![]() The Merlins and Swifts: after London Transport![]() This page created 31st March 1998, updated 3rd May 1998 Special thanks to Adrian Clarke for all his photos, and to Paul Watson and Kevin McGowan for additional data Although London Transport did not find the Merlins and Swifts to their liking for the intended services, there were many places and bus companies that could make use of their good side, and did. The following photo album, courtesy of BusSpotter, shows a few of the colourful products of the dispersion.
Click on the images to obtain larger pictures.
Merlins![]()
Photo, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() Merlin MBA570 and Swift SMS683 at a rally in Southampton. Photo, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() Photo, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() Photo, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() ![]() Still in Hampshire, Blue Lake operated MBA 545, seen here immaculate at a rally.. ...and rather scruffy in service. Was this Blue Lake too? Photos, used with permission, by BusSpotter.In the North London suburbs, North Mymms Coaches had MBA 605
Further East, in Kent, Donsway operated MBA 570, and also took it to rallies.
Photos, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() Swifts![]() ![]() SM1 went to work for Blue Triangle, who still had it in early 1998. Rather earlier it is seen at work near Romford. SM3 was acquired by a West London firm trading as AML: the letters from the Swift registration plate. It is seen here at a North Weald rally. SM3 was preserved, (below), in LT bullseye livery. Photos, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]() ![]() ![]() SM30 has appeared at rallies for several years in the green and cream livery of Emsworth and District. This appearance was at Cobham Open Day in April 1998. Photo: Ian Smith.SM683 worked for Hants and Sussex alongside MBs, and is seen here at work in Chichester.Photo, used with permission, by BusSpotter.![]()
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