(12 Sep 2020, 2:44 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I fully agree. But I do still believe the only reason they ordered the E400s for the X1 initially was due to the uncertainty at Wrightbus.That's the whole point I was getting across earlier in response to Dan's post. As things stand now, none of us have a crystal ball and it's highly likely on the basis of now that the StreetDecks will see their 7-8 year stint out on the X1. But IF (and that's a big one) the economic outlook improves within the next 2-3 years (2022/23) to put GNE in a position to order new vehicles again, it wouldn't be a surprise if GNE decided to replace these for a "mid-weight" vehicle type with the StreetDecks being cascaded on a route where newer vehicles could be justified (not necessarily just the 56 or Cobalts).
Had the Wrightbus vehicles arrived on time, and there been time to evaluate the 6 cylinder, I do think they would have went that way over the E400.
I also think that consolidating most of the E400s at Consett will be a better idea in the long run
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If the StreetDecks get to year 3 and are reliable enough on the X1, it would make sense to keep them on the X1. But if the X1 proved to be too intense for these, then the option "could" be there but again referring to my previous mention about crystal balls.
GNE did that this year with the X9 & X10 replacing 3 year old Volvo B5TLs with coaches. Arriva also did the same back in 2003 on the 10's predecessor route replacing unreliable 3 year old Dennis Trident ALX400s with Volvo B10BLEs (also in response to declining passengers on the Ryton corridor).