Hello there!
I've just come across your Essex post and must say it is good to read what an outsider of my area has to say!
Of
note from your post, you might not know that 65672 (and the rest of
that batch of 12) used to be dedicated to the 100 Chelmsford to Lakeside
service many years ago. Back when used to operate every 20 minutes as
opposed to every 15 minutes now.
On
the history of 65031 (and the other 4 in its batch) it began life
plying its trade on the Sandon Park & Ride in Chelmsford (hence the
leather seating) before being replaced by Eclipse 2's following the
opening of the Chelmer Valley Park & Ride, with the OmniCity's
dropping into the general Chelmsford single decker pool. Incidentally I
challenge you to find a pool of buses that can cover such a varied area
from 1 depot with Chelmsford single deckers reaching; Brentwood,
Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Stansted Airport and Southminster...pretty
much most of Essex!
Ensignbus
are a master of success, considering they originally had no interest in
a local network in Thurrock originally...they managed to pick up
emergency tenders (from the Town & Country demise) and slowly
managed to run Arriva out of town who now maintain a local depot here
for TfL work only!
The
Arriva KT Sapphire vehicles have resulted in the previous Wright Pulsars
now being transferred to my "home" depot of Southend. Wayyy back in
2008 were stored at Southend making staff here very jealous (driving E
reg double deckers) before they moved over the water to Northfleet.
Finally,
I am curious as to what you find interesting about Basildon depot
because to me it just seems a bit of a mish mash of vehicles :)
Best Regards,
Being pedantic again (!) but also for historical accuracy, Ensignbus actually preceded Town & Country on Thurrock local work. I can't remember the full details (someone needs to write a book!) but Ensign sold their local Thurrock network to T&C in late 1999 / early 2000. They re-commenced local Thurrock work when T&C went belly up a few years later, and, as "Terry" says, expanded with the takeover of Arriva work. As for Terry's comments re Basildon, isn't a "mish mash of vehicles" what makes this hobby interesting?! Regards, Adam
ReplyDeleteWelcome aboard Adam. Pedanticism is what makes the enthusiast world go round and is always welcome!
DeleteThanks for the welcome Steve! I agree with you about pedanticism! Adam
DeleteHmm, if you have the urge to visit the "mish mash" that is Basildon, then you need to use the the 70 Colchester-Chelmsford link en route rather than the "luxury" (well, First's idea) 71. Somebody does need to, allegedly! And to complete the muddle then possibly the right incarnations of the 15. Though you'll need your sleeping bag. Or you could just visit your local transport museum! Or stick with Norwich.
DeleteI have used the 70 in the past, my friend, which is why I use the 71 now. Enough said!
DeleteI commute daily on the 70 from Chelmsford to Braintree, most of the time, the service is operated by ex-London Presidents. However, they don't seem to be too reliable, hence the pick and mix which sometimes travel on the route. They're not particularly comfortable either, being designed for London. Unfortunately, Braintree has the dubious honour of being the 'nursing home' for old buses in retirement!
ReplyDeleteHi Lee. You will I hope be well aware of my opinion of ex London Presidents! It is also the reason i will normally get the 71 and not the 70!
ReplyDelete