Trip to Northwich 30-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2616	Northwich Interchange	Northwich, Iron Bridge (SW-bound)	1	Arriva NW&W
2610	Northwich, Iron Bridge (NE-bound)	Northwich Interchange	1	Arriva NW&W
2515	Northwich Interchange	Wharton, nr Wharton Gardens	31	Arriva NW&W
4040	Wharton, opp Wharton Gardens	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W
3346	Northwich Interchange	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	37	Arriva NW&W
2516	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)‎	Northwich Interchange	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Northwich to try and ride on the last 2 Olympians that we hadn't been on before they are withdrawn from service. We checked the weather the night before and it was for cool cloudy weather around 6'. Matthew got up around 11:00 and he had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:15 and we headed to heron cross passing Lightning travel FD53 UNX on our way. We got onto the A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. When we reached the motorway it was a little slow so we decided to come off at the next junction and drive through Sandbach. This also gave us chance to see some buses on the #37 service as we went. Between Sandbach and Middlewich we passed one of the Ex Runcorn Cadets. It was Arriva NW&W 2516 on a Sandbach Short #37. We stopped at the country Kitchen food van for dinner and whilst we were there I saw a unidentified double decker heading to Crewe on a #37. I did consider waiting for the next northbound bus to come passed but I worked out it was going to be 2516 anyhow. We carried on up the A533 into Northwich and parked up. There were required Centros on the #37 and #29A but Matthew didn't fancy them. We also saw Network Warrington 60 on the #45 service.

Network Warrington 60 in Northwich

Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a look what was about to work. Unusually, there was also a Centro on the #1. It was unrequired Arriva NW&W 2616, but Matthew decided he wanted to do this anyway so he got a picture of 2616 before we boarded to bus.

Arriva NW&W 2616 in Northwich

We booked our Arriva Daysavers and sat down near the back. This is a bus we first had back in January when we had it around Leftwich on the #29A. We did the bus to the iron bridge as we do when we catch the #1 and we got off and got another picture.

Arriva NW&W 2616 by the iron bridge

We crossed the road to wait for the next inbound #1. We only had to wait a couple of minutes and required Arriva 2610 made an appearance. We got on and sat down near the back. The bus was nearly empty and the journey back was swift. When we reached Northwich Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2610

We got off and he also got a picture of the bus of the outside too.

Arriva NW&W 2610 in Northwich

We had a short wait for the next batch of services. We knew 2516 was on it's way up and was going to work an #29A soon. W then saw another ex Runcorn Cadet 2515 on the #31 service so we decided to do this. We also saw GHA YJ04 BVB on a #82 to Chester.

GHA YJ04 BVB in Northwich

After we got a picture of the GHA bus we got a picture of Arriva 2515 and then got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2515 in Northwich

We got on and as the bus was lightly loaded Matthew photographed the inside of the bus too

Inside Arriva NW&W 2515

We sat near the back and we set off at 14:15. The bus seemed really nice for a 55 reg bus. It was better than the 54 reg Cadets and better than the centros too. As we passed by Davenham we saw an as yet unidentified Northern Counties double decker. We thought that there was a 50% chance of being 3346 (forgetting there were 3 of these type) so we knew we had head back to Northwich. We carried on to Wharton Gardens where we knew both the #31 and #37 go along. We got off and then matthew got anothr picture of this fine bus.

Arriva NW&W 2515 near Wharton Gardens

We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. There was a #31 at 14:50 and the was a #37 at 15:01. We had a little picnic at the bus stop. We shared a Galaxy caramel and Matthew had a small bottle of cherryade. As we waited we saw a Pegasus Coaches coach J941 JWP which was on its way to Everton for the football match and it stopped in the distance. After a short while it approached and Matthew got a picture of it.

Pegasus Coaches J941 JWP near Wharton Gardens

14:50 came and went. There was a driver waiting for a driver change so we knew the bus was imminent. The bus arrived at 1458 and it was dud. As we waited to get on the bus we spotted a double decker in the distance. We thougt that it was proabably going to be on the #37 so we decided to turn down 2501. It turned out to be a good move as the bus was ALX400 DAF 4040. It was a bus that we had only done once before back in May 2012 to Nantwich. Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus as it was empty behind us when we got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4040

The run up to Northwich was swift, and as we pulled around the corner we could see a double decker waiting. The gamble had paid off, it was required Arriva 3346. We got off and then got a picture of 4040.

Arriva NW&W 4040 in Northwich

I asked the driver of 3346 if he was due off at 1530 and he was. This gave us 10 minutes to go to the toilet before coming back and getting a picture of 3346.

Arriva NW&W 3346 in Northwich

We got on and went upstairs. The driver said that these buses have around 2 weeks left before they were being replaced. Matthew also got his inside bus picture too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3346

We set off South and I asked Matthew where he wanted to end the day Sandbach or Northwich. Matthew chose Northwich so we decided to go just South of Middlewich on 3346 and then catch a bus back. We passed Olympian 3334 on a Northbound #31 and then we passed 4156 between Winsford and Middlewich. At this point we knew we would be returning on required Cadet 2516. We passed around the back of Middlewhich as there are still diversions on around town due to roadworks. As soon as we got back on route and to a place with stops both sides of the road we got of to wait for 2516. We only ad to wait about 2 minutes and 2516 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2516 South of Middlewich

The bus was empty when we got on and so Matthew got a picture inside too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2516

We set off north and in Winsford we saw 2608 on a #31, which means it must have swapped with 3334. Sure enough we passed 3334 just outside Winsford. We also passed 4040 coming south around the Brighton Belle pub. We got to Northwich a little after 17:10 and matthew got another picture of 2516.

Arriva NW&W 2516 in Northwich

We then walked back to car and we drove to the nearby Co-operative food store. We went around the shop and Matthew brought some Coca Cola and some Milky Ways and a chocolate Gateau. After paying for the shopping Matthew visited the toilet before we got back in the car. We drove home listening to the Everton Stoke game and Matthew ate a sausage roll. Everton took the lead after Mirales went passed a couple of stoke player and then beat Begovic! We traveled along the A556 and then onto the Southbound M6. We did this down to the A500 and to Longton on the A50. At Z carz tonight there were quite a few vehicles. At the back was LDV minibus YN03 HJC. First on the front row was coach V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Then was Iveco HX51 HRU.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

Next was minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row where there was a VW transporter DX55 WGE.

Z Carz DX55 WGE in Longton

We ten headed home down Longton Hall Road. We passed First Potteries 40015 on a #22 and in Blurton we saw First Potteries 53830 on a #23A.

First Potteries 53830 in Blurton

We got home around 19:00 and Matthew had a late a of battered burger and chips. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime around 12:00...Mark

Trip to Northwich 26-01-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
876	Northwich Interchange	Northwich, Iron Bridge (SW-bound)	1	Arriva NW&W
7628	Northwich, Iron Bridge (NE-bound)	Northwich Interchange	1	Arriva NW&W
2497	Northwich Interchange	Leftwich, opp Shops	29A	Arriva NW&W
2497	Leftwich, opp Shops	Northwich Interchange	29A	Arriva NW&W
2616	Northwich Interchange	Leftwich, opp Shops	29A	Arriva NW&W
2616	Leftwich, opp Shops	Northwich Interchange	29A	Arriva NW&W
4156	Northwich Interchange	Leftwich, opp Shops	29A	Arriva NW&W
4156	Leftwich, opp Shops	Northwich Interchange	29A	Arriva NW&W
3349	Northwich Interchange	Leftwich, opp Shops	29A	Arriva NW&W
3349	Leftwich, opp Shops	Northwich Interchange	29A	Arriva NW&W
869	Northwich, opp Tesco	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	4	Arriva NW&W
869	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	Northwich Interchange	4	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Northwich. No research was done other than to check the weather and it was to be a tropical 6' C and sunny! Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and juice for breakfast. We set off a little earlier today at 11:45 to try and avoid some of the football traffic. That had been heavy snow the night before so driving was a little tricky on the side streets. We got on the A5035 and headed down to the A34. We did this West to the A500 and we did this North. As we headed up past the Britannia Stadium we passed Wardle Transport 4547 & 4898 and a Stanways coach on football specials. We got on the M6 and we took it steady up to the A54. As we headed North we were passed by Selwyn's SEL 133 and expat explorer YJ11 ANX. when we reached the A54 we did this into Middlewich where we stopped at The Country Kitchen. We were hoping the New Morrison's was going to be open, but it doesn't open until Monday. So we had dinner at the food van with a promise to re-visit Middle sometime in the near future! Whilst we ate our Dnner we saw 2 Northbound #37's Arriva NW&W was the first one, and this was followed by 2497 30 minutes later. We caried on to Northwich along the A533 and we reached there a little before 13:30. We parked up at the car park adjacent to Watling Street Northwich and walked back to the interchange. The #37 and the #29A were both Centro's so we scratched our heads for a few minutes wondering what to do. First we visited the toilet by the markets. We then saw required Arriva NW&W 876 on the #1 so we decided to do this up to the bridge. Matthew got a picture of this fine bus before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 876 in Northwich

We got on the bus and booked Arriva Daysavers before we sat down near the back. The journey out was quite pleasant in the sunshine and we arrived at the bridge in no time. We got off and Matthew got another picture of this bus as it powered away into the distance.

Arriva NW&W 876 by the Iron Bridge

We crossed the rod to wait for the other #1 turn. we only had to wait a couple of minutes and we saw a Marshall Dart approaching. As t is now the only one at Winsford we knew it was Arriva NW&W 7628.

Arriva NW&W 7628 by the Iron Bridge

We on got on this bus and it was nearly empty. we sat near the back and enjoyed the journey back into town on what is currently Winsford's finest Dart. When we got back the bus emptied out and Matthew got his empty bus picture.

Inside Arriva NW&W 7628

When we got off this time we saw Arriva NW&W 2497, which had caught us up and was now about to work the next #29A. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this required cadet and he said yes. He got a picture of this bus and then we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2497 in Northwich

As the bus was nearly empty, Matthew got a picture of the inside of the bus as he got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2497

We set off to the Leftwich estate on this bus. The melted snow had caused flash flooding in some parts and there was a gigantic puddle near the entrance of the estate on Old Hall Road. The bus went through the puddle and it caused a tidal wave. The bus went down to the shops and waited for a few minutes before returning, and back through the puddle as we have to go on the opposite side of the road to go around the parked cars. Before we knew it we were back in Northwich. We got back and the only choice was to do the next #29A which was required Arriva NW&W 2616. We waited for the driver to ready the bus for service and whilst we waited we saw Tomlinson's Mercedes minibus Y556 KSC run past out of service. A few minutes later 2616 was ready. Matthew got a picture of this bus.

Arriva NW&W 2616 in Northwich

Once again the bus was nearly empty as we got on. I think the weather must have been keeping people indoors today.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2616

We set off around to Leftwich again. Back down London Road and back through the gigantic puddle. back to the shops and then back into Northwich. This time as we approached we saw a double decker heading North onto town. As we entered Watling Street we saw 2 double deckers! Arriva 3334 was on the #31A and we assumed Arriva 4156 must be on the next #29A. The stand that we would usually go onto was blocked and so we parked up at stand B or C. As we walked back down to the double deckers we saw Network Warrington 63 and Matthew got a picture of it.

Network Warrington 63 in Northwich

Arriva 3334 set off before we got to it and that left 4156. There was also 2615 which was also displaying 37. We had noticed Arriva MPD Dart 866 was on stand every time we returned to Northwich. What appears to have happened is that 866 must have failed. It was decided to put a Centro of the #37 on the #2/4 diagram and this was taken over on #37/29A by 4156 which had run up empty from Winsford. We decided to do 4156 rather than anything else that was about at this time. i got a picture of this bus before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Northwich (Mark)

The top deck was empty and so Matthew got his empty bus picture.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4156

Whilst were waiting for time the #289 Altricham service arrived with GHA T789 KNW. Matthew got a picture of it out of the front window of Arriva 4156.

GHA T789 KNW in Northwich

At 15:00 we set of back to Leftwich. Back down london Road and back through the big puddle on Old Hall Road. We stopped at the shops and the bus had to move back to let a car through as someone had parked a car opposite the bus stop with almost as if they had stolen it! We set off back North into Northwich. As we passed he museum a Victorian gent doughed his bowler hat as we passed by. We arrived back and we didn't know what we were going to do next. The #31 was a Centro and then the next #29A mae an appearance. It was required step-entranced Arriva NW&W 3349. I knew this was the bus that we were going to to do next even though it meant a 4th spin around the leftwich estate! This is a bus we have only seen work once before back in March 2012 when we passed it whilst doing 4156 to Middlewich. We waited for the bus to be readied for service and we took a picture before getting on this fine beast.

Arriva NW&W 3349 in Northwich

Once again the top deck was empty and so he got his empty bus picture.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3349

We set off down London Road again and through the puddle on Old Hall Road. We stopped at the shops and this time the car that had been parked like an abandoned vehicle had been moved. We then set off back to Northwich. We decided that the next trip would be the last of the day but we didn't know what we were going to do. We could do 3349 to Sandbach, do the Next warrington bus to the railway station or hopefully not the #29A was going to be required and useful. We got back and we saw that the next #29A was 2614. A required bus, but Matthew didn't want to do it today pass. The Network Warrington bus on the #45 was required 74 but he didn't fancy that either.

Network Warrington 74 in Northwich

We asked him if he wanted to do 3349 to sandbach and he didn't. We walked up and down the stands and he also visited the toilet. He eventually chose to do dud Arriva 869 on the #4. It was a good choice as we had never been on a #4 before and we got to see another part of Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 869 in Northwich

We got on and we sat at the back. we set off North out of town and past the hospital. we then crossed over a railway line and canal before climbing up into Barnton. We whizzed around the Barnton estate before returning to the main road and back down the hill. We passed the canal and the Chemical Work and went back down past the hospital and into town. back at the interchange, Matthew got his empty bus picture.

Inside Arriva NW&W 869

Mum was waiting for us and we took a couple more bus pictures before returning to the car. We ate a sausage roll and a small egg custard before heading out of town. We went east along the A559 until we met up with the A556. It was now going dark. We did this to the M6 and then South 14 or so miles to the A500. Today we went back down the A34 through Newcastle. As we passed the garage most of the bus were too far back to identify, but we did see an unidentified Marshall Dart. We presume this must be one of Adderley Green's old buses here for component retrieval. We then headed out of Newcastle along George Street and onto Shelton New Road. We joined the southbound A500 and did the A50 to Longton. At Z carz tonight we saw the following... Coach V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

We then saw LDV minibus T408 JUX...

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

then we saw DAF coach W344 WNS...

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

next we saw another LDV minibus DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz DS51 ZJU in Longton

We the Willow Row pen and that was empty, so we turned in the Road before heading down Longton Hall Road. We stopped at the one stop shop and we brought some pop and a chocolate bar and some lottery tickets before getting home around 17:45. We chilled out at home before having a late tea of bangers and mash with cake. Matthew went to bed just before midnight...Mark