The Latest News Updated 6th March 2010
The Latest News Updated 6th March 2010
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06/03/10
As planned, Arriva North East ceased operating buses from Bishop Auckland and Peterlee after service on 27/02/10, though Peterlee at least is still being used for storage. There have been a mass of vehicle movements as a result of this, which have been incorporated into my updated fleetlist and which are listed here. It should be noted, however, that Durham and Belmont work very closely together and exchange vehicles regularly and there have been some subsequent changes. Ex Arriva Midlands Scania L113 / East Lancs 265 (N174PUT) is now in service at Stockton, replacing sister 275 (P275VRG), which is now stored at Peterlee. Optare Vecta 1524 (L524BHN) has not yet moved back to Redcar and remains in use at Stockton, as do 1542/4 (L542FHN, L544GHN), though one of these may well be in place of 1504 (K504BHN) which is off the road with accident damage. MPD 1713 (V713DNL) has replaced sister 1734 (V734DNL) at Redcar after trhe latter suffered fire damage. Something that I seem to have ommitted mentioning previously, is that the first eight Temsa avenues 4701-8 (YJ59BHO/P/U-Z), plus demosntrator 4700 (YJ59AZV) are all in service at Redcar and have been for a few weeks.
Lee Wardle and Steven Hodgson report that Go North East have repainted Volvo B7TL / Wright 3943 (NK05GZR) in plum, while Lee also notes that Scania L94UB / Wright 4965 (NL52WVW) is now in Metrolink livery, MPD 533 (NA52AWV) is back at Washington and Scania L94UA / Wright 4950 (NK51OLR) is back from internal refurbishment. Steven illustrates the new maroon colours on DAF SB220 / Northern Counties 4984 (R472FNW).
Andrew Rasmussen has noted the presence at HBC Auto Salvage, Haverton Hill of ex A-Coach Company Leyland Olympian / East Lancs C201DYE and fire damaged ex Style Travel MCW Metrobus LOA383X, plus various non-local buses and coaches.
David Mallon, Steven Hodgson and Andrew Rasmussen note that Tees Valley Coach Travel, Eaglescliffe have added ex EYMS Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton S250XUY to stock. It should be noted that from 14/03/10 service changes will take place that see Tees valley curtail the 87 to terminate in Billingham rather than Hartlepool and introduce new routes 24 Middlesbrough - Guisborough (via Acklam) and 67 Guisborough - Redcar. John Atkin reports that Volvo D10M / East Lancs H650GPF has suffered fire damage.
James Stoker reports that CMC, Middlesbrough have acquired Volvo B10M / Plaxton R665GGR and also illustrates previously acquired BMC Probus 850 Club BU04CAV.
26/02/10
After service tomorrow Arriva North East's Bishop Auckland and Peterlee depots will close. Belmont depot will open the following day. There will be a mass of vehicle reallocations as a result of these closures. An interesting repaint into interurban livery is DAF SB220GS/Ikarus 4079 (T83AUA), which now looks resplendent, as photographed by Steven Hodgson.
Lee Wardle notes that Go North East Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties 3811-3 (S811-3FVK) moved from Ashington to Gateshead after the Leyland Olympians moved there, displacing 3896/7 (R254/5LGH) to Chester-le-Street and 3919 (R557LGH) to Winlaton, from where 3909 (R267LGH) moved to Chester-le-Street. He also reports DAF SB220GS / Northern Counties 4984 (R972FNW) as repainted into maroon. Chris Redpath confirms the recent disposals to Go South Coast as Optare Solos 480/613/5/7 (VU52UEF, NM02DNU, VU52UEE, MX53FEF) to Plymouth Citybus, 481/2/599-602/14/6 (MX03YDD, GP02DPV, NK54DEU/FA/C/D, VU02TTK, VU02UES) to Wilts and Dorset and Volvo B10M/Plaxton 7081/3/4 (Y781/3/4MFT) to Marchwood.
Andrew Goodchild reports that Stanley Travel, Oxhill have acquired Mercedes Sprinter YX08AOA and should take delivery of new Volvo B7R / Plaxton YN10ACY for 1st March. These are likely to see off T1STX and UIL1459.
Steven Hodgson has photographed East Coast Optare Solo YJ54BTF, which is doing the rounds of their major stations to promote their rail services.
Steven Hodgson reports Leyland Olympian / Alexander K723ASC now with Style Travel, Peterlee.
Steven Hodgson notes that Cochrane's, Peterlee have added Mercedes 1018 / Unvi SN55KAA to stock.
Steven Hodgson notes the delivery to JSB, Coundon of an Optare Solo SR. It arrived as R600JSB, but is being held back to enter service on 1st March as SB10BUS.
The VOSA website shows that Procters, Bedale have won the contract to operate service 767 Harrogate - Leeds-Bradford Airport. Steven Hosgdon notes new VDL SB200 / Wright YJ59AYZ.
Joe Curry notes that Lee's, Durham have acquired MAN-based Neoplan Transliner 118GOP.
21/02/10
I can now illuustrate Arriva North East Scania N113 / East Lancs 261 (N178PUT). Bryn McGloin reports that DAF SB220 / Ikarus 4108 (L532EHD) is now operating for Redcar, following the withdrawal of several vehicles and the failure of several others. Vehicles believed to have been removed from use include Optare Prisma 3002/4/6/15/24 (M302/4SAJ, N806XHN, N515/24XVN), Mercedes O405 / Wright 3026 (L100SBS), DAF SB220 / Ikarus 4086 (J413CYL) and Optare Metroriders 904/16/2723 (P904DRG, R916JNL, R723MHN).
Go North East have repainted Volvo B7TL / Wright 3941/2 (NK05GZO/P) in a new plum colour that, it is believed, form the basis of a new combined X9/X10 livery. Lee Wardle reports that Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties 3956/60/1 (G529/46/5VBB) are moving to Ashington to take the place of newer Volvo Olympians 3811-3 (S811-3FVK), presumably this would indicate that the Ashington/Hexham deal involves vehicles!
Chris Redpath reports that Stagecoach North East have sold Dennis Dart / ALexander 32783/4 (P783/4WCN), Leyland Olympian/Northern Counties 14672 (H672BNL) (for scrap), Volvo B10M / Plaxton 52136 (K566GSA) and Mercedes 709 / Alexander 40796 (N346KKH).
Adam Nicolson reports that Generation Travel, GReat Ayton have taken ex Parry's Neoplan Skyliner W915MDT and YN03AVF into stock.
16/02/10
A number of Arriva North East's new Temsa Avenues have now arrived and are in service at Redcar. Stu Gray reports that Scania N113 / East Lancs 261 (N178PUT) has arrived at Bishop Auckland from Arriva Midlands. Noted by myself, Bob Laycock, Ian Charlton, Alex Kennedy and Lee-James Worsfold are 4701/2/4-8 (YJ59BHO/P/V-Z). DAF DB250 / Northern Counties 7447/9 (R204/6CKO) and Volvo Olympian / East Lancs 7424/5 (M688/90HPF) are now at Bishop Auckland, following the movement of some schools and other work. Service changes in Peterlee and Durham have seen MPDs 1709/23 (V709/23DNL) become spare, with 1709 going to Bishop Auckland to allow Metrorider 2631 (P631FHN) to be freed up for route learning (after breif loan of sister 1701) and 1723 going to Blyth. Optare Vectas 1509/14 (K509/14BHN) have been disposed of by CLeveland Police at Urlay Nook, 1509 seemingly going for scrap and 1514 passing to Peter Greensmith, who does not intend to preserve it as such, but was keen to save it.
Go North East have now moved "seed" Volvo B7RLE / Wright 9163 (BX59FYB) to Gateshead ex Deptford. Lee Wardle notes that Bluebird LMB 612 (NK53TJV) has been reinstated to Ashington to replace final Optare Solo 482 (GP02DPV). He also notes MPDs 487/533 (V187ERG, NA52AWV) operating for Stanley. Gary Hunter and Chris White report that Volvo B7TL / East Lancs 3966 (PN02XCF) is back on the road after accident repaird, while Gary notes Volvo B10BLEs 4839/40/4 (R839PRG, 340GUP, R844PRG) now in updaed Diamond livery. Chris White, "Frozen Kipper" and Lee Wardle note VDL SB120 / Wright 8267-70 (NK54NKT/U/W/X) now with R19 branding on their white paintwork. Peter Barclay notes SPD 8233 (X233FBB) now in allover red. This is beleived to be the foundation of a new "Northern" livery for non-branded and non-white vehicles/services.
Paul Thompson confirms the arrival in his Leven Valley fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 89 "St Michael" (T9BHN), which carries silver lettering to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company. Solo S123RDC is due to return to Mistral.
Simon Smart notes that Compass Royston, Stockton have Volvo B12B / Jonkhere FJ06BSV in stock ex Lochs & Glens.
Brian Roberston reports that Altona, Gateshead have Volvo B10M / Van Hool OUI9053 in stock from Esk Valley, Whitby.
12/02/10 - Mini update, more to follow on Monday
The OFT have issued a press release stating that they have cleared the deal between Arriva North East and Go North East for Hexham and Ashington depots. The latter's website states a transfer date of 28/03/10. At this stage it is not known whether vehciles will change hands, though there are bound to be vehicle movements of some sort, if only to transfer the 685 to Jesmond operation and the 604 to Hexham operation.
Arriva North East have another Temsa Avenue in use in the shape of 4702 (YJ59BHP).
31/01/10
Arriva North East's Alnwick depot closed after end of service yesterday. From today all vehicles and services transfer over to Ashington, though some change in vehicle usage is expected, as the M-FTY Olympians have a limited fuel capacity and can no longer be refuelled in Alnwick. As such, their appearances on the 501/505/518 may become somewhat rarer. Next up - Peterlee and Bishop Auckland both on 27/02/10. I can now illustrate Arriva Midlands Volvo B10B / Northern Counties driver trainer 9521 (K105OHF), which is on loan to Stockton and seen taking a break in Redcar.
Daryl Mitchelhill reports that Go North East have VDL SB200 / Wright YJ59BXW on loan at Washington. Andrew Tyldsley confirms that the Scania L94UA artics are receiving internal refurbishment, as it is three years since these well-ridden machines were last done. He also reports that VDL SB120s 8267-70 are due to be branded for the 19 soon and that Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7081/3/4 (Y781/3/4MFT) are due to go to Go Ahead's south coast operations. Optare Solos 480/600-2/13/5/7 (VU52UEF, NK54DFA/C/D, NM02DNU, VU52UEE, MX53FEF) have all been sold to Go Ahead's South Coast/Plymouth operations.
Steven Oliver reports that Perrymans's, Berwick have Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 demonstrator YX59BXW on loan. It features leather seating.
25/01/10
Alex Kennedy notes that Arriva North East have a second ex Arriva Midlands Dennis Dart / Northern Counties in the shape of 2072 (L157YVK), which is working for Darlington. Sister 2071 (L127YVK) has moved on to Stockton. Neil Wise notes that the training school has Arriva Midlands Volvo B10B / Northern Counties K105OHF on loan. Lee Wardle notes that DAF SB3000 / Plaxton 1213 (V213DJR) has moved to Ashington ex Hexham, while Optare Metrorider 2702 (R702MHN) remains at Hexham. He and Ian Wilson report the reinstatement of Scania N113 / East Lancs 7393 (N393OTY), initially at Ashington but now at Blyth. Vehicles due off at Redcar as a result of the new vehicles that have arrived so far are Optare Prisma 3006/24 (N806XHN, N524XVN), Optare Metrorider 916 (R916JNL) and the sublime DAF SB220 / Ikarus 4086 (J413NCP).
Chris Redpath reports that Stagecoach North East have reinstated Volvo B10M / Northern Counties 20300 (M410SPY) at Slatyford, in place of accident damaged Alexander-bodied 20262 (N552VDC).
Lee Wardle, Chris White and Dan Annis provide the latest sightings for Go North East. Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7082 (Y782MFT) is now operating in white at Chester-le-Street on new service X23, Gateshead have had Percy Main SPD 8206 (V206ERG) on loan while Chester-le-Street have had Deptford sister 8236 (NK51MKJ) on loan, Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4844 (R844PRG) is repainted, with sister 4840 (340GUP) following and Scania L94UB / Wright 4960 (NL52WVR) is another repainted in the Metrolink livery. Optare Solo 613 (NM02DNU) is reported as withdrawn at Ashington, while Scania L94UA / Wright 4951 (NK51OLT) is reported at Thorntons of Ashington for refurbishment.
James Stoker reports that Tees Valley Coach Travel, Eaglescliffe have added ex Arriva Midlands Volvo B10B / Northern Counties K106OHF to stock - interestingly sister to the vehicle on loan to Arriva NE!
Andrew Rasmussen notes that Tees Valley Stagecarriage, Grangetown have Dennis Dart / Plaxon N57KBW for sale via ebay.
Stu Gray reports that JSB, Coundon have Plaxton Primo YX59BZO on demonstration.
Joey Makepeace reports that Scarlet Band, West Cornforth have acquired Leyland Olympian / Alexander K719ASC to replace MCW Metrobus FEZ3829.
17/01/10
Compass Royston, Stockton now have Optare Solo GX55LNF in service, with its original hybrid driveline replaced by a more conventional Mercedes / Allison one.
16/01/10
Lee Wardle, Alex Kennedy, Bryn McGloin and Dan Duffy record the arrival of new VDL SB200 / Wright 1429/31/2 (NK59DNE/J/N) with Arriva North East at Redcar. These machines look especially fine in the interuban livery. Temsa Avenue demosntrator YJ59AZV has been numbered 4700 and placed in service at Redcar, as noted by Stu Gray, Bryn McGloin and many others. Several of the production Temsas for Redcar are understood to be indergoing pre-delivery inspection at Arriva Bus & Coach in Gomersal. Redcar have received Dennis Dart / Northern Counties 2071 (L127YVK), beleived to be on loan (hence retention of fleetnumber) from Arriva Midlands. Neil Wise notes that Scania N113 / East Lancs 7386 (N386OTY) has been moved to Darlington, where it is expected to be used prior to its disposal. Lee Wardle notes that Scania N113 / Northern Counties 7257 (N182OYH) has been operating for Jesmond ex Peterlee and that VDL DB250 / East Lancs 7455 (YJ57BVF) has been on loan to Blyth this week, though it was returned to Alnwick today.
Dan Annis reports that Go North East have repainted Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4838 (R838PRG) in the darker orange shade and that 4772 is now the only Lance SLF in use.
Paul Thompson kindly advises that his Leven Valley, South Bank fleet is now home to yet another new Alexander Dennis Enviro 200. 90 "Iona" (T10BHN) is now in service, with lettering that has historical connections.... Richard Smiles additionally advises that a futher example is to arrive and is expected be 89 "St Michael" (T9BHN). Several other vehicles are to be renumbered, with Enviro 200s 3/6 (T13/6GAJ) becoming 13/6 and Solo 8 (T888EXG) becoming 88.
Stu Gray notes that Weardale, Stanhope have Optare Metrorider R609XAO in use.
Joe Curry notes that Lees, Durham have re-registered E904MUC to PIL2163.
06/01/10 - Happy New Year!
Arriva North East Temsa Avenue demosntrator YJ59AZV is now being used for crew familiarisation at Redcar. The latest thinking is that all off the Tmsas, plus a number of VDL SB200s will go to Redcar (and some of these new vehicles should start arriving this month), with the remainder anticipated to go to Stockton - this could easily change, however. Trevor Gordon has reported Bishop Auckland MPD 1764 (NK05GWC) operating for Ashington - it is not known if this is a loan or a transfer.
Lee Wardle, Gary Hunter and Dan Annis report that Go North East have repainted Volvo B10BLE / Wight 4837 (R837PRG) in the revised green for the Diamond routes and Scania L94UB / Wright 4957-9 (NL52WVN-P) in the new Metrolink colours. Lee also notes that Dennis Lance SLF / Wright 4769-71 (L469YVK, M470/1FJR) are the ones actually off the road, with 4772/3 (M472/3FJR) still beeing seen in use. John Tyson has noted former 8024 (J624KCU) for sale on ebay, converted to a Fire Engine-themed Limousine.
Keith Lee notes that press reports have indicated that John Bell Travel, in conjunction with Durham County Council, are to acquire three "electric" (hybrid?) Optare Solos for operation on the Cathederal Bus service, enhancing the environmental crednetials of the service.
Peter Nardone reports that Abbots, Leeming Bar have purchased at least two new Optare Solos. The two note are YJ59NMO/U and it is beleived that there is at least one more.
Stuart Gray notes a further Optare Solo with Weardale, Stanhope. MX07JNJ was new to Vale of Manchester and is beleived to have been in stock for a couple of months.
John Atkin repors that Tees Valley has been demerged into two seperate operations. Tees Valley Stagecarriage based at the former Alrite depot near Grangetown has adopted a red livery and operates service 271 and a selection of contracts - Olympian M697HPF is the first vehcile repainted red. Other vehicles believed to be with this operation are Olympian M703HPF and Dart N57KBW - plus others as yet unidentified. Tees Valley Coach Travel remains at Eaglescliffe and retains the existing livery and majority of service work, plus contracts in the Stockton/Hartlepool areas.
Phil Logie supplies some photos from the special Boxing Day services operated in Tyne and Wear, which saw Stanley Travel on the 356, Tyneside Travel on the X88 and Classic on various routes including the 306. I, meanwhile, photographed the one and only bus operating on Teesside - A1 Coaches Dennis Dart H107MOB on the 66 Stockton - Teesside Park.
25/12/09 - A merry Christmas to all of the people who have contributed to this site over the past year and to all readers of this site.
Andrew Tyldsley has kindly provided the latest fleet movements for Go North East. MPDs 487/544-6 (V187ERG, NA52AXJ/K/M) move to Stanley, along with Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4849 (R849PRG), while Deptford gain the services of Dennis / Plaxton SPD 8159/214/5 (S359ONL, V214/5ERG) and non-"super" sisters 8289-92 (Y558KUX, S726KNV, S783RNE, T438EBD). Percy Main are the lucky recipients of Dennis Dart SLF / Caetano 8276-8 (T403/17/3LGP). Withdrawn as a result of these movements are Optare Solos 480/1/599/616/7 (VU52UEF, MX03YDD, NK54DEU, VU52UES, MX53FEF) and Dennis Lance SLF / Wright 4769/71/2 (L469YVK, M471/2FJR). Driver training gains Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7083/4 (Y783/4MFT) and 7082 (Y782MFT) is off to Chester-le-Street for soon-to-be-revived service X23. Lee Wardle and Dan Annis note that Volvo Olympian / Northern Counties 3930 (R389LGH) is now yellow and confirm that Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4923 (X923WGR) is now white.
Chris Redpath reports that Stagecoach North East have withdrawn Dennis Dart / Alexander 32624/781/9 (P624PGP, P781WCN, P798WVK) & Plaxton bodied 32769 (M769DRG) and have sold Dennis Dart/ Alexander 32785/93 (P785WCN, P793WVK) and Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties 14676 (H676BNL).
23/12/09
Arriva North East VDL DB300 / Wright 7601-15 (NK59DLO/U/V/X-Z/ME/F/O/U/V/X-Z/ND) should all now be in service at Blyth. As a result, all of Blyth's Scania N113s have been displaced/withdrawn. East Lancs bodied 7265 (N160VVO) is now at Durham, while sisters 7389/90/2 (N388-90/2OTY) and Northern Counties bodied 7254 (M179LYP) are all now stored at Hexham. Also displaced from Blyth are Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 7506 (NK57GWY) and DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7442 (Y692EBR) to Ashington and sister 7441 (Y691EBR) to Durham. Displaced from Durham by the above are Volvo Olympian / East Lancs 7423/7 (M687/91HPF). The previously mentioned arrival of 7514/5 at Bishop Auckland has seen Dennis Dart / Plaxton 1697 (M197YKA) join ex reserve sister 1696 (M186YKA) at Redcar and DAF DB250 / Northern Counties 7449 (R206CKO) nove to Peterlee to replace Scania N113 / Northern Counties 7255 (M180LYP). Redcar also now have the use of reserve Dennis Dart / Plaxton 1657 (K582MGT). The arrival of all of these Darts has unfortunatley seen off DAF SB220/Ikarus 4083 (J926CYL) and Optare Delta 4097 (G258UVK). Up at Ashington DAF SB220 / Ikarus 4108 (L532EHD) is now in service vice withdrawn Optare Delta 4015 (K415BHN). Optare Prisma 3016 (N516XVN) has moved to Stockton to replaced Optare Vecta 1537 (L537FHN) as reported by James Stoker. Alex Kennedy notes that VDL SB200 / Wright demonstrator YJ59AZA has joined the Temsa Avenue demonstrator at Redcar. It seems that both are being used for crew familiarisation, though I am assured that the final disposition of the volumes of both types on order for the fleet has yet to be finalised. Lee Wardle illustrates that DAF SB3000 / Plaxton 1213 (V213DJR) remains at Bishop Auckland following the end of the X12 university service, but it is expected to head to Hexham.
Steven Hodgson illustrates the livery being deployed on Go North East's Metrolink Scanias at Washington, with Andrew Tyldsley confirming that the SPDs are currently working for Washington as repaint floats for these. I'm sure all will agree that the unbranded livery on 4956 (NL52WVM) is remakably reminiscent of the MetroTaxis identity used in the 90s. Chris White, Steven Hodgson and Lee Wardle all report that a further demonstrator is use here as Volvo B7RLE / Wright BG59FYB. It is understood that this may be one of Wright's new generation of lighter weight bodies. Andrew Tyldsley confirms that it is a "seed" vehicle that is on loan for four months of evaluation. Lee Wardle notes that MPD 542 (NA52AXG) is now white and Andrew Tyldsley reports that Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4923 (X923WGR) should be white by Christmas.
Steven Hodgson and John Atkin report the delivery of brand new MAN A66 / Plaxton YX59CAA to Tees Valley, Eaglescliffe. John also reports that Volvo Olympian / East Lancs M698HPF has been returned to Arriva Yorkshire in exchange for sister M697HPF.
Chris White and David Little note that James Cooper, Annitsford have taken Scania K340EB6 / Irizar YJ07EYG into stock ex Happy Days, though it has also been noted operating for Garfield Travel, with whom Coopers work closley.
Steven Hodgson notes that Coopers Tourmaster, Bedlington have Ford Transit BN04WKH in stock.
James Stoker rpeorts that Compass Royston, Stockton currently have ex Arriva Guildford & West Surrey Optare Solo GX55LNF on the premises and are converting it from hycrid to conventional power.
James Stoker also notes that CMC, Middlesbrough have ex Garnetts BMC Probus 850 Club BU04CAV in stock.
Steven Hodgson illustrates Stanley Travel, Oxhill operating on former Hunters service 807.
11/12/09
Arriva North East are now placing their VDL DB300s into service. 7601/2/3/5/6 (NK59DLO/U/V/Y/Z) were all in service by Saturday and it is believed that 7604/7-9 (NK59DLX/ME/F/O) have now joined them. Most of the remainder are understood to have arrived but have not been noted in use. These vehciles feature the same revised (and rather nice) interior as the Durham P&R Solos, as illustrated by Steven Hodgson. Their entry into service has seen Scania N113 / East Lancs 7389/90 (N389/90OTY) withdrawn and Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 7514/5 (NK09FMZ/NA) transferred to Bishop Auckland. Dennis Dart / Plaxton 1657/97 (K582MGT, M197YKA) are now at Redcar. Lee Wardle notes that Volvo B7TL / Alexander 7446 (NK05GWY) and DAF SB220GS / Plaxton 4081 (T82AUA) are at Smiles Engineering, Byker for mechaical attention.
Go North East have transferred Volvo B7TL / Wright 3862-5 (NK06JXE/D/C/B) to Gateshead to convert service X9 to double deck operation, such has been the success of this service. A further Volvo B7TL / East Lancs to enter service at Chester-le-Street is 3968 (PJ02PYU) as photographed by Alex Kennedy. However, sister 3966 (PN02XCF) is off the road after an accident. Gary Hunter, Dan Annuis and Steven Hodgson all report that Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4909 (W909RBB) is repainted in a revised version of he Diamond livery, while Lee Wardle and Dan Annis note sister 4911 (W411SCU) is now white. Alex Kennedy, on the other hand, noted it's unusual spelling of Newcastle, which I duly photographed! Lee also notes VDL SB120 / Wright 8258 (NK04FPC) is white.
Lee Wardle notes that Stagecoach North East Volvo Olympian / Alexander 16730 (N730LTN) is at Smiles Engineering, Byker for mechaical attention.
Joe Curry reports that Burrell's, Barnard Castle have Volvo B12BT / Van Hool AE06OAC in stock and have had it for approximately four months.
Steven Hodgson illustrates Stanley Travel, Oxhill MPD Y852TGH freshly repainted and reregistered Y40STX.
Gary Hunter notes that Astro Coaches have Mercedes Vario / Dormobile T313JWA in stock.
02/12/09
Major news announced by Arriva North East on Monday is that Alnwick, Bishop Auckland and Peterlee depots will all close by the end of February. Bishop's services will be operated by an expanded Darlington depot and by the forthcoming new depot at Belmont (plus possibly Stockton on the 69). Peterlee's services will move to Belmont and Stockton, while Alnwick's services will operate from Ashington. Combine this with the Hexham/Ashington deal, and it would seem that there will be much change over the next few months! Further new VDL DB300s noted at Jemsond by Steven Hodgson are 7607-9 (NK59DME/F/O). Temsa Avenue demosntrator YJ59AZV has been inspected by Stockton and Redcar depots and was noted by John Atkin and several others.
Chris Redpath notes (as photographed by Dan Annis) that Go North East 3970 (PJ02PYZ) is another Volvo B7TL / East Lancs in service on the Angel services 21/22, along with sister 3977 (PJ02PZD). He also reports that MPD 534 (NA52AWW) has moved to Winlaton, SPDs 8167-9 (S367-9ONL) have moved to Washington, Leyland Olympian / Northern Counties 3808 (K108YVN) has been withdrawn and Volvo B6BLE / Plaxton 8293 (NK54PHV) has been reinstated to Deptford. Steven Hodgson notes that Dennis Trident / Plaxton 3889 (NK51UCS) and Volvo B7TL / Wright 3962 (NK06JXE) have lost Angel branding, adding fuel to the rumours that the for Wright bodied B7TLs are to move to Gateshead for the X9. Lee Wardle reports that Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4912 (X912WGR) is now white, while Dan Annis notes Scania L94UB / Wright 4942/3/5210 (NK51OLE/G, NK54NVE) all in revised Fab 56 livery.
Andrew Goodchild reports that Stanley Travel, Oxhill have acquired Dennis / Plaxton MPD Y852TGH. It is to don fleet livery and will be used on services 806/7, which are being given up by Hunters of Tantobie from 20/12/09.
Joey Makepeace notes that Scarlet Band, West Cornforth have added LDV Convoys P508HNE and T595XBV to stock.
Thanks to the many people who have confirmed that the Dennis Dart noted with JSB, Coundon is L8NCP.
Joe Curry reports that Lee's, Durham have taken Volvo B10M / Van Hool E904MUC into stock, after having it on loan for some time.
Steven Hodgson reports Mercedes Sprinter DK05CPU in stock with Low Fell, Gateshead.
23/11/09
Chris Redpath has kindly provided the latest Go North East movements. Those not yet listed here are the entry into service at Chester-le-Street of Volvo B7TL / East Lancs 3968/71/4 (PJ02PYU/X/ZA) and confirmation of the withdrawal of Dennis Lance SLF / Wright 4770 (M470FJR). Gary Hunter reports Scania L94UB / Wright 4942 (NK51OLE) repainted in the revised Fab 56 orange. Neil Wise illustrates Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7082 (Y782MFT) on service X9.
James Stoker reports that Compass Royston, Stockton have new Volvo B7RLE / Wright NX59BYC in stock. Acquired are Mercedes Vario / Plaxton S592RGA and Volvo B10M / Plaxton K355VRU, M884WAK. Optare Solo YT256KNB has been re-registered T14CRT and has donned vinyls for the new University Park and Ride service, as has MPD SN06BRV, which is on loan from Procters. Mercedes Sprinter BX55FYF has been delicenced.
New at Classic, Annfield Plain for use as the Sunderland AFC team coach is VDL Van Hool V1SFC as reported by Steven Hodgson.
Gary Hunter notes that Low Fell, Gateshead have repainted Dennis Javelin / Plaxton B16CTL into a yellow livery with styled fleetnames.
22/11/09
Steven Hodgson reports that Arriva North East have taken delivery of the first two of their 15 VDL DB300 / Wright. 7601/2 (NK59DLO/U) wear interurban liver hand have the same revised interior scheme as the Durham Park and Ride Solos. These are expected to see of many of the Scania deckers as evidenced by the withdrawal of Northern Counties bodied 7256 (N181OYH), which is now parked up at Ashington with yellow paint applied in rough fashion over its lower panels. Arriva are operating a Saturday only pre-Christmas park and ride service between County Hall and the Bus Station in Morpeth. Two vehicles are used, one from Ashington and one from Jesmond, usually comprising one of Ashington's MPDs and Solo 2837 from Jesmond.
Chris Redpath has kidly provided an update on movements at Stagecoach North East. Those movements not yet reported see Dennis Dart / Alexander 32781/3/9/91/2 (P781/3WCN, P789/91/3WVK) come off service, with sisters 32622/455 (P622PGP, P455EEF) and Plaxton bodied 32746 (L746VNL) sold for scrap, Volvo B10M / Northern Counties 20246 (M546SPY) donated to the fire brigade, Volvo Olympian / Alexander 16729 (N729LTN) transferred to Warwickshire and Dennis Dart / Alexander 32723 (K723PNL) sold.
Lee Wardle reports that Go North East Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7082 (Y782MFT) is now in white with fleetnames and is operating for Gateshead as a spare coach for the X9. It is understood that all three ex Bargain Express coaches had been provisionally sold, so presumably this may only be a temporary measure. Lee also notes that Dennis Lance SLF / Wright 4770 (M470FJR) is now parked up at Percy Main with the majority of its vinyls removed, suggesting withdrawn status.
John Robinson reports that a further Optare Solo still in use with Scarlet Band, West Cornforth is NX55FFR. He also notes that Mistral have the remaining three Solos and MPDs T68/9JBA for sale.
Steven Hodgson illustrates Leven Valley's latest Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 T18GAJ.
Joe Curry notes that Lees, Durham have Compass Rosyton Volvo B10M / Plaxton F408DUG on loan for a week.
Steven Hodgson reports that Coopers Tourmaster, Bedlington have updated their fleet with Volvo B10M / Alexander K746DAO and ex Lothian Volvo Olympian / Alexander P255/75KSX.
15/11/09
Alex Kennedy, Lee Wardle and Keith Lee report that Arriva North East have Mercedes Citaro demosntrator BN09FWS on loan at Durham. Dave Oliver notes that the fifteen new VDL DB300 / Wright should be here in the next week or so, slightly later than originally planned. More vehicles repainted into interurban livery include Volvo B10BLE / Wright 4508/9 (V508/9DFT), VDL SB120 / Plaxton 1923/4 (YJ57BVB/C) and DAF DB250 / East Lancs 7437 (Y687EBR) as reported by a number of people.
Sightings from myself, Lee Wardle and Curtis Rawlinson confirm that Go North East Volvo B7TL / East Lancs 3878/9/82 (PJ02PZE/F/K) have joined 3866/7/80/1/3 (PN02XCF/L, PJ02PZG/H/L) in service. Andrew Tyldsley confirms that 9163 is on loan to cover while the first batch of Mercedes Citaros are repainted - 5278 being one of the first treated as photographed by Steven Hodgson. The end of service X41 has seen Volvo B10M / Plaxton 7082-4 (Y782-4MFT) removed from use. Reportedly, a buyer is lined up for these, but in the mean time I've noted 7082 in use as a driver trainer with "L" plates applied onto the Bargain Express livery. Dave Oliver notes that sister 7085 (Y785MFT) now has National Express fleetnames applied. Steven Hodgson notes that Scania Omnicity 5272 (NK56KKH) now has a contravision advert for shopping on North Tyneside, while I note MPD 546 (NA52AXL) now in yellow. Withdrawn are Optare Solo 614/5 (VU02TTK, VU52UEE), Volvo B6BLE / Plaxton 8293 (NK54PHV). Volvo Olympian 3938 (R397LGH) is at Chester-le-Street.
Danny Howard and Steven Hodgson note that Stagecoach North East Dennis Dart / Northern Counties 32794 (M387KVR) and Plaxton bodied 32795 (M597SSB) are now in service at Slatyford and that Dennis Dart / Plaxton 32125 (K125SRH) is now painted white as a driver trainer in placed of Mercedes 709 / Alexander 40491 (N491RVK). Richard Smiles reports that the majority of the new MANs at Stockton are now named, in similar style to their smaller counterparts further north. Lee Johnson has noted MAN 18.220 / Alexander 22659 (T659OEF) back in service at Stockton after a lenthy layoff, freshly repainted.
Paul Thompson reports that his Leven Valley, Middlesbrough fleet is now home to a fifth Alexander Dennis Enviro 200. 18 "Discovery" (T18GAJ) replaces MAN-engined Optare Solo T222JDC. Meanwhile, my camera has finally found one of the last two delivered!
JSB Travel, Coundon have a Dennis Dart / Plaxton in stock - unfortunately I have yet to positively identify it.
Lee Wardle notes that Low Fell, Gateshead have Mercedes Vario / Plaxton R816WJA in stock ex Redline, Luton.
John Robinson reports that Coatham Coahces, Redcar have Bova Magiq YJ07DWW in stock. It has been here since around September.
Steven Hodgson notes that Weardale, Stanhope have added another Optare Solo to stock, this being YK04KWG. Existing Solo YJ07EGC would seem to have been reregistered GO03WMS (close examination shows it not to be their other Solo MX07NTS).
Steven Hodgson reports that Tees Valley, Eaglescliffe now have their BMC Falcon, BX55NZS, in service after a rebuild and repaint. It has received branding for new service 8 Middlesbrough - Teesside Park, which started on Saturday. John Atkin reports that Volvo Olympian / East Lancs M698/703HPF are in stock ex Arriva Yorkshire.
Scarlet Band, West Cornforth would appear to have sent their hired Caetano bodied Dennis Darts (and the white MPD) back to the dealer, as the ex Park and Ride Solos are now performing widely, in varying states of partial debranding. Those Solos that can be confirmed as still in the fleet are NX55FFO/S, YJ55YGG/H/K/L, as these have all been seen on the road recently. The use of duct tape, as noted by Lee Wardle and Alex Kennedy, on FFO is unusual....
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