(28 Jun 2015, 3:52 pm)S813 FVK wrote I don't know why they are in no hurry to get ride of 3814. I would be. Unless a problem had developed with 3825 meaning they had to. I know the last time i wa sin it, it took a while for it to change gears (on flat ground)

I imagine it's because of the mechanical condition of it. It seems like if one is unhealthy or constantly having issues, it'll go on a ''hit list''. So when a replacement can be sourced, it'll go the journey (pun intended).

Go North East reveals £5.3m investment in buses serving routes across North Durham
Read more: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nort...3m-9540943
The article itself isn't 100% accurate; after all, the ten former Brighton & Hove double-deckers are far from Hybrid vehicles, but goes to show how much investment was made within the company's 2014/15 financial year. Of course, there's still more to come...


In terms of recent happenings, I've lost track of what I've noted and what I haven't, as I've been fairly quiet this week. Hopefully I'm not duplicating any information posted prior (but I'm sure you'll all be able to forgive me if I have!)

• Riverside-based Volvo B10BLEs 4911, 4918 and 4919 have all been on loan to other depots recently. 4911 was on loan to Hexham, though 4918 has now taken its place. 4919 is on loan to Deptford.
  
• Deptford also saw the use of Chester-le-Street's Volvo B10BLE 4843 and Scania L94 4934 recently, but were both returned to Chester-le-Street yesterday.
  

A photograph of 4918 can be seen below:
Go North East Volvo B10BLE 4918 X918WGR by ASP8, on Flickr

I would like to see the results of the savings suggested by hybrid vehicles against like non-hybrid ones.

Who would have thought that the bendis would be so much worse than standard Citaros?

There is talk that Swansea are getting rid of their bendybuses:-

they travel about two to three miles a gallon, when other vehicles can do nine or 10.

http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/...story.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-33264391

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south...s-33254289

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-...ed-9526626

(28 Jun 2015, 6:31 pm)G-CPTN wrote I would like to see the results of the savings suggested by hybrid vehicles against like non-hybrid ones.

I think the fuel economy largely depends on the set-up of the Hybrid vehicles. In the North East, we see Streetlite Micro-Hybrid vehicles allocated to some quite demanding routes, meaning that they're probably set up to be a bit more powerful. I'd suggest that we can only expect this to continue in the future, too. I think, on average, the Streetlite Micro-Hybrids achieve between 10 and 12MPG.

I believe most standard single decks achieve between 7 and 9 - your heavy-weight single decks at the lower end of the spectrum and your light-weight single decks at the higher end of the spectrum.

(28 Jun 2015, 2:39 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote Are there any differences between a Wright Cadet or a Merit? Always wanted to ask this

Interior

What's the average MPG of a modern double decker?

(28 Jun 2015, 8:38 pm)Diamond One wrote Interior

Yes the interior will be different in terms of seat moquettes as the Merits were dealer stock but the seating layout is exactly the same.

I imagine they are the same vehicle just with a different name. Especially as VDL is nowaday equivalent of DAF.

Can someone answer the question on this https://flic.kr/p/uZv7jh photo please

What does 'in house' even mean? God i'm so thick.

(28 Jun 2015, 9:04 pm)S813 FVK wrote What does 'in house' even mean? God i'm so thick.

I haven't a clue

(28 Jun 2015, 9:03 pm)Davie wrote Can someone answer the question on this https://flic.kr/p/uZv7jh photo please

Not sure whether designing is carried out in house now, but I believe the application is carried out by a 3rd party.

Ah right. Just worked it out using Adrians post So should have known that 

(28 Jun 2015, 9:05 pm)aureolin wrote Not sure whether designing is carried out in house now, but I believe the application is carried out by a 3rd party.

Thanks Adrian

(28 Jun 2015, 9:04 pm)S813 FVK wrote What does 'in house' even mean? God i'm so thick.

Traditionally refers to operations and services carried out by a company using their own resources (i.e. staff, facilities, and premises). You hear the term quite a lot in the service industry.

(28 Jun 2015, 6:40 pm)Dan wrote I think the fuel economy largely depends on the set-up of the Hybrid vehicles. In the North East, we see Streetlite Micro-Hybrid vehicles allocated to some quite demanding routes, meaning that they're probably set up to be a bit more powerful. I'd suggest that we can only expect this to continue in the future, too. I think, on average, the Streetlite Micro-Hybrids achieve between 10 and 12MPG.

I believe most standard single decks achieve between 7 and 9 - your heavy-weight single decks at the lower end of the spectrum and your light-weight single decks at the higher end of the spectrum.

I think that the only problem with the Streetlite is that the chassis isn't as robust as a heavyweight but otherwise, no issues at all as long as they're looked after. The Streetlite is also available with the 6.7l Cunmins Unit too if GNE ever decided on new stock for Tynedale or WT Express services. And you've got to remember that even if the setup only uses slightly less fuel than the likes of a full size single deck, that the purchase cost is also alot cheaper.

does any know what is happening with the batch of buses that has 5166 in it. because when i was talking to a driver he said if you dont like the bus dont worry i will not be around for long. but he didnt say why?

What is currently at SM for a repaint?

(29 Jun 2015, 9:32 am)Michael wrote What is currently at SM for a repaint?

Some buses. 

(29 Jun 2015, 9:33 am)Tommy_1581 wrote Some buses. 

Really, could of sworn it was lorries

(29 Jun 2015, 9:32 am)Michael wrote What is currently at SM for a repaint?

I will inspect later on unless Dan mentions it before me

(29 Jun 2015, 9:32 am)Michael wrote What is currently at SM for a repaint?

(29 Jun 2015, 10:23 am)Diamond One wrote I will inspect later on unless Dan mentions it before me

Save yourself a trip, Bazza..!

As reported in this news article, former "Orbit" branded Optare Versas 8333 and 8338 have arrived at Saltmeadows Road for repaint. The other vehicle is Mercedes Citaro 5300 - but this had already been reported on the forum.

(29 Jun 2015, 10:39 am)Dan wrote Save yourself a trip, Bazza..!

As reported in this news article, former "Orbit" branded Optare Versas 8333 and 8338 have arrived at Saltmeadows Road for repaint. The other vehicle is Mercedes Citaro 5300 - but this had already been reported on the forum.

Tut tut. All these people pestering you for the exact time the news will be done, then don't bother reading it!

(29 Jun 2015, 11:17 am)aureolin wrote Tut tut. All these people pestering you for the exact time the news will be done, then don't bother reading it!

Haha! Aye, been on since last night and our fleet lists were updated too...

I blame Liam mind - the announcement system isn't working!

Fun Themed Day to celebrate all that is Go North East on Friday 3rd July.
http://www.simplygo.com/news/fun-themed-...orth-east/

Toon Link Circus Celebration on Saturday 4th July (Blaydon near Morrisons) and Monday 6th July (Newcastle Grainger Street).
http://www.simplygo.com/news/toonlink-ci...-newcastle

(29 Jun 2015, 1:56 pm)Malarkey wrote Fun Themed Day to celebrate all that is Go North East on Friday 3rd July.
http://www.simplygo.com/news/fun-themed-...orth-east/

Toon Link Circus Celebration on Saturday 4th July (Blaydon near Morrisons) and Monday 6th July (Newcastle Grainger Street).
http://www.simplygo.com/news/toonlink-ci...-newcastle

Will miss the fun themes day again... Very frustrating.

(29 Jun 2015, 2:59 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Will miss the fun themes day again... Very frustrating.

What about on the Saturday?

(29 Jun 2015, 1:56 pm)Malarkey wrote Fun Themed Day to celebrate all that is Go North East on Friday 3rd July.
http://www.simplygo.com/news/fun-themed-...orth-east/

Toon Link Circus Celebration on Saturday 4th July (Blaydon near Morrisons) and Monday 6th July (Newcastle Grainger Street).
http://www.simplygo.com/news/toonlink-ci...-newcastle

The only one I can't do is the one on Monday as it's teacher training on the 3rd.

Dan just noticed on 5300 on the fleet list you have June 2016 instead of June 2015, this for when it was repainted!

(29 Jun 2015, 3:54 pm)Michael wrote Dan just noticed on 5300 on the fleet list you have June 2016 instead of June 2015.

I always thought Saltmeadows Road did quite a good job of getting one bus in and then out in a matter of days...

(29 Jun 2015, 3:03 pm)R852 PRG wrote What about on the Saturday?

Yeh I guess, I'm going to bring a spare change of clothes to change into to get a second scratchcard.