Oxford & Chiltern Bus Page - Weekly News update

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

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News Archive Pages from the "Oxford Bus Page"
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/6995/archiveindex/arcindex.html
I regret that the server used to store the pictures for many of these pages is no longer available.
I hope to restore the pictures at some time in the future.

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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

A note regarding photographs which show drivers faces.
Following one complaint from a bus driver 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.

I held this issue so that I could include comments on Coach & Bus Live 2007 held last week at the NEC in Birmingham. There are pictures and some comments on this smaller mid term show held between the bi-annual main show.

I have also had a major input from many of you in response to the article on the now defunct X15 service plus some interesting pictures on Spencer's of high Wycombe from the archives of Gavin Francis.

Steve Warwick has provided an updated fleet list for Heyfordian including details of those vehicles allocated to High Wycombe.

Maybe spurred on by the X15 memories, Gary Seamarks has provided us with a detailed account of the 131 and 132 Oxford-Northampton services from the '80s and '90s.

Reports and pictures are also included from the Timebus Running Day and responses to a reader question about B&C Coaches, now long gone.

In other words a bumper issue which I hope everyone enjoys, especially the pictures of which there are 123, an all time record.

I enjoyed a visit with Chris Maxfield to this year's show. One of the nicest parts of such a visit is meeting so many friends and acquaintances, especially readers of this page. A most interesting half hour was spent talking to a guy from VOSA who turned out to be one of the main trainers for compliance officers. His comments and help on the use of digital tachos was most helpful.

The main stands of Optare, Darwen Group (ELC), MCV, Neoman and Caetano provided much interest as can be seen from the pictures shown below. I have tried to give readers a flavour of the show and one noticeable factor was the lack of manufacturers badging, which does not help the erstwhile report.

MCV were offering a one piece windscreen and they had taken the step line out of the latest version.

The first Versa for Stagecoach was on show as was the new Solo SR with revised body styling.

The pictures sent in, including some of my own are included at the bottom of this article.

Neil Gow writes "I was interested to see the X15 item last time. I can fill in some of the earlier period of this service, with pictures of the High Wycombe working in particular.

The service started as a Reading - Milton Keynes service following coach deregulation, I think in late 1981 or early 1982, at about the same time as the X4 High Wycombe - Birmingham route started. It was two hourly throughout and the depots involved were Alder Valley at Wycombe and United Counties at Aylesbury and probably also Bletchley. I don't recall Reading Buses being involved as suggested by another correspondent. The 141 AY - MK service continued to run and may have remained hourly at that stage, or may have just covered the missing hours of the X15. When it started HW's contribution was usually one of a pair of ex Yorkshire Traction Leyland Leopards with Alexander T-type body, with the other usually on the X4. 1166 (LHL 246P) is pictured in AY bus station in March 1983. The spare for both routes was a native Plaxton bodied Leopard in National white livery.

The route between Reading and High Wycombe was not via the 329 route but direct down the A404 and A4. However the last journey from AY to Reading was run by the HW car and this returned to Wycombe as a 329, bringing a little luxury to this otherwise Bristol VR and Leyland National operated service.

In 1984 the route was extended to Northampton, remaining two hourly and with United Counties' Northampton depot providing the additional bus required. The HW working was changed so it started with an early HW - Northampton journey followed by a return trip from Northampton to Reading and an evening run from Northampton back to Wycombe. At about the same time, HW also took over the former Greenline 754 Marlow - London service. Leyland Olympian coach (which didn't stay long) and the Wadham stringer bodied Dennis Falcon 'H' 1001 were brought in from Aldershot to provide extra coaches (3 being required for the X4, X15 and 754). The Dennis Falcon proved itself to be quite unreliable and rarely ventured far from Wycombe, as it was prone both to catching fire and to severe damage to the engine compartment if accidentally reversed into one of the pillars in the bus station! It did make it on to X15 occasionally, but the regular vehicle had now become the dual-purpose Bristol VR 984, with a dual-purpose Leyland National also as backup. A white Leyland Leopard coach, and one of a pair of white Bristol RE coaches, which functioned as HW's private hire and general spare vehicles, also made occasional appearances.

The pictures show the Bristol VR 984 and Dennis Falcon 1001 in January 1985 and Bristol RE 1075 in June 1985, all ascending Marlow Hill on early afternoon journeys towards Reading.

Note the 325 service between Reading and Aylesbury you mentioned was in no way connected with the X15. This was a Bucks C.C. evening and Sunday tendered service which combined the 323 route between AY and Wycombe with the 329 route between Reading and Wycombe, and was a replacement for those two services at those times. It was run by Beeline then Wycombe Bus out of HW.

At some time around or after bus deregulation in 1986, the route transformed into the hourly Aylesbury - Milton Keynes service it was until recently, with Beeline (ex Alder Valley) participation withdrawn. The picture of the Dennis Falcon on the service in Beeline livery would be quite special. In fact it is a surprise this bus even got into Beeline livery. In mid-1986 it spectacularly caught fire (again) at Downley and the picture of it in the Bucks Free Press showed it so engulfed in smoke and flames it’s a miracle there was anything left to repair. When City of Oxford took over the Wycombe operations they promptly swapped it for a pair of Bristol VRs from Mayne of Manchester, and probably got the best deal.

As it says somewhere in my piece, I don't think RB did participate. I think it started with 1 AV and 2 UC vehicles. I certainly don't have any pictures. I'll check my Buses magazines from that era.

Incidentally, first time I saw one of those T types was in Oxford (I was a student there until June 1982, then moved to Wycombe in August). COMS were acquiring Leopards from wherever they could at that time (Southdown, Nat Travel North West, Yorkshire Traction, Potteries) for ever increasing London commitments so I assumed it was another transfer there - until I realised it was on a Greenline working of the 290/790. Turns out the Greenline coach broke down in Wycombe and Alder Valley provided the replacement.

Mick Payne then writes "Andrew Harvey-Adams' reference to Reading Transport and the X15 set me thinking. I recall my sister paying me a Sunday visit when I was living in Bletchley and arriving from Aylesbury on a Reading Transport double-decker. So digging into my local timetable collection I came up with the following:

1983 one Sunday X15 journey Milton Keynes - Reading and return (United Counties)

1984 three Sunday X15 journeys, one running throughout Northampton - Reading (UC and Alder Valley)

1986 as 1984 but United Counties journeys passed to Luton & District running as Aylesbury Bus

1989 two Sunday X15 journeys High Wycombe - Milton Keynes (Bee Line Bus Company)

1991 Sunday X15 withdrawn replaced by local authority contract service 325 Reading - Milton Keynes serving all bus stops operated by Bee Line and Aylesbury Bus

1994 weekday X15 curtailed to Aylesbury - Milton Keynes. Sunday 325 continues to run Reading - Milton Keynes throughout operated by Aylesbury Bus, Wycombe Bus and Reading Transport

The 1997 Wycombe Travel Guide shows the Sunday 325 service as running two-hourly with 5 journeys Reading - Milton Keynes with Aylesbury Bus, Wycombe Bus and Reading Bus as the operators.

So it seems, Andrew (and me) recalled seeing Reading buses in Leighton Buzzard and Bletchley on the Sunday 325.

Interestingly I recall a bit of a fuss when the weekday X15 was curtailed to run Aylesbury - Milton Keynes. Explanation given was the Office of Fair Trading required Aylesbury Bus and Wycombe Bus to provide a competitive service not a joint operation. Wycombe Bus pulled out but the Sunday 325 was allowed to continue as it was a local authority contract service. Now that both Aylesbury Bus and Wycombe Bus are in Arriva ownership perhaps one day we might see a Milton Keynes - Reading service again."

Malcolm Hyland also contributes saying "Have had a look at what I have in the way of X15 pictures and these are attached in this and the following email. There is nothing exiting in the Vics clicks range, or not yet, as there are still a lot of photos to be scanned.

Have included X14 as this was just a deviation via Wingrave village."

Alder Valley CJH124V on an X15 working. I seem to have more pictures of this bus in its various guises than any other that worked this route.

Alder Valley 1001 - A101DPB on an X15 working in 1985. I felt sure I had seen this bus on the X15 and here is proof in Neil Gow's picture.

Another much photographed bus was this route branded Olympian 654, now Arriva's 5104 and still based at Aylesbury.
It is seen leaving Reading at the beginning of its long journey to Milton Keynes in February 1990.
This bus was uniquely DP seated for this specific service.

The Bristol VR was still King when this picture was taken in August 1985 and year before Alder Valley was split into two.
It is seen leaving High Wycombe Bus Station unable to show its destination.

The new order, by now the years have moved on to 1987 and Bee Line 984 is seen near Little Kimble, Reading bound.
This is the DP VR CJH124V again in the then new all yellow livery.
I am told this was the same yellow as used by the Dutch buses which the then MD of Bee Line liked a lot.

This picture shows one of the recently acquired Olympian coaches now owned by The Oxford Bus Company
who traded in Wycombe as Wycombe Bus. The coach has had a fresh repaint and looks very smart indeed as it leave Wycombe
for the long haul to Milton Keynes in August 1991. Sadly it has lost its Leyland wheel trims.

Approaching the end of its long journey from Milton Keynes at Reading in late 1981, just after the service had started - see above - the route branding
is of interest as it was still NBC days. The Leopard was UCOC 238.

The same Leopard as above but by this time with a revised livery, still to NBC standards.
It is seen in the now classic pose for buses leaving the old Newlands Bus Station in High Wycombe.

A Luton & District Leopard, in a pseudo NBC livery but now owned by recently privatised Luton & District.
165 was an ex UCOC coach.

1986 and CJH124V again, this time still with its first owner, Alder Valley. This was before the Bee Line split.
It is in the NBC express livery and the picture was taken of 984 leaving High Wycombe on 14th July 1986.

Doubtless on a short working this National, 538 would have provided a rather basic ride for passengers on a long route.
It is seen at Aylesbury on 30th January 1990.

In complete contrast this Aylesbury Bus Olympian looks very shabby but it is December, the 31st of 1992.

654 again when quite new on 20th April 1990. These buses gave a very good ride when new.

Photos of this batch of Lynxs come up quite often and they had coach seats making them suitable for a route like the X15.
Seen here in Wycombe on 21st March 1994.

I am delighted by your response on this subject and hope the pictures bring back memories. One thing missing is any pictures of Reading buses working through to Milton Keynes on a Sunday?

My Memories of the Oxford bus and of the 131 and 132 services by Gary Seamarks

Gary Seamarks writes "This is my first e-mail to you, please bear with me I am still on dial up ( but will update next year with luck).

These Photos were taken of South Midland Vehicles on the old Oxford - Bedford route.

They are all copies of my slides hence the quality. They are posted below the main article.

As a youngster the site of a Red bus in Bedford meant the Oxford was in. My first memories were of the Duck egg/Maroon buses, Fleetlines I think, then OUD 432M arrived in the mid seventies along with the NUD 101L batch of DP VRTs. The route at that time ran Via Stoney Stratford and Wolverton, No Milton Keynes then!

Around 1979 Milton Keynes pumped money into Bus services and 131/2 were diverted via MK and Bletchley instead of Stoney and Wolverton.

Only two buses were needed, one from Bedford and one from Bicester. Four round trips were made, (two trips on Sunday afternoon) shorts a both ends were provided by different routes. VRTs continued on the route for many years, with the CJO 466-8R batch then YBW 487-9V taking over.

For the last couple of years Leopards and RELH were to Rule the Red (or by then Maroon - South Midland) duties. The end was to come in May 1986, United Counties only wanted to run Bedford - MK with South Midland, as it had become, trying to provide an Oxford - MK service three times a day. This only lasted a matter of months until Deregulation in October 1986.

Nowadays of course X5 runs between the main locations with Bedford providing no few than 14 Coaches, on a 30 minute frequency including Sundays.

Have come across some more 132 details, have a timetable for the route dated 18 May 1975. Summary below.

The Route was : Bedford, Rail Station, Bromham, Turvey, Olney, Emberton, Sherington, Newport Pagnell, New Bradwell, Wolverton, Stony Stratford, Old Stratford, Deanshanger, Buckingham, Gawcott (selected), Tingewick, Finmere, Bicester, Wendlebury, Gosford, Oxford.

Only the 07.45 and 14.30 ex Oxford and 11.20 and 14.20 ex Bedford served Gawcott.

Additionally the 11.20 ex Bedford and 14.30 ex Oxford served Fringford and Stratton Audley.

Sunday through journeys were at 14.20 & 18.30 ex Bedford and 14.10 and 17.55 ex Oxford.

An interesting fact was the use on some days of the Bicester car while on meal break at Bedford on the not Sats, 17.35 Bromham and 17.56 return arriving Bedford 18.12.(crew operated).

In its latter days Bedford had a massive faretable for the route mounted on a single piece of plywood triangular, it was about 3 feet wide 2 feet high sitting on the front dash instead of using several pages of faretables. (will try and find a shot of it in a vehicle).

Another postscript is that a through Cambridge – Oxford Journey would have been possible changing at Bedford as follows 09.10 Cambridge – Bedford 10.59, 11.20 Bedford- Oxford 14.24, the return had to be made on the 14.40 ex Oxford, the latter missed the connection in Bedford by 3 minutes.

Today’s X5 would give a 05.30 Cambridge – Oxford 08.55 (ie arrive 15 minutes before first 1975 departure) Last return 19.35 Oxford- Cambridge 22.33.

Eastbound. Depart Oxford 07.05- Cambridge 10.25, return 18.40 arrive Oxford 21.55.

Looking first at 1967, the through rail service between Oxford-Bicester-Winslow-Bletchley-Bedford-Cambridge was in its final months, closing except for Bedford-Bletchley, on 01^st Jan 1968.

All the fares were of course in shillings and pence, but I’ve converted them here for ease.

Footnotes state that the only returns available on the service within Buckingham-Oxford (Oxford conditions) were to Oxford from all points, Finmere and Tingewick to Bicester and Bicester-Finmere inclusive to Buckingham.

On the section North of Buckingham (UC conditions). The only returns to south of Buckingham were to Bicester and Oxford from major points. A Bedford- Oxford return was 58 1/2p.

Any return fare over for a single over 70p would have been a Wayfarer at £1.75.

Oxford Conditions returns only issued 9.15am to 3 pm (except north of Fringford).

If these were used after 3pm an Excess charge was to be added to equal 2 singles.

Oxford Country Clearway tickets were accepted but not issued on the route as far north as Finmere these were 99p for the day.

By now Milton Keynes had started it growth and a separate terms and conditions, in the Newport Pagnell – Stony Stratford section.

Fares looked to be based slightly lower in a effort to attract traffic, (I do not have the full details this was subject to other memos not issued to me at the time).

By now the full effect of the growth of Milton Keynes services had kicked in, these were paid for by MKDC and the area was over bussed for the future.( Our local village also benefited from these revisions but only on buses to Bedford, MK paid for the services that never went closer then 10 miles away from the MK boundary)

The area of MK conditions were West of Bletchley – East of Newport Pagnell (MKBC Boundary).

SHOPABOUT, free travel off peak 0930-1530 and 1815 onward mon-fri all day Sat/Sun

DAYRIDER, these were issued at 99p for the day and acted as a rover ticket within the boundary

An additional DAYRIDER to a different colour was issued by offices these did not require a photocard

Through fares were available to/from Stony Stratford (change at Newport Pagnell) toward Bedford at the MK fare.

Oxford Conditions were still in force for journeys involving mileage south of Buckingham - these were no returns before 9am, but no evening restrictions. A Day return, with excess fare could be used for up to 2 months.

CJO 466R The early Bedford Crosses Bromham Bridge and is about ten minutes from its destination 11/01/85

CJO 473R All VRTs prior to 487-9 of Bicester were low height, 473 is parked in the old express bay at Bedford on a late turn 12/04/85

EJO 490V One of the few colorbuses used by SM on the route, advertising Oxford United. The vehicle will work on the PM X59 to Southam after this run 18/04/85

EJO 492V The first Maroon Livered vehicle, 492 was rallied several times in 1984, going to Southsea, Southampton and Bristol, note the phone number Witney 2197.
Bedford 14/06/84 while on its tour of all SM garages.

NUD 101L The usual vehicles in the seventies were the DP seated VRs here 101 has returned to its old route as late as 18/04/86,
only a matter of weeks before the demise of the through route. Here leaving Bedford on the 18.00 Oxford, our usual enthusiast driver at the wheel.

NUD 101L was to return to Bedfordshire for a few days around 28/11/89, failing on the M1 southbound near Luton,
en route from Ribble to Ensignbus here in the Old Castle Street Garage of Luton and District.

NUD 107L Flashback to 04/75, before the rebuilding of Bedford Bus Station, now under threat of closure and demolition in the next few years,
bays were rebuilt to drive in around 1979 with the glass front going on in 1984.

PEH 49R This former Potteries Leopard was a regular on the route in the latter days sharing the evening service with PJO 7T
seen here shortly after arrival on the late duty in 26/07/85.

PJO 7T Again on the former Express bays at Bedford, newly allocated to the route former is this CityLink Leopard/Duple Coach 08/05/85

RBW 84M A Filthy Sunday 24/03/85 produced a DP RE on 132, The Driver this day always tried to use an unusual vehicle for the route,
giving himself a more enjoyable afternoon. This duty had a hour plus break at Bedford.

RBW 89M Bedford Garage is the backdrop for this RE/ECW, having suffered a slight issue en-route a quick visit to the garage was all that was needed 20/04/85
The trackbed of the former Cambridge-Bedford-(Oxford) railway passed between the garage and the brickwall on the left.

TFC 403K Another Sunday turn produced this Fleetline, itself on loan to Bicester from Oxford 07/05/84.
Our usual driver had obtained this from the back of Bicester Garage for this run.

UTT 566J RELH/Plaxton Recently acquired from Devon General was used only once to Bedford,
Bicester had suffered a shortage of vehicles due to Heyford Air Show the same day.
It was running without a green disc also. 09/06/84, again our driver friend.

VUD 29X ECW bodied Leopards were not the usual fare on the route but did appear from time to time,
here crossing Bromham Bridge on the late turn 19/04/86, the day after NUD 101L, guess the driver again !

YBW 487V Classic NBC, 487/8 were for along time the pair for the X59/131/2, here at Bedford on the early turn 28/01/84

YBW 488V Snow sits on the front after a Bedford arrival on a cold 18/01/85. The early turn had a 45 minute break at Bedford.
Bedford were using VRs on their early turn, usually HBD 919T and a National ERP 552/3T on the late.

What can I say, except what a really excellent article, well researched and with some excellent pictures. Let's have more like this!

Birds eye view of Gloucester Green

I have had a hankering to get a better view of the bus station at Gloucester Green and a kind soul from the DSS took pity on me last Wednesday. He took me up to the top level where there is a balcony and I was able to get some most interesting pictures. At the time work was in progress repairing the Oxford Tube stands where some surface subsidence was occurring.

Isle of Man surprise for Mike Penn

Mike Penn writes "You might like these photos for your "Buses in the landscape" feature even though they are a long way out of your area.

In 1997 I was in the Isle of Man and booked a coach trip to some gardens in the middle of the island. Imagine my surprise when I found that, because the gardens were inaccessible to full-sized coaches, we had to transfer to two semi-preserved Bedford OBs out in the middle of nowhere. Even these two veterans were unable to make it as the lead one grounded on a particularly severe bend so we had to get out and walk the rest of the way. Fortunately this gave me the opportunity to take these photographs. The final one was taken at the end of the return trip.

For the record 1949 MN was new to Bailey of Turvey, Bedfordshire as HTM 20 and 1950 MN was new to Wents of Boxted, Essex as RHK 843."

I thought that this made a nice little piece for the Editorial especially since one bus was from our area.

Douglas Spencer of Chesterfield writes to ask "I wonder could you ask your readers if anyone has any pictures of the AEC RTs operated by Spencer's Coaches (no relation!) of High Wycombe in the late 60s early 70s?

Many thanks and once again congratulations on your excellent pages - I really enjoyed the Amersham pictures this week."

Gavin Francis came up trumps with the following "I have attached all the pics I have for Spencer's. Some of the earliest ones I ever took with my Mum's Box Brownie."

That question from Dick Gilbert concerning B & C Coaches of Cumnor? Answers from two sources.

Andy Churchill writes to say "Further on B & C Coaches of Cumnor the details of the two former Thames Valley buses that were acquired in the 1960's were thus :

Bristol LWL6B / ECW 37 seat body ( 30ft long ) 608 ( GBL 872 ) was new in 1951 and was allocated to South Midland until 1964 when it was withdrawn and sold to B&C.

Bristol LL6B ( or LWL6B ) / ECW 37 seat body ( 30ft long ) 76 ( FRP833 ) was built in 1951 and originally built for United Counties but then acquired by Thames Valley and again it was operated by South Midland until 1963 when it was withdrawn and sold to B&C ."

Martin Shaw added even more information saying "Partnership between S C Busby and H Clack started c3/50 and ceased in 12/51 when Clack set up on his own at Cumnor. He took a tenancy on a pub in Abingdon Road, Oxford in 11/68 but continued to run coaches. The pub tenancy ceased by the end of 1970 and operations continued from Cumnor until 1972.

The original partnership consisted of three coaches, a Maudslay ML3 and a Bedford WTB and an OB.

There followed various Bedfords OB or SB, a Commer and Austin minibus. Two Bristols ex Thames Valley were FRP 833 and GBL 872 in 6/63 and 5/64 resp., both withdrawn in 1967 and to Mains scrap yard, Ewelme by 6/71. Both operated in South Midland fleet. The last vehicle operated was SOM 40 Bd SBG/Duple ex Eatonways, Birmingham. Total of 17 vehicles recorded with Clack.2

Timebus Running Day by Colin Cooke

East Lancs from Alistair Liddle

Alistair writes "Went up to the factory this afternoon and the first thing that struck me was the amount of chassis in stock, I haven't seen so many in a long time.

Mike writes "These comments might amuse while you slave over a hot website.

Challenged to create a caption for the attached photo (shown on your website) with Richard Proctor (driver) pointing towards me (conductor) standing in front of RLH 48, I simply couldn't resist!

Driver to the conductor:

'You ring that bell one more time and I'll wrap the pull-chord round your neck! I'll move off when I want to!'

or

'What d'you mean I haven't paid my fare? I'm driving the darn thing!'?

or

'Get your mucky mits off my spotless bus!'

or

'But I'm entitled to stop on double yellow lines at a bus stop (Damned traffic wardens!)!'

or

'And I say it IS time to go! Now move or be part of the front wheel!'

or

'This is how you press the button to ring the bell.'

or

'Go and stop that guy relieving himself in the bus shelter.'

Must go. The men in white coats are breaking the front door down!

Thanks for all you do for us bus loonies out here.

Ant writes "After almost two years of driving for Solent Blue Line I have now transferred back to Wilts & Dorset, but not to Lymington again; instead now at Salisbury.

My first day was spent doing paperwork but did manage a drive of an Excel - lovely!! Once my digital tacho card comes through though this will be one of my two regular drives . . . "

Tim Hall from Swindon writes "I thought you might like this photo for your buses in cityscape and landscape feature. It is of a First Devon and Cornwall Dennis Trident 32715 passing some old shops and the inner harbour at Dartmouth last June."

Bus Models

James Smith writes "I can let your readers know that I have a few of the Creative Master, UKBUS 2015 Oxford Bus Plaxton President model left at a reduced price."

I'm hoping to offer your readers a permanent discount in the very near future.

www.modelsmk.co.uk - Low cost Bus models

Roger Spence reports "Here are a few more pictures. There seems to be an Optare Solo theme this time!

Last Sunday (7 October) I decided to take a trip to visit some local Arriva garages.

Firstly, back to Aylesbury. Since last week, roof-damaged Olympian 5130 (F747XCS) has gone. It's place was briefly taken by 'silver rider' Optare 0448 (Y48HBT) with front-end damage - though this has since moved away leaving poor old 'Buffalo' 3099 and 'Wycombe Bus' 5826 to await their fate:-

5130 itself may have gone, but it has left its mark on the depot - quite literally

Next up was Ware. Aylesbury has the four 'line-five hundred' Tridents, the rest of them are all based here

Another brand new Solo - 2490 (YJ57EJN). Despite the 57 registration, this vehicle is numbered prior to the Wycombe pair.
2491/2 are still the only ones I've seen that were delivered in the new livery

The Mercedes Citaros used on the 724 are shared between Harlow and Ware. 3906 leads this line of three

Also in the yard at Ware were 'bouncy castles' 3818 and 3819 (H368/9XGC) - they certainly seem to get around! - and MK Metro liveried VDL 3731 (YG52CMU).

And so over to Harlow. Once again, Solos were much in evidence

Here's the 'arty' version! (aren't zoom lenses fun)

Former Clydeside Volvo B6 3346 (M846DDS) alongside Dart 3413 (P833HVX)

And finally, to Watford's Garston depot. 3804 (SN56AXG), twin to Wycombe's 3805, is nearest the camera. Spot the inevitable Solo!

Inside, DAF 6016 (KL52CXH), and LDV trainer 2060 (YX04GBE)

Finally, another view inside the garage. ex-Wycombe Bus Dart 3834 (M504VJO) in the centre

Sunday 14th - I was told yesterday that Aylesbury's 'red route' Darts are to be repainted in a red livery, probably followed by the 'blue route' ones getting a new blue version. I was told that one had been done already, and sure enough today there was 3485 (W485YGS) in red

I can also report that Olympian 5132 (H202GRO) has transferred to Aylesbury from High Wycombe. Yesterday, DAF 4491 (T494KGB) was on the 100/150; I'm not sure if it's been transferred from Garston or was just a loan?

Matt Robinson writes "Van Hool Alizee-bodied DAF 4067 (YJ55WSX) was involved in a serious accident at around 4am this morning between junctions 4 and 5 of the M1, whilst heading towards Luton.

Reports have said that the crash occurred in thick fog. The coach collided with the rear of a tanker carrying syrup. Several other vehicles were involved in a pile up behind this accident. One passenger at the front of the coach was killed, whilst other passengers were treated for injuries."

Mark asks "can you find out when the new buses for Watford will be on road as there is some new buses already in Watford garage but not yet seen on the road yet and can you find out what date they been used from?"

I can, thanks to Matt Robinson report that "I'm not sure what new buses the reader is referring to, as six new VDLs should have already entered service at Watford on the 10. The remainder of what was originally a larger batch (to convert the 321 as well), as far as I'm aware, are on hold."

Then Matt added "The 6 new Plaxton Centro bodied VDLs entered service in Watford on Friday.

They are numbered 3401-6 and registered YJ57BWA - F. They are for route 10.

One of the buses displaced from Garston by the new arrivals is Dart SLF 3179 (P179SRO) which has turned up in Aylesbury. I understand Wycombe may have been in line for some surplus Darts as well."

More from Matt who reports as follows "Talking of surpluses, Volvo B6 3121 (M721OMJ) was earmarked for transfer out of Luton, possibly to Milton Keynes (where ex-Luton sister 3119 is working). However this was before 3267's incident, so LU may now decide to hang on to it for the foreseeable future. The relaunched 5 route (allowing the use of Leyland Olympians) has seen a decline in the use of Luton's B6s, resulting in sporadic appearances on routes 8 and 9."

This morning I was passed by Luton's Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 3267 (V267HBH) on the back of a tow truck. It would seem this bus suffered an engine fire this morning whilst on route 70, which has gutted the rear shell of the bus.

Unfortunately I was in the car at a set of traffic lights at the time and in no position to get a photo. I thought I'd only be reporting a minor breakdown !!

3267 has only recently returned to service following front end accident repairs, and was also the first of the batch to have the route 31 branding removed (only last week along with sister 3262).

In more positive news Scania 3199 (R199RBM) has at last received a new engine, allowing it to be used on front line services once again. It had been restricted to schools and staff shuttles previously due to frequent overheating problems. Volvo B6 3132 (M712OMJ) has also returned to service after an engine rebuild."

Finally Matt adds "At Luton I've heard rumours of Solo's coming for the DB1 & DB2 Dunstable town services, but nothing's materialised and nothing else has been mentioned for a while. Olympian 5135 (G132YWC) was on a staff shuttle this evening showing route DB2, although I'm certain somebody had only done that for a laugh."

Glenn Knight's report this week is interesting. Glenn says "Today 08/10/2007 Leyland Olympian MUH 281X 5381 broke down on Telford Way with the junction for Stuart Street & Bury Park a lot of traffic was about. so I walked to Stuart Street to get the 70 to Dunstable and I past the bus so I have attached a few shots good job Bedfordshire Police had 3 vehicles spare to sort the traffic out."

Glenn adds to the above, especially relating to the fire saying "Aaron Tibbett sent me this photo today of 3267 parked in the yard at Luton. I don't actually think it looks that bad, but still remains to be seen if it is economical to carry out extensive repairs such as this on an eight year old bus. Although the back seats appear scorched the interior damage is minimal.

What I also find strange is that this bus was on its first return run of the day from Leighton Buzzard to Luton, it hadn't run hot after a busy day of heavy loadings (it was a Sunday too).

My personal fleet notes date back to about 1992, detailing only three non-mechanical fires claiming five vehicles:
2001 - arson attack at Amersham which destroyed B6 3247 and damaged 3116.
1997 - Olympian 5131 (H201GRO) top deck set alight whilst on service 142, bus destroyed.
1994 - depot fire at Hemel Hempstead which destroyed three Leyland Nationals (SNB346/7 & SNB447).

By comparison we have now seen seven mechanical fires in the last three years:
3110 (L310HPP), 3118/25/6 (M718/25/6OMJ), 3169 (N31 KGS), 3267 (V267HBH) and 3855 (N415NRG).

With reference to happenings in Wycombe the Versas entered service with full branding during the middle of last week but for some reason were again out of service by Saturday.

Gavin Francis took some pictures of the Solos on Line 40 showing the problems hindering their use at Wycombe. He also sent some pictures of the Orange Versas.

Finally Peter Cabin reports an unusual sight yesterday Friday 12/10/07 when 2492 Solo was working on green route 31 to Penn.

Carousel Bus, High Wycombe - http://www.carouselbuses.com/

Dart 480 on the 158 to Marlow last week, a route usually operated by a green liveried bus - picture by Gavin Francis.

Gavin Francis took this evocative shot of elderly M283 hard at work in Wycombe last week.

Carousel still use a number of Metrobuses on all day routes. Here is a late model with full blinds on the 1 last week. Picture by Gavin Francis.

Charlton Services

A Tiger in the mist. TIL6278 leaves Thornhill last Thursday.

A new arrival with the fleet is the ex Stagecoach coach seated Olympian C964 XVC.

Steve Warwick has kindly provided an up to date fleet list which also includes those coaches allocated to High Wycombe in bold.

ID	Reg No	Chassis	Type	Body	Seats	Year	Comments
3	2622 NU	Vo	B10M	Je	C49Ft	3/99	From Winson, Loughborough (LE) 3/03. Ex LSK 830, Ex T723 UOS, 6/06
5	4078 NU	Vo	B10M	Je	C49Ft	3/99	From Park, Hamilton (SW) Ex LSK 832, ex T725 UOS, 6/06
6	R415 EOS	Vo	B10M	VH	C49FT	3/98	LSK 502, Ex Park, Hamilton 02.
7	N803 NHS	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	2/96	ex Parks, Hamilton, Ex Jeffs, Helmdon 02.
8	N802 NHS	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	2/96	ex Parks, Hamilton, Ex Jeffs, Helmdon 02.
9	N808 NHS	Vo	B10M	Je	C49Ft	2/96	ex Parks, Hamilton, Ex Jeffs, Helmdon 02.
10	N809 NHS	Vo	B10M	Je	C51Ft	3/96	ex Parks, Hamilton, Ex Johnson, Hodthorpe 98.
11	9467 MU	Vo	B10M	VH	C53Ft	2/95	ex Shearings (GM) 4/03 ex M639 KVU, 04.07
12	6595 KV	Vo	B10M	VH	C53Ft	2/95	ex Shearings (GM) 4/03 (C46Ft) ex M634 KVU,04.07
13	M993 HHS	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	2/95	KSK 986. Ex Compass Royston, Stockton 02.
14	7845 LJ	Vo	B10M	Je	C49Ft	3/94	Ex Park, Hamilton 95. (ex L740 YGE 29/7.06)
15	2779 UE	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	3/94	Ex Park, Hamilton. 2/96 (ex L745 YGE, 9/10/06)
16	7396 LJ	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	5/93	Ex Turner, Bristol 99. K906 RGE
18	LDZ 2502	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	2/87	Ex Gillespie Kelty 92. D313 VVV
19	LDZ 2503	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	2/87	Ex Buddens, Romsey 92. D312 VVV
20	868 AVO	Sca	K112	Je	C49Ft	5/84	A52 JLW, 7/91. Ex O'Sullivan, Huyton (MY) 12/92.
32	M833 HNS	Vo	B10M	VH	C53F	2/95	LSK504,M833 HNS,WT 3667, Ex Wickson, Walsall Wood 02.
33	8252 MX	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	3/94	Ex Park, Hamilton (SW) 12/95, (ex L743 YGE, 27/07/06)
34	1435 VZ	Vo	B10M	Je	C53F	4/94	Ex Durham City, Brandon 02. (ex L752 YGE, 6/10/06)
35	2482 NX	Vo	B10M	VH	C49Ft	4/88	E743 TCS, 439 BUS. Ex Lewis, Greenwich 00. E418 JKS
36	YAY 537	Vo	B10M	VH	C49Ft	5/89	Ex Durham City Coaches, Brandon 96. F483 OFT.
37	ESU 940	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	3/84	A60 JLW 5/95.Ex Clark & Ellwood,Chatteris (CM) 1/94
38	XCT 550	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	2/85	Ex Cross Gates Coaches 92. B504 CBD, HYY 3, B984 MAB
39	4827 WD	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	3/84	Ex BTS, Borehamwood 91. A59 JLW, ESU 930. A545 TMJ
40	SJI 4428	Sca	K112	Je	C51Ft	2/85	Ex Constable, Long Melford 95. B505 CBD, RDU 4, B989 MAB.
48	VSF 438	VW	LT55	Oe	C25F	10/86	D144 SCM, Ex H.R. Wallingford 98.
51	943 YKN	Oe	MR03	Oe	B28F	3/93	K434 HWY, 11/99. Ex London General(LN) MRL234 10/99.
54	N605 JGP	MB	811D	Cys	B29F	11/95	Ex Crystals, Dartford 02.
55	481 HYE	MAN	11.190	Co	C33Ft	3/94	L26 CAY. Ex 9467 MU, ex L26 CAY 4.07
56	8548 VF	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	6/85	Ex Arriva Durham County 9/01 (ex B255 RAJ)
57	7298 RU	Ld	On	ECW	CH42/30F	5/86	Ex Arriva Durham County 9/01 (ex C265 XEF)
58	8216 FN	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	5/85	Ex Arriva Durham County 9/01 (ex B253 PHN)
59	FIL 7662	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	8/81	(ex JTY 373X)
60	FIL 8317	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	8/81	(JTY 375X) Ex Hoar & Savage, Tilsworth (BD) 6/00
62	FIL 7664	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	5/83	(ex AEF 227Y)
63	7209 RU	Ld	On	ECW	CH42/30F	5/86	ex C266 XEF
64	7958 NU	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	3/85	(ex B245 NVN) Ex Hoar & Savage, Tilsworth (BD) 5/02
67	B739 GCN	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	4/85	(ex B739 GCN) ex 2110 UK
68	2185 NU	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	3/85	ex Arriva Durham County (ex B246 NVN) To Tappins Coaches 6/07
69	YN53 YGZ	Oe	Solo M920	Oe	B29F	1/04
70	FIL 8441	Ld	On	ECW	H45/32F	1/82	Ex Hoar & Savage, Tilsworth 00, (ex JTY398X, 1/03)
72	9862 FH	Sca	K112	Je	C53F	3/85	new B157 YBW, ex 1264 LG
73	N722 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	2/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
74	N724 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	2/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
75	N726 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	2/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
76	N727 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	2/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
77	N728 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	2/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
78	N731 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	3/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
79	N732 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	3/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
80	N733 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	3/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
81	N734 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	3/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
82	N735 UVR	Vo	B10M	Je	C53Ft	3/96	ex Shearings, C46Ft
83	L584 JSA	Vo	B10M	Pn	C53F	9/93	ex Bluebird Buses
84	L585 JSA	Vo	B10M	Pn	C53F	9/93	ex Bluebird Buses
85	L587 JSA	Vo	B10M	Pn	C53F	9/93	ex Bluebird Buses
86	L579 JSA	Vo	B10M	Pn	C53F	8/93	ex Bluebird Buses
88	L409 GPY	Vo	B6	Pn	B40F	2/94	ex OK Motor Services
89	8779 KV	Vo	B10M	Je	C51Ft	8/90	ex Home James, Heather,Ruckinge, 3/05 (ex H10 HJC,H48 VNH)
90	SA02 UCE	Vo	B12M	Je	C51Ft	3/02	Ex Parks, Hamilton
91	SN02 NGL	Vo	B12M	Je	C51F	3/02	Ex Park Hamilton
92	WX06 SLV	Ayats	MAN 460	Bravo 1	CH65/17F	4/06	New
93	L268 ULX	Ds	Dt	Pn	B35F	9/93	ex Belle Vue, Heaton Chapel 3/07, ex L2 NCP
94	SJ04 KAE	Vo	B12M	Je	B51Ft	3/04	ex Park, Hamilton, LSK 874, 4/07
95	SJ04 KAK	Vo	B12M	Je	B51Ft	3/04	ex Park, Hamilton, LSK 873, 4/07
97	KX07 KOE	AD	Dt	AD	B29F	5/07
98	KX07 KOH	AD	Dt	AD	B29F	5/07
99	OU07 JWD	Ayats	MAN 460	Bravo 1	CH55/27CT	07/07
100	SL52 CPX	Ds	Dart SLF	Pn	B29F	1/03	ex Stuarts, Carluke (SW) 7/07
101	VUD 348H	Ld	Ld	Pn	C52F	70	Wdn 02

Once a day two 737 services are scheduled off Wycombe at the same time - 0715 M:F and 0745 S:S

Stokenchurch now has some excellent services, which are quite well used. 59214 is seen on the 07:45 journey from Wycombe last Sunday.

An advert has appeared on the Ventura Bus and Coach Sales advert for offers for five ex Oxford espress Volvos. I think these must be some R reg and V reg ones. It is also reported that Olympian of Harlow have acquired coach 14.

Trident 909 has now appeared in service so it seems that 903-909 are all now in service.

Presumably as a result of traffic problems on the M40, coach 26 operated to Gatwick last Wednesday morning.

I had not seen a Citaro on the 35B before on Sundays. /this was taken on Sunday 7th October.