(05 Jun 2015, 9:46 am)Kuyoyo wrote 7516 also now has 'Quick Links into Newcastle' branding instead of X14 branding.

I also saw 4653 being driven by an engineer towards Thorntons? 

We seem to be getting some very quick links to Newcastle these days.  

(05 Jun 2015, 3:36 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote I also saw 4653 being driven by an engineer towards Thorntons? 

We seem to be getting some very quick links to Newcastle these days.  

Looks like they're all starting to gain this (less than impressive) generic MAX branding. Personally think a larger MAX logo on the side would work better but hey'ho...

At least allocations won't make as much of a difference, because the branding will effectively be correct...

(05 Jun 2015, 3:41 pm)Dan wrote Looks like they're all starting to gain this (less than impressive) generic MAX branding. Personally think a larger MAX logo on the side would work better but hey'ho...

At least allocations won't make as much of a difference, because the branding will effectively be correct...

4653 has been "quick links" since about a week ago, I think it'll come back in X14 branding. (Possibly)

How did a streetlite end up on an X21? Photo credit to Bazza Houston https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/18...otostream/. Crazy.

(06 Jun 2015, 1:01 am)Simmy wrote How did a streetlite end up on an X21? Photo credit to Bazza Houston https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/18...otostream/. Crazy.

I also seen that, https://flic.kr/p/tMTMbp. They are based at Ashighton so that might say something....

(06 Jun 2015, 1:01 am)Simmy wrote How did a streetlite end up on an X21? Photo credit to Bazza Houston https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/18...otostream/. Crazy.

The supervisor (who I hate!) always puts a MPD on the 35, to displace a StreetLite as a spare. The StreetLite should be on the 35, the MPD on the 34 and 7518 on the X21/X22.

Somebody needs to have serious talks with the bloke.

(06 Jun 2015, 8:18 am)Tommy_1581 wrote The supervisor (who I hate!) always puts a MPD on the 35, to displace a StreetLite as a spare. The StreetLite should be on the 35, the MPD on the 34 and 7518 on the X21/X22.

Somebody needs to have serious talks with the bloke.

To be fair, at least Ashington isn't as bad as Blyth and lets not forget that they've got the troublesome 57 plate Enviros to deal with (particularly 7501 - 7506). 

(06 Jun 2015, 8:18 am)Tommy_1581 wrote The supervisor (who I hate!) always puts a MPD on the 35, to displace a StreetLite as a spare. The StreetLite should be on the 35, the MPD on the 34 and 7518 on the X21/X22.

Somebody needs to have serious talks with the bloke.

At least they aren't as bad as Jesmond!

1579 has lost its rear map of service 35.

Which depot operate service 44 from Newcastle?

I only ask as I saw 7477 on the 44 so this must be a loan or transfer.

Also how long is a round trip from Newcastle to Dinnington and back?

(06 Jun 2015, 1:33 pm)Jimmi wrote Which depot operate service 44 from Newcastle?

I only ask as I saw 7477 on the 44 so this must be a loan or transfer.

Also how long is a round trip from Newcastle to Dinnington and back?

Jesmond operate the 44 as far as im aware

(06 Jun 2015, 1:34 pm)Robert wrote Jesmond operate the 44 as far as im aware

Spot on!
Takes an hour to Dinnington and back, or 2 hours round trip on the Morpeth ones at the opposite side of the hour.

1417 has entered service at Stockton on 29/29a today - also worked the last 28 beyond Nunthorpe (1805 to Guisborough)

4512 collected from Stockton yesterday I am told. Presumably off to Thorntons (if it made it...)

What are the Streetlites normally like up Carlin How from the Loftus direction?

Heard all about the modifications, but the one I saw earlier today and the queue of traffic behind it, suggested it had done nowt but struggle.

Appreciate it isn't the easiest stretch in the world, but it didn't look comfortable at all.

(06 Jun 2015, 7:02 pm)Andreos1 wrote What are the Streetlites normally like up Carlin How from the Loftus direction?

Heard all about the modifications, but the one I saw earlier today and the queue of traffic behind it, suggested it had done nowt but struggle.

Appreciate it isn't the easiest stretch in the world, but it didn't look comfortable at all.

30 by the top with a decent one/light load. Redcar's are fitted with Greenroad so they tend to lay off a bit whereas we can go flat out, lol

(06 Jun 2015, 1:34 pm)Robert wrote Jesmond operate the 44 as far as im aware

it is 100% they do the inner Newcastle Services the outta town ones either Ashington or Blyth depending on what services

2832 has now been repainted.

1465/6 are due to return to Durham from Blyth today following the completion of engine repairs to Gemini 7608 (rather than the refurbishment of the Quorum Geminis)

Details thanks to David Allen on 'Arriva UK Enthusiasts' Group

(07 Jun 2015, 9:25 am)Kuyoyo wrote 1465/6 are due to return to Durham from Blyth today following the completion of engine repairs to Gemini 7608 (rather than the refurbishment of the Quorum Geminis)

Details thanks to David Allen on 'Arriva UK Enthusiasts' Group

Whats wrong with the engines on all of these Gemini's, always seems to be one getting repairs done to it's engine.

Something I've been thinking recently, is there any reason for Arriva's switch to Gemini's after the '09 E400 batch, and the switch back after 2011/12?

(07 Jun 2015, 10:52 am)mb134 wrote Something I've been thinking recently, is there any reason for Arriva's switch to Gemini's after the '09 E400 batch, and the switch back after 2011/12?

Because Geminis were crap.

(07 Jun 2015, 10:52 am)mb134 wrote Something I've been thinking recently, is there any reason for Arriva's switch to Gemini's after the '09 E400 batch, and the switch back after 2011/12?

Possibly fuel efficiency? No idea personally.

(07 Jun 2015, 11:01 am)Simmy wrote Possibly fuel efficiency? No idea personally.

More than likely because they're a VDL product and Arriva are the importers for VDL products into the UK. Same reason we ended up with a ton of Pulsars!

(07 Jun 2015, 10:58 am)Tommy_1581 wrote Because Geminis were crap.

(07 Jun 2015, 11:01 am)Simmy wrote Possibly fuel efficiency? No idea personally.

(07 Jun 2015, 11:14 am)tyresmoke wrote More than likely because they're a VDL product and Arriva are the importers for VDL products into the UK. Same reason we ended up with a ton of Pulsars!

Cheers all  

Think Arriva need to be looking at B8RLE'S in the future. 

(07 Jun 2015, 11:14 am)tyresmoke wrote More than likely because they're a VDL product and Arriva are the importers for VDL products into the UK. Same reason we ended up with a ton of Pulsars!

And the Temsas, dreaded things

(07 Jun 2015, 11:23 am)Simmy wrote And the Temsas, dreaded things [emoji14]

I think Tesma's actually perform quite well, the things that let them down though is the body, the wacky seating layout and the worst of all the seats themselves, makes sitting on the Urban90's seats in the Lowlander's feel like a sofa in comparison to them and I saw a photo of some of them being held in place with what looks like Velcro.

Is there anymore news about the extra ones coming to Redcar yet?

(07 Jun 2015, 11:28 am)Jimmi wrote I think Tesma's actually perform quite well, the things that let them down though is the body, the wacky seating layout and the worst of all the seats themselves, makes sitting on the Urban90's seats in the Lowlander's feel like a sofa in comparison to them and I saw a photo of some of them being held in place with what looks like Velcro.

Is there anymore news about the extra ones coming to Redcar yet?

There was a report of at least one heading up the A1 last week presumably to Thorntons?
Not expected at Redcar until at least the end of next month is my understanding at present.

Also reported that some deckers from London have arrived at Thorntons - can anyone go down this week and check what is in the yard?

(07 Jun 2015, 11:36 am)tyresmoke wrote Also reported that some deckers from London have arrived at Thorntons - can anyone go down this week and check what is in the yard?

I'll pop down tomorrow.

(06 Jun 2015, 9:19 pm)tyresmoke wrote 30 by the top with a decent one/light load. Redcar's are fitted with Greenroad so they tend to lay off a bit whereas we can go flat out, lol

I never noticed which one it was, the queue and people trying to overtake it, was the main focus of my attentions.
Interesting to see the Greenroad effect in full swing, if it was a Redcar example.
I would be worried sick, if it was a Stockton run!