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 Burnley / Nelson 04-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41316	Burnley BS	Brunshaw, by Bronte Avenue	517	First West Yorkshire
254	Brunshaw, by Bronte Avenue	Worsthorne, o/s Church Square	2	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
254	Worsthorne, o/s Church Square	Burnley BS	2	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1043	Burnley BS	Whitegate, by Cowley Crescent	23	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1855	Whitegate, by Whitegate	Burnley BS	23	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
2768	Burnley BS	Nelson Interchange	X43	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
1863	Nelson Interchange	Burnley BS	25	Transdev Burnley & Pendle

Today we decided to visit Burnley. We had only passed through Burnley once before back in November last year. Research for the trip consisted of looking at the Transdev fares and timetables. We also looked at the #517 to Halifax although I thought it would be unlikely we would be there at the right time. The weather was predicted for a fine afternoon although the morning weather was fairly gloomy. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Today we set off around 11:30 going onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. As we passed the Britannia Stadium we saw Atlantic Travel XIB 1494 arriving with Stewards for the Stoke City - Leicester City FA Cup tie. We headed on to the A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. At Shelton we diverted off the A500 and to get some LPG before carrying on North. We got on the Northbound M6 and then onto the Eastbound M62. We headed clockwise around the M60 and then onto the M66. We did the M66 into Rawtenstall and then dropped into Burnley on the A682. We parked on a car park on the opposite side of Red Lion Street to the bus station and then walked across. After visiting the toilets, we ate at the cafe in the bus station where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. It was around 13:45 when we finished eating so we decided to have a walk around the bus station and take a few bus pictures. We walked past the taxi's outside the bus station and onto the A682. On the top stand was Transdev Burnley & Pendle 266 on the #2 to Worsthorne.

'Starship' 266 in Burnley bus station

Leaving the bus station on the #483 to Bury was Rossendale Transport 218.

'Rosso' 218 in Burnley bus station

First West Yorkshire 32520 had just arrived on the #592 from Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 32520 in Burnley bus station

We then saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 709 on the #1 to Pike Hill.

'Starship' 709 in Burnley bus station

We headed back around the bus station as we had just seen a X43 to Nelson arrive. It was required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2778.

'Witch Way' 2778 in Burnley bus station

It was 14:00 and we were considering doing 2778 when the #517 to Halifax arrived and it was required First West Yorkshire 41316.

First West Yorkshire 41316 in Burnley bus station

We got on the bus and booked to Pike Hill as I knew I could get a Transdev service back from here. We sat down near the back of the bus and the bus set off through town. We had missed getting 41316 back in September when we had seen it pass us on the #517 as we headed out of Halifax. We headed out of town and we passed Turf Moor. There was a large picture of 'Stokie' Martin Patterson on the cladding outside the stadium who also played for Burnley for a few seasons. We carried on east and we passed dud First West Yorkshire 41281 on the inbound #589 from Rochdale. The bus emptied out a little as we headed out of town and Matthew got a picture inside 41316 facing forwards.

Inside First West Yorkshire 41316

The bus went up a very steep hill and we assumed that we had reached Pike Hill. We also saw a Starship Versa turn a corner ahead of us, so we decided that this would be the place to get off. We got to the top of the hill and Matthew got another picture of the fine Marshall Dart 41316.

First West Yorkshire 41316 in Brunshaw

We got off and we crossed the road. Checking the timetable their wasn't a bus due for nearly another thirty minutes! The #2 from this stop was due at 14:41. We crossed back over and the #2 from the opposite side was due at 14:31. There was also the #589 due at 14:28. We had a bit of a walk around to pass some od the time and we thought about getting a picture of 41281 as it climbed up the hill. We could wait on the corner and trot to the bus stop just in case the #2 came first. The #2 did come first so we made our way to the stop. It was required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 254. We booked our silver day tickets and we headed into Worsthorne. We came straight back on the bus and we headed back passed Bronte Avenue on what would have been the 14:41. When we got off Matthew got a picture of 'Starship' 254 through the glass of the bus station.

'Starship' 254 in Burnley bus station

We wanted to keep moving so we had a look around at what we could do. We let required Lancashire United 1100 on the #152 to Preston. We saw required Burnley & Pendle 'Mainline' 1043 on the #23 to Accrington so we decided to do this service part way.

'Mainline' 1043 in Burnley bus station

When the bus was ready for service we got on and sat down near the back. There were some empty seats at the back at this point so mathew got his picture there.

Inside 'Mainline' 1043

The bus filled up a little more before departure and then it picked up some more passengers at it went through the town centre. We crossed the M65 and headed up towards Padiham. When we had travelled another mile or so we decided to get off. We got off and we got pictures of 'Mainline' 1043 as it headed Westward.

'Mainline' 1043 in Whitegate

We crossed the road and we waited for the next bus into town. We were approached by a coupe of Jehovahs Witnesses who tried to convert us! It is usually Matthew who approaches stranger to say hello. Before we could be converted, we saw a bus approaching and we got on it. It was required 'Mainline' 1855.

'Mainline' 1855 in Whitegate

The bus was quite well filled and we got on and sat near the back. Matthew didn't get a picture inside the bus as it then became the #25 to Keighley! We got of and it was around 15:30. There was a X43 at 15:37 so we decided to do this to Nelson so we could see a new place.Matthew visited the toilet and said hello to a few people before we got a picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 'Witch Way' bus 2768.

'Witch Way' 2768 in Burnley bus station

We got on and and went upstairs. The bus set off bang on time and we headed out of town and along the A682. On the edge of town we passed Transdev Burnley and Pendle decker 2750, which is now in Mainline colours. We passed through Reedley and Brierfield and the sun came out just before it was about to go dark. We passed a war memorial and a quite impressive mosque just off the main road as we headed into Nelson. I had looked on the timetable and the journey time was 15 minutes. We had also noticed that it was an interchange so we knew we would turn towards the railway line to the South of us. We waited for the bus to empty behind us, so he got a picture inside 'Witch Way' 2768.

Inside 'Witch Way' 2768

We got off the bus and we decided to have a walk around the bus station. Matthew visited the toilet and then we walked around the outside of the bus station As we were there, we saw our first Pennine bus. It was Dennis Dart KX51 UDE otherwise know as D5

Pennine D5 in Nelson interchange

We carried on around the bus station an we saw Tyrer YJ05 WCE in the Nelson sunset,

Tyrer YJ05 WCE in Nelson interchange

back in the bus station we visited the shop where Matthew purchased Munchman flapjacks, chocolate and a can of Coke. We let one Mainline bus go as he was still eating his flapjack when it arrived. The next one was only eight minutes later and it was required 'mainline' 1863.

'Mainline' 1863 in Nelson interchange (Mark)

We got on and sat down near the back. The bus set off back towards Burnley. It was now getting dark. The monument was lit up with light that change colours. We paused outside it for a minute or so and we saw the lights slowly changing. We also noticed Santa's Pizza and some interesting looking cake shops! We called mum to tell her we were on our way and when we got to the bus station Matthew let the bus empty before getting a picture inside.

Inside 'Mainline' 1863

We then walked out of the bus station towards the car park. On Red Lion Street was 'Starship' 262 stabled between duties.

'Starship' 262 outside Burnley bus station

We got back to the car where sausage rolls and pop were waiting for us. We set off back onto the A682 towards Rawtenstall were we saw Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ. We carried on out of town and then onto the M66. We carried on South onto the anti-clockwise M60 and then onto the Westbound M62. We then went south on the M6 and onto the Southbound A500. At Sideway we headed East on the A50 where we saw Z Carz M420 UEH. We got off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were 5 buses parked up on the spare ground tonight. First it was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Then there was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then there was former Alton Towers coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to the was former Phil Smiths Travel Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Last but not least was Blackwood liveried coach B12 PWS displaying 420 in the window.

Z Carz B12 PWS in Longton

We turned onto Willow Row and we saw SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX in the compound. We headed back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross where We headed through Blurton on Blurton Road and we through the estate and got home around 18:30. For a let tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by cheesecake. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:30...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 03-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42894	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 blackcurrant juice, and later he had some sauaseg and tomato paste sandwiches 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 three buses on the #22, Longton bound First Potteries 66851.

First Potteries 66851 in Blurton

This was followed shortly by Wardle Transport 2962 on the Plumline service. Today is the last day of Wardle Transport working the Plumline. From tomorrow it will be operated by D&G of Crewe. A few minutes later our bus appeared from around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 42894.

First Potteries 42894 in Blurton

The bus was fairly quiet today. We got on and the rear of the bus was empty some Matthew took a picture of the empty rear seats.

Inside First Potteries 42894

We sat down near the back. The bus turned onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham and past the Toby Inn. We turned into New Inn Lane and we paused for a short while outside the Man in Space. we passed First Potteries 41494 on the #21A to Hanley and then we headed into Hanford. We passed First Potteries 60061 on a Trentham bound #21 and then we passed 60128 on another one of the #22 truns. We headed along Wilson Road and then down the hill to the A34 down church Lane. At the A34 we saw welafre bus OU11 YCX. We carried on towards Newcastle and crossed the A500 and headed through Trent Vale. 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 42894 going off into the distance.

First Potteries 42894 in Trent Vale

We then walked back onto the A34 and towards the pub. As we walked to the pub we saw JayJay's Travel RX57 POV go past us. We got to the pub around a minute before 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 we headed off to pick up Uncke Dave. We got back on the A34 and headed South. At the roundabout of the A500 we saw First Potteries 41070 Heading towards hanley on the #21A. We headed North on the A500 and then East on the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We headed into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. We headed back to Heron Cross and we passed First Potteries 40173 on the #23A to Hanley. We headed back along Blurton Road and onto the A5035. We got home around 17:30. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and watched buses DVDs before going to be around 00:00...Mark