The bus that has never been a bus visits Blackpool

Scania Omnidekka PE55 WMC at Bickerstaffe Square on 23rd August

A Scania double-deck bus branded 'Your Heart Matters' visited Blackpool on Wednesday 23rd August. The bus was parked on Bickerstaffe Square, opposite Blackpool North railway station between 10am and 3pm, enabling people to be checked to see if they had heart valve problems. Scania Omnidekka PE55 WMC was delivered new in 2006 to Newcastle Council, and has never seen use as a public service vehicle. The bus was built from new for use as a mobile showroom to promote council housing in Newcastle.

An offside view of Scania Omnidekka PE55 WMC in Blackpool

A rear view of Scania Omnidekka PE55 WMC in Blackpool

First Day in Service for Isle of Man Ferry Manxman

Manxman approaching Heysham on its inaugural passenger sailing from Douglas on 17th August

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's new ro-ro ferry Manxman made its first passenger sailing on Thursday 17th August. The Manxman was timetabled to leave Douglas at 08:45, but the departure was delayed for half an hour due to loading problems, the delay meant that the ferry arrived at Heysham somewhat later than advertised. The ship was scheduled to sail from Heysham on the return journey to Douglas at 14:15, but its departure was delayed until 15:00. The Manxman was constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea, having been ordered in July 2020. The ship was launched in June 2022 and commenced sea trials in December of that year. The delivery voyage to the UK of approximately 12,000 miles started on 13th May, 2023.

Manxman passing the remains of the wooden South Jetty at Heysham Harbour

Manxman approaching the harbour entrance at Heysham

Manxman passing the South Pier Lighthouse at the entrance to Heysham Harbour

A rear view of Manxman entering Heysham Harbour with a truck on the upper car deck

Manxman turning around in Heysham Harbour

Manxman about to reverse into its berth

Manxman berthed at the loading ramp in Heysham Harbour

Manxman setting sail for the return voyage to Douglas in the Isle of Man

Manxman passing though the harbour entrance at Heysham on its way to Douglas

Pleasure Beach all-over advert for Flexity 012

Flexity 012 on North Albert Street in Fleetwood

Flexity 012 entered service on Sunday 6th August with a new vinyl wrap advert for the Pleasure Beach. Contravision has been restricted to the end and centre sections, leaving the windows on the two twin-door sections clear of advertising. The tram is a welcome addition to the fleet, with its bright and cheerful advert, especially in light of other overall wrap adverts having been lost over the last few years. Note all the photos in this report were taken on Monday 7th August.

Flexity 012 at Fleetwood Ferry on the afternoon of Monday 7th August

Flexity 012 at Fleetwood Ferry on the morning of Monday 7th August

Flexity 012 at the northern terminus in Bold Street, Fleetwood

Flexity 012 turning right into Pharos Street in Fleetwood