(09 Dec 2024, 1:10 pm)R852 PRG wrote The distribution of drivers across the units wasn't as one-size-fits-all as presented here. Looking back to Chester pre-2014, I reckon a good twenty lines at least - possibly nearer thirty - on unit two were occupied by drivers who had been there prior to 2000, so I dare say many of these were on unit two by choice. Overwhelming majority of those drivers I can recall have since either retired or took severance when Chester closed, but at least two are still going at Consett and one at Washington.

Many of the unit one 4-day rota drivers from pre-2014 are also still there, mostly at Washington. Three drivers at Washington also have Bishop Auckland heritage. 

But yes, generally speaking, new drivers would start on unit two and progress onto unit one with time. Although, if a driver joined and was an existing licence holder, it wasn't uncommon for them to go onto unit one at the outset.

There were various changes to the rotas over the years as well. I remember the 50 was on unit one for several years before becoming a unit two duty, possibly swapped with the 25/X25.


Percy Main has thinned out a lot over the last few years. Probably no more than twenty, possibly as few as fifteen, still working there continuously since pre-2000.

I remember Ken at PM, he'll be long retired now, possibly even no longer with us anymore, he had a stroke i think in either 2011 or possibly even early 2012, he went back to drive for a bit when he recovered, then retired, my mates Dad still drives for GNE though, i also had 2 mates who did, but left around the time the hourly wage was up in the air