Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the November, 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.
In response to the shortage of qualified pcv drivers. Hedingham and Chambers has taken the initiative of starting driver training in house. The main shortages are at Clacton and Chambers and two instructors have been appointed; based at each of these locations. Most training is centred on Clacton, where a dedicated training vehicle is based, and part of the yard is being set aside for reverse practice etc. It is understood that there was much interest for the trainee driver vacancies at Clacton.
Currently, some drivers from fellow Go-Ahead companies Konect, Plymouth Citybus and Southern Vectis have been seconded to Clacton and Chambers.
In early November, the Maldon Road/Southway area of Colchester resembled a building site. At the western end of Southway, ongoing work to make this section of road into “shared pedestrian and vehicle space” was well in hand, while the junction with Maldon Road was temporarily closed for 6 days, to allow replacemnent of a water main. Most affected bus services, were diverted out of Colchester through the old garrison, with only Arriva using the “traditional” diversionary route along Beverley Road and Cambridge Road. It is understood this was due to low tree branches along the latter throughfares and the fact Arriva’s fleet is now all single deck.
Ipswich Buses has made more second hand acquisitions to upgrade its fleet – this time the the shape of ex London Scania Omnicity double deckers.
On the railway, works for the Crossrail project continue. Following the completion of track laying in the running tunnels, Gidea Park depot is now being remodelled, to make it suitable for the new Class 345 trains and improve access from the country end. Deliveries of Class 345s continue apace, with around half the new fleet delivered by the end of November.

24/7, STANSTED.
New are Renault Trafic 8 seater LJ67 ACX-Z, ADX, AGX, AHE.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3817/18 (GN07 AVE/F) were loaned to Southend for 1 day on 18/11/17. This was to cover for double deckers on Greater Anglia rail replacement.
Between 6 and 11/11/17, Ambrose Avenue bound route 1s and Tollgate bound 4s were diverted via Lexden Road, Beverley Road and Cambridge Road due to Maldon Road being closed at its junction with Southway for water main replacement. Greenstead bound 1s and town centre bound 4s were rerouted via Salisbury Avenue and Butt Road.

Above: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet no 3527 turns out of Cambridge Road into Maldon Road on 10/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Route 4 has been diverted at its outer end along Church Lane and Plover Road, in the new Hampton park housing development at Tollgate. It then runs to/from its terminus at the Medical Centre along the new Stanway by-pass.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
From Arriva Kent & Surrey is Optare Versa 4235 (KX13 DHE).

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 MMC no 6503 at Newbury Park on 29/10/17, on GA RRP to Wickford. (John Podgorski).

BALFOUR BEATTY.

Above: Colchester depot, seen on 17/11/17. (John Podgorski).

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/MCV Evolution AE56 OUL has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap, via Ensign.

CHAMBERS.
A driver training school has been established, with certain functions shared with Hedingham.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 260 (EU56 FLR) transferred from Hedingham during November.

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Sold is Mb Sprinter 413/UVM welfare bus 116 (WX55 HXF).

COLAS RAIL.
2/11/17: 60087 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock. 70817 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor.
6/11/17: 70808 on 6L37.
7/11/17: 70811 on 6L44.
8/11/17; 37219 + 37611 + 6261 on 1Q90 NR test train up GEML.
10/11/17: 70809 on 6L37.
14/11/17: 56301 on 6L74 Wembley-Barrington. 70814 on 6L44.
16/11/17: 70807 on 6L37. 70811 on 6L44.
20/11/17: 70809 running light, “down” through Stratford @ 1649. On 0V30 Hiksey Yard to Dagenham, to form 6V30 return to Bridgend.
21/11/17: 60095 replaced 70814 on 6L44 and ran 4 hours late. 66850 on 6L37.
28/11/17: 60056 on 6L44.
30/11/17: 60095 replaced 60047 at Toton on 6L44. 66850 on 6L37.

DBS.

Above: Bow Midland yard on 17/11/17. The wagons are defective, or “cripples” in railway parlance. (John Podgorski).

1/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic
2/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic.
3/11/17: 66044 on 4L45 Wakefield-Felixstowe. 66164 at Bow Midland on Plasmor.
w/e 4/11/17: Burton to FLX flow ceased; replaced by GBRf Hams Hall to Southampton flow.
6/11/17: 66053 on sand at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich.
7/11/17: 66011 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66108 at Bow Olympic.
8/11/17: 66108 at Bow Olympic. 66176 on 6L53 Mounsorrel-Chesterton Junction.
12/11/17: 66009/174 on 3J32 GN RHTT.
13/11/17: 66158 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on sand @ 0800.
14/11/17: 66125 on Wakefield-FLX. 66176 at Broxbourne on 6M76.
15/11/17: 66053 at Bow Olympic.
16/11/17: 66053 at Bow Olympic.
20/11/17: 66155 at Bow Midland on Yeoman hoppers.
21/11/17; 66075 on Broxbourne-Mountsorrel aggregates.
23/11/17: 66040 at Bow Olympic. 66119/165 now on GN RHTT
24/11/17: 66011 on West Thurrock-Mountsorrel STP.
27/11/17: 59104 at Bow Midland. 66059 on Wakefield-FLX. 66070 at Cambridge North.
30/11/17: 66083 at Bow Olympic.

Above: 59201 brings up the rear of a west bound aggregates train formed of HKA hoppers at Iver, Buckinghamshire on 14/3/15, (66200 was leading). The service would have likely originated from Marks Tey sand yard or Purfleet Stone Terminal in Essex and travelled via Acton. 59201 is one of the former National Power Class 59s. When this picture was taken, the OLE for Crossrail had yet to be erected. (John Podgorski).

DLR.

Above: Bombardier B92 Stock unit no 52 awaits departure from Woolwich Arsenal on 4/11/17. (John Podgorski).

DRS:
66421/24/26 on GEML RHTT in early November.
6/11/17: 37405 + 37419 + 57303 + DBSO 9705 on Norwich-Crewe, past Witham @ 1047.
7/11/17: 37059/69 – Stowmarket to Ilford.
9/11/17: 66116 at Bow Olympic.
10/11/17: 66116 at Bow Olympic.
14/11/17: 37059/69 on Southend Victoria line with 3S60 RHTT. 66421/24 at Ilford for tyre turning.
15/11/17: 37425 on Norwich-Willesden light engine.
20/11/17: 66303 on Wembley-Stowmarket light engine move. Then paired with 66426 for RHTT.
21/11/17: 37218/419 on GEML RHTT. 57301 + 37606 on Willesden-Norwich light engine move up GEML.
23/11/17: 37059/69, 57002/7, 66434 on 0A81 Stowmarket-Willesden Brent light engine move. 37259 + 37605 on Willesden-Stowmarket light engine.
25/11/17: 66421/24 on Stowmarket to Doncaster Roberts Rd light engine.
27/11/17; 37218/606 on GEML and Clacton line on 3S60 RHTT. 66304 on 4L48 Daventry-Purfleet.
28/11/17: 37607 with ultrasonic test train down West Anglia line from Cambridge in late evening.
30/11/17: 37607 and test train stabled at Colchester.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Belvedere depot, latterly with Go-Ahead London (London General), has closed, with work moving to Morden Wharf at North Greenwich and London Central at Bexleyheath. It was originally opened by Harris Bus for TfL contracts in south east London, and replaced an outstation at Crayford. It had been coded as BV with London General.

Above: Back in April 2012, Belvedere was being used to store withdrawn Mercedes Citaro bendybuses. MAL49 (BD52 LNF) was pictured on April 30th. (John Podgorski).

ENSIGNBUS.
Sold are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 902 (LJ54 BCZ) to Goodwins of Eccles; 904 (LJ54 BDU) to Kent Coach Tours of Ashford and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 157 (LX04 FXS ex WLT 307) to Aintree Coachline of Bootle.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex AVIS, Heathrow is Mb Sprinter BG63 VUV, It is now plain white with led destinations.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents LK03 CEU, UFU have gone for scrap to Shelton Motors of Ely, following a period of store at Ensign. Also gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 754 (KX03 HZW) and 758 (LK03 NLF).

FIRST ESSEX.
Ex First West of England is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42968 (WX06 ONC). It is at Chelmsford (CF).
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62409 (YS03 ZKG) is the latest repaint into Refreshed livery. Sister 65683 (YR52 VEU) has moved back to Colchester (CR) from Clacton (CN), while 65688 (YS03 ZKH) now has Route 74/76 branding. 62407 (YS03 ZKB) and 65683 (YR52 VEU) have had their dot matrix rear service number apertures replaced by led units.
The last Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLF, 41730 (X503 JLO) is withdrawn, while sister 41735 (X735 HLF) has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.

Between 6 and 11/11/17, Maldon Road in Colchester, was closed at its junction with Southway, for water main replacement. Routes heading south from the town centre were diverted through the Garrison, with 64/A, 75/A being affected. 75/As running into Colchester were rerouted via Salisbury Avenue and Butt Road.

Above: Wright Streetlite no 63344 on diversion at Napier Road, Colchester Garrison on 10/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37138 at Colchester Bus Station on 12/11/17, but not calling at the usual stop for an eastbound 62A. The stand it is on, at Stanwell Street – is for express coaches. This was due to High Street being closed for the Remembrance Day parade. (Simon Austin).

Above: X30 branded ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 66167, at Chelmsford rail station on 17/11/17, on town service 42. They have also been noted on 71 to Colchester and the Chelmsford Park and Ride, on occasions, and 66171 was seen on 31X on 21/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Below: X30 E200 MMC 66170 at Chelmsford, on a 71 on 25/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Above: Ex First Essex Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66979 was one of a batch which moved to First Eastern Counties in 2014; initially at Ipswich and later to Norwich. This shot, taken on 18/11/17, shows it at Castle Meadow in Red Line livery. (Simon Austin).

Below: Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 32801 is one of three ex First Essex Tridents on loan to First Eastern Counties at Great Yarmouth; the others being 32809/49. It was seen at Caister Road depot on 18/11/17, in company with ex First West Yorkshire Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 36187. (Simon Austin).

FREIGHTLINER.

(John Podgorski).

2/11/17: 66606 on 6M80 Bow Olympic-Tunstead.
4/11/17: 66563 at Stratford on ballast. (Pictured above).
8/11/17: 66606 on 6L71 Coalville-Chesterton Junction. 86604/8 on 4L91 Trafford Park-Ipswich/FLX.
9/11/17: 66529 dragged 86604/8 from Ipswich on 4M88 FLX-Crewe.
12/11/17: 66555 on Ruckhold Junction (Leyton) to Whitemoor engineers’.
15/11/17: 86609/4 on 4M88 Ipswich-Crewe.
16/11/17: 66505/64 on 4E22 IPS-Leeds. 66601 on Dowlow Sidings to Chesterton.
17/11/17: 66602 with rake of WWAs, “up” through Colchester @ 0822. 66614 ‘Poppy’ at Bow Midland @ 0928.
20/11/17: 86609/4 + dead 70015 on 4M88 FLX-Crewe.
24/11/17: 66596/8 light “down” through Romford @ 1400. 66603 at Bow Olympic.
25/11/17: 66596 on up slow at Gidea Park.
27/11/17: 55568 with JNA wagon at Gidea Park CS on construction duties.
66549 at Gidea Park with JNAs and one MLA.
29/11/17: 66615 at Bow Olympic. 86638/39 on 4M88 IPS-Crewe.
30/11/17: 66613 on Tunstead-Marks Tey stone.

Above: 66602 heads through Colchester on 17/11/17. (John Podgorski).

GBRf.
2/11/17: 66728 at Ilford depot on 3Z40 EMU move from Wolverton, with 321320. 66765 at Bow Midland.
3/11/17: 66776 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Shenfield engineers’ and returned on 5/11/17.
6/11/17: 66702/67 on 0L33 to FLX.
7/11/17: 66718/24 on 4L02. 66771 on North Walsham-Harwich Tanks.
8/11/17: 66702 on 4L29 Birch Copice-FLX. 66705 on 4M21 FLX-Trafford Park. 66765 on 4Z27 Masborough-FLX.
11/11/17: 66720/28 on 3S70 RHTT along Southend Victoria line. 66763 on 4Z81 Masborough-FLX.
12/11/17: 66718 on 6T66 Whitemoor-Tottenham South Junction engineers’. 66724/53/56/57/62 on 0L33 PBO-IPS light engine.
13/11/17: 66724/62 on 0L33 IPS-FLX. 66744 on 4Z81. 66747/29 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX. 66753/56/57 0L33 FLX to Parkeston.
14/11/17: 66769 at Bow Midland.
15/11/17: 66753 on 6P41 Parkeston-Walsham empty tanks. 66769 on 4L02.
16/11/17: 66710/23 on 3S81 West Anglia RHTT.
17/11/17: 66771 at Bow Midland @ 0928.
18/11/17: 66729 on 4Z26 FLX-Masborough. 66747 on 4L29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66770 on 4M28 FLX-Hams Hall.
20/11/17: 66705 on 4Z27. 66779 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
21/11/17: 66705 on 4Z26. 66724 on 4Z81. 66769 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon Hill. 66770 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66772 on 4M29. 66779 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
22/11/17: 66779 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
22/11/17: 66705 on 4Z27.
23/11/17: 66753 on 4M23. 66779 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
24/11/17: 66748 at Bow Olympic. 66758 on 4Z33. 66772 on 4M29.
26/11/17: 66703 on 6T63 at Ipswich. 66739 on 6T61 at Ipswich. 66756 on 6T62 at Ipswich.
27/11/17: 66739/64 on 0L33 IPS-FLX light engine. 66779 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX.
28/11/17: 66710/23 on 3S81 Broxbourne RHTT. 66716 on 6M14 Harlow Mill-Bardon Hill aggregates. 66769 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon Hill. 66779 on Hams Hall-FLX.
29/11/17: 66746 on FLX-Hams Hall.
30/11/17: 66703 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66779 on 4L02.

GRAHAM’S OF KELVEDON.
Mb Sprinter VU53 FYR has been repainted.

GREATER ANGLIA.
5/11/17: 90008 at Bounds Green depot.
8/11/17: 90008 back to Norwich via NLL and GEML as 0Z38.
10/11/17: 90005 towed 37423 light engine down the GEML from Norwich.
16/11/17: 321342/440 on 0900 Norwich-Liverpool St.
17/11/17: 90004 back from Bounds Green. 317501/667 + 321304 5F98 ECS at Witham @ 1135. 321320/409 on 0900 NOR-LST.
20/11/17: 321409 on 1P04 and 1P23 Liverpool St-Norwich and return.
21/11/17: 90002 light from NC to Bounds Green with DRS 57301, with 90010 returning.
22/11/17: 321447 + 344 on 1P23 NOR-LST.

HEDINGHAM.
A driver training school has been established, based at Clacton depot. Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere coaches 8 (R453 FWT) and 9 (S290 TVW) have been converted into driver trainers, but remain available for pcv use too.

Above: Volvo B7TL 510 at Coggeshall on 2/11/17. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 510 (LB02 YWX) has been received from Konect. Retaining blue/yellow, but now with Hedingham fleet names, it had briefly been at Hedingham before – in late 2016/early 2017 – but had been returned following an engine failure. It it allocated to Sible Hedingham (HD), which required an extra double decker following the taking back “in house” of Honywood school bus 3.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) appeared at Kelvedon in early November, and was used on 91/92/95. 260 (EU56 FLR) has been transferred to Chambers. (qv).
Ex Thames Travel short ADL/Enviro 200 507 (SN10 CCY), moved on from Kelvedon to Sible Hedingham on 1/11/17; for repaint into fleet colours, and service prep. 504 (OU57 FGZ) entered traffic from Clacton (CN) in late November, retaining its overall advert but with red Hedingham fleet names added. 504/506-8 (OU57 FGZ, SN10 CCX/Y/Z) have been renumbered 294-97 in the Hedingham series. 295/97 subsequently moved on to Konect, for use on ex Anglian services.

Above: Ex Thames Travel ADL/E200 294 ex 504 at Colchester Bus Station on 22/11/17. (Simon Austin).

Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 739 (T117 DBW) is delicensed due to major engine failure.
Collected by Alpha Recovery, for scrap are Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premieres 4 (M571 XKY), 6 (N667 THO), 7 (P530 CLJ); Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 84 (M276 UKN); Volvo Olympian/NC 93 (R259 LGH). 4 has minor rear accident damage and 7 had been cannibalised. Volvo Olympian/NC 90 (N427 JBV) has been donated to a school.
The “native” Scania Omnidekkas are having their heating systems modified, so that they can be controlled from the cab, rather than by a thermostat in the engine bay.
Scania Omnidekka 911 (OY54 PGZ) was deemed to be unsuitable and has been returned to Carousel Buses. It had been long term VOR at Carousel, and defects found were considered beyond economic repair. The wording on its overall advert is somewhat ironic …………………….

Above: Omnidekka 911 at Clacton depot on 30/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Ancillary vehicle news is that ex Go-Ahead London Ford Transit SWB mid roof engineers van EX61 MZL is now here, numbered 9001 and at Clacton. Vauxhall Combo van W761 TRE is back at Kelvedon from Sible Hedingham. It is used as a depot runabout at KN.

IPSWICH BUSES.

Above: 13 ex Metroline Scania Omnicity ‘deckers are being acquired. no 43 was pictured at Colchester bus station on 22/11/17. They were new to First Centrewest and sourced through Scania. Hants & Dorset Trim refurbished., repainted and converted them to single door. (Simon Austin).

Below: Vehicles to be replaced by these “new” Omnicities include ex London United Dennis Tridents, such as no 16. This was caught on Crown Street in Ipswich, on 22/11/17. It retains the old IB livery. It is on the Monday to Friday only 37 service, which is a town centre circular. (Simon Austin).

Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17 (LG02 FEM).

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New is Embraer 175STD PH-EXR.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
The overhead wires on the ramp at Woodgrange Park, were installed by 20/11/7.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: 1996 Tube Stock units 96023 and 96063 at the Stratford terminus of the Jubilee Line on 4/11/17.  The crowds are a combination of shoppers for Westfield and football supporters attending a match at West Ham, who are now located in the Olympic Park. (John Podgorski).

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New is 345023. 345002/15 were delivered to Ilford on 16/11/17, ex tests at Old Dalby. 345002 went to Old Dalby in late November.
Gidea Park depot was been temporarily closed for remodelling from 25/11/17. Work expected to take 10 weeks. Displaced stabling moved to Ilford and Shenfield for the duration. 345012 on 5C87 was the last train to depart. The work involves renewal of all OLE and the installation of a new crossover at the country end to allow access from the Shenfield direction.

Above: Gidea Park depot, looking west, on 11/11/17. (John Podgorski).

MULLEY, IXWORTH.
From Crawley Luxury is Volvo B10MT/Plaxton Excalibur X661 NWY. Sold are Volvo B12T/Jonckherre S64 UBO ex WCF 99, 5304 VC – to Travelsafe, Swilland and Iveco Eororider/Beaulas X888 MUL to Cawthorne, Barnsley.

NATIONAL EXPRESS CONTRACTORS.
Oxford Bus Company: New for NX 737 (Oxford-Stansted Airport) are Volvo B11RT/Caetano Levantes 56, 57 (BV67 JYR/S).

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante BX64 FKM has a super rear advert for ‘Ben 10’ on VUER.
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FJ12 FYR has a super rear/wrapround advert for the Scouts.
Scania K340EB4/Caetano Levante SH18 (MIG 9443) is long term VOR at Start Hill Scania, having been there since September.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
There have been some changes to the Northumberland Park shuttle. The western terminus is now at the TfL bus stand on Northumberland Park Road, as due to construction works, buses can no longer turn around on Marsh Lane.
Northumberland Park outstation has moved to the Volker Fitzpatrick Meridian Waters construction compound on Meridian Way, from alongside the railway station at Marsh Lane; again due to construction works.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer DC56 PAN outside the old First depot at Harwich in October 2017. (Alex Hazell).

Optare Excel R835 FNG has gone to Takeley Metals for scrap. It had never been used by Panther, having lain at Parkeston depot, since it was taken over from Hedingham in July 2014. It had been a static store.
Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash BIG 8843 has moved from secure storage to Parkeston to take this role, but is mobile and no longer for sale. Parkeston parking area has been extended and a larger office has been occupied in the Mack Transportation building. This follows GBN Logistics leaving the Iconfield Park site.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL store K508 ESS has gone from Matching Green to the secure storage site. Its place has been taken by ex K Line Optare Solo S626 JRU.

Above: K508 ESS at Matching Green on 28/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN at Harwich Quay on 11/11/17. The ship in the background is ‘Galatea’, owned by Trinity House. (Chris Sampson).

PURLING, IPSWICH.
Withdrawn is LDV Convoy P78 UCL.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.
6/11/17: 2-6-4T steam tank loco 80078 transferred from Epping & Ongar Railway to Mangapps Farm Railway, by road.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX) is now a store shed.
Optare Solo M780s 210/11 (YJ60 KHB/C) have passed to Rotala Group PLC. 210 was allocated to Wessex Bus, while 211 went to Diamond West Midlands.
Gone for scrap are Optare Solo M780 204 (YJ58 CDE), Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 614/15 (Y252/58 NLK) and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 1304 (X263 NNO).
613/15 retained Metroline livery, ableit with the blue skirt repainted dark red, while 1304 retained overall blue from its time with Quentin Kynaston Academy in north London.

ROG.
10/11/17: 37601 + 345021 on 5Q45 Maryland-Old Dalby.
13-17/11/17: 47815 + 47848 on Wembley-Barrington 6L04 and 6M07, for Colas. Apparently due to RMS/Locotech putting their fleet up for sale. But Colas 56301 also used, on loan to ROG.
w/c 20/11/17: 47815/48 on 6L04 again.
20/11/17: 37601 on 0L50 Wembley-Ilford light engine; then 5M42 Ilford-Crewe with 345002 – 345 eventually to Old Dalby.

SOLITAIRE TRAVEL, ROCHFORD.
This small (8 vehicle) operator, the trading name of Godfrey of Rochford, has gone into administration.

Above: Ex Viking Coaches of Swadlincote Setra S315 KIG 3581 ex RG51 FMV, 02-TN-1 at Kelvedon on 5/11/14. This was one of three full size coaches at Solitaire, the others being mini/midis. (John Podgorski).

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Green Scania N230UD/Enviro 400 15463 (AE09 GYN) is VOR at Cowley Road depot, Cambridge following a major mechanical failure. Also parked up there in late November were Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 34420 (KY53 EYW), and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17175 (V175 MEV), 17180 (W187 CNO), 18355 (AE55 DJU). MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22021 (AE51 RYX) remains there in a cannibalised state.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Preserved Euro6 repowered AEC PRV Routemaster RM1005 (5 CLT) was at West Ham (WH) in late November for examination.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alaxander ALX400s 17898/99 (LX03 ORN/P), 18213 (LX04 FXA).
Scania Omnicity ‘decker 15131 (LX59 CMK) is now with Morton, Dublin.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
The Taylors End, Stansted depot is now To Let, by Glenny.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos D1, 2 (X2 SUL, DN02 SUL) have been re-registered X314 BBY, LM02 NYT.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
All Leyland Olympian H47 MJN has been sold to Mr J Patterson, in Norfolk.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
The first double decker here is Neoplan Skyliner KP04 GJX, ex Barkerbus of Roydon.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Having acquired the lease of Atlas Road at Park Royal depot from Tower Transit, RATP London United took over TfL18 (Sudbury-Euston) and N18 (Harrow Weald-Trafalgar Square) from Metroline from 11/11/17. RATP initially used a mixture of new and existing VH Class Volvo B5H/Wright Gemini3s and some ADE Class ADL/Enviro 40Hs. Meanwhile, Westbourne Park (X) garage has been extended with an open air “bus deck” which was built to replace space lost by adjacent Crossrail works.
Resold via Ensign are Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VNW32380 9LK04 HZL) – to Elite Chaffeurs, Limerick and Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 VN32691 9BX12 CVO) to Yellow Buses, Bournemouth.

TURNERS OF ESEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Gone for scrap are long withdrawn Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliner X293 AKY and Dennis Javelin/Placton Excalibur R123 XWF.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Acquired through Ensign are former Southern Vectis ex Go North East/Plymouth Citybus/Damory Optare Solo M850 NM02
Scania L94UB/Wright Solars YN04 GMG, YN05 WKC now have led destinations.DNU ex ON02 DTX, and ex Metrobus Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers SN03 YBK/S.
Gone for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos 754 (KX03 HZW), 758 (LK 03 NLF).

UNO.
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 201 (YJ53 VBN) has passed to enthusiastic Optare user Lynx of Kings Lynn.
Withdrawn is sister 202 (YJ53 VBO).

VLM.
This Belgian airline, which ceased operations in June 2017, after filing for bankruptcy, has resumed – on its Antwerp – London City route.

WHIPPET.
Ex Cardinal Buses, New Haw, via Chartwell, Horsham 9dealer) is ADL/Enviro 300 SN04 EFS.
Sold are Scania L94UB/Wright Solar WS313 (X474 AHE) and Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral WC203 (H129 YCL ex Y391 KBN).

With thanks to: M Allen, Anglia Gen, S Austin, A Barham, R Delahoy, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, L Kinsella, LOTS, R McGregor, C Sampson, T Smethers.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the October 2017 edition of Busmopolitan.

Stansted Citylink suddenly ceased operating on 28/10/17. Its Facebook page stated that affected customers could use Citylink tickets on parallel services. Citylink began its 767 Stansted Airport-London Kings Cross/St Pancras route in October 2015. Originally run by Comfort Del Gro subsidiary Braddell Ltd, the service was launched with borrowed Volvo B10M coaches, which were quickly replaced by brand new Mercedes Tourismos. Initially, these were based at Metroline’s Kings Cross depot and maintained at West Perivale. From spring 2016, Callinan Coaches of Stanmore became the contractor, and the coaches were moved to a base at Stansted. Citylink gave “high airport access charges” as the reason for pulling out, but there was also much competition from the incumbent National Express, and fellow newcomer Airport Bus Express.

The first train to run through one of the new Crossrail tunnels did so on 28/10/17.
ROG Class 37 diesel loco 37601 hauled “dead” 345021 between Pudding Mill and Abbey Wood and return. This was for clearance and gauging test, in advance of the OLE being energised.

On 2/10/17, it was announced that Monarch Airlines had ceased trading, with effect from 0400. This charter carrier had been established in 1967 and it was based at Luton. It was the 6th largest UK airline at the time of its demise. The CAA launched a “rescue”, to bring around 110,000 stranded Monarch customers back to Great Britain, using alternative airlines.

Hedingham Omnibuses has upgraded its fleet, with some arrivals from Thames Travel.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
Sold is Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer P508 RYM ex SIL 6719.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
The last bus in SxConnect blue livery, Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3818 (GN07 AVE) is now in Interurban colours.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs 4084/85/87 (YX17 NHB/C/E) have now received branding for Harlow-Stansted Airport routes 508/9/10. There were delivered unbranded.
Optare Solo 1466 (KE55 KTD) is now in Interurban livery, ex TGM blue. Only 1454 (YJ06 FXT) is left in this scheme.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
Interesting acquisitions via Ensign are ex Tower Transit, former First London Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s BG61 SYK, BN61 MXJ/M/R/T/U/W-Y, MYA. Numbered DW901-10 they have replaced VLA Class DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400s at Tottenham (AR) on TfL123 (Wood Green-Ilford).
From 14/10/17 Arriva gained TfL 103 (North Romford (Chase Cross)-Rainham Interchange), 175 (North Romford (Hillrise Estate)-Dagenham New Road) from Stagecoach East London.
Existing and cascaded from elsewhere in Arriva London DW Class VDL SB300/Wright Gemini2s are being used by Arriva for the new contracts. Noted are ex Clapton DW243/44; ex Ash Grove DW245, DW246 (LJ59 ACX), DW247/48; ex Arriva London South (Brixton) DW249 (LJ59 AAU).
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400s 111/15/19 (LJ05 BLZ, BKF/N) have been reinstated at Grays.

Above: Arriva has run TfL103 before. In fact it has effectively regained this contract from Stagecoach. This October 2003 view at Chase Cross, shows Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH L317 and a colleague. These buses were new to Leaside at Clapton and Stamford Hill in 1992, and several were displaced to Barking in 2003, by low floor conversions on their original 253/254 routes. They in turn replaced former County Bus single door ‘H-GEV’ batch Leyland Olympian/NCs from the 103. Stagecoach took over 103 in 2005. (John Podgorski).

From 7-8/10/17, N38 (Walthamstow-Victoria) was reduced in frequency, due to the Night Tube on the parallel Victoria Line.

Above: DAF DB250LF/Alexander ALX400 DLA16 at Victoria, on the N38 in September 2003. (John Podgorski).

Below: Victoria Line 2009 Stock train, headed by 11058, at Oxford Circus on 20/5/16. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA SOUTHEND.
At least 3 DAF DB250LF/EL Lolanders remained active in October; 6259/60/62 (FD02 UKO/S/U).

Above; DAF DB250LF 6262 in central Southend on 21/10/17. (Simon Austin).

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Mb Sprinter AY17 UGK was on loan from Orwell Trucks in nearly October, covering for the D1 allocated Sprinter AY17 UVL.
D1 passed back to Hedingham from 14/10/17.

Above: AY17 UGK pauses at Hedingham Kelvedon depot on 5/10/17, en route from Orwell Trucks to Arrow’s Maldon depot. It was returning a spare ticket machine which had been required for the D1 service. (John Podgorski).

BALFOUR BEATTY.
23/10/17: Track machine DR75409 at Ipswich on 1220 Colchester-Whitlingham Junction.

BLUE TRIANGLE.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 SE100 was away from its usual east London haunts on 28/10/17, when it was seen at Three Bridges, West Sussex, on a Southern Railway replacement to Brighton. (Daniel Acott).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
From Stagecoach London are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 17850/80/84/85/88 (LX03 BZD, NGU, NHA, OPT/W).

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 565 (W425 WGH) has transferred to Hedingham.

COBALT AIR.
SX-MAI is a leased Boeing 737-4K5.

COGGESHALL COMMUNITY BUS.

Above: New Mb Sprinter AY67 ODW at Kelvedon railway station early in the morning on 3/10/17. It is on the regular M-F peak hour commuter feeder service from Coggeshall. (John Podgorski).

COLAS RAIL.
5/10/17: 56301 + 56081 on 6Z17 Wembley-Foxton Exchange Sidings. 60076 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement PCAs.
6/10/17: 56301 + 56081 from Wembley to Foxton again, this time as 6Z16.
9/10/17: 37254 and 37057 on 1Q90 Derby RTC-Ferme Park via Audley End. 56081 + 56301 on 6Z16 again.
10/10/17: 56081 and 56301 on 6Z16.
11/10/17: As above on 6Z16. 37254 and 37057 top and tailing test train at Chelmsford.
w/c 16/10/17: 56081 and 56303 on 6Z16.
w/c 16/10/17: 70810 on 6L37.
19/10/17: 70814 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement with Tarmac JGAs
21/10/17: Track machine DR73925 ‘Europa’ stabled at Broxbourne.
23/10/17: 66847 on 6L37.
24/10/17: 60047 on 6L44.
30-31/10/17: 70810 on 6L37.

CT PLUS.
The all-electric Irizar i2E demonstrator YN67 VDK has arrived, for trials on TfL W13 and 153.
Optare Solo M880 OS18 (YJ60 LRY) has passed to Rotala Group, via Ensign.
ADL/Enviro 200/EL Esteem DE5 (PN07 KRF) is now with Hunt of Alford – via Ripley, Carlton (dealer).

DBS:
2/10/17: 66041 on 4L07 Burton-Felixstowe.
3/10/17: 66024 on 4L07. 66083 at Bow Olympic. 66084 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill.
4/10/17: 66041 on 4L07. 66063 on Wakefield-FLX.
6/10/17: 66185 on 4L07.
8/10/17: 66098 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
9/10/17: 59201 at Bow Midland.
10/10/17: 66030 on 6M50 Bow Midland-Acton Yard. 66098 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill. 66109 on 4L07. 66167 on 6L59 Peterborough-Bow Midland.
11/10/17: 66030 at Bow Olympic. 66149 on 4L07. 67023 and 67027 on 1Q18 Derby RTC-Reading via GEML.
13/10/17: 66129 on Wakefield-FLX.
14/10/17: 66100 at Bow Olympic.
15/10/17: 66104 on Wakefield-FLX.
16/10/17: 59206 at Bow Midland. 66097 on 4L07.
17/10/17: 66095 on 4L07.
18/10/17: 66056 at Bow Olympic with Acton stone train. 66151 and 66111 on 3J32 RHTT at Royston. 66167 on 4L07.
19/10/17: 66056 at Bow Olympic. 66065 at Bow Olympic. 66135 on 4L07. 66160 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
20/10/17: 66040 on 4L07.
23/10/17: 59104 at Bow Midland. 66111/51 on 3J32 RHTT. 66238 on 4L07.
24/10/17: 66187 on Wakefield-FLX.
25/10/17: 66005 at Bow Olympic.
26/10/17: 66009/174 on 3J33 GN RHTT. 66057 on 4L07. 66168 at Bow Olympic.
27/10/17: 66168 at Bow Olympic again.
28/10/17: 66168 at Bow Olympic.
30/10/17: 59203 at Bow Olympic. 66065 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich on sand.
31/10/17: 66120 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill aggregates. 66168 at Bow Olympic.

DLR.
Unit 116 visited Bombardier, Ilford (by road) on 23/10/17.

DRS.

(John Podgorski).

3/10/17: 37605 hauling dead 90002 and DVT 82112 “down” through Kelvedon @ 1643. Running from Ilford to Norwich Crown Point.
14/10/17: 37069, 57002/7, 57303 all at Stowmarket for RHTT.
18/10/17: 66421 + 66424 on Willesden-Stowmarket light engine move, via GEML.

(John Podgorski).

11/10/17: 57303 on 5Z21 Norwich-Eastleigh ECS with MkII BSO coach 9521. Via GEML.
16/10/17: 37059 and 37069 on overnight RHTT along GEML. 57002 and 57007 on RHTT on Clacton branch.
17/10/17: 57002 + 657007 on 3S10 overnight RHTT along GEML.
18/10/17: 37059/69 on 3S10.
19/10/17: 66421/24 on 3S10.
20/10/17: 57303/6 on 3S10.
21/10/17: 57303/6 on RHTT along Clacton branch.
26/10/17: 57303/6 on 3S60 RHTT, seen heading “up” past Parsons Heath, near Colchester @ 0908.
30/10/17: 56s on 3S60 RHTT down Clacton branch.

EAST THAMES BUSES.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis LF52 TGU/Y, THK, TJU, latterly with London General, have been resold via Ensign, to Skills of Nottingham.

ENSIGNBUS.
A temporary addition from Sales Stock is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 920 (LB02 YXD); ex London General but new to East Thames Buses. It is plain white.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 158/59 (WLT 428, WJY 759) have passed to Aintree Coachlines, Bootle.

EOS LONDON, RAINHAM.
Ex Go North East is former London General Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PJ02 PZF. It retains red livery and dual door, but now has led destinations.
Former Compass of Worthing, ex Ensignbus ADL/Enviro 200 GX09 AGZ has been re-registered EOS 711 and repainted into fleet livery, ex white.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 104 (PN03 ULY) is back in service, ex long term delicensed.

EUROSTAR.
373308 has gone to EMR, Kingsbury for scrap. It was collected by road from Temple Mills depot.

FIRST ESSEX.

(Simon Austin).

ADL/Enviro 400 33308 (YX63 LJO) was on loan from First Eastern Counties, for trials on X30 (Stansted-Chelmsford-Southend). It was seen (above) at Chelmsford on 8/10/17. It stayed in Essex for five days. This bus had been blown over in a gale in February 2017, while working on its usual X1 route for Eastern Counties, and was recently outshopped from repairs.
Into Refreshed livery are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 42484 (SN03 WLW); Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65683 (YR52 VEU), 65743 (SN55 JVH); Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66825 (MX05 CEY); Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32641/42 (KP54 AZC/D), Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37140 (SN57 CHZ). Fitted with led destination is 42484. 42484 has also moved from Chelmsford (CF) to Hadleigh (HH) – joining the rest of its batch there. 65683 has gone from Colchester (CR) to Clacton (CN), although it had latterly been stored at the latter.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33080 (LN51 GNP) is delicensed.
Withdrawn is penultimate Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41735 (X735 HLF).

Above: Dart SLF/Pointer 42485 on route 28 at Canvey on 8/10/17. (Simon Austin).

FLAGFINDERS.
Subcontracted operation of Honywood Schoolbus 3 (JHalstead-The Teys-Coggeshall) ceased after 20/10/17, with it returning to Hedingham.

FORDS OF ALTHORNE.

Above: Bedford YNV/Van Hool C658 KVW is privately preserved by an owner in Kent. It was seen at the Canvey Museum Open Day on 8/10/17. (John Podgorski).

FREIGHTLINER.
1/10/17: 66601 and 66620 on engineers train at Stratford.
3/10/17: 66529 + 66595 on intermodal at Colchester “down” goods loop @ 1700. Departed 1708. 66569 + 66539 on 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe.
4/10/17: 66529 on same train again at Colchester “down” goods loop.
9/10/17: 66416 on Bow-Whitemoor move.
10/10/17: 66510 on Ipswich-Lindsey tanks.
11/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’.
13/10/17: 66605 on 6E80 Bow-Tunstead.
14/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield ‘Thunderbird’. 86638 + 86628 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX.
w/c 15/10/17: 66588 on Shenfield Thunderbird.
22/10/17: 66617 on Whitemoor-Shenfield engineers’.
27/10/17: 66523 towed 90041 from Midland Road depot, Leeds to Ipswich after repairs to the ’90.
28/10/17: 66534 and66606 top and tailing ballast train at Stratford.

GBRf.
2/10/17: 66735 ON 4L02 Hams Hall-Felixstowe.
3/10/17: 66731 at Bow Olympic. 66744 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66745 on 6T70 Whitemoor-Gidea Park. 66758 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
4/10/17: 66731 at Bow Midland.
5/10/17: 66756 on 6A33 Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
6/10/17: 66773 on 6Y24 Whitemoor-Parkeston.
7/10/17: 66728 running light towards Felixstowe (am). 66779 ‘Evening Star’ on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX.
8/10/17: 66760 + 66765 + 66756 + 66758 + 66726 plus 1 oil tank wagon on Peterbough-Harwich Refinery Carless Sidings movement.
9/10/17: 66765 + 66760 on 0L33 light engine to FLX North. 66771 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX.
10/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland. 66756 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
11/10/17; 66727 ‘Maritime One’ at Bow Midland.
12/10/17: 66760 on “up” intermodal through Marks Tey @ 1201.
13/10/17; 66727 at Bow Midland.
14/10/17: 66710/20/23/8 at Broxbourne for RHTT. 66759 on 6T64 Whitemoor-Stansted engineers’. 66765 on 4Z81 Rotherham Masborough-Parkeston intermodal. 66768 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Stansted engineers’.
16/10/17: 66719 on Carless empty tanks from Harwich to North Walsham. 66720 and 66728 topping and tailing 3S81 RHTT at Royston.
17/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland on 6M47 to Bardon Hill. 66719 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.18/10/17: 92028 on 6L48 Garston-Dagenham car transporters.
19/10/17: 66720/28 on 3S81 Broxbourne RHTT. 66769 on North Walsham-Harwich Tanks.
20/10/17: 66714 at Bow Midland. 66720/28 on 3S70 Broxbourne RHTT. 66729 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster.
21/10/17: 66723/28 stabled with RHTT train at Broxbourne. 66729 on 4M28 FLX-Hams Hall – additional run.
22/10/17: 66748/59/57/63/68 on 0L33 Peterborough-Parkeston light engine. 66725 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX then 4M02.
23/10/17: 66718 on 4L27 Masboro-FLX. 66748 on 6P41 Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66725 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX. 66758 on 4Z81. 66763 on 4M23.
24/10/17: 66706 at Bow Midland on 6M47 to Bardon Hill. 66716 light engine, southbound through Ipswich @ 1058.
25/10/17: 66710/23 on 3S70 Broxbourne RHTT. 66710 has replaced 66728. 66748 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
27/10/17: 66720/28 on 3S81 GN RHTT.
28/10/17: 66718 on 4M23. 66725 on 4Z27. 66759 + 66745 on 4L02; failed at Shenfield; rescued by light engine off RHTT. 66732/65 on 6T64 Whitemoor-Marks Tey ballast.
29/10/17: 66767/09/68/29 on 0L33 Peterborough-FLX light engine move.
30/10/17: 66709 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
31/10/17: 66731 at Bow Midland.

Above: 66723 and 66728 at Broxbourne on 21/10/17. (John Podgorski).

GODWARD, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
Mb 816/Cheetah YX14 EFS has come via Ensign.

GOLDEN BOY COACHES, HODDESDON.
New is 402 (VO67 BOY), an Irizar i6 named ‘Master Patrick’.

GREAT NORTHERN.
700019 was at Cambridge depot on 24/10/17.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: The senior conductor awaits passengers as DVT 82139 forms the rear of a Norwich to London service at Colchester, at 0630 on 4/10/17. (John Podgorski).

On 3 and 5/10/17 there was industrial action by guards/conductors belonging to the RMT union. This was to do with concerns that the guards’ role would become diminished, when the new Stadler trains appear from 2019. Services were not affected by this action.
158854 was on short term hire from East Midlands Trains in early October.
The Class 153 and 156 DMUs have been retro-fitted with anti slip brakes. This is to prevent adhesion issues during the leaf fall season.
6/10/17: 90006 ran light engine from Norwich to Bounds Green (via GEML, NLL, ECML) for tyre turning.
7/10/17: 317515 + 317347 on 1F46 Liverpool St-Braintree.
10/10/17: 9006 light engine down GEML to rescue 1P30.
16/10/17: 321305 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200s 508/7/6 upon arrival at Clacton depot from Thames Travel, at teatime on 26/10/17. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 no 507 at Kelvedon depot on 31/10/17, with Volvo B7TL no 581. (John Podgorski).

From Chambers is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 565 (W425 WGH). It is at Clacton (CN).
Short ADL/Enviro 200s 504 (OY57 PGZ), 506/7/8 (SN10 CCX/Y/Z) have been transferred from Thames Travel, and Scania Omnidekka 911 (OY54 FGZ) from Carousel Buses. 504 is in an overall advert for the Carousel Buses/Thames Travel app, while 911 has an overall wrap for Amersham and Wycombe College. All were initially delivered to Clacton (CN), with 507 moving to Kelvedon (KN) on 31/10/17.
D1 (Maldon-Bradwell on Sea) was brought back “in house” from 14/10/17, ex being subbed to Arrow Taxis. From 30/10/17, PL1 (Tollesbury-Maldon Plume School) became part of the service rota, while HN2 (Kelvedon-Coggeshall Honywood School) returned to the school rota. From 30/10/17, Honywood Schoolbus 3 (Halstead-The Teys-Coggeshall) was taken back from Flagfinders, again ex subcontract.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 11 (W649 FUM) and Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 75 (S300 XHK) have passed to preservationists.
Collected by Alpha Recovery for scrap were Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH 83 (M273 UKN), Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 74 (R702 DNH), Volvo Olympian/NC Countybuses 67 (P605 CAY), 70 (P612 CAY), 72 (R629 MNU). 71 (R626 MNU) has been donated to a school in Norfolk, for static use, having latterly been stored at Ellough.

Above: Volvo Olympians 83 and 95 await collection from Kelvedon on 20/10/17. (John Podgorski).

A “new” ancilliary vehicle is Ford Transit 85T280 MWB van 8035 (EK56 MGE), from Go-Ahead London. It was pictured (below) at Kelvedon on 5/10/17. The fleet no was subsequently altered to “035”. (John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Ex Metroline former First London Scania Omnicity ‘deckers YR61 RUH/W, RVL have been acquired via Scania. More are due.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 11 (LG02 FCX) has been sold to Scania, Worksop (dealer). Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 138 (Y262 FJN) is now with Eastley and Otley College.
DAF DB250LF/Optare Spectra 53 (X153 LBJ) has passed to Lynx of Kings Lynn, as that operator’s first double decker.

KLARNER, COLCHESTER. Setra S315 T55 KCL has reverted to its original identity of LV51 ZHL and been sold.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
The last Fokker 70 was withdrawn after service on 28/10/17. This ended a 97 year association between the Dutch Flag Carrier and the Dutch aircraft manufacturer. PH-BZU was the very last on KL1070 from London Heathrow to Amsterdam, which traversed “Busmopolitan airspace”.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
DAF SB200/Wright Commander E20 DGE is YJ03 PFG again, with the E20 DGE mark transferring to Toyota Coaster/Caetano Optima BU08 EJF.
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet YG52 CLY has ben donated to a school for use as a classroom.
Unusuad Dennis Trident/EL Lolyne T272 BPR is scrapped. All Leyland Olympian G297 UYK is now with My Fun Bus, Scarborough, while open top Leyland Olympian/NC Countybus tree lopper PJZ 9463 ex K110 YNN has passed to Essex Arboriculture, South Woodham Ferrers.
Bedford OB/Duple CFV 851 has been named ‘Diane’.

Above; Line up of Bedford OBs at the Canvey Museum Open Day on 8/10/17. LTA 752 (far right) is a ‘toastrack’, by the way. (John Podgorski).

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL203 at Whipps Cross on a TfL257 short working on 20/9/15. This was one of a batch of ex London General (Putney) vehicles used. (John Podgorski).

TfL257 (Walthamstow-Stratford) has been lost to Stagecoach East London. (qv). The WVL Class Volvo B7TL/Geminis that were used on it have moved to London Central (as paint floats) or been redeployed on other work at Northumberland Park.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Class 315s and Class 317s now work on the Romford-Upminster branch.

Above: 315803 at London Liverpool Street on 30/9/17. Note the fashionable ripped jeans to the right. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: 1992 Tube Stock 91003 on the rear of an Epping bound service at Theydon Bois on 14/10/17. This is one of the Central Line stations which is beyond the Greater London boundary in Essex. It’s in a surprisingly rural location. (Simon Austin).

MILESTONE, CANVEY.
Neoplan Skyliner SF56 TYT has been noted.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
New are 345020/21. Delivered so far are 345001-21. 345010 has been used for staff training at Gidea Park.
315851/54 had moved to the back road at Aldersbook CS on 9/10/17. They are Reserve rather than withdrawn.
345007 visited Gas Factory Junction on training on 27/10/17.
On 28/10/17, 345021 was used for clearance/gauging tests between the tunnel portal at Pudding Mill Lane and Abbey Wood. ROG 37601 provided the traction.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPERATIONS.
Scania/Levante tri-axle BK14 LGL now has a super rear advert for ‘Powerpuff Girls’, a cartoon available on NX VUER. Several sisters have super rear adverts for VUER.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING.
Dennis Trident/Plaxton President T97 KLD and Trident/Alexander ALX400 X331 HLL have passed to Essex Motors, Clacton (dealer) – for resale.

NIBS, WICKFORD.
Ex Amber Optare Versas YJ57 XWD/F/G have passed to Centrebus, via Ensign. Ex Amber ADL/Enviro 200 KX08 HMD is now with Ago/ATG, Coventry. Other ex Amber buses sold are Dennis Dart SLF/Caetanos KM51 BFY, KV02 YBE, HV52 WTA/K, CC05 BLU.
Dennis Trident/ELs BIL 4419, BIL 6538 have reverted to their original T401/4 SMV marks, and been sold.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: A pleasant autumnal scene at Dedham on 21/10/17, featuring ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN, shortly before it went for repaint (see below). (Alex Hazell).

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere N611 APU has passed to a preservationist. It joins some other ex Eastern National/Thamesway vehicles.

Above: N611 APU at Matching Green depot on 23/9/17. (John Podgorski).
Below: N611 APU making its preservation debut at the Canvey Museum open day on 8/10/17. It was seen at the seafront with preserved former London Transport Leyland National LS24. (John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN has received full fleet livery.
DAF DB250LF/EL AB02 PAN has been offered for sale.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer S303 JUA has been re-registered BIG 7006, received Panther fleet names and is no longer for sale.
Accident damaged Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Super Pointer BIG 7006 was re-registered back to Y182 CFS. It was then collected for scrap by Takeley Metals.
All Leyland Olympian BIG 9249, which had been in store, was in use again in mid October. It was still for sale at this time.
Plaxton Primo DC04 PAN made its first appearance on X15, 80/81 on 25/10/17, covering for SLF/Pointer DC02 PAN.

Above: DC04 PAN in Dedham on 25th October. (John Podgorski).

Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL K508 ESS has appeared as a seat store at Matching Green, having been moved over from the airfield.

ROG.
3/10/17: 37884 at Ilford EMU depot, having arrived from Leicester via ECML.
27/10/17: 37601 hauled Class 345021 on Old-Dalby-Ripple Lane move. Also see MTR Crossrail notes.

ROMAN COACHES, COLCHESTER.
New is Irizar i6 YN67 VDD – named ‘Aurora’ and delivered in plain light metallic blue. Scania L420/Irizar PB V23 ROM has reverted to its original PB10 BUL mark, and sold to Irizar (dealer), Worksop.

RYANAIR.
On 4/10/17, a flight from Lithuania to Luton was diverted to Stansted after a hoax bomb scare. It was escorted by two Typhoon jet fighter planes.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, WICKFORD.
Mb Sprinter 515/KVC OIG 2895 ex YN08 HZC, has been sold.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22060 (KV53 FAK), now has led destinations, ex dot matrix.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Megabus liveried ADL/Enviro 400 19825 (LX11 BLF) is now at Romford North Street (NS). This has been at various Stagecoach London garages.
TfL257 (Walthamstow-Stratford) was gained from London General North from 14/10/17. New for this are ADL/Enviro 40H MMCs 12426-32. They work alongside existing (mostly 62 plate) E40Ds, from Leyton (T).
TfL 103 (North Romford Chase Cross-Rainham Interchange) and TfL175 (North Romford Hillrise Estate -Dagenham New Road) passed to Arriva London North from 14/10/17. This has resulted in the withdrawal of more Tridents, such as 18201 (LX04 FWL).

Above: Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 17791 at the southern Terminus of 175 – Dagenham New Road, on 31/1/15. (John Podgorski).

Trident/ALX400 18478 is delicensed.
Trident 17883 (LX03 NGZ) has passed to Lombard (dealer), Rotherham.
Tridents resold through Ensign are:
LX03 BXS, BYA, OSB – to Springfield Coaches, Warrington; LX03 BXY – to First Bus Stop, Gravesend.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
Ceased operations after 28/10/17. It had run its 767 Stansted Airport-London Kings Cross-St Pancras route since October 2015.

Above: Mb Tourismo BG65 VXK at St Pancras International on 30/3/17. (Tony Smethers).

STEPHENSONS.
Three Rivers ADL/E200 477 (EU66 AVB) was working at Maldon w/c 2/10/17.

TALISMAN COACHLINES, GREAT BROMLEY.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale N119 UHP has been returned, ex loan to Turners of Essex.
Several heritage vehicles have been offered for sale. These include AEX PRCV Routemaster JJD 535D; Bristol KSW/ECW open topper WNO 480; Bristol LHL6L/Plaxton Panorama Elite UAR 929M; Bristol LHS6L/Plaxton Supreme ESU 815X; Bristol MW6G/ECW 573 UVX; Bristol RELH6L/Plaxton Panorama Elite SGF 483M; Bristol VRT/ECW open topper CBV 2S; DAF MB200/Plaxton Supreme YJN 455S; Leyland Atlantean/ECW RVW 90W; all Leyland Olympians H47/48 MJN; Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH open topper J343 BSH; Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen CAZ 2747; Leyland Titans OHV 747Y, A620 THV; VH T815 G103 CJN.

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES.
New is Airbus A320-214 G-TCAE.

TITAN AIRWAYS.
New is SX-ORG, an Airbus A320-232.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 DN33641 at Marble Arch on 10/10/17. (Daniel Acott).

ADL/Enviro 400 DN33784 has moved internally to Lea Interchange (LI).
Withdrawn are ADL/E400s DN33776-81 and Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis VNW32364/75.
The old Atlas Road garage has had its lease transferred to RATP London United. This was effective from 19/10/17. RATP will run ex Tower Transit TfL18, N18 from there from 11/11/17. Vehicles for this began to arrive from late October.

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.
Has Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SN54 GPV, via Ensign.
Sold to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 Y243 FJN, Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer KM51 BFO and spares donor Volvo B10BLE.Wright Renown W129 XRO.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Scania Omnidekkas YN03 DFV/X have been sold.

WEST COAST RAILWAYS.
9/10/17:
47237 on 1Z73 Southend East-Gloucester ‘Steam Dreams’ charter train. This was steam hauled from Southall.
20/10/17: 47760 on 5Z60 Norwich-Southall ECS via Broxbourne.

With thanks to: D Acott, M Allen, Anglia Gen, S Austin, Ensignbus, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham & Chambers, L Kinsella, LOTS, P Mullender, J Sadd, T Smethers, A Spooner, B Sycamore, S Walsh.