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North East Bus & Coach Show 2016

North East Bus & Coach Show 2016

 
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Poll: Are you attending?
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Yes
62.96%
Votes 17
No
14.81%
Votes 4
Maybe
22.22%
Votes 6
 
Total 27 vote(s) 100%
Tom



6,138
01 May 2016, 10:02 pm #101
(01 May 2016, 9:56 pm)Jimmi There's the Whitley Bay rally on Sunday July 17th.

Not certain if I'm going to bother with that one or not as last year I didn't feel it was totally worth the 3 hour journey (in EACH direction) I had to make to attend the rally. Wasn't helped by the fact that when I arrived the only ride outs where the two preserved buses The Eden had and GNE provided a TTX B9 and a Toonlink OmniCity.

(01 May 2016, 9:57 pm)Davie Won't Whitley Bay the next rally, after Durham?

Ah yeah forgot about that one. Will probably go to that one then as it's not far from me.

Bet you won't be doing the 1 all the way from Wrekenton again haha - must have took nearly 2 hours from Wrekenton to Whitley Bay. And we know how much you love the Omnicities  Big Grin
Tom
01 May 2016, 10:02 pm #101

(01 May 2016, 9:56 pm)Jimmi There's the Whitley Bay rally on Sunday July 17th.

Not certain if I'm going to bother with that one or not as last year I didn't feel it was totally worth the 3 hour journey (in EACH direction) I had to make to attend the rally. Wasn't helped by the fact that when I arrived the only ride outs where the two preserved buses The Eden had and GNE provided a TTX B9 and a Toonlink OmniCity.

(01 May 2016, 9:57 pm)Davie Won't Whitley Bay the next rally, after Durham?

Ah yeah forgot about that one. Will probably go to that one then as it's not far from me.

Bet you won't be doing the 1 all the way from Wrekenton again haha - must have took nearly 2 hours from Wrekenton to Whitley Bay. And we know how much you love the Omnicities  Big Grin

Davie

Banned

2,783
01 May 2016, 10:06 pm #102
(01 May 2016, 10:02 pm)Tom Ah yeah forgot about that one. Will probably go to that one then as it's not far from me.

Bet you won't be doing the 1 all the way from Wrekenton again haha - must have took nearly 2 hours from Wrekenton to Whitley Bay. And we know how much you love the Omnicities  Big Grin

Christ no! Never again on one of them heaps!! X1 and 309 are fine with me. Big Grin
Davie
01 May 2016, 10:06 pm #102

(01 May 2016, 10:02 pm)Tom Ah yeah forgot about that one. Will probably go to that one then as it's not far from me.

Bet you won't be doing the 1 all the way from Wrekenton again haha - must have took nearly 2 hours from Wrekenton to Whitley Bay. And we know how much you love the Omnicities  Big Grin

Christ no! Never again on one of them heaps!! X1 and 309 are fine with me. Big Grin

BusLoverMum



5,276
01 May 2016, 10:07 pm #103
(01 May 2016, 10:00 pm)GMitchelhill I won't be attending Durham either, as I shall be attending the Peak Park rally instead, and hopefully get a ride on the Ulsterbus Tiger which went out on a run too late for me today, as I left at 4pm with 7603.

That Ulstrbus Tiger passed us on the A1 on our way in and I seriously thought it was going to end up with a bump - the guy driving it was struggling to get across into the right lane to get off again.
BusLoverMum
01 May 2016, 10:07 pm #103

(01 May 2016, 10:00 pm)GMitchelhill I won't be attending Durham either, as I shall be attending the Peak Park rally instead, and hopefully get a ride on the Ulsterbus Tiger which went out on a run too late for me today, as I left at 4pm with 7603.

That Ulstrbus Tiger passed us on the A1 on our way in and I seriously thought it was going to end up with a bump - the guy driving it was struggling to get across into the right lane to get off again.

01 May 2016, 10:16 pm #104
Really enjoyed the rally today. Got there for 0800 and met up with Adrian to watch everything coming in.
Then met up one by one with the clan from here. Wandered around and jumped from clique to clique. Jollied around on a few shuttles too.

Weather was utter rubbish to start off with but it did get better!
Nice meeting some new faces today, too.

Gave a fellow forum member a lift to Newcastle afterwards, then went to Jesmond depot for a few photos, then Walkergate, then Percy Main before going to Maccies at Silverlink for some food, then went via the Tyne Tunnel (never done it by car before) heading back home.


Many thanks to all who I seen/spoke to today, really was good fun.

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northern156
01 May 2016, 10:16 pm #104

Really enjoyed the rally today. Got there for 0800 and met up with Adrian to watch everything coming in.
Then met up one by one with the clan from here. Wandered around and jumped from clique to clique. Jollied around on a few shuttles too.

Weather was utter rubbish to start off with but it did get better!
Nice meeting some new faces today, too.

Gave a fellow forum member a lift to Newcastle afterwards, then went to Jesmond depot for a few photos, then Walkergate, then Percy Main before going to Maccies at Silverlink for some food, then went via the Tyne Tunnel (never done it by car before) heading back home.


Many thanks to all who I seen/spoke to today, really was good fun.


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Davie

Banned

2,783
01 May 2016, 10:17 pm #105
(01 May 2016, 10:16 pm)northern156 Really enjoyed the rally today. Got there for 0800 and met up with Adrian to watch everything coming in.
Then met up one by one with the clan from here. Wandered around and jumped from clique to clique. Jollied around on a few shuttles too.

Weather was utter rubbish to start off with but it did get better!
Nice meeting some new faces today, too.

Gave a fellow forum member a lift to Newcastle afterwards, then went to Jesmond depot for a few photos, then Walkergate, then Percy Main before going to Maccies at Silverlink for some food, then went via the Tyne Tunnel (never done it by car before) heading back home.


Many thanks to all who I seen/spoke to today, really was good fun.

It was great meeting you today, Sean.
Davie
01 May 2016, 10:17 pm #105

(01 May 2016, 10:16 pm)northern156 Really enjoyed the rally today. Got there for 0800 and met up with Adrian to watch everything coming in.
Then met up one by one with the clan from here. Wandered around and jumped from clique to clique. Jollied around on a few shuttles too.

Weather was utter rubbish to start off with but it did get better!
Nice meeting some new faces today, too.

Gave a fellow forum member a lift to Newcastle afterwards, then went to Jesmond depot for a few photos, then Walkergate, then Percy Main before going to Maccies at Silverlink for some food, then went via the Tyne Tunnel (never done it by car before) heading back home.


Many thanks to all who I seen/spoke to today, really was good fun.

It was great meeting you today, Sean.

01 May 2016, 10:33 pm #106
(01 May 2016, 10:17 pm)Davie It was great meeting you today, Sean.

Likewise Smile

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northern156
01 May 2016, 10:33 pm #106

(01 May 2016, 10:17 pm)Davie It was great meeting you today, Sean.

Likewise Smile


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01 May 2016, 10:40 pm #107
Same here, Great meeting you Sean Smile

My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile
South Tyne Lad
01 May 2016, 10:40 pm #107

Same here, Great meeting you Sean Smile


My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile

02 May 2016, 8:43 am #108
(01 May 2016, 3:10 pm)Jackamcardle On the other hand, I did think that Go North East made a much better effort with the amount of buses this year, and all of the drivers were very friendly (particularly Mark and the driver that me and Marcus had on the Olympian, think it was Ben or Jack) and let you look around the buses and changed the destination displays.

That would have been myself Ben i drove the majority and my friend Jak drove the rest. It was my first year as a driver to the Metrocentre Show. I did bring 5288 from Stanley & 5221 from Riverside after arriving at the coach park. It was nice to meet a few forum members. For ones that didn't know/don't know who i was i was wearing the orange hi-viz with Go North East on. I picked up onna few points that some enthusiasts would have liked some buses on shuttles that didn't move at all. If any of these were GNE vehicles please do ask one of us and we would have been happy to assist in operating a shuttle with a vehicle you all wanted. I am aware that the Renown,Vyking & both Scania's didn't do any shuttles and there was a reason for one of those not doing one but the other 3 i felt many would have had rides on them numerous times so would not really need a shuttle with the said buses. Anyway was a good day in my eyes and nice seeing the ones i saw.

Till next time!
Ben
Versa5389
02 May 2016, 8:43 am #108

(01 May 2016, 3:10 pm)Jackamcardle On the other hand, I did think that Go North East made a much better effort with the amount of buses this year, and all of the drivers were very friendly (particularly Mark and the driver that me and Marcus had on the Olympian, think it was Ben or Jack) and let you look around the buses and changed the destination displays.

That would have been myself Ben i drove the majority and my friend Jak drove the rest. It was my first year as a driver to the Metrocentre Show. I did bring 5288 from Stanley & 5221 from Riverside after arriving at the coach park. It was nice to meet a few forum members. For ones that didn't know/don't know who i was i was wearing the orange hi-viz with Go North East on. I picked up onna few points that some enthusiasts would have liked some buses on shuttles that didn't move at all. If any of these were GNE vehicles please do ask one of us and we would have been happy to assist in operating a shuttle with a vehicle you all wanted. I am aware that the Renown,Vyking & both Scania's didn't do any shuttles and there was a reason for one of those not doing one but the other 3 i felt many would have had rides on them numerous times so would not really need a shuttle with the said buses. Anyway was a good day in my eyes and nice seeing the ones i saw.

Till next time!
Ben

Dan

Site Administrator

18,099
02 May 2016, 8:51 am #109
(02 May 2016, 8:43 am)Versa5389 It was my first year as a driver to the Metrocentre Show. I did bring 5288 from Stanley & 5221 from Riverside after arriving at the coach park.

Thanks for bringing some buses along for us, Ben!
Dan
02 May 2016, 8:51 am #109

(02 May 2016, 8:43 am)Versa5389 It was my first year as a driver to the Metrocentre Show. I did bring 5288 from Stanley & 5221 from Riverside after arriving at the coach park.

Thanks for bringing some buses along for us, Ben!

02 May 2016, 9:16 am #110
(01 May 2016, 9:51 pm)Tom Probably won't go to Durham but what's the one after - Seaburn?

Whitley Bay
NK53 TKT
02 May 2016, 9:16 am #110

(01 May 2016, 9:51 pm)Tom Probably won't go to Durham but what's the one after - Seaburn?

Whitley Bay

02 May 2016, 11:32 am #111
(02 May 2016, 8:51 am)Dan Thanks for bringing some buses along for us, Ben!

My pleasure Dan!
Versa5389
02 May 2016, 11:32 am #111

(02 May 2016, 8:51 am)Dan Thanks for bringing some buses along for us, Ben!

My pleasure Dan!

02 May 2016, 12:01 pm #112
Uploaded my first photo from yesterday onto Flickr now, With some extras to read about in the description for the mechanical side etc

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/  Hope you enjoy it  Smile
Edited 02 May 2016, 12:12 pm by South Tyne Lad.

My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile
South Tyne Lad
02 May 2016, 12:01 pm #112

Uploaded my first photo from yesterday onto Flickr now, With some extras to read about in the description for the mechanical side etc

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/  Hope you enjoy it  Smile


My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile

Adrian



9,566
02 May 2016, 12:10 pm #113
(02 May 2016, 12:01 pm)South Tyne Lad Uploaded my first photo from yesterday onto Flickr now, With some extras to read about in the description for the mechanical side etc

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K9...2/advanced  Hope you enjoy it  Smile

Wrong link, I think??  Tongue

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Adrian
02 May 2016, 12:10 pm #113

(02 May 2016, 12:01 pm)South Tyne Lad Uploaded my first photo from yesterday onto Flickr now, With some extras to read about in the description for the mechanical side etc

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K9...2/advanced  Hope you enjoy it  Smile

Wrong link, I think??  Tongue


Forum Moderator | Find NEB on facebook

02 May 2016, 12:11 pm #114
(02 May 2016, 12:10 pm)Adrian Wrong link, I think??  Tongue

Haha indeed it is  Big Grin  Will edit it now.
Silly me!
Edited 02 May 2016, 12:11 pm by South Tyne Lad.

My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile
South Tyne Lad
02 May 2016, 12:11 pm #114

(02 May 2016, 12:10 pm)Adrian Wrong link, I think??  Tongue

Haha indeed it is  Big Grin  Will edit it now.
Silly me!


My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile

02 May 2016, 2:09 pm #115
(01 May 2016, 7:46 pm)Malarkey Despite the rain and poor organisation of how Vehicles were parked up, I must say very close together, actually thought I was at Durham Rally for most of the event, and a lack of stalls and further lack of quantity when it came to model buses, I still managed to spend £51 on three GNE Models to add to my collection. Negatives out of the way I quite I enjoyed the 2 Hours I spent at the Rally with plenty of new additions to the preservation scene on display which did not disappoint me one bit.

I got to then MetroCentre at around 10:30am and was greeted by 3469 (AUP 360W) as I came down into the Coach Park, which resulted in many enthusiasts scrambling into position for photos, myself included. I then made my way up the left hand side where A-Line etc were parked up before heading over to the right side where you will find the usual ex Busways Vehicles, before having a look around the stalls, after buying a few models I continued my way up to the top bumping into Mr Fozz on my travels, I also spoke with and old gentleman who told me quite few stories of the Northern Vehicles during his childhood whilst attempting to get a photo of (FJ61 EXO) which I photographed yesterday also.

I then took a trip back to the early 2000s as I photographed what had be my highlight of the day in 4708 & 4855, I boarded 4855 and spoke with the owners of both Vehicles, and praised them for there efforts over the winter months along with thanking them for bringing back some great memories of my childhood, which they appreciated and thanked me for my kind comments.

After that I had look around the Arriva & Go North East Vehicles on show, along with photographing 3656 which also looks fantastic before heading back down the bottom, where I was greeted by the Yorkshire Coastliner and United Leyland Olympian ECWs coming in, which was the other highlight of my day before opting to head back home so I could watch the football, not before catching 4896 on the 46, 5210 on the 10B and a brief chat with Jack McArdle in the Bus Station, to then catch a late running 13:18pm X88 back to Washington.

Overall I thought it was a good rally and I am looking forward to Durham next month.

I am pleased that 4855 was well received by the many people who took the time to come and have A look at her. Next event will be Durham.

Craig Smith. NNRG Operations Engineer. NNRG. Bus Preservationists of the North East.
Craig Smith
02 May 2016, 2:09 pm #115

(01 May 2016, 7:46 pm)Malarkey Despite the rain and poor organisation of how Vehicles were parked up, I must say very close together, actually thought I was at Durham Rally for most of the event, and a lack of stalls and further lack of quantity when it came to model buses, I still managed to spend £51 on three GNE Models to add to my collection. Negatives out of the way I quite I enjoyed the 2 Hours I spent at the Rally with plenty of new additions to the preservation scene on display which did not disappoint me one bit.

I got to then MetroCentre at around 10:30am and was greeted by 3469 (AUP 360W) as I came down into the Coach Park, which resulted in many enthusiasts scrambling into position for photos, myself included. I then made my way up the left hand side where A-Line etc were parked up before heading over to the right side where you will find the usual ex Busways Vehicles, before having a look around the stalls, after buying a few models I continued my way up to the top bumping into Mr Fozz on my travels, I also spoke with and old gentleman who told me quite few stories of the Northern Vehicles during his childhood whilst attempting to get a photo of (FJ61 EXO) which I photographed yesterday also.

I then took a trip back to the early 2000s as I photographed what had be my highlight of the day in 4708 & 4855, I boarded 4855 and spoke with the owners of both Vehicles, and praised them for there efforts over the winter months along with thanking them for bringing back some great memories of my childhood, which they appreciated and thanked me for my kind comments.

After that I had look around the Arriva & Go North East Vehicles on show, along with photographing 3656 which also looks fantastic before heading back down the bottom, where I was greeted by the Yorkshire Coastliner and United Leyland Olympian ECWs coming in, which was the other highlight of my day before opting to head back home so I could watch the football, not before catching 4896 on the 46, 5210 on the 10B and a brief chat with Jack McArdle in the Bus Station, to then catch a late running 13:18pm X88 back to Washington.

Overall I thought it was a good rally and I am looking forward to Durham next month.

I am pleased that 4855 was well received by the many people who took the time to come and have A look at her. Next event will be Durham.


Craig Smith. NNRG Operations Engineer. NNRG. Bus Preservationists of the North East.

Malarkey



6,060
02 May 2016, 8:35 pm #116
Photos from yesterday - https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...2160369429
Malarkey
02 May 2016, 8:35 pm #116

Photos from yesterday - https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...2160369429

Charles41



474
03 May 2016, 12:22 pm #117
Here’s my review of the North East Bus and Coach show. I do not think many of you will like the opinions I put forward and I apologise in advance if I cause any upset.

My day started with GNE 4935 a Wright Solar bodied Scania working the 10.50 67 service from Deckham to the Metrocentre. The bus was lightly used and was on time. It was the usual cross Gateshead suburban service. A boring but handy service if you are travelling to the Metrocentre and beyond. We arrived at the Metrocentre without any problems and I made my way over the bridge to the rally. The weather was thankfully improving.

The first thing I noticed was that the bays nearest the entrance to the coach park were empty. Straight away this gave a bad impression. This space should have been utilised by a stand manned by people welcoming visitors to the rally and providing information. Instead it looked as though vehicles had not turned up or were late. Undeterred I took a slow walk up to the top of the displays of vehicles to where GNE and Arriva had their vehicles parked. Where was Stagecoach though? Despite the intermittent light rain it was busy with enthusiasts and families. There was a good turn out of vehicles both active as psvs and preserved. There was also a good representation of operators from the North East. The organisers had done a good job in displaying the vehicles in categories e.g. Northern, Busways and independent operators.

What I did notice was the lack of information and displays whilst walking along the rally. No-one was handing out any flyers or publicity material. There did not appear to be a brochure giving details of the event. I’d been to the 500 Group’s Teesside Running Day the previous Sunday. There for £5.00 you could buy a colour brochure giving details of the vehicles, routes and timetables. The brochure also provided a route map and details of which vehicles would be working a particular route at a given time. I found this most informative and very useful in planning my day on Teesside.

I understand the Metrocentre rally is a lot bigger and work on compiling and preparing a brochure or guide would take some time and effort. However it would be very useful for rally visitors, a good proportion of whom are not enthusiasts but families going to the Metrocentre for shopping and leisure. It would also raise funds for the NEBPT as many people would be prepared to pay the cover price to purchase a copy. One group, The North East Electric Traction Trust did have some good publicity displays outside their vehicle.

Having reached the top of the coach park I started methodically photographing each vehicle in turn as I made my way gradually back towards the rally entrance. This took me a good hour or so. Eventually I made my way down to the stalls. I can only say the amount and variety of stalls was quite disappointing given that the Metrocentre rally is meant to be the biggest in the North East. Last year I felt there were a lot more stalls selling far more material. To give an example there was only a single book stall this year. Where were the PSV Circle or Omnibus Society? I would have expected them to attend this prestigious event. Surely it’s a good location to attract new members especially younger enthusiasts with their parents? Last year the PSV Cirlce’s book stall appeared to do a good trade. There was however a stall selling bus photos and what I can only describe as celebrity bric-a-brac. Call me uneducated if you wish but I cannot see the connection between North East bus services and Elvis Presley.

Moving past the stalls I continued photographing the vehicles. When I’d finished photographing it was about 12.30 so I decided to get some lunch in the Metrocentre and have a look around the shops. I found a quiet seat on which to have my lunch. Sitting nearby were a pair of “enthusiasts” slagging a local independent bus operator. The operator in question then came talk to them and they were as nice as nine pence. Sorry, but what a pair of two-faced so and so’s. That really annoyed me, I’m not going to name any names though. After lunch I returned to the rally as I was looking forward to taking a few good vintage bus trips.

Last year I went up to Tanfield Railway and had an enjoyable look round. I also travelled over to Scotswood and back. I went to join the queue and asked when the next bus was due and what route it was taking. I was told that the service this year was only going to Dunston and Swalwell. What was the reason for this, perhaps it was the traffic or the arduous uphill climb to Sunniside? This only increased my sense of disappointment. There seemed only to be one harassed looking old guy with a clip-board organising the bus service. Perhaps a display board with a printed timetable, route and vehicle details would have been a good idea. NEBTs Routemaster was parked alongside, perhaps they could have had a stall. Since they had a captive audience in the queue, they probably would have got good sales of their merchandise if they did put a stall out.

I took the first bus that arrived this was a smart orange Alexander Y which was at last week’s Teesside event. I was reminded of the Alexander Ys North Eastern Bus Services used to operate on their 92 service in the 1980s. What annoyed me though was some guy thinking he was a comedian making loud sarcastic comments at the start of the journey. Sorry fella, but if you want to be centre of attention get yourself on stage at the Comedy Club. Give him his due he quietened down and politely talked to his friends for most of the journey.

Now you can say I’m a philistine but Swalwell in my opinion just does not have the same attraction in terms of scenery as the countryside around Tanfield. Dunston Health Centre does not have the aesthetic value of Causey Arch. In short it was a bloody boring journey. A good thrash up Lobley Hill and through Streetgate, now that would have been exciting. The view down the Tyne from Scotswood Bridge, that’s worth looking at. To make matters worse we got stuck in traffic on our way back to the coach park. At this point I was getting rather fed up. I was thinking this day could not get any worse. On arrival back at the coach park what did I see…

Only that magnificent flower of the bus enthusiast community the Cling-Ons. There they were standing in a circle chatting, in all their scruffy unshaven semi-idiotic glory. What an advertisement for bus enthusiasts to all and sundry! My god, who let them stand at the entrance to the rally? If you want to scare away interested members of the public then that’s the way to do it! Fighting off a deepening feeling of heart-rending woe I decided to have another walk up to the top of the rally and back. Despite it being about 13.40 with an improvement in the weather the rally was a lot quieter than earlier. Many people just seemed to have drifted away. I got a few more photos on the way. I was in two minds to try another bus trip but just could not motivate myself to enjoy the sight of the Western Bypass.

I’d noticed when we passed Kingsmeadow School that there was an 11 a side youth league match in progress. Utterly dispirited with the bus enthusiast scene I caught a GNE Citaro working the 49. I watched the remainder of the exciting game which cheered me up. Whilst the rally had many interesting vehicles from plenty of operators I felt the organisation was lacking in certain areas. Compared to last year it was a bit of an anti-climax. I continue however to have the greatest of respect for those preservationists who work hard and will continue to give the movement my support.

Thank you for reading, I apologise if you found the tone too negative but I wanted to get my feelings across.

Charles
Charles41
03 May 2016, 12:22 pm #117

Here’s my review of the North East Bus and Coach show. I do not think many of you will like the opinions I put forward and I apologise in advance if I cause any upset.

My day started with GNE 4935 a Wright Solar bodied Scania working the 10.50 67 service from Deckham to the Metrocentre. The bus was lightly used and was on time. It was the usual cross Gateshead suburban service. A boring but handy service if you are travelling to the Metrocentre and beyond. We arrived at the Metrocentre without any problems and I made my way over the bridge to the rally. The weather was thankfully improving.

The first thing I noticed was that the bays nearest the entrance to the coach park were empty. Straight away this gave a bad impression. This space should have been utilised by a stand manned by people welcoming visitors to the rally and providing information. Instead it looked as though vehicles had not turned up or were late. Undeterred I took a slow walk up to the top of the displays of vehicles to where GNE and Arriva had their vehicles parked. Where was Stagecoach though? Despite the intermittent light rain it was busy with enthusiasts and families. There was a good turn out of vehicles both active as psvs and preserved. There was also a good representation of operators from the North East. The organisers had done a good job in displaying the vehicles in categories e.g. Northern, Busways and independent operators.

What I did notice was the lack of information and displays whilst walking along the rally. No-one was handing out any flyers or publicity material. There did not appear to be a brochure giving details of the event. I’d been to the 500 Group’s Teesside Running Day the previous Sunday. There for £5.00 you could buy a colour brochure giving details of the vehicles, routes and timetables. The brochure also provided a route map and details of which vehicles would be working a particular route at a given time. I found this most informative and very useful in planning my day on Teesside.

I understand the Metrocentre rally is a lot bigger and work on compiling and preparing a brochure or guide would take some time and effort. However it would be very useful for rally visitors, a good proportion of whom are not enthusiasts but families going to the Metrocentre for shopping and leisure. It would also raise funds for the NEBPT as many people would be prepared to pay the cover price to purchase a copy. One group, The North East Electric Traction Trust did have some good publicity displays outside their vehicle.

Having reached the top of the coach park I started methodically photographing each vehicle in turn as I made my way gradually back towards the rally entrance. This took me a good hour or so. Eventually I made my way down to the stalls. I can only say the amount and variety of stalls was quite disappointing given that the Metrocentre rally is meant to be the biggest in the North East. Last year I felt there were a lot more stalls selling far more material. To give an example there was only a single book stall this year. Where were the PSV Circle or Omnibus Society? I would have expected them to attend this prestigious event. Surely it’s a good location to attract new members especially younger enthusiasts with their parents? Last year the PSV Cirlce’s book stall appeared to do a good trade. There was however a stall selling bus photos and what I can only describe as celebrity bric-a-brac. Call me uneducated if you wish but I cannot see the connection between North East bus services and Elvis Presley.

Moving past the stalls I continued photographing the vehicles. When I’d finished photographing it was about 12.30 so I decided to get some lunch in the Metrocentre and have a look around the shops. I found a quiet seat on which to have my lunch. Sitting nearby were a pair of “enthusiasts” slagging a local independent bus operator. The operator in question then came talk to them and they were as nice as nine pence. Sorry, but what a pair of two-faced so and so’s. That really annoyed me, I’m not going to name any names though. After lunch I returned to the rally as I was looking forward to taking a few good vintage bus trips.

Last year I went up to Tanfield Railway and had an enjoyable look round. I also travelled over to Scotswood and back. I went to join the queue and asked when the next bus was due and what route it was taking. I was told that the service this year was only going to Dunston and Swalwell. What was the reason for this, perhaps it was the traffic or the arduous uphill climb to Sunniside? This only increased my sense of disappointment. There seemed only to be one harassed looking old guy with a clip-board organising the bus service. Perhaps a display board with a printed timetable, route and vehicle details would have been a good idea. NEBTs Routemaster was parked alongside, perhaps they could have had a stall. Since they had a captive audience in the queue, they probably would have got good sales of their merchandise if they did put a stall out.

I took the first bus that arrived this was a smart orange Alexander Y which was at last week’s Teesside event. I was reminded of the Alexander Ys North Eastern Bus Services used to operate on their 92 service in the 1980s. What annoyed me though was some guy thinking he was a comedian making loud sarcastic comments at the start of the journey. Sorry fella, but if you want to be centre of attention get yourself on stage at the Comedy Club. Give him his due he quietened down and politely talked to his friends for most of the journey.

Now you can say I’m a philistine but Swalwell in my opinion just does not have the same attraction in terms of scenery as the countryside around Tanfield. Dunston Health Centre does not have the aesthetic value of Causey Arch. In short it was a bloody boring journey. A good thrash up Lobley Hill and through Streetgate, now that would have been exciting. The view down the Tyne from Scotswood Bridge, that’s worth looking at. To make matters worse we got stuck in traffic on our way back to the coach park. At this point I was getting rather fed up. I was thinking this day could not get any worse. On arrival back at the coach park what did I see…

Only that magnificent flower of the bus enthusiast community the Cling-Ons. There they were standing in a circle chatting, in all their scruffy unshaven semi-idiotic glory. What an advertisement for bus enthusiasts to all and sundry! My god, who let them stand at the entrance to the rally? If you want to scare away interested members of the public then that’s the way to do it! Fighting off a deepening feeling of heart-rending woe I decided to have another walk up to the top of the rally and back. Despite it being about 13.40 with an improvement in the weather the rally was a lot quieter than earlier. Many people just seemed to have drifted away. I got a few more photos on the way. I was in two minds to try another bus trip but just could not motivate myself to enjoy the sight of the Western Bypass.

I’d noticed when we passed Kingsmeadow School that there was an 11 a side youth league match in progress. Utterly dispirited with the bus enthusiast scene I caught a GNE Citaro working the 49. I watched the remainder of the exciting game which cheered me up. Whilst the rally had many interesting vehicles from plenty of operators I felt the organisation was lacking in certain areas. Compared to last year it was a bit of an anti-climax. I continue however to have the greatest of respect for those preservationists who work hard and will continue to give the movement my support.

Thank you for reading, I apologise if you found the tone too negative but I wanted to get my feelings across.

Charles

Adrian



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03 May 2016, 5:52 pm #118
Mod note: I've moved the discussion around the future of these kind of events to a new thread, which can be found here.

@Charles41 - you may wish to move segments of your post there. I didn't want to move the lot, as it was a review of the rally too.

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Adrian
03 May 2016, 5:52 pm #118

Mod note: I've moved the discussion around the future of these kind of events to a new thread, which can be found here.

@Charles41 - you may wish to move segments of your post there. I didn't want to move the lot, as it was a review of the rally too.


Forum Moderator | Find NEB on facebook

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