The Circle of London : Metroline CELF Centre Part 46

Another visit to the CELF Centre facility presented us with another opportunity to take some shots which otherwise would not be widely available to the general public. The facility for those who don't know was opened in 2007 after lying dormant for many moons storing Sir Alan Sugars Amstrad computers. 7 years later, it is now the central maintenance hub for Comfort Delgro subsidiary, Metroline Travel who are arguably one of London's most successful companies.

Metroline SEL747 LK07 BBF

The above picture is pretty much self-explanatory, it illustrates SEL747 having returned from a nicely done refurbishment at Metroline's own in house refurbishment centre, which we will be covering very soon, the vehicle was part of a one off batch of Scania's delivered for the route 7 in July 2007. Allocated fleet numbers SEL739-764 & 803 - 809 they were strictly allocated to zone 1 routes, 7 and 205 when new, they very much looked the part with their gold add frames and civic esteban seats. Nowadays, their duties have been reduced to routes 79 and 297 following the retention of the 7 with new Volvo hybrids, in the form of the new VWHs. As part of the switch, VW1193-1216 are/have headed to Holloway to help aid the conversion of the 43 to that type whilst at the same time displacing the TP class Presidents increasing the age profile at the garage.

Metroline MM819 LK57 AYG

Seen undergoing maintenance is MM819 which was once part of a numerous fleet of MCV bodied MANs that were also delivered in 2007, but numerous problems has resulted in these vehicles to have their life cut short forcing many of them into early retirement in 2012/13. However recent tender gains with existing single deck vehicles has forced the company into reluctantly pushing these vehicles back into service, with MM813 & 819 expected to re-enter passenger service again after a refurbishment.

Metroline MM819 AYO blinded for the 395

Metroline MM819 AYO blinded for the 79

Metroline MM819 AYO blinded for the 611

Evident I amused myself quite a bit doing the blind changes, quite a tiring practise if done repetitively actually, no wonder most drivers prefer motorised blinds.Is it me or does "79" on the blinds quite suit these vehicles although I wouldn't actually like to see any branch out onto the route.

Metroline VP605 LK04 UWL

Not exactly, one of Harrow Weald's finest, but it works and that's the most important thing when it comes to the world of Transport & Logistics. The vehicle, VP605 despite being 10 years old, was actually one the last new vehicles for the garage. Something that is referenced in about 90% of conversations between enthusiasts about the garage. It seems as if prayers have been answered as VW1243-1248 were delivered to the garage following the tender win 640 and frequency increase on flagship route 140.

Metroline TE926 LK58 KGU

Seen during a visit to CELF for an MOT Test is TE932, a vehicle native to Holloway which is currently one of 10 on loan to Cricklewood garage whilst the recently taken over 112 receives its new vehicles which come in the shape of ten 10.8m Alexander Dennis E200s.