Sunday Snippets

Again there really hasn't been too much going on this week to warrant a full round up, but in the last 24 hours a few things have taken my notice which deserve to me mentiioned.

First of all I am very grateful to regular correspondent David Green, who keeps me updated on all things Galloway. David got in touch yesterday to tell me that Galloway have won the tender to operate the 113/4 Ipswich - Diss service from Simmonds. This will please God finally mean the end of those appalingly ghastly Plaxton Primos that Simmonds have been using on the route. David didn't tell me from what date Galloway are taking over but I would presume September. It will be interesting to find out what vehicles Galloway intend using on the route, and if they will be new or not. Galloway have also secured another Stowmarket - Bury route (service number unknown) to complement their existing routes.

I was going to post a pic of one of Simmonds Primos, but due to a memory card crash I can't access my pic archive at present, so did a Flickr search and found something far more scary! Does this livery from Baker Bus look familiar? I will never criticise a hard seated Anglian Scania again as Lord above it could be so much worse! This pic is by daveshrimpton60 whose Flickr page you can access here.

Baker Bus Plaxton Primo KX59 GOA about to enter Crewe Bus Station      pic by daveshrimpton60

Movng very swiftly on, literally in this case, and what is inevitibly to become the world's most famous preserved AEC Swift is as I type on its way back to Yarmouth after a spell of TLC at Rotherham. I felt sorry for Grahame Bessey yesterday when he was delayed for hours at Cambridge because of rail probs, but no longer. The jammy sod is on board said Swift and posted this pic on Twitter just prior to departure from Rotherham. The Swift is pictured with owners Danny Beales, Depot Manager at First Great Yarmouth, and a professional photo bomber.

Danny Beales and Chris Speed with their new baby, AEC Swift WEX 685M    pic Grahame Bessey

In other news (there isn't much) two more repaints have hit the streets of Norwich - the second Gemini 2 to be painted into Urban livery, 36172, is back on the road as is former Yarmouth Dart 42921, which was painted in house and Roundtree Way depot. This has apparently created some lively debate as it doesn't match to the millimetre other examples found around the country. I have yet to see it in the flesh so cannot comment, but it is a 10 year old Dart. It could have been painted by the ghost of Andy Warhol and it would still be a polished turd. Must be better things to talk about and if you are going to start painting in house (good economics) you need to practice on vehicles that don't matter if it turns out a little different. 42921 doesn't matter. Enough said.

Also in Norwich on loan Rotherham President 33126 has gained new style Norwich vinyls. Many thanks to Cameron Robinson for taking the trouble to send the pic in.

33126 in Castle Meadow with new style Norwiich vinyls

That's just about it. I have a busy week this week away from buses, plus it's Wimbledon so doubt I'll be out much but I'll post what I can when I can. Expect another Scottish post, hopefully one from London if my check up goes smoothly, and a post from Brighton Station I've had in the wings for weeks! Enjoy the sun!