From Dismal Grey To Delightful Yellow
Readers may remember that Los Angeles Metro metro lines B and G were "real" trains, whereas the other rapid transit routes were "super" trams largely running on reserved track.
But the trains on lines B and G were the ubiquitous unpainted aluminium stock and thus very dull and uninviting grey.
As the lines are all under the ground, the overall look is gloomy!
But new trains are on the way/have arrived. This short video shows trains on test and, later, trains in service.
They look so much better.The new trains now match the new trams.
L A by O T
Most UK readers will be familiar with the Big Bus open top tour brand. Likewise City Sightseeing.
These brands are on offer in LA, providing "Hop On Hop Off" circular tours of the sights of the City of Angels.
As in London, these tours are not cheap ...
... but two-day passes are also on offer.
But "Hollywood" is a big, big draw and there would appear to be many operators offering to take you to see where "The Stars" live. How these have been affected by the fires is not clear but they all keep advertising.
Many are operated by open top minibus type vehicles all painted in lurid designs.
Here the company is trying to make you think they are offering a "Star Trek through the front gate" tour.
One company provides tours in Spanish, thus dealing with the ethnicity of the city.
Some of the names and claims are very much USA-style OTT!
The chances of meeting a "celebrity" must be very small. Were fbb a "celebrity", he wound keep his head low and his gates firmly locked as the buses passed by.
Of course the old man is something of a blogger celebrity (?) but he has yet to see open toppers slowing down as they pass fbb mansion in sunny Seaton!
Other slightly more intriguing tours will take you to the famous Hollywood sign ...
... by helicopter! Bet that's expensive.
Something slightly more out of the ordinary by bus is a "Ranch Tour" ...
The company Star Line seems to be a major player, with sone weird and highly decorated motors.
This company has another fascination for fbb. It used to operate ex UK VRs! (maybe still does?)
As you can see, the buses retain right hand drive but have a door added to what was once the off side.
One of the VTs that fbb operated on the Isle of Wight ...
.jpg)
... was reported as being exported to the USA. Did it make it to LA? It happened after fbb sold he company on, so he has no details.
One thing is clear if you visit LA, AND if you seek some tour bus "enjoyment", make sure you have a big bank balance!
Or you could plan your own tours on service buses and metro trains for next to nothing!
Terraforming Project
When fbb's Peterville layout was in the outside rear appurtenances of fbb mansions, the old boy created a bit of a backscene with retaining wall, trees and rolling hillside, a k a painted plywood.
This scene did not fare well outside so here is the retaining wall as installed inside.
It is a grotty mess half hidden at the back of the new loco shed section.
The rolling hills have been fettles inadequately and look awful as well.
fbb needs a proper job!
More to follow in due course!
Next First Bus blog : Friday 28 Feb
No comments:
Post a Comment