(24 Jun 2014, 6:42 pm)danpick and 4939 which caught fire before it arrived at GNE

(24 Jun 2014, 6:42 pm)aureolin It'll be a shame when the last of the B10s leaves the fleet. Still enjoy these more than most modern vehicles.

(24 Jun 2014, 6:42 pm)aureolin It'll be a shame when the last of the B10s leaves the fleet. Still enjoy these more than most modern vehicles.

(24 Jun 2014, 6:44 pm)Michael Me too, the ones on the Lime are still doing great.

I used to travel on the 8, 2 days a week and they coped on the A19 and Washington highway.

(24 Jun 2014, 6:45 pm)Dan Have a ride of 5170 and you'll be glad when that one is withdrawn.

I had a ride of 4924 back to Sunderland on the X36 the other night, and I must say that I much preferred it in comparison to the 52xx ex-Fab56 Fast Cats Solar I had a ride of on the morning, on the X35.

(24 Jun 2014, 6:48 pm)aureolin ex Oxford sh*te!

The original batch bought new is still solid. I wonder what the status of 4840 is? would be great to see it preserved.

(24 Jun 2014, 5:50 pm)Michael They could have a different bus inline for the laser?

Not sure what will appear next on demo for GNE

(24 Jun 2014, 7:45 pm)Robert I have a feeling that providing the B5TL is unsuccessful then either the new E400 or Optare Metrodecker will be trialled as the Pronto is so desperate for an upgrade.

(23 Jun 2014, 7:09 am)Andreos Constantopolous In total agreement with you and others on this.

Granted the x46 is just two runs a day, but it still forms part of a board (which if the vehicles are purchased) the b5 will be used on.
It seems pointless evaluating the vehicle for part of the route, but not all.

It may be a roaring success on the x21, but the runs on the x46 may kill it.

The only logical reason I can think of as to why it wont be used on the x46 - is that it is being kept away from prying eyes and as a result, is being stabled overnight at Chester.

On a different note: If manufacturers are going down the route and offering this underpowered type of engine, schedulers may have to add more running time into timetables.
Under the pretence that traffic is to blame

(24 Jun 2014, 9:08 pm)RGR756V Can't see what the fuss regarding the B5 and 9131 working a X46 is. The X46 is merely a positioning journey that is slackly timed and doesn't carry a great deal of passengers. The boards that work X46s actually have some of the busiest X21 journeys, and I think when evaluating a vehicle you need it on busy runs?!

(24 Jun 2014, 9:10 pm)Dan You'll find out in a few days, when it arrives at Crook.

The board which 9131 will be working has now been set, and I'd imagine you'll have been informed of which one this is already?

(24 Jun 2014, 9:12 pm)RGR756V Indeed - because I will have the job of allocating it

(24 Jun 2014, 9:10 pm)Dan You'll find out in a few days.

(24 Jun 2014, 9:10 pm)Dan You'll find out in a few days, when it arrives at Crook.

The board which 9131 will be working has now been set (shock - not one which works onto an X46), and I'd imagine you'll have been informed of which one this is already?

(24 Jun 2014, 9:13 pm)Marcus When's it being transferred again? Is it tomorrow or Thursday?

I agree with RGR756V, but from where I stand the X46 really just seems to be a bit of an extra service so not all buses are running light from the depot, and a bit of profit can be made from having an extra couple of journeys.

(24 Jun 2014, 9:14 pm)RGR756V Currently on my holidays.....so I'm looking forward to my briefing from my manager as to which board 9131 will be restricted to!

(24 Jun 2014, 9:14 pm)Dan Was originally due to depart Riverside tomorrow.

(24 Jun 2014, 9:08 pm)RGR756V Can't see what the fuss regarding the B5 and 9131 working a X46 is. The X46 is merely a positioning journey that is slackly timed and doesn't carry a great deal of passengers. The boards that work X46s actually have some of the busiest X21 journeys, and I think when evaluating a vehicle you need it on busy runs?!