(13 Sep 2015, 8:05 pm)mb134 wrote My X18 down from Berwick today was operated by 7514, (chose to put this in this thread instead of outings, hopefully it'll become clear why),
After having 7515 two weeks ago, and having been thoroughly disappointed, I wasn't looking forward to three and a half hours on 7514 when it pulled around the corner, I couldn't have been more wrong
It absolutely flew down the A1, and then on the A roads from Belford for the rest of the journey. It seemed to have an abundance of power, catching up with cars on the road to Craster, and handling every hill with ease.
Absolutely fantastic vehicle, and it got me thinking, this bus is 6 years old now, and performance wise seemed practically brand new, couldn't tell much difference between it and one of 7529-33, are these E400's far better buses than most people give them credit for? (myself included)
I seem to recall being on a Y-EBR Lowlander when it would've been around 6, it was dreadful.
Now I know there are bad examples (7515 was nowhere near as good), but on the whole the 09 plate batch, and most of the 57-plates I've been on recently haven't been that bad (7502 is the only horrific example),
What does everyone else think?
I recently drew the short straw on the X21 and got lumbered with 7504, I thought it performed reasonably well, my only problem with it was the panel at the front upstairs where the LED screen is and I had to press my legs/feet against the panel to stop it rattling. Other than that it was fine.
Not had any of 7514-7521 since they left Darlington apart from 7518 on the 35/35A from Ashington to Morpeth which I think was alright, might sample 7519-7521 when they enter service on the 6.