22nd June 2013: Part 2 - New Bus for London Conversion of 24

All pictures from 22nd June by Au: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wltmauc/sets/72157634323587787/
(all pictures on the post are Au's unless stated)

VW1368 LK62 DLO on route 24 before NBfL conversion seen at Trafalgar Square on route 24. (JPT)

One of the last VWs on the 24, on the morning of 22nd June 2013, during NBAD:

Metroline VW1281 on Route 24 (N), Trafalgar Square

The 24 arrived 10mins late from Holloway, and was thus 20mins late by Pimlico. LT32 was the first working. Even Sir Peter Hendy of TfL decided to take a look, which was a bit awkward as I was on the phone to Lewis at that point!

The first LT in service on Route 24, HT414
Metroline LT32 on Route 24, Trafalgar Square :)


The upper deck of the first journey



Officials at the front of the bus

iBus on first journey


Metroline LT32, Pimlico
Press are taking photos of Sir Peter Hendy talking with the driver


Sitting near Sir Peter Hendy, amongst others of note on the journey.

24 to Hampstead Heath

I had to get off at Euston Square in order to go to Euston for the 91, and eventually to Tottenham Hale for the 230.


HT414


Metroline LT32 on Route 24, Euston Square


And the rear view. Sir Peter Hendy now standing on the open platform.

Thus moves to Part 3/4 (230/GAL takeover of First Capital routes from DM), but this post goes to where I cover the 24 again:

After covering 230 and going to Romford, I then went to Pimlico to cover the 24 again. But this time, it'd be a bit more fun!


Metroline LT21 on Route 24, Pimlico


Loading the rear platform


Poster publicising the new buses. The timetable hasn't changed


Metroline LT10 on Route 24, Pimlico

I got on LT10 and then got off at Grosvenor Road, where the following were waiting:
Joshua of this blog
Tom of this blog and Tom London & Surrey Bus Blog
Jeevan of London Buses On The Go
James Panaligan formerly of WLTMTB....

And I saw all of them from the open platform of LT10, looking out. How traditional :)


LT10 at Pimlico, Grosvenor Road


LT10 at Pimlico, Grosvenor Road


LT10


Metroline LT36 on Route 24, Pimlico



LT36 front detailing


LT36 blindbox


LT36 rear, Pimlico.
All the others were in the shot here...

Metroline LT21 on Route 24, Pimlico (TB)

Metroline LT10 on Route 24, Pimlico (TB)

Au was on the rear platform of this bus!

Metroline LT36 on Route 24, Pimlico (TB)

Metroline LT36 on Route 24, Pimlico (TB)

Member Joshua Perrett is seen doing the type of picture well known due to the background of the blog. This is the 207 bendy photo taken back in 2011.

LTZ 1036 LT36  at Grosvenor Road stand in Pimlico on route 24 (JPT) 

We then got on LT36 for a long full run to Hampstead Heath. In Au's case, partly again:

Plastic covering on the windows already coming off! (comparison to my first finger) (JPT)

Metroline LT17 (24) and London General WVL141 (11)
Route 11 will be the next route to see NBfLs, so a handy short lived side by side comparison here

Metroline LT24 on Route 24!, Leicester Square area
Coincidence. Also it's curtailed due to reliablility issues on the first day


Metroline LT40 on Route 24, Soho


Metroline LT13 on Route 24

Stairs... (JPT)

We then arrived at Hampstead Heath. As Lewis cancelled his plans, I was able to get on the 24 in the first place!

Metroline LT30 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT36, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT11 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT26 and LT17 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT11 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT30, LT17 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath


Metroline LT30, LT36 on Route 24, Hampstead Heath

We then went to Camden Town in order to get James home, and do obs at White City via Tower Transit's 31:


Metroline LT36 on Route 24, Camden Town

LTZ1036 LT36 on the 24 on a short working to Trafalgar Square (JPT)

Metroline LT39, Camden Town. Not in service, why is it dead running?

Metroline LT30, Route 24, Camden Town

Afterwards, we all sat in the rear of a VNW of the 31 to White City*. All part of an enjoyable day. I wonder if the rest of us had the same opinion....

The next part refollows me at Tottenham Hale for the 230

(part written by Au, Tom and Joshua)