Sunday, 31 May 2020

Coastal Coaches

Optare Solo SR YJ65ETK 'Sir Stuart' in Poulton-le-Fylde


Coastal Coaches is a family owned company who operate stage carriage services around the Fylde, along with an associated coach hire business. Coastal Coaches are based at Warton near Lytham, operating an immaculate fleet of vehicles in a smart blue and white livery. The company run several local bus services serving all the major towns on the Fylde between Preston and Blackpool, and provide a vital service connecting many of the rural villages in the area. For many years the bus routes were operated by Optare Solos (similar to those that ran in Blackpool & Preston), but the fleet has since been updated with the later Optare Solo SR model. The coaching side of the business uses a wide range of vehicles of all sizes, ranging from 16 seat up to 59 seat coaches. A tradition of the company is that most of their vehicles are named after children whose parents have a long-standing association with the partnership.

Optare Solo SR YJ65ETO 'Miss Lucy' heading into Blackpool along Talbot Road



Optare Solo SR YJ68FYR 'Miss Elvi' passing the old Wilko store on Talbot Road



Optare Solo SR YJ15AFY 'Master Luke' at Talbot Square in Blackpool



Optare Solo YJ11EHC 'Master Jack' at Dickson Road in Blackpool



Mercedes-Benz Vario 0816D PO61LUZ 'Lady Claire' in Poulton-le-Fylde



Mercedes-Benz 1524L PO14ATF 'Lady Joan' near the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool



Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BG63VVC 'Sir Clem' at Gynn Square in Blackpool

Tuesday, 26 May 2020

Avanti West Coast Pendolino

A profile view of the driving car on Avanti Pendolino 390155 at Manchester Piccadilly


While passing through Manchester Piccadilly railway station on 27th February, I had a chance encounter with one of the former Virgin Pendolinos that are carrying full Avanti West Coast livery. Pendolinos 390155 and 390156 were repainted in the new Avanti livery in readiness for the launch day on Sunday 8th December last year.

Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390155 at Manchester Piccadilly Station


Avanti Pendolino 390155 leaving Piccadilly on the 1155 to London Euston


Avanti Pendolino 390155 departing on the 1155 service to London Euston


Virgin Pendolino 390013 "Blackpool Belle" at Layton Station, Blackpool on 3rd July 2018