The first new mainline steam engine to be built for nearly 50 years, A1 class 60163 "Tornado" hauled a 13 coach train from Darlington to King's Cross on 7th February. These photos (and thos of the "ordinary" trains which happened to be passing) were mostly taken from a very cold, snowy field alongside the line at Langford, Beds.

The running day and open day at the Stagecoach depot to celebrate the centenary of Aldershot & District Traction.

A huge collection ranging from rural life to narrow gauge railways, power generation in Sussex to Southdown buses and a garage. We went there on 10 September 2006.

We're extremely grateful to John Scragg for these photos of his taken on 5th and 6th June 1979, showing MCW-bodied Leyland Tiger Cubs, a Leyland Comet, Seddons, Albions and Bedfords.

Barbados Transport Board run a fleet of blue, white and yellow dual door Mercedes and smaller Hinos. Services cover most of the island, generally radiating from Bridgetown in the SW (where the greatest proportion of the population live) but with some 60-70 min runs. Fares are a flat BDS$1.50 (about 60p).

Yellow buses with a blue stripe are privately owned, but are regulated and basically cover the same roads at the same price. Then there are dozens of white taxibuses with burgundy stripe (ZR registration) which are still regulated and charge the same, but tend to tout for business wherever they can (and often drive like the clappers).

Bus stops are very simple - round signs saying 'to city' or 'out of city' (helpful when driving around, given the scarcity of roadsigns in some places!).

Barbados Transport Board has a very good website which includes its history http://www.transportboard.com/history.php, but sadly for British enthusiasts the days of Albion Vikings and Leyland Tiger Cubs have gone. We found a few much older Mercs decaying in the countryside.

A few photos from the City Centre, RE 2481 at St Malachy's Primary School, new Wright double deckers waiting for the ferry at Larne and Belfast Guy trolleybus 112 in the Museum at Cultra.

My photos of Belfast taken while on an open top bus tour run by City Sightseeing, who also have a former Ulsterbus Bristol RE (BXI2596) on hotel links. See the Titanic Quarter, Shankill, Falls Road and the City.

Blue Triangle are operating their Sunday special services 363 and 622 to Braintree and Dunmow during 2006, using a selection from their historic fleet.

The annual bus rally, run jointly by the Bristol Vintage Bus Group and the Avon Valley Railway. This year we travelled down in 236LNO (Eastern National 2510), the unique prototype 30ft flat floor Lodekka restored over several years at Canvey by Craig Mara. 2510 had a little trip back to its birthplace where the old Bristol Commercial Vehicles factory used to be in Brislington.

Pictures taken at the Clifton Rocks Railway, a Bristol lorry in the Industrial Museum, some of the buses at the rally (please see 'Bristol Omnibus' for vehicles which used to operate with those group companies), buses at Bath Bus Co yard and a couple of photos of the one-time Brislington Tram depot.

The annual rally, vehicle running day and also Open Weekend at the Clifton Rocks Railway.

Another fine turnout of vehicles including Bristol L/LL coaches NAE3 and NHY947 together for the first time since restoration. Bus services ran to Sea Mills and elsewhere.

'100 years of Bristol motorbuses' was the theme of this year's rally and running day. A few photos as well from Abus and Bath Bus Company.

Some of the various preserved vehicles which ran for the Bristol Omnibus Company or its successors. Pictures include Bristol and Cheltenham running days. Particular thanks to Martin Curtis, Dr Mike Walker and Denis Strange together with all the other owners.

The chassis of former Ulsterbus Bristol RELL TOI2288 is on show at the Bristol Industrial Museum, probably the only Bristol chassis ever to have been driven both to and from the bodybuilders (in this case Alexander Belfast). It remains in working order.

Canal boats on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal in Essex, and around Stratford-upon-Avon.

East Anglia Transport Museum's Bus Running Day at Carlton Colville near Lowestoft. The trolleybus loop had only recently been extended.

A day trip to Poole and Bournemouth, including a number of Wilts & Dorset VRs, open tops, Yellow Buses and a few trains.

Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and private operators in Dublin on 20 March 2008 (not a very good day for photography!).

The line from Connolly Station out to Tallaght, one of two 'LUAS' ('speed') tram routes in Dublin.

The 'Cathedrals Express' on 31 August 2008 from King's Cross to Cambridge, Ely and Peterborough behind the superb LMS 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland", followed on 9 September by 'Britannia' 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" seen passing Shenfield at speed en route from Liverpool Street to Norwich.

An Omnibus Society visit to Ensign at Purfleet in July, with a tour of their heritage vehicles, sales stock and operating fleet. Followed by Essex Bus Enthusiasts Group tour on 2nd September, visiting both Purfleet and Rainham. With thanks to the Newman family and Ensign staff on both occasions for their hospitality.

A few photos from the second of two running days on Ensign's X80 Grays-Lakeside-Dartford Crossing-Bluewater-Gravesend. Taken by Chris Stewart Sat 2nd December 2006. This was RT1499's first outing after extensive restoration.

My local operator. New in July 2006 were five Park & Ride Scanias at Chelmsford.

An Omnibus Society visit to First London at Chequers Lane, Dagenham - with many thanks to Paul Dipper and his colleagues. Photos (c) Chris Stewart

Photos of the Ford's fleet, taken on 2nd September during an Essex Bus Enthusiasts Group tour. Thanks to Tony Ford for moving all the vehicles.

Some older photos when Albion Victors and Nimbuses were still common (1978), and from 1998-2002 when Guernseybus were running Bristol LHs and ex London RTs. All photos (c) Chris Stewart. *More to follow*

To commemorate the final closure of Hawkhurst's 1950s depot and Bus Station, the M&D and East Kent Bus Club with the North Kent Vehicle Preservation Group organised a running day of appropriate vehicles. All photos (c) Chris Stewart

An Essex Bus Enthusiasts' Group tour to four of the five Hedingham depots, where everything that moved was moved for photographs.

Unfortunately we couldn't get to Sudbury depot as the area was sealed off after a chemical spillage! Resident preserved Eastern National KSW5G/L55RD VNO859 was also moved out for us at Hedingham.

A few buses and trams we saw, mostly by the Star Ferry (Kowloon side) and as far as Wanchai the HK side.

A mini running day to celebrate the return to service of 1948 Bristol K6B LK374. An extremely cold but enjoyable day!

Reddin's was one of the places visited on an ITT tour on 23 June. Photos all (c) Chris Stewart

A quick overnight stop on the Island, during which we helped the Bus Museum running vintage vehicles to/from Havenstreet. Some early morning shots in Ryde as well, including the new 'Solent Express' hovercraft.

'Thomas the Tank Engine' at Havenstreet, 'classic' buses from the IOW Bus Museum (and an AEC visitor) plus some current Southern Vectis vehicles - brand new Scania double decker contrasting with TIL-registered Leyland Olympians and blue Darts very near withdrawal.

All taken July/August 2006

A few photos from a very enjoyable and lovely sunny day, mostly taken at Newport Quay but with some of CDL899 and DDL50 at Downend working free circular service 43.

Traditional IOW buses running from Havenstreet to Wootton as part of the Steam Railway's Thomas weekend (taken on 31 July and 1 August), plus some shots at the IOW Bus & Coach Museum on Newport Quay.

The second 'Island Buses' running day from the Museum in Newport out to Godshill and Yarmouth. 1939/40 K5Gs CDL899 and DDL50 made a fine pairing.

Taken 31 July and 1-3 August 2006. Probably the last year Bristol buses will run on Shanklin Esplanade as the VRs are due for replacement.

Photos by Chris & John Stewart or from their collections

The IOWSR at Havenstreet during the 2006 Thomas the Tank Engine Weekend.

The Isle of Wight Bus Museum's 'Island buses running day' on 11 May 2008, with some Southern Vectis buses, Island Line trains, Hovertravel hovercraft and Porstmouth rail replacement buses as well.

Our first ever visit to the Irish Transport Trust's rally at Cultra, this was also the first outing for a new Panasonic TZ1 camera. A very warm and sunny Saturday 28th April 2007.

The second time we've been to the Irish Transport Trust's rally at Cultra, the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum site. A fantastic day out, with photos both on the site and out on the road run. (c) both Chris & Iain Stewart

Another excellent day at Cultra, Co.Down for the ITT annual bus rally - and a few photos from the transport gallery of the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

From our holiday to Jersey at the end of May/beginning of June 2006. The aeroplane tapestries are on the wall at Jersey Airport. Buildings from the Jersey Railway and Jersey Eastern Railway are still in various uses.

Our week's holiday in Jersey at the end of May/beginning of June, with photos of Connex, Easylink, Tantivy and Waverley buses and coaches. Also pictured is the Tantivy Coach Station at La Colomberie in St Helier (as well as our hotel minibus!).

A few photos of Derry/Londonderry taken around the walls in February 2007.

Starting at Letterkenny, on the 15th we visited Termon, Milford, Carrowkeel, Portsalon and Rathmullen before going back to Letterkenny and Derry. On the 16th we had a trip from Derry to Carndonagh and Malin Head on the service bus.

A day's visit to our friends at the Swilly, starting at Derry and taking in Malin as well as Letterkenny and Rathmelton.

Another trip round Swilly territory - Schools had just started Easter Holidays but many vehicles were still parked up at drivers' houses. The Tiger Cub at Lagmore Bay has gone but there is still one opposite.

What may have been our last chance to see Swilly Bristol REs in action - plus a look at the afternoon schools departure from Carndonagh . Scania 512 out near Church Hill, REs at Moville (451), Cashel and Fanad (453), Manorcunningham and Milford (467) and Letterkenny (454). 455 was about but excaped the camera!

The last two Bristol REs were still out, but one (455) failed terminally during the afternoon and the other (451) only did 3 more school runs before withdrawal. The two at the store in Buncrana (459 and 475) were moved the same day and 453 left Derry for Belfast while we were there. The ex British Airways Optare in Letterkenny belongs to Reddins.

To mark the impending end of Swilly REs, the Irish Transport Trust ran a tour using their 2415 & 2583 together with Swilly 457 (2568). Visits were made to Derry, Manorcunningham, Letterkenny, Ray, Rathmullan, Ramelton and Ballyboe as well as to Reddin's Coaches of Muff. Some photos from the day before include 452 at Ramelton and Rathmullan on public service, 454 and 465 on a schools run plus a few others parked up. All these photos are (c) Chris Stewart.

Probably our last chance to see Swilly Bristol REs at work, as these were expected to be withdrawn at the end of the School year. With thanks as always to a number of drivers and staff members for their help.

A batch of Scania N113/Plaxton Verdes had just arrived (with 3 more still to come), but despite all odds the six newest Bristol REs were still at work. These photos were taken at Derry, Milford, Ray, Rathmelton, Letterkenny and at the 'peat bog' beyond Buncrana where several withdrawn REs are stored (reportedly awaiting perservation). Photos (c) Chris Stewart, with thanks to all the Swilly folk as always.

Another visit to Swilly territory on 8th/9th May. Most of the REs were still about on schools services.

Photos and memorablia from the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Co's bus and train services

A quick day trip to our good friends at the Swilly, where it snowed rather hard. Derry, Clonmany and Carndonagh (plus an ex Ulsterbus Leopard at the back of Pennyburn). It was dark by the time we reached Letterkenny!

A tour round Donegal photographing Lough Swilly vehicles, especially Bristol REs! Locations include Moville, Glengad Head, Carndonagh, Clonmany, Milford, Portnablagh, Kilmacrenan, Letterkenny and Manorcunningham.

Photos from a very wet trip to Derry and Letterkenny depots during half term week on 2 November 2005. These are taken from print film.

Another visit to Lough Swilly just before the end of school term. Photos from Derry (Darts, Tiger, Leopards, REs 450, 466 & 467), Letterkenny (453 & 470), Church Hill (456), Milford (472), Buncrana (465) and Carndonagh (452 & 458 with others).

ITT tour to Derry, Letterkenny and other Swilly locations in preserved RE 2415 and Swilly 469 (2530).

Lough Swilly buses in Derry, Letterkenny and Carndonagh, including the afternoon schools departures from Carndonagh.

At the beginning of the new school year, we managed to see and photograph 17 of the 19 REs which are back in use, as well as some of the Darts, Lynx and other Swilly buses. Thanks as always to the Swilly staff for their considerable help along the way.

Photos at Auckland Airport, Air NZ 777 at Los Angeles (and passenger transfer vehicles)

A variety of mostly large trucks on the roads of NZ

Preserved trolleybuses and RT4189 at Foxton (North Island) on 20 October 2007. Preserved AECs from Christchurch at Ferrymead Museum on 26 October 2007.

Bristol REs are in their own collection, so here are various others we saw in North and South Island.

A few old NZ Railway Road Services and Dept of Education Bedfords, plus AECs, Leylands, a Morris-Commercial, Nissan, a Mercedes-Benz and others earning a second living as motor caravans etc. Many thanks to Mike Butler, Darryl and the OS of NZ (http://www.omnibussociety.wellington.net.nz) for further information.

New Zealand was home to around 150 Bristol REs in Christchurch, and over 25 years later there are still quite a number working as school buses with various operators in both North and South Islands. We were lucky enough to see some of Murphy's at work around Thames, and to see the early morning run-out from Bayline at Tauranga.

A day in Tauranga on 23 October enabled us to see 20 Bristol REs at work on schools services, plus a depot visit (thanks, guys). The rest of their fleet contains a wide range of well kept vehicles, old and new.

After last's years selection, here are a whole load more (some taken over hedges, from a moving camper van or even, as you can see, to the surprise of the owners! Apologies to any of them for intruding...) Any additional information on these would be most welcome (locations etc are mostly in the filename) - in the meantime thanks to Sean Millar for his reprinted 1984 fleetlist of major operators.

Murphy's of Thames

Most of this varied fleet at Napier had been washed ready for transfer work on the arrival of MV Volendam, the first of 44 large ships due to call during 2008/9. Vehicles 19 and 79 are Hess Bristol RE bodies (from CTB 566 and very probably 597) on Volvo chassis.

Photos from Auckland, Wellington, Picton and Kaikoura taken during October 2007. Preserved stock will appear in a separate collection.

From container ships, train ferries and catamarans to the 1912-built coal-fired steamship TSS 'Earnslaw' in Queenstown

We were lucky enough to be in the right place to see Main Line Steam's October special several times - between Upper Hutt and Featherston, flying through Waingawa (near Masterton), leaving Napier the next morning over the long bridge and finally being prepared at Gisborne just after sunrise the next morning, before leaving for Napier again. The loco is 1939 North British-built 4-8-2 J1211. Many thanks to Main Line Steam for supplying timings for us!

Various locations around North Island during October 2008

We were kindly given a very lengthy tour of the railway sheds at Ferrymead Museum, Christchurch

Wellington's trolleybuses are either Volvo B58/Hawke (in Stagecoach livery) or Designline rebodies using the older mechanical parts

W H Nelson (Coaches) Ltd t/a NIBS operate school, local and rail replacement services using Scania, Leyland and Dennis buses (mostly double deckers). Past vehicles include Bristol VRs, REs, Daimler Fleetlines and Leyland Leopards.

The first use in service of the Gresley Quad-Art coaches after a major rebuild, following many years out of use. A few photos from the Mid Norfolk Railway as well.

A selection of photos from North Weald Bus Rally on 1st July 2007. RMC4 is also seen in Brentwood on Friday 6th July celebrating 30 years since Green Line 721 was withdrawn and Romford (RE) garage closed.

Some photos of the Norwich Bus Rally, part of the Police Gala Day at the Showground site. Also includes a few of Bristol LL5G LL718 on a free service around North Elmham the weekend before.

Photos of our own Bristol RE (TOI2316 ex Ulsterbus/Citybus) and VRs (NDL652R ex Southern Vectis/NIBS, VTH941T ex South Wales/Eastern National), including some of them still in service.

Railway photos taken at Shenfield and elsewhere in Essex and East Anglia.

Dublin 20th March 2008 - and some scanned slides from 16-25 August 1980.

Railway photos from Derry, Coleraine and Portrush with others to follow. The first photo, though, is the old Swilly station at Carndonagh!

A very informative tour from Solent Blue Line & ABP, plus some views of cruise ships and other vessels taken July/August 2006.

Two selections - firstly a private trip to MOD-controlled Foulness in Leyland National LPB218P, at the invitation of the pub landlord, on 9th December 2007. Then the Stephenson's excellent Heritage service/ Running Day on 1st January 2008, with a number of vehicles working on hire. All photos (c) Chris Stewart

This year's rally included a cavacade of Eastern National vehicles to Shoebury (East Beach) and back. We took our Northern Irish RE (TOI2316) and met up with EN RELL 1516 and Westcliff K5G AJN825 both on their first outings for some time.

A selection of transport ticket machines and tickets

Ulsterbus and Metro buses in Belfast, Derry, Coleraine and Newtownabbey (with thanks to Translink).

Photos mostly from Coleraine, with a few at Portrush and some in the late afternoon at Derry. 4 Leopards appear, amongst the Tigers and others.

Some Ulsterbus and First Group photos from 29 July, and more from both Citybus and Ulsterbus taken 31 August and 1 September. Also a few other private operators.

TfL celebrated 75 years of Victoria Coach Station on 10/11 March. A number of historic coaches attended on the two days. A great show!