East Anglia Bus Blog

Service Withdrawal

2011-01-20T13:33:00.000Z

With immediate effect passengers are advised that the current service is being withdrawn. A skeleton service will be run by EAbus fotopic. Alternative services are available from other operators:

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

EABus

End of an era

2011-01-20T13:29:00.000Z

The blog which started it all is coming to a close.

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has read and contributed to this blog over the last couple of years. It is with some sadness I make this announcement. This blog has inspired many others to start blogging and I wish them every success. It will remain online as an archive for people to refer to.

There are many reasons why this blog is ending. The first is it has served its purpose. It was created for me to post observations and general musings. The main theme was FEC's X2 route, however I use this less than once a month now so do no observe what is going on. I rarely see any buses other than Anglian ones doing light runs. I spend more of my life on the train now. I also have little free time with working, family life, looking for a proper job and all those little things which need doing. I also am part of the Admin team on Anglia and Thames Valley Bus Forum so have chosen to devote my “bus time” to this. I encourage readers who are not already to come and join us.

Thank you once again for reading.

Best wishes,
Sam

X2 Summary 2010

2011-01-20T13:21:00.001Z

January-April
The beginning of 2010 saw many of the usual vehicles return; the Royales and Palatines and old friend THE BEAST 20107. the M-SBA darts appeared a few times. Geminis made a large handful of appearances (except in March where few seemed to venture out) both of the Lowestoft and Kings Lynn breeds.

On 09/02 loan B9TL covering for 37571 37562 FJ08FYN strayed off its usual K17 X1 diagram onto 007 schools and the 17:28 X2 to Lowestoft. The next day (10/02) 60863 R641CVR also of X1 fame from Yarmouth worked the 7:08 commuter turn into the city and return.

April saw faithfully 60306 M511PNA finally being withdrawn. It last worked the X2 on 22/04 doing the 6:38 from Lowestoft and 8:38 return. 20127 P767XHS visited from Yarmouth (probably having stayed overnight at Lowestoft off the X1s) and worked the 8:03 to Norwich and return at 9:38.

May-August
May 6th saw Triaxle Olympian from Yarmouth 30097 K481EUX (now all withdrawn) work the morning X2 schools to SJLHS. The first B7TL President (ex-London) worked on 30th being 32207 LT52WTN. This operated the 11:38 to Norwich and 13:10 return.

The next day 32212 LT52WTV failed on the 13:10 from Norwich just before The Feathers. A timetable change happened at the end of June resulting in an extra 2 minutes being added to the running time, buses arriving into Norwich at 00/30 past the hour and leaving at 10/40.

Royales carried on working most of the journeys complimented by Palatines Gemini's and a sole President; 32207.

September-December
September saw the Royales leave the route. All 7 were transferred over to Yarmouth with the rest of the B7TL Presidents coming the other way. The route became entirely low floor, except for the occasional Palatine working – these survived into 2011 just but with cancellation of daytime 99 on 16/01/11 how long they last remains to be seen.

The route gained competition from AnglianBus at the beginning of September with their hourly Lowestoft-Beccles 525. This started with ex-Menzies Scania Sds, however now Wright Streetlites are used. The school portion of the route was cancelled with Anglian working 3 separate journeys with slight different routes numbered 525A/B/C.

A daily B7TL Gemini visitor become very common. The year finished however just how it started. 34112 W432CWX came back to Lowestoft on loan. On Christmas Eve it was noted working the 11:08 to Norwich and return journey at 12:40.

2011 could be a year of change for the X2. The last few has seen a number changes occurring It could, however, stay as is ticking over being full low floor. This will all depend on the X1. As nothing seems to be happening and I don't use the route much I will no longer be logging journeys. Any unusual turns will appear on the Anglia and Thames Valley Bus Forum.

Sam

Update

2010-10-03T08:34:00.000+01:00

Hi All,
Haven't really updated this in a very long time. Same reasons as before really, I'm not using the X2 anymore (only on the odd Friday) so don't have much to report. However, I have missed 2 main things. The first is the Royales, these are now based at Yarmouth (although I'm told can occasionally appear still!). These have been replaced with Volvo B7TL Plaxton Presidents 32207-14 LT52WTN/O/R/U/V/W/X (excluding 32209 LT52WTP at NOR). It's a sad day to see the Royales go.

The other news is competition. Many of you will remember this post, well Anglian must have been watching as from 06/09/10 service 525 Beccles-Lowestoft was launched with an hourly frequency to Beccles and inter-hourly to Carlton Colville (although I don't think it actually goes there...) SD Ex-Menzies Scanias are used although the E300 was used on the first day.

There will be one more post on this blog; this will be in the new year to wrap up 2010. From then on I plan to not make anymore posts, unless something comes up which is worth commenting on. Thank you all for your time reading this over the years I have been writing. For all your bus news may I recommend the sites in the links section.

Sam

Anglia Plus 3 in 7: Trip 1 & 2

2010-06-29T11:43:00.000+01:00

As I haven't been to Ipswich before I decided to go and catch up on all their vehicles. A return was expensive but an Anglia Plus seemed more reasonable. As I wanted to visit Bury St Edmunds too I got the 3 in 7. on 24th I went to Ipswich and managed to catch most of the vehicles, especially wanting to catch all step Darts which I did. There was a small number of vehicles missing but these are VOR/withdrawn. On 25th I went to Bury to complete the rest of the vehicles. Missing 43433 I walked down to Cotton Ln to find it. After getting very lost I was in luck to find it just inside the depot. As BSE had nothing else to offer I returned to Ipswich to see if I could find the others. I was in luck to find 65547 but none of the VOR vehicles. I took a few pictures but I can't get these off the camera due to a technical issue.

For trip 3 I'm going to pop into Lowestoft tomorrow

Sam

Royale Rumble

2010-06-17T17:00:00.012+01:00

As some of you may know the Royales are due for replacement at Lowestoft to be transferred to Yarmouth. As of yet their replacement is unknown. Due to this I took the opportunity to visit Lowestoft for the day and capture the Royales and Palatines before they disappeared. I missed the Leyland Olympians passing so did not want this to pass me by as well. I managed to capture all except 34111 (although have previously got this). Many of the "Dart Swap" vehicles were also captured.

All photos from the day can be found here.
Sam

Last Duty - Thursday 10th June

2010-06-11T20:53:00.000+01:00

Well Thursday was my last day of university. I'm glad to be finished! Unfortunately due to this I won't be getting the X2 for a while, if again so feel a blog is needed to mark the occasion. On my penultimate journey I was treated to B9TL 37565 AU58ECD, my final journey however was 34158 P658UFB.

As some of you may know the timetable has been changed, services leave Norwich 2 minutes later and have a small waiting period in Beccles. Stops have been changed in Beccles with Lowestoft bound services now stopping at Tescos instead of the Bus Station. I feel this helps ease congestion on the poorly designed station. However, a passenger was being very loud and critical of it being moved, saying he was going to write to First and the press. If he writes to the press I look forward to reading what he has to say, as I like the new change!

All for a while
Sam

Beccles Bits/Norwich Notes

2010-05-06T21:24:00.001+01:00

Goldline Silver Merc Minibus/coach is now registered 769CRK

Anglian keep using AU54EOA on Beccles towns, but regular T400CBC still
crops up, along with AO52LJF and AU53GWC. Vario T200CBC still going
noted on 587s today.

Visitors on X2 today were 30097 K481EUX on 7:45 school turn with 20127
P767XHS on 17:08 from Lowestoft (I think?)

Noted in Norwich bus station was 32206 with London blinds showing Rail
Replacement Not In Service

Sam

Anglian Bus Fleet Update

2010-04-23T22:45:00.001+01:00

Anglian posted a new fleetlist on their Facebook page.

Vehicles In
MX58 XDB 321 2008 Optare Solo B27F Bus Euro 4 Bought from Mistral Mar 10
KX53 SBY 330 2003 Optare Solo B33F Bus Y Euro 3 Rental from Dawsons
KX53 SBZ 331 2003 Optare Solo B33F Bus Euro 3 Rental from Dawsons
YN53 GFY 418 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Rental from Dawsons (Was supposed to return?)
MX58 KYV 419 2008 Optare Versa B38F Bus Euro 4 Bought from Mistral Mar 10 (Previously loaned?)
YN03 UVM 420 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVP 421 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVR 422 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVT 423 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVU 424 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVV 425 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UVY 426 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YN03 UWJ 427 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Ex Menzies
YS03 ZKU 428 2003 Scania Omnicity B42F Bus Euro 3 Rental from Dawsons
KV03 ZGK 429 2003 Enviro 300 44 Bus Euro 3 Rental from Dawsons

Vehicles Out
Anyone know where these went please?
103 HIJ6931
108 831HKA
201 T81JBA
203 T83JBA
226 Y784WHH
228 Y785WHH
229 S195HOK

Discrepancies
These are supposedly still in the fleet but I've seen/heard otherwise. Anyone confirm please?
109 G401DPD (Being stripped on EATM visit July 09)
400 X228WRA (They say gone but seen leaving depot around 3pm 23/4)
Some vehicles appear de-licensed but there appears to be a short of O discs with them being swapped around. 217 V380HGG & 221 AO52LJF noted in depot by JV with no tax also. 107 CSK282 may also be the same.

Sam

Norwich Park and Ride

2010-03-17T09:35:00.000Z

More vehicles changing colours; AU05FKE now in purple.

Konect had normal liveried E400 SN04CEX on driver familiarisation. JP reports 503 in service in new pink very soon!

Sam

Update

2010-03-09T21:49:00.000Z

Thursday 4th March saw 42458 on what appeared to be school relief. An NC Dart also did the first turn.

Tuesday 9th March had 37156 on 9:38 from Norwich. 34158 broke down in Beccles bus station but left under own power at 6pm.

Tridents

As well as more in from/out to Essex 33234/7 LT52WWX/VF are at Norwich in service

Anglian

Solo YG52DFX gone and new in is YT51EBF M850 B28F

Norse

AU05FKF now in Purple but still in use on 605s

Blog

Many of you may have noticed the lack of posts on here recently. This is because of a few reasons:

Busy with uni work
Trying to find a job
Spending weekends in Essex
Not much of interest happening

I will try and make a few posts from time to time but can't promise anything!

Sam

AnglianBus Service Changes - 29/03 & 05/04

2010-03-01T11:50:00.000Z

Anglian service changes, taken from their Facebook page

Anglian Bus 580 – Last bus to/from Diss removed. 581 – New journey from Beccles to Yarmouth at 7am. A47 – Minor changes to times.0815 from Acle to Norwich, will now start at Gorleston @ 0741. 003 – Minor changes to timetable, to improve timekeeping. 999 – Minor change to timetable.

Anglian Bus 587 – Minor change of times to give more evenly spread times from Poringland. 588 - Minor change of times to give more evenly spread times from Poringland.Alternate buses will now serve Hillside Road West/Flixton Rd/Bardolph Rd in Bungay.

Anglian Bus April 5th 2010 121 – Minor change to times.Will now not use Eaton Road. 122 – Now terminates at St Stephens (see 124) 123 – Will be extended to Wroxham. No longer serves Plumsteads (see 124) 124 – New service from Plumsteads to Norwich. Links with 122.Serves Morrisons off peak.

Anglian Bus 601 – Now starts at Southwold. New journey at 0800 from Yarmouth to Southwold. Will pick up at Hopton. Will operate via Crestview Drive. 608 – Kessingland to Lowestoft & Yarmouth.Serves Kessingland Estate.Will pick up at Hopton. 601/608 – Now every 30 mins from Kessingland to Lowestoft/Yarmouth.

Anglian Bus 521 – Halesworth to Leiston. SCC have awarded contract to another operator. Anglian will only do 1 journey from Aldeburgh to Halesworth at 1650. 520/522/523/524 – Triangular service (SCC contract)520 – Halesworth to Southwold (every 2 hours). Meets 601 @ Southwold.522 – Beccles to Halesworth (every 2 hours).523 – Beccles to Southwold (via Mutford & Rushmere)524 – Beccles to Southwold (via Stoven & Uggeshall)

Anglian Bus March 29th 2010: 165 - Increased frequency to hourly to Ipswich AM. Increased frequency to hourly from Ipswich PM. Will now serve Rendlesham Housing Estate. First 3 journeys of day will start from Leiston remainder will start from Aldeburgh.

Sam

Diversion - Round and round and no where to stop!

2010-02-09T19:15:00.001Z

Between 6-12th February 2010 both Ingate and Grove Road crossings are closed in Beccles. During this time the X2 has to divert through Worlingham and Beccles. The first website originally said that buses would come from Lowestoft, divert past AnglianBus depot, through Hillside Avenue and back out along Lowestoft Road, and from Norwich in reverse. This stated stops on the opposite side of the road. This diversion lasted 2 days and has been changed to the following (although FEC only updated their website in the latter part of Tuesday 9th Feb)

During this closure, the X2 will operate as follows:

Normal route to Worlingham, Lowestoft Road, then via, Ellough Road, Hillside Avenue, and Lowestoft Road back to the A146 bypass. Following the bypass, entering Beccles via A145 George Westwood Way and resuming normal route from the Bus Station.

Return journeys will operate via the same route in reverse.

Some drivers will pick/set down up at stops on the opposite side of the road however some moan at passengers asking to get off the bus who do not want to ride round in a circle! (And it should be noted at this point the old diversion was still being publicised)

During this diversion I can see buses pass from where I am writing this. Some are easier to ID than others. Full lists can be found in the log, highlights from each day are below.

Saturday
Buses following all manner of diversions stopping everywhere to set down passengers.

Sunday
34156 got lost and turned round in Ellough Road. Only turn positively ID'd

Monday
20107 working the 8:38 from Norwich and 15:38 from Lowestoft
60306 on 14:38 from Norwich

Tuesday
Dart SLF2 appeared working a morning turn
20107 on 9:08 from Norwich
34155 passed Worlingham 20 late on 9:08 from Lowestoft, was flagged down working 10:38 from Norwich by driver of 34156 on 10:08 from Lowestoft.
Star stray of the day was Volvo B9TL "The Mancunian" 37562 FJ08FYN straying off it's usual X1 turn working 007 SJLHS Schools Contract and then the 17:28 from Norwich X2.
Early to Norwich bus missed Worlingham according to passenger. Drivers refusing to stop on Norwich side making passengers ride round loop while other drivers stopping...

Wednesday
20107 N607APU in service on 8:03 from Lowestoft and others
47203 M203VWW on 6:15 from Lowestoft
60863 R641CVR on 7:08 to Norwich

Thursday
20107 N607APU on 8:03 again

Friday
Not much seen as off to Essex
60306 M511PNA on 7:18 Beccles to Lowestoft
43461 R461CAH on first turn to Norwich (6:15/8:08)

On Tuesday in Norwich 32103/6 33152/33165/8 all noted in service. Service 23 has gone from Trident operated to Solo operated with 53122 noted on it with paper destination!

Sam

Tridents At Last

2010-02-05T10:57:00.000Z

Well the first one appeared! 33168 LR02LYG was noted on the 18 at around 5:30.

X2 today had not much variety however 37566 worked the 1638 from Lowestoft, while it and 37579 worked Beccles Schools.

Many service changes registered by AnglianBus (and others) due to SCC tender results. One interesting one is 523 which was registered between Beccles and Southend but I believe it's meant to be Southwold!

Sam

Troublesome Trident

2010-02-02T19:01:00.000Z

Well there should be a large number of Tridents which have moved in from Essex. Today none of them appeared to be in active service! However there is another B7TL President, this time 32107 LT02ZCX, was seen through a KB Tempo on the 3, and was operating the X3

On X2 37563 AU58ECA worked all day. 37156 AU07DXS was booked to work the last turn to Beccles but was swapped for 34109 W436CWX

Sam

Trident Tribulations

2010-01-19T20:47:00.000Z

Another Trident has turned up in Norwich, this time 33146 LR02LXB. This has paper destinations and First London Red/Yellow logos in the blind box.

Nothing unusual on the X2 just 34110/2/3/4 and 34157

Anglian had R85EMB on 588s

Sam

B9 Bonanza

2010-01-14T19:26:00.000Z

Today no less than 2 B9TLs working on the X2
37565 AU58ECD worked the 8:03/9:38 and 14:08/15:38 - I rode it twice! 37575 AU58ECZ worked the 7:08/9:08. Both were booked to work the last 2 X2s to and from Norwich.
40187 M612SBA worked the 6:38/8:38

Blue P&R B7TL 32485 AU53HKC had an outing on the X1 working the Great Yarmouth-Norwich peak shorts.

Anglian had R81EMB on 122A

Sam

National Distress

2010-01-12T20:23:00.000Z

National Express (Coaches) saw a couple of odd workings today. Scania Irizar YN55NDZ parked in the bus station at 11:45. Richmonds liveried Bova 729KTO left on the 727 just before 5pm

B7TL Gemini 37156 AU07DXS worked the 16:38 X2 from Lowestoft. Nothing much else to report apart from the strange drunk man on the 17:08 (no he wasn't driving!)

X3s one bus seemed to have a working destination (with via points!) and the other had a paper destination.

B12Ms 20500/1 both on X1s; saw 500 leaving Norwich at 11:20, the destinations programmed seem to be rather small for the displays!

Sam

A new year and a not so new Dart!

2010-01-05T16:29:00.000Z

My first journey of they year and I was subjected to 40185 M610SBA (Well I did ask for variety!) working the 8:03 from Lowestoft. 40187 M612SBA was seen heading through Worlingham with X2 SNIS up; is this a school relief (34156 working school turn)

40187 became a victim of the ice having to reverse out of the Thurton bus stop as the wheels kept spinning... 60306 looks to have had ice issue also. On the up turn however we were graced with THE BEAST (20107 N607APU) working the 6:53/9:15/10:08 turns. The rest of the day appeared to be Royale/Paltine operated (I didn't see anything after 2pm though)

Worth mentioning is that today I saw my first First 23 and X3 (well 2 of the latter) all operated by Scanias all containing 3 passengers! Interestingly 5 minutes after the X3 arrived a KonectBus 3 pulled in with 3/4 a bus full!

Sam

X2 Year Review 2009

2010-01-03T15:37:00.000Z

January
20126 P766XHS worked 12:38 and return 02/01
20352 WA05UNE worked 14:08 and return 09/01
34109 W436CWX finally entered service on the 15:08 from Lowestoft on 13th
Former Ipswich P&R B7RLE 66806 MX05CCV worked the 15:08 Norwich turn to Beccles 28/01
37567 AU58ECF strayed off a White Elephant working and did the 07:08 to Norwich commuter run.

February
This month saw the return of 34925 G125YEV and 34973 J623BVG to regular X2 use due to a route diversion on schools in Halesworth. Later in the year both were withdrawn and are now with Erith Commercials.

March
32886 V886HBY was the first Trident to reach Beccles on the 15:08 20/03
20126 P766XHS returned working K19 on 31/03

April
Bank Holiday diagram 1 was worked by 37577 AU58EDF on 10/04
43470 R470CAH worked 13:38 and return 14/04
20127 P767XHS worked the 11:08 and return 24/04
This month also saw the last scheduled K19 Kings Lynn working on 24/04 with 20105 N605APU but on Tuesday 28/04 37564 AU58ECC worked this turn

May
Palatines 34155/7 P655/7UFB returned from King's Lynn and entered service the next day.
37563 AU58ECA worked old K19 on 13/05

June
4 White Elephants workings this month
37566 AU58ECE worked old K19 02/06
37567 AU58ECF worked old K19 16/06
37565 AU58ECD worked old K19 22/06
37569 AU58ECN worked old K19 24/06

July
60865 R643CVR usually in Yarmouth or known to X1s worked X2s on 08/07 starting at 11:38 and 14:38 and again 09/07 on 11:08 and returns
20115 N615APU visited from Norwich and worked 14:08 from Lowestoft on 23/07
20109 N609APU worked old K19 28/07

August
34109 W436CWX noted on 21st on 14:38 to Beccles showing Hemsby 1
20127 P767XHS visited again on the same turn as above 8 days later (29/08)

September
37565 AU58ECD worked old K19 08/09
37564 AU58ECC worked 6:38 from Lowestoft, this worked for most of the day 17/09 37568 AU58ECJ may have also worked?
37566 AU58ECE worked 12:08 and return 24/09
37569 AU58ECN worked old K19 29/09
B10Bs 60307/9 M512/4PNA were withdrawn following serious engine problems

October
On 6/10 37569 AU58ECN and 12/10 37568 AU58ECJ worked the 15:08 from Lowestoft and returns
20109 N609APU worked 14:08 20/10 and 13:08 27/10

November
20127 P767XHS worked 12:08 and return 9/11
37566 AU58ECE worked 9:38 and return and 13:08 and return 21/11
37567 AU58ECE worked 8:03 and return 24/11

December
Long standing B10Ms 20103/4 N603/4APU were withdrawn this month
37569 AU58ECN worked
B12Ms 20500/1 returned to Norwich from Essex, 20501 AO02RCY worked the 16:08 to Beccles on 11/12
34921 G121YEV returned on loan from Yarmouth and worked 13:38 and schools 02/12 and 17:08 and return 10/12
B7TLs 37156/7 AU07DXS/T transferred to Lowestoft for X1 worked to replace the B10M coaches (20107 remains) 37157 worked an unknown turn on 23/12

Conclusion & Thanks
Another interesting year with lots of changes. I would like to thank everyone who has given me gen over 2009. Come back for your 2010 sightings in a few days!

Sam

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T12:02:00.000Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who read this blog!
Photo supplied by Jamie Vendy of EEBP

Sam

Triple Decker Bus

2009-12-15T21:41:00.002Z

34114 rolled in off the 9:08 from Lowestoft into Norwich 5 minutes late and precoded to unload. The amount of passengers getting off was astounding, it must have easily took another 5 minutes for all to get off. Maybe a 3rd deck? Nothing else interesting to report on the X2, 60306 even on its usual turn! 19 journeys seen today all in the log.

43467 R467CAH noted heading through Worlingham towards Lowestoft around
8:30 but was SNIS and empty, ideas?

Lowestoft gained it's first B7TL yesterday with 37157 AU07DXT for the X1. Today say 20107 on X1 K14 turn, presumably this will go once (if) 37156 AU07DXS appears.

No sign of any of the new FEC Norwich services today. Was in the bus station at 9:30 and 10:30 and saw neither X3 come in. Didn't see 23 either. 999 still running rather full along with KB 3 and 8 - both 8s saw were full - well done KB!

On Anglian, does anyone know is J127LHC is still in service? R82EMB has been noted recently with the driver on the school contract previously worked by 109.

Last one before Christmas. Thanks to all those who have contributed, keep your sightings coming!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sam

That Village We All Love But Not Quite Sure Where It Is...

2009-12-08T20:36:00.000Z

Yes, that's right, the village of Service!
Returning coach 20501 AO02RBY was noted leaving Norwich bus station going to Service!
Arriving here for Rail Replacement but are now being used on 50; this had no number on the bus though. Whether this is staying or not remains to be seen, as it still has Essex Legals as well as no destinations. Did not get close enough to see if they has FEC or FE O discs.

Trident 32862 V862HBY noted in service, well it was parked on a stand in St Stephens, driver was sitting in the back of the bus and the screens were blank! This leaves 32850 T850LLC at King's Lynn being worked on, and the last one I have left to see.

Simonds VH WJ55TRV on service work; not sure what, but was the first time I had seen it.

X2 very uninteresting (This is where someone now tells me a Dart/B9TL/Olympian/something else was in use) all turns seen where Royales and an un-ID Palatine (think it was 34156). The 10:38 from Norwich appeared to die just outside Hales. This was a Royale of some sort.

Sam

A Wreckered Day

2009-12-01T21:11:00.001Z

Anglian seem to be having problems of late. Friday (27/11) saw 2 buses on the Beccles Town. Blogworthy in itself saw Optare Solos in use! The first was an M950s, possibly AU58AKN, this was swapped for M780 AU54ENY. Today saw Y785WHH in use instead of T400CBC.

R82EMB failed spectacularly and was being rescued by the worlds largest wrecker (from Lowestoft) around 11:30.

Not much to report on the X2. 34114 on 9:38 from Lowestoft was 15 late, meaning I didn't see any east bounds, still 15 late on the 17:08 leaving 17:19. 17:28 left with 34111 but due to darkness didn't see anything

Sam

A substitute!

2009-11-26T22:34:00.002Z

Some substitutions happened today. 60306 M511PNA on 7:18 to Lowestoft from Beccles, while its usual turn (8:08) from Norwich was covered by 47203 M203VWW which is belived to have worked all day.

Solo 53121 noted in service, this has a front LED (others have flipdot) which is scrambled but had a First logo on rear display!

Mulleys were in Norwich with BU51MUL. Sanders now have programmed OU05KLA which was proclaiming 44 Sheringham via MERRY CHRISTMAS! This morning saw KonectBus 202 R837FNG visiting Norwich bus station, possibly on an 8 relief?

For the rest of todays workings see the log

Sam

A Bit Of Everything...

2009-11-24T20:32:00.000Z

And Nothing!
Today saw not much at all happening. Only thing to report is A Gemini (possibly 37567) on the 8:03 and 9:38 return. This was seen later on the X1.

All seems to be happening on the X1 as always, they are still using 34108 and 20107, with 20103/4 now being withdrawn. In from First Manchester is 37562 FJ08FYN (please someone somewhere put the destinations in please!!!) Another is reported to be here but the reg is that of a bus now with another operator.

More Solos have turned up in Norwich from Essex, this time being 53121/2/3 EO02NFC/D/E. 53123 noted on the 9s today. 53119 was also on the 13s at lunchtime!

Anglian still have cream Solo YG52DFX seen this evening on 581s.
Hils Coaches FJ57CZK was noted on stand in St Stephens around lunchtime also.

Sam

Sick Coaches

2009-11-17T18:51:00.002Z

Coaches seem to be heading off all over the place today. As shown above 20115 turned up on the 22s which is a stray and a half. Coaches have worked 13s before (I think one may have been on here the day after the Excels finished) 20127 came in on 17s then went onto X1 shorts. It has a rear advert asking "Feeling Ill?" I'm sure it is... Yarmouth B10BLE on 878 Alpington Contract with a correct destination display!

Coaches that are sick as 20103, still withdrawn and 20104 now withdrawn with chassis problems.

Back to the X2, nothing much unusual just the normal Royale/Palatine combinations. 34155 P655UFB working 17:38 to Beccles so is here still.

Norfolk Green stray was Coasthopper Solo 316 YJ09EZZ on 17:00 X29 to Fakenham
Sam

Where's The Blog?

2009-11-13T18:37:00.000Z

Apologises for letting this slide. I have had flu-like (not swine) illness for the last week and its been pretty quiet over here.
Well I say quiet, I've been missing it all! Palatines seem to be in use more and more with the Royales turning out on schools and contracts!
As not much is happening blogs will become infrequent only when there is something to report. My main reason for this is I'm trying to juggle this, uni work (dissertation anyone) and a personal life (I know being a bus enthusiast I'm not entitled to one but oh well!) but will update at some point. Journeys will be added to the log.
Back to what is happening, Syd reports 20103 N603APU as being withdrawn due to engine failure and 34872 F172LBL has been working the X2 (we also have 34155 P655UFB) but I haven't seen it in use.
Sam

Why are we waiting?

2009-11-05T22:27:00.002Z

Today all I seemed to be doing was waiting! 6:53 from Lowestoft with 34110 turned up to me 8 late with a Keith Allen lookalike! Tonight 34112 turned up 15 late for the 16:38; but by the time I got off it was 30 late!
34115 was working the 8:38 from Norwich. while 20107 may have been on the 17:08 from Norwich.

Solo 53118 was on the 24 - yet to see one on the 9! 34872 on X1 shorts, 20127 on Y7 X1!
STOP PRESS 20127 actually worked the X2 doing the 10:08 from Lowestoft, 20103 also turned out on the 12:08; many thanks to Gerard F/Michael B for the gen

Sanders have tri-axle OU05KLA and was in use on 44s; no fleetnames or destinations.

Sam

Solo Effort

2009-11-03T19:40:00.001Z

Well as many of you will know MPDs 43357/8/801 have been swapped for
Solos 53118-20 which will be on the 9/9A in Norwich. Well today 53120
decided to appear on the 22!
Trident 33113 (Not to be confused with 34113!) was in service this
evening on the 18s; not sure when it entered service but today was the
first time I saw it.

Onto the X2s. Not many seen coming home as its very hard when its dark
(numberplate lights please!). To note was 20103 N603APU on the 10:08
from Norwich. 34157 got stuck in Loddon meeting 34158, an irate van
driver tried to overtake the bus and got wedged between the two! Came
home on 34111 which had a soggy lower deck; sound familiar?

Konect MX09MHZ noted on 8s loading very well looking to be a success for
them. AB had Solo 312 YN57HPX on 004s and Norse had OW03FXG on 100s

Sam

O-leaky-can

2009-10-22T18:29:00.000+01:00

Well, it's official, 34156 P656UFB is an Olympian! Many of you will remember this time last year saw the end of the G-XLO/YEV Olympians which were leaky, smelly and noisey, especially when it rained! Well after last nights rain; 34156 rolled up this morning with a wet lower deck, pools in the windows and wet seats! Shame they didn't go to Scotland after-all...

Only unusual thing to report is 42429 P429ORL on the Norwich turn; although this seems to be getting regular!

Anglian had 210 T100CBC on 587s (although it was displaying SNIS!).

This is the last blog for a while as it is half term. Any sightings will be added to the log.

Sam

Whoops I missed the bus!

2009-10-20T18:34:00.001+01:00

Today I seemed to miss most of the X2s except the ones I was riding on! They all passed too quickly and with the number of passengers I couldn't get any numbers. If anyone saw any let me know.

Only oddity to report is 43478 R478CAH was seen going through Norwich with Caister Marram Drive on the front!

Dennis Javelin R311RCJ was noted in Norwich today. This was in Whittle
livery but minus any fleetnames. Does anyone know who this belongs to?

Sam

New Favourites?

2009-10-19T11:56:00.000+01:00

Well this weeks poll was what is the best Excel bus. Surprisingly the newcomers; the B7TLs won! Whether people will still like them in a few months remains to be seen. One thing that did come across is only 2 people like the B9TLs...

Results were:
Volvo B9TL 2 (9%)

Volvo B7TL 5 (23%)

Volvo B10M 3 (14%)

Volvo B12M 4 (19%)

Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale 4 (19%)

Volvo Olympian NC Palatine II 3 (14%)

My choice being the Royale of course!

Sam

Simonds Fleet Update - October 2009

2009-10-16T17:47:00.001+01:00

Have received the latest fleetlist today from Martyn Simonds. Changes are as follows:

In
09   GM06 GSM Volvo B12B VH
02   DSU 116 Volvo B10M VH
67   KX04 HRA Optare Solo
80   KX57 FMK Plaxton Primo
81   KX57 FMM      "        "
82   KX07 KNZ      "        "
83   YN57BXM      "        "
(Not all Primos are delivered, Solo KX53SGV is on loan until then)

Out
20   TCF 496 Volvo B10M PL
80   X182 BNH Merc Vario
81   X181 BNH   "      "
82   V378 SVV   "      "
Loan AF53EUU MAN Sterling
Loan KX53SGV Optare Solo (see above)

Registration Changes
AO52NXD - MSU917

Reseated
42 2091 PW C53F to C65F
50 4940 VF C49F to C53F

The fleetlist can be found here.

As always many thanks go to Martyn Simonds.
Sam

Alarmed Palatine

2009-10-15T18:12:00.010+01:00

"It's that fire alarm bus" says the school kids. Actually it was just 34157! Every time the doors were opened a siren would sound. Obviously the door alarm; I don't know if this was a fault with it, or if it was the driver wasn't putting the brake on properly! Was rather annoying being on a commuter run! However also had it coming home and it went off once I think...

Anglian had R82EMB on 588s again; this must be allocated "spare bus" as it always seems to turn up instead of a bigger Scania. Norse also had 7155 OW03FXG on 100s, Solo must be off again. Will be interesting to see, after their P&Rs finish, what the spare bus will be.

For full X2 workings for today see the log. This should now work, sorry folks!

Sam

Turkey Twizzlers!

2009-10-13T21:37:00.001+01:00

34155 P655UFB returned to Lowestoft today. Whether this is a loan or
transfer time will tell. Don't know what Yarmouth have done to it but is
sounds like a law mower, rattles and looks rough. Must have recently
been on Bernard Mathews as the inside was very grubby looking. On the
luggage rack was what looked like chicken poo! Needless to say I've
disinfected the bottom of my bag since I was home.

Todays workings were:
11:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34157 P657UFB
12:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34114 W434CWX
12:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34112 W432CWX
13:08 Lowestoft Norwich 60306 M511PNA
13:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34157 P657UFB
13:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34114 W434CWX
14:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34112 W432CWX
14:38 Norwich Lowestoft 60306 M511PNA
16:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34111 W431CWX
17:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34109 W436CWX
17:28 Norwich Lowestoft 34155 P655UFB
18:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34111 W431CWX
18:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34109 W436CWX

Also saw 37577 heading out of Norwich on the 17:25 to Lowestoft. Instead
of going down Braccondale it turned right and went down Hall Road. By
the time the X2 got to Trowse it was there, don't quite know how!

Sam

First in Bury St Edmunds - will it last?

2009-10-11T13:13:00.000+01:00

This weeks pole was asking "Do you think FEC Bury will last?" The results were:

Yes 11 (55%)
No 3 (15%)
Hasn't it already? 5 (25%)
I know something you don't 1 (5%)

So it looks like the majority of readers think that it will fold eventually.
In my opinion Bury has been on a downward spiral for a while now. Excel services used to run from there to various places, a thriving town service and school contracts. This all changed. The Excel services went in the major cutbacks of 2007. The only part survivor being 84 to Thetford.

In 2008 the 84 took a hit as the school contract was lost. Being previously operated by 34925 G125YEV and 34333 G133ATW, this then changed to Dart operation. This was the start of the end. Around a year later in September 2009 the route was canceled and passed over to Coach Services. This may have been due the buses having to run light to/from Thetford at the start and end of the day, while Coach Services are based in the area.

FEC 34933 G133ATW operating 84s in July 2008

Around this time FEC took another hit when Essex County Buses started running services 81 Mildenhall Road Estate to West Suffolk Hospital and 82 Mildenhall Road Estate to Priors Estate; along the same routes and numbers as FEC.

FEC 42551 S551WAT on 82 to Mildenhall Rd Estate in July 2008

They have now registered a "B3" services (possibly going to be 83 and a mis-read by VOSA) along, you guessed it, Westley Estate to Moreton Hall! How long before there is a 80/B0 West Suffolk House to Moreton Hall! I am told loadings are good on these services but have not witnessed this myself.

Mulleys have also joined in the race with M44 Bury St Edmunds to Mildenhall Road Estate to Howard Estate, which pleases residents committees and the elderly in the area and is also reported to be well patronised.

I guess time will tell as to what will be happening. Someone voted "I know something you don't know" so whoever that is, could they explain themselves please?

Sam

A Freezing Thursday

2009-10-08T19:31:00.000+01:00

Well Thursday was very cold! In the old days (i.e. this time last year)
it would normally mean excitement as the old Olympians wouldn't start.
Now of course they are long gone. Workings are below:

06:15 Lowestoft Norwich 34157 P657UFB
06:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34113 W433CWX
06:53 Lowestoft Norwich 34156 P656UFB
07:18 Beccles Lowestoft 34112 W432CWX
08:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34157 P657UFB
08:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34113 W433CWX
09:15 Beccles Norwich 34156 P656UFB
10:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34156 P656UFB
15:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34156 P656UFB
16:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34109 W436CWX
16:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34156 P656UFB
17:28 Norwich Lowestoft 34111 W431CWX
18:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34109 W436CWX

Only unusual thing, which I'm told is "a planned stray," was NG
Coasthopper Solo 313 YJ09LBE on X29s this morning. Versa 501 MX09HJJ has
lost the use of its front destination display.
Sam

A Smile Goes A Long Way!

2009-10-06T21:01:00.004+01:00

You've all heard the saying "manners never killed anyone" well it seems some X2 drivers believe in this and some think the opposite.
My driver going in on the 10:08 from Lowestoft was a credit to First and Lowestoft depot. He was friendly, polite, spoke to all passengers boarding/alighting, waited for people to take a seat and drove very well. He even waited for a runner! He deserves a pat on the back.
Now, as brilliant as this driver was, the driver I had coming home was awful! (I'm not going to say which service it was) The list reads like the "how not to behave" section of a training manual:

Blasted his horn at a KonectBus loading a disabled passenger because he wouldn't depart
Didn't check tickets, just waved people on
Had no change, so gave it when the passenger got off but didn't give them a ticket
Shut 2 people in the doors
Moved off before people had shown tickets, let alone sitting down!
Didn't stop for the bell, you had to get to the front of the bus
Left Beccles 8 minutes early!

Sorry to people who don't like me slating First, but if it was any driver of any company doing this I would write about it.
Fairly usual day on the X2 from my opinion, but Michael B reports the 9:38 from Norwich didn't run (possibly 34113 which was seen SNIS) and 37569 AU58ECN working the 15:08 off Lowestoft and return. My eyes saw a large majority of the Royales and Palatines. Workings were:

06:53   Lowestoft   Norwich   34158   P658UFB
07:08   Lowestoft   Norwich   34108   W436CWX
09:08   Norwich   Lowestoft   34108   W436CWX
09:08   Lowestoft   Norwich   34114   W434CWX
09:15   Beccles   Norwich   34158   P658UFB
09:38   Norwich   Lowestoft   DNR   DNR
09:38   Lowestoft   Norwich   34111   W431CWX
10:08   Lowestoft   Norwich   34110   W437CWX
10:08   Norwich   Lowestoft   34158   P658UFB
10:38   Norwich   Lowestoft   34114   W434CWX
11:08   Norwich   Lowestoft   34111   W431CWX
11:38   Norwich   Lowestoft   34110   W437CWX
15:08   Lowestoft   Norwich   37569   AU58ECN
16:38   Norwich   Lowestoft   37569   AU58ECN
16:38   Lowestoft   Norwich   34112   W432CWX
17:08   Lowestoft   Norwich   34114   W434CWX
17:28   Norwich   Lowestoft   34158   P658UFB
17:38   Lowestoft   Beccles   34111   W431CWX
17:48   Norwich   Lowestoft   34110   W437CWX
18:08   Norwich   Lowestoft   34112   W432CWX
18:38   Norwich   Lowestoft   34114   W434CWX

On other operator notes Anglian had Solo 318 AU08GLY on 577s. This route is normally operated by a "baby" Solo, one of which is the "Green Bio Bus" which hasn't been seen, with other "baby" Solo working 570s

Sam

The future's bright... Is the future yellow?

2009-10-02T17:05:00.001+01:00

Anyone who has visited the blog in the last week will have noticed the poll posing the question:

"Will AnglianBus ever compete with the X2?"

Well the readers of this blog voted 68% Yes, 21% Maybe and 10% No, so I think that gives a strong message!

A Scania OmniCity on the 582 Lowestoft - Beccles - Loddon - Norwich service

Anglian have tried to compete against First in many areas, with mixed results, the true winning routes being the 587 Norwich-Poringland, 588 Norwich-Bungay-Halesworth, which caused the end of the 58 Norwich-Poringland-Bungay and the 601 Lowestoft-Kessingland-Southwold-Halesworth which runs against the 99/99A.

So the question is what next? Many would like to see Anglian running along the X2 route, as passengers are getting tired of Firsts vehicles (although the Royales are an improvement) punctuality, fares and attitudes towards the route. I for one would be willing to try the service. Suggestions for route numbers have been many, first was X46 but Anglian didn't have much luck with the X class, I decided 582 would fit better in this area (with the 580/581)

If anyone from Anglian is reading this please suggest it to the powers that be!

Volvo Olympian 34108 W435CWX in Excel V2 Livery

Artwork with thanks to Jamie V (although I had to remove the adverts for EasyJet and a rival blog!)

As for the X2 itself, it has seen many changes over the years, from Leyland Olympians to Volvo B10Ms, B10Bs and now Volvo Olympian Royales, so what's next? I'd like to see the Royales refurbished internally and externally: painted into Excel V2 livery (like the B9TL Geminis) recovered seats with seat belts. Of course by 2017 they will all be gone as the route will be low floor, maybe it will end up with the B9TLs as they will be 9 by then (and probably completely and utterly knackered!)

What do you think? Do you think Anglian will take over? Will the X2 be rejuvenated? Will another operator move in on the scene? Feel free to add your comments and I will post a follow up blog with any worth publishing.

Thank you for reading, vote in the new poll and please visit again!

Sam

Flying Banana

2009-10-01T20:46:00.001+01:00

Well today saw an unusual sighting. Flying Banana RML 2623 (39623)
NML623E which was coming up from Riverside. Surprising as RML2480 seems
to be the only one which goes out!

Another blimp on the X2 today. This time 60306 operating the 6:38 from
Lowestoft ran exactly 15 minutes late. According to one passenger it
left around 6:53. I got on this in Worlingham at 7:22. The driver kept
telling everyone after Beccles that another bus was behind us (A Royale,
which I was unable to ID, was directly behind, which was either
34111/2/4) and we missed out Hales.

Out today were:
34109
34110
34113
34156

34108 spent the day on the X1 with all 3 of the Lowestoft B10Ms. All 3
Kings Lynn B7TLs also made it out into service today.

Anglian had Scania L113 415 R82EMB on 588s

Think that's all for this week
Sam

Look Ma' No Hands!

2009-09-29T21:06:00.002+01:00

Says the child riding the bike before they fall off. One of the drivers
I had today (not going to say which) seemed to not like holding the
steering wheel and instead eating or swearing at drivers. He also seemed
to like revving the engine out of the bus!

Today saw Royales 34111/2/4/0, Palatine 34157 P657UFB and B10B 60306
M511PNA on a different turn from usual, the 8:03 from Lowestoft, which
was about 7 late coming home, meaning I got to see it passing.
Unfortunately there was a passenger on there I would rather have not seen!
32855 V855HBY has found its way to Norwich now and was in service on the
27.

At least one B7TL Gemini is still in service there. The rumor mill
suggests the other 2 will find a new home at Lowestoft, but I'm not
holding my breath! If they do surprise me and turn up please can I have
them on the X2 I've never been on a B7TL Gemini. 32810 T810LLC also
noted out (don't know if this has entered service before?) 32809 T809LLC
has an indicator stuck on at the rear left.

Sam

X2 Diversion

2009-09-25T16:21:00.005+01:00

X2s are currently diverting in Beccles via Ellough Road, Benacre Road
and Copland Way. Currently the majority of Worlingham is not being served.

This post will be edited as I spot sightings as can't judge timings/fleetnumbers very well.

60306 M511PNA noted on 14:38 from Norwich, 40259 N627CDB and what looked
to be 34109 W436CWX noted about an hour later passing this way.

34110 W437CWX just came past the bottom of my garden (16:50). Unfortunately due to its rear number box not working I don't know what service it was on.

40259 N627CDB heading to Norwich at 17:20 This returned at 18:55 so was presumed to have worked the 18:08 from Norwich

A Royale possibly 34113 (fleet numbers on the offside read please FEC?!) on the 16:38 from Norwich

34157 looks to be back on the road

Sam

Strays, strays and even more strays

2009-09-24T18:37:00.000+01:00

Firstly, apologises for only one blog this week, my timetable has
changed so I'm only in Tuesdays and Thursday, which doesn't leave much
to report! And Tuesday was a quiet day. Anyway back to the blog...

A fair few strays around today, hence the title, Norfolk Green
Coasthopper Solo 314 YJ09LBE was in Norwich bus station this morning.
I'm told this is a "planned stray" which works peak X29 to Norwich then
light to Cromer to go onto the Coathopper. Norse has 7155 OW03FXG on
100s, Anglian had 405 AU06BPO on school contract and Simonds DSU116 on
57s. Stranger strays were 37566 AU58ECE on 15:38 X2 from Lowestoft and
the stray of the day was Trident 32855 V855HBY parked in the middle of
Gillingham Village Hall car park!

On the X2 were:
34108 W436CWX
34109 W435CWX
34113 W433CWX
34114 W434CWX
34157 P657UFB
34158 P658UFB
37566 AU58ECE
43478 R478CAH (Norwich turn)

Sam

Punctuality And Reliability... My Backside!

2009-09-17T20:54:00.001+01:00

Note: Anyone who doesn't like FirstGroup being moaned about please stop reading NOW!

FECs figures for punctuality and reliability for August 09 are as follows:

% of journeys starting on time:
91.3%
Reliability:
99.2%
Based on 89, 572 scheduled journeys

I wanted to be punctual today as it was the first lecture this year for a particular subject and it's always advisable to make a good impression! So I set out to catch the 6:53 from Lowestoft (which I get on at 7:22) Well 7:22 came and went; the 7:18 from Beccles came past (never a good sign!). I have a general rule; if its not through by 7:30 it aint gonna come! Well to cut a long story short; 7:45 and 34113 rocks up half full on the 7:08 from Lowestoft! A passenger said something about the last bus got 2 minutes outside of Lowestoft and died. They also said there was no relief and no one who could come out and make it go! Not wanting to comment about the depots status but doesn't sound good already! I'm fully aware breakdowns happen etc but is VERY annoying for the passengers; they don't care about XYZ reason; if the timetable says a bus is due and it doesn't come they're not happy.

Someone at Lowestoft must have had a good idea though; by the time we got to Loddon 34158 had been through and picked up all of the passengers; highly unlikely that all would have fit on 34113. This meant 34113 arrived when it was due and not even later! I managed to get to uni just in time, lucky the lecturer knows me from a previous life so knows if I'm late it's Firsts fault!

To make the day worse I had to travel home at 16:38 on 37564 off servicing! This worked the 6:38 from Lowestoft. It has now lost its wheel nut rings...!

Also out today were:
34157
60306
34109

Yarmouth must have also been short with 30887 and 66957 on Park & Ride. 34186 left at 16:40 proclaiming it was going to JPH on the X9! (At one point it was showing X94; a blast from the past there!)

Let's hope next week is a better week!
Sam

Ping ping ping ping ping!

2009-09-16T20:09:00.001+01:00

Anyone who has ever ridden on a Volvo will be familiar with the ringing
(and the thumping of a dash board) that they make. 60306 has been
gradually ringing more and more the last few times I've been on it.
Whether this is developing the problem which took out 60307/9 I don't
know; but wouldn't be surprised if it finished soon. Today's driver got
very irate effing and blinding at the bus and I think he may have hurt
his hand!

An interesting reprogramming of Norwich buses, seen on on an 05 ALX 400,
was the ability to display CONTRACT on all 3 destination screens, rather
than A on the rear.

Anglian had Scania 413 AU58AUV on 587s. Norfolk Green Solo 621 MX53FDD
was seen on the 17:00 X29 from Norwich. This has no fleetnames so may be
waiting to be branded for a forthcoming service?

Sam

All Quiet On The Eastern Front

2009-09-15T20:17:00.001+01:00

Not much really to report at all today. Unusual sightins were Volvo
B7RLE 403 AU06BPF working the 587 or 588 (was seen passing under Trowse
but by I got to St Stephens the blinds were off) 60306 has masking tape
over its side destination (I think it may be stuck on Lowestoft X2?)
20107 worked the 17:38 to Beccles and 65528 worked X1 diagram K3. Other
X2s were:

06:53 Lowestoft Norwich 34157 P657UFB
09:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34109 W436CWX
09:15 Beccles Norwich 34157 P657UFB
09:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34113 W433CWX
10:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34157 P657UFB
10:09 Lowestoft Norwich 60306 M511PNA
10:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34109 W436CWX
11:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34113 W433CWX
11:38 Norwich Lowestoft 60306 M511PNA
15:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34112 W432CWX
17:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34112 W432CWX
17:28 Norwich Lowestoft 34113 W433CWX
17:38 Lowestoft Beccles 20107 N607APU
17:48 Norwich Lowestoft 34157 P657UFB

If anyone knows the car lines for the X2 could they let me know please?
Sam

Anglia Bus Forum Norfolk Tour 2009

2009-09-12T18:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 12th was the Anglia Bus Forum tour of Norfolk. This visited the following places:

King's Lynn Bus Station
Norfolk Green Depot
Konect Bus Depot
Dereham Town Centre
Norwich Bus Station
Fakenham
King's Lynn

To get to King's Lynn I took the first X2 of the day 6:58 from Lowestoft using sole B10B 60306 M511PNA. Then I went onto 37564 AU58ECC which by the time I got to King's Lynn I couldn't walk!

First stop King's Lynn bus station where local services were sampled. I managed to bag my missing MPD 43358 (Although forgot to photo it). We then went onto the Norfolk Green depot where we got to see new arrivals from TW Travel Optare Solos 621 MX53FDD and 622 YN53SSZ. These are for new services 50 Sutton Bridge>Wisbeach and NorthLynnToo which commence 21st and 28th September respectively. After a tour round from Rob Bennett it was back onto the bus to Konect Bus.

Here saw a variety of vehicles including Julians ECOC VR VR190 VPW85S and an LT LH BL91 OJD91R which was being stored pending to go to The Bus Works.

Our vehicle from King's Lynn to Konect was NG Coasthopper Solo 312 YJ09EZU. We were then lucky enough to be driven from the depot to Dereham town centre by Konects Leyland National 152 UFX852S. After the town centre we travelled on new service str8 to Norwich. This used Tempo YJ09MHZ with leather seats which were very comfortable. All these vehicles can be seen below.

In Norwich there were a few unusual sightings including FEC 32804 T804LLC on 50 and Simonds 224ENG on 40. Unfortunatly due to the timetabling of the X2, the last service at 18:38, I had to leave the tour at Norwich. The rest of the group travelled to Fakenham on Versa 501 MX09HJJ and then on an Optare Excel. I ended up travelling home on 34156 P656UFB.

Many thanks to Suzy Scott of ABF, Rob Bennett of Norfolk Green and Julian Patterson of KonectBus for organising this fantastic day out!
Full set of photos can be found here.

Sam

Relief?

2009-09-08T19:10:00.001+01:00

Today was my first day back in Norwich. From this time next week I hope
to blog a couple of times a week depending on my uni timetable and other
commitments (I'm supposed to finish at 7 twice a week; when all of you
know the last X2 is 18:38!)

Unusual workings on the X2 were:
34109 W436CWX worked 2 turns on the X2 starting at 12:08 from Lowestoft
37565 AU58ECD worked 2 turns on the X2 starting at 12:38 from Lowestoft
43437 P437NEX failed on the 16:08 X2 from Norwich to Beccles with a
radiator leak, 34109 worked full at 16:38; but Trident 32863 V863HBY
turned up around the same time showing Lowestoft X2 on the front but
didn't see it leave in service. This may have worked as relief!
Also out was 34108/34158 and 60306.

69005 AU05DME was being seen to by a fitter also but it moved off after
a while.
Managed to bag my last Yarmouth allocated vehicle today; 34187. Hoping
to clear Kings Lynn on Saturday. Also saw NG 502 YJ58VCC on X29s this
afternoon, so have now bagged both of them!

Strangely there was a problem at the bottom of the bus station meaning
vehicles couldn't leave so were doing 3 point turns and going out the top.

Sam

Norwich Bus Rally Photos

2009-09-06T19:51:00.003+01:00

Vehicle Line-up

Another excellent rally; although it felt smaller than last year? Surprisingly there was nothing from First East England! Was lucky enough to have a ride on Konects Leyland National 152 UFX852S. Had a lovely sounding 510 engine which didn't miss a beat!

Photos can be found here.
Sam

Norwich Bus Rally 6th September 2009

2009-09-04T17:11:00.005+01:00

One again this is to be held at the Norfolk Show Ground. Entry list from the ETC site below:

Note number 30 has changed.

1 1954 OVF229 Bristol LD5G/ECW
2 1967 KVF658E Bristol RSL6G/EC
3 1959 5789AH Bristol MW5G/ECW
4 1950 KNG718 Bristol LL5G/ECW
5 1949 HPW133 Bristol K5G/ECW
6 1949 KNG711 Bristol L5G/ECW
7 1977 UVX7S Bristol LH6L
8 1953 VNO859 Bristol KSW5G/ECW
9 1976 VPW85S Bristol VRTSL3,6LXB/ECW
10 1949 KNG374 Bristol K6B/ECW
11 1983 YPD101Y Leyland Tiger/Duple Dominant Express IV
12 2008 MX08UZT Optare Versa 1100
13 1977 UFX852S Leyland National 1
14 1998 R837FNG Optare Excel 1
15 2009 YJ09MHZ Optare Tempo
16 1991 J853TSC Leyland Olympian/Alexander
17 1952 MXX481 AEC Regal IV/MCCW
18 1995 M462LLJ Dennis Dart/E Lancs
19 2009 YJ58VCC Optare Versa
20 1973 RRM148M Leyland National
21 1937 SB5348 Guy Wolf /Martin
22 1957 KDB696 Leyland Tiger Cub/MCW
23 1964 487GFR AEC Reliance/Harrington Grenadier 36
24 1947 DBU889 Bedford OB/Duple Vista
25 1983 A813LEL Quest 80 VM/Plaxton Paramount
26 1979 EAP937V Leyland Leopard/Duple Dominant II
27 1986 C760FFJ Ford Transit 190D/Carlyle
28 1982 IIL4317 Neoplan Cityliner/Neoplan
29 1974 RGV284N Leyland Leopard/Willowbrook
30 1997 R404XFL Dennis Dart/Marshall
31 2001 JJZ8022 Iveco Eurorider/Beulas
32 2008 AU58AUV Scania Omnilink
33 2008 AO57HCD Scania Omnicity
34 1987 YDO823 Leyland Lion/Alexander Paramount
35 1983 TJH881Y Bedford YNT/Plaxton
36 2007 PN57CUK Iveco Eurorider/Marcopolo
37 1949 EX6566 Leyland PD2/Leyland
38 1950 KXW234 AEC RT/Weymann
39 1962 DSL856 AEC Reliance/Plaxton
40 2005 GDZ623 Scania/Irizar PB
41 2000 L88SLT Dennis/Berkoff
42 2001 333SXU Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paragon
43 N9SOV Volvo FH12 Globetrotter Accident Recovery
44 1976 RGS598R Bedford YMT/Duple 679/7300
45 1958 RSL383 AEC Reliance/Roe Dalesman
46 1971 UUF335J Leyland Leopard/Plaxton
47 TBA
48 1963 CUV151C AEC Routemaster/Park Royal
49 Park and Ride TBA
50 School Bus TBA
51 TBA
52 TBA

I shall be there so anyone who sees me come and say hello!
Sam

Anglian Bus Fleet Update

2009-08-15T21:54:00.002+01:00

Anglian have been moving vehicles around again without anyone noticing!
Optare Solo MX53FDN departed to Galloway in June; as far as I'm aware
the others remain.
They are down to 3 Merc. 0303s these being 103 HIJ6931, 107 CSK282 and
108 831HKA with the rest being scrapped.
507 P476SWC is now HIL7618 from the above Merc. 0303.

Anyone know of any other movements let me know!

Sam

An Update On Everything

2009-08-02T08:29:00.003+01:00

Firstly an apology to all of my readers as I haven't posted a blog entry in a few weeks. The main reason for this is that I have been working, which means I have seen very very few X2s (or anything else for that matter!) So Lets update on everything!

X2
Very little has really been happening (as far as I know) most journeys have been Royale/Palatine/B10B operated. There have been some B10M visitors recently(times from Lowestoft):

20115 N615APU 14:08/15:38 23/07
20104 N604APU 15:38/17:08 26/07
20109 N609APU 15:38/17:08 28/07
20127 P767XHS 14:38/Beccles 29/07

Unusual visitor on Friday 31st was 37569 AU58ECN which worked the 13:38/15:08
Some sightings with thanks to Michael Bryant

AnglianBus
Not much has really changed here since the fleet update entry. A variation from September for the 601 timetable has been submitted, probably to amend the 601A working for schools.

KonectBus
Konect have two new tempos; one of which visited EATM. These again have leather seats but are NOT branded for the 3 and may be for service 8 (see below). Registrations are 412 YJ09MHY and 413 YJ09MHZ.
They have also registered a limited stop service (number 8) between Dereham and Norwich Rail Station; so the new Tempos may end up on this. As of yet no timetable has surfaced.

Simonds
Simonds have reregistered some of their Merc. Varios with cherished plates. AU54JRV is now MSU16 and VX53AVJ is now 98TNO

Norfolk Green
NG have recently purchased 2 Optare Versas for the X29 service between Norwich and Fakenham and are branded for this service. 501 MX09MHJ is brand new while YJ58VCC is an ex-demo. Optare Excel 205 P190SGV is now branded for the FairsteadOne route. More information can be found here and here (with many thanks to "J508GCD")

Sidebar Links
Some of you may have noticed that the links and fleetlists section from the side of the postings. This is because they have been relocated to the new homepage for the blog.

Next Update
The next update will be in a few weeks time. I will have to visit Norwich at some point soon to enrol for my final year and collect my work so won't be making many sightings until then; unless of course something blogworthy happens in the mean time. For news until then, check out the links section.

Sam

EATM Bus Event 2009

2009-07-12T18:19:00.002+01:00

LKH374 KNG374 posing at Gunton Cliffs

Once again the sun was shining and the sky was blue (well mostly) for an excellent day out. Over 40 preserved and current PSV vehicles attended, many of which worked shuttle services between the museum, Lowestoft and Beccles. Excursions to Gunton Cliffs, Sparrows Nest and Southgate (and I think somewhere else?). Park and Ride was operated by AnglianBus (Although NG's MG&N Solo was also used)

I was managed to ride on the following:
GYT 66 EX6566
AnglianBus 504 AO57HCD
ECOC LKH374 KNG374
ECOC LKH133 HPW133
ECOC LL711 KNG711
ECOC LL718 KNG718
ECOC VR268 RAH268W
LC RT3124 KXW234

The only vehicle that I wanted to ride but didn't was AEC Swift Lowestoft 4 YRT898H; but as this belongs to EATM it should be there next year!
Current projects GYT 62 K62KEX was on site and not much has been done to it; while GYT 85 AEX85B is coming along nicely and I was lucky enough to be able to sit inside. It's being done to a very high standard and looks very smart; I look forward to it being on the rode and being able to have a ride on it (and I know someone is itching to drive it again!).

A thoroughly good day had by all accounts. Was nice to catch up with those who I haven't seen in a while and hello to those I met for the first time.

A list of attending vehicles can be found here; while photos are here.

Sam

AnlgianBus Fleet Update

2009-07-12T17:57:00.000+01:00

Overview of the AnglianBus Depot

As part of the annual EATM bus event there once again was a visit to the AnglianBus depot. Unfortunatly they did not provide a fleetlist this year!.
Observations show that 110 G401DPD and 223 J223FUF have been withdrawn (providing the destination equipment for 400 and 306) B912NBF was still parked up. The driver supervising said that some Merc. 0303s had recently gone to scrap; missing were OXK395 and HIL7618 but conformation is needed on this. Solo AU54EOA was parked at the side of the depot building with no blind or front panel.
Photos can be found here

Sam

Excel Extravaganza

2009-07-08T20:24:00.000+01:00

It's all happening today on the Excel network!
First is ground breaking news reported by the "X1 Team" that 34108 was
operating L12 (7:!5 from Lowestoft) It's the first time one of these are
worked a considerable length on the X1 (this particular vehicle having
worked KLN on arrival from FSA). Gerards theory is "the 07.15 from
Lowestoft's original vehicle failed in the bus station and the Royale
was borrowed off an X2 or similar."

On the subject of the X2; an accident at Carlton Colville near the Crown
caused the A146 to be closed for a time today; a diversion was in place
but this would have caused delay. Gerard also says Michael B reports
60865 R643CVR on the X2 (closely followed by 60309) Surprised this
didn't work the X1 as it is calibrated

Sam

EATM Bus Event 2009 - Sunday 12th July

2009-07-03T22:47:00.003+01:00

EATM are once again holding their annual bus event on Sunday 12th July 2009. Once again it is set to be an excellent event.

Classic buses
Current PSV vehicles
Shuttle services between the site and Lowestoft/Beccles
AnglianBus depot visit
Lineup of 1940s ECOC Bristol K & Ls
Normal museum attractions
And much, much more!

I shall be going I look forward to seeing others there too! For more details see posted below or EATM website
Sam

Worlingham Parish Plan - Public Transport Issues

2009-06-26T13:25:00.000+01:00

A questionnaire was circulated amongst the villagers of Worlingham.
After about a year the results have come out. I have gone through the
massive 100 page document and pulled out the information relating to bus
travel.

The original document for anyone interested is here (Warning over 5mb in size!)

A PDF of public transport related issues is can be found here

To note is that when this was conducted the X2 was being run by the
B10Ms and Leyland Olympians; now they have B10Bs and Volvo Olympian
Alexander Royales; still stepped but much less of a climb.

Slight shame that they highlighted all of the problems but didn't get
responses from the companies!

Sam

StreetView X2

2009-06-23T12:15:00.002+01:00

Google Street View, as many of you are probably aware, allows you to walk up and down streets as if you were there in person. Good or bad I'm not here to discuss; but looking round Norwich I have found some interesting X2s.

First we have 34952 showing Bungay X2, probably a blind slip?
Next is 40187 which now is a stray but may have not been then.
And finally is 20114 running dead from the X2.

If anyone finds anymore let me know!

Also many may remember the RT at Thurton, although it is no longer there, the Google Car got it.

Sam

Sunday Service

2009-06-07T15:30:00.001+01:00

I think this has been the first time I've done a Sunday X2 blog, but I
was lucky enough to see all 3 workings.
Diagram 1 was 34110 W437CWX
Diagram 2 was 34158 P658UFB
Diagram 3 was 34156 P656UFB

Also Yarmouth Dart 40257 N625CDB was SNIS in Norwich bus station, do
Yarmouth run to Norwich on Sundays?

Sam

S*d tree bars!

2009-06-03T16:18:00.001+01:00

I say fit all vehicles with bull bars! Would certainly help getting
through Loddon. Anyone who has ever been through Loddon/on the X2 will
know what I'm talking about, the roads are narrow with cars parked all
down the main street on one side. Some lovely person had parked in the
car park entrance (this is where the bus pulls in to allow cars driving
down the wrong side of the road to get passed); so today the driver
pulled in as far as he could right up against the wall of a house; where
a car pulled alongside and wouldn't move. I don't know how much room she
wanted! I side with the driver... the people of Loddon are impatient!

Surprisingly 20104 made an appearance on the 14:08 from Lowestoft;
thought it would have been needed on the X1

Sam

How To Alleviate A Vehicle Shortage - First Style!

2009-06-02T16:01:00.002+01:00

Logically with only 15 Elephants (or less?) being available it would make sense to keep them on the X1 right?
WRONG!
37566 AU58ECE (I'm 99% sure) was on "old K19" at 15:38
This has a green Nokia add (wasn't 37563 as this left at 16:20 X1 to Low) Another one (possibly the same one) did the 12:38 X2 from Norwich...
Also I overheard a passenger saying that had one of those (pointing at a White Elephant) on the 99A this morning!

Sam

Relief? A Centenary Post

2009-05-26T16:41:00.001+01:00

This is the 100th entry I'm making to the blog. I wasn't expecting to do
it yet. Considering I've now been doing this for 15.5 months I should
really have a higher post number than I do, but this blog doesn't get as
much attention as it should and I would just end up repeating myself!! I
hadn't been expecting to get any sightings today but my parents wanted
to go furnature shopping in Norwich so I went along for the ride. NEarly
had to come home on the X2 as it was a tight squeeze in the car!

Anyway, relief I hear you say... yes one of the 2 towns commonly served
by ECOC, along with Service.
Now today on the X2 there had either been a relief situation or a
breakdown. 60307 was heading out of Norwich on the 10:38 service,
followed closely behind by 34112. Now I know the incoming service is
always a very busy one with all the git pass holders (plus the service
gap from 8:03-9:08 between Lowestoft and Beccles); although its more
likely there had been a breakdown or 34112 had been up to something
else... It was working again on the 12:38 from Lowestoft. 34156 was
noted leaving Norwich bus station at 11:43 with Norwich X2 on the front;
presumably the 11:38 service running late and a not changed blind?.
34108 and 34114 did the 13:08 and 13:38 from Norwich respectivly.

Noted on the 28 was 65578 with white light surrounds which looked rather
odd. 30889 is still in service at Norwich; whether or not this will
transfer to KLN remains to be seen.

Anglian had T200CBC on 125s and S195HOK on C1/C2s

Sam

Silver Serpent

2009-05-20T22:08:00.002+01:00

The AnglianBus Silver Serpent has finally been identified today as
YN53GFY, new to Menzies (yes the same as the newspapers!) as T44 used as
a Heathrow airport bus and a rail rep vehicle. Still in all over silver
and has a flipdot destination display and not an LED.

Bagged 32809 and 33058 today; leaves me with 32854/85 and 33057 to see;
unless of course more turn up in the mean time!

Few strays in Norwich:

47209 M209VWW noted on 16s all day (normally 07 B7TL Wt Geminis)
47206 M206VWW on 27s this morning (normally ALX400s or SLF IIs)
32656 AU05MVA on 50s at 16:30 (Normally Striders)

Norfolk Green Dart 278 K578NHC also noted heading down St Stephens at
10:15 which I am reliably informed to be an X29 Relief

Got to sample 34157 P657UFB today; still not seen 34155 P655UFB but know
it is out there somewhere!

The Beast 20107 turned out on the X2 again today; on the 6:38 from
Lowestoft. Also out was:
34157
34158
34108
34111
34114
60307
60309

This is the last blog until June 1st, unless I see/hear of anything
interesting. Any X2 sightings please comment or email
sam.wickham[NOSPAM]@gmail.com (removing the [NOSPAM])

Sam

Is it broken yet?

2009-05-19T15:59:00.001+01:00

34157 has started over here already on the 9:08 X2 from Lowestoft; when
we passed in Loddon on 34158 driver leant out of his cab window and said
to 57's driver "Has it cut out on you yet?" Doesn't sound good...

Apart from that nothing and I mean nothing unusual at all, no B10Ms on
either routes, all normal vehicles, and a lot of rain!

Out today were:
34110
34112
34114
34157
34158
60306
60307

Sam

I Found The Beast!

2009-05-13T20:38:00.001+01:00

Normality seems to have returned slightly on the X2. This morning on the
8:03 from Lowestoft I was lucky enough to get a ride on the beast that
is 20107!

Had 34108 on the way home, passengers kept telling the driver that
school kids had made a right mess/trashed the upper deck but quite how
bad it was I don't know.

32801 T801LLC entered service today and was seen on the X1 to Dereham at
17:20

Syd Eade informs us that the last remaining Lowestoft Olympian 34925
G125YEV will be finishing service tomorrow (14th) on the 99s, its final
runs being the 1913 and 2113 to Southwold, returning at 2011 and 2211
back to Lowestoft (better not run late past midnight!!!)

The Palatine NC IIs at KLN are also returning over the weekend; so
hopefully will be out and about on the X2. This will make my spotting
harder as I normally ID the current pair by rear ads!

Sam

Strangers on the X2

2009-05-12T21:11:00.002+01:00

The last couple of days have seen some irregular visitors on the X2.47201 M201VWW operated the 11:08 from Lowestoft today.47203 M203VWW operated what used to be the Kings Lynn turn of the X2 starting off at 12:38 from Lowestoft working right through to the 17:08 from Norwich; before this was a decker off schools.My sister reports an White Elephant on the 14:08 from Lowestoft; I don't know which one as of yet.

Simonds Merc Vario AU54JRV was also noted in Norwich around 4pm on the 2s

Sam

That's Not My Bus!

2009-05-11T13:43:00.001+01:00

Quite a few strays today. 47201 turned out the 8:03 X2 from Lowestoft
B10Bs 60307/6 on the 6:38 and 6:53 commuter runs which were always DDs
or at least B10Ms
20126 on K16 seen leaving Norwich at 11:25
34333 on the 26s
And Anglian had T200CBC on 123s at 9:50

Sam

Todays Variety

2009-05-06T20:52:00.001+01:00

Todays workings on the X2. Services seemed to have some delay in most
runnings; possibly due to issues in Lowestoft?

06:53 Lowestoft Norwich 34110 W437CWX
09:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34112 W432CWX
09:15 Beccles Norwich 34110 W437CWX
09:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34111 W431CWX
10:08 Lowestoft Norwich 34109 W436CWX
10:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34110 W437CWX
10:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34112 W432CWX
11:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34111 W431CWX
11:38 Norwich Lowestoft 34109 W436CWX
15:38 Lowestoft Norwich 20103 N603APU
16:38 Lowestoft Norwich 34156 P656UFB
17:08 Lowestoft Norwich 20107 N607APU
17:08 Norwich Lowestoft 20103 N603APU
17:28 Norwich Lowestoft 34108 W435CWX
18:08 Lowestoft Beccles 34158 P658UFB
18:08 Norwich Lowestoft 34156 P656UFB
18:38 Norwich Lowestoft 20107 N607APU

Sam

All Change Please!

2009-04-28T18:13:00.000+01:00

Today was the first day I got to sample the new timetabled service for
all operators. Although the only service I use is the X2 which has only
had one change; some of the diagram workings are now different. For
example K19 is no longer; today the first 2 journeys were 34109; but the
15:38 from Lowestoft was B9TL 37564 AU58ECC; as to whether this is a
diagram or stray hopefully it will become clear!
Also out were:
60306
60307
60309
34109
34114
37564

Only change noted on Anglian is AU58AUV was the 2nd vehicle on 587

Also noted in Norwich going up Ipswich RD was Stansted Transit ADL Dart
MPD EU06KPA as to what it was doing in Norwich I'm not sure.

Sam

W/C 20/4 on the X2

2009-04-24T18:55:00.001+01:00

A few notes and observations from this week nothing really of major interest!

Tues 21/04/09
20107    N607APU
34108    W435CWX
34113    W433CWX
34114    W434CWX
37568    AU58ECJ
65567    S567TPW (Norwich Turn)

Weds 22/04/09
20351    WA05UNG
34108    W435CWX
34111    W431CWX
34112    W432CWX
34113    W433CWX
34156    P656UFB

Fri 24/04/09
20127   P767XHS
34108   W435CWX
34109   W436CWX

Sam

Simonds, Diss Fleet Update

2009-04-15T19:42:00.001+01:00

Received the latest fleetlist from Martyn Simonds this evening. Changes
are as follows:
New in is FJ06BSO B12B YV3R8G1256A110278 Je C57Ft new 3/2006 to Lochs &
Glens,Aberfoyle. As of yet it has no fleet number.
To Harrods are coaches MSU916 and MSU917. Also gone off the list (but
not mentioned) is B12B AU03FSA.

Commer UUB402 (Martyn thinks) is starting to take shape, will not be on
the road until 2010 but should be reg under PCV regs. A lot more work
though before then.

To access the latest list see the bar on the right.

Sam

X2 Timetable Change

2009-04-15T07:34:00.001+01:00

First have finally put their forthcoming timetables online.
There had been many rumours flying round about increased frequency or
major service cuts; however I'm please to say there are two changes:
*Sunday service now hourly (instead of 2 hourly)
*The weekday 6:23am journey has been re-timed to leave Lowestoft at 6:15am

As far as I can see there are no other changes, but if anyone notices
anything please correct!

Sam

Anglian New Routes/PVRs

2009-04-14T20:30:00.002+01:00

Anglian have beaten First by adding their new timetables today. Amazingly my rough PVR calculations seem to have come up with them needing 1 LESS vehicle! This is purely mainly gueestimations from looking at the timetables and sitting with coloured pens (well I AM a student!)

Route	Old	New	Type
587	1	2	Versa/Solo
588	5	5	Scania
601/608	4	5	L113
122	1	2	Tempo
123/4	4	3	B7RLE
999	2	2	Solo
AX47	6	3	S/T/7
TOTAL	23	22

Sam

KonectBus, Dereham - Fleet Update

2009-04-06T11:29:00.001+01:00

I have just received the latest fleetlist from Julian Patterson which
I've uploaded to the fleetlists section (see the bar on the right)
The only change to note is the last Leyland National 109 TRN809V is no
longer in the fleet. This marks the end of National operation for
Konect. If anyone knows when/where it went please let me know.

Sam

April Fools

2009-04-01T20:37:00.001+01:00

Todays April Fool was 47201 on the 7:18 Beccles - Lowestoft and 47203 on
the
6:18 Low-Nor

20107 stared on the 6:38 from Low this morning and was still running
through on the 17:08 in!

K19 this morning looked to have been 37578 (I think might've been 76
forgot to write it down!)
Although at 17:15 20126 looked to have dropped onto it; was parked in
Norwich with X1 on the front didn't look to be going anywhere so quite
possibly?

Also out was:
60309
34109
34156

32884 T884KLF on 12s

Sanders DAF Palatine NC2s 6542FN and 6546FN were parked on Ipswich Road;
one had its engine bay open

Now off to Easter holidays!

Sam

B10m+B10M=B20M?

2009-03-31T18:54:00.001+01:00

Now normally a B10M on the X2 is a rare occurrence; today I was lucky
enough to get 2!
On the way in on K19 was 20126; which was screeching some what! On the
way home (16:38 NOR) was 20103.
Also out was 34109
34111
34114
34156
And by the looks of it a 3rd B10M (with driver side ad) did the 18:08
Low-Beccles (it just shot past my house!)

Norfolk Training Services now have Dennis Jv W/Stringer N586HTE - looks
to be a training bus but was doing the rounds like GYT31 used to do!

Anglians other ex Dublin Bus RH was parked on Ipswich Road today; so I
can now confirm it is 506 HIL5679. Stray was AU04JKN on 004s

Oddities on the 16 were 60298 and 43445 - no sign of ANY of the 07 B7TLs!
65576 was also broken down on Castle Meadow around 2pm

Parked on CM also was unknown Neoplan SJI8127

Sam

I knew it was going to be a bad day...

2009-03-25T19:47:00.001Z

When I saw 47201 on the Bernard Mathews contract (normally 2 Royales!)
And I was right... the 6:53 from Lowestoft didn't run; 60309 turned up
at 7:42 (due 7:37) so of course everyone piled on. Was talk the 6:18 AND
6:38 didn't run either but passenger numbers didn't suggest this. When
we got to Norwich 60306 and 60307 were running back on the returns so
must have run through. Strangely 3411 ran SNIS out of Norwich with a
Lowestoft driver; this is what the 6:53 normally does to do the 9:15
from Beccles; so if it had run it had left extremely early or picked up
the route further along!

20103 turned out on the 7:18 Beccles to Lowestoft
Strangely 60307 did the 17:28 from Norwich (again normally a Royale)
Thought to myself well at least there isn't any Darts out so of course
43464 comes rattling past on the 17:08 from Lowestoft!

What a day!

Olympians; ride 'em while you can!

2009-03-18T21:16:00.001Z

Lowestoft now only has one serviceable Olympian left which is 34925
G125YEV; 34973 isn't officially w/d but is currently VOR
Ipswich I believe is also down to 1 this being 34872 F172LBL
Kings Lynn has 3 (please correct me if I'm wrong guys) these being
34901/21/33 (34950 should've been w/d today)
Norwich has 34902/3 and 34333 (although with the Tridents slowly
appearing their days are numbered. 34825 is supposedly there as a
reserve although I haven't seen her in service for some time :(

Olympians; ride 'em while you can!

Sam

Anglian Notes

2009-03-16T13:21:00.001Z

Few notes from the city today
X228WRA on 003s
T200CBC on 121s
Ex Arriva Volvo Citybus H659GPF has appeared again and was noted parked
on Ipswich RD still looking sorry for itself; no sign of P476SWC.
P478SWC however has turned up and came crawling past me through the
village when I was walking home on trade plates sounding rather sick.
This has a side and rear flipdot number box and was showing 587

Sam

A mixed bag

2009-03-11T19:54:00.001Z

First chuck outs on the X2 this morning were (in order)
60309
40185
60306
34110 (7:18 B-L)

This evening was:
37568 (15:38 K19)
34109 (16:38)
47203 (17:08)
34925 (17:48 No)

66959 was noted on the 16s this morning

Anglians YN07EZB now has a front fleetname
R82EMB was on X47s this evening
T200CBC was on the 999s yesterday afternoon

A Talisman MegaDekka passed City College around 11:30 (didn't ID it
though sorry)

Sam

Strange Destinations and Bad Backs get worse!

2009-03-10T19:03:00.001Z

Rather alot of strange and unusual destination displays noted in Norwich
bus station this evening.
32478 AU53HJO came in around 5pm with Bury St Edmunds Bus Station 84 on
the front
37565 had SORRY DT IN SERVICE up (I know there's an issue with the board)
34114 just displayed SORRY... on the front in large letters.
Of course Anglian had to join in and 505 AO57HCC had CIVITAS Conference
displayed

On a side note both 34925 and 34109 were in Norwich bus station at
17:10; does anyone know which did the 17:28 X2 please?
Also on the X2 was:
34925
37565 (K19)
60306
34114
34158 (I think they really need to wash these buses sometimes!)

A couple of strays were:
37156 AU07DXS on 10s
61349 L202KFS and 61367 L308VSU on 21s around 2pm

Norfolk Green also had 601 Y54HBT on X29s - this is the first time I
have seen it

Sam

A Very Quiet Week

2009-03-04T20:12:00.002Z

Not much to say really this week. 34973 J623BVG has been kicking around
on the X2 still. Norwich's B10BLE 66165 W365EOW finally entered service on 21s and was noted on 3/3/09 at 14:15ish
Sam

"Propa" Bus

2009-02-24T19:16:00.003Z

KonectBus
Optare Solo 900 VX51RHZ was on the 9 instead of the usual Versa

AnglianBus
A Versa (possibly AU08DKL) was noted on the 16:58 577 to Beccles
B7RLE 402 AU06BPE is now in AnglianBus livery

NatEx
Scania Caetano Triaxle FJ07DVL (SC4) was noted coned off in Norwich bus
station with a wrecker truck parked infront of it at 2pm

First
20127 P767XHS was noted on mainstream X1
40291 M948SRE on X1 shuttles
32656 AU05MVA on 602 Harford P&R while 66959 WX55TZW on 28s (a swap
perhaps?)

30903 W758DWX had expired at Castle Meadow on the 35s around 2:15

And now onto the "propa" bus - Leyland Olympian 34973 J623BVG was on the
17:08 X2 from Norwich and was a brilliant ride went like the stink!
Also on the X2 was 34108 which did the 12:08 X2 from Norwich - this is
normally done by a Kings Lynn vehicle (as it drops back onto the X1
later on) but at 15:38 it was swapped for 37568 AU58ECJ

Also out were:
34156
34158
34112
34113

No sign of any Tridents in service yet...

I think that's all!
Sam

Old Friends

2009-02-11T21:46:00.000Z

Two Leyland Olympians noted on the X2 today (11/02).
These were 34925 G125YEV on the 7:18 Beccles to Lowestoft (it also operated this yesterday) and 34973 J623BVG on the 17:08 from Lowestoft. Are these now the last remaining two? Unfortunately I didn't get to ride on either!

Also out were:
34109
34112
and 34158 which I've now been subject to for 3 journeys; broke down this morning but lots of revving got it going again

Sam

Excel-ent

2009-02-10T19:48:00.001Z

Just a quick one today before I have to get ready for tomorrows full day (9-6!)

In use were:
20103 (K19 full turn running quite well)
34108
34111
34113
34156
34158

20127 on shuttles
Noted parked up in Norwich bus station was 2 Elephants SNIS; one on the stand going to Lowestoft, another came hurtling down the A146 with Kings Lynn X1 on the front - running dead from Lowestoft?

Standard liveried B7RLE 66950 WX55TZM was noted on 606 Sprowston P&R (Purple) at 5pm

Sam

Normal Service Resumes

2009-02-09T15:49:00.001Z

Simonds
Noted on the 1s this morning in CountryLink Livery was MAN MCV AE55MVK which I believe was an ex demo/rental and had been to Norfolk Green before?

Norfolk Green
207 S156UAL noted on X29s

Sanders
The other Dennis Javelin P768PCL was noted on driver training duties today

FEC
The only B7RLE noted in service today was 66806 MX05CCV which was on 13/50s
On the X1 shuttles was 20115/26 and surprisingly 37568. Also 30887 was on Hardford P&R
Noted on the X2 (7:18 Beccles-Lowestoft) was Leyland Olympian 34925 G125YEX (showing 2X!)
Also out was:
34111
34110
34158
20105 (K19)
another B10M and a B10B

Sam

On The Side Of A Bus

2009-02-07T11:13:00.003Z

Well I've made it; this blog is now featured on the side of a bus!

Ok so not really! Its actually a website which generates them!

On a side note normal service should be resumed from Monday 9th Feb

Sam

TFI Friday!

2009-01-23T20:50:00.001Z

Only a small blog today mainly because I won't be going to college until 9th Feb so there might not be another entry until then.

On X2 today was:
20104
34110 (My sister rode on this although the bus I saw coming back on this diagram looked to be 34108?)
34111
34112
60306

On X1 shuttles was 20103

SCC E300 SN06BOJ was broken down in Beccles Bus Station

Sam

More B7RLEs!

2009-01-19T17:03:00.002Z

At least 4 former IPS P&R have turned up and are in use. Today I spotted 66804/5/6 MX05CCO/U/V also reported is 66803 MX05CCN - quite how many are now in Norwich remains to be seen!

Another strange thing in Norwich today was that buses were on the routes they were supposed to be! Both 37159 and 37160 appeared on 16s which is a rare sight these days and a handful of 28 branded Scanias were on the 28! Also all old Olympians (34333/902/3) were on the 10/18 circuit.

Anglian also have a loan Solo in white MX07JOV which is being used on the 12 - guessing it is covering for the damaged A47 one.

Plenty of B10Ms on the X2 today - 20103 and 20105 possibly 20107 also!
Also in use was:
60306
60307
34111
A Palatine and a Royale

Sam

Riding Elephants

2009-01-16T15:31:00.002Z

Today I had the experience (I think thats the right word) of 37563 AU58ECA for my ride home. A few observations made:
* A fair turn of speed - but then again the top speed is a short stretch of 50!
* Breaks which are VERY strong - hit a 40 and it dropped anchor!
* Stop bell which sounds like an old fashioned clock but the green stop sign which shines through the glass is very modern
* Impossible to see out of - I was peering out under the ticket machine to try and see what else was in service - the luggage racks/smash screens and what not make you feel like you're in a cage
* It had a cold or a blocked trunk or something it didn't half make a lot of snorting/snuffing/grunting/hissing noises

Oh yes, and the seats are f*cking awful I have a bad back from the short 20 mile journey!
I must admit they are OK; they would be excellent if they:
1) sorted the speed
2) but some proper seats in!

Others in use were:
34158
34112
34111

Norwich also have a new "bus wash" someone had washed over the rear fleet number and numberplate to make them visible!

20126 in use on the shuttles

Sanders P767PCL was noted in use in Norwich covered in L plates with loads of men in yellow coats onboard

Anglian have gained another white bus; this time a Solo of yet I haven't been able to identify. White Scania OmniCity DD YN08MOF is still also here and on the 588s

Sam

The Elephants Came In Two By Two

2009-01-12T19:44:00.001Z

Today on the X2 passengers were treated to two White Elephants; 37567 which did the 10:08 from Norwich and 37575 which did the 15:08 from Lowestoft (this one drops back onto the X1 from Norwich)

Now solve the mystery. 20104 was noted passing Thurton at 9:12 heading eastbound showing Norwich Via Pakefield & Beccles (ie a westbound destination blind) -my theory is that this didthe 6:53 from Lowestoft but didn't get to Norwich in time to do the 9:15 from Beccles (it runs dead from Norwich to Beccles and then back in service to Norwich) Answers on a postcard!

47201 did the 8:03 from Lowestoft which I had the displeasure of!
I also got to sample a Palatine; 34158 which did the 15:38 from Norwich - all I'll say is they're better than the Leyland, but they aint no Royale!

Sam

Strays Of The Day

2009-01-10T09:34:00.002Z

This is from Friday I would have done it last night but I had a staff party!

Firstly a few odd Norwich workings (not strays but not normal!)
Gemini B7TL 37158 AU07DXV on 18s while ALX400 B7TL 30903 W758DWX on 16s
34903 H103KVX on 19s 65558 R258DVF on 35s

Proper stray was Volvo B7R Plaxton Profile 20353 WA05UNE which did the 14:08 and 15:38 X2s (this isn't the KLN working) - this was my ride home at 15:38 on which I sat behind the wheelchair contraption - the isle seat seatbelt was jammed so had to sit next to the window - then which a rather large lady pretty much sat on me! And wouldn't keep still - she finally got off at Gillingham - was hoping she would have gone and sat next to her husband when the seat next to him became free at Loddon! Engine noise and speed was ok - it rolled back trying to pull out of Norwich bus station (I remember a B12 doing that once?) one problem was the whole front end of the bus kept rattling - quite what it was I don't have the foggiest! Also when I got off it said on the dash (with a little light saying "Check") "Check light controller at next stop" all the lights seemed to be working however?

Anglian also had 405 (which should be AU06BPO but I'm not sure!) on X47s

Solving some of the magic numbers 314 is YN57HPZ and 316 is YN57HPV - I will keep a hunt out for the others!

Sam

Monday 5th - A Slow Day

2009-01-06T08:24:00.002Z

Nothing much really to report over this way
Only that 60307 was broken down just outside Norwich where X1 turns off to Yarmouth - had driver only and no pax - god knows how long it had been there!

In use was
34111
34113
34114
60306
60307 (?)
47207 (Norwich diagram left 15:27 19 late)

Anglian also had the ex 123 branded MX53FDM or N Solo on X47s - this is probably why

Sam

2008 - The Year Of Change

2009-01-02T18:25:00.003Z

As some of you may know; all over 2008 I have been logging any X2 journeys I have seen (starting properly around March time I believe) This post is to pretty much sum up the whole year. Before I start I should really explain what a journey is - it is between a start point and terminus - ie Lowestoft to Norwich would be one journey - Norwich to Lowestoft is another etc

Some Facts And Figures:
Total Journeys Logged - 670
Number of late journeys - 39
Number of journeys with vehicle defects/breakdowns - 17
Number of journeys which did not run (DNR) - 3

In FECs defense and praise many of the lates were caused either by Norwichs 2 journeys (15:08 or 16:08) or by the 8:08 from Lowestoft; which from the 5/1/9 has been retimed leaving Lowestoft 5 minutes earlier to allow it to reach Norwich on time.

Types operated
Coach - 144
DD - 374
MidiBus - 343
Bus - 106

Vehicles from here there and everywhere
Over the last year the X2 has had (pretty much) a vehicle from every depot in use. The most interesting from each depot (but operated from Lowestoft) was
KLN 37579 AU58ECK (13/11 7:08 and 9:08)
YCR 46062 K62KEX (24/06 15:08 and 16:38)
NOR 65574 S574TPW (10/09 8:08 and 9:38)
IPS 34925 G125YEV (01/10 17:28 - technically it transfered here but eh!)
LOW 37568 AU58ECJ (10/11 15:38)

KLN wins the award for the most interesting vehicles as rather than the usual B10M we often had B12M 20506 filling in or on one occasion a B7R Profile (although I didn't record which one and when)

At the start of 2008 the X2 tended to be operated by B10Ms and very ancient Leyland Olympians. Later in the year (starting around September) we were treated to some better vehicles. Firstly we has B10Bs 60306/7/ M511/2/4PNA which are step entrance buses but are good movers. We were then finally treated to some new double deckers - Volvo Olympian Ar Royale with DP seating 34108-14 W435-7CWX/W431-4CWX - these are excellent buses which are comfy rides and by all are said to be better than the White Elephants. Finally we have been treated to some Volvo NC Palatine IIs which look good but I'm yet to sample them!

Unfortunately with the new arrivals it also meant saying goodbye to some old friend - the Leyland Olympians and the Volvo B10Ms (although there are a couple still hanging round) Sadly for me it meant 34825 F105AVG had to be withdrawn - but it may live to fight another day!

All in all 2008 was a good year - 2009 looks to be even better. I would like to thank all who had to put up with me asking what bus? what time? what direction? for the log!

If anyone would like the log please email me

Happy new year to all for 2009

Sam

The Last One Before Christmas

2008-12-12T18:13:00.003Z

This could probably be my last post before Christmas as today was my last day at college for the year and I have no plans of going anywhere during the 3 weeks I have off. If there is any news I shall post. I also plan on doing a piece on the X2 in 2008 so keep watching!

Anyway for today

FEC X2
Again a variety of vehicles out - including 34158 P658UFB which entered service a couple of days ago, and 20103 which started on the 8:08 from Lowestoft and appeared to have done 3 turns; as it was seen again on the 14:08 - this vehicle is suffering still and had alarms going off - the brake alarm kept going off apparently its the usual electrical fault?

Schools
No less than 3 "legacy" Olympians on Beccles schools this morning;
34925 - X2
34825 - 006
34973 - 007

Also noted was a silver Merc Vario which I believe may be Waylands N574CEH

Noted leaving Norwich bus station around 11:40 heading east was 20127 on X1s - don't know if this was main stream or shuttles? Dart 43439 noted on X1 Dereham at 14:30 and has a new set of wheel rims driver side. 46807 was noted in St Stephens at 11:30 broken down with fitters attending but by 11:40 it was being driven off.

Anglian
YN07LFU on X47 sounding like a tank
504 AO57HCD was wishing everyone Merry Christmas
YN08MOF still present
400 X228WRA now has a flipdot destination display - this looks to be from either S194HOK or S195HOK - whether one of these has gone now - this display really doesn't fit it and looks out of place and har to read compared to the old standard blinds

NatEx
PPY238 noted on 490 London leaving Norwich at 14:10

Merry Christmas to all!

Sam

More Olympians

2008-12-08T20:23:00.003Z

This time 1 less than the last batch - 6 Volvo Olympian NC Palatine IIs have arrived from Bristol for FEC.

These are:
34155 P655UFB
34156 P656UFB
34157 P657UFB
34158 P658UFB
34186 S686AAE
34187 S687AAE

The 4 P reg ones have LED destination equipment fitted and are allocated to Lowestoft; so should feature in this blog a fair bit! The other two have standard destination blinds and are UNALLOCATED and where they will end up is UNKNOWN! They are currently stored at Norwich Vulcan Road. All require a full service before being available for use.

Also at NorV is the latest BLOBLE 66165 W365EOW which was buried in a head of oou vehicles! (Shown in the picture below)

All Information and picture with thanks to and copyright of Syd

Sam

A Real Mixed Bag

2008-12-05T17:56:00.003Z

Today on the X2 there was a real assortment of vehicles in use which were:
60306 +1 other B10B
34114 + 2 other Royales
20111
20104 (K19)
And unusually 43465 on the 15:08 from Lowestoft

20111 seemed to have some acceleration issues the driver had his foot flat on the floor but is wasn't going anywhere- he said "I have my foot flat on the floor; if I press any harder it would go through the floor... I'd like to be able to reach the speed limit"! It got better near Beccles as he threw it into the bus station!

20115 was noted leaving Norwich heading towards Trowse traffic lights at 9:30 this morning with half-a-dozen yellow coated men on board

Anglian also had a variety out too.
R86EMB was noted on the 580s this morning
AU07KMM was in Norwich on what looked like 121s with 165 Leiston on its display
YJ06FZK now has no side destination box
Noted on 588s was a white Scania OmniCity Decker possible reg YN08MDF (can't find a record of that or anything close!)

Where's My Elephant?

2008-12-03T20:04:00.002Z

Today I was 101% sure I was going to be lucky enough to get a White Elephant. Why I hear you ask? Well when it finally arrived it was 11 late and it wasn't an Elephant it was 20103 (driven by Lowestoft's Mr Lady Late!)
Coming home we were late leaving (see below). Small background history the crossing points this end of the X2 are Beccles, Loddon and Trowse (traffic lights). When we got to the A146 pull off into Chedgrave (around 17:15) there was a B10M (either 20103 or 20107?) - now it was either the 16:38 from Lowestoft 20 early - or K19 a massive 35 late! (Or could've been the 878 contract now that I think about it 20 late but shh!)

Also late was 65524 R144GSF which did the Norwich #2 turn at 16:08 which didn't arrive till 16:35 and departed at 16:41 cauing mass confusing along the massive queue of punters. 60306 rolled up at 16:41 full of pax which were thrown off on bay 4; where it sat and everyone scrambled on. The driver appeared to be new and slightly wet behind the ears (and this is where I refrain from making any further comments at risk of being run over!) This then departed at 16:45 however it took an hour to get to Worlingham (Normally 50 minutes!)

Another odd sighting this evening was, as leaving Norwich, one of the Royales in the 3rd lane at Trowse traffic lights, which then proceeded to turn onto the A47 towards Yarmouth - quite what this was doing I don't know!

(On a side note Anglians P476SWC was noted back in service tonight - didn't get time to check Ipswich RD bay today though)

Sam

All Change Please!

2008-12-01T16:46:00.003Z

Now today was slightly different on the X2
Normally the morning turns (6:18 6:38 6:53) are small to large; B10B, B10M, Royale - however today it was Royale (34112) B10B (6007) and B10M (20121)

By the end of the day 20121 ended up on K19

Norwich also operated at least 1/2 turns - the 15:08 was operated by Scania 65560 (albeit leaving 15 late!)

34337 was also noted in Worlingham at 7:15 with all yellow on the front - possibly BM contract?

Anglian have also acquired another decker from Ensign - it may only be a loan to cover for the P-SWCs? - this time it was former Arriva/L&C Volvo D10M Citybus H659GPF which was noted on Ipswich RD parked up with its door open and AB legals on a sheet of paper

Sam