(04 Jan 2015, 11:13 pm)Dan wrote Yup, both legs of the journey taking about an hour (so four hours in travel time in total).

Connecting between trains isn't that stressful, mind.....

Leaves you in a precarious situation if Train A is delayed and you end up missing Train B somehow, whilst trying to stay as a group.

Mind, there's no guarantee you'll be able to attend, Dan. We still don't know if you'll survive this week.

(04 Jan 2015, 11:15 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Leaves you in a precarious situation if Train A is delayed and you end up missing Train B somehow, whilst trying to stay as a group.

Mind, there's no guarantee you'll be able to attend, Dan. We still don't know if you'll survive this week.

Imagine in these sort of circumstances you would be permitted to travel on a later Train B service, as it isn't your fault Train A was delayed?

(04 Jan 2015, 11:15 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Leaves you in a precarious situation if Train A is delayed and you end up missing Train B somehow, whilst trying to stay as a group.

Mind, there's no guarantee you'll be able to attend, Dan. We still don't know if you'll survive this week.

There's frequent enough services from York to Selby, if not Hull (I think Hull is roughly 1.5 hourly) - EYMS's service is another option, albeit taking a while!

EDIT: Just thought of another - cheaper - option. It would involve a fair bit of travelling but you could do Megabus to Leeds and then the X62 (using Megabus tickets, usually £1/£3 looking for this week!) If you booked in advance for a group of 10 it would be cheaper than hiring a minibus

(04 Jan 2015, 11:23 pm)tyresmoke wrote There's frequent enough services from York to Selby, if not Hull (I think Hull is roughly 1.5 hourly) - EYMS's service is another option, albeit taking a while!

If we all got the 08:21 East Coast train from Newcastle (some boarding at 08:38 at Durham) and got to York at 09:31, we could get EYMS' X46 service from outside of York Railway Station to Hull Paragon Interchange.

It would come at 10:03 and arrive at 12:03 - so full 2 hours.

(04 Jan 2015, 11:23 pm)Dan wrote Imagine in these sort of circumstances you would be permitted to travel on a later Train B service, as it isn't your fault Train A was delayed?

Aye, they usually announce it on East Coast. The 1730 out of London often gets delayed on route, and they keep folk posted with the Cross Country connections further north than Newcastle.

Id guess that only the ECML part will be ticket restricted, with the York to Hull stretch being open. That's certainly the case if you do Blackpool via York, or Glasgow via Edinburgh.

(04 Jan 2015, 11:26 pm)aureolin wrote Aye, they usually announce it on East Coast. The 1730 out of London often gets delayed on route, and they keep folk posted with the Cross Country connections further north than Newcastle.

Id guess that only the ECML part will be ticket restricted, with the York to Hull stretch being open. That's certainly the case if you do Blackpool via York, or Glasgow via Edinburgh.

Yes - the trains to Hull run hourly from York so that's not too bad, there is enough to do in York to keep everyone entertained for an hour if it came to that.
Money can usually be saved by splitting tickets up too, for example York-Hull is £19 odd return (16-25 railcard) but this can be reduced to around £15 by splitting at Selby, and all trains call here

(04 Jan 2015, 7:58 pm)Dan wrote Down to opinion, I guess. I quite like that spot, and I know Fozz has said that he likes it in the past as well.

Arriva North East: 1515 / NL63VRK by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

Personally think this is one of my best Sapphire 7 photos (and that's coming from someone who prefers to get away from bus stations and take photos en-route).

Yeah, I like that spot at Durham, I also like the area around the Roundabout at the top of North Road

(04 Jan 2015, 8:25 pm)tyresmoke wrote I quite like this spot in Durham, as they come out under the viaduct - https://www.flickr.com/photos/61391443@N02/8136239071

Will have to have a look up there when am in Durham

(04 Jan 2015, 8:55 pm)aureolin wrote It's well worth getting a P&R day ticket, and having a ride around on the PR1 and PR2. There's some good shots for photos along route, and with the P&R stations being unmanned, you'll get no bother taking photos on site. All three have good spots opposite to get shots.


I quite like some of the 'over the wall' shots from the bus station, as the church in the background looks quite good for the layover stands. North Road is decent, but I bet you could also get some good shots from the foot bridges too, with a good lens in hand. I quite like Church Street, over by the science site, and the sports centre just down the bank too.


Don't let it put you off mate. People are more than likely just curious as to what you're doing, but it's very rare that anyone will take it further other than looking at you. If you feel really uneasy, try and join some others when they're out and about over the weekend, as it's definitely easier in groups. There's always someone off here out on the weekend. 

I'm not a huge fan of having trips around by myself, if I don't know the place well at all. Hence not getting any Teesside Sapphires on route, as I have no idea what any areas down there are like. I'm fine with it up in Tyne and Wear, as I know where to have my witts about me!


Yeah, that's a really good spot too, but it's probably seasonal! It should be perfect during the Spring/Summer, when the sun is high in the sky. 

When it comes to people looking at me, it is simply 'why's he taking photos of buses, I am just left to my own devices mostly, If I see someone else taking pictures, I will normally say hi.

The worst abuse I ever saw was an old guy in Peterlee, some drugged moron called the guy a paedophile for taking pics of buses(figure that one out), despite no kids being around...

(04 Jan 2015, 10:10 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I've been watching some episodes of On The Yorkshire Buses, lol.

I've just been thinking - I remember reading on this thread about future getogethers, etc, and after watching that episode about the EYMS vs Stagecoach Charity Football Match - an idea has come to me.

Seeing as we have a lot of football fans on here, should EYMS and Stagecoach do it again this year, as it was a huge success by all accounts (despite Stagecoach winning 3-0 ) - would it be a good idea looking into the possibility of hiring a coach to maybe take those interested down?

Granted it may not be everybody's cup of tea, so it may not work out, but surely it would be a great day out!

Think of it as the Jolly Boy's Outing from Only Fools!

The Jolly Boys Outing...As long as the bus doesn't blow up one of my favourite scenes from that episode

The bus driver was overcome by fumes and looks drunk

Trigger: What d'ya thinks wrong with him
Mike: What do I thinks wrong, I dunno Trig, snow blindness
Trigger: Oh, I thought he was pissed

Needed a couple of bits and bobs so made a trip out of it as my friends are all busy with uni assignments. Ah, the joys of not having any work to do over the Christmas break...

10:25 #X1 Wrekenton - Gateshead (6054)
10:45 #X66 Gateshead - Metrocentre (5161)
11:30 #X43 Metrocentre - Stanley (3889)
12:00 #78 Stanley - Chester-le-Street (4908)
12:45 #71 Chester-le-Street - Houghton-le-Spring (8272)
13:16 #35 Houghton-le-Spring - Sunderland (4970)
14:07 #X36 Sunderland - Gateshead (4976)
15:05 #X25 Gateshead - Eighton Banks (3878)

(05 Jan 2015, 3:47 pm)Adam wrote Needed a couple of bits and bobs so made a trip out of it as my friends are all busy with uni assignments:

10:25 #X1 Wrekenton - Gateshead (6054)
10:45 #X66 Gateshead - Metrocentre (5161)
11:30 #X43 Metrocentre - Stanley (3889)
12:00 #78 Stanley - Chester-le-Street (4908)
12:45 #71 Chester-le-Street - Houghton-le-Spring (8272)
13:16 #35 Houghton-le-Spring - Sunderland (4970)
14:07 #X36 Sunderland - Gateshead (4976)
15:05 #X25 Gateshead - Eighton Banks (3878)

I see you got through Fencehouses unscathed!

From Stanley Travel this morning...

Dear Marcus

Thank you for your enquiry.

From the details provided, the cost of the hire would be £28.00 based on 15 passengers.

If you would like to book or require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Kindest regards

Andrew

(05 Jan 2015, 3:48 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I see you got through Fencehouses unscathed!

The key to getting through Fencehouses safely is simple, get past the unofficial border posts at Chilton Moor and near that Pub just after Bournmoor without being on the receiving end of an atomic wedgie, itchy seeds put down your back or being egged and feathered then your sorted, if your unlucky you may get a blast from there hot Chilli Sauce filled Super Soakers, while the FPF are dangerous, watch out for that lot from New Lambton, who humiliate there victims by tea bagging them

I hear patrols have been took up a notch after the Avenue Vivian lot made there intention to invade FPF territory public knowledge and that Andreos has started an all out, unrestricted war strategy to draw out Vivian(as there leader is known locally, he is like an old woman at times as well), no school type prank is off limits for the FPF at the moment

I feel like my quote doesn't add up...15 passengers, a minibus and a journey to Hull and back (Only Fools reference! ) comes to £28.00..?

Just doesn't seem right to me!

(05 Jan 2015, 4:12 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I feel like my quote doesn't add up...15 passengers, a minibus and a journey to Hull and back (Only Fools reference! ) comes to £28.00..?

Just doesn't seem right to me!

£28.00 per head... £420 in total.

(05 Jan 2015, 4:12 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I feel like my quote doesn't add up...15 passengers, a minibus and a journey to Hull and back (Only Fools reference! ) comes to £28.00..?

Just doesn't seem right to me!

Del Boy: Uncle Albert...'Olland is over there

After asking for directions from a North Sea Oil Rig

(05 Jan 2015, 4:05 pm)MrFozz wrote The key to getting through Fencehouses safely is simple, get past the unofficial border posts at Chilton Moor and near that Pub just after Bournmoor without being on the receiving end of an atomic wedgie, itchy seeds put down your back or being egged and feathered then your sorted, if your unlucky you may get a blast from there hot Chilli Sauce filled Super Soakers, while the FPF are dangerous, watch out for that lot from New Lambton, who humiliate there victims by tea bagging them

I hear patrols have been took up a notch after the Avenue Vivian lot made there intention to invade FPF territory public knowledge and that Andreos has started an all out, unrestricted war strategy to draw out Vivian(as there leader is known locally, he is like an old woman at times as well), no school type prank is off limits for the FPF at the moment

Since the old firestation was demolished, the advantage we had over visitors from the north or west, has diminished.
The old tower was a perfect vantage point, to alert FPF command of any 'outsiders' approaching.

Similarly, it ensured outsiders could be targeted with pea shooters should they look dodgy.

Adam is safe though.

Our spies/agents may have walked out in front of the 71 in Chester, but that was merely to get at bus operators, rather than Adam.

(05 Jan 2015, 4:12 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I feel like my quote doesn't add up...15 passengers, a minibus and a journey to Hull and back (Only Fools reference! ) comes to £28.00..?

Just doesn't seem right to me!

In what way? Too much, too little?

(05 Jan 2015, 4:19 pm)Dan wrote £28.00 per head... £420 in total.

Thought that might have been the case! lol

Bit steep! I think I might try and contact Jim Hughes or Kingsley's too.

(05 Jan 2015, 4:25 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Thought that might have been the case! lol

Bit steep! I think I might try and contact Jim Hughes or Kingsley's too.

And the chances are 15 people won't be going. So then it will be more.
May just be cheaper going by train?

(05 Jan 2015, 4:25 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Thought that might have been the case! lol

Bit steep! I think I might try and contact Jim Hughes or Kingsley's too.

I will keep out of this one, otherwise I may end up banging on about NorthStar from Seaham

(05 Jan 2015, 4:27 pm)Tom wrote And the chances are 15 people won't be going. So then it will be more.
May just be cheaper going by train?

Open it up through Social Media on a first come, first served basis, then it should not be impossible to fill 15 seats

(05 Jan 2015, 4:25 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Thought that might have been the case! lol

Bit steep! I think I might try and contact Jim Hughes or Kingsley's too.

As I said before, Stanley Travel provide some of the most expensive quotes.

I'd have expected that the total cost would not exceed £2.00 per mile, but Stanley Travel's quote does:
£420 / 150 miles = £2.80/mile.

In my opinion, you ought to be aiming for a quote of £300 or less, which equates to £20/person (assuming there are 15 people going).

(05 Jan 2015, 4:33 pm)Dan wrote As I said before, Stanley Travel provide some of the most expensive quotes.

I'd have expected that the total cost would not exceed £2.00 per mile, but Stanley Travel's quote does:
£420 / 150 miles = £2.80/mile.

In my opinion, you ought to be aiming for a quote of £300 or less, which equates to £20/person (assuming there are 15 people going).

That's what I was thinking as well, £20 per person would be a nice round number.

Could probably get my mam and grandma to do the food as well!

I'll contact some of the other suggested operators at some point tonight.

(05 Jan 2015, 4:33 pm)Dan wrote As I said before, Stanley Travel provide some of the most expensive quotes.

I'd have expected that the total cost would not exceed £2.00 per mile, but Stanley Travel's quote does:
£420 / 150 miles = £2.80/mile.

In my opinion, you ought to be aiming for a quote of £300 or less, which equates to £20/person (assuming there are 15 people going).

Something I would love to do is setup Mr Fozz day-trips, but I aint got the know-how patience to be arsed with it, lol

(05 Jan 2015, 4:36 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote That's what I was thinking as well, £20 per person would be a nice round number.

Could probably get my mam and grandma to do the food as well!

I'll contact some of the other suggested operators at some point tonight.

Hope it works out for ya mate, may even join the trip if I can afford it...Would be good if you can organise it, and would be good if you choose to do business at GCSE

(05 Jan 2015, 4:39 pm)MrFozz wrote Hope it works out for ya mate, may even join the trip if I can afford it...Would be good if you can organise it, and would be good if you choose to do business at GCSE

Something that you can definitely mention in job interviews should the opportunity arise! 

(05 Jan 2015, 4:39 pm)MrFozz wrote Hope it works out for ya mate, may even join the trip if I can afford it...Would be good if you can organise it, and would be good if you choose to do business at GCSE

Already have!

On another note, I've checked the trainline - and the prices aren't bad.

The 09:00 East Coast (will be different when we travel) leaving Newcastle, get off at Doncaster at 10:24. Swap onto the 10:42 Northern service to Hull, arriving 11:47 going down. Unsure coming back up.

Put 7 adults and 2 children in on a random Saturday (just random)...off peak return for 9 people is £483.75....not even 15!

However, I have noticed a Standard single for that party of 9 would be £112.50, hoping it's the same coming back...we may be onto a winner here!

(05 Jan 2015, 4:49 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Already have!

On another note, I've checked the trainline - and the prices aren't bad.

The 09:00 East Coast (will be different when we travel) leaving Newcastle, get off at Doncaster at 10:24. Swap onto the 10:42 Northern service to Hull, arriving 11:47 going down. Unsure coming back up.

Put 7 adults and 2 children in on a random Saturday (just random)...off peak return for 9 people is £483.75....not even 15!

However, I have noticed a Standard single for that party of 9 would be £112.50, hoping it's the same coming back...we may be onto a winner here!

Even cheaper if any of the adults going down, invest (or already have) a family and friends railcard.

1/3 off adult fares
50% off kids.

Maybe worth checking the same journeys, but selecting the railcard option.

Been doing a bit more planning for that possible trip...would anyone happen to know which bus would operate between Hull Interchange and the Streetlife Museum?

I imagine there might even been a shuttle bus?

Thanks!

(05 Jan 2015, 10:16 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Been doing a bit more planning for that possible trip...would anyone happen to know which bus would operate between Hull Interchange and the Streetlife Museum?

I imagine there might even been a shuttle bus?

Thanks!

Think there was a shuttle last year?
By the way, I know you have spent quite a bit of time planning, but have you asked your parents if you can go?

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Travel....74371!3e3

Not too sure if the link will work, but there seems to be a fair few buses which stop within a 5 minute walk of the museum, operated by Stagecoach & EYMS.