(21 Sep 2016, 5:36 pm)peter wrote Couple of questions regarding the coaches. Firstly, are 7095 and 7097 remaining as part of the Coaching Fleet? (and if so why as opposed to two with consecutive fleet numbers?) Secondly, what will happen to 7094 and 7096 (and possibly 7095/7)? And thirdly will the current coaches at Hexham return to the Training fleet to replace the Cadets or be disposed of??
Thanks, Peter
The introduction of nine new coaches (7124 - 7132) has allowed the withdrawal of eight (7093/94, 7096 and 7098-7102). Go North East has gained National Express service 320 which operates between Birmingham and Bradford - the service commences this weekend, which may be the reason why the ninth hasn't been withdrawn.
I believe the two Scanias in the best condition were retained for the demanding National Express service work, which, as you'll be able to appreciate, is more important than selecting two coaches with consecutive fleet numbers. The seasonal Skegness 663 service will be withdrawn on 30th October, so one of 7095/97 may be removed from the Coaching fleet then.
7094/96 are planned to be sold on to another operator, and, providing another operator is interested, the older coaches presently allocated to Hexham will also be sold on.