Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians. http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/ 24 rows en-gb 60 Municipal Operators http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c1088353.html Here is a slection of the pre 1988 Olympians were delivered new into the council owned fleets of Cardiff (36), Chester (4), Colchester (4), Inter Valley Link (3), Ipswich (1), Lincoln (7), Plymouth (3), Preston (1), Reading (12). Tuesday 19 September 2006: Here is a slection of the pre 1988 Olympians were delivered new into the council owned fleets of Cardiff (36), Chester (4), Colchester (4), Inter Valley Link (3), Ipswich (1), Lincoln (7), Plymouth (3), Preston (1), Reading (12).

Lincoln City Transport 47, C47KBE is seen in Grimsby waiting to work the 51 to Louth not long before this bus left the Lincolnshire Road Car fleet. Lincoln City Transport 48, C48KBE is now part of the Fargo, Essex fleet of Olympians. Inter Valley Link C28EUH is captured in Bristol whilst working an Orange staff contract with South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach. Cardiff City Transport 514 A514VKG is seen providing the Stirling sightseeing tour. Cardiff City Transport 501 LBO501X remains in service as a sightseeing vehicle in York. Cardiff City Transport 517 A517VKG trundles around the streets of York in its City Sightseeing role. Cardiff City Transport 506 RBO506Y is one of a pair of Cardiff machines that ended up with A-Bus, Bristol. Chester City Transport 1 B201EFM served Chester until the demise of the operator in 2007. Chester City Transport 2 B202EFM was retained by Chester City Transport right until they ceased operating in 2007. Chester City Transport 4 B204EFM is captured in the old bus exchange in Chester. Derby City Transport 124 VRA124Y spent almost its entire life in Chester after serving Derby only briefly. Derby City Transport 125 VRA125Y was sold very early in its career to Chester City Transport who kept the bus for many years and numbered it Lincoln City Transport 42, DFW42X is one of the quite ugly East Lancs bodied Leyland Olympians- this now scrapped bus last worked in the Fargo, Rayne fleet. **IMAGE REPLACES ONE LOST BY FOTOPIC** Reading Transport 82 D82UTF retained Reading Buses livery for a while with Shamrock, Poole whom it is seen working for here. Reading Transport 83 D83UTF is now part of the tidy Leyland Olympian collection operated by Shamrock, Poole. Preston Transport 33 A33MRN has been a long serving and unique member of this Leyland friendly fleet. A33MRN was the only long wheelbase, single doored ECW body Olympian, and still serves the people of Preston- it is captured here on 17/02/2007 on the 16. Lincoln City Transport 44, KTL44Y is one of a pair of ex Lincoln machines with Excel, Stansted- it is captured at Romford on a rail replacement contract. Derby 206 A206DTO is now in the fleet of Chalkwell, Sittingbourne and is captured whilst working a rail replacement job. Cardiff City Transport 508 RBO508Y still works for A-Bus, Bristol and ended up being one of the last Bristol chassis to work in Bristol. Southampton City Transport 290 E290HRV is still in service with First Southampton but only ventures out on football shuttles to/from St Marys Stadium. THE most unique Olympian ever produced was first used by South Yorkshire PTE where it was numbered 100 and registered 4475WE. Thankfully after a career of mixed fortunes this vehicle is now in preservation, although there is some considerable work still to be done before it makes a public debut. This was a true coach, built as a demonstrator for Ebdons Coaches who never actually took delivery of the vehicle. Unique features include the swing plug door, rear staircase and it was the only UK Olympian built with a WC. Southampton City Transport 289 E289HRV is still in service with First Southampton but only sees light use on schools runs and here on the Southampton FC shuttle. Lincoln City Transport 45, KTL45Y is back in original Lincoln City livery and it is seen at the snowy Lincoln Rally on 23/03/2008. This is the first (and as yet only) preserved East Lancs bodied Olympian- what it lacks in style it makes up for in presentation! Lincoln City Transport 45, KTL45Y has thankfully passed into preservation and looks superb in original Lincoln City livery. It's seen here at the LVVS rally on 23/03/2008. Lincoln City Transport 44, KTL44Y passed through Talisman, Great Bromely and is seen in Clacton acting as the spare bus on a rail replacement contract.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue Sep 19 2006 Lothian and Grampian http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c1033897.html Lothian and Grampian Thursday 27 July 2006: Lothian and Grampian

104 A104FSA spent over 20 years in its native Aberdeen before heading to the other extremity of the country! It is now part of the First Devon and Cornwall fleet and is numbered 31533. Lothian 693 OFS693Y is still hard at work with Stephensons of Rochford, Essex where it is re-registered UAR219Y. Lothian 752 B752GSC is captured at Tilbury ASDA whilst working the free supermarket bus service operated by Stephensons of Rochford. 102 A102FSA left its native granite city and came down to Cornwall in 2005 and is seen arriving in Truro bus station. 106 A106FSA is photographed in Newquay heading towards Falmouth on the 89; this Olympian was new to Grampian Regional Transport and served the people of Aberdeen for 20 years before retiring to Cornwall. 117 B117MSO is photographed on Union Street in Aberdeen - this Olympian was still with the sucessor operator to its original owner when captured in 2005. 114 B114MSO is captured resting in Newquay depot; this Olympian is one of many which have migrated almost the entire length of the country from Aberdeen to Cornwall to see out their final years. 112 B112MSO is seen in service in Newquay in August 2006. Lothian 760 B760GSC is now in the fleet of Imperial, Rainham and this Olympian is captured at Showbus. Lothian 757 B757GSC is one of the many ex Lothian Olympians in the fleet of Blackburn Transport, and is captured here in Darwen as recently as May 2007. 107 A107FSA is now one of the many and varied Leyland Olympians in the First Devon and Cornwall fleet. Lothian 668 OFS668Y was the first ECW Olympian supplied for service in Edinburgh. This bus now works for South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach in Bristol, where it is captured on a schools duty. Lothian 712 A712YFS still wears the distinctive madder and white colours of its former owner many years after beingsold to Cedar Coaches, Bedford. Lothian 761 B761GSC is now with Lords, Hull.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Thu Jul 27 2006 NBC - Oxford, Alder Valley and AERE http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c949298.html Oxford received 24 ECW Olympians whilst the nearby Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell had 4 ECW Olympians which passed into the Oxford fleet. Thames Valley and Aldershot (trading as Alder Valley) took 13 coach-type ECW Olympians. Saturday 6 May 2006: Oxford received 24 ECW Olympians whilst the nearby Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell had 4 ECW Olympians which passed into the Oxford fleet. Thames Valley and Aldershot (trading as Alder Valley) took 13 coach-type ECW Olympians.

213 BBW213Y is now L306 in the tidy Hedingham Olympian fleet. 102 FWL779Y is captured in a damp Clacton, thsi bus is now L314 in the Hedingham fleet. 104 FWL781Y soaks up the adoration outside the Tollesbury depot of Hedingham. 101 FWL778Y looks magnificent as it poses for the camera on the forecourt of Tollesbury depot- this Olympian has received the non authentic Leyland coach style front. 202 VJO202X basks in the sunshine - this is one of the 7 ex Oxford machines now with Hedingham. 103 FWL780Y makes the once weekly visit to Colchester on the 16:00 50 to Tollesbury which is operated by Tollesbury on Fridays only. Alder Valley 1502 YPJ502Y is now the proud property of Brijan Tours, Bishops Waltham. It was re-registered to HJI3932 when it passed to Northern Bus, Anston much earlier in its life. 202 VJO202X is seen showing off its old number whilst parked in Hedingham's Kelvedon depot. 206 VJO206X is photographed outside Hedingham's Clacton depot on a glorious day in October 2008. 218 BBW218Y is captured in the Hedingham Depot in Clacton in October 2008. Alder Valley 1509 B577LPE passed through various operators and was with Margate based Carol Peters Coaches when captured here in November 2008 working a rail replacement service in Ramsgate. During this beast's life it has been re-registered PJI4983. 221 CUD221Y shows off the coach-style front applied to the last few City of Oxford machines. Now sporting a standard Gardner 6LXB engine this bus put in a superb performance on the special trip on 16th May 2009 which saw eight Confidence Leyland Olympians in action. 220 CUD220Y is still very much alive and well and has a daily passenger service duty on schooldays with Griffin Bus. Check out the 408 at 1430 from Swanley to Borough Green (where this shot was taken) to enjoy the sight and sound of this old Oxford Olympian. Alder Valley 1510 B578LPE was the final ECW coach-type bodied Olympian ordered by Alder Valley- it wore this rather plain green colour scheme whilst with Red and Green, Orpington. Alder Valley 1510 B578LPE was reregistered to OAZ9330 during its life and is seen whilst owned by Red and Green of Orpington.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Sat May 6 2006 Tyne & Wear PTE http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c946400.html Tyne and Wear PTE (Busways) had 65 Alexander bodied Olympians. Thursday 4 May 2006: Tyne and Wear PTE (Busways) had 65 Alexander bodied Olympians.

644 C644LFT was part of the 14 strong Hull based C-LFT fleet. 665 C665LFT is now sadly withdrawn from the Stagecoach in Hull fleet. 629 C629LFT was part of the Glasgow based Magic Bus fleet 638 C638LFT is captured in Glasgow on the X19 to Easterhouse 656 C656LFT is seen working the 162 to Baillieston. 633 C633LFT is one of the handful of Tyne and Wear machines with Stagecoach Cheltenham and Gloucester; Stroud based C633LFT is seen helping out during Chetenham Races. 614 C614LFT ended up in the Stagecoach Hull collection of Leyland Olympians. 632 C632LFT shows lesser buses what providing years of faithful service is all about! This Leyland Olympian is still at work in Hull well into its 21st year. 661 C661LFT arives in Hull city centre- unlike their Glasgow cousins these Olympians retain their huge front bumpers which they were built with. 664 C664LFT loads up another group of passengers in Hull. 617 C617LFT is typical of the 15 Tyne and Wear Olympian monsters to find their way into the Stagecoach Hull fleet. 601 C601LFT was part of the Glasgow 'MAGIC' fleet and is seen in Central Glasgow on the 162. This was the first of 65 Leyland Olympians delivered in one batch to Tyne and Wear PTE and almost all survived well into the 21st century. 603 C603LFT sweeps into Argyle Street whilst working the 162 to Baillieston. 613 C613LFT was one of the pair which served Manchester; this one migrated across to Hull to join the others and still wore stripes and Manchester adverts when captured soon after arrival. 623 C623LFT waits to storm along the motorway on the X19 to Easterhouse. 625 C625LFT is captured at work in Easterhouse. 642 C642LFT is seen working into Glasgow city centre on the 162, many of the C-LFT Olympian batch ended their time working the Magic Bus routes in Glasgow. 649 C649LFT formed part of the Stagecoach in Hull collection of Leyland Olympians. 653 C653LFT creeps through the Glasgow streets whilst working the 162. 657 C657LFT is seen parked at the City Centre terminus of the busy 162 Baillieston route. 663 C663LFT waits to leave Glasgow with the Motorway express service to Easterhouse. 639 C639LFT sweeps around Birmingham City Centre whilst working the 51 to Walsall. 631 C631LFT loads up in Perry Bar whilst working the Sunday only route 51 into Birmingham. 658 C658LFT is captured at Perry Bar- this was one of 14 C-LFT Olympians in the A2Z Travel, Walsall fleet at its summer 2007 peak. 605 C605LFT was the first, and as it turned out one of the last A2Z, Walsall Olympians after a brief period when they operated as many as 13 of these machines.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Thu May 4 2006 Greater Manchester PTE http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945670.html GM PTE purchased 306 Olympians, all Northern Counties bodied. I've not included the final batch of 28 (3278-3305) as these fall outside the remit of this site. Wednesday 3 May 2006: GM PTE purchased 306 Olympians, all Northern Counties bodied. I've not included the final batch of 28 (3278-3305) as these fall outside the remit of this site.

3019 A584HDB is now with Tyrer Bus, Burnley. 3130 B130WNB is seen in Halifax Town Centre. This vehicle is typical of the 306 Northern counties bodied Leyland Olympian buses built for Greater Manchester. 3097 B97SJA is seen in Halifax where it waits to work the 579 to Sowerby. 3142 B142WNB came down from Manchester as part of the four buses required to work the 69 UWE-Centre, a short lived service which used 4 specially liveried GM machines. 3054 B84PJA is seen in Bristol City Centre; this was one of four buses which came to work the very short lived route 69 to the UWE (University of the West of England). 3228 C228ENE is seen in Bury Bus Station 3253 C253FRJ was one of the last Olympian machines to carry the orange First Manchester livery. 3250 C250FRJ is captured in the now closed Exchange Sq bus station. 3103 B103SJA wears the 3141 B141WNB is captured in Bristol towards the end of its career in 2005. 3191 C191YBA migrated to the North East of Scotland and is photographed in Aberdeen Bus station. 3042 B42PJA is one of the handful of ex GM machines which came down to supplement the native Olympians in Bristol during the last few years of their lives. 3076 B76PJA powers away from the City Centre whilst working the 99 to UWE via Clifton. 3081 B81PJA is seen parked in Halifax bus station, this is one of a handful of GM Olympians which saw further service in West Yorkshire. 3022 A22HNC ended up in the Aberdeen based Stagecoach Bluebird schools fleet 3026 A26ORJ is captured in Hull where it ended its service life after cascade from Manchester. 3090 B90SJA is seen in Halifax Bus Station between duties. 3109 B109SJA passes through Bristol City Centre wearing its UWE special livery. 3128 B128WNB is captured in Bury Bus Station in the 'tomato soup' orange livery favoured by First Manchester. 3140 B140WNB ended up with First Glasgow where it is seen working in Summer 2005. 3151 B151XNA powers through Halifax's Kings Cross area whilst heading to Sowerby on the 579. 3168 C168YBA looks a little careworn in Wigan Bus Station wearing the First Manchester orange livery. 3195 C195YBA is one of the handful of Olympians that were sent to Hull to boost their fleet when they became redundant in Manchester. 3210 C210CBU retained its Magic Bus blue livery during its short spell working schools buses in Aberdeen. 3234 C234ENE is seen working the 192 from Piccadilly to Stepping Hill via Stockport, a route once very common for these machines. 3249 C249FRJ is captured in Bury whilst working the 510 Bury to Bolton service, a route which was a favourite for Bury based Olympians until their demise. 3257 D257JVR is captured in the Rock Ferry depot in Birkenhead where this machine ended its days as First 30087. 3264 D264JVR was one of only a very small number of Olympians to wear the later 'Barbie' livery, and is seen just prior to retirement in Bristol. 3277 D277JVR was one of the very final survivors in the GM area; this bus is seen in July 2006 still hard at work with Stagecoach Magic Bus and is now happily preserved by the SELNEC Preservation Society. 3008 ANA8Y ended up in the well presented fleet of The Delaine, Bourne- it is seen at the 2006 Lincoln running day. 3225 C225CBU is part of the extensive collection belonging to SELNEC Preservation Society, the biggest Olympian preservationist in existance. 3010 ANA10Y was purchased by SELNEC Preservation Society as a source of spares but did attend the Leyland event on 08/07/2007 in full Delaine livery. 3106 B106SJA is one of very few surviving GM standard Olympians in service; it is captured in Newquay on 02/08/2007 on the 387 to Truro. 3009 ANA9Y was the star of the Delaine Leyland day on 25/08/2007 as this well presented fleet said farewell to regular operation of Leyland buses. 3236 C236EVU is one of the many GM Standard Olympians retained as training vehicles. 3016 A581HDB has now been re-registered to TKZ9780 by Brijan tours, Bishops Waltham. This GM veteran is seen on the Southampton FC free shuttle service. 1451 NJA568W was the Leyland B45 (Olympian prototype) supplied to Greater Manchester. This bus has been superbly restored by the SELNEC Preservation Society and is seen at the Manchester Museum of Transport about to embark on the 2008 Trans-Lancs Rally. 1451 NJA568W was the Leyland B45 (Olympian prototype) supplied to Greater Manchester. This bus has been superbly restored by the SELNEC Preservation Society and is seen at the 2008 Trans-Lancs Rally. 3082 B82PJA works in the McEwans, Mansfield fleet and is captured working their bingo contract.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Wed May 3 2006 NBC - West Yorkshire Road Car http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945235.html 63 ECW Olympians were delivered to West Yorkshire Road Car. Wednesday 3 May 2006: 63 ECW Olympians were delivered to West Yorkshire Road Car.

1824 FUM499Y is one of the Road Car Olympians that ended up with First Devon and Cornwall. 1811 FUM486Y is seen in Plymouth where it worked as part of the First Devon and Cornwall fleet 1816 FUM491Y is captured heading through Plymouth City Centre on the Woolwell bound no 7. 3835 A686MWX is happily preserved and wonderfully repainted into original NBC poppy red livery- this bus is captured arriving at Skipton Bus Station during the Bolton Abbey rally on 11/10/2009. 1804 DWW929Y lives on as the oldest member of the Huntingdon and District fleet- it is seen here in St Neots in June 2006. 1836 A599NYG is seen shortly before retirement; it was working the 5 from Strensall to York City Centre when I caught up with it. 1831 A96KWW is seen in Huntingdon wearing the blue livery of Cavalier Contracts. This Olympian is waiting to convey school children home from Hinchingbrooke school. 1844 B91SWX sweeps away from its Keighley depot on its way to another schools duty. 1849 B517UWW is an especially tuneful member of the Keighley and District schools only fleet. 1841 A604NYG now forms part of the yellow schools fleet of Leyland Olympians with Transdev Keighley and District 1845 B92SWX remains with its original operator's successor company- this machine is now 385 in the Keighley and District schools fleet. 1843 A684MWX loads up in Skipton Bus station whilst working the 1610 to Keighley on route 70- this is the ONLY regular working for a former West Yorkshire Road Car Olympian in Yorkshire. 1848 B516UWW still survives in the fleet of Stagecoach Lincolnshire and this Olympian is seen still wearing the defunct Road Car colours whilst working a service in Retford. 1860 C482YWY wears the NSPCC advert livery and is captured working for Transdev Keighley and District. 1806 DWW931Y now provides the open top service between Cleethorpes and Thorpe Park operated by Coopers, Grimsby. 1847 B515UWW is caught in Steeton whilst working the 1610 70 from Skipton, the only 1854 B522UWW soldiers on in the lightly used Keighley and District schools fleet. 1802 DWW927Y is back in service in West Yorkshire, although it lives in Ackworth with South Yorkshire Motors it is shown here on the 488 Knottingly to Pontefract. 3835 A686MWX is seen at the very fringe of West Yorkshire Road Car territory but far away from its native York as it pauses in Kildwick during the 2009 Bolton Abbey running day. This Olympian is the first (and as yet only) preserved example from the 63 strong West Yorkshire Road Car fleet.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Wed May 3 2006 NBC - Midland Red http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945232.html Midland Red North had 13 ECW bodied Olympians, Midland Red East had 14 ECW bodied Olympians and Midland Red South had 17 ECW bodied Olympians. Tuesday 2 May 2006: Midland Red North had 13 ECW bodied Olympians, Midland Red East had 14 ECW bodied Olympians and Midland Red South had 17 ECW bodied Olympians.

1902 EEH902Y was part of the Midland Red North Olympian fleet, and is captured whilst with Marchants, Cheltenham. This bus is now preserved. 902 A942HAC from the Midland Red South Leyland Olympian fleet ended its life with Stagecoach Devon. 903 A943HAC was in the Midland Red South fleet before retiring to Devon. 4509 A509EJF was one of the final survivors with Midland Fox successor operator Arriva Midlands East. 903 A943HAC was in the Midland Red South fleet but now works for Stagecoach Devon, who have repainted and retrimmed this Olympian, and fitted an electronic destination display. 4507 A507EJF is now a film unit cast/crew canteen, and was captured on 29/07/2007 in Berkley Square, London. 4514 B514LFP is seen loading up passengers in Market Harborough; as can be seen this vehicle is called 4514 B514LFP is captured leaving Rockingham Castle whilst working the Summer Tuesdays only tour of the Market Harborough. This bus is now owned and operated by Roberts coaches of Hucclescote. 961 B961ODU is an ex Midland Red South coach seated Olympian, and now works for GHA Coaches, Corwen and is seen on the Stoke FC football shuttle operation. 1903 EEH903Y is now no 51 in the varied fleet of Confidence, Leicester. It is seen here collecting passengers at the start of the unforgettable day in May 2009 when 8 different Confidence Leyland Olympians were chartered for the benefit of enthusiasts. 911 B911ODU was part of the Midland Red South fleet when new- this bus is now in the fleet of Alpine, Llandudno.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - Hampshire Bus and Southern Vectis http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945227.html Hampshire Bus received just five ECW Olympians whilst Southern Vectis had 17 ECW Olympians in their fleet. Wednesday 3 May 2006: Hampshire Bus received just five ECW Olympians whilst Southern Vectis had 17 ECW Olympians in their fleet.

204 A204MEL from the Hampshire Bus fleet is seen in service with Solent Blue Line, who operated all five A-MELs for the bulk of their lives. 701 A701DDL has lived an interesting life, ending up with Western Greyhound where it was registered XOD665. 203 A203MEL is seen wearing ASDA colours to promote the free supermarket buses operated by Solent Blue. 201 A201MEL was from the batch of five Hampshire Bus Olympians that stayed together for almost their entire lives. 202 A202MEL is captured in Southampton City Centre working the 38 towards Hythe. 204 A204MEL is seen in service with Solent Blue Line, this time in ASDA colours to promote the free buses to the supermarkets operated by Solent Blue. 694 WDL694Y is captured in Mansfield working a schools duty; this Olympian is in the Johnson of Hodthorpe fleet. 693 WDL693Y is one of the trio of Southern Vectis machines with Countryliner, Guildford. This Olympian is named 696 WDL696Y is one of the three ex Southern Vectis machines with Countryliner, Guildford; this bus is named 695 WDL695Y is named 696 WDL696Y still works hard for Countryliner, Guildford and this veteran Olympian is captured in Brighton.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Wed May 3 2006 NBC - Eastern National and United Counties http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945225.html Eastern National had 22 bus-type bodywork ECW Olympians and 13 coach type examples, whilst United Counties took 20 ECW Olympians. Wednesday 3 May 2006: Eastern National had 22 bus-type bodywork ECW Olympians and 13 coach type examples, whilst United Counties took 20 ECW Olympians.

4001 XHK236X ended its life working for First Eastern Counties, and is seen here in Ipswich Bus station. 4511 D511PPU is still working in its native Essex; Fargo now own this fine Olympian coach. 4007 C407HJN survives with First Essex- this very well presented bus normally works schools duties around Chelmsford but is captured here on New Years' Day 2009 during the Stephensons organised special service day. 4010 C410HJN is seen in its last year in service working in Weymouth- this bus is now withdrawn. 4007 C418HJN is seen in Chelmsford at the very end of the special service day on 01/01/2009. 4510 D510PPU is unfortunatly now operated by Tony Glew, Colchester; a vehicle of this status deserves a home that enthusiasts of old Olympians or former Eastern National vehicles could occasionally enjoy the sight and sound of this venerable machine. It is captured here in happier times with previous operator Flagfinders of Braintree. The ECW Olympian coach is re-registered PLZ2876 and is seen on Westminster Bridge with the BA London Eye in the background. 4014 C414HJN arrives at Hedge End Sainsburys on the 26 from Fareham. This Olympian is one of a pair with First Hampshire and Dorset. 606 ARP606X was new to United Counties, and now WIW4749 in the Barkerbus schools fleet. 4007 C407HJN is among the final ECW Olympian with First Essex- and it is captured here in Colchester remarkably working a rail replacement job. 619 ARP619X is now owned by Alpha Coaches of Seaton, Devon. It is seen here working a park and ride service in conjunction with the Sidmouth Folk Festival. 4009 C409HJN is one of three which soldier on in the First Devon and Cornwall fleet, running as fleet number 34809. 610 ARP610X was one of those to aquire a Bristol VR radiator panel during its Stagecoach life- this Olympian now works with Coopers, Grimsby. 4017 C417HJN makes a splendid sight whilst working the 81C from Cremyll to Plymouth, this very scenic route tends to be low-floor rubbish so this Olympian was a treat. 4015 C415HJN is still working in it's native Essex- this Chelmsford based Olympian is seen in Colchester working a rail replacement operation. 4010 C410HJN is seen heading back into Weymouth on service 4B. 4014 C414HJN is captured in Weymouth where it still works hard in July 2008. 4500 B688BPU was modified over the years with a standard ECW front dome and hopper windows added on the upper deck. This coach is now registered LIL7230 and works with Shoreline Suncruisers, Scarborough- it is captured here in Leeds on a rail replacement working. 4500 B688BPU now works for Shoreline Suncruisers, Scarborough and is captured here in York whilst working a railway replacement to Leeds. 4500 B688BPU is now the pride of the fleet of Shoreline Suncruisers, Scarborough, it was re-registered to LIL7230 earlier in its life. 4505 B693BPU is still working in it's native area with M&E Coaches, Rochford and made a fine sight and sound when seen in July 2009

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Wed May 3 2006 NBC - Potteries Motor Traction http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945202.html Potteries took just 15 ECW bodied Olympians. Tuesday 2 May 2006: Potteries took just 15 ECW bodied Olympians.

744 A744JRE is seen during its last few weeks as part of the First West Yorkshire fleet in 2004, heading for Burnley on the 592. 746 A746JRE is now 30024 in the First Devon and Cornwall fleet and is seen here at Penzance. 745 A745JRE ended up in Halifax where it is seen working the 579 to Sowerby. 746 A746JRE was by a long way the last ex PMT Olympian to stay in public service and is captured in summer 2006 near Newquay. 747 A747JRE is now safe in preservation and this Olympian looks wonderful on its first public appearance at the POPS rally at Wedgewood on 14/05/2006. POPS is the Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society and they ran a superb event with a excellent array of vehicles available to enjoy rides on at this rally. 747 A747JRE is now preserved is seen at the 2007 POPS rally in Stoke on 20/05/2007.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - West Riding http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945191.html 112 ECW bodied Olympians were purchased for West Riding. Tuesday 2 May 2006: 112 ECW bodied Olympians were purchased for West Riding.

575 A575NWX is captured in Leeds during the autumn of its career. 603 B603UUM is captured leaving Leeds Bus Station on the 117 to Leeds. 606 B606UUM is photographed in Selby- this Leyland Olympian spent most of its life at Wakefield before migrating across for the last few months of its life. 612 C612ANW is seen hard at work on the 405 Selby to Doncaster service during spring 2006. 512 CWR512Y is part of the tidy Marchants of Cheltenham fleet and is captured working the 2005 racecourse shuttle during the gold cup festival. 566 A566NWX backs off the stand at Wakefield bus station. 581 A581NWX reverses away from the stand at Wakefield bus station on the 498 to South Elmsall. 604 B604UUM basks in the sunshine outside Leeds Bus station whilst loading up for its long journey to Barnsley via Wakefield. 607 B607UUM was one of the few West Riding machines to be fitted with an electronic destination display, set here to work the 444 from Wakefield to Leeds. 517 CWR517Y is seen here with Arriva Yorkshire as a driver trainer; this Olympian has now been exported to the USA. 605 B605UUM is one of the last ECW's in Arriva service- although it is almost exclusively used on schools and crew changeovers in Luton. 616 C616ANW is now an open top tour bus in Galway, and is operated by local firm Healy of Castlegar. Now registered 85G2349 and minus it's roof it still retains the original NBC blue style seats downstairs

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 London Transport part 2 http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945189.html London Buses purchased a batch of 260 ECW Olympians before their demise, this is the D-reg examples. Tuesday 2 May 2006: London Buses purchased a batch of 260 ECW Olympians before their demise, this is the D-reg examples.

L172 D172FYM was one of the trio that was cascaded to Arriva Southend; these buses had no roller blinds so could only work the 29! L219 D219FYM is one of the many ex Arriva Olympians to end up with smaller operators; this machine is now part of the Stansted Transit fleet. L162 D162FYM still wears London Red with Renown of Bexhill, its current owner. L127 D127FYM was one of the few L-Class Olympians to remain with Stagecoach; this Olympian is seen in Exmouth whilst at work for Stagecoach Devon. L166 D166FYM is captured in High Wycombe whilst working its semi retirement with Arriva the Shires. This Olympian was converted to single door layout upon cascade from London. L211 D211FYM is one of the many L Class machines cascaded from London to other Arriva operators but now sadly displaced by newer types- L211 is seen here in High Wycombe. L242 D242FYM ended up as 4572 in the Arriva Midlands East fleet and is seen here in central Leicester. L260 D260FYM is now D706YHK in the South Gloucestershire fleet- it is captured working a special service to the balloon fiesta in August 2006. L161 D161FYM is now in the TM Travel, Chesterfield fleet- the paint job being rather let down by the destination screen modification. L164 D164FYM shows off the split step entrance layout to good effect whilst working a rail replacement job with Wiltax, its current owner. L192 D192FYM is captured in Chesterfield displaying the tidy livery of its new owner TM Travel. L149 D149FYM is part of the Blackpool City Sightseeing fleet dedicated to Line 20. L257 D257FYM is one of the Blackpool Transport City Sightseeing Olympians, this one has plain branding which means it can work the Manchester or Blackpool operations. L127 D127FYM is seen in Exeter between duties with Stagecoach Devon. L211 D211FYM is one of the many ex Arriva London L-Class Olympians with Renown, Bexhill and is seen working the 6 in Eastbourne. L224 D224FYM races through Leighton Buzzard working route 73 with Red Kite, Tilsworth; this operator has adopted Go North East livery for its entire fleet, including those not native to the North East! L127 D127FYM is now operated by Brijan Tours, Bishops Waltham and has been re-registered to TKZ9792. L143 D143FYM is one of the L-Class machines now with TM Travel, Chesterfield. L236 D236FYM is now with Lords of Hull and is captured at work on a school bus in Beverley. L218 D218FYM is seen at the foot of Blackpool Tour whilst working in the Blackpool Transport fleet on the City Sightseeing supported route 20. L213 D213FYM is now in the open top City Sightseeing fleet in Blackpool. L199 D199FYM wears the simplified version of Go North East livery in the Red Kite, Tilsworth fleet.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 West Yorkshire PTE http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945181.html West Yorkshire PTE took 166 Roe and Optare bodied Olympians. Tuesday 2 May 2006: West Yorkshire PTE took 166 Roe and Optare bodied Olympians.

5045 CUB45Y ended its life as part of the fleet of First Bristol. 5124 B124RWY is seen in Halifax town centre on its way to Huddersfield. 5118 A118KUM is seen wearing the Calderline livery in 2005. 5078 EWY78Y is captured during its final weeks in service in Huddersfield. 5092 A92KUM is still a Halifax based machine, it is captured here in the old Calderline colour scheme. 5026 CUB26Y was a late survivor in the First West Yorkshire fleet, and was numbered 30530 in the national scheme. 5505 B145RWY is seen in Leeds on the X11 peak hour turn to Bradford Rd. 5015 UWW15X is one of the three early WYPTE Olympians with Blackpool Transport, 5015 is 367 in the Blackpool fleet. 5125 B125RWY is captured leaving Halifax Bus Station heading to its home town of Huddersfield. 5135 B135RWY is seen in Bradford Interchange between schools workings. 5001 UWW1X was sold to Chester City Transport when 42 members of the Olympian fleet left West Yorkshire after deregulation. Sadly it was re-registered as the rather anonymous HTU785X. 5002 UWW2X is now converted to open top format for the Chester City Sightseeing tour. 5011 UWW11X is one of the trio that has given many faithful years service to Blackpool Transport. 5030 CUB30Y was re-registered to 477HDT during its spell at Mainline, South Yorkshire. It then migrated to Southampton where it is photographed here. 5039 CUB39Y ended its days in Edinburgh where it is seen on Princes St working an X77 to Rosewell. 5068 CUB68Y is seen in Newcastle working the cross-city 44 to Whitley Bay. 5077 EWY77Y ended its life in Bristol as 34677, this Olympian is seen in the old yellow, red and blue 'Cityline' colour scheme. 5082 A82KUM is seen heading into Edinburgh City Centre towards the end of its service life 5124 B124RWY is photograhed at work in Huddersfield on the Golcar Circular. 5512 D512HUB is one of the minority of these fine machines that received this variation of the Barbie livery scheme. 5133 B133RWY is part of the Bradford schools Olympian fleet. 5119 A119KUM is seen in Pudsey on the 1655 711 from Bradford, a regular old Olympian working. 5111 A111KUM is captured in Leeds working the 49 back towards its home in Bramley. 5515 D515HUB was one of the last few Olympians left in York; this bus has been sold into preservation. 5511 C511KBT is the old White Rose Express bus- it remains in service in Yorkshire and is seen at Clifton Moor in York working the cross-city route 6. 5507 C507KBT is now happily preserved; this bus was the first Olympian to carry Optare bodywork. It is captured at the Meadowhall rally on 10/09/2006 is the condition it was in when it was withdrawn from service with First. 5015 UWW15X remains active with Blackpool Transport and is captured in Cleveleys on a Tram Replacement working. 5126 B126RWY is one of just two left in Huddersfield at the time of writing; this machine is seen on the Mecca Bingo service. 5130 B130RWY works the 680 Smiddles Lane to Bradford, a typical duty for these veteran Olympian machines. 5502 B142RWY pauses in Leylands Lane whilst working the 680 into Bradford. 5150 C150KBT is captured between workings on the 680 Bradford to Smiddles Lane, this route often sees action from the Roe, and in this case Optare Olympian buses. 5501 B141RWY still earns its keep for First West yorkshire and seen here in Bradford between schools duties. 5120 A120KUM is now one of the oldest survivors with WYPTE's sucessor operator First West Yorkshire. It is seen here in June 2007 in Bradford Interchange. 5131 B131RWY waits to work the 1715 619 from Bradford to Bingley, a regular old Olympian duty. Sadly this bus failed before departure and I suffered a wasted trip as a result. 5502 B142RWY sweeps away from Bingley Station whilst working the 1805 back to Bradford, a freqent old Olympian duty. 5140 B501RWY rests in Bradford between schools duties. 5128 B128RWY is seen in Bradford whilst busy working the staff shuttle between the Interchange and the depot. 5134 B134RWY is another member of the extensive fleet based at Bradford mainly for schools duties, this Olympian is waiting to work the 680 to Smiddles Lane. 5148 C148KBT sweeps into Otley bus station whilst working the 1805 Harrogate to Bradford 653, a regular duty for the old Roe, and in this case Optare Olympians. 5005 UWW5X is seen in Cleveleys working Line 1 for Blackpool Transport who have now been operating this vehicle for over twenty years themselves. 5136 B136RWY rests in Bradford Bus Station between schools operations. 5515 D515HUB was purchased from First Group by a West Yorkshire preservationist as a source of spares. 5024 CUB24Y looks absolutely brilliant back in the old West Yorkshire PTE colours and is a credit to Harrogate Coach Travel, it's current owner. 5024 CUB24Y shows off it's nearside at the Huddersfield Rally- this superbly repainted bus is part of the Harrogate Coach Travel fleet. 5009 UWW9X was sold to Southern National, then passed through the Isle of Man before ending up here, with Confidence, Leicester. 5147 C147KBT escaped the clutches of scrap-happy First Group and has served a number of years in the city Sightseeing fleet in York. This bus was built as an open top convertable but is now permanantly topless. 5507 C507KBT is preserved by the Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group. This bus was the first Optare bodied Leyland Olympian and was returned to Yorkshire Rider livery during summer 2009. 5504 B144RWY is preserved by Craig Temple and has regained Metrocoach livery as a reminder of when this fine Roe bodied Olympian was brand new. 5504 B144RWY was still a fresh new face on the preservation scene when it performed at the 2009 Bolton Abbey rally- this shot in Kildwick was made possible by helpful co-operation from the owner-driver!!

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - United Auto and East Yorkshire http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c945171.html United Automobile had 68 ECW bodied Olympians delivered to them. Tuesday 2 May 2006: United Automobile had 68 ECW bodied Olympians delivered to them.

251 B251NVN is part of the Arriva North West fleet and was captured on a rare guest appearance in service during 2004. 248 B248NVN passed through a few operators before joining many other Olympian monsters with Stephensons, Rochford. It is captured in Shoeburyness ASDA car-park, this operator runs the free buses to and from this supermarket. 214 WDC214Y is seen near Durham- this Olympian is captured in November 2004 right near the end of its life working from Peterlee. 256 B256RAJ is with Bennetts of Gloucester- it wore the cherished registration B7BEN for a number of years but has reverted to its true identity. 233 A233GHN still works hard; it is seen here at Rhyl bus station working GHA Coaches' X50 to Wrexham 530 A530OKH still wears EYMS livery with its current operator Johnsons of Hodthorpe. 264 C264XEF is seen working for Regal, Chelmsford. This operator used to run splendid old Olympians such as this on certain journeys on the 213 from Waltham to Epping. 252 B252PHN is now owned by a North East preservationist who intends to return this bus to original NBC poppy red livery. 224 AEF224Y is now fleetnumber 48 in the Confidence, Leicester fleet. On 16th May 2009 a special event was organised which saw eight different Confidence Olympians perform for the enjoyment of Olympian fans. 257 C257UAJ has ended up in the fleet of Alpine, Llandudno. It's seen in Betws during a private hire trip organised by the Leyland Olympians Yahoo Group. 257 C257UAJ is captured resting near Blaenau Ffestiniog after an exhusting climb form Llandudno. This fine old Olympian is part fo the Alpine, Llandudno fleet. 220 WDC220Y is now re-registered BJZ6752 and is part of the extensive schools fleet with Alpine, Llandudno.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 SBG - Scottish Operators http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c944373.html A selection of many wonderful Olympians delivered to the Scottish Bus Group; most of these vehicles carried Alexander bodywork and the distinctive traditional Scottish triangular destination screen layout. Tuesday 2 May 2006: A selection of many wonderful Olympians delivered to the Scottish Bus Group; most of these vehicles carried Alexander bodywork and the distinctive traditional Scottish triangular destination screen layout.

LL129 ALS129Y spent its entire (long) life serving the people of Edinburgh and the surrounding towns. It is seen here in 2005 shortly before withdrawal running as First Edinburgh 31713. J12 B896UAS was part of the Highland Scottish fleet before it was disbanded. This bus passed through Stagecoach ownership and is now with A-Bus of Bristol. F378 C378CAS was one of the three far-north members of the Highland Scottish Olympian fleet before it was sold to Chester City Transport. NLO82 D382XRS from the Northern Scottish fleet is one of a handful of similar Olympians working for Stagecoach East, seen here heading from Kettering to Bedford. NLO84 D384XRS displays the old livery whilst it rests in Bedford Bus Station between schools duties. NLO57 B357LSO is seen earning its keep not far from its original intended home; it is seen here in Perth and is now Stagecoach 14457. LO9 SSA9X is one of the oldest surviving operational Olympians in the UK. It is seen here in Forfar where it has spent much of its life under the care of Strathtay Scottish. SO18 D818ESS is captured in the Montrose depot of Strathtay Scottish. These buses were among the last to be delivered with the traditional Scottish style destination display. FR08 A988FLS was originally delivered to Fife Scottish but its life there was short. It is photographed during its final week in service in June 2005 working a school run at Laurencekirk. Strathtay Scottish re-registered this bus to PSU374 soon after they acquired it. LL159 B159KSC is another faithful servant of Eastern Scottish and its sucessor operators. J9 B893UAS from the Highland Scottish Olympian fleet is now with A-Bus, Bristol. NLO73 C473SSO was one of the many Northern Scottish machines to receive a cherished registration. Since leaving Scotland it worked for Stagecoach Cumberland were it was re-registered again to C382SAO before being sold to Stephensons of Rochford. NLO74 C474SSO is now registered C474SAO and had led a similar life to sister NLO73, both now work for Stephensons of Rochford; NLO74 is seen on the peak hour 60 from Southend. NLO60 B360LSO sweeps through Bristol City Centre; this Olympian now works for A-Bus, Bristol LO3 C803KHS from the Central Scottish fleet is captured at Glasgow Buchanan St bus station after arriving on a 240 from Motherwell. This Olympian was numbered 31249 in the First Glasgow fleet. LO10 C810KHS was the last of just 10 Olympians delivered to Central Scottish. This bus is captured towards the end of its life with First Glasgow heading out to Cambuslang on the 203. LL124 ALS124Y was new to Eastern Scottish and put in many years of faithful service in and around Edinburgh, ending up as First Edinburgh 31709. LL134 ALS134Y is a fine example of the Alexander bodied Olympians delivered to Eastern scottish- this bus ended up as First Edinburgh 31715. F379 C379CAS was part of the Highland Scottish Olympian fleet before it was sold to Chester City Transport. F380 C380CAS was the final Olympian delivered to Highland Scottish. This bus served most of its life with Chester City Transport, where it was fleetnumber 15. J02 A976OST was new to Highland Scottish; this fleet was sold off and J02 ended up as Chester City Transport (fleetnumber 12). J8 B892UAS from the Highland Scottish Olympian collection is now one of five ex Highland Olympians with A-Bus, Bristol. J11 B895UAS was in the Highland Scottish fleet and is now with A-Bus of Bristol. 901 D901CSH was one a pair delivered to Lowland Scottish- this Olympian is captured heading into Edinburgh on the X29. NLO56 B356LSO was one of the Northern Scottish Olympians and makes a fine sight in its native Aberdeen working the 260 to Peterhead. NLO67 C467SSO was new to Northern Scottish and is photographed in Perth working the 15 to Comrie. NLO71 C471SSO was part of the Northern Scottish delivery and is captured in Perth where it survives as part of the Stagecoach Bluebird fleet. NLO77 D377XRS from the Northern Scottish fleet is one of a handful of Scottish Olympians working for Stagecoach East, this bus was re-registered GSO7V before it headed South. NLO83 D383XRS is photographed in Bedford Bus Station; this ex Northern Scottish Olympian is part of a handful which was cascaded down to Stagecoach East. NLO86 D386XRS was delivered new to Northern Scottish and is seen in Perth. J15 B899UAS was part of the Highland Scottish fleet before it was split up and sold off in various directions. This Olympian is now with A-Bus, Bristol. NLO75 D375XRS in the Alexander (Northern) fleet was re-registered early in its life with a cherished registration. Before this Olympian was sold to Lincolnshire Road Car is became D384XAO thus giving the game away on its Cumbrian spell. J14 B898UAS from the Highland Scottish collection survives in Cambridgeshire working for Huntingdon and District. NLO69 C469SSO is captured in Perth where it works as part of the Stagecoach Bluebird fleet. LO8 SSA8X is now the oldest active production Olympian in the world- it is seen here still doing the business in Perth during July 2006. Shame about the ECW style front on this Alexander bodied bus! J4 A978OST from the Highland fleet is photographed in September 2006 outside St Neots TESCO where it is seen working the Huntingdon and District 564 service- this Olympian wears the Cavalier contracts livery. NLO43 YSO43Y is captured in Stewkley during the final week of this veteran Leyland Olympian's life. NLO84 D384XRS still survives in the Stagecoach East fleet based in Bedford. NLO80 D380XRS is now back in Stagecoach ownership after the take-over of Road Car; this Olympian is captured in Scunthorpe. NLO88 D388XRS is one of just three ex Northern Scottish machines left in service with Stagecoach in Scotland, and is seen here loading up in Perth. NLO76 D376XRS from the Northern Scottish fleet is one of a handful of Scottish Olympians working for Stagecoach East, it is showing off a recent repaint at Showbus 2008. NLO79 D379XRS is now in the fleet of Red Kite, Tilsworth and is captured in Leighton Buzzard on service 73.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 London Transport part 1 http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c944348.html London Buses mighty L-Class saw 260 buses added to three trial vehicles. This is part one- L1 and the C-reg examples. Tuesday 2 May 2006: London Buses mighty L-Class saw 260 buses added to three trial vehicles. This is part one- L1 and the C-reg examples.

L41 C41CHM looks fantastic in proper red livery with Sullivan Bus on a tube replacement job. L30 C30CHM was one of the many L-Class Olympians in the fleet of Town and Country, Grays. T&C 204 is seen at Tilbury on a rail replacement job. L117 C117CHM was now 206 in the extensive fleet of L-Class Olympians owned by Town and Country, Grays. L83 C83CHM is one of the Truronian fleet of L-Class Olympian buses. L31 C31CHM worked with Arriva Shire and Essex at High Wycombe after its London career ended. L104 C104CHM used to run as 213 in the Town and Country fleet; this bus is seen in Grays working a 'one' railway replacement service. L18 C818BYY was 215 in the Town and Country fleet- this Olympian worked with Phoenix Student Travel before they went bust. L34 C34CHM was used by Wiltax prior to being sold onto Trustline of Harlow where it is seen working a railway replacement contract. L77 C77CHM is one of the many L-Class machines in the Stephensons, Rochford fleet and is seen here working the Pitsea Tesco free bus. L32 C32CHM went off to retire by the seaside; Arriva Southend used this bus towards the end of its Arriva career. L76 C76CHM is photographed at Shenfield on railway replacement work during the period when this bus was part of the Town and Country, Grays fleet. L46 C46CHM retains Arriva London livery albeit with a yellow band in place of the previous stone coloured one. This is one of many L-Class Olympians with Linkfast, Benfleet. L91 C91CHM has been re-registered to C507OTW and was 211 in the Town and Country, Grays fleet. L92 C92CHM just can't resist visiting London! Before the demise of the X1 service to Southend Stephensons of Essex used to use the occasional L-Class on this long route. L106 C106CHM was the Tesco free bus Olympian which works for Stephensons, Rochford, now sadly withdrawn and scrapped. L72 C72CHM went to the Isle of Man, before coming back to England where it is now employed by Paul Winson, Loughborough and is re-registered to C651VMX. L1 A101SYE is the first of the three trial buses that lead to the order for 260 Olympian buses- this machine is seen in action with Green Light, Shirley. L19 C819BYY is captured in Perranporth at work with Truronian Buses. L8 C808BYY still wears full Cambridge Blue colours despite being in the Red Kite, Tilsworth fleet. L81 C81CHM is seen working in Chelsmford on the Tuesdays and Thursdays only 44 between schools duties. Note the modification to the entrance step and door, the split level step and four part door have been replaced by a single level step and two-part door. L100 C100CHM is one of the handful of L-Class Olympians that ended up working schools services with Ipswich Buses. L82 C82CHM is one of the many L-Class Olympian buses with Stephensons of Rochford, Essex. L27 C27CHM is one of the Linkfast, Benfleet based fleet of L-Class Olympian buses. L56 C56CHM is one of the Linkfast, Benfleet based fleet of L-Class Olympian buses. L71 C71CHM is now part of the varied fleet of Olympians operated by Confidence, Leicester. L8 C808BYY still wears full Cambridge Blue colours despite being sold to Red Kite many years ago. L118 C118CHM is now with Ford, Althorne in Essex and is captured on a college run. L50 C50CHM still wears Arriva London livery several years after leaving that fleet for Essex based Linkfast.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - East Midland and Trent http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c943915.html East Midland took delivery of 36 ECW bodied Olympians and neighbouring Trent received 24 ECW bodied Olympians Tuesday 2 May 2006: East Midland took delivery of 36 ECW bodied Olympians and neighbouring Trent received 24 ECW bodied Olympians

335 C335HWJ was the final ex East Mildand machine with Stagecoach in the East Midlands, and is captured here in Mansfield. Trent 706 XCH706Y is now in Blackpool Transports Trent 701 XAU701Y is one of the ten that was sold to Blackpool Transport. 321 A321YWJ wears a livery not unlike the post privatisation East Midland colours- this Olympian now works for Imperial of Rainham and is captured at Sidcup on a rail replacement. 324 A324AKU was a late ECW Olympian survivor with Stagecoach East Midlands and it is photograhed here in Hull where it ended its days. Trent 702 XAU702Y is captured in the now eliminated route 20 livery with Blackpool Transport. Trent 707 A707DAU is captured outside Blackpool Tower working the 1. Trent 708 A708DAU is one of the ten Trent Olympians still at work with Blackpool Transport. Trent 713 B713HVO was sold and ended up as part of the Lincolnshire Road Car Olympian fleet; it is seen here in Scunthorpe. Trent 716 C716LTO is seen in Duffield. Trent 712 B712HVO remained in its native Derbyshire and was part of the Notts and Derby fleet. Trent 717 C717LTO advertises the free bus to ASDA Sinfin and Spondon and is captured here on its old regular Monday to Thursday working on the 1430 Derby to Duffield route 17. Trent 723 C723NNN carries the Trent 723 C723NNN pulls into Derby Station on a glorious afternoon at the end of a glorious week of action by this rare machine on the 6 to the University. Trent 703 XAU703Y is seen near Pontins holiday camp at the very start of Trent 721 C721NNN is seen in Scunthorpe Bus station between duties with Road Car. 310 SHE310Y is now operated by Paragon Travel, in Uttoxeter- this Olympian is captured in Stoke working the football service to Brittania Stadium. Trent 704 XAU704Y works hard in the Blackpool Transport fleet, and is captured roaming the Prom looking for Line 1 punters in the height of the summer season. Trent 710 A710DAU is another loyal servant of the Blackpool Transport fleet, this is one of 13 ECW/Roe Olympians dedicated to

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - Yorkshire Traction and Lincs Road Car http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c943910.html Yorkshire Traction took delivery of 73 ECW bodied Olympians whilst Lincolnshire Road Car took just three. Tuesday 2 May 2006: Yorkshire Traction took delivery of 73 ECW bodied Olympians whilst Lincolnshire Road Car took just three.

662 B662CET is seen leaving Barnsley. 655 A655OCX is seen in Barnsley during the final few weeks of operation by 646 A646OCX is one of the pair of City Sightseeing livery open toppers with Alpine Travel, Llandudno for the Llandudno and Conway tour. 632 A632WDT is photographed whilst with ACE Travel based in Bootle and is seen in Liverpool City Centre after arrival from Southport. 1502 B502FFW is seen with Road Car and is photographed in Scunthorpe. This Olympian was one of the trio supplied to Road Car from new, although many Leyland Olympians have joined the fleet from various sources since. 612 SHE612Y was the last survivor of the trio of Tracky machines that went into the Strathtay Scottish fleet. 639 A639WDT is seen at rest in Barnsley Bus station. 657 A657OCX is photographed leaving Barnsley Bus Station, all of these Olympians are now withdrawn from the Yorkshire Traction fleet. 659 B659CET was Rawmarsh based when captured leaving Barnsley on the Meadowhall bound 229. 669 C669GET waits to leave Barnsley in 2005 towards the end of its faithful life with Yorkshire Traction. 673 C673GET is photographed on the forecourt of Rawmarsh depot in October 2005. 1501 B501FFW was based at Gainsborough and is captured working a schools peak service which is available to the public. 1503 B503FFW is seen in the village of Corringham. This bus wore the 75th anniversary Lincolnshire livery. 658 A658OCX is now immaculatly presented by its new owner, a Rotherham based preservationist. This Olympian was first shown at the POPS rally in Stoke on 20/05/2007. 658 A658OCX is a credit to its preservationist owner, this bus made the long trip to Bristol for the rally there in August 2009. 654 A654OCX is one of the pair of ex Yorkshire Traction ECW bodied Olympians which provide the City Sightseeing tour in Llandudno and Conway.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Tue May 2 2006 NBC - Ribble http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942790.html Ribble took delivery of 80 ECW bodied Olympians before they split up prior to the big sell off. Monday 1 May 2006: Ribble took delivery of 80 ECW bodied Olympians before they split up prior to the big sell off.

2170 C170ECK finished its Stagecoach life in Hull where is seen here heading for Bilton Grange. 2164 B964WRN came into the Arriva North West fleet via North Western, and was recently withdrawn after ending its years at Crewe. 2115 OFV15X is yet another ECW bodied Ribble Olympian in the ranks of the tidy Shamrock, Poole fleet. 2111 JFR11W is seen working the Poole Park and Ride which runs on pre-Xmas Saturdays. 2113 JFR13W is a very presentable early Leyland Olympian from the Shamrock, Poole fleet. 2178 C178ECK is part of the tidy Shamrock of Poole fleet. 2139 A139MRN is photographed outside Crewe depot; the depot is now history and the bus has left Arriva's fleet. 2154 B154TRN is seen at the Alpine, Llandudno depot. 2158 A158OFR is now OUI8977 in the Linburg fleet and this Olympian is working the Sheffield Handsworth ASDA free bus. 2169 B969WRN is now in Dublin working for a tiny company called Bee Line. 85 D 8320 is the Irish registration this Olympian wears, it normally just works school duties but was captured here broken down beside the road on a July 2006 evening! 2156 A156OFR is now 4219 in the Huntingdon and District fleet. 2132 DBV132Y is now with Shamrock, Poole and is captured after arriving in Bournemouth on the X9- an innovative service run instead of dead mileage. 2152 B152TRN is captured at Bournemouth Triangle, this bus is part of the extensive collection of Olympians in the Shamrock, Poole fleet. 2138 A138MRN is now the sole Stagecoach owned ex Ribble machine. It works school runs in Basingstoke, but it is seen parked up at Havant on rail replacement duties. 2114 OFV14X was one of the two Ribble Olympians in the yellow version of the Shamrock, Poole fleet. 2176 C176ECK still works at Stephensons, Essex along with sister 2174. 2150 B150TRN now works for Mark Bland Travel in Stamford, and is the regular performer on the 182 Stamford town service. 2158 A158OFR still works for Linburg Touring, Sheffield and is registered OUI8977 with them. This Olympian is captured waiting to leave Chesterfield station on a Midland Mainline rail replacement to Derby on 03/11/2007. 2123 OFV23X is another member of the tidy fleet of Shamrock, Poole which almost exclusively work school buses. 2176 C176ECK is captured still wearing Stephenson's livery but now working for New Horizon Travel. 2155 B155TRN is captured resting in the Alpine, Llandudno depot. 2162 B962WRN pretends to be a London Olympian so that it doesn't feel like the odd one out when parked in the yard of Linkfast, Benfleet where it keeps company with various L-class Olympians.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Mon May 1 2006 NBC - Northern General http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942776.html Northern General took delivery of 91 ECW bodied Olympians , 44 of which were Cummins L10 engined. Monday 1 May 2006: Northern General took delivery of 91 ECW bodied Olympians , 44 of which were Cummins L10 engined.

3656 C656LJR is one of the Cummins L10 engined Leyland Olympian monsters now with Johnson, Hodthorpe. 3665 C665LJR was one of the last three with Go North East. Bishop Auckland hosted the final trio until its closure in April 2006. 3748 B748GCN is now with Cedrics, Wivenhoe and this Olympian is seen in Colchester Bus station. 3591 JTY391X is one of the ex Go North East Olympians with Red Kite, Tilsworth. This livery is now their adopted fleet colour as other buses purchased have been painted into this scheme. 3669 C669LJR is captured in the yard of its current owner, Cedrics of Wivenhoe. 3670 C670LJR is part of the Redroute, Northfleet collection of buses. 3522 C522LJR is now with Mulley, Ixworth and is seen working a school-time service in Bury St Edmunds. 3653 C653LJR survives in service but has been re-registered YIL8749 by Arnold Liddel. 3744 B744GCN still wore DFDS colours whilst in service with Johnson of Hodthorpe; it is seen here outside Derby Station on the Midland Mainline Alton Towers package connecting bus. 3599 JTY399X is now part of the Stephenson of Easingwold fleet; try the 1710 departure from York on route 31 to Easingwold on any weekday if you wish to enjoy a ride on this veteran. 3736 B736GCN is seen at Chesterfield on a rail replacement, this Olympian is now operated by Johnsons of Hodthorpe. 3656 C656LJR powers away from Sheffield on a Midland Mainline rail replacment to Chesterfield. 3735 B735GCN is one of the many ex Northern Generals with Johnson, Hodthorpe. 3672 C672LJR still wears Go North East livery and now works for Johnsons, Hodthorpe- this bus is in action on the Chesterfield Mecca Bingo run. 3741 B741GCN is captured in Sheffield- this Olympian is now part of the Redfern/Johnson Bros fleet. 3746 B746GCN is part of the well presented fleet of Herberts, Shefford, Beds and is seen here in Royston on a rail replacement job. 3738 B738GCN wears the Redfern Travel of the Johnson Bros group.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Mon May 1 2006 NBC - London Country and Maidstone & District http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942767.html London Country took delivery of 60 Roe and 15 ECW bodied Olympians and 15 ECW coach type Olympians. Maidstone and District took three ECW bus type (diverted from a cancelled Western National order) and 14 ECW coach types. Monday 1 May 2006: London Country took delivery of 60 Roe and 15 ECW bodied Olympians and 15 ECW coach type Olympians. Maidstone and District took three ECW bus type (diverted from a cancelled Western National order) and 14 ECW coach types.

LR12 TPD112X passed into the fleet of Eagle Coaches, Bristol. LR11 TPD111X also survives in service with Fargo, Braintree. LR5 TPD105X lives on with Fargo Coaches of Braintree. LR20 TPD120X dashes through Bristol City Centre; this Olympian is part of the South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach fleet. LR56 A156FPG was part of the Scotguide sightseeing fleet touring Glasgow and is seen here picking up more tourists in central Glasgow. 5448 C448BKM was one of the superb TL11 engined Olympian coaches operated on Maidlstone and District LR61 B261LPH wears a school bus yellow livery but is still captured working in normal service for Huntingdon and District; it is fleetnumber 4215 in that fleet. 5888 A888PKR was one of the trio of ECW bus body Olympians delivered to Maidstone and District. It is captured on the forecourt of Margate station, which was the setting for a scene in the brilliant episode of Only Fools and Horses 'The Jolly Boys Outing'. A888PKR's jolly outing from Excel, Stansted was as a subcontractor on a rail replacement job. 5890 A890PKR carries the full livery of Excel, Stansted and is captured in Margate on a rail replacement contract. LRC5 A105FPL remarkably retains its original registration but is now demoted to schools duties with Premier Travel, Bristol rather than dashing between North East Kent and Central London. LR64 B264LPH passed into the varied Huntingdon and District Olympian fleet via a period at Keighley. LRC5 A105FPL departs with another load of lucky school passengers; these TL11 Olympian Coaches are increasingly rare and LRC5 works for Premier Travel, Bristol. 5450 C450BKM had a spell back in its native Kent after working for various operators across the country. It's seen here outside Canterbury West station on a rail replacement operation whilst working for Young, Faversham (t/a Over The Top) on 08/03/2008. LR61 B261LPH is now one of the oldest buses operated by Stagecoach since they took over Cavalier/Huntingdon and District. LR61 was the first ECW bodied LR Class member and is seen in St Neots on 16/04/2008. 5454 C454GKE was last used by The School Bus Co, Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire. It is seen here about to depart from their base for the last time to head off for pastures new.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Mon May 1 2006 NBC - Western National and Western Welsh http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942754.html Western National took delivery of 17 ECW bodied Olympians before they split into three companies. Western Welsh took just 10 ECW Olympians. Monday 1 May 2006: Western National took delivery of 17 ECW bodied Olympians before they split into three companies. Western Welsh took just 10 ECW Olympians.

1805 A681KDV is now with Countryliner, Guildford and is seen here on the Brooklands Shopper bus which is often Olympian worked on weekdays. 1802 A752VAF is now part of the First Devon and Cornwall Olympian fleet, still working from Plymouth depot. 1808 A755VAF has lived it's entire life with Western National and its sucessor operators. 1800 A750VAF is seen in 1801 A751VAF is seen in action in Penzance during summer 2005. 1803 A753VAF passes Totnes Station whilst working the X80 through to Torquay. Although these buses were common on the X80 earlier in their life by 2005 they were becoming rare on this prime route. 1807 A754VAF works hard for its living in Newquay. 1810 A757VAF is one of the pair which ended up with First Hampshire and Dorset after a spell working in the Bristol area. HR1857 MUH287X passed through several operators and ended up with Ipswich Buses. 1810 A757VAF is one of the pair of Western National Olympians now working in Fareham. HR1851 MUH281X is still at work in Luton, where it is seen performing its usual schools duties. 1804 A680KDV is now preserved and is well turned out in post privatisation Devon General livery- the Olympian is captured at the Bristol rally. 1800 A750VAF is still active with First Devon and Cornwall as 34750. 1814 A686KDV is superbly preserved in original NBC poppy red livery. This Leyland Olympian was the last vehicle produced by the old Bristol factory.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Mon May 1 2006 NBC - Crosville http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942735.html Crosville took delivery of 107 ECW bodied Olympians classified "DOG" and "EOG". Monday 1 May 2006: Crosville took delivery of 107 ECW bodied Olympians classified "DOG" and "EOG".

DOG142 A142SMA is part of the Warrington Transport schools fleet. DOG188 B188BLG is one of the tiny handful of Olympians still in service in Crosville territory, and is now Chester based 30074. DOG167 A167VFM is captured still in First PMT livery in Plymouth working the 5 to Elburton. DOG198 B198DTU in action in 2006 as Arriva North West 3038 on the 84 Crewe to Nantwich. DOG122 MTU122Y is still in action with First Devon and Cornwall and is seen here in Plymouth before its repaint into Barbie livery. DOG183 B183BLG is just about the only presentable bus in the shabby Merseypride fleet. The 82B is the route to look for their buses but be patient and expect missing duties! DOG194 B194BLG is captured in the sunshine at Chester Bus Station prior to working the 230 to Winsford, this bus retains Arriva livery with Axe Valley Mini Travel in Seaton, Devon. EOG202 B202DTU is seen working the Bank of Scotland contract service in Chester. EOG212 C212GTU was the final delivery of the vast batch of 107 ECW bodied Leyland Olympians for Crosville. This bus was captured in 2005 working from Bottle depot on the 60 to Aigburth Vale. DOG191 B191BLG is in the fleet of Ebley Coaches, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. They kindly supported the superb Stroud Running day in 2006, and this bus is captured at Brookthorpe. DOG157 A157UDM is captured at Gosport ferry bus station- this Olympian now works in the First Hampshire and Dorset fleet based at Fareham. DOG107 GFM107X is now in the Linburg, Sheffield fleet and is seen on a Chesterfield to Baslow working in March 2007- this bus is now registered OUI6433. DOG181 B181BLG poses for the cameras in Ince whilst working the last day of route 36 Ellesmere Port to Runcorn. DOG162 A162VDM is still in active use and has been reallocated to Chester; it is seen in Ellesmere Port working the 3 to Rivacre. DOG128 PFM128Y is now in the Judd Fleet and is dedicated to the Peterborough to Coates via Whittlesey 701 service. DOG175 A175VFM rests in Salisbury bus station; this was one of the trio that spent the majority of its life with Wilts and Dorset. EOG203 B203DTU is now in the fleet of Regal Busways, Chelmsford and is seen at the 2007 Showbus rally. DOG174 A174VFM ended up on the Isle of Wight running the Downs Tour whilst pending the conversion of Volvo Olympians to open top configuration. DOG110 GFM110X is now operated by Price Coaches, New Broughton and is re-registered CHZ4871. EOG200 B200DTU was one of the last five Crosville vehicles with a Crosville successor operator. Captured in November 2007 at Chester Bus Exchange this Olympian was working the 3 to Rivacre until it developed a fault. DOG153 A153UDM looks splendid back in NBC green although it remains in service with Ian Howard, Runcorn. DOG153 A153UDM is captured during a special tour of Liverpool and the Wirral on 24/11/2007, this bus is back in original NBC leaf green. DOG175 A175VFM sweeps away from Swindon Bus Station whilst working the 96 to Pewsey, surely not only the longest run possible on a DOG/EOG in 2008 but also the only one working in a major fleet apart from First! DOG119 MTU119Y is now a superbly presented sightseeing bus in York under the EOG207 C207GTU is happily saved for preservation, and it captured here about to head to Showbus 2008- it still carries the A17ALS regsitration it gained during its long career wih Happy Als. EOG207 C207GTU was one of the Coastliner livery Olympians which were supplied new for the North Wales coastal express run. After spending most of its life with Happy Als this bus is now in preservation and is seen at Showbus 2008 before any restoration work had started. EOG201 B201DTU is one of the late survivors still working for Crosville successor First PMT. DOG139 A139SMA is one of the four former Crosville DOG's in the fleet of Confidence, Leicester. DOG132 A132SMA is a bit of a celebrity as it's now the oldest surviving Workington built Leyland Olympian. DOG190 B190BLG is one of the four ex Crosville Leyland Olympians in the fleet of Confidence, Leicester. DOG117 MTU117Y ended its days with Wilson, Desborough where it is seen in a sorry condition being used as a seat store. DOG149 A149UDM is captured passing through the very tight arch in Conway whilst working a special hire for Olympian fans on 05/09/2009. DOG148 A148UDM is still very much within Crosville territory. This Alpine of Llandudno operated bus was hired on 05/09/2009 by some Leyland Olympian fans and is seen here during a break in Prestatyn.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

]]> Mon May 1 2006 NBC - Bristol Omnibus http://olympiangold.fotopic.net/c942715.html Bristol Omnibus took delivery of 75 Roe bodied Olympians- four of these (9560/62/63/64) remain in service with First Bristol but not for much longer... Monday 1 May 2006: Bristol Omnibus took delivery of 75 Roe bodied Olympians- four of these (9560/62/63/64) remain in service with First Bristol but not for much longer...

9525 LWS41Y is part of the 12 Bristol Omnibus Olympians that went to Cheltenham and Gloucester upon the split up. 9531 NTC130Y is seen in Southampton where it is part of the First Hampshire and Dorset fleet. 9567 A967THW spent many years wearing this colourful advertising livery for John Nike Sports- it is seen here working the 48 Emersons Green- never a common route for the Roe bodied Olympians. 9559 A959THW displays the yellow, red and blue Cityline colours which this type wore for much of their lives. 9557 A957THW is seen in upmarket Clifton heading towards Cherry Gardens on the 41. 9528 LWS44Y was remarkably painted into the new colours a few weeks before it was withdrawn and scrapped in 2006. 9543 NTC142Y wore the old colours until its demise in early 2006. 9539 NTC138Y is captured near the very end of its life in Hartcliffe on the 75. 2350 ADD50Y was new to National Travel South West and passed into the Badgerline fleet. It left for Hong Kong in the late 1980's and worked in open top format for a number of years and ended up working as a promotional vehicle before retirement. 9556 A956THW is pictured working the cross city Cherry Gardens to Avonmouth route 41. 9530 NTC129Y is photographed in Norwich City Centre; this batch of buses spread their wings far and wide towards the end of their lives. 9520 LWS36Y was retired by Stagecoach in spring 2006. 9552 A952SAE wears the Bristol Tramways Company heritage livery and is seen in action on route 70. This Olympian is now owned by a local enthusiast. 9560 A960THW was re-registered to PSU630 during a short spell in South Yorkshire. Back in Bristol to end its days it is seen here working a 70 from the UWE to the Centre. 9555 A955THW wears an odd combination of the 'Barbie 2' and regular 'Barbie' colour schemes. 9567 A967THW is captured just after it was treated to a repaint soon before its withdrawal. 9563 A963THW sweeps around the City Centre as it prepares to work an X84 up to Parkway Station via the UWE. 8612 A812THW is one of the six open top convertable Olympian buses new to Weston and is captured 9500 JHU899X was one of the 12 Roe machines that ended up in the Cheltenham and Gloucester division which became part of Stagecoach. 9501 JHU900X is seen just before the end of its working life in Huddersfield bus station. 9534 NTC133Y is part of the First Hampshire and Dorset fleet and is captured in Southampton. 9546 A946SAE is seen in Bristol during 2005 before the big cull swept away these buses from Lawrence Hill. 9548 A948SAE is captured parked up on the centre in the old yellow, red and blue colour scheme. 9549 A949SAE was the heritage NBC green livery Olympian and a fine sight it made too, this photo was taken during its short time at Hengrove depot. 9550 A950SAE retained the old Cityline colours until the end of its life in 2006. 9562 A962THW was one of the few surviving NBC machines left in Bristol, it is seen here before repaint into Barbie livery at the UWE. 9563 A963THW is now in the latest Barbie livery and was one of the small number to survive until late 2007. 9536 NTC135Y is captured working in Edinburgh on the Musselburgh operated cross-city 129. This Leyland Olympain is now preserved by Kells Transport Museum, Cork. 9541 NTC140Y is seen in Portland working the Tuesdays only Market Bus service- a true bargain of nearly an hour of heritage Olympian ride for just £1- much of this up very challenging hills! 9554 A954SAE is the first of the Bristol Omnibus Olympians to enter preservation. Oddly the buyer thinks he has a 9500 JHU899X was in preservation when this shot was taken on a run out to Brookthorpe as part of the excellent Stroud running day on 11/06/06. The owner has sold the bus to Cotswold Green for futher service as a school bus, but hopefully it will come back into preservation in the future. 9568 A968THW is the final Olympian of the batch. It is photographed at Nailsworth during the superb Stroud 2006 running day. 9518 LWS34Y is another preserved ex Bristol Omnibus Olympian. It is seen acting as the control vehicle at the 2006 Stroud running day. 8613 A813THW still spends its summers working as intended; carrying seaside passengers as an open-topper. The 2007 season saw this Olympian head down to work Torquay to Paignton in competition with Stagecoach. 9563 A963THW was one of the last four Roe bodied Olympians in service with First Bristol- here it is on 10/10/2007. 9542 NTC141Y is one of the Weymouth based Roe Olympians, it is captured here in the Southampton depot on 05/01/2008. 9518 LWS34Y is thankfully preserved and was first used publicly on the Bitton Railway Thomas the Tank day park and ride. Looking striking in its Stroud Valleys livery 9518 is captured at Brislington. 9518 LWS34Y shows off its recent repaint back into the old Stroud Valleys colours at Bitton Station on 10/05/2008 whilst working the park and ride in connection with a special event. 9554 A954SAE is a fine example of the Leyland Olympian in preservation, this bus was the final Bristol manufactured chassis for service in Bristol. 9542 NTC141Y is seen powering along Weymouth sea front- many of the ex Bristol Olympians spent their retirement by the Dorset seaside but few remain. 9503 JHU902X is one of the very last few survivors working in Weymouth- this veteran Olympian is captured in Portland whilst working the 1 to Weymouth.

Published in Leyland Olympian Gold - A collection of the very best veteran Leyland Olympians.

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