(23 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm)Jimmi wrote 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? 

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.