(08 Mar 2015, 4:33 pm)Tom wrote Yeah Arriva always do them.
They done the North Shields-Shiremoor ones too not long ago. 

Can't always do them, as I've got several photos of Go North East running the following replacements:

• North Shields - Shiremoor
  
• North Shields - Byker
  
• North Shields - Monkseaton
  
•  Shiremoor - Whitley Bay

The bulk of my photos of Arriva operating Metro Replacements are the Newcastle - Regent Centre (and beyond) ones.

(08 Mar 2015, 4:40 pm)Dan wrote Can't always do them, as I've got several photos of Go North East running the following replacements:

• North Shields - Shiremoor
  
• North Shields - Byker
  
• North Shields - Monkseaton
  
•  Shiremoor - Whitley Bay
  

The bulk of my photos of Arriva operating Metro Replacements are the Newcastle - Regent Centre (and beyond) ones.

Ah okay - I always thought GNE done the 901, and ANE done the 900?

There is also one on Sunday 29th which is from Airport to South Gosforth which will be good. 

(08 Mar 2015, 12:44 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Wow - 10 likes?! Didn't realise my reviews were so popular!

Thanks guys!

Never saw this before.

You obviously put a lot of effort into the reviews, so to be honest they deserve ten likes
I always enjoy reading them. 

(08 Mar 2015, 8:32 pm)Tom wrote Never saw this before.

You obviously put a lot of effort into the reviews, so to be honest they deserve ten likes
I always enjoy reading them. 

Might try getting on at least ten vehicles (bus/train/metro) next week to see if we can get it up to a dozen.

(08 Mar 2015, 8:35 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Might try getting on at least ten vehicles (bus/train/metro) next week to see if we can get it up to a dozen.

You only need two more to get it up to twelve

Do you enjoy writing them?

(08 Mar 2015, 8:36 pm)Tom wrote You only need two more to get it up to twelve

Do you enjoy writing them?

Knowing how many people enjoy reading them, yes I do enjoy writing up my logs.

Also, when I'm older, (preying NEB is still around then), I'll be able to look back on everything I did with the hobby when I was a kid.

(08 Mar 2015, 8:37 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Knowing how many people enjoy reading them, yes I do enjoy writing up my logs.

Also, when I'm older, (preying NEB is still around then), I'll be able to look back on everything I did with the hobby when I was a kid.

Even better then
Why don't you not save them onto a word document? 
They'll be great to look back on. 

(08 Mar 2015, 4:32 pm)Dan wrote Is it Arriva doing them? Go North East usually do the North Tyneside replacements from Percy Main.

I haven't seen a VOSA registration from either - but I may have just missed it.

Yeah as far as I know we're doing next weekend - presume it'll be mostly Jesmond operating Saturday again and then mix on the Sunday

Didn't have that much of a run around this weekend

Saturday -

X1 - Wrekenton to Newcastle
Trainspotting in Newcastle
10 - Newcastle to MetroCentre
Steam rail tour at MetroCentre
10A - MetroCentre to Newcastle
Trainspotting in Newcastle
X1 - Newcastle to Wrekenton

Sunday -

1 Wrekenton to Low Fell/Harlow Green
21 - Birtley to Barley Mow
82A - Barley Mow to Birtley
21 Birtley Station Lane to Coach and Horses

All I'm trying to do is help people out, not start an argument (which some people are trying to turn this into)

I wouldn't have just made it up! I actually had an argument with the guard because he was telling me it's not valid. Nexus also said the same.

(10 Mar 2015, 8:13 pm)leestransportphotos wrote All I'm trying to do is help people out, not start an argument (which some people are trying to turn this into)

I wouldn't have just made it up! I actually had an argument with the guard because he was telling me it's not valid. Nexus also said the same.

We weren't trying to start an argument (or at least i wasn't) and i think we should lay the topic to rest after this. National Rail is one of the most reliable sources of information so if somebody ever confronts you again when trying to use one, make a point of having that page handy and show the guard that it clearly states that they are valid between Sunderland and Blaydon. It was probably just a money-making exercise.

(10 Mar 2015, 8:13 pm)leestransportphotos wrote All I'm trying to do is help people out, not start an argument (which some people are trying to turn this into)

I wouldn't have just made it up! I actually had an argument with the guard because he was telling me it's not valid. Nexus also said the same.

(10 Mar 2015, 10:13 pm)Robert wrote We weren't trying to start an argument (or at least i wasn't) and i think we should lay the topic to rest after this. National Rail is one of the most reliable sources of information so if somebody ever confronts you again when trying to use one, make a point of having that page handy and show the guard that it clearly states that they are valid between Sunderland and Blaydon. It was probably just a money-making exercise.

Sorry if I misunderstood this argument, is it about the validity of an explorer between Blaydon and Sunderland on main line trains...

I just took a screenshot from National Rail site and it says Newcastle-Sunderland, no mention of Blaydon



Apologies if I misunderstood the point being made

(10 Mar 2015, 10:31 pm)MrFozz wrote Sorry if I misunderstood this argument, is it about the validity of an explorer between Blaydon and Sunderland on main line trains...

I just took a screenshot from National Rail site and it says Newcastle-Sunderland, no mention of Blaydon



Apologies if I misunderstood the point being made

It is out of date mind as they've been valid all day for a few years now

I won't have much of a run around this week as Gateshead are at home on Saturday so it will probably be a case of X1 and 93 if I'm at David's but X25 and 93 if Im at home. Sunday will be dead

(10 Mar 2015, 10:31 pm)MrFozz wrote Sorry if I misunderstood this argument, is it about the validity of an explorer between Blaydon and Sunderland on main line trains...

I just took a screenshot from National Rail site and it says Newcastle-Sunderland, no mention of Blaydon



Apologies if I misunderstood the point being made

Hopefully all of this further discussion does help people be more confident and gaining the knowledge to challenge back. However, we were on about NEXUS CATs as opposed to Explorer North East: 
 

Well, Saturday's Explorer (and review!!) is only a day away...

(12 Mar 2015, 5:06 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Well, Saturday's Explorer (and review!!) is only a day away...

Enjoy.

My day out has been put on hold, due to other commitments on the morning. I'll be popping through to Newcastle to meet a friend for a pint in the afternoon, so I may take my camera through with me.

What have you got planned Marcus?

(12 Mar 2015, 5:33 pm)Tom wrote What have you got planned Marcus?

No idea. I found last week that having no plan was great for such a big day, although I am planning on milking the Northern Rail part of it...add a bit of trains to the review.

(12 Mar 2015, 5:35 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote No idea. I found last week that having no plan was great for such a big day, although I am planning on milking the Northern Rail part of it...add a bit of trains to the review.

Enjoy it!
I'll be looking forward to the review too.
Should try the Ferry too, so the review included Bus, Train, Metro and Ferry. 

(12 Mar 2015, 5:06 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Well, Saturday's Explorer (and review!!) is only a day away...

Are we somehow skipping past Friday straight to Saturday!

(12 Mar 2015, 6:06 pm)Jimmi wrote Are we somehow skipping past Friday straight to Saturday!

Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. Then Saturday. Is that not one more day?

(12 Mar 2015, 6:33 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. Then Saturday. Is that not one more day?

In my mind one day means tomorrow.

What does everyone else think?

Well I decided to have a quick blast out today with a few targets in mind, and I got photos of all of them so I count it as a successful day! Just got home now but didn't go out til just before 10...

0948 Rimswell Shops - Stockton 13 17027
1006 Stockton - North Road Morrisons X66 4651
1043 North Road Morrisons - Darlington X66 4656
1105 Darlington - Neasham Road Matalan 13B 2503
1122 Neasham Road Matalan - Darlington 13B 2849
1140 Darlington - Richmond X26 4644
1323 Richmond - Darlington X26 4646
1400 Darlington - Bishop Auckland X1 1425
1520 Bishop Auckland - Ferryhill 56 2817
1557 Ferryhill - Darlington 7 1517
1750 Darlington - Stockton X66 4656
1832 Stockton - Malcolm Drive 59 22062

Very impressed with all of today's travelling, everything has been on time (more or less) and mostly of good quality. First time I've used the MAX Scanias on the X26/X27 and (since refurb) on the X66 and they're well suited to the role they have, the seats may look uncomfortable but they're really not, and the colour scheme looks worse on photos (I was very critical at first too!) but it's not as obvious when you're onboard. Glad to say they've spent some time screwing them together better too!

Easy to see why the 7 needs deckers too, not even a peak time one and the one I travelled on arrived at Ferryhill with standing passengers and disgorged about 12 college students so thankfully there was a bit more space after that!

Had to have a ride on 2503 before that disappears too, shame it wasn't on something more useful but it filled a gap before going to Richmond for lunchtime... Quite pleased to catch up with former Leven Dart SN06BRV on loan at Dales & District working the town service in Richmond, and Hodgsons sent one of the Darts I hadn't seen before on the 79 too. Shame the (Thursday only!) 79A wasn't something new for me, LDV Maxus W6BUS again.

Managed a shot of 2869 on the X59 to Leyburn (and onwards to Askrigg as svc 59) on the way home, even if it meant missing the 1725 X66 by seconds! That route will become a college days only contract service come April sadly! Shame because it gets decent loadings out of Darlington as far as I could see. That was my main focus today and thankfully managed it.

(12 Mar 2015, 7:11 pm)tyresmoke wrote Well I decided to have a quick blast out today with a few targets in mind, and I got photos of all of them so I count it as a successful day! Just got home now but didn't go out til just before 10...

0948 Rimswell Shops - Stockton 13 17027
1006 Stockton - North Road Morrisons X66 4651
1043 North Road Morrisons - Darlington X66 4656
1105 Darlington - Neasham Road Matalan 13B 2503
1122 Neasham Road Matalan - Darlington 13B 2849
1140 Darlington - Richmond X26 4644
1323 Richmond - Darlington X26 4646
1400 Darlington - Bishop Auckland X1 1425
1520 Bishop Auckland - Ferryhill 56 2817
1557 Ferryhill - Darlington 7 1517
1750 Darlington - Stockton X66 4656
1832 Stockton - Malcolm Drive 59 22062

Very impressed with all of today's travelling, everything has been on time (more or less) and mostly of good quality. First time I've used the MAX Scanias on the X26/X27 and (since refurb) on the X66 and they're well suited to the role they have, the seats may look uncomfortable but they're really not, and the colour scheme looks worse on photos (I was very critical at first too!) but it's not as obvious when you're onboard. Glad to say they've spent some time screwing them together better too!

Easy to see why the 7 needs deckers too, not even a peak time one and the one I travelled on arrived at Ferryhill with standing passengers and disgorged about 12 college students so thankfully there was a bit more space after that!

Had to have a ride on 2503 before that disappears too, shame it wasn't on something more useful but it filled a gap before going to Richmond for lunchtime... Quite pleased to catch up with former Leven Dart SN06BRV on loan at Dales & District working the town service in Richmond, and Hodgsons sent one of the Darts I hadn't seen before on the 79 too. Shame the (Thursday only!) 79A wasn't something new for me, LDV Maxus W6BUS again.

Managed a shot of 2869 on the X59 to Leyburn (and onwards to Askrigg as svc 59) on the way home, even if it meant missing the 1725 X66 by seconds! That route will become a college days only contract service come April sadly! Shame because it gets decent loadings out of Darlington as far as I could see. That was my main focus today and thankfully managed it.

Aye some 7's could do with double deckers, the one I used to get to New College on a morning would often be at full seating and standing capacity. Think this is the now duped journey.

I have to say that I don't think the flooring on the MAX Omnicity's looks too bad, it sort of blends in with the MAX colours I think, if you want to see a hideous MAX interior ride 1415/1416 the greeney bluey coloured seats with navy e-leather... ew!

Would love to ride the 59/X59 route but it's not possible because it only operates in one direction so I could get there but not back, although I think Arriva's Dalesbus offering covers much of this route which I plan to do in the summer and possibly other Dalesbus routes too! I actually came up with a plan using last years timetable when I was bored the other night but unfortunately I made the plan on my now dead Windows Phone so have now forgotten it.

Any ideas on the exact last date the Arriva 59/X59 will run? At some point I want to catch some of the services heading along Abbey Road that don't go down there normally such as the 72 and also the 16A to Newton Aycliffe.

(12 Mar 2015, 7:29 pm)Jimmi wrote Aye some 7's could do with double deckers, the one I used to get to New College on a morning would often be at full seating and standing capacity. Think this is the now duped journey.

I have to say that I don't think the flooring on the MAX Omnicity's looks too bad, it sort of blends in with the MAX colours I think, if you want to see a hideous MAX interior ride 1415/1416 the greeney bluey coloured seats with navy e-leather... ew!

Would love to ride the 59/X59 route but it's not possible because it only operates in one direction so I could get there but not back, although I think Arriva's Dalesbus offering covers much of this route which I plan to do in the summer and possibly other Dalesbus routes too! I actually came up with a plan using last years timetable when I was bored the other night but unfortunately I made the plan on my now dead Windows Phone so have now forgotten it.

Any ideas on the exact last date the Arriva 59/X59 will run? At some point I want to catch some of the services heading along Abbey Road that don't go down there normally such as the 72 and also the 16A to Newton Aycliffe.

Yeah it was certainly busy on that one so I can only imagine what it must be like on the ones from Framwellgate! Yeah I know what you mean with the seat backs... 4644 has green on it's seat backs!

The last day of the X59 will be May 8th but I am not sure who is running it beyond this date. It was down in the consultation to run college days only but I would assume it will be a closed contract, with Little White Bus running a connecting service from Askrigg down to Leyburn, demand responsive only on the return leg. Another route killed by council funding cuts and a shame as like I said it seemed to have a decent load on it.

As for Dalesbus, the majority of the summer 2015 timetables are now on the Dalesbus website, with several extra bits and pieces (Arriva Yorkshire will now run to Richmond all summer instead of just August for example) - I believe Stephensons are now running York Pullman's diagram this year though it appears Pullman are still running a Saturday service!

(12 Mar 2015, 7:43 pm)tyresmoke wrote Yeah it was certainly busy on that one so I can only imagine what it must be like on the ones from Framwellgate! Yeah I know what you mean with the seat backs... 4644 has green on it's seat backs!

The last day of the X59 will be May 8th but I am not sure who is running it beyond this date. It was down in the consultation to run college days only but I would assume it will be a closed contract, with Little White Bus running a connecting service from Askrigg down to Leyburn, demand responsive only on the return leg. Another route killed by council funding cuts and a shame as like I said it seemed to have a decent load on it.

As for Dalesbus, the majority of the summer 2015 timetables are now on the Dalesbus website, with several extra bits and pieces (Arriva Yorkshire will now run to Richmond all summer instead of just August for example) - I believe Stephensons are now running York Pullman's diagram this year though it appears Pullman are still running a Saturday service!

It's the one's to Fram on a morning that are the worst and ones leaving Darlington on an evening, the 3 evening runs from Fram aren't normally really busy, the first one picks up a few from Holmlands Crescent (in and out of term time) but the next two often don't pick up any passengers from there - if anyone wants a Sapphire 7 interior shot I'd recommended getting the 1708 7 from Holmlands Crescent (Salutation Inn).

It's always possible people were using the X59 because isn't it quicker from Darlington to Richmond than the X26/X27.

Going to have a look at Dalesbus timetables now.

Sadly I'm probably going to be unable to doing an outing tomorrow

I'm busy over the next few days too, so it's possible that the next outing may not be until next Friday where I'm likely to do a send off for Leven Valley by riding some of their services.

Planning on milking the Explorer tomorrow, anyone know if the Northern service that leaves Sunderland for Newcastle at 10:30 is packed?

With it being pathed as a Pacer, I imagine it could be quite cramped, especially given that it starts at Nunthorpe and makes about half a dozen stops prior to Sunderland.

So......who's looking forward to tomorrow?