Ex Malta Public Transport Volvos/Optares

Bit of a long shot, but does anyone have a full list of the B7s and the Solos that were shipped out to Malta for 12 months or so a few years back, and where they are now in the UK?

RustySpoons said:

Bit of a long shot, but does anyone have a full list of the B7s and the Solos that were shipped out to Malta for 12 months or so a few years back, and where they are now in the UK?

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UNO have some of the Volvos (14 Regs) 16 at one point were at Somerset Passenger Solutions. I believe it was only 16 that were set to Malta so I believe they had them all at one point.

Were they used as part of the Hinkley Point bus services? I wasn't sure if they all went there or if it was just the majority.

I know First had a few for a short time too, but not sure if this was before or after they were at SPS.

I believe Courtney also have some, as did FoxStar/CityFox, but trying to find out where they all are now is proving difficult.

The best way to find out is to join the PSV Circle - all have been recorded through their news sheets. David

A number of Solo SRs are about to appear with HCT Group, at Powell’s in Rotherham. I believe some of them are ex-Malta but I couldn’t tell you which ones. The full list is as follows, if it’s any help...

KX14FJF
KX14FJZ
KX14FHU
KX14FJC
KX14FJD
KX14FJU
KX14FHH
KX14FHY
KX14FHZ

Cheers Phil, I think that most (if not all) KX14 reg Solo's were part of the Malta batch.

PhilStockley said:

A number of Solo SRs are about to appear with HCT Group, at Powell’s in Rotherham. I believe some of them are ex-Malta but I couldn’t tell you which ones. The full list is as follows, if it’s any help...

KX14FJF
KX14FJZ
KX14FHU
KX14FJC
KX14FJD
KX14FJU
KX14FHH
KX14FHY
KX14FHZ

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Many thanks for this Phil.

Is it possible to get a full HCT Group fleet list from any source?

Kernow Dave said:

Is it possible to get a full HCT Group fleet list from any source?

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Unfortunately not at the moment - we don’t even have one for internal use (which makes life a bit challenging sometimes). The Group is in the process standardising on a single asset management system and groupwide fleet numbering which will make this possible at some point in the future.

PhilStockley said:

Unfortunately not at the moment - we don’t even have one for internal use (which makes life a bit challenging sometimes). The Group is in the process standardising on a single asset management system and groupwide fleet numbering which will make this possible at some point in the future.

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Many thanks for the reply.

Kernow Dave said:

Many thanks for this Phil.

Is it possible to get a full HCT Group fleet list from any source?

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Powell's is on Sheffield Omnibus Enthusiast Society website

RustySpoons said:

Were they used as part of the Hinkley Point bus services? I wasn't sure if they all went there or if it was just the majority.

I know First had a few for a short time too, but not sure if this was before or after they were at SPS.

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Think they were at First to cover the DDA transition and then went to Hinckley Point.

I'm not claiming this list to be anywhere near definitive, but maybe of some help and/or a starting point for others to update/correct:

B7RLE/Wright
BG14OOH Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164270 Wt AJ757 B43F BUS353 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOJ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164271 Wt AJ756 B43F BUS354 ?Dawson Rentals (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164288 Wt AJ755 B43F BUS355 ?Paul S. Winson (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164347 Wt AJ758 B43F BUS356 ?Dawson Rentals (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164348 Wt AJ759 B43F BUS357 ?Dawson Rentals (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R621EA164380 Wt AJ760 B43F BUS358 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164381 Wt AJ761 B43F BUS359 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPA Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164463 Wt AJ762 B43F BUS360 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPB Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164464 Wt AJ764 B43F BUS361 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPC Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164494 Wt AJ765 B43F BUS362 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPD Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164495 Wt AJ763 B43F BUS363 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPE Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164496 Wt AJ766 B43F BUS364 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPF Vo B7RLE YV3R6R620EA164497 Wt AJ768 B43F BUS365 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXR Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164498 Wt AJ769 B43F BUS366 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXS Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164513 Wt AJ767 B43F BUS367 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXT Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164792 Wt AJ773 B43F BUS368 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164821 Wt AJ770 B43F BUS369 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164822 Wt AJ772 B43F BUS370 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164823 Wt AJ774 B43F BUS371 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164930 Wt AJ771 B43F BUS372 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R626EA164682 Wt AJ775 B43F BUS373 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXZ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164846 Wt AJ776 B43F BUS374 Courtney. Bracknell

Optare Solo
KX14FJF Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290694 Oe 290694 B32F BUS330 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJJ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290696 Oe 290696 B32F BUS331 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJN Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290698 Oe 290698 B32F BUS332 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJK Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290697 Oe 290697 B32F BUS333 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJO Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290699 Oe 290699 B32F BUS334 Marchants, Cheltenham
KX14FJP Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290700 Oe 290700 B32F BUS335 J P Coaches, Forfar
KX14FJU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290701 Oe 290701 B32F BUS336 ?Dawson Rentals
KX14FJV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290711 Oe 290711 B32F BUS337 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290713 Oe 290713 B32F BUS338 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHT Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290714 Oe 290714 B32F BUS339 Unknown
KX14FHU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290715 Oe 290715 B32F BUS340 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290716 Oe 290716 B32F BUS341 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FHW Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290717 Oe 290717 B32F BUS342 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290712 Oe 290712 B32F BUS343 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290729 Oe 290729 B32F BUS344 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290728 Oe 290728 B32F BUS345 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJA Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290782 Oe 290782 B32F BUS346 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJC Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290783 Oe 290783 B32F BUS347 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJD Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290784 Oe 290784 B32F BUS348 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJE Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290785 Oe 290785 B32F BUS349 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHH Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290786 Oe 290786 B32F BUS350 Powell’s, Rotherham

Brilliant! Cheers for that.

Interesting that they've not been sold on/hired/leased/whatever in a consecutive batch, aside from the four that FoxStar had.

Didn't some of Arriva Derbys Solos spend some time in Malta?

BG14OOW has shown up with Go North West
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bengleeson/48636672686/

NewcastleOne said:

BG14OOW has shown up with Go North West
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bengleeson/48636672686/

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Why can't operators paint around the windows in black, looks so much better

NewcastleOne said:

BG14OOW has shown up with Go North West
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bengleeson/48636672686/

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I wonder if they've got the other two ex-FoxStar ones that hadn't found a home...?

Alexbus12 said:

Why can't operators paint around the windows in black, looks so much better

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Does look odd, especially on this with the heavily tinted windows!

There were a couple running around on CT4N's services through West Bridgford (Nottingham) last summer - all over white with "Malta Public Transport" marks on the bus - Solo SR I believe.

Not seen them for a while though - it's been CT4N branded (ex-WebberBus) and ex-Blackpool ones for a few months now (not to say they aren't operating elsewhere in the city).

RustySpoons said:

I wonder if they've got the other two ex-FoxStar ones that hadn't found a home...?



Does look odd, especially on this with the heavily tinted windows!

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I think GNW are getting the other two ex FoxStar. OOW has been numbered 74003 which leads me to think they have.

NewcastleOne said:

I think GNW are getting the other two ex FoxStar. OOW has been numbered 74003 which leads me to think they have.

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FoxStar had four Eclipse 2s, BG14 OOJ/OOU/OOV/OOW. If all four have been acquired by Go North West, they'll be numbered 74000-3.

507021 said:

FoxStar had four Eclipse 2s, BG14 OOJ/OOU/OOV/OOW. If all four have been acquired by Go North West, they'll be numbered 74000-3.

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One has gone to another operator so there’s only 3 available according to the information above. Unless they’ve gone to that operator to enquire it.

NewcastleOne said:

One has gone to another operator so there’s only 3 available according to the information above. Unless they’ve gone to that operator to enquire it.

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My apologies, I didn't notice that.

Although, as GNW have numbered their recently acquired batch of Enviro200s from "0" rather than "1", I'd still say at least four Eclipse 2s are on the way.

How come GNW are using the First numbering? Wouldn't it not be hard to change the fleet number when it goes for repaint (I can understand before)?

cnjb8 said:

How come GNW are using the First numbering? Wouldn't it not be hard to change the fleet number when it goes for repaint (I can understand before)?

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They've taken the decision that it is easier to retain the existing numbers as Go Ahead don't have a national system.

Clearly, the 74*** doesn't emulate the First series though.

507021 said:

My apologies, I didn't notice that.

Although, as GNW have numbered their recently acquired batch of Enviro200s from "0" rather than "1", I'd still say at least four Eclipse 2s are on the way.

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Buses 2012 posted a photo of an ex Plymouth Citybus 12 plate Eclipse 2 at plaxton for painting, on flickr. Could this be the fourth or is this part of another batch

Alexbus12 said:

Buses 2012 posted a photo of an ex Plymouth Citybus 12 plate Eclipse 2 at plaxton for painting, on flickr. Could this be the fourth or is this part of another batch

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GNW are taking on all 10 of the Ex Plymouth CityBus Vehicles so they will probs be numbered 74004 onwards or something else.

NewcastleOne said:

GNW are taking on all 10 of the Ex Plymouth CityBus Vehicles so they will probs be numbered 74004 onwards or something else.

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Ah okay, thanks

Just updated the list Jammy posted with the B7s now with Go North West.

B7RLE/Wright
BG14OOH Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164270 Wt AJ757 B43F BUS353 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOJ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164271 Wt AJ756 B43F BUS354 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164288 Wt AJ755 B43F BUS355 ?Paul S. Winson (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164347 Wt AJ758 B43F BUS356 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164348 Wt AJ759 B43F BUS357 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R621EA164380 Wt AJ760 B43F BUS358 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164381 Wt AJ761 B43F BUS359 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPA Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164463 Wt AJ762 B43F BUS360 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPB Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164464 Wt AJ764 B43F BUS361 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPC Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164494 Wt AJ765 B43F BUS362 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPD Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164495 Wt AJ763 B43F BUS363 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPE Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164496 Wt AJ766 B43F BUS364 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPF Vo B7RLE YV3R6R620EA164497 Wt AJ768 B43F BUS365 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXR Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164498 Wt AJ769 B43F BUS366 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXS Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164513 Wt AJ767 B43F BUS367 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXT Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164792 Wt AJ773 B43F BUS368 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164821 Wt AJ770 B43F BUS369 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164822 Wt AJ772 B43F BUS370 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164823 Wt AJ774 B43F BUS371 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164930 Wt AJ771 B43F BUS372 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R626EA164682 Wt AJ775 B43F BUS373 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXZ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164846 Wt AJ776 B43F BUS374 Courtney. Bracknell

Optare Solo
KX14FJF Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290694 Oe 290694 B32F BUS330 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJJ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290696 Oe 290696 B32F BUS331 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJN Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290698 Oe 290698 B32F BUS332 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJK Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290697 Oe 290697 B32F BUS333 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJO Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290699 Oe 290699 B32F BUS334 Marchants, Cheltenham
KX14FJP Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290700 Oe 290700 B32F BUS335 J P Coaches, Forfar
KX14FJU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290701 Oe 290701 B32F BUS336 ?Dawson Rentals
KX14FJV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290711 Oe 290711 B32F BUS337 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290713 Oe 290713 B32F BUS338 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHT Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290714 Oe 290714 B32F BUS339 Unknown
KX14FHU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290715 Oe 290715 B32F BUS340 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290716 Oe 290716 B32F BUS341 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FHW Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290717 Oe 290717 B32F BUS342 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290712 Oe 290712 B32F BUS343 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290729 Oe 290729 B32F BUS344 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290728 Oe 290728 B32F BUS345 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJA Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290782 Oe 290782 B32F BUS346 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJC Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290783 Oe 290783 B32F BUS347 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJD Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290784 Oe 290784 B32F BUS348 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJE Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290785 Oe 290785 B32F BUS349 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHH Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290786 Oe 290786 B32F BUS350 Powell’s, Rotherham

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As an aside, how were all these buses delivered to Malta back in the day, or returned back to the UK? Containered/shipped, or driven down through Europe?

RustySpoons said:

Just updated the list Jammy posted with the B7s now with Go North West.

B7RLE/Wright
BG14OOH Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164270 Wt AJ757 B43F BUS353 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOJ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164271 Wt AJ756 B43F BUS354 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164288 Wt AJ755 B43F BUS355 ?Paul S. Winson (was FoxStar, Newport)
BG14OOV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164347 Wt AJ758 B43F BUS356 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164348 Wt AJ759 B43F BUS357 Go North West, Manchester
BG14OOX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R621EA164380 Wt AJ760 B43F BUS358 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OOY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R623EA164381 Wt AJ761 B43F BUS359 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPA Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164463 Wt AJ762 B43F BUS360 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPB Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164464 Wt AJ764 B43F BUS361 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPC Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164494 Wt AJ765 B43F BUS362 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPD Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164495 Wt AJ763 B43F BUS363 Uno, Hatfield
BG14OPE Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164496 Wt AJ766 B43F BUS364 Courtney. Bracknell
BG14OPF Vo B7RLE YV3R6R620EA164497 Wt AJ768 B43F BUS365 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXR Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164498 Wt AJ769 B43F BUS366 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXS Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164513 Wt AJ767 B43F BUS367 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXT Vo B7RLE YV3R6R622EA164792 Wt AJ773 B43F BUS368 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXU Vo B7RLE YV3R6R625EA164821 Wt AJ770 B43F BUS369 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXV Vo B7RLE YV3R6R627EA164822 Wt AJ772 B43F BUS370 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXW Vo B7RLE YV3R6R629EA164823 Wt AJ774 B43F BUS371 Uno, Hatfield
BD14KXX Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164930 Wt AJ771 B43F BUS372 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXY Vo B7RLE YV3R6R626EA164682 Wt AJ775 B43F BUS373 Courtney. Bracknell
BD14KXZ Vo B7RLE YV3R6R62XEA164846 Wt AJ776 B43F BUS374 Courtney. Bracknell

Optare Solo
KX14FJF Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290694 Oe 290694 B32F BUS330 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJJ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290696 Oe 290696 B32F BUS331 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJN Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290698 Oe 290698 B32F BUS332 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJK Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290697 Oe 290697 B32F BUS333 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJO Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290699 Oe 290699 B32F BUS334 Marchants, Cheltenham
KX14FJP Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290700 Oe 290700 B32F BUS335 J P Coaches, Forfar
KX14FJU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290701 Oe 290701 B32F BUS336 ?Dawson Rentals
KX14FJV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290711 Oe 290711 B32F BUS337 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290713 Oe 290713 B32F BUS338 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHT Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290714 Oe 290714 B32F BUS339 Unknown
KX14FHU Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290715 Oe 290715 B32F BUS340 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHV Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290716 Oe 290716 B32F BUS341 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FHW Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290717 Oe 290717 B32F BUS342 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FJY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290712 Oe 290712 B32F BUS343 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHZ Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290729 Oe 290729 B32F BUS344 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FHY Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290728 Oe 290728 B32F BUS345 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJA Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290782 Oe 290782 B32F BUS346 Preston Bus, Preston
KX14FJC Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290783 Oe 290783 B32F BUS347 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJD Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290784 Oe 290784 B32F BUS348 Powell’s, Rotherham
KX14FJE Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290785 Oe 290785 B32F BUS349 ?Dawson Rentals (was ATG Group, Birmingham)
KX14FHH Oe M900 SABSW3AC0DS290786 Oe 290786 B32F BUS350 Powell’s, Rotherham

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As an aside, how were all these buses delivered to Malta back in the day, or returned back to the UK? Containered/shipped, or driven down through Europe?

Click to expand...

If I remember correctly, they were all driven there and back.

Also, I recall noting that whilst those registered BUS 353-7 were / are B43F, those registered BUS 358 upwards were / are B44F.

bussnapperwm said:

Didn't some of Arriva Derbys Solos spend some time in Malta?

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Nine Arriva Midlands Solo SRs operated in Malta in 2011. These were YJ09 MLL/N/V/X/Y/Z, MMA/E/F, which carried temporary registrations BUS 300-8.