Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/ 77 rows en-gb 60 Reading to Preston via Sussex http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1746859.html This former Reading Metrobus has turned up in a yard in Preston - not in Lancashire, but in Kent, not far from Manston. It had been in use as a playbus in Sussex, but is now to be converted for "adults". I wonder what on earth that could be?! UPDATE: By 14th October the vehicle had moved from this site. It was allegedly for use by "a chap in Eastry", so maybe it's there now. Friday 28 August 2009: This former Reading Metrobus has turned up in a yard in Preston - not in Lancashire, but in Kent, not far from Manston. It had been in use as a playbus in Sussex, but is now to be converted for "adults". I wonder what on earth that could be?! UPDATE: By 14th October the vehicle had moved from this site. It was allegedly for use by "a chap in Eastry", so maybe it's there now.

The vehicle could not be photographed from the front, as it was parked facing in, and with attention being paid to the engine. The details of its former operator can be seen on the side. At the back downstairs is this ball pond. The front end downstairs hasn't changed that much, apart from the smily face on the bulkhead of the driver's cab, and lots of cables running in all directions. At the front upstairs are built in tables and wooden seats. At the back upstairs is a small disco/karaoke area. Around the driving area, the original Reading fleet number is still visible.

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]]> Fri Aug 28 2009 Machynlleth and Builth Wells http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745356.html From Melin-y-Coed we travelled south, mainly via the A470, to Cardiff. On the way, we diverted to call into Machynlleth, and later stopped in agricultural Builth Wells. Tuesday 18 August 2009: From Melin-y-Coed we travelled south, mainly via the A470, to Cardiff. On the way, we diverted to call into Machynlleth, and later stopped in agricultural Builth Wells.

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]]> Tue Aug 18 2009 Welsh Highland Railway, Criccieth and the Ffestiniog Railway http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745336.html From Caernarfon, we rode to Bedgellert, and saw Snowdon clearly!. Then we travelled by car to Criccieth, and had a fairly clear view across Cardigan Bay. We then went along to Tan-y-Bwlch on the Ffestiniog Railway. Monday 17 August 2009: From Caernarfon, we rode to Bedgellert, and saw Snowdon clearly!. Then we travelled by car to Criccieth, and had a fairly clear view across Cardigan Bay. We then went along to Tan-y-Bwlch on the Ffestiniog Railway.

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]]> Mon Aug 17 2009 Conwy and Anglesey http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745327.html The day began bright and sunny; we headed for Conwy for a brief visit, before nipping along the A55 to Anglesey. There we first visited Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and its visitor centre, watched a few trains, then later on headed back briefly to Bangor. Then we headed over the Menai Bridge and up to Beaumaris to see another castle. Sunday 16 August 2009: The day began bright and sunny; we headed for Conwy for a brief visit, before nipping along the A55 to Anglesey. There we first visited Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and its visitor centre, watched a few trains, then later on headed back briefly to Bangor. Then we headed over the Menai Bridge and up to Beaumaris to see another castle.

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]]> Sun Aug 16 2009 Denbigh and Ruthin http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745318.html The next day dawned wet, so we were taken over to Denbigh, where the sun was shining. We visited the Fifties Experience Museum, the Castle, and then went on to Ruthin, and spent some time in jail there! Saturday 15 August 2009: The next day dawned wet, so we were taken over to Denbigh, where the sun was shining. We visited the Fifties Experience Museum, the Castle, and then went on to Ruthin, and spent some time in jail there!

A collection of Classic Cars parked alongside the road greet the visitor on arrival at the Fifties Experience Museum. This Standard 10 is parked up alongside a couple of caravan.s A general view of the compound with the cars and caravans in it. You can sit in a Fifties room watching Fifties pictures on a Fifties black & white television. It made me feel quite old! A Ford Anglia which (if my memory serves me right) is more likely to be a Sixties vehicle. Please feel free to correct my memory. A big green Chrysler American car. Here is a collection of old bicycles, including a tradesman's bike with its rack at the front. I can't remember what was special about this vehicle, but I know not many were built, and they didn't last long either! An odd type of Fifties motorbike. View 1 of a Fifties kitchen. View 2 of a Fifties kitchen. Another Fifites lounge, lit by lamps that produce this yellow tinge. A view of another Fifites kitchen. A second view of the other Fifites kitchen. The lorry used in the Great Train Robbery is here, together with other memorabilia of the event. I don't know if this Police Car was actually involved at the time of the Great Train Robbery; I understand it has been used in A final view of yet another Fifties kitchen, this time in pink. Truly this was a fascinating place to visit! We climbed to the top of the hill to visit Denbigh Castle. The view from the green in front of the Castle looking towards the distant hills. Looking back towards where we came from, it can be seen how we had left the rain behind for the sunshine. The church and rolling hills in the opposite direction. The castle green - the centre of the site - from where the clouds got a bit closer, and we did get a bit more drizzle while there. Denbigh Castle has strong connections with Henry Morton Stanley, the Victorian explorer, and a costumed guide is available - in fact three guides! The man in white is representing H M Stanley himself. The significance of this shot is that the chap second from the left is a distant relative of Stanley, and happened to be visiting the castle while we were there. This view from the Castle ramparts shows the extent of ruin the Castle is now in. The building in the distance is of some interest, but I can't remember what I was told. Looking back towards the West and its drizzle, it needs to be said that the tent is not that of a holidaymaker, but rather the place where A view through the walls in the opposite direction. Looking above the church over Denbigh Town. A particularly stark aspect of the ruined castle (not David in the foreground, I hasten to add!). Looking out over the Castle green, again over the town of Denbigh itself. Another angle on the centre part of the castle; I should know the significance of the fenced-in hole, but I don't! No way could I be called an intrepid explorer, but I was Once again looking towards the clouds and drizzle; the road on the left approaching the Castle is where we first caught sight of it. 14 pictures further on in this gallery is the view of the castle from this road. Another aspect on Denbigh town from above. And another angle on the tent and the stark outcrop of ruined wall. I know this shot is almost (but not) identical to the previous one, but it helps give the wider perspective on the views inside the Castle grounds. Not the best of views, but this shot does show the extent of the external wall damage. This is just to the left of the previous view. Another rather stark view of the remaining wall. I assume that this had been some kind of moat, although it was at a very high location. Today's hole in the wall isn't a patch on this - and neither is the wall! Another photographer gave me the idea for this shot, as it displays a variety of stonework. The railings on the wall show where we had been shortly before, and from where most of the distance shots were taken. An inside view of one of the ruined towers. A view out of the entrance (or in our case, the exit) gateway. Another internal view of another tower. This is the view referred to earlier; it was the first sighting I had of the castle at Denbigh. Now at Ruthin, this stream meanders through the lower part of the town, alongside the car park. The purpose of our visit here was to see

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]]> Sat Aug 15 2009 Llanberis - the Slate Museum http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745312.html On a rather damp and drizzly day, we visited Llanberis; the Snowdon Mountain Railway was merely observed, before we headed for the depths of the mountain opposite - Electric Mountain - the hydro-electric power station, where no photography is permitted. See their web site - http://www.fhc.co.uk/electric_mountain.htm for more details. We then adjourned to the nearby Slate Museum, where a few pictures were possible. These do not do justice to the items of great interest in the area as a whole. Friday 14 August 2009: On a rather damp and drizzly day, we visited Llanberis; the Snowdon Mountain Railway was merely observed, before we headed for the depths of the mountain opposite - Electric Mountain - the hydro-electric power station, where no photography is permitted. See their web site - http://www.fhc.co.uk/electric_mountain.htm for more details. We then adjourned to the nearby Slate Museum, where a few pictures were possible. These do not do justice to the items of great interest in the area as a whole.

Inside the Slate Museum, the cobwebs abound. A model of a foundry worker or two showing the heavy nature of the work they had to do. Another angle on the same man at work. Some of the produce of the foundry. One of the foundry trucks. The museum is laid out around a courtyard with the slate works on one side, and the foundry on the other. A general view of the courtyard, with the narrow-gauge track still in situ. This day was a bit dull and damp and drizzly. The sign at the entrance to the Slate Museum, viewed from inside the Museum. These cottages were transported from a village elsewhere and reconstructed here to demonstrate the various types of living accommodation the workers had down the ages. A view of the foundry part of the building, with the water mill tower predominant. The distance displays the misty, drizzly conditions of the day as we look back into the courtyard from the other end. The Museum with the hills behind hidden in the mist and cloud. We also visited Electric Mountain nearby, but photography is not allowed inside the mountain. A distant view of the slate trucks that carried men and materials up and down the hill. A closer view of these trucks.

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]]> Fri Aug 14 2009 Llandudno and the Great Orme http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745300.html Our first full day took us to Llandudno, where we rode up the Great Orme, went to the Copper Mines, returned to sea level, walked on the pier, and then took an open-top bus ride round the area, and over to Conwy and back. Thursday 13 August 2009: Our first full day took us to Llandudno, where we rode up the Great Orme, went to the Copper Mines, returned to sea level, walked on the pier, and then took an open-top bus ride round the area, and over to Conwy and back.

Llandudno is dominated by the Great Orme at the west end of the bay. There are several different ways of reaching the top; one is by cable car. This view is taken from near the Tramway station, and shows the cable cars rising above the town. We used the Great Orme Tramway, which operates on cable power in two parts, and goes up a very steep road, especially on the lower section. Here is a view over Llandudno Bay, taken from the Great Orme Tramway. From the top, you can look down on fields of sheep. This is the view from the back of the Captain's Table restaurant looking across Llandudno Bay. Also down in the valley is a church and a well-kept graveyard. This view is across the top terminus of the Great Orme Tramway towards the other side of the Conwy. As we walked down from the top to the middle, the Tramway Car seemed to be about to disappear over the top of the cliff. Fortunately, it doesn't! To the other side is an area cut out of the hillside. Another cable car makes its way towards the top station. You can also reach the top by road. This is the view across the road towards the middle station, and then over across Llandudno Bay. A view of the cable cars above the heather by the side of the road. This handsome helmetted herbert (me, of course!) is waiting to descend into the Copper Mines; not to work, but to view. The Bronze Age mines can be view by entering a system of tunnels under the Great Orme. No photos are possible down there! Here are some people about to go down below! Much of the opencast section of the mine is visible from above, as the sign proclaims. There is clear evidence of the way the mines were formed, as these channels were where the early miners worked above ground. Similar fissures exist below ground too, and the tunnels would originally have been miniscule; hewn out sometimes by children. Another view of the opencast section. Another view of the opencast section with the visitors' entry point also visible. Signs along the way tell of the how the mining was carried out. Another view of the steps from the underground section of the mines. The overall view of the entry point to the Bronze Age Mines. We returned to ground level by the Tramway again; here is the car approaching the middle station. A view from the tram giving some kind of perspective. From the middle station, and in the tram, the cable cars can also be seen. It was sunshining all the time we were at Llandudno, but clouds could be seen in the distance over the rolling hills behind the main bay. The Great Orme goats may be a tourist attraction, but there is talk of a cull because of their numbers and the effect they are having. Llandudno also has a traditional pier; not particularly long, but distinctive enough, with tea rooms and entertainers at the end on warm summer days. A view from the pier of the lower level of the Great Orme jutting out into the sea. The Little Orme at the other end of the bay, with a speedboat just visible. And this is at the end of the pier, looking again towards the Little Orme. A seagull sits on the roof of the dome above the tea rooms. Looking towards the shore we cannot forget where we are - as if we would! Looking landward from the end of the pier. To get to the cable car station requires a degree of fitness; it is not that far in terms of distance from the entrance to the pier, but rather high up. Climbing up a little gives another dimension to the view of the pier. This seagull seems to the think the notice is all about him! The prom view of the Little Orme; it was a busy day when we visited. Llandudno is a quintessential seaside resort, attracting tourists from the Liverpool and Manchester areas principally. While on an open-top bus ride, this is the view across the Conwy River towards the town of Conwy, of which more later. Returning to Llandudno after our bus ride, the town is spread out below us as we descend the A470. Arriving back in the centre of the town; again this is the view from the open-top bus. The main street at Llandudno; a long one! There are also a number of out-of-town outlets, but they are not that far out.

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]]> Thu Aug 13 2009 Melin-y-Coed, Llanrwst http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745295.html Melin-y-Coed (Mill in the Wood), near Llanrwst, is where we stayed for our week's holiday in August 2009. The Mill is no longer functioning, but is very well-preserved by its current owners. It even has its own web site - http://www.melin-y-coed.co.uk/page3.htm - but these pictures of mine should capture something of the mill and its environs. Wednesday 12 August 2009: Melin-y-Coed (Mill in the Wood), near Llanrwst, is where we stayed for our week's holiday in August 2009. The Mill is no longer functioning, but is very well-preserved by its current owners. It even has its own web site - http://www.melin-y-coed.co.uk/page3.htm - but these pictures of mine should capture something of the mill and its environs.

This was the view we had from our bedroom in the morning when we looked out. The adjacent room had an even more spectacular view. The view can change by the moment, as clouds come and go over the distant hills. The stream that used to drive the water mill still runs nearby, providing a constant background sound. An early morning view from the direction of the Mill, looking towards the newer part of the village, and the bridge over the stream, which has by now joined with another one. Up the road towards Nebo I found this wonderfully turned-out cottage. The view from the top of that road in the same direction as that from the bedroom windows. Looking back down the lane in the early morning sunshine. Another angle on the distant hills. Not every morning was as clear and bright as this one. The Chapel in the village, where a Welsh-speaking service (what else?) is held each week. Looking back over the bridge towards the newer part of the village; the bus shelter is not just an ornament; a service runs out from Llanrwst about 3 or 4 times a day. A distant view of the Mill; this is what you first see as you arrive. The Mill from the top end, looking back down the lane. A closer view of the Mill from the upper end of the lane. Melin-y-Coed is fairly close to the market town of Llanrwst, on the banks of the Conwy. Some landscaping has taken place alongside the river bank behind the car park, as can be seen here. Steps now lead from the car park to the river bank. Looking up the Conwy river in the general direction of Llandudno (15 miles away), we see another aspect of the rolling hills. The north station at Llanrwst marks a passing point on the line from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog (the Conwy Valley Line). Here is a train passing Llanrwst North on its way south. The The same platform, but here is the view in the opposite direction, as the line enters a short tunnel. This particular stream actually runs above the railway line in a conduit. Llanrwst station from ground level. Melin-y-Coed is approached by a narrow lane from the Llanrwst direction. The Mill is hidden in the trees further on. Further up the lane away from the Mill are some more cottages. At the top, by a little junction, this is the view looking back down towards the Mill. The Mill garden, well cared for and neat. The Mill from the bottom of the garden, near the stream. The lower level of the Mill garden, just above the stream. Looking up towards the garden with its well-trimmed high hedge. A slightly higher angle on the garden and its trees. A gravel-based flower bed in front of the hedge. Another view of the Mill from down the lane, taken in the evening with the sun shining on it. Our room was the top right-hand side. The large lounge is on the floor below, with all three windows letting light into it. The stream is on the right in this shot of the area below the main garden. A similar angle on the lower part of the garden by the stream. Take my word for it - this is the same stream, although photographically it could be any stream in that part of Wales! Yet another angle looking up to the main garden. A square topiary hedge marks the boundary between the garden and the steep drop to the stream.

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]]> Wed Aug 12 2009 North Wales Transport August 2009 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1745120.html My wife and I had a holiday in North Wales, staying near Llanrwst and travelling around, before heading south to Cardiff a week later. Here are just the transport-related pictures from that week away. The main "holiday snaps" are in another gallery (or three!) Wednesday 12 August 2009: My wife and I had a holiday in North Wales, staying near Llanrwst and travelling around, before heading south to Cardiff a week later. Here are just the transport-related pictures from that week away. The main "holiday snaps" are in another gallery (or three!)

13.8.09 - Great Orme Tramway Tram No. 4 arrives at the lower terminus. 13.8.09 - at the top of the Great Orme, parked outside 13.8.09 - Great Orme Tramway tram No. 6 departs from the top terminal. 13.8.09 - unidentified Arriva Mercedes heads down from the Great Orme. 13.8.09 - Great Orme Tramway Tram No.5 departs the Halfway Terminal. 13.8.09 - Great Orme Tramway Tram No. 4 arrives at the Halfway Terminal. 13.8.09 - this vintage Leyland, WND 477, is operated by Hughes (Alpine), Llandudno on the tour round the lower level of the Great Orme. 13.8.09 - the Dotto Land Train Q753 GFD waits to depart from the pier head at Llandudno. It is described as an 13.8.09 - Hughes (Alpine) operated two open-top Olympians, both from Yorkshire Traction, in City Sightseeing livery, on a tour round the town and across to Conwy. Here is A646 OCX, waiting to depart from the pier head. 14.8.09 - Snowdon Mountain Railway steam loco 6 14.8.09 - 14.8.09 - with the down draughts blowing the smoke around, 14.8.09 - Snowdon Railway diesel 10 14.8.09 - in the Llanberis Slate Museum is 873 14.8.09 - Llanberis Lake Railway 15.8.09 - N318 SKV is a Peugeot Boxer proclaiming itself to be a 15.8.09 - discovered later the same day at Ruthin is this Bedford caravan, OFB 556R, formerly a welfare bus with Avon C.C. 16.8.09 - an unidentified pair of Class 158 diesel units pass Conwy Castle on their way towards Llandudno Junction. 16.8.09 - in the busy streets of Conwy, Arriva Cymru Marshall-bodied Dart 7629 lays over on a Sunday service. 16.8.09 - just round the corner from the previous shot is Lakeside FJ55 BXX, loading passengers. It carries a label 16.8.09 - over in Anglesey, at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a collection of coaches are heading for Holyhead and then Ireland, including this Ulsterbus Scania/Irizar 125 (ROI 145) 16.8.09 - also in the coach park are two Wallace Arnold Shearings vehicles in the gold livery - 604 and 605. 605 carries a label for 16.8.09 - a long way from home, BX05 UVD, in Cosmos livery, is actually with London-based operator Pullmanor/Redwing. 16.8.09 - another coach from Eire is this J J Kavanagh Setra 09-KE-1. 16.8.09 - an unidentified/unidentifiable Virgin Voyager approaches from Holyhead, slowing down for the single-track railway bridge to the mainland. 16.8.09 - a steam train was due through, but instead, at 13:24, 175114, leading 175103, appeared en route to Holyhead. 16.8.09 - having heard the steam train was retimed, we headed to Bangor, where we found Virgin Voyager units 221110 and 221111 waiting for clearance, due to a signal problem. 16.8.09 - just after arrival, this 2-car Arriva liveried unit, 175011, departed for Holyhead. Next stop - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch! 16.8.09 - 175103 now leads 175114 on the return journey from Holyhead to Manchester. 16.8.09 - 175103 and 175114 join the queue for clearance. We gave up on the steam train at 15:15! Information to passengers waiting on the platform for all trains was woefully inadequate, or non-existent! 17.8.09 - in a car park at Llanrwst, Llew Jones Solo MX07 JPF lays over between services. This operator runs a number of rural services with this and other vehicles around the area. 17.8.09 - non-psv taxi firm Conwy Valley Private Hire has this up-market Mercedes, T8 CXY among its fleet. 17.8.09 - the legal lettering of T8 CXY. 17.8.09 - another one of the Conwy Valley Private Hire fleet is this Renault Trafic, DV57 GZW. 17.8.09 - and another one of Conwy Valley Private Hire is this Transit, MW53 WSE. The firm operates a number of smaller taxis as well. 17.8.09 - over at Caernarfon, and ahead of a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway to Bedgellert, two diesel locos are marshalled on the front of the train. 17.8.09 - at Rhyd Ddu station, even the driver (a mainline man from Chester) took a photo. These two locos had not worked together before today since their time in South Africa, and originally looked identical, the front one, 17.8.09 - I was told by the driver that this loco, 17.8.09 - only one steam Beyer-Garratt, 87 ( 17.8.09 - after arrival at Bedgellert, the train will head on to Hafod y Llyn, part-way on the extension to Porthmadoc. 17.8.09 - we saw a steam train later that day in Criccieth, as 76079 (I think) returned tender-first from Pwllheli to Machynlleth. 17.8.09 - stopping off at Tan-y-Bwlch on the Ffestiniog Railway just at the right time, we saw a train heading for Blaenau Ffestiniog arrived, hauled by 17.8.09 - I found another angle on the train from a path on the other side of the tracks, as the driver awaited the 17.8.09 - slipping slightly on the gradient, 17.8.09 - back in Llanrwst, in the Alpine depot, is this Mercedes 811D with Robin Hood bodywork, F916 TTP, has spent all its working life based at Llanrwst with this operator. 17.8.09 - however, this vehicle originated in my home county of Kent. CKM 137Y is a Wright-bodied Bedford YMT, new to Maidstone Corporation (later Boroline). 17.8.09 - this ex-Yorkshire Traction Olympian, A648 KCX, remains closed top, and is used on schools work. 17.8.09 - judging from the yellow livery, this Duple 425, 1862 HX (previously E456 CGM), is also liveried for schools work, and has 70 seats. 17.8.09 - back in the town centre car park, and here is another Hughes/Alpine vehicle, S100 ALP, a Pointer-bodied Dart of 2004, waiting a trip to Bettws y Coed. 17.8.09 - Llanrwst North Station, and 150241 departs for Blaenau Ffestiniog.

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]]> Wed Aug 12 2009 Herne Bay Bus Rally 2009 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1738577.html The latest in the "last rally in this town" took place on the second Sunday in August. Although the site was not at the Bus Garage, but at the William Street car park a few hundred yards away, the layout was good, and the weather was kind, and even the inquisitive didn't get in my way too much! This photographic record is almost a comprehensive one of everything there, but not quite. Missing from my shots are preserved East Kent AEC Regent 19946 (MFN 946F), and The London Bus Company's open-top Titan KYV 512X. Sunday 9 August 2009: The latest in the "last rally in this town" took place on the second Sunday in August. Although the site was not at the Bus Garage, but at the William Street car park a few hundred yards away, the layout was good, and the weather was kind, and even the inquisitive didn't get in my way too much! This photographic record is almost a comprehensive one of everything there, but not quite. Missing from my shots are preserved East Kent AEC Regent 19946 (MFN 946F), and The London Bus Company's open-top Titan KYV 512X.

A variety of vehicles, many of them open-top, gave rides around the Herne Bay area. One non-open-topper was East Kent PFN 874, seen here returning from a trip along Kings Road, approaching the site of the Rally. Loading with passengers by the Rally site was open-top RT3435 of The London Bus Company. A special blind was even showing Originating from further afield is Porstmouth 5 (RV 6358), a 1935 Leyland Titan TD4. Very few actual Stagecoach vehicles participated this year; one exception was 16264 from the nearby garage, sporting its overall display for Demelza House, which benefited from the day. The vehicle also served as a First Aid post, and as a banner ad for an insurance company! East Kent Guy Arab FFN 399, one of many regulars at such events. Dave Ferguson and Phil Drake's Daimler Fleetline RFN 953G. East Kent GFN 273, one of two similar looking Beadle-Leyland integrals; the other one is visible in the background. The M&D and East Kent Bus Club's Bristol HKE 867 also made it to the event. Another East Kent Guy Arab, this time with platform doors, is MFN 888. A lot of former ex-London buses were also in attendance. Here is T1101 to start. East Kent FFN 451 is a Leyland Royal Tiger with Park Royal coach bodywork. It probably has been to all of those destinations in its history. FFN 446 is the other Beadle-Leyland integral. East Kent AEC Regent V AFN 780B has obviously seen some use as a large limo for matrimonial ceremonies (or East Kent OFN 721F spent much of its life with Maidstone & District as a publicity vehicle; apart from the livery, not much seems to have changed. The oldest East Kent vehicle there was JG 8720, a 1937 Dennis Lancet with a 1949 Park Royal body. (Gosh - that bodywork is in better nick than mine, and I originate from 1949 too!) A more modern look came from this Autocar Optare Solo J222 BUS, which was new in 2004 to Perry, Bromyard. RM1397 has now been fully restored. In 2006 it was at Herne Bay, but not carrying its original plate - that has now been rectified. One of Brighton & Hove's new Scania double-deckers also put in an appearance; the highest one in the fleet so far - 731 (YP09 HWU). Restored to London Links livery, KPJ 274W began life with LCBS as AN274, but also served time with Maidstone & District. Jake Bamford props up his East Kent Bristol VR, one of two VR's in the rally. SKL 681X began life at the the Thanet depot, and has been restored in NBC red. East Kent PFN 874 is now resting following its excursion with passengers earlier. Although preserved in the livery of Southend Transport as 713, LPB 218P also began life with LCBS as SNB218. New as MEU 603Y, IIL 4317 is preserved in the livery of Atlantic Coast coaches. It has little or no East Kent connections, but made for a bit of variety. Disguised by its MWV 840 registration, this Leyland Leopard coach was new to M&D/H&D as JKM 165V. A fairly new Stagecoach Enviro 300 from the Southdown fleet, 27566 (GX58 GNP). Another former London Titan, but preserved in the Merseybus livery which many of the fleet carried, this is T122/2122 (CUL 122V). More traditional in its livery to London, here is T1102. Another Routemaster in the rally was RM1063. RT1702 (KYY 529) spent some time in preservation at Catford garage in south London. Another fairly new Stagecoach visitor was this Enviro 200 Dart, 36027 (GX07 HUU) from Hampshire Bus. RM938 is yet another Routemaster in attendance - there were 4 in all. And here is the fourth - and the lowest numbered Routemaster present - RM8. Two M&D single-deckers were present. This is AEC Reliance BKT 821C with a Marshall body. OKO 816G is a Leyland Leopard, with a Willowbrook body. This Breeze-liveried Enviro from Thanet depot, 15491, was the only other operational East Kent vehicle in the rally apart from the Demelza House Olympian. Perhaps that's why the rally is no longer held on Stagecoach premises - lack of mangerial interest? This former London Titan, KYV 348X, also saw service before passing to Nu-Venture, Aylesford, with East Kent as its 10348, and was nicknamed Another East Kent AEC Regent V present was 6801 FN. The rear view of JG 8720 is quite austere, despite the 1949 bodywork, and contrasted well with the Opatre Solo next door. East Kent VJG 187J is a Marshall-bodied AEC Swift, not the most successful of the AEC marque, and now preserved in Dover. RT4139 (LUC 488) has been in Kent for at least 25 years, and used to be parked at the old Ambulance Station in Herne Bay, near the railway line. An East Kent employee now owns this East Kent Willowbrook-bodied Bristol VR, RVB 977S. It is preserved in the Thanet Open-Top route livery, carrying the name This rear view of RT3435 shows that the rear registration plate layout is slightly different from standard. RT3435 sets off up Kings Road for another trip round the town.......... ..........closely followed by RV 6358.

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]]> Sun Aug 9 2009 Gravesend West Branch Remnants at Pepper Hill http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1738556.html I was persuaded to go fruit and veg picking in a field off the A2 near Gravesend. I discovered it was bordered on one side by the remains of the old Gravesend West branch from Fawkham Junction. The 19 pictures that follow were taken while the "others" did the picking! There is some confusion in my mind as to whether the correct spelling of the area is "Pepper Hill" or "Pepperhill", as both versions were seen in the area. Part of the branch has been taken over by the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, although that section is not now used by Eurostar trains, although Javelin trains are currently in test over that section occasionally. Saturday 8 August 2009: I was persuaded to go fruit and veg picking in a field off the A2 near Gravesend. I discovered it was bordered on one side by the remains of the old Gravesend West branch from Fawkham Junction. The 19 pictures that follow were taken while the "others" did the picking! There is some confusion in my mind as to whether the correct spelling of the area is "Pepper Hill" or "Pepperhill", as both versions were seen in the area. Part of the branch has been taken over by the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, although that section is not now used by Eurostar trains, although Javelin trains are currently in test over that section occasionally.

As you enter the The line of dark-green trees shows the direction of the track alignment looking towards Gravesend. The now-much-widened A2 completely bisects the embankment where the track once ran. Looking the other way from the same point as the previous shot, the line of trees continues back towards Fawkham Junction. At the top of the hill, where the boundary of the PYO site ends, this is the view looking back towards the A2 and Gravesend again. Negotiating a low fence enabled me to get this shot looking in the same direction, but along the trackbed itself, although it is hardly recognisable as an old railway now. Looking in the opposite direction from the previous shot again, there is a big dip here, and a tennis court in that dip. Apparently the old station house is still visible a few hundred yards further on. Another general shot of the alignment marked out by the trees, again looking towards the A2 and Gravesend. From near the eastern boundary of the site, the view picks out the line even more clearly as the treeline climbs the distant mound. Turn to the right at much the same point, and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (part 1) is visible in the middle distance. At a slightly different angle, the CTRL is less visible, but the catenary can still be easily seen. It seems strange that such a new bit of track is virtually redundant, and that it was planned that way. A general view of the PYO site and the line of trees, along with the car park and the caravan where your pickings are weighed. And so to the bridge that made me notice it all in the first place! The construction of the bridge and its abutments just shouts out So what is on the other side of the bridge? The least exciting view on that side is the other side of the line of trees and the A2. Looking back to the bridge from the field on the other side. The lower end of the PYO site framed by the bridge. Just a little way up from the bridge, I managed to gain access again to the embankment; again, it doesn't look much like an old railway track now. Above the poly-tunnels the line of the old track can be seen across the A2 more clearly.

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]]> Sat Aug 8 2009 London in General http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1738547.html Not to be confused with the bus company "London General", this gallery is for any pictures in London not of a transport nature. It could take a long time to develop! Friday 7 August 2009: Not to be confused with the bus company "London General", this gallery is for any pictures in London not of a transport nature. It could take a long time to develop!

7.8.09 - for a number of months in 2009, the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square was occupied by thousands of different people for an hour at a time. This shot was taken at 13:18 on 7th August. I have no idea of the significance or the name of this guy with the blue balloons. Any ideas?

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]]> Fri Aug 7 2009 Transport pictures in London http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1738522.html London may be big, but when I go there (which isn't that often now), I spend more time logging numbers than photography. It's pretty busy, obviously, but here are a few shots that slipped through the net, and actually got taken! Friday 7 August 2009: London may be big, but when I go there (which isn't that often now), I spend more time logging numbers than photography. It's pretty busy, obviously, but here are a few shots that slipped through the net, and actually got taken!

7.8.09 - newly into service are a fleet of Van Hool double-deck coaches for Oxford Tube (Stagecoach Thames Transit). T50 UBE is 50203, seen here in Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria. 7.8.09 - time was when sightseeing tour work was carried out by 7.8.09 - an increasing number of hybrid buses are also in use in London, as shown here by London General's EH1, seen at the lights at the end of Whitehall by Parliament Square. 7.8.09 - another new vehicle, but this one is from Sussex. YN09 DXY belongs to Richardson's of Midhurst, and is seen here parked on the Embankment near Hungerford Bridge. 7.8.09 - another new sightseeing tour vehicle is Big Bus DA206 (PF08 URW), seen coming off Waterloo Bridge at the Strand end. 7.8.09 - very recent additions to the Red Arrow fleet, and introduced with a greater frequency with the intent of beginning to eliminate bendi-buses, here is MEC36 (BD09 ZWB), waiting to enter Victoria Bus Station. It is still a Mercedes Citaro, but obviously not an articulated one. 7.8.09 - not so long ago, Titans were the mainstay of the Big Bus operational fleet; now they are relegated to publicity duties, such as OHV 759Y, seen here at the front of Victoria Station.

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]]> Fri Aug 7 2009 Eastbourne in Limbo http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1738443.html Stagecoach acquired the operations of Eastbourne Transport with the intention of stamping their branding on the fleet. The acquisition drew the attention of the Office of Fair Trading, and while a ruling was awaited, everything was put on hold. This gallery shows just how the process of upgrading the fleet had been put on hold, both in liveries and vehicle types. Thursday 6 August 2009: Stagecoach acquired the operations of Eastbourne Transport with the intention of stamping their branding on the fleet. The acquisition drew the attention of the Office of Fair Trading, and while a ruling was awaited, everything was put on hold. This gallery shows just how the process of upgrading the fleet had been put on hold, both in liveries and vehicle types.

Olympian 16344 came from East Kent earlier in the year. There are a batch of 12 58-registered Darts with longer-length Envrio 200 bodies. This is 27576. Hastings & District 20648 is on the way to its home town on route 99. 27578 is another Dart/Enviro 200, running Still looking very much an Eastbourne Corporation vehicle, 13975 doesn't even wear the Stagecoach fleet numbers. 39637 is still in Eastbourne colours, but does display its Stagecoach fleet number for those with good eyesight. As far as I could see, all the Wright-bodied DAF SB120 vehicles are in Stagecoach livery, as displayed here by 35903. This shot would make you think that Stagecoach really have got it all together now. Here are two of the DAF/Wright buses. Dart Enviro 200 27574 loads on a trip out of town. Olympian 16375 is another vehicle that came from East Kent. If you look very closely, you can just make out the 33315 (S835 DPN) is still in Eastbourne colours, but wearing an overall advert on the side and back. It came to an abrupt stand as I took this picture, not because of me, but because someone had opened the emergency door, and the driver had to go back and close it! As I mentioned earlier, some of the vehicles from East Kent have not had their straplines or legal lettering changed. This was the side of 14978 (G708 TCD). Here is the front view of 14978, heading well out of town to Polegate and Hailsham. Wearing the remnants of the Asda livery, 13969 is certainly a mess of colours. Working in from Brighton is one of the newest Scania double-deckers of the Brighton & Hove fleet, 730 (YP09 HWT). Another limbo livery - neither one thing nor another - is seen here on 33319 (T468 EGT). 14978 departs from Terminus Road for Hailsham via Polegate. 16372 is another Hastings-based Olympian, working into Eastbourne on route 99. 27579 is another Dart/Enviro 200 operating on town route 1. The two fleet numbers are positioned one above the other on most vehicles, as seen here on 39632/62. Brighton & Hove Scania 901 arrives in Eastbourne; this fleet operates quite frequently into the town. 13991 is one of 4 similar vehicles acquired during 2007 from the UK North fleet in Manchester when that opeartor ceased. Various external adverts adorned the Eastbourne fleet, and this one is still going strong on the back of 68 (39638). Also operating into Eastbourne are Renown of Bexhill in this pseudo-Southdown livery. YJ51 ZVM passes the station as it arrives. YJ51 ZVM came to Renown from Ensign Bus, but was new to Reading. Here it is again, waiting to depart. Another new Brighton & Hove Scania behind ZVM is seen here more clearly as 730 again. Another shot of 13975. Don't be confused into thinking that none of these vehicles have destination displays that work; I think it's just a technical fall-out between the display and my camera! All the former Eastbourne vehicles seem to have this legal lettering, with the address in Canterbury that is carried by other Stagecoach South East vehicles and operations. Having worked in from Hastings on route 99, Scania 15364, which began life in London, and probably spent some time with East Kent, waits to unload.

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]]> Thu Aug 6 2009 Dover to Folkestone blockade http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1735845.html As part of the upgrading of the line to take the new Javelin Class 395 trains, train services between Dover Priory and Folkestone Central were suspended and replaced by buses for most of the month of August. Here are some shots associated with that event, showing different perspectives on the work in hand. Monday 3 August 2009: As part of the upgrading of the line to take the new Javelin Class 395 trains, train services between Dover Priory and Folkestone Central were suspended and replaced by buses for most of the month of August. Here are some shots associated with that event, showing different perspectives on the work in hand.

The main focus of the Engineering Work is at Shakespeare Tunnel. one bore of which can be seen in this shot from Samphire Hoe. SHB Hire LDV Convoy YX05 EHC is transporting staff on-site. This track machine had been by the tunnel mouth as I arrived, but trundled up the down line towards Abbotscliffe Tunnel while I watched. The machine is a road-rail vehicle; both sets of wheels rotate in opposite directions as it goes along - it looks rather bizarre, but is now quite a commonplace sight in Engineers' Possessions. A different angle on the worksite - both bores of Shakespeare Tunnel are visible here. Not strictly to do with the possession, but as it was the first time I had been down to Samphire Hoe, I took a few more general shots of the place. This is the Samphire Tower, a wooden construction, behind which Channel Ferries can be seen crossing. Another view of the Samphire Tower, a hollow tower with a viewing room at ground level. The edge of Dover Harbour is just visible behind the outcrop. A full-blown cycle path runs along the edge of Samphire Hoe. It is worth a visit for the natural development there. The sun was sparkling on the sea while I was there - this doesn't always happen, especially in the summer! A general view of the White Cliffs in the At Folkestone Central, a red London bus heads off towards Dover, a sight more common these days with Southeastern being in common ownership with London General. London General PVL253 stands spare at the station. Travelmasters Volvo Citybus XIL 2671 (previously F306 MYJ) waits behind the other vehicle. Luxury 13-seater limousine it most certainly is not! Sister vehicle XIL 8920 (previously F305 MYJ) arrives from Dover, just a bit too quick for my camera! XIL 8920 left almost immediately for the return trip to Dover. At Dover Priory station, London General PVL252 awaits passengers for Folkestone. Also outside Dover Priory station was P&O Optare Excel YA02 YRP on the ferry shuttle. Yet another Travelmasters Citybus is XIL 5099 (previously F301 MYJ), stands temporarily spare. The shuttle service from Ramsgate is being operated by The entrance to the Harbour Tunnel is where the 375625 waits in platform 1 for the service via Chatham to Victoria, unaffected by the Engineering Works. A general view of the front of Dover Priory station, with 2 yellow and 2 red buses. A view from the Folkestone Road bridge of Dover Priory station, showing both 465906 and 375625. A view from Folkestone Road bridge of the Harbour Tunnel mouth. At Walmer, 465906 arrives on the service to Ramsgate at 15:41. 465906 waits for departure at Walmer for Ramsgate.

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]]> Mon Aug 3 2009 South Midlands Explorer http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1729353.html The second trip of 2009 by the M&D and East Kent Bus Club took us to Oxford, Northampton, and Milton Keynes. Hopefully this collection reflects the variety of the day. Oxford was extremely busy with coaches, and for a fuller photographic log, you'll have to visit Ken's Digital Bus Photos. There's even a train or two - and some wild flowers here though! Saturday 18 July 2009: The second trip of 2009 by the M&D and East Kent Bus Club took us to Oxford, Northampton, and Milton Keynes. Hopefully this collection reflects the variety of the day. Oxford was extremely busy with coaches, and for a fuller photographic log, you'll have to visit Ken's Digital Bus Photos. There's even a train or two - and some wild flowers here though!

City of Oxford coaches 88 and 99 standing spare at the OBC depot. Probably no longer in use, these Dennis Lances in their special livery, 629 & 633, are standing idle too. The OBC fleet is very well turned out, as shown here by Wright-bodied Volvo B10B 811, parked by the washing plant. Several Mercedes Citaros were also surplus to requirements as it was a Saturday. Here first of all is 834, with 823 also just visible. Here is 865, with 833 just visible. And here is 832, at the front of the block of parked Citaros. OBC have 4 Ford Transit minibuses for staff shuttle work, all of which carry Our coach for the day was V7 PCL, a DAF/Plaxton new to Pullman of Crofty, and now in the fleet of Autocar, Five Oak Green. Here it is at the OBC depot in Oxford. The oldest vehicle in the fleet is this Mercedes lorry 991 (G912 RBW). As an Asda employee, this branding reminded me of my checkout work! Numerically the first of the 20 Dennis Tridents, here is 101 (T101 DBW), also parked by the washing plant. In Oxpens Road coach park, about half the spaces were taken up with various vehicles involved in filming, including this ex-Yorkshire Traction Olympian, A635 WDT, now a dining vehicle with Traylen, Addlestone. Three Excelsior coaches (there was also a fourth), the middle one of which is the new style Volvo 9700. A9 XLA is being operated at present by Brookfield, Stockport. DJ Coaches of Gravesend are more up-market now, as shown here by this new Mercedes/Plaxton, YN09 APX, approaching the coach park (in vain) along Oxpens Road. One of many open-top sightseeing-tour buses operated by Tappins. 53 (MUI 9853) is one of several former Dublin Bus Olympians they operate. Here it is leaving Gloucester Green bus station. Also leaving Gloucester Green bus station is one of Thames Transit Scania Enviros 15437. Pulling out of the bus station here is one of OBC's London-bound coaches, 91, heading for Heathrow. United Counties 53609 (KX58 NCA), has just arrived in the city from Cambridge. Eire operator J J Kavanagh had a vehicle or two about as well; here is Setra 08-W-111. Thames Transit Trident/Alexander 18131 squeezes between taxis on its way out of Gloucester Green bus station. A newer sightseeing tour vehicle of Tappins is their 55 (PO55 NXU). This National Express Scania/Irizar, 59212, is also operated by Thames Transit. I took this shot because of the blind display; it was not an uncommon sight, either! It is of OBC 2 (BF53 OXF). Having loaded up some more passengers, United Counties 53609 departs for Cambridge. Enviro single-deck bodies are quite prolific in this general area. This MAN 18.240, 22769, has just arrived in the city. In the same area is 22768. Both of these are operated by Thames Transit on local routes. This Wings minibus, WLT 289, was parked outside a hotel where a wedding reception was taking place. Back to the MAN/Enviros, and here is 22763 (OU58 GKD). This former Shearings coach, now IIW 628 with Lewis, Greenwich, had been seen in Broadstairs during the previous week. Here it is loading in a rather busy section of road near the centre of the city. One of the former Go Ahead Northern Plaxton President-bodied Dennis Tridents, 909 (R9 OXF), pulls out round the Lewis's coach to get on the road again. MX53 FDK, a yellow Solo, is being operated by White's of Culham. Near Oxford station is one of the new Brookes-liveried Scania Enviro 400 vehicles of OBC, only 2 of which were in evidence on this particular day. The cyclist is added for effect! This is 201 (AF09 OXF); 202 was also seen in the city. Parked at the railway station is one of two giant Tellings Golden Miller East Lancs Volvo B9TL vehicles, LJ58 GCK. Our next depot visit was to Country Lion, on the outskirts of Northampton, with its well-presented fleet of some variety. This shot of V7 PCL is at the Country Lion depot. PRP 3V was previously G661 DTJ, a Volvo B10M-50/East Lancs vehicle new to North Western. It's not often you see a Plaxton Premiere in Tesco livery. A18 CLN is a former Wallace Arnold vehicle, previously M117 UWY. Country Lion also operate BN08 ZFO is a Mercedes Tourismo, in the maroon One of several 70-seaters in the fleet, M70 CLN was previously NIL 7250, and new to West Coast Motors as L500 WCM. P5 CLN, an East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart, was new with this plate to Country Lion. Another 70-seater, a former MoD vehicle, is K70 CLN. L70 CLN is yet another 70-seater, formerly with the MoD. CN04 HOL is an Iveco/Beulas 35-seater, new as YN04 AYD. This shot shows the various liveries carried by Country Lion vehicles. Despite its plate of JB55 AJB, this is the newest vehicle in the fleet, alongside BN08 ZFO seen earlier. It is also in the same TAA 774, in this dark colour, carries stars as well! Country Lion have a large fleet of self-drive hire vehicles, including this LDV Maxus, KX57 ORC. The Transits behind are part of the same fleet. Another vehicle to wear the

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]]> Sat Jul 18 2009 Buses in East Sussex from July 2009 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1720098.html This gallery begins with pictures taken on a fairly brief visit to Hastings in connection with catching up with fleet changes in the Stagecoach empire since my previous visit to the town in August 2007. Wednesday 1 July 2009: This gallery begins with pictures taken on a fairly brief visit to Hastings in connection with catching up with fleet changes in the Stagecoach empire since my previous visit to the town in August 2007.

1.7.09 (the first 25 photos - all in Hastings): Stagecoach in Hastings 16371 leads an Enviro and a Solo out of Harold Place, heading for Eastbourne on route 99. Towards the Old Town, N10 TCC was parked on the roadside; although displaying Here is EPI Travel Setra BX55 FYM in the Coach Park. <br>(Watch the green van in the background - it features in this and 5 of the next 6 pictures; shows how it was moving at the same speed I was taking photos along the line.) Next along was Graham's WLZ 2052, believed to have been re-registered from F106 SSE, a Volvo/Ikarus, new to Alexanders, Aberdeen. Speedicars of Brockley had this rather low-down-looking Mercedes, YJ58 LXS - it looks less like a kneeling position, more like a sprawl! Plan-It Travel' Scania/Irizar YR58 RSY also looks low-down, so it could be the lie of the land. From Gee-Vee to Jay and Kay; YE03 VTG still wears the livery of its original owner. Empress Plaxton Premiere SIL 4016 was new as Wallace Arnold N247 HWX. Gillies H527 YCX is an operator relatively local to me, at Aylesham in Kent. The vehicle began life on commuter runs from North Kent with London Buses/Coaches. This Iveco minibus is used by Five Acre Wood School, Maidstone; it is a Variety Club of Great Britain sponsored vehicle. Right behind N10 TCC was J387 FFG, also with Transport Business. It is a Pilcher-Greene bodied Mercedes 609D. Back to the town centre area, and here is one of the newest batch of vehicles in Hastings; Solo 47678 pulls out of Harold Place on a local working. Hastings & District 47679 approaches Harold Place from the east on another local working. Coastal operate a number of routes in the general area; here is GU52 HKD heading for Northiam. Northern Counties look-alike Plaxton Paladin 20675 works in from Eastbourne on route 99. One of 5 Solos transferred from Ribble at Preston is 47481, on another local working. Nominally numbered 47400 in the Hastings Stagecoach fleet, YJ05 WCF also carries East Sussex C.C. fleet number B459 on the back. Another Plaxton Paladin, 20647, is approaching Harold Place on a local working. In Chapel Place itself, Solo 47686 takes on passengers. Until fairly recently, I often saw this vehicle in the Thanet area with East Kent; now 20311 is on the way to Eastbourne on route 99; the vehicle began life with Fife Scottish - hence the registration. One of the new Enviros departing Hastings station for Dover. 15478 is actually an East Kent vehicle, but the branding is the same for each company. Also leaving Hastings station is another ex-Ribble Solo, 47475. Another East Kent Enviro, 15476, is on route 100, heading for the Conquest Hospital, where the route terminates. Another Coastal Dart, GX04 ASU, laying over at Hastings station. One other operator into Hastings is Countryliner, on routes from Tunbridge Wells. Here is DP26 (X602 AHE) at Hastings station.

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]]> Wed Jul 1 2009 Essex and Suffolk Rambler http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1709114.html The first M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip of 2009 took us to visit every single depot of Hedingham Omnibuses, thanks to the owner's amazing co-operation, not only allowing us to visit each site, but also moving vehicles around to enable better photographic opportunities. We also visited the depot of Talisman Coaches near Colchester, with similar co-operation from the owner. In between we spent some time in Colchester, and then Ipswich, town centres. This gallery is set out as follows: 1) Our coach 2) Hedingham depot by depot (Kelvedon, Tollesbury, Clacton, Sudbury and Sible Hedingham) 3) Service vehicles of Hedingham Omnibuses 4) Talisman Logistics 5) Colchester town centre 6) Ipswich town centre A big thank-you to all those who quickly pointed out some errors, and enabled me also to amplify some of my captions. Saturday 6 June 2009: The first M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip of 2009 took us to visit every single depot of Hedingham Omnibuses, thanks to the owner's amazing co-operation, not only allowing us to visit each site, but also moving vehicles around to enable better photographic opportunities. We also visited the depot of Talisman Coaches near Colchester, with similar co-operation from the owner. In between we spent some time in Colchester, and then Ipswich, town centres. This gallery is set out as follows: 1) Our coach 2) Hedingham depot by depot (Kelvedon, Tollesbury, Clacton, Sudbury and Sible Hedingham) 3) Service vehicles of Hedingham Omnibuses 4) Talisman Logistics 5) Colchester town centre 6) Ipswich town centre A big thank-you to all those who quickly pointed out some errors, and enabled me also to amplify some of my captions.

Two former Stagecoach East Midlands Olympians, L109 LHL and K107 JWJ were the first of the fleet that I photographed at Kelvedon. <br>(I was told by Robert MacGregor that the A few shots of Hedingham's service fleet now. Here is Vauxhall van N108 CAR at Kelvedon. The registration of this car is significant, as it used to be on a Bristol LH6L/ECW new to Eastern National as their 1100, passing to Hedingham as their L111 in 1982. Here it is at Kelvedon, the first depot we visited. PJ02 RHE was previously operated by Pete's Travel, West Bromwich, and is one of several Darts in the fleet today. R643 MNU is one of the three most recent acquisitions, having come from Arriva Derby earlier in 2009. It is at present the only one in fleet livery. S127 RLE came to Hedingham from Metroline, where it had operated in dual-door layout. Of these two Volvo B6 vehicles, L69 UNG operated originally by Ambassador Travel on the Norwich Park & Ride services, while M262 KWK was a demonstrator with Volvo, Warwick. This shot shows the hazards of going on depot visits as part of a group, but there was a good deal of good-natured banter at such times. These two coaches at Kelvedon are part of quite a large number of coaches operated. M107 UWY was new to Wallace Arnold, while W311 CJN was new to Hedingham. Recovery vehicle A391 NVX, also at Kelvedon. This Dart, K198 EVW, was also new to Hedingham. Our coach for the day was H847 AHS. It was new to Park's, Hamilton, and also served time with Maidstone & District/Arriva Southern Counties in Green Line use. Most recently it was with Mann's, Gravesend. It is seen here at a first port of call, the Hedingham depot at Kelvedon. Another former Stagecoach East Midlands Olympian is K357 DWJ. K518 ESS is one of three identical vehicles acquired in 2008/2009 from Strathtay Scottish, now a Stagecoach company. Inside the Tollesbury shed was H160 HJN, an Olympian/Alexander new to Hedingham. EU56 JLP was another new vehicle for Hedingham, being purchased in 2006. Dart L202 HYE new to Hallmark, Luton, coming to Hedingham in 1997. The depot at Tollesbury used to belong to Osborne's, whom Hedingham acquired in 1997 or thereabouts. A general view of the depot and yard at Tollesbury. Who are all these people? Sweeper S480 DCD at Tollesbury. Closer examination reveals that currently it is with Wealden PSV, the dealer at Five Oak Green, and was being used by Autocar on the day we hired it. M604 TTV came to Hedingham in 2006 from Nottingham City Transport, evading the grasp of Kent operator Poynter's of Wye, who has collected quite a few! At Tollesbury, the depot supervisor, who owns this vehicle, had got there first - as planned! The newest vehicle in the fleet, Dart Enviro 200 EU58 JCJ, arrived on a working into Tollesbury while we were there. Here it is at Colchester, after dropping us off by the Castle. JJD 535D, another Talisman vehicle, was on sightseeing work from outside Colchester Castle. In the runt of the bus station vehicles were crammed in rather tightly, but this Optare Solo of Burtons (or whatever the current incarnation of Arriva Colchester is now called), YJ51 JWW, was parked in a photographable position. Former London Country Volvo B10M-50/Northern Counties G613 BPH was awaiting a trip to Ipswich, it seems..... ....while Chambers of Bures former London United Olympian R941 YOV was awaiting a trip to Sudbury. This Scania, YN08 HXZ, despite appearances, was purchased by Beeston's before it got round to doing any demonstrator work. This sideways shot of First's 66816 shows the rather chaotic and cramped parking conditions now pertaining in the once-spacious bus station. First 43740 is seen here arriving into the bus station. I seem to remember that this road was once exit-only, but I stand to be corrected! The 247 route to Dedham is one of several operated by Beeston's. YN08 HXZ waits to depart from the bus station exit. Back again at the Castle, Burton's W902 UJM is seen on route 8A. One of the batch of Network Colchester Darts is SN54 HWY, also seen at the Castle. Since our last visit to Colchester, the long run in to the bus station has been replaced by a building that looks like a small stadium, about which even some of the locals were hazy. It is obviously now exactly 3 (not 2!) years since this entrance was closed then! From local feedback it seems that the whole building scheme has stopped. Perhaps Thanet District Council in our local area ought to consider the implications of this on their much-vaunted Turner Gallery scheme. Further up the road loading up is First 65682. And here is W903 UJM, another from the batch originally delivered for use on route 726 by TGM between Dartford and Heathrow. Newer Network Colchester YN08 OBZ is a 2008 Scania CN230. And here is a third former Route 726 vehicle, W904 UJM, with a colonnade behind. We spent time in Colchester, and were there when the clock struck midday. Another former London & Country Volvo, G617 BPH, seen arriving, presumably from Ipswich. G34 HKY began life in Liverpool with Liverline, and is now in Colchester too. The other operator we visited was Talisman Logistics of Great Bromley, near Colchester. They have an ex-Eastern National Mercedes 709D/Plaxton K633 GVX. Talisman like Setras, but this one, VSU 803, isn't going anywhere for now, until it gets an engine fitted. This vehicle was originally V35 HAX, and new to Bebb's, Llantwit Fardre. Talisman own three ex-Colchester vehicles, two of which are in Colchester livery. Here is the Olympian, H47 MJN. This shot was taken at the Talisman Logistics depot at Great Bromley, near Colchester. Another preserved vehicle is former Staines Crusader DAF MB200/Plaxton YJN 455S, parked in the washer. The other ex-Colchester Olympian is H48 MJN, in Talisman's own livery.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Sat Jun 6 2009 Cliftonville Today http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1699429.html The latest big fire to affect the Margate and Cliftonville area took place on 17th May 2009 in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, to the first of the pictures in this gallery I used this as an excuse to go round the whole area with my camera to record the latest changes in general appearance of the area, as well as a few shots of the fire damage itself. There are also later photos of the general area of Cliftonville and Margate showing other changes. Monday 18 May 2009: The latest big fire to affect the Margate and Cliftonville area took place on 17th May 2009 in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, to the first of the pictures in this gallery I used this as an excuse to go round the whole area with my camera to record the latest changes in general appearance of the area, as well as a few shots of the fire damage itself. There are also later photos of the general area of Cliftonville and Margate showing other changes.

Dickens House (nearest) and Darwin House are on either side of Harold Road, occupying sites of redundant hotels. The previous occupant of the site being occupied by this redevelopment was Stimson House, itself a relatively new-build block. This one is much higher than Stimson House. A view looking back towards Darwin Court at the junction. I'm fairly certain it was a Butlin's Hotel that occupied these two sites. Norfolk Road divides the Darwin Court block from where the George Hotel used to be; this was duly demolished some time previously, but no development has yet taken place on the site. By the now-empty ground is an illuminated sign (or it used to be illuminated) proclaiming Darwin Court occupies the whole seafront side of this block. Here it is from the eastern end, looking right along towards the former Stimson House development. This building on the corner of Surrey Road was the subject of a compulsory purchase order by the Council, as it had become so derelict that masonry was falling off it and it had to be fenced off for a time. It has now been redeveloped in the original style. The cleared site, looking back from the junction of Surrey Road towards Darwin Court. A side-on view of the derelict land, taken from Surrey Road itself. A view of the same building from Surrey Road. Northdown Road still has its parades of shops, and this particular block is between Lyndhurst Avenue and Crawford Gardens, Crawford Gardens being just visible at the far end of the block. The same block, looking back towards Lyndhurst Avenue. One major local firm that closed in the past year or so was Munro Cobb; this is their boarded-up premises. This is where the fire occurred. The road on the left is Crawford Gardens, and the Police car is at the top of Norfolk Road. The fence had just been removed to allow the fire engine on the left to leave the site. This is the building where the heart of the fire took place. Four different dwellings above these premises had to be evacuated, and I saw at least one poor soul with a collection of bags that could well have been all they were left with. The Another view of the derelict land, this one taken from the Norfolk Road end. This new build is on the left-hand side of Harold Road, heading up from the seafront towards Northdown Road. Another view of the same redevelopment in Harold Road. The archway here is on the site of the former Kemp's coach company depot. Looking back from the other end of the road closure (I had to walk right round the block to get this shot after the previous one), the Beano Cafe is a fairly new business here, but the Kent Motorcyles building was previously the premises of Cliftonville Cycle and Moped Stores as far back as the Sixties. On the opposite side of the road is/was Martell Press. Quite unrelated to the fire, this family-run stationery business was recently closed down, and all the staff made redundant. Although not directly affected by the fire, these two businesses had no electricity and were consequently closed. Lovelys has been there since at least 1963; the Batchelor's pattiserie has been there since at least 1974, and prior to that served as a British Railways ticket and enquiry office (according to Kelly's Directory of 1963). The station is about 1-2 miles away! The HSBC bank was also closed due to lack of electricity. This is on the corner of Price's Avenue, and was where I began my working career for just 9 months in 1967. A view of the HSBC from Price's Avenue, looking towards the top of Harold Road. Along Northdown Road at the next junction, that of Cliftonville Avenue is another closed bank, but this was Lloyd's and has been closed for some time now. Northdown Road, looking towards Margate. It looks normal, but isn't, as the bus stop in the foreground will not be served by the approaching bus, which, along with all buses, was being diverted down Sweyn Road in the middle distance. St Paul's church, seen along St Paul's Road from the Sweyn Road end. The Margate synagogue in Albion Road is not closed, just heavily protected. The view of the Synagogue from the Godwin Road end. This was the former private school Honiton House, which is now closed and boarded up. There is evidence of increased air-conditioning on the first floor in the form of several broken windows. The view of Honiton House from Sweyn Road. The next turning on the left down Sweyn Road is Stanley Road, looking towards Edgar Road. Holland House is a former hotel, now owned by the Roman Catholic Institute of St Anselm, for whom I worked in 2000-2001. Gordon Road is on the right hand side about half-way along. The former Stimpson House site development seen from the Sweyn Road end. My walking circuit was now almost complete. A view of the Oval Bandstand on Eastern Esplanade, which had been allowed to decay, but has now been renovated. A closer view of the Oval Bandstand. This spectacular development apparently nearly needed to be Another view of the Endcliffe site, complete with a palm tree! Grosvenor Court is now an elderly residential home. The smallest theatre (in the world?) is the Tom Thumb Theatre on Eastern Esplanade; it has just exchanged hands again; its future is not currently known. You can see that it dates from 1896. Here is another familiar site in Cliftonville that was allowed to fall into decay, but has now been restored. It is on the corner of Cliff Terrace and Fort Crescent. No. 1 Fort Promenade. More recently a children's home, it has now been renovated and converted to flats. No, this picture isn't meant to be in my Another view of 1 Fort Promenade; how many of these redevelopments actually have residents in their new flats is not known. Another view of the same premises; the storm drain is in the bottom left of the picture. 29.6.09 - Cliftonville Avenue from the Approach Road end, looking up the hill towards Northdown Road. 29.6.09 - according to a Directory I have from 1974, the first house on the right (No. 39) used to be a Guest House; you can see why. 29.6.09 - the same house from a different aspect, with No. 37 also visible. 29.6.09 - visible here are Nos 35, 37 and 39. 29.6.09 - the top end of Cliftonville Avenue; the building you can see here is the same one that used to be Bobby's Department Store in the dim and distant past (i.e. when I was young!). 29.6.09 - meanwhile, in central Margate, the consequences of yet another Margate fire. The smell of smoke still hung in the air today around Grosvenor Place.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Mon May 18 2009 Bus Views in West Kent http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1697249.html As I visited Tunbridge Wells on 13.5.09, I decided to start a new gallery for the west of Kent, to complement my East Kent collections. The day was dull and drizzly, so some of the pictures are blurred and a bit dark, even after correcting, but the variety of operations can be seen. Wednesday 13 May 2009: As I visited Tunbridge Wells on 13.5.09, I decided to start a new gallery for the west of Kent, to complement my East Kent collections. The day was dull and drizzly, so some of the pictures are blurred and a bit dark, even after correcting, but the variety of operations can be seen.

13.5.09 - Arriva new-style Solo 1502 waiting outside Tunbridge Wells station at the foot of the hill. 13.5.09 - it says 13.5.09 - London General NV179 passing the station on Shoppers Bus route 774. 13.5.09 - Countryliner DP25 (X601 AHE) has also just arrived in town. 13.5.09 - sorry - the bus is blurred, the background is clear - that's how dull the day was! Metrobus 823 has just worked in from Crawley. 13.5.09 - Nu-Venture, former Bristol Olympian LWS 40Y, new to Bristol, descends the hill. 13.5.09 - Arriva 6210 is one of a batch new to London Country in the Leatherhead area. 13.5.09 - another cascaded vehicle is Arriva 6438, which used to be working on Route 101, now replaced by Enviro 400 vehicles. 13.5.09 - Brighton & Hove 683 arriving on route 29, which appears to be half-hourly. 13.5.09 - one of 6 Enviro 200 Darts in Tunbridge Wells for route 281 is 1640, seen arriving outside the Great Hall. 13.5.09 - another blurred shot, I'm afraid. Former Brighton and Hove N411 MPN is now operated by Countryliner. 13.5.09 - another Enviro 200 of Arriva - 1638, but what are those two vehicles behind? 13.5.09 - R988 FNW of Nu-Venture, a DAF/Plaxton Prestige (not a Mercedes Citaro as I incorrectly originally captioned it), acquired from Carousel Buses for the Transweald route via Tenterden to Ashford. 13.5.09 - Griffin Bus were operating two elderly Metrobuses from the London fleets; this one is OJD 842Y.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Wed May 13 2009 VSOE comes to Headcorn http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1697244.html A 12-car formation of VSOE stock, top and tailed by 67001 and 67008, visited Headcorn, where passengers were transferred to 6 different coaches for varied destinations, such as Hever Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, and Great Dixter. This gallery shows pictures on a dull day of the waiting coaches, the VSOE arriving and departing, and other shots in and around Headcorn station at the time. There are also three pictures of the same train later the same day in East Kent. Wednesday 13 May 2009: A 12-car formation of VSOE stock, top and tailed by 67001 and 67008, visited Headcorn, where passengers were transferred to 6 different coaches for varied destinations, such as Hever Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, and Great Dixter. This gallery shows pictures on a dull day of the waiting coaches, the VSOE arriving and departing, and other shots in and around Headcorn station at the time. There are also three pictures of the same train later the same day in East Kent.

Kings Ferry H6 KFC is one of six from the fleet waiting for the VSOE to arrive. This one was heading for Identical Scania/Berkhof YN06 NYF and NYH were displaying similar destinations - NYH actually says Both J6 TKF and BV55 FPL just say Often at Headcorn is this blue Citroen Relay minibus, GD06 FXS, that ferries people to and from Benenden Hospital. 375621, the train I travelled from Ashford on, the 11:20 Ashford to Charing Cross, is passed by a blur of an 8-car 375. A view from the station bridge of the coaches awaiting their passengers. The 12:36 to Ashford arrived at the time the VSOE was due, with a blurred 465247 leading. The rear unit was 465190 - anyone for First Class? 67001 arrives with the 12-car formation of the VSOE. 67001 at the leading end, having pulled past the end of the platform, which is only 12-coaches long. Not clearly visible here, but the equipment on the underframe of The loco at the London end, only used for the move back to Tonbridge, was 67008, one I missed the previous Saturday. 67008 closer up, awaiting departure with the empty stock. Meanwhile, the passengers disembarked to their coaches. A driver joins the cab of 67008 for the empty working towards Tonbridge Jubilee Sidings; the signal takes the train from the down line to the up line here. (Standing here made me feel quite hungry, as the smell of cooked food was wafting from the train!) 67001 now brings up the rear of the train as it departs. In the forecourt of the station, the coaches depart. The country lanes around Headcorn must have wondered what hit them when this lot left! Back at the station, and another fast passes the 12:14 from Headcorn, the train I then caught to Tonbridge. Later in the day, 67001 leads the stock from Dumpton Park towards Broadstairs, still in poor light. The train heads towards Broadstairs. 67008 still brings up the rear.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Wed May 13 2009 Bus Views in East Kent from May 2009 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1693359.html Continuing the series of bus views in East Kent (but not just of Stagecoach East Kent), this gallery commences with shots of the new Scania Enviro 400 vehicles on "The Breeze" routes, which began service Sunday 3rd May. Tuesday 5 May 2009: Continuing the series of bus views in East Kent (but not just of Stagecoach East Kent), this gallery commences with shots of the new Scania Enviro 400 vehicles on "The Breeze" routes, which began service Sunday 3rd May.

5.5.09 - my first shot of a Thanet Enviro 400 in service is of 15496 waiting outside College Square for the lights to change at Cecil Square, Margate. 5.5.09 - the rear end view of 15496 - there are a variety of different designs. 5.5.09 - another route alteration involved route 34, which now operates from Minnis Bay, Birchington to Ramsgate Harbour; here is former Hastings Dart 34074, still in 5.5.09 - another 5.5.09 - this rear end of 15494 shows one of two without branding. It is seen here waiting for the lights to change from Cecil Street towards Cliftonville, and is on route 8. 5.5.09 - a quick chase to the Palm Bay Estate, previously the eastern destination of route 34 workings, shows the effects of a delay to the 8A service, with two vehicles bound for Broadstairs together - 15493 leads 15499. 5.5.09 - a closer shot of 15499, with 15493 still loading in front. 5.5.09 - while 15499 still waits to depart for Broadstairs, 15491 arrives en route to Canterbury. 5.5.09 - as 15491 passes 15499, note the inevitable top-deck exhibitionist! 5.5.09 - another quick dash to Broadstairs, and here comes the convoy again! This shot is in a section of road not previously served by buses, with a new bus stop (that no-one seems to use) in Osborne Road, opposite the Broadstairs Telephone Exchange. 5.5.09 - and here comes 15499 again. It is an interesting to contrast the comprehensive route description in this direction with the very simple 5.5.09 - and finally for today, the two vehicles prepare to turn into Gladstone Road, showing their different rear-end displays fairly well. 6.5.09 - a bus-stop interlude; this one is in Gladstone Road. The only trouble is that it's on the opposite side of the road for the new 8A route! 6.5.09 - back to the buses, and this shot almost made my 6.5.09 - same site, opposite direction, backlit Dart 34662 on Loop heading for Ramsgate. 6.5.09 - this was what I was really waiting for. Enviro 15500 on route 8A is about to turn out of Gladstone Road. See where it goes in the next few pictures. 6.5.09 - 15500 pulls up to the Ramsgate-directional bus stop, as Volvo B10M 20614 passes on a Loop service. 6.5.09 - another different rear-end view. For the record, 3 of the passengers pictured boarded the bus for Westwood Cross, but it wasn't going there! 6.5.09 - 15500 circumnavigates the roundabout at the junction of Ramsgate Road and Bromstone Road. 6.5.09 - backlit 15503 approaches en route to Westwood Cross. 6.5.09 - Bus Stops no more! Broadstairs seafront is now bereft of any bus service. This road was served by route 9 until 2.5.09. 6.5.09 - this poster is wrong! That service ceased at the end of last summer, and I don't believe anything is planned for this year. 6.5.09 - what a waste of paint! Well, I suppose it served a purpose for a while. 6.5.09 - in Queen's Road, Broadstairs, Eastonways KDZ 5803 is on the Free Bus service to Sainsbury's (and other superstores). 6.5.09 - 15503 at Queen's Road, returning from Westwood Cross en route to Canterbury on route 8. 6.5.09 - 15498 turns from the High Street into Queen's Road en route to Westwood Cross. 6.5.09 - the other unbranded vehicle, 15502, at Queen's Road on the next 8A service. 6.5.09 - now at Ramsgate Station, here is another view of a non-Dart on the Loop, 20614. 6.5.09 - and a second Dart replacement is former Oxford 20011. 6.5.09 - this is the closest route 9 gets to Broadstairs now. Scania 15337 turns into Dumpton Gap Road from Dumpton Park Drive, its blinds already set for the return trip to Canterbury. 18.5.09 - an unidentified Enviro 400 on Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville on diversion following the fire in Northdown Road the previous day. With tree-felling taking place, the road was not exactly free-flowing at the time. 18.5.09 - Loop Dart 34662 passing the former Stimson House development, closely followed by Eastonways L120 HHV. The Eastonways vehicle was on its booked route, the Loop Dart obviously was not. 18.5.09 - to regain Northdown Road, buses were using Sweyn Road, which is not the best of roads at present, with parking one side, and building work at the bottom end. <br>Loop Dart 34657 has to use the pavement to allow former Airport Connections N122 HGH to pass. 18.5.09 - another Loop coming up Sweyn Road, formerly served on by route 34. 34845 has just passed the building development work which was partially obstructing the road. 18.5.09 - this is the now-redundant Bus Stop previously used by Solos on route 34; the building development work can be clearly seen, along with the consequent narrowing of the road. 18.5.09 - 34655 at the foot of Sweyn Road, about to turn onto Eastern Esplanade. 18.5.09 - Enviro 15500 approaching the foot of Sweyn Road along Eastern Esplanade. 18.5.09 - 15499 at the foot of Sweyn Road. The irony of buses like this using this road today is that only just over 2 weeks previously, sister route 8A replaced route 34 at this end of Margate, and that was when Sweyn Road lost its bus route. 20.5.09 - a picture outside the QEQM Hospital of Loop Dart 34847 operating the 20.5.09 - the new order on route 36 is exemplified here by Kent Top Travel Envrio 200 Dart KX07 HFB about to depart on the 08:49 service to Herne Bay. 27.5.09 - previously in a graffiti-type livery, KYV 314X is now in all over blue, still with the KCC, advertising 9.6.09 - the latest acquisition for Eastonways at this time, first noted at their operating centre on 27.4.09, N308 DSL came from Strathtay Scottish, part of the Stagecoach empire. Here it is on route 56 at Broadstairs Broadway, heading for Margate. 24.6.09 - the BBC Radio Bus coming down Royal Parade as it arrives in Ramsgate for the A-Z tour of Kent. 24.6.09 - KX55 APY is an East Lancs Myllennium bodied MAN - it used to be blue, when used by Radio Cumbria (see 24.6.09 - the scrolling display showed most of its destinations; Sandwich was to be the next stop after Ramsgate. 24.6.09 - I did finally get a shot of the display actually showing 24.6.09 - Breakfast Show presenter Steve Ladner interviewing a local cafe owner live on air from the front of the bus. 24.6.09 - KX55 APY departing Ramsgate en route to Sandwich, flanked front and rear by BBC cars. 29.6.09 - arriving in Margate, and passing the Nayland Rock Hotel is Stagecoach East Kent 20612, replacing a Scania Enviro on 3.8.09 - at Pencester Road, Dover - East Kent 16299 seems to be about to head for Ramsgate on route 88. 20637 is apparently not planning on going anywhere.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Tue May 5 2009 Isle of Guernsey to Isle of Thanet http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1688783.html Former Guernsey Railway Company vehicle 75, now registered RFO 829, previously 4076, and for a while Q147 OST, has seen service with various travellers, and more recently appears to have been with Messianic Israelite group "Twelve Tribes". It was photographed in Ramsgate awaiting work to be done on it before returning to Antwerp, where it is now based. Monday 27 April 2009: Former Guernsey Railway Company vehicle 75, now registered RFO 829, previously 4076, and for a while Q147 OST, has seen service with various travellers, and more recently appears to have been with Messianic Israelite group "Twelve Tribes". It was photographed in Ramsgate awaiting work to be done on it before returning to Antwerp, where it is now based.

The rear view gives details of the Twelve Tribes web site; whether they are based in Antwerp or elsewhere is unclear. The bodywork is in reasonable condition. The old Guernsey Motors fleet number is visible on each side. Although parked in quite tightly to a fence, it is possible to get a reasonable view of the front offside. A closer view of the cab end of the vehicle. Finally, another angle on the offside. 30.6.09 - two months later, still awaiting parts, which are hard to track down, the vehicle had been moved to the perimeter fence.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Mon Apr 27 2009 Digital Moments http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1686364.html Come on there! I'm not the only one who has these, am I? You press the shutter, and by the time the camera responds, the target has moved. So you press the shutter a bit earlier, and guess what - yes, it responds immediately! Here are some pictures that could have been quite good if the camera had played ball! Wednesday 22 April 2009: Come on there! I'm not the only one who has these, am I? You press the shutter, and by the time the camera responds, the target has moved. So you press the shutter a bit earlier, and guess what - yes, it responds immediately! Here are some pictures that could have been quite good if the camera had played ball!

22.4.09 - I expected the camera to take longer to respond in this failed rear-end shot of 31285 pushing 1Q12 through Margate. 22.4.09 - I expected the camera to respond more quickly in this attempted shot of Chalkwell Optare Solo WK03 ENM in Sittingbourne. 6.5.09 - my excuse this time was that it was the first time I had used this camera. At least (so far) it is consistently slow in responding, so I have to be on my guard for every picture, not just some! 6.5.09 - this has to be your archetypal 13.5.09 - the railway equivalent of curbstones and yellow lines - platform edge and railway lines. This happened to be at Headcorn, but it could have been anywhere! 13.5.09 - at least with this one I had an excuse - the train was travelling at about 90! 13.5.09 - but this bus wasn't travelling at that speed - more like 19! It would have been a good shot of 16375, recently transferred from Thanet to Eastbourne! 18.5.09 - O, What a Beautiful Gu-tter! 3.6.09 - this may not look like a digital moment, but I can assure you it was! I managed to coax the batteries of my camera into one last shot before they were replaced, but not until the target, 395008, was well on its way out of Broadstairs station! 6.6.09 - in Colchester, this was not just a digital delay, but a traffic-flow problem; the bus driver was so looking forward to becoming famous. Oh well! 6.6.09 - in Ipswich - more of a digit than digital - you're not supposed to put your finger over the lens, Dave! 1.7.09 - this is what happens with my latest camera when I try and take two pictures in quick succession. The emphasis is less on the 18.7.09 - you wait for a gap in the traffic, and then.......... 18.7.09 - not a digital moment, but a dither moment, as a pedestrian decides to take his life in his hands and cross in front of a stationary vehicle. 18.7.09 - you get none, then a load a once, particularly one coming the other way. At least I didn't stand in the road for the shot! 18.7.09 - on this day at Milton Keynes there was something about my attempts to photograph red buses that was doomed to failure! 18.7.09 - and this orange one fared no better! 18.7.09 - another incomplete red bus! 3.8.09 - no excuses here - the unit was only going 15 mph; and no, it wasn't meant to be a close-up of the driver! 6.8.09 - if in doubt, try it - if it doesn't work, this is what happens! 6.8.09 - not a digital moment, but another example of external interference, usually by pedestrians in the case of bus photos! 6.8.09 - is any shot better than no shot? I leave you to judge! 6.8.09 - Dave - it's just too close - oh no, it isn't - oh yes, it is! 6.8.09 - my excuse for this one is that I thought the camera had gone to sleep, and I pressed the shutter button to wake it up and - Geronimo, it wasn't asleep in the first place. Well, one gutter and fence top shot looks much the same whatever the cause! 17.8.09 - this was meant to be 150241 stopping at Llanrwst North; however, by the time I realised the train was passing through the station, albeit slowly, the camera wasn't ready for the shot! 11.10.09 - this is the result of your camera screen deciding to go on standby a split second before you press the shutter; before you've pressed it again - hey presto - you're too late!

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Wed Apr 22 2009 General Pictures from Kent http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1686362.html Still in Kent, but outside Thanet, and not-transport related, here you will find pictures of general interest. Wednesday 22 April 2009: Still in Kent, but outside Thanet, and not-transport related, here you will find pictures of general interest.

22.4.09 - a view from the top of the Chatham flyover of the progress in demolishing the old Theatre Royal.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Wed Apr 22 2009 Mid Kent bus pictures http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1686360.html Here are some pictures taken in Kent, but not in the East Kent area. Wednesday 22 April 2009: Here are some pictures taken in Kent, but not in the East Kent area.

22.4.09 - Chalkwell Mercedes XIL 4698 (previously N471 EHA) leaves Sittingbourne. 22.4.09 - also leaving Sittingbourne is Arriva Dart MPD 1633 heading for Kemsley. 22.4.09 - Arriva Mercedes Vario 1172 (new to Herts & Essex) on another local route. 22.4.09 - Chalkwell Solo GX04 AWR stands spare in front of Sittingbourne station. 22.4.09 - Chalkwell Olympian VIB 5237 began life with Derby City Transport as A210 DTO. 22.4.09 - the significance of the yellow livery as being for school buses is totally irrelevant in the Arriva Medway area, as exemplified here by 7635 (G635 BPH), seen at Chatham Dockside before working a trip on route 140.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Wed Apr 22 2009 Folkestone and Ashford http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1686006.html Trying to catch up with the new intake of vehicles in the Stagecoach empire in Kent, I visited Folkestone and Ashford in April 2009. Ashford's branded vehicles were not exactly keeping to the book! C-Line variety is illustrated here. Further visits have since taken place, and are illustrated here too. Warning - this gallery contains a quantity of rear-end views! Tuesday 21 April 2009: Trying to catch up with the new intake of vehicles in the Stagecoach empire in Kent, I visited Folkestone and Ashford in April 2009. Ashford's branded vehicles were not exactly keeping to the book! C-Line variety is illustrated here. Further visits have since taken place, and are illustrated here too. Warning - this gallery contains a quantity of rear-end views!

Before even leaving Thanet, I managed to snap this view of Scania/Enviro 400 15493 on driver-familiarisation work at Ramsgate Station. Arriving at Folkestone, the first of the Scania/Enviro 400 vehicles I saw was 15484, en route to Lydd on the 101 route. The Scania/Enviro 400 vehicles at Folkestone carry branding for Another rear-end view, providing a contrast between the Dennis Tridents with Enviro 400 bodywork, and the new Scania vehicles. Apart from the cosmetics, note the engine grill on the Scania, and the lack of a rear window. The newer vehicles are also longer than the original ones. Another rear-end view, this time of former London Dart 32608, which proves it came from Ashford, as it advertises County Square Shopping Centre there. This vehicle was operating on route 127 today, along with unique 33080 (P988 AFV). This Scania/Enviro 400 is actually a Hastings-based vehicle. 15487 was displaying a destination, but my camera seems to have missed it this time round! Moving on to Ashford, where there are 10 new Solos in service, route-branding is here big-time. This A-Line Solo, 47669, was actually operating on an A-Line route. Here it leans to the curve as it enters the road to the International Station. On loan, but still route-branded for E-Line, KX58 GTF is a Dart with Enviro 200 bodywork, seen here leaving the station approach. 47662, another A-Line Solo, is at the same set of traffic lights, en route to Asda at Stanhope. One of the older Darts at Ashford ironically carries a Another operator to work into Ashford is Poynter's of Wye. Former Nottingham Volvo B10B/Alexander Strider is coming down Station Road towards the Station. A C-Line bus on a C-Line route; this wasn't a very common sighting today. 33018 is also coming down Station Road. The dome in the background marks the site of the leisure centre built where the old East Kent garage used to be. With the spring leaves providing a mottled effect to the livery, Kent Coach Travel Y353 CKR waits a trip on route 13 in Vicarage Lane. 47666 in Bank Street, with the new Debenhams development clearly visible; behind this is the famous/notorious Another rear view - this is getting a habit today! This is the A-Line rear branding, and it is as eye-catching as many other rear-end brandings that Stagecoach have introduced to East Kent. And another rear-end view. This is one of 22192, a MAN/Alexander transferred from Manchester when almost new, and re-registered with the Irish registration of a former London Wright-bodied Dart (are you with me so far?). This shot would not have been possible before the ring road became two-way, as it is pulling up to a stop at the top end of Station Road. Just a few yards further back, passing a new development at the entrance to Park Street, where country-area bus routes pass through, this Mercedes Vario, T465 HNH, in the livery of Nextbus, Chippenham, spent some time on Jersey with Connex Bus there. It seems to have been on hire here to AMB (i.e. Hughes, Ashford). One of the non-C-Line-branded vehicles on the C-Line is another MAN/Alexander, 22191, another with an Irish ex-London registration, seen here near the station again, at the end of Station Road. The third of the MAN/Alexander Irish-registered vehicles, 22194, is still in the Designer Outlet livery, as 22192 in the earlier shot. Some of East Kent's older Olympians are still in use in Ashford. 14829 is seen here leaving the station on route 400 to Tenterden. Arriva Kent & Sussex 3212 wears a From Park & Ride to Park Farm. This Trident, 17690, was new to East Kent as one of their Canterbury Park & Ride vehicles, and came to carry a version of the Stagecoach corporate livery when Kent Top Travel took over Canterbury's P&R services at the end of 2008. A C-Line Dart on an E-Line route! 33022, once again at the end of Station Road, was the other vehicle on the E-Line today. Elderly Olympian 14808 (now about 19 years old) is operating on the C-Line, another variety in the miscellany of vehicles (which also included an A-Line-branded Solo). Kent Top Travel YJ06 LEU arriving at Ashford Station on the 666 route from Faversham, previously operating by Kingsman Coaches. This vehicle began life operating on the 591 route in the Dover area. To finish with, a coach visitor in the form of EOS DIG 6405 of Hayton's, from the Manchester, seen here at the domestic entrance to the International Station. This is where all the buses that serve Ashford Station pass through. 1.7.09 - a later visit found this former Cavendish Dart operating on route 11. 33383 (W566 JVV) is seen here turning into the Station's approach on the way to New Romney. 1.7.09 - not only unbranded, but not even low-floor, 20608 is seen on Route C at the same location. 1.7.09 - another blue Enviro 200 Dart on hire, which I didn't see on my earlier visit, is KX08 HMF, seen departing a bit too quickly for my camera from the International Station forecourt. 6.8.09 - a Dart new to London, but more recently at Hastings, 34075 loads passengers at the front of Ashford International Station.

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]]> Tue Apr 21 2009 TIMBER!! http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1641899.html The Russian-registered Sinegorsk came to grief off Newhaven on 19.1.09 off Newhaven, but it took until the morning high tide of 22.1.09 for it to come ashore, much of it on the Thanet coast. This gallery shows various angles on the timber at Dumpton Gap and Viking Bay, Broadstairs, and at East Cliff, Ramsgate. Most of the pictures speak for themselves. The day afterwards, I took some more shots of the clear-up - both official and unofficial! Thursday 22 January 2009: The Russian-registered Sinegorsk came to grief off Newhaven on 19.1.09 off Newhaven, but it took until the morning high tide of 22.1.09 for it to come ashore, much of it on the Thanet coast. This gallery shows various angles on the timber at Dumpton Gap and Viking Bay, Broadstairs, and at East Cliff, Ramsgate. Most of the pictures speak for themselves. The day afterwards, I took some more shots of the clear-up - both official and unofficial!

Dont' even think about it! It may be a shed load, but................ 22.1.09 - at Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs, and every other access point, the Police were in attendance. Also at Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs, the Coastguard were also in attendance. At Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs, the timber tried to escape up the steps! Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs - some of the wood remained bundled up. Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Never mind the Promenade, what about the beach? Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs - Meridian TV expressed an interest by turning up for some pictures! Louisa Bay, Broadstairs Louisa Bay, Broadstairs Louisa Bay, Broadstairs Viking Bay, Broadstairs The rock pool at Viking Bay, with timber adornments. Ramsgate, below East Cliff. Eastern Undercliff, Ramsgate Looking towards Ramsgate Harbour 23.1.09 - Clear-up at Louisa Bay, Broadstairs, with the wood further up the beach, either by a higher tide, or some other method. At Dumpton Gap, much of the timber seems to have been removed, or in the process of being removed. Some of the wood at Dumpton Gap being prepared for transportation. A steep gradient and an insecure load is not something to be recommended, nor is the idea of standing behind it! At Ramsgate, a more organised clear-up was in full swing, supervised by the Police. The next three shots show an attempt at loading timber. Here it is gathered up. Here it is lifted over towards the truck. Whoops! Missed! Try again. The dumper trucks used to transport the wood along the beach seemed to be semi-amphibious. Salt on the soft tyres, wood on the roof? No, guv, I ain't taken any! At the Harbour end of the beach at Ramsgate, wood was deposited by the dumper trucks, to be collected and loaded for more secure transportation. The pile of wood collected and moved along, being loaded. The dumper trucks carved out tracks in the sand, which they seemed to use for guidance, just like a railway line.

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]]> Thu Jan 22 2009 The New Order in Ramsgate http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1638176.html It's now over 3 years since the last slammers left Ramsgate, and time to move on. This gallery will show pictures of newer trains in the East Of Kent. Wednesday 14 January 2009: It's now over 3 years since the last slammers left Ramsgate, and time to move on. This gallery will show pictures of newer trains in the East Of Kent.

16.7.08 - the new depot at Ramsgate - all we need now is the Class 395 trains! August 2008 - photo by Paul Johnson <br>One of the earlier visits of class 395 units to Ramsgate August 2008 - photo by Paul Johnson <br>Two units had visited then. That also looks like a Networker in the distance! August 2008 - photo by Paul Johnson <br>This one looks like 395002. 22.6.09 - juxtaposition of destination (PIS) displays shows just how high-speed the service really is when not on CTRL tracks. 14.1.09 - it took some time, but here is one at last! Berthing on 14 road next to three stored Class 508 units, a Class 395 is finally seen in daylight at Ramsgate. 15.1.09 - 395002 at Ramsgate for a special guest-only trip to St Pancras. 15.1.09 - the sleek profile of the end of the unit. 15.1.09 - the rear end of the same unit. 15.1.09 - the unit was in Platform 3 for well over 2 hours before departure. 15.1.09 - 375307, complete with graffiti tag, slowly approaches the 395. The driver had no intention of becoming famous by being the first to hit a Javelin, so stayed well back! 15.1.09 - the branding has now been applied to the side of at least this unit. 15.1.09 - still awaiting the signal - plenty of time to go yet! 15.1.09 - the drivers were both friendly, but the message in the cab door windows was less inviting! 15.1.09 - 15.1.09 - the 1140 from Ramsgate to St Pancras passing through Dumpton Park..... .....and heading off towards London. 16.1.09 - 395002 arriving at Broadstairs on a test train stop. 16.1.09 - High speed at a standstill! 16.1.09 - 395002 pulls away from the station stop.... .....and heads off for London the long way. 16.1.09 - less than 5 hours later, 395002 passing Broadstairs on its second circuit of the day. 19.1.09 - 395002 on a return working to Ramsgate from a trip to the Ebbsfleet area, approaching Bay View Road bridge, Broadstairs. 19.1.09 - 395002 curving round towards Dumpton Park. 21.1.09 - and this was the shot he got! That's me on the up platform as 395002 departs Broadstairs. <br>PHOTO BY PETER WILSON 21.1.09 - 395002 at Broadstairs station around 12:25. 21.1.09 - 395002 departing Broadstairs station at 12:26; I wasn't the only one at large with a camera, I see! 29.1.09 - a 12-car Javelin in Broadstairs station on a test run. 29.1.09 - 395003 leads 395002 out of Broadstairs, with Ian the driver giving a friendly wave. 29.1.09 - this was the first time I had seen two units operating together. 4.2.09 - back on track after the wintry weather, 395001 at Broadstairs. 4.2.09 - this unit has the Hitachi web site displayed on the front. 4.2.09 - 395001 departing into the midday sun. 4.2.09 - the rear coach of 395001 departing Broadstairs. 4.2.09 - later the same evening, 395001 stands at Margate, awaiting a return trip to Ashford International. <br> PHOTO BY JAMIE HAFFENDEN. 6.2.09 - 395003 on a driver-training trip between Margate and Broadstairs; a wonderful comparison between old and new with the Drapers Mill in the background. <br>PHOTO BY PETER WILSON. 11.3.09 - 395002 (it should have been a 12-car) approaching Dumpton Park on the now-regular 10:48 trip from Church Path Pit Sidings to Ramsgate. 11.3.09 - 395002 curves past the site of the old cutting and tunnel to Ramsgate Harbour on the 12.3.09 - 395002 passing through Dumpton Park on the next day's single-unit test run. 12.3.09 - 395002 leaving Dumpton Park on a green light! 16.3.09 - 395004 arrives at Margate around 11:10, just after, instead of ahead, of the 10:59 Ramsgate to Victoria. 16.3.09 - just over an hour later than 395004, 395002 arrives at Margate from the opposite direction. 16.3.09 - 395002 departing Margate for Ramsgate at 12:22. 18.3.09 - 395004 leads 395002 into Ramsgate platform 3 from the Margate direction. 18.3.09 - 395004 in platform 3 at Ramsgate, waiting a driver change before departure. 18.3.09 - the sleek end of 395004 as it awaits departure. 18.3.09 - 395004 begins to depart from Ramsgate. 18.3.09 - 395004 and 395002 together for today's run. 18.3.09 - you may not be able to see the join between two Electrostars, but with the Javelins it is much more obvious. 18.3.09 - the rear coach of 395002 departing Ramsgate.

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]]> Wed Jan 14 2009 The Hants and Berkshire Explorer http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1563793.html The only Bus Club trip I was able to take part in during 2008 was to Reading, Newbury, Eastleigh and Southampton. This gallery shows pictures at these places, although for reasons of secrecy, not all pictures taken on the day are posted on-line. Saturday 16 August 2008: The only Bus Club trip I was able to take part in during 2008 was to Reading, Newbury, Eastleigh and Southampton. This gallery shows pictures at these places, although for reasons of secrecy, not all pictures taken on the day are posted on-line.

Our vehicle for the day was DAF/Plaxton R906 BKO of New Enterprise, seen here just after we arrived at Reading Station. Horseman RX06 WVC squeezes between a big yellow (or medium orange!) taxi and Reading 859 in blue. One of Countywide services from Aldershot is seen here in the hands of MAN/East Lancs RX53 LFH. I think it is safe to say that non-route-branded vehicles in the Reading fleet carry this grey livery, as shown on 1026. Another operator into Reading is Thames Travel, with a modern fleet, such as here with 306 (PF06 ENN). Just around the corner from the railway station is where the RailAir Link services operate, run by First. Scania/Irizar 23009 is spare, while newer 20613 is loading up for a trip to Heathrow. If you're into pink, then Reading routes 25/26 are for you, as seen here on 819. Reading truly is a colourful place in terms of liveries and route-branding, and bright green 1014 on route 9 shows this well. 1012 in silver enters the main street on route 137. Once operated in London, 599 (YN07 LHD) is now with Reading. It is an Ethanol-powered Scania. A deeper pink is the colour for routes 23 and 24, as seen here on 831. Yellow is the colour for the Park & Ride routes, as on 837. First 65602 once from Yorkshire, operates from Bracknell depot into the town. Is there anyone in? You would never know on this Excel 963, with a heavily-applied overall advert. One of at least 14 new Bio-Ethanol Scanias now in service is 1113. These vehicles operate between the town and Tilehurst on route 17. Another First import is 60168, which began life with First in Manchester. Some old-liveried vehicles still exist in the Reading fleet, and they all seem to be Optare Solos, such as 115 seen here. Newbury Buses now have this new livery, as seen on former De Courcey MCV-bodied Dart 604. Another Countywide vehicle entering the town on route 72 is 63 (RX53 LNJ). Reading Excel 961 is in a more conventional basic-grey livery. Solo 122 is route-branded for route 142, as seen here. Most of Thames Travel fleet carries this smart new livery, as seen here on 306 (PF06 ENN). Motts Solo MB07 BUS is seen here at the station, waiting for its return trip. Another Newbury-liveried Dart is 608, just arrived in town. One of Arriva the Shires smarter vehicles is 3203, but it looks rather tatty alongside the immaculate Reading fleet. Newbury on a Saturday is not exactly busy - at least it wasn't while we stopped there. No. 609 left for return to Reading, and one other Solo was in there briefly. 108 also paused in the Bus Station on layover. 111 came into town past the site of the new So we decided to cut short our stay and head south. Inside the workshop of Solent Blueline, now known as Bluestar, at Eastleigh was their 782 undergoing a wheel change. There are still a handful of short Plaxton-bodied Darts in the fleet in this red livery, like 574, but they are due to be repainted blue shortly, we understand. We had a ride on this preserved Southampton AEC Regent 402 (KOW 910F) for a trip to a preservation site and then a transfer to a Guy Arab. Another angle on KOW 910F. Side view of KOW 910F before we all got on. The Operating Centre is currently just around the corner, where we see the size of the yard dwarfing another red Dart, 575. The livery of M736 BBP, renumbered 766, was a special Ray Stenning design for the Solent Shuttle. (Thanks to Darren Price for this information.) An Olympian, 732, once the mainstay of services in Southampton, is now relegated to spare - at best! An ex-Southern Vectis Olympian is seen here - still carrying Vectis details. The purpose of it being here is for repaint into Wilts & Dorset or Damory livery. The Stagecoach livery on the left is one of the Black Velvet fleet; pictures of the other members of the fleet present follow later. Rear views of a former London, then Oxford Volvo B10B, 621, and open-top DAF/NC 3153 of Wilts & Dorset, formerly with Walls, Manchester. It is due to be transferred next season to Southern Vectis (thank you to Darren Price for this additional information.) Once used on the London-Oxford service, R810 NUD is now a driver-training vehicle. 576 alongside is the only little Dart repainted blue so far, it seems. Two more rear views, both of Wilts & Dorset vehicles, Spectra 3133, and freshly-repainted VR 5072 (once in the Damory fleet). Another out-of-use Olympian at the operating centre is 817, which began life on a different island, the Isle of Man, as BMN 88G. In an adjacent compound is the operating centre of new firm Another shot of KOW 910F, just before leaving Eastleigh. Arriving in Southampton on LOW 217, we met up with our own coach again, before heading for the city centre. This First Olympian was delivered in red, but this red is more reminiscent of the old Southampton fleet livery. 31825 began service in London, probably at Sutton. A2B Express Travel were doing football shuttles, using a variety of vehicles, including this former Red & White (but new to Ribble) Volvo B6, L253 CCK. By contrast, here is one of A2B's three-axle Talbot Freeway/Pullman vehicles, J171 MNX. Sister vehicle to 31825, this is 31820, which was jacked up at the rear nearside, hence the odd angle. The only Olympian outside the depot at Eastleigh seemed to be 728, seen here near West Quay.

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]]> Sat Aug 16 2008 Folkestone, Ashford and Canterbury http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1563792.html A record of a visit to these three East Kent towns while also looking for Tangmere on the Cathedrals Express. The pictures of Tangmere are in the "Special Trains in East Kent" gallery. Wednesday 23 July 2008: A record of a visit to these three East Kent towns while also looking for Tangmere on the Cathedrals Express. The pictures of Tangmere are in the "Special Trains in East Kent" gallery.

23.7.08 - At Folkestone Bus Station Olympian 16740, recently transferred from Busways, is now in service, seen here operating on route 12 to Hythe. 23.7.08 - Just a handful of Mercedes 709D minibuses remain, as seen here with 40933, in use as staff transport to and from the depot at Cheriton. 23.7.08 - A newer import from the North East is 19025, one of 8 Enviro 400 Tridents. Here it is on route 12, but the branding suggests differently. 23.7.08 - Olympian 14813 arrives at the Bus Station, apparently apologising for being on route 10. 23.7.08 - Unique 33080, taken over with the Town and Around operations, is still operating on route 127, the route that Town and Around used to have. 23.7.08 - 32518 was new to Hastings and District, and the batch of 20 has been spread far and wide. 23.7.08 - Another former Busways Enviro 400, 19028, operating on route 17, as the branding suggests. 23.7.08 - Another route 12 operation is being dealt with here by 16317, a Hastings-based Olympian. 23.7.08 - Kent County Council Iveco V386 MKJ is also in use on a local route. 23.7.08 - Optare Solo 47118 is seen here near Folkestone Central station, heading for the town. 23.7.08 - Moving on to Ashford, here is a blurry shot of 22194, one of a handful of MAN vehicles brought from Manchester for use on the MacArthur Glen service. 23.7.08 - Coming down Station Road, now two-way again, is Kent Coach Tours Vario Y353 CKR. 23.7.08 - Another one of the MAN vehicles, in company livery, is 22191, operating an 23.7.08 - Arriva Kent & Sussex 3210 in Trans Weald Livery at Ashford International Station forecourt, on the way to Tenterden. 23.7.08 - Moving on to Canterbury, where the sun was again shining (unlike in Ashford), this vintage Lynx, C64 HOM, is operated by Bzee Bus, mainly on University services. This shot was taken at the operating centre, adjacent to Canterbury West station. 23.7.08 - Another Bzee Bus vehicle is former Arriva Metrorider N806 BKN, seen here by the Whitefriars development, adjacent to the Bus Station. 23.7.08 - Park and Ride Trident 17690 comes round the roundabout towards the entry to the Bus Station on a working from the Dover Road site. 23.7.08 - In the livery of Nextbus, but previously with Arriva, P438 HKN is on a schools working for Bzee Bus, coming along Pin Hill from the Canterbury East station direction. 23.7.08 - Single-deck Park & Ride MAN 22004 rounds the roundabout towards the Bus Station on a Sturry Road working. 23.7.08 - One of the Varios imported from Oxford during 2007, 42377 enters the Bus Station approach 23.7.08 - Kent Top Travel (an off-shoot from Kent County Council) operate this Optare Solo, Y32 HBT, on local route 649. 23.7.08 - This Ford Transit, DY57 HYN, is operated by Hayden Logisitcs, Acol as it pauses near the Bus Station. 23.7.08 - Diamond route-liveried Enviro 300 27517, operating in from the Deal direction. 23.7.08 - An example of the varied colours evident in the Canterbury area at times, but often only from the rear. Here, however, is overall-liveried 16284, with its latest version of the Delmeza House Children's Hospice livery. 23.7.08 - Olympian 16385 puts in a rear-end plug (pardon the expression!) for Canterbury Cathedral............. ...............while Trident 18161 is advertising Nason's. 23.7.08 - Numerically the last of the Enviros allocated to Folkestone, and the last to arrive from Busways, 19030 is seen here on stand for a schools working to Barham.

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]]> Wed Jul 23 2008 Brighton coach rally 2007 - unidentified vehicles http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1540709.html Many of these pictures are at present devoid of detailed captions while I try to identify which of them have since appeared in service. If anyone can help, please use the "Comments" option. Saturday 14 April 2007: Many of these pictures are at present devoid of detailed captions while I try to identify which of them have since appeared in service. If anyone can help, please use the "Comments" option.

Westbus MB O.16D Sitcar C27F now WA07 BHJ Thomas Rhondda Bova XHD122.D340 Magiq C49Ft now WA07 BGZ Rear of slimline Ta/Co - see next caption New Bharat Vo B12B(T)/VH CH61/18Ct now NB07 NBC Front of slimline Ta BB50R/Co C21F - stock vehicle - no more information available Optare Solera C37F on an MB1324L chassis - demonstrator - no more information Silver MB Tourismo C49Ft - Evobus demonstrator Black Setra 415HD C35F - Evobus demonstrator VDL SB4000 HC C49Ft - Esker display vehicle MB 1018L Unvi C33F - Esker display vehicle MB O.815D Unvi C29F - Esker display vehicle Iveco 65C18 Indcar C33F - Esker display vehicle Wilfreda MAN 18.400 Beulas C40F - now PN07 EHL Irisbus Macropolo C70F - BASE stock vehicle MAN 14.280 Beulas Cygnus C35F - BASE stock vehicle Dawson Rentals Volvo B12B Plaxton C49Ft - no more information Plaxton, Scarborough Ibs/Plaxton - no more information Arriva Temsa C35F Opalin

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]]> Sat Apr 14 2007 Tidal Surge Day at Margate http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1404974.html On the day that dire forecasts of flooding turned out to be just averted, here are some sea shots in Margate, contrasting well with my earlier gallery in March 2007. Friday 9 November 2007: On the day that dire forecasts of flooding turned out to be just averted, here are some sea shots in Margate, contrasting well with my earlier gallery in March 2007.

My drive to work took me via Joss Bay, Broadstairs, where the general roughness of the sea was obvious, even from a distance. Taken from the car park at Joss Bay, the rollers that surfers love (and later in the same day caused some to be rescued by the Coastguards) are pretty big. Another angle on the same beach. Moving on to Walpole Bay, Cliftonville, the air was full of spray; my car, parked at least 200 yards away, behind a hedge, was splashed when I returned to it! Walpole Bay again, facing the other way - and this was at least 2-3 hours before high tide. At lunchtime, this was the view about 2 hours after high tide, behind the Winter Gardens. The previous Friday I had cycled along here - not a good idea today! The road to the left of this pictures carries cars and coaches to events at the Winter Gardens - if there were any today they would have had to find somewhere else to set down and pick up! This part of the prom had been cordoned off up to an hour before; now drivers seem to be deliberately placing their vehicles under the breakers. The white and black vans are both on the path, not the road! What a way to park - underneath the spreading chest-high seas (there's a song almost there, isn't there?) I was not the only photographer taking shots, but mine were from a safe and relatively dry distance. It might be worth mentioning that this is the proposed site of the new Turner Centre! No cars in this car park today. The sand on the road can be clearly seen as yet another breaker comes up and over. More drivers with death wishes for their cars' bodywork come to have a look. Droit House from the distance, with a roof-high breaker behind it. As one lot of waves roll in, a previous wave rolls away from the sea wall at right angles. The seabirds have generally decided to sit it out and watch for a change of the weather. At high tide earlier, the sea had come through the gap in the sand dunes designed to stop the beach being blown away, and formed a lake behind it. The walkway to the gap in the dune has been shifted, and also covered in flume (or whatever you call that cream gunk!). The octagonal tea room is usually surrounded on most sides by sand - not today, though!

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 45407 comes to Canterbury http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1395295.html Black Five 45407, "The Lancashire Fusilier", substituted for "Tangmere" on a Victoria to Canterbury West trip on this day. Unfortunately, it was a very dull day, and the quality of pictures is generally not very good, but I've included most of the shots I took to illustrate its late arrival at Canterbury West and subsequent manoeuvres to take on water, together with other shots at the same time. Wednesday 24 October 2007: Black Five 45407, "The Lancashire Fusilier", substituted for "Tangmere" on a Victoria to Canterbury West trip on this day. Unfortunately, it was a very dull day, and the quality of pictures is generally not very good, but I've included most of the shots I took to illustrate its late arrival at Canterbury West and subsequent manoeuvres to take on water, together with other shots at the same time.

Maroon-liveried 33025 arrived ahead of the steam special, to act as assistance on its return trip, particularly for the climb up from Deal to Martin Mill, as the train consisted of no less than 12 coaches. The 33025 in the down loop, waiting to reverse into the shunt neck. It's blurred, but you can at least see the name of the loco! 33025 now waiting in the back end of the loop for the rest of the train to arrive. Just after 14:00, about half-an-hour late, 45407 arrived into the down platform at Canterbury West. Because of the length of the train, the loco had to pull right up to underneath the signal box, causing some delay while passengers from the front few coaches detrained through just one door in coach 4! The view from the end of the platform, showing how much of the train wasn't within platform limits. 45407 is now hauling its stock forward in readines for the propelling move back into the Loop road. Here she comes! The move was carried out with the aid of radios. The delayed service to Victoria, formed of 465910, is about to leave, while the also-delayed 14:20 to Margate waits in the down platform formed of 375830. 375830 moves off towards Ramsgate, while 45407 waits to move forward with just its support coach. After a long time, as a result of some points problems, 45407 is seen here propelling its support coach towards the siding where the tanker was waiting to refill her tanks. Taken above the heads of the many other photographers present, 45407 is now nearly within the siding. A close-up of the name plate. A close-up of the loco number, as the train crew decant for servicing (the loco, that is!). The bodywork of the support coach is less than pristine. A view from the down platform across the station of 45407 in the watering bay. In the meantime, 33025 had now been attached to the rear of the coaching stock. Believe it or not, those are red blinds! Yes - you can see the join! An 8-car 365/9 arrives on the way to Charing Cross as servicing continues in the bay. Watering now complete, the tanker is prepared for its next move - to Folkestone West for the later water stop. 45407 nestles among the thistles (well nettles and brambles actually, but that sounds less poetical!). The light was OK, but the blurring takes the edge off this view. Maintenance continues alongside the aptly-named Goods Shed, site of the most expensive omelettes in Canterbury!

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]]> Wed Oct 24 2007 Thanet Tram Route Run 2007 (MICHEL CRISP) http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1359010.html ALL THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY MICHEL CRISP On 26.8.07, a total of 5 preserved East Kent buses did trips over various parts of the Thanet area, visiting two sites of interest to lovers of tram history at Westbrook and St Peter's, and re-enacting several old route displays to add to the authenticity. These pictures, some of which are absolutely superb, capture the feel of the day, which I was unable to participate in, although I did see four of the vehicles briefly at Westbrook. The Gallery shows firstly the two full-front AEC Regents, PFN 867 and PFN 874, then Guy Arab MFN 888, then half-cab Regent MFN 946F (still owned by Stagecoach), and Daimler Fleetline RFN 953G. At the end there are some "Group photos" and one or two unusual shots, including two more modern vehicles. Sunday 26 August 2007: ALL THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY MICHEL CRISP On 26.8.07, a total of 5 preserved East Kent buses did trips over various parts of the Thanet area, visiting two sites of interest to lovers of tram history at Westbrook and St Peter's, and re-enacting several old route displays to add to the authenticity. These pictures, some of which are absolutely superb, capture the feel of the day, which I was unable to participate in, although I did see four of the vehicles briefly at Westbrook. The Gallery shows firstly the two full-front AEC Regents, PFN 867 and PFN 874, then Guy Arab MFN 888, then half-cab Regent MFN 946F (still owned by Stagecoach), and Daimler Fleetline RFN 953G. At the end there are some "Group photos" and one or two unusual shots, including two more modern vehicles.

One of the remaining structures associated with the Tramway was still in one piece when Alan Scott took this picture in 2004. It is however, I understand, due for demolition. The newest (a relative term!) vehicle in the procession was Fleetline RFN 953G, seen here at the start of the run in Ramsgate. Route 69 was for years the open-top route that ran at one stage from Minnis Bay in Birchington to the Hoverport at Pegwell Bay in Ramsgate, later considerably truncated. RFN 953G is seen here descending Royal Parade, Ramsgate, heading for the Harbour (bus stop, I mean)! Having been to the East Cliff and back, RFN 953G is seen here coming up Royal Parade from the Harbour, heading for exactly where the destination blind says. RFN 953G outside Ramsgate Station - not quite the historical shot it could have been, due to redevelopment including a taxi rank, and the sun being in the wrong angle. The other full-front Regent, PFN 874, began its trip at Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, which is where this shot was taken. All four buses that started from Ramsgate, ready to leave Royal Esplanade at the start of the day. At the other end of Ramsgate, PFN 874 waits beside the Granville Theatre. The blind display is almost accurate, although technically the route 52 commenced at Ramsgate Harbour, most drivers on the interworked 49/50 route changed their blinds at Dumpton Park. PFN 874 during a stop at Stagecoach's Westwood Depot. MFN 888 was the oldest vehicle in the cavalcade, being a rear platformed Guy Arab, albeit with platform doors. It is seen here in the lineup outside the Stagecoach depot at Westwood. The blind display shows Route 8/9, but I don't think that meant the driver didn't know which route he was on, rather, that both routes were similar! The line-up at Westwood Garage of the four vehicles on parade at that time. Stagecoach-owned MFN 946F is seen here outside the Hornby Hobbies factory, wearing an advert for the same firm! Another angle on the same vehicle in the same place. MFN 888 is here seen outside the Hornby Hobbies (previously also known as Rovex) factory at Westwood. At Westwood Industrial Estate beside B&Q, and behind PFN 867, RFN 953G poses for another shot. Thanks to Dave Ferguson for informing me that Townbrooke was a factory on Westwood Industrial Estate. Thanet Loop Dart 34661 called in at the stop at Westwood Industrial Estate during the pause there. A bit further along on route 52 from Westwood Depot is the Westwood Industrial Estate, where PFN 874 is seen waiting in the bus layby just outside B&Q. Same place, different angle; PFN 874 stands ahead of Fleetline RFN 953G. PFN 874 is seen here in George V Avenue, Westbrook, about 100 yards from the extant Tram Shed on the Canterbury Road there. MFN 946F parked up in George V Avenue, Westbrook while the party were shown the old tram shed. George V Avenue, Westbrook is this location again, this time for MFN 888, nestling nicely into the foliage! MFN 888 leads the four vehicles at St Mildred's Bay, just before PFN 867 came on the scene, it seems. PFN 867 actually joined the cavalcade later than the other four vehicles, seen here at St Mildred's Bay, Westgate. Another rear view, this time at St Mildred's Bay, Westgate, with all five vehicles now lined up. Now wearing blinds for route 51 to Westgate, PFN 874 comes along Marine Drive, Margate. Another shot of Marine Drive, this time with MFN 946F coming along from the Harbour direction. Marine Drive, Margate is the setting for this shot of PFN 867, which had been on wedding duty the day before, hence the additional decorations inside and out. A wonderfully nostalgic shot of PFN 874 passing the Clock Tower at Margate, round the reinstated roundabout, although in fairness, the Clock Tower used to be in the centre of the roundabout system there - but not any more! RFN 953G takes its turn to pass the Clock Tower at Margate. If it was on route 151 to Palm Bay it was going in the wrong direction! MFN 946F also passing the Clock Tower at Margate. PFN 867 passing the famous Clock Tower at Margate, now converted back to a roundabout with pedestrian crossings near every outlet; still better than the infamous traffic lights of a few years ago. PFN 874 on Marine Terrace, Margate, where it would have actually stopped on route 51 in the dim and distant past (when I was young!). From one PFN to another; a shot of PFN 867 seen from the cab of PFN 874. Now for some collections and special shots. <br>The Three Regents (sounds like a singing group!) in Cecil Square, Margate; back view was better due to the angle of the sun. All five vehicles stopped outside Laleham School in Cliftonville. On the way back, the cavalcade stopped outside Laleham School in Northdown Park Avenue, Cliftonville, which is where PFN 874 is resting in this shot. In later years as a bus depot, it was merely used for storage of withdrawn vehicles." /> MFN 888 takes its place in the lineup at the old depot at St Peter's. Outside the old tram depot at St Peter's again is where this shot of PFN 874 is taken. And another vehicle in the St Peter's Garage forecourt, this time MFN 946F. RFN 953G at St Peter's, right next to Northdown Road, St Peter's (just a few yards from the G&S Coaches operating centre). MFN 888 now arriving back at Ramsgate, leading PFN 867 into the parking space. PFN 867 arriving at Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate at the end of the main cavalcade route. PFN 874 at the end of the route back at Royal Esplanade boating pool in Ramsgate. A wonderful shot of PFN 867 in the setting of the boating pool alongside Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate. The Sightseeing service this (loosely-called) summer has been in the hands of two Metrobus open-toppers, one of which, VRG 418T, passed the line-up at the end of the route in Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate. Oh look - we have a poser! Back on Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, RFN 953G has reached the end of the main route. The final shot of RFN 953G shows it having set down in Canterbury Road East, Ramsgate, on its way to one of the now-closed mines at Tilmanstone.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Sun Aug 26 2007 Picturesque Kent http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1355722.html It's time to broaden my galleries from transport to other things. A trip to Yalding today in the sunshine shows that Kent as a county has plenty to offer in terms of lovely views. Most of these pictures need no captions for now, although if I expand the gallery later, captions may become necessary. Saturday 25 August 2007: It's time to broaden my galleries from transport to other things. A trip to Yalding today in the sunshine shows that Kent as a county has plenty to offer in terms of lovely views. Most of these pictures need no captions for now, although if I expand the gallery later, captions may become necessary.

TeaPot Island at Yalding is well worth a visit; there were well over 4,000 different teapots on view today (25.8.07). The Anchor pub from across the river Medway. Under the arches of the picturesque at Yalding, you can play, stroll and take the dog for a walk!

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Sat Aug 25 2007 The Home Counties Explorer Tour http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1352723.html The final M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip of 2007 took us to the leafy shires of Bucks and Herts - Metroland to those who have long memories. We visited two town centres, and four depots, and this is a pictorial record of the day out, which began bright, but became damp. The final 8 pictures in the gallery depict our steed of the day in various locations. Saturday 18 August 2007: The final M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip of 2007 took us to the leafy shires of Bucks and Herts - Metroland to those who have long memories. We visited two town centres, and four depots, and this is a pictorial record of the day out, which began bright, but became damp. The final 8 pictures in the gallery depict our steed of the day in various locations.

Before reaching our starting point, this Earnside coach NHG 550 was found in Farthing Corner Service Station on the M2. The remainder of pictures in this gallery feature our coach for the day, H18 BUS. <br>It is a very late Leyland Tiger, new as H259 GRY, and most recently with Perry, Bromyard t/a Bromyard Omnibus. High Wycombe was our first destination, and this vehicle was in the town centre operating centre of Carousel Buses. This former Armchair Olympian, H556 GKX, was in a special The only other vehicle in the yard was this heavily-cannibalised Dennis Dart, previously 735 with Go Ahead Birmingham; H129 THE is now only anticipating one more one-way journey, I think. It was new to London as DR29. Carousel's main operating centre on the outskirts of town was much larger, with a good representation of their fleet present. Here you can see former London buses in the form of Metrobus KYV 737X and Routemaster CUV 198C. Another former Armchair Olympian, H564 GKX, is seen here alongside Dart P479 MLE. Carousel own one Optare Excel, P202 BNR, which came from Trent. Former Arriva Dart K323 CVX is now in their red fleet livery. Sister to the cannibalised vehicle in an earlier picture, H125 THE is still in use, although in a different livery from standard. Also in their fleet are three Dennis Tridents formerly with Metrobus - all were squeezed in at the back of the yard, hence this rather angular shot of T411 SMV. There are also a number of Northern Counties Olympians that started life with Kentish Bus on their central London route 38. G530 VBB retains its dual-door formation. Here H18 is sitting in the sun at the out-of-town operating centre of Carousel Buses. Recently acquired are two former Stagecoach Olympians which began life in Cambridge. Here is F510 NJE................ ..............and here is F511 NJE. Both still carry principally Stagecoach liveries. Next stop was the new Arriva depot in High Wycombe - a very modern facility it is too. Here is Volvo B6 3127 up on a raised platform. Also over the pit was 4490, a Plaxton Prestige bodied DAF SB220, new to Arriva Scotland. Sister vehicle to 3854, 3853 is seen here having a chassis clean - the bubbles were frothing well! Mercedes Vario 2197 seems to have had a recent repaint, but was spare when we visited. Older Mercedes 709D 2115 (N470 EHA), which was with Arriva Midlands, was being used on staff shuttles from garage to town centre. (By late 2008 this vehicle was operating with Banga, Wolverhampton.) Park and Ride 3701, a VDL SB120 with a Wright Cadet body, was also spare, alongside Driver training vehicle 4036 (L500 BUS), was new to Lucketts of Watford, coming into the Arriva fleet upon merger. It is a rather rare Iveco TurboCity with a Wadham Stringer body. Three more spare vehicles on depot were B6's 3138 and 3128, flanking Olympian 5118. Plaxton Verde-bodied Volvo B10B 3854 (N414 NRG), seen here from the rear with its engine cover open, came from Oxford with the Wycombe Bus transfer, but was new to Go Ahead Northern. Arriva have some vehicles in red livery for London tendered routes; 3805 is one for the routes around the Uxbridge area. It is seen here at the High Wycombe Arriva depot. <br>Depending on who you believe, This is the new Bus Station in High Wycombe, still surrounded by building development and road alterations, but brighter and cleaner than the original site in the old Oxford Bus Company garage. Another sign of the links to the old Oxford Bus Company operations in the town is this Marshall-bodied Dennis Dart 3833 (M503 MJO). A GreenRoute vehicle in service - this one is 3862. 3205 is a Northern Counties Paladin-bodied Scania L113CRL, seen about to enter the bus station. Exiting the bus station is Pointer Dart 3829. Carousel Buses R981 FNW is also seen leaving the Bus Station, with a destination that sounds like a rail-road operation. Carousel also operate an hourly service to Reading. This Optare Alero, YN53 SUU, is being operated by Blowfield of near Oxford under the Moving into the town centre gives a different angle on bus operation in the area. Olympian 5151 is seen here negotiating the single-alternate-lane section controlled by traffic lights for buses only (well, in theory it is for buses only - I saw at least 2 cars go through while I was watching)! 3866, another GreenRoute liveried vehicle,exits the single lane section. Entering the single-lane section from the church end is Wright-bodied Dart 3365 (L415 NHJ). Sneaking out behind 3365 came Plaxton Primo of Carousel Buses RK07 BNF - the newest vehicle seen in town. G130 YEV, Olympian 5110, was new to Ensign, coming to Arriva after a period of use in the outskirts of London in the Essex area. Unbranded 3864 comes out of the single-lane section at the opposite end from the church.............. ..............closely followed by Carousel Olympian H563 GKX. 4429 (S429 MCC) is an immigrant from Arriva Cymru, and is also in the town centre area. 3164 is one of the vehicles in a more blue livery, and is seen here in the main circulating area of High Wycombe town centre. The only FirstBus vehicle seen in the whole day was this Olympian, 32474 (P174 TGD), new to the Glasgow area. It now carries London-style fleet numbering with the VDA prefix. We moved from High Wycombe to Aylesbury to visit Mott's operating centre there. Here are two Jonckheere coaches of theirs with personalised registrations - 6787 MT and 5874 MT. New Jonckheere Mistral S300 MTT is on a shorter chassis, the Volvo B10M-48. Motts also had in their yard a couple of what I rather unkindly describe as H18 is seen here at the Mott's operating centre. Contrasting styles of modern mini-coaches are seen here with GT05 MTT being an Indcar, and GT06 MTT being a Unvi Riada. Motts have no less than 6 of these Alexander bus-bodied Leyland Tigers, which originated with Shearings, but more recently had served with Arriva Midlands North. Autocar in Kent also operate a couple, so our Autocar driver was quite interested to see these vehicles. These two are E25 & 29 UNE. Of interest to us from Kent were the two former East Kent Metrobuses, one of which, F763 EKM, is seen here. This coach-seated Olympian came to Motts from WHM, Brentwood, and was new to Eastern National as B688 BPU.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Sat Aug 18 2007 East Sussex and West Kent transport pictures http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1349724.html A pictorial record of transport-related trips to Rye, Hastings, Battle, Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on various dates. Thursday 16 August 2007: A pictorial record of transport-related trips to Rye, Hastings, Battle, Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on various dates.

16.8.07 - First stop was Rye - and not surprisingly I found Rye & District Community Transport operating this Transit, M708 WOO. 16.8.07 - Coastal (based in Newick) were operating GU52 HAX on the local route. 16.8.07 - En route to Dover is Stagecoach Hastings 16317 (S317 CCD). 16.8.07 - Autocar brought some people to market in G456 MGG, a Carlyle-bodied Dart that began life north of the border. 16.8.07 - Despite what the name says, this Mercedes Touro, BU04 EZZ, was operated by Pride of the Clyde, Greenock. I shall resist the temptation to make comments about wee dogs (or vice versa!). 16.8.07 - Another coach from Scotland seen arriving at the Coach Park is Mayne, Buckie GM06 GSM - this vehicle took the last remaining space. Thursday is, of course, Market Day in Rye. 16.8.07 - This is not the most inspiring view of the most interesting vehicle in the coach park. I confess to having taken this shot of WA-Shearings 984 (YC02 CFM), because at exactly this time on 16th August 2002, my wife and I were returning in it from a Wallace Arnold tour to the Lakes! 16.8.07 - Coastal keep their fleet updated pretty well. GX07 BYO is one of two Enviro 200 vehicles. 16.8.07 - Another Hastings-based Olympian of Stagecoach, 16387, leans round the curve past the front of the railway station. 16.8.07 - A longer Dart of Coastal, GU52 HKC, operating route 344, if my memory serves me correctly. 16.8.07 - Another vehicle of Rye & District Community Transport is this LDV Convoy R164 RBL. 16.8.07 - Southern diesel unit 171726 arriving from the Hastings direction. Rye is a passing point for the hourly service between Ashford International and Brighton. 16.8.07 - Coming the other way was 171721, which I boarded for Hastings. 16.8.07 - I know there's been some flooding recently, but................ <br>This fishing boat was outside Hastings Station - hopefully just as a decoration! 16.8.07 - Two former London Darts of Stagecoach Hastings, 34091 and 34071 (I think), loading in the Town Centre. 16.8.07 - Yet another Stagecoach Hastings Olympian, 16318, again bound for Dover. 16.8.07 - Down at the Old Town Coach Park, I found this Barnes of Aldbourne vehicle, LIL 9168, just leaving; a few seconds after I pressed the shutter there was a loud grinding noise as he grounded on the cobbles! 16.8.07 - The main features of Hastings are clearly seen in the next few shots - the cliffs, the lift - and the seagulls. Eltham Executive V5 EEC has some on the roof. You may think you can see three - but there were actually no less than FIVE sitting on this vehicle - almost its capacity, isn't it?! 16.8.07 - One of two VW LT46 vehicles operated in the Medway area with 16.8.07 - Mayday Travel have this new Tourismo, BX07 NLN (slightly smaller than the Touro) - adorned by the mandatory seagull! 16.8.07 - New VDL Bova MB07 JDB of Brookline, Ryarsh - a fairly short vehicle it appears. 16.8.07 - The clock says 12:12, but I took the picture at 12:46 - I understand the clock had been perfectly correct 34 minutes earlier (think about it!) - I should have found a bit more about this building, which looked quite interesting from the seafront perspective. 16.8.07 - Another Coastal Dart in Hastings, wearing the much-transferred registration XS 2210 - this one had been GU52 HJX. 16.8.07 - Another ex-London Dart of Stagecoach Hastings, 34093, coming down from the direction of the station towards the Town Centre. 16.8.07 - At Hastings Station, Dart 32466 paused briefly en route to the Conquest Hospital. 16.8.07 - 375712 was at the head of an 8-car formation departing at 13:05 for Wadhurst. I boarded this train for Battle. 16.8.07 - Battle may be of historic interest, but for the transport enthusiast - nothing! So I took a photo of the front of the Abbey instead! 16.8.07 - 375803 arriving at Battle on the 13:51 service to Wadhurst. 16.8.07 - Wadhurst has the appearance of a Bus Rally at present, with various operators pooling together under overall control of Go Ahead via Metrobus. One of the Group's Darts, London General LDP37, waits for passengers. I rode this vehicle to Tunbridge Wells via Frant a bit later. 16.8.07 - Hams Travel of Flimwell also play a prominent part in the operation. Here is one of their Titans, KYV 481X, which tail-gated my Dart later until we turned off the main road at Bells Yew Green! 16.8.07 - My quickest way of getting to Tunbridge Wells of the train I arrived on would have been on L J Edwards Bova T91 EFJ. 16.8.07 - Another of Ham's Titans is KYV 432X. 16.8.07 - Another London General Dart is LDP102 - most of the vehicles in the yard had their drivers on or nearby, ready for action. 16.8.07 - Roundabout Travel were using this ex-Solent Blue Line Olympian 122 (G722 WDL). 16.8.07 - These two did seem to be spare; on the left is Metrobus Olympian 822, still in the original Metrobus livery, and on the right, a Ham's coach, T80 HAM, first registered with Bus Eireann in Dublin. 16.8.07 - G126 NGN is one of Kent Coach Travel (alias Travelmasters) of Sheerness; this also seemed to be surplus to requirements at the time. 16.8.07 - 375803 preparing to depart back to Hastings. The down platform was being used by trains from the Hastings direction under pilot working from the other side of the nearby tunnel. 16.8.07 - Just arrived at Wadhurst was this Scania demonstrator, YN07 EZB, currently in use with New Enterprise. 16.8.07 - The dual legal lettering on the Scania tells the story. <br>The picture could also be entitled 16.8.07 - At Tunbridge Wells, Metrobus 482 (YN53 RYT) was apparently spare. 16.8.07 - A short shower shortly after I arrived produced this rather eerie-looking shot of Northern Counties-bodied Dart 3156 coming into town. 16.8.07 - The Metrobus/Scania demonstrator also followed us into the town out of the murk. 16.8.07 - Arriva Vario 1182 (R187 DNM) seen here arriving from the opposite direction, as the light began to improve again. 16.8.07 - A view of the tunnel at the centre of the engineering works - Grove Tunnel, immediately south of the station at Tunbridge Wells, is under repair for the whole of August. 16.8.07 - With the sun coming out again, Griffin Bus Titan A995 SYE pulls away from the Great Hall bus stop; the driver paused briefly for this shot - thanks pal! 16.8.07 - Arriva still have some Leyland Lynxes in service, as exemplified by 3045 (F45 ENF), one which began life with Shearings. 16.8.07 - London General Olympian NV168 entering town for rail replacement work - although I saw it again shortly after coming back up the hill. 16.8.07 - Eastbourne operate into Tunbridge Wells on route 52. One of their former Speedlink vehicles, 125 (P925 PWW) is seen loading up here by the Town Hall. 16.8.07 - If this looks familiar, it should do! It's the same Dart I had photographed in Rye earlier. G456 MGG is still on route 293, passing short Arriva Dart 1603 (W603 YKN). 16.8.07 - Standard length Arriva Dart 3185 (P185 LKL) is seen coming up the hill from the station.

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Thu Aug 16 2007 The East Kent Wanderer http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1336405.html The second trip for the M&D and East Kent Bus Club in 2007 was a local one around the East Kent kingdom. We hired preserved Stagecoach East Kent AEC Regent V MFN 946F for the purpose, and it performed faultlessly, as did its driver, Paul Houselander. Beginning from Thanet depot at Westwood, we went to Herne Bay, where most of the party joined us on a feeder from Chatham, then proceeded to Canterbury Bus Station. From there we went on to Ashford depot, Kent Coach Tours depot, Ashford town centre, and then headed for Folkestone. The depot was locked, so we went on to the Bus Station, and a number went to the Harbour to watch the "Lord Nelson" steam train. The bus picked us up from there, and we went on to Dover, first at Pencester Road, then to the Depot. We then proceeded on to Sandwich, and did a special photo-shoot of the bus coming over the old Toll Bridge there. We then returned to Thanet depot for a look round, with further photo opportunities at both Ramsgate Harbour and Ramsgate station on the way. The majority of the party then travelled on another preserved Regent, PFN 874, to Herne Bay to rejoin their shuttle to Chatham. Saturday 28 July 2007: The second trip for the M&D and East Kent Bus Club in 2007 was a local one around the East Kent kingdom. We hired preserved Stagecoach East Kent AEC Regent V MFN 946F for the purpose, and it performed faultlessly, as did its driver, Paul Houselander. Beginning from Thanet depot at Westwood, we went to Herne Bay, where most of the party joined us on a feeder from Chatham, then proceeded to Canterbury Bus Station. From there we went on to Ashford depot, Kent Coach Tours depot, Ashford town centre, and then headed for Folkestone. The depot was locked, so we went on to the Bus Station, and a number went to the Harbour to watch the "Lord Nelson" steam train. The bus picked us up from there, and we went on to Dover, first at Pencester Road, then to the Depot. We then proceeded on to Sandwich, and did a special photo-shoot of the bus coming over the old Toll Bridge there. We then returned to Thanet depot for a look round, with further photo opportunities at both Ramsgate Harbour and Ramsgate station on the way. The majority of the party then travelled on another preserved Regent, PFN 874, to Herne Bay to rejoin their shuttle to Chatham.

MFN 946F awaiting departure from Thanet in the morning sunshine. Also awaiting service at Thanet in the morning sun is Thanet Loop Dart 34648. Two more vehicles waiting the morning run-out - or were they spare? Dart 32223 waits with Olympian 14824. At Herne Bay, Peoples Trust liveried 16265 awaits service in the yard. MFN 946F at Herne Bay. One of two recently acquired Driver Training vehicles - 52264, an Interurban now in the corporate livery. Another recently acquired driver training vehicle is former Oxford Tube Jonckheere 52021 (L156 LBW). Don't take too much notice of the phone numbers on the side. 20445 (L345 KCK) was actually up on a hoist in this shot, but you wouldn't know it from this angle. Three spare double deck buses in the yard at Herne Bay are Olympians 14976 and 14980, flanking Scania 15334. If you look on the back of 52021, you'll discover where this vehicle was last used. Older Scania 15311 is seen here in the garage undergoing a roof-repair job. The ferry bus from Chatham was preserved M&D Ailsa LKP 385P. Having deposited the passengers in the main road, the vehicle approaches the yard entrance. LKP 385P now parked up in the yard. The driver joined us on the trip. Last photographed in Cecil Square, Margate in the previous week, Unibus-liveried 16361 hides behind another Scania, 15338. Now at Canterbury, MFN 946F pauses in the coach set-down bay before going to park up in the Bus Station. One of the vehicles in the bus station was Olympian 14808, recently repainted in corporate livery from the traditional East Kent livery. Enviro 300 27516 arriving at Canterbury on Diamond route 15. One of a number of Canterbury Olympians in non-standard livery, 16273 arrives in the Bus Station. The advert speaks for itself. Another Olympian parked outside the garage is 16274. Demelza House liveried Olympian 16284 was on Park & Ride services. One of the few remaining Mercedes 709D vehicles is 40942, seen here leaving the bus station on the Hales Place local service. A more Kent County Council Iveco T606 LKL was operating a short service - we saw this more than once in a relatively short time. Another Trident on the Park and Ride was 17402, a vehicle in a batch destined for London that was diverted to East Kent. Another Enviro 300 heads straight for the photographer, although this was fortunately an illusion! Another unusual working on the Park & Ride was Olympian 14819, recently transferred from Thanet. Buzzlines Touro AP52 SET was operating on National Express - but what is Route 650? Light blue Olympian 16273 now departs from the Bus Station. Another departure was Enviro 300 27516 Unibus Olympian 16271 also made an exit. No sign of Zee Bus today though! Is that significant? The first Enviro 400 I had seen was 19025, heading for Folkestone via the Elham Valley. Just a hint of cream paint on the window surround of 14808 shows that it had been in another livery recently. Driver Training Volvo 52094 (H640 UWR) was resting just inside the yard. Moving on to Ashford depot, a non-Stagecoach vehicle on the site was this Iveco of Ashford Baptist Church - P496 GKJ. This Olympian, 14806, has never transferred from Ashford since new. At this point in time, it wasn't even leaving the depot (but see a later shot)! MFN 946F in the depot yard. Next to the Regent was Volvo B10M 20619. One of the vehicles in the paint shop was Trident 18167 in a rubbed-down condition. Vario 42375 wasn't going anywhere without its rear wheels! One of the A-Line liveried MAN vehicles, 22191, popped into the yard while we were there, on a staff shuttle of some sort. What does this tell you? Draw your own conclusions! One of the vehicles in the yard was ex-Trent Excel S168 UAL. The only coach present was former Wallace Arnold N216 HWX, well-turned out, as all their fleet are. So where are we now with our Regent? Kent Coach Tours depot, that's where we are! Kent Coach Tours have a number of Mercedes Varios - this one is Y353 CKR. Newer Vario GN05 DZU was next door. Moving to Ashford Town Centre, there are a lot of this type of Dart/Alexander to be seen. This one is 32546. A back view of the Regent after we had alighted for a short stay here. Another Dart/Alexander was ex-London 32606. Another one of the three MAN vehicles at Ashford is 22194, in the livery of the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet.

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]]> Sat Jul 28 2007 Bus Views in East Kent from July 2007 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1318509.html This is a continuation of a previous gallery; mostly of buses and coaches in the East Kent. Sunday 1 July 2007: This is a continuation of a previous gallery; mostly of buses and coaches in the East Kent.

.........so I have juxtaposed them both for contrast! 2.7.07 - One of the Scanias that was originally new in service in Thanet, and now with its sister at Herne Bay depot, 15311 has worked back into Thanet on route 36. 3.7.07 - with 16246 now repainted into the national Stagecoach livery, the only traditional liveried vehicle seen here now is whenever 14808 comes into the area, as it did here on route 36. 3.7.07 - the other vehicle on route 36 on this day, well at this time of day, was Scania 15334. 4.7.07 - a different angle on the Sightseeing Tour bus, advertising our local radio station, KMFM Thanet. It is seen here at the Clock Tower as the spare vehicle today. 6.7.07 - a stranger in the midst. 16361, one of the Unilink liveried Olympians, worked on route 36 into Margate. 6.7.07 - not a normal performer on route 35 for Eastonways, K871 ANT was on this working this afternoon in Cecil Square, Margate. 10.7.07 (picture from Michel Crisp) - Eastonways have acquired this vehicle for spares only - it's G965 VBC. 11.7.07 - (picture from Michel Crisp) L&I Travel, Westgate, have now acquired this vehicle to replace G848 VAY - it's FEZ 3822, seen here at the company's usual parking spot. 11.7.07 - today's non-Loop vehicles included a Solo, and this B10M, 20609. 11.7.07 - two more B10M vehicles, 20638 and 20311 are seen here at Cecil Square; one was in normal service, the other on the right apparently standing in for a National Express working! 24.7.07 - 14976 from Herne Bay depot was doing some 24.7.07 - while a Solo Star worked a Loop, a Loop worked a Solo Star! Apparently it was a complex situation involving more than one failure. 34651 at 08:55, seen here coming up Marine Gardens, was on a route 32 working towards Dane Valley. At this point the driver had yet to negotiate the roadworks at the junction of Thanet Road and Victoria Road! 24.7.07 - a third strange working involved another Unibus-liveried Olympian, this time 16361, which came in on more than one route 36 working. Perhaps they want to start a Unibus service to the Canterbury Christ Church campus at Westwood next!? 25.7.07 - This was not a Thanet Stars replacement, but a Welsh coach uploading its passengers in Cecil Square! 26.7.07 - parked in Cecil Square, Margate mid-morning was Eastonways Supermarket Free Bus KDZ 5803, new to West Midlands, and now running with a Metrorider engine! 26.7.07 - VRG 418T of the Sightseeing operator also came through Cecil Square at about the same time. Perhaps he had been blown off-course by the strong wind, or perhaps he was chasing a passenger's toupee! 28.8.07 - Blueways YN05 GYZ was the only coach in town on this occasion - you can tell the season's almost over! 28.8.07 - Blueways / blue sky / blue sea - take your pick! 30.8.07 - former Scottish Citylink-liveried Jonckheere-bodied MAN, new to Oxford Tube, T45 BBW now belongs to Swallow of Rainham. Here it is in the Rendezvous vehicle park. 4.9.07 - Rainham Coach Company Unvi-bodied Mercedes YN06 CFU was parked alone behind the Winter Gardens, presumably because it's free parking! 5.9.07 - in its last week on hire with New Enterprise, Temsa Safari YJ07 JWN was part of a collection of coaches behind the Winter Gardens for an event for the elderly. 5.9.07 - another vehicle at the same event was Carrs FL02 ZXE. 5.9.07 - seen arriving is Ham's R16 HAM. 5.9.07 - parked up behind the Temsa was Crosskeys N195 DYB. 6.9.07 - today's vehicle beside the seaside was Scotland Bates newest acquisition, WA07 BHK. PICTURE BY MICHEL CRISP <br>15.9.07 - earlier in the day, with a beautiful mackerel sky contrasting with the blue of the bus, Kent Coastliner A144 AMO Metrobus is at the front of Ramsgate station. Note the 15.9.07 - D943 NDA in full Ensign colours on rail replacement, seen here in Ramsgate's Boundary Road. 15.9.07 - also in Boundary Road, Ramsgate, coming the other way, is Eastonways BYX 247V. 15.9.07 - at Ramsgate Station is spare vehicle TIL 9834 of Kent Coach Travel (Travelmasters). 15.9.07 - another similar vehicle from the same operator just working off towards Minster is XIL 3218. 15.9.07 - another Eastonways - their latest double-deck acquisition, normally in use during the week on Schools services, is F709 SDL. 15.9.07 - I thought that G126 NGN of Travelmasters was just standing spare, until I saw the oil lake flowing from its rear end towards the gutter. The driver confirmed he knew about it and was waiting attention; I'm not so sure about the owner of the car under which the diesel river was flowing! 15.9.07 - a poor combination of circumstances for a photograph - a bus passing trees on a bright day just as the sun goes in, but here is E913 DRD of Eastonways coming up Station Approach from Margate and Broadstairs. PICTURE BY MICHEL CRISP <br>15.9.07 - at the other end of the day, the other Kent Coastliner Metrobus, E754 UKR, waits by the taxi rank for customers. 18.9.07 - back in Cecil Street, Margate, the other F-registered Scania, new to Thanet depot, 15312, was operating on route 36 today. The bus is either going to Church, or to the Maintenance Department, if the destination blind is to be believed! 19.9.07 - coincidentally, previous 19.9.07 - 5.10.07 - this is what the rear of the Winter Gardens can look like when coach parties of elderly folks arrive for an afternoon event. T160 CGX (nearest the camera), is a VW LT46 of 5.10.07 - from further afield is this Duple 425 of Trekkers, Harlow. WAZ 3828 was new to the Metropolitan Police as C300 BYO. This operator seems to favour Duple Integrals - 4 are currently listed in his fleet (that's 4 out of 4!). 5.10.07 - from West Kent is this Kentishmen Coaches MB O.404 CIB 926 (previously W352 EOL), in a rather striking livery. 19.10.07 - Buzzlines' sole Dart is seen at Sandwich coming off the Toll Bridge on its way into town from the Pfizer complex. 19.10.07 - in the Market Square at Sandwich is another Buzzlines vehicle on Pfizer shuttles - this one is Mercedes LO02 BUZ. 19.10.07 - also at Sandwich Guildhall (another name for the same place) is Stagecoach East Kent Enviro 27522 en route to Canterbury, making good use of its kneeling facilities. 24.10.07 - East Kent Vario 42373 on Canterbury City service 22 waiting at the gates near Canterbury West station. 24.10.07 - two of the UniHopper vehicles in their yard alongside the railway line were Metrorider M939 FTN and Mercedes P235 EJW. 24.10.07 - the light was very poor today, but I have still included this slightly-blurred shot of 20445 on route 3X having just passed through Westgate Tower on its way into the city. 24.10.07 - one of the many Unibus-liveried Olympians that ply their wares between the University and the Bus Station. 16369 has just negotiated the congested Wincheap roundabout area on its way towards the Bus Station. 24.10.07 - KCC Optare Solo Y32 HBT was operating route 649 today, a City Centre route. 24.10.07 - two WA Shearings vehicles were in town; this one is 402 (MV02 UMB), loading after a visit, behind the Bus Station.

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]]> Sun Jul 1 2007 Midland Explorer Bus Club Trip http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1301294.html The first trip of the M&D and East Kent Bus Club in 2007 took us to the South Midlands, where we visited Johnson's depot at Henley-in-Arden, the BaMMOT Museum at Wythall, Coventry city centre, and De Courcey's depot near the Airport. These pictures depict our day out. Saturday 19 May 2007: The first trip of the M&D and East Kent Bus Club in 2007 took us to the South Midlands, where we visited Johnson's depot at Henley-in-Arden, the BaMMOT Museum at Wythall, Coventry city centre, and De Courcey's depot near the Airport. These pictures depict our day out.

Moving on from Henley-in-Arden, we came to Wythall. Turning right by the old church (now in industrial use), and passing a caravan site, you find the Before even reaching our first destination depot, we noted several of Johnson's fleet escaping from our photographic grasp. One which failed to miss my camera was this new Bova YJ07 DWG, seen at Cherwell Services. Also at Cherwell Services was this Scania/Irizar of Johnson, but this time of Hodthorpe. 123 RT is in Redfern Travel livery. Described as Johnson's not only operate a large fleet of Bovas, they also operate bus routes in the area. One such vehicle is DAF/Ikarus bus J24 GCX, which has seen service with a number of different operators. A more modern bus is this Mercedes Citaro, X438 KON, which, along with sister vehicle X439 KON, was with Guide Friday in Stratford the last time we visited this area. Newer still is DAF/Wright YJ51 ENC. And newer still again is Optare Solo YJ55 BMU, in a livery for Stratford Park & Ride. Johnson's also operate a number of Transits and Tourneos as shuttle buses for their passengers, bringing them to the depot, from where the coach tours depart. One such Ford Tourneo is W138 YNO. A side view of the same vehicle publicises the Park & Ride facilities well. The rear end of the same vehicle; a shame it is so derelict, as the style is interesting. It is a Leyland Tiger PS1 1947 with Crossley body ex. Chesterfield Corporation. As you can see it is only for chassis spares and the body is gradually collapsing. I have been reliably, but anonymously, informed, by a comment on Fotopic, that sister vehicle JRA 635 is safely preserved by TM Travel, Chesterfield. Look closely and you can just make out the registration of this former Chase Bus Leyland National - it's NEN 965R. Not everything in the museum can be called I thought this was VLW 445G, but the Museum guide claims it's actually AML 588H. Work on this vehicle's restoration is slowly progressing. As members of the M&D and East Kent Bus Club, we were interested to see former Recovery Vehicle CKO 988. Well, when I say Further advanced in preservation is this 1957 Mulliner-bodied Guy Otter from the Isle of Man, now registered UTU 596J, but more easily identified as WMN 485 The emphasis of the vehicles here is obviously West Midlands and Midland Red. JOJ 976 is a 1953 Guy Arab. JOJ 533 is a 1950 Guy Arab. Midland Red 5073 HA is still a good runner; we travelled into Solihull on it later. 819 HHA is one of the 1961 coaches built for services to London; these were among my first recollections of Midland Red when I saw them in London in the early Sixties. XDH 516G is a Northern Counties Daimler Fleetline, preserved in Walsall Corporation livery. OWE 271K is a Bristol VR/East Lancs vehicle; new, and being restored in Sheffield livery, but it spent some time on the South Coast at Hastings. Former London RML2296 is also on the site preserved. Not exactly an express coach, but this former milk float claims to have done a Beaujolais Another tow vehicle is 6685 PW, a former RAF AEC Matador. PDU 135M is in Coventry Corporation colours. A newer candidate for preservation is ex-WM Metrobus D912 NDA. Inside the workshop was a number of vehicles not easily identified; however the open-topper at the far end is fairly certainly FFY 402, a Southport Corporation 1947 Leyland Titan. Outside, having just had bath following a rain shower, was Ailsa JOV 738P. In front of the Ailsa was NOV 796G; this looks like a low-bridge vehicle to me. Is it? AHA 451J is a 1971 Leyland Leopard, preserved in National Express livery; when this type of vehicle was running into Victoria regularly, who would have thought that one day this would have been its preservation identity. From further afield, KFM 775 (KG126) is a Crosville Bristol L5G of 1950; this vehicle did a road run, and some of our party availed themselves of the ride. Inside the main hall is UHA 941H, one of the BMMO S23 class. Trent RC 4615 is a 1937 AEC Regal, with a Willowbrook body dating from 1950. I stand to be corrected, but I think this was Wolverhampton SUK 3. I had to read the caption on the notice to find out this was CN 2870, a 1927 Brush-bodied SOS Q. Another vehicle from the London area is this green RCL2219. ORB 277 is a 1950 Daimler CVD6, with Duple bodywork, preserved in Blue Bus livery. The street sign was left in deliberately - honest! On the left is WDF 569, a Tiger Cub with a Willowbrook body of Soudley Valley, and on the right is Walsall PDH 808, a 1953 Royal Tiger with Park Royal bodywork. NEA 101F is a West Bromwich Corporation liveried Fleetline. From Welsh Wales comes HWO 334 a Guy Arab of Red & White, with a Duple body. NJW 7193, in Wolverhampton livery, is a Daimler Roadliner with a Strachan body. CVP 207 is a 1937 Daimler COG5 with a 1939 Metropolitan-Cammell body. Back outside, here is JOV 613P, a 1975 Daimler Fleetline; standard fare in the West Midlands for a time. I wonder if these will ever be restored? The vehicle in the centre is a FarmElectric oversized milk float (it seems)! Behind it, just visible, is another Leyland National, which turned out to be PTT 75R. Another oldie still in one piece was among several vehicles parked very closely inside the Close parking (and the passing of a heavy shower darkening the sky) precluded much meaningful photography in this shed, but nearest the camera is BON 474C, a Marshall-bodied single-deck Daimler Fleetline. Behind that is red Leopard/Plaxton SHA 645G, then MXX 23 (or RF381). In the cafe area is an interesting display of redundant registration plates. Some you may recognise. We were then treated to the promised ride in 5073 HA to Solihull Bus Station, just outside of which this shot was taken; it was still just dry then. Hardings Dart KU52 RXL was on a service; as I took this picture it started to rain quite heavily for a while.

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]]> Sat May 19 2007 Easter Weekend 2007 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1249557.html A snapshot of transport-related pictures from the Easter weekend of 2007. Friday 6 April 2007: A snapshot of transport-related pictures from the Easter weekend of 2007.

7.4.07 - Chatham Dockyard, with Kings Ferry B4 (GN07 FDF) unloading at the Outlet stop. 7.4.07 - is this what happens if you leave a double-decker out in the rain too long? 7.4.07 - sister vehicle GN07 FDE departing from the Dockyard Outlet. 7.4.07 - Saturday's Beadle-bodied buses 7.4.07 - the other East Kent vehicle was GFN 273. 7.4.07 - the M&D contribution was OKP 980. 7.4.07 - OKP 980 leads GFN 273 across the dual carriageway on the way to Dartford. 6.4.07 - Good Friday, and the Three Towns Tours began in Thanet (see 9.4.07 - Folkestone Bus Running Day. The first shot is of preserved M&D Reliance BKT 821C parked outside the Bus Station. 9.4.07 - East Kent Fleetline RFN 953G at Hawkinge on the first trip there of the day. 9.4.07 - BKT 821C leaving the Bus Station. An ultra-violet filter would have come in handy today! 9.4.07 - FFN 446, featured earlier in this gallery, also leaving the Bus Station in the hands of its 9.4.07 - not formally a part of the special day, this 1938 Vauxhall car pauses at the entrance. 9.4.07 - different, but not what was intended, this Thanet Loop Dart 34654 replaced the Stagecoach Regent MFN 946F which had developed a serious oil leak before leaving Thanet. Believe it or not, there was a genuine enquiry as to whether this vehicle was going to Margate! The answer could have been - 9.4.07 - another Regent, PFN 867 (not the usual 874 of Richard Chant); unfortunately this vehicle developed a clutch problem later in the day, but here it was performing well, just before I travelled on it to Hythe. 9.4.07 - the rear end of PFN 867 is quite distinctive in itself. 9.4.07 - everyone travels on the Loop! (An alternative caption might be 9.4.07 - preserved M&D NKT 875 just arrived at the Bus Station. 9.4.07 - PFN 867 outside Hythe RHDR station. 9.4.07 - PFN 867 returning towards Folkestone from Hythe. 9.4.07 - Guy Arab FFN 399 arriving at Hythe for the next working. This vehicle performed well on the return trip, although some casual travellers commented on the rough ride, blaming the age, the engine and the driver. Obviously never heard of suspension (the passengers, I mean!). 9.4.07 - one of the 9.4.07 - another 9.4.07 - RFN 953G prepares for a trip to Hythe, with a familiar face (to Bus Club Members) acting as Controller alongside. 9.4.07 - RFN 953G now returning from Hythe along the seaside road at Sandgate. 9.4.07 - also at Sandgate, PFN 867 on another trip to Hythe - still working well at this time. 9.4.07 - unique (go on, tell me I'm wrong!) Ailsa LKP 385P also passing along through Sandgate. The blue Micra is my own! 9.4.07 - at Red Lion Square, Hythe, preserved RT4139, a regular at local rallies, has decanted its passengers short of the station stop. Any similarity to Buzzlines is purely accidental! 9.4.07 - RFN 953G yet again, this time at Red Lion Square, Hythe, passing the RT. 9.4.07 - and not an East Kent bus in sight! The RT is passed by the Ailsa going in the opposite direction.

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]]> Fri Apr 6 2007 Rough Seas at Margate high tide http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1235772.html On March 20th and 21st 2007,, the first day of spring meant that gales came straight onshore at Margate, bringing some dramatic displays, a few of which are captured in this gallery. Captions are at a premium, as many of the pictures speak for themselves. Tuesday 20 March 2007: On March 20th and 21st 2007,, the first day of spring meant that gales came straight onshore at Margate, bringing some dramatic displays, a few of which are captured in this gallery. Captions are at a premium, as many of the pictures speak for themselves.

20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 - I thought the registration of this coach looked like G930 MAO, but that cannot be right; does anyone with PSVC experience recognise this vehicle? 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 - this motorist decided not to go any further, for obvious reasons! 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 20.3.07 - this is spray! 20.3.07 21.3.07 - man the lifeboats! Actually, this vehicle was taking part in a driving test at the time - you can't quite see the 'L' plates, but they were there! 21.3.07 - this crow is wondering about the sign 21.3.07 21.3.07 21.3.07 21.3.07 21.3.07 - not a sensible thing to do - take your toddler for a walk in the pushchair! 21.3.07 21.3.07 21.3.07 23.3.07 23.3.07 23.3.07 23.3.07 23.3.07

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]]> Tue Mar 20 2007 Other people's pictures http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1184031.html These are scans of photos I have acquired, some from commercial sources, but I don't know which, so I am publishing them here. The captions I originally put on were very brief, but so far I have been able to add a considerable amount of detail, and credit is given to those who contributed to the further detail. Saturday 13 January 2007: These are scans of photos I have acquired, some from commercial sources, but I don't know which, so I am publishing them here. The captions I originally put on were very brief, but so far I have been able to add a considerable amount of detail, and credit is given to those who contributed to the further detail.

Battle of Britain 21C170 N-class 31824 in 1 Layby at Ramsgate, presumably between 1959 and 1962. Hybrid in shape and colour, (Caption courtesy of Tom Burnham) This is one of the Stirling 'R' class locos as fitted with a short chimney for the Canterbury & Whitstable line. It's in the dark grey SE&CR livery with large white number introduced during the First World War and continued until repainted by the Southern Railway in 1923 or later. Peter Smart thinks it may be at Whitstable Harbour. Peter Smart tells me this is

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]]> Sat Jan 13 2007 Crisp's Crackers - On the Buses http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1106481.html My friend Michel Crisp doesn't just take train pictures - he takes bus and coach pictures too. As he hasn't yet got a digital camera, I've used my scanner to copy these for him. I think they're as good as anything I can produce! Saturday 13 May 2006: My friend Michel Crisp doesn't just take train pictures - he takes bus and coach pictures too. As he hasn't yet got a digital camera, I've used my scanner to copy these for him. I think they're as good as anything I can produce!

13.5.06 - RML2472, still with London General, rounds the bottom end of Park Lane on a private hire job. 13.5.06 - RML2520 of London General, with 9.9.06 - at Dover Eastern Docks entrance, Britannia Mercedes 514 (MX05 YSW) coming out of the exit; this company often does feeder work for Wallace Arnold Shearings. 9.9.06 - a full-size Wallace Arnold Shearings vehicle - 473 (YC02 DFZ), also leaving the Eastern Docks, Dover. 9.9.06 - Crusader Holidays Setra EU03 OJH, also leaving the Docks. 9.9.06 - coming down Jubilee Way towards the Eastern Docks entrance at Dover is

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]]> Sat May 13 2006 Pictures from the east of Kent http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1097051.html Having lived in Thanet all my life, here a few shots of local interest. Monday 27 March 2006: Having lived in Thanet all my life, here a few shots of local interest.

October 2008 - two shots from the alleyway approaching the Ramsgate Road bridge before and after tree removal. October 2008 - two shots into the alleyway approaching the Ramsgate Road bridge before and after tree removal. October 2008 - two shots from the Ramsgate Road footbridge towards Dumpton Park before and after tree removal. October 2008 - two more shots from the Ramsgate Road footbridge towards Dumpton Park before and after tree removal. March 2009 - from Ramsgate Road, Dumpton, looking towards Broadstairs; another change to compare. March 2009 - it took about 5 months to get this much done, mainly while the trains were still running. The allotments were really there all the time! 29.7.83 - when Vere Road garage actually sold new cars! These A-registered Datsuns were lined up on the forecourt just before the prefix-registration system started on 1.8.83. 27.3.06 - sheltering from a South Westerly gale, apparently close to a car park, is this tug-like boat (sorry, I'm not into marine travel!) 7.9.06 - Dreamland in Margate is looking rather bare and even derelict these days, but what is that old bus doing there? 7.9.06 - Closer inspection reveals it to be the shell of MFN 947F, AEC Regent V/Park Royal of 1967. 7.9.06 - It was already open-top, but more has now been removed, as seen in this shot. Note too the vintage tanker behind it. 7.9.06 - It's obviously not a runner! 7.9.06 - Confirmation, if needed, of the pedigree of the vehicle. Strangely enough, this was the first time I had actually logged this vehicle; it had eluded me since I took up the hobby again in 1982! 7.9.06 - This interior shot shows it's nothing more than a shell, with most of the seats removed. 7.9.06 - The rear view enhances the feeling of dereliction. <br> And what is it doing here? The site was being used as a film set as part of the 25.9.06 - to put the bus in its setting, here is the Anthony Gormley statue 2.6.07 - the Royal Seabathing Hospital in Westbrook is now under development for residential use. 2.6.07 - the old chapel, which had been quite heavily vandalised and left to decay, still awaits a decision on its future. 2.6.07 - the frontal presentation of the Hospital has been more or less restored to its original glory. 2.6.07 - the features of the old hospital are still clearly visible in this shot. 2.6.07 - a view of the development from the Westgate end. The large block behind the trees is the old Nurses' Home. (By that I mean an old home, not an old nurse!) 2.6.07 - work is still in progress behind the facade. 2.6.07 - a general rear view, showing the extent of the work still to be done. 25.9.07 - a year on from the last shot in this gallery, here is a shot of a Jumbo jet on a training flight from Manston, circling for the umpteenth time over the Margate coast. 12.10.07 - just over a year after Margate hit the headlines with the This is Mr Tod the fox (with a little cub peeping out of the folds of his coat)." /> 12.10.07 - rummaging through a bin is Mr Brock the Badger, complete with bin-bags. 12.10.07 - Miss Tiggywinkle is shown as a homeless woman, complete with buggy and carrier bags. 12.10.07 - meanwhile on the main bay at Margate, the Council are digging up the sand to make dunes for quad bikes again. <br>Whatever you think of it all, at least it makes a bit of a change for the area. 19.10.07 - just slightly further afield is Sandwich, where the rebuilt Guildhall is now in use as Dover District Council offices. 19.10.07 - the delightfully named 19.10.07 - at the front of the Guildhall is Market Square, where further examples of Sandwich's heritage buildings can be seen. 19.10.07 - back in Thanet, and Ramsgate's Granville Theatre is having some cosmetic work done on this beautifully-sunny autumn day. 25.3.09 - at Margate station. This was platform 5 in the past. I remember 12-HAP formations being berthed here in 1976 for an early working via Faversham to Cannon Street. 25.3.09 - still at Margate, and the old Platform 5. The house in the centre of the picture is built roughly over the site of the old steam loco turntable. 13.5.09 - whilst waiting for the VSOE to return from Headcorn, I took this shot from the Bay View Road bridge at Broadstairs. It shows the remnants of the cutting that used to take trains to Ramsgate Seafront station until 1923. The line used to go into tunnel just at the top of the picture. The line to the right was built to take LCDR trains, then SECR, into the 25.8.09 - dark clouds lower over the Kingsgate coastline ahead of a shower. 29.9.09 - the distinctive dome on the roof of Broadstairs station. I never have worked its exact function. 3.11.09 - a sight now disappearing is the old garage at the top of Vere Road, Broadstairs, currently being demolished. 3.11.09 - the demolition from the angle of the lower High Street.

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]]> Mon Mar 27 2006 Amberlee Remnants http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1071661.html Amberlee Buses ceased trading in April 2006. By September the yard resembled the Marie Celeste; all the vehicles in various stages of repair and maintenance but with no sign of movement. I was deprived of my freedom getting these shots. No, I wasn't arrested for trespassing; I found the compound open; went to find someone to ask for permission to go round; found an empty office with the lights on, but no-one was in. I then discovered the compound had been locked - and it is a secure compound, so I had to wait for around 40 minutes until another tenant arrived in his van, and was somewhat bemused to see me waiting to leave! (Thanks to Paul for correcting my descriptions of the Lances.) Saturday 2 September 2006: Amberlee Buses ceased trading in April 2006. By September the yard resembled the Marie Celeste; all the vehicles in various stages of repair and maintenance but with no sign of movement. I was deprived of my freedom getting these shots. No, I wasn't arrested for trespassing; I found the compound open; went to find someone to ask for permission to go round; found an empty office with the lights on, but no-one was in. I then discovered the compound had been locked - and it is a secure compound, so I had to wait for around 40 minutes until another tenant arrived in his van, and was somewhat bemused to see me waiting to leave! (Thanks to Paul for correcting my descriptions of the Lances.)

Still in Go Ahead livery - C655 LJR. TAZ 4997 (originally B170 BFE) and Bedford YMT BDL 301T (originally XDL 432T). Foremer Tillingbourne Tiger bus MIL 4690 (originally E359 VUM). N180 LCK (obtained from tax disc), new to Ribble, one of four Dennis Lance Berkhofs still on site. Rear views of Metrobuses GYE 586W (still in New Enterprise colours), KYO 612X, and Olympians B743/747 GCN. BYX 218V, which I didn't have recorded with Amberlee. The other three ex-Ribble Lances, N176/7/9 LCK. K589 SUP (originally K2 VOY with Go Ahead. Close up of the rear of K589 SUP, showing three of the telephone numbers I unsuccessfully tried to ring in order to arrange escape from the compound! B213 WUL from Trustline LJA 652P, which was with M&D, and had been intended for preservation - not now! C286 LOX (originally C922 HYA). Rebodied Tiger B103 KPF, previously Arriva Midlands 1723 K848 EEC, in the throes of maintenance at the time of shutdown of the company, it would appear, was new to Kings Ferry as K15 KFC B120 WUL, another former Trustline Metrobus, and a general view of the yard. The cab of this Lynx (E61 WDT) is all that remains of any Lynxes on the site. I believe this is the front end of ORJ 73W, former Metrobus, but I stand to be corrected.

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]]> Sat Sep 2 2006 South Coast Explorer http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1059651.html The third trip of the M&D and East Kent Bus Club for 2006 was not so far, but a lot of sites were covered. This set of pictures depicts a selection of what we saw and where we went. Saturday 19 August 2006: The third trip of the M&D and East Kent Bus Club for 2006 was not so far, but a lot of sites were covered. This set of pictures depicts a selection of what we saw and where we went.

Our first stop was at Redhill, where Metrobus dominate. There were at least three different liveries seen, two of which are depicted here on 306 (P306HDP) and 367 (Y367HMY) The same two liveries are here seen on 819 (P819SGP) and 368 (Y368HMY) Metrobus Dart 303 (P303HDP) swings round the roundabout in a shower, heading for the Bus Station. A couple of Darts that worked in from Croydon were in London red, including 201 (SN03WKU). Apologies for the blurred picture; it was raining, and I was going for quick shots! Another operator to serve Redhill is Southdown PSV, represented here by Dart W569JVV. Metrobus 836 (R836MFR) is an East Lancs Pyoneer bodied Volvo Olympian. As well as their operational fleet, there were other vehicles on site, including this Duple Laser-bodied Leyland Tiger, A811 CCD, new to Southdown, latterly with Allmey, Eastcote, and being restored to original (mainly white) condition, believed to be by Simon Stanford (correct me if I'm wrong). G310UYK began life with Westlink, but was more recently with Skylark PSV, Croydon. It is now in Scotland as a street outreach bus with the Blue Horizon Youth Project, Aberdeenshire. From Redhill we travelled to Southdown PSV's depot, where some more of their operational fleet were based, including this Dart W554JVV. The heavy shower which had hit Redhill as we left had now moved away. The Irish registration of this vehicle, 01 D 8072, and the small fleetnumber over the wheelarch, VP112, show it was with Bus Eireann. EPH232V is a former London Country AN, most recently with Amvale, Grimsby, although the livery is reminiscent of Whippet! It was an entry in Showbus 2006, and although the intention was to restore it to Kentish Bus livery, I don't know if that has happened yet. New to Hylton Castle, East Boldon, it is not hard to see who was the most recent operator of K832SFT. T431LGP began life on London Bus routes with Limebourne, but was most recently with CT Plus as their HDC14, hence the all-red livery. It has since been sold on to Smith, Patna (Scotland). This DAF SB200/Optare Delta, S160JUA, came from Weavaway, where it had been registered S222AJW. Southdown PSV now operate several DAF DB/Plaxton vehicles, previously used by Buzzlines on rail replacement between Dover and Folkestone in summer 2005, one of which is T132AUA. The two ECW-bodied Olympians of Roundabout, also based at Copthorne, in a green and cream livery are 101 (MUH283X) and 106 (G806TMX), the latter one having come from Metrobus. All five of the Metroline Solos, NSM660-664, were on site, having been displaced from their Golders Green centred route by Arriva taking it over. They have since returned to Metroline for use in Watford. Not exactly operational any more, this Duple-bodied AEC Reliance was most recently with Autocar, the same operator as our coach for the day. I guess this will not see service again! <br>UPDATE from Steve Wallis: A rear view of the same Irish vehicle. WIB 1118, our coach for the day, previously A182UGB, performed well, and here is at Southdown PSV depot. This ex-Reading Optare Excel went out on trade plates, and later returned. It has now been sold to Neave, Catfield, and re-registered V90 EEN. This shorter Dart, X291ABU, was parked outside the shed. Metrobus RML2317 was operating on route 291 to Tunbridge Wells, and our visit was timed to catch up with it here at Crawley on layover. From Southdown PSV we moved onto Crawley Bus Station, a Metrobus stronghold; here we are unloading. As in Redhill, the Metrobus vehicles were in a variety of liveries. 158 (L58UNS) was in the older style of livery. This vehicle, an Alexander Strider-bodied Volvo B10B-58, began life with Whitelaw, Stonehouse. RML2317 leaving for Tunbridge Wells via East Grinstead at 10:50. Another vehicle still in the old livery was 825 (P825SGP). This batch began life on route 261 from Lewisham to Bromley South. One of the guided bus vehicles (or so I thought at the time!), 553 (YN55PWK), a Scania CN94UB B37D. Still another livery for Metrobus; no prizes for guessing whose! 726 (N726KGF) is one of the older Darts in the fleet. 314 (T314SMV), about to leave Crawley Bus Station. Our trip organiser, David Cobb is strolling along to the right of this vehicle. Metrobus 817 (P817SGP) has gained the new livery, the only one we noticed on this particular day. Solent Blueline Olympian 729 (H729DDL) parked in Old Steyne. By the time we left, just over 2 hours later, an additional decoration on the windscreen had appeared in the form of a parking ticket! WIB1118 now at Brighton, where we got off at Old Steyne. A selection of pictures of coaches on Marine Drive now follows; it was full, and there were several other vehicles in an overspill further out of town. This was one of two Wootten's identical vehicles, YN06WXY. Travelmasters is the trade name of Kent Coach Travel, Queenborough. One of the on-line databases proclaims this (and other) registration is on a moped! XIL 5457 is acutally, of course, a Van Hool-bodied Volvo, previously MSU571Y (and other registrations). B20YAL is a three-axle Plaxton bodied Volvo of Andrews (Able), Edgware, with Royale European fleetnames. Nestling in the bushes is Horseman RX51EXP. This is Centra Y335AUT, part of the Hallmark Group, I think. Former Robinsons N251KFR is now with Buzzlines, Lympne; the fleetnumber may or may not be a Buzzlines one. Still carrying the registration of City Centre Coaches, Neoplan V8CCL is now with Theobold's. One of three Lucketts coaches in the line up was P554KSD (5702). Distinctive, yet quite commonplace now, here is Sunsunsdegui-bodied Volvo B7R 5.16 (FJ53KZF) of Kings Ferry. Reliance (Grangeville) 276 (FN52GUG) is now white - has it been sold, or re-leased? Barfordian Bova 224 ASV stands out well in its orange livery. A train break - Volks Railway cars 10 and 6 prepare to depart for the Pier. Summerfield, Southampton had a Volvo/Berkhof, CIL 312, in Brighton for the day. Tellings Golden Miller also had this vehicle, Volvo/Caetano 5877 MW in town. One of Brighton & Hove's Alexander-bodied Tridents acquired from Stagecoach is 882 (T670KPU). By contrast, there is also a Tuc-Tuc operation in Brighton. They run on a hop-on, hop-off basis about every In Pool Valley is one of the new Volvo/Caetano Levante coaches of National Express. You can just see the NXVC7 fleet number of FJ06URG behind the outsized driver's mirror.

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]]> Sat Aug 19 2006 Herne Bay Bus Rally 2006 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1044398.html The now annual rally took place today (6th August) at Herne Bay bus garage and in the nearby William Street car park. This year was significant in that it marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of the first East Kent company, and although it was a bit cramped, there was a good variety of vehicle present, and several were out doing road runs. This gallery attempts to capture the events of the day, although I myself was only there for a relatively short time. Sunday 6 August 2006: The now annual rally took place today (6th August) at Herne Bay bus garage and in the nearby William Street car park. This year was significant in that it marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of the first East Kent company, and although it was a bit cramped, there was a good variety of vehicle present, and several were out doing road runs. This gallery attempts to capture the events of the day, although I myself was only there for a relatively short time.

The programme, in full colour, was on sale for only £1 - very good value, and all proceeds went to Delmeza House, a children's hospice near Sittingbourne. RFN953G in earlier days, at Cryer's Hill, High Wycombe, before being purchased for preservation. This Trident, 18504 was a Hampshire Bus vehicle; parked on the far side of the car park as there was no room to go anywhere else - that's how many vehicles were there! Next to East Kent and other Stagecoach vehicles, the largest group of preserved vehicles was probably those from the London Transport This humble service vehicle was relegated to the far corner of the car park; 97101 (F127 EKN), is a Ford flat truck, in use with East Kent since new. Yes, this is a Stagecoach vehicle; 16628 (P228 VCK) is a Northern Counties-bodied Olympian repainted in the old Aldershot & District livery. Representing the RF429 (MXX 406) was also on display in the car park; this one has doors fitted, though several red RFs did not. Now in open top form, RM1159 (159 CLT) is also semi-preserved locally in Herne Bay. I didn't notice it at the time, but the lower deck is fitted out as a kitchen; thanks to Ken Lansdowne for that information. East Kent 33080 (P988 AFV) is an East Lancs-bodied Dennis Dart acquired with the business of Town & Around, Folkestone, and is now in the corporate Stagecoach livery. Former Maidstone & District Volvo Ailsa 5385 (LKP 385P) is preserved in Kent - where else? It was one of 5 trialled in the Eighties, along with Metropolitans and Metrobuses. RML2620 (NML 620E) is described in my records as Chalkwell may be a local operator (in Sittingbourne), but VIB 5237, an East Lancs-bodied Olympian, began life as Derby City 210, although it came to Chalkwell from Warrington (70). RM8 (VLT 8) is another preserved vehicle, noted in Northfleet the following week; precise owner uncertain. This Chalkwell vehicle, Wright-bodied Dennis Dart CAZ 6619 came from Ulsterbus as their 619. Another version of the Leyland National, this time a Greenway conversion used on Red Arrow routes. Here is GLS443, preserved in London General livery. This Titan, T1030 (A630 THV), is also preserved, but in the LT livery, by a group in Dartford. This Bedford OB, LSU 857, was new as Jersey M.T. 57 and is preserved as such by someone in the Thanet area. It has a Mulliner body. A rarer vehicle (there are loads of RMs and RTs in preservation), is STL2692 (HGC 225), apparently preserved locally because it is often seen at these kind of rallies. There were two coaches at the rally with Welsh connections. This one was Jones of Aberbeeg Weymann-bodied Leyland Tiger Cub 89 (889 AAX)...... ....while this one was Harrington-bodied AEC Reliance ABO 145B, new as Western Welsh 145. Preserved as S6, BKT 821C is a Marshall-bodied AEC Reliance, preserved somewhere in the Sittingbourne area. Autocar, recreating a historical name, are a present-day operator based at Wealden's yard at Five Oak Green. WIB 1118 is a Tiger/Paramount new as A182 UGB with Western Scottish, although it came to Autocar from Highland Scottish. This vehicle was our transport for a Bus Club Trip (M&D & East Kent) on 19th August. RM938 (WLT 938), in the cream-banded version of the London livery, spent some time with Reading Mainline. This vehicle was a surprise to me; former Southampton 353 (373 FCR) a 1963 AEC Regent V, which I believe may have been repatriated from a sojourn abroad. Among the spare vehicles in the car park were (L to R): Olympian 14982 (G702 TCD), 18529 (GX06 DYT), one of three recent additions to the fleet in this area, and one of the three Unibus-liveried Olympians, 16271 (S271 CCD). HRY 698V is a Plaxton-bodied Bedford YMT, which has regained its original registration and owner's livery, having been 6691 PH with Hodge, Sandhurst, for some time. In Green Line livery is RF48 (LYF 399). The class was the mainstay of the Green Line routes until newer AECs were delivered in the Seventies. Another Northern Counties double decker, this one a Volvo Citybus, officially known as 15202, but wearing the old Southdown livery and carrying the fleet number The RT was replaced by the RM; not on Sunday, but in the history of London bus operation. Here is one of each; on the left is RT1702 (KYY 529), with RM1063 (63 CLT) on the right. Not the best shot, but RMC1464 (464 CLT) was also among the collection of varied Routemasters on display in the car park. It is still owned by Arriva London, hence the blind. Fast becoming an endangered species in the East Kent fleet are the batch of East Lancs-bodied Scanias that began life in London; 15364 (K864 LMK) remains in use with East Kent; the 36 route is the hourly daytime weekday service to Margate. RM1397 has lost its original registration, but has gained a plate that still matches its fleet number - LXU 397. I last saw this vehicle in the North Birmingham Bus Company depot in 2003 wearing a Welsh plate 71 AWN! This vehicle reminds us what it was all in aid of - Delmeza House; 16284 (P284 VPN) is in an overall livery for the Hospice and was in use as a sort of centre for Delmeza House Former Maidstone & District VRT/ECW PKE 807M is now used by the Police for publicity purposes (along with similar former East Kent MFN 41R). In the garage yard now, this is 18528 (GX06 DYS), another of the three newest Trident additions. The display says it all - Bought by Stagecoach London to replace the Trident blown up in Tavistock Square on 7.7.05, 18500 (LX55 HGC) has been named Turning to preserved East Kent vehicles, here is RFN 953G, a 1969 Park Royal-bodied Daimler Fleetline, now preserved in the Thanet area, and suitably blinded for the Herne Bay Rally trips. .....and look at the rear, especially the luggage rack and the place for the spare tyre. They don't come much older than this! JG 669 is a 1930 Tilling Stevens One of the Enviro 300s used on the Diamond Group of services (see pictures in another gallery), 27519 (GX06 DZA), was also on display. Another Stagecoach London vehicle visiting was The old and the new side by side; one of the A closer look at WJG 470J, preserved in a red and cream livery that seems lighter than many of the other preserved vehicles present. It is a Plaxton-bodied AEC Reliance. 22191 (NDZ 3021) is one of three MAN vehicles transferred from Manchester to Ashford for the MacArthur Glen shuttle service; this vehicle is now in corporate livery. Preserved by the Maidstone & District and East Kent Bus Club, HKE 867 is a 1945 Bristol K6A with a 1953 Weymann body. I have fond memories of this class when new; I travelled to school on them regularly. PFN 874 is preserved in the Herne Bay area. This class was unusual in being full-front, and with a sliding door, instead of the later-favoured folding doors. KFN 220 is a 1955 Weymann-bodied AEC Reliance, again in the slightly brighter red and cream livery One of a batch of Guy Arabs with platform doors, MFN 888 is a regular attender at events like this. YJG 807 is a rare lowbridge AEC Renown, adorned with wedding ribbons.

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]]> Sun Aug 6 2006 Gloucestershire Explorer trip http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c1026434.html These pictures were taken on a M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip to Swindon, the Cotswolds, and Bristol. If you spot any errors in the captions, please post a message to that effect; I haven't checked all the details completely yet; thank you to those of you that have already done so. [I am grateful to "Tom" who has filled in a lot of further information about the vehicles of Ebley.] Saturday 15 July 2006: These pictures were taken on a M&D and East Kent Bus Club trip to Swindon, the Cotswolds, and Bristol. If you spot any errors in the captions, please post a message to that effect; I haven't checked all the details completely yet; thank you to those of you that have already done so. [I am grateful to "Tom" who has filled in a lot of further information about the vehicles of Ebley.]

Our steed for the day was New Enterprise DAF/Plaxton R904 BKO, seen here during an extended pick-up stop in Bracknell Bus Station. First port of call, Swindon; here is new Thamesdown Wright-bodied Scania 509 (WX06 JYA). By contrast, several of their Fleetline vehicles were out providing shuttles to and from Fairford Air Tattoo; here is 273 (MFX 173W). Another Scania/Wright vehicle here is 508 (WX06 JYB). In the bus station area, vehicles waiting to operate to Fairford were parked up. Nearest to the camera is Stagecoach in Gloucester Trident 18439 (VU06 JCV). Dennis Dominators were also out and about; here is 75 (F603 RPG), heading for Fairford. Stagecoach 34883 (VU06 JBV), one of three brand new Darts in the area, is seen here leaving the Bus Station. Fleetline 275 (MFX 175W), emerges from behind a tree to enter the Bus Station from the one-way system. Stagecoach 18501 (VU06 KFP), complete with Stagecoach 20681 in a line of traffic approaching the entry to the Bus Station. This is Thamesdown's garage; or rather, where it used to be! Another Fleetline - 269 (MFX 169W), passes along the dual carriageway behind the town centre. Dart 120 (XMW 120), a far cry from the original carrier of this registration; the destination display proclaims Ebley's of Nailsworth - reached by negotiating cows on Minchinhampton Common, and a series of hairpin bends. Here is their Mercedes/Hispano R267 SDT, in their new livery. Probably not as bad as it looks - at least I hope not! Mercedes Vario/Plaxton R630 YOM, minus its front bumper (which I found inside the shed!) It has since been sold on for spares only. A recent acquisition. D615 ASG, a Leyland Tiger/Alexander (despite the Volvo badge - thanks to David Love for the correction), which began its life with Fife Scottish, in an Ex-Warrington Dart/Carlyle 3525 (H889 LOX) - obviously a Alongside 3525 was Bristol VRT KTL 25V and sister Dart Carlyle 3524 (H886 LOX). <br>3525 has now been scrapped, KTL has now been sold, and 3524 is now preserved.<br>(Thanks, Tom!) Dart/Plaxton 3510 (H104CHG), an ex-Rossendale vehicle, alongside yet another Dart/Carlyle 3513 (H887 LOX). <br>Both have since gone for scrap, 3510 to Erith Commercials, 3513 to Barnsley. One of Ebley's coaches is a DAF/Van Hool - A6 ECS, parked in the road outside the depot. On to Applegates depot in Newport. Here is the first MAN/Plaxton in the country in use - YN06 FXB. Used as school buses, here are two ex-Nottingham Volvo Citybuses - C314 and 312 NRC. A bit of a contrast - up-market Neoplan H3 EFA, next to Leyland National YPL 420T. An Irisbus Agoraline chassis; the company operates one; the person I spoke to claimed it was Another shot of the MAN/Plaxton, YN06 FXB. So to Westward Travel depot, a lover of Tigers, but this is a LAG - F617 VNH. One of several Tiger/Paramounts in the yard was this well-kept A930 JOD. Interesting to us from Kent was FKK 840Y, on hire from Mike's Travel of Thornbury, who had just acquired it from Vista Travel (Jones, Yatton). There are a number of VRT's on site too, including here XAN 431T, new to AERE. Tucked behind a collection of spare parts is former MOD Tiger C828 EHU. Another VRT is URB 161S. Inside the shed was this former Tyne & Wear PTE/Busways Atlantean EJR 118W. South Gloucestershire, Patchway - a large fleet, but much of it was boxed in or inside. Outside was Titan OHV 766Y. This Olympian/Alexander came from Western Greyhound, Newquay (hence the N600 WGL registration), but was new in the London Airbus fleet as N124 YRW. South Gloucestershire like Lynxes (at the moment!); here is an ex-Yorkshire specimen, H356 WWX. Not the clearest of pictures, but HNB 45N was of interest to us, having operated for East Kent for a while; it now proclaims itself to be Another former Airbus is N114 UHP, in an overall livery for UWE (University of West England), Bristol. The Titan on the left (A887 SYE) is not in use, but ex-Rhymney Olympian C29 EUH is, as is ex-West Midlands Lynx G104 EOG. This Mercedes 611D, P437 NKU, is well turned-out, having been acquired from Amber Valley. Bristol Bus and Coach yard (Munden's); here is a line up of B...UAS Olympians in two different liveries. Hidden round the back is withdrawn ex-Cardiff Olympian RBO 506Y. There is a large number of ex-MOD vehicles on the premises, all left-hand drive, none easily identifiable, except to the expert (I'm not an expert!). I wonder which School this bus served? In the background, you can just see Staf Cars Wadham Stringer Dodge, one of several in this livery. This looked like a prison van, with grills over the side windows; I understand Q736 VAF originated in France. Former First Bristol B76 PJA; the livery still looks smart. It had been in use on UWE services until its withdrawal. A line up of three ex-MOD Wadham Stringer vehicles in two different liveries. New to Greater Manchester North as 1413, M413 RND is in an overall white livery, and appears to have been freshly painted. I understand it is now in use by Munden's in Bath on RUH Park & Ride services. Yet another left-hand drive Wadham Stringer vehicle, allegedly A left-hand drive ECW-bodied Bristol VRT - whatever next? I think this was a cancelled order, but don't have the details of the vehicle to hand. What is the significance of the number

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]]> Sat Jul 15 2006 Coaches and buses in the Sixties http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c946335.html These pictures were mainly taken with a 7/6 (7s 6d) camera with viewfinder on the end that folded outwards, so accurate viewfinding was rather difficult, and seldom achieved! They are therefore of historical, rather than of quality interest. Wednesday 3 May 2006: These pictures were mainly taken with a 7/6 (7s 6d) camera with viewfinder on the end that folded outwards, so accurate viewfinding was rather difficult, and seldom achieved! They are therefore of historical, rather than of quality interest.

Taken in Cannon Road Car and Coach Park, Ramsgate are three vehicles that were regular performers on the London to Thanet Towns services at the time. From left to right: Universal Cream Coaches VLH 151, YYK 764, and Ewer Group 399 DLD. Boundary Road, Ramsgate outside the old Timpson's depot - East Kent Guy Arab FFN 398 on route 71 And a very blurry shot inside the Timpson's depot, with three coaches visible; the middle one is TGJ 481, I think, and the one on the right is TGJ 488. 481 is a Burlingham-bodied AEC Reliance, and 488 is a Beadle-bodied Commer TS3. 15.5.64 - two sub-standard shots of Orange Luxury Coaches 437 FLY, seen in Cannon Road Coach Park, Ramsgate; the regular driver,

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]]> Wed May 3 2006 Bus views in East Kent - March 2006 to June 2007 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c897163.html Bus views in East Kent - March 2006 to June 2007 Monday 20 March 2006: Bus views in East Kent - March 2006 to June 2007

20.3.06 - the first day on the road for four new 20.3.06 - another shot of 34846 - I managed to catch the scrolling message as a blank here! 20.3.06 - 34845 (GX06 DWW) in Northdown Road near Zion Place; I don't know how I managed to get such a blurred shot, but there you go!! 18.7.06 - Solo 47115 (GX54 DXO) swings round in Folkestone Bus Station to head for Cheriton. 18.7.06 - Solo 47113 (GX54 DXL), now back in service after a period out for repair following a major accident, after arriving at Folkestone Bus Station. 18.7.06 - Consecutive B10M/Alexander vehicles 20624/5 (L624/5 TDY) stand 18.7.06 - New KCC Wright Cadet YJ06 LEU, at Folkestone after working in on route 591 from Dover. 18.7.06 - two Saga Transits, GK05 SYH and GK05 SXX, outside the Head Office in Middleburgh Square, Folkestone. These are used for staff shuttles. 18.7.06 - former Thanet Olympian 14824 (K824 TKP) departing Folkestone for Canterbury on route 17 via Lyminge. 18.7.06 - Solo 47115 (GX54 DXO) again, this time approaching the Town Centre near Folkestone Central station. 18.7.06 - Mercedes/Alexander minibuses still operate in Dover (and also Ashford). Here is 40967 (N967 NAP), in Priory Street, heading for River. 18.7.06 - unusual, yet a regular occurrence. Ulsterbus 109 (SCZ 7109), operating National Express service 021 to London Victoria, here in Priory Street, Dover. 18.7.06 - 8 single-deck Enviros are now operating in the Dover area on the new 18.7.06 - along the road in Dover, Crosskeys Prima GK53 ETZ, picks up a group of youngsters in King Street, Dover, while a service bus Mercedes has to wait. 18.7.06 - route 88 is a 18.7.06 - Enviro 27522 waits in Pencester Road for a working to Deal. 18.7.06 - National Express service 020 is in the hands of a 18.7.06 - as part of the 18.7.06 - Enviro 27523 on the way to Deal (the display was visible to the naked eye, but the camera didn't seem to like it). 18.7.06 - Enviro 27516 (GX06 DYV) half an hour later, this time en route to Canterbury. 18.7.06 - a relic of the past, but a well-preserved one. This is the 18.7.06 - Olympian 16275 (S275 CCD), in 19.7.06 - with the morning sun showing the Market Place at Sandwich from a different perspective, Enviro 27519 (GX06 DZA), loads for Deal. 19.7.06 - Buzzlines DB04 BUZ operates the 19.7.06 - the rear view of 27519, showing a picture of Dover Castle in the centre; I think the scene to the right may be Canterbury, and that may be Deal on the left of the scene. 26.7.06 - at least two East Kent Olympian/Alexander vehicles are in this special Unibus livery for a shuttle service between the University and Canterbury Bus Station. This one is 16272; 16271 had just gone the other way when I photographed this one in the sultry heat. 6.10.06 - one of the oldest vehicles still in the East Kent fleet is 14981 (G701 TCD), seen here in Cecil Square before the rain and strong winds came, having worked in off a Schools run, and about to spend much of the day on short-workings on route 9 between Margate and Birchington (Minnis Bay). 7.10.06 - an ex-East Kent bus revisits its original stomping ground. Kent Coach Travel (Travelmasters) operated SKL 683X as AIG 6623, along with a similar VR from a different source, on rail replacement between Margate (where this picture was taken) and Whitstable. 7.10.06 - a different angle on AIG 6623; neither were that good due to the bright sunshine and shadow. 7.10.06 - Also at Margate station was Volvo/Van Hool XIL 7307 (previously E633 UNE & several other registrations). This vehicle had a Kent Coach Travel disc, despite being in full Dalybus (Wigan Coachways) livery, and with their legal lettering too! 7.10.06 - another Volvo/Van Hool of Travelmasters was XIL 5457 (previously MSU 571Y etc). The previous owner of this vehicle was the same as that of the VRTs. 14.10.06 - another weekend - another rail replacement job for what is loosely called 14.10.06 - found in the back of Dreamland, very close to where Anthony Gormley's 14.10.06 - at Ramsgate, 14.10.06 - sister VR AIG 6624 (VAH 278X) waiting for its next trip, which was towards Minster. 14.10.06 - arriving from Minster at 13:17 is XIL 5457, the only vehicle in use actually carrying Travelmasters fleet names. 14.10.06 - arriving from Margate along Station Approach is AIG 6623 again. 14.10.06 - AIG 6623 positioned at a better angle for a photograph. 14.10.06 - as 6623 waits to leave for Margate, 6624 leaves for Minster. It's not very often these days that you can see two VRs together in passenger service, although I don't think the passengers appreciated the significance, especially the one with the bike! 8.11.06 - believed to be bringing a Government Minister to Margate to look at the latest Turner Gallery event (French art!), this new Kings Ferry Scania/Irizar, YN56 AAE, is near the back of the old Marks & Spencer store, in Cecil Square. Look carefully at the driver and courier, and you'll realise it was backing out at the time. 12.12.06 - also in Cecil Square, Margate, is 3267 HX, Airport Connections' latest acquisition at the time, displaying the relatively new livery. It's a MB 811D/Wh, previously G840 KET and came from Harrison, Morecambe (t/a Battersby's Silver Grey), a firm which doesn't usually part with its cherished registrations, but has done so this time. 29.12.06 - the latest addition to Carol Peters' fleet is this Mercedes Tourino BX56 VTN, in their compound when less than 10 days old! (Picture by Michel Crisp - his first ever digital offering to be published on-line!) 19.1.07 - Eastonways have on loan this Dart/MCV, seen here in Cecil Square, Margate on the way to Broadstairs on route 56. (Michel Crisp has got some sharper shots of this in other parts of Thanet.) 19.1.07 - in contrast to the new Dart/MCV, here is a local independent operator, Regent of Whitstable, which operates S837 SKE, one of two Iveco 35.10/Euromotive minibuses. This one is parked near the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate. 20.2.07 - second day in service for Stagecoach East Kent 59210 (FJ56 OBX), one of three Scania/Caetano Levantes now at Westwood (Thanet) for route 022, seen here loading by Margate Clocktower. 20.2.07 - the fleet numbers are miniscule - just visible below the nearside headlight here - and what is the significance of the 23.2.07 - one of four ex-Warrington Darts now with Eastonways, Ramsgate, here is L231 SWM in Cecil Square on the way out to St Nicholas. 26.02.07 - another ex-East Kent Metrobus back in Thanet is F772 EKM, seen here at Eastonways depot awaiting attention. 7.3.07 - another Scania of Stagecoach East Kent, 59208 (FJ56 OBT), approaching Margate Clocktower. 7.3.07 - 59208 leaving Margate, approaching the Station roundabout.

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]]> Mon Mar 20 2006 Snow in the South 1987 - pictures by Roger Smith http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c810883.html Thanks to Roger Smith for allowing me to host these pictures, and for the information about the chapter of events at Lenham. These pictures were all taken in 1987 during a period of extremely severe wintry weather, when the whole of the centre of Kent was cut off from both east and west. Most of these shots show the rescue of 33061 and a snow plough which had become stuck near Lenham on 15th January. The first five shots are at Maidstone, and the last one is a view at Queenborough. Tuesday 20 January 1987: Thanks to Roger Smith for allowing me to host these pictures, and for the information about the chapter of events at Lenham. These pictures were all taken in 1987 during a period of extremely severe wintry weather, when the whole of the centre of Kent was cut off from both east and west. Most of these shots show the rescue of 33061 and a snow plough which had become stuck near Lenham on 15th January. The first five shots are at Maidstone, and the last one is a view at Queenborough.

Maidstone East station from the road bridge, showing an 8-CEP in the siding. The same 8 CEP from the opposite direction. Not a lot has moved in the back roads here! Trains from London were terminating and starting back from Maidstone East for about a week. An unidentified The snow blower from the Highlands waiting in the through road at Maidstone East for despatch towards Lenham. A second view of the same snow blower in the same place. At the scene of the snowed-in snow plough. The snow blower had come up from Ashford and cleared the up line first. The down line was well and truly blocked by the Class 33 and its snow ploughs. 33061 in close-up; the crew had to be airlifted out by helicopter on 15th January, but this was about a week later, I think. We're looking towards Lenham Forstal Road bridge here (again, thanks to Brian Stephenson for clarification). 33061 from the other side is only just visible in the snowdrift. The three figures on the top of the snowdrift seem to be having some kind of a planning meeting. 47131, having arrived wrong road from the Ashford direction, is now on site. Let digging commence! 47131 against the sheer wall of snow approaching the trapped snow plough. The whole event was filmed for The caption could be The first serious efforts to dig out the snow plough at the Ashford end of the trapped train. A cable was attached to 47131 to drag the country end snowplough from 33061, which had now been restarted, without any trouble, I understand. The snow plough being dragged away from 33061; meanwhile the snowblower has arrived from Maidstone East, causing a blizzard of its own! The dragging operation about to begin in earnest, now that someone has switched off the snowblower! Ready to drag! A collection of spectators are visible on the bridge in the distance, along with the snowblower's support train. The snowblower's support train was formed of 2 more The snowblower in action, clearing the down line. 33061 appears free to move, but couldn't, so the snowblower came in closer, but it was manual digging that finally freed the train, by which time the light had faded. Queenborough on the Sheerness branch around the same period of time. This map of the Charing to Lenham section of the line shows where the recovery took place from - thanks to Brian Stephenson for specific clarification. Another angle on 33061 in the drift. Look closely at the

Published in Dave Burrin's Transport and other Pictures

]]> Tue Jan 20 1987 Manchester in 1981 http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c733536.html I took two trips in a few weeks to the Manchester area in the early part of 1981, ahead of the closure of the Woodhead line later that year. Friday 3 April 1981: I took two trips in a few weeks to the Manchester area in the early part of 1981, ahead of the closure of the Woodhead line later that year.

3.4.81 - 76032 and 76034 at Guide Bridge. 3.4.81 - a general view of Guide Bridge sidings. 3.4.81 - 40174 passing through Guide Bridge with a freight train. 3.4.81 - 56065 coming out of Guide Bridge sidings. 3.4.81 - 25123 hauls withdrawn 40112 through Guide Bridge. 3.4.81 - 76051 coming out of Guide Bridge sidings. 3.4.81 - the three class 76 locos, 76051, 76034 and 76032 in the platform at Guide Bridge. 3.4.81 - a Bury e.m.u. departing Manchester Victoria at around 14.00 (thought to be 65457-77178). 28.5.81 - preserved class 76 loco, restored as 26020 at Dinting Steam Centre. 28.5.81 - also at Dinting Steam Centre, preserved 28.5.81 - a general view inside Dinting Steam Centre, 28.5.81 - at Guide Bridge is e.m.u. 59407 on the 13.30 from Manchester Piccadilly. 28.5.81 - Bury unit 65459-77180 in newly acquired blue and grey livery depart Manchester Victoria at around 15.30. 28.5.81 - 40174 rolling down the bank towards Manchester Victoria with a stone train. On the left is 25173, and to the right a dmmu, with a pari of Bury units just visible in berthing sidings on the right. 28.5.81 - 47462 on a train at around 15.50 at Manchester Victoria, believed to be en route to York.

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]]> Fri Apr 3 1981 More Diesels and other trains on the Southern http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c732537.html Some pictures of diesel trains, mainly in the early Eighties, but one much earlier. They are sorted into this order - units, locos in class number order, then a few miscellaneous shots from the same period. Sunday 28 July 1974: Some pictures of diesel trains, mainly in the early Eighties, but one much earlier. They are sorted into this order - units, locos in class number order, then a few miscellaneous shots from the same period.

DEMU 1035 on the 11+16 Cannon Street to Tonbridge on 4.9.81, passing Grove Park shed. If this DEMU cavalcade looks a bit odd, it's because it's formed of 1305 - 1302 and the DMBS of 1002. Seen here at Ashford on 11.4.81. DEMU 1316 passes through Clapham Junction on 7.9.81 with the 15.44 Victoria to Uckfield. What is that trolley on the platform?! DMMU test coach Test coach 09011 at Dover Priory with the Tunnel Cleaning Train on 14.11.81. MLV 68002 is also just visible. 09022 at Dover - Archcliffe Junction to the Western Docks - on a very murky 20.9.81. 31164 on a Temple Mills to Hither Green steel train approaches Lewisham from the Nunhead direction on 8.1.81. A mainline passenger train is just visible passing under the bridge in the distance. 33009 with Sandite unit 002 passing through Clapham Junction on 27.10.81. 33047 about to leave Ramsgate on 9.9.81 with the 18.00 to Wolverhampton - an excursion special. 33047 pulling out of the station on the same working as the previous picture. 33052 33061 at Ramsgate 4 Layby on a Ramsgate to Daisy Hill train on 20.9.81 - another special working. 33065 at Ashford on 6.9.81 with a Lichfield to Hastings special. This move is not possible any longer, with all trains to the Hastings line departing from platforms 1 or 2. 33102 propels 4-TC 434 (and also 424) out of Clapham Yard towards Olympia with ECS on 7.9.81. 33201 - a slimline Crompton - passing through Margate on a ballast working on 25.1.81. 37283 arriving at Orpington on 6.1.81 on a Temple Mills to Hither Green steel train, having been given a wrong signal at Shepherds Lane Junction. I believe the loco ran round here, but can't be sure now. 47026, with 33046, at Dover Town Yard, with the White Cliffs behind. This shot was taken from beside the level crossing, and could have been taken by anyone at the time, 14.11.81. 47060 at Ramsgate on 18.10.80 alongside 4-CEP 411515. I don't have a record of the 47's working at the time. 47103 passing through Broadstairs on an excursion train on 28.7.74 - this was 2 years before I began work on the railway at Ramsgate and is a scan of a print from a slide. Note that the train number is displayed on the front, a practice which ceased not that long afterwards. 47191 passing through Grove Park station on 23.7.81 on a stone train working. 47223 passes through Broadstairs on 12.10.80 with the late-running 14.50 Margate to Darlington special. 47265 arriving at Dover Priory around 18.35 on 12.8.81 with a return excursion to Caerphilly, having come ECS from Ramsgate. 47278 alongside 33033 in the old down sidings at Ashford station. The class 47 was off an ECS from Dover or Folkestone, the stock of which had been berthed in the yard, for either Newton Heath or Thornton Fields on 21.5.81. 47320 departing Clapham Yard with ECS to Waterloo on 7.9.81. 47352 passing through Gillingham on 7.8.81 on a ferry van working from Dover to Severn Tunnel Junction. 50007 on 11.10 Waterloo to Exeter St David's passes through Clapham Junction on a sunny 10.11.80. 50017 50025 50030 73101 73127 in 4 Layby at Ramsgate at 15.50 on 24.10.80. The stock should have worked to London Bridge at 09.57, but had been sent back or berthed due to a broken rail at Martin Mill on that day. Meanwhile, 7867 waits in platform 4 to work the 15.55 Ramsgate to Cannon Street. 73138 at Dover Priory on 10.8.81 with 18.55 van train to Victoria; this train here is comprised of 4 BG/NDV's and 1 ex-SR NPV (or so my caption reads!). 73142 Sittingbourne on 17.5.81, with 7115 having reached the end of the line before having to reverse due to very obvious engineering works ahead. Still at Sittingbourne on 17.5.81, the view from the footbridge shows both a diesel and a steam crane in action on track relaying work between the station and Eastern Junction. Still on 17.5.81, the diesel crane was not being used at this point in time, and had been stowed away (or whatever the technical term is) prior to the lifting of the possession an hour or two later. The recovery crane on one of its many visits to Ramsgate sidings to rerail a shunting mishap - this time it appears to have been the stock off the paper train. Date uncertain, possibly 16.5.81 - photo taken by Howard Grottick. 28.10.81 - a few months after the Royal Wedding, TDB975025 is berthed at Stewarts Lane, attached to a Class 73 loco. ASLEF strike day 13.1.82 - the first of several, and Ramsgate yard is almost full of trains. I do have a full list of all the units berthed, but won't list them all here. In this and the next picture, the units nearest the camera are: 7170 (9 road - due for departure to Strawberry Hill RSD), 7866 (8 Road), 6073 (7 Road), 7861 (6 Road), 1516 (5 Road), nothing visible on 4 Road, although there was an 8-car at the Margate end, 7859 (3 Road), 7856 (2 Road), 7867 (1 Road), 7123 (Platform 4), 7177 (Platform 1), 1524 (2 New Sidings), and 7868 (3 New Sidings). This is a continuation of the previous shot - the full list of visible units is in the previous caption. I do also have a black and white picture of the same period, but wont' publish it on the net as I purchased it from the local newspaper.

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]]> Sun Jul 28 1974 More Southern electric trains in the early Eighties http://davidburrin.fotopic.net/c731295.html Here is yet another collection of 25-year old pictures I had almost forgotten I had of electric trains on the Southern. The majority are pictured in operation, but there are some shots of withdrawn, damaged, or converted units among them. The order is as follows: SUB, EPB, HAP, VEP,MLV, 508, then miscellanous odds and ends - and there are one or two quite interesting pictures. Sunday 12 October 1980: Here is yet another collection of 25-year old pictures I had almost forgotten I had of electric trains on the Southern. The majority are pictured in operation, but there are some shots of withdrawn, damaged, or converted units among them. The order is as follows: SUB, EPB, HAP, VEP,MLV, 508, then miscellanous odds and ends - and there are one or two quite interesting pictures.

4-SUB 4280 in the non-electrified sidings on the London side of Sevenoaks on 10.8.81. It was there for some time, being used for a fire-fighting exercise. 4281 meanwhile was outside the old Transfesa depot at Hither Green, being used for something similar, when I photographed it on 1.9.81. 4288 was also pictured here in anticipation of a fire-fighting exercise, seen here on 13.10.81 in the Cripple Sidings at Selhurst - the coach with no doors is S10155S. EPB motor coach S14057S of 5029 is seen here coupled to 70455 ex-5343 (see my other gallery) in Stewarts Lane on 12.11.80. 5143 and 5225 were the first 4-EPBs to be refurbished, and were not renumbered straightaway. Here they are in platforms 10 and 11 at London Bridge on 18.10.80, waiting to work to West Croydon on the 09.19 and 09.27. 5171 is seen here at Ramsgate on 4 Layby on 26.8.81, although I can't remember why it was there; possibly a stock move towards Chart Leacon from Gillingham. 5197 is seen here at Stewarts Lane on 11.12.80 in ex-works condition. 2-EPB 5792 and 5794, former Tyneside units, seen here on 14.5.81 in the sidings on the Windsor side at Waterloo, where the International Station is now. Two 2-HAPs, 6137 and 6039 (with 6111 behind it), in the down sidings beside Ashford station on 19.9.81. 6039 was a Central Division unit at the time, and had 6077 at Stewarts Lane on 13.7.81, following a shunting accident somewhere. 6085 in ex-works condition, with 6146 in front, on Platform 4 at Ramsgate on 28.7.81, prior to working the 15.38 Ramsgate to Victoria. 6109, another ex-works unit (this time from Selhurst C6) in 4 Layby at Ramsgate on 27.10.80, having worked in on the 11+25 from Stewarts Lane. 6168, one of the last batch of HAPs, with smaller headcode panel, again in ex-works condition (I must have had a thing about repainted units!) again on 4 Layby at Ramsgate, on 14.11.81, with 6078 and 1583 behind it, having worked in on the 11+10 Stewarts Lane to Ramsgate. 4-VEP 7755, in ex-works condition (what else?!) arriving at Clapham Junction in the murk on a South Western service. 7756, also recently repainted, in Clapham Yard in the setting sun on 17.11.81, surrounded by a mixture of stock including a SUB, some 508s and some 2-EPBs. 7772 on No. 8 Road at Ramsgate - date unknown. Picture taken by Michel Crisp. 7867 in ex-works condition on No.7 Road, Ramsgate on 24.10.80, just prior to working the 15.55 Ramsgate to Cannon Street. 7884 departing Broadstairs on 12.10.80 on a Margate to Ramsgate shuttle service, during engineering works further up the line. 7894 leaving Broadstairs for Margate at an unknown date. Note the foot crossing still in use here at the time. Photo taken by Adrian Ellingworth. MLV 68009 trails out of Folkestone Harbour on the 13.20 to Victoria on 5.9.81, behind 7857, 7021 and 1594. 508029 (don't be confused by its number, it's not a shunter!) at Clapham Junction on 28.10.81. The caption I entered in my photo album says it was Fire damaged 76924 of 4-VEP 7885 seen here on 18.1.82 in Stewarts Lane depot. My memory tells me it was arson, but I can't remember the time or location. Damaged 76526 of 7911, one of the special Gatwick VEPs, lies condemned at Selhurst on 30.10.81, alongside withdrawn SUB 4638. Another view of 76526 of 7911, with the word Outside Selhurst paint shop on 30.10.81 is 5624 (a 2-HAP with a standard motor coach 65409), DEMU 1115, and in the far distance 4-EPB 5338. 5338 was awaiting a repaint. Strawberry Hill mixture - 2-HAP 5618 (it may have been a SAP by then), recently refurbished 4-EPB 5218, and freshly refurbished CEP 1597, with the motor coach 61035 of 7102 just visible on 22.1.81. The EPBs were usually refurbished at Horwich, the CEPs at Swindon. All-steel 2-HAL trailer 12847 of 2693, with 16002 of HAP 56002 just visible behind it, in the Cripple Sidings at Selhurst on 20.1.81. Also at Selhurst on 20.1.81, from left to right: 002 (ex-SUB conversion), 016 (ex-older SUB conversion, and 5619 (probably a SAP by then). At Ramsgate on 30.1.81, two different service units - 022 on the left (ex-HAL), and 011 (ex-SUB). I later drove 011, but never The Ramsgate sidings on 17.4.82, during the changeover from unrefurbished CEPs to a fully refurbished fleet. From left to right: 1508 on 15 Road, 6073 and 6061 on 16 Road; 6148 on 17 Road. In the distance is redundant de-icing coach DS70086. Margate in its pre-rationalisation days. 7771 leaves for Victoria on the 13.38 from Ramsgate on 17.4.82, while 7859 arrives on the 12.09 from Victoria to Ramsgate. Notice the HAPs berthed in platform 5, now part of a housing estate. OUCH!!! The next 6 pictures show the result of an accident in Grove Park sidings on 12.4.82. These pictures were taken on 16.4.82. This unit, EPB 5175, was propelling from the shed, when it struck 4 VEP 7861, which was standing foul. Propelling was still allowed at that time, although the circumstances of this accident may have led to disciplinary action. A closer view of the damage to the cab of 14349 of 5175. You can see that a temporary train pipe had to be installed to enable this unit to eventually be moved. The damage to 76875 of 7861 is covered over, so the damage is less obvious.