Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the February, 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.
This month saw the end of Turners of Essex. There had long been suggestions that this north Essex independent was to close. It’s work mostly passed to Hedingham and Chambers, plus Flagfinders.
Stephensons, meanwhile relocated in Braintree, from a yard near Railway Street to the old Wicks Coaches site at Driberg Way, in the south of the town. Co-incidentally, Wicks had latterly been owned by Turners.
First Essex instigated major route revisions in mid February with some cuts. Hedingham stepped in for one case – to maintain a bus service to the community of Peldon – between Colchester and West Mersea.
On the railways, the Crossrail project continues apace, with further deliveries of new Class 345 trains and more testing of these in the tunnels. The remodelling of Gidea Park depot has also been completed.
And on 22nd February, Britannia Class steam loco 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ made a return to its old haunts, hauling a London to Norwich excursion.
Finally, February ended with artic type weather sweeping in from Russia. Dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’, there was heavy snowfall across the UK, disrupting transport links and life in general. And from the west, came ‘Storm Emma’.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.
Scania K410/Caetano C650 BX65 WBN now has a super rear advert for Arsenal Stadium Tours.

AMBER, RAYLEIGH.
The old workshop has found other industrial use, while the old parking area is now occupied by Essex Scaffolding. Both are at Rawreth Industrial Estate.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3420 in the snow at Highwoods on 28/2/18. (Daniel Pretty).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Withdrawn is former Sovereign Volvo B10BLE/Wright 3312 (PN02 HVL).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Stored at Short Street depot in February were delicensed DAF SB120/Wright Cadet GN04 DFX; withdrawn DAF DB250LF/EL Lolanders 6254 (FE51 WSV), 6258 (FD02 UKN); DAF DB250LF/Plaxton President LJ51 DLD; DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3501 (KE51 PTZ), ex Arriva London DWL42 (LF02 POA) (still in London red); ex Arriva Kent and Surrey Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200s 3339/42 (W475/78 XKX) (3342 branded for ‘The Oaks’ service); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 3296 (Y296 HKJ); Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer Y385 HKE; former Sovereign Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 3309 (PN02 HVR); TGM liveried Volvo Olympian/NC 5944 (R614 MNU).
Plus other DB250LF/ALX400S, DB250LF/ELs, DB250LF/Geminis. Also Southend SOS Bus Dennis Dominator/EL G648 EKA.
Trainers seen at Southend during February were DAF SB120/Wright Cadets LJ51 DDX, LF02 PNK; New Enterprise liveried Dennis Javelin/Plaxton YN53 VBX.
A third party maintenance contract with Veolia, sees Southend Borough Council dustcarts, gritters and roadsweepers visit Short Street workshop.

Above: SLF/ALX200 3339 at Short Street on 3/2/18. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
VDL SB300/Wright Gemini DW224 has moved from Grays (GY) to Barking (DX).
New Arriva London South Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini3s HV400/3 (LC67 AKK/N) were stored at Edmonton 9EC) – pre service.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer LDP264 has come from London Central.
Former Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers DP193/97, DP200/3 have been withdrawn by London General.
Former Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers EU53 PYG/P are now with Seaford and District, via Ensign. But they are for spares only.

CHAMBERS:
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH), was briefly on loan to Hedingham at Kelvedon on 20th-21st February.
Long term VOR Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 252 (EU03 BZK) is being used as a source of spare parts and its future is undecided. It needs a replacement engine to be serviceable again.

Above: 252 at Sudbury depot on 20/2/18. (John Podgorski).

Gained from Turners is the Glemsford-Stour Valley Academy at Clare SC725 contract.
(Stour Valley Academy was previously Clare Middle School).

CITY JET.
New is CRJ900LR EI-FPW.

COLAS RAIL.
1/2/18: 60002 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock.
5/2/18: 70802 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
6/2/18: 60002 on 6L44.
9/2/18: 66850 on 6O36 Whitemoor-Hoo Junct.
11/2/18: 70802/15 top and tailing engineers at Pudding Mill Lane.
12/2/18; 66850 on 6L37.
14/2/18: 70813 on 6L37.
15/2/18; 60002 on 6L44. 70813 on 6L37.
16/2/18: 66847 on 6L37.
26/2/18: 66847 on 6L37.
27/2/18: 60002 on 6L44.
28/2/18: 37099 at Stratford @ 1254 with test train from west direction. Later paired with 37421 and headed north via Broxbourne.

CT PLUS.
Irizar i2E electic YN67 VDK finally entered revenue service from 9/2/18 – on TfL W13. By the end of the month, it had moved on though – to Heathrow Airport Ltd.
ADL/Enviro 200s DA1-11 (YX62 DHC/D/Y, DKE/L, DMU, DPF, DSZ, DTV/Y) are withdrawn following the loss of TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate) to Go-Ahead from 3/2/18.

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL.
Has moved from South Woodford, to Waltham Abbey. The new OC address is Pear Tree Farm. The old depot has been redeveloped for housing.

DBS.

Above: 66098 departs Chelmsford yard on 23/2/18, on 6V12 to Acton. (Steve Simister).

1/2/18: 66090 on 4L40 Cowley-Purfleet. 66100 at Bow Midland. 66111 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
2/2/18: 66171 at Bow Olympic.
5/2/18: 59204 at Bow Midland.
6/2/18: 59202 on 7V57 Harlow Mill-Acton.
7/2/18: 59204 on 7V57.
8/2/18: 66095 at Bow Midland.
9/2/18: 59001 on 6V57 Harlow Mill-Acton.
12/2/18: 66098 at Griffin Wharf, Ipswich.
13/2/18; 66025 on 6M67 Broxbourne-Mountsorrel. 66133 at Chelmsford yard on stone train.
16/2/18: 66133 at Bow Olympic.
18/2/18: 66132 “down” through Witham @ 2335 with consist of mixed flats and ballast hoppers.
20/2/18: 59206 at Bow Midland.
23/2/18: 66098 at Chelmsford on 6V12 stone train to Acton.
26/2/18: 59205 at Bow Midland.
28/2/18: 66018 at Marks Tey sand yard.

Above: 59205 at Westbourne Park in August 2003. This is one of the ex National Power Class 59s. (John Podgorski).

DRS.
15/2/18; 57002 hauled GA 90002 and NR DBS0 9707 on Crewe-Norwich via GEML.
16/2/18: 37608 on 5Q45 Old Dalby-Straford with new Class 345021. Entered Crossrail eastern portal as 6X51.
21/2/18: 57002 dragged GA 90010 on 0Z56 Norwich-Bounds Green.
27/2/18: 37605 at P6, Colchester.
28/2/18: 37605 at Colchester, up loop as 0Z99.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Withdrawn are ADL.Enviro 200 MCV Evolutions ED15 (AE56 OUO), ED18 (LX07 BYJ). They have been returned to their lessor.

EASYJET.
New is Airbus A320-214 G-EZRS.

EASYJET EUROPE.
New are Airbus A320-214s OE-ICT, OE-IZD/E/F/H/N/S/T.
Transferred from the UK fleet are Airbus A320-214s OE-IJL ex G-EZUG, OE-IJP ex G-EZTV, OE-IVX ex G-EZTL; Airbus A319-111s OE-LKK ex G-EZDE, OE-LKL ex G-EZFK,OE-LKM ex G-EZDP, OE-LQH ex G-EZBY, OE-LQM ex G-EZFE, OE-LQO ex G-EZDX, OE-LQP ex G-EZFD, OE-LQQ ex G-EZFG, OE-LQT ex G-EZBL, OE-LQV ex G-EZFR.
On wet lease from Condor is Airbus A320-212 D-AICE ex F-WWDI.
Leased from ICBC are Airbus A310-214s OE-IZO ex D-ABNJ and OE-IZP ex D-ABHJ.

ENSIGNBUS.
BCI Excellence 150 (LX15 GKL) has been on loan to Reading Buses.

Above: 150 with Reading Buses, at Langley on 10/2/18. (Daniel Acott).

EUROSTAR.
A new direct London-Amsterdam and Rotterdam service began on 20/2/18.
To the revised livery are 373221/22.
373011/12 have gone to EMR, Kingsbury – for scrap.

EUROWINGS.
New is Airbus A320-214 D-ABFR.

FIRST ESSEX.
Following the trial of a First Eastern Counties ADL/Enviro 400 double decker on X30 (Southend-Chelmsford-Stansted) in October 2017, two Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s have arrived from First Berkshire. They were surplus following the end of Green Line route 702, and its transfer to Reading Buses.
Further repaints into Refreshed colours are Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66719 (WX54 XDC), 66794/96/99 (MX05 CBF/V, CCD).
Another Optare Solo withdrawn to storage at Braintree is 53129 (EO02 NFL). Also withdrawn are Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65670 (SN51 UYC), 65674 (SN51 UYH) – now parked at Clacton.
The fire damaged remains of Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33133 (LT02 ZBZ) have been removed from Clacton depot for scrap.

Above: Peldon residents protest about the withdrawal of the regular bus service through their village on 22/1/18. (Colchester Gazette).

From 18/2/18, there were major changes to some routes.
3 (Clacton-Harwich) – revised early mornings.
4 (Jaywick-Telford Road), 4A (Jaywick-Bockings Elm). New Clacton town services replacing 10, 11, 12 and part of 17, 18.
5 (Pitsea-Basildon) . Extended to Langdon hills replacing route 15 and frequency increased at peaks. Alternate journeys terminate at Basildon Hospital replacing 25A.
6 (Clacton-Point Clear). New Clacton town sevice, replacing 17, 18 M-Sats days and Sundays.
10, 11, 12 (Jaywick-Clacton-Telford Road). Withdrawn, replaced by new 4/A.
15 (Langdon Hills-Runwell) – withdrawn. Replaced by 5 and 25.
16 (Runwell St Lukes Park-Wickford rail station) – new service.
17, 18 (Clacton-Point Clear). To an evening service only. Replaced by 4/A, 6 at all other times.
25/A (Basildon-Wickford-Southend). M-Sat extension to to Basildon Hospital replaced by route 5. Diverted in Westcliff from Carlton Avenue to Prittlewell Chase.
27X (Canvey Leigh Beck-Benfleet rail station) – revised.
31 (Chelmsford-Maldon/Burnham) – revised and double deck operation introduced.
32 (Chelmsford-Ongar). Revised and extended off peak from Chelmsford bus station to Chignall Estate.
33 (Broomfield Hospital-Southminster) – revised Sunday timetable.
36 (Chelmsford-South Woodham) – revised Sunday timetable.
37 (Brentwood-Bishops Hall Estate). Revised M-Sat to run via Ongar Road instead of Doddinghurst Road.
40 (Broomfield Hospital-Chelmsford-Great Baddow). Revised to run as Broomfield Hospital-Chelmsford-Boreham, replacing part of route 72.
41 (Galleywood-Chignall Estate)- withdrawn and replaced by an 32, 54, 47.
42/A/B (Galleywood-Broomfield Hospital). 42 extended from Broomfield to Braintree. 42B withdrawn.
45 (Moulsham Lodge-Writtle) – revised.
51 (Galleywood-Channels). Rerouted in Great Baddow.
54/A/C (Beaulieu Park-North Melbourne). Diverted via Chignal Estate.
55 (Beaulieu Park-North Melbourne) – withdrawn.
57/A (Beaulieu Park-Westway). Revised to run as Beaulieu Park-Great Baddow-Galleywood. Revised in central Chelmsford to provide more direct link with Anglia Ruskin University.
61 (Wivenhoe-Colchester-Highwoods). Some evening journeys extended from Osborne Street bus station to Head Street.
62/A (Colchester-Brightlingsea) – revised M-F.
65 (Tollgate-Colchester-Highwoods) – M-F peak extension to Severalls Business Park ceased. The Park perimeter is still served along Severalls Lane.
66 (Rowhedge-West Bergholt). Revised. Rowhedge terminus moved to second northbound stop in Rectory Road, after the turning circle.
67 (Colchester-West Mersea) – revised.
67A (Colchester General Hospital-Peldon-West Mersea) – withdrawn. Replaced by extension of Hedingham route 63, between Blackheath and West Mersea via Peldon. Peldon village thus no longer served by 67 group. Other 67s still running.
70 (Colchester-Braintree-Chelmsford) – revised. Braintree outstation allocation reduced from 6 to 5.
71 (Colchester-Chelmsford) – revised.
72 (Chelmsford-Witham Conrad Road)- withdrawn. Covered by existing route 71, revised route 40 and Stephensons 38/A.
74 (Clacton-Colchester) – revised.
76 (Clacton-Colchester) – revised. New 76A express variant, fast between Clacton and Frating, in competition against Hedingham X76.
94C (South Woodham Circular) – revised on Sundays.
200/X (Basildon-Grays) – revised.
351 (Chelmsford-Brentwood) – revised.
561 (Basildon-Chelmsford St John Payne School) scholars service. Revised.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 43561 on service 11 at Station Road, Clacton on 30/12/17. (John Podgorski).

Due to the above, there was a reduction in peak vehicle requirement, and the Scania Omnicities – 65028-32 (YN06 TDO/U/V/X/Z) transferred from Chelmsford (CF) to Clacton (CN), displacing ADL/Enviro 200s 44596-599 (EU60 LFS, EJ58 YSL, KX57 BWF, YX08 HJF) to CF. Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 62408-10 (YS03 ZKE/G/F) moved CR to CN. Dart SLF/Caetanos 41513/20 (LK03 NGF, UEX) have moved from BN to CF. 65032 was still at CF on 20/2/18 though. Scania/Wright 62407 is delicensed due to accident damage, by the way.

Above: Omnicity 65028 at Clacton rail station on 17/2/18. (Simon Austin).

FRAGERS (GAMEBUS), ARDLEIGH.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZMU is ex Go-Ahead London and supplied through Ensign.

FLAGFINDERS.
Two Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis have been acquired from Regal Busways; LF52 ZSD, ZTL. They have been converted to single door and repainted. A third is for spare parts only. Also now into the new white/blue fleet livery are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer YN04 PZY (ex Regal red) and Iveco Euromidi/Maxim YN 05 ASZ (ex silver).

FREIGHTLINER.
1/2/18: 66598 on 4L30 Bristol-London Gateway.
2/2/18: 66543 on 4L79 Tees Dock-Felixstowe.
3/2/18: 66593 on 4L65 Leeds-London Gateway.
8/2/17: 66541, 86612/27 on IPS-Trafford Park. 86627 had failed.
9/2/18: 66509 on 4L79.
12/2/18: 66534/99 topped and tailed Parkeston-Whitemoor engineers. 66610 on 6L63 Chadesdon-Broxbourne Redland HIAs and JGAs.66614 on 6M80 Bow-Tunstead MWAs
14/2/18: 66621 at Bow Olympic.
16/2/18: 66559/99 on Whitemoor-Parkeston engineers.
18/2/18: 66593 “down” through Witham @ 2315 with ballast wagons.
20/2/18: 66505 on 6L63 Chaddesdon-Broxbourne. 66588 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks.
21/2/18: 66610 at Bow Olympic.
24/2/18: 70020 + 66550 on 4M87 FLX-Basford Hall.
25/2/18: 66952 on Ripple Lane-Whitemoor engineers.
26/2/18: 86609/10 on “down” intermodal at Colchester with 66567.
28/2/18: 66602 at Bow Olympic.

GALLEON TRAVEL.
Has moved from Roydon to Nazeing.

GBRf.
66789 has received retro BR Large logo livery and named ‘British Rail 1948-1997’. It is ex DBS 66250.
4/2/18: 66745/57/62/70/79 on 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich light engine.
5/2/18: 66767 on 4Z81 Masborough-Felixstowe.
6/2/18: 66748 at Bow Midland.
8/2/18: 66746 on Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
9/2/18: 66738 at Bow Midland.
10/2/18: 66718 4L20 Hams Hall-Parkeston. 66740 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro. 66753 on 4M26 FLX-Hams Hall. 66762 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-FLX, then 0E06 FLX-PBO light. 66766 on 6T65 Enfield Lock-Whitemoor engineers. 66767 on 4Z81 Masboro-Parkeston, the 0E04 Parkeston-PBO light. 66770 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
11/2/18: 66740/58/59/64/67 and 2 oil tank wagons on 6P41 Peterboro-Harwich/Felixstowe loco positioning move. 66758 on 6T60 Beccles-Whitemoor engineers – via Ipswich.
12/2/18: 66740/58 on 0L33 Ipswich-FLX light engine. 66766 on 4L2 Hams Hall-FLX.
13/2/18: 66764 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66765 on 4L22 Hams Hall- FLX.
14/2/18: 66753 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster. 66770 on 6M14 Harlow Mill-Bardon Hill.
16/2/18: 66718 on 4Z27.
17/2/18; 66726 on 0E04 Parkeston-Peterborough.
18/2/18: 66716/40/58/70 on 0L33.
19/2/18; 66719 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66740 on FLX-Hams Hall. 66753 on FLX-Doncaster. 66758 on Parkeston-FLX. 66765 on FLX-Masboro. 66770 on FLX-Birch Coppice.
21/2/18: 66766 on 6O76 Harlow Mill-Grain empty JGAs. 66776 at Bow Midland.
22/2/18: 66716 on 6E06 Parkeston Quay-PBO with 1 wagon. 66761 on 6L98 at Broxbourne on Doncaster-Ferme Park.
23/2/18: 66765 on 4Z27. 66777 on 6T60 Whitemoor-Romford engineers.
24/2/18; 66740 on 4M23. 66758 on 4L02. 66769 on 6T66 Enfield Lock-Whitemoor engineers.
25/2/18: 66725/61/70/79 on 0L33.
26/2/18: 66761 on Harwich N Walsham tanks.
27/2/18: 66766 on 6M47 Bow-Bardon.
28/2/18: 66767 at Bow Midland.

GRANGE TRAVEL, GRAVESEND.

Above: Grange vehicles appear of rail replacements in Essex. Yutong Tc9 YH66 VMT was at Witham on 11/2/18 for Greater Anglia; running to/from Newbury Park. (Simon Austin).

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: Renatus 321305 at Witham on a Braintree shuttle on 11/2/18, due to engineering works. (Simon Austin).

To the new livery are DMU 170207, EMU 317884. To Renatus colours – EMU 321308.

1/2/18: 156422 on Ipswich-Felixstowe.
6/2/18: 321323 on 0900 Norwich-Liverpool St. 321323/419 on 1400 Norwich-Liverpool St.
7/2/18: 317502/651 on 1Y61 Ipswich-Liverpool St.
11/2/18: 90008 powering 1P19 Norwich-London and 1P20 return, but at Country end, rather than usual London end.
21/2/18: 321326/427 on 1P04 London-Norwich.
22/2/18: 90014 light engine “up” past Chitts Hill, near Colchester @ 1142.

Above: A solitary 90014 – as described in the text. (John Podgorski).

HEDINGHAM.
From 5/2/17, the remaining ex Turners of Essex school runs were taken on, following the closure of Turners (see below). Bus 12 Pebmarsh, Gosfield, Halstead to Hedingham School was involved.
Also from 5/2/17, routes 82/83 were temporarily diverted away from Great Tey, until 27/4/18, due to roadworks. They terminated at Wakes Colne instead. Arrow Taxis provided a Great Tey Shuttle.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 561 at Berchurch Hall Road, Colchester – on the first day of route 63’s extension to Peldon and West Mersea. (John Podgorski).

Below: Scania Omnidekka 1518 at West Mersea (High Street) on 19/2/18. The building behind the bus shelter used to be an Eastern National bus garage. Closed in 1973, it was used as a basis for a leisure centre in 1979. Some locals still refer to this stop as “West Mersea bus station”. (John Podgorski).

From 19/2/18, some journeys on route 63 was extended from Berechurch to Peldon and West Mersea. This was in response to the withdrawal of First 67A. Clacton’s Scania Omnidekka 1518 (YN06 JYC) was sub shedded at KN for the new service, which is worked by KN and CN. 1518 and B7TL/President 561 (V301 LGC) worked the inaugural journeys to West Mersea. From the same date, Hedingham began serving the Tudor Estate in West Clacton, after First’s service review left that neighbourhood without a bus service. Omnidekka 1520 (YN06 JYC) also arrived at KN on 22/2/18 but returned to CN the following day.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO) is reinstated.
Chambers Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) was briefly loaned to KN on 20th-21st February.

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT.
Has ex RATP London Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH J332 BSH – via Ensign.

IPSWICH BUSES.
The full batch of ex Metroline Scania Omnicity double deckers is 30-43 (YR61 RPV/Y/U, RRV, RSV, RTV, RUC/H/U/V/W, RVF/J/L). Still in red are 44, 45 (YR61 RRZ, RVE). 45 had latterly been with Border Buses.
On loan has been Mb Sprinter 516/Mellow Sreata demonstrator LO67 CGX.
Withdrawn are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 4 (LG02 FEV), 5 (LG02 FCA) – both ex Carters; 17 (LG02 FEM), 21 (Y458 NHK) and Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 94 (X94 LBJ).
Tridents 17 and 21 have paased to Shote Line Suncruisers at Scarborough.
New route 7 (Dale Hall-Aldi-Meredith Road-Anglian Retail Park) began from 18/2/18. Also frequency enhancements to 1 and 2 (Greenwich-Ipswich), with 1 now running via the Waterfront.

JET2.COM.
New are Boeing 737-800s G-GZBI/J.

KEANE, MUCKINGFORD.
Supplied through Ensign is ex Metrobus Scania Omnidekka YV03 PZH.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
Setra S415 BX06 UMV is now IJZ 1447.

KEVENDY’S, WICKFORD.
M665 KVU is a former Shearings Volvo B10M/VH, ex Davies of Pontyberem.

KLM CITYHOPPER.
New are Embraer 175STDs PH-EXU/V.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
New for ex CT Plus TfL153 (Finsbury Park-Moorgate) are BYDs SEe 65-76 (LJ67 DKM/N/O/U/V/X/Y, DLD-F/K/N). This commenced from 3/2/18.
Contract losses from 3/2/18, were of TfL W4 to Arriva London North and TfL299 to Sullivan Buses. As a result, the DMN Class Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capitals and most of the SEN Class ADL/Enviro 200s are withdrawn. These include DMN1 (LT02 NUK).

MASTER TRAVEL, HERONGATE.
Has Yutong Tc9 YJ15 HKG -ex Collier of Earith.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
The Gidea Park depot upgrade was completed at the start of February.

P and M, WICKFORD.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere GNZ 6494 is ex Windcrest of Ivybridge.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
From 26/2/18, a new rail replacement contract began for Greater Anglia. It is a shuttle serving Wickford, Battlesbridge and South Woodham Feerers, running with the “tidal flow” of peak hours, Mon to Fri. This is to do with platform works at Battlesbridge meaning 12 car trains cannot stop there. It is due to run until April 2018. Panther is using Mb Sprinter AB03 PAN from Witham.

Above: Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Premiere BIG 9895 at Cambridge in the early hours of 23/2/18, on a Greater Anglia late night RRP from Bishops Stortford. (Alex Hazell).

(John Podgorski).

Ex ATS Minibuses of Romford Mb Sprinter/Koch low floor BX56 VTE is now here. Pictured (above) at Matching Green base on 24/2/18. It entered traffic on 27/2/18 – on the Northumberland Park Shuttle; releasing Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KV51 KVK onto other duties. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YN54 WWT has come from the now defunct Turners of Essex.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD have been acquired from Regal Busways – for spares only. Also from Regal is a selection of workshop equipment.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther AB53 PAN is delicensed due to engine failure.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN, passes through the grounds of the University of Essex, along Boundary Road, on 10/2/18. (Simon Austin).
Below: A snowbound Colchester outstation on 28/2/18. (Alex Hazell).

QUOOKER INSTALLATIONS, BRENTWOOD.
Acquired via Ensign is ex Go-Ahead London Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZNV.

REGAL BUSWAYS.

(John Podgorski).

The last vehicle present at Cooksmill Green (Chelmsford) depot was Scania/Irizar YN56 FGJ. It was moved to Rochford on 3/2/18, joining Optare Tempo PO1 (YJ56 WVX) and MAN NL270LF/Wright 801 (RG09 BUS). 801 had gone by 10th February.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointers KP02 PUH, PVD has passed to Panther Travel for parting out (qv).
Although some vehicles and equipment were sold in the weeks before and after Regals’closure, the remainder were offered via auction between 19th and 26th February 2018 via John Hill Coach Sales in conjunction with Shouler and Son.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer NA52 AWF is now with A2B Bus and Coach, Cambridge. Tempo PO3 (YJ56 WVY) has also been sold – after being repainted silver.

ROG.
12/2/18: 47848 on 0L47 Eastleigh-Ilford.
28/2/17: 47848 at Ilford.

RYANAIR.
More new Boeing 737-800s are EI-GDX/Y/Z, GJA-E.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
ADL/Enviro 400 12323 (SK14 CTU) has an overall advert for Oyster Hoppa.
Volvo coaches 54051-53/55 (KX09 NCE/J/N/O) have moved on.

STEPHENSONS.
From the now defunct Express Motors of Pennygroes are Scania N230UD/Enviro 400s CY12 EMS, CX14 EMS. A number of ADL/Enviro 200s have been acquired from Abellio London – most in a dealer capacity.

Above: Reserve fleet Volvo Olympian 808 at St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds on 16/2/18. It is on a schools working of route 385, which is otherwise operated by Galloway of Mendlesham. (Colin Lloyd).

Below: Scania Omnidekka 649 most unusually on Bury St Edmunds town service Breeeze 2 on 16/2/18. It is turning into the bus station. The bus was one of a pair new to Blue Triangle and acquired via Ensign. (Colin Lloyd).

SULLIVAN BUSES.
TfL299 (Cockfosters-Muswell Hill) was gained from London General North from 3/2/18, using new Wright Streetlites SL90-97 (CP, JF, JJ, KT, LW, MH, PJ, SL67 SUL), and ex Demonstrator SL98 (SL15 ZGR).

TENDRING TRAVEL.
Further full size additions are Dennis R410/Caetano FN02 RXS and Dennis R410/Plaxton Panther AM52 MXW. Both are ex the now defunct Abacus of Grantham.
S678 PAG is a former Dublin Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH, from JR Executive Travel, Copdock.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Wright StreetLites WL44700/1 (DRZ 61818, 9420) have gone to store.
Sold to Ensign are ADL/Enviro 200s DML44163/64 (YX10 BGV/Y); DMV44250-52 (YX12 AKP/U/V); DM44260/62/64/65 (YX61 FZC/E/G/H).
ADL/Enviro 200s DMV44224-28/30/31/33/34/50/51 (YX12 AKN, AEW/Y/O/P, AGY, AXV/N, AJY, AKP/U) have passed to RATP Yellow Buses, Bournemouth, via Ensign.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Ex Go North East Scania L94UB/Wright Solars NK53 UNW/Y; ex Go South Coast Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer HW54 BUJ; ex Stagecoach East Midland Optare Solos SF05 NXD/E have been supplied through Ensign. Sisters DML44163/64 (YX10 BGV/Y), DM44260/62/64/65 (YX61 FZC/E/G/H) are now with Red Rose, Aylesbury – also via Ensign.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Ceased operations after 1/2/18. A number of school contracts have passed to other operators, including Hedingham and Chambers. Flagfinders has the sports and swimming contracts.
Mb 709D W364 SNN and Renault Master B10 OVV have passed to Decker Bus, Whittlesea.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K873 CSF has been sold to Llan y Pwll Farm, Wrexham – for conversion to a mobile caravan.
Setra S415 MY53 TRA has passed to Nationwide, Peterborough.
Also sold are Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther YN54 WWT; Setra S315 LSU 788.
Leyland Olympian/NC K735 ODL is on hire to De Vere, Sible Hedingham and will continue to be so.

Above: MAN18.290/Jonckherre Deauville VBZ 1450 at Wickham St Paul depot on 22/9/17. This coach had been withdrawn by that time and was sold not long after. (John Podgorski).

Vehicles remaining at the depot in early February were: Leyland Olympian/Alexander RH K873 CSF; MAN/Noge YN03 AXD, Mb 709D W364 SNN; Optare Solo S627 JRU; Renault Master B10 OVV; Setra S315 LSU 788. (Note LSU 788, K873 CSF, B10 OVV, W364 SNN were subsequently sold – see above). Renault Master KN52 XND meanwhile, was parked behind the local pub. It is understood that the main premises were cleared by the end of February.

WEST COAST RAILWAY COMPANY.

Above: 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ at Chitts Hill near Colchester on 22/2/18. (John Podgorski).

22/2/18: 47804 with 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ on 1Z70 London-Norwich steam charter. 47804 worked the return, as 70013 was defective and left at Norwich for repairs. It returned south on 28/2/18.

Above: 47804 brings up the rear of the same train. (John Podgorski).

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, D Arnold, S Austin, Colchester Gazette, Essex Buses Yahoo, A Hazell, Hedingham Buses, C Lloyd, LOTS, D Pretty, S Simister, M Stokes, D Tredwell.