(3 - Epic Machine!) Preserved Safeguard Coaches Optare Excel: X308 CBT

(Christmas Countdown 2025 - Day 3/25)

On July 20th 2025, I attended a new rally for me, in the form of Alton Bus Rally over in Hampshire.

The fourth of 5 recordings I did at this fantastic event, was this fantastic Optare Excel - Which was new to Tillingbourne Bus Company in December 2000 as their 308. The company went into administration in March 2001, with 308 (And a few other Excels) passing to Safeguard as their number 2. It was withdrawn from service in Summer 2023, and despite the absolute disaster that was the preservation of fellow example X307 CBT, 308 has had much better fortunes, as I believe it's preserved by a member of staff within Safeguard's staff team. It still had up to date leaflets for Safeguard's services in it's leaflet holder!

Enjoy a very busy, but enjoyable run, out into the Hampshire countryside!
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:37 Route 235: Alton - Bentworth Via Medstead
23:44 Route 408: Bentworth - Alton Via The Butts
41:16 Outro
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JOURNEY INFO:
Vehicle: Optare Excel (308 / 2) - X308 CBT
Service: Alton Bus Rally 2025: Routes 235 & 408 - Alton - Bentworth & Return via Medstead and The Butts
Total Journey time: 45 Minutes (Real-Time)
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Intro Music is credited to The Snowman limited/Howard Blake →
   • Walking In The Air (Real Orchestral Instru...  

Outro Music is credited to the very talented ‪@SoloGuitarTV‬ →
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#optare #excel #fulljourney #buses #hampshire