Ulsterbus Fleet News 2010

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22/12/10 - A new blue livery is to be applied to Airbus vehicles. Nine of the forthcoming batch of new Scania's will replace the existing fleet of Scania's on the 300 service and double deckers 2994/5 and Metro Solos 1881/97/8 used on the 600 are to receive the new livery also. 2993 is the second ALX painted Park and Ride green, branded for Sprucefield. Tiger 1298 is the latest converted for towing and returned to service on 9th December at Newry replacing Leopard 1961 which was transfered to Lisburn the following day. Transfers see 341 move from Newcastle - Downpatrick in exchange for 2276 which went the opposite way. Sales have seen Tigers 1397 go to Kelleher, Tipperary and 2656 to James {Heartlands/Invincible}, Tamworth.

09/12/10 - Tigers 1387 (Newcastle), 1401 (Omagh) 1450 (Newry) are now in Reserve along with Solo 1839 (Lisburn). Also detaxed is B10M 1627 (Ards) with accident damage - this has been replaced by 1343 ex Reserve. B7TL 2990 is now in the Park and Ride livery and is lettered in mauve for the Sprucefield service. Some news of former vehicles is Flexibus Mercedes 60 (FAZ 3060, now 91-DL-5397, was FAZ 3060, K736 PAB) passed from McFadden, Bunbeg to Dodge Niteclub, Gweedore in 5/10 as a non PSV, whilst Wrights bodied 865 (TXI 7865, now 91-DL-5166) had been sold by Dorian (Kia Cabs), Cloghan by11/10. Caetano bodied B10M 698 (ICZ 6698) has joined its sister vehicles in the fleet of Kent County Council, Aylesford in 7/10, via Plaxton, Anston, whilst Tigers 1390 (WXI 1390) and 1454 (WXI 4454) have gone to Lough Swilly. Some news of former Former Tiger/Wright Endeavours is:

1408 (WXI 4408) re-registered JSK 957 9/10 with James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth; to service 9/10
1409 (WXI 4409) reseated to B72F and re-registered JSK 958 9/10 with James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth; to service 9/10.
1413 (WXI 4413) reseated to DP72F 9/10 and re-registered YHT 988 10/10 with James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth; to service 10/10.
1414 (WXI 4414) reseated to DP72F 9/10 with James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth.
1427 (WXI 4427) re-registered SSU 837 9/10 with James {Invincible/Heartlands}, Tamworth; to service 10/10.
Finally, B10M/Plaxtons 1559 (DAZ 1559) and 1588 (EAZ 2588) passed to Sughra, Nottingham in 6/10, ex Olympus, Harlow

29/11/10 - Newcastle based B7R 340 and Scania 445 collided with each other on the 16th with extensive damage to both; Tiger 1342 was reinstated to Newcastle on the 18th as a replacement, with 1471 being transferrred from Lisburn a day earlier. Leopard towcar 4107 (Enniskillen) was withdrawn on 15/11 and unusually has gone to the Jurby Transport Museum, Isle of Man for preservation. 399 and 447 have moved from GVS to Newtownabbey, with 2803/7 going the other way. Solo 1839 has gone from Bangor - Lisburn. Finally 2 more Tigers 2663/70 have gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap.

26/11/10 - A GVS ALX400 is currently being painted in the green park and ride livery.

16/11/10 - Tigers 1386/8 have gone to Lough Swilly, with 2 more to follow.

07/11/10 - The final Scania K230 / Wrightbus of the current batch 493 entered service at Newtownabbey on 1st November. 3 Tigers have gone to reserve at the end of October, all from Newcastle: 1368/1462/5. On the move are : 1495 (Active Reserve Craigavon - Craigavon), 2801 (Craigavon - Downpatrick), 1387/1407/2228/2412/3/4 (Downpatrick - Newcastle), 2274/2774/5/6/7 (Newcastle - Downpatrick), 399/447 (Newtownabbey - GVS), 2801 (Downpatrick - Metro Newtownabbey), 1351 (Matro - Newcastle), 1379 (Metro - GVS), 2803/7 (GVS - Newtownabbey) and 1407 (Newcastle- Magherafelt).

01/11/10 - The dedicated express service for Cairnshill Park and Ride commenced today, being numbered 652 (with some journeys extended to/from Carryduff as 652c). Scania 2415 and Volvo B7's 2227/8 are in an eye-catching green livery for use on this route. Off peak the Park and Ride is also served by some Newcastle & Ballynahinch journeys.

29/10/10 - Dispatched to Hamills today were Q type 2674 (VXI 2674) and the unique Neoplan 4009 (IAZ 2009, ex K930 EWG). News of the former Mark III Goldliners now with James, Tamworth (t/a Heartlands/Invincible). 1408/9 (WXI 4408/9) were re-registered JSK 957/8 in 9/10, 1409 having been converted to B72F at this time.  1413/4 (WXI 4423/4) were converted to DP72F in 9/10.

27/10/10 - Two month old Solar Rural 485 was destroyed at Cloughfern Roundabout in civil disturbances last night, the first of these to be lost.

22/10/10 - Tiger 1387 returned to service at Downpatrick on the 20th, with 1458 going back to GVS on the 18th. Also at Downpatrick is 1407 which has returned from Metro on the 20th. Another Tiger returning to use is 1296 which is now the Enniskillen towbus. 1335 has been sold to Trappers Cycling Club, Belfast and 1370/83 to Lough Swilly. Transfers are 1867 Downpatrick - Lisburn, 1892 Lisburn - Downpatrick, 55/6 Ards - Bangor, 1839 Lisburn - Bangor, 1495 Active Reserve - Craigavon and 2801 Craigavon - Downpatrick. It seems there are to be only 29 in the next batch of Scania/Wright which will be fleet numbers are 494 - 500 and 551 - 572. Ulsterbus have won the contract for the Cairnshill Park & Ride service due to start on 1st November. The vehicles to be used on the service are 2227-9 and 2412-5, all of which are to receive a special green livery.

11/10/10 - Some news on previously disposed vehicles: Scanias 108/10/1 (SCZ 7108) all passed to Lainton {Ashall's}, Gorton in 8/10 via Plaxton, Anston. Darts 601 (CAZ 6641) and 619 (CAZ 6619) passed to Gill, Trowell in 8/10, ex Midland Rider, Oldbury 7641/19, whilst 617 (CAZ 6617) passed to an unknown dealer for scrap in 8/10, ex Midland Rider, Oldbury 7617. Finally Mercedes 860 (NXI 6860) was scrapped by 9/10, ex Clegg & Brooking, Middle Wallop.

08/10/10 - 2 more recent arrivals to Hamills are 2641/7.

07/10/10 - 3 of the outstanding 4 Scania K203/Wrightbus entered service on 1st October at Antrim (490 - BEZ 8490), Newtownabbey (491) and Enniskillen (492). 30 more Scanias are now expected, although presumably not the higher capacity rural type. These will take fleetnumbers 493-500 and 551-72; 8 will be used to refresh the stock on the International Airport service 300. Tiger 1401 has returned to service at Omagh and Solo 1839 at Lisburn, whilst Tigers 1351/79/1407 have gone to Metro. In from Metro are B10BLEs 2801 (Craigavon), 2803/7 (GVS). B7R 256 (Antrim) is detaxed with accident damage, whilst Tigers 1406 (Enniskillen) and 1433 (Newtownabbey) are in Reserve. Scania 1672 has moved from Ennsikillen to Derry, swapped with Ayats 2017, whilst Tiger 1452 has gone from GVS to Newtownabbey (Active reserve) and 1495 from Craigavon to Active Reserve at Craigavon.

27/09/10 - Plaxton Prima 4 (MX 07 BBJ) has been re-registered with Tiger registration WXI 1400, whilst donor 1400 has been re-registered DHZ 8200. Tigers 2666/7/78-80 (VXI 2666/7/78-80) all went to Hamill's for scrap last week. Tiger 1269 should also be at Hamills now.

16/09/10 - A number of Tigers and a single Solo have returned to service: 1349/87 (Bangor), 1401 (Omagh), 1402 (Dungannon), 1471 (Lisburn) and 1860 (Larne). One the move are 715 (Ards - Bangor), 1676 (Bangor - Ards) and 1881 which has gone from Derry to Metro replacing 1899 which has returned to Derry. Tiger 1372 has gone to Hamill for scrap.

12/09/10 - Some subsequent disposals to note are:
4 (OCZ 8004) to Watson (Newton Coaches), Sedgeletch 7/09, via Plaxton, Anston.
109 (SCZ 7109) to Handley,Middleham 8/10, via Plaxton, Anston
592 (OXI 522, ex A161 MNE) gone by 7/10 ex Bagust, Detling.
675 (UXI 1675) gone by 2/10, ex Bagust, Detling.
1408 (WXI 4408) reseated to B72F, ex B57F 8/10 with James (Invincible/Heartlands Travel), Tamworth; re-registered JSK 957 9/10.

06/09/10 - Ten more Scania K230/Wrightbus B55F entered service on 1st September: 480/1 (Ards), 482/3/4 (Craigavon), 485/6 (Newtowanbbey) and 487-9 (GVS). Volvo B9TL 2227 which was detaxed for the school holidays ware returned to service at Newcastle on 20th August, transferring from GVS to Newcastle at the same time. Otherwise all other detaxed vehicles returned to use on 1st September. The end of August saw a major reduction in the fleet of Tigers with the following going to reserve: 1335 (Ballymena - the final active N-type in the fleet), 1341/85/1405/2640 (Craigavon), 1321/70/9/1407/54/6 (GVS), 1349/86-8 (Bangor), 1392 (Downpatrick), 1395/1402 (Dungannon), 1343/5 (Newtownabbey), 1344/51/82 (Newtownards), 1371 (Magherafelt), 1398/9 (Larne), 1400 (Newcastle), 1401 (Coleraine), 1458 (Armagh), and 1471 (Lisburn). Also put in to Reserve are Solos 1827 (Dungannon), 1839 (Lisburn), and 1860 (Gt. Victoria St. - returned from loan to Metro). Received in from Metro are B10BLE's 2765 (Craigavon) and 2766/78 (Newcastle), along with B7TL 2989 (GVS). With all the above a large number of vehicles also moved between depots in late August/early September:

283	Enniskillen	Dungannon		1499	Magherafelt	Active Reserve (Magherafelt)
455	Enniskillen	Omagh		1510	Enniskillen	Ballymena
472	Downpatrick	Newcastle		1528	Newtownards	Bangor
705	Londonderry	Gt. Victoria St.		1669	Glengall St.(Stranraer)	Newcastle (End of loan)
706	Londonderry	Gt. Victoria St.		1676	Craigavon	Bangor
721	Londonderry	Newtownards		1724	Gt. Victoria St.	Ballymena (On loan)
723	Londonderry	Newtownards		1724	Ballymena	Gt. Victoria St.(End of loan)
724	Londonderry	Newtownabbey		1732	Gt. Victoria St.	Larne (On loan)
725	Londonderry	Lisburn		1732	Larne	Gt. Victoria St.(End of loan)
764	Londonderry	Coleraine		1734	Glengall St.(Stranraer)	Newcastle (End of loan)
765	Londonderry	Enniskillen		1854	Newcastle	Londonderry
766	Londonderry	Craigavon		1859	Newtownards	Londonderry
767	Londonderry	Craigavon		1872	Newcastle	Londonderry
772	Antrim	Larne		1875	Larne	Londonderry
780	Newcastle	Lisburn		1879	Craigavon	Newcastle
782	Downpatrick	Lisburn		1881	Dungannon	Derry City
816	Bangor	Dungannon		2004	Ballymena	Gt. Victoria St.(On loan)
1368	Downpatrick	Newcastle		2004	Gt. Victoria St.	Ballymena (End of loan)
1403	Craigavon	Active Reserve (Craigavon)		2005	Larne	Gt. Victoria St.
1435	Magherafelt	Active Reserve (Magherafelt)		2227	Gt. Victoria St.	Newcastle
1451	Gt. Victoria St.	Active Reserve (N’abbey)		2228	Gt. Victoria St.	Newcastle
1453	Gt. Victoria St.	Active Reserve (N’abbey)		2228	Newcastle	Downpatrick
1461	Coleraine	Active Reserve (Coleraine)		2235	Newcastle	Larne
1464	Coleraine	Active Reserve (Coleraine)		2275	Newcastle	Downpatrick
1466	Newry	Active Reserve (Ballymena)		2401	Newtownards	Bangor
1468	Coleraine	Active Reserve (Ballymena)		2402	Newtownards	Bangor
1472	Newcastle	Downpatrick		2415	Newcastle	Gt. Victoria St.
1480	Newtownabbey	Active Reserve (N’abbey)		2416	Newcastle	Craigavon
1492	Gt. Victoria St.	Downpatrick		2417	Newcastle	Armagh
1493	Craigavon	Active Reserve (Craigavon)		2784	Gt. Victoria St.	Coleraine
1494	Craigavon	Active Reserve (Craigavon)

Finally, Tiger 1373 has gone to Hamill for scrap.

20/08/10 - Volvo B10BLEs 2780/7 have been received from Metro and are allocated to Newcastle. Other vehciles on the move are Ayats 2004/5 (Ballymena, Larne - GVS), Scanias 1724/32 (GVS - Ballymena, Larne) and Tiger 1472 (Newcastle - Downpatrick). Former Larne towbus 4120 has passed to Kells Transport Museum, Cork for preservation. It seems that York Pullman have not acquired 2639 (SXI 2639) as previously reported.

14/08/10 - Plaxton Prima 3 (MX 09 BBF) was re-registered RXI 3333 on 12/08/10 with 1333 (RXI 3333) becoming DFZ 4772 on the same date. A few updates on former vehicles is as follows:

1 (OCZ 8001), 1570 (DAZ 1570), 1574 (EAZ 2574) - Brown, Roecliffe moved his North Yorkshire operation to Thorp Arch in West Yorkshire in 7/10.
591 (OCZ 5225, ex OXI 591, A160 MNE, now 84-DL-2357) which had latterly been reported as being with Hamill, Ahoghill for scrapping, also took part in the Bus Demolition Derby at Nutts Corner on 8 August. However after a couple of laps it failed and took no further part in the proceedings.
603 (CAZ 6603) - Teamwork Resource, Brenchley in 2/10, ex Chalkwell, Sittingbourne.
688 (JAZ 6688) - Cannon BST, Garston by7/10, via Plaxton, Anston (dealer).
691 (ACZ 6691) - Coastal & Country, Whitby in 12/09 as C49FT, via Plaxton, Anston (Dealer).
1587 (EAZ 2587) - re-registered M458 TSS 1/10 by Orkney Coaches 52203; Highland Clearance, Muir of Ord by4/10 for scrap.
2506 (GAZ 5506) has been re-registered 95-DL-6150 with McLaughlin, Convoy.
2395 (UOI 2395) was sold by Nash, Ockley in 7/10 to Mulpeter, Brighton for preservation but it has since been offered for sale.
2594 (BXI 2594) latterly preserved by Hart et al, York was re-registered A889 DMO in 7/10. It has suffered serious chassis corrosion and is to be broken up for spare parts for other preserved vehicles.
2596 (BXI 2596, now BIG 3003) was sold to McKinstry Skip Hire, Belfast in 3/10 ex Lavelle, Lavelle & Johnston (Belfast City Sightseeing), Belfast. It was used in the Bus Demolition Derby at Nutts Corner on 8 August after which the remains went for scrap.
2639 (SXI 2639) - York Pullman, Rufforth 7/10, via Hardwick, Carlton (dealer).
2644 (SXI 2644) - RSN Commercials, Telford (dealer) by7/10, via Hardwick, Carlton; offered for sale on E-Bay 7/10.

02/08/10 - Scania 759 has returned to service at Newry, and also Solo 1460 on loan to Metro (GVS). Against this Derry based 437/8/73/4/767 and 1504 have been detaxed for the remainer of the school holidays. Metro B7TL 2988 has been transferred to GVS, another and several B10BLE's should also make this move. The additional Tigers to be sold to james, Tamworth is 1427.

29/07/10 - Further recent vehicle disposals are as follows:- 1317 to Movie Go, Carrowdore; 1408/9/13/4/25 to James {Heartlands Travel}, Tamworth and 2506 to McLaughlin, Convoy. It is likely that another of the 14xx series Tigers will go James, Tamworth.

21/07/10 - A number of vehicles returned to service in July: 478 (Ards), 1874 (Lisburn), 1370 (GVS), 1462/72 (Newcastle), 1678 (Glengall Street/Stranraer on loan from Newcastle) and 814/8 at Coleraine. 1678 later returned to Newcastle in exhange for similar 1669. Solo 1875 has moved from Ards to Larne. Further sales to the Kells Bus Museum are Tiger 1320 and Leopard towcar (4)118, whilst Cityliners 2655/8 have gone to Hamill for scrap.

02/07/10 - Scanias 473/4 (BFZ 8473/4) previously delivered and stored at Derry were taxed from 1st July. As usual many vehicles have been detaxed for the summer holidays, but this year the number is much greater than usual, with over 450 being taken out of use. The full list is:

Antrim: 206 207 243 254 255 256 260 261 279 280 281 369 389 390 708 709 732 733 734 735 1604 1605 1607 2262 2263 2280 2281
Armagh: 224 225 226 276 277 278 292 317 367 368 391 503 515 1458 1463 2249 2270 2271 2291 2292
Ballymena: 188 227 228 229 287 288 289 297 299 313 322 337 338 370 371 384 545 1467 1470 1599 1608 2245 2246 2247 2814 2848 2849
Bangor: 198 199 200 748 816 1349 1610 2278 2298 2300 2403 2404 2460 2461 2466
Coleraine: 204 205 221 272 273 284 285 286 316 320 321 324 325 361 362 363 374 375 711 763 813 814 818 1401 1440 1441 1445 1447 1461 1464 1468 1473 1488 2312 2329 2829 2831 2850 2851
Craigavon: 251 252 253 274 275 305 306 333 334 335 336 355 356 357 1589 1591 1592 1630 1676 2318 2319 2733 2737 2741 2742 2744
Derry City: 1846 2240 2241 2243 2255
Downpatrick: 194 195 196 210 211 237 238 293 294 1491 1626 1629 1723 1867 2421
Driving School: 1632 1637
Dungannon: 216 222 223 314 315 326 358 359 372 373 378 386 397 398 533 1514 1889 2316 2317 2320 2321
Enniskillen: 192 212 213 248 249 250 283 307 308 1612 1619 1620 1622
Great Victoria Street: 342 343 393 394 704 778 779 786 1321 1407 1451 1453 1456 1534 1537 1538 1646 1662 1860 2222 2224 2225 2227 2228 2325 2820 2993 2997 2999
Larne: 185 186 187 230 231 312 323 339 770 771 1398 1399 1523 1526 1536 1606 1611 2232 2250
Lisburn: 197 203 217 218 239 240 262 263 264 329 330 331 716 756 757 1471 1501 1583 1601 1615 1642 1654 1660 1874 2239 2277
Londonderry: 208 209 244 245 246 247 298 300 309 348 349 364 365 366 1434 1439 1503 1505 1613 1614 1621 1862 1863 1864 2242 2256 2257 2301 2303 2305 2306 2511 2746 2747 2748 2751 2752 2753 2754 2755 2756 2757 2758 2759 2760 2761
Magherafelt: 182 183 184 219 220 241 242 270 271 282 350 351 352 506 510 1371 1609 1617 2233 2234 2313 2314 2315 2643
Newcastle: 234 235 236 295 296 341 353 354 780 1400 1462 1465 1472 1602 1623 1678 1734 1747 2415 2416 2774 2775 2776 2777
Newry: 190 191 232 233 257 258 259 267 268 269 290 291 318 319 332 344 345 346 347 379 380 381 382 383 712 759 1466 1498 1624 1625 2279 2295 2296 2297
Newtownabbey: 376 399 400 1343 1345 1433 1511 1512 1539 1540 1547 1548 1891 1908 2230 2231
Newtownards: 181 201 202 265 266 310 395 396 478 1344 1351 1449 1528 1541 1627 2326 2327 2328
Omagh: 214 215 301 302 303 304 385 1603 1616 2252 2267 2268 2322 2323

The Tiger fleet has shrunk further with the following being taken out of use at the end of June: 1342 (Newcastle), 1348/57/64 (Lisburn) and 1354/91 (Ards). Scania 472 has moved from Newcastle to Downpatrick, with B9TL's 2274/5 going the opposite direction. Scania coaches 108-11 have been sold to Plaxton Sales, Sheffield.

25/06/10 - Good news is that the final Mark I Goldline coach in Ulsterbus stock, (2)524 (PXI 5524), has passed to the Irish Transport Trust for preservation. Some further information on former vehicles is : Dennis Darts 603 (CAZ 6603) and 604 (CAZ 6604) were sold in 2/10 by Chalkwell, Sittingbourne. 604 (CAZ 6604) has passed to Bland, Ryhall whilst 603 (CAZ 6603) was sold at auction to an as yet unknown buyer; Mercedes minibus 783 (TXI 7873) passed from Wray, Londonderry to McGinn, Ballycastle in 2/08 and when last seen was on Rathlin Island; 898 (JAZ 3898) was sold by Temple Golf & Country Club, Boardmills in 8/07. It has probably gone south on the border. ; Metrorider 1817 (JAZ 1817) had been withdrawn by Caledonian, Glasgow by 2/07. Tigers 1322/3/5 have all gone to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap, all being removed from Great Victoria Street this week.

17/06/10 - The latest Scania K230/Wrightbus to enter service are 476 (BFZ 8476 at Lisburn on 4th June) and 479 (at Ards, 3rd June). In addition 480-8 have also been delivered but are being stored until September. Transfers have seen former Citybus Ayats coach 2001 move from Derry - Glengall Street for use on the city tour. Further sales see Endeavours 1424/6/9 go to Lough Swilly and 4890 to Geary, Paisley for preservation.

14/06/10 - Another five 'Q' types left the province this weekend, this time bound for Whootten, Chesham - 1372/5-7 (UXI 1372/5-7) and 1384 (WXI 4384).

08/06/10 - Further history of the four Mercedes Benz 711D/Alexander (Belfast) B25F minibuses sold to McLaughlin, Convoy has come to light:
905 (JAZ 3905): registered 96-DL-6723 11/09.
907 (JAZ 3907): registered 96-DL-6722 11/09; sold unknown owner 3/10.
909 (JAZ 3909): registered 96-DL-6611 11/08; sold unknown owner 11/09.
922 (JAZ 3922): registered 96-DL-6610 11/08; sold unknown owner 5/09.

07/06/10 - Cityliners 2639/44/53/4/9/60/1/5/72/7 have been sold to Hardwick, Carlton and were shipped out at the weekend. Hardwick is both a dealer and breaker so it will be interesting to see where they end up. Former Volvo B9M/Plaxton 600 (87-DL-5311, ex EEZ 7858, KXI 600) was reseated to C41F by 11/06 with McGonagle, Buncrana and was sold in 2/10 to Sinnott, Murrinstown as a non PSV, whilst B10M/Plaxton 2504 (DAZ 5504) was reseated to C55F and re-registered 94-DL-6206 with McGonagle, Buncrana.

01/06/10 - Scania K230's continue to arrive at a rapid pace with the latest being 471 (Newcastle, 24th May), 474 (Derry, 24th May), 475/7 (Lisburn, 24th May, 1st June) and 478 (Ards, 1st June). Neither 473/4 are taxed at the moment. 470 is at Newcastle and not Omagh as previously advised. Some recent deliveries to Coleraine have moved on rapidly with 465 going to Omagh, 466-8 to Craigavon and 469 to Lisburn. In turn these have displaced B7R's 373 (Lisburn - Dungannon), 378 (Craigavon - Dungannon), 379/80 (Craigavon - Newry) and 386 (Omagh - Dungannon). Also on the move is Q-type 1491 which has gone from Derry - Downpatrick. As expected a large number of Tigers have been detaxed at the end of May: 1327 (Ards), 1331/2/3/53/2644 (Newry), 1347/55 (Newcastle), 1370/1425/6 (Dungannon), 1375/84/9 (Craigavon), 1421 (Omagh), 2655 (Armagh), along with B10M 2506 from Ballymena. This leaves 1335 at Ballymena as the only N-type remaining in use, and also sees off the last of the Endeavours. Also withdrawn from the end of May is Scania 111, the last of the batch of 4 bought for express use.

27/05/10 - Citybus Solo 1825 (DCZ 4825) and Ulsterbus Solo's 1820/2/4 (DCZ 4820/2/4) have gone to Mike Nash, Ockley (dealer) for resale, whilst similar 1826 (DCZ 4826) and 1828 (DCZ 4828) are to be cannibalised for spares before being sold for scrap. 1819 (DCZ 4819) had already gone to Nash in April, along with Tigers 1358/9 (TXI 1358/9) which have have already moved on to York Pullman. Leopard/Y-type towbus 4890 (RAG 393M) has gone to Roulston, Beith for preservation.

21/05/10 - The latest new Scania/Wrightbus are: 461-3/70 (BFZ 8461, Omagh, 5th,6th, 7th & 18th May), 464-9 (Coleraine, 14th, 12th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 17th May), 472 (Newcastle, 20th May) and 473 (Derry, 21st May). Also new is the extra B7R/Schoolrun, 180, allocated to Newry on the 5th May. Buses returned to service are 405 (Craigavon) after accident damage repair, and Tiger 1286 as a towbus at Dungannon. On the move from Omagh are 528/38/9/40 to Armagh, Newry (28/39) and Magherafelt, whilst possibly the last N-type to move depots is 1335 which has gone to Ballymena to replace Q-type 2668 which was withdrawn on 14th May with engine failure. It is not expected to be there for long as all the remaining 'N' types are likely to be withdrawn shortly. Tiger 1356 has been sold to Mike Nash and is to go directly to York Pullman whilst 2650 has gone to Kells Transport Museum, Cork.

16/05/10 - Some news of former vehicles is : Darts 601 (CAZ 6641), 617 (CAZ 6617) and 619 (CAZ 6619) have been renumbered 7641/17/19 with Midland Rider, Oldbury ex 1015/16/23. Mercedes/Wright 847 (NXI 6847) passed to MacKenzie (1st Limo Knights), Feltham in 10/06, ex Horrocks, Brockton. It was converted to C16F and placed in service in 6/07 whilst Alexander bodied 903 (JAZ 3903) passed to McRory (Sevens Cabs), Dundalk in 11/06 as 96-LH-4750 via Carryduff Auctions, Carryduff. It subsequently passed to Carolan, Nobber in 4/10. Tiger/Q-types 1358/9 (TXI 1358/9) have passed to York Pullman, Rufforth in 4/10, ex Nash, Ockley (dealer). Nash is due to collect 1356 (TXI 1356) this weekend and it is going directly to York Pullman. B10M/Plaxton 1566 (DAZ 1566) which is now 4006 in the fleet of McColl Coaches, Dumbarton was re-registered L421 ORS in 3/10.

05/05/10 - Further new Scania K230/Wrightbus B55F are 458/9 (BFZ 8458 Newtownards, 28/04, 30/04), 453/4 (Enniskillen, 30/04), 460 (Omagh 30/04) and 456/7 (Craigavon 04/05). Tiger 1304 returned to service as a towbus at Craigavon (replacing Leopard/Y-type 4890 which is now withdrawn) on 1st May, and it the first of the Volvo's in such a role. Further Tigers detaxed at the end of the April are 1356 (Newtownabbey), 1372 (Derry), 1376/7 (Ballymena), 1380 (Lisburn), 1390 (Enniskillen), 1394 (Newry), 1397 (Larne), 1429 (Craigavon), 2654 (Newcastle) and 2675 (Newtownards). Iveco community bus 22 is withdrawn from Ards for cannibalisation, the first of this type to go. On the move are Volvo rural buses 506/11/41/2 all from Enniskillen to Magherafelt, Newry and Ballymena (41/2), whilst Solo 1869 has gone to Metro GVS and 1878 from Derry City - Derry. One further unusual move is Charabanc 5 from Coleraine to Larne. All 5 of the buses destroyed at Newtownabbey at the weekend have been removed to Hamills for scrap.

04/05/10 - A malicious attack on Newtownabbey deport at the weekend saw the loss of a number of stored vehicles: Solos 1823/38, N-type Tiger 1318 and Q-type Tiger 2662. N-type 1301 and Tiger/Endeavour 1427 were also damaged; 1301 has already been written off. Scania 1722 has appeared with a 'Translink Goldline' fleetname (below), in the same style as the Metro and Ulsterbus variations already seen.

23/04/10 - New vehicles to enter service are Scania K230/Wrightbus Solar Rural B55F 446 (BFZ 8446, Lisburn - 2/4), 447 (Newtownabbey -14/4), 448 (Newcastle - 14/4), 449 (Enniskillen - 2/4), 450/1 (Craigavon - 22/4), 452/5 (Enniskillen -15/4 and 21/4). Tiger 2675 also returned to service at Newtwonards on 16th April. On the move are Volvos 541/2 from Enniskillen to Ballymena and Solo 1878 from Derry City - Derry, whilst Solo 1869 has re-entered service with Metro at GVS. Scania 110 (Glengall Street) and Leopard towbus 126 (Dungannon) are withdrawn, as is Tiger 1373 (Ards) after suffering accident damage. Disposals see Tigers 1300 and 2673 go to the Kells Transport Museum along with Leopard 4126 whilst 1457 is another with Spruhan, Bagenalstown. Mike Nash has sold eight of the Wright bodied Dennis Darts to Edwards Coaches, Llantwit Fardre: Citybus 641 (LAZ 7641), 645-7 (YAZ 8645-7), 649/50 (DCZ 7649/50) and Ulsterbus 643/4 (YAZ 8643/4). Other sales by Mike Nash are Leyland Tiger/Alexander 393 (MEZ 5669, ex FXI 393) to Hawkins (Village Coaches), Findon and 1242 (NXI 4242) to Holden, Bude for preservation. The latter owner has also acquired similar 1250 (OXI 1250) from Curry, Pinxton, whilst Volvo engined Leyland Tiger 1319 (PXI 1319) has been sold to York Pullman, Rufforth where it joins 1241 and 1337/8. Leopard 328 (FEZ 8628, ex BXI 328) which had been retained by Hamill, Ahoghill for possible preservation has been sold to Graham, Kesh for preservation.

16/04/10 - Former Leyland Tiger/Van Hool 591 (84-DL-2357, ex JCZ 5225, OXI 521, A160 MNE) has passed to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrapping by 4/10 ex McGettigan, Letterkenny.

13/04/10 - More news of former vehicles is Volvo B10M/Caetano 699 (ICZ 6699) is now registered 01-D-9059 with Shiels, Fanavolty, whilst Dennis Dart/Wright 602 (CAZ 6602) was sold by Midland Rider, Oldbury for scrap in 2/10. Former Flexibus Mercs 830 (NXI 6830) and 1807/8 (SXI 2807/8) had been scrapped by McLaughlin, Convoy by April 09. Former Flexibus 861 (NXI 6861, now 89-DL-6719) had passed from Marley, Cloughan to Friel, Ballybofey by March 09 and then to McLaughlin, Convoy by April 09 where it is currently out of use.

 

11/04/10 - Tigers 1371/3 were returned to service in the latter half of March at Magherafelt and Newtownards. However, the Tiger fleet again diminished at the end of the month with 1358/9 (Bangor), 1365 (Coleraine), 1383/2641/75 (Ards), 2642 (GVS) 2653/6 (Newcastle) and 2662 (Lisburn) going to Reserve. Also detaxed was Scania 405 (Craigavon), with accident damage. Scania/Irizar coaches 108/9 have been withdrawn for disposal following the arrival of 130-2. On the move in the latter half of March are: 1351 (Downpatrick - Newtownards), 1372 (Magherafelt - Derry), 2643 (Dungannon - Magherafelt), 2417 (Enniskillen - Newcastle), 2452 (Newcastle - Enniskillen), 2431 (Omagh - Newry) and 2442 (Newry - Omagh). Tigers 1360/2/6 have gone to Hamill for scrap, whilst GVS towbus 478 has been renumbered 4478 to avoid clashing with a new Scania. News of former vehicles is 689 (JAZ 6689) went to Lehane, Sturry 11/09 and 693 (ACZ 6693) to Kent County Council, Aylesford 9/09 whilst 1555 (DAZ 1555) and 1556 (DAZ 1556) now with Armvale, Grimsby have been reseated to C70F, ex C53F.

03/04/10 - The 48 new Scania/Solar Ruals will take fleetnumbers 446-493 and registrations (BFZ 8446-93). The first two to arrive are 446 (Lisburn) and 449 (Enniskillen).

29/03/10 - The three remaining Darts (Citybus 641, and Ulsterbus 644/8) have been sold to Mike Nash, Ockley along with Volvo engined N type 1319. Volvo/Wright 1428 (WXI 4428) is the latest addition to the Lough Swilly fleet. Whilst the number of Alexander (Belfast) bodied vehicles continues to diminish, the demolition of the factory is now well advanced as shown below by Phill McAlinney (photo taken 19th March).

23/03/10 - Some information regarding former vehicles is Plaxton Prima 1 (KX 08 HMA) is with Guideissue, Knypersley by 2/10 and Volvo B10M 687 (JAZ 6687) with Taylor, Stourport-on-Severn 6/09.

19/03/10 - New Scania/Irizars 130-2 entered service at Glengall Street on 8th March. Also new are B7R/Wrightbus B62F 195 (Downpatrick - 2nd March), 197 (Lisburn - 1st March), 198/9/200 (Bangor 1st March, 12th February, 18th March). This leaves just the extra vehicle of this batch, 180, outstanding. The next deliveries will be 48 more Scania K230/Wrightbus rurals, presumably to be 446-93, for delivery between May and August. Returned to service are 1371 at Derry on 16th March, 2654/6 at Newcastle on 12th/11th March and 2663 at Newry on 18th March. In addition Tiger 1184 returned to service at Magherafelt on 08th March as a towbus replacing 4108, which was tranferred to Omagh on the same date, where it replaced 4118 which has been withdrawn. Tiger 1374 has been withdrawn following engine and body defects. Transfers have seen 1354 move from Bangor - Ards and 1663 from Derry - Dungannon. Tiger 1369 has been dispatched to Hamill's for scrap. News of former vehicles is Leopard 122 (ROI 122) was sold by Share Centre, Enniskillen in 2/08 and was re-registered FIG 9847 in 3/08, the ROI number now being on a private car. B10M 1566 (DAZ 1566) passed to McColl Coaches, Dumbarton by 3/10 as their fleet number 4006 ex Orkney Coaches 52199 whilst similar 1587 (EAZ 2587) has been re-registered M458 TSS by Orkney Coaches 52203.  

12/03/10 - Darts 643/5/6/51 sold to Mike Nash and are due to be shipped this weekend. More vehicles are likely to follow next week.

09/03/10 - Some news of former vehicles is Tiger/Wright 540 (RXI 5540, ex B272 AMG) passed from Excel, Stanstead Airport to Wheels {Midland Red Coaches}, Nuneaton in 6/05 as their 6540. It was not used by them and was subsequently sold to an unknown owner in the North East of England for conversion to a mobile caravan. Mercedes/Wright 874 (TXI 7874) had been withdrawn by Fowler, Holbeach Drove by 3/09 and had been scrapped by7/09 whilst Tiger/Wright 1410 (WXI 4410) was sold to Duffy, Ballinglass (not Hacketstown) and was re-registered 92-CW-1668 in 3/10. Tiger/TE 2528 (PXI 5528) passed to Lough Swilly earlier this week and is likely to be used for spares.

02/03/10 - The latest new Volvo B7R/Wrightbus B62F are 192 (AFZ 1192 - Enniskillen, 18th Feb), 191 (Newry, 19th Feb), 193 (Newcastle, 19th Feb), 194/6 (Downpatrick, 23rd Feb), 195 (Downpatrick, date TBC), 197 (Lisburn, TBC) and 198 (Bangor, TBC). Scania 832 was returned to service at Coleraine on 1st March after collision repairs; however the Tiger fleet has taken another large hit at the end of February with the detaxing of the 1300 (Craigavon), 1325/2655/70/8/80 (GVS), 1373 (Larne), 1413/20/2663/5 (Newry), 1428 (Derry), 1430 (Ballymena), 2650/4/74 (Ards), 2656 (Armagh) 2659 (Newcastle), 2660 (Downpatrick) and 2673 (Coleraine) along with Solo 1822 (Ards). On the move in the latter half of February are 332 (Enniskillen - Newry), 779 (Newcastle - GVS), 292 (Downpatrick - Armagh) and 2653 (Armagh - Newcastle), whilst Scania 2401 returned to normal use at Ards having been with the Driving School for a number of months. Volvo/Plaxton 2504 (GAZ 5504) has been sold to McGonagle, Buncrana. News of former vehicles is City Sightseeing Bristol RE 2596 (BXI 2596, ex BIG 3003) is now at Wilson's Auctions, Mallusk along with the rest of this now ceased operators fleet.

25/02/10 - 3 new Scania K360/Irizar Century C49Ft are 130-2 (BFZ 3130-2). These will be Stranraer based for cross channel express service; 130/1 were in GVS today and carry National Express livery. Former B10M/Plaxton 1587 (EAZ 2587) was re-registered M458 TSS by January 1/10 with Orkney Coaches (52203) - this is probably a prelude to withdrawal and disposal. DAF/Plaxton 672 (UXI 1672) passed to Swift, Knott End in 10/08, ex K & J Logistics (York Pullman), Rufforth. Volvo B7TL 2307 has gained a Brennans Bread overall advert, for the second time.

24/02/10 - Tiger 1241 (NXI 4241) has passed from Mike Nash, Ockley to K & J Logistics {York Pullman}, Rufforth in 2/10 joining 1337/8 (RXI 3337/8). Fire damaged Tiger 1326 (RXI 3326), 1340 (TXI 1340), 2636/8 (SXI 2636/8) have passed to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap. A part of Northern Ireland's transport history will soon be no more as demolition work on the Alexander (Belfast) plant at Mallusk continues apace.

22/02/10 - The three remaining former Flexibus Renaults were removed by Hamill at the end of last week, 46-8 (IAZ 6046-8). It seems all three were dumped into the back of a giant skip and taken away. News of former vehicles is Plaxton Prima 2 (KX 08 HMC) had passed to Scragg, Bucknall by January 2010 whilst Tiger/TE 526 (PXI 5526) was re-registered 90-TS-3692 in 4/08 by Kelleher, Tipperary.  

17/02/10 - More new B7R/Wrightbus are 181 (AFZ 1181, Ards, 8th Feb), 182/3/4 (Magherafelt, 5th Feb, 9th Feb, 8th Feb), 185/6/7 (Larne, 11th Feb, 10th Feb, 10th Feb), 188 (AFZ 5188, Ballymena, 12th Feb) , 189/90 (Newry, 17th Feb, 15th Feb). Tiger 1428 was returned to service at Derry on 2nd Feb to replace accident damaged 1504 which is to be repaired after all. Transfers are 324/5 Magherafelt - Coleraine, 2642 Ards - GVS, 1373 Magherafelt - Larne, 401/2 Larne - GVS and 1405 Coleraine - Craigavon. Further sales have seen Renault minibus 43 pass to Hamill, Ahoghill for scrap, Tiger 1393 to Lough Swilly, Tigers 1282 and 2648 to Kells Transport Museum and Tigers 1422/60 to Spruhan, Bagenalstown.

11/02/10 - Former Leopard/Plaxton coach 576 (AJD 166T, now 79-KY-600) has been acquired for preservation by Ards Bus Preservation Group ex Fitzpatrick, Listowel.

03/02/10 - B10M 1504 was the vehicle involved in the accident at Omagh on Monday. Given its age it may well be a write off. Tiger/Wright 1428 has returned to service to replace it.

02/02/10 - More new B7R/Wrightbus B62F are 390 (AFZ 1390, Antrim, 19/01), 388 (Enniskillen, 21/01), 389 (Antrim, 21/01), 394 (GVS, 27/01), 395 (Ards, 27/01), 391 (Armagh, 01/02), 393 (GVS, 01/02), 396 (Ards, 01/02), 397/8 (Dungannon, 01/02), 399/400 (AFZ 1399/5400, Newtownabbey, 01/02). Two further Tigers which have been returned to use in late January are 2662 at Lisburn and 1365 at Coleraine. Against this, the following Tigers are now detaxed: 1315 (Ards), 1323 (GVS), 1367 (Newtownabbey), 1427 (Enniskillen), 1428 (Craigavon), 2639 (Coleraine), 2650 (Ards) and 2657 (Armagh). Also detaxed are Scania 832 (Coleraine - with accident damage) and B10M 2504 from the Driving School. Two further Tigers for disposal are 1410 (Ards - subsequently sold to G. Duffy, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow) and 2638 (GVS - after engine failure). More buses moving between depots are 1500 Antrim - Craigavon, 1502 Antrim - Armagh, 770 Bangor - Larne, 2445 Larne - Bangor, 1407/53 Newtownabbey - GVS and 1918 Bangor - Ards. Notably, the move of 1500 leaves Antrim without an allocation of Tigers. 1311, 1312 have been sold to the Kells Transport Museum, Cork and 1412 is another to go to Spruhan, Bagnalstown, Co. Carlow.

21/01/10 - Two more former Mark 1 Goldliners have gone to Lough Swilly, 2518 (PXI 5518) and 2522 (PXI 5522). Cityliner 2675 has been returned to service at Ards where it replaces 1460 which has been withdrawn with chassis/engine defects. One other vehicle on the move is 1420 from Enniskillen - Newry.

19/01/10 - The first new vehicles for 2010 are B7R's 385 (AFZ 1385, Omagh - 15th Jan), 387 (Enniskillen - 6th Jan) and 392 (Newcastle- 15th Jan). Several Q-types have returned to service from Reserve: 1370 (Dungannon), 2640 (Craigavon), 2668 (Ballymena) and 2674 (Ards); however 3 have been withdrawn due to engine failure: 1340 (Craigavon), 1393 (Dungannon) and 1457 (Armagh). Also returned to service is Leyland engined Tiger 1285 which becomes Bangor's first towbus for a number of years. On the move are 1696/7 Dungannon - Derry, 1486 Coleraine - Ballymena, 1632 Larne - Driving School, 778 Newcastle - GVS and 1433 Omagh - Newtownabbey.

08/01/10 - Some news of former vehicles is Tiger 424 (KEZ 1014, ex GXI 424) passed from Collins, Ballymena to Doherty, Ballymoney (t/a Causeway Coach Hire) and not Gault, Coleraine (t/a Causeway Coaches) by 9/09 as previously reported. B10M 1566 (DAZ 1566) was withdrawn by Orkney Coaches 52199 in 12/09 and similar 1571 (DAZ 1571) passed to Highland Country 52201 in 11/09 ex Bluebird Buses 52201.

06/01/10 - B7R 382 was the last to enter service before Christmas, at Newry on the 23rd. Solo 1838 was detaxed from Newry at the end of November, but re-entered service at Lisburn on 5th January. Also returning to service is Tiger 1255, as Newtownabbey towbus, replacing Leopard 107. The Tiger fleet took quite a hit at the end of 2009 with the following coming off: 1301/1408 (Craigavon), 1311/2/2648/68 (Ballymena), 1317/8/65/2640/62/75 (Coleraine), 1319 (Newtownards), 1369/2672 (Newcastle), 1370/1 (Magherafelt), 1412/2647/74 (Newry), 1424 (Omagh), 2645/66 (GVS), 2649 (Bangor), 2671 (Dungannon), 2676 (Downpatrick). Also withdrawn is 1326 from GVS following an electrical fire. On the move are: 1392 (Newry - Downpatrick), 2654 (Armagh - Newtownards), 1379 (Newtownabbey - GVS), 1400 (Bangor -Newcastle), 1435 (Omagh - Magherafelt), 1456 (Armagh - GVS), 1486 (Coleraine - Ballymena), 2659 (Downpatrick - Newcastle) and 2638 (Magherafelt - GVS). All this leave a mere 10 N-types in use: 1300 (Craigavon), 1313 (Ballymena), 1315/27 (Ards), 1323/5 (GVS) and 1331/2/3/5 (Newry).

01/01/10 - Seasons Greetings and a Merry New Year from the Irish Transport Trust.

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