SN05 HWKMcGills Midland Bluebird's First Barbie liveried Scania Omnidekka SN05 HWK (1806) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 4.1.23 One of the most interesting bus operators in Central Scotland at the moment is McGill Scotland East.   McGill took over operation of the Former First Scotland East franchise in September 2022, inheriting 257 buses in the process.   By purchasing the Scotland East Franchise, McGill extended their reach as they already own McGills Scotland West, which is mainly based in the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire and Xplore Dundee, which covers the Dundee City area.

Routes and Depots

McGill Scotland East is split into 2 areas: Midland Bluebird and Eastern Scottish, both reviving heritage names and heritage liveries.   Midland Bluebird is based at 3 depots: Larbert, Bannockburn and Balfron with Eastern Scottish being based at Livingston.

Livingston depot covers routes in West Lothian and Edinburgh, heading to places such as Shotts (North Lanarkshire), Fauldhouse, Whitburn, Blackridge, Armadale, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Balerno, Queensferry, Kirkliston and Deans

Larbert depot mainly covers routes around the Falkirk area to destinations such as Maddiston, Dunnipace, Bo'ness, Larbert, Grangemouth, Fankerton, Hallglen, Langlees, Forth Valley Hospital, Camelon, Denny, Slamannan, Edinburgh and Glasgow (via Cumbernauld).

Balfron depot mainly covers routes between Stirling and Glasgow via Balfron and Kippen or via Aberfoyle and Milngavie.

Bannockburn depot mainly covers routes around the Stirling area to destinations such as Cambusbarron, Callander, Alloa, Clackmannan, Cowie, Stirling University, St Ninnians, Raploch and Glasgow via Cumbernauld.

The fleet

As mentioned before, McGill inherited 257 buses of various types from First, including the Bright Bus tours operation in Edinburgh.  On taking over, McGills had to withdraw 120 of the inherited fleet as they were deemed unsuitable for service. Some of the fleet were returned to service after repairs, however a number of them were replaced by buses from the reserve and withdrawn fleets from the West of Scotland and Xplore Dundee operations. 

The current fleet includes:

• 4x BMC ProBus / Falcons (Numbered 0300-0303, only 1 remaining in service)
• 74x Wright Streetlite DF (Numbered 0405-0479)
• 2x Wright Streetlite SF (Numbered 0480-0481 and Transferred from Xplore Dundee)
• 6x Volvo Plaxton Profiles (Numbered 0600-0605, 3 remaining in service)
• 16x Scania Wright Solars (Numbered 1601-1616, all withdrawn from service)
• 22x Scania Omnidekkas (Numbered 1800 - 1820 plus one that hasn't been renumbered, 9 remaining in service)
• 1 x Volvo Wright Renown (Numbered 2200, training bus)
• 6 x Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse 2 (Numbered 2234 - 2239, 4 in service in new Midland Bluebird livery, 2 still to enter service, transferred from McGills West of Scotland)
• 66x Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse (Numbered 2240 - 2346)
• 7x Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini (Numbered 2807-2811, 2817-2818, transferred from Xplore Dundee)
• 1x Volvo B7TL Alexander ALX400 (Numbered 2844, withdrawn training bus)
• 2x Volvo B7TL Plaxton President (Numbered 2845-2846, both withdrawn)
• 21x Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini (Numbered 2847-2867)
• 4 x Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini (Numbered 2900-2903)
• 11x Alexander Dennis Enviro 200MMC (Numbered 4111-4121)
• 9 x Wright Pulsar 2 (Numbered 6001-6009, 3 in service, 6 still to enter service, being painted a mix of Midland Bluebird and Eastern Scottish liverys, transferred from McGill's West of Scotland)
• 6 x Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 (numbered 8050 - 8055)
• 20 x Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 (numbered 8475 - 8496)
• 12 x Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 (numbered 8924-8935 , Bright bus tours open toppers)
• 15 x Alexander Dennis Enviro 400MMC (numbered 8936-8951)
• 8 x mix of buses for Bright bus tours (numbered 9901-9908)

Liveries

With it being early days in the new franchise and with buses having to be transferred in from other areas, there are a real mix of liveries on the fleet at the moment including

• First Barbie
• First 2012
• First Urban (Midland, West Lothian and plain)
• 2 toned blue
• Midland Bluebird Retro
• Midland Scottish Retro
• Xplore Dundee Green (Streelite SFs, Enviro 200MMC and some ex Xplore Dundee Geminis)
• Debranded National Express Dundee Red and White (some ex Xplore Dundee Geminis)
• New Midland Bluebird Blue and Cream
• New Eastern Scottish Green and Cream

There are also various buses with route branding on them.

With the many bus types and liveries, McGills Scotland East are an interesting company to follow and ride on at the moment! It is best to take the opportunity to do this just now before the inevitable newer, more uniform buses come along and more of the new livery is seen!

Some examples of the current liveries are shown below, more can be found at: https://scottishtrains.zenfolio.com/p1057977495

SP54 CGODebranded National Express Dundee Read and White liveried Volvo B7TL Wright Eclispe Gemini SP54 CGO(2811) is seen stabled outside Bannockburn Depot 21.1.23	SN65 OMDRecent transfer to Midland Bluebird, Xplore Dundee liveried but still carrying City Circle 360 route branding Wright Streetlite SF SN65 OMD (0481 former 0406) is seen stabled at Bannockburn Depot 20.1.23	SP54 CHODebranded Xplore Dundee liveried Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Gemini SP54 CHO (2808) is seen at Bannockburn Depot 20.1.23	YX09 AGUMidland branded Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 YX09 AGU (8052) is seen at Stirling Bus Station 20.1.23
SN65 CVLUnilink branded Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC SN65 CVL (8937) is seen at Stirling Bus Station 14.1.23	SN15 ELCUnilink branded Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC SN15 ELC (8936) is seen at Stirling Bus Station 14.1.23	SK63 KKLdebranded First liveried Streetlite SK63 KKL (0406) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 13.1.23	YN53 EFKMidland liveried Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini YN53 EFK (2847) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 13.1.23
SN64 CJZMidland 2 toned blue with Falkirk branding and rear route 3/4 branded Streetlite SN64 CJZ (0448) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 13.1.23	SN05 HWSMidland Bluebird liveried Scania Omnidekka SN05 HWS (1814) at Stirling Bus Station 3.1.23	YX65 PXFXplore Dundee liveried Alexander Dennis Enviro 200MMC is seen departing Stirling Bus Station 6.1.23	SN05 HWHdebranded First Barbie liveried Omnidekka SN05 HWH (1807) leads a line of withdrawn Omnidekkas at Bannockburn depot
SN66 WGVMidland Bluebird liveried AD Enviro 400 MMC SN66 WGV (8945) is seen at Stirling Bus Station 31.12.22	SF55 TXCProbus SF55 TXC awaits its next duties at Stirling Bus Station 31.12.22	SN05HWTMcGills Midland Bluebird Scania Omnidekka SN05 HWT (1815) in heritage Midland Scottish livery seen at Stirling Bus Station 31.12.22	SF11 CWUMidland Bluebird lvieried Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse 2 SF11 CWU (2238) Stirling Bus Station
SN57 JDKMidland liveried Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Urban SN57 JDK (2289) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 4.1.23	66 XKWMcGills Heritage liveried Enviro 400 66 XKW (8960) is seen waiting to be put through the bus wash at Bannockburn depot 21.1.23	SN62 AUUMidland liveried with Gold route branding Enviro 300 SN62 AUU (8493) at Stirling Bus Station	SN64 CKYMidland liveried Streetlite SN64 CKY (0446) is seen in Newmarket Street, Falkirk Town Centre 4.1.23

65507 at BankWaterloo and City 1992 Stock made up of vehicles 65507+67507+67508+65508 is seen at Bank having arrived from Waterloo 12.10.22 As part of my trip to the South Coast, I wanted to combine my trip to see / ride on a class 315 with a day out on the London Underground network, having not been on it since 2016.  

Arriving at London Waterloo at 9.15am, my first port of call was to buy an all zones day ticket, before making my way down to the Waterloo and City station for the short journey to Bank on board the 92 stock.   As there was already a train in the station,  I didn't get the opportunity to photo one in the turnback siding and another in depot.  

At Bank, I found my way via the many cavenous passageways and escalators to finally make it to the Central Line platforms, where I caught an Eastbound Epping service as far as Woodford.   I'd wanted to catch the 1962 stock Central line Rail Adhesive Train (or RAT for short), however unfortunately it did not run.   After spending some time photing the comings and goings of the 92 stock at Woodford, I caught another 1992 stock train up to Epping, where I walked down to the bottom end of the car park for a look at the former London Underground Shunting Loco L11, which was built by joining the cab ends from 1931 built standard stock cars 3080 and 3109 together.   It is part of the Epping Museum, who are also restoring the former Epping signal cabin, which is located next to L11.   More info about Epping Museum can be found at: https://www.eppingmuseum.com/home

L11 at EppingBuilt in 1964 from 2 1931 Standard Stock vehicles (3080 and 3109), former shunting locomotive L11 is seen on display outside Epping Museum (Epping signal cabin) where it is being preserved 12.10.22 Next I returned to Epping station but before I got on the train, I had a lovely roll and sausage from the van outside! I'd thoroughly reccomend it!  I then got back on the train, and had planned on going to Holborn to change to the Picadilly Line, however on arrival at Stratford, our train was held due to a signalling issue further up the line, so I got off there for some air and spotted a pair of class 315s working an ECS movement.   I caught a class 345 Elizabeth line train to Liverpool Street and resumed my Central line journey from there to Holborn.   There I changed onto the Picadilly line and some 1973 stock for the short 3 stop journey to Piccadilly Circus.

My impressions of the 92 stock were that they were rather tired inside, with worn moquette, grafitti all over the interiors and generally in need of a deep clean and a refurb.   The 73 stock in comparison was in excellent condition, very clean looking and had real character.

At Picadilly Circus, I changed over to the Bakerloo line to sample some 72 stock.   Heading westbound, I travelled out to Queen's Park, where the Bakerloo line goes from deep tube up to above ground and runs alongside the Overground lines out to Watford Junction as far as Harrow and Wealdstone and the WCML.

Queens Park is a decent place to catch the 72 stock, with its overall roof, the steep incline out of the tunnel at the East End and the uniqueness of the main lines and turnback sidings actually passing through and doubling as part of the 3558 at Queen's Park1972 Bakerloo line stock in 7 car formation (3+4) led by 3 car set 3558+4558+3458 arrives into Queens Park with a service from Elephant & Castle to Harrow and Wealdstone 12.10.22 depot!  I spent about 45 minutes here photoing the 1972 stock, which although it looks quite shabby and in need of a repaint and overhaul, like most older stock it has alot of character both inside and out (a blog post about the Bakerloo 72 stock will be coming soon).

After I left Queen's Park, I headed back via 72 stock to Waterloo, where I changed from the Bakerloo to the Jubilee line.   I then headed east on the 1996 stock to Stratford, where after a few photos I headed off to catch the peak class 315 working at Shenfield.   After riding on the 315s I headed back to Stratford, where after more photos, I caught a Central line train to Bank, then changed for the Waterloo and City line back to Waterloo for the train back to my hotel at Eastleigh.

484001 at Ryde St JohnsIsland Line liveried 484001 arrives at Ryde St Johns with 5U22 10.15 Shanklin - Ryde St Johns ECS move 13.10.22 As part of my trip to the South Coast in October, I decided to return to the Isle of Wight so on Thursday 13th October, I made my way from my hotel in Eastleigh by train to Portsmouth and Southsea, where due to a slight delay on my train, I'd unfortunately missed the bus to the Hoverport by 2 minutes.   After a very quick taxi ride to the Hoverport at Southsea, I joined the queue for the crossing over to the island.

The journey by Hovercraft over the Solent to Ryde was very swift and comfortable, reaching Ryde in 7 minutes and luckily, Loganair had a 30% off voucher code when booking flight tickets so the journey was a good deal cheaper than normal.   On arrival at Ryde, I made my way to Ryde Esplanade station to catch the Island Line train out to the IOW steam railway. Unfortunately due to a bridge strike, the trains were cancelled for at least an hour, however there was a replacement mini bus running.

I took the mini bus up to Ryde St Johns and visited the Bus Museum.   The bus museum was interesting to see with plenty of different types of bus and plenty of historical displays showing the history of Southern Vectis on the island and is less than 5 minutes walk from Ryde St Johns and is on some of the bus routes.

After I had visited the museum, I walked back to Ryde St Johns and by this time, they were getting ready to resume the train service, with 484001 arriving from the Shankin direction, 002 was stabled in platform 3, 004 and 005 were stabled in the yard and 003 was in the maintenance sheds.   001 was then reversed back out of platform 1, crossed over and entered platform 2 where the service was resumed heading towards Shanklin.   I got off at Smallbrook Junction and crossed over to the IOW Steam Railway.  Smallbrook Junction is a small halt that is only accessible by rail and as such is only open with the steam railway is open.   It only has basic facilities but that does include a waiting room,  so with around 30 minutes to wait on the steam train coming, I sat and read  my Kindle so the time passed quite fast!

41298 at Smallbrook JunctionBritish Railways Black liveried Ivatt 2MT 41298 is seen running round it's train at Smallbrook Junction 13.10.22 All too soon, British Railways Black liveried Ivatt 2MT 41298 arrived with a rake of beautifully restored Southern 4 wheeler compartment stock.  The interior of the carriages was of an excellent quality with the period notices and adverts really adding to the experience as did the very comfy deep sprung seating in the compartment.    It is a lovely scenic journey through the Wight countryside up to Wooton with the train passing through Havenstreet non stop heading up the line.   After a 10 minute turn around at Wooton, the train returned eastwards to Havenstreet, the main hub of the railway. 

Having a bit more time to spend at Havenstreet this time (only had 10 -15 minutes last time), spent some time looking round the shop, the carriage workshops where there were a couple of 4 wheeler coaches in for restoration, then up to Train Story, where I spent an hour wandering round taking photos. Of particular interest to me were the old Ryde Pier trams and Island line liveried 483007, which I had a good look around!   I then went back outside to watch British Railways Green with wasp stripe ends liveried D2059 'Edward' shunting Southern liveried 'O2' class W24 'Calbourne' into a different siding in the yard.  I then went over to the cafe at the other side of the line to have some lunch. At this point the sun came out and despite it being October, it was actually really warm so I sat out in the sun while I waited on the train back to Havenstreet.  

484001 at Ryde PierIsland line liveried 484001 is seen heading along the pier towards Ryde Esplanade with 2D41 15.45 service Ryde Pier Head - Shanklin 13.10.22 Once at Havenstreet, again having travelled back there onboard 41298, I boarded 484001 and headed up to Shanklin, then on the next working back to Ryde Esplanade.   I then walked along the Pier to photo 484001 heading back towards the Esplanade then walked round to the footbridge to photo 484002 arriving with the peak time working from Shanklin, then walking round to the tunnel mouth to catch 002 departing again.

I then decided to catch a bus to see a bit more of the island so I caught the service 3 bus out as far as Ventnor, which was definately worthwhile for the absolutely stunning views of the coastline south of Shanklin! Unfortunately due to timing, I had to get off one bus and catch another straight back but this time I got off at Brading and walked back to the station to photo it and to catch the cross over of the 2 units there.   I caught 001 out to the Pier Head for some final photos there before it closes for refurbishment, then back to Esplanade.   Finally in the darkness, I caught some photos of 002 at Esplande station from the footbridge as I made my way back for the 7pm hovercraft back to Southsea, then the Hoverbus back to Portsmouth Harbour for my return journey back to the hotel in Eastleigh!

315837+315857 at ShenfieldWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 approach Shenfield with 5W95 15.33 Shenfield Stabling Sidings - Shenfield ECS working 12.10.22 As part of my trip to the South Coast during the October Holidays, I decided to spend the day in London. Most of the trip was spent exploring the Underground, (more about this in a future blog post), however I also took the advantage of the opportunity to sample a ride on a class 315 for the first and probably the last time.

The class 315 is the newest of the PEP family, having been brought into service in 1980.   Being powered by the OHLE, the 315 is essentially a four car version of the much missed 1979 build class 314 which ran on the Argyle lines and laterly the Cathcart Circle, Newton and Neilston lines.   With a seating capacity of 309 (plus 7 tip up seats), the 315 is formed of 2 outer DMSO vehicles, containing the motors and drivers cabs, with a PTSO, containing the Pantograph and TSO (trailer) in the centre.   In their heyday, they could be formed up into 12 car formation, but now they are formed into 8 car formation from 2 sets.   Originally 61 sets were built, however now only 6 remain (315837, 315838, 315847, 315853, 315856 and 315857) with the rest having been scrapped.  

With the full opening of the Elizabeth Line having now happened and the 315s not being compatible with the signalling or platform doors, their days are numbered.   At the time of my visit they were combined to a couple of peak time diagrams between Shenfield and Liverpool Street. Since my visit their route has been further cut back to Gidea Park - Liverpool Street with only  2 morning and evening peak diagrams.  

Interestingly, it was announced today (1st December 2022) that 315856 has been purchased for preservation by the Class 315 Preservation Society and will be moving to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in Wales, where it will be restored to original livery, original interior spec and will be converted to be able to carry passengers on preserved lines with the unit being loco hauled.

Trip report

Following an unexpected delay at Stratford as the Central Line 92 stock train I was travelling on was delayed due to a signalling issue around 12.15 ish, I decided to get off and get some fresh air. I'm glad I did, as 315847+315856 passed through the next platform with 5C91 the ECS working from Aldersbrook up CHS to London Liverpool Street, which I luckily managed to get a photo of.

Later in the afternoon, I made my way up to Shenfield onboard an Elizabeth Line class 345 to catch the 15.38 class 315 hauled working to Liverpool Street.   As 315837+315857 arrived into the platform, I was struck by how clean and well cared for that both units were and also the fact they had modern LED head and tail lights as well as the electronic destination screen.   On stepping onboard the rear carriage of 315857 that opinion was confirmed as not only were they spotless inside but they also looked bright and modern, especially with the LED lighting, CCTV, passenger operated doors and Passenger Information System. Despite it retaining the low back seating, that was standard on the class 314, it did not give the impression of being a 42 year old unit with only weeks left before withdrawal and probable scrapping.  

The journey was smooth with both units showing great accelleration and performed well, keeping to time the whole way.  The sounds of the motors brought back memories of many journeys onboard the class 314s.   At Liverpool Street, after a few quick photos, I decided to get back on again for a ride on board back to Stratford.  

The ride back to Stratford was swift, with both sets managing to keep up with an Anglia liveried 745 that left Liverpool Street around the same time as us for most of the journey!   Unfortunately due to time constraints as my train back to Eastleigh was at 6pm and I'd still to find my way back to Waterloo via an extremely packed Central Line train and connection via an equally busy Waterloo and City line, I had to leave the train at Stratford.  

I was extremely impressed by the Class 315s and it will be sad to see them go, especially considering their excellent condition, compared to the Southern Class 313 and Merseyrail 507 & 508s which are clearly being run down with withdrawal and replacement in the next year / 2 years on the cards for them.   Having now travelled on all the PEP fleets, I'd definately say that the class 315 is the best of the lot! 

Fleet list of the remaining units

Number	Livery	Formation	Status	Photo
315837	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64533+71317+71425+64534	In Service	315837+315857 at ShenfieldWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 approach Shenfield with 5W95 15.33 Shenfield Stabling Sidings - Shenfield ECS working 12.10.22
315838	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64535+71318+71426+64536	In Service
315847	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64553+71327+71435+64554	In Service	315847+315856 at StratfordWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315847+315856 approach Stratford with 5C91 Aldersbrook Up CHS - London Liverpool Street ECS working 12.10.22
315853	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64565+71333+71441+64566	In Service
315856	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64571+71336+71444+64572	In Service	315847+315856 at StratfordWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315847+315856 approach Stratford with 5C91 Aldersbrook Up CHS - London Liverpool Street ECS working 12.10.22
315857	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64573+71337+71445+64574	In Service	315837+315857 at London Liverpool StreetWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 are seen at Liverpool Street having arrived with 2W95 15.38 service from Shenfield 12.10.22

313215 at LewesSouthern liveried 313215 pauses at Lewes with 2C32 12.41 Brighton - Seaford service as 700150 approaches with an ECS working to Brighton 11.10.22 The Class 313s are rumoured for withdrawal during 2023 so I decided that I had to make sure I sampled them and photoed as many as possible! As part of a week long trip to the South Coast, I enjoyed a couple of days travelling on some 313s

The Class 313 is part of the PEP family of units and were built in 1976 / 77 as  dual voltage stock.   The remaining examples in passenger service are now 3rd rail only and have had their pantograph removed.   19 sets (313201 - 313217, 313219-313220) of the once 64 strong fleet remain, with 17 of them being in passenger service with 313214 and 313217 having already been withdrawn from service.  

313221 remains in sporadic use as a dual voltage test train for Network Rail. The class 313s are now one of the oldest main line passenger trains left on the network with only the 1972 Bakerloo line stock and 1973 Piccadilly line stock on the London Underground older.      

The Class 313s currently operate on the following services:

• Brighton - Portsmouth & Southsea / Portsmouth Harbour
• Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea / Portsmouth Harbour 
• Bognor Regis - Barnham Shuttle
• Bognor Regis - Littlehampton
• Brighton - Hove Shuttle
• Brighton - Seaford
• Football specials in the Brighton area

Trip report

313201 at Bognor RegisBR Blue/Grey liveried 313201 departs Bognor Regis with 2P75 11.36 service to Barnham 14.10.22 11th October

Arriving from Eastleigh by 377 on the 11th October, I photoed 313208, which was working on the Hove Shuttle.  I then went over to the far end of the station to catch 313204 out to Lewes.  

It was very clear from seeing 313204 that the class 313s are in their final months of service, with the exterior condition of the train being poor, with missing, worn out and peeling external vynals and the interior looking very tired and not the cleanest, however, despite this 313204 performed well on the 15 minute journey out to Lewes.  

Lewes was a lovely, well kept station, with a nice view at the east end looking towards the old signal box, which gave a nice shot in full sunshine.    I spent 90 minutes here and in that time managed to catch the other pair of 313s on the Seaford circuit, 313207 and 313215.   As well as the 313s, there was 377s, 387s, 700s, a stone working from Newhaven featuring 59001 and the RHTT top and tailed with 73107 and 73201.

I then headed back into Brighton onboard 313215.   After a walk down to Churchill Square for some bus photography, I headed back to the station, where I had time for some more photography while I waited on my train.   As well as 313208 shuttling between Brighton and Hove, 313216 had also arrived and was switched off in Platform 2, whilst in the sidings at Lover's Walk, 313203+313205 were coupled up and awaiting use later that night on a football shuttle service. Shortly before 4pm, 313209 arrived from Portsmouth and would form the 4pm train back to Portsmouth and Southsea, which I caught. As I waited for my train back to the hotel in Eastleigh, 313211 arrived from Littlehampton, then soon departed, heading back there.

313213 at BarnhamSouthern Coastway liveried 313213 arrives at Barnham with 2P73 10.36 Bognor Regis - Barnham service 14.10.22 13th October

After a day out at the Isle of Wight, I returned to Portsmouth and Southsea for the train back to Eastleigh to return to the hotel. As I had time to kill, I caught 313213, which was working on the 19.57 service to Littlehampton to Fratton, where I got off and caught my own train back to Eastleigh.

14th October

I caught a 377 from Eastleigh to Barnham, where I got off and waited for the shuttle to Bognor Regis.   313213 duly arrived from Bognor to operate the return journey, however before getting on the shuttle, I managed to catch a photo of 313212 arriving from Brighton, heading to Portsmouth and Southsea and 313201 'Big Blue'  heading to Littlehampton.  I then caught the shuttle to Bognor, where I had a wander about then caught 313201 to Littlehampton.  

Of all the 313s that I travelled on, 313201, complete with modified BR Blue/Grey retro livery was in by far the best interior and exterior condition of all the 313s that I travelled on, the rest being pretty much run down and tired looking, which is quite understandable given that they will all be withdrawn pretty soon.    

At Littlehampton, I caught a pair of 377s to Hove and changed over to 313202 on the Hove Shuttle into Brighton.   The sidings at Brighton were reasonably busy with no fewer than 3 x class 313s stabled there, 313211, 313207 and 313220.   Unfortunately, I was on a very tight schedule so I didn't have time to catch any of the Seaford workings so I caught the next working back out of Brighton, which was the 2pm service to Portsmouth Harbour with 313215 as the unit of choice and was my final PEP for this trip.

Over the course of this trip and my previous trip down that way in July, I managed to catch / photo 16 of the 20 remaining class in the twilight of their working lives, whether or not they are still in service on my next trip down that way is anyone's guess.

Current Fleet

Number	Livery	Formation	Status	Photo
313201	BR Blue / Grey	62529+71213+62593	In Service	313201 at BrightonBR Blue / Grey liveried 313201 'Big Blue' is seen arriving at Brighton with 1S25 14.33 service from Portsmouth and Southsea 25.7.22
313202	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62530+71214+62594	In Service	313202 at BrightonA rather shabby looking Southern Coastway liveried 313202 is seen awaiting it's next duty at Platform 8, Brighton 25.7.22
313203	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62531+71215+62595	In Service
313204	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62532+71216+62596	In Service	313204 at LewesSouthern Coastway liveried 313204 pauses at Lewes with 2C32 13.11 Brighton - Seaford service 11.10.22
313205	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62533+71217+62597	In Service
313206	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62534+71218+62598	In Service
313207	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62535+71219+62599	In Service	313207 at LewesSouthern Coastway liveried 313207 apptoaches Lewes with 2C33 12.58 Newhaven Harbour - Brighton service 11.10.22
313208	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62536+71220+62600	In Service	313208 at BrightonSouthern 'Coastway' liveried 313208 awaits departure from Brighton with 2C26 11.41 service to Seaford 25.7.22
313209	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62537+71221+62601	In Service	313209 at Portsmouth & Southsea313209 departs Portsmouth & Southsea with 1S31 17.33 service to Brighton 11.10.22
313210	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62538+71222+62602	In Service
313211	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62539+71223+62603	In Service	313211 at Portsmouth & Southsea313211 prepares to depart Portsmouth & Southsea with 2S25 service to Littlehampton 11.10.22
313212	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62540+71224+62604	In Service	313212 at BarnhamSouthern Coastway liveried 313212 pauses at Barnham with 1S16 10.00 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour 14.10.22
313213	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62541+71225+62605	In Service	313213 at FrattonSouthern Coastway liveried 313213 is seen awaiting departure from Fratton with 2S29 19.57 service from Portsmouth and Southsea to Littlehampton 13.10.22
313214	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62542+71226+62606	Withdrawn	313214 at Portsmouth and SouthseaSouthern Coastway liveried 313214 arrives at Portsmouth and Southsea with 2S28 16.55 service from Littlehampton 25.7.22
313215	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62543+71227+62607	In Service	313215 at LewesSouthern liveried 313215 departs Lewes with 2C32 12.41 Brighton - Seaford service 11.10.22
313216	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62544+71228+62608	In Service	313216 at BrightonSouthern 'Coastway' liveried 313216 is seen at Brighton awaiting it's next duty 25.7.22
313217	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62545+71229+62609	Withdrawn
313219	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62547+71231+62611	In Service	313219 at Portsmouth and SouthseaSouthern Coastway liveried 313219 in what is likely to be its final year in service approaches Portsmouth and Southsea with 2S30 17.55 service from Littlehampton 26.7.22
313220	Southern Dark Green, light green, white and grey	62548+71232+62612	In Service	313220 at Brighton313220 awaits it's next duties at Brighton 14.10.22
313221	Network Rail Yellow	62549+71233+62613	In Service

132+204+104 at St EnochMetro Cammell Power cars 132 + 104 with Barclay trailer 204 in the centre are seen in a new advert for SPT committed to achieving Net Zero. The set is paused at St Enoch working an Inner Circle service 10.9.22 Glasgow Subway's latest vynal wrap sees a 3 car set consisting of Metro Cammell Power Car 132, Barclay Trailer 204 and Metro Cammell Power Car 104 outshopped in a new design advertising SPT's commitment to achieving Net Zero.

the three car set are seen paused at St Enoch working diagram 11 on the Inner Circle on 10.9.22

614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) is seen heading along the foreshore at Bo'ness as it returns from Kinneil on Hydrogen power enroute to Bo'ness with a demonstration run 2.9.22 Arcola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) was out today at Bo'ness operating demonstration runs for some invited guests during the day, between Bo'ness and Kinneil Halt.  614209 was run both on battery and on hydrogen mode on different runs with the mile long run out in each direction giving the invited guests the chance to sample both tractions from this bi-mode unit.

It was great to finally see 209 out on the tracks and good to note that the distinctive compressor sounds remain from 209's days as a class 314 emu as does the sounds of the motors when accelerating in battery mode

I photoed 614209 at Bo'ness station (from the footbridge), Bo'ness foreshore and the area around Kinneil Halt, here are some of my efforts:  

614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) is seen heading along the foreshore at Bo'ness as it returns from Kinneil on Hydrogen power enroute to Bo'ness with a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) is seen heading along the foreshore at Bo'ness as it returns from Kinneil on Hydrogen power enroute to Bo'ness with a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) departs Bo'ness on Battery Power as it heads to Kinneil with a demonstration run 2.9.22
614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) departs Bo'ness on Battery Power as it heads to Kinneil with a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 at KinneilArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) is seen to the East of Kinneil Halt running on Hydrogen power enroute to Bo'ness with a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) departs Bo'ness on Battery Power enroute to back to the yard following a demonstration run 2.9.22
614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) departs Bo'ness on Battery Power enroute to back to the yard following a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 at Bo'nessArcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) returns to the display shed for storage on Battery Power following a demonstration run 2.9.22	614209 and 303032 at Bo'ness2 veterans of the Strathclyde Electrics area meet as Arcrola Energy's Scottish Hydrogen Train, 614209 (former Scotrail Class 314 PEP unit 314209) passes 303032 enroute back to the display shed following a demonstration run 2.9.22