I'm delighted to report that Paulo van Krieken, the brains behind the First Ipswich "Fresh Start" cleaning programme has been given the what was temporary position on a permanent basis. The programme has proved so successful it is being rolled out across Eastern Counties (well Norwich certainly but I assume elsewhere too). Congratulations Paulo - you really deserve this chance to get your teeth into another part of the industry.
As has been widely reported (mainly here it must be said) the last Ipswich Scania has departed for pastures new. 65588 left Ipswich for Norwich on Friday afternoon having spent the morning on the 67 to Martlesham. For pics of its first day in Norwich click here. It's place on that day's diagram was taken by B7tl 32491, which made for a good pic later on as it is very rare for a decker to appear on the X66
69009 and a Galloway MCV Evolution sandwich 32491 about to go light to Martlesham to work the X66 back |
Nothing to report on Notices and Proceedings this week with one huge, ugly, glaring exception. Stowmarket Minibus & Van Hire have appplied to amend route, stopping places and timetable to the 196/521 operating between Leiston and Saxmundham via Westleton, Dunwich, Yoxford and most importantly my village! I only have one bus a day so I hope it is not at risk. Surely the service won't be enhanced!. This gives me the opportunity to post the one pic I have of the 196 - taken the first day I caught it exactly a year ago. I have to say you can time your watch by the service and the few who use it are very loyal - refusing to get the more easily accessible BorderBus operated 521.
The 196 in Saxmundham - less rattly than an E200! |
Ipswich Buses 40 Volvo Olympian M640EPV on the X3 at John Lewis pic (c) David Warren |
The two Beestons Omnidekkas side by side clearly showing the different shades of blue. pic (c) David Warren |
And Finally
The Pretendolino set has been out in service this week, but where the coaches are a breath of fresh air on the London to Norwich route unfortuuantely they are still pulled by GA Class 90's and on Thursday evening, while operating the 2000 Norwich to London service 90001 gave up the ghost at Manningtree, causing absolute chaos and multiple cancellations. Freightliner 90045 had to attach to the rear and push the whole set into Colchester sidings. Which proves that a train is only as good as its loco! Have a good and non-slippery week!
The Jersey Dart that's back in service with FirstGreat Yarmouth is 43863 EG52FFK.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cameron - it was 1.30am and brain was dead! No one else had reported it so couldn't find it anywhere! Only got 3 of the 5 numbers wrong anyway :))
ReplyDeleteHi stevegalloway update just to let you know that fj61 eyg is in thefleet long term and the fitters where working on it today it will release galloways normal coaches as the tour's are starting up (school tours)
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