(17 May 2015, 6:16 pm)Dan wrote https://www.stagecoachbus.com/Family%20Open%20Day.aspx

Anyone considering the Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire Open Day next Saturday? Might be a bit of a pain to get to, from the North East, mind.

By the time I got there it would be pretty much time for me to come back! So pretty pointless in me going then.

(17 May 2015, 6:16 pm)Dan wrote https://www.stagecoachbus.com/Family%20Open%20Day.aspx

Anyone considering the Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire Open Day next Saturday? Might be a bit of a pain to get to, from the North East, mind.

Thinking of it, but by train rather than bus. £26.80 for an Anytime Return to Workington. It's about a 10 minute walk from there to the bus station, and then there's a shuttle bus running.

I'll see how I feel on Thursday night though, as I'm off to Brighton tomorrow for a busy four days. 

Struggling to think of ideas for places to get snaps of the Red Kite 45/46/47 tomorrow. Doesn't help that I've only done the routes twice and my knowledge of places over that way is very limited so I may just have to wing it again.

May get one here again although it was difficult to get a shot through the traffic although thankfully the car behind was very hesitant to pull out.
Go North East: 5237 / NK56 KHE by Jimmi's Bus Photos, on Flickr

(17 May 2015, 8:49 pm)Jimmi wrote Struggling to think of ideas for places to get snaps of the Red Kite 45/46/47 tomorrow. Doesn't help that I've only done the routes twice and my knowledge of places over that way is very limited so I may just have to wing it again.

May get one here again although it was difficult to get a shot through the traffic although thankfully the car behind was very hesitant to pull out.
Go North East: 5237 / NK56 KHE by Jimmi's Bus Photos, on Flickr

Blackhall Mill River View is decent

Went to Lathalmond Running day today and got on the following vehicles.

First Glasgow - 38225 - SN09CDO - ADL Enviro 500
Stagecoach (Heritage Fleet) - 19976 - CDR679 - Guy Arab MkII / Duple
Stagecoach (Heritage Fleet) - 59922 - BMS222 - Leyland Royal Tiger / Alexander
Stagecoach (Heritage Fleet) - 19948 - DCK219 - Leyland Titan PD2 / East Lancs
Stagecoach (Heritage Fleet) - 19959 - UCS659 - Albion Lowlander / Alexander
Stagecoach (Heritage Fleet) - 51095 - T95JHN - Volvo B10MA / Jonckheere
Stagecoach Strathtay - 13043 - HY14BUS - Volvo B5LH / ADL Enviro 400MMC
China Motor Bus (Preserved) - LV36 - ESF647W (CH9399) - Leyland Victory Mk2 / Alexander
St Helen's Transport (Preserved) - 67 - BDJ67 - AEC Regent /
Western Scottish (Preserved) - 2466 - SCS335M - Leyland Leopard / Alexander Y
Strathtay Scottish (Preserved) - SN12 - WBW735X - Leyland National Mk2

Not strictly bus related but I'm currently at Lockerbie on 221101 (very comfortable) going to Glasgow and then Inverness. I'll report back anything bus-wise up there.

The President that I currently have on the 15A is FREEZING!!!

If anyone is in Consett right now please fetch me a thick coat and some Heinz Tomato Soup.

(18 May 2015, 7:11 am)northern156 wrote Not strictly bus related but I'm currently at Lockerbie on 221101 (very comfortable) going to Glasgow and then Inverness. I'll report back anything bus-wise up there.

Never really made it to Inverness as my train was cancelled at Pitlochry due to a brake problem after being around 30 late from Dunkeld and Birnam due to a signalling problem. Decided to give up and return to Glasgow which meant changing trains at Perth; where I popped to the bus station for 5 mins where I saw a Merc 709D, Olympian, some MAN contraption plus three coaches, two Megabus and one Citylink.

This MAN Contraption. Did it have a East Lancs body as if it did, it likely to be one of Stagecoachs MAN 18:240 Lion City with ELC Kinetic body.

Day one of a four day outing started with 91129 this morning, followed by one of the new class 387 sets (387113 in front) on the Thameslink. I also managed to ride on my first Streetdeck today (Brighton and Hove's 925), and I found it impressive.

From Buses magazine... East Yorkshire Motor Services has set a date for a special Olympian farewell.

East Yorkshire Motor Services has registered a special 'Farewell Olympian' service on Saturday 30 May 2015 to mark the end of 32 years of Olympian double-deck operation. Service 630, using 16 year old Northern Counties Palatine 1-bodied Volvo Olympian 630, will start at Hull's Interchange (Paragon) and then take a scenic trip around Hull through to Cottingham, pausing near Skidby Mill for a photo opportunity. It will then go on via the A164 via the Humber Bridge car park (stopping for photographs), before returning to Hull Interchange via the A63, taking 45 minutes in total.

There will be 5 departures during the day, setting off from Hull at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00, to give as many as possible a chance to ride to the service. There is a flat fare of £4 per round trip.

There is no need to pre-book, but boarding will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Within the first few days, over 70 people indicated they would be heavily interested in taking part. East Yorkshire bought it's first Olympian, an ECW-bodied Leyland, in 1983. Managing director and enthusiast Peter Shipp says; ''Olympians have long been a favourite of bus enthusiasts, so we thought it was only right that we should mark their passing with a last chance to ride them in action''.

(20 May 2015, 4:17 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote From Buses magazine... East Yorkshire Motor Services has set a date for a special Olympian farewell.

East Yorkshire Motor Services has registered a special 'Farewell Olympian' service on Saturday 30 May 2015 to mark the end of 32 years of Olympian double-deck operation. Service 630, using 16 year old Northern Counties Palatine 1-bodied Volvo Olympian 630, will start at Hull's Interchange (Paragon) and then take a scenic trip around Hull through to Cottingham, pausing near Skidby Mill for a photo opportunity. It will then go on via the A164 via the Humber Bridge car park (stopping for photographs), before returning to Hull Interchange via the A63, taking 45 minutes in total.

There will be 5 departures during the day, setting off from Hull at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00, to give as many as possible a chance to ride to the service. There is a flat fare of £4 per round trip.

There is no need to pre-book, but boarding will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Within the first few days, over 70 people indicated they would be heavily interested in taking part. East Yorkshire bought it's first Olympian, an ECW-bodied Leyland, in 1983. Managing director and enthusiast Peter Shipp says; ''Olympians have long been a favourite of bus enthusiasts, so we thought it was only right that we should mark their passing with a last chance to ride them in action''.

Shame a 'real' Olympian isn't being used for the occasion

Yesterdays Outing. 

09:14 - X1 - 6001 - Washington Galleries to Newcastle Eldon Square
After a 10 Minute to The Galleries from Home I boarded 6001 and paid the Standard £3.30 Single to Newcastle, I sat roughly at the midpoint of the Vehicle upstairs and literally let the journey go by with nothing to note as I was still waking up, been a while since I have just gotten up and went out somewhere.

10:15 - 47 - 6120 - Newcastle Eldon Square to MetroCentre
Having gotten off the X1 and checked the time of the 47 I quickly nipped to the Toilet as my Teeth were under Water as the expression goes, upon coming out of the Loos of Eldon Square where I luckily escaped getting locked in like I have on 1 previous occasion, I seen this person running through Eldon Square which what can only be described as a weird running style, anyway as I rounded the corner head back towards the Bus Station I instantly knew who this individual was, my worst fears were confirmed when I came out the Bus Station to take a few Photos, it was.......drum roll please.....Bazza, he had spotted a Quaylink Versa on the X40 and did a Marathon Sprint attempting to break his Record Time of running from the Green through Eldon Square to the other side to take a Photo of an Odd Allocation.

After a few minutes of talking, more so Bazza talking for England and a lot of it nonsense as per usual, 6120 came into site and I made my way down to the Stand, I then boarded and gave the Driver my free Red Kite Scratchcard much to his dismay, and much to my joy a 3 Zone+ came out the Ticket Machine, I took a few Interior Shots of the Vehicle before sitting down Upstairs at the Front of the Vehicle for the short journey to The MetroCentre, in the meantime I sat and thought about what I was going to do once I got to MetroCentre and where to go next on my Travels for the Day.

10:43 - 10 - 6078 - MetroCentre to Hexham
After a Short wait around at The MetroCentre I seen a Hexham Bound Ten Volvo B9TL pull up and immediately thought why not have a trip to Hexham as I had never been there before and as I wanted some photos of the AD122/Tynedale Links Vehicles, Again much like on 6001 I sat upstairs to the Midpoint of the Vehicle and again let the journey go by.

Along the Route I took note of just much of a Marathon the 638 must been back in the Day from Crawcrook to Sunderland, dont think you would catch me doing that route in full if it still existed, elsewhere coming through Prudoe I noticed one of the Bus Shelters was decked out in Royal British Legion Vinyls or Perhaps it was Painted, I honestly couldnt tell the difference but it looked epic and more Shelters in my opinion should be given this treatment.

I also took the opportunity to take in the Scenic Views of Northumberland as we passed through Prudoe and Corbridge heading towards Hexham, truly breathtaking, certainly will have to take some Photos around these areas in the future, eventually we reached Hexham after going via the world, I spent the best part of 2 Hours at Hexham Bus Station photographed every Bus that passed, in the meantime I went to Greggs and Poundland for something to eat and drink before getting on the 689 to Consett.

I did toy with the idea of spending an Hour in a Half on the 74 to Newcastle before going onwards to Consett, but it worked out that by the time I got to Consett on the 689, I would only be in Newcastle on the 74, so really it was a no brainer as to what my next journey would be.

13:41 - 689 - 0652 - Hexham to Consett
Just before I boarded the 689 I had an altercation with the Driver of 559 who was sitting blocking the Entrance/Exit to Hexham Bus Station waiting time on the 688 I think, I dont even think where the Driver was was an allocated Stand, certainly was no Shelter in place, when I asked if he would move so the 689 could get round onto Stand as the Driver of 652 and pointed at me to do so with the 685/880 behind also waiting to get out, the Driver gave me a bit of lip before departing, found him rather ignorant if I am honest and found that a New Bus Station for Hexham is without a doubt needed, as this obviously occurs daily.

I then made my to board 652 to Consett, where I enjoyed more Breathtaking Views along quite a lot of Country Roads through Northumberland, we eventually got to Consett around an Hour later where I departed and thanked the Driver for an enjoyable journey, I then waited around bit and Photographed a few of the Red Kite Streetlites and Weardale Palatine 1 Olympians on Scholars.

15:40 - 45 - 5238 - Consett to MetroCentre
Much to my Surprise 5238 showed up on the 45 and as I couldnt be bothered waiting around I decided to board 5238, noting a few points for Photos along the way on a rattly and uncomfortable journey, my ribs were killing when I eventually got off at The MetroCentre, feel a tad bit sorry for the People of Winlation etc who will have to endure this on a Daily Basis, they are a lot worse than the examples on the 50 before anyone points out that I have Omnicities on one of my Local Services.

17:00 - X66 - 5394 - MetroCentre to Gateshead
After taking a few more photos and having a brief chat with Gary Devlin, I went to board 5394 to make the onward journey back home, this was ultimately decided when I crouched down to tie my Shoelace and my Jeans ripped from the Crotch Area in line with the Buttons down my Inner Leg, guess that is Primark for you, cheap and nasty clothing that doesnt last long, thankfully I had my Bag with me to cover up the clearly evident rip, a quick journey to Gateshead pursued and I have I do really like these Streetlites I am sure a certain Mr Graham will be glad to hear.

17:18 - X1 - 6017 - Gateshead to Washington Galleries
After a few minutes wait with a breeze flowing up my Crotch I boarded the Underpowered Shed that if 6017, where I again sat Upstairs for journey where the Bus barely made if up the Bank to the Q.E. Hospital, meanwhile in the time it took us to get up a FAB57 Renown got up with ease dropped off/picked up passengers before pulling away, only thing of note on this journey and I couldnt wait to get off.

17:52 - 82A - 6029 - Washington Galleries to Lambton
Again after a few minutes wait and hoping a MPD was going to show up on the 82A, Another Ex London Shed showed up in the form of 6029, thankfully I was only going 2 Stops so I didnt have to endure much, after a few minutes I was eventually Home and greeted by a Homemade Lasagne and Garlic Bread for Tea.

Hope you enjoyed reading this Review.

So, who is heading to Lillyhall tomorrow for the Stagecoach in Cumbria open day?

(22 May 2015, 6:16 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote So, who is heading to Lillyhall tomorrow for the Stagecoach in Cumbria open day?

I had planned on going, but alternative arrangements beckon instead.

(22 May 2015, 6:16 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote So, who is heading to Lillyhall tomorrow for the Stagecoach in Cumbria open day?

May do, but I'm going to see how I am in the morning, as this week has taken it's toll on me a bit! 

(22 May 2015, 6:16 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote So, who is heading to Lillyhall tomorrow for the Stagecoach in Cumbria open day?

Busy tomorrow.

Even if I could go I don't think I'd want to spend over 5 hours on buses in each direction to get there each way. Also I don't want to spend much this weekend as I am at Sunderland on Monday.

(22 May 2015, 8:55 pm)Jimmi wrote Busy tomorrow.

Even if I could go I don't think I'd want to spend over 5 hours on buses in each direction to get there each way. Also I don't want to spend much this weekend as I am at Sunderland on Monday.

Foo Fighters? Or is there no chance of you getting back to Aycliffe at that hour?

(22 May 2015, 8:59 pm)Dan wrote Foo Fighters? Or is there no chance of you getting back to Aycliffe at that hour?

Yep.

Going in a car.

(22 May 2015, 9:00 pm)Jimmi wrote Yep.

Going in a car.

Rather envious. Hoping they're loud enough to hear from my house. One Direction practicing certainly were....................

(22 May 2015, 9:01 pm)Dan wrote Rather envious. Hoping they're loud enough to hear from my house. One Direction practicing certainly were....................

Oh lord, I'd hate to have to listen to that.

Really not sure where to go today! Might go to Newcastle, then venture off to Hexham then Consett/Stanley area.

I'm doing Cresswell tomorrow, first 1 up there then I'll spend around 10 minutes there before hopping back on the 1 to get Sunday lunch.

If my predictions are right, I'll be the only person on board for a decent section of the route.

Thinking about doing a review this week, not sure which locations i should do, any help?

I live in Sunderland btw

(23 May 2015, 3:51 pm)Michael wrote Thinking about doing a review this week, not sure which locations i should do, any help?

I live in Sunderland btw

How about a bit of variation? Something like the 36 Sunderland to Chester (Citaro), 8/78 Chester to Stanley (Streetlite), V8 Stanley to Consett (Solo), and then the X70/X71 Consett to Newcastle (some variation of decker)?

Get yourself some photos too

(23 May 2015, 3:55 pm)aureolin wrote How about a bit of variation? Something like the 36 Sunderland to Chester (Citaro), 8/78 Chester to Stanley (Streetlite), V8 Stanley to Consett (Solo), and then the X70/X71 Consett to Newcastle (some variation of decker)?

Get yourself some photos too

Thanks, i rarely go out on long journeys so with me being off this week, i can  

From Newcastle i can get the 100 to the Metrocentre, X66 to Gateshead, X1 to Washington and then the 2/2A or 8 to Sunderland OR 4/50 to Concord then the 73 to Sunderland then SC 23 to home. 

How much is a explorer ticket? 

(23 May 2015, 4:06 pm)Michael wrote How much is a explorer ticket? 

£9.70 now. It's £7.80 for a 3+ Zones BuzzFare if you can stick to GNE buses, but I'd normally just pay the extra for the flexibility. 

(23 May 2015, 4:09 pm)aureolin wrote £9.70 now. It's £7.80 for a 3+ Zones BuzzFare if you can stick to GNE buses, but I'd normally just pay the extra for the flexibility. 

Cheer's shame i can't use my network one pass -.- 


I was going to try and stick to Arriva but known me i'll get completely lost! 

Looks to be:

36 - Prospect Lidl to Chester-Le-Street – 8:43am – Arrives 9:33am
78 - Chester to Stanley 9:55am – Arrives 10:30am  
V8 - Stanley to Consett – 10:47am – Arrives 11:23am
X70 - Consett to Newcastle – 11:56am – Arrives 12:52pm
100 - Newcastle to Metrocentre – 1:02pm – Arrives – 1:17pm
47 - Metrocentre to Newcastle– 1:24pm – Arrives 1:40pm
1 - Newcastle to North Shields – 1:51pm – Arrives – 2:39pm
9 - North Shields to Boldon Asda - 2:47pm – Arrives 3:19pm
35 – Boldon Asda to Wheatschef - 3:34pm – Arrives 4:07pm
23 – Wheatschef – Home

What does everyone think?

(23 May 2015, 5:14 pm)Michael wrote Looks to be:

36 - Prospect Lidl to Chester-Le-Street – 8:43am – Arrives 9:33am
78 - Chester to Stanley 9:55am – Arrives 10:30am  
V8 - Stanley to Consett – 10:47am – Arrives 11:23am
X70 - Consett to Newcastle – 11:56am – Arrives 12:52pm
100 - Newcastle to Metrocentre – 1:02pm – Arrives – 1:17pm
47 - Metrocentre to Newcastle– 1:24pm – Arrives 1:40pm
1 - Newcastle to North Shields – 1:51pm – Arrives – 2:39pm
9 - North Shields to Boldon Asda - 2:47pm – Arrives 3:19pm
35 – Boldon Asda to Wheatschef - 3:34pm – Arrives 4:07pm
23 – Wheatschef – Home

What does everyone think?

Do the X71 rather than the X70. It's the more bumpy route iirc.