Stagecoach West Scotland http://david371.fotopic.net/ 28 rows en-gb 60 November 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1776410.html November 2009 Observations Tuesday 3 November 2009: November 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54077 (SF59 FYW), Fresh out the bnox literally at Volvo in Ayr undergoing its final checks before handing over to Western. Three of the four brand new Panthers lined up at Volvo in Ayr prior to delivery to Western. A lineup of three of the 4 brand new 15m Panthers, only 2 of which are now believed to be heading to Kilmarnocck. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52255 (M955 TSX) & Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54077 (SF59 FYW), Parked up on training duties inside Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53300 (SJ57 AAU), Returning to Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52255 (M955 TSX), Departing Kilmarnock Depot as Unirider branded 53300 looks on from the rear. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54077 (SV59 FYW), Laying over in Kilmarnock Depot proudly showing of its new X76 branding. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54077 (SF59 FYW), Departing Kilmarnock Depot while on driver training duties. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20522 (R522 VSE), Looking fresh out the paintshop as it prepares to park up in Kilmarnock depot. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), Deputsing for one of the normal MANs on the 1 to Stewarton. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47504 (SF57 DPK), Arriving in on the 2A to Kilmaurs. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18369 (SF55 TZP), Arrives in a rather horrible, damp, Killie Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), Parked up on layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station after arriving in from the depot. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34598 (SF04 VSY), Trundles into Kilmarnock Bus Station on another local working. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53275 (KX56 JZN), Backs of to layover on its final day in service with Western. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27615 (SF59 FYU), Backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station on its first day in service with the company. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22258 (V258 ESX), Arriving in Killie Bus Station to be taken of service with a defective front wiper (not exactly what you want on a day like that!) Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16726 (N726 LTN), Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station inbetween School workings. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R's/Plaxton Profile 53301 (SJ57 AAV) and 53297 (SJ57 AAK), Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station, The last ever time you will see these two side by side. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20549 (P549 ESA), Now one of only 2 PS's in the active service fleet at Kilmarnock. Pictured here deputising for usual MAN 22258 on a short run to Stewartn and back. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22871 (SF09 AEZ), The last of the 09 registered Enviros in the fleet. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22860 (SF09 AEL), Backs of the stance in Killie Bus Station to head for Ayr on the 444. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50133 (CN05 APV), Arriving in from Glasgow on the X76C. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40621 (N621 VSS), Reverses of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station to continue its journey to Hurlford on the 17. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22583 (SF08 GOU), Heading into Killie Bus Station while working the X50 alongside Volvo Oly 16727. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), Preparing to leave its layover bay after spending an overnight in Killie Depot receiving some work. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), One of an increasing number of these vehicles being ordered by Stagecoach. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), Approaching the stance to return to Ardrossan Depot on an 11. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), Circles the bus station again as it waits for either stance 1 or 2 to become vacant so it can return home to Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27614 (SF59 FYT), Turning into Killie Bus Station while working the 3 on its first day in service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53297 (SJ57 AAK), Parked up in Killie Bus Station with only a few more runs to Glasgow to finish its career with Western. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27614 (SF59 FYT), The first of the type in the Western fleet departing the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station on its first day in service. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18334 (SF55 NOU), Is surrounded by two of its A1 sisters in Kilmarnock Bus Station at the east end of service 11. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22386 (SF55 VUM), Makes its way into Killie Bus Station on the X16. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20532 (P532 ESA), Arrives in the Bus Station with another local working. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50136 (LX05 BWL), One of the recent pair of Neoplan migrants from Bluebird. Both are intended for use by Ayr on the X77 and no doubt some peak X16s if demand is there. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22869 (SF09 AEX), Parked up, complete with nice sunny glare, in Kilmarnock Depot. The interior of new Enviro 27614. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18004 (SF53 BYW), Parked up around other deckers in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54079 (SF59 FYY), Parked up in the coach lineup in Kilmarnock Depot a day before entering service and only 2 days after arriving with Western. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22389 (SF55 VUP), Is another Kilmarnock vehicle to have recently ended its service life with Western. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40079 (M779 TFS), Is a very very surprising recent addition to the Western fleet from Bluebird. Unsurprisingly its to become a staff bus at Killie of all places. 40067 is apparently to then return to Ayr for some bizaree reason. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13616 (G189 YRJ), Parked up looking as ready as ever for service, but not quite there just yet according to management! Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54077 (SF59 FYW), Parked up the day before entering service for the first time on the X76. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), Parked up outside the bodyshop in Kilmarnock Depot with its current Kilmarnock career now over but not quite its Western career. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54078 (SF59 FYX), Western have been very quick to get these Panthers prepared for service since their arrival from Volvo in the middle of the week. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47612 (SF08 GUO), Parked up beside the Schoolbuses in Kilmarnock Depot. A lineup of double deckers in varied liveries in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34598 (SF04 VSY), Parked up, having a day off duties in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34597 (SF04 VSX), From the rear in Killie Depot.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Tue Nov 3 2009 October 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1765170.html October 2009 Observations Wednesday 7 October 2009: October 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16290 (P290 VPN), Leaving Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20532 (P532 ESA), On type training duties inside Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), Carrying out VF training in Kilmarnock Depot prior to the delivery of the four new examples for Killie. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Berkhof Excellence 52026 (YSV 735), The manual trainer in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22383 (SF55 RKJ), Up at Kilmarnock from Dumfries for its first repaint. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22383 (SF55 RKJ), Showing just how many panels have required to be replaced before repaint. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18000 (SF53 BZG), Parked up outside the workshops in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10252 (GYE 252W), Poking its rear out of the workshops in Kilmarnock Depot. For some strange reason i actually quite like this shot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40067 (M667 FYS), In its new guise as a Unirider Ticket promotional bus. It appears to have taken over staff bus duties at Killie from 40062. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40067 (M667 FYS), Showing of the Unrider Ticket prices outside the wash in Killie Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13632 (H778 VHL), One of several ex Hong Kong Citybuses which now form part of the dedicated Schoolbus fleet with Western. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52348 (P148 ASA), On its final few weeks as part of the Kilmarnock fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14659 (C659 LFT), One of only 2 from this batch to now remain with Western. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50133 (CN05 APV), Sporting one of the latest advertisement based liveries over the pits at Kilmarnock Depot. Special thanks to the supervisor on duty who allowed me inside to get these pictures. Stagecoach Western MErcedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40062 (M662 FYS), Over the pits in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/ALexander 13616 (G189 YRJ), Over the pits in Kilmarnock Depot getting final inspections before hopefully hitting the road. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16725 (N725 LTN), The first of the latest ex NE Olys to emerge from the Bodyshop. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32005 (P105 HNH), Having now gained vinyls for its new owners. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20504 (R504 KSA), Parked up outside the workshops in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31386 (P386 DSA), One of the much loved examples in the fleet. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709d/Alexander Sprint 40628 (N628 VSS), One of a relatively small number of these Mercs still being utilised by Western. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47150 (SF54 RJU), Parked up in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10462 (KYV 462X), Parked up looking in a pretty withdrawn state at the rear of Ardrossan Depot. A lineup of withdrawn/reserve vehicles at the rear of Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52352 (P152 ASA), From the rear in Ardrossan Depot showing of the recently applied speed vinyls to the Ardrossan fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/ECW 14392 (D142 FYM), Still solidering on working School contracts at Ardrossan. I guess its quite surprising that its still in the fleet since its the last of the body type in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20152 (R652 VSE), Parked up in Ardrossan Depot with its screen set unusually for the 585. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40627 (N627 VSS), On Staff Shuttle duties inside Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16309 (S309 CCD), Parked up in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40628 (N628 VSS), Over on a wee holiday to the mainland over the chassis wash at Ardrossan.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Wed Oct 7 2009 September 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1753437.html September 2009 Observations Friday 11 September 2009: September 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53276 (KX56 JZO), The 2nd of the former Virgin liveried Profiles at Killie. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Reverses to layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22387 (SF55 VUN), Departing Kilmarnock Bus Station on another working of the X16. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32393 (P393 LPS), Parked up in Cumnock Depot with its last days with Western officially over. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22593 (SF08 GRK), Parked up in Cumnock Depot after just having some re-panelling done to the rear of the vehicle. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13609 (J701 HMY), The first, numerically, of these Olympians allocated to Cumnock. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22588 (SF08 GPU), Parked up inbetween duties in Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13624 (TSU 368) and Leyland Titan 10976 (A976 SYE), Parked up inbetween School Duties in CUmnock Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22588 (SF08 GPU), From the rear in Cumnock Depot. For the size of the fleet, Cumnock have a generally small depot and as such very little withdrawn vehicles are stored here unlike a few years ago. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10469 (KYV 469X), Still solidering on in use from Cumnock Depot on School duties despite reports earlier in the year that they were due to be withdrawn. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32393 (P393 LPS) and Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Mistral 51061 (N561 SJF), Parked up down the bottom of Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/Alexander 15247 (E864 RCS), Jacked up in Cumnock Depot receiving some routine maintenance work. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/Alexander 15247 (E864 RCS), One of the few remaining Citybuses still in service with Western, lets just hope that with any luck 15247/9 are the last 2 to go! Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54040 (SJ57 AAZ), Looking immaculate as it sits out in the yard in Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), One of the Panthers in use on peak X76 workings on this particular day. Very few (2 or 3 at the most) are required to run the daytime headway on the route. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47386 (SF56 FLA), Having a day of its usual 49 while SPT liveried Dart 34146 covers for it. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31383 (P383 DSA), Over the pits at Cumnock Depot. The 20 B6LE's in the Western fleet were due to be replaced but this does no longer seem to be the case. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), Over the pits at Cumnock Depot, probably receiving its 21 days service. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13623 (H494 LNA), Parked up over the pits at Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13609 (J701 HMY), From the rear inside the shed at Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22593 (SF08 GRK), These Cumnock based examples have had quite a few panels replaced recently and are instantly recognisable with the fresher paintwork. The lineup of vehicles in Cumnock Depot on sunny September afternoon. The lineup of vehicles over the pits at Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22605 (V605 GCS), Parked up on layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station with its shift on the 1 over for another day. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22713 (V713 DSA), One of two non-native MAN's in use in the bio-bus fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31381 (P381 DSA), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Irvine where it will have been slaving away on local services during the day. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50138 - Cutty Sark - (VCS 376), The latest Neoplan to have gained a private reg plate, this time from the now departed Citybus 15246. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47386 (SF56 FLA), Slightly of its branded 49 as it arrives in Kilmarnock on a short evening X76 working. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31377 (P377 DSA), Backs of to layover in Killie Bus Station with a hanover screen recently inherited from 16290. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16859 (N859 VHH), In Killie Bus Station after finishing its shift on the 22. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53275 (KX56 JZN), In Kilmarnock Bus Station after having ran out of service from Irvine after finishing a peak hour express X79.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Fri Sep 11 2009 August 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1735293.html Quickly getting through the year! Sunday 2 August 2009: Quickly getting through the year!

Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 & MAN A69/Enviro 300 22521 from the rear while on layover on Largs shorefront. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18014 (SF53 BYM), Parked up in Largs after just arriving in the town with a short working of the 585 from Ayr. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18006 (SF53 BYY), Laying over at Largs prior to undertaking one of the few 585 services that terminate at Saltcoats Railway Station. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400's 18006/14, parked up on Largs shorefront. Tridents have been known in the past to make it out onto the 585, especially durning the increased summer timetable - which for the first time in many years isnt operating this summer - but unusually up to 3 Tridents were believed to be working the route on this day. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18006/18014 from the rear while on layover at Largs. Up to 3 Tridents were reported to have been on the 585 on this particular day, believed to be extra vehicles brought about by the closure of the A78 between Largs and Inverkip resulting in all services curtailing at Largs although some E300's were apparently noted to be running Wemyss Bay - Greenock short workings. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 35239 (SF56 FKW), Trundles back into its home depot from its day on the 18, It will then probably head OOS to Irvine to commence late night journeys on the 125 after being re-fuelled. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47495 (SF57 DRO), Returning back home from its days work on the local 12. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16308 (S308 CCD), Returns to Ardrossan on a 32, having worked service 25 all day. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16308 (S308 CCD),Heading into Ardrossan Depot. Both the vehicles used on the 25 (Irvine - Kilbirnie) return to Ardrossan in the early evening from Kilbirnie on 32's. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18332 (SF55 NNZ), Enters Ardrossan Depot to layover inbetween duties on the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52355 (P255 ASA), Departs Ardrossan Depot to take up a run to Glasgow on the X36. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40626 (N626 VSS), Returns to Ardrossan Depot after a busy day on the 12. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40627 (N627 VSS), One of a relatively small amount of these once so common Mercs left in the fleet with the vast majority, like 40627 allocated to Ardrossan. The common replacement nowadays for them are Optare Solos, only one of which has been ordered in the recent Stagey order book. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47496 (SF57 DNU), One of only three Solos to be allocated to Ardrossan which will likely increase over the coming years to replace the remaining Mercs. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51094 (T642 KCS), Looking smart as it returns back to Ardrossan Depot after a busy day working express services to Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV), Returning to Kilmarnock Depot from a busy day on the 1. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18002 (SF53 BZJ), Departing Killie Bus Station for Ardrossan on another working of the 11. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18369 (SF55 TZP), Departs Kilmarnock Bus Station on another working of the 11. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18369 (SF55 TZP), From the rear as it leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station showing of its rear ad for the Flexirider ticket. Stagecoach Western Neoplan SKyliner 50133 (CN05 APV), Having now returned to Western following its approxiametly year long loan to Stagecoach Oxford. Stagecoach Western Leyland Tian 10252 (GYE 252W), Parked up outside the bodyshop at Kilmarnock Depot showing of its dual-door status. Despite having been parked up in Ayr Depot for a good few years withdrawn around 2004/5, it was then reinstated in use at Cumnock for a short while before moving onto Kilmarnock to begin its new life and probably its last (With Western anyway) as a dedicated Schoolbus. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6-50/Alexander 30339 (M739 BSJ), Still parked up in Kilmarnock Depot where it has layen for the past year. Perhaps one day they will preserve it.... wishful thinking perhaps. Stagecoach Western/Highlands Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20566 (M486 ASW), Back down at Kilmarnock for some reason after already being sent north to Inverness. Stagecoach Western/Highlands 20192 (M592 OSO), From the rear in Kilmarnock Depot a few days prior to departing Ayrshire for its new life in the Highlands.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 ** Special Feature - Turnberry 2009 Open Golf Shuttles ** http://david371.fotopic.net/c1727864.html A collection of pictures of E300's and the ocasional other vehicle working service 333, a special golf link service between Turnberry and Girvan Railway Station. It may take me a we while to upload all the pics but i have uploaded one for starters. Saturday 18 July 2009: A collection of pictures of E300's and the ocasional other vehicle working service 333, a special golf link service between Turnberry and Girvan Railway Station. It may take me a we while to upload all the pics but i have uploaded one for starters.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20506 (M869 ASW), Already nearly full, it still has all to take all those passengers waiting in the long queue. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20506 (M869 ASW), Another of the incredibly smart looking ex Service 4 PS's. This is one of two of the batch to have entered service outwith Glasgow, at Stranraer. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20506 (M869 ASW), Sets of fully laden to say the least on one of the last journeys of the night to Ayr on the 60. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20506 (M869 ASW), Just about to depart the tempoary concourse at Turnberry for Ayr.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sat Jul 18 2009 Vehicles Passing Through http://david371.fotopic.net/c1725436.html A new collection for pictures of vehicles from other fleets, passing through Western territory, either for refuelling etc at Glasgow on Citylink services or for overhaul work at Kilmarnock. Monday 13 July 2009: A new collection for pictures of vehicles from other fleets, passing through Western territory, either for refuelling etc at Glasgow on Citylink services or for overhaul work at Kilmarnock.

Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B10M/Plaxton 52226 (NX1 327), Parked up, looking very rough prior to being overhauled, both bodywork and mechanically wise at Killie. Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20947 (R947 XVM), Parked up In Kilmarnock Depot. Its one of several ex Manchester PS's transferring north to Bluebird and currently one of several vehicles scattered across Western depots for overhaul work. Stagecoach Bluebird Scania/Wright 28804 (Y366 VST), Having recently been repainted, possibly at Kilmarnock. Its paint scheme is very similar to that of the Western SPT Kinetics. Stagecoach Bluebird Scania/Wright 28804 (Y366 VST) and Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22509 (SF56 FKM), Showing just how similar the paint scheme on 28804 is to that of the Western Kinetics. Megabus Trailer 9 of the Aberdeen fleet, down at Ayr Depot for use on TITP shuttles but i dont believe it was ever used. It carried the reg for 50131 (VCS 391) Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53108 (SV09 EGY), One of the latest vehicles to hit the road with Stagecoach. Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53108 (SV09 EGY), Is prepared to have its toilet Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53108 (SV09 EGY), From the rear inside Glasgow Depot. Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53108 (SV09 EGY), One of up to 7 new B12B's expected to uprgade the Glasgow-Fort William Citylink network. Stagecoach Bluebird Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53108 (SV09 EGY), One of several brand new 09 registered coaches being delivered to Fort William for Citylink work, a mixture of Profiles and Panthers. Glasgow are possibly expecting one fromt he batch.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Mon Jul 13 2009 July 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1721942.html July 2009 Observations Monday 6 July 2009: July 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16289 (P289 VPN), Another of the recently acquired Olympians to enter service. This along with sister 16290 were expected to enter service at Kilmarnock but a change to the plan has saw 16289 enter service at Ayr and 16290 at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22858 (SF09 AEJ), Is a somehwat very rare allocation on the normally Solo operated service 24. With Ayr having recently lost one of their 06 reg Solo's, perhaps there wasnt any spares left to cover for 47506 which must have been off the road. FM31 (SF08 OFY), Still in use at Cumnock for some unknown reason! Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16289 (P289 VPN), Looking incredibly smart following an extensive overhaul at Kilmarnock. 16289 is apparently expected to be getting used on the 585 during the summer to help ease overcrowding on the route, no doubt Ardrossan will also use some Olympians, or Tridents as they have known to in the past. A lineup of buses laying over in Killie Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), Heads out of Kilmarnock Bus Station on another working of service 1. These 2 corporate liveried examples at Kilmarnock are becoming regular sights nowadays subbing for the Enviro 300's on service 4. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), One of an ever incresaing number of double deck vehicles in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34603 (SF04 VTE), Laying over in Killie Bus Station after finishing a shift on the 1. Stagecoach Western Transbus Dart SLF 34601 (SF04 VTC), Heads out of Killie Bus Station on a part route working of the 2. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52348 (P148 ASA), Heads out of Kilmarnock Bus Station for Troon on a peak hour X78. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), Backs of the stance to layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station with its days duties now over. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25219 (SF08 GOC), Leads a lineup of vehicles in Killie Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20504 (R504 KSA), Having finished its duties on Kilmarnock local service 3 for another day. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22861 (SF09 AEM), Heads of to Kilmarnock Depot with its journeys for the day on the 444 now over. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22864 (SF09 AEP), One of the new Enviros earning their keep on the 4. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50134 - Caledonia - (511 OHU) and Optare Solo 47502 (SF57 DOU), Head into their stances at Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22865 (SF09 AET), Negotiates its way out of Kilmarnock Bus Station after coming in on a peak hour X76C from Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18012 (SF53 BZE), Heads out of Killie Bus Station on another working of the 11. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18012 (SF53 BZE), Is passed by another example as it leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Dennis Darts/Plaxton Pointer 32062/3 (N62/3 KBW), Head into New Cumnock along the A76 with their new owners aboard. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32057 (N57 KBW), Tags along at the back of the other 2 Darts heading into New Cumnock after being chased by me for the guts of an hour all the way from Ayr Depot. A lineup showing several Enviro 300's in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16289 (P289 VPN), Turns in on the final approach to Ayr Bus Station for the last time of the night. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22859 (SF09 AEK), ANother of the branded Enviros. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47507 (SF57 DPU), Heads into Ayr Bus Station on a 24. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32397 (P397 BRS), Takes over the last few journys of the night on the A4. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16289 (P289 VPN), Trundles out of Ayr Bus Station in the evening sunshine to head home to Waggon Rd depot for the night. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50138 - Cutty Sark - (LX05 BWN), Heads of on an earlye evening journeyt o Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47358 (SF06 OVJ), Arrives in from Maybole on the 57. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander 33446 (X616 JCS), Looking smart in the evening sunshine as it leaves Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 11083 (B83 WUV), The second of the open-toppers allocated to Ayr Depot for the Ayr Open Top tour. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47041 (SF03 ZKU), Now the oldest Optare vehicle in the Western fleet following the recent sale of Metrorider 47932. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47358 (SF06 OVJ), Heads of on its last Maybole bound working of the night. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50130 - Old Meg - (YSV 730), Prepares to turn back into Ayr Bus Station after finishing a peak hour X77 journey. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47357 (SF06 OVH), Heads of to Irvine on the 14. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20593 (M793 PRS), Emerges from Ayr Bus Station on a peak hour X77 for Doonfoot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50149 - Willie Wastle - (MX05 BWO), Rounds the bend out of Ayr Bus Station bound for Doonfoot on a peak hour X77. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33777 (X742 JCS), Another of the smart looking SPD's at Ayr. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD/Plaxton 33778 (X743 JCS), Having finished its duties on the A3/25 for another day. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22387 (SF55 VUN), Heads out of Ayr Bus Station with the last Hamilton bound working of the X16 of the night. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40056 (M656 FYS), Looking smart in its allover red, staff bus, livery. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50130 - Old Meg - (YSV 730), Now heads of to the Depot to be parked up for another night. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32391 (P391 LPS), Head of home to the depot for another night. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD/Plaxton 33780 (X59 RCS), At last i get a semi-decent pic of this Dart which seems to constantly avoid me. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22509 (SF56 FKM), Heads of to Waggon Rd depot after finishing its duties on Ayr locals for another day. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22523 (SF57 LUE), Heads out of Ayr Bus Station to head home to Ardrossan for the night on a part route 585 to Ardrossan Princes Street. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22853 (SF09 AEA), Showing of some fairly innovative branding currently being applied to some of the Ayr Enviros. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47507 (SF57 DPU), One of two Solos liveried for use ont he 24. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/Alexander 31368 (P368 DSA), Is a slightly unusual allocation on services to Girvan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20593 (M793 PRS), Heads back into Ayr Bus Station after finishing its last working of the day.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Mon Jul 6 2009 June 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1710270.html June 2009 Observations Tuesday 9 June 2009: June 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47387 (SF56 FLB), Passes Cumnock Depot on its usual 49. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympians 13609 & 13624 await the off for afternoon Schools outside Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13609 (J701 HMY), Leaving Cumnock Depot at the start of its afternoon School journey. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22582 (SF08 GOK), Leaves Cumnock Depot after changing over drivers on a 46. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/Alexander 15249 (E866 RCS), One of the smart Citybuses in use at Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10976 (A976 SYE), Passes Cumnock Depot on an afternoon School run. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), Returns to Cumnock Depot in the late afternoon Sun. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22586 (SF08 GPJ), Returning to its home depot after carrying out an afternoon School run. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart MPD/Plaxton Pointer 34143 (V143 MVX), The only example in the fleet to be in Swoops livery. Its seen here arriving back at Cumnock Depot from its duties around Kirkconell and Sanquar. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10976 (A976 SYE), Looking as smart as ever as it finishes another day carting Ayrshire Schoolkids about. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/ALexander 15247 (E864 RCS), Nearing the end of its first year in service in Swoops livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/ALexander 15249 (E866 RCS), Rounds the bend into Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/ALexander 13623 (H494 LNA), Drops of its conductor at the entrance to Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10469 (KYV 469X), One of only 2 Titans allocated to Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13609 (J701 HMY), One of three ex Hong Kong Tri-Axles allocated to CUmnock Depot for School duties. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14650 (C650 LFT), Looking smart as it returns to the depot from afternoon Schools. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13624 (TSU 368), Trundles back into Cumnock Depot at the end of another day working School duties. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20589 (M789 PRS), Parked up in Ayr Depot. It was initially earmarked for transfer to Glasgow after repaint out of service 4 livery but quickly entered service at Ayr for a few weeks before being whisked off down the coast to Stranraer. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20581 (M484 ASW), Parked up the back at Ayr Depot, now withdrawn from service on the 444. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonkcheere Modulo 51097 (T97 JHN), Parked up down the bottom of Ayr Depot while undergoing electrical work. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16863 (N863 VHH) & Leyland Titan 11083 (B83 WUV), Parked up down the bottom of Ayr Depot just a few weeks prior to entering service on the annual Ayr Open Top Tour. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51097 (T97 JHN), Parked up inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic's 22512/4 (SF56 FKP/S), 2 fairly standard examples of the type in service with Western. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonkcheere Modulo 51096 (T96 JHN), Parked up in its home depot of Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20514 (R514 KSA), All bar two of the remaining PS's at Ayr Depot are Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22510 (SF56 FKN), Parked up out of service in Ayr Depot. When there are similar low floor replacements available, usually ALX300 or Enviro 300 bodied MAN's available then they are often preferred to be used instead of the Kinetics for some reason or another. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20517 (R517 VSE), One of the standard examples of the type so commonly seen in Stagecoach fleets up and down the UK. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander 33444 (X614 JCS), Parked up in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20589 (M789 PRS), Literally looking brand new as it sits out in the yard at Ayr Depot. You honestly would think this has just rolled of the production line, just gos to show how much Western look after their fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54043 (SF57 DPY), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on another X76 working. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), One Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16726 (N726 LTN), Parked up in Kilmarnock Bus Station after I believe coming in on an X50.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Tue Jun 9 2009 May 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1693297.html May 2009 Observations Tuesday 5 May 2009: May 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere Mistral 52669 (X679 NSE), At last I finally catch up with this vehicle which is normally operating Citylink services to UIG but can be pictured here leaving Glasgow for Edinburgh on the 900 with a recently inherited LED screen. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50149 (MX05 BWO), Preparing to take up a peak X77 journey back down to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), The last of the 15metre Panthers currently in swoops livery. Stagecoach Western Neoplan SKyliner 50149 - Willie Wastle - 50149 (MX05 BWO), On another X77 in Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53297 (SJ57 AAK), Departing BBS with a journey to KIlmarnock. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52360 (P160 ASA), One of a relatively large number of Interurbans still in use with Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22865 (SF09 AET), One of the latest vehicles to enter service with Western. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50138 (LX05 BWN), Backs of the stance in Buchanan Bus Station to head off to Glasgow University to begin a peak working back down to Ayr. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54030 (SF07 ANR), One of several examples of the type operating at Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52355 (P255 ASA), About to take up its last working of the night, a peak X44 to Ardrossan. Notice its running around with its rear ferry lift engaged! Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53105 (SF08 GTY), One of 2 of these short panthers operating out of Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22869 (SF09 AEX), One of 9 of these new Enviros to enter service on the 4. Stagecoach Western Neoplan SKyliner 50132 - Clarinda - (UIB 3543), Carrying the registration plate that was previously applied to Artic 51071, it sets of on another journey down to Ayr. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Plaxton 52510 (S860 VAT), Still looking smart as it leaves BBS on another X25 working. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52475 (R175 DNH), Departing Glasgow on a peak only working to Seamill on the X37. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52350 (P150 ASA), Departing Glasgow with an evening peak journey to Ardrossan on the X44. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53106 (SF08 GTZ), The 2nd of the short Panthers at Glasgow. Leaving BBS for Edinburgh on a 900. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), Is an unusual choice for an evening peak X76C. Pictured here departing Buchanan Station in Glasgow bound for Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52349 (P149 ASA), Possibly one of the scabbiest looking INterurbans currently in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52456 (R636 RSE), Departing Glasgow for Ardrossan on a peak only X35. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52348 (P148 ASA), Departing Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station on a peak only service X78 to Troon. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53275 (KX56 JZN), Departing Glasgow on a X79 for Castlepark in Irvine. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50141 - Jean Armour - (KX05 HVE), Departing on another journey to Ayr. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere Mistral 52644 (KSU 461), On loan from Stagecoach East to replace one of the 2 recently fire destroyed Interurbans at Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51096 (T96 JHN), Departing Glasgow on its final journey of the day, an evening peak X77 to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), One of the first vehicles in the Western fleet to be fitted with the new Tailguardian speed vinyls as part of a multi-agency initiative to try and reduce tailgating. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51095 (T95 JHN), Departing on another exprss journey to the Ayrshire coast. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52464 (R84 SEF), Departing Glasgow for Edinburgh on the 900. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62?Plaxton Interurban 52284 (N144 XSA), Departing Glasgow on what it most likely to be a peak 900 working to Edinburgh. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Departing Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station with a whole 2 passengers for the Darvel Music Festival. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16290 (P290 VPN), Another of the 6 Volvo Olympians currently being acquired fromd own south and so far the only 2 to make it to Kilmarnock for prep work prior to entering service. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16289 (P289 VPN), One of several Volvo Olys currently migrating north of the border from Hampshire, most of which are going to Fife but up to 6 are possibly expected with Western this being one. FM31 (SF08 OFY), On continued loan at Cumnock to cover for accident damaged Panther 54040 (SJ57 AAZ) which is away getting repaired at Ferrymill. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22534 (SF57 LVC), Reverses out of the stance in Cumnock Bus Station to take up a service to Ayr on the 48. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), Laying over in Cumnock Bus Station prior to starting its next duty. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31383 (P383 DSA), Receives some technical assistance outside Cumnock Depot. The three B6LE's at Cumnock are reportedly due to be leaving the fleet in the near future. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian's/Alexander 16310/1 (S310/1 CCD), A further two of the latest Olympian arrivals parked down the bottom of Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/Alexander 15249 (E866 RCS), Parked up in Cumnock Depot, still looking very smart. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Mistral 51061 (N561 SJF), Parked up in Cumnock Depot. Its listed as being in the Western Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10469 (KYV 469X), On its final weeks as part of the Cumnock fleet. The lineup inside Cumnock Depot on Sat 9th May 2009. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22583 (SF08 GOU), Parked up in a rather miserable looking Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10976 (A976 SYE), One of only 2 Titans at Cumnock both of which are due to be replaced within the coming weeks. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Mistral 51061 (N561 SJF), From the rear in Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40607 (N607 VSS), Parked up in Cumnock Depot showing of the recently applied new branding to these 4 allover White Mercs destined for Africa. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40607 (N607 VSS), Parked up in CUmnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50131 - Robert Burns - (VCS 391), Parked up in Kilmarnock Depot after presumably breaking down nearby. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16728 (N728 LTN), Parked up out of service in Kilmarnock Depot.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Tue May 5 2009 April 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1677150.html April 2009 Observations Sunday 5 April 2009: April 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16853 (N853 VHH), In a spot of bother in New Cumnock. Pictured here being coupled up to the recovery wagon prior to being towed back to Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20583 (M466 ASW), Parked up in Dumfries Depot inbetween journeys on the 500. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33089 (T36 VCS), One of the smallest Darts in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Optare Metrorider 47932 (R609 XAO), The oldest Optare vehicle in the Western fleet. Its pictured here in DUmfries Depot having a Saturday off local duties. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20591 (M791 PRS), One of several vehicles that were transferred out of Stranraer over the last year, most of which including 20591 were transferred over to Dumfries. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS's 20591 (M791 PRS) and 20177 (K577 LTS), Parked up inbetween duties in Dumfries Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20177 (K577 LTS), The only K reg PS now allocated to Dumfries Depot following the scrapping of sister 20783 a few months ago. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20521 (R521 VSE), Parked up inbetween duties in Dumfries Depot. A lineup of three of the four double deckers allocated to Dumfries Depot. The 4th one, 16852, was no where to be seen around Dumfries on this particular day. A lineup of PS's in Dumfries Depot. Dumfries in a months or so time will have the largest amount of PS's inthe entire Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20536 (P536 ESA), One of several PS's that Dumfries gained from Ardrossan at the beginning of last year following the arrival of the Enviro 300's for the 585. STagecoach Western Optare Solo 47067 (SF04 SKN), In Dumfries Depot. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47067 (SF04 SKN), Parked up in Dumfries Depot showing the rear branding applied to all of the Dumfries Solo's. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20583 (M466 ASW), One of the slightly higher-spec'ed PS's at Stranraer that can regularly be seen working long distance routes such as the 500 and Carrick Coastlink services to and from Ayr. Stagecoacg Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20308 (L308 PSC), Prepares to start its first journey of the day, a service to Lockerbie on the 381. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20512 (M468 ASW), One of several PS's allocated to Dumfries Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20565 (M480 ASW), One of the Ps's transferred from Ayr at the tail end of last year. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32395 (P395 BRS), One of the first of this type to carry a Hanover screen. A lineup of vehicles inside Dumfries Depot. The ongoing restoration work in the shed at Dumfries Depot. This was the reason why the majority of stored double deckers were transferred out, mainly to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53323 (SF09 ACX), Sits in Dumfries Depot prior to starting another journey to Glasgow on the X74. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54043 (SF57 DPY), Prepares to turn into the Whitesands in Dumfries to take up a journey to Thornhill on the 246. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33074 (V974 DRM), Arriving in Dumfries Town Centre from Castle Douglas on the 501. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33077 (X523 SHH), Waits at the lights at the top of the Whitesands in Dumfries Town Centre. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz Vario 42021 (V774 GCS), At the start of its journey to Thornhill on the 236. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54043 (SF57 DPY), Loads up for one of its last journeys of the day to Thornhill on the 246. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22379 (SF55 RJV), The first of the 55 reg MAN's in the Western fleet and one of only 5 to be allocated to Dumfries with a further 7 scattered between Ayr and Kilmarnock. A lineup of buses in Burns Statue Square in Dumfries. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33077 (X523 SHH), One of quite a few short compact Dart SLF's in use at Dumfries. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22379 (SF55 RJV), Departs Burns Statue Square for Kenilworth Road on the 11. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33772 (T402 UCS), One of two from this batch in service from Dumfries Depot. Pictured here leaving Burns Statue Sqaure on a local route to Heathhall. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander 33077 (X523 SHH), Departing Burns Statue Square on a local route to Crichton on the 5. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32398 (P398 BRS), Working local service 12 in Dumfries Town Centre. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53302 (SF07 LCJ), At the start of its journey north to Kirkconnel on the 236. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47063 (SF04 SKD), Working service 9 in Dumfries Town Centre. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22383 (SF55 RKJ), Waits time at Burns Statue Sqaure in DUmfries Town Centre. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz Vario 42019 (V772 GCS), Passes Burns Statue Square in Dumfries Town Centre. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22383 (SF55 RKJ), Departing one of the main town centre terminuses in DUmfries Town Centre, Burns Statue Square. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47064 (SF04 SKE), Arriving in Dumfries Town Centre from Lockerbie on the 381. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo's 47066 (SF04 SKK) and 47063 (SF04 SKD), Load up in Burns Statue Square in DUmfries Town Centre on local routes. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47066 (SF04 SKK), One of quite a few Solo's in use from Dumfries Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22381 (SF55 RJY), One of five low floor MANs allocated to Dumfries Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22381 (SF55 RJY), Showing the unusual paint choice on the rear bumper which is applied to quite a few Dumfries vehicles. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20146 (R646 LSO), Loads up at the Whitesands in Dumfries for Lockerbie on the 381. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32120 (K120 SRH), The unique Dart in the Western fleet which has been on loan to Dumfries & Galloway council for a few years. Its sitting here in its depot in Castle Douglas inbetween School duties. A lineup of some of the recently delivered Enviro 300's in Kilmarnock Depot. A lineup of some of the new Enviro 300's which are to be split between Ayr and Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western MAN A69/Enviro 300 22865 (SF09 AET), Parked up in Kilmarnock Depot showing of the latest branding for service 4. A week later the side branding was taken of for some unknown reason.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Apr 5 2009 March 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1661099.html March 2009 Observations Sunday 1 March 2009: March 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52263 (M163 CCD) and Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20535 (P535 ESA), Parked up beside the offices at Glasgow Depot. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20535 (P535 ESA), One of the unbranded examples at Glasgow which if not on peak workings, is usually on the X19 (City Centre - Easterhouse) Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52284 (N144 XSA), One of quite a few older Interurbans in the Glasgow Joint Venture fleet. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52359 (P159 ASA), Complete with some non standard panels as it sits on a lovely March afternoon. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20194 (M594 OSO), The second of the unbranded examples from this batch in use with Glasgow. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Plaxton 52510 (S860 VAT), One of the few high spec coaches at Glasgow, Surprisingly though it hasnt entered the Joint Venture fleet. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20522 (R522 VSE), From the nearside as it sits parked up in Glasgow (Blohcairn) Depot. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20522 (R522 VSE), Glasgows Ps's are kept in good nic considering their high daily use on express services. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52261 (M161 CCD), Parked up with its engine running in its home depot of Glasgow. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52359 (P159 ASA), Parked up in its home depot. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20171 (K571 LTS), Parked up in Glasgow Depot, looking nice in its allover ad for Marie Curie. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS's 20194/20171 (M954OSO/K571LTS), Side by side in Glasgow Depot. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52258 (M944 TSX), One of the X25 branded Interurbans, sits in Glasgow Depot while having a Sunday off. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54031 (SF07 ANU), Parked up in Glasgow Depot prior to heading of on the first dutie of the day. The lineup just inside the entrance to Glasgow (Blohcairn) Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13617 (H445 EGU), Yet another Tri-Axle Olympian to be acquired. Its seen here sitting in tempoary storage at Glasgow Depot prior to moving to Kilmarnock just a day later to join the queue for repainting into Schoolbus livery. Stagecoach Western Scania N113DRB/Alexander 15302 (H422 BNL) and Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13617 (H445 EGU), Parked up at the entrance to Glasgow Depot. 15302 can be seen getting its interior done up by its new owners. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/ALexander Sprint 40067 (M667 FYS), Arriving back at Ardrossan Depot. Mercs are only really used as staff shuttles at Ardrossan on a Sunday. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40066 (M651 FYS), Now in storage at Ardrossan Depot. Despite being painted a good 8 months or so ago, none of these White Mercs which are or were supposedl to be shipped to Africa, have left the fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31384 (P384 DSA), Parked up in its usual Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF's 35241 (SF56 FKW) & 35239 (SF56 FKW), Sit parked up at the rear of Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 35241 (SF56 FKY), Parked up in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 35240 (SF56 FKX), Although branded for the 18, These Darts can be quite regularly seen working the 585A in evenings and the 6am ish 125 from Irvine to Beith. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18018 (SF53 BYR), Sits out in the yard at Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban and Transbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18015 (SF53 BYN), Parked up at the entrance to Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander 16727 (N727 LTN), The only one of the recently acquried Olympians to be allocated to Ardrossan. Its seen here, looking almost brand new following a major overhaul in a rather dreary Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47496 (SF57 DNU), Crosses the yard in Ardrossan Depot to layover inbetween duties. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/ALexander Sprint 40530 (N446 TOS), On a rare runout on the 3, complete with paper destination in the windscreen. It usually spends its working day around Kilwinning. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Laying over in Kilmarnock Buchanan Bus Station just days after returning from London on Megabus duties. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 200 Dart 36072 (SN56 AYG), Adds some variety to the 102.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Mar 1 2009 February 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1647041.html February 2009 Observations Sunday 1 February 2009: February 2009 Observations

Stagecoach Western MAN/East Lancs 22510 (SF56 FKN), Parked up under cover inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22531 (SF57 LUY), Parked up inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Scania L113CRL/NC Paladin 28952 (M952 DRG), Having now returned to Western following its long period on loan to Stagecoach Bluebird to assist with the rollout of the ERG ticket machines up north. What its future holds with Western im not sure but i think it will be converted to replace the last remaining Leyland National in the fleet, 25475 at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32381 (M950 EGE), in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliners 50128 & 50127, side by side in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6BLE/Wright 31387 (Y601 TSD), One of the former Docherty of Irvine vehicles acquired back in 2004. Just four years later Docherty of Irvine wound up their coach hire fleet and all the vehicles were auctioned out to various operators. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32396 (P396 BRS), One of two from this reg batch allocated to Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32063 (N63 KBW), Parked up in the yard in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20502 (R502 KSA), Looking freshly repainted as it sits out in the yard in Waggon Road depot in Ayr. A lineup showing 3 different forms of rear ad's applied to some of the X77 Neoplan Skyliners. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50145 - Rantin`. Ravin`Robin - (YN05 WEC), One of several Skyliners allocated to Ayr Depot for the X77 express service. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50143 - Tam o Shanter - (CN05 FVW), Parked up at the side of Ayr Depot. This was the last of the X77 branded Skyliners to enter service at Ayr just over a year ago. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander 34026 (R126 VPU), One of several ex London Darts now earning their keep on the Ayrshire roads. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32054 (N54 KBW), The only one from the batch in the Western fleet to have some form of electronic destination screen. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20519 (R519 VSE), Parked up in Ayr Depot after finishing, what will very probably be its last ever journey on the 4. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps's 20519 (R519 VSE) & 20502 (R502 KSA), Parked up at the entrance to Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22532 (SF57 LUZ), A taste of whats to come on the 4! In a few months time these vehicles will be gettin used on the 4. 22532 can be seen here backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station on one of the very last Ayr operated journeys on the 4 as the next day will see Kilmarnock take over operating every working on the route. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), Heads off on a short, part route, journey of the 1 to Kilmaurs due to the closure of the A735 between Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14659 (C659 LFT), One of several varied vehicle in use on the 3 on this particular day. Just a matter of days later, two newer Volvo Olympians were acquired from Stagecoach North East, these being 16726/7 (N726/7 LTN). A further three are also due soon from North East, where they are to be allocated in the Western fleet, no one knows but i expect Cumnock and Dumfries to at least get one each. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34600 (SF04 VTA), Looking smart in the winter sunshine as it passes a snow covered carpark on the leadup to Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/E300 22534 (SF57 LVC), The only unbranded Enviro allocated to Cumnock depot after being transferred into the fleet several months ago from Ayr where it started out its working life. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25220 (SF08 GOE), en route to nearby Onthank on the 3. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), Approaches Kilmarnock Bus Station with a service 4 from Ayr. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34597 (SF04 VSX), Is an unusual allocation on the 5/10/21 group of services as it covers for one of the Solos in use on the Stewarton-Fenwick shuttle run. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 200 Dart 36071 (SN56 AYF), Working service 3 in Killie town centre. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34602 (SF04 VTD), Is another unusual Dart allocation on the normally Solo operated 2A. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander Ps 20504 (R504 KSA), Approaches Killie Bus Station on the town centre one way system with a 7 for New Farm Loch. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20504 (R504 KSA), Heads off for New Farm Loch. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34602 (SF04 VTD), Heads off for nearby Bonnyton on the 2A. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV), Heads out of Kilmarnock Bus Station for Darvel Townhead on the 1. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10585 (NUW 585Y), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18016 (SF53 BYO), Turns out of Kilmarnock Bus Station for Ardrossan on another working of the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53299 (SJ57 AAO), Arrives in a rather snow covered Kilmarnock from Glasgow on the X76C. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47614 (SF08 GUW), Working the local 102 as it turns into Killie Bus Station during a moderate snow shower. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53300 (SJ57 AAU), Returns empty from Glasgow after carrying out a morning peak run on the X76C. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14659 (C659 LFT), Leads a snow covered 20590 into Kilmarnock Bus Station. The week beginning Monday 2nd Feb 2009 saw widespread disruption all across the UK as the country dealt with some of its biggest snowfalls in several years. So much so that on this particular day, there wasnt a single London Bus running due to the severity of the snow but in someways, thankfully, Ayrshire escaped the worst of it (yet again!). Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14659 (C659 LFT), A slightly closer up version as it prepares to turn into Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18014 (SF53 BYM), Looking quite smart as it turns into Kilmarnock Bus Station during a reasonably heavy snow shower, certainly for Ayrshire anyway! Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20715 (K715 DAO), Prepares to turn into Kilmarnock Bus Station showing of its recently applied hanover screen. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22258 (V258 ESX), Prepares to take up the second half of its journey to Darvel on the 1 after waiting time in Killie Bus Station due to the severe disruption on the Stewarton half of the route. A congested lineup at the entrance to Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach are the only operator with the exception of Shuttle Buses with their Ring n Ride/Dial a Bus services to use Killie Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20506 (M869 ASW), Sections of the service 4 route around Glasgow were quite badly disrupted on this particular day due to the heavy snow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20715 (K715 DAO), Now heads of to New Farm Loch on the 6. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13651 (H603 LNA), Parked up for the weekend in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40632 (N632 VSS), Waits time at South Beach, Ardrossan, inbetween duties on the local 12. Stagecoach Western MAN/E300 22521 (SF57 LUB), Looking smart in the Ardrossan sunset as it paases along South Beach bound for Greenock on the 585. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18334 (SF55 NOU), From the rear as it passes along South Beach in Ardrossan in the early evening sunset. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18370 (SF55 TZR), Trundles along into the early evening sunset at 4.45pm, a clear sign that the nights are starting to get that wee bit longer. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47495 (SF57 DRO), Passes along South Beach in Ardrossan on a three towns local service. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18005 (SF53 BYX), One of the Ardrossan contingent of Tridents on the 11.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Feb 1 2009 January 2009 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1639857.html Happy new year to one and all. Sunday 18 January 2009: Happy new year to one and all.

Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34601 (SF04 VTC), My first shot of 2009, deputising here for a Bio-Bus on a revised service 1 on the 2nd January 2009. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 13647 (H606 LNA), Leaving a damp Ardrossan Depot to start a nearby School contract in mid January. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25221 (SF08 GOJ), One of the Versa's to carry the Flexirider rear advert. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25218 (SF08 GOA), Showing of the new Megarider rear advert applied to some of the Versa's. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40062 (M662 FYS) & MAN/ALX300 22389 (SF55 VUP), Sit laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV), Backs of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station on the second lap of its journey to Stewarton, having came from Darvel via Newmilns and Galston. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18333 (SF55 NOH), One of 6 newer examples delivered in late 2005 to cope with an increased PVR on the 11 as a result of First pulling out of the area. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18333 (SF55 NOH), Turning out of Kilmarnock Bus Station showing the allover rear ad for the Single ticket. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22386 (SF55 VUM), Looking very smart indeed as it backs of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station with a journey to Hamilton on the X16. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 200 Dart 36072 (SN56 AYG), This particular vehicle had a rare outing on the 5/10/21 group of services approxiametly 3 weeks ago. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22384 (SF55 RKK), The first of the examples to be based at Ayr. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18003 (SF53 BYV), Departs Kilmarnock Bus Station on another Ardrossan bound journey on the 11. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22603 (V603 GCS), Arrives in Killie from Darvel on the Bio-Bus Service 1. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20549 (P549 ESA), One of only a few examples to make it out onto local journeys in Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31375 (P375 DSA), One of several delivered to launch the Stagecoach Glasgow operation just over 10 years ago. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47502 (SF57 DOU), Waits a vancant stance in Killie Bus Station after arriving in from Kilmarus on the 2A, it will now head out on a 4/5 mile journey back the way it has just came in to only return to the bus station some 20mins later. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34600 (SF04 VTA), One of 8 such vehicles used on the 3. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25201 (SJ57 AAE), The first of the examples in service with Stagecoach. Over 30 of the examples are now in service across the UK with Stagecoach. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40621 (N621 VSS), The 17 is currently the only Kilmarnock local route to be worked by the once ubiquotous Merc 709D's. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18000 (SF53 BZG), The first of 27 Tridents required for service 11 although it is rare for all 27 to be in use at the one time. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22605 (V605 GCS), One of 8 Bio-Fuelled vehicles required to keep up the 10min frequency on service 1. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20592 (M792 PRS), One of the few unbranded examples remaining at Kilmarnock. All are believed to be phased out of the fleet in 2-3 months time. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20586 (M786 PRS), On its final few months in use on service 4 (Ayr - Glasgow) as it turns into Kilmarnock Bus Station bound for Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31369 (P369 DSA), The re-painting of the AA liveried vehicles seems to have been tempoarily halted. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20581 (M484 ASW), Parked up on layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station inbetween journeys on the 444. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps's 20592 (M792 PRS) & 20581 (M484 ASW), Parked up side by side in Kilmarnock Bus Station. This lineup Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22602 (V602 GCS), Arriving in Killie Bus Station to take up a journey to Stewarton on the 1. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), Arrives in from Ayr on a Glasgow bound journey on the 4. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47504 (SF57 DPK), Arrives in Killie Bus Station on a local route bound for Wardneuk on the 102. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34597 (SF04 VSX), The first of the Kilmarnock Darts to have been repainted in spring 2008. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31381 (P381 DSA), Enters Kilmarnock Bus Station with a 3 for Shortlees. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22258 (V258 ESX), One of 2 acquired MAN's for the Bio-Bus fleet. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34063 (S463 BWC), Undergoes a driver changeover in the low Winter sun in Boswell Park while working the A25 to Kincaidston. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47506 (SF57 DPO), Having been delivered new to Ayr in September 2007, its endured a few months working from Kilmarnock Depot before being sent back to Ayr in March 2008 for the revised and enhanced service 24. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22594 (SF08 GRU), Prepares to enter Ayr Bus Station from Drongan on the 45. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), Departs Ayr on its long and final journey of the day to Dumfries on the 246. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22508 (SF56 FKL), Approaches Ayr Bus Station with a 360 service from Girvan. Not the best of shots but not bad considering the low sun/heavy traffic. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20593 (M793 PRS), Is becoming a regular on the A6 thesedays. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20517 (R517 VSE), One of a large number of Ps's at Ayr which have been dwindling in numbers recently. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47356 (SF06 OVG), One of a relatively large number of Solos at Ayr. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47356 (SF06 OVG), Showing in clearer detail, its rear ad for West FM. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32397 (P397 BRS), Working one of the main Ayr/Prestwick local services, the A2 as it approaches Wellington Square on the 24th January 2008. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20514 (R514 KSA), Approaches Wellington Sqaure on the 52. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/ALX200 34063 (S463 BWC), On the return journey to Dalmilling as it passes Wellington Square on a diversion route due to the closure of Ayr High Street for Burns celebrations. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50141 - Jean Armour - (KX05 HVE), Showing the revised Glasgow destination on the X77 which now eliminates Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus/Alexander 15246 (VCS 376), Looking as smart as ever once again as it laysover in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22585 (SF08 GPE), Arrives in Ayr Bus Station from Muirkirk on the 46. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/ALX200 33443 (X613 JCS), From the rear in Ayr Bus Station showing quite clearly that vehicles dont get any cleaner in January! Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22585 (SF08 GPE), From the rear in Ayr Bus Station while waiting on a vacant stance to take up its journey to Muirkirk on the 46. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51097 (T97 JHN), Was a very very surprising allocation on the X77 on this particular Saturday. The 2 X77 Artics are only regularly used on weekday peak workings which makes this Saturday working very unusual.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Jan 18 2009 December 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1621269.html 2008 draws to a close with this collection. Seasons greetings to all viewers. Sunday 7 December 2008: 2008 draws to a close with this collection. Seasons greetings to all viewers.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52418 (R118 OPS), Loads up on Irvine High St for Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station on the X34. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31370 (P370 DSA), On Irvine High Street. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31376 (P376 DSA), Working the 22 in Irvine. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18371 (SF55 TZS), One of the newer Trident examples in use on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18020 (SF53 BYU), On the 11 in Irvine. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52475 (R175 DNH), At last i catch up with it a good few months after entering service at Ardrossan folliowing its lengthy spell in the Glasgow JV fleet. Its seen here on Irvine High St preparing to take up another journey to Glasgow on the X44. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18000 (SF53 BZG), The first of 27 Tridents in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31381 (P381 DSA), Unloads at the top of Irvine High Street. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40626 (N626 VSS), On Irvine High St at the end of its journey from Dalry on the 25A. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31385 (P385 DSA), One of several B6LE's nowadays used on Irvine local routes. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18009 (SF53 BZB), One of the large fleet of A1 service branded Tridents in the fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31374 (P374 DSA), One of the few remaining examples in traditional AA livery. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18004 (SF53 BYW), The last of the first batch in service at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16866 (N866 VHH), Having lost its AA livery in a process that is currently happening to the other 9 AA liveried B6LE's or rather 7 as i type this. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31372 (P372 DSA), The 2nd of the former AA liveried B6LE's to be painted into swoops. Its seen here laying over at Irvine Cross inbetween local duties. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31372 (P372 DSA), From the rear while laying over at Irvine Cross. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 32392 (P392 LPS), Is a recent transfer into Ayr from Dumfries after being swapped with larger B10M/Ps 20566. It sits in the yard at Ayr Depot prior to officialy entering service. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50132 (UIB 3543), Now named Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50143 (CN05 FVW), With one of the more recognisable Burns names, Tam o Shanter. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22509 (SF56 FKM), Parked up in the yard at Waggon Road, Ayr. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), One of several Kilmarnock based vehicles to have recently lost the rather minimal Kilmarnock town network branding. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), Working service 3 on Christmas Eve 2008. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34596 (SF04 VSV), Departing Kilmarnock Bus Station for Beith Strand on the SPT supported service 337. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53275 (KX56 JZN), Prepares to park up in Kilmarnock Bus Station prior to working a peak journey up to Glasgow on Christmas Eve. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22602 (V602 GCS), One of 8 Bio-Buses based at Kilmarnock for Service 1, Darvel to Stewarton. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22388 (SF55 VUO), Looking smart following a recent repaint as it leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station on a Christmas Eve journey to Ayr on the X16. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50150 (YN05 WEK), Enters Kilmarnock Bus Station on a Boxing Day X77 from Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18369 (SF55 TZP), One of several Kilmarnock based Trident's that are used on the 11 on Boxing Day & 2nd January. Ardrossan depot is closed for 4 days over the Xmas/New Year period. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20589 (M789 PRS), Backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station. The 4 is one of very few routes ran by Western on Boxing Day. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20178 (K578 LTS), In use as a staff shuttle vehicle as it passes Buchanan Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart/Tranbus Dart SLF 35242 (SF56 FKZ), One of five Darts delivered new to Ardrossan in late 2006 for the 18. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18014 (SF53 BYW), Looking rather dirty as it loads up at Saltcoats Station for neighbouring Ardrossan on one of its last journeys of 2008. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40627 (N627 VSS), On a local, three-towns working in Saltcoats. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22523 (SF57 LUE), Showing signs of the winter road conditions as it loads up at Saltcoats, approxiametly half way into its journey to Greenock on the 585. Stagecoach Western Trasnbus Dart/Tranbus Dart SLF 35239 (SF56 FKW), At Saltcoats Station on the local 18. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22526 (SF57 LUL), At the rear of a long lineup at Saltcoats Station, showing quite clearly how dirty buses can get during the winter. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52349 (P149 ASA), Approaches Saltcoats Station on a X36 for Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18005 (SF53 BYX), The first of the Tridents allocated to Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31382 (P382 DSA), One of the original non AA liveried B6LEs at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18013 (SF53 BYL), On the 11 on Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18013/18371, On Irvine High St. It is becoming very common for two (or more) Tridents on the 11 to run less than a minute behind each other as can be seen here. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22524 (SF57 LUH), At Irvine Cross working the Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31371 (P371 DSA), One of a dwindling number of vehicles to carry the historic AA livery. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22531 (SF57 LUY), On one of its last journeys of 2008 as it enters Irvine High St on the 585.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Dec 7 2008 November 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1605051.html November already! Jeez the year is flying through, expect things to start to die down now with the early nights etc. Sunday 2 November 2008: November already! Jeez the year is flying through, expect things to start to die down now with the early nights etc.

Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47613 (SF08 GUU), At Irvine Harbourside at the end of its journey from Kilmarnock on the 21. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40058 (M658 FYS), A route 26 regular. Pictured loading up for Irvine Railway Station on Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52349 (P149 ASA), Loads up for Glasgow on the X34. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/ALX200 33443 (X613 JCS), Sporting what looks like a new or possibly 2nd hand Hanover Screen. I have a funny feeling it could be one of the ones taken from the Kilmarnock Darts when they received their new LED screens at the beginning of the year. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16068 (R168 VPU), Looking very smart in the late afternoon sun on Irvine High St towards the end of its journey from Kilbirnie on the 25. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18004 (SF53 BYW), One of a strong fleet of 27 Tridents in the Western fleet all exclusively branded for A1 Service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31375 (P375 DSA), On local service 23 in Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31374 (P374 DSA), One of 10 vehicles to carry the Green/Cream AA livery for Irvine local services. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18018 (SF53 BYR), Enters Irvine High St on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18018 (SF53 BYR), From the rear while it unloads on Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40621 (N621 VSS), One of the few surviving examples at Kilmarnock. All bar two of the 6 remaining Merc's at Kilmarnock regularly see service in Irvine on services 26 & 29. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18000 (SF53 BZG), From the rear showing of its Unirider rear ad at the top of Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31373 (P373 DSA), Enters Irvine High St on a 28 for Bourtreehill. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22521 (SF57 LUB), The very first vehicle to enter service with Stagecoach UK Bus with this unique body/chassis combination. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18002 (SF53 BZJ), One of the Kilmarnock contingent of Tridents that are nowadays restricted to the 11 due to an increased PVR on the route. A few deckers are apparently on order to help with the increased PVR. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40986 (M396 KVR), On its regular route, Service 29, on Irvine High St. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40985 (M395 KVR), Loads up for Hunter Drive on the 29. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18009 (SF53 BZB), Approaches Irvine Cross, halfway into its journey to Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20503 (R503 KSA), The first of what i would imagine to be several vehicles in the Western fleet to carry an allover ad for Scottish Hydro Electric. There are currently at least 20+ vehicles operating in Scotland to carry this ad, mainly vehicles operated by First Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20503 (R503 KSA), From the rear inside Ayr Depot showing of its new Scottish Hydro Electric allover ad. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51096/7 (T96/7 JHN), Ayr's 2 dedicated Artics sit parked up in the yard on a crisp winter afternoon. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF/ALX200 34063 (S463 BWC), Looking resplendent in a new coat of swoops as it sits out in the yard on a late Sunday afternoon. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40098 (M648 FYS), Approaches Irvine Cross on the 25A bound for Dalry. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), Is an unusual but very welcomed visitor to Irvine. Not quite sure why it was parked up but logical assumption would make me believe it was on a private hire at the time. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), From the rear at Irvine Cross. As can be seen quite clearly from this shot, Plaxton made an error in painting these vehicles by missing out thw white line between the orange and red at the rear of the vehicle. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33444 (X614 JCS), Awaits stance 14 to be vacated to relieve 20519 of its duties on the 14. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20519 (R519 VSE), Arrives in Ayr Bus Station on a rare working from Irvine on the 14. Ps's are nowadays becoming quite a regular site on the 14 although they dont carry out a full days dutie on the route. Dart 33444, one of the regular performers on the 14, Took over the next run to Irvine. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22583 (SF08 GOU), Turns into Ayr Bus Station from Muirkirk on the 46. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50127 (WLT 720), Turns into Ayr Bus Station on another X77 journey from Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliners 50131 (VCS 391) & 50127 (WLT 720), Looking quite impressive from the rear as they layover inbetween journeys on the X77 in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), Turns into Ayr Bus Station on the long, non-motorway service from Glasgow on the 4. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20581 (M484 ASW), At the start of its journey to Kilmarnock on the 444. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47362 (SF06 OVN), Passes the Western Head Office, based at Ayr Bus Station while working one of the Ayr Local routes, the A9. The on loan MAN/Wright Meridian FM31 from Ferrymill Motors. I think its now operating from Ardrossan and is seen here departing Ayr Bus Station on a 585 bound for Greenock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52290 (N150 XSA), Leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station while acting as a (tempoary?) training vehicle. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53275 (KX56 JZN), Turns out of Kilmarnock Bus Station on a very unusual route, the normally entirely PS operated service 4. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14659 (C659 LFT), To get a decker on any local service in Kilmarnock thesedays is very rare, its even rarer to get three of them out on local services in the one day as i found out when i captured three of them on camera including 14659 pictured as it turns out of the Bus Station for Bellfield on the 7. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12BT/Plaxton Panther 54040 (SJ57 AAZ), Climbs out of Kilmarnock Bus Station, mid-way, into its journey to Glasgow on the X76. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18370 (SF55 TZR), Departs Killie for Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40062 (M662 FYS), Arrives in Kilmarnock Bus Station on a shuttle run from the Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18001 (SF53 BZH), Escapes off the 11 for a day and gets out onto Killie local workings. Kilmarnock are short of 1 Trident for the 11 which makes this working a very unusual allocation, even the extra Olympian allocation on the 11 wasn't running. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22606 (V606 GCS), The Bio-Bus iniative won the Bus Operator Innovation of the Year award at the recent Route One Operator Excellence awards in Birmingham and the day after this photo was taken, Western will find out of they have won another award for the Bio-Bus scheme at the UK-Bus Awards ceremony being held in London. The Bio-Bus along with Western's X76/7 express network are both nominated for awards at the national event. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47504 (SF57 DPK), On the first day of the slightly altered Kilmarnock local services which sees service 5 tieing up with the 10 & 21 service. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14462 (C462 SSO), Pulls into the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station on a 3 for Shortlees. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20504 (R504 KSA), One of at least 4 unbranded vehicles on the 4 on this particular damp and dreary November afternoon. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18332 (SF55 NNZ), Was for quite some time, the unique Trident in the fleet of 27 but 2 years after lifting the trophy for the UK Bus Operator of the Year for the second year running, Western decided to strip it of its allover ad celebrating the success. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14462 (C462 SSO), Deputises for a single deck vehicle on the high frequency, Kilmarnock local service 3. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22602 (V602 GCS), The Bio-Bus failed to win the award it was nominated for at this years UK Bus Awards although the X76/7 express network was awarded runner up status for the Volvo Express Operation of the Year. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18369 (SF55 TZP), One of several Kilmarnock based Tridents to carry an allover rear ad with 18369 showing off its flexirider ad here as it turns out of Killie Bus Station en route to Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15247/9 (E864/6 RCS), Parked up inbetween School duties in Cumnock Depot.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Nov 2 2008 October 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1593728.html October 2008 Observations Wednesday 1 October 2008: October 2008 Observations

Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25218 (SF08 GOE), Enters Kilmarnock Bus Station on a local working. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18015 (SF53 BYN), Departs on another service to Ardrossan on the high frequency service 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34601 (SF04 VTC), In Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20587 (M787 PRS), Rounds the bend into Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 200 Dart 36072 (SN56 AYG), The second of the ex Shuttlebus Enviro 200's in use at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20590 (M790 PRS), With a very informative rear ad as it prepares depart to Kilmarnock Bus Station en route to Glasgow on the 4. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20581 (M484 ASW), Arrives in Kilmarnock Bus Station in typical Ayrshire weather. Exactly a week later the rain continued to pelt down on Kilmarnock and caused the River Irvine to burst its banks on one of the main routes in and out of Kilmarnock and as a result caused severe delays to services. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47613 (SF08 GUU), One of the ever increasing type in the fleet. STagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), Was among the first of Kilmarnock's 9 Darts to be given new LED screens in early summer 2008. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 25220 (SF08 GOE), In KIlmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47506 (SF57 DPO), At the Crosshouse Hospital terminus on the 24. The extension to the 24 all came about as a result of a SPT/NHS funded service between Ayr & Crosshouse Hospitals being withdrawn. Stagecoach then decided to extended service 24 to serve the 2 main Ayrshire Hospital's although they came under alot of criticism for not running a Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18007 (SF53 BYZ), The 11 is the only Western route to be entirely operated by double deck vehicles, although it has been noted ocasionally for the odd, single deck vehicle to appear on the route. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18018 (SF53 BYR), Turns away from the bus atance at Crosshouse Hospital, not long into its journey to Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Transbus ALX400 18010 (SF53 BZC), At Crosshouse Hospital on its final stretch to Kilmarnock on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18016 (SF53 BYO), One of a fleet of 27 Tridents in use on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18334 (SF55 NOU), Is one of very few Kilmarnock based Tridents to make it out on the 11 on a Sunday. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18010 (SF53 BZC), Believe it or not the 11 used to run all the way east to Darvel, 3/4 years ago before reverting back to its original terminus of Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47615 (SF08 GUX), Waits time at Crosshouse Hospital to continue its final stretch into neighbouring Kilmarnock on the 21. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18016 (SF53 BYO), On its return, homeward bound, for Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47614 (SF08 GUW), Departs Crosshouse Hospital for Kilmarnock on the 337. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52349 (P149 ASA), Departs Irvine for Glasgow on the X44. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53298 (SJ57 AAN), Departs Glasgow for Kilmarnock on the X76C. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52419 (R119 OPS), Gets a day off working its usual long distance express Megabus/Citylink services as it leaves Buchanan Bus Station with an X25 for Cumbernauld. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52418 (R118 OPS), Leaving Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20192 (M592 OSO), On the X20 in Buchanan Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20589 (M789 PRS), Prepares to leave Glasgow for Ayr on the 4. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54027 (SF07 AMV), On another Edinburgh bound journey on the 900. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52352 (P152 ASA), Leaves Buchanan Station in Glasgow, Irvine bound on the X44. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/PLaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), Looking smart as it leaves Glasgow bound for Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50130 (YSV 730), On a glorius Saturday afternoon in Glasgow as it leaves on another journey to Ayr on the X77. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54034 (SF07 AOA), Reverses out its parking space in Buchanan Station in Glasgow to commence a journey to Edinburgh on the 900. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52258 (M944 TSX), On driver shuttle duties outside Buchanan Station in Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53297 (SJ57 AAK), Is the first of this batch of Profiles at Kilmarnock that were delivered just over a year ago. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20511 (M483 ASW), One of several Ps's at Glasgow for express routes. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52350 (P150 ASA), Heads of for Irvine on the X34. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M 52510 (S860 VAT), Having now been painted into corporate livery for its first time. Its pictured here leaving Buchanan Station in Glasgow on the long journey south to Dumfries on the X74. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52355 (P255 ASA), Prepares to take on passengers bound for Ardrossan on the X36. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 35239 (SF56 FKW), One of five from the batch at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Mistral 51062 (N562 SJF), Parked up in storage at Ardrossan Depot. It and sister 51061 are currently in the reserve fleet and ocasionally see service on private hires and rail replacement services. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22526 (SF57 LUL), The first of the unbranded pair at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52349 (P149 ASA), Having returned from its stint at Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22525 (SF57 LUJ), Having a Sunday off the 585 as it sits parked up in Ardrossan Depot, Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20145 (R645 LSO), Parked up out of service in its home depot of Ardrossan. STagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20152 (R652 VSE), In Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20152 (R652 VSE) & MAN/Enviro 300 22527 (SF57 LUO), Side by side in Ardrossan Depot. January 2008 saw a new fleet of Enviro 300's oust the fleet of B10M/Ps's and one sole B10B/Wright Edurance off the 585 and Glasgow express services. 20152 however managed to escape eviction from the fleet and is the only original example out of the current 2 to be based at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51092 (T640 KCS), One of the most recent Artic repaints. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40098 (M648 FYS), Looking smart ss it sits inbetween driver shuttle duties at Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18015 (SF53 BYN), Stands out amidst the sea of yellow Schoolbuses inside Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18006/18019 in Ardrossan Depot. Unlike Kilmarnock, Ardrossan only have 53 reg Tridents. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/ECW 14392 (D142 FYM), At the front of the Schoolbus lineup inside Ardrossan Depot on a crisp Autumn Sunday afternoon.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 September 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1572004.html September 2008 Observations Monday 1 September 2008: September 2008 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54042 (SF57 DPX), Leaves Cumnock Depot to take up a late afternoon service to Kilmarnock on the X50 prior to heading light to Glasgow to start an evening peak journey back down to Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52425 (R103 LSO), Now back at Cumnock following its loan to the Glasgow Joint Venture fleet as it leaves Cumnock Depot to start an afternoon School Contract. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10976 (A976 SYE), Is the 2nd of the Schoolbus liveried Titan's at Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13623 (H494 LNA), Leaves Cumnock Depot to take up an afternoon School contract. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10469 (KYV 469X), Leaves its home depot of Cumnock to commence a afternoon School contract at Cumnock Academy, quite literally just across the road. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31378 (P378 DSA), With a hanover screen gained from one of the two recently inherited Citybuses, It sets of for afternoon Schools. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), Heads off to Cumnock Bus Station to take over the Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13624 (TSU 638), A recent transfer into Cumnock from Ardrossan and joins the existing fleet of 2 ex HK Olympians. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15247 (E864 RCS), Leaves Cumnock Depot to undertake a School contract in nearby Auchinleck. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13609 (J701 HMY), Prior to the 2008-09 School term starting, Cumnock only had 4 double deck vehicles for School work, The total now stands at 8 with all bar three in allover Schoolbus livery. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14650 (C650 LFT), Prepares to leave its home depot of Cumnock. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22582 (SF08 GOK), Rounds the bend into Cumnock Depot after finishing a nearby School contract. It later worked an early evening X76 to Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31383 (P383 DSA), Is the 2nd of the Cumnock based B6LE's to have had a new hanover screen fitted. They certainly are a big improvement on the old style Dot Matrix screens that they carried from new. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13623 (H494 LNA), Looking very bright as it returns home to the depot for the night. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10469 (KYV 469X), Showing little signs of its age as it returns back to Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15247 (E864 RCS), Its first time ever in swoops and its first time in service for well over a year as it arrives back into Cumnock Depot from an afternoon School contract. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14650 (C650 LFT), Having just been transferred to Cumnock from Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15249 (E866 RCS), Leyland Titan 10410 (KYV 410X) and Volvo Artic 51061 (N561 SJF), Parked up in Cumnock Depot. Of the ones pictured only one is in service at Cumnock, this being 15249 with the rest still in the reserve fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15247 (E864 RCS) & Leyland Olympian 14650 (C650 LFT), Sit parked up in the early evening sunshine at Cumnock Depot prior to being washed and refuelled for another days service carting Ayrshire Schoolkids. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54044 (SF57 DPZ), Basks in glorius sunshine in its home depot of Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52425 (R103 LSO), Basking in the sun at Cumnock Depot surrounded by a fleet of yellow School Buses. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15247 (E864 RCS), Parked up in Cumnock Depot. I must admit to quite liking these Citybuses, Unfortuneately its sister, 15249, Did not make it out on the afternoon i visited. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32057 (N57 KBW), Parked up in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51097 (T97 JHN), Looking exceptionally smart as always in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51096 (T96 JHN), Approxiametly a year after leaving Ayr Depot and being stripped of its X77 branding, It returns back home to Ayr for continued use on the X77 minus branding however and replaces Neoplan 50133 which is now in use with Oxford Tube. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33778 (X743 JCS), Parked up out of service in its home depot of Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20594 (M467 ASW), Laying over inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51096 (T96 JHN), From the rear in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22510 (SF56 FKN), Crosses the yard in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40062 (M662 FYS), Having been painted allover London Style Red at Kilmarnock. Whether it is destined for the training fleet in the future or if it will be solely for crew transfer purposes as it is doing here. It is pictured leaving Kilmarnock Depot for the nearby Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), On a test run inside Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52255 (M955 TSX), In comparison is the newest vehicle in the Training fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Plaxton Interurban 52208 (L638 LDT), Is possibly the oldest vehicle in the current training fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10585 (NUW 585Y), Arrives back in a very damp, miserable Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27596 (SN08 AEJ), Arrives back in Kilmarnock Depot showing of its recently applied SPT branding. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan's 10843 (A843 SUL) & 11032 (A632 THV), Side by side in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27597 (SN08 AEK), Arrives back in from its School Duties in North Ayrshire. Stagecoach Western ADL Enviro 300 27597 (SN08 AEK), Showing the SPT branding from the rear as it waits its turn to get washed and re-fuelled at Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40056 (M656 FYS), A year after it (the last ever Merc at Ayr) left Ayr, it returns for dedicated use as a Staff Shuttle vehicle and joins sister Merc, 40062, in this allover red livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20548 (P548 ESA), Parked up in Ayr Depot with yet another broken Dot-Matrix screen. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20593 (M793 PRS), Is the first of 2 Ayr vehicles being used on Gold Cup shuttles. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), Prepares to travel back round Burns Statue Square as it waits a vacant parking space. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22588 (SF08 GPU), At the start of its journey to Cumnock on the 48. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33775 (X739 JCS), These are the only Darts (As far as im aware) in the fleet to carry the distinctive Air-Con pod on their roof. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), Waits time at Burns Statue Square. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33779 (X744 JCS), By far (In my opinion anyway) the smartest looking example of this batch in the Western fleet. A lineup of three Olympians in Burns Statue Sqaure. From front to back or right to left, 16859 (N859 VHH), 13644 (G278 YRJ) & 16865 (N865 VHH). Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33776 (X741 JCS), On a local service in Ayr Town Centre. As if three wasnt enough, seconds later 14462 (C462 SSO) joins the line. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16865 (N865 VHH), Picks up passengers at Burns Statue Square.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Mon Sep 1 2008 ** Special Feature ** - One Year On http://david371.fotopic.net/c1563337.html A feature i quite liked on Grant Thomson's fotpic site, As to how things have changed over the last few years in the bus industry. As its nearly a year since this site was created and a year since i started taking photos, I felt it would be a nice feature to look back at the vast changes that have taken place across the Western network over the last year. Heavy investment in the fleet across the last year and a half brought approxiametly 79 brand new vehicles into the fleet and upgraded many vital services to low floor operation. Not forgetting the 15 Neoplan Skyliners that were acquired from allover the UK to enhance the X77 and X76. Sunday 17 August 2008: A feature i quite liked on Grant Thomson's fotpic site, As to how things have changed over the last few years in the bus industry. As its nearly a year since this site was created and a year since i started taking photos, I felt it would be a nice feature to look back at the vast changes that have taken place across the Western network over the last year. Heavy investment in the fleet across the last year and a half brought approxiametly 79 brand new vehicles into the fleet and upgraded many vital services to low floor operation. Not forgetting the 15 Neoplan Skyliners that were acquired from allover the UK to enhance the X77 and X76.

A fleet of 6 MAN 18.220/ALX300's were delivered new in 2000 and were put to good use on the high capacity service 1, Darvel to Stewarton. August/September 2007 - High floor vehicles, a mixture of Volvo B10M's and Merc 709D's, Were a common sight in Kilmarnock Bus Station. B10M/Ps's were the staple fare on the medium-haul routes (43/5/6 etc) out of Cumnock for several years. During Autumn 2007, The fleet of 6 MAN's, along with 2 acquired examples from East Scotland, Were converted to run using Bio-Fuel as their main fuel source as part of a 6 month trial sponsored by the Scottish Executive and East Ayrshire Council. The 6th month trial was eventually extended by a further 6 months. Saturday 23rd February 2008 saw the last day in operation for the fleet of Articulated coaches at Cumnock. Monday 25th Febuary 2008, 2 days later saw a brand new fleet of 8 15mete tri axle Plaxton Panthers enter service on the X76 and 246 bringing a much needed and welcomed boost to the services. By March/April 2008, A fleet of 13 new Enviro 300 bodied MAN A69's wiped out the entire fleet of B10M/Ps's at Cumnock, most of which were transferred down south to boost the recently acquired fleets of Huntingdon and Cavalier. August 2008 - Its becoming very hard indeed to pick out a high floor vehicle following the delivery of approxiametly 15 new low floor Optare vehicles over the last year, a mixture of Versa's and the now standard Solo.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Aug 17 2008 August 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1555540.html Been a busy old month on both the Western front and Photo front, details below: Another B10M/Ps to gain the allover rear condom ad was Ardrossan's 20152 (R652 VSE). All the Dumfries Solo's were repainted and rebranded by the end of the month. Kilmarnock Dart 34604 (SF04 VTG) was at last given its first repaint and its new LED screen towards the end of the month. Major service changes commenced in Kilmarnock in mid August which saw the 7A being withdrawn and the 4 vehicles previously used on the route being transferred to service 3 which now boasts a frequency of 7/8 mins and has a PVR of 8. The PVR on the 102 also increased to 2 vehicles as a result of route changes, the 102 is now the only service to serve the Crawfurland Road part of the town. The extra Solo on the 102 also works the hourly 17A. Merc 40066 (M651 FYS) was another example to be repainted allover white for use in Africa. None of the 3 have yet left for their new homes. Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN) reported last month as being sent back to Ardrossan, was infact only on loan and was back at Kilmarnock by the beginning of the month. Vehicles to inherit the new style Kilmarnock network branding were as follows: Darts 34596-604, Versa's 25201/2/18-21 and Solo's 47498/503/4/5/612. The 2 ex Shuttlebus Enviro 200's 36071/2 (SN56AYF/G) entered service at Kilmarnock rather than Cumnock as originally planned. Acquired from SPT were 2 brand new older style Enviro 300's, SN08AEJ/K. The morning after delivery to Western they were pressed into service in their allover yellow livery for Schoolbus use and are used on contracts at St Matthews Academy in Saltcoats. They are both based at Kilmarnock. They later gained fleetnumbers 27596/7 although AEJ was initially allocated fleetnumber 27594 which was already allocated to a vehicle down south. They also later had SPT branding applied to their allover yellow livery. As a knock on effect of their arrival, Titan's 10462/73 returned to Ardrossan from Kilmarnock and allowed Olympian's 13624 (TSU 638) & 14650 (C650 LFT) to transfer to Cumnock. Also returned to use for the first time in over a year were Citybuses 15247/9 (E864/6 RCS), both of which were allocated to Cumnock due to additional School contracts in the area. Reserve Titan 10410 (KYV 410X) also returned to storage at Cumnock and will apparently return to service soon on a new school contract at Cumnock. Also returned for storage at Cumnock was Artic 51061 (N561 SJF) The new Glasgow Panthers 53105/6 (SF08 GTY/Z) and 54049 (SF08 GTU) both entered service in the JV fleet at the start of the month. Scania 28955 (M100 AAB) was painted into Wee G livery and will shortly oust Glasgow National 25476 for disposal. The Ayr Open Top Tour drew to a close on the 24th August with 16863 in use for the last day. Both 11083/16863 are now in storage at Dumfries. Kilmarnock currently have an extra all day working on service 11 which currently uses Olympians due to the lack of available Tridents. New deckers are apparently however due for the 11 and rumour has it, it will be an end of an era as the new vehicles will supposedly be in Swoops. Also reportedly due soon are replacements for the fleet of 9 service 4 branded Ps's which are anticapted to be the now standard MAN/E300. Volvo Olympian 16865 lost its allover rear ad following a recent chassis/body overhauld and was repainted at the same time. 16853/16866 also got and i believe still are getting the same work carried out. The 3 SPT liveried Darts 34142/6/51 transferred to Cumnock towards the end of the month for continued use on the 347. As a result of the new Panthers at Glasgow, Jonckheeres 52610/1 transferred to Bluebird while 52349 returned to Ardrossan. Also acquired and put into service at Glasgow were Jonckheeres 52667/9 (X667/9 NSE), both are in Citylink livery. Sunday 3 August 2008: Been a busy old month on both the Western front and Photo front, details below: Another B10M/Ps to gain the allover rear condom ad was Ardrossan's 20152 (R652 VSE). All the Dumfries Solo's were repainted and rebranded by the end of the month. Kilmarnock Dart 34604 (SF04 VTG) was at last given its first repaint and its new LED screen towards the end of the month. Major service changes commenced in Kilmarnock in mid August which saw the 7A being withdrawn and the 4 vehicles previously used on the route being transferred to service 3 which now boasts a frequency of 7/8 mins and has a PVR of 8. The PVR on the 102 also increased to 2 vehicles as a result of route changes, the 102 is now the only service to serve the Crawfurland Road part of the town. The extra Solo on the 102 also works the hourly 17A. Merc 40066 (M651 FYS) was another example to be repainted allover white for use in Africa. None of the 3 have yet left for their new homes. Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN) reported last month as being sent back to Ardrossan, was infact only on loan and was back at Kilmarnock by the beginning of the month. Vehicles to inherit the new style Kilmarnock network branding were as follows: Darts 34596-604, Versa's 25201/2/18-21 and Solo's 47498/503/4/5/612. The 2 ex Shuttlebus Enviro 200's 36071/2 (SN56AYF/G) entered service at Kilmarnock rather than Cumnock as originally planned. Acquired from SPT were 2 brand new older style Enviro 300's, SN08AEJ/K. The morning after delivery to Western they were pressed into service in their allover yellow livery for Schoolbus use and are used on contracts at St Matthews Academy in Saltcoats. They are both based at Kilmarnock. They later gained fleetnumbers 27596/7 although AEJ was initially allocated fleetnumber 27594 which was already allocated to a vehicle down south. They also later had SPT branding applied to their allover yellow livery. As a knock on effect of their arrival, Titan's 10462/73 returned to Ardrossan from Kilmarnock and allowed Olympian's 13624 (TSU 638) & 14650 (C650 LFT) to transfer to Cumnock. Also returned to use for the first time in over a year were Citybuses 15247/9 (E864/6 RCS), both of which were allocated to Cumnock due to additional School contracts in the area. Reserve Titan 10410 (KYV 410X) also returned to storage at Cumnock and will apparently return to service soon on a new school contract at Cumnock. Also returned for storage at Cumnock was Artic 51061 (N561 SJF) The new Glasgow Panthers 53105/6 (SF08 GTY/Z) and 54049 (SF08 GTU) both entered service in the JV fleet at the start of the month. Scania 28955 (M100 AAB) was painted into Wee G livery and will shortly oust Glasgow National 25476 for disposal. The Ayr Open Top Tour drew to a close on the 24th August with 16863 in use for the last day. Both 11083/16863 are now in storage at Dumfries. Kilmarnock currently have an extra all day working on service 11 which currently uses Olympians due to the lack of available Tridents. New deckers are apparently however due for the 11 and rumour has it, it will be an end of an era as the new vehicles will supposedly be in Swoops. Also reportedly due soon are replacements for the fleet of 9 service 4 branded Ps's which are anticapted to be the now standard MAN/E300. Volvo Olympian 16865 lost its allover rear ad following a recent chassis/body overhauld and was repainted at the same time. 16853/16866 also got and i believe still are getting the same work carried out. The 3 SPT liveried Darts 34142/6/51 transferred to Cumnock towards the end of the month for continued use on the 347. As a result of the new Panthers at Glasgow, Jonckheeres 52610/1 transferred to Bluebird while 52349 returned to Ardrossan. Also acquired and put into service at Glasgow were Jonckheeres 52667/9 (X667/9 NSE), both are in Citylink livery.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Jonckheere Mistral 52603 (S133 KRM), Parked up outside the wash at Kilmarnock Depot prior to being repainted. Stagecoach Western Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 Dart 36072 (SN56 AYG), Is one of a pair of recent acquisitions from Shuttle Buses of Kilwinning. Both 36071/2 are apparently destined for Cumnock depot to replace step entrance Darts 32058/61. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47066 (SF04 SKK), Parked up outside the bodyshop at Kilmarnock prior to being re-painted. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40607 (N607 VSS), Parked up at Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D's 40607/9 (N607/9 VSS), Now repainted allover white and full of spare parts from 40606/40525, they sit up the back of Kilmarnock Depot prior to being exported to Africa. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40609 (N609 VSS), Is one of now three Merc's destined for Africa. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47502 (SF57 DOU), Leads the lineup of Solo's at Kilmarnock Depot on a Sunday afternoon. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22389 (SF55 VUP), Having a Sunday off inside its home depot of Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47314 (SF06 OVE), Is currently the oldest Optare vehicle in the Kilmarnock fleet. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40986 (M396 KVR), Will this be the last photo i take of this bus? At the rate Mercs are currently leaving the fleet it probably wont be long until the remaining 6 Mercs at Killy go. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40985 (M395 KVR), Parked up in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15285 (B185 FFS), Rumour has it that there is to be a big movement of School buses around the Western fleet prior to the Schools starting back in mid august. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13619 (511 OHU), Still parked up at Kilmarnock Depot where it has lay since the end of last year following a nasty collision, severely damaging the front of the bus. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53106 (SF08 GTZ), Approxiametly a week after delivery to Western, its seen here parked up over the pits at Kilmarnock Depot prior to being sent to Glasgow. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 53105 (SF08 GTY), Is one of the first of these new 12.3 metre long Panthers in the Stagecoach fleet. 7 of them were ordered for Scottish Citylink work and are spread between Inverness, Glasgow & Cowdenbeath. Stagecoach Glasgow Scania L113/Alexander Strider 28955 (M100 AAB), Freshly painted in its new Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40066 (M651 FYS), Is another Merc now painted allover white for use in Africa. Its pictured here inside the body shop at Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22513 (SF56 FKR), Heads of on the long journey south to Stranraer. It will arrive in Stranraer at approx 5pm before working the 6pm service back up to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54040 (SJ57 AAZ), Loads up in Ayr Bus Station for Dumfries. It is pictured, missing one of its large X76 logos as can be seen in the far left of the photo. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31380 (P380 DSA), A stranger to the 57 as it arrives in Ayr from Maybole. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 11083 (B83 WUV), Rounds the bend into Ayr Bus Station while operating a shuttle service to Ayr Flower Show. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47359 (SF06 OVK), Deputising for branded 47505 on service 24. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15246 (VCS 376), Approaches Ayr Bus Station on a shuttle run to the annual Ayr Flower Show. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22532 (SF57 LUZ), On the 2nd last day of the summer timetable on the 585. Pictured turning into Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22508 (SF56 FKL), Turns into Ayr Bus Station on a Carrick Coastlink service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20548 (P549 ESA), Is the only one from this batch now left at Ayr. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33446 (X616 JCS), Entering Ayr Bus Station from Irvine on the 14. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40634 (N634 VSS), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN), Back at Kilmarnock following a very short period on loan back to Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18369 (SF55 TZP), Heads out of Kilmarnock Bus Station in the early evening sunshine for Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20581 (M484 ASW), Is the Ayr Ps branded for service 444. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14462 (C462 SSO), One of very few from this batch that were new to Northern Scottish, now known as Stagecoach Bluebird, still to be operating with Stagecoach UK Bus. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20715 (K715 DAO), Heads out of KIlmarnock Bus Station on its last working of the night to New Farm Loch. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart MPD 34143 (V143 MVX), Having just left Killie Bus Station en route to Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40530 (N446 TOS), Arriving in from its native Kilwinning in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22605 (V605 GCS), Arrives in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Stewarton on Service 1. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34598 (SF08 VSY), Looking very smart as it turns into Kilmarnock Bus Station on its last dutie of the night. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47314 (SF06 OVE), Having finished its duties on the Stewarton Local for another day, parks up in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Backs of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station to head home to the depot for another night. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20579 (M479 ASW), Approaches Kilmarnock Bus Station on a very unusual route, Service 1. Kilmarnock tend to never use 20579 on anything other than the 444, for which it is branded for. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18012 (SF53 BZE), Prepares to layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/ALexander PS 20592 (M792 PRS), Prepares to park up in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20549 (P549 ESA), Leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station for Troon, having came all the way from Glasgow on the X78. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22389 (SF55 VUP), Heads of to the depot for the night. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18000 (SF53 BZG), Navigates its way into a parking space in Kilmarnock Bus Station after finishing its day on the 11. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34604 (SF04 VTG), Is the only one, from the batch of 9, Still to retain its original hanover screen. Stagecoacg Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40985 (M395 KVR), Parked up in Kilmarnock Bus Station after finishing its day working an unusual route, Kilmarnock local service 7A, It usually spends its day working service 29 around Irvine. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53301 (SJ57 AAV), Looking very bright as it gleams in the sunshine at Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34601 (SF04 VTC), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18334 (SF55 NOU), The last of the first batch of 55 reg Tridents allocated to Kilmarnock.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Aug 3 2008 July 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1539803.html New Arrivals in late July, consisted of 4 Optare Solo's 47612-5 (SF08 GUO/U/W/X) all of which entered service at Kilmarnock. As a result of the new arrivals, Solo 47505 was transferred back to Ardrossan and Merc's 40062/6/40628 left the Kilmarnock fleet. Merc's 40606/40525 were being cannabalised and the spare parts sent with 40607/9, (among others which have still to be confirmed) to Africa for further service. They were painted allover white prior to being transferred. Disposal Merc's 40057/61/40100 were all Sold outwith the company. Merc 40635 also left Kilmarnock at the beginning of the month, it went to Stranraer as a replacement for 40525. 40628 went to Arran as a replacement for 40606. Merc 40601 was in use with Ardrossan for tempoary X34A Service between Kilwinning and Dalry due to major roadworks in Kilwinning resulting in nothing wider than a Merc being able to pass them. Over a period of 1-2 weeks, roadworks in Newmilns resulted the Bio fuelled MAN's being unable to navigate through roadworks which resulted in them being dispatched onto other Kilmarnock local routes while Versa's and Dart's covered for them on the 1. Heavy delays, mainly due to capacity problems were caused on service 1 as a result. Tri-axle School buses 13602/9/12/8/23/4/47/50/1 were all on loan to Stagecoach Merseyside for Open Golf shuttles. Ps's 20566/92/3 all received allover rear ad's encouraging the use of Condoms. Acquired during this month were 2 Enviro 200 bodied Darts from Shuttle Buses of Kilwinning, 36071/2 SN56AYF/G. Both are to eventually be allocated to Cumnock as a replacement for step entrance Darts 32058/61. New arrivals in very late July consisted of two 12.3m Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo B12Bs in Citylink livery for Glasgow. A 15m Panther is also due soon for Glasgow, again in Citylink livery and will carry fleet number 54049. Kilmarnock lost all its JV Citylink work to Glasgow which saw the following cascades: 52610/1 S660/1 JSE Kil JV>Glasgow JV 52525 X466SAS Kil JV>Bluebird 52464 R84SEF Kil JV>Glasgow JV 52668 X678NSE Kil JV>Fife (Strathay). As a result of the transfers in to Glasgow, 52425 got sent back to Cumnock. ERG Trainer 28952 went on loan to Bluebird to help with the rollout of the ticket machines around Bluebird territory. Tuesday 1 July 2008: New Arrivals in late July, consisted of 4 Optare Solo's 47612-5 (SF08 GUO/U/W/X) all of which entered service at Kilmarnock. As a result of the new arrivals, Solo 47505 was transferred back to Ardrossan and Merc's 40062/6/40628 left the Kilmarnock fleet. Merc's 40606/40525 were being cannabalised and the spare parts sent with 40607/9, (among others which have still to be confirmed) to Africa for further service. They were painted allover white prior to being transferred. Disposal Merc's 40057/61/40100 were all Sold outwith the company. Merc 40635 also left Kilmarnock at the beginning of the month, it went to Stranraer as a replacement for 40525. 40628 went to Arran as a replacement for 40606. Merc 40601 was in use with Ardrossan for tempoary X34A Service between Kilwinning and Dalry due to major roadworks in Kilwinning resulting in nothing wider than a Merc being able to pass them. Over a period of 1-2 weeks, roadworks in Newmilns resulted the Bio fuelled MAN's being unable to navigate through roadworks which resulted in them being dispatched onto other Kilmarnock local routes while Versa's and Dart's covered for them on the 1. Heavy delays, mainly due to capacity problems were caused on service 1 as a result. Tri-axle School buses 13602/9/12/8/23/4/47/50/1 were all on loan to Stagecoach Merseyside for Open Golf shuttles. Ps's 20566/92/3 all received allover rear ad's encouraging the use of Condoms. Acquired during this month were 2 Enviro 200 bodied Darts from Shuttle Buses of Kilwinning, 36071/2 SN56AYF/G. Both are to eventually be allocated to Cumnock as a replacement for step entrance Darts 32058/61. New arrivals in very late July consisted of two 12.3m Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo B12Bs in Citylink livery for Glasgow. A 15m Panther is also due soon for Glasgow, again in Citylink livery and will carry fleet number 54049. Kilmarnock lost all its JV Citylink work to Glasgow which saw the following cascades: 52610/1 S660/1 JSE Kil JV>Glasgow JV 52525 X466SAS Kil JV>Bluebird 52464 R84SEF Kil JV>Glasgow JV 52668 X678NSE Kil JV>Fife (Strathay). As a result of the transfers in to Glasgow, 52425 got sent back to Cumnock. ERG Trainer 28952 went on loan to Bluebird to help with the rollout of the ticket machines around Bluebird territory.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51097 (T97 JHN), Showing in more detail the new style branding applied to it. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31368 (P368 DSA), One of only four allocated to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20503 (R503 KSA), Parked up out of service in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47361 (SF06 OVM), Looking as smart as you would expect from this worldwide operator as it sits outside in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22385 (SF55 RKN), Having a day off its native X16 as it parks up outside in the yard at Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33778 (X743 JCS), In Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32397 (P397 BRS), One of two from this batch allocated to Ayr. Its seen here departing one one of its regular routes, 15 mins late, to Troon on the 14E. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31378 (P378 DSA), Becoming a regular on the 45 these days as it departs Ayr Bus Station with another 45 to Drongan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20565 (M480 ASW), Despite all three of Ayr's unbranded Enviros being parked up in the depot on this day, they still decided to chuck out Ps's for the three additional 585 workings. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34027 (R127 VPU), Looking freshly repainted as it arrives in Ayr Bus Station to take up a 45 to Drongan on the normally Cumnock operated route. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34025 (R125 VPU), As it prepares to leave Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32062 (N62 KBW), Having just arrived in on a late running service 57 from Maybole, now prepares to take up service on Ayr local, A2. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20585 (M785 PRS), Departs Ayr Bus Station to take up a service to Hayhill on the A2. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22529 (SF57 LUR), Enters Ayr Bus Station on the now every 20minute operated service 585. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20566 (M486 ASW), Awaits an empty stance prior to moving into Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22602 (V602 GCS), Was the first of 8 MAN's to be converted to use Bio-fuel as part of a 6 month trial which has since been extended by a further 6 months. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34602 (SF04 VTD), Another one of the recent repainted Darts at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34600 (SF04 VTA), Is one of 9 similar Darts allocated to Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40635 (N635 VSS), Pictured just a matter of hours before it left Kilmarnock and entered the reserve fleet at Dumfries. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), Once again pictured in KIlmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20718 (K718 DAO), Posed perfectly in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Plaxton Interurban 52255 (M955 TSX), Is the newest vehicle in the training fleet which are based at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10252 (GYE 252W), Is the only Schoolbus liveried Titan in the fleet to retain its orginal dual door status. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18370 (SF55 TZR), Leads the Trident line at Kilmarnock Depot. The decker lineup at Kilmarnock Depot. From left to right: 10843, 18370 & 10252. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20715 (K715 DAO), Is one of two from this batch, that orginated with North West, at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), As it sits out of service, like most of the fleet on a Sunday afternoon. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34603 (SF04 VTE), Looking very smart as it sits in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18003 (SF53 BYV), Heads for Kilmarnock Bus Station on a driver shuttle run. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31372 (P372 DSA), Leads the line of AA liveried vehicles in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22508 (SF56 FKL), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Ayr on the popular X16 to Hamilton. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25219 (SF08 GOC), Heads of on a late running service 1 to Stewarton. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25218 (SF08 GOA), Heads empty to Stewarton to try and catch up on missed time while running service 1. All of this was to not avail though as less than an hour later it arrived back in Kilmarnock directly behind another Versa on the same route. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25221 (SF08 GOJ), One of the Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18000 (SF53 BZG), On a local service in Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25201 (SJ57 AAE), Heads for Darvel on route 1. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), In Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22713 (V713 DSA), Leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station en route to nearby New Farm Loch. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN), Is another Solo to join the rapidly increasing Optare fleet at Kilmarnock. This one started out its service life at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53299 (SJ57 AAO), Backs of the stance to take up another journey to Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22606 (V606 GCS), Approaches Kilmarnock Bus Station with a 3 for Onthank. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54042 (SF57 DPX), These are the only Panther bodied coaches in the Western fleet. A lineup of vehicles entering/departing Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV), Due to roadworks on part of the service 1 route, the dedicated fleet of Bio-fuelled MAN's which were deemed too wide to navigate through the roadworks, were then sent onto other Kilmarnock routes and allowed slightly narrower Darts and Versa's to operate service 1. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34601 (SF04 VTC), Prepares to commence a local journey in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18332 (SF55 NNZ), Nomination lines have now opened for UK Bus Awards 2008 of which Stagecoach will no doubt have a good few nominations entered. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE/ALX200 31372 (P372 DSA), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station out of service. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22604 (V604 GCS), Leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station en route to nearby Onthank, at the far end of the town. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53298 (SJ57 AAN), Speeds on the approach to Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R/Plaxton Profile 53298 (SJ57 AAN), Reverses to layover inside Kilmarnock Bus Station.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Tue Jul 1 2008 June 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1520878.html A weeks holiday in June allowed me to catch up with some of the non-local Western fleet at Stranraer and Glasgow. Two succesful visits were had their. Also paid my first visit in a good 6 months or so to Ardrossan Depot, some photos of which are still to be uploaded. On a brief visit to Cumnock i caught up with some of the local School fleet. The main fleet news this month is as follows: 24 year old Leyland Titan 10999 (A999 SYE), recently shunted into the reserve fleet was written off by the company and donated to a church group in London. Another Decker written off was 14411 (K511 ESS) last in service from Cumnock and entered the delicenced fleet a month ago after suffering severe body corrision. It may not however have been scrapped as reports say it was repainted allover black prior to being disposed of. It was later reported as having been donated to Bedlams Paintball. B6 30339 (M739 BSJ) as planned was repainted into its original Stripes livery. Trainer 52144 (K574 DFS) passed to Stagecoach East Midlands where it will see further use as a driver trainer. Further Joint Venture acquisitions/transfers were as follows: 52290 (N150 XSA) Bluebird>Glasgow 52425 (R103 LSO) Cumnock>Glasgow 52359 (P159 ASA) Glasgow JV>Glasgow 52360 (P160 ASA) Glasgow JV>Glasgow which in turn allowd these to transfer to the JV fleet: 52419 (R119 OPS) Glasgow>Glasgow JV 52284 (N184 XSA) Glasgow>Glasgow JV 52421 (R121 OPS) Kilmarnock JV>Glasgow 52464 (R84 SEF) Glasgow JV>Kilmarnock JV 52668 (X678 NSE) Fife>Kilmarnock JV 52525 (X486 SAS) Bluebird>Kilmarnock JV The enitre Western fleet over the past month has been fitted with the new ERG ticket machines. The three Open Top vehicles returned to service for their annual Summer services with 16863 returning to Ayr, 16864 to Arran and 11083 as the spare Open Topper at Ayr. The 585 Summer timetable commenced at the end of the month which sees the PVR rise by 4, 3 from Ayr and one extra vehicle from Ardrossan. Sunday 1 June 2008: A weeks holiday in June allowed me to catch up with some of the non-local Western fleet at Stranraer and Glasgow. Two succesful visits were had their. Also paid my first visit in a good 6 months or so to Ardrossan Depot, some photos of which are still to be uploaded. On a brief visit to Cumnock i caught up with some of the local School fleet. The main fleet news this month is as follows: 24 year old Leyland Titan 10999 (A999 SYE), recently shunted into the reserve fleet was written off by the company and donated to a church group in London. Another Decker written off was 14411 (K511 ESS) last in service from Cumnock and entered the delicenced fleet a month ago after suffering severe body corrision. It may not however have been scrapped as reports say it was repainted allover black prior to being disposed of. It was later reported as having been donated to Bedlams Paintball. B6 30339 (M739 BSJ) as planned was repainted into its original Stripes livery. Trainer 52144 (K574 DFS) passed to Stagecoach East Midlands where it will see further use as a driver trainer. Further Joint Venture acquisitions/transfers were as follows: 52290 (N150 XSA) Bluebird>Glasgow 52425 (R103 LSO) Cumnock>Glasgow 52359 (P159 ASA) Glasgow JV>Glasgow 52360 (P160 ASA) Glasgow JV>Glasgow which in turn allowd these to transfer to the JV fleet: 52419 (R119 OPS) Glasgow>Glasgow JV 52284 (N184 XSA) Glasgow>Glasgow JV 52421 (R121 OPS) Kilmarnock JV>Glasgow 52464 (R84 SEF) Glasgow JV>Kilmarnock JV 52668 (X678 NSE) Fife>Kilmarnock JV 52525 (X486 SAS) Bluebird>Kilmarnock JV The enitre Western fleet over the past month has been fitted with the new ERG ticket machines. The three Open Top vehicles returned to service for their annual Summer services with 16863 returning to Ayr, 16864 to Arran and 11083 as the spare Open Topper at Ayr. The 585 Summer timetable commenced at the end of the month which sees the PVR rise by 4, 3 from Ayr and one extra vehicle from Ardrossan.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Jonckheere Modulo 52610 (S660 JSE), A recent acquistion to the fleet from Bluebird. Although allocated to Kilmarnock, it very rarely makes an appearance at the depot with it and sister coach 52611 being used on Citylink routes between Glasgow and Cambeltown. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16074 (R174 VPU), Although only being manufactured 10miles down the coast at Irvine, it started its service life several hundred miles away in London. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22527 (SF57 LUO), Is the last of the first batch of Enviros in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52350 (P150 ASA), Is a fairly standard example of a coach. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 35239 (SF56 FKW), Parked up enjoying a day off in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14647 (C647 LFT), From the rear as it parks up in the depot out of service on a Sunday afternoon. Line up of vehicles inside a busy Ardrossan Depot on a Sunday afternoon. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40068 (M668 FYS), is one of a fastly diminishing vehicle type in the Western fleet. It is pictured here parked over the chassis wash at Ardrossan Depot. ... and again in reverse order. Due to many routes having a decreased PVR on a Sunday, many vehicles reside in the depot although out of the 2 Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20152 (R652 VSE), As it sits parked up in Ardrossan Depot looking like new following a recent repaint. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52352 (P152 ASA), Baskin in the glorius summer sunshine in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18012 (SF53 BZE), Ironically on my last visit to Ardrossan Depot i got a picture of this Trident in exactly the same position. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Tridents 18019 (SF53 BYT) & 18020 (SF53 BYU), Face on in Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13651 (H603 LNA), Leads the pack of Schoolbuses at Ardrossan Depot just a few weeks before School finishes for the Summer. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40061 (M661 FYS), Pictured shortly before being sold by Stagecoach. A lineup of some of the non-A1 deckers in the Ardrossan fleet on a Sunday afternoon, from left to right: 14647, 13636, 14650 & 13650. A lineup of 5 A1 liveried Tridents in Ardrossan Depot. From left to right: 18020, 18019, 18007, 18011 & 18006. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52416 (R116 OPS), Awaits to be fuelled up at Ardrossan Depot. A lineup of four of the 5 Artic's now allocated to Ardrossan, the fifth, 51095 has been at Volvo in Ayr for a good 2 weeks prior to this shot being taken and was there for another week after takin the shot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20526 (R526 VSE), Fully equipped with the higher than normal suspension for the rural roads around Arran. It is pictured here in on the mainland at Ardrossan Depot while over receiving some work on it. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40632 (N632 VSS), Pictured from the rear in Ardrossan depot. Despite large amounts of Merc's starting to leave the fleet, they are still painting them as can be seen here. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6BLE 31387 (Y601 TSD), As it sits parked up in AYr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20582 (M872 ASW), Parked up in the yard at Ayr Depot. Stagecoacg Western Optare Solo 47041 (SF03 ZKU), The oldest Solo in the fleet and the second oldest Optare vehicle in the fleet. It is loaned in from Optare and is used on SPT supported service 700 around Girvan. It is based at Ayr Depot where it can be seen here. Stagecoach Western MANEnviro 300 22528 (SF57 LUP), One of the Ayr contingent of The new ticket machines, currently being installed across the fleet. The interior of Open Top Olympian 16863 (N863 VHH) which will very soon return to service at Ayr for the summer Ayr Open Top Tour service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20503 (R503 KSA), One of several of these vehicles still allocated to Ayr of which a handful are for local services and the rest primarily for service 52. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50127 (WLT 720), I have to admit that i much prfer the Megabus, Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50127 (WLT 720), In Ayr Depot. Neoplan no longer build these Skyliners for use in the UK due to rapidly declining sales in the UK market. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22508 (SF56 FKL), From the rear in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20572 (M472 ASW), The only remaining Ps out of the last batch of 12 allocated at Cumnock to remain in the Western fleet with all the rest transferring south to Cambridge. 20572 was transferred to Ayr Depot where it allowed a slightly newer Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22534 (SF57 LVC), Receiving attention to its newly installed ERG ticket machine in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart's 34142/32381, Side by side in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50131 (VCS 391), Laying over in Ayr Depot. Less than 24 hours later, i travelled up to Glasgow on it. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart MPD's 34151/34146, from the rear in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M 52510 (S860 VAT), Leaving Buchanan Station in Glasgow with an X25 to Cumbernauld Abronhill. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51092 (T640 KCS), A recent transfer back to Ardrossan. Pictured here arriving in Glasgow with rather low front suspension. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52246 (M946 TSX), Arriving in Glasgow from Cumbernauld on the X25. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55/Jonckheere Modulo 51092 (T640 KCS), Now on its return to Ayrshire. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52246 (M946 TSX), Showing the X25 rear ad as it waits at the lights outside Buchanan Station in Glasgow. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54032 (SF07 ANV), This Panther was one of several vehicles that were sent south to Manchester on the 14th May for the UEFA Cup Final between Rangers and St Petersburg. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52427 (R105 LSO), Arriving in Glasgow on the long service from Dumfries that diverts through Hamilton before reaching Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50134 (CN05 APX), Leaving Glasgow with another X77 journey south to Ayr. Believe it or not but the X77 used to run as far south as Stranraer. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52290 (N150 XSA), Another one of the recently acquired coaches as a result of the recent WCM/Citylink fallout. It is seen here leaving Glasgow witha M8 to Dundee Seagate. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20194 (M954 OSO), One of the unbranded Ps's at Glasgow as it leaves Buchanan Station with an X20. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander Ps 20588 (M788 PRS), Leaving Buchanan Station in Glasgow out of service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52355 (P255 ASA), Leaving Glasgow with another express service to Ayrshire. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54031 (SF07 ANU), Gleaming in the sun outside Buchanan Station in Glasgow as it arrives in on another journey from Edinburgh. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20589 (M789 PRS), One of several PS's in use on service 4, Ayr - Glasgow.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sun Jun 1 2008 May 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1508359.html Quite a newsworthy month at Western, summary of the main points below: Major subsidence on the A78 at Skelmorlie over the weekend of the 10th May, caused major disruption to service 585, with the diversion route via Upper Skelmorlie being unsuitable for the fleet of 585 branded Enviro 300's. The reason apparently for them not being suited to the diversion is due to their turning circle. As a result of this on the Thursday/Friday all services terminated at Largs although a few Darts were used for shuttles between Largs and Greenock. On the Saturday however, the full route re-commenced, It was however being operated entirely by Darts. Ardrossan were using their 5 route 18 branded Darts and Ayr used a selction of their Darts. The Enviros returned to service on the Monday. I managed to catch up with 18 branded 35240 and Ayr based 33778 on the 585 at Saltcoats. I also pictured Olympian's 16068/74 covering for 2 of the Darts on the 18. Ayr based Artic 51097 (T97 JHN) was treated to a repaint and gained the new style X77 branding as a result. Also as a result of the repaint, it lost its allover rear ad. West Coast Motors pulled out of Citylink work and as a result, Stagecoach were awarded the majority of their former workings, with most fo the work going to Western. 52354 & 52475 were transferred from Stranraer to Glasgow for the additional work, 52349 was also transferred to Glasgow but this time from Ardrossan. They also acquired 2 Jonckheere Modulo bodied coaches from Bluebird, both 52610/1 were allocated to Kilmarnock although they very rarely spend time there with them either being camped out overnight in WCM depots up north or in Glasgow depot. The 14th May was a big day for all Scottish Bus and Coach operators, with Rangers heading south to Manchester to take part in the UEFA Cup Final. Approxiametly 400 vehicles made the journey south from North of the border, Western sent approxiametly 11 vehicles south, many of which were high capcity Artic's/Neoplan's and Panthers. Ayr based Darts 33444/6/7 were all repainted and re-trimmed. Kilmarnock based Dart 34599 was also repainted and given new LED screens, bringing the total done so far to, 34596/7/8/9. Interurban's made a return to Kilmarnock with 52421 (R121 OPS) being transferred in from Ardrossan. Also transferred into Kilmarnock from Ardrossan was Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN) Thursday 1 May 2008: Quite a newsworthy month at Western, summary of the main points below: Major subsidence on the A78 at Skelmorlie over the weekend of the 10th May, caused major disruption to service 585, with the diversion route via Upper Skelmorlie being unsuitable for the fleet of 585 branded Enviro 300's. The reason apparently for them not being suited to the diversion is due to their turning circle. As a result of this on the Thursday/Friday all services terminated at Largs although a few Darts were used for shuttles between Largs and Greenock. On the Saturday however, the full route re-commenced, It was however being operated entirely by Darts. Ardrossan were using their 5 route 18 branded Darts and Ayr used a selction of their Darts. The Enviros returned to service on the Monday. I managed to catch up with 18 branded 35240 and Ayr based 33778 on the 585 at Saltcoats. I also pictured Olympian's 16068/74 covering for 2 of the Darts on the 18. Ayr based Artic 51097 (T97 JHN) was treated to a repaint and gained the new style X77 branding as a result. Also as a result of the repaint, it lost its allover rear ad. West Coast Motors pulled out of Citylink work and as a result, Stagecoach were awarded the majority of their former workings, with most fo the work going to Western. 52354 & 52475 were transferred from Stranraer to Glasgow for the additional work, 52349 was also transferred to Glasgow but this time from Ardrossan. They also acquired 2 Jonckheere Modulo bodied coaches from Bluebird, both 52610/1 were allocated to Kilmarnock although they very rarely spend time there with them either being camped out overnight in WCM depots up north or in Glasgow depot. The 14th May was a big day for all Scottish Bus and Coach operators, with Rangers heading south to Manchester to take part in the UEFA Cup Final. Approxiametly 400 vehicles made the journey south from North of the border, Western sent approxiametly 11 vehicles south, many of which were high capcity Artic's/Neoplan's and Panthers. Ayr based Darts 33444/6/7 were all repainted and re-trimmed. Kilmarnock based Dart 34599 was also repainted and given new LED screens, bringing the total done so far to, 34596/7/8/9. Interurban's made a return to Kilmarnock with 52421 (R121 OPS) being transferred in from Ardrossan. Also transferred into Kilmarnock from Ardrossan was Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN)

Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47505 (SF57 DPN), A rarirty on the 18, the reason being due to the five route 18 branded Darts being transferred to work on the 585 due to a fairly major diversion which for some reason the dedicated fleet of Enviro 300's for the 585 wouldnt make it. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18371 (SF55 TZR), Leaving Saltcoats Station, not long into its long journey to Kilmarnock on the 11. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40067 (M667 FYS), On a three towns local service in Saltcoats. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16068 (R168 VPU), The first of 2 VO's drafted in to cover for the Darts on the 18. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47496 (SF57 DNU), The second of several to be delivered to Western in September 2007 and is only one of three allocated to Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40098 (M648 FYS), Approaching Saltcoats Station with a 12 for Stevenson. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 35240 (SF56 FKX), Having just left Saltcoats Railway Station on a 585 bound for Greenock where it was working alongside a large number of similar Darts on the normally enitre Enviro 300 operated route. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16074 (R174 VPU), To find a decker working the 18 these days is virtuallly impossible but with Ardrossan using the 18 branded Darts on the 585, they had to find something to cover them. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33778 (X743 JCS), One of the Ayr Darts drafted in to cover for the Enviro 300's on the 585. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51097 (T97 JHN), looking very smart after a recent repaint. It is pictured here in Ayr Depot devoid of any fleetnames or X77 branding which it has carried for a good number of years. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13612 (J938 MHC), Rounding the bend into Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13647 (H606 LNA), Nearing the end of its first year in service as a dedicated Schoolbus at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13636 (G128 WGX), The latest of these Ex Hong-Kong Tri Axles to be acquired, this one being acquired from North West at the start of the year. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13624 (TSU 368), These ex Hong-Kong vehicles are rapidly being converted to dedicated Schoolbuses in Stagecoach fleets across Scotland and further afield in England. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47314 (SF06 OVE), Posed perfectly as it lays over in Kilmarnock Bus Station having just arrived in from Stewarton. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18018 (SF53 BYR), Laying over in a sunny Kilmarnock Bus Station prior to commencing an early evening service to Ardrossan on the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31370 (P370 DSA), Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25221 (SF08 GOJ), The last of the 4 new Versa's recently delivered to Kilmarnock. These new vehicles have proven to be so succesful with Stagecoach, so much so they have ordered a further 9 for its UK operations. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54043 (SF57 DPY), Showing the full length of these new Panthers as it turns out of Kilmarnock Bus Station in glorious evening sunshine. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40986 (M396 KVR), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on its last trip of the night to the nearby depot having not long arrived in from Irvine where it had worked local service 29. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18332 (SF55 NNZ), Showing in full detail its allover contravision advert for being awarded the UK Bus Operator of the year for 2005/6. The title was awarded to Lothian Buses in 2007. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25220 (SF08 GOE), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on one of its last workings of the night to Onthank on service 6. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40100 (M650 FYS) Parked outside Cumnock Depot having only very recently in the past approx 12 hours moved from Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40601 (N601 VSS), A stranger to Cumnock for this Kilmarnock based minibus, quite why this and sister Kilmarnock Merc 40100 were at Cumnock is still unknown but both had their operator discs removed for some reason. A lineup of some of the newest members to the fleet, These new Enviro 300 bodied MAN's bring the Cumnock fleet to approxiametly 90% low floor or rather Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22584 (SF08 GOX), Parked outside in the yard at Cumnock Depot. These new Enviros brought with them the end of an era at Cumnock, with them making B10M/PS's extinct from the fleet and is the only Western Depot not to have a single Ps. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40985 (M395 KVR), Laying over in Kilmarnock Depot along side its service 29 partner, 40986. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52255 (M955 TSX), A new addition to the Training fleet at Kilmarnock. A large quantity of Interurbans from this batch are ending up as Driver Trainers all over the country. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20109 (N209 LTN), Parked up outside the body shop at Kilmarnock Depot prior to receiving a repaint and heading back down to its native Dumfries. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40634 (N634 VSS), now a diminishing vehicle type in the fleet as more modern low floor replacements arrive. These Merc's are being regurlarly bough thesedays by independent companys up and down the country as decent bargains. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18002 (SF53 BZJ), Lokking very bright in its A1 livery complete with its allover Unirider rear ad as it sits waiting attention outside the workshops at Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20507 (M871 ASW), Ps's are considered by many drivers nowadays as being one of the best single deck buses in use in this day in age. They have certainly been earning their keep on service 4 for a good number of years. A lineup of the first three X76 branded B7R's as they sit outside the wash/fuel bay at Kilmarnock Depot having arrived back in late the previous night after being used on Football hire's. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53276 (KX56 JZO), These two unbranded Profiles at Killy only reguarly get used during the morning/evening peak times. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20718 (K718 DAO), Looking really smart following a much needed repaint which was carried out over the recent School Easter holidays. It makes sister Ps 20715 look pretty bad. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), The latest of the Darts to be repainted as it sits laying over in Kilmarnock depot on a lovely summer afternoon. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22603 (V603 GCS), Leads the start of the Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53275 (KX56 JZN), Posed perfectly as it sits laying over in Kilmarnock Depot Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32062 (N62 KBW), A pretty standard example of the batch. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50150 (YN05 WEK), Looking very bright indeed as it shows of its new allover rear ad for P&O Irish Sea in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32057 (N57 KBW), Laying over out in the yard at Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34024 (R124 VPU), Having now re-gained allover branding for Asda in Ayr as it sits laying over on a glorius Saturday afternoon in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32054 (N54 KBW), Parked up inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliners 50138/9, side by side in Ayr Depot showing two different forms of rear end branding/advertising, with 50138 now sporting an allover ad for P&O Irish Sea and 50139 sporting the standard X77 logo on the rear. Also just visible in the far corner is 50143 sporting an allover Unirider rear ad. Stagecoach Western Scania L113CRL/NC Paladin 28952 (M952 DRG), One of the newest members in the training fleet. This ex Dumfries Scania is being used to train drivers up on the new The interior of Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50143 (CN05 FVW), Laying over inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51097 (T97 JHN), Having now gained the new style X77 branding. It is seen here wedged inbetween two double deck vehicles in the form of Citybus 15246 and Neoplan Skyliner 50127 in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51097 (T97 JHN), Showing the new branding from the rear. The interior of recently re-trimmed Dart SLF 33447 (X617 JCS), Unfortuneately it was wedged inbetween other vehicles, spoiling the chances of getting an outside pic to show its recent repaint.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Thu May 1 2008 April 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1486301.html I managed a trip up to Glasgow at the beginning of April to catch up with some of the fleet, succesful day was had including getting Interurban 52359 now back in swoops working a 900 to Edinburgh. April also saw some fairly major service revisions in both Kilmarnock and Cumnock (detailed later). In Kilmarnock service 21 was reinstated between Irvine and Kilmarnock that now works alongside a revised service 10, bringing guaranteed low floor buses to the 10 for the first time ever. Service 20 to Bonnyton was withdrawn and replaced with an enhanced 21/2A. The three local services 101/2/3 had their timetable altered and now comes of service during schooltimes. Hospital Link branded Solos 47506/7 both received further route branding in the form of an allover rear ad. The Scottish Grand National was held at Ayr and as a result Western were out in full force providing shuttles to the Racecourse using a large amount of vehicles all from Ayr with the exception of Olympian 14462 which was borrowed from Kilmarnock. A further 12 new MAN/Enviro 300's entered service, this time at Cumnock. All received branding in the form of "Connect Cumnock" to coincide with major service revisions in the area including a new route 48 between Ayr and Cumnock. They allowed several Ps's to transfer south, some to North West and the rest to help improve the recently acquired Stagecoach fleets of Huntingdon and Cavalier. Western started to repaint the Kilmarnock Darts for the first time and each will eventually gain LED screens to replace their current Hanover ones. 34597 was the first to be done with 6 then 8 the next to be done. Wednesday 2 April 2008: I managed a trip up to Glasgow at the beginning of April to catch up with some of the fleet, succesful day was had including getting Interurban 52359 now back in swoops working a 900 to Edinburgh. April also saw some fairly major service revisions in both Kilmarnock and Cumnock (detailed later). In Kilmarnock service 21 was reinstated between Irvine and Kilmarnock that now works alongside a revised service 10, bringing guaranteed low floor buses to the 10 for the first time ever. Service 20 to Bonnyton was withdrawn and replaced with an enhanced 21/2A. The three local services 101/2/3 had their timetable altered and now comes of service during schooltimes. Hospital Link branded Solos 47506/7 both received further route branding in the form of an allover rear ad. The Scottish Grand National was held at Ayr and as a result Western were out in full force providing shuttles to the Racecourse using a large amount of vehicles all from Ayr with the exception of Olympian 14462 which was borrowed from Kilmarnock. A further 12 new MAN/Enviro 300's entered service, this time at Cumnock. All received branding in the form of "Connect Cumnock" to coincide with major service revisions in the area including a new route 48 between Ayr and Cumnock. They allowed several Ps's to transfer south, some to North West and the rest to help improve the recently acquired Stagecoach fleets of Huntingdon and Cavalier. Western started to repaint the Kilmarnock Darts for the first time and each will eventually gain LED screens to replace their current Hanover ones. 34597 was the first to be done with 6 then 8 the next to be done.

Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34599 (SF04 VSZ), One of 9 low floor Darts delivered new to Kilmarnock in June 2004 to replace older step entrance B6's on Kilmarnock locals. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14659 (C659 LFT), Still soldiering on from Kilmarnock Depot on Schools and ocasioanally is put onto local services. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15281 (B181 FFS), Arriving in a damp Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54040 (SJ57 AAZ), Arriving in a rather empty looking Kilmarnock Bus Station with an X76 bound for Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34597 (SF04 VSX), Back in service follwing its first repaint and has even gained new LED screens on the front, side & rear. It certainly looks very smart. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34603 (SF04 VTE), These Darts are in the process of receiving their first repaint and are losing their Hanover displays in favour of brand new LED screens. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50141 (KX05 HVE), The X77 only diverts through Kilmarnock during the evening on peak workings. It can be seen here backing of the Stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station to continue its journey to Ayr having came from Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25218 (SF08 GOA), One of four recently delivered to Kilmarnock that allowed the replacement of 3 B10M/Ps's and 1 Optare Solo. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18009 (SF53 BZB), Ardrossan's Tridents dont tend to stray off the 11 as much as the Kilmarnock ones do although its not uncommon to see an Ardrossan Trident operating the 585 during the summer when the PVR is increased. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22258 (V258 ESX), Having finished its duties on the 1 for another day and is preparing to leave for the depot to be Washed and re-fuelled for another day's service. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25202 (SJ57 AAF), Now the 2nd of 6 Versa's in the Kilmarnock Fleet, having been recently joined by four 08 reg examples. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31383 (P383 DSA), With a broken Dot Matrix Screen as it leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station with a heavy load for Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54042 (SF57 DPX), Backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station to continue its journey to Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20504 (R504 KSA), In Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47314 (SF06 OVE), Backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station after finishing its duties on the Stewarton Local for another day. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25218 (SF08 GOA), Having just lost an Argument with a B10M/Ps in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20549 (P549 ESA), Looking ina very good nic following its recent repaint job as it arrives in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Silverburn Shopping Centre on the X72. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31385 (P385 DSA), Having finished its duties for another day as it sits out of service in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Ps 20579 (M479 ASW), Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station having just been involved in a minor collision with Versa 25218. Note the pile of glass sitting on the ground between it and the Trident. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40628 (N628 VSS), Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station after finishing its duties for another day. Stagecoach Western Neoplan SKyliner 50143 (CN05 FVW), One of several acquired from across the UK for the upgrade of the X77, This was one of the last ones to enter service on the X77. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Leaving Buchannan Station in Glasgow bound for Kilmarnock on a short working of the X76. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54028 (SF07 AMX), Looking nice as it leaves Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow with a 900 to Edinburgh. Stagecoach Glasgow Mercedes-Benz 709D 40056 (M656 FYS), On driver shuttle duties in Glasgow's Buchannan Bus Station. The only reason its allocated to Glasgow is to provide a relief vehicle for the Croy Station services which use new 57 reg Optare Solo's. The contract for these services is coming to an end very soon and will likely see 40056 back into the reserve fleet. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52419 (R119 OPS), Leaving Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow on a peak hour X20. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20590 (M790 PRS), Showing little signs of its age as it leaves Buchannan Station in Glasgow at the start of its long journey to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Neoplan SKyliner 50128 (MSU 466), Another one of the Neoplan's to have gained chesrished regs, this one now bearing the reg previously applied to Artic 51076. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M Ps 20454 (M454 VCW), One of three Ps's that were acquried from Stagecoach North West in June 07, only this one now remains with the other two passing to Stagecoach East Midlands in late 07. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20506 (M869 ASW), Leaving Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow at the start of its journey to Ayr. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52359 (P159 ASA), Now back in Swoops following its time wearing a nice version of the traditional Western SMT livery to celebrate 75 years of Western SMT. Seen here leaving Buchannan Station in Glasgow with a 900 to Edinburgh. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52360 (P160 ASA), Now working from Glasgow and is down on paper as being in the joint venture fleet for Citylink 900, doesnt stop them sending it out onto the X25 though. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51095 (T95 JHN), All the Artics that are left in service in the Western fleet nowadays carry Jonckheere Modulo bodywork. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M Ps 20192 (M592 OSO), One of several that Western acquired from Stagecoach Merseyside in Summer 2006 after the arrival of more modern, Dart SLF's in Liverpool. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51093 (T641 KCS), Leaving Glasgow at the start of its journey to Irvine on the X34. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52261 (M161 CCD), One of 2 from this batch branded for the X25 (Cumbernauld - Glasgow). Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20509 (M469 ASW), One of 9 Ps's branded for service 4, with all bar two based at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54030 (SF07 ANR), These Panthers replaced ex Oxford Tube MAN/Jonckheere double deck coaches on the 900 which were to sent to Plaxton in part exchange for the new Panthers. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20197 (M597 OSO), Leaving Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow for Cumbernauld on the X20. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54034 (SF07 AOA), One of the last Citylink liveried Panthers in the Glasgow fleet. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54034 (SF07 AOA), Waiting at the lights outside Buchannan Station in Glasgow at the start of its journey to Edinburgh on the 900. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52427 (R105 LSO), One of 2 Interurbans allocated to Dumfries depot that can reguarly be seen in Glasgow working service X74. It can be seen here leaving Buchannan Station in Glasgow at the start of its long journey south to Dumfries. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20587 (M787 PRS), Despite the 4 starting/finishing at Ayr, they surprisingly only have 2 Ps's out of the PVR of 9, with the others based at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51096 (T96 JHN), One of very few Artic's now left in the Western fleet with them all bar one being allocated to Ardrossan. Pictured leaving Buchannan Bus Station in Glasgow with a X36 bound for Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54041 (SF57 DPV), Seen here leaving Buchanan Station in Glasgow with a heavy load bound for Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Glasgow Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54029 (SF07 ANP), These 9 Citylink Panther's in the West Scotland fleet were joined with a further 8 in Febuary 2008, although these are in corporate livery for service X76 (Cumnock to Glasgow). Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52426 (R104 LSO), One of several older vehicles in the fleet to now carry a LED screen to replace old original Dot Matirx screens. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13644 (G278 YRJ), Backing of the stance in Ayr Bus Station to start its journey to Craig Tara on the A4. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50127 (WLT 720), Another Neoplan to now carry a cherished reg as it reverses of the stance in Ayr Bus Station before taking up service to Glasgow on the X77. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52425 (R103 LSO), Now working from Cumnock Depot and is a regular on the 246 between Dumfries and Ayr. Pictured here backing of the stance in Ayr Bus Station at the start of its journey to Dumfries. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33780 (X59 RCS), Leaving Ayr Bus Station to start a nearby afternoon School contract.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Wed Apr 2 2008 Pre December 2007 http://david371.fotopic.net/c1483698.html All photos from this time period will be put in here until i sort them out at a later date. Wednesday 1 August 2007: All photos from this time period will be put in here until i sort them out at a later date.

Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10252 (GYE 252W), Parked up the back corner of Kilmarnock Depot minus its engine following recent failure of its engine. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian/Alexander 14656 (C656 LFT) Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), One of its first days wearing its special Western SMT livery, celebrating 75 years of the company. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident/Tranbus ALX400 18003 (SF53 BYV), Working Killie local service 3. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20531 (P531 ESA), One of the large contingent of Ps's at Cumnock that were replaced by newer Enviro 300 bodied MANS in March/April 2008. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20578 (M478 ASW), One of several Ps's that Kilmarnock Depot have operated over the years. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV), Heads out of Kilmarnock Bus Station for Darvel Townhead on the Bio-Bus service 1. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 32058 (N58 KBW), Parked up alongside the trainers at Kilmarnock Depot prior to being repainted. Stagecoach Western Optare Metrorider 47932 (R609 XAO), The Solo Metrorider in the Western fleet which when inherited with the White Star operations back in around 2004 (i think), spent the first year or so operating from Kilmarnock Depot but is now stabled at Dumfries Depot, where it can be seen here. Its main use nowadays is School work as far as im aware. Stagecoach Western MAN/Jonckheere 50049 (T49 BBW), One of several ex Oxford Tube MAN's spending their last months in use on the X77. Stagecoach Western MAN/Jonckheere 50060 (T618 DWL), On Whitletts Rd, Prior to turning into Ayr Racecourse on a special shuttle to the Ayr Races. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Parked up in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Plaxton Paramount 52088 (H406 GAV), One of the former manual training vehicles in the fleet. Seen here parked up in the grounds of East Ayrshire Council Offices during the 2007 Western Open Day. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10252 (GYE 252W), Pictured here sitting at the back of Kilmarnock Depot. Only a few weeks into service with its Schoolbus livery it suffered engine failure and had to be towed back to Kilmarnock. Its current fate is unknown but some parts are already being taken of it for other Titan's in the fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10410 (KYV 410X), One of only three Titan's still in regular everyday service with the rest of them confined to School duties. It is also one of only 4 Titan's in the Western fleet to be Dual-Doored. Arriving in Ayr Bus Station from Drongan on the 45. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10462 (KYV 462X), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station heading for the Depot to offload Drivers for the afternoon School duties. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10462 (KYV 462X), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station to pick up drivers for the afternoon School duties. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10473 (KYV 473X), Pictured in Kilmarnock Bus Station about to commence its afternoon School duties in North Ayrshire. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10585 (NUW 585Y), In Kilmarnock Bus Station prior to commencing its afternoon School duties. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10585 (NUW 585Y), One of many Titan's confined to School Duties around Ayrshire, Pictured laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10843 (A843 SUL), Pictured leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station before commencing its afternoon School journeys. This is one of five Titans in Schoolbus livery allocated to Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10866 (A866 SUL), This is the only Schoolbus liveried Titan based at Ayr Depot where it can be seen in this photo. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 11032 (A632 THV), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station to take up afternoon School duties in Ayrshire. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 11032 (A632 THV), Seen parked up in Kilmarnock Depot. This particular Titan was transferred from Cumnock Depot at the start of the 2007/8 School term. Stagecoach Western Routemaster 12444 (JJD 444D), Seen here parked up beside the body shop at Kilmarock Depot. This vehicle never sees service but ocasionally gets used for special events and is in Western's reserve fleet. Stagecoach Western Routemaster 12444 (JJD 444D), Seen showing some of its original London destinations where it was once in service from many years ago. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13602 (WLT 416), Leaving Ardrossan Depot to take up School duties at nearby St Matthews Academy. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13609 (J701 HMY), One of several Tri-Axle Olympians being acquired for School Work. This one was acquired from Stagecoach Fife in October 2007. Parked up outside the body shop at Kilmarnock Depot pending a repaint into Schoolbus livery. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13618 (H522 FRP), This is one of many similar three-axle Olympians transferred to Ayrshire for School work, this particular one was previously with Western at Glasgow as a Megabus standby with the full Megabus branding still applied. It is seen returning from a Friday School working, entering Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13619 (511 OHU), Sitting in Ardrossan Depot enjoying the late afternoon sun. This Olympian alongwith 13612 which can be seen sitting beside it, are the first 2 Tri-Axle Olympians to be painted into School livery in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13647 (H606 LNA), Arriving back in from its School Duties in North Ayrshire, Entering Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13651 (H603 LNA). After the arrival of these 3 axle Olympians, Ardrossan's Schoolbus Titan's, 10462/73 enterted the reserve fleet. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13651 (H603 LNA), One of the first batches of Tri-Axle Olympians acquired by Western in August 2007 now in Schoolbus livery.Pictured arriving back into Ardrossan Depot. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14411 (K511 ESS), One of only 2 Double Decker's in Corporate livery at Cumnock Depot. Both of them, 10410/14411 can both regularly be found on Service 45 between Drongan and Ayr. Pictured here entering Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14462 (C462 SSO), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station to take up Service 7 to Bellfield. Some of Kilmarnock's local routes require extra capacity so Double Deckers aren't an uncommonc sight on Kilmarnock local routes, A1 liveried Trident's also ocasionally make it out on local journey's from time to time. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14612 (C612 LFT), Arriving back at its home Depot of Ardrossan after finishing its afternoon School Duties. This particular Olympian had a very brief spell at Ayr Depot during the Summer in 2007 when Ardrossan's PVR is less due to the School's being on holiday. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympain 14647 (C647 LFT), Seen here leaving its home Depot of Ardrossan to take up afternoon School duties. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14650 (C650 LFT), Leaving Ardrossan Depot to start duties at the new St Matthews Academy in nearby Saltcoats, Western have 15 School duties at the new school, vehicles from both Kilmarnock and Ardrossan depots are used. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15246 (VCS 376), Seen here parked in Ayr Depot in an allover ad for West FM. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15249 (E866 RCS), This Citybus alongwith its sister 15247 were both originally allocated to Ayr depot when new to Western before moving to Glasgow for Magic Bus duties before returning to Ayr in 2006 for use as a Schoolbus. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15280 (B180 FFS) Pictured in Kilmarnock depot. This is one of 6 Citybuses allocated to Kilmarnock in School livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15283 (B183 FFS) seen parked up with the rest of the School fleet at Kilmarnock Depot. These citybuses carry out School journeys in the East Renfrewshire area unlike the rest of Kilmarnock's School fleet which have duties allover Ayrshire. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15283 (B183 FFS), Seen sitting at the front of the line of Schoolbus liveried Deckers. This is one of 6 Citybuses from the B*** FFS batch that Western have and all originated with Stagecoach Fife. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15283 (B183 FFS), Seen at the back of the line of Schoolbuses parked up in Kilmarnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16068 (R168 VPU), One of a pair acquired in October 2002 from Stagecoach Selkent for A1 Service duties. They, (16068/74) both wore A1 livery throughout their spell in the Western fleet until very recently when they were repainted into Swoops for the first time. Pictured leaving Ardrossan Depot to start an afternoon School dutie in nearby Saltcoats. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16074 (R174 VPU), An unusual visitor to Kilmarnock for this Ardrossan based double decker. Seen leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Ardrossan Chapelhill Mount on the 11, a route normally worked by low floor Transbus Tridents. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), Seen here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on its last working of the night to Onthank on service 3. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), About to layover in Kilmarnock Bus Station having finished its duties for the day. This and its sister Westerb SMT liveried vehicle, 52359 will be repainted sometime in the new year back into Stagecoach Corporate livery following their short speel wearing this rather striking Heritage livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N869 VHH) seen over the Pits at Kilmarnock Depot. This was one of the vehicles repainted to celebrate 75 years of Western SMT. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16865 (N865 VHH), Seen leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on service 6 that takes it to Onthank via Tourhill.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Wed Aug 1 2007 December 2007 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1483439.html December 2007 Observations Saturday 1 December 2007: December 2007 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51063 (P563 MSX), One of several Arctic's now carrying the revised branding for the X76. Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Glasgow on the X76. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22386 (SF55 VUM), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Hamilton on the X16. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20581 (M484 ASW), Showing of its recent rebranding for service 444. It has also recently received a new LED screen, the same as applied to sister 444 branded vehicle, 20579. Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station inbetween 444 workings. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47506 (SF57 DPO), One of several Solo's delivered in September 2007 which were allocated to several depots. This one was intially sent to Ayr depot but a month later it was transferred to Kilmarnock to work alongside the other Optare's on service 2. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47502 (SF57 DOU), One of 6 Solo's now allocated to Kilmarnock Depot. Most of them with the exception of SPT liveried 47314 can be found on service 2, Irvine Magnum to Darvel. Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Irvine Magnum on service 2. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18008 (SF53 BZA), In Kilmarnock Bus Station, Showing of its new Megarider ad on the top deck. Leaving Stance 1 for Ardrossan Chapellhill on Western's flagship route, The 11. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40065 (M665 FYS), One of a trio of Mercs allocated to Cumnock Depot which can be seen working a large variety of routes with the X50 from Cumnock to Crosshouse Hospital being one of them. Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53275 (KX56 JZN), Backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station after arriving in from Stewarton on a short working of service 1, The second part of the journey to Darvel was carried out by B6 30339. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53276 (KX56 JZO), The second B7R that was recently acquired from United Counties. Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Silverburn on service X72. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18332 (SF55 NNZ), On Irvine High Street approxiametly half way into its journey from Ardrossan to Kilmarnock on the 11. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31373 (P373 DSA), In Irvine working local service 28 to Bourtreehill. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D/Alexander Sprint 40057 (M657 FYS), One of several Mercs that have operated in Magic Mini livery during their Western career. 40057 is pictured here surrounded by other similar Magic Mini liveried Mercs in Dumfries Depot awaiting disposal. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16068 (R168 VPU), In Irvine showing of its new LED screen. These LED screen's are the first electronic screens to be applied to this pair (16068/74) of VO's and are a first in terms of size. Loading up in Irvine for Kilbirnie on the high capacity service 25.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Sat Dec 1 2007 January 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1483438.html January 2008 Observations Tuesday 1 January 2008: January 2008 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20532 (P532 ESA), At Saltcoats Station, approxiametly 8 miles into its journey from Ardrossan to Glasgow. P's days are numbered at Ardrossan Depot as on this particular day 6 brand new MAN/Enviro 300's went into service on the 585. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22528 (SF57 LUP), At Saltcoats Station on the newly branded 585 from Ayr to Greenock, along the Clyde Coast. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22523 (SF57 LUE), One of the impressive new MAN's recently delivered for the 585, now branded as the Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22523 (SF57 LUE), Showing the rear end detail on thiis new batch of MAN's with an Enviro 300 body. Leaving Saltcoats for Ayr, On its first day of service, 3rd January 2008. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), An unusual Kilmarnock allocation on the 11. Laying over at the other end of the route, Ardrossan Chappellhill Mount. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22530 (SF57 LUW), At Saltcoats Station, these new vehicles are the first vehicles with the Enviro 300 body in the Western fleet. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22522 (SF57 LUD), The second of 14 new MAN's with an Enviro 300 body being delivered for the 585. Leaving Saltcoats bound for Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52425 (R103 LSO), Approaching Saltcoats Station on the hourly frequency, X36 from Ardrossan to Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18001 (SF53 BZH), One of several Trident's now receiving the Megarider ad along the top deck, Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station out of service. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA 51095 (T95 JHN), On loan to Cumnock Depot to allow repairs to be carried out to one of their Arctic's following a serious incident on the M77 where the rear section of the bus started to swing Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20572 (M472 ASW), One of several Ps's in this batch allocated to Cumnock Depot. It is seen here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Crosshouse Hospital on the X50, which runs between Cumnock and Crosshouse. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52359 (P159 ASA), One of 3 vehicles repainted into Western SMT heritage liveries in 2007 to celebrate 75 years of Western SMT. Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station, rumour has it that this and its sister Interurban, 52360, will be moving to Stranraer in the near future. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40058 (M658 FYS), One of 2 Merc's that can both usually be found on service 26 around Irvine. Pictured here in Kilmarnock Bus Station having the day off service 26 and operating Kilmarnock Local service, 17. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22602 (V602 GCS), Reversing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station to take up a journey to Darvel on service 1. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18002 (SF53 BZJ), Arriving in from Glasgow on the X76C. Trident's often get to stretch their legs on the X76 due to high passenger loading's. A second Neoplan is being prepared for service to work alongside the other X76 Neoplan, 50146 at Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22606 (V606 GCS), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Darvel on Service 1. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13612 (J938 MHC), One of the first Tri - Axles to be given the Schoolbus treatment, most of which are allocated to Ardrossan Depot, where it can be seen leaving to start a nearby School journey. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18012 (SF53 BZE), Leaving Ardrossan Depot to start a nearby School journey. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13650 (H627 LNA), Looking rather bright in its recently applied yellow Schoolbus livery. Leaving Ardrossan Depot to start an afternoon School journey at the new St Matthews Academy in Saltcoats. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14392 (D142 FYM), One of the unusual double deck vehicles in the fleet. It is seen here leaving its home depot of Ardrossan to carry out an afternoon School dutie in the Garnock Valley. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13647 (H606 LNA), The last Tri Axle to be repainted out of Greenbus Livery from their days down south in Leamington. Leaving Ardrossan Depot to start a local School journey. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14656 (C656 LFT), Leaving Ardrossan Depot to start a local School journey at St Matthews Academy. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20578 (M478 ASW), In a rain soaked Glasgow. Leaving Buchannan Bus Station for Cumbernauld on the new service X20. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20570 (M470 ASW), In Ayr Bus Station. This is one of 2 Ps's recently reported to have been placed in the reserve fleet, 20570 has since re-entered service at Ayr Depot. Seen here deputising for 444 branded Ps 20581. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22508 (SF56 FKL), The first MAN with the unusual ELC Kinetic body style to enter the Stagecoach fleet and is the only one in corporate livery in the Western fleet with the rest all carrying a revised version of the Spt livery for Carrick Coastlink services. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14650 (C650 LFT), These LFT deckers were the biggest batch of Leyland Olympian's ever bought by Stagecoach. All originated with North East although several years later many were sent to Glasgow to operate Magicbus services around the City. After the end of the Magicbus services around 2005, several of the batch were sent to other Western Depot's. 4 of the batch now operate from Ardrossan Depot. Loading up at Irvine on the 25. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34021 (R121 VPU), On Irvine High Street operating the half hourly 14 between Irvine and Ayr that operates via Troon. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40609 (N609 VSS), One of two Merc's recently repainted that can both regurlarly be found on Irvine local service 26. Stagecoach Western Transbus Trident 18003 (SF53 BYV), One of the first delivered to Western in October 2003 to replace a large batch of Volvo Olympian's, most of which were cascaded to Fife after that arrival of the Trident's, some were however kept by Western and were repainted into Corporate livery before being allocated to Kilmarnock and Dumfries depots. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18017 (SF53 BYP), Loading up at Irvine Cross on the high frequency service 11 between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40632 (N632 VSS), Loading up for Whitehurst Park at Irvine Cross. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16866 (N866 VHH), Loading up for Castlepark at Irvine Cross. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22527 (SF57 LUO), One of the spare, unbranded, Enviro's at Ardrossan. Passing through Irvine on the 585 bound for Ayr. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40986 (M396 KVR), Pictured here at Irvine Cross. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40627 (N627 VSS), Laying over at Irvine Cross inbetween duties on the 25A which runs between Irvine and Dalry. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18006 (SF53 BYY), One of the first in the batch of 21 delivered new in 2003. Loading up for Kilmarnock at Irvine Cross. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51099 (P199 OSE), One of 2 Arctic's allocated to Cumnock Depot that carry 246 branding. Loading up for Dumfries in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22533 (SF57 LVB), One of the newest MAN's to enter service at Ayr. Leaving Ayr Bus Station for Greenock on the 585. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22516 (SF56 FKU), One of two Carrick Coastlink branded MAN's allocated to Stranraer Depot. Leaving Ayr Bus Station bound for Girvan on the 58. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20504 (R504 KSA), Ayr Depot have the large majority of the Ps's in the Western Fleet. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50133 (CN05 APV), Originally destined for Kilmarnock to work alongside their other Neoplan on the X76. Due to technical problems with the vehicle, Ayr took it instead, Pictured in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22532 (SF57 LUZ), Arriving in Ayr Bus Station from Paisley on the last few weeks of X33 operation. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62 52208 (L638 LDT), One of 2 vehicles that were on driver training duties in Ayr. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32057 (N57 KBW), Leaving Ayr Bus Station for Troon on the half hourly 14E to Troon. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Berkhof Excellence 52026 (YSV 735), On Driver Training duties in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50127 (SV54 ELH), Loading up for Glasgow in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western MAN/ELC Kinetic 22512 (SF56 FKP), Leaving Ayr Bus Station for Girvan on the long coastal service to Girvan on the 60. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 33445 (X615 JCS), Leaving Ayr Bus Station bound for Irvine Cross on service 14. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47359 (SF06 OVK), One of several Solo's delivered new in Summer 2006 to Ayr Depot to replace Merc 709D's. Pictured here laying over in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50150 (YN05 WEK), One of several ex Megabus Neoplan's now earning their use on Ayrshire - Glasgow Express services. Pictured here in Ayr Bus Station having just arrived in from Glasgow on the X77.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 February 2008 Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1480252.html February 2008 Observations Friday 1 February 2008: February 2008 Observations

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20593 (M793 PRS), Ayr's allocation on the 444 on this particular day. Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station prior to taking up another service to Ayr. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18001 (SF53 BZH), One of three decker's in use in Kilmarnock on this particular day. Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for New Farm Loch on the 7A. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53275 (KX56 JZN), Now in corporate livery after carry an allover livery for Virgin Railair, during its time with United Counties. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16865 (N865 VHH), Now back in service from Kilmarnock after having its interior refurbished and repainted. Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Volvo B7R 53276 (KX56 JZO), The second of Western's ex Virgin Coaches now in corporate livery. Laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station inbetween express duties. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Trident 18332 (SF55 NNZ), Leaving stance 2 in Kilmarnock Bus Station as 18007 pulls in behind. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22713 (V713 DSA), One of 8 MAN's taking part in a 6 month Bio-Diesel trial on service 1 (Darvel to Stewarton). Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22605 (V605 GCS), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station to take up service to Stewarton (Despite what the destination says). Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51062 (VCS 391), Arriving in Kilmarnock from Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20328 (N328 VMS), One of 2 Ps's acquired from Stagecoach Fife in 2007, one of which is allocated to Kilmarnock and this one to Cumnock. Pictured arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Crosshouse on the X50. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50146 (YN05 WEF), Having just arrived in Kilmarnock from Glasgow. A second Neoplan was supposedly due to join 50146 on the X76 but was later diverted to join the other Western Neoplan's at Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20586 (M786 PRS), One of several Ps's earning their keep on service 4, Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Glasgow. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22258 (V258 ESX), One of 2 MAN's that were acquired to bring the Bio-Bus fleet up to 8. This one was acquired from Fife (Cowdenbeath Depot). Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock for Darvel. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22601 (B10 PSV) Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Darvel on service 1. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34604 (SF04 VTG), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Darvel on the recently enhanced service 2 that replaced service 21 between Irvine and Darvel. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47498 (SF57 DNX), One of the first Solo's delivered new in September 2007. Pictured here laying over in Kilmarnock Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47504 (SF57 DPK), Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Irvine on service 2. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20574 (M474 ASW), Operating a Sunday X76 journey between Muirkirk and Kilmarnock that interconnects with the X76C for passengers that wish to travel to Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20566 (M486 ASW), Looking nice and bright following its recent repaint as it leaves Kilmarnock Bus Station for Silverburn on the X72, usually operated by a coach. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31382 (P382 DSA), One of several that were delivered new to launch the Stagecoach Glasgow operations many years ago. Several of the batch now work from Kilmarnock. This is the 2nd of 4 in corporate livery with the other 9, in AA livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20519 (R519 VSE), Deputising for an Ayr based service 4 branded Ps, Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16866 (N866 VHH), A stranger on Kilmarnock local service 7A, with it usually being confined to Irvine local duties but was drafted in for Killy locals while the School's were on holiday. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14659 (C659 LFT), The only Olympian left from this batch to be based at Kilmarnock Depot with the other 4 in the Western fleet based at Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34597 (SF04 VSX), In a sunny Kilmarnock working local service 6 to Onthank. Stagecoach Western Tranbus Dart SLF 34598 (SF04 VSY), One of 9 Darts delivered in Summer 2004 to Kilmarnock to improve local services. This one, The 3rd in the batch can be seen here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station out of service. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14462 (C462 SSO), One of very few Olympians from this batch left in service in the UK. They were all new to the Scottish Bus Group. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40062 (M662 FYS), One of several Merc's allocated to Kilmarnock Depot despite several of the vehicles having been sold of in recent years as more modern low floor replacements arrive, mostly in the form of Optare Solo's. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Berkhof Excellence 52026 (YSV 735), Parked up in the low winter sun inside its home depot of Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14337 (G337 KKW), Leaving Kilmarnock Depot to commence its afternoon School contract at Marr College in Troon. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22533 (SF57 LVB), One of the new unbranded MAN's recently delivered to Ayr, most of which can usually be found on the A3/A25 around Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20585 (M785 PRS), On a local working in Ayr. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47358 (SF06 OVJ), Loading up in Ayr for Dalrymple on the 53. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14411 (K511 ESS), Preparing to layover in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40064 (M664 FYS), The only Merc to remain allocated to Cumnock Depot. Pictured leaving Ayr Bus Station on one of the main Cumnock operated routes, the 45 to Drongan. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20504 (R504 KSA), Passing through Kilmarnock on the long, non motorway service to Glasgow on the 4. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47387 (SF56 FLB), One of three Solo's based at Cumnock Depot. All three carry branding for service 49 which 47387 can be seen working as it leaves Cumnock Bus Station for Craigens. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), These brand new Panthers certainly will improve the image of the X76 which has been operated by Arctic's for several years. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA-55 51070 (WLT 720), On its last few weeks in service with Western. This is one of three Arctics that were used by Bluebird on Megabus services for a while before being transferred back to Western at the beginning of 2007. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), In Cumnock Depot, The vast maority of this new batch of 8 Panthers are destined for Cumnock, with a few going to Glasgow for the X25. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), Leaving Cumnock Bus Station while on driver training duties. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), One of the first 15metre Panthers to carry the standard Stagecoach Corporate livery with the other ones in the Stagecoach empire either carrying Meagbus or Citylink livery. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54039 (SJ57 AAY), On driver training duties in Cumnock Bus Station prior to officially entering service on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10MA 55 51097 (T97 JHN), One of 2 Arctics currently in service on the X77. Pictured loading up in Ayr Bus Station for Glasgow. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart 32397 (P397 BRS), One of a pair in this batch allocated to Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31367 (P367 DSA), Loading up in Ayr's Burns Statue Square on one of the main Ayr/Prestwick local services, The A1. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33778 (X743 JCS), One of 6 similar Darts delivered new to Ayr in 2000 to upgrade local routes. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 14412 (C800 HCS), Now in Western's delicenced fleet due to it having a pretty major gearbox problem. Pictured sitting out in the yard at Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50128 (SV54 ELJ), In Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50138 (LX05 BWN), Pictured inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20549 (P549 ESA), Enjoying the afternoon sun in Ayr Depot.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

]]> Fri Feb 1 2008 March Observations http://david371.fotopic.net/c1479312.html Pictures here from a few visits to Kilmarnock and Ayr along with a picture of Interurban 52262 spending an overnight at Ardrossan Depot prior to heading back over to Arrran on an early morning ferry. Four new Versa's also entered service towards the end of the month, 25218-21. Two Titans left the fleet in March, 10410 & 10999 previously based at Cumnock/Ayr and having been replaced by 16853/15246. Tri-Axle Olympian 13644 was given an allover livery for Craig Tara Holiday Park. Also included are a few pics from a short visit to Saltcoats and Irvine. Saturday 1 March 2008: Pictures here from a few visits to Kilmarnock and Ayr along with a picture of Interurban 52262 spending an overnight at Ardrossan Depot prior to heading back over to Arrran on an early morning ferry. Four new Versa's also entered service towards the end of the month, 25218-21. Two Titans left the fleet in March, 10410 & 10999 previously based at Cumnock/Ayr and having been replaced by 16853/15246. Tri-Axle Olympian 13644 was given an allover livery for Craig Tara Holiday Park. Also included are a few pics from a short visit to Saltcoats and Irvine.

Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20323 (N323 VMS), One of a pair from this batch in the Western fleet. Pictured here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station on a local service to New Farm Loch. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22384 (SF55 RKK), The first of 3 X16 branded MAN's allocated to Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31379 (P379 DSA), The 2nd of 3 B6LE's allocated to Cumnock Depot. 31379 can be seen here leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station bound for Cumnock on the X50. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20592 (M792 PRS), Passing through Kilmarnock en route to Ayr on a route usually worked by branded Ps's. The once standard B10M/Ps are starting to get replaced quite rapidly by new low floor vehicles. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), One of 2 unbranded Panthers allocated to Cumnock. It is seen here backing of the stance in Kilmarnock Bus Station before continuing its journey to Glasgow on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54045 (SF57 DRV), The last of 8 new Panthers recently delivered to Western. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54038 (SJ57 AAX), The first of the brand new Panthers, most of which are route branded for the X76 although it doesnt stop them from appearing on other Cumnock routes, with one of the main other ones being the 246 to Dumfries where 54038 is seen leaving for in Ayr Bus Station. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34025 (R125 VPU), Parked up out of service in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22526 (SF57 LUL), The first of 2 unbranded Enviro's allocated to Ardrossan that can regurarly be found deputising for branded examples on the 585. 22526 is seen here arriving in Ayr Bus Station from Greenock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54045 (Sf57 DRV), Having just left Ayr Bus Station on the long service to Dumfries on the 246. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M 62/Plaxton Interurban 52262 (M162 CCD), Spending the day in Ardrossan Depot before travelling back to its home depot on the Isle of Arran after having been over in the mainland for some work to be carried out on it. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31369 (P369 DSA), Approaching Irvine Cross on Service 22. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16866 (N866 VHH), Now sporting a LED screen as it passes through Irvine High Street on a 22 for Perceton. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SPD 33779 (X744 JCS), Loading up at Irvine Cross on the popular service 14 to Ayr that diverts to serve Barassie and Troon. Stagecoach Western Volvo B6LE 31384 (P384 DSA), The only B6LE allocated to Ardrossan. Pictured here loading up in Irvine for Dalry on the 25A. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20323 (N323 VMS), An unusual allocation on the 2, which is usually worked these days by low floor Optare's. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16865 (N865 VHH), The first of 2 Oly's transferred to Cumnock for use on the 246. 16865 can be seen here leaving Ayr Bus Station at the start of its long journey to Dumfries on the 246. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20587 (M787 PRS), Leaves Ayr Bus Station for Glasgow on the 4. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20110 (N210 LTN), One of the Cumnock contingent of Ps's that reguarly make it out to Ayr. Pictured here leaving Ayr Bus Station for Drongan on the 45. Stagecoach Western Neoplan Skyliner 50131 (VCS 391), One of the Neoplans now carrying the cherished regs from the now withdrawn Artic's. This reg was previously applied to Artic 51062. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47150 (SF54 RJU), Looking nice and bright as it passes along High Rd in Saltcoats on a three towns local service. Stagecoach Western Volvo Citybus 15281 (B181 FFS), Passing along High Rd in Saltcoats en route to St Matthews Academy. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47496 (SF57 DNU), The 2nd Solo to be delivered to Western in September 2007. It is one of three out of the batch that ended up with Ardrossan. Stagecoach Western Volvo Olympian 16859 (N859 VHH), Passing through Saltcoats en route to nearby St Matthews Academy to undertake an afternoon School contract. Stagecoach Western Leyland Titan 10473 (KYV 473X), One of several ex - London Titan's now earning their keep carting School kids about up and down the country. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22523 (SF57 LUE), Passing through Saltcoats on the 585 en route to Greenock. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22525 (SF57 LUJ), One of the Ardrossan branded MAN's for the 585 as it picks up at Saltcoats Station nearing the end of its first 3 months in service. Stagecoach Western MAN/ALX300 22390 (SF55 VUR), One of a pair of MAN's delivered new in late 2005 to launch the X33 back in early 2006, two years later the route was axed amid falling passenger numbers. The three MAN's being used on the service, two of them being brand new at the time of the launch and a V reg, 22606 were all then sent to Kilmarnock where 22606 was given the Biofuel overhaul. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20504 (R504 KSA), Now part of the Kilmarnock fleet having recently been transferred from Ayr. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20507 (M871 ASW). Leaving Kilmarnock Bus Station for Ayr on service 4. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20589 (M789 PRS), Pictured in Kilmarnock Bus Station working a local service. Stagecoach Western Optare Versa 25219 (SF08 GOC), On one of its first days in service with Western. 4 additional Versa's, this being one of them were ordered for Kilmarnock. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20586 (M786 PRS), One of several Stagecoach Western Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 54043 (SF57 DPY), Arriving in Kilmarnock Bus Station from Cumnock on the X76. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20584 (M784 PRS), Now carrying a new all-over ad to reinforce the new, lower speed limit of 50mph on a section of the A77. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13644 (G278 YRJ), One of several Tri-Axle Olympians that were imported to the UK from Hong Kong for use on Stagecoach's, cheap intercity travel operations, Megabus.com. They are nowadays however starting to be replaced by more modern Neoplan Skyliners and Plaxton Panther 15m coaches. The large majority of them are now withdrawn in the UK, several still exist with Western, mainly as dedicated Schoolbuses although 13644 is however an exception to that having now gained an allover ad for Craig Tara Holiday Park for use on Service A4. Stagecoach Western Dennis Dart SLF 34151 (V151 MVX), One of 3 Darts from this batch to carry SPT livery for subsidised service 347 between Ayr and Sorn. 34151 can be seen pictured here inside Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M Ps 20513 (R513 KSA), Looking smart following a recent repaint as it has a Saturday off insiide Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western MAN/Enviro 300 22533 (SF57 LVB), Parked up having a day off in Ayr Depot. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47507 (SF57 DPU), The 2nd Solo to be given route branding for the revised service 24 which will now serve Ayr & Crosshouse Hospitals. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47506 (SF57 DPO), Now transferred back to Ayr Depot for the launch of the extended 24 service which now requires 2 vehicles. The rear of Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13644 (G278 YRJ) as it sits out of service in Ayr Depot. Its the only Tri-Axle Olympian in the fleet to have Gasket glazing. Stagecoach Western Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Interurban 52425 (R103 LSO), Parked up in Cumnock Depot where it was based at the start of 2008, it later was transferred to the JV fleet at Glasgow before returning to Cumnock in late July. Stagecoach Western Optare Solo 47388 (SF56 FLC), Inbetween journeys on service 49 as it parks up round the side at Cumnock Depot. Stagecoach Western Mercedes-Benz 709D 40612 (N612 VSS), Having been rescued from the Disposal Fleet? Now back at Cumnock and has very recently been repainted. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22582 (SF08 GOK), The first of a batch of 10 being delivered for Cumnock to largely replace B10M/Ps's on trunk routes in and out of Ayr. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22583 (SF08 GOJ), Yet more brand new vehicles being delivered to Western. This one being the 2nd one out of the 2nd batch of Enviro 300's to be delivered to Western over the past 3- 4 months. Stagecoach Western MAN/ADL Enviro 300 22584 (SF08 GOX), Parked up outside the body shop at Kilmarnock Depot prior to receiving Spot the odd one out, Scania 28952 sits inbetween 3 recently delivered MAN/ADL Enviro 300's destined for Cumnock. Stagecoach Western Leyland Olympian 13619 (511 OHU), Having been involved in a severe accident with a boulder apparently a few months ago. It is now in Westerns reserve fleet, waiting to have its damage sorted.

Published in Stagecoach West Scotland

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