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(YX60DXH), a Plaxton Primo B27F midibus which operates the Barnoldswick town services. Two new single deckers are 93 (PF17FTJ), a B40F-bodied Optare Versa and 94 (PF17 FTK), an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200MMC with B31F body. Note that from the 17 registration period, buses will again be registered locally rather than by the manufacturer.
On the double deck front, 188 (AT64USV) is a second hand Enviro 400 from the Trinity Passenger Transport Group. Ex-dealer stock is 189 (BG15YCD), a late model Volvo B7TL with Wright Gemini 2 body and a further second hand vehicle is 190 (FJ08FYK) a Wright Gemini H72F bodied Volvo B7TL, ex- Marshall of Sutton-on-Trent. This will be extensively refurbished with e-leather seats, on-board wi-fi and USB ports, then put to work on service 92 (Burnley - Todmorden - Hebden Bridge - Halifax).
On order for later in 2017 is an ADL Enviro 400MMC.
Scania Omnicity double decker 187 (PF12NKH) has been repaired after accident damage and returned to service in the new-style livery. Also repainted into the new style is 182 (PE58PRX) a Scania N230UD with Enviro 400 body.
The influx of new vehicles will mean several older buses will be withdrawn or placed in reserve. More details next time.
Albion Coachways (Barstock, Hertfordshire)
The first additions here for some time are surprisingly a trio of former Hampshire Rose Coaches vehicles that had been in storage since the demise of the Mid-Hants Group in 2013, all of which were re- registered before entering service. 16/7 (HR10VZG/H, now PJI7120/1) are a pair of Mercedes Sprinter 313CDI/ Elite M14 and 56 (HR61VXT, now AL61ACW) is a Scania K340/ Irizar PB C53F and carries the name 'Spanish Dancer'. A much-needed upgrade of the fleet's recovery vehicle sees the arrival of S4 (DB04ADV), a 6x4 Scania T-
cab with Hiab, overboom and spectacle lift, which has been transferred from Quicksilver to replace the elderly Guy Arab towing vehicle S1 (Q364SBT).
Now officially taken out of stock and transferred to private preservation are the four yellow and purple coaches that formed part of the initial fleet but have seen little if any use, AEC Reliance/ Duple 39 (RKV729W), Leyland Tiger/ Plaxton 93 (983ACW), Bova Europa 98 (PJI7120) and Metroliner 99 (PJI7121), the latter three being re-registered by their preservationist owner to allow the cherished registrations to be returned. Following these changes, current fleet strength stands at 45 vehicles, supported by an ancillary fleet of four.
Arden-Lancer Coaches (Stratford-upon-Avon and Rugby, Warwickshire)
Another former Lancerbus vehicle has returned 'home'. Purchased from Bentleys Coaches, but still in Lancer livery, 84 (NOE84R) is a rare 12m Leyland Leopard/ Willowbrook 008 Spacecar.
12m Leyland Leopard / Willowbrook 008 Spacecar 84 (NOE 84R) seen here in March at Sodham Hall, alongside Allmarks and Arden Forest coaches, with the cream rooves of a couple of Eldorado coaches visible above No.84.
Quicksilver Adam Floyd - Facebook
Quicksilver Coaches contemporary fleet
Purchased in January was Volvo B12T/ Van Hool Astrobel 3DRP, used as a VIP corporate hospitality coach and finished in the silver and grey livery introduced on Irizar PB S11VER. Seating is a mere CH34/10DT, with those upstairs arranged in 2+1 formation around tables. Another second-hand acquisition is P505VUS, a Dennis Javelin/ Marcopolo Explorer as a wheelchair lift-equipped private hire coach.
Utopian Dreams-liveried Bova Futura WA04MHU has unexpectedly received the former Albion Coachways registration 983ACW, and all of the ex-Utopian vehicles now have Quicksilver legal lettering replacing the former owner's address in Wistow, the remainder of the livery being unchanged.
The trio of former Hampshire Rose Coaches vehicles recently placed in service with Albion Coaches - see text for details.
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