Today preserved ex-Maidstone & District 3238 P238 MKN had a tip to Chislehurst for a good spring clean and some five hours later here is the result! Along with the cleaning we managed to fit the "DENNIS", "PLAXTON" and "Pointer" badges to the front and most to the rear (the "DENNIS" badge on the rear needs to be fixed with stronger double-sided tape), "GIVE WAY" sign on the rear and a genuine "DENNIS" steering wheel badge.

Displaying a route and destination very familiar with this vehicle during it's life its seen posing for four very pleased and dare I say knackered owners on Loop Road, Chislehurst on her way back home. Sunday 13th March 2016.

I may be totally bias here but I think this was a superb livery which sadly did not last that long before being washed away by a sea of aquamarine. The design was simple but yet very effective along with the modernised Maidstone & District logo.

For anyone who would like to follow the restoration of 3238 and any details with regards to any future events, rallies and feeder services you are more than welcome to follow 3238 on Facebook just search for MD3238 and of course you might also like the site of her big brother MD5928!

IMG_31875

Dennis Dart SLF 10.6m - Plaxton Pointer (Ex-Maidstone & District, ARRIVA Medway Towns, ARRIVA Kent & Sussex & ARRIVA Kent Thameside 3238)

With winter well and truly arriving this week we decided to give 3238 a spin today which ended up being a nearly eight hour jaunt across Kent and also took it back to Medway for the first time in M&D colours since the late 1990's/early 2000's. The day included almost a complete run on route 151 from Tunbridge Wells to Chatham via the Medway Valley and a quick spin out to Hempstead Valley on the now defunct route 113.

Showing off her 1997 Maidstone & District retro livery, 3238 P238 MKN is seen on Dukes Meadow Drive, Hempstead working the now defunct route 113 (replaced in July 2015 by the LOOP network). Sunday 22nd November 2015.

For anyone who would like to follow the restoration of 3238 and any details with regards to any future events, rallies and feeder services you are more than welcome to follow 3238 on Facebook just search for MD3238 and of course you might also like the site of her big brother MD5928!

IMG_29965

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

With winter well and truly arriving this week we decided to give 3238 a spin today which ended up being a nearly eight hour jaunt across Kent and also took it back to Medway for the first time in M&D colours since the late 1990's/early 2000's. The day included almost a complete run on route 151 from Tunbridge Wells to Chatham via the Medway Valley and a quick spin out to Hempstead Valley on the now defunct route 113.

With a burst of late afternoon winter sunlight and driver (and part owner) Richard Jones at the wheel, 3238 P238 MKN is seen on Wrotham Road, Meopham on her way back home. Sunday 22nd November 2015.

For anyone who would like to follow the restoration of 3238 and any details with regards to any future events, rallies and feeder services you are more than welcome to follow 3238 on Facebook just search for MD3238 and of course you might also like the site of her big brother MD5928!

IMG_29974

With winter well and truly arriving this week we decided to give 3238 a spin today which ended up being a nearly eight hour jaunt across Kent and also took it back to Medway for the first time in M&D colours since the late 1990's/early 2000's. The day included almost a complete run on route 151 from Tunbridge Wells to Chatham via the Medway Valley and a quick spin out to Hempstead Valley on the now defunct route 113.

Thanks to everyone for your continued assistance and to finish off a shot of M&D liveried 3238 P238 MKN (facing the wrong way!) in Mereworth recreating the once long route 151. Sunday 22nd November 2015.

For anyone who would like to follow the restoration of 3238 and any details with regards to any future events, rallies and feeder services you are more than welcome to follow 3238 on Facebook just search for MD3238 and of course you might also like the site of her big brother MD5928!

IMG_29959

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Saturday 17th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Thursday 15th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Thursday 15th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Thursday 15th October 2015

Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd.:

Dennis Dart SLF /

Plaxton Pointer (10.6m)

N40F - 5/1997

Delivered to The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd. during early 1997 as part of a major investment by the Company covering 1996/7. A total of £8.3million was spent on a lovely shiny fleet of Northern Counties Volvo Olympians, Plaxton Beaver bodied-Mercedes-Benz's and these Pointer Dart SLFs. The first part of the SLF fleet were allocated to Maidstone (plus 3246/7 for P&R duties), with the latter being based at Gillingham.

3242 lived at GL and stayed in full service there until mid-2013 (unless someone can clarify lol) when she was transferred South to Tunbridge Wells for further use there.

The bus was loved by drivers, and only let us down once, following a very minor electrical fire during Autumn 2014. The bus was temporarily VOR, making a comeback to the streets of West Kent by December following a re-wiring repair.

As the investment of new buses in Maidstone and Medway saw off a huge number of SLFs, 3242 was one of only 3 within the Kent & Surrey fleet which survived into 2015. The other 2 being Northfleet-based 3228/38, of which 28 went to Guildford briefly, and can now be found at Colchester. 3238 meanwhile found her way into preservation under the very keen hands of a group of friends. 3242 was withdrawn from active service during February 2015. The future of this bus is as yet undecided, but don't be surprised if you see her alongside #MD3238 within the next year...

Arriva Tunbridge Wells bus garage, Saint John's Road

Thursday 15th October 2015