Hello,

Does anyone know any good, quiet locations where I could go spitting today?

(06 Jan 2015, 8:49 am)leestransportphotos wrote Hello,

Does anyone know any good, quiet locations where I could go spitting today?

It's probably best not to go spitting, as it's frowned upon.

However, if you solely want to go spotting, youre probably best doing it around a bus station or interchange?? Not much point in a quiet spot, with two or three buses an hour coming through.

Haha, I'll blame that on my phone! Thanks mate

Thinking of going further afield for bus photos next year. I will use either National Express/Megabus or train to get to these locations dependent on time funds etc. For longer trips I will stay in a hotel for at least one night.

Does anyone have any suggestions for places I could maybe vist?

(09 Aug 2015, 6:48 pm)Jimmi wrote Thinking of going further afield for bus photos next year. I will use either National Express/Megabus or train to get to these locations dependent on time funds etc. For longer trips I will stay in a hotel for at least one night.

Does anyone have any suggestions for places I could maybe vist?

Edinburgh for me would be top of the list, then where ever after that.

(09 Aug 2015, 6:48 pm)Jimmi wrote Thinking of going further afield for bus photos next year. I will use either National Express/Megabus or train to get to these locations dependent on time funds etc. For longer trips I will stay in a hotel for at least one night.

Does anyone have any suggestions for places I could maybe vist?

Closer to home, the obvious choices would be:
- Edinburgh
- York
- Leeds

All within 1h30m on the train, and you can tend to get cheap fares on the first two. I done York for about 30 quid, which would have been even cheaper, if I'd opted for a standard class ticket both ways. Edinburgh is costing me 36, which again, I could have done for less.

It's also entirely possible to do Edinburgh and Glasgow in a day. If you got advance singles between Darlington and Glasgow Central/Queen Street, although your Darlington-Edinburgh portions would be fixed trains, the Edinburgh-Glasgow section on ScotRail has no restrictions, and your tickets essentially act as an open return.

With Leeds, although the rail fares appear to be a bit more expensive, you can get a wymetro train/bus day rover, which covers the likes of Leeds, Castleford, Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield.

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(09 Aug 2015, 6:50 pm)Malarkey wrote Edinburgh for me would be top of the list, then where ever after that.

I'm going to end up doing Edinburgh twice in September, as I fully intend to spend the Saturday of the Lothian open day up there.

When I was researching my dissertation at the NRM, I managed to snag a return to York for a mere £15. This was in 2012 mind.

(09 Aug 2015, 6:57 pm)aureolin wrote Closer to home, the obvious choices would be:
- Edinburgh
- York
- Leeds

All within 1h30m on the train, and you can tend to get cheap fares on the first two. I done York for about 30 quid, which would have been even cheaper, if I'd opted for a standard class ticket both ways. Edinburgh is costing me 36, which again, I could have done for less.

It's also entirely possible to do Edinburgh and Glasgow in a day. If you got advance singles between Darlington and Glasgow Central/Queen Street, although your Darlington-Edinburgh portions would be fixed trains, the Edinburgh-Glasgow section on ScotRail has no restrictions, and your tickets essentially act as an open return.

With Leeds, although the rail fares appear to be a bit more expensive, you can get a wymetro train/bus day rover, which covers the likes of Leeds, Castleford, Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield.

---

I'm going to end up doing Edinburgh twice in September, as I fully intend to spend the Saturday of the Lothian open day up there.

I'd quite like to do these places, all being well I should be heading up to the Lothian Open Doors Day this year, although I am not sure how long to spend there - any suggestions for how long I should spend there? Will also have to decide whether to get the train from Darlington or Durham.

Anyone know when Lothian Open Doors Day is yet?

(09 Aug 2015, 7:04 pm)Jimmi wrote I'd quite like to do these places, all being well I should be heading up to the Lothian Open Doors Day this year, although I am not sure how long to spend there - any suggestions for how long I should spend there? Will also have to decide whether to get the train from Darlington or Durham.

Anyone know when Lothian Open Doors Day is yet?

Going by previous years, I'm going to guess Saturday the 26th September. Although I do intend to head up, I'm not booking anything until it's confirmed. My dad is likely to come up with me as well, but do his own thing.

I recommend Sheffield - and South Yorkshire, however Sheffield has enough places outside the City Centre to cover the day itself. Wide mix of operators too.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:04 pm)Jimmi wrote I'd quite like to do these places, all being well I should be heading up to the Lothian Open Doors Day this year, although I am not sure how long to spend there - any suggestions for how long I should spend there? Will also have to decide whether to get the train from Darlington or Durham.

Anyone know when Lothian Open Doors Day is yet?

I spent an hour inside last year. There's not much more to see than that, unless you want to have a go on some of the car racing games and such they put on. I just photographed what was there (no more than 15 buses I wouldn't have thought), and then done the 'depot tour bus' round the depot. 

I'll probably aim to get up there on the 1055 VTEC from Newcastle, and head back on the 1830 VTEC from Waverley, as both are booked electric.

As for date - nope, but I'd reckon on it being the 26th Sept.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:12 pm)aureolin wrote I spent an hour inside last year. There's not much more to see than that, unless you want to have a go on some of the car racing games and such they put on. I just photographed what was there (no more than 15 buses I wouldn't have thought), and then done the 'depot tour bus' round the depot. 

I'll probably aim to get up there on the 1055 VTEC from Newcastle, and head back on the 1830 VTEC from Waverley, as both are booked electric.

As for date - nope, but I'd reckon on it being the 26th Sept.

I'm planning on the 08:40 from Newcastle to Edinburgh (which carries on to Aberdeen) as its a booked HST I gather. Then the 17:00 back down, as its direct to Newcastle and pulls back in for 18:30.

If there isn't a whole lot to do at the event, I'll make my way out onto the bus network. 

(09 Aug 2015, 7:14 pm)R852 PRG wrote If there isn't a whole lot to do at the event, I'll make my way out onto the bus network. 

Make sure you have the right fare if you do. The machines are cool but they don't give change.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:16 pm)S813 FVK wrote Make sure you have the right fare if you do. The machines are cool but they don't give change.

Or even better, just 'Plusbus' your rail tickets. Will work out cheaper too.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:16 pm)S813 FVK wrote Make sure you have the right fare if you do. The machines are cool but they don't give change.

I'll likely either get Plusbus with my rail tickets or a day ticket. I'm tempted to go with the latter, so I can use the no-change ticket machine just for the novelty of it.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:12 pm)aureolin wrote I spent an hour inside last year. There's not much more to see than that, unless you want to have a go on some of the car racing games and such they put on. I just photographed what was there (no more than 15 buses I wouldn't have thought), and then done the 'depot tour bus' round the depot. 

I'll probably aim to get up there on the 1055 VTEC from Newcastle, and head back on the 1830 VTEC from Waverley, as both are booked electric.

As for date - nope, but I'd reckon on it being the 26th Sept.

Yeah juding by the way you've put it I'll probably won't stay long, but I would like to sample some of the buses in service and get some photos whilst I'm there.

I'd probably go a bit earlier than that, I'll probably look at getting a train from Darlington/Durham at around 8am then depart for home at around 5pm.

What sort of ticking options would there be for the buses and around how much do we think it would cost?

I've been to many quiet locations and their great for a good quality photo, instead to a bus station shot.

I've been to Low Pittington once, and I'm sure that aureolin has too, and it's a fantastic place for a nice scenic background, and would be fantastic to go to to get some new photos of the indigo solos.

Beamish museum is also good, would recommend a Saturday as the 128 runs.

Garesfield Golf Club, near High Spen

Acomb, for the new Tynedale links services

Anywhere in Morpeth , a fantastic place

Haven't been yet, but Ovington will be a nice place, as will Corbridge in the tight streets!

And finally, Lanchester is a nice place for some photos too

(09 Aug 2015, 7:19 pm)Jimmi wrote Yeah juding by the way you've put it I'll probably won't stay long, but I would like to sample some of the buses in service and get some photos whilst I'm there.

I'd probably go a bit earlier than that, I'll probably look at getting a train from Darlington/Durham at around 8am then depart for home at around 5pm.

What sort of ticking options would there be for the buses and around how much do we think it would cost?

An adult all day ticket comes to £4.00 according to the website. Probably your best bet. Not valid on the ''Airlink'' 100 though I gather.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:19 pm)Jimmi wrote What sort of ticking options would there be for the buses and around how much do we think it would cost?

Just add 'Plusbus' to your rail tickets. It'll cost about 3 quid, and will cover the majority of buses and trams.

Airlink is excluded.

http://www.plusbus.info/edinburgh

(09 Aug 2015, 7:22 pm)aureolin wrote Just add 'Plusbus' to your rail tickets. It'll cost about 3 quid, and will cover the majority of buses and trams.

Airlink is excluded.

http://www.plusbus.info/edinburgh

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and replies about tickets etc.

Not sure what to do about the train yet and that's the bit I will probably struggle with so I may be asking on here for advice once we find out the date for Lothian Doors. Unsure what to do exactly whilst I'm over there and where to get photos This will likely to be the first time I will use the train (that isn't a Northern Rail service where you buy tickets on the train) so I am a bit nervous about booking and such as I've never had to do this before so I may be asking on here for advice.

I will probably get the train from Darlington as there will be more buses to get me home on the evening rather than just the 7 hourly and will probably leave Darlington at around 8am and leave to come home at around 5pm.

Ideal for hammering the lakes - great photograph locations too.
 
http://www.northernrail.org/tickets/dayr...sdayranger

(09 Aug 2015, 7:34 pm)Andreos1 wrote Ideal for hammering the lakes - great photograph locations too.
 
http://www.northernrail.org/tickets/dayr...sdayranger

Not bad at all - was thinking about doing the Lakes this year but haven't had the chance. Might well do because the last week when I go on holiday, as a North West Explorer is pretty good value and I think it's only £4 over the summer holidays if bought on Carlisle, Barrow or West Cumbria buses.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:34 pm)Andreos1 wrote Ideal for hammering the lakes - great photograph locations too.
 
http://www.northernrail.org/tickets/dayr...sdayranger

Or the Cumbrian Coast one, and you get to bash some 37s too, if you time it right.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:38 pm)aureolin wrote Or the Cumbrian Coast one, and you get to bash some 37s too, if you time it right.

This one gets you down the coast, onto stagecoach buses and the ferries on Windermere.
Only a few quid dearer than the coast only option.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:34 pm)Andreos1 wrote Ideal for hammering the lakes - great photograph locations too.
 
http://www.northernrail.org/tickets/dayr...sdayranger

would love to do The Lakes but would probably need at least two days to do everything though.

(09 Aug 2015, 7:34 pm)Jimmi wrote Thanks everyone for the suggestions and replies about tickets etc.

Not sure what to do about the train yet and that's the bit I will probably struggle with so I may be asking on here for advice once we find out the date for Lothian Doors. Unsure what to do exactly whilst I'm over there and where to get photos This will likely to be the first time I will use the train (that isn't a Northern Rail service where you buy tickets on the train) so I am a bit nervous about booking and such as I've never had to do this before so I may be asking on here for advice.

I will probably get the train from Darlington as there will be more buses to get me home on the evening rather than just the 7 hourly and will probably leave Darlington at around 8am and leave to come home at around 5pm.

You generally should be able to buy your tickets on the train (unless the gateline is closed for tickets only). If not, just go to the ticket office and ask.
Better still if you want to save money, use VTEC's own site and book them through there (if you're travelling in a couple of days in advance). If more than 7 days away, you can get them posted free of charge (1st class) or you can collect from Darlington/Durham ticket vending machines (TVMs) for free. Pop your payment card in, take it out (you don't get charged) then input the 9 digit code you get emailed. Then it prints them out.

(09 Aug 2015, 8:11 pm)northern156 wrote You generally should be able to buy your tickets on the train (unless the gateline is closed for tickets only). If not, just go to the ticket office and ask.
Better still if you want to save money, use VTEC's own site and book them through there (if you're travelling in a couple of days in advance). If more than 7 days away, you can get them posted free of charge (1st class) or you can collect from Darlington/Durham ticket vending machines (TVMs) for free. Pop your payment card in, take it out (you don't get charged) then input the 9 digit code you get emailed. Then it prints them out.

Believe Darlington Railway Station has ticket barriers although they were open when I went through on Easter Sunday.

Not sure how far in advance they would be booked, especially as we still don't know the date for Lothian Doors yet. Think getting them posted would be the easiest option for me. Not sure who does the service I'd want up to Edinburgh though so I'm not sure if I would be able to use the VTEC website to book them. I really don't have a clue on how to book trains as I've never done it before.

(09 Aug 2015, 8:20 pm)Jimmi wrote Believe Darlington Railway Station has ticket barriers although they were open when I went through on Easter Sunday.

Not sure how far in advance they would be booked, especially as we still don't know the date for Lothian Doors yet. Think getting them posted would be the easiest option for me. Not sure who does the service I'd want up to Edinburgh though so I'm not sure if I would be able to use the VTEC website to book them. I really don't have a clue on how to book trains as I've never done it before.

Darlo certainly does although it'll be a rare occurrence for them to be open on Easter Sunday!

If the date is announced more than a week beforehand it'll be fine.
VTEC and CrossCountry operate services from Darlington to Edinburgh.
It doesn't matter which booking site/ Train Operating Company you use as they're all sold through one national system although using VTEC is usually cheapest.

Train booking is rather simple, just fill in the boxes it asks you to
Give me a shout and I'll be happy to guide you through. Hell, even have a play about! You can't mess anything up or lose any money unless you put your card details in.

Thinking about doing a trip round Tyneside on Saturday. Anyone got any suggestions as to where I should go on this outing? Will probably try to include Blyth seem as Darlington's Darts have ended up there.

(03 Sep 2015, 6:17 pm)Jimmi wrote Thinking about doing a trip round Tyneside on Saturday. Anyone got any suggestions as to where I should go on this outing? Will probably try to include Blyth seem as Darlington's Darts have ended up there.

From Durham:
09:46 X12 
10:40 Eldon Square
10:48 X14
11:21 Morpeth
11:26 2
12:13 Blyth
12:18 x11
12:48 Cramlington
12:53 53
13:55 North Shields
14:03 333
14:26 Ferry via Tynemouth
14:30 Ferry
14:37 South Shields
14:52 20
16:25 Durham for a chance of 9108
or
14:53 50
16:22 Durham