at Luton June 88 160 VNH 160W, one of many Leopards that passed to Kelvin Scottish in 91, here at Luton Oct 87 633 F633 LMJ Luton April 95. The first Olympian in Blue its now with Barfordian 634 F634 LMJ Luton March 89. With original syle fleet names 637 F637 LMJ Luton Sept 91. Now numbered 5087 638 F638 LMJ Luton March 89. Another departed vehicle, again now with Barfordian 640 F640 LMJ Park Lane London July 93. Actually heads toward LUTON 642 F642 LMJ Luton July 89. Now a SOuthend Vehicle 645 G645 UPP Luton Airport Jan 94. First of the second batch, on a park'n'ride for an airport open day 646 G646 UPP Luton July 91. Heads north along Poynters road the boundary between Luton and Dunstable LR 103 F747 XCS at Luton April 95, ex A1 Bus services Ardrosson, it had opening upper deck front windows 647 G647 UPP in George St, Luton Jan 90. now 5097 652 G652 UPP Oxford April 97 652 G652 UPP Aylesbury Aug 92 655 G655 UPP Luton Jan 90 657 G657 UPP Dunstable Dec 89 when new ON41 N41 JPP Dunstable July 96 ON41 N41 JPP Luton Aug 96 On40 N46 JPP Luton Dec 00 572 MHN 572V was one of two Nationals repainted to H/S livery in 88 for use at Leighton, with drawn from service in 8/97 as 3032 423 E965 PME at Oxford April 97 as 3066 another vehicle later Southend bound 556 ERP 556T Luton Oct 90 300 F 300 MNK at Stevenage July 89. Another batch that were purchased at short notice this vehicle withdrawn in 97 went to Jersey 303 F303 MNK Hitchin July 89. Later passing to Crosville Wales 400 F400 PUR Hitchin April 90. Passing to KImes in 00 then an Irish operator 401 F401 PUR at Woburn Sept 89. This vehicle was sold on then destroyed by fire 402 F402 PUR inside Luon Bus Station Oct 90, lasting till 2005 before being used as a source of spares 403 F403 PUR Luton Nov 90, Another of the batch with Kimes Lincolnshire 404 F404 PUR at Hitchin April 90, renumbered 3074 lasted till early 2002 495 GNV 662N at Dunstable May 91, this one lasted till early 95 486 GNV 653N at Leighton Buzzard June 86. The Leopard behind is on the former Tourmaster then NX London service 410 H410 ERO at Luton March 91. On the Original Flyer route, before Parkway opened 504 KNH 504N Hitchin July 89. with branding for Hitchin - Luton services on the cove panels 565 KRP 565V Luton August 92 454 NBD 454M at Ampthill on Route 41 from Leighton Buzzard Aug 89. It was scrapped in 94

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 Bedfordshire smaller ops http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1322921.html Some of the many smaller operators in the county, School contracts are now a major revenue earner for a lot of fleets. With some unusual vehicles still around, several of the older fleets have ceased but newcomers have taken their place. Palmers and Centrebus have several stage routes around the county and beyond. Tuesday 10 July 2007: Some of the many smaller operators in the county, School contracts are now a major revenue earner for a lot of fleets. With some unusual vehicles still around, several of the older fleets have ceased but newcomers have taken their place. Palmers and Centrebus have several stage routes around the county and beyond.

Marshalls C351 DWR a former National Travel Scania/Paramount. June 87 Marshalls EWE 208V a former East Midland Vehicle at base Sept 02 Marshalls FHS 756X a former Parks B10M/ Duple Goldliner at Leighton Jan 88 Luton Airport G938 LFV Dec00 Luton Airport J42 NCP at Luton Station Jun 97 Luton Airport M832 RCP May 99 Barfordian SNV931W Bedford May 02 this vehicle spent all its 27 years based in Bedford at Marshalls Leighton Buzzard Marshalls URP 940W a former UC VR, still in a former advert livery at base Sept 02 Centrebus N432 CHL a former Stagecoach Dart operates into MK from Luton on 26Jan 09 BARFORDIAN DBJ 969Y a Bedford YNT Duple Stewartby March 07 BEDSCC MUI 4842,new as Reading L752 JRD, at Haynes June 07 Hallmark Tiger JNV 635Y on an almost deserted M1 at Toddington Litchfield Woburn KRP 621V, an old style Transit at Ampthill Oct 84 Chiltern Travel H567 HNC a former Stagecoach Dart at Depot May 08 ChilternTravel TSV 757 a short Volvo at depot May 08 Centrebus P27 MLE at Stevenage June 08 Marshall WJI 9363, MIL 8430 June 08 Palmer B125 TVU June 08 Palmer OFS 694Y at Depot June 08 First 19031 YJ07 LVX at Luton Airport Feb 09 Marshalls H12 FWM at Epsom Races June 09 Centrebus L713 JUD at Luton Feb 09

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 Stagecoach in Bedford http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1322919.html The up to date Bedford scene, Olympians, Darts and B10Ms rule on the big bus network, with mixed liveries. VT99 Virgin Rail MK - Luton contract is run by Bedford with four Volvo/Plaxton coaches, 3 for service and a spare. The X5 uses 14 coaches on a 30 minute frequency between Oxford- MK - Bedford- Cambridge, now in its own gallery. School contracts form a major part of Bedfords work with a batch of older Interurbans now as 70 seaters for these duties, 6 of the newest Olympians are in Harpur Trust Schools contract liveries, with many other Olympians also used. The Planets arrived in August 06 with buses liveried up for Mars (east Beds) Jupiter (Ampthill area) Mercury (Kettering road) Saturn (Luton road) and Venus for Cranfield. these services were later altered and liveries removed but the M J P S prefixed numbers were retained. Town routes (1-9) are all low floor with Darts and Solos (3/4/8) all these routes were split in the town in 2007/8 to improve running times, which had suffered from traffic congestion over the past few years. But none operate on a Sunday. Two other tendered routes are also run. 4 Darts are on the contracted Park and Ride service from Elstow, these are painted in Bedfordshire CC Blue and Green. A major arson attack a Biggleswade destroyed over a dozen vehicles in 2004 with a mixed bag on older vehicles arriving to take there place. All Stagecoach services into town are now worked from Bedford or the large Biggleswade Outstation. Older intake of vehicles are in the 1987-99 gallery. Tuesday 10 July 2007: The up to date Bedford scene, Olympians, Darts and B10Ms rule on the big bus network, with mixed liveries. VT99 Virgin Rail MK - Luton contract is run by Bedford with four Volvo/Plaxton coaches, 3 for service and a spare. The X5 uses 14 coaches on a 30 minute frequency between Oxford- MK - Bedford- Cambridge, now in its own gallery. School contracts form a major part of Bedfords work with a batch of older Interurbans now as 70 seaters for these duties, 6 of the newest Olympians are in Harpur Trust Schools contract liveries, with many other Olympians also used. The Planets arrived in August 06 with buses liveried up for Mars (east Beds) Jupiter (Ampthill area) Mercury (Kettering road) Saturn (Luton road) and Venus for Cranfield. these services were later altered and liveries removed but the M J P S prefixed numbers were retained. Town routes (1-9) are all low floor with Darts and Solos (3/4/8) all these routes were split in the town in 2007/8 to improve running times, which had suffered from traffic congestion over the past few years. But none operate on a Sunday. Two other tendered routes are also run. 4 Darts are on the contracted Park and Ride service from Elstow, these are painted in Bedfordshire CC Blue and Green. A major arson attack a Biggleswade destroyed over a dozen vehicles in 2004 with a mixed bag on older vehicles arriving to take there place. All Stagecoach services into town are now worked from Bedford or the large Biggleswade Outstation. Older intake of vehicles are in the 1987-99 gallery.

16674, 32550, 34427 proudly display poppies at Bedford on 26 Oct 08, most of Bedfords bus allocation were also wearing them with pride 16675 L675 HNV Bedford bound on tendered 168, in a winter rural background feb 08 20809 N809 DNE arrived from Midland Red South in late 06. UC never took Alexander/B10M buses new. Here it enters Ampthill in March 06. The same place as the shot of Leopard 151 in 1984 20813 N813 DNE in Jupiter livery is seen in Ampthill in march 07, these vehicles had replaced Olympians on Jupiter shortly before 32542 J542 GCD an early Dart from Stagecoach South that arrived in Aug 04 32582 J702 YRM a Dart that arrived from Hamapshire Bus in Oct 04, one of the groups first standard Darts 32771 M771 DRG Not the greatest shot but is included as on 13 feb 07 it appeared on the Park and Ride, which of course should be low floor. Here at Elstow with the sun setting behind the railway 33181 VX51 RBY One of 4 Dart/Alexanders used on Bedfords Park and Ride, that are owned by Beds CC. Here on town bridge May 06 34422 KV53 EYY was repainted shortly after arrival into this advert livery which it carried for about 3 years. Here it turns onto the High St Bedford Oct 06 34436 KV53 EZN enters St Pauls Sq Bedford after snowfall in Feb 07 34828 KX06 JYK one of 10 Darts that arrived in March 06 for the Bedford- Hitchin- Biggleswade triangle, here at Bedford in May 07 34834 KX56 JYS arrived in a batch of 15 in March 06, being one of ten livered for Mars routes from Bedford. Here it crossed the town bridge Bedford May 06. 40320 N320 XRP one of the once large fleet of Mercedes minibuses leaves Bedford for Lidlington in Feb 07, with a defective blind 47439 YJ56 AOO, Bedfords Optare makes a splash on Lovell Road Bedford in Jan 07, after local overnight heavy rain 52034 L159 LBW a former Oxford Tube B10M that had been relegate to training duties at Bedford 52156 L156 JNH was a Northampton vehicle when seen arriving at Bedford on an X2 in May 06. Bedford regained the route in August 06 when it became Pluto. 14482 D382 XRS had arrive from Northern in Aug 91 and was to last over 15 years with UC. Returning empty from a school duty in July 07 to Bedford Depot 14027 F627 MSL one of the first batch of Olympians to arrive, all the first batch were on scottish plates. Here towards the end of its life its at Bedford in March 06 14708 J808 WFS had arrived from Fife in 94, being a short wheelbase Olympian. Photo Bedford April 05 34444 KV53 EZZ is the last of the batch purchased in Nov 03 for Bedford Towns that replaced the Volvo B6 its seen here passing the Swan Hotel on the Embankment in May 06 16245 L245 SDY one of 3 of this batch arrived from Cumberland in Sept 04 and passing to Fife in 07, they were used on the Bedford- luton service prior to departure. Here its a Clophll in April 07 16672 L672 HNV in Pluto livery for the Northampton service leaves Bedford in Aug 06 16673 L673 HNV an early Volvo Olympian returns to Bedford garage in July 07 with short lived schoolbus vinyls. The vehicle passed to fife shortly after 16674 L674 HNV on a Marston Vale school contract that was later lost to Arriva Aylesbury, in March 06 16676 L676 HNV arrives at Bedford in May 07 from Kettering, Mercury requires 3 buses. 16679 L679 HNV on school duties at Stewartby in July 06 16680 L680 HNV in Mercury Livery leaves Bedford for a 80 minute trip to Kettering in Aug 06 16528 P528 EFL, one of a large batch of NC bodied Olympians leased for Cambus that were transferred to Bedford Crosses the town bridge, all have now left Bedford 16528 is now an Open topper on the Cambridge tour 16538 P538 EFL arrives at Bedford from Dunstable in Aug 06. this vehicle is now an open topper at Stratford 16215 R565 DRP parked at Bedford in July 04, was later transferred to Cambus but withdrawn and scrapped after accident damage. 16580 R580 JVA a former Cambus Olympian that was livered for Venus routes in 06. It later passed to Yorkshire Traction at Barnsley where it was deroofed, now an open topper. 52329 3063 VC (N129 VAO) Luton May 04. A former Cumberland Expressliner then part of the Virgin Rail fleet. It was withdrawn with corrosion a couple of years later. 16201 R701 DNH climbs Ampthill Hill in Nov 06, in its traditional livery that had been recently applied. Judging by the load its no wander half these services were later withdrawn 52332 9737 VC (N132 VAO) a former Cumberland Expressliner acquired in Sept 03 for VT99 here at Milton Keynes July 05 18409 is seen on Park and Ride Duties at Bedford 13/07/08, on specials for the river festival, away from its usual Northants base 16224 S754 DRP in Harpur Trust contract livery leaves Bedfords Park'n'Ride July 08 in use on River Festival extras on the Saturday. 16227 S757 DRP in schoolbus livery at Bedford April 07 14710 K710 ASC, with short lived front vinyls enters Bedford Garage Sept 07 52162 L162 JNH enters Bedford Garage Oct 07 40349, one of Bedfords last Mercedes arrives home Aug 08, these minis are now exclusive to Rushden via the villages route. 16225 in Shefford and District livery in the Bus Station in Aug 08 with Stagecoach East on the blind. 33182 VX51 RBZ at Elstow park'n'ride, looking like in need of a spot of weed killer on 2 July. just days before Beds CC tidied the place up for the river festival. 16245 L245SDY one of many vehicles transferred in after the Biggleswade fire of spet 04 is seen here in Saturn Livery leaving Bedford in Aug 06 for Luton, it later passed to Fife. 14710 K710 ASC long departed from the Fife fleet is seen at Bedfords P&R in July 08. 33181 VX 51 RBY one of 4 Darts on Bedfords P&R is unique with the blue skirt behind the front axle, seen here at Elstow July 08 14000, With a registration plate its had for a long time note the details on the bottom of the plate 34831 KX06 JYO Departs Lidlington for its treturn to Bedford in Aug 09, tendered route 168 can and does produce anything on it. Biggleswade outstation Feb 08, all 6 Harpur Trust Olympians were on site, 5 are shown here 52155/60 are idle at Biggleswade in the feb 09 half term. 16676 L676 HNV passes over Bromham Bridge on its last few miles towards Bedford from Northampton in Aug 09

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 Cedar Coaches of Bedford http://garyseamarks544.fotopic.net/c1316975.html Bedfords largest independant operator, has owned almost every type of rear engined decker thats about on school duties. Liveries have changed with Red and Yellow being todays standard. Many vehicles have seen service in former owners colours. Coaching has decreased over the last few years, but a small network of tendered routes are operated to the north of the town as well as the town sunday network. Several Hong Kong deckers have been purchased as well as a couple of Lions.Batches of Lothian Olympians and West Midlands Scanias have also appeared in the past few years. The operating base has now been added to with additional parking at a farm across the Bedford bypass. Monday 2 July 2007: Bedfords largest independant operator, has owned almost every type of rear engined decker thats about on school duties. Liveries have changed with Red and Yellow being todays standard. Many vehicles have seen service in former owners colours. Coaching has decreased over the last few years, but a small network of tendered routes are operated to the north of the town as well as the town sunday network. Several Hong Kong deckers have been purchased as well as a couple of Lions.Batches of Lothian Olympians and West Midlands Scanias have also appeared in the past few years. The operating base has now been added to with additional parking at a farm across the Bedford bypass.

J702 HMY a former HK and Magicbus Olympian that arrived May 08 seen here prior to entry to service at the operators base 512 AUO BEDFORD FEB 01, 1 of 2 former Green Line Tigers operated between 11.92 and 12.01 A100 RGS Bedford YNT/ Wright Contour when new. Passing in 1994 to Wright Rainham A201 OKJ BEDFORD MAY 01 A former M&D Metrobus 2, A707 YFS a former Lothian Olympian seen in May02, later withdrawn deroofed. A888 SYE Bedford May 01. One of two Titans operated, this arrived in March 2000 from London General and is now preserved a shot appears in the SHOWBUS 08 gallery AVK 181V BEDFORD MAY 99. New to Busways in came from Midland Red South in Jan 99 D102 SPP BEDFORD JULY 87. A YNT that was used as the test bed for the Venturer chassis before it was bodied DCP 972D BEDFORD SEPT 83. A Bedford J2 with Plaxton 20 seat body, passing to a northern operator about 1987 EJ2261 (right) was in the fleet of Cedars, between Jan 02 and late 07 seen here in 1996 in Hong Kong GHM 827N cedars only DMS seen here at the depot in June 86 GSL 908N BEDFORD JUNE 86. Another former Scottish Vehicle here on the Bedford Sunday Network GSL 908N VRS 152L BEDFORD JAN 85 HHT 57N BEDFORD JULY 87. New to Hale Trent cakes it arrived in 87, withdrawn deroofed in Oct 95 HOD 55 at Depot Feb 85, its still owned but has notn been roadworthy for s few years now HOD 55 the Bedford OB arrives at Showbus Woburn Sept 85 KSU 861P ENSIGNBUS FEB 86 LHE 498P BEDFORD JAN 88. An AEC Reliance that arrived from Rennies in 87 . NOY514P ex Cedars seen outside the old L&D garage in Leighton Buzzard while owned by Marshall. Photo Feb 89. NSJ 3R Former Western SMT Seddon Alexander at Bedford April 88 OSR 204R BEDFORD MAY 99 PYJ 458L BEDFORD JAN 88,Having arrived a couple of months earlier from a Lincoln area operator SCN 255S BEDFORD MAY 99. Another Busways vehicle via Circle Line in early 98 going for scrap in 05 SCN 256S BEDFORD MAY 99, arrived with similar SCN 255S, but passed to a playbus in April 05 SHE 722S WOBURN SEPT 87. The Dominator demo vehicle ex SYPTE in 87 scrapped in 92 T682 KPU One of the first Low floor deckers to arrive, in Sept 09 stands at the garage a couple of months later still looking a London Bus THE 991S BEDFORD JAN 84. A Bedford YMT Duple VET 606S STEWARTBY MARCH 93. New to WYPTE later to Strathclyde Buses VNK 480M BEDFORD JUNE 84. A YMQ/Duple that later passed to Malta WAG 363X BEDFORD JAN 02. Was New to Hull but arrived in Jan 99 from Eastbourne. WCK 215Y BEDFORD SEPT 02. New to Lancaster this Atlantean arrived via Road Car in 02. And was the last ATlantean operated WRR 396Y BEDFORD FEB 93. A Nottingham Falcon 1 of 2 operated, both of which were lost to damage this one going in late 99 WUM 106S Bedford MAY 99. from WYPTE in the fleet between 95 and 00 XTT 5X Former Tillingbourne Lance/Wadham Stringer in Bedford Feb88, later passing to a Barnsley dealer A712 YFS one of six former Lothian Olympians acquired inDec 00, most are now in allover red. G641 BPH a former London Citybus /NC outside the depot may 07. G611 BPH is also operated. H157 XYU new to Grey Green for LRT route 24 at Wootton March 07 E889 CDS at Depot May 08 H221LOM at Depot May 08 L979 MSC at Depot May 08 R59 EDW the sole Bova in the fleet, now used more on contracts than front line private hires. at depot sept 08 S333 HEB a former Beestons Scania thats Cedars newest decker H805 AHA a former Arriva Dominator, having lasted over 2 years before repaint, photo at depot Sept 08 J702 HMY a former Megabus Olympian (13606) that arrived in April 08, by Sept 08 was in fleet colours Cedars P493 PRR a long wheelbase Olympian that arrived form Nottingham, seen here in Sept 08 after repaint JSK 492, a former HK Citybus (EW 9698) and Megabus Olympian is one of three owned mostly for use on school contracts, seen here at the operators base in Sept 08 P493 FRR newly arrived at Depot June 08

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