December 2001

First Leicester.
* The recent Volvo's have now gained fleet numbers as follows 226 - KP51VZO, 227 - KP51VZW, 228 - KP51WAJ, 229 - KP51WBG, 231 - KP51WBY, 232 - KP51WCF, 233 - KP51WCN, 237 - KP51VZX. They do not seen to be allocated numbers in registration number sequence as you would expect KP51VZX to follow KP51VZW nor are they being numbered in the order they arrive as there still aint a number 230 and 234-6 have also yet to appear. Number 233..... now where have I seen that before :-)
* Northampton's only mini's 719 & 720 - P825/6NAV have been transferred to Leicester replacing older examples 731/3 which have been de-licenced.
* More Volvo B7's are KP51WCF & KP51WCN.
* More New Alexander bodied Volvo Double Deckers have arrived.... KP51 VZW, KP51 WAJ & KP51WBY have not yet been allocated fleet numbers.
* The first of a "Job Lot" of new Volvo buses arrived in style at Abbey Park Road, KP51 VZO broke down en route from the bodybuilder and is of the Double Deck variety and is similar to those already in the fleet.
* Now Here's a Complicated state of affairs regarding the Northampton vehicles mentioned below....... The vehicles, which live at Abbey Park Road overnight & week-ends are used by Leicester drivers, seconded to Northampton, on Northampton routes. In the morning they leave Leicester and do Kettering schools, before heading into Northampton. They return to Abbey Park Road at night, along with the Leicester drivers. 211, 280 & 281 are normally used..... So There you Go !
* Dominators 72 & 74 have been placed in store (again !)
* The Southampton Atlanteans are regular sights in the town with both 257 & 266 noted on route 21 on Tuesday 18th.
* More Northampton deckers noted around Leicester are 211 - D101XNV and former Great Yarmouth twins 280/1 - E40/1OAH making a return, though due to Local Fleetnames being dropped it is becoming dificult to identify Loans or Permanent fixtures.
* The ex Southampton Atlanteans are having mixed fortunes with 255 being placed in store, 257 managing a few appearences on the 26 but returning to base behind the Tow-Wagon and 266 being regularly noted on routes 37 & 26.
* Another Dominator to bite the dust is No.77 which although destined for Rotherham is thought to have ended up at First Manchester's Wigan depot due to lack of room in yorkshire.
* Volvo B6 436 has returned here from Northampton, Also here from Northants is Volvo citybus 294 - H294VRP which has been at work on 54's with full Leicester destination gear.

Arriva Fox County.
* The final Bedford - RBC500W has departed the Fleet. It has not been seen on its training duties for some time and has turned up For Sale in the small ad's of the British Bus Preservation Groups website.
* Wigston's newest minibuses 1153 & 1160 have joined most of the others of this batch at Thurmaston.
* The Saturdays only Park & Ride services from Oadby & County Hall are to be withdrawn in January this move together with the loss of some School contracts to Dunn-Line could see some older vehicles vacate the Fleet.
* A significant Withdrawal has seen 3004 - FIL3452 (B104LJU) depart for pastures new. This was the final Leyland Coach brought new by Midland Fox entering service in January 1985 and managed to complete just under 17 years with the company being based at Southgates for most of it's career apart from a time at St Ives Road. It is now with MASS Transit in Lincoln.
* Another former Greenway to turn up with Coventry operator "A-Line" is 2141 - SIB6707
* The Training fleet seems to have changed somewhat in recent months with recently unemployed Volvo coaches 3213, 3235 & 3236 regually employed as such which means that the two Leopards are now quite rare on the road and Bedford RBC500W has vanished altogether !
* More Mini's on the move are 1305 & 1309/21 which have turned up at Southgates from Coalville (1305) and Thurmaston (1309/21), 1127 has gone from Thurmaston to Wigston and 1174 has gone from Coalville to Thurmaston. These moves could be part of a chain of events to give Thurmaston an all Automatic Allocation.
* Mini 1170 has finally gained Space Centre shuttle livery.
* Mercedes Mini's on the move are 1135 which has turned up at Wigston (ex Thurmaston) and 1356 to Thurmaston (ex Coalville).
* Former Greenway 2144 JIL2196 has turned up with Coventry operator A-Line and is currently in use in Arriva Livery.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* The only ywo minibuses in the fleet 719 & 720 have gone to Leicester.
* Volvo B6 436 - L674RMD has returned to Leicester where Volvo 294 has also appeared.

General.
* TRS ---> The five mini buses that were smoke damaged in the depot fire were back at work on the outer circle on the morning of the 27th due to the dedication various staff members including Dave & Darrayl who cleaned them overnight at Merry Leas depot and made them passable for sevice with the roof's being the only visible indication of their close encounter on Boxing Day. As for the two coaches damaged, TRS574 has recieved dmage to both front Windscreens and will need a respray to the Roof and H914FTT has some scorching on Its Roof.
* Dunn Line ---> YL51 ZUD is a Scania L94 with Wright Solar bodywork which can usually be found on route 120 Leicester to Loughborough.
* Roberts Coaches ---> FE51WUY is a new Mercedes-Benz / Plaxton Beaver noted at work on route 106 Thurmaston to Loughborough.
* TRS ---> It is a sad end to 2001 for TRS coaches as a fire at their Scudamore Road Depot on Boxing Day Destroyed all 5 Neoplan based double deck coaches the Van Hool Astron and one of the ex Clarkes Javelins. Also damaged was most of the minibus fleet including the 3 "P" reg examples and a couple of other coaches.
Vehicles Completely Destroyed were.....
Van Hool Astron LIL6292; Neoplans UTC872,VOI5836,TRS332,RIB4311,2320DD; Javelin J242MFP
Vehicles Damaged were....
Javelin TRS574; Volvo B10M H914FTT; Mercedes Minibuses RIL6381,MIL9758,P473-5FJF.
* Centrebus ---> Will be operating the Saturdays only Oadby Racecourse Park & Ride from January.
* A C S ---> The tenth vehicle in the rapidly expanding fleet is AVK178V a Former Tyne & Wear "Jumbo" Atlantean though in this case arriving via Munro's of Jedborough.
* Wilts & Dorset ! ! ! ---> An unidentified Wilts & Dorset Olympian has been seen around and about. It might be with Confidence but confirmation is awaited.
* Paul S. Winson ---> Former South Notts Olympians F128KTV & G129NRC are reported as being at work here though they are also reported with Holmeswood Coaches up in Lancashire ! (Any Sightings ?).
* Hylton & Dawson ---> A Dennis Dart SLF has been noted in service, P942EMS has an Alexander body and has previously operated for various companies around London.
* Dunn Line ---> Vehicles noted operating out of the Barrow base include Metrobuses BOK76V, GOG97W, GOG119W & KJW312W and Volvo coaches SIL8748, YSU954, MIL1057 & MIL8330 which have come from Travel West Midlands (Metrobuses) and various other Dunnline depots (Volvo's).
* Beaverbus ---> New here is J321BVO en ex Trent Buses DAF Delta.
* MacPherson ---> A fourth Setra has been aquired - N206PUL joins N202-4PUL, The last two lightweight Ford's (B921GUX & C58USS) have departed to join A330VHB with a former employee.
* MacPherson ---> A batch of Setra's has been aquired from an unknown source, N202-4PUL were new to the Pullmanor (Redwing) fleet in London but were aquired via an unknown source, N206PUL is also believed due. On the minus side J213DYL a previous aquisition from Pullmanor is up for Sale.
* MacPherson ---> Late model Ford A330VHB has been sold to a former employee.
* Ausden Clark ---> Another ex London Country Atlantean here is KPJ248W (KPJ268W might or might not be here as well) joining similar KPJ270W.
* Kinchbus ---> Mercedes Minibuses R827/8WBC have been transferred to Trent following the Loss of the "Rutland Flyer" Service
* Paul James ---> To Clarify the minibuses... Solo's W30/40PJC operate the "Rutland Flyer" Melton - Oakham - Corby service Whilst two plain white Vario's V253BNV & R661GCA operate the No.8 Melton - Loughborough service.

November 2001

First Leicester.
* Another Falcon to Recieve a First Group repaint is 615, this will be followed by 611.
* The New Vehicle order is for 35 more Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 Deckers and 23 Volvo B7L/Wright saloons (a similar vehicle is currently being used by Arriva Fox County)
* Service revisions are due on routes 12/12A & 54 on Monday 5th Nov.
* Latest arrivals are 255 YRV255V, 257 YRV257V & 266 BBK266W which are Leyland Atlanteans with East Lancs bodywork that were originally with Southampton whose livery they still carry as they are to be used on School Contracts. It seems a shame that many good Dominators have left the fleet recently and the company has had to fall back on these vehicles.
* Dominator No.66 - XJF66Y has gone for Scrap and No.73 - A73FRY has gone to Mainline, On The plus side No.75 is to Re-Enter service.
* Falcons 612/17/25 are all now in "Barbie 2" Livery with fuzzy bitz which seems to suit the type really well

Arriva Fox County.
* Van Hool coach 3213 appears to have become a luxury Driver Trainer!
* Mercedes mini 1307 has been Transferred from Coalville to Wigston
* One that needs a close eye on.... Scania 4158 was noted on Loughborough Grammar school route D, on the 21/11. This is a Thurmaston route, and 4158 a Wigston bus????
* Greenway 2157 has moved from Hinckley to Thurmaston whilst former Hinckley stablemate 2156 has found its way from Thurmaston to Market Harborough.
* The Final DAF Lowlyner is in service 4714 is registered FE51 YWM.
* Volvo B10B 2608 has been transferred from Wigston to Southgates and 2604/5 have also gone from Wigston and might now be at Derby

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
*

General.
* Kinchbus---> It is reported that Atlanteans BTV656T & MNU694W are still with this company.
* Dunn Line ---> Has taken over the old Kinch depot at Barrow on Soar which has an allocation of about 4 ex WMT Metrobuses, Half a dozen Paramount coaches and Three brand new Yellow Italian bodied schoolbuses !.
* Dunn-Line ?---> An East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo saloon registered FE51 RBX has been noted working the 120 Leicester - Loughborough service.
* Paul James ---> Has a Further two Optare Solo's registered W30/40PSW that operate the "Rutland Flyer" Melton to Loughborough service, Also aquired is M120YCM an Alexander bodied M-B 709D that has come from Arriva Manchester Plus one other Solo.
* PRESERVED ---> Peter Weatherby informs me that Restoration of Former Confidence Atlantean VWM83L has started at the Merseyside Transport Trust base at Burscough and progress can be seen by visiting http://www.mpnw31374.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/RESTORATION.NEWS.PAGE.htm
* ACS ---> Now has YJI1317 An Alexander bodied Atlantean previously registered KSD62W that was aquired from Cedar Coaches of Bedford.
* CENTREBUS ---> The expansion continues....... The latest route is the No. 13 to Hamilton Estate and uses Dennis Darts the first noted is P32MLE which has come from Armchair of Brentford and was latterly used on LRT Route 190 Richmond to West Brompton. The Armchair livery is not dissimilar to that of Centrebus.
* CENTREBUS ---> Latest Metrobus names & Numbers are F805YLV Now No. 28 and Named Jane Seymour & F806YLV Now No. 29 and Named Anne of Cleves.
* CENTREBUS ---> Latest arrivals are being named after the 6 wives of Henry VIII (not the 8 of Henry VI as first thought by some :-))).
* Whilst Dominators are departing from Abbey Park Road one has arrived in another part of the city, MNS48Y is a new arrival with ACS and came from the superbly named "Happy Al's" School Buses in Birkenhead (yup... another Mersey import). Though this example started life in Scotland.

October 2001

First Leicester.
* Dennis Dominator 81 is now back from Holiday in Northampton having been swopped with 92.
* Dominators 70 AUT70Y & 76 A76FRY Have gone to Mainline along with Metrobus 33 AUT33Y which had been in store in Leicester after returning from Nortampton.
* Volvo B6s 426/34/5 have been re-allocated to Northampton.

Arriva Fox County.
* Following the arrival of the B10B's at Hinckley, Greenway 2156 has been transferred to Thurmaston.
* Volvo B10B's 2601-3 are all now at work on the 158 Nuneaton to Leicester service based at Hinckley.
* Another New DAF is 4711 -> FE51YWJ. Leaving just 4714 to be noted.
* Another DAF coach for National Express work is 3201 P201RWR, a Plaxton Premiere bodied example last operated by First Edinburgh.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Dominator 81 has gone back home to Leicester in Exchange for newer 92.

General.
* Centrebus --> The Merseyside imports just keep on comin' F803/4YLV are further MCW's numbered ?/30 and named Katherine Howard & Katherine Parr.
* Centrebus --> Centrebus in Leicester has again increased competition against First Leicester by extending their existing route 54 across the city to Goodwood. Previously Centrebus only operated the City - Beaumont Leys section of this cross-city route. It appears that a 12-minute frequency (i.e the same as First Leicester) is operated throughout. This is all in addition to their original route 21."Dale"

September 2001

First Leicester.
* Latest Repaints into "Barbie 2" colours are Volvo B6 424 & Falcon 612 (with the haze) and Mini 718 (without the haze).
* Despite being noted out of use Optare Excel 303 has been seen back in service in the town.
* 718 (J613HMF) The Capital Citybus Mercedes Mini that appears to be Homeless has returned after a spell in Northampton (and now carrying "barbie 2" livery), It had spent time with Mainline with others of the batch before appearing in Leicester the First time around.
* The First Metro system which never really left the bus station so to speak seems to have been abandoned for the time being as routes are chopped and changed every few weeks and as a result the Indigo & Orange Line buses (429/31,506/8) have had the branding removed.
* Northampton Metrobus 33 (AUT33Y) is in storage back here where it started it's career.
* Following reports that 80/2 are back from Northampton it appears that 90 & 95 have gone the other way with 95 having its DeMontford University overall Advert removed to leave the side bodywork in GRT style livery with a First Leicester style front.
* Former North Western Dominator 145 - F637BKD has been scrapped following Fire Damage.
* Dominators 62/3 have gone to Mainline, 64/5/9 Have been Scrapped, 66 is near enough Scrapped ! & 67 has been donated to Leicester's twin city of Strasbourg for convertion into a Mobile Drop-In Centre !
* Dominators 80/2 have been noted back in use here (ex Northampton).(Dale)
* Optare Excel 303 Has been noted parked up devoid of Fleetnames and Blinds. This could be the first to leave for Manchester.

Arriva Fox County.
* Fleet List Updated 20th September and Recent changes include... (Coalville) four ex London Darts arriving to replace Greenways, Olympian 4528 has come from Stamford gaining Arriva livery in the process. This is a replacment for 4505 which is the first of the batch of Twelve to be withdrawn through Old Age and Mini 1307 has come from Thurmaston to replace Ex Stevensons 1338.
(Hinckley) Volvo B10B's 2602/3 have come from Wigston for use on the 158 service, Leyland National Greenway 2140 has come from Derby to Replace 2151 which has been withdrawn along with Olympian 4476, similar 4508/14 have also left here.
(Market Harborough) Scania's 4135/6 have arrived from Wigston to replace life expired Olympians 4491/2 they rejoin similar 4134 here, Vario's 1172/5 have also come from Wigston with older Mercs 1363/4 going back in Return.
(Southgates) Volvo B10B 2607 has arrived from Wigston for use on the X67 service and The Coach unit has lost the Two Bova's which were never very popular here.
(Stamford) Out in the Sticks Vario 1116 has departed back to the City being replaced here by 1179/80 from Thurmaston, Olympians 4486/94 have been withdrawn and 4528 has Gone to Coalville being replaced by Ex Arriva Southern Counties 4561 which had spent a short time at Wigston. Ex Colchester coach 3006 has also been withdrawn though similar 3005 solders on.
(Thurmaston) A Job-Lot of new Dart's for routes 27/8 have replaced minibuses to other depots.
(Wigston) Six mercedes minis have come from Thurmaston to replace older Mercs which included the last in Midland Fox livery that have been withdrawn, Delivery of the new DAF deckers has prompted a clearout of vehicles including the two ex Kentish bus Scania's have left the fleet and 4135/6 which have gone to Market Harborough, Also gone are the two non-standard Volvo citybus's which have logicaly gone to Derby. The first Volvo B10B's have also departed with the rest to follow shortly.
* Summary of Recent Changes:-
* WITHDRAWN#
Coalville ->1338,2144/6,4505
Hinckley ->2151,4476
Mkt Harborough ->4491/2
Southgates ->2138,3231/2
Stamford ->3006,4486/94
Thurmaston ->1371,2141,3023
Wigston ->1308/13/14/37/41,4151/2
* TRANSFERRED#
Coalville IN->1307,2142,4514/28 OUT->
Hinckley IN->2140,2602/3 OUT->4508/14
Mkt Harborough IN->1118/72/5,2143,4135/6 OUT->1363/4
Southgates IN->1116,1315,2607 OUT->
Stamford IN->1179/80,4561 OUT->1116,4528
Thurmaston IN->1309,4508 OUT->1118-22/79/80,1307/24/5/69/70
Wigston IN->1119-22,1363/4/9/70 OUT->1172/5,1309/15,2142/3,2602/3/6/7,4135/6,4354/5,4561
* AQUIRED#
2035 P835RWU, 2036 P836RWU, 2040 P840PWW, 2042 P842PWW - Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer @ Coalville
2253/4/6-9/61-7 Y253YBL etc.. - Dennis Dart MPV @ Thurmaston
4701-9/12-16 - DAF DB250 / East Lancs @ Wigston
* The First Local Buses to recieve with New style Registration Numbers are DAF's 4708 (FE51 YWH) 4712 (FE51 YWK) & 4713 (FE51 YWL) & 4715 (FE51 WSU) & 4716 (FE51 WSV). Which are in service with Route Brandings on the nearside but blank on the off side.
* P840PWW & P842PWW Are Plaxton bodied Dennis Darts that have arrived here from Arriva London North's Enfield depot. It is not known where they are intended to go though use as Greenway Replacements is a possibility.
* Mercedes Mini 1315 has joined the Driver Training Fleet, Volvo B10M Coach 3235 is also used from time to time and has coverable L Plates fitted.
* New DAF's 4701/2 found themselves at the Seaside on Sunday 2nd September visiting Fantasy Island on the Lincolnshire Coast on a Staff Charter ! (These are the only two of the batch to be Fitted with Tacho's)
* More New DAF DB250's at Wigston are 4703/5/6/8/9. They have been entering service on routes 84/5 in dribs and drabs since the 28th August. 4701/2 Have Arriva Fleetnames, 4703/4/6/7/9 have Branding for Routes 84/84A/85 and 4705 has Branding on the Nearside & Fleetname on the Offside. Fifteen are anticipated 4701-9/11-16.
* The First Scania to be withdrawn (also the penultimate to be aquired) is 4152 which has gone to that avid Scaina collector Black Prince of Morley. It had managed five and a half years with the company.
* The displacement of the Volvo B10B's from Wigston Could differ from the original plan with two going to Southgates for the X67 and Some to Derby.

Arriva Derby.
* The First Volvo B10B for the fleet is 2606 V606DBC which has come from AFC's Wigston depot.
* AFC Volvo citybuses 4354/5 F114TML & F111TML have found a home here with a large number of similar vehicles.
* Mercedes Mini 1362 (G124TJA) Has been withdrawn and replaced by Leicester Carriage bodied 1324/5 L324/5AUT From Fox County. The Sole Leyland National - 2140 Has gone to AFC's Hinckley Garage to replace similar 2151.

First Northampton.
* Dominator 83 has gone to First Mainline (joining 84-6).
* Dominators 80 & 82 have returned to Leicester in exchange for newer 90/5.

General.
* Centrebus --> More Merseyside imports seee MCW Metrobus's return to the Streets of Leicester with F801/2YLV numbered 25/6, These Vehicles do not carry Drivers wives names... either that or one has married Catherine from Aragon and another is Mrs Anne Boleyn !
* Confidence --> Long Serving Atlantean No.18 VWM83L has gone to a Preservationist in Southport for a well earned Retirement. Whilst the Oldest Ex Nottingham example No.27 OTO551M has not been so lucky and is being stripped for spares
* Confidence --> Yet another Olympian here is No. 48 AEF224Y which started life with United before going to Northumbria when United was split, It then went to Kentish Bus in exchange for some coach seated examples before finding a home in Wales working for Arriva Cymru.
* Confidence --> Two new Arrivals from Overseas (well the Isle of Man !) are XWY476X an ECW bodied Olympian That was new to West Riding but Reached the I.O.M via Metrobus of Orpington and UWW10X a Roe bodied example new to West Yorkshire PTE but reaching the I.O.M via Southern National thus rejoining UWW8X here after many years apart.
* Confidence --> Stagecoach liveried Leyland Titan KYN288X has been returned to a Dealer following Loan.
* Centrebus --> No.24 (E926KYR) Has had a name change and is now Princess Carole (Indicating that a driver has a) Left or b) Got Divorced).
* Kinchbus --> Leyland Nationals 525/7-9 (FRA525V etc) Have Been Withdrawn during the summer together with Ex Nottingham Atlanteans 680/1/4 (RNU432X, RNU433X & MNU694W).
* Centrebus --> The lone Bristol VR - JKH508V has been withdrawn and Atlantean MVO421W has been sold. Four more Scouse Olympians are Due here. (Alan)
* Centrebus --> Ex Merseybus Olympian F441AKB has been repainted into Fleet livery and has been named "Princess Megan".
* Centrebus --> F438AKB aka "Princess Julie" has been renumbered 23.

August 2001

First Leicester.
* Livery Alterations have seen Volvo B6 426 & Mercedes Mini 723 gain the Pink "Fuzzy Bits" on their Barbie 2 schemes.

Arriva Fox County.
* Y228CJW the Volvo B7 demonstrator is still on hire and can normally be found on the X40 & X67, Now I am not saying that the local drivers are clumsy but it is now on it's third windscreen since arriving here :-)
* A slightly strange arrival at Southgates for School work is A698EAU which was one of a pair of Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympians that stated life with Nottingham (hence the odball bodywork) but has come from Arriva The Shires at Aylesbury.
* 4702/4/7 are more DAF / East Lancs deckers to arrive at Wigston. (six more are due over the august bank holiday weekend) with a possible start date of Tuesday 28th !
* Y701XJF is the first of the East Lancashire bodied DAF double deckers for Wigston Depot.
* The latest repaints into Arriva Colours are Volvo Olympian 4605 (which was the last Double Decker) and Greenway 2160 which has returned to Service after several months disuse. It has been suggested that there are now no mini's in this livery which only leaves 3 Greenways and a training coach carrying the blue.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
*

General.
* Centrebus -> Another Ex Merseyside Olympian to gain Employment here is F438AKB "Princess Julie". It is Currently running with fleet number 21 but so is E913KYR "Princess Danielle" !. Congratulations to the Staff and Management of Centrebus on winning a tidy sum on the National Lottery !

July 2001

First Leicester.
* Volvo Olympian 187 has been reported working for First Western National.
* As Part of the forthcoming Fleet revamp it is thought that Olympians 183-6 (P183-6 TGD), Excel's 301-10 (R1-10 LCB) & Merc's 501-4/6-10 (M501-4/6-10 GRY) will become First Manchester 3361-4,6621-30 & 951-4/6-60.
* Latest repaints into "Barbie 2" livery are Volvo B6's 425/6.

Arriva Fox County.
* Mercedes-Mini 1169 Has gained a special livery for it's use as the Leicester Space Centre "shuttle bus" (1170 also puts in regular appearances though this still has fleet livery).
* Volvo Olympian Repainting continues appace with 4608/10/12 the latest into Arriva livery (4610 thus losing its Leicester Promotions Livery) This leaves 4605 as the only Decker in "Urban" Blue.
* Y228CJW a Wright bodied Volvo B7L was on loan to the coach unit for use on the X40 & X67 services for a few days

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Metrobuses 265/8/9 have turned up at First Mainline to replace native MCW's.

General.
* The Management of Centrebus Have been on another Shopping trip to Merseyside !.... with E913KYR, E926KYR & F441AKB (and at least one other) being the latest aquisitions. All are Northern Counties Bodied Olympians though F441AKB is the stretched Version.

June 2001

First Leicester.
* The Latest repaint into "Barbie 2" livery is Volvo B6 434.

Arriva Fox County.
* More Volvo Olympians into Arriva livery are 4606/9/13 (4606 thus losing its advert for Leicester City FC's Sportsline). Greenway 2161 has also recieved the colours.
* Olympians E158-161OMD have been numbered 4558-61.
* L422CPB & L423CPB are shabby Mercedes mini buses that have come from Arriva Cymru but are not expected to be here long.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Metrobuses 268/9 have turned up with First Mainline in Yorkshire (reason unknown).

General.
* Centrebus is Expanding again !.... This time on to First Leicester Route 54. The Scania's and Olympians are to be used on this route leaving the 21's to be covered with the Atlanteans. Though another two ex Merseyside Olympians are said to be on their way here.
* Confidence now has Another Leyland Tiger that started life on Oxford Citylink work is B124UUD which rejoins A118PBW (Again !), This coach and the other recent arrival C248CKH have not yet been repainted. Some of the coaches (BWT199X / VRC611Y / A118PBW) are now in a Traditional "Midland Red" style coach livery of Red & Black.
* The Rapidly increasing Centrebus fleet Now has a pair of former Arriva Merseyside Leyland Olympians with Alexander bodies, E216WBG & E225WBG now numbered 19 & 18 and named Princess's Millie & Kayleigh. Scania G377NRC has had a name change from Princess Joanna to Princess Sophie !
* The Guide Friday "Leicester Tour" Bus is CWG744V which is a former South Yorkshire Atlantean that was previously part of the Cambridge Tour fleet. It is Kept at Arriva's Southgates Depot and carries AFC fleet No. 8744.
* E420EBH - A Leyland Lynx which was latterly with Arriva The Shires has been noted in the Kibworth Area still wearing Arriva livery.

May 2001

First Leicester.
* 58 New Low Floor vehicles are expected here as part of a major fleet revamp !
* Dennis Dominator (148) F148MBC Has returned Home (sort of). After being noted under Tow on the M1 it was supposed to be heading for Mainline (From First capital). Though it's now sitting in First Leicester's yard (not the works) in an area which is usually kept for withdrawn vehicles.

Arriva Fox County.
* Fifteen DAF's with East Lancs "Lowlyne" bodies are due in July for Wigston Depot. They will oust Volvo B10BLE's and ex Liverline Scanias from routes 84/5 with the Volvos moving to Coalville (for 99's ?) and Hinckley (for 158's ?)
* Ooooops..... Southgates Scania 4177 caused mayhem in Oadby during the evening peakhour on Thursday 17th May when it dropped it's Gearbox !. The said item had been acting up for a couple of weeks previous. At least it will now be fixed.
* Now at work from Southgates is 2136 - NIW6508 Latterly with Arriva East Herts & Essex Though had also spent a Long period with Arriva Colchester and before that London & Country. It started life with West Yorkshire Road Car Leyland National GUA821N.
* A battered ex Arriva Cymru Mercedes-Benz 709D - L423CPB has been noted around Leicester. It displays no fleet number as yet and is still advertising the Merits of Flintshire on its bodysides.
* Thurmaston Depot are expectimg some Didi-Darts imminently which will include 2254/6-8/61/3/5-7 (Y256YBC etc.). They will be Branded for routes 27/28 Groby/Ratby to Pendlebury Drive.
* Ex Arriva Kent & Sussex Olympians E158-160OMD have found a home at Hinckley Whilst E161OMD has found gainful employment at Wigston. All appear to be still carrying A.K & S fleet numbers 5758 etc.
* The Number of "Deckers" in UrbanFox Blue livery is now down to Half a Dozen following the painting of 4168 & 4607 into Arriva Livery.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Scania's 364/5 have been route branded for service 2 (Northampton - Rectory Farm)

General.
* Guide Friday is to start an open-top tourist tour of the city ! !
* Woods Coaches - TJI1700, MAZ7015 & GIL8879 were all noted in Calais on Saturday 28th April.
* Centrebus Scania - G374NRC is Numbered "17" and Named "Princess Amanda". A Third example of this type has also been spotted parked in the Yard at Thurmaston.
* The Barton outstation at Abbey Park Road will close on July 14th. This date will also see the withdrawal of the 777 service to Nottingham.

April 2001

First Leicester.
* Northern Counties bodied Dominators 141/2 have also gone to Northampton.
* Dennis Dominators 79 & 81 have joined 80/2/3 at Northampton (79 was the last full sized bus in Red/Blue).
* Mercedes Minibus 731 still has a nearside First Capital destination blind and was displaying route S2 Stratford to Clapton via Bow & Hackney when seen in early April.
* The recent Volvo B6 arrivals from London have caused great confusion due to fleet numbers being swopped between vehicles so they have ended up thus 435-L672RMD, 436-L674RMD, 437-L677RMD, 438-L680RMD. To add to the confusion 437 & 438 subsequently disappeared and have now turned up with Northampton !

Arriva Fox County.
* Coalville based Dart 2205, complete with it's usual 254 route blind was seen going to Wigston depot last night - where they have no Darts! Also, today (25/04), Fox Citybus F114 TML was running around Derby. Dale
* It is now believed that the Volvo B10BLE's currently based at Wigston will now transfer to Hinckley and Coalville when new Low Floor Double Deckers arrive in the Summer.
* Optare Bodied Leyland Olympians E158-61OMD are expected from Arriva Kent & Sussex for use on School Contracts. They have also been with Arriva Kent-Thameside, Kentish Bus and Boro'line Maidstone during their careers but in reality have never ventured too far from their original operating area.
* 2137 - F275AWW The Leyland Lynx Driver Trainer has been withdrawn and sold after a brief stay.
* 4601 is another of Wigston's Volvo Olympians to gain Arriva Livery
* The Coach Unit has moved again and is now based at Southgates and as a result a Scania L113 or sometimes a Dart MPD can often be found on one of the express diagrams covering X40 and X67 services.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Ex Leicester Dominators 141/2 have arrived here still in Capital Citybus Yellow livery.
* Leyland Atlantean's URS330X, XSS331/9Y have arrived from First Aberdeen for use on School Contracts.
* Dennis Dominators 79 & 81 have joined 80/2/3 here.
* Volvo B6's 437 L677RMD and 438 L680RMD have arrived from Leicester.

General.
* Centerbus have a second Scania Decker from Nottingham. G374NRC joins G377NRC.
* Y70PSW is a smart Plaxton Cheetah bodied Mercedes minicoach numbered 70 in the Paul Winson fleet. Also new in this fleet are a Leyland Olympian numbered 71 and a Volvo coach numbered 72 and carring the 2968PW plates from withdrawn Bova 25. more details soon
* E216MFX is yet another Bedford with Plaxton Derwent 2 bodywork to join the Hylton & Dawson fleet replacing MMJ475V.

March 2001

First Leicester.
* Dominators 49/50 have been noted with First Mainline and 80/2/3 are now at Northampton.
* Volvo B10M / Duple 300 bus 111 E111NNV has come from Northampton in Exchange for coach 10.
* More Vehicles in the new livery are Olympians 182/8, Volvo B6 428, Mercedes 501 & Mini 723.
* Mercedes 730 is the First minibus in the new First Livery.

Arriva Fox County.
* W209CDN a DAF / Wright Cadet demonstrator is being used by the coach unit on services X67 & X40.
* Southgates Greenway 2160 normally found on route 37 was being used by the coach unit on the X40 & X67 during the last week of Febuary but the country air proved to be too much for it and it failed on the 2nd of March.
* Bovas 3231/2 are due for imminent withdrawal.
* The coach unit based at Thurmaston looks set to move to Southgates.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
* Dominators 80/2/3 (B80MJF etc) have come from Leicester. David
* 130 and 128 are now in First livery with 121 and 719 to follow. David
* Volvo B10M Coach 10 (PSU626) has been transferred from Leicester and normally works the Lutterworth High School contract. Volvo B10M Bus 111 has gone to Leicester in Exchange. David

General.
* Paul Winson has aquired the buisness of Schofield Travel.
* Kinchbus has aquired Mercedes-Benz Vario's 288,289,290 from Barton and is using them on the Airlink service from Loughborough Railway Station to East Midlands Airport. Similar vehicle 285 originally used on the Matlock service has gone in exchange and Darts 401/2 have gone to Trent for use as Driver Trainers.
* Centrebus G377NRC is a Scania N113DRB with Alexander bodywork. It carries Fleetlivery and in line with other vehicles in the fleet is named "Princess Joanna".
* Confidence has gained a Leyland Titan in the shape of KYN288X which has come from Stagecoach South Coast Buses.

Febuary 2001

First Leicester.
* Another Mercedes single decker to have gained the new livery is 502.
* Some more Volvo B6's have started to arrive from London. 435 L680RMD is in the new First Group livery and 436 L677RMD & 438 L674RMD are in Capital Citybus Livery. As all ten of the batch are expected it is strange that they are being numbered in such a haphazard fashion. Although allocated to Capital they had been on loan to Centrewest and some have found their way up to Eastern Counties recently.

Arriva Fox County.
* Fleet List Updated 4th Febuary. Recent Changes Include:.....
* AQUIRED#
Tigers 3005 OHE274X + 3006 OHE280X @ Stamford, 3023 EDZ215 @ Thurmaston:
DAF/Van Hool 3205 P205RWR @ Thurmaston.
* TRANSFERRED#
Olympians 4494+4510 Wigston - Stamford, 4510 Wigston - Thurmaston:
Mercedes Mini 1116 Thurmaston-Stamford, 1117 Thurmaston-Coalville, 1172 Derby-Wigston, 1339 Coalville-Wigston, 1356 Stamford-Coalville, 1394 Hinckley-Stamford.
* RENUMBERED# (apart from the Mercs most are still displaying previous numbers at present.)
Mercedes Mini 1372 to 1393, 1390 to 1394.
Volvo Citybus 4654/5 to 4354/5.
Coaches have all had 3000 added to previous numbers.
* SOLD#
Greenways 2147/50: DAF's 87+153: Volvo 234: Olympians 4487/9/93: Mercedes Mini M282,1301/29/36/91

Arriva Derby.
* Fleetlist updated 4th Febuary.

First Northampton.
*

General.
*

January 2001

First Leicester.
* Two Mercedes single decker's have gained the new livery 504/7.
* First Leicester have just painted one of their ex-Glasgow Olympians (181 - P181 TGD) in what I assume is the new corporate livery for older 'First' buses. Dale

Arriva Fox County.
* National Express liveried Volvo B10M 3211 N211TBC has been re-registered 662NKR an identity that was previously on DAF coach 153 (now withdrawn).
* Leyland Olympian 4514 has gained a rather large tree deflector bar on the front nearside of the top deck.
* Wigstons Volvo B10BLE's single deckers look set to be transferred to Southgates replacing Greenways on route 37 and Coaches on the X40/X67.
* 3205 P205RWR is a DAF / Van Hool coach being used on National Express work.
* Due to additional coaches being supplied for National Express duties Olympians 4509 & 4511 have both been used by the coach unit recently on Lutterworth & Coventry services.

Arriva Derby.
*

First Northampton.
*

General.
* Alantis Travel has a new coach in the shape of F59JTA a Caetano bodied DAF which has replaced Plaxton Viewmaster bodied Leyland Tiger SIL4471 which has gone to G.H.Watts. Alantis also uses Watts depot at Foxholes.
* An unidentified Alexander bodied double decker (might be a Scania) wearing Nottingham City Transport livery has been noticed in residence at Centrebus's depot.
* Trent's Olympian C718 LTO - in Blue Apple livery - has been seen working on various Kinch routes recently
* Confidence has acquired another Leyland Olympian / ECW this being FUM 490Y ex Keighley & District 361 Dale

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