The Derby Bus Depot

Fleet News

September 2006

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

Andrews of Tideswell

News:
Thurs 14th:
Andrews have a new Neoplan 14metre Euroliner registered (YN06 FTX) in full fleet livery. They have also had a 14 metre Setra on demo. Thanks Ian.

Arriva Derby

News:
Fri 22nd:
Olympian 4665 is back at Derby. Thanks Richard.

Tue 5th:
The Tiger/Plaxton trainer 9502 (49 XBF) was re-registered (or rather returned to its original registration ) to (F603 CET) this week. The registration (49 XBF) is now carried by Arriva Fox DAF/Optare Spectra 4698 which was previously (L94 HRF). Thanks to John Page for this information.

Fri 1st:
Volvo B7/Hispano Habit demonstrator (BX03 OVZ) is to go to Fox County and be used on the new East Midlands Airport to Leicester Skylink service. This bus was first in service at Derby when new.

Sightings:
Sat 30th:
Minibus 1387 on the 36, and MPD 2217 on the 33.
AMN had MPD 2246 on the lunch run.

Fri 29th:
Dart 2235 on the 11 PP&R.

Thurs 28th:
Excel 2998 on the Sinfin routes. Cheelaston Dart 2233 on the 19/peak time 111's. Alvaston Olympian 4627 on route 29.

Wed 27th:
Excel 2999 on the 109 to Ashbourne, 3605 on the 22. Ram FM Citybus 4354 parked in the Market Place today.

Tue 26th:
Richard reports 2222 on the 33, and Citybus 4336 on the 44 to Alvaston.
Chellaston Dart 2233 on the 109.

Mon 25th:
Richard reports: Citybus 4324 on the 44, spare Olympian 4666 and 4667 on the 45, with branded 4640 on the Sinfin routes. Dart 2090 on the 36.
Dart 2237 on the 38 to Sinfin, 3605 on the 61 to Chellaston.

Fri 22nd:
44/45 branded Olympian 4627 on route 26 to Oakwood this morning.
Richard reports 4393 on the 44 to Alvaston.
Chris reports: MPD 2217 on the 111 PP&R, Chellaston Dart 2234 on the 109 to Ashbourne, and 3605 on the 68. 3604 on route 20!

Thurs 21st:
Citybus 4349 on the 44 to Alvaston, Citybus 4346 on the 60, Dart 2089 on low floor route 60/1/8.
Volvo B10BLEs, 3604 on the 26, 3605 on the 60/1/8. Thanks Chris.

Wed 20th:
East Lancs Dart 2194 on the 37 to Sinfin, and Excel 2998 on the 24 to Oakwood.

Tue 19th:
4323 on the 44, and 2090 on the 36.

Mon 18th:
Olympian 4667 on the Chellaston routes.

Sat 16th:
Citybuses 4343 & 4391 on the 44/45 to Alvaston. Thanks Richard.

Fri 15th:
East Lancs Dart 2198 on route 38, aswell as Dart SLF 2235.
Alvaston Olympians, 4627 on the 37 & 4631 on the 29. 3604 on the 24.

Wed 13th:
Dart 2089 on route 36.

Tue 12th:
Citybus 4389 on the 44 to Alvaston & Excel 2998 on the 109 to Ashbourne! Thanks Chris.

Mon 11th:
DAF 4745 on the 38 to Sinfin, Excel 2998 on the 68.
Dart 2233 on the 38 too.

Sat 9th:
Richard reports Citybus 4341 on the 22 to Oakwood and Olympian 4625 on the 68A to Melbourne. Citybuses 4347 and 4332 were on the 44/45 to Alvaston too.
Excels 2998 on the 29 to Mackworth, 2999 on the 20 to Chaddesden.

Thurs 7th:
Citybus 4330 on the 22 to Oakwood.

Wed 6th:
Citybus 4323 on the 19 to Spondon today! Later replaced by Dart 2229. Thanks Richard.
David reports Excel 2999 on the 26 to Oakwood. 2998 was also out, on route 20 to Chaddesden.

Tue 5th:
East Lancs Darts 2194 on the 37 to Sinfin, 2195 on the 29 to Mackworth, Excel 2998 on the 20 to Chaddesden, and Dart SLF 2229 on the 26 to Oakwood. Minibus 1391 on the 36 to Sunnyhill.

Sun 3rd:
DAF 4745 & 3605 reported on the 44 to Alvaston. Usually Olympians - thanks to David Faircloth for this information.

Sat 2nd:
Pride Park & Ride dart 2215 was on the 109 to Ashbourne (again!) later replaced by 2090!

Fri 1st:
DAF 4734 on the Chellaston routes.
Chellaston Darts 2227 & 2236 on the 26.

Thurs 31st:
Dart 2237 & Volvo B10BLE 3604 on the 26.
Excel 2998 on the Chellaston routes.

Wed 30th:
Richard reports Olympians 4643 & 4666 on the Chellaston routes.
Chellaston Dart 2233 was on the 111 PP&R. Thanks Chris.

Tue 29th:
Richard reports Citybus 4325 & Olympians 4627 & 4666 on the Chellaston routes!!
Citybus 4324 was on the 22 to Oakwood.

Bowers

News:
Sat 29th July:
Both of thier former Trent Dennis Lance Optare Sigmas (N358/9VRC) are for sale.

Doyles

News:
Tue 5th September:
Another Solo has arrived here (W678 DDN), from Bevan of Lydney, Gloucestershire.
Here is a photo in Alfreton Bus Station. (C) John Moore.

Fri 1st September:
TM Travel have lost the contract for the 213/214 (WIRKSWORTH - MATLOCK - SHEFFIELD - MEADOWHALL) to Doyles.

Fri 14th July:
Probably old news but (TAZ 8112) is now with AOT Coaches, Nottingham.

Felix

News:
Thurs 28th:
The Dart was on the Ilkeston Flyer today.

Thurs 21st:
Volvo/Alexander Strider (M301 KRY) on the Black Cat (5pm off Derby). Thanks Jim.

Wed 13th:
Volvo/Alexander Strider (M301 KRY) on the Ilkeston Flyer. This is still in Black Cat livery. Thanks Chris.

Fri 1st:
The Dart was today on route 59.

Glovers

News:
Tues 19th September:
A minibus acquired here is Iveco/Mellor (P13 PSV).

Thurs 29th June:
Another coach here is Volvo B10M/Plaxton thought to be (L776 LUJ) and carries Travel Master names. Thanks Chris.

Harpurs Coaches

News:
Mon 31st July:
Metrobus (B287 WUL) is now withdrawn, and is being used for spares.

Hawkes Coaches

News:
Fri 24th April:
Coach (NBZ ****) has got new black coloured fleet names on the white livery, as has one of the other coaches.

Hulleys of Baslow

News:
Fri 1st September:
Tendered services 63 and 63, Matlock - Ashover - ClayCross have been won from TM Travel. As a result a new short (7.8M) Solo is on order. Coach 10 may also be sold.

Fri 5th August:
The three ex Trent Lances have been on Park and Ride work along the Monsel Trail, due to the Bakewell Show this week. As a result Hulleys were forced to use theyre wonderful! Optare Excel. It is seen in this PHOTO on the 178 to Over Haddon. Thanks to Ian Moorcroft for the photo.

Tue 4th July:
Dennis Javelin / caetano algarve C53F number 8 (H179 EJF) has been sold to Scania coach sales, Worksop.
Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile (C53F), (MX04 AAE) is the replacment from Swan, Chaderton. It has been painted the wrong colour, for photos click below:
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3 Thanks to Ian for this information and photos.

Johnson Bros tours/Redferns Travel

News:
Thurs 21st September:
Another Olympian/ECW has arrived from East Yorkshire, (C536 DAT). And another two from Go Ahead Northern are (C658 LJR) and (C661 LJR).
Thanks to Chris Gaskin for this info.

Wed 20th September:
Six Leyland Olympian/ECW have been purchased from East Yorkshire for recently gained school contracts. These are: (A530 OKH), (A531 OKH), (A532 OKH), (B533 WAT), (B534 WAT), & (B535 WAT). Thanks Chris.

Fri 21st July:
New here is Ford Transit/Optare Bonito mini-coach! (YJ06 YRA).

Fri 14th:
Two more Leyland Olympian/ECW have been acquired, from Go North East, one of them is (C672 LJR).

Littles Travel

News:
Sat 23rd:
A new Solo has arrived here for use on route 9. It is (MX04 VLV) and is in service today!!

Thurs 21st:
National (TAE 638S) on route 9 this week Tues - Thurs this week.

Fri 1st:
National (VKE 565S) was on route 9 in the morning.

Fri 18th August:
National (TAE 638S) on route 9 today during the morning (replaced in afternoon), and all day Thursday.

Midland Classic

News:
Wed 20th September:
Former WMPTE Titan (WDA 4T) is no longer in operation with the company.

Sat 9th September:
Former Petes Travel Dart (K559 PDY) has arrived here and may be a new long term member of the fleet. Click HERE for the photo. It has replaced (K859 PCN) which was on loan here. Photo (C) John Mitcheson.

Tues 29th August:
Minibus (JJZ 3576) has been on loan here but is due to go back any time now.
Former Petes Travel Dart (K859 PCN) has also been on loan, and another (also ex Petes), possibly (K559 PHR), is due here soon on a more perminant basis.
The Metrobus (TOJ 592S) is part way through repaint and can be seen HERE . You can see this bus at Showbus.
Information and photo thanks to John Mitcheson.

T M Travel

News:
Thurs 28th September:
A fourth ex Dublin Olympian here is (L726 SNO).
Volvo coach (R7 TMT) has been sold

Tue 5th September:
One of the new Centros here is (YJ56 KAO), Thanks to Adrian Healy for this information.

Fri 1st September:
Wright bodied Scania (N632 XBU) has been sold to Mayne, Manchester. Dart/UVG (R554 UOT) has also been sold. The other two ex Dublin Olympians have arrived as well. Thanks Chris.

Thurs 17th August:
Two new Centro buses are due here, and should be in service on the 1st September with 56 reg plates.

Fri 5th:
Metrobuses (OJD 822Y), (B161 WUL) and (C331 BUV) have been sold to Speedwell, Glossop for school contracts.
All remaining Metrobuses, (KYV 800X), (OJD 814Y), & (A929 SUL) have been withdrawn.

Another two ex Dublin Alexander bodied Leyland Olympians are due from Ensign's at the end of this month.

On order is a second VDL/Plaxton Centro, due at the end of the month and a pair of Optare Solo's are due in October.

On loan from Mistral (dealer) is white Optare Solo (MX03 YDB). Vario (R107 GNW) was involved in an RTA in the Buxton area on Tuesday while on the 66.

Acquired from Volvo Coach Sales, Loughbrough (dealer) is Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount (KGS 489Y), which is to be preseved by TM. This was new to Travellers, Hounslow.

Wellglade

News:
Thurs 28th
Excel 161 is now in Derby College livery, replacing 153, which is still in the garage at Meadow Rd.
Former Skyline Excel 209, which has been used on the Hospital car park shuttle at Derby, has been withdrawn. Similar 208 has taken up its duties.
Frio Excel 201, and 234 have been based at Dove Holes for a while, one covering for 900 which is meant to be having a new engine, and the other for Skyline refurbishments - which should be about complete! Excel 189 has turned up at Langley Mill.

Tue 19th
10 Excels have been sold to McKindless. Former Mickleover 190-5 and former Skyline 206/7/11/12. 191 and 207 have yet to depart.
161 has entered service on the Derby College Shuttle. It will be painted up for this service soon (probably half term), replacing 153, which is now withdrawn, at least for now.
Solo 440 has returned from repaint in Trent barton livery. The other Long Eaton Xprss Solos are expected to be painted too.
Former Trent VR 836 (BRC 836T) has been sold to Star Line Tours, Hollywood, USA, by Ensign.

Tue 12th
Mickleover Excel 236 is now in service at Derby.
Park & Ride Excel 202 is currently allocated to the Derby College Shuttle in place of 153, which may not return. The contract require a low floor bus fitted with cameras.

Sat 9th
Former Trent Delta 302 is now with Dunn Line (Veolia). It will soon be painted in their red livery. 304 may also arrive here!
236 should be on the Mickleover route next week, which it is now branded for. It was on Langley Mill today, although without blinds.
Excels 161 (ex R5) and 153 (College) & 199 (Frio), all inside Meadow Rd.

Wed 6th
Excel 261 is now the new Skyline livery, and in service from Dove Holes.
Frio Excel 199 parked at Meadow Rd this evening - looks to be withdrawn.
Paladin 127 has some Local Bus fleet names added now, the ones on the side are quite large!

Tue 5th
R5 Excel 161 has turned up at Meadow Rd. College Excel 153 has gone to Langley Mill - will it return? Frio Excel 199 has had its destination blinds removed but was still in service today.
The remaining stored National Express coachs 9/10/1/2/4 (V209/10/1/2 JAL, X914 ERA)have been sold to Bus Eireann. They will gradually depart throughout the week. They are thought to be used on school work.
Paladin 127 is getting Local Bus names added later this week.

Fri 1st
10 Excels are meant to be going to McKindless in Wishaw. Some have already gone, and more are set to go this weekend. 5 are thought to be former Mickleovers 190-5,with the othe 4 expected to be from the V reg Skyline batch, which will soon all be withdrawn.
161, and 263/4 have returned from unitec, after repairs there, and will be painted soon. 161 should replace 153, which may be scrapped due to corrosion. 263/4 will be painted into Skyline livery to replace those from the V reg batch.
The National Express coaches which are stored at Sutton are thought to be sold to an Irish operator.
Frio Excel 201 has joined 199 at Dove Holes. This is due to a shortage there, & possibly due to the sale of a Skyline Excel.

Tue 29th:
10 Excels are expected to go to New Zealand. At least 3 from the former Mickleover batch (190-5) are at McKindless, Wishaw. They are probably being stored there before being shipped out. All 5 of these should go aswell as 4 former Skyline Excels, though this has not been confirmed.
The last 3 Rainbow 4 Excels to be refurnished and repainted for the Skyline 199 service should be ready any time now.
Notts + Derby Paladin 127 has recieved "Local Bus"names for the local bus services that it is used on around Nottingham.
Long Eaton Xpress Solo 440 is at a place in Bestwood for repaint into Trent Barton livery. Thanks Paul.

Sightings:
Sat 30th:
Dart 930 on the Allestree, although taken off later in the day. Both 665/7 on the Mickleover during the morning.
Coach 63 on the RA, and Paladin 121 on the X17 - this being on the 73 earlier in the day! Fri 29th:
Trent Barton Dart 930 on N+D's X17 route to Borrowash replacing 39.
Scanias 665 and 667 on the Mickleover. Excel 233 on the TP, Solo 448 on the Allestree Blue route. 935 on th 71/2. Thanks Jim.
Citybus 739 on the 17 to Duffield, and Dart 899 on the Kinch AL.

Thurs 28th:
Scania 667, Excel 233 and Dart 930 on the Mickleover.
62 & 63 on RA (63 later on TP), 935 on IF, and 448 on Allestree.
Chris reported X17 Vario 299 on suspended tow in Derby yesterday evening (6pm). 39 was on the route most of the day. Asda Paladin 117 was on the Unibus route 6 for at least part of the day.

Wed 27th:
189 at LM on the 1A.
Frio Excel 201 on the Skyline 199.
In Derby Chris reports 233 on the Mickleover and 667 on the 6.3. N+D Excel 152 was on the 73, then the 35.
Solos 447/8 on the Allestree, 897 on the AL, 930 on X38 and 636 on the R4.

Tue 26th:
Chris reports 447/8 on Allestree, 668 - R4, 930 - X38, 39 on the X17 - and 202 still on the college shuttle.
233 on Mickleover, Unibus Lance 365 on the 73 and 899 on the AL.

Mon 25th:
Chris reports: 897 on the AL, Paladins 123 on the D1 Park and Ride today and 136 on the 73.
Perry reports: 233 - Mickleover, 447 - Allestree, 252 - Pronto, 933 - R3, 62 - RA.

Fri 22nd:
Chris reports Excel 233 on the Mickleover, Scania 667 on the 6.1/4/X, and 669 on the R4.
Dart 935 on the X38, 930 on V3, Paladin 128 on Unibus route 6, 665 on Mickleover.
N+D Paladin 136 on the D1 P&R.
Perry reports 252 on Pronto, & Paladin 128 on the "EX" then the S8 "local bus".

Thurs 21st:
Frio Excel 199 back out in service, on the Spondon Flyer. No blinds are fitted in this bus. Parked at the back of Meadow Rd by 6pm though.
Excel 233 on the X38. Thanks Richard.
Scanias 665 and 667 on "the sixes" 6.1/4/X.
Both Volvo Coaches spare at Meadow Rd garage. Kinch Dart 921 in for repair, along with a SF Scania and a Trent Barton Dart, amongst others. Villager Dart 942 also in the garage.
Paladin 125 on Unibus route 6 today & Unibus Paladin 105 on the D1 P&R (202 still on College shuttle). 271 on the X17 late afternoon. Thanks Chris.
Perry reports: That Pronto Excel 256 broke down this morning in Sherwood.
Scania 664 and Solo 440 on the Radcliffe Line, & Excel 252 on the 3b.

Wed 20th:
No sign of 161 - its possible that it is at LM for repaint already! D1 P&R branded 202 & 121 on the Derby College shuttle, as was "Local Bus" Paladin 127.
Excel 189 has had all blinds removed, but was in service on the transpeak today.
Excel 233 was on the Mickleover, before later appearing on the sixes 6.2. 665 also on Mickleover.
Scania 667 on the sixes 6.1/4/X. Dart 946 on the BC, 425 on H1 and Kinch 897 on the AL.

Tue 19th:
Chris reports Coach 63 on the V2 earlier today!
Dart 935 on the R71, 939 on Mickleover along with Excel 233.
Scania 666 on the R4, 667 on the sixes 6.1/4/X.
Asda Paladin 117 on the D1 P&R, & Unibus Olympian 723 on the 17.

Mon 18th:
Dart 949 on the X38 once again, 935 on the V2 and Kinchbus 899 on the AL.
Scania 665 on SF, 667 on the Mickleover then the 6.1/4/X, 668 & 669 on the R4.
Solo 426 on the H1 & Paladin 119 on the D1 P&R. 233 also on Mickleovers.

Fri 15th:
Dart 949 on the X38 once again.
Unibus Lance 367 on the D1 P&R once again, with 202 on the College Shuttle.
Kinchbus had spare Darts 897 & 899 on the AL.
Asda Paladin 117 on the College Shuttle too, later appearing on the extra V3.
Solo 426 on the H1 and Dart 935 was on the 6.3 for a while. Thanks Jim.

Thurs 14th:
Langley Mill Dart 949 is on loan to Derby, on the X38 route today. Thanks Chris.
Dart 936 on the H1. Scania 667 & Solo 448 on the Mickleover & 447 on the 6.1/4/X.
Scania 666 on the R4.
Scania 665 & spare Volvo Coaches 62 & 63 reported on the Red Arrow. 233 on the TP.
Dart 898 on the Rainbow 3 as was 252.
Scania 639 on the BC.

Wed 13th:
Chris reports: Dart 949 on the Amber Line, 367 on the D1 P&R, 122 on the college shuttle and Unibus Olympian 723 on route 17.

Tue 12th:
Dart 930 on the X38 to Burton, whilst 935 was on the TP to Manchester.
Scania 665 on the SF to Spondon, 666 on the R5, & 667 on "the ONE" to Ashbourne.
Solo 447 on the Ilkeston Flyer, then the V3. 448 on the V2. Dart 936 on Amber Line.
N+D have Olympian 716 on route 70, and Unibus Lance 367 on the D1 P&R Ride. P&R Excel 202 on the College Shuttle.
Thanks to Chris for todays sightings.

Mon 11th:
Dart 930 & Scania 665 on the RA. Dart 904 on the 9.1.
Solo 450 on the H1. Excel 233 on the Mickleover, then on the TP. Excel 156 failed in Ashford in the water.
667 replaced 189 on the Mickleover. Scanias 636 & 666 on the R5. 935 on the IF & 946 on the BC.
N+D had Unibus Lance 366 on the D1.

Sat 9th:
Scanias 665/7 were on the Red Arrow aswell as spare Volvo coach 62. 3 RA branded Scania coaches were in Meadow Rd garage.
A spare Dart on the IF. dart 935 and 189 on the Mickleover in the morning.

Fri 8th:
P&R Excel 202 on the Derby College Shuttle.
Dart 946 on the BC.

Thurs 7th:
Scania 667 on the RA, 930 on Mickleover.

Wed 6th:
Dart 930 on the Mickleover, 949 on the H1, and Excel 233 on the TP.
Asda branded Paladin 117 on the 73 to Weston On Trent, and minibus 271 on the X17. Thanks Chris.
Kinch Dart 897 on the AL. TP Excel 156 on the route to Manchester!

Tue 5th:
D1 P&R Excel 202 on the Derby College Shuttle. The branded Excel has gone to LM.
As a result Unibus Lance 365 was on the D1 P&R.
Excel 234 on the Allestree, 665 on Mickleover, 667 on RA and 935 on the TP once again.
Dart 930 on the Allestree then later on the 71. Dart 936 on Amberline, Solo 414 on H1. Thanks to Chris Gaskin for todays sightings.
Frio Excel 199 on the TP this evening, with blinds removed. thanks Scott.
Paul reports Dart 915 on the Radcliffe Line today (also on there on Sun/Mon).

Mon 4th:
Dart 935 on the Transpeak, later joined by 233. Coach 63 was on the long runs to Manchester.
Excel 233 was on the Harlequin for much of the day (then TP), 234 on The Allestree. Thanks Chris
Solo 448 was up in Matlock on the short route 61 trips, whilst Scania 665 was also on the sixes during the afternoon at least.
667 on the RA once again, joined by coach 62.
189 reported on the V2, although back on the Mickleover by the evening.
Dart 930 on the 71, whilst 938 was on the Mickleover.

Sat 2nd:
Long Eaton Xprss Solo 439 was on the Radcliffe Line.
Chris reports: 665 on the RA, 233 - Mickleover, 930 -71, 938 - V2, 404, - 9.2.
Scanias 636 & 666 on the Keyworth Connection.
Dart 901 was also on the nines, and 446 broke down in Ripley at 9:30am - Thanks John.

Fri 1st:
The Unibus Olympian 723 was on the 73 to Weston On Trent. Lance 365 was on the 35. Thanks Chris.
Peter reports, Dart 931 & Unibus Paladins 104/7 on the TP!
665 on the V1/3, replacing 938 which ran in late, and then went back to Meadow Rd!
234 on Mickleover, 457 on H1 and 667 on the RA - again.
Dart 891 on the Hospital Shuttle today - Vario still off the road.

Thurs 31st August:
Scania 667 on the RA again. 107 on the TP (coach working), 441 on Long Eaton Xprss.
930 on Belper routes 71/2.
402 on the nines 9.1 and 447 on the Allestree.
John reports: N+D Dart 892 on the Hospital Shuttle H1 in place of the vario 276. Excel 234 on the Mickleover.

Weds 30th:
All sorts on the Allestree today: Darts 930 & 935, Excel 233 & Solo 448.
Scania 667 on the RA again.
Minibus 39 on the X17. Thanks to Chris Gaskin for todays sightings.

Tues 29th:
Scania 667 on the red Arrow.
233/4 on Mickleover.
Over in Nottingham Paul reports Solo 449 & Trent buses Dart 931 on the Radcliffe Line.
Solo 401 on the Connect, and Frio Excel 201 on the 141 (so hasn't been sold/gone).

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