Saturday 15th November 2008 ~ A Few Observations

With a friend staying today, my observations were very limited. Cheryl spotted Gemini 37570 this morning on J11 which on Saturdays begins and ends at Yarmouth/Lowestoft. The football made this turn late to tonight and it was about 28 late heading to Peterborough compared to the usual 10-15 when a coach. Y9 is the only weekday turn which begins and ends at Lowestoft and the same applies on Saturdays, today it was 37563 which may mean it at last gets a day off on Sunday. Saturday's Y9 is normally idle at Lowestoft on Sunday. 37573 was stopped for a service at Lynn today and 37564 was also undergoing repair plus servicing. Michael saw 37577 at Lowestoft depot today, it has not worked since Tuesday. 20119 was ready to work and 20117/24 were undergoing maintenance there.
Profile 20351 was failed at Thorney tonight at 17.15 after its lights failed and a fitter had to attend. Meanwhile 20352 replaced a Gemini on J10 today and somewhere along the line 37579 on K5 was replaced by 20127 which was seen on time on the 16.39 Wisbech - Yarmouth.
20141/142 & (shocks) 20500 were utilised on rail replacement work today.
Bruce saw 20111 at Walpole this morning - he couldn't decide whether it was 26 late on the 08.48 ex P'bo (K4) or 4 early on the following 09.18 (K6). In any event, this evening it was on K6 when seen running about 10 late at Terrington. Another B10 out today was 20104 on L12.

Thoughts from Bruce

Bruce has had a hatful of the X1 this week, so read on.........

Today I am going to Tesco where the trolleys are my friends and park in rows and are never late and don't have fleet numbers. The X1 does that to you.

Then I am going to the bottom of the paddocks to play with the other pixies and elves and if the big bad White Elephants come looking for us, we will hide in the dyke until they have all gone away. Even when they come in pairs, like they do sometimes.(On Saturday nights do they dance round their handbags and go to the loo in pairs as well?) The X1 does that to you.

Well I was a bit worried for Bruce after reading that, but tonight he says :
Sitting in bed in the new bedroom watching Sky last night, a strange white light kept filling the bedroom at 18 minutes past the hour each hour. Looking up the village and expecting to see Santa on his Round Table practice run, I saw a ghostly white apparition lit up like a Christmas Tree and heading towards Lynn through the mist and rain each time. No people were to be seen - a veritable Marie Celeste proceeding down the old A47! Have I found a ghost from times long ago, searching for a last passenger? Why does it always pass by at 18 minutes past the hour? Where does it go after 00.18 - does it have other roads to haunt?

Tonight I am hiding under the duvet until it passes!


Oh well Bruce, maybe 20107 will be out tomorrow and sanity will return.

G

Friday 14th November 2008 ~ It's All Over - Well Almost

Well I guess I've now acheived the object of this blog, i.e. to document the introduction of the new fleet of X1 Geminis. With a handful of B10s left to help out and all the B12s now temporarily retired, I hope we can continue to report when possible unlikely events.
So to Friday's report and today the combination of Wisbech roadworks and FST resulted in some pretty heavy delays. 20105 on L13 was on time from Wisbech at 11.31, but was 48 late returning, while the following two services avoided passing me at work presumably by taking the western end of the Wisbech bypass. Next eastbound past me was 20104 on K16 running 35 late and followed 6 minutes later by 20111 on K17. 47 minutes then elapsed before 37569 went east on K18 and a further 18 minutes before 37576 (complete with side advert) on K3 at 16.21 (only 17 late). The afternoon part of K20 had a Gemini for the first time today in the shape of 37574.
Apparently L13 19.59 Lynn - Peterborough is likely to remain a B10 working for a while as drivers seem uncertain as to whether Geminis are suitable for working the 23.00 Lynn - Hunstanton due to obstacles (trees I guess) in the Heacham region.
In addition to the nine Paragons stored at Rowan Road, 20114/127 are also out of service there as well as 20120 still dumped at Vancouver Avenue.

Thursday 13th November 2008 ~ My Bus Was On Time ! (err 30 mins late actually)

Well the advantage of running a half hourly service is that when things get behind by 30 minutes, nobody notices - except US of course ! Well we do our best, but Bruce, Rob B and myself were all caught out by this today.
Piecing together reports from Jamie R, Bruce, Rob B and John W it has been possible to work out what happened. Temporary three way traffic lights outside Wisbech Tesco were responsible for the delays from an early hour. Jamie saw 20107 nipping through Eye Village to avoid congestion on K2 08.18 ex Peterborough a few minutes after witnessing 20352 heading into the City also running late. By the time Bruce saw 20352 returning it was 25 late. John W arrived at Lynn bus station at 10.30 and saw the Profile unloading and then retiring to the middle. Unbeknown to all of us, 20107 on K2 had lost more time and Lynn had sent 20109 out to Lowestoft at 09.42 and then 20107 (now as K4) at 10.12. John says 20117 (which had in fact done K20 to Norwich and returned light) then left as K6 10.42. Meanwhile 37574 which had arrived about 10 late on L12 and which was due to depart for Peterborough at 10.29, failed with a diesel leak and 20352 then went back west in place of it. 37572 which eventually arrived on K6 about 25 late was stepped up to become Y8 11.12 to Lowestoft. The incoming Y8 itself was well late with 37571 and this set the pattern for the day.
Identifying the new buses can be a problem, as even though the numbers are quite big, when travelling at speed they can blur into the white paintwork. 37568 did K1 this morning and Bruce swore it also did J11, although other sources say this was 37567. Whatever did it, it was not seen returning from Peterborough by Bruce or myself. Identification might become a bit easier if what I saw tonight is going to be the norm. 37576 was in the process of having a large advert fitted for the new James Bond film called 'Quantum of Solace' whilst parked in Vancouver Avenue. This of course has been fitted over the route destinations as some people predicted would happen ! 576 had come off Y9 and the 17.59 to Peterborough was good old 20105.

Speaking to Bruce at lunchtime, we were mystified by the non-appearance of the 11.29 Lynn - Peterborough. The 10.59 (L13) with 37569 was only 9 late and K15 11.59 was only 6 late with 37573. That was until we realised that 573 was actually Y14 running 36 late ! As a result 37563 on the 11.59 was (we think, unless you know different) held at Lynn until its afternoon departure to Lowestoft. There were 10 consecutive Gemini worked turns commencing with the 10.59 Lynn - P'bo, broken by 20109 on K2 15.59. Timekeeping thanks to the Tesco roadworks was a mess, with 37570 on K3 13.59 Lynn - Peterborough being 7 late on the outward and 32 late returning, following this we had 37579 on K5 which saw its 4 minutes late increase to 28 by the time it left for Yarmouth at 17.07.
The mystery of 20500's disappearance yesterday remains just that after it reappeared at Rowan Road today. B10 20121 which came in on Y21 last night did K19, the X2 turn throughout today.
Our Yarmouth correspondent says that 20123 has now arrived from Lowestoft for MOT and 20111 was there last night also. Apparently all three overnighting Geminis had arrived at the depot with yellow 'low fuel' lights flashing.
B9s not seen in service today were 37566 (collision), 37564 (o/s at Rowan Road) and 37577, with the remaining 14 in traffic.

Wednesday 12th November 2008 ~ White Elephant Charge

Today the Gemini B9s took over in full force. Profile 20352 was unusually provided for the K15 05.42 Lynn - Lowestoft and K19 & K20 (the X2 and Norwich commuter return empty turns) had 20126 and 20114. Apart from these the first non Gemini eastbound service was at 12.42 with 20105 on J11.
37575/6 completed the B9s into service today, but 37566/69/77 were not seen through Lynn. J11 with 20105 had been seen by Bruce on time at Eye heading west, but A47 shenanighans made it exactly 30 late returning. The novelty of thirteen consecutive Geminis heading from Lynn to the coast was then broken big time with a succession of old faithfuls, these being 20105 (J11), 20118 -17 on L12, 20103 -5 on L13 and 20104 -18 on Y14. Bruce was out filming these at lunchtime.
At this stage it looks like the entire fleet of B12s were idle today, 20501/4 having joined the others at Rowan Road but this evening 20500 was absent, so it has either left for First Essex or been required as a last minute X1 substitute. White Elephant 37564 was taken out of service today at some point, so it is just possible that 20500 replaced it.
Speaking of the B9s, there was a farce this afternoon when Bruce viewed K1 and K2 following each other, the former 30 late of course. 'There wasn't a cars width between them' says Bruce and I can confirm this, as on leaving Wisbech at 16.31 they arrived outside my window at the traffic lights in the mating position ! 37578/6 were the buses involved and both were carrying passengers. Earlier this morning Bruce (who had a busy day) saw 37571 on K4 running late at the eastern end of Thorney bypass and then 37575 following at the western end. 37578 has had its destination display changed to a different 'fatter' font and others have been noted elsewhere like this.
20107/114 were out on the Hunstanton route today in addition to 20126/131 on schools runs.

Tuesday 11th November 2008 ~ 13 Years Of Progress ?

20504 leaving Wisbech as the 12.01 to Peterborough today.

Firstly an apology to Sam & Co. for missing out of yesterday's blog the big news that 37568 managed to break new ground for the B9s by working the afternoon leg of K19 Lowestoft to Norwich via Beccles. This had started with 20104 but swaps at Lowestoft caused by the late running of K6 saw 20104 replace a Gemini on this and the decker off K1 (568) went on to the X2 turn.

Today 37571 was seen for the first time since attention at Volvo. It was at Lynn tonight alongside 37575/6 which are still awaiting paperwork. As 37566 was not seen today, it is assumed to be undergoing collision repairs. 37578/9 were new on the road today and the Gemini quotia in X1 service was noted as 12 with only 37569 of those available not being seen. Bodywork on the new B9s seems to be poor with 37577 having window leaks and 37563 same on the lower deck floor in addition to those previously mentioned.

20501 had a traumatic time last night as you may have seen from the message left by Des, failing on the Acle straight with a recurrence of its air loss problem. It had to be towed into Caister Road, but had nevertheless been repaired by today and was on Y21 tonight seen arriving at Lynn at 20.20. 20500 was certainly moved today and was seen by Jamie V in the bus station at King's Lynn at teatime, it may have helped on schools. The other Paragon still available for X1 duty is 20504 and this did Y14 today. Time will tell whether its outing to Peterborough tonight on the 20.59 ex Lynn is the final visit by a B12 to that location. Of the stored B12s 20506/8 are delicensed and 20502/9 unfit for service. They were joined by 20127 today which has a door fault. 20353 was in trouble again early this evening with power loss and was also at Rowan Road when Jamie V and myself paid a visit tonight.

John W saw 37573 on Y9 08.59 to P'bo being swapped for 20118, a mere 13 years its senior this morning at Lynn while 20105 was out on Hunstanton services all day. Other B10s out today were 20103/4/7/9/14/17/26. Strangely 20126 on K5 which ends up at Lowestoft was swapped during the day for 20109 and 126 did Hunstanton schools this afternoon.

Grahame B reports 20119 back on the road at Yarmouth today where it was being used on the 1s. It was last in X1 use on August 2nd !! He also saw 20111 on the Gorleston - Norwich shuttles.

Monday 10th November 2008 ~ Paragons - The Last Rites

Seen between two of their replacements are 20502/6/8/9. Will we see their like again on the X1 ?

20507/500/503 line up at Rowan Road tonight having been retired from the X1

The day began with the rather sad withdrawal from service of two excellent buses, 20502 & 20503. This being facilitated by the quick entry into service of 37570 (K18), 37572 (K4), 37574 (K2) and 37577 (K6). In addition to which this evening, 37578/9 were both new arrivals at Vancouver Avenue along with untaxed 37575/6 at Rowan Road. The latter complete the delivery of the X1 batch, but 37571 is still under repair at Volvo and 37566 had disappeared from Rowan Road tonight - either a hurried entry into service this afternoon or away having its bumper etc repaired.

On the B12 Paragon front, only 20501/04 remain in active service - the latter did K5 today while 20501 remained at Lowestoft. The only other B12 not in store at Rowan Road is 20505 which is still under repair at Volvo, believed to be a compressor failure.

If 20501/4 return west tomorrow, it would seem likely that they will be retired after that, so have your cameras ready for a final fling on Tuesday !

37577's entry into service today was a bit of an embarassment when it left Wisbech 30 late on the 08.31 to Peterborough being shadowed 5 minutes behind by 20117 on Y8. It is not known how it lost so much time but it is doubtful that the B9 was at fault. Other B9s were keeping time quite well today, notably 37573 on K16 and this evening 37563 on K15. There were eleven B9s seen in service today and if 37566 (see above) worked too that would make the figure 12.

As usual the trusty B10s were keeping their part of the bargain with 20103/4/5/7/11/14/17/26/27 all noted on the X1 today. The Hunstanton schools turns were covered by 20118/131 and 65532, while 20109 was on mainstream Hunstanton services. 20126 on Y14 was 28 late returning from Peterborough on the 12.48 to Lowestoft, but had regained all its lost time by this evening. Services were delayed between Wisbech and Peterborough today and average lateness going west was 10 minutes but double this returning east.

Sunday 9th November 2008 ~ White Elephants

20500/07 line up alongside four of their successors during a monsoon tonight !

Not surprisingly the B9 Geminis have acquired a few nicknames from enthusiasts. White Elephants or Phantoms are two of the more repeatable examples. Reports from other parts of the country don't give cause for much optimism with oil and water leaks commonplace and frequent top ups of adblu necessary. Some examples elsewhere have had fans disintegrate and Volvo have been called in to perform warranty work. 37563 has now been out every day since it began work on the X1 on October 23rd.

There was a welcome reappearance of B10 20127 today after 12 days absence. 20104, 20501/4 were other coaches out. Thanks very much to Bruce for his observations today while I was away in Bradford.

Saturday 8th November 2008 ~ A Grand Night Out

Most unusual event today was this evening when a local social club hired out 20501 for an excursion. It was being cleaned thoroughly at Vancouver Avenue this afternoon in preparation and had 'Private Hire' on the destination indicators. May be the hirers had heard it will be on its way shortly and wanted a last run for old times sake lol.

I didn't see all the X1 turns today so what came out of Lowestoft and Yarmouth this morning is not completely clear. 20506 certainly did but was removed at Lynn on its way back to Lowestoft and placed into storage at Rowan Road prior to reallocation. 20107 looks to have replaced it. This afternoon I encountered 37563 running 29 late on K7 (14.59 Lynn - Peterborough) and this was followed about 2 minutes behind by 20103 on K1.
Geminis 37570/2/4/7 were all at Rowan Road today and should be in service on Monday when a further 4 are scheduled to arrive. Registrations of those at the compound are AU58 ECT/ECW/ECY and EDF.
Lynn sent out the following this morning on the X1 : 37563/8/9/73, 20502/04 , 20103/04/17 and 20351/352.

Friday 7th November 2008 ~ An Old Fashioned Friday

Yes just like old times today, very few swaps and a dose of FST (Friday Standard Time) to make us feel at home.
Firstly though, news of more new arrivals at King's Lynn. The Gemini population increased today with 37570/72/74/77 all present this evening. Bruce had viewed two of them early this afternoon and he also noted 37566 undergoing inspection at Rowan Road prior to collision damage being repaired. No sign of the return of 37571 from Volvo as yet and Graham B reported 37573 at Caister Road garage in Yarmouth for much of the day. King's Lynn carried out the first scheduled service on 37563 yesterday. There was a bit of a rumpus two nights ago when the advertising chaps arrived at Lynn and were about to decorate a couple of Geminis when it was pointed out that this would obscure the route branding ! Something which might come in handy when the deckers move on.
Two of the 'stored' Paragons were called upon this evening as Lynn were short to cover Hunstanton schools after 20141/42 had gone away for rail replacement duty, 20500/08 were used this afternoon along with regular 20131.
On the X1, 20126 returned to Yarmouth last night and today 20117 came out instead (Y14). K5 began today with 20111, but this was changed at Lowestoft for 20121 which has been absent from the route since 22nd October and was not expected to return to traffic prior to moving to Edinburgh. 121 was 29 late at Wisbech this afternoon (due to depart for Peterborough at 15.01). Other Premieres appearing today were 20103 (K19 X2 diagram), 20104 (J10), 20105 (K20b), 20107 (Y8), 20109 (K20a) and 20118 (K6). in addition 20127 was allocated to Y21 17.25 ex Lowestoft, but 37573 seemed a more obvious choice.
20353 was undergoing repairs to a wiring fault in Vancouver Avenue tonight. One thing I failed to mention yesterday was 20111 putting in an excellent days work on L13. On time from Wisbech at 11.31 to Peterborough, 4 minutes early (yes really !) past Bruce returning to Lowestoft and dead on time departing on the 19.59 Lynn - Peterborough. I also have info regarding 20104 which is too sensitive even to divulge here, suffice to say that it has not been late this week !!

Thursday 6th November 2008 ~ Movements Imminent

The first B12 Paragons to move to pastures new would seem to be 20500/07/08/09 as all were marked 'not to be used ' this evening and were residing at Rowan Road. 20500 finished X1 work at Lynn last night as the 23.37 arrival from Peterborough, 20507 returned from Norwich today (34903 believed to have gone the other way), 20508 did K4 07.29 Lynn - Peterborough and 08.48 Peterborough - Lowestoft as far as Lynn today where John W viewed it in the bus station centre, to use John's own words 'looking forlorn'. 37567 replaced it. 20509 last worked on Monday morning. If as looks likely these are the final workings of the four at FEC, they will owe 'First' very little.
20141/142 are due to be used for rail replacement work this weekend (Chelmsford ?).
Meanwhile the three expected Geminis + repaired 37571's move back to Lynn were postponed for a day. The disruption to booked turns is partly because some drivers don't have digital tacho cards yet and this can cause unscheduled swaps. B7 20353 was out of service today with an electrical fault, while 20141 was being repaired at Vancouver Avenue.
Once again the X1 service was in disarray at lunchtime. Successive westbound departures from Wisbech went thus : L13 11.29 20111 right time, Y14 12.01 20502 -6, K15 12.31 20504 -15, K16 13.01 20352 -30 ! The 'late' lady driver was in charge of 20352 and made efforts to regain some time, being 21 late past Bruce on its return.
The undoubted 'highlight' of the day, if indeed it can be called that was the use of Scania 65527 on the 12.59 Lynn - Peterborough (K17). Quite incredible with the amount of coaches at Lynn, but with 20500/7/8/9 sidelined and 20107/31/42 earmarked for later schools turns, resources were stretched. Whether 20352 on K17 was running very late or had a fault is unknown, but it appears to have been Ok to relieve 65527 at 15.42. At the other end of the scale, today seemed to pass without a Gemini debacle. K6 departing 13 late from Lynn to the coast with 37565 as witnessed by John seemed about the worst timekeeper.
B12s in service today were 20501 (on K19 X2 turn - how the mighty are fallen !), 20502/3/4/6 and B10s 20103/104/105/107 (did 16.59 Lynn - P'bo etc after schools), 109/111/126. The seven serviceable Geminis were again all in traffic.

Wednesday 5th November 2008 ~ Buses Buses Everywhere !

King's Lynn has become a bus spotters paradise lately with loans, wiithdrawn and blown up vehicles, those awaiting transfer to new homes and brand new Geminis all adding to the interest. One problem now however, is that space constraints are becoming an issue. Last night Rowan Road lock up was almost full as well as the garage at Vancouver Avenue. This is likely to worsen tomorow as three more new B9 Deckers plus 37571 off adblu repairs at Volvo are all due to arrive, while also expected back is Paragon 20507 which is due to be exchanged for Norwich Olympian 34903 which has been at Lynn since the weekend.

Paragon 20509 is now officially classified as out of service and 20508 may also be the same. A backlog of repairs has meant 20141 is still dead at Rowan Road, but better news for fans of 20126 (of which I know there are several !) as it has now had brake repairs completed and was out on Hunstantons late today. 20106 is having its scheduled service at Rowntree Way this week to relieve some of the pressure at Lynn. 20505 which was last seen on the X1 on 28th is at Volvo for repairs at the moment.

I was kindly given the opportunity to compare the seating comfort between an Olympian Royale (W reg) on loan from Lowestoft and a brand new Gemini tonight and there is simply no contest. The older vehicle wins hands down and has become a favourite with the Lynn drivers thanks to its handling too.
Well what about the X1 today ? Timekeeping was pretty good with a couple of notable exceptions. K6 07.59 Lynn - Peterborough was seen leaving Wisbech at 08.50 (19 late) this morning partly due to very heavy traffic at this location. 37567 was the vehicle. John W later noted it leaving Lynn about 30 mins late and it was stepped down at Lowestoft to become Y8. By the time it had arrived back at Lynn this evening it had already amassed 7489km on the clock since its entry into service on 23/10. John also witnessed Y8 arriving with 20111 and this being replaced by 37569 for the 11.12 to Lowestoft. Again there were numerous swaps today.
I had an emergency trip to Lynn this morning on business and on my return found myself heading west from Lynn to Wisbech on the A47 bypass and catching up none other than Gemini 37563 on J11 10.29 Lynn - Peterborough running approx 28 late and thus avoiding Tilney, Terrington and Walpole in an effort to make up some time. As we have mentioned before, at the moment scarcely a day goes by without a Gemini having to do this - it was a rarity during full coach operation. I did take the opportunity of following it for about a mile and can confirm that with a clear road it was doing a solid 56mph. For the poor passengers waiting at the villages they at least had the luxury of the following service (L12) being on time with 37573. Better than last evening when the 20.18 Peterborough - Lowestoft (K20) failed to run over the western section leaving passengers stranded in the fog. The bus off Y21 (20118) looks to have gone forward on K20 at 21.42. Tonight's Y21 - the one journey trip turn as 17.25 Lowestoft - Lynn had 20506 which had gone over earlier on K18 06.57 Lynn - Lowestoft.

Tuesday 4th November 2008 ~ Transition Stalemate

Nice atmospheric picture of 37568 & 37564 by Jamie Vendie

After the influx of Geminis, things seem to have stalled somewhat and further new deliveries have not occurred as yet. Today the timetable ran well for the most part and First seem to be carrying out just as many swaps, but with less time lost. Something odd was happening at Lynn this morning, K2 08.18 ex Peterborough viewed by Rob Brooks was 37567, but this was replaced at Lynn by 20105. 37567 then returned to Peterborough on L12 07.15 ex Lowestoft instead of 20351. Meanwhile the service in front of this (J11 with 37564) was delayed with the result that at 11.07 37564 was seen leaving Wisbech Horsefair 36 late on J11 followed by 37567 one minute behind on L12. It seems very unlikely that 37567 ran through to P'bo as it was then seen at Walsoken 2 minutes late at 12.15 heading back to Lowestoft as J11. Are you with me thus far ?? The L12 turn had a strange day as 37564, which having swapped turns with 37567 was now on it only worked back to Lynn where its original vehicle Profile 20351 went forward. This wasn't the end of 564's day though as it was then called upon to replace 20501 on L13 12.18 ex Peterborough, the Gemini itself being replaced by 20504 later to work the 19.59 to Peterborough. There were many other changes of diagram today and one of note was Gemini 37568 arriving at Lynn from Lowestoft at 16.54 on K6 and then being sent back east as K5 at 17.12 instead of 20117 which did the opposite and returned to Peterborough on Y8 17.29 replacing 20107.

There was excitement in Beccles today when for the first time a B7 Profile appeared on the X2, it was 20352 on the second part of K19. This had begun with 20104 which was diverted onto an X1 (K17). The other vehicle involved in a sort of triangular swap was Gemini 37565. 20114 also put in an appearance on the X2 today and according to Michael, this was the first day he had noted where no old Olympians appeared on the service.

20126 spent its second day under repair at Vancouver Avenue, while the return to service of 20353 meant there was a surplus of coaches and 20508/9 were idle at Rowan Road with 37566 (accident damage) and 20141 (water leak/brakes).

Monday 3rd November 2008 ~ A Case of Comfort

Pat travelled to Peterborough on J11 with 37573 on Saturday. She thought the seats upstairs gave little room and noted that the headrests were uncomfortable. She and her husband decided to come back on K3 with 37564, but this was seen going to the rail station, but not returning and instead everyone had to wait for 20503 on K5 which impressed Pat with its riding qualities and additional room.
Today was the best day for timekeeping since the introduction of the new buses. The daytime service was punctual with the exception of 37568 on Y8 09.48 ex Peterborough which passed Bruce 18 late. The delays didn't kick in until later when K7 17.09 Wisbech - Lowestoft with 20506 was 17 late departing and 20107 was 15 late on K6 17.31 Wisbech - Peterborough. Once again a Profile was involved in an unusual swap. 20351 on K17 14.18 Peterborough - Lowestoft came off at Lynn at 15.37 and then returned west again with K2 15.59 to Peterborough. K17 went forward with 37565, this had done K16 until 15.07 but was replaced then by 20114 which was presumably requested by Lowestoft. The evening peak then saw numerous swaps involving late running Geminis. Earlier in the day 20508 on J11 had been replaced by 20353 at 12.42 to Lowestoft, its first journey out since its collision. 20111 on L13 came off at 19.54 and the 19.59 to Peterborough was 20117 off L12. 20105/09/31 were the schools turns today, but 20109 later took over Y9 17.59 to Peterborough from 37573.
Not only did 37566 receive collision damage after it ran into a car in Peterborough on Friday, yet another Gemini (so far unidentified) had a minor argument with a car at the same location yesterday. 37565 as previously reported has a bodywork leak and now 37569 has water leaking into the drivers cab from the windscreen, so construction leaves something to be desired.

Sunday 2nd November 2008 ~ Paragon Swansong

Surely there wont be many more Sundays left where five B12s are used ? I had expected 20508/9 to remain at Rowan Road until they leave for Glasgow, but today 20508 was in X1 service, although when seen at Walpole Highway as the 17.17 to Peterborough it had its old problem and had 'Great Yarmouth' showing in its destination box. 20500/03/06/09 were also out. Geminis used today were 37563 (19 late on the 18.17 to Peterborough), 37564 seen at Wisbech running 10 late as the 16.09 to Lowestoft and 37565 on time as the 17.09 eastbound. Sole Premiere in use was 20118 seen bang on time both at lunchtime and this evening.
Noted tonight at Rowan Road were 20109/114/126/131/141, 20351/2/3, 20501/2/4, 37566 and at Vancouver Avenue 20103/05/20, 37567/9.
20353 has returned from collision repairs at Yarmouth and the repaint job is quite noticeable.

Saturday 1st November 2008 ~ Profiles misplaced

After yesterday's chaos, 20351 and 20352 both ended up at Yarmouth, so today they worked Y8 and Y9. The latter was removed from this at Lynn after coming in from Peterborough at 11.37 and switched to K15 11.59 back westbound, while 20111 looks to have taken Y9 forward at 11.42 to Lowestoft. Normally the B7s are rested on Saturday and this move meant that 20352 ended up at Lynn this evening. K15 had started with Gemini 37568 and this then took K16 at 12.29 to P'bo while 20501 off K16 replaced 37567 on K17 which had an electrical fault and retired for the day. Other Geminis in trouble include 37566 which had collision damage sustained on K1 last night and needs attention to the front passenger side, while 37565 is letting in water on the lower deck so Wrights have been informed.
37568/573 ended up at Lowestoft tonight. Premieres on frontline duty today were 20103/5/7/9/42. Bruce had an excellent day observing and the worst delay was to 20352 on its second trip of the day to Peterborough on K15.

Friday 31st October 2008 ~ All Hallows Whatdunit ?

Almost every diagram swapped vehicle today at some point either at Lynn or Lowestoft. The continuing delays due to traffic congestion and the Gemini speed factor made a mockery of the timetable. The usual story of a Gemini being tailed by a coach came from Bruce today who saw L13 12.18 ex Peterborough passing Walpole Highway 33 late with an unidentified B9 (believed to be 37573) and followed closely by 20142 on Y14. The latter was a chuck out from Lynn as Y14 coming in either had a problem or was very late. K4 began today with 37567 but this had already lost 8 minutes before departing Wisbech for the coast at 09.39 (actual 09,47) and this evening was in Lynn garage while K4 had 'become' 37565 seen 20 late at Walsoken at 17.13 and 31 late on arrival back at Lynn (due 19.07). The Gemini which worked the 17.09 Wisbech - Lowestoft seems to have arrived empty from Lynn. 37568 on K1 07.48 P'bo - Lowestoft was swapped at Lowestoft for 37566 off K3 and this was only 9 late on the 16.01 Wisbech - Peterborough, however, it was later seen at Rowan Road compound when it should have been en route to Lowestoft on the 18.12 from Lynn.
The two B7 Profiles in service will both be at Lowestoft/Yarmouth tonight after working K2 and K20. 20114 which began the day on K5 was also at Rowan Road, 20103 having replaced it and 20502 came into Vancouver Avenue with 42 Fairstead Estate & Bus station on the front - the first time I have ever seen a Paragon with the correct service number and destination for this town route. 20501 returned today and took over K15 at Lowestoft after 37563 had lost time on the inward, this then appeared on K17. 20126 did K19, the X2 turn, for the second consecutive day.
Peter reported seeing his first Gemini today, 37568 on K1 (see above) while Neville (tongue in cheek) reported 20102 on the X22 07.45 Colchester - Stansted (buy a road map Nev !). I wonder if 20500/01 will end up on this route ? At the moment it is hard to see how the X1 could cope without the stalwart B10s and B12s.
20141 was back at Lynn tonight with a water leak and brake defect, but no sign of 20507. 20508 had moved into Vancouver Avenue for body repairs and 20509 had moved around the compound at Rowan Road.

Thursday 30th October 2008 ~ Half Way There

20502 and four B10s line up at Rowan Road on 29th October

Today saw the release to traffic of 37565 which arrived at King's Lynn tonight on Y21 17.25 from Lowestoft. This was rather surprising as Jamie V had seen 20501 on X1 shuttles and I had expected this to be Y21. For the first time, all seven Lowestoft allocated Geminis were in service (37563-569), plus King's Lynn's 37573. Five of these had arrived at Lynn by 20.30 and of these 37564 had come in on L13 with a broken side window caused by vandals throwing a rock (retrieved by depot staff) and which could have been serious. 20114 off J11 worked forward to Peterborough at 19.59. 37568 had come in on L12 with a cracked windscreen and arrangements for repair were being made, so a pretty hectic night. 37569 was involved in a late running episode on K16, due off Peterborough at 13.48, it was about 30 late departing with a full load. 37563 worked K15 for the second consecutive day and was 10 late this evening on the last Lynn - Peterborough.

20508/9 were again inactive at Lynn compound and it looks like they've finished working for FEC. 20505 went over to Lowestoft on Tuesday night but has not reappeared. 20117 was 3 early at Walton Highway on K1 07.48 Peterborough - Lowestoft and was seen later on the return working running 15 late at Wisbech at just after 16.15. 20105 had a strange day, it was seen on time on J10 06.40 Gorleston - Peterborough at Wisbech having come on at Lynn after 37567 failed and later was seen 28 late on K4 13.25 ex Lowestoft, again having come on at Lynn after late running. John W saw 37567 looking rather forlorn in the centre of Lynn bus station, but it later resumed work on J10 at 12.12.

Wednesday 29th October 2008 ~ Stop The Bus I Want To Get Off (and catch the coach behind !)

A sort of cat and mouse game seems to be happening where a Gemini (the mouse) heads off to Peterborough with a B10 or B12 (the cat) in hot pursuit. The Gemini then manages to escape by returning via the Wisbech bypass and leaves the cat behind ! There are variations on this game of course, the most common one being when the Gemini avoids Wisbech on the westbound trip.

Today was 37569's first in traffic. It was rostered for K3 ( 06.54 Wisbech - Lowestoft; 10.55 Lowestoft - Peterborough & 15.18 return and 20.58 Lowestoft - Lynn). The event was not a success and 569 was seen leaving Wisbech westbound 34 late on the 10.55, with 20500 on K5 just three minutes behind. 37566 restarted its X1 career today on K1 06.29 King's Lynn - Peterborough; 07.48 Peterborough - Lowestoft & 12.25 return, but by the time it reached Lynn on the latter it was running sufficiently late to become K2 and was noted departing Wisbech just 6 minutes late - that's being kind and ignoring the 30 minutes lost before Lynn !
37568 began on K4, but by teatime this was being worked by 20103. 37573 began from Yarmouth on the 06.32 (Y9) to Peterborough and had only lost 3 minutes by Wisbech indicating that it has probably been modified speedwise. Two other successes today were 37563 which was used on the longest turn K15. This begins as the 05.42 Lynn - Lowestoft. It was seen on time as the 13.18 ex Peterborough and this evening was just 6 late on the 18.58 Lowestoft - P'bo. 37564 was also on time on K18 14.48 ex Peterborough, but somewhere earlier it had swapped places with 20104. The B10 had begun the day on K18 and the Gemini on K17. Most likely explanation is that 104 caught up the decker and overtook it. Even our top man Wayne admitted today was a shambles due to the time lost by the unmodified Geminis.
20352 which due to yesterday's swaps had ended up at Yarmouth overnight, did the whole of Y8 today and was in Wisbech bus station at 19.31 this evening (due 19,35) on its way back to Lynn. Once again 20351 remained at Rowan Road as did Paragons 20502/8/9, a sure sign of impending departure. 20141 & 20507 which were last reported on rail replacement duty have still not returned to Lynn.
Coaches on X1 duty today were 20352, 20500/01/03/04/06 and 20103/04/05/07/09/11/14/17/18/26. Meanwhile 20131 & 20142 were out on Lynn local turns to Hunstanton.

Tuesday 28th October 2008 ~ The Farce Continues....

I really would like to have some good news to report regarding the X1 revolution, but alas today followed the same pattern as recent days. Analysing the situation relies on many factors, but it quickly becomes apparent that with traffic delays and heavy passenger loadings, the Gemini double deckers are - as things stand - seldom up to the task. Whilst the new buses glossy image may distract from the fact that on many occasions passengers are waiting for in excess of an hour for a service to appear, it wont take long for the public to cotton on to the fact that the new buses are almost always late. A £2 single fare promotion introduced this week has undoubtedly added to delays with larger numbers of passengers in half term week.
So what of today (or yesterday as it is now with this report going out very late tonight !) ? well 37565 which disappeared from King's Lynn over the weekend has reached Lowestoft now, but still doesn't appear to have worked in service, 37569 is still with trade plates and was viewed by Tina yesterday on the A149 Lynn northern bypass on a test run. 37571 has gone back to Volvo with a problem with its AdBlu system and a malfunctioning destination screen, while 37566 returned very quickly after failing yesterday morning on K2 with a faulty fuel valve, it was back from Volvo and in Vancouver Avenue depot tonight.
Of the Geminis actually working, things are very hit and miss. Observations today by Bruce, James V and myself produced the following ;
37563 K17 - seen running 33 late at Wisbech westbound at 14.07 with 20107 on K18 behind it (yes literally, not a car seperated them !). It also did the daily Gemini run on the Wisbech bypass on the return to try and regain some time.
37564 - now this one really behaved itself, it was seen just 2 late at Wisbech whilst Peterborough bound on Y14 and was on time at Walpole on its return at 13.49. Tonight it was a mere 6 late on the 21.31 Wisbech to Peterborough, so well done 564.
37567. More what we've come to expect here. It did K3 06.54 Wisbech - Lowestoft and on arrival late running saw it drop down on to K4 13.25 return to P'bo, It was seen at Walpole Highway depositing passengers 35 late at 17.22.
37568 had a better day and was on time on Y8 06.02 Yarmouth - Peterborough and the 09.48 return to Lowestoft where it seems to have taken over Y9 which it worked to Lynn arriving at 17.54. It is not known what worked forward.
37573 did L12 07.15 Lowestoft - Peterborough and 11.48 return. It was 12 late on the latter, but some delay can be blamed on J11 not running on the western section, therefore meaning 573 had a double load of passengers. 20105 was J11 and presumably late running was the reason it didn't work westbound from Lynn at 09.59.
So I reckon that's 3-2 in favour of better timekeeping, maybe grounds for optimism ?

Naturally the B12s and B10s filled all the gaps. Jamie V noted 20127 which seems to be Yarmouth allocated after all, on X1 shuttles along with 201o4 which ended up on Y21 17.25 ex Lowestoft into Lynn. All the Paragons bar 20507 were in evidence on X1s and 507 along with 20141 are expected to return to Lynn before departing for distant climes.
20351 which hasn't worked since Friday is awaiting parts I am told and is resting at Rowan Road.

Newsflash 28/10/08

These photos from Des were taken last Friday lunchtime and depict vandalism on the seatbacks of 37568, one day after entering service. Do some sections of the public deserve new buses ?

Monday 27th October 2008 ~ A Big Mistake

The comfort of the B12 Paragons will surely be missed this winter ? 20509 stands outside Vancouver Avenue garage before running light to Norwich and working the 17.17 to Peterborough (K20)

One of our B10s destined for First Glasgow is 20114, seen today clawing back 15 minutes of lost time on K16 09.25 ex Lowestoft. By the time it left Lynn on the 15.12 to Lowestoft it was only 5 late.

Talking to a 'First' X1 driver this evening, I used the situation as an opportunity to quiz him about the new double deckers. The conversation went something like this :

Q : "What do you think of these new deckers then ?" -

A: "I'd rather have one of those (a B1o)";

Q "Why what's wrong with them ?" -

A :" I've taken one to Lowestoft from Lynn twice now and with a 50mph max, you just can't keep time, I reckon on both occasions so far I have lost 15 minutes running time purely because of the 50mph limiter"

Q : "So there's no chance of keeping to the timetable then ?"

A : "Well I have had one of them which has been upgraded to 56mph, I took it to Peterborough early the other morning and we just kept time, but when the traffic is heavier I don't know"

Certainly today, not all the delays could be attributed to the Gemini speed handicap, as traffic in Yarmouth was horrendous and there was an accident on the A47 at Hockering. worst affected service was Y8 09.48 Peterborough - Lowestoft which arrived at its destination 90 minutes late. The driver then took 20111 empty to Norwich via Beccles Bypass and worked forward as L13 at 18.17 from Norwich, with 20107 coming back on Y8.

On the Gemini front, things seemed to go from bad to worse. John W says he seems to curse K2 09.42 Lynn - Lowestoft (see Saturday's report), as it left about 25 down with 20504 which had done K20 (the Norwich and return empty turn) after 37566 was removed from its first revenue earning trip. Quite what happened today is currently unclear, but 37573 on K17 06.27 Lynn - Lowestoft failed to appear on the return and 20117 took its place, seen dead on time at Wisbech by Rob B and also by Bruce and myself at Walpole. As 20117 had allegedly started the day on K18, we half expected 37573 to turn up on this, but in the end it failed to run at all. The next service westbound from Lynn was K3 which was Gemini 37567 and this was seen at Tilney Coach & Horses running 28 late ! Following it only 3 late was 20104 on K5, next westbound was K7 14.59 ex Lynn which was 15 late departing with 20502, but only 9 late when seen by Rob Brooks on the return. Another Gemini moment came next in the form of 37564 (still a 50mph restricted vehicle) which was seen firstly approaching Hardwick roundabout 31 minutes behind time and then a while later heading down (yes you've guessed it !) the Wisbech Bypass to make up some of the defecit. It didn't succeed and was still exactly 31 late at Walpole Highway on the return trip. Wisbech passengers who missed 20502 at 15.45 had to wait until 20504 arrived at 16.45 to get to Peterborough, which has been a common occurrence in the past week.

Profile 20352 on K4 was 20 late at Walpole and 26 late from Wisbech although Rob B who was on board says it got to Peterborough in 34 minutes which is commendable. Two Geminis not mentioned so far which were in service fared a little better, 37563 did J10 06.40 Gorleston - Peterborough etc and 37568 did K6 07.59 Lynn - P'bo etc and was only 5 late leaving Lynn on the 19.42 to Lowestoft. Mystery of the day is what happened to 37566/71/73 and the rumour is that they have returned to Volvo for rectification. 566 came off K2 and was not at Lynn after this, 571 which had been demic at Rowan Road had gone by this afternoon and 37573 did not complete K17, so a pretty sorry tale and whilst we are not in the business of 'bashing 'First'', it does seem that the decision to settle for a 50mph speed limit was a particularly ill thought out one. As they say things can only get better.

37569 is still at Vancouver Avenue on test and 20506 is having some of its panels beaten back into shape. X1 accident victim Scania 65540 has returned from repairs today.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to the blog, your emails have been very kind and as ever your comments and sightings are welcome. finally a big hello to Mick in North Carolina - surely our most distant follower !!

Sunday 26th October 2008 ~ A Conspiracy Theory

20501 in its last days seen this afternoon Peterborough bound

Now is there a conspiracy going on against our beautiful new double deckers ? All this talk of late running etc. Well in the interests of neutrality, this board always claims to show both sides of the coin. Bruce is adamant that time will tell that the new Geminis are just not up to the demands of the X1 route, but today seemed to show that without the weekday delays, things had improved slightly. Late last night K3 18.58 Lowestoft - Peterborough was about 16 late going to Peterborough but 1 min early returning, albeit at 00.17 when witnessed by our correspondents at Walpole Highway, however, Bruce points out that we are still waiting for a Gemini to appear on time on a westbound service from Lowestoft.

All the Geminis on the road so far congregated at King's Lynn overnight, with as reported yesterday, 37571 at Rowan Road out of service, 37569 in prep for service at Vancouver Avenue and the other six available for traffic. With six turns to cover 37564/6 were kept at the garage and 20501/2 sent out. 37567 was out on K1 06.59 Lynn - Peterborough and was seen on time at Walpole Highway returning at 09.17, The 07.59 westbound was 37568, but this was swapped for 20505 during the day. The 08.59 was seen at Thorney Toll at 10.31 running 44 late with 37563 after the booked driver failed to turn up. It was on time at Walpole this evening on the 19.18 ex Peterborough. The first eastbound departure from Lynn had 37573.

The three turns from Yarmouth had 20126, 20117 and 20104 but 126 was changed for 20118 at Lynn at 12.42 after it had more windscreen wiper problems. 118 had been used on the morning rail replacement turns between Downham Market and Cambridge, along with 20109/42 & 20504.

25/10/08 Postscript

Well I've just heard from Rob Brooks and it would appear that Saturday's Gemini gremlins were worse than I thought. 37563 did not appear at Wisbech for the 12.31 to Peterborough, so presumably after the low power at Easton it must have been terminated at King's Lynn. All the more surprising then that it was 9 late when seen at Walpole at 14.27, as it had obviously gone empty to Wisbech and started there as the 14.09 to Lowestoft. Secondly Rob points out that 37573 went empty from Lynn to Peterborough at 15.35 to make up for its lost time being seen on the Wisbech bypass which seems to becoming a regular haunt for the Geminis and it presumably then became K5 with 20126 taking over K7. What a fiasco !

Saturday 25th October 2008 ~ 50mph - Is It Enough ?

37573 arriving at Lynn 25 minutes late this afternoon on K7

37568 at King's Lynn bus station awaiting attention from a Volvo fitter six hours after it failed

37563 heads East at Walpole Highway on K15

After the third day of B9 Gemini operation, all of a sudden feats of endurance hitherto a daily occurrence by the N reg B10s become noteworthy. Today 20105 on K6 on time at 10.09 from Wisbech to Lowestoft and the same this evening at 19.09 heading east again, or 20103 on J11 delayed as usual by the Canary fans streaming out of Carrow Road after a 2.1 comeback against Doncaster Rovers, it was 10 late through Walpole Highway at 19.28 heading west and 3 early returning through Tilney at 21.22, these old buses certainly have the ability to keep or even regain time. Will we ever see this with the Geminis ? Well unless their 50mph handicap is lifted it would seem unlikely and a complete recast of the X1 timetable may be required if todays events are anything to go by.

King's Lynn sent out five Geminis today along with two Paragons and 4 B10s. The first blip was unfortunate when 37568 on K2 expired at King's Lynn having come in from Peterborough and couldn't continue east at 09.42. I will let John Wilson explain : "37568...... Oh Dear !! When I arrived through KL bus station at 0957, 37568 was on the Norwich stand with passengers on board, although showing no destination/route display - presumably the 09.42 departure running late. I saw that other passengers were not being allowed on, so hung on to see how late it would depart. I saw that fitters were on board, so obviously a problem. By 10.18, 20118 had arrived for the 10.12, then a fitter brought in 20352 and the passengers and those waiting for 37568 boarded 20352. At 10.18, 20118 departed with several on board, followed by 20352 with many passengers at 10.22. When I left town at around 11.15, 20501 was ready to leave with the 11.12, and 37568 was still standing forlorn on the Norwich stand. In Lynn also were 20131 on 41, and 20142 on bus station showing 41, but then left for VA". I ventured out this afternoon, Kieren had told me that K3 and K15 were Geminis, so I positioned myself outside Bruce's home (he was away today) at the appointed time of 14.18 when they should pass at this point. First along was 37563 on K15 which was only 9 minutes late - I have read that earlier the driver had encountered low power problems at Easton. K3 was 20 late with 37567 which was pottering along. I then went to Lynn where 37568 was still dead in the Lowestoft bay, apparently initially it seemed a fuse had blown, but when replaced it blew again and a Volvo engineer had to attend and diagnosed loose wiring behind the dashboard. K15 departed 12 late with 37563, but by this evening it had lost time badly and hadn't passed the Hardwick Roundabout at 21.18 (due off Lynn at 20.59). Bruce recorded it passing Walpole Highway at 21.53, 36 minutes late. K3 with 37567 was seen by Tina at the same location at 22.34, a mere 17 late. Back to this afternoon now and also seen was K17 14.18 ex Peterborough with 37564 running 15 late and K7 14.59 Lynn - Peterborough with Karen driving seen near the South Gates running almost 25 minutes late with 37573. 20126 on K5 was 15 late arriving at Lynn and was eventually delayed until 14.59 taking two lots of passengers. It may be coincidence but the 11.59 off Lynn westbound was dead on time with 20114, see also the earlier comments re B10s.

37571 was out of service today with its destination display not working and 37566 remained at Vancouver Avenue with 37569.

Jamie V paid a visit to Norwich today and saw 20106/141 and 20507 at the depot compound, while 20118/142 were at Rowan Road tonight labelled up for tomorrows rail replacement work between Downham Market and Cambridge.

A little anniversary today - it is four years exactly since I first began monitoring buses on the X1. Just for the record, the buses in service on that day were all the B12s except 20502 and B10s out were 20107/114/120/122/127/131/140/141/142. Today four years later, 20114/127 and 20500/01/03/04/05/08 were still working hard on the same route.

Friday 24th October 2008 ~ All Change

It was literally 'all change' today with many services swapping vehicles at King's Lynn and some appalling late running which was hardly ideal on the day the flagship service was publicised in the local press. A further three Geminis entered service today, full details in a moment, but first the news many have been waiting for : what is going and where ? Here is the full list :

First Hants : 20111

First Glasgow : 20114/117/119/120/141/142, 20502 - 509 inclusive

First Edinburgh : 20121/123/124

First Essex : 20500/501

The other big question, what is the Gemini depot allocation ? Well it is going to be 37563-569 at Lowestoft and 37570-579 at Lynn, To begin with all Geminis will come from Norwich Volvo to King's Lynn for safety checks before entering service. The first service on the full 17 vehicles will take place at King's Lynn. Tonight 37569 was in prep and should be OK for Saturday, also new on the road today were 37564/566/573.

Gemini workings today were :

37563 : K3 all day commencing with 06.54 Wisbech - Lowestoft

37564 : L12 all day commencing with 07.15 Lowestoft - Peterborough

37566 : K20b empty to Norwich, 17.17 Norwich - Peterborough to King's Lynn

37567 : Y8 commencing with 06.02 Yarmouth - Peterborough and finishing at Lynn at 17.24 (actually much later see below)

37568 : Y21 17.25 Lowestoft - King's Lynn (off X1 shuttles seen by Rob Brooks)

37571 : K6 commencing 07.59 King's Lynn - Peterborough and finishing at Lynn at 16.54, then replaced 37567 on Y8 17.29 to Peterborough and return to Lynn

37573 : K7 14.59 Lynn - Peterborough etc replacing 20506.

The late running made the influx of new vehicles seem a little ironic. 37563 on K3 was 13 x 18 late through Wisbech this afternoon. 37564 was heavily delayed on L12 and passed Bruce 39 minutes late en route to P'bo at 11.28, it returned via Wisbech bypass and was seen by Rob Brooks leaving Norwich still about 40 late full and standing heading east ! It may have had its turn cut short at Yarmouth as it was back at Lynn as booked this evening. 37566 holds the dubious distinction of being the first Gemini failure. It was removed from K20 tonight with loss of power and 20508 which had just come in from Peterborough was used as replacement. 37567 on Y8 began the day on time but was 33 late from Norwich this afternoon heading west with 20103 on Y9 not far behind, and 37571 on K6 was replaced by 20501 at Lynn at 16.59, it then took over from 37567 on Y8 (the first Gemini for Gemini swap !!) and was seen arriving back at Lynn at 20.31 being chaperoned by 20103 on Y9 immediately behind it. So all in all timings wise a bit of a disaster.

Amongst other incidents today were 20126 failing at Fransham with faulty wipers on K16 06.07 Lynn - Lowestoft, 20501 attended with the fitters and later K15 12.29 Lynn - Peterborough failed to run and passengers were crammed on to 20502 on the next service (K16). 20142 is believed to have resumed K15 as the 14.42 Lynn - Lowestoft.

20120, resident in Vancouver Avenue, is unlikely to work for FEC again and is one of the coaches going to Glasgow - see above. The vehicles destined for other parts of First will congregate at Rowan Road after full checks at Lynn prior to being transferred.

Thanks to Jamie Vendy, Jamie Robinson, Rob Brooks, Rob Horspole, Bruce and Judith for providing details of sightings today. Special mention ought to be made of Bruce's vigil waiting for K15 this afternoon which as mentioned above failed to run !

A lady reader of the 'Eastern Daily Press' had a letter published today having a general rant about the new Geminis - strange in that they only entered service yesterday, she must have delivered the letter personally or by email ! I found her moans quite entertaining when she referred to the old buses as unreliable but comfortable. Bet she was one of those who whinged about the lack of capacity on the coaches.

Thursday 23rd October 2008 ~ We Have Lift Off !!!

37571 after arrival at King's Lynn on L12 from Lowestoft

37565 in Vancouver Avenue tonight

My shaky photo of 37563 on Nene Quay in Wisbech while working K15 12.31 to Peterborough today. Jamie R is peeping out of a downstairs window laughing at me taking the pic !!

Today was GEMINI DAY at last. 37568 & 37571 were used by King's Lynn and 37563 came out of Yarmouth together with 37567 from Lowestoft. By the end of the day the newcomers seem to have impressed everyone by their appearance, although their lack of speed - a 50 mph limiter - is a major source of complaints from drivers it would seem.

The full rundown of todays workings is as follows :-

37563 Y14 07.32 YAR -LFT, 08.25 LFT - PBO to Lynn K15 08.55 LFT - PBO from Lynn, 13.18 PBO - LFT (booked to return to Lynn later tonight)

37567 L13 07.45 LFT - PBO to Lynn, K5 11.25 LFT - PBO from Lynn, 15.48 PBO - YAR

37568 K6 complete : 07.59 KLN - PBO, 09.18 PBO-LFT, 13.55 LFT-PBO, 18.18 PBO-LFT

37571 K20 06.47 KLN - NOR, return light L12 11.48 PBO - LFT from Lynn, 16.25 LFT - KLN

This all out effort to get some of the new buses into traffic was to ease a situation where some of the Yarmouth RMLs had been pressed into service while the rail replacement services between Norwich and Lowestoft used borrowed vehicles. Today 20507, 20106/121/141 were all in use on these.

Four more Geminis arrived at Lynn today, 37565 and 37566 are taxed and ready for service, while at Rowan Road 37569 & 37573 are awaiting documentation.

Services generally ran about 10-15 minutes late today, but the worst period was in the evening rush when 20500 left on time with the 16.31 Wisbech - Peterborough (K2), but the 17.01 (K4) which was seen belting through Walpole Highway by Bruce and myself at 17.23 with 20501 running 35 late then disgraced itself by losing all its air on the Wisbech Horsefair roundabout. this left several people stranded and they had to all wait for K6 which itself was precisely 30 late with 37568, departing at 18.01 after a gap of 90 minutes since the previous westbound service !

37568 managed to lose more time and was 34 late leaving Lynn on the 19.42 to Lowestoft.

As can be seen the two Geminis from the coast both came off their digrams at Lynn with L13 going forward with 20107 and Y14 with 20126. The latter had done K19 to Norwich and would normally have then done the X2, however, it must have returned empty to Lynn on this occasion. Meanwhile Paragon 20508 was on the X2 and returned on K19 tonight. Michael saw 20111 on a Bernard Matthews contract this morning and it then did an X2.

Rob H had to drive to Norwich this morning and saw K6 with 37568 and 37571 returning empty to Lynn off K20. Judith was very excited by seeing 37563 and Jamie R did it to Peterborough on K15 saying the seats weren't as hard as he thought they would be ! Chrissie reported 37567 leaving Wisbech on K5 9 late en route to Peterborough. It was only 4 late coming back. Bruce had to go to Spalding today and missed a lot of the action, but we joined forces at Walpole Highway tonight to have a chinwag and view 20501 and 37568 heading west - yes we really were talking for that long !

Despite all the excitement there were still B10s to be had : 20103/04/07/14/17/18/26/27 were all in action at various points on the X1.

Newsflash IMPORTANT ~ 23/10/08

Due to reasons beyond my control, I am making the X1 blog members only from this evening. All you have to do is get a Google password/id and you can access it. Any probs, email me on Gerardtcc@aol.com

First Geminis worked from Lowestoft to Lynn this morning.

Wednesday 22nd October 2008 ~ Everything in Moderation

Well, I've just looked at the terrible mess I made of yesterday's report and with the aid of an emergency monitor, this one should be better ! It is with regret that as of today I am making the X1 blog a 'members only' experience. This is solely because some people who take their jobs too seriously have objected to other First employees contributing to the blog and as the last thing I want is for someone to get into trouble, this seemed the best way around it. Hopefully those who want to read it will apply to join as members.
An accident on the A47 made services from Peterborough late at teatime. K2 16.31 Wisbech - Peterborough with 20117 was already 29 late departing and then after the accident returned 58 late on the 17.18 ex Peterborough. It was still 58 down when it left Lynn for Lowestoft. K4 was (I think) terminated at Wisbech with 20503 and returned on time, but K6 was delayed by about 35 minutes with 20127. It left Lynn eastbound at 20.17 (due 19.42). After this things returned to normality. K17 and K3 both had B7s today as booked (20351/2) and amazingly both were on time. 20509 on Y14 was 17 late going to Peterborough. 20507 was on maintenance at Lynn last night but was not seen today, it is assumed to have done K5 17.12 Lynn - Lowestoft on which it must have replaced 20142 which ended up on town diagram 11.

Tuesday 21st October 2008 ~ In The Dark

I hope you'll bear with me in this report as I'm writing it without the aid of a screen as mine has packed up. When switched on it appears for about 1 second then goes blank, so i will try and check this for errors, but don't guarantee to succed !
Firstly news has appeared this evening of 37577 arriving at Fleetwodod Docks in Barbie livery, whereas it was expected to be in Excel X1 guise. The two Geminis at Lynn are now taxed and after type training with a fellow from Volvo on Thursday are expected to take to the road this weekend. Norfolk County Council are likely to end up with a hefty bill, as despite plenty of advance warning, they still haven't cut overhanging branches on the Toftwood route which will be an obstacle to the new vehicles. Another feature of the new deckers is that they are equipped with no less than 16 cameras ! I'm not quite sure how a driver is supposed to monitor all these, but there you are.
A brief mention of today now as I'm still typing blind. 20351 made the first appearance of its type on L13 07.45 Lowestoft - P'bo etc after overnighting on the coast after travelling over on K18 yesterday. there were a number of swaps, but overall timekeeping was fair.

Monday 20th October 2008 ~ Great Expectations

My friend John had to return to Edinburgh this morning, so what better way to get him to Peterborough station than on the X1 ? I drove him to Wisbech bus station, passing Bruce on the way at Walpole Highway. John caught K6 08.31 Wisbech - Peterborough (07.59 ex Lynn) with 20141. It was already 13 late arriving at Wisbech, but then got embroiled in chaos when a lorry overturned at the Parnwell interchange on the approach to Peterborough. It eventually arrived at Peterborough around 10.15 (due 09.13). Naturally my friend missed his pre-booked train and after getting nowhere with the travel office staff, he then encountered a friendly ticket inspector who endorsed his rail ticket and then another amiable guard on a later train. P'bo travel centre had told him to buy a single ticket for £100 !
Meanwhile back on the X1 the first service delayed by the accident was K4 08.48 P'bo - Lowestoft which Bruce noted 50 late at Walpole with 20114. 141 then followed on K6 56 late and then Y8 09.48 ex Peterborough with 20501 33 late. Y9 was 10 late heading west but was 31 late at Walpole on the 10.18 ex Peterborough with 20117. After this services ran only slightly late and by the afternoon on time running became the norm. Changes at Lynn due to the riot were K4 with 114 terminating, while 20142 replaced it at 10.12 to Lowestoft. 20141 on K6 was similarly substituted by 20109 and whether Y8 went through with 501 is unconfirmed. Y9 with 20117 terminated with 20506 having gone out eastbound at 11.42. Tonight Y8 14.25 ex Lowestoft was 20507. The 10.24 (L12) and 11.24 (Y14) arrivals at Lynn are unknown, but 20105 did L12 forward to P'bo and 20114 (off K4) did Y14, however it appears to have travelled up the Wisbech bypass to reach Peterborough as it didn't pass our man Bruce.
K19 - the X2 turn - began with 20126, but this got swapped and as Sam says : "126 did the 15:38 from Norwich and had a good turn of speed...however like all stories things go down hill from there on ! The indicators stopped working - hazards work but show a constant orange light and then it started to rain (no the roof didn't leak!) the wipers didn't work so when I got off the driver was ringing up the depot, for a fuse I expect". 20504 which had done K18 06.57 Lynn - Lowestoft replaced 126 on K19, while K18 went out from Lowestoft at 10.25 with profile 20351 (24 late at Wisbech). K17 09.55 which was allocated 20351 was given 20104 and this ws 22 late at Walpole. Tonight 20500 did the 17.55 ex Lowestoft instead of 20114.
20120 was in Vancouver Avenue tonight, but its place over the pit had been taken by 65532. 20505 was receiving a service and attention to its heater matrix on pit 2 and pit 3 was host to Gemini 37571.

Sunday 19th October 2008 ~ Mischief Making

I'm assured by the people that know that the Yarmouth Gemini is in perfect condition and the rumour seems to have come about by someone saying 'one of the new buses at Yarmouth has been damaged', by which it is assumed they meant 20353. Work is well underway on this one and also on long term absentee 20119, thanks to Ryan for the update.

The new arrivals at King's Lynn spent another idle day at Lynn garage as did 20351/2 at Rowan Road compound. Tonight 20118/120 & 20505/8/9 were at the garage and 20109/126/131/141 and 20506 at Rowan Road. Old timers 20103/5/7 were on the X1 turns starting at Yarmouth / Lowestoft and at least two of 20111/114/142 were out on Lynn diagrams.

Saturday 18th October 2008 ~ Paper Buses

The two Geminis at King's Lynn are awaiting paperwork and cannot be taxed until it arrives. Meanwhile a rumour was floating around Lynn this evening that the Yarmouth Gemini has already suffered some damage in the depot confines !
Next week promises to be fun when Norwich - Lowestoft rail replacement work begins and First are said to be struggling to provide their full contingent of vehicles.
20120 finally arrived at Vancouver Avenue today and it should be on the road by the end of the week after getting a new turbocharger and service. Lynn are short of labour this week though.
20114 was involved in a couple of swaps today. It began on K1 06.29 King's Lynn - Peterborough but was taken off the 07.48 return at Lynn as 20121 was required a service and this replaced it. 114 then remained spare and came in handy to replace 20502 on Y14 08.25 from Lowestoft which had to be taken out of traffic due to passenger illness.
Bruce reported most services from Peterborough about 10 late and this afternoon 20107 on K5 14.29 Lynn - Peterborough was 17 late and 20142 on K7 following was 13 late. After this things settled down and by early evening services were on time. 20131 was helping out on Hunstanton services today.

Friday 17th October 2008 ~ The Waiting Game

Neither of the two new arrivals seemed to move today, but thanks to East Anglian Bus Group members we now know that Lowestoft and Yarmouth have received their first Geminis too. 37563 is reported by Grahame at YAR and is the first, numerically of the series, reg AU58 ECA.

Timekeeping was fairly good for a Friday, but there were several changes to diagram at both Lynn and Lowestoft. 20103 on K5 15.48 Peterborough - Yarmouth left 34 late and was heavily loaded as a result. 20106 was not seen today and may have gone for Rail replacement work as the Norwich - Lowestoft line is closed temporarily from this weekend. 20131 and 20142 were relegated to schools work today.

Thursday 16th October 2008 ~ Meet The Geminis

The dust was just settling from 20353's accident yesterday when this afternoon Geminis 37571 (AU58ECV) and 37568 (AU58ECJ) arrived at King's Lynn. It is rumoured locally that they may go into service as early as Saturday, but neither is taxed at the moment. I checked the hardness of the seats and can confirm that they are...... well, hard.

20104/06/42 were on schools today while Paragons 20502 (service) and 20509 (air fault) were idle. 20121 had a charging fault but was fixed to work K20 this afternoon. Jamie R travelled on it on the 20.18 ex Peterborough and remarked that it was a lot quieter than 20117. 20131 has acquired an ad for 'The Architects of Fashion, Grand Arcade' on the passenger side, but retains the M&S one on the other side. It came in on Y21 17.25 ex Lowestoft on which 69007 had originally been rostered. There were (amazingly) no swaps other than K20 today which had 20141 this morning. Timekeeping was good generally, but K16 13.01 Wisbech - Peterborough was 18 late departing with 20105.

Wednesday 15th October 2008 ~ Oh Deer What Can The Matter Be ?

B7 Profile 20353 had a bad day today. It started the day at Yarmouth after the mix up yesterday which saw it come in on K5. Today it worked Y14 which begins with the 07.32 Yarmouth - Lowestoft and then the 08.25 to Peterborough. It was spotted on the latter approaching Wisbech 29 minutes late with 20505 on K15 behind it 12 minutes in arrears. By the time it had come back from Peterborough 353 was still 28 late but 505 had made up time and was on time meaning they were running within 60 seconds of each other . Later on 20353 hit a deer on the Acle straight, causing considerable front end damage - thanks to reports from Paul, Grahame & Ryan for the info - so it will be out of action for sometime and was towed in to Caister Road depot at Yarmouth. Because of this 20105 which was working K5 15.48 Peterborough - Yarmouth (seen leaving King's Lynn 15 late) was turned around at Norwich to run as Y14, on which it was 4 early at Walpole at 23.15 heading back to Lynn from Peterborough.
Things went a bit pear shaped at teatime as 20118 on K4 13.25 ex Lowestoft had a puncture, so to cover this 20500 off K1 replaced it. K1 itself then departed to Peterborough with Scania/Wright 65526 seen 8 late at Wisbech, as all available coaches were either on schools or on Hunstanton services (20106/111/131/504). 20131 worked forward from Lynn to Lowestoft at 18.12 relieving the Scania.
There were further changes when 20506 on K6 was swapped for 20111 for the 16.59 to Peterborough. Y8 which was coming in 22 late on the 14.25 ex Lowestoft with 20117 was seen at the South Gates at 17.43, where it was passed by 20506, confusingly also on Y8 heading for Peterborough, yes two buses on one diagram, well briefly anyway. 20117 did itself go to Peterborough on the 17.59 (Y9) replacing 20104.
20509 was declared a failure this morning with low air and an electrical fault and it has been dumped at Rowan Road in front of dead 20120.
20109 has had its 'One Two Free' ad replaced by one for a Fashion chain.
Even though a new Gemini has yet to arrive at Lynn, reports suggest that some may be in service within a week !!

Tuesday 14th October 2008 ~ Coaches For All

Today King's Lynn provided 13 coaches for the X1 as usual but due to the dire situation on town routes, six others were found to assist here. 20504 did town diagram 11 and 20506 off an exam did turn 16. In addition 20131 and 20106 were on Hunstanton services and 20109 on schools. The other bus was 20111 which was removed from K5 14.29 to Peterborough to do schools, while 20353 went on the X1, even though this turn ends at Lowestoft. 353 was not the only Profile to be heading for the coast this evening as 20502 was a last minute failure for K1 06.29 to Peterborough and 20352 replaced it. Incidentally traffic build up on Nar Ouse Way at Lynn was so bad today that the enterprising lady driver of 352 on the 07.49 P'bo - Lowestoft did a U turn here and came in via Hardwick Road successfully beating the queue. 20502 was fit this afternoon and took K3 13.59 to Peterborough replacing 20353 (see above).
K19, which spends the day on the X2 began with 20141, but 20104 came back this evening. Worst timekeeper noted today was K18 10.25 Lowestoft - Peterborough which was 16 late at Wisbech. 20126 came in on Y21 17.25 from Lowestoft tonight with another new advert on the back.

Newsflash 14/10/08

The first photos of the Geminis for X1 with grateful thanks to Alistair Liddle.

Monday 13th October 2008 ~ The best made plans

Well today the stream of Geminis arriving at Fleetwood Docks continued. According to Sam, who is much more on the ball with these things than me, now in England are : -
37565 AU58ECD
37566 AU58ECE
37567 AU58ECF
37571 AU58ECY
37572 AU58ECA
37573 AU58ECX

plus two as yet unidentified.

Alistair Liddle has taken a couple of photos of the new arrivals :
http://alistair268.fotopic.net/c1595060.html

Meanwhile Richard says that initial plans to send two to Lynn on Wednesday have been modified and the plan is now to send one each to Lynn, Lowestoft, Yarmouth and Norwich for driver training. He expressed his surprise that Norwich should be given one for this purpose and says that because he is away until Thursday, the new arrival may possibly be postponed until his return.

On the road today timekeeping was unpredictable. The early morning service went well with only 20502 on K4 being 10 late, but later J11 11.18 Peterborough - Lowestoft was 15 late with 20114. Westbound services were on time until the 12.01 departure from Wisbech (Y14) which never arrived at all and was instead viewed by Bruce with Profile 20353 using the A47 bypass en route to Peterborough 30 late, it was nearer 15 late returning and this evening was 4 late on the 21.31 to Peterborough but very noteworthy was it arriving back at Wisbech 5 early on the 22.18 return.
K15 08.55 from Lowestoft with 20507 was heavily delayed and as a substitute 20142 was sent out from Lynn to Peterborough at 11.59, this also did remarkably well and was 2 early into Wisbech on the 13.18 ex Peterborough. 20507 meanwhile took on the mantle of K16 12.29 Lynn - Peterborough but was 26 late at Walpole. K16 itself had started with 20121 but this was removed and sent out to Hunstanton on Service 40. 20351 on K3 10.55 from Lowestoft was 20 late passing Bruce, but had regained a little time and was 14 late returning on the 15.18 from P'bo.
Other changes today were 20506 on K6 09.18 ex Peterborough which was removed at Lynn for safety checks and a service and replaced by 20127 off K20. 20509 which had been having attention to its brakes took the afternoon part of K20. 20508 on K2 17.18 ex Peterborough came off at Lynn for a service and 20105 took over. Sister 20106 worked a Hunstanton schools turn today, but not one of the usual turns, instead it did route 8 which I believe is normally a decker, however, Olympian 34904 fell apart at Snettisham this morning with a seized engine and had to be towed back to Lynn and this would have made them short. Whilst on the subject of schools work , 20105/109/131 did the usual Hunstanton turns while Sam spotted 20126 on contract 878 this morning at Loddon.

Sunday 12th October 2008 ~ It's All Happening

Following yesterdays confirmation that four of the new Geminis had indeed arrived in Norwich, today another two arrived at Fleetwood Dock en route from the Wright works at Ballymena to FEC.
Now far be it from me to start another load of rumours after the debacle with the Hunstanton replacement deckers which never arrived, but I am told this evening that two Geminis will be arriving at King's Lynn for driver training on Wednesday. Let's see if we get this one right ! I assume that means that Lowestoft will receive the other pair, IF they are the ones currently at Volvo in Norwich.
Today was a good day for the B10s with 20103/04/11/21/41 all out on the X1. 20501/2/3/7 were the B12s in use today.
For those interested in older things, some pictures of my expedition to track down the Leyland Olympians yesterday are at : http://gerards-buses-and-things.moonfruit.com/

Saturday 11th October 2008 ~ The Big Event Begins

After a day of uncertainty, it transpires that the first new double decker Volvo/Wright Geminis for the X1 have arrived in East Anglia. They apparently came down on Friday morning and were spotted by various bus enthusiasts at Long Sutton, then later near Dereham and on Norwich southern bypass. There would seem to be 4 at present, with 2 more possibly arriving in the UK tomorrow. The new arrivals are at present at Norwich Volvo, which I believe is on the Sweet Briar Road Industrial Estate. Thanks to Grahame Bessey and members of the Yahoo EABG for this information.

Meanwhile today, one could be forgiven for thinking that we needed any new vehicles at all. There was only one swap and that was 20506 coming off J10 10.48 Peterborough - Lowestoft for a scheduled service and its place being taken by 20109. Michael saw 20118 at Lowestoft depot this morning where it had been stopped for a tyre change. Once again 20501 remained at Lynn garage all day and 20509 was also in for maintenance. 20351/2 spent the day at Rowan Road along with 20106, 20131 and of course 20120. It would appear from reports that 20353 was used by Yarmouth today - I'm guessing on X1 shuttles between Gorleston and Norwich.
20141 returned to X1 duties today for the first time since its engine blew on August 27th. It did the early bath turn, K4 07.29 Lynn - Peterborough etc.

20508 continues to have a problem with its destination screen, today it was once again heading for Peterborough, this time on K17, but with Great Yarmouth on the front which seems to be the default on 508.

Friday October 10th 2008 ~ Who gives a hoot ?

Who gives a hoot ? Well not B7 Profile 20353 which Ryan says was taken off the road today at Yarmouth with its horn not working. It had done K4 08.48 from Peterborough and was replaced by 20103.
The other two B7s had a strange day, 20352 started on K17, but by early afternoon had switched to the following turn K18. It was due off Wisbech to Peterborough at 14.01 but left 23 late and on the return 14.48 Peterborough - Gorleston it had lost considerably more time and was 38 late at Wisbech with 20351 on K3 just two minutes behind it. Rob H saw them leaving in close succession and by the time they reached Walpole, Bruce says they were following each other. 20352 only worked to Lynn and it is not known if a replacement vehicle did the 16.12 (K18) or whether it was cancelled. This wasn't quite the end of 352s day though as it then worked Y8 17.29 Lynn - Peterborough and return replacing 20109. The following service also changed vehicles, Y9 arriving with 20121 and departing westbound with 20506. Swaps were too numerous to mention in their entirety today, but 20131 did K15 11.59 Lynn - Peterborough instead of 20503 which in turn did K17. 20105 on L13 13.09 Wisbech - Lowestoft ran late and 20509 on Y14 was only 2 minutes behind it when seen by Bruce nearing King's Lynn.
20106 has returned to King's Lynn as it is due a service, I'm unsure as to whether it came in on Y21 last night or whether it came over today. It may well have done a Hunstanton schools trip this afternoon, 20141 certainly did and the third contract may well have been 20507 which had done K18 until 13.24 (see 20352 above). 20501 remained in Vancouver Avenue this evening undergoing maintenance.

Thursday 9th October 2008 ~ A Helping Hand

20118 in the sunshine at Walpole Highway today on K17 13.17 to Peterborough

With a backlog of maintenance developing at King's Lynn, today two B10s were sent from Lowestoft to assist the situation. These were 20104/09 which were utilised on the afternoon schools turns along with 20131. The arrival of Volvo Olympians at Lowestoft has presumably eased the situation there. The reinforcements meant that 20501/05/07 were all able to receive scheduled services.

As reported yesterday B7 Profile 20351 spent overnight at Yarmouth. It came back today on Y9 06.32 Yarmouth - Peterborough, but by the end of the day had changed places coming in on Y8, while 20117 had reversed turns and was Y9 20.42 Lynn - Lowestoft. 20352 did K3 and Chrissie saw it leaving Lynn bus station 16 late at 14.15 but with a keen driver it was only 7 late from Wisbech, meanwhile 20353 had an interesting day, beginning on K17 as usual it was removed from this at Lynn at 12.54 and then replaced 20127 on L13 13.42 back to Lowestoft, in order that the B10 could do Lynn town diagram 7 on the Hunstantons. K17 went forward to Peterborough with 20118, so there may have been a fault on the B7.

There was a major delay on the A47 east of Lynn tonight as 20111 on L12 due in at 19.39 was seen arriving at 20.40 while 20353 on L13 was just in front of it 46 minutes late. As a result, 20504 off K4 19.07 arrival from Peterborough was procured to work L13 19.59 to Peterborough. 20501 was unfit to continue on K6 at 16.59 to Peterborough so 20109 off a schools turn replaced it and 501 retired to the garage. Lowestoft swapped 20142 on K5 11.10 arrival for 20107 on the 11.25 return and K1 12.10 arrival saw 20105 come off and 20142 return. K19, the X2 diagram started with 20103 but 20105 replaced it during the day.

Some good news today was 20141 passing its MOT and it should be available for traffic tomorrow. 20120 is next in line for repairs after another long lay off.

Wednesday 8th October 2008 ~ Celebrations

Firstly congrats to Lowestoft as two W reg Olympians from first Somerset & Avon have arrived to oust some of the antiquary on the X2. The new vehicles for the X1 are due to start arriving soon and the King's Lynn fitters are to receive training on the new type in Ireland.
No alterations today though, except the service ran pretty much to timetable for a change. Perhaps anticipating lay overs at Lowestoft, King's Lynn surprisingly despatched 20117 on K4 07.29 Lynn -Peterborough. This came back on K6 which ends up at Lowestoft, meanwhile, K4 continued with 20508 which had done the initial eastbound service (K15a). 508 has other issues though and it was seen at 17.05 confusing the Wisbech locals on K4 with 'Great Yarmouth' on the destination blinds, whilst en route to Peterborough ! The B7 Profiles had a mixed day : 20351 was used on K17 which is an internal Lynn diagram, but this ended up on K18 so it may have a Lowestoft overnight. 20352 did the morning part of K20 then rested, whlie 20353 did all of K3.
Travellers on the 19.45 42 town service from Lynn to Gaywood Park had unexpected luxury with 20505 off L12 which left with 'Special' on the front, which I suppose it was !

Tuesday 7th October 2008 ~ Better than Monday

The Yarmouth roadworks had a major impact again today, but FEC managed better and the service ran pretty well with a succession of layovers at Lowestoft to allow for the delays.
Y8 08.29 King's Lynn - Peterborough and 09.48 return failed to appear which would have inconvenienced the early rising Wisbech senior citizens. 20505 should have worked it. The next service (Y9) with 20500 was on time as was 20121 on J11 10.31 Wisbech - Peterborough. After this things were unpredictable.
20351 which ended up at Yarmouth overnight after yesterday's swap shop came out today on Y14 08.25 ex Lowestoft and was 20 late approaching Wisbech. It was , however, on time tonight with the 17.55 Lowestoft - Peterborough. K15 was given 20142 by Lynn this morning (see Sept 27th blog), so quite a rarity, but it returned on K16 and came off at Lynn with a knocking noise, mind you it was fit to do Hunstanton schools later. 20109 off a C grade service took over. Lowestoft chucked out 20111 on K15 08.55 to Peterborough due to late running, but this had lost 28 minutes by Wisbech and was followed in to the bus station by 20109 on K16.
Earlier because of 20109 being out of action, K20 (the Norwich commuter turn) was cancelled due to lack of resources. Normally a Scania would deputise, but with 43801, 43802, 30235, 34933 and 34901 all on repairs, this was not possible. By this afternoon, 20504 had been hastily repaired and this did the second half of K20 and was 4 early at Tilney on the 20.18 ex Peterborough.
K3 10.55 Lowestoft - Peterborough changed vehicles at Lynn, 20127 off (for help on town services) and 20353 (off maintenance) going forward. Later 20117 came off Y8 14.25 ex Lowestoft at Lynn and for the second consecutive day 20131 worked forward on this turn.

Monday 6th October 2008 ~ Melt Down

What started as a perfectly normal Monday ended in meltdown due to roadworks in Yarmouth which paralysed the eastern end of the service. Things began quite well, but by mid morning the knock-on effect of the Yarmouth resurfacing work was becoming apparent. After J11 10.31 Wisbech - Peterborough (07.05 ex Gorleston) departed on time with 20127, things went rapidly downhill viz L12 11.01 with 20105 24 late, L13 11.31 with 20121 20 late etc. 20126 on Y14 was due off Wisbech to Lowestoft at 13.39, but was still in the bus station at 14.00.
Meanwhile over at King's Lynn it was organised chaos. Almost every service changed vehicles and at one stage the service seemed to be running as two separate entities (Lynn - Peterborough & Lynn - Lowestoft). To add to the problems, 20353 failed on K3 and had to be replaced by 20118 which had been allocated a Hunstanton schools run. 20127 went to Peterborough twice, firstly on J11 and then again on K17 12.59 ex Lynn. 20131 did Y8 17.29 Lynn - Peterborough as the incoming service was delayed. 20107 was kept for schools work, but the other two turns are unknown, although 20131 probably did one.
20508 has now returned to mainstream X1 work following bodywork repairs on Saturday. The replacement double deckers for Hunstanton services are being postponed following a phone call to Lynn depot this afternoon.
20141 (MOT) and 20353 (repairs) were first in line for maintenance tonight and 20504 was next in line. 20120 remains at Rowan Road awaiting its turn for repair.

Sunday 5th October 2008 ~ Paragon Parade

All ten B12 Paragons were present at King's Lynn over Saturday night / Sunday morning and all six Sunday Lynn turns were B12 worked, while Lowestoft sent out 20107/117/142.
20505 was ailing on the 08.18 Peterborough - Lowestoft and after some delay it was replaced by 20508 which was running 11 late when seen passing Walpole on the return afternoon trip from Lowestoft. This evening 20504 was in trouble for the second consecutive night. This time it broke down at Peterborough and Richard had to take 20501 over to relieve it on the 19.18 to Lowestoft. 504 is back at Lynn now but may require a new turbocharger.
Four W reg Olympians are apparently arriving at Lynn on Tuesday/Wednesday to replace the worst of the vehicles in use on Hunstanton services. If they are not immediately replaced, this could give an opportunity to send 20507/8/9 to Scotland by using the new buses on the schools contracts which are currently B10 worked, thus releasing them for X1 work.