Deltas and Olympians bow out

Pioneer Delta 101 has now finally been withdrawn in its 20th year.

Olympian 403 is one of two of the ten ex Trent Olympians acquired in winter 96/97 to be withdrawn. Amongst its last duties was this rare appearance on Line 14 on 18 October (Michel Crisp)

The recent debut of the ex Anglian Bus Wright bodied Volvos has allowed the withdrawal of Deltas 101 and 102 - both were in use on 28 October  but are now understood to be withdrawn along with ex Trent Olympians 401 and 403. On their last day 101 saw use on Line 11 while - remarkably - 102 put in a turn on Solo route 4 (Cleveleys Park to Mereside)!

Delta 123 remains in use for now as a reserve vehicle as Volvos 521 and 523 have yet to enter service. 101 and 102 join sister buses 118, 119, 122, 125-127, 132 and 133 in store.

Volvo 524 heads for the Airport at Starr Gate

News Update

The ex Anglian Bus Wright bodied Volvo B7s are now entering service with three reported on Line 11 on Friday 15th and 520, 522 and 524 on Line 1 on Saturday - Alan Robson has pictures on his fotopic site.

Former Line 1 livery Trident 335 is now in service are its repaint into black and yellow.

Repainted 335 on Line 14 ©M Crisp

Disposals not previously recorded here are Metroriders 506 and 511 which left on 22 September following 515 and 517 which went the day before, all collected by Parton of Carlton for scrap.

Previously sold 505 has been converted to a tour bus by Busworks for use by an operator on the Isles of Scilly with its glazing removed.

Line 18

Solo 272 heads up Ballam Road to reach Lytham Square on new Line 18

Line 18 has settled into operation using two Solos during the day. Route 18 is an uncommon number in Blackpool's history - it was allocated to a seasonal North Shore service in the late 1930s - its only other full time incarnation was between 1948 and 1964 for a Town Centre to Midgeand Road service via Grasmere Rd, Ansdell Rd, Daggers Hall Lane and Vicarage Lane. In 1956 this became the Corporation's first one man operated bus service.   

336 displays its motorbike safety rear advert

Ex Blackburn Trident 336 continues to operate regularly on Line 1 which is understood to be due to its motorbike safety advert. Its sisters normally appear on Line 14 - though at least one has been seen on the 11. 333 is currently in the paint shop, sister 335 awaiting a return to use in the new livery.