PD3 516 turns red

Former Blackpool PD3 516 - the last of its type operated by Blackpool Transport in 1999 has joined the fleet of Catch22Bus Ltd after 15 years in private preservation. It has been converted back to bus specification having been converted to a driver trainer in 1984. To make it attractive to wedding customers it has been painted into the 1930s style Blackpool livery carried by sisters 507 from 1985 and 512 from 1987 and the Routemaster fleet. It made its debut on private hire duties on 11 July. Ribble Atlantean 1805 has also joined the Catch 22 bus fleet for private hires on loan from LTT.

More blasts from the past

Olympian 374 takes a break from school services with a duty on route 1 yesterday - it is seen here at Norbreck North (both Brian Turner)

Following the return of Excels 224 and 225 on Tuesday, sister 216 was observed on the 14 today. 219 and 220 are also officially reinstated. Yesterday Olympian 374 put in a now rare appearance on service 1. Further unusual allocations saw Solo 279 on the 14 on Tuesday, Trident 312 on new route 12 this afternoon, with DAF 367 working on the 16. 

374 approaching Starr Gate terminus - enjoying front line work in its 21st year