Trip to Middleton / Moston 29-03-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
534	Middleton BS‎‎	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	156	JPT
60386	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	89	First Manchester
27599	Moston, before Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester
27600	Middleton BS	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	80	Stagecoach Manchester
433	Moston, before Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	118	JPT
175	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Moston, before Moston Lane/Ben Brierley	118	JPT
517	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Ebsworth Street	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	118	JPT
151	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Moston, before Moston Lane/Blue Bell	118	JPT
22401	Moston, before Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. We chose where we were going on Friday night after seeing the weather for the North West was going to be for sunny intervals. Other than checking the weather no research was done. We packed the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside bus maps in the trip bag. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for mbreakfast. We set off at around 11:45 today. We went onto the A5035 and then we headed down Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the West bound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. We came of at Shelton New Road to pick up LPG. After gassing up we joined the Westbound A53 and then rejoined the Northbound A500. Near longport we passed D&G 172 coming the other way. The motorway was a little busy and as we headed North we were overtaken by Coach Leasing BF52 SYY. After we had passed the A556 turning the traffic eased a little. We headed North through the Thelwall Viaduct roadworks and then we headed east on the M62. We did the clockwise M60 around to the junction for the A576. We then did then last couple of miles up this road into Middleton, parking up near MacDonalds and the shopping centre. We had only just got out of the car when Matthew chased someone down to say hello. We then walked around to the pavement cafe between the bus station and the shopping centre where Matthew had a bacon barm and some fries. We were a little to far South for him to be eating his bacon in a teacake. Whilst we ate we were able to view a few of the buses. The highlights were seeing First Manchester 40369 on the #415 to Oldham and First Manchester 37297 on the #163. We also saw First Manchester 66194 on the #64 to Manchester in the new livery. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and walked over to the bus station. The general plan was to try and get a few rides on JPT buses. Since the timetable change in January, JPT buses were much more scarce than they used to be in Middleton after they withdrew their #112 Middleton - Manchester service against Stagecoach Manchester. Then general plan was to head down to Moston and to catch a JPT run #118 to the North Manchester General Hospital. Required Stagecoach Manchester 22407 was seen about to work the #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 22407 in Middleton bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to this I don't think he was too keen. As we were wondering what to catch we saw required JPT 534 on a #156 service.

JPT 534 in Middleton bus station

This bus could take us direct to the NMGH cutting out one of the journeys. We got on the bus and booked our off-peak System One bus only day tickets (£5). After we had booked our tickets we went upstairs eventually. There were a few people dotted about. The bus headed out of town down the A576 and across the M60. As we reached Heaton Park we turned right into Higher Blackley and then headed along Victoria Avenue. we passed dud JPT 454 heading towards Middleton on a #156 service. As the bus emptied out Matthew was able to get a picture inside JPT 534.

Inside JPT 534

We then carried on and we eventually got to the NMGH. As arrived at the stop JPT 151 pulled off from the stop on the #118 to Manchester. We decided to wait for the next #118. As we waited we saw First Manchester 69179 on the #52 to Failsworth.

First Manchester 69179 at the NMGH

The next #118 arrived and it was dud JPT 184.

JPT 184 at the NMGH

We were considering doing this anyway so that we could get in the circuit and see what other buses were working. As we waited for the driver to ready the bus to work the next service required First Manchester 60386 arrived on a #89 White moss circular.

First Manchester 60386 at the NMGH

A quick check of the information at the bus stop revealed that this bus went to Moston too. so we decided to do this rather than take dud JPT 184. We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. Before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside First Manchester 60386

The bus set off out of the hospital and onto Delaunays Road towards Crumpsall. It seemed to take a long time to get across to Moston. This is because it sets off going in the opposite direction. The bus then went through Crumpsall Green before heading into more familiar territory in Higher Blackley. The road here was familiar from our previous trips on the #156 service. We then carried on along Victoria Avenue onto Victoria Avenue East East, familiar to us from doing the #80 service. We then turned towards White Moss and then Charlestown before appearing in the more familiar place of Moston. As we entered Moston we saw dud JPT 516 going the other way on the #118. On Moston lane we passed another dud bus on the #118 service, JPT 512 with its distinctive repaired nearside corner. This was a bus we had back in October 2013 on our first trip on the #118 service. We got off the bus and crossed over the road. As Matthew hadn't visited a toilet since we left home we decided to head back to the only place where we knew there was a toilet and that was Middleton. We had almost 10 minutes to wait so we had a let a few buses go. We took a few pictures and one such bus was required JPT 401 which was on the next #118 to the NMGH.

JPT 401 in Moston

This bus used to be a park and ride bus at Chester with Chesterbus until just after First took over their operations in 2007. A few minutes later we saw the #112 to Middleton approaching and it was being worked by dud Stagecoach Manchester 27599.

Stagecoach Manchester 27599 in Moston

We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. Stagecoach Manchester 27599 was a bus we scored back in December 2013 on the short run in from Middleton Juction to Middleton. The bus headed North through Moston and up towards Middleton Junction. We then turned left heading west into Middleton. On the way into town we saw dud first Manchester 40364 on a #415 to Oldham. As we pulled into the bus station we saw an unusual working on the #17 to Manchester. It was Volvo B6 40438. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 27599.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27599

Just as we got there the bus pulled off and left the bus station. Matthew visited the toilet and then we had to consider how we could get back down to Moston or the NMGH to carry on doing the #118's. As we contemplated what to do we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 27600 on the #80 to Manchester via Moston.

Stagecoach Manchester 27600 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. The driver though we were traveling on JPT tickets, were as they were just JPT issued TfGM tickets. The driver must have been newly qualified as he was being supervised. The other driver mentioned they were System One tickets and we got on the bus. We left the bus station and we headed out of town along Manchester New Road. We crossed the M60 and then turn left onto Victoria Avenue East before heading through Charlestown into Moston. The bus was lightly filled front and back so Matthew took a picture of the seats adjacent to us.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27600

As we came into Moston we saw required JPT 517 on a Manchester bound #118. We got off the bus opposite the Bluebell pub and we waited for JPT 517 so we could get a picture of it before we crossed the road. hopefully we would catch up with it later in the day heading in the right direction. We crossed the road and waited for the next #118. A few minutes later we saw it in the distance and it was a Volvo. Hopefully it would be the required one. As it got closer we saw that it was the one we wanted, JPT 433.

JPT 433 in Moston

We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. The #118 is the most direct service from Moston to the NMGH. It passes through White Moss and past Boggart Hole Clough before crossing Rochdale Road and into Higher Crumpsall and into the Hospital. When we reached the hospital we let the bus empty and Matthew got a picture inside the now empty JPT 433.

Inside JPT 433

We got off the bus and we crossed over the road so we could get another picture of JPT 433.

JPT 433 at the NMGH

Whilst we were there we saw required First Manchester 66195 on a #88 White Moss - Manchester circular.

First Manchester 66195 at the NMGH

We decided to wait for the next #118. When it turned up it was required JPT 175.

JPT 175 at the NMGH

Whilst we were waiting for the bus to be readied for service, required First Manchester 60228 made an appearance on the #149 service looking as if it had been repainted recently.

First Manchester 60228 at the NMGH

Eventually JPT 175 was readied for service and we got on the bus and Matthew took a picture inside this vehicle straight away.

Inside JPT 175

We sat down and the bus set off out of the Hospital and over the Rochdale Road and towards Boggart Hole Clough. As we passed the White Moss turning point of the #88A/#89A we saw First Manchester 60386 that we had been on earlier in the day. We went into Moston and we decided to go another stop further down so that we could visit a shop. When we got off we walked a bit further South until we found an off license. Here Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and a can of Coke for later, as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We came out of the shop and crossed the road to wait for the bus back to the NMGH. The bus appeared and as hoped it was required JPT 517.

JPT 517 in Moston

We got on the bus and we went upstairs. The bus set off North back through Moston and passed White Moss and Boggart Hole Clough and back across Rochdale Road. When we got to the end we expected the bus to empty but it didn't. Matthew took a picture of the empty bus in front of us before we got off.

Inside JPT 517

We decided to do one more #118 back to Moston before retuning to Middleton and calling it a day. We crossed the road and got another picture of JPT 517 before it headed of back to Manchester.

JPT 517 at the NMGH

Whilst we were waiting for the bus to appear we saw Stagecoach Manchester Enviro 200 36075 on a #151 to Hollingwood which we could have done to Moston if we had wanted to.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 at the NMGH

It was lucky that we waited for the next bus was required JPD Dart 151.

JPT 151 at the NMGH

We waited for the driver to ready the bus for service and when it was ready we got on and Matthew took a picture as we got on this empty bus.

Inside JPT 151

We sat down and the bus set off Eastwards. We traveled for the last time though Boggart Hole Clough and White Moss and Charlestown before turning South to Moston. When we reached the Bluebell pub in Moston we got off the bus and crossed over the road for our last bus of the day. Whilst we were waiting for our bus, we saw First Manchester 62218 on a #88 White Moss circular.

First Manchester 62218 in Moston

A few minutes later we saw a Stagecoach MAN bus in the distance. We were hoping it was a required one as weh ad seen a few dud one about today on the #112's and #80's. As it approaches we saw it was required stagecoach Manchester 22401. We got on the bus and sat down near the back we headed north out of Moston and onto Greengate. We crossed over the M60 and we carried on North to Middleton Junction. We saw a double decker coming the other way on a #112 to Manchester. It was dud Stagecoach Manchester 17038. At Middleton Junction turned left and went west into Middleton. We saw mum waiting for us at stand B and we waited for the bus to empty so he could get a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22401.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22401

As he didn't get a very good picture of 22401 as we got on the bus, he got another picture of the outside of the bus too.

Stagecoach Manchester 22401 in Middleton bus station

Matthew visited the toilet and then visited the shop and had a flapjack and another chocolate bar. We then headed back to the car. At the car Matthew had a sausage roll washed down with Irn Bru. We started the car and we headed out of town along the A576. we then joined the anti-clockwise M60 and then onto the Westbound M62. We Got on the Southbound M6 and went through the Thelwall Viaduct roadworks. As we passed the M56 sliproad we saw a Megabus coach. We were contemplating catching up with this coach when I noticed a double decker bus in the rear view mirror. I skow down and stayed in the left hand lane so that the bus could catch us up. As it passed us, Matthew got a great picture of Tiger European L102 VDM

Tiger European L102 VDM on the M6

We carried on down the M6 until we reached the Southbound A500 which we did to Sideway. At Sideaway we went ast on the A50 to Longton so we could check out what was parked up at Z carz. When we got there, there appeared to be 3 vehicles parked here. Mercedes minibus W221 CDN was first in the row.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Next to this was YN03 HJC parked behind some cars. He took a picture of VW minibus OV05 WSW as this was the first bus in clear view.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

As e turn to get a picture of LDV minibus YN03 HJC we spotted another vehicle in the background. This was red LDV minibus DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz YN03 HJC in Longton

We turned in Willow row observing T408 JUX parked up in the compound. We headed back out onto the A50 and at that moment Z Carz coach M534 RSO arrived back at the depot. We headed down onto the A50 and we passed Copelands tours coaches MIB 270 & MIB 278 heading back to their depot. We came off the A50 in Heron Cross and we headed down into Blurton. As we came down the bank I spotted the a coach following us. I pulled up and let it go past us and we saw it was Posh Limos Tri-axle coach P3 OSH. We carried on through Blurton and we noticed the coach pull over and reverse into a side street to turn around. As it turned Matthew got a picture of Posh Limos P3 OSH.

Posh Limos P3 OSH in Blurton

We got home just before 19:00 and it was still just about light. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a cake bar. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime which was around 02:00 British Summer Time after the clocks were adjusted...Mark

Trip to Accrington 14-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
L310 YDU	Accrington BS	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	19	M&M Coaches
L310 YDU	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	Accrington BS	19	M&M Coaches
N617 VSS	Accrington BS	West End, opp Percy Street	46	M&M Coaches
P350 NKH	West End, by Percy Street	Accrington BS	46	M&M Coaches
401	Accrington BS	West End, by Percy Street	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
405	West End, opp Percy Street	Accrington BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
1831	Accrington BS	Knuzden Brook, opp Old Mother Redcap	6	Transdev Lancashire United
1828	Knuzden Brook, by Old Mother Redcap	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. We didn't decided to go to Accrington until the night before so we didn't do any research for this trip except to check the weather. The weather was forecast for mild temperatures (9'), and heavy rain! Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off at 11:30 as we had to pick uncle Dave up on the way. We turned onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We then headed East into Heron Cross and then into Fenton. We picked uncle Dave up and then headed onto the A500. We did the A500 up to Shelton new road where we came off to get LPG. At the LPG place was a Roseville taxi. Matthew used to have Roseville as his school transport some time around 2002. We then headed West on the A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. We headed onto the Northbound M6 which was busy but moving quite well. There was a little congestion on the Eastbound M62 up to junction 11 as there were some roadworks. After this it was plain sailing. We headed onto the clockwise M60 and then North on the M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 becomes the A56 and we did this up to the A680. We did the A680 for the last few miles into Accrington and then we found a parking space after a bit of driving around town. The town was busier than we have seen before but not too busy. We started to walk to the bus stop cafe on Peel Street. When we got to the corner of Peel Street we saw Transdev Lancashire United 202, which used to be a Norwich park & ride bus many years ago.

Transdev Lancashire United 202 in Accrington

We walked down the street and we spotted required M&M Coaches N617 VSS on the #46 to Blackburn. After visiting the toilet on Peel Street we went to the cafe where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum before heading up onto Bridge Street to see what other M&M Coaches buses were about. Unusually there were 3 Pilkington Bus buses on Bridge Street. R846 VEC, P729 RYL and Boomerang liveried S451 WAT were all doing local services.

Boomerang S451 WAT in Bridge Street Accrington

With there being no M&M Coaches bus in Bridge Street we started to walk back onto Peel Street when we saw our first Transdev Optare Solo. Starship 1256 was on the #9 to Burnley.

Starship 1256 in Infant Street Accrington

We saw the next #46, which was dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH and then we saw required M&M Coaches L310 YDU heading towards Bridge Street. We followed the bus up there and Matthew got a picture of this fine Mercedes minibus.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Bridge Street Accrington

We checked the time and then checked the timetable to see that L310 YDU was about to work a #19 Barnfield circular. The bus was loading up and we got on the bus and booked up to Barnfields. We sat down and waited for the bus to go. The bus set off through town and into an estate of terraced housing. The bus went up a hill for about half a mile before heading across the street and then back down into town. When the bus got back into Peel Street we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside L310 YDU which appears to have been re-upholstered with a more modern Stagecoach moquette that would have been originally on this bus before it was sold on for further use with M&M Coaches.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU

We walked up to the next stop originally with the intention of getting another picture of L310 YDU. As we were about to take the picture, required M&M Coaches re-appeared from its trip up to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches N617 VSS in Accrington bus station

We got on the bus and Matthew was able to get a picture of N617 VSS empty before we sat down.

Inside M&M Coaches N617 VSS

We booked a return to the West End and sat down near the back. Whilst we waited for the bus to depart we saw the 4th M&M Coaches turn which was dud N125 YHH on the #1. When it was the time the bus left town under the railway and headed along Blackburn Road. We joined the A679 and we headed up the hill towards the M65. We got off at the top off the hill by the West end business park. We crossed the road and looked a cross and we noticed a white coach in the business park that was just too far away to see what it was. It was starting to look like st was going to rain now as we waited for the return #46. A few minutes later as expect we saw dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH approaching from up the road.

M&M Coaches P350 NKH on Blackburn Road

We got on and we sat down near the back of the bus. We chilled out as we ran back along the A679 and then along Blackburn Road and under the railway into Accrington town centre. When the bus emptied out Matthew got a picture inside P350 NKH.

Inside M&M Coaches P350 NKH

Now we had covered all of the M&M Coaches turns, I asked Matthew if he wanted to get a Pilkington Bus ticket or a Transdev Ticket. Matthew chose Transdev, although this was probably because required Transdev Lancashire United 401 was sitting on the stand in front of us on a X41 to Blackburn. We got on and booked local day tickets before going upstairs. The bus had people on it front and back upstairs so Matthew took a picture of a few empty seats that were opposite us.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 401

The bus took the same route as the #46, out under the railway line and onto Blackburn Road passing required Transdev Lancashire United 573 on a #7A. We then joined the A679 about a mile out of town. We decided to get off a few stops earlier that we did on the #46 so we could try and get the X41 going back the other way. When we got off Matthew took a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 401 as it went off into the distance on it's journey to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 401 in West End

We crossed the road and we spotted the X41 coming down the hill so we trotted down to the stop whilst flagging the bus down. It turned out to be required Transdev Lancashire United 405. We got on the bus and flashed our day tickets before going upstairs. The bus was empty behind us so Matthew got a picture inside empty Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 405

The bus went down the A679 and the into town along Blackburn Road and under the railway bridge. We passed the end of Peel Street and then went around town so the the bus could face the other way and get onto (Stand O). When the bus stopped we got off and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Transdev Lancashire United 405 in Accrington bus station

We decided to have a quick break before doing the last couple of buses. We headed to the newsagents on Peel Street to get some food. On the way we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 402 heading North on the X41.

Transdev Lancashire United 402 in Accrington bus station

We went to the papershop where Matthew purchased a can of Coke and Irn Bru, as well as a few chocolate bars. He also spotted an iced cake which we brought too. Matthew ate the cake and drank the Irn Bru. Whilst he ate we saw Required Pilkington Bus double decker X591 USC on a #20 service, another bus we can perhaps do on a future trip. After eating we headed up to the toilets. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1088 on a #7 Blackburn circular.

Transdev Lancashire United 1088 in Accrington bus station

Matthew wen to the toilet and by the time he had finished the bus had gone. We went to the other end of Peel Street as we could see a #6 Blackburn circular. It was required Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Transdev Lancashire United 1831 in Accrington bus station

We decided to do this bus. Matthew wanted to do it to Blackburn, but it was getting dark and it was raining so We got on the bus and we booked to Knuzden before sitting down near the back. The bus was quite full as it was getting to the busy time of the evening. The bus set off up the Blackburn Road, but unlike the #46 of X41 the bus goes through Oswaldtwistle. The bus went through Oswaldtwistle we seem to take twicw as long as when the bus goes straight up the A679. We eventually joined the A679 in the West End and then bus headed under the M65. The bus had emptied a little and Matthew took a picture of the view forwards Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1831

We saw there were shelters on both sides of the road on the other side of the M65, so we decided to get off there. We got of the bus and watched 1831 disappear into the distance. We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. According to the Firstbus App (which is useful anywhere with all bus companies) there was a #7 around 15:57 and a X41 at 16:05. We saw a bus approaching in the distance and it turned. This must have been a #7A service. Around 15:57 the bus came up the hill and we saw that it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1828. We got and sat down near the back. This bus was even fuller than the last one as it was coming out of the busier town of Blackburn. We headed along the A679 before turning right and running through Oswaldtwistle. We joined back on the A679 further up and then we went onto to Blackburn Road. Th e bus emptied a little as we approached Accrington but it did not empty completely as it is a circular service. Matthew got a picture of a few seats in the bus just before we got off.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1828

We got in Peel Street and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1828.

Transdev Lancashire United 1828 in Accrington bus station

We saw an unidentified Rossendale bus on the #464 to Rochdale as we walked back towards the car. Matthew decided to visit The Commercial Hotel pub to go to the toilet and say hello to a few people. We walked back to the car which mum had moved across the road where we had sausage rolls waiting for us. We drove out of town along the A679 Burnley Road. We stopped briefly to get some Irn Bru out of the boot for Matthew before carrying on up to the A56. The rain was now lashing down and it was quite windy too. We them headed South towards the M66. We accidentally turn onto the A680 towards Haslingden and we turned around and got back onto the A56. We headed South onto the M66 and then onto the anti-clockwise M60. Stoke were playing in the late kickoff of the day and we were able to listen to the first half of the commentary as we headed home. We Headed West on the M62 and then onto the Southbound M6. We headed South passing the A556 and then down onto the A500. The rain had eased a little as we headed South and the weather much better in Staffordshire. We headed down the the A50 which we did to Longton. At Z Carz tonight there were only 3 buses parked up and they were all poorly positioned for getting photographs. At the very back of the land were Mercedes minibus S952 VMY and LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz S952 VMY & M420 UEH in Longton

At the front was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN parked behind 2 cars! We turned into Willow Row and LDV minibus T408 JUX was still parked at the back of the yard SORN. We headed back onto the A50 to Heron Cross and back through Blurton. We went onto the A5035 where we passed First Potteries 40028 on a #23A to Newstead. We arrived home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a toffee cheesecake. Matthew Chilled out on his computer before going to bed around 00:45...Mark