(23 Nov 2017, 5:07 pm)mb134 wrote This is a good point. 

I've always reported workings that have seen branded buses working other routes, or non-branded vehicles working a route in place of a branded vehicle. I don't see this as massively beneficial, or interesting, but initially started doing it as I was aware that people liked getting pictures of that sort of working, especially when Sapphire and MAX were in their relative infancy. 

I guess instances such as, for example, an MPD appearing on the X15 are what this thread is intended for.

I think the thread has slightly lost its way, in the sense that any working that isn't 100% "correct" is now R&O. For instance, I wouldn't class a generic MAX vehicle allocated to any MAX route as rare, odd, or anything else.

Totally agree with the points you have made (maybe apart from the BIB. Just slightly?! ; 

However, unless we are all given a reminder of what mods define as R&O, I can't see anything changing.

I like debate and discussion (whether reading or joining in), but others don't like that or are unable to (just look at the content in these threads to see that).
So when there is comment on a missing GNE hybrid, there's often a debate about the allocations, rumours about reliability etc.
Similarly, R&OW reports from Jesmond or Blyth depot often saw some sort of comment.

Barely anything at all about Jesmond or Blyth now...

(23 Nov 2017, 9:19 pm)MurdnunoC wrote And this is why I've asked the question. The thread has lost its way and, to me anyway, is probably one of the most annoying things about this forum. Fair enough, people can post what they want and I don't have to browse this particular thread (and for the most part I don't!), however I would love to know what constitutes a rare or odd working these days - especially since we've seen just about every conceivable combination of rare and odd allocation of vehicles to routes by Darlington reported in this very thread.  


A valid observation. 7474, in my opinion, is a legitimate 'rare and odd' sighting. Not only is the bus is on-loan from Jesmond, it also contains branding for a set of services outside of the immediate locale as well as being an odd vehicle type for the depot in question.

Often when the ANE R&OW thread is all that's left to read, the 'read all' button is clicked.
It has become a chore to read at times. Like you, I find it annoying.
Painful.

Like has been said in Adrian's thread on the forum, the current format gives members the chance to do just that.

As has also been said, people like to read this thread.

Swings n roundabouts I suppose.