Bus & Train Photos from D Stazicker fotopic http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/ 14 rows en-gb 60 Harrogate Coach Travel http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1670478.html Where Scania live Sunday 22 March 2009: Where Scania live

YX57AUY C171ECK G752SRB F507NJE K107YTX 5147UA K108YTX 107 still in the reserve fleet was re-panelled and repainted in March 09. The livery is slightly different to sister 108 as shown here on collection from the paintshop near Easingwold on 27th March 2009 whilst the paint was only just dry. P817REX This Scania Omnicity was acquired by HCT during August 2009 from DRM Bromyard. It is pictured here posed at Tockwith before it was sent to the paintshop. 5209 UA after repaint - ready to serve the villages....9/09

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]]> Sun Mar 22 2009 Local Buses March 2009 - March 2010 http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1662491.html Local Buses March 2009 - March 2010 Wednesday 4 March 2009: Local Buses March 2009 - March 2010

It had to happen but i thought i would have to wait longer.....3rd March 2009 Yeadon It appears the Scania Decker flag is left to the Bike V Scania ? 36922 leaves Leeds on the 5th March 2009 on the 50 at Oakwood. Almost certainly the first ever Bristol VR in the new Skipton bus station. Former Eastern Counties RAH260W seen calling for a toilet stop whilst on delivery to a private owner from Perth to Norwich via Blackpool ! on 6th March 2009. Its last operator was Bankfoot Buses, Perth. The first Strider preserved...8th March 2009 Harrogate took this Whilst yesterday saw the end of an era..today saw more new vehicles entering service. 37681 is seen here at White Cross with the 07.55 Leeds - Guiseley White Cross 33 its very first journey on its very first day in use. 18th March 2009 Halifax took a small number of these Volvo Olympians during March to aid Leyland replacement. New to Centrewest in London they were quite high spec when new with tinted windows one of the features. The 503/76 seem to be their grounding in routes at the moment as shown here with 34047 near Queensbury. Notice the Wright`s Volvo closing in on the shot ! 19th March 2009 4021 (60959 ) at Holme high above Holmfirth 19/03/09 ( a wonderful route ). Now down to penny numbers are these original Yorkshire Rider Lances within the fleet. 4001 is one of them - a place in preservation ? A wonderful end to a wonderful week of fine weather...Sunday 22nd March 2009 and a couple of hours sun during the afternoon finds 37684 5 days old with a 33 bound for Otley at Rawdon. 8403 ( 61047 ) makes a now very rare appearance on the X84 at Burley in Wharfedale on 24th March 2009 at X class at work...24th March 2009 37670 in perfect conditions - 24th March 2009 61088 leaves Otley with some Firstgroup corporate blossom starting to appear. This is one of two remaining original Striders at HP garage ( 61084/8 ) still operational, now very rare to be seen on the 33. With 4 brand new leather seated single deckers waiting for 01st April before taking to the road at HP, it must surely mean the end for these two survivors ? Otley 28th March 2009 61115 ( 8637 ) on the 90 at Troydale on Sunday 29th March 2009 one of the last booked Strider turns on a Sunday for Bramley depot. 8634 ( 61112 ) at Horsforth on the Ring Rd 16th April 2009 this is 50% of the current bus seated Striders with FWY ! By mid-April there were only 2 bus seated Scania Striders of the original 35 left in use. 8623 & 8634 as shown here living on borrowed time on one of the scenic sections of the Ring Rd between Harrogate and Wetherby Rd...its not only the daffs which are fading. Withdrawls of the Superbus examples has just started with 8644/49 just pulled up. 16th April 2009 The Welsh Green Dragons ? 17.04.09 8623 - 61101 just clinging to life as the last bus seated Scania Strider still operating with FWY seen at Bradford on the X11 Friday 08th May 2009 Hunslet Park 40662 - 3297 was withdrawn on 26th May 09 its tax & O disc was removed and it was parked up. However a shortage of smaller vehicles resulted in it being re-instated the next day ! Living on the edge it is pictured here in suburban Horsforth on the local circular town route on the 27th. This is the last Plaxton bodied Dart still active in Leeds with First, 40632 being the last Alexander one at Bramley. Following a With solo availability still low at Hunslet Park, 40632 - 3263 was borrowed on 30th May 2009 ( as it was not required for the service 80 which runs M - F only ) from Bramley depot. Here it is seen on the last duty of the day the 19.52 Menston - Otley 967 on Bradford Rd, Otley. This is now the last Dennis Dart in the Leeds fleet following the withdrawal of 40662 - 3297 the previous day. First Bradford 37730 had been on the road for only 5 hours when photographed near Sandy Lane in June 2009. You only get one chance to fot them this clean on a day like that ! Working of the year ? 69372 departs Leeds with the 17.00 Leeds - Otley 757 on 01st June 2009 when Hunslet Park had to dig deep for loan vehicles. Its sister 69378 was on the No2s to Middleton the same evening... More loans pictures to follow ! Thx as ever D 61123 - 8645 arrived at Hunslet Park on 01st June 2009 from Bramley on loan. It was used on the No 1s during the pm peak. The following day it saw all day use on the 33 out to Otley and Guiseley. We believe this is the first time a superbus strider has been used on these routes. Here it is seen passing through Menston with the 10.36 Otley - Leeds enjoying its very own Indian Summer. First Halifax Dart 40668 - 3331 at Horsforth with the local 31 town route on 02nd June 2009 its second day on hire to HP as it turns on the A65. 37669 in Yeadon on the 33a during 16th June 2009 with the passengers getting a little bit of luxury... Withdrawls of the Scania Superbus Striders has been fast, more were mothballed in mid-June and the only two running on the 16th June 2009 were 61126/8 8648/50. Some lucky allocating found both of them at Pudsey just before lunchtime on the Ring Rd routes. The L113 Striders are not expected to last much longer either with only 61047-9 8403-5 running. 61126 - 8648 on 19th June 2009 at Dock Green on the 86 from Bramley, this is now one of only two N113 Striders still operating in Leeds and is expected to be withdrawn shortly. First Leeds must have liked the darts on hire from the West as 60935 came during mid June, shown here on 19th June 2009 on a 95 peak evening board to Bodington Hall seen at Lawnswood / Ring Rd. Notice the lazy doors... But fate ordains that dearest friends must part ~ Edward Young. Not long now 23.06.09 near Horsforth This ELCB Dennis Trident was borrowed by Geldards Coaches during June to test the vehicle for possible future low floor double decker purchases. It retains its previous operator`s red livery of Blue Triangle. The former York B6`s don't often stretch their legs, although 40578 is seen at Rawdon with the 757 from LBA on Sunday 28th June 2009. Word is these could be moving on from HP shortly..... 61048 - 8404 became the last L113 Strider in use with FWY during July 2009 - here it is seen in some welcome sun at First Bradford will give up the 653 to Harrogate in July 2009 - this scene will be history as 37709 a few weeks old leaves Eller Ghyll heading for Menston on 11th July 2009 after coming the 13 miles from Harrogate. Barbie World..not just buses you know ! 8648 - 61126 on The Headrow about to work the 15.25 Leeds - Bradford X11 on 13th July 2009 the last N113 Strider in use . It suffered a problem on arrival at Bradford......... A number of these Volvo`s have come into the Keighley & Harrogate fleets from Lancashire during 2009. In this case to replace increasingly unreliable underpowered double deckers..here 1054 is seen near Thorner at the delightful ivy covered cottage..... long rattled by buses The Great Lancashire Show in Harrogate 14th July 2009 The 38 is a particular route i struggle to find photographic locations on, one of the best is the single track bridge at Kirkstall, quite how this remains without traffic lights has always puzzled me. Its something 61134 wont have to worry about for much longer anyway........16th July 2009 We dont expect 61126 - 8648 to survive the forthcoming service reductions this weekend 19th July. So it was possibly a good idea that the first Strider met with the last.. still in use.. on a very wet Friday 17th July 2009 on Vicar la, Leeds !! Its untrue this vehicle has been fitted with a sound system playing steamy windows.. A rather wet Huddersfield 21/07/09 as 34046 departs on a 503 to Halifax with 30752 parked on the wall. Both these vehicles are due to be withdrawn in a storage program currently in action. 30752 is notable in being the first Volvo Olympian proper with chassis number 25001. If it was a railway locomotive it would certainly be allocated for preservation with the foresight and organisation to support it......notice the livery differences First Halifax 60776 - 1009 climbs out of Littleborough towards West Yorkshire on 29th July 2009. The vehicle had less than one week left in service before being withdrawn. It really is a crime these vehicles with much life left in them are being scrapped. Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.........together in the same uniform 7/09 First Leeds 61117 (8639) & 61126 (8648) passed into private ownership 02/08/09. Seen here at Leysholme turning circle about to leave Leeds..... Uh ...not what i was expecting - bring my big cat back ! Godsons Ghost on the 820 coming back from Richmond near Fewston with the Dalesbus 02.08.09 The latest batch of single deckers for Bradford seem handy spare buses or useful at filling in as shown here with 69481 at Rawdon operating for a Solo on the 747 service 07th August 2009 The Splendour of Beauty is vision not sight.......11th August 2009 Arthington 14th August 2009...and now there are two ! A world away from London..... M954DRG at Ben Rhydding 18th August 2009 - those with a long memory will recall a WYRCo Olympian loosing its battle here with the bridge some years ago Leeds 31805 helping out at York on the race shuttle 18th August 2009

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]]> Wed Mar 4 2009 No 1 GUG http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1636407.html In memory of 6001, all pictures by my-self unless shown in the credit. Sunday 11 January 2009: In memory of 6001, all pictures by my-self unless shown in the credit.

6001 at the classic terminus at Old Farnley - May 1994. The 42 still runs today to this point - from here there is only one way and thats downhill ! November 1992 Kirkgate, Leeds. Misty windows on the 17... 6001 at Vicar Lane with a 52 for Morley 1/94 Winter 1996 and its lost YR fleetnames and has gained Quickstep ones - seen at Morrisons Yeadon with a 731 for Leeds 6001 turning off King Street with a former WY route from Otley 20.02.91 Picture by C Temple 6001 about to come off Wellington St in Leeds 23/11/90 notice how much this scene has changed since. I wonder if the old dears on the right are off to the bingo hall ? Picture C Temple 6001

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]]> Sun Jan 11 2009 No1 HUG http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1584562.html The life of 8601....... Thursday 25 September 2008: The life of 8601.......

N Otley 4/06 O Leeds 8/06 P Rawdon 8/06 Q Weardley 3/07 R Rawdon 5/07 Holt Park on a No 1 bender 9/08 Headingley La bound 8601 on the 1s 9/08 Weardley 9/08 J Cleckheaton...remember the Yorkshire Rider red driver scarves ! K Middleton Arms top pub ! L Before the White Rose Centre ( arrhh how did women live ? ) 8601 sits outside the Arlington centre on the 68a a service designed to destroy AJC coaches service. B Just before entry into service at Halifax 1993 in Yorkshire Rider livery. C I got a new coat for Christmas - you didnt ! KG 1996 D Remember the 41 ? and a Washing machine on the Wetherby behind ! Feb 96 Leeds. E 8601 used to be top dog at Halifax depot...no more now at Leeds and only visiting on the 224 April 2000 F 8611 asks 8601 how come its kept its Scania badge at Otley BS 1997 on the X84 you can still find it on this route 11 years later ! G Not really into rear ends that much... H Menston on the former Rhodes Cs route which ran every 30 minutes at this time.. I Guiseley with a 755 from Bradford 3/97 all history now. A 02nd April 1993 8601 on PDi at Scania Leeds..with kind permission of Scania Leeds at the time. M Jan 2004 and into Barbie livery. To be fair this fade livery looked well just after repaint and without adverts but not very practical long term. The card numbers and desti are interesting in this Leeds City Square picture Rawdon 12/08 on the 33. JCT600 Rawdon 12/08 S Christmas Eve 2008 - an old friend with an old friend driving - Menston Village Thx DB CM How it was after 15 years of use. I recall there were 2 original seats in the correct style at that stage... How 8601 would look if it lived in Hong Kong ? Seen at Clarence Dock, Leeds on a staff bus duty in Jan 2009. 8601 seen in Guiseley with an evening peak 97 to Leeds on 12th Jan 09. This particular duty is a short evening board and can sometimes see 8601 ( 61079 ) at Shadwell just after arrival with the 16.52 from Gildersome on 23rd Jan 2009 - this was the vehicle last full day in public use and its last trip. 8601`s very last duty was to act as spare bus / control office for the R2 football special`s on 24th Jan 2009 it was offically withdrawn at 17.40 that day, although was in use again for a short time the following day..Seen here on Meadow Lane. Quite unbelievably 8601 ( 61079 ) was re-instated for one return trip only on the 33a on Sunday 25th Jan 2009 despite having previously had its ticket machine removed and parked on the withdrawn row. Its use is understood to be following an operational problem. Here it is seen at a unusually quiet Yeadon Market Place on its last journey. De-branded 6/09 Rub me 7/09 Part way through re-furbishment 6/09 Rear end TLC - best left for others to do 6/09 ! Give me a stripe ! 7/09 Brown rear ? 7/09 Wrapped like never before 7/09 A new coat 7/09 Could almost be the back of Alexander's in Falkirk awaiting delivery.. could it not ? But no - 18th July 2009 awaiting correct font registration plates for its life in Preservation. Much hard work and a few favours has resulted in a complete original interior, now very hard to source. Just about finished 7/09 8601 on its way home after the Bolton Abbey bus rally 11th Oct 2009 at Blubberhouses church

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]]> Thu Sep 25 2008 WYPTE or Yorkshire Rider vehicles then and now http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1537449.html Buses i used to know well.. Tuesday 1 July 2008: Buses i used to know well..

Birth plate PTE style 462 Birth plate Roe style 462 The remains of 462 in Australia during 2004 473 the Yorkshire Post bus...she wont go on forever...! 5058 & 5059 near Shatin 9/05. By this time both had been withdrawn and were being used for spares. 5059 has had an Alexander R type front fitted, not all that uncommon in Hong Kong. 5059 in Hong Kong. No no no no it goes on the RIGHT ! The last WYPTE Olympian still in use in 2005 was 5057 as a private hire vehicle again fitted with a updated Alexander front. This was stage one on a round the world honeymoon ! 7512 with London Export, Lydney seen on tour in Manchester 6123 a very elusive atlantean in the South West as a non-pcv seen near Exeter before sale on eBay - where is she now ? 5072 with Hertiage Cs Shoreham 5514 after cosmetic surgery went wrong at Newquay 2007 5513 at Lands End 2007 before its repaint 1620 now with Leyland operator Millers Coaches Airdrie Scotland 6/08 YR 1529 which spent some time in this bland livery whilst working for West Yorkshire Road Car Co during the take over. It is pictured within the former Woodlands Hospital, Apperley Bridge on the 748 from Bradford which basically ran for visitors to patients at odd times of the day. It involved a nice layover period for the driver. Notice the WY bag and saverstrip machine 4003 near Copmanthorpe on the A64 en-route Huddersfield when brand new. 5504 in Bradford just after a snow storm on the X6. Notice the stickers in the n/s windscreen from all its Private Hires.. Where do the years ago ? After YR took over West Yorkshire Atlanteans started reaching places they had never been although Dual Doors were never that common. It was an interesting time for services out into Wharfedale on the 73x routes. Torre Rd / Bramley and Headingley all had their share of diagrams. Winter 91 and 583 catches the sun on top of the Chevin near Menston with a 735 for Leeds. The bus is long gone...the route ceased...the bus stop vanished...the pub changed.... Scania Rule ok ! July 1994 all of these are scrapped now except 8020 ( far L ) the others are 8040/25/31. The posts sticking out of the roofs were some kind of early bus tracker system... 8531 first up on 576..and if you didnt like that 1661 2nd up ! Bradford Interchange 1989 02nd April 1993 and 8607 has just arrived on delivery from Scotland at Scania Leeds as one of its sisters goes through a PDi inside the shed. Taken with kind permission of Scania Leeds at the time. June 1993 8612 on evaluation with Busways in Newcastle. In return they sent F920JRG to Leeds. This is the only time 8612 has been anywhere other than Leeds. Smart livery - thats about all that came out of the busway. Busways 920 looking a little out of place in Pudsey bs about to work a Ring Road No 8. Note the paper destination attached to the 4 way Atlantean out Olympian in - simple rule at Bramley ! Christmas 1996 The most people ever at this stop ? Hard to believe every bus here is a Leyland except the 3 Scania`s - June 1995 KG most of these buses are Headingley refugees September 1994 Torre Rd in clear view 7547/32/62/27/41/38/603/54/21/6183/7523/46/60/55 8650/7573....Do you think in the future people may look back and wish a Mk 2 Metrobus was saved ? Your welcome to them...yuck...no im not listening Nick..go away horrible things..come back for the rest available at Bradford anytime.. Norwich 11th July 08 Yellow into green goes ! Blood is thicker than water..... It could just be on an official hand over when new...top bods from Leyland and the PTE inside the offices enjoying a meal in brown pin stripes..but its not its 2008 ! PTE rules round ere FIRST ! I just love this bus ! Up and over the bridge at Cattal with Mr Leyland Temple himself driving...thx C Home is where... you can scratch where you want to scratch... and say what you want to say because no-one takes any notice anyway - but where is home for this bus ? 69340 Bath 04th August 2008 If you ever find your-self with an hour to spare in Leicester i can recommend route 70 ( all the old buses ) from the city centre out to Back where she belongs....Bradford. Forget a few rivet cruncher muncher details...it could just be brand new could`nt it ? 5024 above Bradford on her way to Huddersfield Rally 10th August 2008. Thanks to CT Plan C saw the 5513 still going strong with First Devon & Cornwall seen in Penzance 9/08. It has seen a paint brush since the last photograph ( see this album previous ) and the roller blind appears to have been taking something it should`nt ...its perhaps worth remembering if these had stayed at Bramley they would no longer be with us...shame others didnt go as well at the time. Just Wonderful...6294,6159 & 5024 at Millstones restaurant, bar & shop high above Harrogate ( well recommended www.millstonesharrogate.co.uk ) on the way back from Bolton Abbey on Sunday 12th October 2008. A credit to their owner Craig Temple....with thanks to the Staff at Millstones and Mr Temple for making this possible. With the previous picture in mind...8531 made it into YR livery as shown here departing Halifax one Sunday for Leeds on the 508 8529 departs Halifax for Rochdale whilst 8515 in the new livery waits with a 508 for Leeds. Notice the brick cobbles...they were moving south and east ! Not the best road surface on a hill with heavy vehicles - the site was later relayed with a more sensible surface. A very very lucky bus ! 8039 now with Thandi in Birmingham seen during the latter part of 2008. Numerically the last bus seated PTE Olympian seen during August 1994 slogging up towards Holme Moss from Glossop on a Sundays 902 service. This is now the very last PTE Olympian in use at Bradford. Nearly 16 years later ( see previous picture press next !)...2 homes...4 liveries...and many many miles...8607 ( 61085 ) sits at St James Hospital with the 23.08 service 62 to Cross Green on 19th Jan 2009. This was the vehicles very last run before it was withdrawn... 40 minutes later on arrival at Hunslet Park at 23.48. April 2009 and 8524 arrives at Sliema with a service for Valletta 33 years old this month - 19 of which have been in Malta. In untypical Maltese fashion it is lovingly & carefully driven by its owner Mario Grech of Qormi. Still very original - it now has bus seats fitted however. The last time i photographed this vehicle it was inside Huddersfield depot in 1988 - 21 years ago. As 8648/50 operate their last few weeks in service as the last Superbus Striders, it maybe worthwhile looking back to June 1994 as they sit in a yard in Leeds just after the journey from Alexander. 15 years ago to the month..1016/10/12/6/23/2 at Huddersfield. It was actually the blond on 1002 i was photographing....... Interesting news that 1017 has been saved for preservation - its not the only Volvo Strider to escape East, although 1016 made it to York in September 1993 it soon returned to Huddersfield.

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]]> Tue Jul 1 2008 Notable events in WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE 2008/9 http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1491334.html Some of the more interesting events in West & North Yorkshire during 2008/9 Friday 11 April 2008: Some of the more interesting events in West & North Yorkshire during 2008/9

As with bands who First Leeds 64808 sadly went to PVS for scrap during July 2009 - Perhaps worth looking back to when it was new only 12 years ago, as it operates the 71A for Geldards chased by 8403 on the 71 near Meanwood. Cherry Row depot in Leeds received large numbers of new single deckers during the Spring of 2008, one of the first into use was 69337 seen here at the turning circle On its bus website Arriva has a Four different styles of architecture contrast with SN56 AYA the Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 demonstrator which arrived at Wakefield during April 2008. Captured in Leeds City Square on a 443 service to Barnsley on 16th April 2008. Thx P Keighley & District put a batch of these Volvo`s into use quickly during the Spring on routes to Skipton & Ilkley. 1847 takes the hill out of Addingham with ease in some rare sunshine on 22nd April 2008 The annual Harrogate Flower Show brought the usual extra vehicles to H & D during April. The first day was wet but the sun did come out to play for a short time as seen here with a grubby (uncharacteristically) looking 450 a former Yorkshire Coastliner Volvo. Harrogate & District introduced the X54 between its home town and York during the Spring 2008 initial loadings are good helped by a free pass maybe for certain members of the public. The X54 is nothing new, the last time i photographed an X54 was 18 years ago although then it was 2609 UWY61X a Duple Leyland Leopard coach which would leave this former Yorkshire Coastliner cast off standing... Stagecoach sold its Huddersfield operations in the Spring to Centrebus, initial changes were to remove Stagecoach fleetnames although this vehicle shown was the first vehicle brought in...a step entry dart, route branding for Leicester, no destination blind, and nearside corner a different blue.....the start of another quality operation in Huddersfield. First Leeds embarked on a program at Rotherham to single door their former London VOs, one of the first done 31815 is seen on Queensway on Tuesday 6th May 2008 looking much better for the work. Shame however that the opportunity was not taken to remove the side destination glass above the first nearside window and re-trim the First Bradford took a large batch of these Volvo Wrights deckers during the Spring, most are now branded up for overground routes for example as shown for red line at Thorpe Edge during our 5 day Summer. Any effect the route branding has had is lost with the advert..if you bought an expensive car for £150000 would you put an advert down the side of it for mobile phones ? sexy underwear maybe.... The Enviro 300 on loan to Belle Isle at Arriva seen in Wakefield on the 196 9th July 2008. More...more what ? Im so inspired by this livery, the designer must have fantastic holidays in Slough or Luton maybe ? Silver works on cars - NOT buses... First York 69364 one of the first of the P & R buses into use during July 2008. Bramley`s 32450 became the very first Leeds Gemini to carry a full advert during 2008 and for a well worthwhile cause too. Seen here at Kirkstall on 21st July 2008. First should be applauded for their support...well done End of August means the Leeds Festival at Bramham, it was sunny for 5 minutes as the event warmed up on the first day of services to the event as shown here by Geldards ELCB / DAFt at Bramham Village on the 20th. The driver has had this vehicle from new... I was looking for someone called Dennis but could`nt find the Wright bus ? Harrogate`s Arriva at Geldards acquired 2 of these ELCB Volvo Citybuses ( H659/71 GPF ) during September 08. Offically they are First Bradford received another 7 of these volvo`s during September for the 15 route, however 37363 was shown another part of the city for its very first day in service on 19th September on the 640 poses here at Thorpe Edge. Sometimes its all about fate my mate ! Bradford joined the list of places to gain a free city bus in September 2008...its worth a ride to view the buildings in Bradford awaiting rebuilding / redevelopment or demolition...but there is funding for a free bus ? The first day with 53912. Arriva at Castleford had this Optare Tempo on evaluation during October 2008. Favourite route was into Leeds as it was fitted with guide wheels. Here 10th October it is seen inbound into the city on some expensive bus lane. YJ51ZVE/H Two of ensign`s Optare Spectras were acquired by Geldards Cs during October 2008 seen here in Essex on delivery 11th Oct 2008 YJ51ZVH at Haigh during a break on its journey from London back to its new home with Geldards Cs in Leeds 11/10/08 Huddersfield Bus Co started to get to grips with vehicle repaints during the later part of 2008. A surprising early repaint was this now unique to them early Wrights Scania seen heading into town along Wakefield Rd...note the HJC have standardised on the former Dublin Olympian to make a start on replacing elderly metrobuses within the fleet, the latest example still in Trustline livery. Destination displays have always been one of this operators strong points. Here one of the most recent to be repainted descends into Halifax passed Range Lane during October 08. Towards the end of 2008 we will say goodbye to most of the ECW Olympians at Keighley as they are replaced by newer vehicles on the dedicated school work. These must be the last ECWs in the area which are still with their original owner or descendant. Most are yellow.....this one was feeling off.......1860 or 372 climbs towards Marchup Height near Silsden with a working from Ilkley on 21st October with the sun just staying long enough to highlight the vehicle...i wonder if the cottages at this point will miss the windows being rattled by Gardner's ? 04th December 2008 and many parts of the region had some serious snow fall in the early hours. Timetables went out of the window and the 33 was one of the worst hit, 30790 ( 5610 ) heads away from White Cross into Leeds with a very late 33a from Otley with a real Gent at the wheel. Following a swop of vehicles at Harrogate, this Volvo came East from Lancashire during December 2008. It was unpopular from the start and as a result was kept on restrictive use. Monday 22nd December and it was on the 770 as shown here on a night time departure from Leeds. If the livery does nothing else, at least it semi hides the road dirt. Working of the Year no question. One of only two original Yorkshire Rider Scania deckers left in use in Leeds. 8020 ( 31097 ) departs Shipley with a 760 service for Leeds, of course K&D are the normal providers for this route although this was Boxing Day 2008. A few Firsts here...First time Firstgroup have operated the 760, First time First Leeds have run on this road, First time a YR Scania has been in use on a Boxing Day ever ! First time ever ive not seen a car on this section of road ! The Scania side of it will never happen again ever. 36932 was also on the route this day. Thx B Boxing Day 2008 Remember when Christmas meant two days when everything shut down ? No more...36922 comes up Bradford Road, Menston after just passing 37059 finally re-entered service during mid- January 2009 after nearly 2 and a half years off the road following a major accident. Here it is passing through Ravenscliffe on its branded route on 17th Jan 2009 19th Jan 2009 Brand new 37653 on its first day in service seen near West Park on the 56 which received new buses during the Winter. These were the first of the latest batch and are expected to see off some of the first Scania Striders at Leeds. Cherry Row 37651 cuts through Whinmoor on 20th Jan 2009 on its 2nd day in service. This is my best attempt at making Whinmoor look green.... At last something other than a new Volvo ! First Day in use 11102 of First York. HCT filled a gap after Transdev withdrew some trips on the X54 from Harrogate to York, here regular vehicle 108 is seen at Harrogate during the first week of operation 2/08 The X class are here... launched 18/02/09 37672 on its first week in service at Bramhope during Feb 09 First WY at Hunslet Park took this Scania/Wrights on demonstration as No 65800 during Feb 09. For various reasons the vehicle has been dogged with issues delaying its entry into service for other than driver training & route learning. The final obstacle was the union blacking it until it was fitted with a drivers anti assault screen. It finally went into use 4 weeks after arrival as shown near Weardley on the 781 3rd March 09 heading towards LEEDS thats LEEDS. Im told it is at LEEDS for 3 months before it moves to Bradford where its livery will suit the city................ M951DRG joined M954DRG at HCT during late March 09 re-uniting two sisters. Here they shake hands again as 951 arrives at Tockwith on delivery and 954 runs in from a days work.. Thx CT First Leeds started receiving a batch of brand new Volvo single deckers during April 2009 for all garages. Some of the first were leather seated ones for the X84 ( although maybe deckers would be better suited to join the others ? ). Here 69312 is illustrated having escaped onto the 33 at Menston Park 29th April - notice the seat belt..... A batch of Volvo B6s came from York during May 2009 to replace the remaining Dennis Darts at Hunslet Park. Whilst appearing a good idea on paper with standardisation in mind, anyone that knows these buses may disagree. They started tentatively on route 66/67 as shown by 40575 passing under Investment has increased within the Leeds & Bradford fleets of late...service reductions and cuts are following however across the region. The 97 is typical of the problems of de-regulation - the busy section of the service is Leeds - Headingley - Horsforth and in parts towards Guiseley. The route used to extend to Bradford every 30 minutes although it was less busy it provided a vital link from NW Leeds/ Yeadon into Bradford via White Cross .Over the years it has been cut back and tweaked until today it just runs over the busy sections. In many foreign Countries if you operated the profitable sections you would be compelled to operate the socially necessary element as well...in simple terms cross-subsidy of sections & routes... 37693 ( Leeds also has 32693 ! ) almost brand new heads towards old Rawdon village with a 97 on Bank holiday Monday 27th May 2009 whilst a keen jogger tries ( but just fails ) to thwart the photographer... 40632 - 3263 became the last step entry Dart in the Leeds fleet during June 2009. It can be often found on its 69378 adds another colour to multi cultural Harehills as it passes through on a No 12 from Roundhay Park to Middleton on 01st June 2009 just after been forced out into use on the afternoon peak by HP whilst on loan from York. Arriva at Castleford took delivery of a few of their Optare Tempo`s towards the end of June 2009. The initial ones are for a couple of local routes in Castleford plus peak hour workings into Leeds, before the remaining ones come for the busway route into Leeds. They are smart vehicles no question although the adverts when fitted will spoil the image. I would also have capacity worries with these vehicles considering they are replacing deckers into Leeds......anyway the first of the batch 1300 is photographed near Ferry Fryston with a Stringers Solo sneaking into view on 26th June 09. HCT took over the service between Otley and Harrogate during July 2009 from First with extensions to Guiseley and Ilkley. Here M951DRG is seen on the first week of operation and its first day in use 23rd July 2009 A number of former London Dennis Darts came into the FWY fleet during the summer. Halifax were quick off the mark getting them into service to replace Volvo Striders, but the Leeds ones were decidedly slower at showing their form. However 41254 finally was first out on 13th August 2009 on the local 966 route shown here at New Road, Westfield on the A65 just before the obligatory clouds came. The Arriva interurban livery has now become the standard Arriva livery, in my opinion its a marked improvement. One of the most interesting vehicles to receive it so far in the Yorkshire area is No11 the former K-line/Walls DAF Ikarus. It suits the livery well i thought and the red badge is a very smart touch, only let down somewhat by the indicators which could almost have come from Blackburn......No 11 leaves Batley on 4th September 2009 Huddersfield was graced with another quality operation during late Summer.....Route 1 travel the latest incarnation of a well known operator. Former Bluebird tart K101XHG picks up on Peel Street 18th Sept 2009. It is reported that this livery is a top contender in the Trade Magazine Route ONE livery competition ..........

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]]> Fri Apr 11 2008 All NON bus & train photographs http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1284500.html Just to prove i dont only take buses & trains ! Monday 21 May 2007: Just to prove i dont only take buses & trains !

Another plane takes off from Heathrow with the famous ATC towers providing a silhouette against the sunset on 14th July 2007 seen from Feltham. Through Lune Gorge near Tebay,Cumbria... Some people travel only to look - others to see............Somewhere in Australia November 2007 - Copyright D Stazicker I used to know a girl called Kay.....no more 9/08 Having a baby changes the way you view your in-laws. I love it when they come to visit now. They can hold the baby and I can go out.

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]]> Mon May 21 2007 The last leylands http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1281215.html The last years of the Leylands Thursday 17 May 2007: The last years of the Leylands

Like Leyland...a few old timers in a modern circus...how many can you spot ? Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet....find a good friend and they carry you across ! 5119 reaches the top of Hollins Hill near Guiseley after climbing for 2 miles from Baildon. The vehicle is working the 16.35 Bradford - Harrogate 653 on 16th May 2007. New to Halifax ( where it stayed for 21 years ) the bus is no stranger to Hills, and now finds itself Bradford`s oldest bus on the fleet. Note the radiator grill is in barbie fade but the remainder of the vehicle in the later style livery. ( NB thanks ). Vera Lynn...... Let's say goodbye with a smile, dear,Just for a while, dear, we must part, Don't let the parting upset you,I'll not forget you, sweetheart. We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day. Keep smiling through, just like you always do,' Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away. Amazing shot by a very good friend..thx D 5503 turns into Shipley on 17th May 2007 whilst working the 653 driven by one of Bradford`s more sympathetic drivers. The bus was new in November 1984 to Bradford and has been there ever since. 5502 comes down West Park Street Harrogate with the 653 from Bradford on 18th May 2007. Note the old painted advert for Mackay`s garage 5130 approaches the former LCT tram depot at White Cross whilst working the 653 on 21st May 2007. 5119 heads for home on 22nd May 2007. The bus is seen after coming out of the bends on the road from Pool to Otley well known locally for being an accident blackspot. The row of houses in the top right of the picture are on the A660 where Old Pool Bank crosses the road on the X84 route. 5137 turns hard on 24th May 2007 as the light fades at Greenbottom. The n/s upper deck passenger 2nd back seems to appreciate what they are riding on ! 5146 makes a fine sight heading for Otley out of Guiseley on 25th May 2007. The vehicle was originally a convertable open - top bus and came with many additional features ( of which some still remain ! ) such as under seat lighting on the upper deck, speakers, and hand rails which dont attach to the roof on the upper saloon, all of which were ordered with the open top mode in mind. The vehicle is not a regular on stage carriage work it must be said. Its sister 5147 is still open top with Top-Line York although quite where its roof is...is another story ! 5217 cuts through Pool Mills on 06th June 2007 with the 12.15 Bradford - Harrogate. Leylands have a well trodden path along this road although these will be the last...... 5150 heads up out of Greengates with the 12.00 Bradford - Leeds 670 on 13th June 2007. The metal fence to the right is of interest being made from old railway track dating from many years ago... 5136 climbs past Buttersyke Bridge, Pannal on the longest day of the year 2007 23 years after it was delivered. Almscliffe Crag ( top left ) has views on a clear day to the North Yorkshire Moors and the White Horse of Kilburn along with the Aire Valley Power stations to the East. 5148 rounds and exits Ellar Ghyll, Menston on a sunny evening 19th July 2007 with a service for Bradford ( although you would`nt know ! ). The bus was new at Huddersfield although has been a Bradford bus for 12 years now. This section of road will close for many weeks during August for major repairs causing many problems for local services. 5215 heads towards Burley in Wharfedale on the A660 during a sunny afternoon 24th July 2007. Its normal route out of Otley is closed for 6 weeks resulting in a lengthy de-tour. The chimney visible to the right of the bus is Otley Mills, during 1990/91 this was a Yorkshire Rider outstation served from Headingley depot with a handful of buses which slept out there for local routes...now of course G760VRT started life with Chambers of Bure before moving to an operator in Watford. Geldards acquired it for schools work and it is seen here during summer 2007 in Bramham Village taking a little time out. Schools are back - and so are ROE ! 5130 breaks out into the sunshine on the A658 heading for Riffa with the 653 from Harrogate on the 5th September 2007. The second week in September`s weather was all what our summer should have been about..clear blue skies and warm sunny evenings ! Its all a bit too late though.. 5130 for the second day running departs Pool with the shadows lengthening and evening drawing in. This scene has`nt changed over the years..notice the old road sign and lamp posts ( which are non EU standard still surviving ). The village boasts a proper stone bus shelter built in the days when such things were considered important... 5119 seen from The Stray, Harrogate on 05th October 2007 as the last minutes of sun fade. Sadly 5119 is also in the Autumn of its life which began at Halifax depot. 5119/120 retain their side destination numbers ( although painted over ) something most Bardford`s have long since lost.. 5146 hammers down Pool road out of Otley in dire conditions on 9th October 2007. Whilst not idea photography weather, it is sometimes worthwhile capturing the elements. The headlights/spray/internal lights/and damp conditions all add to the atmosphere. Hollins Hill from Hawks Wood as Bradford`s 5502 - 30760 catches the evening sun between the trees as it heads for Harrogate on 18th October 2007. For years Leylands have slogged up this tortuous hill not always making it to the top ! 30642 - 5136 The buses they just cant do without ? Helping out standing in for something much newer on service 607 at Laisterdyke on 30th October 2007. Thx NB 30636 - 5130 on its second trip of the day to Harrogate with the 10.15 from Bradford seen from near Nab Hill, Pannal on 22 November 2007. Storm clouds gather over The Chevin, if latest reports are correct the Weather is the least of the Roe Olympians worries..... Dark times ahead ? 5504 - 30762 pauses at Menston whilst heading for Bradford on a very cold November evening 23rd November 2007. Thx PS Otley bus station has been home to the Gardner tone for years, it can still be heard at certain times of the day although these will be the last. Here 5150 - 30654 numerically the last bus seated Olympian from the PTE batch takes a few moments rest before heading for Harrogate on 26th November 2007. 5208 - 30693 with a service for the Airport on 27th November 2007 seen at Guiseley, previously run by another company with Optare Solos - now in much more capable hands these G registered Olympians have been the backbone of Bradford`s Wharfedale services for many years. 30643 - 5137 squeezes out of Harrogate bus station on 29th November 2007 with the 16.39 Harrogate - Bradford on its 3rd and final trip of the day on the 653. 5131 was also on the same route that day. In order to remove older Leylands from the Bradford fleet a batch of these former Bristol machines are coming North. Early reports suggest they are in fine condition - i suppose at least they are Leylands...Here one of the first to enter service at Bradford K606LAE is seen 4 weeks into its new career heading out of Otley towards Menston on 30th November 2007. Thanks to NB Ghost buster ? Bramley`s last Leyland Olympians repainted white due to a leasing issue during December 2007. First done 30709 04/12/07 After spending 23 years allocated to Bradford 5128 set off for a ( short ) new life in Norwich along with sisters 5130/31 in December 2007. Here she comes past the 13th century Maids Head Hotel on 03rd Jan 2008 about to climb up into the city proper. The windows in the hotel have long rattled to the Gardner.....but more used to vehicles registered RAH than RWY. Winter Cat Loose in North Yorkshire ? K & J`s leyland lynx all said goodbye early in 2008 and were sold North. Here one of the 4 is seen near Bilbrough enjoying some sunshine on 06th Jan 2008. Thx TJ One of the last Leyland Titans in use in Yorkshire was finally withdrawn during Jan 08, T636 started life in November 1982 of course in London and came North via the Midlands in 2002. Im told its served Harrogate Coach Travel well for over 5 years and has gone for further service to a well known Titan collector in the south. Here posed almost for the last time at Long Marston at the site of Mission impossible = A Ghostbuster LO on stage carriage/clean(ish)/during Winter and in the sun....maybe not ? Pudsey Civic Centre 09/01/08 Rt 16 Bramley`s 30712 in its white livery comes up Intake Lane, Bramley whilst enjoying a rare day on the 16s 9th Jan 2008. Behind the bus in the distance is Rawdon looking West. Bramley`s 30719 making an appearance on the 86 to Middleton. Seen here at one of the few turning circles still left in use in the Leeds area at Middleton Shopping Centre with the 11.24 Middleton - Bramley on 22/01/08. This is one of the few routes which doesn't actually go into Leeds city centre. A stones throw from here was the WYPTE Middleton Garage. Kirkstall depot has suffered various vehicle shortages during February not all of their own making. 36922 was on loan on 11th and after that on the 12th came 30720 & 30718. Here the latter finds the last rays of sun in full turn at Yeadon with a evening service from Leeds to Guiseley on the 97s. In Winter months i find photography more about Quality rather than quantity, one good picture far more rewarding than 30 with the sun all wrong Thx D Bramley`s 30710 makes a fine sight as it climbs from Calverley towards Pudsey on 13th Feb 2008 with a 090 ! service from Greengates. Whilst some of these buses have been repainted into dealer white or ghostbuster livery, the latest one done 30714 has been repainted into Barbie livery again...Would`nt this vehicle look so much better if the black paint extended accross and round the headlights in a stripe from the rad grill ? Thx D 5150 - 30654 with the 18.05 Harrogate - Bradford on 19th Feb 2008 in freezing conditions. These vehicles are now very rare on this route, this is the first one recorded for months. The picture was taken at 1250 ISO at 60th f1.4 vehicle moving ! I hope im wrong but it records what may be the last one in Otley.. 5504 - 30762 about to pull off Stanningley Rd, Bramley ( of which 5504 is no stranger being at one time a X6 regular ) on 20th Feb 2008 incredibly on the 72s which it stayed on all day ! The bus lay-by the vehicle has just passed is often used for driver change overs, indeed in the days when Bramley operated some boards on the X6 this was used too.. 5137 - 30643 at Swinnow turning bays with the 16.55 Bradford - Swinnow 711 21st Feb 2008 . The light had gone for photograph really but just sometimes the Not Wharfedale but Whitby ! 5002 almost ready for the Spring start of the Whitby tour. The vehicle was acquired from Chester via an operator in York. Looks well i thought...... Bradford`s 34619 seen at Pool whilst returning from Harrogate on 19th March 2008. The stone and brick bus shelter is a throw back from the mills in the area, when many workers used the stop, it is now almost unused. Thx N Most people woke to snow on the 22nd March 2008 - 34616 finds the road through North Rigton passable as it heads North East for Harrogate. 34611 stands in for the ever reliable ( 53301-3 ) Optare Solos on the 747 from LBA at Rawdon on 29th March 2008. It is of interest how many bus stop plates have been removed from street lighting posts and mounted on their own stands (as shown in the process)...which seems an un-necessary cost. Thx N In October 1988 whoever collected this vehicle brand new from Northern Counties at Wigan did not have far to deliver her to GM buses. It was one of a large batch of standard Olympians for the operator ending its days as a driver trainer. Few of these F reg examples are with independents. It came to the right side of the Pennines eventually though, and is now a member of Harrogate Coach Travel sometimes in use on their services as shown at Whixley Village on a sunny day April 29th 2008. Isn't it a shame that small operators have to show their bigger neighbours what vehicle presentation means. Bramley`s 30716 at Adel whilst helping Hunslet Park depot out on a dull 28th May 2008 along with 30718. This is one of the more photogenic terminuses in Leeds if you hide the bins ! Its been a while....a leyland on the 33 but 30712 was allocated for the final day of May 2008 seen at the bottom of Yeadon High Street. This and sisters 30716/8/20 all spent the school holiday at Hunslet Park helping with a vehicle shortage. The building to the left of the bus was Yeadon Post Office for many years before becoming 30712 in the older part of Guiseley on 31st May 08 on the 33A to Leeds on loan to Hunslet Park from Bramley. Notice how the new lamp post blends into its surroundings like the old painted ones did..... 30715 out late on 33a at Yeadon 4th June 2008 i think its going to Otley...

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]]> Thu May 17 2007 " British Buses " abroad http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1280757.html Buses overseas which were part built in the UK Wednesday 16 May 2007: Buses overseas which were part built in the UK

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. 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. 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 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. 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.. 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. 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 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.

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]]> Wed May 16 2007 Non PCV Olympians http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1260440.html A selection of non pcv vehicles from around the UK - if you know of one please get in touch ! Friday 20 April 2007: A selection of non pcv vehicles from around the UK - if you know of one please get in touch !

Filmbus GET it ? Have you seen the film Ghost ? You`ve seen the bus for it now too ! Former London L42 is a rather elusive beast and has spent some time in various non-pcv uses..now a youth bus near Norwich. L209 headed off to East Anglia after its use in London to become a youth outreach vehicle and very smart it looks too in typical EA weather ! Now the Street Safe bus in Weston Super Mare 9/06 A few of the famous London Olympians have started to stretch their legs around the world. D229FYM is now in Dubai as a mobile advert bus along with several other interesting buses. Here L229 is seen during November 2006 as the sun sets. There is only one Leyland Olympian in New Zealand...ex Ribble 2177 C177ECK, the 1985 Leyland Olympian that the Salvation Army in Winton. Southland, New Zealand now owns as a Mobile Youth Centre / Support vehicle. The vehicle would probably have got no further than the dockside in NZ unless a small group of people had not had the determination to see the vehicle into use such were the problems of accepting this bus in the country. Seen in November 2006. SBS6907Y One of only two remaining LOs from a large batch of TL11 engine examples in Singapore..it wont require its engine for a while in this use as a youth outreach in the city. Bobbie the Gymbus in Singapore one of the very few remaining Alexander Leyland Olympians still to be found there. Seen 11/06 City of Culture showbus in Liverpool 3/07 A long line of double deckers with Dance to the Music 1 Dance to the music 2 Eden Project in Stockport have this rather nice Olympian it used to be a ECW coach seen 3/07 B145WNB now used as a mobile advert in the North - East currently. Long since thought scrapped A97KUM a one time Bradford Roe Olympian turned up in 2007 with Stockton Council as a youth outreach vehicle which is very popular. Here the vehicle is posed for the camera in Billingham, with special thanks to John Greenan and his driver for their support & help in relation to this picture. Seen during April 2007. Man i wish i was a woman ! Much like the saying goes..this vehicle is not quite sure what it is ! Built by Optare using some Olympian parts on a Ford R1115 chassis with Optare body No 63 for Leeds City Council as a library ( Fleet number 3311 if your into that kinda thing !! ) One of only two produced and the surviving example seen here in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands on location. London United purchased 18 Volvo Olympians with Alexander Royale bodies in September 1995 to semi coach standard for the Airbus route from Heathrow into central London. The vehicles & route passed to Airlinks in 2000 although they were later sold off. One which has found an interesting new owner is A118 which is now a very smart non-pcv with a church group near Aldershot, seen here during May 2007. I was lost in France, In the fields the birds were singing - Bonnie Tyler ! Former West Yorkshire PTE Roe olympian UWW16X sold as a non pcv to France. The vehicle is out to pasture at the moment hidden away some 50 kms from the Capital in private ownership. Seen during May 2007. Certainly a come down for this old girl after being an express coach for Maidstone & District when new. It later did the rounds with Clydeside and Arriva before coming to Hartlepool for use as a playbus. This is its 2nd livery style with its current owners seen 6/07. First Direct Traylens Film location unit, H Wycombe Playbus, Maidenhead former Isle of Man LO BMN69M now G314EJH Partybus Bournemouth style 7/07 Youthbus in the south 7/07. This was originally a LHD Leyland demo. Partybus South Coast style 7/07 After life in the London area G310UYK moved to Aberdeen during 2007 with South St Nicholas Church, Kincorth. It is used as a mobile youth centre & cafe in the surrounding area with this striking livery, converted to a high spec. The project which started in June 2007 has already been very successful and popular. More details can be found at http://www.bluehorizonyouth.org.uk/ although please bare in mind this is a charity. Special thanks to Simon Christie in connection with this bus. Catering LO near Warrington 3/08 A very shy Olympian of late is YPJ505Y as a catering unit for Film Cuisine in Liverpool. As the company moves away from buses for film location hire it is expected this vehicle will be sold to an operator in the North West for spares shortly. Seen here at its hiding place during March 2008. Playbus in Leeds A rather smart cafe is now made out of A160FPG a former London Country olympian seen in its usual spot near the M5 in the West Midlands during March 2008. Playbus in Bromsgrove seen 3/08 Optare Olympians are rare as non-pcv`s - E154OMD has had two owners, its first in Leominster, and as shown now near Hereford as LR16 a bus which does`nt see much daylight, now a partybus in Manchester seen April 2008 Dance to the music 3 L93 now giving fun to kids in Manchester, seen 4/08 The former Merseybus Olympian now finished finally as a playbus in South Wales seen during April 2008. L47 now the SHINE bus in Sheffield 10/08 C645LFT an immobile advert in London 2/09 Swindon Community Safety Bus 4/09 Dont clown around ! Minehead

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]]> Fri Apr 20 2007 Me at work ! http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1210538.html A few shots of me at work ! You cant go anywhere these days without someone snapping ya !! These are not my copyright - so thanks to those involved ! Friday 16 February 2007: A few shots of me at work ! You cant go anywhere these days without someone snapping ya !! These are not my copyright - so thanks to those involved !

66131 working the first 67004 powers through Bolton Percy with 1Z67 York - Retford Northern Belle charter train 14th Feb 2007. Picture by G Steel. 60096 passes Leeds station with empty tilcon wagons for Rylstone. Picture Ian Farrish 67005 passes Wellbeck near Normanton with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on board en-route Bradford for offical meetings. The train, most certainly the most important on the network, is kept in excellent condition even down to the silver buffers ! Notice how this experienced photographer has kept Emley Moor TV mast just visible in the shot ! Picture G Steel. The Preston Dock tanks heading back to Immingham with the empties, seen near Blackburn. Picture I Tunstall. 60008 looking smart heads through Leeds station with the tilcon set from Hull. Picture P Mc kenna. 60072 on a mystery tour of Yorkshire en-route Knottingley - Rlystone light engine. Picture - Ian from NR ! The 60087 heads through Kirkstall with a loaded stone train from Rlystone heading for Dewsbury. Picture by C Munden. The last train i drove in 2003 was 37408 on the Arriva Settle Carlisle line. Arriva contracted EWS to provide a loco hauled train for 12 months over the line as well as trips to Knaresborough at peak times. 37408 was always a favourite machine for me from early days in Scotland. Its one of those locos that just is`nt happy unless it was been hammered. Most of us obliged ! We did give it some TLC later the following year....pictures to follow ! Photographer ( who must have been a bit cold ! ) on this occasion is unknown - please get in touch. 37517 heads through Doncaster with the Sandite train when EWS had the contract for this work a few years ago. Dont know how that headboard got there... Photo Vincent Middlebrough Some locos just like to work hard......37042 removes the remaining glass from Wakefield Kirkgate roof enroute Worksop with the Sandite train. Picture - James Rose - Mirfield MPD 60063 gets to work with 6M22 Leeds - Tunstead cement tanks at Hunslet. 11th March 09 Picture - D Burton A work worn 60052 brings the sun with it at Heaton Lodge returning from Preston on 27th Feb 07. Picture James Rose The royal train visited Bradford on 25th May 2007 with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for an offical visit to West Yorkshire and the honor fell to me. Here 67005 takes the bank in its stride with the return 10.24 Bradford - Wolverton seen near Laisterdyke running on time. Picture by well known excellent railway photographer J Rose. Early bird........67029 Stourton with 1Z61 Leeds - Bath 24/8/07 Pictrure J Rose 37411 & 425 arrive at Wakefield Kirkgate 24/10/07 with 6M02 Healey Mills - Warrington, due to an issue with length the train had to run round at Wakefield before heading West. Picture J Rose 37411 heads out of Healey Mills light engine for Scunthorpe in some rare November 2007 sun - that head board gets about.... Picture I Tunstall Junior

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]]> Fri Feb 16 2007 A few Favourite Pictures http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1203553.html Some of my personal favourite pictures Wednesday 7 February 2007: Some of my personal favourite pictures

Kent - The garden of England. Well there can`t be many more picturesque depot approach roads than this. T162 arrives back at Apple Pie Farm near Benenden deep in Kent ( one of Hams outstations )after its school run in the high summer of 2006. Hams excel at vehicle presentation..... I generally find a good design changes little over its production life...one such design must be the Alexander PS body now maturing into a modern classic surely ? Happy on anything from express, interurban, city, or rural work as shown here. The PS became Stagecoach groups standard body for many years...L631TDY is a true southern bus new to Stagecoach South in June 1994 and seen here operating from Andover depot. The vehicle has just come down the country lane from East Cholderton into Amport deep in the Hampshire countryside on service 1 before heading back to its home town during June 2006. First Leeds ran 5 of these rather large Scania / ELCB deckers on mainly school work from Bramley. Cherry Row received this example on loan and made my day using it on the long route out to Wetherby. Here 30252 is seen looking slightly out of place in East Keswick a beautiful village just off the A58. Kirkstall depot in Leeds received 10 brand new Wrights / Volvo B7`s during May 2006 for the cross city 42 route. However sometimes they do escape to other services - Here 37021 is seen in Ilkley on the Sunday & Evening extension of route 33 deep into the Wharfe Valley. At one time West Yorkshire Road Car Co had a small depot in the town, although all that is history now. First Leeds acquired a number of vehicles from Black Prince when that companies routes were taken over. Some of these former London Scania deckers found a home at Kirkstall depot for a short time. Here J821HMC passes J811HMC of Geldards Coaches on the turning loop at Adel. Who would have thought these two buses would be re-united in Leeds but with different companies ! This is a rather special machine. New to South Yorkshire PTE in July 1986 as a high spec coach. It is of course a Leyland Olympian and carries ECW body number Ex26 in relation to its prototype status. It did the rounds in the south but came north a few years ago to Saltaire Travel as the Leeds Party bus. However following a incident towards the end of 2006 the future of this vehicle is now in question and is no longer in use. Seen here in fine condition climbing the M62 near Halifax during the summer 06. This is where it all ends for me in terms of being passionate about buses i suppose. The very last Leyland bus built in the world. SBS9168 carries chassis ON21080 the very last one. Seen here at Ang Mo Kio in Singapore during November 2006. In typical SBS Transit fashion this bus was on a duty board opearting from 05.20 until 00.30. They work em hard but look after em well..!! During the winter months when the sun is low and bright, there can only be one way to shoot. Sometimes very frustrating... but when it does fall right the results are worthwhile...... 30762 or probably better known as 5504 turns into the sun at Kirkstall whilst operating on route 15 on 25th Jan 07. This vehicle was new 23 years ago as a coach spec bus to WYPTE, later gaining GOLDRIDER livery under Yorkshire Rider ownership. Now its main use is school duties although sometimes they find normal use. Wonder how many trips on the X6 this old girl did ? Who remembers Clover behind the bus ? A part of the world i love.. the Highlands of Scotland. Its the 23rd August 1988 i rode on this leopard from Fort William to the pier at Corran just off the A82 where i jumped off for this quick photograph. The bus used to drop papers and mail ( nearside on the floor ) for the ferry accross to Cluvullin and even further West before departing for Oban. I was only 14 and the bus 7 years old ! The CAS/W Leopards were my favourite. Soon to be no more.....One of the largest bus stations in Western Europe, Six buses, and not one passenger in this shot taken one wet Feb evening !! Built in 1968-69 it was a master design in its day even the edges are functional, in that they protect car bumpers from crashing against a vertical wall in the upper car park ! In years to come they will probably look back and wish they had saved it...... It could only be Harrogate...and a sign that Spring is here ? First Bradford Roe Olympian 30762 or 5504 makes a rare arrival at the town with the 11.15 Bradford - Harrogate 653 service on 8th March 07. The day the music died...........Chase ended its long association with nationals at 18.45 on Saturday 28th April 2007 when operations ceased as route passed to Arriva. It was the last operator to run the vehicle on normal stage carriage service in any number. After a hard days work they await their future on the last evening. Thanks must be paid to all the staff at Chase & Arriva for making the last day something special....The day the rattle died.. Right place..right time..right bus ! I had been thinking about this shot for some time beforehand. Although i needed the sun out, no wind for the reflection on the water and an interesting bus at the right time of the day ! It all came together on Friday 08th June 2007 as former Black Prince 64808 skirts Chalker Reservoir between Addingham and Skipton with the 13.55 Leeds - Skipton X84 which is First Leeds longest route. The village of Advie 16 miles North East of Grantown receives a bus service a couple of times a day from Aviemore. The bus is unable to go any further than the reverse point shown due to the River Spey. W747NAS is only one of a small number of Volvo B10BLE`s with this ALX body made - it was new to Highland in the summer of 2000. As usual its not the bus which makes the photograph..but the scene.. One of my favourite bus bodies - in one of my favourite locations. Stagecoach NW R943XVM leaves the Lune Gorge with a service for kendal during June 2008. Yorkshire Coastliner 484 a Plaxton Leyland Leopard comes through one of the arches at Castle Howard - this was a vehicle i was very fond of throughout its life. As with most Leopards it changed its spots a few times...it was new as GWU560T to West Yorkshire RCo and had about 9 lives in all...it finally died in Suffolk a couple of years ago.

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]]> Wed Feb 7 2007 Trains http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1202071.html Some railway photographs Monday 5 February 2007: Some railway photographs

Toll Rail Gm 7023 gets to work with a south bound freight between Blenheim and Kaikoura on the East coast of the Sth Island of New Zealand during late 2006. 60042 which required some TLC after failing a few days previous is seen at immingham just before Christmas 2006 60036 Scunthorpe A Porsche when a Ford would do. What is the long term future of these machines ? Royal 67006 sat awaiting orders at warrington yard - 02nd Feb 07 60059 gets to work with 6E33 Warrington - Doncaster on 2nd Feb 07 after a crew change. The former national power wagons were on a maintainance balance working. Just how do they get 3100 horses into a class 60 ? 60059 Swinden Dalesman heads into Dawsons Wood near Esholt sewerage works before going into Thackley tunnel with 08994 receives some attention at Doncaster Carr Loco in connection with a new contract during Feb 2007. 66148 seen near Kirby Thore on Sunday 18th Feb 07 with a engineering train. 60024 seen from near Kirkstall Abbey begins its slog up the Aire Valley from Leeds to Rylstone with the empty 66146 seen at Cottingley engaged on engineering duties on Sunday 04th March 2007 with 6T56 Morley - Healey Mills. 37248 back at Healey Mills on 20th March 2007, its no stranger but carried Mainline Blue last time ! The shunter in the middle window looks in pain ? 47793 20/3/07 at Healey Mills...at least there are no more windows left to smash ! The classic line up of withdrawn stock awaiting a fate 20/3/07 Photographable again after a long period blocked in was 47737 20/3/07 37248 which visited HM to collect a number of 47s.......20/3/07 Two classic designs...HM 20/3/07 55012 the former road learning saloon for Loadhaul is now awaiting its fate at Thornaby as shown here on 12th April 2007. The unit would be loaned to depots as and when route learning was required - it was a pleasure to drive this old lady. 90015 was one of the last 90s to be released from WCML duties in August 2004 from where it headed over to the Eastern 40145 at Whitby on 21st April 2007 in connection with the NYMR weekend. 91 86638 & 622 cut through Lune Gorge, Cumbria on the last day of July 2007 during a beautiful summers evening. The locos are working 4M74 Coatbridge - Crewe freightliner train bang on time. These classic locomotives now reaching 40 years old know every inch of this railway and still in 2007 doing the job they were built for. Finding this location is interesting....... 158753 departs Guiseley for Ilkley on 11th August 2007 whilst standing in for a class 333. Northern inherited an array of liveries and only now appear to be getting to grips with repainting the fleet, this unit was in North Western blue. In the far left in the picture at the end of the platform used to stand Guiseley signal box and a small yard beyond that, where light industrial units can just be seen. The Mill on the right is one of the few remaining in the town still open. 47826 approaches Oyle deep in Aberdeenshire on 10th September 2007 with the Royal Scotsman as the last rays of sun fade on a beautiful evening. 66106 heads down hill over Slochd viaduct from the summit (1300ft) on the Highland Main Line early on the 13th September 2007 with 6K36 the 06.50 Rogart - Glasgow ballast train. 37425 & 37411 wait patiently at Doncaster Up Decoy yard to work 6M02 to Healey Mills on 25th October 2007 with 1250 Tons in tow. This pair seem to like two things more than anything....heavy loads and setting car alarms off ! 37425 was new on 5th July 1965 whilst its sister behind is some 3 weeks older new on 18th June 1965 both to Cardiff Canton....42 years later they are still doing what they were built for...together. 60007 in the remains of loadhaul livery at Harrogate with the 15.45 Horsforth - Doncaster via Knaresborough ballast train 28th October 2007. I always think for a town like Harrogate, the building in the background is not in keeping with the surroundings...? The Australian XPT based on the British Rail HST design is still in regular long distance use in Australia. Nineteen power cars ( 2000-18 ) have now been re-fitted with Paxman 12VP185 engines during the 90s instead of continuing with the old Valentas which were fitted from new. Here 2013 pushes the Sydney - Melbourne daytime service away from Yarra deep in the NSW bush country on a typical up & down section of track during a blistering 33 'C afternoon on 11th November 2007. This Power car was constructed by Comeng in Australia and formed part of the later batch to be built in 1984, the livery is the second to be carried, although a new revised style is being introduced steadily. As in the UK the trains are well liked by passengers & staff.... 67015 ( 67006 on rear out of view ) at Harrogate with the Northern Belle charter train 3rd December 2007. This 67 is allocated for store later in December. 37411 awaiting a path at South Milford with 6T33 Ilkley - Doncaster ballast train running a touch early on 21st Feb 2008. This is a loco i know well from S & C arriva loco hauled days although it was always second choice to 408 in sound effects & performance. After working a ballast train from Guiseley 37411 waits to be put to bed at Doncaster on 21st Feb 2008. 411 last week.. 405 this week ! 37405 sits on the blocks at Bradford Interchange on Monday 25th Feb 2008 whilst train crew learn the route for a forthcoming engineering possesion. 57006 at HM 26/02/08 collecting some wagons.. 60059 at Rlystone with the 18.15 Rlystone - Hunslet East stone train on 30th April 2008. This loco is not a popluar machine with some drivers, probably those who dont know how to drive it... 43081 crosses the river bridge at York with a Valenta farewell railtour from Scarborough 26th July 2008. The birds look unimpressed...they have seen it and heard it all before ! 60084

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]]> Mon Feb 5 2007 Local Buses Feb 07 - Feb 09 http://daniel-stazicker.fotopic.net/c1201137.html General Pictures from Feb 2007 to Feb 2009 Sunday 4 February 2007: General Pictures from Feb 2007 to Feb 2009

April 2006 and 36946 sits late at night in Ilkley with a 33 service from Leeds...2 years later the vehicle is a memory and the 33 no longer goes to Ilkley... Kirkstall depot interworked routes 1 & 96 on Boxing Day 2007 and allocated its Wrights deckers resulting in an unusual scene at Holt Park. 37023 passes a once important stop in PTE and Rider days with a service 1 for Holt Park on Boxing Day 2007 - this would work a 96 back into Leeds at Holt Park. Metro supported various main routes, although with evening & tendered services under constant cuts & review the financial aspect of this funding could be questioned.... Boxing Day 2007....The 363 from Huddersfield to Bradford was extended to Leeds as an X6. Here Huddersfield`s 32508 departs the ever changing Leeds city view near the Yorkshire Post building on 26th Dec 2007. The destination reads 363 Arriva Yorkshire Dennis Dart 261 climbs out of Burnsall whilst heading for Grassington deep in Wharfedale on service 805 the winter dalesbus route to Hawes Keighley & District Wrights / Volvo 544 crosses the River Wharfe bridge at Grassington on the Sunday extension of route 67A to Grassington. Found in a compound near central Bradford as a non-pcv is this former Southend Fleetline seen on 16th Feb 07. Pending delivery of a new vehicle. K Line have taken this late model Ikarus / Daf single decker on loan from Arriva dealer Gomersal, during Feb. Seen here on 16th Feb at one of the companies daytime outstation locations near Bradford. The relationship between Ikarus and Arriva sales came to an end during 2006. Chassis ON872 became WYPTE 5096 and spent most of its career in Calderdale. New in December 1983 it was at one time the flagship bus at Halifax in the First Leeds 40639 (3270) seen at Station Road in the rural village of Burley in Wharfedale on tendered 962 service from Ilkley to Otley. The service originally was numbered W5 from West Yorkshire RCo days and has seen a host of operators, First picked up this route when Pegasus ceased trading. The bus (driven by one of Kirkstall`s most senior & well respected drivers) has always been a Leeds machine entering service on 5th Feb 1996. Roe Olympian from Bradford depot 30761 ( 5503 ) at North Rigton Village on 13th March 2007. 30761 ( 5503 ) North Rigton 13/03/07 on the 10.15 653 Bradford - Harrogate service 13th March 2007. First Leeds 31081 ( 8004 ) has just turned onto Crabtree Lane at East Keswick. It is the last survivor of the first batch of 5 Alexander bodied Scania`s ( 8001-5 ) new to Yorkshire Rider in 1990. YR went on to operate 42 in total . The other 37 had Northern Counties bodies ( 5 ) and slightly different Alexander bodies ( 32 ). These vehicles brought another meaning to fast buses when they arrived....... Kirkstall`s 37026 ( sadly not in large logo livery )passes Menston Park on its way to Otley on 25th March 2007. Menston village is subject to a massive development currently involving the former High Royds hospital just to the right of the bus... Probably the first time this bus has ever been here ! Halifax 60781 pulls away from Menston Hare & Hounds on the 653 from Harrogate to Bradford whilst on loan. 26/03/07 Five Lane Ends, Bradford 60772 turns for the sun on route 640 whilst on loan..26/03/07 First Bradford 30760 ( 5502 ) at Cross Green, Otley with a early morning service to harrogate 27/03/07 30760 ( 5502 ) on the 653 between Harrogate and Pool near North Rigton on 27th March 2007... Brand new First Leeds 66995 was only 10 days old when seen at Bardsey on 02nd April 2007 heading for Leeds on route 99. Welcome to Spring......30755 a Northern Counties Volvo Olympian passes through North Rigton with the 653 on Monday 02nd April. 5401 -5 were similar to 5601-5 although they had Cummins engines in a comparison trial with Volvo engines. ( 5601-5 ) 30759 ( 5501 ) heads up through Yeadon on its way to the Airport on the 737 route on 02nd April 2007. The 737 is booked cummins olympian, to see one of these old ladies on here is very rare indeed. Its hard to believe that First Leeds 61079 aka 8601 entered service on 10th April 1993 - 14 years ago ! These early Striders could well move on within First, when newer buses arrive shortly. 8601 was Yorkshire Rider`s ( Halifax ) first Scania with the Strider body, it was nearly the first into use in the UK although Newport`s were a few weeks before in March 1993. Nowadays 8601 is not known as a popular bus although it did make it onto the 781 from Otley to Leeds on 07th April 2007 as seen here at Hewland House Farm near Weardley in sunny conditions. The 781 links Harewood, Weardley, Arthington & Pool with the market town of Otley. First have had an on off relationship with the tendered route loosing it to Black Prince and then gaining it back in the take over of BP routes. From 3 or 4 journeys a day the route is now down to one trip each way...... First Leeds 37028 climbs Canada Hill, Rawdon whilst enjoying a rare trip on the 97 from Bradford to Leeds on Bank Holiday Monday 9th April 2007. First Leeds Volvo Olympian 31771 was new to London United and acquired by FirstGroup at a time when it had a shortfall in modern step entry double deckers which were needed to speed up fleet renewal in certain group companies. The livery has never suited them and they quickly started to look down at the heel, of late they have started to be re-painted into the latest First livery which suits them more than the style shown. 31771 comes down Rawden Hill near Arthington on the morning 781 service from Leeds to Otley. Due to low trees in this area ( notice how the driver is keeping into the ditch away from the branches ) the route is normally a single deck Dennis Dart duty although on 10th April 07 after the failure of the booked vehicle 31771 was the only available bus, resulting in this rare scene. Big CATS seen in Dales ? When new these Volvo B10BLE / Wrights were used to re-launch the X33 as As any homeowner will tell you......a good paint job is in the preparation ! No different for buses !! 5176 in rub down during April 2007. First Leeds 40642 ( 3273 ) darts through Guiseley with the 14.45 Leeds - Otley 33A service on Monday 16th April 2007. The 33 route is of course double decker Royale booked although due to a vehicle shortage this Dennis Dart was used. The vehicle had just come out of the paintshop hours before at kirkstall !! Flying High.....Following the failure of single decker Volvo / Wrights 66707 - Volvo Olympian 31813 is seen on the 17.30 Leeds - Airport - Pool 757 service on Tuesday 17th April 2007 passing Crowtrees Summit, Rawdon on the A65. The buses that could not stay away ? Delivered to Bradford although not used and sent to Manchester they came back to West Yorkshire and now see use from Bramley depot on A former Metroline Volvo Olympian operating Geldards new commerical bus service from Kirkstall to Clarence Dock via the city on Wednesday 18th April 2007. This was a former Black Prince route given up by First Leeds when they took over BP routes. The electronic destination blinds on some vehicles can be testing for the photographer, without a slow shutter speed this destination would show nothing or an un-readable mess. First Bradford 30641 ( 5135 ) heads towards Bramley on Leeds and Bradford Road with Kirkstall in the background whilst working the 18.25 Leeds - Bradford 670 service on 18th April 2007 shortly before the sun went down. A special thanks to this top Bradford driver.... First 30229 (5176) seen before it was handed back to Halifax depot after MOT & repaint at Kirkstall works on 20th April 2007. This bus started life in Bradford before a short spell in Leeds. It then moved to the wrong side of the Pennines before coming back in the Spring of 2007 to join the Halifax fleet. Four Volvo B10BLE`s from Lancashire entered service in Harrogate during May 2007 to replace vehicles which were withdrawn. They were`nt painted before entering service though... The Prince returns in a different coat...64808 on one of its former routes comes down the single track road towards Arthington from Weardley on 19th May 2007 whilst working the 781 service from Leeds. The bus was new to Geldards Cs although came to First via the Black Prince take over, it remains a popular & useful vehicle at Kirkstall depot. Thx D. 8003 One of the original Leeds Scania buses seen in Liverpool on 31st May 2007 running with First PMT on a peak hour journey into the city. Its sister 8002 was driven back to Leeds during 2006 from PMT to be used for spares. 8004 ( see picture in this album ) the only one of this batch to remain in its home city was also withdrawn during April 2007 on expiry of MOT - but watch this space !! 8601 working the slightly delayed 11.36 Otley - Leeds 33a on the 2nd June 2007 with a well known Kirkstall driver at the helm near Cleeve Hill, Rawdon. The vehicle is now into its final years of normal use. Notice the large Scania badge.. 8015 returns to an area it knows well....working the 16.25 Leeds - Otley 33a service, the vehicle a Cherry Row bus was on loan to Kirkstall depot due to a shortage of vehicles there ..... now looking a little down at the heal, it is not expected long for this world. Here it turns out of Ivegate, Yeadon heading for Otley 06th June 2007. Leeds Royales are the standard fare in the area on Wharfedale routes, although Bradford`s are not. Monday 18th June 2007 saw 5624 stretch its legs out to Harrogate...maybe to dry the paint ? Here it makes good progress with the 12.39 Harrogate - Bradford 653 passing Birchfield Farm shop, Riffa in capable hands. 31811 waiting to turn out of Gledhow Lane on 19th June 2007 whilst operating route 13 on loan to Cherry Row depot from Kirkstall. I always thought these buses would be more suited to these intensive urban cross city routes rather than some of Kirkstall`s longer routes especially with the dual doors. 69245 flying solo through Little London, Rawdon when only days old on the 747 from the Airport to Bradford 22nd June 2007. The last three letters of the registration have a Welsh feel to them...WFM ! 8015 cuts through Roundhay Park on the 5th July 07. In years past these vehicles would have now been through First Bradford`s 37044 leaves the lush green fields behind and heads for Bradford with the 14.39 Harrogate - Bradford 653 on the first sunny day in July the 9th ! It is just about to pass a once well known car garage & public house...the Hare & Hounds at Menston. Thx NB 53106 standing in for a single decker on the 757 at Leeds Bradford Airport on 27th July 2007. LBA opened in 1931 with scheduled flights starting 4 years later. One of the first routes to the Isle of Man still operates today, although the airport now serves many destinations. The airports elevation is 681 Ft / 208 M one of the highest points in the area. Thx DB First Leeds 37115 passing First Manchester Optare Solo 40310 is seen passing through Hawksworth Village on 4th August whilst helping out at First Bradford. The small village is served 4 times a day by route 649 which was once a common haunt for West Yorkshire RCo Leyland Leopards. Brand new 37121 at Hunslet 07th August 2007. It is often rewarding to include bus infrastructure & street furniture in photographs... they change over time without it being immediately obvious. 17th August 2007 - First Bradford 60814 standing in for a Solo at Cleeve Hill, Rawdon on the 747 from the Airport to Bradford, illustrating why route branding is so useful ! The yellow line 620 runs from Bradford to Bierley & Haworth Rd - nowhere near this location. The former Manchester bus has been dis-placed from its regular route by brand new buses. 5212 of First Bradford passes Geldards G760VRT of the same body style and year at Kirkstall 24th August 2007. First Bradford 30891 at JCT600 Rawdon working the 747 route to the Airport usually Optare Solo operated 25th August 2007. In years to come the ALX400 will probably not be regarded as one of the best bodies to come out of Falkirk...

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]]> Sun Feb 4 2007