(02 Aug 2013, 4:36 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 4:07 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 3:51 pm)Kuyoyo wrote 564 isn't the only peak-time crusher - 544 is on the 56, just arriving in Gateshead now heading into Newcastle.

564 is reported to have broken down at Hebburn at some point today, and was subsequently replaced by 8265. Not sure how long it stayed on, if you report 8262 to be on there now.
Likewise, 5311 is reported to have broken down at Gateshead police station lights, again replaced by 544.

The person who posted it on Bazza's group has changed his mind and said 8262 this time :p

indeed true i photographed the 3 odditys on 27 and 27X 564 was on 27 8262 was on 27X 3963 was also on it and yes Kuyoyo i know i could of said hours ago not being rude or nowt

Note to poster: It should be noted that this is a hobby to enjoy together, not an individual competition. This group is not here to bicker about one another, but as a destination to find out information about a range of topics. You have your own group, so if you feel the need to have a little rant, your group is the perfect location to do so. If you don't like someone, or they don't like you for whatever reason, move on.

(02 Aug 2013, 8:08 pm)Cosminaut wrote indeed true i photographed the 3 odditys on 27 and 27X 564 was on 27 8262 was on 27X 3963 was also on it and yes Kuyoyo i know i could of said hours ago not being rude or nowt

Stop having a go at him!

Anyone else spot the 'South Tyne 5' Cadet on 'The Orbit' services today? Didn't manage to catch a number, but it departed Gateshead on the 51 at about quarter to 6.

...Dont start this rubbish again, grow up

Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is a 'peak-time crusher'?

(02 Aug 2013, 9:06 pm)AdamY wrote Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is a 'peak-time crusher'?

Little bus on a busy service - "sardines in a can"

'East Durham' MPD 502 on the X7 today, was the 1110 from Middlesbrough.

(02 Aug 2013, 8:08 pm)Cosminaut wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 4:36 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 4:07 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 3:51 pm)Kuyoyo wrote 564 isn't the only peak-time crusher - 544 is on the 56, just arriving in Gateshead now heading into Newcastle.

564 is reported to have broken down at Hebburn at some point today, and was subsequently replaced by 8265. Not sure how long it stayed on, if you report 8262 to be on there now.
Likewise, 5311 is reported to have broken down at Gateshead police station lights, again replaced by 544.

The person who posted it on Bazza's group has changed his mind and said 8262 this time :p

indeed true i photographed the 3 odditys on 27 and 27X 564 was on 27 8262 was on 27X 3963 was also on it and yes Kuyoyo i know i could of said hours ago not being rude or nowt

Note to poster: It should be noted that this is a hobby to enjoy together, not an individual competition. This group is not here to bicker about one another, but as a destination to find out information about a range of topics. You have your own group, so if you feel the need to have a little rant, your group is the perfect location to do so. If you don't like someone, or they don't like you for whatever reason, move on.

Note to the admins: Can we block 'cosminaut'? What utter tripe he comes out with!
Ps. Sorry for taking up a post to write this. It's just certain people will stop others using, enjoying and having discussions on this site.

Fab56 5209 on X3 to Newcastle now. Left Park Lane 5 mins ago.

4914 makes it a third day in a row on the X7, today on the 1210 from Middlesbrough, meaning it has been on all 3 workings while at Peterlee.

And odd working number 3 on the X7: Yellow MPD 542.

(03 Aug 2013, 11:13 am)Kuyoyo wrote 4914 makes it a third day in a row on the X7, today on the 1210 from Middlesbrough, meaning it has been on all 3 workings while at Peterlee.

So no WTX branding on the X7 at all today? By god I hope there's some new buses soon.

(03 Aug 2013, 3:05 pm)CatsFast101 wrote

(03 Aug 2013, 11:13 am)Kuyoyo wrote 4914 makes it a third day in a row on the X7, today on the 1210 from Middlesbrough, meaning it has been on all 3 workings while at Peterlee.

So no WTX branding on the X7 at all today? By god I hope there's some new buses soon.

There is now - 4906 has replaced 542 on that working.

The Northern Solar at Chester was working the 34a this afternoon, whilst a Northern Renown was on the 50.

(03 Aug 2013, 4:26 pm)Andreos1 wrote The Northern Solar at Chester was working the 34a this afternoon, whilst a Northern Renown was on the 50.

4837 was the renown and 6026 was on the 50

Just a thought will the Lambton Worm DAF's be Withdrawn at the same time as the Waggonway DAF's in a few weeks.

Reason behind this thought is that Metrolink Solars 4956-4960 have already been repainted into a Plum base Livery. Leaving 4961-4966 to be repainted, and I don't seem to recall any confirmation of the Lambton Worm getting an upgrade. Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

So could this mean the brand being dissolved and the 34/34A using Northern Spares and Metrolink 4961-4966 being used elsewhere i.e. on the Wear Tees Xpress X7, Which coincidently has been using Northern Renown 4914 over the past 3 days, which then means the X7 has a PVR of 5, Meaning it has an allocated spare.

(03 Aug 2013, 7:47 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote . Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

It's a strange one that, I hadn't realised but it doesn't even appear in the list of services as a branded route and even the branding on the online timetable is barely noticeable compared to other routes.

Waldridge had a Waggonway until the 50s, could perhaps the 34 go into the Waggonway brand (if that brand itself survives?) It would make sense if the history is there and the interworkings off peak and Sundays

Just thought if Waggonway loses the route to Kibblesworth is it unrealistic to see the 34s disappear into the 28s?

(03 Aug 2013, 7:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote

(03 Aug 2013, 7:47 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote . Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

It's a strange one that, I hadn't realised but it doesn't even appear in the list of services as a branded route and even the branding on the online timetable is barely noticeable compared to other routes.

Waldridge had a Waggonway until the 50s, could perhaps the 34 go into the Waggonway brand (if that brand itself survives?) It would make sense if the history is there and the interworkings off peak and Sundays

Just thought if Waggonway loses the route to Kibblesworth is it unrealistic to see the 34s disappear into the 28s?

I think the 34/34A may get withdrawn all together, As Waldridge Park has the X25/50, If timed perfectly could provide an Every 15 Minutes Service, so the only loss would to the area of Ouston/Urpeth Grange, is there any other services serving those 2 areas. i.e. 8/78

(03 Aug 2013, 7:47 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote Just a thought will the Lambton Worm DAF's be Withdrawn at the same time as the Waggonway DAF's in a few weeks.

Reason behind this thought is that Metrolink Solars 4956-4960 have already been repainted into a Plum base Livery. Leaving 4961-4966 to be repainted, and I don't seem to recall any confirmation of the Lambton Worm getting an upgrade. Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

So could this mean the brand being dissolved and the 34/34A using Northern Spares and Metrolink 4961-4966 being used elsewhere i.e. on the Wear Tees Xpress X7, Which coincidently has been using Northern Renown 4914 over the past 3 days, which then means the X7 has a PVR of 5, Meaning it has an allocated spare.

The X7 has a PVR of 3 (4 branded buses, so has a branded spare). Just it seems the majority of the branded examples seem to be off the road this week.

(03 Aug 2013, 8:23 pm)Kuyoyo wrote

(03 Aug 2013, 7:47 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote Just a thought will the Lambton Worm DAF's be Withdrawn at the same time as the Waggonway DAF's in a few weeks.

Reason behind this thought is that Metrolink Solars 4956-4960 have already been repainted into a Plum base Livery. Leaving 4961-4966 to be repainted, and I don't seem to recall any confirmation of the Lambton Worm getting an upgrade. Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

So could this mean the brand being dissolved and the 34/34A using Northern Spares and Metrolink 4961-4966 being used elsewhere i.e. on the Wear Tees Xpress X7, Which coincidently has been using Northern Renown 4914 over the past 3 days, which then means the X7 has a PVR of 5, Meaning it has an allocated spare.

The X7 has a PVR of 3 (4 branded buses, so has a branded spare). Just it seems the majority of the branded examples seem to be off the road this week.

So that could possibly rule out 4961-4966 going on the X7, Unless 4966 was to go Northern and go elsewhere, or stay at Washington as a Spare. Thanks for the info Tony.

The extension to Waldridge Park came about when the 22 was withdrawn, as the X25 and 50 don't hit the Waldridge Park Estate.

Genuinely can't see the 34s being withdrawn though. If it was, what is a quick journey to Chester from Urpeth/Ouston, will turn into a mammoth one on the 28s.
It will be quicker getting a bus to Birtley and then a 21, than getting on a 28 and going on a magical mystery tour and seeing the delights of High Handenhold, West Pelton, Grange Villa, Het Hills tip and Pelton Fell...

(03 Aug 2013, 8:28 pm)Andreos1 wrote The extension to Waldridge Park came about when the 22 was withdrawn, as the X25 and 50 don't hit the Waldridge Park Estate.

Genuinely can't see the 34s being withdrawn though. If it was, what is a quick journey to Chester from Urpeth/Ouston, will turn into a mammoth one on the 28s.
It will be quicker getting a bus to Birtley and then a 21, than getting on a 28 and going on a magical mystery tour and seeing the delights of High Handenhold, West Pelton, Grange Villa, Het Hills tip and Pelton Fell...

Does the 34/34A even get used, whenever I have seen it, its been empty, surely there is way around or perhaps improving the service.

(03 Aug 2013, 8:17 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote

(03 Aug 2013, 7:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote

(03 Aug 2013, 7:47 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote . Although saying that the Lambton Worm Brand isn't even displayed on Simplygo.com.

It's a strange one that, I hadn't realised but it doesn't even appear in the list of services as a branded route and even the branding on the online timetable is barely noticeable compared to other routes.

Waldridge had a Waggonway until the 50s, could perhaps the 34 go into the Waggonway brand (if that brand itself survives?) It would make sense if the history is there and the interworkings off peak and Sundays

Just thought if Waggonway loses the route to Kibblesworth is it unrealistic to see the 34s disappear into the 28s?

I think the 34/34A may get withdrawn all together, As Waldridge Park has the X25/50, If timed perfectly could provide an Every 15 Minutes Service, so the only loss would to the area of Ouston/Urpeth Grange, is there any other services serving those 2 areas. i.e. 8/78

I think the 28/28a will be undergoing a re-jig soon. One will head down into Chester via the current 34/34a route; the other via the current route towards Beamish then up the bank into Stanley. The 8 will probably be rerouted to serve Grange Villa and Pelton.

Connect 628 was on 39s today. Terminated in town around half 7 coming from Pennywell. Becoming quite frequent really!
Not sure if it was on all day though... I certainly didn't see it on the occasions I was out today, until late this evening when it was on its final run.

Yeah, the 34/34a get used. It is the only service that goes around Urpeth Grange and also Pelaw Estate - but not sure the demand, is enough to justify a 15min combined frequency.

Mind, not sure the 28/28a justifies a 30min combined frequency beyond Pelton - so AdamY's suggestion might be worth bearing in mind.

If there were changes, it will be interesting to see how the services are routed around Ouston/Urpeth Grange. At the moment, the 34's operate anti-clockwise, so that it passengers don't have to cross roads etc (not sure if anyone is familiar with the estate). However, in Ouston, it stops where the Newcastle bound 28s stop (Chester bound 28s don't have any common stops with a Chester bound 34 until the two in Perkinsville).

(03 Aug 2013, 9:25 pm)Andreos1 wrote Yeah, the 34/34a get used. It is the only service that goes around Urpeth Grange and also Pelaw Estate - but not sure the demand, is enough to justify a 15min combined frequency.

Mind, not sure the 28/28a justifies a 30min combined frequency beyond Pelton - so AdamY's suggestion might be worth bearing in mind.

If there were changes, it will be interesting to see how the services are routed around Ouston/Urpeth Grange. At the moment, the 34's operate anti-clockwise, so that it passengers don't have to cross roads etc (not sure if anyone is familiar with the estate). However, in Ouston, it stops where the Newcastle bound 28s stop (Chester bound 28s don't have any common stops with a Chester bound 34 until the two in Perkinsville).

Using my suggestion, I think the whatever service goes to Chester will serve the Urpeth Grange while the other serves Ouston. I drive through the estate quite often when going from the A693 to Sunniside and I can't, for the life of me, recall whether there are any stops located on the other side of the road. I know that a couple of the stops seem unusually large for the amount of buses which go actually go there, but whatever happens, I can't see crossing the road proving to that much of a problem as the estate isn't exactly busy (or at least it hasn't been whenever I'm driving through).

Yeah, there are stops on both sides.

Even though the roads around Urpeth Grange aren't that busy - there have been quite a few injuries and fatalities, due to the speed, dips and slight curves on the roads.
There was one well known case where a young lass was left severely brain damaged after not seeing a British Gas van on St Benets Way a few years back.

The Council seemingly won't reduce the speed nor install calming measures - hence the local residents association campaigning for services to work the anti-clockwise loop, to save passengers having to cross the road.

rare working today in chester-le-street Consett Yellow MPD 565 on 78 later turned into 8 managed and only just got a photo

Ive herd (not sure how true it is or not) but the 4 spare versa's off the saltwell parks/drifters (once the 12 have gone to Washington for the WSS) are due to go onto the 34/34A

(04 Aug 2013, 12:33 am)dans_bus_photos wrote Ive herd (not sure how true it is or not) but the 4 spare versa's off the saltwell parks/drifters (once the 12 have gone to Washington for the WSS) are due to go onto the 34/34A

Very Interesting, I think it's only the Versas off the Saltwell Park that are going on the WSS M2/M3 only. As for the Drifter Versas I have no idea what will happen with them. Reports are they'll move onto the Drifter 61, then that leaves 5 Simplicity Versas Available I think.

(04 Aug 2013, 12:44 am)Adam Malarkey wrote

(04 Aug 2013, 12:33 am)dans_bus_photos wrote Ive herd (not sure how true it is or not) but the 4 spare versa's off the saltwell parks/drifters (once the 12 have gone to Washington for the WSS) are due to go onto the 34/34A

Very Interesting, I think it's only the Versas off the Saltwell Park that are going on the WSS M2/M3 only. As for the Drifter Versas I have no idea what will happen with them. Reports are they'll move onto the Drifter 61, then that leaves 5 Simplicity Versas Available I think.

I was thinking about Versa's on the 34 or 28 routes. Now we seem to believe that Solars will go to the 28, Versa's going to the 34 are possibility. There's currently 14 WSS MPD's, but wasn't it discussed that only the M2/M3 will get Versa's? What is the current PVR for the M2/M3? The simplicity Versa's were recently changed to say every 15 minutes, so could the Simplcity brand be transferred to the 34?
Lets go with what's been said;
8 Saltwell Park Versas to WSS.
5 Drifter Versas to Drifter 61.
4 Simplicity Versas to 34.
3 Drifter & 1 Simplicty Versas are spare, more to the WSS?
The 39 remains without new buses? Could Solars/Versas go on there?