Grozzlepics http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/ 54 rows en-gb 60 Trams in Blackpool http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1751837.html Blackpool has the last reamining traditional tramway in England. It is shortly to be modernised, although a heritage fleet will be retained. These photos were taken on two visits to record as much as possible of the operation. Firstly on August 1st 209 - a series of short hops from North Pier to Fleetwood and back again. Secondly on September 12th 2009, riding between North Pier and Pleasure Beach. [by that time the section between Plesure Beach and Starr Gate had already been closed for upgrade] Monday 7 September 2009: Blackpool has the last reamining traditional tramway in England. It is shortly to be modernised, although a heritage fleet will be retained. These photos were taken on two visits to record as much as possible of the operation. Firstly on August 1st 209 - a series of short hops from North Pier to Fleetwood and back again. Secondly on September 12th 2009, riding between North Pier and Pleasure Beach. [by that time the section between Plesure Beach and Starr Gate had already been closed for upgrade]

The only Railcoach seen on August 1st was 630, heading for North Pier at Manchester Square Jubilee class 641 prearaing to start its journey to Pleasure Beach from Cleveleys Jubilee class 642 heading down the slope to Gynn Square Jubilee class 642 at North Pier / Talbot Square Jubilee class 642 heading south from Talbot Square with Balloon 713 behind Jubilee class 646 seen from a moving tram just north of Bispham Jubilee class 646 seen heading for Bispham on the north promenade Jubilee class 647 leaving Cleveleys on the start of its journey to Pleasure Beach Jubilee class 647 at North Pier / Talbot Square Balloon 700 in traditional livery approaching Cleveleys on its way to Fleetwood Balloon 700 moves away from Fishermans Walk in Fleetwood, having deposited it’s load, including the photographer Balloon 700 proceding stately down the main street in Fleetwood Millenium class 709 at Bispham heading for Starr Gate Millenium class 709 approaching the terminus in North Albert St, Fleetwood Millenium class 709 completing the terminal loop past the lighthouse in Pharos Street, Fleetwood with an ex Trent Leyland Olympian on bus route 1 behind Balloon 713 approaches Cleveleys with a Fleetwood – Starr Gate service, whilst Balloon 715 waits to cross over behind it to form a Cleveleys starting service. Balloon 713 loading at Cleveleys with a Fleetwood – Starr Gate working Balloon 715 approaches its Cleveleys terminus from the south with blinds already set for the return working. Balloon 715 loading for Starr Gate at Cleveleys I expected to see some old trams, but not them being held up by a horse and cart ! Balloon 717 in traditional livery in North Albert Street, Fleetwood Balloon 717 in traditional livery unloading at Cleveleys on a Fleetwood – Starr Gate service Another view of Balloon 723 at Fishermans Walk, Fleetwood Balloon 723 in traditional livery at Talbot Square Millenium class 724 at Bispham heading for Cleveleys Millenium class 724 rounds the corner form North Promenade down to Gynn Square Jubilee class 762 unloading at Cleveleys Jubilee class 762 heading for Starr Gate at Manchester Square Millenium class 709 in North Albert St, fleetwood, setting out on the long journey to Starr Gate Balloon 711 at Cleveleys, loading for Starr Gate Balloon 711 setting off from Cleveleys for Starr Gate Balloon 712 in tradtional livery heading southbound at Bispham Balloon 713 approaches Cleveleys with a Fleetwood – Starr Gate working Interior detail of Balloon 717 showing the makers name Millenium class 718 in Lord Street, Fleetwood Balloon 719 at Gynn Square, heading for Fleetwood Balloon 721 at Gynn Square, heading for Starr Gate Balloon 723 in traditional livery leaves the street running at Fishermans Walk, Fleetwood a view of the dirver's position in a Boat (602 I think). 12th Sept 2009

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]]> Mon Sep 7 2009 Poco Concert, Hudson Gardens, Littleton, Co July 12th 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1731174.html Some photos from the Poco concert at Hudson Gardens, Littleton, CO (a suburb of Denver) on July 12th 2009. A great outdoor venue in a natural amphitheatre, with the largest crowd I’ve ever seen at a Poco concert (the $10 admission helped !). Weather was iffy to start with !”A little rain don’t bother me”, but gave way to a nice summer evening. The MC announced that “these guys know Jimmy Messina PERSONALLY” – which Rusty confirmed ! Colorado resident, and “founding father” Richie Furay joined the group for the second half of the show. Saturday 25 July 2009: Some photos from the Poco concert at Hudson Gardens, Littleton, CO (a suburb of Denver) on July 12th 2009. A great outdoor venue in a natural amphitheatre, with the largest crowd I_ve ever seen at a Poco concert (the $10 admission helped !). Weather was iffy to start with !_A little rain don_t bother me_, but gave way to a nice summer evening. The MC announced that _these guys know Jimmy Messina PERSONALLY_ _ which Rusty confirmed ! Colorado resident, and _founding father_ Richie Furay joined the group for the second half of the show.

Rusty starts the mandolin lead for Under The Gun Close up of Rusty and “Mandy” on Under The Gun Jack during Under The Gun Jack goes walkabout on Under The Gun Poconut “BeerforRusty” returns to his seat after living up to his name. [For trivia fans the beer was a Shocktop ] Rusty singing lead on Call It Love Paul and “the beast” during Call It Love Paul and Rusty duet during Call It Love Rusty on pedal steel during Indian Summer Jack goes solo for Hard Country Rusty joins Jack during Hard Country Rusty on dobro for A Little Rain Don’t Bother Me A view of the crowd from behind the stage during the interval More of the crowd (further to the right) during the interval A view of part of the actual gardens Look what you can see from the queue for the rest rooms !! Richoie and Scott talk to George, Jack and Paul Paul and Jack duet during Pickin Up Th Pieces Richie goes incognito by donning a baseball cap. General view of the whole stage during Grand Junction Richie, Paul and Jack during Childs Claim To Fame Richie just on vocals for Keep On Tryin “Colorado mountains I can see your distant smile” Richie is whacked after the performance ! Paul takes us down to New Orleans with “Mr JJ Cale” Rusty on pedal steel during Magnolia Richie takes a breather before the encore Paul leads us into the Heart of The Night

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]]> Sat Jul 25 2009 Richie Furay Band at Nissi's, July 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1730374.html Some photos from two nights of Richie Furay and his band playing at Nissi’s in Lafayette, Colorado on July 10th/11th 2009. Richie was in jovial mood and the band were on top form, particularly on the second night which was Scott Sellen’s birthday. At the end of the concert a cake was presented to him, but it didn’t last long ! Friday 24 July 2009: Some photos from two nights of Richie Furay and his band playing at Nissi_s in Lafayette, Colorado on July 10th/11th 2009. Richie was in jovial mood and the band were on top form, particularly on the second night which was Scott Sellen_s birthday. At the end of the concert a cake was presented to him, but it didn_t last long !

An outdoor shot of Nissi’s Pbaub gets some photos during the soundcheck, while Jesse looks on The band during soundcheck – “gee it’s humid tonight” Scott on the Banjo during the soundcheck Aaron does his soundcheck away from the stage “got any grapes ?”. Karla’s cheese and fruit platter. Teresa announces the band Richie gets it going with “On The Way Home” “When the dream came, I held my breath my my eyes closed” Jesse and Aaron on Heartbeat of Love Richie and Scott on Heartbeat of Love – “I could go on endlessly” Scott rocks out on Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing – Richie is glad he remembered those Neil Young lyrics this time ! Richie and Scott duetting on So Far To Go Scott on banjo for So Far To Go Jesse takes the limelight on Satisfied A close up of Jesse on Satisfied Scott on Crazy Eyes : the first notes on the keyboard Scott on Crazy Eyes : keyboard and banjo Scott on Crazy Eyes : banjo break Scott on Crazy Eyes : removing the banjo Scott on Crazy Eyes : back on keyboard again Scott on Crazy Eyes : playing the lap steel whilst wearing the banjo Scott on Crazy Eyes : back to banjo again Scott on Crazy Eyes : guitar solo Richie sings out on Just In Case It Happens Yes Indeed Richie and Jesse on Just In Case It Happens Yes Indeed Richie and Scott during the banjo break on Go And Say Goodbye Scott lets rip on Forever With You The band take a bow The band say their farewells Teresa announces the “Southern Furry Hillmen” band Richie gets the joke Richie, Aaron and Jesse on On The Way Home Aaron was rarely in the spotlight – here he is on “And Settlin Down” “I Miss My Woman” – Richie and Scott on “And Settlin Down” Aaron and Jesse exchange glances during Hurry Up Richie and Scott rocking out during C’mon Richie and Scott during Just In Case It Happens Yes Indeed Scott dons the banjo for Go And Say Goodbye Aaron and Jesse during Wake Up My Soul Richie sings on Wake up My Soul Scott excells on banjo during Wake Up My Soul Just For Me And You with Scott rocking out Scott on Crazy Eyes : playing the keyboard with banjo at the ready Scott on Crazy Eyes : playing the lap steel with banjo at the ready Scott on Crazy Eyes : close up on the lap steel Scott during his solo on Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing Close up of Jesse during her lead on Satisfied Close up on Richie during Forever With You Aaron actually gets to sing on Good Feelin To Know

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]]> Fri Jul 24 2009 Black Country Meandering - May 23rd 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1711070.html 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 ! Friday 12 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 !

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 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. Brand new National Express West Midlands Scania Omnicity BX09OZE on the approach to Walsall from West Bromwich. 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. 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. 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 Diamond Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton BN08DCF at Caldmore Green. 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. Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M457LLJ moves to the head of the queue at Bradford Place, Walsall. Proof that Sandwell Travel has TWO ex Bournemouth Dennis Dart / East Lancs ! M457/8LLJ meet at Darlaston bus station on route 334. I believe Optare Solo KS03EXG , seen in Darlaston bus station is now with Diamond, but my records show it being with Luton Airport ! Sandwell Travel’s Dennis Dart / East Lancs M458LLJ in Darlaston bus station 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) 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. 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. Thandi M892GBB, a Dennis Dart / Plaxton new to Go Ahead group, seen parked up at Bilston bus station. 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 Network West Midlands liveried trams crossing at Bilston Central station – taken from the bus station. 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. Coastal Liner’s former Bournemouth Dennis Dominator / East Lancs at Bilston bus station on the Bingo service. 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. Proof that Metrobuses were still running to Bilston. NXWM F78XOF laying over on route 528. 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. 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. 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 ! 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. Diamond’s former Zaks Dennis Dart MPD Y37YVV arrives at West Bromwich. An unusual vehicle to put on this trunk route. National Express West Midlands’ Volvo B7 / Wright BJ03EXL in the short-lived stripey livery in Sutton Coldfield. Metrobuses were still running into Sutton Coldfield as well. National Express West Midlands F70XOF on route 107. 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 former Lothian Leyland Olympian / Alexander F347WSC in Sutton Coldfield on route 904. Arriva Midlands Volvo B9TL / Wright FJ08LVS laying over in Sutton coldfield on the Tamworth – Birmingham service. Volvo B10L / Wright R461XDA is one of a few vehicles repainted in National Express West Midlands’ stripey livery. Seen in Sutton coldfield.

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]]> Fri Jun 12 2009 Buses in Solihull http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1704894.html Some photos from a trip to Solihull, May 16th 2009. The original intention of visiting Solihull was to catch up with two operators of local bus services that I had never seen before, Grosvenor Coaches (every 30 mins on route S4 to Hall Green), and Silverline (every 30 mins on route S10 to Cranes Park). There was the added bonus of new operator AM / PM Travel on route 6, who I had only briefly seen before in Birmingham. But there was plenty else of bus interest to see as well. National Express West Midlands operated most of the services, of course, and had a fair selection of vehicles there, including Metrobuses, and some of their Optare Spectras. Other operators to be seen (mostly restricted to one route each) were A&M, Central Buses, Central Connect, Claribels and Diamond. Most (but not all) routes terminate at the railway station, but most passengers chose to alight in the town centre, which has stops arranged in an L shape at the junction of Station Road and Poplar Road. All buses to the station serve the town centre also, but can traverse Station Road in either direction from the station, leading to some confusion as to which way the bus is going. There were other enthusiasts there as well, including one bloke from Birkenhead and his friend Jim, who lived locally. The weather was best described a “changeable” with sunny periods interrupted by heavy (but thankfully brief) showers. Luckily I managed to shelter, or be on a bus, during the worst of the weather. I also managed to find a fairly decent Wetherspoons for a drink. The only problem was a complete lack of signposting to any public toilets in the town ! [ Though I did manage to eventually find some] Friday 29 May 2009: Some photos from a trip to Solihull, May 16th 2009. The original intention of visiting Solihull was to catch up with two operators of local bus services that I had never seen before, Grosvenor Coaches (every 30 mins on route S4 to Hall Green), and Silverline (every 30 mins on route S10 to Cranes Park). There was the added bonus of new operator AM / PM Travel on route 6, who I had only briefly seen before in Birmingham. But there was plenty else of bus interest to see as well. National Express West Midlands operated most of the services, of course, and had a fair selection of vehicles there, including Metrobuses, and some of their Optare Spectras. Other operators to be seen (mostly restricted to one route each) were A&M, Central Buses, Central Connect, Claribels and Diamond. Most (but not all) routes terminate at the railway station, but most passengers chose to alight in the town centre, which has stops arranged in an L shape at the junction of Station Road and Poplar Road. All buses to the station serve the town centre also, but can traverse Station Road in either direction from the station, leading to some confusion as to which way the bus is going. There were other enthusiasts there as well, including one bloke from Birkenhead and his friend Jim, who lived locally. The weather was best described a _changeable_ with sunny periods interrupted by heavy (but thankfully brief) showers. Luckily I managed to shelter, or be on a bus, during the worst of the weather. I also managed to find a fairly decent Wetherspoons for a drink. The only problem was a complete lack of signposting to any public toilets in the town ! [ Though I did manage to eventually find some]

Metrobuses can still be seen in Solihull, particularly on route 41. NXWM 2835 (B835AOP) is seen loading in Station Road NXWM 4517 (BU53UMT ) is a Volvo B7TL / Wright seen in Station Road heading for the Station (but not via the direct route !) Harry Shaw H5HST is a fomrer Military Dennis Javelin / Wadham Stringer that is used on school services. Seen at Solihull School. Grosvenor Coaches N403MPN (a former Brighton & Hove Dennis Lance / Optare) seen passing Widney Manor station. It was supposed to turn in to pick up passngers – but didn’t ! Grosvenor Coaches N509KCD (a former Brighton & Hove Dennis Dart / Marshall) seen turning from Poplar Road into Station Road during one of the many cloudbursts. The vehicle managed to be running 20 minutes late on a 30 minute service. Grosvenor Coaches N611LGC, a former Stagecoach Dennis Dart / Alexander (new to Selkent, but ex Red & White) posing at Widney Manor station on route S4. AM / PM Travel Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton P101OLX (ex Metroline) seen framed between traffic lights in Poplar Road. AM / PM Travel Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton P102OLX (ex Metroline) in Station Road. NXWM 1453 (P453JOX) a Volvo B10L / Wright seen loading for Sutton Coldfield on route 71 in some inclement weather. Diamond run in to Solihull on infrequent route 175 from Wythall & Shirley. On the date in question it was being run by former London General Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton P515RYM AM / PM Travel are a new operator running a frequent service on route 6 Brimingham – Solihull, using former London Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton like R720RYL seen at the terminus at Soliull Station. This vehicle was new to London General but has subsequently been with Easirider in Huddersfield and Ensignbus. Former Metroline Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton R122RLY of AM / PM Travel seen unloading in Station Road. Routes S7 and S11 are jointly run by Central Buses and Central Connect (each provides one vehicle). Central Buses were using this former Nottingham Optare Solo S290NRB, seen parked up at the station between duties. Route 57 is a good hunting ground for National Express West Midlands batch of DAF / Optare Spectras. 4011 (S411NVP) is seen in Station Road. National Express West Midlands DAF / Optare Spectra 4020 (T420UON) laying over at Solihull Station. V800CBC is the odd vehicle out in the AM / PM Travel fleet. It is a couple of years younger than the other vehicles, and came from Scotland not London. (New to Coakley Bus of Motherwell, but has been with several Scottish operators). Seen at the terminus at Solihull station. Jim takes his life in his hand photographing V800CBC. Central Connect’s share of routes S7/11 was being run by former JP Travel Dennis Dart MPD J3JPT, seen in Poplar Road. Claribels run in to Solihull on route 72 with vehicles such as VDL SB200 / Wrights YJ54CEO seen passing through the Railway Station at great speed. Silverline run route S10 to Cranes Park (and S!2 which doesn’t run into Solihull) using Optare Solos like YJ56APK seen loading in Station Road. This was the most crowded of all the vehicles I travelled on during the day. A & M run service 60 to Leamington twice a day. Mercedes Vario / Plaxton YN54DCV is seen in Poplar Road. This was the only operator I didn't manage a ride on Two different low-floor double-deckers in the latest National Express West Midlands “livery” loading in Statin Road. On the left is 4181 (Y784TOH) an Alexander bodied Dennis Trident on route 5, on the right is 4529 (BU53UNK) a Wright bodied Volvo B7TL on route 169.

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]]> Fri May 29 2009 Farewell Stratford Low Level http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1692523.html Some photos showing the penultimate day of operation of Stratford Low Level station by London overground before it closed to cater for the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Startford International. Monday 4 May 2009: Some photos showing the penultimate day of operation of Stratford Low Level station by London overground before it closed to cater for the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Startford International.

Class 313 313110 arriving at Stratford Low Level from Richmond Class 313 313110 about to depart back to Richmond Class 313117 arriving at Stratford Low Level - notice all the people waiting on the other platform. They were given 1 minute to cross over the bridge and catch the train ! the new high level platforms look far from finished, even though they were due to open inside a week. Where is the view from Low Level along the abandoned line to North Woolwich a crowded platform at Low Level as another train arrives a poster detailing the new arrangements the London overground stations had all been rebranded, but the main signs all said

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 South Cheshire Running Day 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1687818.html Some photos from the second South Cheshire Vintage Bus Running Day, which was held at Crewe on Sunday April 5th 2009. This year the action was more distributed around the town. Services were concentrated on the bus station, although there was a display of vehicles at the Heritage Centre, and another one on Oak Street car park. Trips were offered to various destinations, though all I managed was two trips to Nantwich, one of which was extended to Bridgemere. Highlight of my day was riding on a former Barton Northern Counties bodied lowbridge AEC Regent – an experience not for the faint hearted ! The open-top ride from Crewe to Nantwich was also something to be enjoyed with hindsight, rather than at the time ! Yet again, I didn’t manage to get a ride on a former Crosville vehicle … Saturday 25 April 2009: Some photos from the second South Cheshire Vintage Bus Running Day, which was held at Crewe on Sunday April 5th 2009. This year the action was more distributed around the town. Services were concentrated on the bus station, although there was a display of vehicles at the Heritage Centre, and another one on Oak Street car park. Trips were offered to various destinations, though all I managed was two trips to Nantwich, one of which was extended to Bridgemere. Highlight of my day was riding on a former Barton Northern Counties bodied lowbridge AEC Regent _ an experience not for the faint hearted ! The open-top ride from Crewe to Nantwich was also something to be enjoyed with hindsight, rather than at the time ! Yet again, I didn_t manage to get a ride on a former Crosville vehicle _

Manchester Transport Museum provided 116JTD, a Lancashire United Guy Arab / Northern Counties. Seen at the Heritage Centre. Needless to say it never went out on service ! A regular at these events is former PMT lowbridge Leyland Atlantean / Weymann 766EVT – seen at Wells Green from a vehicle passing in the opposite direction. former Barton Northern Counties bodied lowbridge AEC Regent 851FNN at Nantwich bus station. We piled out the pub pretty hastily when this arrived ! Devon General open topLeyland Atlantean / Metro Cammell having arrived at Nantwich bus station, with the hardy souls suffering from hypothermia descending from the top deck ! The oldest bus on display was AHF850 a 1950 Wallasey Corporation Leyland PD2 / Metro Cammell, seen at the Heritage Centre. BIG4127 is a MCW Metrobus that started out with Yorkshire Traction as D703NWG. It is still used by Stanways on school services. Seen in Market Street, Crewe. Another view of Stanway former Yorkshire Traction Metrobus BIG4127, this time arriving at the Heritage Centre at the end of the day Arriva kindly rostered their oldest vehicle, former Crosville Leyland Olympian / ECW C212GTU, on the Crewe – Macclesfield service, and extended the journeys to the Heritage Centre, where it is seen arriving around 1130 am. Arriva’s former Crosville Leyland Olympian / ECW C212GTU arriving at Crewe bus station after its second trip to Macclesfield. Former Hants & Dorset Bristol FLF / ECW DEL893C seen parked up at Crewe bus station at the start of the day. Former Hants & Dorset Bristol FLF / ECW DEL893C at Nantwich bus station These events are not complete without a fake Berresfords vehicle ! Former St Helens AEC Swift / Marshall is seen turning from Edleston Road into Nantwich Road in Crewe. [To be fair, Berredfords did have some of this batch, just not this one ] EDJ244J the former St Helens AEC Swift that has been painted in Berresfords livery, parked up in Crewe bus station. Some people were more interested in photographing something else ! Former Barrow in Furness Corporation Leyland Atlantean / Northern Counties LEO734Y seen in Oak Street car park at the end of the day. The interior of Barton 851FNN show the lowbridge seating layout upstairs. Former PMT NEH466 is a regular at these events. It is a Northern Counties lowbridge bodied Leyland OPD2, which started life as a single decker. Seen parking up at Crewe bus station Former PMT Bristol VRT / ECW NEH731W arriving at the Heritage Centre late in the day. NSG869 is the prototype Albion Nimbus with Scottish Omnibuses body, restored as a Berresfords of Cheddleton vehicle (which it was in the 1970s). PMT Bristol VRT / ECW OEH604M leaving Nantwich bus station. I had to interrupt my pint to get this photo ! A view of the hardy souls braving the elements on the open-top journey from Crewe to Nantwich as it passes the former Police College. Crosville corner ! Bristol VRT / ECW RMA435V and Bristol RELL / ECW YFM280L parked up at Crewe bus station. TVT127G is a PMT Leyland Leopard PSU4 / Marshall that often appears at these rallies. Seen proceeding up Edleston Road in Crewe. Rally organiser Mark Plant brings PMT Leyland Leopard PSU4 / Marshall TVT127G into Crewe bus station Sister PMT vehicle TVT128G ( Leyland Leopard PSU4 / Marshall) was also at the rally, but didn’t go out on the road. Seen leaving the Heritage Centre at the end of the day. VWA34Y is a Leyland National Mk2 that was new to East Midland, but I’m not sure whose livery it has been preserved in. Seen arriving at the Heritage Centre early in the day. WKJ787 is a Beadle – Commer integral that provided the link from Birmingham and did a couple of trips during the day, which I never managed to catch up with. Seen arriving at the Heritage Centre late in the day. Is there really any need to say that WLT467 is an AEC / Park Royal Routemaster that was new to London Transport ?! Route 159 was the last Routemaster route of all, but this vehicle was sold before the end. Seen at Crewe bus station. The token modern bus at the rally was Wardle Transport’s Optare Versa WT58BUS, seen leaving the Heritage Centre at the end of the day. YRC191 is a Trent Leyland Tiger Cub / Alexander. Seen leaving the Heritage Centre at the end of the day. This is another vehicle which didn’t venture out on the road.

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]]> Sat Apr 25 2009 Return to Rinkingpong Road http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1678834.html Some photos of a visit to Adrian Shooter's private "Beeches Light Railway" which features a genuine Darjeeling Himalayan B class tank loco running round his garden in Oxfordshire Tuesday 7 April 2009: Some photos of a visit to Adrian Shooter's private "Beeches Light Railway" which features a genuine Darjeeling Himalayan B class tank loco running round his garden in Oxfordshire

charging the bank past the garden our first view of the loco waiting for the off the mouthwatering name of the station genuine GWR benches on the platform - which station did those come from Adrian ? check things out before the starto f the entertainment the Model T Ford railcar steam is up ! The train is ready to start negotiating traffic just like the real thing ! hitting the gradient past the garage heading up out of the woods into the paddock crossing onto the paddock loop coming out of the woods rounding the top of the paddock coming through the woods back into the platform the Ford Model T railcar at the top of the paddock the Ford Model T railcar picks up speed downhill reaching the top of the paddock running clockwise a closer view of the top of the paddock arriving at the station from the garden & shed attacking the gradient on the garden section - viewed from the train rounding the top of the paddock - viewed from the train a view of the house and garden from the train a view of the sheds from the train one of the Post Office Railway cars was in the shed some info on the Post Office Railway posted on the shed wall a map of the Post Office Railway a Simplex diesel outside the shed beginning the ascent on the garden section passing the shed at the top of the garden bank rare track ! Using the crossover at the station to switch from clockwise to anticlockwise running heading downhill past the shed the paddock is empty as the day draws to a close at the top of the paddock late in the day heading down the slope past the paddock arriving at the station in sunlight attacking the gradient past the garage - viewed from the train Colin Garratt would have approved of this driver !! the last train of the day heads up out of the woods the last train of the day rounding the top of the paddock the last train of the day arrives at the station proprietor Adrian Shooter poses for posterity in front of the mechanical elephant Adrian Shooter welcomes the first Model T Ford to arrive a second model T Ford arrives two more Fords arrive a total of 6Fords so far ... two more Fords including one as an open cab lorry more model T Fords including a shooting brake two left hand drive Model T Fords more left hand drive Fords

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]]> Tue Apr 7 2009 Independent bus operators in Staffordshire http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1674163.html This gallery is to illustrate the wide variety of independent bus operators which have run bus services in Staffordshire over the years [ though I have only had a camera since 1981, so all photos will be since that date ] Both current and historical Photos are shown on this page. The following Staffordshire independent operators already have a separate page on this site. Bakers Chase Bus D & G Green Bus (Warstone Motors) Independent operators have always been numerous in the Potteries / North Staffordshire. PMT took over a number of them in the 1950s, but five main operators survived in the 1980s. Berresfords & Stoniers were taken over by PMT in 1987 following the death of the proprietor, Turners became a PMT subsidiary in the mid 1980s, and Pooles gave up bus operations in 1989, but Proctors still run route 16 (Hanley – Werrington – Leek) as they have done since the 1920s. Since deregulation, a large number of operators have some and gone, including Green Line, Knotty Bus, Matthews and Moorland Rover. Nowadays, the main independent operators in the area are Bakers, D & G, Wardle, RML, Scraggs, Proctors and Copelands. A more unusual operator of bus services is Alton Towers Transport, who run both staff and public services to the leisure resort. Pre-deregulation, Independent operators were thinner on the ground in Mid / South Staffordshire, because Midland Red took over the two largest, Harper Brothers and Green Bus (Rugeley) in the 1970s. Large independents in the area predergulation were Happy Days (who gave up bus operation to Midland Red North in the early 1990s) and Green Bus (Warstone Motors) who still survive in a reduced form. The most successful post-deregulation independent in the area was Chase Bus who built up a large fleet before selling out to Arriva in 2007. East Staffordshire was the preserve of Stevensons of Uttoxeter who grew from being a small operator running services between Uttoxeter and Burton-upon-Trent, into one of the largest independents in the country (under the stewardship of Julian Peddle) with services stretching from Manchester to Birmingham, before they were absorbed into Midland Red North in the mid 1990s. This list of bus operators is by no means exhaustive, and you will find pictures of several others included here. Sunday 29 March 2009: This gallery is to illustrate the wide variety of independent bus operators which have run bus services in Staffordshire over the years [ though I have only had a camera since 1981, so all photos will be since that date ] Both current and historical Photos are shown on this page. The following Staffordshire independent operators already have a separate page on this site. Bakers Chase Bus D & G Green Bus (Warstone Motors) Independent operators have always been numerous in the Potteries / North Staffordshire. PMT took over a number of them in the 1950s, but five main operators survived in the 1980s. Berresfords & Stoniers were taken over by PMT in 1987 following the death of the proprietor, Turners became a PMT subsidiary in the mid 1980s, and Pooles gave up bus operations in 1989, but Proctors still run route 16 (Hanley _ Werrington _ Leek) as they have done since the 1920s. Since deregulation, a large number of operators have some and gone, including Green Line, Knotty Bus, Matthews and Moorland Rover. Nowadays, the main independent operators in the area are Bakers, D & G, Wardle, RML, Scraggs, Proctors and Copelands. A more unusual operator of bus services is Alton Towers Transport, who run both staff and public services to the leisure resort. Pre-deregulation, Independent operators were thinner on the ground in Mid / South Staffordshire, because Midland Red took over the two largest, Harper Brothers and Green Bus (Rugeley) in the 1970s. Large independents in the area predergulation were Happy Days (who gave up bus operation to Midland Red North in the early 1990s) and Green Bus (Warstone Motors) who still survive in a reduced form. The most successful post-deregulation independent in the area was Chase Bus who built up a large fleet before selling out to Arriva in 2007. East Staffordshire was the preserve of Stevensons of Uttoxeter who grew from being a small operator running services between Uttoxeter and Burton-upon-Trent, into one of the largest independents in the country (under the stewardship of Julian Peddle) with services stretching from Manchester to Birmingham, before they were absorbed into Midland Red North in the mid 1990s. This list of bus operators is by no means exhaustive, and you will find pictures of several others included here.

RML Travel have recently introduced a service between Hanley and Birches Head, and on the first day (2/9/06) used Routemaster CUV327C. A very enjoyable ride - shame about the weather ! Alton Towers have in recent years started running their own buses. Firstly for staff transport, but now they have replaced First on special public services. Most vehicles are OpTare Solos, but there is also Optare Tempo MX06ACU seen loading here at Stoke station on 2nd Sept 2006. Eagle Travel have run the Stafford - Norton Bridge - Stone eoute since September 2007, normally using this ex Stagecoach North West Mercedes 709D / Alexander. Seen in Chell Road, Stafford May 9th 2008. Wardle Travel have some Optare Versas Wardle Transport run routes 898/9 between Burslem and Ball Green / Brown Edge, on which Optare Solos are replacing ALeros. YM53EMF is seen laying over at Burslem. This vehicle is in Stoke on Trent Council City Rider livery, and was previously with D & G - this vehicles has since returned to D & G Stevensons UVT13X is a very early Leyland Tiger / Plaxton Supreme. Seen at Derby bus station in June 1982, having worked the X38 express service from Birmingham. 9685VT was a Bedford YNT that was the first full-size coach operated by Scraggs of Bucknall. It was new to Ashford Luxury of Bedfont as D922GRU. Seen in Bentilee in 1994. Knotty Bus AEC Relaince / Plaxton CYA181J seen at a POPS rally some years ago. This vehicle was ex Chiltern Queens, but was new to Hutchings and Cornelius of South Petherton, and has now returned to Somerset as part of the Rexquote heritage fleet the second bus with Scraggs was this ex Yorkshire Rider Optare City Pacer. Seen leaving Hanley bus station in 1989, it later becamse 6727VT and VOI3577 before going to an operator in Edinburgh E791CCA was the first bus (as opposed to coach) operated by Scraggs of Bucknall. It was briefly in the fleet in 1989. It was new to Smedleys in Crewe, but arrived at Scraggs from Sutherlands of Carbost. It then went to an operator in Liverpool, but was later MMM450 in the PMT fleet. Note the nostalgic line-up in the background ! Solus Coaches IUI6120 on friday only service 127 at Crewe in early 2004. Scraggs of Bucknall took over route 30 from Moorland buses. Seen on the route in 2006 was NUI6174 a Mercedes 709D / Plaxton that was new to Buzz Co-op of Harlow as N907GHJ aeminder of when Happy Days ran bus services. PRA12R was a Leyalnd Leopard / Alexander T type that was new to East Midland but passed to United and East Yorkshire before arriving at Happy Days in 1989. Seen at the old Pitcher Bank terminus in Stafford. The vehicle soon passed ot Loch Lomond. Solus Coaches SIL1891 on service 127 in Crewe Solus Coaches briefly ran service 127 (Chesterton - Crewe) in 2004, Van Hool LUI5754 is seen in Crewe bus station. Solus no longer run local bus services, but I believe still exist as a coach company. Val Coaches in Chasetown started out as a preservationist with some Bedford VALs (hence the name), but now run a number of school contracts, using mainly interesting vehicles. AAX590A is a Leyland Tiger that started out as A217VWO with National Welsh, and a Duple coach body, beofre being rebodied by East Lancs for Midland Red North. Seen in Stafford by the 10 pin bowling alley, May 1st 2009. DA51XTC is one of a number of Dennis Dart MPDs owned by Stoke on Trent City Council that passed from D & G to Wardle Travel. Seen leaving Hanley bus station in April 2008. DG52TYT is one of a number of Dennis Dart MPDs that were transferred from D & G to Wardle Transport to run route 62 (Hanley - Tunstall via Milton & Ball Green) Seen parked up at Hanley bus station latest new midicoach of Scraggs is this Mercedes / Plaxton DX09LAA seen in Cleveleys on 1st August 2009 RML Travel have J268UDW an ex Cardiff Lynx that is used on school services in Stafford. Seen in Grayfriars in april 2009 the first vehicle type that RML Travel standardised on was the Optare Metrorider. J555RML started out as J210BWU of London Northern, and arrived with RML via Guernsey, Winsford & Bromyard. Seen in Albion Street, Hanley in April 2008. Procters used Optare Metroriders on route 16 (Hanley - Leek) in the period 2004-7. K320FYG is seen at Bucknall in August 2006. This bus was a former Optare demonstrator. Wardle Travel have 3 former Hong Kong Leyland Olympian / Alexander - main for use on schools services, but also on services to Stoke City football ground. K345OFM is seen in Sneyd Green in November 2006 another Optare Metrorider with Procters was K355SCN (new to Gateshead & District, but ex McKindless of Wishaw) seen in Bucknall in September 2006 RML Travel's ex Trent (via Yorkshire Traction) Optare Metrorider M202URC leaving Stoke station on route 41, April 2008 Alton Towers have a number of Optare Solos for staff duties, including MX07BBN seen loading in Stafford in July 2007 the reserve vehicle for Eagle Travel on route 490 is N259DUR a Plaxton bodied Mercedes 709D that was new to Coopers of Dukinfield, but has been trough many operators since. Seen at Stafford station on 31sr March 2009 Eagle Travel's Stagecoach North West Mercedes 709D / Alexander N617VSS on the first day of operation of route 490 in September 2007. the first regular vehicle on RML Travel's route 40 was this unique Carlyle bodied Dennis Dart revamped with a 'Zigzag' front end. RIB7002 was new to the Isle of Man as CMN12A, then to R&I as H403VOY but was with Waverley Travel in Edinburgh before RML. It was withdrawn after about a year and has since passed to Nu-Venture in Kent

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]]> Sun Mar 29 2009 Sweetheart Town Exhibition - Denver Airport http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1672791.html Some photos of the Sweetheart Town exhibition at Denver Airport in March 2009, hightlighting the town of Loveland, colorado, and its hiatory assoication with Valentine cards. Unfortunately, this exhibition could only be seen by people crossing the bridge from the terminal to the A gates (i.e. those leaving Denver). It also occupied both sides of the bridge, and so it wasn’t feasable to see more than half the exhibition. Thursday 26 March 2009: Some photos of the Sweetheart Town exhibition at Denver Airport in March 2009, hightlighting the town of Loveland, colorado, and its hiatory assoication with Valentine cards. Unfortunately, this exhibition could only be seen by people crossing the bridge from the terminal to the A gates (i.e. those leaving Denver). It also occupied both sides of the bridge, and so it wasn_t feasable to see more than half the exhibition.

An introduction to the exhibiton giving an explanation of its scope. If you view the image full size you might be able to make out the text Some historical Valentine momentoes More early Valentine cards A Valentines sculpture Library cat – a sculpture by a Loveland artist The cowboy cupid A 19th century Valentines gift Some of Lovelands official Valentines envelopes / cards Miss Loveland Valentine Some sculptures by Loveland artists A history of art / sculpture in Loveland It’s official - Loveland celebrates the arts ! The Loveland Valentines day mail operation The official mailbox

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]]> Thu Mar 26 2009 Richie Furay Band, Nissis, March 13th 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1670237.html some photos from the Richie Furay Band gig at Nissi's in Lafayette, Colorado, March 13th 2009. An event noted for the live premiere of Crazy Eyes. All in all, a totally awesome concert ! Saturday 21 March 2009: some photos from the Richie Furay Band gig at Nissi's in Lafayette, Colorado, March 13th 2009. An event noted for the live premiere of Crazy Eyes. All in all, a totally awesome concert !

the band are introduced tuning up whoh ! Scott on banjo You Better Think Twice rocking out on Just For Me and You Scott on banjo for Crazy Eyes Jessie and Aaron

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]]> Sat Mar 21 2009 Photos 2009 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1658919.html Various photos taken during 2009. See captions for details Thursday 1 January 2009: Various photos taken during 2009. See captions for details

class 142 pacer unit 142041 on a train at the new Platform 0 in Stockport, 11th April 2009 Class 142 pacer unit 142046 at Manchester Victoria station on 18th April 2009, waiting to form an Class 144 pacer unit 144020 heading north from Meadowhall, April 11th 2009. one of the few 3 coach pacer units. Class 175 unit 175002 stopping at Whitchurch on a Manchester - Cardiff service, July 2th 209 Class 175 103 arriving at Shrewsbury with a Cardiff - Manchester train Feb 7th 2009. One of the few units left in FNW livery one of the few remaining mail trains 325001 running through Stafford in April 2009 DRS class 37 37609 on the Network Rail gauge testing train at LNWR, Crewe on 1st April 2009 Preserved 40415 parked at Crewe Diesel Depot on 2nd April 2009 class 142 unit 142095 (still in Arriva livery) leaves Barnsley with a Sheffield train on April 11th 2009. Arriva Trains Wales have some class 57s for use on the North - South Wales express Arriva Trains Wales class 57 57315 leaves Chester with the down Trans Wales Express on August 26th 2009 Class 57 57316 hads the 1615 Cardiff - Holyhead although not booked for it, Wrexham & Shropshire trains often use platform 3 at Shrewsbury (which is not normally used otherwise). 67015 has just arrived with a Marylebone to Wrexham service on Feb 7th 2009. 67015 propells a Marylebone - Wrexham service out of Shrewsbury on Feb 7th 2009. Note the mixed semaphore and colour lights signal gantry. one train a day of Wrexham & Shropshire now terminates at Shrewsbury. Driving trailer 82303 seen in bay platform 5 on 18th June 2009. class 86/7 8671 of Electric Traction outside LNWR, Crewe, 25th Sept 2009 Class 87 8714 outside LNWR, Crewe in September 2009 prior to being shipped to Bulgaria Virgin have been running 3 return trips per day between Euston and Birmingham with a Class 90 / Mk III coaches, following an accident to two Pendolinos. 90028 seen at Birmingham New Street about to depart on the 1730 to Euston, 28th May 2009 routes 2 and q12 in Birmingham are still reliable haunts for Metrobuses NXWM 2710 (A710UOE) seen in Corporation Street in Birmingham, May 16th 2009 Blackpool still has the occasional Leyland Atlantean in service. Most older vehicles seem to be on route 6, and Atlantean / East Lancs B364UBV is seen in Grasmere Road on September 12th 2009 Leyland Olympian / ECW C212GTU is possibly the last former Crosville vehicle with Arriva north West. Seen arriving at Crewe bus station on route 8 on March 7th 2009 Rossendale CU04AOP is an MAN 14.220 / MCV that was new to 2 Travel in Cardiff. SEen in Accrington bus station on 2nd May 2009. two former KMP buses at Bangor on May 30th 2009. In front is Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander CW51PBZ now with Padarnbus (but not yet repainted), and behind is Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX05JVD, now with Arriva Cymru this Arriva Optare Solo has an appropriate registration for operating for a former Crosville company ! CX09BFM is seen at Bangor, May 30th 2009 Padarnbus of Llanberis run this Alexander Dennis Dart / Enviro 200 seen leaving Bangor for Maesgerchen on 30th May 2009 Padarnbus of Llanberis run this Optare Versa seen leaving Bangor for Bethesda on 30th May 2009 Stanways ex Grimsby Leyland Tiger / Alexander E930PBE passing Crewe railway station in January 2009 on a contract to South Cheshire College the first double-decker delivered new to a North Wales independent operator for many years was Express Motors DAF DB250 / Optare Spectra EM04ORS. Seen passing Bontnewydd en route to Porthmadog, May 30th 2009 Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus 3042 F42XOF arriving at Wolverhampton bus station February 7th 2009 Wolverhampton is one of the last strongholds of Travel West Midlands Metrobuses. 3072 F72XOF is seen turning from Princess Street into Lichfield Street (heading for the bus station) February 7th 2009 Northern Blue F96PRE is Leyland Olympian / Alexander that was new to Stevensons of Uttoxeter. Seen outside Burnley bus station, laying over between the Todmorden and Bacup services, 2nd May 2009 Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus 2996 F996XOE arriving at Wolverhampton bus station February 7th 2009 Arriva Midlands 4202 FJ08LVN is one of a number of Volvo B9TL / Wright double deckers at Tamworth for services to Birmingham. Seen in Corporation St, Birmingham in April 2009 with an older Volvo B7tl with similar body of National Express West Midlands behind on 4th April 2009 Arriva Midlands FJ55BWA is a Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander in interurban livery for route 825 (Stafford - Lichfield). Seen negotiating traffic in Tenterbanks, Stafford in APril 2009 Arriva Midlands 2374 (FJ55BWD) is a Dennis Dart SLf / Alexander than is signwritten for route 825 (Stafford - Lichfield) but unusually was being used on Stafford local route 8 on May 12th 2009, seen at Gaol Square roundabout Arriva Midlands 2375 (FJ55BWE) has recently had its branding fro route 825 removed Former Travel West Midlands Leyland Lynx G166EOG of Tanat Valley laying over at Shrewsbury on service 558, February 7th 2009 this is the last photo I took of Butters Coaches of Market Drayton before they went out of business. Volvo B10M / Van Hool G999SJR seen on the Stafford service on June 23rd 2009 Despite announcement that it would be removed, Shearings GT03GGG still shows the vestigal WA (for Wallace Arnold) in its fleetnames, when passing Stafford, June 12th 2009 One of the few former Timeline vehicles still running for Arriva Midlands is Volvo B10M / Alexander Belfast H74DVM, seen arriving at Wolverhampton bus station from Telford February 7th 2009 former Cardiff Leyland Lynx J271UDW is used as a relief vehicle by Via Travel in Crewe, and usually does 2 or 3 trips per day on local routes 14/46. Seen arriving at Crewe bus station off route 14, July 25th 2009 - it then went out of service One of the oldest vehicles still running with Arriva Midlands in Stafford is J327VAW a Dennis Dart / Carlyle that was new to Williamsons in Shrewsbury. Seen arriving at Gaol Square from Sandon Road (service 4) in February 2009. a Javelin unit arriving at Ashford with an HS1 Choice Travel have adopted a new two tone red livery, as shown on Dennis Dart MPD JJZ5278 (ex X702UKS) seen at Stafford on route 880, recently taken over from A2Z. Tyrerbus of Trawden run a number of tnedered services in the Burnley area, using Darts and Soos. KX03HZD is a Transbus Dart MPD, seen outside Burnley bus station on 2nd May 2009 Arriva Midlands East Lancs bodied Dart L511BNX has recently been transferred to SDtafford despite only being 7 years old, this DAF SB120 / Wright of Arriva London has already been demoted to training duties. Seen at Northumberland Park on 8th April 2009 even in these days of small batch of various types of vehicle, it is not common to see vehicles in London with fleetnumber 1. Arriva's EN1 is an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 / Dart seen at tottenham Hale on route 192 to Enfield, April 8th 2009 when visiting a potential client in Walthamstow, I was pleasantly surprised that the only route to their premises was the W9 run by Docklands Minibuses. Alexander Dennis Dart SLF / MCV LX07BYS (ED26) seen at Wlathamstow bus station on 8th April 2009 Crewe does still sometimes see the reaminaing Arriva Dennis Dart / East Lancs in service. M220AKB heafing over Chester Bridge, July 25th 2009

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]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 Bakers Buses and Coaches http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1640511.html Bakers are a family owned Coach and Bus operator based in Biddulph, Staffordshire. They started operating minibuses in the late 1960s, and full sized coaches in the early 1970s. Their first bus services didn’t start until after deregulation in 1986, when a small amount of tendered work was won. Both using ex NBC coaches (on the C84 Crewe – Newcastle on Sundays), and minibuses (various occasional routes in the Biddulph area). A notable initiative was the start of tourist board sponsored “China Link” service in 1990, connecting various pottery factories (shops) with Stoke on Trent station. Major expansion of bus services (both tendered and commercial) started in the late 1990s when the company was briefly part of the Status Group. During this period the name Bakerbus and a blue / yellow livery was adopted for bus operations. The first major route taken over was Macclesfield to Knutsford in 1999 on behalf of Cheshire County Council. This route has since passed to Bwoers / Centrebus, but saw the first use of full sized buses (ex Northern Dennis Dart / Wrights in 2001) and new full sized buses (DAF SB120 / Wright Cadets in 2003). A major development in 2004 was the establishment of the X1 Hanley – Stafford express route, which has subsequently become a rail replacement service for local stations between Stoke and Stafford. But the rail replacement element was abandoned in September 2009, when the service was cut back to Beaconside in Stafford In 2007 local services in Congleton were rebranded as Beartown Buses using a green livery. Former Arriva routes 392/3 between Macclesfield and Stockport were taken over in January 2009, and further Stockport - Poynton area routes followed later in the year. In October 2009, the Crewe - Sandbach route of The Harrier was taken over. Saturday 17 January 2009: Bakers are a family owned Coach and Bus operator based in Biddulph, Staffordshire. They started operating minibuses in the late 1960s, and full sized coaches in the early 1970s. Their first bus services didn_t start until after deregulation in 1986, when a small amount of tendered work was won. Both using ex NBC coaches (on the C84 Crewe _ Newcastle on Sundays), and minibuses (various occasional routes in the Biddulph area). A notable initiative was the start of tourist board sponsored _China Link_ service in 1990, connecting various pottery factories (shops) with Stoke on Trent station. Major expansion of bus services (both tendered and commercial) started in the late 1990s when the company was briefly part of the Status Group. During this period the name Bakerbus and a blue / yellow livery was adopted for bus operations. The first major route taken over was Macclesfield to Knutsford in 1999 on behalf of Cheshire County Council. This route has since passed to Bwoers / Centrebus, but saw the first use of full sized buses (ex Northern Dennis Dart / Wrights in 2001) and new full sized buses (DAF SB120 / Wright Cadets in 2003). A major development in 2004 was the establishment of the X1 Hanley _ Stafford express route, which has subsequently become a rail replacement service for local stations between Stoke and Stafford. But the rail replacement element was abandoned in September 2009, when the service was cut back to Beaconside in Stafford In 2007 local services in Congleton were rebranded as Beartown Buses using a green livery. Former Arriva routes 392/3 between Macclesfield and Stockport were taken over in January 2009, and further Stockport - Poynton area routes followed later in the year. In October 2009, the Crewe - Sandbach route of The Harrier was taken over.

Bakers ex Demonstrator Volvo B10B / Plaxton Verde 5946RU parked at hanley Bus Station in 2005, whilst working service X1 Bakers ex Demonstrator Volvo B10B / Plaxton Verde was unusually on service X1 (Hanley - Stafford) several times in august 2008. Seen here at Stafford rail station A line up of Bakers vehicles in the parking area at Hanley bus station, April 19th 2008. From left a Plaxton Primo ex City Clipper in Southampton, a DAF / Wright Cadet new to Bakers, and a Mercedes Vario / Plaxton ex South Lancs Bakers have 2 Plaxton Primos ex City Clipper of Southampton, one of which is MX07BBE, seen parked up at Hanley bus station, April 19th 2008. These vehicles are normally used on route 33 (Newcastle – Westlands) though this one appears to have just worked on route 77 (Congleton – Hanley) which is interworked with the 33 on Saturdays. Bakers frequently used this on loan Optare Solo MX07NTJ on Crewe - Nantwich services 44/45 during their brief period of operation. Seen in Gresty Road, Crewe Bakers of Biddulph have recently obtained a batch of Volvo B6LE / Alexander from Burnley & PEndle (but new to GM South). P346LND is seen at Stafford on the X1 on 9th October 2008, still in B & P livery Bakers took over the Crewe- Nantwich routes of Best Bus at short notice after that firm folded. R948AMB is seen crossing Nantwich Road on the 44 on the first day of service (24/5/08) An unusual occurance on April 19 th 2008, was the use of Mercedes Vario / Plaxton T49JBA by Bakers on route X1 (Hanley – Stafford). This route normally uses full sized vehicles or, failing that, Optare Solos. This vehicle was new to MacLennan of Laxey Lochs. Bakers took over the Crewe - Nantwich routes of Best Bus at short notice after that firm folded. T49JBA is seen in Crewe bus station on the 44 on the first day of service (24/5/08) on 24/11/08 Bakers were operating former DeCourcey Travel Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall on route X1, seen at Stafford station. Don't know yet if this is just on loan or not. Bakerbus had some VDL SB120 / Wright Cadets in Cheshire County Council livery. Normally used on the Knutsford - Macclesfield route, YJ53VEA is seen entering Crewe bus station on the Crewe - Newcastle Sunday service, soon after that was taken over from First in January 2006. THese vehicles have since passed along with the service to Bowers of Chapel-en-le-Frith a new arrival at Bakers in June 2009 was YN53GFX a Scania Omnicity that came from a fly-park service operator at Heathrow. Seen in Stafford on route 101 3093RU is a Caetano bodied Volvo B12B seen on Weston Road in Crewe in April 2004. 3353RU is a Caetano bodied Volvo B10M new in 2001, seen at Crewe railway station in October 2007. amongst the latest coaches with Bakers is 3563RU which is a Scania K114/ Berkhof, seen at Crewe station on rail replacement in Decmeber 2008. Volvo B10M / Plaxton 3601RU on Nantwich Road in Crewe, September 2009 Volvo B10M / Plaxton 3601RU seen at Crewe station on rail replacement duty 4085RU is a Plaxton bodied Volvo B10M that was new to Tellings Golden Miller as T30TGM. Seen parked in Weston Road, Crewe whilst on rail replacement in October 2003. Former demonstrator Volvo B10B / Plaxton Verde 5946RU seen at Stoke station on the X1 to Stafford in September 2006 A pair of Bakers Coaches parked at Crewe railway station in August 2001, headed by Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7092RU. Scania K114 / Irizar 8399RU swwn in Gresty Road, Crewe on 12th Sept 2009 Scania K114 / Irizar 8830RU parked in Weston Road, Crewe whilst on rail replacement in October 2003. 9595RU is a Scania L113CRL / Wright that started life as N162KPS in the Orkneys, but came to Bakers from Bob Smith Travel in County Durham. It is used as the spare vehicle for the X1 service - but always seemed to avoid my camera. Seen at the Stafford terminus, opposite the railway station in OCtober 2008 Bakers first stage service was the Sunday operation of the Crewe – Newcastle service C84 in the late 1980s which used ex NBC coaches. Former Wessex Leyland Leopard / Duple GDF279V is seen in Mill Street,Crewe in the summer of 1988. Alexander Dennis Enviro Dart 200 KX09CHZ coming onto stand at Stockport bus Station, Oct 10 2009, to work service 372 to Bramhall Alexander Dennis Enviro Dart 200 KX58GSZ leaves Stockport on route 393 to Macclesfield October 30th was the first day in service for Plaxton Primo KX59GOA on the Harrier service - seen here passing Crewe rail station. Note to driver : making facing like that is dangerous whilst still moving !! MX04VMH was an Optare Solo that was on loan briefly in autumn 2006. Seen on the X1 opposite Stafford station. Optare Solo MX5OTN passing Crewe station whilst working dead to Sandbach to take up the next duty on route 32 - October 30th 2009. This working only occurs in school holidays. MX05OTP is an Optare Solo that is normally used on the Biddulph to Stoke route 9, but is seen here at Gaul Square in Stafford on the X1 in May 2007. Optare Solo seen in Oak Street, Crewe during the period when Bakers ran the Sunday service on route 85 Crewe – Newcastle Plaxton Primo MX7BBE passing Crewe station on Harrier route D1, 29th October 2009 V117ESL is a Mercedes Vario / Plaxton that came to Bakers from Moffat and Williamson in Fife. Seen leaving Hanley bus station for Congleton in April 2008 V723GGE is a Mercedes Vario / Plaxton that came from MacLennans Coaches in the Hebridies. Seen in Congleton on a town service to West Heath in September 2004 X282MSP is a Mercedes Vario O814D / Plaxton that was ex Dochertys of Auchterarder. Seen in Old Hall Street, Hanley in September 2006. DAF SB120 / Wright YJ54CEY is seen unusually facing northbound at Stafford station, having just returned from the Castlefields loop - July 2009 YJ54CEY is one of three DAF SB120 / Wright lettered for the X1 Hanley - Stafford service. Seen in Gaol Square in Stafford in July 2008 DAF SB120 / Wright YJ54CEY seen leaving Hanley for Biddulph when almost new in January 2005. YJ54CFA is a DAF SB120 / Wright that is normally used on the X1 Hanley – Stafford service, but is seen here leaving Crewe bus station on the 85 to Newcastle in September 2006. VDL SB120 / Wright YJ55KZT is seen opposite Stafford station on route X1 to Hanley in January 2007.

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]]> Sat Jan 17 2009 Welsh Highland Railway http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1605318.html some photos of the rebuilt Weslh Highland Railway. Mainly a return trip on the line from Caernarfon to Rydd Ddu in August 2004, and a visit to Caernarfon station in July 2008 Sunday 2 November 2008: some photos of the rebuilt Weslh Highland Railway. Mainly a return trip on the line from Caernarfon to Rydd Ddu in August 2004, and a visit to Caernarfon station in July 2008

Garratt 143 departing Rydd Ddu with a train fro Caernarfon in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 at Dinas, heading for Rydd Ddu in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 running round the train at Rhyd Ddu in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 still running round the train at Rhyd Ddu in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 backing onto the train at Rydd Ddu in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 waiting to leave Rydd Ddu for Caernarfon in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 heads away from Rydd Ddu for Caernarfon in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 138 running round the train at Rhyd Ddu in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 138 on the great curve between Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger in August 2004 NGG16 Garratt 143 arriving at Waunfawr with a train for Rhyd Ddu in August 2004. NGG16 Garratt 143 taking water at Waunfawr en route to Rhyd Ddu in August 2004. The two NG15 2-8-2 locos on display at Dinas in August 2004. NGG16 Garratt 138 in the headshunt at Caernarfon in August 2004. NGG16 Garratt 138 at Dinas with the afternoon train for Rhyd Ddu in August 2004. NGG16 Garratt 138 lets off steam when departing Dinas for Rhyd Ddu in August 2004 The steam clears as NGG16 Garratt 138 departs Dinas for Rhyd Ddu in August 2004 Pioneer Garratt K1 arrives at Caernarfon in July 2008. Pioneer Garratt K1 gets closer to arriving at Caernarfon in July 2008. Pioneer Garratt K1 has arrived at Caernarfon in July 2008. Pioneer Garratt K1 in the headshunt at Caernarfon in July 2008. Pioneer Garratt K1 runs round the train at Caernarfon in July 2008. NGG16 Garratt 143 approaches Caernarfon in July 2008. NGG16 Garratt 143 has arrived at Caernarfon in July 2008. Passengers disembark at Caernarfon in July 2008, having arrived behind NGG16 Garratt 143. NGG16 Garratt 143 in the headshunt at Caernarfon in July 2008. NGG16 Garratt no 87 approaching Caernarfon with the first train of the day (at 2.15pm !) May 30th 2009 NGG16 Garratt no 87 passing the former junction with the line to Llanberis, May 30th 2009

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]]> Sun Nov 2 2008 Potteries Connection 2008 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1600768.html The Potteries Connection 2008, was held on 21st September and was again blessed by glorious weather. Once more it was held at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, which provided a great backdrop for photos. A varied selection of vehicles provided trips to several places for those whose wished to ride. I had journeys out to Cheadle, Trentham Gardens, Stoke and the Foxfield railway. An excellent day out - see you all again next year ! Saturday 25 October 2008: The Potteries Connection 2008, was held on 21st September and was again blessed by glorious weather. Once more it was held at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, which provided a great backdrop for photos. A varied selection of vehicles provided trips to several places for those whose wished to ride. I had journeys out to Cheadle, Trentham Gardens, Stoke and the Foxfield railway. An excellent day out - see you all again next year !

5056HA is a Midalnd Red S15 Midland Red S15 5056HA seen at Trentham Gardens Ribble 'white lady' double deck coach Leyland PD2 / East Lancs DCK219 parked next to Aec Regal / Harrington URE281 Ribble 'white lady' double deck coach Leyland PD2 / East Lancs DCK219 seen in Cheadle a recent arrival at Stanways is ex Grimsby Leyland Tiger / Alexander P, E930PBE Stanways ex Grimsby Leyland Tiger / Alexander P, E930PBE posed in front of the Gladstone museum's bottle kilns former Trent / Midland General Bristol RELL / ECW FRB208H arriving at the rally site a recent arrival in preservation is former Midland red west Leyland Lynx G142HNP. Seen at the rally site still in First Leicester livery Royal Blue Bristol MW / ECW HDV638E basking in the sunshine Crosville Bristol RELH / ECW HFM573D seen in front of the museum former PMT Bristol RESL / ECW JEH198K posed in front of the bottle kilns at the Gladstone Pottery Museum Midland Red South Leyland National JOX506P at the rally site Midland Red South Leyland National JOX506P approaching Stoke on Trent station LFJ859W is a Bristol VRT / ECW that is described as Bristol VRT / ECW LFJ859W at Stoke on trent station the fake Berresfords Bedford / Plaxton parked next to the Leicester Leyland PD£ / East Lancs Barton AEC REliance / Plaxton MRR811K worked the connecting service from Crewe PMT Leyland OPD2 / Northern Counties NEH466 is a regular at these events NXL847 is an AEC Regal / Duple that wass new to Esstern Belle of London in whose livery it is preserved. AEC Regal / Duple NXL847 seen at the Foxfield Railway ORS60R is a Leyland Leopard PSU4 / Alexander Y that was new to Grampian United Auto Bristol RELH SHN80L and Royal Blue Bristol MW HDV638E at the rally site ex United Auto Bristol RELH / ECW DP SHN80L at Stone another view of ex United Auto Bristol RELH / ECW DP SHN80L at Stone late in the day Copelands brought along this ex St Helens AEC Swift - and advertised it for sale ! PMT Bristol VR / ECW URF677S basks in the sunshine at the rally site Bedford VAL / Plaxton WWY115G arriving at the rally site. Unfortunately this didn't go out onservcie this Bedford YRQ / Plaxton is really KPC204P, but is carrying registration PRS720M which was operated by local indepenedent Berresfords of Cheddleton - but was a Ford R1014 / Duple !

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]]> Sat Oct 25 2008 Further Trips to Loveland and Estes Park http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1593390.html Photos from my further trips ot Loveland, CO to visit the wonderful Karla. 1. 4 days celebrating my 50th birthday in August 2008. Included the Poco concert in Estes Park which has a separate gallery. 2. 4 days in March 2009 - included the Richie Furay concert in a separate gallery 3. 8 days in July 2009 Friday 10 October 2008: Photos from my further trips ot Loveland, CO to visit the wonderful Karla. 1. 4 days celebrating my 50th birthday in August 2008. Included the Poco concert in Estes Park which has a separate gallery. 2. 4 days in March 2009 - included the Richie Furay concert in a separate gallery 3. 8 days in July 2009

the world's most famous bottle of Non Alcoholic Becks makes it to Colorado ! BNSF at Loveland, July 2009 I never realised the chocolate strawberries would be so huge ! the Stanley Park Hotel in Estes Park was used to film Stephen King's The Shining - and also Karla's honeymoon ! ER1 ER2 ER3 ER4 ER5 ER6 ER7 ER8 ER9 ER10 ER11 Entering Estes Park with Lake Estes on the left Fate- part of the sculpture at Loveland Lake Karla gives a wave, whilst Karen contemplates a Skinny Dip ! the back of Karla's beautiful blue house the front of Karla's beautiful blue house sculpture at Loveland Lake - March 2009 the Leaning Stool of Loveland - sit on it at your peril ! one of the Hearts of Loveland one of the Hearts of Loveland six new hearts being displayed at Summerfest, Loveland July 2009 Lego my heart in the heart of the mountains later some hearts were moved to a different location in the park Loveland Lake Loveland Lake 2 Loveland Lake 3 Loveland Lake 4 a view of the mountains from Loveland Lake - March 2009 they still have Safeway in the USA the store guide in Safeway, Loveland. A very useful idea that we don't have in the UK lovers sculpture in Loveland town park you get some really interesting skies in Colorado an unfortunately named bar in Loveland. The twerm a tree stump that has been sculpted into a cat in Loveland Karen demonstates the knack of growing tomatoes Karen feeds Rorkie Rorkie

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]]> Fri Oct 10 2008 Farewell to KMP http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1563569.html Some photos of KMP buses, taken on a trip to North Wales in July 2008, shortly before sale of the Caernarfon – Llandudno route to Arriva. Sunday 17 August 2008: Some photos of KMP buses, taken on a trip to North Wales in July 2008, shortly before sale of the Caernarfon _ Llandudno route to Arriva.

A pair of Volvo B7RLE / Wright passing in Bangor. CX55FAJ heading for Llangefni and CX04HRN heading for Llanberis (despite what it says on the blind !) Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX04HRN at Bangor Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX04HRP entering the “interchange” at Llanberis Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX04HRR heading for Llanberis at Caernarfon Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander CX51EZJ at Ysbyty Gwynedd heading for Bangor Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX55FAF passes Conwy Castle heading for Bangor Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX55FAJ at Bangor Volvo B7RLE / Wright CX57BZO at Ysbyty Gwynedd heading for Caernarfon ex Lothian Volvo Olympian / Alexander L959MSC arriving at Llanberis from Pen-y-Pass on the Snowdon Sherpa service. Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton M777KMP at Caernarfon heading for Llanberis Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton M777KMP at Caernarfon heading for Llandudno Mercedes 814D / Mellor N848FDT leaving Caernarfon for Beddgelert ex Plymouth Leyland Atlantean / East Lancs ODV203W arriving at Llanberis “interchange” ex Plymouth Leyland Atlantean / East Lancs ODV203W leaving Llanberis “interchange” for Pen-y-Pass Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander P7KMP reversing at Llanrug on a Caernarfon – Llanberis working having met the vehicle operating the return working on a blind corner. Dennis Dart SLF / Alexander S377MCC arriving at Bangor from Llanberis Former Astons of Kempsey Dennis Dart MPD / Plaxton W632RNP leaving Llanberis “interchange” for Bangor ex Stones of Leigh Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Y91RWH at Conwy heading for Llandudno

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]]> Sun Aug 17 2008 Poco Concert - Estes Park, CO August 9th 2008 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1562337.html Some photos from the Poco concert at Estes Park, Colorado on August 9th 2008. This was my 50th birthday present to myself. Seeing my favourite group in spectacular surroundings, and sitting next to my favourite woman. The only drawback was the weather. After the concert I was given a birthday card signed by the group ! Current group line-up (in case you didn’t know) Paul Cotton Rusty Young Jack Sundrud George Lawrence (om drums – not photographed) More details on www.poconut.com Saturday 16 August 2008: Some photos from the Poco concert at Estes Park, Colorado on August 9th 2008. This was my 50th birthday present to myself. Seeing my favourite group in spectacular surroundings, and sitting next to my favourite woman. The only drawback was the weather. After the concert I was given a birthday card signed by the group ! Current group line-up (in case you didn_t know) Paul Cotton Rusty Young Jack Sundrud George Lawrence (om drums _ not photographed) More details on www.poconut.com

The spectacular setting for the concert – this is the view from the car park ! The between groups continuity was provided by “Sir” CW Colt. A nice guy even if I didn’t think much of his songs. Poco sound check Rusty has a beer – given to him by Beerforrusty ! A very rare photo – Rusty with a baseball cap on the right way round ! [ Under The Gun] Rusty renews his acquitance with “Mandi” [ Under The Gun] The boys rock out on Call It Love Paul plays the Rose of Cimarron solo Rusty is “Pickin Up Th’ Pieces” A Poco concert sure is a “Good Feelin To Know” ! The guys go acoustic for Keep On Trying – note Paul’s natty guitar strap. Jack goes solo for “Hard Country” Rusty on pedal steel for Magnolia Jack on bass for Magnolia Paul sings Dancing away to Heart of the Night A general view of the concert setting – this was during the interminable Firefall soundcheck.

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]]> Sat Aug 16 2008 South Cheshire Running Day http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1555616.html Some photos from the South Cheshire Classic Bus Running Day, which was held at Crewe Heritage Centre on August 3rd 2008. An enjoyable day out, with plenty of interesting vehicles to ride on. I had trips to Nantwich and Weston, and you could have gone to Sandbach and Bridgemere also. Just disappointed that I missed the Crosville Lodekka and REs running Sunday 3 August 2008: Some photos from the South Cheshire Classic Bus Running Day, which was held at Crewe Heritage Centre on August 3rd 2008. An enjoyable day out, with plenty of interesting vehicles to ride on. I had trips to Nantwich and Weston, and you could have gone to Sandbach and Bridgemere also. Just disappointed that I missed the Crosville Lodekka and REs running

PMT Leyland Atlantean / Weymann 766EVT on Oak St car park before taking up duty PMT Leyland Olympian / ECW A747JRE at Crewe station with one of the morning connecting journeys PMT Leyland Olympian / ECW A747JRE leaving the heritage centre for Sandbach one of the stars of the show was PMT Daimler Fleetline / Alexander BEH147H, though unfortunately this was not in service BIG8385 is a former Citybus (Hong Kong) Leyland Olympian / Alexander that is now with Patron Travel in Nottinghamshire. Seen on Oak Street car park. Former Crosville Bristol Lodekka FS AFM402A (originally 319PFM) leaving the Heritage Centre at the end of the day. former Midland General Bristol RE / ECW FRB208H spend much of the day parked at Crewe bus station Crosville Bristol RE / ECW HFM196J parked at Oak Street car park early in the day a lineup at the Heritage Centre from left Wallasey Leyland PD2 / Metro Cammell AHF850, Crosville Bristol RE UFM52F, PMT Leyland Leopard / Marshall TVT127G Warrington Bristol RE / East Lancs LED71P and YDZ3458 a Leyland Tiger / East Lancs rebody that has just been acquired by RML Travel fromn Stagecoach Lincolnshire Former Bournemouth (and Thamesdown) Leyland Fleetline / Alexander at Nantwich bus station Former Bournemouth (and Thamesdown) Leyland Fleetline / Alexander leaving Crewe bus station to return to the heritage centre former Barton AEC Relaince / Plaxton MRR811K seen arriving at Crewe bus Station from Nantwich Devon General Leyland Atlantean / Metro Cammell arriving at Crewe bus station Devon General Leyland Atlantean / Metro Cammell at Weston a view of AEC Routemaster WLT467 and Barton AEC Reliance MRR811K on Oak St car park PMT Bristol VR / ECW arriving at the heritage centre - this was the most worked vehicle of the day ! Crosville Cristol RELH / ECW TFM267K parked at the heritage centre Crosville Bristol RELL / ECW UFM52F AEC Routemaster WLT467 at Weston

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]]> Sun Aug 3 2008 Potteries Bus Rally 2008 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1513175.html some photos from the POPS bus rally on 11th May 2008. Held at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, which is in it's own extensive grounds south of Stoke-on-Trent. An event blessed by excellent weather, and a good turnout of both vehicles and crowds. Well organised with special services of vintage vehicles giving rides. The only problem was the lack of any pubs nearby ! Sunday 18 May 2008: some photos from the POPS bus rally on 11th May 2008. Held at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, which is in it's own extensive grounds south of Stoke-on-Trent. An event blessed by excellent weather, and a good turnout of both vehicles and crowds. Well organised with special services of vintage vehicles giving rides. The only problem was the lack of any pubs nearby !

JJD515D is an AEC Routemaster that is now with Meadows of Crewe. Former Midland General Bristol RELH / ECW DP TCH274L at Hanley bus station with connecting service ETA280 is a prewar Dennis Ace, one of many vehicles displayed by Mr Emerton of Nantwich. I have no idea of the history of this vehicle. HL7538 is a prewar Leyland Cub with Roe body, that was for many years with Pritchards on Anglesey, though presumably new to someone in Yorkshire. Another of Mr Emerton’s vehicles. JBF169N is a Daimler Fleetline / Northern Counties new to Turners of Brown Edge, recently repatriated after spending many years on the continent. NKR529 is a Crossley SD42 with Brockhouse (?) body, that used to be with Fishers of Bronington, though presumably new to a Kent operator. Another of Mr Emerton’s vehicles. WKJ787 is a Beadle / Commer integral rebuild. The livery it is shown in is Island Tours of the isle of Wight, but it’s history prior to that is unknown. The vehicle went out on service, but I never managed to catch up with it. PRA109R is a Leyland Leopard / Alexander T type, that was new to Trent (then to Lancaster) but is preserved in the livery of Whites / Chesterfield Transport. CHG541 is a Leyland Tiger PS2 / East Lancs that was new to Burnley, Colne & Nelson. Seen posed on the way to Stone. A closer view of Leyland Tiger PS2 / East Lancs CHG541 Leyland Tiger PS2 / East Lancs CHG541 seen pulling away from Stone to return to the rally. WPH139Y is a Leyland Tiger / East Lancs rebody (it was new to London Country with an ECW coach body). It is preserved is the “classic” Midland Red livery that was briefly adopted by Midland Red North in the early 1990s, but I’m not sure if it ever carried that livery. And the shade of red is definitely wrong ! Seen picking up at Stone to return to the rally. There were a number of former Trent vehicles at the rally, including Leyland Tiger Cub / Alexander Y type HRC102C. An earlier ex Trent Leyland Tiger Cub / Alexander is YRC191. ex Devon General AEC Reliance / Willowbrook TUO74J seen loading at the rally site ex Devon General AEC Reliance / Willowbrook TUO74J at Trentham Gardens DTJ58 is a prewar Leyland Tiger TS8 new to Rawtenstall Corporation. Seen arriving on the departure stand for one of the services MRR811K is seemingly a typical 1970s Barton Plaxton coach. But closer inspection shows it is one of only a few AEC Reliances they operated, and was sold to London Country after 5 years service. PYY28D is a Bedford J2 / Duple Midland that was new as a non PSV to the Royal Household (as KLP1D). WLT467 is an AEC Routemaster that is now preserved. Seen leaving the rally site on the service to Trentham Gardens. the registration DIG6213 disguises the fact that this Mercedes 709D / Plaxton was originally J430WFA with PMT, and was one of a very few minbuses painted in Turners livery. It is now with an operator in the Brighton area. FRP692 is a 1950 Bristol KS / ECW that was new to United Counties. NDV537G is a Leyland Atlantean / MCW that was new to Devon General. Seen after depositing its passengers having been on one of the special services. TVT127G is a Leyland Leopard / Marshall that was new to PMT. Seen about to load passengers for one of the services – but not to Longton ! AYR339T is a Leyland National that was new to London Transport, but spent 17 years with Chase Bus, in whose livery it is preserved. Seen leaving the site on one of the special services. Leyland Leopard / Alexander T type PRA109R coming up the impressive entrance drive to the site.

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]]> Sun May 18 2008 Photos 2006 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1496494.html Miscellaneous photos taken in 2006. See captions for further details Sunday 20 April 2008: Miscellaneous photos taken in 2006. See captions for further details

one for all lovers of Optare Solos everywhere ! The sight which greeted me when I arrived in Hanley on Sept 2nd 2006. Arriva's Crewe garage normally only uses it's doubledeckers on schools services, but occasionally they escape onto other route, as here ex Ribble Leyland Olympian / ECW 3049 (B149TRN) on route 44 to Nantwich Arriva North West have taken delivery of 12 Plaxton Centros for use on the Crewe - Winsford - Northwich corridor, including CX56CEF seen here at Crewe bus station. Jelgavas Autobusu Parks (Latvia) run this ex Berlin MAN double-decker in normal service on route 1 (Tuski - Centre - Ozolciems). Seen heading into town on 26th August 2006. exrtra buses for the Shrewsbury Flower Festival meant that Arriva used some Schoolbus liveried vehicles in normal service over the weekend of 11-13th August. Volvo Citybus F11TML is seen passing Stafford station on route to Cannock on 11th August 2006 First Potteries route 20 (Crewe - Hanley) still sees oocasional use of double deckers such as ex Yorkshire Rider Leyalnd Olympian / Northern Counties 30069 (F160XYG) seen here leaving Crewe bus station seen at Manchester Airport on 25th August 2006 was this Volvo artic of Ensign bus on loan to the airport for staff shuttle duties one of only two Mark I Leyalnd Lynxes left with Arriva North West is 1747 (G327NUM) a t Crewe. It is often on the Newcastle (85) route as seen here at Crewe railway station. This route is due to pass to Arriva Midlands at the end of this month. in summer 2006 Arriva ran an open-top service between Betws-y-Coed and Pen-y-Pass via Capel Curig using this Scania which was new to Liverline. The ride is THOROUGHLY RECOMMENDED !! this former GM Buses MCW Metrobus is still running with Imperial Travel. Seen at Harlow on service H1 (Harlow - Epping - Loughton) in July 2006. Prior to Imperial it was with Cottrells of Mitcheldean for many years. this vehicle H263MFX is also running a Stoke-on-Trent to Alton Towers service. Not Yellow Buses of Borunemouth as it claims, but Coastal Liner of Wolverhampton. I think it is an East Lancs bodied Dennis Dominator. Volvo B10m / Alexander Q H575DVM came to Arriva Midlands when they took over the Shropshire routes of Timeline. Seen in Stafford in July 2006. Note the destination Walters Limos of Oxfordshire have bought a pair of ex Hylton & Dawson Bedford / Plaxton buses, including HDZ102 seen at the garage in January 2006, still in H & D livery a Berfhof bodied coach of Formby Coachways seen in Llanberis in September 2006 the most recent Arriva double secker at Crewe garage is 3341 (M921PKN), an Olympian / Northern Counties ex Arriva Kent & Sussex Nottingham City Transport have repainted this Volvo Olympian / East Lancs into traditional South Notts livery. Ogdens of St Helens have recently started running local bus services again. Ex Halton Dennis Dart / Marshall X402XFL is seen at St Helens bus station on outw 14 (Prescot - Haydock) the beach a Ribadasella (northern Spain) - a view from my hotel room the waterfront at Ribadasella (northern Spain), with its spectacular backdrop of mountains Arriva recently had Optare Tempo demonstraton YJ06FZK on loan at Cannock garage, and it was regularly used on the routes to Stafford where it is seen First PMT have recent taken delivery of a batch of 10 Scania Omnicity for use on route 101 (Hanley - Stafford). Most have route branding, but 65034 (YN06WMF) seen here in Stafford evidently does not !

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]]> Sun Apr 20 2008 Photos 2007 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1496492.html Miscellaneous Photos taken in 2007. See captions for further details. Sunday 20 April 2008: Miscellaneous Photos taken in 2007. See captions for further details.

Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus 2726 (A726UOE) passing Gaol Square in Stafford for the V Festival shuttle service August 2007. Hulley, Baslow recently took delivery of 2 MAN 14.220 / MCV Evolution (the first full-size low floor vehicles bought new), the second of which is AE55EHL, seen at Baslow on the Bakewell service in July 2007. Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus 2795 (B795AOC) at Stafford Station for the V Festival shuttle service August 2007. TWM Metrobus 2869 (B869DOM) arriving at Stafford station on the V Festival shuttle service in August 2007. With the fabled Tony hunter at the wheel apparantly ! Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus 2900 (C900FON) at Stafford Station for the V Festival shuttle service August 2007. on February 24th 2007, Choice travel were using this Shropshire bus liveried Optare Solo on the Wolverhampton - Bilston TWM MCW Metrobus F102XOF passing Broad Eye Windmill in Stafford on the V Festival shuttle in August 2007. Note the destination ! A comparison of liveries in Chell Road, Stafford. Arriva 3727 (YJ57BUA) is a VDL SB200 / Wright, liveried for routes 74/75 (Cannock – Stafford), whilst 2376 (FJ55BWF) is an Alexander Dennis Dart SLF liveried for route 825 (Lichfield – Stafford). 2376 is returning ot the depot, but 3727 is continuing to Stafford hospital. West Midlands Travel have recently transferred some Leyland Lynxes to Walsall, including 1290 G290EOG seen at Bloxwich on the occasion of the Chase Coaches Leyland Natinal farewell is formaer Colchester / Arriva Cymru Leyland Lynx was still running in Cannock in September. G40YHJ is seen at Great Wyrley on the Walsall service one of the former UK North Volvo B6 / Plaxton to find new operators is L410GPY with PAt Coaches seen here on the Wrexham TownLink service in April 2007 this Optare Solo started life with Alton Towers, but has since worked for many branches of Veolia. Seen st York in November 2007 First Manchester Metroshuttle liveried Optare Solo 53149 (MX54GZG) by Eastlands Stadium October 13 2007. I've no idea why it was there. P151KSM is one of a small batch of Mercedes O405 / Optare that were new to McEwans of Dumfries, and later passed to East Yorkshire. Seen at the War Memorial in York (just round the corner from the rail station) terminus of the route to Pocklington in August 2007. R408FFC is a Dennis Dart SLF / Wright with Oxford bus Co, seen in Magdalen Street in September 2007 one of the oldest Mertobuses still in service with Travel West Midlands is 2650 ROX650Y seen at Rushall a recent arrival at Choice Travel is Dennis Dart / Plaxton S582PGB. Seen in Stafford on the 880 service in April 2007. Will the person who claimed this vehicle is NOT ex Gibson Direct please identify himself, and say where the vehicle did come from ?! Dennis Enviro Dart 200 demonstrator SN56AYA seen on loan to Jim Stones at Leigh Bus Station, 17th February 2007 one of the Plaxton Panthers recently delivered to Stagecoach for Megabus work SV07ADU seen in Edinburgh Leons of Finningley were taken over by MASS Transit early in 2005, but on August 25th 2007, Dennis Trident W599GCW was still in their livery as it arrived in Doncaster on service 191. A week later, this vehicle ran the last journey on this route before First took over. Oxford Bus Co 816 (W816FBW) Volvo B10BLE / Wright has been repainted in traditional City of Oxford colours. Seen in Oxford high Street on 15th September 2007. Oxford Bus Co 817 (W817FBW) Volvo B10BLE / Wright has been repainted in Oxford Tramways livery. Seen in Oxford high Street on 15th September 2007. Y293HUA is a DAF SB120 / Wright that has recently been acquired by Hulley, Baslow ex K-Line, Honley. Seen arriving in Bakewell from Over Haddon (before continuing to Chesterfield) in July 2007. for some reason Arriva Cymru Optare Tempo YJ06XRO (lettered for the TrawsCambria Aberystwyth - Cardiff service) was seen heading through Rushall (near Walsall) on 24th February 2007 YJ07JWU is a DAF SB120 / Plaxton Centro with TM Travel, Staveley seen awaiting rail replacement duties at Derby in October 2007 Tanat Valley have some Optare Tempos for service X75 (Shrewsbury - Llanidloes) including YJ56ATV seen parked up by Shrewsbury bus station in November 2007 Arriva 3729 (YJ57BPZ), a Wright bodied VDL SB200, on display in Stafford Town centre in October 2007, prior to introduction of the Vhase Linx services 74/75 between Stafford and Cannock. Arriva 3728 (YJ57BUE), a Wright bodied VDL SB200, in Chell Road, Stafford, waiting to leave for Cannock, on the first day of operation. First York Wright Streetcar 19011 (YN06ATX) arriving at York Station bound for Acomb in August 2007.

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]]> Sun Apr 20 2008 A Trip to Estes Park, Colorado http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1495533.html photos taken on a trip from Loveland, CO to Estes Park, CO via Big Thompson Canyon, and on the the Rocky mountain national Park beyond. Started off in a snowstorm, but the sun came out later on. Apologies for the lack of captions on some of these. I don't know what they are pictures of ! Friday 18 April 2008: photos taken on a trip from Loveland, CO to Estes Park, CO via Big Thompson Canyon, and on the the Rocky mountain national Park beyond. Started off in a snowstorm, but the sun came out later on. Apologies for the lack of captions on some of these. I don't know what they are pictures of !

the Riverside Elkes plot their revenge attack on the Poco concert at Estes Park, CO the entrance to Big Thompson Canyon rock formation in Big Thompson Canyon the snowstorm at its height a another the skies eventualy cleared two elks are etter than one equine therapy ? a better view of the famous twin owls the river in the town centre a close up view of an elk a view across Lake Estes looking South West a view across Lake Estes looking south a view across Lake Estes, looking south east a view across Lake Estes looking East welcome to Estes Park bighorn sheep by the side of the road in Big Thompson Canyon

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]]> Fri Apr 18 2008 Poconut Hoedown 2008 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1491582.html The Poconut Hoedown is held in Borrego Springs, California every March / April, by a group of CRAZY people who met through the website of the group Poco (www.poconut.com) The main purpose of the gathering is to play music, but there is also, good beer, good food, good conversation, even good jigsaw puzzles ! These photos are from the 2008 event (April 3-5), the biggest and best yet. Apologies for the quality of some of these. They were taken with a new camera whose manual has already been lost, and deliberately avoided using flash. MOM ! MOM ! MOM ! MOM ! MOM ! Friday 11 April 2008: The Poconut Hoedown is held in Borrego Springs, California every March / April, by a group of CRAZY people who met through the website of the group Poco (www.poconut.com) The main purpose of the gathering is to play music, but there is also, good beer, good food, good conversation, even good jigsaw puzzles ! These photos are from the 2008 event (April 3-5), the biggest and best yet. Apologies for the quality of some of these. They were taken with a new camera whose manual has already been lost, and deliberately avoided using flash. MOM ! MOM ! MOM ! MOM ! MOM !

what the Poconut Hoedowns are all about SOCIAL !! ThatOtherGuyBackThere and his entourage turned up at the last moment. Obie enters the world of Poconuts TartanSkirt – and Robin McMinn ! The famous Mongo. Now the official Hoedown cat The Zogmobile arrivres. Notice the customised “bull-bar” ! Karen gets settled in her usual position behind the bar. Dr Mojave sings about his experience of shopping with Sheryl Crow in Walmart. El Tonto, Ace, McDTJ, Artie, Thaler & Studiogirl. Will the owner of the feet please identify themselves ! Artie and Ace hijack the Hoedown. SantaFe Jay looks on aghast. Studiogirl pleads that she is unworthy ! Rich takes lead vocals on this one Mikey gives me an admiring glance DrMojave shows off his new look, while Zog tries to remember a Poco tune. Karen, SantaFe Jay, Thaler and McDTJ We attracted quite a crowd Ace absorbs the whole Borrego experience Borrego Springs was prepared for the likely absence of JimmyM Studiogirl prepares to tiptoe through the tulips Mikey and a Ukelele – a deadly combination ! Mikey instructs SantaFeJay in the correct use of the “mom!” finger ElTonto gets into the Borrego spirit The jigsaw was finally completed JimmyM wins the Hoedown t-shirt contest JimmyM and the Svinster Kevin wasn’t quite as much a snappy dresser as Phil Kenzie, but he sure could blow a mean sax Mikey demonstrates the meaning of virtuosity Martinsh makes his allegiance clear Mrs Guitarbro – mandolin tuner extrordinaire Another day, another jigsaw Hey Ian – you can grow avacados in this climate ! Studiogirl, JimmyM, Guitarbro, and a dead parrot Karen dresses for the occasion. Someone asked me to take a picture of this cloud SantaFeJay rocks out – it must have been one of those rare Poco songs ! McDTJ was the only one who could remember the words to this one Studiogirl still can’t find the correct chords for Willin’ ! At the end McDTJ was the only one left standing JimmyM is his trademark pose “I really like tartanskirts” Rich listens to McDTJ while Zog does his own thing Zog in aggresive mood a tender moment for Zog and the Zog played on Love Hurts - need I say more ?

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]]> Fri Apr 11 2008 Buses in Lancaster http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1452646.html a few photos from a brief visit to Lancaster in January 2008 Sunday 3 February 2008: a few photos from a brief visit to Lancaster in January 2008

Kirkby Lonsdale AO02LVE is a Mercedes Vario O814D / Plaxton that was new to Anglian Coaches in Norfolk. Stagecoach 21007 (M393VWX) is a Volvo B10B / Alexander that was new to Harrogate & District, and arrived with Stagecoach via C & M Travel and Glenvale. Stagecoach 30458 (M458VHE) is a Volvo B6 / Alexander that was new to East Midland and has subsequently been with Stageocach Manchester. Stagecoach 40641 (N641VSS) is a Mercedes 709D / Alexander (Belfast) that was a diverted order for Western Scottish, to Viscount of Peterborough. Stagecoach 20131 (P131XCN) is a Volvo B10M / Alexander, that was delivered to Busways, but passed to Ribble before entering service Stagecoach 20540 (P540ESA) is a Volvo B10M / Alexander that has come from Stagecoach Glasgow Kirkby Lonsdale S445JTP is a Mercedes Vario O814D / Plaxton that was new to Tillingbourne Stagecoach 17019 (S819BWC) is a Dennis Trident / Alexander that was new to East London

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]]> Sun Feb 3 2008 Potteries Connection 2007 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1397080.html The Potteries Connection is a newly established bus rally, which is held at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton every September. The 2007 event was one of the best organsied rallies that I have been to. Up to 20 different vehicles have free rides on a selection of routes in the area. Saturday 27 October 2007: The Potteries Connection is a newly established bus rally, which is held at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton every September. The 2007 event was one of the best organsied rallies that I have been to. Up to 20 different vehicles have free rides on a selection of routes in the area.

The two former PMT Bristol RE / ECW which provided the connecting service from Crewe. 198 (JEH198K) in front and 207 (PVT207L) behind. Former PMT Leyland Atlantean / Weymann L9766 (766EVT) seen at the rally site. Former PMT Leyland Atlantean / Weymann L9766 (766EVT) seen leaving the rally site. Former PMT AEC Reliance / Weymann SL805 (805EVT) posed in front of the bottle ovens of the Gladstone museum. Stanways of Kidsgrove recently bought their first ever double-decker for a schools service. BIG2578 is a former Derby City Transport Volvo Citybus / Marshall that was originally registered B141GAU. DCK219 is a former Ribble Leyland Titan PD2 / East Lancs lowbridge “white lady” that was used on the Manchester – Blackpool express service. Seen leaving the rally site en route to Cheadle. Former Midland General Bristol RE / ECW 356 (FRB208H) posed at the end of the Meir Heath route. LTA813 is a former Western National Bristol KS / ECW lowbridge, seen at Stoke on Trent station. RML Travel brought along one of their ex Trent / Yorkshire Traction Metroriders N206VRC . Seen parked at the rally site. A West of England corner at the back of the rally site ! Fromer Devon General 537 (NDV537G) Leyland Atlantean / MCW, and former Wester National 994 (LTA813) a Bristol KS / ECW. Former PMT 466 (NEH466) a Leyland Titan OPD2 / Northern Counties lowbridge, seen at Stoke on Trent station. This vehicle started life as a single-decker ! Former PMT 604 (OEH604M) a Bristol VR / ECW seen leaving the rally site for Stoke. Former Royal Blue 2200 (OTT43), a Bristol LS / ECW coach, with a full load at the Foxfield railway. Former Midland Red 319 (PHA319M) Leyland Leopard / Marshall, moving to take up service. Former PMT 207 (PVT207L) Bristol RE / ECW arriving at the rally site. Former PMT SN1128 (TVT128G) Leyland Leopard / Marshall seen at the rally site in company with AEC Reliance SL805 (805EVT) Time for a spot of lunch ! This former Lymers of Tean AEC Regal / Harrington wasn’t part of the rally, but was seen attending the Foxfield Railway traction engine rally.

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]]> Sat Oct 27 2007 Merseyside Transport Trust Running Day 2007 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1390308.html Some photos from the Merseyside Transport Trust running day, which was held on September 9th. Preserved buses from the MTT collection ran over a number of routes, but mostly between Pier Head and South Parkway station via Penny Lane. An excellent day, though the weather oculd have been better, and Pier Head resembled a building site ! Tuesday 16 October 2007: Some photos from the Merseyside Transport Trust running day, which was held on September 9th. Preserved buses from the MTT collection ran over a number of routes, but mostly between Pier Head and South Parkway station via Penny Lane. An excellent day, though the weather oculd have been better, and Pier Head resembled a building site !

2 halfcabs on route 4 meet at Penny Lane. On the left Leyland Titan PD2 / Crossley L255 (VKB711) heading towards Woolton, and on the right AEC Regent V / Metro Cammell A267 (VKB900) heading into the city. Leyland Atlantean / Alexander 1003 (A323GLV), in the light green / cream with brown skirt livery of the early 1980s heading into town at Penny Lane. A line up of vehicles at South Parkway Station, featuring 3 Atlanteans from the same batch in 3 different liveries ! Leyland Atlantean / Alexander 1236 (BKC236K), in the original Merseydie PTE green (Liverpool) livery, coming off service at South Parkway station. Leyland Atlantean / Alexander 1236 (BKC236K) heading for Garston. Not sure where this was taken. Somewhere between South Parkway and Woolton, from a vehicle headed the other way. Leyland Titan 2122 (CUL122V), in the final Merseybus red / off white livery, approaching Pier Head. Note road works ! Leyland Titan 2122 (CUL122V) at Renshaw Street in the city centre at the end of the day. An intruder on the scene was ex Ribble Leyland National 2 831 (DBV831W) seen at Pier Head. This was giving rides on another route. Leyland Atlantean / Metro-Cammell L935 (FKF835E) picking up at Penny Lane, on its way to Woolton not part of the proceedings, but an unexpected sight at Penny Lane was Halton Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall 20 (X966ULG) on route 201. Stagecoach brought their Alexander bodied Volvo B10M which has been repainted into Liverpool Corporation livery to the proceedings, though it wasn’t used in service. 20744 (K744DAO) is seen at Pier Head. the original Leyland Atlantean / Metro-Cammell L501 (501KD) is seen arriving at South Parkway from Woolton Leyland Atlantean / Metro-Cammell L501 (501KD) is seen at the departure stand at Pier Head open top Leyland Atlantean / Alexander 1551 (OLV551M) was parked at South Parkway station, but wasn’t used in service. Leyland Atlantean / East Lancs 1836 (TWM220V) approaches Penny Lane on its way to Garston. Leyland National 6036 (UEM36V) boarding at South Parkway station Leyland Titan PD2 / Crossley L255 (VKB711) leaves the lineup at South Parkway station to take up service. another view of Leyland Titan PD2 / Crossley L255 (VKB711) at South Parkway station. Leyland Titan PD2 / Crossley L255 (VKB711) is almost lost amongst the roadworks at Pier Head ! AEC Regent V / Metro Cammell A267 (VKB900) having just arrived at South Parkway from Woolton AEC Regent V / Metro Cammell A267 (VKB900) at Pier Head AEC Regent V / Metro Cammell A267 (VKB900) at Penny Lane heading for Woolton.

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]]> Tue Oct 16 2007 Buses in Latvia http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1278644.html Latvia is divided administratively into 26 “rajons”, each named after the largest town in the area. As a legacy from Soviet days, most bus services in each region are provided by one company, and there is virtually a separate company for each region. In addition the six largest towns in the country are “self-governing municipalities” but this has no effect on bus operations except in the Riga region (see below) The regions and their bus operators are REGION - BUS OPERATOR Aizkraukle - Aizkraukles ATU Aluksne - Vidlatuato Balvi - Balvi RAU Bauska - AIPS CESIS - CATA Daugavpils - Daugavpils AP Dobele - Dobeles AP Gulbene - Gulbenes AUTO Jekabpils - Jekabpils AP (JAP) Jelgava - Jelgavas AP (JAP) Kraslava - see Daugavpils Kuldiga - Mobile A Leipaja - Leipajas AP Limbazi - see Cesis Ludza - Ludzas ATU Madona - Madonas CB Ogre - Ogres Auto Preili - see Jekabpils Rezekne - Rezeknes AP Riga - special case – see below Saldus - Saldus AP Talsi - Talsu Autotransports Tukums - Tukuma Auto Valka - see Valmeira Valmeira - VTU Ventspils - Ventspils Reiss All these operators run the full range of services, from local town services, regional routes (out of town but wholly within region), interregional and, where appropriate, international. All of these operators run into Riga, but many of them have completely different fleets on their local routes from the vehicles which can be seen in Riga. Riga is a special case in many ways. Firstly the large “self-governing” town of Jurmala lies within the region, and this has it’s own operator ATF Jurmala SV. Also, the local and regional services are run by Rigas Satiksme, whereas the inter-regional and international services are run by a completely separate operator Nordeka. A number of operators run minibus services in Riga and the surrounding area. Riga also has a fair number of independent operators on “regional” services, some of which are quite sizeable. The main ones are Ekspress Adazi – from Riga to Adazi and Carnikava Rigas Taksometras Parks (RTP) – mainly minibus routes but full sized vehicles used on a Riga- Olaine route. Galss Bus – from Riga to Salaspils Leda SL – Riga to Pinki. Also minibus route in Jurmala. Blagovest Tur - Riga to Kalnciems There are also others which run less frequently Significant independent operators outside Riga include SIA Migar – regional routes based on Jelgava. Broceni Cels – local routes between Saldus and Broceni. This page is intended to illustrate a representative sample of all these operators, except for Rigas Satiksme which has its own page. Where possible I have tried to show both the type of vehicles which are used on local and long distance services. The “major” operators are shown in alphabetical order, followed by the independents, and a few miscellaneous vehicles at the end. These photos have all been taken since 2003 and, as far as is known, the vehicles can still be seen today. Sunday 13 May 2007: Latvia is divided administratively into 26 _rajons_, each named after the largest town in the area. As a legacy from Soviet days, most bus services in each region are provided by one company, and there is virtually a separate company for each region. In addition the six largest towns in the country are _self-governing municipalities_ but this has no effect on bus operations except in the Riga region (see below) The regions and their bus operators are REGION - BUS OPERATOR Aizkraukle - Aizkraukles ATU Aluksne - Vidlatuato Balvi - Balvi RAU Bauska - AIPS CESIS - CATA Daugavpils - Daugavpils AP Dobele - Dobeles AP Gulbene - Gulbenes AUTO Jekabpils - Jekabpils AP (JAP) Jelgava - Jelgavas AP (JAP) Kraslava - see Daugavpils Kuldiga - Mobile A Leipaja - Leipajas AP Limbazi - see Cesis Ludza - Ludzas ATU Madona - Madonas CB Ogre - Ogres Auto Preili - see Jekabpils Rezekne - Rezeknes AP Riga - special case _ see below Saldus - Saldus AP Talsi - Talsu Autotransports Tukums - Tukuma Auto Valka - see Valmeira Valmeira - VTU Ventspils - Ventspils Reiss All these operators run the full range of services, from local town services, regional routes (out of town but wholly within region), interregional and, where appropriate, international. All of these operators run into Riga, but many of them have completely different fleets on their local routes from the vehicles which can be seen in Riga. Riga is a special case in many ways. Firstly the large _self-governing_ town of Jurmala lies within the region, and this has it_s own operator ATF Jurmala SV. Also, the local and regional services are run by Rigas Satiksme, whereas the inter-regional and international services are run by a completely separate operator Nordeka. A number of operators run minibus services in Riga and the surrounding area. Riga also has a fair number of independent operators on _regional_ services, some of which are quite sizeable. The main ones are Ekspress Adazi _ from Riga to Adazi and Carnikava Rigas Taksometras Parks (RTP) _ mainly minibus routes but full sized vehicles used on a Riga- Olaine route. Galss Bus _ from Riga to Salaspils Leda SL _ Riga to Pinki. Also minibus route in Jurmala. Blagovest Tur - Riga to Kalnciems There are also others which run less frequently Significant independent operators outside Riga include SIA Migar _ regional routes based on Jelgava. Broceni Cels _ local routes between Saldus and Broceni. This page is intended to illustrate a representative sample of all these operators, except for Rigas Satiksme which has its own page. Where possible I have tried to show both the type of vehicles which are used on local and long distance services. The _major_ operators are shown in alphabetical order, followed by the independents, and a few miscellaneous vehicles at the end. These photos have all been taken since 2003 and, as far as is known, the vehicles can still be seen today.

A recent arrival with Jekabpils Autobusu Parks is GE4030 a Volvo B10MT / Saffle ex Swebus. Seen in Riga Bus Station in May 2007. Occasional journeys on the Jelgava – Riga service are run by vehicles larger than the normal Ford Transits. EM3111 is a Mercedes O405 ex SWP, Pforzheim seen leaving Riga Bus Station in May 2007. older midibuses used by Ogres Auto on the Riga service are Autosan H7-10.1 like EE4746 seen here entering Ogre bus station in May 2007 FJ2116 is one of three ex RET, Rotterdam Mercedes O405 that are now with Ogres Auto. Seen in Ogre in May 2007. high capacity on the Riga – Rezekne service is provided by Van Hool Astromega FP9755 of Rezeknes Autobusu Parks. This vehicle is ex Muys Resien (Belgium) AIPS of Bauska has recently upgraded the Riga route with second hand MANs and Setras like S215HR FU9088 which has come from an uknonwn German operator AIPS have two of these Neoplan N4016, in this highly distinctive livery. Surely someone knows where they came from ? a line up of AIPS buses in Bauska in April 2004. A low floor Neoplan minibus (used ot town services) and several ex German military Mercedes O303 (used on regional routes) the Riga - Bauska service was formerly dominated by various types of Autosan. H9-21 DS6308 is seen in Iewceva in May 2004. Bauska is still a stronghold of Autosans, though they rarely venture into Riga these days. As well as the common H9.21 they also still operate the H10.12 and H9.35 types. D6311 of the former is seen parled next to H9.21 DT6714 at Bauska bus station in August 2007. AIPS in Bauska is one of very few operators in Latvia to have the Autosan H9.35 variant. DJ3160 is seen in Riga bus station in August 2007. the two vehicles being used on local services in Aizkraukle in July 2005 were an ex Swedish Scania CR112 and an ex Danish Sanos S411 Balvi RAU are based in the far east of the country and only occasionally seen in Riga. DV4063 is a Volvo B10M / Saffle ex Swebus CATA of Cesis has a fondness for former Norwegian buses. It has over 30 Arna bodied Mercedes O303 in the fleet, most of which are ex TRIB of Tromso like FN2247 seen at Cesis in 2006. another former Norwegian bus with CATA is DH5878 a Deltaplan dodied MAN 16.240 that came from Kjell Lindhjem Rute & Turistbuss an unusual vehicle in the CATA is this Mercedes O303 with Arna coach body, ex Harstad Oppland Rutebil the Mercedes Benz O303 coach features in many Latvian fleets. EF4617 is with CATA of Cesis, and is seen in the parking ground in Riga. the Sigulda depot of CATA uses large mdibuses on the route to Riga, the latest of which are a batch of these Isuzu Turquoise CATA have recently received a number of Setra S415UL, their first new buses in recent years. GU8303 is seen at Rigas Autoosta, June 2008 Daugavas Autobus Parks has a batch of 30 of these Solaris Urbino !5, many of which are in advertising livery. the Daugavpils - Riga service normally sees upmarket coaches like this Solaris Vacanza. another upmarket coach used by Daugavpils AP is this Setra S328DT. Dobele Autobusu Parks is one the few operators to buy second-hand vehicles within Latvia. EJ3769 is a Volvo B59 / Repstad which came from Riga Ariport, but was originally with Bybussen of Kristiansand In June 2008, Dobeles Autobusu Parks were still running this PAZ 3205 in June 2008, Dobeles autobusu Parks was running this Setra S215SL on the route to Gardene FU5409 is a Volvo B10m / Ajokki of Dobeles Autobusu Parks ex Norgebuss, seen in riga in June 2008 the Gulbene Autobus Parks fleet is veery varied with odd vehicles like FZ9157 a Helmark bodied Scania K93 from Sweden (Erlandssons Trafik, Mora) another unusual vehicle in the Gulbene fleet is this Kutter bodied Volvo B9M from Sweden (Emmaboda Buss). Seen at Plavinas in April 2005 Jekabpils Autobusu Parks has a fair number of 3 axled vehicles for use on the Riga service like this Van Hool bodied Volvo B10M ex Swebus Jekabpils AP EP9912 is a Scania N113 with a Ramsier & Jensen body that came from KVD of Davos (Switzerland). Seen at Krustpils station in August 2007. Local services in Jekabpils are almost entirely run by ex Swedish Scania CN113, like ET5139 seen here passing the new bus station. Livery is that of Vasteras lokaltrafik. Jekabpils AP is one of many operators in Latvia to have ex German military Mercedes O303, though unusually they have repainted theirs in fleet livery. GE3941 is seen in the new Jekabpils bus station in August 2007. Jelgava has recently introduced a batch of Mercedes Citaros on their town routes Jelgavas AP have a batch of Volvo 8700 for use on interregional routes. Four of the batch of five are seen in Jelgava bus station in Augst 2005. The latest MANs at Jelgava include a number from Essen, such as GD4345 seen turning from Liela Iela into Pasta Iela in August 2007. Latest midibus arrivals in Jelgava are a number of these low-entrance Mercedes 616CDI, seen in Leila Iela in August 2007. They have replaced many of the Iveco / Otoyol midis. A number of ex German MANs are the latest full-size arrivals at Jelgava. GG5094 is one of at least 2 EL222 ex RVWS, Zwickau. Seen at the bus station in August 2007. the only ATF Jurmala vehicles normally seen in Riga are minibuses, normally Mercedes 413CDI ATF Jurmala has a small batch of Mercedes O345 for use on local services. EF873 is seen passing Majori station in June 2008 ATF Jurmala has a small number of these (second-hand) Mercedes / Ernst Auwarter minibuses. EZ4502 is seen at Majori on route 8 in June 2008 a batch of these Den Oudsten B90 integrals arrived in Leipaja in 2004. They are belived to have come from ALpina of Frankfurt local services in Leipaja are almost all run using ex Swedish Volvos. Most with Saffles bodies like these two seen at M Kempes Iela terminus in July 2005 Leipajas Autobusu Parks uses upmarket coaches on its express service to Riga, such ss this Mercedes Tourismo There are a number of Mercedes Integros in Latvia, but FH9818 is the only one with Liepajas AP. Seen at Jelgava on a Riga – Jelgava – Leipaja service in August 2007. the only photo of a Ludzas Atu bus I have ever taken ! Ludza is the the far east of Lastvia and its vehicles are rarely seen in Riga. ET3197 is a Volvo B10M / Berkhof ex De Jong in the Netherlands DZ574 of Madonas CB is a rebodied Volvo B58 Wiima that has come from Finland perhaps the most photgraphed bus in Latvia ! EN5945 is a Van Hool TG822 now with Madonas CB. Seen arriving in Riga in June 2008. [It should be pointed out that Maxi Tours is the name of the PREVIOUS (Belgian) operator ] one of the most recent arrivals in the Nordeka fleet is this Volvo B10MA / Carrus from Sweden (Dacke Trafik, Langasjo). Seen in Riga bus station in August 2006 a recent arrival with Nordeka is this Volvo B10B / Berkhof ex Rotterdam the higher quality end of the Nordeka fleet includes this Van Hool TD824 of unknown origina. Seen in Leipaja in July 2005

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]]> Sun May 13 2007 Farewell to Chase Bus http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1273160.html Some photos from the last day of operation of Chase Bus Services 28/4/07. These are in chronological order Sunday 6 May 2007: Some photos from the last day of operation of Chase Bus Services 28/4/07. These are in chronological order

the first sighting of the day was THX266S arriving at Wolverhampton on the 560 the first encounter with the duplciates. TRN809V (ex Ribble) arrives in Wednesfield on the 560 leading duplicate THX193S arrives in Wednesfield second duplicate BYW366V arrives in Wednesfield the third vehicle on the 560 was CHH210T (ex Cumberland) TRN809V returns to Wednesfield from Wolverhampton the convoy returns to Wednesfield BPL478T (ex London Country) heading north through Bloxwich on route 1 (Walsall - Cannock) whilst the convoy headed south. BYW366V arrives to take up postion as a Bloxwich - Walsall duplicate on route 1 a final view of BYW366V at Rushall. Not sure what route it was duplicating at that time - I'd just got off the following vehicle ! OJD868R at New Invention on the Coppice farm route. This was the oldest vehicle I saw running

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]]> Sun May 6 2007 Chase Bus Services http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1226220.html Chase Bus Services had an independent life of just over 20 years. It was started as an offshoot of Chase Coaches when they won some Staffordshire CC contracts in June 1986, and was taken over by Arrvia as from 4th March 2007. Initial vehicles were Leyland Leopards and Bristol REs running in the colours of their previous operators, but later became famous for its fleet of Leyland Nationals, which when taken over stood at 25 vehicles, and must be the largest fleet of them in the country. The livery of brown, white and orange was adopted from some Leyland Nationals taken over from Greater Manchester PTE. As already mentioned, initial operations were in the Cannock and Lichfield areas of Staffordshire, but later expansion took the firm into the West Midlands particularly in the Walsall area. At one stage services reached as far as Bilston, Wednesbury, Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, but in recent years retrenchment occurred. At the time of takeover services were mainly in the Cannock / Lichfield / Walsall triangle, though one route still ran to Wolverhampton. The fleet was initially kept as a separate operation by Arriva, but operations were absorbed at the end of April. These photos show a summary of the lfeet throughout its operation. Some photos were (coincidentally) taken on the last day of independent operation, and those are noted in the captions. Pohots of the last day of operation are shown in a separate gallery Wednesday 7 March 2007: Chase Bus Services had an independent life of just over 20 years. It was started as an offshoot of Chase Coaches when they won some Staffordshire CC contracts in June 1986, and was taken over by Arrvia as from 4th March 2007. Initial vehicles were Leyland Leopards and Bristol REs running in the colours of their previous operators, but later became famous for its fleet of Leyland Nationals, which when taken over stood at 25 vehicles, and must be the largest fleet of them in the country. The livery of brown, white and orange was adopted from some Leyland Nationals taken over from Greater Manchester PTE. As already mentioned, initial operations were in the Cannock and Lichfield areas of Staffordshire, but later expansion took the firm into the West Midlands particularly in the Walsall area. At one stage services reached as far as Bilston, Wednesbury, Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, but in recent years retrenchment occurred. At the time of takeover services were mainly in the Cannock / Lichfield / Walsall triangle, though one route still ran to Wolverhampton. The fleet was initially kept as a separate operation by Arriva, but operations were absorbed at the end of April. These photos show a summary of the lfeet throughout its operation. Some photos were (coincidentally) taken on the last day of independent operation, and those are noted in the captions. Pohots of the last day of operation are shown in a separate gallery

Chase Bus ran a large fleet of Leyland Nationals including HCVA969N seen here at Sutton Coldfield in the early 90s One of the first Leyland Nationals for Chase Coaches was ex Crosville NFM856M (ENL856), seen at Cannock in the late 1980s Chase Coaches s the last major operator of Leyland Nationals in the ocuntry. TEL493R is seen at Walsall bus station on a foul day, it originated with Wilts & Dorset and is one of the few left with Chase Bus which didn't originate in the London area. Now sadly taken over by Arriva BYW418V seen in Wednesfield High Street in 2006. This is a good place for bus photography. As well as Chase Bus, Choice, TWM and Green Bus all pass through. Last Independent Day : SYR309T passing through Rushall on 3rd March 2007 Last Independent Day : BYW365V in Rushall Last Independent Day : BYW382V at Walsall bus station 3rd March 2007 COV8V was a Leyland Leopard / Willowbrook that was new to Western National as FDV824V. It was with Chase Bus from 1989 to 93, but didn't receive this registration until 1992. Seen in Wolverhampton Bus Station DDW429V was a Leyland National that was new to Cynon Valley, but arrived at Chase Bus via Wrights of Wrexham. Seen in the old Walsall Bus Station, though this part hasn't actually changed much. one of the first buses operated was EHB266G a Leyland Leopard / East Lancs ex Merthyr Tydfil, than ran from 1985 to 88. Seen in Cannock Bus Station. LTG797P was one of a number of Leyland Leopard / East Lancs obtained from Inter Valley Link in 1989 when that operator went out of business. Seen in Rushall on a service to Aldridge LEyland National started life as BYW418V with London Transport. It has been with Chase Bus since 1990, and reverted to its original registration in 2003. Seen entering Bradford Place in Walsall in 1998 OJD863R is one of the ex London Transport Leyland Nationals that weren't converted to single door. Seen at Bloxwich on the Wednesbury service in 1999. RTE111G is an ex Lancaster Leyland Leopard / East Lancs that lasted years longer than any of the other Leopards. It was with Chase Bus from 1983 to 99. Seen in Sutton Coldfield ex London Transport Leyland National THX160S near Wednesfield in 2004 Last Independent Day : THX209S speeding through Heath Town on the 560 3rd March 2007 ex Ribble Leyland national TRN809V at the new Walsall bus station in 2004 Last Independent Day : a unique vehicle in the fleet was DAF SB220 / Ikarus YBJ403 (new as M835RCP), seen in Wednesfield on the 560 on 3rd March 2007 ex London Country series B Leyland National YPL448T parked up near Walsall bus station in 2004. Former London Transport Leyland National YYE274T seen in Wednesfield on the Wolverhampton service in 1999 ex London Transport Leyland National YYE295T seen arriving at Bilston in 2001

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]]> Wed Mar 7 2007 Preserved Crosville Buses http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1117023.html Some photos of preserved vehicles that were previously with Crosville Motor Services. mainly seen at various rallies. Sunday 22 October 2006: Some photos of preserved vehicles that were previously with Crosville Motor Services. mainly seen at various rallies.

LFM810 (KW229) is a Bristol LWL6B seen providing transport at a Llandudno Transport Festival. in the mid 1990s Crosville Wales ran a pair of preserved Bristol SCs on the Pwllheli - Porthmadog service. SC13(783EFM) is seen at Pwllheli. the a line-up of contrasting ECW coach front ends at the Birkenhead rally in 200 Bristol RE CRG111 seen by itself at the 1999 Llandudno rally Bristol RELH CRL304 at the 2006 Carlisle rally. I'm not sure if these vehicles ever carried this livery when new. a Crosville corner at the South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008. From the left ERL267, SRG196, DFG38 Bristol Fs Lodekka / ECW DFG157 seen at a Heaton Park rally in the early 1990s DFG38 has now been reregistered AFM402A - seen at South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008 a pair of Bristol Lodekkas at the 2004 Birkenhead rally. ERG3 was one of six Bristol RESL / ECW new in this Bristol RELL ERG52 at the Birkenhead rally in 2004. Bristol RELH CRG573 seen at the Birkenhead rally in 2000 Bristol RELH ERL267 seen at the Sheffield rally in 2004. These vehicles were new in National Express white livery, but this one ois preserved in later dual-durpose guise. SRG196 (HFM196J) arriving at the South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008. Ironically this vehicle was one of the few of the batch NOT to run from Crewe when with Crosville KFM767 is a Bristol L5G that was new as KG118. Seen at Keele on a Potteries running day in the livery of Yesteryear Motor Services. LFM759 is a Bristol LL6B, seen in the old Wrexham garage about 1990 Bristol VRT / ECW RMA435V (DVL435) seen parked up at Crewe bus station during the South Cheshire bus running day in April 2009. Bristol RELL SRG196 seen at the 2000 Birkenhead rally. This vehicle has been preserved in the Runcorn Busway livery. ERL267 (TFM267K) at the South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008 ERG52 (UFM52F) - at the South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in aPRIL 2009 ERG52 (UFM52F) - at the South Cheshire Running Day at Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008 Bristol RELL / ECW YFM280L (WRG280) seen parked up at Crewe bus station during the South Cheshire bus running day in April 2009

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]]> Sun Oct 22 2006 D & G Buses http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c1081641.html D & G Buses were founded by David Reeves and Gerald Henderson with one minbus in the Stoke-on-Trent area 1998. Since then the fleet has expanded tremendously, and currently stands at around 80. The vast majority of work is local bus services under contract to local authorities, and D & G are by far the largest operator of tendered services in Stoke-on-Trent. They also run contracts in Cheshire and Staffordshire. The was a brief period of operation in Derbyshire, and then in October 2004, a second depot was opened in Crewe. Vehicles were initially minibuses, and the fleet has gradually gone through various types of Mercedes midibus, 609D, 709D, 811D. Some coaches were run in the past, but there are none in the fleet nowadays. Many vehicles are run on behalf on Cheshire and Stoke-on-Trent Councils, and are in their liveries. These are Dennis Dart MPDs, and Optare Solos. Most recent vehicles to enter the fleet are various types of Dennis Dart. In April 2005, Choice Travel in the West Midlands was taken over, but it is kept as a separate fleet, and is not shown in this collection. Unfortunately Gerald Henderson died early in 2006. During 2009 vehicles were mostly painted in a new two-tone red livery Tuesday 12 September 2006: D & G Buses were founded by David Reeves and Gerald Henderson with one minbus in the Stoke-on-Trent area 1998. Since then the fleet has expanded tremendously, and currently stands at around 80. The vast majority of work is local bus services under contract to local authorities, and D & G are by far the largest operator of tendered services in Stoke-on-Trent. They also run contracts in Cheshire and Staffordshire. The was a brief period of operation in Derbyshire, and then in October 2004, a second depot was opened in Crewe. Vehicles were initially minibuses, and the fleet has gradually gone through various types of Mercedes midibus, 609D, 709D, 811D. Some coaches were run in the past, but there are none in the fleet nowadays. Many vehicles are run on behalf on Cheshire and Stoke-on-Trent Councils, and are in their liveries. These are Dennis Dart MPDs, and Optare Solos. Most recent vehicles to enter the fleet are various types of Dennis Dart. In April 2005, Choice Travel in the West Midlands was taken over, but it is kept as a separate fleet, and is not shown in this collection. Unfortunately Gerald Henderson died early in 2006. During 2009 vehicles were mostly painted in a new two-tone red livery

Mercedes Vario KV51KZF is one of two that has been on hire to D & G at Crewe recently L37OKV is a Mercedes 811D / Wright that came from Lloyds of Bagillt, but was new to Crosville Wales. Seen leaving Crewe bus station D & G are now the sole providers of route 85 (Crewe - Madeley - Newcastle) and have upgraded the route from minibuses to Dennis Darts (of various description). On 11th August 2006, Mini Pointer Dart X706UKS is seen arriving at Crewe station. D & G run the Crewe Flexirider service, using 2 Volkswagen / Bluebird Tucano which are reportedly very nippy ! Seen outside Rail house in Crewe. a small number of coaches were operated in the early days, including Volvo / Caetano KSU411, which I think came from Niddries of Middlewich. Seen at Crewe station on rail replacement wiork. the first Dennis Dart for D & G at Crewe was this ex Arriva the Shires Wright bodied example H367XGC. Seen at the bus station in November 2005 this Mercedes 811D / Wright used to be in the Midland Red North fleet, and is seen in Stoke in 2001. CHZ8960 is a Dennis Dart MPD that was new to D & G as DK54KKY. Seen running past Crewe station on route 85A (Crewe - Newcastle) in October 2008. This route normally uses larger vehicles than this. original allocation at Crewe depot included a couple of Mercedes 709D / Wadham Stringer with tail lifts, including CNZ2250 seen here. This vehicle was new as J530WTW and was a London Mobility bus. It was withdrawn soon after this February 2005 view. the other Dennis Dart MPD new to D & G (as DK54KKZ) is now CNZ2250 as was also seen on route 85A pulling away from Crewe station in October 2008 DG02WYB is Dennis Dart MPD which came from Happy Als in Birkenhead, and is painted in the Chehsire CC blue / yellow livery. Seen in Nantwich Bus Station in august 2007 another view of Dennis Dart MPD DG02WYB in Nantwich Bus Station in November 2007 the first new vehicles purchased (as opposed to operated on behalf of Councils) were a pair of Transbus Dart MPDs. 11 (DK54KKZ) is seen having arrived at Hanley on the Newport service. This vehicle has since been reregistered. EJZ2291 is a Mercedes 811D / Wright, new to Crosville Wales as L37OKV. Seen leaving Hanley bus station on the 44 to Abbey Hulton, having spent the previous 3 hours parked up in the bus station ! (April 19 2008) ENZ2127 is a Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall that was new to Halton BT as S195FFM. It acquired in 2007, and is seen passing Crewe dtation on the 85A to Newcastle in February 2009, just after it was reregistered. ENZ4634 is a Wright bodied Mercedes 811D that was new to Midland Red South as K422ARW. Seen leaving Hanley bus station ENZ4635 is a Dennis Dart / East Lancs that was new to London Central as L903GRN. Seen at Crewe bus station in January 2009 on route 44 to Nantwich Dennis Dart / East Lancs ENZ4635 seen passing Crewe station on way to take up duty on the Sandbach town services - October 30th 2009 Dennis Dart / East Lancs ENZ4635 has now been painted in the red livery - much like it was when new to London Central ! Seen in Mill Street, Crewe on route 44 to Nantwich 25th July 2009 ENZ4635 is a Dennis Dart / East Lancs that was new to London Central as L903GRN. Seen at Nantwich bus station in August 2008 another view of Dennis Dart / East Lancs ENZ4635 (ex L903GRN) in Oak Street, Crewe on route 39 in September 2008 one of the older vehicles painted in the new livery is former Metropolitan Police Dennis Dart / East Lancs FJZ4196 - seen on Gresty Road, Crewe with the 1740 K44 Nantwich - Crewe in September 2009 FJZ4196 is a Dennis Dart / East Lancs which started life as N748OYR with the Metropolitan Police. Seen passing Crewe railway station in June 2009 former Metropolitan Police Dennis Dart / East Lancs FJZ4196 arriving at Crewe bus station on route 44, on July 18th 2009. This is the last time it was seen in the old livery another Mercedes which came from MK Metro, via Chopice travel was G541TBD, seen here at Nantwich Bus Station services in Crewe were started using mainly 3 MB 811D / Wright that were ex MK Metro, but were new to Centrewest in London. GNZ3462 is a Dennis Dart MPD that was originally V265BNV with Norbus, Kirkby. It was briefly in the D&G fleet in 2004 before passing to Choice, and had only recently returned when photogrpahed passing Crewe station on the recently enhance route 85A to Newcastle on 30th October 2009 GNZ3471 was previously L653MYG, and came from South Lancs. It is seen on the twice a day, three days a week diversion of route 39 via the Manor Way area of Crewe - a replacement for Arriva route 6 which served this area every 30 minutes ! Strangely enough this road still has an hourly service on Sundays !! Another view of Dennis Dart / Wright H367XGC, seen in Mill Street, Crewe on the infrequent service 39 to Walgherton, May 3rd 2008. J545GCD is a Dennis Dart / Alexander that came from Glenvale, but was new to Stagecoach Suusex. Seen leaving Crewe bus station The easternmost point reached by D & G used to be Burton-on-Trent where Dennis Dart MPD JJZ5248 (originally DE51EWJ, new to Liverpool Citibus) is seen passing the station on route 402 (which has since passed to another operator) JJZ5250 is a Dennis Dart MPD that was originally SL02GYE and came from Stuarts of Carluke (via Chocie Travel). It was based at Crewe for a while and was often used on the Newcastle service, but it has now gone back to Choice. Seen leaving Crewe bus station. in September 2009 service 85A was diverted via Edleston Road in Crewe instead of Mill St. Dennis Dart MPD JJZ5250 is seen on 19th Sept 09 another view of Dennis Dart MPD JJZ5289 leaving Crewe bus station on the Newcastle service July 18th 2009 JJZ5289 is a Dennis Dart MPD that was new to Stuarts of Carluke as SL02GYD. These vehicle seems to transfer frequently between the D & G and Choice fleets. Seen leaving Hanley bus station on route 350 to Newport, April 2008. JJZ5291 is a Dennis Dart SLF / East Lancs that was new as R519YRP and is a former Dawson Rentals loan vehicle, via Choice Travel. Seen in Market Street, Crewe in Septe,mber 2008. DennisDart SLF / East Lancs JLZ5291 (ex R519YRP) in the new livery passing Crewe station on 5th June 2009 DennisDart SLF / East Lancs JLZ5291 (ex R519YRP) has now received fleetnames as well as new livery. Seen arriving at Crewwe bus station, July 25th 2009 JLZ8845 is a Mercedes 709D / Alexander that was new to Stagecoach Hampshire as G977ARV. It has been at Crewe garage almost since it first opened at is seen in Mill Street, Crewe. initial mainstay of Crewe services were 3 Mercedes 811D / Wright ex Milton Keynes Citybus (but new to London Northern). K197JNV was originally NDZ7918 (and soon after this became GNZ3420) K574NHC is an Alexander bodied Dennis Dart that arrived from Glenvale via Choice in March 2006. The reason for its out of sequence fleet no (179) is not known. Based at Crewe it is seen parked between duties at the bus station. another Alexander bodied Dennis Dart ex Glenvale is K708PCN seen arriving at Crewe bus station LUI9633 is a Plaxton bodied Mercedes 711D which was new to Keighley & District as L655MYG. It has recently been transferred to Crewe and is seen leaving the bus station. Now reverted ot original registration and towed away from Crewe depot in May 2009 ex Halton Dennis Dart SLF / Maeshall LUI9633 passing Crewe railway station on 5th June 2009 on route 85A to Newcastle 4 days later LUI9633 had gained D & G Bus fleetnames, and was on route 44. Seen in Gresty Road, Crewe waiting to turn into Nantwich Road the other ex Halton Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall LUI9649 has also been repainted in the new red livery a later view of LUI9649 after it had proper lfeetnames applied. Seen turning out of Oak St, Crewe on July 18th 2009 LUI9649 was an East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart that was new to the Metropolitan Police as N754OYR. This vehicle was part of the short-lived Derbyshire operation, but is now based at Longton, where is is seen leaving the bus station. This registration has since passed to a newer vehicle M509JRY is a a Mercedes 811D / Alexander with a fairly chequered history. It was new to Collison of Stonehouse, and passed through several operators (mainly in Scotland), last last of which wsas A & P Coaches of Erskine. It arrived at D & G via Choice, but doesn't see much use. In November 2006 it was briefly loaned to Crewe depot and is seen arriving at the bus station. N189EMJ is a Mercedes 709D / Plaxton that was new to Luton & District. Seen in Nantwich Bus Station in March 2007.

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]]> Tue Sep 12 2006 Poconut Hoedown 2006 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c915387.html Some photos from the Poconut Hoedown in Borrego Springs, California 29/3/06 to 1/4/06. Including the journey there from Santa Cruz via Santa Barbara. Friday 7 April 2006: Some photos from the Poconut Hoedown in Borrego Springs, California 29/3/06 to 1/4/06. Including the journey there from Santa Cruz via Santa Barbara.

the famous (to Pocounts) Garcias Mini Mart in King City Tartanskirt bamboozled after another close encounter with Greyhound George Lawrecne's favourite shop in San Luis Obispo a first glimpse of the Pacific a view of the Pacific somewhere west of Santa Barbara Studiogirls new sanitary facilities a view of Santa Barbara from otuside Studiogirl's house the cowgirls preparing the RV heading up into the chapparal heading up into the rocks near Ranchita a view over Borrega Springs from the viewpoint on the road down from the mountain another Martinsh discovers a bottle of Bass JimmyM does his best Nigel Mansell impersonation a palm tree near the Anza Borrego park vistor centre Dr Mojave expands on his idea of the lyric printing coffee machine. Tartanskirt gets the joke Tartanskirt and JimmyM discuss the merits of Bass beer JimmyM manouvers Slab City Suzie into place Thaler and Dr Mojave entertain Slab City Suzie Studiogirl, MCDTJ and Thaler letting it rip JimmyM gets into position for some serious photography the great JimmyM v Tartanskirt paper flicking contest Studiogirl attacks Tartanskirt with her maraccas Jiffx joins the party McDTJ and Tartanskirt share a joke JimmyM brings in more Thaler has a go on keyboards Jiffx and Rich JimmyM rises above the rest Zog posing with Rich's mandolin everything was being videod for posterity / blackmail Zog and Thaler Studiogirl tries for an unusual angle the leaning tower of Jiffx a view of the mountains from the Palm Canyon resort you get some great lighting effects in the desert ! where it all took place. The music room from the outside Black Butte Porter - official beer of the Poconut Hoedown 2007 ? Dr Mojave's friend Rich from Oregon. He took us down to his dancefloor ! Tartanskirt demonstrates how not to drink a Marguerita ! [ for legal reasons, this picture has been censored] Eva, Sarah (Luciah), Diederik, Martin(sh). Zoetermeer, June 2006 - before Diederik got me arrested !

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]]> Fri Apr 7 2006 Trams in Riga http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c817537.html There are 7 all day tram routes in Riga 2,4,5,7,10 & 11 plus peak period route 9, and occasional routes 1,3 & 8. (these last routes offering cross-city trips by linking two main routes) There are approximately 200 Tatra T3 trams in service, all of which have been refurbished - the operastor refers to these as T3A. There are also 62 Tatra T6 (T3M) cars, which are in the process of being refurbished The current livery is two two blue and white, but many vehicles are in allover advertising livery. The Soviet era livery was red and cream/yellow. there were a number of intermediate liveries before the current one was chosen. Vehicles normally run in pairs, almost always with vehicles of consecutive fleet numbers. Single cars are only found in off peak periods on route 10. See links for a link to a comprehensive fleetlist LATEST NEWS : 20 Skoda T15 cars have been ordered to convert route 6 (Jugla) to low floor Thursday 5 January 2006: There are 7 all day tram routes in Riga 2,4,5,7,10 & 11 plus peak period route 9, and occasional routes 1,3 & 8. (these last routes offering cross-city trips by linking two main routes) There are approximately 200 Tatra T3 trams in service, all of which have been refurbished - the operastor refers to these as T3A. There are also 62 Tatra T6 (T3M) cars, which are in the process of being refurbished The current livery is two two blue and white, but many vehicles are in allover advertising livery. The Soviet era livery was red and cream/yellow. there were a number of intermediate liveries before the current one was chosen. Vehicles normally run in pairs, almost always with vehicles of consecutive fleet numbers. Single cars are only found in off peak periods on route 10. See links for a link to a comprehensive fleetlist LATEST NEWS : 20 Skoda T15 cars have been ordered to convert route 6 (Jugla) to low floor

Tram 2327 on route 6 from Jugla to the centre. Not sure where this location is, but it's somewhere between Gaisatilts and Teika 1901 is a replica tram constructed for the system's centenary in 1986. It usually runs between the city centre and the zoo. Seen in Kristiana Barona Iela in July 2006 the Tatra T3A 2061 (+2062) heading west on 13 Janvara Iela past the Metropole Hotel en route from Milgravis to Ilguciems. June 2008 Tatra T3A turning from Kr Barona I into Aspazijas Bulvaris. Route 1 runs from Jugla to Imanta every 64 minutes. This short stretch of route is only used by this route (and similarly infrequent routes 3 and 8 ) June 2008 Tatra T6 255 (+256) arriving at the National Opera stop en route from Ausekla Iela to Kengarags June 2008 Tatra T6 259 (+260) crossing 13 Janvara Iela, heading for the central market. June 2008 water tram 303 on Kr Barona Iela June 2008 a pair of Tatra T6 in thecurrent livery, lead by 229, passing Agenskalns market on route 2 in 2004. this red white and brown livery was used briefly on a small no of Tatra T6. N 241 turns from 13 Janvara Iela to pass under the railway in 2001. this RVZ6 works car was restored as a historic vehicle. It was seen at the depot in April 2005, but unfortunately has since been destoryed by fire. the original livery of red and cream (with grey roof) is shown by Tatra T3 1507 as in passes the Nationala Opera stop on Aspazijas Bulvaris. The This livery of red , blue and white was being adopted for the fleet livery, before it was pointed out that the colours were the same ass the Russian flag ! A pair of Tatra T3A headed by 2081 cross Brivibas Iela on route 11. A pair of Tatra T3A eaded by 2095 traverse the city centre loop (routes 6/11) in the wrong direction as part of a tour in April 2005. Lido establishments are recommended ! the outer end of route 10 is single track, with colour light signals. An unidentified pair of Tatra T3A arrive off the single track section on Telts Iela. Tatra T6 no 219 outside the Central Market on route 7 to Kengarags. This is one of a small number of T6s that were painted in a red / white / brown livery. Tatra T6 221 arrives at the Tapesu Iela terminus of route 2 in September 2001. Most of these T6s are in advertising livery. The slogan here means Tatra T6 245 on the outer end of route 2 in April 2005 Tatra T6 251 was running as a single unit for some reason when seen on Kr Barona Iela in July 2002. The reason for this is unknown, but it wasn't in service. Tatra T3M 257/8 at the Ausekla Iela terminus of route 7 in May 2007. on warm and sunny days, the water tram seems to follow you wherever you go Tatra T3M nos 521 and 522 are some of the latest to be refurbish and renumbered. Seen outside the Nationala Opera in May 2007. a previous livery of Tatra T3A 2043 his unusual in having received an advertising livery in Russian. Seen at Sarkandaugava on route 5 in May 2007. one of the most colourful advertising liveries is on Tatra T6 209/10 seen here at the city centre terminus on route 6 to Jugla. I believe this is advertising the Goldfish credit card ! Tatra T3A 2131 at the 13 Janvaris Iela city centre stop heading towards Milgravis on route 5 Tatra T3A 2135 running as a single car. It appears to not be in service one of many pairs of trams in advertising livery Tatra T3 2158 passing the Petersalas Iela trolleybus terminus (out of sight to the right). I'm not sure what this is advertising Tatra T3A 2161 crossing 13 Janvara Iela towards the central market, as part of it's city centre loop Tatra T3A 2165 truning from Kr Barona Iela into it's city centre terminus of Radio Iela there are only a very small number of trams (all Tatra T3A) used as single cars, including 2309, seen here outside the Central Market. These cars are used exclusively on route 10. Tatra T3A 2309 rounding the turning circle at Bisumuiza in May 2007. Single Tatra T3A 2316 aeen heading into the city along Vienibas Gatve on a Sunday in May 2007. Tatra T3A 2321 crosses Vienibas Gatve under traffic light protection. Tatra T3A 2321 at the Bisumuiza terminus of route 10 on a very hot day in May 2007. In August 2007, the routes using the 13 Janvara / Centraltirgus loop, were diverted to run round the loop in the opposite direction due to rebuilding the bridge over the Pilsetas Kanals. Tatra T3A 2349 prepares to turn from Maskavas Iela into Centraltirgus Iela past the building work. Tatra T3A 2349 negotiates the other unusual turn in the city centre during recent diversions, from Pragas Iela into 13 Janvara Iela. August 2007 Tatra T6 243 approaching Zasulauks station (and short turning circle) on route 2. This is one of a small number of T6s that were painted in a dark blue & white livery Tatra T3As 2515 and 2072 advertising the Stockmann department store, when seen at the Jugla terminus of route 6 in August 2004. This is one of the few combinations of non-consecutively numbered pairs. 2515 is ex Moscow Tatra T3 water tram 302 passing Petersalas Iela trolleybus terminus August 2007. Tatra T3 1122 has been cut down and converted into a works car. See passing unter the railway station in April 2005 this Tatra T3 has been converted into a water car and renumbered 302. Seen in Marksvas Iela in June 2004 some Tatra T6 have recently been refurbished, and numbered in the 5xx series. 501/2 are seen at the Pragas Iela stop (opoosite the bus station) on route 7 in March 2007. Tatra T3A 2117 (+2118) heads away from the city centre terminus in Radio Iela, before going round the block and out to Jugla on route 6. June 2008 Tatra T3A 2331 (+2332) crossing Kr Valdemara Iela on route 7 from Ausekla Iela to Kengarags. June 2008

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]]> Thu Jan 5 2006 Routemaster Farewell http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c790759.html Some photos taken on the occasion of the London farewell to Routemasters on Dec 8th & 9th 2005. The last route running was 159 from Marble Arch to Streatham and, as can be seen, there were many special vehicles running. Route 159 was operated by Arriva, but many of the special vehicles were on loan from other companies. Where these are known, I have noted them in the descriptions Sunday 11 December 2005: Some photos taken on the occasion of the London farewell to Routemasters on Dec 8th & 9th 2005. The last route running was 159 from Marble Arch to Streatham and, as can be seen, there were many special vehicles running. Route 159 was operated by Arriva, but many of the special vehicles were on loan from other companies. Where these are known, I have noted them in the descriptions

my first ride of the day was on gold RM6 (VLT6) from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch where it seen unloading RML2375 coming into service at Marble Arch. Not the best photo, but the only one I took at this location. RML2573 arriving at Marble Arch along Oxford Street RT (LLU670) coming up Regent Street Metrobus green RML2317 (CUV317C) in REgent Street heading towards Marble Arch. there were 2 RTWs running, including RTW457, seen in traffic in Oxford St. I believe this vehicle is now with Ensignbus. a line up of 3 routemasters in Regent Street, headed by RM85 (VLT85) RM5 (VLT5) heading up Regent Street RM2324 (CUV324C) turning from Oxford St into Regent St not a good photo, but the only one I got of RML2565 (JJD565D) now it Stratford Blue livery. I was in a hurry to get on - this was my 4th ride of the day, and the 4th different colour ! RT (KYY529) seen coming up Whitehall with Big Ben in the background. I@m not sure if this vehicle was actually in service RML892 (WLT892( entering Trafalgar Square an unidentified RM seen passing Nelsons Column in Trafalgar Square. From the livery I suspect the vehicle is on one of the ex Hants & Horset Bristol K LLJ44 has been done up by Ensignbus to resemble one of similar vehicles that were on loan to London when they were new in the late 1940s. Seen entering service at Trafalgar Square RM1968 (ALD968B) is one of the vehicles retained for 'Heritage' route 15. Seen here arriving at Trafalgar Square RM349 (WLT349) in Whitehall. This appeared to not be in service Blue Triangle's RT3062 (KXW171) in Whitehall. Spot the non enthusiast ! the final RM built RML2760 (SMK760F) seen outside County Hall. I leapt on board after taking the photo ! RT1702 (KYY529) seen crossing Westminster Bridge with Big Ben in the background - the classic shot ! Stagecoach liveried RML2665 (SMK665F) crossing Westminster Bridge with Big Ben in the background RML2366 (JJD366D) crossing Westminster Bridge with Big Ben in the background RM29 (OYM453A) passing a sightseeing bus in Whitehall RMC1453 (453CLT) in Whitehall. You can tell this was originally a coach by the double headlights. RML2572 (JJD572D) in Whitehall this bus is only a third of the age of most Routemasters, but already it has been demoted to a trainnig vehicle. One of very few Leyland Olympians left in London - Arriva G516VBB seen in Brixton RML2760 passing beneath the railway bridge in Brixton RML2549 (JJD549D) outside Brixton garage. This was later to become the last RM I rode on in normal service Blue Triangle RT (KXW171) seen opposite Brixton garage RM1 (SLT56) - have just arrived at Brixton garage. Blue Triangle RTW75 (KGK575) at the Streatham Ensignbus RCL2220(CUV220C) leaving Streatham garage terminus RML2491 (JJD491D) arriving at Streatham termnius, having already dropped off its passengers Final RM built RML2760 (SMK760F) and Stagecoach RML2665 (SMK665F) unloading at the final stop in Streatham RML2491 (JJD491D) picks up passengers at the first proper stop in Streatham. It was getting quite dark by this time RM85 (VLT85) outside Brixton garage for some reason there was a Michelin man riding around on RM6 Cravens bodied RT1432 (JXC194) seen in Brixton late on the evening of 8th December there was a line-up of RTs on the Embankment, with Big Ben in the background. the front-entracne routemaster RMF1254 (254CLT) was also in the line up

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]]> Sun Dec 11 2005 By Popular Request http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c763790.html Some photos that people have requested (mainly through the various e-groups I belong to), but which don't fit into any existing collections Tuesday 15 November 2005: Some photos that people have requested (mainly through the various e-groups I belong to), but which don't fit into any existing collections

Ok, so I requested this one myself ! A pciture of my two favourite Latvian sisters. First PMT Leyland Olympian 30033 (A165VDM) seen arriving at Crewe on the main 20 route - this is normally a low floor route North Birmingham are one of the few operators still running Leyland Atlanteans in normal service. Ex Greater Manchester A757NNA - 77 is seen in Erdington on 22/10/05 Arriva Leyland Lynx 1747 (G327NUM) seen in service on route 6 in Crewe, covering for a damaged Dart MPD this First Optare Solo is lettered for a revice on the Wirral, so I'm not sure what it was doing in Crewe damage to one of the Dart MPD's normally used meant that several unusual vehicles have appeared on route 6 in Crewe recently. One of 2 Dart MPDs borrowed from Macclesfield briefly was 857 (T527AOB), seen here passing the railway station three lorry cabs searching for a trailer ! Crewe railway station August 31st 2009 this I thought Abba first started out when they won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest - but obviously not ! Class 47 D1916 heading the stock for the Branch Line Society's the river Douro near Pinhao, February 1999. a drunkard sleeping it off underneath a tree in Riga the Eagles Alehouse in Caernarfon. Does Don Henly know about this ? FY52GOP is a Mercedes 811D / Autobus Classigue Nouvelle with Bennetts of Cranberry that was previously with Hiltons of Newton-le-Willows. Seen in Stafford in November 2006 someone asked me for photos of former Newport vehicles. This is Metropolitan GKG39N with G & G of Leamington, seen parked in Stratford-upon-Avon this heartfelt plea from a Crewe Alex fan outside their stadium has now been erased, but was there for several weeks. Not sure I agree with the Benitex bit though ! J701NHA was the first East Lancs bodied Dennis Dart with this style of bodywork. Seen at Nantwich Bus Station in July 2007, it has since passed from Arriva to RML Travel in Stoke on Trent Joogleberries. South Street, Crewe. August 2007 K455FDT is a Plaxton bodied Mercedes 811D that has recently arrived with Banga of Wolverhampton, that has quite a history. It was new as a demonstrator, spent some time in Guernsey, was with BOTH incarnations of South Lancs (where it was K3SLT) inbetween which it was with Arriva. It came to Banga from Bakers of Biddulph. Solus Coaches Bova Futura M19NVR parked at Crewe whilst on rail replacement duties Tartanskirt meets a Latvian shirt ! Monty Panesar in Riga ? On the occasion of the Holloway Garage open day on 1st September, AEC Regal RF486 (MXX463) ran a recreation of route 210. Seen here posed for photos on Hampstead Heath – and causing a traffic jam ! AEC Regal RF486 (MXX463) in Golders Green bus station during the recreation of route 210. a pink car in Vecriga one of a number of ex Bristol Omnibus Bristol RE / ECW that were acquired by PMT in the mid 1980s, this one lasted long enough to be repainted in the red / yellow livery. Seen on Gresty Road in Crewe. this mural at Oldham bus station show two buses. One is an Oldham COrporation Daimler, but the other is a City of Oxford AEC REgent for some reason ! this Leyland National was new at NTC608M with Ribble, and was being operated by R & I in Milton Keynes in 1994. It later became DBY711M with Classic Coaches. The registration RIB7002 is now on a Dart of RML Travel of Stoke-on-Trent ... Malbank Coaches received 2 of these strange Renault Master / OmniNova 3-axle conversion from Cheshire County Council for use on the Nantwich Town service. Seen departing from outside the Civic Hall at a period when the Bus Station was closed. some of the ugliest minibuses around were these tri-axle TBP bodied Peugeot Boxers. P106WJO was with Pathfinder of Newark and is seen in Nottingham this Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton of Arrriva Midlands has an unfortunate description ! A more unusual vehicle on the 435 Shrewsbury – Ludlow route was Dennis Javelin / UVG P32XUY, seen leaving Shresbury in July 2005. I don't know what this Volvo Olympian / East Lancs of Central Connect was doing heading into Stafford on a Tuesday morning. It was still lettered for the Long Ashton Park & Ride (Bristol) Staffs County Council Bluebird R516RCH being winched aboard a low-loader after breaking down. Seen in Greyfriars, Stafford in July 2007 RAG578 is a unique Northern Counties full-front bodied Daimler CVG that was new to A1 Services member, Hunter of Crosshouse in 1960. Seen at the garage in 1985, this bus is now preserved. Anyone who has the model of this bus will se that although the livery is 100%, there is an extra bay amidships on the model !! this iss NOT a spelling mistake - there was only ONE real ale available in this pub (the CRoss Keys in Lydney) - but that matched the number of people in the pub also ! Dennis Dart / Plaxton S253XUY of Whittles seen parked up at Shrewsbury in January 2005. the Santa Barbara cafe and shop at the far end of Brivibas iela in Riga Matthews of Heswall used this Cheshire CC liveried Dennis Dart MPD on the Neston - Heswall - Arrowe PArk Hospital service. Seen arriving at Arrowe Park Hospital. SK02TYS is now operated by Protours, and the route has been extended from Neston to Hootn, but you can't tell either of these from the vehicle ! Seen arriving at Arrow Park Hospital in January 2007 fungi by Broad Eye Windmill in Stafford a Latvian bloke wearing a tartan skirt in the Runcis pub in Riga ThatotherGuyBackThere in Latvia : ThatotherGuyBackThere in Latvia : Whittles ran a share of the trunk 435 Ludlow – Shrewsbury route from 2001 (following the failure of Shropshire Link) until late 2007, with the closure of Ludlow depot. Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton V930EWP is seen leaving Shrewsbury Bus Station in June 2001. so,eone asked me for some photos of former Newport vehicles - this is Metro-Scania VDW443K with Ivy in Huddersfield shortly after deregulation Three Virgins VX55OBW A Plaxton bodied Volvo B12 of Whittles seen at Tower Hill in London in March 2006. Arriva Midlands North Merc Vario 1148 R148UAL seen at Earl St in Stafford, heading for Wildwood, May 2007.

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]]> Tue Nov 15 2005 Mitrokhins Master Band http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c739834.html My favourite Latvian group. As well as covers of The Beatles and Creedance Clearwater revival they played some quite outstanding classical / jazz / blues / rock crossover music, with some amazing violin playing. I believe the lineup was Vjacheslavs Mitrokhin - guitar and vocals Deniss Mitrokhin - guitar, violin & vocals Boris Bannykh - bass Slavik Pilscikov - drums some of these pictures feature the previous drummer - Alexandrs Akimovs I understand that the group is in abeyance at the moment - just Denis & Slavik were giving concerts in June 2008. they have one CD available - "Summertime" on Pasadena Records. if anyone knows any more information, please get in touch with me. They now have a website (see my links page) www.mitrohin.lv (note spelling !) Gigs ARE listed there, but only in the Latvian section Tuesday 25 October 2005: My favourite Latvian group. As well as covers of The Beatles and Creedance Clearwater revival they played some quite outstanding classical / jazz / blues / rock crossover music, with some amazing violin playing. I believe the lineup was Vjacheslavs Mitrokhin - guitar and vocals Deniss Mitrokhin - guitar, violin & vocals Boris Bannykh - bass Slavik Pilscikov - drums some of these pictures feature the previous drummer - Alexandrs Akimovs I understand that the group is in abeyance at the moment - just Denis & Slavik were giving concerts in June 2008. they have one CD available - "Summertime" on Pasadena Records. if anyone knows any more information, please get in touch with me. They now have a website (see my links page) www.mitrohin.lv (note spelling !) Gigs ARE listed there, but only in the Latvian section

Denis does his party trick in Livu Laukums, May 2005 playing in Doma Laukums June 2003 (?) Deniss playing the violin with bow between his thighs Denis outside 13 Kresli, June 2008 father & son outside 13 Kresli, June 2008 Doma Laukums, July 2005 - a concert without Denis being accosted by a drunk who pinches the music stand - Doma Laukuma July 2005 Livu Laukuma May 2005 - sorry about the post in the way ! playing the Violin on the Microphone stand - Doma Laukums August 2004 Doma Laukums August 2004 another photo from Doma Laukums August 2004 Doma Laukums, August 2007, Hotel California Doma Laukums, August 2007, Hotel California - the solo ! Doma Laukums, August 2007, Pink Panther - Dennis lets rip ! Livu Laukums, July 2005 - a concert without Denis a quiet moment in Doma Laukums, June 2003

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]]> Tue Oct 25 2005 Crewe Works Gathering 2005 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c696304.html Some photos from the Crewe Works open day ("The Gathering") held on 10/11th September 2005. There large numbers of preserved steam, diesel and eletric locos there, but unfortunately not many locos actually in for repair at the works ! It was one of the occasions where the ability to edit your photos afterwards is much appreciated - a fair number of oblivious types got into shot no matter how careful you were ! Monday 19 September 2005: Some photos from the Crewe Works open day ("The Gathering") held on 10/11th September 2005. There large numbers of preserved steam, diesel and eletric locos there, but unfortunately not many locos actually in for repair at the works ! It was one of the occasions where the ability to edit your photos afterwards is much appreciated - a fair number of oblivious types got into shot no matter how careful you were !

1500 dc Electric 27000, which has been repatriated from Holland. Someone was overheard wondering if it was a Diesel-electric or Diesel Hydraulic ! the cab of 40088 was parked on the back of a lorry iwth a mock of a loco to promote the class 40 preservation society Peak 45041 a close up of 46203 Princess Margaret Rose a close up of 46229 Duchess of Hamilton 47815 in original two tone green livery prairie tank 5199 was one of the few Great Western locos there one of the few LNER locos there was B1 61264 next to the LMS pacifics line-up was 71000 Duke of Gloucester, bearing the headboard for the Great Briton special train there was a lineup of preserved Eletric locos including 82008 in 1980s Inter-City livery. another preserved electric was 85101 in railfreight livery class 86 no 86401 seen on the traverser class 91 91118 was at the event - for some reason it was parked on a low-loader now this is a REAL loco ! The Diesel Hydraulic section included class 52 D1023 Western Fusilier class 03 D2073 in black livery a real treat was preserved class 24 D5054 in original livery. These lcocos were known locally as CoBo D5705 was inside, lifted from its bogies. I'm not sure if this means the works is actually repairing it or not. class 20 D8054 also there was Warship D832 Onslaught in Maroon livery the electric line-up included class 83 E3035 in original blue livery

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]]> Mon Sep 19 2005 Photos 2008 http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c683170.html Photos taken during 2008, but which don't fit in any other collection. These are mainly here so I can provide links to them ! Tuesday 1 January 2008: Photos taken during 2008, but which don't fit in any other collection. These are mainly here so I can provide links to them !

49XBF is an Optare Spectra (originally L94HRF) that was new To Stvensons, and was recently transferred into Arriva Derby from Arriva Midlands in Leicester. Seen at the Morledge in Derby in July 2008 67012 approaching Wolverhampton station with a Wrexham - Marylebone train on September 13th 2008 67012 arriving at Wolverhampton with a Wrexham - Marylebone train on September 13th 2008 67015 propelling at DVT for Wrexham Shropshire & Marylebone through Crewe station towards Chester, October 6th 2008 67025 heads a London to Wrexham service of Wrexham Shropshire & Marylebone into Shrewsbury on May 30th 2008. This service was 40 minutes lates. 67014 at the rear Ex London Transport / Chase bus Leyland National AYR330T of Coastal Liner arriving in Wolverhampton on Wednesday only service 17 from Blymhill (?), October 2008 Ex London Transport / Chase bus Leyland National AYR330T of Coastal Liner parked in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton Coastal Line Leyland National AYR330T plus Meadows Lynx J271UDW parked up at Crewe station between rail replacement duties - August 30th 2008 brand new Setra S415GT-HD BV58MKE of Coastal Coaches, Warton (Lancashire) on rail replacement service at Crewe in October 2008 BX58AOZ is a new Volvo B7RLE / Plaxton of Black Diamond seen in Bradford Place, Walsall on 15th October 2008 C147KBT is unusual in that it was one of very few Optare bodied Leyland Olympians built. New to West Yorkshire PTE, it is now with City Sightseeing in York and is seen in Museum Street on August 30th 2008 Midland Rider Dennis Dart / Wright CAZ6602 is unusual in that it has ALWAYS carried that registration, being new to Ulsterbus. Seen in Wolverhampton bus station on the Pattingham service in Septe,mber 2008 the crowds again flocked to the Community Transport Exhibiton an unusual vehicle in the fleet of Express motors, Penygroes is CX56AXD an MAN with Marco Polo bus body. Seen passing through Bontnewydd. Volvo B10M / Ikarus E182UEJ of 1-4-U Coaches, Cannock seen in Stone Road, Stafford, May 8th 2008 former Merseybus Leyland Olympian / Alexander F234YTJ is now with Halifax Joint Committee, and is seen in Halifax Bus Station laying over on the Bradford service on July 12th 2008 another view of Halifax Joint Committee's former Merseybus Leyland Olympian / Alexander F234YTJ - this time loading for Bradford Mercedes 811d / Wright F834RVL of Banga Buses has quite a history. It was new to London Transport / Selkent as HDZ2603, and has since been with Cleveland Transit, Eagre of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire RC, and Meadows of Crewe. Seen approaching Bilston bus station in October 2008. one of the last Leyland Lynxes with Travel West Midlands is 1312 (G312EOG) seen waiting to take up the stand in Walsall for service 351 to Cannock on 15th October 2008 Midland Classic operate this Metrobus that was new to Greater Manchester PTE, but soent far longer with Cottrells of Mitcheldean. Seen in Burton-upon-Trent on route 9 to Swadlincote former Chester Dennis Dart / Plaxton J53EDM of Best Bus heading into Crewe on route 44, April 12th 2008 Another photo of Best Bus ex Chester Dart J53EDM in Mill Street, Crewe on the 44 to Nantwich. May 3rd 2008. Halifax Joint Committee's ex Dublin Leyland Olympian J830CEV seen in Halifax in July 2008 K345OFM is one of three ex Hong Kong Leyland Olympian / Alexander used by Wardle Travel, Burslem on schools services. Seen at the depot April 19th 2008. The third ex Chester Dart in the Best Bus fleet is K56LLG, seen parked up at Crewe bus station May 3rd 2008. Arriva have repainted this Dennis Dart / Plaxton L303NFA into traditional Stevensons livery. Seen at Swadlincote bus station in July 2008. A2Z Travel of Walsall have bought a number of ex Stagecoach Grimsby Dennis Lance / East Lancs like L708HFU seen in Walsall Bus Station, but this was the only one I saw repainted into their livery L905JRN is a Dennis Dart / East Lancs that was new to London Central. It has been in the West Midlands since 2003 (now with Sandwell Travel) but is still in London red livery. Seen in Bradford Place, Walsall on 15th October 2008. we seem to be very popular in Crewe all of a sudden. I wonder why ? Liberal Democrats launch their by-election campaign at Crewe station 9/5/08 former Chester Dennis Dart / Plaxton M165XMA of Best Bus, unloading at Crewe bus station having arrived on route 45, April 12th 2008 Another photo of Best Bus ex Chester Dart M165XMA in Mill Street, Crewe on the 44 to Nantwich. April 18th 2008. Thandi Travel M443BLC is a Dennis Dart / Plaxton that was new to National Cark PArks as a courtesy bus. Seen in Bloxwich on route 346 to Walsall, 15th October 2008 the latest arrival with Sandwell Travel is this ex Bournemouth Dennis Dart / East Lancs M457LLJ, seen at Bradword Place in Walsall First Manchester’s latest double-deckers are some Volvo B9TL / Wright that are based at Wigan, including 37311 (MX07AVG) seen at Wigan bus station in January 2008. Arriva Midlands North 2360 (N240VPH), a Dennis Dart SLF / East Lancs at Cheel road in stafford, June 2008 this Dennis Dart SLF / East Lancs of Arriva Midlands has recently been transferred to Stafford this Arriva North West Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties seen in Crewe in August 2008 turns out to have been new to Southend Best Bus N941NAP in South street, Crewe on the first day of operation Northern Rail class 153, 153331 is in the latest livery and is seen at Preston station on a service to colne in january 2008. Padarn Bus ex Midland Fox Mercedes Vario / Alexander NUI6002 (ex P121HCH) seen at Bangor in July 2008 ThatOtherGuyBackThere made it to Karla's Hoedown in Colorado this elderly Scania N113/ Northern Counties F113HNC is one of a very small number of Stagecoach Manchester vehicles still in Maynes livery. Seen in St Peters square on route 50 on October 29th 2008. P347ROO is an ex Harris of Grays, Volvo Olympian / East Lancs, now with South Lancs. Seen at Wigan station on route 600 to Ashton in January 2008. First Manchester 31917 (P417PVW) is an ex Capital Citybus Dennis Arrow / East Lancs, seen opoosite Wigan station in January 2008. Arriva North West have recently transfereed some Scania / Northern Counties into Crewe garage. 1041 (P41MVU) is seen arriving at the depot on a Sunday lunchtime Wigan seems to be collectig Optare Excels from across First group companies. 40064 (P701HMT) originated with Capital Citybus, and is seen in Wigan bus station former Metroline Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall R707MEW is now with A2Z Travel of Walsall, and is seen in wolverhampton bus station in January 2008 an unusual occurance on 12th April 2008 was Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties P943MKL on Crewe local service 8. Travel West Midlands is again operating the shuttle services to the V Festival this year. Oneo f the oldest Metrobuses in the fleet POG530Y is seen at Stafford station on Thursday 14th August 2008. Neoplan bodied Dennis Javelin R22SCH was being used on the Shrewsbury - Montgomery service by Open State on May 30th 2008, seen leaving Shrewsbury bus station

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]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 Rigas Satiksme (Buses in Riga) http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c470855.html Rigas Satiksme run the local and regional bus services in Riga Latvia. All the fleet has been delivered in the last 10 years, conisting of Mercedes O345 and Citaro, Solaris Urbino and Ikarus E91 midis. Operation of Ikarus 280 on city routes ceased at the end of February 2005, and Ikarus 260 on country routes in May 2006. Prior to March 2003 the fleet was comprised of 2 separate companies Imanta and Talava, and this can still be traced in the fleetnumbers 1xxxx (ex Imanta) and 3xxxx (ex Talava). Most of these photos have been taken since that date. More recently Rigas Satiksme have taken over the Tram and Trolleybus operations in Riga, but these are shown in separate Galleries. Fleet descriptions 10xxx / 30xxx - Ikarus E91 later model (2004-7) 11xxx / 31xxx - Ikarus E91 earlier model (2001/2) 12xxx / 32xxx - Mercedes Citaro 13xxx / 33xxx - Mercedes Citaro L (15m 3-axle) 14xxx / 34xxx - Solaris Urbino 12 15xxx / 35xxx - Solaris Urbino 15 (3-axle) 16xxx / 36xxx - Mercedes Citaro G (atric) 17xxx / 37xxx - Mercedes O345 18xxx / 38xxx - Mercedes O345G (artic) 19xxx / 39xxx - Solaris Urbino 18 (artic) Many vehicles were renumbered in 2004 to produce these number series A summary flweetlist is available at http://riga.mashke.org though the descriptions are only in German at the moment. Please e-mail me for a detailed fleetlist Monday 21 March 2005: Rigas Satiksme run the local and regional bus services in Riga Latvia. All the fleet has been delivered in the last 10 years, conisting of Mercedes O345 and Citaro, Solaris Urbino and Ikarus E91 midis. Operation of Ikarus 280 on city routes ceased at the end of February 2005, and Ikarus 260 on country routes in May 2006. Prior to March 2003 the fleet was comprised of 2 separate companies Imanta and Talava, and this can still be traced in the fleetnumbers 1xxxx (ex Imanta) and 3xxxx (ex Talava). Most of these photos have been taken since that date. More recently Rigas Satiksme have taken over the Tram and Trolleybus operations in Riga, but these are shown in separate Galleries. Fleet descriptions 10xxx / 30xxx - Ikarus E91 later model (2004-7) 11xxx / 31xxx - Ikarus E91 earlier model (2001/2) 12xxx / 32xxx - Mercedes Citaro 13xxx / 33xxx - Mercedes Citaro L (15m 3-axle) 14xxx / 34xxx - Solaris Urbino 12 15xxx / 35xxx - Solaris Urbino 15 (3-axle) 16xxx / 36xxx - Mercedes Citaro G (atric) 17xxx / 37xxx - Mercedes O345 18xxx / 38xxx - Mercedes O345G (artic) 19xxx / 39xxx - Solaris Urbino 18 (artic) Many vehicles were renumbered in 2004 to produce these number series A summary flweetlist is available at http://riga.mashke.org though the descriptions are only in German at the moment. Please e-mail me for a detailed fleetlist

a pair of Iakrus E91s parked at the airport in June 2008. It's not known why they were there, as these vehicles do not normally run to the airport Solaris Urbino 12 no 14058 arriving at the Abrenes Iela city terminus in 2002 3 Ikarus E91 midibuses at Imanta bus station in September 2003 this Ikarus 260 remains in use as a tow truck. Seen by the freedom monument in July 2005 a pair of Ikarus 280s at the Abrenes Iela parking area in August 2004 one of the few Ikarus 280s to receive the blue / white livery was 10543, seen here in Imanta in May 2004 Mercedes Citaro 12382 at Agenskalns Tirgus in October 2004 one of the last Ikarus 280s in service was 12561 seen at JUgla-3 terminus in August 2004 Mercedes Citaro L no 13097 at Imanta bus station in May 2004 Citaro L 13102 on Kr Valdemara Iela, having crossed Vansu Tilts on it's way into the city. June 2008 the first Solaris in the fleet 14013 still carries lettering proclaiming it to be the first of 143 vehicles ordered by Riga from Neoplan Polska ! Seen on Kristian Valdemara Iela in August 2004. Solaris Urbino 12 no 14044 parked up at Imanta bus station in May 2004 Solaris Urbino 12 14303 on Kr Valdemara Iela, having crossed Vansu Tilts on it's way into the city. Route 22A is the Airport - City centre express. June 2008 although it is disguised by the crowds boarding, 15246 is a 3 axle Solaris Urbino 15. Seen at Riga airport in May 2007 Mercedes O345 17622 (about the only vehicle in the fleet with a matching registration number !) on Merkela Iela around 9pm in the evening. Probably heading for the garage as route 25 does not normally pass this way. June 2008 Mercedes O345G 18516 heading east along Brivibas iela, past the orthodox cathedral in March 2007 Solaris Urbino 18 19055 is seen heading into the city in Vainodes Iela in May 2007. latest arrivals are yet more Ikarus E91 midibuses, like 30646 seen at the Central Market / Station stop in March 2007 a recently introduced route is the 6 to Dreilini which unusally terminates at the Inzenieru Iela terminus of trolleybus route 15. Irakus E91 30694 is seen there in March 2007 also in the lfeet are a number of 15m 3-axle Mercedes Citaros, including 33575 seen leaving the Abrenes iela city terminus in March 2007. Solaris Urbino 12 34777 in Rainis Bulvaris crossing Kr Barona Iela, heading for the main bus park on a reginal route. June 2008 the only Mercedes Conecto in the fleet at Abrenes Iela parking area in August 2004 36720 is one of the latest deliveries of Mercedes Citaro artics. Seen in Sarkangaugava in May 2007. a large batch of Mercedes Citaro artics arrived in the autumn of 2006, including 36801 seen in Turgeneva Iela on the way to the city terminus in March 2007 Solaris Urbino 12 37059 at Akenskalns Tirgus (market) Mercedes O345G 38301 crossing Kr Barona Iela on a JUgla - Imanta cross city service. June 2008 39709 is a Solaris Urbino 18, seen heading north past the Petersalas Iela trolleybus terminus on a quiet Sunday morning in May 2007. the Ikarus 260s in the regional fleet (4 prefix) included 47297 which was in a green livery - and was probably a second-hand acquisition from somewhere a line-up of 5 Ikarus E91 midibuses at Abrenes Iela parking area in August 2004 - note detail differences between the two batches BZ4223 is a cut down Ikarus 280, used as an

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]]> Mon Mar 21 2005 Midland Red Centenary http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c463772.html Some photos from the Midland Red Centenary celebrations held at the Midland Bus Museum in October 2004. There was a line-up of vehicles in the yard, and various excursions were run. There was another event on Juy 31st 2005, photos from that day are at the bottom of the page. The highlight of this was a small number of trips given by the D10 double-decker, which you could ride on if you were very lucky and very determined !! Tuesday 15 March 2005: Some photos from the Midland Red Centenary celebrations held at the Midland Bus Museum in October 2004. There was a line-up of vehicles in the yard, and various excursions were run. There was another event on Juy 31st 2005, photos from that day are at the bottom of the page. The highlight of this was a small number of trips given by the D10 double-decker, which you could ride on if you were very lucky and very determined !!

GHA337 is a 1940 SOS / Brush 3301 KHA301 a 1948 BMMO C1 / Duple setting out on an unadvertised tour a lineup of vehicles in the museum yard, with Leyland Leopard / Willowbrook 5212 nearest the camera 3744 NHA744 is a 1950 BMMO S12 / Brush 4255 UHA255 is a 1954 BMMO S14. The vehicle on the left is 5424, a 1966 built BMMO D9. 5056HA is BMMO S15 with duple purpose seating (hence the black roof) as shown on the blind, 6479HA is a BMMO S17 dating FROM 1963 943KHA is one of only 2 underfloor engined D10 double-deckers built by Midland Red. Seen next to a pair of Daimler Fleetlines. D9 no 5399 seen awaiting its turn on service D9 no 5399 BHA399C leaving Birmingham city centre with the return service to the museum in the evening there was a corner devoted to vehicles with the the first Leyland National delivered to Midland Red is still in use with First (Wyvern) as a drvier trainer under restoration is HHA26 a 1945 Guy Arab / Weymann a lineup in the yard viewed from a different angle - motorway coach CM6T 5656 is on the left another lineup of vehicles to the side. It was difficult to take individual photos of these buses Arriva Midlands have repainted this Dennis Dart in traditional livery. They have also reregistered it, as it used to be M30MPS and started life with Mercury Passenger Services in Chatham. Stagcoach have repainted this Volvo B10M / Alexander in traditional livery this Leyland Leopard / Duple cut down into a recovery vehicle was still in use until recently at ARRiva Shrewsbury garage SHA431 is an all-Leyland PD2 (Midland Red classification LD8), XHA482 is a Midland Red built D7 the most recent preserved vehicle present was this Leyland Leopard / Plaxton Supreme no 674 - SOA674S UHA963H is a type S23, one of the last batch of BMMO built vehicles with bodywork finished by Willowbrook not at the centenery ! By way of a contrast, UHA969H was probably the last BMMO bus in service in the UK, when photographed with Archway Coaches of Shifnal in 1983. Happily this vehicle is now preserved. 5212HA is a Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopard - one of the few outside types pruchased during the 1950s/60s a line up with D10 943KHA waiting its turn of duty D10 943KHA on one of its few trips out - approaching the Maypole D9 BHA399C arriving at the museum bus terminus from one of the trips - July 2005 D9 BHA399C setting down in Hill St, Birmingham with the return working from the museum July 2005. Notice Birmingham Corporation bus proviiding a duplicate a line up at the museum July 2005, including 2 D9s (5415 & 5424 - both EHA/D) D9 5424 (EHA424D) approaching the Maypole whilst providing backup fro the D10 GOH357N is oneof about 100 dual-durpose Marshall bodied Leyland Leopards acquired in the mid 1970s HA3501 is a Standard SOS with Ransomes body dating from 1925 since last year this LEyland National training vehicle has been repainted by First in traditional livery. MHA901F aon display in the lineup July 2005 - it is a BMMO S22 eith Plaxton body S22 MHA901F shown pausing at the Maypole whilst on a trip PHA370M was one of a number of Plaxton bodied Ford R192/1014s that were shortened in the company workshops in the late 1970s SHA431 is an all Leyland PD2 - seen in the lineup July 2005

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]]> Tue Mar 15 2005 Latvian Railways http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c296665.html Latvian Railways (Latvijas Dzelzceli) are still using virtually the same stock that was interited at independence in 1991. Local serivces in Riga are in the hands of 2 styles of ER2 EMU, long distance passenger services (much reduced these days) are now all operated by DR1 DEMUs. The few remaining international trains are hauled by a small number of TEP70 diesel locos. Freight trains are hauled by class M62, 2M62 and 2TE10 locos. There are also various classes of shunter, of which the largest is ChME3. Many of the EMUs have now been refursbished, with radically altered front ends. Sunday 26 September 2004: Latvian Railways (Latvijas Dzelzceli) are still using virtually the same stock that was interited at independence in 1991. Local serivces in Riga are in the hands of 2 styles of ER2 EMU, long distance passenger services (much reduced these days) are now all operated by DR1 DEMUs. The few remaining international trains are hauled by a small number of TEP70 diesel locos. Freight trains are hauled by class M62, 2M62 and 2TE10 locos. There are also various classes of shunter, of which the largest is ChME3. Many of the EMUs have now been refursbished, with radically altered front ends.

an unidentified ER2P EMU crossing the bridge over the river Daugava to enter Riga Central station in May 2004. ChME3 no5953 stunting an enngineers train at the south end of Shkirotava yard in September 2003 an overhead view of the main running shed at Skirotava depot in Riga. 3 2M62s and 2 TEP70s can be seen. Class DR1A DMU no 168 at Sigulda in Sept 2003. New style of front end, but old livery. Note large number of people with bicycles, attending the national bike rally. DEMU DR1A no 246 waiting to depart from Riga station in September 2003. In the intermediate red / white livery. the other end (motor coach) of DR1A246 a it departs Riga in September 2003. DR1A no 3116 in Riga station in the old livery in September 2003 DR1P no 402 in Riga Central station in September 2003 ER2 EMU no 1317 at Daugmale station with a train to Ogre in September 2003. It was awaiting clearance on a tempoary sinle line section. Note the oil tank wagons in Shkirotava yard in the background. an ER2 EMU of the later style in the old livery at Riga Central station in September 2003 ER2T no 7113 in the latest livery with a train to Ogre near Darzini in September 2003. Note wrong line working. this L class 2-10-0 is kept for use on special occasions. Seen here at the Gulbene narrow gauge railway festival in September 2001 a single class M62 loco hauls a short freight through Riga central station in September 2003 an unidntified EM2 EMU in the old livery approcahes Majori station besides the river Lielupe in Septmeber 2003. a DR1P EMU found for Krustpils at Ogre in June 2003. an ER2 EMU found for Aizkraukle at Ogre in June 2003 an M62 loco at Ogre in June 2003 TEP70 no 0267 waiting to leave Riga with the overnight Moscow train in September 2003 another view of P70 no 267 waiting to leave Riga with the Moscow train in Septmeber 2003 a 2M62 heading a freight train through Riga central station in September 2003. Note the unusual red livery another view of the red 2M62 passing through Riga central station a train from Riga arriving at Sloka in September 2002 shunterTGM31408 running light through Riga Central station in September 2003. 2M62U.0003 with an eastbound freight train at Krustpils in August 2007. 2M62U0010 heading south through Sarkandaugava with a train of oil tanks, May 2007 2M62U0100 heading a freight train through Ogre, June 2008 An unidentified M62 heading a westbound freight across the Daugava bridge at Riga, one evening in August 2007 DEMU DR1A 291 having arrived at CEsis with the morning train from Riga on 26th August 2006. DEMU DR1A 291 having arrived at Krustpils with the 0908 from Riga on 3rd August 2007 DR1A290 and DR1A2273 in Riga station June 9th 2008 a Riga - Sloka train between Majori and Dubulti June 9th 2008 a closer view of a Riga - Sloka train approaching Dubulti June 9th 2008 Refurbished ER2 unit 964 at Tukums I on 1st October 2009, having arrived from Riga. Disembarkation on this side due to main platform being under repair Refurbished / rebuilt ER2 unit ER2-989 waiting to leave Saulkrasti with the 1905 to Riga, August 5th 2007. ER2M no 605 was the only example repainted in this red/ gold livery. Seen at Riga central station with a Jelgava train in October 2002 refurbished EMU ER2T711707R in Riga Central station, June 9th 2008 a pair of ER2T EMUs coupled together heading north at Sarkandaugava May 27th 2007 Jalgave has 3 platforms, numbers 1, 32 and 33 ! summer 2005 saw a resumption of Lithuanian locos working into Riga on the Simferopol - Riga service. TEP60-0325 seen arriving in Riga 28/7/05 M62-1064 rrives at Gublene with the Plavinas - Ziguri train in July 1998. When this service was withdrawn in May 2000, it was the last M62 hauled passenger train in Latvia. Note the mixed formation. I seem to recall, that only the loco and first coach went onwards to Ziguri. 2M62 on 0340 passing through Riga central station with a freight train in October 2004. 2M62U0268 passing through Riga Central station with a freight train 28/7/05 - Lithuanian TEP60 on left a plan of Rigas Pilsetas Vilcienu Satiksme (Riga City Train Service) displayed on Riga Central station, June 2008 an unidentified 2TE10 loco at Krustpils in October 2002 TGM4 no3205 seen crossing the bridge at Daugavgriva on the Bolderaja freight branch in October 2002. The bridge was temporarily in use for road traffic whilst the road bridge was being rebuilt

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]]> Sun Sep 26 2004 National Routemaster Day http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c208134.html Some photos from my visit to London on 24th April 2004, where I managed to have a ride on every single remaining (14) Routemaster route. The 2nd version of this trip on July 10th was slightly less successful, as only 10 of the 11 remaining routes were sampled. Photos from this excursion will appear on a separate page eventually. Thursday 17 June 2004: Some photos from my visit to London on 24th April 2004, where I managed to have a ride on every single remaining (14) Routemaster route. The 2nd version of this trip on July 10th was slightly less successful, as only 10 of the 11 remaining routes were sampled. Photos from this excursion will appear on a separate page eventually.

after a diversion on route 390 through the building site that is York Way, the first opportunity for photos came on Pentonville road, whereth is Stagecoach Trident is seen. a DMS of Big Bus in Whitehall a Citaro on route 436 near Marble Arch the first Routemaster photo of the day. Arriva RML2617 approaching Angel, Islington on route 73 at more or less the same spot, Arriva RML2347 on route 19 Stagecoach gold-band liveried RML2607 at Liverpool Street station on route 8. Arriva Citaro MA6 on route 149 outside Liverpool Street station the furthest point east on the tour. Stagecoach RML2470 on route 8 at Brick Lane. London United had repainted RML880 in 1933 General livery, seen on route 9 near Hyde Park Corner this Optare Solo seen entering Knightsbridge on the C1 had recently been transferred from Connex to Travel London, but hsd yet to reflect that externally this former Northern General front-entrance Routemaster was often used as an RM9 seen on a wedding hire near Green Park tube station. There were 3 or 4 of these running around, but this is the only one I photographed. a brief hop between buses in Whitehall allowed me to catch up with Arrivas early example RM295 on route 159. Sovereign RM945 on route 13 in the traffic jam that used to be Oxford Street. History of this vehicle to follow. London Central RML2604 (minus fleetname) on route 36 just north of Marble Arch

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]]> Thu Jun 17 2004 Green Bus Service, Cannock http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c171804.html Green Bus Service of Great Wyrley (near Cannock) has long been a fleet of interest to bus enthusiasts. They started in the mid 1970s with a Bedford OB, and have since operated Leyland Tiger Cubs, several generations of Leyland Leopards, and now mainly Mercedes minibuses. At one time double deckers were operated (starting with a lowbridge Guy Arab), but nowadays the fleet is all single deck. Operations are nowadays concentrated in the Cannock - Wolverhampton corridor, but in the past services reached as far as Birmingham, Lichfield, Newport, Stafford, Uttoxeter and Walsall. Thursday 6 May 2004: Green Bus Service of Great Wyrley (near Cannock) has long been a fleet of interest to bus enthusiasts. They started in the mid 1970s with a Bedford OB, and have since operated Leyland Tiger Cubs, several generations of Leyland Leopards, and now mainly Mercedes minibuses. At one time double deckers were operated (starting with a lowbridge Guy Arab), but nowadays the fleet is all single deck. Operations are nowadays concentrated in the Cannock - Wolverhampton corridor, but in the past services reached as far as Birmingham, Lichfield, Newport, Stafford, Uttoxeter and Walsall.

the first full-sized bus operated was this former Fishwick Leyland / MCW Olympic. Seen at the garage in 1983 in the original 2 tone green & cream livery at one time the only 11m Leyland Leopard in the fleet was this former Trent one. I think the location is the outside the old bus station in Cannock the first bulk purchase was three former Burnley & Pendle Leyland Tiger Cubs in the late 1970s. BCW466B is seen in the old Cannock bus station the ex Burnley Tiger Cubs lasted until the late 1980s. BCW469B is seen on the last day of operation into Birmingham 25th April 1987. one of the last Leyland Leopards purchased was this former Burnley & PEndle example seen in Wolverhampton in the late 1990s a number of former Accrington / Hyndburn Leyland Leopards were purchased from Stagecoach, including EHG44S seen here in Wolverhampton one of the ex Rossendale Leyland Leopards loading at Penkridge the second double-decker acquired was this ex Caerphilly lowbridge Leyland PD3. Seen in Wolverhampton at the original Chubb St terminus the former Caerphilly Leyland PD3 seen at the other end of route 10 in Rugeley Bus Stastion on a very dismal day one of a small number of Leyland Atlaneans purchased from Hyndburn in the late 1980s, HTF176K seen approaching the Wolverhampton terminus of route 9 to Essington. another former Hyndburn Leyland Atlantean was HTF179K which was painted in this non-standard livery for some reason. Seen at Cannock Bus Station on the Wolverhampton - Rugeley service around20 Leyland Leopards were acquired from Rossendale over a period of time. One of the first was JTF153F seen here in Penkridge the current fleet of Mercedes minibuses includes K136ARE a Wright bodied vehicle, that was new to Stevensons. Seen arriving in Lichfield St, Wolverhampton on the Wednesfield service one of 3 ex Blackburn Leyland Tiger Cubs was LCB60G, seen here arriving at Cannock bus station three Leyland Tiger Cubs came from Blackburn around 1980, of which LCB66G is seen laying over at Essington on the Walsall service. This route was never very frequent and now only runs once a day as far as Bloxwich an ex Rossendale Leyalnd Leopard seen in Wolverhampton ex Rossendale Leyland Leopard MTJ870K seen at the picturesque BRewood terminus - probably waiting to return to Wolverhampton the many Leyland Leopards in the fleet included this Duple Dominant bodied one, originally with Lancaster City Transport. Seen at Wednesfield on the Lyndale Park service (now operated by Choice Travel) amonst the last full-sized vehicles in the fleet are a pair of ex Rhymney Valley East Lancs bodied Leyland Leopards, of which PWO89Y is seen in Wolverhampton another ex Rhymney Valley Leyalnd Leopard in the early nineties a number of Leyland Leopards were rebodied by East Lancs - UCY843S was originally a coach with South Wales Transport. Seen here in wolverhampton a long-stayer in the fleet was UET678S, an ex South Yorkshire PTE Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean. It latterly received a revised livery, without any yellow, and is seen in wolverhampton. the first double-decker owned was this lowbridge Guy Arab ex Rees & Williams. It lasted until 1987 and is seen in Cannock during a period when the bus station was closed. Where it all began ! My first encounter with Green Bus on 31st October 1981. Guy Arab YTH815 waits to leave Penkridge with the 11.00am departure to Cannock. The fare was 25p issued on a traditional punch ticket another photo of the Leyland / MCW Olympic dropped off in Cannock during a period when the bus station was closed c1987 Bedford OWB GZ2248 operating the Brewood - Penkridge - Cannock route on 22nd SPetember 2007. Seen arriving at Penkridge Bedford OWB GZ2248 specially operated the Brewood - Cannock service on Saturdays in September 2007. Seen having arrived at Sannock on Sept 22nd. another photo of HTF176K thids time at Essington on the Wolverhampton - Landywood service K321YKG is a Mercedes 709D with Alexander (Belfast) body that was new to Red & White, and subsequently with several Stagecoach companies. Seen in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton on 15th October 2008 having arrived on route 18 from Lyndale Park in September 2009, a Wolverhampton - Stafford service was started. Former Ribble Mercedes 709D / alexander Belfast K623UFR is seen leaving Cheel Road in Stafford in the first week of operation Green Bus started running a Norbury - Stafford service on Thursdays in September 2006. This route is usually operated by one ofr hte European Coach Conversion bodied Iveco Turbo Dailys, like L113YAB seen loading in Stafford L255NFA is a Mercedes L709D / Wadham Stringer that was new to Stevensons. Seen in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton on 15th October 2008, having arrived on route 3 from Brewood L308YDU is a Mercedes 709d / Alexander Belfast which came from Stagecoach Oxford in 2006. Seen in the latest livery in Wednesfield in April 2007 Mercedes L327CHB - 2 at Wolverhampton on service 3 on a foggy day in December 2005 Mercedes 709D / Alexander (Belfast) M370LAX seen on the Thursdays only Stafford – Norbury route in August 2007. This vehicle came from Red & White / Stagecoach Cymru. Mercedes 709D / Alexander (Belfast) M370LAX seen in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton on 15th October 2008 working route 10 to Cannock - a service which is now only 3 journeys per day Mon - Fri M677JFP is a Mercedes 709D / Alexander that is often seen on the service to Stafford as here leaving Cheel Road for Wolverhampton on 27th October 2009 Ex Stagecoach Western via Glenvale Volvo B6 / Alexander M720BCS is normally seen on route 23 Bloxwich - Brownhills. Seen here at Bloxwich on 15th October 2008 M92JHB is a Mercedes 709D / Wadham Stringer that was new to Anslows of Pontypool, but came from Stagecoach Gloucestershire. Seen at Cheel Road in Stafford on the Wolverhampton service in September 2009 M92JHB is a 709D / Wadham Stringer that was new to Phil Anslow Travel. Acquired in October 2008, it isstill in Stagecoach livery when seen in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton this Daimler fleetline / Northern Counties ame from City of Oxford, and is seen in Cannock Bus Station one of a number of ex Rossendale Leyland Leopard / East Lancs operated was MTC866K seen here at Rugeley on the Cannock / Wolverhampton service taken in the same place as the photo of LCB66G above European Coach Conversion bodied Iveco Turbo Daily N114YAB has just arrived in Essington with the daily journey on route 16 from Bloxwich on 15th October 2008 European Coach Conversion bodied Iveco Turbo Daily N114YAB running a lunchtime journey on route 23 to Brownhills at Bloxwich on 15th October 2008 N462VOD is a Mercedes 709D / Alexander that was new to Ribble. Seen in Chell Road, Stafford having arrived from Wolverhampton in September 2009. N618VSS is a Mercedes 709D / Alexander that was new to Stagecoach Western, but came from Red & White. Seen in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton on October 15th 2008, on route 9 from Landywood NBZ1676 is an East Lancs rebodied Leyland Leopard that was new to West Yorkshire PTE (with Plaxton body) as RWT527R. It has been with Green Bus since 1992, having been rebodied in 1995. Sen in lichfield Street, Wolverhampton on 15th October 2008 on route 9 to Landywood NFR748T is a Leyland Leopard / East Lancs that was new to Hyndburn. Seen in Lichifled Street, Wolverhampton on 15th October 2008, on route 3 to Brewood one of a pair of East Lancs rebodied Leyland Leopards aquired from South Wales was PNY391R seen here leaving Wolverhampton on the Rugeley service. one of the last double-deckers purchased was this Leyland Atlantean / Roe that was new to West Yorkshire PTE. Seen at Wednesfield on route 8.

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]]> Thu May 6 2004 Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c149396.html the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza is held every May-Day Bank Holiday Weekend. The main street is closed and hosts an old fashioned funfair. There is a parage of steam road transport, and various other attractions. Tuesday 6 April 2004: the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza is held every May-Day Bank Holiday Weekend. The main street is closed and hosts an old fashioned funfair. There is a parage of steam road transport, and various other attractions.

the transport procession includes this vehicle which I tihnk was somebody's flight of fancy rather than a genuinely old vehicle a traction engine in the procession passing the funfair a view of the funfair in the main street a Sentinel steam lorry being prepared for the procession a closer view of the helter-skelter in the funfair a miniature railway was giving rides along the street my friend John O'Driscoll talking to the owner of a traction engine being prepared for the parade visitors on Sunday are treated to a hell-fire preacher ! a Foden steam lorry in the parade

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]]> Tue Apr 6 2004 Holidays in Switzerland http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c133351.html Some photos from two holidays I took with a couple of friends in Switzerland in 1999/2001. Most of the photos are from the eastern end of Lake Geneva, which has a magical aura, but we actually stayed a bit further on in a chalet near Gryon. Thursday 11 March 2004: Some photos from two holidays I took with a couple of friends in Switzerland in 1999/2001. Most of the photos are from the eastern end of Lake Geneva, which has a magical aura, but we actually stayed a bit further on in a chalet near Gryon.

a view of the famous Chateau Chillon from the waterfront near Villenneuve another view of Chateau Chillon - this time from a paddle steamer, including the motorway which most brochure photos manage to airbrush out !! some bloke posing in front of Chateau Chillon the view from the front lawn of our chalet near Gryon - the mountain is one of the Dents du Midi my friend's favourite paddle steamer Italie - pulling away from Montreux a closer view of Italie as shee arrives at Lausanne (Ouchy) a lake near Col de Bretaye a lake somewhere between Col de Bretaye and Les Diablerets - the cafe looked nice but I wasn't allowed to stop there a view of the eastern end of Lake Geneva as the MOB train makes its final descent into Montreux. Note the vineyard in the foreground

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]]> Thu Mar 11 2004 Forthcoming Attractions http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c113514.html Here are some sample photos of pages I intend to add to Grozzlepics in the near future. Vote for the one you would most like to see simply by opening the sample photo. At the end of each month, the photo with most hits will feature as a new collection. SEPTEMBER 2009 - Blackpool Trams now has its own gallery Sunday 8 February 2004: Here are some sample photos of pages I intend to add to Grozzlepics in the near future. Vote for the one you would most like to see simply by opening the sample photo. At the end of each month, the photo with most hits will feature as a new collection. SEPTEMBER 2009 - Blackpool Trams now has its own gallery

Silly forms of Transport Manchester Cow Parade Hawkstone Park Follies Canals Independent Bus Operators in Cheshire Holiday in Malta Naples Pompeii a trip up the Manchester Ship Canal on a Mersey Ferry York Dragon Boat Races Buses in York Britannia Coconut Dancers, in Bacup, Lancashire Easter 2006 On shed at Crewe Foxfield Railway Gala July 2007 Great Central Railway Lithuania April 2005 buses in Blackpool Butterflies transport in Tallinn Christmas 2004 - an unexpected heavy snowfall Arriva buses in Crewe First buses in Cheshire and Staffordshire

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]]> Sun Feb 8 2004 Six Days in Hong Kong http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c98648.html Some photos from six days I spent in Hong Kong in July 2003, when I was Best Man at the wedding of my best friend Michael Oakes. [Pictures of the actual wedding will appear in another collection in due course] Tuesday 13 January 2004: Some photos from six days I spent in Hong Kong in July 2003, when I was Best Man at the wedding of my best friend Michael Oakes. [Pictures of the actual wedding will appear in another collection in due course]

myself, Michael and his friend Umit (otherwise known as the three stooges !). We were the only non family to travel from the UK the shoreline at Hong Kong Central, from a ferry the view from my hotel room window. Is was on the 19th floor. a ferry from one of the outlying islands arriving at Hong Kong ferry terminal a view of Hong Kong island from Kowloon, showing how even tohugh the Peak is 1000ft high, some of the buildings are even taller ! Hong Kong Park is an oasis of green surrounded by skyscrapers - quite a surreal experience some visitors from England coll off in a water feature in Hong Kong Park the hong Kong trams belong in anohter age ! This one is seen at Fortress Hill near to our hotel the first day I arrived, the bride, groom, bridesmaid & best man went for a hot-pot meal. If you think I look shattered, it's because I haven't slept for over 24 hours ! Arriving at Lamma Island : view of Yung Shue Wan from the landing stage Lunch on Lamma Island : most restaurants in Yung Shue Wan allow you to eat on the waterfront. Note the Blue Girl beer - excellent ! Lamma Island : a house in the middle of the jungle near Yung Shue Wan Lamma Isalnd : the beach at Hung Sheng Ye - unfortunately not as enticing as it looks ! Lamma Island a view from the highpoint of the trail (Hung Sheng Ye beach in the centre) - showing the power station, which has been carefully edited out of my other photos ! a view of Lamma Island this sign can be seen from across the harbour. closer (chance) inspection revealed that it's actually a net at Hong Kong golf club to stop balls from going onto the road. Mike looks apprehensive as Grace orders a meal for him ! this is Murray House at Stanley. It was brought here from central Hong Kong in the 1980s, brick by brick. The columns in front of it were leftovers !! the Oakes family with their Chinese friend Yang Wu the Star Ferries are extremely evocative of Hong Kong, especially if you travel in the non-air conditioned part the Hong Kong Railway Museum at Tai Po. Trains still run behind the wall you can see through the building a view of Hong Kong island from Kowloon at dusk, with Tsim Sha Tsui fery / bus terminal in the foreground a view of Kowloon from Wan Chai ferry terminal on Hong Kong Island. a small island off the west coast of Hong Kong Island, with the city itself in the background. Sorry don't know the name of this Island, it's not on my map ! another view of the waterfront restaurants in Yung Shue Wan a view looking southwest from the midpoint of Lamma island. These islands aren't on my map either ! the road across the spine of Lantau Island is steep and winding ! a view from The Peak, along the north coast of Hong Kong island with the Peak Tram arriving a view from The Peak looking north eastwards.

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]]> Tue Jan 13 2004 Crosville in the 1980s http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c74300.html Crosville Motor Services was the major bus operator in Cheshire, North and Mid Wales, parts of adjoining counties. The Welsh area was split off as Crosville Wales in 1986, and the remaining operation was split up after sale to Drawlane (now Arriva) in 1988. These photos show Crosville vehicles in the 1980s, mostly around my home town of Crewe, but also elsewhere. Some of these photos were formerly displayed on Dave Henderson's website Greenbus Homepage. Friday 21 November 2003: Crosville Motor Services was the major bus operator in Cheshire, North and Mid Wales, parts of adjoining counties. The Welsh area was split off as Crosville Wales in 1986, and the remaining operation was split up after sale to Drawlane (now Arriva) in 1988. These photos show Crosville vehicles in the 1980s, mostly around my home town of Crewe, but also elsewhere. Some of these photos were formerly displayed on Dave Henderson's website Greenbus Homepage.

amongst the last vehicles delivered to Crosville were a batch of Duple Laser bodied Leyland Tigers for use on Town Lynx services. CTL48 is seen in Runcorn the Chester - Oswestry / Llangollen routes were one of the last routes to use Bristol FS's. DFG195 is seen leaving the bus station in Chester in May 1981 Wrexham was the last place Crosville used Bristol FSs in normal service. DFG220 is seen at the bus station in July 1981 the last Brisol FLFs in the Crosville fleet were used on school services in Bangor. DFG258 is seen there in April 1982 LEyland Olympian DOG107 received a special livery for route C84 (Newcastle - Crewe - Chester). Seen entered Crewe bus station this orange / green livery was the first post-NBC livery, which was quickly replaced by a more sober green / cream. This Bristol VR DVG273 is shown in Crewe bus station the 2nd post-NBC livery was green / cream, as shown by Bristol VR DVG478 seen parked up at Crewe depot. a large number of early Bristol VRs were bought second-hnad in the early 1980s, including DVG582 which was new to Ribble. Most of these were based in Wales, but this one was breifly at Crewe this Bristol VR was painted in an allover white livery to act as a spoiler against a competing operator on the Wirral after deregulation. Bristol VR DVL352 seen at Ellesmere Port in the green / orange livery one of a batch of dual-purpose Leyland Leopard / Duple bought in 1981 ELL29 (DDM29X) seen in Edleston road in Crewe Crosville received a large number of dual-durpose Leyland Nationals in the mid 1970s, including ENL908 seen here at Nantwich bus station on the C84 route the single deck version of the green/orange livery is shown by ENL921 parked in Crewe bus station ENL948 seen in Northwich bus station carried a non-standard version of the green/orange livery ENL949 had a non-standard version of the green / cream livery promoting a Manchester - Wilmslow route. However, it is seen in Crewe on route to Macclesfield ! a downgraded Bristol RE coach ERG163 seen in Bangor ERG275 was the only one of this batch of dual-purpose Bristol RELLs not to go to Crosville Wales when the company was split. Seen here at Crewe bus station the Bristol RE coaches were downgraded to dual-durpose later in their lives, and could turn up on any service such as ERL306 in local coach livery seen on a Chester local service a small number of East Lancs bodied Bristol VRs came from Hastings & District (but were new to Sheffield Corporation), in the early 1980s, including HVG936 (OWE280K) seen here at Oswestry garage in 1983. These were the first normal height double deckers in the fleet for a good many years, and the fleetnumber prefix H was introduced to cope with them. almost the last vehicles delivered to Crosville were a batch of Mercedes 609D minibuses including MMM703 seen in Manchester an operation which I don't remember at all was the painting of this Sherpa minibus in a special livery for a service to the ALbert Dock in Liverpool MSR741 shows the very final version of the fleet livery. Seen in Crewe - I think this was on the last day of operation before this portion of Crosville passed to Midland Red North MSR793 is one of a large number of Mini-Lynx Freight Rover Sherpas delivered to Crosville on deregulation in 1986. Seen entering Crewe bus Station a number of early Bristol VRs arrived second hand in the early 1980s, DVG562 (SMS43H) came from Eastern National, but was new to Alexander (Midland) the last batch of Leyland Nationals were dual-doored vehicles for use on the Runcorn Busway, including SNG11 (FCA11Y) seen here at the high street bus station Leyland National SNG391 seen on a school service somewhere near Newcastle Emlyn in June 1986. SNL582 is one of only 2 series B Leyland Nationals that were allocated to Crewe depot. Seen here leaving the bus station the last place to regularly use dual-door buses was on the Runcorn Busway, including SNL802 in the orange / green livery SNL994 is one of a small number of Leyland Nationals that were taken over with the business of GL Travel in Winsford. This one was new to Lancaster, and is seen in Northwich SNL997 is another Leyland Natonal which came from GL Travel, Winsford. This one started life with ALder Valley, and is seen here in Winsford another view of SNL997 in Northiwch, whilst still in NBC green livery in 1985 this former demonstrator Seddon Pennine VII could still be seen in service in Chester also in those days it was still possible to photograph buses passing under Eastgate Bridge in Chester one of the last places to run Seddon Pennines was the Rhyl area, where SPG767 is seen in Denbigh waiting to return to Rhyl in October 1983 vehicles on the Runcorn Busway wore a special green / orange livery like SRG190 seen leaving the bus station Crewe town services were for very many years the preserve of dual-door Bristol REs like SRG194 seen in Edleston Road anopther view of SRG194 leaving the bus station at Crewe Bristol RE SRG197 seen at the terminus of route 1 in Crewe (not 100 yards from where I live) in the days when it used to snow in winter ! Bristol REs SRG200-4 spend almost all their lives on Crewe town services. SRG202(HFM202J) is seen here in Manor way, Crewe in 1983. This section of route is now only served on Sundays ! SRG203 later received the green / cream livery, and is seen at Northwich in the company of SRG213 - which was converted into an Easyride disabled transport vehicle a major surprise on deregulation in 1986 was purchase of a second-hand Bristol RELL from United Counties - SRG203 is seen here at Northwich SRG204 (HFM204J) having just left the Davneport Avenue terminus of route K5. The tree on the left obscures the photographers house ! Bristol RE ERG275 later received the green / cream livery, as seen here at Northwich in 1986 the last two remaining Bristol RESLs were briefly transferred to Crewe. By this time they were easily the oldest vehicles in the fleet. SRG75 is seen in Davenport Avenue this Bristol FS (DF)G38 was still in use as a driver training vehicle at Northwich in the mid 1980s CBC61 (B61DMB) was one of a batch of Bova Futuras used to inaugurate a Crewe - London National Express Rapide service. Seen soon after the service started in 1985. This vehicle has had a chequered history since, with no less than 13 operators and 6 registrations. It is currently B842FFM with Trimmer of Harold Park. It is no longer possible to travel by coach directly from Crewe to London. a general shot of Crewe Depot, featuring 2 dual-surpose Leyland Nationals(including ENL955 / LMB955P) and a Bristol VR the last coaches bought by Crosville were a batch of Duple bodied Leyland Tigers, including CTL64 (C64JTU). I'm afraid I can't recognise the location of this shot Leyland Olympian / ECW DOG161 (A161UDM) leaving Crewe bus station in the final livery Bristol VR / ECW DVG478 (WTU478W) seen at Crewe railway statin

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]]> Fri Nov 21 2003 Some Views of Latvia http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c66891.html Latvia is my spiritual home. My father is Latvian. I first went there in 1994, and have returned numerous times since. These pictures are intended to give a general overview of the country. Most are in the Riga area, as that's where I'm usually based, but I have been all over the country. Sunday 2 November 2003: Latvia is my spiritual home. My father is Latvian. I first went there in 1994, and have returned numerous times since. These pictures are intended to give a general overview of the country. Most are in the Riga area, as that's where I'm usually based, but I have been all over the country.

the Abavas Rumba waterfall near Sabile in western Latvia the cafe at Babite station, back in 1995 the Balloon Festival in August 2004 saw 6 hot air balloons jostling for space in the Dome Square in Riga a winter view of the Bastejkalns, the park which separates the old and new towns in Riga Bauska Castle - you can climb up the tower with the flag, but it's not for vertigo sufferers ! this tank at Ilguciems trolleybus terminus in Riga contains beer ! [such sights used to be common in Soviet times, but have now disappeared] a house in the A view of Cesis castle. This was partly destroyed by Ivan the Terrible in 1583. Cesis is regarded as the quintessential Latvian town. Gatmanas cave at Sigulda. Throwing some coins into the water is supposed to bring good luck the Freedom Monument in the centre of Riga (affectionately known as Milda). In Soviet times you could be sent to Siberia for placing flowers here the Powder Tower - the last remaining tower in the old city walls in Riga a standard guide-book panorama of Riga from the St Peters church tower. the Sarkanklints (red cliffs), north of Saulkrasti. a view of the Gauja river and valley from the cable-car at Sigulda. Note the castles on the skyline sunset over Vansu Tilts in Riga the Swedish Gate in Riga old town (Vecriga). It is tradional to take your visitors here and photograph them. This is my friend Michael Oakes murals on house walls are popular in Latvia, including some which show maps. This one shows a map of Riga above the Minibus terminus. Note the old Latvian RAF minibuses. a view of some typical architecture in Vecriga the Brivdabas Musejs in Riga contains this windmill stalls selling amber can be seen all over the old city in Riga (however cold the weather !). These are on Kalku Iela another mural showing the folk songs the dancing lady in Livu Laukums is famous on YouTube ! a church in Dobele a ground level view of the Dome Kathedral in evening light a frozen lake by Ozolnieki station (near Jelgava) the same lake in summer another view of the same lake in summer a close-up of the cockerel on top of the Dome church in Riga in winter the beer gardens in Livu Laukuma in Riga are converted into an open-air skating rink this ornate building in Riga is now the Italian embassy an airal view of Jurmala (taken from a Riga - Manchester flight 29/7/05) showing the bend in the river Lielupe at Majori where it almost reaches the sea. The lake at the top is Babites Ezers. the Konventa Seta is a noasis of calm in the bustle of Vecriga the Latvian folk-hero The Laima clock is THE meeting place in Riga. There are usually a lot more people waiting than this. the Lido group has it's own brewery at the a mural showing the orignal Melngavu nams a rainbow over the Freedom monument - October 209 the National theatre in Riga - pity about the van in front the Ogre river covered in ice in April 2005 the Ratslaukums looks like a typical town hall square, but it the church tower dates from the 1950s, and all the other buildings are post-independence fakes ! another view from St Peters church towerr. This time looking east in the wintertime a park in Saldus in May 2004 Sketchpadguy goes undercover an arial view of Sloka taken from a Riga - Manchester flight 29/7/05 Skrelnieku laukums by twilight - June 2008 Svetkumaize (lireally the TV test card as street architecture - Gogola Iela, Riga the tuba

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]]> Sun Nov 2 2003 My Favourite Pubs http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c63062.html Here are some photos of my favourtie pubs. They all feature good beer, good food (most of them) and authentic atmosphere and conversation. Sorry about the quality of some of the pictures - they were taken after I'd been inside !! Wednesday 22 October 2003: Here are some photos of my favourtie pubs. They all feature good beer, good food (most of them) and authentic atmosphere and conversation. Sorry about the quality of some of the pictures - they were taken after I'd been inside !!

The Alus Seta in Riga is my idea of the perfect pub. If you sit outside you can hear the music being played in the adjacent beer gardens, whilst sampling Uzavas Tumsais - the best beer in the world ! the Borough Arms in Crewe may not be much to look at, but inside it has a warm homely atmosphere, a wide range of real ales and several Belgian beers (including Hoegaarden) on tap the Elande pub in Riga is (allegedly) open 24 hours a day ! Not a particularly brilliant pub, but it does serve the excellent Lacplesis beer, and, as you can see, there is attractive company ! my friend Ray relaxing after sampling an excellent pint of Mansfield Cask in the Loggerheads pub in Shrewsbury - a real time warp of a place The Mill Hotel in chester is an upmarket hotel, which includes a bar with umpteen handpumps selling quality beer at cheap prices the Old Queens Head in Minehead - where the locals are very knowledgeable about their Exmoor Stag beer ! The Royal Oak in Luxborough (Somerset). The perfect pub at the end of an adventurous journey. Sorry this is an old photo - taken in 1996, but not much has changed the Shire Horse at Wyaston, Derbyshire. This pub appeared like a visit after we'd missed our stop on the bus, and were rapidly being carried into the middle of nowhere ! the Swan at Wybunbury Cheshire has excellent food, a convivial atmosphere, a beer garden, and accomodation. the Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham is claimed to be the oldest pub in England. Certainly the back rooms disappear into the castle rock behind. the White Lion in Weston (near Crewe) serves an excellent pint of Bass and provides a very rapid food service. the Barrels in Hereford - home of Wye Valley Beers - and Dorothy Goodbody ! the Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, home of Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. Behind the calm exterior lies a vibrant interior. the Black Lion at Consall is an isolated pub in the Churnet Valley which can get overwhelmed when events take place on the adjacant railway. Arrive early if you want a beef baguette !! one corner of the varied interior of The Bridge Bier Huis in Burnley, showing the bar and the extensive range of bottled beers available. the exterior of The Bridge Bier Huis in Burnley - it was difficult to include the whole building in the photo ! the Brunswick in Derby is adjacent to the railway station, and brews its own beer (as well as offering a selection of other beers). The perfect refreshment stop when changing trains ! the Vine at Delph Road, Brier;ley Hill (commonly known as the Bull & Bladder) is the brewery tap for Bathams excellent ales. The section on the left is new, but you can't tell the join from outside Citi Laiki on Brivibas Iela, Riga, Latvia - serves the best Pigs Trotter I've ever tasted ! The Congress is a excellent pub with welcoming locals in a back street of the former beer desert of Longton. the Cottage, an oasis of calm in Cardiff city centre - and a good pint of Brains too ! the welcoming interior of The Crescent in Salford the Church Inn in Ludlow is down a narrow alley, so it's difficult to photograph. Serves an excellent range of local brews. the Doric Arch just outside Euston station, has an unpromising exterior which hides an excellent range of real ales (but the food is not recommended). It used to be part of the head of Steam chain, but has been taken over by fullers and renamed. the Fighting Cock in Bradford, a real ale haven amidst dereliction since the 1980s the Gauja Bar on Terbatas Iela, Riga, Latvia. Home of the amazingly obscure Brengulu Alus. Inside it looks like a 1960s apartment ! the Great Western is virtually underneath Wolverhampton station the Great Western in Wolverhampton has a wonderful array of railway memorabelia - and great beers from Hlodens and Bathams too ! the Head of Steam is a small chain of pubs, most of which are based at railway stations. This is the one in Huddersfield which has 4 contrasting rooms round a central bar. This is the room with all sorts of old advertising signs. Another room has a large amount of railway memorabelia. The beer is excellent - here you can even get Lithuanian Svyturis beer in bottles. the Little Pack Horse in Bewdley. A very ideosyncratic pub, full of all sorts of strange attractions Mabels Tavern in Mabledon Place, London (near Euston) is famous for gatherings of Poconuts, and infamous for its burgers ! It has also been described as the Malt Shovel in Northampton, an excellent pub in the shadow of the Carlsberg mega-brew-factory The Maltings in York is an excellent pub with only one problem – its too small ! part of the amazing interior of the Msrble Arch on Rochdale Road in Manchester. The beer is good too, but unfortunately the food has gone the Newborough Arms at Bontnewydd (near Caernarfon) - a pint of Thwaites awaits ! the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham, is a former bank with a marvellously decorative interior. The beer isn't bad either ! The Old Swan in Netherton is commonly known as Ma Pardoes, after the former landlady. Brewing has now recommenced here, and the interior is as idiosyncratic as ever ! the Pump and Truncheon in Blackpool, a haven of spit and sawdust amidst the glitz and razzamataz. The pint of Lytham Royal wasn't bad either ! the Running Horse at Long Bank near Bewdley. A prettyy good pub in the Chef and Brewer chain the Shire Horse at Stafford is a newly build pub as part of the Chef and Brewer chain, but is a very good pub for both food and beer, inside and out, nonetheless the Smithfield Hotel on Swan St in Manchester. I must have really enjoyed my visit here, because I can't remember much about it ! the Swan, Stone. Great range of beer, and friendly atmosphere. the Three Fishes in Shrewsbury, low beams, good conversation, and a penchant for thornbridge Beers the Victory in Hereford is home of the Spinning Dog Brewery, and an excellent pub - except for the lack of customers ! the Vine, Nantwich. An excellent pint of Hydes the Wellington in the centre of Birmingham has an unpromising exterior (and it can be difficult to find the right door) but inside is a real ale heaven with 12 different beers that you have to order by number the Wellington at Shalersmoor, Sheffield. Formerly the Cask & Cutler. Still a good pub, but somewhat cliquey ! Ragleth Inn at Little Stretton - good beer and an enormous trampolene out the back at Muddy Maher's in Kinsale (Ireland) the craic is good ! However this does mean people dancing about in front of you (so you can't see the TV) even when there is no music !

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]]> Wed Oct 22 2003 Former Crosville Buses http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c55233.html At the request of my friend Dave Henderson, here are some photos of buses that were previously with Crosville Motor Services. I'm afraid most of these are old photos, for which I cannot remember the date I took them ! Friday 26 September 2003: At the request of my friend Dave Henderson, here are some photos of buses that were previously with Crosville Motor Services. I'm afraid most of these are old photos, for which I cannot remember the date I took them !

North Western repainted this former Crosville Bristol LD training vehicle 838AFM (DLG881) in fleet livery, and ran in briefly on a Northwich Historic Tour in the mid 90s. There was one journey a day which started at Chester, which is where it is seen. Midland Fox acquired a number of Olympians from Crosville Wales in 1990, including A132SMA (DOG132) which is still with Arriva Fox County and is seen here in Charles St, Leicester on 27th March 2004 Northern Bus of Dinnington was run by noted Crosville entusiast Duncan Roberts, and included many ex Crosville vehicles in the lfeet, including AFM113G (SRG113) which had been the last Bristol RE in the Crosville Wales fleet. Seen here arriving at Sheffield on the original 208 route. Leyland National AFM5W (SNL5) was one of a number of GReenway conversions run by Blackburn Transport. Seen here in Darwen Bus Station, it was originally a 2 door Runcorn Busway vehicle. amongst the last vehicles to be deliveredto Crosville were a batch of Duple bodied Leyland Tigers, including CTL70 (C70JTU) which (much) later passed to Napier Point in Liverpool and is seen in Crewe in 2003 Crosville's first (and almost last) minibuses were 100 Freight Rover Sherpas delivered on deregulation, including D761PTU (MSR761) which later passed to Phillips of Holywell. Seen here on a short-lived route from Holywell to Chester. former Crosville Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopard DDM22X later passed to King Offa Services, a short-lived operator in Shropshire. It is seen here on the Welshpool service in Shrewsbury in the early 1980s Crosville received 15 Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopards for Townlynx services. None of them laster very long, and ELL25 (DDM25X) later passed to OK at Bishop Auckland. 3 former Crosville Bristol LHs are still running in Malta, EBY592 was formerly SLL635 (OCA635P) is in seen at Marsaxlokk in February 2003 CMT Buses in Aintree built up a large fleet of Leyland Nationals after deregulation, including former Crosville EMB363S, seen here at Bootle bus station. Leyland National EMB369S passed to Express motors of Caernarfon, and is seen here at Porthmadog Leyland National EMB370S (SNL370) ran for a number of firms in the Lvierpool area, including Liverpool Citybus. Seen here in the city centre on their route 32. former Crosville Olympian GFM102X (DOG102) is now the oldest vehicle in the First Potteries fleet, but it is still sometimes used on the trunk Crewe - Hanley service as seen on 23/03/04. Note Crosville fleetname the Thandi family have been involved in a number of bus companies in the West Midlands. GMA404N was running for one of them briefly in the mid 1990s. Seen here at Dudley on route 310 to Walsall KMP of Lanberis had a couple of ex Crosville Leyland Nationals which they used on the Llanberis to Caernarfon service. GMA406N is seen in Caernarfon GMB374T (SNL374) was one of the last Leyland Nationals in service with the Birmingham COach Company. Seen in West Bromwich in November 2001 this one only just creeps in ! Bristol RE HFM213J was converted to an Easyride disabled persons bus. After break-up of Crosville it passed to North Western, but apart from a small fleetname, is still un full Crosville livery. Seen at Winsford depot in November 1990 this anonymous Leyland National with Pilkingtons of Accrington turns out to have originally been Crosville SNL582 (JTU582T) which was based at Crewe for most of it's life. NOTE - registration RIB4033 is now on a different Leyland National of Pilkingtons Northern Bus of Dinnington also ran some ex Crosville Leyland Nationals, including JTU598T (SNL598) seen here at Meadowhall in front of the famous cooling towers ! another former Crosville bus with SUT in Sheffield was LMA404T Crosville disposed of its Bristol LHs fairly quickly. LMA607P was laterwith Tees & District in Middlesborough LMA607P was formerly with noted LH operator Trimdon Motor Services, as seen here - in Middlesborough I think. Silver Star were one of the last users of the Bristol LH, including ex Crosville MCA613P (SLL613) which spent many years with Phillips of Holywell. Seen here at Caernarfon in Sept 2001 SUT was a coach operator who started running competing services in sheffield on deregulation. They were in the same ownership as Crosville, so use of ex Crosville Bristol VR MDM280P was perhaps not surprising Crosville was latterly in the same ownership as Yelloway, and some of their Bristol VRs passed to them for tendered services before Yelloway was closed down. MDM286P is seen entering Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester MLG960P (ENL960) ran for a time with Andrews in Sheffield Choice Travel of Willenhall started up with a fleet of Leyland Nationals including former Crosville MLG961P, SEEN HERE IN wALSALL Crosville converted some Bristol MWs into towing vehicles, including this one which passed to North Western and received their livery - seen in Runcorn some yesars ago Parfitts of Rhymney Bridge ran a large number of bus services in the Merthyr area in the early 90s before being taken over. They had a large fleet of Bristol REs including ex Crsoville NFM292M (ERL292) which had come via a non PSV operator in North Wales who had removed the destination blind. I think this was the last RE delivered to Crosville. Leyland National NFM828M was one of the first to be sold by Crosville, passing to Ivy Coaches in Huddersfield, who briefly ran local bus services after deregulation. It is seen in Halifax bus station Lincolnshire Road car had a large number of second-hand Leyland Nationals including ex Crosville RFM885M (SNL885), seen here in Doncaster. Ludlows of Halesowen used this ex Crosville Leyland National RFM886M (SNL886) seen here at Cradley Heath on route 230 RFM886M was later painted into fleet livery by Ludlows, and is seen here at Merry Hill Halton Transport bought a number of second-hand Leyland Nationals to operate increased services after deregulation, including RFM890M (SNL890) seen here in Runcorn pre deregulation Crosville ran a couple of community minibuses including STU702V, a Reeve Burgess bodied Bedford CF, which was later briefly with Gerards Travel in Warrington - seen here in Chester Another ex Crosville VR with Bryn Melyn was UDM451V (DVG451) City Fleet briefly ran bus services in Liverpool in the late 1980s with a motley collection of second-hand vehicles including ex Crosville VR UMB337R (DVL337) WFM801K (SNL801) was the first Leyland National delivered to Crosville in 1972. Following a spell as an airside bus at Gatwick, it was one of a batch bought by GM Buses South in the early 1990s. Seen here in Stockport, it later received Stagecoach livery the same bus at the same place in Stagecoach livery the first vehicle in the fleet of Nip-on of St Helens was this former Crosville Bristol RE YFM272L (ERG272), seen here arriving at the bus station. YFM272L later passed to the well known operator of Bristol REs Pennine BLue, and is seen in Ashton-under-Lyne bus station Northern Bus of Dinnington had a large fleet of Bristol REs of which several were ex Crosville including YFM277L seen here in Sheffield bus station. Catch a Bus ran a number of services in south Shields in the late 1980s using mainly Bristol REs, including YFM283L (ERG283), seen in South Shields Bus Station Midway Motor Services briefly ran servicesin Manchester in the early 1990s with a number of Bristol REs including ex Crosville YFM285L YMB502W (DVG502) was one of 2 ex Crosville Bristol VRs used by Bryn Melyn Motors on their Wrexham to Llangollen service Eagles & Crawford of Mold ran a number of double deckers on school services in cluding ex Crosville Bristol VR YMB509W seen in its home town in the early 1980s Crosville received 10 Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopards for Townlynx express services. Done of them lasted very long , and DDM30X (ELL30) later passed to Richardsons of Sheffield Bristol MW 815XFM was owned by St Margarets School in Liverpool for many years, but is now preserved Leyland Olympian A134SMA (DOG134) was operating the Discover Leicester tour in June 2006. one of very few ex Crosville buses still with Arriva (North West) is A152UDM (DOG152) based at Crewe. This is normally used on schools services, but sometimes strays onto normal service, including here where it is leaving Crewe Bus Station for Nantwich

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]]> Fri Sep 26 2003 Gulbene - Aluksne Banitis http://martin-grosberg.fotopic.net/c53228.html The Gulbene - Aluksne Banitis is the last public narrow gauge railway left in Latvia. Normally there are 3 or 4 trains each way per day, taking 90 mins for the 33km. A festival is held in early September every year, and in 2003 they celebrated their centenary. Normal operation is by type TU2 or TU7 diesel locos, but a steam loco is on extended loan from the Estonian Railway Museum, and is undergoing restoration. Thursday 18 September 2003: The Gulbene - Aluksne Banitis is the last public narrow gauge railway left in Latvia. Normally there are 3 or 4 trains each way per day, taking 90 mins for the 33km. A festival is held in early September every year, and in 2003 they celebrated their centenary. Normal operation is by type TU2 or TU7 diesel locos, but a steam loco is on extended loan from the Estonian Railway Museum, and is undergoing restoration.

the afternoon train waiting to leave from Aluksne behind a TY7 loco in July 1998 Centenary Festival : the train arrives at Aluksne through the centenary arch. This shows the Centenary Festival : Loco TY2-244 at Stameriene station, I'm not sure if this was the front or back of the train Yours truly posing in front of the centenary train at Gulbene station Centenary Festival : on the Soviet coach you were urged to sing the collective farm song ! Centenary Festival : Latvian TV records a group playing my favourite Latvian folk-song at Stameriena station Centenary Festival : a station master made out of straw at Stameriena station Centenary Festival : on the Soviet coach you could eat dry bread and swig vodka !! the Latvian army welcomes the festival train to Aluksne in 2001 Banitis Festival 2001, each coach had a different them. The lady on the left led the community singing in the Music coach Festival 2001 - a youth dancing exhibition at Paparde station this the end of the narow gauge line at Gulbene ! Festival 2001 - inside the music coach