Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the September, 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.

A once familiar bus type in Greater London has now virtually disappeared. The Marshall Capital Bodied Dennis Dart SLF, had TfL193 around Romford as one of its last bastions, but that passed from Go-Ahead to Stagecoach at the end of September.
Staying in the Go-Ahead group, another end of an era was the relocation of the Hedingham Omnibuses head office from Colchester to Clacton, also at the close of September.
Route 87 from Colchester to Brightlingsea ceased after 1st September, having latterly been run commercially by Hedingham. First still serves this coastal town, but there is no longer a late evening service. Another era ended on 28th September, when Hedingham vacated its Colchester office, after more than a decade. Administration has moved to Clacton depot.
Flagfinders has phased out the Graham’s name, and the Kelvedon site now has a mix of Flagfinders and ex Graham’s vehicles.
Transit Systems (owners of Tower Transit), have sold Whippet Coaches.

ACCESS ANYONE, LEIGH ON SEA.
Sold is Iveco 45C 20 (WF02 BKK).

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
Volvo B10M/Berkhof Axial R915 ULA is now with Elliot & Richman, Rode Heath, Cheshire.

AMI, ILFORD.
From Peter Carol, Bristol is Mercedes Tourismo BU13 ZUC.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

(John Podgorski).

Odd sightings:
3/9/18: Park and Ride ADL/E200 4072 on 900. 17/9/18: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3826 (GN07 AVO) on 2. 20/9/18: ADL/E200 4018 (GN58 BUE) on 4.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Operation of ex EOS route 66 has moved to Ware. ADL/Enviro 400 MMCs are being used.
Transferred in is Optare Versa 2990 (YJ09 MKD)
On loan from Arriva The Shires is ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 3106 (YX17 NME).
Left Harlow off loan are ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 4124 (SN67 WUO), ADL/Enviro 200 1641 (GN57 BOH), DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3523 (LJ03 MYK), Wright StreetLites 4282/84 (GN14 DYA/C).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 400 T12 (LJ08 CVG) plus Volvo B7TL/ALX400s VLA56/57 (LJ04 LFL/M) are ex Arriva London South, and allocated to Barking (DX).
To store at Edmonton are: Volv oB7TL/Wright Geminis DW135 (YJ55 WPO), DW142 (YJ55 WOR); DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DWL74 (YJ06 LFE), DWL76 (YJ06 LFG), DWL78 (YJ06 LFK), DWL84 (YE06 HRF), DWL90/91 (YE06 HPK/L), DWL97 (YE06 HNU). And ex London South Dart SLF/Pointer PDL121 (LJ05 GPK).
To store at Grays are: DAF SB120/Wright Cadets DWL56 (LJ03 MUW), DWL79 (YJ06 LFL), DWL80 (YJ06 LDK), DWL81/82 (YE06 HRA/C), DWL85 (YE06 HRJ), DWL89 (YE 06 HPJ), DWL92 9YE06 HPN), DWL96 (YE06 HNT) ; ADL/Enviro 200s ENL11-13 (LJ58 AVU/V/X), ENL17 (LJ58 AWC); Dart SLF/Pointers PDL115-19 (LJ05 GOP/U/X), PDL122/23 (LJ05 GPO/U), PDL152 (SN56 GXH); Volvo B7TL/ALX400s VLA2 (LJ03 MYR), VLA8 (LJ03 MXY), VLA15 (LJ03 MXH), VLA103 (LJ54 BCV), VLA115 (LJ05 BKF), VLA122 (LJ05 BKV), VLA166 (LJ55 BVU), VLA168 (LJ55 BVW), VLA170/71 (LJ55 BVY/Z), VLA172 (LJ55 BVD), VLA174 (LJ55 BVF), VLA177/78 (LJ55 BVK/L); Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini VLW95 (LF52 UPJ).
All of these had been cleared out of the closed garage at Watford.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 ENX5 at Mutton Lane, Potters Bar on 15/9/18, at the start of its journey back to Chingford. (John Podgorski).

ARROW TAXIS, MALDON.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer SK02 XGP is on loan from Galloway.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Volvo B12BT/Jonckherre TUI 5718 is ex Vale Cars, Sturminster Newton, Devon.
Setra S250 YSV 645 has reverted back to P901 OKP.

BGB (BIG GREEN BUS), HORSEHEATH.
Ex Metroline is Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LR52 BNN, joining other buses of this type.

BLUE TRIANGLE:
In from Docklands Buses is Volov B9TL/Wright Gemini WVL414.
TfL193 (Romford-County Park Estate) passed to Stagecoach from 29/9/18.

Above: Ex London General Dart SLF/Pointer LDP191 at Mercury Gardens, Romford on 1/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: Dart SLF/Marshall DMN6 at Western Road, Romford on 1/9/18. These were inherited from First Capital, when First decided to exit London in September 2013. They are amongst the last of this type on TfL work. (John Podgorski).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
The application for the new O licence was ongoing in September.
The school contracts have been subbed to Coach Stop of Rettendon and Marc1 Travel at Billericay.

BOMBARDIER.

At Ilford on 8/9/18 are resident shunters 08700 (nearest the camera) and 08871. Also note the match wagon. (John Podgorski).

Above: GWR liveried Class 365 motor car at Ilford on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: MkIII buffet car at Ilford on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

9/9/18: Virgin 221101 at Ilford for repaint. Arrived from Euston as 5Z75.

CHAMBERS.
Scania Omnidekka 810 (YN55 PZO) went on loan to Hedingham at Kelvedon on 4/9/18.
805 (YN55 PZG) went on hire to Hedingham KN on 14/9/18. Hedingham 812 (YN55 PZR) was briefly here in late September.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) is also on hire to Hedingham, and returned on 17/9/18.

COLAS.
2/9/18: 67023 “up” through Ingatestone, light loco @ 1745.
3/9/18: 70801, 92011 at Dagenham Dock.
5/9/18: 70804 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
7/9/18: 37254 on 3Z66 Colchester-Derby RTC.
10/9/18: 37610/12 on 1Q90 Derby RTC-Ferme Park via WAML. 70803 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock. 70815 at Dagenham Dock.
12/9/18: 37610 tnt 37612 on 1Q97 Ferme Park-Cambridge via Liverpool Street. 70812 on 6L37.
16/9/18: 37219 on 6L39 Bridgend-Dagenham instead of usual ’70.
17/9/18: 37219 on 6V30 Dagenham-Bridgend.
25/9/18: 70807 on 6L37.

Above: 66849 at Cambridge on 19/8/18. (Simon Austin).

CT PLUS.
TfL D6 was gained from Go-Ahead Docklands, from 15/9/18 – using new ADL/Enviro 20Ds 1283-1295 (YX68 UJA-H/J-N).
Dart SLF/Caetano DC53 (KV03 ZFG) has passed to Falcon, Byfleet.
Volvo B9R/Plaxton BX61 DYA is now with South Wales Transport, Morriston.

Above: CT Plus “classic” ADL/Enviro 20D no 1225 at Ley Street, Ilford on 8/9/18. (John  Podgorski).

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY.

Above:  Irisbus Eurorider/Plaxton Panther YN07 KGZ on Greater Anglia rail replacement at Marks Tey on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: Dans Mercedes Tourismo BK11 CNX, meanwhile, required some assistance, (John Podgorski).

DBS.
3/9/18: 66061 at Dagenham Dock. 66101 on Mountsorrel-Harlow.
6/9/18: 66030 on Chesterton-Mountsorrel.
10/9/18: 66061 at Dagenham Dock.
13/9/18: 66030 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill.
27/9/18: 66002 at Bow Plasmor.

DCR.
11/9/18: 56103 on 0Z29 Wembley-Foxton and returned on route learning.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
From 15/9/18, TfL D6 was lost to CT Plus; TfL D8 passed to Tower Transit. From the same date, south bound 276 (Stoke Newington-Newham Hospital) was re-routed in Stratford via Tramway Ave instead of West Ham Lane.
As a result of the above changes, Scania Omnicity deckers 959-62/65-67 were withdrawn.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 SE128 (YX61 BXD) at Chrisp Street, Poplar on 2/1/16. (John Podgorski).

DRS:
3/9/18: 57007 towed GA DVT 82107 Cardiff-Norwich via GEML.
4/9/18: 37409 on Norwich-Ilford ECS with 1 MkIII.
5/9/18: 37419 on Willesden Brent-Norwich 1 coach ECS. 57007 Norwich-Willesden Brent light loco.
6/9/18: 37409 on Norwich-Ilford light loco.
14/9/18: 37419 on 5P98 Ilford-Norwich ECS.
18/9/18: 37038/259/423, 57007 on 0L21 Willesden Brent-Norwich light loco via GEML.
24/9/18: 37259/57007 on RHTT at Stowmarket.
25,26,27/9/18: 37259 tnt 57007 on 3S60 Stowmarket RHTT.
26/9/18: 37419 hauling GA DVT 82143 on Norwich-Cardiff ECS.
27/9/18: 37602/5/6/57003 + GA 90011 on 0Z37 Crewe-Norwich light engine via GEML. 37419 with GA DVT 82105 on Cardiff-Norwich ECS.
28/9/18: 37611 on 5Q74 Ilford-Old Oak 345 ECS.

ENSIGNBUS.
8.9m ADL/Enviro 200s 602 (LK07 BEJ) – ex Metroline, 603 (MX59 AVN) – ex Powells, Hellaby, 604 (CN11 FBE) – ex New Adventure Travel, Cardiff; have joined the fleet for new Brentwood local route 31, which starts on 1/10/18.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: 32631 at Colchester on 14/8/18. This was the last of its batch to run from CR before transfer to CF – see below. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32628/31/40-42 (KP54 KAU, KBF, AZB/C/D) have moved from Colchester (CR) to Chelmsford (CF) chiefly for schools; replacing some of the yellow BMCs. School routes 509, 525 are now double deck. However, the Geminis are also regular on route 70 (Chelmsford-Braintree-Colchester). They work alongside existing ALX400s on both, although seem to be used in preference to the ALX400s on the 70.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65748 (SN55 JVK) was repaired and returned to service at CR, but then returned to Scotland. 65688/90-92 (YS03 ZKH/K/L/M) have lost their 74/76 cove branding, but retain rear Clacton-Colchester branding. Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 66804 (MX05 CCO) has gone to Volvo, Bury St Edmunds – for a new engine.
Optare Solos 53113 (EO02 NDX), 53126 (EO02 NFH) have gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.

Above: Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 66794 at Mountnessing on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 14/9/18: X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67167 on 70. 15/9/18: Route 100 69912 on X10. 17/9/18: B7L/ALX400s 32068/78, Trident 33087; Route 70 B9TL SN57 HDJ on 70; X30 ADL/E200MMC 67168 on 70. 18/9/18: X30 67165 on 70. 19/7/18: Route 62 B9TL 37138 (SN57 HCX) on 67/C; Streetlite 63330 (SK65 PXM) on 67; X30 67166 on 70. 24/9/18: 37136 being recovered on A133 east at Frating @ 1630. 30/9/18: Trident 33088 (LN51 GMU) on 1A (Sunday). (NB: 62 branded B9TLs are being increasingly seen “off route”. Since the 29th July changes, their 62 branding has no longer been correct. On 62, they should normally by supported by the ex First Bristol B9TL/Geminis, but Tridents can appear, along with the odd B7TL/ALX400. Saloons on the 62 are rare, though).

FLAGFINDERS.
Ex Nottingham City Transport, via Ensign are Scania Omnidekkas YN07 EYP/T.
The first Flagfinders vehicles to appear at the old Graham’s, Kelvedon depot were Volvo B7TL/EL Vyking PG04 WHF and Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 ZSD, plus Mini Pointer Dart SLF YN04 PZY. They are all for Thurstable School contracts.
Ex Graham’s vehicles retained are Mb 0814D/Euros AE54 FMG, AE07 KZB; Mb Sprinter VU53 FYR and Scania Omniexpress YT09 FLF. These are used on ex Graham’s private school contracts. They will receive blue/white fleet livery in due course.
Ex Graham’s Autosan A1012T BX56 XAD has been offered for sale, while other acquired Graham’s vehicles have been sold.

Above: LF52 ZSD at Kelvedon on 3/9/18. It subsequently had its destination blacked out. (John Podgorski).

Below: Tollesbury based Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President LK03 NHG at The Strood, West Mersea, on 14/9/18. It is on the contract to Thurstable School at Tiptree. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 USV was an addition at Tollesbury in late September.

FREIGHTLINER.
1/9/18: 66516 on 4L52 Garston-London Gateway.
3/9/18: 66520 on Tees Dock-FLX.
5/9/18: 70005 on 4M81 FLX-Basford.
7/9/18: 86628/10 on FLX-Trafford Park.70007 on 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe.
17/9/18: 66604 on Chesterton Junct-York aggregates empties.
21/9/18: 66520 + 86612/13 on FLX bound ‘liner.86610/607 on Trafford Park-FLX.
23/9/18: 66561 tnt 66604 on rail sleeper/autoballaster train, “down” through Colchester @ 2230.
24/9/18: 66513 with 86613/12 dead in tow at Shenfield on FLX-Trafford Park.
30/9/18: 66596 tnt 66953 on ballast “down” through Marks Tey @ 2235.

Above: “Dead” (hence the handlamp in the windscreen) 66953 brings up the rear on a “down” ballast train at Marks Tey on 30/9/18. 66596 was powering at the front. (John Podgorski).

GARDNERS, CHELMSFORD.                                                                          Mercedes 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah GRZ 4150 has passed to Z Coaches London, Barking.

GBRf.
The first ex Colas Class 60 to appear was 60095.

Above: 66775 and 66708 at Bishop’s Stortford yard on 3/9/18. (John Podgorski).

1/9/18: 66705/6 on 4L07 Hams Hall- FLX. 66719 on 4L02 Hams Hall-Felixstowe.
3/9/18: 66702 on 6P41 Parkeston Quay-North Walsham. 66708 tnt 66775 on HSM train at Bishop’s Stortford. 66703 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX. 66725/65 on on 0L33 Peterbough-Felixstowe light loco. 66725 on 4L29 FLX-Birch Coppice.
5/9/18: 66750 on 6M76 Chesterton Junct-Bardon empties.
6/9/18: 66702 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
9/9/18: 66726 on ballast “down” through Marks Tey @ 1530. 66759/708 on 6T61 Derby Road-Whitemoor engineers.
10/9/18: 66703/767 on 0L33 PBO-FLX light engine. Maritime blue 66727 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66783 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX.
11/9/18: 66783 ‘Biffa’ on 4Z81.
12/9/18: 66730 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66783 on 4Z81.
13/9/18: 66730 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco.
14/9/18: 66783 on 4Z81.
15/9/18: 66783 on 4Z81.
18/9/18: 66759 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco.
21/9/18: 66737 on 4L02.
23/9/18: 66704 on 6T64 Marks Tey-Whitemoor engineers. 66750 on 6T60 Colchester-Whitemoor engineers.
24/9/18: 66711 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro. 66716 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66759 on 4R03 Parkeston-Felixstowe. 66767 on 4M23 Hams Hall-FLX.
25/9/18: 66716 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks.
27/9/18: 66721/26 on Broxbourne RHTT.
28/9/18: 66702/32 on Broxbourne RHTT.
29/9/18: 66765/13 on 4L07 Hams Hall-FLX.

Above: 66726 at Marks Tey on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

GREATER ANGLIA.
The first of the new ‘Aventra’ trains was unveiled to the media and stakeholders at Bombardier’s Litchurch Lane works in Derby on 13/9/18. 3 part completed cars from 5 car unit 720501 were present for inspection.

Above: 153309 stabled in the Sudbury branch platform at Marks Tey, after close of service on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

6/9/18: 321448 on Norwich-Liverpool Street.
13/9/18: 321324 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS, then back to Doncaster with 321322 as 5E23.
15/9/18: 317501/660/883 on 2100 LST-Chelmsford.
18/9/18: 321324 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.

HANN, HARLOW.
Ford Transit M16 GY60 XCB is ex Ovingdean Hall College, Brighton.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: Scania Omnicity 850 on route 87 at Brightlingsea, Victoria Place on 4/8/18. (Simon Austin).

Below: Scania Omnidekka 814 at Colchester, on the final 87 working. (John Podgorski).

Route 87 (Colchester-Brightlingsea) ceased after 1/9/18. But the 87C schools variant continues. Special fares were offered in the final weeks. Scania Omnidekka 814 (YN 55 PZV) worked the final journey – the 2301 Colchester North Station- Brightlingsea.
This commercial service was started in August 2012, to compete against the then incumbent New Horizon Travel (originally Cedric’s) 78X. This was achieved, with NHT ending the 78X (except school journeys) within 2 years. However, in 2017, First returned to Brightlingsea (after a ten year gap), by extending its 62 from Wivenhoe, taking significant custom from the 87. The final “nail in the coffin”, was the extension of First’s 62A from Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea in July 2018; giving First a core frequency of 15 minutes on this corridor. There is now currently no late evening service to Brightlingsea, as First only runs to Wivenhoe after 1930.
The Thomas Lord Audley (TLA)-Mersea Island school runs have been gained from New Horizon.
There are two routes; A (West Mersea-TLA); B (East Mersea-West Mersea-Peldon-TLA).

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 575 at the Strood, West Mersea on 7/9/18. It is about to start the morning journey on TLA route A. (John Podgorski).

Ford Transit 16 seater BU14 YNT is on hire from Robertsons Van Hire. It is at Clacton (CN) for a Manningtree School run.
The Toppesfield School contract has passed to Star of Haverhill.
ADL/Enviro 200 265 (EU10 AOX) has returned from Konect, ex loan. Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 524 (LX05 EZG), 526 (LX06 EAJ) have gone on loan to Konect.
On 2/9/18, Omnidekka 817 (YN06 JYB) returned to CN from KN, while 812/13 (YN55 PZR/U) went from CN to KN. On 4/9/18, 810 (YN55 PZO) came from Chambers.  5/9/18 saw Chambers 806 come to KN from CN, but it returned the following day. 819 (YN06 JYD) was also at KN during the first week of September and then went back to CN. On 10/9/18, 814 (YN55 PZV) arrived at KN from CN. On 14/9/18, Chambers 805 (YN55 PZG) arrived at KN.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 572 (W489 WGH) was on loan from Chambers and was returned on 17/9/18. 576 (W517 WGH) was repaired and back in use at CN in late September. Volvo B7TL/Geminis 520/21/23 (LX05 EZC/D/F) have been converted to single door, while 527 (LX06 EAK) was under conversion in late September; with 528 (LX06 EAM) still waiting – all at CN. Withdrawn Dennis Trident/EL 723 (W823 NNJ) has gone from HD to Alpha Recovery for scrap. Sister 729 (W829 NNJ) passed to Ensign, and then onwards to Shelton Motors, Ely – for scrap.

Above: Single door converted Volvo B7TL/Gemini 521 at Clacton depot on 24/9/18. (John Podgorski).

On 28/9/18, the head office at Dugard House, Peartree Road, Colchester was closed.
It moved to Clacton depot, where the former traffic office has become the new office space. Remodelling of the Clacton depot building in general, has seen the staff room modernised, with the traffic office moved to the corner of the new set up. Next door to this is a cashing up area, with a training/meeting room beyond, converted from a cold store.

Above: Building works at Clacton depot on 23/8/18. (John Podgorski).
Below: The new Clacton training/meeting  room; also on 23/8/18. This was converted from a former cold store. (Clacton depot had once been a dairy). (John Podgorski).

Above: Dugard House, seen from the Moss Road side on 19/9/18. (John Podgorski).
Below: Inside Dugard House, looking from the meeting room into the Hedingham office; 19/9/18. (John Podgorski).

(John Podgorski).

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT.
Has ceased trading. Based at Kingswood in Surrey, it had an Essex outstation at Rochford which has closed. However, operations continue under the umbrella of International Coachlines, Thornton Heath – but not in Essex.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SN03 WMP is now with A2B, Cambridge.

Above: Hire Your Transport ex RATP London United Trident/ALX400 NMC 795 orig SN03 DZR, at Bishopsgate, London on 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: Dart SLF/Pointer SN03 WMP with A2B Bus and Coach, at Drummer Street Bus Station, Cambridge on 22/9/18. It is on ex Whippet Cambs CC route 75. (John Podgorski).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Scania N280UD/ADL400CBG MMC biogas demonstrator DD16 GAS has been on loan – with temporary fleet no 500.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 12 (LG02 FDC). Its last day was 28/9/18.
Ex Carteers Volvo Olympian/NC 29 (P915 RYO) has gone for preservation. This was the last step entrance bus here.
Gone for scrap to PSV Recycling, Hadleigh (Suffolk) are Dennis Dart SLF/EL Spryte 98 (X98 LBJ) and ex Carters Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 22 (LR02 BBJ).

JET2.COM.
G-DRTN is a Boeing 737-86N.

KLARNERS, COLCHESTER.
The Feering-Ipswich Schools “bus club” contract has been gained from Suffolk Norse.

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Red liveried Ford Transit EN10 YNW is now here.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
Has AEC PRV Routemaster RML2722 (SMK 722F) – via Ensign. It is being converted into a mobile cream tea bar, on behalf of Wilkinsons Jam at Tiptree.
Volvo Olympian/NC P574 EFL has passed to an owner in Dorset, for conversion to a caravan.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
Southend seafront route 68 ended on 1/9/18. London Central open top AEC PRV Routemaster RML2318 (CUV 318C), appeared on the final day for this season.

LONDON OVERGROUND.

Above: 315815 at Emerson Park on 1/9/18, on a Romford to Upminster service. These are due for replacement shortly with new Class 710 stock. Use of these new trains on West Anglia began from the end of September. (John Podgorski).

A new livery (with black upper bodysides/window surrounds is appearing, with Electrostar 378185 being the first existing train to appear in it. The new CLass 710/711 EMUs are being delivered so liveried.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
The Victoria Line celebrated its 50th anniversary on 1/9/18, as on that date in 1968, trains began running between Walthamstow Central and Highbury & Islington. The line was then opened southwards, in stages; with services reaching Brixton on 23/7/1971.
On the Central Line, 1992 Tube Stock set 91177 has returned to service following heavy overhaul. It had been out of use for some time and become partially cannibalised.

M&M STAFFING, COOKSMILL GREEN.
Ancillary vehicles are Ford Transit Connect vans OU67 MDF, OU18 LRF.

Above: OU18 LRF at Ingatestone on 15/9/18. (John Podgorski).

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.
A Grays-Shenfield School contract is being run for 2018/19.

MTR TfL RAIL.

Above: ‘Aventra’ 345010 departs Romford for Shenfield on 1/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: 345012 at Ilford depot on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

w/e 8/9/18; 345002/15 – OC-IL. 345007 – IL-OC.
9/9/18: 345008 IL-WB as 5Q72.
12/9/18: 345002 on 5V51 Southend-Ilford.
19/9/18: 345002 – WB-IL.
20/9/18: 345001 – Ashfordby Old Dalby Test Track; 345002/3 – Ilford IL; 345004 -Derby DY;345005/6 – IL; 345007 – Old Oak OC; 345008-12 – IL; 345013 – OC; 345014/15 – IL; 345016/17 – OC; 34018 – Ashfordby; 345019-21 – OC; 345022 – IL; 345023 – Crewe CE; 345024 – Abbey Wood – AW; 345025 – OC; 345026 – Ashfordby;345027-31 – OC; 345022/33 – AW; 345034-44 – OC; 345045-48 – OC; 345049 – Ashfordby; 345050 – DY; 345051 – Ashfordby; 345052 – DY-Ashfordby behind 37611; 345053-56 – DY.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.

Above; Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante SH216 (BX65 WCU), with the modified England Football super rear advert, at Scania Start Hill on 22/9/18. (John Podgorski).

NETWORK RAIL.

Above: Track tampers DR73114 and DR77904 await entry to Marks Tey pw depot on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: Track maintenance at Marks Tey on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

NEW HORIZON TRAVEL, FRATING.
Acquired is ex Go South Coast – Morebus Volvo B7RLE/Wright HF54 HGY. It is often used on schooldays route 177 (West Mersea-Colchester).

ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR.
Withdrawn and sold are DAFD DB250LF/Plaxton Presidents DP269/70 (LF52 URH/J/K)

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Further ex Metroline (via Ensign) ADL/Enviro 200s are YX09 AEZ, YX09 FLE – plus YX09 FLA for spares only.

Above: The sun sets behind ADL/Enviro 200 AB62 PAN at Marks Tey on 9/9/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 AB09 PAN is named ‘Donald’. It entered service in early September and was pictured at Harwich, on a cruise ship staff shuttle from Parkeston. (Alex Hazell).

Above: Dart SLF/Mini Pointer KV51 KZK and Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN at Northumberland Park (Meridian Way) outstation on 16/8/18. (John Podgorski).

The Northumberland Park station remodelling project was due to be completed in November. In late September, the extra track was being installed. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer BIG 9856 covered from Primo SB07 PAN here in late September.

PRIMERA.
New are Airbus A321-251n OY-PAE and Boeing 737-86N OY-PSJ.

ROG.
13/9/18: 47812 on Leicester-Foxton light engine.
14/9/18: 47812 on Foxton-Eastleigh spoil train.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: In the final weeks of Leyton operation of TfL179; ADL/Enviro 40D 10157 was seen in Central Ilford on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

New ADL/Enviro 40D MMC Smart Hybrids at West Ham (WH), are 11017-11032 (YX68 UKA/B/D-H/K-S).
From 29/9/18, TfL193 (Romford Market-County Park Estate) was gained from Go-Ahead Blue Triangle. its frequency was reduced slightly to improve reliability. New for this were ADL/Enviro 20D MMCs 37513-37525 (YY18 TKA/C-F/J/K/N/O/T-V). Some entered traffic earlier on other routes from Romford North Street garage. TfL165 (Romford-Rainham) was retained by Stagecoach on retender from the same date, and also received new E200 MMCs – 37526-539 (YX68 UMA-H/J-M/O/R). TfL179 (Chingford-Ilford) was likewise retained on retender, but was moved operationally from Leyton (T) to Barking (BK); (existing buses were retained – new E40H MMCs had been planned, but these were diverted to Selkent for TfL136). TfL252 (Collier Row-Hornchurch) was likewise retained, and its timings also slightly revised on Saturday daytimes.
Route changes from 15/9/18; TfL86 (Romford-Stratford) re-routed westbound in Ilford via The Broadway (south) instead of The Grove (north). 104 (Manor Park-Stratford) and 238 (Barking-Stratford), plus 473 (N Woolwich-Stratford) re-routed in Stratford (eastbound) via Tramway Ave instead of West Ham Lane.
In from Selkent are ADL/Enviro 40Ds 10125/26/31/35 (LX12 DDZ, DEU, DFF/L). They are at Romford North Street (NS).
Internal transfers are of ADL/Enviro 40Ds 10172-3 to Barking; E40D MMCs 11017-32 to West Ham; ADL/E200s 37514-25 to North Street. E200s 37528/33/34/39 are delicensed.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40D 19807 departs Ilford, on a westbound 86 on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS.
Mb Sprinter RE66 VPD is numbered 301.

SULLIVAN BUSES.
Has ex Tower Transit ADL/Enviro 400s SN11 BNV/X, via Ensign.

THREE Cs, NEDGING TYE.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther X12 CC has been re-registered back to X143 RNV.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
YJ12 GXS is a Mb 0816D.
Large coaches continue to be kept at Great Tey, but smaller vehicles can be found parked at Old Heath.

TOWER TRANSIT.
TfL D8 was gained from Go-Ahead Docklands, from 15/9/18. It uses VNs made spare by reductions on TfL25, and was also diverted in Stratford via Gt Eastern Street southbound, direct to High Street avoiding The Broadway. From the same date, TfL425 (Clapton-Stratford) was extended from Stratford to Ilford.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Gemini2 VN36162 at Ley Street, Ilford on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

TRUSTYBUS, HARLOW.

Above: On loan from Wrightbus was StreetLite DF demonstrator SK68 TNF. It was seen at Marks Tey on 30/9/18, on a Colchester-Chelmsford Greater Anglia rail replacement. (John Podgorski).

Above: Scania Omnicity YN56 NNG in Braintree, on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Witham on 1/9/18. (Simon Austin).

On loan were Wright StreetLite demonstrators AK17 HHL and SK68 TNF.

TUI.

Boeing 737-8K5 G-FDZJ departs Stansted on BY5644 to Rhodes on 8/9/18. (John Podgorski).

UNO, HATFIELD.
Dart SLF/Pointer 120 (KE04 UMD) has been returned, off loan from Little Jim’s Buses at Berkhamsted.

WCR.
9/9/18: 47580 on 5Z28 Norwich-Acton ECS via Cambridge.

WHIPPET, SWAVESEY.
Has been sold by Tower Transit to Ascendal Group. Ascendal is a new company, founded by a Transit Systems director.
(Transit also recently sold Impact Coaches of Perivale to HCT Group).

With thanks to: M Allen, Anglia-Gen, T Barthrop, S Austin, Ensignbus, Flightradar24, A Hazell, Hedingham, P Layzell, London’s Transport Yahoo, LOTS, RM.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.

A2B, CAMBRIDGE.
Is running ex Whippets Cambs CC routes 31 (Cambridge-Barley), 75 9Cambridge-Croydon).

Above: Ex First Essex Optare Solo EO02 NFG on route 31 at Cambridge (Drummer Street) Bus Station on 25/8/18. (John Podgorski).

ADVANCE, SOUTHEND.
Scania K340EB4/Irizar YN08 OCB is ex Taylor, St Ippolytts, Herts.

AIRPORT BUS EXPRESS.

Above: Scania K410/Caetano C650 BX65 WBN, at Start Hill Scania on 28/7/18. (John Podgorski).

AMBASSADOR TRAVEL.
It is reported that some of the 490 (London-Norwich/Cromer/Great Yarmouth) group NX contracts have passed to Whippet.
An outstation has been established by Whippet at Eye, Suffolk – on the old airfield industrial estate, by the A140.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: Ex Arriva Guildford ADL/Enviro 200 4017 at North Station Road, Colchester – passing the junction with Causton Road on 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 7/8/18: DAF SB120/Cadet 3527 (LF02 PMY) on 1. 17/8/18: DAF SB120/Cadet 3520 (LJ03 MZL) on 1. 30/8/18: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3819 (GN07 AVF) on 2.

Ancillary vehicles:
EG17 OMH is a Hyunda i20 5dr h/b ferry car.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
Further arrivals are ex High Wycombe ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 3106 (YX17 NME); Mb Citaro 3909 (BD12 DHV) from Hemel Hempstead; Mb Sprinter 45 1010 (BF67 WGE) from Ware. On loan was Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 1615 (GN04 UDJ) from Gillingham.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.

Above: VDL DB300LF/Wright Gemini2 DW547 at Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow on 4/8/18. For many years, TfL230 was worked by Stagecoach East London and its predecessors.

Above: One of several ex Barking vehicles now working for Arriva London South around Croydon, ADL/Enviro 200 ENL57 on Addiscombe Road on 11/8/18. Note the new Arriva logos. (John Podgorski).

Below: Ex Barking ADL/Enviro 400 T24, now with Arriva London South at Thornton Heath, and seen at East Croydon rail station on 11/8/18. This was displaced from east London by the loss of TfL135 to Go-Ahead in 2015.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
MAN11.190/Caetano N440 SMY ex N18 MRG was ex McMackin, High Wycombe. But it soon passed to Campbell, Handsworth.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Withdrawn is Scania N230UD/Olympus 873.

CHAMBERS.

Above: 258 at Elmsett on 29/8/18. (Jack Lomas).

On loan from Hedingham are Dart SLF/Pointers 254 (EU05 AUR), 258 (EU56 FLN). This is connected with a diversion in Sudbury, caused by the temporary closure of Gainsborough Road.
Scania Omnidekkas 806, 811 were loaned to Hedingham for the Clacton Airshow.
Ex Carousel Buses ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolutions 267 (AJ58 PZS), 268 (AE59 AWM) – entered service at the start of August.

Above: 268 at Head Street, Colchester on 2/8/18. Note how the Carousel livery is very similar to the current Hedingham and Chambers scheme. (Daniel Pretty).

CITYJET.
New are CRJ900LRs EI-GEC/D/F.

COLAS.

Above: 37521 at Ipswich on 2/8/18. (John Podgorski) .

1/8/18: 70806 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor.
2/8/18: 37521 “up” through Ipswich with NR test train @ 2120.
7/8/18: 60002 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock. 70807 + 66846 ? on 6L37.
8/8/18: 70807 on 6L37 with just 2 JNAs.
9/8/18: 60002 on 6L44.
13/8/18: 60002 on 6L44.
14/8/18: 37099 tnt 37116 Ferme Park-Cambridge via Liverpool Street.
15/8/18: 37099 tnt 37116 on 1Q96 on Harwich branch.
20/8/18: 70816 on 6L44.
28/8/18: 66846 on 6L37.
31/8/18: 67023 with OHLE wagons at Chelmsford yard.

CT PLUS.

Above: It’s a warm summer Saturday evening on Bishopsgate, as ADL/ Enviro 40H City 2535 mingles with the crowds heading for Shoreditch, as it runs to Stratford. 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: Ash Grove based CT Plus buses now carry ‘HK’ (for Hackney) depot codes. This is to distinguish them from buses allocated to Walthamstow Avenue depot, which has code ‘WA’. ADL/Enviro 40H City 2520 (SN16 OJK) heads southbound along Bishopsgate on 4/8/18 – on a Waterloo bound 388. (John Podgorski).

Scania Omnicity ‘deckers SD1-5 (YD59 NPA/C/D/F/G) have transfered to Powells Bus, Hellaby.

DANS COACH TRAVEL, GREAT FINBOROUGH.

Above: L872 SGW at Colchester on Greater Anglia rail replacement on 25/8/18. (Simon Austin).

Below: T361 JWA at Ipswich on 26/8/18; also on GA RRP. (Simon Austin).

This new operator has Volvo B10M/VHs L872 SGW, P258 YGG and ex Graham’s of Kelvedon Scania/Irizar T361 JWA.
Also owned (as heritage vehicles), are one time Burtons of Haverhill Bedford YMT/Plaxton Supreme JDO 241W and ex Peelings of Tivetshall Volvo B58/Plaxton Supreme FAH 275Y (?).

Above: JDO 241W at the Canvey Open Day on 8/10/17. (John Podgorski).

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY.
Mb 1224L/Ferqui LN15 RYK has passed to Watts, Sutton.

DBS.
3/8/18: 66075 at Bow Olympic.
4/8/18: 66147 tnt 66197 on Whitemoor-Trimley ballast.
7/8/18: 66160 on London Gateway-Wakefield intermodal.
8/8/18: 66095 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX. 66221 on 4M70 Chesterton-Junct-Mountsorrel.
10/8/18: 66002 on 4L48 Daventry-Purfleet.
15/8/18: 66025 on Marks Tey-Crawley.
17/8/18: 66135 on London Gateway-Wakefield.
19/8/18: 66128 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
21/8/18: 66192 on Mountsorrel-Harlow Mill.
30/8/18: 66089 on 6L30 Acton-Chelmsford stone.
31/8/18: 66089 on Chelmsford-Acton stone.

Above: The entrance to Bow Midland is to the left, with access to Bow Olympic straight ahead. Seen on 11/8/18. (John Podgorski).

DE VERE, SIBLE HEDINGHAM.
New is Renault Trafic SJ18 ZNE.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Withdrawn is Scania Omnicity ‘decker 968.

DRS.
7/8/18: 37409 + GA DVT 82107 on 5Z56 Norwich-Cardiff Canton via GEML, NLL, GWML.
9/8/18: 37409 + GA DVT 82118 on 5Z82 Cardiff Canton-Norwich.
22/8/18: 37419 on Norwich-Willesden light engine via GEML.
28/8/18: 57007 on York-Stowmarket light engine.
30/8/18: 37407 + ‘Caroline’ at Ipswich.

Above: 37419 at the front of other ’37s at Norwich on 18/8/18. At the rear of the consist are 37407 and 37409, while 37038 is to the right. (John Podgorski).

EAST YORKSHIRE.
The current fleet of NX coaches, which run into Essex on 481 (London-Felixstowe) are:
Volvo B9R/Caetano Levantes 74-76 (FN62 CEA/U, CGX), 77 (EYC 73), 78-87 (YY63 OEJ-O, OJA-D). Very occasionally, a Hull Coaching vehicle may appear.

EASYJET.
New are Airbus A320-214 E-EZGY, A320-251n G-UZHJ-L, A321-251nx G-UZMB.

ENSIGNBUS.
Accident damaged BCI Enterprise 402 (LX66 DZC) was deemed to beyond economic repair. It was withdrawn and sold for scrap.
On 17/8/18, a formerly owned Dart SLF/ALX200, Y331 HJN – now with a local driving school, ran off the A12 west at Stanford Le Hope. Luckily there were no serious injuries, but there was much disruption to local traffic.

Above: At dusk on a sultry 28/6/18, Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 131 awaits departure from Civic Square, Tilbury – on its final rounder of its 73 duty. (Daniel Disbury).

Above: Two of the Ensign Heritage fleet, rest in the “barn” at Purfleet depot on 30/6/18. Left is Green line AEC Regal T223; right is JMT Leyland Titan TD1 6332J. (John Podgorski).

Above: Another stunning twilight study. BCI Excellence 145 at Rayleigh on another balmy summer night; 4/7/18. (Daniel Disbury).

Below: ADL/Enviro 200 711 at Purley on 19/8/18. (Daniel Disbury).

Above: BCI Enterprise 402 at Gatwick Airport on 18/8/18. (Daniel Disbury).

EOS LONDON.
Continued trading until 3/8/18. After that, parent Swallow Coaches took over.

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

FELIXSTOWE TRAVEL.

Above: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 350 P616 FTV on Greater Anglia rail standby, at Ipswich station on 2/8/18. This coach was previously with Soames. (John Podgorski).

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES (IPSWICH).
Odd sightings: 1/8/18: ADL/E200 44518 (YX09 ACZ) on X7 pm – (usually B7RLE/Wright).

FIRST ESSEX.

(Daniel Pretty).
Ex First Eastern Counties is former First Bristol Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon 20514 (WV02 EUP). This is at Chelmsford (CF) for schools.
Also from First Eastern Counties are former First Scotland East Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 32672/76 (SN55 HEV, HFD), also allocated to CF. 32676 was seen (above) at Colchester on 30/8/18.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400s 32652/54 (AU05 MUP/W) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 66822/24 (MX05 CEO/V) have transferred to First Eastern Counties. The B7TLs to Ipswich; the B7RLEs to Norwich.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32476 (AU53 HJK) has lost its super rear advert for CT Industrial Adhesive.
The Dart SLF/Caetanos at CF (41512-14 – LK03 NGE/F/G) were moved to BN by the end of August, where that type is now concentrated.
The Optare Solo is now extinct here; the last was 53209 (CN07 KZM) which passed to The Buses of Somerset at Yeovil. 53138 (EU54 BNK) went to First Manchester at Oldham, while 53139 (EU54 BNJ) went for scrap.
Gone to Alpha for scrap are accident damaged Optare Solo 53139 (EU54 BNJ); Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 65680/83 (YR52 VEK/U) and fire damaged Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 66809 (MX05 CDE); plus yellow BMC 68535 (EU05 DXR). 65680/83, 66809 had been cannibalised at CR before disposal.
Following closure, Braintree outstation was used to store the previously withdrawn yellow BMCs. The portakabin and fuel tank were however, removed.

Above: Clacton depot post closure on 3/8/18, with just Dart SLF/Pointer 42557 (WX05 UAO) remaining. (John Podgorski).

Below: General view of a now deserted Clacton depot on the same date. Note all signs have been removed. (John Podgorski).

Above: The closure of Clacton and Braintree at the end of July, saw the Caetano bodied Dennis Dart SLFs being concentrated at Basildon (BN). Chelmsford (CF) had been the only other depot to have these, and 41494 was seen at Southway, Colchester on 18/7/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 4/8/18: Scania L94UB/Wright 62409 (YS03 ZKD) on 62. 6/8/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 66B; SLF/Caetano 41494 (LK03 LLZ) on 71. 7/8/18: Tridents 33086/88 (LN51 GMG/U) – both on 67. 10/8/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 103. 11/8/18: Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32068 (KP51 VZS) on 62. 13/8/18: SLF/Caetano 41514 (LK03 NGG) on 70. 14/8/18: Tridents 33044/78/196 (LN51 DVH, GNJ, LT52 XAG) on 62; Route 62 B9TL/Gemini 37134 (SN57 HDJ) on 103; Scania L94UB/Solar 65672 (SN51 UYE) on 62; Volvo B7RLE/Solar Eclipse 66807 (MX05 CCY) on 62. 17/8/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 1A; Route 62 37134 on 64; SLF/Caetano 41494 (LK03 LLZ) on 71/X. 20/8/18: Route 62 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 75. 21/8/18: Route 62 37135 on 75; Route 62 37138 (SN57 HCX) on 175. 27/8/18: Volvo B7TL/Gemini 37010 (WX55 VHV) on 102. 28/8/18: Trident 33086 (LN51 GMG) on 62.

Above: Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33078 on Military Road, Colchester on 9/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Ancillary vehicles: FP18 LCY is a new Vauxhall Movano minibus/crew ferry at Chelmsford.

FLAGFINDERS.
Ex Graham’s Autosan A1012T BX56 XAD has been sold to Moon and Benney of Bodmin.
Also sold is Dennis Javelin/Neoplan Transliner XIL 1254 ex R267 THL.

The old Graham’s depot at Kelvedon has been closed and vacated for redevelopment. Four vehicles retained by Flagfinders are stored in the large garage.
It will reopen as a parking area for Flagfinders, with the smaller garages demolished.
The pictures were taken by John Podgorski on 25/8/18.

FREIGHTLINER.
66413 is now in Genesee and Wyoming orange livery.
FL now serves Marks Tey Sand Yard.

Above: 86613/637 left and GBRf 66784 at Ipswich on 1/8/18. (John Podgorski).

1/8/18: 70014 on 4S88 Felixstowe-Coatbridge. 86613/637 stabled at bottom of Ipswich upper yard/Field Sidings – pm.
2/8/18: 86614/604 at Field Sidings.
3/8/18: 86627/638 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX.
6/8/18; 66532 with 4 RHTT sets from Whitemoor to Parkeston.
10/8/18: 66955 on 6L46 Lawley Street-London Gateway.
11/8/18: 66515 + 66596 dead in tow on FLX-Basford Hall.
12/8/18: 66514 tnt 66561 on Whitemoor-Marks Tey engineers. 66953 tnt 66956 on Parkeston-Ely North with HOBC and 4 x RHTT tanks.
16/8/18: 65413 at Marks Tey yard.
17/8/18: 70005 on Coatbridge-FLX.
18/8/18: 66538 on Marks Tey sand. 70020 on 4L97 Coatbridge-FLX.
19/8/18: 66594 tnt 66420 on Parkeston-Manea HOBC.
20/8/18: 86608/37 + dead 66589 on Basford Hall-FLX.
21/8/18: 66593/501 + dead 66507/23 on 4E23 FLX-Leeds. 66610 on 6M65 at Harlow Mill. 70005 on Trafford Park-FLX.
23/8/18: Orange 66413 on 4L93 Lawley Street-FLX. 66429 on 4L48 Daventry-Purfleet. 86605/37 on 4L91 Trafford Park-FLX.
24/8/18: 66613 on 6L38 Brentford-Marks Tey sand. 66418 on 6V70 Mrks Tey-Wembley sand. (These digrams run light loco to/from Ipswich). Orange 66413 on 4M93.
25/8/18: 70005 on Trafford Park-FLX.
27/8/18: 66568 tnt 66572 on concrete rail sleeper train at Manningtree.
28/8/18: Orange 66413 on 4M93.
29/8/18: 70007 on Trafford Park-FLX.
30/8/18: 66605 on 6L38 Brentford-Marks Tey sand. 86614/13 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX.
31/8/18: Orange 66413 on 4L93 Lawley Street-Felixstowe. 66617 on Bow-Toton.

Above: 66415 was still in DRS blue, when pictured at Ipswich on 5/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: 66572 on a concrete rail sleeper train at Manningtree on 27/8/18, with 66568 on the rear. (John Podgorski).

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON.
BMC 850 BX06 OAM is now with Cozy, Bassingbourn.

GALLOWAY.
Temsa Safari HD12 YJ13 GUF is on hire.

Above: VDL SB120/Wright Cadet 3367 PP at Ipswich rail station on 2/8/18. (John Podgorski).

GBRf.

Above: 66786, one of the ex DBS locos, enters Ipswich station with a “down” rake of JNA ballast wagons on 1/8/18. (John Podgorski).

1/8/18: 66726 on 4M02 Felixstowe-Hams Hall. 66784 at bottom of Ipswich upper yard/Field Sidings. 66786 “down” through Ipswich @ 1942 on JNAs.
2/8/18: 66726 on “up” intermodal through Ipswich @ 1830. 66784 on N Walsham-Ipswich light engine.
3/8/18: 66707 on 4Z26 Felixstowe-Masborough. 66727 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX.
4/8/18: 66712 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-FLX. 66759 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
5/8/18: 66708 tnt 66777 on 6T63 Kensal Rise-Whitemoor autoballasters.
6/8/18: 66701 on 6T61 Woodbridge-Whitemoor engineers. 66706 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66712/42 on 0L33. 66774 on 6T64 Woodbridge-Whitemoor engineers.
7/8/18: 66730 at Bishops Stortford yard on 6X01 engineering train to Manea. 66732 on 4M46 London Gateway-Hams Hall.
8/8/18: 66742 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice.
9/8/18: 66703 on Whitemoor-Ipswich light engine.
12/8/18: 66701 on 6T63 Whitemoor-Witham engineeers.
13/8/18: 66727/42 on 0L33.
14/8/18: 66750 on Chesterton Junct-Bardon Hill.
15/8/18: 66777 on N Walsham-Ipswich light engine.
16/8/18: 66733 on 4L18 Traffod Park-FLX. 66777 on Ipswich-N Walsham light engine.
18/8/18: 66706 tnt 66739 on Whitemoor-Trimley engineers. 66727 on 4L29. 66742 on FLX-Hams Hall.
20/8/18: 66719/65 on 0L33. 66726 on N Walsham-IPS light engine. 66729 on 6P41 Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66758 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX. 66765 on 4M23.
21/8/18: 66750 on Mountsorrel-Chesterton.
24/8/18: 66723 on 4Z27 Masboro-FLX.66758 at Colchester North station.
27/8/18: 66751 on ballast at Colchester.
28/8/18: 66744 on 6L36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
29/8/18: 66758 on N Walsham-Ipswich light loco.
30/8/18: 66750 on 6M76 Chesterton-Wellingborough.
31/8/18: 66719 on 4L02.

Above: Bishops Stortford yard in January 2003, featuring EWS 60031 on a now ceased ABP aggregates flow. (John Podgorski).

GOLDLINE, LEYTONSTONE and MANOR PARK.

Above: Manor Park depot, seen on 4/8/18. This is in the former coal yard opposite the railway station. It is the main base for Goldline coach operations. Stratford City Cars is an associated company. (John Podgorski).

GRAHAMS OF KELVEDON.
Mb 516/UNVI Voyager PO17 AUH is now with Lords Travel, Queen Adelaide, near Ely.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: The site of the trackside fire, as described below. Seen on 8/8/18. (John Podgorski).

321448 is back. 321420 has gone to Doncaster.
During mid August, ‘360s were run as test trains to Wickford and Southend; another route on which they are not normally “passed” for.
MkIIIa TSO 12065 is now at Great Central Railway, Ruddington – for spares only.
2/8/18: 156416 on 2107 (at IPS) to Harwich International – usually ‘170. 170208 on 2117 IPS-LFT – had been ‘153 on previous day.
6/8/18: 90015 on Crewe-Norwich towed by 37423, via NLL and WAML. Trackside fire at St Dominic Road, St Johns Estate, 1 mile east of Colchester; trains suspended 1315-1500; then reduced service towards Norwich until close of service.
14/8/18: 321320/319 on Doncaster-Ilford ECS.
27/8/18: 317343/345/654 on 1602 Liverpool Street-Witham. 317663/884/885 on 1147 Witham-Liverpool Street.
30/8/18: 90014 plus full MkIII set Norwich to Bounds Green ECS.

Above: Renatus 321314 leads a London-Clacton service through Hythe on 19/8/18. (Simon Austin).

GREENS OF LONDON, WALTHAMSTOW.
On 13/8/18, Volvo B7R/Plaxton FJ09 XGL overturned on the M25 at Swanley. 41 people were injured.

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.

Above: Mb Sprinter CN12 EUX, at Cardinal Park, Ipswich – on a Sunday route 90 journey on 29/7/18. (John Podgorski)

HARLEQUIN TRAVEL, IPSWICH.
Mb Sprinter 515/Ferqui YX08 HXA has been re-registered X111 HTC.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: On ex First route 6; Dart SLF/Pointer 256 at Pier Avenue, Clacton on 3/8/18. (John Podgorksi).

Below: Ex Carousel ADL/Enviro 200 no 266, at Pier Avenue on 7/8/18. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: There is now greater opportunity to travel around Clacton on a double decker. At its closure, First only had saloons there, but Hedingham has maintained ‘deckers from its outset. Scania Omnicity 852 was captured at Pier Avenue on 7/8/18.  The Pilgrim Foods Mercedes Atego to the left, has traveled all the way from Boston. Lincolnshire, to do local deliveries. (Daniel Pretty).

Below: The first of the “in house” single door conversions to enter service, was Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 584. It had been originally intended to become trainer no 9001. It was at Pier Avenue on 7/8/18. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: The changes at Clacton have resulted in a redistribution of duties across the company. Saturday 92s have moved from Clacton to Sible Hedingham. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 departs Colchester bus station on 4/8/18. Meal breaks are covered using a HD driver on a KN bus. (Simon Austin).

Below: Ex Chambers ADL/Enviro 200 no 261 at Head Street, Colchester, on 9/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: The Kelvedon depot yard seen on 16/6/18. (Laurence Kinsella Ilot).

The first Wright Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL to be used at KN is 510 (LB02 YWX). It was joined by 512 (LB02 YXA) on 31/8/18. 521 (LX06 EZD) has been converted to single door at CN, with 520 (LX05 EZC) noted being converted on a visit to CN on 22/8/18. This leaves 524 (LX05 EZG), 527/28 (LX06 EAK/M) still awaiting conversion at CN. 525 (LX05 EZH) was moved from HD to Konect at the end of August. Long term VOR B7TL/Plaxton President 569 (W484 WGH) was removed from Kelvedon at the end of August.
Scania Omnidekka 818 (YN06 JYC) at KN was swapped with 812 (YN55 PZR) from CN in early August. In mid August, 812 was exchanged with 814 (YN55 PZV). Then 814 swapped with 817 (YN06 JYB) on 25/8/18. 806 (YN55 PZH) ,811 (YN55 PZP) were on loan from Chambers (at CN) in mid August for the Clacton Airshow.

Above: 806 on High Street, Colchester on 22/8/18. (Daniel Pretty).

Long Dart SLF/Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) was also at KN again from HD in mid August. Sisters 254 (EU05 AUR), 258 (EU56 FLM) have gone on loan to Chambers. ADL/Enviro 200 265 (EU10 AOX) is on loan to Konect. Short ADL/Enviro 200 295 (SN10 CCX) has been outshopped in fleet livery, ex Thames Travel.
Withdrawn Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO), was removed from Kelvedon at the start of August, to store at HD – it subsequently lost its led destination equipment. Withdrawn Trident/EL 723 (W823 NNJ) has been cannibalised at HD. Sister 717 (T817 RFG) remains withdrawn/cannibalised at CN.
The Park and Ride for the Clacton Airshow was operated on 23 and 24/8/18. It linked Clacton Common Shopping Village with the seafront. This had previously been contracted to the now defunct Talisman Coachlines. Tridents 737/38 (T107/8 DBW) were loaned from KN for it, along with the Chambers Omnidekkas mentioned above. Several staff from Konect also assisted. Two routes were run; A (Clacton Common-Anglefield) and B (Holland Haven-Anglefield).
Odd sightings: 14/8/18: ADL/E200 261 (EY57 FZE) on HD 63 duty instead of usual B7TL/Gemini. 21/8/18: Chambers Omnidekka 811 on X76/87.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 580, turns from High Street onto Carnarvon Road, Clacton on 24/8/18; on Airshow shuttle A. The Busmopolitan editor is driving. (Simon Austin).

HIRE YOUR TRANSPORT.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer SN03 WMP, has passed to Ensign (dealer).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 12 (LG02 FDC).
Optare Solo 243 (YN04 LWJ) passed to Fairbrother, Warrington. Fairbrother has now been acquired by Warrington’s Own Buses.

(John Podgorski).

(John Podgorski).
Odd sightings: 1/8/18: Trident 8 (LX04 FYB) on 92; Trident 13 (LG02 FDF) on 15 – pm peak extra; Omnicity saloon 75 (YN56 WVG) on 15A. 2/8/18: DAF DB250LF/ELs 58 (PJ53 OLA), 59 (PJ53 OLB) on 15A; SLF/EL 88 (PJ53 OLK) on 97; Excel 171 (YG52 DHF) on 15A. 14/8/18: Omnicity ‘decker 39 (YR61 RUV) on 37; Optare Versa 148 (YK08 EPE) on 97.

JET2.COM.
New is Boeing 737-800 G-JZBO.

Above: Airbus A320-211 G-POWN departs Stansted on 25/8/18, on flight LS1507 to Grand Canaria. (John Podgorski).

KEANE, ORSETT.
From Byans of Denny is Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 SJ02 ANH orig 02-D-10245.

KIRBY’S OF RAYLEIGH.
Has ex Talisman Setra S315 T250 GON.

L and R TRAVEL, BASILDON.
Has Volvo B10M/VH A19 LNR ex M662 BAF, new to Oates of St Ives, Cornwall, but ex York Pullman.

Above: A19 LNR at Manningtree on GA Rail Replacement on 26/8/18. (Chris Baines).

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
On hire Wwere Scania Touring K360EB6/Higers YN18 SSX, YN18 SWO.
Ex Reynolds of Caister is MAN/Beaulas Cygnus PN06 UBK.
From a private owner is Bedford OB/Duple Vista HTC 577.
Leyland Olympian/NC K738 ODL has been sold for preservation.
MAN18/Marcopolo MB04 MB04 TCY has passed to Acme Bus, Molehill Green – where it joins sister MB04 TCZ.

Above: MAN18/Marcopolo MB04 TCY at Colchester on 6/8/18; on GA e-rail to Mannningtree and Ipswich. See Greater Anglia or Tending Travel for full details. (John Podgorski).

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.

Above: One of the very last Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLFs on TfL work in London is DMN2. It was seen at Northumberland Park on 16/8/18.
(John Podgorski).

Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL224 arrives back at Northumberland Park depot, after a day at Southend; on seafront route 68; 16/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL83 at Southend on 17/8/18 (Simon Austin).

Odd sightings: 9/8/18: Ex Blue Triangle Volvo B9TL/Gemini2 WVL458 (LJ61 NUO) on 68 (Southend Seafront service) – due to heavy rain, usually open top worked. 31/8/18: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President PVL392 (LX54 HAO) on 68.

LONDON OVERGROUND.

Above: Turbostar Class 172/0 DMU 172001 enters Blackhorse Road on 4/8/18, en route from Barking to Gospel Oak. These will be replaced by new Class 710 EMUs from Autumn 2018, and the electric catenary is already in place. (John Podgorski).

16/8/18: 315809 + 317892 heading north through Chelmsford @ 1120, then back through Romford @ 1214.

LONDON UNDERGROUND.

Above: Victoria Line 2009 Tube Stock unit no 11011 at Blackhorse Road, on 4/8/18, just one stop from the northern terminus. (John Podgorski).

M and M STAFFING, COOKSMILL GREEN.

Above: OU16 ZVX is a Neoplan Tourliner tri-axle, ex Hamilton of Uxbridge. It is pictured at Witham on 27/8/18. (John Podgorski).

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere NIL 3296 is now sign written.

MILESTONE, CANVEY.
Scania K480EB6/Irizar YT59 NZX is ex Three Star, Luton.

MTR CROSSRAIL.
On 31/8/18, it was announce that the full service will be delayed by nearly a year. Originally planned for launch in December 2018, it will now be Autumn 2019, before the cross London tunnel is available for revenue traffic.

MTR TfL RAIL.

Above: 315848 at Gidea Park on 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: 315833 at the top of Bethnal Green Bank on 4/8/18. Taken from a London-Norwich service, which was running parallel. (John Podgorski).

13/8/18: 345027 towed Gidea Park-Old Oak Common, behind ROG 37800.
24/8/18: 345007 towed WB-OC by 37800.

NATIONAL EXPRESS OPS.
Scania K410/Caetano Levante tri-axle BV17 GPU has a super rear advert for ‘Your London Tour Starts Here’. Sister SH216 (BX65 WCU), retains is England Football super rear advert, but with the wording now removed.
After 11 months in store at Start Hill Scania; Scania K340EB4/Caetano Levante SH18 (MIG 9443), had been removed by the end of August.

NEED A BUS, BASILDON.
Sold are Mb 0814D/Cymric CU51 AJX and Mb Sprinter 413/Cymric BU03 UJS. The latter went to Sadiq, Hemel Hempstead.

NETWORK RAIL.
‘Sprinter’ 950001 was at Cambridge on 19/8/18.

NEW HORIZON.
From Plaxtons (dealer) have come ex Logan, Dunloy Volvo B11R/Plaxton Panthers MX15 KET, KLC. Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH N661 JNO went in part exchange. Volvo B12M/Berkhof S25 NHT is now FJ03 AAZ again, and has also gone to Plaxtons.
Volvo Olympian/Alxeander RH N632 JNO ex 96 D 261 is also sold.

PANTHER.
ADL/Enviro 200 YX09 AEV has entered traffic, and was re-registered DB09 PAN within a few days. It is named ‘Eva’. Sister YX09 AFA is now AB09 PAN. Ford Fiesta van AB09 PAN is now HF09 RRO again.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DB54 PAN is now black/silver, ex plain white.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DC61 PAN on the Mistley route 2, at Pier Avenue, Clacton on 3/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DB09 PAN ex YX09 AEV, at Clacton Common on 23/8/18. (John Podgorski).

New commercial service 14 (Harwich-Clacton) began on 20/8/18. This has one return trip per day Harwich and Clacton. In between, the 14 runs between Pier Avenue and Clacton Common Shopping Village during the day.

Above: Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN at Colchester North Station on e-rail on 7/8/18. This was ex Wheelers of North Baddersley as VU02 ZTZ.
See Greater Anglia or Tendring Travel for full details. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: Ex Metroline ADL/Enviro 200 YX09 AEV entered service from Parkeston depot on 11/8/18. (Mark Stokes).

Below: Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther ex DC04 PAN, now XEL 587 with Barratts of Middlewich. Seen at London Victoria on 18/8/18.(Simon Austin).

PRESERVATION.

Above: Locally preserved former Crosville Bristol RELL6G/ECW has received some further touches, to its already excellent restoration. Pictured on 4/8/18. (Chris Sampson).

Above: On 5/8/18, Ipswich Transport Museum held a ‘Commercial Open Day’, and Bristol FS GNG 125C was used on a shuttle to/from Ipswich rail station. (John Podgorski).

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS.

Above: The bridge over the River Orwell of the long closed Cliff Quay branch in Ipswich, on 5/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: The old Cliff Quay branch looking east; viewed from Ranalegh Road on 25/7/18. Note the semaphore signal. (John Podgorski).

ROG:
23/8/18: 37884 towing 365503 on 5Q51 Northampton-Ilford. All of the stored GTR ‘365s have been moved from Ely to Northampton.

RYANAIR.
New is Boeing 737-800 EI-GSO.
There was much disruption during August, due to industrial action by Europe based flightdeck crew.

Above: Boeing 737-800 EI-ENK seen “mothballed” at Stansted on 31/1/16. (John Podgorski).

SEE LONDON BY NIGHT, RAINHAM.
From Go-Ahead london are ADL/Enviro 400s LX06 EYZ, EZA-C.

SOUTHEND TRANSPORT.

Above: Now preserved at the Canvey Museum, Leyland Titan PD2 436 on Southend seafront on 17/8/18, on a wedding private hire. Preserved Eastern National Bristol VRT 3000 (CPU 979G) is behind. (Simon Austin).

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander tri-axle “Megadekker” 14000 (F110 NES) was present at Cowley Road depot in late August.
ADL/Enviro 400 19047 (MX56 XRP) is long term VOR at Cowley Road. ADL/E400s 19586/602 (AE10 BWX, BXP) and Volvo B7RLE/Wright 21224 (AE09 GYU) were also VOR there awaiting repairs; the latter two being accident damaged.
Open top Trident/ALX400 17274 (ACZ 7494) was still at Cowley Road in late August, but TSU 639 had gone. Likewise, ex Norfolk Optare Solo 47907 was still there, but its sisters had departed.
Ancillary vehicles:
On hire from Enterprise is Fiat Doblo van WX66 YJD.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
New ADL/Enviro 40D MMC smart hybrids 11001-16 (YY18 TKZ,TLF/J/K/N/U/V/X/Z, TMO/U/V/X/Z, TNE/F) have been transferred to Selkent at Catford for TfL136 (Grove Park-Elephant and Castle). Apart from 11001, they were not used in East London.
New ADL/Enviro 20Ds are 37514-22(YY18 TKA/C-F/J/K/N/O).

Above: Dennis Tridents continue to decline, but pockets remain. Leyton (T) allocated 18488 was pictured at Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow on 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: The other ‘We are bananas’ ‘Borismaster. LT471 at Shoreditch High Street on 4/8/18. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS.

Above: Scania Omnidekka 639 at Clacton outstation on 3/8/18. This is one of a large batch ex RATP London.

Above: One of the pair of ex Express Motors of Penygroes Scania N230UD/Enviro 400s, no 609 – arrives at Colchester on a Greater Anglia RRP from Chelmsford on 12/8/18. (Daniel Pretty).

Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer 413 (EU03 CFX) was at Clacton in mid/late August. Scania N230UD/Olympus 512 (YN08 OAP) was at Braintree in late August.

SWALLOW COACHES, RAINHAM.
The remaining local bus routes were absorbed from EOS London from 4/8/18, under the new name of Swallowbus. They continue to work from North Weald, where withdrawn vehicles are also stored. The head office remains at Rainham, and there are also now bases at Brentwood and South Ockenden. The EOS orange/black livery is retained on the buses, but with no fleetnames.

TENDRING TRAVEL.

Above: Temsa MD9/Opalin YJ08 EFT is now in fleet livery. It was seen at Manningtree rail station on 12/8/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: Scania K/Berkhof Axial RY57 ZKJ, at Colchester on Greater Anglia e-rail to Manningtree/Ipswich on 6/8/18. Caused by a lineside fire and damage to signalling. (John Podgorski).

Setra S315 LSU 788 is now W973 UAR. It returned to service in August after 3 months VOR. Scania/Berkhof RY57 ZKJ is VOR due to engine failure.
Scania/Berkhof RY57 ZKK and VW Crafter CU07 HRW have been sign written.

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Setra S315 MY53 TRA has been traced to Nationwide Travel of Newcastle upon Tyne.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Electric Optare Metrodeker MD1 (YX17 FXX) is here for trials – on TfL23.

UNO, HATFIELD.
Withdrawn are Dart SLF/Pointers 114/15 (KC03 OSF, KE53 LMY); 116/17 (C16/17 UNO); Trident/Alexander ALX400s 281-83 (SN51 SYE/J/R); Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 277=79 (LF52 ZNW/X, ZPL). All of these were at the Northampton outpost.

WALTON PIER RAILWAY.

Above: The original toastrack electric train.
(Flickr.com).

Above: The last traction used on the line was this steam outline diesel loco. It is pictured at the pier head, with the Naze in the background. (Flickr.com).

Above: The steam outline diesel loco heading the train shorebound. Loops were provided at the 2 stations.(Pete Frost/Wordpress.com).

Above: A view of the land end station, towards the end of the railway’s operation.  The loco is running around for another trip to the pier head. The sign on the end of the carriages warns passengers not to discard lit cigarettes or matches onto the wooden pier ! (Train-Photos.com/Flickr).

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, S Austin, C Baines, T Barltrop, J Clayton, D Disbury, Ensign, Flickr, P Frost, A Hazell, S Kinsella-Ilot, J Lidstone, J Lomas, LOTS, D Pretty, C Sampson, M Stokes, M Toon, Train-Photos.com