(12 Jul 2020, 1:57 pm)L469 YVK wrote Low height version although a pain if tall aren't too bad. I'm 6ft1 and never had any problems on any of the low height E400s, OmniDekkas or Arriva's VDL Geminis / B5LHs based or previously based out of Blyth.

I mean, the height can be compensated for by just ducking, which if you're used to it probably isn't /that/ big of a deal (although still stupid if there's no need for a low height vehicle!)
What I was getting at is since GNE have both low height and a taller E400 running alongside each other, going from one to the other you can feel how much bigger the taller one feels inside, it feels a lot more open, a lot less like you're being crammed in.

If they are putting StreetDecks on the X1, it looks like MG is going back on what he said, he said they they were picking the right vehicles for the right routes, rather than worrying about fleet standardisation.

(12 Jul 2020, 2:36 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I mean, the height can be compensated for by just ducking, which if you're used to it probably isn't /that/ big of a deal (although still stupid if there's no need for a low height vehicle!)
What I was getting at is since GNE have both low height and a taller E400 running alongside each other, going from one to the other you can feel how much bigger the taller one feels inside, it feels a lot more open, a lot less like you're being crammed in.

If they are putting StreetDecks on the X1, it looks like MG is going back on what he said, he said they they were picking the right vehicles for the right routes, rather than worrying about fleet standardisation.

I don't think he has. TBH, the big influence in the original ADL order for the X1 at the time was Wrightbus' troubles at the time. 

But with ADL's soon to be at hand, Martijn to an extent is sticking by that principle if my guess is correct. X21 vehicle reliability sorted and X70/X71 benefit from more ooomph whilst streamlining the Consett diagrams and potentially eliminating a 'pointless' extension of the X30.

(12 Jul 2020, 2:52 pm)L469 YVK wrote I don't think he has. TBH, the big influence in the original ADL order for the X1 at the time was Wrightbus' troubles at the time. 

But with ADL's soon to be at hand, Martijn to an extent is sticking by that principle if my guess is correct. X21 vehicle reliability sorted and X70/X71 benefit from more ooomph whilst streamlining the Consett diagrams and potentially eliminating a 'pointless' extension of the X30.

IIRC, the main reliability issues with the X21 were caused by the oldest StreetDecks and since the 67 plates have allocated instead reliability has already improved. The 67 plates are also much improved from a passenger perspective as they're much nicer on the motorway stretch

(12 Jul 2020, 2:52 pm)L469 YVK wrote I don't think he has. TBH, the big influence in the original ADL order for the X1 at the time was Wrightbus' troubles at the time. 

But with ADL's soon to be at hand, Martijn to an extent is sticking by that principle if my guess is correct. X21 vehicle reliability sorted and X70/X71 benefit from more ooomph whilst streamlining the Consett diagrams and potentially eliminating a 'pointless' extension of the X30.

X30 was extended to replace a 6 as well as the driver relief. E400s not planned for X21, not from this batch.

(12 Jul 2020, 3:19 pm)Stanleyone wrote X30 was extended to replace a 6 as well as the driver relief. E400s not planned for X21, not from this batch.

Are they not? Very surprised. Will be interesting to see what depot they get allocated to then. X84 & X85 are ruled out as previous. 5x will likely be going to Consett alongside 6338-40 on the X30 / (X70/X71). So that then leaves 10x.

But the X30 would no longer need to be extended to Consett for driver relief purposes though as it would interwork with the X70 & X71.

(12 Jul 2020, 3:14 pm)streetdeckfan wrote IIRC, the main reliability issues with the X21 were caused by the oldest StreetDecks and since the 67 plates have allocated instead reliability has already improved. The 67 plates are also much improved from a passenger perspective as they're much nicer on the motorway stretch

My experience on 6332 would not come under "much nicer on the motorway" - topped out at between 47 and 49mph and struggled to get there. 

On the earlier points - I'm 6 foot 2 and I find Streetdecks far more claustrophobic than any E400 I've ever been on. I was at the back of the top deck of a Streetdeck last week and by the time I got to Chester Le Street I was fairly uncomfortable. I've been at the front of the top deck a couple of times on the B5s and while slightly better than at the back, I always find that E400s let more natural light into the top deck.

(12 Jul 2020, 3:45 pm)mb134 wrote My experience on 6332 would not come under "much nicer on the motorway" - topped out at between 47 and 49mph and struggled to get there. 

On the earlier points - I'm 6 foot 2 and I find Streetdecks far more claustrophobic than any E400 I've ever been on. I was at the back of the top deck of a Streetdeck last week and by the time I got to Chester Le Street I was fairly uncomfortable. I've been at the front of the top deck a couple of times on the B5s and while slightly better than at the back, I always find that E400s let more natural light into the top deck.

I'm 187cm (6' 1.5") and I completely disagree, I find the B9s the most claustraphobic, followed by the new E400s, the StreetDecks/B5s, with 6337 feeling the most 'airy'.

I agree that the Streetdecks let in less natural light, but I honestly prefer the higher window line as it gives you somewhere nice to rest your elbow meaning you're less likely to lean against the window

If you think 6332 is bad on the motorway, try the older StreetDecks, they're much worse in my experience!

I will concede that the E400s are more comfortable, suspension wise at least, but I find the new Kiel seats so uncomfortable, they have way too much soft foam, after 10 minutes or so it feels like there's no padding at all, whereas I've spent a good 6 hours sitting in the V3 seats on the StreetDecks with no issues at all.

(12 Jul 2020, 3:31 pm)L469 YVK wrote Are they not? Very surprised. Will be interesting to see what depot they get allocated to then. X84 & X85 are ruled out as previous. 5x will likely be going to Consett alongside 6338-40 on the X30 / (X70/X71). So that then leaves 10x.

But the X30 would no longer need to be extended to Consett for driver relief purposes though as it would interwork with the X70 & X71.

I think it was obvious that they wouldn't be going on the X21 though because they've just repained them in to the Blue version of X-Lines.


I'm sticking to my predictions:


New buses:

21 Streetdecks + 1 Euro 6 (spare role due to it moving around the depots)
15 E400’s


Allocations:


14 Streetdecks on the X1 + 1 spare = 15

7 Streetdecks + 10 E400’s on the X31/X45/X46/X47 = 17 PVR

5 New E400’s + current 3 on the X30/X70/X71 = 8 PVR

Spares for Consett:


6335/6336/6337 – X-Lines spares for Consett

= 3 spares for a PVR 25

----
Movements:


X84/X85 (5) - Ex Consett B9's - refurb in to X-Lines standard, same as the other deckers at Hexham, as they're all B9's.

Loop - 7 B9's from Consett

Red Arrow B9's on to the 26/27

For the X5/X15 - i think the Red Kite Streetlites will go on them unless they keep the 4 Red Kite B9's then they would go on those services - refurb in to X-Lines standard.

As for the B5's... think they'll go on a service which goes to Newcastle.. as they're Euro 6... but no idea which one...

But the E400MMCs aren't all going to Consett though?

(12 Jul 2020, 4:20 pm)L469 YVK wrote But the E400MMCs aren't all going to Consett though?

I can't see why they wouldn't though, they might as well, as Consett is the only depot with the E400's atm... would be better.

This is why someone who works for GNE (as there are a few employees who work for GNE are members on this forum) should post the new allocations , otherwise this thread is going back and forth and back and forth and not getting anywhere


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How many B5's are there?

(12 Jul 2020, 4:37 pm)V514DFT wrote How many B5's are there?

7 + the 2 spares from EY

(12 Jul 2020, 4:32 pm)Michael wrote I can't see why they wouldn't though, they might as well, as Consett is the only depot with the E400's atm... would be better.

But StanleyOne said they're not all going to Consett.

That then leaves 10x remaining after 5x + 3x existing ones are allocated to X30/X70/X71. Hexham unlikely as PVR of the X84 & X85 is only 5x. Chester Le Street a shout but nothing going there (???).

(12 Jul 2020, 4:36 pm)cbma06 wrote This is why someone who works for GNE (as there are a few employees who work for GNE are members on this forum) should post the new allocations , otherwise this thread is going back and forth and back and forth and not getting anywhere


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Couldn't that be a breach of rules.

(12 Jul 2020, 4:42 pm)L469 YVK wrote But StanleyOne said they're not all going to Consett.

That then leaves 10x remaining after 5x + 3x existing ones are allocated to X30/X70/X71. Hexham unlikely as PVR of the X84 & X85 is only 5x. Chester Le Street a shout but nothing going there (???).

Does Stanleyone work for GNE?, if so fair enough, he was right, and i'll change my order around later but if not then.. he/she is like the rest of us... guessimg at this point.

(12 Jul 2020, 4:42 pm)L469 YVK wrote But StanleyOne said they're not all going to Consett.

That then leaves 10x remaining after 5x + 3x existing ones are allocated to X30/X70/X71. Hexham unlikely as PVR of the X84 & X85 is only 5x. Chester Le Street a shout but nothing going there (???).

Are they all Xlines branded vehicles? Could services like the 6&12 get an unexpected upgrade?

(12 Jul 2020, 4:53 pm)NewcastleOne wrote Are they all Xlines branded vehicles? Could services like the 6&12 get an unexpected upgrade?

Would of thought the 6 & 12 would get the Red Kite Streetlites.

(12 Jul 2020, 4:36 pm)cbma06 wrote This is why someone who works for GNE (as there are a few employees who work for GNE are members on this forum) should post the new allocations , otherwise this thread is going back and forth and back and forth and not getting anywhere


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I struggle to understand why you have such an aversion to people speculating the allocations of new vehicles and subsequent cascades. If you're not interested in people's predictions then don't read them simple as that, but don't keep complaining when people decide to have a bit of fun discussing how they think things might pan out.

(12 Jul 2020, 4:42 pm)L469 YVK wrote But StanleyOne said they're not all going to Consett.

That then leaves 10x remaining after 5x + 3x existing ones are allocated to X30/X70/X71. Hexham unlikely as PVR of the X84 & X85 is only 5x. Chester Le Street a shout but nothing going there (???).

The E400s were never just going to one depot anyway 

(12 Jul 2020, 4:47 pm)michaelb wrote Couldn't that be a breach of rules.

How can that be breach of the rules?.

Dan posted this the other day on twitter:

Fleet memo has gone out to colleagues this evening! Sure it won’t be too long before its contents are public knowledge.

Once GNE colleagues have received the memo then it can be public knowledge, so how can that breach the rules, it’s not like the public got to know before GNE staff?


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---

(12 Jul 2020, 5:00 pm)peter wrote I struggle to understand why you have such an aversion to people speculating the allocations of new vehicles and subsequent cascades. If you're not interested in people's predictions then don't read them simple as that, but don't keep complaining when people decide to have a bit of fun discussing how they think things might pan out.

Eh, don’t read my posts then


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(12 Jul 2020, 5:04 pm)cbma06 wrote Dan posted this the other day on twitter:

Fleet memo has gone out to colleagues this evening! Sure it won’t be too long before its contents are public knowledge.

Once GNE colleagues have received the memo then it can be public knowledge, so how can that breach the rules, it’s not like the public got to know before GNE staff?

The memo has now done the rounds in other groups, so we might as well share its contents here too.

New vehicles:

• 15x Wright StreetDeck - Washington (X1)
  
• 6x Wright StreetDeck - Consett (X45/6/7), with remaining PVR supplemented by StreetDecks in the existing fleet.
  
• 1x Wright StreetDeck - Float (likely to become spare for X9/X10 dependent on initial trials).
  
• 11x ADL Enviro400 - Consett (X30/1, X70/1)
  
• 4x ADL Enviro 400 - Hexham (X84/5), with remaining PVR supplemented by ADL Enviro400s in the existing fleet.
  
• 9x Yutong electric - Riverside (53/54)
  

Pre-owned vehicles:

• 7x Volvo B11RT/Plaxton Elite interdeck - Riverside (X9/X10)
  

All to be delivered by October, with the first deliveries commencing in the next few weeks.

The new vehicle allocations reflect the position once new, hopefully more efficient, interworking patterns are implemented. Exact details of this are being finalised now, but has been prompted as a result of the expected longer-term loss of patronage of 15-20%. Clearly if any efficiencies are made by interworking other services with the X30, then they need to be low-height double-decks which is the main reason for the change.

Colleagues internally have not yet been briefed on which cascades will take place, but some of you may wish to speculate on this...

(12 Jul 2020, 5:25 pm)Dan wrote The memo has now done the rounds in other groups, so we might as well share its contents here too.

New vehicles:

• 15x Wright StreetDeck - Washington (X1)
  
• 6x Wright StreetDeck - Consett (X45/6/7), with remaining PVR supplemented by StreetDecks in the existing fleet.
  
• 1x Wright StreetDeck - Float (likely to become spare for X9/X10 dependent on initial trials).
  
• 11x ADL Enviro400 - Consett (X30/1, X70/1)
  
• 4x ADL Enviro 400 - Hexham (X84/5), with remaining PVR supplemented by ADL Enviro400s in the existing fleet.
  
• 9x Yutong electric - Riverside (53/54)
  

Pre-owned vehicles:

• 7x Volvo B11RT/Plaxton Elite interdeck - Riverside (X9/X10)
  

All to be delivered by October, with the first deliveries commencing in the next few weeks.

The new vehicle allocations reflect the position once new, hopefully more efficient, interworking patterns are implemented. Exact details of this are being finalised now, but has been prompted as a result of the expected longer-term loss of patronage of 15-20%. Clearly if any efficiencies are made by interworking other services with the X30, then they need to be low-height double-decks which is the main reason for the change.

Colleagues internally have not yet been briefed on which cascades will take place, but some of you may wish to speculate on this...

Will the B5s now become the allocation for X21?

(12 Jul 2020, 5:25 pm)Dan wrote The memo has now done the rounds in other groups, so we might as well share its contents here too.

New vehicles:

• 15x Wright StreetDeck - Washington (X1)
  
• 6x Wright StreetDeck - Consett (X45/6/7), with remaining PVR supplemented by StreetDecks in the existing fleet.
  
• 1x Wright StreetDeck - Float (likely to become spare for X9/X10 dependent on initial trials).
  
• 11x ADL Enviro400 - Consett (X30/1, X70/1)
  
• 4x ADL Enviro 400 - Hexham (X84/5), with remaining PVR supplemented by ADL Enviro400s in the existing fleet.
  
• 9x Yutong electric - Riverside (53/54)
  

Pre-owned vehicles:

• 7x Volvo B11RT/Plaxton Elite interdeck - Riverside (X9/X10)
  

All to be delivered by October, with the first deliveries commencing in the next few weeks.

The new vehicle allocations reflect the position once new, hopefully more efficient, interworking patterns are implemented. Exact details of this are being finalised now, but has been prompted as a result of the expected longer-term loss of patronage of 15-20%. Clearly if any efficiencies are made by interworking other services with the X30, then they need to be low-height double-decks which is the main reason for the change.

Colleagues internally have not yet been briefed on which cascades will take place, but some of you may wish to speculate on this...

What's the current PVR of the X45/6/7? Presumably those StreetDecks in the existing fleet will come from 6301-6303?

---

(12 Jul 2020, 5:32 pm)JP6004 wrote Will the B5s now become the allocation for X21?

I hope not, IMO the ride quality of the B5s is even worse than the StreetDecks

(12 Jul 2020, 5:33 pm)streetdeckfan wrote What's the current PVR of the X45/6/7? Presumably those StreetDecks in the existing fleet will come from 6301-6303?

---

I hope not, IMO the ride quality of the B5s is even worse than the StreetDecks

Least they be same seating inside 

(12 Jul 2020, 5:35 pm)JP6004 wrote Least they be same seating inside 

Aye, the seating that is now like an ice rink! They should have stuck with the first type of leather that they used, the stuff they moved to hasn't aged well

(12 Jul 2020, 5:38 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Aye, the seating that is now like an ice rink! They should have stuck with the first type of leather that they used, the stuff they moved to hasn't aged well

First lot was e-leather. Proper leather like on the 67 plates onwards is a lot comfier even those the wear shows more

(12 Jul 2020, 5:38 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Aye, the seating that is now like an ice rink! They should have stuck with the first type of leather that they used, the stuff they moved to hasn't aged well

Is there anything you don't moan about....

Got to say thou, you keep us all entertained

(12 Jul 2020, 5:40 pm)JP6004 wrote First lot was e-leather. Proper leather like on the 67 plates onwards is a lot comfier even those the wear shows more

See, I don't find the first lot that uncomfortable, though I do prefer a firmer seat. Then again, they could't have added more than a few mm of extra padding on the 67 plates as it's not that much softer

(12 Jul 2020, 5:40 pm)citaro5284 wrote Is there anything you don't moan about....

Got to say thou, you keep us all entertained

I wouldn't say I moan, I just like to pick out the faults in everything!
I don't understand the 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything' mentality, if you don't 'complain' how does anything ever get fixed?

(12 Jul 2020, 5:25 pm)Dan wrote The memo has now done the rounds in other groups, so we might as well share its contents here too.

New vehicles:

• 15x Wright StreetDeck - Washington (X1)
  
• 6x Wright StreetDeck - Consett (X45/6/7), with remaining PVR supplemented by StreetDecks in the existing fleet.
  
• 1x Wright StreetDeck - Float (likely to become spare for X9/X10 dependent on initial trials).
  
• 11x ADL Enviro400 - Consett (X30/1, X70/1)
  
• 4x ADL Enviro 400 - Hexham (X84/5), with remaining PVR supplemented by ADL Enviro400s in the existing fleet.
  
• 9x Yutong electric - Riverside (53/54)
  

Pre-owned vehicles:

• 7x Volvo B11RT/Plaxton Elite interdeck - Riverside (X9/X10)
  

All to be delivered by October, with the first deliveries commencing in the next few weeks.

The new vehicle allocations reflect the position once new, hopefully more efficient, interworking patterns are implemented. Exact details of this are being finalised now, but has been prompted as a result of the expected longer-term loss of patronage of 15-20%. Clearly if any efficiencies are made by interworking other services with the X30, then they need to be low-height double-decks which is the main reason for the change.

Colleagues internally have not yet been briefed on which cascades will take place, but some of you may wish to speculate on this...

So working out out for the 32x StreetDecks available for 21/X21/X46/X46/X47................
- X45/X46/X47 - PVR 14x (same pattern as when 45/46/47) 
- X21 - PVR 8x
- 21 - PVR 10x >>>working it out, does that mean 21 will only operate Newcastle to Chester Le Street only every 10 minutes unless extra Volvo B5TLs from the X9/X10 can be sourced to allow the Durham - Chester Le Street section to remain every 30 minutes? The latter would mean a PVR of 13x which would then allow a further 4x to be allocated to the X5/X15 unless X-Lines has been shelved for them routes?