26 Optare Spectra`s ( built in Leeds ) went to IETT the state transport operator in Istanbul, Turkey in 1993/4. A few remained in use on front line service still during Feb 2007. Here three pose for the camera in Taksim Sq in the city.
In what was hoped would be the first of many, 5 Optare Spectra`s were purchased by izulas of Izmir also in Turkey although some distance from Istanbul. They remained unique and are well into the second half of their lives now. Some were repainted although 94-03 shown retains its original London Transport inspired livery ( they liked it that much when they saw the LT ones so im told ! ). Here body No 8550 is seen just out of the main city area in Izmir in Feb 2007.
Bus Azur operate 4 of these fine Volvo / East Lancs deckers on route 8 in the city of Cannes a fashionable resort in Southern France.
Madrid Vision operate a large number of these Dennis Tridents with East Lancs bodies in Madrid on sightseeing work. Some of these came from Turkey after the operation there was ended. Seen turning for the camera 1/07 in the Winter sun.
The fine city of Copenhagen operated two batches of Nordic ELCB Volvos...City Trafik had 22 whilst Arriva had 14 on route 15. Following tender losses the Arriva vehicles are being withdrawn at the end of October 2007. Here 1441 the first Arriva vehicle is seen near the city centre during 2005.
Ensignbus acquired the 13 Arriva Denmark Nordic LHD Volvo B7 ELCB double deckers during November for re-sale. Here one of the batch is seen on the A13 near Stanford on delivery from Port of Harwich to London during November 2007.
IGR-573 one of four NABI ( Optare ) Excel`s new to Kaposvári Tömegközlekedési {KT}, Kaposvár in South West Hungary near the Croatia border. KT do operate other excels but these were the only ones new to the company. The vehicle is working a late evening service from the city during December 2007 the recorded temperature at this time was -7 ! Copyright D Stazicker
The City of Kiel was an important port in the 2nd World War especially for German U boats, as a result it was heavily attacked - few old buildings survive much like Coventry. Nowadays it is interesting in running various vehicles including this LHD Optare Tempo. Here the vehicle is posed for the camera next to the harbour and appropriately named boat "Bussard" during Jan 2008.
One of 7 Optare ( NABI ) Excels operating in Gyor near the Austrian border,some 150 kms West of the Capital Budapest. Like others in Hungary these have 3 doors - seen Feb 2008.
There was only ever one National 2 in Australia and still is. Chassis 07320 spent time in Singapore with SBS later going to Australia. Its done the rounds in various uses... Perhaps this is its last..as a shed in the bush on the North East coast of this wonderful country seen during Nov 07. This vehicle took some finding ! The tropical windows are the same as those fitted to the Trinidad examples..
I wish someone would take me away from British November`s.... im easy to please...a nice part time job driving something like this in the bush, would be fine......November 2007 and one of Thompsons - Strathpine, Australia.. Leyland Tigers returns to base from its schaall run.
