(12 Oct 2024, 6:08 pm)L469 YVK wrote 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.
The 43/44/45 keep being mentioned but they’re imminently due electrics.
As well as 7370-7, Olympians 7410-3 in particular also got a hammering. I remember 7410 and 7413 in particular being consistent performers on the X20 right up until the end, when they would have been 16. 7414-20 lived a rather more sedate life at Jesmond in contrast.
The B9TLs at this point are a non-standard batch of vehicles which have been hammered on the X93/4 for nearly 10 years and can’t work north of the Tyne without costly modifications. I wonder if the best place for them may be the X66/7 after some TLC?