THE M & D AND EAST KENT BUS CLUB

The Midland Counties Explorer - Saturday 21st June 2008

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Tour report by Lee Crust. (first published in Invicta 672 July 2008)

First stop on this year’s opening tour was Huntingdon.  Sheltering from the rain under the concourse of the surprisingly busy bus station, members witnessed the comings and goings of a variety of Stagecoach vehicles including many still in their former owner’s Huntingdon and District livery.  Newer Enviro300 and Wright single decks rubbed shoulders with considerably older ex-London Olympians.  Whippet of Fenstanton provided relief from the Stagecoach deluge with smart blue and cream liveried East Lancs -bodied Volvo double-deckers and Darts in a range of body styles.  Most unusual sighting here was a decidedly non-low floor Van Hool coach of Whippet operating on bus service duties to Cambridge .

Next it was on to Emblings where staff moved a number of vehicles from the sizeable collection of different vehicle types (including some in Judds livery) for members to photograph.  Seen here were the well-known and large fleet of Bristol VRs plus ex-Bexleybus Olympians, a former Colchester Atlantean, an ex-Translink Bristol RE, a bus rebodied former Green Line Tiger and numerous coaches but the highlights undoubtedly were ex-M&D 5867, a Bedford from Caroline-Seagull carrying familiar registration 6539 FN and a Trojan mini-coach. 

Soon we were on our way to Peterborough where Whippet and Citi-branded Stagecoach vehicles were interspersed with offerings from Kimes, The Delaine and numerous Solos in Local Link and Health Link liveries.  Among the buses noted were several MCV Evolution single decks.

Then it was off to Delaine’s depot where, as well as the smart current fleet and a pair of ex-Manchester Atlanteans nearing the end of their service with the company, members were able to see its “heritage” Titan PD3s, Atlantean and Tiger.  Biggest surprise of the day though was the new 58-registered East Lancs Olympus-bodied Volvo stored pending entry to service later this year.

Final port of call was Leicester which produced Arriva “Local Linx” and “City Linx” liveried buses (including a Plaxton Centro example), Quicksilver Shuttle Park & Ride vehicles plus a collection of independent operators including Centrebus, Paul James, De Courcey Travel, Woods, Thandi and New Bharat as well as National Express coaches.

The unusually wet weather did nothing to dampen members’ spirits and all agreed it had been another enjoyable trip. The great selection of locations, vehicles and operators had provided “something for everyone”.

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