(06/05/2013 19:14)kuyoyo Wrote:  If you do spot it in Middlesbrough on the X1, you'd be very lucky considering Durham's X1 workings are supposed to be entirely Gemini worked these days with Pulsars being the main alternative single decker choice if deckers are in short supply.

(11/05/2013 22:33)Metroline1511 Wrote:  

(06/05/2013 19:14)kuyoyo Wrote:  If you do spot it in Middlesbrough on the X1, you'd be very lucky considering Durham's X1 workings are supposed to be entirely Gemini worked these days with Pulsars being the main alternative single decker choice if deckers are in short supply.

That's certainly a change since my visit last July! I went on Flickr and saw pix of Geminis on routes X1 and X2. Some of these may well have been yours. I'd have enjoyed a ride on a double-deck on route X2. Where have other ex-route 308 Geminis moved to since the Volvo B5LHs came?

On an unrelated note, I have now seen a Cleveland map on the Arrivabus website! I have printed it off and written a general frequency list of the most useful routes.

(11/05/2013 22:47)kuyoyo Wrote:  Only 3 of Blyth's VDL Geminis have left - 7618/9 moved last October prior to the changes to the X1/X2 while 7620 was displaced by the B5LHs in March. Only Stockton depot run single deckers (Prestiges at the present moment, due to be upgraded to Pulsars next month) on their workings. Evening runs are operated by Durham exclusively using the Geminis while Stockton still does the Sunday runs mainly with Pulsars.

(11/05/2013 23:11)Metroline1511 Wrote:  

(11/05/2013 22:47)kuyoyo Wrote:  Only 3 of Blyth's VDL Geminis have left - 7618/9 moved last October prior to the changes to the X1/X2 while 7620 was displaced by the B5LHs in March. Only Stockton depot run single deckers (Prestiges at the present moment, due to be upgraded to Pulsars next month) on their workings. Evening runs are operated by Durham exclusively using the Geminis while Stockton still does the Sunday runs mainly with Pulsars.

This must mean that most Geminis work other routes from Blyth now?

You mention about Pulsars coming to Stockton next month. As I indicated in March, this is why I am coming to Middlesbrough in May to ride a leather-seated OmniCity while I can there. I shall mostly take pot luck as to what vehicles turn up as, this and Temsa Avenue aside, I am as keen on exploring as in the rolling stock itself.

(11/05/2013 23:20)kuyoyo Wrote:  Yes, the Geminis are mainly on the X4/X5, X10/X11 and X13 at Blyth now.

Stockton are indeed getting 7 Pulsars from Darlington when the first 6 of the 2013 order arrive for the 1/5 (a further example is due for those routes in the autumn at the same time as the Pulsars for the 7), replacing 4 Prestiges and allowing 4660-2 to move north for the X20/20.

(12/05/2013 20:06)Metroline1511 Wrote:  

(11/05/2013 23:20)kuyoyo Wrote:  Yes, the Geminis are mainly on the X4/X5, X10/X11 and X13 at Blyth now.

Stockton are indeed getting 7 Pulsars from Darlington when the first 6 of the 2013 order arrive for the 1/5 (a further example is due for those routes in the autumn at the same time as the Pulsars for the 7), replacing 4 Prestiges and allowing 4660-2 to move north for the X20/20.

It does make sense for the Geminis to be left at Blyth to operate other routes into Newcastle now.

I have my itin provisionally decided for next Saturday. To reduce duplication but increase variety, I am considering catching route 28 to Lingdale (from Guisborough after riding route 5) then route 4 to Saltburn. According to the timetables, I have just a 9 minute connection. Does the same bus switch from the 28 to the 4 or is it different buses? My hunch is that route 28 works from SN and route 4 from RR.