(19 May 2014, 8:16 pm)Dan wrote A round trip on service 18 or 19 and you've essentially covered all of Sunderland. :p

Sorry, I should have said on GNE as I'm purchasing a Get Around Weekly Ticket. :p
Actually, it can be a weekday as I'll do my North Tyneside one on a Sunday.

(19 May 2014, 8:17 pm)Tom wrote Sorry, I should have said on GNE as I'm purchasing a Get Around Weekly Ticket. :p
Actually, it can be a weekday as I'll do my North Tyneside one on a Sunday.

I hadn't read you'd intended it to be on a Sunday, either!

Your most interesting Go North East services are probably your Stagecoach-style cross-city services... Likes of service 29, 35, 38, 39, 42 and 99.

I was going to find a way of getting on all of those services in one day to have a bit of a tour of Sunderland day in summer, with bits of GNE and SNE here and there.

Something like:
1. Wheatsheaf - Silksworth (35)
2. Silksworth - Park Lane (42)
3. Park Lane - ASDA (38)
4. 10 minute walk down the road followed by Grangetown - Doxford Park (29)
5. Doxford Park - Chester Rd (39)
(Stagecoachey bit, which I'll miss out for you)
6. Chester Rd - City Centre (2A/2C/8/78/whatever)
7. City Centre - Boldon ASDA (29)
8. Boldon ASDA - Southwick Green (X36)
9. Southwick Green - Silksworth (99)
10. Silksworth - Wheatsheaf (35)

Down to personal preferences though.

(19 May 2014, 8:27 pm)Dan wrote I hadn't read you'd intended it to be on a Sunday, either!

Your most interesting Go North East services are probably your Stagecoach-style cross-city services... Likes of service 29, 35, 38, 39, 42 and 99.

I was going to find a way of getting on all of those services in one day to have a bit of a tour of Sunderland day in summer, with bits of GNE and SNE here and there.

Something like:
1. Wheatsheaf - Silksworth (35)
2. Silksworth - Park Lane (42)
3. Park Lane - ASDA (38)
4. 10 minute walk down the road followed by Grangetown - Doxford Park (29)
5. Doxford Park - Chester Rd (39)
(Stagecoachey bit, which I'll miss out for you)
6. Chester Rd - City Centre (2A/2C/8/78/whatever)
7. City Centre - Boldon ASDA (29)
8. Boldon ASDA - Southwick Green (X36)
9. Southwick Green - Silksworth (99)
10. Silksworth - Wheatsheaf (35)

Down to personal preferences though.

Cheers - Much appreciated:

Something like this then?

#1 1012 Churchill Street to Gateshead Interchange 1055
#X3 1109 Gateshead Interchange to Wheatsheaf 1140
#35A 1149 Wheatsheaf to Vicarage Farm Estate 1214
#42 1218 Vicarage Farm Estate to Park Lane Interchange 1240
#238 1249 Park Lane Interchange to Ryhope Village 1309
#39 1311 Ryhope Village to Doxford Park Shops 1320
#29 1325 Doxford Park Shops to Park Lane Interchange 1352
#2C 1353 Park Lane Interchange to Sunderland Royal Hospital 1359
#X36 1407 Park Lane Interchange to Southwick Green 1419
#99 1429 Southwick Green to Silksworth Sports Complex 1511
#35A 1515 Silksworth Sports Complex to Sunderland Interchange 1527
#9 1549 Sunderland Interchange to North Shields Centre 1644
#17 1657 North Shields Centre to Rosehill 1727

Sound any good?

(19 May 2014, 8:57 pm)Tom wrote Cheers - Much appreciated:

Something like this then?

#1 1012 Churchill Street to Gateshead Interchange 1055
#X3 1109 Gateshead Interchange to Wheatsheaf 1140
#35A 1149 Wheatsheaf to Vicarage Farm Estate 1214
#42 1218 Vicarage Farm Estate to Park Lane Interchange 1240
#238 1249 Park Lane Interchange to Ryhope Village 1309
#39 1311 Ryhope Village to Doxford Park Shops 1320
#29 1325 Doxford Park Shops to Park Lane Interchange 1352
#2C 1353 Park Lane Interchange to Sunderland Royal Hospital 1359
#X36 1407 Park Lane Interchange to Southwick Green 1419
#99 1429 Southwick Green to Silksworth Sports Complex 1511
#35A 1515 Silksworth Sports Complex to Sunderland Interchange 1527
#9 1549 Sunderland Interchange to North Shields Centre 1644
#17 1657 North Shields Centre to Rosehill 1727

Sound any good?

Sounds canny, but you are missing out a lot of North Sunderland.
The 29, 56 and x36 jump straight out.

(19 May 2014, 9:28 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Sounds canny, but you are missing out a lot of North Sunderland.
The 29, 56 and x36 jump straight out.

Any suggestions as to what I could change?

Had a bit of good fortune in Brighton this morning. Managed to photo X551 FBB and X504 WRG in their new homes

(20 May 2014, 6:51 am)Tom wrote Any suggestions as to what I could change?

Without looking at timetables, not sure.
There could be the option of jumping on say an x36 at Boldon Asda and coming past Bunny Hill.
Changing onto one of the local services around Downhill and a 56 in Southwick - getting back onto a 35a at Monkwearmouth to head upto Silksworth.

Going to go out today and I'll keep this thread updated with the buses I travel on - today is mainly for riding rather than photographing though.

Also, Marcus, clear your inbox and I'll try and send you a message RE: Meeting up. I'm not being rude or owt it's just that I can't contact you

(26 May 2014, 10:29 am)Tom wrote Going to go out today and I'll keep this thread updated with the buses I travel on - today is mainly for riding rather than photographing though.

Also, Marcus, clear your inbox and I'll try and send you a message RE: Meeting up. I'm not being rude or owt it's just that I can't contact you

Good luck. I tend not to bother with Sundays or Bank Holidays, as it takes three times as long to do the same route.

(26 May 2014, 10:29 am)Tom wrote Going to go out today and I'll keep this thread updated with the buses I travel on - today is mainly for riding rather than photographing though.

Also, Marcus, clear your inbox and I'll try and send you a message RE: Meeting up. I'm not being rude or owt it's just that I can't contact you

My trip was as follows:

#1A 1105 Churchill Street to North Shields Town Centre 1124 - GNE 5272
#9 1126 North Shields Town Centre to Jarrow Bus Station 1141 - GNE 5249
#27 1148 Jarrow Bus Station to Heworth Interchange 1311 - GNE 5328
#4 1327 Heworth Interchange to Concord Bus Station 1339 - GNE 5360
#X88 1349 Concord Bus Station to Metrocentre 1414 - GNE 6003
#67 1416 Metrocentre to Lobley Hill Road 1429 - GNE 8264
#96 1432 Lobley Hill Road to Gateshead Interchange 1439 - GNE 4948
Metro: 1450 Gateshead to Monument 1454 - Metrocars 4038/4064
Metro: 1503 Monument to Wallsend 1512 - Metrocars 4077/4025
#17A 1518 Wallsend to Rosehill 1525 - GNE 567

Was a decent day, however there seemed to be some problems with the 4 and M2/M2A. The M2 due at 1316 didn't turn up on time, and I passed it at Lingley Lane at about half past, so not sure what was the delay to the service?

On Metrocars 4038/4064 there were some new male announcements. These sound much better than the previous announcements, and they keep the regional accent whilst making sure it's clearly audible. There are formatted differently though as they say ''Next station is Monument, for Newcastle City Centre. Change for trains to Wallsend, St James and local bus services''. These are really good, however the only downside to them would be that they call Central Station ''Central'', as this could be confusing for visitors as they could thing it's the city centre.

Saturday's Explorer trip to Newcastle and South Northumberland

0743 ANE 6 Stillington - Stockton - MPD 1756
0843 GNE X10 Stockton - Newcastle - B9TL 6046
1003 ANE X18 Newcastle - Morpeth - E400 7511
1102 ANE 35 Morpeth - Ashington - E400 7521
1306 ANE X21 Ashington - Regent Centre - B7TL 7492
1453 TWM Regent Centre - South Gosforth - 4086/4063
1458 TWM South Gosforth - Four Lane Ends - 4089/4078
1539 ANE 55 Four Lane Ends - Newcastle - Solo 2842
1740 GNE X9 Newcastle - Billingham - B9TL 6071
1851 SOT 36 Billingham - Stockton - E300 24101
1914 SOT 59 Stockton - North Tees Hospital - ALX300 22471

Today's Explorer trip to Scarborough and Whitby
0743 ANE 6 Stillington - Middlesbrough - MPD 1753
0920 ANE X93 Middlesbrough - Scarborough - B7TL 7494
1315 ANE X93 Scarborough - Whitby - B7TL 7486
1650 ANE X93 Whitby - Middlesbrough - B7TL 7489
Then something from Middlesbrough to Norton for this evening's 500 Group Meeting

Was going to have a day out with Marcus, but not sure where you were?
I will keep it updated throughout the day.
#52 1133 Gateshead Intetchange to Wrekenton Bus Link 1151 - GNE 8333
Wrekenton Bus Link to Team Valley Sainsburys - GCT YT63TNX
#93 1216 Team Valley Sainsbury's to Gateshead 1238 - GNE 5224
#X66 1245 Gateshead to Metrocentre 1255 - GNE 4966
Lunch - had a KFC
#X22 1325 Metrocentre to Birtley 1345ish - GNE 6018
#28A 1351 Birtley to Ouston 1357 - GNE 4960
#34 1401 Outson to Chester-le-Steeet 1418 - GNE 8303
#50 1427 Chester-le-Street to Concord 1446 - GNE 5259
#M2 1451 Concord to Heworth 1503 - GNE 8260
#27 1505 Heworth to Gateshead 1517 - GNE 5318

(28 May 2014, 10:51 am)Tom wrote Was going to have a day out with Marcus, but not sure where you were?
I will keep it updated throughout the day.
#52 1133 Gateshead Intetchange to Wrekenton Bus Link 1151 - GNE 8333
Wrekenton Bus Link to Team Valley Sainsburys - GCT YT63TNX

I thought I sent you a PM?

(28 May 2014, 10:51 am)Tom wrote Was going to have a day out with Marcus, but not sure where you were?
I will keep it updated throughout the day.
#52 1133 Gateshead Intetchange to Wrekenton Bus Link 1151 - GNE 8333
Wrekenton Bus Link to Team Valley Sainsburys - GCT YT63TNX
#93 1216 Team Valley Sainsbury's to Gateshead 1238 - GNE 5224
#X66 1245 Gateshead to Metrocentre 1255 - GNE 4966
Lunch - had a KFC
#X22 1325 Metrocentre to Birtley 1345ish - GNE 6018
#28A 1351 Birtley to Ouston 1357 - GNE 4960
#34 1401 Outson to Chester-le-Steeet 1418 - GNE 8303
#50 1427 Chester-le-Street to Concord 1446 - GNE 5259
#M2 1451 Concord to Heworth 1503 - GNE 8260
#27 1505 Heworth to Gateshead 1517 - GNE 5318

GCT on the M25 must be new? Was still PCL Travel last I knew

(28 May 2014, 6:40 pm)tyresmoke wrote GCT on the M25 must be new? Was still PCL Travel last I knew

The driver said something like ''the blue bus had broken down'' to another passenger, so maybe it's on loan?

(28 May 2014, 7:18 pm)Tom wrote The driver said something like ''the blue bus had broken down'' to another passenger, so maybe it's on loan?

The blue bus was back in service later on. Saw it at Wrekenton at 1:30.

Looking to do a there and back in a day to Nottingham, for the Trent Barton stuff. Provisionally looking at the 1st or 2nd week in July if anyone is interested?

(30 May 2014, 1:14 pm)aureolin wrote Looking to do a there and back in a day to Nottingham, for the Trent Barton stuff. Provisionally looking at the 1st or 2nd week in July if anyone is interested?

Is there something going on, or are you just going for the photo's/ride about?

I am actually down that neck of the woods working on one of those weeks - week tbc

(30 May 2014, 1:26 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Is there something going on, or are you just going for the photo's/ride about?

I am actually down that neck of the woods working on one of those weeks - week tbc

Just for photos.

(30 May 2014, 1:14 pm)aureolin wrote Looking to do a there and back in a day to Nottingham, for the Trent Barton stuff. Provisionally looking at the 1st or 2nd week in July if anyone is interested?

Should go to London for the 60th Anniversary of Routemaster Rally Aureolin which is on the 12th/13th of July, I'm planning on going once I some money sorted.

(30 May 2014, 4:21 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Should go to London for the 60th Anniversary of Routemaster Rally Aureolin which is on the 12th/13th of July, I'm planning on going once I some money sorted.

I'm not massively a fan of routemasters to be honest. If I did go though I'd probably try the overnight coach.

(30 May 2014, 1:14 pm)aureolin wrote Looking to do a there and back in a day to Nottingham, for the Trent Barton stuff. Provisionally looking at the 1st or 2nd week in July if anyone is interested?

I've wanted to go down there for Trent Barton buses at some point. I'd probably go by train there and back one Saturday. I can probably go in one of those weeks if you're wanting company?

(30 May 2014, 4:36 pm)northern156 wrote I've wanted to go down there for Trent Barton buses at some point. I'd probably go by train there and back one Saturday. I can probably go in one of those weeks if you're wanting company?

I'm still not sure on dates for my work experience week (I really ought to ask), but I have been thinking about a trip to Nottingham for quite some time now.

How are you thinking about getting there?

(30 May 2014, 4:36 pm)northern156 wrote I've wanted to go down there for Trent Barton buses at some point. I'd probably go by train there and back one Saturday. I can probably go in one of those weeks if you're wanting company?

According to eezypeazy, there is one direct train from Carlisle to Nottingham per week. Cant remember what day of the week it is though.
Either way, going via Leeds from Carlisle would be the way forward.

The tram station is right on the railway station to take you into the town, otherwise the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre/Bus Station is just a short walk.

(30 May 2014, 4:44 pm)Dan wrote I'm still not sure on dates for my work experience week (I really ought to ask), but I have been thinking about a trip to Nottingham for quite some time now.

How are you thinking about getting there?

Probably the Cross Country service from Newcastle to Derby, get a Trent Barton day ticket at that point, and have a ride over Nottingham from there on. If two advance singles are cheap enough, I'd go for that, but if not, there's always the option of train there and National Express back.

(30 May 2014, 4:36 pm)northern156 wrote I've wanted to go down there for Trent Barton buses at some point. I'd probably go by train there and back one Saturday. I can probably go in one of those weeks if you're wanting company?

Saturday would work for me, and the more the merrier as far as I'm concerned.

(30 May 2014, 4:35 pm)aureolin wrote I'm not massively a fan of routemasters to be honest. If I did go though I'd probably try the overnight coach.

Yeah that was the one I was going to go for, Departs John Dobson Street at 01:40am, Arrives into London for 8am, Then Return on the Evening Departure which arrives back into Newcastle at 11pm. It would be a long day but I think it be Enjoyable.

(30 May 2014, 5:22 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Yeah that was the one I was going to go for, Departs John Dobson Street at 01:40am, Arrives into London for 8am, Then Return on the Evening Departure which arrives back into Newcastle at 11pm. It would be a long day but I think it be Enjoyable.

Probably better getting the earlier one. I think it leaves about half 11? You chance to get a good 6 or 7 hours sleep on that one.

(30 May 2014, 4:51 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote According to eezypeazy, there is one direct train from Carlisle to Nottingham per week. Cant remember what day of the week it is though.
Either way, going via Leeds from Carlisle would be the way forward.

The tram station is right on the railway station to take you into the town, otherwise the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre/Bus Station is just a short walk.

The direct train is on Sundays at 4pm ish. Even so, it goes to Leeds before waiting for 30 mins and then continuing on - if I was to do it that way, I would just go to Leeds then connect with another.

Easiest and fastest way for me is get the first 685 of the day to Haltwhistle, get the train to Newcastle (8am) then down to Grantham before changing again. I could get there for 11:30am ish according to National Rail Enquiries.

EDIT: Saturday 5th July is the Tour de France so I would rather not do that! Sat 12th isn't so that seems great to me?

(30 May 2014, 5:35 pm)northern156 wrote The direct train is on Sundays at 4pm ish. Even so, it goes to Leeds before waiting for 30 mins and then continuing on - if I was to do it that way, I would just go to Leeds then connect with another.

Easiest and fastest way for me is get the first 685 of the day to Haltwhistle, get the train to Newcastle (8am) then down to Grantham before changing again. I could get there for 11:30am ish according to National Rail Enquiries.

EDIT: Saturday 5th July is the Tour de France so I would rather not do that! Sat 12th isn't so that seems great to me?

Never looked at timetables to check if East Coast stop there more frequently on a weekend, but whenever I have done Nottingham via rail on a weekend, it always seems to be via Grantham - just like you said.
During the week, booking systems send me there with a change at Sheffield or Chesterfield.

(30 May 2014, 5:35 pm)northern156 wrote The direct train is on Sundays at 4pm ish. Even so, it goes to Leeds before waiting for 30 mins and then continuing on - if I was to do it that way, I would just go to Leeds then connect with another.

Easiest and fastest way for me is get the first 685 of the day to Haltwhistle, get the train to Newcastle (8am) then down to Grantham before changing again. I could get there for 11:30am ish according to National Rail Enquiries.

EDIT: Saturday 5th July is the Tour de France so I would rather not do that! Sat 12th isn't so that seems great to me?

Was thinking about doing the trip in two legs...

One from NCL to PBO on East Coast, staying in PBO for a bit for some photos.
Followed by PBO to NOT on East Midlands Trains.

Cost prohibitive though, I guess.