Latest observations from Salisbury

For the first time in about a year, I visited Salisbury today with the intention of photographing several of the most recent changes. The weather was perfect, and as I headed towards Salisbury on the A36, the spire of Salisbury Cathedral was glinting in the late-winter sun.

One of the most recent acquisitions in Salisbury has been a number of East Lancs bodied Dennis Tridents, that were new to Solent Blue Line in 1999. The 8 Tridents have been split between Ringwood and Salisbury depots, and have now been in service for a couple of months. Today was the first opportunity I got to photograph them in service, and here is 1744 (T744JPO) heading back to its home city of Southampton on the X7. These buses really suite the Wilts & Dorset 2008 livery in my opinion - could the blue be a little lower on the front or not - I'm not sure what would look better.

The 2008-9 delivery of Scania Omnicitys continue to do sterling work on the X3, X5 and 8. Here is 1120 (HF58GYZ) heading for Bournemouth on the X3. These are due to be replaced during 2013 with brand new Enviro400 double deckers - it is not clear where the remaining Omnicities will be cascaded to, although Lymington has been mentioned.

Since my last visit, Damory have taken over the 183 Salisbury - Blandford and 184 Blandford - Weymouth. 1677 (HJ02WDL) does the honours here as it arrives into Salisbury.

Another recent bus that has changed companies is this VDL/Wright Cadet. 3416 (YJ07JTY) has moved from BlueStar at Eastleigh to Wilts & Dorset at Salisbury. It is pictured here heading for Romsey on route 34.

Stagecoach in Andover have recently received a number of MPD-sized Darts for their local services. 33077 (X253SHH) was recently acquired - I think from Stagecoach Western in Scotland. Unfortunately the LED display has failed to come out here, as 33077 arrives on an 87 from Andover.

Stonehenge to Salisbury city centre, railway station... and now Southampton! 1654 (R154NPR) arrived in Salisbury on an X7 from Southampton. Today's X7 - usually with a PVR of 3 - only saw one of the designated branded Spectras on route.

To end, possibly the largest change to Wilts & Dorset services in Salisbury. These are now branded as Salisbury Reds from Wilts & Dorset, and branding was evident on the LED displays, leaflets and in the bus station. However, the branding on actual buses was limited to the buses on city services - namely the MPDs and Citaros. Here Scania Omnicity 1135 (HF09BJO) arrives into Salisbury bus station from the depot, displaying information about the facebook site. The bus station, too, is also due to close in a few years, which will mean shots like this may not be possible...