(14 Mar 2015, 8:10 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Today's North East Explorer (£9.50) was a huge success, 11 journeys in total, but sadly in the midst of everything - just Northern Rail, the Tyne and Wear Metro and Go North East. Sadly no Arriva or Stagecoach to cater for those enthusiasts. But anyway, hopefully those of you who aren't catered for enjoy reading this.


#78 - Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground to Sunderland Park Lane Interchange - (09:43 --- 10:18) - Go North East 4853 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
After having a brief conversation after waking up at 08:30 this morning with a friend, I was informed that my chariot to Sunderland on the 78 would be a Lime branded Renown, namely 4853. Splendid! Had intended to get the 09:10 instead of the 09:40 after considering getting the Northern Rail service through to Newcastle (in hindsight, pleased I didn't!) - but after finding out it would be 4853, it now proved to be a win-win move. Got to my local stop on the Chester-le-Street to Sunderland route for 09:30, and a couple of minutes later, I noticed that Diamond Merc on the A167. Lucky I suppose, as I was texting someone at the time and wasn't looking in that direction. 


Anyway, (I'm great at getting off-topic haha), at 09:40 the 78 hadn't showed, but I remembered being told she was running 5 minutes late anyway, so not worries. 4853 showed up at 09:43, and I got my Explorer from the driver. Sat towards the rear just above the step, and noticed it was surprisingly busy this run. Normally no more than half a dozen on, there was 10 I counted. Not a major difference, but something you do notice! 4853 was a splendid ride into Sunderland, even if my seat was a bit squeaky and irritating. A great way to kick off the day, a soon to be gone Lime B10BLE!


Tyne and Wear Metro - Park Lane to Haymarket - (10:32 --- 11:07) - Metrocars 4005 & 4037
Walked down into the Metro, and as I walked down the stairs, heard a Metro departing. Damn it. An 11 minute wait on the freezing, cold platform was endured, before a Metro showed up. 4005 was leading the train, so I just sat down on the rather quiet train. Surprising, but enjoyable because usually at this time it begins to crowd up at Sunderland (in my experience anyway!) Enjoyed the journey, which I had a seat throughout the whole of. Things got really crowded up at Heworth and Pelaw, etc, but eventually things started to quieten down as we hit Gateshead, Central and Monument, and it was 50% full by the time I disembarked at Haymarket. Walked across into the Haymarket, and picked up a Chicken Bake to satisfy my hunger. Saw a few things, then spotted a Renown departing on a 43. Bit irritated, have never tried an Arriva Renown (as far as I recall) and that would have been a great opportunity, if only as far as the Regent Centre. Then made my way across to Eldon Square, and saw 4846 park up in the layover bays on a 32. Couldn't be arsed to wait, but then noticed a Renown on the Red Kites.


#46 - Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station to MetroCentre Interchange - (11:22 --- 11:43) - Go North East 4904 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
Hopped on the bus, with only 3 other people sitting ready for our departure. Sat at those seats above the first step towards the back (seems to be my main spot for the majority of single deckers!) and let the journey go by with ease. However, my seat squeaked, much worse than on 4853, and then disembarked as soon as we got to the MetroCentre. Was another nice ride on a B10BLE, but like I've said before, I don't think 4904 is very good. Quite slow and squeaky, not a personal favourite.


Had a bit of a scope around the MetroCentre's bus station, and didn't notice anything good. So I just decided to hop on the next bus back to Newcastle. Was hoping for a 100, but then noticed a TEN heading in, so just went with that.

#10B - MetroCentre Interchange to Newcastle, Eldon Square - (11:50 --- 12:09) - Go North East 6073 - Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
After a quick driver changeover, I boarded 6073 and made my way upstairs. Left-hand front seats were free, so I hit them and looked out the front. A pleasant ride into Newcastle, and after hitting a bit of traffic in the city centre, after no more than 20 minutes I hopped off in Eldon Square. Decent bus, haven't been on this one in a while now. Noticed the destination number was just normal, unlike the other examples I saw today, didn't look quite right haha. 

Made my way out of Eldon Square, and after walking down Blackett Street then Pilgrim Street, I saw a Saltwell Park Streetlite waiting. Great! That was one of the aims of the day, so this was something to tick off.

#54 - Newcastle, Market Street West to Gateshead Interchange - (12:16 --- 12:49) - Go North East 8341 - Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite
This is where I made a bit of a mistake. I'd reviewed the timetables prior to today, and knew the 53 was something like a 12 minute journey from here to Gateshead, but I was obviously in such a rush, I didn't check the service number. D'oh! Noticed something wasn't right when we didn't head towards Gateshead Interchange after crossing the River Tyne....ohhhh sh!t. Went around just about every part of Gateshead (it felt like it anyway!) but made it to Gateshead Interchange about 30 minutes after I got on. So, what is my verdict on these Saltwell Parks? Personally, aside from the tour and the crowded passenger numbers; I feel like this was an alright vehicle. The engine was noticeable and evident throughout the whole journey, which I found myself quite fascinated by (not being a regular user of these). Wouldn't mind another ride in the future. Just ensure I don't board a 54 in Newcastle for Gateshead, and vice-versa for the 53! haha

#27 - Gateshead Interchange to Heworth Metro Station - (12:51 --- 13:04) - Go North East 5317 - Mercedes 0530N/Mercedes Citaro
Headed across from the 54 to the other side of the interchange, planning on getting on the first bus I could see for Heworth. Noticed a 57 at the top, but didn't want to chance it and just played it safe by hopping on the Crusader in front of me. Rather quiet, no more than a dozen people on. Hit my regular choice of seats and waited for the journey to go by. When we got to Gateshead High Street, a trio of kids got on; two girls - one boy. Boy gets on and asks ''for a 90'' followed by one girl who did the same. However, one couldn't find her return ticket amongst her bags, and after a minute, the driver just abandoned ship and drove off...PAHAHAHA...me being the cynic I am, I found this most amusing. 

Anyway, we got to Heworth and I disembarked. It was rather busy, I assume a Metro had just come through, so I had a bit of a walk around looking for any opportunity for a photograph. Citylink 5388 was in the layover having worked a 58 in, and then made my way across to the other side of the interchange. A Connections 4 Merc was heading in from Houghton-le-Spring, and I decided to get that to Washington, then an X1 back across the river. 

#4 - Heworth Metro Station to Washington, The Galleries Bus Station - (13:11 --- 13:33) - Go North East 5358 - Mercedes 0530N/Mercedes Citaro
Second Citaro of the day, and I sat at that favourite spot on any full-sized single decker. As I walked up the aisle, I noticed something, so I may as well strike a debate - does anyone think Citaros are really dark inside? I think they are, to be honest. But, anyway, I sank into my seat; and noticed how comfy it was! Despite the 4 running quite near me, I'm a rare user myself. Last time I was on one was back in January, and I sat at the very front left-hand seat, absolutely killed my backside. Whereas these seats in the main part of the interior were really plushy and comfortable, I loved it! Definitely going to try another ride on one next week while I'm out. Things started to fill up after Concord, and there were standees by the time we got to Washington. Lovely 20-odd minute journey!


#X1 - Washington, The Galleries Bus Station to Gateshead Interchange - (13:45 --- 14:10) - Go North East 6050 - Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
Waited for the 13:34 #X1 for Newcastle, and it was a no-show! Hung around, as there was no other way to get back to Newcastle in order to catch my Northern service to Sunderland at 14:30. Eventually, two Red Arrows B9s came into sight, and one stopped down at the bottom to set down passengers. The huge queue that formed due to the 13:34 not turning up led to the chance of me standing. But, I did manage to sit at one of the foldy thingy seats for the journey. Because of the delay, this meant I would have to bail at Gateshead. Always had my eye on my watch, so didn't make many notes on the journey and the bus. 

After hopping off at Gateshead, I made my way down to the Metro station. Perfectly timed, just as I got down to platform level, I heard the rumbling of a Metro drawing close. 

Tyne and Wear Metro - Gateshead to Central Station - (14:13 --- 14:15) - Metrocars 4015 & 4032
Got on, and was relieved that I wouldn't be missing my Northern Rail back to Sunderland. Not many comments to make, just a couple of minutes on it. Stood up against that little bit for you to rest against (think regular users will know what I mean) and just played Crossy Road for a bit. hehe

Hopped off, and made my way out of platform level and up the escalators. I can't help but feel that Haymarket, Central, etc, feel a lot like Tube station (with the massive escalators, etc)...lol, just a random comment to give this bit a little something to say for itself. I walked across to the other side after entering the station, and took a photo of the Thunderbird 67 in it's siding (67003 I think?) - will upload it later, the only decent photo I took today! 

2N30 - Newcastle Central Station to Sunderland Station - (14:25 --- 14:54) - Northern Rail 142089 - Class 142 ''Pacer'' Diesel Multiple Unit
Noticed my Nunthorpe-bound Northern train pulling in on Platform 5, and went over as it stopped at 14:24. After waiting in the queue to board, I got on and got myself a seat in the middle of the rear carriage. Heating was brilliant, and I was just waiting for for us to depart to be honest! As we slowly crept out of Platform 5, and we rounded the bend, I noticed a 66 on Freight, damn! Would have been a good photo...but then I noticed the screams as we crossed the points and rounded the bend. Dear me, absolute ear-rape!! Tried to block it out with my earphones, but I could still hear it. People were wincing with pain at the noise! Got quite bad around Heworth too! Safe to say I was relieved when we got to Sunderland!

Walked out of the station, and found myself on the streets of Sunderland. 10 minutes until my 78 home left Park Lane, help! Followed any signs, and got to Park Lane c.15:03. Quickly nipped into Gregg's for something, then made my way across to the Lime's stand. 

#78 - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange to Chester-le-Street Durham County Cricket Ground - (15:09 --- 15:48) - Go North East 4896 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
With no bus in sight, I had finally made it for my final journey of the day. Saw a red Volvo enter the bus station, and noticed it's destination set for the 78 to Consett. Ahhhhh...4896 as well! Not a bad bus out of the former Lime batch. No squeaky seats either! Pleasant ride back home, with some lovely views with the sun shining a bit too! 

Got to my local stop, and got off. Walked back through the housing estate, and paid a visit to my grandma's house to drop off a leaflet on the diversions. Informed her of my little stand towards the girls in my tutor group, and made my way back along to mine. Got in the house around 16:40ish. 

Thanks for reading!!  Please like for more next week.

Marcus