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Arriva North East: Latest News & Discussion - July 2017

Arriva North East: Latest News & Discussion - July 2017

 
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4180
22 Jul 2017, 9:59 pm
#81
(22 Jul 2017, 9:52 pm)Malarkey An E200MMC in the new Sapphire Livery on service 700 with Arriva Southern Counties and it looks awful - https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestint...922837792/

I quite like that, the light blue wrap around at the front looks rather smart imo.
mb134
22 Jul 2017, 9:59 pm #81

(22 Jul 2017, 9:52 pm)Malarkey An E200MMC in the new Sapphire Livery on service 700 with Arriva Southern Counties and it looks awful - https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestint...922837792/

I quite like that, the light blue wrap around at the front looks rather smart imo.

14282
22 Jul 2017, 10:06 pm
#82
(22 Jul 2017, 9:52 pm)Malarkey An E200MMC in the new Sapphire Livery on service 700 with Arriva Southern Counties and it looks awful - https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestint...922837792/

I prefer that than the double decker version.

Speaking of the E200. Had a few short hops on the MMC version recently.
Ignoring the fact that it's a dart with a facelift, in my limited experience of them, I can't see what the fuss is about them.

'Illegitimis non carborundum'
Andreos1
22 Jul 2017, 10:06 pm #82

(22 Jul 2017, 9:52 pm)Malarkey An E200MMC in the new Sapphire Livery on service 700 with Arriva Southern Counties and it looks awful - https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestint...922837792/

I prefer that than the double decker version.

Speaking of the E200. Had a few short hops on the MMC version recently.
Ignoring the fact that it's a dart with a facelift, in my limited experience of them, I can't see what the fuss is about them.


'Illegitimis non carborundum'

10983
22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm
#83
In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI
Jimmi
22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm #83

In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI

22 Jul 2017, 11:11 pm
#84
7551 has internal branding, theres just a few things that need fixing, then it'll be rolled out into 7541-50
omnicity4659
22 Jul 2017, 11:11 pm #84

7551 has internal branding, theres just a few things that need fixing, then it'll be rolled out into 7541-50

3566
23 Jul 2017, 12:41 am
#85
(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI

Just had a watch there and I struggled to notice that it was a Voith gearbox. Must say that these seem a tad queiter compared to previous voith gearboxed tridents / enviros as well as ZF examples.

Do ZF gearboxes no longer come as an option and if they do, can they come with stop / start?
L469 YVK
23 Jul 2017, 12:41 am #85

(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI

Just had a watch there and I struggled to notice that it was a Voith gearbox. Must say that these seem a tad queiter compared to previous voith gearboxed tridents / enviros as well as ZF examples.

Do ZF gearboxes no longer come as an option and if they do, can they come with stop / start?

23 Jul 2017, 1:19 am
#86
(23 Jul 2017, 12:41 am)L469 YVK Just had a watch there and I struggled to notice that it was a Voith gearbox. Must say that these seem a tad queiter compared to previous voith gearboxed tridents / enviros as well as ZF examples.

Do ZF gearboxes no longer come as an option and if they do, can they come with stop / start?

Yes these are ( Irritatingly ) fitted with Voith D854.6's to be exact, Arriva's standard spec now. Completely unsuitable for the work there being put on, They seem to top out at the rev limiter first before the Speed limiter, Which is another bug for me.

ZF do still come as a option, Speculation is buyer's arnt specking Ecolife's due to not being compatible with Cummins Stop-Start feature, But I disagree as ZF have been offering the Ecolife with Stop-Start compatibility since 2015 for up to 1600nm of Torque, These coming in at 1100-1200nm should be a cosy fit. Id hint it's a money saving decision.

A rather boring fact is that this batch suld come with a extra 100nm of Low End Torque to help fill the gap of slow acceleration from a standstill, Though it is barely noticeable due to how Voith's work in 1st Gear, And how ADL Tune the things down for more MPG, This is commonplace for all Cummins offerings from 2017 so is expected to be on all Cummins fitted buses from this year.

My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile
South Tyne Lad
23 Jul 2017, 1:19 am #86

(23 Jul 2017, 12:41 am)L469 YVK Just had a watch there and I struggled to notice that it was a Voith gearbox. Must say that these seem a tad queiter compared to previous voith gearboxed tridents / enviros as well as ZF examples.

Do ZF gearboxes no longer come as an option and if they do, can they come with stop / start?

Yes these are ( Irritatingly ) fitted with Voith D854.6's to be exact, Arriva's standard spec now. Completely unsuitable for the work there being put on, They seem to top out at the rev limiter first before the Speed limiter, Which is another bug for me.

ZF do still come as a option, Speculation is buyer's arnt specking Ecolife's due to not being compatible with Cummins Stop-Start feature, But I disagree as ZF have been offering the Ecolife with Stop-Start compatibility since 2015 for up to 1600nm of Torque, These coming in at 1100-1200nm should be a cosy fit. Id hint it's a money saving decision.

A rather boring fact is that this batch suld come with a extra 100nm of Low End Torque to help fill the gap of slow acceleration from a standstill, Though it is barely noticeable due to how Voith's work in 1st Gear, And how ADL Tune the things down for more MPG, This is commonplace for all Cummins offerings from 2017 so is expected to be on all Cummins fitted buses from this year.


My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile

23 Jul 2017, 2:47 am
#87
They've only been properly in service for a day and I want the 57 regs back! 

For some reason the doors only open/close in neutral, so that's extra idling time, the stop-start rubbish is rather annoying, as the lights flicker and the air con goes off. 

Rather sluggish on the high speed sections of route too, totally unsuitable for the X21/X22, and the various other routes they run.
omnicity4659
23 Jul 2017, 2:47 am #87

They've only been properly in service for a day and I want the 57 regs back! 

For some reason the doors only open/close in neutral, so that's extra idling time, the stop-start rubbish is rather annoying, as the lights flicker and the air con goes off. 

Rather sluggish on the high speed sections of route too, totally unsuitable for the X21/X22, and the various other routes they run.

Dan
Site Administrator
18149
23 Jul 2017, 7:08 am
#88
(22 Jul 2017, 9:59 pm)mb134 I quite like that, the light blue wrap around at the front looks rather smart imo.

Looks better on a single-deck than a double-deck, and agree that the light blue wrap on the front is a significant improvement, but beyond the swoosh, it isn't very easy on the eye. Even the swoosh itself isn't a nice round one.

(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI


The Enviro 200MMC is horrible in comparison to the Enviro 400MMC - I don't understand how they could deliver so many improvements to the traditional Enviro 400 with the MMC, but they couldn't do this for the Enviro 200?

Start/stop technology is horrible on Enviro 400MMCs. I recently rode one of Arriva Yorkshire's new ones from Castleford back to Leeds, and my head was done in. The Enviro 400MMC is, naturally, quite loud, then when it goes deathly silent while pulled up at a bus stop and then starts again, it only highlights how much noise the bus is truly making (rattles, engine, etc), paired with a flicker of the interior lights at every stop.

The older Enviro 400MMCs definitely seem to be smoother and more comfortable than any of the newer ones. Whilst I had no major preference between the StreetDeck and the Enviro 400MMC, the StreetDeck will win every time now, against a start/stop Enviro 400MMC. In my opinion; traditional Enviro 400MMCs and StreetDecks were largely the same from a passenger perspective, and the customer experience was entirely dependent on how the bus has been spec'd by the operator in build.
Dan
23 Jul 2017, 7:08 am #88

(22 Jul 2017, 9:59 pm)mb134 I quite like that, the light blue wrap around at the front looks rather smart imo.

Looks better on a single-deck than a double-deck, and agree that the light blue wrap on the front is a significant improvement, but beyond the swoosh, it isn't very easy on the eye. Even the swoosh itself isn't a nice round one.

(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI


The Enviro 200MMC is horrible in comparison to the Enviro 400MMC - I don't understand how they could deliver so many improvements to the traditional Enviro 400 with the MMC, but they couldn't do this for the Enviro 200?

Start/stop technology is horrible on Enviro 400MMCs. I recently rode one of Arriva Yorkshire's new ones from Castleford back to Leeds, and my head was done in. The Enviro 400MMC is, naturally, quite loud, then when it goes deathly silent while pulled up at a bus stop and then starts again, it only highlights how much noise the bus is truly making (rattles, engine, etc), paired with a flicker of the interior lights at every stop.

The older Enviro 400MMCs definitely seem to be smoother and more comfortable than any of the newer ones. Whilst I had no major preference between the StreetDeck and the Enviro 400MMC, the StreetDeck will win every time now, against a start/stop Enviro 400MMC. In my opinion; traditional Enviro 400MMCs and StreetDecks were largely the same from a passenger perspective, and the customer experience was entirely dependent on how the bus has been spec'd by the operator in build.

4180
23 Jul 2017, 9:31 am
#89
Anyone know which E400s are staying on the X21/22 with 7541-52? I assumed it was 7522-26, and some sightings yesterday backed that up, though there were some pictures of the 57 plates still in service.

(19 Jul 2017, 3:38 pm)omnicity4659 I see there's been confusion over 7542, it entered service as 7542 and is on the allocation lists as 7542, but was delivered as 7544 and says that in the cab... It might have been miscommunication within the depot, suppose we'll have to wait and see what the vinyls say.

Few days late with this, but the registrations for 7542-4 were meant to be NNP/R/T, however ADL messed up when registering them. In order to keep other details in the same order, they are now NNT/P/R.
mb134
23 Jul 2017, 9:31 am #89

Anyone know which E400s are staying on the X21/22 with 7541-52? I assumed it was 7522-26, and some sightings yesterday backed that up, though there were some pictures of the 57 plates still in service.


(19 Jul 2017, 3:38 pm)omnicity4659 I see there's been confusion over 7542, it entered service as 7542 and is on the allocation lists as 7542, but was delivered as 7544 and says that in the cab... It might have been miscommunication within the depot, suppose we'll have to wait and see what the vinyls say.

Few days late with this, but the registrations for 7542-4 were meant to be NNP/R/T, however ADL messed up when registering them. In order to keep other details in the same order, they are now NNT/P/R.

14282
23 Jul 2017, 9:55 am
#90
(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI

The examples I used were both 2017.
I sat behind the driver, mainly to read the plates (warranty, manufacturing details etc).

The rattles in th at seat were minimal.

'Illegitimis non carborundum'
Andreos1
23 Jul 2017, 9:55 am #90

(22 Jul 2017, 10:36 pm)Jimmi In regards to Andreos' post above (stupid Tapatalk app won't quote the post).

I ain't a massive fan of the E200, especially more recent ones, rode a Stephensons of Easingwold old style E200 66 plate on Moorsbus a few months back and the rattles and shaking of panels from the back of the bus was Irritating (even when the bus was in motion), also rode a Stagecoach Yorkshire E200 MMC on the 22x from Barnsley to Rotherham and it sounded like it was plagued with mice as it was squeaking pretty much constantly.

Although it wasn't the smoothest, I still thought E400 MMC 7544 which I had back to Newcastle offered a more comfortable ride than the StreetDeck I got from Durham to Newcastle on the GNE X21 (was quieter too). Video of 7544: https://youtu.be/vz3zyNkX6rI

The examples I used were both 2017.
I sat behind the driver, mainly to read the plates (warranty, manufacturing details etc).

The rattles in th at seat were minimal.


'Illegitimis non carborundum'

23 Jul 2017, 10:13 am
#91
(23 Jul 2017, 9:31 am)mb134 Anyone know which E400s are staying on the X21/22 with 7541-52? I assumed it was 7522-26, and some sightings yesterday backed that up, though there were some pictures of the 57 plates still in service.


Few days late with this, but the registrations for 7542-4 were meant to be NNP/R/T, however ADL messed up when registering them. In order to keep other details in the same order, they are now NNT/P/R.

7522/3/4/5/6 are staying, 7501/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/18/27/8 going. 

Interestingly, only 7552 carries a spare livery, whereas 7509/18 were the spares, so if they don't want 2 Sapphire spares, another 14 reg could go.
omnicity4659
23 Jul 2017, 10:13 am #91

(23 Jul 2017, 9:31 am)mb134 Anyone know which E400s are staying on the X21/22 with 7541-52? I assumed it was 7522-26, and some sightings yesterday backed that up, though there were some pictures of the 57 plates still in service.


Few days late with this, but the registrations for 7542-4 were meant to be NNP/R/T, however ADL messed up when registering them. In order to keep other details in the same order, they are now NNT/P/R.

7522/3/4/5/6 are staying, 7501/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/18/27/8 going. 

Interestingly, only 7552 carries a spare livery, whereas 7509/18 were the spares, so if they don't want 2 Sapphire spares, another 14 reg could go.

4180
23 Jul 2017, 10:15 am
#92

(23 Jul 2017, 10:13 am)omnicity4659 7522/3/4/5/6 are staying, 7501/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/18/27/8 going. 

Interestingly, only 7552 carries a spare livery, whereas 7509/18 were the spares, so if they don't want 2 Sapphire spares, another 14 reg could go.
However, only 7518 ever carried a 'spare' livery - 7509 was fully branded. 
mb134
23 Jul 2017, 10:15 am #92


(23 Jul 2017, 10:13 am)omnicity4659 7522/3/4/5/6 are staying, 7501/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/18/27/8 going. 

Interestingly, only 7552 carries a spare livery, whereas 7509/18 were the spares, so if they don't want 2 Sapphire spares, another 14 reg could go.
However, only 7518 ever carried a 'spare' livery - 7509 was fully branded. 

10983
23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm
#93
(23 Jul 2017, 10:15 am)mb134
However, only 7518 ever carried a 'spare' livery - 7509 was fully branded. 

I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh
Jimmi
23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm #93

(23 Jul 2017, 10:15 am)mb134
However, only 7518 ever carried a 'spare' livery - 7509 was fully branded. 

I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh

4180
23 Jul 2017, 12:30 pm
#94
(23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm)Jimmi I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh

I believe that 7509 being a 'spare' came from it being the last to be refurbished, and that it was only branded a few weeks after entering service. I think, if anything, 7509 was one of the most reliable performers, certainly I don't remember too many issues with it. 

I think, if you look at the amount of time 7509 spent on the X21/22 compared to 7518, it's clear that 7518 was the 'spare' vehicle.
mb134
23 Jul 2017, 12:30 pm #94

(23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm)Jimmi I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh

I believe that 7509 being a 'spare' came from it being the last to be refurbished, and that it was only branded a few weeks after entering service. I think, if anything, 7509 was one of the most reliable performers, certainly I don't remember too many issues with it. 

I think, if you look at the amount of time 7509 spent on the X21/22 compared to 7518, it's clear that 7518 was the 'spare' vehicle.

402
23 Jul 2017, 12:34 pm
#95
I personally, with OCD..... hate the fact that we now have 17 regs in a new livery with white destination screens running alongside 14 regs liveried buses with orange destys...... For me it's a case of get the full set of buses or don't try at all.
Simmy
23 Jul 2017, 12:34 pm #95

I personally, with OCD..... hate the fact that we now have 17 regs in a new livery with white destination screens running alongside 14 regs liveried buses with orange destys...... For me it's a case of get the full set of buses or don't try at all.

10983
23 Jul 2017, 12:35 pm
#96
(23 Jul 2017, 12:30 pm)mb134 I believe that 7509 being a 'spare' came from it being the last to be refurbished, and that it was only branded a few weeks after entering service. I think, if anything, 7509 was one of the most reliable performers, certainly I don't remember too many issues with it. 

I think, if you look at the amount of time 7509 spent on the X21/22 compared to 7518, it's clear that 7518 was the 'spare' vehicle.

From my limited experience of them, the only one's that seemed to struggle were the ones that got killed on the X93, whichever 57 plate I had on the X21 yesterday certainly wasn't struggling.
Jimmi
23 Jul 2017, 12:35 pm #96

(23 Jul 2017, 12:30 pm)mb134 I believe that 7509 being a 'spare' came from it being the last to be refurbished, and that it was only branded a few weeks after entering service. I think, if anything, 7509 was one of the most reliable performers, certainly I don't remember too many issues with it. 

I think, if you look at the amount of time 7509 spent on the X21/22 compared to 7518, it's clear that 7518 was the 'spare' vehicle.

From my limited experience of them, the only one's that seemed to struggle were the ones that got killed on the X93, whichever 57 plate I had on the X21 yesterday certainly wasn't struggling.

4180
23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm
#97
(23 Jul 2017, 12:34 pm)Simmy I personally, with OCD..... hate the fact that we now have 17 regs in a new livery with white destination screens running alongside 14 regs liveried buses with orange destys...... For me it's a case of get the full set of buses or don't try at all.
I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.
(23 Jul 2017, 12:35 pm)Jimmi From my limited experience of them, the only one's that seemed to struggle were the ones that got killed on the X93, whichever 57 plate I had on the X21 yesterday certainly wasn't struggling.

At first, none of them were brilliant, especially in terms of reliability. Ashington seemed to work hard to get the best out of them. 7501-4 still aren't great, however I agree that the other ones are now in pretty good health. Certainly, the journeys I had on 7505/8/9 in the weeks before 7541-52 came were very enjoyable.
mb134
23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm #97

(23 Jul 2017, 12:34 pm)Simmy I personally, with OCD..... hate the fact that we now have 17 regs in a new livery with white destination screens running alongside 14 regs liveried buses with orange destys...... For me it's a case of get the full set of buses or don't try at all.
I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.
(23 Jul 2017, 12:35 pm)Jimmi From my limited experience of them, the only one's that seemed to struggle were the ones that got killed on the X93, whichever 57 plate I had on the X21 yesterday certainly wasn't struggling.

At first, none of them were brilliant, especially in terms of reliability. Ashington seemed to work hard to get the best out of them. 7501-4 still aren't great, however I agree that the other ones are now in pretty good health. Certainly, the journeys I had on 7505/8/9 in the weeks before 7541-52 came were very enjoyable.

23 Jul 2017, 2:22 pm
#98
(23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm)mb134 I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.

At first, none of them were brilliant, especially in terms of reliability. Ashington seemed to work hard to get the best out of them. 7501-4 still aren't great, however I agree that the other ones are now in pretty good health. Certainly, the journeys I had on 7505/8/9 in the weeks before 7541-52 came were very enjoyable.

Had 7506 on the X14 yesterday, First one in a year out of the 57 Plates Ive rode to be in Limp Mode. Absolutely dire it was, At one point crawling at 30mph up the A1.

The first round of Econospeed fitments seemed to kill a lot of the batch, But since that shambles Ashington seem to have worked wonders on most of them, Though the 3 that weren't touched in the first place ( 7511-13 ) still outperform the others in my opinion.

My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile
South Tyne Lad
23 Jul 2017, 2:22 pm #98

(23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm)mb134 I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.

At first, none of them were brilliant, especially in terms of reliability. Ashington seemed to work hard to get the best out of them. 7501-4 still aren't great, however I agree that the other ones are now in pretty good health. Certainly, the journeys I had on 7505/8/9 in the weeks before 7541-52 came were very enjoyable.

Had 7506 on the X14 yesterday, First one in a year out of the 57 Plates Ive rode to be in Limp Mode. Absolutely dire it was, At one point crawling at 30mph up the A1.

The first round of Econospeed fitments seemed to kill a lot of the batch, But since that shambles Ashington seem to have worked wonders on most of them, Though the 3 that weren't touched in the first place ( 7511-13 ) still outperform the others in my opinion.


My New Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@N02/ - Posts every Weekend at the minimum Smile

995
23 Jul 2017, 2:34 pm
#99
(23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm)Jimmi I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh

(23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm)mb134 I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.

I agree that 7509 is no more a spare vehicle than any other X21/2 branded example however I think the point trying to be made is that currently there is an extra X21/2 branded vehicle for the PVR as well as 7518 being the official spare. If by some miracle at any one time all vehicles were on the road - then there would be two vehicles left in the depot a X21/2 branded (7509 or any other) and the spare 7518.

It seems likely that with the less reliable 57-reg buses moving that rather than having 2 'spares' for the X21/2 and no spares for the 43/44/45 (12 new buses displace 12 buses to cover a PVR of 12) that an additional vehicle will transfer to Jesmond.
peter
23 Jul 2017, 2:34 pm #99

(23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm)Jimmi I also can't see how 7509 could be classed as a spare considering it's specific route branded for that service and probably saw just as much use as the other Sapphire 57 plates, surely by this logic, does this make 1516 Darlington's Sapphire spare, considering it is also fully route branded?  Huh

(23 Jul 2017, 12:40 pm)mb134 I *think* that only 12 were ordered as this covers the PVR of the 43/44/45. I'd hope they give the 14 plates white destinations and the new livery soon.

I agree that 7509 is no more a spare vehicle than any other X21/2 branded example however I think the point trying to be made is that currently there is an extra X21/2 branded vehicle for the PVR as well as 7518 being the official spare. If by some miracle at any one time all vehicles were on the road - then there would be two vehicles left in the depot a X21/2 branded (7509 or any other) and the spare 7518.

It seems likely that with the less reliable 57-reg buses moving that rather than having 2 'spares' for the X21/2 and no spares for the 43/44/45 (12 new buses displace 12 buses to cover a PVR of 12) that an additional vehicle will transfer to Jesmond.

10983
23 Jul 2017, 2:41 pm
(23 Jul 2017, 2:34 pm)peter I agree that 7509 is no more a spare vehicle than any other X21/2 branded example however I think the point trying to be made is that currently there is an extra X21/2 branded vehicle for the PVR as well as 7518 being the official spare. If by some miracle at any one time all vehicles were on the road - then there would be two vehicles left in the depot a X21/2 branded (7509 or any other) and the spare 7518.

It seems likely that with the less reliable 57-reg buses moving that rather than having 2 'spares' for the X21/2 and no spares for the 43/44/45 (12 new buses displace 12 buses to cover a PVR of 12) that an additional vehicle will transfer to Jesmond.

Surely 1512 would act as a spare in some form for the 43/44/45 although it pretty much seems to be permanently on the 685 due to the Omnicitys not being very reliable and probably because it's the closest vehicle to match the spec of the Cross Pennine Omni's.
Jimmi
23 Jul 2017, 2:41 pm #100

(23 Jul 2017, 2:34 pm)peter I agree that 7509 is no more a spare vehicle than any other X21/2 branded example however I think the point trying to be made is that currently there is an extra X21/2 branded vehicle for the PVR as well as 7518 being the official spare. If by some miracle at any one time all vehicles were on the road - then there would be two vehicles left in the depot a X21/2 branded (7509 or any other) and the spare 7518.

It seems likely that with the less reliable 57-reg buses moving that rather than having 2 'spares' for the X21/2 and no spares for the 43/44/45 (12 new buses displace 12 buses to cover a PVR of 12) that an additional vehicle will transfer to Jesmond.

Surely 1512 would act as a spare in some form for the 43/44/45 although it pretty much seems to be permanently on the 685 due to the Omnicitys not being very reliable and probably because it's the closest vehicle to match the spec of the Cross Pennine Omni's.

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