I Was There - A Tribute to Crosville Motor Services http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/ 10 rows en-gb 60 01a SRG191's Busman's Holiday http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1102065.html During its last year of service with Crosville, a dual door RE was sent to Wales for the summer and was seen from Aberystwyth to Anglesey before going home to face its final curtain. The story in pictures. Friday 19 April 1985: During its last year of service with Crosville, a dual door RE was sent to Wales for the summer and was seen from Aberystwyth to Anglesey before going home to face its final curtain. The story in pictures.

04 Aberystwyth, 4 July 1985 01 Blaenau Ffestiniog Depot, 15 June 1985 03 Aberystwyth, 4 July 1985 07 Barmouth, 26 July 1985 05 Harlech, 25 July 1985 06 R38 25 July 1985 12 Chester, January 1986 02 Blaenau Ffestiniog, 15 June 1985 10 Barmouth, 26 July 1985 11 Dolgellau, 26 July 1985 08 Maentwrog, 26 July 1985 09 Maentwrog, 26 July 1985 00 Walgherton, 19 April 1985

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]]> Fri Apr 19 1985 09 Wild West Wales http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027603.html For me, this part is what it's all about. I've lumped North and South Cambrian together for now, so you get everything from Pwllheli to Newcastle Emlyn here. The scenery was almost universally exquisite, the drivers were warm and co-operative, having the time to stop for photos here and there, allowing me to jump out and rejoin the bus on double-runs. During the 1980s a number of REs were sent out West, especially the YFM-L batch which are probably my most photographed buses. But the VRs [even the elderly ones] were well used, and the views from these vehicles were often breathtaking. My favourite and finest memories of the great Crosville company have their origin here! Sunday 6 May 1906: For me, this part is what it's all about. I've lumped North and South Cambrian together for now, so you get everything from Pwllheli to Newcastle Emlyn here. The scenery was almost universally exquisite, the drivers were warm and co-operative, having the time to stop for photos here and there, allowing me to jump out and rejoin the bus on double-runs. During the 1980s a number of REs were sent out West, especially the YFM-L batch which are probably my most photographed buses. But the VRs [even the elderly ones] were well used, and the views from these vehicles were often breathtaking. My favourite and finest memories of the great Crosville company have their origin here!

ERL303 S65 SLL640 Tanygrisiau ERG271 Barmouth DVG534 Comins Coch DVG534 Aberystwyth SRG171 Minffordd ERG282 Llanegryn SNG357 Minffordd DLG813 Aberystwyth DLG813 Aberdyfi SNG409 Machynlleth ENG976 Barmouth DVG573 S22 ERG274 Rhydygarreg ERG274 Comins Coch DVG542 Newtown DVG542 Newtown DVG573,542 Newtown ERG277 Minffordd DVG533 Clarach DVG271 Borth SNL661 Minffordd SNL588 Trawsfynydd SNL357 Clarach SNG409 Ynyslas ERG278 Aberystwyth

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 08 Anglesey and the coast http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027594.html Caernarfon to Llandudno with a look over the Menai Straits and a look over the shoulder at the Snowdon Sherpa network. Some of the finest scenery in Wales, and a strange rebellious island, but a busy coastal corridor dominates this region. Sunday 6 May 1906: Caernarfon to Llandudno with a look over the Menai Straits and a look over the shoulder at the Snowdon Sherpa network. Some of the finest scenery in Wales, and a strange rebellious island, but a busy coastal corridor dominates this region.

SRG207 Llangefni DVG562 Llanberis DLG944 CRG578 Llandudno Junction DVG556 Llangefni DVG562 Menai Bridge DVG565 Bangor DVG556 Caernarfon DVG555 Moelfre DVG553 Lliangefni DOG121 Holyhead SNL653 Llanerchymedd SLL607 Llangefni SLL604 Amlwch

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 07 Clwyd and the Marches http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027590.html A big slab of East Wales from Rhyl to Wrexham and through Oswestry [actually in England] to Welshpool and Shrewsbury. In spite of the size of the area, it represents a small fraction of my photographic collection. Apart from Wrexham and Denbigh, my visits to Wales tended to range further west... Sunday 6 May 1906: A big slab of East Wales from Rhyl to Wrexham and through Oswestry [actually in England] to Welshpool and Shrewsbury. In spite of the size of the area, it represents a small fraction of my photographic collection. Apart from Wrexham and Denbigh, my visits to Wales tended to range further west...

ERG280 Shocklach EPG701 at Denbigh ENL923 Llandderfel DFB228 Wrexham SRG181 Gwynfryn HVG935 Wrexham SNG387 Wrexham SNL677 Llanfair Talhaearn ERL268 Gwaenysgor DVG473 Llansannan CTL37 Wrexham

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 06 Merseyside http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027586.html The Merseyside depots (including Runcorn and Warrington) tended to be the most intensive operations for Crosville. Urban and interurban routes were usually operated by double-deck vehicles. I found the staff less friendly at these depots, not particularly rude, but they had less time to spare and rarely commented on my photography, unlike the Welsh drivers who seemed to understand and sympathise more. Very few posed shots here! Sunday 6 May 1906: The Merseyside depots (including Runcorn and Warrington) tended to be the most intensive operations for Crosville. Urban and interurban routes were usually operated by double-deck vehicles. I found the staff less friendly at these depots, not particularly rude, but they had less time to spare and rarely commented on my photography, unlike the Welsh drivers who seemed to understand and sympathise more. Very few posed shots here!

Mystery bus revealed! SRG190 Runcorn DVG270 Prescot DVL364 Liverpool DVL410 ENL912 Liverpool ENL940 Rocksavage DVG455 Runcorn SRG196 Runcorn SRG199 ENL844 Runcorn DVG567 Runcorn

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 05 Cheshire http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027583.html Crosville's first territory was gained in Cheshire. My visits to the Cheshire depots were relatively few, mainly because I tended to find that the most interesting routes were operated by the least interesting vehicles, though happily this turned out not always to be the case. Evidence of this is presented here. Sunday 6 May 1906: Crosville's first territory was gained in Cheshire. My visits to the Cheshire depots were relatively few, mainly because I tended to find that the most interesting routes were operated by the least interesting vehicles, though happily this turned out not always to be the case. Evidence of this is presented here.

DVG463 at Nantwich on 18 April 1985 SRL252 Barnton SRG193 Audlem DVG485 Nantwich CBD61 Sandbach ERL311 Crewe SRG191 Walgherton ERL311 Sandbach ENL833 Holmes Chapel ENL829 Holmes Chapel DVG485 Audlem

Published in I Was There - A Tribute to Crosville Motor Services

]]> Sun May 6 1906 04 Chester http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c1027577.html Chester was the capital city of the Crosville empire. Enthusiasts were drawn to the large bus station at Delamere Street [lots of "back row" photos here!]. The Central Repair Works were at Sealand Road, where vehicles could be seen from all over the company visiting for major repairs or refurbishment. This was the place where the first really effective installation of a Gardner engine in a Leyland National happened. New buses were delivered here, and fifteen years later they came here to die. On any given day, all of this variety could be seen, and photographs of this location are quite intriguing. I have very few, I have to say, since my visits were few. The company headquaqrters were housed in another building, Crane Wharf, and a large depot known as "The Rink" was situated on Liverpool Road near the now defunct Northgate Station. Visiting Chester nowadays, it's hard to imagine just what a significant part the city played in the establishment and operation of the Crosville company. Sunday 6 May 1906: Chester was the capital city of the Crosville empire. Enthusiasts were drawn to the large bus station at Delamere Street [lots of "back row" photos here!]. The Central Repair Works were at Sealand Road, where vehicles could be seen from all over the company visiting for major repairs or refurbishment. This was the place where the first really effective installation of a Gardner engine in a Leyland National happened. New buses were delivered here, and fifteen years later they came here to die. On any given day, all of this variety could be seen, and photographs of this location are quite intriguing. I have very few, I have to say, since my visits were few. The company headquaqrters were housed in another building, Crane Wharf, and a large depot known as "The Rink" was situated on Liverpool Road near the now defunct Northgate Station. Visiting Chester nowadays, it's hard to imagine just what a significant part the city played in the establishment and operation of the Crosville company.

CRL307 Ellesmere Port SPG699 Chester ERL311 Chester G166 ELL337 Chester DVG481 and 483 Chester

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 03 Corwen Calling http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c994954.html Since starting to publish my photos here, it is those of Corwen which get the most comment and the most hits. Strange, perhaps, that a small depot in a sleepy little town should arouse such interest. I have to admit a certain amount of affection for the place. Certainly, I used to pass through regularly as a D94 commuter of sorts. With one snarling exception, the drivers were most co-operative with photographers and I remember cadging lifts on light runs to Ruthin at school time, where the alternative was to wait an hour or more for a bus to Wrexham. I also had the worst cup of coffee in my life in a café in the square. It was a beige, milky-watery concoction with brown skin floating in it. Perhaps when they extend the Llangollen railway to Corwen then provision for tourists will improve. Back in my day, it was a dull place to be stranded for an hour, but it always led onto better things! Sunday 6 May 1906: Since starting to publish my photos here, it is those of Corwen which get the most comment and the most hits. Strange, perhaps, that a small depot in a sleepy little town should arouse such interest. I have to admit a certain amount of affection for the place. Certainly, I used to pass through regularly as a D94 commuter of sorts. With one snarling exception, the drivers were most co-operative with photographers and I remember cadging lifts on light runs to Ruthin at school time, where the alternative was to wait an hour or more for a bus to Wrexham. I also had the worst cup of coffee in my life in a caf_ in the square. It was a beige, milky-watery concoction with brown skin floating in it. Perhaps when they extend the Llangollen railway to Corwen then provision for tourists will improve. Back in my day, it was a dull place to be stranded for an hour, but it always led onto better things!

SNL600 ERG271 Corwen ERG276 Llandderfel SRG101 Carrog EMG431 Corwen ERG1 Corwen SNL600 Ysbyty Ifan SRG75 Corwen ERG276 Llanuwchllyn ERG276 Llandrillo SNL600 Rhydlydan ERG271 Corwen SRG113 Bala ERG276 Corwen DVG545 Carrog SNL569 Corwen DVG545 SRG113 Corwen MRB702 Denbigh

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]]> Sun May 6 1906 02 Beside the Seaside http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c977935.html Looking through my boxes of old prints, some prints more than others stirred up pangs of nostalgia, and this assortment begged to be uploaded as my first themed collection. Rhyl at the start of the 1980s was where Lodekkas went for their swan song, ultimately the last bastion of crew operation and rear loaders. Those of you who weren't there can only imagine the smell of fried onions and rotting seaweed, the caravan site holidaymakers, the pleasure of spending a day plodding around on Lodekkas then going to Les and Ritas for fish and chips before being dragged home behind a BR class 40 as the light was fading. Unfortunately, the prints too are fading almost as fast as the memories. I can only apologise that these photos have required a lot of correction and restoration and still leave much to be desired, so please forgive the poor quality. Just relive the good old days. Sunday 6 May 1906: Looking through my boxes of old prints, some prints more than others stirred up pangs of nostalgia, and this assortment begged to be uploaded as my first themed collection. Rhyl at the start of the 1980s was where Lodekkas went for their swan song, ultimately the last bastion of crew operation and rear loaders. Those of you who weren't there can only imagine the smell of fried onions and rotting seaweed, the caravan site holidaymakers, the pleasure of spending a day plodding around on Lodekkas then going to Les and Ritas for fish and chips before being dragged home behind a BR class 40 as the light was fading. Unfortunately, the prints too are fading almost as fast as the memories. I can only apologise that these photos have required a lot of correction and restoration and still leave much to be desired, so please forgive the poor quality. Just relive the good old days.

DFG197 Prestatyn DFG194 Talacre DLG946 Pensarn DLG817 Pensarn DLG1 Pines DFG194 Penyffordd ERL308 Rhyl DFG68 Pines DFG230 Pines DLG876 Prestatyn DLG813 Robin hood DLG1 Rhyl DFG252 Talacre DLG946 Prestatyn Bed time DLG946 Prestatyn DFG68 Pensarn SRG178 Rhyl DLG946 Rhyl

Published in I Was There - A Tribute to Crosville Motor Services

]]> Sun May 6 1906 01 Pre-deregulation Crosville http://iwasthere.fotoblog.org.uk/c948632.html Welcome to my Crosville photo site. This first collection of photographs serves as a taster: it is a collection of my favourite images from all the other collections, which cover the entire Crosville operating area on a regional basis. Note that photos have been given expanded captions which are not readable from the thumbnail pages. The captions on the thumbnail pages are now minimal. The comments can now be read by scrolling down to the foot of the page of each individual image. As I get the time, I will add more detail and opinion to these captions, as I will add more images to the site too. You can use the facilities on this page to subscribe to an e-mail alert if you'd like to keep an eye on developments. Comments, reminiscence, corrections, etc are always welcome. I know that in the future I'll be asking for help in identifying obscure locations I haven't seen in twenty years, so please don't be shy about contributing. Sunday 6 May 1906: Welcome to my Crosville photo site. This first collection of photographs serves as a taster: it is a collection of my favourite images from all the other collections, which cover the entire Crosville operating area on a regional basis. Note that photos have been given expanded captions which are not readable from the thumbnail pages. The captions on the thumbnail pages are now minimal. The comments can now be read by scrolling down to the foot of the page of each individual image. As I get the time, I will add more detail and opinion to these captions, as I will add more images to the site too. You can use the facilities on this page to subscribe to an e-mail alert if you'd like to keep an eye on developments. Comments, reminiscence, corrections, etc are always welcome. I know that in the future I'll be asking for help in identifying obscure locations I haven't seen in twenty years, so please don't be shy about contributing.

SLL638 at Waen Nantglyn DVG281 Liverpool DVG453 Halton ERG276 Llandderfel DVG550 Bangor ERG285 Henllan DVG390 Dolgellau

Published in I Was There - A Tribute to Crosville Motor Services

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