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North East Bus & Coach Show 2015

North East Bus & Coach Show 2015

North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
I had a brilliant day at the rally, was nice to meet some of the members on here and enjoyed getting photos and my ride on GNE 3818 and the Northumbria Delta.

Cracking day... Until I got on StreetLite 5409 on the X22 which has now left 10 minutes late and now in traffic on the A1 so no doubt I will see the 7 leaving Durham Bus Station as the X22 arrives and have an hour to wait for the next one
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
It seems everyone had a good time. One thing which I disagree GNE doing is taking a bus off service to attend a rally. All X66 vehicles are required and should be available for service and there is no excuse for one of them to be sitting at a rally all day and not been on service and consequently the X66 has to operate with a red spare.

In my opinion, buses should only go if not required.
North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
Thankfully I have just and I mean just caught the 7 in Durham so I won't be making a complaint.

Those of you in Tyne and Wear who have a regular bus and Metro service on a Sunday should be very grateful for it as I have one bus an hour to Durham on a Sunday and it doesn't connect with anything, hence why I never bothered getting Coast and Country photos yesterday as I would have out for 4 hours to get one photo in Chester-le-Street.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 4:38 pm)citaro5284 wrote It seems everyone had a good time.  One thing which I disagree GNE doing is taking a bus off service to attend a rally.  All X66 vehicles are required and should be available for service and there is no excuse for one of them to be sitting at a rally all day and not been on service and consequently the X66 has to operate with a red spare.

In my opinion, buses should only go if not required.

I wholeheartedly agree with that. 

Whilst it was nice to have the opportunity to see one of the X66 Streetlites at the rally, it shouldn't be at the detriment of the service being provided. I'd hate to think that having a spare unnecessarily run around on the X66 all day would perhaps be frowned upon by the powers that be. I recall similar when a TTX B9TL attended in 2013? 

Negatives aside it was a good showing from GNE again. It was good of them to bring an Olympian, for what will probably (hopefully?) be the last time. A few of us had a ride up to Sunniside and back on it. It was also good for the Red Kite branding to be unveiled at an enthusiast event, because I know a few on here have had a grumble about them launching brands during the week! 

The OmniDekka they brought was also sporting a very smart paint job. It was interesting to see that they still had the Brighton & Hove destinations programmed though. Tongue 
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
I really enjoyed the rally to Smile
Had a trip on TBK 196K & UFJ 292.

Both buses were better than some of GNE current fleet!
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 4:42 pm)Jimmi wrote Thankfully I have just and I mean just caught the 7 in Durham so I won't be making a complaint.

Those of you in Tyne and Wear who have a regular bus and Metro service on a Sunday should be very grateful for it as I have one bus an hour to Durham on a Sunday and it doesn't connect with anything, hence why I never bothered getting Coast and Country photos yesterday as I would have out for 4 hours to get one photo in Chester-le-Street.

I dont have a regular bus service. Just the 1 to Blyth/Ashington hourly and X21 to Newcastle/Newbiggin hourly.

Two buses an hour during 0900-1800, none of my journeys sparkle on Sundays as the 1 is more conveniently timed.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 4:44 pm)idiot wrote I really enjoyed the rally to Smile
Had a trip on TBK 196K & UFJ 292.

Both buses were better than some of GNE current fleet!

Meh. I dunno! 

I guess there'll always be a lot of love for 'heritage' vehicles. Nowt will beat the roar of an Atlantean or a National for me, but mechanically something like a Citaro or B9TL is a light years ahead. 20 years from now, we'll be looking at those two examples the same way as we do with the modern day heritage vehicles.
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 4:38 pm)citaro5284 wrote It seems everyone had a good time. One thing which I disagree GNE doing is taking a bus off service to attend a rally. All X66 vehicles are required and should be available for service and there is no excuse for one of them to be sitting at a rally all day and not been on service and consequently the X66 has to operate with a red spare.

In my opinion, buses should only go if not required.
I have to agree with this as my book it is rather poor spending all that money on new buses and promoting them and people may have gone to the MetroCentre today using the X66 expecting a brand new bus operating the service and a considerably older Solar (or Versa) turns up instead which doesn't look as sparkly as a brand new bus would.

It seems rather silly to take one off the X66 especially as it goes right past the rally site with some travelling on the X66 to get to the event.

Other than that it was nice to see GNE fetch a decent number of buses along including the new Red Kite's and Omnidekka's.

Other than the issues with the X22 I have really enjoyed today.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:03 pm)Jimmi wrote I have to agree with this as my book it is rather poor spending all that money on new buses and promoting them and people may have gone to the MetroCentre today using the X66 expecting a brand new bus operating the service and a considerably older Solar (or Versa) turns up instead which doesn't look as sparkly as a brand new bus would.

It seems rather silly to take one off the X66 especially as it goes right past the rally site with some travelling on the X66 to get to the event.

Other than that it was nice to see GNE fetch a decent number of buses along including the new Red Kite's and Omnidekka's.

Other than the issues with the X22 I have really enjoyed today.

The 12:35 X22 didn't operate at all. There was an announcement saying it wouldn't be operating, but no reason given. 
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:15 pm)Tom wrote The 12:35 X22 didn't operate at all. There was an announcement saying it wouldn't be operating, but no reason given. 

As I said before, it arrived at the Metrocentre at approximately 1310.

I appreciate it ran at a two-hourly frequency, but it would be completely illogical to run the service 40+ minutes late (taking into account un/loading time), especially with it interworking with service 14 at Durham.

There must have been some major delays on the A1.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
I notice a lack of praising Arriva here - 4 vehicles, only 1 older than 12 months old, all showing the large investment made in the last 18 months to transform the ANE fleet. The 7 members of staff from 3 depots should be proud of what they managed to do today.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:36 pm)Dan wrote As I said before, it arrived at the Metrocentre at approximately 1310.

I appreciate it ran at a two-hourly frequency, but it would be completely illogical to run the service 40+ minutes late (taking into account un/loading time), especially with it interworking with service 14 at Durham.

There must have been some major delays on the A1.

The A1 was clear heading down towards Team Valley when I was on the X88 This Morning, although we did turn off at The Angel and went via Harlow Green, Saltwell Road, Victoria Road/Bolam Street before following the Road along to the MetroCentre, so perhaps after Team Valley is where all the issues are, nevertheless the X22 should follow the same Diversion as the X88, Also note my 09:55 X88 was 10 Minutes Late into The Galleries coming from Depot(Starting at Concord) and we arrived around 15 Minutes Late.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:43 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I notice a lack of praising Arriva here - 4 vehicles, only 1 older than 12 months old, all showing the large investment made in the last 18 months to transform the ANE fleet. The 7 members of staff from 3 depots should be proud of what they managed to do today.

I think it was good for Arriva to bring the buses they did as it does show the investment they have made recently and two of the buses have only just entered service so it will be the first time some of us will have seen them in the flesh, also you have to think that 3 of the buses have come up from Faverdale (Darlington) which is a canny distance to come and the 23 StreetLite from Belmont too.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:43 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I notice a lack of praising Arriva here - 4 vehicles, only 1 older than 12 months old, all showing the large investment made in the last 18 months to transform the ANE fleet. The 7 members of staff from 3 depots should be proud of what they managed to do today.

Am I right in thinking the "1 older than 12 months" was 4814, so even that isn't unbelievably old? 
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:47 pm)Malarkey wrote The A1 was clear heading down towards Team Valley when I was on the X88 This Morning, although we did turn off at The Angel and went via Harlow Green, Saltwell Road, Victoria Road/Bolam Street before following the Road along to the MetroCentre, so perhaps after Team Valley is where all the issues are, nevertheless the X22 should follow the same Diversion as the X88, Also note my 09:55 X88 was 10 Minutes Late into The Galleries coming from Depot(Starting at Concord) and we arrived around 15 Minutes Late.

The 0944 X22 had no problems with traffic as that's how I got there and I think it got there on-time.

Think traffic got worse around the MetroCentre area around 13:30 as I was on 3818 going round the MetroCentre area and we were barely moving it was that bad.

(04 May 2015, 5:53 pm)mb134 wrote Am I right in thinking the "1 older than 12 months" was 4814, so even that isn't unbelievably old? 

Yep, only two years old.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:43 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I notice a lack of praising Arriva here - 4 vehicles, only 1 older than 12 months old, all showing the large investment made in the last 18 months to transform the ANE fleet. The 7 members of staff from 3 depots should be proud of what they managed to do today.

But nothing from Arriva north of the Tyne, which does seem strange as they are alot closer than the 4 vehicles that Arriva did come with. Is this because management is not behind events like this where as GNE are and it is left up to the drivers to sort it out themselves, if so, its a pretty poor show.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:54 pm)Jimmi wrote Yep, only two years old.

So if I recall correctly, that was a demonstrator prior to ANE obtaining it, meaning it won't have seen a great deal of intensive work before coming, so is practically a new vehicle anyway? 
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:56 pm)citaro5284 wrote But nothing from Arriva north of the Tyne, which does seem strange as they are alot closer than the 4 vehicles that Arriva did come with. Is this because management is not behind events like this where as GNE are and it is left up to the drivers to sort it out themselves, if so, its a pretty poor show.

Building from this, would it not have been an ideal opportunity for Ashington to send a Sapphire Enviro, more publicity for a service that hasn't seen as much growth as the others?
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:43 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I notice a lack of praising Arriva here - 4 vehicles, only 1 older than 12 months old, all showing the large investment made in the last 18 months to transform the ANE fleet. The 7 members of staff from 3 depots should be proud of what they managed to do today.

I don't think there's a lack of praising. Everyone is entitled to post their praise or negativity! Smile

I do agree with you though Tony. It was good to see Arriva's vehicles on display again this year, and it was good to get a look over the new Sapphire E400 for the 7. I was commenting to a few of the lads from here that I was with, that I think the vehicle looks extremely smart both inside and out. I'm even warming to the e-leather seats!

I should also note that the drivers that attended with the Arriva vehicles were also very accommodating when it came to looking around inside, allowing people to sit in the cab, and even showing how to change the destination displays. 
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 6:04 pm)aureolin wrote I don't think there's a lack of praising. Everyone is entitled to post their praise or negativity! Smile

I do agree with you though Tony. It was good to see Arriva's vehicles on display again this year, and it was good to get a look over the new Sapphire E400 for the 7. I was commenting to a few of the lads from here that I was with, that I think the vehicle looks extremely smart both inside and out. I'm even warming to the e-leather seats!

I should also note that the drivers that attended with the Arriva vehicles were also very accommodating when it came to looking around inside, allowing people to sit in the cab, and even showing how to change the destination displays. 

Shame Stagecoach didn't turn up!
Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 6:06 pm)Michael wrote Shame Stagecoach didn't turn up!

See I'm disappointed they don't seem to bother too, considering they went to the expense of putting on open depot days last year. 
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 5:58 pm)mb134 wrote So if I recall correctly, that was a demonstrator prior to ANE obtaining it, meaning it won't have seen a great deal of intensive work before coming, so is practically a new vehicle anyway? 

Yes this was one of the 3 examples which was previously a demonstrator.

Not really a new bus but still new to Arriva and two years old is not that old and Arriva were the only operator to bring a gas bus again this year so it will have provided some novelty factor.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 6:13 pm)Jimmi wrote Yes this was one of the 3 examples which was previously a demonstrator.

Not really a new bus but still new to Arriva and two years old is not that old and Arriva were the only operator to bring a gas bus again this year so it will have provided some novelty factor.

Had about 86500 miles on it when we took it back into Darlington. The Streetlite came from Garnetts at Bishop Auckland but yeah still a fair distance. Thanks to our fellow drivers for organising it

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North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
Apologies if this review seems somehow a bit rushed, after uploading 30 photos to Flickr, I have finally started my review of the MetroCentre today at 20:38. I managed to meet quite a few members of the forum, namely Adrian, Sean, Adam Y, Adam M, Jimmi, Bazza, and of course Dan made a brief appearance as well. 

I started today at 07:30. Normally, being your average teenager, I would have slept through this, however, today was different. The rally today, to me anyway, is often comparable to Christmas for it's joys and general happiness, all packed into one day. Jumping out of bed, for once in a long time, very happy and ready to seize life....*cough* I got everything ready for the day, camera, etc., before leaving the house at 07:50. My initial intention was to board the 08:36 #21 from the bottom of Chester-le-Street, which would come from Durham. It was almost surreal, walking into Chester-le-Street and it being so quiet at this hour, on a Bank Holiday as well. I managed to walk so fast, that I was at the 21 stand for 08:10. Within minutes, an ''Angel'' B5 rounded the corner from Picktree Lane onto Front Street, before sitting in the layover (bet most of you didn't know Chester-le-Street had a layover......), then after a couple of minutes, turned around at the bottom of the street and started picking up the half a dozen passengers waiting for it. Bus was 6070, and I sat at the front upstairs on the driver's side; my preferred seat on double deck vehicles. We gradually picked up quite a few people on the journey towards Newcastle, and the vehicle was around ¾ full when we pulled into Gateshead Interchange. I, and around half a dozen other passengers alighted here, and I made my way across to the X66 stand.  

Checking the times on the board, there was a bus due at 08:55. I checked my phone, and it was about 08:48, so I only had a few minutes to wait. Moments later, an ''X66' branded Streetlite turned into the interchange, parking down from the pick-up stand for a few minutes, before moving up to pick people up. I said ''good morning'' to the driver as I boarded, and I started to think I was suffering from something – I'm never normally this happy at five to nine on a Monday morning! 5393 was the Streetlite operating this run, which I was happy about having only been on 5392 and 5394, so another I can tick off. Half of the bus was full, I was sat at the rear to get the full engine noise, which wasn't up to much if I'm going to honest. Nonetheless, not a bad ride to the MetroCentre; I was there for 09:05 and at the Coach Park by 09:10. When I arrived, there was two double decker preserved vehicles standing at the front of the entrance site, parked up. A Routemaster was the next to show iirc, followed by a preserved Venture Leopard I think? Truth be told, I was only making notes of the Go North East stuff that was entering. First to arrive on their front was ''Coast & Country'' Streetlite 5398, following minutes later was the QEH Mini Dart, then gradually the Poppy Bus (4949) and Vyking 3966 entered too. Before long, there was a massive convoy of all sorts entering the rally site. As I walked along the back pathway of where coaches normally park, Bazza approached me and asked who I was. A brief introduction took place, and within 10 seconds I was looking at pics of his ''meow'' and being educated on why his Flickr name was Diamond One. Very interesting!...

What got me distracted from everything entering was Leyland National 4710, roaring from the bottom of the coach park, could be heard miles away!! I watched with glee as it parked up, it's engine making some spectacular noises that I could have only imagined prior to today. I watched the crew of 4710 spread out a bit, and owner Craig Smith (who I had been talking to before today about a ride on 4710 at some point) appeared to walk across to 563, which then departed with a couple of drivers on. I slowly made my way across to the National, where Craig's dad Alan was watching over the bus. I introduced myself, explaining I had a donation to make to the group; one thing led to another and I was sitting on the bench-facing seats talking about bus preservation for a good half hour! Eventually, the Arriva stuff started to enter in a convoy, which got me distracted. After heading back to 4710 for a short while, I received a PM from Adrian asking where I was, to which I replied I was on the National.  

Eventually, I left 4710, after having a good sniff around, and started taking photos of everything that was parked up by this point. While I was taking a photograph of something, a man to my left asked me if I was Marcus. I said I was, and he introduced himself as Adrian. We got talking, and he introduced me to AdamY. Around the same time, the Carlisle Bus Group's monster Olympian arrived at around 10:30ish. I knew Sean was going to be on this, so dropped him a Facebook Message asking where he was. He said he had just headed into Gregg's for something (surprise, surprise...Tongue) and would meet me in the overbridge connecting the main Bus Station with the Coach Park. I told Adrian and Adam I would see them later on, and made my way towards Sean. I spotted him in the middle of the link, with a Gregg's of all things! I introduced myself, and we made our way back to the rally site. Back on the ground, after making our way back towards Adrian and Adam. Walking around in a group, we watched something park up, when Adrian thought he could see Jimmi in the crowd of photographers. True enough, when he went over to ask, it was indeed Jimmi; so the five of us made our way back down from the top of the parked up vehicles. We came across National 4710, I saw Craig was with his bus, having brought ''Red Kite'' 6118 from Riverside. Went over to hand over my £10 donation to the NNRG, where he thanked me and asked me what it was in particular I was interested in regarding 4710. A quick blow of the engines while the others waiting outside listening, before he took all five of us around the rear with the open engine flap to show us how it all worked inside. Very interesting I must say! He also said, that hopefully next year they would have two vehicles with them, as 4681 is in no fit condition, but 4855 will no doubt be in full swing. After moving on from 4710, the five of us walked down the coach park, when Sean saw his favourite Pacer and decided to wait for it to return from Newcastle for a ride to Morpeth and back, saying he would rejoin us later on. Around this time, Dan also appeared.

Nice to see him again, and that he had taken some time out of his revision schedule to come for some photos. Around the same time, Adam Malarkey came across, I'm sure he'd come across before this moment in time, but it was such a long day I can barely remember, lol.

This was when they started to line the five Wright Streetlites up at the top, so as we walked back up so Dan could take his photos, we got there as they were reversing ''MAX'' 1594 into position. Some mass photo-taking ensued, before I rejoined Adrian amongst the crowd, and along with Adam Y and Jimmi, we headed across to see the Arriva haulage. The driver seemed extremely friendly, and allowed the four of us to have a sit down on the ''Sapphire'' E400 that had been brought along. Being naughty by sitting in the OAP seats, a few enthusiasts came and went, either poking around in the cab or having a look around inside, before I went across to the 23-branded Streetlite, which had just been reparked after the photoshoot, to ask the driver for permission to have a look inside the cab. He happily obliged, and I sat in the cab and changed the destination around a few times, before hopping out so a girl of a similar age could have a look inside. Not before Adrian took a photo of me at the wheel......hehe.

It was coming up to 13:20, and Sean messaged me saying he was off his Pacer back from Morpeth, and was about to get on the Tanfield shuttle. The other three agreed it would be a nice run out on whatever was operating this run, which I delighted to be told by Sean was Olympian 3818! Not only is it an Olympian, but it's based at Riverside, which in all fairness, rarely see public use! Bus was scheduled to leave at 13:30, and we got there just in the nick of time at 13:28. I was honestly about to head upstairs, thinking Sean would be up there, but then I spotted him sitting towards the middle downstairs. Adrian sat behind the stairwell, Adam sat roughly opposite Sean on the left hand side, and Jimmi and I sat in front of Adam, to give you all an idea. Expecting a lovely ride to the Tanfield Railway and back (hopefully offering some nice photos up at the main entrance!) we were disappointed when we hit major traffic coming out of the MetroCentre. Unfortunately, it seemed there just wasn't enough time for us to go all the way to Tanfield, and the driver doubled back to the MetroCentre. Nonetheless, a nice 20 minutes on this Olympian, even though the traffic didn't allow us to get up to any impressive speeds, it was a great little ride out!  

Once back at the Coach Park, Sean, who works for DRS (Direct Rail Services), said there were two light-engine Class 37s due through at 14:45. The time by this point was 14:00, so Jimmi, Adrian and I headed into the MetroCentre for something to eat, while Sean and Adam made their way back into the rally site. A quick trip to Gregg's ensued, before the three of us walked down into the Interchange to eat. After finishing, I told the other two I was heading back to find Sean, as it was 14:25 and the 37s were due at 14:45. I bumped into Adam as I walked in, who stopped and asked where Adrian and Jimmi were. Likewise I asked him where Sean was, and after explaining we headed in different directions. Finally found Sean near the Go North East vehicles, and we headed to the railway station.

After getting photos of the DRS Class 37s, we saw Jimmi and Adrian on the other platform, and met them up at the top, as they used the elevator. Sean said he was heading in for some water, and I told him I'd join him. Had a nice chat as we aimlessly wandered, trying to find B&Ms, but having to settle for Poundland after finding out B&Ms was over in the retail park! Coincidentally, we saw Adam also queueing, so waited for him to come out. Our little group headed back, the time by this point was 15:00, and Sean's F805FAO left at 16:00, so I asked if he fancied another ride on the shuttles. He liked the idea, as did Adam, so we decided to board the first things we saw going out on shuttle services. This happened to be The Eden's ''Leopard 14'', with a Bristol LH behind it. We were torn between the two, Adam said the LH would be an experience, but at first it seemed it wasn't quite ready to go out. So, we boarded the Leopard, and took our seats behind each other, with Adam in front just a couple of seats behind the cab, then Sean and myself sharing. As we pulled away, I could immediately tell we were on a real bus. This Leyland Leopard was an absolute workhorse, no doubt one of the best rides of the day. Headed to the Scotswood area and back, where we stopped for a photo opportunity, which we and a few others took full advantage of. Once back, it was 15:30, so we bade farewell. Sean hovered around the shuttle area, and Adam decided to have a ride on the Bristol VR that the 500 Group had brought along, while I headed up.

Bumping into Sean later on, I said goodbye to him and thanked him for the company, while he made his way up to F805FAO. Not an eventful trip back - 4964 on the X66 back to Gateshead, then 6061 on the 21 home. I must thank all of the people I met today, it was great to meet with others from the forum, and also everyone who brought vehicles along to the event. Certainly a day to remember! Smile

Marcus
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 8:51 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote ...He happily obliged, and I sat in the cab and changed the destination around a few times, before hopping out so a girl of a similar age could have a look inside. Not before Adrian took a photo of me at the wheel......hehe.

10 likes for Marcus' review and the said picture may appear on NEB. Tongue 
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RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
I believe 5392 and 5394 were the only two streetlites on service X66 today with 5391 at the rally and 5393 off the road.
North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 9:44 pm)Robert wrote I believe 5392 and 5394 were the only two streetlites on service X66 today with 5391 at the rally and 5393 off the road.

I had 5393 on my X66 this morning. Saw 5392 later in the day, and 5391 was at the event so I'm guess it was 5394 that was VOR.
RE: North East Bus & Coach Show 2015
(04 May 2015, 10:08 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I had 5393 on my X66 this morning. Saw 5392 later in the day, and 5391 was at the event so I'm guess it was 5394 that was VOR.
Could have sworn i saw 5394 departing when i was going back to the car. 5393 was the only one i didnt see. Surely Dan or Citaro can confirm?