Trip to Rochdale / Royton 06-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60275	Rochdale Interchange	Jericho (Bury), Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (opp Service Station)	468	First Manchester
241	Jericho (Bury), Bury and Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (Church)	Rochdale Interchange	468	Rossendale Easyride
37463	Rochdale Interchange	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	182	First Manchester
30956	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	Royton, High Barn St/Park St (Stop H)	181	First Manchester
37553	Royton, High Barn Street/Park Street (Stop E)	Wrens Nest (Shaw), adj Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	181	First Manchester
37469	Wrens Nest (Shaw), at Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	Rochdale Interchange	182	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. We left the choice until the morning again, the weather had been forecast for Cloudy weather with an occasional shower. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 12:00 we set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We went West on the A50 and then North up the A500. There was a broken down van at Sideway and the police had cone off part off the sliproad for Stoke. We carried on North and we got onto the Northbound M6. We caught up with a couple of Richardson's coaches, the rear one of the convoy was YN57 BWE. The coaches turned of onto the M56 before we caught back up with them. Near to Thelwall viaduct we passed Z Carz W221 CDN going South. We turned onto the Eastbound M62 and then forward onto the M60. As we passed the M61 it started to rain. We saw ABC Supreme VK06 LTV and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776,which was on a X43 to Burnley. We carried onto the M62 and the windscreen wiper jumped out of its holder, so we turned into Birch services to effect a repair. Wiper back on we carried on along the M62 and we came off onto the A627(M). We turned righ onto the A58 and we headed into town passing First Manchester 37298 on a #471 service. We parked up near to the town hall and we walked into town to get something to eat. As we walked alongside the main road we saw Rossndale Easyride Solo 60 on a #448 service.

Rossendale 60 in Rochdale

We spotted a Yates that seemed to have good meal deals, so we went into to inquire about them. Matthew headed downstairs to use their toilet. Mum had been informed that there was going to be at least a 30 minute wait on food, so we walked around the corner to the chicken place. There wasn't a free table here, and it was raining anyway, so we walked back to Yates. Matthew had a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked up to the interchange. As we walked in we saw Yorkshire Tiger Solo 311 on a #528 to Halifax. We walked up to the top of the interchange so that we could get a few pictures. We saw required Rossendale Easyride Volvo B7RLE 216 on a #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 216 in Rochdale Interchange

Parked up between #6 Kirkholt circulars was First Manchester 60240.

First Manchester 60240 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down the other side of the interchange and we saw First Manchester 60275 on a #468 to Tottington.

First Manchester 60275 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the Citaro and he said yes. As we went to catch the bus we saw First Manchester Solo 40331 on layover between duties.

First Manchester 40331 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and booked System One bus tickets at £5.20. The bus was nearly empty, so before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of First Manchester 60275.

Inside First Manchester 60275

A few minutes later the bus set off out off the interchange and across the A58. W headed out of town towards Spotalnds before turning back South towards Jericho and along War Office Road. At the bottom we turned right onto Bury and Rochdale road and we passed the Church in Hooley Bridge where we had done Rossendale Easyride 163 out for 139 back in July 2014. It was still a little damp so we were looking for a stop on the opposite of the road with a shelter. About half a mile down the road we spotted a shelter opposite so we got up to get off the bus. The bus pulled off from the stop and was stopped at some temporary roadworks.

First Manchester 60275 in Jericho

We crossed the road and headed for the stop. We could see a 'Rosso' bus on the other side of the roadworks so we walked quickly to the stop... So much for needing a bus shelter! The bus got closer and we saw it was required 'Rosso' 241.

Rossendale 241 in Jericho

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took his picture inside 'Rosso' 241 there and then.

Inside Rossendale 241

The bus headed of down Bury and Rochdale Road and we turned left onto War Office Road. We went past Spotlands and then into town past Asda and across the A58. When we got back into the interchange we got off and Matthew got another picture of 'Rosso'241.

Rossendale 241 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked up to the toilet and after Matthew had done we had a look around to see what we could catch. Looking around we spotted required First Manchester 37463 on a #182 to Manchester. As we had done a #182 before and we knew where it went, I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. He took a quick picture before we went to get on this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and it was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37463 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37463

We came out of the interchange and we stopped at the tram track to let Metrolink trams 3008 and 3061 go passed on their way to East Didsbury. We followed the tram up Drake Street and then turned onto Milnrow Road. We passed through Newbold and the Kingsway Retail Park and carried on South to Milnrow. We went down the high street under the M62 motorway. Here we reached a more rural part of the route crossing over and back over the Metrolink tramway. Just North of Shaw we stopped at triangular junction with a green in the middle. As we stopped we saw required First Manchester 30956 park opposite on a #181 service. we also saw required 30959 whizz past on a #59 service. Damn! Two good buses that we wouldn't of minded doing go past us in less than 30 seconds. The driver then shuts the engine down on the bus that we were on and says that the bus was going out of service and we would have to get on the bus opposite when it come around. That was well timed. The bus opposite had just terminated and it was about to form a #181 back to Manchester... We would have never have dared got off to catch it by ourselves but now we were being asked to do so. We got of First Manchester 37463 and we took another picture of this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Shaw

A quick check of the timetable revealed First Manchester 30956 was due off in a few minutes. When it was time the bus came around the triangular green and pulled up at the stop.

First Manchester 30956 in Shaw

We got on the bus and flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs and as the bus was empty Matthew took his picture inside First Manchester 30956 immediately.

Inside First Manchester 30956

We sat down and the bus set off down through Shaw along the high street. The #181 take a slightly different route into Royton, and we went along Oldham Road and Blackburn Lane before going onto High Barn Street. Just before we got to Royon we passed another Volvo B7TL on a #181.. This was First Manchester 30963. We rang the bell as we approached Royton, and we got up and got off the bus. As the bus carried on towards Manchester we took another picture of this fine bus.

First Manchester 30956 in Royton

We decided to got and visit the Co-op Food store, so we crossed over the two roads and went into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of cherry Coke to drink now. He also had a six pack of Milky Ways. We paid for the thing and went down Oldham Road to take a few pictures and to look at the timetable at the bus stop. There was a #181 to Shaw in around 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that. Matthew had his Cheryy Coke and a Milky Way and whilst we waited we let First Manchester 33755 go on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33755 in Royton

Just after this we saw First Manchester 30955 going South on #64 service. After Matthew had finished his bus stop picnic We decided to go back to High Barn Street to wait for the #181. As we got to high barn Street we saw a heritage liveried First Manchester bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37451.

First Manchester 37451 in Royton

We crossed over High Barn Street and sat down to wait for the #181. A few minutes later we saw it was a modern double decker... As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37553.

First Manchester 37553 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs, and as the top deck was empty behind the stairs, Matthew took a picture there and then on First Manchester 37553.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off back to Shaw via Blackburm Lane and Oldham Road, and we headed into Shaw up the high street. We went out of the North end of town and then bus terminated at the triangle-shaped green an we got off the bus. The bus moved off and parked on the opposite side of the road in a layover area. Also in this area was Ring & Ride minibus BX58 VCT.

Ring & Ride BX58 VCT in Shaw

We walked over to the other stop where the #58 departs, as well as the #182 towards Rochdale. The first bus due was a #58, we saw that it was a single decker as it went around the green. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 66858.

First Manchester 66858 in Shaw

This is a bus that we had been on between Moorside and Oldham on the #83 back in September 2013. The was a Rochdale bound #182 due a few minutes later, and we were certain that this would be a double decker. We saw it approaching and it was a double decker. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37469.

First Manchester 37469 in Shaw

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets for the last time today. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took a picture there and then.

Inside First Manchester 37469

The bus set off into the sticks and we went through Milnrow and Newbold before popping into Rochdale. We dropped into the interchange and we met up with mum. She was in the shop, and Matthew had another couple of pieces of chocolate here. We decided to have a walk around and take a few pictures before we headed back to the car. First Manchester 66912 was parked up on layover between duties.

First Manchester 66912 in Rochdale Interchange

Rossendale Easyride 208 was about to work the next #468 to Bury.

Rossendale 208 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down to the bottom end of the interchange. Running empty was First Manchester 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

Also on layover was First Manchester 37371.

First Manchester 37371 in Rochdale Interchange

We waled back up to the top and we saw a First Manchester Solo approaching. Closer inspection revealed it was First Manchester 40319.

First Manchester 40319 in Rochdale Interchange

Then a minibus arrived. Branded for 'Kingway Link' was Manchester Community Transport DX09 KWR.

MCT DX09 KWR in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back to the car where Matthew had got a sausage roll waiting for him. This was washed down with a 500ml bottle of Irn Bru. We drove out of the town centre and onto the A58. We turned left onto the A627(M) and then we joined onto the Westbound M62. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and then carried on the West bound M62. Just before we got to the M6 we had a minor electrical issue with the car.We turned onto the Southbound M6 and we came off the M6 at the A57 so we could stop somewhere to sort out the problem. We turned the car off for a few second and the problem was cured. We carried on South on the M6 and we caught up with Ridlers YYD 154 around the junction with the A54.

Ridlers YYD 154 on the M6

We left the M6 at the North end of the A500 and we went south through Stoke-on-Trent. At Sideway we took the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton. We went passed the Z carz depot today see what was there. first in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY, which appears to have had a little accident with the front bumper.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

As we were taking pictures, Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN arrived at the depot.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Also at the depot tonight was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

There were quite a few Ford minibuses at the depot tonight including Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

At the back was Z Carz FP06 WTW. The last of the buses on the front row was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a few minibuses in the yard. These included long term SORN LDV T408 JUX and Y568 XFV, We headed back onto the A50 and through Heron Cross, At the lightning house was T2 DLT. We went through Blurton we tirned right onto Beaconsfield Road and we saw First Potteries Solo 40016 on the last bus up to Longton. We got home just after 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Bucknall / Stafford 17-06-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BV51 ENL	Bentilee	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Stantons of Stoke
S952 VMY	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Radford Bank, Stafford	Charter	Z Carz
S952 VMY	Radford Bank, Stafford	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
BV51 ENL	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Bentilee	Charter	Stantons of Stoke

Today Matthew was in respite. Matthew got up and After he had breakfast the bus came to pick him up for college. It was his current usual bus, Stantons of Stoke BV51 ENL.

Stantons of stoke BV51 ENL in Bentilee

We got on the bus and it set of onto Dividy Road. The bus went to twigs street and then cut onto the A52 before heading down Newhouse Road. We got off and went into college. Today we were going down to a soft play area in Stafford. The bus turned to take us and it was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY. We got on and sat down at the front of the bus. The bus set off towards the A52 and into Stoke. We then went South on the A500 which we did down to A34. Once on the A34 we went South through Trentham and past Stone and into Stafford. We carried on through Stafford town centre and out the other side. just beyond Radford bank Inn we turn onto Weeping Cross for the last couple of miles before we reached the soft play area. Whilst there Matthew went to the toilet and spent time in the soft play area. He also had a sandwich. Just before dinner hey got back onto Z carz S952 VMY for the return journey. The headed back towards Stafford on the A513 and then onto the A34 at Weeping Cross. they passed through Stafford town centre before going North on the A34 up to Hanford. At Hanford they got on the A500 which they did to Stoke. They then headed back to Bucknall along the A52. When we got back we had dinner which was cheese oatcake followed by cake & custard. after afternoon lessons they went out to find Stantons of Stoke BV51 ENL was ready to take them back to respite. We headed back onto the A52 and cut through to Twigg Street and onto Dividy road. When we got back Matthew headed up to his room to get his camera. in the car park was one of Stantons of Stoke's newer vehicles, KN61 EYG.

Stantons of stoke KN61 EYG in Bentilee

for tea Matthew had gammon with egg and chips followed by cake and custard. After tea matthew used his computer and watched telly before having a bath and getting ready for bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 27-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42892	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to catch a bus and travel up to meet mum. Matthew got up around 11:30, just after I got back home from work. He had some toast for breakfast washed down with orange juice, and later he had some chicken goujons and fries for a late dinner. We had planned to catch the 15:50 from Longton to Newcastle #22 bus as far as Trent Vale where we were going to meet up with mum. We set off just before 16:00 and walked all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw one of the other two buses on the #22, Longton bound First Potteries 40015.

First Potteries 40015 in Blurton

This was followed shortly by Wardle Transport 2963 on the Plumline service. A few minutes later our bus appeared from around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 42892.

First Potteries 42892 in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. 42892 was a bus that we only had for the first time last month. The bus turned onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We passed First Potteries 41512 on the #21A to Hanley as it was waiting to start it's journey from outside the Toby Inn. We turned into New Inn Lane and we paused for a short while outside the Man in Space. First Potteries 41512 passed us on it's way to Hanley and then we headed into Hanford. We passed First Potteries 60011 on a Trentham bound #21 as we passed the Wrights Pies shop. We headed along Wilson Road and then down the hill to the A34 down church Lane. At the A34 we saw Robinsons Coaches PO62 LVA going North. We carried on towards Newcastle and crossed the A500. As we headed through Trent Vale we passed First Potteries 40007 on the third and final #22 turn. As the bus was nearly empty in front of us Matthew took a picture facing forwards.

Inside First Potteries 42892

We turned the corner off the A34 and onto Harpfields Road. At this point we decided to get up and get off. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 42892.

First Potteries 42892 in Trent Vale

We then walked back onto the A34 and towards the pub. We went through the door just as mum arrived in the car park. Matthew had his usual meal of two sausage, chips egg and beans with extras of bacon and two rounds of bread and butter. The was followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. After we had finished eating we decided to go home via Z Carz as I had seen some different coaches parked there earlier in the morning. We drove back down the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we got onto the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton and to the Z Carz depot. By the time we go there there were only the usual vehicles parked up. First in the row was Scania Coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Behind D104 XAN was M534 RSO which appear to have had it's nearside panel replaced since we last got close to the bus on Saturday.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Way back in the shadows was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY. Next to this was another Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned left into Wilow row where we saw airport transfers bus DL03 HHU and SORN LDV minbus T408 JUX. We turned the car in the road and headed back to Heron Cross along the A50. We headed into Blurton along Blurton Road and onto the A5035. We got home around 17:30. We then chilled out and watched some Christmas telly and ate snakcks. We also watched bus DVDs and of course wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Bucknall 15-11-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Blurton	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
1450	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

today Matthew was at college. Matthew got up around 07:30. The bus turned up and it was Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Blurton

We got on the bus set off towards Heron Cross and then Longton Hall Road. The bus went around Longton town centre and then up Anchor Road. The bus went via Dividy Road and then into Bucknall. The bus went down Newhouse Lane and to college. After college the bus came to pick Matthew up and it was once again Wardle Transport 1450. The bus went back into Bentilee and along Dividy Road. The bus went towards Longton along Anchor Road and then went around Longton. The bus went into normacott and then onto the A5035 and Turn into Blurton When Matthew got back home we saw Z carz S952 VMY parked at the end of the street. It had broken down earlier in the day and was in the process of being fixed. Matthew got his camera from home and we went to see if he could take a picture. The driver kindly let him on so he could take a picture inside this bus.

Inside Z Carz S952 VMY

We walked back home and matthew had some toast whilst we waited for mum. he got changed out of his pirate costume and then we went out for tea in Trent Vale. We went on the A5035 and then onto the northbound A34 up to Trent Vale. For tea Matthew had 2 sausage, egg chips and beans with a side of bacon and 2 rounds of bread and butter. This was followed by toffee Sponge pudding and ice cream. When we were done matthew called up uncle Dave to tel him we were on our way to pick him up. We set off on the southbound A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We went east on the A50 to Heron Cross and then we went into Fenton. After we had picked uncle Dave up we went though Heron Cross. In Heron Cross we saw minibuses W885 PTS and T2 DLT. We carried on into Blurton and we got home around 18:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:25...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 01-11-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60015	Newstead, adj Crowcrofts Road	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was the last weekday of the college holiday. I had been to work in the morning and I had driven to Fenton along the A5035 and then past Z Carz depot where there were 3 buses visible today. The two coaches M534 RSO & D104 XAN were side by side and Mercedes minibus S952 was behind these. Matthew got up around 10:00 this morning and had some crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. He used his computer and watched his telly for a few hours before having half an omelette for dinner. I viewed the #22 buses and there were 2 required buses out today. First Potteries 60015 was on the #22A turn and was going to be passing through Blurton around 15:15. First Potteries 43875 was going to be working the bus through Blurton around 15:30. The other 2 buses on the #22 were dud First Potteries 40304 and 43876. We decided to go out after required Scania First Potteries 60015. It was a terrible day with regards to weather and it had been raining all day. We set off just after 15:00 and we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 as it had a shelter. On the way there we saw an unusual working. Wardle Transport 2962 was on the Plumline instead of the usual dedicated Plum coloured bus 2963.

Wardle Transport 2962 in Blurton

We walked to the stop to wait for the bus. Wardle Transport 2962 came past us again this time heading towards Hanley. Around 15:20 (a minute or two late) the bus appeared in the distance on Magdalen Road and we could see it was a Scania. As it got closer we saw it was required First Potteries 60015 as expected.

First Potteries 60015 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. We sat down near the back. The bus was maybe 1/3 full but people were spread out in the bus. Matthew took a picture towards the back of the few seats that were empty there.

Inside First Potteries 60015

The bus carried on along the A5035 in Trentham and then onto New Inn Lane. We carried on to Hanford passing First Potteries 41521 on the #21A and First Potteries 60060 on the #21. At the top of church Lane First Potteries 61555 was stopped and it appeared that it had been in a minor collision where someone had run into the back of the bus. We carried on down to Trent vale and onto the A34. Sometimes when a Scania works this service the bus goes straight along the A34 to avoid the tight turns in the hospital. Today however the bus turned into Harpfields Road to head towards the hospital. Had we not been meeting up with mum it would have been nice to do this rare trip of a Scania through the hospital. The bus turned and we got off, Matthew getting another picture as the bus drove away.

First Potteries 60015 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and along towards the pub. Mum texted us to let us know she had beaten us into the pub today and we walked straight in to meet her. Matthew had two sausages, egg, chips and beans with bacon and 2 rounds of bread. He also helped mum with her cheese and sausage toastie! For after he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. When we had finished we went to pick up uncle dave. We headed onto the A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We then went east on the A50 to Heron Cross and down into Fenton. When we picked up uncle Dave we headed back to heron Cross where we saw a few buses. First Potteries 40378 and 40173 were on #23/23A's and we saw JayJays Travel minibus RX57 POV going across the a50 roundabout and on Blurton Road we saw Z Carz T2 DLT. We got back home around 17:15 and Matthew spent the night on his computer, watching bus DVD's and watching telly. He went to bed around 00:00...Mark