March Medway Rail Replacement

[Chris]

The rail replacement between Rainham and Strood on 22nd March was very much a Kentish affair, with barely a Go-Ahead London bus to be seen. It also saw Arriva make a welcome return to Rail Replacement through the Medway Towns during the daylight, although they have covered early morning Thameslink services, and are very active in West Kent - and now Essex for C2C. 

Three "highlights" here, illustrating different locations: Arriva's E400 MMC 6560 is usually to be found on service 101 and other local routes, but was a snatched photo (those of you who know the area may know the somewhat awkward arrangements here for filter lane and road crossing, especially for those of us on two wheels) as it turned out of Canal Road, Strood under the railway bridge. The destination blinds make nice use of the 'se' logo, and are an example of the many that are now popping up across companies as audio announcements become a requirement. 

Grange Travel's fleet can generally be identified by the complete lack of identifying marks! I understand they prefer an all white, fleetname-less fleet as some of their work requires plain vehicles. 39 GT is a double-deck Van Hool something or other. We don't record the Grange fleet as being based outside of the Club area, but those who try and keep an eye on the seemingly ever-changing fleet may also wish to note they have gained at least one E400 MMC, YY66 PXR, which was also on the work. 

E11 KCT is in the fleet of Travelmasters, and was formerly known as AY58 CYJ. There is a suggestion that this new allover dark blue is a new fleet livery, although it is so far only known to have been applied to three vehicles. It was seen on layover between trips in Canal Road showing off its rather substantial tree protection. Worth noting that photos of Travelmasters' public Sheppey services seem few and far between, even further so away from Sheerness Town Centre, should anyone be tempted... 

Chris