Dart 143 returns to 22s

Dennis Dart 143 became the second bus in the new Catch22 livery to operate on Saturday 26 April when it returned to 22s after a 7-month absence. The new livery certainly suits this vehicle and is a complete transformation after operating during 2013 in the all-over white livery with hastily applied red front.
MoT preparation work is currently in hand on Dart 163 (V163MVX) whilst recently acquired ex-Stagecoach R356LER is now under repaint. Next for repaints are expected to be ex-Stagecoach X617JCS which is currently receiving panelling repairs and Dart 512 (X512UAT) which has operated in ex-Transdev red and grey livery since acquisition in August 2012.


143 captured on camera crossing the tramway at Cleveleys on its first day back in service since September 2013, wearing the new Catch22Bus fleet livery. (Photo: Alan Robson)

Work starts on ex-Stagecoach Dart 356

Ex-Stagecoach Dennis Dart 356 looks likely to become the fourth member of the fleet to receive the new Catch22 bus fleet livery. Following minor panelling attention and the fitting of advert frames, 356 is now being rubbed down ready for its new coat of paint.

356 seen on 19 April with work in progress on its repaint.

Volvo 601 returns after makeover

The new Catch22 fleet livery hit the roads today when ex-Harrogate 601 returned to service in its fresh coat of paint after several weeks of operation in the cherry red and butterscotch Transdev colours.
601 had been taken out of service on 27 March for repaint and although the third bus in the fleet to receive the new colours, it is the first to enter service. Dart 143 is expected to return to service very soon following MoT pass this week whilst preparation work on 163 is still in hand.

Volvo 601 at Mereside for the 10:00 departure on service 22 (Photo: David Umpleby)
 



601 prior to repaint in the Harrogate cherry red and butterscotch livery.

Further ex-Stagecoach Darts acquired

Two further ex-Stagecoach Dennis Darts have joined the fleet, both with Alexander ALX200 bodies but with very different backgrounds. The older of the two is reg R356LER that was new to Stagecoach Cambus (but latterly operated with Stagecoach Yorkshire Traction) whereas the younger is X617JCS, new to Stagecoach Western in Scotland in February 2001, but was later transferred to Stagecoach in Hampshire. Both buses will be repainted in the new Catch22Bus fleet livery before entering service.

Dart 163's makeover complete

Dennis Dart 163's transformation is now almost complete after becoming the second bus to receive the new Catch22 fleet livery of turquoise and orange. It will now undergo MoT preparation for a return to traffic.