(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.
See I don't think Blyth is the right place as it's a micro fleet of only 6 vehicles in a depot that has no allocation of 6 vehicles so would be a nuisance, not to mention the electrics are due soon anyway so it would be just back to square one. Similar with Ashington it's just another vehicle type for the sake of it on not the easiest routes in the world, especially the X20.
If they were replaced by something new Durham is still the most sensible place imo, with some of the 09 Plates going to Darlington to give a much needed capacity boost there with 7510/7511/7512 being withdrawn and 7523 joining it's sisters at Blyth.
The 57 Plate Enviros are really shot to pieces and need to go aswell imo. Obviously Blyth has the electrics if they ever turn up to replace the ones there, with hopefully the newer Enviros staying and the Pulsars leaving instead.