Replacing the Rails in Sussex: The "Odd" Operators

[Chris]

I finally achieved (on the fourth day attempted plan) to get to the large-scale rail replacement work taking place this week just gone between Tunbridge Wells and Battle, and between Ore and Bexhill. 

A multitude of operators from near and far were present, ranging from the "usual suspects" of Travelmasters and YMS, through some of the more recently spotted companies such as Farleigh Coaches, to the very new or unusual operators, as featured here. The backdrops aren't too scenic or exciting, but such is travelling by public transport... 

Triangle Buses are the new one on me, and I will admit I haven't done a huge amount of research on them - nor can I see the legal lettering. They have made quite clear who they are working with, and their E400 K25TUK, E100, was seen arriving at the unmistakeable backdrop of Hastings Station. 

One I was...err... "keane" to catch up on was ex-Keane Travel KIG1263, as mentioned on the group last week, on loan to Wealden Minibuses. Having seen the back of it earlier in the day I knew it was out and about, and finally caught up with it mid-afternoon in Ore... just as the heavens opened. There were trains to Ore on Saturday, so usage of this service on the eastern section was quite minimal. 

Final "oddity" of the day would fit in another thread last week, DB Earthmoving, or DB Commercials. The arrival of the rain and it being about 4:30pm meant light went from decent to non-existent in the space of about an hour, but was quite pleased with this shot of their former Lothian SN56 AEP leaving on an Ore/Bexhill journey. 

Chris

[JFO]

Acording to Harry Powell, that ALX400 KIG1263 is now owned by Wealden Buses and I also captured it in Bexhill on Oct 29th, while SouthEast Omnibuses Enviro SN12ABF was also found parked nearby and in Ore.

[Chris]

Indeed, it was originally on loan, but the company posted on their Facebook page very late Tuesday night that they had purchased it. They have also "ordered" another double decker bus, which they hope to have in January. It continued to say that they will be painted or wrapped in the company colours and branded as "Wealden Buses". 

KIG1263 had continued in use on evening rail replacement this week, albeit out of the Club area between Brighton and Littlehampton. 

Chris