Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the January, 2019 edition of Busmopolitan.
Dons of Dunmow still runs some Leyland Olympians – and one has been named.
First Essex has imported more used buses – from Glasgow and Leeds.
Flagfinders has now repainted all bar one of the ex Graham’s coaches into their fleet livery.
Galloway has a fleet of brand new Scania/Levante IIIs to replace the original coaches ob the National Express Ipswich-Stansted-Heathrow 250 service.
Panther Travel has entered into an interesting partnership with one of the Stansted to London coach operators, and has vacated its original base.
On the rails, testing has begun of the new Class 755 Stadler Flirt bi mode trains on Greater Anglia.
In the air, Flybe has a new owner.

24/7, STANSTED.
Vauxhall Vivaro EY65 RKJ has passed to Copart, Rochford (dealer), following accident damage. Also sold is Peugeot Boxer TUI 2146.

ANITAS COACHES, STANSTED.

(John Podgorski).
VV15 ERN is an ex City Circle Irizar i6. It is currently plain white. It is pictured (above), on depot on 26/1/19.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).
DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3528 (LF02 PNE) was reinstated, to cover for Dart SLF 3421 (AY54 FPZ) – which was under repair. 3421 returned to service in late January. DAF SB120/Cadet trainer 3524 (LJ51 DDX) was at work here again, at the end of January.
Unusual sightings: 11/1/19: Volvo B7RLE 3819 (GN 07 AVF) on 2. 14/1/19: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3521 (LJ03 MYG) on 1. 17/1/19: DAF SB120/Cadet 3528 (LF02 PNE) on 1. 22/1/19: SB120/Cadet 3534 (LF02 PNU) on 1. 26/1/19: Volvo B7RLE/Wright 3817 (GN07 AVD) on 133. 28/1/19: 3534 on 1.
Contactless fare payment was available from 27/1/19. Some buses received external posters to promote this.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).
ADL/Enviro 200 3986 (GN07 DLO) was on loan from Ware from late January. Also loaned was Optare Solo 2485 (YK07 BEU).

Above: In the new driver training livery, DAF SB120/Wright Cadet T3530 at Forth Avenue depot, Harlow on 31/12/18. These trainers actually work right across the Arriva KT area. (Simon Austin).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
DAF DB250LF/EL 6260 (FD02 UKS) is reinstated. This type regularly appears on route 29 (Southend-Belfairs).
Contactless fare payment was available from 27/1/19. Some buses received external posters to publicise this.

AZTEC TRAVEL, WICKFORD.
From Cathedral, Gloucester is Ford Transit M16 YT16 ZPX.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Withdrawn is Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas V218 EAL.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
Withdrawn are ADL/Enviro 200s SE38-46 (LX10 AUR/T-W/Y, AVB-D). They passed to Ensign. LX10 AUT/U/Y, AVB/D were resold to Sullivan Buses, South Mimms.
Dart SLF/Pointer DP205 (BT04 BUS), latterly with London General and then Bear Buses of Feltham, has been resold via Ensign for scrap.

Above: DP205 at Ensign on 19/1/19. (John Podgorski).

C2C.
It has been announced that the level crossing just east of Grays Rail Station is to be replaced by a pedestrian underpass. This crossing has suffered much misuse in the form of trespass, including being used for unauthorised access to the station. There is an existing subway around 200 yards further east.

CHAMBERS.
From Go-Ahead London are Scania N230UD/Optare Olympuses 870-878 (PN09 ELO/V, EMF/K/V, ENC/E/F/O). They has London fleet nos 877/78/82/83/84/86/87/88/93. They have/are been converted to single door, led destination fitted and repainted in fleet colours.
Scania Omnidekka 803 (YN55 PZE) went on loan to Hedingham at Kelvedon at the start of January, with Hedingham 812 (YN55 PZR) coming in exchange. They were swapped back on 11/1/19. Then on 18/1/19, Dart SLF/MPD 286 (HW54 BTY) came from Hedingham, while Omnidekka 805 (YN55 PZG) went in exchange for 810 (YN55 PZO). 801 (YN55 PZC) went to Hedingham on 31/1/19, with Hedingham 813 coming.

Above: Scania N230UD/Olympus PN09 EMK at Hedingham Omnibuses, Sible Hedingham on 3/1/19. (John Podgorski).

Above: 878 at Ensign, Purfleet in late January 2019. (Ensignbus).

CHELMSFORD TAXIBUS.
Ford Transit 3 (BN12 AHZ) is sold.

CHESTNUT FARM, SOUTH OCKENDON.
Has AEC PRV ‘RML’ Routemaster JJD 445D, ex Ensign.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Sold for scrap are MCW Metrobus C374 BUV and Iveco 59-12/UVG N418 UWN.

COLAS RAIL.
2/1/19: 66846 on 6L37 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
3/1/19: 70805 + 66846/47 on 6L37. 70815 on 6O36 Whitemoor-Hoo Junct.
9/1/19: 37099 tnt 37521 on Crewe-Colchester NR test train, with 977868, 5981, 977983, 6264.
11/1/19: 37099 tnt 37521 + NR test train visited Ipswich.
25/1/19: 66847 on 6L37.
29/1/19: 66848 on Hoo-Whitemoor.

COLCHESTER COACHES, CLACTON.
The O licence has been surrendered, although in practice this operator stopped in 2015.

CT PLUS.
Optare Electrocity OM1 (YJ16 DBO) was on loan in late January.

DBS.
4/1/19: 66086 on 6V12 Chelmsford-Acton aggregates.
7/1/19: 66121 at Bow yard, with blue VTG hoppers.
8/1/19: 59202 on 1054 Chelmsford-Acton.
12/1/19: 90034 at GA Ilford depot.
21/1/19: 66162 tnt 66135 with VTG box wagons on Ipswich-Neasden.
22/1/19: 66015 at Bow Olympic with VTGs from Burngullow.
23/1/19; 66129 at Marks Tey sand yard, early morning.
30/1/19: 66079 at Bow Olympic.

DONS OF DUNMOW.
Leyland Olympian/Alexander RL F602 MSL is now named ‘The Old Girl’.

(Shaun Kinsella Ilot).

DRS.
1/1/19: 57303 hauling GA 90009 and MkIII set Norwich-Bounds Green, via Cambridge.
2/2/19: 57303 dragged 90015 + stock over same route as 5Z25.
3/1/19: 57303 towing GA 82102, 90009 and stock on 5Z25 Norwich-Bounds Green via West Anglia.
11/1/19: 37407 towed GA DVT 82115 Norwich to Willesden, then as 0Z12 light engine Willesden to Norwich.
14/1/19: 37403 on 5L37 Bounds Green-Norwich via NLL and ECML.
17/1/19: 37423 Norwich-Willesden light engine via GEML.
18/1/19: 88007/8 on Willesden-Ipswich and return.
21/1/19: 37424 as 0Z37 Willesden-Norwich.
22/1/19: 37716 on Ilford-Norwich light engine.
28/1/19: 37423 + 57303 hauled GA DVT 82102 on Bounds Green-Norwich ECS.
31/1/19: 37405 + 37716 as 0Z31 Norwich-Willesden light engine.

ESSEX CC – COMMUNITY LINK.
Now at Harlow are Renault Trafic LY15 USU and Iveco 45C15 GN59 LFZ.

ESSEX LIMOS, RAYNE.
Optare Alero YN53 WYZ ex T15 ESX has gone to Midland Car Breakers, Wolverhampton – for scrap.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Ex Glasgow ADL/Enviro 300 67750 at High Street, Kelvedon on 25/1/19. (John Podgorski).

From First Leeds are Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 37027 (YJ06 XKS), 37036/37 (YJ06 XLB/C), 37042 (YJ06 XLH). The latest ex First Glasgow ADL/Enviro 300s are 67736 (SN62 AHV), 67750 (SN62 AOG). All of these are at Colchester.
Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 37009 (WX55 VHU) suffered an engine fire at North Station, Colchester on 13/1/19. The cause was an electrical fault in the engine bay. It will be repaired.
The Chelmsford Park and Ride ADL/Enviro 200MMCs 67189-97 have received external advertising. It is exclusively for Kendrick’s Kingdom indoor soft play facility in Chelmsford and includes super rear adverts.
Ex Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65678 (YP02 ABN) has been withdrawn by First Eastern Counties. Sister 65675 has gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap.
Unusual sightings:
2/1/19: Route 62 B9TL 37136 (SN57 HCU) on 64. 4/1/19: Route 62 B9TL 37133 (SN57 HDO) on 75. 7/1/19: StreetLite 63337 (SM65 EEV) on 71. 10/1/19: Trident 33086 (LN51 GMG) on 174/175. 11/1/19: Trident 33088 (LN51 GMU) on 174/175; Route 62 B9TL 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 75. 12/1/19: Volvo B7RLE 66810 (MX05 CDF) on 62. 17/1/19; Trident 33196 (LT52 XAG) on 174/175. 25/1/19: Route 62 B9TL 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 75.
Traffic:
24/1/19 for 1 week: Yorick Road, West Mersea, closed for electricity works.

FIRST STOP, BURY ST EDMUNDS.
Sold is Ford Transit 8 seater KM55 HWW.

FLAGFINDERS.

Above: Ex Graham’s Mb 0814D/Euro AE54 FMG is now in blue/white fleet livery, ex silver. This is the first ex Graham’s vehicle to be so treated. It was seen at Norman Way, Colchester on 8/1/19. (Alex Hazell).

Also now in fleet livery is ex Graham’s Mb 0814D/Euro AE07 NZB.
Native Iveco Eurorider/Beaulas LV02 LLF has received the new fleet colours also.

FLYBE.
Has been been bought by a consortium of Stobart, Virgin and Cyrus Capital Partners – as Connect Airways.

Above: Bombardier Q400 G-FLBE on finals to London City Airport on 5/4/16. (John Podgorski).

FREIGHTLINER.
11/1/19: 86608/13 stabled at Ipswich. 90016/041 on 4L41 to Ipswich.
13/1/19: 66957 tnt 66540 on autoballasters “down” through Ingatestone @ 2012.
14/1/19: 66614 on Dagenham-Hope cement.
15/1/19: 66542/418/501 on 4E23 Ipswich-Leeds.
18/1/19: 66604 at Marks Tey sand yard. 66606 on 6L34 Tunstead-Bow.
19/1/19: 66420 tnt 66414, 66418 tnt 66418 and 66955 on Broxbourne-Cheshunt engineers. 66531 with JNAs on Whitemoor-Ruckholt Road Junction engineers.
30/1/19: 66617 at Bow Olympic. 90043/47 on 4L41 Basford Hall-Ipswich.

GALLOWAY, MENDLESHAM.

Above: Brand new Scania/Levante III BF68 LCE at Colchester on 19/1/19. (Simon Austin).

New for National Express are Scania/Caetano Levante III tri-axles 101-108 (BF68 LCC/E//G/J-N). They have replaced 61 plate Volvo B9R/Levantes and are primarily used on 250 (Ipswich-Stansted-Heathrow), but will also appear on 481 9Felixstowe-London) and 484 (Walton-Clacton-London).
Van Hool TX16 YJ14 CEX is now 5516 PP.

GBRf.
2/1/19: 66706 on 0P33 Ipswich-North Walsham light engine. 66757/61 on 0L33 Peterborough-Felixstowe light engine. 66758//73 on 6L36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor.
3/1/19: 66771 on 4Z26 Felixstowe-Masborough.
4/1/19: 66706 on Ipswich-N Walsham light engine.
5/1/19: 66774 on 6T62 Whitemoor-Brimsdown engineers.
7/1/19: 66761 on 0Z41 FLX-Parkeston Quay light engine. Then on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
10/1/19: 66725 on Hams Hall-FLX. 66761 on N Walsham-Harwich Tanks.
13/1/19; 66712 on 6T62 Harlow-Whitemoor engineers. 66743 on 6T61 Harlow-Whitemoor engineers.
14/1/19: 66757 on 4L22. 66773/58 on 0L33.
16/1/19: 66760 on N Walsham-Ipswich light engine.
17/1/19: 66760 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco.
18/1/19: 66743 on 4L02.
19/1/19: 66785 tnt 66728 with JNAs on 6T64 Whitemoor-Ruckholt Road Junction engineers.
21/1/19: 66738 on N Walsham-Ipswich light loco. 66758/43 on 0L33.
22/1/19: 66728 on 4E00 London Gateway-Maborough intermodal. 66738 on Ipswich-N Walsham light loco. 66761 on 6L61 Thrislington-Chesterton Junction.
26/1/19: 66772 hauled South Eastern EMU 466005 on Slade Green-Ilford ECS.
27/1/19: 66753/59 on 0L33.
29/1/19: 66708 on Thrislington-Chesterton. 66709 on N Walsham-Ipswich light loco.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 90011 arrives at Colchester on the 1403 from Norwich to London Liverpool Street on 22/12/18. (John Podgorski).

In the first week on January, night time testing of the new Class 755s began; initially between Norwich and Diss. 755405 has been used regularly.
321327/28 are the latest Renatus conversions.
5/1/19: 90005 on 1G69 2015 Norwich-London Liverpool Street “footex” (football special); then returned as ECS to Norwich.
7/1/19: 90009 on Norwich-Crewe light engine.
12/1/19: 317338/653 on 0800 LST-Braintre and repeat. 317343/652 on 0900 LST-Braintree and repeat.
14/1/18: 317508/651 on 1Y34 Livepool St-Ipswich.
19/1/19: 317324/52, 317515/668, 317657/344 on Liverpool Street-Braintrees.
22/1/19: Newly converted Renatus 321322 on 5L21 Doncaster-Ilford ECS.
25/1/19; 153306 on Marks Tey-Sudbury.
30/1/19: 755405 on test to Ely and Thetford.

GWR.
5/1/19: 387140 visited Ilford depot for mods for Heathrow Airport services. Towed there by DRS 57305.

Above: 387141 at Iver on 14/10/17, on a Maidenhead-London Paddington service. This is on part of the future CrossRail route. (John Podgorski).

HAILSTONE, WICKFORD.
New is Ford Tourneo HT68 BUS. It replaced Ford Transit EY62 VVA.
Ford Tourneo HY68 BUS has been named ‘Drizzle’.

HAVERING TRANSPORT.
Ex London General are Volvo B9TL/WAright Gemini2s BCT0119/0219 (LX60 DXF/J).

HEDINGHAM.
Transferred from Konect is former Anglian Bus Scania Omnitown 456 (AN61 BUS). It has replaced Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 5 (N664 THO) at Sible Hedinghsm, on a Hedingham School contract. 5 is now withdrawn.
Received on loan from Chambers at the start of January was Scania Omnidekka 803 (YN55 PZE), with Hedingham 812 (YN 55 PZR) being exchanged. They were swapped back on 11th January. Both are/were at Kelvedon. Then on 18/1/19, Dart SLF/MPD 286 (HW54 BTY) went to Chambers, while Omnidekka 810 (YN55 PZO) was swapped with 805 (YN55 PZG). 286 returned later in January. Omnidekka 801 (YN55 PZC) came from Chambers on 31/1/19, with 813 (YN55 PZU) going. 805 also went back to Chambers in this month, but then came back.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 573 (W491 WGH) has been re-engined.
Gone to Alpha Recovery for scrap are Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 251 (PJ02 RHE) and Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 743 (X386 NNO). Both had been “parted out” at Sible Hedingham before disposal.

Above: One of the latest single door conversions to enter service is Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 525. It was seen in Colchester on 29/12/18. Note is retains black and yellow relief in its livery – its sisters are plain red. (Daniel Pretty).

Vauxhall Combo vans FN54 SXC, W761 TRE have been numbered 9003, 9004 respectively.

Above: 9003 at Sible Hedingham depot on 3/1/19. |John Podgorski).

Odd sightings: 16/1/19: B7TL/President 571 on 63/19; 584 on 19. 17/1/19: Dart SLF/MPD 291 on 15 pm. 18/1/19: B7TL/President 561 on 19/63. 21/1/19: B7TL/Gemini 525 on 50. 25/1/19: SLF/MPD 290 on 15 pm. 30/1/19; short ADL/E200 292 (EU59 AFF) on 63. 31/1/19: ADL/E200 295 (SN10 CCX) on 82/83 and 15 pm.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Withdrawn are Optare Excels 171/72 – leaving just no 170 active.

KELLYS OF ESSEX, NAZEING.
New is Mb Tourismo BF68 ZFV.
Setra S250 XJI 7902 has reverted to its original T117 SOA mark.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER.
VDL SB4000/VH AL06 DGE has been re-registered back to YJ07 JFK. It was then sold to Lee, Langley Moor, Durham.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH.
Scania Omnidekkas YN56 FDK, FEG have been resold via Ensign to York Pullman.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President Trainers W536/37 WGH went for scrap to Shelton Motors, Ely – also through Ensign.

LONDON OVERGROUND.
Electric working on the ‘Goblin’ Gospel Oak-Barking line, commenced on 28/1/19, with 378232 running the inaugural service. It has been temporarily shortened from 5 to 4 cars, and is a stopgap for delayed new Class 710s. Two more shortened ‘378s are due. As a result, the Class 172 DMUs have had a stay of execution, but are due to leave for Abellio West Midlands Trains by March 2019. So far, 172002/3/6 have been withdrawn for transfer.
Aventra 710263 reached Chingford overnight on 25-26/1/19, on a test run from Liverpool Street and return. The ‘710s entry into revenue service has been delayed by technical issues. Deliveries had reached 710115 in January.
Reinstated 315858 has been allocated here to replace 315813.
6/1/19: 172006 arrived at Ilford depot.
24/1/19: 710269 on Willesden-Broxbourne test run; returned as 5Q93 – in early hours of morning.
26/1/19: 172006 on 5Q66 Ilford-Rugby ECS.
29/1/19: 172003 to Ilford depot.

M and M STAFFING, CHELMSFORD.
Neoplan Tourliner MM68 NBUS is new here. It was initially exhibited at the Coach and Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham – and was first registered in December 2018.

MARC1, BILLERICAY.
Scania K380EB4/Berkhof OW07 YVJ is now M15 TVL.

MTR TfL RAIL.
3/1/19: 345012 – IL-OC. 345016 – OC-IL.
14/1/19: 315858 hauled from Wolverton to Ilford by ROG 37884 as 5Q50. It is destined for London Overground (see above).
28/1/19: 345010 – OC-IL.

NEW HORIZON.
Volvo B10M/Jonckherre Mistral W864 AAY is now with Skelton Coaches of Guisborough.

P and M, WICKFORD.
BU51 ZAK ex FE51 RDX is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere, ex Simmonds and Griffin, Abridge.

PANTHER TRAVEL.
OF61 OXF is an ex City of Oxford Scania K360EB4/Plaxton Panther2 – supplied via Ensign.
Sold is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther Y5 TRU – to A&P, Barway.
Gone for scrap is Volvo B6BLE/Wright V259 HBH – to Takeley Metals.

Above: White Roding site on 26/1/19. The old A Barham and Sons/Panther premises are at the far end. (John Podgorski).

White Roding workshop has closed. Matching Airfield storage site has also been cleared. Operations are now focused in north east Essex, at Parkeston depot, Colchester outstation, Witham outstation and Weeley workshop (also Great Dunmow, again). White Roding was the original base of A Barham and Sons, from whom Panther Travel evolved. Some derelict buses that had lain at White Roding went to Takeley Metals for scrap; Leyland National Greenway GUW 452W, Leyland Olympian/ECW C73 CHM, Volvo B6BLE/Wright V259 HBH.
Great Dunmow outstation is in regular use again; Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DC53 PAN was there during January for rail on the B Stortford/Stansted-Cambridge line and a new contract providing duplicates for Airport Bus Express. A dealer stock ADL/Enviro 200 (YX10 BGO) is also parked there
Unusual sightings: 2/1/19: Dart SLF/MPD BIG 9856 on X15.

Above; DC53 PAN on Airport Bus Express at Victoria Coach Station, London on 28/1/19. (Alex Hazell).

ROG.
14/1/19: 37884 light through Manor Park as Ilford to Wembley @ 1515.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Lothian Volvo B8L/ADL tri-axle “megadecker” SG68 LCA was borrowed at the end of January and road tested, including on the North Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.
Ford Transit MWB hi cube publicity van YE63 KDF has been debranded.
On hire from Enterprise is Ford Transit van WR68 UBL.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
Trident/ALX400s resold through Ensign are:
LX53 KAE – to Crown Christian Heritage Centre, Droitwich; LX53 KBF – to Gloucester Minibus Ltd.

STANSTED CITYLINK.
The former depot at Taylors End, Stansted is now occupied by Ryanair.

Above: The old Citylink, Stansted premises, on 26/1/19. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS.
Ex Abellio London are ADL/Enviro 200s 445 (YX10 FFC) at Rochford and 446 (YX10 FFA) is at Haverhill.

Above; The current Braintree depot, in the old First yard, on 26/1/19. Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 459 and ADL/Enviro 200 465 are present, with Peugeot Bipper van WP59 LCZ. (John Podgorski).

SULLIVAN BUSES:
Ex Blue Triangle via Ensign are ADL/Enviro 200s AE6-10 (LX10 AUT/U/Y, AVB/D).
Withdrawn is MAN14/MCV Evolution MM824 (LK57 AYV).

TALISMAN, GREAT BROMLEY.
DAF MB/Plaxton Supreme YJN 455S is now with Youngs of Cambridge.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.

Above: X598 USC is an ex Tyrers of Adlington, Lancashire Dennis Trident/Plaxton President. It was new to Lothian in Edinburgh and is one of two bought. It was pictured at Walton on the Naze on Greater Anglia Rail replacement to/from Thorpe Le Soken on 6/1/19. The old railway station building (now flats) is in the background. (Alex Hazell).

YJ57 BSY is an acquired Temsa Safari.
Volvo Olympian/Alexander RH S678 PAG has been damaged in a collision with the low railway bridge at Kirby Cross.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH.
Acquired for spares only is Iveco 50C FN55 EDO, ex Atherton, Sheerness.

TONY GLEW, COLCHESTER.
Ford Transit 16 seater LC16 KZM is ex Aptiga, Lower Morden, London.

TOWER TRANSIT.
New is Wright StreetLite DF WM46001 (SM68 ERZ), as an extra vehicle for TfL339 (Leytonstone-Shadwell).
On loan wad AD/Envioro 200 MMC demonstrator YX17 NKX – numbered SED1.
VDLSB200/Wright Pulsar2 hydrogen fuel cell bus WSH62994 (LK60 HPL) has moveD from route RV1 (Tower Gateway-Covent Garden)to TfL444 (Chingford-Turnpike Lane), with its sisters to follow.
Frequency reductions on TfL236 (Hackney Wick-Finsbury Park) and TfL444 meant some Wright StreetLites were surplus. These were transferred from Lea Interchange (LI) to Westbourne Park (X), for new TfL contract 228 (Central Middlesex Hospital-Maida Hill), gained from Metroline from 19/1/19.

Above: StreetLite WV46103 on the 444 at Chingford Station on 15/12/18. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LK04 HXD has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely for scrap – via Ensign.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON.
Acquired via Ensign are ex Connexions Buses, Tockwith Scania Omnicity saloons YN04 GMV/X. GMV is named ‘Brian Horner’, and is in NBC poppy red livery with West Yorkshire fleetnames ! GMV arrived with registration 5480 WY, but quickly reverted to its original mark.
Dart SLF/Mini Pointer HW54 BUO has passed to Red Route, Northfleet.

UNO.
Dart SLF/Pointer 130 (KP54 BYK) is now with Kent Coach Tours, Ashford.
Scania Omnicity Saloons 356/57 (YN53 GEY, GFG), Dart SLF/EL Esteems 509/10/12 (PE56 UFL/M/S) have passed to Ventura, Cranfield (dealer).

With thanks to:
Angliagen, S Austin, D Ayres, EBN, Ensignbus, A Hazell, Hedingham, JWF, S Kinsella Ilot, LOTS, D Osborne, D Pretty, PSVC.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the December 2018 edition of Busmopolitan.

(Simon Austin)
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year. This is Trustybus Scania Omnicity YN53 RXY at Harlow on 31/12/18.

As we leave 2018, it has been another year of interest on the Essex and District public transport scene. Highlights included the closure of the First Clacton depot, and expansion by Hedingham and Panther on the “Essex Sunshine Coast” as a result.
Then there was the acquisition on NIBS by Stephensons, and Stephensons moving its Braintree base three times in 12 months.
On the railways; CrossRail’s full opening was delayed, but the new Class 345s are entering traffic, with the first ‘315s going to the scrap yard. The new Stadler ‘Flirt’ trains for Greater Anglia also started to arrive towards the end of 2018. There was also much engineering work at the London end of the Great Eastern Main Line, resulting in rail replacement buses and coaches over many weekends.
In the air, the collapse of Cobalt and Primera made the headlines, along with disruption at Stansted Airport caused by strikes on Ryanair.
And finally, on the water, it was farewell to the old Woolwich Free Ferries. But their successors will arrive early in 2019, to continue linking the opposite banks of the River Thames.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (COLCHESTER).

Above: Brand new StreetLite 4324 (SK68 TWV) at Osborne Street, Colchester on 14/12/18. (Simon Austin).

Below: And 4323 at Braintree on 22/12/18, a few days after entering service. (Simon Austin).

There are two new Wright StreetLite MAXs for route 133 (Braintree-Stansted Airport)- 4323/24 (SK68 TWU/V). They are to ‘Sapphire’ specification. The two displaced Volvo B7RLEs will now normally appear on route 8 (Highwoods-Monkwick). As a result, DAF SB120/Wright Cadets 3528/29 (LF02 PNE/J) are withdrawn.
Dart SLF/Pointer 3419 (SN54 HXF) lost its poppy branding in early December.
The old tram shed on Magdalen Street was demolished at the start of December. The only part to be retained was the frontage of the old electricity station on Military Road.
Odd sightings: 3/12/18: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1562 (RX07 KPG) on 8. 4/12/18: DAF SB120/Wright Cadet 3529 (LF02 PNJ) on 4. 26/12/18: ADL/E200 4016 on 133; P and R ADL/E200 4071 (SK15 GXR) on 900. 28/12/18: Short SLF/Caetano 1564 (HX04 HUH) on 8; StreetLite 4324 (SK68 TWV) on Staff Shuttle in Colchester.

Above and top: The tram shed being dismantled on 5/12/18. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (HARLOW).

Above: Optare Solo 1456 at Loughton Station on 12/11/18, on an ex EOS service. (Daniel Acott).

Below: Mb Sprinter 1010 at Harlow Bus Station on 31/12/18. This is ex Hemel Hemsptead. (Simon Austin).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE (SOUTHEND).
Withdrawn is DAF DB250LF/EL 6260 (FD02 UKS).

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
New Routemasters LT820/37 have reverted to red fleet livery, ex overall adverts.

Above: Repainted and with the new Arriva logos, VDL DB300LF/Wright Gemini2 DW207 at Lakeside Bus Station on 1/12/18. (Simon Austin).

AVON/GATWICK FLYER, ROMFORD.
Withdrawn are minicoaches YX06 DNF/O, RX16 XGN.

BARKERBUS, ROYDON.
Withdrawn is Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere A557 GAP ex R297 PTF.

BLUE TRIANGLE.
TfL104 (Manor Park-Stratford) was gained from Stagecoach East London from 8/12/18.
Transferred in for this were: ADL/Enviro 400s E127 (LX09 FCD) from London General at Morden Wharf; E130 (SN60 BZB) from London Central at Bexleyheath; E136 (SN60 BZH) from Metrobus at Orpington; E186 (LX61 BHZ) from London General at Morden Wharf; E187 (SN61 BJE) from London General at Sutton; E189-193 (SN61 BJJ/K/O/U/V) from London Central at Camberwell; E276 (SN13 CJE) from London General North at Northumberland Park; E277-280 (SN13 CJF/J/O/U) from London General at Stockwell; Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s WVL332 (LX59 DDJ) from London General at Stockwell; WVL333 (LX59 DDK) from London General at Morden Wharf; WVL446 (LJ61 GWE) from London General at Merton. WVL446 was initially loaned to Docklands.
Ex First ADL/E400s EN18-24 (LK08 FLH/J/L/M/N/P/R) have moved from London General North – mainly for schools services. They have replaced some of the ex Metrobus Scania N230UD/Olympuses.
Ex London Central at BX Volvo B9TL/Gemini WVL376 (LX60 DXG) has been refurbished and is here from London General North.
ADL/Enviro 200 SE106 is delicensed due to accident damage. It was in collision with a car in Barking and there were several slight injuries. It has gone for repairs.
The last Scanias are withdrawn. They have been replaced on schools by cascaded Enviro 400s.
TfL300 (East Ham-Canning Town) and TfL376 (Beckton-East Ham) were transferred to Docklands Buses from 8/12/18. These had been worked by Docklands before. This was to make space for the new TfL104 allocation.

Above: The last Scanias at Blue Triangle were N230UD/Optare Olympuses. 880 was pictured at Brentwood on 16/5/15. They were transferred from Metrobus to replace early WVL Class Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis on TfL498 (Romford-Brentwood). When 498 was lost to Stagecoach in July 2015; some of the Scanias were retained for schools, but others returned to Metrobus or moved to London General at Sutton. (John Podgorski).

BLUELINE, ROCHFORD.
Ex Airlynx Express, North Baddersley is VHTD921 YJ09 CYY.

BREXIT BUS.


Ex National Express Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante FJ60 EGD at Colchester Town Hall on 20/12/18. (Simon Austin).

CHAMBERS.
The legal entity has been changed to Konectbus. The legals and O discs have changed accordingly, but the Chambers identity and livery remains.

Above: Ex Carousel Buses ADL/Enviro 200/MCV Evolution 267 at North Station Road, Colchester on 1/12/18. 84 is a one time Norfolks of Nayland route. (John Podgorski).

Above: Hedingham Scania Omnidekka 813 on loan to Chambers, and seen at Colchester Bus Station on 1/12/18. There are a lot of exchanges between Chambers and Hedingham these days. Note that some of the ‘Seasiders’ branding has been removed. (Daniel Pretty).

CHARLISE, CLAYDON.
Mb Sprinter 513/Stanford LK64 HDD is now L99 JGR.

COACH STOP, RETTENDON.
Withdrawn is Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 X312 NNO.

COLAS RAIL.
4/12/18: 70811 on 6L44 Oxwellmains-West Thurrock cement.
5/12/18: 37175 tnt 37099 plus 9481, 72631, 975091 on 1Q18 NR test train “down” at Brentwood.
10/12/18: 70805 on Whitemoor-Hoo Junct engineers’.
13/12/18: 70807 on 6L37. 70811 on 6L44.
17/12/18: 66849 on Hoo Junct-Whitemoor engineers’.
24/12/18: 66847 on 6L37.
27/12/18: 66849 on 6L37.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.
Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2 WVL446 (LJ61 GWE) was borrowed from Blue Triangle (qv).
The last Scanias are withdrawn.
TfL300, TfL376 have been transferred from Blue Triangle (qv).

Above: The last Scanias at Docklands Buses were ex Metrobus Omncities. No 959 was recorded at Crossharbour on 6/5/17. They were made redundant by the loss of TfL D8 on retender to Tower Transit. (John Podgorski).

DBS.
5/12/18: 66161 on 4O79 Marks Tey-Crawley RMC aggregates.
10/12/18: 66025 tnt 66053 on West Anglia RHTT. 66107 to new livery and on Wakefield-FLX.
11/12/18: 66107 on 4L45 Wakefield-FLX.
21/12/18: 57303 towed GA 90009 from Norwich to Bound Green depot.
27/12/18: 66206/009/177/155 on 0B08 Whitemoor-Acton Yard light engine at Cambridge @ 0940.

DRS.
1/12/18; 57303 light engine through Shenfield.
3/12/18: 37405 + 37706 Norwich-Crewe light engine via GEML.
5/12/18: 37606 tnt 37605 on 3S60 RHTT at Wickford.
7/12/18: 57303 tnt 57002 on 3S60 at Wickford.
8/12/18: 37611 hauled newly relivered LOROL 378136 from Ilford to Silwood Sidings.
27/12/18: 57303 hauling GA DVT 82114 and loco 90001 (plus stock) through Cambridge on Norwich-Bounds Green 5Z25 move.

ENSIGNBUS.

Above: BCI Excellence 146 at Southend Travel Centre on 26/12/18. (Daniel Disbury).

On Boxing Day, 26/12/18, two “one day only” commercial services were operated. One was the established X10 (Lakeside-Southend), while the other was a new venture – X1 (Upminster-Southend Airport).

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 601 at Tilbury Docks on the Tilbury Town Circular on 1/12/18. (Simon Austin).

ENSIGN RUNNING DAY 2018 – 1st DECEMBER.

Above: Ensign former BEA AEC Regal ‘RF’ MLL 738 on Brentwood High Street. (Simon Austin).

Above: Ensign’s former JMT 1929 Leyland Titan TD2 6332 J at Lakeside. This was its debut appearance following restoration. (Simon Austin).

Below: Preserved ex London Country/London Transport Country District Daimler Fleetline/Park Royal XF1. At Lakeside. It is presented in early London Country livery. (Simon Austin).

Above: Preserved ex Stagecoach West, former Bristol Omnibus Bristol VRTSL/ECW JOU 160P at Tilbury. This bus was originally dual door for use in Bristol city. (Simon Austin).

FIRST ESSEX.
Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse 66804 (MX05 CCO) returned to service at Colchester (CR), following fitment of a new engine by Volvo at Bury St Edmunds. 66806 (MX05 CCV) is away at Volvo for mechanical works. 66812 (MX05 CDN) now has branding for ‘Be a Secret Santa’.
Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65690 (YS03 ZKK) was loaned from Colchester to Basildon in late November/early December to cover for a temporary shortage of hybrid buses for route 100. It returned to Colchester in the first week of December. 65679 (YR52 VEH) returned from First Eastern Counties at the end of December. 65688/90/92 (YS03 ZHK/K/L/M) have lost their old Route 74/76 branding from their rear engine covers. 65672/75 (SN51 UYE/J) are withdrawn.
Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30894 (X749 VUA) is transferred from First Manchester at Oldham. It’s now at Hadleigh (HH) and has replaced roof damaged Trident 33189.
33189 is withdrawn, having been deemed beyond economic repair; maybe a new life as an open topper beckons ?
The loan of various saloons to Basildon (BN), to cover for the Volvo 7900H hybrids, ended in early December.

Above: Branded for Brentwood local route 37, ADL/Enviro 200 44540 was pictured at Halstead (Butler Road) Bus Station on Sunday 25/11/18, on Essex CC contracted service 352. The 37 does not operate on Sundays or bank holidays. Note the ‘Poppy 100’ emblem on the front. (Simon Austin).

Above: Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 65690 on loan from Colchester to Basildon and pictured at Lakeside Bus Station on 1/12/18. (Simon Austin).

Odd sightings: 1/12/18: StreetLite 63333 (SK65 PXP) on 62. 3/12/18: Vo B9TL/Gemini2 37009 (WX55 VHU) on 67/C; Wright StreetLite 63329 (SK65 PXJ) on 67. 4/12/18: B9TL;/Gemini 37140 (SN57 CHZ) on 64A; Wright StreetLite 63334 (SK65 PXR) on 75; Scania Omnicity 65030 (YN06 TDV) on 67. 5/12/18: StreetLite 63339 (SM65 EEX) on 71.
6/12/18: StreetLite 63331 (SK65 PXN) on 67/C. 8/12/18: Route 62 B9TL 37138 (SN57 HCX) on 75. 9/12/18; Route 62 B9TL 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 2A. 12/12/18: Route 62 B9TL 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 1A; StreetLite 63330 (SK65 PXM) on 75; Omnicity 65031 (YN06 TDX) on 67. 14/12/18: Route 62 B9TL 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 70. 17-18/12/18: Omnicity 65029 (YN06 TDU) on 67. 19/12/18: Trident 33080 (LN51 GNP) on 174/175; Route 62 B9TL 37135 (SN57 HCP) on 75 but showing route 62. 23/12/18; Route 62 B9TL 37139 (SN57 CHY) on 75. 28/12/18: ADL/E300 67756 (SN62 ASU) on 62. 30/12/18: Scania L94UB/Wright 62409 (YS03 ZKD) on 62A. 31/12/18: Green Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66810 (MX05 CDF) on 62.

FLAGFINDERS.
From 10/12/18, two Mersea-Thurstable school buses (Routes 7 and 9), were relocated from Tollesbury to Kelvedon depot. This reduces Tollesbury from 4 to 2 vehicles.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: “Low emission” 66951 at Kelvedon on 8/12/18; hauling a Felixstowe bound intermodal. (John Podgorski).

10/12/18: 66569 + 66539 dead in tow on Tees Dock-FLX.
12/12/18: 90042/43 on 4L97.
21/12/18: 90048/044 on Crewe-FLX.
23/12/18: 90044 at Ipswich for staff training.
23-31/12/18: Some Felixstowe ‘liners diverted “cross country”, due to south end of GEML being blocked for engineering.
28/12/18: 70008 on 4M81 Felixstowe-Basford Hall.
29/12/18: 90044 + 86608 + 86639 stabled in headshunt opposite Ipswich Goods Junction.

Above: ‘Powerhaul’ liveried 90042 at Ipswich on 15/12/18. (Simon Austin).

GBRf.
1/12/18: 66713 tnt 66732 on 3S60 RHTT “down” at Brentwood. 66727 on 6T60 Whitemoor-Felixstowe Beach engineers. 66759 4M23 on Felixstowe-Hams Hall. 66777 on 4L29 Birch Coppice-Felixstowe.
3/12/18: 66702 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66707 on 4Z26 FLX-Masboro. 66728/60 on 0L33 Peterborough-Ipswich-FLX light engine. 66739 ‘Bluebell Railway’ on 4L22 Hams Hall-FLX. 66757 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks. 66779 on 4R03 Parkeston-FLX.
4/12/18: 66722 on Chesterton Junct-Bardon aggregates.
7/12/18: Belmond Pullman 66743 on 6L36 Hoo Junct-Whitemoor. 66779 on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX.
10/12/18: 66718 tnt 66725 on West Anglia RHTT. 66743 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice. 66754 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
12/12/18: 66719 on Harwich-North Walsham tanks.
13/12/18: 66743 on 4M29. 66778 on 4Z33 FLX-Doncaster.
17/12/18: 66713 on 4Z81 Masboro-FLX. 66739 on Hams Hall-FLX. 66749/54 on 0L33. 66764 on FLX-Masboro.
18/12/18: 66709 on 4L18 Trafford Park-FLX.
19/12/18: 66725 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
24/12/18: 66739 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.
28/12/18: 66736 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall. 66747 on 4M29 FLX-Birch Coppice.
29/12/18: 66747 on Birch Coppice-FLX.

Above: 66747 on Ipswich North Chord of East Suffolk Junction on 29/12/18. (John Podgorski).

GOLDEN BOY, HODDESDON.
New is XO68 BOY.
Offered for sale are Mb 0816D/Plaxton Cheetah 2 XO10 BOY; Mb 0818/Noone Turas WO13 BOY, XO63 BOY.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 321342 ‘R Barnes’ leads ‘Renatus’ 321306 and ex LM/GN 321419 into Colchester, on the 0826 Ipswich to London Liverpool Street, on 23/11/18. (John Podgorski).

2/12/18: 90004 light Norwich to Ilford then back with 5P98 ECS.
3/12/18: 90015 towed DRS 37602 Crewe-Norwich light engine.
8-9/12/18: 156412 on Marks Tey-Sudbury, instead of usual ‘153.
13/12/18: 755408 delivered.
17/12/18: 90001 on 5V91 Ilford-Norwich ECS; 90001 back in use ex several moths “stopped”. 317341 + 321427 on 5F98 at Witham.
19/12/18: 755406 delivered; hauled to Norwich by DBS 66001.
29/12/18: Inter City services affected by major signal failure at Trowse Junction, Norwich.

HEDINGHAM.

(John Podgorski).

The legal entity has been changed to Konectbus. The Legals and O discs have been changed in accordance, but the Hedingham name and livery remain.
A third ex Go South Coast (Damory Coaches) Dart SLF/Mini Pointer is 287 (HW54 BUE).
285 (SN03 UBV) has moved to Konect.
Ex trainer Volvo B7TL/EL PL51 LGD has entered pcv use at HD as fleet no 505. It has replaced Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 517 (which has gone for single door conversion) and is confined to schools. Scania Omnilink trainer YN02 GHO has returned, off loan at Konect.
Volvo B7TL/Geminis 524/25 (LX05 EZG/H) have been converted to single door. They entered service in late December.
The only Tridents remaining at Clacton at December were 701/2/22/27 (T801/2 RFG, W822/27 NNJ).
Scania Omnidekka 803 (YN55 PZE) returned to Chambers at the start of December, with 813 (YN55 PZU) returning to Hedingham at Kelvedon, before being replaced by Chambers 809 (YN55 PZN). 809 was returned on 13/12/18. 801 (YN55 PZC) appeared at KN on 19/12/18, but was returned on the 20th.
Ford Transit BU14 YNT was again returned to Robertson Van Hire, off loan at the end of the Autumn school term.

Above: Providing a contrast to the picture in November 2018 Busmopolitan, this is Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 286 in a previous life as Southern Vectis 3317, pictured at Cowes, Isle of Wight in March 2013. (David Arnold).

Above: Seen after just having entered service following single door conversion; Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 520 turns from Osborne Street into Stanwell Street, Colchester on 1/12/18. (Daniel Pretty).

Service 87C (Weeley-Colne School, Brightlingsea) ceased after 21/12/18, and was formally deregistered on 31/12/18. A registered school service, it’s loadings were not commercially viable.

IPSWICH BUSES.
Withdrawn is Optare Excel 173.

JR EXECUTIVE TRAVEL, COPDOCK.
Mb 0814D/Ferqui JR06 BUS was resold via Parnell, Honiton (dealer) to Sapphire Vehicle Rentals, Bolton and then to Abdullah, Bolton.

KINGS TOURS, COLCHESTER.
On hire from Evobus was Mb Tourismo BF67 WLL.

Above: BF67 WLL at Stanway depot on 11/12/18. (John Podgorski).

LCB TRAVEL, HARLOW.
Acquisitions are: Ford Transit CX60 XASW – branded for ZIP. Ford Tourneo AJ12 ETK.

LONDON OVERGROUND.

Above: 378203 departs Stratford and heads onto the North London Line, on 10/11/18. (John Podgorski).

20/12/18: 172006 at Ilford depot.
22/12/18: 172006 as Ilford-Tyseley ECS.

M and M STAFFING, CHELMSFORD.

Above: New is Neoplan Tourliner tri-axle MM68 BUS. It was pictured at Cooksmill Green depot on 6/12/18. Note the new livery, which has also been applied to sister OU15 ZVX. (Mark Hough).

MARC1, BILLERICAY.
From Llew Jones of Llanwrst is Scania K380EB4/Berkhof OW07 YVJ.

MTR CROSSRAIL.

Above: ‘Aventra’ 345016 departs West Ealing on 1/12/18, on a London Paddington to Hayes and Harlington service. Until the cross London tunnel opens at the end of 2019, CrossRail will operate as two separate shuttles (east and west). (John Podgorski).

Below: 345006 contrasts with Greater Anglia 321439 at London Liverpool Street on 8/12/18. (John Podgorski).

NATIONAL EXPRESS.
On Christmas Day, 25/12/18 – special service 813 (Lowestoft-Gt Yarmouth-Norwich-Cambridge-London) replaced 010, 490, 491.
Odd sightings: 2/12/18: Galloway Setra S416 tri-axle 3379 PP on 250.

NEW HORIZON.
Service 177 (Colchester-West Mersea) ceased after 21/12/18, and was formally de-registered on 31/12/18. A registered scholars route, it had seen a sharp decline in patronage over the previous 12 months. First 67 provides an alternative.
As a result, Volvo B7RLE/Wrights HF54 HGY, HHD are surplus, but not withdrawn.

Above; Ex Go South Coast/Morebus Volvo B7RLE/Wright HF54 HGY was the regular bus on the 177. It was pictured here at Southway, Colchester – on an afternoon working on 30/11/18. (John Podgorski).

Volvo B10M/Jonckherre W864 AAY has passed to Stainthorpe of Skelton.

NIBS, WICKFORD.

Above: With its new Stephensons series fleet number 341, Wright StreetLite MX11 CZR was at Grays Bus Station on 1/12/18. 269 is a former Harris Bus route. (Simon Austin).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: D511 PPU at Parkeston depot, Harwich on 19/12/18. (Chris Sampson).

Leyland Olympian/ECW coach D511 PPU is back in use, ex stored. It is semi preserved. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther DB54 PAN is also returned to service – ex engine repairs.
Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Mini Pointer KV51 KZK has been sold to A2B Buses, Cambridge. Previously sold Mb Sprinter LF/Koch BX56 VTE was still awaiting collection from Parkeston by its purchaser in late December.
Offered for sale are ADL/Enviro 200 YX09 FLA (dealer stock); Dennis Dart SLF/Mini Pointer DC56 PAN; Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer DC02 PAN; Leyland Olympian BIG 9249. YX09 FLA has been repainted plain white, ex London red. Some more E200s have been acquired, including YX10 BFP/V and YX10 BGK.
Former DAF DB250LF/EL FD02 UKR ex AB02 PAN has been sold by Reading Buses to Abus, Bristol ex loan.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 YX10 BGK being collected from Ensign’s at Purfleet on 27/12/18. (Alex Hazell).

Above: Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale BIG 9210 at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, between Bury St Edmunds and Thetford, on 28/11/18. It was on a school trip. (Alex Hazell).

Unusual sightings:
19, 24/12/18: Plaxton Primo SB07 PAN on 80/81 rather than usual Dart SLF or Enviro 200.

REGAL BUSWAYS.
Neioplan Tourliner OV63 XCN has been traced to Carrs Loch Lomons, Gartochcharn.

SEE LONDON BY NIGHT, RAINHAM.
Has some ex Abellio ADL/Enviro 400s via Ensign. They have been re-registered AA51, 52, 53, 54 SEE, but some previous identities are yet unknown. AA51 and AA52 were ex LX06 EYZ, EZB.
Withdrawn are Trident/ELs T808 RFG, W832 NNJ.
Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 T75 KLD has been sold, following accident damage.

SOUTH EAST COACHES, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS.
YS68 FHM is a new Irizar i6. It entered in plain white before being vinyled.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS.
Transferred to Stagecoach North Scotland are Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400s 18337/39/45/46 (AE55 DJX/Z, DKN/O).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
In from Selkent is ADL/Enviro 40D 19839 (LX61 DAA) – now at Barking.
Service and contract changes from 8/12/19 saw the withdrawal of most of the remaining Scania Omnicity double deckers, and more Dennis Tridents. Omnicities stood down were 15050-66/68-70/72/96, 15121-24. Bow has lost its Omnicities, withthe remainder now at Rainham or West Ham. Some have transfered to Selkent – 15049, 15114-120.
Trident/ALX400s withdrawn were 17796, 17844/55/57/59/61, 17990/91/94/97, 18203/5/6, 18269/77, 18451/60/69/83.
Also withdrawn were ADL/Enviro 200s 36309/10/27-37.
TfL104 (Manor Park-Stratford) passed to Go-Ahead Blue Triangle from 8/12/18.

Above: New Routemaster LT385 on Oxford Street, approaching Oxford Circus on 8/12/18. It is on a short working; 55 goes to Leyton Green in its entirety. (John Podgorski).

Transferred to Selkent are ADL/Enviro 40Ds 19859-68 (LX12 CZN/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W/Y).
Sold: Tridents 17844 (LX03 BYW, 17855/56 (LX03 NEU/Y), 17906 (LX03 ORZ), 17977 (LX53 JZW), 17990/91 (LX53 KBV/Y), 17996 (LX53 KCF), 18204 (LX04 FWP), 18453 (LX05 LLO), 18466/68 (LX55 EPU/Y), 18486/87 (LX55 BFE/F), 18494 (LX06 AGZ) – to Lister PSV, Bolton.
Trident/ALX400 LX03 ORG has gone to Shelton Motors, Ely for scrap, via Ensign.
Trident 18217 (LX04 FXE) has been scrapped “in house”.

STEPHENSONS.

Above: Scania N230UD/Olympus 502 at Manor Street, Braintree on 29/11/18. It is working the 30 town service. (Simon Austin).

Unusual sightings: 15/12/18: Scania N230UD/Olympus 501 (EU58 BHX) at Start Hill Scania.

SULLIVAN, SOUTH MIMMS.
Withdrawn are MAN14/MCV Evolutions MM786/87 (LK58 EHW/X). MM788 (LK57 EHY) has gone for scrap; along with Trident/ALX400s TAL123, 132 (X343/32 HLL). Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini LF52 UPL has been scrapped.

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN.
YN08 NYB is an acquired Mb 0816D/Plaxton Panther2, in black and white livery.

TOWER TRANSIT.

Above: Volvo B9TL/Gemini2 VN36155 overtakes VN36118 on Ilford High Road on 8/9/18.
‘118 is on a short working of route 25, while ‘155 is bound for what was the ultimate western destination until the 1st December changes (see below). (John Podgorski).

From 1/12/18, TfL25 was shortened to run as City Thameslink-Ilford. Its western terminus had previously been at Tottenham Court Road. Some VN Class Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini2s made surplus by this, VN36101-3/5-11/13-15/23/24, 37943 – moved from Lea Interchange (LI) to Westbourne Park (X) for TfL452 (Kensal Rise-Vauxhall), gained from Abellio. Meanwhile, five VH Class Volvo B5Hs went from X to LI, to begin hybrid conversion of TfL25. These were spare after frequency reductions on TfL328 (Chelsea-Golders Green).
The DN Class ADL/E400s sold to Go-Ahead London via Ensign, have been posted to Metrobus, for TfL51 (Orpington-Woolwich), gained from Stagecoach from 8/12/18. They are the EN Class with Go-Ahead. All bar Orpington fire losses EN33 and EN37 entered service from 8th December. Those have been replaced by ex Abellio London E400s.

TRUSTYBUS.

Above: Ex Stagecoach Scotland West Optare Solo SF05 NXD, with seasonal message – at Harlow Bus Station on 31/12/18. (Simon Austin).

All of the Scania Omnilink/ELs have been withdrawn for scrapping.

UNO.
Aquired for a forthcoming relaunched service are a batch of former Maltese Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Geminis – sourced via Somerset Passenger Solutions at Bridgwater. They are 366/67 (BG14 OOH/X), 372-75 (BG14 OPF, BD14 KXR/S/T). They were BUS 353/58/65-68 when in Malta.

Above: Dart SLF/Pointers 120/KE04 UMC and 113/KC03 OSE stored at the Braintree depot of Stephensons of Essex on 15/12/18. They are now Stephensons dealer stock. (John Podgorski).

Sold are Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 271 (SK52 MKV); Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis 277-79 (LF52 ZNW/X, ZPL). Optare Sol oOS402 (YK05 CCY) passed to Ventura, Cranfield (dealer).

VICEROY, SAFFRON WALDEN.
Sold is Dart SLF/Mini Pointer X509 WRG.

WCR.
6/12/18: 47832 with stock 99304, 5032, 4984, 99311, 13320, 3136, 9935099712, 99351, 99122 on 5Z48 Norwich-Southall ECS.

With thanks to: D Acott, Anglia gen, D Arnold, S Austin, W Bell, D Disbury, D Edwards, A Hazell, M Hough, London Bus Routes Forum, LOTS, D Pretty, PSVC, M Toon.