Lough Swilly News 

A Lough Swilly fleetlist dated January 2013 is available here.

01/07/14 - Some more up to date news from the vehicle auction:

Lot Nr	Fleet Nr	Reg Nr	NI Reg Nr	Notes	Former Fleet Nr	Disposal
209	502	94-DL-5840	CAZ 6640		640	(362)
210	495	94-DL-5833	CAZ 6615		615	(362)
211	496	94-DL-5834	CAZ 6621		621	(362)
212	489	94-DL-5748	CAZ 6609		609	Storey, Londonderry (Q), for resale; McLaughlin, Culdaff (EI) 6/14
213	504	94-DL-5842	CAZ 6636		636
214	493	94-DL-5831	CAZ 6639		639	(362)
215	501	94-DL-5839	CAZ 6637		637	Caldwell, Strabane (Q), for scrap
216	499	94-DL-5837	CAZ 6632		632	(362)
217	490	94-DL-5703	CAZ 6633		633	(362)
218	491	94-DL-5804	CAZ 6616		616	(362)
219	483	CAZ 6618	CAZ 6618		618	(343) - CORRECTION
220	494	94-DL-5832	CAZ 6613		613	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
221	481	CAZ 6608	CAZ 6608		608	Allen, Belfast (NI) - CORRECTION
222	497	94-DL-5835	CAZ 6626		626	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
223	503	94-DL-5841	CAZ 6630		630	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
224	492	94-DL-5785	CAZ 6631		631	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
225	488	94-DL-5759	CAZ 6605		605	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
226	477	94-DL-5616	CAZ 6606		606	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
227	500	94-DL-5838	CAZ 6629		629	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
228	480	94-DL-5613	CAZ 6622		622	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
229	528	WXI 4411	WXI 4411		1411	(343) - CORRECTION
230	540	92-DL-5745	WXI 4424		1424	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale; Flynn (Contour Tours), Castleblayney (EI) 6/14
231	541	92-DL-5746	WXI 4426		1426	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale; Flynn (Contour Tours), Castleblayney (EI) 6/14
232	530	WXI 4432	WXI 4432		1432	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale; Flynn (Contour Tours), Castleblayney (EI) 6/14
233	539	WXI 4428	WXI 4428		1428	McGonagle, Buncrana (EI) for seats, then Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap.
234	521	WXI 4419	WXI 4419		1419	East Coast Coaches, Newry (NI)
235	529	WXI 4415	WXI 4415		1415	McGowan, Strabane (NI)
236	520	92-DL-5772	WXI 4417		1417	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale; Flynn (Contour Tours), Castleblayney (EI) 6/14
237	522	WXI 4418	WXI 4418		1418	Allen, Belfast (NI) - CORRECTION
238	549	93-DL-5609	YXI 5496		1496	McGettigan, Letterkenny (EI)
239	551	YXI 1467	YXI 1467		1467	East Coast Coaches, Newry (NI)
240	550	93-DL-5610	YXI 5491		1491	McGettigan, Letterkenny (EI)
241	553	93-DL-11305	YXI 5497		1497	(362)
242	537	92-DL-5774	WXI 4393		1393	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
243	554	93-DL-11312	YXI 5495		1495	(362)
244	552	92-DL-11302	YXI 5498		1498	(362)
245	544	92-DL-5760	WXI 4383	non runner	1383	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
246	542	92-DL-5744	WXI 4429	non runner	1429	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
247	478	94-DL-5614	CAZ 6620	non runner	620	Caldwell, Strabane (Q), for scrap
248	012	AAZ 1670	AAZ 1670		670	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
250	517	RXI 3330	RXI 3330		1330	Kearney, Cork (EI), for re-use
251	484	89-DL-6700	NXI 4614		2614	Shannon, Newtownards (P), for spare parts
252	523	95-DL-6102	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
253	524	95-DL-6103	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
254	525	95-DL-6104	n/a		n/a	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
255	527	95-DL-6106	n/a		n/a	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
256	526	95-DL-6105	n/a		n/a	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap

20/05/14 - Some news from last weeks vehicle auction:

Lot Nr	Fleet Nr	Reg Nr	NI Reg Nr	Notes	Former Fleet Nr	Disposal
209	502	94-DL-5840	CAZ 6640		640	(362)
210	495	94-DL-5833	CAZ 6615		615	(362)
211	496	94-DL-5834	CAZ 6621		621	(362)
212	489	94-DL-5748	CAZ 6609		609	Storey, Londonderry (Q), for resale
213	504	94-DL-5842	CAZ 6636		636
214	493	94-DL-5831	CAZ 6639		639	(362)
215	501	94-DL-5839	CAZ 6637		637	(362)
216	499	94-DL-5837	CAZ 6632		632	(362)
217	490	94-DL-5703	CAZ 6633		633	(362)
218	491	94-DL-5804	CAZ 6616		616	(362)
219	483	CAZ 6618	CAZ 6618		618	Allen, Belfast (NI)
220	494	94-DL-5832	CAZ 6613		613	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
221	481	CAZ 6605	CAZ 6605		605	(325)
222	497	94-DL-5835	CAZ 6626		626	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
223	503	94-DL-5841	CAZ 6630		630	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
224	492	94-DL-5785	CAZ 6631		631	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
225	488	94-DL-5759	CAZ 6605		605	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
226	477	94-DL-5616	CAZ 6606		606	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
227	500	94-DL-5838	CAZ 6629		629	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
228	480	94-DL-5613	CAZ 6622		622	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
229	528	WXI 4411	WXI 4411		1411	Allen, Belfast (NI)
230	540	92-DL-5745	WXI 4424		1424	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale
231	541	92-DL-5746	WXI 4426		1426	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale
232	530	WXI 4432	WXI 4432		1432	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale
233	539	WXI 4428	WXI 4428		1428	McGonagle, Buncrana (EI) for seats, then Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap.
234	521	WXI 4419	WXI 4419		1419	East Coast Coaches, Newry (NI)
235	529	WXI 4415	WXI 4415		1415	McGowan, Strabane (NI)
236	520	92-DL-5772	WXI 4417		1417	Hughes, Ashbourne (Q), for resale
237	522	WXI 4418	WXI 4418		1418	(325)
238	549	93-DL-5609	YXI 5496		1496	McGettigan, Letterkenny (EI)
239	551	YXI 1467	YXI 1467		1467	East Coast Coaches, Newry (NI)
240	550	93-DL-5610	YXI 5491		1491	McGettigan, Letterkenny (EI)
241	553	93-DL-11305	YXI 5497		1497	(362)
242	537	92-DL-5774	WXI 4393		1393	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
243	554	93-DL-11312	YXI 5495		1495	(362)
244	552	92-DL-11302	YXI 5498		1498	(362)
245	544	92-DL-5760	WXI 4383	non runner	1383	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
246	542	92-DL-5744	WXI 4429	non runner	1429	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
247	478	94-DL-5614	CAZ 6620	non runner	620	(362)
248	012	AAZ 1670	AAZ 1670		670	Hamill, Ahoghill (Qs), for scrap
250	517	RXI 3330	RXI 3330		1330	Kearney, Cork (EI), for re-use
251	484	89-DL-6700	NXI 4614		2614	Shannon, Newtownards (P), for spare parts
252	523	95-DL-6102	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
253	524	95-DL-6103	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
254	525	95-DL-6104	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
255	527	95-DL-6106	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland
256	526	95-DL-6105	n/a		n/a	unknown buyer, mainland

23/05/14 - 40 vehicles are being offered for sale by auction on 14th June at the companies Springtown premises, which presumably include the DAF coach, the Darts, the Scania's and all of the Tiger's. They are being sold by Mid Ulster Auctions, Castledawson and more details will be on their website in due course. It appears that Volvo/Plaxton's were not actually owned directly by Lough Swilly and have now been moved to the storage site near Buncrana and being sold off to other operators.

20/04/14 - Sadly the Lough Swilly Bus Service has now ceased after 85 years of operation, with the loss of 80 jobs. We hope all those affected will find alternative employment quickly.

The fleet at closure consisted of:

DAF MB230/Plaxton Paramount 012 (AAZ 1670)

Dennis Dart/Wright Handybus 477/8/80/1/3/8/9/90-7/9, 500-4 (94 DL 5616/4/3, CAZ 6608/18, 94 DL 5759/48/03/808/785/831-5/7-42)

Leyland Tiger/Alexander ‘N’ 484, 517 (89 DL 6700, RXI 3330)

Leyland Tiger/Wright Endeavour 520-2/8-30/9-42 (92 DL 5772, WXI 4419/8/1/5/32/28, 92 DL 5745/6/4)

Scania N113/Alexander Strider 523-7 (95 DL 6102-6)

Leyland Tiger/Alexander ‘Q’ 537/44/9-54 (92 DL 5774/60, 93 DL 5609/10, YXI 1467, 93 DL 11302/5/12)

Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 555-72 (96 DL 11322-30/3/4/6/41/6, JAZ 1611, 96 DL 11347, 95 DL 11334, 96 DL 11349)

Of these, 012, 478 and 544 were withdrawn, while 484 and 517 were engineering vehicles.

The final journey was operated by driver Seamus Crossan with Tiger 521, this being the 22:30 to Culmore Point and 22:45 back.

For a photographic tribute click here.

 

06/09/13 - 568 (JAZ 1602) and 570 (JAZ 1622) have been re-registered 96-DL-11346/7.

01/09/13 - Another Volvo B10M/Plaxton to arrive here is 1626 (JAZ 1626) which was quickly repainted cream. It will presumably be fleet number 572 as EAZ 2582 originally purchased as a spares donor has also now been repainted cream so will presumably become 571.The three withdrawn Leyland Tigers parked up at Springtown were quickly sold, 545 (92-DL-5761, ex WXI 4386), 547 (92-DL-5763, ex WXI 4390) and 548 (92-DL-5764, ex WXI 4454). All passed to Arthur, Limavady where they join two others of the type and presumably they will regain their Northern Ireland registrations.

26/08/13 - Plaxton 561 (96-DL-11328, ex JAZ 1604) was about to be repainted at the weekend cream yesterday. 564 (96-DL-11333, ex JAZ 1629) had also been done and was awaiting branding to be applied. Only two now remain to be painted and they are due in this week, 560 (96-DL-11327, ex JAZ 1610) and 567 (96-DL-11341, ex JAZ 1607). 568 (JAZ 1602) and 570 (JAZ 1622) were also at Letterkenny painted cream and awaiting registration. These two are to be Letterkenny based whereas 569 will remain in the North and will retain its Northern Ireland registration. EAZ 2582 remains untouched at present but it will probably go on the road. It will need a set of seats as it still has the 3+2 Ulsterbus seating. DAF/Plaxton 012 (AAZ 1670) and Leyland Tigers 545 (92-DL-5761, ex WXI 4386), 547 (92-DL-5763, ex WXI 4490) and 548 (92-DL-5764, ex WXI 4454) are all withdrawn at Pennyburn and are being offered for sale. At Letterkenny Tiger 544 (92-DL-5760, ex WXI 4383) was also withdrawn but is being stripped for spares.

22/07/13 - 563, ex 1627, is now cream as, too, are 557/67/8, joining the first in cream, 566. Scania N113/Plaxton Verde 511/4 have passed for scrap to a dealer at Buncrana.

09/05/13 - Another B10M/Plaxton to be collected is former Ulsterbus 1607 (JAZ 1607) which presumably will become 567.

24/04/13 - B10M 566 (former 1605) is the first to be repainted from Ulsterbus livery, in this case to the cream scheme.

22/03/13 - B10M/Plaxton 566 (JAZ 1605) has been re-registered 96-DL-11336.

04/03/13 - B10M 565 (JAZ 1615) has been re-registered 96-DL-11334 and has been allocated to Letterkenny, whilst another one collected ths morning is 1605 (JAZ 1605).

11/02/13 - Two more vehicles withdrawn are Scania/Plaxton Verde 510 (92-DL-5621, ex J279 UWO) and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 'TE' type 532 (90-DL-6666, ex PXI 5516). 532 was the last active TE in the fleet. The correct registration for 564 is 96-DL-11333 and not as previously reported.

05/02/13 - Recently acquired Volvo B10M 561 is based at Letterkenny. Also there is 563 which was previously reported as being at Londonderry. Another Scania/Plaxton Verde withdrawn is 509 (92-DL-5620, ex J278 UWO). The remaining three are due to be withdrawn shortly along with several Tigers.

03/02/13 - More B10M/Plaxtons to be acquired are 1614/27/29 which have become 562-4 (96-DL-11329 - 31). 562/3 are allocated to Londonderry and 564 to Letterkenny. The last Leyland Tiger/Alexander 'TE' is still running but will be withdrawn in the next couple of weeks. Withdrawn during January were Scania/Plaxton Verde 506 (92-DL-5617, ex J275 UWO) and 508 (92-DL-5619, ex J277 UWO).

13/01/13 - Some more details of the recent acquisitions are:

555 (JAZ 1606) now 96-DL-11322
556 (JAZ 1608) now 96-DL-11323
557 (JAZ 1609) now 96-DL-11324
558 (JAZ 1624) now 96-DL-11325
559 (JAZ 1630) now 96-DL-11326
560 (JAZ 1610) now 96-DL-11327
561 (JAZ 1604) now 96-DL-11328

555-7 have been allocated to Londonderry and 558-60 to Letterkenny. 561 has still to be allocated. All entered service in the Ulsterbus Blue/Grey livery with fleetnames etc. removed. Now withdrawn are two of the three remaining TE's, 535 (90-DL-6672, ex PXI 5518) and 536 (90-DL-6673, ex PXI 5522). The latter is being stripped for spares at Londonderry. Only one TE now remains, 532 (90-DL-6666, ex PXI 5516).

17/07/12 - The latest acquisitions are former Ulsterbus B10M/Plaxtons 1606/8/9/24/30/10 (JAZ 1606) which will become Lough Swilly 555-560.

17/07/12 - Ulsterbus Tiger 1481 (YXI 1481) has been acquired to provide a replacement engine for Tiger/Wright 520.

17/07/12 - Scania N113/Alexander 527 was stolen from Moville, Co Donegal overnight on 14/15 June and suffered body/serious mechanical damage. It has , though, been repaired and returned to service. Dennis Dart 499, taken from Carndonagh in the same incident, is repainted into the allover cream livery. Leyland Tiger/Alexander ‘Q’ 554 is allocated to Letterkenny and re-registered 93 DL 11312, ex YXI 5495. Scania N113/Plaxton 505 was withdrawn at Letterkenny by mid-June, stripped for spares at Springtown and has, presumably, been disposed of as scrap by now.

31/05/12 - Two more vehicles recently withdrawn are Scania/Plaxton Verde 513 (92-DL-5624, ex J284 UWO) and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 'TE' 538 (90-DL-6679, ex PXI 5528). After stripping for spares, both were dispatched to Corry, Campsie for scrap. Scania/Strider 527 has been repainted in to the cream livery. Another Tiger to arrive here is 1495 (YXI 5495), presumably to become 554.

13/05/12 - Tiger 553 (YXI 5497) was re-registered 93-DL-11305 in March . TE 518 (PXI 5527) was withdrawn in April and promptly dispatched to Corry, Campsie for scrap whilst Dart 479 (94-DL-5615, ex CAZ 6614) was stolen from Carndonagh on 14/04/12 and was subsequently found burned out.

14/03/12 - A further Q-type to be acquired from Ulsterbus is 1497 (YXI 5497) which is being prepared at Springtown as number 553.

06/03/12 - The latest Ulsterbus Tiger to be acquired is 1498 (YXI 5598), taking fleetnumber 552.

16/02/12 - Another Ulsterbus Q-type acquired for it's engine is 1469 (YXI 1469).

11/12/11 - 550 (ex Ulsterbus 1491) is now in cream and is allocated to Derry, 551 (ex 1467) is being sprayed cream, whilst former 1466 (for spares) is still at Pennyburn. Tiger 482 (ex 596) and 531 (ex 514) have gone for scrap.

06/12/11 - A further Tiger to be acquired is Ulsterbus 1466 (YXI 1466). This is supposed to be for spares but may end up being used in service.

11/11/11 - Former Ulsterbus Tiger/Q-type 1491 (YXI 5491) is now Lough Swilly 550 and has been registered 93-DL-5610. Sister vehicle 1496 is now Lough Swilly 549 and is now registered 93-DL-5609. Now withdrawn is 531 (90-DL-6665, ex PXI 5514).

29/04/11 - Dennis Dart 498 (94-DL-5836, ex CAZ 6627) is the first of its type to be withdrawn after suffering an engine fire. 520 (WXI 4417) has been re-registered 92-DL-5772 and 537 (WXI 4393) has been re-registered 92-DL-5774. All three 'N' type Tigers have now been withdrawn, 515 (NXI 4235), 516 (NXI 4249) and 517 (RXI 3330). The latter is being convered to a towing vehicle by shortening behind the rear axle whereas the other two have already been scrapped along with Tiger 519 (PXI 5529), Lynx 438 (90-DL-6200, ex G288 EOG), 442 (90-DL-6218, ex G220 EOG) and 443 (90-DL-6234, ex G285 EOG) and accident damaged Scania 507 (92-DL-5618, ex J276 UWO).

29/03/11 - Tiger 515 (former Ulsterbus 1235) is now withdrawn, whilst 517 (former 1330) is withdrawn and is to be converted to a towing vehicle. 520 is re-registered to 92 DL 5772 and 519 scrapped. Of the latest acquisitions, 543/4 are allocated to Letterkenny for service with 545-8 on the Derry allocation for schools.

21/01/11 - Recently withdrawn are former Ulsterbus Leyland Tigers 482 (RXI 5596, ex B308 UNB), 516 (NXI 4249) and 519 (PXI 5529), the latter following a mechanical failure.

09/01/11 - Ex Ulsterbus Tigers 546 (WXI 4388), 547 (WXI 4390) and 548 (WXI 4454) were registered 92-DL-5765, 5763 and 5764 in December. All are to be allocated to Londonderry along with 545 (92-DL-5761, ex WXI 4386). The last four Leyland Lynx 438 (90-DL-6200, ex G288 EOG), 442 (90-DL-6218, ex G220 EOG), 443 (90-DL-6234, ex G234 EOG) and 444 (90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG) were all withdrawn in December although in reality only 444 had seen service in recent months. The four remaining Gardner engined Leyland Tigers have been broken up for scrap at the companies store near Buncrana, 460 (NXI 4626), 476 (NXI 4625), 485 (89-DL-6688, ex NXI 4628) and 486 (89-DL-6686, ex NXI 4630). The three vehicles held at Springtown to provide spare parts, Dennis Dart CAZ 6624 and Leyland Tigers NXI 4634 and YXI 5490, were also moved to the Burcrana store and broken up. There are currently no vehicles in store at Buncrana.

09/12/10 - UXI 1370, WXI 4383/6/8 have been allocated fleet numbers 543-6. The first three are now registered 92-DL-5759 - 61 and 543/4 are allocated to Letterkenny. The remaining two, WXI 4390 and WXI 4454 (ex Ulsterbus 1390, 1454) were collected last week and are to fleet numbers 547/8.

16/11/10 - Another two Tigers acquired from Ulsterbus are 1396/8 (WXI 4386/8), with 2 more to follow.

07/11/10 - Two more Tigers acquired from Ulsterbus are 1370 (UXI 1370) and 1383 (WXI 4383).

01/11/10 - Spare doners Dennis Dart/Wright CAZ 6624, Leyland Tiger/Alexander 'N' NXI 4634 and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 'Q' YXI 5490 have all been broken up for scrap.

12/09/10 - DAF/Plaxton coach 012 (AAZ 1670) had been withdrawn by 8/10. Broken up at the companies storage site near Buncrana during August were Volvo/Plaxton 002 (86-DL-2748. ex DUI 257) and Leyland Lynx 429 (89-DL-6579, ex G204 URO), 434 (89-DL-6590, ex G117 EOG) and 435 (89-DL-6585, ex G126 EOG). These were followed during September by Leyland Lynx 428 (89-DL-6554, ex G203 URO), 430 (89-DL-6577, ex G205 URO), 432 (89-DL-6580, ex G207 URO), 437 (90-DL-6198, ex G278 EOG), 439 (89-DL-6572, ex G119 EOG) and 440 (89-DL-6571, ex G121 EOG).

18/07/10 - Recent acquisitions 539-42 have been re-registered as follows: 539 to 92 DL 5747, 540 to 92 DL 5745, 541 to 92 DL 5746, 542 to 92 DL 5744.

27/06/10 - Withdrawn at the end of the school term were three of the six remaining Leyland Lynx, 436 (89-DL-6566, ex G146 EOG), 437 (90-DL-6198, ex G278 EOG) and 442 (89-DL-6566, ex G220 EOG). They will be replaced on schools duties in September by recently acquired 540-2 (WXI 4424/6/9) which will be allocated to Letterkenny and are currently being prepared there. 539 (WXI 4428) is still being prepared for service at Springtown and has been converted to B55F. Also withdrawn are the two remaining Gardner engined Tigers, 460 (NXI 4626) and 485 (89-DL-6688, ex NXI 4628). The latter has gone to the store at Buncrana whilst 460 is being held as a spare bus at Springtown along with sister 476 as both are still currently in test. A vehicle previously reported as gone is Lynx 429 (89-DL-6579, ex G204 URO) which in fact still survives (even if only just). This heavilly cannibalised vehicle has also been removed to the store at Buncrana and required a low loader to enable it to make the move. Three Lynx are due to go back out in September on schools, 438 (90-DL-6200, ex G288 EOG) and 443 (90-DL-6234, ex G285 EOG) at Letterkenny and 444 (90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG) at Springtown. All however are due for withdrawal before the end of the autumn term.

17/06/10 - More Ulsterbus Leyland Tiger / Wright Endeavours acquired are 1424/6/9 (WWXI 4424) which presumably will become Lough Swilly 540-2.

13/04/10 - Former Lough Swilly fire damaged Volvo/Plaxton coach 001 (CUI 7167) had been scrapped by McLaughlin, Convoy by April 2010.

16/05/10 - 538 (PXI 5528) was re-registered 90-DL-6679 in 4/10.

11/04/10 - Recently acquired 'Q' type 1393 (WXI 4393) is confirmed as fleet number 537 and is now painted in the overall ivory livery. In a surprise move, 2528 (PXI 5528) which was purchased for spare parts, is being prepared for service at Letterkenny and is now in the overall white livery. It is to be fleet number 538. 1428 (WXI 4428) will now be fleet number 539 and is awaiting preparation at Londonderry. Only three Lynx are thought to remain in service, two at Letterkenny (identities not yet confirmed) and one at Londonderry (444 - 90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG). Former Citybus 'N' type Tiger 476 (NXI 4625) is the latest to be withdrawn. The last of the integral Van Hool coaches, 006 (SI 3003) was sold for preservation during March.

29/03/10 - A further Ulsterbus Tiger/Wright purchased is 1428 (WXI 4428) - new fleetnumber 539.

05/02/10 - 535/6 (PXI 5518/22) have been re-registered 90-DL-6672/3.

31/01/10 - PXI 5518/22 are confirmed as being fleet numbers 535/6 and are to be based at Letterkenny for schools work. Of the recent arrivals only 528 (WXI 4411) is for service work based at Letterkenny. The remainder are all for schools work, 529 (92-DL-5728, ex WXI 4415), 530 (92-DL-5729, ex WXI 4432), 532 (90-DL-6666, ex PXI 5516), 533 (90-DL-6667, ex PXI 5519) and 534 (90-DL-6670, ex PXI 5520) are based at Londonderry and 531 (90-DL-6665, ex PXI 5514) at Letterkenny.   Withdrawn in December were 415 (83-DL-1563, ex A120 EPA), the last of the Leyland Tiger/Plaxtons, Leyland Lynx 440 (89-DL-6571, ex G121 EOG) and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 486 (89-DL-6686, ex NXI 4630). Withdrawn in January was Leyland Lynx 432 (89-DL-6580, ex G207 URO). The rest of the 89 reg Lynx fleet are listed as spare buses which probably means they are actually withdrawn.

21/01/10 - Two more former Mark 1 Goldliners have been collected, 2518 (PXI 5518) and 2522 (PXI 5522) which will presumably be 535/6.

19/01/10 - TE 534 is former Ulsterbus 520 (PXI 5520) and is now registered 90 DL 6670.

20/12/09 - Endeavour 529/30 (WXI 4415/32) has been re-registered 92 DL 5728/9, with 531-3 (PXI 5514/6/9) becoming 90 DL 6665/6/7. Two more TE's have been purchased.

14/12/09 - Former RELL 452 has regained its original registration BXI 2570.

04/12/09 - Three more arrivals are Ulsterbus Mark I Goldliners 2514/6/9 (PXI 5514/6/9) which will replace more of the 1989 Lynx on school bus duties.

23/11/09 - Former RE 459 (84-DL-2356, ex AXI 2539) has now regained its previous registration with Mike Nash.

04/11/09 - Another new arrival is another Tiger/Wright ex Ulsterbus 1432 (WXI 4432).

19/10/09 - 445 (84-DL-2314, ex EXI 5547) and 446 (84-DL-2316, ex EXI 5548) have both gone to Green, Letterkenny for scrap.  

18/10/09 - Ulsterbus Volvo Tiger/Wright 1415 (WXI 4415) is the latest vehicle to join the fleet and will be fleet number 529. Another is expected to be collected next week. 528 (WXI 4411) has been repainted allover cream and has been allocated to Letterkenny where it replaces DAF/Plaxton 012 (AAZ 1670) which has suffered a serious engine failure. A replacement engine has been sourced and 012 will return to service in due course.   The last two Bristol RE's in the fleet, 450 (84-DL-1423, ex BXI 2581) and spares donor XOI 2512 have gone to Corry, Campsie for scrap along with Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 404 (84-DL-2134, ex 407 CLT, A173 UGB), Leyland Tiger/Duple 421 (83-DL-1584, ex 544 XVW, A184 MKE) and Leyland Tiger/Plaxton spares donor 86-KE-434 (ex DSU 118, C236 HTX). The fleetlist is now up to date at 1/10/09.

08/10/09 - The latest arrival is another Tiger/Endeavour, 1411 (WXI 4411), presumably to become 528.

26/08/09 - Finally confirmed is the fact that M74 KTG was Scania/Strider not acquired. After intervention from the customs the other five vehicles were given different fleet numbers and are now as follows:-  
523 (95-DL-6102, ex M76 KTG)
524 (95-DL-6103, ex M166 KTG)
525 (95-DL-6104, ex M67 KTG)
526 (95-DL-6105, ex M65 KTG)
527 (95-DL-6106, ex M75 KTG)
The first three are allocated to Letterkenny and the other two to Derry.   Withdrawn as a result of the recent arrivals are Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 404 (84-DL-2134, ex 407 CLT, A173 UGB) and Leyland Lynx 429 (89-DL-6579, ex G204 URO), 433 (89-DL-6576, ex G97 EOG), 434 (89-DL-6590, ex G117 EOG), 435 (89-DL-6585, ex G126 EOG) and 439 (89-DL-6572, ex G119 EOG). Former Ulsterbus Leyland Tiger/Duple 445 (84-DL-2314, ex EXI 5547) and 446 (84-DL-2316, ex EXI 5548) which had been out of use at Letterkenny for some time have gone, presumably for scrap.   Current allocations are:-  
Letterkenny - 012, 427/36-8/42/3/77/8/85/6/8/92, 500/3/5/6/8/11-4/8-20/3-5.
Londonderry - 006, 428/30/2/40/4/60/76/9-83/9-91/3-9, 501/2/4/9/10/5-7/21/2/6/7.  
Of the above 006/12, 415/76/9/81-3/5/6/8, 505/13/5-22 are service vehicles, the remainder are on schools.

04/08/09 - Only 5 Scania/Alexander Strider are now expected. The three that are here are 523 (M65 KTG), 525 (M75 KTG) and 526 (M76 KTG). The other two are due this week and will become 524/7. All are in allover yellow and remain B48F as the side facing three seat has also been seat belted. Former Ulsterbus 1418 (WXI 4418) is now fleet number 522 and like the other two, is allover ivory. It is not yet know what has been withdrawn as some of the 89 reg Lynx looked like they had been cleaned up to go out again in September.

03/08/09 - A further acquisition from Ulsterbus is Tiger/Wright Endeavour 1418 (WXI 4418).

26/07/09 - Bristol RE's 452 (84-DL-2329, ex BXI 2570) and 459 (84-DL-2356, ex AXI 2530) have gone to Chris Stewart,Shenfield and Mike Nash, Ockley respectively for preservation. Both were shipped earlier this month.

30/06/09 - Van Hool integral 004 (SI 2001) has passed to the Kells Transport Museum. A total of 11 of the current fleet of Leyland Lynx are likely to be withdrawn shortly from the school bus fleet, having fallen foul of the 20 year rule.  

25/06/09 - A further six vehicles have been acquired to replace Leyland Lynx. The vehicles are Scania N113 with Alexander B48F bodies and they were new to Newport as their fleet numbers 65-67 (M65 KTG, M166 KTG and M67 KTG) and 74-76 (M74-76 KTG). These vehicles are being acquired from Ashall, Manchester.  

22/06/09 - Tigers 520/1 (WXI 4417/9) are both now painted in a cream based livery (rather than the usual white) Similar 1418/29/30 may be on their way here and a number of Scanias are also en-route from England.

01/06/09 - Further interesting acquisitions from Ulsterbus are Tiger/Wrightbus Endeavour B57F 1417/9 (WXI 4417/9).

15/02/09 - Two more acquisitions from Ulsterbus are Tiger/TE 2527/9 (PXI 5527/9) which will become 518/9.

15/01/09 - First acquisition of 2009 is Ulsterbus 1330 (RXI 3330), which should become 517. Unlike 515/6 it is a Volvo engined example.

16/10/08 - Bristol RE 474 (84-DL-2350, ex BXI 2568) has been acquired by Menagh, Belfast for preservation. It has replaced 457 (84-DL-2350, ex BXI 2568) which is understood to have suffered a terminal failure. The latter has gone to Ards Vehicle Preservation Group for spare parts and the body has already been scrapped.

24/09/08 - Former Ulsterbus Leyland Tigers 1235/49 will become Lough Swilly 515/6.

06/12/07 - Recently acquired from Gallagher, Brinalack is 86-KE-434 (ex DSU 118, C236 HTX), a Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/3RZ with Plaxton C53F body. It is for spare parts only and its engine is being used to repair (yet again) 421 (83-DL-1584, ex 544 XVW, A184 MKE). Gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap are Van Hool integrals 005 (SI 2002), 009 (SI 2028) and 010 (SI 2022). Still dumped at Springtown, Londonderry is 004 (SI 2001) which is the subject of a preservation bid. Gone to Green, Letterkenny for scrap are Leyland Lynx 441 (89-DL-6583, ex G171 EOG), Bristol RE/Alexander 455 (85-DL-2599, ex BXI 2575) and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 487 (89-DL-6692, ex NXI 4611).

15/12/07 - Dennis Dart 477 (94-DL-5616, ex CAZ 6606) was involved in a collision with a car on Monday last (10/12/07) near Cresslough and left the road ending up in a field. None of those on board suffered any serious injuries but the extent of the damage to the vehicle is not known. This vehicle was previously incorrectly reported (including on the companies own fleet lists) as being registered 94-DL-5612.    Former Citybus Leyland Tiger/Alexander 484 (89-DL-6700, ex NXI 4614) is being converted to a towing vehicle to replace former Ulsterbus Leyland Leopard 296 (former 1549 - DOI 1549) at Letterkenny. As with the Ulsterbus conversion, it is being shortened behind the rear axle.

29/11/07 - All ten of the Scania/Plaxton Verdes were downseated from B51F to B49F before being placed in service.   RE's 453 (85-DL-2603, ex BXI 2580) and 454 (85-DL-2597, ex BXI 2571) were withdrawn in 10/07 and both have since passed to Belfast City Sightseeing. 455 (85-DL-2599, ex BXI 2575) was withdrawn on 21/11/07 after suffering a major rear axle failure whilst out in service leaving just 451 (85-DL-2598, ex BXI 2577) which was due to be withdrawn on 23/11/07.   470 (84-DL-2363, ex AXI 2547) has gone to Dempsey, Celbridge for preservation but several of those previously earmarked for preservation have gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap over the last week or so, 464 (84-DL-2359, ex AXI 2535), 471 (84-DL-2361, ex AXI 2550), 472 (84-DL-2362, ex AXI 2537) and 475 (84-DL-2364, ex AXI 2543). Also gone for scrap but to Green, Letterkenny is 456 (84-DL-2344, ex BXI 2567).   457 (84-DL-2350, ex BXI 2568) has been sold by Haughey & Malone, Newry to Menagh, Belfast (presumably for continued preservation).

21/10/07 - Scania's 505 - 514 (J273/5-9/81/2/4/6 UWO) are being re-registered 92-DL-5616 - 25 in order.   At leat two of the six reinstated Bristol RE's have been withdrawn already, 465 (86-DL-2726, ex AXI 2559) and 467 (86-DL-2727, ex AXI 2554). Both have passed to Belfast City Sightseeing and have been collected already.

02/09/07 - Interesting acquisitions are a total of ten Scania N113CRB/ Plaxton Verde B51F from Stagecoach East Midlands which should be starting to arrive over the weekend. They were Stagecoach 28637/9-46/8 and were registered J273/5-9/81/2/4/6 UWO. Only 17 single deck versions of the N113CRB chassis were bodied by Plaxton, 3 were demonstrators and the remaining 14 were new to Cardiff before passing into Stagecoach ownership. One of the demonstrators was 2004 (H912 HRO) with Citybus. They will obviously take some time to prepare for service and to have seat belts fitted. In the meantime Lough Swilly are being allowed to return the six 1985/86 RE's to service for a short period. All will be operating out of Letterkenny depot.   Dennis Darts 481 (CAZ 6608) and 483 (CAZ 6618) have now been seat belt fitted and reseated to B37F ex B39F.   Withdrawn Leyland Lynx 444 (90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG) has been repaired and returned to service. Also due to be returned to service was withdrawn Leyland Tiger/Duple Laser 421 (83-DL-1584, ex 544 XVW, A184 MKE). It had been repaired and was on its way to the test centre in Letterkenny for testing when its engine seized. Its future is now once again in doubt.

29/08/07 - Dennis Dart/Wright 493 (CAZ 6639) has been re-registered to 94-DL-5831.   Now withdrawn Bristol RE/Alexander 472 (84-DL-2362, ex AXI 2537) was reseated from B51F to B48F on fitting of seatbelts earlier in the year.   Two RE's have been secured for preservation with more likely to follow. 457 (84-DL-2350, ex BXI 2568) has gone to Haughey & Malone, Newry and 463 (84-DL-2354, ex XOI 2525) to Phipps, Dublin. Also sold is 469 (84-DL-2358, ex XOI 2530) which has gone to Belfast City Sightseeing.It was stripped of all its seats before depature.

02/07/07 - Lough Swilly had been seeking dispensation to allow them to operate the six 1985/86 Bristol RE's for another year. Unfortunately, this has not been forthcoming and as a result 451 (85-DL-2598, ex BXI 2577), 453 (85-DL-2603, ex BXI 2580), 454 (85-DL-2597, ex BXI 2571), 455 (85-DL-2599, ex BXI 2575), 465 (86-DL-2726, ex AXI 2559) and 467 (86-DL-2727, ex AXI 2554) were withdrawn along with the rest at the end of June. There is no news of what if anything will replace them.

28/06/07 - Van Hool integral 010 (SI 2022) did not go to Hamill for scrap as previously reported but was is dumped at Springtown. Previously withdrawn Leyland Lynx 428 (89-DL-6554, ex G203 URO) has been repaired and returned to service and will be followed shortly by 444 (90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG) which is currently being worked on. A large number of Bristol RE's are to be withdrawn this weekend at the end of the school term - 452 (84-DL-2329, ex BXI 2570), 457 (84-DL-2350, ex BXI 2568), 459 (84-DL-2356, ex AXI 2539), 463 (84-DL-2354, ex XOI 2525), 464 (84-DL-2359, ex AXI 2535), 469 (84-DL-2358, ex XOI 2530), 470 (84-DL-2360, ex AZI 2538), 471 (84-DL-2361, ex AXI 2550), 472 (84-DL-2362, ex AXI 2537), 474 (84-DL-2363, ex AXI 2547) and 475 (84-DL-2364, ex AXI 2543). This will leave only the four 1985 and two 1986 RE's active and even their survival in not assured.

18/06/07 - Vehicles recently withdrawn are Bristol RE's 456 (84-DL-2344, ex BXI 2567) and 458 (84-DL-2349, ex BXI 2569) and the solitary minibus in the fleet, Mercedes 709D/Carlyle B29F 424 (92-DL-4888, ex J218 HDS).   Quite a number of vehicles have recently gone for scrapping. Bristol RE's 466 (83-DL-1652, ex XOI 2517) and 473 (83-DL-1655, ex XOI 2516) have gone to Green, Letterkenny. Hamill, Ahoghill has taken a considerable number of the withdrawn vehicles dumped at Springtown, Londonderry - Van Hool integrals 007 (SI 2011) and 010 (SI 2022), Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 403 (84-DL-2131, ex A848 ASJ, VLT 234, A180 UGB) and 416 (83-DL-1560, ex REP 328Y), Leyland Tiger/Duple 425 (86-DL-2519, ex C255 SPC), Leyland Lynx 431 (G206 URO) and Bristol RE 461 (83-DL-1649, ex BXI 2592). Two vehicles acquired solely for spare parts have also gone, Van Hool integral SI 2021 and Leyland Lynx F274 AWW.   Further Dennis Darts reseated to B37F ex B39F are 477 (94-DL-5612, ex CAZ 6606), 478 (94-DL-5614, ex CAZ 6620), 479 (94-DL-5615, ex CAZ 6614), 480 (94-DL-5613, ex CAZ 6622), 490 (94-DL-5703, ex CAZ 6633) and 492 (94-DL-5795, ex CAZ 6631).

18/05/07 - Further RE's reseated to B48F ex B51F and fitted with seatbelts are 464 (84-DL-2359, ex AXI 2535), 471 (84-DL-2361, ex AXI 2550) and 475 (84-DL-2364, ex AXI 2543). Reseated to B52F ex B51F is 469 (84-DL-2358, ex XOI 2530). The fleetlist is now up to date at 1/5/07..

18/04/07 - Vehicles currently out of use and being robbed for spare parts are Leyland Lynx 429 (89-DL-6554, ex G203 URO), 441 (89-DL-6583, ex G171 EOG) and 444 (90-DL-6222, ex G314 EOG) and Leyland Tiger/Alexander 487 (89-DL-6692, ex NXI 4611). It remains to be seen if any of these return to service as some have been well stripped. All of the servicable Lynx fleet are now seat belt fitted. A further Dart to be seat belt fitted and downseated to B37F ex B39F is 491 (94-DL-5808, ex CAZ 6616). All of the remaining active Bristol RE's have also been seat belted and downseated in the process. Now B48F ex B51F are 459 (84-DL-2356, ex AXI 2539), 465 (86-DL-2726, ex AXI 2559) and 470 (84-DL-2360, ex AXI 2538). 467 (86-DL-2727, ex AXI 2554) is now B52F ex B51F.

29/01/07 - Further Darts to be reseated to B37F and fitted with seatbelts are 489 (94-DL-5748, ex CAZ 6609), 501 (94-DL-5839, ex CAZ 6637) and 502 (94-DL-5840, ex CAZ 6640). Now withdrawn are Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 403 (84-DL-2131, ex A848 ASJ, VLT 234, A180 UGB) and Leyland Tiger/Duple 421 (83-DL-1584, ex 544 XVW, A184 MKE). Former Ulsterbus Bristol RE BXI 2593 which had been acquired for spare parts has now been scrapped.

06/09/06 - Thanks to Paul Savage for complete of current Swilly timetable which can be accessed here and also to Will Hughes for an up to date fleetlist.

06/09/06 - Two further vehicles which are currently withdrawn are Van Hool T815A's 004/5 (SI 2001/2). This leaves only 006 (SI 3003) and 008 (SI 2024) currently in use.   Three further Alexander Y type Leopards which have gone for scrap are 374 (78-DL-652, ex TSJ 53S), 378 (79-DL-623, ex BSJ 893T) and 380 (79-DL-631, ex BSJ 898T).

29/08/06 - A major clearout of the storage site near Buncrana has seen Leyland Leopard/Duple 365 (79-DL-633, ex WCK 130V) and Leyland Leopard/Alexander 367 (79-DL-645, ex TSJ 37S), 368 (78-DL-649, ex TSJ 39S), 369 (78-DL-655, ex TSJ 41S), 370 (78-DL-648, ex TSJ 42S), 371 (78-DL-651, ex TSJ 43S), 372 (78-DL-646, ex TSJ 44S), 373 (78-DL-654, ex FUS 31S, TSJ 50S), 377 (78-DL-647, ex TSJ 84S), 381 (79-DL-632, ex BSJ 900T), 385 (79-DL-622, ex BSJ 907T0, 387 (79-DL-627, ex BSJ 920T), 388 (79-DL-624, ex BSJ 926T), 389 (80-DL-690, ex WDS 210V, GCS 30V), 390 (80-DL-689, ex GCS 31V), 391 (80-DL-691, ex GCS 32V), 394 (78-DL-653, ex YCS 88T), 395 (78-DL-658, ex YCS 90T), 396 (78-DL-656, ex YCS 98T), 397 (78-DL-662, ex TSJ 51S), 399 (80-DL-704, ex GCS 64V), 406 (79-DL-642, ex BSJ 891T), 411 (79-DL-640, ex BSJ 922T), 412 (79-DL-644, ex BSJ 914T), 418 (79-DL-643, ex GCS 68V), 419 (78-DL-684, ex TSJ 35S) and 426 (81-DL-823, ex TSU 642W) broken up for scrap along with Bristol RE's 449 (83-DL-1632, ex BXI 2564) and 468 (83-DL-1653, ex XOI 2514). The only Leyland Leopard/Alexander left there is a very battered 382 (79-DL-628, ex BSJ 901T). In addition 413 (79-DL-643, ex BSJ 918T) has passed to Doherty, Cardonagh for use as a store. RE 461 (83-DL-1649, ex BXI 2592) is currently stored at a driver's house whilst 462 (83-DL-1651, ex BXI 2595) has passed to Connolly, Ballinderry for preservation.   All of the Darts 493 - 504 are now in red and cream and 493-500/3/4 are now B37F with seat belts but 501/2 are still B39F although are to be downseated and seat belt fitted in due course. Although allocated fleet number 505, the future for CAZ 6624 looks increasingly bleak as it has been used as a "christmas tree" to get the others going. 493 (CAZ 6639) currently retains its Northern Ireland registration but the rest have been reregistered as follows:-   494  CAZ 6613  now 94 DL 5832, 495  CAZ 6615  now 94 DL 5833, 496  CAZ 6621  now 94 DL 5834, 497  CAZ 6626  now 94 DL 5835, 498  CAZ 6627  now 94 DL 5836, 499  CAZ 6632  now 94 DL 5837, 500  CAZ 6629  now 94 DL 5838, 501  CAZ 6637  now 94 DL 5839, 502  CAZ 6640  now 94 DL 5840, 503  CAZ 6630  now 94 DL 5841 and 504  CAZ 6636  now 94 DL 5842   Of these 493-9 are allocated to Londonderry and 500 to Letterkenny. 501-4 are currently unallocated but two are likely to go to Londonderry with the other two going to Letterkenny.

20/07/06 - Volvo 002 (DUI 257) has been reregistered 86-DL-2748 and Dart 491 to 94-DL-5808.   481 (CAZ 6608) has now been painted in allover white and 492 (94-DL-5795, ex CAZ 6631), 493 (CAZ 6639), 494-9 (CAZ 6613/5/21/6/7/32) are repainted red and cream.   Withdrawn 447 (82-DL-1420, ex WOI 2451) and 448 (82-DL-1421, ex WOI 2455) have gone from Letterkenny, presumably for scrap. 383 (79-DL-630, ex BSJ 904T) passed to Colm Devine, Glasgow for preservation in 8/05.   461 (83-DL-1649, ex BXI 2592) was withdrawn in 6/06. Further RE's withdrawn at the end of June were 450 (82-DL-1423, ex BXI 2581), 466 (83-DL-1652, ex XOI 2517), 468 (83-DL-1653, ex XOI 2514) and 473 (83-DL-1655, ex XOI 2516). Lough Swilly plan to put the remaining nineteen 84/85/86-DL registered vehicles back out in September (451-9/63-5/7/9-72/4/5).  

26/05/06 - Despite the recent report in "Buses", no further Lynx have been acquired from Highland.   Fleet numbers for the remaining Darts are as follows:-   500  CAZ 6629, 501  CAZ 6637, 502  CAZ 6640, 503  CAZ 6630, 504  CAZ 6636, 505  CAZ 6624. 492 (CAZ 6631) is the only one of the recent purchases to have been reregistered. It is now 94-DL-5785 and is allocated to Letterkenny.

24/04/06 - Lough Swilly RE's 449 (83-DL-1632, ex BXI 2564) was withdrawn in 4/06. All of the remaining Citybus/Ulsterbus step entrance Darts have now passed to Lough Swilly. Known fleet numbers are as follows:-

491 CAZ 6616 - Ulsterbus 616
492 CAZ 6631 - Citybus 631
494 CAZ 6613 - Ulsterbus 613
495 CAZ 6615 - Ulsterbus 615
496 CAZ 6621 - Ulsterbus 621
497 CAZ 6626 - Citybus 626
498 CAZ 6627 - Citybus 627
499 CAZ 6632 - Citybus 632

In addition Citybus CAZ 6624/9/30/6/7/40 have still to be allocated fleet numbers. Citybus 639 (CAZ 6639) which was the prototype seat belt conversion is now numbered 493. 488 (CAZ 6605) has now been reregistered 94-DL-5759 and 489 (CAZ 6609) is now 94-DL-5748. Fire damaged Volvo B10M/Plaxton 001 (CUI 7167) has gone to McLaughlin, Convoy for spare parts.

07/04/06 - Unwelcome news is that RE withdrawals are already under way. Already gone are 447 (82-DL-1420, ex WOI 2451) and 448 (82-DL-1421, ex WOI 2455) with 449 (83-DL-1632, ex BXI 2564) set to follow later this month.   Fire damaged Volvo B10M/Plaxton 001 (CUI 7167) has gone for scrap.

17/02/06 - Dennis Dart CAZ 6609 is now 489 and CAZ 6633 is 490 (and not the other way round). Both are now allover white and 490 has been reregistered 94-DL-5703.

08/01/06 - The two Ulsterbus Dennis Darts recently recently acquired have been numbered 489 (CAZ 6633) and 490 (CAZ 6609). The former is in allover white livery whilst the latter is parked in the yard at Springtown awaiting overhaul and repaint.   Leyland Tiger 484 (NXI 4614) has now been reregistered 89-DL-6700.   Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 358 (79-DL-621, ex VTY 202T) and Bristol RE/Alexander TOI 2305 have gone to Green, Carrigart for scrap. Four of the Alexander "Y" type Leopards stored near Buncrana have also recently gone for scrap. At present their identities and the name of the dealer are unknown.

27/11/05 - Ex Ulsterbus Dart CAZ 6618 is now fleet number 483 and is also in the allover white livery.

24/11/05 - Dart CAZ 6605 is fleet number 488 and is in the white/green/red livery. In addition 485 (89-DL-6688, ex NXI 4628) and 487 (89-DL-6692, ex NXI 4611) are now allover white.

18/10/05 - Ulsterbus Van Hool Tiger 596 is to be fleet number 482, the number allocated to rejected Dennis Dart CAZ 6626. 483 (CAZ 6631) is still up in Derry but will probably return shortly as its PSV expires next month. Ulsterbus DAF/Plaxton 677 (SXI 1677) has been inspected and rejected also.

26/09/05 - Tigers 460 (NXI 4626), 476 (NXI 4625) and 484 (NXI 4614) still retain N.I. registrations at present as does Dart 481 (CAZ 6608), whilst former Citybus 2611 is now Lough Swilly 487 and has been re-registered 89-DL-6692.  After being repainted red and cream, Tiger 476 (NXI 4626) was qickly repainted into the same white based livery as 460 (NXI 4626), having its "Bus-paks" removed at the same time. These two are based at Londonderry, the other four at Letterkenny. They retain touched up Citybus livery for the time being. The Derry two are now B51F, the other four are B49F. 485 (NXI 4628) has now been reregistered 89-DL-6688 and 487 (NXI 4611) to 89-DL-6692.   Leopard/Alexander 398 (79-DL-634, ex BSJ 903T) has now gone to Green, Carrigart for scrap. Several others dumped at Springtown are also due to go.   Volvo/Plaxton 001 (CUI 7167) is now lying dumped at Letterkenny following its fire and has been written off. Finally, Bristol RE WOI 2454 which had been acquired for spares, has gone back to Ulsterbus for use in connection with a charity project.

05/09/05 - Thanks to Paul Savage for a complete set of current Swilly timetables which can be accessed here

04/09/05 - Tigers 484/6 (NXI 4614/30) have entered service already out of Letterkenny. 486 (NXI 4630) is now registered 89-DL-6686 but 484 (NXI 4614) retains its Northern plate for the time being. 485 (NXI 4628) was being worked on in the shed and should be out next week. All have been upseated to 49.   477 (94-DL-5612, ex CAZ 6606) and 478 (94-DL-5614, ex CAZ 6620) are both now red and cream.   The engine and gearbox have been removed from 398 (79-DL-634, ex BSJ 903T) and were being fitted to previously withdrawn towbus 296 (72-DL-29, ex DOI 1549) which is to be returned to service. Leopard/Alexander 383 (79-DL-630, ex BSJ 904T) has returned to Scotland for preservation.   One vehicle which has probably run its last is Volvo/Plaxton 001 (CUI 7167). It caught fire on Friday morning and required the attention of the fire brigade with initial reports suggesting the damage below floor level to be fairly extensive.   A further clearout of scrap vehicles is under way. Bristol RE TOI 2272, which was purchased for spares, has gone to Green, Carrigart for scrap with others earmarked to follow. Citybus Dennis Dart 631 (CAZ 6631) and Tiger 2620 (NXI 4620) are to be collected tomorrow and 627 (CAZ 6627) is on its way back. It seems 631 will probably not be staying either, being replaced when further Ulsterbus Darts are available. Another Tiger may also be going shortly to replace 001.

01/09/05 - It now seems that Dart 618 and Tiger 2603 will not be coming here.

31/08/05 - Continuing the vehicles saga here Metro Dart 626 has been rejected and returned to Belfast, with Ulsterbus 618 coming in it's place, along with 2 further Metro Tigers, 2603/20 (LXI 6603, NXI 4620).

30/08/05 - Numbers for some of the recent additions are:-   NXI 4625 - 476, CAZ 6606 - 477, CAZ 6620 - 478, CAZ 6614 - 479, CAZ 6622 - 480, CAZ 6608 - 481, CAZ 6626 - 482, CAZ 6631 - 483, NXI 4614 - 484, NXI 4628 - 485 and NXI 4630 - 486. More vehicles to be re-registered are RELLs 473 (XOI 2516) to 83-DL-1655, 474 ( AXI 2547) to 84-DL-2363 and Darts 477 (CAZ 6606) to 94-DL-5612, 478 (CAZ 6620) to 94-DL-5614, 479 (CAZ 6614) to 94-DL-5615 and 480 (CAZ 6622) to 94-DL-5613   Of the above, 476/9-81 are based at Springtown and 477/8/82-6 are at Letterkenny. 476/81-3 have been repainted red and cream and 477/8/84 were being prepared for repainting. 476 has now been reseated to B49F and all of the ex Citybus RE's are now B51F. 483 (CAZ 6631) and 485 (NXI 4628) have not arrived yet, 483 having broken down on the way up. There is a chance that this one may be rejected as well and 482 (CAZ 6626) may also be going back as it is defective. If they do go back, it is probable that a couple more Ulsterbus Darts will replace them. One unusual livery variation is 468 (83-DL-1653, ex XOI 2514). This one acquired a maroon grille from one of the ex BRA RE's before dispatch to the Swilly. It has entered service in full Citybus livery and still sporting the maroon grille. Still parked up at Springtown but not on the fleet list is Dart DAZ 6627 which preumably is being returned as well. Lynx 428 (89-DL-6554, ex G203 URO) has now been withdrawn after several months out of use whilst withdrawn Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 402 (84-DL-2132, ex 54 CLT, A179 UGB) has gone to Green, Carrigart for scrap.   Despite previous reports, no Leopards will be returning to service in September.

25/08/05 - After some confusion it appears the ex Translink vehicles arriving here are former Metro Darts 626/31 and Tigers 2614/25/8/30 and Ulsterbus Darts 606/8/14/20/2. Metro Darts 624/39/40 were rejected and 632 was defective.

22/08/05 - Ex Citybus RELL 468 (XOI 2514) is now registered 83-DL-1653 and retains Citybus livery. More Darts on their way here are Citybus 632/9/40 and Ulsterbus 606 which may only be for parts. As with the others they are only on loan.

17/08/05 - Further Translink Darts to arrive are Citybus 624 and Ulsterbus 614/8/20/2 (CAZ 6624 etc). Former Citybus RELL 461 (BXI 2592) is now 83-DL-1649.

15/08/05 - Further RELLs re-registered are 472 (AXI 2537) to 84-DL-2362 475 (AXI 2543) to 84-DL-2364; both retain full Citybus livery.

24/07/05 - Thanks go to Will Hughes for the latest comprehensive new update for this fleet. Further RE fleet numbers now known are: 472 - AXI 2537, 473 - XOI 2516, 474 - AXI 2547 and 475 - AXI 2543. Reregistrations for these vehicles are as follows:

459  AXI 2539 to 84-DL-2356
462  BXI 2595 to 83-DL-1651
463  XOI 2525 to 84-DL-2354
464  AXI 2535 to 84-DL-2359
465  AXI 2559 to 86-DL-2726
466  XOI 2517 to 83-DL-1652
467  AXI 2554 to 86-DL-2727
469  XOI 2530 to 84-DL-2358
470  AXI 2538 to 84-DL-2360
471  AXI 2550 to 84-DL-2361
461 (BXI 2592) and 468 (XOI 2514) are probably also reregistered but were not noted.
470 (84-DL-2360, ex AXI 2538) and 471 (84-DL-2361, ex AXI 2550) are now B51F.  

In terms of livery 459/63/4 are in Citybus colours with the cream band carried across the rear and 470/1 are in Citybus livery without the cream band. 469 was being prepared for a total repaint. Dart CAZ 6627 is currently being used in service to determine its suitability. Lack of seating capacity is the main problem. If any are purchased it is only likely to be a small batch because of the low seating capacity. Ex Ulsterbus RE 2454 (WOI 2454) is for spare parts only.   The following vehicles are now withdrawn:

Leyland Leopard/Alexander (Belfast) towbus   296 (72-DL-29, ex DOI 1549) - seized engine  
Leyland Leopard/Alexander   367 (78-DL-645, ex TSJ 37S)
369 (78-DL-655, ex TSJ 41S) 371 (78-DL-651, ex TSJ 43S)
372 (78-DL-646, ex TSJ 44S) 373 (78-DL-654, ex FUS 31S, TSJ 50S)
374 (78-DL-646, ex TSJ 44S) 377 (78-DL-647, ex TSJ 84S)
379 (79-DL-626, ex BSJ 890T) 380 (79-DL-631, ex BSJ 898T)
382 (79-DL-628, ex BSJ 901T) 385 (79-DL-622, ex BSJ 907T)
387 (79-DL-627, ex BSJ 920T) 388 (79-DL-624, ex BSJ 926T)
389 (80-DL-690, ex WDS 210V, GCS 30V) 390 (80-DL-689, ex GCS 31V)
391 (80-DL-691, ex GCS 32V) 394 (78-DL-653, ex YCS 88T)
395 (78-DL-658, ex YCS 90T) 396 (78-DL-656, ex YCS 98T)
397 (78-DL-662, ex TSJ 51S) 398 (79-DL-634, ex BSJ 903T)
399 (80-DL-704, ex GCS 64V) 406 (79-DL-642, ex BSJ 891T)
411 (79-DL-640, ex BSJ 922T) 412 (79-DL-644, ex BSJ 914T)
413 (79-DL-643, ex BSJ 918T) 418 (80-DL-725, ex GCS 68V)
419 (78-DL-684, ex TSJ 35S) 420 (78-DL-682, ex TSJ 38S)
423 (80-DL-729, ex WDS 291V, GCS 56V) 426 (81-DL-633, ex TSU 642W)  
Leyland Tiger/Plaxton   402 (84-DL-2122, ex 54 CLT, A179 UGB)

No Leopards now remain in traffic and most have been moved to Buncrana for storage. 384 (79-DL-625, ex BSJ 905T) and 407 (80-DL-711, ex GCS 59V) to Green, Carrigart for scrap.

04/07/05 - 2 further acquisitions are Ulsterbus RELL 2454 (possibly for spares only ?) and Citybus Dennis Dart / Wright 627 (CAZ 6627).

24/06/05 - More RE's have received numbers here: 468 (XOI 2514), 469 (XOI 2530), 470 (AXI 2538) and 471 (AXI 2550), all of which retain Citybus livery at present. 463 (XOI 2525), 464 (AXI 2535), 466 (XOI 2517), 468 (XOI 2514) and 469 (XOI 2530) have all been reseated to B51F.   463 (XOI 2525) has been turned out in Citybus livery with the cream band carried across the rear and black window surrounds whilst 466 (XOI 2517) is in the yellow/white/red livery but without the black window surrounds. AXI 2543 has still to be collected from Translink and is still lying in Great Victoria Street.

29/05/05 - More RE's have been allocated fleet numbers, details as follows:-   463 - XOI 2525 464 - AXI 2535 465 - AXI 2559 466 - XOI 2517 467 - AXI 2554. Of these 465/7 are in the yellow/white/red/black livery whilst the other three still retain Citybus livery. 461/2 (BXI 2592/5) are in the yellow/white/black livery. 459 (AXI 2539) is to enter service in Citybus livery but with the cream band extended across the rear panels and emergency door. Others may also go out in this livery subject to the condition of their existing paintwork. All of the Citybus RE's are being reseated to B51F from B45F and Tiger 460 (NXI 4626) is now B49F ex B42F.   Two RE's that will not be used are Citybus 2512 (XOI 2512) and Ulsterbus 2593 (BXI 2593), both of which are in poor condition.

06/05/05 - Two more Swilly Leopards have been withdrawn and scrapped. 375 (78-DL-650, ex TSJ 56S) and 393 (77-DL-586, ex WCW 314R) were both noted being cut up at a travellers site near Letterkenny.

17/04/05 - Ex Citybus Leyland Tiger 2626 (NXI 4626) has now been repainted allover white and has entered service as 460. It has had the BusPak panels removed and has been upseated to B49F. Former Citybus RE 2539 (AXI 2539) is to be 459. whilst former Ulsterbus RE's 2592/5 (BXI 2592/5) are to be numbers 461/2. No other numbers are available yet although it looks as though 2512 (XOI 2512) may be for spares only. Ex Citybus 457 (BXI 2568) has now been reregistered 84-DL-2350. Now withdrawn is 365, the final Duple Dominant bodied (and indeed last coach bodied) Leopard in the fleet. Also gone are Alexander "Y" type Leopards 370/81/3/4. The ex Reddins Leopard 80-DL-640 reported as being acquired by Lough Swilly was the wrong one; this was in fact 80-DL-649 (ex MRP 643V), a Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R with Plaxton C49F body which has since passed to Erin Metal Recyclers, Kinlough for scrap. Thanks to Will Hughes for the continued comprehensive updates for the Swilly Fleet, as well as the two photographs above.

16/04/05 - RE 458 (BXI 2569) is now registered 84-DL-2349. Further purchases of this type are former Citybus 2512 (XOI 2512) and 2535/9/47/50 (AXI 2535 etc) along with Ulsterbus 2592/3/5 (BXI 2592 etc). Also purchased is Citybus Tiger/Alexander 2626 (NXI 4626).

28/02/05 - Ulsterbus DAF/Plaxton 670 (AAZ 1670) has now been purchased and will be fleetnumber 012. It is currently being painted and should be on the road next week.   RELL 456 (BXI 2567) has entered service at Letterkenny as 84-DL-2344; 457/8 (BXI 2568/9) remain stored at Londonderry awaiting testing and reregistration.   A new depot has opened at Letterkenny. Located at Bonagee, it is further down the same road the existing temporary depot was on.   A further batch of vehicles has gone to Erin Metal Recyclers, Kinlough for scrap comprising Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 353 (78-DL-621, ex CMJ 447T), 79-DL-664 (ex YYJ 298T) and 80-DL-640 (ex PRO 448W), Leyland Leopard/Alexander 366 (79-DL-635, ex ULS 324T), 405 (79-DL-636, ex BSJ 902T) and 410 (79-DL-641, ex BSJ 921T) and Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 414 (83-DL-1562, ex A105 EPA) and 417 (84-DL-2198, ex A170 UGB, 4225 FM, A170 UGB).   In addition withdrawn Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 416 (83-DL-2560, ex REP 328Y), Leyland Tiger/Duple 425 (86-DL-2519, ex C255 SPC) and Leyland Lynx 431 (G206 URO) have moved from Letterkenny to Londonderry for further stripping.

18/01/05 - Former Citybus RELLs RE's 2567-9 are to be 456-8 in the Lough Swilly fleet (in order). 457/8 are now in the white, yellow and black school bus livery. Acquired by 1/05 for spare parts was 79-DL-664 (YYJ 298T), a Leyland Leopard PSU5C/4R with Plaxton C53F body ex Boyce, Ramelton. It is currently being stripped at Letterkenny.

18/10/04 - Recently acquired for spare parts only is 80-DL-640 (ex PRO 448W), a Leyland Leopard PSU3F/5R with Plaxton C53F latterly with Reddin, Muff. It is currently at Letterkenny.

17/10/04 - All of the remaining Bristol RE's with Lough Swilly have now been reregistered, as follows:-   451 (BXI 2577) to 85-DL-2598 452 (BXI 2570) to 84-DL-2329 453 (BXI 2580) to 85-DL-2603 454 (BXI 2571) to 85-DL-2597 455 (BXI 2575) to 85-DL-2599.   Now withdrawn are Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 358 (79-DL-621, ex VTY 202T) and Leyland Leopard/Alexander 378 (79-DL-623, ex BSJ 893T) and 386 (79-DL-629, ex BSJ 913T). 358 was the last Plaxton bodied Leopard in the fleet. Duple bodied 365 (79-DL-633, ex WCK 130V) is now the only coach bodied Leopard in the fleet.

29/07/04 - Lough Swilly fleet numbers for the recently acquired RE's are 451 (BXI 2577), 452 (BXI 2570), 453 (BXI 2580), 454 (BXI 2571) and 455 (BXI 2575). No new registrations are known as yet.

19/04/04  - 392 is the latest Leopard to be withdrawn and is dumped at Letterkenny. 390 is in another new livery, yellow below the waist and white window surrounds and roof. It seems no two vehicles are being painted in the same livery. Ulsterbus RELL 2570 was noted parked up at the Springtown recently. Perhaps it is another one for the Swilly fleet or a replacement for 2577 which is still lying untouched.

23/03/04  - Former Ulsterbus RELLs 2272/305 (TOI 2272/2305) have been acquired from McDaid, Derry and are for spare parts only.

03/03/04  - A number of withdrawn Lough Swilly vehicles have been scrapped at Letterkenny over the last few weeks by Erin Metal Recyclers, Kinlough. They are Leyland Leopards 328 (78-DL-528, ex YWY 337S), 339 (82-DL-779, ex HBP 332X, YDF 328K), 346 (78-DL-613, ex KBR 933T), 347 (79-DL-600, ex RGR 756V) and 361 (76-DL-596, ex MCL 936P), Leyland Tiger 400 (82-DL-2132, ex A879 ASJ, 32 CLT, A806 WSU, VCS 376, A175 UGB) and unused Leyland Lynx F272 AWW.

25/02/04  - Fleet and registration numbers for the recently acquired Ulsterbus RE's are :- 447  82-DL-1420  ex WOI 2451, 448  82-DL-1421  ex WOI 2455, 449  83-DL-1632  ex BXI 2564, 450  82-DL-1423  ex BXI 2581, BXI 2577 is to be fleet number 451 but has yet to be prepared for service. 447-9 are operating out of Letterkenny and 450/1 out of Londonderry.

08/02/04  - Some views of former Ulsterbus RELLs and Leyland Tiger 548 are shown below:

 

 

07/01/04  - Former Ulsterbus Leyland Tiger/Duple 547/8 (EXI 5547/8) are now Lough Swilly 445/6 and have been reregistered 84-DL-2314 and 2316 respectively. Bristol RE 2581 (BXI 2581) is now Lough Swilly 450 but has not been reregistered yet.

05/10/03  - Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 353 (78-DL-621, ex CMJ 447T) has been written off when it failed to stop coming into Foyle Street bus station and collided with the canopy. It is believed that either the brakes failed or the accelerator stuck.

27/08/03  - Two more vehicles have been withdrawn at Letterkenny, Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 339 (82-DL-779, ex HBP 332X, YDF 328K) and Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 408 (84-DL-2174, ex WLT 956, A176 UGB). Also now withdrawn is Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 414 (83-DL-1562, ex A105 EPA) which has been out of use since at least March with a blown engine. Alexander bodied Leyland Leopard 387 (79-DL-627, ex BSJ 920T) is the latest to receive the new school bus livery.

20/08/03  - Withdrawn at the end of June were two more of the Leyland Leopard coaches, Duple bodied 328 (78-DL-528, ex YWY 337S) and Plaxton bodied 346 (78-DL-613, ex KBR 933T). At least five of the Alexander "Y" type Leopards have recently been repainted into the yellow and white school bus livery with black wheels. Noted last weekend were 377 (78-DL-647, ex TSJ 84S), 382 (79-DL-628, ex BSJ 901T), 393 (77-DL-586, ex WCW 314R), 397 (78-DL-662, ex TSJ 51S) and 419 (78-DL-684, ex TSJ 35S). This is the first repaint most of these vehicles have had since they arrived. There is no sign of any of the ex Ulsterbus stock yet, 547/8 are still in Laganside yard and the six RE's are still up in the North West, four at Pennyburn and two at Dungiven.

30/06/03  - Interesting news is the purchase of a number of RELLs from Ulsterbus !! 3 were due to be picked up from Derry today - a number of minibuses have also been inspected.

23/06/03  - All but one of the original eighteen Lynxs have now been reregistered. 430 (G205 URO) in now 89-DL-6577, 432 (G207 URO) is noe 89-DL-6580, 434 (G117 EOG) is now 89-DL-6590, 435 (G126 EOG) is now 89-DL-6585 and 443 (G285 EOG) is now 90-DL-6234. The only one not yet done is 431 (G206 URO) which has been out of use at Letterkenny for some time awaiting an engine. It seems the two ex Coakley vehicles will only be used for spares.

13/06/03  - Lynx 429 (G204 URO) was reregistered 89-DL-6579 during May.

28/05/03  - Lynx 441 (G171 EOG) has been reregistered 89-DL-6583. The two ex Coakley vehicles (F272/4 AWW) are currently being used as "Christmas Trees" to keep the other Lynx going. In view of their poor condition it is possible that these two will never enter service. A total of eleven vehicles have been removed from Londonderry to Corry, Campsie for scrapping. They are Leyland Leopard/Duple 003 (78-DL-681, ex CUI 6805, XWX 180S), 330 (80-DL-539, ex KCH 489V, AEH 607A, LFA 872V), 357 (80-DL-676, ex CBB 476V), 359 (74-DL-548, ex PUP 693M) and 80-DL-740 (ex FIW 5038, BCU 24V), Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 355 (78-DL-619, ex AHN 388T), Leyland Leopard/Alexander 362 (76-DL-600, ex OSJ 621R) and TSJ 36S, Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 401 (84-DL-2133, ex WLT 974, A177 UGB) and Van Hool Integrals SI 2017/20. The latter two vehicles and 80-DL-740 and TSJ 36S had been acquired for spares only. At Letterkenny previously withdrawn Leyland Leopard/Alexander 391 (80-DL-691, ex GCS 32V) was in the shed being worked on so it looks as though it will be returning to traffic. The only withdrawn stock now remaining at Londonderry are Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 331 (79-DL-615, ex ERC 268T, 82 HBC, WTE 351T), Leyland Leopard/Duple 348 (78-DL-615, ex FGR 474S) and Van Hool Integral SI 2021, all of which are being retained for spare parts.

30/04/03  - Two more reregistrations for the Lough Swilly Lynx fleet, 433 (G97 EOG) became 89-DL-6576 in 4/03 and 436 (G146 EOG) became 89-DL-6566 in 2/03. The rest are all due to be reregistered by mid/late May.

28/04/03  - Two more Lynx's have arrived recently, this time from Coakley Bus, Motherwell. They are F272/4 AWW and are Leyland LX112L10 with Leylandd B49F bodies new in 8/88 and 9/88 respectively. These two are rough even by Lough Swilly standards. The missing vehicle from the last batch arrived about ten days ago and went straight out into service replacing a sister vehicle which had suffered a gearbox failure. Two more reregistrations are 442 (G220 EOG) to 90 DL 6218 and 444 (G314 EOG) to 90 DL 6222. Many of the scrappers at Londonderry are being prepared for disposal and should be broken up in the next few weeks.

01/04/03  - At least three more of the Rapsons Leyland Lynx's have been reregistered, 438 (G288 EOG) is 90-DL-6200, 439 (G119 EOG) is 89-DL-6572 and 440 (G121 EOG) is 89-DL-6571. Now reinstated to service is Leyland Leopard/Alexander 379 (79-DL-626, ex BSJ 890T) but finally withdrawn is Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 331 (79-DL-615, ex ERC 268T, 82 HBC, WTE 351T). Two vehicles which were reported withdrawn may not have run their last just yet. 361 (76-DL-596, ex MCL 936P) and 391 (80-DL-691, ex GCS 32V) are currently dumped out of use at Letterkenny awaiting engines. According to staff there they may return to service.

06/03/03  - Another six Leyland Lynx were acquired from Rapsons, Inverness in January, G119/21/71, 220/85, 314 EOG. They were previously Rapsons 511/2/23/8/32/8 and they will presumably become 439 - 444. All except G171 EOG arrived on 28 February, the missing vehicle is still in Scotland after a gearbox failure. Further vehicles to be withdrawn are Leyland Leopard/Duple 348 (78-DL-615, ex FGR 474S), Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 351 (78-DL-623, ex CMJ 450T) and Leyland Leopard/Alexander 361 (76-DL-596, ex MCL 936P) and 391 (80-DL-691, ex GCS 32V). 361 was the last Leopard with the Alexander "T" type body in the fleet. A large batch of vehicles have been broken up on site at Letterkenny over the last few days, Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 332 (78-DL-534, ex TWH 688T), 351 (78-DL-623, ex CMJ 450T), 354 (78-DL-622, ex AHN 389T) and 356 (78-DL-637, ex AHN 390T), Leyland Leopard/Duple 333 (75-DL-508, ex LAL 750P), 345 (79-DL-599, ex OGR 893T), 349 (78-DL-614, ex JGR 416T), 350 (79-DL-601, ex TUP 921V), 352 (80-DL-665, ex GRM 626V) and 360 (79-DL-620, ex KUB 542V), Leyland Leopard/Alexander 363 (76-DL-606, ex MCL 933P) and 422 (78-DL-687, ex TSJ 52S) and Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 409 (84-DL-2188, ex WLT 924, A172 UGB).

13/01/03  - It would appear that Lough Swilly 331 (79-DL-615, ERC 268T, 82 HBC, WTE 351T) has not yet been withdrawn as previously reported although according to engineering staff it is not long for this world. 437 (G279 EOG) has now been rergistered 90-DL-6198.

02/01/03  - A total of six further Leyland Lynx have arrived, all from Rapson, Inverness. They are G97, 117/26/46, 279/88 EOG and were numbered 503/9/13/6/29/33 in the Rapson fleet which are numbered 433-438 in the Lough Swilly fleet; most are running in Rapson livery with their English registration plates. A further six are expected, probably also from Rapsons. Ex Sovereign 427/8 (G201/3 URO) are now registered 89-DL-6550/4, the others still carry their English registrations. Now withdrawn are Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 331 (79-DL-615, ex ERC 268T, 82HBC, WTE 351T), Leyland Leopard/Duple 330 (80-DL-539, ex KCH 489V, AEH 607A, LFA 872V), 357 (80-DL-676, ex CBB 476V) and 359 (74-DL-548, ex PUP 693M), Leyland Leopard/Alexander 379 (79-DL-626, ex BSJ 890T) and Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 400 (84-DL-2132, ex A879 ASJ, 32 CLT, A806 WSU, VCS 376, A175 UGB) and 401 (84-DL-2133, ex WLT 974, A177 UGB). The two Tigers have blown engines and it seems it is cheaper to buy a replacement Lynx than a replacement engine.

19/12/02  - A further two Leyland Lynx have been added to stock here. They are G146/278 EOG Leyland Lynx LX2R11C15Z4R with B49F bodies new to West Midlands Travel but latterly with Highland. At least one more Lynx is expected.

13/10/02  - Six Leyland Lynx have been acquired: G201/3-7 URO, Leyland Lynx LX2R11C15Z4R with 49 seat bodies ex Sovereign 201/3-7. They were acquired via Ensign, Purfleet (dealer) and are to be Lough Swilly 427-32 (in order).

20/09/02  - The following vehicles have been withdrawn:

Leyland Leopard/Alexander 362 (76-DL-600, ex OSJ 621R), 363 (76-DL-606, ex MCL 933P) & 422 (78-DL-687, ex TSJ 52S).
Leyland Leopard/Duple 003 (78-DL-681, ex CUI 6805/XWX 180S), 345 (79-DL-599, ex OGR 893T), 347 (79-DL-600, ex RGR 756V), 349 (78-DL-614, ex JGR 416T), 350 (79-DL-601, ex TUP 921V) & 352 (80-DL-665, ex GRM 626V).
Leyland Leopard/Plaxton 332 (78-DL-534, ex TWH 688T), 354 (78-DL-622, ex AHN 389T), 355 (78-DL-619, ex AHN 388T), 356 (78-DL-637, ex AHN 390T) & 360 (78-DL-687, ex KUB 542V).
Leyland Tiger/Plaxton 409 (84-DL-2188, ex WLT 924, A172 UGB).
363 had suffered accident damage; the remains of 011 were due to be scrapped at Letterkenny this week. TSU 642W has been allocated fleet number 426 but TSJ 59S was used for spare parts only before the shell was sold to Chambers, Londonderry for use as a static race control unit.

An updated fleetlist can be found here.

16/09/02  - Six Leyland Lynx are due to arrive any day now. It will be interesting to see what the Donegal roads do to them. The depot at Letterkenny has now been vacated and the buildings were being demolished. Only accident damaged 011 (SI 2013) remained on site and it was due to be scrapped on site this week. They are currently operating out of temporary premises on a small industrial estate to the rear of the Dry Arch Inn on the outskirts of Letterkenny.

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