(08 Sep 2013, 5:29 pm)gtomlinson I can't see GNE taking on Arriva and more importantly, Stagecoach in the Cumbria region

(08 Sep 2013, 5:47 pm)cbma06 Was that not C for Calvarly Coaches based at Concord?.

I remember the C10 in Sunderland in the late 80's early 90's, Sunderland to Pennywell operated by Jamsons Coaches from Pallion using and blue and white coach.

(08 Sep 2013, 5:40 pm)fozzovmurton I take your point mate, the point I was making about Sunderland-Hexham is not pure fantasy, as I said, it was mentioned to me as a rumour by a couple of drivers, whether they really believed it I dont know ans could have told me just to amuse me and give me something to talk about and mentioned that it would be a service I would use, but if would be financially viable, I dont know...Must say one thing mind, got to like Mr Malarkeys passion for the ideas he comes up with, he always puts some thought into it and obviously enjoys looking for that 1 idea that may just have us thinking it might just happen. 1 thing I must say, some suggestions I make is always pretty much what I would to myself and dont really think about the viability.


As always, I do like your enthusiasm, comes across as if you love coming up with a new idea and put thought into it, so well done mate...

However, Annan, really, that is really pushing it, if going to Annan, you may as well continue to Dumfries, not that I would put that suggestion, forward...Although it isnt likely to happen, that kind of run would be better for an coach operation

(08 Sep 2013, 6:00 pm)Adam Malarkey I was trying to find out if Carlisle was in a certain valley or something on Google Maps, then when I looked again, Gretna/Annan didn't look to far away, obviously in actual Miles compared to a Map it would be different. Could be something for Stagecoach in Cumbria to look into though, if haven't already got a Service in Place.

And thank you for those kind comments, I appreciate it, and as I said a few weeks ago when we had this Fantasy Argument amongst us, I did say I put a lot of Thought and Time and Effort into my suggestions compared to others.

And I do enjoy creating these Ideas even if some are terrible and a bit to the extreme. But to me that is the Beauty of it, as others can look at these Ideas and then help you Improve and Expand on them to find a better solution.

(08 Sep 2013, 6:02 pm)aureolin I think whoever came up with the old 638 must have been on fantasy island.

(08 Sep 2013, 6:03 pm)Daniel Was the 638 ever actually used though? If it was, perhaps some thought had gone into it - if not, then I agree. :p

(08 Sep 2013, 6:08 pm)aureolin It was quite heavily used between Sunderland and The Galleries, as it essentially ran a mix of what the 2A/2C route is now - along Chester Road, down Barnwell, under the railway arch down to Fatfield bridge, and then the 2C route from there on. I remember using it to Winlaton once as I was seeing someone from up that way, but never again.

(08 Sep 2013, 6:03 pm)Daniel Was the 638 ever actually used though? If it was, perhaps some thought had gone into it - if not, then I agree. :p

(08 Sep 2013, 7:25 pm)Adam Malarkey From my memories of the 638 I remember having Verdes/Striders on it on a daily basis with the odd Dart here and there. Then when it got changed to the 773/774 it used Plaxton Prestiges which was quite nice at the time, before having MPD's when GNE changed it again to the 73/74, again with the odd mixture before it changed to what it is now the 2A/2C.

I don't whether the demand was there between Washington and Crawcrook back in the days of the 638 as I only used it as far as The Galleries, but since then I think maybe the Demand has grown in that area, and be worth re-installing the link again, obviously not the whole route, but perhaps from Washington to Winlaton would be suitable.

(08 Sep 2013, 6:21 pm)Andreos1 Ah the 638, hasn't been mentioned for a while.

As others have said, it was always busy, particularly on the Galleries - Sunderland section.
The fact that section still exists, is enough to tell me the demand is still there.

I remember the section between the Galleries and Low Fell wasn't that well used, however it still provided vital links for short hops. Unfortunately this section was never replaced - with passengers relying on what had been left after the cull in Washington and a number of services beyond Blackfell.

Beyond Low Fell, obviously the 69 still exists - but I can't comment on the 638 loadings.

Edit. I can vaguely remember that duplicate service. One was just a short run if I remember correctly though.

(08 Sep 2013, 7:39 pm)cbma06 yes short run, I think the duplicate only started at fatfield area if im right, used to be in the 638 timetable but at the bottom saying additional service run from Fatfield to Sunderland, both 638 buses were jammed packed though. Im just trying to remember what the bus was used after it got into Parklane bus station.

(08 Sep 2013, 7:34 pm)Andreos1 Washington - Oxclose - Blackfell - Springwell - Cotemede - Meresyde - Colegate - Whealcroft - QE Hosp - Beacon Lough - Kells Lane - Beaconsfield Road - Belle Vue Bank - old 638 route to terminus (Ryton or Crawcrook).
Can't see the need for it to go via Wrekenton or Harlow Green due to the increase in services in those areas.

(09 Sep 2013, 6:22 pm)big mac If it did go to Wrekenton it would reinstate a link between Wrekenton and the section of Durham Road between Harlow Green Bridge and Low Fell Library, which hasn't been there ever since the 27A was withdrawn.

Whether that link is "vital" I don't know but it did exist for donkey's years under the 27A, and before that on the 25.

(09 Sep 2013, 6:31 pm)Andreos1 Completely forgot about that bit to be honest.
How many stops are we talking about that aren't covered between Harlow Green and Low Fell Library? 3-4?
The one on the bridge, the Jolly Miller, Appledore Gardens and the library? Not sure if I have imagined one or two there mind...

Quote:37/73 - with a few changes -

37 - Doxford park - East Herrington - A19 - Washington Galleries - Concord - Castletown - Hylton College - Southwick - Wheatchef - Park lane - Durham road - Doxford park - Every 30 mins - Monday - Saturday only