Enviro 400MMC's for the X10
Enviro 400MMC's for the X10
(22 Dec 2021, 12:46 am)Rapidsnap The best vehicles for the X10 for me would be joint between Leyland Olympian - ECW and Volvo Olympian - N-C Palatine 2. Honestly if those Palatine 2s had DP seating, they would have pipped the Olympians.Also the 400MMC can serve Eldon Again
The Volvo B7TLs were ok but age caught up to them quicker due to their smaller engine (similar can be said of B9TL and B5TL). As for the Spectras, they were good to except they were hindered by their gearing which was more intended for London routes which meant it took longer for them to get into their stride.
It's a difficult route to get the right vehicle for these days, and the closest GNE has got is one 6 Cylinder Streetdeck, though from travelling on the Enviro 400MMCs on the X84, they are a pretty good shout, probably why one was on loan to Riverside last month.
If the X9 is gone for good, and the X10 does parts of both route, they should renumber the service to X19 to highlight it that it runs up the A19 serving locations along said route.
But I wouldn't be suprised if the numbers of OAP / Disabled passes do pick up again with the introduction of the double deckers with the vehicles being 100% easier to board than the coaches. A lot of the time old people only want to use a coach for when they are going on their holidays or on a day trip. Not to go shopping with their shopping trolley.
(22 Dec 2021, 12:46 am)Rapidsnap The best vehicles for the X10 for me would be joint between Leyland Olympian - ECW and Volvo Olympian - N-C Palatine 2. Honestly if those Palatine 2s had DP seating, they would have pipped the Olympians.Also the 400MMC can serve Eldon Again
The Volvo B7TLs were ok but age caught up to them quicker due to their smaller engine (similar can be said of B9TL and B5TL). As for the Spectras, they were good to except they were hindered by their gearing which was more intended for London routes which meant it took longer for them to get into their stride.
It's a difficult route to get the right vehicle for these days, and the closest GNE has got is one 6 Cylinder Streetdeck, though from travelling on the Enviro 400MMCs on the X84, they are a pretty good shout, probably why one was on loan to Riverside last month.
If the X9 is gone for good, and the X10 does parts of both route, they should renumber the service to X19 to highlight it that it runs up the A19 serving locations along said route.
But I wouldn't be suprised if the numbers of OAP / Disabled passes do pick up again with the introduction of the double deckers with the vehicles being 100% easier to board than the coaches. A lot of the time old people only want to use a coach for when they are going on their holidays or on a day trip. Not to go shopping with their shopping trolley.
(22 Dec 2021, 11:03 am)L469 YVK If GNE had've introduced coaches back in 2017 to replace the B9TLs, they would've been perfect.I liked them at first but it made me realise how much I liked the deckers. Plus them steep stairs when u first get on
But I do think GNE are now making a sensible decision to revert back to bus operation despite fanfare about the coaches.
(22 Dec 2021, 11:03 am)L469 YVK If GNE had've introduced coaches back in 2017 to replace the B9TLs, they would've been perfect.I liked them at first but it made me realise how much I liked the deckers. Plus them steep stairs when u first get on
But I do think GNE are now making a sensible decision to revert back to bus operation despite fanfare about the coaches.
(22 Dec 2021, 11:50 am)Train8261 I liked them at first but it made me realise how much I liked the deckers. Plus them steep stairs when u first get onI was on it the other week, and it was soo hot I thought I was going to pass out, there was no working aircon or anything.
(22 Dec 2021, 11:50 am)Train8261 I liked them at first but it made me realise how much I liked the deckers. Plus them steep stairs when u first get onI think they were a good idea but not in the current climate given the leasing costs.
(22 Dec 2021, 11:50 am)Train8261 I liked them at first but it made me realise how much I liked the deckers. Plus them steep stairs when u first get onI think they were a good idea but not in the current climate given the leasing costs.
(22 Dec 2021, 12:53 pm)L469 YVK I think they were a good idea but not in the current climate given the leasing costs.For me personally, the switch to E400s on the X21 would probably put me off using it as much since the seats are unbearable for long journeys. I can just about make it to Stanley before I have to switch seats because the foam is too soft and lacks any support.
Will be interesting to see if the X9 remains and 6338-40 join 6352-55? If not and it's just the X10, then in conjunction with other service changes, it would be good to see a re-allocation of the other E400MMCs to bring stability to the other XLines services.
X10 = 4x E400MMC (6352-55)
X21 = 9x E400MMC (6343-51)
X30/X31 (standalone) = 5x E400MMC (6338-42)
Obviously 6336/37 would need deployed as spares accordingly, keeping these at Consett would be the sensible choice given the need for a low height decker on the X30/X31. The above would then make sure that GNE's 2x longest XLines routes are allocated suitable vehicles and finally give some stability to the X21 with robust vehicles rather than a mish mash.
6308-14 would then fill the 'exact' PVR of a standalone X70/X71/X72 (still interworking with each other) with 6334/35 also providing good spares at Consett.
I wouldn't say something akin to the above would be feasible if the X84/X85 was still to be allocated E400MMCs even though 14x E400MMCs (6338-6351) and 7x B5TLs (6308-14) would fill the numbers. The only reason I'd suggest the above is for the simple reason that the X9/X10 and X21 don't need a low height spare decker or a decker with bike racks fitted which to be honest, seems to have gone on the backburner (unless known otherwise). Obviously an additional E400MMC was needed at Hexham for that purpose but to be no more.
Having a stable fleet of double deckers on the X10 & X21 would improve reliability and increase passenger confidence. Likewise although the X70/X71/X72 would receive B5TLs and maybe slightly slower on the steeper sections of the routes, they should be no less reliable than a StreetDeck.
(22 Dec 2021, 12:53 pm)L469 YVK I think they were a good idea but not in the current climate given the leasing costs.For me personally, the switch to E400s on the X21 would probably put me off using it as much since the seats are unbearable for long journeys. I can just about make it to Stanley before I have to switch seats because the foam is too soft and lacks any support.
Will be interesting to see if the X9 remains and 6338-40 join 6352-55? If not and it's just the X10, then in conjunction with other service changes, it would be good to see a re-allocation of the other E400MMCs to bring stability to the other XLines services.
X10 = 4x E400MMC (6352-55)
X21 = 9x E400MMC (6343-51)
X30/X31 (standalone) = 5x E400MMC (6338-42)
Obviously 6336/37 would need deployed as spares accordingly, keeping these at Consett would be the sensible choice given the need for a low height decker on the X30/X31. The above would then make sure that GNE's 2x longest XLines routes are allocated suitable vehicles and finally give some stability to the X21 with robust vehicles rather than a mish mash.
6308-14 would then fill the 'exact' PVR of a standalone X70/X71/X72 (still interworking with each other) with 6334/35 also providing good spares at Consett.
I wouldn't say something akin to the above would be feasible if the X84/X85 was still to be allocated E400MMCs even though 14x E400MMCs (6338-6351) and 7x B5TLs (6308-14) would fill the numbers. The only reason I'd suggest the above is for the simple reason that the X9/X10 and X21 don't need a low height spare decker or a decker with bike racks fitted which to be honest, seems to have gone on the backburner (unless known otherwise). Obviously an additional E400MMC was needed at Hexham for that purpose but to be no more.
Having a stable fleet of double deckers on the X10 & X21 would improve reliability and increase passenger confidence. Likewise although the X70/X71/X72 would receive B5TLs and maybe slightly slower on the steeper sections of the routes, they should be no less reliable than a StreetDeck.
(22 Dec 2021, 2:57 pm)streetdeckfan For me personally, the switch to E400s on the X21 would probably put me off using it as much since the seats are unbearable for long journeys. I can just about make it to Stanley before I have to switch seats because the foam is too soft and lacks any support.They surely aren't as bad as the Urban 90's previously used on previous incarnations of the 21/X21!
I'd rather sit on an Omnidekka for 2 hours than an E400!
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(22 Dec 2021, 2:57 pm)streetdeckfan For me personally, the switch to E400s on the X21 would probably put me off using it as much since the seats are unbearable for long journeys. I can just about make it to Stanley before I have to switch seats because the foam is too soft and lacks any support.They surely aren't as bad as the Urban 90's previously used on previous incarnations of the 21/X21!
I'd rather sit on an Omnidekka for 2 hours than an E400!
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(22 Dec 2021, 3:09 pm)L469 YVK They surely aren't as bad as the Urban 90's previously used on previous incarnations of the 21/X21!I don't know like, they're pretty awful! Short journeys they're fine, but after half an hour the lack of support really shows! There's a reason proper office chairs aren't just 2 inches of soft foam and a bit of wadding on a solid board!
(22 Dec 2021, 3:09 pm)L469 YVK They surely aren't as bad as the Urban 90's previously used on previous incarnations of the 21/X21!I don't know like, they're pretty awful! Short journeys they're fine, but after half an hour the lack of support really shows! There's a reason proper office chairs aren't just 2 inches of soft foam and a bit of wadding on a solid board!
(22 Dec 2021, 3:37 pm)streetdeckfan I personally see no reason to take the B5s off the X21, they're perfectly adequate and I can tolerate them!At the moment, they serve their purpose. But given their history, will these vehicles hold the fort between 5-7 years of age on the X21?
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(22 Dec 2021, 3:37 pm)streetdeckfan I personally see no reason to take the B5s off the X21, they're perfectly adequate and I can tolerate them!At the moment, they serve their purpose. But given their history, will these vehicles hold the fort between 5-7 years of age on the X21?
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(22 Dec 2021, 3:59 pm)L469 YVK At the moment, they serve their purpose. But given their history, will these vehicles hold the fort between 5-7 years of age on the X21?
Given that there could potentially be 14x nearly new Enviro 400MMCs available for a re-shuffle as well as adequate spares (both 6336/37 with neither needed at Hexham). Not only that, but if revisions are made to the September changes to increase running / recovery times and the X30's / X70's become standalone, surely the PVR of the X21 (9x E400MMC); X30's (5x E400MMC if standalone) and X70's (7x Volvo B5TL if standalone) would justify the numbers for a reshuffle.
Then for spares...............
Consett:
6334, 6335, 6336, 6337 = Covers Euro 6 decker PVR of 27x
6331 - Stays on X45/X46
Chester Le Street:
6305, 6306, 6307, 6332, 6333 = Covers Euro 6 decker PVR of 26x with 1x of the spares allocated to the decker 25 board
The X21 since it's launch has had
- Volvo B7TL = Unreliable and old
- StreetDecks 6301-07 = Unreliable
- Volvo B5TL = Okay(ish) but for how long?
(22 Dec 2021, 3:59 pm)L469 YVK At the moment, they serve their purpose. But given their history, will these vehicles hold the fort between 5-7 years of age on the X21?
Given that there could potentially be 14x nearly new Enviro 400MMCs available for a re-shuffle as well as adequate spares (both 6336/37 with neither needed at Hexham). Not only that, but if revisions are made to the September changes to increase running / recovery times and the X30's / X70's become standalone, surely the PVR of the X21 (9x E400MMC); X30's (5x E400MMC if standalone) and X70's (7x Volvo B5TL if standalone) would justify the numbers for a reshuffle.
Then for spares...............
Consett:
6334, 6335, 6336, 6337 = Covers Euro 6 decker PVR of 27x
6331 - Stays on X45/X46
Chester Le Street:
6305, 6306, 6307, 6332, 6333 = Covers Euro 6 decker PVR of 26x with 1x of the spares allocated to the decker 25 board
The X21 since it's launch has had
- Volvo B7TL = Unreliable and old
- StreetDecks 6301-07 = Unreliable
- Volvo B5TL = Okay(ish) but for how long?
(21 Dec 2021, 10:33 pm)Ambassador Those Superliner liveried MCWs were immense. Felt like they could take off at any point. Those Spectras were pretty special too once they got going.
(21 Dec 2021, 10:33 pm)Ambassador Those Superliner liveried MCWs were immense. Felt like they could take off at any point. Those Spectras were pretty special too once they got going.
(22 Dec 2021, 4:17 pm)streetdeckfan As I understand it, it was only 6301-6303 that were unreliable, with 6304-6307 being alright.Did 6304 not need a new engine at one point?
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(22 Dec 2021, 4:36 pm)Andreos1 Was never a fan of the Spectra's, but agree about those Superliner and ExpressLink Metrobuses.Palatine II's were the best though! They didn't have coach seating as they were originally purchased for South Shields depot routes and 4x of them ended up on the then jointly run 308 before ending up on the X9/X10.
The noise, the seating... Decadent!
(22 Dec 2021, 4:17 pm)streetdeckfan As I understand it, it was only 6301-6303 that were unreliable, with 6304-6307 being alright.Did 6304 not need a new engine at one point?
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(22 Dec 2021, 4:36 pm)Andreos1 Was never a fan of the Spectra's, but agree about those Superliner and ExpressLink Metrobuses.Palatine II's were the best though! They didn't have coach seating as they were originally purchased for South Shields depot routes and 4x of them ended up on the then jointly run 308 before ending up on the X9/X10.
The noise, the seating... Decadent!
(22 Dec 2021, 5:11 pm)L469 YVK Did 6304 not need a new engine at one point?
(22 Dec 2021, 5:11 pm)L469 YVK Did 6304 not need a new engine at one point?
Well there will be a X-Lines eliminated as there is talks about the X84 being renumbered to the 685.
so we will be losing the Orange X-Lines sadly
Why would the x84 be renumberd to the 685 for when there is already a 685 tan by Arriva and stagecoach
(23 Dec 2021, 3:39 pm)ThomasBooth123 Why would the x84 be renumberd to the 685 for when there is already a 685 tan by Arriva and stagecoachOnly number that hasnt been used for the Tynedale Links
(23 Dec 2021, 3:39 pm)ThomasBooth123 Why would the x84 be renumberd to the 685 for when there is already a 685 tan by Arriva and stagecoachOnly number that hasnt been used for the Tynedale Links
(23 Dec 2021, 3:33 pm)KingSlayerRBLX Well there will be a X-Lines eliminated as there is talks about the X84 being renumbered to the 685.
so we will be losing the Orange X-Lines sadly
(23 Dec 2021, 3:33 pm)KingSlayerRBLX Well there will be a X-Lines eliminated as there is talks about the X84 being renumbered to the 685.
so we will be losing the Orange X-Lines sadly
(23 Dec 2021, 3:42 pm)deanmachine 684apologies it will be the 684 it will become not the 685
(23 Dec 2021, 3:42 pm)deanmachine 684apologies it will be the 684 it will become not the 685
