We're driving up, now. Will most likely have something to eat before crossing over. Hopefully it'll have stopped peeing down by then.

Horrible weather today - will still head over when I get up though, hopefully it'll improve by then. Haven't got my camera though as I'm at my grandmas and I cba to go home and get it. To be fair it's a nightmare getting pics anyway.

Looking at the metcheck storm radar, it's a big rainy cloud passing over from the north west which looks like it should be clear of Gateshead by about 11am.

We're driving up, now. Will most likely have something to eat before crossing over. Hopefully it'll have stopped peeing down by then.

Big'un, Little'un and hubby......, you going to have your hands full today 

Big'un, Little'un and hubby......, you going to have your hands full today 

Hopefully little'un will keep the other two in check.

Looking at the metcheck storm radar, it's a big rainy cloud passing over from the north west which looks like it should be clear of Gateshead by about 11am.

Ah good I'm going to head over soon anyway. Still raining a bit here but not too bad.

I've already attended and recognised a few people from here. I didn't hang around much since I needed to be in durham for something else.

Brilliant event so far. Weather was utter rubbish to start off with but hey ho.

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I'm heading out now, Ive just uploaded 2 Flickr post's
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/

I got bored after 20 mins. It's even worse when you don't have a camera with you. But was good to see a few independent operators. Going to have a look round the Metrocentre and go home to watch the Leicester game.

I got bored after 20 mins. It's even worse when you don't have a camera with you. But was good to see a few independent operators. Going to have a look round the Metrocentre and go home to watch the Leicester game.

Hate to say it, but I completely agree with you. The rally was not as good as last year, for a few reasons:

- not as many/frequent shuttle services.
- none to Tanfield Railway, don't know why, the 'organiser' said the trains went running, but I assure him they 150% were.
- not as many stalls selling photographs or other miscellaneous things related to buses.
- the 'organiser' I spoke to had no idea about anything I was asking and said he was just here to get people on and off (I'm sure there are much more friendly bus enthusiasts that would've filled that role much better)
- many buses that I was excited to see and ride on just sat in the car park all day and weren't touched.
- last year there was better weather, I know this can't be helped but it really makes a difference to the whole day.

On the other hand, I did think that Go North East made a much better effort with the amount of buses this year, and all of the drivers were very friendly (particularly Mark and the driver that me and Marcus had on the Olympian, think it was Ben or Jack) and let you look around the buses and changed the destination displays.

Like last year, Arriva failed to disappoint me. The driver from Stockton, Jason, was really patient with letting everyone in the buses and even let them switch it on and give it a cheeky rev! I was glad they brought along an Omnicity as I've never came face to face with one of Arriva's omni's. Their buses also seemed to be in an much better quality that some of Go North East's. Don't get me wrong (because I like Go North East and their buses) but Arriva Sapphire and Max seemed to have really comfy leather seats, compared to the Streetlites and Streetdeck of Go North East. Wifi has always worked on Arriva Sapphire too, which I don't know why bus wifi frequently doesn't work on go north east at all. However I must say that I haven't been on it as much as Go North East's Streetlites. I don't mean quality in terms of dirtiness or anything like that, just the comfort of the ride.

Overall it was an average rally, I will be back next year, probably wondering which red arrows B9 Go North East will be bringing for the 96th year in a row.

Hate to say it, but I completely agree with you. The rally was not as good as last year, for a few reasons:

- not as many/frequent shuttle services.
- none to Tanfield Railway, don't know why, the 'organiser' said the trains went running, but I assure him they 150% were.
- not as many stalls selling photographs or other miscellaneous things related to buses.
- the 'organiser' I spoke to had no idea about anything I was asking and said he was just here to get people on and off (I'm sure there are much more friendly bus enthusiasts that would've filled that role much better)
- many buses that I was excited to see and ride on just sat in the car park all day and weren't touched.
- last year there was better weather, I know this can't be helped but it really makes a difference to the whole day.

On the other hand, I did think that Go North East made a much better effort with the amount of buses this year, and all of the drivers were very friendly (particularly Mark and the driver that me and Marcus had on the Olympian, think it was Ben or Jack) and let you look around the buses and changed the destination displays.

Like last year, Arriva failed to disappoint me. The driver from Stockton, Jason, was really patient with letting everyone in the buses and even let them switch it on and give it a cheeky rev! I was glad they brought along an Omnicity as I've never came face to face with one of Arriva's omni's. Their buses also seemed to be in an much better quality that some of Go North East's. Don't get me wrong (because I like Go North East and their buses) but Arriva Sapphire and Max seemed to have really comfy leather seats, compared to the Streetlites and Streetdeck of Go North East. Wifi has always worked on Arriva Sapphire too, which I don't know why bus wifi frequently doesn't work on go north east at all. However I must say that I haven't been on it as much as Go North East's Streetlites. I don't mean quality in terms of dirtiness or anything like that, just the comfort of the ride.

Overall it was an average rally, I will be back next year, probably wondering which red arrows B9 Go North East will be bringing for the 96th year in a row.

I never have any problems with Go North Easts WiFi (well the coaster as it's the only route I use that often which has WiFi), but I agree for some reason the MAX/Sapphire seats are a lot more comfortable than the GNE ones. Yeah Arriva are always helpful (probably because most of the drivers are enthusiasts). Shame Stagecoach didn't bother (again!)

I won't be back next year I don't think as it was very average as you say. I thought it was just me.

Also did anyone else think it was quiet today? Might have been the weather but normally a lot more people there.

I'm glad I chose not to go again this year, GNE just seem to send the same selection of vehicles year in year out, while I've usually travelled on anything Arriva take. All of the other vehicles that attend I've usually seen in years gone by, nothing ever really seems to change, which is a shame.

Haven't been to it for about 3 years, seems nothing has changed about the same buses.

I got a play around in the cab of 7603, I have to say I very much enjoyed today

Haven't been to it for about 3 years, seems nothing has changed about the same buses.

Yep I said that a couple of weeks back - wish I hadn't had bothered wasting my time now.

The first year I went I found it a bit boring as I didn't do any Tours and I didn't talk to anyone, this year and last I've chatted to some enthusiasts and gone out on shuttles. I think how some people's days are spent vary on what you do in your time there, I can't imagine there is that much enjoyment to be had just wandering up and down the coach park.

Do think it was a little disappointing how most of the shuttles seemed to follow the same route, I find doing the same route over and over again rather boring, which is why I'm on the X10 now where I will change to the 21 to return to Aycliffe (providing I make it there in time) adding some extra variety.

I enjoyed my day today though.

Not a bad day out, was there about 4 hours as I wanted to go on some trips past GNE Riverside for some photos of buses parked up. Went on GNE 5288 and 6129. I was planning on going on some classic buses but I was either taking photos of other buses or over at the bus station getting photos. Also the queues for the classic buses were quite long. Had a sit in the cab of ANE 7603 (https://instagram.com/p/BE3a1zXLHIA/) and some kind gentleman took a photo of me with my iPhone when I was sitting in the cab. Got 100+ photos of the event. Was vaguely hopeful GNE would have one of the new Streetlite Prince Bishops ready but I guess that will be the Durham rally next month when there will more chance of one present.


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I thought it wasn't to bad of an even to be honest. It was nice to see the appearence of some vehicles like United 251, and Northern 3269. Plus some of the regular preserved vehicles. Also nice to see the old style GNE livery make a return and that Yorkshire Coastliner Olympian was very tidy.

Was hoping some more vehicles would have went out on the shuttles. Managed the Leopard and the Streetdeck, and a little ride around the coach park onboard 4708.

As mentioned I got on the Streetdeck which is the first time I've been on one. From a passenger point of view, they're good, but from the enthusiast point of view, I found them to lack character and to be very drab.

I had a really enjoyable day. It started out quite damp, and the run in didn't quite go to plan, as it was a good steady rainfall until about 10am. There was plenty of variety though, and it was good to see some other preserved vehicles return from storage, not to mention work carried out over the winter period on others.

I'd say that seeing JFT413X (413) was the highlight for me. I'd never seen one of the two PTE Alexander bodied Scania BR112DH, so it was great to finally have that opportunity. It's a very smartly presented restoration, and is a credit to the THV group. It's a shame it didn't do a run out, but I suppose you can't have everything.

It also brought back some great memories seeing FTN708W (4708) and R855PRG (4855) lined up together, in the GNE red/blue/yellow livery. It's always been one of my favourite liveries, and it's good to see some preservation projects starting to come through in this livery.

Go North East and Arriva both brought a large selection of vehicles along, and of course both operators support remains a big part of the Metrocentre event. Both companies were very well presented, with staff more than happy to explain the ins and outs of the vehicles, and also happy to display some weird and wonderful destinations! 

Whilst I don't deny that it was what the event staff were telling people, I'm not sure where they got their information from that Tanfield Railway wasn't open today? You can see for yourself here - http://tanfield-railway.blogspot.co.uk/2...nd_30.html. It did seem to be a case that there was a big lack of organisation this year, and it didn't appear that they had their usual compliment of volunteers. This is probably the reason that the usual timetable and such went out the window, which is disappointing. 

All in all though, it was a really enjoyable day.

I thought it wasn't to bad of an even to be honest. It was nice to see the appearence of some vehicles like United 251, and Northern 3269. Plus some of the regular preserved vehicles. Also nice to see the old style GNE livery make a return and that Yorkshire Coastliner Olympian was very tidy.

Was hoping some more vehicles would have went out on the shuttles. Managed the Leopard and the Streetdeck, and a little ride around the coach park onboard 4708.

As mentioned I got on the Streetdeck which is the first time I've been on one. From a passenger point of view, they're good, but from the enthusiast point of view, I found them to lack character and to be very drab.

Husband was admiring the streetdeck's rugged, masculine good looks.

We may make an an enthusiast out of him, yet

Husband was admiring the streetdeck's rugged, masculine good looks.

We may make an an enthusiast out of him, yet

What were the highlights for the kids? Bright orange Strathtay for big'un?

What were the highlights for the kids? Bright orange Strathtay for big'un?

Aye. we missed the run out on that one.

Big'un was rather taken that the Bristol LHS6L was born the same year as me. He also liked the trio of Snaith's coaches of various ages.

Littl'un enjoyed telling us what colour Every Single Bus was. He also observed that many of the vehicles actually had wheels. And that the driver on one of the T&W PTE vehicles was, in fact, a bear.

Aye. we missed the run out on that one.

Big'un was rather taken that the Bristol LHS6L was born the same year as me. He also liked the trio of Snaith's coaches of various ages.

Littl'un enjoyed telling us what colour Every Single Bus was. He  also observed that many of the vehicles actually had wheels. And that the driver on one of the T&W PTE vehicles was, in fact, a bear.

My dad knows a driver at Rothbury Motors and I got a great run around on their tri-axle coach

Despite the rain and poor organisation of how Vehicles were parked up, I must say very close together, actually thought I was at Durham Rally for most of the event, and a lack of stalls and further lack of quantity when it came to model buses, I still managed to spend £51 on three GNE Models to add to my collection. Negatives out of the way I quite I enjoyed the 2 Hours I spent at the Rally with plenty of new additions to the preservation scene on display which did not disappoint me one bit.

I got to then MetroCentre at around 10:30am and was greeted by 3469 (AUP 360W) as I came down into the Coach Park, which resulted in many enthusiasts scrambling into position for photos, myself included. I then made my way up the left hand side where A-Line etc were parked up before heading over to the right side where you will find the usual ex Busways Vehicles, before having a look around the stalls, after buying a few models I continued my way up to the top bumping into Mr Fozz on my travels, I also spoke with and old gentleman who told me quite few stories of the Northern Vehicles during his childhood whilst attempting to get a photo of (FJ61 EXO) which I photographed yesterday also.

I then took a trip back to the early 2000s as I photographed what had be my highlight of the day in 4708 & 4855, I boarded 4855 and spoke with the owners of both Vehicles, and praised them for there efforts over the winter months along with thanking them for bringing back some great memories of my childhood, which they appreciated and thanked me for my kind comments.

After that I had look around the Arriva & Go North East Vehicles on show, along with photographing 3656 which also looks fantastic before heading back down the bottom, where I was greeted by the Yorkshire Coastliner and United Leyland Olympian ECWs coming in, which was the other highlight of my day before opting to head back home so I could watch the football, not before catching 4896 on the 46, 5210 on the 10B and a brief chat with Jack McArdle in the Bus Station, to then catch a late running 13:18pm X88 back to Washington.

Overall I thought it was a good rally and I am looking forward to Durham next month.

20 photos have now being uploaded to my Flickr from today's event. I've created this album for the event. More photos may be added tomorrow.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127079988@...7218803180

More photos will be added at some point I kind of rushed uploading these photos as I'm pretty tired after being on the go for the last three days non-stop with little sleep and I've got to play catch up with my uploads.

Been a good day today, got on a few buses and got to chat to a few people, some I've not seen in a while, sorry if I didn't say hi or anything to any of you, it was nothing personal. Was also pleased to get some of the new Arriva timetables especially for the services I use which change in a fortnights time.

20 photos have now being uploaded to my Flickr from today's event. I've created this album for the event. More photos may be added tomorrow.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127079988@...7218803180

More photos will be added at some point I kind of rushed uploading these photos as I'm pretty tired after being on the go for the last three days non-stop with little sleep and I've got to play catch up with my uploads.

Been a good day today, got on a few buses and got to chat to a few people, some I've not seen in a while, sorry if I didn't say hi or anything to any of you, it was nothing personal. Was also pleased to get some of the new Arriva timetables especially for the services I use which change in a fortnights time.

Some decent photos there Jimmi. I was so half asleep I missed R855PRG there, which I'm annoyed about, and didn't see the Spirit Buses E200 there. Would have liked to see R855PRG in the flesh as it looks really good on the pics.

Although I intended on only going for a couple of hours, then leaving. I ended up staying until the end of the event and riding around on the buses.

I bought a few things from the "potato bus", including an ADL badge, and various Stagecoach branded stuff.

Was a good day today, Though I didn't get there as early as other forum members did due to me having football at 10 in the morning!

Got there for around 2:30PM and spent most of my time playing around with 7603 which I thank the driver for letting me do, Though if Tommy didn't lock himself in the bloody cab I probably would have had a lot more time in it!

Also spent a bit with Lee in 1405, Battery was a bit dead in this one I believe and the destinations couldn't be started up as usual though came on later on.

As the MAX X75/76 Omnicity was being readied for a run I had a little moment of madness and went to the Frequenta Solo and let myself in ( which I regret doing )
One other enthusiast who I recognised from the first Saturday of the Tynedale Links Solo's in operation decided to have a full on rage with me from 1405 for nothing, I didn't bloody touch anything.
One of the Arriva Drivers who had a cockney accent came over and I apologised and he was fine with it, Though for the enthusiast to shout his head off at me wasn't needed, I still don't know why he done it in the first place.

Anyways putting that moment of madness aside, I took some photos from the GNE lineup and various other Preserved Vehicles and other Independents, Also took a lot of the Arriva Lineup too though I pulled the short straw with Tommy and ended being locked out the cab by him and having to take the photos of nearly every single blind on the log.

Met Sean Harris aka Northern156 for the first time today, We chatted for a minute or two before going separate ways.

Also seen Daniel Graham and some other enthusiast's with him for the first time, I don't know if there NEB Members or not.

Other's seen today were Davie, Dan Picken , Kieron Matthews outside the Bus Station , Steven Hodgson , Bazza's Mate who I still don't know the name of and Jimmi.

Been nice meeting new people and talking to ones I already know and I hope to see you out and about or at the Durham Rally which Is coming up.

Might upload some of the photo's to Flickr tonight though I'm quite tired so see what happens.

Thanks for the good day

Spent an enjoyable afternoon at the rally. A few different independents and loved the line up of preserved NE buses; had a great ride on the South Sheilds Atlantean.

I was disappointed in the presentation of some of GNE's offerings - 4898 was a disgrace! Loop and Green Arrow Scanias already look quite rough, and wheels were filthy. Incidentally, why did GNE take off the wheels trims a couple of years ago, eg.. all Volvos used to come with them fitted from new. They also used to keep wheels clean in painted silver.  Compared to First's buses and most Transdev fleets, GNE don't look as smart, well presented and professional. I thought Arriva's fleet put them to shame today.

I thought Arriva's fleet put them to shame today.

Yes, I thought the same.

Looks like GNE opted for quantity over quality.

Couldn't believe 4898 was at the rally in such a state (must have been a B10 in better condition in the depot) and was surprised that a Quaylink with missing branding was selected...