Trent Barton 257 Y257DRC
Well would you believe it. 2015 was almost certainly the year that the last Optare Excels within the Wellglade group would finally leave the fleet. But no! 2nd January 2016 sees Excel 257 still in action, along with Excel 261 over at Sutton depot. It really does surprise me that these, unlike so many other unfortunate vehicles, have survived the DDA deadlines which have been looming for years now.
Others were not so fortunate, however, with only two out of what must have been nearly one hundred excels purchased by the Wellglade Group still in operation. Lots were sold for further operation elsewhere, although many more were scrapped.
This particular Excel, 257, was new to Rainbow 4, (seen here at Showbus 2001, www.showbus.com/p1/y257drc.JPG (c)www.showbus.com)
257 then gained 'Pronto' livery (www.flickr.com/photos/116535434@N04/22133594182 (c)Mutly's Fots)
257 was then painted up into 'Amberline' livery (www.flickr.com/photos/60448072@N07/5540821413 (c)DoncasterDarts)
257 then wore advertising for Trent Barton Customer Service and gained an electronic destination board:(www.flickr.com/photos/99395428@N03/9580006808 (c)dbp DearingsBusPics)
before finally becoming the standard red bow spare livery it is today, (although it retained some rear advertising and the slogan on the front panel), returning to Sutton depot, also reverting back to roller blind destinations. Late 2015 saw 257 move yet again to Langley Mill depot (covering for withdrawn 266) re-gaining a digital destination board.
Trent Barton 257 Y257DRC
Well would you believe it. 2015 was almost certainly the year that the last Optare Excels within the Wellglade group would finally leave the fleet. But no! 2nd January 2016 sees Excel 257 still in action, along with Excel 261 over at Sutton depot. It really does surprise me that these, unlike so many other unfortunate vehicles, have survived the DDA deadlines which have been looming for years now.
Others were not so fortunate, however, with only two out of what must have been nearly one hundred excels purchased by the Wellglade Group still in operation. Lots were sold for further operation elsewhere, although many more were scrapped.
This particular Excel, 257, was new to Rainbow 4, (seen here at Showbus 2001, www.showbus.com/p1/y257drc.JPG (c)www.showbus.com)
257 then gained 'Pronto' livery (www.flickr.com/photos/116535434@N04/22133594182 (c)Mutly's Fots)
257 was then painted up into 'Amberline' livery (www.flickr.com/photos/60448072@N07/5540821413 (c)DoncasterDarts)
257 then wore advertising for Trent Barton Customer Service and gained an electronic destination board:(www.flickr.com/photos/99395428@N03/9580006808 (c)dbp DearingsBusPics)
before finally becoming the standard red bow spare livery it is today, (although it retained some rear advertising and the slogan on the front panel), returning to Sutton depot, also reverting back to roller blind destinations. Late 2015 saw 257 move yet again to Langley Mill depot (covering for withdrawn 266) re-gaining a digital destination board.