47 years of coach photography http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/ 52 rows en-gb 60 Bedford OBs in scrapyards http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1770332.html Bedford OBs in scrapyards Friday 1 February 2002: Bedford OBs in scrapyards

The wreckage of a Bedford OB dominate this view of the dump at Winkleigh Bedford OB converted to a wrecker, but awaiting scrap GAW 970 JR 9337, a Bedford OB converted to am obile shop, but awaiting its fate in a Northumbrian scrapyard Webster, Hognaston MTB 533 is broken up in the garage of Jennings, Bude Unidentified Bedford OB/Duple [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Unidentified Bedford OB/Duple [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Demise of an OB

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]]> Fri Feb 1 2002 BMC http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1770331.html BMC Sunday 10 February 2002: BMC

Kent Top Travel BX06 OAU, a BMC Probus 850 Club Kent Top Travel BX06 OAU, a BMC Probus 850 Club

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]]> Sun Feb 10 2002 Can you help? http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1760426.html Can you help? Sunday 27 September 2009: Can you help?

Mystery coach: 5381 KI looks like a former Southdown or Alder Valley Duple Commander IV, complete with NBC logo. But it was in Ireland. What was it?

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]]> Sun Sep 27 2009 Autosan http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1668215.html Autosan Saturday 16 February 2002: Autosan

Amber, Rayleigh BX06 NZR is an Autosan A1012T with 61-seat bodywork Amber, Rayleigh BX06 NZR is an Autosan A1012T with 61-seat bodywork Amber, Rayleigh BX06 NZR is an Autosan A1012T with 61-seat bodywork

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]]> Sat Feb 16 2002 Mini coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1590075.html Mini coaches Thursday 14 November 2002: Mini coaches

VPM 736 was a Bedford J2SZ2 with Duple midland C19F bodywork. What a way to go, abandoned on the ofreshore at Portree, Skye. Greenslades Bristol LH6L/Plaxton Supreme narrow bodywork is seen in Exeter Cathedral precincts The Robin Merseyside PTE 7026 (EKA 226Y) was a Dennis Lancet with Duple Dominant bus body Kinch, Mountsorrel YUT 11Y Beard, Cinderford FRH 133L being prepared for service Procter K 2 BOB Hardings, Redditch F861 WWP Roberts LFR 293X had a Fiat chassis Talbot tri axle on the M5 Moor-Dale E673 DCU in the Kentish Bus fleet Crosville one-off. The unique Carlyle C11 pictured in Snowdonia where it normally operated the National Express trail [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Unidentified Mercedes Benz Merlin, Sheppey R491 HDL F181 MVX in Buckingham Palace Road, Londo. A11 GPS (Ford Transit) Clarke R183 LBC is overtaken by a pair of speeding horse cops at the side of Buckingham Palace MR 3879 YN05 ASZ YM54 WDC YM54 VZU Empress, Hastings H389 KPY Empress, Hastings H389 KPY M10W ME (correctly M10 WME) reflecting its current existence as the Pink Panther and pictured in Birmingham.... say no more!

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]]> Thu Nov 14 2002 Hummer as a coach! http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1392816.html The all-terrain armoured transport of the US Forces has finally got a licence to operate as a coach - called the HummerZine. Wednesday 21 August 2002: The all-terrain armoured transport of the US Forces has finally got a licence to operate as a coach - called the HummerZine.

HummerZine, Southport PN57 PZZ - the first Hummer C16D HummerZine, Southport PN57 PZZ - Hummer C16D - the interior: can you imagine this on a busy town service? Or under fire in a war zone..... although some of the operating areas are pretty close to that already.

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]]> Wed Aug 21 2002 Coach and Bus Live, NEC, October 2007 - coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1391802.html The Coach and Bus Live exhibition at the NEC was smaller than previous events, but interesting nevertheless. Among the new vehicles was * a C16D-equipped Hummer (!) * first appearances by SOL of Poland coach for Britain reflecting the continued growth of the East European and Chinese bids to dominate the British bus and coach market. Sunday 10 March 2002: The Coach and Bus Live exhibition at the NEC was smaller than previous events, but interesting nevertheless. Among the new vehicles was * a C16D-equipped Hummer (!) * first appearances by SOL of Poland coach for Britain reflecting the continued growth of the East European and Chinese bids to dominate the British bus and coach market.

Mercedes Benz/ Esker Riada demonstrator in the External Display area Toyota with a Caetano Optimo V body in the External Display area Heyfordian OU07 JWD, an Ayats Bravo 1, in the External Display area In the External Display area Top Kat's BV57 MTF proved a popular vehicle to test in the External Display area. It is a King London XMG 6127. BMC Karisma coach BMC Karisma coach - a bit of Turkish delight? Vitalise, -- BV57 MOA, an Autosan A1012T Eagle, a style introduced last year to Britain, and beginning to make a few converts in the UK King Long XMG 6127 registered BX57 XAE Mercedes Benz/Esker Touring Mercedes Benz 1523L/Esker Touring XL JB Travel C 0086B (Polish temporary registration) is a Solbus ST 10 Soltour, new this year. Ayats Bravo DDA at the NEC Ayats Bravo DDA at the NEC Suffolk County Council FN57 CUG is a Scania with Marcopolo bodywork. Neoplan Tourliner with show Mercedes Benz with Beulas Stela bodywork Mercedes Benz midicoach with Beulas Stela bodywork London Mini Coaches Mercedes Benz O818 with Autosan Osprey body. The style is established as the Wetlina in Poland. Mercedes Benz with Autosan Osprey body

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]]> Sun Mar 10 2002 Bedford VAS http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1274756.html Bedford VAS Friday 8 February 2002: Bedford VAS

Kestrel, Worcester LUY 445T, a Ford R192 with Duple Dominant bodywork. Southern, Glasgow Macbrayne 155 (OYS 113F) pictured at the Martin, Middlewich dealership 300 AYG being used as a farm support vehicle near Weston-Super-Mare Barry Cooper A422 KBA was a bedford VAS5 with Plaxton Supreme IV C29F bodywork. It is seen in Liverpool. Kestrel, Worcester LUY 444T Jones, Newchurch OBX 125J was a Bedford VAS5 with Willowbrook bodywork Jones, Newchurch OBX 125J, a Bedford VAS5 with a Willowbrook B30F body Guide Friday PHE 561R TFP 12X was a Bedford VAS5 with Plaxton C29F bodywork. Falconer & Watts, Cardiff 5 (4281 TJ) - a Bedford VAS1 with Duple coachwork Elcock, Telford Bedford VAS having just arrived in Digbeth coach station with a National Express overload. Bedfords, and particularly the VAS model, were a rarity on NX work. Wright, Brandon GRT 521V, a Bedford VAS5/ Plaxton Supreme C29F Hodson RUE 300W

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]]> Fri Feb 8 2002 Bedford SB http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1274755.html Bedford SB Sunday 3 February 2002: Bedford SB

Fox, Hayes ADY 622B was an SB5 with Duple Firefly coachwork. It was pictured in Regent Street, Gloucester on Good Friday 1965. 313 NCT passes Wally Melton's hairdressers' in Cheltenham Road, Gloucester, heading out of the city. KHD 568 - a Bedford SB5/Plaxton 2199 TF threads along Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester from the direction of the Wagon Works ground where county cricket used to be staged Embankment, Plymouth UJY 594 Hoare, Ivybridge TOG 290, a Bedford SBG with Burlingham C41F bodywork, pictured in Plymouth Bretonside GJT 1, TOT 402 and UCV 696 Smith, Tysoe XMD 424C was pictured in Plymouth. It was a Bedford SB1 with Buirlingham Seagull bodywork. Blue Cars, Brixham COD 153C - seen in Holsworthy en route to Port Isaac - is an SB1/Duple Dobson, Bedale 608 CAJ was a Bedford SB5/Plaxton Panorama V Embankment, Plymouth CDR 506C - an SB13/Plaxton OFY 626 (SB/Du) on the Dublin and Belfast Express Passenger Service from Lime Street station, Liverpool S. Croad of Portsmouth provided this Bedford SB as a workmen's rest room during the building of the golden Valley Bypass between Gloucester and cheltenham DWH 72C, a Bedford SB13/Duple, after acquisition by Zip North Racing Contractor S Croad of Portsmouth used thisBedford SB with ?Plaxton? bodywork as a mobile office on the construction of the Golden Valley by pass between Gloucester and Cheltenham KHD 568 was pictured traversing The Cross in Gloucester on May Day 1965. It was a Bedford SB5 with Plaxton bodywork. Bakers, Weston-super-Mare 794 XTC is a far cry from their doubledeck express coaches that operate today along the M4 into London. It was a strange craft, sporting a replacement Burlingham body after its original Plaxton unit was removed. This SB5 was also re-registered Longleat House 637 ACE on safari duties was an SB5/Duple appropriately liveried after acquisition from Chandler North Bradley. It was new to Progressive, Cambridge. TPR 205L is a Bedford SB5 with Plaxton C41F bodywork. It is seen in Thetford. Goldsmith, Sicklemere BCG 222J appears to have been pushed back into service at very short notice when it had been in the bodyshop. It was a late Bedford SB5 with chipped Plaxton Panorama C41F bodywork. Goldsmith, Sicklemere BCG 222J and RRT 884W Rules BCF 813C (Bedford SB5/Plaxton Embassy) and CVA 414V (Bedford YMT with Plaxton body) in Thetford bus station. 509 DVT, a Bedford SB/Duple Vega, pictured outside the entrance to the PMT engineering department Baker, Weston-Super-Mare NHT 761L Richards, Moylgrove WJO 923K was a Bedford SB3 with Willowbrook B42F bodywork, pictured in the centre of Fishguard Charter Coaches, Ebbw Vale KRN 344H with Dean Forest, Lydbrook. It was a Bedford VAS5 with plaxton Embassy C29F bodywork. MAX 334C seen in Hastings Terraneau, North Devon PFR 747 stands in Taunton bus station. It is a Bedford SB3 with Harrington Crusader I bodywork which began life with Abbots, Blackpool. I understand it has been acquired for preservation, and look forward to seeing it back on the road in due time. 959 AOM 959 AOM and FDK 97D Coombs, Weston-Super-Mare 300 MYA Hargreaves UOR 609H GEJ 296F SYG 154 Cottrell, Mitcheldean 6598 DF was a Bedford SB/Duple Lodge's MJB 481, a Bedford SBG with Duple Vega bodywork. beyond it is Maidstone & District CO 252 Sidelines, Forncett St Peter Lyn Ann (WLO 685) is a Duple Vega-bodied Bedford SBO

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]]> Sun Feb 3 2002 Dennis coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1271884.html Dennis coaches Sunday 7 April 2002: Dennis coaches

GIL 8939, new as A595 GPD, was a Dennis Dorchester/Duple Caribbean bodywork Brighton and Hove 504 (F504 LAP), a 1989 Dennis Javelin with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork, a long way from home, in York. Londoners J96 UBL was a Dennis Javelin (12SDA 2101) with berkhof C53F bodywork. Londoners J98 UBL National Travel West 99 (ANA 99Y) Johnson, Oldham A794 LCX was a Dennis Dorchester with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork Silver Queen CD *191 was a Dennis charabanc, complete with solid tyres. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] GIL 8939, new as A595 GPD, was a Dennis Dorchester/Duple Caribbean GIL 8939 Jeffs, Hemdon J521 LRY is a CAetano-bodied Dennis Javelin Lewisham K942 OPX, a Dennis Javelin with Wadham Stringer bodywork, pictured in Hastings Banstead Coaches M427 WAK, a Dennis Javelin/Plaxton, seen after sale to Windsorian, and leaving Gatwick airport's South Terminal Terravision P427 JDT, a Dennis Javelin with Plaxton bodywork, here seen in Victoria Street, London Plaxton demonstrator Y158 RLC at Thiepval on the Somme Plaxton demonstrator Y158 RLC at Thiepval on the Somme Banstead MY52 BAN was a Dennis R with a 2002 Plaxton body Flights YR52 MDX is a Dennis R-type with Plaxton bodywork, here seen at Farthing Corner services on the M2 Cruisers CHZ 2948 is a Dennis Javelin fitted out for disabled passengers Y423 FJT, a Dennis Javelin/Plaxton W & M Travel's N760 NAY, a Dennis Javelin with Marcopolo bodywork. Majestic R274 LDE is a Dennis Javelin/Plaxton, new to Davies, Pencader as its 274. Abacus FN02 RXS is a Dennis R with a Caetano Enigma body Crest' coach named Georgia (P570 BAY), a Dennis Javelin wit hMarcopolo bodywork Britannia, Hitchin N786 SJU, a Dennis Javelin, with UIL 6865 beyond Britannia, Hitchin N787 SJU Dartline, Exeter XFJ 466 carried the cherished name Teresa Anne instead of a fleetnumber. It is een in Bristol's Cribbs Causeway bus station GK05 XMB

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]]> Sun Apr 7 2002 Seddon http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1271877.html Seddon Monday 10 March 2003: Seddon

PEK 405L, a Seddon Pennine VI with Plaxton C53F bodywork. She was pictured in Bury St Edmunds. PEK 405L, a Seddon Pennine VI with Plaxton C53F bodywork. Coastal, Newick UWX 369R was a rare Seddon Pennine with Plaxton Supreme C51F bodywork. The driver has been identified as the co-owner, Sue Jenkins, who set up the business with husband, Peter. More info on their website, http://www.coastalcoaches.com/ Hawthorn Acorn, Bedfont LGJ 444K was sold (as shown) to Taw & Torridge. It was a Seddon VI with 1972 Plaxton bodywork. The location was Bideford, North Devon. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare VYB 830M was a Pennine VI with Duple Dominant C57F bodywork. Sutherland, Edinburgh DSD 933V was a Seddon Pennine VII with Alexander bodywork new to Western SMT (2933) TRE 675L was a rare Seddon-bodied Seddon 6 TRE 675L, an all-Seddon 6. It is seen after it was acquired by a marching band to get to and from contests. SWY 790M had a Perkins engine Midland Scottish SE 514 (FSU 309) was a Seddon VII/Plaxton. It was new to Eastern Scottish as its ZS 810 (DFS 810S) OEF 136K, a Seddon Jones, Martley HEK 914N was new to Smith Wigan. It was a Seddon 6. Dew, Oldham 807 (JBU 373L) is an all-Seddon Pennine 4/236, seen after it was acquired by a marching band Silverdale TRE 675L was a Seddon 6 complete with Seddon's own restrained coachwork Brent 412 (PRK 942W), a Seddon 7/Plaxton coach from 1980 looks as though its final journey has begun.

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]]> Mon Mar 10 2003 M.A.N. http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1271873.html M.A.N. Friday 1 November 2002: M.A.N.

Eurocoach, Wellingborough B532 GNV in later life. It was a 1985 MAN SR280/C45F Gold Circle C 44 KHS was a MAN 16.280/Berkhof new to Hutchison, Overtown Fothergills B536 GNV is a MAN SR280 Luckett, Fareham MOT 927Y was one of a small batch of M.A.N. SR280s imported into the UK in the early Eighties York Travel, Northampton RAM 73Y, another SR280 Slattery, Tralee 2680 ZX Gold Circle C 44 KHS was a MAN 16.280 HOCL with Berkhof C53F bodywork Silver Knight, Wickford H397 CJF was a rare M.A.N. 10.180 with Caetano C35F bodywork. It is seen on London's Embnankment. Slattery, Tralee 2680 ZX leaves the mv Innisfallen SOI 1552 and Ribble 144 (B144 ACK) at Digbth coach station Coliseum, Southampton MIB 650, a MAN with Auwaerter bodywork, and sporting the message: Thorpe, Ossett S605 VAY is a MAN 24.400, seen after it was acquired by Rayleigh Roadways Star, Rayleigh BU02 KUO is a M.A.N. 24.400 with Noge Catalan C48FT bodywork Bluebird, Weymouth BC06 BBC and Wilfreda-Beehive, Aldwick-le-Street PN07 EHM, a MAN with Beulas Cygnus bodywork Ba+ Bs Cygnus at Keukenhof Atkinson's YK07 DWW B536 GNV Sea View, Poole PN57 CVT KTEA, Kepkypas acquired 34 (KYE 1907), an MAN 362, from Germany KTEA, Kepkypas 37 (KYZ 8422) in Corfu Green Bus rural bus station is a former German-owned MAN 362 KTEA, Kepkypas 22 (KYE 8620), a former German MAN 362 German MAN 232 after it was acquired by an Albanian operator, and registered SR 6450 B King's Ferry, Gillingham M.A.N. 18-360/Noge Catalan see nshortly after joining the M2 motorway on a dawn commuter run

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]]> Fri Nov 1 2002 Megabus ex-Hong Kong tri-axles http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1228107.html Megabus ex-Hong Kong tri-axles Saturday 9 November 2002: Megabus ex-Hong Kong tri-axles

Megabus 13626 (H41 GBD) and Oxford Tube 50123 (T50 UBE) Megabus 13626 (H41 GBD)

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]]> Sat Nov 9 2002 Volvo B58 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1205820.html Volvo B58 Tuesday 3 June 2003: Volvo B58

Aston, Kempsey JAB 8T pictured in Worcester. It is a Volvo B58-61 with Plaxton C53F bodywork. Nationwide HGA 833T was a Volvo B58-61 with Plaxton Supreme IV bodywork, pictured in Auchintulloch. 64 XYD is bound for Blackpool, to judge from the window sticker. It was new as PJM 409L, and was a Volvo B58-56 with a refronted Plaxton Elite C51F body. Jennings, Bude RCV 493M waiting over in Exeter before returning to the North Cornwall resort. It was a Volvo B58-56 with 1974 Plaxton bodywork. Walter Mills, a Black Country operator, owned KRW 532V, a Volvo B58-61 with Duple Dominant II body new to Ardenvale, Knowle. It is seen in Llangollen. Gardiners, Spennymoor SPT 722V was a 1979 Volvo B58-56 with Duple Dominant coachwork. It is seen in Edgbaston, Birmingham Celtic Travel KYC 984V originated with Roman City, Bath. It was a 1980 Volvo B58-56 with Plaxton bodywork. Cedric, Wivenhoe LRT 841V was a Volvo B58-56 with Moseley Continental (aka Caetano) C53F bodywork new in 1980 to JDW of Ipswich as its 82 Shaw, Dobcross XWX 797L, a Volvo B58-56 with Plaxton Elite bodywork seen on the M4 when working for REM D B Alpha, Liverpool ODC 855W was a Volvo B58-61 with ungainly Irizar C49F bodywork. Urgent, Nottingham XAC 436 was originally registered FCS 325V. It was a Volvo B58-61 with Plaxton Supreme V C53F bodywork. Wright, Newark PRR 89M was a Volvo B58-56 with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork Magicbus 402 (LWN 321P) after acquisition by National Express. It came to Magicbus via Highwayman. A1, Ardrossan operated SCS 384M, a Volvo B58 with Duple Dominant bodywork Irvine, Law FTC 486W, another Volvo B58-61 but this time with Duple Dominant bodywork, pictured in Glasgow. It was new to Higgs, Clevedon. Shaw Hadwin XDL 521 was a Volvo B58-61 with Plaxton Supreme C44F bodywork. It started life as NAA 890T. Hookway. Meeth 3315 HP in York. It was a Volvo B58-61 with a Jonckheere Bermuda body. It was new to Stockdale, Selby as its XRP 763W Dudley, Radford KHL 460W, a short B58-56, pictured in Redditch Prospect, Lye VAB 832R, Volvo B58/Duple Dominant, after sale. Webber, Blisland PWK 1W Tappin, Wallingford DJB 881V, a Volvo B58 Stainton, Kendal YEC 630W (Volvo B58-61/Duple Dominant) with (beyond) Cumberland 630 (PPM 630X) Hookways, Meeth SVD 799M was a Vovlo B58-56/Plaxton Elite new in 1974 to Irvine, Salsburgh 8795 EL was new to Ellerby. It was a Volvo B58-61 with Plaxton Viewmaster bodywork that at one time adopted a bristol MW coach's identity - 12 DLY. Skill, Nottingham HTV 18V Sworder, Walkden STM 238W was a late Volvo B58-81 with a 1980 Plaxton body DAD 799Y was a Volvo B58 XDL 521 WHO 947V, a Volvo B58-61, converted to a racing car transport. It was the original band coach built for Len Wright Travel as its Nightliner 1, and was built with a THD100 engine. ODC 855W was an early Volvo B58-61 with one of the first Irizar bodies in Britain, while Trathens' ADR 200W was a Mercedes Benz 0303 with Italian Padane bodywork. They show the early invasion of the continental manufacturers Harris, Grays 2396 FH Tappins, Wallingford NBL 904X after sale and re-registration to a South Wales operator as its 461 (461 XPB) Shaw Hadwin, Silverdale UIA 7087 was a Volvo B58/Plaxton that originated as DEC 952T. It is seen in Southport.

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Tue Jun 3 2003 Volvo B 7 and B12 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1169137.html Volvo B 7 and B12 Sunday 1 June 2003: Volvo B 7 and B12

East Kent 8925 (GU52 WTE), a B12M with Pn C49FT bodywork climbs away from Dover, bound for the M20 Club Cantabrica KC02 EEW, a Volvo B12M with Berkhof bodywork, on the M2 Club Cantabrica KC02 EEW on the M2 near Gillingham Harrison, Morecambe PK02 WVF, a 2002 B12M with Transbus coachwork, begins the descent of the A20 in to Dover BCP, Gatwick C2 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton, pictured at the BCP car park terminus Hallmark, Luton Y 4 APH, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton, seen operating for APH, Gatwick on the airport/Car Parks shuttle BCP, Gatwick C2 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton, in Gatwick South BCP, Crawley C 2 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton BCP, Gatwick C5 BCP, another Volvo B7R/Plaxton used for ferrying customers between the BCP off-airport car park and Gatwick's air terminals. BCP, Crawley C 5 BCP, Volvo B7R/Plaxton BCP, Gatwick C3 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton, on the Gatwick Peripherique BCP, Crawley C 3 BCP Volvo B7R/Plaxton BCP, Gatwick C2 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton, en route to the BCP car park Connexions Europe, Salford YN03 WYH is a Volvo B7R/Plaxton Prima BCP, Gatwick C2 BCP, a Volvo B7R/Plaxton Club Cantabrica KC02 EEX on the M2 near Gillingham is a Volvo B12M with Berkhof bodywork. Ferris, Senghenydd FL02 ZXY is a Volvo B12M with Berkhof C51FT bodywork. Ferris, Senghenydd FL02 ZXY is a Volvo B12M with Berkhof C40FT bodywork. Ferris, Senghenydd FL02 ZXY, a Volvo B12M/Berkhof C40FT Ferris, Senghenydd FL02 ZXW is a Volvo B12M with Berkhof bodywork. Swallow, Rainham FN52 MZG and FN52 MZF in Hastings are Volvo B10M-62/Caetano Enigma Scotland and Bates, Appledore, Kent WJ02 KDN is a Volvo B12M/Van Hool seen in Boulogne Fiesta Volvo B12 with Berkhof 13.5 metre bodywork City Sightseeing Volvo B7L/Ayats opentopper EU05 VBO is stationed in Windsor City Sightseeing Volvo B7L/Ayats opentopper EU05 VBO is stationed in Windsor City Sightseeing Volvo B7L/Ayats opentopper EU05 VBO is stationed in Windsor WA Shearing GT03 AAA, new to Wallace Arnold, but seen here after absorption into the combined WA Shearing fleet. It is a Volvo B12M. WA Shearing GT03 KKK in the WA Shearing fleet was new to Wallace Arnold. It is seen in Southampton. It is a Volvo B12M with Jonckheere C36FT bodywork. Armchair WJ02VRM is a Volvo B12M with Van Hool bodywork Armchair WJ02VRM is a Volvo B12M with Van Hool bodywork Stagecoach East Kent 53006 (GU52 WTD), a Volvo B12M/Transbus Stagecoach Cheltenham District 53013 (VU03 VVX), a Transbus-bodied Volvo B12M Dunn Line 5508 (FJ55 YCM), a Volvo B12B with Sunsundegui Sideral bodywork Dunn Line 5508 (FJ55 YCM) is a Sunsundegui-bodied B12B, seating C53Ft Richmond, Epsom 710 (P710 DPA), a Plaxton-bodied Volvo B12M Newby, Haverthwaite (t/a Lecks) A8 NBY is a Volvo B12B with Sunsundegui bodywork. Newby, Haverthwaite (t/a Lecks) A8 NBY is a Volvo B12B with Sunsundegui bodywork. It is seen on the M3 services. Stagecoach East Kent (ex Cheltenham District) 53014 (VU03 VVY), a Volvo B12M with Transbus bodywork pictured at Hempstead Valley, Medway. Burton, Haverhill YN54 DDK has a Volvo B12B chassis with Plaxton Panther C51FT coachwork Excalibur, Nunhead FJ55 BXS consists of a Volvo B12B chassis with Caetano C55F bodywork. Silverdale, Nottingham FJ05 HYG is a Volvo B12B fitted with a Caetano Enigma C49FT body Shaw Hadwin PE56 UJX is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton Classic, Annfield Plain 8009 (W900 BCL), a Plaxton Paragon-bodied Volvo, and Dunn Line 0402 (FA04 LJL), a morer ecent Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo. Burton, Haverhill YU04 XFD looking very laid back, with National ExpressD23 (R300 SPK), a much more upright type. Premiere, Nottingham CL07 PTL is a Volvo B12B with Caetano bodywork. Wootten 5 (YN06 MXU) is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton Westway KF05 HOF, a Volvo B12B with Jonckheere bodywork new to Hellyer, Fareham Westway KF05 HOF, a Volvo B12B/Jonckheere, showing the steer capability of the rear axle Ellis, North Acton FL02 ZXR, a Volvo B12M/Jonckheere on the M20 Bournemouth Yellow Buses 312 (HF54 JUJ)

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sun Jun 1 2003 Neoplan http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1151854.html Neoplan Friday 6 December 2002: Neoplan

West Belgium Coach Company with an early Neoplan N122/3 Unidentified Neoplan registered L12.839, pictured at St Paul's Cathedral German Neoplan UN-RN 957 pictured in Perth Dutch Neoplan - BJ-26-JD - in Glasgow bus station German Neoplan CLP-EC 1212 on Brighton Marine Parade West Belgium Coach Company with an early Neoplan N122/3 Selwyn, Runcorn SEL 73 was a re-registered Neoplan N216 German Neoplan N907 pictured in London Gem EFW 854X was a 1982 N116/2 Alec Head JH03 JUN, a Neoplan N516 on Boulogne harbour front Poland ZS 22954, a Neoplan twin-deck Phoenix-Bussing, Romsey F33 PBS, a Neoplan N516SHD/3 fitted out as a sleeper coach, on Clacket Lane services on the M25 motorway Phoenix-Bussing, Romsey F33 PBS, a Neoplan N516SHD/3 YV03 XVA is a Neoplan N316 SHD Neumeier, Germany DGF-P 125 Neumeier, Germany DGF-P 125 Stagecoach 50111 (KP04 GKA) Neumeier, Germany DGF-P 125 Neumeier, Germany DGF-P 125 Parry, Cheslyn Hay YN06 FTT on the M20, homeward bound from the continent Parry, Cheslyn Hay YN03 AWA, homeward bound from Belgium, is an N516SHD with C44FT configuration. York Pullman 204 (AB07 YPB) is a neoplan N316 SHD York Pullman 204 (AB07 YPB) is a Neoplan N316 SHD that is a long way from the AEC Regals with which this fleet was once noted. It has serious damage to the front offside corner. Maclean, Carterton X299 AKY after sale, is pictured at the Eurotunnel terminus in Folkestone Wells WIL 2064 was originally F633 CWJ Corfu Trans KYM 1530 is a Neoplan N2216 Tourliner Greek-registered YPI 9671 in Corfu KTEA, Kepkypas 61 (KYK 7001) is a Neoplan N2765 H used on bus work in Corfu Selini Tours, Peroulades KYE 8126 pictured near the top of Corfu's highest mountain Corfu Trans KYM 1527 is a Neoplan N2216 Tourliner

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]]> Fri Dec 6 2002 Motorway action http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1151838.html Motorway action Sunday 24 November 2002: Motorway action

Marbill trio - RUB 349G, HAL 680K and OEM 487L Unidentified Plaxton-bodied coach passes over the M5 motorway bound for Bromsgrove ... and Birmingham? Wilson, Carnwath D477 DSX Wilson, Carnwath D477 DSX Scania demonstrator B112 UTM YGT 619W Charnley, Coleshill G757 VNR was a Toyota with Caetano Optimo I bodywork. Cambridge Coach Services K392 FEG was a Toyota/Caetano new to Sovereign, Harrow Charnley, Coleshill G757 VNR Eric's Way 5960 LJ F 93 GNV MIW 4844 on the North Downs section of the M2 between Chatham and Rochester Club Cantabrica KC02 EEX, a Volvo B12M with Berkhof bodywork Tourmaster L777 LMT Unidentified Volvo B7 on the ciommuter shuttle to the Medway Towns Stagecoach Volvo/Transbus FIL 7152 about to cross the River Medway on th M2 coastbound carriageway Lourdes jumbulance races onto the Medway Bridge bound for France

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sun Nov 24 2002 Euro Bus Expo 2006, Birmingham NEC - coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c1131797.html Euro Bus Expo 2006, Birmingham NEC - coaches Wednesday 15 May 2002: Euro Bus Expo 2006, Birmingham NEC - coaches

Neoplan European Coach of the Year Neoplan European Coach of the Year BMC Falcon Scania Irizar PB Scania K420 EB6x2*4 chassis Euro Coach Builders Irl LX29 body on Mercedes Benz O814 chassis Neoplan European Coach of the Year Neoplan European Coach of the Year Marcopolo Viaggio 330 bodywork for Cheshire School Bus PO56 PBX MAN R33 with Beulas Cygnus bodywork on the BASE stand Beulas Cygnus decency board, and differential trim Driver's seat in a Beulas Cygnus Awaiting the unveiling of the Mercedes Benz Tourismo Mercedes Benz Tourino VDL SB4000/Van Hool Alizee with the deeper windows that indicate it is fitted with a wheelchair lift VDL SB4000/Van Hool Alizee demonstrating its wheelchair lift Mercedes Benz launch the Tourismo .... we think! Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B12 Volvo 9700 Volvo B12 with Jonckheere bodywork Volvo B12B gift-wrapped 100th birthday present for Plaxton - and why not? DAF DB250 fitted with a Wright Gemini body MAN/Beulas Cygnus coaches in the outside park Bowens YN05 HFO, a Scania/Irizar Volvo/Plaxton school coach Plaxton Panther on an Irisbus chassis Van Hool demonstrator for Moseley Neoplan N216 HD for K&J, York Van Hool T911 for O'Shea, Kerry Scania/Irizar Century Mercedes Benz YX56 AKF Mercedes Benz 1523L with Esker Unvi body Toyota/Caetano Optimo V Suffolk County Council SN06 BOV and Iveco Eurorider demonstrator DF51 AKV Mercedes Benz 1022 with Esker Cimo 33 body Ayats Bravo I WX06 OSW BMC Probus schoolbus BMC Probus Ayats Bravo I WX06 OSW Ayats Bravo I WX06 OSW Ayats Bravo I WX06 OSW Autosan A1012T Eagle and BMC Probus Ayats Bravo I WX06 OSW Autosan A1012T Eagle Caetano Levante-bodied Scania for Arriva Midlands' National express contract work MAN ND363F/Ayats Intercity CH71F FOR Ulsterbus Goldline, fleet number 2026 Ayats Bravo A3E-13.5BRD for Jumbocruiser, Clevedon (WU05 EWG) Iveco Eurorider 397E.12.43/Beulas Cygnus C43 SRI A Iveco 397DE.12.33 chassis, showing the engine compartment with a Cursor 8 engine - the first right hand drive Euro 4 EuroRider in the UK> It will be bodied by Plaxton as a Panther coach Iveco 397E.12.31/Plaxton Panther for Gordon, Rotherham

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]]> Wed May 15 2002 Charabancs and early normal-control coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c991342.html Charabancs and early normal-control coaches Monday 4 March 2002: Charabancs and early normal-control coaches

Star VB6/London Lorries ex Tourist, Southampton after acquisition as Black & White Motorways 40 [Alan O. Watkins Colln] DM 6228 DM 6228 DM 6228 DM 6228 DM 6228 DM 6228 DM 6228 Unidentified charabanc [Alan O. Watkins Colln]

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Mon Mar 4 2002 Southport day trippers, 1984 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c854615.html Southport day trippers, 1984 Thursday 20 March 2003: Southport day trippers, 1984

Rae, Whitehaven WRE 456L Rae, Whitehaven A746 ERM Rae, Whitehaven WRE 456L and A746 ERM Rae, Whitehaven A746 ERM and A745 ERM GOS 850K Rae, Whitehaven A747 ERM GOS 850K and Rae, Whitehaven A747 ERM SKJ, ... VAL 971L Sefton MBC DUKW Barry Cooper DED 571T Barry Cooper BJP 642T was originally North Western 227 (FJA 227D). Barry Cooper DED 571T and rebody, ex-North Western BJP 642T EGD 200T, a 1978 Ford R1114 with Plaxton Supreme bodywork new to Marshall, Ballieston Armchair, Brentford MJH 281L after sale. it was a Seddon Pennine 4 with a 1973 Plaxton body EGD 200T and MJH 281L Godfrey Abbott 52 (ANA 52Y), a Leyland Tiger/Duple Laser Lancashire United 615 (DEN 246W), a Volvo B58-61 NVO 167P and LRL 915P were both Bedfords, the one on the left being a YRQ/Duple, and the one on the right a similar bodied YLQ. Yelloways XNE 189S, a Plaxton-bodied AEC Reliance, and Barry Cooper, Stockton Heath DED 571T was a 1979 Leyland Leopard PSU5C/4R with Plaxton bodywork YEW 380T and Yelloways' WDK 649K were AEC Reliance/Plaxtons from either end of the Seventies

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]]> Thu Mar 20 2003 Scania http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c835672.html Scania Saturday 1 March 2003: Scania

Scania chassis Scania demonstrator at the Bus Driver of the Year competition in Blackpool, 1982 Scania/Jonckheere demonstrator at the Blackpool BDOY Scantours BBD 852X Slattery 4171 ZX is a Scania with Swedish bodywork The Londoners YSU 987 was a rare Scania K112 with Berkhof coachwork that began life as B415 DHK. Wilfreda Beehive G 22 HKY F947 NER, a Scania K112CRB with Plaxton 3500 bodywork Swallow 885 DAF, a Scania K112 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork Egyptian Scania K112 with modernised Ghabbour bodywork Shaw, Coventry H15 URE S 4 GET, a Scania at Dover port R874 SDT beneath the White Cliffs of Dover Landmark, St Ippolytts YN51 MKJ boards a ferry at Dover Docks. It was a Scania K124/Van Hool. Clarke, Sydenham YN04 GHD is a Scania K114/Irizar Clarke, Sydenham YN04 GHD is a Scania K114IB4 with Irizar C53F bodywork, here seen near Bluewater on the morning commuter express run to London Excalibur, Nunhead YN03 WPZ and YP52 CUO wait for incoming customers at Stansted Airport's bus station. They are Irizar PBs, both on K124 chassis. Excalibur, Nunhead YN04 WPZ and YP52 CUO, both Scania K124 IB with Irizar PB bodywork that reminds one of a charging bull.... Terravision YN04 YJL is a Scania K114EB with Irizar body Terravision YN04 YJL is a Scania K114EB with Irizar coachwork Buddens, Romsey Y 82 HHE, a Scania K124IB with Irizar bodywork Group Travel, Audham YN05 GYX at Aylesford Priory sports the Irizar PB body. It's chassis is of the K114EB4 type. Davian K83 DTM, a Scania K113/Plaxton Davian K83 DTM was a Scania K113 with Plaxton bodywork. It is seen in the heart of the former quarry that is now the Bluewater Shopping Centre. Kings Ferry, Gillingham S6 (YN05 HAE) and the company's ex-Merseyside PTE open top Atlantean Kings Ferry, Gillingham S2 (YN53 GFK) bearing the Charlton Athletic team board. It is a Scania K124IB6 with Irizar PB C34FT bodywork Chalfont, Southall YR02 ZZU, a Scania K124IB4 with Van Hool bodywork Kings Ferry 4.20 (W903 XKR) is a K94IB4 Fellson YN04 AKG is a Scania K114IB4 with Irizar bodywork Egypt 176 is a Scania pictured in Luxor Travco, Egypt RS 171 sports Tui promotional livery. It is a refronted Ghabbour-bodied Scania K112. Kentishmen KKZ 5470 Fraser Eagle, Padiham Y653 JSH is a Scania K124 IB with Van Hool T9 bodywork Terravision YN06 NYP is a Scania with Irizar bodywork. Terravision YN06 NYP Terravision YN06 NYP Excalibur, Nunhead Y177 JSH Topdeck Travel YN06 JXA Terravision YN06 NYO Golden Tours YN06 NYW A2Z, Walsall YN06 NZM is a K124 with Irizar bodywork Harding, Redditch NR54 HCR is a K114EB4 with Irizar PB bodywork Appleby, Conisholme N539OFE is a Scania K113CRB/Irizar Turner, Essex YN53 CHY is a Scania K114EB6 with Irizard bodywork. Golden Tours, … YN06 NYZ David Urquhart LEX 5647 Golden, Victoria YN06 NYY Premium 25 (FJ06 ZLV) and Stagecoach 53015 (VU03 VVZ) National Express SC 7 (FJ07 DVM) gleams in the night lights at Victoria from behind its older sister, City of Oxford 1 (AF53 OXF) 445 UXM

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sat Mar 1 2003 Duple 425 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c835666.html Duple 425 Thursday 25 April 2002: Duple 425

Chapman, Airdrie took delivery of F383GNS, an early Duple 425, in 1989, three years after it was bodied. G762 HJC, a Duple 425 Kean, Wemyss Bay F96 KDS, a Duple 425 integral coach, seen long after its sale Western National 2242 (E218 CFJ) was a Hestair-Duple 425 D136 XBV on the Isle of Sheppey Trekkers WAZ 3828 was a unique Duple-Hestair 425, having been built for the Metropolitan Police as its C300 BYO. Trekkers WAZ 3828 was the 12th Duple-Hestair 425 to be built, originating at C300 BYO with the Metropolitan Police Trekkers PJI 1244 began life as Southdown's Duple-Hestair 425, and only the eighth Duple-Hestair 425 to be built. Trekkers WAZ 3828 and PJI 1244 Trekkers PJI 1244 (ex C716 NYJ)

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Thu Apr 25 2002 Iveco - Beulas http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c835663.html Iveco - Beulas Wednesday 25 September 2002: Iveco - Beulas

Euro Rider M88 EUR is an Iveco/Beulas - but this is not its original identity Reliance, Gravesend and Herne Hill Iveco/Beulas coaches in the colours of Evean Evans and Reliance itself Pagan, Hounslow YO53 OAD is an Iveco 395E.9.27 with Beulas coachwork Pagan, Hounslow YO53 OAD is an Iveco 395E.9.27 Staines, Clacton P120 KNO on Brighton's Marine Drive. It is an Iveco 391E.12.35 with a Beulas body Staines, Clacton P120 KNO was an Iveco 391E.12.35, one of the first in Britain Pullmanor, Herne Hill 289 (FD03 YOJ) is an Iveco 397E.12.35 with Beulas C49FT bodywork, pictured near the Tate Gallery in London 2003 RU, an Iveco/Beaulas Rayleigh Roadways' R5 DWA, an Iveco 391E.12.35 with Beulas bodywork, seen in Bluewater Shopping Centre shortly before Christmas J20 TRU in Hastings David Urquhart Travel Iveco Pullmanor, Camberwell S234 HGU after sale. It was a 1999 Iveco 391E.12.35 Broome and Eastwood, Otley R10 TLY, an Iveco 391E.12.35 with Beulas C49FT coachwork Jeffs, Helmdon Y809YBC, an Iveco 391E.12.35/Beulas C49FT Goodward, South Woodward Ferrers Y10 PGC is an Iveco 391E.12.35 with Beulas bodywork Redwing YN55 KWU is an Iveco 397E.12.35 with Beulas Cyngus C49FT bodywork Pullmanor (t/a Evan Evans Tours), Herne Hill 221 (YN55 KWR) is an Iveco 397E.12.35 with Beulas bodywork Marshall, Leighton Buzzard MKZ 7188 4227 RU and Provincial's first Leyland National, 1 (A301 KJT) Altona HUI 3912 is an Iveco coach Redwing, Herne Hill 221 (YN55 KWR) TWH Travel, Battersea YN55 KWT TWH Travel, Battersea YN55 KWS Pullmanor, Herne Hill 233 (YN54 AAK) is an Iveco 397E.12.35 with Beulas coachwork. Pullmanor, Herne Hill 233 (YN54 AAK) is an Iveco 397E.12.35 with Beulas coachwork. TWH Travel, Battersea 867 (YN55 KWT) TWH Travel, Battersea 865 (YN55 KWP) Reliance, Gravesend 287 (BX07 NKU)

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Sep 25 2002 Bedford OBs, Odds and Sods http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c811211.html Bedford OBs, Odds and Sods Saturday 2 February 2002: Bedford OBs, Odds and Sods

Bow Belle LTA 910 (ex Southern National 1434) and KUO 260, new to phillips, North Tawton Saunders of Winkleigh HOD 75 was new to Western National (596) Parsons, Holsworthy PRF 167 - Bedford OB (semi-normal control) with Willenhall bodywork OHG 471J OHG 471J Hill, Torrington ECO 801 HOD 74 (OB/Duple), 501 HCY (SB/Du) and CTU 866 (VAL14/Plaxton) Crosville MFM 38 was a Bedford OB/Duple coach. It is clearly looking for a friendly preservationist to add it to the 200 OBs currently drawing Ooohs and Aaahs at bus rallies up and down the country.

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sat Feb 2 2002 Bedford Y-types http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c811197.html Bedford Y-types Saturday 9 February 2002: Bedford Y-types

Hargreaves' Bedford/Plaxton on the M5 between Gloucester and Cheltenham National Travel North East JWA 722N was a Bedford YRT/Willowbrook Spacecar Lincolnshire Road Car 1603 (GFE 91E) Bedford VAM70/Duple Greenslades 377 (NFJ 377P) gives a good example of Premier Travel - in Devon. PM Jim Callaghan meets some of the key team involved in the building of the M5 motorway before he officially declared open the whole road. Stephen Anthony, Liverpool MFY 751R, a Bedford YMT/Plaxton, nearest the camera, with JEK 432P, a Leyland Leopard PSU5A.4R/Duple, on the left Clevedon Motorways FYD 121T - a YMT sporting Duple Dominant II bodywork seen in Worcester Thomas, [Barry?] UHB 277S, a Bedford YMT/Plaxton Supreme in Cardiff bus station. RNK 747M, a Bedford YRQ/Plaxton Elite. A-Line, Oxford JKU 456P, VYM 511M and RNK 747M Theobald, Long Melford ACF 558L, a Bedford YRQ/Willowbrook B52F, appears to have the blind set wrongly. The route showing is Sudbury, Melford, Stanstead and Glemsford Springett, Ashen OPU 367P, pictured in Thetford after sale, is a Bedford YMT/Duple C53F Beeston GVA 389P, KGV 44P (which susbequently was exported to Malta as its Y-0761-M), KGV 43P and ex West Midlands PTE 3949 (SOE 949H) World Wide, SE5 OYV 703R, a Bedford YMT with Duple Dominant bodywork, seen after sale to an East Anglian operator Goldsmith, Sicklemere RRT 884W, a Bedford YNT/Plaxton Supreme C53F, passes the Great Gate of Bury St Edmunds Abbey Goldsmith, Sicklemere RRT 884W, a Bedford YNT/Plaxton Supreme C53F Goldsmith, Sicklemere RRT 884W, a Bedford YNT/Plaxton Supreme C53F Rules RDX 381R was a Bedford YMT/ Duple Dominant I Theobald, Long Melford RGV 615R was a bedford YMT with Plaxton Supreme Express bodywork. North Warwickshire Area Health Authority MWP 240K was a Bedford YRQ/Plaxton C45F new to Evertons in 1972. The picture was taken in Coventry's Pool Meadow. Morley's Grey UUD 373L, a Bedford YRT with Plaxton Elite body new to Smith, Upper Heyford in 1973, is seen in Bury St edmunds VTC 289G, a Bedford YRQ/Plaxton Elite in the Rubery, Birmingham snow Duple demonstrator A922 LTM, a Bedford YNT with split screen Duple Laser bodywork, was pictured at CoachFair 83, Syon Park, Middlesex. Richard, Moylgrove LBX 862P was a Bedford YRQ with Plaxton C45F coachwork. Globe, Barnsley B78 SFO was a bedford YNT with Duple Laser C53F bodywork. It was photographed on Weston-Super-Mare promenade. Waddon, Caerphilly BMJ 510T, a Bedford YMT with Duple Dominant bodywork Jones, Ffoshelig MBX 381P, a Bedford YRQ/Duple Dominant in Carmarthen Jones, Ffoshelig XTH 700M in Carmarthen Bakers, Weston-Super-Mare KYC 975V was a 1979 Bedford YMT/Plaxton. It is making a run along the promenade at Weston. Glyn Evans SUJ 974R takes the salt air in Weston-Super-Mare. It was a Bedford YLQ/Plaxton Supreme C45F. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare WTN 814H was a Bedford VAM70 fitted a Plaxton Elite C45F body. It was pictured in its home town. South Wales Transport 284 (FCY 284W) Richards, Moylgrove UVJ 700J was a bedford YRQ with Willowbrook DP50F bodywork. It is seen in the centre of Fishguard. Doig, Glasgow Bedford YMT/Van Hool Alizee coaches after acquisition by CIE as its DVH 1 and DVH 9. They were pictured in Broadstone depot. Carstairs (Ireland) 626 GNI, recorded in Arvona, Ireland. Carstairs (Ireland) 626 GNI and 285 LNI in Arvona, Ireland TWB 888L was a Bedford YRT with Plaxton Elite bodywork snapped at the M5, junction 4 when a few months old. GNL 622L was a Bedford with Plaxton Elite bodywork caught in Llangollen Astbury ABV 166R, a Bedford YMT/Duple Dominant II new to Mercer, Preston, but here seen in Llangollen with a different operator Bryn Melyn Ford Transit, *** 177R and NNT 953P, a Bedford YLQ with Plaxton bodywork new to Hampson, Oswestry. Kirkby Andrew, Sheffield KKW 451W in Llangollen. It was a YNT with Plaxton bodywork. PDM 612L, a Bedford YRQ with Duple Dominant I bodywork, pictured in Llangollen. Bowens, Tamworth EOL 81V was a Bedford YMT with Unicar C49F bodywork. It was recorded in Shrewsbury. Jones, Newchurch HVJ 146N was a Bedford YRQ/Duple that ended up in West Wales. It is seen in Carmarthen bus station. Jones, Login UDE 351T was a 1978 Bedford YMT with Plaxton bodywork. It was new to Pioneer, Laugharne. Jones, Login UDE 351T was a Plaxton Supreme C53F-bodied Bedford YMT. It is seen in Carmarthen. Jones, Login XBX 467T Cleverly, Pontypool PDW 341R with Black Country operator, Hadley. It was a Bedford YMT with Plaxton Supreme C53F coachwork. Wainfleet, Nuneaton YUT 637V was a YNT with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork. Lewis NJF 864P was a Bedford YRT/Plaxton Elite III C53F, new to Kinch, Mountsorrel. It was photographed in Aberystwyth. Roy Brown NVO 167P was a Bedford YRQ/Duple, new to Butler, Kirkby in Ashfield

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sat Feb 9 2002 Bedford VAM http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c811196.html Bedford VAM Wednesday 6 February 2002: Bedford VAM

Jenkins, Skewen HTX 66D - VAM5/Plaxton Wakes, Sparkford FYC 127C was a Bedford VAM5 with Willowbrook DP45F bodywork. It is seen in ilfracombe. Barton 1073 (FVO 73D) was a Bedford VAM5 with Plaxton Vam C45F bodywork GPN 567E on a holiday tour to the Highlands, pictured at Onich Camm, Nottingham 46 (JCT 355F) was a rare MCW Metropolitan-bodied Bedford VAM14, here seen in Crewe. ORO 974D, a Bedford VAM14/Duple Viscount C45F, on school bus duties at kineton in Warwickshire. Shrewsbury independents with Williamson's RUK 525L and Valley Motors KUX 321P, a Ford R1114 with Willowbrook bodywork. Goldsmith, Sicklesmere BCG 222J outside the abbey gateway at Bury St Edmunds. BCG was a Bedford SB5 with a Plaxton body Burton PCE 196M in Bury St Edmunds was a Bedford YRT with Duple C53F bodywork. AC, Abingdon KNN 610E was a Bedford VAM14 with Duple bodywork. Beard, Cinderford GNP 550J XUP 459F, a Bedford VAM70 with plaxton Panorama bodywork, in Abingdon. Taw and Torridge CTE 291E and EMP 801B. CTE came from Pearce, Claverham, and was a Bedford VAM5 with 45-seat Plaxton coachwork. EMP was a bedford SB5 with Plaxton Embassy III C45F bodywork. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare CRO 164F, seen in Burnham-on-Sea Lewis, Maenclochog JJU 666D is a bedford VAS1 with Duple C29F bodywork. Dean Forest, Lydbrook MJH 279L CWH, of ??? PDK 309S was pictured in Hastings COT 855K and CBB 476V Bedford/Duple crossing Runcorn Busway with a school party Beard, Cinderford KDF 265E LMS 223N FNH 999E FNH 999E and LAW 123F FNT 224D FDK 97D XAW 519K HYS 197D Cooper, Manchester, on the M5 Combs STW 666K NHA 589F NHA 589F NHA 589F Matthews, Gloucester Bedford/Duple pictured returning home along the northbound M5 at Brockworth near what would become a majoe interchange for Gloucester UWA 647L and (in the distance) ONM 477P EHF 140F ATJ 141E MCW Athena prototype on a Bedford VAM chassis. It has been suggested to me by John Kaye that after its less than stunning reception by companies it was reprofiled as a Metropolitan (the body shape is similar), given a new front and supplied to Horlock of Northfleet as its LKR 768F. No one is sure of the chassis of the Athena, but the Horlock vehicle was VAM14 chassis 6863282. John points out that its chassis was completely out of sync with the other Metropolitans being built. Does any one have any further thoughts?

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Feb 6 2002 Leyland Royal Tigers (1980s) http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c777866.html Leyland Royal Tigers (1980s) Saturday 12 October 2002: Leyland Royal Tigers (1980s)

First production Royal Tiger/Roe First production Royal Tiger/Plaxton Paramount 3500 First production Royal Tiger/Plaxton Paramount 3500 PMT (Paramount) 42 (E42 JRF) Baxter, Isleworth A845 PPP, a Leyland Royal Tiger with Van Hool bodywork

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]]> Sat Oct 12 2002 Syon Park Bus and Coach Show, 1983 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c776449.html Syon Park Bus and Coach Show, 1983 Monday 31 March 2003: Syon Park Bus and Coach Show, 1983

Walker, Tadcaster A922 LTM. It was first used as a Bedford/Duple Laser dmeonstrator, as seen here at Syon Park in 1983. Unidentified Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount Bova Europa demonstrator at Syon Park Bova Futura demonstrator at Syon Park Duple Calypso prototype A527 AUY later went to Crump, Malvern MAN demonstrator A850 VMR Volvo demonstrator A299 RSU Volvo demonstrator fitted with a Duple Laser body Volvo demonstrator A298 RSU fitted with a Duple Caribbean body West Kingsdown A112 MVS (Scania K112 CRS/Jonckheere) and an unregistered Mercedes-Benz 0303/Jonckheere demonstrator Ensign, Purfleet A832 NTW, a DAF MB200/Berkhof demonstrator, at Syon Park, 1983 Young, Rampton EEW 127Y was a DAF SB2300 with Jonckheere bodywork Barton 615 (A615 ATV) was a DAF MB200 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork. It is on show at Syon Park. A234 CDF was a DAF MB200 with LAG bodywork Leyland Royal Tiger/Roe demonstrator XHG 245Y Arlington demonstrator A382 NNK was the first Leyland Royal Tiger with Plaxton Paramount bodywork. Arlington demonstrator A382 NNK was a Leyland Royal Tiger with Plaxton Paramount bodywork Setra S215H demonstrator at Syon Park. Blueline A321 FPA and the first Setra Rational (S215 HR-type) demonstrated at Syon Park in 1983 MCW Metroliner demonstrator TSX 1Y Volvo B10M/Van Hool Astral demonstrator A297 RSU Volvo B10M/Van Hool Astral demonstrator A297 RSU Volvo B10M/Van Hool Astral demonstrator A297 RSU Volvo B10M/Van Hool Astral demonstrator A297 RSU Kinch, Mountsorrel BFP 1Y, a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere twin-deck bodywork Volvo demonstrator A297 RSU, a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere Astral bodywork Volvo demonstrator A297 RSU, a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere Astral bodywork

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]]> Mon Mar 31 2003 NEC Coach and Bus Show, 1989 http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c618870.html The 1989 Bus and Coach Show at the NEC in Birmingham included a number of lasts - the demise of Willowbrook, for example - andfirsts, with the takeover of the MCW Metroliner by Optare. These are memories from that show. Thursday 5 December 2002: The 1989 Bus and Coach Show at the NEC in Birmingham included a number of lasts - the demise of Willowbrook, for example - andfirsts, with the takeover of the MCW Metroliner by Optare. These are memories from that show.

Dennis Dominator / Alexander - Grimsby-Cleethorpes Willowbrook demonstrator - later became Swansbrook, Cheltenham MIB 7000 Jonckheere's latest P599 deauville - on an MAN chassis Optare - G785 PWL, a DAF with stylish Optare bodywork Setra S210 and the Renault/Northern Counties demonstrator TAZ - White Ribbon TAZ - Hamilton, Uxbridge in the Show Van Hool TD824 - Silverline WSV 509 Campsie, Londonderry 9100 UI provides the shuttle box service on the showground Campsie, Londonderry 9100 UI provides the shuttle box service on the showground DAF/Plaxton 4000 demonstrator Europa Challenger Mercedes Benz - Crosville Wales Mercedes Benz - Ulsterbus G773 NNS Ipswich Optare Setra on the Kasbohrer stand Setra on the Kasbohrer stand DAF / Plaxton

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Thu Dec 5 2002 Prescott battle bus, 2005 election http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c526249.html The Deputy Prime Minister has been travelling the country in a MAN/Ayats Atlantis. On the eve of the 2005 General Eelection it appeared in the Medway Towns, visiting Twydall (Gillingham) and Weedswood (Chatham). The journey was recorded by the BBC and Sky TV. Tuesday 14 January 2003: The Deputy Prime Minister has been travelling the country in a MAN/Ayats Atlantis. On the eve of the 2005 General Eelection it appeared in the Medway Towns, visiting Twydall (Gillingham) and Weedswood (Chatham). The journey was recorded by the BBC and Sky TV.

WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus - arrives in Twydall WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus - in Weedswood with loyal supporters and plenty of security WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus in Weedswood WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus - looking like a preying mantis WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus waits its next stop WX05 NHB - the Prescott Battle Bus - and those credited with its appearance WX05 NHB - with balloons to block out any potential opponent's messages

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]]> Tue Jan 14 2003 Albions http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c471656.html Albions Thursday 3 January 2002: Albions

US 6798 at the Bus of Yesteryear gathering in london. Unidentified Highland Albion LOD 495 [Alan O. Watkins Colln]

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]]> Thu Jan 3 2002 Willowbrook failings http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c411308.html Towards the end of Willowbrook\'s life, it produced some of its futuristic looking boxcars, sorry Spacecars, for National Travel companies. The quality was lacking as can be seen in careful examination of these pictures: the first day out of Holdenhurst Road, Shamrock & Rambler\'s express motor, 401 (REL 401R), already had fleet name and other details peeling. That was even before the rain got on the paintwork, and which spoiled this photo session..... Thursday 10 July 2003: Towards the end of Willowbrook\'s life, it produced some of its futuristic looking boxcars, sorry Spacecars, for National Travel companies. The quality was lacking as can be seen in careful examination of these pictures: the first day out of Holdenhurst Road, Shamrock & Rambler\'s express motor, 401 (REL 401R), already had fleet name and other details peeling. That was even before the rain got on the paintwork, and which spoiled this photo session.....

The look had something - probably lost opportunities Shamrock & Rambler Shamrock & Rambler Shamrock & Rambler Shamrock & Rambler Even the South West fleetname was damaged The damaged NATIONAL fleetname Shamrock & Rambler Shamrock & Rambler Shamrock & Rambler Midland Red West 804 (BVP 804V) Midland Red South 842 (LOA 842X) Midland Red South 842 (LOA 842X)

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]]> Thu Jul 10 2003 AEC Reliances http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c375624.html At one time AEC's Reliance was the one heavyweight alternative chassis to the all-conquering Leyland Leopard. But it was never developed to form a successor. A pity, because the Reliance had a long pedigree behind it, and the possible successor - the rear-engined Sabre - never got beyond the prototype. But what a chassis the Reliance proved to be with more than 8,000 coaches and a much smaller number of buses being put into service across Britain and a handful of other countries. Tuesday 1 January 2002: At one time AEC's Reliance was the one heavyweight alternative chassis to the all-conquering Leyland Leopard. But it was never developed to form a successor. A pity, because the Reliance had a long pedigree behind it, and the possible successor - the rear-engined Sabre - never got beyond the prototype. But what a chassis the Reliance proved to be with more than 8,000 coaches and a much smaller number of buses being put into service across Britain and a handful of other countries.

BOAC Unidentified Bunty, Coventry AEC Reliance/Burlingham in Stratford-Upon-Avong. Reliance, Gravesend Duple-bodied AEC Reliance in Buckingham Palace Road, London Hall, South Shields H12 (ACU 302C) Cottrell, Mitcheldean VDM 300 was an AEC Reliance, pictured in Gloucester bus station. Howells and Withers, Pontllanfraith 35 (345 BUP) was new in 1959 to Gardiner, Spennymoor Howells and Withers, Pontllanfraith 35 (345 BUP) was new in 1959 to Gardiner, Spennymoor Howells and Withers, Pontllanfraith 35 (345 BUP) was new in 1959 to Gardiner, Spennymoor Howells and Withers, Pontllanfraith 35 (345 BUP) was new in 1959 to Gardiner, Spennymoor Cottrell, Mitcheldean PAD 267, an AEC Reliance/Burlingham Seagull Black & White 207 (WDG 633), an MU3RV with highly-individualised Roe Dalesman bodywork, pictured in Gloucester bus station. Samuelsons' PXP 430, a 4MU3RA with Plaxton C51F bodywork. Bartons 986 (986 VRR), a 4U3RA model with Harrington C51F bodywork, pictured in Gloucester Bartons 986 (986 VRR) stops at the Guildhall in Gloucester's Eastgate Street for a holiday tour luncheon. Glenton, SE14 HLK 70, with Smiths, Wigan HEK 960 (2MU3RA/Plaxton) and TOG 290 Beeline, West Hartlepool 5 (BEF 507C) when brand-new. It was an AEC 2U3RA type. Glenton, SE14 YLX 74, an 1960 AEC Reliance/Plaxton Consort IV. Smith, Reading 605 UMF, a 2MU3RA/Duple Brittania, and Thames Valley 858 Eagle, Telford YUJ 292 Macbraynes .... FGA at Fort William Weir, Scotstoun RGE 332 ended its days as a mobile snack bar in Gloucestershire near the Worcestershire border Three AEC Reliances and a Royal Blue MW (2241:XUO 724) in Brixham. Shown are Greenslades VFJ 993 and 573 EFJ, plus an unidentified Reliance. Welsh Dragon, newport's ex east Kent 8147 (WJG 147J) East Kent AEC Reliance/Duple, 8557 (GFN 557N) and 8033 (HFN 33L) Roberts, Aberystwyth RVB 411E, a 1967 AEC Reliance 6MU4R with Plaxton bodywork, new to Essex County Coaches, and DDF 56N Abbotts, Blackpool VFV 907R runs along Southport seafront YEW 380T was a 1979 AEC Reliance 6U3ZR with a Plaxton body Baker, Weston-super-Mare RHU 544S was a 6U3ZR model with Duple Dominant II bodywork. Rame Travel LAF 438L was new as MUR 215L, a 6U3ZR/Plaxton of 1973 vintage Rickards, Brentford CAR 162K was an AEC Reliance/Plaxton Elite, seen after sale to Dean Forest, Lydbrook, Glos Morris, Bromyard UWX 160J Anderson EBM 453T (AEC Reliance) and Law Brothers DVV 525X, a Volvo B10M Skylark Travel THX 619M 10 HF 18 (Army Bedford/Marshall) and WMA 512J Glenton AEC/Plaxton after sale Premier 245 (OJE 550M), an AEC Reliance/Alexander Y type Mulley, Ixworth OCF 222, a 1960 AEC Reliance with Duple bodywork AEC Reliance chassis Edwards, Joys Green 510 PYB was for many years the team coach of Gloucester Rugby Football Club Harding, Birkenhead NCM 300H, an AEC Reliance 6MU3R with 1970 Plaxton bodywork, at the end of its life, running for Beard, Cinderford Rays, Cradley Heath PEC 197L, an AEC Reliance new to Elliott, Appleby PJH 452M Clynnog & Trefor YRR 513H, formerly Barton Lambert UWA 827L, an AEC Reliance with Duple Dominant body Mid Warwickshire, Balsall Common NAC 276L, an early Jonckheere import into the UK, on an AEC Reliance chassis Rame Travel LAF 438L, an AEC Reliance/Plaxton Premier, Cambridge RVE 652S and London Countyr PL20 (NPA 220W) London Country RS 144 Hall, South Shields DCU 760C

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]]> Tue Jan 1 2002 Mercedes Benz http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c365899.html Mercedes Benz Monday 11 November 2002: Mercedes Benz

Italian Mercedes PT 288456 Les Cars Everaud 889 WH 38 Les Cars Everaud 889 WH 38 DHW 565W - the registration of this mobile home belies its true age. It was photographed beside the River Severn in Worcester DHW 565W - the registration of this mobile home belies its true age Coach Fair, Syon Park Wahl PUL 95Y is a Mercedes O303/15RHP Evan Evans MHK 75X Evan Evans MHK 75X and Silcox, Pembroke Dock Biss Bros., Bishop Stortford FOO 650Y is a Mercedes O303/15R with Jonckheere coachwork, here seen at Brighton on a soggy summer day Jeffs, Northampton 472 GXM at Gouffre de Padirac in the French Lot region Bergland, Strood MIW 4843 BFR 957Y - Armstrong, Bletchley Mercedes Benz L307/Devon Conversions 12-seat coach B154 JRD, a Mercedes/Plaxton Trans Africa Express, based on a Mercedes truck chassis Newly arrived from Germany with its old registration partially covered by its new Egyptian identity Trina Tours Y3 TRN, a Turkish-built Mercedes-Benz 0404 T110 SOA, a Mercedes 0404 new to Adams, Handley Kibris (Northern Cyprus) Mercedes 0302 Allied, Hayes BX55 FVE, a Mercedes 1836RL in Boulogne Lux, Tenterden YJ55 EYS, a Mercedes Travco, Egypt RS 608 Eastmar, Egypt RS 510 Travco RS 118, one of the Mercedes/MCV coaches Banstead GO04 BAN is a Mercedes Benz 1836RL with Mercedes C49FT bodywork. Banstead GO06 BAN Czech-registered 4S1 2959 is a Mercedes Benz, pictured in Victoria, London Soltysik Riesen, Poland DG 02966 Lodge, High Easter BX04 NBY is a Mercedes Benz 1836RL Lodge, High Easter BX04 NBY is a Mercedes Benz 1836RL with own-build C49FT bodywork YN54 WFF with London Fashion Week on the side for the 2007 shows. It's an Esker-bodied Mercedes Benz. Coach UK BU53 AXG Hills' 1836RL Touro (registration not known) Allied, Hayes BX55 FVE, a Mercedes 1836RL, pictured at Dover Lodge, High Easter BX04 NBY Lodge, High Easter BX04 NBY, a Mercedes-Benz 1836RL Touro, in Keukenhof Redwing, Herne Hill 258 (BX06 UMH) Mystos Travel, Corfu KYK 9200 is a Mercedes Benz Tourismo Albanian-registered SR 3376 B is a Mercedes Benz O303 KTEA, Kepkypas 20 (PZE 3355) heds for Sidari from Agios Stefanos. It is a Mercedes Benz O303 KTEA, Kepkypas 28 (KYH 1313) climbs round one of the hairpins leaving Agios Stefanos, en route for Sidari in Corfu. It is a secondhand Mercedes Benz O303. Peter Carol, Bristol ROI 1417, a Mercedes Benz 1836RL Soul, Olney BV57 VGT, a Mercedes Benz Tourismo which began life with Clarkson, South Elmsall. In the foreground is KC03 KKU, an LDV. Buzzlines BU53 ZWW Lodge, High Easter BX54 ECC is a Mercedes Benz 1836L

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]]> Mon Nov 11 2002 Bedford VAL http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c297102.html Bedford VAL Monday 4 February 2002: Bedford VAL

Abbotts, Blackpool AFR 27B was a VAL14 with Harrington Legionnaire bodywork similar to the coach used in the original Italian Job R I Davies, Tredegar 50 (FAX 8C)was a Bedford VAL14/MCW Topaz bodywork Economic, Whitburn 7 (535 MUP), a Bedford VAL14/Duple Vega Major pictured in Weston-Super-Mare Jones, Aberbeeg 122 (FAX 314C), seen in Aberbeeg Smiths Imperial, Birmingham COP 500C - VAL14/Plaxton. It was pictured in Gloucester. Barton 1000 (ANN 700B) was the 1964 Motor Show exhibit VAL14/Duple Vega Major, pictured in Gloucester when on a Land's End - John O' Groats run Jones, Aberbeeg 122 (FAX 314C), a VAL14/Weymann Topaz II, seen in Gloucester Jones, Aberbeeg FWB 778C - VAL14/Plaxton Bostock, Congleton 19 (JLG 326C) was a Bedford VAL with Plaxton Panorama 65 bodywork, overdoing the silverware Hall Bros., South Shields CCU 769D, DCU 585D, DCU 144D and BCU 262C on the Friday overnight service between the North East and Coventry, pictured at the crossover point in Doncaster. Hall, South Shields KCU 704 was a Bedford VAL converted to a living van in ireland. GCK 453F, a Bedford VAL70/Plaxton whose origins have not been identified - being used as a mobile display room by Realty Furniture PTX 295F was a Bedford VAL with Plaxton bodywork which had been acquired by the Lavender Belles marching band when it was seen in Stourport-on-Severn. FAR 724K has now been preserved 472 DYK - Bedford VAL with Weymann Topaz body at the Commercial Motor Show, Earl's Court. It was a look that harked back to the mid-Fifties rather than the mid Sixties, and was a design that was never to see the light of day again. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Blue, Llandudno WAR 673J, a Bedford VAL/Duple, pictured in Cambridge NAA 304F North Dorset Coaches MPR 532H FAR 724K ATJ 114E and PTX 295F FAR 724K

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]]> Mon Feb 4 2002 Ford and Thames http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c296981.html Ford (previously the Thames Trader range) was the competitor to the Bedford range. It was the maker of a range of lightweight chassis, some of which were modified to take 12 metre bodies, and others for ultra-short bodywork. It could never compete with the AEC, Leyland and Bristiol ranges, nor with the invading foreign manufacturers who swept all before them. But it gave Bedford a run - and then both collapsed into the pit of past makers who had succombed to competition. Saturday 22 June 2002: Ford (previously the Thames Trader range) was the competitor to the Bedford range. It was the maker of a range of lightweight chassis, some of which were modified to take 12 metre bodies, and others for ultra-short bodywork. It could never compete with the AEC, Leyland and Bristiol ranges, nor with the invading foreign manufacturers who swept all before them. But it gave Bedford a run - and then both collapsed into the pit of past makers who had succombed to competition.

WEMS PYD 488F Margo, SE19 FDA 995J was a Duple-bodied Ford R226 Ford demonstrator LXD 837K after sale to the Road Transport Industry Training Board Leigh, Bolton DWH 772C, Ford 570E badged as a Thames, and fitted with a Duple Northern body Smith, Tysoe AYB 595H was a Ford R192 with Duple Commander C45F bodywork that was new to Bryant, Williton. Former Thames 570E demonstrator, now serving with Morgan and Evans of Cwmyllafell, and pictured outside Sir Thomas Rich's School in Gloucester Highland T24 (KST 362G) at Lochinver. This should WEMS PYD 488F was a Ford R226 with Duple Northern bodywork. Trev's Travel EOT 10K was a Ford R226 with Plaxton bodywork. Don Everall JDA 577K, a Ford R192/Duple C45F Tricentrol demonstrator Ford T152/Duple C35F, CBM 300T HHE 289W was photographed in Sheffield. It was a Ford R1114, bodied by Plaxton. Simonds, Botesdale KCG 999L, a Ford R226/Plaxton C53F, cornered in Bury St Edmunds. Road Transport Industry Training Board Ford R1014/Duple Dominant I C45F, 647 (YBM 935S), at the RTITB training headquarters at High Ercall in Shropshire. Michaels, Waterford 60 (OWI 999) was previously with michaels, Carshalton where it was registered PRP 53M. It was a 1974 R1014 with Plaxton C45F. It is seen in Bearwood. Beaton, Blantyre's AGA 519S, a 1979 Ford R1114/Plaxton with Bristol box, seen in service in Stourport-on-Severn with Goodes, a Black Country operator Dodsworth, Boroughbridge's 1978 Ford R1114/Plaxton Supreme MBT 676T in service with Black country operator, Goodes. It is seen at Stourport-on-Severn Mellor, Littlethorpe MJU 432P was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork. It is seen with Trix Continental when operating to Butlins, Bognor Regis Bourne SNF 605R was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton Supreme body. It was captured at ribbesford on the side of the River Severn. MOC 21P on the front of a Blackpool landlady's residence. It was a Ford R1114 with Caetano Estorial II bodywork, new to Gliderways. Ford demonstrator A839 TOO. It was a Ford R150 with short Wright Contour bodywork. Majestic ACX 784Y was a Ford R1115 with a Plaxton Paramount 3200 body, pictured in Armley in the rain. Norfolk Motor Services' 295 (TFU 369T) was an R1114 with Plaxton Supreme C53F bodywork. Williamson RUK 525L was a Ford R226 with Plaxton Elite body. Minsterley Motors KUX 321P sports a Willowbrook B54F body on its Ford R1114 chassis. NDX 40P, an R1114/Duple Dominant Churchbridge (Chase), Cannock 55 (PEA 201R), a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant C53F Derek Morgan WTV 802S was pictured at Cotwall End GHA 676D was another Ford R226, this time with a C52F Duple body. It, too, was pictured at Cotwall End. Excelsior, Telford JAW 84V was a Ford R1114/Plaxton next to Price, Wrockwardine Wood. It was pictured at Cotwall End. Hazeldine, Bilston CWP 303N was another Ford R1114/Duple Dominant pictured in Stourport-on-Severn that day. Happy Days, Woodseaves 127 (LEH 815P) after acqusition by a neighbouring operator, Dudley Coaches. It was a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant here seen in Stourport-on-Severn. Hadley MDF 398P was ex Hand, Horsley, Gloucestershire. It was a Ford R1114 with duple Dominant bodywork. Humphreys, Pontypool PTG 360Y was a 1983-vintage Plaxton Paramount 3200-bodied Ford R1114. Nutley Brothers VTX 638S was another Ford R1114, this time with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork. Viking, Woodville TFP 25S Gwalia VLG 886R in Skelhorne Street, Liverpool's coach station. It was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton bodywork. MRU 547W was new to Summerfield, Southampton, but was quickly rebodied with this 1982 Plaxton C33F body. It was a Ford R1014. It is seen at Luss on Loch Lomondside when operated by Castle Coaches, --- Reflections at Kinver - CDH 274T (a Ford R1114/Plaxton Supreme C53F) CDH 274T, an R1115/Plaxton Supreme with a Paramount front, sering with Watts, Stourbridge, parked at Kinver school Beeline, Hartlepool UUX 379S after sale. It was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton Supreme C49F bodywork. Vanguard JKV 626V was a Ford R1114 with Van Hool bodywork NNX 255L Davies, Pencader XTH 333 parked up in the Staffordshire coalfield was a Ford 570E with Duple Yeoman bodywork. By now it had been acquired by a marching band to ferry them from performance to performance. Madison PPE 671R, a ford R1114 with Plaxton C53F bodywork Parkes, West Bromwich NTU 182L Parkes, West Bromwich NTU 182L and GHD 777K Evergreen FAB 506S, a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork Spring, Evesham RWP 139V Spring, Evesham RWP 139V near Bewdley

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]]> Sat Jun 22 2002 Leyland Tigers, Tiger Cubs and Royal Tigers http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c296603.html This was the time of all-Leyland dominance. Wherever you looked, the square-grilled radiator of a Tiger would gleam at you, whether it was on a TS-series or a postwar PS-type. Then the Royal Tiger arrived, with its underfloor engine and PSU1 designation, to be followed in due course by the lighter Tiger Cub - the PSUC1 type. And if the radiator disappeared under the bodywork with the arrival of the Royal Tiger and the Tiger Cub, then the colourful image of the big cats was always present on the front of the motor.... Sunday 20 October 2002: This was the time of all-Leyland dominance. Wherever you looked, the square-grilled radiator of a Tiger would gleam at you, whether it was on a TS-series or a postwar PS-type. Then the Royal Tiger arrived, with its underfloor engine and PSU1 designation, to be followed in due course by the lighter Tiger Cub - the PSUC1 type. And if the radiator disappeared under the bodywork with the arrival of the Royal Tiger and the Tiger Cub, then the colourful image of the big cats was always present on the front of the motor....

Royal Tiger engine Blue Cars MLF 346 was a Leyland PSU1/15 with formidable Bellhouse Hartwell bodywork pictured in Stratford-upon-Avon Yelloways Royal Tiger/Burlingham in Gloucester bus station Gliderways, Smethwick 720 FHA was a Leyland Tiger Cub (PSUC1/2) with Harrington bodywork. Morris, Bearwood RHA 600 serving as a contractor's bus with George Wimpey on Gloucester's ring road. It was a Leyland Royal Tiger PSU1.15 with classic Burlingham Seagull C39C bodywork. Western National 3800 (ex Silver Star, Porton Down 14) was a leyland Royal Tiger PSU1/15 with Leyland C41F bodyowkr. Western National 3803 was formerly with Silver Star, Porton Down (20). It was a Burlingham Seagull-bodied Leyland Tiger Cub PSUC1.2 with C41C bodywork. Black & White 142 (KDF 993), a Leyland Royal Tiger PSU1/11 with Willowbrook C37C bodywork. Ellen Smith, Rochdale CEK 587D. This was a Leyland Worldmaster (type EL2/44) with Van Hool C44F offside steering It had a very interesting history, having been sunk on the way to South America for a career as a bus, then rescued and rebodied as shown. It is seen in Gloucester at The Cross. Liverpool XL 174 (SKB 171) was a Leyland Tiger PSU1/13 with Crossley B40D bus bodywork modified to a twin-deck coach by Metro-Cammell. Liverpool XL 174 (SKB 171) was a Leyland PSU1.13 with Crossley bodywork modified to C44F split level by Metro-Cammell. It is seen arriving in Lime Street station, Liverpool, ready to do pick up for the Belfast Steamship terminal - these vehicles did dock transfers as well as providing passengers for the airport with a road link from the station. Liverpool XL 174 (SKB 171). Inside the split level body. Liverpool XL 174 (SKB 171) was a Leyland Tiger PSU1/13 with Crossley B40D bus bodywork modified to a twin-deck coach by Metro-Cammell Bournemouth 44 (JLJ 401) is a Leyland PS2/3 with full-fronted Burlingham coach work

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]]> Sun Oct 20 2002 DAF coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c293530.html DAF coaches Monday 1 April 2002: DAF coaches

Morris, Pencoed TDW 17Y was a DAF MB200 with LAG bodywork Ensign, Purfleet A832 NTW, a DAF MB200 DKFL600/Berkhof Everest 365 demonstrator. It went to London Country for a stint. Barton 615 (A615 ATV) was a DAF MB200 DKTL600 with Plaxton paramount 3200 C53F bodywork A234 CDF, a DAF/LAG Nationwide A229 RNS leaves the St Columba at Dun Laoghaire Nationwide A229 RNS leaves the Irish Seas ferry, St COLOMBA (1977). The coach was a DAF MB200 with Jonckheere P599 bodywork. The ferry was just three months away from the privatisation of Sealink UK Ltd. Dawson, Walsall EHA 448Y was a DAF SB2300 with LAG bodywork, here seen in Weston-Super-Mare Davian A61 SEV, a DAF SB2300 with Berkhof C57F coachwork Cityrama B681 NTW Ivins 28 (844 FKX) was new as WRK 21X. It was a DAF MB 200 with Jonckheere Bermuda bodywork that was snapped at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Silver Fox IJI 3294, a DAF MB200/Caetano Alpha C31FT was new as Teesside Transport, Middlesbrough's CDC 1T D Coaches, Morriston F208 EWN was a DAF SB2300 DHS585 wth Caetano coachwork. It is seen in Truro. David Urquhart F 96 KDS with Red Ensign Olympian/East Lancs C287 BBP and a Bere Regis Volvo B10M/Ikarus OK Services G703 AEF was a DAF MB230/Duple 340 S. Gath F640 OHD was a Duple-bodied SB2305DHTD585 J Smith, Thirsk F496 THN, a DAF MB230 with Plaxton C53FT bodywork Cooper, Ashton B567 AHD was a DAF MB200 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork, here seen on the M5 Bland, Stamford C280 VFP was a DAF MB200 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork Farleigh, Wouldham TCT 51 Smith, Alcester C773 MVH - DAF MB 230/Duple Robinson, Great Harwood 218 (D218 YCW) Cosgrove, Preston M639 RCP pictured at Calais waiting for a late evening return ferry to Dover. It was a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool boydwork Explorer, Croydon A272 KEL was a DAF SB2300 Wilson, Carnwath D477 DSX Wilson, Carnwath D477 DSX was a Van Hool T815 E126 MMM and TND 405X with a third unidentified coach Catteralls 8421 MU was formerly registered TND 110X Catteralls 8421 MU was formerly registered TND 110X Catteralls 8421 MU was formerly registered TND 410X with Jackson, Altrincham. It was a DAF MB200 with Plaxton bodywork Buddens B496 CBD Harry Shaw 684 DYK poses at Gretna Green. It was a Scania K92 CRB with Van Hool C55F bodywork. Abbott, Leeming's F268 RJX seen in a snow-lined Glencoe. She was a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool C49FT bodywork. It was new to Smith, Alcester Abbott, Leeming's F268 RJX seen in a snow-lined Glencoe. She was a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool C49FT bodywork. It was new to Smith, Alcester Amport and District CLJ 923Y, a DAF/LAG on its first outing Amport and District CLJ 923Y, a DAF/LAG on its first outing Thamesmead DNH 59X, a DAF/Jonckheere Luckett DPO 909W HIL 6328 was originally Limebourne's B689 BTW, a DAF SB 2305 with Berkhof bodywork. Amport and District UJT 990X, a DAF MB200 with Plaxton bodywork, pictured on the M6 Taylor, Tintinhull KYD 344Y was a DAF MB200 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 C53F bodywork dating from 1983 Bowers, Bridgend A353 JJU was a DAF MB200 with Caetano C53F bodywork. Len Hopkins' A991 JJU Nationwide A125 XNH was a DAF SB2300 with Jonckheere Bermuda bodywork. It is seen in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Kinch, Mountsorrel BFP 2Y C773 MVH is a DAF MB230 DKFL615 with Duple 340 bodywork WNR 116X Robin Hood, Rudyard F671 TRE was a 1987 DAF MB230DKVL615 with Duple Goldliner II bodywork Northumbria 142 (D276 XCX) Sharrock, Westhoughton D119 VFV - DAF SB2300DHTD585/Plaxton 812 TYG - a very rare DAF/Van Oudsten combination in Britain

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]]> Mon Apr 1 2002 Bova http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c293504.html Bova Saturday 16 February 2002: Bova

Country Lion, Northampton A26 XVV B555 KRY Southern National Bova Rapide coach Wallace Arnold VWX 369X (in National Express Rapide livery) arrives at The Calls in Leeds to pick up the Rapide service to Harrogate and London Hearson, Arnold A546 HRY was a Bova Futura FHD12-280 Bova Europa demonstrator Bova Futura demonstrator First Duple Calypso, built on a Bova frame Bowen, Tamworth A865 XOP Bowen, Tamworth A866 XOP Worth, Enstone UBW 322T, a Plaxton Supreme-bodied Bedford YMT, and A527 AUY, the first Duple Calypso, with Crump, Malvern Price, Halesowen PDB 778 Cass, Greasby FTJ 169Y, a Bova Europa EL26/581 Cass, Greasby FTJ 169Y, a Bova Europa EL26/581, and D Coaches, Swansea YTH 116T, a Bedford YMT with Duple Dominant bodywork. Reliance A548 CTV Central, Walsall A735 HFP on National express duplication work out of Digbeth coach statiob Terraneau, South Molton BOV 415 was originally registered YFJ 639X, and when last heard of was running as WJI 3814 Swallow 927 DAF Central, Walsall 245 DOC carried the registration mark originally allocated to one of the first Daimler Fleetlines Crosskeys G788 URY in Calais Bova Europas: AEF 202Y was United 202, configured as a low-height Rapide caoch, while OIJ 8480 was ...err, I'm not sure at the moment! Andersons H620 FUT, a Bova Futura TXI 6704 Cook, Southend WWC 820 was one of the last of the Duple Calypso's based on the Bova Europa running units Bova Futura Anderson, Castleford B111 (YJ03 GXP) Saltire GLZ 6555 Kings R777 ABC Johnson J13 OVA Barnes NBZ 1360 Freedom N73 WSB, a Bova Futura in Boulogne PIL 3520 PIL 3520 Sureline V10 SAF Cook, Southend R902 TCH Anderson, London B 110 (YJ06 GKY) Cook, Southend WWC 820 (the Bova Futura version) Cook, Southend WWC 820, this time sporting a Futura body Stan's Bova Future, T25 SJP Thomas, Barry WA54 HXY Bruce, Airdrie SF04 WMY is a Bova FHD13.340 Nelson's W446 CFR was new to Ellen Smith as its 346. It is a Bova Futura FHD12-370 Parnham's WA05 JWP Parnham's WA03 HRE YJ03 GXT Ceefa, Essex N121 YLS Burton LL04 BCL Atkinson's YK07 DWW Bluebird, Weymouth BC06 BBC is a Bova Futura FHD12.340XE Atkinson's YK07 DWW

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]]> Sat Feb 16 2002 Bristol coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c289236.html Bristol coaches Wednesday 20 February 2002: Bristol coaches

Royal Blue 2414 (PFJ 414M) a Bristol RELH6L/Plaxton with South Midland, and Alder Valley Bristol RELH6G 1059 (BJB 883J), RELH/Plaxton Boon, Boreham also owned WJN 22S, a 43-seat Bristol LH/Plaxton. Its bulk partially masks Trathens WFJ 930X Smith, Beeston SAL 189F, a Bristol LH/Plaxton after acquisition by a marching band Kingsman RNM 275J, a Bristol LHL Grayline, Bicester UBW 625H United Welsh 51 (374 GWN), an ultra-rare RELH6G (HLW-type) is seen outside Red & White's Monmouth depot. Crosville CRG 524 (7285 FM) in Newtown Golden Miller TMT 764F and LAE 770E Golden Miller VOY 12G Golden Miller TMT 764F partly masks LAE 770E Golden Miller TMT 764F Crosville CRG 41 (UFM 41F) Crosville CRG 529 (AFM 104B) at Liverpool Pier Head Hants & Dorset 914 (JEL 425E) was a rare RESH6G. It is seen alongside a late Bristol MW/ECW, 911 (FRU 878D) Hants & Dorset 899 (AEL 7B) Crosville CRG 40 (UFM 40F) pictured outside the Woodside ferry terminal in Birkenhead was a Bristol RELH with conventional ECW bodywork Gath, Thornhill DWT 641H Isle of Man Road Services 40 (40 WMN) Isle of Man Road Services 40 (40 WMN) pictured in a typical Douglas setting, outside the Villa Marina and being overtaken by a Douglas Corporation horse tram Arleen, Bath OUR 955P, a Bristol LHL with Plaxton bodywork Flight, Birmingham JON 700E with Eagle, Bristol. It was the first of the shorter-wheelbase Series 4 RELHs, dating from 1967. PG Travel, Middlewich XVW 633L and XVW 634L were new to Eastern National as its 9445 and 9446. Both were Bristol RELH/Plaxton Elite Morris, Swansea PWC 343K was Eastern National 436 National Welsh RC1128 (NAX 6M), UD1108 and N 1529 Bere Regis CLJ 413Y, an LHS/Plaxton British Airways C303 (RLN 230W) was a Bristol LHS6L with 1981 Plaxton bodywork Boon, Boreham originally owned YVW 902S, a Bristol LHS6L with 1978 Plaxton bodywork Boon, Boreham YVW 902S (Bristol LHS) and a Bedford/Duple YRQ TOT 248M in Taunton working local stage services. Eastern National 407 and PG Travel's ex-Greenslades 307 (UUO 452J) are both Bristol RELHs, but the ENOC vehicle has an ECW body while the Greenslades has a Plaxton Elite 29 NIP was a Bristol RELH seen in Wexford Central, Walsall JVJ 511Y was a bedford YNT with Duple Goldiner IV bodywork Western National LS-ECW tour coaches 1373 and 1384 Royal Blue 1296 and 1394 Bassett, Tittensor CYG 154H Bassett, Tittensor CYG 154H Wilder, Feltham TMT 766F was a Bristol LH6P with Plaxton bodywork. It is seen in the autumn of its life, working as a marching band's transport Wilder, Feltham TMT 766F was a Bristol LH6P with Plaxton bodywork. It is seen in the autumn of its life, working as a marching band's transport Stott, Oldham's WBU 712H was a 1970Bristol LH6L/Plaxton Elite Kinsman JGP 239N was a Bristol LHL6L with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork, new to Wilde, Mitcham Lucketts GOW 464X, a Bristol LHS6L HTH 812F, reduced to a chassis, and Wilder, Feltham YMD 990H waiting to go the same way Wilder, Feltham YMD 990H and HTH 812F Procter, Hanley JRB 519N Procter, Hanley JRB 519N, a Bristol LH/Plaxton Davie, Rye OUR 955P pictured at the West Midland Safari Park, near Kidderminster OUR 955P Chase, Chasetown YWW 356S was a Bristol LHS6L/Plaxton which began life at Lunn, Rothwell. Barlow, Oldham WBU 760G was a Bristol LH6L with battered 1969 Plaxton bodywork, pictured after it was acquired by a marching band. Peake, Pontypool JSU 342T was a Bristol LHS6L with Plaxton Supreme bodywork

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Feb 20 2002 Volvo B10M http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c283668.html Volvo B10M Monday 2 June 2003: Volvo B10M

Smith, Sittingbourne D330 NTC Trathen 51 (XNV 151W) Trathen 65 (BDV 865Y) Volvo demonstrator JSJ 430W after acquisition by Trathens as its A53. It was a Volvo B10M-56 with Van Hool Alizee bodywork. Volvo demonstrator A299 RSU was a Volvo B10M-61 with Jonckheere Jubilee P599 bodywork seating C52FT. Volvo B10M/Duple Laser demonstrator Volvo demonstrator A298 RSU, a B10M with Duple Caribbean bodywork Harris, Armadale A849 TDS was a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool bodywork dating from 1984 Hardings, Redditch MEW 151W, a Volvo B10M-60 with Caetano Alpha C51F bodywork, new to Miller, Foxton that saw service with Trathens among others. Abbott, Leeming A717 JDC was a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton bodywork on hire to National Express for Rapide work. Bowers, Bridgend 840 FAM was originally registered FHJ 841Y, and was a Volvo B10M-61 with Berkhof C49F bodywork. B721 MBC is a Volvo B10M-61 with Caetano Algarve bodywork Coliseum, Southampton 385 UFM Safeway DVV 523X in Chester. The Jonckheere body sits on an early Volvo B10M-61 chassis. Gardiners, Spennybrook F830 XAJ was a Volvo B10M-60 with Van Hool coachwork Bere Regis E224 GCG, an Ikarus-bodied Volvo B10M, pictured in Plymouth bus station SUT A305 XHE, pictured at Manchester International Airport en route to Great Yarmouth with National Express Whitelaw, Stonehouse E549 XKW Green, Kirkintilloch G845 GNV was a B10M-60 with Jonckheere Deauville C51FT bodywork photographed in Buchanan Street, Glasgow Premier, Cambridge D344 KVE pictured in Heathrow. It was one of the B10M-61s with Van Hool bodywork. Rapson, Brora G261 UAS sports Scottish Citylink livery in Carlisle. It was a Volvo B10M-61/Plaxton Paramount 3500 C46FT Parry, Cheslyn Hay E507 KNV rests in Carlisle. It is a Jonckheere-bodied B10M-61 Rapson, Brora 162 EKH was originally B22 FJS and later UCK 516. It is a Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B10M-61. It would later be painted in Scottish Citylink colours. Rapson, Brora TRM 146 Alexanders, Aberdeen F103 HSO was a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 C53F bodywork, here pictured in its home town. Wilson, Carnwath F953 WSF in Plymouth bus station Crawford, Neilson E102 LBC, a Volvo B10M-61 with Duple C61F bodywork Crawford, Neilston E102 LBC was a Volvo B10M-60 with a Duple 340 C61F body dating back to 1988 Crawford, Neilson E102 LBC, a Volvo B10M-61 with Duple C61F bodywork Park, Hamilton G 54 RGG was a Volvo B10M-60/Plaxton Paramount 3500 C53F Tetley OPC 222W was a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool C50F bodywork. It is seen near Digbth caoch station in Birmingham. Crawford, Neilson F254 OFP, a B10M-55 with Alexander CH82F bodywork. Bowens, Birmingham E274 HRY, a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 coachwork Goode, West Bromwich KIW 8609 was new as B576 UJF. It had a Plaxton Paramount 3200 SL/2 body with the lower driving position Barry Todd Volvo B10M/Ikarus, running west on the M2 through the Farthing Corner services. Bow Belle E634 BFJ was a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool C55FT Classic, Annfield Plain VDM 175 was a Volvo B10M-61 with Van Hool C55FT bodywork Richmond, Epsom A501 WGF in service with Sykes, York. It was a 1984 B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork Glenton Tours' A186 UJD was a B10M-56 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork. It is seen after sale to Regans. Discovery L755 YGG, a Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere Skill, Nottingham 32 (YNN 32Y) is a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork finished in colours more akin to an ice cream wrapper than a coach. Volvo demonstrator RSJ 812Y, an early B10M-61 with Duple Goldliner bodywork. Rothwells BPC 222Y, a Van Hool-bodied Volvo B10M-61 new to Chivers, Elstead Skills, Nottingham 24 (TRB 24X), a late Volvo B58-61 with plaxton Supreme VI C53F bodywork dating from 1982 Corp, Fairoak KRV 878Y was a Volvo B10M-61 with Duple Dominant C57F bodywork. It is seen after sale. KRV 878Y, a Volvo B10M_61/Duple Dominant and (beyond it) XAA 479V, a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant, after acquisitions by Trev's Travel. Glenton, London SE15 C195 CYO was a longer B10M-61 SFH 665W in Worcester Premier, Cambridge 324 (S324 VNM) in the windy tunnel at Gatwick Airport South Terminal. It was a Volvo B10M-62 with a Plaxton body. Premier, Cambridge S324 VNM, a Volvo B10M-62 with 1998 Plaxton C48FT bodywork

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Mon Jun 2 2003 Day trippers http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c222908.html The day out by coach was something which the whole family enjoyed, and lots of thought went in to the planning of the day tours programmes. Whether it was to a stately home or the seaside with bucket and spade, to a new feat of engineering or tour of the ocuntryside, the coach firms used to put out their newest coaches (and sometimes some old bangers) for the trips. Tuesday 2 April 2002: The day out by coach was something which the whole family enjoyed, and lots of thought went in to the planning of the day tours programmes. Whether it was to a stately home or the seaside with bucket and spade, to a new feat of engineering or tour of the ocuntryside, the coach firms used to put out their newest coaches (and sometimes some old bangers) for the trips.

Isleworth LGH 27D Cornish Fairways Leopard Western National 125 and 1404 National Travel (East) Volvo/Duple Arriva 6429 is passed by G990 FVV KLC 419K JVU 310N outside Weston Winter Gardens Williamson RUK 525L and Minsterley Motors KUX 321P, a Ford R1114 with Willowbrook B54F bodywork new to Valley, Bishops Castle. YCV 500 Day trippers' beer was once an essential part of a coach journey... Roberts, Aberystwyth OGR 653P (a Leyland Leopard new to Trimdon Motor Services), JDF 56N (ex Ladvale, Cheltenham AEC/Plaxton) and ROE 703R (a 1977 Leyland/Plaxton new to Forward, WAlsall) Traditional day tripper chalk boards at the seaside. Alpha, Brighton XCD 137Y tries to draw the customers. Dennis Javelin F357 MUT with - on the left - CPT 859S Bensway B 94 KFG was one of the last MAN SR280s to bedelivered for UK operation Heyfordian 4078 NU Southend 248 (A248 SVW) PAY 321W and OCV 317V YTA 543S - can anyone identify its origins? Bedford OB/Duple D136 XPV Ayats Atlantis - the Prescott Battle Bus WX05 DHB Lewis' N97 MVO Walton, Freckleton MW51 PJW, a 2001 Ayats A2E/AT with its own C51FT bodywork Empress, Hastings V7 PCC, a Mercedes O814D with Autobus bodywork, pictured in Calais Centaur, Sidcup SG03 ZJB Movereturn, Pontycymer WIB 9497 was a LAG Panoramic new as G956 ORP

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Tue Apr 2 2002 Setra http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c214135.html Setra Saturday 15 March 2003: Setra

Unidentified Setra S215 HD Carnell, Sheffield 6989 EL was later exported to Jamaica Carnell, Sheffield Yorks Travel, Northampton ENH 80X Yorks Travel, Northampton MRP 81Y Julia, Barcelona 1164 (B 3325 GN) in Geneva on the service from BArcelona via Grenoble. It is a Setra S215HD. Voyage National 8912 WZ 59, one of four Setra S228DTs bought for the erstwhile NBC operation in France Lefort 366 VR 44 France 713 TJ 19 France 713 TJ 19 France 713 TJ 19 Silver Fox, Edinburgh, PSU 621 Seamark, Luton Q684 LPP pictured in Edinburgh Seamark, Luton Q684 LPP is a Setra S215H, here pictured in Edinburgh. Silver Fox, Edinburgh PSU 621 beneath Edinburgh Castle Capital, West Drayton 8325 MW Capital, West Drayton 8325 MW Travellers, London H2 TCC Smith, Alcester UPH 628X is a Setra S215HD Setra S215H demonstrator Neoplan Skyliner, Britain's first Setra Rational S215HR and an early UK S215HD Farleigh, Wouldham TJI 8788 Kenzie, Shepreth VAV 1X is a Setra S215HD Kenzie, Shepreth VAV 1X 8287 VC 77, a French Setra S215 Belgium FWX 495 Countryliner K30 TCC Lucking, Germany MI-HU 135 Charterplan A32 KBA Silver Fox, Edinburgh PSU 621 Spanish Setra, M3877MW_SP Belgian KNG 683 was a Setra S214HD Belgian KNG 683 was a Setra S214HD France 7506 TQ 02 Travellers, Hounslow 3401 MW. This S215 HR Rationale was their first vehicle with the registration. It was later transferred to a successor Setra. Sausewind, Germany HI-HS 369 is a two door Setra Rationale, here pictured in Hastings Germany WW-A 7556 was a Setra S140 type Autocars Barriere 4546 HZ 82 gets a wash and brush-up from its driver Clarke, Sydenham Setra Broskamp, Germany 19 (GT-UW 19) pictured at the University of Kent in Canterbury Belarus - Setra S215HDH Crusader Holidays EW51 KZD Crusader Holidays T112 LTW Crusader Holidays EU03 DJN heads east for the ferries, while Shearing T113 JBA returns to the mainland. A scene on the M2 at Gillingham Crusader Holidays EU03 DJN Terravision BU04 EXX on the Embankment in London

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Sat Mar 15 2003 Leyland Tigers at work and rest http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c207044.html Leyland Tigers at work and rest Monday 21 October 2002: Leyland Tigers at work and rest

Leyland demonstrator DNK 571Y arriving in Heathrow after a test run from Oxford for the Oxford-South Midland management. It was a TRCTL11.3R with Plaxton Viewmaster bodywork. The Leyland National is London Country's SNB 420. Hills, Tredegar A782 WHB Greenslades 2200 (AOD 648Y) Greenslades 2200 (AOD 648Y) Greenslades 2200 (AOD 648Y) Greenslades 2201 (AOD 649Y) Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramouth Merseyside 7013 (CKC 625K) Merseyside 7013 (CKC 625K) London Country TP 29 leaves Digbeth on a service run Trimdon Motor Services BAJ 630Y - a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R / Plaxton Paramount 3500 Bibby, Ingleton LWT 303P and Eastern Scottish XH 551 (BSG 551W) Snell, Newton Abbot A930 JOD pictured in Exeter Vale of Llangollen GCA 125X Vale of Llangollen GCA 125X Alder Valley 1206 (YPJ 206Y) on the Reading - Heathrow shuttle Alder Valley 1209 (YPJ 209Y) heads 1206 (YPJ 206Y) outside Reading station Frames Rickards A527 LPP was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork, here seen operating in Heathrow airport Safeguard, Guildford C270 TPL Nottingham 794 (B794 JAU), shorn of her City identity, enjoys a break in Truro. Evans, Aberystwyth MAX 334X was a TRCTL11.2R short Tiger, used for a briefly-awarded National Express daily contract. It is seen on service in Chester. Yorkshire Voyager 2412 sporting the registration 842 DYG from a former West Yorkshire Road Car Bristol FS6B, DX175 A1, Ardrossan OSJ 1X and Midland Scottish MPT 114 (FSU 334). The left hand vehicle was a TRCTL11.2R with a Duple Dominant body showing signs of Mark II and Mark IV designs. The vehicle on the right was a TRBTL11.2RP with Alexander TE bodywork new as BMS 514Y. Bluebird Buses NCT 40 (E640 BRS) with Alexander TC bodywork. It was pictured in Aberdeen. Spanish Speaking's ANK 319X, after sale to Carsville, pictured in Chester. It was a Leyland Tiger with Plaxton Viewmaster C53F bodywork. Copeland, Mier MIB 536 was new as A669 HNR. It was a standard TRCTL11.3R/Plaxton, here seen in Chester. OK Services LFT 2X, a TRCTL11.2P/Plaxton C53F, sighted in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne York City & District 434 (G434 MWU) was a late Leyland Tiger TRCL10/3RZA with Plaxton C55F bodywork Flights Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount 3500 on the M5 National Travel East BWE 197T Mayne, Manchester A370 HNC Mayne, Manchester A370 HNC Ebdons XGS 796X Ebdon XGS 796X with Trathens 02 (STT 602X) beyond Tappins DJB 865V with AWL BTB 704T Armchair ANK 318X Appleby 5447 FH, a Leyland Tiger with Plaxton Viewmaster bodywork. Dunn-Line H 2 RAD, a Leyland Tiger with Plaxton 321 bodywork originally created by their rivals, Duple. Roman City, Bath A381 ROU Primrose, Filey E712 FTY, a Leyland Tiger with Duple Caribbean bodywork Primrose, Filey D224 YBB GIL 2967 Delaine, Bourne 96 (MCT 612) was a former London Country Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.2R with Duple Laser bodywork that was known as TD 15 (YPD 115Y) Leyland Vehicles A203 RUR, on loan to Beard, Cinderford. It was a coach Dave Beard always admired. Silcox, Pembroke Dock NDE 748Y Tappin A418 CJH Snell, Newton Abbot ANK 320X Primrose (aka Bissett), Ryton UNL 448Y was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with Duple Laser bodywork, here seen in Newcastle Stevenson, Uttoxeter A53 HRE OK, West Auckland LFT 1X

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Mon Oct 21 2002 Doubledeck coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c199319.html The doubledeck coach has given a totally new meaning to travel. The appearance of Neoplan Skyliners on Trathan's early shuttle service from Plymouth to London in 1980 forced National Bus into supporting the long-held National Express belief in the Rapide concept, spawned the Dennis Falcon V (Vee, not 5), and launched the idea of the MCW Metroliner. Monday 15 April 2002: The doubledeck coach has given a totally new meaning to travel. The appearance of Neoplan Skyliners on Trathan's early shuttle service from Plymouth to London in 1980 forced National Bus into supporting the long-held National Express belief in the Rapide concept, spawned the Dennis Falcon V (Vee, not 5), and launched the idea of the MCW Metroliner.

Standerwick 50 (FCK 50F) at the commercial Motor Show where it was one of the star entrants. BOAC LYF 312D was a Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 with CH54F bodywork by MCW Stagecoach, Perth 5050 SC BOAC LYF 311D was a Leyland PDR1/1 with MCW CH54F bodywork, used to ferry passengers from their Victoria terminal to Heathrow Airport. Here it is seen fueling at the fuel station just outside Victoria coach station Volvo demonstrator A297 RSU, a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere Astral bodywork Limebourne GVL 931Y, a 1982 Neoplan Skyliner, sporting the livery of Laker Holidays Flights, Birmingham TOA 707Y was a 60-seater Van Hool Acron Flights, Birmingham TOA 707Y Maidstone & District 5444 (GKE 444Y), an Invictaway Leyland Olympian with ECW coachwork Kinch, Mountsorrell BFP 1Y, a Volvo B10M-61 with Jonckheere CH41Dt body Carnell, Sheffield WWA 48Y Flights TOA 737Y is a Van Hool Acron T818 Harrods A123 RTL pulls ahead of RM 1214 (214 CLT) Len Wright Travel MRP 840Y was pictured in Carlyle Works. It was a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere P90 bodywork. Western SMT KV 163 (A312 RSU) was a Volvo B10M with Berkhof Everest 370 bodywork Western SMT KV 163 (A312 RSU) with Oxford-South Midland 11 (RFC 11T) Voyages National 8912 WZ 59 in the Jacques Brel services between Le Havre and Paris. Roman City, Bath B500 CBD pictured near the Royal Albert Hall was a DAF SBR2300 DHS570 with Jonckheere P99 CH71DT bodywork. Amberline 174 (C174 KHG) Harry Roffey, Hawkhurst ROF 882, a Neoplan N122/3, new as B173 BFE. Note the advert for a seven day holiday in Spain for £49. Western National 2243 (DIB 2061), ex-Flights, Birmingham TOA 727Y Amberline, Liverpool A342 UFE presenting a sorry picture for passengers in Wigan's bus station. It was once a proud Neoplan N122/3 with CH77CT bodywork, but it had fallen on hard times when this photograph was taken. Wessex National 224 (B224 VHW) Rapson, Brora 162 EKH was a Volvo B10M-61 with Jonckheere CH57FT bodywork, originally delivered to the firm as UCK 516. Crawford, Neilson F254 OFF was a Volvo B10M-50 with Alexander CH82F Redcrest B416 CGG, a Setra S228DT Redcrest B416 CGG was a Setra S228DT City of Oxford 104 (NUD 104L), a coach-equipped Bristol VRT Ferris, Senghenydd TNY 217Y Ferris, Senghenydd TNY 217Y and Cardiff 325 OJE 533, a rare Scania/Jonckheere, now serving with Farleigh, Wouldham Midland Red South 961 (B961 ODU) French Scania/Irizar doubleecker 7255 RF 59 Ferris, Senghenydd B709 EOF was a Volvo B10M/Jonckheere twin deck new to Flights, Birmingham 22 WHT A354 XGG takes a motorway break en route to the ports Harrods A123 RTL was one of two Neoplan Skyliner tour buses used for up-market London Sightseeing tours for the store's customers Harrods A122 RTL Maidstone and District 5444, a Leyland Olympian/ECW long-wheelbase coach Wessex National 450 (AAD 50Y) outside the Houses of Parliament Alder Valley 1502 Maidstone & District 2835 (VKN 835X) and 5443 (YSU 865) Citybus, Hong Kong CE 4281 Shaw Hadwin GSU 368 Armstrong Galley A752 ERG Wessex National E252 LAE Thamesdown 709 LAU was a Scania K112 TRS with Berkhof Eclipse bodywork. It was London-bound on the M2 at Farthing Corner Services when photographed. Grey Green B102 XYH on an evening commuter service on London's Embankment Volvo demonstrator A297 RSU, a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere Astral bodywork Ferris, Nantgarw TNY 217Y was a Van Hool TD824 Astromega

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Mon Apr 15 2002 Leyland Leopards http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c188206.html This includes independents, municipal and PTE operators - and even Scottish Bus operations. Wednesday 9 October 2002: This includes independents, municipal and PTE operators - and even Scottish Bus operations.

Chase, Chasetown 59 (NDX 579), ex-Midland Red 549 (JOX 449P) was a former Midland Red coach Black & White 111 (PDD 111M) was a Leyland Leopard PSU3B.4R with Duple Dominant I C47F in Cheltenham Coach Station Ulsterbus 1991 (NOI 1991) in Chester. It was a 1977 example of the Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with a Duple Dominant II body. Bristol - new Leopards just delivered Scarlet, Minehead NNW 99P in Porlock Weirwas numerically the very last PSU4C.4R, sporting a Duple Dominant C45F bodywork. it was originally built for Wallace A|rnold. Slattery, Tralee Leyland Leopard/Duple Dominant in Digbeth coach station Royal Blue, freshly washed at Digbeth Green, Brierley Hill WJX 478V had a Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R chassis with orthodox Plaxton Supreme C53F bodywork. Flights, Birmingham ROE 703R was a Leyland Leopard PSU3C.4R with Plaxton Viewmaster C53F bodywork, pictured in Coventry's Pool Meadow. Flights, Birmingham ROE 703R was a Leyland Leopard PSU3C.4R with Plaxton Viewmaster C53F AC, Abingdon VXE 280G was actually a Leyland Panther PSUR1A.2RT with Plaxton Panorama I C51F bodywork, and not a Leopard, despite the badging Webber, Blisland 5 RDV and CHA 116C, pictured in Padstow. Percival, Oxford LWL 745W sported a Plaxton body on its Leyland Leopard PSU3F.5R chassis. It was pictured in Cambridge. Midland Red Leyland Leopard 458 (JOX 458P) seen from a train at Blakedown between Kidderminster and Hagley Midland Red Leyland Leopard 458 (JOX 458P) seen from a train between Kidderminster and Hagley Lawrenson, Bootle OEM 487L, a 1973 Leyland Leopard PSU5.4R with Plaxton Elite C51F bodywork after it was sold to Marbill. It was pictured at Corley Services on the M6. Heyfordian, Upper Heyford XVB 468G, ex Black & White 192 and new to Samuelsons Heyfordian, Upper Heyfordian XVB 468G, a PSU3.3RT Leyland Leopard with Duple Commander IV coachwork. Green Bus, Great Wyrley 17 (ACH 302B) - ex: Trent 302. It was a Leyland PSU3.1R Leopard with Marshall B53F bodywork. Merchant, Bearwood RGS 90R was a Leyland PSU5A.4R/Plaxton new to Ebdon, Sidcup. Here it is seen having a chassis steam clean South Wales 150 (WFH 175S) is the leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with Plaxton C53F body which heads this line up of tour coaches in Aberystwyth. Creamline, Tonmawr DTX 115J was a Leyland Leopard PSU3B.4R with Plaxton Elite C53F bodywork. Hookways, Meeth WTA 329S was a 1977 Caetano-bodied Bedford YLQ; Airflow, West Bromwich REA 944W, a 1980 Bedford YMT/Plaxton and Wallace Arnold SWW 139R, a 1977 Leyland Leopard/Plaxton. All were awaiting a buyer at Moseley's yard in Cinderford. Limebourne, SW1 DAR 519K, a Leyland Leopard PSU5/4R was rebodied in 1975 and rebuilt to become Airflow, West Bromwich's JEA 884N. It is seen in Stourport-on-Severn, sporting its replacement Plaxton body and its new registration Green, Brierley Hill's SFD 254W was a 1978 Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R with Plaxton Supreme C53F bodywork. Midland Red 6248 (WHA 248H) after withdrawal. it was a Leyland Leopard PSU3A.4R with Plaxton Panorama C49F bodywork. Slattery, Tralee 7860 IN, a Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Elite, seen at the M4 motorway services at Aust, near the Severn Bridge. Lacey, SE6 MNM 39V was a 1980 Leyland Leopard PSU5C/4R with Plaxton bodywork. It is seen at the Severn Bridge (Aust) services Yelloway CTD 133V, a Leyland Leopard Ld PSU5D/5R with Plaxton bodywork, and South Wales Transport 108 (LCY 108X), a Leyland Leopard PSU3F/4R with 1982 Willowbrook bodywork painted for the Expresswest routes between West Wales and Bristol, provide interesting coaching comparisons in Swansea Hills, Tredegar UDW 140S outside Abertillery Leisure Centre. It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R. West Yorkshire 2573 (KUB 547V) sporting Yorkshire Coastliner livery Vale of Llangollen 728 AUK was new as OTU 583V. It was a PSU3E.4R with 1979 Plaxton Supreme bodywork. Ulsterbus 1997 (TOI 1997) was a PSU3E.4R with Duple Dominant I C47F bodywork pictured in Tenby Trimdon Motor Services LPT 903P after acquisition by Silcox, Pembroke Dock. It was a PSU3C.4R with Willowbrook BET-style B55F bodywork. Glenton Tours AJD 162T after it was bought by Silcox, Pembroke Dock (146). It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with Plaxton Supreme IV bodywork which was originally C34C, and would be re=registered 538 OHU. Roberts, Aberystwyth OGR 653P (a Leyland Leopard PSU3C.4R with Wilowbrook B55F bodywork new to Trimdon Motor Services) and ROE 703R (a Leyland Leopard PSU3D.4R with Plaxton Viewmaster bodywork that was originally supplied to Flights, Birmingham) Barry Cooper, Stockton Heath DED 571T was a 1979 Leyland Leopard PSU5C/4R with Plaxton bodywork Frames Tours' KBH 840V, a Leyland Leopard PSU5C/4R with Plaxton body in Aberystwyth, and dating from 1979 Western National 3516 (VOD 616S), a PSU3E/4R Nottingham 11 (RTV 11N) after it was sold appeared at Weston-Super-Mare... It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3B.4R with Duple Dominant bodywork Hills, Tredegar RAX 804M was rebodied as shown with a Plaxton Bustler body to replace its original Plaxton Elite Express body. It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3B.4R. Hills, Tredegar RAX 804M, a rebodied Leyland Leopard. It began life in 1974 as a Plaxton-bodied coach, but in 1988 was rebodied with this Plaxton Bustler body. West Riding 4 (PWW 709R) after acquisition by Devaway, Chester Kenfig Motors' KTG 716P was a 1975 PSU3C.4R/Plaxton Elite seen here after sale to Swanbrook, Cheltenham. It is pictured in Gloucester bus station Mitchell, Plean SAA 303M SAA 303M, a Leyland PSU5 with Duple Dominant bodywork, seen in Stirling Lonsdale, Morecambe acquired this smart Duple Dominant-bodied Leyland Leopard. But SND 84X of 1982 was not all it seemed. It was a 1975 PSU3B/4R rebodied after its original ECW B51 body was scrapped. The registration concealed its age. It was new as HNE 644N. National Welsh UD 382 (KWO 563X) was new as UC8109. It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3F.4R with a Willowbrook 008 body. It was later rebodied as a B51F bous by East Lancs. Eastern Counties LL823 (RNG 823W) working on the York Park and Ride, following sale. It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3F.4R with Duple Dominant IV bodywork.

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Oct 9 2002 Crash victims http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c138842.html There's a mix of scrapyard wrecks and really tragic crash victims. The Eastern Scottish wreck was involved in one of Britain's worst motorway crashes, taking 12 people's lives when the coach ploughed through stationary traffic in roadworks on the M6 near Preston, and caused a series of fires. There are several Midland Red and National Welsh wrecks. And there is South Wales Transport's former Black & White 108 (PDD 108M). This vehicle was hit in the side by a 16-ton lorry which went out of control on the M4 near Swindon. The coach was travelling at 69 mph, bound from Heathrow on a duplicate service to Swansea behind the Rapide coach. The lorry was carrying steel. Just west of Swindon, as the vehicles approached each other, the lorry was travelling in the middle lane at 64 mph with a remould tyre on the front offside. Suddenly it burst. In what police experts calculated was 0.3 second, the lorry veered to its offside, went through the crash barrier and hit the coach on inside lane one, just behind the driver. Three passengers died in a headline-grabbing catastrophe. The coach's rear axle shot out of the nearside and landed down an embankment in a field 100 yards from the carriageway. The pictures, taken shortly after the coach was recovered, show the stresses that it suffered. They include - offside completely stoved in - nearside suffered stress ripples through the body - passenger seating slammed together, destroying the central gangway. Neither driver was blamed at the inquest which returned a misdaventure verdict on the victims. Two Midland Red Leyland Leopard/Willowbrook coach crash victims are also illustrated, though one might think the villain was the body... The United Leyland Tiger/Plaxton coach 1034 (A34 FVN) was on a National Holidays tour in roadworks on the M5 when the vehicle went down the embankment after a caravan started to snake when it came out of a cutting. The circumstances surrounding the crash involving the Van Hool Astromega are not known. However, the state of the seats following the crash, and the condition of the side glass, raised many questions with safety engineers. Thursday 14 March 2002: There's a mix of scrapyard wrecks and really tragic crash victims. The Eastern Scottish wreck was involved in one of Britain's worst motorway crashes, taking 12 people's lives when the coach ploughed through stationary traffic in roadworks on the M6 near Preston, and caused a series of fires. There are several Midland Red and National Welsh wrecks. And there is South Wales Transport's former Black & White 108 (PDD 108M). This vehicle was hit in the side by a 16-ton lorry which went out of control on the M4 near Swindon. The coach was travelling at 69 mph, bound from Heathrow on a duplicate service to Swansea behind the Rapide coach. The lorry was carrying steel. Just west of Swindon, as the vehicles approached each other, the lorry was travelling in the middle lane at 64 mph with a remould tyre on the front offside. Suddenly it burst. In what police experts calculated was 0.3 second, the lorry veered to its offside, went through the crash barrier and hit the coach on inside lane one, just behind the driver. Three passengers died in a headline-grabbing catastrophe. The coach's rear axle shot out of the nearside and landed down an embankment in a field 100 yards from the carriageway. The pictures, taken shortly after the coach was recovered, show the stresses that it suffered. They include - offside completely stoved in - nearside suffered stress ripples through the body - passenger seating slammed together, destroying the central gangway. Neither driver was blamed at the inquest which returned a misdaventure verdict on the victims. Two Midland Red Leyland Leopard/Willowbrook coach crash victims are also illustrated, though one might think the villain was the body... The United Leyland Tiger/Plaxton coach 1034 (A34 FVN) was on a National Holidays tour in roadworks on the M5 when the vehicle went down the embankment after a caravan started to snake when it came out of a cutting. The circumstances surrounding the crash involving the Van Hool Astromega are not known. However, the state of the seats following the crash, and the condition of the side glass, raised many questions with safety engineers.

Midland Red 320 (PHA 320M) Midland Red South 843 (LOA 843X) United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) was in a queue of traffic southbound on the M5 near Bromsgrove. There were roadworks, no nearside crash barrier and a drop to where workers were preparing for the motorway's widening. A caravan went out of control, the coach hit the narow grass verge, and then slipped down the bank United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) was remarkably strong, and showed little body deformation United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) - an alternative view of the driver's position United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) and the three foot drop United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) on its side United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) - the point where the coach left the motorway United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) looking back towards Birmingham United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) showing the point where it left the road United Auto 1034 (A34 FVN) showing the state of the interior Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Note the broken seat back. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seats. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. The wrecked cab. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Front window wrecked. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. The offside emergency exit. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Lower saloon from the entrance Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. A broken seat support. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Upper saloon, looking to the rear. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Upper deck looking to the front. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Upper deck looking to the front. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Impact at the front nearside upper window. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Impact at the front nearside upper window. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Seat ripped out of the floor. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Seat ripped out of the floor. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega, showing how a seat had come loose on its body rail. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega. Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega, Broken seat. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega, showing a leg that snapped under the high pressure caused by a flying body. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC, a Van Hool TD824 Astromega, showing the upper ceiling following the crash. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC. Shards of glass left in the front nearside window after the crash. Baker, Weston-Super-Mare A242 UTC Midland Red 320 (PHA 320M) National Welsh U12.69 (PKG 631G) National Welsh U12.69 (PKG 631G) National Welsh U9.69 (PKG 627G) in Cross keys depot National Welsh U9.69 (PKG 627G) Midland Red 6450 following acrash on the M1 at Rothersthorpe Midland Red 6450 following a crash on the M1 at Rothersthorpe. It was a OPSU4B.4R with Plaxton C40F bodywork. Midland Red 318 (PHA 318M) after it was wrecked.

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Thu Mar 14 2002 Those were the days, my friends... http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c132209.html ... when half cabs still appeared on the coach roads, when underfloors were the standard, when camel-backs still graced the West Country, and rear engines were suddenly knocking schdules into a cocked hat. Tune in, and enjoy a time when travel was multi-coloured, and express services were simply associated with motorways, not superfast inter-city runs. It was the final flowering of the traditional coach roads. Thursday 1 May 2003: ... when half cabs still appeared on the coach roads, when underfloors were the standard, when camel-backs still graced the West Country, and rear engines were suddenly knocking schdules into a cocked hat. Tune in, and enjoy a time when travel was multi-coloured, and express services were simply associated with motorways, not superfast inter-city runs. It was the final flowering of the traditional coach roads.

DWH 772C - a Thames-badged Ford 570E/Duple Northern-bodied coach of Leigh, Bolton, running through Gloucester on a Saturday lunchtime. The cyclist was obligatory in those days. OK Motor Services' D904 EAJ Bunty AEC/Burlingham Seagull Williams, Llanberis B773 OCC was a Ford R1115 with Plaxton bodywork, ehere seen on a visit to London North Western 642 (KDB 642) on top of the Peak District Alexander-bodied Scottish bus Group Leyland Leopard Royal Blue leaves the M5 at Exeter First London bus rally Barton charabanc W963 was a 1915 Daimler CB with a 1953 replica body Barton 49 [trade plated 466 NN] was a BTS2 Barton rebuild into a recovery bus Howell & Withers, Pontllanfraith 36 (900 VTU) later passed to Edwards, Joys Green. It was an AEC 4MU3RA with Plaxton Panorama C51F bodywork. It was pictured in Gloucester with Western Welsh 153 (153 DBO) behind. There is another shot of the latter vehicle in the National Travel collection. Daimler Roadliner CWK 641C was an SRC6 demonstrator fitted with a Duple Commander body. It is seen at the Earls Court Motor Show. BOAC FYF 254D BOAC shuttle coaches LYF 312D (Leyland Atlantean) and FYF 254D at the Victoria terminal Bristol 2119 (865 UAE) Red House, Coventry KHP 779E was a very rare Park Royal Royalist-bodied Albion Valkyrie VK43L. The 43-seat coach was exported to Jamaica three years after this picture was taken at Kingsholm in Gloucester. It had been acquired by S Phang of San Antonio, Jamaica. Does anyone know if any of these caoches survive? Parsons, Holsworthy PRF 167, pictured in its home town, was a semi-normal control Beford OB with Willenhall bodywork. Gath, Thornhill DWT 641H was a bristol LHL6L with Plaxton C53F bodywork, pictured in Plymouth Bretonside Chapple, Raglan NWO 122 - Sentinel SLC$ with Beadle C35C bodywork United Counties 70 (TVD 851R), a Ford Transit with Tricentrol body, pictured near Lilbourne in distinctly poor operating territory. Shrewsbury independents. KUX 321P (Ford R1114/Willowbrook), MUP 694J (Ford R192/Willowbrook) and RUK 525L (R1114/Plaxton) MAN demonstrator A850 VMR was an SR280-HL with MAN C49FT bodywork. The onlooker appears to be TGWU official, Bill (later Lord) Morris. Young, Rampton EEW 127Y was a DAF SB2300 with Jonckheere Jubilee P599 bodywork Hutchison, Overtown MDS 216V was a Bova EL26/581, pictured at a service area on the M6 motorway. East Kent 8845 (FKK 845Y) was a rare MCW Metroliner saloon, pictured here on a tour at the Windermere Hydro Hotel. It was type CR126/2. County, Leicester BRY 63T is a Bedford YMT with Duple C53F bodywork. Following is Eastern Counties LT 889 (EAH 889Y) GIL 8939 was a rare Dennis Dorchester with Duple Caribbean bodywork. It was new as A595 GPD. It is seen in Redditch. MCW Metroliner demonstrator, A543 WOB, on the M6 Gold Circle coaches on Scottish Citylink duplication with C44 Victoria coach station on a busy day ANW 266M Pond Street, Sheffield - National Express agency Pennine scenery Victoria coach station on a busy day Unidentified Seddon/Alexander swinging into Dundee bus station White Rose, Llandudno DM 6225 - The Kings Ferry Leyland Lioness White Rose, Llandudno DM 6225 - Leyland Lioness, new to White Rose, Rhyl, now operating for The Kings Ferry, Gillingham CJ 5052, a Maxwell charabanc The first GWR coach - a Gilford - to provide a Cheltenham - Oxford service [press cutting; Alan O. Watkins Colln] East Kent CFN 154, a Dennis Lancet III/Park Royal coach DM 6228, the unique Leyland Lioness charabanc that began life at White Rose, Llandudno Lever, Motcombe (t/a Grosvenor) YN57 AFE, an Irisbus 397E.12.43A with Beulas Cygnus C55F bodywork, pictured in Bristol Centre Y 5113 was a Karrier here seen racing up Countesbury Hill

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Thu May 1 2003 Scrapyard scenes http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c126449.html Even the classiest of coaches will eventually end up in the scrapyard. Wednesday 5 March 2003: Even the classiest of coaches will eventually end up in the scrapyard.

Black & White 111 (HDD 654) in a Staverton, Gloucestershire, scrapyard. Staff at the company rescued the coach which was later sold to Black and White at Portsmouth. Where is it now? FHM 900 GOA 748K and other scrappers Barton 49 was a BTS2 rebuild, converted to a wrecker, running on trade plates 466 NN Black & White, Harvington CAB 593B, mouldering in a scrapyard at Cinderford, Gloucestershire, after disposal by its last owner, Swanbrook, Staverton Western National 402 (336 EDV) has now been preserved. It is seen here in Caldicot. Western National 402 (336 EDV) has been saved for posterity, and now looks stylish in preservation magazines Armstrong, Westerhope 124 (KNL 107), an early AEC Reliance/Plaxton, pictured at the KCS, Droitwich yard Jones, Upper Sapey, Worcestershire 5700 ML was a Bedford SB8 with disappearing Duple bodywork Richardson, Solihull RUP 6D was a leyland Leopard PSU3.3R with Plaxton DP55F bodywork new to Eden, West Auckland. Robinson, Appleby BJM 361C was the original owner of this AEC Reliance/Plaxton dating from 1965 Sheffield United Tours AWA 348B was once the pride of Sheffield United Tours Sheffield United Tours 348 (AWA 348B) - the end of an AEC Reliance/Plaxton recorded at Balsall Heath in the West Midlands. Black & White 251 (AAD 251B) being cannibalised after it was withdrawn by Gourd, newton Abbot 5900 UN and Hants & Dorset 916 (MRU 124F) in the mud and the mire awaiting the final cut All that remains of Midland Red Leyland Leopard/Plaxton, 6229 (WHA 229H) Midland Red 6245 (WHA 245H) Midland Red 6229 (WHA 229H) front ... sans body and chassis! Midland Red 6143 (SHA 643G) awaiting scrap, , alongside Western National 1412 North Western 938 (VDB 938) was an AEC Reliance with early full-length Willowbrook body, but here clearly at the end of its life. Alongside is the former Thames Valley and City of Oxford LH6L, 32 (YBL 932H) Midland Red 402 (GOL 402N) burned out and awaiting recycling at the Carlton scrapyards - and note the green fields..... Western National 1432 (HDV 437E) [WN] awaiting scrapping in one of the Carlton yards South Yorkshire PTE 1013 KCS, Droitwich 907 AUY KCS, Droitwich 907 AUY pictured at Comhampton, Worcestershire PFH 888F and JYM 98D PLG 111H, a former Pleasureways, Altrincham Ford R192 with Plaxton bodywork now absent PTH 100K (Bedford SB5), SDD 334G (Ford R192), and NUX 111G (Bedford VAM 70) Alexander (Midland) Leyland Tiger Cub with the last vestigaes of its Alexander bodywork Amberline C173 KHG being cannibalised at Tayside Travel Services after fire damage. It was a Neoplan N722/3 with Plaxton Panorama 4000 bodywork. Amberline C173 KHG, now engineless, being cannibalised at Tayside Travel Services West Midlands 37**-series Daimler Fleetline at the Carlton yards Mulley, Ixworth 7 Mulley, Ixworth 7 Unknown Bedford abandoned at Ullenwood near Cheltenham Unidentified Ford/Plaxton at the Carlton scrap yards Bedford/Duple coach awaiting scrap 730 BNW in a scrapyard in Northumbria Swanbrook Bedford/Caetano, clearly a case for the blowtorches. Alexander Northern Leyland Leopard/Alexander Alexander Northern Leyland Leopard/Alexander Alexander (Northern) Leyland Leopard/Alexander in scrap Southdown 1265 (PUF 265M) and 1326 (UUF 326J) sandwich South Midland 35 (UMO 691G) Caetano coach in scrap with Beard, Cinderford KDD 515E in the backlground with a HAS-registered Bedford, both awaiting the blow torch HTH 812F and Wilder, Feltham LH6P/Plaxton Elite YMD 990H

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Mar 5 2003 AECs and Maudslays http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c125858.html The Sixties still bristled with early postwar coaches. But change was on the way. The AEC Regal half cab with exposed radiator was giving way to the underfloor-engined Regal IV and - eventually - their most successful coach, the AEC Reliance. Wednesday 2 January 2002: The Sixties still bristled with early postwar coaches. But change was on the way. The AEC Regal half cab with exposed radiator was giving way to the underfloor-engined Regal IV and - eventually - their most successful coach, the AEC Reliance.

Gower Vanguard FV 4546 NCV 500, AEC Regal IV/Harrington Greenslades 570 EFJ Sharrocks HDL 357, AEC Regal IV/Harrington in Southgate Street, Gloucester Perries OAL 490 6245 WG Terraneau PTB 865 was formerly a tour coach with Florence, Morecambe. It was an AEC Regal IV (9822S) model with Plaxton body. Webber, Blisland 5 RDV and CHA 116C JHN 501 Royal Blue AEC Regal ETA 979 and other members of the fleet wait at Victoria for the first postwar departure. [Alan O. Watkins colln] Maudslay Regal IV/Plaxton Terraneau ENT 757, a Maudslay

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]]> Wed Jan 2 2002 Random coaches http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c97224.html There is a uniformity of design these days that may provide the comfort, but which reduces the aesthetic pleasure of today's coaches. Compare the graceful - but frequently bland - lines of today's motors with the less stylish (if you exclude the Panorama Elite body from Plaxton) vehicles that made our roads fun to travel. The highways were half empty if you compared today with even 20 years ago. And the coaches were varied. What a pity it is all disappearing in a blue haze of petroleum fumes. Wednesday 12 February 2003: There is a uniformity of design these days that may provide the comfort, but which reduces the aesthetic pleasure of today's coaches. Compare the graceful - but frequently bland - lines of today's motors with the less stylish (if you exclude the Panorama Elite body from Plaxton) vehicles that made our roads fun to travel. The highways were half empty if you compared today with even 20 years ago. And the coaches were varied. What a pity it is all disappearing in a blue haze of petroleum fumes.

Barton W 963 Coombs, Weston-Super-Mare FYA 448Y, a Mercedes Benz 508D with Devon Conversion body Barton 563 (KAU 563V), a Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R of 1980, and 529 (ARB 529T), a Bedford YMT, two years older Hall, South Shields H12 (ACU 302C) Police controlling traffic speeds through the M5/M42 interchange, south west of Birmingham Premier, Cambridge MCW Metroliner Clarkes, London (later Cambus) A521 NCL passes GGJ 341X URP 493, an Albion Aberdonian/Plaxton, alongside Tilling VYO 766 Ellen Smith, Rochdale CEK 587D, a Van Hool C44C-rebodied Leyland Worldmaster EL2.44. See the story notes for more information about its fascinating history. Southdown 68 (68 AUF) was a two-stroke Commer Avenger IV with locally-built Harrington Contender C35C bodywork. It was later sold to Ireland where it ran for some time as AZP 866. Emptying the boot of a Plaxton Elite Marbill HAL 680K DTX 115J, PTX 446Y and GNY 715K at the Severn Bridge Aust services on the M4 (now the M40) Door styles - coach plug doors on Shamrock & Rambler 3046 (KAD 354V) compared with express jack-knife doors on an her erstwhile sister, 266 (DAD 266T), but otherwise identical Plaxton Supreme IV body Jumbulance NPK 277W - the driver's rest room Lourdes jumbulance NPK 277W Barton BTS2 rebuild YRR 509H sported a Plaxton Elite body when pictured in Stourport-on-Severn. Smith, Stratford BBW 737Y was a curious beast. being a Van Hool T815, it was an integral vehicle. But when fire destroyed its original body it was rebodied with a new T815 body.... Hoverland KOU 480X was a Van Hool T815 new to Higgs, Clevedon Heyfordian 4068 MH MYD 217V (a DAF MB200) and JYD 877Y (a Volvo B10M-56) Thandi, Southall F818 RJF, a TAZ D3200 with TAZ bodywork Thandi F818 RJF, a TAZ D3200 with TAZ bodywork Thandi F818 RJF, a TAZ D3200 with TAZ bodywork, seen in Leicester on express work Wellington Street, Leeds Berryhurst D218 XPK was an LAG Panoramic Hamilton, Uxbridge F863 ONR was a TAZ 3200. Bennett, Uxbridge F863 OVW was a very rare British-registered Santos F.315.21 type. YKP 420X, showing the less-than-tasteful Panorama VI lines developed by Plaxton to compete with Duple's Goldiner III bodywork DRT 680T, a Bedford YMT, and WWC 820, a Bova/Duple COT 855K, CBB 476V, Western National Dennis Falvon V, 2353 (AOD 646Y), and Reliance, Newbury LVS 435V, a 1980 Bedford YMV with Plaxton C53F bodywork. Gillingham Marching Band YUD 122J in Gillingham Park NGL 624X (an early Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/3R with Plaxton Elite bodywork), VDH 851S (a Ford R1014/Duple Dominant C45F new to Olsen, Strood) and JGL 90X Hedingham and District CEV 89T, Theobald XGV 544K, LBJ 65P and OPU 367P SNT 285H, MJH 279L, CAR 162K and 9902 UG Parnhams LVS 425V and YNF 347T Target, York and York Coastliner Olympian Chapple, Raglan NWO 122 was a Sentinel STC4. It is seen awaiting scrapping in a Gloucestershire yard. LMA 988, thought to be a Commer with full-front Duple bodywork. It is seen after conversion to a grocery van. Gloucester Cathedral is in the background. Scarlet, Minehead NYA 398, a rare Commer-Harrington coach A mixed bag of coaches in North Devon 3544 (FDV 800V) and National Welsh UC1200 Webber, Blisland 5 RDV, CHA 116C and EUG 885G Scantours BBD 852X was a Volvo B58-61 with Jonckheere coachwork Chester line-up with (from the left) Shaw Hadwin WDL 521, DCT Travel 4695 WY, Yorkshire Travel Services C752 CWX, UUX 379S, Rossendale's ex London Country TPL 48 (A148 EPA), Carsville ex-Spanish Speaking Leyland Tiger ANK 319K Ward JVH 974W, a rare Ward C11.640 with Plaxton Supreme bodywork. Lourdes Jumbulance F940 MBB on the run to France Skills, Nottingham 32 (YNN 32Y) and Gem EFW 854X Unregistered Jonckheere demonstrator

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Wed Feb 12 2003 Brits in France http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/c90742.html The chance to nip over to Calais - or other parts of the near Continent - allow me to record the occasional Brit wagon on the "wrong side" of the road. Thursday 21 February 2002: The chance to nip over to Calais - or other parts of the near Continent - allow me to record the occasional Brit wagon on the "wrong side" of the road.

Crosskeys G788 URY in Calais Frazer, Accrington T992 JNW was a late Volvo B10M/Van Hool Kirby's G636 CAF was a Setra S215HD new to Deeble, Darleyford Fenn, Cambridge MR03 FEN was one of the first long, three axle Bova Futuras bought by a British operator. It is seen in Calais when brand new. Hellyers, Fareham R204 WYD is a Bova Futura Streamline, Maidstone Y24 SET, a Mercedes Benz 614D Charles Banfield MY52 BAN, a rare Dennis R, type SFD161, with Plaxton bodywork Scotland and Bates, Kent WJ02 KDN, a VAn Hool-bodied Volvo Freedom N73 WSB is a Bova Futura Allied BX55 FVE, a Mercedes 2003 RU, an Iveco/Beulas in Boulogne Alex Head N516SHD/3 in Bouolgne Redwing, Herne Hill 232 (YN54 AAJ) is an Iveco with Beaulas bodywork. Neoplan N116, 1168 BY, seen in Boulogne

Published in 47 years of coach photography

]]> Thu Feb 21 2002