(30 May 2015, 9:49 pm)Tom wrote Cheers, I might risk it then. If not I can get a Red Kite.

Either way you will get a Streetlite. Win win i suppose.

Haven't been doing reviews much in the last few weeks as I haven't been that many interesting places or on many interesting buses so I'll give you a review for todays outing.

Following the discovery of Scarlet Band's "The Pink Bus" being debranded I thought I'd see what was out on the peak time only 16A Newton Aycliffe - Darlington but left the house a bit late so had to head to Burnhill Way to see what turned up, it was one of the ex Rossendale Solos this morning but sadly failed to get a photo as a cyclist was coming down the road at the same point as the 16A so I didn't get the shot, so I just crossed the road for my 7 to Durham.

0844 7 Newton Aycliffe, Burnhill Way - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1522)
Was hoping for an Enviro I'll be honest this morning but as it was a Belmont run this is what I ended up with. Only one other passenger on-board plus another Arriva driver when I got on. As you may have seen earlier in the Arriva Latest thread at the traffic lights at Nevilles Cross where the 7 turns right to head down towards Durham Bus Station the lights for straight on were green and we were going right meaning the bus went through the light on red and it wasn't just a few seconds before it turned green I mean it was red and straight on light was green throughout this illegal turn, thankfully nothing was coming the other way as if there had been it would have smashed straight into it. So thank you stupid moron for making an illegal move and putting your passengers lives at risk I will be complaining as this should not be happening as I don't know about the rest of you but dying is not something I want to be part of my outing today

0941 128 Durham Railway Station - Beamish Museum (GNE 4897)
Decided to get the 128 from the train station as I had no idea what was going to turn up as I thought the spare StreetLite's would be required on the Red Kites so was slightly worried a Solo SR was going to turn up but thankfully I got to see this turn up although the driver took a wrong turn and ended up going in the car park. After reversing out of the car park it came to the bus stop (after some more reversing as it is too big to swing straight round onto the stop. Me and another guy boarded here, the guy was asking some questions about my camera nothing bad just how I use it, settings etc. Glad I boarded at the Railway Station as a fair few boarded the bus in Durham Bus Station and another family jumped on at Millburngate. An OAP boarded in Sacriston and got off a few stops later. Quite enjoyed my ride on this probably enjoyed this more than the usual allocation of the StreetLite especially as the B10s probably don't have much longer left. Unfortunately the 128 was late and we ended up arriving at Beamish Museum just as the 28 was pulling out, damn! so I had to wait 30 minutes for the 28A to Newcastle.

Got a shot of 128 leaving Beamish Museum (on my Flickr) and walked up the hill leaving the Museum and I didn't complain about it unlike some on here Most of the photos I took weren't great hence why they didn't make it onto Flickr.

1050 28A Beamish Crossings - Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station (GNE 4959)
After having to kill half an hour after missing the 28 I got this and the last passenger on-board got off at this stop so I got my pick of seats on the bus so I ended up picking the seats with the backwards facing seats facing towards you. I thought we were never going to get out of that junction at Pelton, we must have been there a good 2-3 minutes before we got through. The bus started to fill up as we got closer to Newcastle and I felt my seat selection was a bit of a mistake as three men who seemed to be rugby fans sat with me although this actually didn't bother me too much as they weren't bothering me or anything. Just after we left Gateshead Interchange I saw Yellow Bus Olympian 3825 which annoyed me, then I checked my phone to see Marcus had sent me a PM saying that 3825 was on the X70. I then jumped off the 28A in Eldon Square and headed some provisions (Greggs corned beef pasty and a bottle of Pepsi and a bottle of 7Up in Poundland).

After lunch I got a few photos on Percy Street by the bridge thing but the sun wasn't best here so I decided to head up to where buses enter Haymarket Bus Station for some photos and thankfully MAX X14 Omnicity 4659 turned up not long after I got here which made me happy as I haven't got any of Ashington's Omnicitys and was especially happy for it to be this one as it is now X14 branded rather than X15 branded. Took a few more photos before spotting something yellow...

1230 X70 Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station - Gateshead Interchange (GNE 3822)
I headed to Eldon Square to catch this so I took my place in the queue and Marcus appeared behind me so we both jumped on this. As mentioned in Marcus' review we started talking and ended up talking about Olympians and this kid with his mam herd us and gathered Marcus was an enthusiast, he started asking if there was any Olympains out today and Marcus gave him the whereabouts of 3825 and he started talking to him and he asked if he was Marcus and then Marcus pointed me out to him. Before we knew it we were at Gateshead where Marcus was going to depart the bus along with the kid and his mam so because 3825 was possibly going to be on the 1400 X71 from Newcastle and as I only had 3822 last Monday I decided that I'd also jump ship at Gateshead.

We headed to the other side of the Interchange to get a bus back into Newcastle where we were going to get a Lolyne on the X30/X31 but there was a woman with I think it was a pushchair who ended up talking to the driver and we got bored of waiting for her to get off so we got the X12.

1243 X12 Gateshead Interchange - Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station (ANE 1442)
Not a great deal to say about this journey just the conversations continued and before we knew it we were back in Newcastle.

1300 43 Newcastle, Haymarket Bus Station - Regent Centre (ANE 4520)
Headed to the Haymarket looking to get something up to Regent Centre and this was in so we got this which was a good call as I have never been on one of Arriva's examples before so it was nice to finally get a ride on one. Quite a nice bus and I enjoyed my short journey on this and continued to chat amongst ourselves until we reached Regent Centre.

1315 X15 Regent Centre - Newcastle, Haymarket Bus Station (ANE 7511)
This was the first thing that turned up heading back to Newcastle so me and Marcus jumped on this while the kid John I think his name was waited for something else, it's a while since I have been on a 57 reg Enviro 400 so was actually kind of pleased to get this. Continued to talk to talk to Marcus about things including the interior and what many peoples reactions to the interior would be. I think I saw one of the refurbished Sapphire Enviro 400's on the X18 go past in the opposite direction. Didn't think this example was that bad.

When we got back to Newcastle we hung around Haymarket for a bit and then tried to get a few photos although they didn't turn out great. We then headed back over to Eldon Square so Marcus could wait for the X12 back to Chester and so I could wait for the X71, the kid came back just as Marcus was about to get on the X12 so I said bye to Marcus and saw my X71 pulling in so me along with John? jumped on that.

1400 X71 Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station - Consett Bus Station (GNE 3825)
3825 was indeed still on the X71 so I jumped on-board and got the front seat with all the leg room and the kid also joined me on this journey although he got off in Gateshead. I continued onto Consett on this and we got stuck in traffic somewhere along the route. Quite enjoyed this journey although there was a slight squeaking noise which was a little annoying but other than that it was alright although it wasn't the fastest of Volvo Olympians I have been on it had to be said.

Hovered around Consett Bus Station and I was going to see what turned up on the 1515 15 to Durham but waited and waited and was beginning to think it wasn't going to turn up until finally at around 1535 the 15A appeared and was a Yellow Bus too, it pulled onto the stand nearest the entrence and let all the passengers off and sat there for a few minutes before pulling onto the stand.

1545 15 Consett Bus Station - Durham Bus Station (GNE 3831)
Half an hour late but I was not too bothered as it was a Volvo Olympian. Was actually even happier as it was on the 15 as I have not done the 15 to/from Consett before I don't think apart from the other week when a President would do a top speed of 15mph and the driver threw in the towel at Lanchester although we didn't actually do the whole 15 route this afternoon as there apparently was a serious RTC according to Go North East's Facebook page which closed much of the road towards Lanchester so we got diverted which gave something even more special to the journey. I loved this bus was very quick this one I thought especially on the road from Lanchester to Durham so far it has to be my favourite Go North East Volvo Olympian and was sad to have to get off in Durham although I had to as it left Not in Service once we got to Durham. A total WTF moment was when I saw a Diamond Citaro go past in the opposite direction on the 15 near Witton Gilbert.

Spent some what must be said a rather long time in Durham getting photos as I was waiting for 1595 on the X12 and hoping the Diamond Ciatro would come back on the 15/15A but sadly it didn't. Annoyingly I missed 1425 on service 7 in Durham so I was trying to figure out where it would be and when.

1752 7 Durham Bus Station - Chilton (ANE 1516)
Jumped on this and tried to work out where 1425 would be for a photo of it. Not much else of interest to say as it was nice ride as usual and got a bit of a thrash in places and got off in Chilton for a photo of 1425.

I made an error and the journey I thought 1425 was on was actually an Enviro. Annoying the camera ended up in manual focus mode which meant the shot I took was very blurry and annoying the service I tried to snap was the evening service 35A operated by Scarlet Band which I don't think I've ever seen any photos of the service on Flickr so I am gutted to have failed to get that, guess I'll have to get it again some other time. 1425 turned out to be on the journey behind the one I thought it was on and thankfully got a photo of it.

1838 7 Chilton Library - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 1514)
Third 7 I've been on today and annoyingly another Pulsar, I do like the Sapphire 7 Pulsars but I do get sick of riding them all of the time so do hope to get an Enviro especially as I had Pulsars yesterday too. Not a great deal to say nice enjoyable journey browsed the WiFi and before I knew it I was at my stop.

Well I spent far too long typing this review so I hope you made it to the end as it is incredibly long, was good to see Marcus again and is always good to meet a new face.

Hope you enjoyed reading and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend, I am going to spend the remainder of mine with cramps in my wrist after typing this and Flickr descriptions

I really don't believe you, Marcus - you decide to venture out and get an All Zones Arriva day ticket yet still get confined to bloody Regent Centre!!!

(30 May 2015, 9:35 pm)Tom wrote Aye I will.

Not too bad as I've never been on a Coast & Country yet.

Them Streetlites are amazing ride and a pleasure to travel on nice leather seats and also there the best ride ever 

(30 May 2015, 10:04 pm)Jimmi wrote As you may have seen earlier in the Arriva Latest thread at the traffic lights at Nevilles Cross where the 7 turns right to head down towards Durham Bus Station the lights for straight on were green and we were going right meaning the bus went through the light on red and it wasn't just a few seconds before it turned green I mean it was red and straight on light was green throughout this illegal turn, thankfully nothing was coming the other way as if there had been it would have smashed straight into it. So thank you stupid moron for making an illegal move and putting your passengers lives at risk I will be complaining as this should not be happening as I don't know about the rest of you but dying is not something I want to be part of my outing today

So the 'main' light was on green but the filter (right arrow) was not showing any aspect? If so this is legal, the filter light only gives you priority when other conflicting traffic has stopped. You can pass it unlit as long as you give way.

A green traffic filter light allows traffic to proceed in the direction of the arrow. A directional green filter arrow means that you have priority over traffic as their lights will be on red when you make the turn. As with all junctions be aware of pedestrians and cyclists whilst making the turn. Just because you have priority, there is a possibility of another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian crossing or being where they shouldn’t be.

GREEN FILTER LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATED

If turning right and your green filter light is not illuminated or it distinguishes, you can still proceed providing the full phase green light is illuminated. You must however give way to oncoming vehicles and wait at the point of turn. 

http://www.drivingtesttips.biz/traffic-l...uence.html

177

Green filter arrow. This indicates a filter lane only. Do not enter that lane unless you want to go in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed in the direction of the green arrow when it, or the full green light shows. Give other traffic, especially cyclists, time and room to move into the correct lane.

https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to...170-to-183

(31 May 2015, 11:05 am)northern156 wrote So the 'main' light was on green but the filter (right arrow) was not showing any aspect? If so this is legal, the filter light only gives you priority when other conflicting traffic has stopped. You can pass it unlit as long as you give way.

http://www.drivingtesttips.biz/traffic-l...uence.html

https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to...170-to-183

When the main straight across lights are on green, the right turn lane lights are on red. Its after the straight ahead lights are on red that the right turns (for both directions) turn green.

(31 May 2015, 11:10 am)Robert wrote When the main straight across lights are on green, the right turn lane lights are on red. Its after the straight ahead lights are on red that the right turns (for both directions) turn green.

Ah very fair then, if you have a filter light actually showing red you don't pass it. Misunderstood Jimmi's post, apologies!

(31 May 2015, 11:12 am)northern156 wrote Ah very fair then, if you have a filter light actually showing red you don't pass it. Misunderstood Jimmi's post, apologies!

No problem. I understand what you mean and its actually different to most traffic systems like that - especially as i think the other 2 (going towards Crook and Durham) are the basic "if the road is clear you can turn right".

(31 May 2015, 11:12 am)northern156 wrote Ah very fair then, if you have a filter light actually showing red you don't pass it. Misunderstood Jimmi's post, apologies!

Yeah straight on only on green at the time.

This obviously was an illegal move given that I go through that junction on a regular basis and before yesterday I have only seen someone go through these lights on Red once and that was some chavs in a little Citroën or something like that.

It's difficult to explain as I doubt you will have been through that junction much before apart from the odd outing and I am not brilliant at explaining things.

I presume you mean this one? https://goo.gl/maps/7ulRl

If so I see exactly what you mean, my apologies.

(31 May 2015, 11:26 am)Jimmi wrote Yeah straight on only on green at the time.

This obviously was an illegal move given that I go through that junction on a regular basis and before yesterday I have only seen someone go through these lights on Red once and that was some chavs in a little Citroën or something like that.

It's difficult to explain as I doubt you will have been through that junction much before apart from the odd outing and I am not brilliant at explaining things.

In a nutshell (Darkest shade is the light that is illuminated):

---

(31 May 2015, 11:36 am)northern156 wrote I presume you mean this one? https://goo.gl/maps/7ulRl

If so I see exactly what you mean, my apologies.

Yep thats the one he means.

(31 May 2015, 11:36 am)northern156 wrote I presume you mean this one? https://goo.gl/maps/7ulRl

If so I see exactly what you mean, my apologies.

Yep that's the one.

What do you think would be quicker to Middlesbrough from Lambton.

A 2, 50, 82 or 82A from Lambton to The Galleries, Then the 4 to Heworth followed by the X9/X10 to Middlesbrough, Or alternatively the 50 from Lambton to CLS or Durham followed by the X12 to Middlesbrough, Just thinking about doing another Explorer Trip out in the next few weeks to Whitby & Scarborough.

(31 May 2015, 1:59 pm)Malarkey wrote What do you think would be quicker to Middlesbrough from Lambton.

A 2, 50, 82 or 82A from Lambton to The Galleries, Then the 4 to Heworth followed by the X9/X10 to Middlesbrough, Or alternatively the 50 from Lambton to CLS or Durham followed by the X12 to Middlesbrough, Just thinking about doing another Explorer Trip out in the next few weeks to Whitby & Scarborough.

Couple of other options: Bus to Sunderland and then an X7 or the alternative to Peterlee and something from there.
You also have the train from Sunderland, but at extra expense.

Or, Newcastle and an X9/10?

(31 May 2015, 1:59 pm)Malarkey wrote What do you think would be quicker to Middlesbrough from Lambton.

A 2, 50, 82 or 82A from Lambton to The Galleries, Then the 4 to Heworth followed by the X9/X10 to Middlesbrough, Or alternatively the 50 from Lambton to CLS or Durham followed by the X12 to Middlesbrough, Just thinking about doing another Explorer Trip out in the next few weeks to Whitby & Scarborough.

Google Maps is saying via Heworth and then over on the X9 or X10 (X10 taking 10 mins less) is the best way at 1h47m.
https://goo.gl/maps/MUU4K

The other way you could do it is going over to Sunderland on whichever bus route serves Washington - Sunderland this time (I'm clueless about that route!) then go to Peterlee before getting on the X9. Or if you like Citaros just do the X7 all the way.

(31 May 2015, 2:45 pm)Andreos1 wrote Couple of other options: Bus to Sunderland and then an X7 or the alternative to Peterlee and something from there.
You also have the train from Sunderland, but at extra expense.

Or, Newcastle and an X9/10?

(31 May 2015, 2:46 pm)northern156 wrote Google Maps is saying via Heworth and then over on the X9 or X10 (X10 taking 10 mins less) is the best way at 1h47m.
https://goo.gl/maps/MUU4K

The other way you could do it is going over to Sunderland on whichever bus route serves Washington - Sunderland this time (I'm clueless about that route!) then go to Peterlee before getting on the X9. Or if you like Citaros just do the X7 all the way.

I was wondering as an alternative instead of getting the X9/X10 like I usually do when I head that way, and to make any trip that way look a lot more intriguing, it appears the X12 takes just over an Hour from Durham, but as I am possibly going to aim to catch the 08:50 X93 from Middlesbrough, then I will likely get the X9/X10 instead and then pray some idiot doesnt crash there car on the A19 causing tailbacks, lengthy diversions and delays to service.

Was also thinking of possibly getting an EYMS Day Ticket for £4.20 and have a ride out to East Ayton/Seamer on Services 8/64 & 128 along with the P&R Services around Scarborough, then start heading back home dropping off at Whitby on the way, was also thinking of maybe getting the X7 to Peterlee, followed by one of the Arriva Services to Sunderland then the 2 back home just to mix it up a bit.

Anyone interested in doing this, wont be for a few weeks like, but the offer is there.

(31 May 2015, 6:42 pm)Malarkey wrote Anyone interested in doing this, wont be for a few weeks like, but the offer is there.

I'd definitely be up for that! Only thing is that I won't be able to spend long there as the earliest I can get there is 0950 and the latest I have to leave to be back is 1700. Unless I lodge in Boro or nearby.

(31 May 2015, 7:52 pm)northern156 wrote I'd definitely be up for that! Only thing is that I won't be able to spend long there as the earliest I can get there is 0950 and the latest I have to leave to be back is 1700. Unless I lodge in Boro or nearby.

Could stop in a Hotel in Newcastle for the Night then get on whatever X9/X10 get on at Heworth, and go from there.

Do you not have any relatives that live in the Newcastle Area etc.

(31 May 2015, 7:59 pm)Malarkey wrote Could stop in a Hotel in Newcastle for the Night then get on whatever X9/X10 get on at Heworth, and go from there.

Do you not have any relatives that live in the Newcastle Area etc.

Unfortunately don't have any relatives that live around Newcastle etc.

However I wouldn't mind stopping in Boro or nearby and then spending the day bus bashing from very early til very late, especially if it was on a Mon-Thu (no Fri/Sat evening pissheads around).

(31 May 2015, 8:05 pm)northern156 wrote Unfortunately don't have any relatives that live around Newcastle etc.

However I wouldn't mind stopping in Boro or nearby and then spending the day bus bashing from very early til very late, especially if it was on a Mon-Thu (no Fri/Sat evening pissheads around).

There is probably pissheads in Middlesbrough every night

(31 May 2015, 8:07 pm)Jimmi wrote There is probably pissheads in Middlesbrough every night

And Druggies, all high on Smog that lingers in the Middlesbrough Air.

Hope you two never become travel advisors

(31 May 2015, 8:30 pm)northern156 wrote Hope you two never become travel advisors

I think you should be thanking us for these words of wisdom.

Going to put the Berwick trip back a fortnight or more.

Going to do an outing on Saturday instead, maybe Tyneside.

The effects of boredom have brought this upon me. For a long time, I've often pondered what it would be like to go in time, to the 1990s, when buses were at their peak. Easy Access was unheard of, most buses were step entrance, and built to last; Leyland buses prowled the streets, now long gone. I decided, as I didn't have any other plans for this evening; to send myself back to the year of 1998, when the Plaxton Prestiges and Wright Renowns were first born, and what I would now call an ''old'' bus was still about. With the help of citaro5284, I've managed to create an outing from 1998. I apologise in advance if any of this sounds like I'm just going on assumption, I've spent the last hour or so (started writing this at 17:30) going through old photographs of bus interiors, watching videos on YouTube, and just about everything I could, to hear the sounds of some of these buses and try to make an accurate review, so I'm really sorry if this seems like a load of garbage. Just thought it would be nice to do, something different from the norm. For those who get lost off, this is set in 1998, just after the Plaxton Prestiges entered service with Go Northern, and before the Wright Renowns arrived. Here goes;

Waking up at 06:00, I showered and dressed myself for the day ahead. I decided I would get the 735 service that left Chester-le-Street at 06:53, towards Houghton-le-Spring. Leaving the house at 06:40, I strolled through the housing estate, only erected 3 years before in 1995, and towards the bus stop, arriving at bang-on 06:50. The first 735 of the day in this direction, scheduled to leave at 06:53, was timed to get here for 06:58, upon inspection of the timetables. After twiddling my thumbs for 8 minutes, I looked up towards Ropery Lane, to see a double decker, resplendent in it's ''NORTHERN'' livery, in sight. Readying myself at the bus stop, I waited for it to round the roundabout, curious what sort of vehicle this double decker was. Turned out to be an MCW Metrobus, 3506 to be precise. I flagged it to a halt, and boarded. The driver didn't look like he was happy to be driving a bus at 06:58 on a Saturday morning, but nonetheless I paid for my day ticket and received a nod from him. Not a soul was downstairs, and when it had first appeared, here didn't look to be anybody enjoying the upper saloon either. As the driver closed the doors and pulled away, I heard the melodious engine of the Metrobus roar as we picked up speed. I was torn between the front seats upstairs, or the back seats downstairs; the former for the views and the latter for the noises. In a few seconds, I grabbed onto the pole and began to pull myself up the stairwell. True enough, the upper deck was deserted. I sat down at the front, driver's side, and continued to listen to the engine. Inspecting my day ticket, I tried to plan anything for the day ahead. Time was not a problem, as there were no boundaries or limits for today's well-earned trip. Eventually, I decided that once I'd arrived at Houghton-le-Spring, I'd board a 194 service to Washington, or if the bus was decent, continue onwards to Heworth. A couple of passengers were picked up on the journey to Houghton-le-Spring, but none would join me upstairs. As we drew close to Houghton-le-Spring Church, I checked my watch; the time was 07:18. From previous experience, I knew the 194 was due at 07:22, so I could connect with this. As the Metrobus slowed to a halt at Houghton-le-Spring Church, I thanked the driver, and disembarked 3506.

As 3506 returned back to Newcastle, on the 735 via Chester-le-Street; I waited for the 194. A couple of minutes passed, before a ''Red, Blue and Yellow'' Leyland Lynx came into view, with the 194 to Heworth, from Easington Lane. I decided to go with this, noting the fleet number as 4726, and showed my day ticket to the driver, before taking my seat two rows before the very back seats. Some of the kickdowns produced by this Lynx through the areas on the road to Washington's Bus Station were fantastic, but the numbers did build up until nearly every seat was taken. I chose to continue on to Heworth, but moved to the back row. Left Washington with a load of roughly 20 people, all nicely spaced out around the bus. Several left at Concord Bus Station, with a couple boarding, but once we'd arrived at Heworth, there were only half a dozen that I counted. Really enjoyed the ride from Houghton-le-Spring on 4726, and watched it leave back to where it came from.

Wandered around Heworth Metro, for something to come in from Newcastle. I noticed two bus enthusiasts were talking amongst themselves, that the next 532, the 08:33 to Newcastle Market Street, would be one of the Palatine 2 bodied Volvo Olympians, that South Shields depot had received a few weeks ago. Having never been on one of these buses yet, I decided to stick around for the 532 to come, hoping it was. Thankfully, I saw one enter the interchange, screened up for the 532 to Newcastle, looking fine in it's ''Go Coastline'' colours. A small queue of 5 passengers were waiting for this, while about double that amount disembarked here, presumably for the Metro, to me, that was still something of a novelty, despite being a few years old now! We left Heworth at 08:33, the correct time, on 3815; still felt brand new inside. Enjoyed my first ride on a Palatine 2, despite being no different to any other Volvo Olympian, the novelty of my first ride on a bus with this body made me enjoy it. Dropped off a couple of passengers in Gateshead, leaving only 2 others with myself upstairs. I disembarked on Market Street, Newcastle, before pondering what to do next.

I walked to Eldon Square Bus Station, quite a hectic set-up, it must be said. The time was only 08:55, but I noticed another MCW Metrobus, again, in it's predominantly red ''NORTHERN'' colours, entering on the 723 to Durham. It made plenty of noise as it drew towards it's stand, so I decided I would have a ride to Durham on it. Few passengers were looking to board, but a decent load seemed to get off in the bus station. Finally, the queue made it's way onto the bus, until I was finally making my way up the stairs after showing the driver my day ticket. 3501, which was working this run on the 723, was scheduled to get to Durham for 09:53, having left Newcastle at 09:00. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic through Low Fell, Birtley and Chester-le-Street, where, after a driver changeover took place, we carried on to Durham Bus Station; I had a front row view, as I'd taken the front seats in Newcastle, driver's side. After something of a lengthy but enjoyable journey on 3501, we pulled into Durham Bus Station a couple of minutes early, as 09:50. I looked around, but then something entering the bus station caught my attention. An Optare Delta, with the blind set for the X50 to South Shields. I knew this would take me back to Chester-le-Street, but as I did enjoy a ride on a Delta, I decided I'd go the long way around rather than direct along the A167 like my ride on the 723 had demonstrated.

I boarded the Delta, which produced quite a nice noise when idling, and made a note of the fleet number; 4802. This bus had absolutely no problems when reversing out of it's stand in Durham – and once we were clear of Durham, and onto the brief part of the A167 the X50 follows, the driver put his foot down and flew along the dual carriageway. We turned at Chester Moor, and then continued down through Waldridge, before arriving in Chester-le-Street, on-time. Despite two great rides on Metrobuses, an Olympian and also the Lynx; the Delta was the best ride of the day so far. I alighted in Chester-le-Street, when I spotted a 729 to Stanley pulling into it's stand on South Burns. Walking from the X50 stand, I heard the Delta depart for South Shields behind me as I walked across to the Classic Coaches Leyland National. The queue quickly boarded, myself included, Mk1 National GPC 732N, which after reviewing the timetables, seemed to be running over 20 minutes late, hence why there was no waiting around when everybody had boarded. I took my seat towards the back, enjoying the sounds of the Leyland engine as we soared up South Pelaw Bank. Was a great ride up to Stanley Bus Station behind this motor. Some of the kickdowns on the hilly ride up to Stanley were immense, the best part was the fact that I was sat at the back.

Once we'd pulled into Stanley, I walked into the brick building that was the bus station. The smell of urine, and dampness, was not nice in the slightest. Luckily for me, I saw a Leyland Olympian enter with an X36 to Newcastle. Checking my watch again, I noted it was 10:58, and after consulting the timetables, saw this service was due to depart at 11:01. As I'd already been on a Volvo Olympian today, I chose to have a ride on this to Newcastle. Passenger numbers were okay, and several alighted at the MetroCentre. Yet another Leyland-built machine, carrying the fleet number 3523; which was absolutely fantastic. The noises emitted from the engine when tackling uphill climbs were great, the engine was so powerful it felt like they weren't even there. With the front seats upstairs, yet again, I enjoyed every minute of the ride to Newcastle. Once I was back in Eldon Square Bus Station, again I wondered where to go next. The time was only 11:50, and there were still plenty of hours left in the day.


Then, after about 10 minutes of observing the comings and goings of Eldon Square, I saw another Delta, this time on the 745 to Consett, in it's ''NORTHERN'' livery, come to a standstill. It was 4740, and the queue to board was only a couple of people. After one or two others joined the journey as we stood waiting to depart, we soared out of the city centre, with the fantastic DAF engine ringing in my ears. I wondered whether to stay on until Consett, or just bail at the MetroCentre and see what was going on there. I'd only been on the fairly new P-Reg DAF Prestiges on the X66 a couple of times, so took the opportunity to disembark at the MetroCentre and have a ride to Gateshead and back. When I arrived at the MetroCentre, behind us, was a Prestige carrying the eye-catching X66 ''Supershuttle'' livery, bringing in a healthy load from Gateshead Interchange. I decided to board this, showing the driver my day ticket, before sitting at the very back of 4824, the vehicle operating this trip. A great ride to Gateshead Interchange, with very few passengers on this bus. The fact that it is non-stop between the two is a great feature. Like the Delta just before, the DAF engine was music to my ears; I was sad to have to get off in Gateshead.

Checking my watch; the time was 12:40. Another Prestige came into Gateshead as 4824 departed, this time it was 4825. Joining the line to board, I managed to secure a seat just beyond the step; but we left about three quarters full. Another charming ride on a Prestige, although it wasn't as smooth as 4824's journey beforehand. Something of a squeal in the engine, and also when idling it wasn't too nice. The whole bus shook constantly when we got stuck in traffic when trying to enter the MetroCentre; that made the 10 minute journey into a 15 minute journey. Once I was returned to the bus station at the MetroCentre, it was 13:00. Looking around for anything good, I found myself at the timetable for the 809 service to Chester-le-Street. I knew from experience that this often kicked up a Leyland National, so decided to head into the MetroCentre for about 10 minutes to see what was new. Nothing had changed since my last visit, but I wandered around nonetheless. I returned to the bus station for 13:15, where a ''NORTHERN'' liveried Leyland National came in shortly afterwards. This was Mk2 National 4662; as I'd been on a Classic Coaches Mk1 earlier today, I felt the need to ride a Mk2 as well to look for any differences. Despite being smooth also, the engine noises were slightly differing. This was pretty much a ghost bus, with a few people using it along the route, serving Birtley, Ouston, Pelton, etc., but only another man and myself for the whole journey back to Chester-le-Street. An enjoyable ride at the back of a National, something I'll have to do again at some point. Walked home from the town centre, after a great day out.

Well, this was purely for fun. Like I said at the start, I'm unsure of vehicle allocations or routes in 1998. Nothing to be taken seriously, just the effects of boredom. A fake log of this outing;

06:58 #735 – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church – NORTHERN 3506
07:22 #194 – Houghton-le-Spring Church to Heworth Metro – Go Wear Buses 4726
08:33 #532 – Heworth Metro to Newcastle Market Street – Go Coastline 3815
09:00 #723 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Durham Bus Station – NORTHERN 3501
09:55 #X50 – Durham Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Corals – Go Northern 4802
10:23 #729 – Chester-le-Street South Burns to Stanley Bus Station – Classic Coaches GPC 732N
11:01 #X36 – Stanley Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – Go Northern 3523
12:07 #745 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – NORTHERN 4740
12:29 #X66 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Gateshead Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4824
12:44 #X66 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4825
13:20 #809 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street South Burns – NORTHERN 4662

I should add, that the Bygone Era section of this forum helped a lot with timetables, routes and a lot of other things, which was of great use for this. Hope you all enjoyed reading, it certainly filled in an evening for me.

Marcus

(04 Jun 2015, 7:35 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote The effects of boredom have brought this upon me. For a long time, I've often pondered what it would be like to go in time, to the 1990s, when buses were at their peak. Easy Access was unheard of, most buses were step entrance, and built to last; Leyland buses prowled the streets, now long gone. I decided, as I didn't have any other plans for this evening; to send myself back to the year of 1998, when the Plaxton Prestiges and Wright Renowns were first born, and what I would now call an ''old'' bus was still about. With the help of citaro5284, I've managed to create an outing from 1998. I apologise in advance if any of this sounds like I'm just going on assumption, I've spent the last hour or so (started writing this at 17:30) going through old photographs of bus interiors, watching videos on YouTube, and just about everything I could, to hear the sounds of some of these buses and try to make an accurate review, so I'm really sorry if this seems like a load of garbage. Just thought it would be nice to do, something different from the norm. For those who get lost off, this is set in 1998, just after the Plaxton Prestiges entered service with Go Northern, and before the Wright Renowns arrived. Here goes;

I should add, that the Bygone Era section of this forum helped a lot with timetables, routes and a lot of other things, which was of great use for this. Hope you all enjoyed reading, it certainly filled in an evening for me.

Marcus

If you ever want to back into the 80s, I can help you out with timetables from 1979, 1983. 84, 85 and Jan 87. 

(04 Jun 2015, 7:35 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote The effects of boredom have brought this upon me. For a long time, I've often pondered what it would be like to go in time, to the 1990s, when buses were at their peak. Easy Access was unheard of, most buses were step entrance, and built to last; Leyland buses prowled the streets, now long gone. I decided, as I didn't have any other plans for this evening; to send myself back to the year of 1998, when the Plaxton Prestiges and Wright Renowns were first born, and what I would now call an ''old'' bus was still about. With the help of citaro5284, I've managed to create an outing from 1998. I apologise in advance if any of this sounds like I'm just going on assumption, I've spent the last hour or so (started writing this at 17:30) going through old photographs of bus interiors, watching videos on YouTube, and just about everything I could, to hear the sounds of some of these buses and try to make an accurate review, so I'm really sorry if this seems like a load of garbage. Just thought it would be nice to do, something different from the norm. For those who get lost off, this is set in 1998, just after the Plaxton Prestiges entered service with Go Northern, and before the Wright Renowns arrived. Here goes;

Waking up at 06:00, I showered and dressed myself for the day ahead. I decided I would get the 735 service that left Chester-le-Street at 06:53, towards Houghton-le-Spring. Leaving the house at 06:40, I strolled through the housing estate, only erected 3 years before in 1995, and towards the bus stop, arriving at bang-on 06:50. The first 735 of the day in this direction, scheduled to leave at 06:53, was timed to get here for 06:58, upon inspection of the timetables. After twiddling my thumbs for 8 minutes, I looked up towards Ropery Lane, to see a double decker, resplendent in it's ''NORTHERN'' livery, in sight. Readying myself at the bus stop, I waited for it to round the roundabout, curious what sort of vehicle this double decker was. Turned out to be an MCW Metrobus, 3506 to be precise. I flagged it to a halt, and boarded. The driver didn't look like he was happy to be driving a bus at 06:58 on a Saturday morning, but nonetheless I paid for my day ticket and received a nod from him. Not a soul was downstairs, and when it had first appeared, here didn't look to be anybody enjoying the upper saloon either. As the driver closed the doors and pulled away, I heard the melodious engine of the Metrobus roar as we picked up speed. I was torn between the front seats upstairs, or the back seats downstairs; the former for the views and the latter for the noises. In a few seconds, I grabbed onto the pole and began to pull myself up the stairwell. True enough, the upper deck was deserted. I sat down at the front, driver's side, and continued to listen to the engine. Inspecting my day ticket, I tried to plan anything for the day ahead. Time was not a problem, as there were no boundaries or limits for today's well-earned trip. Eventually, I decided that once I'd arrived at Houghton-le-Spring, I'd board a 194 service to Washington, or if the bus was decent, continue onwards to Heworth. A couple of passengers were picked up on the journey to Houghton-le-Spring, but none would join me upstairs. As we drew close to Houghton-le-Spring Church, I checked my watch; the time was 07:18. From previous experience, I knew the 194 was due at 07:22, so I could connect with this. As the Metrobus slowed to a halt at Houghton-le-Spring Church, I thanked the driver, and disembarked 3506.

As 3506 returned back to Newcastle, on the 735 via Chester-le-Street; I waited for the 194. A couple of minutes passed, before a ''Red, Blue and Yellow'' Leyland Lynx came into view, with the 194 to Heworth, from Easington Lane. I decided to go with this, noting the fleet number as 4726, and showed my day ticket to the driver, before taking my seat two rows before the very back seats. Some of the kickdowns produced by this Lynx through the areas on the road to Washington's Bus Station were fantastic, but the numbers did build up until nearly every seat was taken. I chose to continue on to Heworth, but moved to the back row. Left Washington with a load of roughly 20 people, all nicely spaced out around the bus. Several left at Concord Bus Station, with a couple boarding, but once we'd arrived at Heworth, there were only half a dozen that I counted. Really enjoyed the ride from Houghton-le-Spring on 4726, and watched it leave back to where it came from.

Wandered around Heworth Metro, for something to come in from Newcastle. I noticed two bus enthusiasts were talking amongst themselves, that the next 532, the 08:33 to Newcastle Market Street, would be one of the Palatine 2 bodied Volvo Olympians, that South Shields depot had received a few weeks ago. Having never been on one of these buses yet, I decided to stick around for the 532 to come, hoping it was. Thankfully, I saw one enter the interchange, screened up for the 532 to Newcastle, looking fine in it's ''Go Coastline'' colours. A small queue of 5 passengers were waiting for this, while about double that amount disembarked here, presumably for the Metro, to me, that was still something of a novelty, despite being a few years old now! We left Heworth at 08:33, the correct time, on 3815; still felt brand new inside. Enjoyed my first ride on a Palatine 2, despite being no different to any other Volvo Olympian, the novelty of my first ride on a bus with this body made me enjoy it. Dropped off a couple of passengers in Gateshead, leaving only 2 others with myself upstairs. I disembarked on Market Street, Newcastle, before pondering what to do next.

I walked to Eldon Square Bus Station, quite a hectic set-up, it must be said. The time was only 08:55, but I noticed another MCW Metrobus, again, in it's predominantly red ''NORTHERN'' colours, entering on the 723 to Durham. It made plenty of noise as it drew towards it's stand, so I decided I would have a ride to Durham on it. Few passengers were looking to board, but a decent load seemed to get off in the bus station. Finally, the queue made it's way onto the bus, until I was finally making my way up the stairs after showing the driver my day ticket. 3501, which was working this run on the 723, was scheduled to get to Durham for 09:53, having left Newcastle at 09:00. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic through Low Fell, Birtley and Chester-le-Street, where, after a driver changeover took place, we carried on to Durham Bus Station; I had a front row view, as I'd taken the front seats in Newcastle, driver's side. After something of a lengthy but enjoyable journey on 3501, we pulled into Durham Bus Station a couple of minutes early, as 09:50. I looked around, but then something entering the bus station caught my attention. An Optare Delta, with the blind set for the X50 to South Shields. I knew this would take me back to Chester-le-Street, but as I did enjoy a ride on a Delta, I decided I'd go the long way around rather than direct along the A167 like my ride on the 723 had demonstrated.

I boarded the Delta, which produced quite a nice noise when idling, and made a note of the fleet number; 4802. This bus had absolutely no problems when reversing out of it's stand in Durham – and once we were clear of Durham, and onto the brief part of the A167 the X50 follows, the driver put his foot down and flew along the dual carriageway. We turned at Chester Moor, and then continued down through Waldridge, before arriving in Chester-le-Street, on-time. Despite two great rides on Metrobuses, an Olympian and also the Lynx; the Delta was the best ride of the day so far. I alighted in Chester-le-Street, when I spotted a 729 to Stanley pulling into it's stand on South Burns. Walking from the X50 stand, I heard the Delta depart for South Shields behind me as I walked across to the Classic Coaches Leyland National. The queue quickly boarded, myself included, Mk1 National GPC 732N, which after reviewing the timetables, seemed to be running over 20 minutes late, hence why there was no waiting around when everybody had boarded. I took my seat towards the back, enjoying the sounds of the Leyland engine as we soared up South Pelaw Bank. Was a great ride up to Stanley Bus Station behind this motor. Some of the kickdowns on the hilly ride up to Stanley were immense, the best part was the fact that I was sat at the back.

Once we'd pulled into Stanley, I walked into the brick building that was the bus station. The smell of urine, and dampness, was not nice in the slightest. Luckily for me, I saw a Leyland Olympian enter with an X36 to Newcastle. Checking my watch again, I noted it was 10:58, and after consulting the timetables, saw this service was due to depart at 11:01. As I'd already been on a Volvo Olympian today, I chose to have a ride on this to Newcastle. Passenger numbers were okay, and several alighted at the MetroCentre. Yet another Leyland-built machine, carrying the fleet number 3523; which was absolutely fantastic. The noises emitted from the engine when tackling uphill climbs were great, the engine was so powerful it felt like they weren't even there. With the front seats upstairs, yet again, I enjoyed every minute of the ride to Newcastle. Once I was back in Eldon Square Bus Station, again I wondered where to go next. The time was only 11:50, and there were still plenty of hours left in the day.


Then, after about 10 minutes of observing the comings and goings of Eldon Square, I saw another Delta, this time on the 745 to Consett, in it's ''NORTHERN'' livery, come to a standstill. It was 4740, and the queue to board was only a couple of people. After one or two others joined the journey as we stood waiting to depart, we soared out of the city centre, with the fantastic DAF engine ringing in my ears. I wondered whether to stay on until Consett, or just bail at the MetroCentre and see what was going on there. I'd only been on the fairly new P-Reg DAF Prestiges on the X66 a couple of times, so took the opportunity to disembark at the MetroCentre and have a ride to Gateshead and back. When I arrived at the MetroCentre, behind us, was a Prestige carrying the eye-catching X66 ''Supershuttle'' livery, bringing in a healthy load from Gateshead Interchange. I decided to board this, showing the driver my day ticket, before sitting at the very back of 4824, the vehicle operating this trip. A great ride to Gateshead Interchange, with very few passengers on this bus. The fact that it is non-stop between the two is a great feature. Like the Delta just before, the DAF engine was music to my ears; I was sad to have to get off in Gateshead.

Checking my watch; the time was 12:40. Another Prestige came into Gateshead as 4824 departed, this time it was 4825. Joining the line to board, I managed to secure a seat just beyond the step; but we left about three quarters full. Another charming ride on a Prestige, although it wasn't as smooth as 4824's journey beforehand. Something of a squeal in the engine, and also when idling it wasn't too nice. The whole bus shook constantly when we got stuck in traffic when trying to enter the MetroCentre; that made the 10 minute journey into a 15 minute journey. Once I was returned to the bus station at the MetroCentre, it was 13:00. Looking around for anything good, I found myself at the timetable for the 809 service to Chester-le-Street. I knew from experience that this often kicked up a Leyland National, so decided to head into the MetroCentre for about 10 minutes to see what was new. Nothing had changed since my last visit, but I wandered around nonetheless. I returned to the bus station for 13:15, where a ''NORTHERN'' liveried Leyland National came in shortly afterwards. This was Mk2 National 4662; as I'd been on a Classic Coaches Mk1 earlier today, I felt the need to ride a Mk2 as well to look for any differences. Despite being smooth also, the engine noises were slightly differing. This was pretty much a ghost bus, with a few people using it along the route, serving Birtley, Ouston, Pelton, etc., but only another man and myself for the whole journey back to Chester-le-Street. An enjoyable ride at the back of a National, something I'll have to do again at some point. Walked home from the town centre, after a great day out.

Well, this was purely for fun. Like I said at the start, I'm unsure of vehicle allocations or routes in 1998. Nothing to be taken seriously, just the effects of boredom. A fake log of this outing;

06:58 #735 – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church – NORTHERN 3506
07:22 #194 – Houghton-le-Spring Church to Heworth Metro – Go Wear Buses 4726
08:33 #532 – Heworth Metro to Newcastle Market Street – Go Coastline 3815
09:00 #723 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Durham Bus Station – NORTHERN 3501
09:55 #X50 – Durham Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Corals – Go Northern 4802
10:23 #729 – Chester-le-Street South Burns to Stanley Bus Station – Classic Coaches GPC 732N
11:01 #X36 – Stanley Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – Go Northern 3523
12:07 #745 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – NORTHERN 4740
12:29 #X66 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Gateshead Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4824
12:44 #X66 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4825
13:20 #809 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street South Burns – NORTHERN 4662

I should add, that the Bygone Era section of this forum helped a lot with timetables, routes and a lot of other things, which was of great use for this. Hope you all enjoyed reading, it certainly filled in an evening for me.

Marcus

Just a couple of things.
Can't believe you didn't mention about looking down the 'porthole' into the cockpit of the deckers from upstairs.

No mention of the lack of legroom at the back of the Lynx, where seats were squashed together.

A lack of reference to the carpeted back of the seats on the Delta's.

(04 Jun 2015, 7:35 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Well, this was purely for fun. Like I said at the start, I'm unsure of vehicle allocations or routes in 1998. Nothing to be taken seriously, just the effects of boredom. A fake log of this outing;

06:58 #735 – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church – NORTHERN 3506
07:22 #194 – Houghton-le-Spring Church to Heworth Metro – Go Wear Buses 4726
08:33 #532 – Heworth Metro to Newcastle Market Street – Go Coastline 3815
09:00 #723 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Durham Bus Station – NORTHERN 3501
09:55 #X50 – Durham Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Corals – Go Northern 4802
10:23 #729 – Chester-le-Street South Burns to Stanley Bus Station – Classic Coaches GPC 732N
11:01 #X36 – Stanley Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – Go Northern 3523
12:07 #745 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – NORTHERN 4740
12:29 #X66 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Gateshead Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4824
12:44 #X66 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – Go Gateshead(?) 4825
13:20 #809 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street South Burns – NORTHERN 4662

I should add, that the Bygone Era section of this forum helped a lot with timetables, routes and a lot of other things, which was of great use for this. Hope you all enjoyed reading, it certainly filled in an evening for me.

Marcus

Wow, even in this fake outing you don't go any further north than Newcastle

I couldn't be bothered to come up with this sort of thing, I can't always be even bothered to write a review of a day out made on the day of the outing

Just a shame that this outing can't be done today.

(04 Jun 2015, 7:47 pm)Jimmi wrote Wow, even in this fake outing you don't go any further north than Newcastle

I couldn't be bothered to come up with this sort of thing, I can't always be even bothered to write a review of a day out made on the day of the outing

Just a shame that this outing can't be done today.

Wow. Marcus has been served!

From the past to the future now...

Does anyone have any suggestions what would be the best route to ride between Cramlington, Dudley Lane and Newcastle. Services that use older buses would be preferred so I will discount the X10/X11 as I don't really want to ride the MAX Gemini's.