A quick update from the Isle of Wight, based on sightings and photographs from Ryde over the weekend.
Following the fire on board one of Southern Vectis' Omnicity double deckers, two Volvo B7TLs with Plaxton President bodywork have been drafted in to cover. 1928 (W498WGH) is one of the two Volvos, and is painted in the ubiquitous Go South Coast livery, used initially for a variety of fleets (Damory, areas of Southern Vectis school services, Tourist Coaches). The dual door layout is very prominent in this view, as 1928 turns into Cross Street, in Ryde, heading for East Cowes on route 4.
The two former London PVLs that belong to Southern Vectis seem to be escaping to Ryde far more now than when they first arrived on the island - 1951 (PL51LDK) and its sister seemed to be rigidly allocated to route 5 whenever I visited for their first year or so in service, but now in my last two visits they've appeared in Ryde. Here is 1951 also heading off for East Cowes on route 4. The 4 interworks with route 37 in Ryde - the latter a route that has the potential for some wonderful country shots that I've never realised yet. Next time I get my car over, I may go hunting for more rural shots.
Here's the other one - 1952 (PL51LDN) heading for Newport on route 9. Both 1951 and 1952 retain their dual door layout, and are instantly recognisable in the fleet due to their shorter length than the native SV Volvo B7TLs.
New this year are cherished registrations on old Olympians. Rumoured to be the last year for these beasts on the open top services, 4637 - previously R737XRV but now XDL872 - heads off for a tour of the Downs.
Former Solent Blue Line 4641 (R741XRV) is now VDL744 while I also noted 4639 as WDL691. 4641 is pictured heading out of Ryde bus station, with railway bridge and Hovercraft Freedom 90 in the background.
Hopefully soon I'll be able to report on some of the Vectis Blue school fleet, which, unsurprisingly, are hard to find on a Saturday!
brilliant photos bus80d, makes me look forward to my trip to the Isle of Wight even more
ReplyDeleteDon't know if people have heard but another First Double Decker was involved in a car crash today.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant pictures mate. If you come over again on a Saturday you can visit the bus depot in Ryde, (short walk from the bus station), this is where the schooling fleet is based, and a wide variety of coaches, Enviro400s, Solo SRs, the sole DAF DB250 and some of the events fleet Volvo B7s and Mercedes-Benz Bendybuses can be seen on a good day.
ReplyDeleteThanks BCF and George - I don't get down to the old depot much these days but might go for a wander next time I'm on the island.
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