Trip to Middleton / Cheetham Hill 16-04-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27625	Middleton BS‎‎	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	112	Stagecoach Manchester
17245	Moston, opp Moston Lane/Blue Bell	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	118	Stagecoach Manchester
33836	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)‎	Middleton BS	42	First Manchester
30958	Middleton BS‎‎	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Road/Seymour Road (Stop H)	59	First Manchester
37545	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Oldham, Lord Street/Sports Centre (Stop Lb)	59	First Manchester
RIG 2134	Oldham BS	Holden Folds, Park Avenue(Sthbnd) (OS House 13)	406	M Travel Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. We had checked the weather and it was for mainly dry cloudy weather with the chance of an odd shower, but cool around 8'. We gave Matthew a choice of destinations from the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Middleton. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a fraction before 12:00 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and then turned right onto the A500. As we traveled North up the A500 we passed National Express liveried The Travelers Choice FN63 PXB on the #333 service to Bournemouth and Happy Als AA61 ALS. As we approached the M6 we saw that the Northbound side was running slowly. We didn't hear anything on the radio that would be cause for concern so we joined the Northbound M6. Progress up the M6 was slow and the radio now said there was a problem between junctions 18 & 19 and that traffic was running slow all the way back to junction 16. It took us around 30 minutes to do the 7 miles or so from junction 16 to 17... As we traveled North we passed an unidentified Barnes coach and Walton's BX13 CYJ. We left the M6 at junction 17 and we went East along the A534 to the A50. We then went North towards Knutsford and we passed GHA 1407 on the #42 to Crewe. North of Knutsford we turned right onto Mereside Road and then right onto the A556. We passed through the roadworks and we ran forwards onto the M56. As we traveled East towards Stockport we passed Stagecoach Megabus 50244. we went forwards onto the anti-clockwise M56 and we passed Stockport & Hyde before coming off the M60 at the A576. We ran the last couple of miles into Middleton along the A road and we went into the shopping centre car par adjacent to the bus station. Once we had parked up we w3alked through the shopping centre stopping at the toilets. We went around to the bus station and we had dinner at the food van on to pavement opposite to the bus station. Matthew had a sausage and egg barm with some fries, washed down with a can of Vimto. Whilst we ate we saw First Manchester Solo 50236 on the #415 to Oldham and Enviro400 double decker 19103 on a #112 to Manchester. After we had finished eating we walked over to the bus station and we saw First Manchester 37411 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37411 in Middleton bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Manchester 27625 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 27625 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do the Stagecoach bus down to Moston and then head to the North Manchester General Hospital. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto the roundabout outside. We checked the Buses I Have Travelled On page and it turned out Stagecoach Manchester 27625 was dud! We had it from Middleton to the NMGH back in September 2014 when the bus was still in JPT livery. Instead of going past the Middleton Arena and the back of Tesco. We headed up the A669 towards Oldham and then we turned right onto Townley Street. We carried onto to Grishaw Lane and we ran down to Middleton Junction. We turned right onto Greengate and we stopped near to the Stagecoach Middleton depot for a driver change. As we had the driver change we were passed by a coach P144 CRN. We carried on down Greengate over the M60 and to the roundabout where we saw Atlantic coach YJ06 LCZ. We joined Moston lane and we passed 67419 on the #81 to Manchester. Further South we passed required Stagecoach Manchester 16971 on a #118 to Charlestown. We continued South and when we got near to the cemetery and the Blue Bell pub we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27625.

Stagecoach Manchester 27625 in Moston

We crossed the road and we sat in the bus stop outside the Blue Bell pub, we didn't have to wait long before we saw a double decker coming up the road. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 17245 on a #118 to the North Manchester General Hospital.

Stagecoach Manchester 17245 in Moston

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up Moston Lane and we followed the road around the corner to the shops. At the roundabout we went left onto Charlestown Road. We passed Stagecoach manchester 16971 again, this time on a Manchester bound #118 and then we traveled past the entrance of Boggart Hole Clough. We crossed the A664 and we saw Stagecoach Megabus 54266 on a Plymouth bound service. We traveled along Old Market Street and past Ye Golden Lion, following the road around to the left onto Delaunays Road. We went South West for a short distance and we turned into the hospital. W got up and before we got off Matthew took a picture inside the empty top deck of Stagecoach Manchester 17245.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 17245

The bus pulled off immediately and went on layover on the road out side. We then saw required First Manchester 33836 on a #42 to Middleton.

First Manchester 33836 outside the NMGH

Also waiting by the hospital was required First Manchester Solo 40334 on a #94 to Pilsworth via Cheetham Hill.

First Manchester 40334 outside the NMGH

We decided to do First Manchester 33836 so we got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 33836 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 33836

We set off onto Delaunays Road and we followed it around onto Old Market Street. We turned left onto Chapel Lane and we headed North up to Plant Hill Road. After a short journey along the road we turned left onto Bank House Road. We turned right onto Tweedle Hill Road and at the end right again onto Victoria Avenue. As we headed East we passed a large Co-operative Food store. At the crossroad we turned left onto the A664 and we went North over the M60 and for around a mile and a half up to Middleton. We arrived in town at the big roundabout opposite to the bus station. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We stopped opposite to the toilet, but the toilet was engaged so we went for a short walk around the bus station area to get a few bus pictures. From the A576 we saw required First Manchester 37281 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37281 in Middleton bus station

On the roundabout we saw required First Manchester 37404 on a #163 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37404 in Middleton bus station

We then saw required First Manchester ALX400 double decker 30958 on a #59 to Manchester so we decided to this. We walked back to the bus station and Matthew got a picture of First Manchester 30958.

First Manchester 30958 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the bus driver before we went upstairs. Before we sat down, Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the top deck of First Manchester 30958.

Inside First Manchester 30958

We set off out of the bus station and we saw Rothwells minibus P173 NAK outside the bingo hall before we turned onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road. It seemed like the cntre of Cheetham Hill as it was a busy shopping area so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 30958 before it carried on South towards Manchester.

First Manchester 30958 in Cheetham Hill

We decided to go for a walk to try and find a small grocery store or a paper shop. It was quite a sight walking down the main road. The place was full of takeaway shops of all nationalities as well as banks, bookies and pawnbrokers! We passed a side street and we saw a couple of buses parked up so we went to investigate... As we walked down to them First Manchester 69197 came past us on a #52 to Eccles.

First Manchester 69197 in Cheetham Hill

We got to the buses and we saw First Manchester 69204 on another #52 to Eccles.

First Manchester 69204 in Cheetham Hill

Behind the Volvo was another older example, First Manchester 66855 which had come in on a #53 to Pendleton. We walked back onto the main road and we went in am international grocery store. It seemed like a ordinary grocery store and Matthew picked a can of Coke and a can of Barr raspberryade. When we got to the chocolate most of the selection were unrecognisable! The only exceptions were Smarties which matthew doesn't eat and Kinder eggs which he does. After choosing a Kinder Egg we paid for the stuff and left. At the bus stop we considered which service we could do. We saw a #42 coming up the road but it passed the bus stop before turning into Crescent Road. It was First Manchester 33846 bound for the North Manchester General Hospital.

First Manchester 33846 in Cheetham Hill

The next #59 was due in around five minutes... The five minutes passed quickly and and we saw a double decker approaching up the hill. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37545 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37545 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. as this was our fifth bus of the day we decided to do this through Middleton to Oldham and we could do a bus back to Middleton for the last bus. The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. Whilst we were there we saw Atlantic Executive Travel coach BX08 XTD. The bus carried on along the A576 towards Blackley and as we approached the M60 we were passed by Holmeswood Coaches coach PN09 CXB. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station and we saw Rosso East Lancs Spryte Dart 140 on Layover from a #412 service. Whilst we were stopped in the bus station Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37545.

Inside First Manchester 37545

We left Middleton bus station and we went East out of town along the A669. The weather had now turned and it was starting to snow! A couple of miles out of town we crossed under the railway line by Mills Hill railway station and we saw M Travel Buses Dart RIG 2134 on a #406 service to Oldham. We carried on another 3 miles or so through Chadderton. We crossed under Oldham Way and instead of going into the bus station we went left onto Rochdale Road right into St Mary's Way and right into Lord Street going around the bus station. This didn't seem right so we got up and we asked a passenger if the bus station was closed. It was... It was closed for four week for maintenance! We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Manchester 37545 before it carried on towards Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37545 in Oldham

We needed a toilet as Matthew hadn't been for a while so we decided to head towards the bus station where we knew there was one. It was snowing, and we managed to get most of the way there without getting wet under the canopy of the market building. when we got to the toilet it was shut, so we went into the travel office which was still open. We asked where the #415 service to Middleton departs from as that part of the bus station was shut, and we also asked where the nearest toilet was. For the bus we needed to be on West Street and the nearest toilet was in The Spindles shopping centre. On the way over to the shopping centre we saw Stagecoach Enviro400 double decker 19365, which was parked between services.

Stagecoach Manchester 19365 in Oldham bus station

We went into the shopping centre and we turned the corner and went up a floor and the toilet where at the near end. After using the facilities we headed back to the open part of the bus station. As we considered walking down the road in the rain we saw required First Manchester 30954 on a #425 to Fitton Hill.

First Manchester 30954 in Oldham bus station

We turned and saw M Travel Buses RIG 2134 on a #406 to Mills Hill.

M Travel RIG 2134 in Oldham bus station

Great! We thought... We could do this bus to Mills Hill and cross the road and get a #59 into Middleton without getting too wet... We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station down West Street and right onto Rochdale Road. We went up to and into the Oldham Royal Infirmary and then we went back South down the A6048 to the A627. We turned right onto the A627 and we headed up to the roundabout at Holden Fold. We crossed over the A627(M) and we went onto Burnley Road before turning left into Parkway. What we didn't know was that this was the last turn of the day and the bus was terminating in the estate and not running down to Mills Hill. At the end the driver asked us where we were going. He dropped us at the end of the estate and Matthew took a picture inside M Travel RIG 2134 before we got off.

Inside M Travel RIG 2134

matthew then took another picture of M Travel RIG 2134 as it headed off to the depot.

M Travel RIG 2134 in Holden Folds

It was still snowing and we check the first bus stop as we headed towards Mills Hill. It was only serving the #406 service so that was no use! The next stop down the road also had the #412 service, but the next one wasn't due until 19:31 in around an hour and three quarters. Mum phoned to say she was parked outside the bus station and needed to move the car so she decided to come and get us! We told here we were near to Nordens Drive and that we were continuing to Mills Hill station. It had now stopped snowing. Further down the road we saw Tyrers coach TYR 95 coming the other way.

Tyrers TYR 95 in Holden Fold

Just before we got back to the main road we saw mum coming the other way. We got in the car and Matthew tucked into his Greggs sausage roll and his small bottle of Irn Bru. We drove back up Burnley Road and we joined the A627(M) which we did up to the M62. The M62 became the anti-clockwise M60 and as we traveled West we saw First Manchester 30947 running empty as well as East Yorkshire Coaches 62 and 88. We continued West on the M62 and we eventually joined the Southbound M6. We made good time down to junction 19 and there was some traffic as we passed the A556 and Knutsford services. After the roadworks we ran down to junction 16 before going South down the A500 to Sideway. We did the a50 up to Longton where we cam off to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the front row we saw Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz minibus Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

This was followed by Z Carz minibuses S973 OVP & and Airport Division MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Behind the Airport Division minibus was Z Carz Green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Nearest bus to the gate was Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

parked on the road near to the depot was Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we we passed Harpur's WM04 NYW which was going East back to Derbyshire. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we traveled through Blurton along Blurton. We carried on forwards onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:30... Mark

Trip to Middleton / Moston 20-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27625	Middleton BS	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	156	Stagecoach Manchester
22226	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Moston (Manchester), o/s Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	118	Stagecoach Manchester
17242	Moston (Manchester), opp Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	Charlestown (Manchester), opp Charlestown Road/Grange Park Road	80	Stagecoach Manchester
17242	Charlestown (Manchester), opp Charlestown Road/Grange Park Road	Moston (Manchester), o/s Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	80	Stagecoach Manchester
63103	Moston (Manchester), opp Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop A)	88	First Manchester
49893	Higher Crumpsall, Delaunays Road/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Moston (Manchester), o/s Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	118	Stagecoach Manchester
22217	Moston (Manchester), opp Moston Lane/Moston Cemetery	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester
40335	Middleton BS	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	415	First Manchester
17175	Middleton Junction, Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. That had been some bad weather overnight and we weren't sure what the weather was going to like. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We gave him a list of mainly Northern towns to visit and out of the list Matthew chose Middleton. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthew Way and we carried on down to the Westbound A50. WE turned Northwards onto the A500 and it started to rain a little. We had just changed the windscreen wiper and the wiper nearly fell off when we went to use it so we stopped briefly on a lay-by just North of Longport. Once it was secured back on we carried on North to the M6. Just as we got on the M6 the fuel light came on so we diverted into Sandbach services to get diesel. There was a tanker at the petrol station and it looked deserted to so got back onto the M6 and drove up to Knutsford services. Having put some diesel in, we carried on North. Near to Thelwall viaduct we passed preserved MTL 0238 and Halton transport 33 going the other way. We carried on up to the M62 and we headed East. At the M60 we went clockwise until we reached the junction for the A576. We drove the last couple of miles up the A576 into town and we parked up near to MacDonalds. We tried to go the chip shop cafe near to the bus station, but it was too busy, so we went to the usual pavement cafe by the bus station. Earlier in the day whilst we ate our dinner we saw Stagecoach Manchester deckers 17240 & 17244 going towards Manchester. Matthew had a burger and some fries washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked across to the bus station. Matthew went to use the toilet and we saw First Manchester 30960 depart on a #59 service. When he had finished we spotted a stagecoach double decker 19047 coming in to work the #112 Manchester service.

Stagecoach Manchester 19047 in Middleton bus station

We went to catch this but by the time we had walked over to it, it departed the bus station. We walked to the other side of the bus station to see if there anything else interesting to catch. We then saw required Stagecoach Manchester 27625 appear to work the #156 to Manchester. This bus used to be 455 in the JPT fleet before Stagecoach took over their routes and buses.

Stagecoach Manchester 27625 in Middleton bus station

We asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. The bus disappeared and came back again a few minutes later. We got on the bus and booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20 each. As the bus was nearly empty Matthew took a picture inside of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27625

We sat down near to the back and the bus set off out of the bus station and towards the M60 along the A576. We crossed the motorway and when we got to Victoria road we turned left. We carried on Through Blakeley and a few minutes later we arrived in North Manchester General Hospital. We got of Stagecoach Manchester 27625 and there was another bus there. It was required Stagecoach Manchester 22226 on a #118 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 22226 outside the NMGH

After taking a picture I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this down to Moston and he said yes. We got on the bus and as it was nearly empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22226.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22226

We sat down and the bus set off towards Blackley. For part of the journey we followed behind Stagecoach Manchester 16798. We passed the turning circle at Boggart Hole Clough and we continued on through White Moss and into Moston. I was hoping that we might intercept one of these in Moston that we could catch back to Middleton. As we turned onto Moston Lane we passed Stagecoach Manchester 17240 followed by Stagecoach Manchester 17242 in quick succession! When we got to the cemetery we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road to wait for another bus back towards Middleton. A minute or so later we saw another ALX400 decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 17242.

Stagecoach Manchester 17242 in Moston

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. We went upstairs and sat down. There was somebody at the back of the bus so Matthew took his picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 17242 facing forwards.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 17242

Great I thought... A bus back to Middleton and a good one too! What I didn't know that since the last time we had visited Middleton the #80 was cut short and divert to end in White Moss outside Boggart Hole Clough! The bus went up Moston Lane and along Charlestown Road. The bus went into the turning point and I commented to uncle Dave that "I can't remember going here before". We headed back towards Manchester along Charlestown Road. It was at this point we thought there might be a problem. We decided to get off the bus in familiar territory, so we got off the bus on the opposite side of the road to which we had got on. Research done writing the blog suggests the the #80 has been terminating at Boggart Hole Clough since the end of April! We crossed the road and we consulted the bus stop timetable. We decided we do either a #88 or #118 to the hospital, or we could catch the #112 direct to Middleton. In the distance we saw a First Manchester Streetlite approaching. We knew it would be required as we have never had any of this type in Manchester before. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do it and he said yes. We flagged the bus down and as we got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 63103.

First Manchester 63103 in Moston

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets before we sat down towards the back. The bus set off Northwards towards White Moss and we went passed Hole Boggart Clough. Headed up onto Victoria Road and then into estates around Higher Blackley and Heaton Park. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture facing forwards.

Inside First Manchester 63103

When we went down Middleton Road and into Crumpsall before turning left and heading towards the hospital. The bus stopped outside the hospital and we got off the bus. As we were getting off we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 22218 on a #118 to Manchester. As we got our bearings we saw the bus depart. Matthew took a picture as Stagecoach Manchester 22218 went sailing by.

Stagecoach Manchester 22218 outside the NMGH

We walked up to the hospital to see what we could catch. Going in the opposite direction on a #42 to East Didsbury was Rusholme allocated required First Manchester 63118.

First Manchester 63118 outside the NMGH

There was a #156 to Middleton at 53 past the hour, so we could catch that. In the meantime going towards Manchester on a #156 was required Stagecoach Manchester 33876.

Stagecoach Manchester 33876 outside the NMGH

A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 49893 arrive on a #118. This former JPT bus was required as we had never been on any of their Plaxton Primo vehicles. We decided to do this to Moston and then catch a #112 back to Middleton instead. It would take much longer and we would get at least one required bus.

Stagecoach Manchester 49893 outside the NMGH

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets and sat down near to the back of the bus. It was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside this Primo facing forwards.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 49893

We set off towards Moston for one final time today, through Blackley, past Boggart Hole Clough and White Moss. We turned onto Moston lane and we got opposite the cemetery again, as it would make writing the Blog easier! Matthew took another picture of former JPT 256 as it set off Southwards towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 49893 in Moston

We crossed the road and we decided that we would only catch a #112 back toward Middleton as we wanted to go and use the facilities there. The next bus was a #112, but this journey was being worked by one of the MAN single deckers. As it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 22217.

Stagecoach Manchester 22217 in Moston

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. We sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up Moston Lane and we turned right to head towards Greengate. we crossed the roundabout onto Greengate, Heading North past the Stagecoach Middleton depot. Further North on Greengate we turned right onto Grimshaw Lane. We waited for a short while at roadworks on the Middleton end of Grimshaw Lane before carrying on into town and into the bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22217.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22217

We got off the bus and we went to the toilet. Stagecoach Manchester 19047 was on stand again on the #112 and once again we let it go. We visited the shop and Matthew brought a can of Coke and a flapjack. We sat down and Matthew ate the flapjack, washed down with a can on Fanta we had in the bag. After we had finished eating we walked around a bit whilst we decided what to catch. We saw required First Manchester 66848 on layover from working a #58 service.

First Manchester 66848 in Middleton bus station

Whilst there we saw First Manchester 40335 arrive on a #415 to Oldham. As we have never done a Solo in Manchester and it was on our favourite #415 service, we decided to do this bus.

First Manchester 40335 in Middleton bus station

This used to be the service that we picked up the older Darts,but most have the Darts have gone and this service is now in the hands of Solo, We flashed our tickets and got on the bus. Matthew tried to honk the horn but we didn't allow him to. The bus set off out of town and we went around Tesco and onto Townley Street. At the corner of Grimshaw Lane we carried on straight into the Alkrington estate. As we bounced over the many speed bumps in the estate, the bus slowly emptied out as we headed through to Greengate. The bus was empty in front of us so Matthew took a picture inside this former Metroshuttle bus. The route map can still be seen behind the drivers seat.

Inside First Manchester 40335

The bus turned onto Greengate and we got up and got off. As we off of Matthew did manage to honk the horn this time. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 40335 as it carried on towards Oldham.

First Manchester 40335 at Middleton Junction

The plan was now to go back to Middleton to finish off the day. Having done a #415, we didn't even have to cross the road to do the next #112 back to Middleton. We didn't have to wait for long too. We turned around and almost immediately we saw an ALX400 bodied decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach Manchester 17175.

Stagecoach Manchester 17175 at Middleton Junction

We got on the bus and we flashed our tickets for the last time. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took his picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 17175 immediately.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 17175

The bus set off and we turned the corner into Grimshaw Lane. I called mum to tell her we were going to be in Middleton shortly, but she didn't answer until the third call. She was in Tesco and wasn't able to get back to the bus station in time. So that when we got back we decided to do a lap of the bus station taking a few bus pictures. we saw First Manchester 37463 on a #64 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37463 in Middleton bus station

We set off out of the top bus station and started to walk around the outside. On the end stand was First Manchester 37288.

First Manchester 37288 in Middleton bus station

We then saw First Manchester 37550 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37550 in Middleton bus station

Back on the other side of the bus station was First Manchester 69205 on layover.

First Manchester 69205 in Middleton bus station

We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station to watch buses leave. We saw First Manchester 40319 on a #125 circular service.

First Manchester 40319 in Middleton bus station

Finally we saw First Manchester 37551 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37551 in Middleton bus station

We met up with mum and we walked back through the bus station and past the shopping centre. When we got to the car park we saw Diamond cars FG09 SWN just leaving.

Diamond cars FG09 SWN in Middleton

We got into the car and waiting foe us was a sausage roll and Matthew washed this down with a 500ml bottle of Irn Bru. We set off back down the A576 and onto the anti-clockwise M60. When we got to the M62 we carried on West until we got to the M6. Traffic was running well and went onto the Southbound A500. We came of the A500 at Sideway and up to Longton, where went to check out what was at their depot. There were a few buses parked up tonight. First was Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

Next we saw silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Next to that was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Then we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

There was another Ford minbus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Finally we saw Mercedes minibus S952 VMY sporting it's "new" bumper.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and in the compound we saw new vehicle to Z Carz,Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ Great shot Great Yarmouth.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and into Heron Cross. We saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT parked up and we headed into Blurton. We got back home at a very respectable 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew wash acing a little strange and it turned out he had a piece of tooth missing which was giving him toothache... He had some Calpol and he went to be around 00:30...Mark