Wednesday 29 June 2016

‘Scene’ ‘North of the Border 2’ on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

A recent short break in Scotland produced a variety of images. Some, I thought were a bit special.

 

So this is the second in a short series. Let me know if you like them.

 

‘Scottish citylink’ (Sc) service 915 runs from The Isle of Skye via Fort William and Glen Coe to Glasgow. This image was taken in Fort William

 

Like ‘national express’ in England, ‘Sc’ is operated by individual company’s that are contracted by ‘Sc’ to run the services to ‘sc’ standards using ‘Sc’  branded vehicles.

 

West Coast Motors’ fleet is part of the ‘Craig of Cambeltown’ (CC) operation and is numbered as such.

 

For part 1 see blog published 18 June 2016.

 

 

YN15 EKD ‘West Coast Motors’ 11512 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


YN15 EKD ‘West Coast Motors’ 11512 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

YN15 EKD ‘West Coast Motors’ 11512 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


YN15 EKD ‘West Coast Motors’ 11512 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

YN15 EKC ‘West Coast Motors’ 11511 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


YN15 EKC ‘West Coast Motors’ 11511 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

YN15 EKC ‘West Coast Motors’ 11511 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


YN15 EKC ‘West Coast Motors’ 11511 (Scottish citylink) Scania K360B4 / Irizar i6 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

Saturday 25 June 2016

‘Scene’ in Matlock on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

It is nearly 3 years since I last wrote about Matlock and the article is still available on ‘The Focus Transport’ website under the heading of 

 

‘Matlock ! Which bus station do I use ??’

 

I put forward the point of view that this Derbyshire town with two bus stations and a bus lay-by could be confusing to the unwary who were not sure of which bus to catch where.

 

Suffice to say, the situation remains much the same today. 

 

Only (some of) the buses have changed.

 

The locals know the ropes but I have only recently found a passenger waiting at the wrong bus station for a bus to Chesterfield.

 

So, if you are visiting the town, make sure you know where you catch the bus home.

 

The old bus station (obs) was built at the side of a Supermarket on the main road.

 

In this view, a ‘Stagecoach Gold’ double decker is loading for its journey first to Chesterfield and then on to Sheffield.

 

The lay-by (L-b) is seen to the right of the picture.

 

Matlock Old Bus Station on Dennis Basford's 'railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

Across the river Derwent lies the new bus station (nbs)  which stands in front of the railway station.

 

The building of the ‘nbs’ came about when ‘Sainsburys’ built a new Supermarket seen just to the right.

 

Matlock New Bus Station on Dennis Basford's railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

I have mentioned the railway station, so we had better have a look at it.

 

Once a stop along the line from Derby to Manchester it is now the terminus of the branchline that starts at Ambergate junction.

 

It is also the Southern end of the preserved ‘Peak Rail’ operation that continues up the valley to terminate at Rowsley which when I was a lad was a substantial British Railways MPD.

 

156401 ‘East Midland Trains’ Class 156 on

Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

156401 ‘East Midland Trains’ Class 156 on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

A 2 car diesel unit about to depart for Derby and then on via Nottingham to Newark Castle.

 

So, to the buses.

 

There are a number of local routes that radiate out from Matlock to serve a range of hamlets and villages.

 

MX59 AVT ‘G & J Holmes’ (Clay Cross) Optare Solo on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

MX59 AVT ‘G & J Holmes’ (Clay Cross) Optare Solo on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

‘G & J Holmes’ of Clay Cross use the ‘Hallmark’ branding.

 

On its way to Hackney, the bus is driven by Andrew Bagshawe, a fellow member of the ‘Transpire’ transport group based in Chesterfield.

 

Andrew has recently become Assistant Operation’s Manager at ‘Holmes’. A more dedicated bus enthusiast you could not find.


FP51 GXT ‘TM Travel’ 434 Optare Solo on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

FP51 GXT ‘TM Travel’ 434 Optare Solo on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk Scene’ in Matlock on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

The bus originated with fellow ‘WG’ member ‘trentbarton’ (tb) and is on its way to Matlock Bath, Cromford and then Bonsall.


 

EK51 XXE ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ Dennis Dart MPD / Plaxton MPD on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

EK51 XXE ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ Dennis Dart MPD / Plaxton MPD on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


On its way to Bakewell (service 172) but going there via a number of villages that lay to the West of the A6.


 

YJ12 NAU ‘trentbarton’ 500 Optare Solo SR on

‘Dennis Basfords ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspt.co.uk


YJ12 NAU ‘trentbarton’ 500 Optare Solo SR on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

‘tb’s ‘the sixes’ links Derby with Bakewell via Matlock. 

 

A service from Wirksworth into Matlock is marketed as the ‘little sixes’ because it follows some of the same route.

 

Normally, the preserve of a route branded Solo, for some reason this ‘Mango’ branded bus has been substituted.

 

YX11 CSY ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ (HoB) ADL Dart SLF / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

YX11 CSY ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ (HoB) ADL Dart SLF / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Working for ‘HoB’ but as yet without titles, leaves on an earlier service 172. Previously the bus worked for ‘Whitelaws of Stonehouse’ in Scotland.

 


 

PL06 TFZ ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ Dennis Dart SLF / MCV Evolution on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

PL06 TFZ ‘Hulleys of Baslow’ Dennis Dart SLF / MCV Evolution on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

On service on the 63 which is one of two routes linking Matlock with Chesterfield although via Clay Cross and Ashover.

 

The bus now in its seventh year with ‘Hulleys’ came via North West Bus Rentals.

 

 

Until October 2015, ‘yourbus’ of Heanor were big players in Matlock but in a re shuffle of routes at Derbyshire County Council’s instigation a number of them passed to ‘Littles’ of Ilkeston.

 

They use a small fleet of ‘ADL’ Enviro 200’s on the 140 to Alfreton, the 141 to Ripley and the 150 to Clay Cross via Alfreton.

 

SN65 OFA ‘Littles of Ilkeston’ ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

SN65 OFA ‘Littles of Ilkeston’ ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

SN65 OEY ‘Littles of Ilkeston’ ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

SN65 OEY ‘Littles of Ilkeston’ ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 / ‘ADL’ Enviro 200 on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


 


‘TM Travel’ used to operate a service from Matlock to Sheffield via Chatsworth House. 

 

This was re vamped in 2015 to include a link with Bakewell. 

 

For various reasons, the decision was taken to split the route using the 218 route number for a Bakewell to Sheffield service where some of the buses run direct and others run via Chatsworth House.

 

To maintain the link from Matlock to Sheffield, service 217 was introduced which runs from Matlock to Chatsworth house where it connects with the 218. 

 

Seen on service 217.

 

V405 JTO ‘TM Travel’ 405 Optare Solo on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

V405 JTO ‘TM Travel’ 405 Optare Solo on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


An Optare Solo that originated in the related ‘tb’ fleet reverses in the ‘nbs’ before the start of its next journey.

 

This particular bus was one of the first batch of Solo’s delivered to ‘tb’ and is now 16 years old making it one of the oldest Solo’s in service anywhere.

 

MX62 GVL ‘yourbus’ Wright Streetlite W/F on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

MX62 GVL ‘yourbus’ Wright Streetlite W/F on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


 

‘yb’ operate two services to Ashbourne the 110 and the 111. They travel different routes but the 111 serves Carsington Water and during the summer sees reasonable loads.

 

During the Winter however passengers can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

 

Again seen in the ‘nbs’.



There are a small number of routes that go further afield.


YN64 AOF ‘Stagecoach Yorkshire’ 15195 Scania N230UD / ADL Enviro 400 on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

YN64 AOF ‘Stagecoach Yorkshire’ 15195 Scania N230UD / ADL Enviro 400 on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Seen working on the ‘Stagecoach Gold’ service X17 to Chesterfield then Sheffield seen departing the ‘obs’.

 

I am something of a regular on this service for no other reason that when out of the towns and city the scenery is superb. Another must do journey.

 


YX65 RGO ADL ‘High Peak Buses’ 527 Enviro 200 / ADL Enviro 200 on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

YX65 RGO ADL ‘High Peak Buses’ 527 Enviro 200 / ADL Enviro 200 on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

‘High Peak Buses’ (HPB) ‘transpeak’ service links Derby to Buxton with alternate hourly services going on to Manchester.

 

Interestingly, although the service is always worked as a ‘HPB’ service the legal titling on the buses is shown as ‘Bowers Coaches’ who became part of ‘Centrebus’ who with ‘tb’ are the joint owners of ‘HPB’. Seen in the ‘nbs’.

 

 

FN04 HSK ‘High Peak Buses’ 690 Scania L94UB / Wright Solar Urban on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

FN04 HSK ‘High Peak Buses’ 690 Scania L94UB / Wright Solar Urban on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Previously a member of the ‘trentbarton’ fleet.

 

 

FJ55 BZS ‘trentbarton’ 690 Scania L94UB / Wright Solar Urban on

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

FJ55 BZS ‘trentbarton’ 690 Scania L94UB / Wright Solar Urban on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

A Scania L94UB with Wright Solar Urban bodywork seen in the ‘L-b’ working on the previously mentioned ‘the sixes’ service that links Derby to Bakewell via Wirksworth.

 

These buses, that were ‘refreshed’ in 2014 must be approaching the 1,000,000 kilometere mark by now.

 

 

 

Matlocks local coach operator is ‘Slacks Holidays’ who work from a depot at Lumsdale just off the Chesterfield Road.

 

The current fleet livery is dark green with gold lettering which although it does not sound very exciting is actually very elegant.

 

N75 FWU KV & GL Slack’ DAF SB 3000 / Van Hool Alizee on 

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

N75 FWU KV & GL Slack’ DAF SB 3000 / Van Hool Alizee on  ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Seen in an earlier livery on the bridge crossing the river Derwent.

 

Considering that this vehicle is now 21 years old, its condition is a credit to its owners.

 

 

YJ06 FZG ‘Mansfield Road Baptist Housing Association’ Optare Alero on much

‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

YJ06 FZG ‘Mansfield Road Baptist Housing Association ’ Optare Alero on ‘Dennis Basfords’ railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Not one of Optare’s major successes. 

 

The Alero was intended as a small bus that with a flat floor and easy loading that would attract customers in the welfare sector also. 

 

It could be said that it was the first of the Mercedes-Benz Vario replacements.

 

Seen sheltering in the shade of the trees in the ‘nbs’.

 

This one has done well to get to 10 years old !


Thursday 23 June 2016

‘Scene’ at ‘Transpire’s Peak Park Preserved Bus Gathering 2016 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

I do not attend many bus rallies because I find more than enough in the current scene to keep me busy. 

 

However once a year ‘Transpire’ the Chesterfield based enthusiasts group holds its own event which for the last few years has been held at the ‘Peak Rail’ site at Rowsley in Derbyshire.

 

I have been a member for many years and have rarely missed so as usual, this year I went along and of course the camera went with me.

 

Being Sheffield born and bred, growing up in ‘Sheffield Transport’s cream and blue era, there was only one star for me.

 

The last of a batch of 20 delivered in 1953 and looking fantastic after 63 years. Marvellous !!

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann on Dennis Basford’s ‘roadsrailsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /2

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /2 on Dennis Basford’s ‘roadsrailsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /3

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /3 on Dennis Basford’s ‘roadsrailsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /3

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

RWB 87 ‘Sheffield Corporation Transport’ 687 Leyland Titan PD2/12 / Weymann /4 on Dennis Basford’s ‘roadsrailsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

Saturday 18 June 2016

‘Scene’ ‘North of the Border 1’ on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

A recent short break in Scotland produced a variety of images. Some, I thought were a bit special.

 

So this is the first in a short series. Let me know if you like them.

 

Seen in a soggy Inverness, This Spanish registered coach was a long way from home.

 

The IVECO Magelys has been voted ‘The International Coach of the Year 2016’ by 

‘The International Bus & Coach of the Year 2016 Commitee.

 

4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys 

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys  on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 


4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /2 

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk



4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /2  on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’ 4450 JCD 475

 

 

4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /3 

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /3  on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’



4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /4

on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


4450 JCD ‘Autocares Casal’ 475 IVECO Magelys /4 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

Tuesday 14 June 2016

‘Scene’ in Oxford Part 2 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

For Part 1, see blog dated 28th May 2016. 

 

Oxford is one of those places that I never get tired of. 

 

The place heaves with activity. 

 

The University, The museums, the river and all the people involved in the activity require transport.

 

Sometimes by train but mainly, fortunately, by bus and sometimes coach.

 

A lot of visitors use one of the open top tour buses.

 

HD11 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 304 ADL Enviro 400 Hybrid on

Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

The ‘Oxford Bus Company’ (OBC) being part of the ‘Go-Ahead’ group.

 

Seen in the green ‘park ride’ livery.

 

HD11 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 304 ADL Enviro 400 Hybrid on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

HE11 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 305 ADL Enviro 400 Hybrid on

Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Showing the offside which includes the location of the ‘park ride’ sites.

 

HE11 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 305 ADL Enviro 400 Hybrid on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’


SK15 HDC ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 10439 Dennis Trident 2 / ADL Enviro 400 MMC on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

SK15 HDC ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 10439 Dennis Trident 2 / ADL Enviro 400 MMC on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

TF10 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 228 Scania N230UD / ADL Enviro 400 on

Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

It previously worked in the red ‘city’ livery.


TF10 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 228 Scania N230UD / ADL Enviro 400 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro appears in the ‘OBC’ fleet in a variety of liveries

 

AF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 839 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Seen on the branded city6 route.

 

AF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 839 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

CF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 841 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Seen on the branded city6 route.

 

AF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 839 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

DF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 842 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Seen on the branded city4 route.

 

DF55 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company’ 842 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

MC52 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 824 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


MC52 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 824 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

RF56 OXF ‘Thames Travel’ 853 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

‘Thames Travel’ like ‘OBC’ being part of the ‘Go-Ahead’ group.

 

RF56 OXF ‘Thames Travel’ 853 Mercedes-Benz Citaro on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’


OU12 FFV ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 15831 Scania N230UD / Alexander Enviro 400 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Working an S3 ‘Gold’ service to Woodstock

 

OU12 FFV ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 15831 Scania N230UD / Alexander Enviro 400 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’


YM15 FPT ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 28746 Scania 230UB / Alexander Enviro 300 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

‘Gold’ liveried working back to its home base at Banbury on th S4.

 

 

YM15 FPT ‘Stagecoach Oxfordshire’ 28746 Scania 230UB / Alexander Enviro 300 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’

 

R4 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 354 Volvo B5LH / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk


R4 OXF ‘Oxford Bus Company 354 Volvo B5LH / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’


YX64 WCD 54301 ‘Stagecoach East’ 54301 Volvo B11R / Plaxton Elite 14m on

Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk

 

Working in on the lengthy X5 service from Cambridge.

 

YX64 WCD 54301 ‘Stagecoach East’ 54301 Volvo B11R / Plaxton Elite 14m on Dennis Basford’s ‘railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’