March 30th 2020: From the archives..... 20 Years Ago

30/3/2020

During the current restrictions on non-essential journeys we will raid our archives and publish a series of images from the past on an occasional basis. Today its 20 years ago - a selection of images from the year 2000.
First up is a look at a Stagecoach driver training vehicle back in the year 2000. The company was buying up Wadham Stringer vehicles from the MOD and in use with Stagecoach Viscount in Peterborough is 51 (D443GAV). It would later be replaced by a Leyland Lynx, which in turn were replaced by Volvo B10M coaches. Currently the Volvo B10Ms are being replaced by Enviro 200s.

Secondly, for today, we feature a Volvo B10M with Plaxton Premiere bodywork which carries National Express livery. It was also part of the Stagecoach Viscount fleet as its 456 (R456FCE). At the time Stagecoach Viscount was going through a shortage of serviceable vehicles and the National Express coach was commandeered to work a local Peterborough service. We doubt such use of National Express-branded coaches would be tolerated today. 456 subsequently went on to be part of the Megabus fleet and then part of the Rail Replacement fleet at Stagecoach East Midlands before moving to Stagecoach West as a training vehicle.