News from Oxford, High Wycombe
& the surrounding areas

last updated Saturday, November 28th 1998 - 2200hrs

Another wet Saturday but after excellent advice from Olympus in London, I can bring you pictures once again.
However its not easy holding an umbrella and taking photos at the same time, whilst trying to get shots without
people crossing ones line of vision in the process !!

First we have pictures of one of Oxford Bus Company demonstrators. "Gas bus" 398 is seen in Queen Street
on a wet Saturday morning. Also captured on film was the full rear advert for Fox FM on P&R 229.

The major item of interest this week must surely be the impending entry into service of TEN brand new M A N 18-220
buses with Alexander ALX300 bodies (932-941) in a striking adaptation of the standard Stagecoach livery. 
Bertie Blackbird flies again says the headline and that is just what is about to happen. Monday will see the re launch
of the  Blackbird Flyer and the end of the Volvo B6's on Stagecoach route 1. Certainly a far cry from 10 years or more
ago when "Snoopies" as the Ford Transits became known buzzed around like busy bees between the City and Cowley.
A formal launch will take place at Blackbird Leys Estate around 1030 on Monday, thereafter from Tuesday December 1st
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Orange M A N s will ply their trade between the Estate and the City Centre.

Another unexpected change to the Stagecoach bus fleet is the change in livery and route for those Volvo B6s.
831 was in service on Saturday carrying a revised livery with a RED roof for the "Rose Hill Runner" route 3.
It is expected that four of the B6s (831-4) will receive this livery and 832 is already repainted as well.

Dart/Alexander ALX200s 813 and 827 were in evidence on Saturday as some of the few remaining types of these
buses remaining in service with Stagecoach Oxford. The dispersal of these buses is given below, though it may be
some weeks before all are despatched to their new homes. Three are to be kept until the reseating work on Volvo B6s ,
to bring them into line in full "Loliner" specification is completed.

Revised allocation of Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 saloons 801-829.

Ex Stagecoach Oxford 806, R706YUD was seen in service with Red & White by Mike Willis at
Crosskeys on 9/11/98 in Blackwood 11/11/98. It had Stagecoach Red & White legal lettering but
Stagecoach Oxford fleetnames!. Thanks to Mike for this news.

IN THESE TIMES OF CHANGE SUCH INFORMATION IS REALLY USEFUL
Please let me know of any other arrivals in your area.
(BUSWAYS, CAMBUS, CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER, DEVON AND WESTERN)

Oxford 966 remains at Wycombe plus 231 and 303 have returned from repaint.

We hope you continue to like this short section, which will give us the opportunity
to comment on the local scene in an informal way. Please e-mail  Malcolm Crowe with any comments.