Grozzlepics
Black Country Meandering - May 23rd 2009
12th June 2009

I was in a quandary as to where to visit on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 23/4th. Rail engineering works at Rugby, Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington ruled out trips in a lot of directions from Crewe. And the further north or west I travelled, the more dubious the weather forecast was.

In the end I came up with the idea of doing a number of things in the West Midlands which I had wanted to do for some time, but had never got around to

1. catch up with Central Buses service 679 from Wednesbury [ my West Midlands trips always start in Wolverhampton, but somehow it had never been convenient to catch that hourly service]
2. see what Coastal Liner were using on their Bingo service (905) in Bilston.
3. enjoy a pint of Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby beer at the brewery (Beacon Hotel in Sedgley)
4. visit Sutton Park

After a late (for me) start, I got to Wolverhampton for 1030. Buying my Daytripper ticket present the first problem. There were only 2 windows open at the station and one of them seemed to be permanently occupied by a woman telling her life story ! A queue of 10 minutes meant it was a quick dash to St Georges for the tram to Wednesbury - I jumped on board just as the doors were closing. Made Wednesbury bus station with 10 mins to spare before the 1115 departure on the 679.

I was surprised to see a Dart registered K100SDC turn up – I couldn’t place where that had come from. [I found out later it was new to Metrobus, but had been reregistered by Central themselves ] I enjoyed my ride on the 679, and changed my plans to stay on it for longer. Ended up at Tame Bridge station, by which time I was the only passenger.

No sooner had I alighted from the 679, than a brand new Scania Omnicity turned up on the 404 to Walsall. After a few hops and jockeying for position with Black Diamond, I arrived at the mayhem of Bradford Square in Walsall. Luckily for me the first bus out was Sandwell Travel with an ex Bournemouth Dennis Dart / East Lancs on the 334 to Bilston. Took a photo and boarded it Then listed to two locals discuss how there were two many buses and all the firms other than National Express should be shut down !

Rode Sandwell Travel as far as Darlaston where I got off because I had spotted something interesting behind me on the 339 at Walsall. Immediately another ex Bournemouth East Lancs Dart of Sandwell travel pulled up in the opposite direction ! Managed to get a shot of both vehicles – to prove they have two ! And it wasn’t long before my “mystery vehicle” from Walsall turned up. It turned out to be an ex London (via Burnley) Carylyle bodied Dart of Midland Bus Company. Am operator that I had never come across before. This was an added bonus, as I wasn’t expecting to travel with any new operators that day.

This took me to Bilston where I eventually discovered that it would be 20 minutes until the next Coastal Liner departure – and then a further 20 minutes before the service (224) to Sedgley. I found Bilston very interesting. Not the biggest bus station in the world, but there was always something going on ,whether it be a NXWM Metrobus driver revving his engine, a line-up of Banga minibuses blocking everything else, or a pair of Network West Midlands liveried trams passing underneath. A goodly selection of operators too. As well as those already mentioned, there were Choice (in both guises), Diamond and Thandi.

Coastal Liner turned out to be running their ex Bournemouth Dennis Dominator. As well as a photo, I took a video of it leaving. There was a hold-up here, caused by another vehicle entering the bus station. It wasn’t until after the event that I realised it was another ex Bournemouth vehicle !

Travel to Sedgley was by route 224, run by Choice, who provided a former HAD Optare Solo – which ran a good 5 minutes late due to the driver chatting to someone before pulling up on the stand. I knew the route ran to Sedgley, but until a travelled on it, I hadn’t realised how tortuous it was. The bus was almost full. We wend round several estates, but no-one got on or off at any of them !

I had worried about finding the Beacon Hotel. Though the bus went down the street it was in, and I had a map, it was a fairly long street. In the end a building approached that was obviously a pub, so I got off. It was then that I realised the pub was, naturally, on the corner of Beacon Lane !

Although quite from the outside, inside it was heaving with people. Beer was being served from a very narrow passageway, which was packed solid. Eventually I was able to reacquaint myself with Ruby in her home environment…

(see http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/p58720380.html on my Pubs page for a photo)

By the time I had finished at the Beacon Hotel, it was getting on a bit, and I wasn’t sure if I had time to get to Sutton Park. But I decided to have a go anyway. So it was a quick walk to Sedgley High Street, where a Transbus Trident quickly arrived on the 558 to take me to Dudley.

Just missed a 74 to West Brom, which turned out to be just as well, as I realised the vehicle parked in front was SN09CGX, the Enviro 300 NXWM have on trial. I got a photo, even though it was completely the wrong angle for the sun. Then a Diamond vehicle appeared on the 74. Rather than one of the black SB120s or Dart SLF, it was a Dart MPD that had started life with Zaks. I jumped at the chance of a ride on this, and it had the added bonus of reaching West Brom way before the NXWM bus that I’d missed !

That enabled me to catch a Volvo B7 on the 451 to Sutton Coldfield. And what an interminable trudge round North Birmingham than turned out to be. Actually, the bus went direct – it was just much longer than I expected.

By the time I reached Sutton, it was almost time to start out home again. So rather than pop down to the park, I decided to spend quarter of an hour in the main street, photographing buses before taking the train to Birmingham.

And there was quite a lot of variety to see as well. Highlight had to be the ex Lothian Olympian of Central Connect on the 904, but there were also interesting vehicles from Arriva, Diamond. and NXWM.

All in all, a jolly interesting day out – I shall have to think up another one in the near future !

<-- Index | Showing 1-33 of 33 pictures | Index -->
An anonymous Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton on route 399 outside Wednesbury bus station. X372CUY is last recorded in my records with First Pullman, but since Diamond run the 399, I assume it is now with them
An anonymous Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton on route 399 outside Wednesbury bus station. X372CUY is last recorded in my records with First Pullman, but since Diamond run the 399, I assume it is now with them
BLACKCTY01.JPG
 Buy Print		 Central Buses Dennis Dart / Plaxton S100SDC arriving at Wednesbury bus station on the 679 to Yew Tree. This vehicle started life as K712KGU of Metrobus.
Central Buses Dennis Dart / Plaxton S100SDC arriving at Wednesbury bus station on the 679 to Yew Tree. This vehicle started life as K712KGU of Metrobus.
BLACKCTY02.JPG
 Buy Print		 Brand new National Express West Midlands Scania Omnicity BX09OZE on the approach to Walsall from West Bromwich.
Brand new National Express West Midlands Scania Omnicity BX09OZE on the approach to Walsall from West Bromwich.
BLACKCTY03.JPG
 Buy Print		 The plan was to hop off NXWM and catch the Diamond vehicle behind, but Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton BN08DCF roared past before I had a chance to catch it.
The plan was to hop off NXWM and catch the Diamond vehicle behind, but Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton BN08DCF roared past before I had a chance to catch it.
BLACKCTY04.JPG
 Buy Print
Straight behind Diamond came this ex Metrobus Dart MPD of Choice in the new livery. Route 637 is only hourly and barely overlaps the 404 at all.
Straight behind Diamond came this ex Metrobus Dart MPD of Choice in the new livery. Route 637 is only hourly and barely overlaps the 404 at all.
BLACKCTY05.JPG
 Buy Print		 Caldmore Green is an attractive little spot for photographing the 404, but by the time I got there the vehicles coming out from Walsall were the same ones I had photographed going in earlier. This is National Express West Midlands Scania Omnicity BX09OZE
Caldmore Green is an attractive little spot for photographing the 404, but by the time I got there the vehicles coming out from Walsall were the same ones I had photographed going in earlier. This is National Express West Midlands Scania Omnicity BX09OZE
BLACKCTY06.JPG
 Buy Print		 Diamond Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton BN08DCF at Caldmore Green.
Diamond Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton BN08DCF at Caldmore Green.
BLACKCTY07.JPG
 Buy Print		 Choice Travel’s former A2Z (originally Metroline) Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall R703MEW in the new livery at the head of the queue in Bradford Place, Walsall.
Choice Travel’s former A2Z (originally Metroline) Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall R703MEW in the new livery at the head of the queue in Bradford Place, Walsall.
BLACKCTY08.JPG
 Buy Print
Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M457LLJ moves to the head of the queue at Bradford Place, Walsall.
Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M457LLJ moves to the head of the queue at Bradford Place, Walsall.
BLACKCTY09.JPG
 Buy Print		 Proof that Sandwell Travel has TWO ex Bournemouth Dennis Dart / East Lancs ! M457/8LLJ meet at Darlaston bus station on route 334.
Proof that Sandwell Travel has TWO ex Bournemouth Dennis Dart / East Lancs ! M457/8LLJ meet at Darlaston bus station on route 334.
BLACKCTY10.JPG
 Buy Print		 I believe Optare Solo KS03EXG , seen in Darlaston bus station is now with Diamond, but my records show it being with Luton Airport !
I believe Optare Solo KS03EXG , seen in Darlaston bus station is now with Diamond, but my records show it being with Luton Airport !
BLACKCTY11.JPG
 Buy Print		 Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M458LLJ in Darlaston bus station
Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M458LLJ in Darlaston bus station
BLACKCTY12.JPG
 Buy Print
A pair of Diamond Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton at Bilston bus station. On the right is former London General P743RYL, an on the left is P878PWW still in Ludlows livery (new to Manchester Airport)
A pair of Diamond Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton at Bilston bus station. On the right is former London General P743RYL, an on the left is P878PWW still in Ludlows livery (new to Manchester Airport)
BLACKCTY13.JPG
 Buy Print		 The vehicle which took me from Darlaston to Bilston. Midland Bus Co Dennis Dart / Carlyle H137MOB, seen at Bilston bus station. This vehicle was new to Metroline, and came via Border of Burnley, MK Metro, and Thandi of Smethwick.
The vehicle which took me from Darlaston to Bilston. Midland Bus Co Dennis Dart / Carlyle H137MOB, seen at Bilston bus station. This vehicle was new to Metroline, and came via Border of Burnley, MK Metro, and Thandi of Smethwick.
BLACKCTY14.JPG
 Buy Print		 Another Diamond vehicle which isn’t in my records ! Dennis Dart MPD KP51SXW is seen in Bilston bus station. This vehicle came from National Express London, but previously spent a spell as W777APS with Airparks.
Another Diamond vehicle which isn’t in my records ! Dennis Dart MPD KP51SXW is seen in Bilston bus station. This vehicle came from National Express London, but previously spent a spell as W777APS with Airparks.
BLACKCTY15.JPG
 Buy Print		 Thandi M892GBB, a Dennis Dart / Plaxton new to Go Ahead group, seen parked up at Bilston bus station.
Thandi M892GBB, a Dennis Dart / Plaxton new to Go Ahead group, seen parked up at Bilston bus station.
BLACKCTY16.JPG
 Buy Print
A pair of Banga Mercedes block through traffic at Bilston bus station. On the left is N175DWM a Plaxton bodied 811D that was new to Bee Line in Manchester, and has since been with numerous Arriva companies. On the right is L369JBD a former United Counties 709D with Alexander (Belfast) body.
A pair of Banga Mercedes block through traffic at Bilston bus station. On the left is N175DWM a Plaxton bodied 811D that was new to Bee Line in Manchester, and has since been with numerous Arriva companies. On the right is L369JBD a former United Counties 709D with Alexander (Belfast) body.
BLACKCTY17.JPG
 Buy Print		 A pair of Network West Midlands liveried trams crossing at Bilston Central station – taken from the bus station.
A pair of Network West Midlands liveried trams crossing at Bilston Central station – taken from the bus station.
BLACKCTY18.JPG
 Buy Print		 Banga K455EDT is a Plaxton bodied Mercedes 811D with quite a history. It started out as a Mercedes demonstrator, and has since had spells with Guernseybus, South Lancs (both old and new), Arriva and Bakers of Biddulph. Seen at Bilston bus station on the Rocket Pool service.
Banga K455EDT is a Plaxton bodied Mercedes 811D with quite a history. It started out as a Mercedes demonstrator, and has since had spells with Guernseybus, South Lancs (both old and new), Arriva and Bakers of Biddulph. Seen at Bilston bus station on the Rocket Pool service.
BLACKCTY19.JPG
 Buy Print		 Coastal Liner’s former Bournemouth Dennis Dominator / East Lancs at Bilston bus station on the Bingo service.
Coastal Liner’s former Bournemouth Dennis Dominator / East Lancs at Bilston bus station on the Bingo service.
BLACKCTY20.JPG
 Buy Print
Choice Optare Solo S42FWY (new to A1A, but ex Speedwellbus) was seen several times during the day. Here it approaches Bilston bus station on route 523.
Choice Optare Solo S42FWY (new to A1A, but ex Speedwellbus) was seen several times during the day. Here it approaches Bilston bus station on route 523.
BLACKCTY21.JPG
 Buy Print		 Proof that Metrobuses were still running to Bilston. NXWM F78XOF laying over on route 528.
Proof that Metrobuses were still running to Bilston. NXWM F78XOF laying over on route 528.
BLACKCTY22.JPG
 Buy Print		 Choice Travel’s former A2Z (originally Metroline) Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall S524KFL with Midland names at Bilston bus station. I think this was on the 680 to Moxley.
Choice Travel’s former A2Z (originally Metroline) Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall S524KFL with Midland names at Bilston bus station. I think this was on the 680 to Moxley.
BLACKCTY23.JPG
 Buy Print		 An engaging discussion aboard Choice Travel’s Optare Solo X943NUB at Bilston bus station which delayed its depature on route 224 to Sedgley by several minutes.
An engaging discussion aboard Choice Travel’s Optare Solo X943NUB at Bilston bus station which delayed its depature on route 224 to Sedgley by several minutes.
BLACKCTY24.JPG
 Buy Print
National Express West Midlands’ Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SN09CGX parked up in Dudley bus station. I know this photo is taken into the sun, Tony !
National Express West Midlands’ Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SN09CGX parked up in Dudley bus station. I know this photo is taken into the sun, Tony !
BLACKCTY25.JPG
 Buy Print		 Facing the other direction from the same spot, Diamond Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton X639AKW arrives at Dudley bus station with the castle in the background.
Facing the other direction from the same spot, Diamond Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton X639AKW arrives at Dudley bus station with the castle in the background.
BLACKCTY26.JPG
 Buy Print		 Diamond’s former Zaks Dennis Dart MPD Y37YVV arrives at West Bromwich. An unusual vehicle to put on this trunk route.
Diamond’s former Zaks Dennis Dart MPD Y37YVV arrives at West Bromwich. An unusual vehicle to put on this trunk route.
BLACKCTY27.JPG
 Buy Print		 National Express West Midlands’ Volvo B7 / Wright BJ03EXL in the short-lived stripey livery in Sutton Coldfield.
National Express West Midlands’ Volvo B7 / Wright BJ03EXL in the short-lived stripey livery in Sutton Coldfield.
BLACKCTY28.JPG
 Buy Print
Metrobuses were still running into Sutton Coldfield as well. National Express West Midlands F70XOF on route 107.
Metrobuses were still running into Sutton Coldfield as well. National Express West Midlands F70XOF on route 107.
BLACKCTY29.JPG
 Buy Print		 Central Connect’s Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton S395HVV seen in Sutton Coldfield. This vehicle was new to First Manchester, and has since been with a number of operators.
Central Connect’s Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton S395HVV seen in Sutton Coldfield. This vehicle was new to First Manchester, and has since been with a number of operators.
BLACKCTY30.JPG
 Buy Print		 Central Connect former Lothian Leyland Olympian / Alexander F347WSC in Sutton Coldfield on route 904.
Central Connect former Lothian Leyland Olympian / Alexander F347WSC in Sutton Coldfield on route 904.
BLACKCTY31.JPG
 Buy Print		 Arriva Midlands Volvo B9TL / Wright FJ08LVS laying over in Sutton coldfield on the Tamworth – Birmingham service.
Arriva Midlands Volvo B9TL / Wright FJ08LVS laying over in Sutton coldfield on the Tamworth – Birmingham service.
BLACKCTY32.JPG
 Buy Print
Volvo B10L / Wright R461XDA is one of a few vehicles repainted in National Express West Midlands’ stripey livery. Seen in Sutton coldfield.
Volvo B10L / Wright R461XDA is one of a few vehicles repainted in National Express West Midlands’ stripey livery. Seen in Sutton coldfield.
BLACKCTY33.JPG
 Buy Print
© 1998-2009 Martin Grosberg - All copyrights rest with the Author
[ descript.ion | Buy Prints of this Collection | Index ]
Gallery hosted by Fotopic.Net - get your own photo gallery now!