GVVT Bridgeton Garage http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/ 42 rows en-gb 60 Blackpool Trams On The South Shore... Now Closed http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1794480.html Just a few shots of trams running between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate on a normal day in June 09 just a couple of months before the unannounced closure. Not only are these trams unlikely to venture along the South Shore again but the backdrop of familure hotels are all under threat of iminent demolution Monday 21 December 2009: Just a few shots of trams running between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate on a normal day in June 09 just a couple of months before the unannounced closure. Not only are these trams unlikely to venture along the South Shore again but the backdrop of familure hotels are all under threat of iminent demolution

645 (1) 645 (2) 762 (1) 762 (2) 721 (1) 721 (2)

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]]> Mon Dec 21 2009 Ribble 90 @ Preston http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1794478.html It's been a while since anything new was posted so on this cold winters day I'm going back to June for some pictures of the Ribble 90 display on the Flag Market in Preston Monday 21 December 2009: It's been a while since anything new was posted so on this cold winters day I'm going back to June for some pictures of the Ribble 90 display on the Flag Market in Preston

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]]> Mon Dec 21 2009 Crich 50th Celebrations http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1716714.html The Spring Bank Holiday Weekend in May 2009 witnessed the 50th birthday celebrations of the initial events at the quarry railway in Crich, the founding stone of the Tramway Village. Captions to follow... Tuesday 23 June 2009: The Spring Bank Holiday Weekend in May 2009 witnessed the 50th birthday celebrations of the initial events at the quarry railway in Crich, the founding stone of the Tramway Village. Captions to follow...

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]]> Tue Jun 23 2009 Lathalmond Running Day 2009 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1716578.html The annual early season visit to Lathalmond for the running day event. Plenty of variety as always and some new and refreshed vehicles on the preservation scene. Captions to follow... Tuesday 23 June 2009: The annual early season visit to Lathalmond for the running day event. Plenty of variety as always and some new and refreshed vehicles on the preservation scene. Captions to follow...

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]]> Tue Jun 23 2009 FTS Convention Weekend, Blackpool May 2009 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1716311.html Pictures from the FTS (Fylde Tramway Society) Convention Weekend at the beginning of May 2009. Plenty of tram bashing along with special trips and a depot tour. Being the very last year of the Blackpool system as we know it every moment had to be savoured and recorded. More photos and captions to follow... Tuesday 23 June 2009: Pictures from the FTS (Fylde Tramway Society) Convention Weekend at the beginning of May 2009. Plenty of tram bashing along with special trips and a depot tour. Being the very last year of the Blackpool system as we know it every moment had to be savoured and recorded. More photos and captions to follow...

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]]> Tue Jun 23 2009 BSG537L At BusWorks http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1714213.html Pictures taken at Bus Works on Friday 1st May 2009. BSG537L being refurbished. Thursday 18 June 2009: Pictures taken at Bus Works on Friday 1st May 2009. BSG537L being refurbished.

BSG537L (01) BSG537L (02) BSG537L (03) BSG537L (04) BSG537L (05) BSG537L (06) Bus Works; Handybus Bus Works; Metrorider Bus Works; Duple under heavy restoration

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]]> Thu Jun 18 2009 Crich; Tram Driver Training School http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1713914.html In late April 09 I was at Crich for an intensive training program as part of my eventual progression to Tram Driver. Thursday 18 June 2009: In late April 09 I was at Crich for an intensive training program as part of my eventual progression to Tram Driver.

Crich May 09; Paisley 68 and Blackpool 40 at Town End (19th April) Crich May 09; Paisley 68 (19th April) Crich May 09; Our Blue Box... Crich May 09; 345 at Town End Crich May 09; Malcolm at the helm of Blackpool 40 on our first day at the controls Crich May 09; 40 waits at Wakebridge Crich May 09; 40 enjoys the Spring sun at Glory Mine Crich May 09; Time for afternoon tea? Cordial relations are maintained! Crich May 09; Malcolm does the tram driver's dance! Crich May 09; 273 at Wakebridge Crich May 09; Blackpool loco on the depot fan Crich May 09; Blackpool 166 having been towed out from the depot for recommisioning work Crich May 09; Blackpool pairing prepare to move Crich May 09; Berlin, Blackpool and London cars are visible Crich May 09; Southampton 45 Crich May 09; Blackpool 40 complete with L plates for our benefit Crich May 09; Malcolm and myself pose in front of 22, the second car on our training. Crich May 09; 1622 and we're released on an electric brake car!!!!! Crich May 09; Cardiff Water Car 131 on trial at Wakebridge Crich May 09; 1622 at Glory Mine Crich May 09; Chesterfield 7 on engineering trial Crich May 09; 1622 and our blue box again Crich May 09; Our last day (assessment day) and it's a wecome return for Blackpool 40 Crich May 09; 22 sits in a wet Stephenson Place Crich May 09; Malcolm and our instructor (Mrs Trellis) loiter with intent outside 40. Judging from the smile it's after the assessments (we passed)

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]]> Thu Jun 18 2009 Kirkby Stephen Easter 2009 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1712568.html A spectacular sunny Easter this year to make up for the snow last year. Monday 15 June 2009: A spectacular sunny Easter this year to make up for the snow last year.

Kirkby Stephen 2009; 01 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 02 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 03 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 04 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 05 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 06 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 07 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 08 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 09 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 10 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 11 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 12 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 13 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 14 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 15 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 16 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 17 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 18 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 19 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 20 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 21 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 22 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 23 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 24 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 25 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 26 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 27 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 28 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 29 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 30 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 31 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 32 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 33 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 34 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 35 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 36 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 37 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 38 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 39 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 40 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 41 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 42 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 43 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 44 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 45 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 46 Blackpool 501 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 47 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 48 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 49 Kirkby Stephen 2009; 50

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]]> Mon Jun 15 2009 BSG537L Moves To Blackpool http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1652671.html On Saturday 10th January 2009 BSG537L our ex Eastern Scottish Leopard moved from it's temporary home in Preston Bus's Deepdale Depot to it's next stopping point Bus Works at Blackpool. Thursday 12 February 2009: On Saturday 10th January 2009 BSG537L our ex Eastern Scottish Leopard moved from it's temporary home in Preston Bus's Deepdale Depot to it's next stopping point Bus Works at Blackpool.

BSG537L. First move in 22 months and went like the clappers BSG537L at the side of the A583 Bod poses with the camera! BSG537L hopefully for the last time in red & white Bod and a bus! Having lost Bod another photo stop on the A583 BSG537L on the A583 near to Peel Corner BSG537L on arrival at Bus Works BSG537L parked at Bus Works, Blackpool LTT owned ex Fylde (rebodied) Atlantean £ Dublin Olympians and a Norwegian Routemaster at Bus Works BSG537L as we left her at Bus Works

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]]> Thu Feb 12 2009 Preston Bus - The End of the Road http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1652657.html Preston Bus Limited was sold to Stagecoach Holdings with effect from midnight Thursday 22nd January 2009. After nearly 105 years of council and then employee ownership this was the end of Preston's own public transport. Thursday 12 February 2009: Preston Bus Limited was sold to Stagecoach Holdings with effect from midnight Thursday 22nd January 2009. After nearly 105 years of council and then employee ownership this was the end of Preston's own public transport.

Deepdale Depot; Lynx 215 on shed (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 110 on the moor (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 102 on the moor (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Chassis wash (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; the cage (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Rear of 110 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 123, ex Lothian 323 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 127 leads the block of school deckers (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Withdrawn 30 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Inside the Dock Shop (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Inside the Dock Shop again (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 51 in the Dock Shop (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 29 & 67 inside the Dock Shop (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 34 & 38 inside the Dock Shop (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Solo SR 5 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Trident 184 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; The Preston Crest (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Recovery K288HNG (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; Metrorider 39 (10/01/09) Deepdale Depot; The Old Tram Depot & Current Offices (22/01/09) Deepdale Depot; 203 & 80 inside the bodyshop (21/01/09) The last day dawns; Deepdale depot 05:00 at Thursday 22/01/09 The last night; 133 being made ready to leave the depot at 22:30 (22/01/09) The last night; 133 prepares for the last departure from the bus station (22/01/09) The last night; Solo 86 waits for the 2300 departure complete with commermorative notice as applied to many of the fleet during the day. The last night; Lynx 212 at Asda (22/01/09) The last night; 133 and 212. I had brought 133 into the depot as the very last bus back into Deepdale under Employee ownership. (22/01/09) The last night; After arriving back at Deepdale 133 & 212 the two longest serving members of the fleet on this last day (22/01/09) The last night; At 23:45(ish) the party was over and Preston Bus passed into history. Within 48 hours the fleetnames were replaced by Stagecoach names and the first buses were being repainted (22/01/09)

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]]> Thu Feb 12 2009 Blackpool Trams; 679 Farewell Tour 29/11/08 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1618864.html Unused for several years rebuilt Railcoach 679 has been taken on by the LTT with the intention of returning it to original 1930 style in time for the 125th anniversary of the tramway in 2010. To celebrate the end of 679 a special tram service operated between Tower and Thornton Gate with 679 and LTT's Coronation 304. Lots of photos of 304, less of 679, but that couldn't be helped as I was guarding 304 for a lot of the day!!! Freezing fog ensured the day will not be forgotten and allowed for some unusual photos of the cars used. It does mean some photos are a bit blotchy though, but couldn't help that! Monday 1 December 2008: Unused for several years rebuilt Railcoach 679 has been taken on by the LTT with the intention of returning it to original 1930 style in time for the 125th anniversary of the tramway in 2010. To celebrate the end of 679 a special tram service operated between Tower and Thornton Gate with 679 and LTT's Coronation 304. Lots of photos of 304, less of 679, but that couldn't be helped as I was guarding 304 for a lot of the day!!! Freezing fog ensured the day will not be forgotten and allowed for some unusual photos of the cars used. It does mean some photos are a bit blotchy though, but couldn't help that!

754 heading north up the prom 643 appears from the fog 641 heads south along a deserted prom 529 sits outside the old Colliseum Coach Station 529 with the tram depot behind Newly restored 529 retains an original advert on the rear panel 679 appears from the depot Despite the years of non use 679 looked in ideal condition 679 has recently been used by the apprentice to practise on. The unfaultable performance bodes well. 679 pulls along Hopton Road... ... on to Lytham Road... ... and towards Manchester Square for one last encore 304 prepares to leave the depot 30 minutes behind 679 304 prior to departure 304 at thornton Gate 304 back at Tower 304 (or 641 after renumbering) meets current 641 at Tower 304 has been lapped by 679 by the time we reached Bispham for the 2nd trip! 304 sits outside Bispham Station waiting for 679 to clear the road. 679 ready to head north into the fog 304 at Tower again with Trolley ready to be turned 304 passes Bispham again 304 reaches an ever more foggy Thornton Gate 304 back at the tower one more time Them 304s lunch break at Bispham 529 was acting as photographers chasing bus today 679 pauses at Bispham 679 disappears south into t' mist 648 passes Bispham 679 at Bispham waiting for it's last journey to the Tower 761 won't get lost in the fog! 679 ready to leave Bispham 679 interior (1) 679 interior (2) 679 interior (3) 679 waits at Bispham before setting out to tour the system one last time 529 rests at Fleetwood before returning to Blackpool Recently restored 529 and 679 look superb sitting in the fog at Fleetwood Ferry 529 & 679 again at Fleetwood Ferry 679 in the dark at Fleetwood A dark, cold, foggy Starr Gate plays host to Centenary car 645 529's work is done at Starr Gate 679s cab detail (1) 679s cab detail (2) 679s is done, the last passengers leave at Rigby Road depot 679 waits to enter the depot for the last time 679 sits under the lights at Rigby Road

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]]> Mon Dec 1 2008 The Mrs Trellis Collection http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1610017.html As it says on the tin a collection of photographs from the lense of a Mrs Trellis Tuesday 11 November 2008: As it says on the tin a collection of photographs from the lense of a Mrs Trellis

The Crich all stars SLEEPY WINKY Animal, Mineral or Vegetable Chimps Tea Party Lathalmond 1 oops no wire Rare outing for 35 Someone tell Ian its not a camera its a Ribena carton Mart reading instructions on how to drink coffee Economy class You need hands Andy surprised by the length of Ians tongue Macleans whiter than white Ians turn in the barrel Gary with usual face Mart with his Here's one I made earlier

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]]> Tue Nov 11 2008 Trams in November 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1606134.html The weekend of 1st & 2nd November saw the end of the Blackpool Illuminations and with it the end of the summer service on the tramway (although at least there is a winter service this year). It also saw the end of the season at Crich to allow for track replacement to take place over the winter. Tuesday 4 November 2008: The weekend of 1st & 2nd November saw the end of the Blackpool Illuminations and with it the end of the summer service on the tramway (although at least there is a winter service this year). It also saw the end of the season at Crich to allow for track replacement to take place over the winter.

Brush 622 at Cabin Rebuilt Baloon 709 waits for 622 to reverse 683/673 arrive at Fleetwood after a slippery run north Baloon 702 gets a rare day in the sun 683/673 have seen little use all year but thanks to powerful headlights they saw use in this last week of the season 683/673 passes trailer leading 623 and 717 present an 1940 flavour to Talbot Square (700 is even in the background) Will 712 be out again next year? Or 701 for that matter? 623 in wartime green 702 arrives at Cleveleys Coronation 660 failed at Talbot Square with binding brakes Twin set 674/684 picked up where 660 left off 713 at Pleasure Beach Green is the way Blackpool trams should be... 700 leads 712 708 passes Gynn Winky's 2 toasties! It's November, it's Blackpool, it's me in a T-shirt (and it's Barrow and the Ben-my-Chree in the distance) 631 at Fleetwood after a good hurtle Metrocoastline 337 & Stagecoach 25230 2008 public transport design. Is the front profile that different from a 1938 Brush Railcoach??? 631 at the Ferry 717 arrives at the Ferry for it's return journey to Blackpool The restoration of 717 includes the makers signwork And the lower deck of 717 looks fantastic 675 has it's pantograph checked by the tower wagon 622 is surrounded by the world of Doctor Who Me, a Thwaites and the illuminations (and in the darkness Vanguard 619) David feels the cold?!? Crich Sunday 2nd November 2008 and Blackpool 40 maintains the last days service 40 shows Layton as it's ultimate destination Leeds 399 in the afternoon rain 40 at Stephenson Place The street lights are on and Leeds 345 joins Blackpool 40 below the Crich Stand 399 reverses at Glory Mine Twin set 675/685 heads north past Tower Twins 674/684 arrive at Bispham 719 possibly looks better in the dark than the daylight thanks to the reminders of it's days as the Walls ice cream tram Twin set 683/673 enjoy a rare outing Leeds 399 sits at a cold, wet and dark Town End Leeds 399 awaits departure of the last trip of the 2008 season Leeds 399 is cleaned out prior to entering the depot at 1715 and concluding the 2008 season

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]]> Tue Nov 4 2008 LTT October Show 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1603009.html LTT's last event of the season was a vehicle display at St Chad's Headland on Blackpool Prom together with an Open Day at Brimwell Road. The event saw the launch of Blackpool PD3 529 back into service. Wednesday 29 October 2008: LTT's last event of the season was a vehicle display at St Chad's Headland on Blackpool Prom together with an Open Day at Brimwell Road. The event saw the launch of Blackpool PD3 529 back into service.

Preston Bus 133 outside LTT Brimwell Road Preston Bus 133 was used by Leyland as a demonstrator when new, including a spell in use at Blackpool Preston Bus 133 sits on St Chads Headland with the stormy Irish Sea behind 133 with the Tower behind just to prove it really is Blackpool Blackpool Transport 969 is one of two converted Deltas for driver training. Sister K128UFR is in the same role at Preston Bus Preserved Fylde Atlantean 45 carries Seagull coaches fleetnames Two Blues... Fylde Atlanteans 71 (with rebuilt front) and 45 Lytham 19 Lytham 70 Clouds rising over Lytham 19 St Chads floods... On the high seas are former Ribble and Lodon vehicles Appropriately Blackpool 726 advertises the coastguard as it passes the flood Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust Tiger Cub and TD5 Tiger Cub 452 looks out to sea 'Binky' part of the Classic Bus Lancashire fleet 'Cameron' a former Glenvale Titan The Lytham line up Car 622 won't quite get you to Pontins... ...but 719 can be like riding on Infusion!!! A Donny Dommy; Doncaster Dennis Dominator 2214 Preserved Blackpool Routemaster 521 (RM1583) Well laden 713 passes for Pleasure Beach Repainted 718 heads for Starr Gate The storm clouds gather over Preston Bus The debutante Blackpool PD3 529 sits in Corporation Street 521 at LTT Brimwell Road The late afternoon sun illuminates 133 and 969 19 enjoys the sun Formerly G759UYT but now YSV604 Johnson Bros. Tours was a later arrival at St Chads

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]]> Wed Oct 29 2008 GVVT visit Blackpool 2008, East Lancs Railway & Atlantean 50 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1600063.html Our annual weekend in Blackpool saw 54 of us coming down in two buses from Bridgeton & Edinburgh for our usual Tour of the Illuminations in Coronation 304 followed by trips to the East Lancs Railway on Saturday and Atlantean 50 event at Manchester Museum of Transport on the Sunday Thursday 23 October 2008: Our annual weekend in Blackpool saw 54 of us coming down in two buses from Bridgeton & Edinburgh for our usual Tour of the Illuminations in Coronation 304 followed by trips to the East Lancs Railway on Saturday and Atlantean 50 event at Manchester Museum of Transport on the Sunday

M Type at Tebay Metrobus at Tebay M Type & Metrobus at Tebay The face(s) of concern examine the Metrobus engine Andy's on his knees and knows what to do... ... but Lynn has other ideas... ... meanwhile Ian actually gets on with it! Unbridled joy? Methinks not! Awww Graeme models this season little pink number More Metrobus machinations Gary has noticed a crack...! Andy checks eveything is to his satisfaction Metrobus @ Corona Hotel M Type @ Corona Hotel M Type @ Corona Hotel (2) Metrobus @ Corona Hotel (2) Vanguard 619 out on evening service again Blue Buses (Lytham) 71 in Bury Class 37 at Bury They've never seen a corridor connection before? Class 50 at Rawtenstall Deltic Class 55 passes a trailing Class 47 402 'Gateshead' at Ramsbottom Another day, another Atlantean. Blackpool 334 picks us up from the Corona and takes us firstly to... Bus Works; ex West Midlands Metrobus 2 undergoing work Bus Works; ex Dublin Olympian 265 Bus Works; ex Dublin Olympian 272 A line up of Metro Coastline school buses; L to R Lothian 684, Trent A708DAU, Lothian 720, 721, London D367JJD Newly repainted and looking good was former Lothian Olympian 684 334 arrives in Manchester Fishwicks AN69 Ribble Atlantean 1686 heads out in service PMT Atlantean L9766 Ribble Atlantean 1686 at rest Liverpool L501

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 LTT visit Summerlee & the GVVT Open Day http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1600047.html Our annual trip north, this year onboard RM2734, from Blackpool to Glasgow for the Bridgeton Open Day on October 12th. On the 11th we visited the newly reopened Summerlee Museum to see the tramway, Scotlands only one, before working at the Open Day on the Sunday. Thursday 23 October 2008: Our annual trip north, this year onboard RM2734, from Blackpool to Glasgow for the Bridgeton Open Day on October 12th. On the 11th we visited the newly reopened Summerlee Museum to see the tramway, Scotlands only one, before working at the Open Day on the Sunday.

RM2734 at Abington Services on the M74 (between rain) Glasgow Corporation Atlantean LA1 (out from the Transport Museum currently) came to pick us up from out hotel Summerlee; Lanarkshire 53 at the main gate Summerlee; Lanarkshire 53 at the mine end Summerlee; Lanarkshire 53 again at the mine Summerlee; Graz 225 dumped on the line rotting away. Summerlee; Graz 225. Nothing short of vandalism on the part of the museum. Summerlee; 225 is visably rotting and has no pantograph Summerlee; 22 is not the first tram to suffer horrendously at the museums hands Summerlee; 225's internal panels are colapsing and serious water ingress is visible Summerlee; 225's number box is seen to be in bits Summerlee; Graz 225 was once a fine tram but not has been sold apparently?!? Summerlee; 225 sits forlornly blocking the full length of the tramway Summerlee; Glasgow Schools Car 1017 Summerlee; 1017 looks good, hopefully it shall be treated better than 225 and 9062 Summerlee; 1017's interior Summerlee; 1017 outside the depot Summerlee; 1017 interior from the other cab Summerlee; Springburn built Garrett Summerlee; 53 passes the rebuilt exhibition halls Summerlee; 53 heads for the sawmill GVVT Open Day; Visitors for Northern Ireland GVVT Open Day; Blackpool PD3 501 GVVT Open Day; Glasgow L163 GVVT Open Day; Glasgow LA1 GVVT Open Day; Sydney Albion GVVT Open Day; Pseudo AA Guy Arab GVVT Open Day; Aberdeen Corporation 22(?) GVVT Open Day; Midland Scottish MRF168 Southwaites heading south alongside West Coast Motors

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 Showbus 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1600038.html Shh, don't tell anyone but we Stagecoached it down to Showbus at Duxford again. This year in one of Perth depots brand new Enviro 400's for the Crieff service. Lots of pictures, not many captions... you know as much about them as I do! Thursday 23 October 2008: Shh, don't tell anyone but we Stagecoached it down to Showbus at Duxford again. This year in one of Perth depots brand new Enviro 400's for the Crieff service. Lots of pictures, not many captions... you know as much about them as I do!

Our bus at Peterborough Overtaken by the M type Our bus on display before it won 'Best Stagecoach' award Ex Northern Scottish Olympian NLO83 ex Fife Scottish B10M 542 Rear end advertising on a Solo (1) Rear end advertising on a Solo (2) Pride of the show in my book. Northumbria Delta 251 Northumbria Delta 251 reminds me of university days in Newcastle Former Glasgow Corporation

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 A Week at Crich Working The Trams, August 08 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1600014.html Starting on Bank Holiday Monday (25th August) we had a week working the trams at Crich Tramway Museum. A midweek day off did see me venture into Derby and get a few shots along the way. Thursday 23 October 2008: Starting on Bank Holiday Monday (25th August) we had a week working the trams at Crich Tramway Museum. A midweek day off did see me venture into Derby and get a few shots along the way.

Liverpool 869 and a Western SMT Leopard 869 passes the Red Lion Leeds 345 Blackpool & Fleetwood Rack 2 Paisley 68 passes the Western Leopard Paisley 68 under the able(?!?) control of Mr Churchill Oh **** Blackpool 40 tries taking power from the Burnley offices instead of the wire Arriva Derby looking good Former Lothian Olympian 894 is now Notts & Derby 14 Arriva Derby looking not so good East Midlands Trains Class 158 at Matlock after returning me from Derby Matlock Station Jo'berg 60 at Ste Berlin 3006 Leeds 399 Jo'berg 60 again Blackpool open rack 166 Bod in uniform on 166 166's trolley goes round the reverser at Town End Bod's casual look Glasgow 22 Bod swings his pole about at Glory Mine Blackpool & Fleetwood Rack 2 at Glory Mine prepares for the return journey 2 waits at Wakebridge for the northbound car to clear the single line section Southampton 45 duly clears the line for our onward journey Actual public transport Crich style!

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 A September Saturday in Blackpool http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1599986.html Saturday 13th September 2008 and on the Fylde coast it was a beautiful day. Blackpool Transport responded by producing almost all the special interest fleet of trams even if they were not heavily used. An evening trip to Fleetwood to see the remains of Fleetwood's pier which had burned down on the previous Tuesday and the interesting sight of a large ferry arriving at low tide on the River Wyre. Thursday 23 October 2008: Saturday 13th September 2008 and on the Fylde coast it was a beautiful day. Blackpool Transport responded by producing almost all the special interest fleet of trams even if they were not heavily used. An evening trip to Fleetwood to see the remains of Fleetwood's pier which had burned down on the previous Tuesday and the interesting sight of a large ferry arriving at low tide on the River Wyre.

147 & 703 as Blackpool trams should be! 703 1980's style 619 back in service 717 newly rebuilt in 1930 style 648 718 newly painted with 619 619 on Pleasure Beach loop Box Car 40 40 passes 719 Bolton 66 & a Dalek levitates 630 66 + 648 600 on Pleasure Beach loop 147 on Pleasure Beach loop 619 on Pleasure Beach loop 66 on Pleasure Beach loop 700 heads north 630 arrives at Pleasure Beach 619 sets off again for North Pier A Metrobus intermission Two Blackpool & Fleetwood cars pass (619 & 40) 40 arrives at Pleasure Beach 719 In Fusion 600 at Talbot Square 761 looks boggin in it's new orange peel 147 at Talbot Square 715 looks good in Metro livery 706 terminates at Cabin... ... then tries to turn the trolley... ... but it's too long and gets caught in the light display... ... until it eventually gets round Upper saloon on newly restored Baloon 717 717 in the evening sun at Fleetwood 717 looks great at Fleetwood Ferry Fleetwood Pier 1 Fleetwood Pier 2 Fleetwood Pier 3 Fleetwood Pier 4 Fleetwood Pier 5 Fleetwood Pier 6 Fleetwood Pier 7, The sun sets on the pier Fleetwood Pier 8 Stena Pioneer enters the Wyre Channel going left... ... Stena Pioneer going right... ... Stena Pioneer going left again... ... and finally Stena Pioneer going right to enter the river itself Stena Pioneer is a stones throw away, litrally Reflections of Stena Pioneer Stena Pioneer passes Knott End 619 at Bispham in the Illuminations

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 Rawtenstall Bus Depot & Bus Station http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1599929.html Closed and demolished soon after I took the oportunity to catch a few snaps of this historic building the Sunday before closure on the 31st August 2008. Thursday 23 October 2008: Closed and demolished soon after I took the oportunity to catch a few snaps of this historic building the Sunday before closure on the 31st August 2008.

Rawtenstall 01 Rawtenstall 02 Rawtenstall 03 Rawtenstall 04 Rawtenstall 05 Rawtenstall 06 Rawtenstall 07 Rawtenstall 08 Rawtenstall 09 Rawtenstall 10 Rawtenstall 11

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]]> Thu Oct 23 2008 SVBM Lathalmond August 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1566076.html GVVT buses and more visit Lathalmond for a relatively rain free weekend. Captions to follow when I get a spare 5 minutes ;o) Friday 22 August 2008: GVVT buses and more visit Lathalmond for a relatively rain free weekend. Captions to follow when I get a spare 5 minutes ;o)

LA1 at Old Inns, Cumbernauld My very own D902CSH at Old Inns Winky @ 50 Celebrations (1) Winky @ 50 Celebrations (2) Winky @ 50 Celebrations (3) Winky @ 50 Celebrations (4) Winky @ 50 Celebrations (5) Winky @ 50 Celebrations (6) Working hard on 501 Mr T? Winky waits for the off... ... and there off!

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]]> Fri Aug 22 2008 Summer Miscellaneous 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1566023.html Some Crich, some Classic Bus and some Preston Bus Friday 22 August 2008: Some Crich, some Classic Bus and some Preston Bus

Crich 7th July; Glasgow 812 Crich 7th July; Glasgow 812 and 22 Crich 7th July; Glasgow 22 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; Glasgow 812 & Paisley 68 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; Blackpool & Fleetwood 2 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 1622 & 869 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 1622 & 869 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 166 on test run ex works Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 166 on test run ex works Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 2 Crich Tramathon 08/06/08; 2 leads 22, 1622 Preston Bus; Withdrawn 17 Preston Bus; Withdrawn 34 Preston Bus; Withdrawn 33 Classic Bus 13/07/08; Open Top 1995 Classic Bus 13/07/08; Open Top 1995 Preston Bus; Withdrawn 30 Preston Bus; Withdrawn 29 Preston Bus; Training Bus K128UFV Crich 03/08/08; 166 Crich 03/08/08; 166 Classic Bus 10/08/08; RM1568 our newest member of the fleet at st Annes Classic Bus 10/08/08; RM1568 our newest member of the fleet in St Annes Square Classic Bus 10/08/08; RM1568 our newest member of the fleet at rest in Lytham Classic Bus 10/08/08; RM1568 our newest member of the fleet outside the Ship & Royal, Lytham

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]]> Fri Aug 22 2008 Totally Transport 2008 & 501 Launch http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1533244.html Blackpool, June 21st 2008 and former Blackpool Corporation Leyland PD3 501 has returned home for an official launch following extensive restoration. The following day was a windy Totally Transport. Here's to 2009! Monday 23 June 2008: Blackpool, June 21st 2008 and former Blackpool Corporation Leyland PD3 501 has returned home for an official launch following extensive restoration. The following day was a windy Totally Transport. Here's to 2009!

630 on the Central Prom 713 loads unusually on the middle track from the set down only stop at North Pier. The construction of a stage for the forthcoming royal visit being the reason. 333 is the Big One on Metro Coastlines 721 unloads in damp Fleetwood 721 sits at Fleetwood Ferry Fleetwood Town Service bus The Mayoral party launches 501. From the left owners Gary Conn, Martin Gurr, The Mayor of Blackpool, The Mayoress, Bill Thompson and Ian Short. The mayoral chauffer sends a secret signal! 501 on its former stomping ground. Route 14 at Carleton Fleetwood Ferry; the old and the new Bill twiddles his handle 501 with the North Euston Hotel 337 and 501 Service 14 represented by 303 and from an earlier time 501 501 pulls on to the front at Fleetwood Bill twiddling again, this time its Cleveleys 133 on Line 11 at Cleveleys Bus Station 501 at Cleveleys Bus Station Cleveleys Bus Station; 501 and 133 Timeless 1; 501 loads at Clevelys Timeless 2; 501 with Baloon 712 in corresponding heritage livery Totally Transport; 712 loads whilst the Irish Sea makes its presence known! Totally Transport; Starship and Spot On Optare Versas Totally Transport; Lytham 10 Totally Transport; Blackpool Training Bus 969 Totally Transport; New Solo 247 Totally Transport; Atlantean 364 Totally Transport; Rawtenstall Corporation Tiger Cub Totally Transport; Bod feels the wind Totally Transport; 660 & 304 maintained the tram service after the withdrawal of vintage standard cars due to the weather conditions. Totally Transport; 660 heads along the South Shore. The sun might be shining but...! Totally Transport; First PMT Bristol VRT Totally Transport; Fishwicks National 24 Totally Transport; Fishwicks new VDL 7 Totally Transport; Former Fife & Ribble Volvo B6 L668MSF Totally Transport; 304 slides up the track Totally Transport; Coronation 304 represents the tramways very own big ones Totally Transport; 516 Totally Transport; 713 newly painted using Metro Line 16 colours Totally Transport; 630 Totally Transport; 680 Totally Transport; 501 Totally Transport; 516 Totally Transport; 19 Totally Transport; 2734 Totally Transport; 622 Totally Transport; 623

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]]> Mon Jun 23 2008 May Miscellaneous http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1521294.html A few odd shots from May including visits to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum running day at Lathalmond, Crich Tramway Museum and the first couple of weekends between Lytham and St Annes on the Seafront 12 service. Monday 2 June 2008: A few odd shots from May including visits to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum running day at Lathalmond, Crich Tramway Museum and the first couple of weekends between Lytham and St Annes on the Seafront 12 service.

Blackpool PD3 501 makes her first public appearance before setting off to Lathalmond Keeping us off or Martin in? You decide! 501 arrives at Lathalmond Kelvin Mertobus 1669 arrives at Lathalmond Clydeside Leopard GCS50V is another new visitor to Lathalmond Midland Fleetline MRF168 sits at Dunfermline Fire Station, site of the old Carnegie Street Bus Station Western Leopard SCS335M sits at Saline turning circle GurConn Motors operates a varied fleet of vehicles (B100PKS, KYV781X, TSO16X, LMS168W & HFR501E) A fleet of many colours Kelvin Metrobus 1669 on home ground in Cumbernauld Waiting time at Crich is former Trent Optare now operating for K&H Doyle Coaches Crich; Sheffield 74 Crich; Glasgow 812 Crich; A wee Bod for a wee tram... Bod learns the art of conducting on Southampton 45 Crich; Southampton 45 Crich; Blackpool Pantograph 167 Spring Bank Holiday Monday and my first duty on the Seafront 12 of the year. Time to reaquaint myself with Lytham 19 Crich; 31st May and Blackpool Standard 40 re-enters service after overhaul Crich has it's own Russian dolls... open up a Neil and find a Bill inside! Crich; Blackpool 40 at Stevenson Place terminus. Almost May; 1st June and a wet day on the 12s with 19 In the rain 19s lights are glowing

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]]> Mon Jun 2 2008 Blackpool - Fylde Tramway Society Convention Weekend May 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1507264.html May Bank Holiday Weekend in Blackpool and the weather was fantastic (mostly anyway). What a full weekend of tram bashing and socialising. Saturday morning we had a tour of Blackpool Transports depot and works followed by a tram tour to Fleetwood on board one of the under used Twin Cars. Saturday night was 'Beer & Buses'. Sunday we toured with Blackpool's Vambac fitted Coronation 304 and the Sheffield decker 513. Both cars were built by Roberts and whilst 304 makes occasional sorties out in service the chance to ride on 513, a four wheeler, to Fleetwood was not to be missed. Sunday night we were entertained at the Dinner by Blackpool's MD and his jokes! Monday involved a tour with Boat cars around the line. Thankfully the weather was kind (albeit a bit chilly). Great weekend and many thanks go to the organisers Thursday 8 May 2008: May Bank Holiday Weekend in Blackpool and the weather was fantastic (mostly anyway). What a full weekend of tram bashing and socialising. Saturday morning we had a tour of Blackpool Transports depot and works followed by a tram tour to Fleetwood on board one of the under used Twin Cars. Saturday night was 'Beer & Buses'. Sunday we toured with Blackpool's Vambac fitted Coronation 304 and the Sheffield decker 513. Both cars were built by Roberts and whilst 304 makes occasional sorties out in service the chance to ride on 513, a four wheeler, to Fleetwood was not to be missed. Sunday night we were entertained at the Dinner by Blackpool's MD and his jokes! Monday involved a tour with Boat cars around the line. Thankfully the weather was kind (albeit a bit chilly). Great weekend and many thanks go to the organisers

Saturday 3rd May; 723 @ Cleveleys Saturday 3rd May; Delta 101 @ Cleveleys Saturday 3rd May; 645 @ Cleveleys Saturday 3rd May; 334 @ Cleveleys Saturday 3rd May; 709 @ Cleveleys Saturday 3rd May; New Solo 295 has branding applied in the paintshop before entering service Saturday 3rd May; 147 on the depot fan Saturday 3rd May; A sea of green as 717, 706 & 147 stand outside the Rigby Road depot Saturday 3rd May; Boat 604 looks a little rough Saturday 3rd May; 712 on shed Saturday 3rd May; 701 on shed Saturday 3rd May; 717 is undergoing a complete rebuild back to seudo 1930's standard Saturday 3rd May; The lower deck of 717 Saturday 3rd May; The restored lights and ceiling of 717's lower deck Saturday 3rd May; 717's upper deck Saturday 3rd May; Twin Car tour to Fleetwood 673+683 Saturday 3rd May; 673+683 sit at Fleetwood Ferry Saturday 3rd May; 761 failed at Anchorsholme Saturday 3rd May; 761's lifetray lies broken after coming into contact with the roadway. Service up the spout! Saturday 3rd May; 761 returns to depot behind a Transit (no lifetray by this point) Saturday 3rd May; 680 @ Pleasure Beach on specials Saturday 3rd May; 643 on a slow tram to Fleetwood Sunday 4th May; 709 @ Bispham Station Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. Blackpool 304 & Sheffield 513 sit at Rigby Road depot. Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour turns at Foxhall to head south Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour arrives at Starr Gate Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour arrives at Bispham Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour turns at Bispham to head south again Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour sits in the middle road at Bispham while 713 heads north Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour arrives at Cabin and turns once agin to head north Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour 304 @ Cabin Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour 513 is passed by 719 @ Cabin Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. 719 passes 304 Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour 513 makes the unusual reverse crossing from southbound to northbound tracks at Cabin Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. Both cars sit at Fleetwood Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour 304 & 513 sit on the new Pleasure Beach loops Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. Wind powered trams? Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. Front profile shot at Pleasure Beach Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. The final reversal this time at Tower Sunday 4th May; The Roberts Tour. 513 @ Tower Sunday 4th May; 723 heads south @ Tower Sunday 4th May; 707 heads north passing 513 @ Tower Sunday 4th May; 631 @ North Pier Sunday 4th May; 680 @ North Pier Sunday 4th May; 642 @ North Pier Sunday 4th May; Northern Blue (even though it's red) returning from the coast to East Lancashire Monday 5th May; 643 @ Bispham Monday 5th May; 623 @ Bispham Monday 5th May; 401 @ Bispham Monday 5th May; 631 at Manchester Square

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]]> Thu May 8 2008 Preston Bus New Solo SR - First Production Model http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1501742.html 29th April and new fleet number 1 is delivered by Optare to Preston Bus. The first production build of the new Solo SR the chassis number is 29002. Also the first delivery in the new Preston Park & Ride livery to be launched in May. Tuesday 29 April 2008: 29th April and new fleet number 1 is delivered by Optare to Preston Bus. The first production build of the new Solo SR the chassis number is 29002. Also the first delivery in the new Preston Park & Ride livery to be launched in May.

Back at Optare in early April number 1 is receiving the final components Number 1 again at Optare The rear view before lights (or engine) are fitted The windscreen is in the process of being fitted to number 1 Preston Bus 1 (PN08 SVK) after arriving at Deepdale Road depot. The new 'posh' interior The cab area Another view of number 1 And a rear angle view of number 1 at Deepdale

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]]> Tue Apr 29 2008 April in Blackpool http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1501735.html Shots taken on Saturday 19th April before the reopening of the Fleetwood to Cabin tramway and again the following Saturday (26th) on the first day of service to Fleetwood. Tuesday 29 April 2008: Shots taken on Saturday 19th April before the reopening of the Fleetwood to Cabin tramway and again the following Saturday (26th) on the first day of service to Fleetwood.

April 20th; Riverdance at high tide April 20th; A canoeist escapes the coastguards attention at the bow of Riverdance April 20th; 644 on a test run at Cleveleys April 20th; 337 heads south on the Line 1 at Rossall School April 20th; 644 heading south on a 2nd test run this time seen at Lindell Road, Fleetwood April 20th; 644 sits at Fleetwood Ferry before setting out on a 3rd test run south April 20th; 315 on Line 14 April 20th; 337 sits at the Fleetwood Ferry terminus April 20th; 369 heads north at Bispham on Line 1 April 20th; While 337 heads south at Bispham 26th April; 719 26th April; 408 26th April; 643 26th April; 646 26th April; 711 26th April; 723 26th April; 700 26th April; 700 loads at Talbot Square 26th April; 333 26th April; 333 loads at Talbot Square blocking the tramway in both directions 26th April; 641 26th April; 713 26th April; 713 & Tower 26th April; 642 26th April; 644 26th April; 761 26th April; 707 at Cleveleys 26th April; 711 at Cleveleys 26th April; 707 heading south from Cleveleys 26th April; 368 heading north at Cleveleys 26th April; 643 heads south 26th April; 707 heading north at Tower 26th April; 711 heading north at Tower 26th April; 119 heads for Lytham 26th April; 709 26th April; 644 26th April; 630 on a late special turn 26th April; 630 at Tower 26th April; 252 and 293 at Tower 26th April; 646 at Tower 26th April; 648 heads north at Tower 26th April; 641 heads south at Tower

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]]> Tue Apr 29 2008 Yet More Riverdance, Blackpool Trams and Buses; 30th March 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1490630.html An LTT Depot Open Day, Blackpool Trams and Buses and another look at the submerged Riverdance. Will she ever leave??? Thursday 10 April 2008: An LTT Depot Open Day, Blackpool Trams and Buses and another look at the submerged Riverdance. Will she ever leave???

LTT's latest purchase; ex Ribble Bristol RE OCK336K Former Swindon Fleetline recently withdrawn. GRU163V was new to Bournemouth but wouldn't look out of place in the streets of Glasgow Routemaster RM1568 Classic Bus Lancashires latest purchase RM1361 undergoing refurb work thanks to Bus Works Balloon car 719. Formerly Wall's advert the new forward facing windows seem a bit pointless when they are then pasted over with contravision! 724 at Cabin terminus Former Blackburn Trident now Blackpool 335 on the Line 1 Despite the destination Olympian 365 is heading for Starr Gate as it passes Shaftesbury Avenue on Line 1 The new Metro Coastlines tram livery looks, erm different? At least it beast allover white on non advert cars but 723 in 1980's style looks much better 20 minute frequency on Line 1 fails as 336 turns short at Cleveleys with 337 behind continuing to Fleetwood. Proves its not just the trams that turn short at times. Riverdance is well over but is it all over for her? Riverdance; insurance nightmare or tourist trap??? 723 proving old is best in 1980's livery at Starr Gate

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]]> Thu Apr 10 2008 Kirkby Stephen Easter 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1490617.html The annual Easter event was visited by snow this year perhaps not surprisingly given the early date. GVVT visited with two vehicles; Wetsern Leopard and Northern Reliance. Thursday 10 April 2008: The annual Easter event was visited by snow this year perhaps not surprisingly given the early date. GVVT visited with two vehicles; Wetsern Leopard and Northern Reliance.

Easter Saturday and snow in the distance behind the Ribble White Lady Cumbria Classic organise this fine event and provide many of the buses such as this AEC Regal Bright as a summers day; Northern AEC Reliance NMS 358 Routemaster 2290 Another Cumbria Classic 627 HFM a former Crosville Bristol Exeter Guy TFJ 808 JYC 855 an interesting Leyland complete with tail finn Exeter Guy leaves Kirkby Stephen rail station JTE 546 a Heysham AEC arrives at the top station Easter Day and another visitor from Scotland ULS658T GVVT resident SCS335M Easter snow in the square at Kirkby Stephen with AEC NMS358 SCS335M preparing to leave for Scotland at Brough

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]]> Thu Apr 10 2008 More Riverdance, Blackpool Trams and Buses; March 2008 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1490234.html A brief visit to see Riverdance again in mid March and then views taken on the reopening day of the tramway Good Friday. Wednesday 9 April 2008: A brief visit to see Riverdance again in mid March and then views taken on the reopening day of the tramway Good Friday.

Riverdance; Tide in and now right over on her side Tramway track gang bus Former Lothian Olympian now in Metro Coastline Line 1 & Schools orange livery Good Friday; 709 arrives at the temporary terminus at the Cabin Good Friday; 709 reverses over the new crossover at the Cabin Tram replacement line 1 passes Cabin from fleetwood The end of the tracks (for now) just north of Cabin Tram replacement Line 1 has its own older form of traction passes the Cabin Baloon 723 in its new retro livery at Cabin At the Tower 723 passes 646 646 at the tower awaits its return to Rigby Road depot The early Easter brough seasonal good weather to Blackpools North Pier Get a kick with Vodka VK at the Tower!!! And again setting down at the Tower 645 at the Tower 644 at the Tower 700 heading south on this first day of service And 700 now heading north from Starr Gate Finally 724 at Starr Gate

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]]> Wed Apr 9 2008 Preston Bus New Training Bus http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1490227.html Our new training bus has arrived from Blackpool Transport Wednesday 9 April 2008: Our new training bus has arrived from Blackpool Transport

K128UFV K128UFV K128UFV

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]]> Wed Apr 9 2008 Riverdance, Blackpool Tramway Renewals & An Olympian http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1461737.html Visited Blackpool to see the beached freight ferry Riverdance. It's off Anchorsholme so it also gave me a chance to see what work had taken place on the Blackpool Tramway track renewals at Little Bispham and watch the bus replacement in a bit of a mess! Tuesday 19 February 2008: Visited Blackpool to see the beached freight ferry Riverdance. It's off Anchorsholme so it also gave me a chance to see what work had taken place on the Blackpool Tramway track renewals at Little Bispham and watch the bus replacement in a bit of a mess!

Riverdance. From the prom at Cleveleys Riverdance. Couldn't get very close thanks to the security guards and coast guards but thats what a zoom lense was invented for!!! Riverdance. Crane was trying to haul the remaining artic trailers off the deck even though they appear still to be chained down. Blackpool Tower is in the distance Riverdance From Anchorsholme Park (1) Riverdance From Anchorsholme Park (2) Riverdance. Security guard looks on Riverdance. Looking north along the water front Blackpool Tramway. Little Bispham minus track Blackpool Tramway. The new track leading into Little Bispham loop. The old track is still in situ on the loop Blackpool Tramway. The new exit from the Little Bispham loop. Blackpool Tramway. The former exit from Little Bispham loop to the north is not being replaced. The old track is still seen in the loop Tram Replacement Line 1; Not one of the Tridents but one of at least 3 Olympians aged between 25 and 26 years old out on service this fine February Saturday!

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]]> Tue Feb 19 2008 GVVT Tour of Ayrshire http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1461724.html Well a bit of Ayrshire. Western PD3 MSD408 took us for lunch at Fenwick (via Paisley) and then up the Ayrshire Coast stopping at Largs for ice cream. Tuesday 19 February 2008: Well a bit of Ayrshire. Western PD3 MSD408 took us for lunch at Fenwick (via Paisley) and then up the Ayrshire Coast stopping at Largs for ice cream.

MSD408 sits in Paisely Our clippie for the day Gary wonders what the third pedal is for Ready to depart Fenwick after lunch Sitting in Largs with the Cumbrae ferry behind The Cumbrae ferry approaches Largs Picturesque Wemyss Bay Station just for Andy More of Wemyss Bay Station

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]]> Tue Feb 19 2008 GVVT Bridgeton December 07 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1461718.html Taken a while to post but a few shots taken between Christmas and New Year Tuesday 19 February 2008: Taken a while to post but a few shots taken between Christmas and New Year

Proud Bod And the other side of 229 NLO5 sits outside whilst a seat exchange takes place

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]]> Tue Feb 19 2008 GVVT Christmas Dinner 2007 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1426477.html Once again we decended on the (now very posh refurbished) Orion Way for our annual nosh up and funny headgear display! Wednesday 19 December 2007: Once again we decended on the (now very posh refurbished) Orion Way for our annual nosh up and funny headgear display!

Evil Mr Shug...! 3 Ages of Elvis; 1) Young(ish) 3 Ages of Elvis; 2) After the peanut butter butties 3 Ages of Elvis; 3) After the pills kicked in George refused to take part in such sillyness Rockin and a Rollin Mi'lady Martina has heard Davys story before Go on Mark risk it... and here's what you could have won! You don't really want a bottle Shug! Jim gets the blue horn You roll your dice and win with Bill More edible undies for Paul?!? Go on Colin. You know you want too... Go on, go on, go on... No. Well the Jelly Babies have to go to someone Martina relaxes at the 'after ahow' party Wasn't kidding about the Jelly Babies was I? John laughs but not for long... Cool dudes!!! (not)

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]]> Wed Dec 19 2007 GVVT visit Dundee November 2007 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1416663.html Taking Northern Leopard NPE80 back to here old stomping ground we enjoyed the journey, a tour of Discovery, a tour of Strathtays Dundee depot and a trip to Arbroath on a Stagecoach Olympian. Friday 30 November 2007: Taking Northern Leopard NPE80 back to here old stomping ground we enjoyed the journey, a tour of Discovery, a tour of Strathtays Dundee depot and a trip to Arbroath on a Stagecoach Olympian.

NPE80 waits for the off Dundee Bus Station Ex Bluebird B10M now part of the training fleet D387XRS a former Northern / Bluebird Olympian now based at Perth. Laying over after working Megabus NPE80 swings round in Seagate Bus Station A voyage of Discovery...! Strathtay Atlantean Recovery Vehicle Inside Dundee Depot The other side of Dundee depot from the bus station Withdrawn at Arbroath x 1 Withdrawn at Arbroath x 2 Withdrawn at Arbroath x 3 Withdrawn at Arbroath x 4 Stagecoach up in smoke Vehicle Unfit for Service Andys cumming (surely a gardener?) Withdrawn at Arbroath x 5 D387XRS ready to leave Arbroath

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]]> Fri Nov 30 2007 GVVT visit Blackpool 2007 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1394242.html The GVVT return fixture in Blackpool (LTT having been in Glasgow the weekend before, keep up). Saw the Illuminations, visited St Helens Transport Museum, visited over Wyre for a Beer and Buses and topped it off with a go on the Pleasure Beach (aaaaargh) Monday 22 October 2007: The GVVT return fixture in Blackpool (LTT having been in Glasgow the weekend before, keep up). Saw the Illuminations, visited St Helens Transport Museum, visited over Wyre for a Beer and Buses and topped it off with a go on the Pleasure Beach (aaaaargh)

Gav polishes Graeme's buckle Scavengers at St Helens Random Preston Corpy Bus (celebrating it's 50th birthday hence all the number 50's on show) Proof you can sleep on the noisest of Blackpool Atlanteans !!! (well what can you say?) Looks like John's got the horn Bod's in for a shock on the ghost train The carriage felt the horror on this trip thru the Ghost train Ghost train just got a lot more scary Me gonna get wet. Just as well the weight is all towards the back of the boat Waiting for a Rollercoaster Anticipation on the Rollercoaster Less enthusiasm for the train (just for ikkle Bod) Fears grow that Boyzone have let themselves go a bit since they split up Proof a Kelvin Metrobus made it to Blackpool. I assume it must be home by now. Driver Conn at the pump

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]]> Mon Oct 22 2007 Showbus 2007 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1390616.html Our trip to Showbus proved a hit once again Monday 17 September 2007: Our trip to Showbus proved a hit once again

Gary wakes up ex Lowland Seddon 47 ex Lowland Seddon 47 ex Stagecoach MAN Metrobox and a couple of gargoyles Former Blue Bus Services RE Queenie Mart Former Northern Scottish Olympian Cambridge PArk & Ride comes in different flavours ex Fife Citybus ex Lothian Olympian Another OCK VRT (see Classic Buses Lancashire) Get your leg over... ... the health and safety approved way Bod eating, surprise surprise The condustor always rings twice!!! London bus 1 London bus 2 London bus 3 London bus 4 Hellfire Ailsa with two doors and two stairs London bus 5 (yawn) Back of London V3

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]]> Mon Sep 17 2007 LTT visit Falkirk Wheel & GVVT http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1390531.html The LTT set out from Blackpool with Atlantean 334 on Friday morning heading for a weekend in Scotland at the GVVT Open Day. Of course I was too busy at the open day to get any pictures there but the rest of the weekend is recorded here Wednesday 17 October 2007: The LTT set out from Blackpool with Atlantean 334 on Friday morning heading for a weekend in Scotland at the GVVT Open Day. Of course I was too busy at the open day to get any pictures there but the rest of the weekend is recorded here

334 at Tebay (Friday) 334 at Southwaites (Friday) 50p for 3 minutes gets you enough water to fill an Atlantean at Southwaites 334 simmers at Southwaites Preston 177 sitting at it's new home outside Carlisle North Birmingham Busways 68 sits outside Carlisle 334 near Carlisle 334 at Annandale Water services (still Friday) 334 joins another Lancashire Atalnatean Preston 141 at GVVT (Saturday) Two scrubbers up a platform. Washing Preston 141 141 and 334 again MRF168 sits at Bonnybridge Toll First Edinburgh service 3 terminus is one of the more picturesque MRF168 turns at Falkirk Wheel And the wheel goes round Slowly does it Then out across the viaduct Local neds hanging round the canal tunnel (hiding the Bucky bottle no doubt) No better looking with the hood removed Turned and about to pass under the railway Party of happy tourists relax in the comfort of the cruise back to the wheel Falkirk Wheel and Visitors Centre Falkirk Wheel and Visitors Centre from across the basin Going down... MRF168 waits to depart The sun sets behind the Wheel and MRF168 334 at Annandale Water heading south (Monday) 334 at Forton services on the M6 And finally back on the Fylde Coast once more

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]]> Wed Oct 17 2007 Birkenhead Tram & Bus Show 2007 http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1390329.html Travelled down from Preston on newly restored Blackpool Atlantean 334 Tuesday 16 October 2007: Travelled down from Preston on newly restored Blackpool Atlantean 334

that has got to hurt (look carefully)

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]]> Tue Oct 16 2007 Blackpool's Trams & Buses http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1390300.html A day out by tram along the Fylde Coast on Saturday 29th September 2007 Tuesday 16 October 2007: A day out by tram along the Fylde Coast on Saturday 29th September 2007

761 at Pleasure Beach 703 at Pleasure Beach 366 at Pleasure Beach 710 at Pleasure Beach 712 at tower 762 at Tower 605 at Pleasure Beach 602 at Pleasure Beach 40 at Talbot Square 66 at Talbot Square 715 at Talbot Square 605 at Talbot Square 713 at Talbot Square 600 at Bispham

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]]> Tue Oct 16 2007 Preston Bus New Scania's http://bridgetongarage.fotopic.net/c1390286.html Beloved PB is getting a batch of new East Lancs (or should that be Darwen Group) bodied Scania's. The first to arrive was on dispaly on the citys Flag Market Tuesday 16 October 2007: Beloved PB is getting a batch of new East Lancs (or should that be Darwen Group) bodied Scania's. The first to arrive was on dispaly on the citys Flag Market

208 sits under a tree 208 in front of the Harris Museum And a nearside shot of 208 200 is launched at the NEC Birmingham at what used to be the Bus & Coach Show East Lancs is gone to be replaced by the Darwen Group logos

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]]> Tue Oct 16 2007