North East Buses

Been away all over France for a few days, have a few pictures to show.
Frejus/St-Rafael Bus (no idea chassis/body):
https://flic.kr/p/LqEkSi

Troyes-Bus 279 on '6':
https://flic.kr/p/KtJ2yL
Troyes-Bus 293 on '1':
https://flic.kr/p/KZgHAE

Both Troyes-Bus vehicles are Iveco based, were a great ride. The timing of routes was almost to the second and extremely cheap fares. Sounds quite the opposite to a few namely local operators, here in the north!
I didn't like the dart-like bus near frejus, t'was a back breaker and reminded me too much of my trips on GNE 547 in service on X71, locally.

I stayed in the depths of Provance, a beautiful rural landscape. The bus services here hardly existed and were served by 'Varlib'. Often had to wait in the same area for a few hours to get back. Wouldn't say the system is functional, but cycling and driving are both hugely popular, rendering the bus service useless. Varlib use merc minibuses, didn't get a snap but nout flash.

Where investment has been made in France, cities and alike, the systems are flawless and you can get nearly everywhere in a city. Troyes especially had a neatly laid out plan with many operators, but under the same local, subsidised fare.

Came across a little gem in Staffordshire today on an inter-hospital service. Operated by a local taxi company, ABC Supreme, my expectation was for a Ford Transit minibus to be making the run; what actually turned up was quite different. 

E331 UYC, a Reeve Burgess bodied Mercedes 709D, a vehicle which will be soon celebrating it's thirtieth year in service. Excluding tourist services, this is the oldest service vehicle I've come across in a long time. The Mercedes 709D was never know for its comfort even in it's heyday - it's been a long time since 1987 and the years have not been kind to this poor little coach. 

I can count on one hand the amount of times the driver successfully changed into the intended gear without much painful crunching of the gearbox. Clearly aware of imminent breakdown, the driver had the AA policy document wallet on display in the glovebox. It always amused me on these vehicles how features such as the glovebox and passenger side air vents were left in place as a reminder of how, in essence, they are a Sprinter van. 

It's been 7 hours since I finished my journey and I'm still sat bolt upright, trying to ease the back pain inflicted by the poor old Merc; god knows how the driver feels. Next time someone on here would like to moan about Gateshead Central Taxis, I urge them to look up ABC Supreme.

Me and South Tyne Lad had an enjoyable day in Carlisle today. We went across to Brampton on Stagecoach CNL's 27142, had a ride on a few Solos and E200s, before striking lucky and getting a Stagecoach West Scotland E300 on the 583 from Kingstown into Carlisle.

I decided to take him to Eddie Stobart's depot in Kingstown, where I got a few photos.

Got the Carlisle United branded E200 back and connected to Arriva 4660 at Hexham.

Sure he might post a more detailed review? haha

This is my two day outing.


Day 1




Bus: 4967 NK53UNT
Picture: https://flic.kr/p/LqUeRP

Rather normal trip, but the enviornment somewhat enchanting. The sun was beginning to rise, leaving the sky and odd shade of yellow. I wasn't a fan of the bus like, rattling. Not sure how anyone would survive an X10 on that!


http://puu.sh/qOQ9E/82496dc36d.png
Bus: 6025 V325LGC
Picture:

This was a decent ride, this is certainly one of Percy Main's better B7s. Took around 45 minutes to get to North Shields.


http://puu.sh/qOQfP/937b0d0e1d.png
Bus: 4916 X916WGR
Picture:

This was an awfully long journey mentally. Was trying to spend most of the time trying to stay awake.


http://puu.sh/qOQjA/3039eb48e0.png
Bus: 5439 NK16AZU
Picture: None

The original plan was to take the 60, then the 265 - however I was too tired to took the 20 so I was able to get back some sleep - 80 minutes worth.

http://puu.sh/qOQo3/5102990aa4.png
Bus: 6012 V312LGC
Picture: None

This was quite a quiet trip - exclusive from the motor which is nearly as loud as 6014. One of the last flipboard DDA compliant deckers, if I recall.


http://puu.sh/qOQrq/472d55d85d.png
Bus: 6120 BG15RNN
Picture: None

These b9s are apparently amazing to drive, and I could feel why. Incredibly smooth ride, just a shame they aren't to the same spec as the Streetlites - often using 45/46/47 as a route to charge my phone on.


http://puu.sh/qOQwc/d052d1fdcd.png
Bus: 6104 NL63YJG
Picture: None

Although I originally was on 4981 on the 310 (https://flic.kr/p/LuR31b), I gave up this bus because of how packed it was leaving Haymarket. It was the same effect as sending out 547 on the X71 at peak times. I returned to Haymarket, saw the omnidekka on the 21 (https://flic.kr/p/LqUeGR) and decided to head up to Blyth. Mooched around a bit, did nothing too fun.


http://puu.sh/qOQII/f9763e54fa.png
Bus: 6105 NL63YJH
Picture: None

I didn't pay attention to the scenery on the trip up, I was too absorbed and lost in thought. So in response, I gazed out of the window and found the beach to look very nice, worth returning to on a nice day. Headed inland and it became a very average trip. Got thrown off on Coast road right next to Jesmond so the driver could make up time.


http://puu.sh/qOQPD/a0f640d0ee.png
Bus: 6128 GX03SVC
Picture: None

Took this up to Interchange.

http://puu.sh/qOQUF/e1868aa943.png

Bus: 6117 NL63XCB
Picture: None

I needed to kill some time before getting my planned X32 trip up to Stanley, so headed down to Byker. Luckily this bus showed up so I was able to top up my phone more.

http://puu.sh/qOQYl/818819b002.png
Bus: 6033 V233LGC
Picture: None

Took this up to Gateshead. Wasn't the best ride ever.


http://puu.sh/qOR4p/9c6453ede1.png
Bus: 8340 NL63XBJ
Picture: {Who'd want to picture this? :p}

I'm not a fan of these Streetlites, they're manky inside and gear choke whenever they are moving.


http://puu.sh/qOR8S/1d928f1aaa.png
Bus: 648 NL63XZV
Picture: None

After the planned X32 came into Eldon Square and simply didn't stop, they sent us a minibus for a peak trip to Stanley. I did like this solo, it got shifting and didn't struggle at all up Dunston Bank.


http://puu.sh/qORe7/d4842fcb7e.png
Bus: 5288 NK08GFZ
Picture: None

Wanted to catch my 1705 X70, which seemed reasonable in 30 minutes. How wrong was I? Took 24 minutes to get to Dipton, so I alighted there and waited 6 minutes for 3887 to come blasting down the hills.


http://puu.sh/qORj4/383c71d8c1.png
Bus: 3887 NK51UCP
Picture: None

This was a blast down, passed 3831 on the returning X71 and took no time at all to make it to Sunniside, from where I walked the rest.

http://puu.sh/qORmQ/879060285f.png
Bus: 6129 GX03SVD
Picture: None

Standard trip down, passed 3822 on the 47.


http://puu.sh/qORrs/90830cf38f.png
Bus: 5330 BJ10VUP
Picture: None

Watched the world descend into fogginess on this trip. Alighted at S.Shields ASDA. Wandered around a soulless, misty South Tyneside and got back for the 2106 27.


http://puu.sh/qORuH/ba284e858c.png
Bus: 5328 BJ10VUN
Picture: None

I kinda fell asleep again so barely remember this trip. Woke up and I was on Market Street, the driver just about to pull out on the return back to S.Shields. Lucky me.




Bus: 6129 GX03SVD
Picture: None

The same bus as earlier. I had to focus on staying awake so I could alight at the right place and not have to walk many miles home through the sceptically safe areas of Stanley. All was good, home safe.



Day 2



Decided that I had to be around for other activities that I would complete what I didn't the day before. I didn't have my keycard so didn't electronically store the information so will have to return to my somewhat conventional way of displaying the trips.

Route: X31
Time: 1015
Location: Sunniside Front Street
Bus: 6128 GX03SVC
Picture: None

This was a standard trip to Gateshead, not really any fun.


Route: X31
Time: 1109
Location: Gateshead Interchange
Bus: 5337 HF06FUA
Picture: None

I like these citaros, only ever get them when going short distances though.


Route: 16A
Time: 1215
Location: Stanley Bus Station
Bus: 6214 GX03SUU
Picture:

I've never taken the 16 anywhere other than between Stanley and Consett, so I decided I would change that starting with an odd working. Surprisingly pleasant countryside along the journey. 


Route: X21
Time: 1305(ish)
Location: Durham Bus Station
Bus: 6301 NK16BXA
Picture:

I always like this trip to B.Auck. Allowed me to charge my phone and listen to some music whilst going through small communities and Spennymoor. Always brings a smile to my face when I here Cheapside announced as we approach. Couldn't agree more in places to be honest. Arrived at around half-past 1. Wandered around and bought a few snacks.


Route: X21
Time: 1401
Location: Bishop Auckland Bus Station
Bus: 6301 NK16BXA
Picture: As above.

Didn't pay attention to this trip, landed at Durham at 1439.


Route: 265
Time: 1440
Location: Durham Bus Station
Bus: 660 NK15GFG
Picture: None

I enjoyed this trip, but again was a descent into mistiness. Wandered around Seaham for a bit.


Route: 60
Time: 1550
Location: Seaham/Seafront
Bus: 5374 NL63XBC
Picture: None

This was a mediocre trip, could see nout because of the fog. Got to Sunderland to see NK16AZU on the 700 as picture here (https://flic.kr/p/LuQQyo). Decided I would take the 56 home. 


Route: 56
Time: 1610-1625
Location: Park Lane Interchange
Bus: 6098 NL63YJB
Picture: https://flic.kr/p/LohofC

Got on board and enjoyed watching the NSA have a bit of a mess up. I really don't like how unclean some of the 56s are. This was a cleaner than most, but there's dirt most places and bits of old left over food on the floor. Not enjoyable.


Route: 4
Time: 1721
Location: Concord Bus Station
Bus: 4963 NL52WVU
Picture: None


Route: 27
Time: 1734
Location: Heworth Interchange
Bus: 3972 PJ02PYY
Picture: None

This was a loud one, not the same as PN02XCL/F, but nearing. Blasted through Gateshead to Interchange.


Route: X70
Time: 1745
Location: Gateshead Interchange
Bus: 5289 NK08CGE
Picture: None

Absolutely packed. Didn't enjoy this odd working.


Route: 6
Time: 2155
Location: Whickham
Bus: Omnidekka, couldn't see which and didn't pay attention.
Picture: None

Wandered around Newcastle for 40 minutes and returned to Eldon Square for the last 6 of the day.


Route: 6
Time: 23:15
Location: Eldon Square
Bus: 6122 GX03SUU
Picture: None

Quiet trip.

Thanks for reading if you've not gotten bored by now!

Finally went to the Lakes today!

Got P534EFL on the 508 which was better than I remembered, tried out the Gold X4/X5 which I was impressed with as well as a few other service and managed a V reg ALX400 was hoping for a Olympian but hey I can't see them being around for much longer either.

Can't think of anywhere to put it.

Here is a list of vehicles used on the Tall Ships Park and Ride on Friday

Park and Ride South (Seaton Sluice to Blyth) - Photoed between 1020 and 1150.
Go North East
Volvo B7TL / ELC Myllenium Vyking - 3966 / 3967 / 3968 / 3970 / 3972 / 3973 / 3974 / 3975 / 3977
Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President - 6036 / 6038
Scania N94UD / ELC Omnidekka - 3996 / 6123 / 6124 / 6128 / 6130 / 6136 / 6137 / 6139
Volvo B12B / Plaxton Panther - 7093 (On Route Learning Duties)

Kingsley's
Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 - 244
Dennis Trident / Plaxton President - 248

Park and Ride North (Cambois to Blyth) - Photoed between 1245 and 1445
Garnett's
Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 - T688KPU / T693KPU / V173MEV / V179MEV / X287NNO / X288NNO / X307NNO / Y361NHK / Y508NHK
Volvo B7TL / Alexander ALX400 - LW51ZGO / LW51ZNH / LW51ZNK / LW51ZNL

Jim Hughes
DAF DB250 / Alexander ALX400 - S236JUA (which later broke down) / T320FGN
Dennis Trident / Plaxton President - LT02ZZJ / LT02ZZL / LT02ZZM / LT02ZZO / LR52KVO / LR52KWT

Yesterday I took advantage of the good weather and combined some rambling with a bit of spotting.

GNE - 3889 – X70 – 08.35. A good lively thrash from Gateshead to Consett. The sun was out and the countryside looked lovely. Arrived at Consett bus station 5 minutes early. Sat above the driver.

Consett Bus Station – Stanhope. A good 13 mile walk through gorgeous countryside and over the moors. Amazing views across the moors. My favourite section is from Waskerley Moor and down into Stanhope. The route follows the course of an old mineral railway. Got into Stanhope for about 14.00.

Looked around Stanhope, visited the operating centres of Weardale Community Transport and Weardale Motor Services. Also visited the Weardale Railway. Spent a while sitting in the sunshine at the market place. Weardale Community Transport have a smart new 2015 reg Mercedes Sprinter.

Caught the 15.00 101 services to Crook operated by Weardale Motor Services Solo GO03WMS. This was a busy journey with plenty of tourists. Passed Frosterley depot which had a couple of former GNE Volvo Olympians parked up. These buses are normally used on school services in the Wear Valley. Noticed most of buildings at Frosterley garage have now been demolished.

ANE – 7419 – 46 – Crook Langley Moor. I was one of two passengers on this service. Got the seat above the driver. Only my second ride on the former Volvo B7 London Buses. Found it rather comfortable. Good views from the top deck between Crook and Willington.

Alighted at Langley Moor. Visited the St John Ambulance station and spotted their Mobile Command Unit which has been converted from a Renault Master Ambulance. Then a short walk to the Brown’s yard. The Brown family used to have a psv o-licence, however their vehicles now run on Dutch plates. Only a single coach present on this visit which appeared to be out of use. Walked over to Lees Coaches. Seven vehicles present in their two yards. Got some OK photos here. Finally over to Durham Tees Valley Probation Service which has a small minibus fleet. One Peugeot Boxer present on this visit.

ANE – 7456 – 46 – 16.47. Caught this near to Lidl at Langley Moor. Quite a busy bus for the short journey to Durham bus station. The bus station was normal organised chaos and we arrived at the wrong stand.

GNE – 6034 – X21 – 17.08. Was hoping for a Wright Streetdeck so I could stretch my legs at a table seat. No such luck President 6034 turned up instead looking a bit shabby internally. Have to say the bus performed well for its age. Passed the Durham Army cadet Force HQ at Chester-Le-Street looks like they have some new Ford Transit minibuses for Cadet Transport duties. Will have to check these out at some point.

GNE – 6069 – 21 – 17.45. Low Fell to Gateshead Metro. Fancied a changed on reaching Low Fell. Was hoping for a Scania on the 1. Instead jumped on to this Volvo B5 which was rather full with people heading into town for a night out.

A good day, with a great healthy walk and some interesting vehicles spotted. My feet are bloody killing now though! Going to Seaburn on Monday.

Thanks for reading.

Charles

Been to a few GNE depots today, or the fronts of them at least. Took a picture of some olympians at stanley and riverside. I couldn't find deptfords, got lost in sunderland. Nothing photograph worthy at hexham. I've always found CLS difficult to see much from so might see what's to see around percy main tonight.

(31 Aug 2016, 4:48 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Been to a few GNE depots today, or the fronts of them at least. Took a picture of some olympians at stanley and riverside. I couldn't find deptfords, got lost in sunderland. Nothing photograph worthy at hexham. I've always found CLS difficult to see much from so might see what's to see around percy main tonight.

Deptford is out of the way near the docks. You get to it by driving or walking past B&Q near the QA bridge then past Reilly's pub and you'll eventually get to the depot

(03 Sep 2016, 6:31 pm)Brian13 wrote [ -> ]Deptford is out of the way near the docks. You get to it by driving or walking past B&Q near the QA bridge then past Reilly's pub and you'll eventually get to the depot

Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

(03 Sep 2016, 6:56 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

Peterlee is on the North West Industrial Estate one IndiGo goes near it but it's quite a walk plus there's rarely any buses there during the day. Saltmeadows is easy access from the 93/94. Rarely buses there but the new buses will be there now. Washington is accessible from the 56. Crook never has buses during the day either.

(03 Sep 2016, 8:00 pm)Brian13 wrote [ -> ]Peterlee is on the North West Industrial Estate one IndiGo goes near it but it's quite a walk plus there's rarely any buses there during the day. Saltmeadows is easy access from the 93/94. Rarely buses there but the new buses will be there now. Washington is accessible from the 56. Crook never has buses during the day either.

Divent like walking around washington/concord even in daylight haha

(03 Sep 2016, 6:56 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

Riverside is a 5 minute walk from the Metrocentre coach park. Not hard at all!

(03 Sep 2016, 8:11 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]Riverside is a 5 minute walk from the Metrocentre coach park. Not hard at all!

I walk up coast line from Seaham to Southshields, not from metrocentre to handy drive [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]

(03 Sep 2016, 8:18 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]I walk up coast line from Seaham to Southshields, not from metrocentre to handy drive [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]

I walk all over the place (when I'm able!) It's a short single footpath!

Had an outing today, here's what occurred.

0758 5A Newton Aycliffe Town Centre - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 7535)
Sapphire 7 branded E400 was my first bus of the day today, it's allocation on the 5A is owing to this being a busy run with Bishop Auckland College student loadings and it was pretty busy with only a few seats left upstairs as we got closer to Bishop Auckland. I decided to ride this for the novelty of having a double decker on a single decker route although when 7514-7521 were at Darlington depot there was often one or two on the 5/5A each day. Got a photo before boarding: https://flic.kr/p/LP94r1

0858 1 Bishop Auckland - Darlington (ANE 7535)
Decided to catch 7535 again on the 1 to Darlington Town Centre to continue with the novelty of a double decker, it's actually been a while since I did the 1 anyway. Quite enjoyed my trips on 7535.

1005 X66 Darlington - Stockton (ANE 1404)
Rejected whichever OmniCity was on the 09:50 X67 because I fancied one of Stockton's Pulsar's for a change on the X66 but also because the X67 left Darlington pretty rammed and late. Much more relaxed journey on this, WiFi actually works on this one now! As we were heading along Riverside, Stockton we actually caught up with the X67 I let go.

1042 37 Stockton - Middlesbrough (SNE 27170)
This provided with a standard, uneventful journey to Middlesbrough Bus Station. Waited for a photo of Croft's Dart LG02FFY on the TR1 but there was a problem, it developed a bit of a issue, it looked as though SF07XMK was going to replace it but they git LG02FFY going in the end with it staying out on the TR1 got a photo of it coming back into the Bus Station then went for lunch.

1222 39 Middlesbrough - Park End & 1246 Park End - Middlesbrough (SNE 17029)
Saw this a few times earlier on, so as it seems to be the only one still in service, I decided to give it a bash as I quite like the old Trident's. Hopped off at the second last stop in Park End getting a photo before jumping straight back on it to Middlesbrough Bus Station.

1310 X7 Middlesbrough - Stockton (GNE 5335)
Had the choice of this or 4651 on the X67 but went with this for a change, well that and 4651 is a total shed. Not the best sounding Citaro it has to be said but at least this journey gave me a slight change in scenery.

1335 84 Stockton - North Tees Hospital (Stagecarriage: X21BUS)
As Stagecarriage had both of the Transbus Enviro 300's out on 84/87's today, I thought I'd give them a bash. Quite liked this one for my short journey upto North Tees Hospital. Photographed the other E300 arriving on the 87: https://flic.kr/p/LYPowB

1408 87 North Tees Hospital - Stockton (Stagecarriage: X12BUS)
Not done the 87 before, so this at least gave me the opportunity to sample the route. Engine sounded pretty similar to X21BUS but had a few more rattles but wasn't actually too bad.

1433 X67 Stockton - Darlington (ANE 1416)
Was spared another OmniCity by Darlington MAX spare Pulsar 1416 appearing on a slightly late running X67. Was nice having this and 1404 on the X66/X67, made a nice change to the dark ghastly shot Omnicitys that I've become used to on here.

1505 5 Darlington - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 4810)
Just caught this in Darlington Town Centre, made a bit of a nice change to a Pulsar (two Solo's to Darlington and back last Thursday was not a nice change!) good thing about this one is that it has WiFi and it actually works.

Thanks for reading [emoji2]

All GNE.
5337 - X71 - 09:33 to E.S @ 10:43
5251 - 1 - 10:52 to N.S @ 11:45
5246 - 9 - 11:56 to Jarrow @ 12:20
NK09FUP - 88 - 12:08 to S.S @ 13:00
NK09FUY - 88 - 13:50 to Jarrow @ 14:16
NK08MYD - 27 - 14:30 to Newcastle @ 15:30
NK56KHW - 6 - 15:39 to Sunniside @ 16:40

7 hours and 5 minutes to see the dying minutes of the Run. Good day out though, have some pictures.

Seem as the originally intended plan went out of the window thanks to poor timetabling (you can disagree with me on that one but that's my thoughts on the matter), I felt that had I'd make the best of the bad situation, here's what I had:

11:19 7 Newton Aycliffe - Darlington (ANE 1516)
1230 X66 Stockton (ANE 1516)
1327 X12 Durham (ANE 1448)
1447 22 Peterlee (ANE 1599)
1558 21 Newton Aycliffe (ANE 2869)

Had a outing across the Northern parts of West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire today, Taking in Harrogate, Leeds , Kirkstall , Bingley , Shipley , Saltaire , Keighley , Airedale and Skipton.


One of my photos off today is shown here of Brand New Dalesway branded Optare Versa 238 https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/

Will save a review until I head back up there for longer in a few weeks.

(17 Sep 2016, 9:39 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote [ -> ]Had a outing across the Northern parts of West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire today, Taking in Harrogate, Leeds , Kirkstall , Bingley , Shipley , Saltaire , Keighley , Airedale and Skipton.

One of my photos off today is shown here of Brand New Dalesway branded Optare Versa 238 https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/

Will save a review until I head back up there for longer in a few weeks.

I quite like venturing around Yorkshire, still got some areas I have yet to cover which I may try to cover over the winter months in addition to staying local as longer trips will be few and far between.

I'm thinking of heading to Skipton on Saturday October 8th for the Pennine Buses Return to Skipton event with some former Pennine motors running routes in the Skipton area that day. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/787778588025611  Timetable for the day: http://www.dalesbus.org/Pennine%20Timetables.pdf

(20 Sep 2016, 2:00 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]I quite like venturing around Yorkshire, still got some areas I have yet to cover which I may try to cover over the winter months in addition to staying local as longer trips will be few and far between.

I'm thinking of heading to Skipton on Saturday October 8th for the Pennine Buses Return to Skipton event with some former Pennine motors running routes in the Skipton area that day. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/787778588025611  Timetable for the day: http://www.dalesbus.org/Pennine%20Timetables.pdf

There was signs advertising it in Skipton Bus Station while I was around, Looks a good event.

Might try and head to it too.

Ain't done one of these in a while, so...

0800 7 Newton Aycliffe - Durham North Road (ANE 7540)
I seem to be becoming a regular on this run on my weekday outings. Pretty uneventful journey really but annoyingly the traffic at DurhamGate made me miss the X12 again, also didn't help having to go through Durham Bus Station to drop us off on the temporary stop on North Road owing to roadworks as this is a Framwellgate Moor journey.

0906 X21 Gateshead Interchange (GNE 6305)
Got stuck with the X21 since I missed the X12. I didn't mind the StreetDeck's when they first entered service but I have started to develop a hatred for them as having had these from Durham to Newcastle far too frequently recently I have become bored of them but worse still the panel above the back window upstairs shakes like hell and gives you a pounding headache and worse still where did I end up sat on this journey? Yep, at the back upstairs, never thought I'd be happy to get off a bus at Gateshead Interchange!

1025 X1 Washington Galleries (GNE 6055)
As I wanted the Optare MetroDecker demonstrator, I saw what was on a few of the X1 runs in both directions before concluding that it will be somewhere en-route to Newcastle, so as I didn't want to stand waiting for it in the same spot for up to 2 hours, I jumped on 6055 to Washington Galleries. MetroDecker passed us in Wrekenton so worked out the times from there for a photo. An unfortunate thing that happened in this journey was something happened to the lid on my water bottle and it soaked my jeans.

1129 X1 Hetton Road (GNE 6052)
After getting some IndiGo Solo's which I didn't know where going to be out today, I got this to my chosen photo spot, fortunately a less eventful journey than the last. Got off along Hetton Road in the Houghton-le-Spring area to photograph 9099 which was on the run behind 6052, didn't go quite to plan as I got the position of the sun all wrong but was brilliant on the other side of the road but passing traffic made things tricky but got a good shot of 9099 (with some editing) also managed to get Arriva's MAX 7423 on the ED2 to East Durham College (Peterlee Campus). Here's my photo of 9099: https://flic.kr/p/MRPt9N

1221 X1 Newcastle Eldon Square (GNE 9099)
Impressions on this, I actually quite like it! Yes it feels and looks a bit plastic inside but the performance on the A roads on the route actually wasn't bad at all and this was pretty rattle and shake free certainly compared to 6305 this morning at least, I think I actually prefer this to a StreetDeck although I can't see GNE going for them unfortunately.

1403 X36 Sunderland (GNE 5214)
After a break in Newcastle (not a massive fan of the place personally), I then headed to Sunderland opting for the X36 so I wasn't getting another B9 and replicating a fair chunk of the X1 route again. This has to be one of the better Solar's I have been on recently, mind still shook like mad over the speed humps and terrible road surfaces on this route.

1520 X21/21 Newton Aycliffe (ANE 4813)
Managed to photograph 628 on the 2A but nearly missed it as I was expecting it to appear on the 700 but had been re-allocated to the 2A at some point in the day. I then headed home on 4813 which pleased me because of its more comfortable seats, performance and of course WiFi that works. Photo of 628: https://flic.kr/p/MJP2ej

1650 5 Home (ANE 1425)
Just managed to catch this for a short hop home rather than walking.

Thanks for reading, no idea when the next review will be.

You dont like the Toon Jimmi....shame on you!

Nice review.

(05 Oct 2016, 8:15 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]You dont like the Toon Jimmi....shame on you!

Nice review.

Thanks.

Think my reasoning for not liking the Toon is just for how busy of a place it can be which is bad with my short fuse, also it's too easy to see people you know there which can sometimes be a bad thing. Also nearly every outing recently has included Newcastle plus I have been there frequently out of the hobby as well in the last few weeks.

I haven't managed to cobble together a review for a while now. It must be a few months since my last one.

However, I managed to get some time to get a few miles under my belt.
Initially the plan was to head out and have a day similar to the one I first tried in February, which involved not using the same vehicle type, heading to the same point more than once, same service number etc. Due to the nature of my day today (too complicated to explain at this stage), I knew this would prove difficult. It would need a fair few odd workings as a starter. 

I managed (in no particular order), a Gemini 2 (x2), Pulsar, Streetlite (x2), Solar and a Darlo Gas MAN.

Straight away, it is pretty obvious I failed miserably. Particularly as the Gemini, Pulsar and Streetlite were working the same service later in the day as earlier on.
I also managed to board the same Pulsar twice. 
I blame time constraints and not poor planning...

Today was the first time I had ridden a Darlo based vehicle for many a year and obviously the first time I had ridden a gas MAN (this was one from the dealer stock batch).
Apart from a rattly emergency exit and a seat moquette that looked like my Mam's dressing gown back in 1987, I liked it.
The turn of speed on the A19 was impressive and I thought they seemed solid. The road noise was limited, despite the quiet engine.

Apart from the inevitable lack of working sockets on the GNE Streetlites, my main focus was Redcar's 1440. Again, another new ride.
My initial perception was of a typically rattly, lethargic Wright vehicle.
However, once it got going and it wasn't idling in traffic - wow. It was like sh!t off a stick.
The exhaust may have sounded like it had gone and there were echo's of something that had been kicking around since the early 90's, but the speed it was throwing out with relative ease, was something else. 
I was over the moon to see it waiting at the stop, prior to boarding it again. It was the perfect opportunity to see if it was just a one off and a heavy footed driver. It wasn't just the driver. The second driver was being mentored and he was more than confident pushing his foot.
The plugs worked too!

I chuckled as I got off, noticing the Ecnospeed sticker on the dash. Goodness knows what analysis they get off this thing.

Been between consett and stanley a very large number of times in the past month in the evenings. Occasionally go to CLS or eastern north tyneside. The drivers all wave at me now, not going to be long until I forget which drivers I've talked to about what!

Its been a while since I wrote a review, so here’s details of yesterday’s outing. The day began on GNE Citaro 5323 which is currently wearing all-over red. I caught this from a wet and cold Deckham on the slightly early 08.38 57 service. It was a quick but uneventful journey over to Newcastle. I alighted onto the rain soaked city streets and walked up to Haymarket bus station. My aim was to catch the 09.33 X15 to Alnwick.

Since I had a bit time to kill, I went and bought the current issue of Bus & Coach Preservation to read. Arriving at Haymark for about 09.00 I spied two lads on the corner spotting. I think they were Dan P and Davey. Not wishing to hang around in the cold I wandered upto the RVI to keep warm. Here I spotted a couple of 2015 Renault Master emergency ambulances belonging to the British Red Cross covering North East Ambulance Service duties.

I headed back to Haymarket for about 09.25 and made my way to the stand for the X15. There was a large queue waiting, which surprised me due to the poor weather. I boarded Arriva Trident 7513 and took a seat upstairs. The bus departed on time and soon we were heading to Alnwick through worsening rain with a darkening sky. I was thinking perhaps I had mad a mistake to come on this journey. We stopped for a while at Morpeth’s rain swept bus station where a few passengers joined the service. Then it was Northwards to Alnwick through the glistening wet villages of Felton and Shilbottle. The Cheviots stared ominously in the distance across a cloud choked sky.

We arrived at Alnwick on time and I alighted at the Lionheart Enterprise Park. Putting on my hat and zipping my coat up tight, I walked over to the garage of Rothbury Motors Limited. The garage was locked up but I was able to spot ten of the vehicles in the yard. There were a further 3 Mercedes minibuses and a Ford Transit that I was unable to identify. I then headed towards Alnwick town centre, on my way I passed the filling station at the enterprise park, two of Jim Hughes’ coaches were parked up on what looked like a crew change over. My next destination was the Gardiners NMC yard. This is located on the Willowburn Trading Estate. There appeared to be only one coach present in the yard. I then passed the former Snaith’s yard which is now derelict.

Continuing my walk into town, I visited the garage of North East Equality & Diversity Limited (NEED). The charity has recently been awarded contacts from Northumberland County Council to run the Travelsure Ellingham to Alnwick service and the Spirit Buses service from Alnwick to Swarland. There were 12 vehicles in the charity’s yard which is shared with the fire brigade. I estimate NEED now run 15 vehicles in total ranging from 4 to 16 seats. They also have a small base at Haltwhistle. Opposite NEED’s garage is Kitson Conservatories. The Kennedy family keep their vehicles in this yard. Present on this visit was a 41 seat Mercedes Coach. Next I visited Alnwick ambulance station, which had a pair of Renault Masters parked outside for patient transport duties.

The rain was showing no sign of abating, so I paid a visit to Barter Books. This was very busy with tourists and it was hard to get round. Nether the less, I must have easily spent an hour looking around and came away with some good buys. I love this shop and can spend hours browsing all the different sections. When I emerged outside, the rain was thankfully clearing. I walked into the town centre and past the entrance to Alnwick Gardens. Here I was confronted by around 100 Chinese looking people wearing in Harry Potter clothing led by guy dressed as a wizard. “Very Strange”, I thought and decided to check out the coach park. I spotted a couple Parks of Hamilton vehicles on a Hogwarts tour along with a Plaxton bodied Volvo belonging to Snaiths. By now it was time for lunch so I headed to the local Greggs and did a bit browsing round the shops.

At about 13.00 I arrived at the bus station. I was able to get some OK photos there, mainly of Solos belonging to Travelsure. The bus station itself was full of annoying chavs loudly talking rubbish. About ten minutes of them was all I could stand. I made my way to Pottergate Centre. This facility for disabled adults has a small non-psv minibus fleet which comprises three Mercedes Sprinters and two Ford Tourneos which belong to Northumberland County Council. Round the corner from the centre is Barndale House School, this specialist establishment operates a Ford Transit and a Fiat Ducato. I was able to spot these from a distance from the lane leading to the school. I then walked passed the Duchess’s High School which looks like it is being demolished. Last time I passed here two kids were fighting at the entrance. I then walked up Lower Barresdale looking for minibuses belonging to the Kennedy family but none were present on this visit.

I made my way back to the bus station for about 13.45 and glumly noted the number of obnoxious chavs had increased. I was able to get some more photos which turned out to be quite decent. My favourites were of the Glen Valley Solo which was operating the 473 Wooler Service. At 14.15 I caught Enviro MX14FUG, which is now the sole vehicle in the Spirit Buses fleet. I took this service from Alnwick over the beautiful moors to Rothbury. There were about 11 people on the service including myself, a number were doing the tour of the Upper Coquet Valley. As we passed Edlingham Castle, I saw my first patch of blue sky. The moors looked lonely but outstanding. If you have not taken the Spirit Bus, I suggest you try it, you have until the 5 November when the service ends.

We arrived in Rothbury on time and I alighted opposite the Queens Head to take a few photos of the bus. I then made my way to the premises of Bells on Rothbury Industrial Estate. This firm holds a psv o-licence but I have yet to spot any vehicles operated by them. There were no vehicles in their yard which is also a Land Rover dealership. A steep uphill walk took me onwards to the Dr Tomlinson Middle School. This is also the site of Rothbury’s swimming pool and community gym. The Upper Coquetdale Community Trust keep their vehicles here. Their fleet currently comprises a 2016 registration 16 seat Mercedes Sprinter. The charity operates a Monday’s only bus service into Rothbury from the surrounding villages for elderly and isolated members of the local community. Their minibus is also used by a number of community groups.

I made my way back downhill towards the River Coquet, I wisely decided to avoid the steeping stones over the swollen river on this visit. At the car park opposite the village, I spotted Thirlwell’s 2015 Plaxton bodied Volvo and was able to get some OK photos. I then went for a stroll up Rothbury’s main street and looked around the shops. At 15.45 I made my way towards the Queens Head and was able to get some more photos of Spirit Buses’ Enviro. I’ll miss Spirit Buses when they are gone. I feel they did a great deal of good for the local community and owner Stephen Hurst is an excellent role model for young entrepreneurs. I hope PCL Travel can keep up Spirit’s good work following their success in obtaining Northumberland County Council’s contract.

My next bus was Arriva Trident 7511 operating 15.57 X14 to Newcastle. This service now runs with a reduced timetable and is no longer hourly. The bus was not well used. I took a seat upstairs and was one of approximately 15 passengers. Perhaps a smaller bus should be used on this service. The sun had come out and the countryside looked spectacular. The view of the Simonside Hills as breathtaking. It was a good thrash across the autumnal fields to Morpeth. A little girl aged about 4 livened up my journey by asking her father if cats could fly. Now that would be good to watch. Better than Harry Potter on a broomstick! The bus waited a while at Morepth but did not pick up many passengers. We then made our way back to Newcastle along the A1. This part of the journey was uneventful so I did a bit reading.

At Newcastle, the match was coming out, we had won so most people were in a good mood. I was hoping to get some photos of PCL Travel running the 808 Otterburn service, but on walking to St Thomas Street, I could not find any details of the service on the stand. I decided to call it a day and make my way over to my dad’s house. My last bus of the day was GNE Castles Express 6307 working the 17.39 X21. This bus was full of shoppers and supporters discussing the game. We left slightly late due to the volume of passengers on board. I arrived back at Low Fell just after 18.00 made for the chippy ready for a big tea.

It had been a good day with plenty of interesting vehicles spotted. It’s a real shame about Spirit Buses, this will probably be my last trip on their services. I wish Stephen Hurst all the best for the future. I hope you enjoyed reading, do not know when my next outing or review will be.

Charles

Seem as I haven't done a decent outing in the North East in a while, I thought I'd give a review.

0846 21 Newton Aycliffe - Peterlee Bus Station (ANE 4810)
In typical fashion, I left the house late for my first bus, so I had to walk quickly to catch it, fortunately I arrived at the bus stop at St. Clares Church with a few minutes to spare. Disappointingly once again, I got one of the original batch of 11 EcoCitys rather than a ex demo which I prefer but fortunately I landed 4810 which at least has working WiFi, 4811 does have WiFi but I broke that one afternoon on a X21/21 home a few months back. Pretty quiet journey in terms of numbers really for the full journey as the weather wasn't great.

0956 22 Peterlee - Dalton Park (ANE 1598)
Sadly in what is my opinion, the worst Streetlite branded for the 22 turned up which annoyed me as this one has a VERY shaky emergency exit door and I almost always land this example, in a bid to try and avoid the infuriating emergency exit door, I sat at the back, unfortunately two scruffy chavy types joined me despite their being plenty of other seats available, same happened on the 21. Horrible journey, my iPod (which has a broken wheel meaning I can't alter the volume or anything) was certainly required to stop me going totally insane on even this short journey. Had a half hour break by wandering round That's Entertainment making some musical purchase's before heading for my next bus...

1040 202 Dalton Park - Seaham Byron Place (GNE 656)
Whilst waiting for this bus I noticed a lad about my age who got off the same 22 as me, who looked to be waiting for a bus, I figured the fact he had been there half an hour he would also be wanting the 202 but he didn't so I am totally confused as to what he was waiting for. Anyway 656, this one has missing logos on the front, think this may have been the one which has been involved in a incident recently, nowt much to say about this journey other than the fact the WiFi didn't work.

1109 238 Seaham - Sunderland, Burdon Road (GNE 573)
As the MPD's seem to be on their way out, I figured I get the 238 as this could be one of my last chances to catch a GNE example, also I had yet to do this route. Not a bad bus I thought and the route was okay even if I had absolutely no clue where we were going once we got past Ryhope. Alighted on Burdon Road and took another break for a quick bit of shopping and lunch before heading over to Sunderland University to photograph some of JH Coaches Presidents running a shuttle service for Sunderland University Open Day.

1305 9 Sunderland Park Lane - Jarrow Bus Station (GNE 3982)
Decided to sit at the front upstairs but bailed to the back after Monkwearmouth as the family who sat next to me at the front (typical I was the only other passenger upstairs!) were annoying me with the parents being arguably louder than their child, I was getting a headache so I moved and the woman gave me such dirty looks for doing this, I wanted to tell her where to go because she looked at me for a good 3 minutes, I decided to return the stares when they got off but sadly they didn't turn round. Continued the rest of the journey in a bad mood as a result.

1405 9 Jarrow Bus Station - North Shields (GNE 4917)
Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 4917 was on this journey, I always seem to get this example but I quite like this one. Not much else to say about this uneventful journey. I realised that I had not had the same vehicle type twice, so I thought about making this a no repeat type outing...

1440 53 North Shields - Killingworth Bus Station (ANE 1496)
...Well that idea is out the window as I knew I'd get a Pulsar on the 7 home later. Pretty meh journey really, as much as I like Pulsars, I have them 7 days a week where I live so on these outings I like to get different stuff, was hoping for a ALX300. I found the bus and journey pretty boring, so made the decision to bail at Killingworth.

1530 52 Killingworth - Cramlington (ANE 4516)
Fortunately I managed to get a ALX300 for this journey which pleased me as I haven't had much luck at catching these, as the previous journey proved! I really like these and will be sad when they leave the fleet as they feel more like a proper bus to me, built like a tank (excluding emergency exit door) and make a good noise. Arrived in Cramlington and got a few photos including some Arriva MPD's and IndiGo 631 on the 19 to North Shields.

1607 43 Cramlington - Morpeth Bus Station (ANE 4518)
Unfortunately it wasn't a 43/44/45 branded ALX400 meaning I couldn't get a photo but I was more than happy to land this for my next journey upto Morpeth, liked this one more than 4516, this one had a bit of a whineing sound to it which I liked. Pretty quiet journey to Morpeth on this, quite like this route.

1703 X15 Morpeth - Newcastle Haymarket (ANE 7513)
Was hoping for PCL Travel's recently acquired Primo to be on the S1 but sadly the branded Dart was back on the road. After visiting the loo I had some woman asking if I took a photo but just walked away. Got a crap photo of 1583 on the X16, just my luck Arriva would send a freshly X16 branded 1411 to Carlisle leaving me with this... So just behind Charles41, I made my way to Newcastle on the X15. Got 7513 for this journey which is the last of the 57 reg batch and unlike the other examples in the North East fleet, these are full height examples whereas the others are a lower height, so I always feel strange on these examples as I am used to the lower height examples, makes me feel like I have shrunk as it seems to be a fair height between the floor and roof upstairs. Pretty uneventful journey really. Noticed the buses leaving Newcastle were jam packed, pretty much no seats left on any of them including double deckers, took me a while to figure out that Newcastle were at home as I obviously don't follow football. As I was arriving into Haymarket I spotted the recently transferred 4512 on the 45 so made sure to photograph that: https://flic.kr/p/N6PVJx then spotted Durham Diamond Mercedes Citaro 5288 on the X31 to Stanley: https://flic.kr/p/MgKotq Naturally despite the fact that I would get home half an hour later, I rejected the X21 to Durham as I ain't a fan of the StreetDeck's and I am sick to death of riding them now, so instead waited for the X12.

1755 X12 Newcastle - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1443)
Was kinda hoping for a VDL Gemini as something different but got another Pulsar in the form of MAX 1443, fortunately this one is currently free from the dreaded EcoNOspeed, so got some good performance out on the A167 between Chester-le-Street and Pity Me.

1915 7 Durham - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 1515)
Told ya I'd get a Pulsar! Landed 1515 for the final leg of the outing, evening 7's are quite fun as the timetable is very tight so you get some Pulsar thrash in a bid to keep to the timetable which despite the drivers best efforts usually fails with this journey being a good example of that as someone got on at the stop at Croxdale Roundabout with a concession pass which the driver refused to accept as it wouldn't scan and the passenger was aware it doesn't scan as he stated it before even putting it on the machine, so this resulted in us going nowhere for about 5 minutes until the passenger gave up and paid full fare.

Despite a few hiccups, a decent outing overall. Thanks for reading.

(16 Oct 2016, 1:12 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]1040 202 Dalton Park - Seaham Byron Place (GNE 656)
Whilst waiting for this bus I noticed a lad about my age who got off the same 22 as me, who looked to be waiting for a bus, I figured the fact he had been there half an hour he would also be wanting the 202 but he didn't so I am totally confused as to what he was waiting for. Anyway 656, this one has missing logos on the front, think this may have been the one which has been involved in a incident recently, nowt much to say about this journey other than the fact the WiFi didn't work.

The Wi-Fi was definitely working and used yesterday!

Possible you were going through an area with low signal?

(16 Oct 2016, 1:48 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The Wi-Fi was definitely working and used yesterday!

Possible you were going through an area with low signal?

Possibly, I couldn't even get onto the landing page, tried a few times upon departing Dalton Park and again in Dawdon but no joy. If I remember rightly, I had the same problem the last time I did the 202 on this stretch of route although I may have eventually connected to it in Dawdon but couldn't at all yesterday.