Photo of the Week - Week 36:
Alan Martin Coaches, ex Summerhill, Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian RV433, is seen on a private hire on College Green on the 9th September 2010. The "No Nonsense Car Insurance" advert gives the bus a camouflage effect, however its former existence as a yellow Dublin Bus still shows in some places.
Ex Dublin-Bus Olympians are springing up all over the place. This is testament to the quality of both the Olympian vehicle and the level of maintenance in the Dublin Bus company. These vehicles are a fine addition to any smaller bus operator, and given the newer RVs are available with only 11 years service means they have plenty more left in them before they'll need to be withdrawn.
Many have gone to England, others are still roaming around the city's streets on sightseeing duties. This photo of the week focuses on some of the more unusual liveries that have been appearing on independently owned Dublin based RVs.
The first photo is that of Alan Martin Coaches recently acquired RV433 carry no a "No Nonsense Car Insurance" allover wrap. Usually buses advertisements try to stand out but this bus is clearly going in camouflage, blending in with the off grey Dublin City surroundings. Its former yellow livery though does show through in places.
RV433 was part of a seven-bus batch (RV432-8) delivered to Summerhill Garage in September 1998. It was withdrawn from the same garage after less than 11 years service in the Summer of 2009.
Being less reserved and more flamboyant is ex-Clontarf Olympian RV466. Its lime green livery applied by Ahearne of Tallaght makes it stand out quite well. As an enthusiast who would love to see the green bus back on Dublin's streets its a welcome addition. However, personally the colouring of WH1 would be my choice for a NTA Dublin-Wide livery, possibly keeping yellow in there somewhere due to the great visibility of the yellow pole at night.
Ahearne of Tallaght's, former Clontarf, Alexander bodied Volvo Olympian, RV466, is seen turning onto O'Connell Bridge on a private hire on the 21st May 2010.