Fleet News May 2005

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

Repaints:

Mon 16th:
Dart 2229 now carries the revised Arriva livery.

Sightings:

Tue 31st:
Minibus 1374 was on route 36 to Sunnyhill.

Sat 28th:
Chellaston Dart 2252 and Volvo B10BLE 3606 was on routes 22/24/26 today.
Chris reports: 44/45 branded Volvo Olympian 4630 on Chellaston route 61. Tiger (F40 ENF) was on driver training.
John reports: Darts 2194/8 (and an ex London Citybus) on route 20, Mercedes minibus 1378 on route 36, and DAF/East Lancs Lowlander 4734 on route 60 to Chellaston.

Fri 27th:
Chellaston dart 2237 and Volvo B10BLE 3604 were on Oakwood routes 22/24/26.

Mon 23rd:
On the Oakwood routes 22/24/26 were Volvo B10BLE 3605, ab unbranded Dennis Dart SLF (2226 or 2227), and an unbranded Olympian (possibly 4639?).
44/45 branded Olympian 4626 was on route 20.
Chellaston route 60 had Volvo B10BLE 3605.
DAF/East Lancs Lowlander 4745 was on the Sinfin route 37, whilst Olympian 4630 and MPD 2223 were on route 38 (Sinfin).

Sat 21st:
Route 44/45 branded Volvo Olympian 4626 was on route 29 to Mackworth.

Wed 18th:
MPD 2222 was on Oakwood routes 22/24/26 in the place of a DAF/East Lancs Lowlander!

Tue 17th:
East Lancs Dart 2194 was on the 109.

Mon 16th:
MPD 2224 (T54 JJF) was on the 111 Pride Park & Ride.

Fri 13th:
Chellaston Dart 2238 was on the 111 Pride Park and Ride.
44/45 branded Olympian 4630 was on route 29.

Tue 10th:
DAF/East Lancs Lowlander 4739 (PN52 XRP) was on route 40 and there was an MPD on the 109 again.

Fri 6th:
DAF 4739 (PN52 XRP) was on route 38 to Sinfin. Volvo B10BLE 3606 was on the 22/24/26 again.

Thurs 5th:
Minibus 1374 (N474 XRA) was on the 36 to Sunnyhill.
MPD 2222 was on route 109 today.

Wed 4th:
MPD 2221 was on the 109 (and yesterday). Thanks James.
Volvo B10BLEs 3605/6 were on routes 22/24/26.

Tues 3rd:
There was an MPD on route 109 to Ashbourne.
Repainted Volvo B10BLE 3606 was on routes 22/24/26.

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Felix

Fri 27th:
The Dennis Dart was on the Ilkeston Flyer route today.

Sat 21st:
The Dennis Dart was on the Black Cat route today.

Tue 17th:
The new Felix "Black Cat" Scania (YN05 GZB) is now at the Scania dealer in Nottingham! The "Ilkeston Flyer" branded one has left and should now be back with Felix.

Fri 13th:
The Scania for the Ilkeston Flyer is still at the Scania dealer in Nottingham. Black Cat branded Volvo (V708 GRY) was on the route today.

Sat 7th:
Paul reports that the Ilkeston Flyer Scania (YN04 AGY) is currently at the Scania dealer in Nottingham.

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Littles Travel

Sat 28th:
Leyland National (TAE 638S) was on route 9, replaced by the MetroRider later on though.

Sat 7th:
Ex Kinchbus Excel (P201 BNR) has been sold!! Shame as it was so reliable....
A new Icarus?? (P162 RWR) is here. This should gain (SIL 5864) as its reg.

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T M Travel

Thurs 12th:
Aquired here are two Olympians. The first is Leyland (E915 KYR), with Northen Counties bodywork. It still carries Stagecoach livery (stripes) from its previous operator Stagecoach Hull. The bus was new to London Transports Bexley bus operation. The second is a Volvo (P337 ROO) with Northern Counties Palatine body. It has come from Courtesy Coaches and is now painted red. It was new to Harris Bus, West Thurrock.
The fleet list on this page has now been updated, thanks to help from Nathan and chris.

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Wellglade

Transfers/vehicle movements:

Sat 28th:
Borrowash Flyer Dart 899 has been sent to Cummins in Lincoln to have a new engine fitted!
Two of the former Mickleover Excels (V reg) are thought to have been taken out of storage at Langley Mill due to a vehicle shortage. They have been reported in use on the R1 route.

Thurs 26th:
Frio Excel 199 may also be withdrawn. Excels 190-9 are all For Sale.
Buses on loan to Sutton are: Paladin 138, Excels 201/5 and Solo 457. Dove Holes is meant to have Excel 225 on loan, but it has been at Derby for repairs for weeks. Borrowash Vario is officially on loan to Derby, whilst "tan" Dart 899 gets over teething problems!
Paladin 137 is now with Notts + Derby (not on loan). Excels 233/4 are now allocated to Ashbourne route 107.

Mon 23rd:
Scania 666 is now at Nottingham from Derby.
Excels 220-4 and 230-4 are now based at Derby.
Withdrawn are Mickleover Excels 190-7 and Excel 198. Most are in storage at Langley Mill and are believed to be heading for New Zealand!
Vectas heading for Sri Lanka for the Tsunami Appeal are thought to be 807, 809, 810 and 812.

Repaints:

Mon 23rd:
Kinchbus Vario 289 has recieved a revised Airline Shuttle livery, which is mainly white.
Excel 233 now carries Trent Barton livery (not Zig Zag).

Sat 21st:
Repaints into the new dark pink/purple Mickleover livery are Optare Excels 220-4 and 230-2. 233/4 are in Trent Barton livery (233 possibly Zig Zag?). Some photos of these are now on the fotopic site.

Mon 16th:
Paladin 123 is now in Notts + Derby livery.

Mon 9th:
Excels 237/8 now carry the revised Rainbow 3 livery.
Chris reports that Darts 933 and 936 have been repainted into Trent Barton livery! This sees the Barton name dwindle further. I think only four Barton buses remain, an Excel (253) a Solo and two of the T reg Darts. Dove Holes 907 could have done with a repaint first!

Sightings:

Tue 31st:
Notts + Derby Olympian 712 was used on The Allestree Red route for part of the day!
Solo 448 was on the Borrowash Flyer this afternoon and Scania 667 was on the Mickleover.

Sat 28th:
3 Mickleover Excels missing today. In their place were, Scania 667 and Darts 923/8.
Dart 935 was on route 125, Solo 448 on the R63, Scania 665 on the Spondon Flyer and Dart 938 on the 107 to Ashbourne.
Coach 56 was parked up in Derby Bus Station. I think it had been on the Allestree, "R51 Allestree" was displayed.
Chris reports Dart 915 on route 27 in Ilkeston.
John reports: Excels 253 and 236 were on the Rainbow 4 and Solo 450 on the H1. Vario 286 is now back on the Borrowash Flyer, and Kinchbus Varios 289/90 are in the revised AL livery. 285 still carries the old version. All three were on the route today.
Skyline Excel 207 was in for repair at Meadow Road, joining 225. Asda branded Paladin 117 was in use on the D1 P&R.

Fri 27th:
Solo 448 was on the Mickleover and coach 62 was on the Red Arrow.
John reports that branded Vario 286 was on the Borrowash Fl had 286 er this morning.
Paul reports Barton Excel 253 on the Xprss.

Thurs 26th:
The most unusual working of the day must be credited to Paul, who saw Rainbow 5 Scania 613 on the Cotgrave Connection! Photo "HERE".
Paul also reports Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) & Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) on the Radcliffe Line.
Coach 56 was on the Borrowash Flyer, later replaced by Vario 286. A Trent Barton coach was on the Spondon Flyer.
James reports: Scanias 665/7 and excel 234 on the Mickleover. Kinch Solo 436 on the AL1, and Solos 419 on the Allestree, 425 on the 125, 448 on the XR6 and 450 on the H1.

Wed 25th:
Excels 233/4 should now be the regular buses on the 107 Ashbourne - Derby.
Scania 666 and Barton Excel 253 were on the Rainbow 4 today.
Coach 62 was on the Red Arrow and Scania 667 was on the Mickleover.
Chris reports coach 63 on the Borrowash Flyer - later replaced by 286 (its back again!).
Mark reports Frio Excel 201 on the Rainbow 3. Barton Dart 933 is also reported at Sutton. Both are on loan to Nottingham.
Paul reports: Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Rainbow 5, Solos 431 (X631 ERB) & 441 (FP51 GXV) on the Radcliffe Line, and Scania 638 (FD53 WWK) on the R1. Excel 153 was on training.

Tue 24th:
Scania 665 was on the V3, 667 on the Mickleover, coach 56 on the Borrowash Flyer (later replaced by Solo 447) and Excels 233 and 234 was on the 107.
Trent Barton Dart 906 was on the 92 to Sutton and Scania 666 was on the Rainbow 4 again.
Kinchbus Vario 289 was out on the AL1 today in the new white, blue and red livery for the route.
Excel 151 was out on driver training.
In Nottingham Tim reports Dart 933 on the Calverton Connection, displaying CC Trent Barton in the blind.
Paul reports: Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) and Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Radcliffe Line, Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Keyworth Connection, and Scania 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 1, coach 62 was on the Red Arrow.

Mon 23rd:
The new Excels were out on the Mickleover today (and on Sunday). Chris noted that two were missing, with Scania 667 and Excel 234 in their places.
Trent Barton Excel 233 (not Zig Zag) was on route 107.
Barton Dart 916 was on route 125, and Solo 450 was on the H1.
Scania 666 has transfered to Nottingham and was on the Rainbow 4 today along with Barton Excel 253.
Scania 665 was on the Spondon Flyer and Kinchbus Vario 288 was on the AL1 service once again.
Both Solos 447 and 448 were on the Allestree in the morning.
John reports Trent buses coach 56 on the Borrowash Flyer this morning, this was replaced by Solo 448 later on.
Kinchbus dart 894 was on driver training.
A Calverton Connection Scania was parked up at Meadow Road this evening for some reason.

Sat 21st:
All but 2 (230/2) Mickleover Excels are now at Meadow Road, Derby where they will be based. Spare Excel 233 is also here with 234 expected to arrive soon (currently at LM).
Borrowash Dart 899 was taken off the route yet again, with Trent buses coach 56 replacing it.
Excel 198 was at Meadow Road with blinds removed! Sold?
Notts + Derby Paladins 120 and 123 are at Langley Mill for repair.
The ex Queens Drive Park & Ride Excels 151-3 are still in use as Driver trainers.
The usual withdrawn Varios, Excels and Vectas remain in the yard at Langley Mill. Kinch Vectas 811 and 813 were missing though and Vario 828 seems to have joined the other withdrawn examples.
All three Derby based Scanias 665-7 were out in service, 1 on each of the following, Spondon Flyer, Mickleover and the R71.
Paul reports the following in Nottingham: Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Radcliffe Line Excel, 152 (P152 CTV) on training and Solo 403 (V403 JTO) on the Connect.

Fri 20th:
Excel 231 was parked up at Derby Bus Station with blue route Mickleover blinds showing. It is in the new livery and has vinyles applied. Was it out in service at some point?
Trent buses coach 56 was used on the Mickleover in the morning and there was a Solo on there later in the day.
Scanias, 665 on the Spondon Flyer, 666 and 667 on the Belper routes.
Dart 923 was on the V1/3.
Excel 153 was on driver training around Derby (as it was yesterday).

Thur 19th:
Perry reports Dart 904 on the Calverton Connection. "CC Trent buses" on the blind.
Stuart reports Frio Excel 201 on the Rainbow 4.

Wed 18th:
On the R63 this morning was Solo 419. Trent Barton coach (62 i think) was on the 16:35 R63 from Derby running slightly late.
Darts 917 on the Mickleover and 923 on the 107.
Scania 636 was on the Rainbow 4, and a trent Barton Dart was on the 125.
ex P&R Excel 153 was on driver training around Derby.
Paul reports: Barton Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) was on the Rainbow 4! Dart 912 (P912 CTO) and Frio Excel 201 (V201 ENU) on the Radcliffe Line, Excel 236 (X236 WRA) on the Cotgrave Connection Solo and Scania 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 2.

Tue 17th:
Borrowash Dart 899 was in the bus park at Derby Bus Station this afternoon, Vario 286 on the BF.
Lance 357 was on the D1 P&R, with the Excel 202 being parked up at Meadow Road.
Rainbow 4 Excel 262 broke down this evening, so I assume it was replaced by a Derby bus.
Scanias 666 was on the smae R63 workings again and 667 was on the Spondon Flyer.
Kinchbus University shuttle minibus 822 was around Derby, and P&R Excel 151 was on driver training.
Dart 923 on the 107 again as Paladin 137 is now working for N+D and was on a schools working.
Dart 931 was on the Mickleover.
James reports Solo 424 on the 125, and 447 on the Allestree.
Pauls reports: Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Radcliffe Line, Scania 637 (FD53 WWJ) on the Rainbow 1, Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) on the LEX and dart 912 (P912 CTO) on the XPRSS. Frio Excel 201 (v201 ENU) was on the Keyworth Connection and Excel 236 was on the Rainbow 4.

Mon 16th:
Chris reports: Trent Paladin 137 on Unibus route 6. This bus seems to be on loan to N+D. Scania 664 was on the Black Cat and Solo 447 on the Allestree.
"The Red Devil" Scania 666 was on the same R63 workings as last week.
Dart 917 was on the Mickleover and 923 was on the 107 to Ashbourne.
Theres a Rainbow 1 Scania parked up at Meadow Road this evening.

Sun 15th:
James reports Scania 667 on the Transpeak!

Sat 14th:
Paul reports: Solos 441/2 (FP51 GXV/FE02 KCZ), Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) & Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) all on the Radcliffe Line! Dart 914 (P914 CTO) on the Keyworth Connection.
Dart 928 was on the Spondon Flyer.

Fri 13th:
Borrowash Flyer Dart 899 continues its trend of bad luck. It was took off the road yesterday with a fault and replaced by Solo 447. Vario 286 is back on there today!
No change for the Derby Scanias today. 665/7 on the Mickleover and 666 on the R63.
Dart 928 was also on the Mickleover.
Dart 917 was on the V1/3, Olympian 712 on the 17 and Solo 448 on the Allestree.
Paladin 115 was out on the D1 P&R. The Excel is in Meadow Road for repair.
Ilkeston Flyer Dart 926 is back on the route today.
Paul reports: Solo 442 (FE02 KCZ) on the Radcliffe Line and Excel 252 (Y252 DRC) on the R4.

Thurs 12th:
Ilkeston Flyer Dart 899 was on the route this morning but was replaced by a Solo (447?) this afternoon. 899 remained parked up at Derby Bus Station.
Mercedes Vario 288 was on the AL1 again along with a Kinchbus Solo.
Scanias 665/7 were on the Mickleover and 666 was on the R63 yet again.
Dart 923 was on route 107.
Paul reports: Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) on the Radcliffe Line and Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the R4.

Wed 11th:
Dart 899 was back on the Borrowash Flyer this afternoon, but Mercedes Vario 286 was on in the morning.
Ilkeston Flyer Dart 926 is still off the road, Trent Barton liveried Dart 928 was covering for it today.
Belper Darts were out on other routes today. 917 and 920 were on the V1/3 and 923 was out on the 107 to Ashbourne.
Scanias 665/7 were on the Mickleover amd 666 on the R63 again. Langley Mills 637 was on the Black Cat.
Solo 447 was also on the Mickleover, coach 63 was on the Transpeak and Kinchbus Vario 288 was on the AL1 once again.
Notts + Derby has Merc Vario 297 on route 110 (new no for route 10!) and Mercedes 39 on the Pride Park Shuttle.
Paul noted Barton Excel 253 on the Rainbow 4.

Tue 10th:
Scania 666 was on the R63.
Coach 62 was on the Allestree!
Scania 667 was on the Mickleover along with Darts 917/9.
N+D Lance 357 was on the D1 P&R and Kinch Vario 288 was on the AL1.
A Trent Barton Dart (918 or 928) was on the IF.
Dart 899 has been on the Borrowash Flyer this afternoon. The BF Vario 286 was in the bus park in Derby Bus Station at about 17:00 this afternoon.
Chris reports: Scania 664 on the Black Cat, and 138 on the Mickleover.
Solo 431 (X631 ERB) was on the Keyworth Connection and Frio Excel (V201 ENU) was on the Calverton Connection due to a breakdown! Excel 205 has a speed problem!!

Mon 9th:
The Borrowash Flyer Dart was leaving Meadow Road depot at around 7:30am. Did it go onto the BF?
Two Darts were on the Mickleover, one of which was 923.
Scanias 665/6 were on the Belper routes and 667 was on the Mickleover along with solo 448.
Excel 236 was on the Rainbow 4.
On N+D, Red Vario 284 was on the 17 to Duffield and minibus 44 was on the PPS.
Paul reports: Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) on the Cotgrave Connection, Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the R5, and Excel 205 (V205 ENU) on the R3.

Sat 7th:
Frio Excel 199 continues on loan to Sutton/Ashfield on Rainbow 3 today.
Adrian reports: Solo 414 (W414 YAL) on the V2 and Dart 923 (R923 RAU) on the V1/3. Scnias 665 - R71, 666 - R61, and 667 on the Spondon Flyer. Two Darts on the Mickleover (including 919).
225 remains at Meadow Road along with Dart 899 (BF). Both are currently out of use.
Paul reports: Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Rainbow 5. The Barton Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) on Ruddington Connection, Excel 236 (X236 WRA) on the R4 and Dart 912 (P912 CTO) and Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line.

Fri 6th:
Paul reports: Solos 442 (FE02 KCZ) and 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line and Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the R5.

Thurs 5th:
Dart 918 on the RED Mickleover, Scania 667 on the R64 (yet again), Dart 917 on the 107 and 930 (or 920) on the Allestree. Kinch Vario 288 on the AL1.
IF Dart 926 was parked over the pitts at Meadow road and 2 Mickleover Excels (current ones) were there too. Scanias 665/6 were also on the Mickleover.
Trent Barton coach 62 on RA and 63 on the Ilkeston Flyer.
Paul reports: Frio Excel 201 (V201 ENU) on the R4, Excel 252 (Y252 DRC) on the R3, and Solos 431 (X631 ERB) and 441 (FP51 GXV) both on the Radcliffe Line. Excel 236 was on the R4 and BF Vario 286 was on the BF! Im told the Dart branded for this route, 899, could only do 40MPH on the A52 yesterday, which is why it isnt being used yet!

Wed 4th:
In Nottingham Paul reports: Barton Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) on the R4, Scania 638 (FD53 WWK) on the R2 (both same as yesterday) and Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line.
Chris reports: Borrowash Dart 899 has further problems! A new engine may be needed!
Scania 664 on the H1, 667 on the R64 (again) and Kinch Vario 288 on the AL1. Coach 56 was on the RA, and both N+D Darts 891/2 were on route 73.
Barton Solo 441 was on loan to Derby from Nottingham due to a shortage. It was used on the Allestree.
Dart 918 has been on the Ilkeston Flyer for the last 2 days.

Tues 3rd:
Scanias: 666 on the Mickleover, 667 on the R64.
Scruffy Kinchbus Dart 893 was on the AL1.
Coach 62 was used on the V3 and there was a Trent Barton Dart on the 125 to Hucknall.
Paul reports: Excel 253 (Y253 DRC) on the R4, Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) on the Radcliffe Line, Excel 201 (V201 ENU) on the Keyworth Connection and Scania 638 (FD53 WWK) on the R2.
Perry reports: Excel 252 (Y252 DRC) on the Calverton Connection. One of the CC Scanias broke down on the route this morning too.

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