(18 Dec 2013, 12:10 am)GMitchelhill wrote As for the Black Solars. How about another twist. Maybe it's a new branding for the 9 with the black being something to do with the Tunnel. Maybe Percy Main will be more happier putting Solars on the 9 rather then Omnicities with the Solars been slightly more reliable (howay look at how many B10BLEs end up on the 9).
Unless 5204 was painted like this too (which I'm doubtful of), there would only be five vehicles painted in this black base livery.
That wouldn't be enough vehicles for the earlier suggested "Fast Cats" replacement, nor would there be enough for anything to do with the 9 or 26 ('29').
The X30/X31 does have a PVR of 5 though, and I must admit my initial thoughts were leaning towards these services gaining a brand - perhaps "West Durham Swift" making a return, even!
The Centurion on the 9 is supposedly more so to do with the reliability of the "Coaster" branded vehicles.
The Northern Omnicity vehicles replace the similar "Coaster" branded vehicles which are VOR (has earlier been suggested it's owing to the transponders at Wrekenton?), leaving the 9 without its allocated vehicles. For reasons unknown, Percy Main seem to think it's more acceptable to allocate Lolynes (in addition to the two which are required for scholars) to the Centurion, and the B10BLEs to the 9.
God knows why though, but that's Percy Main logic for you right there... Branding out the window!