(29 Mar 2015, 7:16 pm)Jimmi wrote Is anyone on here planning on heading to the Kirkby Stephen Rally next Sunday?

Certainly hope to be - have asked for the day off from work (we've got our final preview day prior to opening to the public on the Tuesday), just have to remind my manager a day or so before.

Decided to go on my outing tomorrow as I need to sort out my phone with Vodafone. (Sorry Tom)

Might try something like this: (As I can get a lift to Bedlington)
X21 Bedlington to Ashington
35 Ashington to Morpeth
X1_ Morpeth to Newcastle (might try the 44 though!)
X1_ Newcastle to Cramlington
57A Cramlington to Morpeth

Should be a nice bit of variety in there!

Here's my little review from Saturday.. Sorry about the lack of detail (eg some fleet numbers) I was to interested on what was about to happen/happened at the football  

X25 (4925) - Wrekenton Bus Link to Barley Mow, Vigo Lane - 10:16 to 10:31  

I was meant to be getting a later bus straight to Gateshead Stadium until I realised that I had left my 'things at my mothers house.

I ran around to Wrekenton Bus Link forgetting that I had to nip to the bank, luckily I got there just in time. I proceeded to board 4925 and ask for my Nexus Cat in which I got my usual response of "They aren't valid" to which I say "They are to Barley Mow" followed by the driver saying "Oh Sorry". Anyway, the engine on this bus is brilliant, I love the sound of the engine on this particular Solar, it reminds me so much of when I used to wait for the 777 and you could here the engine of the prestige roar as it climbed the bank in Barley Mow. Is it a prestige like engine?

Only 4 people were on this bus though, three of which got off at Portmeads leaving only me on for the remainder of my journey. It was a decent ride but you can feel every pothole the bus hits when you are sitting on top of the rear wheel. One thing to note is that the interior is starting to look very worn with remains of the old yellow interior starting to show up quite prominently again. 8 out of 10

X25 (East Lancs Lolyne - Barley Mow, Vigo Lane to Gateshead Interchange - 10:45 to 11:10

Finally! A Lolyne on this service! I am sick of having to stand squashed in on the 10:45 from Barley Mow but finally it is a Lolyne! The journey was good on one of the refurbished examples, although I must say I do still prefer the old unfurnished examples with the old tatty feel to them. The driver had a face like a smacked a**e. I really hate this particular driver, you can seriously tell he hates his job.... or people. There was a very good load with the bus becoming pretty much full by the time we were at Portmeads/Northside! 6 out of 10

Tyne and Wear Metro - Gateshead to Gateshead Stadium

Just a short hop on this one so not much to report apart from the man who was staring at me for the full two minuets!

Gateshead 3-2 Eastleigh - Gateshead International Stadium

A third game without a win leaves Gateshead seven points adrift of fifth-placed Forest Green Rovers, with only four weeks of the regular season remaining.

Again without a host of first-team players through injury, a depleted Heed side huffed and puffed against Richard Hill’s Spitfires, but were undone by the visitors’ ruthlessness in front of goal.

It was Eastleigh who began the brighter, with the Tynesiders’ on-loan goalkeeper Joel Dixon pulling off an acrobatic stop on the quarter-of-an-hour mark to deny Harry Pell from nodding in Brian Howard’s corner.

Howard himself then curled a 25-yard free-kick high of the target, before the Hampshire outfit edged in front.

Former Barnsley midfielder Howard led a swift counter-attack and threaded the ball through for Constable, who turned the ball home with a cool left-footed finish.

Gateshead responded positively to falling behind, and should have restored parity on 31 minutes, as Michael Rankine smashed the ball against the crossbar from close-range following Carl Finnigan’s knock-down.

But Rankine made amends within seconds, glancing home a superb cross from Craig Baxter to register his fourth goal of the season.

The Heed were enjoying their best spell of the afternoon, and were inches from completing the turnaround on 34 minutes, as Jon Shaw planted an Alex Rodman free-kick against the crossbar, before Valentin Gjokaj turned the rebound onto the post.

Despite ending the first-half impressively, the Tynesiders’ momentum was stalled after the break.

Constable spurned a golden opportunity to restore Eastleigh’s lead on 52 minutes, nodding Craig McAllister’s cross wide of the far post after a well-timed run.

Just after the hour-mark, McAllister himself then forced Dixon into a fine stop from 20 yards, before heading Howard’s corner high of the target at full-stretch.

Gateshead were living dangerously, and only a terrific clearing header from Rankine prevented Constable’s flicked effort from flying into the top corner of the net following another Howard corner.

With 15 minutes remaining, Eastleigh were rewarded for their perseverance.

Constable connected with Jack Midson’s cross from the right, and, despite Dixon pulling off a superb stop to his left, McAllister prodded home the loose ball.

And the Spitfires all but put the game to bed ten minutes later, as Constable swept home Midson’s cross from close-range with Dixon powerless.

The Heed were rocking, and were fortunate not to concede a fourth late on, as Constable powered the ball against the crossbar after latching onto Midson’s through-ball.

In the final minute of normal time, however, the Tynesiders pulled one back through Shaw’s downward header from a Matty Pattison corner.

But any hope of salvaging an unlikely point came and went two minutes into stoppage time, as Pattison failed to connect properly with a loose ball just inside the 18-yard box.

Gateshead: Dixon, Baxter (Orrell, 73), Curtis, Shaw, Pattison, Gjokaj, Chandler, Ramshaw, Rodman (Sainte-Luce, 73), Finnigan, Rankine.

Goalscorers: Rankine (32), Shaw (90).

Eastleigh: Flitney, Green, Beckwith, Constable, McAllister, Midson, Strevens, Evans, Howard, Turley, Pell.

Goalscorers: Constable (25, 83), McAllister (74).

Attendance: 1,231

Referee: Ben Toner

94 (Solar) - Gateshead International Stadium to Grey Nags Head - 17:13 - 17:21

Again this was just another short hop on the bus, it was a comfortable journey BUT again yet another driver with poor customer service. Go North East seriously need to improve on this front. The majority of this journey was spent complaining about the result to my friend Lee (Don't worry I wasn't talking to myself   ) therefore the journey went very quickly. 7 out of 10

Grey Nags Head - 17:21 - 18:28

The subjects on this weeks agenda were: Gateshead match, Mobile Phones, Daylight Robbery and Politics! All washed down with peanuts and pork scratchings..... Plus some free chips    10 out of 10

21 (Plaxton President) - Gateshead Interchange to Barley Mow Post Office - 18:32 to 18:51

Well a president turned up which lead to mass confusion in the interchange! With all the thick people who obviously can't read asking each other "Is this the 21" and "Hew Hini de ye na if this is tha 21" Anyway...... The journey was good and very comfortable. Again the journey flew by as me and Gateshead veteran supporter Arthur discussed the match that we had just witnessed. 7 out of 10

82 (570 Dennis Dart MPD) - Barley Mow Estate to Washington Galleries - 19:33 to 19:46

I swear the seats on this bus are ridiculously comfortable! This journey again was very pleasant, mainly because I was the only person on the bus all the way to the Galleries! I spent the first five minuets of the journey talking to the driver as we both know each other pretty well. I'm going to miss the MPD's on the 82 but sadly they just aren't big enough for daytimes    10 out of 10

X1 (Volvo Wright Gemini 2) - Washington Galleries to Wrekenton Bus Link - 19:59 to 20:09

Thank god they changed drivers! The lady who will remain nameless that was driving the X1 before my current driver I cannot stand! How she even has a licence is beyond me! Anyway, the bus was good but after a long day the inside was covered with cans and bottle of Budweiser and Carling. Driver was canny and we got to Wrekenton in double quick time which was good. 8 out of 10

Well, what a day yesterday was! My next review is schenduled for Thursday when I will be out and about with Davie, then on Friday expect another one as I will be travelling to Hetton as Gateshead's Ressie's take on Shildon in the DDC Final. On Saturday I'm in Grimsby for the match so don't expect a review! I'll be surprised if I can make it back on two feet after the last time down there  

Lee

(29 Mar 2015, 10:06 pm)leestransportphotos wrote Here's my little review from Saturday.. Sorry about the lack of detail (eg some fleet numbers) I was to interested on what was about to happen/happened at the football  

X1 (Volvo Wright Gemini 2) - Washington Galleries to Wrekenton Bus Link - 19:59 to 20:09

Thank god they changed drivers! The lady who will remain nameless that was driving the X1 before my current driver I cannot stand! How she even has a licence is beyond me! Anyway, the bus was good but after a long day the inside was covered with cans and bottle of Budweiser and Carling. Driver was canny and we got to Wrekenton in double quick time which was good. 8 out of 10

Well, what a day yesterday was! My next review is schenduled for Thursday when I will be out and about with Davie, then on Friday expect another one as I will be travelling to Hetton as Gateshead's Ressie's take on Shildon in the DDC Final. On Saturday I'm in Grimsby for the match so don't expect a review! I'll be surprised if I can make it back on two feet after the last time down there  

Lee

Sounds like a line in Newspeak from Nineteen Eighty-Four!

Love the review of the match to!

But wish other forum users wouldn't quote the whole post for a few words of a reply

(29 Mar 2015, 11:51 pm)idiot wrote Love the review of the match to!

But wish other forum users wouldn't quote the whole post for a few words of a reply

That better?

(29 Mar 2015, 11:51 pm)idiot wrote Love the review of the match to!

But wish other forum users wouldn't quote the whole post for a few words of a reply  

Thank you

(29 Mar 2015, 9:48 pm)mb134 wrote Decided to go on my outing tomorrow as I need to sort out my phone with Vodafone. (Sorry Tom)

Might try something like this: (As I can get a lift to Bedlington)
X21 Bedlington to Ashington
35 Ashington to Morpeth
X1_ Morpeth to Newcastle (might try the 44 though!)
X1_ Newcastle to Cramlington
57A Cramlington to Morpeth

Should be a nice bit of variety in there!

You should try the 44 to Newcastle, it's a really nice route!
Or you could get the 100 to Dinnington, then a 44 back to Morpeth.

(30 Mar 2015, 7:10 am)Tom wrote You should try the 44 to Newcastle, it's a really nice route!
Or you could get the 100 to Dinnington, then a 44 back to Morpeth.

Yeah, I was thinking about it as a change from the A1, however I'll wait and see what turns up! (If there's an Omni on the X15 I'll get that)

It's just a bit of a pain having to work the day around sorting my phone out, as it kind of limits me at the start if it goes well I might try a Marcus style review though  

It's not so bad when it's onloy a few lines it's when it's paragraphs long makes browsing the forum harder.

Well, as ever, plans change! With it being Good Friday on Friday, looks like a trip out isn't doable with other commitments, and tomorrow with it being the anniversary of my grandad's death; I don't think I'll be going far. We'll be going up to his grave later in the day, so might just have a short trip to Durham for some photos on the North Road roundabout in the morning.

On Wednesday, my mam is at work, and she works not far from Pelton, where my grandad lived. So, for old times sake, I'm going to board the 08:52 #78 from Pelton Bridge, to Chester-le-Street, as a sort of tribute to the time I spent with him as a little boy. Then, maybe just a ride around wherever the spirit leads.

This Saturday, I've got an Explorer lined up. I'll likely head to Durham first, then the first 128 of the day up to Beamish, a few minutes later I'll get the 28 through to Newcastle, then Blyth, Ashington and back to visit both of Arriva's depots there, before possibly a run to Jesmond and back for some quick photos (some more vehicles may have arrived, unless I'm mistaken and they've arrived; Dan and I only saw a handful there the other day). Bit of an Arriva field day, to cater for the Arriva-loving enthusiasts.

As for next week, I'm still away from school, so on a weekday I plan to get an Explorer and have a ride of the A-Line 994, something I've never done before. May as well try it out. Then once at Heworth, I'll take a few photos, then maybe just head to Newcastle for a bit of Stagecoach and Metro riding (ie, a Metro to Kingston Park then an X47 back to Newcastle).

For other days, not so sure. Might pay a visit to Newcastle Central if I can fit it in.

Had a pretty good outing today, sorted my phone out and got some solid revision done in the middle of it:

10.28 X21 Bedlington to Ashington  ANE 7523
Was forced to start the day off with an X21 or X22 journey, as I had a free day ticket that could only be redeemed on one of these services. It turned up a minute or two early, and that was pretty much the tone for the entire journey, stopping every few stops. It was only me and a few others upstairs for the most part, although it got very busy in Ashington. Plugs and WiFi both worked, so I was happy

11.10 X22 Ashington to Newcastle ANE 7524
When I alighted 7523 at Ashington, my original plan had been to catch the 35 in the hope of a Streetlite, so I could go to Morpeth and catch an Omnicity. However, as a horrible sounding 7492 roared (and not in a good way!) past, I decided to head to ASDA for a drink. I then saw 7524 pull into the bus station, so decided against waiting for the next 35 (which turned out to be a DAF), and jumped on this. Much to my delight, everything worked! Quite enjoyed my ride on this, got the front seats on the right hand side, in the sun, and it performed very well as well, accelerating very nicely. We arrived in Newcastle a couple of minutes late because of the traffic in Gosforth (we had been pretty much "on time" all the way until Regent Centre...). It had a pretty friendly driver as well

12.10 (12.13) X11 Newcastle to Cramlington ANE 7617
The fact that it arrived after it should have left didn't fill me with much hope, and oh how I was right. 7524 followed us out of Newcastle, and overtook us when we dropped someone off. By the time we were on the A1 it was getting off. It just seemed to have no power at all, and got me to Cramlington 6 minutes late. The leg room was minimal as well, and the whole bus just didn't seem all that nice, with rattles etc. I headed to the Library and cracked out my books.


15.05 (15.07) X13 Cramlington Westmorland Shops to Seaton Burn Fisher Lane ANE 1493
Wasn't on this one for long however I did notice a few things:
There was a strange knocking noise from the back panel, didn't seem like it was screwed in right
The back padding on the seat that I say in was all but gone
There was a strange sound coming from beneath the floor
If I was on for ay longer it would have drove me mad, so I bailed.

15.22 (15.25) X22 Seaton Burn to Bedlington ANE 7524
Same bus, same driver, same deal. Pleasant ride, made up a couple of minutes by the time I got off, (probably would have been on time but for me getting on!). Again, good perfromance and it never really struggled. We let someone off on the hill into Bedington and it accelerated up no problem. I got off as I needed to pick something up.

16.08 (16.10) X21 Bedlington to Ashington ANE 7528
Now, I needed to get back to Morpeth and still hadn't achieved either of my targets (Streetlite or Omnicity), so I decided to have a ride to Ashington and pray the 35 to Morpeth was a green machine (not a clue where that came from!  ). 7528 turned up (all 14-reg Enviro's today, thank you Arriva!), and was quite busy. Sat upstairs and immediately plugged my phone in as it was running low, and was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that the plug next to my seat didn't work  It was a rather uneventful journey, the bus seemed alright, nothing majorly noticeable like 1493, and the fact it made up time signalled to me it was okay!

16.40 35 Ashington to Morpeth ANE 1579
FINALLY!! As I was standing at the bus stop, a DAF appeared at the lights and I sighed, even when actively trying to get a Streetlite I couldn't... I glanced up to find it sail past, it was on the 20! A few minutes later 1579 rolled around the corner. Firstly, it is quite bland inside, no advertisements, grey side panelling and a ghastly black screen at the front. However, it quickly accelerated, which shocked me, really didn't expect that! There was some rather worrying sounds, don't know if it was when it was changing gear,but it flew along the road to Pegswood. Was quite impressed with the thing, certainly was a lot better than I expected. 

Overall a pretty good day, strangely enough a journey on an Enviro was my highlight, and I was quite surprised with the Gemini's lack of power (unless it was just the driver?). Thank you all for reading  

(30 Mar 2015, 6:03 pm)mb134 wrote 16.08 (16.10) X21 Bedlington to Ashington ANE 7528
Now, I needed to get back to Morpeth and still hadn't achieved either of my targets (Streetlite or Omnicity), so I decided to have a ride to Ashington and pray the 35 to Morpeth was a green machine (not a clue where that came from!  ). 7528 turned up (all 14-reg Enviro's today, thank you Arriva!), and was quite busy. Sat upstairs and immediately plugged my phone in as it was running low, and was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that the plug next to my seat didn't work  It was a rather uneventful journey, the bus seemed alright, nothing majorly noticeable like 1493, and the fact it made up time signalled to me it was okay!

16.40 35 Ashington to Morpeth ANE 1579
FINALLY!! As I was standing at the bus stop, a DAF appeared at the lights and I sighed, even when actively trying to get a Streetlite I couldn't... I glanced up to find it sail past, it was on the 20! A few minutes later 1579 rolled around the corner. Firstly, it is quite bland inside, no advertisements, grey side panelling and a ghastly black screen at the front. However, it quickly accelerated, which shocked me, really didn't expect that! There was some rather worrying sounds, don't know if it was when it was changing gear,but it flew along the road to Pegswood. Was quite impressed with the thing, certainly was a lot better than I expected. 

Overall a pretty good day, strangely enough a journey on an Enviro was my highlight, and I was quite surprised with the Gemini's lack of power (unless it was just the driver?). Thank you all for reading  

You should have (but you shouldn't have to) asked and reminded the driver to turn them on, there is on switch clearly titled "POWER SOCKETS", of which they have to press it and then all the power sockets magically turn on, who would have thought of that? You should've told him to read (look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed.) the notice that clearly states "Sapphire Buses" with photographs of the switches in the portacabin.


At least it wasn't 1581, they ruined it by placing an advert about a bra shop on the back  

I've ordered my Get Around Card today so I will be planning trips over the Easter Holidays. If anyone has any suggestions drop me a PM.

(30 Mar 2015, 6:32 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote You should have (but you shouldn't have to) asked and reminded the driver to turn them on, there is on switch clearly titled "POWER SOCKETS", of which they have to press it and then all the power sockets magically turn on, who would have thought of that? You should've told him to read (look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed.) the notice that clearly states "Sapphire Buses" with photographs of the switches. 

At least it wasn't 1581, they ruined it by placing an advert about a bra shop on the back  

Is it Sadie the Bra Lady?

2869 has had an advert for Sadie for years, wish they would remove it as it is a mess as there is various parts of the advert missing through panel replacements.

(30 Mar 2015, 6:37 pm)Jimmi wrote Is it Sadie the Bra Lady?

2869 has had an advert for Sadie for years, wish they would remove it as it is a mess as there is various parts of the advert missing through panel replacements.

22067 used to have it.

(30 Mar 2015, 6:37 pm)Jimmi wrote Is it Sadie the Bra Lady?

2869 has had an advert for Sadie for years, wish they would remove it as it is a mess as there is various parts of the advert missing through panel replacements.

Aye. *bes sick*

(30 Mar 2015, 6:32 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote You should have (but you shouldn't have to) asked and reminded the driver to turn them on, there is on switch clearly titled "POWER SOCKETS", of which they have to press it and then all the power sockets magically turn on, who would have thought of that? You should've told him to read (look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed.) the notice that clearly states "Sapphire Buses" with photographs of the switches in the portacabin.


At least it wasn't 1581, they ruined it by placing an advert about a bra shop on the back  

Aye, I couldn't be bothered once I'd sat down to be honest, I was only on for like 20 minutes anyway  

I would take that over white holders where adverts should be!

(30 Mar 2015, 9:13 pm)mb134 wrote I would take that over white holders where adverts should be!

I wouldn't want my bus smothered in payday loan, local high school, NHS, CrossCountry trains and Northumbria Police adverts, thank you very much. 

(31 Mar 2015, 8:00 am)Tommy_1581 wrote I wouldn't want my bus smothered in payday loan, local high school, NHS, CrossCountry trains and Northumbria Police adverts, thank you very much. 

Not gonna change anytime soon, as long as these companies pay good readies for the ad space...dont mind the ads myself, I choose not to read 'em

I need to head out tomorrow to visit some family, so I'll be on the buses again. Just so I know in advance of me doing it, did some people enjoy reading the review yesterday, I know people like Marcus' but I'm aware mine was a bit shorter, with less humour
 
I'll go for it if people want me to, although it will be heavily ANE orientated again

(31 Mar 2015, 11:37 am)mb134 wrote I need to head out tomorrow to visit some family, so I'll be on the buses again. Just so I know in advance of me doing it, did some people enjoy reading the review yesterday, I know people like Marcus' but I'm aware mine was a bit shorter, with less humour
 
I'll go for it if people want me to, although it will be heavily ANE orientated again

I enjoyed reading it. Nice to see other people are jumping on and writing up big reviews with plenty of detail, rather than just a log of a day out with a few lines underneath.

(31 Mar 2015, 1:19 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I enjoyed reading it. Nice to see other people are jumping on and writing up big reviews with plenty of detail, rather than just a log of a day out with a few lines underneath.

Cheers  I've been guilty of that myself in the past  

Admittedly it wasn't as varied as I'd have liked, with 3 of the 6 being E400's, which I'm sure could've bored some people when reading

Tomorrow should hopefully be longer, and more varied, however one E400 will have to feature...

(31 Mar 2015, 1:25 pm)mb134 wrote Cheers  I've been guilty of that myself in the past  

Admittedly it wasn't as varied as I'd have liked, with 3 of the 6 being E400's, which I'm sure could've bored some people when reading

Tomorrow should hopefully be longer, and more varied, however one E400 will have to feature...

That is something Dan and I were discussing on Saturday, how important variety is. It's one of the reasons we chose to get the X31 all the way to Lanchester, then 15 to Consett, meaning two additional vehicle types (Dennis and Volvo Presidents) would be covered - instead of the V8 from Stanley, meaning two ''Venture'' Solo SRs.

(31 Mar 2015, 1:29 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote That is something Dan and I were discussing on Saturday, how important variety is. It's one of the reasons we chose to get the X31 all the way to Lanchester, then 15 to Consett, meaning two additional vehicle types (Dennis and Volvo Presidents) would be covered - instead of the V8 from Stanley, meaning two ''Venture'' Solo SRs.

I know that, had 7492 sounded better, not been early or had been a Streetlite, I would have jumped on it, and hoped for an Omnicity at Morpeth to take me to Newcastle. As it turned out, I would have been greeted with an Omnicity. However, a thought that did run through my mind was "what happens if this is an Enviro.  I'm going to try and get one tomorrow, and hope an Enviro isn't on the working that has been Omnicity operated the past two days.

I think it's important, not just for reviews, but for your actual journey, the same vehicle type certainly gets boring after a while!

(30 Mar 2015, 6:37 pm)Jimmi wrote Is it Sadie the Bra Lady?

2869 has had an advert for Sadie for years, wish they would remove it as it is a mess as there is various parts of the advert missing through panel replacements.

Seem to remember one of the Ashington coaches having a full rear advert for it as well, I was about 10 when it was applied I think, so there were giggles the first couple of times I saw it

(31 Mar 2015, 1:37 pm)mb134 wrote I think it's important, not just for reviews, but for your actual journey, the same vehicle type certainly gets boring after a while!

Have to agree, it is very difficult for me to avoid riding at least one Pulsar on either the 5/5A or 7 on each outing usually the same few which means I have them so often that I can not find much really interesting to say about them.

At one point it was getting to the stage where I was only riding Pulsars where there was nothing wrong with them but there was little variety so it became rather boring, when I used to get the 24 to/from Sunderland I always hoped that an Omnicity would turn up just as it was something different.

Looking forward to the 7 getting Enviro 400's to work alongside the Pulsars as one day I could get an E400, then get a Pulsar another day which should make things more interesting.

(31 Mar 2015, 2:03 pm)Jimmi wrote Have to agree, it is very difficult for me to avoid riding at least one Pulsar on either the 5/5A or 7 on each outing usually the same few which means I have them so often that I can not find much really interesting to say about them.

At one point it was getting to the stage where I was only riding Pulsars where there was nothing wrong with them but there was little variety so it became rather boring, when I used to get the 24 to/from Sunderland I always hoped that an Omnicity would turn up just as it was something different.

Looking forward to the 7 getting Enviro 400's to work alongside the Pulsars as one day I could get an E400, then get a Pulsar another day which should make things more interesting.

As much as I hate to say it, from an enthusiast point of view, this is a drawback of "Sapphire" services, I appreciate that the 7 will become split, but you'll have a fair idea everyday of what you'll get. I remember the guessing in the morning of what I'd get, Olympian, Scania/East Lancs Single decker, B10BLE, Enviro, Lowlander, ALX400! It was great, but then again so were most of the buses  

(31 Mar 2015, 2:11 pm)mb134 wrote As much as I hate to say it, from an enthusiast point of view, this is a drawback of "Sapphire" services, I appreciate that the 7 will become split, but you'll have a fair idea everyday of what you'll get. I remember the guessing in the morning of what I'd get, Olympian, Scania/East Lancs Single decker, B10BLE, Enviro, Lowlander, ALX400! It was great, but then again so were most of the buses  

Yeah that's true, there is two weekday workings I can imagine will definitely be E400 operatered which would be the two Darlington - Framwellgate Moor morning journeys as they are very busy, I also know which journeys are Belmont operated on weekdays.

Still be better variety than solid Pulsar though, used to get all sorts pop up when it was the 713/723 Darlington - Arnison Centre although I had ideas what could turn up as I knew whether Darlington or Durham depot was doing the journey in question.

Just a short one today, seeing as the last one on Sunday afternoon only got 7 likes, to satisfy you hungry hippos! 


Woke up around 10:00, showered and got ready, when my mam told me she had to go out shopping for a bit. This was of no issue, I just spent about two hours in the house finishing off all of my homework for the holidays, awaiting her return. When she came back, accompanied by two friends from work, they fussed over Alfie the puppy in the conservatory while I escaped to freedom through the front door...


#21 - Chester-le-Street Clifford Terrace to Durham Bus Station - (12:40 --- 12:57) - Go North East 6065 - Volvo B5HL/Wright Gemini 2
I had just been planning a trip to Durham anyway, but just in case anything good came about, such as an Olympian, or an immortal DAF that managed to escape Alpha(!) - I purchased a Get Around for £3.75. I had contemplated just a return, but after realising this was £4.50 (would have been 90p each way with my Get Around Key Card), I chose to not break traditional by getting a Get Around. A ''Pronto'' President came into view first, and I assumed this would be my ride to Durham, but as it stopped at Ropery Lane, a B5 Gemini 2 flew past and came towards me. I flagged it down, and boarded the rather quiet bus with leisure. 


Sat at the front upstairs (where else? lol), and noticed the only other passenger upstairs was an OAP towards the middle of the middle-rear section (that makes no sense - hopefully the more intelligent among us will understand where I'm talking about. Contrary to now (well, in Chester-le-Street anyway!) - it was absolutely boiling when I got on, with the sun glaring through the window like an explosion in the distance, it's only natural therefore that I opened the window. Put my earphones in, and relaxed into my seat. As we approached Chester Moor, I heard some footsteps behind me, but assumed it was him preparing to walk down the stairs for his stop. But, no! He slams the window as hard as possible and mutters something under his breath...manners cost nothing!! Scared the living shit out of me, just because I have my earphones in doesn't mean I can't hear the passengers talking downstairs, never mind a window being slammed shut right next to me! #thick


When I alighted, I headed down North Road to pick something up from Gregg's. When I walked back up, it started raining; so bad it actually hurt my face when the rain hit it...thank god I had a hood on my coat! I made for the shelter of those two little roof-things at that spot on North Road roundabout where the pick-up point is (Durham people will know what I'm on about!!). Watched a few buses enter and leave the bus station, before, once the rain finished, I took my camera out and took a few photos. Spent a good 15 minutes there taking photos, and left quite satisfied (although I feel I could have used the zoom a lot more in some cases). 


#X21 - Durham Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Cone Terrace - (13:40 --- 14:00) - Go North East 6038 - Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President
One of the last things I photographed was 6038 heading into the bus station, and luckily as I walked down, it was still picking up passengers on the X21 for Newcastle. Made it just in time, and went upstairs. Not crowded, but about 10 people upstairs, the front seats occupied!...so I just sat in the middle of the upper saloon. Quite a pleasant machine to ride, for some reason I've always seen a journey made on 6038 as something of a novelty! With it being the only red spare at Crook, it's always felt like a bit of a gem. I must also say, it's a superb runner! Possibly on par with 6009, which Dan and I (it's going to take weeks for me to shut up about that...haha!!) had on the 15. Not exactly many banks that it had to handle, but still; it powered along the motorway (A167) between Durham and Chester-le-Street. Although the driver took a lot to be desired! Didn't smile or anything when I boarded, despite receiving one from myself...


As I got off on Cone Terrace (to the side of Front Street, where Newcastle and MetroCentre bound buses are departing from with the diversions) I saw the Gateshead Central Taxis Bluebird waiting.


Chester-le-Street Diversions Shuttle - Chester-le-Street Cone Terrace to Chester-le-Street Clifford Terrace - (14:01 --- 14:06) - Gateshead Central Taxis SF14 HAE - Fiat Bluebird/Orion Plus
Walked from the X21 straight to the shuttle service, and after knocking at the door, the driver saw me and let me on. Sadly, not the chap from my last time on the shuttle. This guy seemed quite quiet, so I didn't bother trying to kick off a conversation, as we left a minute or so later. This Bluebird was the one I had last time on the shuttles, and it wasn't so great then, just like today. Quite a rough-sounding engine, and I didn't think the driver put his foot down enough. Disembarked when it got to Clifford Terrace, to get no response from the driver as I thanked him. 


Walked home, and got in for about 14:20. My mam was in the conservatory with the puppy, he was playing with his favourite possession and she was watching him roll around in excitement. She had said earlier she was going up to see my grandad's house and his grave, and I went up with her. Parked the car outside Pelton Church for a few minutes while we went into the graveyard (his and my grandma's grave are near the entrance) to put some flowers on, before we headed back to the car. Then we went to the house. I can't honestly say I liked this...there was no furniture there, it was cold and it certainly wasn't how I remembered it the last time I saw him. My mam pointed out to me where it was he had died, and it was where I used to sit, on the L-shaped couch, although by the time he passed away it was a bed and a chair, with that fairly modern brown-leather L-shaped couch gone by this point... Also noticed a ''For Sale'' sign...that kind of hurt. 


Anyway, away from the negativity, I had a good day out in Durham, even though the Get Around was not used to it's full potential, it certainly provided a nice outing to clear my head on such a miserable day. 


Hope you enjoyed reading!


Marcus