SUMMERTIME COLOURED VR's

While the sunshine is out time to enjoy once again four colourful Bristol VR's, first one up is Cambus ex Eastern Counties Bristol VR 296 VEX 296X taken between late 1984 and 1986 in an lovely yellow all over advert for CAMGLAZE windows.

Stepping forward a little bit and we see series one flat fronted Bristol VR OT 353 NCK 980J with very large Eastern Counties fleetnames on the upper windscreen  advertising the joys of Pleasurewood Hills during the 1990's.

We head west again to Peterborough and you could say this was colourful if you like though the grey or silver advert for The Computer Centre does Cambus Bristol VR KVF 246V no favours.

Heading back up to Norwich this time we see Eastern Counties Bristol VR 297 VEX 297X in the mid 1990's advertising the Anglia Square shopping.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES MD TO LEAVE

Seen back in late December last year is First Ipswich Volvo B7RLE 69423 AU58 FKK.

It has been announced in Coach and Bus Weekly that First Eastern Counties Managing Director David Squire is leaving, he joined Eastern Counties from Network Warrington in November 2013, we must thank David for what he has done in this region particularly for the nomination in the Route One awards, First at one time in this region were particularly know as a Joke with their poor standards of buses and under his and Chris Speed's new direction the company has improved their reputation, particularly what's been pleasing is the nod towards their heritage with three buses painted into different liveries and not forgetting the new Deep Clean programme which was initially implemented at Ipswich and has driven up the standard of their buses both inside and outside.

Volvo B7TL 32479 AU53 HJV when freshly repainted at the end of August last year.

WHEN IN LONDON....

No doubt my friend Steve W has a tale or two about driving these two, above we see the about to be preserved Ipswich Atlantean 85 WPV 85L now i think i know who is going to be preserving this but i will not reveal it until i have it fully confirmed, the story goes that back in 1988 that largely the batch of 83-88 and 94/98 were no longer needed by Ipswich Buses, hence the loan out of these and some of  1-5 and 7 among others were also loaned out of a period lasting 3 years, 85 returned to service along with others during 1989 before going back on loan to Boroline Maidstone, below is sister 84 WPV 84L ironically showing an Ipswich blind, if anyone has knowledge of the later sister buses in London i would love to know. The routes involved at the time i believe were the 188 and the 482.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16313630@N07/5978848313/in/photolist

IPSWICH ATLANTEAN 85 IS IT PRESERVED/THURSDAY FLASHBACK

Just a quick blog, well really a question quite a while back a photo appeared on Facebook i believe of ex Ipswich Buses Atlantean 85 WPV 85L but of course now i can't remember where, it is believed to be intact and is parked up somewhere unknown, so if anyone can help me out here then i would be most grateful.

Now this is something which recently slipped into my hands and which remains my copyright, and was according to the slide taken in 1962 however this 1933 Leyland Titan TD1 was withdrawn in 1960 however with a bit of investigation there is a Bristol Lodekka from the first LFS batch with a NG registration which was introduced in the summer of 1960, so thus we have 1960, AH 224 was the last of the batch to be re bodied in 1950 with an new E.C.W H30/26R body, location Norwich Bus Station.

IPSWICH BUSES AND FIRST IPSWICH AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CHANGES

Ipswich Buses East Lancs Trident 10 PO51 UMK on the now defunct 1 to Ravenswood 2 months ago.

There are quite a few changes to both Ipswich Buses and First Eastern Counties when the schools re open on the 3rd September some of the new Ipswich Buses routes are in general school days only variations and some changes also for existing routes,while the First routes are changes to existing services which will start on August 30th,plus there recently won tendered routes, i have pasted the full details from the VOSA site below otherwise i would be here all night typing it up.

1. PF0000147/3 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts and Ipswich, Tower Ramparts given service number 15A/15 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
2. PF0000147/4 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts and Whitehouse given service number 8/8B effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
3. PF0000147/5 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts and Ipswich, Tower Ramparts given service number 9/10 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
4. PF0000147/7 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts and Copdock Tesco given service number 13 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
5. PF0000147/77 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts Bus Station and Ipswich Hospital given service number X5 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
6. PF0000147/78 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts Bus Station and Ravenswood given service number X3 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Route, Start & Finish Point, Stopping Places and Timetable.
7. PF0000147/79 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich Station Forecourt and Martlesham Heath, Tesco's given service number 4 effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
8. PF0000147/87 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich, Tower Ramparts Bus Station and Ipswich, Holbrook Road given service number X1 effective from 03-Sep-2015.
9. PF0000147/91 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
   • Variation Accepted: Operating between Tower Ramparts Bus Station and Tower Ramparts Bus Station given service number 6/6A effective from 03-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
10. PF0000147/92 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
    • Registration Accepted
    • Starting Point: St Albans School, Ipswich
    • Finish Point: Tower Ramparts (11a)Norwich Rd (11B)
    • Via: Woodbridge Rd, Valley Rd
    • Service Number: 11A
    • Service Type: School or Works
    • Effective Date: 03-SEP-2015
    • Other Details: Monday to Friday school days only

    11. PF0000147/93 - IPSWICH BUSES LTD, 7 CONSTANTINE ROAD, IPSWICH, IP1 2DL
        • Registration Accepted
        • Starting Point: Norwich Rd, Ipswich
        • Finish Point: Suffolk One, Ipswich
        • Via: Meredith Rd, Ulster Ave, Sproughton Village
        • Service Number: 18A
        • Service Type: School or Works
        • Effective Date: 03-SEP-2015
        • Other Details: Monday to Friday School days only
    12. PF0000323/387 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
        • Registration Accepted
        • Starting Point: Old Cattle Market, Ipswich
        • Finish Point: Old Cattle Market, Ipswich
        • Via: Bealings, Bucklesham
        • Service Number: 72
        • Service Type: Normal Stopping/Circular
        • Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
        • Other Details: Monday to Friday
    13. PF0000323/388 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
        • Registration Accepted
        • Starting Point: Old Cattle Market, Ipswich
        • Finish Point: Woodridge, Turban Centre
        • Via: Grundsburgh
        • Service Number: 70
        • Service Type: Normal Stopping
        • Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
        • Other Details: Monday to Saurday
    14. PF0000323/389 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
        • Registration Accepted
        • Starting Point: Turban Centre, Woodbridge
        • Finish Point: Farlingaye School, Woodbridge
        • Via: Beakings, Kesgrave
        • Service Number: 972
        • Service Type: Normal Stopping
        • Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
        • Other Details: Monday to Friday School days only
        • PF0001842/32 - CARTERS COACH SERVICES LTD, ORWELL VIEW, 40 THE STRAND, WHERSTEAD, IPSWICH, IP2 8NL
          • Registration Accepted
          • Starting Point: East Bergholt
          • Finish Point: Tattingstone
          • Via: Bantham
          • Service Number: 192
          • Service Type: Normal Stopping
          • Effective Date: 03-SEP-2015
          • Other Details: Monday to Friday school days only
          • PF0000323/17 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between Felixstowe and Ipswich given service number 75/76/77/78 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
          • PF0000323/55 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich and Martlesham given service number 66 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/169 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between IPSWICH - RAIL STATION and ALDEBURGH - FORT GREEN given service number 64/X64 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
          • PF0000323/212 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between IPSWICH OLD CATTLE MARKET and STOWMARKET, CHILTON HALL given service number 88/88A/89 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/220 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between IPSWICH RAIL STATION and ALDEBURGH FORT GREEN given service number 65 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
          • PF0000323/221 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between LOWESTOFT and MARTHAM given service number 1/1A/1B effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/265 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between Carlton Colville and Gorleston, East Norfolk sixth form college given service number 882 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/300 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between Ipswich Railway Station Forecourt and Martlesham Heath given service number 67 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/331 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between North Cove and Gorleston, East Norfolk 6th Form College given service number 882 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.
          • PF0000323/354 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
            • Variation Accepted: Operating between Aldeburgh and Saxmundham given service number 64A/964 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.
            • PF0000323/356 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
              • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Old Cattle Market Bus Station and Kesgrave, Bell Lane given service number 68 effective from 30-Aug-2015.
            • PF0000323/363 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
              • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Old Cattle Market, Ipswich and Turban Centre, Woodbridge given service number 65B effective from 29-Aug-2015.
            • PF0000323/386 - FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES BUSES LTD, DAVEY HOUSE, 7B CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH, NR1 3DE
              • Registration Accepted
              • Starting Point: Ipswich Tower Ramparts
              • Finish Point: Ipswich Tower Ramparts
              • Via: Rushmere
              • Service Number: 59
              • Service Type: Normal Stopping/Circular
              • Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
              • Other Details: Monday to Saturday

 Could this be a candidate for First Ipswich's newly won tendered routes the ADL Enviro 200 but the smaller version of, here we see 44516 YX09 ACZ on it's usual home the 53.

FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES NOMINATED IN ROUTE ONE'S AWARDS

First Ipswich Volvo B7TL/ALX 400 32655 AU05 MUY seen last week on the 66 to Martlesham.

Well once again I'm defying the odds by doing this blog, i thought i was going to slow down but then a good story comes my way and i can't resist. The Route One awards take place every year this year in Manchester on the 30th September and First Eastern Counties get there first ever nomination i believe for Large operator of the year for over 150 buses, also nominated in this category are fellow group company First Glasgow, Arriva Cymru, National Express West Midlands, Reading Buses and Staegoach South West. Also congratulations are in order for Galloway in the Medium Coach Operator (16 to 50 coaches).

Galloway 3860 PP an DAF SB3000/Plaxton Premiere seen last month on a school contract in Crown Street Lay-by.

PRESERVATION PROSPECT:EASTERN COUNTIES BRISTOL L LL 74 CVF 874

I said i wouldn't post but yesterday i was an conductor on the ITM's What's In Store event now hidden up in Whitehouse, Quantum Business Park are several gems and when i get round to it i will feature them all, firstly the picture isn't that great as it was taken on my I Phone, but gives you an indication of what is needed to restore a bus to it's former glory. Now this particular Bristol L5G LL74 CVF 874 had a charmed life and truly is a magnificent survivor and a typical bus of the Tilling empire during the Second World War and then into the 1950's, they first appeared in 1938 as L4G before becoming L5G  in 1939 with five speed transmission, Eastern Counties were also unusual for having Gardner 4LW engines for economy making them rather slow. During the Second World War they had there standard seating arrangement of 35 seats converted to perimeter seating of 31 being converted back after the war had ended, LL74 was renumbered after the War becoming LL 574 and finally withdrawn in 1957. After being withdrawn it was packed off to Ben Jordan at Coltishall in Norfolk, then purchased by the Dell Garage in Norwich and becoming a store shed by 1964 in 1974 this was bought by the Ipswich Transport Society and thence to it's current home in 1980.

Here you can see just what the Bristol L looked like this particular example survived being withdrawn by Eastern Counties and passed to Lincolnshire Road Car in 11/1954 and survived exactly 3 years  ans then subsequently scrapped in Wakefield by Comberhill Motors.