Edited by John Podgorski, BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the November, 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.

The first of the new Stadler ‘Flirt’ trains are beginning to arrive at Greater Anglia. However, they will not start to enter service until May 2019. The remodelling works at Northumberland Park rail station were basically completed on 4/11/18. After this time, the cross station shuttle bus service ceased, but there is still some trackside infrastructure to be completed.
Hedingham’s recently acquired ex London Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis are now coming on stream – following single door conversion, with the Dennis Tridents (and some non Hedingham liveries) being phased out.
Stephensons of Essex has moved its Braintree base for the third time in a year – this time to the old First yard at Springwood Drive.

24/7, STANSTED.
Some ex East of England Ambulance Service Renault Master ex PTS minibuses have been acquired – via Manheim Auctions at Frating.
Sold is Vauxhall Vivaro EJ14 AVE.

ACME BUSES, MOLEHILL GREEN.
Ex First West Yorkshire are BMC 220 yellow school buses YK55 AUF/U, YK06 CZZ.
Resold via Ensign are Dennis Trident/Alexander AKLX400s T664 KPU – to North East Coaches, Jarrow and T685 KPU – to Axe Valley, Seaton, Devon.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
The old “no 2” garage at Magdalen Street, was demolished in late November. These premises were vacated by Arriva in March 2008, when the new depot at Old Heath opened. They were subsequently used on and off by First until August 2015, when their new Quayside facilty opened. Then there was use as in indoor skate park until it fell into dereliction. The land had always been owned by the local council.

Above: The old “no2” garage site on 25/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: The frontage at Magdalen Street, also seen on 25/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 1/11/18: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1563 (RX07 KPJ) on 8; Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3826 (GN07 AVP) on 1. 5/11/18: B7RLE 3819 (GN07 AVF) on 1. 8/11/18: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3534 (LF02 PNU) on 1. 13/11/18; DAF SB120/Cadet 3529 (LF02 PNJ) on 1. 16/11/18: SB120s 3529, 3534 on 1. 21/11/18: B7RLE 3817 on 1. 22/11/18: B7RLE 3825 on 1. B7RLE 3817 on 2.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).

Above: Mb Citaro 3895 at St Albans on 17/11/18. This batch of vehicles was originally in Green Line livery, but they now carry more discreet branding. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 14/11/18: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3859 on 1.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 200 ENL6 is back at Barking from Enfield.
Overall adverts: LT4 – Coach; LT208 – ebay; LT223 – Michael Kors; LT490 – Scotch and Soda.LT820 – Coach. LT210 – back to red.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
In from London General are ADL/Enviro 400s E130/36/89-92, E278/80; Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis WVL332, 446.
Withdrawn is Scania N230UD/Olympus 882.
Sold to Ensign are Scania N230UD/Olympuses 879-81 (PN09 ELV/W/X), 894-97 (PO59 KFW/X/Y/Z), 898/99 (PO59 KGA/E).
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer EJ52 WXF, latterly with Bear Buses of Feltham – has been scrapped.

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President V499 MOA has been repainted cream, ex NXWM red/white/grey.
EOZ E180Z J2 SUP has gone for scrap to AH Commercials, Peterborough.

BUS62.COM, WICKFORD.
Operated are Scania/Irizar E5 BST and Volvo B10M/VH XAZ 807.

Above: XAZ 807 on Greater Anglia RRP at Newbury Park on 18/11/18. (John Podgorski).

CHAMBERS.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 570 (W487 WGH) was on loan to Hedingham at Clacton in early November. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 290 (EX02 RYR) was briefly borrowed from Hedingham at the start of November (qv).

COLAS RAIL.
6/11/18: 70816 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
8/11/18: 70816 on Whitemoor-Hoo Junct engineers.
20/11/18: 70806 on 6L37.
21/11/18: 70816 on Whitemoor-Hoo Junct autoballasters.
26/11/18: 70816 on 6L37.

CT PLUS.
Optare Solo OS4 (YJ10 EYF) is reinstated.

DAN’S LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere T3 DLT is now with Kingswinford, Pensett, West Midlands.

DBS.
2/11/18: 66025 tnt 66207 on 3J33 WA RHTT.
5/11/18: 66114 on 6L76 Mountsorrel-Chesterton Junct.
7/11/18: 66182 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
11/11/18: 66011 at Gri9ffin Wharf, Ipswich with blue box wagons.
14/11/18: 66002 towed new GA 755405 “down” through Gidea Park @ 0642.
29/11/18: 66001 hauled new GA 755407 to Norwich, Crown Point depot.

DKV ENTERPRISES, COPDOCK.

Above: Mb Sprinter MX55 EUZ is another addition to this fleet, and was pictured at Stutton on 6/11/18.  It was working a contract to the Royal Hospital School at Holbrook. (Chris Baines).

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
In are ADL/Enviro 200s SE43-46, 95-101; ADL/Enviro 400 E212.
Former Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini WVL413 (LX11 CWU), now with Metrobus, was damaged in a fire at Orpington depot on 22/11/18; it is repairable. WVL414-21 were transferred to Metrobus to cover for buses damaged or destroyed in the blaze, but also for the take up of new TfL contracts – gained from Stagecoach Selkent from 8/12/18.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Gemini WVL416, seen at Beckton when brand new in April 2011. (John Podgorski).

Sold to Ensign are Scania Omnicity ‘deckers 935 (YN56 FDK), 946 (YN56 FEG), 9565-57 (YP58 SNY/Z, UFV).

DRS.
1/11/18: 37423 towing GA DVT from Norwich to Cardiff Canton via GEML and NLL.
2/11/18: 37405 tnt 37606 on 3S60 GEML RHTT.
4/11/18: 37607 + DBSO 9708 and 96609, 977986, 977985, 999602 on 3Z26 Colchester-Derby test train.
5/11/18: 57003 tnt 37602 on 3S60 RHTT; later failed at Southend Victoria. 37607 + 6264, 977983, 5981, 977868 + 37610 on 1Q90 Derby RTC -Ferme Park test train via Liverpool Street.
6/11/18: 37405 tnt 37605 at Marks Tey on “up” 3S60 @ 1000.
7/11/18: 37607 tnt 37612 with 6264, 977983, 5981, 977868 on 1Q97 Ferme Park-Cambridge NR test train via Stanford, Liverpool St, Harwich Town, Clacton. 57007 tnt 57012 at Marks Tey on “up” 3S60 @ 1000.
8/11/18: 57003 tnt 57301 on 3S60 RHTT.
9/11/18: 3702/12 and consist visited Felixstowe on the 1Q99 NR test train. 57002 tnt 57007 on 3S60.
10/11/18: 37407 tnt 37405 on 3S60.
13/11/18: 37605 light “down” through Chelmsford @ 1542.
16/11/18: 37605 tnt 37606 on 3S60 “up” through Marks Tey @ 1000. 37611 towing LOROL reliveried 378147 to New Cross Gate.
19/11/18: 57003 tnt 37301 on 3S60.
20/11/18: 57007 tnt 57301 on 3S60 “up” through Marks Tey @ 0955.
21/11/18: 57003 on Stowmarket-Ilford light engine.
23/11/18: 37605/6 on 3S60 RHTT.
24/11/18: 57003 tnt 57301 on 3S60.

Above: 37405 leads 3S60 out of the loop at Marks Tey on 6/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: And 37605 brings up the rear. Greater Anglia Sprinter DMU 156418 ‘ESTA’ looks on from the Sudbury branch platform. (John Podgorski).

ENSIGNBUS.
The last Dennis Dart SLF, MCV Evolution bodied 785 (AE55 EHM) – has passed to Hams of Flimwell.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 127 at Witham on Greater Anglia RRP to/from Newbury Park on 4/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Metro Scania Metropolitan MD60 (KJD 260P) was used on TfL25 Aldgate-Ilford peak extras during the LUL Central Line strike on 7/11/18.

Above: MD60 (far right), with Panther and Seaford and District buses at Aldgate on 7/11/18. Leyland Olympian BIG 9249, plus “Queen Mary” Leyland Titan PD3/4 – NCs BUF 272C, HCD 347E. (Alex Hazell).

FELIXSTOWE TRAVEL.
M30 FXO is a VDL SB4000/Berkhof Axial. It’s in a base colour of white, rather than cream. It was previously YJ12 CHK with Sanders of Holt.

Above: M30 FXO on Greater Anglia RRP at Ingatestone on 18/11/18. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.
Another ex First Glasgow ADL/Enviro 300 at Colchester (CR) is 67805 (SN13 CPE).
From First Aberdeen is ADL/E300 67779 (SN62 AXZ). It’s also at CR and retains blue livery. Both carry ‘Contactless’ branding.

‘Poppy 100’ transfers have appeared on the front of some buses. BMC 68520 was pictured at Colchester. (John Podgorski).

Another Scania L94UB/Wright Solar to go to First Eastern Counties is 65678 (YP02 ABN). It is at Norwich. 65677 (SN51 UYL) was returned however – in late November.
After being long term VOR, Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 37017 (WX55 VJE)  is in use at Colchester (CR).

ADL/Enviro 200s 44539/40 (YX13 AHO/P) are branded for Brentwood town service 37 (Warley-Pilgrims Hatch).

A “second cycle” repaint into Refreshed livery is of Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66812.

Above: ADL/E300 67779 at Stanwell Street, Colchester on 25/11/18. (Simon Austin).

Above: Ex First Glasgow ADL/Enviro 300 67755 approaches Colchester along Lexden Road on 5/11/18. (John Podgorski).

On 29/11/18, Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 33189 (LT52 WVE) collided with the low railway bridge at Hambro Hill, Rayleigh. Fortunately there were no injuries.
Yellow BMC 68510 is withdrawn again, folowing receipt of Volvo B12M 20514.

Above: Ex First Glasgow ADL/Enviro 300 65756 at Greenstead Library, Colchester on 3/11/18. (Simon Austin).

In late November, there was a temporary shortage of hybrid buses for route 100 out of Basildon. This resulted in an eclectic section of of other buses – some loaned from other depots.

Above: Hadleigh based Volvo B7RLE/Wright 69520 on loan for the 100, in Chelmsford on 28/11/18. This was originally a Chelmsford Park and Ride bus. (Jake Paul Gill).

Above: 37986 at Southway, Colchester on 1/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 1/11/18: X30 Volvo B9TL/Gemini2 37986 (BJ11 ECY) on Colchester schools. 2/11/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 61; X30 ADL/E200 MMC 67165 (YY66 PBO) on 71. 3/11/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37136 (SN57 HCU) on 75; Wright StreetLite 63342 (SM65 HFB) on 71. 4/11/18; Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 1A. 6/11/18: Dart SLF/MPD 43846 (SN55 CXF) on 70; StreetLite 63333 (SK65 PXP) on 103; Scania Omnicity 65029 (YN06 TDU) on 174/175. 7/11/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini 37136 on 1A; StreetLite 63337 (SM65 EEV) on 67. 8/11/18: StreetLite 63337 on 71. 9/11/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini2 37138 (SN57 HCX) on 70. 11/11/18: Route 62 B9TL/Gemini 37136 on 1A. 13/11/18: Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon 20514 (WV02 EUP) on Colchester Schools – subsequently quite regularly; StreetLite 63342 on 67. 14/11/18: B9TL/Gemini2 37016 (WX55 VJD) on 67/C. 18/11/18: Sunday Route 62 B9TL 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 75. 20/11/18: 20514 on Colchester Schools. 21/11/18: Route 62 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 75; Route 62 37136 (SN57 HCU) on 61; Scania Omnicity 65030 (YN06 TDV) on 103. 22/11/18; Dart SLF/Caetano 41521 (LK03 UEY) on 71; Omnicity 65028 (YN 06 TDO) on 174/175. 23/11/18: Omnicity 65031 (YN06 TDX) on 66. 29/11/18: StreetLite Trident 33087 (LN51 GMO) on 104; StreetLite 63333 on 103; Route 62 B9TL 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 175.

Above: Following the July changes at Clacton, the Sunday services remained basically unchanged, although of course now worked by Colchester vehicles. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65685 on service 8 at Pier Avenue on 4/11/18. This is the eastern end of route 98 Mon to Sat. (Simon Austin).

Below: The only Sunday Clacton area change post July, was the introduction of service 99. Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 62408 at Pier Avenue on 4/11/18. (Simon Austin).

Above: Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65677, on loan First Eastern Counties; pictured in Great Yarmouth on 10/11/18. 2 is a former G Y Borough Transport route. Market Gates Bus Station is in the background. It returned to FE Colchester later in November. (Simon Austin).

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Mercedes Sprinter 413/Tawe 16 seater MX05 XAG.

FLAGFINDERS.
The “prefab” garage, at the old Graham’s, Kelvedon site was dismantled during November. This has increased space for parking.

Above: The enlarged Kelvedon site on 24/11/18. The old garage stood where the double deckers are now parked. (John Podgorski).

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: 66957 heads a Felixstowe bound intermodal through Kelvedon on 6/11/18. (John Podgorski).

1/11/18: 66597 on 4L30 Bristol-London Gateway.
3/11/18: 66620 tnt 66420 on Whitemoor-Harlow Mill engineers’.
5/11/18: 66420/620 + UID Colas 70 on Whitemoor-Hoo Junct engineers’. 7002 on Trafford Park-FLX ‘liner.
8/11/18: 70002 on FLX-Lawley Street.
10/11/18; 66565 tnt 66513 on Parkeston-Manea HOBC.
21/11/18: 70007 on Trafford Park-FLX.
22/11/18: 70002 on Trafford Park-FLX.
27/11/18: 66419 on Ipswich-Lindsey tanks.
28/11/18: 90043/47 on 4M42 at Ipswich – unusual now.

GALLEON, ROYDON.
Bova Magique WA09 HTX is now with Auston, Earlston.
VDL SBR/Berkhof double deck coach WA08 APO has passed to Hunter, Daventry.

GBRf.
1/11/18: 66745 on North Walsham-Harwich tanks.
3/11/18: 66714 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe. 66754 on 6M76 Chesterton Junct-Mountsorrel aggregates. 66768 on 6T64 Whitemoor-Marks Tey engineers’, pulling MXAs.
4/11/18: 66702 tnt 66732 on Broxbourne-Whitemoor RHTT, returned with 66713 as 4H30. 66760 on 0P41 Ipswich-Parkeston light engine.
5/11/18: 66709/10 on 0L33 Peterborough/Ipswich-Felixstowe light loco. 66709 then on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66710 then on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall. 66788 on 6E61 Chesterton Junct-Thrislington aggregates empties.
8/11/18: 66744 on 6H33 Whitemoor-Parkeston engineers. 66788 on 6L61 Thrislington-Chesterton Junct aggregates empties and on 6E61 return.
10/11/18: 66701 on 6T60 Whitemoor-Felixstowe Beach engineers. 66732 tnt 66713 on 3S70 RHTT on botton of GEML – Gas Factory Junction-Brentwood. 66773 tnt 66779 on 6T63 Whitemoor-broxbourne engineers.
11/11/18: 66769/57 on 0L33.
12/11/18: 66710 on 4E00 London Gateway-Rotherham intermodal.
17/11/17: 66708 tnt 66733 on 6T64 Whitemoor-B Stortford engineers. 66721 tnt 66725 “down” through Broxbourne on RHTT @ 1704. 66727 on 4M23. 66676 on 0E04 Parkeston-Peterborough light engine.
18/11/18: 66757/59/76 on 0L33 PBO-IPS. 66779 on 6T62 Shenfield-Whitemoor engineers.
19/11/18: 66757/59 on 0L33 IPS-FLX. Cemex 66780 on 4L22.
20/11/18: 66780 on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX return.
21/11/18: 66738 on 6H33 Parkeston-Whitemoor. 66769 on 4L02. 66776 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
22/11/18: 66735 towing dead 66751 on OL36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
27/11/18: 66778 on OL36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
28/11/18: 66776 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
30/11/18: 66719 on 4E00 London Gateway-Msboro.

GREATER ANGLIA.
The first of the new Stadtler ‘Flirt’ trains is 755405. It had been exhibited at Innotrans, Berlin in September 2018. It arrived in the UK at Dollands Moor on 14/11/18 – via the Channel Tunnel. It was then moved to Ripple Lane by DBS 92042 + 66002, before onward transit to Norwich. 755407 followed later in November (see below).

The remodelling works at Northumberland Park rail station were completed on 4/11/18.

Above: The new accessible footbridge and extra platform at Northumberland Park on 25/10/18. (John Podgorski).

Below: The new third track at Northumberland Park, looking towards Meridian Waters and Angel Road – seen on 25/10/18. Note that the extra OLE has yet to be installed. (John Podgorski).

3-4/11/18: 156407 on Marks Tey-Sudbury (weekend).
7/11/18: 153314 on Marks Tey-Sudbury, due to failure of booked Class 156.
13/11/18: 90015 + DRS 37259/602/423 on Norwich-Crewe light engine.317515 + UID 317 on 1B07 Stansted Express.
19/11/18: 90004/8 at Ilford depot.
28/11/18: 755407 delivered to Norwich.
30/11/18: 90006 ran light as 0Z99 Norwich-Ilford for tyre turning, but failed south of Ipswich Tunnel, it was rescued by 90014.

HEDINGHAM.
Ex Go South Coast (Damory Caoches) are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointers 285 (SN03 EBV), 286 (HW54 BTY). They were delivered to Sible Hedingham (HD). Both retain blue livery.

Above: 286 on Lexden Road, Colchester on 20/11/18 – its first day in service with its new operator. (John Podgorski).

Above: One of the pair of ex Stagecoach Chesterfield Optare Solos at Clacton, 911 is seen at Jackson Road, on 23/10/18, a few days after entering traffic . It is on one of its regular workings – the 137 town service. In the background is the site of the former Eastern National bus station – which closed in 1989. (Adam Hughes).

Above: Chambers 570 (right) at Clacton depot on 3/11/18, with ex London General Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 528. The latter is awaiting single door conversion. (John Podgorski).

Dennis Trident/ELs 712 (T812 RFG), 724 (W824 NNJ) were withdrawn at Clacton. They were collected by Ensign (for spares recovery) on 16th November. 725 (W825 NNJ) has transferred to Chambers. 734 (W834 NNJ) has passed to Mayflower School, Harwich – for static use.

Chambers Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 570 (W487 WGH) was at Clacton (CN) at the start of November but had gone by the middle of the month. B7TL/Gemini 520 (LX05 EZC) has been converted to single door and certified; entering service on 30/11/18. 523 (LX05 EZF) entered service on 29/11/18 after single door conversion. 524 (LX05 EZG) has returned off loan from Konect. 524/25 (LX05 EZG/H) are next in line for single dooring and certification, while 527 (LX06 EAK) is under conversion. Volvo B7TL/EL 9000 (PL51 LGD) has ceased to be a trainer and is to be returned to pcv use. It has moved from CN to HD. Scania Omnilink trainer YU02 GHO has gone on loan to Konect.

Scania Omnidekka movements have seen 803/11 (YN55 PZE/P) borrowed from Chambers, with 811 subsequently going back,  with Hedingham 812/13 (YN55 PZR/U).

Ford Transit 13 seater BU14 YNT was again hired from Robertson Van Hire, for the latter part of the Autumn school term. It is again used for Manningtree School.

Sible Hedingham ADL/Enviro 200 262 (EU58 JCJ) was at Kelvedon from 1st November. This was to do with the transfer of routes 82 and 83 (Colchester-Fordham/The Teys/Mount Bures/Colne Engaine) to KN from HD from 5/11/18. On that day, 262 operated the first KN 83 and Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 289 (EJ02 KYY) worked the inaugural KN 82. 262 was returned to HD on 9th November and replaced by SLF/MPD 290 (EX02 RYR). 262 returned to KN on 13th November and stayed until the 23rd, before coming back on the 29th. Dart SLF/MPD 290 (EX02 RYR) was briefly loaned to Chambers at the start of November. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) is withdrawn and cannibalised at HD. It was stood down due to structural failure.
Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere coach 5 (N664 THO) has been repaired following engine failure. It continues at HD on Hedingham School contracts.

Above: 262 on Lexden Road, Colchester on 5/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 2/11/18: Long Dart SLF/Pointer 254 (EU05 AUR) on 79. 13/11/18: Long ADL/E200 262 on TLA B (pm). 14/11/18: 262 on TLA B (am). 15-16/11/18: 262 on 92 – back to old haunts, and subsequently appearing regularly.

Above: Refurbished Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 584 at Kelvedon depot on 3/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: On loan to Konect, Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 526 (LX06 EAJ) at Castle Meadow, Norwich on 3/11/18. (Simon Austin).

IPSWICH BUSES.
Odd sightings: 2/11/18: Dart SLF/EL 87 (PJ53 OLH) on 93.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
Mb 0814D/Ferqui JR06 BUS ex YX06 DZA has passed to Parnell, Honiton (dealer).

KEVENDY’S, WICKFORD.

Above: Setra S250 R958 AEV is now K800 DYS. It had been K30 BYS when with Kirbys of Rayleigh, whose livery it retains. It was seen at Ingatestone on Greater Anglia RRP on 25/11/18. (John Podgorski).

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
In from London Central are ADL/Enviro 400s E44/47, 54/56.

Above: Ex First Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 WVN3 at Loughton Station on 12/11/18. When initially won by Go-Ahead, the 20 was worked by Blue Triangle. (Daniel Acott).

LONDON OVERGROUND.
A poppy transfer has appeared on the front offside of Class 315 EMUS – below the vestibule window.

Above: 315805 at London Liverpool Street on 10/11/18. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND.
A poppy transfer appeared on the cab ends of trains, to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1. However, all had been removed by the end of November.

Above: 91219 at Liverpool Street on 10/11/18, forming the rear of a Hainault via Newbury Park service. (John Podgorski).

M and M STAFFING, CHELMSFORD.
Neoplan Tourliner tri-axle OU16 ZVX has lost its green relief and is now plain white.

MARC1 TRAVEL, BILLERICAY.

Above: Scania K340/Berkhof Axial TUI 4741 at Ingatestone on 18/11/18; on Greater Anglia RRP. (John Podgorski).

Below: Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiee 350 NIL 3296 at the same location, on the same job – but on 25/11/18. (John Podgorski).

A new fleet livery has been introduced. It features large blue fleet names and blue dots (with the Marc 1 logo inside), on white base. The number of logos varies between vehicles.
M10 TVL is a Ford Transit 16 seater.

Above: M10 TVL on crew ferry duty at Ingatestone on 25/11/18. (John Podgorski).

METROLINE.

Above: Volvo B5H/EvoSeti VMH2455, on the ex Tower Transit TfL route 30, on Euston Road, London on 23/11/18. (John Podgorski).

MTR TfL RAIL.
A poppy transfer has appeared on Class 315 and 345 EMUs – below the drivers cab window. One ‘315 has poppys on both sides of the cab exterior. All had been removed by the end of November.

Above: 345014 at London Liverpool Street on 10/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: 315845 at London Liverpool Street on 15/6/16. (John Podgorski).

Above: 315846 departs Goodmayes on 30/1/16, heading a Liverpool Street to Shenfield service. On the left is the site of the old Goodmayes freight yard, with Ilford in the middle background. On the the track sides are works connected with CrossRail. (John Podgorski).

315828/41 have passed to Sims Metals, Newport (Gwent) for scrap.
315845/46 have gone to EMR, Kingsbury for scrap.
5/11/18: 315845/46 towed from Ilford to Kingsbury by ROG 37800.
6/11/18: 315828/41 towed from Ilford to Newport by 37800.

MULLEYS, IXWORTH.
Bedford YMT/Duple Dominant II FIL 4345 ex RRT 111W has come from Rattlesden Gliding Club. It was at Mulleys previously.
Ex Total Driving, Stowmarket was Van Hool T815 K546 GSS. This went to Rattlesden Gliding Club in exchange.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
A poppy transfer appeared on coaches – on the front panel at the bottom offside, to commemorate 100 years of the end of World War I. They had been removed by the end of November.
The site of the old Kings Hedges depot at Cambridge, which closed in 2005, is now a Travis Perkins builders yard. The land had lain vacant for several years.

Above: Kings Hedges depot site as seen on 24/11/18. (John Podgorski).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN at Marsh Road, Northumberland Park on 25/10/18. (John Podgorski).

The Northumberland Park Level Crossing Shuttle finished at 2200 on Sunday 4/11/18. Plaxton Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF  KV51 KZK worked the final journeys. The project (to modernise the railway station) had started in July 2017, and overrun by 4 months. The bus outstation at Meridian Waters has thus ceased, with KV51 KZK running light back to Matching Green. KV51 KZK is now surplus to requirements. The other Panther vehicles there at the end were Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN and Vauxhall Astra van AB56 PAN. These were moved before the final day. SB07 initially returned to Parkeston.
Engineering is being concentrated at Weeley, with Matching Green reduced in size. Dunmow outstation remains available for use, but no longer has a vehicle regularly kept there.
Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DB54 PAN is delicensed due to mechanical failure.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 DC62 PAN at Braintree Road, Witham on 4/11/18, on Greater Anglia Witham-Braintree RRP. (John Podgorski).

Above; BIG 9249 with Seaford and District “Queen Mary” Leyland Titan PD3/4 – NC BUF 272C, at Aldgate on 7/11/18. (Alex Hazell).

On 7/11/18, there was strike action on the London Underground Central Line. Leyland Olympian BIG 9249 worked peak shorts on TfL25 between Ilford and Aldgate, while Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210 did the same on TfL158 between Stratford and Leyton. They operated 0603-0930 and 1630-1930.

Sold are Dennis Javelin/Plaxton Paramount 3200 BIG 8856 – to Dans Coach Travel of Needham Market, and Mb Sprinter LF/Koch BX56 VTE.

Above: Withdrawn Mb Sprinter LF/Koch BX56 VTE at Parkeston depot on 6/10/18. (Daniel Pretty).

DAF DB250LF/EL FD02 UKR ex AB02 PAN, now with Reading Buses, was loaned to ABus, Bristol to cover for vehicles lost in a fire at the latter.

ROG.
9/11/18: 37800 towed GTR 365505 from Crewe to Ilford as 5Q50.
16/11/18: 37884 on 0M87 Leicester-Ilford light engine, then towed 321418 to Kilmarnock.
27/11/18: 37884 towed 365507 on Crewe-Ilford.

SEE LONDON BY NIGHT, RAINHAM.
Acquired via Ensign are ex London General ADL/Enviro 400s LX06 EYZ, EZB.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Ex Selkent is ADL/Enviro 40D 10203 (SL64 HZC) – now at Rainham.
Withdrawn are Scania omnicity ‘deckers 15017/18/20-22; Tridents 17906, 18217.
Overall adverts: adl/e40d 12337 (sn64 ogk) – Oyster Hopper; LT367 – Coach; LT375 – Michael Kors.
Sold: Tridents 17799 (LX03 BWN), 17894 (LX03 ORG), 17978 (LX53 KAE), 17982-85 (LX53 KAU, KBE/F/J), 18470/79 (LX55 ERJ, ESN), 18489/90 (LX06 AFZ, AGO) – to Ensign

STEPHENSONS OF ESSEX.
The Braintree base has moved from Skitts Hill, to the old First yard at Springwood Drive.

SULLIVAN, SOUTH MIMMS.
Withdrawn is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini WVL6 (LF52 UPL).

TALISMAN, GREAT BROMLEY.
Sold are Volvo B12T/Plaxton Panther SP07 CAV – to ALS Travel, Lake, Setra S416 BJ08 KNM.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.

Above: Ex Photoflash Travel of Carluke, Scotland is Mb 0815D/Plaxton Cheetah2 YN08 NYB. Pictured at Stutton on 8/11/18. (Chris Baines).

Above: Mb 0815D/Rial C10 NGC, in the new livery, at Southway, Colchester on 2/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Scania/Berkhof RY57 ZKJ has joined RY57 ZKK is receiving fleet names and vinyls of Hodges of Sandhurst base colours.

TOWER TRANSIT.
Volvo/Wright hydrogen buses WSH62996/97 (LJ13 JWP, LF63 XZU) have overall adverts for Foresight Group.

Above: One of the ADL/Enviro 400s recently sold via Ensign to Go-Ahead London, DN33625 (SN11 BNU) – was damaged beyond economic repair in a fire at Metrobus Orpington depot on 22/11/18. It became Go-Ahead EN33, but never entered service with its new operator. It was an unlucky bus, as when with Tower Transit it had been badly damaged in a road traffic accident. It was reacquired by Ensign, who broke it up. All the other fire write-offs were taken away by Ensign too. These included ex Tower Transit EN37 (SN11 BOJ), which had been completely destroyed.(Croydon Advertiser).

TURNERS OF ESSEX, WICKHAM ST PAUL.
Scania Omnidekka YN03 DFX has been traced to Ussher, Balgatheren, Ireland.

UNO.
Dart SLF/Pointers KL03 OSE and KE04 UMC have passed to Stephensons of Essex (in a dealer capacity). They are stored at Stephenson’s Braintree site. UMC had latterly been on loan to Little Jim’s Buses at Berkhamstead. Sister DP112 (KE03 TWA) is now with Eastbourne Coachways at Bexhill.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 504 at St Albans on a local service, on 17/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Above: Mb Citaro MB321 at St Albans on 17/11/18. The class prefixes have actually now ceased. (John Podgorski).

With thanks to: Anglia Gen, S Austin, C Baines, EBN, Ensignbus, Jake Paul Gill, A Hazell, Hedingham Buses, Londons Transport, LOTS, D Pretty, PSVC, RM, J Sadd.