East Grinstead 291s

[Chris]

Sadly for me, the loan vehicles that have been cropping up on the 291 recently all seemed to be on other routes on Saturday, most notably the 400 (Bluestar, East Yorkshire and B&H Coaster vehicles to name but three), so out of scope for us here. 

Two more 'regular' vehicles in East Grinstead, though, with Omnicity 6974 in London Road, and Enviro 200 6791 at the Station. The E200 seems a reasonably unusual allocation for the route, which is usually in the hands of older double deckers during the daytime - presumably the loadings can fit on a single-deck, and the ability to do so helps during the current vehicle issue. 

Those who follow (and especially those who have access but don't!) the Club's Facebook page may be interested to note that the 291 (and the then-associated 239) are the subject of this week's "Timetable Tardis" post, featuring the first leaflet from when Metrobus took over full control of the service from the previous joint operation, and it ran through to Gatwick Airport. 

Chris

[Neil Gow]

We got a bit unlucky, Chris. B7TL/President 1993 (HW52 EPN) started out on the 0900 291 towards TW but only got as far as Copthorne and was substituted some time later by 25-reg E200MMC 6791 pulled off Crawley locals and picking up the 1052 ex TW from Forest Row. That explains your unusual allocation. I was targeting the 1300 trip but made do with rail replacements instead.

Neil.