X70 Red Rocket

Dennis Dart W371 VHB, new to Cardiff Bus in 2000, waiting to depart from stand 3 at Blackpool Coach Station

Catch22Bus resumed operation of their X70 Red Rocket Express from Blackpool to Manchester on 21st November. Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart W371 VHB has been painted in an overall red livery for use on the express route. The seasonal service is currently operating on a daily basis, and more information and bus times can be found on http://www.redrocketexpress.co.uk.

The Red Rocket Express has to leave Blackpool via Chapel St car park due to Seasiders Way being closed

Blackpool Atlantean on route 22

Atlantean 334 seen heading along Anchorsholme Lane in rather murky conditions in Cleveleys

Former Blackpool Leyland Atlantean 334 (AHG 334V) made a brief foray in service on the 22 from Mereside to Cleveleys and return on Sunday 1st November. This short outing was the first time that an Atlantean has been used on the 22 route since 2001.

New Trident Driver Trainer

Dennis Trident 974 (ex 304) the new driver training bus, seen heading south on Clifton Drive

Some more views of grey and yellow Dennis Trident 974, Blackpool Transport's new driver training vehicle.

The rear off-side of Dennis Trident 974 as it returns back to Rigby Rd depot after use on driver tuition

Palladium Trident

Dennis Trident 974 (ex 304) seen in its new role as a driver training bus on Rigby Road

Dennis Trident 304 is now in use as a driver training vehicle. 304 has been renumbered to 974 and is painted in a grey and pale yellow colour scheme, based on the livery that was first used on the ten new 'Palladium' branded Mercedes Citaros that entered service at the end of May.

Palladium Mercedes Citaro 550, showing where the inspiration came from for the new driver training livery

DRS Class 37 at Preston

Direct Rail Services 37422 at Preston Station at the head of the 2C47 to Barrow-in-Furness on 8th October

While out on a shopping trip, I accidently came across a Class 37 on a passenger working at Preston Station. Direct Rail Services 37422 was operating the 2C47, departing from Preston at 1004 for Barrow-in-Furness. Unfortunately the weather wasn't very conducive to photography as it was raining when I arrived and then it started lashing down as the train departed from the station!

Direct Rail Services 37422 departing from Preston Station at 1004 on the 2C47 to Barrow in heavy rain

Direct Rail Services 37422 at Preston Station, waiting to depart for Barrow-in-Furness on the 2C47

Wright Streetdeck Demonstrator

Wrightbus Streetdeck demonstrator SL15 ZGP southbound on route 1 on the Promenade at Waterloo Road

Blackpool Transport currently have one of the new 'Stealth' styled Wrightbus Streetdeck integral demonstrators on loan. The Streetdeck has been in use on the coastal route 1 between Starr Gate and Fleetwood since it arrived in the resort last week. SL15 ZGP was new in June, and is currently in its second week of use on the Fylde Coast. One notable feature of this demonstrator is the glazed staircase, similar to that used on London's Borismasters, however most production Streetdecks omit this option and are constructed with normal panelling in this area.

Wrightbus Streetdeck demonstrator SL15 ZGP near Ash St. in Fleetwood, clearly showing the fully glazed staircase

A rear three-quarter view of Wrightbus Streetdeck demonstrator SL15 ZGP at Cleveleys

The lower deck of Wrightbus Streetdeck demonstrator SL15 ZGP, showing the glazed staircase area

The upper deck of Wrightbus Streetdeck demonstrator SL15 ZGP

Flexity 002 receives advertising

Flexity 002 with its new side advert for Fleetwood Market

Flexity 002 has received side advertising for Fleetwood Market. Previous to the advert being applied, 002 was one of the few Flexity trams remaining in unadorned fleet livery. The advert is rather uninspiring, with the writing being so small on the roof panels that at first glance from a distance it is not obvious what it's meant to be promoting.