Looking forward to my outing tomorrow, I'm intending to just stay fairly local, and I'm leaving Hexham for another day, most likely at some point over the new couple of weeks as I'd like some photos of the MPDs before they go (already let 555 and 561 go - although they may hopefully still be parked up at the depot when I finally get there). Might start by having a walk along to Chester-le-Street depot for some photos of stuff leaving, and then head along to the Front Street for some photos (as is now common practice) and just see where I end up. I've noticed the weather has been quite nice during the week, although the wind for the past couple of days hasn't been great. I intend to utilise the assistance of either Dan or citaro5284 in finding where 4926 is, given that it is on loan to Stanley. May just give a description of the outing as opposed to a full-on review. Hopefully will be a good outing.

(29 Jan 2016, 6:12 pm)R852 PRG wrote Looking forward to my outing tomorrow, I'm intending to just stay fairly local, and I'm leaving Hexham for another day, most likely at some point over the new couple of weeks as I'd like some photos of the MPDs before they go (already let 555 and 561 go - although they may hopefully still be parked up at the depot when I finally get there). Might start by having a walk along to Chester-le-Street depot for some photos of stuff leaving, and then head along to the Front Street for some photos (as is now common practice) and just see where I end up. I've noticed the weather has been quite nice during the week, although the wind for the past couple of days hasn't been great. I intend to utilise the assistance of either Dan or citaro5284 in finding where 4926 is, given that it is on loan to Stanley. May just give a description of the outing as opposed to a full-on review. Hopefully will be a good outing.

Might have to find it also.

(29 Jan 2016, 6:12 pm)R852 PRG wrote Looking forward to my outing tomorrow, I'm intending to just stay fairly local, and I'm leaving Hexham for another day, most likely at some point over the new couple of weeks as I'd like some photos of the MPDs before they go (already let 555 and 561 go - although they may hopefully still be parked up at the depot when I finally get there). Might start by having a walk along to Chester-le-Street depot for some photos of stuff leaving, and then head along to the Front Street for some photos (as is now common practice) and just see where I end up. I've noticed the weather has been quite nice during the week, although the wind for the past couple of days hasn't been great. I intend to utilise the assistance of either Dan or citaro5284 in finding where 4926 is, given that it is on loan to Stanley. May just give a description of the outing as opposed to a full-on review. Hopefully will be a good outing.

561 is parked up at Riverside.

(29 Jan 2016, 7:45 pm)Davie wrote 561 is parked up at Riverside.

Thanks for the information, although between the time of my original post and your reply, I had been made aware of this.

Had an enjoyable outing today, on a Get Around day ticket. A log is below:

Saturday 30th January 2016

#X25 - Chester-le-Street Corals to Gateshead Transport Interchange - Go North East 3878
#X25 - Gateshead Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street Red Lion - Go North East 3869
#8 - Chester-le-Street South Burns to Stanley Bus Station - Go North East 5408
#8 - Stanley Bus Station to Chester-le-Street South Burns - Go North East 5408
#28A - Chester-le-Street South Burns to West Pelton Twizell Road Ends - Go North East 4929
#8 - West Pelton Twizell Road Ends to Pelton Bridge - Go North East 5404
#8 - Pelton Bridge to Chester-le-Street South Burns - Go North East 5402

Started off by leaving my house at 07:30, it was still slightly dark but it had lightened up by 08:00, when my walk to Chester-le-Street depot finished. I observed the goings on, and photographed a few buses leaving the depot, before walking to the Front Street for 08:15. Spent just short of an hour getting some photos of stuff passing through, before I sighted Dennis Trident 3878 operating the 09:10 X25 service to Newcastle. I'd caught 3878 on the exact same journey last Saturday, but as it was a Lolyne and I had no real idea of where I was going today anyway, I decided to catch it through to Gateshead and get some photos on West Street for a while. The ticket machine had been playing up last week, so I was somewhat annoyed to see that it was on this occasion as well. When the machine had finally printed my ticket (after wasting at least a full roll of tickets!), I headed upstairs and enjoyed the journey through to Gateshead.

After alighting, I received a tip-off from citaro5284 that 3869 was on the board behind 3878, so I opted to remain in Gateshead for a while and catch 3869 back to Chester-le-Street. The wind was horrible and it was bitterly cold, but I was persistent on West Street, and then headed back into Gateshead Interchange at 10:25 to catch the 10:35 X25 back. 3869 rounded the corner and I boarded; 3869 isn't a personal favourite of mine, but it's still a Lolyne and provides a good journey. It went into limp mode on it's way up Old Durham Road, topping around 10mph at the very most, was quite worrying how slow it was going, I thought it was about to overheat at one point as the driver had his foot on the floor. Bus slowly began to get busy after Wrekenton, and we arrived back in Chester-le-Street a few minutes late at 11:11. 

I looked around and couldn't decide exactly where to go next. I was intending on heading to West Pelton for a photo of the 28C, and also paying a visit to my grandparents' grave in Pelton, so I decided to go with the latter first as I saw a Coast & Country Streetlite coming in on the 8 for Stanley. I joined the queue to board, and noticed the driver was a man called Alan; he used to take me to school a lot on the 21, as I used to always catch the 08:10 21 from the Black Horse, the duty of which was a part of a 4 day rota (where a driver works 4 days for 12 hours, and then has 4 days off, in that cycle). As I showed him my Get Around, he asked me if I knew the route for the 8 as he hadn't done it in absolutely ages, following a period of being off for 2 months and only driving the 8 one Saturday every 16 weeks to begin with. I happily obliged and stood at the front of the bus, guiding him correctly up to Stanley Bus Station with 5408, the journey went without any issues (although he doubted me when I told him he had to go into Beamish Museum), and stayed on for the return journey to Chester-le-Street. I thanked Alan for his company and alighted at South Burns, while he carried on to Sunderland on his own.

Decided that my next move would be to West Pelton for a photo of the 28C, and so I stuck around and waited for the 12:32 28A there. Ben Stoves came in with 4929, and his relief driver arrived a short while later. This guy was a miserable old prick, who often used to snarl and mutter under his breath whenever I boarded his bus (FOR NO REASON!). I can vividly recall, when 4837-39 and 4844 were based at Chester-le-Street, I had one of them on the 71 (along with him) and when I pressed the bell twice (as the ''stopping'' sign had not illuminated the first time) he made a snide comment as I disembarked. The ZF gearbox in 4929 sounded superb as we pulled out of the town centre, although we never got beyond 30mph, either the driver was just being awkward or the bus was incredibly slow. 

When we got to West Pelton, I got off and managed a photo of the Nightingale Streetlite before then catching 5404 on the 12:58 8 service to Pelton Bridge. I went into the church grounds and paid my respects before then having a wander through the estate that my late grandad resided in. It hadn't changed much since his passing. Then, I caught 5402 on the 13:33 8 back to Chester-le-Street. I sat next to the emergency door and was disappointed to see how violently the emergency door was rattling, you'd have thought the bus was about a year from retirement, not 2/3 of a year old. When I arrived back in Chester-le-Street, I decided to call it a day and walked home. It was a great outing overall, thanks for reading the review.

R852 PRG

Currently not sure of what I am doing next Saturday, although there are two current options: I can head to Hexham for photos of the MPDs before they go, or stay local again and do a few trips with Ben Stoves (a Chester-le-Street driver and enthusiast), and postpone Hexham again. Both would be a Get Around day ticket. 

Only got two more weeks of school before I'm off for a week, and I'm unsure of what I'm going to do during the available days I have then. I believe the current plan is to do the Cumbrian Coast Class 37s on Saturday 13th February, with Adrian. I will be staying local on Saturday 20th as my father is on a business trip, and in that instance it is procedure to not go far, so Hexham may have to be postponed even further if I do the Cumbrian Coast with Adrian on the 13th as is currently planned. Will just have to see how things play out, but my next few trips over the next month or so will revolve around the aforementioned things. Looking forward to them.

Just a suggestion here, make of it what you will; why don't you go somewhere in the South Tyneside area or go around bashing some Arriva buses?

(31 Jan 2016, 3:38 pm)Davie wrote Just a suggestion here, make of it what you will; why don't you go somewhere in the South Tyneside area or go around bashing some Arriva buses?

I may do something like that in March, as I need some photos of stuff in South Shields and Jarrow. However, before that, I need to spend a day on an Arriva Day Ticket sorting out the Lowlanders in Durham before they are withdrawn. Ideally, I'd start early and head down to Darlington in the morning to get some rides and photos of the Frequenta Solos (which is something I've been putting off for a long time now, so the sooner it is out of the way, the better) and then return to Durham for around midday and start with the Lowlanders. The 46 to Crook and back was a nice journey that doesn't take too long and has a frequency of every 20 minutes, it seemed to be a haven for the Lowlanders so I will watch out for that. So much to do; so little time.

(31 Jan 2016, 3:48 pm)R852 PRG wrote I may do something like that in March, as I need some photos of stuff in South Shields and Jarrow. However, before that, I need to spend a day on an Arriva Day Ticket sorting out the Lowlanders in Durham before they are withdrawn. Ideally, I'd start early and head down to Darlington in the morning to get some rides and photos of the Frequenta Solos (which is something I've been putting off for a long time now, so the sooner it is out of the way, the better) and then return to Durham for around midday and start with the Lowlanders. The 46 to Crook and back was a nice journey that doesn't take too long and has a frequency of every 20 minutes, it seemed to be a haven for the Lowlanders so I will watch out for that. So much to do; so little time.

In the school holiday's, could you do a Northumberland day out?

(31 Jan 2016, 4:11 pm)Davie wrote In the school holiday's, could you do a Northumberland day out?

I've been intending to do something like that for a while, as I haven't been to Northumberland in a good few months. I'm in need of photos of the B7TL MAX Geminis as well as some of the recent Blyth repaints, but that may be on hold for a while. I've also got the 128 to keep in mind, as I'd like to get a photo of that on the day it's re-introduced in March. We'll just have to see how things play out.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:14 pm)R852 PRG wrote I've been intending to do something like that for a while, as I haven't been to Northumberland in a good few months. I'm in need of photos of the B7TL MAX Geminis as well as some of the recent Blyth repaints, but that may be on hold for a while. I've also got the 128 to keep in mind, as I'd like to get a photo of that on the day it's re-introduced in March. We'll just have to see how things play out.

Or you could try to get some photos of the Prince Bishops and Prontos for your archives.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:19 pm)Davie wrote Or you could try to get some photos of the Prince Bishops and Prontos for your archives.

Getting photos of the Pronto B7s isn't really that hard, although I've now just had to take into account the arrival of the Streetdecks at some point and having to devote a day to getting shots and rides of them. Also, I've then got the 128 starting on Saturday 19th March, and the AD122's season commences the week after (I can possibly kill two birds with one stone here, if the Hexham Solos are in service by that point, and I intend to have a ride on the AD122 this time, I will review said outing!). Busy.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:28 pm)R852 PRG wrote Getting photos of the Pronto B7s isn't really that hard, although I've now just had to take into account the arrival of the Streetdecks at some point and having to devote a day to getting shots and rides of them. Also, I've then got the 128 starting on Saturday 19th March, and the AD122's season commences the week after (I can possibly kill two birds with one stone here, if the Hexham Solos are in service by that point, and I intend to have a ride on the AD122 this time, I will review said outing!). Busy.

If you have a day where you'll have nothing to get, why don't you try bashing some Stagecoach services.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:32 pm)Davie wrote If you have a day where you'll have nothing to get, why don't you try bashing some Stagecoach services.

Plausible, but my interests don't really lie with Stagecoach. I find it easiest to just Stagecoach as a means of getting around when I'm on an Explorer, rather than devote a day to them. I love the ALX300s, and the Hybrid E400s are fast when there is nothing stopping them, but that's about it.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:39 pm)R852 PRG wrote Plausible, but my interests don't really lie with Stagecoach. I find it easiest to just Stagecoach as a means of getting around when I'm on an Explorer, rather than devote a day to them. I love the ALX300s, and the Hybrid E400s are fast when there is nothing stopping them, but that's about it.

If you like Cadet's, why don't you try to get Kingsley's 110 on the 33.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:43 pm)Davie wrote If you like Cadet's, why don't you try to get Kingsley's 110 on the 33.

Meh. Cadets are okay. I don't understand some comments about 110 being an example of Go North East's ''poor'' maintenance standards. Sitting in the yard doing nothing or trundling up to Hollywood Avenue from the city centre from time to time is hardly comparable to racing around Washington to a strict timetable, 6 days a week.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:52 pm)R852 PRG wrote Meh. Cadets are okay. I don't understand some comments about 110 being an example of Go North East's ''poor'' maintenance standards. Sitting in the yard doing nothing or trundling up to Hollywood Avenue from the city centre from time to time is hardly comparable to racing around Washington to a strict timetable, 6 days a week.

Given 110 was the last 52-reg Cadet (iirc) left to be withdrawn in GNE's fleet, it shows that GNE treated it well.

Another suggestion here, why don't you try to go Lolyne, Renown and (If any are out) Olympian bashing.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:52 pm)R852 PRG wrote Meh. Cadets are okay. I don't understand some comments about 110 being an example of Go North East's ''poor'' maintenance standards. Sitting in the yard doing nothing or trundling up to Hollywood Avenue from the city centre from time to time is hardly comparable to racing around Washington to a strict timetable, 6 days a week.

110 seemed fine when I rode it from Regent Centre to Newcastle a few weeks back and it can't be that hard to keep on the road as it's been on the 33 almost everytime I've to Newcastle since it entered service with them and I'm regularly seeing photos of it on the 33 as well. Obviously the 33 is possibly less demanding than the services it was used on during its time with Go North East although it wasn't exactly been given an easy ride when I had it on the 33 as a result of running a few minutes late.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:57 pm)Davie wrote Given 110 was the last 52-reg Cadet (iirc) left to be withdrawn in GNE's fleet, it shows that GNE treated it well.

Another suggestion here, why don't you try to go Lolyne, Renown and (If any are out) Olympian bashing.

I find it will be hard to bash Lolynes and Olympians, as they are now few in number, and it's rare to see Olympians out in service, although Lolynes still see frequent use. As I've demonstrated in my past couple of outings, I've managed to land a Lolyne or two, but that's basically it. I have been meaning to have a full-out Renown bash one day soon, I may do that in my week off in February or perhaps at Easter. We'll just have to see how things play out.

(31 Jan 2016, 4:59 pm)Jimmi wrote 110 seemed fine when I rode it from Regent Centre to Newcastle a few weeks back and it can't be that hard to keep on the road as it's been on the 33 almost everytime I've to Newcastle since it entered service with them and I'm regularly seeing photos of it on the 33 as well. Obviously the 33 is possibly less demanding than the services it was used on during its time with Go North East although it wasn't exactly been given an easy ride when I had it on the 33 as a result of running a few minutes late.

I've not seen 110 once in the flesh since it arrived at Kingsley's, it's always been 106 and it's sibling if I recall. Guess I'm just not there at the right time, as I wouldn't mind a photograph of it. I'd say the 33 is far less demanding than the likes of the 82.

(31 Jan 2016, 5:00 pm)R852 PRG wrote I find it will be hard to bash Lolynes and Olympians, as they are now few in number, and it's rare to see Olympians out in service, although Lolynes still see frequent use. As I've demonstrated in my past couple of outings, I've managed to land a Lolyne or two, but that's basically it. I have been meaning to have a full-out Renown bash one day soon, I may do that in my week off in February or perhaps at Easter. We'll just have to see how things play out.

Or you could try Omnidekka bashing if you like them.

I think Davie has covered just about all possible suggestions now... 

(31 Jan 2016, 5:03 pm)Davie wrote Or you could try Omnidekka bashing if you like them.

I do love the OmniDekkas, so I may spend a day trying to get a few of them in at Easter. I think they sound and feel so powerful, possibly on par with an Olympian. I recall being told that the Scania N94UD engine is much like the Volvo B9TL.

R852 PRG is at a lose end most weekends, so you both could probably meet up for an outing? OmniDekkas over West Durham on the express services maybe?

(31 Jan 2016, 5:05 pm)R852 PRG wrote I do love the OmniDekkas, so I may spend a day trying to get a few of them in at Easter. I think they sound and feel so powerful, possibly on par with an Olympian. I recall being told that the Scania N94UD engine is much like the Volvo B9TL.

ZF4HP592 4-speed automatic - Marcus will be gettin' a reet sweat on!

(31 Jan 2016, 5:06 pm)Adrian wrote R852 PRG is at a lose end most weekends, so you both could probably meet up for an outing? OmniDekkas over West Durham on the express services maybe?

I'd rather shit in my hands and clap.

(31 Jan 2016, 5:04 pm)Dan wrote I think Davie has covered just about all possible suggestions now... 

Got nowt better to do.

(31 Jan 2016, 5:07 pm)R852 PRG wrote I'd rather shit in my hands and clap.

That's that decided, then!

I hope you get it recorded for YouTube, pet.

(31 Jan 2016, 5:06 pm)Dan wrote ZF4HP592 4-speed automatic - Marcus will be gettin' a reet sweat on!

Good old ZF gearbox... Heavy duty and does the job. Not a fan of the whingey Voith in comparison.

(31 Jan 2016, 5:05 pm)R852 PRG wrote I do love the OmniDekkas, so I may spend a day trying to get a few of them in at Easter. I think they sound and feel so powerful, possibly on par with an Olympian. I recall being told that the Scania N94UD engine is much like the Volvo B9TL.

Might be best to do this in the summer, but could you try a day out in Amble or Scarbough?