(30 Apr 2025, 7:15 pm)Storx wrote The biggest problem with them is they're on the wrong work. The Streetdeck and B5TL were designed for stuff like the Stagecoach Newcastle urban routes where they'd be ideal - but they're not. The 5L engine, is never going to be good on long distance stuff with 70 mph running in parts or hills.If GNE changed the Derwentside interworking patterns meaning only a low height PVR of x4 was needed, subsequently freeing up most E400MMC for the X10 & X21, would 6356-63 & 6308-14 have issues on the X32/X45/X70/X73 even if they had some heavy TLC?
The X20, in particular, is a stupid route for them to be on after they were wrecked on the X10. It's no wonder they're absolutely useless at Deptford - not sure who signed that off personally.
It's why the B5's need to leave the region imo as there's nowhere useful for them as they're a microfleet and a microfleet which offers nothing useful for anywhere.
RE: Go North East - State of the Fleet