The Derby Bus Depot

Fleet News September 2005

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

NEWS:

Mon 26th:
Ex Derby Fleetline 4311 (MTV 311W) is For Sale by Horrocks. Anyone interested in preserving this bus?

Tue 13th:
Richard reports the arrival of Optare Excel 2998 (P315 FAW) at Ascot Drive. Dart 2228 has been repainted.

Tue 13th:
Citybus 4380 (A130 DTO), which was stored for spares has moved on.

Thurs 1st:
Plaxton Darts 2089/90 (N689/90 GUM) are now at Derby from SOuthgates. Scanias 3492/3 have left Derby for Southgates in exchange, where they will be used on the revised X67 route.

Sightings:

Mon 26th:
Volvo B10BLE 3604, Chellaston Dart 2237 and 44/45 branded Olympian 4639 all on the Oakwoods.
DAF 4734 was on the Sinfins (37/38).
Michael reports Excel 2998 on Chellaston route 68, and 2 DAFs on schools!

Sat 24th:
Excel 2998 was out on the Chellaston routes today. It was on route 20 on Thursday and Friday.
Volvo B10BLEs 3604/5 on the Oakwoods, and 4666 (sounded unwell to me) on the 44/45.

Wed 21st:
Excel 2998 (P315 FAW) was out in service today on the 111 Pride Park & Ride. Volvo B10BLE 3604 noted on the Oakwoods.
Richard reports Volvo 3605 on the 40/41 and PP7R branded 2215 on route 20.

Sat 17th:
DAF 4734 out on the Chellaston routes along with an Olympian. Volvos 3605/6 on the Oakwoods, with 44/45 branded olympian 4639 on route 20, alongside a B reg Citybus.

Thurs 15th:
DAF 4734, and Alvaston Olympian 4630 on the 37/8 Sinfin routes. Volvo B10BLEs 3604/6 on the Oakwoods, and Dart 2090 on route 36.

Wed 14th:
Richard reports a yellow schoolbus on the 38 this evening, and Volvo B10BLE 3606 and Dart 2226 on route 20.
3/4 buses on route 36 were minibus 1381, Dart 2090 and an MPD 2222. Volvo B10BLE 3605 was on the Oakwoods.

Tue 13th:
Richard reports Darts 2195/6 and a minibus on the 36! Any MPDs?
Volvo B10BLE 3606 on the Oakwoods, with Dart 2226 and a Chellaston Dart being 2 of the evening buses.

Mon 12th:
Citybus 4323 was on route 61 to Chellaston, and Merc 1374 was on route 36 to Sunnyhill.

Fri 9th:
Chris reports yellow School bus Citybus 4355 (F111 TML) on route 20.

Tue 6th:
John reports Volvo B10BLE 3606 on the 29 to Mackworth.
Dart 2090 was on the 36 to Sunnyhill.

Sat 3rd:
Both Plaxton Darts 2089/90 were out today, taking on the two Scanias roles. 2089 was on route 109 to Ashbourne whilst 2090 was on route 20.
Volvo B10BLE 3605 was out on the Oakwood routes.
John reports MPD 2221 on the Chellastons.

Wed 31st Aug:
Newly arrived Plaxton Dart 2089 was out on MPD route 36, 2090 still in the workshop being prepared for service! Olympian 4642 out on the Chellaston routes, whilst MPD 2218 was on the 111 PP&R again.

Felix

News:

wed 21st:
Dart (X711 GJU) was on the Ilkeston Flyer and Volvo (V708 GRY) on the Black Cat.

Harpurs

News:

wed 7th:
Tiger (6804 VC) has been sold to an operator in Oswestry. Despite reports of it being sold, former Barton Leopard (LNU 571W) is still owned but not in use - needs new engine i think. There is no intention of selling it at all, but plans to re-engine it have been dropped, for now at least. Thanks Chris.

Hawkes

News:

wed 7th:
ex TWM Metrobus (B863 DOM) has entered service today. It still carries TWM livery.
Metrobus no 3 (POG 562Y) is off the road at the moment.

Hulleys of Balsow

News:

Thurs 1st:
MAN 14.220/MCV Evolution (AE55 ELH) is new here as number 20. It should enter service today. It is a direct replacement for Lynx (F724 LRG) which has been sold to a Chesterfield preservationist. Thanks to Ian for this information.

Littles Travel

News:

Thurs 15th:
National (TAE 638S) later replaced by National (VKE 565S) on route 9.

Wed 14th:
National (TAE 638S) on route 9.

Tue 13th:
National (TAE 638S) on route 9.
4 ex Brighton & Hove Scania deckers are here for the Bilborough College workings. Another arrival is a W reg Bova coach. More details soon........

Sat 10th:
Long lost Opare Excel (P201 BNR) (ex Kinch 149) has turned up at Kimes of Folkingham - its lucky new owner!
National (TAE 638S) was used on route 9 today (ex Trent 554).

Mon 5th:
National (VKE 565S) out on route 9 again. The MetroRider should be back later in the week.

Sat 3rd:
Adrian reports former Trent (Unibus) National (VKE 565S) on route 9 - now repainted into the companies white livery.

T M Travel

News:

Thurs 29th:
Another arrival here is Leyland Olympian/Northern Counties (G535 VBB) - the fourth here from Arriva London. Thanks Chris.

Mon 26th:
The three NCT Scania deckers here all have East Lancs bodywork, and are (L351-3 MRR).

Sat 24th:
Chris reports that 2 Plaxton Primo midibuses are on order.
3 Scania deckers have been cquired from NCT, and Dart (R554UOT) was involved an accident and may be a write off!

Mon 12th:
Brand new here is (YT55 TMT), a Dennis Dart/East Lancs Millenium. The other two Northern Counties bodied Olympians from Arriva London are (G531 VBB) and (G532 VBB), joining (G524 VBB). These were new to Kentish Bus. On order is a DAF SB120/Plaxton. Thanks Chris.

Thurs 8th:
Chris reports 3 more decker here from Arriva London. All are Northern Counties, Leyland Olympians - one is (G524 VBB).

Thurs 1st:
Volvo B10M/Plaxton coach (L4 TCC) has been sold to Northern Ireland operator Mcauntley's, County Down. Thanks Chris

Wellglade

News:

Thurs 29th:
Duncan reports that Dart 938 is back - now refitted with blue/yellow seating and in Trent Barton livery. On the Belper routes today.
N+D minibus 273 is withdrawn at Langley Mill (arrived on a lorry). Thanks Chris.

Wed 28th:
Paul reports that ex Connect 1 minibus 49 is at the Kinchbus depot in Loughborough, fitted with Kinchbus blinds! Trent Barton Excel 236 continues on loan here (on route 2 again today).
Duncan reports that Excel 256 is now at Langley Mill in Pronto livery! The Sixes Scanias are reported there too.

Sat 24th:
Can anyone confirm that it is Excel 189 thats Sold to Hunts? Not 198??
356 has been put back into service with N+D although it has no blinds fitted!
Trent Barton Excel 236 is still in use with Kinchbus in Loughborough.

Mon 19th:
Excels 201 and 205 are based at Sutton whilst Rainbow 3 repaints continue. So far 237/8, 242/3 and 248 carry the new livery. And 240 will soon too!

Sat 17th:
Adrian reports that Excel 189, Lance 357 and Merc 272 are all sold, and are awaiting payment/collection:

189 - sold to Hunt of Alford.
272 - sold to Fleetlink (dealer) 357 - sold to TM travel.

Excel 161 is now For Sale, joining 190 - 201 and 168 has NOT been sold. Has 198 been sold?? Where abouts 201/5 located these days, Sutton? Excel 253 (last Barton Excel, and the 100th Excel) has been repainted into trent barton livery. Its still based at Nottingham. Excel 236 was working for Kinchbus last week on route 11/12.

Tue 13th:
Titan 770 (WYV51T) is now withdrawn.

Sat 10th:
Possibly old news, but Kinchbus Titan 771 (WYV 53T) is now with J B Tours where its in use with Kinchbus names and livery.

Fri 9th:
Mark reports Kinchbus Leyland Titan 771 (WYV 53T) in Selston this morning, for a Kirkby College contract! Is this bus on loan to N+D/Midland general, or been sold to another company?
Also the R3 Excel at the Mill for painting is 240 (Y267 DRC), (not 267! - sorry for any confusion).
Of the 13 ex R4 Excels, 4 are due for the new "Pronto" service in Nottingham, and 7 for Dove Holes Skyline service, leaving 2 spares - the end for 189 and 900 perhaps? 189 is still at Derby and has been on the Mickleover all week i think. 225 has dissapeared back to Dove Holes.

Wed 7th:
James reports that Paladin 121 also carries the multi-colour livery for the Derby College Shuttle route.

Tue 6th:
John reports: Excel 153 (P153 CTV) with N+D at Derby (Meadow Rd). It is in a multi coloured livery for use on the Derby College Shuttle, which it has taken over from Dunn Line.

Sun 4th:
Paul reports that Trent Barton Excel 236 and Barton 253 should have transfered to Derby now that 668/9 have taken their places (not needed on the CE now coaches are back).
R4 Scania 675 is already off the road with engine trouble.

Sat 3rd:
Up at Langley Mill, all the rainbow 4 Scanias are ready to go into service. Slogans (carried on the back) are now on the list.
Of the ex Mickleover Excels, 191/2/5/6 were noted. The rest at Sutton?
All "The Sixes" scanias appeared absent.
Excel 151 still carries the blue P&R livery, and ex R5 Excel 168 was parked behind Trent Excel 198 - have these 2 been sold?
R3 Excel 240 has been re-panelled ready for repaint.
Lances 355/6/7 are stored, 355/6 being used as driver trainers. 355 has lost Safeway branding.
Paladins 126/9 remain, along with the 4 Kinch Vectas 808/11/3/5, and the Varios, which now includes Connect 1 branded 49.
In for repair were Vario 278 and black Cat Excel 218.
Spare in the yard today were NX coach 15, H1 Solo 433 (being used as a shuttle bus), Scanias 637/8 and Darts 934 and 948.

Thurs 1st:
Details of the new R4 Scanias are on the August news page. Details for the Sixes Scanias coming soon....

Sightings:

Thurs 29th:
Scania 667 on the R63 first thing before going onto the Mickleover. 665 on the 107 to Ashbourne once again.
Chris reports Olympians 712/7 on the 17/A and 716 on the Derby College Shuttle. Dart 936 on route 125 to Hucknall, Solo 457 on the H1 and 448 on the R64. Paladin 125 on Wyvern route 110, and Excel 189 is still about on the Belper routes!
Excel 205 was on the Rainbow 3.

Wed 28th:
Scanias 665 on the 107, 666 on the R5, 667 on the R63 and 668 on the R4.
In Nottingham Paul reports: Solo 441 (FP51 GXV) and Dart 914 (P914 CTO) on the Ruddington Connection (914 on the 22 later), Solo 442 (FE02 KCZ) on the Radcliffe Line and Lance 355 out on driver training duties.

Mon 26th:
Chris reports: 665/7 on the Mickleover, Solo 449 on the H1 and coach 56 on the Red Arrow.
John reports Solo 448 on the V2.
From the Peak District Duncan reports Excel 900 on Buxton Town service 185 (usually Darts) and Paladin 101 on the SKyline 199. Belper Dart 937 was being towed away from Belper at about 4:30pm, after being on the R62.

Sat 24th:
Chris reports Park & Ride Excel 202 on route 73!
Excel 189 on the Ilkeston Flyer (been on the Belper routes nearly all week), Scania 666 on the R5, and I think it was Solo 425 on the H1.
Kinchbus were using Trent Barton Excel 236 on route 2 to Leicester! It is on loan to them whilst one of their Excels is under repair at Nottinghams Manver St depot.

Wed 21st:
H1 Solo 435 was parked up at the side of Meadow Road this morning. Im assuming this was the bus that was in collision with the Arriva Volvo B10BLE (3606) yesterday.
Scanias 666 on the R5 and 667 on the Mickleover.
Coach 63 was used on the X38, and Trent coach 56 looked to be spare at the bus station.

Tue 20th:
Chris reports: Excel 189 on the R63 again, coach 56 and Scanias 665/7 on the Mickleover, Dart 918 on the X38 and Dart 936 on the 125.

Mon 19th:
Excel 189 continues in use despite being sold. It was on the R63 to Ripley today, as it was on Saturday.
Scanias 665/7 were on the Mickleover later on today, 665 being on the Spondon Flyer in the morning.
Paladins 115 and 137 (still in trent livery + names) on the 17A and 119 on the Derby College shuttle.

Sat 17th:
Scanias 639 - BC, 665 - SF (634 off), 667 - M.
Coach 56 was on the TP in place of branded coach 60, which was at Meadow Road. Coach 63 on the RA.
N+D Lance 356 was also back at Derbys Meadow Road depot. Will it be used in service again!?

Thurs 15th:
Excel 189 on the 107 again.
John reports Scania 667 on the V2 this morning.
Chris reports Unibus Lance 366 on the Mickleover, then on the R71.
Paladins 108 on the Derby College Shuttle. Paladin 109 and Olympian 715 noted on the 17A, Dart 939 on the V1, Coach 63 on the Allestree replacing Solo 448 (which had rattling windows!).

Wed 14th:
John reports Solo 448 on the V2.
James reports a Transpeak coach on the Mickleover this morning, Trent buses coach 56 on the TP in its place.
Excel 189 out on route 107 to Ashbourne.

Tue 13th:
Chris reports: Coach 56 on the V3 today, Dart 892 (L404CJF) on the Derby College Shuttle, Olympian 717 on the 17A and on the Mickleover: Scania 667 and Excel 189. 189 on the 107 later, with 922 making an appearance on the Mickleover.

Mon 12th:
Chris reports Coach 56 on the X38, Dart 922 on the V3, Solo 419 and Scania 667 on the Mickleover. N+D had Paladin 123 on the 17A.
John reports Solo 419 on the V2 earlier in the day.

Sat 10th:
Excel 189 on the Mickleover (photo on fotopic) along with a Scania.
Duncan reports Unibus Lance 367 out on the R62 in Ripley today.

Fri 9th:
Chris reports Solo 447 on the Mickleover and Merc 271 on the Pride Park Shuttle.
Paul reports: Solo 431 (X631 ERB) and Dart 914 (P914 CTO) on the Radcliffe Line, Solo 442 (FE02 KCZ) on the Long Eaton Xprss (great photo of this on Pauls fotopic site), Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the R4, 668/9 (FH05 TKJ/K) both on the R5 and Dart 913 (P913 CTO) on the Keyworth Connection.

Thurs 8th:
Chris reports Solo 424 on the H1, Olympian 716 on route 17 and Merc 274 on the 110.
Paul reports: Coaches 62/3 (R62/3 RAU) on the Red Arrow, Solo 431 (X631 ERB) on the Radcliffe Line, Scania 666 (FH54 VRY) on the R4, 668 (FH05 TKJ) on the R5, Dart 913 (P913 CTO) on the Cotgrave Connection and 914 (P914 CTO) on the Keyworth Connection.

Wed 7th:
Solos 414 were used on the Mickleover along with Scania 667 and Excel 189. 447 was also displaying Mickleover blinds, but was parked in the bus park.
James reports Solo 419 on the 125.

Tue 6th:
Chris reports: Excel 189 and Dart 920 on the Mickleover.
N+D Excels 152 was on the 35 and 153 (in multi coloured livery) on the Derby College Shuttle, for which it is branded.
Scania 669 on the R4, and a red Scania on the Spondon Flyer in place of branded 633 which was in the bus park at Derbys Bus Station.
Paul reports: Coach 57 (P57 ETO) on the Cotghrave Connection, Scania 636 (FD53 WWH) on the Radcliffe Line, Scanias 666 (FH54 VRY) and 668 (FH05 TKJ) on the R5. Dart 912 (P912 CTO) on the Keyworth Connection and 914 (P914 CTO) on the Xprss.

Mon 5th:
Three new routes operated by N+D started today. Route 35 (Derby - Littleover) had an Excel on it (152?). Other new routes are 17/17A which used a mixture of buses including a Paladin, Olympian (717) and a minibus (274). The Derby College shuttle was also using Paladins. Thanks to James and Chris for this info.
Scania 667 was on the R63, and the Mickleover had Scania 665, Dart 923 and Excel 189. Solo 419 was on the Allestree.
Scania 637 was out on the Black Cat today, and ex R4 Excel 259 was being used for driver training!
Paul reports: Darts 912 (P912 CTO) on the Radcliffe Line, 914 (P914 CTO) on the Cotgrave Connection. Scanias 664 (FN54 AEC) on the R2, 668 (FH05 TKJ) on the Keyworth Connection, and 669 (FH05 TKK) on the R5.

Sat 3rd:
Belper routes had Trent buses coach 56, Scania 667 and Excel 189!
Scania 639 on the Black Cat, Solo 457 on the H1, and Barton Dart 916 and Solo 466 on the 125 to Hucknall. The other bus on the 125, Vario 295, was taken off with a fault and replaced by something else!? So no Varios on the route this afternoon.
Paul reports: Scania 668 (FH05 TKJ) out on the Radcliffe line in place of Tempo 306, joining Solo 442 (FE02 KCZ) on this route.

Thurs 1st:
Excel 189 in Derby on the V3 route.
John reports Scania 665 on the Mickleover.
Duncan reports Dart 933 on the 91/92 Sutton routes.
In Nottingham Paul reports: Excel 205 (V205 ENU) on the Calverton Connection, Excel 236 (X236 WRA) on the Cotgrave Connection, Solo 442 (FE02 KCZ) on the Radcliffe Line and Darts 912/3 (P912/3 CTO) on the Keyworth Connection.

Wed 31st Aug:
John reports Scanias 636 on the R5, 666 on the R4 and Excel 195 on driver training. All during the lunchtime. 665 was on the Mickleover too.

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