Just seen X9/X10 streetdeck being towed on A1231. It was parked near Vantec. Couldn't get the number though. I presume it was going to Newcastle.
Not a good day for VOR, 6902 broken down at Park Lane on 38.
(04 Mar 2020, 10:51 am)ASX_Terranova wrote [ -> ]Just seen X9/X10 streetdeck being towed on A1231. It was parked near Vantec. Couldn't get the number though. I presume it was going to Newcastle.
Surely you mean a Gemini 3 rather than a StreetDeck
Going from Bus Times it's 6313
(04 Mar 2020, 11:31 am)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]Surely you mean a Gemini 3 rather than a StreetDeck
Going from Bus Times it's 6313
Looks to have been replaced by 6048.
6335 also on the X9/X10 today, with 6309 off.
Reliability of the whole fleet seems to be going down recently, wonder if it's got anything to do with vehicles being overworked with the delay of the StreetDecks arriving
(04 Mar 2020, 12:35 pm)JP6004 wrote [ -> ]Not much longer now 
We've been saying that since bloody November!
Hopefully it's true this time
The main thing I'm looking forward to is the improved suspension, it's one of my few complaints about the StreetDeck
(04 Mar 2020, 12:19 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]Reliability of the whole fleet seems to be going down recently, wonder if it's got anything to do with vehicles being overworked with the delay of the StreetDecks arriving
Remember though that we've never had this level of insight before - bustimes allows us to see vehicle data that previously would have required someone to sit and jot down every single bus they saw out on a given day. I don't keep up to date with GNE operations too much, but from my understanding vehicles have been retained until the arrival of the StreetDecks, so vehicles shouldn't be working anymore than they were previously.
All operators will go through spells of having a slightly higher VOR percentage, they can't predict when a gearbox is going to fail for example. Couple that with regular servicing of vehicles and a few minor defects that drivers will refuse to take a bus with, then it appears that reliability is the issue.
Regarding the X9/X10 specifically, while no vehicle type that's been used on there has lasted particularly long before developing issues, I think they made a mistake with the B5TLs. E400MMCs, whether the Cummins or Scania powered option, would have been the more sensible choice imo.
(04 Mar 2020, 12:45 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]Remember though that we've never had this level of insight before - bustimes allows us to see vehicle data that previously would have required someone to sit and jot down every single bus they saw out on a given day. I don't keep up to date with GNE operations too much, but from my understanding vehicles have been retained until the arrival of the StreetDecks, so vehicles shouldn't be working anymore than they were previously.
All operators will go through spells of having a slightly higher VOR percentage, they can't predict when a gearbox is going to fail for example. Couple that with regular servicing of vehicles and a few minor defects that drivers will refuse to take a bus with, then it appears that reliability is the issue.
Regarding the X9/X10 specifically, while no vehicle type that's been used on there has lasted particularly long before developing issues, I think they made a mistake with the B5TLs. E400MMCs, whether the Cummins or Scania powered option, would have been the more sensible choice imo.
I wouldn't necessarily say the B5s on the X9/X10 were a mistake, they're not doing that bad to be honest, for me the issue with them is more that they're absolutely awful to ride (engine noise, ride etc.)
I think the E400MMCs would be in a similar boat, going off my experience with the ones on the X30. Obviously without trying the Scania on the route (which they're trying to do) it's impossible to say whether it would be a better choice.
The issue with the route is that it's mostly motorway so needs a vehicle that can deal with that, but it also has urban sections which vehicles that would be preferred for motorway are traditionally pretty awful at!
(04 Mar 2020, 1:11 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't necessarily say the B5s on the X9/X10 were a mistake, they're not doing that bad to be honest, for me the issue with them is more that they're absolutely awful to ride (engine noise, ride etc.)
I think the E400MMCs would be in a similar boat, going off my experience with the ones on the X30. Obviously without trying the Scania on the route (which they're trying to do) it's impossible to say whether it would be a better choice.
The issue with the route is that it's mostly motorway so needs a vehicle that can deal with that, but it also has urban sections which vehicles that would be preferred for motorway are traditionally pretty awful at!
No doubt the 6 cylinder streetdeck will be spend a bit of time on the X9/X10 see how it performs. Do think they will end up with new DD but with perhaps greater calibration for motorway driving
(04 Mar 2020, 1:17 pm)JP6004 wrote [ -> ]No doubt the 6 cylinder streetdeck will be spend a bit of time on the X9/X10 see how it performs. Do think they will end up with new DD but with perhaps greater calibration for motorway driving
I forgot about the 6 cylinder! IIRC, GNE are still scheduled to receive the first in the UK
(04 Mar 2020, 1:32 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]I forgot about the 6 cylinder! IIRC, GNE are still scheduled to receive the first in the UK
I believe it be the first, but it deffo coming
(04 Mar 2020, 1:11 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't necessarily say the B5s on the X9/X10 were a mistake, they're not doing that bad to be honest, for me the issue with them is more that they're absolutely awful to ride (engine noise, ride etc.)
I think the E400MMCs would be in a similar boat, going off my experience with the ones on the X30. Obviously without trying the Scania on the route (which they're trying to do) it's impossible to say whether it would be a better choice.
The issue with the route is that it's mostly motorway so needs a vehicle that can deal with that, but it also has urban sections which vehicles that would be preferred for motorway are traditionally pretty awful at!
Obviously there are other factors at play, but I'd suggest the fact that Transdev Blazefield have gone for E400MMCs for The Witch Way and CityZap over the B5TL is a good indication that operators really don't like the B5TL.
That 6.7L Cummins engine is pretty reliable, and represents a 34% increase in engine size over the B5 - thus less stress on the engine at those higher speeds. If I remember correctly Transdev made a point about the reliability of the E400 running gear in their announcement of the order.
I don't see too much of an issue, bar perhaps Eldon Square, for coaching stock on the X9/10 - remember that Megabus/National Express serve city centres and similar urban areas frequently with triaxle coaches without issue. The problem is more with accessibility, however the latest stuff from Plaxton addresses that very well. Stagecoach operate coach type stock on any number of routes within Scotland without issue.
(04 Mar 2020, 1:40 pm)JP6004 wrote [ -> ]I believe it be the first, but it deffo coming
I'd guess it'd still be fitted with the same gearbox as the 4 cylinders as well which would be a shame as they really do feel like they could do with an extra gear or two on the motorway!
(04 Mar 2020, 1:45 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]Obviously there are other factors at play, but I'd suggest the fact that Transdev Blazefield have gone for E400MMCs for The Witch Way and CityZap over the B5TL is a good indication that operators really don't like the B5TL.
That 6.7L Cummins engine is pretty reliable, and represents a 34% increase in engine size over the B5 - thus less stress on the engine at those higher speeds. If I remember correctly Transdev made a point about the reliability of the E400 running gear in their announcement of the order.
I don't see too much of an issue, bar perhaps Eldon Square, for coaching stock on the X9/10 - remember that Megabus/National Express serve city centres and similar urban areas frequently with triaxle coaches without issue. The problem is more with accessibility, however the latest stuff from Plaxton addresses that very well. Stagecoach operate coach type stock on any number of routes within Scotland without issue.
Isn't Cityzap getting 6 Cylinder StreetDecks?
TBH, I'd say the most sensible option for the X9/X10 would be coaches if GNE can get a good service life out of then and or resale value.
The next best option would be 8x Scania E400MMC (incl 1x spare). I'd even go as far to spec any new vehicles with full coach seating.
Will 6334/35 end up at Chester Le Street / Washington when no longer needed as spares for the X9 / X10?
(04 Mar 2020, 5:06 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]Isn't Cityzap getting 6 Cylinder StreetDecks?
Transdev are getting E400MMC's for Cityzap and Witchway.
(04 Mar 2020, 12:45 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]Remember though that we've never had this level of insight before - bustimes allows us to see vehicle data that previously would have required someone to sit and jot down every single bus they saw out on a given day. I don't keep up to date with GNE operations too much, but from my understanding vehicles have been retained until the arrival of the StreetDecks, so vehicles shouldn't be working anymore than they were previously.
All operators will go through spells of having a slightly higher VOR percentage, they can't predict when a gearbox is going to fail for example. Couple that with regular servicing of vehicles and a few minor defects that drivers will refuse to take a bus with, then it appears that reliability is the issue.
Regarding the X9/X10 specifically, while no vehicle type that's been used on there has lasted particularly long before developing issues, I think they made a mistake with the B5TLs. E400MMCs, whether the Cummins or Scania powered option, would have been the more sensible choice imo.
Interestingly, Go Ahead London are trying to do exactly that. It's cheaper, easier and less VOR time to replace major components before they fail, rather than when they fail. They're analysing a range of diagnostics (e.g engine oil) to predict when things will fail. Still early days, but cutting edge none the less.
5304 looked poorly this afternoon. Saw it earlier,getting a lift on the A19.