(18 Jul 2015, 4:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't think too much about that. First Bus over the last 2 or 3 years have ordered a mixture of ADL and Wrightbus. Although GNE have a good relationship with Wrightbus, they would not risk putting an underpowered and unreliable vehicle on a relatively challenging route just to save a few quid and keep good ties.
If they really want to test the Streetdeck, they should send it upto Hexham for a fortnight on the TEN (no fluid boards though!) and the Hexham Drivers (particularly ex Arriva and NMS) would be able to tell straightaway whether or not it could hack any such routes.
I would argue that the X21 is more of a demanding route than the TEN to be honest.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:14 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]I would argue that the X21 is more of a demanding route than the TEN to be honest.
I agree. Not only does it deal with fast-moving motorways, it also has some steep climbs and descents on the Durham-Bishop Auckland section of the route.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]If they really want to test the Streetdeck, they should send it up to Hexham for a fortnight on the TEN (no fluid boards though!) and the Hexham Drivers (particularly ex Arriva and NMS) would be able to tell straightaway whether or not it could hack any such routes.
And a run up to Allendale on the 688.
Much like everyone else I wasn't that impressed with the Streetdeck, I thought it was slow on pretty much all sections of the route especially on hills and the sliproad getting on the A1(M) although by that point there was few seats left but even before that I thought it was slow.
I had another ride on the Enviro 400 MMC between Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland and I think this is a much better performer.
Unfortunately I can see GNE going with the Streetdeck over the Enviro 400 MMC because of the relationship with Wright and will probably be cheaper than the E400.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:25 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Can't forget the X1.....
You reckon new buses on there Michael.....wonder what they would do with the cyrrent B9's thou
I hope the senior management are reading all these messages about the 2 Demo buses.... because I couldn't agree more.
It's gotta be the e400mmc for the X21
(18 Jul 2015, 4:27 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]You reckon new buses on there Michael.....wonder what they would do with the cyrrent B9's thou
6001 - 6007 + 3943 (spare) to Crook, 6049(T) to Riverside, 6050 Riverside, 6051 Hexham, 6052 / 6053 Percy Main (both including 6117 could be used in the afternoons instead of Lolynes / B7s providing there's no VORs), 6054 / 6055 fitted with GKN Carbon Flywheels and go to CLS for the Angel, 3941/42/63/64 to Percy Main for DFDS work, 3890 / 3891 go where needed, 6084(T) becomes permanent vehicle on the TEN, 3962 / 3965 become permanent spares for the Angel.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:35 pm)pdiddy wrote [ -> ]I hope the senior management are reading all these messages about the 2 Demo buses.... because I couldn't agree more.
It's gotta be the e400mmc for the X21
Have you had a run out on the Streetdeck yourself today? Looks smart inside and out, but it's obviously no good if it struggles as much as it does.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:36 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]6001 - 6007 + 3943 (spare) to Crook, 6049(T) to Riverside, 6050 Riverside, 6051 Hexham, 6052 / 6053 Percy Main (both including 6117 could be used in the afternoons instead of Lolynes / B7s providing there's no VORs), 6054 / 6055 fitted with GKN Carbon Flywheels and go to CLS for the Angel, 3941/42/63/64 to Percy Main for DFDS work, 3890 / 3891 go where needed, 6084(T) becomes permanent vehicle on the TEN, 3962 / 3965 become permanent spares for the Angel.
Why would you send the oldest vehicles to Crook!? Theoretically speaking, they won't last as long.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:36 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]6001 - 6007 + 3943 (spare) to Crook, 6049(T) to Riverside, 6050 Riverside, 6051 Hexham, 6052 / 6053 Percy Main (both including 6117 could be used in the afternoons instead of Lolynes / B7s providing there's no VORs), 6054 / 6055 fitted with GKN Carbon Flywheels and go to CLS for the Angel, 3941/42/63/64 to Percy Main for DFDS work, 3890 / 3891 go where needed, 6084(T) becomes permanent vehicle on the TEN, 3962 / 3965 become permanent spares for the Angel.
Don't think you've mentioned this one before mate.... tell me more....
(18 Jul 2015, 4:36 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]6001 - 6007 + 3943 (spare) to Crook, 6049(T) to Riverside, 6050 Riverside, 6051 Hexham, 6052 / 6053 Percy Main (both including 6117 could be used in the afternoons instead of Lolynes / B7s providing there's no VORs), 6054 / 6055 fitted with GKN Carbon Flywheels and go to CLS for the Angel, 3941/42/63/64 to Percy Main for DFDS work, 3890 / 3891 go where needed, 6084(T) becomes permanent vehicle on the TEN, 3962 / 3965 become permanent spares for the Angel.
If only everything was as simple as in Davey's world....
(18 Jul 2015, 4:53 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]Why would you send the oldest vehicles to Crook!? Theoretically speaking, they won't last as long.
Only way you get the newest ones across would be to have an oddball (1x 11 reg one) as 6049 would need to go to Riverside to provide a spare for the TTX to stop 6084 or 6071 having to be constantly used.
(18 Jul 2015, 5:02 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]Only way you get the newest ones across would be to have an oddball (1x 11 reg one) as 6049 would need to go to Riverside to provide a spare for the TTX to stop 6084 or 6071 having to be constantly used.
So basically, stop constantly using 6084 and instead constantly use 6049?
(18 Jul 2015, 5:06 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]So basically, stop constantly using 6084 and instead constantly use 6049?
Well yes. 6049 and 6050 (alternating with 6051 from Hexham) would be Riverside's spares but in the event that any of the TTX B9s are VOR or if the X9 / X10 is severly delayed, they could then use 6049 as a backup rather than having to use 6084 of the TEN.
(18 Jul 2015, 4:37 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]Have you had a run out on the Streetdeck yourself today? Looks smart inside and out, but it's obviously no good if it struggles as much as it
I have driven both, and also recieved feedback from drivers and passengers. And everybody says the same things, the E400mmc is much more impressive and comfortable in every way.
Saw a rather odd sighting early this morning at Gateshead Interchange at around 6:30. A Fab 57 renown(too far away too see the fleet number sadly) with the blinds showing First with the first 'F' Logo on either side of it.
Perhaps Dan or Citaro can answer why GNE would have a blind of another bus company being programmed? Its a sighting I don't think I will ever see again, although I don't take photos of buses myself, I wish I did on this occasion!
(18 Jul 2015, 6:20 pm)Bus_User wrote [ -> ]Saw a rather odd sighting early this morning at Gateshead Interchange at around 6:30. A Fab 57 renown(too far away too see the fleet number sadly) with the blinds showing First with the first 'F' Logo on either side of it.
Perhaps Dan or Citaro can answer why GNE would have a blind of another bus company being programmed? Its a sighting I don't think I will ever see again, although I don't take photos of buses myself, I wish I did on this occasion!
It is from the Glasgow Games last year. All of the double deckers that went up had to have some special destinations programmed - that being one of them.
The Gateshead programme in the past has just been built on and built on rather than anything being removed, so I suspect that is how it has ended up being included within the main Gateshead programme on other vehicles. You certainly won't see a Gateshead based vehicle showing that display again from 26 July...
(18 Jul 2015, 6:20 pm)Bus_User wrote [ -> ]Saw a rather odd sighting early this morning at Gateshead Interchange at around 6:30. A Fab 57 renown(too far away too see the fleet number sadly) with the blinds showing First with the first 'F' Logo on either side of it.
Perhaps Dan or Citaro can answer why GNE would have a blind of another bus company being programmed? Its a sighting I don't think I will ever see again, although I don't take photos of buses myself, I wish I did on this occasion!
It was programmed for when GNE loaned vehicles to Glasgow for the Commonwealth games, wasn't it?
(18 Jul 2015, 6:20 pm)Bus_User wrote [ -> ]Saw a rather odd sighting early this morning at Gateshead Interchange at around 6:30. A Fab 57 renown(too far away too see the fleet number sadly) with the blinds showing First with the first 'F' Logo on either side of it.
Perhaps Dan or Citaro can answer why GNE would have a blind of another bus company being programmed? Its a sighting I don't think I will ever see again, although I don't take photos of buses myself, I wish I did on this occasion!
First wanted some destinations in the vehicles that went to Glasgow for the Games. They have been removed from the programme, but for some reason this vehicle must not have had an update since the programme was updated.