A Birthday In Reading (mini)

It has been 20 years since ...

... Reading buses, still Local Authority owned, started with route branding. Whilst not the first, the company has been the most consistent in maintaining the principle, undaunted through the two decades.

There is, of course, a celebration bus ...

... with a celebration logo.

Inside, the original network is celebrated.

There has been considerable expansion throughout the 20 years. (click on the map for an enlargement).

But something strange appeared as part of the festivities.

The bus is in Wilts and Dorset heritage livery - the predecessors of More Bus. But it is pictured in Reading because the bus behind is branded "Aqua".

The heritage bus used to run in Reading. It was branded for routes 23 and 24.

It seems that the GoAhead group had bought a batch of former Reading buses. Buses from the same bulk purchase have appeared in More Bus livery ...

... one with BlueStar ...

... another at Swindon.

The example below is pictured at Hampshire Trim's works at Eastleigh, presumably having been repainted for Hedingham buses serving Suffolk, East Anglia.

But one is a bit of a mystery. Here it is in Reading ...

... branded or route 26. Next we see it in East Anglia but with Sanders ...

... still, as far as fbb knows, in the hands of the Sanders family and not (yet???) piat of GoAhead.

Any explanation, please, to fbb@xephos.com

Coming Up?

A mystery model?

A new arrival for fbb's layout.

And mixed feelings for a bus ride.

More Fun Than Fireworks?

Instead of spending your money setting fire to horrid chemicals, how about a collection of Dapol gunpowder wagons branded for Firework manufacturers. As far as fbb is aware these never existed in the real world but they are colourful and fun to collect.

But beware, prudent purchaser! Whilst the latest models are on sale at retailers for about £12, at least one of the above has achieved a rarity value and is on offer on-line at £50!

 Next Didcot to Newbury blog : Weds 6 Nov