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Post by LondonNorthern on Dec 16, 2021 23:50:56 GMT
Todays "Bus Journey" ................... Did a bit of OT at work so didn't get home until 2:30AM so obviously wasn't going to be up with the lark ........... anyway surfaced and left about 09:30AM - picking up DXE30354 on the H37 into Richmond .............. ML DE1008 in the camera outside the station 👍. Next LO 378234 to Finchley Road & Frognal for a march down the road to Finchley Road UG ................. calling in at Sainsburys' on the way for a few ML DE (I just can't resist them) pictures on the 268 & 187. Next Metropolitan Line to Harrow on the Hill ............ for a couple of hours photographing the 6 new RTP BME's on the H9 & H10 along with a host of DE's . The 183 SP's always worth doing and photographed whatever is on the X140 this week RTP VH/ADH's. Then a return via Metropolitan & Jubilee to Kilburn .......... spent a bit of time at the bottom of Shoot-up Hill snapping the 16, 189, 332, 316 etc short walk to Brondesbury OG for 378224 to West Brompton and another short walk to the Empress House Terminus of the 190 to capture most of the day's ML DE roster in the rapidly deteriorating light ....... I'm not a fan of this time of year. Couple of GAL WHV on the 430 passing too. So at 15:15 decided to go back to Richmond the convenient way by riding ML DE869 on the 190 all the way. I think I've now stopped vibrating ........... they are "tired" - at least the older ones seem to be. Then an anticlimactic transfer at Richmond to DXE 30353 for the ride back to Isleworth. Work beckons once more ...................... Tomorrow ........... a route walk on the western end of the 135 methinks Though they are great buses the DEMs on the 234/382/384 seriously cannot stop vibrating to the point where you can literally see it outside the bus. Would agree with you that the DEs are knackered, to be honest I guess the 190 contract renewal coming up is an absolute saviour, but what on earth will happen with the 533 and it's current stock?
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Post by dlroper on Dec 17, 2021 17:34:17 GMT
I might be wrong but I think the loss of the 235 will enable the displaced DEL's to go onto the 190 / 533 and replace the older DE's and allow the better ones to be moved to other routes. If ML are then unsuccessful in retaining the 190 then the DEL's will just then be re-tasked to replace further DE's elsewhere, 487 etc ................
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Post by Busboy105 on Dec 18, 2021 20:10:24 GMT
Did the District Line eastbound as well as the Overground with a nice sprinkle of TFL Rail on top. Had to change the journey slightly because of the strikes.
Ee7 (230)- Wood Green Station to Blackhorse Road Station Overground- Blackhorse Road to Barking District Line- Barking to Upminster Overground- Upminster to Romford TFL Rail- Romford to Shenfield then back to Romford 10147 (128)- Romford Station to Gants Hill Station/Cranbrook Road HV340 (123)- Gants Hill Station/Cranbrook Road to Wood Green Station (I hope Arriva retains the 123 with more HVs. They're amazing on the A406)
Ended up how I started with minus. Could've just taken the special 29 service to Finsbury Park, changed to the Victoria Line to Blackhorse Road but hey it is what it is.
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Post by george on Dec 23, 2021 18:31:20 GMT
So this trip is actually from a couple of months ago but thought I'd post about it now. My weekend trip away to North Yorkshire.
Grand Central Class 180 King's Cross > York. Personally I'm not a fan of the class 180s having used them with GWR before but it was nice to try out a different operator on that line instead of the usual LNER. Service was packed but this wasn't a surprise with it being a Friday afternoon and they offer cheaper tickers than the competitor.
Over night stay in York.
Transpennine Express Nova 3 York > Scarborough. Been wanting to try these Nova 3 sets since they came out and glad I got the chance to finally get one. So impressed with this train I think the north is often forgotten about when it comes to trains but certainly not here. The colour scheme on the train is personally my favourite in the UK and the interior is great as well. Nice to be have a proper loco at the front as well. The journey it's self was pretty quiet in fact there was only 2 other people in the carriage I was in probably like that during winter months.
Arriva North East X93 Scarborough > Robins Hood's Bay. Didn't really have much time to wait for this bus so ran from the station straight on board, While the service provided was ok I'm shocked that these buses can be branded under the Arriva Max name, From what I understand this is a premium brand by Arriva well the leg room was shockingly bad and apart from a headrest I couldn't see what made it premium if I'm honest. Got off and had a walk around the beautiful Robin's Hood Bay really lovely part of the UK go if you ever have the chance to.
Robin's Hood Bay > Whitby. A 7.5 mile walk talking me across the cleveland Way taking 2 hours 38 mins. I've never really explored this part of the UK coast line but wow I was not disappointed at all. The views are some of the best in the UK and doing this walk was great for both physical and mental Health. Ended up at the stunning Whitby Abbey was able to take some great photos before heading down into the town via the brewery on the way.
Coastliner Whitby > Leeds. This journey certainly lives up to the name of the of being the most scenic bus route in the UK the journey across the North York Moors is incredible if you ever have a chance do this route. Whole journey takes 3 and a half hours which was pretty long next time I'd probably have gotten off in York instead of Leeds. After the moors journey is pretty ordinary. I've never been a fan of Gemini 3 buses prefer Enviro 400 products but I think Transdev have done a very good job with buses to make an enjoyable ride, the commentary is showing you what you are seeing on the way is a really nice touch. Stayed overnight in Leeds.
LNER Leeds > King's Cross. Azuma nothing to report here. Sorry for long post but this is my last post of the year. I hope all those who celebrate have a great Christmas and everybody has a great New Year. Stay safe stay well and here's to a hopefully positive 2022.
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Post by Busboy105 on Dec 26, 2021 19:14:27 GMT
On a wet Boxing Day, I did the District Line Westbound to Ealing Broadway and Richmond. Wanted to add in the Olympia branch and the Overground from Richmond but they weren't operating today.
Piccadilly line- Wood Green to Earls Court District Line- Earls Court to Richmond then back to Turnham Green to continue to Ealing Broadway DEL2604 (112)- Haven Green/Ealing Broadway Station to Brent Cross Shopping Centre (very slow on the A406 i have to say) WS136 (232)- Brent Cross Shopping Centre to Wood Green Station
That's it for the Underground part of the Tube Map. Doing the Olympia branch after the festive period, saving the Met for nicer weather (I've heard it has nice views) and T4 on the Piccadilly when it opens
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Post by Green Kitten on Dec 26, 2021 22:13:59 GMT
On a wet Boxing Day, I did the District Line Westbound to Ealing Broadway and Richmond. Wanted to add in the Olympia branch and the Overground from Richmond but they weren't operating today. Piccadilly line- Wood Green to Earls Court District Line- Earls Court to Richmond then back to Turnham Green to continue to Ealing Broadway DEL2604 (112)- Haven Green/Ealing Broadway Station to Brent Cross Shopping Centre (very slow on the A406 i have to say) WS136 (232)- Brent Cross Shopping Centre to Wood Green Station That's it for the Underground part of the Tube Map. Doing the Olympia branch after the festive period, saving the Met for nicer weather (I've heard it has nice views) and T4 on the Piccadilly when it opens Weekend 29/30 January would be a great time to do the Olympia branch, trains there run every 10 minutes during the day and you can catch the train from Edgware Road direct to Olympia. The Olympia service is always suspended on Boxing Day.
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Post by Busboy105 on Dec 26, 2021 22:49:43 GMT
On a wet Boxing Day, I did the District Line Westbound to Ealing Broadway and Richmond. Wanted to add in the Olympia branch and the Overground from Richmond but they weren't operating today. Piccadilly line- Wood Green to Earls Court District Line- Earls Court to Richmond then back to Turnham Green to continue to Ealing Broadway DEL2604 (112)- Haven Green/Ealing Broadway Station to Brent Cross Shopping Centre (very slow on the A406 i have to say) WS136 (232)- Brent Cross Shopping Centre to Wood Green Station That's it for the Underground part of the Tube Map. Doing the Olympia branch after the festive period, saving the Met for nicer weather (I've heard it has nice views) and T4 on the Piccadilly when it opens Weekend 29/30 January would be a great time to do the Olympia branch, trains there run every 10 minutes during the day and you can catch the train from Edgware Road direct to Olympia. The Olympia service is always suspended on Boxing Day. Unfortunately I'll be back at work then so I'll have no choice to do it when the festive period is over
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Dec 27, 2021 7:33:36 GMT
As some of you may have noticed, I typically have 3 bus trips around London per year. Admittedly I had 4 in 2012 & 2016. Current indications are that for 2022 I shall do Hounslow in March, Woolwich in the summer and a North London wildcard trip in the Autumn.
My 2021 rides by company have been
GA (5, 69, 227, 321, 352, 358, 378) TT (23, 308, 339, 452, W15) Abellio (49, 267, 270, 367) Arriva (157, 158, 202, 410) Metroline (7, 31, 332, 533) RATP (28, 72, 440, E3) Stagecaoch (241, 314, 323, 336) HCT (309, 388)
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Post by bn12cny on Dec 27, 2021 10:47:38 GMT
As some of you may have noticed, I typically have 3 bus trips around London per year. Admittedly I had 4 in 2012 & 2016. Current indications are that for 2022 I shall do Hounslow in March, Woolwich in the summer and a North London wildcard trip in the Autumn. My 2021 rides by company have been GA (5, 69, 227, 321, 352, 358, 378) TT (23, 308, 339, 452, W15) Abellio (49, 267, 270, 367) Arriva (157, 158, 202, 410) Metroline (7, 31, 332, 533) RATP (28, 72, 440, E3) Stagecaoch (241, 314, 323, 336) HCT (309, 388) I wish I could do 3 trips per year, as being stuck in China due to the UK not getting there act together haven’t done a trip in London for nearly 2 years now, my last trip was route 111 from Travelodge Heathrow to LHR! I have planned many trips when I manage to get back to England (always stay in Heathrow area) first one would be X26 to Croydon then X68 to Russell Square (early start) then Tube to Harrow x140 back to Heathrow Night trip would be N9 to Knightsbridge, N137 to Crystal Palace (my old area), N3 to Bromley, 119 to Croydon then x26 back to Heathrow... can’t wait for the days wish you all a 新年快乐! (Happy New Year)
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Post by WH241 on Dec 29, 2021 17:21:31 GMT
So I had to use a few buses today and must say it really is a hassle after getting used to using my car more since COVID begin. It took me nearly 1 hour to travel from Canning Town to Leyton Grange Road, traffic was light to Stratford but the traffic in Crownfield Road Leyton was a total night with poor traffic light phasing.
This was the first time I had used the new Ee's on the 69 since the first day they entered service. I really don't get the fuss about electric buses this batch really don't feel that smooth and quite, I actually think the Stagecoach MMCs (Both Smart of Hybrids) offer a better ride.
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Post by londonbuschannel on Dec 30, 2021 22:20:20 GMT
Visited Kent for the PVL Farewell Tour ran by Go Coach District Line to West Ham (C2Cs diverted into LST so no one stop hopping unfortunately) Jubilee Line to Canada Water (Arrived just as I got onto the platform) London Overground to Denmark Hill (Original Plan was to change at Peckham Rye for a Thameslink but we crawled our way to/from Queens Road Peckham so arrived just in time to see it pull out) Southeastern to Swanley (Bog Standard ex-SN Class 377) [Start of PVL farewell tour] 431/S31 to Sevenoaks Bus Station (Nice and nippy journey, especially along the A20. Some nice views after Orpington, but we were held up a bit in Chelsfield due to an issue with the doors) S6 to Kemsing,Noah's Ark (Nice journey, but very overtimed. Timetabled for 29mins, but only took around 15mins, so that meant a 45min break in practically the middle of nowhere. Not great with the weather but not the end of the world) 431X/TW1 to Tunbridge Wells (Nice,fast journey but this PVL could not cope on hills. At some point we were doing 25mph in a NSL due to the incline, but we still arrived about 15mins early giving us 45mins at Tunbridge Wells.) T3 to Sevenoaks Bus Station (Same as the above in terms of the quality of the journey) 409C/S12 to Crockenhill, Stone Courts Road (Left around 15/20mins late, but we caught up time easily.Passed outside GoCoach's Otford Depot on the way. Nice run again and passed through Swanley again) D12 to Dartford (Passed through Swanley a 3rd time, nice run yet again) Mystery Tour to Swanley (Went via Amazon Dartford, Stone Crossing, Greenhithe,Stone, Darenth, Sutton at Home, Farningham and into Swanley) [End of PVL Farewell Tour] 233 to Eltham Church/Well Hall Road (Very fast driver who wanted to head home quick.) 161 to North Greenwich (Nice hybrid run towards Greenwich) 108 to Bow Church 425 to Stratford Bus Station C2C to Barking District Line to Dagenham Heathway
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Post by galwhv69 on Dec 30, 2021 23:40:11 GMT
Walked from Home to Dover Park Drive 85 to Putney Heath/Green Man 93 to Wimbledon Station Tram to Beckenham Road 227 to High Street/Market Square Walk to McDonalds Walk to Bromley North Station 269 to Sidcup Station/Station Road 233 to Beechenlea Corner Walk to Azalea Drive PVL Tour : 431/S31 to Sevenoaks Bus Station S6 to Kemsing, Noahs Ark 431X/TW1 to Tunbridge Wells Station Walk to Post Office then Greggs Walk to Tunbridge Wells Station T3 to Sevenoaks Bus Station 409C/S12 to Crockenhill, Stone Cross Road 412/D12 to Swanley Asda Mystery Tour via Amazon LCY3, Greenhithe Station etc. to Swanley, Azalea Drive Walk to Swanley Station Southeastern to Bromley South 138 to Hayes Station Southeastern Rail Rep to Beckenham Junction (being nicely driven by DLA 365) Tram to Wimbledon 93 to Putney Hill/Green Man 85 to Exeter House Walk Home
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Post by mkay315 on Dec 31, 2021 13:22:49 GMT
I forgot to mention to you all I did that challenge with the 345 and the 37. It was safe to say the 37 just about beat the timings from Peckham to Clapham Junction by 5 minutes though I really wanted the 345 to win when I timed it during the two days. I also managed to get on the 320 from Catford to Biggin Hill however it sucks that I wasn't able to do the 246. So on that note Paul I will take you up on your offer next year to do the 246. My next challenge will be to hopefully do the 222 from Uxbridge.
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Post by mkay315 on Dec 31, 2021 13:57:22 GMT
To my Kingston folk on here. Do you reckon I should do the 111 and 285 challenge next year to see which one would get me to Heathrow quicker?
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Post by BE37054 (quoll662) on Dec 31, 2021 14:32:33 GMT
To my Kingston folk on here. Do you reckon I should do the 111 and 285 challenge next year to see which one would get me to Heathrow quicker? Maybe. But I could tell you that straight off: 285 ALL THE WAY! The 285 to Heathrow is probably about as long as the 111 just to Hounslow! 111/281 challenge might be a little closer, but don't do it on a rugby day. Another one could be the 419/493 challenge between Queen Mary's and the bus station. Seems like an obvious one but the 493 hits many a traffic hotspot in Sheen. All others in that area (like 65/371 or 419/33 or 190/110 or H37/110) are quite clear cut, in each case the former is much faster.
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