Couldn't find any other threads relating to the rally at the MetroCentre on Monday the 4th May. Rather than clog up the ''Bus Related Outings & Reviews'' and ''Latest'' threads with information, I figured we could do with one. 

Post any news regarding the rally below.

The only news that I've got is:- not going...

I'll be there. Unless I come down with something else between now and then!

It'll be interesting to see what's out this season. Hopefully I'll be surprised by something, but if not, it's always nice to see some of our regions preserved vehicles after a long winter.

(02 May 2015, 7:40 pm)aureolin wrote I'll be there. Unless I come down with something else between now and then!

It'll be interesting to see what's out this season. Hopefully I'll be surprised by something, but if not, it's always nice to see some of our regions preserved vehicles after a long winter.

How are getting there aureolin if you do go.

Confirmed preserved vehicles (which I would say are rather notable in the region!) that will be attending are;

• Former Go North East Leyland National Mk2 4710 (FTN710W)
• Former Go North East Volvo Olympian 3833 (S833 OFT)
• Former Northern General MCW Metrobus 3501 (UTN501Y)

(02 May 2015, 7:50 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Confirmed preserved vehicles (which I would say are rather notable in the region!) that will be attending are;

• Former Go North East Leyland National Mk2 4710 (FTN710W)
• Former Go North East Volvo Olympian 3833 (S833 OFT)
• Former Northern General MCW Metrobus 3501 (UTN501Y)

All 3 of which and more have been listed on the NEBPT website for a few weeks: http://www.nebpt.co.uk/index.asp?pg=3&event=527

You can add the First Leeds preserved Royale to the list too. More info in the outings thread.

[quote='MarcTheA4' pid='102862' dateline='1430596201']

Confirmed preserved vehicles (which I would say are rather notable in the region!) that will be attending are;

• Former Go North East Leyland National Mk2 4710 (FTN710W)
• Former Go North East Volvo Olympian 3833 (S833 OFT)
• Former Northern General MCW Metrobus 3501 (UTN501Y)


They will make for a good opportunities.

Well, some surprises..................

Of course, the 500 Group are entering as normal, this year with Bristol VR H106 making its MetroCentre debut.



And another new entry into the North East preserved scene is ex-Plymouth Leyland Atlantean TBK196K which only arrived in the area last weekend and yet make an unannounced appearance at the Teesside Running Day to the delights of the majority.

(02 May 2015, 8:00 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Well, some surprises..................

Of course, the 500 Group are entering as normal, this year with Bristol VR H106 making its MetroCentre debut.



And another new entry into the North East preserved scene is ex-Plymouth Leyland Atlantean TBK196K which only arrived in the area last weekend and yet make an unannounced appearance at the Teesside Running Day to the delights of the majority.

Is the fleetline coming up as normal?

(02 May 2015, 8:04 pm)Robert wrote Is the fleetline coming up as normal?

L544? That won't be seen at rallies again for a good number of years.................................

(02 May 2015, 8:00 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Well, some surprises..................

Of course, the 500 Group are entering as normal, this year with Bristol VR H106 making its MetroCentre debut.



And another new entry into the North East preserved scene is ex-Plymouth Leyland Atlantean TBK196K which only arrived in the area last weekend and yet make an unannounced appearance at the Teesside Running Day to the delights of the majority.

You sure the Atlantean only arrived last weekend? It was owned by Pygalls previously

(02 May 2015, 8:06 pm)Kuyoyo wrote L544? That won't be seen at rallies again for a good number of years.................................

Yes. Whats happened to it? Cant really say i follow the preserved bus scene too well.

I ought to add, it was confirmed on Go North East's Facebook that they would be in attendance. Sure it mentioned something to do with new vehicles iirc?

(02 May 2015, 7:48 pm)Malarkey wrote How are getting there aureolin if you do go.

Probs that same X88 as you, unless I go through earlier!

(02 May 2015, 8:09 pm)Robert wrote Yes. Whats happened to it? Cant really say i follow the preserved bus scene too well.

Major work required on the rear end of the chassis. As well know, all vehicles have a shelf life - normally 15 years - and L544 has outlived that by 27 years (it was new to Teesside Municipal Transport in April/May 1973, a year before it was renamed Cleveland Transit). It worked until 1989 (16 years) and was immediately saved for the 500 Group - and it has had next to no work done to it since then (it hasn't even been repainted since then). It was originally planned for both H106 and L544 to be active for the 2015 Rally season as a fail safe however last November ended that when its MOT was stopped due to the discovery. It was going to be stepped down at the end of this year anyway to wait its turn in the restoration queue behind our fourth vehicle, Leyland PD2 H240 (JVN 40E).

(02 May 2015, 8:33 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Major work required on the rear end of the chassis. As well know, all vehicles have a shelf life - normally 15 years - and L544 has outlived that by 27 years (it was new to Teesside Municipal Transport in April/May 1973, a year before it was renamed Cleveland Transit). It worked until 1989 (16 years) and was immediately saved for the 500 Group - and it has had next to no work done to it since then (it hasn't even been repainted since then). It was originally planned for both H106 and L544 to be active for the 2015 Rally season as a fail safe however last November ended that when its MOT was stopped due to the discovery. It was going to be stepped down at the end of this year anyway to wait its turn in the restoration queue behind our fourth vehicle, Leyland PD2 H240 (JVN 40E).

Rather sad can always remember if I went to a rally L544 would be there.

In terms of what goes to the rally, what does anyone hope to see from ''the big three''?

I'd like to see Stagecoach make an effort this year, for some reason last year didn't feel complete, having only Go North East and Arriva in attendance, perhaps they could send some of their latest stuff? - I know they've been about for a while now, but maybe a Gas?

From Arriva, I'd like to see a ''MAX'' DB300 branded for the X12 make an appearance, and possibly one of the Enviro200s that was purchased for the 64 in Durham. As for Go North East, I'd love one or two of the new vehicles attend.

Im not to fussed if Stagecoach dont attend. I think the fleet is quite boring so dont bother following them. Id like to see a MAX and Sapphire vehicle plus a new GNE vehicle of some sort. Will be interesting to see if Howard Snaith attend taking the verdict of the recent trial into account.

(02 May 2015, 9:51 pm)Robert wrote Im not to fussed if Stagecoach dont attend. I think the fleet is quite boring so dont bother following them. Id like to see a MAX and Sapphire vehicle plus a new GNE vehicle of some sort. Will be interesting to see if Howard Snaith attend taking the verdict of the recent trial into account.

I didn't think Stagecoach ever attended

(02 May 2015, 9:58 pm)Davie wrote I didn't think Stagecoach ever attended

Yes I remember them bringing 2 or 3 vehicles a few years ago including a hybrid from Walkergate

(02 May 2015, 10:13 pm)tyresmoke wrote Yes I remember them bringing 2 or 3 vehicles a few years ago including a hybrid from Walkergate

They took 12084/12086 and 27740 in 2012 and havent taken anything since.

Would be good if gne sent 4855 before it goes for preservation and a new coast & country streetlite. I'd presume the lime vehicles have now been withdrawn if as we expect the streetlites enter service tomorrow.

(02 May 2015, 10:51 pm)nk55 wrote Would be good if gne sent 4855 before it goes for preservation and a new coast & country streetlite. I'd presume the lime vehicles have now been withdrawn if as we expect the streetlites enter service tomorrow.

With Chester-le-Street only operating one board on Sunday services, which is what we have for another 2 days, I think it's safe to say that 4853-55 have been withdrawn... I imagine Chester-le-Street's full Streetlite allocation could consequently enter service on Tuesday then? Just a theory.

Pleased I got a photo of 4855 today, could well be it's last day in public service. Would like to see a ''Lime'' on Monday, it's got nothing better to do!

Must admit i'm pretty gutted chesters B10s are going, best bus i've ever driven......but times move on and i'm looking forward to the streetlites entering service and the omnidekkas, if of course we get any.

I intend to be at the coach park for around 09:00-09:30, so I'll post in here what there is to show in the morning, providing nobody beats me to it....

It doesn't start until 10...i would never dream of getting there before or within the first hour of it starting. Prefer to let everything get there but whatever floats your boat i guess  

(03 May 2015, 9:06 pm)Robert wrote It doesn't start until 10...i would never dream of getting there before or within the first hour of it starting. Prefer to let everything get there but whatever floats your boat i guess  

I disagree, got some fab shots of the vehicles arriving and parking up last year!

I should be there 1020 ish, hitching a lift on F805FAO.

Busways 268 is first to arrive.
Busways 111 next followed by smk686f
Economic Ypt796
Gne 5398
Kingsley's R78vvp
Venture 249
Busways 1723
Big LEMON K779DAO
Aline CUI20
Howard Snaith Yn10adx
Gne 563
Pte 290
Gbb 516K
Gne 4949
Northern 4710
Scarlet band K719asc
P545pne
Rayners yc02dhv
Tbk196k

Well I have got off to a bad start, left the house a bit later than I should have and ended up running part of the way to the
bus stop to make sure I definitely caught it otherwise I'd have 50 minutes wait for the next journey.

Also rather disappointingly the 7 is a Pulsar which no doubt will cause capacity problems today and I don't if it's because I am out earlier than normal but the next stop announcements sounds louder than normal.

If you see me today feel free to say hello to me, I have made it rather easy to spot me with my choice of Polo Shirt today.

I will have purple/red tracker bottoms a green hoodie which if it's cold it will be covered by a black coat with a umbro back pack.