(07 Mar 2020, 8:38 pm)L469 YVK wrote I'd imagine if the new vehicles go to Northumbria, they'll most likely do the following as a starting point:
- 12x E400MMC (ZF) for X21 / X22 (or maybe do a full batch of 16x incl 1x spare if a suitable use can be found for the classic Sapphire E400s).
- 7541-51 to Blyth for the 308 (incl 1x spare).
- 7552 stays at Ashington as the 2nd X21 / X22 spare.
Would make sense as the E400 is more suited to a ZF gearbox if used on the X21 / X22 whereas Voith gearboxes are better suited on the likes of the 308. Plus, Blyth already operate the Cummins ISB / Voith combination in the VDL Geminis so would also provide some form of commonality.
If new vehicles are on the table, I don't imagine they'll be replacing the Euro6 compliant MMCs (or the upgradeable 7524-8) on the X21/22.
11-12 year old E400s on the Morpeth express routes is likely a more pressing concern. They've got a decent amount of life left in them, however it'll be a much happier life for everyone involved if that's on the Jesmond routes replacing the ageing B7TLs.