(29 Jun 2014, 10:41 am)Michael wrote If GNE do some advertising for the 700 running on a Sunday then i think it would do well, the Airshow weekend mainly.


I didn't even think about where it would based, does Peterlee do any other late runs?

Nexus' responsibility to advertise the service, I'd imagine. They did have an article on their website when the summer service was launched last year, if my memory serves... Have heard radio advertisements on Sun FM before too - mentioning 'little green hybrid buses' iirc, but I don't know who funded that.

Not sure on the other question - think someone mentioned before that they do an X35 already, but I'm sure when I photographed it, it was an SPD.

(29 Jun 2014, 10:46 am)Dan wrote Nexus' responsibility to advertise the service, I'd imagine. They did have an article on their website when the summer service was launched last year, if my memory serves... Have heard radio advertisements on Sun FM before too - mentioning 'little green hybrid buses' iirc, but I don't know who funded that.

Not sure on the other question - think someone mentioned before that they do an X35 already, but I'm sure when I photographed it, it was an SPD.

Might be the university, the 700 seems to be doing well, as we haven't had any massive changes to it.

oh right, more likely to be a Merc which does the run.

(29 Jun 2014, 10:03 am)Dan wrote I caught it up to Bishop. Have recently managed to get photos of an "Angel" B5LH with it as well as a "Pronto" B7TL.

Go North East: 6063 / NK62CKC by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

Go North East: 9131 / BF63HDC by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

I much prefer 9131 display compared to the scrolling of the Angel. Looking at the Angel's livery I'm beginning to like it less and less

(29 Jun 2014, 11:19 am)gtom wrote I much prefer 9131 display compared to the scrolling of the Angel. Looking at the Angel's livery I'm beginning to like it less and less

I'll admit the Angel's livery is pretty eyecatching, but after using the 21 every day, and using every of the branded vehicles dozens of times over, I must admit is does start to get boring.

(29 Jun 2014, 10:37 am)Dan wrote I'd imagine, given that it's terminating at Peterlee, that a Peterlee vehicle will be used? Most likely a Wear Tees Xpress Merc?

I can't see Peterlee operating it unless they want to use an MPD on it with it been an trail service. Only services ran by Peterlee are East Durham (expect 238) and WearTees Express.
The Peterlee bus would have to get from depot to Doxford. There's already a few fast cats which finish at Easington/Peterlee then just go NIS to Deptford. I think we'll see a Deptford vehicle used not sure on vehicle type though might just be usual allocation of Fast Cats Scania.

(29 Jun 2014, 11:53 am)Drifter60 wrote I can't see Peterlee operating it unless they want to use an MPD on it with it been an trail service. Only services ran by Peterlee are East Durham (expect 238) and WearTees Express.
The Peterlee bus would have to get from depot to Doxford. There's already a few fast cats which finish at Easington/Peterlee then just go NIS to Deptford. I think we'll see a Deptford vehicle used not sure on vehicle type though might just be usual allocation of Fast Cats Scania.

Looking at the timetables, it would seem irrational to use a "Wear Tees Xpress" branded Merc, as it would involve a 1hr 20m break for the driver at Peterlee Bus Station (with little to no resources available).

However, the 265 which departs Durham at 20:10 arrives at Hetton at 20:38. I don't think that this vehicle performs another service, so would presumably run light back to the depot from there.
Instead, I'd suggest that this vehicle would run light to Doxford Park from there (approx 5 miles, taking 10 minutes to run light there).
The driver would then have a more rational 20 minute layover in between, then performing the 21:10 X35 back to Peterlee. Providing the demand is there, it could work out more profitable to do that instead of running it back light from Hetton.

(29 Jun 2014, 12:04 pm)Dan wrote Looking at the timetables, it would seem irrational to use a "Wear Tees Xpress" branded Merc, as it would involve a 1hr 20m break for the driver at Peterlee Bus Station (with little to no resources available).

However, the 265 which departs Durham at 20:10 arrives at Hetton at 20:38. I don't think that this vehicle performs another service, so would presumably run light back to the depot from there.
Instead, I'd suggest that this vehicle would run light to Doxford Park from there (approx 5 miles, taking 10 minutes to run light there).
The driver would then have a more rational 20 minute layover in between, then performing the 21:10 X35 back to Peterlee. Providing the demand is there, it could work out more profitable to do that instead of running it back light from Hetton.

**Departs Seaham at 20:10 not Durham.
I do believe this bus just returns to depot, so in theory yes this vehicle could operate it. Seems logically.

On a different note, Go-Ahead's new financial year starts from today.

This means that operators in the Go-Ahead group, including Go North East, will soon finalize their orders for this financial year - hopefully meaning that the information regarding this year's orders will soon be confirmed.

(29 Jun 2014, 4:32 pm)Dan wrote On a different note, Go-Ahead's new financial year starts from today.

This means that operators in the Go-Ahead group, including Go North East, will soon finalize their orders for this financial year - hopefully meaning that the information regarding this year's orders will soon be confirmed.

Finally! Although most have been speculated - I can't wait for the finalised order to be revealed!

(29 Jun 2014, 4:35 pm)Marcus wrote Finally! Although most have been speculated - I can't wait for the finalised order to be revealed!

Leading on from this. Does anybody actually know when the orders do get revealed?

(29 Jun 2014, 5:13 pm)Robert wrote Leading on from this. Does anybody actually know when the orders do get revealed?

It's hard to say.
Last year the confirmed orders were leaked via a photograph of a noticeboard - and I don't think GNE were too happy about it.

It would surprise me if one of our GNE insiders didn't "give it a way", so to speak, soon after the orders are confirmed.

(29 Jun 2014, 3:38 pm)Drifter60 wrote **Departs Seaham at 20:10 not Durham.
I do believe this bus just returns to depot, so in theory yes this vehicle could operate it. Seems logically.

Another trip on X35 is at 2027 from Peterlee to Houghton arriving 2056, so it looks like Peterlee will run the 2108 from Doxford.

6072 just seen on TEN heading east through Corbridge - split/scrolling rear destination blind with destination scrolling alongside stationary route number.

Note:- this is a small square blind - not a wide one:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/14115924124/

(29 Jun 2014, 5:59 pm)G-CPTN wrote 6072 just seen on TEN heading east through Corbridge - split/scrolling rear destination blind with destination scrolling alongside stationary route number.

Note:- this is a small square blind - not a wide one:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/14115924124/

I've been seeing this more and more often with GNE recently; I don't think it looks smart at all.

(29 Jun 2014, 6:39 pm)northern156 wrote I've been seeing this more and more often with GNE recently; I don't think it looks smart at all.

It hasn't been purposely done, as far as I know.
If you see any like that, grab a shot and put it on here.

For reference, the attached is what it looks like:

I metioned something similar the other day 551(north tyne links) has now gained fat digits opposed to the thin ones i just assumed it was for partially blind people

Fleet news: (quite early!)

Volvo Olympian 3826: S826 OFT, B10BLEs 4848: R848 PRG and 4849: R849 PRG, SPDs 8220: V220 ERG and 8228: X228 FBB have been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Volvo B10BLE 4840: R112 SBD, Volvo B10M 7060: N760 RCU and SPD 8229: X229 FBB have been sold to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.

(30 Jun 2014, 8:25 am)Michael wrote Fleet news: (quite early!)

Volvo Olympian 3826: S826 OFT, B10BLEs 4848: R848 PRG and 4849: R849 PRG, SPDs 8220: V220 ERG and 8228: X228 FBB have been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Volvo B10BLE 4840: R112 SBD, Volvo B10M 7060: N760 RCU and SPD 8229: X229 FBB have been sold to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.

And unless they were collected yesterday, the information has also been added early before their collection!

I managed to get 4848/49 two days before their collection (which has happened)...
Go North East: 4848 / R848PRG by danielgrahamm, on Flickr
Go North East: 4849 / R849PRG by danielgrahamm, on Flickr


and I also managed to get the rest of 'em at Hexham on Saturday too.
Go North East: "Hexham Death Row" by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

Eh.. luck!


For reference, I'd assume that 3826 gained 3821's engine, otherwise it couldn't have been sold to Ensign.

Had a brief ride on 9131 and wasn't very impressed. Didn't help that I almost caught my head on the bus stopping screen upstairs. It looks like it's been placed as an afterthought, and the fix (bit of cushioning and acrylic to bond it) just looks messy and ridiculous for a brand new bus. Ride quality is poor imo too. Lots of rattles and seats guaranteed for a numb backside.

Over-night closure of A19 Downhill Lane overbridge

Date: 30 Jun 2014

It has now been confirmed that the road and lane closures due to work on the above junction will only take place between 7.30pm and 5.30am on Monday to Friday nights only.

Consequently, only the evening Service 56 will be affected and will be diverted to operate between Sulgrave and Hylton Castle via Spire Road, A1231 Sunderland Highway, Wessington Way and Ferryboat Lane in both directions.

This will mean that we will be unable to serve Washington Road, Severn Houses or Nissan on Monday to Friday evenings after 19:30 and before 05:30 the following morning from Monday 14th July until at least late November.

There may be occasions when full day daytime closures for resurfacing will be required, which will take place towards the end of the contract, but these will be notified when these dates are made known.

(30 Jun 2014, 11:03 am)aureolin wrote Had a brief ride on 9131 and wasn't very impressed. Didn't help that I almost caught my head on the bus stopping screen upstairs. It looks like it's been placed as an afterthought, and the fix (bit of cushioning and acrylic to bond it) just looks messy and ridiculous for a brand new bus. Ride quality is poor imo too. Lots of rattles and seats guaranteed for a numb backside.

Yes, I forgot to mention that .... and I actually did knock my head on it. It's far too big (the Stopping sign, not necessarily my head!)

The following vehicles have now arrived at Saltmeadows for repaint:

- Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 3963 (NK06 JXD), into corporate livery.
- Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 4899 (V989 ETN), into corporate livery.
- Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 4975 (NK53 UOB), into a plain black base livery.

(30 Jun 2014, 6:15 pm)Dan wrote The following vehicles have now arrived at Saltmeadows for repaint:

- Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 3963 (NK06 JXD), into corporate livery.
- Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 4899 (V989 ETN), into corporate livery.
- Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 4975 (NK53 UOB), into a plain black base livery.

8338 was parked up next to 3963 today. Probably just routine or something, as it didn't seem to be getting worked on

(30 Jun 2014, 6:22 pm)aureolin wrote 8338 was parked up next to 3963 today. Probably just routine or something, as it didn't seem to be getting worked on

It was there getting a broken window replaced.

(30 Jun 2014, 6:15 pm)Dan wrote The following vehicles have now arrived at Saltmeadows for repaint:

- Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 3963 (NK06 JXD), into corporate livery.
- Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 4899 (V989 ETN), into corporate livery.
- Scania L94UB/Wright Solar 4975 (NK53 UOB), into a plain black base livery.

Cheers for the update Dan

(30 Jun 2014, 6:32 pm)Michael wrote Cheers for the update Dan

My pleasure, and I've updated the fleet lists accordingly too.

When buses are repainted, do they remove the existing paint (stripper or sanding) or merely 'flat' the surface?

(30 Jun 2014, 6:46 pm)G-CPTN wrote When buses are repainted, do they remove the existing paint (stripper or sanding) or merely 'flat' the surface?

Prior to paint; all vinyls are removed, any damaged panels are replaced, and the vehicle is sanded.

The preparation typically takes a day, with the painting also taking a day. Depending on the other work Saltmeadows has, it can sometimes take another day.

While on the topic of repaints. I have been thinking of ways that Go North East could have saved money recently with the whole 'trying to make the TTX more reliable' topic.

Basically, instead of repaining 3941 why could they not have just swapped 3941 and 3942 over and just repaint 3963 so there would still be the 3 buses at Riverside that match the intentions of repainting the 2 geminis red only 1 carries Metroradio advertising. This way its more convenient for passengers as when 3941 is required on a daily basis (i know it will be 3942 but going off the scenario i am putting forward) people will be able to tell that its a TEN service as its a TEN branded vehicle rather than a Metroradio vehicle which as far as the passengers concerned could be on any service. It would also save Go North East money on repaints as only 1 vehicle (3963) would have to be repainted rather than 2.

(30 Jun 2014, 6:54 pm)Robert wrote While on the topic of repaints. I have been thinking of ways that Go North East could have saved money recently with the whole 'trying to make the TTX more reliable' topic.

Basically, instead of repaining 3941 why could they not have just swapped 3941 and 3942 over and just repaint 3963 so there would still be the 3 buses at Riverside that match the intentions of repainting the 2 geminis red only 1 carries Metroradio advertising. This way its more convenient for passengers as when 3941 is required on a daily basis (i know it will be 3942 but going off the scenario i am putting forward) people will be able to tell that its a TEN service as its a TEN branded vehicle rather than a Metroradio vehicle which as far as the passengers concerned could be on any service. It would also save Go North East money on repaints as only 1 vehicle (3963) would have to be repainted rather than 2.

It's possible that 3942 could be repainted too?

As it'll become required as per the PVR of the TEN, I can't see why they wouldn't repaint it and brand it so it's more like the B9TLs - instead of the cheaper version it previously carried.