(12 Oct 2024, 2:32 pm)Storx wrote Aye no arguments but the post I quoted wanted to replace the more reliable buses at Blyth. Now if we were talking about 7501-6/8 instead then there's definitely an argument but I'm not sure anyone would want them as they should be going to one place only and that's into baked bean cans

Volvo's from the Olympian, B10BLE, B7TL, B7RLE right through to the B9TL have been known for their longevity (DDA permitting) even with years of abuse.

Post 1992 (end of the Leyland Olympian and introduction of the likes of the DAF DB250 and Volvo Olympian) the only deckers in the North East which have withstood more abuse than 7401-06 was Palatines 7370-7377, 6 years on the 602 then practically 8-9 years doing the 420, 501/505/518, X31/X32/X33. 

On the other hand, I know it's different having a 5 year caining up / down the A19 with predominant stress being placed on the engine and a few other components, as opposed to country roads with stress being placed on practically every component. They would be fine on the likes of the 43/44/45 and 306/308. But Blyth being Blyth like flexibility, so probably wouldn't be a good idea.

Obviously a lot of plans went t** up because of COVID, but Arriva had've invested in replacements for the X15, X18 and X93 back in 2020, the B9TLs then would've been perfect for something like the X20 with any surpluses either spare or forming the summer X93/X94 PVR. Put it quite simply, Arriva should've replaced the B9TL's before now.