Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/ 52 rows en-gb 60 Sutton-on-Sea & Mablethorpe_end of the line http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c1777194.html In August 1971 during a family holiday in Lincolnshire, I took a handful of pictures of Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe stations, after their sad demise. Here they are. Monday 9 August 1971: In August 1971 during a family holiday in Lincolnshire, I took a handful of pictures of Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe stations, after their sad demise. Here they are.

Sutton-on_sea looking across to platform 1, Mon 9 Aug. 1971 View of Sutton station from the highway, 9 Aug. 1971 Sutton-on-Sea station with the track lifted, from the level crossing Under the canopy at Sutton-on-Sea, Platform 1 - no more holidaymakers here Sutton-on-Sea from the station yard No risk of being run over by a Bi here - the empty trackbed at Sutton-on-Sea

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Aug 9 1971 Dennis Lolines of Alder Valley http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c1438368.html On Sat. 20 May 1978 I made a special trip from derby to Guildford to catch up woth the last of the Lolines, taking the Up "Master Cutler" to St. Pancras with "Peak" 45 122 Wednesday 9 January 2008: On Sat. 20 May 1978 I made a special trip from derby to Guildford to catch up woth the last of the Lolines, taking the Up "Master Cutler" to St. Pancras with "Peak" 45 122

AAA 508C, Alder Valley 835, manoeuvres in the centre of Guildford, on the 452 for Aldershot. In Poppy Red garb these buses were arguably better looking than in the short-lived drab maroon with cream relief scheme adopted briefly after the merger of Aldershot & District with Thames Valley Traction Co.. It still went no way towards the original handsome 2-tone green and cream which these Weymann-bodied buses were delivered in during 1965 AAA 527C, Alder Valley 854 stands at the terminus at Eashing Lane Estate after my run from Guildford Bus Station. Judging by the dents in the front dome, it must have encountered a number of low tree branches! AAA 528C, Loline 855 waits in Guildford Bus Station before setting off to Ewhurst Bulls Head on the 273. This Dennis looked quite smart and shiny, obviously a late repaint Alder Valley Dennis Loline Mk. III fleet No. 855 prepares to leave Guildford Bus Station on the 96 to Rydes Hill, Sat. 20 May 1978.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Jan 9 2008 Bradford Trolleybuses http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c1423643.html Between 1968 and the last day of operation in 1972, I made one or two excursions to Bradford to sample the trolleys. Here are the results from my old bellows camera of the time - enjoy! Saturday 13 April 1968: Between 1968 and the last day of operation in 1972, I made one or two excursions to Bradford to sample the trolleys. Here are the results from my old bellows camera of the time - enjoy!

Sun 26 March 1972 - Last Day and 703 about to turn into Market St. on a special to Thornbury - note it's in colour! My first such attempt! 25 Sept. 1969 sees 706 in the turnround at the end of Tyrrel St. for return to Sunbridge Road Thurs. 25 Sept. 1969 on my third visit and 707 approaches Allerton terminus, a delightfully rural outpost 707 arrives at the shelter at Allerton terminus, route 16, 25 Sept. 1969 707 turning at Allerton - note my briefcase by the traction pole at the stop - I'd been for an interview at Bingley Teacher training college earlier in the day! 25 Sept. 1969 711 swings into the stop outside the ABC in Bank St. on the last day Last day 26 March 1972 sees 711 swinging into the stop by the ABC Cinema DKY 711 in Bank St. on a special tour on the last day Note the open emergency exit upstairs on 711 on a last day special in Bank Street - naughty boys! 711 in Bank Street on the last day of operation 711 disappears up Hall Ings for Leeds Road on its special tour duty 711 leaves Bank St. round into Hall Ings - note the backdrop of the late lamented Bradford Exchange Station - a magnificent edifice; Sun. 26 March 1972 711 in Hall Ings, having turned to set off for Thornbury on the last day. The MCW Orion / AEC Regent V on the left was of a type I was to chase a few years later as it too disappeared! 711 approaches the ABC Cinema from Sunbridge rd. Sun 26 March 1972 711 approaching the ABC Cinema as she comes down Sunbridge Road, 26 March 1972 As the last minutes tick away, 712 makes its historic final journey over the old tram rails into Thornbury depot, past 737 inot the DKY 713 by the ABC in Bank St., having followed 711 down from Duckworth lane on 26 March 1972. The wallflowers on the centre reservation in the foreground were very fragrant! Bradford 719 waits for tiem at Wibsey terminus, route 45, after my run from St.Enoch's Rd. Top, where the route diverged from the Buttershaw 46 Rear view of 719 at Wibsey 737 does publicity duties where I bought my official brochure, alongside the run in to the depot soon to be used by the last vehicle Duckworth Lane terminus, roue 8 on Thurs. 25 Sept. 1969 sees 738 after my journey out from the City, followed in the turning circle(remember those?!) by 714 738 and 714 in Duckworth lane turning circle, 25 Sept. 1969 Weymann-bodied 757 turns into Tyrrel St. from Bridge St. on a 45 for Wibsey. This veteran wa one of three reinstated after withdrawal in 1963/64 and still soldiering on in 1969 on 25 Sept.. 758, one of the few surviving Weymanns from 1950/51 caught me by surprise as it sped up from Wibsey as I walked up - this snapshot was the result! Preserved FKU 758 extols the virtues of its breed on the forecourt at Thornbury depot on the last day 758 stands proud and resplendent at Thornbury depot on 26 March 1972 775 turns on the council estate at buttershaw, route 46 terminus 775 seen from behind as she waits at Buttershaw after my run from town 783 at Clayton (Avenue) 783 at Clayton(Avenue) on a 38, about half a mile beyond the regular short-working at Pasture Lane(roue 37) A rear view of 783 at Clayton (Avenue) - the scenery went quite rural beyond this point. Trolleybus 789 at Greengates terminus on route 42, after my run down from the junction with the Saltaire route 789 turning at Greengates as 834 departs for the city 791 approaches Saltaire terminus, passing Dove St. reverser, 25 Sept. 1969 Close-up of Dove Street reverser, as 791 waits for time at Saltaire, 25 Sept. 1969 833 waits to depart on the 40 for Saltaire on Bolton Road, by Forster Square. On the right, behind the trolley, is the Bradford Transport Dept. Head Office, 25 Sept. 1969 842 executes its turn at the rural Allerton terminus of route 16, 25 Sept. 1969 842 prepares to head back into town at Allerton. The adjacent traction pole had a very ornate finial. Trolleys first reached here Dec 1, 1929, forty years before FWX 913, No 843 outside the ABC on yet another farewell day tour 843 turns into Thornbury depot for the last time under a dramatic sky and hazy sunshine With a bold shadow of the Town Hall clocktower on Barclays Bank, 844 prepares to leave on its last run at 3pm.. The bells rang out with Auld Lang Syne - look at those crowds! 844 turns to come in front of the Town Hall - the white police Triumph 2000 was holding its reserved place! 844 at speed as she takes the traffic island above the Town Hall to begin her last run to Thornton 844 with crowds milling all over the place, stopping the traffic after valiant attempst by police to keep things moving The end is nigh as 844 approaches Thornbury depot for the very last time, closely followed by a tower wagon The Lord mayor, Alderman H. Moran boards 844 for the final journey 844 stops briefly outside the Odeon and close by the famous Alhambra Theatre, before heading up Thornton Road. The Alexander / leyland Atlantean under the overhead soon to be redundant on the right, is on a 7 for Thornbury It's anybody's guess how I achieved this clear shot with so many people watching for the last departure from town! IT'S ALL OVER NOW! 844 slowly glides into the depot for the very last time - that time is 4.30pm.. Tower wagon XKW 833 follows 844 up Thornton Road as a precaution against any last minute mishaps with the overhead wiring

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Apr 13 1968 AEC Lorries I have known http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c988430.html A selection of AEC trucks in the Derby area and beyond Monday 12 June 2006: A selection of AEC trucks in the Derby area and beyond

Thurs. 15 Sept. 1977 and FCH 807C, a late pre-ergomatic Park Royal-cabbed AEC Mandator from 1965, stands at Middleton Avenue, the secondary base off Burton Road, of Littleover Transport of Derby. The name Ley's was applied to the fleet of navy blue and gold-lined vehicles on account of their haulage contract with Ley's Malleable Castings. The lorry was fleet No. 19 CRC 738 was the yard shunter at Littleover Transport's main depot in Slack Lane, Derby. Originally an 8-legger AEC Mammoth Major Mk. III, it was cut down to a 4-wheel shunter some years earlier and on this day was bump-started for me with a forklift truck! Thurs. 15 Sept. 1977

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Jun 12 2006 B.R. Units http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c866412.html A smattering of first generation DMU's & EMU's from the 1970's / 80's. These oft-maligned machines developed character as their years advanced and we grew to like them more. Monday 20 February 2006: A smattering of first generation DMU's & EMU's from the 1970's / 80's. These oft-maligned machines developed character as their years advanced and we grew to like them more.

Hinckley on Sat. 16 April 1977 and 2-car Craven Unit lead by E56451, coupled to a 3-car Swindon set, arrives with the 16.15h departure for Cambridge, taking me back to Leicester. The Craven had just been retrimmed with blue check moquette and blue formica,losing some of its original appeal A rather handsome EMU waits at Manchester Piccadilly with a train for Stafford, on Sat. 17 Sept. 1977. The leading car was no, M76229 Sat. 16 April 1977 and a Swindon DMU comes into Attenborough,as I wait to return to Derby, having alighted from the Leicester-Nottingham service here.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Feb 20 2006 Lancashire United http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c866274.html LUT is fondly remembered for its distinctive fleet, notably of Guy Arabs, before they were swept away as GMPTE took over. I shall be adding to this collection soon. Watch this space!! Sunday 19 February 2006: LUT is fondly remembered for its distinctive fleet, notably of Guy Arabs, before they were swept away as GMPTE took over. I shall be adding to this collection soon. Watch this space!!

Warrington on Sat. 29 Oct. 1977 finds Guy Arab V no. 161, JTD 299B resting between duties on the 10 to Manchester via Patricroft, Irlam & Cadishead. Note the BR class 25 diesels in the background Sat. 22 Oct. 1977 and Guy Arab 192,RTC 357C leaves Salford Greengate into Chapel St. on the A6, bound for Little Hulton on the 91 Sat. 22 Oct. 1977 sees Guy Arab 192 catching the Autumn sunshine as it waits to depart from Greengate, at the back of the queue beyond the railway overbridge, with New Bridge St. behind to the right. 22 Oct. 1977 and Guy Arab V with the classic Northen Counties body, WTE 141D, No. 218 leaves Greengate for Westhoughton on route 38 ETJ 910F, Guy Arab 274 heads out of Manchester bound for Mount Skip on the 31, closely followed by Fleetline 489 on a 10, Sat. 22 Oct. 1977 ETJ 916F, Guy Arab 280, one of the final delivery of 1968, creeps out of the sepulchral gloom of Greengate, beneath the old Exchange Station, on service 32 for Wigan, 22 Oct. 1977 Tues. 12 June 1979, a very humid day and ETJ 915F, LUT 279, one of the last of the Guy Arab Mk. V's, with Northern Counties bodywork, saunters along out of service in Leigh, about to turn into the old King Street Bus Station. Thanks to Andrew Bowyer for clarifying the location.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun Feb 19 2006 WALSALL 56 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c858121.html A selection of shots of my favourite motor, the unique XDH 56G, Walsall 56, the Daimler CRC6-36, with Northern Counties H86D body, now undergoing final restoration at Wythall Museum. Sunday 12 February 2006: A selection of shots of my favourite motor, the unique XDH 56G, Walsall 56, the Daimler CRC6-36, with Northern Counties H86D body, now undergoing final restoration at Wythall Museum.

XDH 56G is seen at Warren House Garage, Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford, during my visit to Hale Brothers Coaches in 1985 XDH 56G and myself at Wythall Museum, soon after 56 arrived there in her last operator's livery, that of Hale Brothers Coaches, Bishop's Stortford, Herts.. A rather poor quality shot of 56 but showing its original non-standard livery, parked up at Walsall Corporation's Birchills depot but already with West Midlands logo on the sides, dating this to 1969 or soon after The boot door opened up on 56 to show the Cummins V6-200 engine position Snug as a bug in a rug. The V6-200 Cummins, which Ian Hale managed to keep running with some TLC XDH 56G, more akin to a Daimler Roadliner than a Fleetline. One can see the rise of the rear staircase (there were two) over the engine compartment in this view at Bishop's Stortford Thurs. 16 Feb. 1978 and recently acquired from Vale of Llangollen Coaches (Roberts of Cefn Mawr) XDH 56G runs up the top of Cemetery Hill on the old Nottingham Road in Derby, on her way back to Borrowash on a school contract. She had not been with Mick Quigley's Luxicoaches very long at this stage. Still bearing its VLL logo and livery, Quigley's My first sighting of XDH, as she departs from Luxicoaches premises in Borrowash, bound for Friesland Comprehensive School in Sandiacre, on the regular school run, Fri. 3 February 1978. Note she is displaying Dudley via Quarry Bank, still retaining her old Walsall / WMPTE destination blinds! XDH 56G showing off the auxiliaries on the Cummins power unit XDH 56G in Bishop's Stortford during my roadrun in 1985, when I secured a nice taping of its sound effects!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun Feb 12 2006 Trent 1256_A Day Out http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c852984.html On Sun. 29 Oct. 1989, the "1256 Group" took their PD2 round some of the old Trent routes. I joined them for the fun! I'm dedicating this little collection to Pete Yeomans, who passed away in Dec. 2005 R.I.P. Tuesday 7 February 2006: On Sun. 29 Oct. 1989, the "1256 Group" took their PD2 round some of the old Trent routes. I joined them for the fun! I'm dedicating this little collection to Pete Yeomans, who passed away in Dec. 2005 R.I.P.

With blind set for the old Belper - Derby service 2, 1256 stands on the forecourt of Trent's Belper Garage & Bus Station, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 FRC 956 stands outside Belper trent garage & bus station, closed on Sundays. Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 shows off its lines in classic Ayres Red and Ivory BET group livery at Belper, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 against a backdrop of Trent's Art Deco Belper garage, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 A typical Belper mill town gritstone house forms a solid backdrop to 1256, on a rather gloomy day outside Belper Bus Station,Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 On a rather gloomy October day, Trent former 1256, FRC 956, the last bus bodied by Leyland Motors in 1954, waits on the old Heanor 7 stand in Derby Bus Station, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 waits at the stop in Town Street, Duffield with the little bridge over the River Ecclesbourne behind it. We have set the destination to 405 School Special, the old route from Herbert Strutt School, Belper to Allestree, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 With the late pete Yeomans on the platform, 1256 stands in Town Street, Duffield, a stop which I used regularly if I missed the Ecclesbourne school bus!Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 prepares to set off from town Street, Duffield as we prepare to do part of the old 37 to Wirksworth, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 FRC 956 stands in the old part of Wirksworth Road, Duffield, above Ecclesbourne School, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 Trent 1256 poses at the old outer terminus after our run from Derby to Heanor, by the fottlball ground A classic rear view of FRC 956, with distinctive Leyland Farington H58RD body, on a Leyland titan PD2/12 chassis Trent 1256 waits on Heanor Market Place, before setting off to Belper across the old 98 route via Bargate & Kilburn, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989. 1256 in lovely Autumnal surrounds at Idridgehay, doing a Wirksworth 37,Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 outside On the 98 heading into Belper, at Pottery School on Kilburn Road 1256 having reversed at Wirksworth market Place, terminus of the old 37, prepares to run back to Derby, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 FRC 956, Trent 1256, about to pull out onto Wirksworth Market Place for the run back to Derby as a 37, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 in Wirksworth, as the sun finally comes out! Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 1256 prepares to set off from Wirksworth for Derby on the 37 with some Autumn sunshine after the rain, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 On the way up to Wirksworth, 1256 was posed on the front of the old Trent depot outstation, by now in private ownership, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989 FRC 956 outside the old Trent outstation, where a nominal member of the fleet used to reside until the 1970's, Sun. 29 Oct. 1989

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue Feb 7 2006 ROUTEMASTER_We Shall Remember Them http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c781861.html As the last ordinary service AEC.PRV Routemaster ran in London for the last time on Fri. 9 Dec. 2005 at 1pm., I thought it fitting now to add my own selection from the many rides I enjoyed over the years. Watch this space in days to come! Saturday 3 December 2005: As the last ordinary service AEC.PRV Routemaster ran in London for the last time on Fri. 9 Dec. 2005 at 1pm., I thought it fitting now to add my own selection from the many rides I enjoyed over the years. Watch this space in days to come!

Whitehall in the 1980's. SMK 685 F, one of the last batch of RML's, on the 88 for Vauxhall VLT 169 in Oxford Street, bound for Harlesden on the celebrated 12 VLT 219 in VLT 219 again in Whitehall 289 CLT on the 12 for Harlesden Willesden Junction A typical view of Routemasters at work, taken from my friend's Ford Capri (remember those?!) - maybe the Edgware Road? The one we're following is on the 3 for Parliament Hill Fields Cricklewood Broadway and CUV 339C heads for Victoria on route 16 The driver hops in at Cricklewood Broadway, to take CUV 361C to Victoria on the 16 On the North Circular - following JJD 586D on a special railway service, as we head home for Derby Tues. 23 Sept. 1986.The ultimate - my visit to the Chiswick Works skid pan, which every London Transport driver had to undergo in the good old days. Doing the honours is RM 740 Inspector Love shows us how it's done, as 740 DYE slews across the skid pan - the scream of the tyres was quite chilling. Tues. 23 Sept. 1986 Just another Routemaster day in Whitehall. ALD 987B, Aldwych bound on the famous 11 We got to ride on 740 DYE doing the skid but were only allowed on the lowerdeck! It was a real adrenalin rush and I'm so glad I had the chance to sample it. Chiswick Works was to close soon after. Tues. 23 Sept. 1986 The routine was to drive in semi-automatic mode and approach the pan at 30mph in third gear then the instructor yanks on the handbrake and you hang on to that wheel! Tues. 23 Sept. 1986 This was the driver simulator cab at Chiswick Works, based on the RT outline and built in 1962, hence the RT1962 Where all Routemaster careers started - the entrance to Chiswick's Recruiting and Training Centre, displayed in gold lettering over the doorway, in Gills Sans font of course! I wonder how many passed through these famous doors, alas now just a memory. Tues. 23 Sept. 1986 WLT 658 resting in Park Lane, on the Official LT London Tour duty. Tues. 23 Sept. 1986 WLT 744 on the 53 to Plumstead Common ALM 958 on the 11 for Fulham According to the reg. plate it's 9 CLT, on the 3 to Crystal Palace WLT 382 under the watchful eye of Big Ben, on the 11 to Hammersmith RML 2737, SMK 737F waits at the lights on the 24 for Pimlico CUV 365C overtakes 736 DYE in the corridors of power 220 CLT heads for Raynes Park on the 77A. I always liked the early look with fixed-glazed upperdeck front windows. I've deliberately listed registration numbers, to show that these are all original and not silly plates!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Dec 3 2005 The Wirksworth Phoenix May 1985 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c772431.html With the line now undergoing restoration, this seems an appropriate moment to show a few of my pictures from the special passenger service, worked two years running, in this case 1985, in conjunction with the Wirksworth Festival in Derbyshire. Thursday 24 November 2005: With the line now undergoing restoration, this seems an appropriate moment to show a few of my pictures from the special passenger service, worked two years running, in this case 1985, in conjunction with the Wirksworth Festival in Derbyshire.

Then new 150 002 with 150 002 near Idridgehay 150 002 enters the platform at Idridgehay, on the outward journey to Wirksworth The What a brilliant little station - Idridgehay has always been my favourite on the line, nestling in a little hollow - a real time capsule I know you can't see a railway here but I had to show this shot, the idyllic view across a field of Buttercups, towards Idridgehay Parish Church, taken from the station. What a superb location for a railway and it's coming back to us thanks to WyvernRail and the EVR 150 002 enters Wirksworth Station, or Wusser as the locals know it! A view at Wirksworth, looking up the line towards the terminus Passengers waiting to board at Wirksworth. Note the wooden steps provided by crews to enable people to get on. The track height was fine for stone trains but no passengers had alighted here for many years until now! What a queue! No shortage of takers for this memorable ride back in history, as droves of people waited patiently to board at Wirksworth for the return to Duffield and Derby Midland 150 002 approaching the branch platform at Duffield, after its scenic journey from Wirksworth Almost unbelievable queues built up at Wirksworth for this rare treat Waiting for the off at Wusser. My friends the elder statesman Pete Yeomans, whose cousin Godfrey took many rare railway pictures in steam days in the area and Rob Nicholson, the young pretender. PETE YEOMANS R.I.P. 1933 - 6 Dec. 2005 - I shall miss him. A member of staff secures the Passengers alighting at Duffield Junction, by way of the special wooden stepladder. Mind the gap that lady!! 150 002 winds its way beneath the A6 overbridge at Duffield, as iot approaches the branch platform enroute back to Derby I think this is around Barnsley Lane in the delightful Ecclesbourne Valley Barnsley Lane area again Around Barnsley Lane again I think - am I right?! 150 002 near Idridgehay, or Ithersay as the locals call it 150 002 near to Idridgehay Station

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Nov 24 2005 Buxton Stone Trains in the 1990's http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c765472.html A selection of phots, which I took around Great Rocks Junction and Peak Forest, of the stone trains, which were regularly hauled by pairs of class 37's, pullling ex LMS hopper wagons of true vintage. Wednesday 16 November 2005: A selection of phots, which I took around Great Rocks Junction and Peak Forest, of the stone trains, which were regularly hauled by pairs of class 37's, pullling ex LMS hopper wagons of true vintage.

59 201 on the stablinh point at Peak Forest 59 201 heads off towards Great Rocks light engine 59 201 heads in with empty wagons past peak Forest sidings 59 201 runs down towards Great Rocks Junction 37 141 leads a pair of Civil Engineer's The Civil Engineer's pair of 37's heads down towards Great Rocks junction with empties, Wed. 27 March 1996 Semaphore and pair of 37's light engine below Peak Forest stabling point, Wed. 27 March 1996

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Nov 16 2005 The Little Eaton - Denby Line http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c755210.html I spent sometime during the early 1990's recording the coal trains on this time capsule of a line, with its gated crossings, worked by a man in a van! The line is still extant but out of use Tuesday 8 November 2005: I spent sometime during the early 1990's recording the coal trains on this time capsule of a line, with its gated crossings, worked by a man in a van! The line is still extant but out of use

58 003 58 003 makes steady progress with empty MGR's through Coxbench 58 003 58 003 58 010 waits with a loaded coal train at the gated crossing in Duffield Road, Little Eaton. The chap in the reflective jacket is about to do the honours and once through here, the train will rejoin the mainline north of derby and head South Gates open and 58 010 powers up to rejoin the main line 58 010 makes its way steadily across the last obstacle before heading South towards Derby 58 010 crosses Duffield Road at Little Eaton 58 042 58 042 58 042 having negotiated the first of two crossings in Little Eaton, runs past the scenic Bottle Brook enroute for Duffield Road crossing and the junction for Derby. Mainline Blue livery suited this machine well. 58 049 58 049 head-on at Kilburn, at the end of the line just short of Denby 58 049 58 049 looks quite impressive but I have to admit that I was no fan of the aesthetics of this class, which I always referred to as a Class 20 body with a garden shed on either end! Too darned quiet for my ear too!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue Nov 8 2005 Diesels on British Rail in the 1970's http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c750431.html One or two phots from my archive to whet the appetite hopefully! Thursday 3 November 2005: One or two phots from my archive to whet the appetite hopefully!

24 087 leading 24 133 at Birmingham New Street on the Class 24 Farewell, Sat. 28 Jan. 1978, bound for Aberystwyth, with generous steam heat emissions! 25 199 on Miles Platting Bank at Manchester Victoria A 40 187 at Leeds City on a ballast trip Sat. 10 June 1978 and Peak 44 010 The way we were. Diesel line-up I think at Crewe South Inside Crewe Works D1056 A Deltic at speed heading into Grantham,bound for Kings Cross Another Deltic howls through Grantham bound for The Cross What it all used to be about. Deltic 55 017 thrashing up Stoke Bank in Summer 1978, while I sat in a haystack with the old Zenith E and some Jaffa Cakes & cider!! Happy days.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Nov 3 2005 Valete Derby Bus Station : 1933-2005 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c743513.html Derby's one-time showpiece Art Deco Bus Station, designed by Borough Architect Charles Aslin, closed its doors for the last time after service on Sat. 22 October 2005. These are shots I took on the last day. Saturday 29 October 2005: Derby's one-time showpiece Art Deco Bus Station, designed by Borough Architect Charles Aslin, closed its doors for the last time after service on Sat. 22 October 2005. These are shots I took on the last day.

An aerial view taken from The Cock Pitt Car park of Derby Bus Station, Sat. 22 Oct. 2005, its last day in use The impressive curved facade which has greeted passengers(remember them!) for the last 72 years Looking across to the main buildings with the famous Upper Deck cafe, where The Beatles once had a cuppa in the early days. At one time, this platform played host to the likes of Premier Travel and Yelloway in the halcyon days of coaching. An Arriva Alexander / Dennis Dart stands on one side of the centre island platform. The triangular motif on the office upstairs behind the bus always reminded me of the AEC logo. Another view of Arriva Alexnder / Dennis Dart W228 SNR. Oh how I miss Derby City Transport!! We can see clearly the classic curved roofline of the cantilevered canopies, although they were cut back a few years ago to reduce collisions with the wider modern buses at topdeck level! An Arriva Volvo Citibus / East Lancs ex London & Country, one of a large number drafted in to Derby to displace ageing Fleetlines, lurks behind a Dart, whilst working a 20 Roosevelt Avenue. Note the forlorn period clock, which lost its fingers some time ago, as part of the sad rundown. A detail in Art Deco next to the A view through the Was there ever a more elegant curve, marred by the dominating pile of the ugly new Cock Pitt car park Arriva buses bound for Chellaston, where once Barton's old AEC Regent V 'deckers used to depart on the old X42 Nottingham Express. I wish we could have posed a few old timers here on the last day for posterity! The main building looks out across the Morledge, seen from the Eagle Centre Market The A pair of Arriva Volvo Citibus / East Lancs 'deckers wait for Sinfin, seen from the Cock Pitt car park A bright green Scania / Wright saloon of TrentBarton departs on the Spondon Flyer Here we can see the excursion platform, looking rather a makeshift addition to the main bus station, taken from the Cock Pitt car park. The new bus station will be over to the right somewhere Yours truly making a stand on the last day, alongside one of the Optare Solos or Trent Optare Solo 461 awaits its next run, after bringing me into the bus station for the last time on Sat. 22 Oct. 2005 Trent Optare Solo 461 and driver Terry Veneer, with a last thumbs up for the road,as he takes over on The Allestree, one of many branded routes of the company, which is one of very few still independent after NBC split-up Waiting to set off for Ilkeston, Felix of Stanley's Wright Solar-bodied Scania L94 on their time-honoured stand by the snack bar Felix Wright / Scania and bus station canopy - a combined study in curves! View from the Felix stand across to the island platform offices Ecowarriors make their point. Two protestors were on the old Cafe roof on 22 October, the last day. There had been quite a long debate and campaign over the bus station's fate The other period clock, also devoid of fingers for some time now, with a Rainbow 4 waiting to set off for Nottingam in the distance. This is the old Trent Nottingham 80 Rainbow 4 stand for Nottingham via Stapleford & Sandiacre. One of the latest Trent Wright / Scanias in a shade of blue reminiscent of the old Tailby & George A glimpse through the arch by the old Derby City Transport enquiry office, across to the Chellaston stand and the Gent's loo, already shut! A bevvy of Arriva Derby buses by the old Upper Deck cafe - note the Ecowarrior protestor on the cafe roof! There were two of them up there on the last day - good for them says I Two Arriva Daf Lowlander / East Lancs 'deckers, the current doubledeck model in the Derby fleet, wait for time on the Oakwood stands TrentBarton Chellaston stand and local chav with the now closed Skills booking office across the road Arriva saloon on Chellastons rubs shoulders with The notice that says it all - A wider view showing the location of the other Already boarded up on the last day. these shop units had once been busy, with tobaconnists, Gents' Outfitters and then latterly charity shops A classic study in angles and curves, so characterisitic of the Art Deco style of the 1930's. I do wish they had left the boarding-up until after closure. Even the Gents' loo was shut!! Elegant curves abounded on the old Platform 1, viewed here from The Cock Pitt island / Morledge junction Arriva Derby buses bound for Sinfin and Chellaston loading on the last day No bus station would be complete without a news and sweet kiosk. This was the last facility left open, bar the little snack bar by the excursion platform. I wonder what they'll do now? The new bus station is two years away. Until then, it's on street loading and chaotic already!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Oct 29 2005 Sheffield Lorry Operators in the 1970's http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c743143.html A small selection here of my favourite hauliers in Sheffield in the good old days - Enjoy! Saturday 29 October 2005: A small selection here of my favourite hauliers in Sheffield in the good old days - Enjoy!

Sat. 7 Oct. 1978 sees 739 FWT, a classic AEC Mammoth Major Mk. V eight legger tanker, parked up at the end of its life at A. E. Evans, T/A EWX752C is another of Evans' AEC Mammoth Majors at the end of its life in Sheffield, Sat. 7 Oct. 1978 A.E. Evans superb letter head, which they replied on at my request, after I saw a copy of it in their offices! ONC 893 was the Evans' yard shunter, a classic AEC Mk.III which used to haul its own drawbar trailer around Lancashire in days gone by, seen here on Sat. 7 Oct. 1978 Another close-up of Regent Transport's ONC 893 in the yard at Sheffield S.H. Harrison of Sheffield ran a legendary fleet of Scammells for many years, long after all others had given them up and this Handyman tractor was a less common style of forward-control model which I caught in their fascinating yard on Sat. 7 Oct. 1978

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Oct 29 2005 The Woodhead Route http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c683441.html Here are some shots I processed myself, taken in the latter years of this wonderful line withthe unforgettable class 76 DC electrics, not forgetting the class 506 EMU's which served Glossop for 30 years! Thursday 1 February 1979: Here are some shots I processed myself, taken in the latter years of this wonderful line withthe unforgettable class 76 DC electrics, not forgetting the class 506 EMU's which served Glossop for 30 years!

76 011 & 76 027 await the road Westwards in Guide Bridge Station 76 016 leads over Woodhead on my only journey across the route, on A 76 light engine passes through Dunford Bridge Station, heading towards Sheffield 76 at Torside, a favourite crossing of mine 76 Eastbound at Torside A 76 Eastbound somewhere over Woodhead 76 over Woodhead 76 at Penistone, Sheffield bound A pair of 76's head West for Manchester at Torside Crossing, that most loved and remote of locations A pair of 76's approach Woodhead Station and Tunnel from the Manchester direction

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Feb 1 1979 Great Northern remains - Notts & Derby http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c607569.html One or two photos I've taken over the years of the remnants of the GNR in my area, starting with the rather erie Mapperley Tunnel! Thursday 7 July 2005: One or two photos I've taken over the years of the remnants of the GNR in my area, starting with the rather erie Mapperley Tunnel!

Breadsall Viaduct is blown up by Ogdens of Otley at 10am. Sun. 23 Sept. 1979. The blast blew out some of the shop windows behind us as we watched, due to low cloud and the pressure wave! Taken from Mansfield Road bridge parapet, this was the view of the trackbed looking back Westwards towards Breadsall, Sat. 21 July 1973 From the same point at Mansfield Road bridge, an access bridge over the line can be seen in the distance, as the Friargate line heads out towards Morley Tunnel - looking East, Sat. 28 July 1973 Breadsall Station, looking East from the trackbed, as it appeared on Sun. 27 January 1974. The station had closed in April 1953, eleven years before the rest of the line but was still partially lived in at this stage. A year or so later, there was a fire here and it was demolished soon after Breadsall Station from the trackbed, looking West towards Derby, Sun. 27 January 1974 This is a view of the approach to Breadsall Station from the roadway, looking towards Derby. The former railway line is to the left, Sun. 27 Jan. 1974 A distant view of Breadsall Station, taken from Croft Lane. The station stood very impressively on the skyline and looked dramatic when a night-time beer train shot sparks into the sky on the climb from Derby Friargate in days gone by! A 1975 view of Breadsall Viaduct in Derby. The steel skew span indicates the point at which the Little Eaton branch of the long-gone Derby Canal once passed beneath. There is no trace of the viaduct today and a road passes through the area. The viaduct was blown up by Ogdens of Otley at 10am. on Sun. 23 Sept. 1979 I took this rather precarious shot of Breadsall Viaduct from the Western approach embankment Breadsall Viaduct, already in a parlous state, less than a decade after closure. Sun. 27 Jan. 1974, the skew span to the left being the point where the Little Eaton branch of the Derby Canal once passed beneath. Beyond lay the line back to Derby Friargate Breadsall Viaduct, taken from the parapet, already broken by vandals, looking towards Derby Friargate, Sun. 27 Jan. 1974 All that remained of LNWR Terrace at Colwick - the foootpath and a few lighting columns. This used to be a row of Railwaymen's Cottages but by the early 1980's, this was the sad scene. The once frenzied Colwick marshalling yard, by the early 1980's just a weed strewn wilderness with a few bits of railway metalwork Derby Friargate, Sun. 18 November 1973. This is a view on the island platform, looking to the subway which led up from the booking hall. The line to Nottingham Victoria lies beyond, in this view looking East. Derby Friargate island platform, 18 Nov. 1973, looking West towards Mickleover with the subway coming up from the booking hall. The buildings on the platform were timber and had to be demolished following a fire in 1965, a year after the station closed. Although much overgrown, the platform still exists in 2008! A view across Derby Friargate platforms towards the Great Northern goods shed, Sun. 18 Nov. 1973. The shed is a listed building but is now in a sorry state in 2005 after years of neglect A view of the trackbed looking West towards Mickleover, from Uttoxeter Old Road bridge. Slack Lane engine shed remains can be seen on the right.Sun. 18 Nov. 1973 Langley Mill & Eastwood station - the overbridge during the station's demolition, looking back towards Newthorpe. This is on the old Pinxton branch. Roadworks were already taking place and a new bridge can be seen beyond the derelict station. Sat. 16 Feb. 1974 This is the view of the platforms at Langley Mill & Eastwood, looking towards Pinxton, as yet undisturbed by new roadworks, Sat. 16 Feb. 1974. The site today is unrecognisable, with a large roundabout and even the adjacent Model Dairy has gone Tramrails from horsedrawn days, alongside the arches leading to friargate Station, between Friargate and Agard Street in Derby. The elegant friargate bridge can be seen in the distance. The tramrails still exist but sadly the arches alongside have since been demolished in the last decade or so This is Handyside's cast iron bridge over elegant Friargate in Derby, still in BR naroon and cream at this time. The station entrance is to the right. Thurs. 20 Sept. 1973 A view of Friargate Bridge in Derby, looking from the town side. The station is to the left. Thurs. 20 Sept. 1973 Gedling Station, looking East, by now a youth club in the 1980's. The line to Gedling Colliery was still extant at this time but no trains while I was there! A wider view of Gedling Station, looking towards Colwick. A typical GNR station of the Derbyshire extension This view of Gedling Station is looking West, towards the end of the line and beyond to Mapperley Tunnel and the former line to Daybrook Ilkeston North, seen from the road overlooking the line, which heads off to Derby on the right. Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 A view across to Platform 1 of Ilkeston North, with the later road level entrance building and stepway to the platform from the road visible, Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 - all gone today! This is the Eastern portal of Mapperley Tunnel, on the long-disused Mapperley Tunnel Eastern portal looks somewhat foreboding here A risky thing to do but I ventured inside Mapperley Tunnel a short distance to take this view. One can see how overgrown the cutting is - I found a Pheasant quietly nesting in the undergrowth! Mapperley Tunnel, 1,132 yards long where it passed under the Plains Road. In January 1953 a section of the roof of this tunnel fell in, completely blocking the line for several months and although repaired, was in such poor condition that the line was closed in 1960 to the West through to Daybrook. The tunnel had suffered similar collapses all through its life, due to subsidence - this was mining territory! Attempts had been made to strengthen the portal at Mapperley Tunnel, as witness the timberwork seen here over the Eastern portal, nearly thirty years after it closed to all services Mapperley Tunnel Eastern portal is still accessible in March 2007 I'm told, although increasingly derelict and overgrown Wellies on, I'm standing by the entrance to Mapperley Tunnel, at the Eastern end, nearest to Gedling. The other end is sealed off The Great Northern A view from the Midland line for Mansfield, showing the GN viaduct over the River Leen, with the embankment cut away and the bridge taking the line to Basford North already taken down. The branch on the left is to Cinderhill, now resurrected for the NET trams. Taken 3 Feb. 1974 A view of the Great Northern viaduct over the River Leen, really more of a stream, taken from the Cinderhill branch on 3 Feb. 1974. The line to Derby Friargate is to the left, Basford to the right. The structure is already looking very dodgy and came down not long after Kimberley Station on Sunday 30 Dec. 1973, when I cycled from Derby with the old Ensign folding camera, to see what remained of Kimberley Station, Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 from the access crossing which was next to the demolished overbridge, which formerly took the line over the main road. I last travelled over this section in Autumn 1964, behind an Ivatt Mogul A view towards Basford at Kimberley Station, with the footbridge still intact, Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 Kimberley Station viewd from the access road, with few changes since it last saw service in 1964. Taken Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 I took this shot of Kimberley Station from the overbridge. Platform 1 has been cut back but the station is in quite good condition. Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 A view from the public footbridge, at Kimberley Station, looking back towards Awsworth. Note the washing line strung ignominiously across the trackbed! Sun. 30 Dec. 1973 Heading away East from Mapperley Tunnel, the line had been backfilled further along and this was a surviving access bridge over the formation Mapperley Tunnel - Western appoaches. Unlike the Eastern portal, at the Western end Mapperley Tunnel had been concealed and this was the view down the cutting leading to it, from the local scout hut Hard to imagine trains busying along here - the Western Approach to Mapperley Tunnel, graded over with spoil and returned to nature, a very peaceful spot with foxes galore! The GN trackbed at Mickleover, taken from Station Road and looking towards Mickleover Station and the start of the then test track, Sun. 2 June 1974 A view from Station Road, Mickleover looking back towards Derby Friargate and the Western portal of Mickleover Tunnel, Sun. 2 June 1974. It's all filled in now - a great shame. Mickleover Tunnel, to the West of Derby Friargate, seen on Wed. 8 Nov. 1978. Both portals are now sealed over with spoil Mickleover Tunnel, looking out towards Mickleover, Wed. 8 Nov. 1978

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jul 7 2005 AEC.PRV Bridgemaster http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c593409.html Just one or two shots of the "Bridgy" - not one of AEC's greatest successes but always fascinating to me and great sound effects! Wednesday 15 June 2005: Just one or two shots of the "Bridgy" - not one of AEC's greatest successes but always fascinating to me and great sound effects!

3743 RH, Camms No. 71 in the yard at Miall Street off Ilkeston Road. She had electrical problems that day - Tues. 9 Oct. 1979. Both Bridgemasters were new to East Yorkshire of Hull in 1962/3 and had that operator's distinctive 9716 AT, Camms No. 72 stands outside Beechdale Road baths in Nottingham, not far from the old AEC depot in the same road, Tues. 9 Oct. 1979 9716 AT after we got flagged down by traffic police - they did not like Bridgemaster 9716 AT in Miall St. yard off Ilkeston Road, Old Radford, Nottingham before my trip to Beechdale Road baths. I had a fascinating chat with the late Arthur Camm that day, when he recalled how his son Pat came home disappointed when he managed to acquire the two Bridgemasters for the price of one, without haggling! They both came to Camms from Mid-Warwickshire Motors of Balsall Common. 9 Oct. 1979 and 9716 AT sits outside Beechdale road baths in Nottingham, with a stormy sky. I had just ridden from the depot to tape record this beast - I was not disappointed! The gearbox, a D189, sounded awesome. Basically it's the D166 box with a transfer gearbox added to enable the single forward entrance step TFE 537, Lincoln City Transport No.94, an AEC.PRV Bridgemaster 'B3RA' stands withdrawn in the railway yard near The Brayford Pool, across from the depot in St. Marks, on Boxing Day Fri. 26 Dec. 1975. I always regret never having ridden on these buses. I always found the original rearloader version, as here, looked less ungainly than the forward entrance '2B3RA' model. These Lincoln motors had the AV590 engine and D166 gearbox, as on all of the type TFE 538, Lincoln City Transport AEC.PRV Bridgemaster No.95, is seen on the car park near Central Station, on Sunday 14 April 1974, the day after my 24th. birthday. I was in Lincoln for Easter as usual but these buses were not running that day, more's the pity. Note that the Bridgy is in the earlier livery, more attractive to my mind. This was one of the last films I took with the old Ensign folding camera, which began its life in Lincoln in 1937! Lincoln 95 takes centre stage in this impressive line-up on Sun. 14 April 1974, clearly showing its more upright profile than the ranks of Roe-bodied Leyland Titan PD2's, which were Lincoln's main choice at the time. I could never understand why they bought Bridgemasters but I was glad to see them!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Jun 15 2005 Gash's of Newark, Notts.. http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c591891.html W. Gash & Sons Ltd. plied between Newark-on-Trent and Nottingham for many years, before selling out to Yorkshire Traction's RoadCar division (the old Lincolnshire Roadcar Co.) in 1989 - yet another victim of Thatcher's deregulation. I miss them dearly and their lovely colour scheme. They were most famous for their long-lived fleet of Daimler CV's and, as an operator, they had more than a passing semblance to Blue Bus Services of Willington. Even the garages were modelled on each other! Saturday 25 June 2005: W. Gash & Sons Ltd. plied between Newark-on-Trent and Nottingham for many years, before selling out to Yorkshire Traction's RoadCar division (the old Lincolnshire Roadcar Co.) in 1989 - yet another victim of Thatcher's deregulation. I miss them dearly and their lovely colour scheme. They were most famous for their long-lived fleet of Daimler CV's and, as an operator, they had more than a passing semblance to Blue Bus Services of Willington. Even the garages were modelled on each other!

BNE 751N was a Northern Counties / Leyland Atlantean of Greater Manchester acquired by Gash's and given fleet No. DD16. It sports the updated livery and LNN 291 P, Bristol LHS / Marshall BR3 on Bowbridge Road forecourt, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 NVO 772L was a curious little Bristol LHS with Marshall Camagna bodywork, fleet No.BR1, essentially an early midibus but when seen at a garage open day had been relegated to towing duties. When bought, it caused something of a stir with enthusiasts and was not unduly liked but no doubt a useful bus for the quieter services. Gash's ultimately had three LHS's. The magnificent and long-lived DD10, RAL 795 was a Daimler CVG6, new in 1954 with Massey Brothers H61RD body. It survives today, Seen on the garage forecourt at Bowbridge Road, Newark in the 1980's Wed. 19 March 1975 and DD10, RAL 795 sets off from the depot on mainline service. Note that back then the fluted Daimler badge still had its central strip down the Birmingham bonnet grille - she later lost it and also the Gothic fleetname over the destination screen. Both DD10 and DD1 later received a more modern side fleetname instead of the Gothic - see the later photos I took this picture of DD10 from the rear platform of DD1. It is on the A46 Fosse Way, heading towards Newark, I think just beyond RAF Newton as it was then. DD10, the 1954 Daimler CVG6 heads out towards Radcliffe-on-Trent at Gamston Bridge, beyond West Bridgford, at the point where the disused Grantham Canal passes underneath, relegated here to a culvert At Gamston Bridge, DD10 passes and shows the unusual opening upperdeck rear window. This bus has a lovely period interior, with varnished woodwork and a deep red moquette On the same day, a special Daimler running day open to the public, DD10 pulls in at what was RAF Syerston on the open stretch of The Fosse Way, the A46 which is a Roman Road from Leicester to Lincoln DD10 waits for traffic at RAF Newton, before continuing to Newark DD10 pulls out at RAF Newton, bound for Newark-on-Trent. The classic sounds of her gardner '6LW' engine and preselect Daimler gears were wonderful. She reminded me of Blue Bus of Willington's YRB 483 in this respect, being a year older than her. The celebrated DD1, KAL 578 behind Bowbridge Road depot, restored by this time to its original Gothic fleetname style and looking great as always. Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 DD1, KAL 578 makes an impromtu stop on the A46 Fosse Way near the island for Bingham / B687, whilst on regular service, Sat. 21 Dec. 1974 DD1 passes Gamston Bridge enroute for Newark. She was new in 1948 with a lowbridge Strachans body but received this Massey body in 1962. The interior features formica panels and is not quite as DD1 shows off her rear end with that distinctive opening rear upperdeck window as she dashes off towards radcliffe-on-Trent. The Daimler CD6 engine in this chassis creates a wonderful sound! DD1's Massey Brothers body always looked solid and well-rounded to my eye. Parked up at the rear of the depot, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 KNN 959 , DD6 is seen back in 1975, on Wed. 19 March. I went over to Newark especially to photograph the venerable fleet heading out on school duties and this Roberts-bodied Daimler CVD6 was the star of the show. Amazing that it was built in 1948 and still going strong 27 years later! It was very cold and windy that afternoon but well worth the wait! Wed. 19 March 1975 and DD6 leaves a rather bleak Bowbridge Road garage for the afternoon schoolrun. I wonder if the kids appreciated what a bit of history they were sampling? Wed. 19 March 1975 and LNN 353, DD7 sets off from Bowbridge Road depot for the afternoon schoolrun. This is one of the lowbridge Duple / Daimler CVD6's which were very handsome buses, with coach-style seats trimmed in Peacock Blue leather hide and very comfy! This bus was actually ordered by Skills in Nottingham but diverted to Gash's in 1950 (so she's as old as me!!) LRR 403, Gash fleet No.DD8, another Duple / Daimler CVD6 sets off for the schoolrun, Wed. 19 March 1975, on a very windy afternoon DD8 sets off down Bowbridge Road towards Newark town centre, Wed. 19 March 1975 GNN 348 J, Plaxton Derwent / Leyland leopard inside Bowbridge Road garage on Sat. 15 Nov. 1986, when I called in whilst sampling their Routemasters on the Balderton service, part of the recently introduced de-regulation mayhem! YAL 392 M, Leyland Leopard / Plaxton Derwent L10, catches the late afternoon light in Newark town centre, sharing the 83 route with the RM's, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Parked up between duties at Newark Bus Station are YAL 391M, a smart Plaxton Derwent / Leyland Leopard, Gash fleet No.L11 and one of the Bristol LHS's, with Marshall bodywork of less angular style than the first, GVO 159V, Gash fleet No. BR5 One of Gash's deregualtion Routemasters, ALD 990 B inservice at Balderton on the 83, still in L.T. Red but with Two Gash's RM's pass as if in outer London! ALD 990 B rubs shoulders with ALM 65 B, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Gash's RM ALM 65 B at Balderton, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Routemaster ALM 65 B at Balderton on Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Routemaster ALM 990 B stands proud at Balderton, Newark on Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 The classic top deck of an RM, complete with Sung Yellow ceiling and that wonderful moquette; I think this was ALD 990 B, Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Gash's RM, a timeless view! Sat. 15 Nov. 1986 Towards the end of Gash's existence, they surprised everyone by acquiring a Leyland Titan TN15 from Greater Manchester PTE. GNF 15V is seen in Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham GNF 15V, given Gash fleet No. DD22 in time-honoured tradition, looks imposing as she waits to leave Nottingham Broadmarsh for Newark, by this time allocated route number 10, something the company had never used before. How times were changing! Gedling Colliery is seen on the departure board alongside - that too has since closed. GNF 15V is seen on The Fosse Way at RAF Newton, where I hopped off briefly to take this shot. This was my only ever ride on this bus, which had a Gardner '6LXB' and hydracyclic transmission DD22 prepares to head off to Newark at RAF Newton GNF 15V arrives in Newark Bus Station The interior of Gash's Leyland Titan TN15, shwoing the standard Greater Manchester GNF 15V shows off its curious rear end design, which I always nicknamed the YNN 650H, Gash Fleet No. LO7 was a Leyland Leopard 'PSU3A/4R with Willowbrook DP51F body, new in 1969, seen here at the side of the depot YNN 649 H , the other Leyland Leopard / Willowbrook in the Autumn sunshine behind the depot in Newark, on Sat. 15 Nov. 1986

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Jun 25 2005 Blue Bus Services of Willington http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c582303.html Just a handful of shots shortly after the takeover of Tailby & George Ltd., 14 Repton Road, Willington in Derbyshire, by what was then Derby Corporation and soon to be Derby Borough Transport. It all came to an end at "Blue Bus Services" when the Willington depot was destroyed by fire on the night of Mon. 5 January 1976, a sad day indeed. Thursday 16 June 2005: Just a handful of shots shortly after the takeover of Tailby & George Ltd., 14 Repton Road, Willington in Derbyshire, by what was then Derby Corporation and soon to be Derby Borough Transport. It all came to an end at "Blue Bus Services" when the Willington depot was destroyed by fire on the night of Mon. 5 January 1976, a sad day indeed.

465 FRB, the prototype Dennis Loline of 1957, is seen still sporting Blue Bus Services Argyle Blue and Cream, under a year after the Dec. 1973 takeover by the then Derby Corporation. The location is the erstwhile Reginald Street baths opposite Derby Arboretum, in April 1974. The Loline was allocated Derby fleet No. 32 and did get repainted into Derby's questionable Larkspur Blue and Morningmist before it was scrapped in 1977 at Booths of Rotherham 465 FRB is seen outside Reginald Street swimming baths on Thurs. 4 April 1974. At the time, I was working in The Arboretum greenhouses and nipped out through the side gate to take this shot on my old Ensign Selfix 1937 folding camera, not long before I bought my first SLR, a Zenit B The Blue Bus Dennis Loline Mk. I, 465 FRB stands outside Reginald St. baths in Derby, on Thurs. 4 April 1974. Behind her is a Derby Borough Transport Daimler CVG6 / Roe, in the colours that were later to be applied to the Dennis An uncommon rear view of the Dennis Loline, 465 FRB, at Reginald St. Derby, on Thurs. 4 April 1974. She really looked massive and solid, especially from behind. Note the Tailby & George Ltd. company Sat. 17 Nov. 1973 and 702 PRA on the Saturday This is a little replica which I made of the Blue Bus Services Wed. 1 Oct. 1975 sees Bedford YRT / Duple Dominant Express ORA 818M, still devoid of Derby insignia but with the magnificent BBS motif on the sides, in Willington depot yard before doing a private hire. She and sister ORA 819M were the last vehicxles bought by Tailby & George Ltd.. The NCME / Fleetline lurking in the depot was ARA 762B. Sadly everything in this picture would be wiped out by the terrible fire on 5 Jan. 1976, just over 3 months later New in May 1939, GNU 750 is a Daimler COG5/40 with Willowbrook coach body, seen after some years in preservation at an anniversary parade in Derby in 1981 GNU 750 is one of only two Daimler COG5/40's to survive, seen in 1981 at Derby's Silk Mill Museum This rear view of GNU 750 clearly shows the splendid Tailby & George Ltd. company garter GNU 750 shows off its prewar styling, emphasised by the large area of Argyle Blue Fri. 28 Dec. 1973 and NCME/Daimler Fleetline, ARA 762 B on the Blue Bus stand in Derby Bus Station. The company's independent existence came to a close that month. No apologies for the poor photo - it's a bit of history and I took it on my 1937 Ensign Selfix 320 bellows camera! Also visiting Derby in 1981 was ORB 277, the 1950 Daimler CVD6 with classic Duple A-type coachwork. This was the last half-cab singledecker in the fleet, being sold to David Stanier for preservation in 1970 and subsequently donated to Wythall Museum, from which it was visiting ORB 277 or ORB 277 is a lovely coach, with a very tuneful Daimler preselect transmssion sound and that wonderful CD6 Daimler engine of 8.6 litres ORB 277 looks very imposing in its Argyle Blue and cream colours Old friends meet up! GNU 750 arrives alongside ORB 277 at Derby in 1981 I know this is not the best of shots but it is rare. It captures TNU 687F, the Daimler Roadliner SRC6 with Cummins V6-200 engine and Plaxton Panorama I coachwork, waiting at traffic lights in St. Peter's St. Derby in November 1975, about five weeks before she was destroyed in the garage fire. By this time, she had been repainted with revised livery with Derby Blue Bus Services fleetnames. I so regret that this exciting coach was lost forever - I'd love to have ridden in it or even owned it! Sun. 7 Dec. 1975. The short-lived Derby identity at Willington. L-R : NRA 49J lowheight Alexander/Fleetline, Derby bought Plaxton / Leopard HTO 90N in traditional Argyle Blue, retained for the coaches, JRB 481D , the last of four similar buses bought by Tailby & George Ltd. and EXE 276J, the Willowbrook D/P Bedford YRQ, which actually looked quite well in this version of Derby's Larkspur Blue & Morningmist Sun. 7 Dec. 1975. L-R : YRB 483, the 1955 Willowbrook / Daimler CVG6, ORA 818/819M, the very last vehicles bought by the old firm, a pair of Duple Dominant Express / Bedford YRT's, the Derby bought bus grant Plaxton Elite Express / Leopard HTO 91N and NRA 49J again. Within weeks, this picture could not be taken again after the garage holocaust wiped out all but YRB, which was in store at Derby and got reinstated after the fire I know this vehicle belongs to the Derby era but XRR 50S was specially repainted in traditional Argyle Blue and cream livery and posing proudly against the old company colours is former Blue Bus driver Lionel Parkes, my main reason for including the picture! ORA 819M sports both traditional Blue Bus and Derby emblems as she sits in the yard at Willington on Wed. 1 Oct. 1975, three months before destruction Sun. 7 Dec. 1975 - YRB 483 was all but retired by this time but had to do a further year's slog after the fire at the depot. She was a lovely old bus but sadly I watched her being broken up at Booths. Rotherham in 1977 - she deserved better!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jun 16 2005 MANSFIELD DISTRICT 'FLF's http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c582211.html Towards the very end of Bristol.ECW Lodekka operation under East Midland auspices, Mansfield District ,or rather Mansfield & District as the revived name was displayed, painted one of their final semi-automatic FLF's in tradional Balfour Beatty Group green and cream. This is how it looked - rather nice I feel! I have also added some other MDT Lodekkas in NBC Leaf Green, including shots with one of the last conductresses. Thursday 16 June 2005: Towards the very end of Bristol.ECW Lodekka operation under East Midland auspices, Mansfield District ,or rather Mansfield & District as the revived name was displayed, painted one of their final semi-automatic FLF's in tradional Balfour Beatty Group green and cream. This is how it looked - rather nice I feel! I have also added some other MDT Lodekkas in NBC Leaf Green, including shots with one of the last conductresses.

BNN 291C was about the last of the earlier manual gearbox FLF's in service, seen here loading in Quaker Way, Mansfield town centre on the 6 to Ladybrook BNN 291C heads off up Rosemary Street, Mansfield on the 6 Oak Tree. The car park on the mound beyond is now a bowling alley. The pub on the left is The driver and conductress of SRB 59F chat with a friend before leaving Quaker Way on Mansfield Ring Road for Meden Vale on the 71. Note the famous and impressive King's Mill viaduct in the background, carrying the former Midland line through the town, which now sports a passenger service once more - SRB 59F, fleet No. 483 heads off for Meden Vale on the 71 from the stand on Quaker Way, Mansfield SRB 59F waits for time in Walkden Street on the 51 to Oak Tree - great crew this one, the conductress showing me a SRB 60 F, fleet No.484, a late semi-automatic model Bristol Lodekka FLF6G of Mansfield District, is seen after repainting in traditional green and cream, on Walkden Street, opposite Mansfield Bus Station, towards the end of its career SRB 60F was repainted to commemorate the ending of traditional front-engined buses in the fleet and is seen here on the old-established 1A to Woodhouse via Vale Road SRB 60F shows off its well-proportioned rear end to the Eastern Coachworks body, looking handsome in the old green and cream, always a different shade and application to Tilling livery more usually seen within the THC group This view of SRB 60F gives a clear indication as to just how long the 30 footer really appeared, especially on the tail end SRB 60F as repainted, carried the final pre-NBC style of italicised fleetname. Earlier versions were more elaborate and in serif form Later in the day, 484 is seen in the mini bus station just outside the town centre in Mansfield, on local works service 421 to Rufford Colliery in nearby Rainworth - thanks to Kevin Allsebrook for that information. This was my last sighting of 484 - it should have been saved! SRB 60F loads alongside Mansfield Bus Station on the other leg of route 1 to Huthwaite SRB 60F, at this time still sporting NBC Leaf Green, approaches a healthy queue (remember those?!) half way down Clumber Street, on service 1 to Woodhouse via Albert Square SRB 60F loads in Clumber Street, Mansfield for Woodhouse on route 1 - how much better she looked once repainted into the old green and cream SRB 60F, doors closed and setting off for Woodhouse with a healthy compliment of passengers SRB 60F, fleet No. 484 creeps through Mansfield town centre, on the corner of Clumber Street, bound for Woodhouse on route 1 - love the pink Jag XJ6 on the right! SRB 61F stands between duties in Mansfield Bus Station SRB 61F lays over in Mansfield Bus Station - weren't the FLF's solid looking motors? An imposing school forms the backdrop SRB 61F, fleet No. 485 rests in Mansfield Bus Station between duties

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jun 16 2005 SOUTH NOTTS OF GOTHAM http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c571511.html Some shots of this unique Nottinghamshire independent, probably most famous for its fleet of Albion Lowlanders, including the last one built in 1967. The fleetname lives on under the auspices of Nottingham City Transport but it ain't the same! Wednesday 8 June 2005: Some shots of this unique Nottinghamshire independent, probably most famous for its fleet of Albion Lowlanders, including the last one built in 1967. The fleetname lives on under the auspices of Nottingham City Transport but it ain't the same!

Seen withdrawn in the depot yard, 669 BNN is a lowbridge Weymann Aurora bodied Leyland Titan PD3/3, new in 1959 and withdrawn in March 1980, being sold for preservation in Oct. 1981 L-R: withdrawn 76 LNN, Leyland Titan PD3/6, the first with NCME bodywork, new in 1961 and parked up since Sept. 1977, RRR 913, No. 56, a Leyland Titan PD2/20 with Weymann Aurora body, new in 1955 and withdrawn in July 1978 and LNN 89E, at this stage as yet with Leyland and not Albion on the grille. She was still in service. On the extreme left can be seen a glimpse of No. 17, the pre-war Leyland Lion! 80 NVO was the last side-gangway lowbridge 'decker in the fleet. It is a Leyland Titan PD3/4 with Northern Counties bodywork, seen in the depot yard at Gotham. Note the diminutive side destination blind ahead of the platform door! 81 SVO was a delightful little Bedford VAS1 with Duple Super vega coachwork, seen in the two-tone blue used for the coach fleet and also the Palace Script style fleetname reserved for coaches. Seen alongside the signing-on shed at Gotham depot. New in 1963, she lasted until May 1983, being sold in the December to Hugglescote Scouts at Coalville, Leics.. 84 WRR goes for a spruce up in the bus wash at Gotham 84 WRR, the second Albion Lowlander LR3 bought, sets off towards East Leake to pick up schoolkids before returning through to Nottingham Broadmarsh A classic view of the entrance to the wonderfully traditional depot entrance on Leake Road, Gotham complete with nameboard, clock and even a flagstaff! 84 WRR can be seen in the distance Lowlander 84 in Gotham by the parish church, with my friend Paul Johnson just boarding A lovely view of the centre of Gotham Village, with Lowlander 84 WRR on its way back to depot from Broadmarsh, Nottingham 84 WRR sets down school children in Gotham Village, with the parish church in the background, before heading off for Nottingham, driver Pete Hammond 84 WRR, South Notts' second Albion Lowlander awaits the afternoon trip to East Leake School and Broadmarsh Lowerdeck interior of 84 WRR, showing the handsome ruby coloured moquette with hide edging and typical red beading to the panelling, a NCME trademark 84 WRR still looked tidy and inviting on the inside despite advancing years This view forwards in the lowerdeck of 84 WRR shows just how high the front bulkhead was on the Lowlander, allowing very limited views out front for the passengers. The driving position was only inches lower than a Titan. Note the cowl for the transmission, quite intrusive on the forward entrance Another view rearwards in 84 WRR's saloon - I loved these interiors! 84 WRR close-up of the upperdeck front. Note the stepped flooring to accomodate the driver's cab ceiling -NCME executed this layout as neatly as anyone View forwards in 84 WRR's topdeck View back from the stairwell Note the Lowlander line-up at Gotham - L-R: 85, 87 & 82, with Titan PD2 No. 55 withdrawn at the far end, against the field - what a delightfully rural backdrop! HRC 789N, No.106, is a lowheight Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline CRL6, with Leyland 'O.680' engine, seen on the same afternoon as 84 WRR, awaiting her next turn of duty in the depot yard A rear view of No. 106, with well-rounded rear dome to its NCME body. Note the company emblem on the engine nacelle, taken from the 1930's cap badge design still carried by the time-honoured inspector! JNN 97 was once the local snowplough after it finished PSV duties- it still had chains on its wheels! This half-cab Leyland Tiger PS1 with classic Duple A-type coachwork eventually left for restoration, within the confines of Astill & Jordan's premises at Ratby, Leics.. Sadly the project was abandoned due to severe corrosion, probably caused by salt from its gritting days. Alongside is a Duple Roadmaster / Leyland Royal Tiger, MAL 310, of a style modelled by Dinky Toys. It now resides at The Nottingham Heritage Centre, Ruddington. Either side stands a lowbridge Leyland-bodied Titan PD2. These buses stood there for many years Lowlander 89 in the sepulchral gloom of Broadmarsh bus station, Nottingham, after the schoolrun from Clifton LNN 89E was the last Albion Lowlander built. Marketed as Leylands outside of Scotland and badged accordingly, it was highly appropriate that South Notts 89 latterly carried an Albion badge on its St. Helen's grille. This came about after a front end collision, when the company sought a replacement front and acquired one off a Scottish Lowlander, which were always badged as Albions South Notts 89 about to leave the yard for the afternoon school run down into Nottingham, which I sampled that day. By now, the Lowlanders were no longer performing regular main service duties. That afternoon, the remainder of them were lined up in the back yard LNN 89E picks up the schoolkids for the run into Nottingham. South Notts 89 awaits its hoard from Harry Carlton School, Lantern Lane, East Leake (thanks toRoger Bailey Ex South Notts 1977-1991 for the location) Lowlander line-up at Gotham - L-R : 84 WRR, BRR 85C, FRR 87D & 82 SVO. No. 87 has lost its upperdeck window vents NNN 100K is a Willowbrook / Bedford YRQ which, although a service bus, wears the two-tone blue coach scheme. It is seen alongside the signing-in shed at Gotham depot Arriving at Nottingham Broadmarsh, SCH 117X is a lowheight ECW-bodied Fleetline, the very last of the line and although a Leyland Fleetline FE30ALR, it had the privilege of being fitted with a traditional fluted Daimler badge. 117 had just about evry badge embellishment possible for the model on its engine nacelle as the last of the line. All of South Notts' Fleetlines had Leyland 'O.680' engines rather than Gardner and were much more lively as a result! VAL 306G, South Notts No. 91 was the second Leyland Atlantean PDR1/3 bought, entering service in April 1969. She is seen towards the top of the back yard at the depot VAL 307G departs from Broadmarsh, bound for Gotham village. The curved screen Northern Counties bodies were a great leap from the Lowlanders visually but had a habit or working loose around the glass! VAL 307G bound for Gotham. How dignified the livery looked, compared to today's garish offerings! VAL 307G is a rare Leyland Atlantean PDR1/3 - only 88 of this variant were built. The engine was the Leyland O.680 with pneumocyclic cross-shaft or As we head across Barton Moor, on the open stretch before Clifton, I took this shot of VAL 307G's topdeck. South Notts had a lovely ruby coloured moquette seat trim, with a small diamond pattern in it and a subtle patterned beige formica, which stood the test of time well Sat. 4 Jan. 1975 and an unbelievably ancient survivor! VO 8846, No. 17 was a venerable Leyland Lion 'LT5', entering service in January 1933 and withdrawn in April 1951. She had Willowbrook dual-purpose 32 seat bodywork, built just down the road in Loughborough. She still exists and was moved to a shed after standing here in the yard until the early 1980's!! A venerable line-up of withdrawn buses in Gotham yard

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Jun 8 2005 SOUTH WALES REGENTS http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c565346.html For the last few years of service, South Wales Transport of Swansea or De Cymru if you prefer, ran their remaining AEC Regent Mk.V's on the 14 from Quadrant Bus Station to Pennard. Their stay of execution was due to a very tight corner at Merton, by the village pub, that was just too much for bigger, modern buses to negotiate and how nice that was!! Saturday 4 June 2005: For the last few years of service, South Wales Transport of Swansea or De Cymru if you prefer, ran their remaining AEC Regent Mk.V's on the 14 from Quadrant Bus Station to Pennard. Their stay of execution was due to a very tight corner at Merton, by the village pub, that was just too much for bigger, modern buses to negotiate and how nice that was!!

CCY 989C arrives at the 14 terminus at Pennard, which is just up from the wonderful cliffs at this beautiful location on The Gower Peninsula I couldn't resist having my piccy taken with 869, proudly sporting my AEC T-shirt! Note that this Regent has vent louvres to the upperdeck front windows GWN 859D, South Wales 881, on the open stretch near Bishopston, heading back to Swansea on the 14 GWN 859D leaves the terminus at Pennard, for the return run to Swansea - the cliffs and the sea are over the horizon in the background Now this was a stroke of luck! GWN 859D was put out on the cross-town route 1 from Limeslade to Parc Gwernfadog, a very rare occurrence by this late stage in its career. Here we are at the Limeslade terminus, where the bus has to reverse up to this point. Note the conductor in classic stance! GWN 859D waits for time at Limeslade. I was very pleased to catch this bus on a route other than that to Pennard! 881 prepares to set off for Parc Gwernfadog from Limeslade on the 1/1A 881 is set off by a typical Gower background at Limeslade terminus At the other end of the route, 881 waits for time at the terminus at Parc Gwernfadog GWN 859D, SWT 881 amidst suburban bungalows at Parc Gwernfadog, a Swansea suburb on route 1 The same bus, 881 approaches 881 is seen in Swansea city centre during its rare stint on service 1 to Limeslade - no doubt a Bristol VR had failed! GWN 864D, SWT 886 approaches the T-junction before turning right for Plough Corner, as she comes up from Swansea GWN 864D heads away from The Plough & Harrow enroute to Swansea, an idyllic scene though even here we can detect Dutch Elm disease in the woodland on the right! GWN 864D shows what it was all about as she squeezes through the tight corner, as the lollipop man looks on - he'd seen it many times before! GWN 864D stands proud as she leaves the stop before turnign to Merton village. These short wheelbase AEC Regent Mk. V '2D3RA's with forward-loading Willowbrook 64 seater bodies were neat looking motors and I loved them! GWN 864 D approaches the junction at merton, coming up from Swansea after the climb from Mumbles. The house on the left looks straight out of GWN 864D comes up to Plough Corner from Pennard Oh no, not an Allegro! 886 avoided the temptation to crush it. GWN 867E comes up to the junction after Plough Corner, about to turn left for Swansea GWN 867E frightens the natives as she whines to a walking pace to take the corner for Pennard 889's driver must have been pleased for once that he had a clear road at Plough Corner, not that he would have known in advance. This was a lethal bend to take at best!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Jun 4 2005 The Skeggy line! http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c564166.html The wonderful line to Skegness, taken around Thorpe Culvert at Whitsun 1982, primarily to record the GNR "somersault" lower quadrant signals and "when Tulyar went to Skeggy", Sunday 13 August 1978 - were you there? Thursday 2 June 2005: The wonderful line to Skegness, taken around Thorpe Culvert at Whitsun 1982, primarily to record the GNR "somersault" lower quadrant signals and "when Tulyar went to Skeggy", Sunday 13 August 1978 - were you there?

On a scorching hot day, a pair of class 20's approach the crossing at Thorpe Culvert station, bound for Skegness on a The pair of 37 102 stands in Skegness station, after bringing in an ADEX from Cambridge on Sun. 13 August 1978 37 102 enjoys some great sunshine at Skegness, up from Cambridge for the day, on Sun. 13 August 1978 A class 37 heads for Skegness, at Thorpe Culvert, probably emanating from Cambridge Great Northern somersault signal in the wide open Lincolnshire countryside, as a class 47 heads for Skeggy A view by the crossing towards Allington Junction signalbox, where the line for Skegness diverges. A First Generation DMU is heading towards Nottingham Allington Box stands proud in open country and makes a fine sight! A view inside Allington Junction box, with the full array of bells and keys on the shelf above the signal levers. The crossing gates wheel and brake are visible in the foreground Allington Junction box is a classic, with typically elegant bargeboarding on the gable ends Allington Box with a wide open view of countryside all around across The Vale of Belvoir This shot was taken somewhere near Burton Road crossing, to the West of Heckington Village. The line behind the Cravens unit curves to the left and Heckington Station is about 200 yards further on. Great Hale church is just visible in the background. These units were my favourite class of DMU. I first remember them from early days of dieselisation on the Derby Midland to Lincoln St. Mark's line, with their swanback seats and at that time a lovely olive green moquette seat trim, embellished with gold quatrefoils A first generation DMU on a local passenger service enroute to Skegness, near Thorpe Culvert. It seemed back in 1982 that they would go on forever and they very nearly did! A typical gated crossing somewhere in Lincolnshire - anyone know where it is? Must be near to Heckington I think All the paraphernalia for the railway modeller, with linesmen's hut et al! I wonder if this period gate sign survives today? A field somewhere in Lincolnshire. Heckington Station's wonderful period nameboard - a marvellous survivor. This was in the 1980's. Evening sun on Heckington Station box, complete with slotted GNR signal post Heckington Station, probably most famous for its adjacent unique eight-sail tower windmill A warm evening glow descends over Heckington Station - look at those delightful old brick block paviors on the platform, shining in the light The pair of class 25's from Derby, flanked by a 47 and 55015 One of the unforgettable Peaks heads for the sea, past the superb GNR somersault signal near Thorpe Culvert Thorpe Culvert signalbox - a classic on the line and tilting slightly backwards (or was it me with the Bateman's Ales?!) Sunday 13 August 1978 and deltic 55 015 I arrived at Skeggy on Wainfleet Station. I was later to have the privilege of an afternoon in Wainfleet box and had a go at working the gates, plus pulling off a distant somersault signal - unforgettable! Thanks to signalman George Cargill for that. You can fairly smell the tar seeping out of the sleepers in this shot - the sun was blazing that day! Wyberton Box caught at dusk - great bargeboarding!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jun 2 2005 NORTHAMPTON DAIMLERS http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c562972.html Another favourite of mine was Northampton, with its period fleet of Daimler CVG6's, taking the last in 1969 for the home market, with classic Roe 27ft. 6in. bodies, vacuum brakes and pre-select gears to the very last - a real time capsule! We start back in 1982 - enjoy! Thursday 2 June 2005: Another favourite of mine was Northampton, with its period fleet of Daimler CVG6's, taking the last in 1969 for the home market, with classic Roe 27ft. 6in. bodies, vacuum brakes and pre-select gears to the very last - a real time capsule! We start back in 1982 - enjoy!

JVV 266G is seen at the terminus of route 14 at Parklands Northampton 266 is the penultimate Daimler CVG6, with Roe composite body, vacuum brakes and Daimler's pre-select gears, at a typical turning circle of many a municipal route, in the days before things became so hurried that we never 266 catches the late afternoon sun during 1982 Classic backloader, as JVV 266G waits for time at Parklands terminus on route 14 before heading back into town Yours truly posed with 266 - shame on me for wearing my AEC teeshirt alongside a Daimler classic!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jun 2 2005 STOCKPORT PD3's GMPTE_April 1982 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c561722.html Always a favourite of mine and many others, the former Stockport Corporation Leyland Titan PD3/14's were some of the last with Greater Manchester PTE and a magnet to all enthusiasts of the breed. Here we are in April 1982. Wednesday 1 June 2005: Always a favourite of mine and many others, the former Stockport Corporation Leyland Titan PD3/14's were some of the last with Greater Manchester PTE and a magnet to all enthusiasts of the breed. Here we are in April 1982.

MJA 891G, GMT 5891 and formerly Stockport 91, is a Leyland titan PD3/14 with East Lancs body, one of the last of a long line. Seen at Bramhall on the 372 Back in the depot, 5891 goes through the bus wash at Stockport Daw Bank MJA 891G rests up between duties at the bsu park in Stockport, with the new generation either side. The recently revised livery with added brown can be seen in the distance Passenger's view inside the lowerdeck of 5891 on the 372 to Bramhall 5891's topdeck, complete with translucent fibreglass double skin roof panels. an East lancs trademark, being sampled by my good friends Paul Johnson & Rob Nicholson MJA 891G at the terminus of the 372 in Bramhall, on a local Stockport service Rearwards view of the top deck on 5891 - note the genuine hide seats - a really rugged municipal interior! MJA 891G under the famous viaduct which overshadows Stockport Mersey Square The author in his younger days, posing with 5891 in Stockport bus park! MJA 894G, another of the last survivors, between duties in the depot at Stockport MJA 896G and a 1965 delivery by now a training bus, lurk inside the depot with another fellow inmate of the breed

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Jun 1 2005 DERBY TROLLEYBUSES http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c561563.html The Derby Corporation trolleybus system closed on Saturday 9 September 1967 - I was there to record the last two years, with my 1937 Ensign Selfix 320 bellows folding camera, so what you see is what you get. I hope you enjoy this little bit of social history - it has certainly taken me back, going through them all! There are also one or two shots taken since, with the surviving trolleys in preservation. Tuesday 31 May 2005: The Derby Corporation trolleybus system closed on Saturday 9 September 1967 - I was there to record the last two years, with my 1937 Ensign Selfix 320 bellows folding camera, so what you see is what you get. I hope you enjoy this little bit of social history - it has certainly taken me back, going through them all! There are also one or two shots taken since, with the surviving trolleys in preservation.

ARC 515, DCOD 215 is a 1949 Sunbeam F4 with BTH electrical equipment and Brush H30/26R body, seen at The Mitre on Harvey Road. No overhead wires here! This was a trip out with a mobile generator trailer in tow for power, some years after the system closed with 215 in preservation locally. She now resides at The Black Country Museum in Dudley - well worth a visit! Derby 215 is seen in the old turning circle at Shelton Lock, terminus of trolleybus route 60 ARC 515 with generator clearly in tow, formerly being a DMU power unit of BUT manufacture! Another shot at Shelton Lock terminus around 1980 Three Sunbeam F4/Brush trolleys, L-R ARC 490, ARC 509 & ARC 505 await collection for scrap by Autospares of Bingley, Sun. 10 Dec. 1966 at the back of Ascot Drive depot. Note my ancient bicycle complete with large bell in the foreground! About twenty years later, I managed to track down Autospares mysterious yard in an old quarry above Bingley but no sign of these motors, just a derelict Hull trolley - the rest had long gone. ARC 499, DCOD 199, a Sunbeam F4 with Brush H56R body, lurks inside Ascot Drive depot in January 1966. Note the lever to operate the frog (overhead point) on the traction pole in the foreground, which is why I took the shot! ARC 507, Derby 207 with trolleybooms down to allow the dupe to pass, on the regular 41 to Harvey Road at Allestree lane End. The unidentified DRC 2** behind is a rush hour extra, with the usual route number 02 for such workings. This was teatime on 6 Sept. 1966. I had gone down to see what was on from my grandparents' house and was delighted to find two trolleys at the terminus! ARC 507, Derby 207 heads back down Kedleston Road, opposite Markeaton Park allotments, towards the old Toll House and heading for town, April 1966, hotly pursued by a Ford Prefect and a Morris Minor 1000! ARC 507, Derby 207, one of two survivors of the batch by this time, waits in Victoria Street on the 31 to Osmaston Park Road, on a typically quiet Sunday, 30 July 1967 - only two more months to go A rear view of ARC 509, Derby 209, a 1949 Sunbeam F4 / Brush, waiting at the loading barrier in Victoria Street, outside the General Post Office, before heading to The Cavendish in March 1966 On Sunday 30 July 1967, the NTA hired 215 as the oldest survivor, along with 224 for a tour of the system. I followed it round town on my bicycle. Here 215 negotiates the roundabout at The Cavendish. The Fine Fare supermarket in the background stands on the site of the magnificent Cavendish cinema, once an Art Deco showpiece! DRC 216, a Sunbeam F4 with Willowbrook / Brush H60R body, at the Morden Green terminus. The trolley arrived as a 22 and then headed back to Osmaston Park Road as a 31 - January 1966 DRC 217 at Corden Avenue terminus on Uttoxeter Road, on Fri. 16 Dec. 1966. By this date, regular trolley workings had ceased on this route but this was a rush hour extra. Note the Council Karrier Bantam roadworks lorry on the right, dealing with the widening of the turning circle, to accommodate the new longer motorbuses, Daimler Fleetlines now running to here. The new kerbs and tarmac can be seen DRC 217, Derby 217, another Sunbeam F4 with Willowbrook / Brush H60R body, outside Derby Midland Station, bound for The Cavendish on the 55. The reason for these trolleys' bodies being classed as part Willowbrook was that they took over existing contracts when Brush finished its coachbuilding business, Derby having placed the order with Brush. Both firms were in Loughborough A rear view of Derby 217 at the same location and time. Note the distant broach spire of St. Andrew's, The Railwaymen's Church, demolished in 1970 and now the site of a DSS Office! My local route - DRC 219 is seen at The Markeaton Hotel, Allestree Lane End, terminus of the Kedleston Road route 11, which by this date returned as a 41 to harvey Road, Alvaston. The date is February 1966, a year to the month before this route closed DRC 220 is seen at the back of Ascot Drive depot on 11 June 1967, awaiting repair to a snapped trolleyboom. DRC 221, Derby 221 outside the Midland Station and heading for town in May 1966. She had only recently been repainted - one of the last! DRC 222 is seen out of service alongside the depot on Friday 21 July 1967. Accident damage can be observed on the nearside rear, including a smashed platform, following a collision with a furniture van. It had been planned to run this Willowbrook/Brush Sunbeam F4 until the end but instead it never ran again. It was simply uneconomic to repair the damage with six weeks until closure LAST DAY - LAST SHOT - DRC 223 stands in the Market Place on the afternoon of Saturday 9 September 1967. This was my last photo of a Derby trolleybus in service. I had ridden round the 41/22/31 circuit on this vehicle in the morning. Enthisiasts have decked it out with balloons and streamers. Derby did no formal decorating for the event but the Mayor did turn out for the last departure from Victoria Street. I missed it all that night, exhausted after chasing round all afternoon with my camera, following a morning riding the last routes! DRC 223 on Osmaston Park Road, just after The Mitre island. I stepped off to take this shot and chatted to the conductress, Joan Hobson, before continuing my ride I took this view of the overhead wires in Victoria Street from the top deck of DRC 223 during my ride on the last day, before we set off for Morden Green Morden Green terminus on the last day and conductress Joan Hobson poses for me alongside DRC 223, after my lengthy ride on this trolley. I caught up with Joan some years later for a chat in her flat, not long before she sadly died of cancer. 215 hides behind 224 on Ashbourne Road. This was the original terminus for the route prior to the extension to Mackworth Estate in 1952/3. The Royal School for The Deaf later moved to a site just beyond the two trolleybuses Sunday 30 July 1967 and the NTA tour with 224 leading, posed for photos on Bateman Street, disused since the service to The Cavendish ceased in December 1966 Sun. 30 July 1967 sees 224 & 215 pose for the camera in Corporation Street, outside The council House where the decision to abandon the system was taken! 224 & 215 again on the NTA tour of Sun. 30 July 1967, in Corporation Street, with the chimneys of Derby Power Station on Full Street in the background. This long gone edifice once provided power for the trolleybuses, using a cheap surplus from what was then locally produced power 224 & 215 on the NTA tour at Shelton Lock terminus. For some reason, although trolleybuses were still working the route, there was one interloper in the form of a daimler CVG6 / Roe, seen here in front of the tour. It was the only motorbus on the route that day After negotiating The Cavendish island, 224 & 215 pose for photos on Walbrook Road, once part of the service from Uttoxeter Road to the Midland Station but by Sun. 30 July 1967 normally the preserve of motorbuses, since December 1966 DRC 224 is seen at The Mitre on Harvey Road, on the 41 bound for the Market Place on 24 July 1967. The retriever pole comes out for the booms on DRC 224 after I had returned to Market Place from Shelton Lock onboard this trolley, seen across parked cars. The Market Place was used as a car park at this time. Sat. 9 Sept. 1967 - LAST DAY April 1966 finds DRC 225 at the Cavendish, on the 33/55 circuit. Note the advert for Offilers Ales on The Cavendish Hotel. They became part of Bass in 1967. At one time, the Browning Street route headed off to the right of the picture here but closed to trolleys in March 1960. LAST TROLLEY WEEK - Mon. 4 Sept. 1967 - DRC 227 on the 41 passes DRC 216 on Shelton Lock 60 in The market Place. Note how The Assembly Rooms are now a gutted shell with scaffolding DRC 227 at Ascot Drive on the last day. Enthusiasts have wound up Cemetery on the destination blind. This had not been displayed in service since closure of the Nottingham Road route back in 1962 DRC 229 of the 1952/3 batch of Willowbrook-Brush H60R / Sunbeam F4's, seen inside the depot entrance at Ascot Drive on 11 June 1967, about to set off for duty on Shelton Lock 60, bound for the Market Place Tues. 29 Aug. 1967 and DRC 229 heads out under the old Great Northern railway bridge in Friargate, bound for Morden Green on the 22. The trolleys had to take to the centre of the road here for better clearance and the warning sign on the bridge remained for some years after closure. The bridge still stands today, listed but disused since 1969 DRC 229 heads down London Road near Midland Road junction, enroute for The Market Place on a 41 on the last day, Sat. 9 Sept. 1967 DRC 230 on Kedleston Road, pulls away from Longford Street, by Clovelly Hotel on Tues. 20 Sept. 1966. 230 was destined to be the LAST TROLLEY ON THIS ROUTE on 11 February 1967 when I rode on it from the terminus to this stop. The scene has changed much and the hotel was demolished during 2005. This was a stop which I used regularly when visiting my grandmother in Longford Street. Note the Standard Vanguard Phase 4! DRC 233 waits with trolleybooms down in The Market Place on the last day. Booms were lowered to allow other trolleys to pass. There had beena bit of a jam that last day. The conductor is Gresham, a friendly chap who later became a motorbus driver DRC 233 is on the left, waiting for time in Victoria Street, April 1966 DRC 235 heads back down Ashbourne Road on the 31, at markeaton Hill above the park of the same name, after leaving Prince Charles Avenue on the Mackworth Estate, the last extension to the system in 1952/3. This was taken on a very frosty afternoon, Tues. 3 January 1967 I took this shot from the rear platform of SCH 238, Roe/Sunbeam F4A as we headed down St. Peter's St. from Shelton Lock - the distant trolley following us is SCH 236 at The Spot, also coming in from Shelton Lock on the last day, 9 Sept. 1967 SCH 237, one of the 1960 Roe / Sunbeam F4A's, suffers a dewirement at ivy Square on Osmaston Road, outward bound for Shelton Lock on the 60, whilst the conductress stands hands on hips on the centre reservation, waiting for the tower wagon to come and assist. Although all trolleys carried a retriever pole, not all wayward booms could be rescued by them! Mon. 24 July 1967 Trolleybus mayhem at Shelton Lock terminus. Four trolleys are in the turning circle, due to a major traffic jam in town on the last day. They are, from the rear, 233, 224, 236 & 238. Never to be seen again! Four trolleybuses bunch up in the turning circle at Shelton Lock on the last day : from the front,238 & 236 (Roe / Sunbeam F4A's) followed by Willowbrook-Brush / Sunbeam F4's 224 & 233 SCH 237 is seen at Morden Green terminus on Prince Charles Avenue 20 March 1967 A general view of Mackworth Estate terminus at morden Green, looking towards Ashbourne Road with a rear view of 237, 20 March 1967 I like this one. Mon. 4 Sept. 1967, the start of the last week and SCH 239 heads down Peartree Road in Normanton, on the 22 for Morden Green. The traction pole in the foreground clearly shows its paint scheme, a grey base with Brunswick Green above. The trolleybuses were Olive Drab and Cream. SCH 241, Derby Corporation 241, was a 1960 Sunbeam F4A with Roe H65R body, new in 1960. It is seen in Derby Market Place in January 1966, on Shelton Lock 60 service. The backdrop is the magnificent Assembly Rooms, gutted by fire in 1963. The facade was later dismantled and re-erected at Crich Tramway Museum. The Market Place is fairly unrecognisable today SCH 241, Derby 241 of the final batch of trolleys bought in 1960, a very handsome Roe H65R / Sunbeam F4A, waits for time at Kedleston Road route terminus by The Markeaton Hotel at Allestree Lane End. This is possibly my favourite of the trolley shots I took! The date is April 1966

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue May 31 2005 BURTON-ON-TRENT/ESDC BUSES http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c556113.html A selection of Burton's much lamented buses, during latter days under the auspices of East Staffordshire District Council, before the Stevensons takeover and ultimate oblivion. Tuesday 28 May 1985: A selection of Burton's much lamented buses, during latter days under the auspices of East Staffordshire District Council, before the Stevensons takeover and ultimate oblivion.

MFA 704G seen in withdrawn condition in the yard at Wetmore Road, after Stevensons took over ESDC. The bus is a Willowbrook Daimler Fleetline SRG6LW, formerly No. 104 but now bearing just 4 Let's open the boot and see what's there! MFA 704 G's engine compartment reveals the Gardner '6LW' 8.37 litre diesel. To the nearside can be seen the air compressor (green) and main air bath Sister bus MFA 805G seen minus destination blind in Wetmore Road depot yard, Burton in 1986. This was one of three bought by the erstwhile Burton Corporation in 1969, its first rear-engined buses NFA 14M Still displaying East Staffs DC lettering, the successor to Burton Corporation from 1974, NFA 14M sports an advert for Marstons. the famous local brewery MFA 805G, ESDC 105, one of three Daimler Fleetline SRG6LW's with Willowbrook bodywork, the first rear-engined motors to be bought by Burton Corporation after the last of the legendary Daimler CCG5's arrived in 1968 MFA 805G is seen in its final paint scheme of red, blue and off-white, parked up outside Etwall Parish Church, awaiting a deluge of schoolkids from John Port School, a massive comprehensive in Etwall village

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue May 28 1985 FELIX OF STANLEY, ILKESTON http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c547567.html Some pictures of this often unsung Derbyshire Independent, when it still employed the dignified maroon and red livery. Nowadays, the maroon has given way to white, under the branded route name "The Black Cat", with joint working alongside TrentBarton but I have to say I preferred the old scheme by a mile! Friday 20 May 2005: Some pictures of this often unsung Derbyshire Independent, when it still employed the dignified maroon and red livery. Nowadays, the maroon has given way to white, under the branded route name "The Black Cat", with joint working alongside TrentBarton but I have to say I preferred the old scheme by a mile!

F 697 HNU, seen when new in Derby Bus Station, is a Leyland Tiger Felix plies between Derby and Ilkeston, with the depot on Station Road at Stanley, near West Hallam Rear view of the Plaxton / Tiger, showing its neat lines set off by the dignified maroon and red livery F 697 HNU had a bright and airy interior, with a very restful moquette and was a comfortable and lively ride! FRR 686V was a late Bedford YMT / Plaxton Supreme IV Express bus grant lightweight coach to be added to the fleet new. It is seen on the service to Ilkeston in Derby Bus Station DTN 958 W was a Leyland Leopard PSU3 / Plaxton Supreme IV Express bought by Felix during the post-deregulation chaos. It is seen here in Corporation Street, Derby, coming in on the 13.00h ex Ilkeston, on Fri. 28 Nov. 1986.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Fri May 20 2005 Midland Red D9 to Ludlow http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c510070.html A memorable day out when Midland Red North, Delta Way, Cannock ran their restored BMMO D9 BHA 399C on the X92 Birmingham to Ludlow via Bewdley, Sunday 11 July 1982 Sunday 11 July 1982: A memorable day out when Midland Red North, Delta Way, Cannock ran their restored BMMO D9 BHA 399C on the X92 Birmingham to Ludlow via Bewdley, Sunday 11 July 1982

BHA 399C, Midland Red 5399, in Bewdley The D9 arrives in Ludlow town centre BHA 399C sets down in Ludlow before heading to the Midland Red South garage, after the memorable run from Birmingham The D9 in Bewdley town centre Passengers view from the lowerdeck front seat, as we roar along to Ludlow BHA 399C makes a special stop for photographers on the celebrated Clee Hill, a well-known Shropshire landmark and beauty spot The D9 looks resplendent in her old BMMO red as she poses on Clee Hill Lower deck of the D9. Note the BMMO casting on the flywheel housing! The D9 looking rearwards downstairs, with that wonderful period moquette, a real throwback to the Art Deco era of the 1930's in a restful plum and beige View forwards from the back of the D9's upperdeck The upperdeck of the D9 is less restrained, with that loud pink ceiling and red leatherette. Note the modular seatbacks, designed specially by Midland Red, so that passengers, posture does not affect one another - quite unique. Note the lift up flap in the rear dome - to let the smoke out presumably! A nice period style advert between decks sets off the D9, as she rests at Ludlow garage before heading back to Brum A well earned rest,as 5399 lays over at Ludlow Garage, before the return run to Birmingham The D9 is a wonderful machine, with BMMO's own 10 litre diesel, SCG semi-automatic gearbox with centrifugal clutch and metalastic suspension, along with hydraulic disc brakes. To all intents and purposes, the D9 gave the London Routemaster a run for its money, in terms of technical advancement and ride quality! Whilst at Ludlow, I had to include this from my local fleet, trent of Derby. DRC 543J is an Alexander / Daimler Fleetline which Midland red acquired. The batch left Trent suddenly as crew operation ended in 1980 and of course Midland red had some similar ones anyway. A nice motor this one! Also in Ludlow, parked opposite the garage in the overspill was this ex Stratford Blue Alexander Y-type / Leyland Leopard, XNX 136H, now preserved I believe in its original blue and cream

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun Jul 11 1982 TRENT BUSES http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c500663.html Some of my shots of Trent Motor Traction Co. Ltd. of Derby, dating back to 1959 and my first film! Wednesday 13 April 2005: Some of my shots of Trent Motor Traction Co. Ltd. of Derby, dating back to 1959 and my first film!

BRC 309 seen at Woodlands Road Top on the old Allestree Circular 57A, taken on my first film, in Summer 1959, using an Ensign E29 box camera! The bus is an AEC Regal Mk.III '6821X' featuring the AEC A173 7.7litre diesel but rare in having a Crossley synchromesh gearbox. The dual purpose 33 seat body is by Willowbrook of Loughborough and the seats were a fantastic green fern moquette, set off by wonderful Odeon style fluted white glass interior lights. LRA 801P emerges from Laburnum Crescent, Allestree during a diversion of the local route 4 LRC 454, the surviving trent 1958 Leyland Titan PD3/4, with Willowbrook H73RD body, reversing in Laburnum Crescent, Allestree on a regular driver training duty. This location was once the terminus for the Allestree 58A, an evening extension of the 58 from Harewood Road, where conductors had to blow their whistle for the driver to stop! LRC 454 heads past our house at Woodlands Top, Allestree on driver training in the 1980's. By this tiem she had been repainted in original Ayres red and Ivory livery. OCY 907R i s a former South Wales Transport, Swansea Bristol VRT, bought secondhand and destined to be the last VR in trent service, seen on Laburnum Crescent, Allestree on a diverted route 4 ORC 768, a very late survivor of Trent's early semi-lowbridge Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1's. seen at Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston in Jubilee year, on Sat. 28 May 1977 PRR 445 R, RCH 518F is seen after sale to Kimes of Folkingham, Lincs. and is an Alexander-bodied Daimler Fleetline, the most handsome of buses OWJ 168A is a former Trent Leyland Tiger Cub, re-registered and sold to Thornhill Poultry Packers near Buxton, for staff transport. It is passing through The Wardwick back in Derby, after receiving attention at Meadow Road garage and now heading for Trent's former Uttoxeter New Road works, since closed when the company relocated its HQ to Langley Mill, the old home of Midland General OCH 565L at Pastures Hospital, Mickleover OCH 565L, one of the company's final batch of Daimler Fleetlines, which featured normalheight bodies by Eastern Coachworks. These buses had the Leyland style pneumocyclic air gearshift but mounted on the steering column, rather than a floor pedestal 565 is seen on Hospital Lane, Mickleover at the terminus of the part-day service 19 to Pastures Hospital. The site is now a housing estate XAU 700 Y, Trent's first leyland Olympian, in corporate NBC Poppy Red garb, heads out for Allestree up Kedleston Road on the 51 Trent XCH 706 Y heads out from Derby's 1930's Art Deco bus station, soon to disappear in 2005 sadly. It was a flagship when opened, designed by Mr. Aslin the Borough Architect. A shame it can't be rebuilt at a museum like Wythall! XCH 706Y, the only one of Trent's first batch of Leyland Olympians to be painted in traditional BET Group Ayres red & Ivory for an anniversary of the company and very nice too. Seen at Bromley Street stop on Kedleston Road, heading into town on the 52 from Allestree Trent Olympian 706 in anniversary guise, in traditional BET Group Ayres Red and Ivory livery, looking as good from the back as the front! Summer 1959 and RC 9006, Trent 742, an AEC Regal Mk.I / Willowbrook B35F, stands at Woodlands Road Top on the Allestree Circular 57A. These were my favourite saloons. I took this on my first film, using an Ensign E29 box camera with 129 roll film! One of Trent's ECW-bodied Leyland Atlantean AN68's on a diversion of the Ashbourne via Cross 'o the Hands 109, passing Quarndon Water Tower on Woodlands Lane KJD 19P, one of two ex-London DMS's acquired thirdhand from South Wales Transport at Swansea, seen descending Ford Lane, Allestree on the old service via Darley Abbey, route 3, which no longer runs. Ford Lane now has no service of its own Trent 550 catches the sunlight as it heads down Ford Lane on Allestree route 3, now just a memory, as is this bus F600 GVO, Alexander R-type bodied Volvo Citybus, the first of the initial batch for Trent, seen on a special run out for photos when new, at Shipley Country Park F 600 GVO is seen in the immediate post NBC Trent livery of Ayres Red and Silver. These were the first doubledeckers bought by Trent after privatisation and were handsome buses. Sadly they and the second 'G' reg batch both had short lives, due to competition from The Robin Hood Line and trent's decision to abandon doubledeck operation. The Volvo Citibus was a fine piece of engineering, based on the B10M mid-underfloor engined coach chassis. Unfortunately, althopugh it provided an excellent drive train, the high floor was against it in today's climate of easy access. It was also unavailable in lowheight form - put a drop-centre back axle in this and the engine would have dragged on the floor! Rear shot of F600 GV), Volvo Citibus with Volvo THD102 9.6 litre turbo six-cyl. diesel and ZF Ecomat 4HP500 4-speeed automatic transmission, to my mind the smoothest and sweetest of them all! Interior view of F600 GVO lowerdeck, with the then latest striped moquette trim After the Trent fire at Meadow Road, the tree trimmer helps with the clean up as we see a burnt out 1962 Leyland Atlantean with Weymann body, usually based at the Wirksworth sub-depot, awaiting its fate in the background. It was a sore point with Wirksworth staff that they lost this motor - it got scrapped soon after KCH 127 seen in Erewash Travel's Yard at Hallam Fields, Ilkeston was still dressed in Trent style livery, after having left the fleet some years before. It is a 1957 Leyland Titan PD2/12, of the last vacuum braked buses delivered and has MCW Orion body with austere brown leatherette seating, not one of my favourites but a steady plodder A passeneger's view inside the lowerdeck of KCH 122, as I head back into Derby, driver Brian Parry who retired a few years back. This was taken Tues. 23 Nov. 1976 KCH122, Trent 592, one of the last of the 1957 Leyland Titan PD2/12's with MCW Orion bodies in service, in the centre of Spondon on the 9A, as I await to catch it back into Derby, Tues. 23 Nov. 1976 KCH 122. one of the last remaining Leyland Titan PD2/12's with MCW Orion H59RD body, new to Trent in 1957, heads out of the original Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham, on the site of part of the old Victoria Railway Station, about 20 years later KUC 991P, the second trent bus to bear fleet No. 551, was a thirdhand ex London Transport DMS class Fleetline, acquired from South Wales of Swansea. It is seen on route 16 to Mickleover,loading in Albert Street. The livery is the initial post NBC of Ayres Red and Silver ECH 238 C is a 1965 Leyland Leopard, one of the last survivors of its batch, on an uncommon working to Bunny on the 101, heading out of Derby Bus Station around 1975 LRC 454 heads down The Morledge in Derby, bound for Belper on the LRC 452, one of the last three Leyland Titan PD3/4's still in service with Trent at the time, heads out of Nottingham Victoria Bus Station around 1977, bound for Chesterfield on the 63 LRC 455 Willowbrook / PD3 after sale by Trent, one of a pair operated by Lamcote Motors on school duties, seen at their depot in Radcliffe-on-Trent MRC 507E, a 1967 Daimler Fleetline / Alexander, is seen after relegation to a driver trianer in NBC white, at Woodlands Road Top, a regular venue for such duties at the time, in the early 1980's MRC 507 E outside our house at Woodlands Top, Allestree, derby. 571 always looked massive and had a vast staircase - two people could almost pass on it with suitcases! It was a great ride but drivers always complained that the side visibilty was poor, especially as bad weather seemed to create a lot of dirt build-up on the mirrors and side cab glasses ONN 571P, paintwork gleaming, soon after it entered service for the second time, this time with Willowbrook body, in Derby Bus Station on local service 51 to Blagreaves Lane, Littleover, 12.15h Tues. 22 Nov. 1977 571 on Thurs. 10 Nov. 1977 - my first sighting of her after returning from Willowbrook with her new body, seen behind Meadow Road garage in Derby. Some wag has set the blind to MOB Lowestoft, a jibe at the original bodybuilders ECW no doubt! ONN 571P, the unique Willowbrook re-bodied Leyland Atlantean AN68/1R at Woodlands Top, Allestree on special duties, seen in its final livery of Ayres Red and Barton cream. After sale by Trent, it went to the West Midlands Bus Museum at Wythall but I understand it is now lurking somewhere in Wales! 571 was originally bodied by ECW but the first body was destroyed in the Meadow Road depot fire in 1977. The replacement Willowbrook body was cobbled together using up remaining parts left at the factory from earlier designs and has its heritage in the design of the Trent Titan PD3's from way back in 1958! PRA 110R, Alexander T-Type / Leyland Leopard 110, seen in a one-off revival of the old BET Ayres Red and Ivory. A shame that the company did not re-adopt this scheme. 110 looked very handsome in it! Alexander T-Type 110 in Derby Bus Station on the 245 Chesterfield via Alfreton. These dual-purpose vehicles had a nasty habit of throwing rain water through the fresh air blowers in the luggage racks and when cornering heavily, the front wheels rubbed on the wheelarches. Still nice motors though and very tuneful pneumocyclic gearboxes, especially in the seldom used bottom crawler gear in the 5-speed box! Trent 110 shows off its full 36 feet length against a backdrop of Derby's 1930's masterpiece of a bus station, due to close in 2005 Former Trent 518 and latterly 918 with Kimes in a typically rural Lincolnshire setting Matching pair - Alexander / Daimler Fleetlines RCH 526 & 7F from 1968, rst over between duties at Derby Bus Station around 1976

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Apr 13 2005 REDFERN COACHES_Mansfield & Harthill http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c500227.html Redfern Coaches (Forest Town) Ltd. was a Nottinghamshire-based operator with a depot in Mansfield and a subsidiary, Kirkby Andrews, based at Harthill near Sheffield and these are shots from its fleet around 1982. They are now part of Johnsons and the livery is changed to emerald green and yellow I believe. Wednesday 13 April 2005: Redfern Coaches (Forest Town) Ltd. was a Nottinghamshire-based operator with a depot in Mansfield and a subsidiary, Kirkby Andrews, based at Harthill near Sheffield and these are shots from its fleet around 1982. They are now part of Johnsons and the livery is changed to emerald green and yellow I believe.

850 FNN on the ramp at Harthill 850 FNN on the service ramp at Harthill depot. These ex Barton NCME / AEC Regents were some of my favourite buses of alltime. Redferns ran a total of four. In addition to 850 & 854, they also had 853 FNN but it was written off in a head-on smash with an East Midland Leyland National and got replace by 962 PRR, an identical bus from the later batch from Barton, built in 1963 854 FNN in rural Notts. at the end of the afternoon schoolrun 854 FNN, Redfern's No.54, seen at a village at the end of the afternoon schoolrun from Kiveton Park. The attractive livery is Middle Masons Green, Lagoon Blue and White, from the Derby paintmaker Masons, sadly now closed down. They supplied paint to many bus operators Fuel stop for 854, at Pryor Mede depot, as 850 lurks in the background 854 FNN gathering dust inside the Chesterfield garage, in need of a new AEC AV590 engine 854 & 850 FNN were both new to Barton Transport in 1960. They are seen on the forecourt of the depot of Redfern subsidiary Kirkby Andrews, at Pryor Mede, off Woodhall Lane, Harthill. The stylish lowbridge 70 seat bodies are by Northern Counties of Wigan, mounted on AEC Regent Mk. V '2D3RA' chassis FJA 205D looks striking with its go faster stripes in Middle Masons Green, Lagoon Blue and White at Sherwood Baths, Mansfield FJA 205D is a 1966 lowheight Alexander-bodied Daimler Fleetline, new to North Western of Stockport. By 1982, it was seen here with Redferns at Sherwood Swimming Baths in Mansfield, sporting a dummy grille taken from a Bristol Lodekka. It certainly made it look different! Typical interior of an Alexander D -type with red leatheretter trim Lindley St. depot in Mansfield, with ex SYPTE Fleetline GWA 816N & JVM 993N ex Greater Manchester, Tues. 19 July 1988 Lindley St. depot, Mansfield sees ex Reading VR NRD 53M keeping company with former SYPTE & GMPTE 'deckers, Tues. 19 July 1988. We move on a year or two. This is Redfern's depot in Chesterfield around 1985 and a former Reading Bristol VRTLL2/6G 33-footer is seen, fitted with dual-door Northern Counties bodywork. These massive buses were knicknamed 854 & 850 FNN await the afternoon's school run, which I had the pleasure of joining, thanks to the ever helpful Mrs. Parker at the depot, who always kindly arranged for me to ride out on the school run!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Apr 13 2005 Delaine of Bourne http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c493166.html Some pictures of the celebrated Lincolnshire Independent Operator ,whom I know very well Tuesday 1 October 1985: Some pictures of the celebrated Lincolnshire Independent Operator ,whom I know very well

DTL 489D was Delaine's first rear-engined bus in Feb. 1966, seen here in 1982 at Spalding Road depot. Fleet No. 60, it is a Leyland Atlantean PDR1/2 with semi-lowheight Willowbrook 76 seat body. It actually carries a Duple makers plate, as this was the period in which they controlled the Loughborough company. The livery si Oxford Blue, Valentine's Light Blue and Austin-Morris Pale Ivory No. 60 shows off its well rounded front dome. The PDR1/2 Atlantean was a bit of a hybrid, being Leyland's first attempt at a proper lowheight chassis, using the Albion drop-centre back axle and unlike the other Atlantean versions, featuring a Daimatic gearbox as used on the Fleetline Possibly the most elegant ever rear-engined design of bodywork, DTL489D displays the characteristic Delaine side moulding flashes The Willowbrook Atlanean PDR1/2 easily fits in the garage at Bourne, with its overall height of 14ft.0 1/2 inch. The body order was tagged onto a batch being delivered to Coventry City Transport at around the same time, on both Atlantean and Fleetline chassis DTL 489D displays its gorgeous moquette upholstery. Holdsworth's No. 80 DTL 489D had a sumptuous interior for its era, even down to moquette trim on the reverse of the seatbacks, possibly unknown since the last of the Birmingham standards of the early 1950's, even then a rarity! KTL 27Y, Delaine No. 93 is a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/2RZ with ZF manual gearbox and Duple Dominant B59F bus bodywork, seen in Bourne Bus Station. She was new in January 1983 and was sold to Fowler of Holbeach Drove in February 2004 KTL 27Y sets off for Peterborough, with typical Lincolnshire market town buildings in Bourne as a backdrop EKR 152L was the second of a pair of Northern Counties bodied Leyland Atlantean AN68/1R's to be purchased from Maidstone, when that municipal went over to singledeck operations NXS 100 L< Delaine No. 88 lit up by the security light on a very dull afternoon at the Blackstone works, Kevin Delaine-Smith having driven her there A very smart Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean AN68, bought by Delaine's from Graham's of Paisley, waits for the workmen on a rainy teatime at the Mirrlees Blackstone engine factory in Stamford. The Skegness destination is a bit of tongue in cheek! No. 88 turns at Morton Church before returning to the garage on Spalding Road, Bourne This was one of my favourite Delaine machines, even though by their standards its all red leatherette seat trim was a bit functional NXS 100 L is almost dwarfed by Morton Church tower, a typically magnificnet Lincolnshire edifice With the magnificent backdrop of Morton Parish Church, The Delaine No.88 finishes the afternoon's workmen's run from the Blackstone factory at Stamford MTL 750 was the last bus ordered by T.A. Smith before he died, he being the father of the late Hugh Delaine-Smith, so when Vaggs went out of business, Hugh decided to rescue it for preservation, donating it to Leicestershire Museum of Technology, who did a magnificent job of completely rebuilding it MTL 750 is seen in the back yard at delaine's depot in Spalding Road, Bourne as rescued from Vaggs of Knockin Heath, Shropshire, where it had lain out of use for some time Rear view of MTL 750, the unique leyland tiger Cub bodied as the only such one by W.S. Yeates of Loughborough.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue Oct 1 1985 FODEN-NC_"The Magnificent Seven?" http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c490990.html Only seven Foden-NC's were built, although one had an East Lancs body and was strictly a Foden-EL (for South Yorkshire PTE). The model never went into series production, although Derby's 101 was the last built and would have been the nearest to a production type of any of the prototypes. A shame that the model failed, in no small part due to the Foden transfer box in the transmission and the thirsty fuel drag of the Allison gearbox. Derby converted their's to Voith D851 before premature scrapping. Saturday 1 July 1978: Only seven Foden-NC's were built, although one had an East Lancs body and was strictly a Foden-EL (for South Yorkshire PTE). The model never went into series production, although Derby's 101 was the last built and would have been the nearest to a production type of any of the prototypes. A shame that the model failed, in no small part due to the Foden transfer box in the transmission and the thirsty fuel drag of the Allison gearbox. Derby converted their's to Voith D851 before premature scrapping.

Derby City Transport's unique Foden-NC, WTO 101S is seen at the Cornmarket traffic lights, a Buses Only exit, in its early days WTO 101 S, Derby 101, at WTO 101S, Derby City Transport 101, is seen in Victoria Street. Tne Foden-NC badge is very prominent in this view Heading for Henley Green on the 124, WTO 101S is seen by the old Evening Telegraph building, the former Corn Exchange in Albert Street, about to be overtaken by a Trent Alexander / Fleetline going to Pastures Hospital on the 15H Virtually new, Derby's 101 heads round darwin Place on the notorious Inner Ring Road, a 1970's nightmare, enroute to Perth Street Heading into town from Perth Street on the 124, The Foden-NC is gleaming new. Behind can be seen Trent's Meadow Road garage Having just come under the old Great Northern bridge in Georgian Friargate, WTO 101S is on her way to Henley Green up Ashbourne Road on the 124 In ex-works condition, the brand new Foden-NC at perth Street outer terminus in Derby. This was the only Foden-NC to go to a municipal operator rather than a PTE or the solitary one for NBC company PMT Drrby 101 out of action yet again. She sat for nearly a year at the end of her time. The last estimate for a set of new transfer gears was £2000 and sealed her fate after 8 years WTO 101S, the Derby Foden-NC, awaits the scrapman at Ascot Drive depot, after being stripped of usable parts. Thurs. 20 March 1986 Fri. 7 Feb. 1986. Derby 101 in the workshop, on the occasion of the last attempt to repair the troublesome transfer box. The output drive connection from the Gardner 6LXB can be seen here Derby 101's WTO 101S over the pits in Ascot drive workshop, a fairly regular occurrence during her short career. Fri. 7 Feb. 1986 Derby 101 receiving atention to the mitre box, of Foden's own manufacture and sadly not up to the job. Fri. 7 Feb. 1986 Fri. 7 Feb. 1986. The disassembled Foden transfer gearbox lies of the workshop floor at derby during 1986. The word Foden cast into the casing can be seen on the right WTO 101S, the only Foden-NC to go to a municipal operator, is seen at the terminus at Windy ridge of route 170, known as Greater Manchester PTE PNE 358 R, the second prototype, passes the Aet Deco glass Daily Express offices in Central Manchester in early days PNE 358 R, sadly missing its Foden PNE 358 R shows off its rather ill-fitting engine boot lid in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester in the mid 1980's Derby City Transport WTO 101 S, the last built of the seven modern rear-engined Foden-NC's and the style that would have formed the production model, especially in relation to the rear-engine cover. 101 gleams as it leaves St. James's St. in 1978

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Jul 1 1978 DERBY DAIMLER FLEETLINES http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c490934.html A selection of my photos of the standard double-decker at Derby for many years, the Roe-bodied Daimler Fleetline, sometimes knicknamed "the Roe Nasty"! Friday 1 April 2005: A selection of my photos of the standard double-decker at Derby for many years, the Roe-bodied Daimler Fleetline, sometimes knicknamed "the Roe Nasty"!

HRC 173C, numerically Derby's second Fleetline, on the 11A Kingsway Hospital service, an occasional run to this mental hospital which has since closed. The bus looks well in the attractive grounds of the institution Derby 173, the second 1965 Fleetline, basks in Winter sun and snow at Kingsway Hospital UCH 210G on the 39 Victory Road workmen's service, another part-day duty, seen outside the famous Rolls Royce factory on Victory Road XCH 437G on Uttoxeter Road, having arrived at the City Hospital on route 42, another special duty to serve this place, on a bleak Winter's afternoon when I ventured out to capture the scene Derby 237 exhibits the between decks orange band, officially called XCH 437G, Derby 237 on another part-day duty, the 27A to the now-demolished Derwent Hospital, the one-time isolation hospital for infectious diseases. A cold snowy day and the heaters were not efficient on this bus! XCH 437G, Derby 237 stands outside The Manor Hospital on Uttoxeter road, now demolished, having turned at the island after setting down passengers at City Hospital on the opposite side of the road, on a very bleak snowy Saturday. The service route 42 only ran at visiting times. CRC 245J. one of the first batch of restyled Roe bodies, much more modern, seen later in its life in revised livery, with the Morningmist grey extended down to the top of the lowerdeck windows. The scene is Old Chester Road, terminus of long-defunct part-day service 4A UCH 212G at Derwent Hospital on the 27A, with driver and conductress John & Ann Lacey, a rare husband and wife team. Long gone are the days of crew operation! 227 waits for time on the 153, at Littleover Lane route terminus at Brayfield Road Classic rear view of derby 227 at Littleover Lane 153 terminus, nowadays a route served only by minibuses XCH427G, Derby 227, waits for departure to Littleover Lane in the Morledge, on route 153 XCH 428G, Derby 228 at St. Alban's Road terminus, with driver Geoff Turner I've twiddled the sideblind to something appropriate on 228 - crews could seldom be bothered with this facility and it was often left

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Fri Apr 1 2005 Devon General Grey Cars weekend 1988 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c490808.html A selection of photos from a wonderful weekend in Torquay, celebrating the 75th. Anniversary of Grey Cars, the old coaching wing of The Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co. Ltd., to give its full title, in early May 1988 Sunday 1 May 1988: A selection of photos from a wonderful weekend in Torquay, celebrating the 75th. Anniversary of Grey Cars, the old coaching wing of The Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co. Ltd., to give its full title, in early May 1988

Grey Cars Willowbrook / AEC Reliance 890 ADV, shows off its rear end styling at Torre Abbey, after the run from Paignton Later Willowbrook / AEC Reliance Grey Cars 960 HTT tries to mimick a Ford Anglia with that back window - a bit of an oddball this one! Former Devon General Albion Nimbus with Willowbrook body, not the most reliable of motors An early Roe / Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 which should have been on special service but had spring trouble on the day CTT 513C arrives at Hesketh Crescent from Torquay town centre CTT 513C, Park Royal / AEC Regent Mk.V '2D3RA' alongside the AEC Regal, with Chris Jeavons conducting for the day! Seen inside Newton Road depot in Torquay before the start of the day's running 513 is an AEC Regent Mk. V '2D3RA' with park Royal 30 foot body. If you look to the distance, you can see the blue of the sea! 513 looks superb as she basks in the dappled sun at Hesketh Crescent. This CTT 513C arrives at Hesketh Crescent - Gerald Truran caught chatting to the driver! CTT 513C belongs to Colin Shears from Winkleigh and a little later waa fitted with a splitter gearbox from an AEC lorry, which in low ratio gave an added whine of a somewhat Albion flavour A side view of 513 at Hesketh Crescent shows off its full 30 feet length The Devon General livery softens the lines of the PRV body quite a bit The Grey Cars Regal and the Mark V inside Newton Road, Gerald Truran chatting to fellow enthusiasts CTT 513C awaits departure from Hesketh Crescent - a pity such sights in the suburbs are a thing of the past! CT 513C at Hesketh Crescent, highlighted by the glorious sunshine No shortage of takers for a ride on 513, seen after we arrived back in Torquay - how well she looks in th May sunshine The delightful Devon General blue floral moquette, which gave the buses an exotic feel. This is inside the Albion Nimbus LTA 629, the lovely AEC Regal Mk. III '9621A' with classic Duple A-type coachwork, arrives at Babbacombe Gerald Truran prepares to manoeuvre the Regal onto the parking bay at Babbacombe tours office The magnificent Singer mansion (of sewing machine fame) in Paignton, now the local council offices, makes a superb backdrop to the Grey cars Regal A timeless Devon seaside setting, with the regal looking very much a part of things The pair of preserved '470' powered AEC Reliances on display at Torre Abbey VDV 817, an AEC Regent Mk. V 'MD3RV' with the AV470 engine and D175 synchromesh gearbox, after arriving on the vintage service from Torquay, basking in the sunshine at Hesketh Crescent terminus VDV 817, although only a mediumwright Regent V 'MD3RV' with the AV470 engine of 7.758 litres, still performs in a lively manner, with its softer sounding D175 gearbox but loud rasping exhaust! Back in Torquay, the '470' Mk.V Regent shows how nicely the MCW Orion body sits, when complemented by the rich devon General livey, one of the BET Group's most handsome by far! My good friend the late Gerald Truran with the Grey Cars AEC Regal Mk.III at Babbacombe, during the road run. Sadly Gerald passed away on 11 March 2005 - he worked in the engineering dept. at Devon General in past years A lovely preserved Harrington Cavalier / AEC Reliance in Newton Road depot Two different styles of Willowbrook bodies on AEC Reliance '470' chassis LTA 629, Duple A-tyle on AEC Regal Mk.III '9821A' chassis at newton Road, Torquay The imposing front of the Grey Cars Regal inside Newton Road depot, the site of which is now a supermarket I believe

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun May 1 1988 DERBY CITY TRANSPORT http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c486647.html A selection of DCT buses in the days before Arriva and anonymity Tuesday 1 July 1986: A selection of DCT buses in the days before Arriva and anonymity

OCH 256 L, OCH 259L early in its career, after a collision with a cement mixer on Burton Road! Note the original livery scheme. The bus did get repaired but had a troubled career, as is so often the case with buses involved in crashes it would appear B143GAU at Markeaton Park, Derby when new. Some of this batch have now been withdrawn by Arriva at Derby in 2005 Derby 143 with the newly revised upperdeck front style of Marshall of Cambridge body, in the livery of Larkspur Blue & Morningmist Interior of one of the then new Marshall bodied Volvo Citybys D10M's, kitted out with dual-purpose seats for private hire GRA 102V, Derby's solitary MCW Metrobus, in The Cornmarket, displaying its unique livery style with Larkspur Blue upperdeck waistband and Morningmist above. It looked well in this scheme The MCW Metrobus 102 at The Mitre, Allenton with CRC 911, Derby Corporation 111, the preserved Crossley DD42/8a, with Crossley HOE7/4 8.6 litre diesel and the Crossley synchromesh gearbox indicated by the 'A' suffix. The 56 seat body is by Brush of Loughborough and the bus is seen undergoing restoration at Boyle Street museum, Manchester. The five buses in this batch were often to be seen on driver training in later years at Derby. 111 is now owned back in Derby BCH 156 B, the restored 1964 Daimler CVG6 with Roe body, seen in Markeaton Park on a special service in the late 1990's. It wears the original Derby Corporation livery of Olive Drab and cream Two generations of Fleetline. XCH 437G is on the part-day 190 ACH 627, Derby 27, a 1940's Daimler CVD6, with Daimler's own CD6 engine of 8.6 litres and a Brush of Loughborough 56 seat body. 27 has only recently returned to her native Derby for continued preservation and is a real delight and a tuneful bus, with all the classic Daimler preselect transmission sound effects! RCH 286 R is seen in St. James's St. in an experimental livery of Aircraft Blue, Cargo Grey and red & white stripes. It remained a one-off! RCH 286 R in evaluatory livery in The Cornmarket, at the time of deregulation and privatisation. This Roe / Fleetline certainly looked eye-catching. There were three different liveries tried out that came to nought. XRR 294S, a Northern Counties normalheight / Leyland Fleetline 'FE30AGR' at Woodlands Road Top on Allestree 53, in the days of joint-running with Trent on these city services GTO 301V, Northern Counties / Leyland Fleetline 'FE30AGR' in ex-works condition on Derby Market Place, on the 189 to Sinfin Moor. Note the former trolleybus traction pole to the right of the bus, one of the last to survive from when it last saw use in 1967! 465 FRB, the former Blue Bus Services Dennis Loline I / Willowbrook 70 seater, by now relegated to school baths duties, heads down Uttoxeter New Road just before passing the former Trent Motor Traction HQ. After being reinstated after the Willington fire and appearing in Derby's Larkspur Blue & Morningmist even before that, it was a tragedy that this, the prototype Loline should end up being scrapped, which sad act I witnessed at C.F. Booth's breakers yard in Rotherham not long after. I have the Dennis badge off the radiator grille!! GTO 48V one of the lowheight NCME / Fleetlines, away from lowbridge Burton duties on 131 at Morden Green, a former trolleybus terminus on Prince Charles Avenue, on the Mackworth Estate GTO 48V lowheight and XRR 299S normalheight NCME / Leyland Fleetline 'FE30AGR's, the old CRG6LXB, seen in The Cornmarket in Derby on two former trolleybus routes NAL 51P, Derby 51, a lowheight Alexander / Leyland Fleetline FE30AGR, one of three bought for the erstwhile Blue Bus routes, seen on a Derby city service 39 to Sinfin, at the loading barrier in Derby Market Place. This was an uncommon duty for this class of bus NAL 51P in close proximity to one of very few surviving traction poles from the old trolleybus system, still in the old Brunswick green with grey base. The last trolleys ran in Sept. 1967! Derby 51 is seen at the Sinfin Moor 39 terminus in Ettrick Drive The three vehilces of this batch, NAL 51-53P were handsome looking buses and looked well in lowheight version of Derby's Larkspur Blue & Morningmist Although not really readable in this view, I had set the side destiantion blind to Sinfin. Most crews never bothered to use them and later buses had them painted out before Derby gave up on the idea altogether! Not the most hospitable of interiors. A far cry from Tailby & George days and moquette, these buses had red leatherette seat trim but, due to vandalism, it was decided to fit vandal-proof hard seat backs on the upperdeck. They actually arrived with matching hard cushions too, which resembled laundry boxes but these were swapped over due to complaints that such hard seats were too much to endure all the way to Burton on the 103, a duty for which they were primarily intended! A view forwards in 51's top deck disguises those horrible seat backs! NAL 51P did at least have all soft seating in the lowerdeck. Note the high pitch of the rear bulkhead and the depth of the seat well over the rear axle, a clear indication that this is a lowheight bus, making full use of the Fleetline chassis' dropped centre back axle A view forward in 51's lowerdeck. The small hopper vents in thsi bus and its sisters did little to cool the airt on very hot days, a throwback to the old Blue Bus NRA 49J, which shared this same feature and earned the knickname WTH 113, Derby 62, one of a trio of early lowbridge Leyland Atlanteans bought from City of Oxford Motor Services to replace buses destroyed in the Blue Bus Willington fire in 1976. It was new to J. James & Sons of Ammanford and is seen leaving Derby Bus Station in The Morledge on Burton via Etwall 46 route, later the 105 and a former Tailby & George Ltd. service RTH 639 is a semi-lowbridge Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1, which started life with J. James & Son of Ammanford, before the company was taken over by South Wales Transport. It was later sold to City Of Oxford Motor Services to assist in one-man-operation changeover from AEC Renowns. It passed to Derby as No. 63 to help replace fire-destroyed buses lost at the former Blue Bus Garage at Willington RTH 639, Derby 63 was one of three similar buses bought after the Blue Bus fire in 1976, the others being UBX 48 and WTH 113, which became Derby Nos. 61 & 62. The latter two had Met-Camm bodies but this one was by Weymanns Ltd. RTH 639 shows off its rear end. The eagle-eyed will notice that the original early Atlantean nacelle has been replaced at Derby with one of Daimler Fleetline design. The Atlantean ones had the triple bumper moulding at the base rather than two.No. 63 waits for time at Haslam's Lane, terminus of the Mansfield Road route 4, by then a part-day only service RTO 1R, the unique lowheight Ailsa B55-10 Mk. II with Alexander body, Derby 71, heads out of Burton for Newton Solney on the Derby via Repton 45 service. This bus was late on delivery, due to its non-standardisation and therefore avoided the disastrous Willington garage fire. It is now preserved as TRR 814R, its original registration being sold by Derby to a Reverend R.T. Owens, a military pardre in the West Country! RTO 1R in Derby Bus Station on her regular diagram, Burton via Repton 45 RTO 1R heads out of Wetmore Park, the local term for the Bus Station in Wetmore Road, Burton on a wet day in the late 1970's, bound for newton Solney and Derby. RTO 1R, the unique lowheight Ailsa, from an unusual passenger's viewpoint, just about to head under Willington Bridge enroute for Repton & Burton on the 45 LUG 480P was a secondhand early Ailsa from West Yorskshire PTE, seen here at Boulton Lane on the 143. It was the 10th. prototype, chassis no. 74010 HTH and brought the luxury of moquette seating to Derby! Derby 100, not as famous as the lowheight 71 bought new but nevertheless a nice motor and a very tuneful SCG gearbox. Seen on 143 Boulton Lane in its first LUG 480P seen after repainting in lowheight livery style with Morningmist extended down over the lowerdeck windows and what a difference it made. Seen on Derby Bus Station, off route You can see the rooflights in this shot of 100 bus - one of my favourites in the fleet. You could gear the whistle from its turbocharger well in advance! C147 NRR is seen as delivered to Derby's Ascot Drive depot, with Engineering Director the late Gerald Truran at the wheel. The awful radiator grille was soon replaced with a more aexthetic style and never ran with this C147 NRR is a Volvo Citibus D10M / Northern Counties, one of a number still runnign with Arriva in Derby in 2005. Seen at the side of Ascot Drive depot when new, the Winter sun makes for a nice shot, bar the dreadful Freshly out of the paintshop at Ascot Drive, PDK 463H, Derby Blue Bus Services coach 23, in the earlier livery adapted from the original Blue Bus Services, of Argyle Blue and Cream. It was new to Yelloway Motor Services of Rochdale

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue Jul 1 1986 NOTTINGHAM NET TRAMS http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c482000.html A selection of shots of the newly introduced tramcars of Nottingham Express Transit, a superb ride! Monday 1 March 2004: A selection of shots of the newly introduced tramcars of Nottingham Express Transit, a superb ride!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Mar 1 2004 HULL & YORKIE BUSES & A DELTIC IN PARAGON http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c474320.html A selection of photos taken in my beloved Hull in 1979 and the mid-1980's Thursday 15 November 1979: A selection of photos taken in my beloved Hull in 1979 and the mid-1980's

Hull 164, an early Roe / Atlantean still in the swoops and curves Azure Blue & White scheme, on the 57 for Ings Road Estate, awaits departure from Lombard Street, alongside Paragon Bus Station CKH782C, East Yorkshire AEC Renown driver trainer, basks on the forecourt at Anlaby Road depot, Hull_22 Nov. 1979 CKH 782C manoeuvres in through the side door at Anlaby Road depot, after the day's driver training duties Renown trainer 782 in the doorway at 252 Anlaby Road after the day's tuition 22 Nov. 1979 814 after my run to Beverley, in the new bus station GAT 814D specially posed on my return run from beverley to Hull, Thurs 22 Nov. 1979. The bus was withdrawn a week later EYMS 814, their last AEC Renown in service, seen during my return from Beverley to Hull, Thurs. 22 Nov. 1979 Sem-Beverley Bar Park Royal/ Daimler Fleetline, itself one of the last survivors by this time, stands on CKH 786C, East Yorkshire 786, a 1965 AEC Renown is seen in Hustler Road, Bridlington on Tues.26 Aug. 1975. It is in the shortlived NBC version of the blue livery, retaining Indigo Blue but with the cream changed to NBC white and with corporate style fleetnames, still an awful lot nicer than Poppy Red! PKH837G_a real rarity, a surviving EYMS Leyland Panther Cub, one of Leyland's least successful buses, with rear-mounted O.400H engine Hull 167, another early Roe / Atlantean in the later 1970's livery, nothing like as classic as the Hull Corpo Roe/Atlantean 164 barnstorms out of Paragon Bus Station, bound for Orchard Park. These early PDR1/1's had long lives at Hull and looked great in the swoops and curves Art Deco version of the Azure Blue & white livery! WLT 982, EYMS 804 waits in Paragon Bus Station, Sat.4 June 1988 B60 WKH is a HUll Leyland National Series 2, fitted with an early example of a wheelchair lift for carrying people with disabilities. Driver Neil Birch, a friend of mine C111 CAT represents the newer order at Hull, being a coach-seated East Lancs Dennis Dominator, available for Private Hire but seen here beneath the canopy at Paragon Bus Station on service 42 to Greatfield Rear view of Hull Dennis Dominator coach C111 CAT EKH 985T is one of East Yorkshire Motor Services' Bristol VRT's with the Leyland 'O.501' 8.2 litre turbo, the vertical version of the National engine and boy were these buses fast! They were unusual in being a full height ECW bodied version, rather than the lowheight standard. Seen alongside Paragon Station in Hull, passing a KHCT Dennis Dominator Former East Yorkshire AEC Renown CKH 777C, latterly with Fords of Gunnislake, awaits a repaint into Indigo Blue & Primrose, at Ropery Street in Hull, having been rescued by Mart Lichfield. Sat. 4 June 1988 Sun. 5 June 1988 and EYMS 801, the EYMS 801 at the York stop of the old 43 route, nowadays Yorkshire Coastliner, outside Askham Bryan College, Sun. 5 June 1988 After a great ride back from Bradford, we posed 801 on East Yorkshire 806, 271 CLT was the odd one out, being the only Routemaster with a plain Indigo Blue roof, minus the traditional white cantrail band. Arriving at Paragon from Longhill Estate, Sat. 4 June 1988. Sat. 4 June 1988 and EYMS 806, 271 CLT with the all blue roof, comes down Ferensway and turns into Collier St. for Paragon, a move that came to an end in Sept. 2005, when the old bus station closed for the new St. Stephen's Centre 271 CLT, EYMS 806 on the Longhill Estate, Sat. 4 June 1988 271 CLT, EYMS 806 awaits its next trip out to Longhill/ Asda in Paragon Bus Station, on the morning of Sat. 4 June 1988. Paragon Bus Station on Sat. 4 June 1988 and EYMS 366 CLT crosses the impressive North Bridge, Mon.6 June 1988 EYMS 366 CLT passes Bond Street outward on the 56 to Longhill, Mon. 6 June 1988 366 CLT, EYMS 807, heading for Paragon on its return run on the Longhill estate 56. Sat. 4 June 1988 I took this one for the Hull telephone booth. Unique to the city, the cream boxes signified the independent telephone exchange there. The Routemaster is 366 CLT again, Sat. 4 June 1988 At 12.17pm. Routemaster 366 CLT comes across the magnificent Art Deco North Bridge onto Witham, heading out for the Holderness Road on the 56, Sat. 4 June 1988. 366 CLT, EYMS 807 has just come down the Holderness Road and is on Witham, about to cross North Bridge on George Street, heading into the city on Sat. 4 June 1988. 41 CLT, EYMS 805 arrives at Paragon, looking great in the traditional Indigo Blue & Primrose, adopted for this bit of deregulation romance with the past! Sat. 4 June 1988. EYMS Routemaster WLT 732 crossing North Bridge, Mon. 6 June 1988. WLT 798 comes along Collier Street into Paragon, with the now demolished cinema on the left, Sat. 4 June 1988 White telephoine box on the left and EYMS WLT 971 heads out for Longhill Estate, after I'd enjoyed a full breakfast at WLT 798, East Yorkshire 802, on Sat. 4 June 1988 and East Yorkshire Routemaster 802, WLT 798 comes across the magnificent North Bride from George St. onto Witham, heading out for the Holderness Rd.. Note the metal fixtures above the bus where the trolleybus wires used to be affixed to the bridge. North Bridge is one of only a few surviving rolling bascule bridges left in the UK and was built 1929-32. Routemaster WLT 871, EYMS 803, comes round Queens Gardens inward on a 56A towards Carr Lane, Mon. 6 June 1988

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Nov 15 1979 Derbyshire Fire Appliances http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c467273.html A selection of fire appliances old and new, taken in the Derby area Saturday 30 August 2003: A selection of fire appliances old and new, taken in the Derby area

Two local Dennis appliances, from Nottingham Road and Duffield Stations, arrive at Laburnum Crescent, Allestree to tackle a fire in a farm field behind the houses on the right, August 2003 FJ 03 LWS, an up-to-the-minute Dennis J561 XHL seen on Laburnum Crescent, Allestree, Derby Auguyst 2003. This is a reserve fleet Dennis having an airing J 561 XHL from the reserve fleet J 561 XHL, one of the older dennises from the reserve fleet, heads back up the field, job done J561 XHL, having trecked across the fields, about to depart after the grass fire is extinguished M 546 TET Dennis from the Duffiled Fire Station August 2003 M546TET, a Dennis allocated to Duffield Fire Station, in attendance at the field fire in Allestree, August 2003 D 448 TRB is a Dennis with Perkins V8-540 and fitted out as a pump by Carmichael. It is seen attending an alarm call in Derby's Eagle Centre on pedestrianised East Street around 1985 D447 TRB, a Dennis with a Perkins V8-540, seen in Friargate, one of Derby's oldest and most attractive thoroughfares, in attendance at a fire under one of the old railway arches, one of three consecutive registered machines at the scene, early January 1987 D448 TRB, the second of the trio, is seen alongside the old Great Northern railway arches, in use as garage workshops, on a very cold and snowy day in early January 1987. Smoke was drifting out from within the arches. Friargate bridge, a listed structure, can be seen in the background. The railway finally closed to all traffic in 1969. Hat trick! D449 TRB, the third Dennis V8 that day, with much activity as fireman tackle the fire in the railway arch, caused I belive by good old oily rags!! January 1987 Frenetic activity as D 449 TRB deals with the aftermath of the blaze Two of my favourite ERF's with Perkins V8-510's, ORB 872M & JRB 911N attend a small fire in a house at Maple Grove, Allestree in the mid-1980's What a handsome motor. A shame that ERF dropped out of the fire appliance business. It was a quality product. ORB 872M in Maple Grove, Allestree ORB 872M & JRB 911N at Maple Grove, Allestree - a chip pan drama or similar I seem to remember ORB 872M, one of the very handsome ERF's with Perkins V8 engine, from the short period when the Sandbach firm made fire appliances. It is seen in Agard Street, Drrby when workmen demolishing the old Great Northern viaduct burst a water main, early January 1987 ORB 872 M deals with the flooding in Agard Street - much straw had been scattered and it was very cold and snowy! Early January 1987 ORB 872M pumping out floodwater from cellars in Agard Street. In the background can be seen the Hymac that was the culprit for the burst watermain, with the old railway viaduct on the Friargate line now in ruins on the ground, early January 1987 ORB 872 M in Agard Street. I think this appliance may now be in preservation. It certainly warranted it - these were lovely engines. 2934 RA, formerly Ilkeston's T/L, seen at Raynesway Auctions, Derby around 1982 2934 RA is an AEC Marquis / Merryweather turntable, which always looked a bit of a dowdy shade of red compared to Derby's similar machine 2934 RA awaits it fate BCH 123 B, new to Derby County Borough Fire Brigade in 1964. Always a favourite of mine, this AEC Marquis-Merryweather was fitted with an AEC AV470 diesel of 7.758 litres BCH 123 B is seen at Raynesway Auctions, Derby at the same time as 2934RA. It ended up being preserved locally, minus its Merryweather ladder with a Mr. Oliver of Smalley and shows up at the local Elvaston Castle Steam rally most years Inside the cab of BCH 123 B, quite spartan by modern standards. The engine pod is lifted, revealing an AEC roundel on the rocker cover of the 'AV470' power unit TCH 182 L, the superb ERF / Simon Snorkel is seen at Ascot Drive Fire Station, Derby at 7pm. on Tues. 11 July 1989, when I was afforded the privilege of a ride out in it to sound record the Perkins V8-510. It had Allison automatic transmission and sounded awesome! I believe it got exported to The Middle East some years back. I still miss it. TCH 182 L stands on Ascot Drive Fire Station forecourt, Tues. 11 July 1989 The impressive rear-end structure of TCH 182 L, the ERF / Simon Snorkel escape, Tues. 11 July 1989 TCH 182 L always presented a sleek and powerful outline to my eye, Tues. 11 July 1989 TCH 182 L ERF / cab close-up, showing the Allison range change automatic gearbox control, Tues. 11 July 1989, Ascot Drive, Derby.

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Aug 30 2003 Berresfords of Cheddleton and Stoniers of Tunstall http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c463185.html A selection of photos of these two associated independent Potteries area operators, seen in Summer 1987 in the Longton and Hanley areas, before they sold out to PMT. Jim Berresford was a real character, whom I had the privilege to meet and chat with at his fascinating depot in Cheddleton. Friday 1 May 1987: A selection of photos of these two associated independent Potteries area operators, seen in Summer 1987 in the Longton and Hanley areas, before they sold out to PMT. Jim Berresford was a real character, whom I had the privilege to meet and chat with at his fascinating depot in Cheddleton.

This little Seddon minibus with its front-mounted Perkins diesel and manual gearbox was not a sophisticated vehicle but it gave a loud and lively ride! EDJ256J is a neat AEC Swift'505' with dual-door Marshall body, new to St. Helens Corporation, seen here in Longton Bus Station before my ride. EDJ256J seen with a backdrop of Longton Bus Station, proudly displaying its PMT heritage. This was a real flagship building back in the early 1960's. How it must once have echoed to the sound of PMT's fleet of 58 Daimler Roadliner buses with their loud Cummins V6 engines, now but a memory, the last going in 1975. Nice that the Swifts carried on the rear-engine tradion, even if not quite so loud and tuneful! PCH418L is an ECW coach bodied Bristol RELH6L, formerly with Trent of Derby. It was one of the few vehicles to pass into the PMT fleet at takeover and received the then red and yellow post NBC livery PDJ277L, another of the ex St. Helens & Merseyside PTE AEC Swift 3MP2R's, with Marshall body, laying over in Hanley Bus Station Waitng for time on a local Hanley service, PDJ277L looks smart in Berresfords colours. Note the old cast alloy A classic TDK543K sports a winged triangle AEC badge, not that common on AEC Swifts and a real souvenir hunter's item today! Parked up in Stonier's yard, a real Aladdin'sCave of bits and bobs, I think it ran again. TDK543K is an AEC Swift with a Pennine Coachcraft body (Seddon's subsidiary bodybuilder) and ex Greater Manchester PTE but ordered by Rochdale Corporation. Note the early standard SELNEC moquette trim. YRR513H is a former Barton BTS2, basically a rebodied early AEC Reliance from the 1950's, given a new Plaxton Panorama Elite body and a new One Time recovery truck, an AEC Mammoth Major MM6, in Berresfords yard - a real Aladdin's Cave of a place AEL 173B in the murky depths of the depot yard at Cheddleton, full of character if not state of the art AEL 173B is a former Bournemouth Corporation Atlantean with Weymann body, despite the Alexander lookalike front end, seen in the depot yard at Cheddleton on an enthusiasts tour The Bradford Atlantean looks striking in Berresfords colours, best described as Scarlet and cement! LAK 289G is a former Bradford Atlantean with Weymann body, front end styling mimicking Alexander practice. The bus is on service opposite Berresfords Cheddleton HQ LAK 289G's rear end gives strong clues to its Weymann origins with that classic Orion style upperdeck window LCM 160G is a former Birkenhead Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1, of the first batch bought by that operator, numbering thirteen in all. The Northern Counties of Wigan bodywork is boxlike and uninspiring NSG 869 is an ex-demonstrator Albion Nimbus of 1955 which has since been restored in Berresfords colours An early Plaxton Panorama coach which I believe is a former PMT Leyland Leopard, by this time withdrawn and parked up in the depot yard, which contained many years' worth of ancient and rotting motors, an enthusiast's mecca! UVT 49X was visiting on an enthusiasts' tour, which I participated in and has the main depot building as a backdrop at Cheddleton - the faded company name can be seen on the gable end. The bus is a Bristol VRTSL3/6LXB, one of the very last built and fitted with moquette full-coach seats in an otherwise standard ECW body, as specified by the NBC for its vast numbers of such vehicles SWL 49J is seen at the Leek premises of Byrne Brothers, a Berresfords associate. SWL was new to City of Oxford Motor Services and is an AEC Reliance with AH505 engine and the D197 six-speed crash gearbox. It originally had dual-purpose seats but had by now received leatherette bus seating which appears to be of Alexander origins. This bus later formed the basis of a diecast Corgi model in South Midland colours! SWL 49J lurks in Byrne Brothers depot alongside one of their own liveried buses, a former LUT Bristol LH6L UTD 299H i s a relatively uncommon Northern Counties bodied Bristol LH6L, new to Lancashire United Transport, one of a batch of twenty delivered to Howe Bridge, Atherton in 1969 UTD 299H, the Bristol LH6L, shows off its dual-door layout and quite attractive proportions, a crisp looking body by NCME, which looks well in Byrnes blue colours, relieved by offwhite suspiciously like Berresfords own shade!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Fri May 1 1987 Green Bus Service, Landywood, Cannock, Mon. 30 Dec. 1985 and throughout the 1980's http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c458823.html A selection of photographs of this very interesting independent operator in the Cannock Chase area of Staffordshire, taken one very cold Winter's day in 1985 and on other occasions in the 1980's. Monday 30 December 1985: A selection of photographs of this very interesting independent operator in the Cannock Chase area of Staffordshire, taken one very cold Winter's day in 1985 and on other occasions in the 1980's.

ACH 307B is a former Trent of Derby Marshall-bodied Leyland Leopard new in 1964. with lovely swanback seats. It had more than its fair share of minor prangs at GBS and the front dash and grille is revised as a result of this. ACH 307B is seen in seasonal snowy surrounds at Brewood BCW 469 B, the lovely little Leyland Tiger Cub ex Burnley & Pendle, waits for time at Brewood _pronounced Cab close-up of FKY 244 E, paintwork still the origianl Bradford The ex Bradford Leyland Titan PD3A/12 specially posed by our driver on Cannock Chase, on the return run from Rugeley to Cannock Bus Station A spectral morning, with frost glistening on the roofs at 9am., depot yard at Jacob's Hall Lane, Landywood GNY 432C is seen in its origianl fleet colours with Caerphilly Urban District, some years earlier at Cardiff Bus Station The lovely Green Bus Guy Arab Mk. IV with lowbridge Massey body, new to Rees & Williams of Tycroes and the first doubledecker that Graham, owner of green Bus bought. YTH 815 subsequently returned to West Wales for preservation YTH 815 and myself in Cannock Bus Station around 1982. This rare motor had the Johannnesburg export style front grille and very nice it looked. The bus had all the classic sound effects of a Guy Arab, whistling and whining Guy 4-speed constant mesh gearbox and steady plodding Gardner 6LW diesel. No racehorse this one but a steady plodder and very economical to run! The ex Stockport PD3 and the Guy Arab in Cannock Bus Station Seen on another occasion about 1982 at what I think was a secondary school in Penkridge are the ex Trent Leyland Tiger Cub, with dual-purpose Alexander body and the rare Leyland-MCW Olympian, basically a chassisless Tiger Cub On yet another visit in the 1980's, The Leyland-MCW Olympian 521 CTF receives a repaint at Landywood depot, as yet devoid of fleetnames. The yellow addition to the livery was inspired by the acquisition of the ex Caerphilly PD3, which arrived in Rhymney Valley's brown, cream and that yellow! (itself inspired by the pre-1960 East Midland colours) MJA 892 G, the ex Stockport The Stockport The ex Caerphilly PD3 / Massey and the Guy Arab receive some servicing at Landywood Garage LCB 60+58G , East Lancs / Leyland Tiger Cubs at Jacob's Hall Lane depot, Landywood - nice looking motors YTH 815, the Even the school techer seems happy with the Guy Arab!!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Dec 30 1985 Taff Ely buses_Pontypridd http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c453297.html A selection of AEC's at Glyntaff depot. These 'AV470' powered mediumweight Regent Mk. V 's were legendary, especially with drivers like Mick Sullivan, my regular "chauffeur" on my yearly visits. The Longwell Green-bodied pair were very rare. Thursday 9 July 1981: A selection of AEC's at Glyntaff depot. These 'AV470' powered mediumweight Regent Mk. V 's were legendary, especially with drivers like Mick Sullivan, my regular "chauffeur" on my yearly visits. The Longwell Green-bodied pair were very rare.

UTG313G was one of the very last AEC Regents built, having Willowbrook bodywork, a pleasanly rounded design going back to the early 1950's and contrasting with the MCW examples in the fleet One of two very rare Longwell Green bodied AEC Regent Mk V '2MD3RA's at Pontypridd rests between duties in the depot yard at Glyntaff

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Thu Jul 9 1981 Doncaster area Independent bus operators http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c451223.html A small selection of the much-missed Donny bus operators, swallowed up by S.Y.P.T.E. in the 1970's Sunday 25 May 1975: A small selection of the much-missed Donny bus operators, swallowed up by S.Y.P.T.E. in the 1970's

One of T. Severn & Sons legendary Leyland Titan PD3/4's 819 CWW, waits for time at Christchurch terminus, Doncaster 25 May 1975 Immaculate as always, Felix of Hatfield AEC Regent Mk. V / Roe 8176 WY waits at Christchurch, Doncaster Tues. 2 March 1976 XWU 798 L, Premier of Stainforth, the trading name of Harold Wilson Ltd. Their Leyland Atlantean/ Alexander waits for time at Christchurch, Doncaster Tues. 2 March 1976

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun May 25 1975 Barton Buses in 1975 http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c450184.html A look at Barton of old, at the former Long Eaton depot yard and in Melton Mowbray, last bastion of their double-deckers, plus a few shots at Chilwell depot and yard. Wednesday 2 March 2005: A look at Barton of old, at the former Long Eaton depot yard and in Melton Mowbray, last bastion of their double-deckers, plus a few shots at Chilwell depot and yard.

212 JUS, one of Barton's two AEC Renowns, more usually to be seen based at Ilkeston for the Kirk Hallam service, here in Melton Mowbray on town service 119, previously the 19, about to enter Queensway and the outer terminus of the route, Sat. 1 March 1975 GAL 14J, Barton 1181, laying over in Melton Bus Station. These Willowbrook D/P-bodied Bedford YRQ's were the last non-standard purchases, prior to the massive influx of Bus-Grant coaches Seen at the terminus is VVO 734, a lowbridge Willowbrook rebody of a former singledecker Leyland Tiger PS1, fitted with the E181 Leyalnd 7.4 litre diesel, originally developed for the Matilda tank! VVO 734 seen passing the roadway leading to Melton Mowbray Town Station on the line to St. Pancras. The bus was well past its best by this time, wheezing like a geriatric but what a classic Barton machine! 903LRR is a classic Barton BTD2, a Northern Counties lowbridge 30 foot body married to a chassis heavily rebuilt from elderly singledeckers in Barton's own workshops in the late 1950's. A great shame that none of these survived. This was one of the last and ended its days on schoolwork with Lloyds of Nuneaton XAL 785, Barton's last rearloader decker bought, in 1957 with Northern Counties lowbridge body. After these AEC's the next were the stylish full-fronted curved screen ones in 1960 and 1963. 785 in Long Eaton depot yard, Sun. 16 March 1975. This bus is now preserved and very nice, too! 212 JUS, fleet No. 1116, is one of a pair of AEC Renown '3B3RA's with lowheight Park Royal bodywork, bought from Smiths of Barrhead, part of the Scottish CWS in 1968 and the last 'deckers bought by Barton. The bus is on Syerston Street, Melton Mowbray, Sat. 1 March 1975 GAL 19 J, Willowbrook bodied Bedford YRQ, No. 1186, seen in Long Eaton depot yard on Sun. 16 March 1975. These buses were the last to be bought before standardisation on the huge intake of bus grant coaches, which totally changed the Barton fleet forever in the mid to late 1970's. 823 DNN heads out towards the station, past the parish church. There is an excellent pork pie shop to the left! Melton is of course famous for its pies and Stilton cheeses. 823 DNN, Barton 'BTD2' outside 823 DNN by the chippy! Barton's much-rebuilt AEC Matador recovery truck, outside one of the main buildings at company HQ , 61 High Road, Chilwell, Sun. 1 Dec. 1974 Chilwell H.Q. Sun. 1 Dec. 1974 and another recovery truck, this time based on a Leyland chassis, lurks inside the main garage with a backdrop of pallets. There was always a lot of stuff inside the depot! Sun. 1 Dec. 1974 in the yard at Chilwell, the former City of Oxford Chilwell yard, Sun. 1 Dec. 1974 Sun. 1 Dec. 1974 and NCME/AEC Regent Mk. V 959 PRR and Barton BTD2 822 DNN, share the yard at Long Eaton depot, surrounded by gutted shells of bus grant coaches recently destroyed in what I believe was an arson attack 1116 was a very nice renown to ride on and had lovely traditional moquette seats in a deep red pattern, which suited the Barton livery well. Tues. 14 Jan. 1975, 3.41pm. and a rare visitor to Derby Bus Station on the 5B. AEC Renown 212 JUS, fleet No. 1116 was the last Barton 'decker I ever saw on the service, which was changing over to bus grant coaches at this time, Barton disposing of all its remaining double-deckers. 823 DNN with the crew posing for me 823 DNN heads through town, near the cattle market 823 DNN at Dorothy Avenue outer terminus of this cross-town route VVO 734, the Willowbrook rebodied Leyland Tiger PS1 on Syerston Street, Melton Mowbray, Sat. 1 March 1975

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Wed Mar 2 2005 BRISTOL RE's ex North Western with Trent http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c448015.html These Marshall B49F-bodied Bristol RELL6L's were my all-time favourites of the breed, with their rasping Leyland O.680H engines and whining 5-speed SCG electric semi-automatic gearboxes. Happy days around the Matlock area and on a Derby town service in 1984! Monday 26 March 1984: These Marshall B49F-bodied Bristol RELL6L's were my all-time favourites of the breed, with their rasping Leyland O.680H engines and whining 5-speed SCG electric semi-automatic gearboxes. Happy days around the Matlock area and on a Derby town service in 1984!

Descending from Uppertown at Bonsall Cross on Yeoman St, the 158 ex Matlock at 11.55h, Fri. 30 March 1984

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Mar 26 1984 YORK PULLMAN BUS COMPANY http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c446966.html A selection of buses from this fine company, at their Navigation Road depot in York and in the city centre, taken from 1976 to 1982, plus two shots at Sandtoft Transport Centre near Doncaster. The vehicles were always immaculate in their livery of Panhard Red (or sometimes Chianti), Rich Chrome and Cream Saturday 14 February 1976: A selection of buses from this fine company, at their Navigation Road depot in York and in the city centre, taken from 1976 to 1982, plus two shots at Sandtoft Transport Centre near Doncaster. The vehicles were always immaculate in their livery of Panhard Red (or sometimes Chianti), Rich Chrome and Cream

Paintwork gleaming, a Plaxton Supreme IV bedford in the depot A line-up of Plaxton bus grant coach Bedfords inside Navigation Road depot Plaxton Derwent bodied Bedford service bus, alongside one of the Fleetlines in Navigation Rd depot in York Crisp lines set off this Duple Dominant bus bodied Bedford Evening sun enhances this Plaxton Supreme IV Bedford, the film showing as Pink Floyd's The Wall dating the shot! EVY 696 L, Roe/ FleetlineNo. 96 heading in from Linton-on-Ouse, approaching the terminus in Exhibition Square FDN 583 S lurking near the terminus on Merchantgate. Its Roe body is very much of the style of West Yorkshire PTE and the solitary Atlantean bought by Gash of Newark two years later This very handsome Daimler Fleetline was the company's last purchased and is seen in Merchantgate, the company's less prominent terminus off Piccadilly, for the Stamford Bridge service This Roe / Fleetline manoeuvres through traffic to cross inot Exhibition Square, York, arriving from Linton-on-Ouse during summer 1982 ODN 348 AEC Regent Mk V 'MD3RV' in 1981 Daimler Fleetline No. 92, XVY 692J on St. Valentine's Day, Sat. 14 Feb. 1976, in Exhibition Square, York, one of two city termini. Note the earlier livery, with less cream

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Feb 14 1976 Markeaton Park Light Railway http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c424944.html Markeaton Park Light Railway is a 15" gauge line, operating in Markeaton Park, Derby just off the A38 trunk road. It is a family run business that works all year round, weekends off - season and 7 days a week in summer months and school holidays. I have been a volunteer driver there from time to time. Sadly the steam loco "Markeaton Lady" suffered a boiler failure and was sold in July 2009. The railway is currently running with "Baby Deltic" diesel loco D5905 "City of Derby" Tuesday 8 February 2005: Markeaton Park Light Railway is a 15" gauge line, operating in Markeaton Park, Derby just off the A38 trunk road. It is a family run business that works all year round, weekends off - season and 7 days a week in summer months and school holidays. I have been a volunteer driver there from time to time. Sadly the steam loco "Markeaton Lady" suffered a boiler failure and was sold in July 2009. The railway is currently running with "Baby Deltic" diesel loco D5905 "City of Derby"

D5905 looks fine as she poses with the Cow Parsley on Daisy Bank in truly rural surroundings at Markeaton Park Having been out on test and, as yet, without fleet numbers, The Baby Deltic runs into the shed at Markeaton Station. This building was originally built as the NAAFI for a WW2 camp on the park The baby Deltic at Markeaton Station Baby Deltic on test at Markeaton Station The Baby Deltic D5905 light engine at Mundy halt As yet without her fleet numbers applied, D5905 waits with a test run at Mundy Halt Baby deltic at the headshunt at Mundy Halt, end of the line D5905 Baby Deltic brings in another good loead of passengers at Mundy Halt D5905 CITY OF DERBY WAITS IN MARKEATON STATION WITH OWNER JOHN BULL Former mainstay of the line, Markeaton Lady at the headshunt at Markeaton Station, with a backdrop of Hawthorn Former mainstay of the line, It's Christmas time again. 0-4-2 tank D5905 BABY DELTIC light engine on Daisy Bank. Don't she look good!! One of the rare occasions of two train running in Summer 2000. It is hoped to do this again in the future Dorothy takes in the summer air as we wait to depart from Mundy halt on a fine Summer's day My Mum Dorothy Griffin enjoying one of her regular rides, at Mundy halt My late Dad Ken Griffin during one of his Christmas stints as Santa, beard specially lengthened for the season! Happier times with Jim & Helen's loco the Morse-built Pennsylvania RR switcher, previously a Bredegar & Wormhill loco, approaches the passing loop at Markeaton Park - Little Siberia as I call it - gets drafty here in the winter! The Morse petrol loco has not seen service for many years, possibly best known for its period at Margate's dreamland, where she was still busy in 1963. This is her second body, the previous one being based on the Metropolitan Railway's electric locos. The current body has a semblance of 1940's American diesels like the F7 The Morse petrol loco, which once ran at Dreamland, Margate, in store at Markeaton The Morse petrol loco, whose underframe may be nearly a century old - not quite what it seems! The Morse Switcher, based on a Pennsy USA loco design, on a special visit from Jim & Helen John Bull hands over the token at the passing loop Early days at Markeaton Station, still under construction as the train is tested Louis Searle & his wife, the original inspiration for and founder of MPLR The original launch of the railway with Early days -Footings go in for Lakebridge over Markeaton Lake The Sarum Harwoods (Salisbury) bridge, made of Ecke, under construction over Markeaton Lake My colleague on the Parks Dept. Hilary Nelmes inspects the new Sarum Hardwoods bridge being installed over the lake Lakebridge materialises

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Tue Feb 8 2005 The author http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c424590.html This is me before I had to finish work in August 2004. Monday 7 February 2005: This is me before I had to finish work in August 2004.

This is me before I had to finish work on health grounds on 15 August 2004. Some of you may remember me from days gone when I had very long hair! Happier times - this is me at my drawing board in The Landscape Office at Derby City Parks in Stores Road, the dustcart depot - my last base! The more astute amongst you might notice that my chair is trimmed in Devon General blue moquette, done for me at Ascot Drive bus depot This is me around 1978, on top of Breadsall viaduct on The Friargate Line, not long before it was blown up! I'm pointing East towards Breadall itself. What a poser! Yours truly atop Breadsall Viaduct around 1978. I told you all I had longer hair back then!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Mon Feb 7 2005 Commer Lorries http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c424568.html Commer lorries which I have seen. The Derby Malt Vinegar brewery was a local independent concern, closed at the end of the 1980's. Their two lorries had the Perkins P6. Qualcast Foundries pair had the TS3 2-stroke. They are seen during a speciallly arranged visit which I paid to the foundry on 25 June 1988. Saturday 25 June 1988: Commer lorries which I have seen. The Derby Malt Vinegar brewery was a local independent concern, closed at the end of the 1980's. Their two lorries had the Perkins P6. Qualcast Foundries pair had the TS3 2-stroke. They are seen during a speciallly arranged visit which I paid to the foundry on 25 June 1988.

UCH12G stands on the granite setts in the yard, with vinegar barrels in evidence The lettering on the lorry's side leaves no doubt as to where it is from! The second of the two Commers parked up out of service in the top yard on Sherwin Street, Derby. At this time, the brewery alternated use of the two Commers to even wear, only running one at a time KCH231D poses for my camera during a privileged ride out on this terrific Rootes TS3 2-stroke powered machine. It is seen on Wilmore Road, Sinfin with a backdrop of International Combustion, who at one time built some diesel locos for BR Colin Roe, one of the two brothers who ran the business latterly, reverses into the bottom yard. He and his brother Maurice were the last of the family to run the brewery. They came to Derby in the 1920's from Sheffield. Previously the premises had brewed beer and Derby was by this time one of only three proper vinegar breweries in the country, as opposed to producers of non-brewed condiment The impressive backdrop of the Derby Malt Vinegar brewery, which today is run as an old people's home. The single storey block behind the lorry has been demolished. Note the hoist on the top storey of the main building, for hauling up the sacks of grain to start the brewing. As a young boy, I used to watch this lifting process with fascination. The chimney for the brewery can be seen in the background and the main building clearly shows its different floors, for the various stages of the brewing process The back of the wagon proclaims The original Ralph Sherwin building from the earliest days of brewing beer stands beyond the lorry's roof. It dates from the late 1700's. VCH873G out if service in the top yard. Note the veteran fuel pump on the wall. In earlier days there was always a wooden barrel here with runner beans growing in it each summer! UCH12G_Derby Malt Vinegar Brewery, Sherwin Street KCH231D in Qualcast's Foundry yard at Victory Road, Derby, 25 June 1988 KCH231D specially posed for me on Wilmore Road, Sinfin, Derby during my special ride out. That TS3 2-stroke truly bellowed!

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Jun 25 1988 GIC BORROWASH DERBY http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c422561.html These are pictures taken of the vehicles belonging to General Industrial Cleaners Ltd. at Borrowash, Derby in the 1970's. GIC was by then part of the Initial Services Group but since then the works has been closed and demolished. There is now a housing estate on the site, which at one time boasted its own sportsground. A case of another firm to disappear under corporate rationalisation! Sunday 6 February 2005: These are pictures taken of the vehicles belonging to General Industrial Cleaners Ltd. at Borrowash, Derby in the 1970's. GIC was by then part of the Initial Services Group but since then the works has been closed and demolished. There is now a housing estate on the site, which at one time boasted its own sportsground. A case of another firm to disappear under corporate rationalisation!

One of the Leyland boxvans and the Albion recovery truck with LAD cab, inside the depot at Brook Road works, Borrowash Fri. 3 Feb. 1978 and ANU 30B with venerable style boxvan back, is seen on the old Nottingham Road at Borrowash, heading back to Brook Road factory past the erstwhile premises of Luxicoaches and Len Burrowes truck recovery service ACH 20B, another of the mysterious and much rebuilt Leylands, rests up in the old Park street car park, Derby, long since redeveloped and unrecognisable today! DRB 40C sits inside Brook Road depot and workshop during my one and only visit to this mythical place KAG 810, a Leyland Titan PD2/20 KAG 811, the other one of the pair of ex Western SMT Leyland Titan PD2's, heads along Derwent Street towards Exeter Bridge on its way into derby on the staff bus duty KAG 811 is seen on Eastgate after negotiating The Pentagon roundabout on Derby's Inner Ring Road on its way into town with the staff service from Borrowash OFM 634, the old lady of the fleet was a venerable Bristol KSW6B with Bristol's own AVW 8.1 litre diesel still fitted, new to Crosville as fleet No. DKB476, which number plate it still carried on the staircase of its lowbridge ECW body! This bus is now preserved in Bournemouth. I had a memorable ride out to Borrowash on it in the late 1970's

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sun Feb 6 2005 Daimler Roadliners I have known http://tony3972.mysnaps.org.uk/c422014.html These are some of the Daimler Roadliners I have tracked down over the years, mostly in the 1980's Saturday 5 February 2005: These are some of the Daimler Roadliners I have tracked down over the years, mostly in the 1980's

KDD276E COACH OF THE YEAR 1967 at Pivington Mill in 1987 KDD276E at The George, Egerton, after my ride out with owner Allen Carr KDD 278 E at GE Dack & Sons, Kings Lynn, fitted by now with a Perkins V8 - myself alongside Classic Black & White Motorways cirrus seat trim in KDD 278E RDG 308 G at Lenham Church, just off the A20 Ashford Road, after my run from Pluckley, later to be famous for the TV series RDG 308G leaves Pluckley Station for Pivington Mill depot RDG 309G with Dragon Coachways, Stocksbridge, Sheffield. The steelworks in the background UAD316H with Offerton Coaches, Stockport, operated by owner/driver Bill Broadhurst One of the KRU-F reg batch interior taken for Willowbrook coachbuilders 1968 Typical municipal interior in deep red leather - note the step-free gangway, so uselful in the Roadliner bus Brand new Bournemouth-Willowbrook SRC6 posed at Loughborough before delivery in 1968 Bournemouth Roadliner shows off its rear engine grilles in a Loughborough park in 1968, before heading to Bournemouth for service Rear shot of KDD ,showing the vents to the V6 Cummins engine compartment ex Black & White 315 on a day trip at Barry Island in South Wales. I'd gone for Woodhams scrapyard to see the steam locos and heard this V8 roaring in Uptons formerly Staplefords of Markfield in Leics. - one of a number of Roadliners they ran until the 1980's Offerton Coaches, Stockport - Bill Broadhurst owner/driver's pride & joy, later sold to Knotty Bus & Coach at Stoke and then preserved my Mike Kingsley in Gloucs. 2004 View forwards showing origianl seats in UAD before retrimming. Close-up of the V8-540 Perkins which Bill Broadhurst installed from a Ford truck to replace the original V8-510 Restored Wolverhampton Corporation NJW 719 E, seen at Wythall Bus Museum. This Roadliner SRC6 has Metalastic suspension and a Strachans Paceline B54D body, the high capacity being achieved with 3+2 seating beyond the centre exit NJW 719E shows off its nearside rear, with the boot lid specially removed to reveal the Cummins V6-200 engine, overhauled expertly by Cummins own staff How neatly the Cummins V6-200 fits in the boot! No wonder it attracted such interest when new but sadly no-one knew just how troublesome that high-revving oversquare power unit would prove to be. Cummins really had gone into production too quickly, due to demand for a compact high power engine on the US market and Daimler were hapless victims, attracted by its neat and compact layout and anxious to cut a dash with their new chassis design NJW 719 E displays its Cummins V6-200 to good effect - finished in the trademark khaki engine colour used by Cummins. The overhaul by Daventry staff of this engine is a credit to them Myself posed with 719, delighted to see the bus out at last

Published in Tony Griffin's Bus, Lorry & Railway Archive

]]> Sat Feb 5 2005