(05 Apr 2018, 4:09 pm)MurdnunoC wrote That was a different version of the 27 - a shortened number of the 527 which probably meant the other version of the 27 had been withdrawn by then. There was no direct lineage between the two routes. The 87 (Fellgate Estate - Jarrow Hebburn - Lukes Lane - Heworth - Q.E. - Newcastle) replaced the route of the 527 via the QE, Deckham and Shipcote which allowed the 27 to operate direct via Sunderland Road to allow a quicker journey time to Newcastle from South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn. The 87 was replaced partially by the 67 (which also partially replaced the 77, and, in turn, the 777 and 183).
This version of the 27 commenced from around 1982 onwards (when buses were curtailed to terminate at Gateshead due to the Metro). It originally operated from Gateshead Metro, along Durham Road, up Beacon Lough Road and Easedale Gardens, through Wrekenton and Springwell Estate, up Wealcroft to Fewster Square, then down Colegate and High Heworth Lane to Heworth Metro. The 25 originally served Dryden Road but the routes of the 25 and 27 were switched sometime in the 1990s, and the 27 was revised to operate via Dryden Road between Shipcote and Beacon Lough Road. The 27 was eventually withdrawn and the route was partially absorbed by the 51/52.
I have timetables in the house and I'll share them when I get the opportunity.
EDIT: Found this online for the old 27 dated 28th February 2004
Also timetable for the 648 dated 30th January 2005 and 649 dated 5th October 2004.
And the original routes of the 51/52 dated 28th February 2004.
So later than I originally guessed.
I used the 27 on and off until the mid-90's and apart from the Low Fell Cross-Tyne service, it was the only one I recall going along Dryden Road.
As far as I remember, the 25 operated through Low Fell, alongside the 24 and 26.
I do remember a night service up Beacon Lough Road in the mid 80's. Cant recall which way it operated to get there though.
The change to the 27 and it operating along Prince Consort Road must have came about 96/97ish. By which point the 26 had gone and the 24/25 were just play things, being changed as often as the 1/2 were in subsequent years.
I could have been sure the 27 (in that guise), continued to Shields (or at least towards it) in the Durham Road/Prince Consort Road days. Possibly before the 87 that you mention.
However, in hindsight, I may be getting it confused with a version of the 57.
Have to apologise regarding the 648/49 and mentioning them alongside Old Fold. Meant Carr Hill. Always have got the two mixed up. No idea why.
A glance at those timetables would be great.