(29 Aug 2022, 6:19 pm)mb134 wrote Can't speak for the 685 directly, but I know that Pulsars handle the X15 fantastically well - the only issue is capacity, hence why they aren't often allocated. Same size engine as the E400s, but a lot less vehicle to be pushing along. 

You'd imagine Jesmond are allocating them to the 685 for both performance and reliability?

Pulsars started appearing when the Omnicities starting failing pre Covid.  And during Covid the route went over to Pulsars which are much better than Omnicities.

The Omnicities suffered from smells in the rear half rather like exhaust or heater fumes.
The Omnicities had a bone shaking ride due to hard suspension (also a feature of Stagecoach Scania E400s between Carlisle and Workington) and hard seats.
The Omnicities had flat slippy seats which were not condusive to bends.

The Pulsars have softer suspension and 'bucket' style seats.

The only downside of Pulsars is that they seem to be prone to vibrating themselves to bits - the last one had some horrible virbrations from somewhere in the rear when the engine was running and the bus was stationary (bus stop, traffic lights, etc.) - no vibration when on the move.