(14 Dec 2015, 7:19 pm)Davie wrote Me either. I think 5275-5284 will be able to handle the route perfectly for a few more years yet. Although Go North East will probably opt for Streetlites should the 49/49A recivie investment, I wouldn't like to be on board one trying to climb Blaydon bank...
The streetlites on our local arriva route manage climbs just as arduous without breaking a sweat. Not fast, but not crawling either and they don't sound strained.