#X25 – Chester-le-Street Corals to Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station – (09:38 --- 10:22) – Go North East 3872 – Dennis Trident/East Lancs Lolyne
After arriving in Chester-le-Street between 09:30 and 09:35; I only had to wait a couple of minutes before this Lolyne came down Front Street. I was quite pleased to say the least; I'm not a hater of the Wright Solars, but anything with better capacity, and so more room, is better in my opinion. When I asked the driver for a ''Get Around'', he asked me if I wanted a 1 day ticket or a 7 day ticket. I'd never been asked this question before, so it surprised me, but I quickly replied that I was just after a 1 day ticket. Only a couple of people were downstairs, but towards the front upstairs there were about half a dozen people all bunched together. I decided to go for the very back seats, the legroom wasn't bad; I just listened to music through my earphones until Adam joined at his stop, located just before Wrekenton. Unsure if the bus stopped at all after this; but once again, when we got to Eldon Square, there was just the two of us upstairs. The plan was to catch the 10:30 express service up to Consett, then the 11:45 689 service to Hexham, so after waiting longer than I expected; the 10:30 service appeared on Percy Street, running about 10 minutes late.
#X70 – Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station to Consett Bus Station – (10:41 --- 11:33) – Go North East 6128 – Scania N94UD/East Lancs OmniDekka
Fortunately, we had an OmniDekka on this run; which compensated for the delay. On the other hand, I don't think the time was really made up by this speedy machine. As I boarded, the driver asked to have a closer look at my Get Around, taking it out of my hands in the process. He smiled and gave it back after further inspection, though; once Adam had joined me upstairs as well, I took a photograph of the interior. The journey was very nice, with all of the power of the Scania OmniDekka; Adam commented on how you wouldn't have thought the bus was twelve years of age! Despite a handful of people getting on and off throughout the journey; nobody else joined us on the upper saloon. We just had a general discussion to pass the time, however, something of note, is that towards Consett, I began to notice the rear seats upstairs were rattling pretty noticeably. Upon arrival in Consett, the time was 11:33; and we saw a ''Venture'' branded Optare Solo in one of the stands that is usually occupied by a staff shuttle, presumably preparing to go out into service and operate the 11:45.
#689 – Consett Bus Station to Hexham Bus Station – (11:47 --- 12:41) – Go North East 652 – Optare Solo SR M890/Optare
After making a quick trip to the Gregg's located near the bus station in Consett; we arrived back with just enough time to walk up to the stand. The driver was standing in the doorway, on his phone; so I asked him if he was the 689. He advised me to go down to Stand F, where he would be leaving from. I was quite surprised that in the queue with us, were seven other passengers. Having never travelled on the 689 service before; and going on reports that it was usually only carrying a couple of passengers at best, I was quite surprised to say the least. They were all OAPs, so sat towards the front of the vehicle; whilst Adam and I hit the back seats. The seating was very ''plushy'' and almost-pillow like when you put your head against the very top. In terms of the scenery; the route is absolutely fantastic. After the Ebchester area, it is Hail & Ride; must be handy if you can be picked up at your front door. I would definitely recommend this trip to anybody; while it does feel like it drags on after a while, the scenery is fantastic and the bus never really gets full, so you'll be in for a good ride. I'll most likely do the 689 again during the summer holidays.
#687 – Hexham Bus Station to Corbridge, Hill Street – (12:48 --- 13:03) – Go North East 559 – Transbus MPD/Transbus Mini Pointer
Adam told me during the week, when we were planning; that he had used the 687 from Hexham to Corbridge before, then made a connection onto a ''Tynedale Express'' service to Newcastle. To mix things up a bit; we decided to go with this. I took a few photos in Hexham Bus Station; of Wright Cadet 8273 in the layover, and Wright Solar 5231, during a driver changeover; I also acquired some timetables of the Hexham based services. Then, we joined the confusing queue for the 687. It seemed some were wanting Go North East's express to Newcastle, Arriva's 85 to Haydon Bridge (then on to Carlisle) and the ''Tynedale Links'' 687 to Corbridge. When the 687 did come around to it's stand; following a driver changeover; Adam, myself and five others boarded. I do like how smart the ''Tynedale Links'' branded MPDs appear, but dear god... This bus rattled like a shed in a gale! I could feel the vibrations of it going down my spine. That aside, it was quite a speedy little thing and got us to Corbridge with enough time to disembark one stop before the Hill Street stop, then allowing me to get a photograph of it, which I was quite happy with upon viewing it on the desktop.
#X84 – Corbridge, Angel Inn to Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station – (13:12 --- 14:06) – Go North East 5230 – Scania L94UB/Wright Solar
After making our way down to the Angel Inn, we awaited the X84 to Newcastle. We noticed the amount of cyclists stopping for either a meal or a drink at the Angel Inn; it looked like quite a nice little pub. Before long, we heard the engine of a bus approaching; it rounded the corner moments later and we boarded. Roughly half-full, we sat at the back seats of 5230; the bus operating this service. Despite being quite stuffy due to the heat by this point, it was an enjoyable journey. I couldn't get enough of the engine; it sounded fantastic and so much like a Plaxton Prestige when pulling away. The seating was also very comfy; despite the heat somewhat ruining everything. Enjoyed this journey, although despite being quite scenic; it did seem to drag on a bit. I think next time I head through to Hexham; which I'm planning on during the summer holidays, complete with a round trip on the ''Hadrian's Wall'' AD122 service and a walk down to Go North East's Hexham depot.
#32 – Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station to Blaydon Bus Station – (14:13 --- 14:35) – Go North East 5234 – Scania CN230UB/Scania OmniCity
I browsed the timetables on display in Eldon Square, picking up several in the process. Another aim for today was to pay a quick visit to the ''Toon Link'' launch in Blaydon. So, with this in mind, we boarded the 14:15 32 service there. It was operated by OmniCity 5234; still looking resplendent in it's striking new livery. The only thing that disappointed me about this; was that I had already been on it before following transfer to the ''Toon Link'' group of services, with it being my second ride on the services following the upgrade, I was hoping for another example as opposed to one I had already been on it. Back on-topic; we sat at the quadrant with the massive amount of legroom, Adam faced the front while I faced the rear. Like all OmniCity journeys; it was a tad boring but was over before we knew it. During this journey, Adrian contacted me saying he was at the MetroCentre; so after going to Blaydon, I arranged to meet him at the MetroCentre.
#10 – Blaydon Bus Station to MetroCentre Transport Interchange – (14:51 --- 15:00) – Go North East 6076 – Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
We walked to Morrisons, where we found ''Toon Link'' 5238 enjoying a day at the event. The music was being blasted as loud as possible, which irritated me somewhat. All of the attention was in the direction of some young children who were messing around, so it took a while for any of the numerous Go North East employees to notice me. I was handed a bag by one of the women, before I walked away. Back at the bus station; a wait of about 5 minutes took place before the next thing bound for the MetroCentre showed up. This was ''TEN'' branded B9TL 6076; we sat downstairs at the back. Again, the heat was something of an irritant. A journey time of just under ten minutes to the MetroCentre; I was impressed with the speeds this example got up to on the stretch of motorway between the two locations. Just like any other B9TL, it was a fantastic runner. I would say ''smooth as a baby's bum'', but that is probably frowned upon these days...
#47 – MetroCentre Transport Interchange to Newcastle, Clayton Street West – (15:21 --- 15:39) – Go North East 6119 – Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
After Adrian joined us about 5 minutes after notifying him of our arrival, I introduced him to Adam and we sat in the main Interchange for a while. Two ''TEN'' branded vehicles showed up, so for the sake of variety; we decided to wait for the next non-''TEN'' to show. This was in the form of ''Red Kite'' 6119; the only one I need for haulage. I was quite happy, as it was very quiet too; with no more than ten other passengers throughout. We occupied the front upstairs; Adam on the right, Adrian behind me and myself at the left at the front. Not really paying attention to anything, we were shocked to see Peppercorn A1 ''Tornado'' fly through the MetroCentre with it's single coach with it (I know it's got a purpose, but I just can't remember!). Then again, when we were crossing the Tyne, we saw it on the King Edward Bridge. Adrian checked Real Time Trains; it wasn't due through into Central for another 15 minutes or so. Despite me suffering some camera issues, with Adrian's IT knowledge I managed to get it going again. Take the battery out and put it back in: sorted.
Train Spotting at Newcastle Central Station
For those of you who don't hold an interest, in trains; skip this part. We inquired at the Information Desk, just next to the ticket barriers, about a platform pass. The man redirected us to the woman manning the disabled gate. Again, we were redirected to a man on the ticket barriers; they certainly don't confuse you... Thankfully, he swiped his pass and allowed us through. According to Real Time Trains; Tornado was due to pass through on Platform 3. Our little group headed up to the top of Platform 2, where a group of three other enthusiasts had taken command of the very top; so we made do with a spot just down from it. A Class 91 set came in, 91127(?) was at the front while the rest of the set was ''Virgin Trains East Coast'' livery, along with the Driving Van Trailer. Next in, was yet another Class 91 set; this bowled quite a few shots as it got in the way of Tornado, which came past it on Platform 3. Due to the sunlight and the sudden rush of others to get a photograph, simply put; mine came out rubbish. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant sight... Although maybe a blow of the whistle (that is not a sex reference) would have been appreciated.
#X71 – Newcastle, High Level Bridge to Gateshead Transport Interchange – (16:12 --- 16:17) – Go North East 3831 – Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties Palatine 2
Rather than get the Tyne and Wear Metro to Haymarket, then the ''Angel'' back to Chester-le-Street; Adrian suggested we had a walk along to the High Level Bridge and I catch it from there. To my surprise; as I waited for an ''Angel'', a ''Yellow Bus'' branded Volvo Olympian showed; out of nowhere. As ever, one couldn't refuse a ride on it, albeit brief, so we flagged it down and boarded. It was 3831, the last time I rode this was when I sat at the very back downstairs, and listened to the engine for the whole journey up to Stanley. Was brilliant then, I sat in the exact same seat as last time, and it was exactly the same. Very much enjoyed it, although it was only for about 5 minutes.
#21 – Gateshead Transport Interchange to Chester-le-Street Red Lion – (16:21 --- 16:46) – Go North East 6067 – Volvo B5LH/Wright Gemini 2
After leaving Adrian and Adam, I hovered around the stand for the 21. Within a couple of minutes, it appeared; it was a Chester-le-Street bound service so I just went with it. The journey was over in 25 minutes, it absolutely flew by. Nice and smooth, as usual; despite quite a lot of passengers when we left Gateshead, most had dispersed by the Angel of the North. I listened to my earphones for the journey, upon alighting in Chester-le-Street, I had a walk up to Morrisons, purchasing a Roast Chicken Leg for as little as £1.30. Then, after walking back down the St. Cuthbert's Walk, I caught Volvo B5LH 6060 on the 21 back up to Clifford Terrace, just a few stops away. Once I was in the house, I ate the Chicken Leg (was very nice!), uploaded my photos to Flickr, and started typing the review up.
Thank you to Adam and Adrian for joining me today, it was nice to see you again. Unfortunately I will not be attending the Whitley Bay Rally tomorrow, in case anybody spends the whole day looking for me... Anyway, thank you for reading, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Marcus