Bus Related Outings and Reviews
Bus Related Outings and Reviews
(13 Jun 2015, 6:41 pm)Dan The ex-London Presidents have something of a bad reputation on this forum, but I must say I've never been able to fault Stanley's examples, which are truly hammered six days of the week on the 15/15A services. They're a bit slow on steep banks, but are quite comfortable and are capable of keeping to schedule...
(13 Jun 2015, 6:41 pm)Dan The ex-London Presidents have something of a bad reputation on this forum, but I must say I've never been able to fault Stanley's examples, which are truly hammered six days of the week on the 15/15A services. They're a bit slow on steep banks, but are quite comfortable and are capable of keeping to schedule...
(13 Jun 2015, 6:57 pm)Jimmi You must be lucky with the Presidents as all the ones I've had on the 15/15A have not been great, last time I had 6014 it couldn't do anymore than 15mph. Although some of my awful experiences on them are things such there being no heating on cold days. The best ex London President's I have been on are probably the examples based at Chester-le-Street although I quite enjoyed a ride on 6020 on the X20 one night and I think this is now my favourite ex London President.
(13 Jun 2015, 6:57 pm)Jimmi You must be lucky with the Presidents as all the ones I've had on the 15/15A have not been great, last time I had 6014 it couldn't do anymore than 15mph. Although some of my awful experiences on them are things such there being no heating on cold days. The best ex London President's I have been on are probably the examples based at Chester-le-Street although I quite enjoyed a ride on 6020 on the X20 one night and I think this is now my favourite ex London President.
(13 Jun 2015, 6:57 pm)Jimmi You must be lucky with the Presidents as all the ones I've had on the 15/15A have not been great, last time I had 6014 it couldn't do anymore than 15mph. Although some of my awful experiences on them are things such there being no heating on cold days. The best ex London President's I have been on are probably the examples based at Chester-le-Street although I quite enjoyed a ride on 6020 on the X20 one night and I think this is now my favourite ex London President.
(13 Jun 2015, 6:57 pm)Jimmi You must be lucky with the Presidents as all the ones I've had on the 15/15A have not been great, last time I had 6014 it couldn't do anymore than 15mph. Although some of my awful experiences on them are things such there being no heating on cold days. The best ex London President's I have been on are probably the examples based at Chester-le-Street although I quite enjoyed a ride on 6020 on the X20 one night and I think this is now my favourite ex London President.
(13 Jun 2015, 7:00 pm)Dan I think I've been on all of them now and can't recall a bad journey.
Some better than others mind - I remember not being keen on 6008 when it arrived at Deptford from Stanley (iirc), and likewise 6042 from Riverside. Quite like 6039, which is still at Deptford now.
(13 Jun 2015, 7:00 pm)Dan I think I've been on all of them now and can't recall a bad journey.
Some better than others mind - I remember not being keen on 6008 when it arrived at Deptford from Stanley (iirc), and likewise 6042 from Riverside. Quite like 6039, which is still at Deptford now.
(13 Jun 2015, 7:00 pm)Dan I think I've been on all of them now and can't recall a bad journey.Some are better than others and some may vary from day to day, had 6042 on the X35 from Peterlee to Hartlepool recently and it seems to make a lot of noise but isn't the fastest President in the fleet.
Some better than others mind - I remember not being keen on 6008 when it arrived at Deptford from Stanley (iirc), and likewise 6042 from Riverside. Quite like 6039, which is still at Deptford now.
(13 Jun 2015, 7:03 pm)Davie I hate them, they are horrendous
(13 Jun 2015, 7:00 pm)Dan I think I've been on all of them now and can't recall a bad journey.Some are better than others and some may vary from day to day, had 6042 on the X35 from Peterlee to Hartlepool recently and it seems to make a lot of noise but isn't the fastest President in the fleet.
Some better than others mind - I remember not being keen on 6008 when it arrived at Deptford from Stanley (iirc), and likewise 6042 from Riverside. Quite like 6039, which is still at Deptford now.
(13 Jun 2015, 7:03 pm)Davie I hate them, they are horrendous
(13 Jun 2015, 7:12 pm)Davie They are my third least favorite buses in the current Go North East fleet, ahead of Vykings and omnicities
(13 Jun 2015, 7:12 pm)Davie They are my third least favorite buses in the current Go North East fleet, ahead of Vykings and omnicities
(13 Jun 2015, 7:17 pm)Jimmi Out of interest why do you not like Omnicity's so much?
(13 Jun 2015, 7:20 pm)Dan The lack of leg room doesn't appeal to me in the slightest.
I don't mind the seats at the back though - if you manage to secure the back three (four on an Arriva example), you're in for a nice warm journey!
(13 Jun 2015, 7:18 pm)Davie I find them uncomfortable and unreliable and get (especially 5274) rattle a lot. It is probably just my opinion
(13 Jun 2015, 7:18 pm)Davie I find them uncomfortable and unreliable and get (especially 5274) rattle a lot. It is probably just my opinion
(13 Jun 2015, 7:25 pm)Jimmi I've not been on a Coaster example but from riding other examples in the fleet I've thought they were okay but I do think they rattle a fair bit especially on bad road surfaces had a terrible ride on a Whey Aye Five-O example when I went from Washington to South Shields one day. I think I prefer Arriva's examples as they seem okay on the X66 and thought the 07 reg examples on the 85/685 are good too (minus the leather seats).
(13 Jun 2015, 7:25 pm)Jimmi I've not been on a Coaster example but from riding other examples in the fleet I've thought they were okay but I do think they rattle a fair bit especially on bad road surfaces had a terrible ride on a Whey Aye Five-O example when I went from Washington to South Shields one day. I think I prefer Arriva's examples as they seem okay on the X66 and thought the 07 reg examples on the 85/685 are good too (minus the leather seats).
(13 Jun 2015, 7:20 pm)Dan The lack of leg room doesn't appeal to me in the slightest.
I don't mind the seats at the back though - if you manage to secure the back three (four on an Arriva example), you're in for a nice warm journey!
(13 Jun 2015, 7:20 pm)Dan The lack of leg room doesn't appeal to me in the slightest.
I don't mind the seats at the back though - if you manage to secure the back three (four on an Arriva example), you're in for a nice warm journey!
(13 Jun 2015, 7:25 pm)Jimmi I've not been on a Coaster example but from riding other examples in the fleet I've thought they were okay but I do think they rattle a fair bit especially on bad road surfaces had a terrible ride on a Whey Aye Five-O example when I went from Washington to South Shields one day. I think I prefer Arriva's examples as they seem okay on the X66 and thought the 07 reg examples on the 85/685 are good too (minus the leather seats).
(13 Jun 2015, 7:25 pm)Jimmi I've not been on a Coaster example but from riding other examples in the fleet I've thought they were okay but I do think they rattle a fair bit especially on bad road surfaces had a terrible ride on a Whey Aye Five-O example when I went from Washington to South Shields one day. I think I prefer Arriva's examples as they seem okay on the X66 and thought the 07 reg examples on the 85/685 are good too (minus the leather seats).
Having decided late last night to go out and about I set my alarm to get up at 8:30am, This plan went out of the window straight away as I didnt feel to great when I woke up, so I instead went back to kip and woke up exactly 3 Hours later feeling much than I did, I got up and got dressed etc and made my to Lambton Village Centre.
A few minutes late 8326 turned up and was my short ride to The Galleries, I boarded 6001 on the X1 which again was a few minutes late and departed The Galleries around 7 to 8 Minutes late, the journey was reasonably quiet for the time of day and the lack of screaming kids and overly loud pubescent teens was just pure bliss compared to recent journeys on the X1 as of late.
Finally we reached Gateshead where I departed and much to my Joy 8334 pulled in behind, I then walked around the corner where Church is across from the Highstreet and across the traffic the lights, with the Sun shining behind me I knew this be good spot to photograph 8334 as it departed on the 52, after a few minutes of waiting 8334 came into view and just as I went to hit the trigger some absolute bellend decided to stand right in front of me obscuring my view and shot of 8334, safe to say I quite furious as I was standing right on the corner of the pavement to, all this dick had to do was go past me to my left and cross the lights like any normal person would do, instead he was ignorant and decided to play with the traffic instead.
Fueled with rage I made my way back into the Interchange and Fueled by Body with some Energy with a Bottle of Lucozade and 2 Greggs Sausage Rolls before making my around to the stand for the 94 which again was late, this time 5224 which was around 7 Minutes late, so Ladies and Gents that completes my Hat-Trick, for the first time ever I can say this happened to me, after weaving our way through traffic down Bensham back we reach the Valley where I departed for look around the Car Show at Gateshead College.
I was quite surprised at the amount of cars in Attendence, No more than 30 I would say, plenty of Ford Focus Cars there mind for my liking, a pleasant surprise was seeing a Ford GT40 parked up, after a few photos I made my way inside where there was an F1 Car Simulator, I would of loved a go of this but there was quite a queue so instead continued to wonder around the college to where I came across former GNE MPD 535, after few more photos I made by way back over to the Bus Stop for the 94 back into Gateshead.
Getting the stop just 2 Minutes before the 94 was due I seen 5226 come into view and head into the Retail Park, with only a minute or so to wait I got my Ticket out, all of 18 Minutes passed after that and the 14:10 94 eventually turned up at 14:28 to take back to Gateshead, 5226 flew up Bensham Bank into Gateshead where again I departed, I have to say these are the Best Wright Solars in the Fleet.
Having missed an Omnidekka on either the X30/X31 as made my over to the Newcastle side of the Interchange, I waited 15 Minutes for the X71 to come, to my disappointment it was 3876 which showed up not that a Lolyne showing up is a bad thing, In all honesty this short journey was superb and 3876 in my opinion would be a great candidate for preservation, it is one of few which has it original Destination Displays and not to be Refurbished or have its seats Reupholstered, Overall a excellent Bus in good condition for its age, after departing 3876 I took a snap of it for the Archives.
After getting off in Eldon Square I made my up to Haymarket to take a few photos before sprinting down John Dobson Street to Photograph 12072 on the 38, after catching my breath I made way over to Market Street where I boarded 8316 to St Lawrence Road, well might was well say St Peter Basin with being the 2nd to last stop on the Q2 Route and being roughly a minutes walk away, around a 10 Minute journey ensued and gave me time to sit back and note some spots for photographs of the Q3 Next Months as I had never been on the Q2 to its Terminus before, as I more often use the Q1 out of the Quaylink Services.
I then made my down the Bank to the Terminus when at Half way down 8314 passed me and I just managed to grab a quick shot of it also, I then took a light jog to catch 8314 before it pulled away as I really didny fancy waiting 10 Minutes at this point, an extremely short ride went by smoothly to Manners Walk where I departed and waited for the next Q2 to come so I could get yet another Photo.
After 8313 went I made way over the Millennium Bridge to the Baltic to catch the 16:44 Q1 back into Gateshead, after 2 Minutes 8337 passed with another unidentified Quaylink Versa towards Central Station I had a feeling I was going to be waiting a while for the one of the two if not both to come back together, after 22 Minutes of waiting in the Rain I boarded 8337 where the Driver was discussing the upcoming Quaylink/Orbit changes with and Elderly Passenger, just before departing 8337 I asked the driver why he was late, in which he replied he was on time but the 2 Q1s in front of him were late and terminated at Central Station and ran light back to Gateshead to be back on time upon departing, one Versa passed us we came up Gateshead High Street and the other was on the Layover.
As a result of the discussion I had with the driver I missed the 17:15 X1, so I had to wait for the next one, bang on time at 17:25 6002 came into sight and much like my journey on 6001 earlier it went by blissfully, after this I nipped into Asda for some scran before getting on 8323 back home.
My Journeys Today
12:05 - 2 - 8326 - Lambton Village Centre to Washington Galleries
12:14 - X1 - 6001 - Washington Galleries to Gateshead Interchange
13:07 - 94 - 5224 - Gateshead Interchange to Team Valley
14:05 - 93 - 5226 - Team Valley to Gateshead Interchange
15:15 - X71 - 3876 - Gateshead Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square
16:06 - Q2 - 8316 - Market Street to Saint Lawrence Road
16:28 - Q2 - 8314 - St Peters Basin to Manners Walk
16:44 - Q1 - 8337 - Baltic to Gateshead Interchange
17:25 - X1 - 6002 - Gateshead Interchange to Washington Galleries
18:25 - 2 - 8323 - Washington Galleries to Lambton Village Centre
My planned route was very similar to Dans but decided to leave it for another Day!
I decided to take my Nana as she quite enjoys the scenery!!
Anyways my day starts off at Brockley Whins Metro at around 11:00 after just missing the metro.. another 10 minute wait.
Journey 1 Brockley Whins - Haymarket ( Metrocar 4029 and unknown rear Metrocar ) Rating 8-10 Delay 4 minutes on arrival into Haymarket Due to a red signal
Then a quick dash through the busy Haymarket Bus Station to Eldon Square to catch the Omnidekka operated X30 to Lanchester which decides to leave 2 minutes early, missing it
Journey 2 Eldon Square - Durham Bus Station ( 5338 Mercedes Benz Citaro Mk1 Route 44A Operated by Stanley depot )
After being annoyed at missing the X30 I notice 5338 on the 44A so catch that for the long but very enjoyable route all the way to Durham.
Just love how a Citaro can climb hills at ease, not very busy but had a good load on it Rating 9-10 Delay none that I noticed
On arrival in Durham I thought a trip to Subway for a bite called, I've never been more hungry in all my life!
Determined to catch a Scania Omnidekka I decided to catch the 15 to Lanchester and catch one from there to Newcastle.
Journey 3 Durham Bus Station - Lanchester Village Centre ( 6010 Volvo B7TL Plaxton President Operated by Stanley Depot ) Rating 7 - 10
Just a quick journey of about 20 minutes most people on this forum think there all unpowerful and boring 6010 certainty wasn't, Handled the route with great power and speed with fan on.
Joueney 4 Lanchester Village Centre - Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station ( 6127 Scania N94UD East Lancs Omnidekka Stanley depot again ) Rating 10 - 10
Just in time to catch the X31 getting my favourite seats at the back of the bottom deck,
WOW these are fast!! ive never went from 0-40 in about 8 seconds in a bus before!
Very comfortable,powerful,and nippy buses, cant believe they have the same engine as Solars. Some solars are completely gutless and cant get above 10 on the slightest hill
do the Omnidekkas have speed limiters? I swear down it was doing 70 from Stanley to Sunniside!
Also seen 2 spotters at Stanley on 6127 I wonder who it was?
(13 Jun 2015, 8:12 pm)Malarkey Having decided late last night to go out and about I set my alarm to get up at 8:30am, This plan went out of the window straight away as I didnt feel to great when I woke up, so I instead went back to kip and woke up exactly 3 Hours later feeling much than I did, I got up and got dressed etc and made my to Lambton Village Centre.
A few minutes late 8326 turned up and was my short ride to The Galleries, I boarded 6001 on the X1 which again was a few minutes late and departed The Galleries around 7 to 8 Minutes late, the journey was reasonably quiet for the time of day and the lack of screaming kids and overly loud pubescent teens was just pure bliss compared to recent journeys on the X1 as of late.
Finally we reached Gateshead where I departed and much to my Joy 8334 pulled in behind, I then walked around the corner where Church is across from the Highstreet and across the traffic the lights, with the Sun shining behind me I knew this be good spot to photograph 8334 as it departed on the 52, after a few minutes of waiting 8334 came into view and just as I went to hit the trigger some absolute bellend decided to stand right in front of me obscuring my view and shot of 8334, safe to say I quite furious as I was standing right on the corner of the pavement to, all this dick had to do was go past me to my left and cross the lights like any normal person would do, instead he was ignorant and decided to play with the traffic instead.
Fueled with rage I made my way back into the Interchange and Fueled by Body with some Energy with a Bottle of Lucozade and 2 Greggs Sausage Rolls before making my around to the stand for the 94 which again was late, this time 5224 which was around 7 Minutes late, so Ladies and Gents that completes my Hat-Trick, for the first time ever I can say this happened to me, after weaving our way through traffic down Bensham back we reach the Valley where I departed for look around the Car Show at Gateshead College.
I was quite surprised at the amount of cars in Attendence, No more than 30 I would say, plenty of Ford Focus Cars there mind for my liking, a pleasant surprise was seeing a Ford GT40 parked up, after a few photos I made my way inside where there was an F1 Car Simulator, I would of loved a go of this but there was quite a queue so instead continued to wonder around the college to where I came across former GNE MPD 535, after few more photos I made by way back over to the Bus Stop for the 94 back into Gateshead.
Getting the stop just 2 Minutes before the 94 was due I seen 5226 come into view and head into the Retail Park, with only a minute or so to wait I got my Ticket out, all of 18 Minutes passed after that and the 14:10 94 eventually turned up at 14:28 to take back to Gateshead, 5226 flew up Bensham Bank into Gateshead where again I departed, I have to say these are the Best Wright Solars in the Fleet.
Having missed an Omnidekka on either the X30/X31 as made my over to the Newcastle side of the Interchange, I waited 15 Minutes for the X71 to come, to my disappointment it was 3876 which showed up not that a Lolyne showing up is a bad thing, In all honesty this short journey was superb and 3876 in my opinion would be a great candidate for preservation, it is one of few which has it original Destination Displays and not to be Refurbished or have its seats Reupholstered, Overall a excellent Bus in good condition for its age, after departing 3876 I took a snap of it for the Archives.
After getting off in Eldon Square I made my up to Haymarket to take a few photos before sprinting down John Dobson Street to Photograph 12072 on the 38, after catching my breath I made way over to Market Street where I boarded 8316 to St Lawrence Road, well might was well say St Peter Basin with being the 2nd to last stop on the Q2 Route and being roughly a minutes walk away, around a 10 Minute journey ensued and gave me time to sit back and note some spots for photographs of the Q3 Next Months as I had never been on the Q2 to its Terminus before, as I more often use the Q1 out of the Quaylink Services.
I then made my down the Bank to the Terminus when at Half way down 8314 passed me and I just managed to grab a quick shot of it also, I then took a light jog to catch 8314 before it pulled away as I really didny fancy waiting 10 Minutes at this point, an extremely short ride went by smoothly to Manners Walk where I departed and waited for the next Q2 to come so I could get yet another Photo.
After 8313 went I made way over the Millennium Bridge to the Baltic to catch the 16:44 Q1 back into Gateshead, after 2 Minutes 8337 passed with another unidentified Quaylink Versa towards Central Station I had a feeling I was going to be waiting a while for the one of the two if not both to come back together, after 22 Minutes of waiting in the Rain I boarded 8337 where the Driver was discussing the upcoming Quaylink/Orbit changes with and Elderly Passenger, just before departing 8337 I asked the driver why he was late, in which he replied he was on time but the 2 Q1s in front of him were late and terminated at Central Station and ran light back to Gateshead to be back on time upon departing, one Versa passed us we came up Gateshead High Street and the other was on the Layover.
As a result of the discussion I had with the driver I missed the 17:15 X1, so I had to wait for the next one, bang on time at 17:25 6002 came into sight and much like my journey on 6001 earlier it went by blissfully, after this I nipped into Asda for some scran before getting on 8323 back home.
My Journeys Today
12:05 - 2 - 8326 - Lambton Village Centre to Washington Galleries
12:14 - X1 - 6001 - Washington Galleries to Gateshead Interchange
13:07 - 94 - 5224 - Gateshead Interchange to Team Valley
14:05 - 93 - 5226 - Team Valley to Gateshead Interchange
15:15 - X71 - 3876 - Gateshead Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square
16:06 - Q2 - 8316 - Market Street to Saint Lawrence Road
16:28 - Q2 - 8314 - St Peters Basin to Manners Walk
16:44 - Q1 - 8337 - Baltic to Gateshead Interchange
17:25 - X1 - 6002 - Gateshead Interchange to Washington Galleries
18:25 - 2 - 8323 - Washington Galleries to Lambton Village Centre
(13 Jun 2015, 8:12 pm)Malarkey Having decided late last night to go out and about I set my alarm to get up at 8:30am, This plan went out of the window straight away as I didnt feel to great when I woke up, so I instead went back to kip and woke up exactly 3 Hours later feeling much than I did, I got up and got dressed etc and made my to Lambton Village Centre.
A few minutes late 8326 turned up and was my short ride to The Galleries, I boarded 6001 on the X1 which again was a few minutes late and departed The Galleries around 7 to 8 Minutes late, the journey was reasonably quiet for the time of day and the lack of screaming kids and overly loud pubescent teens was just pure bliss compared to recent journeys on the X1 as of late.
Finally we reached Gateshead where I departed and much to my Joy 8334 pulled in behind, I then walked around the corner where Church is across from the Highstreet and across the traffic the lights, with the Sun shining behind me I knew this be good spot to photograph 8334 as it departed on the 52, after a few minutes of waiting 8334 came into view and just as I went to hit the trigger some absolute bellend decided to stand right in front of me obscuring my view and shot of 8334, safe to say I quite furious as I was standing right on the corner of the pavement to, all this dick had to do was go past me to my left and cross the lights like any normal person would do, instead he was ignorant and decided to play with the traffic instead.
Fueled with rage I made my way back into the Interchange and Fueled by Body with some Energy with a Bottle of Lucozade and 2 Greggs Sausage Rolls before making my around to the stand for the 94 which again was late, this time 5224 which was around 7 Minutes late, so Ladies and Gents that completes my Hat-Trick, for the first time ever I can say this happened to me, after weaving our way through traffic down Bensham back we reach the Valley where I departed for look around the Car Show at Gateshead College.
I was quite surprised at the amount of cars in Attendence, No more than 30 I would say, plenty of Ford Focus Cars there mind for my liking, a pleasant surprise was seeing a Ford GT40 parked up, after a few photos I made my way inside where there was an F1 Car Simulator, I would of loved a go of this but there was quite a queue so instead continued to wonder around the college to where I came across former GNE MPD 535, after few more photos I made by way back over to the Bus Stop for the 94 back into Gateshead.
Getting the stop just 2 Minutes before the 94 was due I seen 5226 come into view and head into the Retail Park, with only a minute or so to wait I got my Ticket out, all of 18 Minutes passed after that and the 14:10 94 eventually turned up at 14:28 to take back to Gateshead, 5226 flew up Bensham Bank into Gateshead where again I departed, I have to say these are the Best Wright Solars in the Fleet.
Having missed an Omnidekka on either the X30/X31 as made my over to the Newcastle side of the Interchange, I waited 15 Minutes for the X71 to come, to my disappointment it was 3876 which showed up not that a Lolyne showing up is a bad thing, In all honesty this short journey was superb and 3876 in my opinion would be a great candidate for preservation, it is one of few which has it original Destination Displays and not to be Refurbished or have its seats Reupholstered, Overall a excellent Bus in good condition for its age, after departing 3876 I took a snap of it for the Archives.
After getting off in Eldon Square I made my up to Haymarket to take a few photos before sprinting down John Dobson Street to Photograph 12072 on the 38, after catching my breath I made way over to Market Street where I boarded 8316 to St Lawrence Road, well might was well say St Peter Basin with being the 2nd to last stop on the Q2 Route and being roughly a minutes walk away, around a 10 Minute journey ensued and gave me time to sit back and note some spots for photographs of the Q3 Next Months as I had never been on the Q2 to its Terminus before, as I more often use the Q1 out of the Quaylink Services.
I then made my down the Bank to the Terminus when at Half way down 8314 passed me and I just managed to grab a quick shot of it also, I then took a light jog to catch 8314 before it pulled away as I really didny fancy waiting 10 Minutes at this point, an extremely short ride went by smoothly to Manners Walk where I departed and waited for the next Q2 to come so I could get yet another Photo.
After 8313 went I made way over the Millennium Bridge to the Baltic to catch the 16:44 Q1 back into Gateshead, after 2 Minutes 8337 passed with another unidentified Quaylink Versa towards Central Station I had a feeling I was going to be waiting a while for the one of the two if not both to come back together, after 22 Minutes of waiting in the Rain I boarded 8337 where the Driver was discussing the upcoming Quaylink/Orbit changes with and Elderly Passenger, just before departing 8337 I asked the driver why he was late, in which he replied he was on time but the 2 Q1s in front of him were late and terminated at Central Station and ran light back to Gateshead to be back on time upon departing, one Versa passed us we came up Gateshead High Street and the other was on the Layover.
As a result of the discussion I had with the driver I missed the 17:15 X1, so I had to wait for the next one, bang on time at 17:25 6002 came into sight and much like my journey on 6001 earlier it went by blissfully, after this I nipped into Asda for some scran before getting on 8323 back home.
My Journeys Today
12:05 - 2 - 8326 - Lambton Village Centre to Washington Galleries
12:14 - X1 - 6001 - Washington Galleries to Gateshead Interchange
13:07 - 94 - 5224 - Gateshead Interchange to Team Valley
14:05 - 93 - 5226 - Team Valley to Gateshead Interchange
15:15 - X71 - 3876 - Gateshead Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square
16:06 - Q2 - 8316 - Market Street to Saint Lawrence Road
16:28 - Q2 - 8314 - St Peters Basin to Manners Walk
16:44 - Q1 - 8337 - Baltic to Gateshead Interchange
17:25 - X1 - 6002 - Gateshead Interchange to Washington Galleries
18:25 - 2 - 8323 - Washington Galleries to Lambton Village Centre
), so rather than take photos in full view of them, we went out of the way somewhat, where we could still take photos. I got a few decent shots, as did Adrian. He was after a few ''Venture'' Solos, and I think he managed to tick one or two off of his list. We saw ''Coast & Country'' 5399 leave for Sunderland, then a ''Venture'' Solo on the V8, so we had a wait of about 20 minutes for the next bus to Stanley. A trip to Gregg's (I knew where it was, but led us around the long way, not knowing there was a way of quickly cutting onto the Front Street!) took place, where Adrian stocked up on food, as did I. As we ate at the benches just outside of the bus station, Chester-le-Street based ''Coast & Country'' Streetlite 5407 came in with a 78 to Sunderland. Finishing up, we joined the line to board, eventually sitting in the middle of the vehicle; with Adrian at the seat with the massive amount of legroom, and then myself behind him, just above the step. Not a bad journey to Stanley on this Streetlite; while it was nothing on a Volvo B10BLE, I don't recall it struggling at all; and there are some nasty climbs on the Stanley-Consett stretch of the route!
Went out on an adventure today, mainly to ride a few Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renowns; having not been on one since my outing on 16 May, with Sean (northern156), which was 5148. I purchased a Get Around day ticket for £3.75, and got exactly what I wanted out of it.
I woke up at 08:00, and got ready for the day ahead. My camera was fully charged, I had my wallet and phone, and I left my house at 08:25. As time is always a factor, and I knew Renowns were now allocated to the 95/96 services, I decided I would head through to Newcastle to start the day off. As I don't live in the centre of Chester-le-Street, it was roughly a 20 minute walk until I boarded Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 2 6061 at the Newcastle-bound ''Angel'' stand at the bottom of Front Street. The passenger boarding in front of me took a while, as the ticket machine seemed to jam, and multiple tickets had to be printed by the driver, including a cancellation, and then cutting away any messed up tickets; before finally, I handed over my money, pulled my Get Around from the ETM, and took my seat at the front upstairs. I think this run came from Durham, as there was already about ten passengers on board, and there is no way that many people were waiting at the Black Horse when I walked past. There were a couple of others upstairs, one towards the middle and another towards the back; and the journey went by rather fast. Normally, at this hour, I'm quite tired and tend to shut my eyes (but not go to sleep) and just rest them for a while; but for some bizarre reason I was very much awake. Aside from a young child who boarded at the Coach & Horses in Birtley, who sat at the nearside front seats upstairs, making a bit of a racket, nothing else annoyed me during this journey. Quite a number of people left in Gateshead, where Daniel Picken boarded; sitting at the door-side front seats where the young child had been sitting. I was listening to my music, so didn't turn around to see him at first, before I felt like someone was watching me. I looked and saw him sitting, smiling at me, so I took my earphones out and made conversation. We discussed Tridents, Presidents and Vykings, I think. As we were on Percy Street, I saw a ''Toon Link'' B10BLE in it's stand, I later determined it was 5148. When I disembarked 6061, and walked up the bus station, the driver closed the doors just five seconds before I would have boarded... Bit of shame.
Standing just above it in Eldon Square, was a 10A service, operated by a Volvo B9TL. Having just come off a B5, I decided to ride a B9 to try and make a comparison. It was 6072 working this run, which I travelled on as far as the MetroCentre. Only a handful of passengers were using this service, so there wasn't any noise being made by anyone to irritate me. I sat a couple of rows behind the stairs, as my favoured spot was taken. The only noticeable difference was the noise of the engine, as you'll all know, the engine of a Hybrid B5 is very light and smooth while the B9 makes much more noise, but still retains the smoothness. When I did reach the MetroCentre, I noticed Renown 4920 was sitting in the layover, with the blind set for the 96 back to Gateshead. I walked over to that stand after leaving 6072, to find that the next 96 was due in only five minutes. A couple of minutes passed before the driver brought it out of the layover, and came to a stop where I was standing. I took my seat at the quadrant, one of my favourite spots to sit on a Renown, before the driver pulled it out at the departure time, with the only passenger being myself. It must be said that when you have a bus to yourself, it is a lovely feeling of peace that is hard to copy in other parts of the hobby, if you ask me. Even better, when it is a vehicle that you like very much. 4920 was one of the B10s that I required for haulage today anyway, there are only a handful of the native Renowns that I need to ride anyway, for the sake of it, so this is one I can tick off. This was an absolute beast, I don't normally offer buses that status, but I think 4920 was worthy of it. I don't know if it was because of the amount of people on board (just me and the driver) or the fact there was no traffic, but it just flew past bus stops and along roads until a couple of men boarded about 10 minutes away from the MetroCentre. Then, when we hit Lobley Hill, around a dozen boarded, and we entered Gateshead with a decent load. If you've never been on 4920, I would recommend it. Now one of my favourite Renowns.
The next ride was ''Angel'' Volvo B5 6058, which was the first thing to pull into Gateshead heading to Newcastle. Not many comments to make, as it was just over 10 minutes until Eldon Square, but after I hopped off, I made my way up to Costa. Got the usual, a Hot Chocolate to sit in with, and watched the activity go by. I made notes of any unusual workings that passed through, and during this time, Adrian contacted me saying that he was on 6028 heading through on the X1. I continued to drink while I conversed with him, having to watch a couple of B10BLEs and OmniDekkas go in and out, but as the time crept up to 11:30, I had finished my Costa, left, and was standing on Percy Street waiting for 6028 to appear. When it did, Adrian was standing at the front of the bus, so I gave him a wave and he responded by doing the same; then I headed back into the bus station as the X1 then proceeded to move forwards and down into Eldon Square. Adrian came towards me, and we initially headed down to see of anything good, but then he spotted a couple of ''Toon Link'' OmniCities on Percy Street, so we headed back up for a couple of photographs. He did, but I didn't bother... Something else caught my attention; Stanley's only remaining Wright Renown, 4897, was coming into view on the ''Diamond'' 43 to Durham. I told Adrian, and we headed down to it's stand, as it pulled in. There wasn't really a queue that had formed, just a few people standing around waiting for it, so Adrian and I took full advantage of this and sat at the driver's side quadrant; Adrian facing the rear and myself facing the road ahead. Not many passenger numbers on this, and we just had a general discussion to pass the time. As you can imagine, it was nice to ride an ex-''Lime'' B10BLE, albeit not on it's former route, but the kickdowns I could hear on this Volvo machine were great. Not as good as 4920 earlier on, but still very good. I'll be sad to see this one go.
Adrian and I walked across to the area that allows photographs of buses entering and exiting, as well as the layover bays, to take a few photos. I managed a shot of 4898 on the 67, then a ''Highwayman'' branded Solar, before putting my camera away, but not before Adrian snapped 6120, the only ''Red Kite'' B9 he needed, before we walked down towards it's stand, and had a ride on that back to Newcastle. It was actually quite busy, with most pair of seats upstairs having at least one occupant, and most seats downstairs being taken. We just discussed Leyland Nationals, the Howlands Rally next Sunday, and preserved 4708 passing it's MOT. On the mechanical side of things, as smooth and powerful as any other B9 in the fleet! Not really comparable to anything, and nothing appeared to be out of character. At least it's another ''Red Kite'' B9 I can cross off, the only one I need now is 6119. When we left in Eldon Square, we walked out on Percy Street for some more photos. In the corner of my eye – I saw my main aim of today's outing; 4843!! I told Adrian, and we walked down to the X25 stand (which, by the time we'd arrived, was when 4843 was pulling into the stand, as it is located right at the bottom). There was only one other passenger in the queue, so we joined. The first thing I noticed was the ''graffiti'' seat behind the driver's cab, facing the doors. Didn't look very good when compared to the other blue ''Go'' seats displayed inside... Speaking of the inside, this was a pretty scruffy bus. Anyway, we departed and hit Newgate Street. We went over a pothole – and the whole bus shook. It was almost scary how violently the bus was shaking on anything as minor as a downhill slope... I couldn't help but mutter ''Jesus'' when I was practically shown out of my seat... Very disappointed with this, so Adrian and I alighted in Gateshead. To think that last night I was anticipating a round trip on the 34/34A or a whole ride from Chester-le-Street to Newcastle on the 28/28A on this vehicle...
We took a few shots around the Interchange, before Dual-Door Wright Renown 5164 appeared with the ''Loop'' 93 service. Adrian had suggested earlier on that we see if anything of value is visible at Saltmeadows; prior to today, I had never been before, so I thought it would be a good experience to see the location with my own eyes. 5164, like most dual-door examples, was nothing particularly special. Sounded a bit rough, nothing like a real B10BLE. Of note, there was OmniDekka 6123 and another red example parked in the bus wash, with ''Metro Radio'' base-liveried 6133 in full view, as well as the now common sight of 8293 and 4846 parked nose down towards the rear fence. After taking as many photos as we needed, I had a look along the main road – a ''Loop'' branded Scania was just turning onto the road, and the bus stop was directly in front of us. I told Adrian, and we walked across with ample time for the Solar to reach the stop. Signalling for it to stop, we boarded and hit the back seats. There is something about these examples on the ''Loop''... I can't pinpoint it, but the engine noise just reminds me so much of a DAF Plaxton Prestige. Although we were on this (5220) no more then 10 minutes, I enjoyed it very much, and sitting at the back made the beastly engine even better. As we entered Gateshead again, we walked around for a short while, before Adrian suggested we ride ''Coaster'' branded OmniCity 5268 to Market Street in Newcastle, then catch an X70/X71 up to Consett. I thought it sounded like a good idea, so we boarded 5268, and set off moments after taking our seats. It was only a brief hop to Newcastle, about half of the bus was occupied with decent passenger numbers. I've brought it up several times in the past, but I am not a massive fan of OmniCities to begin with, so I just made the best I could of it.
When we alighted, Adrian asked for the time. It was 13:21; we had 9 minutes until the next X70 to Consett departed Eldon Square, which we could easily walk. We casually made our way into Eldon Square Bus Station; arriving a couple of minutes before it was due out. This was operated by Dennis Trident/East Lancs Lolyne 3873 – a vehicle I have not travelled on since it left Chester-le-Street a long time ago! I noticed it's seats were re-trimmed, as it held the ''graffiti'' seating when I last rode it. The two of us took the front seats, Adrian on the side of the doors and myself on the side of the cab. John, the young boy mentioned in my review from the 30 May (with Jimmi) also boarded in Newcastle (albeit Newgate Street), and spoke to both of us until he alighted in Gateshead. As we exited Gateshead, we gave Dan a wave as I saw him in the corner of my eye take a photo of our bus. Everything about this particular example seemed fine, until we hit one of the steepest banks on the Newcastle-Consett express route; the definition of the term ''crawl'' could have been used to describe the way it climbed this bank, just after we'd passed through the Bensham area. We continued our general discussion, about the forum, other aspects of the hobby and QCS as well, if I remember correctly. Finally, after a pretty good journey, we arrived in Consett. I have rode nearly every Lolyne (or Trident for that matter!) in the Go North East fleet, and I can safely say I think Stanley's 3873 is one of the healthiest in the fleet.
There was a couple of charvers outside of the bus station (who I later determined to be Robert and his buddies...), so rather than take photos in full view of them, we went out of the way somewhat, where we could still take photos. I got a few decent shots, as did Adrian. He was after a few ''Venture'' Solos, and I think he managed to tick one or two off of his list. We saw ''Coast & Country'' 5399 leave for Sunderland, then a ''Venture'' Solo on the V8, so we had a wait of about 20 minutes for the next bus to Stanley. A trip to Gregg's (I knew where it was, but led us around the long way, not knowing there was a way of quickly cutting onto the Front Street!) took place, where Adrian stocked up on food, as did I. As we ate at the benches just outside of the bus station, Chester-le-Street based ''Coast & Country'' Streetlite 5407 came in with a 78 to Sunderland. Finishing up, we joined the line to board, eventually sitting in the middle of the vehicle; with Adrian at the seat with the massive amount of legroom, and then myself behind him, just above the step. Not a bad journey to Stanley on this Streetlite; while it was nothing on a Volvo B10BLE, I don't recall it struggling at all; and there are some nasty climbs on the Stanley-Consett stretch of the route!
After jumping off 5407 in Stanley, we headed to the spot outside of the bus station for some photos. Got some great shots, which I'll upload to Flickr shortly, but when we walked around the side where the Stanley Travel office is, some charvers standing at the entrance saw us. One said ''are you going to take pictures of me like'', to which Adrian turned around and said ''not unless you're going to pay me for it''; the charver then made a fart noise in response, before we walked around the side for some shots of the deckers lined up in the layover bays. Have to say I'm really pleased I had Adrian with me there, I would have been quite scared if that happened to me by myself... I feel a lot safer taking photographs if I'm with somebody.
The next 8 back to Chester-le-Street was due at 15:45, and the moment we re-entered the bus station from the main entrance (the charvers had dispersed), I spotted it coming around the roundabout. It was Chester-le-Street based 5404; one that I have not yet made a journey on, so that made me quite happy. I don't think there are many more that I need now. We sat in the same positions as we did on 5407, talking again. Adrian stayed on until Washington, while I thanked him for the company today, and disembarked at South Burns, in Chester-le-Street. I headed into Tesco for a couple of things, before walking back to the Front Street. I missed, by seconds, 6056 on the 21 to Durham, so decided to get the next bus heading up to the Black Horse, and walk from there. This was 5258, operating the 16:22 50 to Durham. The driver overran the stop, but when I pressed the bell again, he apologised and dropped me off at the nearest location. A log is below;
08:47 #21 – Chester-le-Street Corals to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 6061
09:31 #10A – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – GNE 6072
09:56 #96 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 4920
10:30 #21 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 6058
11:36 #43 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – GNE 4897
12:01 #47 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 6120
12:25 #X25 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 4843
12:46 #93 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Saltmeadows Road Bus Depot – GNE 5164
13:03 #94 – Saltmeadows Road Bus Depot to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 5220
13:13 #1 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Newcastle Market Street – GNE 5268
13:29 #X70 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Consett Bus Station – GNE 3873
14:54 #78 – Consett Bus Station to Stanley Bus Station – GNE 5407
15:42 #8 – Stanley Bus Station to Chester-le-Street South Burns – GNE 5404
16:22 #50 – Chester-le-Street Red Lion to Chester-le-Street Black Horse – GNE 5258
When I look at the whole journey log, I really didn't get that far today. However, I rode plenty of Wright Renowns, and took many photos. Also thanks to Adrian for the company. I hope you enjoyed reading, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Marcus
