(16 Mar 2014, 5:28 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Can you stop it with the constent 'E400s are c**p' bashing? The fact the original Ashington batch are going strong on the X18 as are 7505/6 (which were originally Blyth based) yet Redcar's 6 are knackered should point out where the issue lies - not in their engines more in the engineering department at Redcar depot.

These days, it's more economy that's the focus. Doesn't mean the more economic engines can't still have the power (Scania still offer a 320bhp engine for their range although all depends whether the UK opinions still have Scania engines rather than Cummins).

I'm not saying that they're crap as a whole, it all depends on what they're used on. Every bus has it's limits as to what it can and can't do. The E400's are great of towjs and cities. Even the electrics are less tempermental than Volvo and Wrightbus. I once got on an E400 from Killi to the Coast Road on the 62 and it was a lovely ride. In fact, for town and city operations, they're lovely buses and the capacity and drive of them is beautiful for around the doors. The fuel economy is better around the doors than what the B9TL economy would be. However, I also got on an E400 from Brunton Park to Newcastle on the X22 and despite them having a surge of sudden power, they're not as smooth as the B9TL at high speeds and in terms of winding and progressive bends, they're not as smooth and freeflowing as the B9TL. The gear changes on all modern Volvo deckers are very comfortable and not easily noticeable. The B9TL betwesn Station Road and Benfield Road is smooth when it picks up pace progressively but smoothly at the same time. All Volvo Deckers from the Olympian right up to the state of the art B5TL have had that feel to them.

I like the E400 for town and city operations but for anything else, handling, power and good reliability is essential. A bus has to be taken for what it is. In fact, I agree with people on the GNE thread for Astromegas to be purchased as replacements for the B9TL's on the TTX.