Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the August 2020 edition of Busmopolitan.

ANGUS, NEEDHAM MARKET. This coach operator, founded in 1997, closed on 31/8/20.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE COLCHESTER. Dart SLF/Caetano 1563 (RX07 KPJ) returned to passenger service in late August, having been on Staff Shuttles since June.
Odd sightings:
5/8/20: Dart SLF/MPD 1559 (EU56 GVG) on 8; R133 StreetLite 4323 (SK68 TWU) on 8.
6/8/20: Dart SLF/MPD 1558 (KX56 HCP) on 8; Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 (HX04 HUK) on 2.
7/8/20: StreetLite 4224 (GN62 HMY) on 2.
9/8/20: ADL/E200s 4011/18 (GN58 BTO, BUE) on 133.
10/8/20: 1559 on 8; Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 on 1; R133 StreetLite 4324 (SK68 TWV) on 2.
11/8/20: 1558 on 8; 1565 on 1; Park and Ride ADL/E200 4074 (SK15 GXU) on 1 + 2; StreetLite 4262 (GN64 DXS) on 2. 14/8/20: R133 4324 on 8. 17/8/20: R133 4324 on 8. 20/8/20: R133 StreetLite 4323 on 1.                                          23/8/20: 1563 on 8. 25/8/20: R133 4324 on 8. 26/8/20: 1559 on 133; 4017 on 133; 4324 on 8. 28/8/20: StreetLite 4224 on 1.

Above: Arriva Colchester’s solitary double decker; VDL DB300LF/Wright Pulsar Gemini low height 4459 (MX61 AXW), on Mersea Road on 28/8/20. (John Podgorski).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE HARLOW. The new Mercedes Tourismo coaches for the (currently) delayed new 720 (Stansted Airport-London) service have been registered – 7200-15 (BV20 HRA/C-G/J-P/R/U/W). Some have been loaned to Arriva The Shires at Luton for use on Green Line 755 and 757 (Luton-London). They carry the latest Green Line livery.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE SOUTHEND. Heritage liveried ADL/Enviro 400 MMC 6499 (SN66 WHS), has been named ‘Geoff Arthur’ after a long serving staff member.

ARRIVA LONDON NORTH.
ADL/Enviro 400s T22, 25, 29, 30, 31, 34 have been transferred to Edmonton (EC).
VDL DB250LF/Wright Gemini DW136 has been withdrawn from the training fleet and transferred to Grays (GY) as a staff rest/meal relief vehicle.
Volvo B7TL/ALX400 VLA131 (LJ05 GMF) has passed to Bromley Bus Preservation Group.
Withdrawn VLA57 and VLA116 (LJ05 BKG) are parked up at Barking garage.
As a result of recent TfL contract losses, Stamford Hill (SF) garage has been mothballed.

AVANTI WEST COAST.
6/8/20: 221101 on Ilford-Barton under Needlewood ECS. 21/8/20: 221111 on Ilford-Barton ECS.

BLUE TRIANGLE. Transferred from within GA London were ADL/Enviro 200s SE1 (LX07 BXH), SE2 (LX07 BXJ), SE92 (YX11 CPY).

CHAMBERS.Above: 455 at Osborne Street, Colchester on 28/8/20. (John Podgorski).

Below: 455 with Anglian Bus, in Great Yarmouth on 9/8/17. (Roger Pope).

Scania Omnilinks 454 (YT11 LVF), 455 (AN61 LAN) are in the new livery, ex Anglian. Borrowed from Hedingham Optare Solo 910 (SF04 SKD) has been swopped for 911 (SF04 SKE).
From 3/8/20, for 3 weeks, the B1508 was closed at the river bridge on Bridge Street in Bures. This affected route 754, which was split into 2 shuttles. The section to/from Colchester was covered by Hedingham Kelvedon depot for the duration. This terminated at the Eight Bells pub in Bures Hamlet.

Above: Hedingham Scania Omnidekka 812 (YN55 PZR) blinded for the Colchester-Bures 754 shuttle. (John Podgorski).

COLAS. 17/8/20: 37254 tnt 37175 on 1Q90 Derby-Ferme Park via Liverpool St. 18/8/20: 37175 tnt 31175 on 1Q95 Ferme Park-Shoebury-Ripple Lane; then 1Q96 Ripple Lane-Leigh/Fenchurch St-Ferme Park. 21/8/20: 37254 tnt 37175 on 1Q99 Cambridge-March via Ipswich and Felixstowe. 31/8/20: 70813/817 on 6C60/61 Whitemoor-Woodgrange Park engineers and return.

COOKS, WESTCLIFF. Restarted activities in August.

DAN’S COACH TRAVEL, NEEDHAM MARKET.

Above: Ex First Essex Scania L94UB/Wright Solar YS03 ZKF on Greater Anglia rail replacement to Bury St Edmunds, at Ipswich on 1/8/20. (Simon Austin).

DANS LUXURY TRAVEL, WALTHAM ABBEY. The fleet at end of trading was: Jasvelin/Plaxton YN57 BWA; Volvo B10M/Jonckhere Y137 CDS; Volvo B12B/Jonckherres YJ07 ADO/X; Volvo B7R/Plaxton Primas YN07 DUH/Y, KGZ; Mercedes Tourismos BK11 CNX, BF16 XRE, BL16 FYV, BN17 JLO, BF67 WKW, YN18 CLY; King Longs BX14 FZY/Z; Volvo B11R/Jonckherres YJ64 HDU, SH15 WWX; Yutong Tc9 YC15 WCT; Yutong Tc12 YG65 APK. Sold are King Long XMQ6130 BX14 FZZ – to Dealtop, Clyst St Mary, Devon, Volvo B7R/Plaxton YN07 KGX; Javelin/Plaxton YN57 BWA – to 1st Choice, Llanelli and Yutong Tc12 YG65 APK – to Mitchell, South Croydon. YN57 BWA was downseated from 70 to 57 before sale.

DBS.
5/8/20: 59004 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66089 on 6L07 Acton-Ipswich Griffin Wharf and 6V07 return. 66127 on Hither Green-Marks Tey sand yard.
6/8/20: 66051 on 4L45. 66128 at Bow Yard. Blue 66162 on 4M79. 12/8/20: 66206 on Acton-Ipswich Griffin Wharf. 17/8/20: 66129 on 4L56 Trafford-London Gateway. 18/8/20: 66051 on Wakefield-FLX.  19/8/20: 50102 on Acton-Chelmsford and return on 6V12. 66079 on Acton-Ipswich Griffin Wharf, and then 6V20 to Neasden. 20/8/20: 66051 on FLX-Wakefield. 66116 on Bow-Heck Plasmor. 66162 on FLX-EM Gateway. 22/8/20: 66162 on 4M79 FLX-EM Gateway. 24/8/20: 66092 on Acton-Ipswich Griffin Wharf. 66158 on 6L69 Peterborough-Bow Plasmor. 24/8/20: Blue 66006 on 4L45. 25/8/20: 66077 on 4M70 FLX-EM Gateway. 66133 on Peterborough-Bow Plasmor. 26/8/20: 66092 on 6V07 Ipswich Griffin Wharf-Neasden sand. 66102 on FLX-EM Gateway.

DOCKLANDS BUSES. Ex Abellio ADL/Enviro 200s SEN53-57 (YX16 NZZ, OAA, NZY/W/S) are here. Transferred from within GA London was ADL/Enviro 200 SE29 (SN57 DWV).

DON’S, DUNMOW.

Above: Ex Ensignbus ADL/Enviro 200 PX12 BSZ, freshly repainted and at Parsonage Down depot on 2/8/20. (Alex Hazell).

Leyland Olympian/Alexander RLs F602/04 MSL, have been sold for preservation.

DRS.Above: 68026 is towed by 57002 through Marks Tey during the afternoon of 19/8/20. They are en route from Stowmarket  to Willesden Brent.  (James Cole).

12/8/20: 57002 on 0Z02 Willesden-Norwich light loco via NLL and GEML. 19/8/20: 57002 towed 68026 on 0Z02 Stowmarket-Willesden Brent light loco. 26/8/20: 57002 on Norwich-Willesdwn Brent light loco. 27/8/20: 57002 on 6Z02 Eastleigh Works-Dagenham Dock empty cartics – 8743750255/438/164/107/461 – then 57002 ran light back to Norwich.

ENSIGNBUS.Above: Trident 339 at Southend Pier on 11/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

ADL/Enviro 200s 717/18 (YX60 EOS/T) have passed to Lloyd, Bagilt. New service 77/A (Aveley-Tilbury) began from 29/8/20. Odd sightings: 1/8/20: Routemaster open topper RM371 on 68. 8-9/8/20: Daimler Fleetline open top 333 (EGP 33J); MCW Metroliner open top 372 (A112 KFX), replica B Type open top 946 WAE – all on 68. 11/8/20: 333 on 68.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: Eastern National heritage liveried Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 37007, at Greenstead Road, Hythe, Colchester on 6/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Transferred from First South Yorkshire are Volvo B7TL/ALX400s 30564/67 – at CR. From First Eastern Counties at Lowestoft are ADL/Enviro 200s 44513/14 – at BN. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 43846 (SN55 CXF) to First Eastern Counties at Ipswich. ADL/E200 MMCs 67160/61 (YY66 OZV/W) have received Airlink livery, ex X10. Volvo B9TL;/Gemini 37986 (BJ11 ECY) is now in Eastern National Tilling cream and green heritage coach livery, ex X30. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 37009 (WX55 VHU) is currently stored at CF. It has been VOR since fire damage in August 2018. However, 37010 (WX55 VHV) is back in use at CR, ex long term VOR. In late August, exhibition unit Dart SLF/Caetano 41521 (LK03 UEY) appeared at Colchester on Staff Shuttles.

From 2/8/20, Colchester routes 61 (Highwoods-Wivenhoe) and 65 (Highwoods-Tollgate) interworked on Sundays. From 3/8/20, routes 67 (West Mersea-Colchester) and 75 (Colchester-Maldon) interworked, meaning more double deckers on the 67.
Odd sightings:
1/8/20: B7TL/Gemini 32547 (SF54 OSK) on 64. R62 B9TL/Gemini 37136 (SN57 HCU) on 65 + 1A; StreetLite 63344 (SM65 EFC) on 103; X10 ADL/E200 MMC 67161 (YY 66 OZW) on 100; X10 ADL/E200 MMC 67164 (YY 66 PBF) on 100.
3/8/20: R62 37136 on 65 + 1A; R62 B9TL/Gemini 37138 (SN 57 HCX) on 61; B7RLE/Wright 66816 (MX05 CDY) on 75; X10 ADL/E200 MMC 67162 (YY 66 OZX) on 5B; X10 67164 on 8. 4/8/20: R62 B9TL/Gemini 37133 (SN57 HDH) on 75; StreetLite 63335 (SK65 PXR) on 102; X10 67162 on 25; X10 67164 on 8A; B7RLE/Wright 69429 on 70. 5/8/20: B7TL/Gemini 37007 (WX55 VHR) on 64A; R62 37133 on 68; R62 B9TL/Gemini 37134 (SN57 HDJ) on 75; R62 37138 on 64A; R62 B9TL/Gemini 37139 (SN57 HCY) on 104; 63335 on 74B; StreetLite 63341 on 104; X10 67162 on 8; X10 67164 on 25. 6/8/20: B7TL/ALX400 32476 (AU53 HJK) on 174; 32547 on 103; ; 37007 on 64; R62 37133 on 2A; R62 37134 on 61; ; R62 37138 on 68; 42935 on 71A; StreetLite 63337 on 75; X10 67162 on 25; Airlink ADL/E200 MMC 67163 (YY66 PAO) on 100; X10 67164 on 8. 7/8/20: R62 37133 on 68; X10 67162 on 8; Airlink 67163 on 25; X10 67164 on 100. 8/8/20: R62 37134/36 on 61; R62 37138 on 68; R62 37139 on 2A; X10 67162 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 5; X10 67164 on 100. 9/8/20: R62 37133/34 on 65; X10 67162 on 8A; Airlink 66163 on 251; X10 67164 on 100. 10/8/20:R62 37133 on 65; R62 37136 on 75; R62 37138 on 2A; StreetLite 63339 on 75; B7RLE 66810 (MX05 CDF) on 75; X10 67162 on 8A; Airlink 67163 on 25; X10 67164 on 8. 11/8/20: R62 37133 on 75 + 67; R62 37136 on 75; R62 37138 on 2A; R62 37139 on 61; X10 67162 on 25; Airlink 67163 on 8; X10 67164 on 25; ADL/E300 67742 (SN62 AKO) on 62. 12/8/20: R62 37136 on 88; R62 37138 on 2A; X10 67162 on 25; Airlink 67163 on 25; X10 67164 on 8A. 13/8/20; 37027 on 64; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37136 on 88; R62 37138/39 on 61; 63332 on 102; 63334 on 62; 63337 on 75; X10 67162 on 5B; Airlink 67163 on 100. 16/8/20: R62 37136 on 61; R62 37139 on 65; X10 67162 on 8; Airlinks 67163 on 100. 17/8/20: B7TL/Gemini 32628 on 104; R62 37133 on 68; R62 37134 on 75; R62 37138 on 61; 37140 on 64; Airlink 67161 on 100; X10 67162 on 25; X10 67164 on 16. 18/8/20: R62 37136/38 on 88; ADL/E200 MMC 44659 on 71. 19/8/20: R62 37138 on 65; ADL/E200 44004 on 13/A/14; B7RLE 66801 on 70 + 71A; ADL/E300 67737 on 62. 20/8/20: 37006 on 102; 37016 on 64; 44004 on 71; 63341 on 74B; Airlink 67161 on 8; X10 67162 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 8; X10 67164 on 25. 21/8/20; 32629 on 64; 37015 on 64; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37136 on 65; R62 37138 on 61; R62 37139 on 75 + 67; Dart SLF/Pointer 42939 (WX05 SVE) on 71; StreetLite 63333 (SK65 PXP) on 62; 63336 (SM65 EEU0 on 2A; B7RLE 66730 (WX54 XCP) on 71; Airlink 67161 on 100; X10 67162 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 5; X10 67164 on 8. 22/8/20: R62 37134/38 on 61; R62 37139 on 75 + 67; Airlink 67161 on 100; X10 67162 on 25; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 100. 23/8/20: 32628 on 64; 37010 on 64; 37017 on 102; R62 37139 on 65; ADL/E200 MMC 44659 on 70; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 25. 24/8/20: R62 37133 on 2A; Airlink 67161 on 8; X10 67162 on 100; Airlink 67163 on 8; X10 67164 on 8. 25/8/20: R62 37133 on 65; Airlink 67160 on 5; Airlink 67161 on 25; X10 67162 on 9; Airlink 67163 on 94A; X10 67164 on 25.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 44513 (DK57 SXG), arrives at Basildon from Lowestoft on 30/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

FLAVIN, STANFORD LE HOPE. Volvo B10M/Van Hool K11 FCL has received a “Hearse Coach” livery of black and “Grim Reaper” decals – to highlight the decline of the UK coach industry due to Covid-19.

FREIGHTLINER.Above: 86637 leads a triple header Coatbridge-Felixstowe at Colchester on 25/7/20. (James Cole).

1/8/20: 86604/09 on 4L97 Trafford-Felixstowe. 86607/32 on 4L91 Trafford-Ipswich/Felixstowe.
5/8/20: 86607/32 on 4S88. 86609/39 on 4L89. 86613/22 on 4L91. 86614/37 on 4M45.
6/8/20: 66505 on 4L93. 66517 on 4M81. 86607/32 on 4L89. 86609/39 on 4L91. 86614/37 on 4M45.
7/8/20: 66516 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66592 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford. 86607/32 on 4L91. 86639/09 on 4S88 FLX-Coatbridge.
8/8/20: 86638/04 on 4L93 Crewe-FLX.
10/8/20: 66511 on 4S88 IPS-FLX section. 86604/38 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford. 11/8/20: 86604/38 on 4M87. 86607/32 on 4L89. 86608/22 on 4S88. 12/8/20: 86638/04 on 4L91.                                                                                              14/8/20: 66517 on 4L36 Wentloog-FLX. 17/8/20: 66414 on 4L35 Avonmouth-London Gateway. 66536 and 66571 on 4L36 Wentloog-FLX. 66555 + 562 tnt 6X04 Parkeston-Brentwood engineers. 66594 on 4M94 FLX-Lawley St. 86638/04 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford.18/8/20: 66558 on 4M94. 66590 on 6E50 Ipswich-Lindsay tanks. 86638/04 on 4L91. 86614/13 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford.  19/8/20: 66601 on 6M81 Marks Tey-Tunstead. 86608/22 on 4L89 Crewe-FLX. 86613/09 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 20/8/20: 66515 on 4M87. 66547 on 4L89 and then 4M87. 66548 on 4L41 Crewe-FLX. 66550 6L80 on Tunstead-Marks Tey. 66565 on Acton-Chelmsford. 66599 on 4M86 FLX-EM Gateway. 86608/22 on 4L91. 86609/13 on 4L97. 86632/37 on 4M45 and 4L45 return. 22/8/20: 66511 on 4L40 Doncaster-FLX. 66523 on 4L41 Ditton-FLX. 25/8/20: 66517 on Ipswich-Lindsay tanks. 26/8/20: 86639/09 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 90042/49 + 86637/32 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX – ’90s detached at Willesden. 26/8/20: 66513 on 4E24 London Gateway-Leeds. 66554 on 4L36. 86609/39 on 4M87. 27/8/20: 66543 on 4M87. 86639/09 on 4L91. 28/8/20: 66533 on 4M88 FLX-Ditton. 66545 on 4L36. 66563 on 4L41. 66548 on 4M63 FLX-Trafford. 86637/32 on 4L89 and 4M87. 86639/09 on 4L97. 29/8/20: 86608/13 on 4L91. 30/8/20: 66562 on Colchester-Broxbourne-Whitemoor engineers.

GALLEON TRAVEL, ROYDON. Mb Sprinter 516/EVM GU19 KKE has been reregistered CC64 GAL.

GARDNER, CHELMSFORD. All of the full size coaches have been withdrawn. Scania/Irizars S332 SET, YN04 GPJ, YN55 PXD/W, YR58 SNK; Volvo B10M/Jonckherre V342 JTO. Plus Mb0816D/Plaxton Cheetah2 CX09 FJE.

GBRf.Above: 66770 in the “up” loop at Witham on 1/8/20. (John Podgorski).

2/8/20: 47739/27 on 0Z59 Ferme Park-Ilford light loco.
5/8/20: 66713 on 0Z20 Ipswich-Lowestoft route learner. 66770 on route learner from Peterborough to Cambridge and London Fields via WA lines, then onto NLL and Acton, then return as above – 0Z52 to 0Z58.
6/8/20: 66708 on 4E21. 66749 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX failed at Wembley, and DBS 66128 replaced train loco. 66774 on 0Z30 Peterborough-Chingford route learner.
66740 on 4M29. Biffa 66783 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
7/8/20: 66772 on 4M21 FLX-Trafford with DBS 66128 dit as far as Wembley.
8/8/20: 66783 ‘Flying Dustman’ on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.
10/8/20: 66723 on 0Z23 route learning from Ipswich. 66771 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.                                      12/8/20: 66722 on 0Z23 Ipswich-Ipswich via East Suffolk Line route learner. 66759 on 0Z63 Stratford-Hornsey route learner. 13/8/20: 66711 on 0Z52-58 London Fields-Richmond route learner. 66759 on 0Z64 Hornsey-Stratford route learner. 14/8/20: 66759 on Stratford route learners. 17/8/20: 66710 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 66713/51 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor. 66736 on 4M02 FLX-Hams Hall. 66759 on 4M00 London Gateway-Masboro. 66782 on 6V32 Tilbury-Troste. 18/8/20: 66725 on 0Z25 Peterborough-London Fields route learner.        19/8/20: 66725 on 0Z63 Peterborough-Stratford route learner. 66755 on 0Z52 Peterborough-London Fields learner, then 0Z53 to Richmond and back. 20/8/20; 66710 on 0Z52 Peterborough-London Fields/Richmonds route learner. 66723 on 4L18 Trafford-FLX and 4M21 return. 66725 on 0Z63 Ferme Park-Stratford route learner. 22/8/20: 66772 on 4E20 FLX-Masboro. 24/8/20: 66755 on 0Z30-35 Whitemoor to London Fields route learners. 25, 26/8/20: 66755 on London Fields route learners. 66785 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 27/8/20: 66702/40 with DBS 66065 on 6L37. 66755 on London Fields route learners. 28/8/20: 66760 on 4M23 FLX-Hams Hall.

GREATER ANGLIA.    Above: 322481/82 are towed past Chitts Hill on 24/8/20, by ROG 37800. (John Podgorski).                                         

322481/82 are ex Northern. This completes the transfer over of the ex Northern Class 321s and 322s. 317660/68 are withdrawn.

1/8/20: 360106 towed Northampton-Ilford between GBRf 47739/27 as 5Q60.
2/8/20: 360111 towed Ilford-Northampton by GBRf 47727/39 as 5Q60.
8/8/20: 360111 towed Northampton-Ilford, between GBRf 47727/39 AS 5Q60. 9/8/20: 360112 towed Ilford-Northampton. 14/8/20: 317660/68 dragged Ilford-Ely for storage, by ROG 37884. 16/8/20: 360108 in 5Q60 Ilford-Northampton ECS between GBRf 47727/49. 18/8/20: 745007 on 5Q90 Norwich-Hornsey ECS for wheel lathe; returned on 19/8/20. 22/8/20: 360108 dragged Northampton-Ilford between GBRf 47739/27. 23/8/20; 360114 dragged Ilford-Northampton between GBRf 47727/39. 24/8/20: 321901/02 on 5V09 Clacton-Ilford ECS. 322481/82 towed Doncaster-Clacton ECS by ROG 37800. 25/8/20: 745004 Norwich-Hornsey ECS for tyre turning – returned on 26/8. 26/8/20: 755421 defective in Colchester yard. 29/8/20: 360114 towed as 5Q60 Northampton-Ilford ECS between GBRf 47727/49. Failed 745010 towed Colchester-Norwich by ROG 47812. 30/8/20: 360121 towed 5Q60 Ilford-Northampton ECS between GBRF 47749/27. 31/8/20: 745109 on Norwich-Hornsey ECS for tyre turning.

Above: 745009 at London Liverpool Street on 29/8/20, on the 1930 to Norwich. (John Podgorski).

Above: 745107 was one of the first Stadler Flirts to appear in service on Stansted Express; the other being 745108. Pictured at London Liverpool Street on 15/8/20. (John Podgorski).

HCT GROUP.
Refurbishment of the ex Metroline ADL/Enviro 200s for TfL W13 was completed with the return of 1338 from ADL, Harlow. It had been delayed by the Covid-19 lockdown.

HEDINGHAM.Above: Dart SLF/Pointers 253/57/60 (EU04 BVF, EU56 FLM/R) have received “face coverings”. 257 was at Colchester on 28/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Acquired Volvo B7TL/Presidents are X584 EGK, PL51 LDU – from Go North East, and PJ02 RBY – from East Yorkshire. X584 EGK has fleet no 586; PL51 LDU is 587; PJ02 RBY is 588.

Above: Freshly repainted into the new fleet livery; Scania Omnilink 457 at Greenstead Road, Hythe, Colchester on 6/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

Above: 457 in its days with Anglian Bus. Pictured at Gordon Road, Lowestoft on 12/3/16. (Simon Austin).

Mercedes Touros 1, 2 (BX55 FYH/J) have been reinstated for future schools use.
Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 570 (W487 WGH) is bis ex SORNED at HD. But 572/75 (W489/516 WGH) are VOR again at HD. In mid August, 572 returned to use at KN, while 568 (W458 WGH) and 573 (W491 WGH) were removed from store at KN, to CN and KN respectively. 574 (W506 WGH) was active again at Clacton from late August. 570 HD to KN by 26/8. 571/74/79 CN to KN on 26/8. 584  CN to KN on 27/8. 565 CN to KN on 28/8/20. Acquired 586 allocated to HD on 27/8. Most of the vehicles which had been SORNED or Reserve during Covid-19 are now back in use. HD Dart  SLF/Pointer 258 (EU56 FLN) unusually appeared at KN from 17/8/20, due to a vehicle shortage and was returned on 26/8.
Optare Solo 911 (SF04 SKE) no longer has the “Olivia cartoon” on its super rear advert for services in Clacton. 911 was loaned to Chambers during August, with 910 (SF04 SKD) coming back.

Above: Scania Omnidekka 814 on Lexden Road, Colchester on 3/8/20, running light to take up the evening part of the 3010 duty on service 63. The Busmopolitan/Bus Fayre editor is driving. (James Cole).

Omnidekka movements:
1/8/20: 802 – Chambers-KN. By 6/8/20: 811 – Chambers-KN. By 7/8/20: 807 – KN-Chambers; 810 – Chambers-KN; 814 – KN-Chambers. 10/8/20: 814 – Chambers-KN. 13/8/20: 811 – Chambers-KN. By 14/8/20: 802/08 – KN-Chambers; 810 – Chambers-KN. 18/8/20: 812 – Chambers-KN. By 19/8/20: 800 – KN-Chambers; 810 – Chambers-KN.
Odd sightings:
4/8/20: Solo 911 on X76. 10/8/20: Omnidekka 810 on D1. 18/8/20: 258 on D1. 23/8/20: 910 on 74 + X76. 24/20; 814 on KN Duty 3011  -15, 83, 82, 15. 27/8/20: 574 on 63.

Above: Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 513 at St Johns Street, Colchester on 4/8/20. The Busmopolitan/Bus Fayre editor at the helm. Note the social distancing measures to the left. (Daniel Pretty).

During the closure of the B1508 at the river bridge on Bridge Street in Bures, route 83 terminated at the Eight Bells pub, instead of Bures Church. This was for the first 3 weeks of August.

IPSWICH BUSES. Ex RATP London, via Ensign are Scania Omnicity  ‘deckers 46, 47,48 (YN08 MRV/X/Y). They were converted to single door and fitted with white led destinations, prior to delivery. They will be repainted into IB livery at Ipswich.
Above: Dart SLF/Super Pointer 137 (SN53 AVP) is still going strong. Pictured at Princes Street/Civic Drive/Franciscan Way junction on 1/8/20. The well known Willis Faber building is to the right. This intersection used to be a roundabout, and up to the 1980s featured a nightclub called ‘Bogarts’. (Simon Austin).

Above: Optare Versa 149 at Pier Avenue, Clacton on ex Panther Travel route 2 on 1/8/20. (Simon Austin).

Above: Optare Metrocity YJ67 FXE at Hythe Tesco, Colchester on 6/8/20. This has regularly appeared on route 4. (Daniel Pretty).

2 demonstrators were trialed in August. ADL/E400 MMC YX19 DNU and Optare Metrodecker saloon YJ67 FXE.
Due to Covid-19, some orders for new/used buses were cancelled. These involved some new ADL/E200s and some ex Wellglade Group Mb Citaros. The ex Bus Eirean ADL/Enviro 200s, 71, 72, 76 – had been outshopped in fleet livery by late August. They have been given Irish girls names – 71 – ‘Ciara’, 72 – ‘Niamh’, 76 – ‘Siobhan’. Meanwhile, ADL/E200s 78-81 (YX14 RWL, YX63 ZVW/V, YX63 LGE) have been repainted and branded for a relaunched service 3 (Ipswich-Euro Retail Park) – from September 1st.

Suffolk CC route 111 passed to Mulleys and 116 passed to First Eastern Counties after 29/8/20. Both on retender.

It is understood that there has been an increase in rail replacement activity for Greater Anglia.

KINGS TOURS, STANWAY.
Reopened from 1/8/20.

KIRBY’S, RAYLEIGH.
Has recommenced operations.

LODGE, HIGH EASTER. Trident/EL PN04 XDL is now C20 DGE. It has received a 100th anniversary livery. Withdrawn are Trident/ELs T273/74/78 BPR, V428 DRA.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH. Ex Abellio ADL/Enviro 200s SEN50-52 (YX16 OAM, NZU, OAG) are here. Transferred from within GA London were ADL/Enviro 200s SE25 (SN57 DWM), SE27 (SN57 DWP).

LONDON OVERGROUND. New are 710101/12.
315806/17/27/36 gone for scrap. 315812/25 withdrawn.
315805/07/08 on Romford-Upminster during August.
4/8/20: 315825/12 on 5Q30 Ilford-Northampton ECS. 13/8/20: 710111/125 to revenue service. 14/8/20; 710104/26 to revenue service. 15/8/20: 315831/03 on 5Q30 Ilford-Northampton ECS. 19/8/20: 315808/22 from Ilford to Northampton for storage. 315812/25 returned to Ilford ex storage at Northampton. 20/8/20: 315812/25 dragged Ilford-Northampton for storage by ROG 37884 as 5Q60. 20/8/20: 315830/01 on 2T44 Liv St-Chingford. 315802/11 on 2T46 Liv St-Chingford. 315859/15 on 2T51 Chingford-Liv St. 28/8/20: 710112/01 on Willesden-Ilford ECS. 29/8/20: 720113/127 to revenue service.

Above: Flashback to April 2005. 315812 at London Liverpool Street in “Make Britain Proud” livery for the 2012 Olympics. The UK was awarded the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games in July 2005, The stadium at Stratford was of course to be in clear view of the GE Main Line. Back in 2005, the 61 Class 315s were one large pool, allocated to both Great Eastern and West Anglia Lines, and when the creation of London Overground and the Elizabeth Line were a mere twinkle. (John Podgorski).

LONDON UNDERGROUND. Stepney Green station (District Line) reopened on 31/8/20.

MTR ELIZABETH LINE.Above: 345014 at Mile End on 22/8/20. (John Podgorski).

7/8/20: 345022 OC-IL.
8/8/20: 345017 OC-IL. 18/8/20: 315818/20 on 2W55 Shenfield-Liv St. 315829/19 on 2W63 Shenfield-Liv St.

NATIONAL EXPRESS.Above: Galloway Scania K410/Caetano Levante III 106 (BF68 LCL) at East Hill, Colchester on 11/8/20. (John Podgorski).

From 1/8/20, new route 482 started. It combined the old 250 and 481 and runs Ipswich-Colchester-Marks Tey-Braintree-Stansted-London Victoria, daily. There are 4 return trips to Stansted and 2 through to London. Galloway of Mendlesham is the operator. Some ‘A’ Services from Stansted Airport have also restarted. However, Liverpool Street rail station in London is no longer served, with the stop on Bishopsgate being replaced by a widened pavement for social distancing.      Start Hill based Scania/Levantes have been seen working from Luton Airport depot on route A1 (Luton-London). Contractor De Courcey of Coventry went into administration on 24/8/20. This ran the 777 (Birmingham-Stansted Airport).

NETWORK RAIL.
Proposed 97304 ex 37217 ‘John Tilley’ on 1Q18 NR Test Train with 9708 and 975091.
5/8/20: Milton Keynes-Ferme Park, then to Southminster/Colchester. Unfortunately Essex section cancelled due to staff shortages and only ran to St Albans.26/8/20; 950001 on Derby-Ipswich move.

NEW HORIZON, FRATING. Has ex Seaford and District Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis SFZ 525 ex LF52 TGO, SFZ 818 ex LF52 TJO – via Ensign. They retain their cherished registrations and green/cream livery. They were new to East Thames Buses and subsequently Go-Ahead London.

NIBS, WICKFORD. Transferred from Stephensons is Scania Omnidekka 634 (YN55 NHF).

OLST. Rainham depot reopened in August.

Above: A mothballed OLST Rainham depot on 4/7/20. (John Podgorski).

PANTHER TRAVEL.
Ex Metroline ADL/Enviro 200 YX10 BFJ has been re-registered DB10 PAN. DAF DB250LF/EL DC52 PAN has passed to Lloyd of Machllyneth, while Volvo B12M/Plaxton Paragon AB02 PAN has been sold to Glovers of Derby after re registration back to WV02 EUP.

PHILIPS, SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS. Solod is Mb 411D/Olympus MF51 CLJ.

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS. Yeoman liveried JHA bogie hopper wagon 19316 was in the “defective” siding at Bow in late August.

Above: JHA19316 on 22/8/20. (John Podgorski).

REGAL BUSWAYS, CHELMSFORD.
MAN NL273F/Wright Meridians WX08 DFN and RG09 BUS, are now with Hattons of St Helens.

ROG.
6/8/20: 37608 on Manningtree-Norwich light loco, then visiting Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Harwich International and back to Manningtree as 0Z01 etc.
7/8/20: 37608 replaced 37611 at Orient Way. 37611 dragged GA 745103 on 1P16 Liv St-Norwich ECS.
8/8/20: 37601 on Old Oak-Ilford MTR Class 345 EMU drag.
10/8/20: 37800 dragged GWR 387140 Reading to Ilford. 12/8/20: 37608 dragged failed GA 745101 Liv St-Norwich, then 37601 light loco with 37611 to Orient Way as 0F03. 17/8/20: 37611 on 0P99 Norwich-Parkeston light loco. 18/8/20: 37601 dragged GWR 387130 Reading-Ilford and 387140 Ilford-Reading. 21/8/20: 37601 dragged HEX 387141/16 Oxford-Ilford. 24/8/20: 37800 dragged ex Northern 322481/82 Doncaster to GA Clacton depot, then light loco to Wembley. 26-27/8/20: 47812 dragged failed 755421 Colchester-Clacton for repair – then 47812 back to Manningtree.

Above: 37800 with 322481/82 at Chitts Hill on 24/8/20. (John Podgorski).

SBC LEISURE, BASILDON.
New is Mb Tourismo tri-axle MC20 SBC.

Above: Mercedes Tourismo KC19 SBC at Victoria Circus, Southend – on the Amazon staff service to Tilbury. This is worked by SBC, on behalf of Ensignbus. Pictured on 11/8/20. (Daniel Pretty).

SJH TRAVEL, CANVEY. Ex First Eastern Counties is Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 W743 DWX.

STAGECOACH CAMBUS. There were major service revisions from 30/8/20. There were some new routes, including 915 (Royston-Cambridge), CITI15 (Cambridge-Fenstanton).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.
The first of the new ADL/Enviro 400 MMC Smart Hybrids to enter revenue service was 11380 (SK20 BBO). This was on an N25 in the early hours of 8/8/20. This was followed by 11376/77 (SK20 BBE/F), 11378/79 (SK20 BBJ/N), 11381/82/84 (SK20 BBU/V/Z), 11385/86/87/88/89 (SK20 BCE/F/O/U/V), 11390/91/92 (SK20 BCX/Y/Z). Although intended for TfL425, they are appearing on 25, 205, 277 also.

STANS, GREAT TOTHAM. The O licence was surrendered in August, bringing the close on this long standing Essex operator.

STEPHENSONS. Braintree and Maldon bases reopened on 10/8/20, when full service was reinstated on routes 38/A and 90. During the Covid-19 restrictions, these had been run from Boreham. White liveried ADL/Enviro 200 449 (YX10 FFK) is now at Maldon ex Haverhill. Withdrawn is Optare Solo 319 (YJ06 YRN).

SWALLOW, NORTH WEALD. Scania Omnicity saloon 701 (YR10 AZO) passed to Ensign, and was resold to Cymru Coaches, Swansea..

TENDRING TRAVEL, THORPE LE SOKEN. Coaching restarted in late August, with Scania/Berkhof RY57 ZKJ being seen.

TRUSTYBUS, ROYDON. From Yellow Buses, Bournemouth are Optare Tempo X1200s YJ10 MDE/U. Reregistered are Optare Solos YJ05 XNV to RGZ 7806, YJ55 YGN to RGZ 7807, YG07 EGE to SGZ 2218; Scania Onicities YN56 NNE/G to SGZ 1087/89.

WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS. 11/8/20: 172335 on 5Q72 Tyseley-Ilford ECS. 13/8/20: 172342 on Ilford-Tyseley ECS. 28/8/20: 172331 at Ilford depot.

With thanks to: Angliagen, S Austin, J Cole, A Hazell, London Bus Group FB, LOTS, R Pope, D Pretty.