North East Buses

(25 Sep 2014, 4:40 pm)Roland Pratt wrote [ -> ]This open day is rapidly going down the pan. H240 not being pulled out, H106 not MOTd so can't do anything, now Env 300s rather than Olympians on the Shuttle and the last Cleveland Transit vehicle 21037 not even present! God knows why, when it lives there! Unless you're going to tell me its gone to get restored into Transit livery!

H106 was never going to do anything anyway - it has always been the plan that it would be static display only. As for H240 - lets wait until its actually in a presentable condition (which might not be too long away). 21037 might be inside for work - however I'll post more tomorrow evening as I'm down the depot helping cleaning 99 out (L544 was partily done on Tuesday night and H106 has been done today).

An incident has occurred at Chichester involving a MANE200. Not sure what happened but a paramedic is at the location. No passengers were on the bus.

1 of shields enviros has just left wheatsheaf heading back to shields depot

(19 Sep 2014, 9:15 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]So that's 22462, 22735, 22666, 22672, 22675 covering at Walkergate, and 22478/80 covering at Slatyford (as 19156 is on loan to Walkergate) which means approximately 7 vehicles are covering for 10 vehicles. Presumably there are three other un-noted reserve vehicles that have also returned to service, which might include 22673?

Was 22673 confirmed to be back in service?

(21 Sep 2014, 7:46 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Ex Stockton Reserve MAN ALX300 22733 has also moved to Walkergate Depot.
With thanks to "Stagecoach North East Bus Depot".

In service?

(26 Sep 2014, 5:18 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]It has been noted in service, as I read the latest "In Pictures" article on "The News Desk" section of his website - which includes an image of it operating service 38.

Thanks,

(26 Sep 2014, 5:25 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]You're Welcome.
All fleet movements will be confirmed when the next fleet card is released - which should be about now.

Oh I've seen that!
Anyone seen 22206 lately? Pretty sure its not on Teesside.

(26 Sep 2014, 5:25 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]You're Welcome.
All fleet movements will be confirmed when the next fleet card is released - which should be about now.

Richard Smiles sent them to me and a few others by e-mail a few days ago - surprised nobody has copied the details over yet!

Fleet movements in the Busways (Sunderland, Newcastle, South Shields) fleets in Period 5 include:
- Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16833 (R833 OVN) has moved from Stockton to Reserve
- Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16839 (R839 OVN) has moved from Stockton to Reserve
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22478 (T478 BNL) has moved from Reserve to Disposal
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22482 (T482 BNL) has moved from Reserve to Disposal
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22483 (T483 BNL) has moved from Reserve to Disposal
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22664 (T664 OEF) has moved from West Scotland to Disposal
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22673 (V673 DDC) has moved from Hartlepool to Reserve
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22736 (T736 OEF) has moved from Reserve to Disposal

Likewise, in the Transit (Stockton and Hartlepool) fleets:
- Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16833 (R833 OVN) has moved from Disposal to Busways Reserve
- Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16834 (R834 OVN) is in service at Stockton
- Volvo Olympian/Alexander RL 16839 (R839 OVN) has moved from Stockton to Busways Reserve
- MAN 18.220LF/Alexander ALX300 22673 (V673 DDC) has moved from Reserve to Busways Reserve


There has been no mention of vehicle movements as a result of the loans for the Ryder Cup, and therefore the above does not reflect the most recent movements in the region. Hopefully there will be a mention of these movements in next period's fleet card, though as the buses could have returned to normal by then, this may not be so.

Following on from the above post, the reserve vehicles in the Busways fleets are:

• 16833 R833 OVN VOLVO OLYMPIAN SU SPARE
  
• 16839 R839 OVN VOLVO OLYMPIAN SU SPARE
  
• 22214 T214 TND MAN ALX300 SU SPARE
  
• 22215 T215 TND MAN ALX300 SU SPARE
  
• 22462 T462 BNL MAN ALX300 WA SPARE
  
• 22480 T482 BNL MAN ALX300 SL SPARE
  
• 22484 T484 BNL MAN ALX300 SL SPARE
  
• 22666 V166 DEF MAN ALX300 SU SPARE
  
• 22672 V672 DDC MAN ALX300 SU SPARE
  
• 22673 V673 DDC MAN ALX300 SU SPARE
  
• 22675 V675 DDC MAN ALX300 WA SPARE
  
• 22734 T734 OEF MAN ALX300 SS SPARE
  
• 22735 T735 OEF MAN ALX300 WA SPARE
  

and those for disposal include:

• 21155 R255 KRG VOLVO B10BLE WA
  
• 22172 T172 MVM MAN ALX300 WA
  
• 22190 T190 MVM MAN ALX300 WA
  
• 22478 T478 BNL MAN ALX300 SL
  
• 22479 T479 BNL MAN ALX300 SL ENGINE
  
• 22482 T482 BNL MAN ALX300 SL ENGINE
  
• 22483 T483 BNL MAN ALX300 SL BRAKES
  
• 22492 T492 BNL MAN ALX300 SL ENGINE OIL LEAKS
  
• 22664 T664 OEF MAN ALX300 SU
  
• 22727 T727 OEF MAN ALX300 WA
  
• 22736 T736 OEF MAN ALX300 SU
  

The reserve vehicles in the Transit fleets are:

• 22206 T206 TND MAN ALX300 ST ENGINE
  
• 22208 T208 TND MAN ALX300 ST SPARE
  
• 22456 S456 OFT MAN ALX300 ST SPARE
  
• 22731 T731 OEF MAN ALX300 HA SPARE
  
• 22733 T733 OEF MAN ALX300 ST SPARE
  
• 33101 R101 KRG DENNIS DART SLF HA SPARE
  

and those for disposal include:

• 22193 T193 MVM MAN ALX300 ST
  
• 22195 T195 MVM MAN ALX300 ST
  
• 22199 T199 TND MAN ALX300 ST
  
• 22201 T201 TND MAN ALX300 ST
  
• 22465 T465 BNL MAN ALX300 ST
  
• 22470 T470 BNL MAN ALX300 ST ENGINE
  
• 22660 T660 OEF MAN ALX300 ST ENGINE
  
• 22661 T661 OEF MAN ALX300 ST ENGINE
  

(26 Sep 2014, 5:27 pm)Roland Pratt wrote [ -> ]Oh I've seen that!
Anyone seen 22206 lately? Pretty sure its not on Teesside.

See post above - according to the latest fleet card, it's noted as long-term VOR at Stockton, due to engine issues.

Hope the above clears a few things up, and I'll try and do a big fleet list update this evening... Long overdue! 

(26 Sep 2014, 5:50 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Do any of those MAN's listed for disposal have chassis corrosion?
It's a shame that 22660 (T660 OEF) is listed for disposal as that was the last non-DDA MAN ALX300 that had a repaint which was only a few months ago.

I'd have thought those details would have been included in the fleet card, if so?

(26 Sep 2014, 5:50 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Do any of those MAN's listed for disposal have chassis corrosion?
It's a shame that 22660 (T660 OEF) is listed for disposal as that was the last non-DDA MAN ALX300 that had a repaint which was only a few months ago.

The last day I saw it in service it was broken down with the since-burnt-out Transit van in attendance. Later that day it was driving past Cannon Park as though it had just completed its day's service. Never saw it again.

(26 Sep 2014, 5:50 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Do any of those MAN's listed for disposal have chassis corrosion?
It's a shame that 22660 (T660 OEF) is listed for disposal as that was the last non-DDA MAN ALX300 that had a repaint which was only a few months ago.

Actually, 22665 was the last non-DDA MAN repainted - that one is likely to be one of the last examples withdrawn as it had money spent on a brand new engine back in 2011.

The stage is set, we are nearly a day and a half away - get ready, the Stockton Depot Open Day is upon us.

And, as a treat, here is one from this evening - myself along with 5 other members of the 500 Group have been at the depot this evening cleaning out the 3 buses ready for Sunday. And think it's time to unveil............H106, our 'Cindy' makes her public debut on Sunday - will you be there to see her?

[attachment=5938]

(25 Sep 2014, 4:43 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]H106 was never going to do anything anyway - it has always been the plan that it would be static display only. As for H240 - lets wait until its actually in a presentable condition (which might not be too long away). 21037 might be inside for work - however I'll post more tomorrow evening as I'm down the depot helping cleaning 99 out (L544 was partily done on Tuesday night and H106 has been done today).

21037 was driving around Norton yesterday

Vehicles on show today:

Stockton
24109 (in yard), 24105 (pits)
22018 (yard), 22019 (pits)
17027 (yard), 17025 (pits)

Others
27141
28031
37143
12082

(27 Sep 2014, 6:11 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Does anyone know which vehicles are operating the Sunderland Illuminations Free Bus/Park & Ride this evening?

Asuming it will be 16833/39

(28 Sep 2014, 9:21 am)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Vehicles on show today:

Stockton
24109 (in yard), 24105 (pits)
22018 (yard), 22019 (pits)
17027 (yard), 17025 (pits)

Others
27141
28031
37143
12082

Can anyone confirm i thought it was 37144 not 143 but wasnt paying particular attention

(28 Sep 2014, 3:39 pm)alanf wrote [ -> ]Can anyone confirm i thought it was 37144 not 143 but wasnt paying particular attention

It was 37144:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nebp2/15377198481/

Kuyoyo's fat thumbs will be to blame, I bet!

Steven Hodgson of the "Stagecoach Enthusiast's Facebook Page" has posted a leaflet of what the new 36/37/38 (not 39!) branding will look like. Unfortunately, it will cover the windows again... But other than that it looks really good!

(28 Sep 2014, 3:45 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Kuyoyo's fat thumbs will be to blame, I bet!

Fat fingers and being tight for time - and tight for space..............

But the day itself, for those who did attend will know how successful it has been - the first two shuttles from the High Street brought standing loads down. The early bus wash rides were also fully loaded as well. The amount of non-enthusiasts helped the event (especially as the AOM was heard saying she thought there would only be a few enthusiasts and that would be it).

But, I think a list of names to thank would be worthwhile here:

Stockton Depot's outgoing Operation Manager Abigail Pettigrew (in fact, today was unofficially her last day, she officially left on Friday)
Stockton Depot's Assistant Operation Manager (and as of tomorrow, Acting Operation Manager) Shelly Usher
Stockton Depot's Engineering Manager Neil McLeary
Stockton Depot's Data Monitor (and 500 Group Secretary) Chris Hall
500 Group Chairman David Hunter

Here's to a future event, after all today was a success (barring one or two little incidents early in the day.......)

(28 Sep 2014, 5:57 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Fat fingers and being tight for time - and tight for space..............

Yes, probably my only criticism of today's event was that it was very tight for space, and photographs were almost unachievable until around 14:00 when the crowds died down. Thankfully the sun did not come out to play; otherwise, buses would have had huge shadows from its next door neighbour.

It did not compare to the Lothian Buses Open Doors Day event I attended yesterday, but I suspect limited space and the fact it was the very first event had something to do with this.

As with the Lothian event, it was fascinating to see how many non-enthusiasts turned up. Lots of families were present, and all of the small children loved running around and seeing the buses. Indeed, one young lad cried at the prospect of having to leave Newcastle's E400H! I, on the other hand, having been waiting for an interior photograph for a good 10-15 minutes, was pleased the boy's father decided to take him to the lower saloon.

I did smile and say hello to anyone who approached me first, and if you saw a lad with long brown hair wearing a white t-shirt, that was me! If you didn't say hello this time - be sure to next time.  

(28 Sep 2014, 6:05 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Yes, probably my only criticism of today's event was that it was very tight for space, and photographs were almost unachievable until around 14:00 when the crowds died down. Thankfully the sun did not come out to play; otherwise, buses would have had huge shadows from its next door neighbour.

It did not compare to the Lothian Buses Open Doors Day event I attended yesterday, but I suspect limited space and the fact it was the very first event had something to do with this.

As with the Lothian event, it was fascinating to see how many non-enthusiasts turned up. Lots of families were present, and all of the small children loved running around and seeing the buses. Indeed, one young lad cried at the prospect of having to leave Newcastle's E400H! I, on the other hand, having been waiting for an interior photograph for a good 10-15 minutes, was pleased the boy's father decided to take him to the lower saloon.

I did smile and say hello to anyone who approached me first, and if you saw a lad with long brown hair wearing a white t-shirt, that was me! If you didn't say hello this time - be sure to next time.  

The main issue with that is that, if we can all remember, it was still an active bus depot hence the 11am start time - the last bus out on a Sunday doesn't leave the depot until 1005 (59s) plus as those who arrived just after 11 will have seen 22467 fly out to replace an E300 on 36s amongst other vehicles departing. The amount of vehicles that actually turned up also brought issue.

I thought it was a good event my kids certanly enjoyed it. One of my only complaints is that it would have been nice to have had a ride out on some of the older buses erven just round the block. The reason why the E300 was brought in on the 36 and replaced by a Man was due to overheating

(28 Sep 2014, 3:56 pm)AIG20 wrote [ -> ]Steven Hodgson of the "Stagecoach Enthusiast's Facebook Page" has posted a leaflet of what the new 36/37/38 (not 39!) branding will look like. Unfortunately, it will cover the windows again... But other than that it looks really good!

Confirmation from Richard Smiles - he has spoken with the Marketing Manager for Stagecoach North East and she has confirmed that 16 E300s will be branded. Likely to be 4 in each style.

I belive 33101 is no longer at Hartlepool anyone know what happened to it

33101 is still in Hartlepool, it was out on the 4 yesterday and parked up in the depot today

Fleet lists should be fully up-to-date again... Apologies for the backlog - will try and avoid it happening again!

(29 Sep 2014, 7:48 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Fleet lists should be fully up-to-date again... Apologies for the backlog - will try and avoid it happening again!

Certainly up-to-date on repaint news...

Richard Smiles reports that MAN 18.240LF/Alexander Enviro 300 24103 (NK09 FLN) was returned to Stockton following repaint at Sunderland today. In exchange, MAN 18.240LF/Alexander Enviro 300 24111 (NK09 FMC) is the next to be transferred to Sunderland for repaint.
This leaves 24106 carrying route branding for service 36, and 24107, 24108, 24110 & 24112 carrying Megarider branding.


Our fleet lists have been updated to reflect this.