Bus-Related Outings & Reviews

[Marcus Green]

RE: Bus-Related Outings & Reviews
Hi,

Figured I'd use this thread to help me break the ice - I'm Marcus, 14, and I am a North East based enthusiast living in Chester-Le-Street. Been a member on here a short while now, and after a bit of confusion, I realised I had indeed activated my account. lol

So, this is my first post. Like I say I live in the North East, so I have considerable knowledge of the operations there. My interests mainly lie with Go North East, but I do follow Arriva and Stagecoach a bit, just picking up the odd bit of info.

Anyway, on Saturday the 27th, I had an outing that took me to Gateshead, the Metrocentre and Stanley. I had intended to meet up with a friend at the Metrocentre, whom I know on another forum (I believe he also has an account on here). Unfortunatley, things didn't go to plan, so here goes...

#50 - Chester-Le-Street to Washington Galleries
(10:51 --- 11:07) - GNE 4926 - Wright L94UA/Scania Solar
#X1 - Washington Galleries to Gateshead Interchange
(11:14 --- 11:37) - GNE 6050 - Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2
#49 - Gateshead Interchange to Metrocentre Interchange
(11:48 --- 12:13) - GNE 5282 - Mercedes Citaro 0530N/Mercedes Citaro

At this point I had planned to meet with my friend, however he didn't show so wound up following on our plan anyway.

#X43 - Metrocentre Interchange to Stanley Bus Station
(12:35 --- 13:02) - GNE 4904 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
#8 - Stanley Bus Station to Chester-Le-Street
(13:14 --- 13:42) - GNE 4855 - Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
#21 - Chester-Le-Street to My House
(14:03 --- 14:08) - GNE 6065 - Volvo B5HL/Wright Gemini 2

Overall, enjoyed the day.

BIB: What made the day was 4855 showing up. Go North East are currently phasing out their B10BLEs (smashing machines!) and should all be gone by this time next year. Whilst it is easy to find a corporate-liveried B10BLE example, such as 4904, which I had on the X43, only 3 examples remain in 'Lime' livery for Services 8/78/78A, which can be seen on this photo of the now withdrawn 4852 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/60503103@N...K4-p4xBqK. Vehicles still in this livery are; 4853, 4854 and 4855.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to furthering my membership on this forum, and hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Marcus