Will rest of the "Black Cats" gain WIFI, since 681, 689 and 690 have already got it?, hopefully rest of the "Black Cats" gains the stop announcements which were removed from the Venture as the services will consist of the 33, 39 and 238.... and maybe the 2/2A/61.


If you go by the above,  the only services with WIFI and stop announcements would be 33 - and maybe the 2/2A/61.


With 14 buses needed for the 2/2A/61, i think 2 spares will be allocated to Deptford so they'll have 4 spares (5438/5439 + 2 from the new batch) for 6 services: 2/2A/20/20A/60/61 - total of 16 at Deptford from the 18 arriving. 

The last 2 of the batch, i think will head to Riverside for the X66 (as its getting merged with the S1) and a spare.


The Streetlites aren't confirmed for the 2/2A/61, that's just speculation......

Lots of deckers on the 61 today wonder if the blue versas are being branded for see it do it 36
A solo was on a 60
Wonder if 4991 gets its odd panel sprayed pre branding. Looks a mess.
Has 3983 always been at deptford?
Black cats brand looks good

Lookig forward to see Versas on 36 today. Plus, i live along the route (HLS)

(02 Jun 2017, 7:51 am)LivingOnGNE wrote Lookig forward to see Versas on 36 today. Plus, i live along the route (HLS)

The allocation not due to start until 3rd June (tomorrow)

(28 May 2017, 12:43 pm)dannygee wrote Wonder if 653 currently at percy main is long term temp as it is still liveried up for peterlee indigos. Also quite a few drivers keep saying they dont like the leather seat in the cab as its only one there

There was scope in it moving back to Peterlee for the 206 with one of the baby Solos moving from Peterlee to Deptford for the 593/8N, but this idea was knocked on the head in favour of retaining an MPD for the X36 (with one of Deptford's existing fleet livery Solo being allocated to 593/8N instead). As such, the branding was not pencilled in to be modified until this decision was confirmed.

Once it was confirmed that it was going to stay at Percy Main for the foreseeable future, it was pencilled in to have the branding modified. I believe the revised branding was fitted yesterday - 01/06/2017.

(30 May 2017, 9:58 am)Michael wrote Have anymore of the red solo's/scania's been branded "Black Cats" yet?

(30 May 2017, 11:27 am)Rapidsnap wrote Inwas about to ask something similar, is 4990 the only vehicle treated thus far.

4990 fitted on 11/05/2017
4976 and 4992 fitted on 30/05/2017
4969 and 5212 fitted on 31/05/2017
4991 and 5213 fitted on 01/06/2017

This means that all of the Scania L94s have now received Black Cats branding, with the Solos left to fit. I would imagine the next batch of buses to be branded would be the Versas moving to Chester-le-Street for the 36, then they'll go back to fitting more Black Cats.

5295 returned to Saltmeadows this morning. 5312 was also there so I'm presuming that's going to leave today.

A See it do it Citaro, a MetroCentre mini Solo and an indigo Solo were in the pits as well.

(02 Jun 2017, 8:03 am)Dan wrote 4990 fitted on 11/05/2017
4976 and 4992 fitted on 30/05/2017
4969 and 5212 fitted on 31/05/2017
4991 and 5213 fitted on 01/06/2017

This means that all of the Scania L94s have now received Black Cats branding, with the Solos left to fit. I would imagine the next batch of buses to be branded would be the Versas moving to Chester-le-Street for the 36, then they'll go back to fitting more Black Cats.

Typical, more Black Cats started appearing the day after I try and look for them. Will prob wait a few weeks before trying again once all the Solos are done too.

When did the TTX get NSA? Thought they were the inly B9s not to get them...

(02 Jun 2017, 7:24 pm)JP6004 wrote When did the TTX get NSA? Thought they were the inly B9s not to get them...

And now we know where the kits from the Venture went to... (Sorry, Michael, not Solos at Deptford!)

busmanT recently confirmed that new vehicles have been ordered for the X9/X10 services and that he expects that some of the existing branded Volvo B9TLs will cascade to the TEN.

In the interests of having a consistent vehicle specification across all of the branded vehicles (Wi-Fi, power sockets and Next Stop Announcements), it probably makes more sense for 6043 - 6048 to have Next Stop Announcements than 641 - 652, if this is the plan. 

I think 6046 is the only one which has had the brackets fitted, ahead of the Next Stop Announcement equipment (and speakers) being installed on the bus. Due to have the system equipment fitted in a week or two, once I get back off holiday.

(02 Jun 2017, 7:30 pm)Dan wrote And now we know where the kits from the Venture went to... (Sorry, Michael!)

busmanT recently confirmed that new vehicles have been ordered for the X9/X10 services and that he expects that some of the existing branded Volvo B9TLs will cascade to the TEN.

In the interests of having a consistent vehicle specification across all of the branded vehicles, it probably makes more sense for 6043 - 6048 to have Next Stop Announcements than 641 - 652, if this is the plan. 

I think 6046 is the only one which has had the brackets fitted, ahead of the Next Stop Announcement equipment (and speakers) being installed on the bus. Due to have the system equipment fitted in a week or two, once I get back off holiday.

Looking forward to them routemasters Dan 

(02 Jun 2017, 7:30 pm)Dan wrote And now we know where the kits from the Venture went to... (Sorry, Michael, not Solos at Deptford!)

busmanT recently confirmed that new vehicles have been ordered for the X9/X10 services and that he expects that some of the existing branded Volvo B9TLs will cascade to the TEN.

In the interests of having a consistent vehicle specification across all of the branded vehicles (Wi-Fi, power sockets and Next Stop Announcements), it probably makes more sense for 6043 - 6048 to have Next Stop Announcements than 641 - 652, if this is the plan. 

I think 6046 is the only one which has had the brackets fitted, ahead of the Next Stop Announcement equipment (and speakers) being installed on the bus. Due to have the system equipment fitted in a week or two, once I get back off holiday.

Ohhh well, i thought the Black Cats would of got them, as the 3 of Solo's in the brand have them.

Have the Versa's gone to Chester yet?

(02 Jun 2017, 7:33 pm)JP6004 wrote Looking forward to them routemasters Dan 

I'll let you know when the trolley-dolly application form goes live!

As part of your role, you may be required to push the bus down the A19, if it breaks down. 

(02 Jun 2017, 7:35 pm)Michael wrote Have the Versa's gone to Chester yet?

Four have (8319, 8321, 8323 and 8324). 8320 and 8322 are currently at Deptford, but will be transferred later tonight.

8325, which will be the fleet livery spare for the 36 service, is currently at Saltmeadows Road being repainted. Likely to transfer across on Monday.

This has resulted in some temporary revised allocations at Deptford:
- Service 61 will be allocated "See it, Do it" branded Mercedes Citaros
- One board on service 9 will be allocated a "See it, Do it" branded Mercedes Citaro, displacing one fleet livery Scania L94 to operate "SimpliCity" services 2/2A.

(02 Jun 2017, 7:44 pm)Dan wrote Four have (8319, 8321, 8323 and 8324). 8320 and 8322 are currently at Deptford, but will be transferred later tonight.

8325, which will be the fleet livery spare for the 36 service, is currently at Saltmeadows Road being repainted. Likely to transfer across on Monday.

This has resulted in some temporary revised allocations at Deptford:
- Service 61 will be allocated "See it, Do it" branded Mercedes Citaros
- One board on service 9 will be allocated a "See it, Do it" branded Mercedes Citaro, displacing one fleet livery Scania L94 to operate "SimpliCity" services 2/2A.

Thanks Dan. 

Much rather have a Scania on the 2/2A than a Versa!, what was the 36 brand again?, See it do it Sunderland?

(02 Jun 2017, 7:55 pm)Michael wrote Thanks Dan. 

Much rather have a Scania on the 2/2A than a Versa!, what was the 36 brand again?, See it do it Sunderland?

Yes. Same brand for the Versa with minor amendments (the cant rail is in the same style as the new Streetlites, and now has calling points relevant to the 36 service only).

(02 Jun 2017, 7:30 pm)Dan wrote And now we know where the kits from the Venture went to... (Sorry, Michael, not Solos at Deptford!)

busmanT recently confirmed that new vehicles have been ordered for the X9/X10 services and that he expects that some of the existing branded Volvo B9TLs will cascade to the TEN.

In the interests of having a consistent vehicle specification across all of the branded vehicles (Wi-Fi, power sockets and Next Stop Announcements), it probably makes more sense for 6043 - 6048 to have Next Stop Announcements than 641 - 652, if this is the plan. 

I think 6046 is the only one which has had the brackets fitted, ahead of the Next Stop Announcement equipment (and speakers) being installed on the bus. Due to have the system equipment fitted in a week or two, once I get back off holiday.

Now I am confused.
TENs have been without NSAs for some considerable time.
How does that relate with the above statements?

(02 Jun 2017, 7:59 pm)Dan wrote Yes. Same brand for the Versa with minor amendments (the cant rail is in the same style as the new Streetlites, and now has calling points relevant to the 36 service only).

Alright, that's good.

Will the Citaro's on the 35 be changed too?, as they include Chester le street.

(02 Jun 2017, 8:02 pm)G-CPTN wrote Now I am confused.
TENs have been without NSAs for some considerable time.
How does that relate with the above statements?

Go North East seemingly accidentally leaked a new timetable for the TEN which was green in colour...

I wonder if this is related?

5303 was the Citaro that performed the final Deptford-operated 36 into Chester-le-Street. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/142814434@...ed-public/

(02 Jun 2017, 8:05 pm)Dan wrote Go North East seemingly accidentally leaked a new timetable for the TEN which was green in colour...

I wonder if this is related?

Probably the least of concerns but I hate green as a livery (sorry Greenline)

I blame the Angel...saying that out of red angel, pink Angel and 21/24hr...green is the best of an awful bunch

(02 Jun 2017, 7:38 pm)Dan wrote I'll let you know when the trolley-dolly application form goes live!

As part of your role, you may be required to push the bus down the A19, if it breaks down. 

Well i always fancied being one of these buff butlers in the collar and cuffs  

I sure ill manage pushing it down the hill 

Will 6043-48 get modified to include a buggy bay on the offside of each vehicle? Bearing in mind that this side has been fitted with luggage racks for DFDS work on vehicles which have been previously been equipped for this work?

Also, will a spare bus be getting ordered for the TTX?

If so, could it be likely to avoid a repeat of the tall ships scenario, see the 309 / 310 (x39) going standalone using 6084 and 1x ex TTX B9 as a spare for most journeys throughout the duration of the roadworks on Norham Road. Bearing in mind that the Silverlink will become packed at Christmas plus the fact that Billy Mill will also be busier with other traffic also avoiding Norham Road?

Any pics of the versas at Chester with revised brand see it do it sunderland. 
Seems odd a sunderland brand on a Chester vehicle but I guess it can't be helped if deptford are short of drivers.

Do we know what brand the 2/2a will take now if deptford losing all the versas

If anyone wants Enviro400 City demonstrator 9098, it's currently on the 09:01 X21 from Bishop Auckland.

Are percy main going to get some more omnideckas for the DFDS to replace 3891 and 3890. Would be good to have all one allocation

(03 Jun 2017, 9:01 am)dannygee wrote Are percy main going to get some more omnideckas for the DFDS to replace 3891 and 3890. Would be good to have all one allocation

Yes, 6147 and 6148. Their 'profiles' have been created on the fleet list with no news attached yet as they havent arrived.

(03 Jun 2017, 12:28 am)L469 YVK wrote Will 6043-48 get modified to include a buggy bay on the offside of each vehicle? Bearing in mind that this side has been fitted with luggage racks for DFDS work on vehicles which have been previously been equipped for this work?

Also, will a spare bus be getting ordered for the TTX?

If so, could it be likely to avoid a repeat of the tall ships scenario, see the 309 / 310 (x39) going standalone using 6084 and 1x ex TTX B9 as a spare for most journeys throughout the duration of the roadworks on Norham Road. Bearing in mind that the Silverlink will become packed at Christmas plus the fact that Billy Mill will also be busier with other traffic also avoiding Norham Road?

Last few orders for services X9/X10 haven't had a spare, can't see it changing now, hope i'm wrong though!

(03 Jun 2017, 5:45 am)Acky81 wrote Any pics of the versas at Chester with revised brand see it do it sunderland. 
Seems odd a sunderland brand on a Chester vehicle but I guess it can't be helped if deptford are short of drivers.

Do we know what brand the 2/2a will take now if deptford losing all the versas

Not yet, they should get branded next week before they go back to branding the Solo's at Deptford for "Black Cats".


The first lot of Streetlites spotted are in "Black Cats" red, so i would imagine "Black Cats", if they are for the 2/2A, not confirmed though.

(03 Jun 2017, 10:03 am)Michael wrote Last few orders for services X9/X10 haven't had a spare, can't see it changing now, hope i'm wrong though!

The didn't order a spare, but the allocation ended up having a spare of the same spec (6084) or a downgraded spare (3963/4). It'd be madness to not have a spare somewhere.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

(03 Jun 2017, 10:30 am)Jamie M wrote The didn't order a spare, but the allocation ended up having a spare of the same spec (6084) or a downgraded spare (3963/4). It'd be madness to not have a spare somewhere.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Ye, the spare should be a B9 (once the new buses arrive), not the style of bus which is ordered, which is daft in my opinion.


Anyone want to guess whats ordered? - my guess is Wright StreetDeck's.