(21 Sep 2016, 9:10 am)LeeCalder wrote Driver on my 82A this morning, says that the new Solo SR's are horrible to drive

Every time a stanley driver gets off the streetlites on redkites, it's a sigh and 'I hate these (colourful language)ing buses'. Don't think these new buses are too popular haha.

(21 Sep 2016, 9:10 am)LeeCalder wrote LeeCalderDriver on my 82A this morning, says that the new Solo SR's are horrible to drive

You've just described most Optare products there... 
A better option than say a StreetLite WF. When SC Carlisle drivers drove SK65PWV for instance, it was pure bliss to return to a cab of a Solo SR, and they much prefer the old Pointer 2s over the Optares.

(21 Sep 2016, 8:58 am)Dan wrote It was due to transfer at the start of this month - see here. The reason why I included it at the time was to save myself a job later.

I believe the reason why the transfer is outstanding is due to 5257 being VOR. It was noted at DiagTest yesterday. All being well, this bus should be returning to service this week, which will allow 4963 to transfer to Percy Main as originally planned.

The bus covering for the Red Arrows mods / repaints is 6009.

Fleet lists/news updated with the latest movements. Think I've captured everything...

The biggest point of note is the re-allocation of the tri-axle Scania coaches to Hexham Depot, following the successful trial of 7100 earlier this year. 7098/99 will remain as 53-seaters (replacing 7080/82), while 7100-7102 will all undergo 69-seat conversion (replacing 7087/90/92).

7099 is now at Hexham:

Go North East 7099 FJ08KMU with GNE fleetnames by ASP8, on Flickr

(21 Sep 2016, 6:22 am)Jamie M wrote We've had two very different experiences then!

Evidently so.

What also needs to be considered is that the most Venture routes go through an estate or two with roads which aren't exactly smooth. This is also a cause of rattling so the bus itself may not be the main cause of the rattling, it is instead the road.

(20 Sep 2016, 9:08 pm)Brian13 wrote Nice to see GNE caring about Nexus services tonight no show was the 1743 90 from TVTE had to wait til 1811 for the more reliable JH one although I got caught in traffic at Dunston. Would've been quicker to go to Gateshead on a 93 and get a 49 to Swalwell

I don't believe that journey is operated by Go North East so it's not them you need to complain about

(21 Sep 2016, 9:10 am)LeeCalder wrote Driver on my 82A this morning, says that the new Solo SR's are horrible to drive

Sunderland Road drivers said that when the 58 got the Versa's.

(21 Sep 2016, 4:14 pm)Crusader wrote I don't believe that journey is operated by Go North East so it's not them you need to complain about

Yeah, the final two runs (inclusive of this'n) are marked as NexusBus runs.

(21 Sep 2016, 9:52 am)Dan wrote Fleet lists/news updated with the latest movements. Think I've captured everything...

The biggest point of note is the re-allocation of the tri-axle Scania coaches to Hexham Depot, following the successful trial of 7100 earlier this year. 7098/99 will remain as 53-seaters (replacing 7080/82), while 7100-7102 will all undergo 69-seat conversion (replacing 7087/90/92).

Couple of questions regarding the coaches. Firstly, are 7095 and 7097 remaining as part of the Coaching Fleet? (and if so why as opposed to two with consecutive fleet numbers?) Secondly, what will happen to 7094 and 7096 (and possibly 7095/7)? And thirdly will the current coaches at Hexham return to the Training fleet to replace the Cadets or be disposed of??

Thanks, Peter

(21 Sep 2016, 5:36 pm)peter wrote Couple of questions regarding the coaches. Firstly, are 7095 and 7097 remaining as part of the Coaching Fleet? (and if so why as opposed to two with consecutive fleet numbers?) Secondly, what will happen to 7094 and 7096 (and possibly 7095/7)? And thirdly will the current coaches at Hexham return to the Training fleet to replace the Cadets or be disposed of??

Thanks, Peter

The introduction of nine new coaches (7124 - 7132) has allowed the withdrawal of eight (7093/94, 7096 and 7098-7102). Go North East has gained National Express service 320 which operates between Birmingham and Bradford - the service commences this weekend, which may be the reason why the ninth hasn't been withdrawn.

I believe the two Scanias in the best condition were retained for the demanding National Express service work, which, as you'll be able to appreciate, is more important than selecting two coaches with consecutive fleet numbers. The seasonal Skegness 663 service will be withdrawn on 30th October, so one of 7095/97 may be removed from the Coaching fleet then.

7094/96 are planned to be sold on to another operator, and, providing another operator is interested, the older coaches presently allocated to Hexham will also be sold on.

560 is now at Riverside and operated the 554 this morning (don't think this has been noted)

Solos 701-704 are to be repainted pink and deployed at Washington allowing services 85 and 86 to join the indiGo brand. 701 is the first to be repainted: http://northeastbuses.co.uk/NEB/news/?id=2271

(21 Sep 2016, 6:44 pm)NK53 TKT wrote 560 is now at Riverside and operated the 554 this morning (don't think this has been noted)

It has - see here.

(21 Sep 2016, 6:51 pm)S813 FVK wrote Solos 701-704 are to be repainted pink and deployed at Washington allowing services 85 and 86 to join the indiGo brand. 701 is the first to be repainted: http://northeastbuses.co.uk/NEB/news/?id=2271

Least we know where they're going, wonder if they'll gain WIFI etc?

I would imagine one dart will remain atWashington as a spare?, unless GNE get one more solo from Thames Travel.

(21 Sep 2016, 6:57 pm)Michael wrote Least we know where they're going, wonder if they'll gain WIFI etc?

I would imagine one dart will remain atWashington as a spare?, unless GNE get one more solo from Thames Travel.

Well, according to this photo by Dan and a post which confirmed GNE would be getting 15 solos in total, GNE are still due to receive 11 more Solos from Thames Travel and Carousel so they may well get a spare to replace the final MPD, yes. It would be handy if that were to be the case aswell as it would mean they would only have 2 types of minibus (unless they keep the SR and conventional Solo together as one type which is unlikely) as opposed to 3.

(21 Sep 2016, 7:02 pm)S813 FVK wrote Well, according to this photo by Dan and a post which confirmed GNE would be getting 15 solos in total, GNE are still due to receive 11 more Solos from Thames Travel and Carousel so they may well get a spare to replace the final MPD, yes. It would be handy if that were to be the case aswell as it would mean they would only have 2 types of minibus (unless they keep the SR and conventional Solo together as one type which is unlikely) as opposed to 3.

Oh thanks, i didn't see that photo, on holiday so only really checking on here and my emails.

Would seem wise they'll recieve a spare so they only have solo's as a mini bus. 

Wonder where the rest will end up?


New solo Sr's are coming for the 237/238 too in January.

(13 Sep 2016, 4:07 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote Is there a particular reason why it is taking so long to get rid of the vehicles that are going for scrap? Seems like some of the MPDs and cadets have been there for ages, I could understand if they were being sold on but not scrapped.

The following vehicles have all been sold to Trevor Wigley for scrap and are awaiting collection: 555, 558, 3869, 3876, 3878, 4909 and 6040.

The following vehicles have all been sold to Ensign and are awaiting collection: 4902, 4903, 4918 and 4925.

The following vehicles are still being dismantled for spare parts: 3858 and 5159 (at Percy Main), 8267 (at Saltmeadows Rd) and 8271 (at DiagTest - engine/gearbox to be removed/swapped).

No buyers have yet registered interest in any of the other vehicles which have been withdrawn.

(21 Sep 2016, 7:09 pm)Michael wrote Oh thanks, i didn't see that photo, on holiday so only really checking on here and my emails.

Would seem wise they'll recieve a spare so they only have solo's as a mini bus. 

Wonder where the rest will end up?


New solo Sr's are coming for the 237/238 too in January.

Are they?

(21 Sep 2016, 7:12 pm)Dan wrote Are they?

Well i thought that's what was post on here, i take that as a no then.

Must be those Solo's from down South then

(21 Sep 2016, 7:02 pm)S813 FVK wrote Well, according to this photo by Dan and a post which confirmed GNE would be getting 15 solos in total, GNE are still due to receive 11 more Solos from Thames Travel and Carousel so they may well get a spare to replace the final MPD, yes. It would be handy if that were to be the case aswell as it would mean they would only have 2 types of minibus (unless they keep the SR and conventional Solo together as one type which is unlikely) as opposed to 3.

Interesting you should say two types

Having reviewed available fleet lists for Thames Travel and Carousel Bus - some of the examples being displaced from Thames Travel are Solo SRs of 3 years vintage. Also looking in terms of age that all the examples currently bound for Go North East will be Thames Travel examples - the Carousel examples all look to be the Euro4 MAN engined examples mentioned as currently still seeking a home.

(21 Sep 2016, 7:09 pm)Dan wrote The following vehicles have all been sold to Trevor Wigley for scrap and are awaiting collection: 555, 558, 3869, 3876, 3878, 4909 and 6040.

The following vehicles have all been sold to Ensign and are awaiting collection: 4902, 4903, 4918 and 4925.

The following vehicles are still being dismantled for spare parts: 3858 and 5159 (at Percy Main), 8267 (at Saltmeadows Rd) and 8271 (at DiagTest - engine/gearbox to be removed/swapped).

No buyers have yet registered interest in any of the other vehicles which have been withdrawn.

There's some for other buses due out it seems......

(21 Sep 2016, 5:45 pm)Dan wrote The introduction of nine new coaches (7124 - 7132) has allowed the withdrawal of eight (7093/94, 7096 and 7098-7102). Go North East has gained National Express service 320 which operates between Birmingham and Bradford - the service commences this weekend, which may be the reason why the ninth hasn't been withdrawn.

I believe the two Scanias in the best condition were retained for the demanding National Express service work, which, as you'll be able to appreciate, is more important than selecting two coaches with consecutive fleet numbers. The seasonal Skegness 663 service will be withdrawn on 30th October, so one of 7095/97 may be removed from the Coaching fleet then.

7094/96 are planned to be sold on to another operator, and, providing another operator is interested, the older coaches presently allocated to Hexham will also be sold on.

663 Skegness is due to finish on 7th October this year I think, one of the reasons for taking on the 320 which only runs on Fridays and Sundays, though route may be changing in the future. I am due to be one of the two drivers on this service on Friday...not sure if thats good or bad !! but roll on 3am on Saturday when I'll get home.

When will 3983 be painted out of 'Northern' livery?

(22 Sep 2016, 6:14 pm)EL1TE wrote When will 3983 be painted out of 'Northern' livery?

I'm wondering the same about 3889. Probably a bit yet, given the solos and B9s.
Those two hated omnicities at percy main also have northern branding.

(22 Sep 2016, 6:43 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com wrote I hope 5248,49 are joyrided from Gne alike 552

Really?, so you would like 2 hundreds of thousands pounds worth of buses stolen and set on fire? 

Grow up.

(22 Sep 2016, 6:47 pm)Michael wrote Really?, so you would like 2 hundreds of thousands pounds worth of buses stolen and set on fire? 

Grow up.

Well, you know what he's like, I don't like them, but wouldn't want them blown up(well).......

(22 Sep 2016, 6:57 pm)Y935 ERG wrote Well, you know what he's like, I don't like them, but wouldn't want them blown up(well).......

One makes a loud noise every time the driver touches the brakes. Other than that, they're pretty much like any other omnicity. I take X31s daily and they're no bother. I'm not sure why they're so badly hated to be frank.

(22 Sep 2016, 6:43 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com wrote I hope 5248,49 are joyrided from Gne alike 552

You will be number 1 suspect if anything does happen to them.

Today has been a 'different' day on the TEN with the two red B7TLs (3941/2) and 5229 on (all day?).

(22 Sep 2016, 8:27 pm)G-CPTN wrote Today has been a 'different' day on the TEN with the two red B7TLs (3941/2) and 5229 on (all day?).

aren't 2 B7's allocated per day due to the PVR increase?

(22 Sep 2016, 6:14 pm)EL1TE wrote When will 3983 be painted out of 'Northern' livery?

It's expected to be done in the next few weeks, along with 5248 & 5249, once the next 8 OmniDekka from Brighton and the Solo from Thames Travel have been painted.