North East Buses

(05 Apr 2015, 11:41 am)Robert wrote [ -> ]dont use the ferry if you get sick using it. dont use the metro if it smells. if you cant make notes, dont make up a load of negative comments...

How can I not use the Ferry if I don't know if I'm going to be sick or not? The last time I used it was when I was three.

Many people gave me abuse because Arriva was my favourite company... I like GNE now, and now more people are giving me abuse because I don't like Arriva? I'm just trying to fit in here, and be normal?

If someone isn't allowed to feel normal, why should they carry on with their lives? 

(05 Apr 2015, 11:58 am)Tommy_1581? wrote [ -> ]?

If someone isn't allowed to feel normal, why should they carry on with their lives? 

Oh please.... I just think your comments on the metro weren't accurate, I highly doubt you put your hand in urine. It wasn't much of a review 

(04 Apr 2015, 6:34 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote [ -> ]Had a fantastic day out on a North East Explorer today. Didn't use it to it's full potential, but in terms of satisfaction; certainly milked it. I woke up at 09:00, and after preparing myself for the long day ahead, I made my way to the bus stop for my 78 to Sunderland.

#78 - Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - (09:42 --- 10:14) - Go North East 4906 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
I arrived at the bus stop with plenty of time, and as the bus was due at 09:40, an elderly man came running up to me asking if the 78 had been yet. I said no, and he said he had ran all the way down from the Black Horse, having forgotten the buses weren't serving that stop. Only 2 minutes late, but when I boarded, the extremely friendly driver said ''good morning'' and knew exactly what I was on about when I asked for an Explorer. This Saturday journey normally has around 5 people on, but today when I boarded, it was more like 10. Took my seat just above the step up, and enjoyed the ride through to Sunderland.

The driver was brilliant at time-making, and got us to Sunderland 3 minutes early (surprising, having been 2 minutes late when I boarded). He was very courteous, had impeccable manners, and must be among the friendliest drivers at Chester-le-Street. Thanks to his driving skills, I got to Park Lane with plenty of time to catch the 10:19 Metro to Airport. Walked down into the Metro, everything was quiet as I walked down, but on the platform there was around 20 people awaiting the next Metro. 

Tyne and Wear Metro - Park Lane to Haymarket - (10:19 --- 10:55) - Tyne and Wear Metrocars 4072 
and 4044
I heard the rumbling of a Metro in the distance, and joined other people who walked towards the platform edge. It came into sight, with 4072 leading and 4044 on the rear. I chose to sit in 4072, and parked myself near a door at a row of 3 seats facing another row of 3 seats. As the next announcement, for Sunderland, came on, I noticed a slight smell of urine... Barf! I put my earphones in, and at some parts of the journey it felt like the noises produced by the engines could be heard in space! Not a bad journey though, in terms of how crowded some of my past Metro experiences have been. I now also have an incredible desire to sit at the front of a Metro at some point... No need for Train Simulator then! haha

I would especially enjoy doing that as we cross the River Tyne between Gateshead and Central. Will try that at some point. Anyway, I hopped off at Haymarket, and made my way up to ground level. Walked into the bus station, and went to buy a Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt from Gregg's. As I came out, I saw a Coastliner enter on a 308 for Blyth, so upon Dan's advice, I went for that. 

#308 - Newcastle, Haymarket Bus Station to Blyth Bus Station - (11:04 --- 12:21) - Arriva North East 7803 - Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 2
Driver pulled in at 11:02; 5 minutes early, so as there was only myself and about 4 others queuing, he asked if it was alright for him to have a quick puff on his pipe (something like that!). He quickly had a smoke through his pipe, and two of the OAPs waiting asked him if he knew of a Fish & Chips place in Blyth, to which he was very helpful and full of advice. He seemed a very nice driver. I had the upstairs to myself, but only about as far as the Coast Road, about 10-15 minutes into the journey - when a dad with two little girls got on, and of all places, they sit at the other set of seats at the front... Yay! We hit around traffic around Whitley Bay, which disrupted the whole journey. We got to Blyth over 10 minutes late, and 7803 was regulated.

I enjoyed this journey, some of the views out to sea as you head along the coastline are absolutely spectacular. However, the buses do get quite busy, which I suppose was a downside. There's nothing nicer than sitting at the front upstairs with a view that lasts for miles and miles. I hopped off at the bus station in Blyth, and after wandering around like a lost sheep, I found the stand for the 1.

#1 - Blyth Bus Station to Ashington Bus Station - (12:27 --- 13:03) - Arriva North East 1504 - VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 2
I saw the 1 pull in, with the destination set for the return to Widdrington. Obviously, I wasn't intending to travel this far, but nonetheless I boarded for Ashington. I noticed the passenger numbers boarding at Blyth were quite high; I didn't realise the 1 was such a popular service. Sat at the very back, as my favourite seats were taken by some OAPs. Guess I got lucky, as I was informed by mb134 that Pulsars were quite lucky on the 1. After finding out I would normally have gotten an MPD, I was most pleased at my fortune! 

A nice ride into Ashington, and the heating at the back of 1504 was great! After disembarking alongside a store (can't remember what it was) - I headed across to the depot. Nothing there of note, think there were a few things towards the very rear of the yard, although I couldn't get a good enough photo using my zoom. I did, however, take a photo of Dart 1301 parked up in full view outside of the depot. I assume it's a layover bay? As I walked towards the main part of the bus station, I saw my X22 pull in.


#X22 - Ashington Bus Station to Newcastle, Haymarket Bus Station - (13:10 --- 14:03) - Arriva North East 7527 - Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro400
Was pleased I had a non-refurbished example, as it performed well! Some people say these E400s aren't too good; after doing the whole route from Ashington to Newcastle, I have to say I was impressed with how 7527 ran. Some of the large gaps along stretches of road between stops were flown through, it picked up enough speed to ensure we picked up a bit of time by the time we reached Newcastle. Had a very friendly driver as well, who had some great driving and customer service skills. 

Got to Newcastle, and we were dropped off at the bottom stand. I had a brief conversation with mb134 outside the Gregg's in the Haymarket bus station, and told him where 7523 and 7524 were, as he had asked me to look out for them as they had working plug-sockets, and he needed to charge his phone. After this, I made my way across to Eldon Square, in hopes of an Olympian. After around 15 minutes of looking up to Percy Street, in the midst of observing other things, I hit the jackpot. A yellow double decker appeared on the horizon, and this was definitely the highlight of the day.

#X70 - Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station to Consett Bus Station - (14:27 --- 15:26) - Go North East 3822 - Volvo Olympian/NC Palatine 2
I hopped on with ease, and noticed I had the upper saloon to myself. I would have taken an interior photo, but just couldn't bothered. As we left Newcastle, I noticed a slight squeel from the engine. However, as I've said before, Olympians are among the smoothest vehicles I have ever tried. As we hit Gateshead, about a dozen people boarded. A woman by herself sat behind the stairs, a couple with a child at the very back, and two teenage girls at the front seats opposite me (I had ''bagsied'' the seats with the huge legroom) sat upstairs. As we headed through the small villages and massive fields to Consett, they all slowly left, until by the time we hit Consett; I was alone once again. 

Spent quite a bit of time on this journey listening to the Blockbusters theme (citaro5284 will be happy!!) to celebrate how incredible the ride was. I felt invincible towards the last 5-10 minutes of the journey, when the upper deck was deserted bar me, upstairs on a powerful workhorse. hehe

#78 - Consett Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground - (15:28 --- 16:42) - Go North East 4904 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
What a nice way to end such a great day; the underpowered 4904! A personal enemy of mine, I was slightly peeved to see this was operating the 78 out of Consett, when I walked to the stand. Got little power in it's engine to be fair, and goes as slow as a snail! What didn't help matters was a family (you know what I'm on about.......) that boarded in Grange Villa. The 4 kids (yes, 4!!) all sat in random parts of the bus, while the mother and father (both inebriated I think...) got the tickets. They sat at the very rear, and when we hit Pelton, a young couple boarded with a child in a buggy/pram/thingy who were obviously enemies of the woman. She whistled at them, shouted down the bus at them, and called them ''mongs'', amongst other things... Pleased when they disembarked in Chester-le-Street!

When we left Chester-le-Street (pretty full, quite surprising for half 4 on a Saturday) the driver made an error with the diversions. Instead of turning up along The Avenue(s) he miscalculated his speed, and overran it (that's what I'm assuming, as I heard him say something inaudible when he drove on). He received guidance upon hitting the roundabout at Waldridge, and went all the way down until he re-joined the diversion scheme at West Lane. Talk about a detour! haha

Had a great day out, and was in the house by 17:00. Certainly got what I need out of it - a ride into Northumberland, a Yellow Bus Olympian and a couple of Renowns!

Marcus

Bald driver on the 78? 

(05 Apr 2015, 6:43 pm)leestransportphotos wrote [ -> ]Bald driver on the 78? 

That's him. Wore glasses too! Had him many a time before, and he's always been a friendly and cheery chap.

(05 Apr 2015, 6:27 pm)Wellsey18 wrote [ -> ]Oh please.... I just think your comments on the metro weren't accurate, I highly doubt you put your hand in urine. It wasn't much of a review 

The seat was wet, what do you expect. Hardly would have been water with a smell of toilets would it? 

Only one bus travelled on but it was unexpected:

Service 109 Foreshore Road to Peasholm Park - Shoreline Suncruisers MCW Metrobus B227 WUL

After walking along from the North Bay to the South, we decided that unless we want our legs to remain alive we thought it would be good to get the bus back along. I was hoping to get an S&D president but when i got to the stop and looked along to the Spa (south bay terminus), i saw no bus there and none were heading back along so i looked to my left and saw this metrobus heading along and immediately knew that this would be the bus i had for the journey. It certainly made the decision to get the bus worthwhile. It arrived at my stop less than 5 minutes of it passing me heading in the opposite direction which is quite unusual for the service. The driver issued the tickets quite quickly and i opted not to go upstairs and take advantage of the beautiful weather and sat downstairs at the back so i could listen to the engine which still sounded great despite the vehicle being 31 years of age. However, with the traffic on the Seafront been quite heavy, it never really got up to any speed. However, when we got onto the Esplanade, the traffic was gone to it was just acceleration and coasting all the way to Peasholm Park. The music they had playing on the vehicle made the journey nice too. On the whole, a brilliant unexpected journey on a brilliant bus and i'll certainly miss these Metrobuses when they go in a couple of years time.

Didn't realise i have just waffled on so much about one journey...i'm a good talker  

Can't ever recall a ride on an MCW Metrobus. They seem to be fantastic machines, might go down to Scarborough in the summer if they are still in service with Shoreline Suncruisers. They were featured in On the Yorkshire Buses, weren't they? They competed with East Yorkshire Motor Services' Scarborough & District didn't they?

(08 Dec 2013, 9:13 pm)GMitchelhill wrote [ -> ]Done loads of long days.

This is the one with 75 different buses in. Cannot remember where I travelled to and from. Date was 11/04/2012 and I had 19 winners that day.

Codes:
ARN - Arriva Northumbria
CLA - Classic
CON - Connect Community Transport
GNE - Go North East
SCN - Stagecoach in Newcastle
SCS - Stagecoach in Sunderland
SSS - Stagecoach in South Shields

0703 - 17 - GNE 8213
0711 - X4 - ARN 7618*
0717 - X63 - SCN 21155
0724 - 56 - ARN 7464
0730 - 518 - ARN 7501
0736 - X10 - ARN 4005
0751 - X40 - ARN 1799
0811 - 30 - SCN 33489
0819 - 10A - GNE 6027
0840 - 49 - GNE 5156
0905 - X25 - GNE 3870
0911 - 56 - GNE 8237
0919 - 24 - GNE 3969
0944 - 21 - GNE 6019*
1000 - 58 - GNE 4951
1007 - 31 - SCN 22485
1014 - 43 - GNE 5290
1029 - S1 - CLA Y293PDN
1034 - 10A - GNE 5330
1042 - 69A - GNE 5165
1057 - 49B - GNE 5155
1103 - 100 - SCN 22028
1118 - 62 - SCN 19384
1128 - 40 - SCN 12078
1137 - X47 - SCN 22413
1152 - X87 - SCN 22034*
1158 - X88 - SCN 22480
1207 - 72 - SCN 39722
1232 - 38 - SCN 19683*
1240 - 58 - GNE 4952
1255 - 57 - GNE 5168*
1320 - 52 - GNE 8335
1333 - 27 - GNE 8217
1359 - 27 - GNE 4844
1411 - 88A - GNE 8252
1434 - 18 - SSS 39710
1445 - 12 - SSS 35195
1458 - 17 - SSS 39706
1505 - E2 - SSS 27733*
1519 - 8 - SSS 36478*
1526 - 516 - GNE 631
1543 - 88A - GNE 8250
1547 - 4 - SSS 36461*
1550 - 18 - SSS 39701*
1606 - 35 - GNE 9143 (MAN EcoCity Demo)
1616 - 3 - SSS 36477*
1624 - 27 - GNE 4907
1638 - 18 - SSS 39714
1644 - 30 - SSS 39709*
1653 - 4 - SSS 36470*
1708 - 5 - GNE 8202
1731 - 50 - GNE 4931
1748 - M3 - GNE 568*
1755 - 56 - GNE 4943
1804 - 56 - GNE 6013
1812 - 73 - GNE 636
1826 - 73 - CON YJ61JHV
1839 - 56 - GNE 5203
1859 - 3 - SCS 22464
1909 - 26 - GNE 3938
1921 - 8 - GNE 4993
1929 - 701 - GNE 629
1948 - 2C - GNE 5324
1955 - 36 - GNE 8324*
2020 - 13 - SCS 34608
2025 - 16 - SCS 22080*
2029 - 26A - GNE 8326*
2101 - 58 - GNE 5353*
2117 - 52 - GNE 8334
2133 - 94 - GNE 5226
2156 - 21 - GNE 6009*
2211 - 39 - SCN 12073
2219 - 62 - SCN 19670*
2232 - 353 - GNE 512
2243 - 53A - ARN 1774

That was a long day.

I know I'm digging up an old conversation but has anyone tried to beat this.

So, yesterday, after managing to scrounge a tenner from somewhere (skint otherwise!) I went on an Explorer day with a mate. It went something like this:

SNW 0643 685 27141 Greenhead to Hexham Bus Station

27141 this time on the first 685 of the day, rather quiet. Not been on 141 for a month or two so it was nice to go on this for a change! Mounted 3 kerbs on the way in too but the driver was one of the old-timers so I let him off.

GNE 0740 10 6071 Hexham Bus Station to Eldon Square

Decided to stop off at Hexham and go on a B9TL over on the TEN. Fairly decent choice, was a very nice ride in on the back seats. Bus was nice and warm too. Had phones plugged in and I read my copy of the Railway Magazine. We decided that we would just go for whatever we fancy as we had no real plans for what we wanted to do.

ANE 0903 43 7446 Haymarket to Regent Centre

Walked over the road to Haymarket as I was wanting a Sapphire Enviro 400. As we were waiting in a queue as the driver disappeared, I thought to myself 'why am I doing this' as a DAF ALX400 stood on the next couple of stands up so we headed for that instead. Brilliant bus at speed it was, really coped on the road up to Gosforth past Town Moor at 40-50mph! We weren't on for long as I decided to bail at Regent Centre, get a Metro trip in and then head south ish for the rest of the day.
As soon as we got off I noticed an X15-branded Omnicity which I was pretty gutted to miss going the other way! Hey ho, went to the Metro platform and waited for the next one south.

TWM 0917 4044 4072* Regent Centre to Gateshead Interchange

Boarded this lightly-loaded Metro and agreed to go to Gateshead to see what was there. Nothing to be said from this trip really apart from how much I love the Metro

GNE 0933 64 8245 Gateshead Interchange to Ravensworth Road, Dunston

I was wanting a Cadet of some sort today so we thought to try 8245 working a 64 through to the Teams, neither of us really being on a proper Cadet trip before. This thing was bloody brilliant, the noises it made were nothing short of spectacular! Wasn't afraid to kick down and doing so, you could hear the turbo pretty well. Screamed all the way through to Dunston where we alighted and walked across, observing a non-English named Post Office (being the most English establishment you could enter) over to Gasworks Bridge Road where we awaited our next service.

GNE 0957 47 5147 Gasworks Bridge Road to Metrocentre Interchange

Short hop over to the Metrocentre where we'd decide what to go for next plus a toilet and food break. All OK apart from the horrible stench of what I relate to baby sick, that humid smell, eugh. Not too bad once we got up to speed along Handy Drive as all of the windows were open.
Went for the S1 only to be told by the cow of a driver "I'm going to the Coach Park". Instead of waiting for her to come back round we waited and observed until I spotted something yellow coming round the corner from the west... an Olympian!!!

GNE 1019 45 3825 Metrocentre Interchange to Eldon Square

3825 was our chariot and something we both couldn't turn down in a million years. Picked the back seats on the lower deck to get the engine notes (even idling she sounded brilliant) and headed to Newcastle through some pretty heavy traffic in the city centre. Got to the Square and asked the driver if we could just stay on to go back to which she obliged if we sohwed our tickets again. Went to the top deck at the front to wave at any spotters en route

GNE 1040 46 3825 Eldon Square to Consett Bus Station

Was an excellent journey to Consett even though the suspension on the nearside front wheel was terrible, I was groaning in pain after hitting every pothole there! A lot of cyclists about though (even a bloody horse causing a massive queue of traffic), one of the 'highlights' of the trip was when two cyclists went along in a wooded area with bends in the road in single file, just as the bus was about to pull out to overtake the woman behind, without looking, cycled in the middle of the bloody road, causing the brakes to be slammed on!!!
No spotters en route which was a shame as I wanted to be famous!
Five Olympians were at Consett with two (including ours) on stands but we seen something on Stand A...

GNE 1149 15A 6010 Consett Bus Station to Durham Bus Station

With 2-3 minutes to spare we boarded 6010 over to Durham on the 15A. Pleasant enough trip, sitting two-thirds back on the top deck. Suspension on this was a tad better so I didn't have my spine broken again which was an upside! Nothing really to comment on otherwise as the bus was just a standard B7TL!

We decided to go for the ScotRail 170s passing Durham which were due in around 10-15 minutes so after a long and arduous climb up the bloody hill to the rail station to then walk another 5 minutes to a 'proper' location for pics, we realised with the units being only 4 signal sections away, we weren't going to make it. Rushed back to the station for a quick platform shot as I heard a rasping in the background, then they whizzed past to be shortly followed by a VTEC HST (43310 on the back I recall) going northbound - if the 170s were delayed by another minute we would've had our shot 'bowled'!!

Walked back to the city centre and got a few pics of a VTEC red Mk4 set with 91110 on the rear going across the viaduct south. My first time seeing a 'red' set in the flesh so it was something good out of the trip. Went and got some pics from North Road roundabout, featuring a very attractive sight of a hideous-looking teenage girl giving us the V's as I photted a President coming into Durham. I'll edit her out when I sort the pics out!
Had some chips from a chippy right next to Tesco and the bus station which were bloody gorgeous. Walked to the bus stop opposite the station as I was in need for some E200s!

ANE 1309 64 1324 Durham to Rennys Lane

This was a good little bus even though I think this batch looks stupid from the outside. Decent ride over, went to Rennys Lane near the shopping centre thing where I bought some replenishments from B&M Bargains - reduced Cadburys 'Egg n Spoon' things (4 pack for £1), £1 bar of Dairy Milk Whole Nut and a Choc Dip for 32p. My mate said he sworn he seen a Fab 56 Volvo B9TL down the road, which I said back he's seeing things. Turned out he wasn't - when we went into B&Ms we seen it pass on a 20, b*llocks!!

GNE 1345 20 4971 Eden Terrace to Park Lane Interchange
Walked up to the bus stop on Eden Terrace, the main road at the Durham City Retail Park thing. In a field next to the stop there were some kids with remote control cars (not just ordinary crappy battery ones, these sounded noisy) as they went round a little course marked by cones. Was pretty ace to watch as some were drifting round corners! Lovely bus stop/shelter too, one of the nicest I've seen I think. 4971 appeared on a 20 for Shields so we boarded. Was pretty full and got even worse at Houghton-le-Spring where a dozen kids appeared and talked loudly at the back for the rest of the journey. I didn't want to hang around at Park Lane for long, purely because I hate the sodding place!
I was wanting a trip on the South Hylton branch as I'd not been on it for a good while so we awaited the next Metro.

TWM 1437 4036 4079* Park Lane to South Hylton
TWM 1449 4079* 4036 South Hylton to Newcastle Airport
Went through the delights of south east Sunderland, the sun was out though so it wasn't a bad journey. I decided that we'd do a full trip up to the Airport from South Hylton as we had front seats all the way. Not done a full trip on one service yet, but to be honest I rather enjoyed it - will have to do more in the future! Was quite busy from Sunderland Station up to Newcastle and South Gosforth where it quietened down a bit.
Got to Bank Foot and as we departed, seen a Jet2 Boeing 737 take off, pretty close to the Metro too! One of the best sights I saw all day that was, genuinely made me happy.

Got to the Airport and went for a toilet break and a Greggs before seeing if we could see any planes about, noticed a Dash 8 take off as well as a helicopter going around. There was the 1615 Easyjet to Geneva about to leave however our 353 Solo turned up as it was taxiing. Rather than wait an hour to see it leave we went on the Optare...

GNE 1619 353 638 Newcastle Airport to Kingston Park
Was another pretty decent journey, apart from the Solo SR sounded like some sort of washing machine. Luckily we weren't on it long before we got to Kingston Park as our X47 went past to turn around.

SNE 1631 X47 22021 Kingston Park to New Bridge Street
Bailed from our ALX200 which sounded pretty alright! Got to New Bridge Street where the driver knocked the engine off so rather than waiting we alighted and walked down New Bridge Street. I was wanting to go on a Metro somewhere again however my mate spotted a coach down Pilgrim Street so we went down there... thankfully...
He was taking a shot of this coach (can't remember what it was now) as I happened to look to my right to see another Yellow Bus Olympian on the 97! We both ran (I mean ran!) to the bottom end of Pilgrim Street to flag the bus down...

GNE 1651 97 3824 Pilgrim Street to Gateshead Interchange
The plan was to go round on this to Metrocentre where we'd catch a Stagecoach 6 or 7 to Lemington Road ends with around 12 mins to spare before the last 'through' 85/685 home. This vehicle was heaven, no silly belt screaming like 3823, just pure Volvo goodness. However, our good luck turned on its head once we got to Gateshead as everyone was told to get on a branded Solar in front... balls! I really was disappointed at this as it ruined this little trip. Rather than go on that 97, running now even later, we chose to get the X66 to Metrocentre.

GNE 1707 X66 4944 Gateshead Interchange to Metrocentre Interchange
Boarded this red Scania over on the X66. Nothing to be said about this ride as we were both in a right mood by now because of the replacement of that Olly! Got to Metrocentre where we'd get the next 6 up to Lemington. I walked over to the rail station to see ScotRail's 156449 depart with 1S73 1716 Newcastle to Glasgow via Carlisle and Dumfries. Noticed our Dart pull round to the stand on the 6 a few minutes early so we dashed back over there to board.

SNE 1727 6 34614 Metrocentre Interchange to Lemington Union Hall Road
By the time we boarded it was full and standing so we had to stand near to the front. Departed and the bus was another lovely sounding one, proper Cummins engine! Noticed a little notice in the driver's cab that listed around 6 or 7 Green Road hotspots, rather interesting read - included New Bridge St, Market St and Welbeck Road. Just outside Metrocentre a deluded-looking man boarded and decided to stand right at the front window, totally blocking the driver's view of his mirror... he was then told to shift which in my eyes would've been obvious! 10 minutes later and we alighted at Lemington, finally!

Walked over to the A69 overbridge and roundabout and had a little gander about as we tracked our 1745 85 from Newcastle which was running 3 to 7 minutes late. Noticed it drop down West Road, the visibility for us was brilliant! To my relief, I had avoided an Omnicity again!

ANE 1497 85/685 1804 Lemington Road Ends to Greenhead
Brilliant little vehicle, not limited and hit 62mph at one point! Better than Scania sh*te!
The best part about this plan was that we managed to avoid the absolute dive that is West Road, full of Halal shops - I call it the Birmingham part of Newcastle. Might do this in the future actually as going along Scotswood Road was a million miles better than going through that dump!!!



Thanks for reading, I'll have do another soon however I don't get paid for a couple of weeks yet!

Sean.

Had a fantastic day at the Kirkby Stephen Rally today.

Here is a log of what I rode today (although I may have missed some things and I am not good with makes/models etc. so the best I can do is provide the registrations of the buses I have rode today - some have links to photos I have uploaded).

DKC301L
EJR111W
HFR512E
CHH210T
F805FAO
OCS577H (Not 100% if I rode this or not)
JJD443D
R717YWC
E930PBE

That's what I can remember, as I said I'm crap at models so this is all I could come up with.

I would have liked to ride more but there is only so much time and I seemed to focus on getting photos for awhile too so that obviously prevented me from riding more, also towards the end I was being a bit cautious with the time as I wanted to make sure I was back for the bus home for 1630 as its a long way home if I miss it and I don't want to be the person holding everyone up.

Speaking of which, the Stagecarriage Leyland Olympian did provide us a good ride to and from the rally and seemed to perform quite well, overtook an Argos lorry going down the A66, although on the way there just outside Brough on the slip road coming off the A66 it did have a bit of a failure but it got going again.

I had some chips for lunch.

It was lovely and sunny for most of the day in Kirkby Stephen although heading over the A66 on the way there it looked as gloomy as an ITV drama as there was fog and we couldn't see a flaming thing.

Another thing that made the day a bit more fun was I got to ride the train to and from Darlington Railway Station which was a nice change, even nicer change as I got different Northern Rail trains to what I'm used to round my way, they actually looked reasonably nice inside unlike the ones we normally get, although these were running to/from Whitby. The train was 10 minutes late this morning due to over running engineering works (knew something was wrong when I saw the train arrive at Newton Aycliffe Railway Station heading to Bishop Auckland just as I was getting to the station). Got the train home as the bus picked up / dropped off there and because no-one wanted to be off in Bishop Auckland we got back to Darlington earlier JUST in-time for the train back to Newton Aycliffe.

Yeah so a pretty good day today then, I'd recommend going to this rally as it was good fun today.

Thanks for reading

(05 Apr 2015, 9:27 pm)Adam wrote [ -> ]Ah, it was you that was on the 46 to Consett. I got on at the Metrocentre and stayed on until Consett. En route, I overheard your conversation with your friend about E200s and Durham's 63/64, so presumed you were an enthusiast. I posted in the Stalking & Such thread asking if it was anyone on here but now I have my answer

I was the rather handsome chap with the quiffed hair and black coat 4 rows behind the stairs

There goes Sean's invisability!

Glad you enjoyed Jimmi.  Wish I could have done it myself, but I've been pretty much housebound since Monday, and felt ill on the odd occasion I've left the house.

Did you manage a ride on the Busways Atlantean? EJR111W. It's a bit of a beast. As is the Carlisle Bus Group's Olympian - F805FAO. 

(05 Apr 2015, 9:27 pm)Adam wrote [ -> ]Ah, it was you that was on the 46 to Consett. I got on at the Metrocentre and stayed on until Consett. En route, I overheard your conversation with your friend about E200s and Durham's 63/64.

I was the rather handsome chap with the quiffed hair and black coat 4 rows behind the stairs

Haha, I noticed your little trip report earlier Adam and thought it was a coincidence and I am tired reading this! Yeah I was the one on the left haha, I think I did turn round a couple of times to see passenger numbers etc.

I'm taking it as you heard my groans of pain every time we went over a pothole?? 

(05 Apr 2015, 9:30 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]Glad you enjoyed Jimmi.  Wish I could have done it myself, but I've been pretty much housebound since Monday, and felt ill on the odd occasion I've left the house.

Did you manage a ride on the Busways Atlantean? EJR111W. It's a bit of a beast. As is the Carlisle Bus Group's Olympian - F805FAO. 

Yeah I rode both of them and quite liked them.

Think I only had a short ride on EJR111W though, will likely to see that again at some point I imagine.

(05 Apr 2015, 9:30 pm)northern156 wrote [ -> ]Haha, I noticed your little trip report earlier Adam and thought it was a coincidence and I am tired reading this! Yeah I was the one on the left haha, I think I did turn round a couple of times to see passenger numbers etc.

I'm taking it as you heard my groans of pain every time we went over a pothole?? 

Nice little trip out - certainly got to a few different places!
Just one point, 7446 is a Volvo B7TL rather than a DB250... It drives beautifully mind!

(05 Apr 2015, 9:36 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Nice little trip out - certainly got to a few different places!
Just one point, 7446 is a Volvo B7TL rather than a DB250... It drives beautifully mind!

Ah you're right Scott, no wonder it sounded a little different! It was nice and smooth I must say, didn't take long at all to get to high speeds.

Well, I couldn't be bothered to drag myself out of bed in enough time to make a day of today. Quite pleased I didn't actually, seems to be a busy day!

My parents have took the dog to Seaburn for a walk along the beach, I couldn't bothered lol.

Working out some plans for later this week. Think I'll be just going out by myself, not really in the mood for meeting up with people.

Hoping 5391-94 enter service this week, I'll certainly be making my way north for a few rides and photographs. Any good spots at the MetroCentre that people can name? That place over by the MetroCentre itself, I think taxis pick up there or something?

(06 Apr 2015, 1:46 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote [ -> ]Hoping 5391-94 enter service this week, I'll certainly be making my way north for a few rides and photographs. Any good spots at the MetroCentre that people can name? That place over by the MetroCentre itself, I think taxis pick up there or something?

Metrocentre is private property so you may run into trouble taking photographs on-site, at the bus station. However you should be fine taking photos just outside of the Coach Park where the buses come of the bridge and onto the roundabout.

Also, somewhere on the Centrelink would be quite decent as you also have the river and a couple of bridges to provide a backdrop.

(06 Apr 2015, 3:13 pm)MurdnunoC wrote [ -> ]Metrocentre is private property so you may run into trouble taking photographs on-site, at the bus station. However you should be fine taking photos just outside of the Coach Park where the buses come of the bridge and onto the roundabout.

Also, somewhere on the Centrelink would be quite decent as you also have the river and a couple of bridges to provide a backdrop.

I was thinking of trying to get a photo of one passing the Riverside depot, preferably Gateshead-bound from the MetroCentre as it would be passing in the direction where Riverside could be in the background. 

Been discussing some trips further afield for the May half-term week. Saturday 23rd May-Sunday 31st May. Subject to change obviously, but:

• Saturday 23rd May - Stagecoach in Cumbria Open Day
• Sunday 24th/Monday 25th May - Home due to it being a Bank Holiday.
• Tuesday 26th May - Scarborough - I'll likely have a couple of hours to myself to ride along the seafront on the East Yorkshire Motor Services and Shoreline Suncruisers 109 services (should get some interesting old traction with the latter to comment on!)
• Wednesday 27th May - Probably a day doing nothing, back home in the north east.
• Thursday 28th/Friday 29th/Saturday 30th May - in the Lakes District. Will likely have other plans on the Thurs and Sat, but will squeeze in a North West Explorer on the Friday, with hopefully some interesting vehicles from the SiC fleet.

These are just ground ideas, but hopefully I can work around something like this in the week off.

Marcus

For anyone who might be interested, Transdev Keighley are having a Double Depot Open Day on the 26th April.
http://www.keighleybus.co.uk/news.jsp?newsID=1370

Today's outing was nothing spectacular, however did feature the rare working of Fab56-branded B9 6090 on the X35 for a short ride. Read on to find out more;

I had decided last night that I would go out for a short trip somewhere today, rather than do nothing in the house. My alarm was set for 09:00, but as most teenagers do, I managed to sleep through it. I eventually came to open my eyes just after eleven, which I was disappointed about. However, adamant to make a day of the hours I had left, I decided to get the 11:50 #36 to Houghton-le-Spring and go from there. I was out of the house by 11:35, fully prepared for a brief day out with my camera charged.


#36 - Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church - (11:51 --- 12:13) - Go North East 5303 - Mercedes 0530N/Mercedes Citaro
Ahh.... A Mercedes Citaro! I've never really seen their appeal. Dark inside, awkward seating, the only thing I really like is the noise of the Mercedes engine, and the noise the bell makes when it's pressed haha. Back on a serious note, I just don't like Citaros... I'd rather have one of the regular Solars that Deptford allocate on a daily basis due to shortages of the Mercs (I imagine VORs, etc.) over one of these! The only ones I can stand, I've said this many times before, are the ones Washington have for the 4; still in fine condition, for what is a popular route. 

Not many people on; around 10 when I boarded. Took my seat towards the rear, next to the emergency exit thingy. We passed through Great Lumley, Fencehouses, etc. and got to Houghton-le-Spring on time. Growing less keen on this route each time I use it...think I'll stick to the magnificent B10s all the way through to Sunderland in the future. I just can't stand the Mercs, it's a great start to the day when another vehicle type turns up! Anyway, moving out of the negativity ring, when I got to Houghton-le-Spring, I was pleased when just minutes after my 36 moved on for Town End Farm, a Prince Bishops Solar came into view.


#20A - Houghton-le-Spring Church to Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - (12:16 --- 12:39) - Go North East 4971 - Scania L94UB/Wright Solar
Looked like a half load was on board, so I joined the queue to board. When we left, we were quite full as around a dozen people had hopped on in Houghton-le-Spring. I've always loved the engine noise of these Solar, they sound somewhat like a DAF. Don't know if it's just me, but the examples on the Loop seem to have a much more DAF-sounding engine that the others. I'm just waffling on for the sake of it now...haha. People hopped on and off throughout the ride to Sunderland, and 4971 had me relatively hate-free. 

For some reason, I was after a ride on the Drifter to Seaham, seeing as Streetlites are entering service imminently on my local route. As I was walking across, I just happened to look back and notice a Fab56-branded decker arriving on the X35, heading to Hartlepool.


#X35 - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange to Houghton-le-Spring Church - (12:46 --- 13:10) - Go North East 6090 - Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
I had never used the X35 before, despite using the X36. Unsure if it was stopping at Houghton-le-Spring (having read something along those lines before, and never spending enough time in Houghton-le-Spring to see an X35 pass through), I asked the driver and he confirmed. Luckily the seats upstairs on the left-hand side were still available, which I was most satisfied about. A very pleasant journey back to Houghton-le-Spring, accompanied with the free WiFi. It must be said, that the B9TL engine is a great sounding machine. You would think with this B9 doing Newcastle-Sunderland day-in, day-out, they could possibly be destroyed by now; but my ride on this proved otherwise!

There was a pretty big queue waiting to board in Houghton-le-Spring, but across the road there were very few people waiting, so I took the opportunity to take a photograph. Knowing my 36 back home was due any minute, I was relieved to see a red Solar appear, and not a gold Citaro!


#36 - Houghton-le-Spring Church to Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground - (13:13 --- 13:33) - Go North East 4937 - Scania L94UB/Wright Solar
No more than half a dozen folk on when I joined this journey, and a man who had sat near me upstairs on 6090 was also on. I've seen him a few times on the 36, I'm guessing he's a regular. A pleasant journey behind this Scania, with a nice engine sound too. Much better than the Mercedes I had earlier today!!  An elderly woman with two grandchildren (I'm guessing, haha) boarded in Great Lumley, heading for Chester-le-Street Park (aka - my local stop). They pressed the bell a stop too soon, and the driver pulled into the stop just before it, on that awkward bend. Can't blame her, but the driver was very nice about it and explained it had happened a few times before. As I walked down the aisle, I told her I'd made that mistaken before, to which she laughed and said she wasn't a regular bus user. 

Good day out, dropped in at my grandma's briefly before walking back to my house. Didn't use the Get Around to it's full potential, in terms of the amount of journeys I made; but like with Saturday's Explorer, I certainly got what I needed out of it.


Marcus

(07 Apr 2015, 12:14 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]For anyone who might be interested, Transdev Keighley are having a Double Depot Open Day on the 26th April.
http://www.keighleybus.co.uk/news.jsp?newsID=1370

Tag a trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and jobs a good un.
Pretty easy to get to via Leeds/Bradford too via bus or train.

Currently writing up my review.

(07 Apr 2015, 2:36 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Tag a trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and jobs a good un.
Pretty easy to get to via Leeds/Bradford too via bus or train.

Doesnt cost much to do either, as I learned last July when I did a Day Trip to Leeds/Bradford and Wakefield.

(07 Apr 2015, 3:27 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Doesnt cost much to do either, as I learned last July when I did a Day Trip to Leeds/Bradford and Wakefield.

I was looking at the Connexions website earlier and they do a network wide day ticket for £7.50 (I think), no idea if timings/connections would work, but York/Harrogate - Otley/Ilkley could get you the majority of the way to Keighley and hopefully some variety too!

Hoping to have a run out somewhere tomorrow but not sure where - was thinking Sunderland as I haven't rode many services.

(07 Apr 2015, 3:34 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]I was looking at the Connexions website earlier and they do a network wide day ticket for £7.50 (I think), no idea if timings/connections would work, but York/Harrogate - Otley/Ilkley could get you the majority of the way to Keighley and hopefully some variety too!

£7.90 for the WYMetro Bus & Train Dayrover, actually still have ticket from Last Year on my Desk, and its only 25 Minutes on the Train from Leeds Rail Station, so if anyone was planning on going down on the 26th April you get there for the 10:30am Start for the Rally, whether that be by Train or Megabus/NatEX.

Here is my trip from today (one bus)

1000 TW 4070A (Northumberland Park - South Gosforth) 
A short ride on 4070, there weren't any seats on board without having to sit next to someone, gathered some speed up to South Gosforth depot, then slowed to a crawl while passing. I notice the service to Airport sat in the platform, but that left before I arrived.

1024 TW 4064 & 4010 (South Gosforth - Airport - South Hylton - Park Lane) 
I boarded 4010 which was on the rear of this set and sat facing Airport, a rather quiet journey from Kingston Park to Airport, of which only a mother and pushchair boarded at Bank Foot. On arrival at Airport, I stretched my legs before the return journey to South Hylton. The service departed just as another service arrived into the opposite platform, after Callerton Parkway, the Metrocar built up some speed (70 kph) down the bank. A few people got on at Kingston Park, wih their shopping etc, but I couldn't help noticing the large amount of carrier bags lying all over the trackside. On arrival at South Gosforth, we had a driver change which had us in the platform for about five minutes. On approach to Jesmond, I noticed the Manors Chord of which handled ECS Metrocars during the 2013 modernisation works. Newcastle was as ever busy, with loads boarding at Monument. At Gateshead Stadium the Nexus red and green colours smother the station. Some workers were clearing the bushes at the side of the tracks near Heworth, having mainline trains running at reduced speeds (20mph). At Pelaw, we paused briefly to allow a through Pacer along the DCL. We gathered some speed along through Boldon etc, we slowed down again to crawling speed at Sunderland, a few people got on a lot got off, on arrival at South Hylton, I could see the extra-long platform for holding trains during delays. I got off and stretched my legs, I wondered onto the leading Metrocar 4064, and it departed a few moments after. On arrival at Park Lane, I jumped off and got some timetables from the travel shop before heading down to my next ride.

1220 TW 4084 (Park Lane - Sunderland Station)
A short but quiet ride on 4084, slowed down to crawling speed as usual on arrival at Sunderland.

A Grand Central HST rolled in shortly after arrival, more passengers than usual, so I assume there is something happening along the route.

1230 (delayed 1238) NT 14208? (Sunderland - Newcastle)
Rolling in delayed, my donkey arrived. It was very busy and I only managed to get a seat, only a couple of minutes dwell time at Sunderland. I've never been on a mainline train on the DCL before, so passing through Metro stations at speed was quite strange. We then hit a TSR. 20mph between Brockley Whins and Gateshead Stadium. A few moments at Heworth, then we were away. On arrival at Newcastle, I couldn't help but to listen to the conductor drivelling on about luggage and MetroSaver holders had to get off for a good few minutes listening to his rather boring posh accent. 

1304 TW 4017 (Central Station - Heworth)
I decided to stand on this journey for some reason, there was no TSR for Metro services past Gateshead Stadium, on arrival at Heworth I jumped off and got a photo of a CityLink Versa in the layovers before catching my next ride;

1317 TW 4002 (Heworth - South Shields)
I was rather pleased for a prototype to arrive, with the original push-button openings and drab interior, a slight unpleasant smell was present. We paused briefly after we split from the Green line to allow another Metrocar through. Some young children were copying the announcements and talking about football between on the whole journey and I got a bit sick of it by the the time we reached Bede. I took a couple of quick photos at South Shields before I headed to the ferry.

1345 SF Spirit of the Tyne (Cross Tyne service)
A quick ride on the ferry, two large freight ships were at the port. The journey was ruined by a group of youths.

1354 Phoenix Taxis 907 (A20 OJD), Optare Solo M880SL (North Shields Ferry - opp. Tynemouth Metro)
As per usual, a busy journey. I decided not to get off at North Shields town centre and to carry on to Tynemouth Metro. A very friendly driver, who got a bit frustrated around the Fish Quay area with cyclists etc.

1449 TW 4068 (Tynemouth - Northumberland Park)
A busy service, noticed quite a few people on the beach and grassed area when I passed Tynemouth aquarium, 4002 passed us. I managed to bag the front seats again between Tynemouth and Northumberland Park. On arrival at Northumberland Park, I took a few photos from the platform and the car park before heading home.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this as much as I have riding the things.

You were quick back on that ferry, considering it made you sick the other day?