Over(drive) and Out

[Chris]

After 21 years, 11 months and approximately 1 week, Operation Overdrive came to its conclusion last night, with the transfer of the last Volvo B7TL at Gillingham, 6420, to Maidstone, where it will rejoin 6402. 

There having been many rumours of its transfer over the last 18 months or so, and increasingly in recent weeks, departure came almost quietly (well, as quietly as a Volvo B7's cooling fans will ever allow), having been off service for about a week beforehand. By my calculations, there are just three Overdrive vehicles left in service, 1613 at NF, and 6402 and 6420 at M. That's just as many as have been preserved, with 6401, 6428 and 6430 all enjoying new lives with private owners, and all in various stages of on or being prepared for the rally circuit. 

Attending the Overdrive launch through the invitation extended to members of various enthusiast societies was the first major 'bus thing' (aside from the Club's AGM) that I attended, a matter of days, according to my recollection, after leaving school. If you'd have told me then that in 22 years time I'd be Secretary of such an august organisation, I'd have thought you mad.... yet here I am...

Although not the last time I caught it (the option of being on board was favourable to the photo), the last time it appeared before my camera was in February, and it is seen here on 13th February mid-afternoon at the Waterfront Bus Station, with blinds for an arriving 133. 

Chris

(This is at least the third vehicle move or change to have taken place since we sent Invicta to print early on Tuesday morning... you could almost feel it is on purpose!)