Puzzle Picture & Answer
The above appeared on fbb's tablet recently via 'Pinterest' which floods the inbox with PIctures of iNTEREST. The picture came without label, without identity of any kind.
So fbb asked what purports to be "AI" but which isn't the slightest bit "intelligent". It explained:-
The vehicle shown in the image is Christchurch trolleybus no. 210
Hmmm? Below is a trolleybus in the long-gone but oft-celebrated Christchurch turntable (near Bournemouth) ...
... which featured in a recent blog.
So fbb tried again and asked about Trolleybus 210 from the old clockwork thicko interwebnet. It revealed all, with not a smidgen if artifice or a soupcon of intelligence.
It is Christchurch New Zealand, innit.
Here is a similar vehicle in the streets of that fine antipodean city.
Trolley 210 is shown in preservation; alongside the state of the vehicle prior to its rescue.
Key Details & History
Manufacturer: Built in 1931 by English Electric.
Configuration: It features a distinctive three-axle (six-wheel) layout with dual rear wheels, common among heavy early British-designed trolleybuses.
Service Life: This trolleybus operated as part of the public transit system in Christchurch, New Zealand, serving commuters until the city's trolleybus network officially closed in 1956.
Current Status: It has been fully preserved in its heritage red and cream livery and remains operational under the care of the Tramway Historical Society. You can see it operating on the museum circuit at the Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch.
fbb is tempted to advise that Ferrymead is well worth a visit. That is, to be sure ...
... a fine aspiration; but one which few of fbb's UK readers will be able to enjoy.
There is more than trains, trams and trolleybuses ...
... but UK readers may be interested in this vehicle.
Yes, from the fleet of the relatively short-lived Brian Souter Stagecoach outpost in New Zealand. He ran buses as well ...
... but sold the business in 2005.
The Four Z-Cars PCs
Here they are in a poster ...
From top to bottom, Bob Steele, Bert Lynch, Jock Weir and Fancy Smith. The series shocked the nation, being used to the avuncular George (Evening All) Dixon every Saturday. Bob Steele threw a plate of dinner at his wife in one episode, cementing the gritty character if 'real' policing in Newtown.
More From St Helens
31 : Town Centre - Parr
NO CHANGE
Parr? Four Turnings? Derbyshire Hill?
That"s better?
Every 15 min
32/32A : Clinkham Wood - Town Centre - Sutton Manor/Clock Face
33 : Town Centre - Sutton Heath : EXTENDED
Every 30 min
The route has been extended to a loop via Lowfield Lane, Lea Green Road and Elton Heath Road.
34/34A : Town Centre - Leigh/Newton le Willows : IMPROVED
The Monday to Saturday daytime frequency has beein increased on both services ...
... with evening and Sunday services additionally extended to Leigh. We will meet the 39 tomorrow.
No one would doubt the benefits of PTE "ownership" in terms of benefits to the worthy bus riding denizens of St Helens. The jury is very much 'out, however, on whether the costs to the Scouser purse are sustainable when Government grant support runs out.
Tomorrow, fbb will complete the set with 35, 36. 38 and 39.
Explosive Locomotive?
Assuming this headline refers to a "fuel cell" drive turning hydrogen into electricity and water, then it would be a major step forward in this technology. Hydrogen has not found favour with several bus operators and politicians, largely on the grounds of cost.
Currently, the numbers are just too big and no operator would use the tech without significant subsidy. The process of making "clean" hydrogen is stillnfar more costly in every way than using good old nasty diesel.
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Today, bus services in the Wirral district of Merseyside join the "Metro" franchise. The changes are far less 'significant' for timetables and routes. Route numbers, however, have had a major shake-up. fbb will take an expurgated look in Monday's blog.
Later in the week we explore Lynn's ferry.
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Next Variety blog : Sunday 27 Sept
fbb's excitement for changes to services in the Wirral are a little early; the changes and 'take-over' don't start until October 25th according to on line sources.
ReplyDeleteNow there's a surprise - the Clock Face timetable (32A) doesn't give times at Clock Face!
ReplyDelete