Yeah, the extra double decker is as a result of the transfer of 7610 from Blyth to Durham (converted to "MAX" spec in the process). It replaced 1416 which had already been converted to "MAX" spec for the X12. Full PVR is now made up of double deckers, and 1415 should be the spare (once all vehicles are converted)?

Clearly the deckers being sourced while the Geminis are away for refurb are the ALX400s. Jesmond, despite having extra buses following the transfer of Volvo B7s from Whitby, must also be short if they're refusing to release the ALX400s which Durham should rightly have at present...

They should have kept the Olympians...

In all seriousness, Durham are having a real struggle. X-reg darts are still on the go on a daily basis, despite the E200s coming in, and the MPDs in addition to that. It seems that whenever there's a struggle, a Solo is being placed onto that route instead. Some of the most extreme instances being on peak time 6's, 22's or 24's.

No doubt this swap has happened to save money refurbishing another bus to MAX standard, presumably will be used on the X75/X76 when it becomes MAX.

Will have to lookout for 1416 for the next few days, so if anyone sees it let me know.

As I understand it, 1404-7 are the planned X75/X76 vehicles so they'd have a spare. The X1 however is only getting 5 Streetlites to cover 5 boards........

As I understand it, 1404-7 are the planned X75/X76 vehicles so they'd have a spare. The X1 however is only getting 5 Streetlites to cover 5 boards........

But 1416 is "MAX" branded... Why would it be the spare for a "Sapphire" spec service - if this is what you are suggesting?

Appreciate Ashington seem to treat "MAX" spec vehicles as their first spares for "Sapphire" services and the "MAX" service receives a corporate liveried vehicle instead - but that's absolutely crazy...

But 1416 is "MAX" branded... Why would it be the spare for a "Sapphire" spec service - if this is what you are suggesting?

Appreciate Ashington seem to treat "MAX" spec vehicles as their first spares for "Sapphire" services and the "MAX" service receives a corporate liveried vehicle instead - but that's absolutely crazy...

Erm, X1 is going MAX  

Erm, X1 is going MAX  

Oh dear! Maybe all this formula stuff at his new job is affecting his brain  

As I understand it, 1404-7 are the planned X75/X76 vehicles so they'd have a spare. The X1 however is only getting 5 Streetlites to cover 5 boards........

Should make all the spares have generic MAX branding so they could be used on other MAX services, always seems like there is a Solo on the X26/X27.

Just hope when all this is done there is still enough Pulsars for the 1/5/5A as I am getting increasingly sick of Solos turning up now.

Erm, X1 is going MAX  

My bad - makes sense! I'd forgotten about the X1 being converted to "MAX" specification - thought all the new buses going to Darlington were "Sapphire" spec this year.

Oh dear! Maybe all this formula stuff at his new job is affecting his brain  

Can you tell I've become accustomed to half days and suchlike in my Sixth Form days? Not used to this grafting from 8 'til 4 - started at half 7 today doing my Wi-Fi investigations for aureolin!
#dedication
#hashtagsonNEB

I give you 7618 earlier today

ANE-7618.JPG (Size 586.37 KB Downloads 28)

A rubbish shot of 1416 today, from the cab of 2805

https://flic.kr/p/raMGvn

A rubbish shot of 1416 today, from the cab of 2805

https://flic.kr/p/raMGvn

If anyone sees 1416 tomorrow, let me know as I'd like a photo.

Not sure where we're up to in terms of news but 1772 has now transferred to Blyth. 1753 still soldiers on at Stockton - as does 4039!
1416 going to Darlington is agreed as an extra spare bus for the X26 and X66, not to be used on the X75/X76 - though of course it'll soon become a generic spare for all MAX routes at Darlington. 1493 should be getting the advert taken off and repainted for Blyth.
Stockton's 1451 was on loan to Redcar today - used on services 22/64/64A this afternoon

Not sure where we're up to in terms of news but 1772 has now transferred to Blyth. 1753 still soldiers on at Stockton - as does 4039!
1416 going to Darlington is agreed as an extra spare bus for the X26 and X66, not to be used on the X75/X76 - though of course it'll soon become a generic spare for all MAX routes at Darlington. 1493 should be getting the advert taken off and repainted for Blyth.
Stockton's 1451 was on loan to Redcar today - used on services 22/64/64A this afternoon

Could do with an extra spare for the X26/X27, X66 as Solos often pop up on the X26/X27.

Some of the MAX Omnicity's are a mess, 4644 replaced an X66 branded example on Monday and one of the panels under the windows was coming off (will try and find the photo I took and upload it on here tomorrow) and also there is gaps between the windows and plastic which results in cold air blowing through. On one of them they moved the carrying capacity sticker to above the windscreen and it looks ridiculous as it is too big for that space and it's held on with Darlington depots most trusty tool - the sticky stuff for the weekly tickets!

7618 has just departed Durham on the 0740 X12 to Middlesbrough

7618 has just departed Durham on the 0740 X12 to Middlesbrough

Just gone through Low Fell, Durham bound.

Just gone through Low Fell, Durham bound.

10 late then...

1220 from Durham
1312 at Stockton
1330 at Middlesbrough

1335 from Middlesbrough
1351 at Stockton
1447 at Durham
1545 at Newcastle

Hope that helps anyone on the lookout...

10 late then...

1220 from Durham
1312 at Stockton
1330 at Middlesbrough

1335 from Middlesbrough
1351 at Stockton
1447 at Durham
1545 at Newcastle

Hope that helps anyone on the lookout...

I'm on my way to Boro now!

If anyone sees 1416 in Darlington today, please let me know which service it's on and what time you saw it.

Had 1427 on the 5A earlier and one of the handrails was rattling a bit and it seemed a bit loose around the grey plasticity thing around the handle above the seat, it was the seat just above the step on the drivers side.

7618 is running between 5-10 minutes late on the X12 to Middlesbrough.

7610 is on the run in front if anyone wants that too.

Got my photo in Stockton and I am now hunting down 1416.

7515 has been debranded. A Plaxton Pointer Dart is going to be transferred to Ashington, to displace a StreetLite for type training.

Is there any truth in the rumour that Arriva are planning to open a outstation in Peterlee.
To cut down on the dead mileage.
Thanks

Is there any truth in the rumour that Arriva are planning to open a outstation in Peterlee.
To cut down on the dead mileage.
Thanks

It's been rumoured for a while but not sure it's got any further than that.

Another rumour that appears to be true is that we are taking 7 Temsa's from Arriva Bus & Coach as they can't sell them... Unsurprisingly they should be allocated to Redcar - joining the 18 they have left now. One will be the former demonstrator, 4700

It's been rumoured for a while but not sure it's got any further than that.

Another rumour that appears to be true is that we are taking 7 Temsa's from Arriva Bus & Coach as they can't sell them... Unsurprisingly they should be allocated to Redcar - joining the 18 they have left now. One will be the former demonstrator, 4700

Seems they've been struggling to sell the Centros, too! Noticed them in a few monthly bus magazine publications last month, and I'm sure they've been there for quite a while now.

7515 has been debranded. A Plaxton Pointer Dart is going to be transferred to Ashington, to displace a StreetLite for type training.

Any idea why?

Seems they've been struggling to sell the Centros, too! Noticed them in a few monthly bus magazine publications last month, and I'm sure they've been there for quite a while now.

I'd noticed them too, either would be ideal for the 8, plus there was quite a few Pulsars for sale, ex Malta stock?

7474 has now moved to Durham and is on X12/X2 today - it shall be the 0835 from Middlesbrough.

Any idea why?

 
Never know, the Sapphire marketing team might be telling Ashington to get 7514 - 7521 on the X21 / X22 to get rid of the unreliable 57 reg skips if 7518 has been performing well. Or, it could be an extra summer vehicle for the X18.

 
Never know, the Sapphire marketing team might be telling Ashington to get 7514 - 7521 on the X21 / X22 to get rid of the unreliable 57 reg skips if 7518 has been performing well. Or, it could be an extra summer vehicle for the X18.

And then what do you for the X14/14 and X20/20!? More than likely, 7515 will be the extra bus for the X18 unless they go down the X93 route and have MAX-liveried WiFi fitted B7TLs for the extra turn.

Any idea why?

Max spare, X14 originally had 5 vehicles branded. As the PVR is 4, they've decided to remove the branding to act as a spare for the Max X14/X15/X18/X20 routes.

The X20 Max launch has apparently been moved to October.

 
Never know, the Sapphire marketing team might be telling Ashington to get 7514 - 7521 on the X21 / X22 to get rid of the unreliable 57 reg skips if 7518 has been performing well. Or, it could be an extra summer vehicle for the X18.

Or just a MAX spare for the X14/15/18/20.  

Max spare, X14 originally had 5 vehicles branded. As the PVR is 4, they've decided to remove the branding to act as a spare for the Max X14/X15/X18/X20 routes.

The X20 Max launch has apparently been moved to October.

Thought they only had 4 branded: 7514/5/6/7?