Mad Annie's Offshoot http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/ 49 rows en-gb 60 Blackpool Buses http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1780172.html My visits to Blackpool are always primarily about the trams, but a few bus photos are usually taken. The collection starts with a few taken in St Annes, Blackpool and Fleetwood in November 2009 Friday 13 November 2009: My visits to Blackpool are always primarily about the trams, but a few bus photos are usually taken. The collection starts with a few taken in St Annes, Blackpool and Fleetwood in November 2009

Seen on Clifton Drive North in St Annes is Blackpool 330 (PF06EZN), an East LAncs bodied Alexander Dennis Trident Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16328 (N328NPN) on trunk route 68 is seen on Clifton Drive North in St Annes, 7th November 2009 Blackpool Optare Delta 133 (H23FBT) is seen on St Annes Road West, 7th November 2009 Descending West Crescent in St Annes is Blackpool East Lancs bodied Transbus Trident 326 (PN04XDK). 7th November 2009 Blackpool Optare Delta 119 (H119CHG) on Lytham Road in Blackpool, 7th November 2009 Emerging from Lytham Road onto the Promenade is Stagecoach Jonkheere bodied Volvo B10M-62 52613 (S269KHG) Blackpool ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 401 (XAU701Y) is seen on the Promenade bus service, which parallels the tram line for much of its length. Much time was spent in Fleetwood waiting for a tram tour. Blackpool East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident 336 (PN52XKJ) is seen on Bold Street The weather turned very wet in the afternoon. Blackpool 307 (PJ02PYP), an East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident is seen on Bold Street Blackpool Dennis Tridents 306 (PJ02PYO) passes 307 (PJ02PYP) on Bold Street, 7th November 2009 Another Blackpool ECW bodied Leyland Olympian seen in Fleetwood was 404 (XAU704Y) Stagecoach Optare Versa 25233 (PX08FNF) on Bold Street, Fleetwood, 7th November 2009 Blackpool East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident 309 (PJ02PYT), Bold Street, Fleetwood, 7th November 2009 Blackpool East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident 334 (PN52XKG). The Promenade Bus service appears to be shared by Olympians and Tridents! Another Blackpool Dennis Trident seen in Bold Street was 314 (PJ03TFV) Stagecoach Optare Versa 25232 (PX08FNE) on Bold Street in very poor light, 7th November 2009 Elderly ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 408 (A708DAU) turning from Bold Street into Queens Terrace, 7th November 2009 Another view of Blackpool Olympian 408 (A708DAU), this time on Pharos Street

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]]> Fri Nov 13 2009 Barnsley in the late 80s and early 90s http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1764772.html Barnsley was somewhere I visited infrequently in the early years of deregulation, and never with the primary purpose of bus watching. Just a few photos here, mainly of operators competing with Yorkshire Traction. Tuesday 6 October 2009: Barnsley was somewhere I visited infrequently in the early years of deregulation, and never with the primary purpose of bus watching. Just a few photos here, mainly of operators competing with Yorkshire Traction.

Yorkshire Traction Leyland National 228 (LWE228W) in Midland Street in 1987 SUT operated into Barnsley on service 165 from Sheffield. Leyland National 94 (HFM180N) is sene on Midland Street in May 1987 Aldhams Coaches were operating this Alexander bodied Leyland Leopard, HCS806N, on 26th May 1990 Tom Jowitt Travel Leyland National NFN78M, Midland Street, 26th MAy 1990, unfortunately with the front of the bus in shade. Shearings operated several local services in Barnsley at this time, initially using Leyland Nationals such as 98 (ARN898Y). Midland Street, 26th May 1990 Tom Jowitt was also operating this Optare bodied Mercedes Benz 811D, F793DWT. Midland Street, 26th May 1990 Another Shearings Leyland National seen on 26th May 1990 was 11 (RBU171R) Parked up in the Bus Station on 26th May 1990 was 492 (HE6762), a 1935 Leyland Tiger TS7 witth a 1950 Weymann body. Barsnley & District was formed when Yorkshire Traction bought the Tom Jowitt business in 1990. On 25th May 1991 Leyland National YWG460T is seen on Midland Street. Shearings replaced it's Leyland Nationals with Alexander (Belfast) bodied Volvo B10Ms such as 77 (H577DVM), seen in a slightly blurred state on Kendray Street on 25th May 1991 Loading on Midland Street is Shearings 80 (H580DVM), another Alexander (Belfast) bodied Volvo B10M By 1991 Aldhams had joined the Leyland National club! BSF769S is seen on Midland Street, 25th May 1991 Another Shearings Alexander (Belfast) bodied Volvo B10M was 76 (H76DVM), Midland Street, 25th May 1991 At some point in the mid 90s I took this rather grainy shot of Andrews Sheffield Omnibus 2337 (K237MAP) in the bit of Barnsley Bus Station on the other side of the railway Also in the Bus Station was Barnsley & District Leyland National VPT598R, with EDT203V behind. Completing a trio of grainy photos (not sure why these were so grainy) is Yorkshire Traction 415, a Wright bodied Dennis Dart.

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]]> Tue Oct 6 2009 Buses in Sheffield 1985 to 1999 part two http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1764353.html The second part of the Sheffield in the 80s and 90s collection covers operators which did not end up in the Traction Group, ie Chesterfield Transport, East Midland, SUT, Sheafline, West Riding etc Three more photos added on 6th October 2009 Two more photos added on 8th October 2009 Five more photos (black and white!) added on 14th October 2009 Monday 5 October 2009: The second part of the Sheffield in the 80s and 90s collection covers operators which did not end up in the Traction Group, ie Chesterfield Transport, East Midland, SUT, Sheafline, West Riding etc Three more photos added on 6th October 2009 Two more photos added on 8th October 2009 Five more photos (black and white!) added on 14th October 2009

SUT operated two Neoplans. 102 (F616CWJ) was a N416 and was the second of these, and is seen on Church Street on 29th March 1991 The first SUT Neoplan, an SL11, was 101 (E101VWA). Following an accident it was rebuilt with a Plaxton front end as seen here, in Sheafline livery,. Meadowhall Interchange, 25th July 1991 A & C Wigmores was a long established operator with a route to Dinnington via Thurcroft. A typical Wigmores bus in 1985 was Duple bus bodied Bedford YNT UKY608Y, seen on Pond Street on 9th August 1985 Sheffield and District began operations on deregulation day. Seen on the day after on Harmer Lane is Leyland National 93 (FHE401L). Much of SUT's early fleet was Leyland Nationals, such as 81 (LMB951P), seen on Commercial Street on 26th August 1988 SUT's first new vehicles were MCW Metroriders. Numerically the first of the batch was 201 (F701CWJ), Commercial Street, 26th August 1988 Perhaps not entirely suitable for a city service is SUT39 (NEL115P), a Plaxton bodied Leyland Leopard. Commercial Street, 26th August 1988 SUT 32 (UCO47L) is another Leyland National. Crystal Peaks Bus Station, 30th December 1988 A more modern Leyland National in the SUT fleet was 97 (SNS823W), Crystal Peaks, 30th December 1988 Chesterfield Transport had a presence in Sheffield for many years. Following deregulation an express service to Barnsley was introduced. Leyland Lynx 67 (F67FKW) is seen at Meadowhall on this service on 29th September 1990 By 1990 East Midland was part of Stagecoach, as is clear from this photograph of Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 338 (G338KKW) at Meadowhall, 29th September 1990 By 1990 Sheafline was a subsidiary of SYT. Leyland National 336 (TUG808R) is at Meadowhall Interchange, 29th September 1990 East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 428 (B628DWF) at Meadowhall, 29th September 1990 SUT was also bought by SYT in 1989 and amalgamated into Sheafline. 42 (HNL160N) is seen in SUT livery but without fleetnames at Meadowhall on 24th December 1990 Sheafline Leyland National 72 (VCW134L) is seen in Sheffield Interchange, 29th March 1991 Another Sheafline Leyland National seen on 29th March 1991 was 52 (CWX669T) Hulley's journeys on service 272 to Castleton were extended to Meadowhall, where 12 (MKP182W) an ex Maidstone Wadham Stringer bodied Bedford YMT was seen on 24th December 1990 Wearing Mansfield & District fleetnames is East Midland Leyland Olympian/Alexander 344 (H344SWA), Meadowhall, 25th May 1991 Chesterfield Transport Leyland Lynx 70 (F70FKW) at Meadowhall on 25th May 1991 Also at Meadowhall on 25th May 1991 was East Midland Leyland National 620 (HWJ620W), still in the pre Stagecoach livery. Yorkshire Rider Plaxton bodied Leyland Tiger 1615 (F615XWY) seen at Meadowhall on a service to Huddersfield, 25th May 1991 SUT 97 (SNS823W) again, this time in a strikingly different livery at Meadowhall, 25th July 1991 PMT Plaxton bodied Leyland Tiger 44 (E44JRF) in Sheffield Interchange, 2nd January 1993 Wigmores became Northern Bus and collected a very unusual fleet. One of the more normal vehicles was 1270 (WWY70X), a Willowbrook bodied Leyland Tiger, seen at Meadowhall on 21st June 1993 Don Valley buses 59 (D159RAK), an ex SYT Reeve Burgess bodied Dodge S56. Sheffield Interchange, 22nd June 1993 East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 53 (B53DWJ) loading in Sheffield INterchange for Wirksworth, 22nd June 1993 East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 431 (B631DWF) at Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 Service 909 operated from Hull or Grimsby to Sheffield 190 (PSU443) was seen at Sheffield Interchange on this service. I assume because of the destination that it is a Grimsby-Cleethorpes Duple bodied Leyland Tiger Yorkshire Rider 1014 (K114HUM), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10B, seen in Sheffield Interchange on 24th July 1993 Sheafline Duple bodied Leyland Tiger YPD142Y at Sheffield Interchange, having just arrived on a National Express service from Manchester West Riding Leyland Lynx 379 (J379BWU) in Sheffield Interchange in 1993 By 1993 Sheafline Leyland National 336 (TUG808R) had been renumbered 29. It is seen on Arundel Gate Yorkshire Buses Alexander bodied Volvo B10B 417 (M417UNW) in Sheffield Interchange on the X33 service to Bradford Northern Bus took to the ECW bodied Bristol VR. 3076 (XRR176S) is seen laying over in Sheffield Interchange, named Aunt Mint and wearing a special livery for routes to villages to the north west of Sheffield Northern BUs 2101 (RHT141G), seen in Sheffield Interchange on 24th July 1993 was an ECW bodied Bristol RE new to Bristol OMnibus in 1968. Aston Express Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian FGE441X on Haymarket Northern Bus ECW bodied Bristol VRT 3006 (XAK906T), named Mungo, is seen on High Street on 21st December 1994 Chesterfield Transport Leyland National 79 (VKU79S) at Crystal Peaks, 23rd December 1994 Anpther livery used by Northern Bus was a red one for Beighton Bus, as seen on 3070 (BTU370S), an ECW bodied Bristol VR, named Belladonna Wearing Chesterfield Trasnsport livery but with subsidiary Whites of Calver fleetnames is 303 (YPD133Y), a Duple bodied Leyland Tiger In another version of the Northern Bus livery is Bristol VR/ECW 3003 (ODM413V, Ant Hill Mob), Sheffield Interchange Northern Bus ECW bodied Bristol RE 2191 (GEF191N) on Harmer Lane in 1995 Less usual at this time was a Northern Bus Leyland National, such as 2287 (RKA887T), seen on Harmer Lane in 1995 Chesterfield Transport Leyland National 54 (B154DHL) laying over in Sheffield Interchange in 1995. Unfortunately there is a large scratch on the print, and the negative has yet to be rediscovered Another Bristol VR in the Northern Bus fleet was 3004 (MDM284P, Dick Dastardly), Crystal Peaks, 195 Northern BUs 3114 (KKU114W) was an Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator, new to South Yorkshire Transport In poor lighting conditions on 29th December 1995 I took this shot of Northern Bus Plaxton bodied Leyland Tiger 1278 (FAZ4478) in Sheffield Interchange on the X32 service to Leeds Also on 29th December 1995, Northern Bus ECW bodied Leyland Tiger 2205 (TPC105X) was photographed in Sheffield INterchange Laying over in Sheffield Interchange on 29th December 1995 was Northern Bus 2222 (HPY422V), a Plaxton bodied Leyland Leopard Northern Bus 3025 (URB825S - Parsley) in the Transport Interchange, 19th June 1993

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]]> Mon Oct 5 2009 Buses in Sheffield 1985 to 1999, Part one http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1763018.html Buses of operators other than SYT/Mainline in Sheffield from deregulation to 1999. This is part one, recalling the operators which were bought by the Traction Group and ultimately Stagecoach in Sheffield, as well as Yorkshire Traction itself Three photos added on 6th October 2009 Nine black & white (and a bit grainy) photos added 14th October 2009 Fourteen photos added on 26th October 2009 Friday 2 October 2009: Buses of operators other than SYT/Mainline in Sheffield from deregulation to 1999. This is part one, recalling the operators which were bought by the Traction Group and ultimately Stagecoach in Sheffield, as well as Yorkshire Traction itself Three photos added on 6th October 2009 Nine black & white (and a bit grainy) photos added 14th October 2009 Fourteen photos added on 26th October 2009

Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National 74, Pond Street, December 1999 Andrews had three ex Cleveland Transit Fleetlines, of which I only ever managed to photograph one! LDC81P is seen entering High Street carrying Andrews Sheffield Omnibus fleetnumber 1703 in 1995 Where it all began for Yorkshire Terrier: No 1 (TCY735M), a Leyland National is seen in Commercial Street on route 15, one of Terrier's first routes in the first month of operation, August 1988 Andrews operated an all Daimler/Leyland Fleetline fleet for some time. Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline LDC81P (Nick Broughton) is seen at Meadowhall Interchange on 29th September 1990 Yorkshire Terrier 41 (RKA883T), an ex Merseyside PTE machine, on Waingate, 29th March 1991 Andrews ran many ex West Midland PTE MCW bodied Fleetlines, such as SDA691S, seen on Arundel Gate, 29th March 1991 Sheffield Omnibus had a liking for Leyland Atlanteans. 604 (LJA604P) is a Northern Counties bodied example, originally Greater Manchester 7604. Pond Street, 29th March 1991 Three of Andrews' ex West Midlands MCW bodied Leyland Fleetlines catch the low sun on Pond Street, headed by NOC461R, 29th March 1991 Another Andrews Fleetline from West Midlands is NOC476R. Pond Street, 29th March 1991 Sheffield Omnibus 1071 (OYJ71R), an East Lancs bodied Leyland Atlantean originally from Brighton at Meadowhall, 21st June 1993 South Riding 12 (RFM885M) in Sheffield Interchange, 22nd June 1993 Yorkshire Terrier 50 (CBV770S) rounds Furnival Square on 22nd June 1993 The first bus bought new by Yorkshire Terrier was Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, 101 (K1YTB). Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 Yorkshire Terrier bought the coaching arm of the Silver Service group and renamed it Kingsman Travel. Leyland National 63 (JNA589N) is seen at Crystal Peaks on route X47, registered by Kingsman Travel rather than Yorkshire Terrier. Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 South Riding Leyland National 17 (SGR117R) at Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 Yorkshire Terrier bought several unusual dual purpose East Lancs bodied Scania K112CRBs from British Airways, such as 93 (D93ALX), seen on 22nd June 1993 at Crystal Peaks in the simplified yellow and green livery Yorkshire Terrier 87 (D87ALX) is another East LAncs bodied Scania K112CRB, this one in the original livery. Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 South Riding Leyland National 8 (NTC638M) laying over at Crystal Peaks, 22nd June 1993 A side view of East Lancs bodied Scania K112CRB 91 (D91ALX) in teh Yorkshire Terrier fleet. Crystal peaks, 22nd June 1993 Sheffield Omnibus 1065 (OYJ65R), an ex Brighton East Lancs bodied Leyland Atlantean laying over on Flat Street, 24th July 1993 Following the amalgamation of Andrews and Sheffield Omnibus fleetnumbers appeared on Andrews' buses. 1711 (PWE535R) is an Alexander bodied Leyland Fleetline, orignally 1535 in the South Yorkshire Transport fleet Sheffield Omnibus operated in Nottingham under the name Nottingham Omnibus for a time, using Bristol VRs. One such is Alexander bodied 1569 (VVV69S), formerly Northampton 69, seen at Meadowhall following the cessation of the Nottingham operation Sheffield Omnibus began operation with ex Preston Leyland Atlanteans, adopting Preston's livery as its own. 1132 (NCK132T) on Arundel Gate was originally Preston 132. Yorkshire Terrier Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart 107 (N107CET), Waingate In early 1992 Sheffield Omnibus bought three Alexander bodied Volvo B10M-55s, initially numbered 235-237. 235 (K235MAP) is seen at the top of Flat Strret Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National SGR117R, seen earlier in this collection as South Riding 17, at Crystal Peaks in 1995. I can't find a Terrier fleetnumber for this bus Following the purchase of Andrews by Yorkshire Traction some single deckers entered the fleet, such as Leyland National DET476V, seen at Meadowhall Interchange Catching the sun in early 1995 is Sheffield Omnibus 2273 (K273ERM), an early Volvo B6-50 with Alexander bodywork which was delivered new to Cumberland but quickly sold on to Sheffield omnibus Another Nottingham Omnibus Alexander bodied Bristol VR was 1038 (VRP38S), seen on Flat Street with a Sheffield Omnibus Atlantean behind The Sheffield Omnibus Volvo B10Ms were initially renuumbered 2235 - 2237. 2237 (K237MAP) is seen at Meadowhall Interchange Five Alexander bodied Leyland Olympians also entered the Andrews Sheffield Omnibus fleet, including 1601 (L601NOS), seen in High Street Andrews Sheffield Omnibus adopted a new livery with lighter blue. Following another renumbering Volvo B10M 2337 (K237MAP) is seen in Castle Square Sheffield Omnibus had this Leyland Atlantean rebodied by East Lancs in 1992. 2501 (IIL2501) was previously LJA645P, a Northern Counties bodied Atlantean numbered 7645 in the Greater Manchester fleet Andrews Sheffield Omnibus 2205 (M205EUS) was an Alexander bodied Volvo B6, seen in High Street Yorkshire Terrier also purchased Volvo B6s, such as 125 (M125VAK) Another ex Northampton Bristol VRT, this time in Sheffield Omnibus livery, is 1546 (CNH46T), seen in Fitzalan Square. Hopefully the fogging in the corner of the photo does not detract too much Andrews Sheffield Omnibus MCW bodied Leyland Fleetline 1702 (NOC594R) on Waingate Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Leyland National YWG462T on Waingate Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National 70 (LUA323V) on Waingate Yorkshire Terrier 110 (N110CET), a Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 1604 (L604NOS) in Castle Square Andrews Sheffield Omnibus 2501 (IIL2501), an East Lancs rebodied Leyland Atlantean, Waingate Yorkshire Terrier Alexander bodied Volvo B6 123 (M123UET) at Crystal Peaks Also at Crystal Peaks is Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National 47 (CBV777S) Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National GHB225W at Crystal Peaks. At the moment I am unable to find a fleetnumber for this bus Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 1603 (L603NOS) on Waingate, December 1999 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Volvo B6/Alexander 2272 (K272ERM) at Meadowhall, December 1999 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus 2338 (L456JCK), a Saffle bodied Volvo B10L, Angel Street, December 1999 Yorkshire Terrier Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 101 (K1YTB), Haymarket, Sheffield, December 1999 Yorkshire Terrier Leyland National 47 (CBV777S), Waingate, December 1999

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]]> Fri Oct 2 2009 A Scottish Tour, 1988 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1762997.html A holiday touring Scotland in 1988 gave me a chance to get a few photographs - spending hours spotting was not on the agenda - of varying quality, and some marred by a fault with one of the films. Inverness, Thurso and Edinburgh are the main parts of the collection Friday 2 October 2009: A holiday touring Scotland in 1988 gave me a chance to get a few photographs - spending hours spotting was not on the agenda - of varying quality, and some marred by a fault with one of the films. Inverness, Thurso and Edinburgh are the main parts of the collection

First stop was Perth. On the evening of 18th June 1988 Alexander bodied Metrobus SM7 (BLS433X) was seen on a City Service, unfortunately with an over-exposed front. Also a bit over-exposed is Strathtay SM15 (E415GES), a later Alexander bodied MCW Metrobus. Perth, 18th June 1988 Seen in Inverness Bus Station on 19th June 1988 was Highland Sciottish E275 (D275FAS), a Duple bodied Leyland Tiger in Scottish Citylink livery. In 1988 Rapsons was operating this Bristol VR, MGP226L, whose first owner was the Department of the Environment, seen here in Inverness Bus Station on 20th June 1988 Highland Alexander bodied Daimler Fleetline VRS148L is seen in Inverness on 20th June. This bus originated with Aberdeen. I am not certain of the fleetnumber of this bus - I think it is K948. Inverness Traction was operating in competition with Highland at this time, using minibuses such as 37 (D391SGS), a Freight Rover Sherpa. 20th June 1988 On 20th June Highland Alexander bodied Leyland Leopard L220 (CAS514W) was seen in Inverness, the bright light again causing problems with over-exposure An unusual choice of vehicle for a Town Service was Highland T144 (OST225S),a Duple bodied Ford R1114. 20th June 1988 Highland Leyland Fleetline/ECW D318 (SAS860T) is a more suitable bus for local services. 20th June 1988 Highland Alexander bodied Volvo Ailsa G309 (LSX9P) outside Thurso depot, 21st June 1988 A pair of Highland Alexander bodied Leyland Leopards are seen outside Thurso depot: L837 (ULS337T) and L820 (XMS420Y), 21st June 1988 Parked up outside Wick Depot on 21st June 1988 is Highland T165 (VST224V), a Duple bodied Ford R1114 Highland G304 (KSF4N), an Alexander bodied Volvo Ailsa is seen on 22nd June 1988 on a Thurso Town Service. Dunnet's Coaches operated a service from Thurso to John O'Groats: Duple bodied Bedford YLQ OSK354V is seen operating this service on 22nd June 1988 Highland J380 (C380CAS), an Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian, seen in Thurso on 22nd June 1988 Highland Alexander bodied Ford R1114 T155 (OST255S) resting outside Thurso depot, with a Newtons coach in the background and VRS140L, a former Strathtay Fleetline receiving attention Highland Olympian J380 (C380CAS) again, this time outside Thurso depot in the company of Volvo Ailsa G305 (KSF5N), 22nd June 1988 Parked up at Dounreay are Highland vehicles L837 (ULS337T), T141 (NAS141R), VRS144L and VRS142L, the latter two still in Strathtay livery. 22nd June 1988 Next opportunity for bus watching was Edinburgh on 26th June. Parked up in St Andrew Square Bus Station are Lowland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 325 (A325BSC) and Eastern Scottish LL138A (A138BSC) Also parked up were Eastern Scottish Alexander bodied Seddon Pennine 7 S620A (SSX620V) and ECW bodied Daimler Fleetline DO62 (OSG62V) Waiting for it's next journey to Aberdeen was Duple bodied Volvo B10M D447FSP belonging to an independent operator called Stagecoach - whatever happened to them? 26th June 1988 Leaving St Andrew Bus Station on 26th June 1988 was Eastern Scottish Van Hool McArdle bodied Volvo Ailsa VV23 (LWB373P), originally with South Yorkshire PTE Joining Princes Street is Eastern Scottish VV12A (LWB392P), another ex SYPTE Van Hool McArdle bodied Volvo Ailsa, 26th June 1988 On Princes Street was Lothian 631 (GSC631X), an Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean Also on Princes Street was Lothian 732 (A732YFS), an ECW bodied Leyland Olympian. 26th June 1988 Eastern Scottish Alexander bodied Leyland Lion CLL185A (D185ESC) in Citylink livery, Princes Street, 26th June 1988 Another Lothian ECW bodied Leyland Olympian is 772 (C772SFS), Princes Street, 26th June 1988 Lothian 13 (BFS13L), an Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean on Princes Street, 26th june 1988 Another Leyland Atlantean/Alexander in the Lothian fleet was 630 (GSC630X) Lothian Leyland Atlantean 661 (GSC661X) in tours livery, 26th June 1988

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]]> Fri Oct 2 2009 Mainline in Sheffield in the 1990s http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1762033.html I spent very little time in Sheffield in the 1990s, so only a small collection. Many of these images are scans of prints, so the quality is not always as good as I would wish. My notetaking left a lot to be desired as well, so some of the photos are (currently) undated. Two more photos added on 6th October 2009 Four more photos added on 8th October 2009 Three B & W photos added on 14th October 2009 Eight more photos added on 26th October 2009 Wednesday 30 September 2009: I spent very little time in Sheffield in the 1990s, so only a small collection. Many of these images are scans of prints, so the quality is not always as good as I would wish. My notetaking left a lot to be desired as well, so some of the photos are (currently) undated. Two more photos added on 6th October 2009 Four more photos added on 8th October 2009 Three B & W photos added on 14th October 2009 Eight more photos added on 26th October 2009

MCW Metrobus Mk II 1932 (B932CDT) on Waingate, 29th March 1991 In South Yorkshire's Transport livery on 25th May 1991 is 69 (KIB6110) Leyland-DAB articulated bus 2012 (C112HDT) on Flat Street in 1992 in Rotherham Mainline livery MCW Metrobus Mark II 1951 (C951LWJ) at Meadowhall Interchange on 21st June 1993 Leyland-DAB 2013 (C113HDT) at Meadiowhall Interchange with branding for route 501, 21st June 1993 Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean 1778 (JKW278W) on Pond Street, 22nd June 1993 Reeve Burgess bodied Renault S56 340 (G340NWB) at Crystal Peaks Bus Station, 22nd June 1993 One of Mainline's many Volvo B10M-55s, 712 (K712EDT) in the Transport Interchange, 24th July 1993 Leyland National 852 (NPK236R), an elderly Leyland National, Crystal Peaks, 23rd December 1994 A rather unexpected bus in service on 23rd December 1994 was Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean 287 (SWB287R). NOt ideal weather for an open topper! Dennis Dominator 2203 laying over in the Interchange Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator 2169 (NKU169X) laying over in the Transport Interchange Another Alexander bodied Volvo B10M is 723 (M723VET), seen in High Street Volvo B6-50/Plaxton 417 (M417VHE) on Waingate. Similar bus 418 (M418VHE), also on Waingate One of the long wheelbase Dennis Dominators, 2473 (D473OWE), in the Transport Interchange A later Volvo B10M/Alexander 777 (N277CKY) turning into Bank Street Plaxton bodied Volvo B6-50 413 (M413VHE) in Sheffield Transport Interchange, sometime in 1995 Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 769 (N769CKY) in Castle Square in 1995 One of the Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dominators, 2317 (A317XAK) in Caslte Square in 1995 Another Alexander bodied Volvo B10M is 776 (N776CKY) Mainline Alexander bodied Volvo B10M on Hihg Street, 19th June 1993 Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator 2448 (B448CKW) in Sheffield INterchange on 19th June 1993, wearing the rather different Doncaster Mainline livery Dennis Dominator 2431 (A431YAK) in Rotherham Mainline livery, Meadowhall Interchange, 25th July 1991 Leyland-DAB artic 2008 (C108HDT) at Meadowhall Interchange in the blue Meadowhall Express livery, 25th July 1991 Eager Beaver liveried Reeve Burgess bodied Renault S56 323 (G323NWB), Meadowhall Interchange, 25th July 1991 Roe bodied Leyland Atlantean 1750 (CWG7500V) in the brown, red and cream livery, Meadowhall Interchange, 25th July 1991 Dennis Dominator 2152 (NKU152X) at Crystal Peaks Plaxton bodied Volvo B6 423 (M423VHE) on Waingate Mainline Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 761 (N761CKY) on Angel Street with routes 81-4 branding Early deliveries in First's corporate livery were a batch of Wright bodied Volvo B6BLEs such as 465(T465JDT), seen on Pinstone Street, December 1999 Mark II MCW Metrobus 1935 (B935CDT) on High Street, December 1999 Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator 2243 (SDT243Y), High Street, December 1999 Comfort Zone liveried Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 524 (S524UAK) on Haymarket, December 1999 Volvo B10M/Alexander 757 (N757CKY) on Pinstone Street, December 1999 Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE 790 (R790WKW) in The COmfort Zone livery on Church Street, December 1999 Alexander bodied Volvo b10M 770 (N770CKY) on Angel Street, December 1999 Alexander bodied Volvo B10M-55 747 (N247CKY) is seen at Meadowhall with rather minimal X78 branding, December 1999

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]]> Wed Sep 30 2009 Other Buses in 2009 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1761612.html A collection of buses from my journeyings in 2009 which don't yield enough photos to merit collections. Three photos added 1st November Tuesday 29 September 2009: A collection of buses from my journeyings in 2009 which don't yield enough photos to merit collections. Three photos added 1st November

Eastleigh Works open day was the draw on 25th May: a shuttle bus service was operated by Friends of King Alfred Buses. POU494 ia a 1956 East Lancs bodied Leyland PD2/24. I failed to photograph the Atlantean in use that day. Blue Star East Lancs bodied Volvo B7TL 787 (HK51ZRK) in Eastleigh, 25th May 2009 Stagecoach Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 33119 (R119KRG) loading in Haslemere on a journey to Aldershot, 29th May 2009 Stagecoach Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M-55 20004 (R904XFC)at Haslemere Station, photographed from a moving Dennis Dart! 29th May 2009 Arriva The Shires 5160 (S160KNX), seen in Thame on 3rd August 2009 , is a Northern COunties bodied Volvo Olympian Arriva The Shires Optare Solo 2497 (YK57FHJ) in Thame, 3rd August 2009 Arriva The Shires Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 5438 (SN58EOK) in Thame, 3rd August 2009 Another Arriva The Shires Enviro 400 is 5440 (SN58EOO), Thame, 3rd August 2009 Thames Travel 1157 (AE57LYR), a MCV Evolution bodied MAN 14.220 in Wantage, 7th September 2009 Stagecoach Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 22941 (S941CFC) in Wantage, 7th September 2009 Stagecoach MAN 18.220?Alexander 22054 (KX53VNK) in Wantage, 7th September 2009 Whites Coaches Optare Solo GX03CCJ on the Wantage Town Service, 7th September 2009 Thames Travel's impressive looking Scania Omnicity 608 (OU08HGO) in Wantage, 7th September 2009 Another Stagecoach Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 seen in Wantage was 22915 (S915CFC) RH Buses Optare Solo 407 (MX07JNU) in Wantage and loading for Faringdon, 7th September 2009 I don't generally photograph coaches other than those on National Express work, but this was too inviting - immaculate and sitting all on it's own. Glovers of Ashbourne Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 AIG8358 at Upton House, near Banbury, 7th September 2009 Stacey's Coaches Mercedes 0814D SN05FCJ at Haltwhistle Station, 31st October Classic Coaches Optare Solo YL02FKY in the current Hadrian's Wall Bus livery at Haltwhistle, 31st October 2009. A photo of this bus in the 2008 livery is in the Others in 2008 collection Wright Bros of Nenthead is currently operating service 681 which was originally a railway replacement service to Alston. Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D VU06KEK is seen at Haltwhistle Station, 31st October

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Tue Sep 29 2009 Buses in the Scottish Borders http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1759246.html Despite living in Carlisle, I don't seem to get out into the Borders very often, so this is a small collection Thursday 24 September 2009: Despite living in Carlisle, I don't seem to get out into the Borders very often, so this is a small collection

First Plaxton Dennis Dart 40910 (N626XJM) in Also in Hawick and in Munros 469 (SK51AYD), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, Hawick, 13th September 2003 Munros of Jedburgh Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 468 (SK51AYC), Hawick, 13th September 2003. A picture of this bus in Llangollen is in my Other BUses in 2008 collection Telfords Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0709 N501AWB in Hawick, 13th September 2003 Munros of Jedburgh Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart T549HNH in Hawick, 11th September 2004 First Volvo Citybus/Alexander 31309 (G643RDS) in Selkirk, 5th August 2006 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40906 (N618XJM) in Selkirk, 5th August 2006 In September 2006 Telfords put this new Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D, YN56DZF, into service. It is seen in Newcastleton on 7th October 2006, before roller blinds were fitted. This is the only time I have photographed this bus anywhere other than Carlisle First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40903 (N615XJM) is seen in Hawick, 20th October 2007 Kielder Border Bus BX02NFR in Hawick on 20th October 2007 First 40909 (N624XJM), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, seen in Hawick, 20th October 2007 A walking expedition on 3rd April 2009 meant travelling from Melrose to Selkirk on route 72. Rather pleased when Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian 31687 (P592WSU) turned up. It is seen here in Selkirk at the end of my journey. First Wright bodied Scania L94UB 65751 (SN55JVC) in Selkirk, 3rd April 2009 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40911 (P632CGM), now in the corporate livery in Selkirk, 3rd April 2009 First 65750 (SN55JVA), a Wright bodied Scania L94UB in Melrose, 3rd April 2009 Munros T435EBD, A Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D in Melrose, 3rd April 2009

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Sep 24 2009 Sheffield, Easter 2008 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1755101.html A few more buses in Sheffield, this time from Easter 2008. Most are in and around the Transport Interchange, first on the plan for the day. I gave up before too long due to the cold (for the first time in 25 years). Falling snow can be seen on some of the photos! Monday 14 September 2009: A few more buses in Sheffield, this time from Easter 2008. Most are in and around the Transport Interchange, first on the plan for the day. I gave up before too long due to the cold (for the first time in 25 years). Falling snow can be seen on some of the photos!

First 34206 (S206LLO), a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian is seen on West Street speeding away from the CIty Hunts of Alford operate an express service from Sheffield to Skegness. Van Hool bodied Volvo 3272FH is seen on Pond Hill TM Travel Jonckheere bodied MAN 24.350 W66BBW on rail replacement work at the Transport Interchange, still carrying the fleetnumber of it's former owner Stagecoach First 60686 (T868ODT), a Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE setting out for Bakewell TM Travel Optare Solo YG52DHC in SYPTE livery, operating on the free city centre service and carrynig the name of the the oldest football club in the world Stagecoach 22563 (YN08JCJ), a recently delivered Enviro 300 bodied MAN 18.240 Veolia Optare Solo 5608 (YJ56AUN) looking a little unkempt Stagecoach 34724 (YN05YCZ) is an Alexander Dennis Dart Sheffield Community Transport Optare Solo MX04VMF, still wearing the previous version of SYPTE livery TM Travel Plaxton Centro bodied VDL SB120 YJ07JWA First 40533 (S528UAK), a Dennis Dart/Plaxton with branding for Rotherham routes 41 and 42, seen here on route 69 First 60519 (H676THL) is an elderly Volvo B10M with Alexander bodywork Another TM Travel vehicle on Rail Replacement Work was East Lancs bodied DAF DB250 YJ53VBM TM Travel Plaxton Centro bodied VDL SB120 YJ07JWU is seen departing for Castleton via Bamford Stagecoach 52630 (s670RWJ), a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 operating the express service to Chesterfield Stagecoach Enviro 300 bodied MAN 18.240 22560 (YN57MYD) Doyle's Mercedes Benz 0814D/Plaxton R183OCW setting off for Matlock Anopther of TM Travel's Plaxton Centros is YJ07JVC, this one wearing a special livery for a Park and Ride service in Sheffield. Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16480 (N130AET) on the long service to Mansfield, with plenty of snow falling Another of Stagecoach's new Enviro 300s seen was 22558 (YN57MYB), entering Flat Street from Fitzalan Square First 60513 (H670THL), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10M in Fitzalan Square Stagecoach Optare Solo 47421 (YC51GZW) in SYPTE livery, Fitzalan Square First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40686 (L224VHU) in Castle Square First 60690 (T872ODT), a Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE in Castle Square

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Mon Sep 14 2009 Other Buses in 2008 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1752362.html A miscellaneous collection of buses seen on my travels in 2008 which do not fit into any other collection: Shropshire, Chesterfield, Leighton Buzzard, Aviemore, Llangollen and others. Tuesday 8 September 2009: A miscellaneous collection of buses seen on my travels in 2008 which do not fit into any other collection: Shropshire, Chesterfield, Leighton Buzzard, Aviemore, Llangollen and others.

Stagecoach Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 52318 (T836EUB), Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Rapsons Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 617 (OIL4570), Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Rapsons 208 (W747NAS), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10BLE in Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Rapsons 208 (W747NAS), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10BLE in Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Rapsons 011 (YJ05XDF), an Optare Solo seen in Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Another view of Rapsons 011 in Aviemore, 7th June 2008 Arriva Midlands North 2279 (SN03LDV) in Ironbridge on service WH1, 14th June 2008 Another view of Arriva Midlands North Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 2279 in Ironbridge, 14th June 2008 Minsterley Motors Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 T330KDM, Craven Arms, 16th June 2008 Minsterley Motors Plaxton bodied Volvo B7RLE DX57JXS, Church Stretton, 18th June 2008 Bryn Melyn Alexander bodied Mercedes Benz 709D SIW8268, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 Bryn Melyn Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 K758SBB, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 GHA Coaches Optare Solo X319CBT, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 Bryn Melyn Optare Vecta TIL9872, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 GHA Coaches Plaxton bodied Mercedes 0811D M461UUR, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 Bryn Melyn Dennis Dart S200CBC, an ex Coakley vehicle, 20th June 2008 Arriva Wales 814 (T564JJC), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 Bryn Melyn East Lancs bodied Dennis Dominator LUI5798, Llangollen, 20th June 2008 Bryn Melyn SK51AYC, a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart still showing signs of it's previous life with Munros of Jedburgh, 20th June 2008 Arriva North West 2638 (CX07CSO), a Wright bodied VDL DE120, Liverpool, 5th July 2008 Arriva North West Wright bodied Volvo B10B 6513 (L513TKA), Liverpool, 5th July 2008, Arriva North West East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart 1165 (M165WKA), Liverpool, 5th july 2008 Stagecoach 20744 (K744DAO) in a commemorative Liverpool Corporation livery on Lime Street, Liverpool, 5th july 2008 Hadrian's Wall bus Optare Solo YL02FKY, operated by Moordale, seen at Walltown on 20th July 2008 Another shot of YL02FKY at Walltown, 20th July 2008 Metrobus Northern Coounties bodied Volvo Olympian 828 (P828SGP), East Grinstead, 9th August 2008 Metrobus 374 (Y374HMY), a Caetano bodied Dennis Dart, East Grinstead, 9th August 2008 Eastbourne Northern Counties bodied DAF SB220 132 (N26FWU), East Grinstead, 9th August 2008 Metrobus Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 310 (T310SMV), East Grinstead, 9th August 2008 Metrobus Dennis Dart/Alexander 310, Kingscote Station, 9th August 2008 Stagecoach 32090 (M102MBW), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, Petworth, 11th August 2008 Countryliner P895PWW, a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, Midhurst, 11th August 2008 Stagecoach Dennis Dart/Plaxton 32077 (M63VJO), Midhurst, 11th August 2008 Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16310 (S310CCD), Midhurst, 11th August 2008 Arriva Shires Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 5103 (G653UPP) amongst foliage in Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Red Kite Alexander bodied Olympian D382XRS, Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Arriva Shires 3157 (N28AGS), an East Lancs bodied Scania L113CRL, Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Red Kite Optare Solo MX08DFV, Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Stagecoach Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14035 (F635YRP), Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Grant Palmer Plaxton Primo YN08NLE, Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Arriva Shires East Lancs bodied Scania L113 CRL 3195 (R195RBM), Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Red Line Mercedes Benz 0814D/Plaxton R816WJA, Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Arriva Shires Mercedes Benz 0810D/Palxton 2264 (R764DUB), Leighton Buzzard, 12th August 2008 Moving People Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10B L120LRA on rail repalcement work, Preston, 4th October 2008 Redfern's K316FYG, an Optare Specta bodied DAF DB250, Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008 Stagecoach Enviro 300 22649 (YN58CFD), Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008 Stagecoach Enviro 300 22643 (YN58CEK), Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008 Stagecoach 16492 (N142AET), a Volvo Olympian with Alexander bodywork, Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008 TM Travel Optare SOlo TM52BUS, Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008 Stagecoach 33234 (S134XHE), Chesterfield, 23rd December 2008

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Tue Sep 8 2009 Poole, 1st August 2009 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1739408.html My first ever visit to Poole, and as ever less time than desired. It was one of those days: camera batteries not behaving as they should, rain and very poor light and a road layout which was not conducive to varied photography. Hence lots of photos in the Bus Station - how unimaginative, but better than nothing! Wednesday 12 August 2009: My first ever visit to Poole, and as ever less time than desired. It was one of those days: camera batteries not behaving as they should, rain and very poor light and a road layout which was not conducive to varied photography. Hence lots of photos in the Bus Station - how unimaginative, but better than nothing!

Wilts and Dorset are the major operator in Poole: Optare Solo 2661 (V661DFX) is seen at the Station in a special livery for route 1 which links the town centre, the station and the Quay. First operate the Jurassic Coast service. Although the route does not serve Poole Station, buses appear there on layover. Wright bodied Volvo B9TL 37586 HX08DHJ) is seen at the Station Wilts and Dorset 2615 (R615NFX), in standard livery, is on the Town Loop service First Volvo B9TL/Wright 37582 (HX08DHK) departing the Bus Station at the start of it's epic journey to Exeter. A day ticket at £6.00 sounds like good value Wilts and Dorset Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250 3123 (l123ELJ)in Bournemouth University Unilink livery laying over in the Bus Station Optare Solo 2615 (R615NFX) again, this time in the Bus Station Wilts and Dorset Optare Solo 2643 (T643AJT) carries a livery for a children's hospice. Wilts and Dorset's trunk route to Bournemouth operates on a very high frequency using Volvo B7RLEs and Mercedes 0530s in a Yellow Buses 183 (HF04JWD), a Wright bodied Volvo B7TL arriving at the Bus Station. A side-on view of Optare Solo 2643's livery Wilts and Dorset Optare Spectra 3124 (L124ELJ) at the alighting point in the Bus Station Wilts and Dorset Optare Solo 2667 (Y667DFX) entering the Bus Station Wilts and Dorset Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 101 (HF54HFO) at the alighting point in the Bus Station Mercedes Benz demonstrator BN09FWR was in use on route 3 to Wimborne. The only half-decent shot I got was this side-on photo of it loading in the Bus Station First Transbus Paragon bodied Volvo B12M 20540 (WX53PFJ) on a National Express service to Eastbourne. I was unable to keep the railings out of some of my shots due to the presence of a pedestrian underpass and bicycle racks between me and them! The layout of the Bus Station is such that a man in bright yellow is employed to assist reversing buses. Wilts and Dorset Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 103 (HF54HFR) demonstrates the manoeuvre, with an appropriate message on the screen Shamrock 122 (P429KSX) is an ex-Lothian Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian. A curse on those railings! Wilts and Dorset Volvo B7RLE 116 (HF54HGJ) reversing in the Bus Station, but without a Bus Reversing message on the screen Wilts and Dorset 1410 (HF09HVR), an almost new Scania N30UD with Optare Olympus bodywork in Purbreck Breezer livery Wilts and Dorset Mercedes Benz 0530 151 (HF55JYX) passing 1410 Wilts and Dorset Optare Spectra 3145 (M145KRU) approaching the Bus Station A newer Optare Spectra, 3179 (HJ02WDN), passing 1410 Yellow Buses Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 186 (SF07DYB) arriving at the Bus Station. This bus was last seen by me at the Redhill Steam Fair in 2007! Phot at Redhill is on Stephen Mitchell's fotopic site. Wilts and Dorset Optare Excel 3601 (W601PLJ) entering the Bus Station Damory liveried Optare Spectra 3171 (Y171FEZ) reversing off stand Wilts and Dorset Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 110 (HF54HFZ) at the Bus Station alighting point Yellow Buses East Lancs bodied Volvo B7TL 112 (HF04JWL) Another Damory Coaches liveried Optare Spectra 3184 (HJ52VGA) Wilts and Dorset Mercedes Benz 0530 172 (HF06FTP) Wilts and Dorset Optare Excel 3609 (X609WLJ) Yellow Buses 185 (HF04JWG), a Wright bodied Volvo B7TL arriving at the Bus Station Wilts and Dorset Mercedes 0530 174 (HF06FTU) laying over in the Bus Station A rather dark shot, but included because the screen suggests the bus is reversing, even though it is clearly emerging from the Bus Station. Wilts and Dorset Volvo B7RLE/Wright 113 (HF54HGD). I would have expected the Bus Reversing message to be linked to the gearbox in some way. Another Volvo B7RLE, 104 (HF54HFT), with the destination screen showing the right thing! Wilts and Dorset Optare Excel 3602 (W602PLJ) leaving the Bus Station Approaching the Bus Station in the offside bus lane is Wilts and Dorset Optare Solo 2640 (T640AJT) Wilts and Dorset Mercedes Benz 0530 162 (HF55JZM) Wilts and Dorset Optare Excel 3611 (HJ02WDF) in a horrible allover livery. Damory 718 (til6718) is an all Leyland Olympian dating from 1989 but looking smart. I last encountered this bus in it's Southern Vectis days in 2007. A photo is on my original website, Mad Annie's Miscellany Wilts and Dorset Optare Solo 2648 (T648AJT) First 37580 (HX08DHL), another Wright bodied Volvo B9TL nearing the end of it's journey, taken from platform 2 of the station, with more railings in the way! Wilts and Dorset Mercedes Benz 0530 172 (HF06FTP) seen frOm the station overbridge Wilts and Dorset Mercedes Benz 0530 174 (HF06FTU) on the other side of the road, also seen from the station overbridge Another view of First 37580 (HX08DHL), this time at the Station forecourt bus stop

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Wed Aug 12 2009 Other operators in Tyneside and Northumberland http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1736919.html Photos of buses and coaches from smaller operators in Tyneside and Northumberland (ie not Stagecoach, Go Ahead, Arriva and Northumbria) Thursday 6 August 2009: Photos of buses and coaches from smaller operators in Tyneside and Northumberland (ie not Stagecoach, Go Ahead, Arriva and Northumbria)

Phoenix of Blyth Mercedes Benz 0814D/Plaxton A20 OJD, Bridge Street, Blyth. This bus had only recently been re-registered. In early 2006 Royal Mail still ran Postbuses from Morpeth. MP4 (Y46TJW) is seen leaving Morpeth Bus Station Classic Coaches Marshall bodied Mercedes Benz 811D K948OEM at Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Classic Coaches Optare Solo MX04VLS, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Low Fell East Lancs bodied Volvo B10M PJI5631 on Shields Road Byker, 4th May 2006 Another view of Low Fell PJI5631, this time from the other side, 4th May 2006 Classic Coaches Alexander Dennis Dart LK55KZZ at Metro Centre, 4th May 2006 Stanley Buses Optare Solo MX53FEF at Metro Centre, 4th May 2006 Classic Coaches Optare Solo CE52UWV on Bewick Street, operating route 106, 6th June 2006 Low Fell Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart S465LGN, Four Lane Ends, 6th June 2006 Tri-Star Mini Coaches Mercedes Benz 614D SN03UBG, Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Astley Mercedes Benz 0814D/Plaxton YP52KRF, Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Howard Snaith Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D leaving Morpeth for Hexham, 4th July 2006 A-Line Optare Solo W291EYG seen on the Great North Road near Regent Centre, 4th July 2006 Wright Bros of Nenthead Volvo B10M/Van Hool Alizee UDX921 (originally N657EWJ) departing Newcastle on route 888 to Alston, 24th July 2006 Ex London Transport MCW Metrobus BYX143V was seen in Blyth in March 2006, being used as a campaign bus.

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Aug 6 2009 Northumbria Coaches 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1736903.html Northumbria coaches vehicles photographed in 2006 in various parts of Tyneside and Northumberland Thursday 6 August 2009: Northumbria coaches vehicles photographed in 2006 in various parts of Tyneside and Northumberland

Optare Metrorider R92HUA, Bridge Street, Blyth. This bus was originally with Aston Express of Sheffield. 26th January 2006 K563GSA, a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 with route branding for route 618, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 K563GSA again, pulling away from the stand at Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton K572DFS, also with route 618 branding, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006. Another view of this coach is in my Middlesbrough collection Transbus Dart 33 (NK04UTE), Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Optare Solo 23 (GP02DPV) with advertising for route 516, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Northumbria Coaches R413XFL, a Marshall bodied MAN 11.220, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Northumbria Coaches 21 (YD02RGY), an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart outside Central Station, 7th February 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 31 (VFW721) at Four Lane ends in an allover livery for Newcastle Great Park, 5th April 2006 14 (BU53AXC) is a Mercedes Benz 411CDI SPrinter, seen at Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Another Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart in Great Parks livery is 32 (W928PTS), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Another view of Dennis Dart 31 (VFW721)approaching Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Marshall Minibus 35 (P459EFL) on Shields Road, Byker operating a Shopper's service which seemed to carry no shoppers, 4th May 2006 Optare Solo 23 (GP02DPV) , Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 10 (W632RNP), Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Transbus Dart 34 (NK04UTL), Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Leyland Tiger 36 (C141SPB), originally a Berkhof bodied coach rebodied by East Lancs, Morpeth Bus Station, 4th July 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 38 (KV51KZK) at Seaton Sluice on a special service for Doors Open Days, 9th September 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 37 at Regent Centre, March 2006 (exact date unknown due to a missing notebook!) Dennis Darts 37 (KV51KZK) and 38 (KV51KZL) at Regent Centre, March 2006 Marshall bodied MAN 11.220 R413XFL in Bridge Street in Blyth, with another of the same type behind.

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Aug 6 2009 Arriva buses in Tyneside and Northumberland 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1736877.html Arriva North East buses photographed during several trips to Tyneside and Northumberland in 2006 Thursday 6 August 2009: Arriva North East buses photographed during several trips to Tyneside and Northumberland in 2006

7436, an East Lancs bodied DAF DB250, Bridge Street, Blyth, 26th January 2006 Alexander bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D, Rink Street, Blyth, 26th January 2006 Scania L113/East Lancs 275 on Union Street, Blyth, with a decorated gas holder behind, 26th January 2006 Scania N113/Northern Counties 7256, Rink Street, Blyth, 26th January 2006 Leyland Lynx driver training bus 9991, Bridge Street, Blyth, 26th January 2006 Mercedes Benz 0814D/Alexander 2646, Union Street, Blyth, 26th January 2006 Optare Metrorider 918, unfortunately partly in shadow, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 NCME bodied Scania N113 7255, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 DAF SB3000/Plaxton 1212 on the long service from Newcastle to Berwick, Morpeth bus Station, 26th January 2006 7371, a NCME bodied Volvo Olympian, Morpeth Bus Station, 26th January 2006 7251 is a Northern Counties bodied Scania N113, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Optare Metrorider 889, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Leyland Lynx 9988 used for driver training, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian 7424, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 7412, a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Scania L113/East Lancs 282, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian 7421, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 7372, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1702 turning into Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 2718, another Optare Metrorider, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 Scania L113/East Lancs 281, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 7257 is a Northern Counties bodied Scania N113, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian 7422, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 7375, a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian, Ashington Bus Station, 26th January 2006 East Lancs bodied Scania L113 274, Ashington Bus Station 26th January 2006 Leyland Lynx trainer 9988 passing Scania 282 2665, an Alexander bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D on Station Road, Wallsend, 7th February 2006 Mercedes Benz 0814D/Alexander 2673, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 7217, Four Lane ends, 5th April 2006 Volvo B10BLE/Wright 4509 at Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Dennis Dart/Plaxton 1730, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Optare Metrorider 914, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Alexander Dennis Dart 1759, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1703, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Mercedes benz 0814D/Alexander 2672, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Mercedes Benz 0814D/Alexander 2657, Bedford Street, North Shields, 5th April 2006 Noprthern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 7416, Bedford Street, North Shields, 5th April 2006 Optare Metrorider 919, NIle Street, North Shields, 5th April 2006 1983 vintage Roe bodied Leyland Olympian 7293, North Shields, 5th April 2006 MCW Metrobus 621, Percy Street, 6th June 2006 Scania N113/East Lancs 7382 approaching Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006 MCW Metrobus 624 in Percy Street on a University Contract service, 6th june 2006 Scania L113/East Lancs 282 heading for Arriva, 6th June 2006 Mercedes Benz 0814D/Alexander 2668 turning into Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006. An odd choice of bus for a service usually operated by double deckers or the Scania L113s Alexander bodied Volvo B10BLE 4521 leaving Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006 East Lancs bodied Scania N113 7386 leaving Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006 MCW Metrobus 626, Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1740, Percy Street, 6th June 2006 Scania N113/East Lancs 7392 joining Percy Street, 6th June 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1701 leaving Haymarket Bus Station, 6th June 2006

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Aug 6 2009 Go North East Buses in Tyneside and Northumberland 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1736717.html Buses from the Go-Ahead group photographed in 2006, before all the different route liveries appeared. Some of the early 2006 photos were taken using 400ASA film, and hence are a bit grainy. Wednesday 5 August 2009: Buses from the Go-Ahead group photographed in 2006, before all the different route liveries appeared. Some of the early 2006 photos were taken using 400ASA film, and hence are a bit grainy.

Go Ahead 8271, a VDL SB120/Wright on a service via the Tyne Tunnel to Sunderland. Bridge Street, Blyth Go Ahead East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident 3862, Bridge Street, Blyth Go Ahead 3890, a Plaxton bodied Dennis Trident in DFDS livery and actually operating on the DFDS bus link, 7th February 2006 Go Ahead Optare Solo 460 on Station Road, Wallsend, 7th February 2006 Optare Solo 448, on Station Road, Wallsend, 7th February 2006 Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 8241 turning into Station Road, Wallsend, 7th February 2006 Optare Solo 463 turning from High Street into Station Road in Wallsend, 7th February 2006 Optare Solo 465 heading along Station Road, Wallsend, 7th February 2006 8205, a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart at Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 8237 is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart, Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 Go Ahead Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 518, Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 Go Ahead Optare Spectra 3838, Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 Go Ahead Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 3833 at Wallsend Bus Station in DFDS livery, 7th February 2006 Go Ahead Optare Spectra 3840 on Shields Road Byker, 7th February 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB at Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 543, Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Wright bodied DAF SB120 8253, Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Similar bus 8270 is actually a VDL SB120/Wright, Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Marshall bodied Dennis Dart 8104, Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 4979, Jarrow Bus Station, 13th January 2006 VDL SB120/Wright 8256, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 538, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 5218, a Wright bodied Scania L94UB in a special livery for routes 93 and 94, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 4957, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 4926, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Dennis Dart/Plaxton 8219, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Scania L94UB/Wright 5221 at Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 in special livery for routes 93 and 94 Wright bodied Volvo B7TL 3943 in the rather loud X10 livery, Heworth Interchange, 13th January 2006 Optare Delta 4791 seen at Winlaton Bus Station in fading light, 13th January 2006 Another Optare Delta seen at Winlaton Bus Station was 4792. 13th January 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, Winlaton Bus Station, 13th January 2006 Optare Delta 4759 at Winlaton Bus Station, 13th january 2006 Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 4980, Church Way South Shields, 5th April 2006 Scania L94UB/Wright 5231 with lettering for routes X20 and X50, Keppel Street, South Shields, 5th April 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 5206 passes similar but older vehicle 4933, Keppel Street, South Shields, 5th April 2006 4864, a Plaxton bodied DAF SB220, Chapter Row, 5th April 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 5209, Chapter Row South Shelds, 5th April 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 5232, Keppel Street, South Shields, 5th April 2006 Wright bodied Scania L94UB 5205, Keppel Street South Shelds, 5th April 2006 Scania L94UB/Wright 4935 in Bedofrd Street, North Shields in Route 19 branding, but operating route 325, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 8210, Railway Terrace, North Shields, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 8202, Rudyerd Street North Shields, 5th April 2006 Ferrylink liveried Optare Solo 468, Rudyerd Street NOrth Shields, 5th April 2006 Optare Solo 469, Rudyerd Street, North Shields, 5th April 2006 DFDS liveried Dennis Trident/East Lancs 3866 parked on nile Street, North Shields, 5th April 2006 Similar bus 3867 in NOrthumberland Square (I think) North Shields, 5th April 2006 East LAncs bodied Dennis Trident 3865, Shields Road, Byker, 4th May 2006 Dennis Trident/East Lancs 3859, Shields Road Byker, 4th May 2006 Optare Spectra 3848, Shields Road Byker, 4th May 2006 Optare Spectra 3840, Shields Road Byker, 4th May 2006

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]]> Wed Aug 5 2009 Stagecoach in Newcastle Buses 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1736665.html Stagecoach vehicles in the Newcastle and South Shields areas in 2006, from several day trips to the area. Wednesday 5 August 2009: Stagecoach vehicles in the Newcastle and South Shields areas in 2006, from several day trips to the area.

First calling point on 7th February was Newcastle Central Station. Stagecoach 61008 is one of the Designline Olymbus electric buses. I find it very odd to travel in++ these buses - they are so quiet. Not expected on the Quaylink bus was Spartacus (YL02FKY), the Optare Solo liveried for the Hadrian's Wall service. At this time it was operated by Stagecoach and numbered 47025. 7th February 2006 22345 (NK55AJX), a MAN 18.220 with Alexander bodywork, Bewick Street, 7th February 2006 MAN 18.220/Alexander 22070 (NK54BFV) turning into Wallsend High Street, 7th February 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo B10B 21001 (M901DRG) turning into Station Road Wallsend, 7th February 2006. This bus spent some time in Carlisle following the floods of 2005 Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16715 (N715LTN) in Station Road, Wallsend on a route usually operated by low floor MADN 18.220s. 7th February 2006 Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 22211 (T211JND), Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 21145 (R245KRG) is an Alexander bodied Volvo B10BLE, Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 22341 (NK55AHZ) in Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M 20269 (M709KRH), Wallsend Bus Station, 7th February 2006 21101 (P601JBU), a Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10BLE near Byker Metro Station, 7th February 2006 Last shot before the battery died was Stagecoach Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32745 (L745VNL) on Shields Road Byker, 7th February 2006 On 5th April South Shields was the first port of call. Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32730 (L730VNL) is seen on Chapter Row. Laying over on Church Way is Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32793 (P793WVK). 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32769 (M769DRG) on Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Another Alexander bodied Dennis Dart is 32775 (N775RVK), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Dennis Dart/Alexander 32720 (K720PCN) outside the Post Office on Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 At the time of this visit there were not many low floor buses in South Shields. 34613 (NK04NPZ), on Keppel Street, is a Transbus Dart. 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32774 (N774RVK), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dart 32766 (M766DRG) on Chapter Row, 5th April 2006 Two Alexander bodied Volvo Olympians, 16734 (N734LTN) and 16736 (N736LTN) on Church Way, 5th April 2006 Olympian 16736 (N736LTN) alone on Church Way, 5th April 2006 Dennis Dart/Plaxton 32746 (L746VNL), Church Way, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32722 (K722PCN), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties 16332 (N332HGK) on Chapter Row, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16737 (N737LTN), Chapter Row, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20714 (K714DAO), Chapter Row, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32128 (K128SRH), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Volvo B10M/Alexander 20551 (P551ESA), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart 32794 (M387KVR), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006. The only Dart with this bodywork I saw on this day. Transbus Dart 34611 (NK04NPX) on Keppel Street, being passed by Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32767, 5th April 2006 Another Transbus Dart, 34614 (NK04NRE), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16735 (N735LTN), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32795 (M597SSB), Keppel Street, 5th April 2006 A long Metro journey took me to Four Lane Ends. Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M 20291 (M401SPY), 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 22049 (NK53KFT), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 40499 (N499RVK), an Alexander bodied Mercedes Benz 709D, Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 MAN 18.220/Alexander 22026 (NK03XJV), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 32714 (K714PCN), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32701 (J701KCU) entering Four Lane Ends Interchange, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 22345 (NK55AJX), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Alexander bodied Scania N113CRB 28908 (F908JRG), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16723 (N723LTN), Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 32752 (L752VNL) at Four Lane Ends, 5th April 2006 Scania N113/Alexander 28931 (H431EFT) emerging from Salters Road at Gosforth, 4th May 2006 Following a journey on route 3 I fetched up at Byker. Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16708 (N708LTN) is seen on Shields Road on route 22, normally a low-floor route. 4th May 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo B10BLE 21136 (R236KRG), Shields Road Byker, 4th May 2006 MAN 18.220/Alexander 22348 (NX55AKG) outside Morrisons at Byker, 4th May 2006 Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10BLE 21102 (P602JBU) turning from Shields Road, 4th May 2006 Heading the other way is similar bus 21101 (P601JBU), 4th May 2006

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]]> Wed Aug 5 2009 Greater Manchester Buses in the 1980s http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1733151.html I was a student in Salford for four years in the eighties, I didn't take many photos in those days (was it too much time spent studying or too much time spent drinking?), but enough are good enough to present a bit of a survey. These images have been scanned from the prints made at the time, hence some are not as sharp as I would like and some are a bit scratchy. Wednesday 29 July 2009: I was a student in Salford for four years in the eighties, I didn't take many photos in those days (was it too much time spent studying or too much time spent drinking?), but enough are good enough to present a bit of a survey. These images have been scanned from the prints made at the time, hence some are not as sharp as I would like and some are a bit scratchy.

1351 (VVM606L), in one of the Leigh Bus Stations, was a Metro Scania of 1973 vintage, 25th May 1983 7342 (YNA297M), a 5004 (GBU4V), one of Greater Manchester PTE's first MCW Metrobuses, at Stockport Bus Station, 4th June 1983 The pigeon was as taken by the line up as I was: one of the first GMPTE Leyland Olympians, 3006 (ANA6Y) and one of the Leyland Titans, 4014 (GNF14V) in Stockport Bus Station, 4th June 1983 The Mancunians were disappearing when I was living in the area, and for some reason I didn't photograph many. 2226 (BNA226J), seen in Oldham on 16th June 1983 was a Park Royal bodied Daimler Fleetline, and had been repainted into the brown, orange and white livery. 5197 (ABU197J) was a Roe bodied Leyland Atlantean ordered by Oldham Corporation but delivered to SELNEC in 1971. Oldham, 16th June 1983 2335 (MLH462L) was an ex London transport Daimler Fleetline and was part of the Lancashire United fleet prior to GMPTE taking the operator over. It is leaving Victoria Bus Station sometime in 1984 Another batch of odd buses was the 25 ECW bodied Bristol VRTs ordered by North Western. 1408 (AJA408L) is seen at Victoria Station in 1984 1446 (NNA134W) was a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Ailsa MkII. Leigh, 9th June 1986 8427 (SND427X) was a standard NCME bodied Atlantean from 1981. It is seen in Rochdale Bus Station on 9th June 1986, heading for the lovely sounding Also screened for Peppermint Bridge was NCME bodied Dennis Dominator 2003 (B903TVR), 9th June 1986 Some of the Leyland Olympians were reliveried for Express services such as 400, the Trans-Lancs Express. 3079 (B79RJA) is seen in Bury Interchange, 11th June 1986 Another express liveried Olympian was 3127 (B127WNB), also seen in Bury. 11th June 1986 Next in the sequence was 3128 (B128WNB), in standard livery, Bury, 11th June 1986 1697 (TWH697T) was a bit odd! It started out as Lancashire United 522, a Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline. It became GMPTE 6938 and was rebuilt to single deck format following an accident. Another view of 1697 (TWH697T), Bury Interchange, 11th June 1986 Standard Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline 7274 (YNA274M) in Oldham, 11th June 1986 Park Royal bodied Fleetline 7201 (XJA551L), also in Oldham, 11th June 1986 20 Dennis Dominos with Northern Counties bodywork were received in 1985-6 for the Centreline route in Manchester. One of these, 1769 (C769YBA), is seen in Piccadilly, 14th June 1986 Standard Leyland Atlantean 7754 (SRJ754R) in Piccadilly Bus Station, 14th June 1986 Leyland Titan 4013 (GNF13V) in Stockport Bus Station, 14th June 1986 Plaxton bodied Leyland Leopard 435 (LTE486P) was numerically the first bus delivered to Lancashire United following the GMPTE takeover. 17th June 1986 Dennis Domino 1761 (C761YBA), Cateaton Street, 17th June 1986 MCW Metrobus 5004 (GBU4V) in Altrincham Bus Station, 18th June 1986 Plaxton bodied Leyland Leopard 457 (MTE25R) in Altrincham Bus Station, 18th June 1986 Standard NCME bodied Atlantean 8545 (ANA545Y) in Eccles, 18th June 1986 One of the early Park Royal bodied Leyland National 215 (NEN961R) in Eccles, heading for Altrincham on route 247, 18th June 1986 7059 (VNB159L), a Park Royal bodied Leyland Atlantean in Eccles, 18th June 1986 Dennis Domino 1769 (C769YBA) in Manchester's financial district, 19th June 1986 NCME bodied Atlantean 8276 (FVR276V) heading towards Cateaton Street on 19th June 1986 Another standard NCME bodied Atlantean 8648 (ANA648Y), 19th June 1986 Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline 7476 (LJA476P) turning into Cannon Street, 19th June 1986 Northern Counties bodied Leyland Atlantean 8279 (FVR279V) passing Salford University, 20th June 1986

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]]> Wed Jul 29 2009 Middlesbrough, July 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1733106.html A couple of hours in Middlesbrough in July 2006. Lots of Arriva, a bit of Stagecoach and some other stuff. Wednesday 29 July 2009: A couple of hours in Middlesbrough in July 2006. Lots of Arriva, a bit of Stagecoach and some other stuff.

Arriva 3003 (M303SAJ), an Optare Prisma on a Mercedes Benz 0405 chassis. Optare products of this period were a Teesside speciality. Wilson Street, 24th July 2006 Arriva 1506 (K506BHN) is an example of the MAN 11.190 based Optare Vecta, Wilson Street, 24th july 2006 Stagecoach 21039 (M39PVN), a Plaxton Verde bodied Volvo B10B which was a bit too fast for my camera! Linthorpe Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Plaxton bodied DAF SB220 4039 (R439RPY) turning from Linthorpe Road into Borough Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Prisma 3016 (N516XVN), Linthorpe Road, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach Plaxton bodied Volvo B10B 21035 (L35HHN), Linthorpe Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1555 (M504AJC) with some very interesting panelling, 24th July 2006 Arriva Ikarus bodied DAF SB220 4074 (T74AUA), Borough Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Metrorider 2621 (P621FHN), 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1527 (L527FHN) turning from Albert Road into Grange Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1542 (L542FHN) turning into Grange Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1530 (L530FHN), Albert Road, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M-55 20249 (M549SPY), Albert Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1757 (W759SBR), Albert Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1507 (K507BHN), Albert Road, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach 22063 (NK54BFJ), an Alexander bodied MAN 18.220, ALbert Road, 24th July 2006 Arriva North East Optare Prisma 3009 (N809XHN), Wilson Street, 24th July 2006 Arriva North East DAF DB250/East Lancs 7443 (Y693EBR) approaching the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva DAF SB120/Wright 1907 (W309PPT), Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Northumbria Coaches Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 K572DFS on Newport Road. Another view of this coach is in my Northumbria Coaches collection, where it has route 618 branding Arriva Optare Vecta 1510 (K510BHN) leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Go Ahead Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 7085 (Y785MFT) on National Express work, Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Prisma 3018 (N518XVN) leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva 4058 (S358KHN), a Plaxton bodied DAF SB220 leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva Ikarus bodied DAF SB220 4076 (T76AUA) leaving the Bus Station for Whitby, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Metrorider 2618 (P618FHN) eaving the Bus Station for an interstingly named destination, 24th July 2006 Arriva Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1718 (V718DNL), Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach 20243 (M543SPY), a Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M-55 leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Vecta 1537 (L537FHN), Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach 22656 (T656OEF), an Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 at the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 1719 (V719DNL), Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva Optare Prisma 3026 (L100SBS) leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Stagecoach 22669 (V669DDC), an Alexander bodied MAN 18.220 leaving the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva North East Wright bodied DAF SB120 1905 (W307PPT), Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Leven Valley Optare Solo 8 (T888EXG) in the Bus Station, 24th July 2006 Arriva North East 7428 (M692HPF), a surprising bus to find on the X1 which by this time had a fleet of dedicated Scanias. I had a fine ride on this bus as far as Durham

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]]> Wed Jul 29 2009 West Yorkshire November 2007 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1733036.html The 2007 expedition to Huddersfield for the Contemporary Music Festival yielded fewer photos due to the concert scheduling and truly awful weather. Nevertheless, an intersting selection of buses did make it onto the SD card and into this collection Wednesday 29 July 2009: The 2007 expedition to Huddersfield for the Contemporary Music Festival yielded fewer photos due to the concert scheduling and truly awful weather. Nevertheless, an intersting selection of buses did make it onto the SD card and into this collection

Laying over in Huddersfield Bus Station was First 30377 (G698PNS), an Alexander bodied Volvo Citybus, 19th November 2007 First 68663 (YK06DNO), a BMC Condor is school bus yellow, also in Huddersfield Bus Station, 20th November 2007 Loonat Coaches Optare Solo MX53FDE turning from John William Street into Westgate in Huddersfield, 20th November 2007 Stagecoach East Lancs bodied DAF SB220 26112 (X212HHE), Kirkgate, huddersfield, 20th November 2007 First 30731 (J130YRM), a Northern counties bodied Leyland Olympian on Kirkgate, 20th November 2007 K-Line 6 (YJ06LFO) is a Wright bodied VDL SB120, Kirkgate, Huddersfield, 20th November 2007 First Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 30825 (R645HYG) catching the sun on Peel Street, Huddersfield, 21st November 2007 First Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 31152 (L28GAN), also on Peel Street Huddersfield, 21st November 2007 First 66805 (MX05CCU), based in Oldham, is a Wright bodied Volvo B7L and is on the long haul to Manchester, 21st November 2007 Stotts Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 709D N266JUG in Peel Street on one of the minibus operated routes in Huddersfield which seemed to change operators regularly. K-Line 17 (YJ03PDY) is a DAF SB200/Wright seen on Market Street Huddersfield, 21st November 2007 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40669 (R332HYG), seen on High Street, Huddersfield is in Metro livery for a local service in Elland First Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 32508 (YJ54XTV) turning from the Inner Ring Road into Manchester Road on it's way to take up a school journey, 21st November 2007 First 66652 (M967GDU) is a Plaxton Verde bodied Volvo B10B, in use as a driver training vehicle on Ashes Lane, 27th November 2007 Arriva Yorkshire East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian 515 (M698HPF) on Westgate, 22nd November 2007 Arriva DAF SB220 464 (S464GUB) and First Olympian 30817 (R637HYG) on Market Street Huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 First 60792 (L125PWR), an Alexander Strider bodied Volvo B10B, Westgate, Huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 K-Line 24 (YJ04HUP), a Wright bodied DAF SB200, High Street, Huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 K-Line 25 (YJ55WTD), a VDL SB200, High Street, Huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40963 (N213WRO) waiting at lights on High Street, huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 First Alexander bodied Scania N113 61131 (L653PWR) on driver training duty, High Street, Huddersfield, 22nd November 2007 First Alexander bodied Volvo Citybus 31284 (G303OGE) on Ashes Lane, Huddersfield, 23rd November 2007 The annual trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park yielded Tyne Valley YSU919, a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 in the coach parking area, partly in the shadow of other vehicles. A picture of this coach on home ground is in Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photos site (link on my front page!) Dewhirst of Bradford East Lancs bodied VDL DB250 YJ04HSD at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 23rd November 2007 Dewhirst EOS E180Z W188CDN at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 23rd November 2007 I couldn't resist this: Dewhirst W188CDN and YJ04HSD seen through a Henry Moore sculpture at YSP, 23rd November 2007 A closer view of Dewhirst W188CDN and YJ04HSD through the sculpture, 23rd November 2007 First 31297 (G527RDS), an Alexander bodied Volvo Citybus operating the University Shuttle service on Queensgate Huddersfield, 25th November 2007 First Wright bodied Volvo B10BLA 10032 (V115LVH) on Park Row, Leeds, 28th November 2007 First Volvo Olympians 30796 (R916JUB) and 31765 (R926WOE) with different styles of Alexander bodywork at Headingley, 28th November 2007 First Olympian/Alexander 31765 (R926WOE) wearing Unilink livery, Headingley, 28th November 2007 A bit blurred, but it is First 64808 (P818AWT), an ex Black Prince East Lancs bodied Scania L113CRL. Headingley, 28th November 2007 First Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 30838 (S658FWY) at Headingley, 28th November 2007 First Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 40630 (M261VWW) in North Lane, Headingley, 28th November 2007 First Dennis Dart/Alexander 40613 (M241VWW), Headingley, 28th November 2007 First 30936 (X357VWT), an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL, Leeds, 28th November 2007 First Alexander bodied Volvo B7Tl 31146 (YU52VYY) crossing The Headrow, Leeds, 28th November 2007 First 37117 (YK07AYS), a Wright bodied Volvo B9TL crossing The Headrow, Leeds, en route for Yellow Line, 28th November 2007 Another First Volvo B9TL in the same place and also heading for Yellow Line is 37112 (YK07AYL), 28th November 2007 And a third Volvo B9TL/Wright in the same place in Leeds is 37116 (YK07AYP), this time going to Green Line! First Dennis Dart/Plaxton 40873 (S14AGR), Westgate, Huddersfield, 30th November 2007 Arriva Yorkshire 1607 (YJ06WMG), an East Lancs bodied VDL DB250 on John William Street Huddersfield, 30th November 2007 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 42460 (R460CCV), Westgate Huddersfield, 30th November 2007 First Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian 30671 (F175XYG) laying over in Halifax Bus Station, 30th November 2007 Halifax Joint Committee Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 34 (F234YTJ), Halifax Bus Station, 30th November 2007 Halifax Joint Committee 53 (G503VYE), an early Duple bodied Dennis Dart, Market Street, Halifax, 30th November 2007 T J Walsh TJ15 (B15TJW), an Alexander bodied Mercedes Benz 709D on Market Street Halifax, 30th November 2007 Halifax Joint Committee Wright bodied Dennis Dart 67 (J607KCU) departing Halifax Bus Station, 30th November 2007 First Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian 30660 (F164XYG), Market Street Halifax,30th november 2007 Halifax Joint Committee 95 (K995CBO), a Wright bodied Dennis Dart on Market Street Halifax, 30th November 2007

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]]> Wed Jul 29 2009 Worksop, 23rd December 2008 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1730128.html A brief visit to Worksop in December 2008. The road layout had changed considerably since my last visit, so I just stayed on Hardy Street and Newcastle Avenue. Lots of Stagecoach here, but not all is corporate. Thursday 23 July 2009: A brief visit to Worksop in December 2008. The road layout had changed considerably since my last visit, so I just stayed on Hardy Street and Newcastle Avenue. Lots of Stagecoach here, but not all is corporate.

Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 36006 (FJ08VPY) in Hardy Street in a distinctly non-standard livery promoting the Busabouttown (it apppears to be all one word in the publicity) network Although route 77 to Chesterfield is supposed to be operated by Tridents, my journey to Worksop was on Alexander bodied Olympian 16455 (P151KWJ) Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 27594 (FJ08VRC) looking decidedly green, Hardy Street Stagecoach Enviro 200 36003 (FJ07OJW) in a promotional livery for the X30 service to Robin Hood Airport Another view of Stagecoach 36003 (FJ07OJW) Transbus Trident 18124 (YN04KGJ) is one of the buses with branding for route 77 to Chesterfield Stagecoach 36006 (FJ08VPY) again, this time on Newcastle Avenue Similar busabouttown liveried Enviro 200 36007 (FJ08FZZ), also on Newcastle Avenue Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20414 (M414RRN) on Hardy Street Stagecoach 16735 (N735LTN) is an Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian, Hardy Street Stagecoach 36009 (FJ08FZY) is another busabouttown liveried Enviro 200 Transbus Trident 18125 (YN04KGK) is another with route 77 branding Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16465 (S165RET) is in Hardy Street waiting to take up a journey to Retford Stagecoach Volvo B10M/Alexander 20413 (M413RRN) on Hardy Street, having just arrived from Nottingham Stagecoach optare Excel 35011 (YN51VHW) with route branding for service 19 to Rotherham Veolia Leyland Olympian/Alexander J769CEV was originally Dublin Bus RH117 Optare excel 35015 (YN51VJA) on a local service Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 34006 (P26HMF) departs for a rest in the adjacent depot after arriving from Rotherham on a service generally operated by Optare Excels. One of the Excels, 35015, is behind. Stagecoach 34005 (P25HMF), an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart loading on Hardy Street Stagecoach 36065 (FX58CUY) is another Alexander Dennis Enviro 200. It is seen on Newcastle Avenue Veolia Volvo Olympian/Alexander P474MBY on Hardy Street, this bus being ex Metroline Stagecoach Alexander bodied Dennis Dart 34006 (P26HMF)again, now loading on the Rotherham service Transbus Trident 18035 (MX53FLR) seen loading on Hardy Street

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]]> Thu Jul 23 2009 Huddersfield, November 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1727730.html Buses in Huddersfield, November 2006. Fewer than there should have been, as I managed to delete the first five days' worth! The usual mix of First, Stagecoach, Arriva, K-Line et al. More shots from Huddersfield 2006 on Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photos site Saturday 18 July 2009: Buses in Huddersfield, November 2006. Fewer than there should have been, as I managed to delete the first five days' worth! The usual mix of First, Stagecoach, Arriva, K-Line et al. More shots from Huddersfield 2006 on Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photos site

First 30731 (J130YRM), a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian, Kirkgate, 23rd November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire VDL DB250/East Lancs 1611 (YJ06WWX), one of a batch purchased for an upgrade of routes 202 and 203 to Leeds, Westgate, 23rd November 2006 Paul's Travel BMC Falcon BU05 EHB wwaiting at the lights on St George's Square, with First 30824 behind, 23rd November 2006 Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 31151 (L27GAN) in poor light on Ashes Lane, runing empty after a Honley High School service, with Castle Hill behind. 24th August 2006 First Leyland Olympian/NCME 31739 (H138FLX) at the same place on Ashes Lane, 24th November 2006 Stagecoach Optare Solo 47299 (YJ55BLK) climbing High Lane towards Ashes Lane, 24th November 2006 First Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 66787 (YK05FOV) on Market Street, 24th November 2006 Paul's BMC Falcon BU05EHB again, Market Street, 24th November 2006 K-Line DAF SB200/Wright 17 (YJ03PDY), Market Street, 24th November 2006 First 66749 (YJ54XWA), another Volvo B7RLE, Market Street, 24th November 2006 First Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL 30894 (X749VUA) at the top of Kirkgate on the evening of 24th November 2006. The railings around this junction are very handy for resting a camera on for long exposures. First 30843 (T663VWU), an Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian, Kirkgate, 24th November 2006 Stagecoach East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE 31954 (V504EFR) waiting for the lights at the Bus Station exit, 25th November 2006 Stagecoach NCME bodied Dennis Dart 32928 (N432CHL), still in Yorkshire Traction livery and carrying it's old fleetnumber, High Street, 25th November 2006 Stagecoach Optare Solo 47299 (YJ55BLK) descending High Street, 25th November 2006 First Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 66738 (YJ54XVM) on Westgate, 25th November 2006 Stagecoach DAF SB220/East Lancs 26115 (X215HHE), Kirkgate, 25th November 2006 Stagecoach Volvo B6BLE 31956 (V506EFR), still in Tracky livery, Westgate, 25th November 2006 First 40622 (M253VWW), an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart, Westgate, 25th November 2006 Stagecoach 26112 (212HHE), another DAF SB220s, Kirkgate, 25th November 2006 K-Line 30 (BX55NZU) a BMC Falcon (not a DAF!), John William Street, 25th November 2006 First NCME bodied Leyland Olympian 30734 (H131FLX), Westgate, 25th November 2006 K-Line Dennis Dart/UVG R552 UOT (not a DAF!) turning from Market Street into Westgate, 25th November 2006 First 66863 (MX05CJF), a Volvo B7RLE/Wright at the top of High Street, is a First MAnchester vehicle Stagecoach Volvo B6BLE 31957 (V507EFR) is another still in Tracky livery First 30820 (R640HYG), an Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian, High Street, 26th November 2006 First Volvo B7RLE 66767 (YJ05VVK) on High Street, route branded for 350/1/2 but actually on the 327, 26th November 2006 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 40603 (M211VWW), High Street, 26th NOvember 2006 First Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 66753 (YJ05KOH), Westgate, 27th November 2006 First 31740 (H143FLX), a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian turning from Ashes Lane into Longley Lane, 28th November 2006 First Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 31151 (L27GAN), also turning frm Ashes Lane into Longley Lane, 28th November 206 First 30753 (L888YTT), a Northern Counties Palatine bodied Volvo Olympian, turning from Ashes Lane into Longley Lane on the gloomy morning of 28th November 2006 Seen descending Longley Lane on 29th November 2006 is Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 31150 (L24GAN) First Dennis Lance/Plaxton Verde 60957 (M419VWW), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 K-Line R11 WAL, an Ikarus bodied DAF SB220 (with no DAF badge!), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 Arriva 811 (L811NNW), an Alexander bodeied Dennis Lance, John William Street, 29th November 2006 First Alexander bodied Volvo B10B 60773 (K106HUM), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 Stagecoach NCME bodied Volvo Olympian 16875 (P919RYO), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 First 31151 (L27GAN), an Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian, Westgate, 29th November 2006 First 37054 (YJ06XME), a Bradford based Volvo B7Tl/Wright Gemini, Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 60937 (R725HHK), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 Stagecoach 32198 (K9YTB), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart in Tracky livery, originated with Yorkshire Terrier in Sheffield. Stagecoach 28758 (K278EWA), disguised as Tracky 278, is a Wright bodied Scania K93. Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 Another bus still in Tracky livery is Volvo Olympian 16874 (P915RYO - 614 in Tracky money) Paul's Travel Optare Solo X791 NWX, John William Street, 29th November 2006 First Plaxton bodied Dennis Lance 60978 (M440VWW), Kirkgate, 29th November 2006 First Dennis Lance 60967 (M429VWW), Westgate, 29th November 2006 K-Line Optare Solo MX04 VMG turning from Market Street into Westgate, 29th November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire 503 (N803TPK) is an East Lancs bodied Dennis Arrow. Market Street, 29th November 2006 First Dennis Lance 60960 (M422VWW), Market Street, 239th November 2006

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Sat Jul 18 2009 South Yorkshire Transport in the 1980s http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1727047.html A selection of buses operated by South Yorkshire Transport in the 1980s, almost all in Sheffield City Centre. SYT was noted for odd buses and strange bodywork back then. Friday 17 July 2009: A selection of buses operated by South Yorkshire Transport in the 1980s, almost all in Sheffield City Centre. SYT was noted for odd buses and strange bodywork back then.

Daimler Fleetline/Park Royal 683 (HWJ683J) on London Road, 29th June 1983. This was my favourite style of bodywork, although it looked better in Sheffield Transport livery. ECW bodied Daimler Fleetline 826 (GWA826N), also on London Road, 29th June 1983. This was an odd bodywork style, far removed from ECW's standard style On a foul day in December 1983, Roe bodied Atlantean 1748 (CWG748V) is seen in the Central Bus Station. Also in the Central Bus Station on 21st December 1983 is 2316 (A316XAK), one of 10 Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dominators which had only entered service the previous month Daimler Fleetline/Alexander 252 (NWA252K) of 1972 entering West Street, 25th April 1984 At the same place, but turning from Leopold Street into Church Street is Daimler Fleetline 1502 (OKW502R) with MCW bodywork built to the London Transport DMS design without the enclosed engine compartment. 25th April 1984 In typical South Yorkshire Transport style, the 62 Volvo Ailsas delivered in 1976-7 had radically different bodywork by Van Hool McArdle rather than any of the British builders. What a noise these buses made! 380 (LWB380P) is seen on Pond Street, 25th April 1984 Leyland Atlantean 311 (UWA311L) on Commercial Street, 25th April 1984, one of 14 dating from 1973 with East Lancs bodywork One of the 1979 Roe bodied Atlanteans was repainted in Sheffield Transport livery. 1737 (DWJ563V) is seen in the Bus Station on 5th August 1985 East Lancs bodied Leyland Atlantean 323 (NAK323R), one of a pair originally ordered by Fishwicks but delivered to South Yorkshire Transport. 5th August 1985 The majority of SYT's Dennis Doiminators had Alexander bodywork, but four early ones had East Lancs bodywork. 523 (FHL323V) is one of these, ordered by Blue Line (S Morgan) but delivered to SYT after they bought Blue Line out Volvo Ailsa 392 (LWB392P) approaching Central Bus Station, 5th August 1985 In 1985 SYT bought 14 Optare bodied Dennis Dominos for Nipper routes in Sheffield and Rotherham. The first into service was 45 (B45FET), seen on 6th August 1985 at the top of Church Street, with Atlantean 1737 in the background 2282 (UWJ282Y) is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator, also about to turn into Church Street, 6th August 1985 MCW Metrobus 495 (JWF495W) entering West Street on 6th August 1983 Another odd choice of bodywork was Marshall, as seen here on 1827 (JKW327W), one of a batch of 30 Atlanteans from 1981. 6th August 1985 An older style of Alexander bodywork is seen on Leyland Atlantean 286 (SWB286L) on Sheaf Street, 6th August 1985 SYT was seemingly allergic to the Leyland Olympian. Only two were purchased, diverted from and built to West Yorkshire PTE, hence the non-standard destination layout. Both 501 and 502 were sold relatively quickly to Chesterfield, and no more Olympians appeared until Mainline fell into the hands of First. 502 (TWF202Y) is seen on Sheaf Street, 6th August 1985 One of a batch of Leyland Nationals which were received in NBC green is 1060 (AKU160T), seen on Sheaf Street, 6th August 1985 2318 (A318XAK), seen on Harmer Lane, is a Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dominator MCW Metrobus Mk II 1945 (B945FET) on Harmer Lane in Fastline livery, 6th August 1985 Dennis Dominator 2358 (B358CDT) looks like a standard Alexander bodied example, but is actually an East Lancs body built to the Alexander design. Two Alexander bodied Dennis Dominators on Harmer Lane are 2271 (SDT271Y) and 2126 (KKU126W) A different view of Dominator 2129 (MWB849W), 9th August 1985 MCW bodied Daimler Fleetline 1510 (OKW510R), Furnival Square, 9th August 1985 Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean 1715 (CWG715V) turning into Charles Street, 9th August 1985 Another Leyland Atlantean/Alexander, 1705 (CWG705V), on Pond Street, 9th August 1985 Another of the Leyland Nationals diverted from NBC, 1062 (AKU162T), turning into the Central Bus Station, 9th August 1985 In the revised Fastline livery introduced for express services is Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2484 (D484OWE) Reeve Burgess bodied Dodge S56 169 (D169RAK) on Commercial Street in Little Nipper livery, 26th August 1988 Dennis Domino 45 (B45FET) again, this time in Little Nipper livery, Commercial Street, 26th August 1988 Dodge S56/Reeve Burgess 172 (E172UWF) at Crystal Peaks Bus Station, 30th December 1988 Wearing a revised SYT livery, with lots of red, is Leyland National 1061 (AKU161T), Crystal Peaks, 30th December 1988 Another Dodge S56 at Crystal Peaks on 30th December 1988 was 155 (D155RAK) Towards the end of the decade SYT bought a large batch of Alexander bodied Volvo B10Ms. In Sheffield Mainline livery, 634 (G634NWA) is seen at Meadowhall Interchange, 24th December 1990 SYT's second try at operating articulated buses involved 13 Leyland-DAB buses. 2010 (C110HDT) is seen on an overall livery for the Meadowhall Express services, in this case from Rotherham Almost at the end of the decade, Dennis Dominator 2426 (A426YAK) is seen in Rotherham Bus Station in the then current Rotherham Mainline livery

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]]> Fri Jul 17 2009 Sheffield, September 2007 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1726653.html A brief visit to Sheffield in September 2007 - only 17 shots in this collection, as photographing buses was not a priority for me this time. More new Stagecoach buses and some MASS school buses this time Thursday 16 July 2009: A brief visit to Sheffield in September 2007 - only 17 shots in this collection, as photographing buses was not a priority for me this time. More new Stagecoach buses and some MASS school buses this time

Dunn-Line had become part of Veolia by this time. Operating SYPTE sponsored service A1 and in SYPTEs latest livery is Optare Solo YJ56YPV. Commercial Street, 21st September 2007 First NCME bodied Volvo Olympian 34206 (S206LLO) on Haymarket. A curse on modern destination screens! 21st September 2007 MASS operated lots of school services in Sheffield at this time. A typical MASS bus is ex London Transport Leyland Titan CUL186V with route details in the window. It is seen on Commercial Street en route for the afternoon school journeys Stagecoach's latest additions were a batch of MAN 18.240s with Alexander bodywork. 22443 (YN07KSF), with branding for route 83, is seen on Snig Hill. These buses had destination screens which often gave black when photographed, despite functioning properly First 31131 (YU52VYG), an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL, loading on Angel Street, 21st September 2007 Another of Stagecoach's new MAN 18.240s is 22433 (YN07KRF), this one with route 88 branding and destination clearly visible to the camera. First Wright bodied Volvo B10B 60626 (R789WKW) loading on Church Street, 21st September 2007 First 31796 (YN53EFP), a Wright bodied Volvo B7TL at the bottom of West Street, 21st September 2007 At the same place is Stagecoach East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33246 (T146JKY), still in Yorkshire Terrier livery At the top of Townhead Street is Stagecoach 22430 (YN07KPZ), another of the new MAN 18.240s, this time with no route branding. 21st September 2007 First Volvo B6/Plaxton 40451 (M412VHE)also at the top of Townhead Street, 21st September 2007 Not a common chassis in Sheffield is the Scania L113CRL. First 60764 (P429GLS), with Wright bodywork, is seen at the foot of West Street, 21st September 2007 Heading up West Street is Volvo B7L/Wright Eclipse 60739 (MV02vdn)on one of the rare journeys on route 51 to Wyming Brook MASS CUL163V is an ex London Transport Leyland Titan, seen on West Street after completion of school duties, 21st September 2007 Stagecoach 22422 (YN07KPO) on West Street, 21st September 2007, is another bus with destination screen working (it is on route 123) but not registering on the camera Another MASS bus on West Street is Dennis Dart/Plaxton P877PWW Unexpected on route 51 (which had route branded Volvo B10Bs at this time) was Volvo B6/Plaxton 40454 (M415VHE)

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Jul 16 2009 West Yorkshire 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1726612.html The 2006 trip to West Yorkshire includes a few shots in Wakefield and Heptonstall and lots in Castleford and Pontefract. The Huddersfield shots will be in a separate collection. More photos added on 20th July 2009 More 2006 shots of buses in West Yorkshire are on my par tner Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photographs (link on front page) Thursday 16 July 2009: The 2006 trip to West Yorkshire includes a few shots in Wakefield and Heptonstall and lots in Castleford and Pontefract. The Huddersfield shots will be in a separate collection. More photos added on 20th July 2009 More 2006 shots of buses in West Yorkshire are on my par tner Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photographs (link on front page)

Snapped in West Bretton and turning onto a section of road no longer served is Arriva Yorkshire 469, a DAF SB220 with Alexander bodywork Coming down the road to Bretton Campus is Arriva Yorkshire Optare Spectra 630 Similar 641, with good old roller blinds, also descending towards the campus Arriva Yorkshire 630 climbing back up the hill with one of Barry Flanagan's finest in the background Optare Spectra 629 on the way down to Bretton Campus, 29th November 2006 As is Arriva Yorkshire 638, 29th November 2006 Snapped from the top deck of a bus is this BMC Condor 220. YK06DRD. I cannot find any details of the ownership of this bus Also from the top deck of a bus is Arriva Yorkshire 469 again, in Kirkgate, Wakefield 30th November was a trip to Castleford and Pontefract. A few minutes at Dewsbury meant a few pictures. Arriva Yorkshire 188 is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart SLF Arriva Yorkshire 687 is a Plaxton bodied Volvo B7TL, Dewsbury, 30th November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire Ikarus bodied DAF SB220 29 in Dewsbury Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Similar bus 16, Dewsbury, 30th November 2006 Next stop was Ossett. Seen leaving the Bus Station is Arriva Yorkshire 496, a VDL SB200 with Wright bodywork Arriva Yorkshire 215, a Dennis Dart MPD, Ossett Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Also at Ossett Bus Station is 440, an Alexander bodied SB220 Another Dennis Dart MPD seen at Ossett is 219 In Wakefield BL Travel W673WGG, a Wright bodied Volvo B6BLE, was seen First bus seen in Castleford was Ross Travel 10, a Mercedes Benz 0814/Plaxton in Featherstone Rovers advertising livery M Travel 02,an ex Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus, on the operator's main route between Castleford and Pontefract The light deteriorated whilst I was in Castleford, so I retreated to the Bus Station. Rather unimaginative, but at least I got some shots. Arriva 489 is an Alexander bodied DAF SB220 Arriva Alexander bodied Volvo B10B 402 is seen parked up in Castleford Bus Station, with an M travel Metrobus alongside Another M Travel MCW Metrobus is 06, ROX639Y Arriva 673 is an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL Another Alexander bodied Volvo B10B in the Arriva Yorkshire fleet is 420, with non-functioning destination screen Stringers operate two routes in the Castleford area. Optrare Solo MX56NLM is seen in Castleford Bus Station M travel 10, another ex Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus. Arriva Yorkshire Volvo B10B 416, Castleford Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire Dennis Dart MPD/Plaxton 228, Castleford Bus Station, 30th November 2006 M travel also had some Optare Deltas. F702ECC is seen laying over in Castleford bus Station, 30th November 2006 And F701ECC is seen passing Arriva Yorkshire 402 as it leaves Castleford, 30th November 2006 Arriva 409, a Wright bodied Volvo B10B, Castleford, 30th November 2006 M Travel obviously like MCW Metrobuses. A682UOE is another ex Travel West Midlands example And another M Travel MCW Metrobus is 02, POG497Y, seen leaving Castleford Bus Station not in service I spent most of my time in Pontefract at the Bus Station, again because of the poor light. Stagecoach 32933 is still in Yorkshire Traction livery and is a Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart originally with Yorkshire Terrier Stagecoach 21008, arriving at Pontefract Bus Station, is a Wright bodied Volvo B10B Leaving Pontefract is Arriva Yorkshire Dennis Dart 156, with wonky blind Arriva Yorkshire 488 is an Alexander bodied DAF SB220 South Yorkshire Motors, now defunct, were operating 206, a Volvo B6/Alexander in November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire 421 is an Alexander bodied Volvo B10B at Pontefract Bus Station Stagecoach 21023 is a Wright bodied Volvo B10B, Pontefract, 30th November 2006 Stagecoach 21008 leaving Pontefract A bit fuzzy, but included as the only shot I have of this bus, is South Yorkshire Motors 203, a Wright bodied Dennis Dart Arriva Yorkshire Denis Dart MPD 216 leaving Pontefract Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Ross Travel 3, a Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814, 30th November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire Volvo B7TL/Alexander 656, 30th November 2006 South Yorkshire Motors 209, an Alexander bodied Volvo B6, Pontefract Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Arriva Yorkshire 418, an Alexander bodied Volvo B10B, Pontefract Bus Station, 30th November 2006 M Travel's Optare Delta F702ECC at Pontefract Bus Station, 30th November 2006 Another Stagecoach Wright bodied Volvo B10B seen in Pontefract was 21026 Stagecoach 32197, still in Yorkshire Traction livery is a Plaxton bodied Dart and originally Yorkshire Terrier 103

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Thu Jul 16 2009 Sheffield December 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1726248.html Another December, another trip to Sheffield. This collection includes a few buses in Chapeltown and Crystal Peaks as well. Most Yorkshire Terrier buses had been repainted, and some new vehicles had arrived to replace some of the Volvo B6s Wednesday 15 July 2009: Another December, another trip to Sheffield. This collection includes a few buses in Chapeltown and Crystal Peaks as well. Most Yorkshire Terrier buses had been repainted, and some new vehicles had arrived to replace some of the Volvo B6s

On Church Street is First Wright bodied Volvo B7TL 31799 (YK53EFU), heading for Orange Line, wherever that is A newer Volvo B7TL at the top of Church Street is 37153 (YN06URG), 23rd Decmeber 2006 Also at the top of Church Street is Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L 60707 (MV02VAF), wearing promotional livery for Weston Park Museum Stagecoach 31909 (W519CCK), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE with branding for route 120, at the top of Church Street In 2006 Stagecoach bought 10 Alexander Dennis Darts for route 88. One of these is 35116 (YN06WCU), seen on Leopold Street, 23rd December 2006 Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B6 30225 (M205EUS) seen on Arundel Gate Bebb Volvo B12M CN53CWC on a National Express service to South Wales. Ex First London Volvo Olympian 34221 (S221LLO), converted to single door, is seen laying over in Sheffield Interchange Another ex London Olympian is 34207 (S207LLO), this time with centre exit doors intact Also in Sheffield Interchange is elderly First Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 60505 (H661THL) Hulleys 7 (R281RAU), a Mercedes Benz 0810D with Plaxton bodywork Stagecoach's Optare Excels seem to have migrated to the East Midland fleet. 35019 (P333ABC) originated with ABC Travel of Southport. Transport Interchange, 23rd December 2006 TM Travel Plaxton Primo YN55KMV on a local service at Crystal Peaks TM Travel Optare Solo TM52BUS laying over at Crystal Peaks Bus Station, 23rd December 2006 First Volvo B6/Plaxton 40479 (M440VHE) is at Crystal Peaks Another of First's elderly Volvo B10Ms is 60512 (H669THL), also at Crystal Peaks. Another route 120 branded Volvo B6BLE in the Stagecoach fleet is 31912 (LR02EHH) First's route 41 competes with Stagecoach's 120 between Halfway and Sheffield. Volvo B7TL 31800 (YN53EFV) is seen at Crystal Peaks First 60613 (N776CKY) is an Alexander bodied Volvo B10M, looking a bit battered, at Crystal Peaks Stagecoach Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M 20280 (R720RPY) at Crystal Peaks Another TM Travel Plaxton Primo at Crystal Peaks is YN55YSC Back in Sheffield City Centre, Stagecoach East Lancs bodied DAF SB220 26101 (W471MKU) is seen on Waingate Stagecoach Dart 35111 (YN06WCM) is seen on Snig Hill Framed by traffic lights on Angel Street is First 34246 (P246HMD), another ex London NCME bodied Volvo Olympian First 60709 (MV02VAJ), a Wright bodied Volvo B7L heading down Angel Street Loading on Angel Street is 30577 (WU02KVV), an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL Also on Angel Street is Volvo B10M/Alexander 60561 (M724VET), heading somewhere anonymous First 62243 (Y953CSF) is a Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE, waiting in Castle Square to enter High Street In the same place is First 31137 (YU52VYM), an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL And so is Stagecoach 26105 (W475MKU), an East Lancs Myllenium bodied DAF SB220 Loading on Arundel Gate is Wright Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 31793 (YN53EFL) Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20442 (L342KCK) at Gleadless Townend, 23rd December 2006 Somewhat unexpected was Dunn-Line 5414 (AE54MVZ),an MCV bodied MAN 14.220 approaching Meadowhall on route A1, carrying University of Nottingham logos, 27th December 2006 Parked up in the oversized coach park at Meadowhall is TM Travel Plaxton bodied VDL SB120 YN06CYO. Thanks to the correspondent who pointed out my bizarre mislabelling of this bus as an Optare Tempo! First 60609 (N772CKY), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10M at Meadowhall Interchange First Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L 60718 (MV02VBL) at Chapeltown Station,with a class 144 at the station itself Stagecoach 35112 (YN06WCO), one of the Darts branded for route 88 Anopther bus on route 77 with no destination is First 60608 (N771CKY), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10M still in Barbie 2 livery Here comes another 88. Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Dart 35110 (YN06WCL) pulls away round a First bus at Chapeltown Station Another Volvo B10M at Chapeltown is First 60612 (N775CKY) East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart 33097 (Y952CRN) looked a bit out of place on Stagecoach route 88 amongst all the new Darts An older First Volvo B10M seen in Chapeltown was 60522 (H680THL) of 1990 vintage Stagecoach Volvo B6 30190 (L426XVV) is seen approaching Chapeltown on the Sheffield to Barnsley service, 27th December 2006 Wearing SYPTE Local Link livery is Sheffield Community Transport Optare Solo 18 (YJ05JXN) Another of the Alexander Dennis Darts seen in Chaapeltown is 35109 (YN06WCK) First 60744 (MV02YDX), an ex First Manchester Volvo B7L approaching Chapeltown Another of Stagecoach's new(ish) Alexander Dennis Darts, 35111 (YN06WCM), on Snig Hill On Fitzalan Square is First 60481 (G636NWA), a 1990 Volvo B10M Stagecoach Dennis Dart 33232 (S132XHE) is at the top of Flat Street A bit further down Flat Street is First 60495 (H651THL), another of those elderly Volvo B10Ms

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]]> Wed Jul 15 2009 Weymouth, April 2008 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1725971.html A Class 20 hauled railtour left me with a couple of hours in a dark, windy and wet Weymouth in April 2008. Very much a First town, here is what I captured for posterity. Tuesday 14 July 2009: A Class 20 hauled railtour left me with a couple of hours in a dark, windy and wet Weymouth in April 2008. Very much a First town, here is what I captured for posterity.

First 34814 is a 1986 built Leyland Olympian with ECW bodywork, photographed through the fence at Weymouth Depot As was this line up: the three vehicles to the right of the intruding post are Volvo B10M-62s 20439 and 20437 and aged (1982) Roe bodied Olympian 34509 Visible by the entrance to the depot were Volvo Olympian/NCME 34258 and ECW bodied Bristol VRT open topper 39971 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42180 is on Commercial Road An older Dennis Dart is 46736 in Barbie 2 livery Another very old bus is Roe bodied Olympian 34540, which entered service in July 1983! A bit more modern (!) is Optare Solo 50271 Another Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart is 42407 34336 is a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian from 1990, so it is also getting on a bit! 48204 is a Wright bodied Volvo B6BLE with branding for route 1 Another Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart is 42821 , pictured on a particularly dark stretch of road. Wearing a loud advertising livery is Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 34020. Pity nothing uses the railway tracks along the road. The only other operator I saw was Sureline. N350 OBC is an Alexander bodied Mercedes-Benz 0709D Volvo B6BLE 48203 is another with branding for route 1 Laying over near the depot entrance is Optare Solo 53801 34502 is another 25 years old Olympian with Roe bodywork still on front line duty The reflections of Dart 42822's lights show how dark it was at this point. This Plaxton bodied bus is heading for Dorchester Older Dart 46734 in Barbie 2 livery is seen at the same place Another Sureline Mercedes 0709D is PJI 8360, seen outside Weymouth Station Volvo B10M-62 20437 had moved to one of the depot entrances, so I snapped it again.

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Tue Jul 14 2009 Doncaster http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1725358.html More December expeditions, with all the bad light that entails. For this reason many shots were taken at the South Bus Station. In 2002 Mainline livery was still to be seen, First and Stagecoach had not introduced nationwide numbering schemes and Leon was still operating a smart fleet of buses. In 2005 I was using 400 ASA film with grainy pictures as a result: still some Mainline livery about, but Leon had been taken over by MASS. In 2006 I was just passing through on a trip majoring on Dinnington and Mexborough, so only a few shots near the new Frenchgate Bus Station A brief visit in July 2009 yielded another seven shots, including a Renault! Monday 13 July 2009: More December expeditions, with all the bad light that entails. For this reason many shots were taken at the South Bus Station. In 2002 Mainline livery was still to be seen, First and Stagecoach had not introduced nationwide numbering schemes and Leon was still operating a smart fleet of buses. In 2005 I was using 400 ASA film with grainy pictures as a result: still some Mainline livery about, but Leon had been taken over by MASS. In 2006 I was just passing through on a trip majoring on Dinnington and Mexborough, so only a few shots near the new Frenchgate Bus Station A brief visit in July 2009 yielded another seven shots, including a Renault!

In December 2006 I didn't spend a lot of time in Doncaster, but managed a few photos. First 40541 (S536UAK) is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF, seen on Hall Gate Also on Hall Gate is ex London Volvo Olympian 34088 (T988KLF) Elderly Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 60484 (G639NWA) was seen in Cleveland Street, 28th December 2006 Powells Dennis Dart/Plaxton 22 (K429DKH), seen in Trafford Way Leaving the new underground Frenchgate Bus Station is Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 60582 (N745CKY) And in the same place is Northern Counties Volvo Olympian 34090 (T890KLF) East Yorkshire Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton 338 (V838JAT) seen leaving South Bus Station for South Wales Leon 164 (ANA3Y) is an ex Greater Manchester PTE Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian, 27th December 2002 Looking smart in the then new Stagecoach livery is East Midland 855 (P31HMF), an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart SLF, originally Stagecoach London SLD2 Laying over in the South Bus Station is ex Greater Manchester Olympian ANA2Y, now 163 in the Leon fleet Leon 136 (M926TYG), an Optare Metrorider in the South Bus Station, 27th December 2002 Leon Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 143 (N598DWY) is also laying over at the South Bus Station Under the roof at South Bus Station is Wright bodied Dennis Dart L307VFE, number 307 in the Road Car fleet Leaving the Bus Station is Mainline Dennis Dart 551 (N813FLW) in Mainline 2498 (F295PTP), wearing the final version of Doncaster Transport livery before being subsumed into South Yorkshire coffee and cream in 1974. 2498 is an East Lancs bodied Dennis Dominator new to Southampton Sister vehicle 2496 (F292PTP) is seen in the same place, this bus being in Barbie 2 livery Leon 158 (W599GCW) is one of a pair of East Lancs bodied Dennis Tridents dating from 1999 East Midland 815 (N42MBW), heading for somewhere anonymous, is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart which was originally Docklands Transit 426 Wearing Stagecoach's new livery is East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 359 (K359DWJ) Also shy about revealing it's destination is Road Car 328 (N328JTL), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6 Powell's 30 (LUI3788) is a Wright bodied Dennis Dart in the South Bus Station Leon Olympian 163 (ANA2Y) again, this time on the roundabout adjacent to the Bus Station Under the roof of the Bus Station is ex First Centre West Dennis Dart N817FLW, now 548 in the Mainline fleet. This was one of several Darts I saw running with no route numbers, but the only one I got a half-decent photograph of East Midland Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 600 (M414RRN) awaiting departure from the South Bus Station Yet another second hand Dennis Dart in the Mainline fleet is WEright bodied 554 (JDZ2391) Loading on St Sepulchre Gate is Mainline 542 (N282JUM), another Dennis Dart shipped in from elsewhere, this time First Leeds Mainline 462 (T462JDT), a Wright bodied Volvo B6BLE in First livery is on Cleveland Street On Cleveland Street is Mainline Volvo B10M 643 (H643RKU) Another of the ex Southampton Dennis Dominators was 2495 (F291PTP), this one in Mainline yellow and red livery Another ex London Wright bodied Dennis Dart is Mainline 552 (KDZ5104), turning into Duke Street Mainline 744 (N744CKY) in Barbie 2 livery is an Alexander biodied Volvo B10M In the same location is Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 500 (K945JWE), which was acquired from Wilfreda Beehive in 1997 Turning onto Cleveland Street is Dennis Dominator 2438 (A438YAK) of 1983 vintage Wilfreda Beehive Optare Solo Y336HWT en Wroot for Wroot on Wroot 190 (!!!) Mainline 543 (JDZ2339) is another Wright bodied Dennis Dart Mainline 533 (S533UAK) is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF, loading on College Road Also on College Road is 834 (T834MAK), a Volvo B10BLE with Wright bodywork Unfortunately my attempt to photograph Isle Coaches Leyland Titan A859SUL was not entirely successful, but it is included as a record of the sighting. Yorkshire Traction 298 (M298TWB), a Scania L113CRL with East Lancs bodywork laying over in the South Bus Station Leaving South Bus Station for Newcastle is Northern (or Go Northern or Go ahead Northern or whatever) Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton 7061 (CU7661) East Midlands 599 (M413RRN), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10M, at the South Bus Station, 27th December 2002 Powells 679 (OFS679Y), an ex Lothian ECW bodied Leyland Olympian. Leon Leyland Lynx 135 (G473PGE) in the South Bus Station The other of Leon's Dennis Tridents, 157 (W598GCW) in the South Bus Station, 27th December 2002 Northern Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 7074 (YSU874) on a National Express service to Newcastle Three Leon buses at the South bus Station Leon 143 (N598DWY), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart in the South Bus Station Yorkshire Traction largely eluded me on this day: Olympian 635 (A635WDT) is in the depths of the South Bus Station, 27th December 2002 Mainline livery persisted in December 2005 on Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator 30499 (D471OWE) Yorkshire Traction 265 (L265LHE), a Wright bodied Scania K93CRB, 23rd December 2005

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]]> Mon Jul 13 2009 Dinnington and Mexborough, December 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1724381.html A day trip to Dinnington and Mexborough in December 2006, which took in Crystal Peaks Bus Station and a bit of time in Doncaster as well. Lots of Tracky buses in various states of Stagecoachedness, with poor light for much of the day. The Doncaster pictures are in the Doncaster collection Saturday 11 July 2009: A day trip to Dinnington and Mexborough in December 2006, which took in Crystal Peaks Bus Station and a bit of time in Doncaster as well. Lots of Tracky buses in various states of Stagecoachedness, with poor light for much of the day. The Doncaster pictures are in the Doncaster collection

A tram took me to Crystal Peaks, from where I took a bus to Dinnington. A few shots were taken whilst I waited. First was TM Optare Solo MX03YDF, about to depart for Rotherham and Parkgate Although originally purchased for the trunk route 41, First Wright Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 31800 (YN53EFV( was operating the service 30 to Sheffield and Dore Stagecoach 31905 (V515EFR) is an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE, with branding for route 120 Stagecoach Dart SLF/Plaxton 33839 (X839HHE) was based at Chesterfield depot, which operated service 253 at that time. Here it is arriving on stand at Crystal Peaks, ready for it's next journey Stagecach 30197 (L504OAL) is one of the many Volvo B6/Alexander which came with the Yorkshire Terrier fleet. This one originated with Nottingham TM Travel Solo MX03YCN which took me to Dinnington, I was a bit upset at getting this bus as the previous day the service had been operated by a Plaxton Primo, a type of vehicle I have never ridden. Awaiting departure on a route connecting two out of town shopping centres is First 40465 (M426XHE) , a Plaxton bodied Volvo B6 Dinnington has a pleasant little modern Bus Station. Seen on stand there is Powells 32 (R560UOT), a UVG bodied Dennis Dart SLF, on the route to Doncaster. Stagecoach bought a batch of Optare Excels for route 19 (Worksop to Rotherham). This is 35010 (YN51VHV) First 34209 (S209LLO), a refugee from London, is a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian Similar bus 34221 (S421LLO) on Laughton Road Another Stagecoach Optare Excel seen at Dinnington was 35013 (YN51VHY) TM Travel's Solo MX03YCN again. Having reached Dinnington, the bus then does a circuit of some nearby villages before returning to Crystal Peaks.. A pair of Optare Excels: 35011 (YN51VHW) off to Worksop, 35012 (YN51VHX) waiting to take up a journey to Rotherham Another Volvo B6 seen was 40453 (M414VHE) And Volvo B6 40471 (M432VHE) was having a break Route 19 had a 30 minute frequency, with Rotherham to Dinnington shorts making it up to four per hour. Hence lots of Excels were seen. Here is 35007 (YN51VHR) And similar vehicle 35015 (YN51VJA) Powells 33 (R565UOT), another UVG bodied Dennis Dart SLF was also on the 18, and took me to Doncaster First photo in Mexborough was of Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20751 (K751DAO), originally with Cumberland Still in Tracky livery is East Lancs bodied Scania L113CRL 28967 (M297TWB). Mexborough Bus Station is a simple affair and is served by buses heading east only Laying over just down the road was ex Tracky Optare Solo 47293 (YN03ZXD). Stagecoach 15989 (POG602Y) was a MCW Metrobus Mk II which originated with West Midlands. The other side of 15989 (POG402Y), still in Tracky livery Hartley Street has stops for buses heading south and west. East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE 31498 (X148AWA) in full Stagecoach livery Stagecoach 30230 (M512TRA), an Alexander bodied Volvo B6 is also on Hartley Street, and is still wearing Barnsley & District colours And Scania L113CRL/East Lancs 28968 (M298TWB) is still in Yorkshire Traction livery Doncaster Community Transport was using Local Links liveried Optare Solo MX04 VMF Another stop for west and south bound buses is at the junction of Bank Street and High Street, where Powells Wright bodied Dennis Dart 60 (JDZ2361) is seen, with makeshift route number display This stop enables nearside shots to be taken (pedestrians notwithstanding). Powells 60 (JDZ2361) again. Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian 16583 (R583JVA), presumably drafted in to oust some of the old double deckers in the Tracky Fleet, is seen at Bank Street And so is East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE 31494 (V144MAK), showing only it's Yorkshire Traction number on the front Back at the Bus Station, Barnsley & District liveried Volvo B6 30236 (N931CKW) is seen loading And Scania K112 28717 (NIL2457) waits for time at the Bus Station. This is one of the ex British Airways buses bought by Yorkshire Terrier and rebodied by East Lancs Yorkshire Traction 903, an East Lancs bodied Olympian for which I haven't yet found a Stagecoach fleetnumber, on the roundabout at the foot of Hartley Street Another Barnsley & District Volvo B6 is 30234 (N929CKW), on Hartley Street And 20751 (K751DAO) is seen again, this time on Hartley Street Another unrepainted Tracky bus is Scania L113 28966 (M296TWB) Last shot of the day was another of the rebodied Scania K112s, this one being 28713 (3141HE) on Bank Street.

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Sat Jul 11 2009 Porto, June 1986 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1723840.html Buses, trams and trolleybuses photographed during a very brief visit to Porto in June 1986 Friday 10 July 2009: Buses, trams and trolleybuses photographed during a very brief visit to Porto in June 1986

First journey of the day was on tram route 1 from Matosinhos to near Infante on board 283, a 1929 Belgian built tram. An interesting advertisement in the home of Port Wine! Behind the tram was Caetano bodied Leyland Atlantean LPDR1/1 267. If my understanding of Portuguese is right, the bus's destination translates as Also near the Infante terminus of tram route 1 was trolleybus 62, one of 15 Portuguese built Efacec-Caetano rigid trolleybuses built in 1984/5. Laying over at Infante was Leyland Atlantean LPDR1/1 235, this bus having an older style of bodywork by Dalfa Another Efacec-Caetano is 71, heading down the hill towards Infante, with an advert for the manufacturer on the side A modern bus in service was this Volvo B10R, 832, seen near Sao Bento Station and the coach/rural bus station. I ignored these due to time constraints. One of the 1968 Lancia single decker trolleybuses is seen in the same place, heading for the top deck of the Ponte de Dom Luis I The Ponte de Dom Luis I can be seen in all it's glory behind Lancia trolleybus 45 on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the River Duoro. A couple of the traditional barcos rabelos can be seen behind. Shame about the camper van On the lower deck of the bridge is Lancia trolleybus 38 The top deck also had trolleybuses: here is Lancia single decker 50 Caetano bodied Leyland Atlantean 287 laying over in the City Centre 857 is a Volvo B10M in Praca de Liberdade. STCP also had double deck trolleybuses, built in 1967/8 by Lancia with Dalfa bodywork. At the Bolhao terminus is 146 in the old red livery No 140 is another Lancia in the same location, this time in the orange livery and with a similarly bodied Atlantean behind. 140 now resides at Sandtoft 143 is seen turning into the terminal road. Unfortunately I did not have time to ride the lengthy routes on which these buses ran 502 is a Leyland of some sort which I haven't determined yet. And STCP also had articulated buses, such as this Volvo, 1013 Tram watching was restricted to a few minutes around Castelo de Quiejo. Fleet numbers were not very visible,and with my camera's tendency to over-expose images in bright light this made the number of this tram unreadable. 284 is one of the 1929 Belgian built trams, operating on route 1 to Infante 176 was one of a batch of cars built from the mid-1920s to 1938 in Porto for use on the Avenida do Boavista routes, on which it was seen on this day. Also built in the mid-20s was 271, one of eight Another Porto built tram, this time on route 19 to Matosinhos, is 189 At Castelo de Quiejo two Caetano Leyland Atlanteans are laying over, the fleet number of the nearer one being obscured by the small child! Seen joining the Avenida do Boavista at the ocean end is 160, built in the USA in 1912/13 (I think) Numerically the last of the Boavista cars is 199, built in the late 1930s and seen on Avenida do Boavista And heading the other way is another unknown tram, this time on route 18

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]]> Fri Jul 10 2009 Chester http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1723577.html Photos taken during three visits to Chester: 1989, 2000 and 2001, concentrating mainly on Chester City Transport (alas no more). SOme of the images are only 640 x 480 pixels and are included largely for interest and not quality. Thursday 9 July 2009: Photos taken during three visits to Chester: 1989, 2000 and 2001, concentrating mainly on Chester City Transport (alas no more). SOme of the images are only 640 x 480 pixels and are included largely for interest and not quality.

Chester City Transport 109, a 1982 Dennis Dominator with NCME bodywork, 24th June 1989. Chester has many fine locations for photographic backdrops: the Bus Station by the MArket Hall is not one of them, but it does have lots of buses, and so lots of photographs on this page were taken there. Crosville Wales had an attractive green and white livery at this time. Leyland National SNG353 is seen loading at the Bus Station, 24th June 1989 Lofty's of Ince operated in the Chester area. NSJ10R is an Alexander bodied Seddon Pennine VII dating from 1976 and originally Western SMT 2593, 24th June 1989 Chester 7 is a Leyland Olympian with Roe bodywork, originally West Yorkshire PTE 5001. This Bus Station was known as Town Hall to Chester City Transport. 24th June 1989 Chester 4, a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian. It was noticeable on this visit, and subsequent ones, how many variations in livery application Chester's double deckers had. 24th June 1989 Crosville Wales Bristol VRT DVG513 at an awkward angle in the Bus Station, 24th June 1989 Chester 102 is another NCME bodied Dennis Dominator, 24th June 1989 Somewhat unexpected on a local service was Chester 20, an ex Lancashire United Plaxton bodied Leyland Leopard. 24th June 1989 Two more Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dominators seen in the Bus Station were 104 and 110, 24th June 1989 Crosville Olympian DOG158, liveried for route C84, the trunk route to Crewe and Hanley. 24th June 1989 Crosville operated some minibus services in Chester, using vehicles such as this MCW Metrorider, MMM108, 24th June 1989 Crosville Wales operated the epic service X1 along the North Wales coast to Caernarfon and then to Porthmadog, as seen here on specially liveried Olympian EOG209. 24th June 1989 Moving away from the Bus Station, Chester 3, a Northern Counties bodied Olympian was photographed passing the Town Hall. 24th June 1989 And Dominator 107 is passing the Cathedral. 24th June 1989 Dominator 109 is seen again, this time photographed from somewhere on the City Walls, with similar bus 107 behind. 24th June 1989 By 2000 Crosville Wales had become part of Arriva, as seen here: Olympian DOG258 is seen in the Bus Station, 5th June 2000 Arriva Crosville Wales Dennis Dart SDC572 in corporate livery, 5th June 2000 Also in corporate Arriva livery was Leyland Lynx SLC642, 5th June 2000 Arriva operated one of the Park and Ride services with four gas fuelled buses. SPG426 is one of them, a modified Plaxton bodied DAF SB220, 5th June 2000 Arriva also reached Chester from Runcorn and Warrington, the subsidiary being Arriva North West. 1269 is a Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart. 5th June 2000 Chester 101 is a Norhern Counties bodied Dennis Dominator. 5th June 2000 135 is another Dennis Dominator, this time East Lancs bodied and originally with Brighton Transport. 5th June 2000 Newest buses in the Chester fleet in 2000 were seven Marshall bodied Dennis Dart SLFs in a blue and cream livery. 368 is seen at the top of George Street, 5th June 2000 Another of the Dart SLFs, 371, is seen leaving the Bus Station, 5th June 2000 Chester 78 is an ex Greater Manchester Northern Counties bodied Leyland Fleetline dating from 1980. 5th June 2000 Chester 79 is another ex Greater Manchester Fleetline of 1980 vintage. 5th June 2000 Chester 9 is a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian from 1989, 5th June 2000 Several elderly Leyland Fleetlines were used on the open-top sightseeing service, such as 92, dating from 1979. 5th June 2000 By 2000 Crosville's Chester operations had passed to PMT, part of First Group. Wearing PMT's red and yellow livery, dual-doored Britsol VRT 618 is carrying Crosville fleetnames. 5th June 2000 Another Bristol VRT, 625, is seen in the rather under used and unappealing Bus Station on George Street, 5th June 2000 Crosville Optare Solo 65 in First corporate livery, 5th June 2000 Crosville Dennis Dart/Plaxton 901, in standard PMT red and yellow, 5th June 2000 Similar bus 913 in a promotional livery for public transport use, but with red and yellow front end, 5th June 2000 And Dart 933 has an allover version of the promotional livery, 5th June 2000 Chester 109, a 1982 Northern Counties Dennis Dominator parked outside the Chester City Transport Depot on Station Road, 28th July 2001 Leyland Olympian 3 parked at the entrance to the depot, with a bit of tram track still visible, 28th July 2001 Back in the Bus Station, similar bus 2 is seen, 28th July 2001 Crosville 995 is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart SLF in corporate livery, 28th July 2001 Crosvile 803 is an Optare Delta in Arriva Crosville Wales SDC591 is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF liveried for the North Wales linx services, 28th July 2001 Dennis Dominator 106, with Northern Countioes bodywork, in the Bus Station, 28th July 2001 As is Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart 67, ex Jones of Pwllhweli. 28th July 2001 Purchased new by Chester was Dennis Dart 55, 28th July 2001 Chester collected Dennis Dominators: 132, with Northern Counties bodywork came from Hyndburn, 28th July 2001 Chester 104 is an indigenous example. Noticeable by 2001 was that some of the double deckers looked a little careworn. 28th July 2001 Highland Scottish was well known for it's collection of second hand buses. Chester 15 came the other way, being ex Highland F375, an Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian. 28th July 2001 Also in Linx livery is Arriva Crosville Wales NCME bodied DAF SB220 M849RCP. I can't find a fleetnumber for this vehicle at the moment! 28th July 2001 Crosville Optare Solo 58, also liveried for the Linx services, 28th July 2001 Chester 60 is another Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, 28th July 2001 Chester 111 is a NCME bodied Dennis Dominator, in need of a repaint, 28th July 2001

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]]> Thu Jul 9 2009 Eckington Buses http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1723470.html Eckington is a small town not many miles from where most of my family lives. Occasionally I have used the little Bus Station there as a changing point on my travels. This is always in winter and usually wet. A few photos, all of Stagecoach buses, here. Thursday 9 July 2009: Eckington is a small town not many miles from where most of my family lives. Occasionally I have used the little Bus Station there as a changing point on my travels. This is always in winter and usually wet. A few photos, all of Stagecoach buses, here.

Stagecoach Volvo B10M/Alexander 20443 (L343KCK) on the morning of 30th December 2004. I was waiting for a bus to Chesterfield, but not this one. Not sure why. At this point all buses through Eckington (apart from school buses) were operated by Stagecoach East Midland. 33841 (X841HHE) is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF, seen on 30th December 2004. I stopped off in the evening of 30th December 2004 as well. Route 53 from Sheffield to Mansfield is usually operated by Olympians and B10s, so how Mercedes-Benz 0814/Plaxton 42590 (T590SKG) came to be on the service I don't know. Dart 33841 (X841HHE) appeared again whilst I was waiting for my connection. One of the good things about digital cameras is that photography in dark conditions seems to be feasible, as shown here. Next visit was 27th December 2006, the journey from Sheffield being made on Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M 20281 (R721RPY). By this time Stagecoach had a large presence in the area due to the purchase of Yorkshire Traction group, although I think at this time all routes in Eckington were run by Chesterfield and Mansfield depots. Going the other way on route 253 was Volvo B10M 20411 (M411RRN). Double deckers were seen this time. 16458 (P158KWJ), an Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian, is seen on the Killamarsh to Chesterfield service 70 Service 53 had double deckers as well. Volvo Olympian 16481 (N131AET) is seen en route to Sheffield, as the weather deteriorated. 20442 (L342KCK), an early Alexander bodied Volvo B10M is operating route 252, another route to Sheffield. Heading for Mansfield on route 53 is 16488 (N138AET), another volvo Olympian 32069 (M69VJO), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, setting off for Chesterfield And here is a nearside shot of the bus As darkness fell, Olympian 16497 (P152KWJ) appeared en route for Killamarsh. 33403 (T803OHL), 1999 Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart waits for time on it's journey from Chesterfield to Sheffield, 27th December 2006 It appears that all Optare Excels in the Stagecoach fleet are migrating to the East Midlands. 35019 (P333ABC) originated with ABC of Southport. 20442 (L342KCK) is seen again, heading back to Sheffield, this time on route 253.

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]]> Thu Jul 9 2009 Barnsley, December 2005 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1723143.html On 23rd December 2005 I took the opportunity to photograph some Yorkshire Traction and Barnsley & District Buses in Barnsley, before the corporate Stagecoach image took over. Wednesday 8 July 2009: On 23rd December 2005 I took the opportunity to photograph some Yorkshire Traction and Barnsley & District Buses in Barnsley, before the corporate Stagecoach image took over.

East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE 130 (S130WKY) seen on Kendray Street. This was a good bus watching spot, the Bus Station redevelopment works meaning all buses in there were in view just behind where I was standing In the building site part of the Bus Station were Scania/NCME 291 (M291TWB) and Volvo Olympian/NCME 611 (5562HE), an ex London General machine 221 (YT03AYF) is a MAN 14.220 with East Lancs body, pictured on Kendray Street 446 (N106CET) is a Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dart which originated with Yorkshire Terrier in Sheffeld. Kendray Street, 23rd December 2005 Barnsley & District 162 (M202LNC), on Kendray Street, is an Alexander bodied Volvo B6-50 Barnsley & District 245 (T545AUA), in yellow and purple, is an ex Keighley & District Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE. In East Lancs Olympian 903 (E736HFW), in Eldon Street, came from Road Car Barnsley & District had quite a few Optare Deltas, many of which came from Trent, such as 314 (K341FAL), seen in Eldon Street Scania L113CRL/Northern Counties 290 (M290TWB) on Eldon Street MAN 14.220 227 (YR52YSY) on Eldon Street, carrying an advertising livery for some organisation or other. Another ex Trent Optare Delta in the Barnsley & District fleet was 311 (K331FAL) 427 (L151CNW) is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart. Kendray Street 447 (N107CET) is an ex-Yorkshire Terrier NCME bodied Dennis Dart, also on Kendray Street In the Bus Station is MAN 14.220/East Lancs 221 (YT03AYF) Tracky 161 (P341JND) is in the yellow and purple livery also applied to some Barnsley & District vehicles. It is an Alexander bodied Volvo B6BLE, purchased from Harrogate & District. Barnsley & District 246 (T546AUA) is another of the ex Keighley & District Wright bodied Volvo B10BLEs Barnsley & District 169 (M511TRA), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6-50, in the Bus Station The oddest Tracky bus of all must be 208 (1901HE), the one and only Kirn Mogul. It is seen in the Bus Station. Back in 1986 Tracky bought some Mark II Metrobuses. 707 (D707NKY) was one of these, still in service 19 years later in Eldon Street Barnsley & District 305 (J320BVO) is another ex Trent Optare Delta, seen in The Shambles Also in The Shambles is Tracky 414 (K414EWA), a Wright bodied Dennis Dart Tracky operated several National Express services. Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 no. 66 (1737HE) is seen in Kendray Street with a long journey ahead of it Tracky 440 (K3YTB) is an ex Yorskhire Terrier Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart Barnsley & District 167 (L74UNG) is another Alexander bodied Volvo B6-50 on Kendray Street And another Optare Delta from Trent was 303 (J316BVO) Another of the MCW Metrobuses is 710 (D710NKY), on Kendray Street Tracky 445 (N105CET) is another NCME Dart which came form Yorkshire Terrier Scania L113CRL/Northern Counties 291 (M291TWB) in the Bus Station Only Optare Solo seen was 504 (YS02WWB) in a centenary commemoratrive livery and also, unfortunately partly in shade Wright bodied Volvo B10B 246 (P366UUG) is seen in Eldon Street on service 246. Barnsley & District 247 (T547AUA) in yellow and purple is a Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE, seen on Eldon Street Tracky 807 (YN53PAO) is an East Lancs bodied Scania N94UD, used on the X19 service to Doncaster and Robin Hood Airport

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]]> Wed Jul 8 2009 Sheffield, Easter 2006 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1723094.html A few shots of buses in Sheffield at Easter 2006, photography not being a priority this time. Wednesday 8 July 2009: A few shots of buses in Sheffield at Easter 2006, photography not being a priority this time.

First 34242 (P242HMD), a Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian climbing Commercial Street First Volvo B10M/Alexander 60535 (J693AWF) is seen on Castle Street Another, older, Volvo B10M in the First fleet is 60468 (G623NWA), on Angel Street First Volvo B10M 60584 (N247CKY) has an alternative way of displaying the route number! Another incomer into the South yorkshire area is Wright bodied Dennis Dart 40978 (NDZ3152), seen at the top of Snig Hill First Volvo B10M 60469 (G624NWA) is waiting at the lights on Snig Hill. In the same position is Stagecoach 30196 (L503OAL), formerly Yorkshire Terrier 2228 and an early repaint into corporate livery following the Yorkshire Traction Group takeover First 40457 (M418VHE), a Plaxton bodied Volvo B6 is framed by traffic lights on Angel Street First Volvo B10M 60596 (N759CKY) carried Rotherham Corporation livery for a time. It is seen here in Castle Street on it's usual haunt, the X78 Another early repaint into Stagecoach livery was Yorkshire Terrier 2231, which became 30199 (L506OAL). And similar bus 30228 (Yorkshire Terrier 2208 - M208EUS) was another early repaint. The VOlvo B6s didn't stay long in Stagecoach ownership Powells 23 (K826NKH), an early Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart which originated with London Transport. I think I must have ridden this bus many times on route 84A/184 in London in the mid-nineties TM Travel YN54SYG, a DAF DB250 with East Lancs bodywork, leaving Meadowhall Interchange. The Royal Hospital is in Chesterfield, although there is nothing to indicate this. First Wright Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 31804 (YN53FGC) leaving Meadowhall Yorkshire Terrier East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart SLF 140 (T140JKY) on Pinstone Street Yorkshire Terrier Optare Solo 212 (YC51GZX) in Rural Links livery, at Hillsborough Interchange First 40455 (M416VHE), a Plaxton bodied Volvo B6 on Forbes Road, Hillsborough At the bottom of Dykes Hall Road is Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L 61206 (YU52VXY), headed for another area of Sheffield I don't know! Yorkshire Terrier 203 (YN53ZWD) is another Optare Solo in Rural Links livery Sheffield Community Transport were operating some of the Rural Links services using this Optare Alero, No 6 (YR52WNF) One of Yorkshire Terrier's DAF SB120s, 2478 (W478MKU), is leaving Hillsborough Interchange. Pity about the lamp post shadow And another Rural Links liveried Yorkshire Terrier Solo is 208 (W303EYG), again at Hillsborough Interchange Yorkshire Terrier 2513 (LR02EHJ), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE is seen departing Hillsborough Interchange Also leaving Hillsborough Interchange is Yorkshire Terrier 2507 (W517CCK), another East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE First 60468 (G623NWA), an elderly Volvo B10 approaching Malin Bridge

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]]> Wed Jul 8 2009 Sheffield December 2005 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1722589.html Buses in Sheffield in late December 2005. Even got some snow and a Leyland PD3! Tuesday 7 July 2009: Buses in Sheffield in late December 2005. Even got some snow and a Leyland PD3!

First still operated many Volvo B10Ms in Sheffield in 2005, the newest being 10 years old by then. 60536 (J694AWF) was one of the 1992 deliveries, seen here on Cumberland Gate Stagecoach 20280 (R720RPY) is a Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10M, also seen on Cumberland Gate TM Travel's presence in Sheffield was continuing to grow: almost new East Lancs bodied DAF SB250 was seen on 24th December. One of First's older B10s, 60469 (G624NWA) from 1990 is also seen on Cumberland Gate. I hate these new destination screens which don't show up properly in photos. Just round the corner on Charter Row First Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 30557 (P249HMD) was seen, a vehicle imported from somewhere else in First World. Second hand buses in Sheffield - almost unheard of in STD days First 60031 (R346GHS), a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 on a marathon journey to Hanley, the vehicle being owned by First Potteries Terrier 2335 (K235MAP), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10 originally with Sheffield Omnibus, waiting to turn into Cumberland Gate Hulleys ex Trent Optare Vecta N360VRC in Charter Row en route for Castleton. At the other end of Charter Row another second hand Northern Counties Volvo Olympian, 34055 (P255UCW), was photographed First 62235 (Y946CSF) is an Alexander bodied Volvo B10, this one another bus transferred from somewhere else in First As is NCME bodied Olympian 30550 (N305JBV), seen in Hillsborough on Christmas Eve Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L 61208 (YU52VYA) is also seen at Hillsborough First 34055 (P255UCW) again, this time in Hillsborough Another NCME bodied Olympian brought into the South Yorkshire fleet is 30547 (N302JBV) As is First 30557 (P249HMD), also in Hillsborough Yorkshire Terrier operated some of the services from Hillsborough to villages to the north-west of Sheffield, funded by SYPTE and known as Rural Link. The buses used were Optare Solos such as 203 (YN53ZWD), in SYPTE livery Terrier 211 (YC51GZW) is another SYPTE liveried Solo Not normally seen on Rural Link services is a bus such as Terrier 2502 (V512EFR), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7L 61200 (YU52VXR) in Hillsborough Interchange. I have no idea where Lime Line is. Terrier 2476 (W476MKU), in Hillsborough Interchange, is an East Lancs bodied DAF SB250 28th December saw me at Meadowhall Station in order to film Royal Scots Grey storming through. Afterwards it was back to bus spotting! TM Travel N211YJE is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart It was soon joined by KUI 9267, a Northern Counties bodied DAF SB220 in the all red livery. Just outside the Interchange First 60596 (N759CKY) was photographed, wearing a version of Rotherham Corporation livery. Leaving Meadowhall Interchange on National Express work is Tellings Golden Miller YN54WWG, a Plaxton bodied Volvo B12B First 30501 (D473OWE) was 19 years old when photographed approaching Meadowhall on 24th December, still in Mainline livery and showing clear signs of the Mainline name. AN unusual bus to see on the X78. Another NCME bodied Olympian is 34217 (S217LLO). Sheffield Transport 904 (3904WE), a 1959 Leyland PD3 nearly caught me unawares. Beautiful Another bus still in Mainline yellow and red was Volvo B10 60520 (H678THL) Several local routes in Northern Sheffield were operated by Sheffield Community Transport, usually using Optare Solos in SYPTE livery, such as No 15 (YJ05UXP) seen leaving Meadowhall Interchange Another TM Travel bus seen at Meadowhall was Alexander bodied Volvo B10B M919MRW. I do wish TM Travel would use fleetnumbers! The Tracky fleet always seemed to have interesting vehicles. 206 (RHE353) is a Scania K112CRB which originally had an East Lancs dual-purpose body and operated for British Airways before being bought by Yorkshire Terrier (No 88) and rebodied by East Lancs in 1999. Hulleys Optare Vecta N361VRC is seen leaving Meadowhall. Another First bus in commemorative livery was Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE 60659 (T841MAK), in Sheffield transport livery. Yorkshire Terrier 2336 (K236MAP), an ALexander bodied Volvo B10M is seen in High Street. First Volvo B7TL 31794 (YN53EFM) seen on Arundel Gate. A bit further along Arundel Gate First Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 60532 (J698XAK) was seen And in the same place was Yorkshire Terrier 2280 (N103CKU), an Alexander bodied Volvo B6. Another Yorkshire Terrier Volvo B6 is 2208 (M208EUS) on Arundel Gate And also on Arundel Gate is First Plaxton bodioed Volvo B6 40463 (M424VHE) First Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL 31140 (YU52VYR) on Arundel Gate, 28th December 2005 Yorkshire Terrier Optare Solo 206 (W294EYG) in SYPTE Rural Links livery, Castle Square, 28th December 2005 Yorkshire Terrier 2504, an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE, Castle Square, 28th December 2005 Also crossing from Castle Square into High Street is First 50193 (R126XDT), a Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0814D First 66113 (R913BOU), a Wright bodied Volvo B10BLE, Castle Square First Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL 30571 (WU02KVM), Castle Square, 28th December 2005 Stagecoach Volvo B10M/Alexander 20442 (L342KCK) on High Street, 28th December 2005 Yorkshire Terrier East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE 2506 (W516CCK) in Haymarket, 28th December 2005 First Volvo B6/Plaxton 40456 (M417VHE), still in mainline livery, on Commercial Street

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]]> Tue Jul 7 2009 Lisbon, July 1983 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1722235.html A family holiday in July 1983 gave me a little bit of time to get a few shots of trams and buses in Lisbon. Nowhere near enough time, however, and I haven't been back since. Shame on me! Monday 6 July 2009: A family holiday in July 1983 gave me a little bit of time to get a few shots of trams and buses in Lisbon. Nowhere near enough time, however, and I haven't been back since. Shame on me!

Carris operated a large fleet of AECs at one time. Some Regals were still around in 1983, such as 136, seen here laying over outside the Castle.It is a bit of an odd sight to see a half-cab the wrong way round! One of my favourite photos. The Regal is seen taking a rather tight corner just below the Castle. The pavement on which I am standing is just visible in the bottom left hand corner. The narrowness of the streets and the tight corners in this part of Lisbon is one reason for the retention of these buses for so long. Back in 1983, Lisbon had rather more tram routes than it does now, and what trams they were! Running on 900mm gauge, none of the cars could be described as modern. Sao Tome is a splendid place for tram photography. Here another late 1930s car, 714, is seen climbing the hill towards the Sao Tome junction. And car 614, from 1935, is heading the other way and is about to take a blind right angled corner. There are parts of the route around Graca where lights are necessary, the road being not much wider than the trams. Looking the other way from the same vantage point similar tram 708 is seen. This car is about to take the track on the left of the picture and descend the hill seen in the previous picture. The other track in the previous picture leads to the Sao Tome terminus of route 12. This is the summit of that route, tram 616 having just climbed at approx 1 in 7 for about half a mile before taking this reverse curve and gradient all in one! Carris also had double deck half-cabs in 1983. 642 is an AEC Regent and is seen in Praca do Comercio in the centre of the City on a trunk route! The routes which follow the river used larger trams and trams with trailers. 901, the first of what are known as the 347, also seen passing the Monastery, is a bit old. It was built in America in 1906. The bodywork has been rebuilt since then, but it still had shiny wood inside! The length is notable, at 12.7 metres, on 900mm gauge track. Another AEC Regent, 409, is operating a depot shuttle, again outside the monastery Seen from the turning circle stop at Belem is a representative of the new order in Lisbon, Iveco 3028. Not too far from Lisbon is Sintra, where a tourist tramway operated. I had no time to ride it, so a photograph had to suffice. Car No 1 was a cross-bench car of 1903 vintage. Since my fleeting visit the line has undergone many ups and downs, including ownershiop by Stagecoach and the local council! Back in Lisbon, a tram and trailer combination was photographed at Belem, namely 317, a single ended motor car of mid-1950s vintage and trailer 136 from the same period. Taken into the sun, but I couldn't not photograph an AEC Regent. This one, 439, was not in service as it passed Belem turning circle And another one came by. 411 was on service 29, with yet another one behind And using Belem turning circle was tram 536 with trailer 101. The trailer dates from the fifties, but tram 536 was built in 1928.

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]]> Mon Jul 6 2009 Redhill, 11th August 2007 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1722157.html A visit to the Redhill Steam Fair allowed some time for observing buses in Redhill, mainly at the Bus Station. Metrobus dominate here: it's a far cry from Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Ltd. More photos from Redhill on Stephen Mitchell's Transport photos site: link is on the right of the front page Monday 6 July 2009: A visit to the Redhill Steam Fair allowed some time for observing buses in Redhill, mainly at the Bus Station. Metrobus dominate here: it's a far cry from Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Ltd. More photos from Redhill on Stephen Mitchell's Transport photos site: link is on the right of the front page

The shuttle bus to the Redhill Steam Fair site was being operated by SN54GRU, a dual door Enviro 200, although who was operating it I don't know until I find my notes. The second door is actually at the rear of the bus. As seen here as it pulls away from the stand. Metrobus 952 (YN07EXO), one of a batch of East Lancs bodied Scania N230s which were new into service in August 2007 for use on TfL service 405 Arriva reaches Redhill on routes 21/22/32 from Guildford. 3924 (GK51SYZ), a Wright bodied DAF SB120 arrives at Redhill with destination screen not working and a notice in the window giving route details. The man in a hat with a camera hiding in the undergrowth is my Metrobus 305 (P305HDP), a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart on the roundabout near the Bus Station Southdown PSV has a presence in the Redhill area, as evidenced by 569 (W569JVV), a Plaxton bodied Dart A slightly older bus on route 405 was 929 (YN56FDC), an East Lancs bodied Scania N94UD Another Southdown PSV Dart seen in the Bus Station was 554 (W554JVV) Metrobus 301 (P301HDP) is seen in an old livery, used for the principal routes in the Crawley area. Metrobus has a batch of Caetano Nimbus bodied Dennis Darts dating from 2001. 363 (Y363HMY) is seen entering the Bus Station Another of the batch, 367 (Y367HMY), in the Bus Station Southdown 554 (W554JVV) is seen departing from the Bus Station East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian 830 (R830MFR) is seen nearing the Bus Station Departing for Reigate is Caetano Nimbus bodied Dart 363 (Y363HMY) And Scania 952 (YN07EXO) is seen leaving for Croydon, with confirmation that it is Redhill Bus Station Another shot of Dart 301 (P301HDP) Dart 297 (W797WMV) was still in the old blue and yellow Metrobus livery Another East Lancs bodied Olympian, 834 (R834MFR), is seen on the roundabout by the Bus Station Metrobus Scania 929 (YD56FDC) leaving the Bus Station Another of the new Scanias, 948 (YN07EXG), is seen leaving the Bus Station, having offloaded at the end of a journey from Croydon Metrobus 359 (Y359HMY) is another Caetano bodied Dart, again leaving the Bus Station The layout of the Bus Station means that many buses offload on stand and then have to run round to the rear of the Bus Station for layover. Metrobus 294 (W794WMV) is seen doing this. Metrobus Olympian 834 (R834MFR) and Scania N230UD 951 (YN07EXM) seen from an elevated vantage point Caetano bodied Dart 378 (Y378HMY) is seen on the rouindabout And is seen again in the Bus Station From the same vantage point Scania N230UD 951 (YN07EXM) is seen. And another Caetano Dart approaching the Bus Station is 364 (Y364HMY) Olympian 836 (R836MFR) is seen approaching it's stand, with several Darts laying over behind Demonstrating Metrobus's diominance is this shot of 836 (R836MFR) and 294 (W794VMV) and others As is this shot of 294 (W794VMV) and 364 (Y364HMY) Metrobus buses all: 836 (R836MFR), 294 (W794VMV) and 364 (Y364HMY), with three Darts in the background Southdown Dennis Dart 380 (V380SVV) is approaching the Bus Station Arriva 3930 (GX51SZJ), a Wright bodied DAF SB120, is surrounded by Metrobus vehicles, with a Southdown Dart also looking for a way into the Bus Station Metrobus Dart 320 (LX03OJP) had arrived from the depot in order to deliver a mechanic, one of the Caetano bodied Darts having failed earlier An elderly (by Metrobus standards) Dart seen on the trunk route 100 was 225 (P725RYL) Pulling up to it's stop was Metrobus 362 (Y362HMY). Metrobus Scania 947 (YN07EXF) is seen awaiting departure time. At the rear of the white roof is written MTB 947 From the elevated vantage point is seen Volvo Olympian 838 (R838MFR) 838 (R838MFR) is seen again, this time alongside Arriva 3930 (GK51SZJ) Sitting doing nothing in particular was Metrobus Dart 293 (W793VMV) Caetano bodied Dart 378 (Y378HMY) in the Bus Station 359 (Y359HMY) is seen in the Bus Station again Two of Metrobus's new Scanias, 951 (YN07EXM) and 948 (YN07EXG)

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]]> Mon Jul 6 2009 Sheffield 2003 and 2004 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1716785.html More photos from Sheffield. By this time my camera was beginning to show the first signs of the optical problems which led to its demise in 2005. As a resutl, some of the images are nothing like as sharp as I would normally upload, but they are all I have of this period. Most of the images being taken in WInter doesn't help much, either. Wednesday 24 June 2009: More photos from Sheffield. By this time my camera was beginning to show the first signs of the optical problems which led to its demise in 2005. As a resutl, some of the images are nothing like as sharp as I would normally upload, but they are all I have of this period. Most of the images being taken in WInter doesn't help much, either.

Aston Express Optare Metrorider R94HUA is seen on Arundel Gate, 2nd January 2004 Aston Express Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart X188BNH is seen on Arundel gate on 2nd January 2004, moving a bit too fast for my camera! Arriva Yorkshire Optare bodied DB250 723 (YD02PYZ) is seen loading at Meadowhall on the express ervice to Bradford, 29th Decmeber 2003 Barnsley and District Alexander bodied Volvo B6 164 (M205LNC) is seen in Sheffield Interchange, 10th April 2004 Barnsley & District seemed to have a liking for Optare Deltas. 303 (J316BYD) is seen at Meadowhall, 29th December 2003 Barnsley & District 306 (J322BVO), another Optare Delta, is seen in Sheffield Interchange, 2nd January 2004 East Midland Volvo Olympian 16453 (P153KWJ) is on Arundel Gate, 31st December 2003 East Midland Volvo Olympian 16479 (L109LHL) has the less common (for Stagecoach) Nortthern Counties bodywork. It is seen in Sheffield Interchange on 2nd January 2004 East Midland Volvo B10M 20411 (M411RRN) is seen at Crystal Peaks (or Waterthorpe, as SYPTE timetables call it) on the last day of 2004 Similar vehicle 20720 (K720DAO) is also at Crystal Peaks on 31st December 2004, the sun catching the registration plate. East Midland 32417 (N417MBW) is a Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart, seen laying over at Crystal Peaks on 31st December 2004 East Midland 33760 (R460LSO), an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart, in Sheffield Interchange, 2nd January 2004 East Midland 52632 (S672RWJ), a Jonckheere bodied Volvo B10M-62 is seen on 2nd January 2004 arriving at Sheffield Interchange Some of Hulleys journeys on route 272 (Sheffield to Castleton) are extended to Meadowhall. Optare Excel 5 (P273NRH) is seen loading there on 29th December 2003 Arriva North East 141 (V141EJC), a Van Hool bodied DAF SB3000, operating a National Express service. FIrst 60030 (R343GHS), a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 in Sheffield Interchange at the start of it's long journey to Hanley on route X18, 2nd January 2004 Powells 681 (OFS681Y), an ex Lothian ECW bodied Leyland Olympian seen on 2nd January 2004 on Arundel Gate Powells 792 (KYV792X) is laying over in Snig HIll on 2nd January 2004. This bus was originally London Transport M792 and has been converted to single door in a fairly crude fashion First 30398 (KKU120W) was 23 years old when photographed at Hillsborough on 31st December 2004. Is it's longevity testament to the quality of the Dennis Dominator chassis and Alexander bodywork, the skill of the engineers, or First's reluctance to invest in new vehicles, thereby subjecting passengers to buses well past their sell-by date? A mere youngster! First 30488 (C879JWE) was new in 1986, and is seen rattling along Arundel Gate on 31st December 2003 Despite being 17 years old, Dennis Dominator 30511 (D484OWE) has been repainted in First corporate South Yorkshire Transport was almost entirely an Olympian free zone until First took over, when many appeared, such as 30551 (N311JBV), a Northern Counties bodied example pictured in Sheffield Interchange on 2nd January 2004 Similar vehicle 30552 (N312JBV) is also seen in Sheffield Interchange And 30553 (N313JBV) also appeared, photographed in Hillsborough on 31st December 2004 Another Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian from London is 30555 (P245HMD), ready to take up a journey to Bakewell. It is good that this route is still double deck operated Another imported Olympian is Alexander bodied 30559 (P183TGD) screened for the Castleton service 272, another route requiring double deckers. 30569 (WU02KVK), seen at Hillsborough Interchange on 27th December 2003, was new to Sheffield in 2002. It is an Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL Similar vehicle 30570 (WU02KVL) is seen on Pinstone Street, with the Town hall behind. 10th April 2004 And another one, 30571 (WU02KVM), is seen at Hillsborough on 31st December 2004 31st December 2003 saw 30572 (WU02KVO)on Cumberland Street Another five Volvo B7TLs arrived in 2003, with bodywork by TransBus. 31782 (YN53EOG)is seen on 27th December 2003 on Angel Street Similar bus 31784 (YN53EOJ) catches the winter sunshine at Hillsborough on 27th December 2003 The next new arrivals were a batch of the rather striking Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7TLs, allocated to route 41. On 27th December 2003, 31793 (YN53EFL) is seen loading on Haymarket Wright bodied Volvo B7TL 31794 (YN53EFM) leans into a corner ads it approaches Crystal Peaks Bus Station, 31st December 2004 Another Wright bodied Volvo B7TL is 31796 (YN53EFP), seen on Angel Street, 27th December 2003 And 31797 (YN53EFR) is seen in Sheffield Interchange, en route for Orange Line - helpful, that! Volvo B7TL 31801 (YN53EFW) had strayed onto route 95, normally single deck operated, on 2nd January 2004 31802 (YN53EFX) is seen on 31st December 2004 leaving Crystal Peaks Bus Station 31803 (YN53EFZ) is on Arundel Gate, 31st December 2003 Plaxton bodied Volvo B6 40454 (M415VHE) is seen leaving Crystal Peaks on 31st December 2004, still in Mainline livery On the same day Volvo B6 40457 (M418VHE) was seen in Hillsborough in Another Volvo B6 seen on 31st December 2004 was 40478 (M439VHE), a Rotherham based bus. Wright bodied Volvo B6 40491 (P454LWE) is one of a small batch liveried for a Park and Ride service in Sheffield, presumably sponsored by Tesco. It is seen outside the Town Hall on 10th April 2004 50180 (N113OWE) is a Plaxton bodied Mercedes Benz 0709, converted for use on Mobility Bus services by addition of a wheelchair lift. It is seen at Crystal Peaks on 31st December 2004 First operated some services for SYPTE using vehicles in the PTE's livery, as seen here on Optare Solo 50241 (YL02FKV) at Meadowhall, 29th December 2003 Another Mobility Bus is Mercedes Benz 0814 52702 (KF02ZXS), also seen at Crystal Peaks on 31st December 2004 First 60480 (G635NWA), an Alexander bodied Volvo B10-55, in Hillsborough, 31st December 2004 Volvo B10M-55 60484 (G639NWA) is seen laying over in Sheffield Interchange on 2nd January 2004 60511 (H665THL), a Volvo B10M-55 is seen in First corporate livery is leaving Crystal Peaks for Rotherham, 31st December 2004 Another B10M-55 in Mainline livery on 31st December 2004 was 60535 (J693AWF)

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]]> Wed Jun 24 2009 Heidelberg, 13th September 1985 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1715987.html A holiday in 1985 gave me less than an hour in Heidelberg. Forget the castle and the historic university - it had to be the trams (and a few buses) around Bismarckplatz. The lack of time, the throng of people and the works going on around the stop made photography more of a challenge than usual, but I got some good stuff (I think), and one absolute gem. Monday 22 June 2009: A holiday in 1985 gave me less than an hour in Heidelberg. Forget the castle and the historic university - it had to be the trams (and a few buses) around Bismarckplatz. The lack of time, the throng of people and the works going on around the stop made photography more of a challenge than usual, but I got some good stuff (I think), and one absolute gem.

The day started at Bad Durkheim, home of the famous sausage fair (Wurstmarkt) and the Rhein-Haardt-Bahn (RHB), famous for at one time having the longest trams in the world, as seen here. 1022 is a 12 axle 1967 built Duewag car in five sections and is curling around the square by Bad Durkheim Bahnhof. First tram seen in Heidelberg was Heidelberg Strassen und Bergbahn AG (HSB) 233, a 1973 6 axle Duewag in an advertising livery. All HSB trams were Duewag built, and all except four were 6 axle cars HSB 215 is at the main stop in Heidelberg and is a 1964 car. I think this one is in fleet livery - a large number of the trams wore advertising liveries at the time. HSB 214, another 1964 car, in another advertising livery The only 8-axle HSB car I photographed was 202, dating from 1975. At the time 201 to 204 were the newest cars in the fleet. HSB 231, a 1973 car in fleet livery (perhaps) 1973 built HSB 244 is wearing another advertising livery My notes say this is DB bus P5. It has a DB logo, but the P5 is nowhere to be seen and the front of the bus is over-exposed, so I can provide no more details. HSB 234 is another advertising liveried 1973 tram HSB 184 in what I assume is the bus livery, is one of several articulated buses I saw. HSB 10 is another bus in the same livery. HSB 64 is carrying an advert which covers the whole of the side below the windows, but the bus is basically in fleet livery Another unknown DB bus, passing Woolworth! Oberrheinische Eisenbahn Gesellschaft (OEG) operates a circular interurban service linking Heidelberg, Weinheim and Mannheim. Most of the fleet was 8 axle Duewags such as 104, dating from 1973 As OEG 104 departed I tried to get a shot of it passing Woolworth, and only just got it in, underestimating how long a tram it was! Another HSB car, another advertising livery. This one is 1973 built 241 Oh Yes!!! OEG 18, a 1949 built works car came trundling through with what look to me like rail carrying trucks. This made me quite happy!!!!!!! And another advert on 6 axles! HSB 227 of 1968 vintage HSB 46 appears to be in all over white

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]]> Mon Jun 22 2009 West Yorkshire, Late 2004 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1713983.html Until recently, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival was part of my itinerary. This resulted in much photography of buses in the West Yorkshire area. In 2004 fewer photos than usual were taken, so there is just a little collection here. Thursday 18 June 2009: Until recently, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival was part of my itinerary. This resulted in much photography of buses in the West Yorkshire area. In 2004 fewer photos than usual were taken, so there is just a little collection here.

Arriva Yorkshire Dennis Dart 201 (V201PCX), Wakefield Arriva Yorkshire 26 (M816RCP), an Ikarus bodied DAF SB220, Leeds Arriva Yorkshire Leyland Lynx 382 (J382BWU), Wakefield Arriva Yorkshire ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 574 (A574NWX) near Bretton Hall Arriva Yorkshire ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 586 (A586NWX) near Bretton Hall Arriva Yorkshire Leyland Olympian/ECW 609 (B609UUM), Leeds First 30669 (F173XYG), a Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian in Calderline livery, Todmorden First 30631 (B124RWY), a 20 year old Roe bodied Olympian, Huddersfield 21 year old Alexander bodied MCW Metrobus 30395 (BLS432Y), Huddersfield Elderly Roe bodied Olympian 30628 (A121KUM) seen descending Longley Lane whilst running empty from a school contract in Huddersfield Also coming off a school journey is 30630 (B123RWY), seen in Lowerhouses, Huddersfield. This was early one morning, which accounts for the grainy photo The same bus, 30630 (B123RWY), seen a bit further down the road at Lowerhouses on a different day. First 30772 (D516HUB), an Optare bodied Olympian seen leaving Leeds City Station Calderline 31042 (BYX308V), an ex London Transport MCW Metrobus, seen in Hebden Bridge Ex LT MCW Metrobus, now First 31047 (A943SUL) and in the Huddersfield local livery, seen leaving Huddersfield Bus Station to take up service on a school journey First 31150 (L24GAN), an Alexander bodied Olympian seen in Huddersfield First Optare Solo 50408 (YN03ZVY) in Hebden Bridge First 60969 (M431VWW), a Plaxton Verde bodied Dennis Lance, leaving Huddersfield Bus Station K-Line Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart L712JUD, Huddersfield K-Line Ikarus bodied DAF SB220, ex Walls of Manchester K-Line UVG bodied Dennis Dart R551UOT (despite the DAF badge!), Huddersfield K-Line Wright bodied DAF YJ03PDY Yorkshire Traction 160 (V510EFR), an East Lancs bodied Volvo B6BLE which originated with London Traveller

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]]> Thu Jun 18 2009 Motherwell, 4th August 2007 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1713782.html A snapshot of buses in Motherwell, taken on a visit to the town for a football match (Gretna v Falkirk). Good to see some buses from one of my old haunts, Warrington. Wednesday 17 June 2009: A snapshot of buses in Motherwell, taken on a visit to the town for a football match (Gretna v Falkirk). Good to see some buses from one of my old haunts, Warrington.

Irvines of Law Plaxton bodied Dart S461LGN (originally Epsom Coaches), Merry Street Coakley Alexander Dennis Dart SN06BSC in Coakley livery, which reminds me of Greater Manchester North's tomato soup livery!, First Marshall bodied Dennis Dart 41224 (R224TLM), laying over on Pollock Street First Marshall bodied Dennis Dart 41220 (R220TLM), Merry Street Coakley Dennis Dart/Northern Counties, ex Warrington, L229SVM, Merry Street First Volvo B10BLE/Wright 66281 (Y181BGB), still in Hutchinson's livery Whitelaw's Enviro 200 passing First 66281, Pollock Street First Dart 42885 (SF05KXJ), Merry Street Coakley Alexander Dennis Dart SN56AXA, Merry Street Ballantyne Mercedes 0814 S452LGN First Dart 42886 (SF05KXK) McKindless Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart P718RYL, originally with London General McKindless P335JND, an ex Stagecoach Manchester Volvo B6BLE with Alexander bodywork First Optare Solo 40465 (SJ03DPV) in Strathclyde PTE livery First 61613 (SF51YBD), a Volvo B6BLE/Wright Coakley Dart SF55HBC on Merry Street Coakley Plaxton bodied Dart R121RLY, still largely in the livery of it's previous owner, Metroline. Coakley Dart L232SWM, still in Warrington Borough Transport livery Clan Mercedes 0709D CKZ8186 McKindless' BMC 1100 BX56XAG First Alexander Dennis Dart 42882 (SF05KXD) Another Coakley Dart masquerading as a Warrington bus, L233SWM McKindless' Dennis Dart R185VLA, originally a Metroline bus First Dennis Dart 40741 (P634WSU) McKindless' Marshall bodied Dart R681OYS, Brandon Street McKindless Dennis Javelin L101SDY operating an express service to Glasgow, Fiirst Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 61494 (P524TYS) McKindless Plaxton bodied Dart R178VLA, another ex Metroline bus Another Warrington bus, or is it Coakley - Plaxton bodied Dart M237 YKD McKindless Dennis Dart/Plaxton Y386LCS, seen on Brandon Street Coakley Leyland Olympian/Alexander G820 GSX, an ex Lothian vehicle McKindless Dart/Marshall R86JAR First Dart 40811 (R321GHS) First Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 61514 (P544TYS) on Merry Street First 66234 (X304JGE), an ex Hutchinson Volvo B10BLE First 66298 (SF04ZPG), an ex Hutchinson Wright bodied B7RLE

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]]> Wed Jun 17 2009 Dumfries and Galloway (except Dumfries Town) http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1713635.html Buses in Dumfries and Galloway, except Dumfries Town, in the period 2001 to 2008. Some of these photos are by courtesy of Stephen Mitchell, this being the only collection which is shared in this way. All Stephen's other photos are on Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photos site (link on the front page) Wednesday 17 June 2009: Buses in Dumfries and Galloway, except Dumfries Town, in the period 2001 to 2008. Some of these photos are by courtesy of Stephen Mitchell, this being the only collection which is shared in this way. All Stephen's other photos are on Stephen Mitchell's Transport Photos site (link on the front page)

Stagecoach Cumberland Volvo B10M 781 (K781DAO) on the Annan Town Service, 18th August 2001 Stagecoach Cumberland MAN 18.220 811 (V811DFV) on thse Dumfries - Carlisle service at a time when it usually saw B10Ms and coaches, 18th August 2001 Stagecoach Western Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M-62 122 (M160CCD) on the express service from Annan to Edinburgh, 18th August 2001 Royal Mail Postbus Y501RBY at Brydekirk, 26th May 2003 - no idea what type of car it is, being uninterested in cars, so thanks to the anonymous correspondent who informs me that it is a Peugeot 406. Royal Mail Postbus Y501RBY at Brydekirk, 26th May 2003 - no idea what type of car it is MacEwans Mercedes 0814 P385XGG, Kirkcudbright, 13th June 2004 Stagecoach Dennis Dart 32391 (P391LPS), Kirkbean, 23rd August 2004 Coalfield Community Transport SF06BDE, Gretna Gateway, 9th April 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Dennis Dart 33075 (V975DRM), ex White Star, Moffat, 6th May 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach B10M-62 52427 (R105LSO), Moffat, 6th May 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Kings Mercedes 0814 R241KSC in overall white, Kirkcudbright, 19th August 2006 Kings Mercedes 0814 R241KSC in overall white, Kirkcudbright, 19th August 2006. Pity about that bush! First 62286 (N538VSA), Langholm, 26th August 2006 DG Buses Renault M774PHH, Langholm, 26th August 2006 Stagecoach Volvo Olympian 16854 (N854VHH), Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Volvo B10M 20109 (N209LTN), Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Scania N113CRB 28924 (G924TDU), Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell). Not a great shot, but included for rarity value - never seen it before or since Stagecoach NCME bodied Scania N113CRB 28951 (M951DRG), Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 Houstons Mercedes 0709D L23LSG, Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Houstons Optare SOlo YJ54ZXZ, Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 Stagecoach 33078 (ex White Star PY02KTO), Lockerbie, 26th August 2006 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Kings Mercedes 0814 R241KSC in overall white, Gatehouse of Fleet, 13th January 2007 Stagecoach Jonkheere bodied Volvo B10M-62 52603 (S133KRM), Gatehouse of Fleet, 13th January 2007 Stagecoach 52603 (S133KRM)with Gatehouse church, 13th January 2007 Stagecoach Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE 21201 (SF55RKA), Gatehouse of Fleet, 13th January 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) DG Buses Mercedes 0814 R827FSX, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 MacEwans Dennis Dart SK52UTT, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 Stagecoach 21202 (SF55RKE), Castle DOuglas, 13th January 2007 Stagecoach Volvo B7RLE 21202 (SF55RKE), Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) MacEwans Dennis Dart SK52UTT, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 MacEwans Dennis Dart SK52UTU, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 MacEwans Mercedes 0814 W137OSM, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 ABC Mercedes 0709D M996CYS, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 MacEwans Mercedes 0814 W137OSM, Castle Douglas, 13th January 2007 Telfords Mercedes 0709D N501AWB, Annan, 17th February 2007 Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Dart 34717 (PX05EKL), Annan, 17th February 2007 Stagecoach NCME bodied Volvo B10M 20894 (P894MNE), Annan, 17th February 2007 Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Dart 34718 (PX05EKM), Annan, 17th February 2007 Stagecoach Dart 33078 (PY02KTO), ex White Star, Annan, 17th February 2007 Stagecoach Volvo B10M 20727 (K727DAO), Gretna Gateway, 18th August 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Optare Solo 47246 (OA05RKA), Kirkcudbright, 18th August 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Kings Optare Solo YJ07VRL, Kirkcudbright, 18th August 2007 ABC Mercedes 0814 S582ACT, Kirkcudbright, 18th August 2007 DG Buses Optare Solo X200CBC, Castle Douglas, 18th August 2007 Kings YJ07VRN and DG Buses X200CBC, Castle Douglas, 18th August 2007 Stagecoach 32393 (P393LPS), Rockcliffe, 25th August 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Dennis Dart 32393 (P393LPS), Rockcliffe, 25th August 2007 Stagecoach 32393 (P393LPS) leaving Rockcliffe, 25th August 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach Dennis Dart 32391 (P391LPS) approaching Rockcliffe, 25th August 2007 (photo by Stephen Mitchell) Stagecoach 32391 (P391LPS), Rockcliffe, 25th August 2007

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Wed Jun 17 2009 Inverness, 19th February 2005 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1665822.html A long weekend in Strathpeffer gave me a bit of time in Inverness to check out the buses and coaches. The weather was wintry, as can be seen from some of the white flecked photos! Wednesday 11 March 2009: A long weekend in Strathpeffer gave me a bit of time in Inverness to check out the buses and coaches. The weather was wintry, as can be seen from some of the white flecked photos!

Stagecoach Volvo Olympian 16200 (L28JSA) on a Dingwall service Stagecoach Dennis Dart 32810 (J510FPS) Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14491 (J121XHH) Stagecoach Transbus Dart 34482 (SV53DDJ) on a city service. This was the second 34482, the first being one of a batch for Carlisle which was renumbered very shortly after delivery. Stagecoach Transbus Dart 34490 (SV53DDY) on a city service Stagecoach Alexander bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33438 (X438NSE) Stagecoach Transbus Dart 34485 (SV53DDN) on a city service Stagecoach Volvo B10M-62 52228 (TSV778) working a Dingwall service Rapsons B10M-62 647 (W743NAS) at the Bus Station, having just arrived on a Citylink service Another view of Rapsons B10M-62 647(W743NAS) Rapsons Leyland Lynx 504 (G103EDG), leaving Inverness Bus Station West Coast Motors K300 WCM laying over at Inverness Bus Station Stagecoach B10M-62 52268 (X678NSE) on a Megabus service at the Bus Station Raspons Van Hool bodied B10M-62 662 (448GWL) on the local service to Ullapool Rapsons B10M-62 654 (MXI694) in overall white duplicating the Citylink service to Ullapool Rapsons B10M-62 667 (DSU707) on the Citylink service to Ullapool Raspons B10M-62 663 (KFO809) arriving at INverness on a Citylink service Rapsons B10M-62 644 (T131AST) in Citylink livery loading for Portree Westerbus YIL 4029 loading in the Bus Station Rapsons Marshall Minibus 201 (S388JPS) Rapsons B10M-62 637(162EKH) on a Citylink service to Fort William Coda: Stagecoach Dart 32809 (J509FPS) loading in Strathpeffer on 21st February after an overnight snowfall

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]]> Wed Mar 11 2009 Sheffield 2000 to 2002 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1659031.html I was born and raised in Sheffield, and still visit regularly. These photos are from a time when Andrews Sheffield Omnibus and Yorkshire Terrier were both under Yorkshire Traction ownership and the use of the Terrier livery was becoming standard, and First was introducing lots of old rubbish from elsewhere within First Group as well as continuing to use superannuated Dennis Dominators. Wednesday 25 February 2009: I was born and raised in Sheffield, and still visit regularly. These photos are from a time when Andrews Sheffield Omnibus and Yorkshire Terrier were both under Yorkshire Traction ownership and the use of the Terrier livery was becoming standard, and First was introducing lots of old rubbish from elsewhere within First Group as well as continuing to use superannuated Dennis Dominators.

Andrews Sheffield Omnibus MCW Metrobus 1733 (GOG160W), ex WMPTE, Waingate, 25th July 2000 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Leyland National 2082 (NRP582V), Church Street, 27th December 2000 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Leyland National 2096 (EDT209V), Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Volvo B6/Alexander 2273 (K273ERM) and 2203 (M203EUS), Pinstone Street, 27th December 2000 Andrews Sheffield Omnibus Volvo B6/Plaxton 2279 (P101NDT), Transport Interchange, 25th July 2000 Aston Express Dennis Dart/Marshall X167BNH, Crystal Peaks, 12th August 2002 Aston Express Duple bus bodied Leyland Leopard, DWF22V, Crystal Peaks, 12th August 2002 Aston Express Dennis Dart MPD V246BNV, Pond Street, 25th July 2000 Aston Express Dannis Dart SLF/Plaxton W558JVV, Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Aston Express UVG bodied Dennis Dart, Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Aston Express Daimler Fleetline WJI 6160, Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Barnsley and District Leyland National 219 (NRP582V), Transport Interchange, 25th July 2000 East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 430 (B630DWF), Transport Interchange, 25th July 2000 East Midland Alexander bodied Leyland Tiger 433 (B633DWF), Transport Interchange, 25th July 2000 East Midland Alexander bodied Dennis Dart SLF 846 (R464LSO), Transport Interchange, 3rd December 2001 East Midland Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander 853 (R471LSO), Meadowhall Interchange, 10th August 2002 Cheltenham & Gloucester 1802 (K802OMV) on loan to East Midland, Transport Interchange, 25th July 2000 Mainline Mercedes 0709/Plaxton 144 (N279JUG), ex WYPTE, Transport Interchange, 29th December 2001 Mainline MCW Metrobus MkII 1902 (UKY902Y), Waingate 25th July 2000 Mainline MCW Metrobus Mk II 1940 (B940FET), Flat Street, 25th July 2000 Mainline MCW Metrobus Mk II 1948 (C948HWF), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Alexander bodied Dennis Dominator 2168 (NKU168W), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2240 (SDT240Y), Townhead Street, 3rd December 2001 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2248 (SDT248Y), Hillsborough, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2252 (SDT252Y), Church Street, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Northern Counties 2314 (A314XAK), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2406 (A406YAK) turning from Nursery Street into The Wicker, 25th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2417 (A417YAK), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2459 (C879JWE), Crystal Peaks, 12th August 2002 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2460 (C880JWE), Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2463 (C883JWE) in corporate First livery, 12th August 2002 Mainline Dennis Dominator/Alexander 2476 (D476OWE), Crystal Peaks, 24th July 2000 Mainline Leyland Olympian/Roe 2609 (EWY81Y), ex WYPTE, Transport Interchange, 27th December 2000 Mainline Leyland Olympian/Roe 2612 (E964PME), ex WYPTE, Transport Interchange, 3rd December 2001 Mainline Alexander bodied Volvo B7TL 2702 (X857UOK), West Street, 3rd December 2001 Mainline Volvo B7TL/Alexander 2717 (WU02KVV), High Street, 10th August 2002 Mianline Volvo B6/Plaxton 414 (M414VHE), Leopold Street, 1st December 2001 Mainline Volvo B6/Plaxton 418 (M418VHE), Transport Interchange, 27th December 2000 Mainline Volvo B6BLE/Wright 444 (N144BWG), Hillsborough, 24th July 2000 Mainline Volvo B6/Alexander 499 (KIB6110), Meadowhall Interchange, 12th August 2000 Mainline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton 511 (S511UAK), Transport Interchange, 29th December 2001 Mainline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton 518 (S518UAK), Commercial Street, 29th December 2001 Mainline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton 528 (S528UAK), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton 536 (S536UAK), Crystal Peaks, 12th August 2002 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 614 (G614NWA), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 632 (G632NWA), Hillsborough, 24th July 2000 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 682 (H682THL), Crystal Peaks, 12th August 2002 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 719 (M719VET), Transport Interchange, 24th July 2000 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 736 (M736VET), Hillsborough, 24th July 2000 Mainline Volvo B10M/Alexander 755 (N755CKY), Townhead Street, 3rd December 2001

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Wed Feb 25 2009 Alfreton and Ilkeston, 22nd September 2007 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1658656.html A trip to Ilkeston to watch the not very mighty Witton Albion gave me a chance to look at buses in Alfreton and Ilkeston. Unfortunately a very late train led to almost all my time in Alfreton being at the Bus Station and less time in Ilkeston than anticipated. This is an area that is well worth visiting, as I hope these pictures suggest. Tuesday 24 February 2009: A trip to Ilkeston to watch the not very mighty Witton Albion gave me a chance to look at buses in Alfreton and Ilkeston. Unfortunately a very late train led to almost all my time in Alfreton being at the Bus Station and less time in Ilkeston than anticipated. This is an area that is well worth visiting, as I hope these pictures suggest.

Trent Optare Solo 405 (V405JTO) at the top of Cressy Road, Alfreton Doyle Mercedes Benz 0811D/Marshall M460EDH, top of Cressy Road Alfreton Doyle Optare Solo Y812KDP, Cressy Road Alfreton Trent Optare Solo 406 (V406JTO) , route branded for the nines, Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Transbus Dart SLF 34458 (YN53ZRU), Alfreton Bus Station Doyle Mercedes Benz 0811D/Plaxton L953MBH, Alfreton Bus Station Trent Optare Solo 432 (FP51GXR), branded for route H1 at Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Dennis Dart/Plaxton 32073 (M73VJO), Alfreton Bus Station Trent Optare Solo 411 (W411YAL), route branded for the nines, Alfreton Bus Station TM Travel Mercedes Benz 0810D/Plaxton R277RAU, Alfreton Bus Station The Nines route branded Trent Optare Solo 413 (W413YAL), Alfreton Bus Station Trent Rainbow 1 branded Scania L94UB 661 (FN54AEY), Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35262 (YN56SHJ), Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35263 (YN56SHV), Alfreton Bus Station Trent Optare Solo 443 (FE02KDF), route branded for the nines, Alfreton Bus Station Trent Scania K94 Irizar 66 (FN04BSU) branded for Red Arrow, Alfreton Bus Station Doyle Mercedes 0811D/Plaxton M457UUR, Alfreton Bus Station Doyle Mercedes Benz 0709D/Alexander L27LSG, Alfreton Bus Station Doyle Dennis Dart KU52YJT, Alfreton Bus Station. Tesco or Sainsbury's? Doyle Mercedes 0811D/Wright M273URC, laying over near Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Dennis Dart/Plaxton 32118 (K118SRH), Alfreton Bus Station Trent Rainbow 1 branded Scania L94UB 650 (FN04HSY), Alfreton Bus Station Stagecoach Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 14353 (J353XET), Alfreton Bus Station Trent Optare Solo 434 (FP51GXT), route branded for H1, Heanor Wilmot Street Trent Optare Solo 466 (FG02BGO), Wilmot Street Heanor Felix Plaxton bodied VDL SB220 YJ56KBF, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston Rainbow 2 branded Trent Scania L94UB 646 (FN04HSX) at Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston Trent Optare Solo 423 (W423RTO), Wharncliffe Road Ilkeston Trent Optare Solos 426 (W426RTO) and 423 (W423RTO), Wharncliffe ROad, Ilkeston Trent route branded Optare Solo 456 (FE02KFC), Wharncliffe Road Ilkeston Notts and Derby Northern Counties bodied Volvo B10B 117 (L117LRA), South Street Ilkeston Rainbow 2 branded Trent Scania L94UB 642 (FN04HTP) at Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston Trent Black Cat branded Optare Tempo 312 (YJ07VSG), Bath Street, Ilkeston Rainbow 2 branded Trent Scania L94UB 648 (FN04HTT), Bath Street Ilkeston Trent Optare Solo 453 (FE02KEK) route branded for service 15, Bath Street Ilkeston

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Tue Feb 24 2009 Scunthorpe, 12th July 2008 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1654123.html One morning in Scunthorpe, July 2008, prior to an afternoon spent travelling round Appleby Frodingham Steelworks behind a steam locomotive! Due to time constraints most photos were taken in or around the Bus Station. More photos added on 7th July 2009 Sunday 15 February 2009: One morning in Scunthorpe, July 2008, prior to an afternoon spent travelling round Appleby Frodingham Steelworks behind a steam locomotive! Due to time constraints most photos were taken in or around the Bus Station. More photos added on 7th July 2009

Stagecoach Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties 16476 (K106JWJ), dating from 1993 Stagecoach Optare Solo 47270 (FX53AYE) Stagecoach Volvo B10B 21014 (N451HWY) Stagecoach East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart 33251 (R501JFE) Contrast in Olympians: Alexander bodied Leyland 14347 (H347SWA) and Northern Counties bodied Volvo 16474 (K104JWJ) Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20733 (K733DAO) Hornsby DAF SB120 YG52 CGY Stagecoach DAF SB220 with Optare Delta bodywork 26059 (K350FAL) of 1992 vintage and still wearing Road Car livery Another elderly Leyland Olympian with Alexander bodywork, 14991 (L601NOS). The fleetnumber and logo are in odd positions! And another one, 14979 (G709TCD) Hornsby DAF SB120 YG52 CGZ East Yorkshire 65 (YX07HJG), a Caetano bodied Volvo B12B on National Express service to London Hornsby Travel Plaxton Primo FX06JVG, promoting route 22 in an understated way! Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14186 (G186JHG), dating from 1989 and Volvo Olympian 16476 (K106JWJ) from 1993 Stagecoach Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14184 (G184JHG), dating from 1989 Stagecoach Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian 14960 (G210SSL) from 1989 Hornsby Transbus Dart SN03LGA Hornsby Wirght bodied DAF SB120 W209CDN, ex Arriva Yorkshire Hornsby Dennis Dart X94 HTL Stagecoach Alexander bodied MAN 118.220 22416 (FX06AVF) from 2006 on the trunk route to Gainsborough and Lincoln Hornsby Dennis Dart X674OBA. Is this an ex Jim Stones of Leigh bus? Stagecoach Alexander bodied Volvo B10M 20733 (K733DAO) Hornsby Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF Y39WVL Stagecoach East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart 33224 (X524HFE) Isle Coaches Scania L113 P653VWX Isle Coaches Scania L113 P653VWX from the other side Stagecoach East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart 33224 (X524HFE) again Stagecoach Volvo B10B 21022 (P456UUG) Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14184 (G184JHG), dating from 1989 Stagecoach Alexander bodied MAN 118.220 22414 (FX06AVD) Stagecoach Leyland Olympian 14186 (G186JHG) of 1989 vintage Stagecoach training coach 52283 (N143XSA), a 1996 Volvo B10M-62 with Plaxton bodywork, seen in Scunthorpe depot with a fine selection of buses also in view

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]]> Sun Feb 15 2009 Rawtenstall and Rochdale, 6th March 2001 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1653104.html Buses in Rawtenstall and Rochdale, 6th March 2001. Due to a need to see and photograph as much as possible in a limited time span all photos are at Rawtenstall Bus Station or Rochdale Bus Station. Some photos are included for their rarity value (to me, when I saw them on the day) and are not always the best quality. Friday 13 February 2009: Buses in Rawtenstall and Rochdale, 6th March 2001. Due to a need to see and photograph as much as possible in a limited time span all photos are at Rawtenstall Bus Station or Rochdale Bus Station. Some photos are included for their rarity value (to me, when I saw them on the day) and are not always the best quality.

BuVal UVG bodied Dart R807WJA, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 First Calderline Olympian, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 MR Travel Leyland Atlantean/NCME ex Greater MAnchester SND437X, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 MR Travel Leyland Atlantean/NCME ex Greater Manchester SND440X, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 MR Travel Leyland Atlantean/NCME ex Greater Manchester, ANA538Y, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 MR Travel Dennis Dart MPD T79JBA, Rochdale MR Travel UVG bodied Dennis Dart R809WJA, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Pilkingtons Leyland National 14 (wearing Accrington and District livery), Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Pilkingtons Leyland National 46, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Pilkingtons Leyland National 52, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 First Pioneer Dennis Dart SLF 6006, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart 103, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart/MArshall 128, ex Maynes, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart SLF 131, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Leyland Lynx 179, ex Lothian, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart 23, ex Metroline, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Olympian 29, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Olympian/ECW 36, ex London United, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Olympian 40, ex London Central, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Olympian 49, ex London Central, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Leyland Atlantean/NCME 52, ex Greater Manchester, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Duple bodied Volvo B10M 68, ex Hutxhinsons of Overtown, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale 76, Leyland Leopard rebodied by East LAncs, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale 78, Leyland Leopard rebodied by East LAncs, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart 80, ex Metroline, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart 86, ex Metroline, Rochdale, 6th March 2001 Rossendale Dennis Dart 91, ex Metroline, Rawtenstall, 6th March 2001 Stotts of Oldham Dennis Dominator/Alexander E134SAT, Rochdale, 6th March 2001

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]]> Fri Feb 13 2009 Edinburgh 2001 - 2003 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c1652405.html Buses photographed on several visits to Edinburgh in 2001, 2002 and 2003. A time when First had introduced city services to compete with Lothian, so the City Centre was awash with buses. A time when madder predominated the Lothian fleet, and any livery was acceptable for First Edinburgh. It seems a long time ago. Some photos are included for their rarity (to me) value, rather than their intrinsic photographic quality. Wednesday 11 February 2009: Buses photographed on several visits to Edinburgh in 2001, 2002 and 2003. A time when First had introduced city services to compete with Lothian, so the City Centre was awash with buses. A time when madder predominated the Lothian fleet, and any livery was acceptable for First Edinburgh. It seems a long time ago. Some photos are included for their rarity (to me) value, rather than their intrinsic photographic quality.

First Edinburgh Volvo B10-55 1053, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 First Edinburgh Volvo B10-55, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburgh Volvo B10M-50, Princes Street, 13 February 2003 First Edinburgh Olympian 1319, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburgh Volvo Olympian 1333, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 First Edinburgh Leyland Tiger 172, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 First edinburgh Leyland Tiger 197, Pricnces Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburh Leyland Lion 1976, Musselburgh High Street, 16 February 2002 First Edinburgh Dennis Dart 203, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburgh Dennis Dart 204, Musselburgh High Street, 16 February 2002 First Volvo B10M-62 2209 (N500TCC), Princes STreet, First Edinburgh Leyland Tiger 303, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 First Edinburgh 314, South St ANdrew Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburgh Leyland Tiger 350, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 First Ednburgh Wright Solar bodied Scania L94UB, Junction of Hanover Street and George Street, 26 January 2002 First Edinburgh Scania K113, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 First Edinburgh Mercedes Benz 0405 67, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 First Edinburgh Optare bodied mercedes Benz 0405 78, Musselburgh, 16 February 2002 First Edinbugrh Olympian 932, Princes Street, 18th December 2002 First Edinburgh Olympian 951, Princes Street, 13th February 2003 First Edinburgh Olympian 977, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 Stagecoach Fife MAN 18.220 269, St Andrew Square, 18th December 2002 Stagecoach Fife B10M-55 326, George Street, 18th December 2002 Stagecoach Fife Volvo B10M-62 52309 in Scottish Citylink livery, St Andrew Square, 13th February 2003 Stagecoach Fife Volvo B10M-62 552, St Andrew Square, 18th December 2002 Lothian Leyland National 107, George Street, 18th December 2002 Lothian Dennis Dart 115, St Andrew Square, 15 August 2001 Lothian Dennis Dart 119, Waverley Bridge, 13th February 2003 Lothian Dennis Dart 121, Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, 26 January 2002 Lothian Dennis Dart 123, Princes Steet, 26 January 2002 Lothian Leyland National 124, Frederick Street, 26 January 2002 Lothian Leyland National 131, Musselburgh high Street, 16 February 2002 Lothian Leyland National 140, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Leyland National, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Leyland National 146, George Street, 26 January 2002 Lothian Dennis Dart SLF 157, Stockbridge, 18th December 2002 Lothian Dennis Dart 170, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Dennis Dart 182, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Dennis Dart SLF 186, Leith, 16 February 2002 Lothian Olympian 226, South St David Street, 18th Decmeber 2002 Lothian Leyland Olympian 263, Musselburgh high Street, 16 February 2002 Lothian Olympian 273, Princes Street, 26 January 2002 Lothian Olympian 281, Nicolson Street, 26 January 2002 Lothian Volvo B7TL 293, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Volvo B7TL 294, Princes Street, 15 August 2001 Lothian Olympian 306, Waverley Bridge, 15 August 2001 Lothian Olympian 314, The Mound, 15 August 2001 Lothian Olympian 336, South St Andrew Street, 13th February 2003 Lothian Olympian 337, Lothian Road, 15 August 2001 Lothian Olympian 348, Hanover Street, 26 January 2002

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Wed Feb 11 2009 A Mad Day Out in Lancashire, 28th June 2001 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c732580.html The results of one day in 2001 wandering the towns of East Lancashire and photographing as many buses as possible. At this point in time Burnley & Pendle and Lancashire United had only just been purchased by Blazefield from Stagecoach, Preston was in the process of modifying it's livery and Pilkingtons was a big player in Accrington. Wednesday 19 October 2005: The results of one day in 2001 wandering the towns of East Lancashire and photographing as many buses as possible. At this point in time Burnley & Pendle and Lancashire United had only just been purchased by Blazefield from Stagecoach, Preston was in the process of modifying it's livery and Pilkingtons was a big player in Accrington.

Blackburn Volvo B10BLE 209, Accrington, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Leyland National Greenway 427, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Leyland National Greenway 428, Ainsworth Street, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Olympian 45, 28th June 2001 Blackburn National Greenway 522, 28th June 2001 Blackburn National Greenway 524, Ainsworth Street, 28th June 2001 Blackburn National Greenway 525, Accrington, 28th June 2001 Blackburn National Greenway 530, Blackburn Bus Station, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Volvo B6, Accrington, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Volvo B6 536, Blackburn Bus Station, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Metrorider 628, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Dennis Dart MPD 651,28th June 2001 Blackburn Dennis Dart MPD 654, 28th June 2001 Blackburn Dennis Dart MPD 655, 28th June 2001 Blue Bus DAF SB120 20, Preston Bus Station, 28th June 2001 Burnley and Pendle B10BLE 1044, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle B10BLE 1053, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle Volvo B10 1301, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle Dennis Javelin 138, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle Dennis Javel;in 140, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle Javel;in 156, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle Olympian (ex GMPTE) 2102, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley and Pendle Olympian 2108, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle Olympian 2125, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle Olympian 2156, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle Olympian 2211 (ex Highland), Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle 2214 (ec Highland), Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle 449, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Blackburn National Greenway 523, Blackburn Bus Station Burnley & Pendle Lynx 681, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Burnley & Pendle Lynx 683, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Coastlinks XJI 1302, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 First Calderline Olympian 5162, Burnley Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Fishwicks Dennis Dart 17, Preston, 28 June 2001 Fishwicks DAF SB120 37, Preston Bus Station, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United Olympian 2103, Accrington, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United Volvo B6BLE 210, Accrington, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United B6BLE 213, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United Volvo B10 427, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United Volvo B10M 432, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, 28 June 2001 Lancashire United Dennis Dart MPD 701, Accrington, 28 June 2001 Northern Blue Leyland Atlantean 105 (ex Tyne & Wear), Burnley Bus Station, 28th June 2001 Northern Blue Leyland Atlantean 105 (ex Tyne & Wear), Burnley Bus Station, 28th June 2001 Northern Blue 99 in Burnley Bus Station Pennine Leyland National LN14 in Burnley Bus Station Pilkingtons Leyland National 45, Accrington, 28th June 2001 Pilkingtons Optare Delta 516 (F516TPA), Accrington, 28th June 2001 Pilkingtons Optare Delta 80, Accrington, 28th June 2001 Pilkingtons Leyland National 82, Accrngton, 28th June 2001 Pilkingtons Leyland National 88, Accrington, 28th June 2001

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

]]> Wed Oct 19 2005 Dublin Buses 1999-2000 http://caroline-mathews.fotopic.net/c724346.html A snapshot of buses in Dublin taken during two visits in December 1999 and March 2000. Mostly Dublin Bus vehicles, including some of the last KC and KD classes in service, a few Bus Eireann vehicles and no minibuses ( I was too busy chasing Bombardiers!). All taken with my first digital camera, which was not as good optically as it should have been. Edited and updated 9th July 2009 Wednesday 12 October 2005: A snapshot of buses in Dublin taken during two visits in December 1999 and March 2000. Mostly Dublin Bus vehicles, including some of the last KC and KD classes in service, a few Bus Eireann vehicles and no minibuses ( I was too busy chasing Bombardiers!). All taken with my first digital camera, which was not as good optically as it should have been. Edited and updated 9th July 2009

Leyland Atlantean/McArdle D603 in sightseeing tour livery, O'Connell Street, 5/12/99 Airport Express liveried DAF SB220/Alexander Setanta AD36, Store Street, 4/12/99 DAF SB220/Alexander Setanta AD53 in ICON Shuttle livery, O'Connell Street, 5/12/99 Bombardier KC48 moving at speed along Burgh Quay, 3/12/99 Bombardier KD145 on Inter-Station service 90, Heuston Station, 04/12/99 KD295, O'Connell Street, 3/12/99 DAF SB220 P22 in City Swift livery, Parnell Street, 5/12/99 Olympian/Alexander RA184, standard blue and white livery, Burgh Quay, 4/12/99 Olympian/Alexander RA275, City Swift route 27 livery, Talbot Street, 4/12/99 Alexander bodied Olympian RH123 passing the time on O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 Òlympian RH127 in City Swift livery, O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 Olympian RH171, College Street, 5/12/99 Volvo Olympian RV308, Middle Abbey Street, bound for Cityspeed Minimum Fare, 3/12/99 Olympian RV330 in Dublin Coastal Tour livery, 3/12/99 Olympian RV395, Middle Abbey Street, 3/12/99 Olympian RV425, Marlborough Street, 5/12/99 Olympian RV434, O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 Olympian RV451, Middle Abbey Street, 3/12/99 Olympian RV460 in Stillorgan Flyer livery, O'Connell Street, 5/12/99 Olympian RV514 in Airport Express livery, Store Street, 4/12/99 Volvo B10L/Alexander VL5 in standard blue and white, O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 VL6, running at the time on natural gas and in a livery to promote it, O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 Bus Eireann SI 45, a Scania L94IB/Irizar, O'Connell Street, 3/12/99 Bus Eireann VP34, a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton, O'Connell Street, 4/12/99 DAF SB220 AD2 in City Swift livery, Aston Quay, 13/3/200 DAF SB220 AD64, Dun Laoghaire Station, 13/3/2000 GAC/Bombardier KC100 about to take up a journey on minibus route 123, O'Connell Street, 13/03/2000 KC138 parked up on Beresford Place, 13/3/2000 KC173, Lower Abbey Street, 14/03/2000 KC173, Lower Abbey Street, 14/03/2000 KC198, Beresford Place, 13/3/2000 KD114, Lower Gardiner Street, 13/3/2000 KD223 with an intersting lean to one side, Aston Quay, 14/3/2000 KD295, O,Connell Street, 14/3/2000 KD311 with tree, Eden Quay, 13/3/2000. I took this one to show the unusual side profile and small wheels of these buses. KD323, Aston Quay, 14/3/2000 KD334, College Street, 13/3/2000 KD335, College Street, 13/3/2000 KD346 speeding along O'Connell Street, 13/3/2000 DAF SB220/Plaxton P18 in blue and white, Parnell Street, 12/3/2000 DAF SB220/Plaxton P38 in City Swift livery, Parnell Street, 12/3/2000 Leyland Olympian/Alexander RA189, Btray Station, 13/3/2000 Olympian RA223, Eden Quay, 13/3/2000 OLympian RA241, Dun Laoghaire Station, 13/3/2000 Open-Top Olympian RH3 in sightseeing green, O'Connell Street, 12/3/2000 Olympian RH36, Lower Abbey Street, 13/3/2000 Olympipan RH38, Lower Abbey Street, 13/3/2000 Olympian RH52, Marlborough Street, 13/3/2000 Volvo Olympian RV365 in City Swift livery, Marlborough Street, 13/3/2000 Olympian RV410 in Wedding Bus livery crossing O'Connell Street, 13/3/2000

Published in Mad Annie's Offshoot

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