Random Picture of the Month 10 (October)

In light of the fact that October is now with us, I thought I should do the post for September before it's too late.

In light of the fact that it's nearing the end of October, this post was really the September one but published as the October one. Next month's will probably be an October picture, unless I can help it.

This month's is an interesting one, a working that has only happened once before (but a few times more since)!

Metroline West VW1397 (LK62DVG) on route 487 at South Harrow Bus Station

Originally bought as part of a batch of 15 Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 buses for route 52, VW1397 is now at Alperton in a bid to convert the busy 245 to double deck. The way that buses were transferred preceding the NBfL conversion of route 24 confuses many people (including myself) but I will not hesitate at trying to explain it.

When the 24 contract was awarded to Metroline in November 2012, 24 VWs and 5 VWHs were ordered for the route. Following the NBfL conversion, 24 VWs (not necessarily all the ones from route 24) transferred to Alperton to double-deck route 245. However, the VWHs were transferred to Willesden for the 52 which in turn freed up 5 more VWs which joined the batch at Alperton for route 245. 4 VWs have recently transferred to Brentford to aid the double-deck conversion of route E8, all originally part of a batch ordered for route 43.

If there is anything you wish to add to this explanation, please feel free to comment below.

Next post next month!