The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  ~~~~   The page for enthusiasts in the Oxford Chilterns Area - News from you and news for you - pictures too  

Issue 229
(OBP-440)
Wednesday 6th June 2007
next update week ending 16th June 2007

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Please note that any comments made in this news page are those of the Editors' and in no way constitute 
any official points of view from the bus companies mentioned,  or indeed any other official body. 
As a news page we reserve the right to make valid comments as seen from an editorial point of view.

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid-week news please let me know
malcolmhc@aol.com

To see the pictures full size just click on the thumbnail

A note regarding photographs which show drivers faces.
Following one complaint from a driver of a bus in Oxford but considering the fact that the photographs are taken of the vehicle not any person,
I will blank out the face to avoid any discomfort to the individual concerned. If you are the person involved send me an email to have this action taken.
I am sure people will realise that to ask everyone in advance of publication, whose face may appear in a picture is wholly impractical in both time and practice.
I am sorry to have to mention such a matter but we now live in a world of human rights and political correctness which must be considered.


Editorial

My apologies for the late publication of this week's page but I have had to replace a colleague at work who is somewhat under the weather.

This last weekend saw the start of new services, the loss of older services and the introduction of a n umber of new vehicles. Altogether a busy time.

The last days have also seen a series of accidents interrupting traffic flows on the M40 producing considerable operating difficulties for the various operators using the M40.

I have received further comment about the matter of digital displays and we also have some nice reports from various readers who have included photographs which adds so much to this page every week.

A comment on the obituary for Paul Tappin from Richard

As always your website is a wonderful read and I look forward to reading it each week.  However, there is a mistake in Paul Tappin's obituary, which seems to have stemmed from inaccurate reporting in the newspapers. The paragraph in question is the one below:   
 
Mr Tappin sold the coach company in March to Oxfordshire rival Heyfordian to make sure it stayed a family business. He still owned the Guide Friday sightseeing bus company in Oxford.
 
Paul was Managing Director of Tom Tappin Ltd and one of 13 family shareholders.  Tom Tappin Ltd sold their coaches and coaching interests to newly formed Tappins Coaches Ltd (which is associated with Heyfordian Travel, but not owned by them).  Tom Tappin Ltd continue to own and run the City Sightseeing Oxford franchise, 10 buses and 1 service vehicle, together with all the freehold on the Southmead site at Didcot.  The Osney Mead, Oxford site is rented.  It is an easy mistake to make, when even most of Tappins' staff think that Paul personally owned the company.  There was only one company until recently - Tom Tappin Ltd.  The sightseeing operation was not a separate entity.  Tom Tappin Ltd is continuing to operate exactly as it did before Paul's sad and untimely passing, albeit with the chairman taking a more active role in the running.
 
There is only one Guide Friday bus company and that is Guide Friday Ltd - a wholly owned subsidiary of Ensign Bus.
 
Malcolm, this is in no way a criticism of your wonderful site, just that if genuine enthusiasts are misinformed then the misconceptions will only continue to spread and cause problems for historians in the future.

Many thanks to Richard for this information. I do apologise for any errors.

DipTAC displays for destinations and their application - further reader responses

Kevin Smith writes "Re the correspondence about how LED displays are supposed to be set up, please note that these regulations only apply to buses built post DDA regulations (not sure offhand when that was now). If LEDs are retro-fitted to pre DDA buses these rules, as I understand it don't apply. 

One thing is clear though. Many operators of post DDA buses are either ignorant of the regulations or choose to ignore them !" 

Alan Drake finds a Routemaster in unusual guise at Northampton

Alan writes "I live out of your area in Kettering  Northants but look in on your site every week. I don't know if this is of interest but the attached was in the coach park at SED (Site Equipment Demonstration) at Rockingham Speedway Corby 23/05/07."

Terry Wong Min visits the Ayrshire coast, Glasgow and Perth

Terry Wong Min sent this report on a visit last month to the Ayrshire coast saying "Some pictures from a week of travelling in Scotland.  I covered areas from Edinburgh/Fife to the East, to Elgin/Inverness in the North, to Ayrshire, Oban and Fort William in the West.  Enclosed a few things of interest to your readers.  Some of the Megabus Neoplans put into Stagecoach standard swoops to replace the former Oxford tube vehicles (also illustrated one on the X16 instead of an ALX300)."

 

 
Also pictures of three of the former Oxford Tube vehicles at Blochairn in Glasgow withdrawn.


Also a picture of the busy Kilmarnock staff working hard to keep standards up on buses and a Leyland Titan which are still running (but for how long??).


Here is a picture of 22502 a Man Kinetic similar to the ones at Stagecoach Western but this time in South Street in Perth.

Many thanks to Terry for some excellent pictures. One can only wonder at the immaculate turnout of the withdrawn M A N double deck coaches. They are a credit to Stagecoach and the staff concerned.

Hemel Hempstead and Amersham, now and then from Roger Spence

Roger is becoming a valued contributor and this week he has sent a really interesting batch of pictures. Roger reports: 

"You recently posted one of my photos of 59213 under your 'buses in the landscape' section, which inspired me to try to get one which captures Hemel in its true glory! 


Here's 59214 on the 1340 737 to Oxford, about to pass under the redundant concrete flyover to the old Kodak car park. 

Earlier in the week, Volvo 3313 still wearing Sovereign colours was on the 300.  I wonder if this and the 'SB1' route branding confused any would-be passengers!  A few panels already carry Arriva turquoise; how long before the rest of the vehicle follows suit?!

 

Aylesbury's Olympian 5126 was on the 500, presumably in place of one of the Tridents.  Apart from the lack of a destination blind, this vehicle was rather nicely turned out with shiny silver wheels and 'Leyland' badge:-


 

Vario 2180 was off for a run to Luton on the 46:-

 

The following day it rained but Thursday was better.  Volvo 5148 was on route 6:-

 

At my last visit to Aylesbury depot, I also took this portrait of Scania 3157 with 'line three-hundred' branding and inter-urban livery:-

 

Finally, I went back and looked through my old photos taken when I was still at school over twenty-five years ago.  I scanned a few as an experiment, so here are two pictures taken in the car park behind Amersham garage, which was used as an overflow to the garage itself.  Of course, the use by buses of this car park would out-live the garage itself!

I think they were taken around 1979.  The Leyland Nationals were still new - one of the first 'B' types is at the far end of the line, with the black bumper.  AEC swifts dominate.  Despite their bad reputation I was sorry to see the 'SM's replaced by the ubiquitous 'SNB's - though of course they too are now a memory.

 
I remember that SM531 was still in Lincoln green!

Derek Dawson and some pictures in Oxford

Derek writes "Had a couple of hours in Oxford last Tuesday (29th) First pics were taken at the bus station These are:-


SJ54GBE Bova Futura Bruce, Salsburg on the 539 Bournemouth- Edinburgh Svs


KN04XJK seen on a Chipping Norton service


MUI7851  Tappins on the City Sightseeing service


RH Transport MX55WCZ on the Bicester Service

Next stop was the coach park at Oxpens where a fair selection of foreign coaches were parked up :_

There was even a UK example of a Setra S415GT-HD in the latest Evan Evans Tours livery :-

Finally I liked this picture of Oxford Bus 821 which looks pristine in its City15 livery :-

Matt W visits Wycombe today, 6th June

Matt writes "I popped down to High Wycombe briefly this morning to get a look at the new/revised routes that started on Sunday/Monday, and also to capture the Primo you'd warned us of.

Starting off at the Park & Ride, Dart 3482 was in use alongside at least one of the normal liveried DAFs.

On arriving in the Town Centre, I went and stood up near the bus station, and managed to get a few shots.... 

First, the new routes...."

Line 40 - Operating this today were 3213 (sorry, no photo, I saw this as I was driving into Wycombe) and also 3181, two photos, one arriving in Wycombe, the other leaving on its next departure...

 

38 & 39.  The timetables for these two are interlinked, requiring a total of 2 vehicles... 1 does 39 between Bus Station and Totteridge/Hicks Farm Rise  before then going to Deeds Grove as a 38, the other does a full route 39 going Bus Station - Hicks Farm Rise - Bus Station - Downley (Southfield Way) - Bus Station. 3829 is pictured on the latter, first leaving bus station for Downley, and shortly after for Hicks Farm Rise, whilst 3210 I managed to get leaving on 38.

27. As expected, Carousel have a new Plaxton Primo on this route, which I managed to get as it passed through Frogmoor on its way to the Bus Station (and then the hospital). Nice to see the correctly formatted destination displays on this one.

 

Couple of other interesting shots.... 3844 was on Green Route 31, presumably covering for the Green Route branded Volvo that I saw on 362 (photo of 3844 attached).

Magpie Travel Dart J630KCU on route 321 arriving at the Bus Station.

DAF 4490 on 317 to Bourne End,

3203 on 32 and 5094 on 74, all showing how the destination displays shouldn't be configured. 5094 is pictured with Aylesbury Scania 3161 on Line 300 following behind.

One final note on the Destination Display subject... as someone who works in IT, I am wondering why the companies that produce the software that programs the electronic displays can't produce some sort of Patch or Update that forces any displays to be compliant when they are entered and then uploaded into the destination display hardware.

(I am told that one of the companies is aware of this problem but that as the rules in Europe require the displays to be compliant for left hand drive, the default setting results in the problems we have seen. It is up to the operator to change the default setting and it may be that it is this which is not being done. Ed.)

News from the Fylde Coast by Geoff Cunliffe

Geoff writes "Thank you, as ever, for your constantly professional and informative web page. 

I notice the area of your coverage seems to be ever growing, so I thought you may like to see the attached. A group called Totally Transport is operating a seasonal service on the Fylde Coast between Lytham and St.Annes using four 'classic' vehicles from the Lancastrian Transport Trust. It runs every Saturday and Sunday from now until the end of September from noon until 4pm. The route, via the Promenade, Fairhaven Lake and Lowther Gardens has been devised to try to avoid abstracting custom from regular services. It is supported by the Fylde Vision Strategic Partnership and Fylde Borough Council.  

At the press launch last week, RML 2734 was joined by former Lytham St.Annes Corporation 19, twin to 16 which I owned and rallied for twelve years. 19, clearly an all-Leyland PD1 of 1946, was withdrawn in 1973 and sold for £162 including four tyres! It had originally cost slightly over £2,700. It has spent a lot of time down south whilst in preservation (where it acquired the grossly incorrect style of fleet number), and did the 1990 London-Brighton run. It only returned north recently, and it runs like a dream! I am considering seeing about doing the odd shift with it before my PCV needs renewing next year."


Whilst the Routemaster is lovely, I have happy personal memories of visits to Lytham St Annes and the smart blue and white buses then operating.

Buses in cityscape and landscape

Contributions continue to arrive on my desk and I have used those below on this week's page.


I know, another Levante but its a nice effort by Roger Spence - Hemel Hempstead.


A peaceful Saturday in Ibstone with an Arriva Vario on the now gone 342 to Ibstone - Gavin Francis


One of the ex Airline Jonckheere Volvos hurries home last week on the long downhill stretch of the M40 near Lewknor.


Crossing the River Dart.
Trathens, Plymouth Neoplan Skyliner LSK 824 at Totnes on 30th May 2007
Picture by Ian Kirby.

Amersham & District Running days 2007 - dates for your diary

http://www.amershammotorbussociety.co.uk/ 

Amersham & District Running Days for 2007 are as follows: 

Sun 24 June 2007 - 2nd Hemel Hempstead Running Day based on Hemel Hempstead Bus Station                        

Sun 30 September 2007 - 19th Amersham Running Day based on Amersham but commemorating the 30th anniversary of the closure of HE Garage (30/09/1977) so there will be a reconstruction of certain routes in the High Wycombe area.


This week there are over 100 pictures

Malcolm Crowe - Wednesday 6th June 2007

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002 to date

News of the local companies – 6th June 2007

A lot of changes have occurred in the Wycombe area with new ore revised services starting last Sunday and Monday. Gavin Francis made a real effort to get as much of the old before the new came along.


Vario 2197 works to Radnage on the last day and is seen near the terminus. Gavin Francis.

 
Another picture of Radnage, this time of an Olympian 5145, which having turned is now back off to Wycombe.
Gavin Francis.


The quiet countryside at Ibstone hosts Olympian 5145 on its last run to Ibstone.
Gavin Francis.


Olympian 5134 is seen on the 31st May passing Ibstone cricket ground on one of the last trips. Gavin Francis.


The 340 did not run all the way to Wycombe on the A40 but ran via various other villages. Here 5145 is seen turning out of
Bolter End Lane onto the Land End-Stokenchurch road on its way to Radnage. Gavin Francis.


Sunday morning saw what was the first Line 40 service from Stokenchurch to Wycombe.
The Vario, with the old display is seen passing the "shoe tree" near Studley Green on a bright and sunny morning.


Route training was taking place as late as Sunday morning when a VDL/Wright was used and is seen at Stokenchurch.
The front made an awfully loud noise on the road as it pulled onto the A40.

Glenn Knight sent a few interesting pictures from his area. He says "I have a photo of G646UPP 5086 with the Low-Bridge incident in Luton. H369XGC 3819 working 3s in Hemel Hempstead & S151KNK 5151 in inter-urban livery on 6B`s."


A Luton based bus in the depot following a slight accident to its upper deck.


Arriva 3819 at Hemel depot 270507 Glenn Knight


Arriva 5151 Hemel Bus Stn 270507 Glenn Knight

More local pictures

I hope to bring you more  pictures of buses on changed routes next week. (Contributors please note, thanks Ed.)

Nigel Peach writes "Your latest update came in while I was at the computer, so it was good to read it, listening to the Test Match at the same time. After all, with the outside temperature showing 6.4 degrees C and the rain coming down, it's not really the day to be venturing out in the garden, despite all that needs to be done out there! 

A correspondent sent a picture from Blackburn of ex Arriva Olympian 5119 (G289 UMJ). Interestingly the buses either side of this are both at Wycombe - 5120 has been in Wycombe for some years now, and 5118 has just been transferred to Wycombe (though I've only ever seen it parked at the depot so far) replacing 5135 which went to Luton.

Oh, and while I've been writing this, we've just won the test match - West Indies' heaviest ever defeat!

03/06

I popped to the Cressex depot today (Sunday) to see if by any remote chance there were any buses branded for the new "Line 40" or the new "Orange Route 38 & 39" which start tomorrow. No sign of any - maybe they are all hiding and will appear in the morning!


Wycombe based Olympian 5130 came to grief on a low obstruction and awaits its fait in Cressex depot.
Picture by Nigel Peach

Sad to see at the Cressex depot that Alexander bodied Olympian 5130 has come to grief, presumably with a low bridge. A picture is attached. I'm annoyed that I didn't get the registration number into the picture which was taken when the sun was shining brightly and I couldn't properly see the display of what I was taking (That's my excuse!). Its reg is F747 XCS and as it is almost the oldest bus at the depot, I guess it is unlikely to be repaired. It came to Arriva from A1 Service (McMenemy) in 1995. 

04/06 

I had decided to wander into Wycombe at lunchtime today to see if any new buses had materialised. 

As I came along the footpath below the railway station I saw Aylesbury based 3829 (KE53 NFG) on the 33. It had no blinds showing and the route number was displayed on a piece of paper. I took a photo which is attached, but it's a dreadful picture (not good enough for the page - but it shows what I mean) - camera shake on a dull day in my haste to snap it before it disappeared!

At the bus station I saw another newcomer, 3210 (R210 GMJ), an SLF Dart. A picture is attached. This has got a correct destination screen (doesn't photo well though!), suggesting perhaps that it is a permanent transfer. According to my book it was based at Watford.


Arriva 3210 r317 Wycombe Bus Stn 040607 Nigel Peach
 

I saw "33 branded" SLF Dart 3822 on new route Line 40 (no new buses yet then!) which eluded my camera and also similar bus 3482 (W482 YGS) on new route 39. Again, 3482 was displaying no blinds - just a piece of paper saying "39". However are passengers expected to know that this is their bus when it gives no indication of where it is going, nor that it is a new route?! 

Indeed a large number of buses had paper route numbers. I suppose a lot of them may have been being upgraded to include the new routes. Some strange workings - one of the "31 branded" Volvo B7s was on the 32, whereas SLF Dart 3181 was running the 31!

A quick scan down the running order suggested there were no other newcomers yet. " 

 

 

Matt Robinson writes "Just thought I'd have a go at guessing the bus 'under the sheet' at Aylesbury depot on the latest newsletter.

The roof pods would suggest it's a Plaxton Pointer bodied Dart the same as 3099 parked left of the picture. The only other one at AY is 3101 (L460NMJ) so I would assume that is the one?

I see that Dennis Lance 3376 (M266VPU) isn't on the latest fleet listings. It was at Aylesbury along with sister vehicles 3377 & 3378 which are still there, so was just wondering if anybody knew what had happened to it?

Just a bit of Luton route news, Percival Way at Luton Airport will re-open on Monday 4th June. The diversion on route 100 and emergency timetables/diversions on routes 31 & 321 will cease with the routes returning to normal.

This should reduce the congestion around the airport, particularly in the morning rush hour. Unfortunately the main M1-Airport link road is still some way from completion so motorway-bound coaches will have to put up with the congestion for a bit longer."

Finally another Volvo coach has appeared for "easybus" and the 757, this time featuring a super rear ad. This maybe because it was only recently repainted.

Stuart Turner wrote last Saturday saying "Was travelling Southbound on M25 around Staines Junction and going the other way was a Plaxton Primo, unreged by in the base colours of Carousel Buses. Is it for them?"

Nigel Peach writes "My big surprise today (Monday), as I was walking away from the bus station, Carousel's new vehicle appeared. The driver kindly stopped for me to take a picture (attached) and it was only afterwards I realised he was waving to the camera! This smart bus was displaying correct destination details (though the destination looks blank on my photo).  

I knew nothing about this vehicle joining the fleet and I couldn't even work out what it was until your email earlier today!"


Latest addition to the Carousel fleet is this Plaxton Primo.
It is said to be for the revised 27 route. Picture by Nigel Peach.


Gavin Francis sent this nice picture of one the Carousel Tridents in the centre of High Wycombe.

Centrebus  http://www.centrebus.co.uk/


Centrebus' W578XRO.  Is this the most awful paint job yet? 
There are at least seven different colours here, and to my eye most of them clash.  Pink and orange?!!
Picture by Roger Spence.

Contributor from Oxford writes "please find attached photos of the two new Heyfordian Enviro Darts in service today in St.Aldates (Monday 4th June) on services 103/104 (Oxford - Wheatley - The Miltons/Garsington) taken over from Thames Travel. This is my first attempt at e-mailing photos so I hope that they are OK."

Indeed they are and they are good pictures.

 


Heyfordian's new Enviro 200 from the near side by Gavin Francis.

First Berkshire

Stephen Le Bras writes "My first sighting of a Citaro on the 43 service- silver coloured 64015 on the 07.59 timed Windsor- Staines and return at 09.29. It was noted 2 hours later inbound." 

Robert Janko provided a picture of the new Solo in service on the 108 route.


Picture by Robert Janko

The company ran into problems with the start date for the added stop at Stokenchurch due from 3rd June. It seems that the full 56 days registration required does not come into effect until 22nd June when the stop will be effective.

In the meantime the coaches continue through without stopping.

Last week I showed a picture of NXSC1 with a National Express display.


Take a look at the destination display on NXSC1 at Stansted - someone at NEx has been working overtime on design.


The expression "we will not knowingly be beaten by anyone" comes to mind when we see the added display now on the Oxford based Levantes.
The display is near perfect, well done Oxford!


Derek Dawson sent this nice shot of Bruce's Bova on the 539 at Gloucester Green last week.


Gavin Francis caught up with this PB in Gloucester Green last week. This is a First operated one.


Guess who and where - Picture b y Gavin Francis. I really was "Sorry, Coach Full".

Sources within Go Ahead advise that the seven Tridents from the North East are imminent. Full details are awaited.

A couple of Dennis Lance/NCME Paladin trainers were seen recently in Oxford from Go West Midlands. No details have been received on these buses ?????


Derek Dawson sent this picture of 821 commenting on how smart it looks.

Where are they now?


Ken Gladstone sent this nice shot of 956, now at the Oxford Bus Museum

 
As mentioned last week three Brookes Tridents have gone on loan to Devon. Ian Kirby took these pictures last week.


Volvo 20228 has had a repaint.


VIOCHEAD sent this nice shot of an ex Thames Transit Dart now in Ayr. Note the Oxford registration.


Richard Sharman shows that the second open top Olympian 16527 has now arrived at Stratford.


Now operating the X50 under Stagecoach workings is 27543 in County Links livery. Picture by Gavin Francis.

Fleet changes at Oxford and Warwickshire are given below.


Warwickshire
fleet movement - last period

 
 

31321

P321JND

Volvo B6LE - Transfer from Rugby to Reserve

31323

P323JND

Volvo B6LE - Transfer from Rugby to Reserve

31324

P324JND

Volvo B6LE - Transfer from Rugby to Reserve

34121

VV121MVX

Dennis Dart SLF -
Transfer from Leamington to Rugby

34122

V122MVX

Dennis Dart SLF -
Transfer from Reserve to Rugby

34123

V175MVX

Dennis Dart SLF -
Transfer from Reserve to Rugby

52601

5362 HE

Volvo B10M  Express - Transfer from Barnsley to Rugby

52659

1619 HE

Volvo B10M  Express -
Transfer from Barnsley to Rugby

vehicles on loan from Ensign Bus

 
 

208

EYE 325V

MCW Metrobus - Open Top

SD

219

BYX 219V

MCW Metrobus - Open Top

SD

252

WLT 752

MCW Metrobus - Open Top

SD

348

H648 GPF

Volvo B10 - Open Top

SD

350

EWF 450V

MCW Metrobus - Open Top

SD

370

DTG 370V

MCW Metrobus - Open Top

SD

 

 

 

 

vehicles in reserve

 
 

16527

P527 EFL

Volvo Olympian - Open Top Conversion

 

16539

P539 EFL

Volvo Olympian - Open Top Conversion

 

31321

P321 JND

Volvo B6LE - Waiting  Service Launch

 

31322

P322 JND

Volvo B6LE - Waiting  Service Launch

 

31323

P323 JND

Volvo B6LE - Waiting  Service Launch

 

31324

P324JND

Volvo B6LE - Waiting  Service Launch

 

34119

V119 MVX

Dennis  Dart SLF -
Centre Door Conversion

 

34120

V120 MVX

Dennis  Dart SLF -
Centre Door Conversion

 

vehicles delicensed

 
 

14515

F515 NJE

Leyland Olympian

LN

40147

N347 AVV

Mercedes 709D

RY

41505

H495 MRW

Mercedes 811 D

LN

OXFORD fleet movements last period

 
 

 

 

 

20009

R909 XFC

Volvo B10M - Oxford to Witney

34466

KV53 NHA

Dennis Pointer Dart -
Oxford to Witney

 

 

 

32628

P628 PGP

Dennis Dart - Witney to Reserve

42624

R624 CTX

Mercedes Vario -
Banbury to Oxford

 

 

 

42383

S383 DFC

Mercedes Vario -
Witney to Banbury

 

 

 

18054

KX53 VNE

Dennis Trident - on loan to Devon

18055

KX53 VNF

Dennis Trident - on loan to Devon

18195

KN54 ZXR

Dennis Trident - on loan to Devon

Kate Pontin writes The pink decker has returned from its re-spray, and is now adorned in our new livery.  It has just gone back into service, so I hope someone will be able to photograph it soon.“

PHOTO CORNER
If you have a digital camera and wish to submit photos for this page please send them to the me at 
malcolmhc@aol.com

Various items here and above held over until next issue due time constraints.

HISTORY IN PICTURES AND WORDS

A photo disc for your collection.

This week I can bring details of a really super new photo disc from Vics cliix. The disc contains pictures taken in the early 1970s by Vic Zealey and copies can be obtained through Malcolm Hyland's web site http://www.cliix.co.uk.

Here are some samples of the 158 pictures on this disc.

       
The quality is good and they are all at high resolution.

If you have any pictures or historical memories and wish to submit them for this page please send them to the me at  malcolmhc@aol.com

Coming events, models and useful links

New casting from Britbus

A new casting with a local flavour has been released by Britbus as a picture from Mark Lyons shows. It is a nice model but as Mark says, a little pricey at £33.

Oxford Bus 125 commemorative book

In last week's issue I mentioned that Oxford Bus were publishing a book to commemorate the 125 years of public transport in Oxford. Thanks to Phil Ashworth I have had a review copy and hereunder give my thoughts on this book.

The book is well presented and includes a number of historical pictures of interest including some I had not seen before. The modern pictures have received a nice treatment reflecting the modern fleet against a background of typical Oxford architecture. The Botley Road rail bridge gets a mention and a picture of an AEC pre war decker which has done battle with said bridge and come off worse from its encounter is included.

The book, whilst rather small to reflect the 125 years in detail is nevertheless a must for all who love Oxford, historians and enthusiasts alike.

Copies of the book can be bought from the Oxford Bus Company, Cowley House, Watlington Rd, Oxford OX4 6GA. The cost is £5.95 including postage. Cheques should be made payable to "Oxford Bus Company", it is also available in person from the Oxford Bus Museum during normal opening hours. 

DVD s by Robin Clare

The full details of DVDs available from Robin Clare may be found at his web site :- http://www.robinclare.co.uk/

Latest Citaro models revealed

Dave Rogers sent the following press release.

CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD - PRESS RELEASE 

Mercedes-Benz Citaro - ukbus 5004 Arriva Manchester  -  ukbus 5007 Oxford Bus

 

Creative Master Northcord Limited is proud to release two brand new liveries on its well known Mercedes-Benz Citaro casting. Both models have received significant, yet different, modifications to the tooling in order to represent, as close to 100% accuracy as possible, the real buses on the roads. 

ukbus 5004 represents fleet number Arriva North West’s 2851 (CX55 EAA). This Mercedes Citaro is one of three such vehicles with dedicated route branding for service 700 and with the destination set to Manchester. The model features a redesigned interior layout that includes the reduced seating capacity and luggage racks. 

Starting on 29th October 2005, Arriva North West’s service 700 runs from Manchester’s Piccadilly Railway Station to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport. For the service, 3 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses were purchased and numbered 2851-3. They were painted in the same style and colours as the Scania OmniCity buses that already operated between John Lennon and Liverpool city centre. 

ukbus 5007 represents fleet number 830 (X13 OXF) of Oxford Bus Company. 830 entered service in December 2003, to upgrade the X3 & X13 Oxford – Abingdon services. The bus was painted in a new and distinctive livery designed by Best Impressions. 

ukbus 5007 features the smooth, curved windscreen with the destination display set behind the windscreen glass rather than the protruding destination found on the Park & Ride Citaros in the fleet. This feature is one of the standard specifications on other Citaros that the Go-Ahead Group has purchased. 

Mercedes-Benz Citaro ukbus 5004 and 5007 models are each a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the square-mounted, double-glazed windows and the livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible. Another main feature on both models is the extensive portrayal of handrails. The headlight / indicator units at the front and indicator / tail light units at the rear are made of individual components to look more realistic.

 

The brand new single-door Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan) and Concorde Hobby Shop (HK) respectively. The ukbus 5004 and 5007 models are limited to 1700 pieces worldwide respectively. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would readers who respond to the above please quote my site when doing so.

If you wish to be included on a mailing list where I will advise of any mid week news & when each News Page is posted
please let me know on malcolmhc@aol.com

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002 to date

Links

These are three most interesting sites which I do recommend

Bus Zone Logo (2421 bytes)

Mike Penn's photo page with much from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire as well as Buckinghamshire

Chris Lowe's Photo page - mainly North West UK

The Oxford Bus Museum


Ray Jackson Art

A web site which has paintings of buses.
Nice present for a Christmas or Birthday wish list !!

http://www.rayjacksonart.co.uk/index.htm
 

 


Stagecoach Handbook for 2006
from British Bus Publishing

Arriva Handbook for 2006-2007
from British Bus Publishing

http://www.britishbuspublishing.co.uk/

The latest handbooks are now on sale, the ever
popular Stagecoach edition now in its 13th year.

Links

Bus Services in Buckinghamshire

Bus services in Oxfordshire

Where are the Chilterns?

Visit this informative site through the link below.

back to home page
Map showing the Chilterns Hills beginning in Oxfordshire in the Thames Valley and stretching north-east through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire. The highest points are over 250m. There are various water courses running from the Chilterns to the South East.

Visit the "OXFORD BUS PAGE" Archive 1998 - 2002

Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Archives from October 2002