Trip to Crewe / Nantwich 21-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4156	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
3615	Nantwich BS	Tarporley, opp Community Centre	84	Arriva NW&W
4078	Tarporley, o/s Community Centre	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2609	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4490	Crewe BS	Sandbach, o/s Military Arms PH	38	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Crewe to try and get a ride on step entranced double decker Arriva NW&W 3615. Matthew had been in respite this week and we didn't decide where we were going until Friday night. Very little planning was done for the trip other than to check the weather which was forecast for sunny and dry with rain later. Matthew got up just after 10:00 today and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off at around 12:15 today. We drove onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthew Way. We then got onto the A50 passing an unidentified Aimee's coaches minibus going the other way. We got onto the Northbound A500 which we did up to the A5020. We then drove into Crewe. There was some traffic around the railway station as usual and then we turned into Edlestone Road and drove into the town centre parking in Delamere Street around 13:00. We walked through the bus station towards Les's Fish Bar. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4078 on stand about to work the 13:00 to Chester. We sat down in the chip restaurant and we order our food. Matthew went to the toilet and the food arriweved. He had Chips beans and sausage with 2 round of bread and butter washed down with a cup of Pepsi. After we had finished eating headed back to the bus station were we saw Arriva NW&W 4156 about to work the #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Crewe bus station

We decided to do this bus so we could see what was working the #84 service a bit quicker. Arriva NW&W 4156 was a bus we last did back in February 2013. We got on the bus and booked our Arriva Daysaver tickets. We then went and sat upstairs. The bus set off out of town and along Edleston Road. Part way along we passed the bus we come for, Arriva NW&W 3615 working an inbound #84 service. We turn right onto Nantwich Road and we headed out of Crewe. We then turned left into Willaston before retuning onto the A534 and heading into Nantwich. When we got to Nantwich the bus empties out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4156.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4156

We got off Arriva NW&W 4156 and we saw saw GHA SL13 which was on layover. We took a picture of this and then started to walk out of the bus station.

GHA SL13 in Nantwich bus station

We also took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4156 too.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Nantwich bus station

We knew Arriva NW&W 3615 would be on the next Chester bound service so we decided to wait at Nantwich. Whilst we waited we decided to go and use the toilet in the Market and to pick up some spearmint chew from the still opposite the toilets. We walked back to the bus station and we only had a few minutes to wait. Whilst we waited we saw D&G 124 and GHA Solos SL06 & SL14 arrive before required Arriva NW&W 3615 rounded the corner and entered Nantwich bus station on the #84.

Arriva NW&W 3615 in Nantwich bus station

We got on the bus and went upstairs. As it was the shortest day of the year and we knew we wouldn't have long before it went dark we decided to do the bus to Tarporley before returning back towards Crewe. The bus stormed through the Cheshire countryside along the A51 and then onto the A49. We then turned into Tarporley village. we saw a petrol station with a Spar shop so we decided to get off there.

Arriva NW&W 3615 in Tarporley

After we had taken a picture of Arriva NW&W 3615 we crossed over the road and went to the Spar shop. Matthew brought some chocolate bars as well as some of the cheap bottles of pop and a can of Coke. We walked back to the bus stop and the bus towards Crewe was now due. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 4078 reappeared.

Arriva NW&W 4078 in Tarporley

We got on the bus and went upstairs. We decided to stagger our journey and to do this to Nantwich. 4078 put in a really spirited performance... It seemed to travel quite quickly along the A51 toward Nantwich. We had only been on this bus once before when we did the bus from Littleton to Chester on the #84 back in November. When we got to Nantwich we got off and we got another picture of this fine beast.

Arriva NW&W 4078 in Nantwich bus station

We also got a picture of GHA SL06 which was now on layover in the bus station.

GHA SL06 in Nantwich bus station

We decided to visit the toilet again and when we retuned to the bus station we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4042 on the next #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4042 in Nantwich bus station

Also in the bus station was one of D&G MCV Evolution buses on the #45 to Crewe. It was required D&G 132.

D&G 132 in Nantwich bus station

Behind D&G 132 was Arriva NW&W 2609 on the #84 to Crewe. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus back to Crewe and he said yes.

Arriva NW&W 2609 in Nantwich bus station

We got on and sat down near the back. Consulting the 'Buses I have travelled on' page It turned out the 2609 was required! We now only need 4 Winsford based Centros. We returned back via Willaston and the A534 and then down Edleston Road into Crewe town centre. When we got into the bus station Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2609 too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2609

When we got to Crewe we watched a few buses come in and go out. Arriva NW&W 4078 and now transferred onto the #31 to Northwich, possibly swapping for required Arriva NW&W 2614 which was now on the #84. Matthew decided that he fancied a bit of a walk around town so we headed off into the shopping centre before walking around the town centre and back into the bus station. As we got back into the bus station and we saw required Arriva NW&W 4490 arrive on the #38 from Macclesfield. We decided to do this back out towards Sandbach.

Arriva NW&W 4490 in Crewe bus station

We waited for 5 minutes whilst the driver had a quick break before readying the bus for service at 16:35. We got on the bus and went upstairs. It was empty towards the back so Matthew got a picture inside 4490 too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4490

The plan had been to do this bus to Wheelock and the catch the #38 back with would almost certainly be required 4491. matthew decided that he needed the toilet again, so we decided we go to Sandbach and use the toilet there. This would mean that we would just miss the #38 and would have to wait 30 minutes for the next bus back Crewe. I phoned mum to tell her our plans and she said she would come up to us and pick us up from Sandbach. We arrived in Sandbach and as predicted we just missed Arriva NW&W 4491 on the #38 to Crewe. We went to use the toilet and then we went to the chip shop and we shared a portion of chips between me, Matthew and uncle Dave. Matthew had a whole jumbo sausage too. This was washed down with a can of Fanta. Whilst we ate we saw Arriva NW&W 2503 on the #37 to Northwich. We also saw D&G 164 on #78 to Nantwich.

D&G 164 in Sandbach

Just after we had finished eating it started to rain, and rain hard. The main stop was filling up with passengers waiting for the next Crewe service so we retreated to the stop for the Macclesfield bus. Mum eventually turned up after around 30 minutes. She had gotten a little lost following the GPS! We walked over to the car and got in. We then saw dud Arriva NW&W 4099 on the #37 to Crewe. We set off home via the A534 which we did East to the M6. We went down the motorway one junction to the A500 and then we headed to Longton on the A50 to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were a few vehicles parked up here this week. At the front of the row was coach M534 RSO which appeared to be having some work done.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

As can be seen there are a few boy panels missing from nearside of the coach.Next to this was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next to this was OV05 WSW which was parked in the shadow of the coach. Besides this was Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

Behind a few parked cars was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN. In the Willow Row compound was airport transfer minibus DL03 HHU and SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We headed home via Blurton Road and the A5035, passing First Potteries 40029 on the #23. We got back home at 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...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

Trip to Middleton / Oldham 07-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
16949	Middleton BS‎‎	Moston, before Moston Lane/Leighton Street	112	Stagecoach Manchester
516	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Middleton BS	112	JPT
69420	Middleton BS	Oldham BS	58	First Manchester
40364	Oldham BS	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop D)‎	415	First Manchester
171	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop D)	Moston, o/s Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	112	JPT
154	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery‎	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)‎‎	112	JPT
27599	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)‎‎	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to return to Middleton. We only decided to go the night before and the only research we did was to check which First Darts are still operating from Oldham depot on the Dennis Dart Forum and of course to check the weather, which was for cloudy and cool. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we headed onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We carried on to the Westbound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500 which we did up to Shelton New Road. we picked up LPG and then we headed West on the A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. When we reached the M6we hit traffic. We passed Hollinshead Coaches RIL 1017 going South presumably heading to today's Stoke match. As headed North the matrix displays were warning of 3 different traffic problems. The A556 North was busy, the M62 East was busy as was he M6 North of Warrington. I made an executive decision to go onto the M56 Eastbound. We did the M6 up to Lymm services and then headed East on the M56. We hit a few odd pockets of traffic on the M60 anti clockwise but it was generally plain sailing up to Junction 19 and onto the A576. We drove the last couple of miles into Middleton and then we parked up near to MacDonalds. We walked through the pedestrian area and matthew visited the toilet in the bookies before we went to the pavement cafe adjacent to the bus station. Matthew had a bacon barm and some fries washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw dud First Manchester 40406 on one of the #415 turns. After we had had something to eat we walked to the bus station to see what we could catch. One of the first buses we saw was required JPT Dart 154.

JPT 154 in Middleton bus station

We had another quick walk around and then we spotted required Stagecoach Manchester 16949 on a #80 service.

Stagecoach Manchester 16949 in Middleton bus station

A quick check of the destination board by the stop revealed that the #80 went through Moston, so we got on and booked our System One tickets. Matthew photographed the inside of the downstairs before of this bus before we went upstairs and sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 16949

Upstairs Matthew photographed the upstairs too before the bus set off out of town. The #80 route seems to be more direct than the #112 and we got down to Moston in no time, passing JPT 513 and 512 on #118 services. When we were approaching the Blue Bell we got up and got off the bus. Across the road was required Stagecoach Manchester 22362 on a #112 but new knew we wouldn't get across the road in time to catch it so we got a picture of it instead. After we crossed over the road we saw JPT 182 going in the other direction. We then saw an unfamiliar looking JPT double decker approaching so we decided to flag it down. As it got closer we saw it was required JPT 516 on a #112 to Middleton.

JPT 516 in Moston

We got on the bus and went upstairs. The bus carried on Northwards and headed into town via Greengate and Middleton Junction. We headed along Grimshaw Lane and into town. Just before we reached the town centre we passed dud First Manchester 40369 on an another #415 turn.When we got to Middleton bus station Matthew got a picture inside JPT 516 with it's Arriva past well and truly obvious with its turquoise interior.

Inside JPT 516

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of this bus as it waited it's next #112 turn.

JPT 516 in Middleton bus station

We then had a quick walk around the bus station taking pictures. First we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 22131 on the #80 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 22131 in Middleton bus station

We then saw required first Manchester 41788 on the #415 to Oldham.

First Manchester 41788 in Middleton bus station

We had a quick walk around the shopping centre. We visited Wilkinson where we brought some cans of pop and a large Galaxy Caramel. We then walked back into the bus station. Spotted across the way was required First Manchester 69420 on a #58 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69420 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do this up to Oldham. We got on and sat down near the back. The bus wasn't full but there wasn't anywhere he could photograph inside the bus apart from the adjacent empty seats.

Inside First Manchester 69420

The bus waited for a few minutes, and whilst we waited we saw required First Manchester 40364 on the final #415 turn. We had turned this bus down last time we had seen it back in October. We set off along through Chadderton and then up into Oldham. As we climbed the bank in Oldham bus station we passed required First Manchester 34093 which was running out of service in the opposite direction. When we got to Oldham, Matthew got another picture of First Manchester 69420.

First Manchester 69420 in Oldham bus station

First Manchester 41788 arrived too. The #415 route take longer to get to Oldham than the #58 due to it's indirect route. Matthew had a picnic adjacent to the bus station which consisted of some squares off his Galaxy Caramel and his small bottle of Coke. We then visited the toilet before walking around the other part of the bus station taking pictures. We walked back up to the level end of the bus station and we visited the newsagent where Matthew brought more pop and chocolate bars. We were eying up a #184 towards Manchester, but his was going away from Middleton so we had to turn it down. Required First Manchester 40364 came in and I persuaded him that it would be a good idea to do this bus as he might not get another chance to do it with ADL Darts arriving in Ashton from Devon and Cornwall. We got a picture of this bus before walking around and getting on it.

First Manchester 40364 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. The set off om time at 15:40 and we headed down the bank towards the college. We passed another First Manchester Olympian, required 34091 heading into the bus station running out of service. It was starting to go dark and as we headed through Chadderton we passed broken down First Manchester 40369. We decided to get off the bus and not do it all the way to Middleton over the speedbumps. This also gave us a chnace to get a few extra buses in before we went home. The bus empty a little and I took a picture inside First Manchester 40364.

Inside First Manchester 40364 (Mark)

We turned the corner at Middleton Junction and we got up and got off the bus. We decided to head South towards Moston so we could get at least another 2 buses in before we went home. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw a JPT Excel approaching. We knew it was going to be required as we have never done any of there Excels previously. It turned out to be required JPT 171.

JPT 171 in Middleton Junction

We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. We headed down Greengate and after the bus had dropped a driver off at the Stagecoach depot Matthew got a picture inside the bus facing forwards with its turquoise coloured seats.

Inside JPT 171

We carried on down to Moston, intending to get off at the Bluebell, but we ended up getting off off a stop too soon in the darkness. As JPT 171 headed South Matthew got a better picture of this bus.

JPT 171 in Moston

We crossed the road to wait for a bus and we didn't have to wait long.I was going to leave the approaching bus as I thought it was a First bus heading in the wrong direction. When we saw it was a JPT #112 bus I flagged it down. It turned out to be required JPT 154 which we had seen earlier in the day. We got on and sat down near the back. The bus emptied out behind us and Matthew took a picture of the interesting maroon coloured seats.

Inside JPT 154

As wehad now got a picture inside JPT 154, I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off at the junction and wait for the next 112. He said yes and we bailed at stop C. The bus set off towards the junction and Matthew got another picture of JPT 154.

JPT 154 in Middleton Junction

We only had to wait a few minutes and we saw a Stagecoach bus approaching. It got closer and we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 27599. We got on and sat down near the back. We phoned mum to arrange to meet her at the bus station and then we got caught in the roadworks for a few minutes longer than we expected. We eventually got to the bus station and waited for the bus to empty so Matthew could get a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 27599.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27599

We met up with mum. Matthew took a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27599 before heading off to the toilet.

Stagecoach Manchester 27599 in Middleton bus station

After using the toilet we had another walk around the shopping centre and Matthew had 80p worth of pic 'n' mix from a stall near the door. We walked back to the car where there were sausage rolls and drinks waiting for us. We set off down the A576 and onto the clockwise M60. Radio Stoke came into range and we found out that Stoke had beaten Cheslsea 3-2! We did this around past Stockport and onto the M56. We passed SLK Travel X521 EBU and we saw the matrix signs say that the Southbound A556 was busy. We also passed another unidentified carvers coach We did the M56 to Lymm services and then headed on the the M6 to avoid the A556. On the M6 we overtook a Skills double decker, S451 ATV which was full of people dressed as Santa's and Elves... On the A500 we passed Stanways J70 SWC presumably coming away from the Britannia Stadium. We then headed up to Longton on the A50 so that we could see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were only three vehicles on the spare ground today. The first was scania Coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next to this was Matthews old school transport LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

Last but not least was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN. We turned the corner to see what was in the compound. The only bus there was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We turned the car around and Matthew got another picture of W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We headed back home along the A50 to Heron Cross before entering Blurton Along Blurton Road. T2 DLT was parked up at the Lightning house and we reached home at 18:10. It was my works Xmas do and mum dropped me off in Newcastle. I went along the A5035 and A34. For a late tea Matthew had chicken popcorn from Chunky Chicken as I wasn't around to cook tea. A few late night First Potteries sightings in Newcastle were 37159 on a #25 to Keele, 60068 on the #37 to Meir and 40015 on the #22 to Longton. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00. He stayed up late to make sure I got home safely...Mark