Dennis Javelin

Two Dennis Javelin-based coaches arrived at Worcester depot on Saturday 10 January 2004 from First Avon & Somerset, where they had previously been operated from Taunton depot. Dennis Javelin chassis vehicles were never particularly common within the FirstGroup fleet, with only a small number being operated across the various subsidiaries. The two vehicles transferred to First Midland Red were unusual within the group as they featured 11-metre bodies, whereas the majority of FirstGroup's Dennis Javelin coaches were fitted with longer 12-metre bodies. The vehicles, 8683 LJ and OJI 8786, had originally been registered E474 FWV and E475 FWV respectively. Prior to the introduction of FirstGroup's national fleet numbering system, they carried fleet numbers 8025 and 8026. Both coaches entered First Wyvern service from Evesham depot during the week commencing Saturday 17 January 2004, where they were used on school contract work. The contracts had been secured by Worcestershire County Council following the closure of the small independent coach operator Phillips of Dormston, based near Inkberrow. The vehicles were not particularly popular with drivers, mainly due to both being fitted with manual gearboxes. They were equipped for one-person operation, featuring ticket machines and basic cash trays, allowing them to be used on contracted services without a separate conductor. OJI 8786 became the first vehicle operated by First Midland Red to arrive carrying a national fleet number. Following their arrival in January 2004, the two vehicles were initially allocated local fleet numbers 400 and 401. However, 400 entered service still carrying the national fleet number 21083. When First Midland Red formally adopted FirstGroup's national fleet numbering system in March 2004, both vehicles were allocated their official numbers: 21083 (formerly 400, E474 FWV) 21086 (formerly 401, E475 FWV) At the end of the school year in July 2004, 21086 was de-licensed and placed into storage at Evesham. It was finally withdrawn from service in January 2005, bringing the short operational career of these unusual Dennis Javelin coaches with First Midland Red to an end.