Every 30 minutes or so at work these days, I find myself dreaming of far off destinations (well farther away than Peterboro' and Lowestoft anyway), it might be Paris or Madrid, or may be Paris and Amsterdam or even Faro, Malaga and Alicante. This is all down to the latest Easy Jet advertising campaign which features three (and not two as reported previously) groups of holiday destinations, which, providing there is not a volcanic dust cloud in the vicinity, can be accessed by the said budget airline. All the B9s and (quite probably) the B7s too carry a version of this advert currently.
Today punctuality was poorer than usual, particularly in the middle of the day. 37569 on Y9 11.05 from Peterborough was 9 late, but 20127 - again performing to cover the shortfall - was just 2 late. L11 12.05 ex P'bo was 11 late with 37573 and L12 12 down with 37157. Y13 had a change of vehicle at Lynn with 37570 coming off for a scheduled service and Paragon 20501 deputising. Even this was 13 late and the nadir was reached with K14 worked by 37564 at 15 late, all times at Wisbech. Things improved after this timewise. 37156/7/8 were all on X1 duties today, while absent B9s were 37567/8.
37573 was noted in use today (and on Saturday) with part of its Easy Jet advert missing.
This is the unofficial blog for the Peterborough - Norwich XL bus service operated by First Group. Originally reporting the introduction of the 'Gemini' double deckers and the phasing out of coaches. In 2026 the new fleet of state of the art double deckers enter their sixth year in traffic. To contact me with your observations/experiences on the XL, email gerardtcc@gmail.com .
11/05/2010
Sunday May 11th 2010 ~ Shhhhh !
At last a quiet day with just a few delays in the middle of the day. On Sundays the King's Lynn drivers normally take half a dozen B9 Geminis off the garage to work the X1 service, but today 37562 was taken and worked a turn which finishes at Yarmouth thus meaning it will not be K17 (its normal turn) tomorrow. The rest of the Sunday X1 was worked by 37564/9, 37573/4/5/7/9 & 37156/8.
B7 37160 was unusually for a Sunday, used on King's Lynn local duties today.
B7 37160 was unusually for a Sunday, used on King's Lynn local duties today.
Saturday May 8th 2010 ~ Oh No ! Not another fire ?
A thoroughly miserable day weatherwise and ony a few X1s seen by myself, although Bruce and Rob B helped to paint the full picture. 37562 was due its fortnightly safety service, so it worked K5 and its regular turn, K17, was handed over to 37575. Lowestoft's 37565 was removed from K4 at King's Lynn tonight with a brake problem and B7 37156 worked forward at 19.35 to Lowestoft. Last night it was Y6 which was in trouble. 37574 refused to restart at Lynn at 18.00 and Paragon 20501 took over taking it through to Lowestoft. This morning 501 did L11. L8 meanwhile was stalwart 20127.
Rob B took 37563 on the 21.05 Peterborough - King's Lynn tonight, along with a few victorious Leeds United fans, however, on approaching Wisbech they were diverted away from South Brink because .... yes you've guessed it, another building fire on the North Brink opposite. This required additional water relayed from the south side of the river, hence the closure of the normal X1 route into Wisbech.
Late tonight 37573 working K2 was replaced by 37564 for the last trip back to King's Lynn.
Rob B took 37563 on the 21.05 Peterborough - King's Lynn tonight, along with a few victorious Leeds United fans, however, on approaching Wisbech they were diverted away from South Brink because .... yes you've guessed it, another building fire on the North Brink opposite. This required additional water relayed from the south side of the river, hence the closure of the normal X1 route into Wisbech.
Late tonight 37573 working K2 was replaced by 37564 for the last trip back to King's Lynn.
08/05/2010
Friday May 7th 2010 ~ No Overall Majority
The X1 could, I suppose, be described as a 'Hung Service'. The B9s operating with support from the B7s plus the B10Ms and occasionally one of the two Paragons.
There was much debate on the East Anglian Bus Board recently about the possibility of 20501 being 'transferred' to First Essex. 20500/1 are part of a general pool it would seem with Rail Replacement being their prime function. They only seem to return to King's Lynn when maintenance is necessary.
Today was notable in that the B9s finally got their act together with 37562 - 37579 (37571 excluded of course) all in X1 action for the first time since March 15th. There were a couple of swaps with 20107 on K1 being replaced by 37563 at Lowestoft and 37574 failing at King's Lynn with a relay needing replacement on Y6 and Paragon 20501 being a surprise choice to take over. This means 20501 will overnight at Lowestoft.
Ian writes "Hi Gerard, Just thought I'd let you know that I'm playing around with Google Earth now and I've created an overlay with Bus and Coach locations on it. Everything from Depots, Bus Stations, Scrap Yards, Museums. I would welcome any help with locations that I don't have - I have created a googlegroup to make it easy to spread the info around and if you'd like to join me (and give a plug on the blog if you can!!) then please do.
http://groups.google.com/group/google-earth-transport-overlays
I welcome everyone who is interested. Thanks, Ian.
There was much debate on the East Anglian Bus Board recently about the possibility of 20501 being 'transferred' to First Essex. 20500/1 are part of a general pool it would seem with Rail Replacement being their prime function. They only seem to return to King's Lynn when maintenance is necessary.
John Wilson says "This morning the 3 coaches on bus station were 20118/20121 and 20501. Cannot guarantee the B12 came from Hunstanton schools, but looked like it did. Yesterday 20109 was in use, as I met her returning from Hunstanton schools pm and last Tuesday morning, I was fazed to see 20123 in from Hunston - had not seen her in use for many moons".
It looks as though 20123 is still poorly as it has been in Vancouver Avenue the past couple of days. With 109s MOT having expired, 20501 must have been the only option for the third schools run today. 
Yarmouth's 20126 which hasn't been on a full X1 since March 11th was being borrowed by Norwich today. Picture from Rob Brooks
Here she is ! 20115 on a 29 seen in Norwich by Rob this afternoon
Chris Dugdell reports on East Anglia Bus Group that 20115 which is still at Norwich was seen "out and about on the last X3 to Watton on Wednesday afternoon this week. It does this after operating the 901 from Hellesdon High School in the afternoon". Rob Brooks was at Norwich this afternoon and says "37572 arrived Norwich 1745 to Lowestoft on K16, 37566 arrived Norwich L10 1751 to Peterborough, 20127 arrived Norwich 1754 off a X2 and......20115 departed Norwich 1750 on an X3 !".
37572 photographed in Norwich by Rob Brooks on K16 and below 20127 having a more restful moment on the X2.
Today was notable in that the B9s finally got their act together with 37562 - 37579 (37571 excluded of course) all in X1 action for the first time since March 15th. There were a couple of swaps with 20107 on K1 being replaced by 37563 at Lowestoft and 37574 failing at King's Lynn with a relay needing replacement on Y6 and Paragon 20501 being a surprise choice to take over. This means 20501 will overnight at Lowestoft.Ian writes "Hi Gerard, Just thought I'd let you know that I'm playing around with Google Earth now and I've created an overlay with Bus and Coach locations on it. Everything from Depots, Bus Stations, Scrap Yards, Museums. I would welcome any help with locations that I don't have - I have created a googlegroup to make it easy to spread the info around and if you'd like to join me (and give a plug on the blog if you can!!) then please do.
http://groups.google.com/group/google-earth-transport-overlays
I welcome everyone who is interested. Thanks, Ian.
Thursday 6th May 2010 ~ 'X' Marks the Spot
So with me esconced in a village hall with some ballot boxes miles some two miles from the X1 route from 06.30 - 22.00 today, it was down to the rest of you to report the days proceedings.
Andrew James says "As Gerard is busy at the polling station today and Bruce has relatives visiting I thought I would provide some sightings, so I took up my usual post at King s Lynn - here's what I saw...
1432 - Y13 - 20109! came in from PBO but was swapped with 37576 which worked forward to LOW 10 late.
1445 Pbo K19 - 37570 on time
1502 Lft K14 - 37569 on time
1515 Pbo K1 - 37574 on time
1532 Lft K15 - 37578 5 late
1545 Pbo K2 - 37564 on time
1602 Lft K16 - 37156 5 late
1615 Pbo K3 - 20501 on time
1632 Lft K17 - 37562 5 late
1645 Pbo K4 - 37565 on time
1702 Lft K18 - 37157 on time
1715 Pbo K5 - 37575 on time
1732 Lft K19 - 37570 13 late
1745 Pbo Y6 - 37563 on time
1802 Lft K1 - 37574 on time
Great stuff Andy, thanks very much for that marathon session. Rob Brooks confirms several of the above too and other sightings reported were from Bruce :
Y6 37563, Y7 37579, L10 37567.
After delivering the ballot box, I persuaded my sister to drive past Vancouver Avenue. Inside were 37572 off Y9 and 37577 off L11. This just leaves two turns unaccounted for. L8, which looks to have started as booked with 37573, but was changed for the missing 37568 at Lowestoft and L12 which we met at Walpole Highway at 23.10 with 20107.
20109 which was seen by Andy arriving on Y13 had replaced 37576 for the 11.45 to Peterborough and 576 was obviously OK to resume the diagram at 14.32. This may well be the last appearance of 20109 for a while, as its MOT expired today. Sam says 20127 was used on the 17.08 Lowestoft - Norwich X2 this afternoon.
Andrew James says "As Gerard is busy at the polling station today and Bruce has relatives visiting I thought I would provide some sightings, so I took up my usual post at King s Lynn - here's what I saw...
1432 - Y13 - 20109! came in from PBO but was swapped with 37576 which worked forward to LOW 10 late.
1445 Pbo K19 - 37570 on time
1502 Lft K14 - 37569 on time
1515 Pbo K1 - 37574 on time
1532 Lft K15 - 37578 5 late
1545 Pbo K2 - 37564 on time
1602 Lft K16 - 37156 5 late
1615 Pbo K3 - 20501 on time
1632 Lft K17 - 37562 5 late
1645 Pbo K4 - 37565 on time
1702 Lft K18 - 37157 on time
1715 Pbo K5 - 37575 on time
1732 Lft K19 - 37570 13 late
1745 Pbo Y6 - 37563 on time
1802 Lft K1 - 37574 on time
Great stuff Andy, thanks very much for that marathon session. Rob Brooks confirms several of the above too and other sightings reported were from Bruce :
Y6 37563, Y7 37579, L10 37567.
After delivering the ballot box, I persuaded my sister to drive past Vancouver Avenue. Inside were 37572 off Y9 and 37577 off L11. This just leaves two turns unaccounted for. L8, which looks to have started as booked with 37573, but was changed for the missing 37568 at Lowestoft and L12 which we met at Walpole Highway at 23.10 with 20107.
20109 which was seen by Andy arriving on Y13 had replaced 37576 for the 11.45 to Peterborough and 576 was obviously OK to resume the diagram at 14.32. This may well be the last appearance of 20109 for a while, as its MOT expired today. Sam says 20127 was used on the 17.08 Lowestoft - Norwich X2 this afternoon.
05/05/2010
Wednesday 5th May 2010 ~ TLC Required
Bruce and myself awaited eagerly this morning to see what would turn up on Y6 05.50 Yarmouth - Peterborough as this is normally the bus off the previous day's K1 which in this instance was 20127. We weren't to be disappointed as just a few minutes late 127 passed by. Jamie R was a passenger on it from Wisbech and I paused on my journey to work at Wisbech bus station for a photo of 127. It arrived with a badly squealing fan belt and I later had a text from Jamie saying "This bus is making a lot of noise when it goes round bends - sometimes buses just keep on going when it's time to retire and call it a day". Oh Dear ! Better not tell Bruce that. 127 was last seen this evening, still on Y6 leaving Terrington slightly late and still kicking and screaming. If it completes Y6 it will have travelled 465 miles today.
Yesterday 37563 was used on K15, as I have said before it is very rare for Lowestoft B9s to be used on King's Lynn 'internals', but especialy so in the case of K15. In fact it was only the second occasion this year (the other was when 37567 was used on March 19) that this turn has not started the day with one of Lynn's 3757x Geminis. Things were back to normal today though with 563 on K2 and K15 with 37575.
Paragon 20501 was K3 for the second day in a row, this time 10 late this morning and 3 late this afternoon. Punctuality was pretty good today, but K16 with 37577 left Wisbech for Peterborough two minutes early at 13.16. This is not the first time 37577 has run early - may be its dashboard clock needs adjusting ?
An unidentified B9 Gemini - believed to be 37574 - was over the pits at Vancouver Avenue at lunchtime being examined by at leat 6 fitters including a Volvo engineer. 37 158 was back on K5 today and 37566 absent, so may be I was imagining things yesterday (see previous blog entry).
37568 is having another holiday and has appeared on the X1 on just one day since April 20th.
Syd says "Hi Gerard, As you like to follow the old girl, I thought you may be interested that 20107 has unusually spent the day on Lowestoft locals…operating the 1613 and 1813 Ser 99 to Southwold this evening and then booked to work the 2113 ser 1A to Martham ( not actually happened yet when I typed this of course ). It is the first B10M coach on the 99s for quite a while as it is difficult to turn at Southwold with them, so they have to work the old route in up the High Street and turn at the Market place…which takes a couple of shunts". Well they say Southwold is a retirement haven don't they ? I wonder if that's what 'The Beast' is thinking ?
Bruce says he will see some services tomorrow, but he has relatives staying so may not see much. He also says he has to go out and vote - for the Monster Raving Looney X1 party of course, as he is determined that Sam's X2 party fail in their bid to introduce proportional bustentation. Me, I'm at a polling station all day tomorrow clocking the voters in, so I hope the X1 behaves.
Yesterday 37563 was used on K15, as I have said before it is very rare for Lowestoft B9s to be used on King's Lynn 'internals', but especialy so in the case of K15. In fact it was only the second occasion this year (the other was when 37567 was used on March 19) that this turn has not started the day with one of Lynn's 3757x Geminis. Things were back to normal today though with 563 on K2 and K15 with 37575.
Paragon 20501 was K3 for the second day in a row, this time 10 late this morning and 3 late this afternoon. Punctuality was pretty good today, but K16 with 37577 left Wisbech for Peterborough two minutes early at 13.16. This is not the first time 37577 has run early - may be its dashboard clock needs adjusting ?
An unidentified B9 Gemini - believed to be 37574 - was over the pits at Vancouver Avenue at lunchtime being examined by at leat 6 fitters including a Volvo engineer. 37 158 was back on K5 today and 37566 absent, so may be I was imagining things yesterday (see previous blog entry).
37568 is having another holiday and has appeared on the X1 on just one day since April 20th.
Syd says "Hi Gerard, As you like to follow the old girl, I thought you may be interested that 20107 has unusually spent the day on Lowestoft locals…operating the 1613 and 1813 Ser 99 to Southwold this evening and then booked to work the 2113 ser 1A to Martham ( not actually happened yet when I typed this of course ). It is the first B10M coach on the 99s for quite a while as it is difficult to turn at Southwold with them, so they have to work the old route in up the High Street and turn at the Market place…which takes a couple of shunts". Well they say Southwold is a retirement haven don't they ? I wonder if that's what 'The Beast' is thinking ?
Bruce says he will see some services tomorrow, but he has relatives staying so may not see much. He also says he has to go out and vote - for the Monster Raving Looney X1 party of course, as he is determined that Sam's X2 party fail in their bid to introduce proportional bustentation. Me, I'm at a polling station all day tomorrow clocking the voters in, so I hope the X1 behaves.
Tuesday 4th May 2010 ~ Unanswered Questions
Somehow B10M 20127 made yet another return visit to King's Lynn yesterday - not sure how, but it looks like it replaced 37570 at Lowestoft. Today 20127 worked K1 all day, but when Bruce saw it at 15.35 it sounded quite unhealthy, however, it survived the day and was on time departing Wisbech on the 15.48 to Peterborough. Meanwhile K4 started the day with 20107, but this was rested at Lowestoft and was then spotted by Michael Bryant on a schools contract run. Its replacement was 37565.
K5 had 37158, but when I saw this turn at 17.35 it was a B9 which although not positively identified, looked like 37566. Now 566 had been on K2 this morning, but this afternoon this turn had 37570 ! Added to all this B7 37160 which had been seen on Lowestoft depot on Sunday morning was tonight at Vancouver Avenue. but with all incoming diagrams from Lowestoft accounted for. Some very odd goings on then, all of which can be explained quite logically by the operators, but not by me.
Paragon 20501 worked K3 today, 7 late this morning and 14 late this evening, but (unusually for a B12) this was the worst delayed service seen today. 37562 did one of its quick trips to Peterborough, 8 late from Wisbech on the 14.18 to Peterborough, but only 4 late coming back and earlier 37576 on the 10.18 (Y9) did even better, 8 late outward and 3 late returning. This afternoon, K19 seemed to take an alternative route in and out of Wisbech as I didn't see it in either direction. This was 10 late with 37574 passing Bruce, but on time returning through Walpole Highway.
A rash of new rear adverts for Kwik Fit's ability to provide car owners with cooler air-con appeared overnight. 37567 appeared in traffic today without an advert on the nearside - may be the gusty winds over the weekend were responsible ? The official line is that adverts cannot be removed until a replacement is ready to be fitted.
K5 had 37158, but when I saw this turn at 17.35 it was a B9 which although not positively identified, looked like 37566. Now 566 had been on K2 this morning, but this afternoon this turn had 37570 ! Added to all this B7 37160 which had been seen on Lowestoft depot on Sunday morning was tonight at Vancouver Avenue. but with all incoming diagrams from Lowestoft accounted for. Some very odd goings on then, all of which can be explained quite logically by the operators, but not by me.
Paragon 20501 worked K3 today, 7 late this morning and 14 late this evening, but (unusually for a B12) this was the worst delayed service seen today. 37562 did one of its quick trips to Peterborough, 8 late from Wisbech on the 14.18 to Peterborough, but only 4 late coming back and earlier 37576 on the 10.18 (Y9) did even better, 8 late outward and 3 late returning. This afternoon, K19 seemed to take an alternative route in and out of Wisbech as I didn't see it in either direction. This was 10 late with 37574 passing Bruce, but on time returning through Walpole Highway.
A rash of new rear adverts for Kwik Fit's ability to provide car owners with cooler air-con appeared overnight. 37567 appeared in traffic today without an advert on the nearside - may be the gusty winds over the weekend were responsible ? The official line is that adverts cannot be removed until a replacement is ready to be fitted.
Monday May 3rd 2010 ~ Subtle Changes
So a Bank Holiday Monday with a Sunday service and little to report. Delays during the middle of the day were expected due to volumes of traffic and the 15.08 to Peterborough and 15.10 to Lowestoft were both observed at Walpole Highway running 14 minutes late with 37570 & 37563 respectively.
37562 was on the equivalent of its normal weekday turn and was the 14.08 to Peterborough seen 16 late. 562 was also in action yesterday, so little rest for this one.
34108 was also out again today, it worked the 07.30 Yarmouth - Peterborough and 11.10 back to Lowestoft where it was retired for a well earned rest. 37577 returned in its place from Lowestoft and 37579 was sent empty to Yarmouth to get some B9s back in action.
B10M 20127 looks to have replaced 37570 this evening on the 20.48 from Lowestoft. 37563 which had been resting since last Wednesday has re-emerged with a new rear ad for Bennetts TV.
37562 was on the equivalent of its normal weekday turn and was the 14.08 to Peterborough seen 16 late. 562 was also in action yesterday, so little rest for this one.
34108 was also out again today, it worked the 07.30 Yarmouth - Peterborough and 11.10 back to Lowestoft where it was retired for a well earned rest. 37577 returned in its place from Lowestoft and 37579 was sent empty to Yarmouth to get some B9s back in action.
B10M 20127 looks to have replaced 37570 this evening on the 20.48 from Lowestoft. 37563 which had been resting since last Wednesday has re-emerged with a new rear ad for Bennetts TV.
Sunday May 2nd 2010 ~ Just The Ticket
The X1 now requires 10 vehicles in the Sunday timetable, but today we know at least 11 if not more were used.
I viewed the 11.10 departure from Walpole Highway to Lowestoft this morning and was surprised to find it was Royale 34108 on the job. Coming the other way, but 15 minutes late due to delays caused by the Great Eastern Run taking place in King's Lynn was Gemini 37564. The latter had regained all this lost time by this evening.
I viewed the 11.10 departure from Walpole Highway to Lowestoft this morning and was surprised to find it was Royale 34108 on the job. Coming the other way, but 15 minutes late due to delays caused by the Great Eastern Run taking place in King's Lynn was Gemini 37564. The latter had regained all this lost time by this evening.
Comparison of rears may not be a usual aspect associated with bus websites, but nevertheless here is 37156 seen from behind and showing the offset destination box which is a giveaway at night.
.... and here is 34108 photographed this morning and also featuring an AXA insurance ad occupying a higher position than seen on the Geminis.
B7 37156 was out today working the 13.05 from Peterborough, but highlight of the day was caused by the inability of the ticket machine on 37577 to work properly. This resulted in 20127 replacing it at Lynn tonight on this turn which appropriately finishes at Great Yarmouth.
More unadvertised Bank Holiday weekend sunshine with 37570 approaching Walton Highway this afternoon as the 17.10 to Peterborough.
02/05/2010
Saturday May 10th 2010 ~ May Day Mayhem
Saturdays are normally relatively incident free, but that could not be said of today. I wasn't near the route for much of the time but have managed to piece together what happened with some help from Rob Brooks. Firstly, yesterday's disruption meant that instead of 37565, 37568, 37578 & 37157 returning to Lynn last night, instead swaps saw 37564/6/7 & 37156 come in instead.
20107 proving that a coach is man's best friend - well at least as far as King's Lynn !
My first sightings of the day were at Walpole Highway just after 10.30 with 34108 passing through on Y10 and going the other way, 'The Beast' on Y6 09.35 Peterborough - Lowestoft. For unknown reasons 20107 was taken off this trip at Lynn and replaced by 37576 - possibly heavy loadings were anticipated ? 20107 then made the short but highly unusual journey to Rowan Road. The compound there is usually reserved for King's Lynn town & local buses plus any B7s not working on Excel.
After lunch I thought I'd take advantage of the good weather which was the opposite of what was forecast and try and get a picture of 37562 on K17. Taking up my chosen spot, I was surprised to find K17 one minute early with 37569 ! Well as you've probably guessed, this turned out to be K16 running 29 minutes late. K17 was indeed 37562 running a few minutes behind. Later in the afternoon, 37562 was sent to Vancouver Avenue and it is not known what (if anything) went forward on K17.
The first of three X1s I saw within 10 minutes today : 37569 on K16 seen near Faulkner's Tunnel running 29 late this afternoon.
37574 with 'Squares' ad was on time with Y13 13.05 from Peterborough approaching Walpole Highway
37562 heads for Peterborough with very few passengers on K17 before it retired for an early bath
A visit to King's Lynn at 19.15 saw 37578 arriving 'not in service' at Hardwick on L9, while Y7 which was due in an hour earlier didn't seem to have arrived. Certainly something odd was happening as later 20127 turned up instead of a B9 on one of the terminating X1s, possibly K19 which should have been 37579.
01/05/2010
Friday 30th April 2010 ~ Caravan Cavalcade
Making a pleasing sight this morning was 20127 on K2, seen passing Bruce's observatory.
For the uninitiated, this involves the World and his wife setting out - all apparently at precisely the same time - from their homes in the Midlands and the North and heading for the Norfolk Coast and as a consequence bringing the A47 to a crawl, or should I say more of a crawl than usual ? Many of these people seem obliged to bring along their home on wheels too of course. I guess I should apologise to all the caravan owners amongst you now. The effect of all this extra traffic on FBBHWs usually brings the X1 timetable to its knees and today was no exception.
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The Beast leaves Wisbech for Yarmouth this evening. Photo : Rob Brooks
The day began well with K1 (05.40 King's Lynn - Peterborough / 07.00 Peterborough - Lowestoft / 11.55 Lowestoft - Peterborough / 16.35 Peterborough - Great Yarmouth) being allocated 'Beast' 20107. This was followed 30 minutes later by K2 with Barbie 20127, however, this had a sting in the tail as at some point (either at 11.30 or 13.10) it was taken off at Yarmouth and replaced, as we had been forewarned by one of our correspondents, by Gemini 37575.Anyone observing arrivals at Peterborough and expecting a stream of X1 branded Geminis would have been surprised at this stage as next up was K3 06.45 from King's Lynn with B7 37158 and following this, K4 with the luxury of Paragon 20501 ! The latter was another turn which changed vehicles and by this evening 37574 had replaced it after a safety service. Well all this couldn't continue of course and commencing with the 09.05 from Peterborough B9s were in charge of departures up until the 13.05.
So let's have a look at how punctuality went out of the window. Westbound departures from Wisbech were unaffected in the morning and seen were Y6 37573 RT, Y7 37576 6 late, L8 37566 RT, Y9 37565 3 late, L10 37568 6 late (naturally), L11 37569 not seen, L12 37570 RT and Y13 37157 4 late.
It was returning from Peterborough that things went pear shaped : Y6 7 late, Y7 8 late, L8 11 late. Y9 20 late, L10 38 late (with 37568 !!), L11 28 late and L12 37 late. The delays were accentuated by a broken down lorry near Guyhirn. Things then became quite amusing (as long as you were an observer and not a passenger). Next eastbound through Wisbech was K14 with 37564 just 13 late, but hang on, what about Y13 ? Well that was next a whopping 47 late, 37157 having been overtaken by 564. K15 passed by with 37578 at 15.14, 24 late and K16 had 37567 (back in action) 21 late instead of 37156 which had been expected. K17 which was expected to be 37562 as usual turned up with 37572 13 late.
Time then to catch up with Rob Brooks who texted from Peterborough at 16.10 to say " 15.35 Peterborough - Lowestoft (K18) is a 'no show'. No sign of the 16.05 yet either and a large crowd gathering". Fortunately K19 did eventually turn up with 37577. Rob, tipped off by me, preferred to wait for the 16.35 with 'The Beast'. This was 6 late at Walpole Highway and 11 late leaving Wisbech due to the Friday afternoon congestion.
Rob says : "37577 1535/1605?? Peterborough - Lowestoft departed Queensgate at 1630. The Beast K1 1635 Peterborough - Lowestoft departed Queensgate at 1648. Thanks for the gen on this! 37158 seen on the approach to Guyhirn Roundabout at 1728 heading for Peterborough 3mins behind was 37574 also heading for Peterborough! 37575 'The Pest' !! coming onto the Horsefair as I left at 1808 on the 1710 from Peterborough for Lowestoft running 12 late".
On the way home from work I passed K3 with 37158 at Walsoken 31 late and then 37574 on K4 at Walton Highway 10 late.
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37577 with a shedload of passengers departs Queensgate without Rob Brooks on K19 !
Thursday 29th April 2010 ~ Pyromania & Politics
The conflagrations which are now occurring in Wisbech with increasing regularity claimed another victim overnight with a prominent building on the picturesque North Brink being gutted. The former White Hart Hotel - where I often played pool in my youth - more recently converted into a rather grand chinese restaurant, but which had been empty since August was ablaze around 1am. This morning the aftermath included Nene Quay being closed to traffic yet again and general paralysis in Wisbech. The X1s were for a time diverted via Churchill Road (A1101) and Weasenham Lane again. Bruce kindly offered to keep an eye on proceedings for me, but in the event Nene Quay reopened to traffic at 10.35. This didn't stop Bruce covering the day in its entirety though and producing one of his epics for us :
A PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST ............
on behalf of the Monster Raving Loony X1 party!
Now normally I steer well clear of politics because they are all as bad as one another. BUT any candidate that can meet any of the following conditions gets my vote:
(a) another MOT for 20107 at the end of May - rumour has it that it's chassis is poorly
(b) a coat of paint for 20127 - it still seems to go on and on - thank goodness.
(c) working tachos for 34109/10 - cos if anything happens to the above two........
Also it would be nice to see the Blogmeister in the audience of the Prime Ministerial debate tonight, asking such searching questions as: if the Concessionary Free Travel goes, will the White Elephants be replaced by Solos within a fortnight? and does anyone really travel from Peterborough all the way to Yarmouth/Lowestoft on the X1 for a day trip? (other than Jamie V. and Bob Perrin)
Anyway, yet again the Blogmeister is flying blind due to yet another fire near his place of work. But a Fire Engine Blog may not have quite the same appeal - even though he is getting plenty of material for one!
So here goes:
K1 passed the house on time at 08.01 with 20127 - good start, fires or not.
K2 37569 not particularly late at 08.37
K3 37159 5 late at 09.09
K4 37576 5 late at 09.39
K5 37577 36 minutes late at 10.40 and still 18 late at 17.52
Y6 37570 8 late to PB but 32 late at 11.06
Y7 The Beast - on time at 09.04 and only 6 late at 11.10
L8 37565 4 late at 11.38
Y9 37572 on time to PB and only a couple of minutes late returning.
L10 The Beautiful Big Bus - 4 late to PB and 2 late returning.
L11 37564 8 late to PB 14 late returning
L12 37579 6 late to PB and still 6 late returning
Y13 37156 10 late to PB at 12.14
K14 37566 5 late to PB
K15 37578 passed me early so I missed it but spotted by the bus starved one in the Bus Station
K16 37160 8 late at 13.42
K17 Not seen by me as a certain lethargy strikes me every day at 14.04. Rumour has it that it was a bus with wheels, a big pink stripe and a Lancashire accent - and probably late!
K18 The lethargy continued but while typing this, 37157 passed by 10 late at 16.40
K19 Fell asleep
K1 Not 20127 anymore, but now the less appealing 37574 one minute early.
Now Sam says 37568 has reappeared on the X2 - just in time for Friday Standard Time - Hey ho!
Of course we like to offer equal prominence to other parties and it is therefore only fair that we allow a right of reply. Sam says :
A response from the X2 Independent Party
We all feel that there should be equals amongst men and women - they all use the X2! We are fed up of the imbalance between the X1 and X2. The X1 constantly gets the better vehicles, B7TLs, B10Ms, Leyland Olympians (34921!) and this needs to stop. Our candidates believe that:
(a) 37156/7/8/9/60 and 37562 should be given to the X2 to even out the void. These should be painted and branded for the X2. The X1 can keep the other B9TLs.
(b) 20500/1 and the Royales should be painted also and kept as a reserve fleet
(c) Palatines should be banished to a dark corner where the panels can fall off in peace (a side panel was found laying on the side of the road at Hales)
(d) [Yes I have more points than you!] The remaining B10Ms should be returned to their original liveries and conditions. The sold on ones should be rescued and have the same treatment. These would then be retired and treated like veterans should be!
P.S. Yes we did have 68, will swap it for BBBB?
OK that's enough politics but here are a few other notes on today from me. 37160 made its first appearance on the X1 since 20th with 37158 being kept at Lynn for local work. K17 was indeed 37562, but rather alarmingly it left Wisbech 2 minutes early on the 14.18 to Peterborough. Normal service was resumed later when it was 8 late returning though. K19 was 37573. Sam saw 37568 on the 15.38 Lowestoft to Norwich, the first sighting of it since 20th. 37563/7 were not seen today and one of our Yarmouth correspondents reports 37575 as having a few days holiday there.
A PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST ............
on behalf of the Monster Raving Loony X1 party!
Now normally I steer well clear of politics because they are all as bad as one another. BUT any candidate that can meet any of the following conditions gets my vote:
(a) another MOT for 20107 at the end of May - rumour has it that it's chassis is poorly
(b) a coat of paint for 20127 - it still seems to go on and on - thank goodness.
(c) working tachos for 34109/10 - cos if anything happens to the above two........
Also it would be nice to see the Blogmeister in the audience of the Prime Ministerial debate tonight, asking such searching questions as: if the Concessionary Free Travel goes, will the White Elephants be replaced by Solos within a fortnight? and does anyone really travel from Peterborough all the way to Yarmouth/Lowestoft on the X1 for a day trip? (other than Jamie V. and Bob Perrin)
Anyway, yet again the Blogmeister is flying blind due to yet another fire near his place of work. But a Fire Engine Blog may not have quite the same appeal - even though he is getting plenty of material for one!
So here goes:
K1 passed the house on time at 08.01 with 20127 - good start, fires or not.
K2 37569 not particularly late at 08.37
K3 37159 5 late at 09.09
K4 37576 5 late at 09.39
K5 37577 36 minutes late at 10.40 and still 18 late at 17.52
Y6 37570 8 late to PB but 32 late at 11.06
Y7 The Beast - on time at 09.04 and only 6 late at 11.10
L8 37565 4 late at 11.38
Y9 37572 on time to PB and only a couple of minutes late returning.
L10 The Beautiful Big Bus - 4 late to PB and 2 late returning.
L11 37564 8 late to PB 14 late returning
L12 37579 6 late to PB and still 6 late returning
Y13 37156 10 late to PB at 12.14
K14 37566 5 late to PB
K15 37578 passed me early so I missed it but spotted by the bus starved one in the Bus Station
K16 37160 8 late at 13.42
K17 Not seen by me as a certain lethargy strikes me every day at 14.04. Rumour has it that it was a bus with wheels, a big pink stripe and a Lancashire accent - and probably late!
K18 The lethargy continued but while typing this, 37157 passed by 10 late at 16.40
K19 Fell asleep
K1 Not 20127 anymore, but now the less appealing 37574 one minute early.
Now Sam says 37568 has reappeared on the X2 - just in time for Friday Standard Time - Hey ho!
Of course we like to offer equal prominence to other parties and it is therefore only fair that we allow a right of reply. Sam says :
A response from the X2 Independent Party
We all feel that there should be equals amongst men and women - they all use the X2! We are fed up of the imbalance between the X1 and X2. The X1 constantly gets the better vehicles, B7TLs, B10Ms, Leyland Olympians (34921!) and this needs to stop. Our candidates believe that:
(a) 37156/7/8/9/60 and 37562 should be given to the X2 to even out the void. These should be painted and branded for the X2. The X1 can keep the other B9TLs.
(b) 20500/1 and the Royales should be painted also and kept as a reserve fleet
(c) Palatines should be banished to a dark corner where the panels can fall off in peace (a side panel was found laying on the side of the road at Hales)
(d) [Yes I have more points than you!] The remaining B10Ms should be returned to their original liveries and conditions. The sold on ones should be rescued and have the same treatment. These would then be retired and treated like veterans should be!
P.S. Yes we did have 68, will swap it for BBBB?
OK that's enough politics but here are a few other notes on today from me. 37160 made its first appearance on the X1 since 20th with 37158 being kept at Lynn for local work. K17 was indeed 37562, but rather alarmingly it left Wisbech 2 minutes early on the 14.18 to Peterborough. Normal service was resumed later when it was 8 late returning though. K19 was 37573. Sam saw 37568 on the 15.38 Lowestoft to Norwich, the first sighting of it since 20th. 37563/7 were not seen today and one of our Yarmouth correspondents reports 37575 as having a few days holiday there.
30/04/2010
Wednesday 28th April 2010 ~ A Letter From David
Recent blog convert David wrote a long letter today, parts of which I have reproduced here as it makes interesting reading :
"I've only recently discovered the X1 blog which is very interesting. I use the X1 frequently especially between Kings Lynn and Peterborough and as I have a pass (being over 60) it doesn't cost me anything. Weekdays I often travel on the 0845 from Kings Lynn as Kings Lynn and West Norfolk pass holders can use their pass from 0830. This means that we get through Wisbech before the Cambridgeshire pass holders can get on the bus as their pass doesnt start until 0930 (weekdays). Nevertheless some of them try it on and are turned down by the drivers as being 'twirlys' (am I too early - get it!)
I could probably write a book on X1 experiences over the years like the time me and other passengers were left stranded at Peterborough station because the police had closed the dual carriageway leading from the bus station to the rail station as someone was threatening to jump off the multi-storey car park roof - I was not amused having expected to catch the 1910 from the rail station and thinking it was running late to then end up on the 2018 from the bus station instead. Or missing out chunks of route usually to my advantage though this practice seems to have largely been eradicated. My main gripes about the X1 are as follows - why does it try to be a local bus service and an express service at the same time. For instance it meanders through villages between Kings Lynn and Wisbech and trails round Toftwood but yet it runs direct from Norwich to Yarmouth apart from diverting for Acle. Surely there is a case for some extra fast ones which could run from Norwich calling at Dereham,Swaffham, Kings Lynn and Wisbech only? Also diverting through Hockering travelling west from Norwich is downright dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. I've seen drivers waiting five minutes and longer before it was safe to pull out.
I should say my other main use of the X1 is travelling from Swaffham to Norwich. Rather than driving into Kings Lynn I cut across country from where I live and leave my car in the free car park in Theatre Street in Swaffham. Other experiences to recall are when they changed the timetable in April 2009 without telling anybody and the frequent changes of bus stands in Kings Lynn bus station - its now on its third stand in the last year. One more move clockwise and it'll be back where it started!
On Saturday last I caught the 0845 from Kings Lynn and was surprised to find it was a coach (20107). The seats are comfortable but it is really getting a bit clapped out now. You can feel every pothole from Kings Lynn to Peterborough and there are quite a few since the bad weather we had. I returned on the 2018 from Peterborough travelling upstairs to avoid some rowdy passengers. Saturday night travelling is often enlivened by scantily clad female passengers at Wisbech heading for the fleshpots of Kings Lynn their male escorts sometimes sporting fancy dress costumes. I'll try and record any unusual workings and happenings and forward them to you".
Thanks for that David, actually Jamie R frequently complains about rowdy behaviour on the Friday and Saturday evening X1s and avoids using the service then where possible. The costs of running late night services are high of course, but I'm told that some companies employ additional staff to elminate any annoyances at this time of night. This doubles up as extra security for the driver as well as sharing the responsibility for monitoring incidents which can only be a good thing.
Back to today now though and the aforementioned Beasty (20107) was working K1 today with its big brother, 34108 being used on K14. The availability of the Lowestoft B9 Geminis seeems very suspect at the moment and of 37564/7/8 plus King's Lynn's 37575 which were all believed to have been at Lowestoft this morning, none were deemed fit to work L11 which was entrusted to old soldier 20127.
L8 began the day with 37576, but this was taken off at Lynn at midday in favour of freshly serviced 37572. This wasn't the end of the working day for 576 though as it replaced B7 37159 on K3 for the 16.15 to Peterborough. Noisy 37570 has now been silenced and it worked K4 today.
There was another blitz by the advertising people overnight and further buses have appeared with new posters for the Robin Hood film and 'Squares', as well as a new campaign using two versions for Easy Jet on the nearside.
"I've only recently discovered the X1 blog which is very interesting. I use the X1 frequently especially between Kings Lynn and Peterborough and as I have a pass (being over 60) it doesn't cost me anything. Weekdays I often travel on the 0845 from Kings Lynn as Kings Lynn and West Norfolk pass holders can use their pass from 0830. This means that we get through Wisbech before the Cambridgeshire pass holders can get on the bus as their pass doesnt start until 0930 (weekdays). Nevertheless some of them try it on and are turned down by the drivers as being 'twirlys' (am I too early - get it!)
I could probably write a book on X1 experiences over the years like the time me and other passengers were left stranded at Peterborough station because the police had closed the dual carriageway leading from the bus station to the rail station as someone was threatening to jump off the multi-storey car park roof - I was not amused having expected to catch the 1910 from the rail station and thinking it was running late to then end up on the 2018 from the bus station instead. Or missing out chunks of route usually to my advantage though this practice seems to have largely been eradicated. My main gripes about the X1 are as follows - why does it try to be a local bus service and an express service at the same time. For instance it meanders through villages between Kings Lynn and Wisbech and trails round Toftwood but yet it runs direct from Norwich to Yarmouth apart from diverting for Acle. Surely there is a case for some extra fast ones which could run from Norwich calling at Dereham,Swaffham, Kings Lynn and Wisbech only? Also diverting through Hockering travelling west from Norwich is downright dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. I've seen drivers waiting five minutes and longer before it was safe to pull out.
I should say my other main use of the X1 is travelling from Swaffham to Norwich. Rather than driving into Kings Lynn I cut across country from where I live and leave my car in the free car park in Theatre Street in Swaffham. Other experiences to recall are when they changed the timetable in April 2009 without telling anybody and the frequent changes of bus stands in Kings Lynn bus station - its now on its third stand in the last year. One more move clockwise and it'll be back where it started!
On Saturday last I caught the 0845 from Kings Lynn and was surprised to find it was a coach (20107). The seats are comfortable but it is really getting a bit clapped out now. You can feel every pothole from Kings Lynn to Peterborough and there are quite a few since the bad weather we had. I returned on the 2018 from Peterborough travelling upstairs to avoid some rowdy passengers. Saturday night travelling is often enlivened by scantily clad female passengers at Wisbech heading for the fleshpots of Kings Lynn their male escorts sometimes sporting fancy dress costumes. I'll try and record any unusual workings and happenings and forward them to you".
Thanks for that David, actually Jamie R frequently complains about rowdy behaviour on the Friday and Saturday evening X1s and avoids using the service then where possible. The costs of running late night services are high of course, but I'm told that some companies employ additional staff to elminate any annoyances at this time of night. This doubles up as extra security for the driver as well as sharing the responsibility for monitoring incidents which can only be a good thing.
Back to today now though and the aforementioned Beasty (20107) was working K1 today with its big brother, 34108 being used on K14. The availability of the Lowestoft B9 Geminis seeems very suspect at the moment and of 37564/7/8 plus King's Lynn's 37575 which were all believed to have been at Lowestoft this morning, none were deemed fit to work L11 which was entrusted to old soldier 20127.
L8 began the day with 37576, but this was taken off at Lynn at midday in favour of freshly serviced 37572. This wasn't the end of the working day for 576 though as it replaced B7 37159 on K3 for the 16.15 to Peterborough. Noisy 37570 has now been silenced and it worked K4 today.
There was another blitz by the advertising people overnight and further buses have appeared with new posters for the Robin Hood film and 'Squares', as well as a new campaign using two versions for Easy Jet on the nearside.
29/04/2010
Tuesday 27th April 2010 ~ Highway Horror
Today began normally enough, but the peace was shattered at around 09.15 when a car entered the 30mph zone at Walpole Highway way in excess of the speed limit. The driver seemingly lost control and after damaging a lamp post and litter bin then demolished several wheely bins and travelled through three gardens during which it rolled over at least twice before coming to rest opposite the eastbound bus shelter in this normally quiet backwater. For a while X1s were diverted round the south side of the village down School Road and back up Hall Road. L8 with 37569 avoided the area altogether while the air ambulance was in attendance. Thanks to Bruce for 'on the spot' reports and to Rob H for his help too.
The road was soon reopened despite the trail of devastation and delays to individual X1s amounted to no more than 10 minutes. 37156 on Y9 was 9 late from Wisbech (due 10.18) and just 7 late coming back, however, it was removed at Lynn and went on to 42s & 43s (thanks to Andy for the gen). Y9 meanwhile went forward with Paragon 20501. 37564 on K14 was swapped at Lowestoft for 37566 and also at the eastern end, Sam reports 20127 on the 09.38 X2 from Norwich.
20107 was on L10 today as 37567/8 were still unavailable while Royale 34108 was bang on time on Y13.
This afternoon, 37573 on K16 was 11 late arriving at Wisbech for the 15.26 to Lowestoft and 37562 performed a miracle being 8 late heading west and just 2 late returning on K17 - me thinks may be the rail station was skipped ?
The road was soon reopened despite the trail of devastation and delays to individual X1s amounted to no more than 10 minutes. 37156 on Y9 was 9 late from Wisbech (due 10.18) and just 7 late coming back, however, it was removed at Lynn and went on to 42s & 43s (thanks to Andy for the gen). Y9 meanwhile went forward with Paragon 20501. 37564 on K14 was swapped at Lowestoft for 37566 and also at the eastern end, Sam reports 20127 on the 09.38 X2 from Norwich.
20107 was on L10 today as 37567/8 were still unavailable while Royale 34108 was bang on time on Y13.
This afternoon, 37573 on K16 was 11 late arriving at Wisbech for the 15.26 to Lowestoft and 37562 performed a miracle being 8 late heading west and just 2 late returning on K17 - me thinks may be the rail station was skipped ?
Monday 26th April 2010 ~ X1 Fans
Attempts were made to silence the fan on Gemini 37570 today and after extensive consultations with Volvo engineers, a satisfactory outcome was still not certain this evening.
570 was not the only B9 absentee today, 37568 ( possibly having an MOT) was once again missing having last worked on Tuesday and 37567 & 37569 failed to appear today also. As if this wasn't enough, 37566 on K14 had problems en route and this turn was seen on time departing Wisbech for Peterborough at 12.48 with coach 20127. The two regular Gemini substitutes were also out with 20107 on K16 and 34108 on K18. Punctuality was pretty good today and 37563 on the 09.35 from Peterborough was marginally early arriving at Wisbech. B7 37157 on L10 was almost 10 late westbound and in the afternoon 37573 on K15 was likewise on the 14.56 to Lowestoft. Worst offender was (embarassingly) The Beast on K16 which contrived to be 16 late on the 14.35 from Peterborough.
570 was not the only B9 absentee today, 37568 ( possibly having an MOT) was once again missing having last worked on Tuesday and 37567 & 37569 failed to appear today also. As if this wasn't enough, 37566 on K14 had problems en route and this turn was seen on time departing Wisbech for Peterborough at 12.48 with coach 20127. The two regular Gemini substitutes were also out with 20107 on K16 and 34108 on K18. Punctuality was pretty good today and 37563 on the 09.35 from Peterborough was marginally early arriving at Wisbech. B7 37157 on L10 was almost 10 late westbound and in the afternoon 37573 on K15 was likewise on the 14.56 to Lowestoft. Worst offender was (embarassingly) The Beast on K16 which contrived to be 16 late on the 14.35 from Peterborough.
27/04/2010
Sunday 25th April 2010 ~ Clarification
Des has kindly supplied me with the correct details of the Sunday diagrams at present. The first turn from King's Lynn which I had erroneously thought arrived at Lowestoft and went light to Yarmouth in fact lays over to form the 10.48 departure westbound. The 09.48 westbound is a fresh vehicle off Lowestoft depot. After this vehicles are scheduled to layover for an hour before departing, i.e. the 10.30 arrival does the 11.48 to Peterborough and 11.30 arrival, the 12.48 etc. This method continues until the 14.30 arrival which then goes light to Yarmouth. After this the normal arrangement applies with the 15.30 arrival doing the 15.48 departure.
As I expected though, this doesn't always work and today 37565 on the 10.10 from Peterborough which arrives Lowestoft at 14.30 and is then booked to go empty to Yarmouth in fact layed over for an hour and worked the 15.48 back to Peterborough. The 11.10 from Peterborough was the vehicle which today went empty to Yarmouth.
Paragon 20501 was used on a private hire job from King's Lynn early today.
As I expected though, this doesn't always work and today 37565 on the 10.10 from Peterborough which arrives Lowestoft at 14.30 and is then booked to go empty to Yarmouth in fact layed over for an hour and worked the 15.48 back to Peterborough. The 11.10 from Peterborough was the vehicle which today went empty to Yarmouth.
Paragon 20501 was used on a private hire job from King's Lynn early today.
Running slightly late this afternoon was 37572 on the 13.48 from Lowestoft seen near Terrington with new Easy Jet advert
The X1 relief show pictured at King's Lynn garage tonight.
Saturday 24th April 2010 ~ 'Robin Hood' Rides Again
37570 was making a lot of noise when photographed departing Walpole Highway on the 10.36 to Lowestoft today. It was removed from Y6 this evening.Below : 37566 leaves Walton Highway on L8 10.35 Peterborough - Lowestoft today
34108 was being driven by the guy who was on 37570 earlier ! Here the 13.05 from Peterborough heads east.
The X1 emergency vehicles were again in action today : 34108 on Y13 and 20107 on Y7. 37562 had a day off for a service and its place on K17 was taken by 37572. Y10 (diagram 10 which in the week is L10 but which starts at Yarmouth on Saturdays) was not seen this morning and should have been 37569, however, this evening Lowestoft had provided 37565 instead.
37570 continued its impersonation of an aircraft today, but was finally removed from Y6 at 20.30 with B7 37156 which had just arrived at Lynn on L11 being provided as replacement on the 20.35 to Lowestoft. The noise problem on 37570 is believed to be a problem with its hydraulic fan.
Yet another advertising campaign began tonight with hoardings for the new 'Robin Hood' film being affixed to some vehicles. 37158/9 have new ads for 'Squares' and two new designs of Easyjet ads are in the process of adorning most of the fleet.
There are two versions of the current AXA insurance advert 
shown here on 37576 (above) and 37572 (below)
shown here on 37576 (above) and 37572 (below)24/04/2010
Friday 23rd April 2010 ~ Missing Buses and Where Are My Sunglasses ?
37576 near Walpole heading east on K2 this morning. My camera failed to capture the destination screen working - a common problem with digicams. The car just visible on the right is on the A47 bypass.
Y13 has always had a rather poor reputation for late running on Friday lunchtimes, particularly in the Summer. Today though it failed to run at all as the 11.45 King's Lynn - Peterborough and 13.05 return. L12 was 10 late from Wisbech with 37158 and K14 was only a minute down 37566 being complete with a healthy loading due to the missing Y13. This evening Y13 ran as normal with 37567 as booked, so possibly a driver shortage was the reason for its earlier cancellation. Weight was added to this theory this evening when the 19.50 Lynn - Peterborough & 21.10 return were also cancelled with 37563 retiring to Vancouver Avenue instead.
Elsewhere things ran pretty well until a flood of eastbound sun seekers deluged the A47 at teatime. Returning services from Peterborough were 37562 (K17) 11 late, 34108 (K18) 10 late outward but 26 late returning, K19 with 37572 on time outward and 24 late coming back on the 16.05 ex Peterborough. Things then eased and 20107 on K1 was only a few minutes late returning east.
The state of the chassis on 20107 is a major cause for concern and the likelihood of it receiving another MOT in June is receding by the day, so get your pictures and journeys on it while you can.
37575's visit to Volvo was very quick and it was back this evening and also repaired was 37573 which had a minor problem with its oil pressure switch.
Paragon 20501 was back on the road today and provided a touch of class to patrons of K3.
This is 34108 on K18 this afternoon pictured from X1 blog HQ. Note the battered state of the roof and the outdated advert for December's St. Trinians release
Thursday April 22nd 2010 ~ Mistaken Identity ?
This morning all signs pointed to a driver taking the wrong bus, when K2 which ends at Lowestoft appeared with Lynn allocated 37158 and K3 which is a Lynn internal diagram had 37157. Whatever was intended, K2 stuck with 37158 - which now has most of its fleet number missing from the front and could possibly be how the error occurred - and 37157 being nicked at Lowestoft whence it worked the 17.08 X2, thanks to Sam for the gen. 20107 then turned up at Wisbech on K3, running 16 late apparently because of an accident at the Pullover Roundabout.
During the day, most services ran on average 5 minutes behind time. Royale 34108 worked L12 today as 37563 was stopped for maintenance and at Lynn 37575 was hastily despatched to Volvo with a fuel fault. Another fault on 37573 saw this changed tonight and 37577 off Y7 worked the 21.35 to Lowestoft.
During the day, most services ran on average 5 minutes behind time. Royale 34108 worked L12 today as 37563 was stopped for maintenance and at Lynn 37575 was hastily despatched to Volvo with a fuel fault. Another fault on 37573 saw this changed tonight and 37577 off Y7 worked the 21.35 to Lowestoft.
20501 passed its MOT at King's Lynn today, but a month ago was spotted in Central London heading up Park Lane towards Marble Arch by Simon Hussey, to whom thanks for allowing us to use the pic above. Have a look at Simon's other photographs at :
22/04/2010
Wednesday 21st April 2010 ~ Elephants Galore
For the first time on a working day in over a month, a completely low floor service was in operation today. This was achieved by utilising all the Gemini fleet with the exception of 37568, 37158 & 37160. Punctuality was once again good. 37565 & 37579 returned to X1 use in the place of 34108 and 37568. Err.... that's it really !
One nugget I neglected to mention in yesterday's blog came from John W who says "Hi Gerard - Not of direct interest for X1 (I trust), but a long time no see Premiere on Lynn Bus Station this morning was trainer 20128 - looking especially scruffy ! As you would expect, the 3 from Hunst'on were 20109/18/21 with 20121 doing the X40 stint".
One nugget I neglected to mention in yesterday's blog came from John W who says "Hi Gerard - Not of direct interest for X1 (I trust), but a long time no see Premiere on Lynn Bus Station this morning was trainer 20128 - looking especially scruffy ! As you would expect, the 3 from Hunst'on were 20109/18/21 with 20121 doing the X40 stint".
Tuesday 20th April 2010 ~ Illuminating
Two new bus stop shelters have been installed either side of the Walton Road traffic lights east of Wisbech, replacing those demolished last week which Peter informs me were secondhand when installed. The new black shelters have night lighting and are labelled 'LYNN ROAD' which whilst being true, also apllies to most of the bus stops between Wisbech and Lynn ! May be Walton Road would have been more appropriate ?
Scania 65552 was returned to Vulcan Road this morning with 34108 coming back. This then replaced 37574 on K14 at midday and later 574 itself in turn replaced 37577 on K4 at 16.40.
37570 continues to betray its presence long before it comes into view at my window. Today it was K16. Andy adds "Hi Gerard, interesting you should say about 37570 it certainly has developed a rather loud roar! There is a video of it (posted by JamieVendy) on my photo page" - www.facebook.com/andysbusphotos.
Timekeeping was good today with all delays being under 10 minutes.
With four B7s in use today, 37565/579 were spare at Lowestoft. Paragon 20501 is back at King's Lynn for MOT this week.
Scania 65552 was returned to Vulcan Road this morning with 34108 coming back. This then replaced 37574 on K14 at midday and later 574 itself in turn replaced 37577 on K4 at 16.40.
37570 continues to betray its presence long before it comes into view at my window. Today it was K16. Andy adds "Hi Gerard, interesting you should say about 37570 it certainly has developed a rather loud roar! There is a video of it (posted by JamieVendy) on my photo page" - www.facebook.com/andysbusphotos.
Timekeeping was good today with all delays being under 10 minutes.
With four B7s in use today, 37565/579 were spare at Lowestoft. Paragon 20501 is back at King's Lynn for MOT this week.
21/04/2010
Monday April 19th 2010 ~ Royale Rumpus
Well today was strange in more ways than one ! The 10.18 Wisbech - Peterborough (06.45 from Gorleston), Y9, left Wisbech on time with 37572 and ran down Nene Quay as booked, however, it then took a very tight right turn over the old town bridge !! I had thought it would then travel via Wisbech St. Mary, but Rob H enlarges on this : "I'm reliably advised that the 10.18 bus to Peterborough left the Horsefair as usual, went along Nene Quay, then turned right over the Town Bridge, via Old Market, North Street and Freedom Bridge and left Wisbech via the Churchill Road and Weasenham Lane route. No idea as to why! ". Investigations are underway to find out why this strange tour of Wisbech was taken. The service was pretty full when I saw it so there should be plenty of perplexed passengers.
Later on Royale 34108 which was on L12 had problems in Norwich. Scania 65552 deputised to King's Lynn where B7 37157 which had arrived at Lynn on L11 went forward to Peterborough.
After the weekend, an imbalance of correctly allocated B9 s at Lynn saw Lowestoft's 37563/4/6/7/8/9 all available. These were sent out on Lowestoft based duties with the exception of 37568 which extremely unusually did Lynn internal job K3 and 37566 which was spare, but replaced 37577 on L8. L8 changed power again at Lowestoft when 577 was replaced by 578 !
The 'Beast' 20107 worked Lowestoft terminator K2 today. Rob Brooks contacted me late on with some gen :
"K4 37563 0926 Wisbech - Lowestoft d0930
L8 37577 0946 Wisbech - Peterborough a0941
K5 37576 0956 Wisbech - Peterborough at Tesco's 0953
Y6 37573 0935 Peterborough - Lowestoft
L8 37578 2010 Peterborough - Lowestoft
L10 37159 2110 Peterborough - Kings Lynn
Does this 2110 to Lynn still do a working to Hunstanton afterwards?" . Well yes Rob, I think it does, but not on Saturdays.
B9 37570 has suddenly become the first of its type with character. The last few days it has developed a loud roar when accelerating. Today I heard it well in advance of appearing past my window and it reminded me of 20107 in its loud days.
Later on Royale 34108 which was on L12 had problems in Norwich. Scania 65552 deputised to King's Lynn where B7 37157 which had arrived at Lynn on L11 went forward to Peterborough.
After the weekend, an imbalance of correctly allocated B9 s at Lynn saw Lowestoft's 37563/4/6/7/8/9 all available. These were sent out on Lowestoft based duties with the exception of 37568 which extremely unusually did Lynn internal job K3 and 37566 which was spare, but replaced 37577 on L8. L8 changed power again at Lowestoft when 577 was replaced by 578 !
The 'Beast' 20107 worked Lowestoft terminator K2 today. Rob Brooks contacted me late on with some gen :
"K4 37563 0926 Wisbech - Lowestoft d0930
L8 37577 0946 Wisbech - Peterborough a0941
K5 37576 0956 Wisbech - Peterborough at Tesco's 0953
Y6 37573 0935 Peterborough - Lowestoft
L8 37578 2010 Peterborough - Lowestoft
L10 37159 2110 Peterborough - Kings Lynn
Does this 2110 to Lynn still do a working to Hunstanton afterwards?" . Well yes Rob, I think it does, but not on Saturdays.
B9 37570 has suddenly become the first of its type with character. The last few days it has developed a loud roar when accelerating. Today I heard it well in advance of appearing past my window and it reminded me of 20107 in its loud days.
18/04/2010
Sunday 18th April 2010 ~ Almost As Advertised
An all B9 Gemini service today, but not without incident. 37564 was in trouble at some stage and was replaced at Lynn with 37577. 37572 did the first Lynn to Lowestoft service which is supposed to go light to Yarmouth, but it ended up replacing 37573 on a late running incoming X1. 37563 was a minute or so late through Walpole Highway on the 11.08 to Peterborough, but was later seen departing Wisbech 20 late on the 13.00 to Lowestoft. Heavy traffic due to the good weather is believed to be the reason for this delay.
20107 spent the day having a well earned rest in Vancouver Avenue garage today, but this evening at last had its Bingo advertising vinyl removed from the drivers side. The ad-men are on the trail of 37575/8 which still retain the 'Nine' advert - a movie shown as 'in cinemas December' ! More recent advertising campaigns currently to be seen are one for Milk featuring Pixie Lotts and two versions of rear ads for AXA Car Insurance.
20107 spent the day having a well earned rest in Vancouver Avenue garage today, but this evening at last had its Bingo advertising vinyl removed from the drivers side. The ad-men are on the trail of 37575/8 which still retain the 'Nine' advert - a movie shown as 'in cinemas December' ! More recent advertising campaigns currently to be seen are one for Milk featuring Pixie Lotts and two versions of rear ads for AXA Car Insurance.
Saturday 17th April 2010 ~ Easy Jet ?
I am told that yet another advertising campaign for 'Easy Jet' is due to start next weekend. A bit ironic considering the Icelandic volcano effect. Several Geminis still have the last Easy Jet ad in situ, but today several B9s appeared with a new ad for the movie 'Iron Man 2'. 37563 still has the Nanny McPhee advert and was out today on K4. B9s absent today were 37565, 37578 & 37579.
Royale 34108 was an unexpected sight on L9, but it had a fault and was taken off at Lynn before later replacing 37575 on K14 in order to return it to Lowestoft. 20107 was in charge of Y13. Later this evening 37156 was removed from Y6 with 575 working forward. Other swaps today involved 37159, 37566 & 37577.
Paragon 20501 returned to King's Lynn for maintenance today.
Adam Dowling has kindly sent some fine pictures of today's X1 services at King's Lynn :
Royale 34108 was an unexpected sight on L9, but it had a fault and was taken off at Lynn before later replacing 37575 on K14 in order to return it to Lowestoft. 20107 was in charge of Y13. Later this evening 37156 was removed from Y6 with 575 working forward. Other swaps today involved 37159, 37566 & 37577.
Paragon 20501 returned to King's Lynn for maintenance today.
Adam Dowling has kindly sent some fine pictures of today's X1 services at King's Lynn :
37573 at King's Lynn before departure on the 14.45 to Peterborough (K19). T Mobile advert.
37570 with 'Miss Sixty' advert still in situ pictured at Lynn before departing on K2, the 15.45 to Peterborough this afternoon
37562 with 'Sky HD' Pacific advert on its usual turn, K17 photographed by Adam.
A rather solemn looking Richard removes 34108 from King's Lynn bus station after arrival on L9 from Peterborough. 37566 replaced it.
'The Beast' on the 14.32 to Lowestoft (Y13) seen at King's Lynn this afternoon
The 'Iron Man 2' advert on Royale 34108 which after attention replaced 37575 on K14 15.02 to Lowestoft. (Adam Dowling)
Friday 16th April 2010 ~ Photoshoot Day
I've been unable to ascertain whether 37570 attended its allocated photoshoot today - more news when I receive it, but suffice to say that 570 was absent from the X1 today. Probably most notable aspect of today was the return to service of 37563 after warranty repairs at Volvo (info thanks to one of our regulars !).
563 started on Y9 today having presumably been sent to Yarmouth, but it later dropped down to L10. Last night Yarmouth had 37565, 37573/5/7 on X1 arrivals. Today 565 was absent and dear old 20127 appeared instead on Y13 while 37563 replaced 577. Later Y13 was seen with 577 back in service replacing 20127. With me so far ?
37564 on L10 seems to have done one of the infamous X1 overtaking moves somewhere, as it looks to have completed Y9.
563 started on Y9 today having presumably been sent to Yarmouth, but it later dropped down to L10. Last night Yarmouth had 37565, 37573/5/7 on X1 arrivals. Today 565 was absent and dear old 20127 appeared instead on Y13 while 37563 replaced 577. Later Y13 was seen with 577 back in service replacing 20127. With me so far ?
37564 on L10 seems to have done one of the infamous X1 overtaking moves somewhere, as it looks to have completed Y9.
37579 had a catagory 'B' service this morning before working K5. Tonight it replaced 37573 on Y6 20.35 Lynn - Lowestoft.
There were actually three B10Ms out today. 'The Beast' worked K1 and was seen this afternoon running 8 late on K1. 20118 - the fave of the moment worked K3, a fraction early into Wisbech for the 08.56 to Lowestoft and a mere 3 late heading to Peterborough this afternoon and as reported above, the first leg of Y13 was 20127.
Return X1s from Peterborough into Wisbech this afternoon were seen as follows ; 37575 on K15 13 late, K16 37160 13 late and K17 37562 25 late.
37563 photographed by Jamie Vendy tonight on L12 at Peterborough railway station.
17/04/2010
Thursday 15th April 2010 ~ The Big Debate
I'm sure you will have heard about the big televised election debate this evening. It would seem that none of the main party leaders have ever had the necessity to travel from west to east into Norfolk, the preferred access being via train or the A11 to Norwich as they always come from London.
There has been a long running lobby of support for dualling the remaining gap on the A11 at Elveden and although the present incumbents in Downing Street finally seemed to have succumbed to pressure with the election looming, it has now been announced that the final go ahead has been deferred until after the forthcoming General Election. What a fickle lot our politicians are ? This brings me to the A47 question on which most stretches are still single carriageway and where a proliferation of tractors (punctuated by the inevitable Tesco juggernauts) frequently cause long tailbacks. What chance is there in our lifetimes of seeing this road dualled ? I think we know the answer !
One cannot really blame 'First' for stifling opportunities to speed up the X1 and make it a proper express service while this state of affairs persists. The number of 'through' passengers travelling the route throughout must be miniscule, or possibly non-existant. Anyone finding themselves in Peterborough and needing to get to Lowestoft would surely take the train ? The 08.46 train with (admittedly) a change at Norwich gets you there at 11.33. The 08.35 X1 direct is into Lowestoft at 13.10. No contest.
Today saw further roadworks between Wisbech and Guyhirn to repair the multitude of potholes. Y6 with 37566 was spotted coming into Wisbech on its normal route, just 7 late at 10.27, but Y7 travelled via Wisbech St. Mary and passed Bruce 12 late with 37574. The delays were at their height around lunchtime. 37579 on Y9 was dead on time going west and 27 late returning, despite taking the alternative route. Services from Lowestoft continued to depart Wisbech to time though and 20107 on L12 was actually a minute early departing at 11.47 to Peterborough. Coming back, the nadir was reached by 37156 on L11 which was 32 late passing Bruce, with 'the Beast' in hot pursuit just 10 down. Somewhere beyond this, 107 overtook the B7 and later found itself on L11 with 37156 taking up L12.
20118 continued its new lease of life today and was K3. 37570 was sidelined at Lynn with a recurrence of its old ABS fault - will this prevent it from attending tomorrow's proposed photoshoot I wonder ? Michael Bryant saw 37564 enjoying a day off at Gasworks Road, while B7s 37158/9 remained on King's Lynn locals helping to offset the absence of 30900/1/2 which are all currently off the road.
There has been a long running lobby of support for dualling the remaining gap on the A11 at Elveden and although the present incumbents in Downing Street finally seemed to have succumbed to pressure with the election looming, it has now been announced that the final go ahead has been deferred until after the forthcoming General Election. What a fickle lot our politicians are ? This brings me to the A47 question on which most stretches are still single carriageway and where a proliferation of tractors (punctuated by the inevitable Tesco juggernauts) frequently cause long tailbacks. What chance is there in our lifetimes of seeing this road dualled ? I think we know the answer !
One cannot really blame 'First' for stifling opportunities to speed up the X1 and make it a proper express service while this state of affairs persists. The number of 'through' passengers travelling the route throughout must be miniscule, or possibly non-existant. Anyone finding themselves in Peterborough and needing to get to Lowestoft would surely take the train ? The 08.46 train with (admittedly) a change at Norwich gets you there at 11.33. The 08.35 X1 direct is into Lowestoft at 13.10. No contest.
Today saw further roadworks between Wisbech and Guyhirn to repair the multitude of potholes. Y6 with 37566 was spotted coming into Wisbech on its normal route, just 7 late at 10.27, but Y7 travelled via Wisbech St. Mary and passed Bruce 12 late with 37574. The delays were at their height around lunchtime. 37579 on Y9 was dead on time going west and 27 late returning, despite taking the alternative route. Services from Lowestoft continued to depart Wisbech to time though and 20107 on L12 was actually a minute early departing at 11.47 to Peterborough. Coming back, the nadir was reached by 37156 on L11 which was 32 late passing Bruce, with 'the Beast' in hot pursuit just 10 down. Somewhere beyond this, 107 overtook the B7 and later found itself on L11 with 37156 taking up L12.
20118 continued its new lease of life today and was K3. 37570 was sidelined at Lynn with a recurrence of its old ABS fault - will this prevent it from attending tomorrow's proposed photoshoot I wonder ? Michael Bryant saw 37564 enjoying a day off at Gasworks Road, while B7s 37158/9 remained on King's Lynn locals helping to offset the absence of 30900/1/2 which are all currently off the road.
Wednesday April 14th 2010 ~ I Don't Belieeeeeve It !
Yes, just when I thought the X1 had returned to normality after months of disruption around Wisbech, today proved how wrong I was. Having travelled west of Wisbech a few times lately on the A47, myself and fellow motorists have been involved in complicated chicanes to avoid the abundance of potholes which have appeared following the harsh weather in the past 18 months.
Today, the job of repairing the A47 road surface began with resultant disruption to the X1. The day began pretty normally though. K3 with 37160 for the third day in succession was 7 late into Wisbech to work the 08.56 to Lowestoft. Next eastbound was K4, somewhat surprisingly with 20118 as this turn finishes at Great Yarmouth. 118 was a mere 60 seconds behind time. K5 had 37572, 11 late into Wisbech. Going west L8 was marginally early with 37579, Y9 had 37565 2 minutes late and 37570 was on L10, again fractionally ahead of schedule. L11 had 37567 running 4 late but services after this were diverted via Wisbech St. Mary to avoid the A47 congestion. This had bitten earlier on eastbound services. Y6 with 37577 was not seen, but Y7 with 37576 which had been one minute late going to Peterborough reappeared 27 late on its return. After this the alternative route was taken by 37579 on L8 which was glimpsed in the Old Market at 11.30, just 10 late.
37565 on Y9 returned via the booked route and was 35 late because of this. Things improved punctuality wise after this and 37567 on L11 was 18 late eastbound, L12 with 37568 was seen by Bruce 9 late and 37157 on Y13 was just 6 late from Wisbech on the 13.56 to Lowestoft.
By mid afternoon, services had reverted to their normal route and K2 and K18 due past me at 16.20 were seen passing at 16.24 with 37564 and 37569 respectively. Michael Bryant saw 'The Beast' sitting on standby in Lowestoft bus station today and 34108 was working on the X2. 20118 was removed from K4 at 10.00 with a freshly serviced 37574 working forward, but this wasn't the end of 118s X1 experience as L10 with 37570 was in trouble at 12.30 and 118 was procured to work forward. It completed the diagram which finishes as the 22.05 Peterborough - King's Lynn.
During my absence over the weekend, the bus stops either side of the Walton Road junction at Walsoken have seen thier seats and shelters (which are only about 18 months old) completely demolished and only the concrete bases show where the shelters had stood.
Today, the job of repairing the A47 road surface began with resultant disruption to the X1. The day began pretty normally though. K3 with 37160 for the third day in succession was 7 late into Wisbech to work the 08.56 to Lowestoft. Next eastbound was K4, somewhat surprisingly with 20118 as this turn finishes at Great Yarmouth. 118 was a mere 60 seconds behind time. K5 had 37572, 11 late into Wisbech. Going west L8 was marginally early with 37579, Y9 had 37565 2 minutes late and 37570 was on L10, again fractionally ahead of schedule. L11 had 37567 running 4 late but services after this were diverted via Wisbech St. Mary to avoid the A47 congestion. This had bitten earlier on eastbound services. Y6 with 37577 was not seen, but Y7 with 37576 which had been one minute late going to Peterborough reappeared 27 late on its return. After this the alternative route was taken by 37579 on L8 which was glimpsed in the Old Market at 11.30, just 10 late.
37565 on Y9 returned via the booked route and was 35 late because of this. Things improved punctuality wise after this and 37567 on L11 was 18 late eastbound, L12 with 37568 was seen by Bruce 9 late and 37157 on Y13 was just 6 late from Wisbech on the 13.56 to Lowestoft.
By mid afternoon, services had reverted to their normal route and K2 and K18 due past me at 16.20 were seen passing at 16.24 with 37564 and 37569 respectively. Michael Bryant saw 'The Beast' sitting on standby in Lowestoft bus station today and 34108 was working on the X2. 20118 was removed from K4 at 10.00 with a freshly serviced 37574 working forward, but this wasn't the end of 118s X1 experience as L10 with 37570 was in trouble at 12.30 and 118 was procured to work forward. It completed the diagram which finishes as the 22.05 Peterborough - King's Lynn.
During my absence over the weekend, the bus stops either side of the Walton Road junction at Walsoken have seen thier seats and shelters (which are only about 18 months old) completely demolished and only the concrete bases show where the shelters had stood.
15/04/2010
Tuesday April 13th 2010 ~ A Window of Opportunity Returns
Back to work for me today and at last a day with an uninterrupted X1 service passing by. The B198 has reopened following the recent fire on Nene Quay.
All nineteen X1 diagrams were viewed at some point and timekeeping was generally good with almost all services running to within 5 minutes of their booked times through Wisbech.
Westbound services delayed were Y13 12.18 to Peterborough with 37156, 6 late and later K1 15.48 westbound with 37577 was 17 late. Eastbound, worst performers were 37568 9 late on K14 and 37573 15 late on K19. Both these had been on time going west. In contrast 37565 on L8 was a minute early into Wisbech to work the 11.26 to Lowestoft.
37572 on L11 was changed at Lynn for 37564 which then worked the 10.45 to Peterborough to enable a service to be carried out on 572.
B10M 20118 proved its worth by operating K5 and this was followed by 20107 on Y6. 37570 with its allover rear advert is pre-assigned for a photo-shoot on Friday !
All nineteen X1 diagrams were viewed at some point and timekeeping was generally good with almost all services running to within 5 minutes of their booked times through Wisbech.
Westbound services delayed were Y13 12.18 to Peterborough with 37156, 6 late and later K1 15.48 westbound with 37577 was 17 late. Eastbound, worst performers were 37568 9 late on K14 and 37573 15 late on K19. Both these had been on time going west. In contrast 37565 on L8 was a minute early into Wisbech to work the 11.26 to Lowestoft.
37572 on L11 was changed at Lynn for 37564 which then worked the 10.45 to Peterborough to enable a service to be carried out on 572.
B10M 20118 proved its worth by operating K5 and this was followed by 20107 on Y6. 37570 with its allover rear advert is pre-assigned for a photo-shoot on Friday !
X1 Summary Friday April 9th - Monday April 12th
Because I was away this weekend, the blog for the above dates consists of a summary.
Friday 9th
Saturday 10th
37562 was back on K17 today, but 20107 was a surprise on L9 because 37567 was unavailable. L12, the single Lowestoft - Peterborough and return trip turn is thought to have been worked by 37157. 37160 returned home on L11. Paragons 20500/1 are reported at Norwich Vulcan Road today.
Sunday 11th
Not a great deal of note today, but B7 37156 was out. All other turns are believed to have been B9 Geminis.
Monday 12th
B10M 20118 had a major 'E' service today and some of its rust patches appear to have been painted up. Sister schools vehicle 20121 had a stint on the X40 Hunstanton route as there is a shortage of double deckers locally. 37158/9 were also on local King's Lynn work today. The Beast escaped fron Lynn on K1 meaning it should end up at Yarmouth tonight.
Still no sign of 37563 and at Lowestoft 34108 returned to local work.
Friday 9th
37160 on the long distance turn, Y6, photographed at Peterborough rail station this morning by Peter who was off on one of his beer trips.
A few gaps today, but the undoubted highlight was 20118 in use on K4. 37578 replaced it at some point and later 118 had in turn replaced 37562 on K5. Both swaps were due to maintenance schedules.20107 continued its exploits on K2 and 34108 was also out, working K16. 37157 and 37569 were kept at Lowestoft for maintenance.Y6 had the delights of 37160, which probably needed refuelling this evening if recent events are anything to go by. Jamie V reported 20127 arriving at Lowestoft at teatime with X1 Not in Service on the blinds, however, a passenger alighted.Saturday 10th
37562 was back on K17 today, but 20107 was a surprise on L9 because 37567 was unavailable. L12, the single Lowestoft - Peterborough and return trip turn is thought to have been worked by 37157. 37160 returned home on L11. Paragons 20500/1 are reported at Norwich Vulcan Road today.
Sunday 11th
Not a great deal of note today, but B7 37156 was out. All other turns are believed to have been B9 Geminis.
Monday 12th
B10M 20118 had a major 'E' service today and some of its rust patches appear to have been painted up. Sister schools vehicle 20121 had a stint on the X40 Hunstanton route as there is a shortage of double deckers locally. 37158/9 were also on local King's Lynn work today. The Beast escaped fron Lynn on K1 meaning it should end up at Yarmouth tonight.
Still no sign of 37563 and at Lowestoft 34108 returned to local work.
Thursday 8th April 2010 ~ Heading West
I headed off to Herefordshire this afternoon. Bruce, John W, Andy and Peter sent in reports for us. Bruce says "Well the Blogmeister is away at his convention for a few days. I'm not sure what convention - I can only assume he is trying to make a name as a standup comedian by reading extracts from the X1 blog at the event ! Anyway I discussed things with my Unite rep and found that writing a blog would not affect my redundancy pay (as Gerard now has his own observatory) or my travel concessions so here goes:-
K1 37565 15 late at 17.49
K2 37572
K3 20118 (all day)
K4 37575
K5 37159
Y6 37578
Y7 37574
L8 37564
Y9 37156
L10 The Beast 14 late at 12.48
L11 37570
L12 The BBBB 10 late at 13.44
Y13 37567
K14 37566
K15 37579
K16 37157
K17 The Mancunian 18 late to PB
K18 37158
K19 37577 22 late at 17.26
John W adds "37575 replaced '576 Lowestoft bound at Lynn. This was at around 10.10 so I expect it was the 10.02 departure (K4) running late. Next through was 37159, and on time." This makes sense as 576 had just been serviced and 575 was due for the same. 37563/8/9 all absent today.
K1 37565 15 late at 17.49
K2 37572
K3 20118 (all day)
K4 37575
K5 37159
Y6 37578
Y7 37574
L8 37564
Y9 37156
L10 The Beast 14 late at 12.48
L11 37570
L12 The BBBB 10 late at 13.44
Y13 37567
K14 37566
K15 37579
K16 37157
K17 The Mancunian 18 late to PB
K18 37158
K19 37577 22 late at 17.26
John W adds "37575 replaced '576 Lowestoft bound at Lynn. This was at around 10.10 so I expect it was the 10.02 departure (K4) running late. Next through was 37159, and on time." This makes sense as 576 had just been serviced and 575 was due for the same. 37563/8/9 all absent today.
Rob Brooks photographed 37575 - the pesky one as he calls it because of the frequency with which he seems to travel on it, alongside some Stagecoach opposition at Peterborough Queensgate on Wednesday afternoon.
Andy was about today to capture the departure of 'The Beast' with a very familiar driver on L10 13.02 Lynn to Lowestoft, while 37157 awaits departure on the 13.15 to Peterborough.
08/04/2010
Next Post......
Will be on Monday 12th. Any sightings / pictures to the usual address please. Thanks for all your contributions. Gerard
Wednesday 7th April 2010 ~ Gemini Absences
The register of Geminis was incomplete today. Absentees were 37563 - last reported on March 22nd, 37569 which was last seen lurking on Lowestoft depot on Good Friday and 37573 on MOT at King's Lynn. An unexpected sight at King's Lynn tonight was 37562 which had begun its day on K17 as usual, but which had obviously been removed for some reason. It is not clear what had worked forward but a candidate would seem to be 20123 which is now back on the road. Sister vehicle 20118 continued its frontline renaissance on K3 and Bruce's Big Beautiful Bus (34108) was having a long day on Y6.
Y13 had 37157 today and this turn is a regular B7 diagram, however, this evening it was 7 late from Lynn on the 21.50 to Peterborough and then lost further time as refuelling was required at Vancouver Avenue. the driver then made a commendable effort to make up time and was 10 late at Walpole Highway.
Y13 had 37157 today and this turn is a regular B7 diagram, however, this evening it was 7 late from Lynn on the 21.50 to Peterborough and then lost further time as refuelling was required at Vancouver Avenue. the driver then made a commendable effort to make up time and was 10 late at Walpole Highway.
07/04/2010
Tuesday April 6th 2010 ~ Holiday Highway
20118 having a holiday today
20127 back on country work, Jamie photographed it at Bradwell
What's this ? a B10M wrapped up in a very large quilt ? No its dear old 20103 dumped at Gasworks Road
20107 is an X1 regular, but less so on the X2. Photographed in Lowestoft today.
Many thanks to Jamie Vendy for all today's photos.
With it being school holidays, Lynn's allocation of B10Ms are free for X1 emergency use. What was unexpected was the use of 20118 on K5 all day though. The reason for this is that 37573 is stopped for MOT this week. 37158/60 were available, but were used on local work in preference. 20107 went east early on K1 but on arrival at Lowestoft was diverted onto the X2 with 34108 taking over K1, its first working on the X1 since 15th March.Bruce reports K15 running 20 late westbound and 30 late returning with 37578 at lunchtime with 37572 on K16 running just four minutes behind it.
More Easter Musings ~ Sunday/Monday 4 & 5 April 2010
Saturday's vehicle dispersion resulted in Yarmouth receiving 37156/7 & 20107/27 overnight. Three of these are then booked to work on Sunday and 20127 ended up remaining at Yarmouth with the other three working. B10Ms are rare on Sundays now and 20107 made a welcome change. It ended up at Lynn where it rested on Easter Monday.
Sunday saw another unusual event, or rather non-event in that none of Lowestoft's B9 allocation were in service. Easter Monday saw 37565/7 back in service and 37159 was also used on a turn ending
at Yarmouth.
Pictured are 37575 on Sunday's 10.48 Lowestoft - Peterborough, still with the Philip Morris ad and 37579 on Easter Monday's 13.10 from Peterborough carrying the latest version of the T Mobile ad.
at Yarmouth.
Pictured are 37575 on Sunday's 10.48 Lowestoft - Peterborough, still with the Philip Morris ad and 37579 on Easter Monday's 13.10 from Peterborough carrying the latest version of the T Mobile ad.
06/04/2010
Saturday April 3rd 2010 ~ A Barbie Easter
37158 on L11 was removed at King's Lynn at 10.40 and 37576 took its place. Whether this was late leaving for Peterborough is not known, but it was certainly delayed at some point as Peter saw it on the A47 bypass at Tilney heading east at around 13.15 (in fact only about 10 minutes late). as a result 20107 on L12 had a heavy loading and was itself around 10 late. Geminis 37563/4/9 were all absent today.
37566 on K16 passing Walpole during an overcast spell at lunchtime.
Good Friday April 2nd 2010
The first of the three days over Easter with an hourly Sunday timetable. Delays were heavy today, with two services being seen 24 & 20 late respectively. A car fire at Guyhirn this morning closed the A47 for a time and may have added to the problems.
37576 departs from Terrington St. John 20 minutes late as the 14.05 to Peterborough this afternoon.
37562 was picked by one of the Lynn drivers and ended up at Yarmouth tonight which was not in the script. 37578 went out on the first eastbound turn from Lynn and was changed as booked at Lowestoft, but instead of a B9 being used, 37567/9 were present, B7 37156 was used instead. 20127 remained in King's Lynn garage spare along with 37575/7/9.
02/04/2010
Thursday April 1st 2010 ~ For 564, read 127 !
The unreliability of 37564 reared its head again today with 20127 appearing on Y13 in its place. Bruce saw it on Y13 and the next service to Peterborough was K14 with 20107. All the B7s were in use on the X1 save 37159. Timekeeping was pretty poor today, particularly from Peterborough, however, the bus station was closed for a time this morning after a sudden daeth I am told.
37566 was spare at Lowestoft today and 37579 received a service at King's Lynn. Still no sign of 37563. Bruce says L12 with 37578 did not pass through the villages this morning and it is debatable as to whether it used the bypass or failed to work west of Lynn.
37566 was spare at Lowestoft today and 37579 received a service at King's Lynn. Still no sign of 37563. Bruce says L12 with 37578 did not pass through the villages this morning and it is debatable as to whether it used the bypass or failed to work west of Lynn.
Wednesday March 31st 2010 ~ Mileage Mystery
37568 returned to X1 duties today, 37159 was sent out first thing on K16 but by the time the 16.02 to Lowestoft departed, 37568 had taken over. The discrepancies between the B9s odometer readings and those on the wheel hubs are becoming larger. According to its driving cab speedo, 568 has run 160,921 miles, yet its wheel hub device reads 156,050. Almost a 5,000 mile difference.
Various people helped out with sightings today including, Cheryl, Rob B and Bruce. Lowestoft sent out 20107 on L10, this time instead of 37575.
Various people helped out with sightings today including, Cheryl, Rob B and Bruce. Lowestoft sent out 20107 on L10, this time instead of 37575.
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