The Derby Bus Depot

Fleet News

February 2006

Please report any news or unusual sightings to fleetnews@derbybusdepot.co.uk

Arriva Derby

News:
Thurs 23rd:
Richard reports Minibuses 1374/5 now withdrawn from service.

Mon 20th:
Volvo olympian 4641 and another Derby decker are on loan to Burton garage. Thanks Fred.

Fri 17th:
DAF 4718 is now in service. Thanks Dave.
On the former Derwent Link MPDs 2276 is expected to go to Cannock, & 2277 to Thurmaston. Both are now repainted in Arriva livery.

Mon 13th:
MPD 2276 now repainted. not expected to return to Derby, currently at Thurmaston.

Fri 10th:
DAF 4718 has transfered here from Wigston.
The two transbus MPDs are expected to leave Derby soon.

Wed 8th:
Transbus MPD is now back at Derby after repaint into Arriva livery. Thanks Dave.

Mon 6th:
First Stop Travel, Renfrew have acquired 1380 (N480 XRC). Thanks Adrian.

Fri 3rd:
James Boddice has provided some photos of 2221, 2252 and 3606 in Swadlincote - click HERE to see them.
Minibus 1379 has been repainted. With the same amount of cream though!

Thurs 2nd:
Minibus 1380 left the fleet late last year. it was sold to Fleetlink (dealer) in October!!

Tue 31st Jan:
MPD 2221 has gone to Swad, and Dart 2252 has returned to Derby in exchange. Thanks Richard.
Richard also reports that former Derwent Link MPDs 2276/7 are to stay at Derby in the short term. 2276 remains in service on other routes whilst 2277 is away for repaint. 2276 will go for repaint when 2277 returns.
Minibuses 1372/3 should be withdrawn by the end of the week.
The two Volvo B10BLEs here could leave, in exchange for some DAFs from a Leicester garage.
Citybus 4323 has been repainted.

Mon 30th Jan:
The Derwent Link Transbus MPDs 2276/7 will be repainted into Arriva livery now that routes 101/2 have finished. Its not known if they will stay at Derby though. Hinckley now have 3 MPDs surplus too due to the loss of a contract.
2 minibuses should now be spare too due to the 27 route being taken off.
The DAF deckers have now been fitted with new blinds for the revised Oakwood services. 9 buses will be needed for this instead of 8. The 9th bus will probably be a Volvo B10BLE.

Sightings:
Mon 27th:
Chellaston Dart 2237 on the 20 today.
Citybus 4335 on the 45 to Alvaston, Dart 2227 and DAF 4745 on the 38 to Sinfin.

Sat 25th:
Both Excels 2998/9 on the Chellaston routes today. 2999 was later replaced by MPD 2224 after a break down.
"GUM" Dart 2089 and East Lancs Dart 2197 on route 36 today (usually MPDs). Thanks Richard
Darts 2227, 2236 and 2252 on route 20. Volvo B10BLE 3605 on the 26.

Fri 24th:
Chellaston Darts 2234 and 2237 in use on the Sinfin routes (37/8) today. A DAF was on there later too.
MPD 2224 and Excel 2998 on the Chellaston routes.
Citybus 4331 on route 44, and 4327 on route 60!

Thurs 23rd:
Richard reports Citybus 4347 on route 60 and 4334 on route 24!
Chellaston Dart 2236 on route 20. 2226 used on the 26 for a while.

Wed 22nd:
Volvo B10BLE 3604 and Dart 2228 both on the 37/38 Sinfin routes this afternoon.
3605 on the 26 today.

Tue 21st:
Volvo B10BLEs 3604/5 both out on the Oakwood services. 04 on the 26 and 05 on the 22.
Dart 2090 on the 109 to Ashbourne.

Mon 20th:
Richard reports DAF 4745 on the Chellaston routes, and Dart 2090 on route 33 to Littleover.
Michael reports Volvo B10BLE 3604 on the 26 and 3605 on the 24.

Sat 18th:
DAF 4718 on the 22 today, with Volvo B10BLEs 3604 on the 26 and 3605 on the 24 (think theyre the right way round!).
DAF 4739 on the 68 to Melbourne.

Wed 15th:
Minibus 1378 on route 36.
Excel 2999 on the 109 to Ashbourne.

Tue 14th:
Richard reports MPD 2223 and Citybus 4393 on Chellaston route 68!
Citybus 4333 and Olympian 4631 on the 61 aswell!!! These were taken off the high frequency Sinfin routes, due to the Chellaston buses being held up in traffic.
Chellaston Dart 2237 on route 20 along with Excel 2999.
John reports MPD 2222 on route 33.

Mon 13th:
Citybus 4349 on the 60/61 to Chellaston.
Darts 2226 on the 37 to Sinfin and 2252 on the 111 PP&R.

Sat 11th:
20 - Excel 2998.
24 - Volvo B10BLE 3605. DAF 4718 not out yet.
29 - East Lancs Dart 2195, Volvo B10BLE 3604 and a B reg Citybus.
60 routes - Excel 2999.
109 - MPD 2222.
111 - Dart 2226.
Burtons Dart 2092 on the X38.

Fri 10th:
Former London Citybuses 4325 on the 26 (early part of the morning), and 4331 on the 44/45.
Dart 2252 on the 41 and DAF 4739 on the Chellaston routes.

Thurs 9th:
Richard reports Citybus 4321 on the 44s today.
Dave reports Dart 2090 on the 29.

Sun 5th:
Optare Excel 2998 on the oakwood routes.

Fri 3rd:
Excel 2998 on the 109 to Ashbourne.
Richard reports Citybuses 4326 and 4343 on the 45 today and MPD 2276 on the 36 again.

Thurs 2nd:
James reports: Chellaston Dart 2236 and Excel 2998 on the 37/38 to Sinfin.

Wed 1st:
Lynx 3104 (G110 DUG) on driver training.

Tue 31st Jan:
Derwent MPD 2276 on route 36 again today.
1 Volvo B10BLE on the 26, the other on the 22.
Chellaston Dart 2232 on 37/38, with Excel 2198 appeared in the afternoon.
MPD 2218 on 60/61/68, and minibus 1373 on 20!

Mon 30th Jan:
Transbus MPD 2276 (still carries 101 branding) was on the 36 today. This replaced MPD 2221.
Dart SLFs 2226/7 and Dart 2089 were on route 20.
East Lancs Dart 2194 on 40/41, Excels 2198 on 37/38, 2999 on 60/61/68, although one was on the 19 in the morning!

Sat 28th Jan:
Citybus 4324 on the 44/45 again!

Felix

News:
Sat 25th:
Theres a new coach here (YN55 YSF) (not "E" as reported last week). It is thought to be an Irisbus Ivec/Plaxton Paragon, in a red livery!

Wed 15th:
Dart (X711 GJU) on the Ilkeston Flyer (on Thurs 16th aswell), and Volvo was on the BC.

Fri 3rd:
Lynx (J564 URW) on route 59 today.

Tue 24th Jan:
Dart (X711 GJU) were in use on the Ilkeston Flyer today.

Glovers

News:
Mon 19th Dec:
Acquired here from Stagecoach Merseyside (GTL) is Dennis Dart/Alexander (J506 GCD) and is still in GTL red. Thanks Chris.

Hawkes Coaches

News:
Sun 8th Jan:
Ex TWM Metrobuses (D924 NCA) and (B863 DOM) are now painted blue.

Hulleys of Baslow

News:
Fri 20th Jan:
Ian reports that a slim line Optare Solo is on order for March (06 reg). It will have 28 belted seats and have a tacho fitted, and be used for private hire work. The Solo due in March should replace minibus number 1.

Littles Travel

News:
Fri 24th:
National (VKE 565S) out on route 9 this afternoon.

Sat 28th Jan:
Leyland National (VKE 565S) reported on route 9 today.

Mon 23rd Jan:
Leyland National (VKE 565S) reported on route 9 today.

T M Travel

News:
Fri 3rd:
Acquired here is preserved Chesterfeld Corporation, Leyland PSI No 48 (JRA635). It was bought from David Gambles. It will retain Chesterfield green and cream and will attend rallies this year.
Optare Solo (MX03 YDF) is on loan from Mistral (dealer) and is painted all white.
Mercedes Vario (R668 LFV) has lost its Burnley and Pendle livery and is now all red.
Volvo B12B coach (YN03 WXT) has recieved Nova Tours fleetnames.
Thanks to Chris Gaskin for this info.

Sat 28th Jan:
The DAF/Plaxton Centra on order is due for delivery here at the end of March.

Wellglade

News:
Mon 27th :
Varios 292/4 reported to be sold to Norfolk Green.
H1 Solo 435 out in the new green livery. 433 is probably also done, but has not yet been spotted!!
Skyline Excel 260 now in the new livery, and arrived at Dove Holes on Saturday. Similar 159 is now in use on the route.
Excel 189 reported at Meadow Rd on Saturday with desti blinds removed!
Dart 938 is off the road today after a prang with a transpeak coach in Belper garage on Saturday.
Chris informs me that Former Trent Atlantean 577 (LRB577W) is now a smoking room at the Priory Hotel, Nanpantan Road, Nanpantan near Loughborough. This was preserved until recently. In Chris's words "what a waste".

Sat 25th :
Coaches 13 and 15 are thought to be sold - more soon.......
Can anyone confirm the sale of Excel 191 (V191 DRC). Adrian reported it still at LM yesterday.
H1 Solos 434/5 are currently being repainted/refurbished. 434 should now be completed. Excel 246 should also now be out in the new Rainbow 3 livery too.
Former Rainbow 4 Excels 261/263 and 264 parked up untouched at Langley Mill.
It will be interesting to see what eventually happens to the Paladins that are currently in "reserve" at Langley Mill.

Fri 24th :
Former Mickleover Excels 196/7 (V196/7 DRC) have been sold!! They have turned up at Brian Lockwood t/a BL Travel, Hemsworth South Yorkshire, possibly their new operator.
Excel 253 has gone to Unitec to have accident damage repaired.
Former Kinch Excel (P202 BNR) is for sale on ebay if anyones interested!

Mon 20th :
H1 Solos 433 is now repainted and on the road.
434 is reported in the paintshop at Langley Mill, being prepared for their transformation.

Mon 13th :
Solo 432 painted green for the H1! The green is said to be similar to that on the R4 Excels. 432 is not back in service yet.
R4 Excel 261 still at Derby, still carries full branding.
Theres a Feb newsletter on the Trent site, with a few new developments reported in it! TOTO!

Fri 10th :
Optare Tempo 303 was involved in an RTA earlier in the week and has recieved som accident damage.
Two of the newer, refurbished Skyline Excels, 258 and 262 have entered service on the route. 207/10 had accident damage and it could be that these have been replaced.
261 and another Excel destined for Skyline are parked up at Meadow Rd, still in rainbow 4 livery. Paladin 138 remains in use with N+D although Trent buses fleet names are still carried.

Mon 30th Jan:
Skyline Excel 210 is at Meadow Rd with accident damage. Similar 207 also has accident damage and is currently at Langley Mill, along with 225 (also damaged on Skyline!).
Excel 261 parked up at Meadow Rd, still in R4 livery.
The H1 and route 15 repaints/refurbishments seem to have started! the rainbow 3 repaints/refurbishments seem to be going ahead swiftly again too. the Black Cat Excels are also expected to be done too, with the Skyline refurbishments being put back.
No more buses are to be sent to Sri Lanka for the Tsunami appeal, from anywhere in the UK. This is because they require more functional, reliable buses aswell as spare parts!

Mon 23rd Jan:
Former Mickleover Excel 191 is reported to be sold London University for non PSV work.
New look Skyline Excels 258 and 262 have entered service. 259/60 have been painted and are having the interiors done.
241/4 are being repainted and refurbished for the R3.
The Route 15 and H1 Solos are due for refurbishment this year.
Vario 299 has gained N+D names.
Excel 236 is now based at Ashfield. 201 should be withdrawn as a result, although may remain until Pronto branded 255 returns from repair.
Dove Holes Excel 225 also off the road after an accident about 2 weeks ago, when on the 199 Skyline route.
Another 100 are said to be sent to Sri Lanka for the Tsunami appeal. The rest of the MAN Vectas could go. If they will!

Sightings:
Tue 28th Feb:
Dart 922 now back at Meadow Rd, on the Villager routes Monday evening.
Chris reports, Scanias 665/7 on the Mickleover and Excel 233 on the one.
N+D Olympian 716 on the 17.
Paul reports: Excel 234 (X234 WRA) on the Transpeak, Scanias 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 1, and 666 (FH54 VRY) on the Cotgrave Connection.

Mon 27th:
Dart 939 and Excel 233 on belper routes 71/2. Excel 234 on the transpeak.
Solo 448 on the V2, Dart 917 on V1/3. Scanias 665/7 on the Mickleover.
On the H1, unbranded Solo 450, and green 432/5. 4th bus anyone?
Chris also reports N+D Paladin 101 on the 35 (usual Excel 152 out later), Olympian 712 on the 17A, and Dart 892 on the Hospital Hopper (H1 route). Branded 950 was parked at the back of Meadow Rd later today, and was at LM for a chassis wash last Sat.
In Nottingham Paul reports 637 on the R1. Also in Nottingham Excel 253 was on the Pronto, Scania 669 on the Keyworth Connection and Solo 401 on the 141.

Sat 25th:
Adrian reports that H1 Solo 433 broke down in Derby yesterday. Solo 450 also on the H1.
Excel 233 once again on Belpers routes 71/2.
In Nottingham Neil reports Excel 236 on the Pronto, with no destination on display!
Sam reports Dart 928 on suspended tow between Buxton and Bakewell! Coach 61 was also took off the Transpeak, in the afternoon Unibus Paladin 103 running from Dove Holes to Manchester and back, before being replaced by branded Excel 158. At least this shows a destination!!
Dart 922 is at Dove Holes, on the local town services today.
Excels 207/10 (accident damaged) are no longer used on the Skyline. 258/62 have replaced them. 207 is at LM.
Additional ones courtesy of John are:
Darts939 on the V1/V3, 917 V2, Excel 234 and Scania 667 on the Mics (221/231 off), 665 on the SF. 447 on the Allestree, 63 RA and 916 route 125.

Fri 24th:
Excel 233 and Dart 938 on the Belper routes 71 and 72 today.
Scania 665 on the Spondon Flyer, 667 on the Transpeak (Nottingham to Buxton workings).
Darts 922 and Belpers 939 on the Derby to Burton Villager routes today.
Dart 914 on the H1 alongside a Trent buses Solo (cant remember no!) and repaint 432.
Scanias 637 on the 125, a Barton bus, Dart 916, also making an appearance in Derby on this route. Excel 234 on the Mickleover.
In Nottingham Barton Dart 945 was on the Keyworth Connection!! Thanks Paul. Scania 639 on the R1 too.

Thurs 23rd:
John reports Dart 937 back in Derby, in use on the V1/3. Scania 665 was on the Spondon Flyer.
Solo 414 on the H1 to Heanor today.

Wed 22nd:
Chris reports Solos 426 on the H1 and 448 on the Allestree.
N+D Dart 892 on the Hospital Shuttle H1 today, with Dart 950 reported in the garage at Meadow Rd, where Xprss Solo 438 was in for testing.
Scania 636 on the Calverton Connection and coach 63 on the Red Arrow.

Tue 21st:
Fred reports: Dart 907 on the Black Cat, Excels 233 on the Transpeak, 234 on the Mickleover and Kinchbus Solo 436 on the Airline Shuttle once again!
Scania 665 on "the one" and 667 on "the sixes" (6.1/6.4/6.X).
Chris reports Dart 931 on the H1 and Belper dart 939 on the V1/3! 917 on the 71/2 in its place.
N+D Dart 891 on the Hospital H1 route again in place of MPD 950!
In Nottingham Paul reports Frio Excel 201 on the 141 route! Scania 637 on the R1 and Excel 253 on the R3.

Mon 20th:
A shortage of Low Floor buses at Dove Holes garage meant that a step entrance Unibus Paladin was used! it was later replaced by Dart 922, from Meadow Rd, this bus being used on the transpeak earlier in the day.
Derby College branded Excel 153 was on the Nottingham to Hucknall EX route.
Chris reports: N+D Dart 891 on the Hospital route H1 today. Paladins 111 on route 17 and 119 on the 73 to Weston on Trent.
Trent Dart 936 on the Black Cat, Solo 447 and Excel 234 on the Mickleover.
Scanias 666/9 on the Rainbow 4. Thanks John.
Scania 665 on the Red Arrow, 668 on the Cotgrave Connection, dart 907 on route 15, 898 on the Rainbow 3B and Excel 252 on the Pronto.
Kinchbus Solo 436 on the Airline Shuttle.

Sat 18th:
Trent Excel 189 back at Derby (after its absence) parked alongside R4 Excel 261 at Meadow Rd.
Solos, 447 on the Ilkeston Flyer and 457 on the H1.
The three N+D Excels (152/3, 202) on the P&R as usual for a Saturday.

Fri 17th:
Jim reports Kinch Solo 436 on the Airline Shuttle.
Chris reports Scanias 665 - Spondon Flyer, 666 - Rainbow 4, 667 - Red Arrow. Excel 234 on the Mickleover, with Paladin 124 N+D on route 17A.
Sixes Scania 685 broke down on Over Lane in Belper this afternoon.
In Nottingham Paul reports Scanias 666 Cotgrave Connection, 637 - Rainbow 1.

Thurs 16th:
John reports Dart 922 on the V1/3, and Solo 448 on the V2. Excel 234 on the Mickleover and coach 63 leaving Meadow Rd with 90 on the blind (N+D schools working!).

Wed 15th:
Chris reports Scanias 638 on the 125 and 667 on the Allestree.
Excel 233 on the V3, Dart 949 on the H1, and coaches 62/3 on the RA.
In Nottingham Paul reports Scanias 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Cotgrave Connection, 637/9 (FD53 WWJ/L) both on the Rainbow 1, 664 (FN54 AEC) on the Rainbow 2, and 666 (FH54 VRY) on the Radcliffe Line.

Tue 14th:
Solo 450 and Dart 934 on the H1. The repainted Solo 432 was out too!
Excel 234 and Dart 922 on the V1/3, and Solo 448 on the short 6.1 working.
Chris reports N+D Olympians 712 and 716 on route 17 (Asda buses 117/717 also reported on here). Vario 299 back out on the X17, although dart 891 was also used.
Trent buses liveried Paladin 138 on N+D route 73. Paladin 136 had the engine cover removed at Meadow Rd today.

Mon 13th:
Dart 935 and Solo 425 on the H1 today.
Spare Darts 917 on the 71 and 922 on the V1/3, Excel 233 on the Mickleover.
N+D Dart 891 on the X17 and Asda Olympian 717 on the 17.
Volvo Coaches 62/3 (R63 RAU) and Scania 667 on the Red Arrow. Thanks Jim.
Paul reports: Excel 252 (Y252 DRC) on the Calverton Connection, Scanias 639 (FD53 WWL) on the Rainbow 1, 664 (FN54 AEC) on the Rainbow 2.

Sat 11th:
Calverton Connection Scania 627 replaced by 669 at Nottingham this morning. 627 was at Meadow Rd Derby at 12 noon before heading back to Sutton. Thanks Jim.
Solo 447 and Dart 917 on Belper routes 71 and 72. 447 later replaced by Dart 938.
Solos 432/3 missing off the H1. Dart 936 and Solo 450 out in their places.
Scania 667 and Coach 63 out on the Red Arrow.
Dart 922 and Solo 448 on the V1/3.
N+D had Excels 152/3 and a Paladin on the D1 P&R. No sign of the branded Excel. Vario 297 on the X17.

Fri 10th:
Chris reports: Scania 665 on the "One Derby - fast", Vario 297 on the X17.
Paul reports: Scania 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 1.

Thurs 9th:
Darts 917 and 922 on the 71/2 Belper town services.
Excel 234 on the short Transpeak workings.
Over in Nottingham Paul reports: Scania 639 (FD53 WWL) on the Rainbow 1, & Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line.

Wed 8th:
Kinch Dart 899 (former BF bus) on the Airline Shuttle. Thanks Jim.
Excel 234 on the Spondon Flyer, Dart 922 on V3 and Solo 450 on the H1.
Vario 284 on the X17 - thanks Chris.
Paul reports: Scania 666 (FH54 VRY) on the Xprss, Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line, & Scania 639 (FD53 WWL) Rainbow 1.

Tue 7th:
John Y reports: Branded 262 and Trent buses Excel on 199 Skyline.
John reports Solo 448 on the V2 this morning.
Chris reports ASDA Paladin 117 on the 17 today and Darts 891 on the 73 and 915 on the 125.
Paul reports Scanias 638 (FD53 WWK) on the Rainbow 1 & Scania 669 (FH05 TKJ) on the Cotgrave Connection.
Neil reports Excel 236 on the Pronto with just "P" in the blind.
Paul reports: Scanias 639 (FD53 WWL) and 664 (FN54 AEC) both on the Rainbow 1, & 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 2.

Mon 6th:
John reports a Dart on the 199 Skyline route this evening.
Paul reports Kinchbus Excel 229 (X229 WRA) being towed into Manvers St.
Paladin 109 on the Derby College Shuttle, dart 917 on the 71 and 922 on the V2.
Excels 233/4 reported on the Mickleover. Excel 201 (V201 ENU) on the Rainbow 3, Scanias 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Cotgrave Connection, 664 (FN54 AEC) on the Rainbow 1.

Sat 4th:
N&D Paladin 119 on D1 park & ride, along with Excels 152/3.
Excels 233 on the one, 234 and Scania 667 on Mickleover.
Solo 448, and Dart 917 on the 71/2 to Belper. Scania 665 also used on here for a time.
Solo 426 on H1, and Dart 922 on Villager V2.

Fri 3rd:
Paul reports Scania 664 (FN54 AEC) on the Rainbow 1.

Thurs 2nd:
James reports: Solo 450 and a Trent Barton Dart on the H1. Scania 667 on the sixes, 6.1.
Chris reports that N+D Vario 299 broke down on the X17 in Borrowash. It was replaced by Dart 892.
Excel 233 on "the one" and Solo 447 on "the Allestree. Former Mickleover Excel 195 on driver training.
Paul reports Scania (637 FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 2.
Scania 668 (FH05 TKJ) on the Keyworth Connection & 669 (FH05 TKK) on the Cotgrave Connection.
Mark reports Scania 639 on the 125.

Wed 1st:
Scania 667 on "the sixes" 6.2. Dart 922 on the V1/3.
A trent barton coach on the transpeak.

Tue 31st Jan:
Coaches 62 and 63 on the transpeak, although 63 was taken off and replaced by 56 at Derby. Thanks Jim.
Solo 466 and a Trent buses Solo on route 15.
Chris reports Solo 423 on the H1, Scania 667 on the Red Arrow and Excel 234 on "the one". N+D had Paladin 101 on the 17.
John reports Dart 922 on the V1/3.
Paul reports: Scania 666 (FH54 VRY) on the Cotgrave Connection, Scania 669 (FH05 TKK) on the Keyworth Connection.
Paul reports Scania 664 (FN54 AEC) on the Rainbow 1.

Mon 30th Jan:
Chris reports that Unibus Lance 367 replaced 299 on the X17.
Citybus 738 (Arriva livery) on the Derby College Shuttle, and Olympian 716 on Unibus route 6.
Excel 233 on the transpeak, Solo 450 on the H1 and N+D had Paladin 109 on route 17.
Darts 917/22 on the V1/3, thanks John.

Sat 28th Jan:
Jim reports Scania 667 on route 71!
Fred West reports Solo 447 on the V1/3 and Dart 922 on the V2. Excel 233 on the Mickleover and Darts 931 H1, 934 Black Cat.
Excel 234 on the V1/3 too.
In Nottingham Paul reports: Volvo Coach 62 (R62 RAU) on the Transpeak, Scanias 636 (FD53 WWH) & 668 (FH05 TKJ) on the Cotgrave Connection, and Scania 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 1.

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