Frank Richardson of Thorne (Majestic Motors) operated between Goole and Thorne from 1929 and his share of the service was extended to Stainforth (Fox Inn) during the Second World War.  In 1953, Mr Wilson acquired the Majestic stage carriage licences, making Blue Line the sole operator between Goole and Stainforth.  Also purchased were a pair of Sentinel service buses which had several interesting design features. Driver-operated forward entrances, flat fronts with deep windscreens and underfloor-mounted engines all featured in subsequent single-deck Blue Line purchases.  Unfortunately, the Sentinels proved unreliable and were 'retired' after a relatively short life.

    Apart from photographs, a slightly battered painted aluminium badge from GUJ 457 is the only surviving reminder of Frank Richardson's Majestic Sentinels.  The 'Majestic' name has recently been revived by Adrian Harvey, who operates school and other contract services in the same district.
                                                                                        Scanned by J. B. Platt

    The coal industry was once again instrumental in the development of the Blue Line bus company from 1956 onward.  Problems with flooding in Thorne Colliery led to the mine being closed in that year.  The closure was at first seen as temporary, and the National Coal Board found other work for most of the displaced miners in other local collieries.  Transport was needed on a large scale, since the pits worked around the clock for six days each week.  In common with other local operators, Blue Line benefited from this regular, high-volume contract work and far from being temporary, it continued for decades afterwards.  Many vehicles were needed to operate these services,  and some were quickly acquired second-hand, but the regular arrival of new buses was a good indication of the healthy state of business during this period.