(26 Apr 2015, 5:15 pm)aureolin wrote Omnidekkas may not be the answer for the X21, but something needs to be done imo. I appreciate that parts of the A1 are limited to 30mph, but the Presidents are really struggling with it these days. The stretch between the Picktree Junction and where it branches off for the A194/A1 (just past Washington Services), most of them barely exceed 30mph. Despite it being an ideal opportunity to make up or bank time prior to reaching Gateshead.
I can deffo see Washington getting new deckers soon for many reasons:
- X1 lacks power sockets and NSA's are outdated. Could do with brand refresh and the B9s would almost pay for themselves.
- Crook needs newer deckers for the X21 and despite the Omnidekkas filling in short term if they do, they won't be feasible in the long run. Also, GNE are facing some competiton from Arriva with their MAX X12 service.
- CLS is 2 short for the Angel PVR of modern Gemini 2's. 2 could be fitted with Flybrids and sent there.
- Deptford might need the vehicles to allow the 56 to be re-instated to every 10 minutes.
- TEN is still short of 1 vehicle due to 6084 being needed on the TTX regularly. Will still need another 2 on top as well (1 at Hexham) to allow the B7s to move onto other roles.
- Cobalt Clipper will probably need another PVR increase due to the mayhem at Cobalt some nights.