(18 Mar 2014, 6:36 pm)Davey Bowyer wrote What GNE could do next yeat is this to displace the B7TL Gemini 1's to a more behind the scenes role:
- Acquire a B5TL demo for the X1 for one month and if successful, then do the following:
- Order 7 B5TL's to replace 6001 to 6007.
- 6001 to 6003 would go to CLS for the Angel.
- 6004 would be a spare for the TTX.
- 6005 would be a spare for the X1.
- 6006 would be a spare for the Angel with 3962 or 65 acting as a push comes to shove role.
- 6007 would be a spare for the TEN with 3941 or 42 acting as a push comes to shove role.
According to a driver I know, as the Red Arrows have the oldest Gemini's in the fleet they are due to get B5's and the B9's displaced like so;
6001 - 6007 to Deptford for Prince Bishops
6049 - 6055 to Crook for Pronto
In my opinion, it would make perfect sense. If I'm honest, I think GNE should just put B5's on all of the luxurious routes, but I suppose they ordered B9's because they have more horsepower and are less expensive; Pat Armstrong, a Chester driver, said that each of the Angels cost £250,000.