Monthly Archives: May 2021

Busmopolitan. Essex and District Bus and Rail Newspage. May 2021.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the May 2021 edition of Busmopolitan.

Above: Spring is here. Well Bluebells at least, even if the weather has seemed somewhat autumnal at times. This is Friday Woods, Colchester on 16/5/21. (Margaret Jones).

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE COLCHESTER. Odd sightings: 4/5/21: StreetLite 4224 on 2. 11/5/21: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1562 on 1. 12/5/21: StreetLite 4262 on 2. 17/5/21: StreetLite 4261 on 1. 19/5/21: Dart SLF/MPD 1559 on 1; R133 StreetLite 4324 on 8. 20/5/21: 1559 on 1. 21/5/21: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 on 1; P&R ADL/E200 4075 on 77; 4324 on 8. 25/5/21: Short Dart SLF/Caetano 1562 on 1; P&R ADL/E200 4071 on 133. 27/5/21: R133 4323 on 8.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE HARLOW. Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856-58 (KE54 LNR, LPC/F) were returned to Ware, off loan in early May. B7RLE/Wright 3820 (GN07 AVG) was transferred from Ware to Harlow in mid May. Repainted into the new livery were Optare Verseas 4231/32/38/9, leaving 4237 as the last of its type in the old scheme.

BEESTONS. New are Volvo B8R/Plaxton Panthers 226 LRB, 229 LRB. They are PSVAR compliant 59 seaters.

BURGERS WINGS AND RIBS, COLCHESTER.

Above: Trident/ALX400 V124 MEV at the Hythe Quay yard on 7/5/21. New to Stagecoach East London, it later passed to New Horizon at Frating. It then became the Double Deck Diner at Clacton, before reaching its present owner. (John Podgorski).

C2C. Class 378301/02/06 were loaned to GWR, to cover for IEPs undergoing repairs to cracks in thier yaw damper mounts.

CENTRAL CONNECT, ROYDON. New are 9.75m ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs CC21 GAL, CE21 GAL.

COLAS RAIL. 17/5/21: 37421 + 975025 Caroline on 5Z21 Derby-Welwyn GC via Temple Mills. 24/5/21: 37254 tnt 37612 on 1Q90 on WGC-Cambridge via Audley End, Liv St, Hertford East. 26/5/21: 37254 tnt 37612 on 1Q97 Ferme Park-Cambridge via Liv St. 28/5/21: 37254 tnt 37612 on 1Q99 Cambridge-March via Felixstowe. 30/5/21: 37421 tnt 37219 on 1Q08 Derby-Ipswich.

DBS. 15/5/21: 66155 at Dagenham Dock.

DOCKLANDS BUSES.

Above: Brand new Ee52 at Stratford on 1/5/21. (John Podgorski).

From 1/5/21, TfL69 (Canning Town-Walthamstow) was gained from Stagecoach. There is a new all electric bus depot at North Woolwich (coded DS) for this, which will eventually replace the old one at Silvertown. BYD ADL/Enviro 400evs Ee50-69 are the new buses for this. Ee50 (LG21 JFZ), Ee51 (LG21 JGF), Ee52 (LG21 JGO), Ee53 (LG21 JGU), Ee54 (LG21 JGV), Ee55 (LG21 JGX), Ee56 (LG21 JGZ), Ee57 (LG21 JHA), Ee58 (LG21 JHE), Ee59 (LG21 JHF), Ee60 (LG21 JHH), Ee61 (LG21 JHJ), Ee62 (LG21 JHK), Ee63 (LG21 JHL), Ee64 (LG21 JHO), Ee65 (LG21 JHU), Ee66 (LG21 JHV), Ee67 (LG21 JHX), Ee68 (LG21 JHZ), Ee69 (LG21 JJE).

DRS. 10/5/21: 57002 on 0Z57 Willesden-Norwich light loco. 15/5/21: 88004/009 at Dagenham Dock.

ENSIGNBUS. An ex ADL demonstrator Enviro 200 has been registered E17 SGN and numbered 601. It has replaced ADL/E200 601 (CX65 BUF) as the dedicated route 99 Tilbury circular bus. CX65 BUF has been sold to Redline, Aylesbury. BCI Excellence 150 9LX17 GKL) is now blue/silver ex green/silver – but the blue is lighter than normal.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES IPSWICH.

Above: Recently transferred from First Essex at Colchester, Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32476 returns to Foundation Street depot, after a days work on 8/5/21. It replaced 32489, withdrawn due to chassis failure. (John Podgorski).

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: A debranded 66194 at Southway, Colchester on 5/5/21. (John Podgorski).

ADL/Enviro 200MMC 67164 (YY66 PBF) has received the new green livery. In mid May there were some internal reallocations. Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32485 (AU53 HKC) – Chelmsford (CF) to Colchester (CR); ADL/E200s 44004-006 – Hadleigh (HH) to CF (44005/006 were already on loan at CF); StreetLites 63330/31 Colchester (CR) to Hadleigh (HH); Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 66759 (YJ05 VVA), 66872 CR to CF; P&R ADL/E200 MMCs 67195/97 back to CF from HH. Volvo B7TL/ALX400 31785 (YN53 EOK) entered service at CR from 24/5/21. Wright StreetLite 63344 (SM65 EFC) returned to service at CR in mid May, ex long term VOR following an engine replacement. ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 67194 (SN66 WKR) has lost its Park & Ride branding. Odd sightings: A greater variety of buses has been appearing on route 17 of late; not just 30564/67. 1/5/21: 32477 on 64; 32673 on 64A; 37004 on 102; 37016 on 64; 37017 on 64A; R62 37138/39 on 61; SLF/Pointer 42941 (WA56 OAO) on 71A; X10 67160 on 70; Airlink 67161 on 8A. 2/5/21: 32087 on 64A; 32477 on 64; 37016 on 64A; 37034 on 64; 37042 on 102; 37054 on 64A; R62 37133 on 66; R62 37135 on 67B; R62 37138 on 75; R62 37139 on 65; B7RLE/Wright 66730 (WX54 XCP) on 71C; Airlink 67161 on 100. 3/5/21: 32087 on 64A; 32477 on 66; 37005 on 64A; 37007 on 67B; 37015 on 102; 37034 on 64; R62 37135 on 75; Airlink 67161 on 100. 4/5/21: 37053 on 175. 4/5/21: 37020 on 67; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37135 on 64; R62 37139 on 68; SLF/Pointer 42937 (SN05 DZT) on 71A; X10 67160 on 40; Airlink 67163 on 25; 67189 on 31X; 67193 on 31C; 67194 on 42. 5/5/21: 32478 on 102; 32547 on 104; 37015 on 66; 37017 on 64; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37134/35 on 61; 42837 on 71A; 66189 on 31X; 67191 on 31C; 67192 on 31B; 67194 on 71A. 6/5/21: 32087 on 67; 37016 on 103; 37035 on 102; 37140 on 175/174; SLF/Pointer 42945 (WA56 OAV) on 71A; 67191 on 31B. 7/5/21: 32068 on 64; 32087 on 67C; 32547 on 102; 32629 on 103; 32673 on 66; 37015 on 103; 37035 on 64; R62 37135 on 65; R62 37138 on 75; SLF/Pointer 42922 (EU05 AUO) on 71A; 67190 on 71; 67193 on 71A; 67194 on 31X; 67196 on 31C. 8/5/21: 3707 on 64; 37010 on 64A; R62 37133 on 64; R62 37136 on 65; SLF/Pointer 42932 (SN05 EAP) on 71. 9/5/21: 32087 on 64; 32673 on 102;37007 on 66; 37010 on 64A; 37042 on 64A; 37062 on 67B; R62 37139 on 65; 37140 on 64. 10/5/21: 32547 on 103; 37005 on 174; 37007 on 67; 37042 on 175 + 103; 37053 on 102; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37135 on 61; R62 37136 on 65; SLF/Pointer 42933 (SN05 DZO) on 71A; 67189 on 31X; 67190 on 71A; 67192 on 31C; 67193 on 71B. 11/5/21: 32477 on 103; 32547 on 66; 37020 on 102; 37042 on 67; 37054 on 64A; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37135 on 64; R62 37139 on 75; SLF/Pointer 42898 (WX05 RVC) on 71A; 67191 on 71A; 67192 on 31X; 67193 on 71. 12/5/21: 32673 on 64; 37007 on 67C; 37010 on 67; 37042 on 102; 37054 on 66; R62 37134 on 75; R62 37135 on 70; R62 37138 on 61; SLF/Pointer 42933 (SN05 DZO) on 71A; Airlink 67163 on 8; 67191 on 31C; 67192 on 71A; 67194 on 31X. 17/5/21: 32068 on 64; 32485 on 103; 32547 on 67; 37004 on 17; 37017 on 64A; 37035 on 102; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37134 on 70; R62 37136 on 61`; R62 37138 on 75; 66189 on 42; 66190 on 36; 66195 on 70. 18/5/21: 32068 on 103; 32477 on 17; 37037 on 102; 37042 on 103; 37062 on 67; R62 37133 on 65; R62 37138 on 88; R62 37139 on 65; 37140 on 17; 67194 on 42. 19/5/21: 32485 on 104; 37004 on 64; 37006/007 on 67; 37017 on 17; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37134 on 103; R62 37135 on 74B; 42932 on 71A; 67189 on 42A; 67190 on 31X; 67194 on 31C; 67196 on 71A. 20/5/21: 32478 on 103; 32547 on 67; 32628 on 102; 32669 on 67C; 37020 on 17; 37035 on 17; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37135 on 65; R62 37136 on 75; 42933 on 71A; 67191 on 42A; 67192 on 31X; 67195 on 71; 67196 on 31C. 21/5/21: 32628 on 67; 32669 on 17; 37020 on 17; 37036 on 103; 37054 on 104; 42932 on 71; 67189 on 36; 67191 on 31C; 67192 on 31X; 67196 on 71. 22/5/21: 37042 on 102; R62 37133 on 175; R62 37136 on 75; R62 37139 on 64A; 42933/39/45 on 71. 23/5/21: 32485 on 67B; 37005 on 64A, 37006 on 64; 37016 on 102; 37053 on 64; R62 3713 on 64A; R62 37135/36/38 on 65; R62 37139 on 70; 66760 on 100. 24/5/21: 30564 on 175; 31785 on 17; 32629 on 17; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37135/36 on 75; R62 37138 on 65. R62 37139 on 70; 42939 on 71A; 67189 on 31C; 67192 on 31B. 67197 on 31X. 25/5/21: 31785 on 17; 32477 on 67; 32485 on 17; 37042 on 17; R62 37133 on 65; R62 37134 on 67; R62 37136 on 65; R62 37138 on 61; 42927 on 71A; 67191 on 31X; 67193 on 71; 67756 on 75. 26/5/21: 32485 on 175; 37017 on 103; 37042 on 102; R62 37133 on 65; R62 37138 on 75; R62 37139 on 65; 37140 on 67; 67193 on 31C. 27/5/21: 31785 on 65; 37016 on 103; 37016 on 67; 37054 on 102; 37062 on 67; R62 37136 on 17; R62 37139 on 65; 67194 on 31C; 67197 on X30. 28/5/21: 31785 on 67C; 32673 on 103; 37016 on 102; 37053 on 67; R62 37133/34 on 61; R62 37136 on 75; 42898 on 71; 67194 on 31C. 29/5/21: 37005 on 64A; R62 37134/36/38 on 61; 37140 on 64; 42933 on 71. 30/5/21: 32087 on 64; ; n32485 on 64A; 37005 on 66; 37007 on 67B; 37010 on 64A; 37016 on 102; 370452 on 64A; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37135/36 on 65; 37140 on 64. 31/5/21: 32478 on 64; 32485 on 64A, 37005 on 64; 37010 on 64A; 37016 on 67B; 37037 on 102; R62 37135 on 66; R62 37138 on 65.

Above: 31785 at Derwent Road, Highwoods, Colchester on 25/5/21. (Daniel Pretty).

FORDS, ALTHORNE. Supplied via Ensign were ex Lothian Buses Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis SK07 CBF/Y, CCD, SN57 DFC.

FREIGHTLINER.

Above: Contrast between old and new Freightliner fleet names. Ipswich, 8/5/21. (John Podgorski).

The old style fleet name of yellow letters in a green rectangle, has now largely disappeared.

90014 is in the new orange livery, ex Greater Anglia.

10/5/21: 90004/044 on 4L91 – from Wembley to FLX. 90014/043 on 4M87 FLX-Trafford. 13/5/21: 90003/009 on 4M45 FLX-Garston. 90042/006 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 90043/014 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 90047/008 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 14/5/21: 90003/009 on 4M45 FLX-Garston. 90014/043 on 4M87. 90041/011 on 4L89. 90042/006 on 4L97. 15/5/21: 66613 at Bow @ 1545 bound for Tunstead. 90042/006 on 4L97 Trafford-FLX. 90043/014 stabled in Colchester yard. 17/5/21: 90008/047 on 4L91. 90043/014 on 4Z97 Colchester Loop-Ipswich Yard. 18/5/21: 90007/045 on 4L89. 90014/043 on 4L91 and 4M87 return. 19/5/21: 90014/043 on 4L91 and 4M87 return. 90041/011 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 24/5/21: 90009/013//049/011 on 4L89. 25/5/21: 66413/597 on 4L89. 90012 on 4L91 and 4M87. 26/5/21: 90012/001 on 4M87. 90041/045 on 4l89.L27/5/21: 90012/011 on 4L91. 90014/007 on 4L89.

Above: 90043 and 90014 – both with pantographs down, stabled in the “down” goods loop at Colchester on 15/5/21. (John Podgorski).

GBRf.

(John Podgorski).

1/5/21: 66744 on engineering at Stratford with JHAs. 3/5/21: 66741 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 8/5/21: 66788 on engineers’ “up” through Colchester @ 1447. 12/5/21: 66767 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 13/5/21: 66773 on Hams Hall-FLX. 26/5/21: 66708 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks.

Above: 66788 heads “up” through Colchester on 8/5/21. It is on an engineering train from Whitemoor, bound for the east London area. (John Podgorski).

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: Stansted Express 745103 at Chelmsford on 8/5/21, having arrived on the 1503 from Colchester. Norwich-London services were terminating at Chelmsford that weekend due to engineeering works. (John Podgorski).

Stored at Harwich International during May were 317338/40, 714/21, 883. 317714/23 were then returned to Ilford. The last Class 317/6s have gone for scrap – 317662/63. 31772 has also gone for scrap. All of these 317s went to Eastleigh Works for scrapping. 321408/31/39/443/44/45 have gone to Booth, Rotherham for scrap. 321365 has gone to Wabtec, Doncaster. 321335/433/447 have been debranded. Class 720s are now appearing on London to Ipswich and Clacton services. 720517/537 have been used on driver training. 1/5/21: Stansted Express 745104 on Norwich-Chelmsfords. 5/5/21: 317663 on Ely-Eastleigh scrap move behing ROG 57305. 7/5/21: 321365 on Clacton-Doncaster Wabtec move behind ROG 57305. 8/5/21: Stansted Express 745103/04/05 on Norwich-Chelmsfords. 13/5/21: 321439/443 on 5Q16 Clacton-Gascoigne Wood for storage then scrap behind ROG 57305. 14/5/21: 317662 on Ely-Eastleigh scrap move behind ROG 57310. 18/5/21: 317714/23 on 5V01 Harwich International-Ilford ECS. 20/5/21: 321408/44 on Clacton-Gascoigne Wood storage/scrap move behind ROG 57305. 21/5/21: 317722 on 5Q86 Ely-Eastleigh scrap move behind 57310. 26/5/21: 720557/563 on 5Q14 Liv St-Ely, then 5Q15 Ely-Cambridge North Sidings. 27/5/21: 321431/445 on 5Q16 Clacton-Gascoigne Wood storage/scrap move behind ROG 57305.

HEDINGHAM.

Above: 613 in Sible Hedingham on 11/5/21. (James Cole).

ADL/Enviro 200 365 (EU10 AOX) has received the new fleet livery. ADL/Enviro 400 LX56 EUC is ex Blue Triangle at Barking. ADL/Enviro 400s LK08 FLL/N/P are ex London Central at Bexleyheath. ADL/Enviro 400 613 (SN62 AVY) is on loan at Sible Hedingham from Konect at Dereham, covering for E400 616. ADL/Enviro 400 616 (SN10 CCV) is being repaired by an outside contractor. Short ADL/E200 296 (SN10 CCY) was transferred from Clacton to Kelvedon in early May, with 283 (OU57 FGV) returning to Clacton. They were both swapped back on 26th May. Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President open topper 500 (PL51 LDJ) has been vinyled for the Octopus Ahoy ! art trail and re-entered traffic for the summer at Clacton from 29/5/21. Scania Omnicity ‘decker 852 (AO57 HCD) is VOR following engine failure. Scania Omnidekka 815 (YN55 PZW) is repaired following its low bridge collision. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 285 (SN03 EBV) has gone to Alpha recovery for scrap. From 29/5/21, the Clacton Breeze open top service restarted and route 7 was withdrawn between St Osyth and Brightlingsea. Odd sightings: 10/5/21: B7TL/President 574 on 19+63; B7TL/President 588 on TLA C am. 24/5/21: Omnidekka 812 on TLA B pm. 25/5/21: B7TL/President 580 on TLA C pm. 26/5/21: Omnidekka 814 on PL3 am. 28/5/21: 574 on TLA C return. Omnidekka movements: 6/5/21: 810 – KN-Chambers; 813- CN-KN. 7/5/21: 814 – CN-KN. 13/5/21: 812 – CN-KN. 20/5/21: 813 – KN-CN. 26/5/21: 814 – KN-CN; 815 – CN-KN. 27/5/21: 813 – CN-KN. The Covid school duplicates ceased after 28/5/21, as the year 11s left, only to return for their exams after half term.

Above: 500 at Pier Avenue, Clacton on 31/5/21. (Simon Austin).
Above: Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 587 at East Mersea on 29/4/21. (John Podgorski).
Above: 587 in its previous life as East Yorkshire 6938. Pictured working on loan to Go North East at Sunderland St Peters on 28/8/18. (Ken Weaver/Flickr).
Above: LX56 EUC at Clacton workshop on 26/5/21. (Alex Law).
Above: LK08 FLL at Clacton depot on 26/5/21. (Alex Law).

IPSWICH BUSES. Odd sightings: 8/5/21: Short ADL/E200 71 (LX58 LMO) on 93. 25/5/21: Versa 150 on 4+11.

Above: Recently acquired Scania Omnidekka 63, at Constantine Road depot on 8/5/21. Acquired from Arriva Southern Counties via Ensign, it was new to Network Colchester – then TGM and now part of Arriva. (John Podgorski).

LONDON GENERAL. SE Class ADL/Enviro 200 MMCs are now frequently appearing on TfL108 (Lewisham-Stratford) alongside the MEC Class Mercedes Citaros.

MTR ELIZABETH LINE: A quick update for Crossrail / Elizabeth line showing the current training plan for this year. (345s now cover both FLU and RLU as most drivers are now passed out on both). Old Oak Common – Shenfield/Abbey Wood to Reading/Heathrow. 345 only. Maidenhead – Abbey Wood to Reading/Heathrow. 345 only. Abbey Wood – Abbey Wood to Heathrow. 345 only. Plumstead – Abbey Wood to Heathrow. 345 only. Ilford – Shenfield/Abbey Wood to Paddington plus ECS to Old Oak Common Depot. 345/315 (due to leave soon). Plus a few also sign 710s for Romford/Upminster but due to be overtaken by London Overground. Gidea Park – Shenfield/Abbey Wood to Paddington plus ECS to Old Oak Common Depot 345/315 (due to leave soon) Shenfield – Shenfield/Abbey Wood to Hayes and Harlington. 345/315 (due to leave soon). This means that currently Old Oak depot will be the only depot to sign the entire route for the time being. Although Shenfield will sign the ETCS system, they have no diagramed work past Hayes.

From w/c 23/5/21, 9 car Class 345 sets began to appear on Shenfield-Liverpool Street – 345021/43/65 being noted. 22/5/21: 315818/819 stabled at Shenfield. 315839/857 stabled at Gidea Park. 26/5/21: 345042 – OC-IL behind ROG 37611 as 5Q50. 29/5/21: 315834/844 stabled at Shenfield.

NATIONAL EXPRESS. New at Start Hill are Scania K410EB6/Caetano Levante IIIs 306-319 (BF21 CYK/L/O/P/T-X/Z, CZA-D).

Above: Jetpark, Stansted branded Mercedes Citaro bendy BX07 MKF, parked up at Takeley on 23/5/21, due to the current decline in air travel. (Laurence Kinsella Ilott).

OLST – ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Resumed during May.

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: Newly acquired YJ05 XXB at Parkeston depot on 18/5/21. (Jay Needham).

Volvo B12B/VH Alizee YJ05 XXB is now here, ex Henshaws, Moreton in the Marsh. Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther VB08 PAN has received fleet livery, ex Scottish Citylink.

Above: Freshly repainted VB08 PAN at Parkeston depot on 24/5/21. (Jay Needham).

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS. By the end of May, only the MRL and Yeoman JHAs remained at Bow. There is a CAIB JNA which has been in the headshunt at Marks Tey Yard, for a while now.

ROG: 12/5/21: 37601 replaced 37608 as Orient Way Thunderbird. 19/5/21: 37884 on 0Z50 Derby-Ilford light loco.

SIMONDS, DISS.

Above: ADL/Enviro 200 59 (YX17 NTU) awaits departure from Old Cattle Market, Ipswich on 8/5/21, on the 1810 113 to Eye, which then becomes the 112 to Diss. (John Podgorski)

SOUTH EAST COACHES, WICKFORD.

Above: Van Hool TD921 Altano K123 SEC, ex Eavesway, Wigan. Seen at Witham on Greater Anglia RRP to/from Newbury Park, on 1/5/21. (John Podgorski).

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: During the lockdown, the Megasightseeing E400s were used for socially distanced meal reliefs around East London. 19132 was at Mile End on 3/4/21, providing such accommodation for Bow garage. (John Podgorski).

The Megasightseeing brand has ceased and been replaced by a joint venture with City Sightseeing and Grupo Julia. The City Sightseeing name and red livery will be used. ADL/Enviro 400 open toppers 19131-36 have transferred to the new venture, but will remain based at Leyton (T). This started on 20/5/21.

Above: LT389 in overall advert for Taylors Coffee. Oxford Circus, 22/5/21. (John Podgorski).

STEPHENSONS. Acquired is Scania Omnicity N270 ‘decker 7056 (YN56 FEO). It has been converted to a mobile Covid vaccination centre. Bury St Edmunds outstation closed at the start of May. Its 4 buses and work moved to the parent depot at Haverhill. This was a secure yard on the Moreton Hall Industrial Estate shared with a car wash. The Bury Breeze services were worked from there. During 2020, routes 383/384 also ran from Bury – on behalf of Galloway. In mid May, Galloway VDL SB180/MCV AY09 BYC was on loan, and appeared on route 38 (Witham-Braintree-Halstead), while sisters 204/05 (YJ60 GDO, GFA) were on loan to Haverhill and used at Bury.

UNO.

Above: ADL/Enviro 400 MMC no 256, in St Albans on 12/5/21. It has ‘Connecting Hertfordshire’ branding. (Tony Smethers).

VECTARE, CHELMSFORD.

Above: In the new livery is Volvo B7RLE/Wright Solar Eclipse BK13 NZR. Pictured on 1/5/21 at Victoria Road, Chelmsford on Greater Anglia Rail Replacement. (Daniel Pretty).

Optare Solo demonstrator OP07 ARE has been returned off loan to Optare. It was replaced by Optare Solo M850 fleet no 299 (KX55 PKK), new to Stagecoach United Counties.

WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS. 18/5/21: 172218 on Ilford-Tyseley ECS.

With thanks to: Angliagen, S Austin, J Cole, M Jones, L Kinsella Ilott, J Needham, D Pretty, T Smethers, K Weaver.

Busmopolitan – Essex and District Bus and Rail Newspage. April 2021.

Edited by John Podgorski BA Hons, MSc, CMILT.

Welcome to the April 2021 edition of Busmopolitan.

Above: From 12/4/21, there were further relaxations to Covid restrictions. These included an increase in the size of groups allowed to gather out of doors. This was the south side of Tower Bridge in London on 25/4/21. Another offshoot was the further increase in National Express coach services – see main text below. (Leah Harrison).

A2B, BARBRAHAM. From 12/4/21, Herts CC SB10 (Stevenage Old Town circular) was gained from Centrebus.

ACME BUS, MOLEHILL GREEN. From Quick, Ludgvan, Cornwall was Mb 0814D/Plaxton Cheetah X173 BNH.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE COLCHESTER. Park and Ride ADL/Enviro 200s 4072/73 (SK15 GXS/T) and short Dart SLF/Caetano 1565 (HX04 HUK) have returned from Arriva Southend. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 1559 (EU56 GVG) and short Dart SLF/Caetano 1562 (RX07 KPG) are back from Guildford. The Colchester Park & Ride resumed from 12/4/21. Odd sightings: 14/4/21: P&R ADL/E200 4071 on 77; R133 StreetLite 4324 on 2. 15/4/21: 4071 on 77; 4075 on 1+ 133. 16/4/21: 1565 on 8; 4075 on 77. 19/4/21: 4075 on 77; 4262 on 1. 20/4/21: 4071 on 77; 4261 on 1. 21/4/21: 4262 on 1. 26/4/21: R133 4324 on 8.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE HARLOW. On loan from Ware in late April were Volvo B7RLE/Wrights 3856-58 (KE54 LNR, LPC/F). Mercedes Sprinter 1012 (BF67 WGZ) was transferred in later in April, as an ancillary vehicle for route 724.

ARRIVA KENT THAMESIDE SOUTHEND. Subsequent histories: ADL/Enviro 200s resold via Ensign. GN08 CGX/Y/Z, CHD -to Thandi, Smethwick.

ARROW, MALDON. Ex Hallmark Connections, Heathrow was Mb Sprinter 513/Atlas RX67 OPU.

BLUE TRIANGLE. TfL396 (Ilford-Goodmayes Hospital) continues to host the odd old Enviro 400 ‘decker alongside its usual E200 saloons. ADL/E400 E76 – still with London General fleet names, was seen on 3/4/21. E70 was on the 396 on 10/4/21.

CHAMBERS. From 12/4/21, there were further service increases in line with Government Covid relaxations. Scania N230UD/Olympuses 873/77 (PN09 EMV, ENO) are back in service following engine replacement and accident repairs respectively.

COLAS RAIL. 2/4/21: 37610 tnt 37254 on 1Q99 Cambridge-March via KLN/IPS/NOR/COL/FLX. 30/4/21: 37175 tnt 37099 on 1Q99 Cambridge-March via Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester, Mistley.

DBS. 12/4/21: 92032 on 0L10 Wembley-Iford light loco.

DON’S OF DUNMOW.

Above: Ex Halton Transport ADL/Enviro 200 DK60 AHO ‘Toby’ at Ingatestone, on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Newbury Park, 27/3/21. (Alex Hazell).
Above: The “new” BIG 8728, freshly outshopped on 24/4/21. This Volvo B9TL/Enviro 500 was previously Dublin Bus fleet no VT1 and came via Ensign’s. (Alex Hazell).

DRS: 11/4/21: 37402 tnt 37425 on 6P01 Great Bentley-Whitemoor engineers. 27/4/21: 88006 at Dagenham Dock. 29/4/21: 37423 on 0Z37 Willesden-Norwich light loco via GEML.

FIRST ESSEX.

Above: 67162 in Essex Buses livery. Duke Street, Chelmsford, 17/4/21. (Daniel Pretty).

The Chelmsford Park & Ride resumed from 12/4/21. The second bus into the new green livery is ADL/Enviro 200 MMC 67162 (YY66 OZX). ADL/E200 MMCs 67161/62/64 have all moved from Basildon (BN) to Chelmsford (CF). Low height Volvo B7TL/ALX400 32476 (AU53 HJK) has gone to First Eastern Counties at Ipswich in exchange for full height ex First Potteries/South Yorkshire Volvo B7TL/ALX400 31785 (YN53 EOK). Accident damaged Wright StreetLite 63340 (SM65 EEY) has been repaired. Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 37027 (YJ06 XKS) is long term VOR at CR after failing on route 70. From 12/4/21, 71E (Colchester-Chelmsford – schooldays only) was renumbered 72. Volvo B7RLE/Wright 66860 has been convered to a driver trainer and repainted red. Resold by Ensign: Trident/President 33178 (LR02 LYX) – to Shelton Motors, Ely for scrap. Odd sightings: 1/4/21: 32547 on 175; 37034/062 on 64; R62 37135 on 65; R62 37138 on 64A; R62 37139 on 75/A; Dart SLF/Pointers 42937 (SN05 DZT), 42944 (WX56 OAU) on 71A. 2/4/21: R62 37134 on 70; R62 37136 on 653/4/21: 32673 on 64A; R62 37133 on 70; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37139 on 61; Airlink 67163 on 100; X10 67164 on 8. 4/4/21: 32476 on 64A; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37136 on 65; R62 37138 on 61. 5/4/21: R62 37135 on 65; 67737 on 62. 6/4/21: 32087 on 64A; Dart SLF/Pointer 42968 (WX06 ONC) on 71A. 7/4/21: 32478 on 64A; 37006 on 103; 37017 on 64; 37062 on 104; R62 37139 on 61; Airlink 67161 on 8; X10 67164 on 8. 8/4/21: 32478 on 64A; R62 37134 on 74B; 42936 (SN05 DZS) on 71A. 9/4/21: 37004 on 64A; R62 37136 on 65; R62 37138 on 75/A; 42932 (SN05 EAP) on 71A; Airlink 67163 on 5B. 10/4/21: R62 37135 on 2A; Airlink 67163 on 8. 12/4/21: P&R 67190 on 71. 13/4/21: 32669 on 67; 37042/053 on 103; R62 37133 on 64; R62 37135/39 on 61; 42927 (SN05 EAF) on 71A; Airlink 67163 on 65; X10 67164 on 36; P&R 67192 (SN66 WKO) on 71; P&R 67193 (SN66 WKP) on 73. 14/4/21: 32068 on 175; 32673 on 67; 67062 on 103; R62 37133 on 65; 44900 (AY08 EKP) on 71A; X10 67160 on 71; Airlink 67161 on 25; 67162 on 40; P&R 67192 on 31X. 15/4/21: 32476 on 175; 37054 on 67C; 37042 on 103; 44900 on 71A; X10 67160 on 71A; Airlink 67161 on 8A; X10 67164 on 36; P&R 67190 on 71; P&R 67192 on 31C. 16/4/21: 32087on 103; 32477 on 67; 32673 on 67; 37005 on 103; 37007 on 104; 37016/017 on 66; 27020 on 102; R62 37133 on 75; R62 37139 on 1A; 42923 (EU05 AUP) on 71A; Airlink 67161 on 8; P&R 67191 on 31C; P&R 67192 on 31X; 67735 on 62. 17/4/21: 32478 on 64; 37006 on 64A; 37017/020 on 103; R62 37133 on 65; 37140 on 67; X10 67164 on 40. 18/4/21: 32478 on 64; 32669 on 67B; 32673 on 64; 37004 on 64A; 37010 on 102; 37035 on 66; 37042 on 102; R62 37139 on 61. 19/4/21: 37004 on 102; 37005 on 103; 37016 on 64A; 37017 on 175/174; 37036 on 67; R62 37133 on 61; 42968 (WX06 ONC) on 71A; X10 67160 on 71A; Airlink 67161 on 100; P&R 67192 on 31X; P&R 67194 on 31C. 20/4/21: 32087 on 67C; 32629 on 64; 32669 on 175; 37016 on 103; 37037 on 67; 37054 on 102; R62 37134 on 61; 42932 (SN05 EAP) on 71A; X10 670160 on 40; P&R 67190 on 31X; P&R 67193 on 31C. 21/4/21: 32669 on 102; 37020/37 on 103; 37053 on 64; 37140 on 67; 42931 (SN05 EAO) on 71A; X10 67160 on 40; P&R 67193 on 31X; P&R 67194 on 31C. 22/4/21: 32087 on 64; 37005 on 17; 37006 on 175/174; 37037 on 102; 37042 on 103; R62 37134 on 88; 42922 (EU05 AUO) on 71A; X10 67160 on 40; P&R 67190 on 31c; P&R 67193 on 31B. 23/4/21: 37004 on 67; 37005 on 17; 37053 on 103; R62 37133 on 61; R62 37134 on 88/A; R62 37139 on 61; 42934 (SN05 DZP) on 71A; P&R 67193 on 31C; P&R 67194 on 31B. 24/4/21: 37007 on 64A; R62 37136 on 70; R62 37138 on 68; R62 37139 on 61; 37140 on 64. 25/4/21: 37015 on 67B; 37034 on 66; 37042 on 64A; 37062 on 64; R62 37133 on 70; R62 37136 on 65; 37140 on 102; P&R 67190 on 8A.26/4/21: 32477 on 102; 37010/015 on 67; 37020 on 175/174; 37062 on 103; 42936 (SN05 DZS) on 71A; P&R 67191 on 31C; P&R 67194 on 31X.27/4/21: 32068 on 174; 32477 on 67C; 32478 on 66; 37004 on 102; 37016 on 10; 37017 on 64; 37054 on 67; R62 37134 on 61; R62 37136 on 88; R62 37139 on 65; 42927 (SN05 EAF) on 71A; P&R 67189 on 31X; P&R 67191 on 31C; P&R 67192 on 31B.3 28/4/21: 37015 on 103; 37037 on 67; 37054 on 102; R62 37133 on 67C; R62 37134 on 65; R62 37138 on 75; 37140 on 66; 66872 on 75; P&R 67191/94 on 31X. 29/4/21: 32669 on 64A; 37004 on 67; 37017 on 102; R62 37133 on 67C + 75; R62 37134/35 on 61; 42933 (SN05 DZO) on 71A; X10 67160 on 71A; P&R 67189 on 31X; P&R 67190 on 31C; P&R 67191 on 31B. 30/4/21: 32087 on 104/102; 32628 on 64; 37005 on 104/175/174; 37016 on 103/175; 37042 on 66; 37062 on 104/103; r62 37133 on 61; R62 37134 on 75; R62 37138 on 61; x10 67160 on 40; Airlink 67163 on 100; P&R 67190 on 31X/B; P&R 67192 on 71; P&R 67193 on 31X; P&R 67196 on 42A/31B/X.

FOURWAYS, CHELMSFORD. Ex Bear Busers, Shepperton, via Ensign is Trident/ALX400 V479 KJN.

FREIGHTLINER. 1/4/21: 90006/003 on 4M45 FLX-Garston. 90009/045 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX – with 90008 added on 4M87 return. 90016/046 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 90049/047 on 4L91 Trafford-FLX. 8/4/21: 90009/045 on 4L89. 90003/043 on 4L91. 90041/010 on 4L97. 90049/047 on 4M45. 9/4/21: 90003/043 on 4L91 and 4M87 return. 90008/004 on 4L89. 10/4/21: 90041/010 on 4L97. 12/4/21: 66593 + 90014 DIT + 66512 on 4M63 FLX-Trafford. 90044/006 on 4L91. 13/4/21: 90006/0454 on 4L91. 90009/016 + 90005 DIT on 4L89 Crewe-FLX failed at Ilford with flat on wagon 93484 and eventually recovered to Ilford. 90013/007 on 4L89 Coatbridge-FLX. 19/4/21: 900044/06 on 4M87. 28/4/21: 90003/042 on 4L91. 90045/009 on 4L89. 29/4/21: 90003/042 on 4L91. 90012/011 on 4L89. 30/4/21: 66510 on 4L91/4M87. 90008/049 on 4M45. 90016/017 on 4L89.

GBRf. 1/4/21: 66728 on N Walsham-Harwich tanks. 6/4/21: 66722 on 4L04 Hams Hall-FLX. 7/4/21: 66742 on Harwich-N Walsham tanks. 8/4/21: 66757 on 4L02. 10/4/21: 66746 on 4L43 Doncaster-Parkeston. 12/4/21: 66750 on 6L37 Hoo-Whitemoor. 13/4/21: 66721 on 4L02 Hams Hall-FLX. 66725 on 4L28 Doncaster-FLX. 29/4/21: 66761 on London Gateway-Masboro. 30/4/21: 66766 on 4L28 Doncaster-FLX.

GREATER ANGLIA.

Above: 317884 at Liverpool Street on 24/4/21. On a Cambridge North service. (John Podgorski).

Class 317s are now in steep decline, as more new Class 720s come on stream. The Stratford-Meridian Waters shuttle is now worked by Class 379s. 317505/649/60/64/65/67/68/70, 321346/352/53/55/59/61/62, 321422 have gone to Sims Metals, Newport for scrap. 317654/61/69 to Eastleigh Works for scrap. 3/4/21: 720547/553 stabled in Colchester yard. 7/4/21: 317670/505 on 5Q35 Ely-Newport scrap move behind GBRf 66711. 9/4/21: 321346/353 on Clacton-Newport scrap move behind ROG 37884. 10/4/21: 720547/553 stabled in Colchester yard. 12/4/21: 317667/65/64 on 5Q30 ELY-Newport scrap move behind GBRf 66713. 13/4/21: 317654/61 on 5Q42 Ely-Eastleigh scrap move behind ROG 37884. 321422/352 on 5Q76 Clacton-Newport scrap move behind ROG 57312. 17/4/21: 317515 on Liverpool St-Hertford Easts. 720542 + 556 in Colchester yard. 745107 on Liverpool St-Norwichs. 20/4/21: 717710/709 on 2H04 LST-Cambridge. 720549/551 on training on Lea Valley lines. 23/4/21: 321359/55 Clacton to Newport for scrap behind ROG 57312. 24/4/21: 317340 on LST-Hertford East; 317884 on LST-Cambridge North; 745005 on Stansted Express. 26/4/21: 317649 from Ely to to Sims for scrap behind ROG 37884. 28/4/21: 317668/660 Ely-Newport for scrap behind ROG 57312. 29/4/21: 317669 on Ely-Eastleigh for scrap behind ROG 57312. 30/4/21: 321361/62 towed Clacton-Newport for scrap behind ROG 37884.

HEDINGHAM. There were further service increases from 12/4/21, in line with Government Covid 19 guidelines. Volvo B7TL/EL 506 (PJ02PYW) is on loan Konect and at Sible Hedingham (HD), covering for long term VOR B7TL/Gemini 514 (LB02 YXF). Ex Carousel short ADL/Enviro 200 283 (OU57 FGV) was delivered to Sible Hedingham in early April, and soon appeared at Kelvedon (KN). Sister 284 (OU57 FGX) is at HD awaiting entry to service after refurbishment – which includes fitting of a new floor in the forward low floor section. Scania Omnidekka 815 (YN5 PZW) collided with the low railway bridge at Kirby Cross, and is now under repair. Accident damaged ADL/Enviro 400 616 (SN10 CCV) is being repaired at Clacton workshop. Dart SLF/Mini Pointer 291 (EU06 KCX) is parked up at HD with a failed engine. Scania Omnilink 457 (AU61 AVK) is again loaned by HD to Clacton (CN), with Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 525 (LX05 EZH) coming to HD in exchange. Odd sightings: 13/4/21: B7TL/President 574 on TLA C pm; B7TL/President 575 on 15 pm; Omnidekka 820 on TLA A am. 23/4/21: B7TL/Gemini 527 on 15 pm. 27/4/21: B7TL/President 580 on 74 + X76. 29/4/21: B7TL/President 580 on 63 + 19. Omnidekka movements: w/e 10/4/21: 820 – CN-KN. 16/4/21: 810 – Chambers-KN. w/e 17/4/21: 820 – KN-CN. 19/4/21: 800 – KN-Chambers; 809 – Chambers-KN. 21/4/21: 800 – Chambers-KN; 809 – KN-Chambers; 814 – KN-CN. 27/4/21: 800 – KN-Chambers; 806 – Chambers-KN.

Above: 506 in Halstead on 13/4/21. (Simon Austin).

IPSWICH BUSES.

(Toby Cullum).

Optare Solo 241 has received fleet names, some time after its repaint. Pictured (above) on Felixstowe Road, Ipswich on 3/4/21. DAF DB250LF/EL 56 has received the new livery, ex the classic green/cream scheme. Only a few double deckers remain in the old “battenberg” green/light blue/white livery. Odd sightings: 14/4/21: Tempo 87 (YJ12 GWA) on 93. 15/4/21: Long ADL/E200 74 (DU60 LOJ) on 4 + 11. 23/4/21: Long ADL/E200 75 (GD10 MVM) on 4 + 11.

LONDON GENERAL NORTH. Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis WVL358/59 (LX60 DWJ/K) have moved to Metrobus at Croydon fro use on ex RATP TfL schools service 633.

LONDON UNDERGROUND. A refresh programme has begun for the Central Line 1992 Tube Stock.

Above: Central Line 1992 Tube Stock at Newbury Park on 3/4/21. 91277 forms the rear of a Hainault service, while 91217 awaits departure from the headshunt, bound for White City. (John Podgorski).

MTR ELIZABETH LINE. Possible newcomers to the east side are Aventras 345017/031/038/056. 24/4/21: 315856 + 838 on Shenfield to LSTs – very unusual for a Saturday now. 315826/51 have gone to Sims Metals at Newport for scrap. 15/4/21: 315826/51 – Ilford to Newport for scrap.

NATIONAL EXPRESS. From 12/4/21, services 075 (Cambridge-London), 737 (Stansted-Oxford), 777 (Birmingham-Stansted) resumed, along with new route 076 (Cambridge-Stansted).

NIBS, WICKFORD.

Above: 439 (YY15 FZD) is one of a pair of ex Omniserve, Heathrow ADL/Enviro 200s. Pictured at Ongar, Two Brewers on 28/4/21, on ex Ensignbus route 21. (Robert Downton).

PANTHER TRAVEL.

Above: The “new” DB09 PAN at North Station, Colchester on 24/4/21. (See below). (Daniel Pretty).

SV08 GXP is an ex Stagecoach Bluebird/Scottish Citylink via Coach Hire Surrey Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther, which has been re-registered VB08 PAN. Ex Stagecoach East Scotland Volvo B12T/Panther SJ57 AAY is also here (via Ensign), but for spare parts only. Leyland Olympian/ECW coach D510 PPU has been acquired as a heritage vehicle; this had latterly been in Norfolk. Ex Arriva London ADL/Enviro 200s re-registered are LJ09 KPR to DB09 PAN, LJ09 KPT to AS09 PAN, LJ09 KPU to AB09 PAN, LJ09 KRD to VB09 PAN. The previous ADL/E200 carrying DB09 PAN was re-registered back to YX10 BDY and then to DB10 PAN. LJ09 KPR/T were initially used in London red on rail replacement. All are now receiving single door conversion and Panther fleet livery. Trident/ALX400 V130 MEV is now BIG 7596. Optare Solos CE52 UWR, FY52 RZC have been sold, unused to Trustybus/Central Connect, Roydon. Also sold are ADL/Enviro 200s YX10 BFJ ex DB10 PAN, YX62 FCA ex DC62 PAN – both to Taw & Torridge Coaches.

Above: LJ09 KPT freshly repainted into fleet livery. North Station, Colchester, 24/4/21. (Daniel Pretty).

RAILWAY MISCELLANEOUS. Three JHA type bodie hoppers in siding at Bow by mid April. 1 MRL, 1 Tourax and 1 Yeoman.

ROG. 8/4/21: 37884 on 0L52 Leicester-Colchester light loco. 57002 on 0M80 Norwich-Willesden light loco via GEML and NLL. 57312 on 0Z05 Norwich-Clacton light loco.

STAGECOACH EAST LONDON.

Above: ADL/Enviro 40H MMC 11371 at Stepney Green on 3/4/21, with the City of London on the skyline. (John Podgorski).

It has been announced that the heritage Routemaster worked TfL 15H route (Tower Hill-Trafalgar Square) will not run again. It had not operated since 2019 – pre Covid-19.

STEPHENSONS. A 2nd Omnidekka on loan to Galloway was 639 (YN55 NKK).

TG TRAVEL/A1 COACH COMPANY, COLCHESTER. Volvo B12B/Sideral FJ10 DNU is back in use. It had been SORNED during the Covid lockdowns.

THORNS OF RAYLEIGH. The depot has moved to Rawreth Industrial Estate from Bowers Gifford (the old S&M base).

TOWER TRANSIT. Volvo B9TL/Wright Geminis resold by Ensign: BJ11 DSX – to Tyrers, Manchester; BJ11 DVX – Shiel Buses, Fort William; BJ11 DZY, EBP – London Borough of Havering; BJ11 EAF – ASD, Strood.

Above: The ADL/Enviro 400s which passed to Go-Ahead London in 2019, have since been spread far and wide across this fleet. TT DN33614 now GAL EN28, was originally posted to Orpington (Metrobus), then at Bexleyheath (London Central), but had moved to Merton (London General), by the time it was spotted in Tooting on 3/4/21. So this bus has been more travelled with its subsequent owner ! It had only worked from Lea Interchange when with Tower Transit and before that First Capital. (John Podgorski).

TRUSTYBUS/CENTRAL CONNECT, ROYDON. Ex Arriva London ADL/Enbviro 200 LX58 AVE is via Ensign. From 12/4/21, the following Herts CC contracts were gained from Centrebus. 308/380 (Hertford-Cuffley), 333 (Pinehurst-Bengeo), 378/379 (Hertford-Stevenage), M1-5 (Ware Town Services). This was due to Centrebus closing its Stevenage depot from 10/4/21.

VECTARE, CHELMSFORD. From 6/4/21, new commercial service 62 (Blackmore-Edney Common) commenced.

Above: Vectare has Optare Versa demonstrator OP07 ARE on loan. On 3/4/21 it was at Newbury Park on Greater Anglia rail replacement to/from Ingatestone. Alongside is BM Coaches of Hayes Van Hool EX YJ19 BDF. (John Podgorski).

With thanks to: S Austin, C Barham, T Cullum, L Harrison, A Hazell, D Pretty, R West.