(27 Sep 2020, 6:38 pm)L469 YVK wrote This just popped into my head. Would be surprised if anything was ordered for the NE anytime soon but if Arriva do order late this year / next year..........I could perhaps see the X93 getting new E400MMCs (ZF). 

Given the recent events affecting everywhere globally and other reasons why people perhaps might not go abroad and opt for a 'staycation', the X93 would be the perfect route in terms of growth and attracting tourists.

The B9TLs with 2x kept as 'NE floats' could then be sent to Ashington for the X14 or X20 allowing older E400s to be cascaded down and older double deck vehicles to be withdrawn.

Do ADL now offer the E400 with the option of a ZF? I believe they didn't when it was newer hence why 7541-52 have Voith gearboxes.

I would think if the X93 are receiving new Vehicles this/next year then the X18 will be too since the E400s allocated to that are roughly the same age as the B9s and brings in a fair few tourists towards the Summer.