Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 22-11-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
265	Accrington, Bus Station (Stand H)	Blackburn temporary BS	6	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Blackburn temporary BS	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), opp Woodlands Avenue	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), adj Woodlands Avenue	Blackburn temporary BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
N349 AVV	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	D12	Darwen Coach Services
N349 AVV	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	Blackburn temporary BS	D12	Darwen Coach Services
1096	Blackburn temporary BS	Moorgate (Blackburn), by Baden Terrace	24	Transdev Lancashire United
1303	Hollin Bank (Blackburn), adj Hollin Bridge St	Blackburn temporary BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. The weather had been forecast for mild dry weather throughout the North. We gave Matthew a list of place to go to, and out of the places list he chose Accrington. We did no further research for this trip other than to re-check the weather. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just a little before 12:00 heading onto the A5035 before turning into Stanley Matthews Way. We went West on the A50 and then North on the A500. Once on the A500 we carried on North up to the M6. On the M6 the traffic was surprising light for the time of year. We made good time up to the M56 and over Thelwall viaduct. As we approached the M62 we caught up with classic AEC single decker Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548.

Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548 on the M6

We went East on the M62, and then we joined the clockwise M60. We came off the M60 at Prestwich so that we could fill up with diesel at Tesco. We then returned onto the Clockwise M60 before turning onto the Northbound M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 became the A56 and we carried on past Haslingden before doing the last few miles into Accrington along the A680. We turned into the car park off Abbey Street but it was full, so we headed back onto Abbey Street and we saw a space on the street. We also spotted a chip shop cafe where we could have dinner. As we got out of the car to go eat, we saw required Rossendale Easyride 203 on the #484 to Bury.

Rossendale Easyride 203 in Accrington

We then saw South Ribble minibus RV05 PVZ parked in the street opposite.

South Ribble RV05 PVZ in Accrington

We went into the cafe and Matthew went upstairs to use the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went to the front of the chip shop to pay. Matthew added a small bottle of Coke to the bill and then we said goodbye to mum. We walked towards Peel Street along Infant Street. We saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 on the #9 to Burnley.

'Starship' 715 in Accrington

There were a couple of Darts on Bridge Street so we decided to check them out. At the other end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ, which quickly departed. At the near end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus P729 RYL.

Pilkington Bus P729 RYL in Bridge Street Accrington

Whilst we were in Bridge Street we saw dud M&M Coaches N129 YRM arrive to work one of the local service.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Bridge Street Accrington

We then walked down to Peel Street. We then saw M&M Coaches L310 YDU on the #46 to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Accrington bus station

We decided to wait and see what turned up on the next #6 to Blackburn. We didn't have to wait long before required Transdev Optare Versa 265 appeared to work the next #6.

Lancashire United 265 in Accrington bus station

We decided we were going to do Transdev buses today so we got on the bus and booked a Blackburn day ticket at £4.20. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus filled up. We set off out of town along Blackburn Road and then we nturned onto the A679. We turned again to head through Oswaldtwistle and then we went onto Thwaites Road before rejoining the A679. We crossed under the M65 and into Knuzden before heading down into Intack. We continued onto the A678 and then we headed over the canal and railway line before going onto Barbara Castle Way and then onto Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 265.

Inside Lancashire United 265

We got off the bus and we contemplated what to do next. We had followed dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758 into the bus station on the X41. On the #152 to Preston was required Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We decided to do this bus, but we had never been in this direction on the #152 before. We got on the bus and flashed the Blackburn day ticket. I asked the driver how far I could travel and the driver told me a pub in Feniscowles. We went upstairs ans sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the college. As there were empty seats opposite to us, Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Inside Lancashire United 2760

We carried on out of town along the A674. We found a timetable and we saw that the buses were meant to pass just East of Feniscowles, however we were running late. We passed the bus going towards Blackburn earlier than expect. Basesd on the timetable time and how long we had travelled, we guessed when it was time get off the bus. We got off the bus around a mile or so too soon. Once we were off the bus Matthew got another picture of this bus.

Lancashire United 2760 in Cherry Tree

We crossed the road to the stop opposite. We had around 20 minutes to wait for the next #152, but there was a #118 due at 15:14 in a few minutes time. The bus stop timetable said it was a Holmeswood bus, but as it approached we saw it was Tyrers Solo SR YJ13 HJZ.

Tyrers YJ13 HJZ in Cherry Tree

We now had just over 15 minutes to wait for the bus. Matthew had a Rice Crispies Squares bar and the small bottle of pop that we had picked up earlier. The time seemed to pass quickly and before long we saw buses in both directions on the #152. We turned to concentrate on our own bus, which turned out to be dud Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Cherry Tree

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before we went upstairs to sit down. The bus carried on into town along the A674 going past the college and into the centre of town. We passed he railway station and then stopped at the temporary lights in front of the Morrisons West entrance. Matthew used the opportunity to photograph the empty bus in front of us.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

The bus carried on into Penny Street passed the new bus station that is being constructed and into the current temporary bus station. We had a quick look around to see what we could photograph or catch. On a #23 to the hospital was Transdev Lancashire United 270.

Lancashire United 270 in Blackburn bus station

We had a look around and we were considering catching Transdev Lancashire United 1306 which was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

As we waited in the queue we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1876 on a #1 to Darwen Circus. As we considered catching this bus, we saw required Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV arrive on the other side of the bus station.

Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV in Blackburn bus station

The bus was on a D12 service to Higher Croft. We asked the driver how long it would take to go out and back and he told us it just over 20 minutes. We decided to do this bus and we asked for return tickets. We sat down and the bus set off out of town towards Rockcliffe Street and onto park Lee Road. We headed up to Higher croft and around the estate with the names of Lancashire coastal towns. We went along Lytham Road and Morecambe Road and we could see the bright lights of Ewood Park in the distance. A gentleman on the bus said that Blackburn were currently losing 1-0 to Leeds United. We headed back into town past the old infirmary, before we joined the A666 for the run into town. We passed through the town centre before going into Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV.

Inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV

On the way into the bus station we had seen a few interesting buses parked up. We decided to walk onto Penny Street to take pictures of the buses on layover. First in the row was Holmeswood Iveco minibus PO56 PCU.

Holmeswood PO56 PCU in Blackburn

Behind this was former Keighley allocated bus, Transdev Lancashire United 1044.

Lancashire United 1044 in Blackburn bus station

We then walked back to the bus station to see what we could catch next. I though we may do the double decker on the X41 towards Accrington, but Matthew had other ideas... We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1096 on a #24 to Chorley.

Lancashire United 1096 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. As the back seats were empty Matthew decided to take a picture.

Inside Lancashire United 1096

The bus set off through town and the we crossed over the green suspension bus over the railway line. We joined the A666and we headed down towards Ewood park. The plan was to get off before we got to Ewood Park as it was getting close to full time. It was dark and we ended up right by the stadium at the point where the bus turned towards Feniscowles. We got off the bus and started to walk back towards the A666. As we walked back to the road we spotted a gate area of spare ground where buses involved in transporting football fans were parked up. There were minibuses, coaches and double deckers all in this small enclosure. It was dark and the area was unlit. Matthew still attempted to get some kind of picture. First double decker in the row was Transdev Lancashire United 964.

Lancashire United 964 in Ewood

Behind 964 was Transdev Lancashire United Leyland Olympian 2173 in a retro lined blue and cream livery.

Lancashire United 2173 in Ewood

In front of the 3rd double decker was Rigby's minicoach ONZ 1173.

Rigby's ONZ 1173 in Ewood

Last in the row of double deckers behind the Rigby's minicoach was lime green liveried Lancashire United 984.

Lancashire United 984 in Ewood

We carried on towards the main road and mum called us on the phone. We told her it might take us a while to get to Accrington, so she said she would drive to Blackburn to meet us. We crossed over the canal bridge and we waited at the stop. We were the first people at the stop but people were now leaving the ground. By the time we saw a bus approaching there were a couple of dozen people waiting with us. As the bus got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United Optare Tempo 1303.

Lancashire United 1303 in Ewood

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus filled up before we pulled off. It was a little rowdy, but everyone was high spirits as Blackburn had made a comeback and had one 2-1. The bus went up the A666 and then into town. We stopped short of the boulevard and Leeds fans who wanted the railway station were told that this was there best stop by some of the locals. We carried on past the boulevard and into Penny Street and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1303.

Inside Lancashire United 1303

We started to walk towards Morrisons were we had arranged to meet up with mum. On the way we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1874 on layover.

Lancashire United 1874 in Blackburn

Also on layover was Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU.

Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU in Blackburn

We walkd the short distance to Morrisons and mum called to say that she had just arrived at the Car Park and got there unaided without the use of the GPS, which is quite a feat for a town as complex as Blackburn! We met at the toilet where Matthew used the facilities. Matthew stopped tosay hello to a member of staff in the Select store adjacent to the main part of the supermarket, and then we climbed the stairs to the car park. Mum had already purchase Greggs sausage rolls and there was also a Small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off up to the main road and we went East towards Accrington. Instead of going along Blackburn and into Accrington we went towards Church. At the junction with the A6185 we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2173 turn away from the M65 towards Clayton-le-Moors. We turned right to head towards town and then we went around the town centre of Accrington and onto the A680 WE carried on South-East for around 3 mile before we joined the South bound A56. The A56 became the M66 and we carried on down to the M60. We went anti-clockwise along the M60 and near to the M61 we saw an unidentified Arriva Hybrid doubled decker heading towards Bolton. We joined the Westbound M62 and then we went onto the Southbound M6. The roads were clear and we made quite good time. We joined the Southbound A500 which we did down to the A50. we went East for a couple of miles until we got to Longton. We came off the A50 to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus parked on the spare ground tonight. The was Mercedes minibus Z Carz W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and the compound was full, with Z Carz BN03 OVS being close to the gate. We went back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. As we headed towards Blurton we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. In Beaconsfield Drive we passed First Potteries 42892 on the last #22 towards Longton of the day. we got home a little after 19:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Lichfield / Burton on Trent 30-08-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
81	Lichfield BS	Burton upon Trent, Adj High Street	X12	Midland Classic
2986	Burton upon Trent, Adj Octagon Centre	Barton Under Needwood, Adj St James's Church	7A	Arriva Midlands
2958	Barton Under Needwood, Opp No 17	Lichfield BS	7	Arriva Midlands
3005	Lichfield BS	Coton (Tamworth), opp Footpath Oxbridge Way	X65	Arriva Midlands
3812	Coton (Tamworth), Opp 1 Buckingham Road	Lichfield BS	765	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. We did not chosse where we were going once again until Saturday morning as the weather was very changeable. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we drove through Blurton onto Blurton Road. We dropped something of with a friend before continueing towards Heron Cross. We saw Lightning travel T2 DLT here. We turned left when we got to the A50 and then left again onto the A500. At Hanford we turned Left again as we joined the Southbound A34. At the Darlaston Inn we saw Holmes Coaches YN09 AOJ. We carried on South past the edge of Stone and then we went South East down the A51. In colwich we saw Bova coach N501 MWW going the other way. When we got to Rugeley we turned of to vivst a chip shop off Green Lane. Matthew had Chips sausage and gravy wash down with a can of Coke. We also visited the local shop and he had a few chocolate bars for later. As we left the car park we saw Arriva Midlands 3736 on a #26 service. We rejoined the South east bound A51 and we carried on towards Lichfield. We we got to town we parked up in the car park behind the bus station. We said goodbye to mum and we started taking pictures. The first thing we saw was Arriva Midlands 2277 on a #15 to Boney Hay.

Arriva Midlands 2277 in Lichfield bus station

Also in the bus station was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Lichfield bus station

We went over to the toilets and when Matthew had finished using them we walked back towards the bus station where Arriva Midlands 2125 was on a #35 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2125 in Lichfield bus station

Mattthew had indicated that he wanted to travel towards Burton upon Trent. so we looked at which the next service was. There wasn't a #7 until well after 14:00, so we thought about catch in a X12 service. Going in the opposite direction towards Sutton Coldfield was Midland Classic 83.

Midland Classic 83 in Lichfield bus station

Whilst e waited for the Burton bound X12, we saw Arriva Midlands 3766 arrive from Cannock, about to form the #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3766 in Lichfield bus station

A few minutes later Midland Classic 81 arrived from Sutton Coldfield on the Burton bound X12 service.

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and booked singles to Burton. We were hoping to com back on an Arriva bus. We sat down near the bac of this well used service. The bus set off out of the bus station and turned left onto the A5127. We passed a hospital on the left and then we crossed over the West coast main line near to Lichfield Trent Valley railway station. Continuing North on the A5127 we joined onto the Northbound A38. Here we then had a spirited run up to Branston along the A38 as you would expect of an 'X' service. The booked time of the 13 mile journey was 23 minutes! We came off the A38 at the A512 and then we turned right onto Main Street. At the edge of town we circled around to the left so that we could travel up New Street where the bus terminted. We allowed the bus to empty and then Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside Midland Classic 81

Before we walked into town got another picture of Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Burton upon Trent

Matthew indicated that he wanted to use the toilet, so we set off on a walk to find one. We walked onto Union Street and we saw a bus approaching. It was required Trent Barton 624 on a Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 624 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we could see an X38 Burton Derby service approaching. It was required Trent Barton Optare Tempo 308.

Trent Barton 308 in Burton upon Trent

We walked across a car park and into a pedestrianised area of town. We asked a council work where the public toilet were and he directed us towards the market hall. The toilet were housed in a small victorian building next to the Victorian Market hall. Once we had used the toilet we headed back into town. On the first bus stop we encountered we saw required Arriva Midlands 3715 on a #2 service.

Arriva Midlands 3715 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Arriva Midlands double decker 4217 on a #8 service.

Arriva Midlands 4217 in Burton upon Trent

Further down New Street we saw required Trent Barton 617 on another Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 617 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Midland Classic Enviro 350H bus 203 on the #21 service.

Midland Classic 203 in Burton upon Trent

Outside the Cooper Square shopping centre we saw required Arriva Midlands Versa 2986 on the #7A to Barton upon Needham

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Burton upon Trent

As this was heading part way towards Lichfield we decided to do this bus. We got on and booked Arriva Midlands Daysavers at £6.20. As the back of the bus was empty, before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2986

The bus set off out of town down the A5018 and then we turned right into Clay Lane. We passed a Morrisons store on a retail park before joining the Southbound A38. We had a fast run down to to the B5016 where we came off and went under the A38 towards Barton. When we got into the village we got up and got off. Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2986.

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Barton Under Needwood

I realised I had left my camera on the bus so I jumped back on and spoke to the driver. I retrieved my camera before the bus pulled off into the distance... phew! We looked at the stop and realised that the next #7 to Lichfield didn't go from either the stop that we got off or the stop opposite. Not to worry, we had 30 minutes or so to find the right stop. We walked along the road to the next corner and we spotted a pair of stops on Wales Lane. We found a stop where the next #7 to Lichfield departed, and as we had time walked back to the toilets on Crowberry Lane. Afterwards we visited the Co-op food store on the corner of Crowberry Lane and Main Street where Matthew brought a can of Coke and some Bakewell Slices and a single chocolate bar. Afterward we sat on the corner of Wales Lane and Matthew ate 2 Bakewell Slices and washed then down with a small bottle of orange juice out of the trip bag supplies. A few minutes before the bus was due we left the bench to go and stand at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw another Versa approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 2958.

Arriva Midlands 2958 in Barton Under Needwood

We got on the bus and flashed the Daysaver Tickets. We sat down on the right just before the hump and the bus set off along the A5016 to Yoxall. We turned left onto the A513 and headed Southwards. At kings Bromley we turned left onto the A513 and we headed towards the A38. Running parallel to the A38 we turned back North before heading into Alrewas and Somewhere near we saw Viking Y159 EAY and Edwards Coaches BN63 NYW. We went through Fradley. We went into a modern housing estate and past a lerge industrial estate before rejoining the A38 for a short run down to the edge of Lichfield. We headed into town along the A5127 and into the bus station. When we got to Lichfield we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside the now empty Arriva Midlands 2958.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2958

It was now gone 16:00 and we had only been on three buses, albeit over quite a long distance. We needed to catch something quick if we were going to get another coupe of buses in before we went home. We didn't fancy doing any of the Cannock based Wright Pulsar's on either the #60 or the #825 and the #35 had finished for today. There is quite a frequent service between Lichfield and Tamworth so we decided to head in that direction. It wasn't long before required Arriva Midlands 3005 came into the bus station to work the next X65 service.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and sat own near to the back. For some reason Matthew forgot to take a picture inside this one. The bus set off out of town South down the A51 towards Birmingham. As the road turned East towards Tamworth the bus followed it. We passed a Scania on either a #765 or a #785 and a few minutes later we passed an X65. We thought there wouldn't be another bus coming the other way for a while so we thought we could get off near Coton and perhaps make one back. We crossed over the Tame and the Coventry Canal, but before we got to the roundabout we passed Arriva Midlands Scania 3802 on another #765 or 785. As we go to the roundabout we saw an Arriva Midlands Mercedes Citaro on a #31 to Coton Green. We carried on a few more stops towards Tamworth and we decided to get off. As the bus carried on we got another picture of Arriva Midlands 3005.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Coton

We used the phone and check for the next bus using nextbuses.mobi ... There was a X65 in just over ten minutes. This was followed by a Central Bus X55 to Lichfield and then a #765. Just after the #765 was a #3A to Coton Green. We decided that the X65 was going to be 3005 coming back and we were going to let that got so we could get in another new buses all being well. Matthew had a Millky Way and then we decided to cross over the road to photograph the the buses on the other side of the road before the #765 was due. As predicted Arriva Midlands 3005 came back first on the X65 to Licfield, followed by Central Bus YX63 ZXK on the X55. We crossed back over as the #765 was due next. Going towards Tamworth we saw required Arriva Midlands Volvo B6 2619 on the #3. We saw an Arriva Midlands Merceds approaching in the distance and assuming it would be the #765 we stuck our hands out. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3016 on a #3A service so we waved to the driver to let him know we didn't want this bus.

Arriva Midlands 3016 in Coton

A short distance behind the #3A was an Arriva Midlands Scania on the #765. It was required Arriva Midlands 3812.

Arriva Midlands 3812 in Coton

We flashed our tickets and sat down at the back of the bus. A quick check of the football results revealed that Stoke had a shock win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium! We headed back down the A51 before turning right at the barracks. We passed through the village of Whittington before heading back onto the A51 just east of Lichfield. We followed the road back into the town centre before turning right into Birmingham Road and then into the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3812.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3812

As we got off the bus it had just started to rain. We went to use the toilet bus they had been locked up for the night. We returned to the car so we headed out of town along the A51. Matthew ate a sausage roll and washed it down with a bottle of Irn Bru. After a slight unplanned diversion onto the A461 (OK so I took a wrong turn...), we headed back onto the Northbound A51. We passed North through Rugeley and Colwich and we joined onto the A34 South of Stone. We stopped at the Shell garage on The Fillybrooks to fill back, and then we continued North. Just North of the Darlaston Inn we passed 3 Leons coaches going South, presumably empty after bring fan back from Manchester City. At Trentham we turned right onto the A5035 and we did this up to Longton to see what was at Z Carz. There were a few vehicles parked up on the spare ground tonight. First was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Next was the former Alton Towers transport coach, Z Carz M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to this was another Mercedes minibus, Z Carz S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then there was another Mercedes minibus, former Phil Smiths Travel M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next was a Ford minibus which I can't recall seeing before, BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a couple of minibus here in the compound. THere was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX and from the taxi fleet YE52 UZX Parked on the road was Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel T2 DLT again before heading through Blurton. We got home at approximately 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a couple more Bakewell Slices. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark