Trip to Middleton / Oldham 11-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22400	Middleton BS‎‎	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	112	Stagecoach Manchester
22167	Moston, before Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester
432	Middleton BS	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop D)‎	112	JPT
40361	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	Oldham BS‎	415	First Manchester
37556	Oldham BS	Watersheddings, o/s House 415 Ripponden Road/Radcliffe Road	83	First Manchester
37556	Watersheddings, opp 455 Ripponden Road/Radcliffe Road	Oldham BS	83	First Manchester
41788	Oldham BS	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop D)‎	415	First Manchester
22404	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)‎‎	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to revisit Middleton. It was the last day of JPT operating the #112 service, plus wefound out there was another First Manchester Plaxton Dart that we hadn't been on. Not much research was done other than a check on the weather which was for sunny intervals and cold 5'. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:30 and we drove through Blurton to Heron Cross and into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. After picking up uncle Dave we drove onto the A500 which we did to Shelton Old Road where we came off for LPG. After filling up we joined the Westbound A53 and then back onto the Northbound A500 were we passed Andrews coach PIL 6648. We joined the Northbound M6 and the matrix sign were flashing the M6 was closed between junction 22 & 23. Later signs were saying traffic was backed up to junction 21A so we decided to take some evasive action. We came of the M6 at the A50 Lymm junction and then got onto the eastbound M56. We did this past the airport to the M60 which we did anti-clockwise to the A576. We then did the last couple of mile into Middleton on the A576 and then parked up near the shopping centre. We decided to have dinner at the pavement cafe adjacent to the bus station again. Matthew had a sausage barm and a portion of fries washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we were there we saw 40361 appear and it was working the #415 service. After we had finished eating we walked across the the bus station to see what was working. We knew 40361 had gone off to Oldham and wouldn't be back for just over an hour. At the bus station was JPT 455 laying over from a #156 service.

JPT 455 in Middleton bus station

We then saw a JPT Dart, 153 arrive on a #112 service and we thought that will do nicely. We got to stand B and it pulled off. We realised it had gone around the other side of the bus station to go on layover. We went around to have a look at it and it pulled off and went onto stand B again. We walked around to get a picture before we caught it was on stand for about 30 seconds and it pulled off as we took the picture!

JPT 153 in Middleton bus station

It must have been running late... We then saw First Manchester 41782 on the following #415 to Oldham which we briefly considered before turning it down. Rather that wait around for the next JPT service we decided to catch the next #112 down to Moston, where we might get a JPT #112 back. A few minutes later Stagecoach Manchester 22400 arrived in the bus station.

Stagecoach Manchester 22400 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we booked our system one bus only tickets (£5). As the back of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside this bus here.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22400

We sat down and we set off out of town. We went around the Tesco store and then we headed off towards Middleton Junction. As we headed out to the junction we passed required JPT 182 going into Middleton. We headed South past the Stagecoach depot and into Moston. Just before we got off we passed dud JPT 512 going North to Middleton. We crossed the road to wait for the next bus. We could see a Stagecoach bus approaching and it was required Stagecoach 22167. Just as we were flagging down the bus someone walked past on the pavement in front of us. It seems to be a regular occurrence at this stop. We got on this bus and sat down near the back. We had seen mainly MAN's on #112 today. so far we had seen 22167/181/400/403/406 & 407 on the #112 and #80 today. The only exceptions were Dart 33863 and 27598/599 & 600. We headed North to Middleton Junction and then West into Middleton. on the outskirt of town we saw another on of the buses on the #415 which was First Manchester 40416. When we got back to Middleton Matthew photographed the inside of 22167.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22167

As he didn't get a good picture in Moston, he took a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 22167 here.

Stagecoach Manchester 22167 in Middleton bus station

When we got into the bus station we decided to have a walk around to see what was about. We walked around the outside of the bus station where there were two First Manchester bus on layover from service #58. First in the row was required First Manchester 66853.

First Manchester 66853 in Middleton bus station

Behind 66853 was First Manchester 66855. As we were about to head back into the bus station we turned and we saw JPT 432 arriving on a #112 to Manchester.

JPT 432 in Middleton

We walked back to the bus station and then bus went onto layover for a short while. We waited on stand B and Matthew had a drink of vimto and a galaxy caramel. The bus made it's appearance a few minutes later. We got on the bus and sat down near the back. Matthew got a picture inside JPT 432 facing forwards.

Inside JPT 432

It was around 14:50 and we knew First Manchester 40361 was due back into the bus station soon. Whilst we waited to depart First Manchester 40361 made an appearance. We set off towards Middleton Junction. we had decided to get off their so we could wait for 40361 going forward to Oldham. When we got to the Junction we got off as planned and crossed the road. It was around 15:00 now, so we checked the timetable. The #415 to Oldham was due at 15:08. Bang on time First Manchester 40361 came out of the Alkrington estate and drew up to the bus stop.

First Manchester 40361 in Middleton Junction

We got on the bus which was almost empty. The bus filled up as it headed towards Oldham. We paused outside the college for a minute or two and then we headed into the bus station. When we got there we let the bus empty and Matthew got a picture inside First Manchester 40361.

Inside First Manchester 40361

No we had gotten that bus out of the way we decided to do something different. I promised Matthew a ride on a double decker or two. We went out of the bus station and we took a few pictures. The first on we took was required First Manchester 33670 on the #409 to Ashton.

First Manchester 33670 in Oldham bus station

We then walked to the end of the bus station to get a good picture of First Manchester 40361.

First Manchester 40361 in Oldham bus station

We went to the toilet and then we walked up to the other part of the bus station. We then saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 10044 on the #76 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10044 in Oldham bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said no. He must have remembered that we had been on this before back in October 2013. We headed back to the other half of the bus station so we could choose a double decker to catch. As we walked back First Manchester 40361 was just departing on the #415 to Middleton.

First Manchester 40361 in Oldham bus station

We were considering doing 33672 on the #184 towards Manchester, We could have done this to Failsworth for something back to Middleton. We had taken a picture of the bus and we were going to get on it when 37556 came in on the #83 to Sholver. Matthew chose to do that bus so he got a picture through the glass of the bus station and we got on. We went upstairs and sat down. The bus headed East and through the town centre before heading up the hill to Sholver. The bus sounded a little bit sick, and was making noises like it was misfiring. Last time we had been on the #83 we had gone most of the way up the hill and had gotten a different bus back. As the bus emptied behind us, Matthew took a picture of the back of First Manchester 37556.

Inside First Manchester 37556

So we decided to get off on the hill and we hoped to get something different back. As we got off Matthew got a good picture of 37556 as it went off up the hill.

First Manchester 37556 in Watersheddings

We crossed the road to wait for the next #83 into town. We saw a couple of buses go up the hill, but the next bus back was unfortunately First Manchester 37556 again!

First Manchester 37556 in Watersheddings

The bus headed down the hill and into town. We climbed back up he hill into the bus station and then we got of. We visited the toilet and then Matthew took a picture of 33689 on the #409 to Ashton.

First Manchester 33689 in Oldham bus station

We visited the shop where Matthew bought some Coke, chocolate and a flapjack. I was considering sitting down for Matthew to have a picnic when he spotted and insisted on getting on First Manchester 41788. He took a picture through the glass and we got on.

First Manchester 41788 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. The bus set of down the hill and out of Oldham. It was now going dark. As we have done before we decided to do this bus to Middleton Junction and get off to catch the #112, rather than bounce through the Alkrington estate over the speedbumps! As the bus headed towards Middleton the bus emptied out. Just before we got off Matthew took a picture of the nearly empty bus facing forwards.

Inside First Manchester 41788

At Middleton Junction we passed First Manchester 41782 going the other way just before we got off. When we got off we crossed over the road to wait for the #112. We saw JPT 183 going South as we waited and then we saw a bus approaching. We were hoping for a JPT bus, but it was Stagecoach Manchester 22404.

Stagecoach Manchester 22404 in Middleton Junction

At least it was a required bus. This was one of the buses that were allocated to Wigan just after Stagecoach took over operations from First. We took a picture of it on layover back in January 2013. We headed into Middleton and when the bus emptied Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22404

He also got another picture of the outside of the bus as we left the bus station.

Stagecoach Manchester 22404 in Middleton bus station

We went into the shopping centre and we used the toilets there. Before we left Matthew had a walk around and he said hello to a few of the ladies who were working in the shops. We walked to the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of town and onto the A576. We then joined the clockwise M60 and then onto the Westbound M56. At Lymm we joined the Southbound M6 and then onto the A500. We then did the A50 East to Longton to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. There were 3 vehicle on the spare ground. First was former Alton Towers coach Z Carz M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

At the back was minibus OV05 WSW and then there was Blackwood Coaches liveried B12 FWS.

Z Carz B12 FWS in Longton

We turned left into Willow road where we saw SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We headed into Blurton passing Lightning Travel T2 DLT and First Potteries 53828. We got home at 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by cheesecake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00...Mark

Trip to Middleton / Ashton 11-05-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
59016	Middleton BS	Ashton BS	419	First Manchester
31929	Ashton BS	Hey Farm Terminus	350	First Manchester
37412	Hey Farm Terminus	Oldham BS	350	First Manchester
40431	Oldham BS	Middleton BS	415	First Manchester

Today we decided to re visit this area after last weeks trip. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go and he chose Middleton. He also showed me a picture of a hybrid on a #419 to Ashton so I knew he wanted to visit this location too. Research consisted of looking at which service go between Middleton and Ashton (as far as I could find only 1), so at looked at service on the map that had a common connection between the 2 locations such as Oldham and the nearby Littlemoss (168,169) and Woodhouses (159) just in case the other option wasn't convenient. We also checked the weather which didn't look to good for this trip. The forecast was for rain which was breaking up as it headed East during the afternoon. Matthew got up around 08:30 as he had got a cookery class at Heathfield. He had some toast for breakfast washed down by orange juice. We set off around 09:30 going onto the A5035 and then passed the Hem Heath pub. We Headed down Stanley Matthews Way and onto the Westbound A50. We then did the Northbound A500 up to the A527 Tunstall by-pass. We went across the by-pass to High Lane and then we headed down to Heathfield School. Matthew cooked a tuna pasta bake which he ate. We picked him up at 12:30 and he went to the toilet before we went out. We headed back onto high Lane and then did the A527 back down to the A500. We then headed North up to the M6. We did this up the The M62 and then we went Eastwards. We went onto the M60 and then we drove around to the junction with the A576 for Middleton. We drove the last few miles into Town and then parked up next to the Middleton Archer pub. As we walked down through the bus station e took a few pictures 40431 was seen on the #415 service and we saw First Manchester 40322 on the #12 Middleton circular.

First Manchester 40322 in Middleton bus station

We had decided we were going to eat at the trailer opposite the bus station, Roberto's. We had Burgers and mum had cheese on toast. The food was very nice and mum's cheese on toast had been seasoned with pepper and herbs. Whilst we ate we listened to Italian music. Apart from the awful weather we could have been eating in a pavement cafe in Rome! Whilst we at in our sheltered location a rain shower came and went. After eating mum and Matthew visited the toilet and then a #419 service appeared. We walked down to it and Matthew took a picture.

First Manchester 59016 in Middleton bus station

We jumped on and booked our system one tickets and then sat near the back. We got on so we quickly that we had to check the ticket to see which bus we were on. As we have not done any hybrd Solo SR's before we new it would be required. It turned out to be First Manchester 59016. The #419 service heads almost into Oldham before heading down the same route into Aston as the #409 service. When we arrived into Ashton around 40 minutes later Matthew waited for the bus to empty out before getting a picture.

Inside First Manchester 59016

We stepped into this bus station for this first time. It is a bus station similar to Bolton and Wigan, with a small bus layover area next to the main road. First thing we did was try and use the toilets. There were 2 silver tardis style toilets and both of them seemed not to be working. So we asked a bus driver where we could find toilets. We were directed to the local Betfred bookies! After using the toilet we visited the travel office to pick up a coupe of maps and timetables, and then walked up towards the bus layover area and we immediately saw First Manchester 31929 arriving on a #350 service.

First Manchester 31929 in Ashton bus station

We got on and then went upstairs. There were a few people on the top deck but they were at the front. So Matthew took a picture of the inside of this bus from the mid point of the bus next to the stairs.

Inside First Manchester 31929

We sat down on the bus and I got the map out to see where we were going. From the map I could see the #350 was a Ashton - Oldham service via Mossley and Saddleworth. We started to leave and we noticed that First Manchester 40380 had arrived in the layover off a #346 service. As we headed towards the hospital we passed First Manchester 40406 on an inbound service. We headed into and passed the Hospital and over the hill and down into Mossley. We then climbed up the hill towards Saddleworth. We had worked out by this point we were traveling on a short service to Hey Farm and not a full #350 to Oldham. When we got to the Hey Farm terminus we got off and got another picture of this fine beast, one of only 3 left in the First Manchester fleet.

First Manchester 31929 at the Hey Farm terminus

We decided to go forward to Oldham, we could then do another Dart from Oldham to Middleton on the #415 service (I'm thinking this service should be branded the Alkrington Rollercoaster). The next bus on the #350 was also a Hey Farm Short, which was worked by First Manchester 37433. Whilst we waited he had a bottle of limeade and a Kit Kat. We then had approximately 9 minutes to wait for the #350 to Oldham. When it turned up it was required First Manchester 37412. Matthews camera didn't fire when the us arrived so he didn't get a picture before we got on. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty, so he got a picture of the top deck of this bus.

Inside First Manchester 37412

One thing I hadn't done was to check the journey time. It takes nearly an hour to travel from Hey Farm to Oldham. We headed up through Saddleworth where there was a co-op and also up and back through Delph which also has a co-op store. We then had a climb up to an old closed down pub at a summit called the Star Inn. We then had the run down into Oldham we went past the depot and then headed into the bus station. We got off the bus and headed to the toilets. Whilst there we saw First Manchester 62217 on a #64 service.

First Manchester 62217 in Oldham bus station

We stopped on a bench and had a bottle of Limeade and a Millionaires Shortbread. We also saw First Manchester 33747 on a #409 service.

First Manchester 33747 in Oldham bus station

We then walked around to the other side to take a few picture whilst we waited for the next #415. First Manchester 37412 made an appearance again, we thought it had gone when it must have been on layover.

First Manchester 37412 in Oldham bus station

We then saw 40431 parked up before working the next #415.

First Manchester 40431 in Oldham bus station

Also seen was this Ex PMT and Chester Solo First Manchester 40181.

First Manchester 40181 in Oldham bus station

We then vsited the shop to get a can of coke and a Galaxy caramel bar and a pack of rice crispy squares. We walked to stand B to wait for 40431. It pulled on to stand a couple of minutes. We boarded the bus and sat down near the back over the back axle. Thee suspension on 40431 was a little loose making it quite bouncy over any potholes. Going into Alkrington it was very bouncy along Kingsway and Kirkway. When we got to Middleton Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus which still has quite a few of the 'diced carrot' seating.

Inside First Manchester 40431

We got off and walked around the outside and got a picture of 40431.

First Manchester 40431 in Middleton bus station

We stopped and took a couple of pictures. We saw JPT Volvo B6 182 and then JPT Enviro 300 number 455. 300

JPT 455 in Middleton bus station

We then walked back to the car so we could have our Greggs sausage rolls and matthew had a chocolate cake. We left the car park around 18:00 and we went down the A576 passing JPT 184 heading into Middleton. We then got onto the M60. We did this Anti clockwise to the M62 and onto the Southbound M6. We did this down to the A500 and onto the A50 to Longton. When we got to Longton we saw that the ground was virtually empty. In the distance was Z Carz Mercedes T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Also here was DAF minicoach W344 WNS.

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

We turned to go passed the Willow Row compound and there was only one bus there too. It was his old college bus LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Willow Row

We headed down Longton all Road and into Blurton. We were home for 19:15. After looking at our pictures, for a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by Chocolate cake for afters. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Stone 18-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
182	Trentham Road,	Granville Square, Stone	351	Bakerbus
110	Granville Square, Stone	Prior Road	2	D&G
110	Prior Road	Granville Square, Stone	2	D&G
91	Granville Square, Stone	Stone, Geoff Keys Garage (opp)‎	490	D&G
183	Stone, Geoff Keys Garage (opp)‎	Whitebridge Estate, Filleybrooks Garage (opp)	350	Bakerbus
65039	Whitebridge Estate, Filleybrooks Garage (adj)	Granville Square, Stone	101	First Potteries
200	Stone	Stoke Railway Station	X1	Bakerbus
6	Stoke Railway Station	Church Street, Stoke	41	D&G
115	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke Railway Station	41	D&G
2931	Signal Radio, Stoke road	Maternity Ward, City General	58	Wardle Transport

Today we had decided we were going to head towards Stone again and cover the 350's and the X1. We also saw a Mercedes minibus on the Stone town service last week and as we havn't been on any of the current minibuses we thought that this would probably a new bus for Matthew. Today I went out at 09:30 and 10:30 to see the 350's. The bus buses were on exactly the same turns as last week, so we knew there was one required bus out on the 350. Setting off just before 12:30, we decided to head South on the 350 today so we waited at the bus shelter on Trentham Road. this was a fortunate choice today because it was raining! Whilst we were waiting we saw 181 go north on the #350, 40143 heading towards Newcastle and 40148 heading towards Longton.


40148 on a Longton bound #22 service (Matt)

As the 351 goes from Stoke to Longton before continuing towards Stone, This South bound turn is a few minutes later than the other buses. Eventually as predicted 182 arrives on this turn. This turn is quite well filled compared to some of the other 350's we've done. Presumably because of it's extra run into Longton. We do this bus to Granville Square, Stone where Matthew gets a picture.


Bakerbus 182 in Granville Square Stone (Matt)

Shortly after we arrive in Stone, D&G 110 appears on the Stone town services. The next one was a #2 at 13:05. We book our tickets and we do a complete circle of this service. As we get off Matthew photographs the inside of this bus.


Inside D&G 110 (Matt)

He also gets a good picture of the outside too...


D&G 110 about to work a #1 Stone town service (Matt)

The next planned move was to do the #490 round town and out along Newcastle Road. Whilst we were waiting we started eating our supplies (a 6 pack of mini sausage rolls from wrights Pies). Also D&G 107 appears on the #250 to Longton.


D&G 107 on a 250 to Longton (Matt)

A couple of minutes later D&G 110 come back again to work another #2 town service.


D&G 110 about to work a #2 Stone town service

After that town service leaves again we wait patiently until the 490 appears. It's D&G 91 which is a required bus. As we went around town and headed North, I couldn't remember passing the southbound 350. I thought if we could catch this to the other side of Stone, we could do 183 on the Northbound service back out along Newcastle Road. We got off the 490 on Newcastle Road and Matthew took a picture as D&G 91 headed North(??) towards Stafford...


D&G 91 heading North on the 490 to Stafford (Matt)

We crossed the road hoping that we might catch the 350, but it must have passed us whilst we were going around the town centre. After a few minute we crossed back over the road. I decided we could still do 183 a couple of stops up the road, and we would either get a 101 or the X1 back into Stone. Sure enough, as predicted 183 appears on the Northbound 350.


Bakerbus 183 on a #350 to Hanley in Newcastle Road (Matt)

We do the bus a couple of stops up the road and Matthew is undoing his seatbelt almost as soon as it was done up!


183 continues North towards Hanley (Matt)

In order to make sure we are back in Stone for either X1'a (Bakerbus to Hanley or the D&G to Stone) we decided to do the next bus whatever it is. it started rain quite heavily, but we didn't have to wait long. We were relieved to see the next bus, which happened to be first Potteries 65039.


65039 on a #101 towards Stafford (Matt)

We did this back down to Granville Square, where almost immediately we saw Bakerbus 200 on the X1 Stone. We Rushed off to get this bus and missed seeing what was on the X1 Stafford. After a rapid journey up the A34, through Barlaston, past Trentham gardens and up The A500 we arrived at Stoke railway station.


Bakerbus 200 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

At this point, we had planned on sitting for a while and having something to eat then doing something D&G or Bakerbus on the tickets we already had. We had to put plans for eating to one side as step entranced D&G 6 appeared on a Newcastle bound #41. We raced a cross the road and jumped on the bus. No time for a photograph, we did this bus to Church Street, Stoke. he did get a picture of the door release as he left the bus, but once again the bus left the stop quite quickly. In Stoke we saw a few buses including D&G 139 on a Hanley bound #41.


D&G 139 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

The plan had been to catch 183 on the 350 back to Blurton. Just as 350 was approaching, Matthew spotted D&G 12 on a #41 to Newcastle. We let the #350 go, forgetting the #41 doesn’t stop in Glebe Street and it went sailing past too. We went around to Church Street but it had left before we could get to the stop :-(. Almost immediately, D&G 115 appeared from the other direction on a #41 so we decided to do this back to the railway station.


D&G 115 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

When we arrived at the station I was starting to wonder how we could get home. I remember I had the Wardle Transport timetable book in my bag so I looked up the route and timings of the 58. Last time i had seen this service it was ex Arriva Burton 2038 in the new Wardle / Arriva livery. It turned out there was a 58 from outside signal radio in a few minutes, so we walked along to stoke Road. I arranged with mum to pick us up at the hospital. After a couple of minutes Wardle Transport 'BU54 ALL' 2931 appeared.


Wardle Transport 2931 on a #58 to Newcastle (Matt)

We did this to the hospital where we had about a 10 minutes wait for mum. Luckily there was a shelter because it started raining again. Whilst we were waiting we didn't see a single bus. e did see 2 buses just as we got picked up. We had a quick stop in Hanford to pick up food and we went home. As we returned home by car it absolutely poured down with rain so it seems that we timed the end of our day quite well... Mark