Bus Manager's photos http://busmanager.fotopic.net/ 23 rows en-gb 60 Arriva Trains (inc. CrossCountry) railway replacements http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1596610.html A selection of photos from the first weekend (4th and 5th October 2008) of Arriva UK Trains managing in house the railway replacement bus and coach operations of its two UK rail franchises – Arriva Trains Wales and CrossCountry. Saturday 4 October 2008: A selection of photos from the first weekend (4th and 5th October 2008) of Arriva UK Trains managing in house the railway replacement bus and coach operations of its two UK rail franchises _ Arriva Trains Wales and CrossCountry.

Meadows Coaches’ Leyland Lynx MKII J657UHN from their dealer stock is seen at Porthmadog Station on the Pwllheli service for Arriva Trains Wales A Volvo B10M Plaxton Excalibur and Van Hool Alizee from the Celtic Travel fleet arrive at Newtown with an Arriva Trains Wales service from Welshpool. Early on the Sunday morning Cardiff Bus prepare to commence the Cardiff Radyr service on behalf of Arriva Trains Wales. In addition to their service van, Scania Darwen East Lancs. decker CN57BKO and Scania OmniCity CN57BJJ can be seen at Cardiff Central. Cardiff Bus’ Scania Darwen East Lancs. decker CN57BKO prepares to leave on its first journey from Cardiff Central to Heath High Level for Arriva Trains Wales. Cardiff Bus’ Scania OmniCity CN57BJF prepares to leave Cardiff Central on a Radyr service for Arriva Trains Wales. L33 SGB from the South Gloucestershire Bus & Coach fleet loads at Bristol Parkway for the CrossCountry service to Gloucester. M805 RCP from Eagle of Bristol and M338 EEC from South Gloucestershire Bus & Coach layover at Bristol Parkway on the CrossCountry replacement service. M338 EEC from South Gloucestershire Bus & Coach loads at Bristol Parkway L400 SGB from South Gloucestershire Bus & Coach arrives at Bristol Parkway on a CrossCountry service from Bristol Temple Meads ECZ 9138 from South Gloucestershire Bus & Coach arrives at Gloucester station on the CrossCountry replacement service Bowens’ YN05 HFP, a Scania Irizar, arrives at Birmingham New Street on the CrossCountry service to Tamworth Johnsons’ Bova Futura P257 XUM at Birmingham New Street on the CrossCountry service to Tamworth Thandi Coaches’ Volvo B10M Plaxton Paramount TIL 8197 passes Johnsons’ Bova at Birmingham New Street on the Tamworth, Burton and Derby service McEwens Irisbus Beulas shows off the new railway replacement signage to good effect when seen at Birmingham New Street arriving from Tamworth on the CrossCountry service Johnsons’ Bova Futura P257 XUM prepares to leave Birmingham New Street on the CrossCountry service to Tamworth MacPherson’s Setra BU51 MCL and a McEwens Beulas parked up on the standby coach and layover bays at Birmingham New Street Swans’ Scania Irizar YN56 NTK is seen at Manchester Piccadilly on the Arriva Trains Wales service to Chester Pat’s Coaches, Wrexham, W381UEL arrives at Manchester Piccadilly on the Arriva Trains Wales service from Chester Travelmaster’s Dennis Lance Optare Sigma N365VRC arrives at Manchester Piccadilly on the Arriva Trains Wales service from Chester Meadows Coaches ex Cardiff Bus Leyland Lynx MKII J262UDW arrives at Manchester Piccadilly on the Arriva Trains Wales service from Chester, having been the standby vehicle there. Heyfordian Ayats at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Heyfordian Ayats at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Barnes Van Hool XIB3421 at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Alder Valley L214GJO at Oxford - 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Heyfordian Ayats at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Heyfordian Ayats at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Banbury 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Banbury 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service Mortons Bova Futura at Banbury Heyfordian Ayats at Oxford 19/10/08 CrossCountry Didcot to Banbury service

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]]> Sat Oct 4 2008 Scanned bus and coach photos from the past 10-20 years http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1568032.html A selection of scanned bus photos from the past 20 years. (The photos in this gallery are not mine but are from my collection and are without copyright or acknowledgment markings). Monday 25 August 2008: A selection of scanned bus photos from the past 20 years. (The photos in this gallery are not mine but are from my collection and are without copyright or acknowledgment markings).

Where it all began for me! Armchair’s Leyland Swift/Wadham Stringer E991 NMK was the very first bus I drove. I won’t be saying when or where though! Here the vehicle is pictured at Heathrow Airport’s Central Bus Station having just arrived on route 556 from Walton-on-Thames. New, at the time, East Lancs. bodied Scania Omni Town’s from the East Thames Buses fleet in for maintenance. A well known PSV vehicle sales rep once told me that originally the Omni Town was to be called the Omni Village, however certain senior figures from Scania kept pronouncing it as the ‘Omni Willage’, thus to avoide any embarrassment the product became known as the Omni Town! In memory of the late Stella Legg. Leyland Titan KYN 305X of Legg’s Travel (trading as, sometimes, ‘Stella Bus’) is pictured here in Egham on the schooldays extension of route 400 beyond Staines to Egham. Since Legg’s route 400 has been worked by Centra/Surrey Connect, Wiltax and now Travel London. Operating between Shepperton and Staines the route is currently home to two of London’s original 1984 evaluation batch of ECW bodied Leyland Olympians – L2 and L3. New to London Country Leyland Tiger/Berkhof Everest C144 SPB (BTL44) is pictured in Central London whilst operating for Roadliner of Bournemouth. The vehicle past to them from Countryliner, Guildford, and I recall many seaside specials and the occasional diagram on Greenline route 715 (later 415) being operated by this vehicle. Southlands Travel KPJ 270W is a standard spec. London Country AN68 type Leyland Atlantian, which was interestingly fitted with the roof from a London DMS type double decker! Old and New - As route 117 between Staines and Brentford passed ‘officially’ from Tellings Golden Miller (TGM Buses) to London & Country, both part of the same parent company at the time, TGM’s Leyland Nationals were replaced with Greenway re-worked Nationals which, whilst of the same original era, had the feel and appearance of a brand new bus to most of the travelling public. Here the two types of vehicle are pictured in Staines Bus Station. THX 227S (LS227) was one Leyland National which I was rather fond of in my youth. Operated by Westlink it was revolutionary in the late 1990’s in that it had been completely re-furbished with coach type high back seating, red ‘penny dot’ flooring, green DipTAC hand polls, kneeling front suspension, a centre wheelchair lift and a rather sporty DAF engine. It is pictured in the now long since demolished Kingston Bus Garage in its closing days in the Westlink fleet. At the time it was painted in this special livery for use on the Kingston University contract.

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]]> Mon Aug 25 2008 Ben Stanley, Hersham, Surrey. http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1568024.html Ben Stanley was a coach and bus operator based in my original hometown of Hersham, Surrey. Their depot along Burwood Road is long gone, but is nicely remembered by the naming of the now residential area as ‘Stanley Gardens’. The photos in this gallery were taken long before me and my camera came into this world. They are however from my personal collection and are without copyright or acknowledgment markings. Ben Stanley was the longstanding operator of the Hersham to Walton-on-Thames local bus route, which today is numbered 564. The route has seen a number of operators over the years since deregulation, when first numbered 264 and home to one of London Country’s original 1986 Mercedes Benz minibuses. Since then the route has been in the hands of Armchair, Tellings Golden Miller and now Travel London. Monday 25 August 2008: Ben Stanley was a coach and bus operator based in my original hometown of Hersham, Surrey. Their depot along Burwood Road is long gone, but is nicely remembered by the naming of the now residential area as _Stanley Gardens_. The photos in this gallery were taken long before me and my camera came into this world. They are however from my personal collection and are without copyright or acknowledgment markings. Ben Stanley was the longstanding operator of the Hersham to Walton-on-Thames local bus route, which today is numbered 564. The route has seen a number of operators over the years since deregulation, when first numbered 264 and home to one of London Country_s original 1986 Mercedes Benz minibuses. Since then the route has been in the hands of Armchair, Tellings Golden Miller and now Travel London.

JTM114V is a Duple Dominant bodied Bedford and is seen here at the north end of Walton’s high street. Sister vehicle JTM109V was in the fleet of London & Country in the late 1990’s, subsequently passing to Wealden Beeline and is now under restoration into Tillingbourne Metropolitan livery, the forerunner to Metrobus. VPP 956S is seen heading for Walton-on-Thames. An RF on route 219 to Kingston can be seen in the background.

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]]> Mon Aug 25 2008 2008 Alton Bus Rally and visit to Alder Valley Travel, Cobbett Hill, Normandy http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1548002.html A small selection of photos from the excellent Mid Hants Railway’s 2008 Alton Bus Rally and a visit to the Cobbett Hill Depot of Alder Valley Travel, who kindly allowed me to take their L705 FRD (DAF Optare Spectra) to the rally and drive the proprietors preserved Greenline AEC Regal IV MLL 763 (RF226) on special services at the event. My grateful thanks go to Alan Fairbrother (also the lead organiser of the event) and Noel Clark of Alder Valley Travel for a thoroughly enjoyable day. It was also good to meet so many friends, associates and former work colleagues. Sunday 20 July 2008: A small selection of photos from the excellent Mid Hants Railway_s 2008 Alton Bus Rally and a visit to the Cobbett Hill Depot of Alder Valley Travel, who kindly allowed me to take their L705 FRD (DAF Optare Spectra) to the rally and drive the proprietors preserved Greenline AEC Regal IV MLL 763 (RF226) on special services at the event. My grateful thanks go to Alan Fairbrother (also the lead organiser of the event) and Noel Clark of Alder Valley Travel for a thoroughly enjoyable day. It was also good to meet so many friends, associates and former work colleagues.

I have a real soft spot for Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen’s. They were well ahead of their time in terms of passenger and driver comfort and overall specification. I truly believe that their striking looks, on a par with a Duple 425, with the right paint job, are comparable to a modern day Plaxton Premier or even Panther Coach. E48 TYG is the sister to E47 TYG, which was in the of fleet Thames Bus which I managed, and she has been superbly restored and painted in the excellent Leyland Royal Tiger demonstrator livery originally worn by a ‘C’ plate registered older vehicle when new. This livery actually semi inspired the Thames Bus livery as I thought the dark blue sat well on the vehicle. Full credit to its owner, well done! E47 TYG still survives too and is part of the ‘Location Facilities’ fleet based in Chobham, Surrey, and used for Film and TV set dining purposes. A rear shot of Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen E48 TYG 6804VC is a Bristol LH midicoach with what appears to be a Willowbrook body (my thanks to Simon Jennings for confirming it's a Duple Dominant). It is painted in the new style metallic blue and black livery, complete with ‘spaceship’ wheel trims, of Victory Tours, an operator in common ownership with Roadliner of Bournemouth. Roadliner proclaim to be “the most talked about coach company in Dorset” and this vehicle certainly got people talking, and indeed me thinking what on earth its all about! It’s pleasing to see small vehicles represented on the enthusiast’s scene, especially given how notable their involvement in the PSV industry since deregulation has been. 21-year-old D41 MAG is an Iveco minicoach immaculately restored in the livery of East Yorkshire. L705 FRD is a DAF DB250 Optare Spectra, new to Reading Buses, from the fleet of Alder Valley Travel. It is seen here on the rally field at Alton after my arrival with it from their Cobbett Hill depot. Leyland Leopard ORC 26R is superbly restored in the livery of Guildford local operator Safeguard, a well-presented independent operator who survives in such as state to this day. Parked next to it C164 SPB, although looking almost identical, is a vehicle some 10+ years newer and bodied on a Leyland Tiger chassis. It too was new to Safeguard and is to be similarly restored, both vehicles being owned by the same preservationist. Bicknell’s Coaches run an immaculate fleet of mainly Dennis vehicles. I was once told by a former Dennis sales agent that the paint code for the unusual grey/cream base colour was a closely guarded secret, so much so that owners of former Bicknell’s vehicles had great difficulty in matching the paint for accident damage repair purposes. Newton’s Coaches now own the company however the separate brand and identity are retained. They, along with many other operators, outstation vehicles at Cobbett Hill and Dennis Javelin Berkhof coach R317 AOR is pictured. MLL 763 is a 1951 AEC Regal IV MLL 763 (London Transport Greenline RF226). I was most privileged to have almost two hours behind the wheel of this fantastic machine, having had a very brief ‘out of service’ drive the previous year under the expert guidance of Mr Alan Whittington of Professional Transport Services who, in a previous role, was a training manager for London Country in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and was very familiar with the type. I’m pleased to report that his expert advice and guidance was not forgotten 12 months on and a fantastic time was had (save for a small incident with loss of gears as a result of an air leak on the door handle which was quickly resolved!). MLL 763, 1951 AEC Regal IV MLL 763 (London Transport Greenline RF226), is seen on the second of the two runs I undertook, this time to the delightful village of Lasham. Its pleasing to see that Leyland Tigers are still present in the fleet of Edward Thomas Coaches, even after the implementation of the London Low Emission Zone which affects many of the company’s Railway Replacement, Private Hire and School contract activities. Here the company’s out stationed fleet is seen at Cobbett Hill. Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer N401 SPA was the newest bus in the Thames Bus fleet. I still remember the excitement of collecting the freshly painted and MOT’d bus from Epsom Coaches myself back in 2003. Since then the vehicle passed, still under my care, into the Centra fleet and was worthy of being mine and Fleet Manager Neil Glaskin’s show bus, being treated to a superb re-paint into the Centra red blue and silver livery (if my memory recalls it was the first vehicle so treated with the legendary ‘silver foil vinyl’!), new Dennis and Plaxton badges and, for that extra special finishing touch, front ‘Dennis’ wheel trims. Its pleasing that I was able to secure the passing of the vehicle to a further safe home (Alder Valley) and even more so to learn it has been a most reliable purchase for them, causing little problem and achieving low running costs. Here she is pictured in the Cobbett Hill depot and long may her success continue! F249 YTJ is the latest edition to the Alder Valley Travel fleet and is seen at the Cobbett Hill depot. It’s an Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian and has been fitted with new cogent high back coach seats with three point seat belts. An interior shot of Alder Valley Travel’s F249 YTJ showing the new cogent high back coach seats with three point seat belts. An amazing discovery, for me, at Cobbett Hill was RBO 674R, which is, unbelievably, a 1977 Leyland Leopard PSU3C/4R new to Hills, Tredegar (according to a Google search). It was re-bodied in the early 1980’s with a, then, very modern Berkhof Esprite 53 seat coach body. It was parked alongside a Duple 320 bodied Scania coach. Both appear to be unlicensed and their owner is not known. A peek into the cab of RBO 674R - An appalling shot, I know, but this goes some way to showing the ‘hairy’ Leyland Leopard massive flat steering wheel and pneumatic ‘pedestal’ type gear selector which look very out of place on coach bodywork more akin to later Leyland (Tiger) and Volvo (B10M) models! Satellite depot! Quiet literally, here DAF Optare Spectra L705 FRD from the Alder Valley fleet is seen in the Cobbett Hill depot, which is on the site of Cobbett Hill Earth Station (hence the Satellite behind). This was the vehicle Alder Valley kindly allowed me to take and exhibit at the Alton Bus Rally.

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]]> Sun Jul 20 2008 R422 AOR - Dennis Dart Caetano Compass http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1532605.html Stagecoach in Wales Dennis Dart/Caetano Compass R422 AOR is rather unusual in having a Plaxton Pointer II front grafted onto it! Sunday 22 June 2008: Stagecoach in Wales Dennis Dart/Caetano Compass R422 AOR is rather unusual in having a Plaxton Pointer II front grafted onto it!

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]]> Sun Jun 22 2008 Wiltax MAN 24.350 Jonkheere Monaco double deck coaches http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1430725.html T47 BBW and T615 BBW MAN 24.350 Jonkheere Monaco's 68 seats with belts, toilet, servery and air conditioning. Ex Stagecoach Oxford Tube. Now in the Wiltax fleet. First vehicles in the new TGM 'Group coaching livery'. Friday 28 December 2007: T47 BBW and T615 BBW MAN 24.350 Jonkheere Monaco's 68 seats with belts, toilet, servery and air conditioning. Ex Stagecoach Oxford Tube. Now in the Wiltax fleet. First vehicles in the new TGM 'Group coaching livery'.

T615 DWL off side T615 DWL upper deck T615 DWL - Lowerdeck T615 DWL near side T615 DWL rear

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]]> Fri Dec 28 2007 Manual gearbox low floor buses on Malta http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1427153.html Whereas here in the UK low floor buses feature automatic gearboxes, Malta is unusual in that around half of the low floor bus fleet have manual gearboxes. Such things as a manual gearbox Optare Excel or Dennis Dart seem somewhat noval to me, hence this collection! Friday 21 December 2007: Whereas here in the UK low floor buses feature automatic gearboxes, Malta is unusual in that around half of the low floor bus fleet have manual gearboxes. Such things as a manual gearbox Optare Excel or Dennis Dart seem somewhat noval to me, hence this collection!

Dennis Dart East Lancs in Buggiba Bus Station Optare Excel in Buggiba Bus Station King Long Interior view of King Long showing manual gearbox in a modern low floor bus interior Dennis Dart East Lancs in Valetta Bus Station Dennis Dart East Lancs in Valetta Bus Station BMC and King Long in Valetta Bus Station Optare Excel in Valetta Bus Station View through drivers cab window on the Optare Excel showing the manual gearbox Optare Excel in Valetta Bus Station King Long MCI

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]]> Fri Dec 21 2007 Open top buses on Malta http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1427151.html A long time coming but open top buses are now permitted for use on Malta and Cancu Supreame have been granted a service licence. Services have started using Leyland Fleetlines which have been on the Island for some years. These are complimented by a front entrance Routemaster (RMF). Now more modern Volvo D10M double deck buses are being introduced (shown under preperation in the collection) and Leyland Titan's are also on the way! Friday 21 December 2007: A long time coming but open top buses are now permitted for use on Malta and Cancu Supreame have been granted a service licence. Services have started using Leyland Fleetlines which have been on the Island for some years. These are complimented by a front entrance Routemaster (RMF). Now more modern Volvo D10M double deck buses are being introduced (shown under preperation in the collection) and Leyland Titan's are also on the way!

Fantastic views of the Harbour fron the tour bus Fleetline upper deck seats Sadly a seat appears to have broken on this fleetline Interestingly seat belts have been fitted to the seats on the Fleetlines. I can only assume that this is to meet the requirements of using open top buses in Malta? More views from the tour Leyland Fleetline in service Leyland Fleetline in service More views from the tour Actia multi-lingual audio equipment is fitted to the Fleetlines Near complete vehicle showing the quality of the finish which includes a panelled over rear window and alloy wheels Bus in progress showing how much work is involved Front on near complete vehicle Detail work of work in progress Detail work of work in progress Detail view of front of bus in progress Detail work of work in progress showing where a replacement step and entrance floor is to be fitted Detail work of work in progress showing that the complete lower deck interior floor and seats have been stripped out as part of the re-working of the vehicles for their new lifes in Malta Detail work of work in progress View undersealed chassis Complete view of underside showing work undertaken which includes the replacement of many parts, including the fitment of new fuel tanks General view of the Cancu Supream workshop, showing the Citybus in progress Showing new chassis side electrical box under rear off side of view RMF Routemaster G524 RDS - Volvo D10M Citybus/Alexander RV awaiting conversion G524 RDS - Volvo D10M Citybus/Alexander RV awaiting conversion Roof as removed from bus in progress RMF in its depot

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]]> Fri Dec 21 2007 Launches and publicity shots http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1419407.html Various photos in connection with route and/or service launches or publicity photo shots duing my career Tuesday 4 December 2007: Various photos in connection with route and/or service launches or publicity photo shots duing my career

Mercedes Citaro BU53 AYA (still on demo at this point) launching Hotel Connect rote H1 at the Holiday Inn Hotel at Gatwick Airport, Povey Cross YR02 UMV - Neoplan Starliner at Hallmark depot in Coleshill upon takeover by Centra. This photo was used on the cover of trade magazine 'Route One' to cover the news story. Centra logo on road cone in the Hallmark depot at Coleshill upon taking over that company Line up of Centra Executive Car, Hallmark Coach and Centra bus for 'Total Transport Solutions' publicity KV51 KZC - Dennis (Transbus) Mini Pointer Dart at Woodbridge Tesco for Cenra Route 516 publicity photo Centra bus and coach Mercedes Citaro BU53 AYA at Windsor for route 472 timetable and Mercedes Benz publicity shots Centra buses in the 'new' red version of the bus livery Workshops at the Centra Heathrow depot Line up of Flights Hallmark Mercedes Sprinter, Cheetah and Volvo Plaxton coaches for new Private Hire publicity Centra Jet Coach route A3 publicity shot at the Brooklands Business Park next to old pit stop Jet Coach launch at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge Line up of brand new Alexander Dennis Dart SLF vehicles for the British Airways staff shuttle contract at the Centra Heathrow depot

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]]> Tue Dec 4 2007 Maltese Leyland Tiger Plaxton Premier http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1419405.html KCY 884 looks like just another ordinary Volvo B10M with Plaxton Premier 3500 bodywork, it's even badged as a Volvo B10M. Infact its not a Volvo B10M and in my opinion its something rather special and worthy of a special feature here on my site! I saw this coach in Valetta on my first day out in Malta and very quickly noticed that there was something very different and unusual about it. Using a combination of some rivet counting knowledge (not normally like me!), reference to a PSV Circle book and a subsequent conversation with the driver it turns out that this is in fact is a Leyland Tiger fitted with a locally assembled body built using Plaxton Premier body parts. Very rare indeed as no Leyland Tigers were ever fitted with a Plaxton Premier body, the last ones receiving the very last of the Plaxton Paramount and Plaxton 321 (ex Duple 320/340) body types. The initial giveaway of the difference was the Leyland Tiger steering wheel, colunm and indicator stalk, however further inspection went on to show Leyland Tiger wheel hubs on the front axle, Tiger style (non B10M) ZF gear stick, accelerator pedal and a non-standard handbrake leaver. I'm rather fond of Leyland Tiger's and it was pleasing to see one fitted with this more modern style bodywork, especially as the chassis was one of the later ones fitted with the more powerful, reliable and easier to keep going nowadays Cummins L10 engine. Tuesday 4 December 2007: KCY 884 looks like just another ordinary Volvo B10M with Plaxton Premier 3500 bodywork, it's even badged as a Volvo B10M. Infact its not a Volvo B10M and in my opinion its something rather special and worthy of a special feature here on my site! I saw this coach in Valetta on my first day out in Malta and very quickly noticed that there was something very different and unusual about it. Using a combination of some rivet counting knowledge (not normally like me!), reference to a PSV Circle book and a subsequent conversation with the driver it turns out that this is in fact is a Leyland Tiger fitted with a locally assembled body built using Plaxton Premier body parts. Very rare indeed as no Leyland Tigers were ever fitted with a Plaxton Premier body, the last ones receiving the very last of the Plaxton Paramount and Plaxton 321 (ex Duple 320/340) body types. The initial giveaway of the difference was the Leyland Tiger steering wheel, colunm and indicator stalk, however further inspection went on to show Leyland Tiger wheel hubs on the front axle, Tiger style (non B10M) ZF gear stick, accelerator pedal and a non-standard handbrake leaver. I'm rather fond of Leyland Tiger's and it was pleasing to see one fitted with this more modern style bodywork, especially as the chassis was one of the later ones fitted with the more powerful, reliable and easier to keep going nowadays Cummins L10 engine.

KCY 884 cab showing Leyland steering wheel, controls and gear stick mounted onto Plaxton/Volvo B10M style dash with gages and displays KCY884 Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Premier front (poor shot as in row of parked coaches) Giveaway Leyland Tiger front wheel hubs/centres Another view of KCY 884 showing Leyland Tiger style air throttle pedal, steering wheel and non-standard (DAF type?) hand brake leaver Rear of KCY 884 KCY 884 Standard Plaxton Premier interior

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]]> Tue Dec 4 2007 Maltese Leyland Lynx SLF http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1419402.html Leyland Lynx FBY 703 on Malta. Ex Travel West Midlands 1989 example now converted to be wheelchair accesible (DDA compliant?) Leyland Lynx's, whilst never popular here in the UK towards the end of their lives, when in ramped floor and split step arrangement have, in my opinion, one of the most user friendly entrance step and interior arrangments that exist on a high floor bus and it was pleasing to see that a book leaf ramp had been able to be fitted to the front entrance platform of this example now operating in Malta in order to make it a wheelchair accesible bus complete with a set of seats removed on the near side at the front to make a wheelchair bay. Whilst I found the Lynx's I had dealings wth during my career difficult to keep on the road, I always found them a fun, responsive and pleasing vehicle to drive and have always liked their 'ahead of their time' modern looks. Tuesday 4 December 2007: Leyland Lynx FBY 703 on Malta. Ex Travel West Midlands 1989 example now converted to be wheelchair accesible (DDA compliant?) Leyland Lynx's, whilst never popular here in the UK towards the end of their lives, when in ramped floor and split step arrangement have, in my opinion, one of the most user friendly entrance step and interior arrangments that exist on a high floor bus and it was pleasing to see that a book leaf ramp had been able to be fitted to the front entrance platform of this example now operating in Malta in order to make it a wheelchair accesible bus complete with a set of seats removed on the near side at the front to make a wheelchair bay. Whilst I found the Lynx's I had dealings wth during my career difficult to keep on the road, I always found them a fun, responsive and pleasing vehicle to drive and have always liked their 'ahead of their time' modern looks.

Night time Lynx View of book leaf ramp in entrance platform floor from inside the bus FBY 703 again in Valetta Bus Station FBY 703 rear in Valetta Bus Station Split step entrance arrangement showing fold out ramp fitted to entrance platform Interior - as per West Midlands Travel re-furb in the late 1990's Interior wheelchair bay on FBY703 Wheelchair bay on FBY 703 looking from other angle Close up of the ramp FBY 703 Leyland Lynx in Valetta Bus Station Rear off side shot of Lynx FBY 703 Rear

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]]> Tue Dec 4 2007 Thames Bus http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1411150.html Vehicles from the fleet of Thames Bus which was taken over by Central Parking System of UK Limited in October 2003 and formed the initial basis of the local bus operations of Centra Thursday 1 March 2001: Vehicles from the fleet of Thames Bus which was taken over by Central Parking System of UK Limited in October 2003 and formed the initial basis of the local bus operations of Centra

B274 KPF - Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount 3200 MkIII was purchased from Countryliner, Guildford, to operate a somewhat rural school contract between Holmbury St. Mary and Chilworth. This was my favourite route and involved some very hairy narrow roads and sharp bends. The previous operator of the contract complained that he kept losing mirrors and said I ought to have priced a regular supply into my tender price. I only every recall losing one during the 3 years of the contract including its time with Centra. Going back to B274 KPF the light green Countryliner skirt was painted into Thames Bus dark blue. A mustard stripe was later added inside the blue skirt. Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount B274 KPF (new to London Country as their TP74) is pictured here resting between Surrey school contract E749. The vehicle was acquired from Countryliner, Guildford, and was painted (in the yard, with my very own hands!) into this adapted Thames Bus livery by repainting Countryliner’s light green skirt into Thames Bus dark blue and adding the mustard stripe. ** I did not take this photo. It is from my collection and is without copyright or acknowledgment markings. ** Leyland Lynx D109 NDW is pictured here on the Broadway, Camberley, whilst operating route 530 to Lightwater. Due to a mix of heavy AM peak school loadings and tightly parked cars on parts of the route served during the off peak the operation of the route involved a vehicle swap with the MetroRider after the morning school peak. ** I did not take this photo. It is from my collection and is without copyright or acknowledgment markings. ** Legg's Travel Opare MetroRider L618 MJN was often hired to help out with the Sunday bus route network. (*From my collection - I did not take this photo). L620 LJM - Optare Metrorider on Sunday route 446 at Staines Bus Station. (*From my collection - I did not take this photo). D109 NDW - Leyland Lynx aquired from Burnley and Pendle (through Ensignbus, dealer), seen in Woking in Sunday bus route 456. At this time we were operating Sunday routes 446 and 456 under sub-contract from Legg's Travel prior to taking up the contracts direct with Surrey County Council. Leyland Lynx D109 NDW seen prior to re-paint into fleet livery and whilst in store (before operations commenced) on the farm we used in Petworth, West Sussex. The first two Tiger coaches were also kept here prior to entering service. Here Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer N401 SPA, acquired from and new to Epsom Buses, is pictured at a Cobham Bus rally on Brooklands Airfield (now the site of Mercedes Benz world). The bus is now in the fleet of Alder Valley Travel. ** I did not take this photo. It is from my collection and is without copyright or acknowledgment markings. ** E47 TYG - Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen was the very first vehicle in the Thames Bus fleet. It was ex G. Bell of West Sussex (through dealer British Bus sales). It is seen here in the layby outside Brooklands tesco prior to being moved for re-paint into two tone blue. My 1998 Rover 220 Coupe can be seen behind! The pride of the fleet - Leyland Titan YJB 68T (fleet number RT68) was an ex Reading Buses Leyland Titan and served the company well. It worked throughout the life of Thames Bus, continued in the fleet following its acquisition by Central Parking System (Centra) and later went onto to serve with Wiltax, including into Tellings Golden Miller/Arriva ownership. It is pictured here in the Colnbrook depot fully blinded for the day ahead on route 442 between Heathrow Airport and Windsor, complete with its smart front wheel trims. Leyland Lynx E685 LBT (new to Atlas Bus with a different registration mark) can be seen in the background in as acquired livery (from Fleetwing/Frimley Coaches). Right at the start – On one Sunday morning in mid 2002 the initial fleet is seen here ready for action on the then newly awarded North West Surrey Sunday bus network at the interim depot, based in a lorry park next to Junction 13 of the M25 at Colnbrook. Optare MetroRider L620 LJM (ex Reading Buses) is seen closest to the camera with Leyland Lynx D109 NDW, Leyland Tiger/Duple Laser AKG 214A and Leyland Titan YJB 68T respectively behind. Routes 446 and 456 between Staines and Woking (later inter-worked with route 218 to Hersham) would have been worked by the MetroRider and Lynx and route 442 between Heathrow Airport and Windsor by the Titan. The Tiger would have undertaken the meal breaks/ferry movements. AKG214A - Leyland Tiger/Duple Laser. This coach was aquired from an operator in Liverpool called School Travel Services and had a relativly short stay in the Thames Bus fleet. It is seen here at the 2002 Duxford Showbus event. (*From my collection - I did not take this photo).

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]]> Thu Mar 1 2001 Concorde being moved by road at Heathrow http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1411144.html Concorde being moved along the A30 in Hounslow during the early hours of 4th April 2004 where it was moved by road to the River Thames, moved onto a pontoon and salied to Scotland where the plane was re-assembled as an exhibit at the Museum of Flight outside Edinburgh. Sunday 4 April 2004: Concorde being moved along the A30 in Hounslow during the early hours of 4th April 2004 where it was moved by road to the River Thames, moved onto a pontoon and salied to Scotland where the plane was re-assembled as an exhibit at the Museum of Flight outside Edinburgh.

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]]> Sun Apr 4 2004 Centra (including Flights Hallmark) http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1410625.html Various photos of the Centra operations (more recently Flights Hallmark) Monday 19 November 2007: Various photos of the Centra operations (more recently Flights Hallmark)

Then Mercedes Citaro Demonstrator BU53 AYA on the first day of the Gatwick Airport hotel bus operation (Christmas day!) at the Holiday Inn Gatwick Airport. I did the meal break on this day and brought down a Christmas dinner for the day shift driver! The bus later joined our fleet to operate route 472 at our Addlestone depot Gatwick depot with the workshop's first use under Centra occupancy - Safety inspection on one of two Optare Solo's hired at short notice to take over the operation of route 516 following the collapse of Nostalgiabus (Northdown Motor Services) Rear of Executive Mercedes Touro coach BU53 AXJ KV51 KZF - one of 3 Beaver II's for British Airways staff shuttle services at Heathrow Airport. Alexander ALX200/Dennis Dart pre-production demonstration P942 EMS can be seen behind Mercedes Citaro BU04 EXS in the yard at the Gatwick depot Stansted operation parking area shortly after the takeover of the operations of Locallink Buses. Dennis Dart S310 TMB and Merc. Beaver KF02 ZXB can be seen with former Locallink vehicles in the background KF02 ZXB showing Cenra logos and legal lettering at the Stansted depot Rear of the Centra UK Transport head office and Heathrow depot building showing the yard and workshop entrances Front of the Centra UK Transport head office and Heathrow depot building KV03 ZGB Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther freshly repainted into Flights coaches livery. The cream based version was very quickly dropped in favour of a silver base colour Line up of Volvo Plaxton coaches in silver Flights livery at the Heathrow depot M82 MYM - Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale T5 BUS (KV51 KZC) Transbus MPD dart. The registration mark T5 BUS was previously carried by a longer and older 10.7 SLF Plaxton Pointer Dart which was livered for the Terminal 5 project at Heathrow Aiport KX53 SJV - Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther YL51 ZUD Scania/Wrights Solar Centra buses lined up at the Addlestone depot ready for rail replacement operations on behalf of South West Trains Buses lined up at the Addlestone depot on a Sunday. This depot is now occupied by Wiltax following the joint takeover of Flights Hallmark's Surrey Connect operations with Travel London on 4th June 2007. T152 OGC - The first bus re-painted in the Centra Lonon livery (flat stripes all round) complete with Centra 'LONDON' logo. This was the former Mitcham Belle bus operation. KF02 ZXB (Mercedes Vario 0.814/Plaxton Beaver II) and N401 SPA (Dennis Dart 9.8SDL/Plaxton Pointer) at the Bluebell Railway bus running day

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]]> Mon Nov 19 2007 Hallmark Coaches http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1410623.html Hallmark Coaches, Coleshill (Birmingham), upon its takeover by Centra Monday 19 November 2007: Hallmark Coaches, Coleshill (Birmingham), upon its takeover by Centra

YN51 XMS - Neoplan Starliner. This was the Chelsea Football team coach Line up of Neoplan Starliner, Transliner and Plaxton Panther coaches at the Coleshill depot, all showing their newly applied 'Centra' mini logos Y15 HMC - Dennis R Series/Plaxton Panther. Little was I to know that this very vehicle would appear in another fleet I managed a few years later. Y15 joined the fleet of Wiltax with our aquisition of the last remaining coaching operation of Centra (the former Mitcham Belle Coaches operation) in 2006. HC6422 - Neoplan Transliner. This was the football team coach for West Ham United and Dagenham and Redbridge football clubs HC6422 outside the maintenance shed at Coleshill. Note the Sky TV roof pod receiver. YN51 XMS Neoplan Starliner in front of the office entrance at Coleshill Neoplan Transliners 'FOR 35T' (Nottingham Forest Team coach) and 'HC 6422' and Plaxton Panther Y15 HMC Y64 HHE was one of three Scania Irizar's which were in the Hallmark fleet when it was aquired by Centra. All three were immediatly returned to their owner (Dunn Line) after the takeover Looking out at the yard at Coleshill with EOS 230 '491 NFC' (Norwhich football club team coach) and Y15 HMC (Dennis/Plaxton Panther) in the foreground and a Neoplan Starliner on the re-fueling bay.

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]]> Mon Nov 19 2007 SPK 203M http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1410612.html My preserved 1973 AEC Reliance 6U3ZR/Plaxton Panorama Elite C49F coach in London Country Greenline livery. I have owned this coach since October 2003, purchasing it from Cobham Bus Museum after we sold Thames Bus to Centra. The vehicle has been maintained with a class 6 MOT until 2006 and is now under preperation for a return for the 2008 rally season along with my recently aquired second preserved vehicle - Southdown Leyland National AYJ 97T. Monday 19 November 2007: My preserved 1973 AEC Reliance 6U3ZR/Plaxton Panorama Elite C49F coach in London Country Greenline livery. I have owned this coach since October 2003, purchasing it from Cobham Bus Museum after we sold Thames Bus to Centra. The vehicle has been maintained with a class 6 MOT until 2006 and is now under preperation for a return for the 2008 rally season along with my recently aquired second preserved vehicle - Southdown Leyland National AYJ 97T.

SPK 203M SPK 203M SPK 203M - Interior SPK 203M - Interior SPK 203M 30 years apart - SPK 203M 1973 Plaxton with Centra KX53 SJV a 2003 Plaxton Panther SPK 203M P3 appears to have been a very camera shy vehicle whilst in the London Country fleet. Photos are rather hard to find, however it is pictured in the ‘Plaxton: A Centenary History’ book by Stewart J. Brown, representing the Elite III bodywork type. Here sister vehicle P5 (SPK 205M) is pictured operating a feeder service for National Holidays ‘All British Tours’ in the early to mid 1980’s. ** I did not take this photo. It is from my collection and is without copyright or acknowledgment markings. **

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]]> Mon Nov 19 2007 50 027 (Lion) - Preserved in Network South East (flat stripe) livery http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404746.html Class 50 motive power - what more can be said! Friday 9 November 2007: Class 50 motive power - what more can be said!

50 0027 front and side Side of 50 027 showing name plate and NSE logo 50 027 moving off towards camera 50 027 going away from camera - hauling blood and custard MK1 stock 50 0027 front and side

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Wiltax orange coaches http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404733.html Standard private hire and contract coaches of the Wiltax fleet Friday 9 November 2007: Standard private hire and contract coaches of the Wiltax fleet

M722 KPD Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier in the yard at Wiltax just about to depart to operate a rail replacement service for First Great Western Link. The 'First' logo is displayed on the LED blinds L214 GJO before re-paint L14 GJO after collection from Motts Coaches of Aylesbury and the removal of their logo and stripes Interior of L214 GJO Drivers cab of L214 GJO Entrance area of L214 GJO L214 GJO rear (before re-paint) Offside shot of L214 GJO. This vehicle is now in the fleet of Alder Valley Travel of Alton, Hampshire. L214 GJO Volvo B10M Jonkheere Deuville LD fresh from re-paint. This was the first proper coach in the Wiltax fleet. A Leyland Tiger (not in fleet livery) appeared a year earlier and was used on a small handful of jobs but was quickly disposed of. Rear of L214 GJO showing graphics including the rear window 'curve' inserts and the sweeping up of the side window line and stripe

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Wiltax double deckers http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404714.html Double deck buses in the Wiltax fleet (past and present) Friday 9 November 2007: Double deck buses in the Wiltax fleet (past and present)

Leyland Olympian Alexander G371 YUR (ex WLT 881) was the first bus into the latest style of Wiltax livery. It is pictured here on the A13 in Benfleet in its return from the paintshop G371 YUR (WLT881) at Optare/Unitec West Thurrock D164 FYM and G805 SMV on rail replacement at Staines station Buses on railway replacement at Staines T124 AUA - DAF DB250LF Optare Spectra on loan from Dawson Rentals pending the delivery of T131 AUA (similar but Plaxton bodied vehicle) C34 CHM - Leyland Olympian sold to Trustline Services C34 CHM lower deck interior C34 CHM upper deck interior Leyland Olympian D164 FYM. (Excellent refurbishment carried out prior to my arrival at the company). D164 FYM lower deck interior. (Excellent refurbishment carried out prior to my arrival at the company). D164 FYM upper deck interior. (Excellent refurbishment carried out prior to my arrival at the company). D164 FYM MCW Metrobus KYV 659X (M659) before withdrawal from the fleet G371 YUR lower deck interior G371 YUR upper deck interior YJB 68T upper deck interior MCW Metrobus VLT 23 (B283 WUL) fresh from repaint into the revised Wiltax livery MCW Metrobus VLT 23 (B283 WUL) fresh from repaint into the revised Wiltax livery VLT23 showing rear branding 'Vintage' Leyland Titan (Park Royal body) YJB 68T. New to Reading Buses this is the 38th Leyland Titan ever built and one of the oldest Titan's still in regular service YJB68T fresh from re-paint shwing rear branding 1978 Leyland Titan in Wiltax fleet MCW Metrobus GYE 449W with all over rear end advert for Wiltax coach and bus hire G371 YUR (ex WLT 881) in the yard Various double deckers in the yard VLT23 interior GYE 449W interior with seat belts Wiltax double deckers in the depot Ex Metrobus, Orpington, Leyland Olympian G805 SMV at Virginia Water station on emergency railway replacement for South West Trains G805 SMV at Virginia Water on railway replacement service for South West Trains G805 SMV rear showing branding G805 SMV lower saloon interior G805 SMV upper deck interior YJB 68T YJB 68T lower saloon interior R382 GTW - DAF DB250/Northern Counties Palatine II on the wash bay in the depot

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Wiltax silver coaches http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404667.html Executive front line coaches operated by Wiltax Friday 9 November 2007: Executive front line coaches operated by Wiltax

L276 HJD (Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier) new to Redwing Coaches and short lived in the Wiltax fleet Y11 HMC - Dennis R Series Plaxton Panther still in Hallmark Coaches Livery (coach was ex Centra) but now with Wiltax fleet names Y334 AUT in Centra livery - rear Y334 AUT in the Centra coaches livery with Wiltax fleetnames applied. This coach was new to Dunn Line, then moved to their Flights division and was aquired by Centra with Flights and then moved to the former Mitcham Belle operation. YN03 WYH was a Volvo B7 with Plaxton Profile bodywork and came into the Wiltax fleet with the aquisition of Centra Coaches. The vehicle was new to Hallmark for a Hotel to Airport contract at Gatwick Airport. The coach is now with Bus Eireann in Ireland Y334 AUT - interior YN03 WYH - Interior Y11 HMC - rear Dennis R Series Plaxton Panther interior (Ex Hallmark coaches) V308 DHC - Iveco minicoach in Centra coaches livery without fleetnames. This vehicle was new to Mitcham Belle The Wiltax coach fleet soon after the aquisition of Centra Coaches Rear of new coach livery (in depot) Y334 AUT in the yard being prepared for service following re-pait into coach fleet livery. Plaxton grill badge and mirror head backs to be fitted. The vehicle next to it shows the old Centra livery. Y335 AUT (Volvo B10M/Plaxton Panther) shows off the new coach livery in the yard at Wiltax New coach livery N/S/F New coach livery N/S New coach livery O/S/R KX56 OVL with branding for EF Tours. This was the first ever brand new vehicle for Wiltax Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther interior

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Wiltax single deck buses http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404663.html Single deck buses operated by with Wiltax fleet (past and present) Friday 9 November 2007: Single deck buses operated by with Wiltax fleet (past and present)

F80 SMC. Leyland Lynx taken in exchange from Trustline Services (C34 CHM) and soon sold on to Mann's Travel, Gravesend Kent Leyland Lynx F80 SMC again DP Interior of F80 SMC Volvo B10M Alexander PS H621 ACK in as aquired condition N419 MPN on rail replacement at Staines Ex Brighton & Hove Dennis Lance Optare Sigma N419 MPN Takeover of Flights Hallmark's Surrey Connect operation publicity shot DP Interior of PDZ 6175 East Lancs National Greenway PDZ 6275 N132 XEG MAN/Marshall C37 on rail replacement duties at Eastleigh N132 XEG MAN/Marshall C37 on rail replacement duties at Eastleigh N132 XEG - The end (rear) N132 XEG - The end. After fire on A3 between Painshill and Esher Takeover of Flights Hallmark's Surrey Connect operation publicity shot 2

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Wiltax DAF Plaxton President double deckers http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404654.html DAF DB250LF Plaxton President bodied double deck buses now operated by Wiltax in single door 72 seat (with seat belts) format. Friday 9 November 2007: DAF DB250LF Plaxton President bodied double deck buses now operated by Wiltax in single door 72 seat (with seat belts) format.

T133 AUA interior - Seat belts fitted T133 AUA interior - Group seating also showing seat belt signs.jpg T133 AUA Off side front (in depot) T133 AUA interior - Upper deck interior T133 AUA Off side front T133 AUA interior - Side facing seats T133 AUA Near side front T133 AUA Near side front

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]]> Fri Nov 9 2007 Vehicle liveries and branding http://busmanager.fotopic.net/c1404653.html Various bus and coach liveries, branding and publicity items which I have designed/produced during my career. Liveries include... 2002 - Thames Bus - Two tone blue (with mustard releif stripe) livery and company logo 2003 - Centra 'origional' - Silver and White livery with blue stripes. Initially for coaches this was later adapted for buses and an allover silver version was introduced for tabled executive specification coaches. 2004 - Centra 'bus' - Red, blue and silver livery. Route branded versions later introduced for routes 472, 71/81, 426/446 and 400. 2004 - Timetrak - Simple block colour livery with new colourful and simple logo and stylised large clock image designed for this small Surrey based operator. 2005 - Jet Coach - An adaption of the already adapted Flights coach livery with a silver base, now using gold stripes with the Jet Coach logo and route branding. 2005 - Minibus Executive Travel 'MET' silver corporate livery - Silver base with graffite grey and black logo and sashes. This was an enhancement of the company's previous white based livery which used a multi-coloured version of the MET logo. 2006 - Wiltax Buses - new 'swooping ball with three flying stripes' logo, modern font typeface and revised vehicle livery striping introduced to replace the previous 1980's style flat stripe logo and livery which was copied from BTS. Various vehicle rear end adverts and branding were also developed. 2006 - Wiltax Coaches - Slver based livery designed to be clean, fresh, modern, simple and to show some relationship to the orange and mustard bus fleet livery. This livery 'plays' with the side window lines of the vehicle to provide a smoother sweeping effect, a concept which has later been trialled with the oranage bus livery on 2 Plaxton President low floor double deck buses in the fleet. Saturday 1 January 2000: Various bus and coach liveries, branding and publicity items which I have designed/produced during my career. Liveries include... 2002 - Thames Bus - Two tone blue (with mustard releif stripe) livery and company logo 2003 - Centra 'origional' - Silver and White livery with blue stripes. Initially for coaches this was later adapted for buses and an allover silver version was introduced for tabled executive specification coaches. 2004 - Centra 'bus' - Red, blue and silver livery. Route branded versions later introduced for routes 472, 71/81, 426/446 and 400. 2004 - Timetrak - Simple block colour livery with new colourful and simple logo and stylised large clock image designed for this small Surrey based operator. 2005 - Jet Coach - An adaption of the already adapted Flights coach livery with a silver base, now using gold stripes with the Jet Coach logo and route branding. 2005 - Minibus Executive Travel 'MET' silver corporate livery - Silver base with graffite grey and black logo and sashes. This was an enhancement of the company's previous white based livery which used a multi-coloured version of the MET logo. 2006 - Wiltax Buses - new 'swooping ball with three flying stripes' logo, modern font typeface and revised vehicle livery striping introduced to replace the previous 1980's style flat stripe logo and livery which was copied from BTS. Various vehicle rear end adverts and branding were also developed. 2006 - Wiltax Coaches - Slver based livery designed to be clean, fresh, modern, simple and to show some relationship to the orange and mustard bus fleet livery. This livery 'plays' with the side window lines of the vehicle to provide a smoother sweeping effect, a concept which has later been trialled with the oranage bus livery on 2 Plaxton President low floor double deck buses in the fleet.

Wiltax drivers room and staff notices Livery drawing for 426/446 Staines-Woking route branding Livery drawing for 426/446 Staines-Woking route branding Livery drawing for route 472 branding in origional style Centra livery - This was to be applied to Dennis Dart T440 EBD prior to the new livery and Mercedes Citaro being introduced Centra livery and route branding on Mercedes Vario Plaxton Beaver II KF02 ZXB for Woking local routes 71 and 81 Volvo Olympian/Alexander Royale M82 MYM is pictured here at the North Weald bus rally shortly after repaint into the new Centra bus livery and shows to good effect the reflective silver stripes. Its LED destination and number display had yet to be fitted at this point. The vehicle is now in the York fleet of Veolia Transport. ** I did not take this photo. It is from my collection and is without copyright or acknowledgment markings. ** Institute of Transport Administration Memebers Journal following re-design and new format Institute of Transport Administration 2006 National Conference image Thames Bus two tone blue livery on Optare MetroRider L620 LJM at Staines Bus Station. (*From my collection - I did not take this photo). Draft 'silver' and updated livery for Thames Bus. This revised livery was drawn up in connection with a number of local bus tenders which were submitted to the local County Council based on the use of low floor buses. This was shortly before the sale of the operation to Centra, thus the livery was never applied to any vehicles. New logo and livery plan for Timetrak Services as applied to their Dennis Dart/Duple Dartline J272 SOC and later adapted for cream coloured Bristol VR and mustard coloured Optare MetroRider. Centra origional bus livery and route 516 branding Bus interior route diagram for route 516 Centra coach hire bus interior advert Centra origional bus livery - entrance area branding (Welcome aboard and Low floor bus) Centra origional bus livery and route 516 branding Centra bus and Hotel Connect Weyfarer ticket rolls with adverts on rear Centra Hotel Connect branding on Mercedes Citaro BU04 EXS for the first Gatwick Airport hotel shuttle route H1 Centra 'Execuitve' all silver coach livery Passenger notices regarding the launch of Centra Stansted and the last minute takeover of the routes of Locallink Buses Centra route 472 new livery and route branding on Mercedes Citaro BU53 AYA Centra route 472 new livery and route branding on Mercedes Citaro BU53 AYA Centra route 472 new livery and route branding on Mercedes Citaro BU53 AYA Centra passenger notices Jet Coach livery - based on the existing 'Flights' coach livery now used with a silver base Wiltax office entrance hall showing new company logo 'The People movers' branding on the rear of WLT881 Rear of Jet Coach livery Another near side shot Near side shot showing swept up rear window using black paint Front of Plaxton President low floor double deck bus livery showing the use of black paint under the front windscreen, between the destination and upper deck window glass and also the use of contravision graphics and black edging around the front door area Double deck livery - enhanced for application to a modern low floor bus 'School transport, railway relacement and Private Hire' branding on the rear of VLT 23 (also on G805 SMV) 'Buses and Coaches for all occasions' branding on the rear of YJB 68T Wiltax coach and bus hire all over rear ad using cartoon buses and green and blue block colouring Silver corporate livery for Minibus Executive Travel (MET) of Watford on a Mercedes Esker Riada minicoach. (*From my collection - I did not take this photo). Offside of executive coach livery Silver based executive coach livery. Note the use of graphics to smooth out the window line of the vehicle at the front and rear Rear end of silver executive coach livery

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]]> Sat Jan 1 2000