(12 Sep 2020, 11:59 am)L469 YVK wrote I think I did only mention once prior (on a separate thread). Obviously given the current climate and the need for flexibility at Consett, it was a sensible move to swap the intended allocations around And to be fair, the E400MMC will actually be a better fit on the X70 & X71. Although the newer StreetDecks have been less troublesome to an extent compared to the 2016 batch, the X1 is a very rapid and high utilisation route. Obviously the X45/X46/X47 aren't exactly "easy" routes but in terms of the intensity, I wouldn't deem them to be as intense compared to the X1. The big question is are the StreetDecks on a route like the X1 going to stand the test of time (circa 7-8 years) relatively trouble-free? Fair play if they do. Perhaps the StreetDecks have gotten better & more reliable later down the production line as did the E400 & E400MMC.
tbf the Cummin's engine isn't exactly the best engine around neither. Blyth wrecked their Enviros on the 308 and the Blyth Expresses hence when they got replaced off the X21/X22 and dumped on the local routes at Jesmond. Then some of the Gemini's have has their engines replaced and others struggle at times on minor hills which they shouldn't on such as Matthew Bank on the X7 and X8. The Blyth routes are a much closer comparison than the 21/X21 for the X1.
Not sure if there's been any big changes to the Cummins engine in the last 10 year but I believe they all use the same engine, maybe a slightly upgraded one on newer models.