(21 Feb 2020, 10:14 pm)L469 YVK wrote GNE's E400s are 6 Cylinder, the same as Arriva. The only difference being that GNE's ADL E400MMCs are fitted with ZF gearboxes unlike Arriva & Stagecoach who spec'd theirs with Voith gearboxes.

Only thing I can think why they'd struggle up Dusnton Bank is that an economy setting could be turned on (if a GNE inside would be able to confirm). 

ADL E400MMCs with ZF gearboxes would be more than adequate for most routes Arriva operate. But for the X93, the Scania E400 MMC would perhaps be a more suitable alternative. 7401-04 could then be transferred to Ashington for the X20 with 7405-06 acting as float spares as well as providing extras for the summer PVR increase on the X93.

My mistake. I thought I read that they went with the 4 cylinder. Makes it more strange that they seem pretty gutless. Even the 4 cylinder StreetDecks (GNE's 67 plates at least) feel like they have more power on the hills.
I remember just after they closed Crook and all the CLS drivers were let out barely knowing the X21 route and one took a wrong turn in Bishop and ended up down Newton Cap Bank, they turned around half way down and drove straight back up with no problem

To be fair though Dunston Bank is pretty steep, I certainly wouldn't want to walk up that's for sure!

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