MidlandRed.net

MAN 12.240 with Plaxton Centro bodywork was my transport from Kidderminster to Redditch running nearly 30 minutes late. It rattles, shakes, has harsh suspension and seems to lack power on hills; sufficient legroom is the only redeeming feature - I don't like these buses at all! Optare Solo 20522 MX57 UPW is still in Black Diamond livery. Volvo B7RLE 30857 BU08 DHO with Wright Eclipse Urban bodywork and Monopoly overall advert livery is seen working the 57 to Matchborough and then climbing up the hill as it leaves the bus station. 30947 FJ08 VRD an Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 is seen loading passengers for the 42 service to Kidderminster via Bromsgrove. I had a senior moment when this bus appeared - had to hurriedly remove the lens cap and snatch this shot, much to the amusement of the driver! 30494 PO58 KPU is a Volvo B7RLE with rare Optare Esteem bodywork and it is about to work a 146 to Birmingham. 30899 BU12 LJO is an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 acquired with takeover of Central Buses and now sports Diamond vinyls. 30528 SK63 KOA is a Wright Streetlite transferred from Rotala Wessex Connect some time ago. SN66 WKA is an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 operated by Johnson's of Henley-in-Arden. Stagecoach Midland Red South 18371 SF55 TZS an Alexander Dennis Trident 400 is pictured departing Redditch on the X19 to Stratford-upon-Avon.

What's with the Monopoly bus? Surely they are not advertising a board game on a bus??

A while ago a special Redditch town edition of Monopoly came out and was for sale in the Kingfisher shopping centre. Diamond Buses were one of the sponsors and the livery just got left on the vehicle ever since.

Ah, that explains the livery, thanks. Now I just need to work out why on earth anyone would want a version of the game based on Redditch!

I understand that Diamond have recently bought 2 Optare Esteem bodied Volvo B7RLEs, the other being PO58KPX but it has not yet entered service. They also have PO58KPY (30408) which is based at Tividale and does the Birmingham City Centre Routes mainly. Good to see a proper bus in my opinion on the 146 instead of the usual poorly maintained Streetlites which I have ‘suffered’ numerous times in the past. Much to my relief, 30494 appears to be a regular on the route at the moment Below is a photo of it I took on its first outing on the 146

AdamH wrote: ↑

08:04 Saturday 5th May 2018

Ah, that explains the livery, thanks. Now I just need to work out why on earth anyone would want a version of the game based on Redditch!

I bet property was cheap