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RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - omnicity4659 - 29 May 2015
(27 May 2015, 8:59 pm)Jimmi wrote Is 25 minutes in Alnwick enough to get good photos?
Yes. Quite a few Arriva, Travelsure and Glen Valley Tours vehicles come in within 30 minutes, might strike lucky and get a Spirit Buses vehicle too.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 29 May 2015
During my week of holiday, I've been out 3 times during the week; Monday, Thursday and today (Friday). As I wasn't sure if the first two were anything worth making a review of, the effects of boredom have led me to write up the logs of Monday and Thursday, and review Friday. What made today so good was the fact that I managed to make 3 journeys on 2 different Olympians, read on for the full details. The only reason I went out on Monday, was to see how passenger numbers were on Bank Holidays for myself, having never been out on one before, and to ride a couple of the new buses on the ''Red Kite'' routes. Was very impressed with how the numbers on a Bank Holiday are so different to the average Sunday, yet the latter service is provided. In my opinion, quite a few services could do with a Saturday service, or failing that, a Monday-Friday service. Whilst out on Monday, I also paid a visit to my grandad's grave in Pelton.
10:32 #78A – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Sunderland Park Lane Interchange – GNE 5407
11:19 Tyne and Wear Metro – Park Lane to Monument – Tyne and Wear Metrocars 4055 & 40xx
12:14 #47 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – GNE 6118
12:44 #47 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 6121
13:11 #21 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Red Lion – GNE 6069
13:49 #78A – Chester-le-Street South Burns to Pelton Bridge – GNE 5396
14:36 #78A – Pelton Bridge to Chester-le-Street Red Lion – GNE 5399 (+ 17 minutes late...!)
15:02 #X22 – Chester-le-Street Red Lion to Chester-le-Street Clifford Terrace – GNE 4928
The first ride of the day, on 5407, was roughly half full, much more than I expected to be honest. I paid £3.20(!) for a single on the Metro (zones A, B & C) so I could save time, and numbers weren't as big as I expected. Don't recall any standees, although after Heworth, all seats were taken as far as I could tell. Not many on both journeys on ''Red Kite'' service 47, however I will comment that I liked 6118 and 6121, both very nice; and I was the only passenger on 6069 back to Chester-le-Street! Not kidding, couldn't see another soul on the bus besides myself and the cheery driver. The ride up to Pelton on 5396 was mainly Asians, don't know how, don't know why, but there was a handful of OAPs at the front, and then exactly half a dozen Asians fast asleep at the very back. No comment. Spent about 10 minutes at my grandparent's grave, then, again, I don't know how or why, but coming back down, 5399 was as many as 17 minutes late, with about 20 people aboard. I was livid after 15+ minutes of waiting, but once I was on, I had cooled down. Then about 10 passengers on the X22, being a Sunday service, this was allocated a single deck vehicle. Now, for Thursday;
09:50 #36 – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church – GNE 4965
10:26 #X1 – Houghton-le-Spring Church to Washington The Galleries Bus Station – GNE 6049
10:43 #82 – Washington The Galleries Bus Station to Heworth Metro Interchange – GNE 6013
11:25 #57 – Heworth Metro Interchange to Newcastle New Bridge Street – GNE 5171
12:27 #45 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – GNE 5417
12:54 #X66 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 5394
13:13 #X21 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street Black Horse – GNE 6035
Started with the 36 to Houghton-le-Spring, which was Solar 4965. Having never rode this particular vehicle, I was happy to see it turn up. Tends to be 4936 and 4937 that Deptford throw out on this service, so it was a nice change. Once I was at Houghton-le-Spring, I alighted. I spotted recently transferred 4909 on the 38, so went for it, but realised it was going to Rainton Bridge, so stuck around until a ''Red Arrows'' service came, which was manned by 6049. This was the only ''Red Arrows'' branded vehicle I was yet to ride prior to today, so this made a nice fulfilment. Not particularly busy, so I alighted at The Galleries. Immediately behind, I saw President 6013 pull in on the 82. As this service was quite a topic of conversation the night before, specifically the allocation of double deckers, I decided to have a ride on it to Heworth, to see for myself what all of the fuss is about. I sat at the front upstairs, as ever, and I had the upper deck to myself for the entire ride... I can certainly say I don't think deckers are needed on this service during the day time! I did not observe passenger numbers downstairs, although from my branch higher up in the tree, I did see plenty of OAPs boarding, enough for me to think at one point or another all seats would have been taken. Like I said, this was between Washington and Heworth, not the former and Birtley, so I couldn't make a fair judgement on the argument being provided, thus I'm unable to defend it or disagree with it, apologies. After disembarking at Heworth, I had a wander around, until a dual-door ''Fab57'' branded Renown soared in, bound for Newcastle. Hopped on this, and the first thing I noticed was the dreadful smell... Newcastle couldn't have come any sooner! When I eventually reached said location, I walked to Eldon Square, hoping for any Olympians. None showed after a while, so I boarded my first ''Red Kite'' Streetlite; 5417. A pleasant ride this was, and I bailed at the MetroCentre to then have a ride on 5394 to Gateshead on the X66. Both weren't bad, the engine noises of a Streetlite were very clear in both examples, sounding spot on if I'm going to be honest. Waited at the 21/X21, etc stand before boarding 6035 on the ''Pronto'' X21 back to Chester-le-Street, before walking home (for once lol!).
Now for today; I awoke in time to catch the 09:50 #36 (leaving Chester-le-Street at 09:45) through to Houghton-le-Spring. 4965 again, this time it was completely empty, and running 1 minute early. Had a brief chat with the driver, commenting on the fact that the bus was empty, to which he said he imagined most people were heading the other direction for the market at Chester-le-Street, which was a fair point. Not a soul until we reached Fencehouses, where the bus began to fill up a bit; by the time we were at Houghton-le-Spring, there was roughly 20 people on board this 36. After disembarking, and watching 4965 go, a ''Red Arrows'' service was the next thing to appear. I decided I'd just board this rather than stick around. Noted the fleet number was 6054 as I made my way upstairs, where, for the journey as far as Washington, there was just 5 others with me. As the journey went by, I noticed the old Philadelphia depot my uncle had pointed out when he joined me one morning. As we were going at something of a slow speed when we passed, I couldn't help but notice streaks of blue and red on the garage doors at each side, most likely a hint of it's former glory... Looked like an absolute junk yard with vehicle parts strewn all over the yard! However, I am somehow pleased that a former bus depot had survived, however, I'm not sure if Chester-le-Street depot will be viable for another lease of life when it's time does eventually come.
When we pulled into The Galleries, I left 6054 and headed up into the shopping centre. I was tempted to have a sit down and drink a Costa in their café, but I decided against it and headed back down to the bus station. After aimlessly wandering for a bit, I joined the queue for the next Newcastle-bound X1 at the end, next to the bottom of the escalators. During the wait for one to show, the queue managed to get as far as the Sunderland-bound 8 stand, don't know it's letter I'm afraid, although I'm sure people can relate to where it is I'm talking about. Eventually, one which I have been meaning to ride recently, 6005 (after hearing Adam's comments of a distinctive engine noise!), I was very pleased I had waited. Thankfully, another X1 followed it in moments after, which divided the massive queue in half, meaning when mine left, there were still a few seats spare.
A 30-40 minute journey took place, during which Dan contacted me telling me he had just left Chester-le-Street after doing a morning of work there, also informing me that there was a couple of Olympians out playing. One would be 3830, departing on the 11:26 X70/X71 from Consett. The time once I'd reached Eldon Square was 11:30, and the bus was due in at 12:22 (to depart at 12:30), so I contemplated a ride to the MetroCentre and back, hopefully a ''Red Kite'' Streetlite in one direction and a ''Toon Link'' Renown in the other. 6005's engine noise really is unique, I couldn't help but listen to it, as it was fascinating to me haha. However, I saw the little Costa was deserted, aside from one man sitting by himself reading the newspaper, so I decided to go with it. Sat at the bench seats, facing out into the bus station, with a nice Hot Chocolate. Observed plenty of things while I sat there watching the bus station and surfing social media on my phone; next time somebody has time to kill on a day out, I strongly advise you sit in Costa in Eldon Square and watch the world go by; it's unbelievably peaceful. Come 12:00, I'd been in Costa nearly 30 minutes, and my drink was nearly gone, so rather than purchase another, I decided to have a walk across to the other bus station, Haymarket, to see if there was anything worthy of noting.
While I walked across, I saw Bazza standing at the top of Percy Street; as I'd met him at the MetroCentre this year, I thought I would say hello. As I passed him, I said hi, and within seconds I was looking at NEB trying to locate 5410 for him. He said he was on a ''Streetlite hunt'' and that 5410 was the only example he needed to photograph, before moving on to the new deckers from Brighton & Hove. I had nothing better to do until the Olympian came through, so I just stood with him for a few minutes, before a Chester-le-Street based driver, who I was acquainted with but hadn't seen in a long time, caught my attention by waving and smiling while he waited at the lights on Percy Street; driving 6037 on the X21. I knew he wouldn't mind me taking a photo of his bus, so I got my camera out and took a photo. As the lights changed, and he moved on, he gave me another wave before descending into the bus station. My camera was out, so I decided I may as well take a few photos of other things at a standstill. While 7610, on the ''MAX'' X12 service, stood at the lights, a nice old couple started posing and waving at me downstairs, which they had all to themselves. That somehow put a smile on my face. After a short while, the time was getting on to 12:20; so I asked Bazza where any of his friends were, he said Lee and David weren't with him today and that he was all by himself, but Lee was to join him tomorrow (I think that's what he said anyway haha). A glance back at the Haymarket made me get a glimpse of a yellow decker heading in the other way (don't know what it is, but it's not the usual route along Percy Street). I bade farewell to Bazza, as I made my way down into Eldon Square, 3830 came to a halt at the stand. Joining the small queue of around 7 people, I managed to get the nice seat at the front. One thing I did notice was the destination blind at the front was loose, it really stood out when we were heading up the climb out of Eldon Square when it swung open so far I could see the stuff inside. I kept it together with my feet until we reached Consett. Aside from the dodgy destination screen flap thing, 3830 was a very powerful bus that soared up some of the banks on the route to Consett, very impressed with it's performance. When we reached Consett, and I could see the bus station, I noticed another Olympian was standing in the bus station, with the first of a queue of passengers boarding.
Once 3830 had pulled in, I quickly headed down to the stand it was on; the ''Red Kite'' 45/46 stand. Double checking with the driver, I boarded this Olympian, which was 3813, intending to travel on it back to Newcastle. About 10 minutes in, when we were out in the countryside, I began to understand why Robert likes this particular one. An extremely powerful machine, it handled some of the climbs with ease and flew down the other side. Another benefit was, despite not getting the front seat I was hoping for, the bus never got very full at all. Unsure of downstairs, but upstairs there was only ever about half a dozen passengers, all scattered around the upper deck, making it feel somewhat a bit empty. As I passed through Rowlands Gill, I got a PM from Adrian (aureolin), asking if I was heading to the MetroCentre. I told him I was on 3813, as I had reported in the rare and odd working thread, but I could easily meet him there. When we pulled into the interchange, I headed downstairs to make sure Adrian was getting on. I couldn't see him, so I hopped off, then saw him in the interchange. He said hi, and asked me if it had been taken out of service. A bit puzzled at what he had said, I then noticed the destination blinds were frozen to ''NOT IN SERVICE'' on all blinds, something I had seen at Consett but failed to realise. I told him it was still carrying on to Newcastle, so we boarded and headed back upstairs. A nice conversation took place while we headed across the Tyne and into Newcastle, where we alighted in Eldon Square.
We bumped into Bazza, along with Gary Devlin, who was still waiting for 5410 to come through. Being roped into another conversation, I suddenly saw a ''Tynedale Express'' Solar on the 74 from Hexham, which Bazza went bonkers about with excitement. We took this opportunity to head up onto Percy Street, in hopes of a photograph. The lighting wasn't great, so we headed along to Newgate Street, hoping to get a better shot. In the midst of this confusion, we forgot that the 74 didn't head along Percy Street... #fail. Nonetheless, we took some photos of ''Toon Link'' B10BLEs and various other vehicles, while we waited for 3830 to come back, as it would be operating the 15:00 out of Newcastle for Consett, which we would get as far as Gateshead, for the sake of a ride on an Olympian! The heavens opened on Newgate Street, forcing us to shelter in Wilkinson's, when 3830 eventually showed, running roughly 12-13 minutes late (if my watch was correct!). Sat at the front upstairs, talking again, until we reached Gateshead. Again, the destination thing was very noticeable, but the bus sounded superb. A quick nip to Gregg's ensued, where Adrian told me he had a free £5 voucher if I would like something. Very generous, I went for, as ever, the amazing Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt.
6037 was my chariot home, having seen it in Newcastle earlier on, it was somehow nice to see it again in one day. Disembarked at my local stop on the Durham-Newcastle route; returning home for 16:05. After some contemplation, I started this at 17:00. A log from today's outing:
09:49 #36 – Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Houghton-le-Spring Church – GNE 4965
10:16 #X1 – Houghton-le-Spring Church to Washington The Galleries Bus Station – GNE 6054
10:50 #X1 – Washington The Galleries Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 6005
12:30 #X70 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Consett Bus Station – GNE 3830
13:26 #46 – Consett Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – GNE 3813
15:15 #X71 – Newcastle Newgate Street to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 3830
15:30 #X21 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street Clifford Terrace – GNE 6037
Marcus
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - S813 FVK - 29 May 2015
3813 loves to zoom along the road and up banks. Did you listen to the engine or did you just listen to music? I Believe that it is just the side and rear destinations that are frozen.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 7:49 pm)Robert wrote 3813 loves to zoom along the road and up banks. Did you listen to the engine or did you just listen to music? I Believe that it is just the side and rear destinations that are frozen.
I listened to 3813 of course, don't listen to music on Olympians.
The front blind appeared to be unchangeable from ''NOT IN SERVICE'', and the driver told passengers which service he was, as it seemed to cause quite a bit of confusion.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
Think I may head to Newcastle tomorrow in the hope of catching some Yellow Bus Olympian's.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 7:51 pm)Jimmi wrote Think I may head to Newcastle tomorrow in the hope of catching some Yellow Bus Olympian's.
3830 and 3832 were both out on the X70/X71, if I'm honest that seems to be your best bet. 3813 was also on the 45/46, included in my review. Another thing, the 13:15 X31 departure from Newcastle to Lanchester seems to have been an Olympian quite a lot recently, if that might be of any help.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 7:53 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote 3830 and 3832 were both out on the X70/X71, if I'm honest that seems to be your best bet. 3813 was also on the 45/46, included in my review. Another thing, the 13:15 X31 departure from Newcastle to Lanchester seems to have been an Olympian quite a lot recently, if that might be of any help.
Yeah the X70/X71 often do seem to be the best bet, when I was in Consett last Monday I saw a President blinded up for the X71 and then sprinted across the bus station when 3822? was blinded up for the service instead.
If anyone sees any tomorrow let me know as I'd like to ride some more and I could do with some more photos as I often seem to mess them up.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
Anyone know what usually does the 1010 X25 Chester-le-Street - Newcastle on a Saturday?
Sick of the 21/X12/X21 routes.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:17 pm)Jimmi wrote Anyone know what usually does the 1010 X25 Chester-le-Street - Newcastle on a Saturday?
Sick of the 21/X12/X21 routes.
I think that one is a Lolyne, I know I've used that and the 10:40 before and it's been a Lolyne both times. I think the 11:10 is a Solar.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - citaro5284 - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:17 pm)Jimmi wrote Anyone know what usually does the 1010 X25 Chester-le-Street - Newcastle on a Saturday?
Sick of the 21/X12/X21 routes.
I will go for a red bus....
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Dan - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:17 pm)Jimmi wrote Anyone know what usually does the 1010 X25 Chester-le-Street - Newcastle on a Saturday?
Sick of the 21/X12/X21 routes.
All Saturday boards should be allocated Scania L94s (4926-31/34/35).
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:21 pm)Dan wrote All Saturday boards should be allocated Scania L94s (4926-31/34/35).
Damn! Was hoping for a Lolyne, although at least I will get a change of scenery getting the X25 from Chester-le-Street.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:24 pm)Jimmi wrote Damn! Was hoping for a Lolyne, although at least I will get a change of scenery getting the X25 from Chester-le-Street.
A word of advice, the runs at that time of morning have standees by the time they've reached Wrekenton, then you have Old Durham Road to contend with. Gets unbelievably packed on a single decker!
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 8:25 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote A word of advice, the runs at that time of morning have standees by the time they've reached Wrekenton, then you have Old Durham Road to contend with. Gets unbelievably packed on a single decker!
With any luck I will be able to sit on an inside seat, if I can do that I won't be so bothered as I got used to rammed buses getting the 7 to college on a morning.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
Change of plan: I will now be getting the 128 to Beamish then the 28 to Newcastle.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 9:03 pm)Jimmi wrote Change of plan: I will now be getting the 128 to Beamish then the 28 to Newcastle.
You could try a Coaster from Wrekenton to Newcastle maybe?
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 9:06 pm)Tom wrote You could try a Coaster from Wrekenton to Newcastle maybe?Could do, although I have looked at the timetables and the 1 & 28 are both timed to leave Wrekenton High Street at the same time which is a shame, if I think I've missed the 1 I will probably just stay on the 28.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 29 May 2015
(29 May 2015, 9:19 pm)Jimmi wrote Could do, although I have looked at the timetables and the 1 & 28 are both timed to leave Wrekenton High Street at the same time which is a shame, if I think I've missed the 1 I will probably just stay on the 28.
Yeah the 1 is normally spot on time too as it gets 11 minutes layover at Wrekenton.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 30 May 2015
Well I have got off to a bad start this morning as I am running late and was originally going to get a shot of the Scarlet Band 16A at the Town Centre but to stick to the plan for this morning I only have time to get a shot in direct sunlight.
Also forgot to charge the cameras battery.
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 30 May 2015
A cyclist messed up the 16A photo
Going to have to drag myself out of bed early again.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - R852 PRG - 30 May 2015
I had an interesting day out today. Decided to break tradition from the Get Around or North East Explorer, and purchase an Arriva All Zones Day Ticket, for £7.70. Having rode 3 Volvo Olympians yesterday, I made the decision to focus on some of the more modern stuff. Seeing as I had only been on X12 service (vehicle 1441) since the number change and ''MAX'' upgrade, I thought I would buy an Arriva day ticket of some sort and get that out of the way. After checking online, I came across the All Zones day ticket, priced at £7.70 for adults, so I went with that.
Last night, I'd set my alarm so I could walk into Chester-le-Street (no Arriva services stop at any of my nearby stops), to catch the 09:26 #X12 from there to Durham, before hopefully an E400 would come through on the 7 to Darlington, then onwards from there. As I rarely head this way, I was quite excited. When I did wake up, and prepared to leave the house, my mam told me she was driving up into Chester-le-Street for some shopping, if I wanted a lift. After being dropped off at the Parish Centre, I made my way onto and then down the Front Street, arriving at the main Durham-bound stand for 09:39. The moment I arrived, I noticed a ''MAX'' DB300 standing still at the Newcastle-bound X12 stand (also the X22, 50, X25), so walked across to it, as there was a 15 minute wait for the 09:56 to Durham. The second I got to the central island in Chester-le-Street, the doors shut and it pulled away. Unbelievable. A long wait ensued, before I saw a ''MAX'' Pulsar standing at the traffic lights on Newcastle Road. I'd been hoping for a Gemini 2, but I wasn't exactly going all the way to Middlesbrough, so only around 20 minutes would be spent on this Pulsar.
As it came to a stop, 3 minutes early, I noted it as 1443; with about 10 people onboard at the time I and around 5 others prepared to get on. I asked the driver for an ''All Zones Day Ticket'', which he couldn't seem to understand. I had to tell him again, to which he said ''oh, a Day Ticket''. Don't know what was lost in translation, but okay... Sat towards the back of 1443, a couple of rows of seats from the very rear and two seats beyond the step up. Great ride behind this VDL machine, the passenger numbers were roughly half of the bus, with the bus powering along the A167 with ease, and the ''MAX'' leather seating being surprisingly comfortable. One or two passengers boarded in Pity Me and Framwellgate Moor, likewise a couple left at these points. When we got to Durham, most people, including myself, alighted, with a handful staying on to Middlesbrough. The time was 10:15, the scheduled time the X12 arrives in Durham, I checked the ''Sapphire'' 7 stand; the next departure was at 10:22. A few minutes passed, before I saw a ''Sapphire'' branded Pulsar entering, with the 7 to Darlington on the destination blind. Slightly disappointed, as I'd been hoping for an Enviro400, but nonetheless, as I walked back up the bus station, I saw a ''MAX'' Gemini 2 at the top stand, with a queue slowly entering the vehicle. The majority seemed to be OAPs, who sat downstairs, giving me the chance to bag the front seat on the driver's side. The ''MAX'' seating at this spot didn't seem as nice as on 1443, but I survived the journey to Newcastle. Engine noises were a bit rough, don't really know how to describe it, but it just sounded, erm, bad.
After alighting in Eldon Square, and noting the Gemini 2 as 7627 (my first ''MAX'' Gemini on the X12 routes), I walked over to Costa (yet again). After purchasing a Hot Chocolate and a Belgian Chocolate Brownie, and taking my seat at the spot I had gone for yesterday, I watched the bus station activity go past me. About 5 minutes after taking my seat at this very quiet Costa, I suddenly saw the rear of a yellow Olympian on Percy Street. I was determined to stick to Arriva today, but as I knew he was looking for them, I messaged Jimmi, telling him an Olympian was working the 11:30 X70/X71 out of Newcastle to Consett, so would then be the 13:00 out of Consett and then the 14:00 out of Newcastle. He got back to me, saying he had just missed it (3825 – my old best friend, it was on my scholars every single evening without fail for at least 6 months when it was still at Chester-le-Street) in Gateshead, heading through to Newcastle on the 28A. I continued to drink my Costa, watching 4959 come in on the 28A, where I messaged Jimmi saying he could come over for a chat if he was interested. Eventually, after he didn't appear, I finished my drink, and headed over to Haymarket to see if anything good was in sight.
The first I saw was 7473, on the 43 to Cramlington. I decided I'd keep it brief, and only get this as far as Gosforth High Street. However, I was enjoying it so much, I stayed on until Regent Centre (as usual!). This ALX400 flew along some of the main roads on the road up to Gosforth, with very little rattles that I could feel. Whilst on this, Jimmi got back to me saying he was on Percy Street. I explained I was just having a little trip north, then I would return to see him. After disembarking 7473, I walked across the road to a perfectly-timed connection with a ''MAX'' X15, operated by 7519(? - I think!). As there was a small queue, I didn't have to worry about missing it. About 10 people upstairs and the same number downstairs, this journey flew by, as the windows were all open and the breeze was fantastic, after we'd passed through Gosforth. When I left this bus in Haymarket, I walked out, and purely by chance, saw a ''Yellow Bus'' Olympian on the express to Consett. I didn't know what to do, I'd have thought Jimmi was already queueing for this, so decided to have a walk down to the stand, and if he was there, join him. Sure enough, he was queueing, and I just paid a 90p Get Around single fare for this journey. We sat upstairs, behind the stairwell, and started talking.
A young boy at the front was sitting talking to his mother, next to him, about Olympians. I think he overheard me mention the word ''Olympian'', and gathered I was an enthusiast. He asked if we knew where any other Olympians were out today, so I moved to the front to tell him where the other one I had seen earlier was at. After explaining to him what it would do after arriving at Consett, he asked me if I was Marcus. I said I was, and he said he reads my reviews, then I pointed out Jimmi behind us. When we got to Gateshead, I prepared to disembark, Jimmi followed me as did the boy and his mam. We walked across to the Newcastle-bound stretch in the interchange, and he said he was called John. We walked to the top, where a Lolyne was setting down passengers on the X30/X31. As we waited for the wheelchair ramp to be sorted, as somebody in a wheelchair was getting off, John pointed out a ''MAX'' X12 coming in behind. This was 1442, and ideal for me, as I had my Arriva day ticket, so I wouldn't be forking out 90p (albeit not much!) to get a Go North East service back to Newcastle. Jimmi, John and I sat just behind the step up, while his mam sat at the front. We discussed several things regarding buses, before arriving into Eldon Square about 12 minutes after leaving Gateshead.
We went back towards Haymarket, where an ALX300 bodied B10BLE was waiting on a 43 to Cramlington. After boarding, Jimmi said it was 4520, as I'd failed to notice the fleet number. This was an absolutely fantastic ride, the roar of a B10 engine was very noticeable on this, I could have mistaken it for a Wright Renown had I not seen the outside! John's mam left on Gosforth High Street, to do some shopping, while we carried on to Regent Centre (for me, the second time today!). Left 4520 here, and walked across to the Newcastle-bound stops. The first thing to appear was ''MAX'' branded 7511 on the X15, where John said he would wait for something better to come through, but Jimmi and I boarded this back to Newcastle. Again, with the windows open upstairs, this was a great journey with some nice speeds. Once we'd arrived back in Newcastle, we took some photos at exit to Haymarket, after waiting about 5 minutes for John to return. After he hadn't, we stood outside of the bus station, expecting him to see us should he return this way. The time was creeping up to 13:45 after about 15 minutes of photo-taking (due to the sun, none of them came out particularly well, sadly!), so, seeing as my X12 back to Chester-le-Street was due at 13:50, and 3825 at 14:00, Jimmi and I headed into Eldon Square. Eventually, Pulsar 1443 (the vehicle I started today on) came in with the X12; around this time, John returned with his mam, and stayed with Jimmi for a ride on 3825, which appeared on Percy Street as I boarded 1443. Like it was when I started with it today, some of the speeds this Pulsar got up to was very good on the stretch of motorway around the Angel of the North. Rather than get a bus up to Clifford Terrace after arriving in Chester-le-Street, I chose to walk home from the Black Horse. A log from today's outing is below;
09:54 #X12 – Chester-le-Street Red Lion to Durham Bus Station – ANE 1443
10:23 #X12 – Durham Bus Station to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – ANE 7627
12:01 #43 – Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station to Regent Centre Metro – ANE 7473
12:15 #X15 – Regent Centre Metro to Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station – ANE 7529
12:29 #X70 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Gateshead Transport Interchange – GNE 3822
12:43 #X12 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station – ANE 1442
13:02 #43 – Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station to Regent Centre Metro – ANE 4520
13:15 #X15 – Regent Centre Metro to Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station – ANE 7511
13:58 #X12 – Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station to Chester-le-Street Black Horse – ANE 1443
Had a very good day out, next time I buy an Arriva Day Ticket, I think I'll either head down to Darlington, Middlesbrough, etc. or up to Ashington, Blyth, Morpeth, etc., to get better value out of it, as today I just kept going backwards and forwards, really. However, it was nice to meet John, and also catch up with Jimmi again. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Marcus
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 30 May 2015
Hoping to do a few things tomorrow, want to ride the new Sapphire Streetlites on the 22/24, and hoping ride a Streetlite on the X71.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Davie - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 8:48 pm)Tom wrote Hoping to do a few things tomorrow, want to ride the new Sapphire Streetlites on the 22/24, and hoping ride a Streetlite on the X71.
Good luck with it Tom, I hope the weather stays nice for you
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:23 pm)Davie wrote Good luck with it Tom, I hope the weather stays nice for you
Thank you!
It's impossible to make a decent plan though as the 15 and X71 don't connect.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Dan - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:28 pm)Tom wrote Thank you!
It's impossible to make a decent plan though as the 15 and X71 don't connect.
You'll just have to go the long way round via Stanley!
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:34 pm)Dan wrote You'll just have to go the long way round via Stanley!
Aye I will.
Not too bad as I've never been on a Coast & Country yet.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - S813 FVK - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:28 pm)Tom wrote Thank you!
It's impossible to make a decent plan though as the 15 and X71 don't connect.
The 14:25 15 from Durham gets to Consett 2 minutes before the 15:00 X71 departs to Newcastle. I dont know how long you would usually give yourself when connecting like.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:37 pm)Robert wrote The 14:25 15 from Durham gets to Consett 2 minutes before the 15:00 X71 departs to Newcastle. I dont know how long you would usually give yourself when connecting like.
Ah cheers Robert, never looked in the opposite direct.
Might do that then and scrap the 22/24, do you know how reliable the 15 is on Sundays?
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - S813 FVK - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:38 pm)Tom wrote Ah cheers Robert, never looked in the opposite direct.
Might do that then and scrap the 22/24, do you know how reliable the 15 is on Sundays?
Its a Venture SR and the roads are usually quite quiet so shouldnt be too many (if any) issues causing it to become late although there is that diversion at Leadgate which the X71 also serves although it should still get to Consett 2 minutes ahead of the 15.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 30 May 2015
(30 May 2015, 9:45 pm)Robert wrote Its a Venture SR and the roads are usually quite quiet so shouldnt be too many (if any) issues causing it to become late although there is that diversion at Leadgate which the X71 also serves although it should still get to Consett 2 minutes ahead of the 15.
Cheers, I might risk it then. If not I can get a Red Kite.