Prepared on Notepad by Ian Smith,
This page created 11th November 2011.

MB: Mercedes-Benz Vario: MB1-18

MB sketch Stagecoach Selkent replaced the MetroRiders on routes 273, 380 and 386 in November 1997, using eighteen Mercedes-Benz Varios with very long Plaxton Beaver2 bodies. Seating 29, they went to work at Plumstead (380, 386) and Catford (273), on back-roads routes not deemed suitable for Dart SLFs.

380 Lewisham Riverdale - Blackheath - Charlton Village - Woolwich
386 Greenwich (Cutty Sark) - East Greenwich - Blackheath - Shooters Hill - Woolwich
273 Lewisham Tesco - Hither Green - Lee - Horn Park - Grove Park Station


In March 2001 the 273 was extended from Grove Park through Mottingham and Chislehurst to Petts Wood Station. Four MBs were transferred from Plumstead to Catford to fill the quota, and to provide a back-roads service between Lewisham and Catford on the newly-won 284. This was slated for operation by Dart SLFs, but they proved too large for the traffic-calming measures on the back roads. The 284 was cut short at Catford, and a temporary 584 instituted using MBs and an SR StarRider.

MB8 on 273 at Lewisham, October 2000 MB15 on 273 at Chislehurst, June 2001

MBs on the 273: MB8 arrives at Lewisham in October 2000, and MB15 rolls down through Chislehurst in June 2001.

MB8 on 380 at Woolwich, October 2000 MB7 on 386 at Woolwich, October 2000

Woolwich, October 2000: MB10 on the 380, on one of the rare garage journeys, and MB7 on the 386.
In January 2002 the retendered 273 was lost to First Orpington (who used DMSs on it - it apparently was NOT too narrow for SLFs). Catford's MBs went into store. The in February all Stagecoach Varios were taken off road after an alleged brake failure on a Manchester Vario. Plumstead's 380 was temporarily stocked with Darts. But after three days of inspections of the suspect brake bracket the buses were back in operation. There was some swapping of Catford's stored MBs and Plumstead's active ones, to keep the best on thwe road. Some of the surplus were transferred to Manchester.

MB12 on 380 at Lewisham, August 2002 MB10 on 380 at Lewisham, June 2001

MB12 passes Lewisham on an eastbound 380 in August 2002. MB10 does the same in June 2001.
The Stagecoach fleet was renumbered in January 2003, and the MBs, whether in London or Manchester, became 42001-42018.

MB17 on 273 at Petts Wood, June 2001 MB17 on 273 at Petts Wood, June 2001

MB17 at Petts Wood Station in June 2001, plus an interior view
MB17 on 273 at Petts Wood, June 2001 Inside MB17, June 2001

In January 2003 the London MBs were all withdrawn from service on the 380, and sent to Manchester. 42018, the last in service in April 2003, followed.


Bus Stop Midibus Index. Varios. text. MB histories. MB photos.