(26 Mar 2015, 6:00 am)Dan wrote My guess is that it had been to Thorntons for a deep clean, so that the bus is pristine when it transfers to Hexham for use on the AD122.

Much to my surprise, 561 (NK53 TLF) has been branded for service AD122. There's a large logo (usually where the "Tyndeale Links" logo would be) for the AD122, and sub-branding at the top with all the places the AD122 serves. It's not as good as Alba Travel's Solo SR (as seen below - for those who haven't seen it before), but it's a lot better than running around in a plain yellow base livery.

Exterior shot of Alba Travel of Penrith's YJ10EZA, Optare Solo SR by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

557 (NK53 TKV) was absent from Saltmeadows Road yesterday, so my guess is that Thorntons have got that at the moment, following the return of 561. I'd expect that 561 would now transfer directly to Hexham rather than to Hexham via Deptford.

(26 Mar 2015, 11:47 am)Dan wrote The reason why Chester-le-Street was the first depot to be completed was because the old Not in Service destination was still being used.

The coloured square, in my opinion, detracted attention from the number itself. We have discussed in the recent past how customers are heavily reliant on branding and the colour of vehicles to determine which service an approaching bus is, and a coloured square behind the route number only added to this. As there was duplication in the colour of the squares on shared corridors between different services, I personally think it's better that we moved away from this. The new number is a lot larger, and in white to contrast against the normal amber LEDs. It works well, in my opinion, especially in low light conditions. As all new deliveries are fitted with full white LED displays all around, it (to a degree) allows consistency, as well.

(26 Mar 2015, 12:45 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote Talking about destys - 5244 still is showing a red block with no number.

I want white numbers on the 19. #please5284 #pleaseDan  

(26 Mar 2015, 1:34 am)Davie wrote I think the omnicities will go on the Loop allowing the solars to transfer to Percy Main for service 17

(26 Mar 2015, 2:32 pm)Racer_Experience wrote 557 is not at thorntons it is branded inside Saltmeadows looks nice still got its yellow base coat unable to get photos due to policy rules

(26 Mar 2015, 3:04 pm)Malarkey wrote Stand on pavement outside the depot and slot the lens of your camera through the fence, not hard bazza, how do you think I got a photo of 5381 not long after it arrived at Saltmeadows in November 2013.

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/10728655314/in/set-72157646911496376

(26 Mar 2015, 2:07 pm)NK05 GWZ wrote I think your right! Taken about 5 minutes ago at Gateshead Interchange:

(26 Mar 2015, 4:24 pm)Dan wrote Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

(26 Mar 2015, 2:07 pm)NK05 GWZ wrote I think your right! Taken about 5 minutes ago at Gateshead Interchange:

(26 Mar 2015, 4:24 pm)Dan wrote Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

(26 Mar 2015, 4:59 pm)Venturego wrote Operating X31 Lanchester - Newcastle (Stanley Depot)

(26 Mar 2015, 5:49 pm)Robert wrote My 3rd consecutive post but i assume this photo by Bazza shows the white number? https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/16750001920/

(26 Mar 2015, 5:49 pm)Robert wrote My 3rd consecutive post but i assume this photo by Bazza shows the white number? https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/16750001920/

(26 Mar 2015, 4:24 pm)Dan wrote Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

(26 Mar 2015, 6:07 pm)aureolin wrote I'll try and get one when I get into Newcastle.

(26 Mar 2015, 6:20 pm)JP6004 wrote AD122 branded MPD operating Npower Shuttle

(26 Mar 2015, 6:35 pm)Michael wrote Any pics of 561?

(26 Mar 2015, 6:40 pm)JP6004 wrote Sorry Michael. The president on the 921 was going too quick  but dont know why its back at deptford. I 
Imagine It will transfer across over next few days

(26 Mar 2015, 6:09 pm)Dan wrote Ta! That'll be even better, as it'll be in the dark.  

Here's hoping the bus you see in Newcastle is a Hybrid which has been updated...

(26 Mar 2015, 9:39 pm)aureolin wrote Rush job alert, but here you go.


Go North East - 6062 - NK62CJJ by aureolindn, on Flickr

(26 Mar 2015, 9:42 pm)Dan wrote Cheers!

The 'flick' on the 1 sticks out a bit, but the number on the display stands out really well. The number seemingly looks so much bigger now, even though there's not that much difference in size.

(26 Mar 2015, 9:42 pm)Dan wrote Cheers!

The 'flick' on the 1 sticks out a bit, but the number on the display stands out really well. The number seemingly looks so much bigger now, even though there's not that much difference in size.