National Express http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/ 40 rows en-gb 60 Motorway anniversary http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1776088.html On the 20th anniversary of the first motorway service, Midland Red's preserved C6, 5656 (BHA 656C) and then brand-new 775 (BVP 775V) did a commemorative run from Birmingham Digbeth to London Victoria and back. Aboard the Leopard was a party of guests including civicleaders, transport bosses, and the press with one of the original motorway drivers at the wheel. The C6 did not have a PSV licence so had to run light. These pictures were taken on that day - 30 years ago today. Monday 2 November 2009: On the 20th anniversary of the first motorway service, Midland Red's preserved C6, 5656 (BHA 656C) and then brand-new 775 (BVP 775V) did a commemorative run from Birmingham Digbeth to London Victoria and back. Aboard the Leopard was a party of guests including civicleaders, transport bosses, and the press with one of the original motorway drivers at the wheel. The C6 did not have a PSV licence so had to run light. These pictures were taken on that day - 30 years ago today.

a) 5656 (BHA 656C) and 775 (BVP 775V) at the start of the 20th anniversary re-running of the first motorway express b) 5656 (BHA 656C) takes a breather at Watford Gap d) 5656 (BHA 656C) and 775 (BVP 775V) after the 20th anniversary re-run of the first motorway express, seen in Victoria Coach Station c) 5656 (BHA 656C) and 775 (BVP 775V) taking a break

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]]> Mon Nov 2 2009 Scene in Bath http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1586773.html Scene in Bath Monday 29 September 2008: Scene in Bath

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]]> Mon Sep 29 2008 Digbeth reconstruction http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1576530.html Digbeth reconstruction Wednesday 10 September 2008: Digbeth reconstruction

Birmingham, Digbeth coach station and Spencer House under reconstruction Digbeth - the former exit Digbeth with Spencer House standing in splendid isolation Digbeth in rebuilt state - Model showing rebuilt state, from Digbeth High Street Digbeth in rebuilt state - Model showing rebuilt state, looking at Spencer House Digbeth in rebuilt state - Model showing rebuilt state, from vehicle bays

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]]> Wed Sep 10 2008 National emblems http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1576527.html National emblems Wednesday 10 September 2008: National emblems

Bruce, Salsburgh FJ58 AKK, a Scania K340 with 61-seat Caetano Levante bodywork sporting the St Andrews saltire Bruce, Salsburgh FJ58 AKK Bruce, Salsburgh FJ58 AKK Bruce, Salsburgh FJ58 AKK

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]]> Wed Sep 10 2008 Victoria coach station, 2008 http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1549009.html Victoria coach station, 2008 Tuesday 22 July 2008: Victoria coach station, 2008

Bournemouth 313 (HF54 JUK) First 20514 (WV02 EUP) was new to First Bristol as its 2570with. Alongside is Stagecoach 53012 (VU03 VVW) First Coaches 23318 (YN55 PXJ) is a Scania with top heavy Caetano PB bodywork. Alongside is 20527 (WV52 KTL), a Volvo B12M with the experimental Plaxton body with which National Express first tested disabled accessibility. Burton, Haverhill YN54 DDJ is a Volvo B12B with Plaxton bodywork Premium, Holborn   27 (FJ06 ZKW), a Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B12M Tellings Golden Miller LB52 UYK is a Plaxton-bodied Volvo B12M Ambassador, Gt Yarmouth 182 (FD54 DHX) has a Jonckheere body on its Volvo B12B rear-engined chassis Tellings Golden Miller, Twickenham KU02 YUG is a 2000 vintage Volvo B10M-62 with Plaxton bodywork W8 OVA on the 561 service out of Victoria Yorkshire Traction 70 (YU04 YAG) Veolia Cymru 76005 (CN05 DZK) Ambassador, Great Yarmouth 181 (FD54 DGV) NXL 8 (YN04 GLJ) Silverdale, Nottingham FJ55 DZK Arriva Fox County 3209 (T209 XVO) and First Coaches 20546 (WX53 WGG) Burton, Haverhill YN54 DDJ Dunn Line YN03 DFZ Tellings Golden Miller YN54 WWF First Coaches 23309 (YN54 NXR) Bournemouth 320 (FJ06 GGF) is a Volvo B12B Selwyn, Runcorn 107 (YJ04 BYH), a DAF SB4000 Arriva Fox County 3209 (T209 XVO) Burton, Haverhill YN54 DDJ 53011 (GU52 WTG) showing where its vinyls have been removed, ready for the new livery Bournemouth 311 (HF53 OBH) South Gloucestershire L66 SGB was new as Birmingham Coach, Tividale YJ03 PKK. It's a DAF SB4000/Van Hool T9

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]]> Tue Jul 22 2008 National Express Ltd's first coach http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1505966.html The official handover of the first coach acquired by National Express Ltd did not go as smoothly as was planned - despite the smiles. Clive Myers, the company MD, officially accepted the coach, but if you look the sides of the coach were blocked by their bodies - to avoid the fact that the Caetano body did not have the stripes correctly applied. Photos taken - it was immediately returned to the dealer to be correctly "dressed overall". The Leyland Tiger with a Caetano Algarve body was one of two to be acquired (the other was C183 RVV). The pictures were taken at Burghley House in Lincolnshire. Tuesday 6 May 2008: The official handover of the first coach acquired by National Express Ltd did not go as smoothly as was planned - despite the smiles. Clive Myers, the company MD, officially accepted the coach, but if you look the sides of the coach were blocked by their bodies - to avoid the fact that the Caetano body did not have the stripes correctly applied. Photos taken - it was immediately returned to the dealer to be correctly "dressed overall". The Leyland Tiger with a Caetano Algarve body was one of two to be acquired (the other was C183 RVV). The pictures were taken at Burghley House in Lincolnshire.

This shows the incorrect application of the livery to National Express' first coach, C182 RVV. 1 (C182 RVV) 1 (C182 RVV) 1 (C182 RVV) 1 (C182 RVV) 1 (C182 RVV)

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]]> Tue May 6 2008 Tri-axle Scania/Caetano Levantes http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1374285.html Tri-axle Scania/Caetano Levantes Friday 21 September 2007: Tri-axle Scania/Caetano Levantes

SC 5 (FJ07 DVL) SC 5 (FJ07 DVL) SC 14 (FN07 BYZ) SC 14 (FN07 BYZ) SC 6 (FJ07 DVM), one of the new 15-metre Scania tri-axle coaches now entering service. SC 17 (FN07 BZC) SC 28 (FJ57 KHU) SC 17 (FN07 BZC) SC 26 (FJ57 KHT) SC 31 (FJ57 KGY) SC 4 (FJ07 DVK) SC 37 (FJ57 KHE) SC 15 (FN07 BZA) SC 27 (FJ57 KJF) SC 21 (FJ57 KJA) Stagecoach Cheltenham 59301 (FJ08 KNY) is a Scania K340EB6/Caetano Levante Shaw, Carnforth FJ56 PCV is a Scania K114EB4 with CAetano Levante bodywork, pictured idling in Birmingham's temporary coach station SC 7 (FJ07 DVN) Yeomans Canyon, Hereford 42 (FJ08 KNX) SC 7 (FJ07 DVN) SC13 (FN07 BYX) with Oxford 25 (Y25 OXF) Stagecoach 59305 (FJ08 KNH), a Scania K340EB6 with Caetano Levante C49FTL bodywork, complete with tables SC 14 (FN07 BYZ) Burtons FJ08 KMF is a Scania K340 EB6 with the CAetano Levante C61FTL body Bruce, Salburgh FJ58 AKK Bruce, Salburgh FJ58 AKK Go Northern 7100 FJ08 KMV SC 7 FJ07 DVN National Express SC 7 FJ07 DVN Stagecoach 59305 (FJ08 KNH), a Scania K340 EB6/Caetano Levante, but built to a C49FLT configuration Bruce, Salburgh FJ58 AKK SC 3 is partly masked by City of Oxford 4 (DF53 OXF) SC 20 FJ57 KHZ Stagecoach 59304 FJ08 KOH National Express SC 32 FJ57 KGZ National Express SC 32 FJ57 KGZ Stagecoach 59304 FJ08 KOH National Express VC 17 FJ07 DWN

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]]> Fri Sep 21 2007 Tellings Golden Miller on National Express work http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1228531.html Tellings Golden Miller on National Express work Tuesday 1 April 2003: Tellings Golden Miller on National Express work

LB52 UYK is a Volvo B12M/Plaxton C49FT KP51 UEZ, a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton KP51 UEX, a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton KP51 UEX, a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton KP51 UEX is a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Panther

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]]> Tue Apr 1 2003 National Express' own fleet http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1228379.html National Express' own fleet Sunday 11 March 2007: National Express' own fleet

3 (C177 KET) 3 (C177 KET) London Crusader's Crusader Travel Group-liveried G471 JNH Amberline F100 UNV on the M5 near the M42 interchange D 23 (R300 SPK), a 1998 Plaxton Premierre-bodied DAF SB3000 D 7 (T207 AUA), a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool C46FT bodywork which originally seated only 36 D 21 (R100 SPK), pictured in Stansted Airport bus station, is a DAF DE33WS SB3000 with Plaxton bodywork V 31 (LK53 KWD), a Transbus-bodied Volvo B12B V 33 (LK53 KWA) is a Volvo B12B with Plaxton body NXVC 14 (FN06 EBN) is a Volvo B12B with Caetano Levante C47FTL bodywork. NXVC 8 (FN06 FMC) is a Volvo B12B with Caetano Levante C47FTL bodywork. D309 (Y309 HUA) is a DAF SB3000/Van Hool seen leaving Victoria V 33 (LK53 KWA) is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH). a Volvo B12B/Caetano Levante C49FTL NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH) is a Volvo B12B graced by a Caetano Levante C49FTL NXL 1 (YN04 GKL) is a Scania K114 IB4 with an Irizar C49FT body NXL 13 (YN04 GPV) is a Scania K114 IB4 with Irizar PB C49FT bodywork NXL 13 (YN04 GPV) and Silver Choice SIL 9988, a Van Hool TD824 V 26 (LK53 KVO), another Volvo B12B/Transbus NXVC 15 (FH06 EBL) is a Volvo B12B sporting a Caetano Levante body NXVC 15 (FH06 EBL) NXVC 15 (FH06 EBL) NXL 8 (YN04 GLJ) is a Scania K114 IB4/Irizar PB NXVC 13 (FH06 EBM) V 32 (LK53 KWB) NXVC 13 (FH06 EBM) V 27 (LK53 KXB) is a Volvo B12B/Transbus C49FT NXVC 12 (FH06 EAX) is another of the Volvo B12B YV3 R8G 1286A 113918 Caetano Levante C49FLT NXL 2 (YN04 GKP), a Scania K114 IB4, and First Coaches 23320 (YN55 PXL), a K114EB4. Both have Irizar PB C49FT bodies, but the newer one, nearer the camera, has an ungainly route box that destroys the gentle, flowing lines of the bodywork. NXL 2 (YN04 GKP) is another Scania K114 IB4/Irizar PB fitted out as C49FT NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG), a Volvo B12B V 43 (LK53 KVP), a Volvo B12B/Transbus C49FT NXL 9 (YN04 GPF), a Scania K114 IB4/Irizar PB NXL 9 (YN04 GPF) is partly masked by Yorkshire Traction 73 (YU04 YBF) NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG) is a Volvo B12B with Caetano Levante C49FLT coachwork D 23 (R300 SPK) is checked into Victoria coach station. It is a DAF SB3000/Plaxton C51FT. In front of it is parked is Dunn Line 29 (YR52 VFB) NXL 5 (YN04 GKY) is a Scania K114 IB4/Irizar PB with more spacious C46FT bodywork NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG), one of the Caetano Levante-bodied Vovlo B12Bs in a sandwich with Selwyn, Runcorn CN55 MUE and sister D23 (R300 SPK), a DAF SB3000/VAn Hool on airport duties NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG), a Volvo B12B/Caetano Levante V 26 (LK53 KVO) is a Volvo B12B/Transbus C49FT NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH) NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH) NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH) V 28 (LK53 KXA) is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton V 26 (LK53 KVO) and Burton, Haverhill YU04 XFD were both Volvo B12Bs, but the one of the left had a Transbus body, and the other a Plaxton-built one. NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH) V 26 (LK53 KVO) is a Volvo B12B with Transbus bodywork. D303 (Y303 HUA) is a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool bodywork used on the shuttle to Stansted airport NXVC 15 (FH06 EBL) NXVC 15 (FH06 EBL)

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]]> Sun Mar 11 2007 Caetano Levante http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1228164.html It has taken quite a few years to achieve it, but it looks as though the Caetano Levante provides the bodywork that will give National Express a notable image. Built on Volvo B12B and Scania chassis, the body features the company's disabled accessible doorway. It also seats the orthodox C49FT configuration, making journey planning so much easier. Saturday 10 March 2007: It has taken quite a few years to achieve it, but it looks as though the Caetano Levante provides the bodywork that will give National Express a notable image. Built on Volvo B12B and Scania chassis, the body features the company's disabled accessible doorway. It also seats the orthodox C49FT configuration, making journey planning so much easier.

National Express NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG) is a Volvo B12B fitted with a Caetano Levante C49FTL body Yorkshire Traction 59205 (YR56 OBR), a Scania K340 EB with Caetano Levante bodywork Yorkshire Traction 59205 (YR56 OBR), a Scania K340 EB with Caetano Levante bodywork National Express NXVC 7 (FJ06 URG), a Volvo B12B/Caetano Levante C49FLT equipped with disabled access. On the right is D 23 (R300 SPK) on the Stansted Airport shuttle, while surrounded by passengers is another B12B, this time with Plaxton bodywork, Selwyn of Runcorn's CN55 MUE Yorkshire Traction 59201 (FJ56 PDX), a Scania K340 EB with Caetano Levante C49FTL bodywork National Express NXVC 10 (FJ06 FLH) is one of the Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B12Bs National Express NXVC 10 (FJ06 FLH) is one of the Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B12Bs National Express NXVC 10 (FJ06 FLH) is an imposing Volvo B12B with National Express-designed Caetano Levante bodywork fitted with disabiled-accessible entrance Yeomans, Canyon Pyon 04 (FJ07 TKD) is a Scania K340 EB4 with Caetano Levante bodywork, here seen in Gloucester bus station after a run from London. East Yorkshire 62 (YX07 HJD) is one of the growing number of Volvo B12B being employed on National Express operations with Caetano Levante C49FT bodywork MK Metro 4102 (FJ07 TKE) is a Scania K340 EB4 with Plaxton Paragon C49FT bodywork now seen with Hayton, Burbage First Cymru 23504 (FJ56 PFN), working a local express in Cardiff to Swansea First Cymru 23503 (FJ56 PFK) , the 2007 Welsh-liveried National Express coach Bebb Travel, Birmingham FJ07 DWK is a K340 EB4. National Express SC 21 (FJ57 KJA) NXVC 16 (FJ06 URO) Wilts & Dorset 3250 (YN07 EWS) and Bebb FJ07 DWL Bournemouth 322 (FJ07 DVZ) Yeomans Canyon Pyon 04 (FJ07 TKD) MK Metro 4103 (FJ07 TKF) First Cymru 23501 (FJ56 OBO) First Cymru 23502 (FJ56 PFG) Veolia 76021 (FJ07 DWK) First Cymru 23503 (FJ56PFK) Transdev Yellow Buses, Bournemouth 324 (FJ07 DWC) National Express NXVC 12 (FH06 EAX) Arriva MK Metro 4102 (FJ07 TKE) Bournemouth 321 (FJ07 DVY) is a Volvo B12B sporting the National Express-only Caetano levante C49FLT body Burton, Haverhill FJ57 KGK SC 24 (FJ57 KHL) Wilts & Dorset 3251 (YN07 EWT) SC 24 (FJ57 KHL) VC 12 (FH06 EAX) and Bournmouth 320 (FJ06 GGF) SC 24 (FJ57 KHL) SC 7 (FJ07 DVN) East Yorkshire 67 (YX07 HJK) East Yorkshire 67 (YX07 HJK) Yeomans Canyon, Hereford 42 (FJ08 KNX) is a 49-seat, 15 metre long Scania K340 NXL 17 (YN05 WJD) Veolia Cymru 76021 (FJ07 DWK) National Express SC 27 (FJ57 KJF) with City of Oxford 38 (M1 OXF) unlit Bournemouth 321 FJ07 DVY Wilts & Dorset 3251 (YN07 EWT) passes Bovo Tours, Holland 332 (BT-BT-54) in Buckingham Palace Road, London Wilts & Dorset 3251 (YN07 EWT) National Express VC9 (FH06 EAW) and Bournemouth Yellow Buses 321 (FJ07 DVY) are both Volvo B12Bs with Caetano Levante bodies Go Northern 7100 FJ08 KMV SC 3 FJ07 DVH Luckett, Fareham X 4953 (FJ58 AHG) Stagecoach 59212 FJ56 OBZ MK Metro 0410 FJ07 TKA

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]]> Sat Mar 10 2007 A day at Victoria Coach Station http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1225256.html A day at Victoria Coach Station Tuesday 6 March 2007: A day at Victoria Coach Station

Stagecoach Yorkshire 75 (YN54 YRJ) Stagecoach East Kent 53014 (VU03 VVY) arrives in a damp Hempstead Valley, en route from Dover to London. It is a Volvo B12M with Plaxton Paragon bodywork new to Cheltenham District. Bus Eireann SP 89 (06 D 54790) sporting Eurolines Plus livery in the former Samuelsons garage in Victoria Bus Eireann SP 88 Burton, Haverhill YN54 DDK sports a Plaxton Panther body on a Volvo B12B chassis. Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 5626 (FJ56 YWG) with YJ54 CFF and YN04 GKX Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 25 (FJ55 XBB) prepares for the Edinburgh daytime run Arriva Northumbria 144 (X144 WNL) is a DAF SB3000/Van Hool T9 Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 25 (FJ55 XBB) is already on the stand as Ulsterbus 120 (KEZ 9120) pulls up behind Fraser Eagle, Padiham Y653 JSH is a Scania K124 IB with Van Hool T9 Alizee bodywork new to Allan, Gorebridge Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 5626 (FJ56 YWF), a B12B with Plaxton Paragon bodywork. Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 5626 (FJ56 YWF) is a Volvo B12B displaying its Plaxton Panther C49FTL body in the sunlight at Victoria coach station Dunn Line, Hetton-le-Hole 25 (FJ55 XBB) is a Volvo B12B with Plaxton Panther coachwork. National Express D309 (Y309 HUA), one of the DAF SB3000/Van Hool T9 Alizee Ulsterbus 120 (KEZ 9120) is a Vovlo B12B with Plaxton Panther 12.8 metre body and early disabled access facilities. Arriva Northumbria 144 (X144 WNL) is a DAF SB3000/Van Hool T9 Arriva Fox County 5 (P205 PWR) is a DAF SB 3000/Van Hool Alizee Arriva Fox County 5 (P205 RWR) is a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool C51FT bodywork. First Coaches 23312 (YN54 NYT), a Scania K114 EB/Irizar PB C49FT Stagecoach East Kent 53015 (VU03 VVZ) was new to Cheltenham District. It is a Volvo B12M with Transbus Paragon bodywork. Bournemouth Yellow Buses 311 (HF53 OBH) is a Volvo B12B fitted with a Plaxton Paragon body First Coaches YN06 CGZ Bournemouth Yellow Buses 311 (HF53 OBH) is a Volvo B12B with Plaxton Paragon C49FT bodywork. Ulsterbus 120 (KEZ 9120), a Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther C49FT en route to Dover Go Wilts & Dorset 3218 (T218 REL), a DAF SB3000/Plaxton C53F Skill, Nottingham 44 (N144 ARC) after sale to Stephenson, Rochford was painted into X10 London Express Link colours and given cherished registration A16 SOE, It was a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Premier C49FT coach. City of Oxford 1 (AE53 OXF) was the first of the batch of Scania K114 EB/Irizar Century coaches for the London service X90 National Express V 33 (LK53 KWA) Golden Tours YN06 NYX Terravision YN06 NYP Megabus 13626 (H41 GBD) is a Leyland Olympian new as Hong Kong ES 5389 Bournemouth Yellow Buses 312 (HF54 JUJ) with a First Coaches Scania in the background. 312 is a Volvo B12B with Plaxton Panther bodywork. First Coaches YN06 CGZ Galloway, Mendlesham 220 (YJ54 CKN), a VDL SB4000/Van Hool T9 Alizee bodywork. It is one of two currently (2007) credited with full NX acceptance. Bebb, Llantwit Fardre CN54 HFF, a Volvo B12B with a Jonckheere Mistral 50 body Megabus.com 52647 (T667 XTV) is a Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere C49FT coach London Express, Slovakia 3B2 5731 is an M.A.N 24.460 with an Aura body Megabus.com 52647 (T667 XTV) was a Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere new to Bluebird, which passed through the hands of Midland Red South City of Oxford 2 (BE53 OXF) Bus Eireann SP 89 (06 D 54790), a Scania/Irizar PB YV03 XVA, a Neoplan N316 SHD Aga, Poland DW 1587 V is a Bova Eurotrans, Poland WOT-06MG is a Mercedes Benz 0404 National Express NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH), a Volvo B12B/Caetano Levante National Express NXVC 10 (FN06 FLH), a Volvo B12B/Caetano Levante Bournemouth Yellow Buses Volvo B12B with Plaxton bodywork First Coaches 23203 (YN04 YHY), a Scania K114/Irizar C49FT National Express D314 (Y314 HUA), a DAF SB3000/Van Hool T9 Alizee, and Burton, Haverhill YU04 XFD, which is a Volvo b12B with Plaxton bodywork. Trathens, Plymouth HSK 645 is a Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B12B on loan from Parks, Hamilton. , Stagecoach 59210 (FJ06 OBX) is a Scania K340/Caetano Levante, whilst Cheltenham District 53014 (VU03 VVY) is a Volvo B12M/Transbus coach. Stagecoach 59210 (FJ06 OBX) is another Scania K340 EB4/Caetano

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]]> Tue Mar 6 2007 When Digbeth was closed... http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c1180208.html When Digbeth was closed in the early 1980s for resurfacing work, Carlyle Works was turned into a temporary interchange. Here, passengers on National Holidays tours get a break, a change of coach and a snack in the staff canteen, before continuing their journeys. Tuesday 9 January 2007: When Digbeth was closed in the early 1980s for resurfacing work, Carlyle Works was turned into a temporary interchange. Here, passengers on National Holidays tours get a break, a change of coach and a snack in the staff canteen, before continuing their journeys.

Midland Red 782 (BVP 782V) and 777 (BVP 777V) flank Southern Vectis 308 Midland Red 782 (BVP 782V) and 777 (BVP 777V) flank Southern Vectis 308 West Yorkshire 2548 (GWU 563T) in Carlyle Works as a temporary replacement for Digbeth while it was being resurfaced. National Travel East EHE 240V was a Duple Dominant-bodied Leyland PSU3E.4R. It is seen in Carlyle Works when the area became a temporary replacement for Digbeth while it was resurfaced. Lincolnshire Road Car A West Yorkshire Road Car Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Supreme passes Midland Red 799 (BVP 799V)

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]]> Tue Jan 9 2007 Doubledeck coaches http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c969055.html Doubledeck coaches Wednesday 24 May 2006: Doubledeck coaches

Standerwick 70 (OCK 70K) Midland Red Coaches 668 (A668 XDA) and Shamrock & Rambler 3113 (A113 KFX) Western National 1405 (A760 VAF) and 1406 (A759 VAF) in Plymouth Bretonside Standerwick 79 (PCK 79K) Standerwick 79 (PCK 79K) Standerwick 79 (PCK 79K) National Express MCW Metroliner at speed on the M5 near Birmingham Greenslades 1402 (A942 MDV), a Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Trathens LSK 821, one of the extra-long Neoplan N122/3L coaches Midland Red Coaches 1503 Trathens LSK 507 Oak Hall YN06 FNM

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]]> Wed May 24 2006 Metroliner conversions for service http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c845966.html When the original MCW Metroliners were delivered they came with 80-seats ... and virtually no lugage accommodation. Carlyle Works, among others, was asked to advise and carry out urgent conversions so that passengers luggage could be carried. This shows their conversion of Shamrock and Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX). I cannot now recall whether this was eventually replaced by a more satisfactory arrangement. Note some of the limitations placed on the customers. Tuesday 31 January 2006: When the original MCW Metroliners were delivered they came with 80-seats ... and virtually no lugage accommodation. Carlyle Works, among others, was asked to advise and carry out urgent conversions so that passengers luggage could be carried. This shows their conversion of Shamrock and Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX). I cannot now recall whether this was eventually replaced by a more satisfactory arrangement. Note some of the limitations placed on the customers.

Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) after conversion Shamrock & Rambler 3118 (A118 KFX) awaiting conversion Shamrock & Rambler 3119 (A119 KFX) during conversion Shamrock & Rambler - Lower saloon, looking forward from the rear nearside seat Shamrock & Rambler - The luggage pen, looking from the rear nearside seat Shamrock & Rambler - Lower saloon from the rear offisde seat Shamrock & Rambler - The stairwell Shamrock & Rambler - Barriers in the lower saloon Shamrock & Rambler - The upper saloon Shamrock & Rambler - Upper interior to the rear Shamrock & Rambler - Lower saloon, looking to the rear Shamrock & Rambler - Unsatisfactory seating for five lower-deck customers Shamrock & Rambler - Rear seats remained behind the luggage pen. Shamrock & Rambler - Narrow front entrance Shamrock & Rambler - The view from the entrance Shamrock & Rambler - Front offside seat - behind the stairwell Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) - top of the stairwell Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) entrance way Shamrock & Rambler - 3120 (A120 KFX) Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX) stairwell Shamrock & Rambler 3120 (A120 KFX)

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]]> Tue Jan 31 2006 National Travel West (also NT North West) http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c804224.html National Travel West (also NT North West) Saturday 24 December 2005: National Travel West (also NT North West)

283 - N283 (SND 283X) with a single overhead video housing, pictured at the same location Edgbaston reservoir location as the 1920s Midland Red saloons seen as http://mudlark.fotopic.net/p21503133.html [Alan O. Watkins Colln] 1223 (WUE 610S) on the M6 at Cannock. 82 (SND 282X), a Leyland PSU5D/4R Leopard with modified Duple Dominant II bodywork for Rapide service 157 - correctly N157 (XCW 157R), a leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with Willowbrook Spacecar bodywork, after acquisition by Midland Red East as its 54 94 (ANA 94Y) 111 (A111 KBA) pictured inside the National Exhibition Centre 134 (TTF 234M) 16 (URN 216R) 94 (ANA 94Y) and Crosville ERG 307 174 (PCW 174P) 16 (URN 216R) in Leeds 98 (YEL 98Y) was previously Southern National 3098. It was the very last Leyland Leopard supplied to the National Bus Company. 78 (MRJ 278W) 79 (MRJ 279W) duplicating out of Digbeth, Birmingham 60 (SND 260V), one of the Leopards converted to Rapide work with distinctive camel humps for the video equipment 63 (JND 263V) 126 (A126 KBA) 116 (A116 KBA) YTU 322S was new to Crosville (CLL 322) 39 (BNB 239T) 33 (VVU 233S) 39 (BNB 239T) 44 (BNB 244T) 46 (BNB 246T) 6 (SFV 206P) as Midland Fox 470, but laid up in Carlyle Works. 282 (SND 282X) as Crosville Wales CLL 532, based at Aberystwyth, and used on the 555 London Rapide route, doing a round trip a day. 103 (A103 HNC) after transfer to Midland Fox, who re-registered it 109 CRC 99 (ANA 99Y) YUE 597S was a short-lived Bedford YMT with Plaxton Supreme C53F bodywork. It is seen after sale for further use with an independent operator. 99 (ANA 99Y), 75 (MRJ 275W) and Midland Red 307 (PHA 307M) 160 - N160 (VDH 244S) at the National exhibition centre [Alan O. Watkins Colln] 36 (XTF 819L) as Midland Red South 52, and sporting the Cotswold Link livery 1253 and National Travel South West 333 (formerly Bristol OC 2303) are reflected in a hubcap at Digbeth coach station 099 (FDV 799V), ex Western National 3543, sporting Ribble's lazy version of the National expres livery - another few quid knocked off the contracted payments... 150 - actually N150 (XCW 150R) - after sale and conversion, this was a Leyland Leopard PSU3D.4R/Willowbrook converted to two door for disability access TTF 221M 4 (SFV 204P) and National Travel East OHE 278X 1224 (WUE 611S), a Leyland Leopard PSU5B.4R with Willowbrook Spacecar C51F bodywork. 3 (SFV 203P) was a PSU5A.4R with Plaxton C51F bodywork new as 1203 1247 (HNE 249V) was an early conversion of a Leyland Leopard with Duple Dominant II bodywork to Rapide specification. Roof pods at front and centre housed the TVs for the Rapide customers. Here, however, the vehicle was pictured in Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire, on thecross-country 827 service from Manchester to London. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] 283 - N283 283 (SND 283X) in the outside lane of the M6 and shortly after passing an emergency crossover in the central reservation.... both a sign of the way things have altered over the years. 284 49 (HNE 249V) was a Leyland Leopard PSU5C.4R with a heavily-modified Duple Dominant II body to provide video entertainment on board. It was pictured at The Fish, Broadway, Worcestershire 81 (SND 281X) 10 15 when with National Travel West 1 (SFV 201V) and London Country TPL 90 (B290 KPF) 110 (ANA 110Y)

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]]> Sat Dec 24 2005 National Travel London (also NT South East) http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c804223.html National Travel London (also NT South East) Saturday 24 December 2005: National Travel London (also NT South East)

National Travel South East KUW 533P was a Bedford YRT with Willowbrook bodywork, pictured in Cheltenham coach station on a rare express duplication OWC 182D in the yard at Rushey Green was a former Tilling Bristol MW6G with ECW bodywork. BGY 585T and BGY 582T after transfer to National Travel South West BGY 585T and BGY 582T in Cheltenham about to become National Travel South West 385 and 382 SMY 633X in Oxford bus station SMY 622X SMY 636X, a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Supreme DAF/Berkhof coach operating under hire to Northern General to cover its duties on the 530 Rapide service. It is seen in Digbeth SMY 625X, a Bova Europa, sports Travelscene livery in Digbeth coach station A659 EMY SMY 627X in St Davids SMY 627X in St Davids NMV 613W sports the short-lived London Crusader livery of London Transport 3098 (YEL 98Y) during a short stint with National Travel London LHK 644Y, a DAF SB2300/Berkhof, after sale to a Welsh operator, who re-registered it JIJ 3467 B668 KGX as Northumbria's FSU 346 VYM 511M, a Bedford YMT/Duple Dominant C53F OWC 182D as a trainer with National Travel South East OWC 182D NMV 610W NMV 610W OYU 571R, one of the last Duple Dominant-bodied AEC Reliances SMY 622X parked up in Blackpool SMY 625X, a Bova Europa, and SMY 635X, an early Leyland Tiger A666 EMY in Waterford bus station A665 EMY in modified Supabus livery A662 EMY National London Royal Tiger A657 EMY A652 EMY, National Travel London's lone Leyland Royal Tiger A652 EMY, National Travel London's lone Leyland Royal Tiger, arrives at Butlins, Bognor Regis A647 NOO, a DAF/Berkhof finished in London Crusader colours [Alan O. Watkins Colln] SMY 636X after sale to Yardleys, Birmingham. It was a Leyland Tiger with Plaxton Supreme bodywork. SMY 622X with Midland Red 730 (WOC 730T) at Digbeth's old coach station Tilling LYM 730, an AEC Regal IV with its original ECW body, later replaced with an MW style coach body that robbed it of its uniqueness BGY 592T YEL 98Y was new to National Travel (South West), later with Black & White, but also saw service with Shamrock & Rambler, Hants and Dorset, National Travel London (as shown), Kentish Bus, Northumbria, and the 10th South Shield Boys Brigade. It was a special coach - the very last Leyland Leopard (a PSU5E/4R model) to be acquired by the National Bus Company. National Travel London OYT 529R, an offside-entranced AEC Reliance with Willowbrook coachwork specially built for the London continental operations, and here in use on ferry operating the 121 service to Paris

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]]> Sat Dec 24 2005 National Travel East (also NT North East) http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c804222.html National Travel East (also NT North East) Saturday 24 December 2005: National Travel East (also NT North East)

JWE 243W and National Travel West 124 UWA 92S JWA 722N prepares for the long cross-country haul to Bradford from Cheltenham coach station DWA 405H of Sheffield United after the creation of National Travel North East A341 YDT SWJ 391F, an AEC Reliance/Plaxton Panorama I, in the Sheffield United fleet OHE 279X OHE 279X, South Midland 83, and Eastern Counties LL 885 JWA 722N with National Travel North East JWA 224N OKY 79R JKU 456P, a 1976 Bedford YMT/Duple Dominant C53F after sale JWE 246W OKY 54R, a Leyland Leopard with Willowbrook Spacecar bodywork OKY 55R DAK 213V UUF 324J, ex Southdown 1324, pictured in Cheltenham Coach Station MWJ 470P after acquisition by Hague, Sheffield An NTE Leyland Leopard/Duple leads NT South West 106 (PDD 106M) EHE 240V YWE 513M UWA 91S leaves Digbeth coach station OKY 69R, pictured with Sherrin, Carhampton, was a former National Travel East AEC Reliance with Plaxton Supreme bodywork TWJ 432J with West Midland PTE 4406 beyond AWJ 441M WWA 301Y at the rear of Digbeth Coach Station OHE 275X, a Leyland Tiger with Duple Dominant body, and OHE 267X, one of the earliest Volvo B10M-61 with Duple Goldiner bodies. A314 XHE in Club 18-30 livery A316 XHE with SUT, one of a sizeable fleet of Jonckheere twin decks acquired new by National Travel East. A305 XHE A305 XHE OHE 279X and South Midland 83 Volvo B10M/Duple A311 XHE A337 YDT A341 YDT A341 YDT and NNV 600Y A305 XHE with SUT NNV 600Y A316 XHE in Leeds A317 XHE National Travel North East sold this Bedford YRT for further service, as seen on the M62 Sheffield (United Tours) Leyland Leopard/Duple with abbreviated fleetname runs light from Bristol to the North East along the M5 through Gloucestershire MWG 497P was a PSU5A.4R with Duple Dominant C51F body which passed to Midland Red Coaches after a stint with National Travel East OHE 271X, OHE 282X and Crosville CTL 40 at the Motor Show in Birmingham YWE 506M was a 1973 Leyland Leopard, new to Hebble. It went through various guises until, 32 years later, it was operating as a school bus in Medway as MCY 188M. It was later exported to South Africa. OKY 70R OKY 53R A341 YDT in Intasun livery was a Volvo B10M-61 with Jonckheere bodywork.

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]]> Sat Dec 24 2005 Timpsons, Catford http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c797260.html Timpsons, Catford Saturday 17 December 2005: Timpsons, Catford

544 EYL 544 EYL VXP 501 was an AEC Reliance/Weymann Fanfare-bodied ex Scottish Omibuses 544 EYL NRK 351 on tour with Billy Fury

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]]> Sat Dec 17 2005 Heathrow - South Wales crash http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c788985.html One of the worst crashes on Britain's roads in the 1980s involved a former Black & White coach owned by South Wales Transport, and a lorry carrying 16 tonnes of steel on the M4 motorway near Swindon. The coach - South Wales' 180 (PDD 108M) - was travelling at 69 mph along the motorway from Heathrow with an overload of passengers from the South Wales Rapides. It had just reached that cruising speed. Travelling in the opposite direction was a wagon which had a remould tyre on the front offside for several days after its driver had a puncture in the Lake District. It was travelling at 64 mph. As the two vehicles approached each other, the lorry was in its middle lane, the coach in its nearside lane. Suddenly the remould blew. The lorry swung across the outside lane, went through the central reservation and ploughed into the side of the coach just behind its driver. Afterwards it was estimated the coach driver had 0.3 seconds to react. Three passengers died. The offside was crushed so violently that the gangway disappeared. These pictures show the coach the following day. Friday 9 December 2005: One of the worst crashes on Britain's roads in the 1980s involved a former Black & White coach owned by South Wales Transport, and a lorry carrying 16 tonnes of steel on the M4 motorway near Swindon. The coach - South Wales' 180 (PDD 108M) - was travelling at 69 mph along the motorway from Heathrow with an overload of passengers from the South Wales Rapides. It had just reached that cruising speed. Travelling in the opposite direction was a wagon which had a remould tyre on the front offside for several days after its driver had a puncture in the Lake District. It was travelling at 64 mph. As the two vehicles approached each other, the lorry was in its middle lane, the coach in its nearside lane. Suddenly the remould blew. The lorry swung across the outside lane, went through the central reservation and ploughed into the side of the coach just behind its driver. Afterwards it was estimated the coach driver had 0.3 seconds to react. Three passengers died. The offside was crushed so violently that the gangway disappeared. These pictures show the coach the following day.

76 The window frame on the offside was torn off 115 South Wales Transport's wrecker prepares to recover the wreckage 21 Side members in the Duple Dominant body 52 Interior looking to the rear 50 Interior looking to the rear 75 The warping of a window frame caused by thecollision 2 The coach 51 Interior - the wreckage at the rear 22 Side member separated as the window pillar is smashed to one side. 44 How the side members were twisted into the passenger compartment 1 Exterior 92 Rear axle 93 The rear axle was found 100 yards from the motorway, in an adjoining field. 8 The rear axle is missing 7 Where the lorry carved into the side of the coach 11 The back end, after it lost its rear axle, was clearly shoved a considerable way to the left 12 The back end 13 The back end 17 The rear nearside 19 The nearside 10 The rear boot and back seat were completely destroyed 23 The underside 26 The emergency exit still hangs open 20 The initial point of impact 57 Seat fixings remained intact, though the leg of this seat was twisted by the impact forces 56 Seat held in place by fixtures 54 Seats smashed together by the impact from the offisde collision (right of picture) 4 Exterior 3 Exterior 72 Passenger seat at point of major intrusion 59 Offside seat fixings remained intoact 73 Point of severest damage 45 Initial impact was just behind the driver 58 The window frames immeidately behind the driver 53 The point of initial impact from inside 70 The missing window frame 59 John Gwynne, from the Carlyle Works design team, inspects the wreckage. Note the whole in the floor of the Duple Dominant bodywork 71 Part of a seat frame 60 Main point of intrusion into the passenger compartment 58 The floor was twisted and raised by the power of the collision 110 The tachograph disc was recovered to help the police investigation 91 One of the wheels 90 One of the wheels - another view 100 Two of the wheel studs, sheered off 103 More sheered wheel bolts 101 More stud damage on the wheels 81 There was a substantial tread of the rear tyres 95 The state of the wheel after it hit the ground - another view 96 The tyre tore apart as a result of the collision 94 The state of the wheel after it hit the ground

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]]> Fri Dec 9 2005 Mickey Mouse operation (and Snow White...) http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c783055.html National Express sponsored a number of the tours by Walt Disney during the late 1980s. So it could claim to be a Mickey Mouse organisation - at least for a time. The sequence shows the coaches at various venues. Sunday 4 December 2005: National Express sponsored a number of the tours by Walt Disney during the late 1980s. So it could claim to be a Mickey Mouse organisation - at least for a time. The sequence shows the coaches at various venues.

198 with South Wales Transport's 500 behind 198 and the cast National Express sponsored the last Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tour of Britain by Walt Disney. Here the lady and her dwarfs at Cheltenahm Coach Station before they set off. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) caught up in a Cruise Missle protest in cardiff. Another veiew, showing the missile carrier in the centre of the picture. Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) caught up in a Cruise Missle protest in cardiff. The missile is on the lorry on the left. Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y), and Baloo poses for the camera Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) with some of the supporting characters from the Jungle Book movie Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) - and the characters get a helping hand Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) at Cardiff hospital Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) gets a wash down in the Laira Works of Western National Black & White 450 (AAD 50Y) at the TSW TV studio in Plymouth Black & White 450 Black & White 450 450 (ADD 50Y) 450 (ADD 50Y), the road manager and the characters Black & White 450 - upstairs interior modified for Mickey Mouse/Jungle Book tour 450 (ADD 50Y) Black & White 450 - upstairs interior modified for Mickey Mouse/Jungle Book tour 450 (ADD 50Y) 450 (ADD 50Y) Robin with Scrooge McDuck and Mickey Mouse In Digbeth Coach Station - and causing trouble Taking the Mickey - M. Mouse Esq at Digbeth while Scrooge McDuck sulks in the corner In Digbeth Coach Station - and causing trouble In Digbeth Coach Station - a contented mouse In Digbeth Coach Station - and causing trouble In Digbeth Coach Station - and causing trouble Did someone say they were taking the Mickey? Mickey Mouse Goofy and Scrooge McDuck take ab reak from sightseeing from the upper deck Mickey and the other characters appear on the TSW set with Modern Romance Mickey and the other characters appear on the TSW set with Modern Romance Mickey and the other characters appear on the TSW set with Modern Romance

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]]> Sun Dec 4 2005 Snowdon Sherpa http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c740454.html Snowdon Sherpa Wednesday 26 October 2005: Snowdon Sherpa

Snowdon Sherpa leaflet Snowdon Sherpa leaflet Snowdon Sherpa map, showing connections with the NAtional Express 55 service Snowdon Sherpa timetable The same vehicle seen in Birmingham at the end of the route The Carlyle C11 coach - a one-off - seen in Snowdonia where it operated a feeder service daily to Shrewsbury and occasionally through to Birmingham The Carlyle C11 coach - a one-off - seen in Snowdonia where it operated a feeder service daily to Shrewsbury and occasionally through to Birmingham Crosville one-off. The unique Carlyle C11 pictured in Snowdonia where it normally operated the National Express trail [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Crosville one-off. The unique Carlyle C11 pictured in Snowdonia where it normally operated the National Express trail [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Snowdon Sherpa timetable leaflet Snowdon Sherpa timetable introduction Snowdon Sherpa route map Snowdon Sherpa timetable

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]]> Wed Oct 26 2005 Tourist Trail http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c719782.html Tourist Trail Sunday 9 October 2005: Tourist Trail

Davie, Rye D396 BPE in special Tourist Trail livery [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Davie, Rye D396 BPE in special Tourist Trail livery [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Davie, Rye D396 BPE in special Tourist Trail livery [Alan O. Watkins Colln]

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]]> Sun Oct 9 2005 Eurolines http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c686361.html Eurolines Sunday 11 September 2005: Eurolines

South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) after being finished in Supabus colours South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) at the launch of the Birmingham - Cork service South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) at the launch of the Birmingham - Cork service South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) at the launch of the Birmingham - Cork service 298 (SND 298X) in Cork, preparing toreturn to London on the Supabus service. South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) alongside a CIE M-type Leyland Leoaprd PSU5/4R with CIE odyworkwork built on Metal Sections framework. South Wales 112 (MCY 112X) Midland Red Express 556 boards the m/v Warendorp, operating the Dun Laoghaire - Fishguard service French Setra S215HD 847 DZH 75 on the London - Barcelona service German Transline Mercedes, W-MP 443, seen in Digbeth, ready to run a duplicate Rapide service back to London. It happened very occasionally, and was seldom recorded. 4546 HZ 82 and 1428 NW 40 4546 HZ 82 4546 HZ 82 gets a wash and brush up on the M4 Eurolines office, Grosvenor Gardens, London after it was turned into a National express agency Poland_AKA_03-62 at Dover Eurolines Amsterdam service, inbound to London on the M20 at Maidstone. Dutch-registered Bova Futura BR-FS-88. Ulsterbus 120 (KEZ 9120) is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton C49FT Omar, Poland WI 8989 A Ulsterbus 122 (KEZ 9122) Spanish Eurolines coach 8685 CHG is a Setra S416GT-HDused on the London - Paris route. Hnos Arriaga, Spain 4445 DCF on Eccleston Bridge Eurolines office, Grosvenor Gardens, London Ulsterbus 123 (KEZ 9123) Hnos Arriaga, Spain 9888 CWB, one of its Van Hool T918 Alicron used on the London - Paris Eurolines service Bovotours, Holland BR-SJ-67 prepares to accept passengers for the Amsterdam route operated four times a day Hnos Arriaga, Spain 0064 FMC is a Van Hool T918 Altano On a Mission, Leighton Buzzard EL08 BUS in National Express Eurolines livery On a Mission, Leighton Buzzard EL08 BUS in National Express Eurolines livery Eurolines-liveried YN07 LGY, a Scania/Irizar PB, and German-registered MAN Lion, RE-IY 888 [Germany] RE-IY 888 on the London - Osnabruck service YN07 LGY Eurolines' Belgian-registered SPZ 500 Bovotours, Holland 326 (BR-GD 15) is a tri-axle Bova used on the London - Amsterdam Eurolines Plus service Hnos Arriaga, Spain 6740 BYN, on the London - Paris shuttle service Ellaway & Bjelobaba, Soulbury;s EU08 BUS, a Volvo B12B(T) with Jonckheere bodywork B Kavangh,Urlingford 06 KK 722 in Eurolines Plus livery Hnos Arriaga, Spain 218 (5850 CXF) is a Van Hool Altano T918 that regularly runs the London - paris Eurolines service Socitransa, Spain 8200 GFD Socitransa, Spain 8200 GFD and Ellaway & Bjelobaba, Soulbury EU08 BUS, a Volvo B12BT with Jonckheere bodywork

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]]> Sun Sep 11 2005 Aerial views http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c677461.html During the filming of a National Express promotional video, I got the chance to fly with the film crew. These are some of the shots taken at that time. Sunday 4 September 2005: During the filming of a National Express promotional video, I got the chance to fly with the film crew. These are some of the shots taken at that time.

Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Greenslades Metroliner on the M5 motorway in Somerset Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Greenslades Metroliner swinging onto the M4 motorway from the M5 at Almondsbury, Bristol, bound for London Devon General MCW Metroliner on the M5 near Bristol

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]]> Sun Sep 4 2005 Quality slips http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c676390.html Quality slips Saturday 3 September 2005: Quality slips

National Welsh XC 961 (C261 GUH) Dorset Travel Services knew what the rules were for Rapide serveries. This was a disgrace. National Welsh - the double-N has not been applied to the trade logo National Travel East 94 (UWA 94S) with no indication of its destination, and sporting National - not National Express - livery Ensign C112 FMJ on demonstration to National Express National Welsh Duple Laser Trathen 05 (STT 605X) - note the rear-facing National Express logo on a highly colourised Van Hool body Midland Red Express - National local coach livery East Kent Leyland Leopard/ECW in East Kent colours National Welsh UC1198 (SDW 914Y) National Welsh UC1198 Trent 52 (SCH 152X) has replaced the National Express fleetname with the Trent one. West Yorkshire 2705 (EWW 948Y) arrives in Sheffield on the 356 service to Leeds Western National 1400 (E213 BOD) at St Austell was one of a handful of Neoplan Skyliners in the fleet Western National 1410 (B258 AGL) Amberline, Liverpool A342 UFE presenting a sorry picture for passengers in Wigna's bus station Amberline, Liverpool C174 KHG, one of a handful of Neoplans to be bodied with Plaxton Paramount 4000 bodies Thomas of Brighton (?) B510 CCP was curiously decorated for National Express operations.. It was a DAF MB200 with Duple C51F bodywork West Yorkshire Road Car 2407 (B488 TYG) had lost all its markers by the time it was with Yorkshire Travel Services, and operating the Leeds - Chester service West Yorkshire Road Car 1407 (B488 TYG) Yorkshire Voyager B87 SWX with blinds set to 320 - National Express. Very helpful to travellers! PMT (Paramount) 71 (VFA 71X) sporting the PMT Paramount livery, not the National Express colour scheme Eastern National 1404 (VHK 177L) after being rebuilt as the protoytpe ECW B51 coach, pictured outside the National Bus Company headquarters in New Street Square [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Eastern National 1404 (VHK 177L) after being rebuilt as the protoytpe ECW B51 coach, pictured outside the National Bus Company headquarters in New Street Square [Alan O. Watkins Colln] East Kent 1089 Ambassador - and a comedian must have been at work to create this wedge-shaped set of speed stripes. Northern 7006 in National Holidays livery and PMT 20 in ... well, PMT's version of the NX livery Alder Valley 1195 (GGM 95W) Cambus 404 (VYU 762S) may be sporting Cambridge blue, but it should be in National Express colours. It started life with the Grey Green operations of Cowie. Eastern Counties LL 799 (OEX 799W) showing non-orthodox National Express identifiers, and two letters missing from NATIONAL NAtional Travel West 093 (ANA 93Y) with its vinyls part removed Ribble/National Travel 13 showing dvertising for a non-National Express product - the ribble group. Hastings District (ex maidstone and District) 143, on a day tour in an operator-amended version of the National Express livery London Country TP 1 in Green Line livery Bristol 2205 (A205 SAE) in a false version of the National Express colours Ambassador 917 (C917 BPW) demonstrates incomplete stripes after a running repair on the nearside lower panels. Ensign C112 FMJ with Clive Myers, chairman of National Express. It was a Scania K112CRS with Berkhof CH73CT bodywork. United 6501 (NDC 501W), a Plaxton-bodied Leyland Leopard PSU3F/4R type, boasting United on the boot when the contract laid down 'National Express' The Revenue Protection Inspector's van, clamped in Digbeth coach station Premier Travel driver at Heathrow Airport Double N - doubled East Kent 8829 Damaged publicity in Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station Cheltenham and Gloucester 2410 (C424WFH), a Leyland TRCTL11/3RZ with Plaxton Paramount C46FT bodywork., supposedly working a National Express service - but only the front has been labelled. Alongside is City of Oxford 32 (VUD 32X), a 1982 Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with ECW bodywork. It is seen in South Midland's Orbiter colours while duplicating the London Rapide service. Arriva Fox County P205 RWR is a DAF SB3000 with Van Hool C51FT bodywork 908 TJO is a 12-metre Leyland Leopard with a wrongly applied National Express livery, and a history about which i have no knowledge FHS 751X with Catterall, Southam 908 TJO is a 12-metre Leyland Leopard with a wrongly applied National Express livery, and a history about which i have no knowledge First Group 21150 (S116 RKG) on the 570 service from Birmingham, bound for Blackpool and sporting its school bus notices and own operator identity.

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]]> Sat Sep 3 2005 Advertising the product http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c673484.html The boot lid advert was a strong method of telling drivers how much they could have saved if they'd let the coach take them to their destinations. But bus stops, shop windows and a myriad of other adverts helped get the message across that any National Express coach was going to be good quality, and low cost. Not that it always was, of course, in the Seventies and Eighties. Wednesday 31 August 2005: The boot lid advert was a strong method of telling drivers how much they could have saved if they'd let the coach take them to their destinations. But bus stops, shop windows and a myriad of other adverts helped get the message across that any National Express coach was going to be good quality, and low cost. Not that it always was, of course, in the Seventies and Eighties.

UC 218 (A218 VWO) sporting School Travel Service livery HRN 255G and UHY 634H DAE 509K with Tony McKenna DAE 509K with Midlands area manager, Bob Shaddick. Midland Red CM6, 5656 (BHA 656C) arrives in Victoria after the 25th anniversary run of the Birmingham - London motorway service [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Exchanging views after the 25th anniversary of the Birmingham - London service had been restaged by National Express with a BMMO CM6 [Alan O. Watkins Colln] The Price if Right - National Express advertising Lord Shepherd, chairman of the NBC, with Transport Minister, Norman Fowler, taking an illegal stint at the wheel of a National Express [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Eastern Counties Leyland Leopard/Duple Dominant in Bristol with Bristol - Peterborough advertising National Travel South West 198 (AFH 198T) with Snow White's dwarfs giving the police a hard time during their three week national tour 214 (XDG 214S) 214 (XDG 214S) 214 (XDG 214S) Wessex 293 during the Women's Snooker World Championships UC1173 (BUH 221V) at Abwertillery during the sponsorship of the Women's World Snooker Championship National Travel South West 198 (AFH 198T) on the Snow White/Disney promotional tour [Alan O. Watkins Colln] 204 (BDF 204Y) London Country TPL 59 discovers you could not escape National express advertising in the Eighties East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) National Travel South West 158 (NDF 158P) with false destination for French promotion displaying 774 Cheltenham. It was pictured before entering service, and was one of the last AEC Reliances to be built, a rare 36-foot model. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Wessex 50 (ADD 50Y) Shamrock & Rambler 3115 and an earlier coach... Devon General 1407 Always present a smart appearance when playing bowls - and where better to be dressed for the occasion than on Plymouth Ho! A promotional picture as part of the Western Venturer service 700 (Penzance - Plymouth - Bristol - London) promotions that showed the value of interchanges [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Driver Wally Amos on his annual publicity tour of the South West, delivering leaflets for Associated motorways and showing off the latest of the Black & White fleet London Country BTL 8 (C208 PPE) wearing Sesame Travel livery [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Flagging hobby Putting the Caledonian Express sign on a shelter in the Highlands Caledonian Express - stop being identified SWT 120 (RCY 120Y) picks up guests at Neath bus station for the inaugural run of the West Wales Rapide service to London. Using a traditional Midland Red bus stop at broadway, Worcestershire Cork bus station publicity for the new Supabus service to Birmingham Manchester Airport bus stop publicity - 1990 Beeper the Frog - click open for more information VC 12 (FH06 EAX) Publicity map for new service 648 Caernarfon - Cheltenham Miss National Express Black & White Motorways staff on a social club outing Bristol bus station display promoting the new Cheltenham - Glasgow connecting service Bristol bus station display promoting the new Cheltenham - Glasgow connecting service

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]]> Wed Aug 31 2005 Wellington Street, Leeds http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c673476.html Probably the least salubrious of the interchanges, Wellington Street was cramped in the days of 26-footers. It was not the sort of place to relax at the start of a summer bank holiday factory fortnight! Wednesday 31 August 2005: Probably the least salubrious of the interchanges, Wellington Street was cramped in the days of 26-footers. It was not the sort of place to relax at the start of a summer bank holiday factory fortnight!

Northern 7052 (GGR 400N) was a Leyland Leopard PSU3B.4R with Plaxton Elite bodywork West Yorkshire Road Car 2575 - a sign of the times West Yorkshire Road Car 2575 (KUB 949V) West Yorkshire Road Car 2575 (KUB 949V) West Yorkshire Road Car 2575 (KUB 949V) West Yorkshire Road Car 2575 (KUB 949V) Yorkshire Traction 251 (PWN 251R) and United 1018 (NGR 118T) East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) and National Travel West N157 (XCW 157R) on the Trans-Pennine service between Hull and Liverpool East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) Northern 7100 (LFT 100X), a late PSU3G/4R Leyland Leopard with ECW B51 bodywork Bibby, Ingleton LWT 303P and Eastern Scottish XH 551 Yorkshire Voyager 2414 in a busy Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station Leeds (Wellington Street) - Various National Express coaches at leeds coach station including a Leopard/ECW, two Tiger/Plaxton 3500s and a Bova Europa Yorkshire Voyager B489 TYG Yorkshire Voyager B87 SWX and Speedlink B120 KPF Yorkshire Voyager B489 TYG and B 87 SWX East Yorkshire 51 (E51 URH) in Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station Amberline B144 ACK Midland Red South 77 (C77 XWK) in Leeds (Wellington Street) caoch station Amberline F616 VNH, one of the few LAG coaches presented in National Express livery Leeds (Wellington Street) SUT THL 290Y United 102 after transfer to Northumbria, seen in Wellington Street, Leeds Northumbria Expressliners 151 (G151 XFT) and 150 (G150 XFT) sandwich Yorkshire Voyager's hard-working B87 SWX Yorkshire Voyager B87 SWX Yorkshire Voyager B87 SWX and Northumbria 150 (G150 XFT) Yorkshire Traction 374 YTC, a Leyland Royal Tiger with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork West Yorkshire 2703 (EWW 946Y) National Travel East coaches seldom appeared on National Express work, being reytained for National Holidays tour work. But when there wasn't any ....OHE 262X (Volvo B10M) and BWE 197T (Leyland Leopard) operate duplicate services out of Leeds Wellington Street Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station with coaches waiting for duplication work The damage to Wellington Street, Leeds, passenger shelter which led to its demolition The damaged passenger walkway after a coach backed into it. Lancashire United 568 (YBN 631V) passed to Greater Manchester PTE. It was to become the first non-National Bus Company subsidiary to be painted in National Express colours.

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]]> Wed Aug 31 2005 Caledonian Express - the first weeks http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c631001.html Caledonian Express was the National Express operation set up after the acquisition of Stagecoach's coaching operations in Perth. It was established to take the fight to Scottish Citylink. It swiftly carved a niche for itself against what proved to be a complacent operation. Within six months it grabbed 50 per cent of the Anglo-Scottish customers - once the creme de la creme of Scottish coaching - a similar amount of the internal Scottish services and 80 per cent of the cross-border market. Small wonder that Scottish Bus quickly sold the company to National Express for little more than a song. Wednesday 27 July 2005: Caledonian Express was the National Express operation set up after the acquisition of Stagecoach's coaching operations in Perth. It was established to take the fight to Scottish Citylink. It swiftly carved a niche for itself against what proved to be a complacent operation. Within six months it grabbed 50 per cent of the Anglo-Scottish customers - once the creme de la creme of Scottish coaching - a similar amount of the internal Scottish services and 80 per cent of the cross-border market. Small wonder that Scottish Bus quickly sold the company to National Express for little more than a song.

Stagecoach/Magicbus 407 (LUA 250V) was new to Wallace Arnold. It was a Volvo B58-61/Plaxton. Tayside Travel Services F449 PSL in Tayside Travel Services ownership masks Kelvin Scottish ULS 615X. The Tayside vehicle was a Volvo B10M-60. Tayside Travel Services E91 VWA shortly after acquisition with the Stagecoach long-distance services. It is seen wearing the Super Stagecoach livery in Edinburgh. Tayside Travel Services 4009 SC was originally B169 BFE with Highwayman. The Neoplan N216H later was re-registered again, becoming B652 XTS. Here it is seen in the Walnut Grove, Perth, depot. Tayside Travel Services JSR 43X and 4009 SC Tayside Travel Services D441 CNR in Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station Stagecoach 411 (HSP 593W), a Volvo B58-61 with Duple Dominant III bodywork. Tayside Travel Services C895 CSN Tayside Travel Services D443 CNR and E93 VWA in the depot at Perth United AEF 30Y was a Bova Europa Rapide coach which passed to Durham Travel Services as their 22. Here it is on extended loan to Tayside Travel Services to boost the National Express/Caledonian Express identities in Scotland while the old Stagecoach vehicles were repainted. Tayside Travel Services B660 XTS, sporting the short-lived Caledonian Express-Stagecoach livery, was new as B683 DVL, and later sported the identity 2412 SC. It was pictured in Walnut Grove, Perth, depot. Tayside Travel Services C892 CSN, a DAF MB230 with Duple 320 bodywork Tayside Travel Services C892 CSN Grampian 57 (542 GRT) was an MCW Metroliner saloon (type HR131/10) in Caledonian Express livery Tayside Travel Services C895 CSN seen in Inverness Sutherland Coaches quickly responded to the call for extra coaches to boost the Stagecoach fleet when National Express took over its Perth operations. This was one of the vehicles regularly used - F110 SSE, a Volvo B10M/Ikarus Sutherland Coaches F110 SSE, a Volvo B10M/Ikarus pictured in Perth bus station Stagecoach WVO 855S and 9492 SC in Perth depot Tayside Travel Services E 91 VWA, a Neoplan Skyliner in Caledonian Express colour, pictured in Aberdeen bus station. Tayside Travel Services E 92 VWA, parked outside the National express headquarters at Ensign Court in Edgbaston shortly after it had had a starring role in the filming of a television advert to promote the new company north of the border. Tayside Travel Services E 92 VWA Tayside Travel Services in Stirling bus station Tayside Travel Services VSR 187 (D447 FSP) in Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station Tayside Travel Services B860 XTS Stagecoach CGM 288C and KBD 715D Sutherland 16 (DSD 933V) was hired from the Scottish Bus group to provide vehicles so that National Express could compete within Scotland with Scottish Citylink. This followed the purchase of the Stagecoach coaching operations, to enable the company to concentrate on stage operations. Six months later, Scottish Citylink was taken over by National Express after iy lost half its London market - and half its Scottish market - to National Express' Caledonian Express system. Sutherland 16 (DSD 933V) Sutherland F109 SSE in a soggy Edinburgh bus station Sutherland F110 SSE, a Volvo B10M with smart Ikarus bodywork, pictured on early Caledonian Express operations A Caledonian Express/Stagecoach liveried vehicle in Stirling Dundee - the Caledonian Express office Tayside Travel Services FCP 660W in Perth bus station Tayside Travel Services D448 FSP in Stagecoach colours after sale to National Express for its Caledonian Express operations, seen in Stirling before it was repainted. Tayside Travel Services F449 PSL was a 1989 Volvo B10M/Plaxton new to Stagecoach, Perth. It is seen in Caledonian Express/National Express colours

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]]> Wed Jul 27 2005 National Express - Rapide http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609963.html The Rapide concept was first mooted in the early Seventies, but it was only when Trathens took advantage of deregulation of the coach roads that it was resurrected. The idea was that a driver was legally allowed to drive four hours non-stop. The trouble was that people needed to answer the call of nature, so coaches stopped every couple of hours, and promptly lost another half-an-hour as the penny-spending was extended into visits to cafes, shops and so forth. That stop would rob you of around 40 miles down the road towards the passengers' destinations. Put a toilet on board, add catering and you would be bring destinations that had previously been out-of-reach into your planning regime. The remarkable feat was the development of the first Rapide coach, the Dennis Falcon V (as in 'Vee') Rapide coach. Dennis' engineers have never been given the credit they were due for this vehicle, which took 16 months from first specification drawings by NBC's design engineers to the first chassis. So why the Duple Super Goldiner body? Rapide needed a high floor to make an impact of the market and on the road. The Super Goldliner met that. It was also another of the designs that the NBC engineers had been enthusiastic about. But it was already dated. I never found out whether this was fact, but it was probably chosen because there was plenty of spare material in stock at Blackpool, and Duple was able to build quickly, because it had a shortage of orders that would eventually kill it off. Sunday 10 July 2005: The Rapide concept was first mooted in the early Seventies, but it was only when Trathens took advantage of deregulation of the coach roads that it was resurrected. The idea was that a driver was legally allowed to drive four hours non-stop. The trouble was that people needed to answer the call of nature, so coaches stopped every couple of hours, and promptly lost another half-an-hour as the penny-spending was extended into visits to cafes, shops and so forth. That stop would rob you of around 40 miles down the road towards the passengers' destinations. Put a toilet on board, add catering and you would be bring destinations that had previously been out-of-reach into your planning regime. The remarkable feat was the development of the first Rapide coach, the Dennis Falcon V (as in 'Vee') Rapide coach. Dennis' engineers have never been given the credit they were due for this vehicle, which took 16 months from first specification drawings by NBC's design engineers to the first chassis. So why the Duple Super Goldiner body? Rapide needed a high floor to make an impact of the market and on the road. The Super Goldliner met that. It was also another of the designs that the NBC engineers had been enthusiastic about. But it was already dated. I never found out whether this was fact, but it was probably chosen because there was plenty of spare material in stock at Blackpool, and Duple was able to build quickly, because it had a shortage of orders that would eventually kill it off.

Northern 7021 (CU 7661) in Liverpool Lime Street bus and coach station West Wales 506/7 Rapide launch - among the characters: Black & White driver National Travel West 82 (SND 282X), a Leyland Leopard/Duple Dominant Rapide coach National Travel West 106 (ANA 106Y) [Alan O. Watkins Colln] National Travel West 109 (ANA 109Y) [NBC/Alan O. Watkins Colln] South Wales 121 (RCY 121Y) National Welsh XC 1251 (SDW 910Y) United 150 (A111 KBA) on a sunny day in Gallowgates coach station. United 150 (A111 KBA) on its preview press run called into Peckham depot. Alongside is London Transport LS 113 United 150 (A111 KBA) at ZSeaburn United 150 (A111 KBA) before the start of the first Metroliner operation from Newcastle to London. These coaches would average 750 miles a day, being servied every other day. 150 was wrecked on the A1(M) when asheep wandered onto the road and into its path near Durham on August 3, 1985. South Wales 125 (A125 XEP) at the 507 terminus in St David's South Wales 125 (A125 XEP) at the St David's terminus of the London Rapide 507 service. Midland Red Coaches 556 (A656 VDA) in Arvona, Ireland South Wales 123 (A123 XEP) and [beyond] United 150 (A111 KBA) Shamrock & Rambler 3111 (A102 HNC) was ex National Travel West. Northern 7023 (B 23 DVK) with Durham rail viaduct in the background. It was a a Leyland Tiger (type TRCTL11.3RH) with standardised Plaxton Paramount 3500 C48FT bodywork to Rapide specification, pictured en route on the 580 to Liverpool Northern General 7023 (B 23 DVK) in Durham bus station. It was a Leyland TRCTL11.3RH with Plaxton Paramount 3500 C48FT bodywork. Yorkshire Traction 74 (374 YTC) was a Leyland Royal Tiger with a Plaxton Paramount 3500 body, here seen in Sheffield on Rapide work. It began life as A74 YDT. South Wales 129 (MKH 87A) rests alongside Clyside Scottish 474 (TCS 174, ex A174 UGB) Western National C99 CGL and Red Bus 2223 (920 GTA) new as B335 WFJ. It was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with Plaxton Paramount 3500/2 bodywork. Western National 1400 (E213 BOD) [WN] and 2203 (A749 VAF) [WN] Midland Red West 1014 (A656 VDA) pulls onto the Telford stance Midland Red West 1014 (A656 VDA) was formerly with Midland Red Coaches (556). It takes its place in Telford bus station Yelloway Trathen UYB 649 was a Neoplan N116 originally TWG 561Y, pictured in the deeper fastnesses of Chorlton Street coach station, Manchester, was a Neoplan N116C SUT A338 YDT SUT A305 XHE - a Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B10M-61 - at Manchester Airport Yorkshire Traction 74 (374 YTC) Amberline, Liverpool A342 UFE presenting a sorry picture for passengers in Wigan's bus station Amberline, Liverpool A342 UFE presenting a sorry picture for passengers in Wigan's bus station Amberline, Liverpool C174 KHG, one of a handful of Neoplans to be bodied with Plaxton Paramount 4000 bodies, pictured in Wigan bus station Amberline, Liverpool C174 KHG. Its apperance did nothing to inspire the customers. It was a Neoplan N722/3 with Plaxton Paramount 4000 bodywork. Amberline, Liverpool C174 KHG, one of a handful of Neoplans to be bodied with Plaxton Paramount 4000 bodies. It looked in a sorry state when this photograph was taken. Whittle, Highley C439 JCK, a DAF MB230 with Duple Caribbean bodywork in the Battersea coach park having worked the short-lived Kidderminster Rapide service Jones International D767 NKY was briefly operated. It was a former Carnell, Sheffield Setra S215HD on duplication. Here it is seen resting in the Battersea coach park Cumberland 108 (B108 HAO) was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3RH with Duple Laser II C44FT bodywork, here pictured in a damp Glasgow Buchanan Street. Cumberland 108 (B108 HAO) in Glasgow on the 841 stopping service to London. Tayside Travel Services' first Expressliners, G554 SSP and G553 SSP, on delivery to the Perth depot. They are sporting the blue stripes adopted for the former Stagecoach operation. Tayside Travel Services 9492 SC was still wearing its Stagecoach colours for whom it originally ran as C408 LHE. It was a Neoplan N122/3 Skyliner type N122/3 Yorkshire Voyager C752 CWX in Chester on the 361 route. It was a Neoplan N722/3 with Plaxton Paramount 4000 bodywork. Cheltenham & Gloucester 2410 (C424 WFH) National Welsh XC 1252 (20 AAX) was originally registered SDW 911Y South Wales 120 (MKH 831A) was a Rapide-equipped Leyland Tiger coach with Duple Caribbean II bodywork that began life as RCY 120Y. Here it is seen in Heathrow bus station. United Counties 85 (C85 PRP) on the Rapide 537 route to Glasgow, takes a short halt in Carlisle West Riding 46 (E46 TYG) was a Royal Tiger with Roe bodywork. Western National 2237 (C792 MVH) was a DAF MR200 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 C53FT bodywork - a bit tight for the Penzance - Aberdeen run! It was new to Fishwick, Leyland as its C7 in 1986 Yorkshire Rider 1416 (D783 SGB) prepares to leave Inverness on the Leeds 374 service United Counties 85 (C85 PRP) heads a Skyeways service coach southbound for Glasgow through Glencoe. It was on the summer extension through the Highlands, but was returning to its home town of Kettering. Rotherham Travel Services A338 YDT Charterplan, Manchester 23 (TXY 978) was originally registered FWH 23Y. It is seen in Chorlton Street coach station in its home city. It sported a Duple Goldliner IV body on a leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R chassis.

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 National Express - off route http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609950.html The trouble with having a fleet of National Express-liveried coaches was that the engineers would shove them out on local operations, traffic managers would encourage customers to think they were travelling National Express, and the vehicles were not available when needed for their liveried duties. Many of the difficulties were caused by tradition-based managers and crews resenting the creation of the National Express network - something that still comes through the enthusiasts publications - and the loss of local control. These shots show some of the oddities that arose. Sunday 10 July 2005: The trouble with having a fleet of National Express-liveried coaches was that the engineers would shove them out on local operations, traffic managers would encourage customers to think they were travelling National Express, and the vehicles were not available when needed for their liveried duties. Many of the difficulties were caused by tradition-based managers and crews resenting the creation of the National Express network - something that still comes through the enthusiasts publications - and the loss of local control. These shots show some of the oddities that arose.

PMT 67 (GRF 267V) while operating on loan with City ofOxford on the Citylink 190 service between Oxford and London. This view on the A40 was taken before traffic erupted, and the M40 motorway was built. Northern 7087 (FNL 687W) United 1000 at Dryburgh Abbey Yorkshire Traction 17 (DAK 257V) runs a local limitedstop service rather than a National Express journey Midland Red 6447 pictured on loan to National Welsh, in Cardiff bus station National Travel West 112 (A112 KBA) at Birmingham International Airport (Alan O. Watkins Colln) Northern General 7023 in Durham bus station National Welsh UC905 (AAL 594A) in National Express livery, but working the 301 limited stop bus service between Cardiff and Bristol Crosville CTL 51 in National Express colours, but operating a Town Lynx service in Chester Midland Red Coaches 556 (A656 VDA), pictured in Ireland on a Supabus promotional journey Cityrama B681 NTW was a DAF SB2300 with Berkhof bodywork, finished in Tourist Trail colours Wessex National 50 (ADD 50Y) Caetano Levante on Scania K340 chassis - subtle livery variations by National Express to mark St David's Day, 2007 on First Cymru 23503 (FJ56 PFK) Cityrama B681 NTW was a DAF SB2300 with Berkhof bodywork, finished in Tourist Trail colours

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 National Express - duplication http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609947.html Duplication was the way to move vast numbers of travellers at busy times. When it worked, it worked well. The service driver had responsibility for directing the duplicates on their pick-up and set-down points. But they could also cause problems that ranged from passenger confusion caused by different colours to hired drivers operating to their own sets of rules. Then there were missed stops, lost routes, late running, early running......after all, this was before the days of satellite tracking and well-informed bus shelters and coach stations. Sunday 10 July 2005: Duplication was the way to move vast numbers of travellers at busy times. When it worked, it worked well. The service driver had responsibility for directing the duplicates on their pick-up and set-down points. But they could also cause problems that ranged from passenger confusion caused by different colours to hired drivers operating to their own sets of rules. Then there were missed stops, lost routes, late running, early running......after all, this was before the days of satellite tracking and well-informed bus shelters and coach stations.

Midland Red 191 (HHA 191L) in Wolverhampton. [Alan O. Watkins Colln] Ribble 1059 (UTF 739M) Southern National Leyland Leopard coach, 3098 (YEL 98Y), was the very last Leopard to be bought by National Bus. London Country RS 144 (EPM 144V) Cheddar Valley 3342 PG (new to Irvine, Salsburgh as PGD 996P) was an AEC 6U3ZR/Plaxton. It is standing by in Weston depot for National Express duplication work. West Yorkshire 2582 (KUB 666V) in Exeter bus station while working the 730 service bound for York Cotswold-liveried Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Elite United Counties 243 (MRP 243V) Western National 2207 (A521 WRL) on the 502 from Birmingham to Plymouth. Greenslades 134 (MDF 114P) ready to duplicate the 700 service between Plymouth and Looe. United Counties 81 (81 CBK) was a TRCTL11.3RH Leyland Tiger with Plaxton Panorama 3500 bodywork Rowley, Emerson Park JVW 155Y, a Volvo B10M-61, and fellow fleet member B246 AMH, an early Scania in National Express Rapide livery hurry up the M1 Green, ... 914 JOW duplicating through Heathrow Airport bus station Western National 2440 (SFJ 140R) and 1617 (PDD 101M) Evans, Aberystwyth MAX 334X was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.2R with short Plaxton bodywork, pictured on hire to Mid Wales Transport to operate the short-lived National Express Shrewsbury - Sheffield service 383. It was here pictured in Chester Robinson C213 NFV was a Leyland Tiger with Duple Caribbean II bodywork, making a rare duplication on a National express service at Leeds (Wellington Street) coach station Western National 2440 (SFJ 140R) and ex-Black & White 101, now Western National 1617 (PDD 101M) on standby duties in Plymouth bus station Charterplan 4 (TPX 884), a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3RH with Plaxton Paramount 3500 body began life as B371 VBA Delta, ... XVU 917X duplicating a National Express service at Leeds coach station Delta, ... XVU 917X, a Volvo B10M with Duple Goldliner bodywork Grey Cars A423 XGL was a Bova EL 28/281 with a Duple Calypso body. It is seen in Coventry's Pool Meadow. Limebourne B680 BTW Grampian 56 (TRS 333) was a rare MCW singledeck Metroliner coach (type HR 130/10), new as D 56 XSS. It is seen arriving in Glasgow on the joint Caledonian Express/Stagecoach service from Aberdeen Whitelaw E549 XKW on the joint Caledonian Express/Stagecoach operations. Tayside Travel Services 9492 SC (new as C408 LHE) still sported its Super Stagecoach colours West Riding 35 (C 35 CWT) was on extended loan to United Counties. It is seen in Milton Keynes Coachway still sporting its owner's Fastaway local coach livery. National Welsh 1199 (FYX 823W) was originally with George Ewer. The Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R sports local Swiftlink livery when working the 320 service back to Cardiff from Digbeth. PMT 31 (5702 PL) was new as C112 DTM, but here sports its Paramount coaching colours Wilson, Carnwath F953 WSF, a Volvo B10M with Van Hool bodywork. Jones International DVT 994Y is working the 549 Birmingham - Swansea Rapide. Goode, West Bromwich KIW 8609 was a Volvo B10M-61/Plaxton new as B576 UJF Sun Span A548 HEF, Shaw Hadwin's 6 SVK (ex-YEC 21W) and Waddon's LYS 509Y (ex-Christian, Liverpool) Central, Leamington G585 WUT was a TAZ 3500 Coombs, Weston-Super-Mare F681 CYC, a Debbis Javelin/Duple 320 in Digbeth coach station Coombs, Weston-Super-Mare F681 CYC was a Dennis Javelin (11SDL 1905) with Duple 320 bodywork. It is seen on the M5 near Birmingham. Western National C647 OVH is seen on the monstrous daily run between Penzance and Aberdeen City of Oxford 32 (VUD 32X) after it was transferred to South Midland. It was a 1982 Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with ECW bodywork. It is seen in South Midland's Orbiter colours while duplicating a National Express service in Gloucester. Bleanch, Hetton-le-Hole's former Yelloway AEC Reliance/Plaxton, SBU 304R, pulls in behind Midland Fox 779 at Leicester St Margaret's Lincoln 65 (KIB 6527) was a Volvo B10M-50 with East Lancs CH79F bodywork, pictured in OIJ 8480 on National Express Rapide duplication Cooper, Killamarsh D516 SWE, a 1987 Scania K112 with Plaxton Paramount bodywork, operating a relief National Express service in Leeds coach station HPL 322V PMT YRE 473Y arrives in Digbeth on a short duplication from Stoke-on-Trent Roger Hill E571 UHS, still wearing Park, Hamilton colours National Travel East BWE 197T was a PSU5C/4R-type Leyland Leopard with Duple Dominant II bodywork, normally used on National Holidays work National Travel East OHE 262X, a Volvo B10M with Duple Goldiner bodywork, usually front-lining on National Holidays work ODC 855W, ADR 200W and KOU 480K - truly a Continental bevy Tower, Blackpool FIL 1904 Midland Fox 779 (BVP 779V) at Leicester Hookways, Meeth 4691 HP is working into Bristol as a duplicate on the service from Birmingham to Taunton. It is a Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur.

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 National Express - interchanges http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609944.html The interchange was the secret to the success of National Express. It began at Cheltenham coach station, but this had to be surrendered when planning manager Jim Cressey conceived the two-hourly cross-country interchange pattern. It began as a Birmingham - Bristol link, then swiftly extended on paper to Plymouth, London, Manchester, Leeds and eventually Glasgow. It was helped by the motorway network, four hours allowed at the wheel, and the ability to operate modern coaches at 70mph in the mid Seventies, Eighties and early Nineties. The Rapide coach enabled longer services to by-pass interchanges (Manchester/Liverpool/Plymouth nonstop to London for example). These are covered on another page. Sunday 10 July 2005: The interchange was the secret to the success of National Express. It began at Cheltenham coach station, but this had to be surrendered when planning manager Jim Cressey conceived the two-hourly cross-country interchange pattern. It began as a Birmingham - Bristol link, then swiftly extended on paper to Plymouth, London, Manchester, Leeds and eventually Glasgow. It was helped by the motorway network, four hours allowed at the wheel, and the ability to operate modern coaches at 70mph in the mid Seventies, Eighties and early Nineties. The Rapide coach enabled longer services to by-pass interchanges (Manchester/Liverpool/Plymouth nonstop to London for example). These are covered on another page.

Black & White 139 (4879 DF) and 144 (AAD 244B) at Cheltenham Coach Station ready to take up service shortly before being withdrawn and sold East Yorkshire 161 (MAG 161P) partly masks National Travel South East LYU 552P in Victoria Coach Station Southdown 1326 (GWV 926V) leaves Victoria on a wet night Midland Red Express 198 (HHA 198L) in the depths of Digbeth Coach Station, Birmingham, later became Cheltenham and Gloucester 2103 Northern 5066 (PPT 766P) East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) takes a break in Bradford Interchange while on the Trans-Pennine service 960 [Alan O. Watkins Collection] North Devon 3525 (AFJ 717T), a 1978 Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with Plaxton Elite bodywork, seen in Cheltenham Coach Station Excelsior, Bournemouth HFX 423V (Ford R1114/Plaxton sold to Sherborne Coaches), Black & White 118 (MDF 118P), National Travel South West 143 (SDD 143R) back on one of its old haunts while serving with Davis, Minchinhampton, and Bristol 2073 (GHY 135K) United Counties 109 (A109 TRP) was only two weeks old when pictured in Oxford (Gloucester Green) Northern 7052 (GGR 400N) sported a Plaxton Elite III body on a Leyland Leopard PSU3C.4R chassis. It is seen in Leeds (Wellington Street) Trent 20 (PCH 420L), one of the last Bristol RELH/ECWs on National Express operations, is seen with Midland Red South 2 (A191 GVC) National Travel East OKY 54R, a Leyland Leopard PSU3D.4R with Willowbrook Spacecar bodywork Southdown 1264 (CUF 264L) in Victoria Coach Station sporting a local express livery Southdown 1306 (ANJ 306T) leaves Victoria Wessex National 222 (B222 VHW) Wessex National 222 (B222 VHW) Weston and Wells 2205 Weston and Wells 2221 (B221 WEU) Bagnall XOI 2907 in Victoria coach station. It was a Volvo B58-56 new as SSG 664V. National Express interchange at Plymouth Bretonside bus station Western National 2426 (GTA 807N) Western National 2426 (GTA 807N) National Welsh UC932 (AKG 282A) was new as A232 VWO National Welsh UC932 (AKG 282A), 2440 (SFJ 140R) [WN] and 1617 (PDD 101M) in Bretonside bus station, Plymouth Yorkshire Traction A313 XHE on Rapide work in Plymouth's Bretonside coach station. Royal Blue 1410 (B258 AGL) [WN] was originally built as an 82-seat singledoor Mteroliner, but this was later modified to a two-door, luggaged, decker for Rapide services (as shown) Smith Shearing C356 FVN in Preston on the 381 service to Blackpool Yorkshire Voyager 2414 (C63 CYG), a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3RZ with Duple 340 bodywork Trent 7 (A707 CNU) in Chorlton Street coach station, Manchester Amberline B144 ACK Midland Red South 77 (C77 XWK) Amberline F616 VNH in Wellington Street, Leeds coach station Durham Travel Services THL 290Y which went on long-term loan to National Express when new. The friendly loan ended abruptly the minute West Riding considered privatisation! National Welsh UC903 (AAL 622A)arrives in Glasgow National Welsh UC903 (AAL 622A)in Glasgow (Buchanan Street) bus station National Welsh UC903 (AAL 622A) Tayside Travel Services F450 PSL (ex Stagecoach) showing the variations on the National Express livery. Whitelaw, Stonehouse E549 XKW is a Volvo B10M-61 with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork. It is seen working the 860 service out of Glasgow Buchanan Street, north to Aberdeen, in the weeks following the acquisition of the Stagecoach operations Western National 2234 (E340 WTT) in Glasgow Buchanan Street coach station on the longest National Express route, the daily 547 from Penzance to Aberdeen. It was a DAF MB230 with Duple 340 bodywork. Paramount 19 (G119 XRE) and National Express 003 (NXI 9003) and an unidentified Expressliner in Digbeth coach station Crosville Wales CXV 12 (G452 JCC) in Glasgow, ready to work the 548 Rapide to Wrexham. West Riding 23 in Chorlton Street coach station, Manchester Midlard Red Coaches 582 (BVP 782V) and 499 (MWG 499P) National Travel South West 353 (KAD 353V) was the last home coach to arrive back into Cheltenham for the final interchange. Crosville CLL 317 (RMA 317P) Crosville CLL 317 (RMA 317P) leaves Cheltenham Coach Station for the last time with the final working of the 640 Aberystwyth service, covered in the detritus from its morning run into Cheltenham. Midland Red South 2 (A191 GVC) takes up its stance on the final day of Cheltenham Coach Station London Country TPL 90 (B290 KPF) leaves Chorlton Street, Manchester Speedlink Airport Services V54 (G254 VPK) was a Volvo B10M-60 with Plaxton Expressliner bodywork Flight, Birmingham S296 WOA, a Volvo B10M-62 - Plaxton

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 National Express - coaches at rest http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609943.html National Express never relaxed: it swiftly became a 24/7 operation once the principle of national interchanges and fixed frequency services was adopted. But the coaches needed to rest from time ... Sunday 10 July 2005: National Express never relaxed: it swiftly became a 24/7 operation once the principle of national interchanges and fixed frequency services was adopted. But the coaches needed to rest from time ...

Hants & Dorset 3061 (SRU 146R) United 1000 (UGR 500R) at Jedburgh Abbey National Travel West 3, Midland Red South 346 (GJN 46N) and Midland Red Express 521 Western National 1404 (A759 VAF) with Royal Blue fleetname United 156 (A116 KBA) was previously National Travel West 116 Crosville CTL 69 (C69 JTU) Yorkshire Rider 1611 (GSU 340), a re-registered Leyland Tiger/Jonckheere East Kent 7665 and 8827 in Folkestone bus station Western National 1617 (PDD 101M) was ex-Black & White 101, and later Midland Red West Western National 2426 (GTA 807N) Western National 2426 (GTA 807N) Whittle, Highley C439 JCK, a DAF MB230 with Duple Caribbean bodywork in the Battersea coach park having worked the short-lived Kidderminster Rapide service Whitelaw E549 XKW on the Caledonian Express network Cambus EAH 888Y, resting at Heathrow, and clearly awaiting a relivery South Wales 125 (MKH 89A) was previously registered A125 XEP Red Rose 629 BNX was originally Midland Red's 462 (JOX 462P), that became Midland Red South 69 Eastern Counties RLE 747 (GCL 349N) undergoing transofmration into National white coach livery RC 1.73 (NWO 102M) Midland Red 613 (NOE 613R) and Bristol 2074 (GHY 136K) Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Supreme [Alan O. Watkins Colln] West Yorkshire CRG 4 (PWR 860E) in the original white coach livery that did nothing to flatter the ECW lines. 176 and 230 (YTX 323H) Yorkshire Traction 1 (UET 1S) United Counties 170 (CNH 170X) prior to delivery from Eastern Coachworks [Alan O. Watkins Colln] National Travel West N154 (XCW 154R), a Leyland Leopard PSU3E.4R with Willowbrook Spacecar bodywork, after acquisition by Midland Red East as its 54 270 North Western 83 (SND 283X) Midland Red 6238, 6237 and Royal Blue 1328 lay over in Digbeth's coach park RCS 701R, a Bus & Coach rentals hiring to Sutherland, Edinburgh, for Caledonian Express early operations 7023 (B23 GVK) East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) in Leeds' Wellington Street coach station Cooper, Killamarsh D516 SWE and Speedlink Airport Services V54 (G254 VPK) Amberline F616 VNH - it's a bit of a drag for the driver... never mind the passengers Flights, Birmingham S295 WOA, a late Volvo B10M-62 in the Gatwick South bus station National Express coaches in Heathrow Western National 2350 (AOD 643Y), its first Dennis Falcon V/Duple Super Goldliner delivered four months after the firstdesign drawings were done. Whatever anyone might say, the 10 Falcon Vs established National Express for quality, even if the vehicles were virtually all destroyed in fires Aldershot & District VCG 599H in Victoria Coach Station (Alan O. Watkins Colln) Busways 11 (KSU 461) was a Volvo B10M/Jonckheere painted in Flight Link livery for National Express airport services. The livery was short-lived. Go West Midlands 41 (X421 WVO) is a Scania K124 IB4 with Van Hool T9 Alizee C49FT bodywork. Birmingham Coach, Tividale X421 WVO, a Scania K124IB4 with Van Hool bodywork First Cymru 20548 (CU53 AEG), a Volvo B12M/Plaxton Bebb Travel, Birmingham YN05 WJA is the Scania K124IB4 finished in St Patrick's Day colours by National Express when it was part of the fleet, and running as NXL 15. Silverdale, Nottingham FJ55 DZO is a Volvo B12B/Plaxton. Beyond is National Express NXL 16 (YN05 WJC), a UAL 272X CPP 45X, a Volvo B10M with Duple Dominant III bodywork Arriva Fox County 3207 (YJ54 CFF) Bruce, Salsburgh FJ58 AKK, days old in Victoria, ready for the 0935 hours run to Aberdeen and sporting the St Andrews cross on its Caetano Levante body. Approaching is Ellaway & Bjelobaba, Soulbury;s EU08 BUS, a Volvo B12B(T) with Jonckheere bodywork, having just arrived on the overnight 2200hrs service from Amsterdam Running repairs Bournemouth 320 (FJ06 GGF), First 23318 (YN55 PXJ) and Stagecoach 53014 (VU03 VVY)

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 National Express - operations http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c609941.html National Express - operations Sunday 10 July 2005: National Express - operations

Crosville CTL 69 (C69 JTU) pictured on the M6 near Shap [Alan O. Watkins Colln] South Wales 175 (RCY 56H) takes a break at Aust Services on the M4 Bristol Leyland Leopard on a Penzance 700 service run Bristol 2167 (LHU 663L) on the 50th anniversary of the Bristol - London express service. Bristol 2167 (LHU 663L) in Bristol on the 50th anniversary of the first service to London Ribble 872 (ECK 872E) in the early days of the National Express network arrives in Cheltenham. At this time there were still plenty of old express rivalries over who and what and where coaches ran - and why. Black & White 110 (PDD 110M) Western National 2433 (LDV 173P) turns its back on Taunton bus station 7087 (FNL 687W) in a special livery for the 960 service from Liverpool, Manchester (where it was photographed) and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where it was based. South Wales 117 (RCY 117Y) on a sunny M4 motorway Devon General 3520 (AFJ 712T) on the M5, running to Westward Ho on the 712 service. East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y) on a fairly deserted M62 Midland Red 832 (LOA 832X) was the last vehicle to be delivered to the company before it was broken up a month later into constituent parts. It was photographed on the M6 East Yorkshire 4 (GRH 4Y), a Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount Southdown 1308 (ANJ 308T) leaves Brighton for London Yelloway FWH 41Y on the last summer's operation of the X5 to Torbay. It would be absorbed into the 730 corridor workings the following year. United 6516 (A516 EVN) was unusual among Paramounts for having sliding windows. Plaxton had made forced air fairly standard by the time United ordered these. It was pictured in Oxford. South Wales Transport 123 (A123 XEP), a Leyland Tiger passing through the tolls for the Severn Bridge Leyland Leopard on the Severn Bridge The Severn Bridge casts a mighty shadow on the river as NAtional Welsh UC1204 (SDW 920Y) power home to Wales. West Yorkshire - a National liveried Leyland Tiger/Plaxton Paramount crosses the bridge southbound from Wetherby to Leeds on the 310 service East Kent 8835 (BKR 825Y), a Leyland Leopard with ECW bodywork Midland Red Express 568 (A668 XDA) after it became Ambassador Travel's ML 905 Cheltenham and Gloucester 2214 (A214 SAE) en route from Birmingham to Swindon. It was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork. Wells and Weston-badged Leyland Tiger swings off Weston Front Trent 142 (KVO 142W) with a full load ready to head back to Nottingham on the all-stops 730 service from Plymouth Wessex National 222 (B222 VHW) in Plymloith Bretonside bus station. Midland Red 191 (HHA 191L) runs through Worcester Midland Red 451 (JOX 451P) East Midland/Mansfield 30 (NAK 30X) in Sheffield. It was a Leyland Leopard PSU3F.4R with Duple Dominant IV C47F bodywork. City of Oxford 12 (RFC 12T) was the company's only National Express allocation.It is seen arriving from Oxford in Sheffield Pond Street bus station with the 310 service to Newcastle. Unidentified National Express Leyland Leopard on the M1 motorway United Counties 176 (CNH 176X) Trent 155 (VNN 55Y) in Nottingham, but operating a local bus service. It was a Willowbrook-bodied Leyland Leopard PSU3F/4R. West Riding 72 (6341 HE) in Ridings Travel livery in Nottingham. A Leyland Royal tiger with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork, 72 began life as A72 YDT. Midland Red South 77 (C 77 XWK) National Express 005 (NXI 9005) Amberline F99 UNV leaves Leeds Wellington Street Wessex National 222 (B222 VHW) in Nottingham Victoria bus and coach station on the 734 service to Bristol United Counties 187 (NNH 187Y) on the first day of the Milton Keynes Coachway, United Counties 187 (NNH 187Y) Lincoln 63 (A844 SYR) was new to Cowie (Grey-Green) Lincoln 63 (A844 SYR) was new to Cowie (Grey-Green). The Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R/Duple Laser is seen in Lincoln. East Kent 8842 (FKK 842Y) East Kent Leyland Leopard/ECW on National Express duties Hastings & District 133 (VKN 833X) on the London run from Hastings Southern National SN 6 (B896 YYD), a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3RH/Plaxton Paramount 3500 C49FT bodywork PMT 42 in Taunton Brighton Hove & District 407 (C377 PCD) passes Plymouth 27 in St Budeaux, Cornwall Western National 2426 (GTA 807N) standing by to duplicate the 500 London rapide service from Camborne bus station.

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]]> Sun Jul 10 2005 Milton Keynes Coachway http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c572383.html The first Coachway to be established by National Express, Milton Keynes, was just off the M1 at Junction 14. When it began operating, the AA provided a ticket desk, and there was a specially-liveried Mercedes Benz minicoach to ferry the passengers to the centre of the new town. These days the stop has been moved from its original site, but I understand will eventually return there once construction owrk is completed. Thursday 9 June 2005: The first Coachway to be established by National Express, Milton Keynes, was just off the M1 at Junction 14. When it began operating, the AA provided a ticket desk, and there was a specially-liveried Mercedes Benz minicoach to ferry the passengers to the centre of the new town. These days the stop has been moved from its original site, but I understand will eventually return there once construction owrk is completed.

BFR 957Y on its first day. It ran the Milton Keynes Coachway - Central Bus Station shuttle BFR 957Y - the smallest National Express coach - on its first day in service, shuttling passengers from Milton keynes Coachway to the town centre United Counties 187 United Counties 187 BFR 957Y which ran the Milton Keynes Coachway - Central Bus Station shuttle BFR 957Y which ran the Milton Keynes Coachway - Central Bus Station shuttle BFR 957Y which ran the Milton Keynes Coachway - Central Bus Station shuttle National Express NXI 9002 at Milton Keynes coachway

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]]> Thu Jun 9 2005 Digbeth action http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c555584.html Digbeth action Friday 27 May 2005: Digbeth action

Crosville CLL 55 (BWE 205T) and Cambus 157 PMT 20 Northern 7013 (CKC 624X) Merseyside and PMT 20 Midland Red Coaches 547 and Cambus 157 National Travel West/Ribble 61 and Redby KNL 782X Crosville ELL 337, Northern 7020 and Crosville CLL 55 Yorkshire Traction HE 8899 and Northern 7020 Midland Red Coaches 548, Northern 7024 and Western SMT SS 980 Smith, Tysoe F338 RWK was a TRVTL11.2RP with Plaxton Bustler II bodywork operating a stage carriage service past the coach station. No one would guess that one day the fleet was become part of National Express. Sapphire JLS 2V on a National Express working in Digbeth coach station Crosville ERG 307 and United Auto 1032 (A32 FVN) Crosville CTL 44 (A44 SMA) and United 1032 (A32 FVN) Midland Red Express 548 and Northern General 7017 West Yorkshire 2388 (UWY 62X) National Welsh UC1202 (SDW 918Y) and Western National 3517 (VOD 617S) United Counties 168 (VNH 168W) East Midland 2 (NNN 2M) was a Leyland leopard PSU3B.4R/Duple East Yorkshire 208 (XAG 208X), Leyland Leopard PSU3F.4R/Duple Dominant IV Crosville ELL 29 (DDM 29X) and National Welsh UC1217 (SDW 917Y), ready to leave on the 684 service from Birmingham to Aberdare National Welsh UC1232 (A232 VWO) National Travel West 39 (BNB 239T) and Midland Red Express 529 (WOC 729T) Pilgrim, Southampton 46 (SRU 146R) Burman Travel - OKY 822X was a Leyland Leopard PSU5C.4R with Duple bodywork Midland Red Coaches 1010 (EAH 890Y) was previously with Eastern Counties Midland Red Coaches 1010 (EAH 890Y) London Country TP 30 (A130 EPA) leaves Digbeth for Manchester with incorrectly-set blinds (824 Manchester) Paramount (PMT) - 75 (A 75 JFA) Smith Happiways C357 FVU Smith Happiways C357 FVU was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with CAetano Alp[ha bodywork Bebb, Llantwit Fardre D 24 NWO leaves on the 307 to Grantham Bebb, Llantwit Fardre F22 YBO Stone, Church Gresley GSV 957, a Volvo - Jonckheere twindeck that began life as MRP 837Y Yardley, Birmingham E235 VOC Northern C776 MVH, a DAF MB230 wioth Duple 340 bodywork, was new to Smith, Tysoe Northern 7022 (CU 6860) Northern 7022 (CU 6860) Crosville CDC 3 (E613 AEY) was a Duple 425 of type SDA 1512. Amberline C174 KHG was soon gutted by fire Amberline C174 KHG National Welsh AKG 196A about to work the 684 service to Aberdare National Welsh AKG 196A lined up for the 684 service to Aberdare Wessex National 204 (CIW 1939) was new as Eastern Counties LL 889 (EAH 889Y) Midland Red West 1001 (FEH 1Y) Paramount (PMT) 19 (G119 XRE) and National Express 003 (NXI 9003) - the earliest Expressliners South Wales Transport 133 (MKH 487A) was one of the small fleet of Duple 425s used on National Express services Thandi UJV 574V and West Midlands 2170 outside Digbeth coach station Northern General 7016 (A716 ABB) pulls alongside Bebbs F21 YBO Shearing XTW 359 (a Volvo B10M-61/Van Hool) and Premier Travel, Cambridge G380 REG (a National Expressliner) Greater Manchester 3270 (AEK 1B) with delusions of grandeur, Western SMT V121, Midland Red Express 774 and Western National 2354

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]]> Fri May 27 2005 X25 and X26 - Lancashire to the West Country http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c316356.html X25 and X26 - Lancashire to the West Country Sunday 4 April 2004: X25 and X26 - Lancashire to the West Country

822 (CRN 822D) pictured on the same working and at the same location as 820 820 (CRN 820D) duplicating the X25 from Liverpool to Bristol at Elmbridge Road, Gloucester 776 in Bristol Road, Gloucester 783 (ARN 783C) Marshall-bodied Leopard on Wooton Pitch, Gloucester on route X25 from Liverpool to Bristol 757 (TRN 757) waits its next passenger load at Cheltenham Coach Station, ready to return to Liverpool. 867 (ECK 867E) inside Cheltenham Coach Station when the depot was pressed into service as an overspill loading bay. 781 (ARN 781C) 781 (ARN 781C) pulls away from the stances in Gloucester bus station 704 (SCK 869) with a Duple Alpine-bodied Leyland PSU3.3R. It is seen at the Prees Heath refreshment halt, which was on the edge of a large, abandoned wartime airfield. 714 (TCK 714) was a Leyland Leopard PSU3.3RT with Harrington Cavalier bodywork, seen outside Bridgnorth at a regula halt on the Cheltenham - Liverpool route.

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]]> Sun Apr 4 2004 National Travel Midlands (also Everalls, Worthingtons) http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c307599.html The National Bus Company established five National Travel companies to exploit - or fail - as coach companies. It was a key role of the Central Activities Group to generate as much revenue as possible from the costly coach fleet it had inherited from the Tilling and BET groups. It made some mistakes - National Charter and, indeed, the National Travel companies themselves. But it showed the way ahead for one product that had previously been treated as the poor cousin of tours and day trips: National Express long-distance coaching. Given its head after deregulation in 1980 it established itself as the most successful company to emerge from NBC with worldwide interests and a FTSE 100 listing. Saturday 24 December 2005: The National Bus Company established five National Travel companies to exploit - or fail - as coach companies. It was a key role of the Central Activities Group to generate as much revenue as possible from the costly coach fleet it had inherited from the Tilling and BET groups. It made some mistakes - National Charter and, indeed, the National Travel companies themselves. But it showed the way ahead for one product that had previously been treated as the poor cousin of tours and day trips: National Express long-distance coaching. Given its head after deregulation in 1980 it established itself as the most successful company to emerge from NBC with worldwide interests and a FTSE 100 listing.

Don Everall, Wolverhampton JDA 577K with National Travel Midlands Don Everall, Wolverhampton RDA 811F Don Everall, Wolverhampton 154 EJW after sale to a Worcestershire operator, Jones of upper Sapey. It was a Thames 570E with Plaxton Embassy II bodywork. Worthington National EHD 522F Everall, Wolverhampton LUK 586E with a marching band at the world championships in Stourport on Severn

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]]> Sat Dec 24 2005 National Travel South West http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c240735.html The company was formed from the three coach-only operations among the National Bus Company's regional operations. Black & White, Shamrock & Rambler and Greenslades kept their separate identities for some years. They were later joined by Wessex of Bristol, and by a small coaching unit established in South Wales. They were eventually merged into the neighbouring bus operations because it was felt they could not sustain their separate administrative and maintenance facilities on their own. But out of it came the mighty National Express, and also National Holidays. Those with a long memory will recall National Charter - but enough of that! Saturday 24 December 2005: The company was formed from the three coach-only operations among the National Bus Company's regional operations. Black & White, Shamrock & Rambler and Greenslades kept their separate identities for some years. They were later joined by Wessex of Bristol, and by a small coaching unit established in South Wales. They were eventually merged into the neighbouring bus operations because it was felt they could not sustain their separate administrative and maintenance facilities on their own. But out of it came the mighty National Express, and also National Holidays. Those with a long memory will recall National Charter - but enough of that!

495 (LAE 895L) at Wessex of Bristol's headquarters at Kingswood, shortly after acquisition by National Travel South West. In the foreground is its first National liveried coach , a Bedford YRQ with Duple Dominance C45F bodywork. 401 (REL 401R) 401 (REL 401R) and a sister vehicle in Shamrock and Rambler livery 402 (REL 402R) after renumbering as 3022, takes a break before making the pleasant coastal ride back to Bournemouth on the 725 service. Dorset Travel Services D735 PJW was its sole Duple-Hestair 425 coach. It is seen in Heathrow bus station. Prime Minister Jim Callaghan meets some of the workers involved in building the M5 motorway, before he officially opened the road near Exeter. Greenslades provided a fleet of Bedford.Plaxton coaches to ferry guests to the opening ceremony, to inspect the roadworks, and to clear the road before thepublic was allowed to use it. Greenslades 377 is in the background. 331 (LHU 663L) 270

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]]> Sat Dec 24 2005 Victoria Coach Station scenes http://nationalexpress.fotopic.net/c211617.html Victoria Coach Station today is a splendid place, where travellers can relax in the warmth until the doors open to the concourse to board their coaches. But it wasn't always that way. Blizzards, downpours, late arriving drivers who stormed off for a wodge and a slurp before snarling all the way back to ... well, wherever the traveller was going on. It was all part of the scene in the days before computers enabled tracking, when tickets were booked, but the planners had no clear idea of exactly how many coaches they would need for specific journeys. Victoria wasn't the biggest express station (Cheltenham had that honour), but it had coaches moving through morning, noon and night. From an enthusiast's viewpoint it was also a joy, because you could wander around thevehicles armed with pen, pad and camera, and no one would stop your interest in the vehicles. Ah, how the times have changed..... Monday 21 June 2004: Victoria Coach Station today is a splendid place, where travellers can relax in the warmth until the doors open to the concourse to board their coaches. But it wasn't always that way. Blizzards, downpours, late arriving drivers who stormed off for a wodge and a slurp before snarling all the way back to ... well, wherever the traveller was going on. It was all part of the scene in the days before computers enabled tracking, when tickets were booked, but the planners had no clear idea of exactly how many coaches they would need for specific journeys. Victoria wasn't the biggest express station (Cheltenham had that honour), but it had coaches moving through morning, noon and night. From an enthusiast's viewpoint it was also a joy, because you could wander around thevehicles armed with pen, pad and camera, and no one would stop your interest in the vehicles. Ah, how the times have changed.....

Royal Blue 2377 and 2370 Royal Blue 2361, 2367 and 2362 Victoria Shuttle bus HBH 417Y Maidstone & District LC1 - the Knightrider at night, and awaiting its riders Hastings & District 4114 (PKM 114M) was new to Maidstone & District, and one of the first lengthened Leopard of type PSU5.4R. Yorkshire Traction 52 (2408 HE) began life as UWJ 52Y. It later passed to East yorkshire as its 14 (re-registered again as 152 FRH). It was a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11.3R with less usual Rapide finishings inside a Plaxton Paramount 3200 body. Weston and Wells 2210 (A210 SAE), sporting Bath fleetname CIE Bombardier 8 YZJ Davies, Carmarthen 9616 DD and 840 FAY West Yorkshire 2203 (TWE 82Y) was one of the 10 Dennis Falcon V with Duple Super Goldiner Rapide bodywork. Crosville CRG 577 and CRG 574 Eastern Counties LS 819 (819 BNG) Crosville CRG 527 (AFM 102B) Crosville CRG 577 (HFM 577D) Crosville CMG 519 (7619 FM) Southdown 1326 (GWV 926V) Eastern Counties LL798 (OEX 798W) in a night-lit Victoria Coach Station. A Maidstone & District Leopard is parked alongside Alder Valley Leyland Olympian/ECW doubledeck coach towers over the assembled coaches Trathens 66 (BDV 866V) also sports the Royal Blue fleetname in this shot taken in the early days of mutual appreciation, following the hard-fought wars of two seasons before. Trathen A 53 (JSJ 430W), a former Volvo B10M-56/Van Hool demonstrator. Trathen A53 (JSJ 430W), a former Volvo B10M demonstrator with Van Hool bodywork Strange French fare in Victoria - 5942 UB51 (Neoplan N122/3) and 6948 GA69 (Eagle) Ulsterbus 1554 (BXI 5554), National Travel South West 344 (KAD 344V) and National Travel London LHK 645Y in Samuelson's garage, Victoria Oxford Oxford CityLink vehicles East Kent 8829 and 8835 Black and White Leyland Tiger/ECW United 150 (A111 KBA) on its first run out of Victoria Coach Station Ambassador T964 (PHA 317M) Southdown United 1501 (NDC 501W) on hire to Bristol Omnibus, was a Leyland PSU3F.4R with Plaxton Supreme IV C49F bodywork. Midland Fox 7005 (VUT 9S) was a Ford R1114/Plaxton Elite new to N&S, Market Harborough. It still bears its former owner's fleet identifier - Agnes Rose - which replaced a fleet number Pilgrim 49 (SRU 149R) was previously Shamrock & Rambler 3064 Pilgrim 49 (SRU 149R) National Travel West 133 (A133 MBA) Shamrock & Rambler 3099 (BPR 99Y) National Travel London A661 EMY and A771 HPY (sporting Page and Moy livery) were both Bova Futuras Southern National SN 2 (A 565 TYD) was a dealer-acquired Bova Europa National Travel East A313 XHE and A315 XHE in Club 18-30 colours Wessex National 222 (B222 VHW), an MCW Metroliner Southern National SN 3 (A566 TYD) United 156 (A117 KBA), arriving in Victoria from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne still had another round trip to do before its 800-plus mile day is completed. Ribble 1145 (PCK 145P) as Midland Red South 61 Crosville ELL 32 (DDM 32X) ready to run an autumnal service 852 to Rhyl National Travel London LHK 645Y, a DAF SB2300 with Berkhof Esprit bodywork East Kent 8804 (PVB 804S) Shamrock & Rambler 3010 (SJA 411K) Pilgrim 105 (BPR 105Y) Midland Red Coaches 1014 (A656 VDA) loads in Victoria Oxford CityLink 20 (BBW 20V), 13 (RFC 13T) and 10 (RFC 10T)

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