(27 Aug 2020, 6:56 pm)L469 YVK wrote Given that the StreetDecks only ended up on the X1 given the current situation and the need for more efficient duties out of Consett, do people reckon that they will be a 'stop gap' until better economic times before being cascaded while relatively new to one of the routes where the "binge drinking B9s" are a bit overkill?
Obviously this would mean a future order of E400MMCs or OM936 StreetDecks (if proven)
For all we know though, the new StreetDecks might prove to be fine on the X1. No bad reports on the X45 & X46 as of yet and they aren't the easiest of routes though not too bad.
I personally think the StreetDecks will be a better option. In my view, they only went with the E400s out of necessity, they needed new vehicles, and ADL was the only option, unless they wanted a MetroDecker (which, let's be honest, nobody does!)
The 4 cylinder StreetDecks are adequate for 99% of the routes GNE operate, my bet is they don't order any more 6 cylinders, and buy another batch of the 4 cylinders.