A Week on the
Buses – 1995 Style!
During the August of 1995 I spent seven days travelling around the Cleveland area with an “All-zones Off Peak” Easyrider ticket. The Easyrider was valid on United, Tees, TMS, Transit, and Countybus (council supported) services at that time throughout the whole of Cleveland County. I managed 99 journeys over the seven days, at a very interesting time, between the two sets of major changes in 1995 that changed the bus network on Teesside beyond recognition.
I started my week of roving with a quick ride on the TMS service 53 to Billingham Town Centre. Hoping for one of the Leyland Nationals that had just joined the fleet from West Midlands Travel, I was disappointed to get Optare Delta 4007 (J867UPY). So I opted for something much better to take me to Stockton, Tees & District Bristol LH 1717 (SUP717V) working the 227. This had the later style of NBC interior with the PVC seating in a very forbidding shade of dark brown, rather than the earlier orange PVC, or even earlier moquette.
From Stockton I decided a run past the transit depot was in order, so caught Transit service 22 to Middlesbrough. Volvo B10M 45 (M545SPY) took me past the depot where I saw very little of interest. Next I took the opportunity I had been waiting for and caught one of TMS’s ex West Midlands Nationals, in this case on the 94 to Eston. It was 3652 (TOE482N), and the moment I boarded memories of United’s ex Northern Nationals immediately came flooding back, especially with the glass partitions between the front and rear sections. It was just a shame that a DAF engine lay under the bonnet rather than a Leyland 510, with much less exciting sound effects as a result!
The 94 provided a good connection to the 71, which I caught onward to Guisborough. TMS Optare Vecta 1540 (L540FHN) was working the service, and enjoyed a good load. A quick change at Guisborough saw me catch the X56 to Loftus. Former Shearings Leyland National 3744 (WAO399Y) was working this journey, and made good time to Loftus with it’s Gardner Engine singing away merrily. As I arrived at Loftus I noted that Bristol LH 1631 (GUP915N) – the oldest LH still running - would soon be leaving on the 279 to Redcar, so I had a quick peek through the depot doors, before jumping aboard. Noted within Loftus depot were LHs 1702/16 and Tiger 1304 freshly repainted into the diagonal livery (the LHs freshly transferred in) plus the unusual sight of LH 1684 (NGR684P) which had been put in reserve some time earlier, but had suddenly appeared in Loftus depot. 1631 provided a very enjoyable trip to Redcar, with it’s distinctive sights, sounds and smells.
So far I had only travelled on single deckers, but that changed when I caught Stokesley depot VR 813 (APT813W) to Guisborough on the 281. This had had it’s yellow areas re-painted, but with Roadranger yellow, rather than Tees yellow! As a result it was somewhat brighter than it’s sisters (some Stokesley based minis later received the opposite treatment!). I then caught the X56 back up to Loftus, this time with Tiger 1406 (A949KAJ) working. With joy I noted that it had developed the same singing gearbox as 1424 and OK’s XEF10Y. Another journey of aural pleasure was had!
I caught the return working on the 62 to Saltburn, though disappointingly 1406 was switched for Tiger 1315 (E275KEF) an altogether more bland machine. From Saltburn I caught the X73 to Redcar, worked by recently bus-seated Alexander bodied Tiger 1322 (A31LWX). The bus seating on this vehicle was a huge improvement over the previous design of coach seat fitted. A quick change was made at Redcar in order to catch service 278 – effectively a Sacred Heart school special, but also used to place a vehicle in Whitby. I caught this as far as Saltburn, Optare Vecta 1538 (L538FHN) being the disappointing choice of vehicle.
I then caught the “extra” X73 at 4pm Saltburn. This bus performed a school contract, before an evening peak return on the X73, and was often worked by a Bristol LH. As you can imagine I was a little disappointed when Lynx 5008 (H34PAJ) was working! I caught this to Middlesbrough, where I made up for the Lack of an LH by catching the 227 home – Bristol LH 1712 (WAE192T) providing excellent transport.
Day 2 – Wednesday 30/8/95
I started the day by catching Transit service 226, which was worked by Volvo B10B 33 (L33HHN). I quickly became bored with this vehicle, so alighted before even leaving Billingham, in Station Road. From here I caught Tees Leyland Olympian 258 (B598SWX) to Stockton on the 227. I made a quick change in Stockton to the TMS service 37, Bristol LH 1969 taking me to Middlesbrough. A fine machine!
I decided to go through to Redcar on the X73. I was a little disappointed that it was being worked by Leyland Tiger / Alexander 1323 (A33LWX), given the vehicles that Redcar had. Half way we passed final Leyland Leopard 1112 (LGR412T) working the next departure, so I decided to take a half hour break at Redcar, and catch 1112 to Saltburn. Ten minutes of Leyland 680 was then enjoyed!
From Saltburn I caught the 62 to Loftus, Leyland Tiger / Plaxton 1314 (E274KEF) descending Saltburn bank with ease. At Loftus I noted that Bristol LH 1631 (the oldest in the fleet) which I had ridden on the previous day had been parked up along with 1926 (KHU324P) behind 1684 (NGR684P) – all with “Not For Service” signs. 1631 had been withdrawn after just 21 years! It did later re-appear – briefly! I then re-boarded 1314 on the X56, which I caught to Guisborough. In Guisborough I made a very sharp connection to the 71, worked by TMS Optare Vecta 1543. I caught this to Middlesbrough, via the “scenic” views of Eston and South Bank.
One jumbo sausage roll later I caught the 13.45 X56 right through to Loftus, this time Leyland Tiger 1315 (E275KEF) – such variety! This journey used to continue south of Loftus, on Weekdays, so something else would come out of Loftus depot top work the 62. This time it was Tiger 1311 (E271KEF) that came out to work the 62 – what had I done to deserve another one! It’s punctual arrival in Saltburn allowed me to make a quick change onto a United journey on the 268. Leyland National 2 3143 (RHG882X) took me to Redcar.
Again I wanted to get the 16.00 X73 from Saltburn, so I had to get back there. Dashing across the road from Redcar bus station allowed me to get Leopard 1112 again, on the X73 to Saltburn. Another 10 minutes of Leyland 680 – wonderful! After a quick snack in Saltburn, the 16.00 X73 arrived, and much to my surprise it was Stokesley depot’s Tiger 1416 (B114GRR). Such luxury was most unusual on this journey! Luxury enjoyed right to Middlesbrough.
I decided to take a quick look at the Contents of Tees’s Middlesbrough depot with a quick walk past, so I caught the 227 down to Newport library, worked by Olympian 7210 (CWR505Y). Nothing memorable was present, so I caught Transit service 36 back, Fleetline 152 working. I then caught a much needed Bristol LH home – 1717 (SUP717V) on the 227, round via Stockton.
Day 3 – Thursday 31/8/95
I decided it was time to visit Hartlepool, so started day 3 by boarding Tees LH 1703 (LPT703T) on the 227 bound for the land of REs! At this time Easyriders were not valid on Stagecoach Hartlepool services, so I had to do without a ride on an RE. Luckily the Transit service 9 was due for Middlesbrough – now just a handful of journeys as the 1 had been extended to Middlesbrough. Fleetline 145 (JAJ145W) provided excellent transport.
I opted for the slower 270 to Redcar, as a change to the X73, and this was worked by Stokesley depot Olympian 206 (SPY206X). This provided it’s usual steady ride, and got me to Redcar just in time to miss the 279 I had wanted to catch. So I waited for the next one. I was glad I did, as the next one was LH 1702 (LPT702T) freshly transferred to Loftus as noted on day one. I travelled right through to Loftus on this lovely machine, though for reasons unknown my strongest memory of this journey is of the two attractive young ladies who disembarked in Brotton!
Upon arrival at Loftus it was noted that 1716 was parked in one of the doorways, which seemed an odd place to leave it! But I had little time to admire it, as I jumped straight on the X56 to Middlesbrough, worked by Alexander bodied Tiger 1320 (EWY30Y). After a little lunch, I caught the 71 to Guisborough. Optare Vecta 1545 (L545GHN) proved commodious, if a little dull. Much more like it was Leyland National 2 3747 (WRA224Y) which I caught to Loftus on the X56 from Guisborough. It’s Gardner 6HLXB making a soothing “oooooohh” at high revs!
Again I had caught the odd journey that didn’t become a 62, so waited outside Loftus depot for a 62 to come out. Eventually Leyland Tiger 1331 (C38CWT) pulled up behind LH 1716, still parked in the entrance to the depot. The driver jumped out of 1331 and into 1716, and tried to start it. He quickly gave up, and with a trick 73 point turn (well almost 73!) brought 1331 out of the other door. Apparently 1716 was stuck there with no electrics, and was awaiting attention so it could be moved.
After alighting 1331 in Saltburn, I caught the X73 to Redcar, this time Leyland Tiger / Alexander 1322 (A31LWX). I enjoyed a nice walk around Redcar, before catching the “extra X73”, again in hope of an LH to Middlesbrough. This time it was Leyland Olympian 284 (G761UYT), and I almost had the top deck to myself, but a lady boarded at Redcar clock. I then got the Transit 22 to Stockton, past the depot, worked by Volvo B10M 50 (M550SPY). Nothing of note was seen at the depot. It was then home on a TMS National – mmmm! 3657 (VOD601S) was the vehicle in question, the only one with a blue centre stripe to it’s WMT livery.
Day 4 – Friday 1/9/95
I made a good start to day 4, by catching Tees LH 1714 (AFB589V) to Middlesbrough on the 227. Unlike it’s native United brethren, 1714 had moquette seating – a nice touch of NBC class! From Middlesbrough I caught Tees service X56 to Loftus, worked by ex Trent National 2 3749 (RRA219X). As it’s Gardner engine powered it toward Hartington interchange, I remembered the last time I has been on this bus – from Whitby to Middlesbrough on a Sunday 256.
I then caught 3749 back out to Saltburn on the 62. From Saltburn, I caught one of the busier X73 journeys of the day to Redcar – lots of the blue rinse brigade off to Middlesbrough on Leyland Tiger / Alexander 1323 (A33LWX). From Redcar I caught the 281 to Guisborough, worked by Stokesley depot Bristol VRT 862 (CWU324T). This was unusual in having moquette seating on both the decks – the other similarly aged ex West Riding ones had it on the upper deck only and leatherette on the lower deck. Unlike Olympians, VRs could storm up the bank to Dunsdale – useful for timekeeping.
At Guisborough I changed quickly to a late running 256, towards Loftus, worked by Leyland National 2 3737 (RDC737X). Such was the smell of diesel on this bus, that I cut short my ride, getting off at Skelton. I then caught the 268 to Saltburn, unusually worked by Lynx 5009 (H253PAJ). By this time the Lynxes had largely been relegated to the 264/74 as Redcar never got them to work properly (though on transfer to Bishop Auckland they became some of the most reliable buses in the fleet!).
It was then back to Middlesbrough on the X73 – Tiger 1323 again, but with fewer blue rinsers! TMS LH 1968 (YAE512V) presented itself on the 37, so I boarded for an enjoyable trip to Stockton. Return was on more ordinary Transit Fleetline 141 (JAJ141W) working the 36. I then caught a United 268 working to Redcar, in this case Olympian 216 (WDC216Y). The driver was strictly enforcing the new no eating and drinking rule imported from the West Midlands, turning all manner of ice creams and fizzy pop away! I was a bit miffed, as I was thirsty and had a can of pop in my bag!
At Redcar I dropped back on to the following X73 to Saltburn – 1323 again!!! I then had my regular ride on the “extra”, again not an LH, but a brand new Optare Prisma 3003! I was most chuffed to get this gleaming machine, and it impressed. I then finished with a pair of fine Bristol LHs, Tees 1717 (SUP717V) to Stockton on the 227, then TMS 1959 (REU330S) home on TMS service 53.
Day 5 – Saturday 2/9/95
Off-peak Easyriders are valid all day at the weekend, so a slightly earlier start was had, catching Tees LH 1711 (LPT711T) to Billingham Town Centre on the 227. I changed to a 52A to Stockton, Transit Lynx II 25 (K625YVN) providing a swift ride thanks to it’s Volvo engine. From here I was able to catch the 227 behind the one on which I had started, which was worked by another LH, this time 1712 (WAE192T). This LH was the quietest, smoothest one on which I had ever ridden – quite a shame really!
I was planning to get the Tees X56 to Loftus, but Bristol LH 1702 (LPT702T) presented itself on a late running 256, so I took that instead – lucky, as the X56 was Optare Vecta 1509! 1509 (K509BHN) was my next bus, on service 62 to Saltburn. This made very light work of Saltburn Bank – I suspect the driver was pleased that he had this and not 1702! It was then on to Redcar on the X73, worked by Leyland Tiger 1313 (E273KEF). I read with interest the handwritten instruction next to the gear selector “Start in 1st, engage 5th by 35mph” – which the driver duly ignored, mind, top at 35mph would give terrible acceleration!
I was thinking of getting the 81 to Guisborough, but Tees Bristol VR 780 (SGR780V) pulled in on the 64, so I instead went to Eston on that. From Eston I caught TMS service 94 to Middlesbrough, going via Bankfields on Optare Vecta 1501 (J661UHN). This was always one of the better Vectas and had the added advantage (along with 1502) of having the luggage rack on the offside, rather than obscuring the view on the nearside.
I then did a couple of return trips to Stockton. Firstly outward on Tees service 268 with National 2 3743 (MNW131V) and back on Transit B10M 52 (M552SPY) on the 22 – again nothing interesting in the Transit depot as we passed. Back to Stockton on TMS service 37 enjoying Leyland National 3660 (GSX865T), and return to Middlesbrough on Transit B10M 48 – again on the 22.
I then caught service 226 to Billingham Town Centre, worked by Transit Volvo B10B 40 (M40PVN). I then caught OK Travel “Countybus” service 532 to Stockton, worked by Volvo B6 / Alexander M259KWK which was on loan while native examples returned to Plaxton to have their bodies strengthened. Today was a poor day on OK services 211/2, 405, 484/5 and 164 with several B6s working – I only saw one non-B6, this being Leopard / Alexander MCL936P working the afternoon 164 from Middlesbrough to Peterlee.
After meeting my mam and nanna out of the bingo (they didn’t win!), I caught Transit service 36 to Middlesbrough, worked by Fleetline 146 (JAJ146W). I then returned to Stockton, with National 2 3114 (UBR114V) on the 268, following that with another ride on Transit Lynx II 25 on the 52 back to Billingham. I then caught the 226 home, this time Volvo B10B 42 (M42PVN).
Day 6 – Sunday 3/9/95
The abundance of council-supported “Countybus” services on Sundays provided some interesting opportunities. I started by catching OK Travel service 529 to Middlesbrough, worked by Optare Delta J201VHN – a most civilised machine. A quick change at Middlesbrough saw me board Tees service 774 to Redcar. Leyland Lynx II 5016 (J656UHN) provided a steady ride for myself and the small handful of fellow passengers.
It began to rain, so I took shelter in the doorway of the travel shop at Redcar bus station. I was waiting for service 270 to Middlesbrough, expecting a new Optare Prisma. So, I was pleasantly surprised when Leyland Olympian 281 (G758UYT) turned up. This splashed it’s way through the rain sodden delights of Grangetown and South Bank, emitting worrying amounts of blue smoke from it’s exhaust.
I then had a significant dwell in Middlesbrough bus station, where I remember photographing Robson Town Service Dodge S56 C212TLY repainted into full livery – the only one treated, it’s survival thanks to the unreliability of Iveco J485OHA. I next caught Stagecoach Hartlepool service 501 to Seaton Carew – a rare opportunity as at that time Easyriders were not generally available on Stagecoach Hartlepool services, and the 501 was only a “Countybus” service between Middlesbrough, and Seaton Carew Elizabeth Way. Volvo B10M 405 (M405SPY) took me there, and after an hour enjoying the now sunny weather, took me back again too.
Next it was up to Loftus on the 256. Optare Vecta 1511 (K511BHN), which I should have missed, but was running late provided a comfortable, if not overly exciting run to Loftus. It was then on to Saltburn on the 762, with bus seated Optare Vecta 1535 (L535FHN). As you would expect, Saltburn bank proved no problem to it, though squeezing past all of the parked cars in Coach Road Estate in Brotton is always more of a challenge.
After a pleasant wait in Saltburn, it was time to return to Middlesbrough. Tees & District’s Redcar depot provided Optare Prisma 3004 (M304SAJ) on the 268, and this proved a most civilised form of transport – a distinct cut above the Optare Vectas. Another dwell in Middlesbrough Bus Station, and I caught Robson Town Service “Countybus” service 548 home, worked by Mercedes 709 / Alexander L27LSG.
Day 7 – Monday 4/9/95
The final day of my 7 day long adventure had dawned, and got off to an inauspicious start as I caught Transit Volvo B10B 41 (M41PVN) to Middlesbrough on service 226. I sauntered down to stand 4 in the bus station to catch the X73 to Redcar, but this saunter quickly turned into a sprint as I saw Bristol LH 1689 (XPT689R) pull in on a late running service 270, also going to Redcar. I was a happy bunny! I had possibly the most enjoyable journey of the week, with 1689 being in fine fettle – the sticker in the cab said it had been fitted with a new engine in 4/95 and it showed!
I was sorry to get off in Redcar, but I wanted to catch the 281 to Guisborough. All-Leyland Olympian 276 (G21HHG) duly materialised, and provided a comfortable ride, with it’s soft trim interior. From Guisborough, it was up to Loftus on singing Leyland National 2 3747 (WRA224Y), it’s Gardner engine then powering it Saltburn Bank on the 62, with me taking in the sound effects! I then had a surprisingly pleasant ride on Leyland Tiger 1322 (A31LWX) on the X73 to Redcar.
I was just wondering what to do next, when Tees VR 858 (XNW870S) pulled in working the 63. I couldn’t resist, and caught it to Eston. I mused over how much more versatile VRs were than Gardner-engined Olympians in terms of hill climbing ability and top speed. A quick change at Eston and I was on Tees service 96 to Middlesbrough, worked by Leyland National 2 3146 (RHG887X).
The temptations of tuneful Tees Tiger 1406 (A949KAJ) were too much, so I caught it to Loftus on the X56. Nothing new was noted in Loftus, so I proceeded to Saltburn on the 62, worked by Tiger 1331 (C38CWT) – not as tuneful! From Saltburn, I made a quick dash to Redcar and back by X73 – Alexander bodied Tiger 1322 (A31LWX) out, and 1323 (A33LWX) back-over. I then waited for the 4pm “extra” X73 – and did I get a treat. Not an LH, but Mungle Jungle liveried National 3106 (PUP506T), a bus that rarely ventured from the 282/3/4 Redcar Locals. I also noted on this bus, that some Leyland semi auto gearboxes have a clever feature to prevent over revving of the engine, where downward changes only occur when the revs are sufficiently low, regardless of which gear the driver selects.
I finished the week off with an LH and a National. Tees LH 1706 (LPT706T) working the 227 to Stockton, then TMS National 3659 (EGB79T) home.
All in all a fantastic week out on the buses. If only some of the buses I travelled on then were still around now!