Thamesdown Fleetline farewell
16th February 2008
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16th February 2008 saw the final running of Thamesdown's Fleetline buses. Although withdrawn from frontline duties some time ago, a small number lingered on as student buses, but not any more...
16th February 2008 saw the end of regular service for Thamesdown's 'Fleetline' buses.  The type was built between 1960 and 1980, Swindon receiving it's first in 1968.
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To mark the final day of Thamesdown Fleetline operations, a special serive was run on route 12, Haydon Wick Asda - Eldene via Fleming Way.
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UMR199T, Thamesdown Fleetline 299 at Fleming Way on the last day of Fleetline operation.  The hoarding behind the bus features many different scenes from Swindons history and includes an image of Fleetlines.
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Interior signage from the lower saloon of Thamesdown Fleetline 299
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Fleetlines have operated in the borough of Thamesdown for forty years; 299 is pictured here at Eldene Centre.
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Another view from the final day of Daimler Fleetline running in Swindon, 299 at Eldene.
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Cab view of 299
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ECW bodied Thamesdown Leyland Fleetline 299 UMR 199T at Haydon Wick on the final running day, with route 12 being operated free with collections for Prospect Hospice.
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299 departing Haydon Wick on the final day of service for Fleetlines in Thamesdown.
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The distinctive Fleetline rear end.  Thamesdown's ex Bournemouth 264 GRU 164V pictured at Eldene.
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Fleetline operation ceased in Swindon in February 2008 although they have been restricted to schools contracts for the last eight years.
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The 'student bus' livery carried by Thamesdowns Alexander bodied Fleetline GRU 164V is in near authentic Bournemouth Bus yellow livery.
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Also out on route 12 was 263, GRU 163V, another ex Bournemouth Leyland Fleetline FE30AGR, new in 1980 - the final year of Fleetline production.
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Long shadows are cast upon 263 on it's farewell running day, this bus now being deemed to old to continue ferrying students around.
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Advertising liquers on a student bus?  Thamesdown's yellow 'student bus' liveried Leyland Fleetline 263 stands at Haydon Wick on the final running day of the type.
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Thamesdown is one of the few remaining municipal operators in the country, the yellow wx Bournemouth fleetline GRU 163V reflects that of one that has recently passed into history.
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Back to Barnfield depot after the final run to Haydon Wick on the Thamesdown Fleetline farewell running day.
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