Tbh looking at the GNE tweets as of late. The Tyne Valley Ten buses seem to be breaking down quite a bit. I remember back when the metrocenter mini buses got withdrawn from the M6/M7/M8 due to the amount of break downs. I'm thinking that the 10 needs an upgrade in buses or to find out why they keep breaking down

(18 May 2021, 9:22 am)Micheal Aaron wrote Tbh looking at the GNE tweets as of late. The Tyne Valley Ten buses seem to be breaking down quite a bit. I remember back when the metrocenter mini buses got withdrawn from the M6/M7/M8 due to the amount of break downs. I'm thinking that the 10 needs an upgrade in buses or to find out why they keep breaking down

Depends which ones. 6043-48 would be the most likely culprits considering they were hammered on the X9 / X10.

Wouldn't surprise me once things settle down if they were replaced by some surplus B9TLs from the Fab 56 and Cobalt & Coast changes.

(18 May 2021, 8:00 pm)L469 YVK wrote Depends which ones. 6043-48 would be the most likely culprits considering they were hammered on the X9 / X10.

Wouldn't surprise me once things settle down if they were replaced by some surplus B9TLs from the Fab 56 and Cobalt & Coast changes.

Yea. Tbh they should be upgrading to say something like E400 or something like that

(18 May 2021, 11:02 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Yea. Tbh they should be upgrading to say something like E400 or something like that

Realistically, would it need much more than a 4 cylinder StreetDeck though? I haven't used the full route for a while but I don't remember it being /that/ strenuous

(19 May 2021, 8:25 am)streetdeckfan wrote Realistically, would it need much more than a 4 cylinder StreetDeck though? I haven't used the full route for a while but I don't remember it being /that/ strenuous

E400MMC would be good middle ground. But other than perhaps 6043-48 being replaced by newer surplus B9TLs, I doubt GNE will replace 6071-83 given that they're a heavy duty vehicle type. Most likely a deep refurb if anything.

If GNE were to target mass B9TL replacement, no doubt it would either be the 56 or Cobalt & Coast. B9TLs are overkill for both of them routes.

(19 May 2021, 3:25 pm)L469 YVK wrote E400MMC would be good middle ground. But other than perhaps 6043-48 being replaced by newer surplus B9TLs, I doubt GNE will replace 6071-83 given that they're a heavy duty vehicle type. Most likely a deep refurb if anything.

If GNE were to target mass B9TL replacement, no doubt it would either be the 56 or Cobalt & Coast. B9TLs are overkill for both of them routes.

Oh definitely, I think the most we'll see is them getting the same basic refurb as the 56. Maybe, they might do the same as the Cobalts since it's a longer distance route but I personally can't see that happening in the current climate

I'd be surprised if that (or any other routes) received any serious investment for a while, at least until things start to return to normal post-pandemic.

The investment over the past two years, particularly in deckers, has probably been at a greater level than it has been for as long as I can remember. Most for the formation of Xlines, but clearly some influence from the Newcastle clean air zone. I've written a bit about it here.

I think seeing an upgrade of most buses now. As some are starting to show (A) unreliable or (b) showing there ages now. I can take the solos on the little coaster buses

(19 May 2021, 5:31 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote I think seeing an upgrade of most buses now. As some are starting to show (A) unreliable or (b) showing there ages now. I can take the solos on the little coaster buses

I hadn't noticed the unreliability issues that you talk of, but given that Go North East are one of the most transparent operators as far as breakdowns etc are concerned, I managed to source some numbers from their Twitter feed.

Between 1st April - today, there have been a combined 34 breakdowns reported on the 10/10A/10B. 

• Service 10 = 12
  
• Service 10A = 13
  
• Service 10B = 9
  

Total = 34

As a comparison, I checked for the combined 26/27, given the similar frequency and vehicle age. There have been a combined 33 breakdowns reported over the same period.

• Service 26 = 9
  
• Service 27 = 24
  

Total = 33

If you compare that to newer buses in the fleet over the same period, then the difference level of service those passengers are receiving is staggering. The 21 had a total of 4 breakdowns and the X1 also had a total of 4 breakdowns.

See the thing is. You would expect it from the 26/27 buses as they are quite old ish Volvo B9TL. They were out through hell working X1 and now being put through hell of the 27

(19 May 2021, 7:59 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote See the thing is. You would expect it from the 26/27 buses as they are quite old ish Volvo B9TL. They were out through hell working X1 and now being put through hell of the 27

They struggled on the X1 after they'd been tinkered with, but it was mainly the Washington Highway and Sheriff Hill they got a bashing on. The 27 is considerably flatter, so I'd bet most of the issues now occurring are down to age or potentially the fact that if a Crusader B9 is unavailable, then either ex-London deckers or OmniDekka's are allocated. I'd expect those to breakdown more regularly.

Sent from my SM-G981B using Tapatalk

(20 May 2021, 10:03 am)6049 wrote They struggled on the X1 after they'd been tinkered with, but it was mainly the Washington Highway and Sheriff Hill they got a bashing on. The 27 is considerably flatter, so I'd bet most of the issues now occurring are down to age or potentially the fact that if a Crusader B9 is unavailable, then either ex-London deckers or OmniDekka's are allocated. I'd expect those to breakdown more regularly.

Sent from my SM-G981B using Tapatalk

I must admit that I was surprised to see the reported breakdowns on the 26/27.

You mention the hills and I totally agree that this was where they struggled with.
The slip-roads on to the Highway were painful.
Apart from that, I never saw any issues with reliability.

See upgrading the 26/27 to deckers is one of the best changes that gne did to one of there routes

(19 May 2021, 7:54 pm)Adrian wrote I hadn't noticed the unreliability issues that you talk of, but given that Go North East are one of the most transparent operators as far as breakdowns etc are concerned, I managed to source some numbers from their Twitter feed.

Between 1st April - today, there have been a combined 34 breakdowns reported on the 10/10A/10B. 

• Service 10 = 12
  
• Service 10A = 13
  
• Service 10B = 9
  

Total = 34

Are these breakdowns mainly happening from 6043-48 or 6071-83?

If the former, then it's no surprise. Won't be the first example of particular problematic sub-fleets forming a PVR.

Take Arriva's X21/X22 Sapphires back in 2014:

- 7501-06 - Allegedly poorly looked after by Blyth and then Readar and hammered on the X93

- 7507-09 - Fine although not trouble free. Mainly used on the 'Express' and predecessors as well as 501/505/518

- 7522-28 - Brand new and absolutely fine

(19 May 2021, 7:54 pm)Adrian wrote I hadn't noticed the unreliability issues that you talk of, but given that Go North East are one of the most transparent operators as far as breakdowns etc are concerned, I managed to source some numbers from their Twitter feed.

Between 1st April - today, there have been a combined 34 breakdowns reported on the 10/10A/10B. 

• Service 10 = 12
  
• Service 10A = 13
  
• Service 10B = 9
  

Total = 34

As a comparison, I checked for the combined 26/27, given the similar frequency and vehicle age. There have been a combined 33 breakdowns reported over the same period.

• Service 26 = 9
  
• Service 27 = 24
  

Total = 33

If you compare that to newer buses in the fleet over the same period, then the difference level of service those passengers are receiving is staggering. The 21 had a total of 4 breakdowns and the X1 also had a total of 4 breakdowns.

I had noticed 26/27 more than 10/10A/10B.

It does look like we're back to a small number of routes suffering the most breakdowns.

The 6 & 12 seem to feature quite a lot on twitter as well - the 6 being affected on the Stanley journeys leaves a 2 hour gap of course!

If the Tyne Valley Ten did get new buses, it would most likely be ADL E400MMCs. Simple reason being commonality at Hexham with the X84/X85 as well as being good middle ground (not too overkill but not too lightweight).

Only other option I can see depending on what internal and wider GAG cascade opportunites are available is Cobalt & Coast getting replaced with StreetDecks and 6100-6117 (6100 & 01 spare) getting a partial repaint for the Tyne Valley Ten.

Or the concept design of Tyne River Rider someone made up which looks amazing

Most of the 71-83 batch are recording anywhere between 595-630k on the clock now, compare this with 45-48 which are 820-840k.  Then compare that to a cobalt b9 of approx 300-400k for the same age.  Also when there’s mid-life refurb it is on the whole concentrated on cosmetic details rather than mechanical.  The TVT are worked hard, and they’re now at the stage of their life where they need major mechical jobs like gearboxes, rear axles, diffs etc.  A harsh winter with lots of salt about also does nothing for brake callipers or electrics, when the rain comes and literally washes stuff away.  There’s no real reliability difference between batches as such (at the moment anyway), but recurrent problems like emojis derates can be hard to track down and fix.

I'd like to see new buses the same as on the X84/X85 for the 10/10A/10B and some kind of rebrand like River Rider or something. Amazing concept livery, and I believe they are keeping TVT green...

X84/X85 needs a replacement for 5304 which is regularly allocated.

Occasionally a TVT decker is on the X84/X85.

Maybe something like an OM936 streetdeck may be good for the TVT would prove good, 6377 from what I've observed is incredibly reliable and verry much capable of operating challenging routes. Also when we're on the topic of reliability as much as I like them the interdecks on the X9/10 seem to be a nightmare for reliability, they seem to constantly brakedown and there's never all 7 out I'm a day, often a levante or regular bus (mainly a B9 or 6377) stepping in for them, since February they've seemed to have more brakedowns than the B5s did and the levantes when they had afew months on. Maybe since 7148 is at Riverside they should trial thst on the X9/X10 against the elites and older levantes.

(22 May 2021, 3:25 pm)GNE6312 wrote Maybe something like an OM936 streetdeck may be good for the TVT would prove good, 6377 from what I've observed is incredibly reliable and verry much capable of operating challenging routes. Also when we're on the topic of reliability as much as I like them the interdecks on the X9/10 seem to be a nightmare for reliability, they seem to constantly brakedown and there's never all 7 out I'm a day, often a levante or regular bus (mainly a B9 or 6377) stepping in for them, since February they've seemed to have more brakedowns than the B5s did and the levantes when they had afew months on. Maybe since 7148 is at Riverside they should trial thst on the X9/X10 against the elites and older levantes.

If the OM936 StreetDeck is as fuel efficient as an E400MMC, it would be a no brainer.

But if not, the ADL E400MMC can handle most of GNE's routes with ease.

Does anyone know what the interworking pattern is for the 10/a/b? I’m for using on the vehicles that start the day in Hexham.

I think during the day the 10 is standalone and the 10A/B interwork

Martijn confirmed in a comment on his live video that the Tyne Valley B9's are due to a mid-life refurb..... didn't say when this would happen.

(01 Aug 2021, 2:00 pm)Michael wrote Martijn confirmed in a comment on his live video that the Tyne Valley B9's are due to a mid-life refurb..... didn't say when this would happen.

Retrimming the seats doesn't improve the reliability of the vehicles though sadly!

(01 Aug 2021, 2:49 pm)Adrian wrote Retrimming the seats doesn't improve the reliability of the vehicles though sadly!

It's likely not 6071-83 that are the problem. It's 6043-48 that are likely the problem given their 5 year stint on the X9 & X10.

No doubt 6084-86 will replace 6045-47 with 6043-48 then probably either going on the 25 or perhaps the new 47/47A. Obviously GNE should still have 6001, 6049, 6050, 6099, 6160 and 6377 available as Riverside decker spares if needed.

(01 Aug 2021, 3:06 pm)L469 YVK wrote It's likely not 6071-83 that are the problem. It's 6043-48 that are likely the problem given their 5 year stint on the X9 & X10.

No doubt 6084-86 will replace 6045-47 with 6043-48 then probably either going on the 25 or perhaps the new 47/47A. Obviously GNE should still have 6001, 6049, 6050, 6099, 6160 and 6377 available as Riverside decker spares if needed.

6099 is at Washington as a high spec spare for the X1

(01 Aug 2021, 3:33 pm)GNE6312 wrote 6099 is at Washington as a high spec spare for the X1

Could this not change when 6377 has done with riverside? Sure it was supposed to go around a few depots to test but has pretty much been Riversides own since it came to GNE

(01 Aug 2021, 6:27 pm)JM03 wrote Could this not change when 6377 has done with riverside? Sure it was supposed to go around a few depots to test but has pretty much been Riversides own since it came to GNE

Bustimes seems to suggest that 6377 has moved to Consett now.

(01 Aug 2021, 3:33 pm)GNE6312 wrote 6099 is at Washington as a high spec spare for the X1

6376 is the dedicated spare, however with few Streetdecks off the road, 9119 and 6099 have taken their place