(16 Jul 2018, 8:52 am)Dan wrote But what's the problem at the North East Bus & Coach Show (Spillers Wharf, formally Metrocentre) where the same moans exist? No references to 'vintage', 'classic', 'preserved' etc, yet the same folks still complain about too many buses of the modern variety.
As I made reference to before, the preserved vehicles in the North East are getting younger and younger in age. This in my view isn't a bad thing - we're managing to preserve more modern parts of history which is equally as important as the older parts of history, and in 20 years time I think enthusiasts will be glad that these have been saved - but we've got a few Volvo B10BLEs in preservation now, we've got Lee's MPD that's bound to make an appearance at rallies soon, an SPD, various S-reg Olympians... But some of these aren't really 'vintage' nor 'classic' - are we going to refuse entry to (or moan and twist about) these buses? The answer should be 'of course not'.
I have no idea. I don't know who has said these things and I have no idea what their agenda is.
Only they know that and I'm certainly not going to speak on their behalf.
From a personal perspective, I don't like seeing current operational vehicles at rallies. It does nothing for me. I can ride them other days of the week.
Although I do get why they come.
Ditto newer restored vehicles that haven't long left operational duties.
Either way, I am respectful of the effort that the people involved in the restoration have put in.
It doesn't come cheap (see post above mine).
I've said it before I think, but will say it again.
Seeing those newer restored vehicles, seeing the likes of a B9 attending etc played a part in me not attending rallies any more.
It doesn't make what the organisers are doing - wrong. It's just not my thing.
Similarly, even though I have a former work colleague (who now lives down south and is actively involved in restoration) and a close family friend who is very heavily involved in one particular national event, I don't go to rallies elsewhere.
In both cases, it boils down to the fact I have no emotional involvement or attachment with the vehicles on show, other than the local stuff from the 70's and 80's.
However smart those other vehicles may look.
It may also be because I dont want either of them (or their wives/partners) to know about my dirty little secret. I'm the good-looking cool one and have a rep to keep...
By not attending these events, I suppose I have cut my nose off to spite my face. I've missed out on other vehicles from my youth appearing.
Do I go on the off-chance they appear? Bearing in mind if they don't, I might have to do a Jimmi and do a bunk after 3 mins. Or do I hang around looking at stuff I didn't want to look at in the first place?