(16 Jul 2020, 6:11 pm)Michael wrote Good moves.


I spotted Dan when Martjin went through the door.

Lurking in the corner 

(16 Jul 2020, 5:32 pm)mb134 wrote Though the B5s aren't suited at all to the X9/X10 - as has been shown by the numerous reliability issues over the past few years, and their occasionally glacial performance - when they're running well they're solid enough buses. In the past few weeks I've had 6308, 6314 and 6334 - all three of which held at least 55mph along the flat, and they weren't terrible on the inclines in any way.

The X21, particularly the Newcastle to Durham stretch, is something B5s should handle reasonably easily. Reliability should improve too with it being a far less strenuous route.

I'd agree though that E400 MMCs would, in an ideal world, be the best option for it - they're by far the best decker on the market currently (though I really do not know the custom on the route well enough to argue for or against how often it should be getting new vehicles).

How did they perform on the Tyne Valley Ten 10 / 10A during lockdown? To be fair, I don't think they'll be too bad and in all fairness for routes like the X9 & X10, the only double deck vehicle ever operated on there that has performed well is the Volvo Olympian NC Palatine II.

Tweet from Ben Gilligan has shared some pictures of the new E400's close up, they have Camera mirrors...

https://twitter.com/realbengilligan/stat...30273?s=19

All information from Ben Gilligan.

I wonder if GNE will have them?

(16 Jul 2020, 8:18 pm)Michael wrote Tweet from Ben Gilligan has shared some pictures of the new E400's close up, they have Camera mirrors...

https://twitter.com/realbengilligan/stat...30273?s=19

All information from Ben Gilligan.

I wonder if GNE will have them?

The video shows normal mirrors on GNEs

(17 Jul 2020, 9:05 am)JP6004 wrote The video shows normal mirrors on GNEs

I don't suppose you could share a link, please? I don't have Facebook so only get to see these daily briefings / enthusiast chats etc when someone posts a link on this forum.
Thanks in advance.

(17 Jul 2020, 9:09 am)ne14ne1 wrote I don't suppose you could share a link, please? I don't have Facebook so only get to see these daily briefings / enthusiast chats etc when someone posts a link on this forum.
Thanks in advance.

https://www.facebook.com/100009920923911...9920923911

Here you go

---

(17 Jul 2020, 9:05 am)JP6004 wrote The video shows normal mirrors on GNEs

Must of missed that

(17 Jul 2020, 9:09 am)ne14ne1 wrote I don't suppose you could share a link, please? I don't have Facebook so only get to see these daily briefings / enthusiast chats etc when someone posts a link on this forum.
Thanks in advance.

Michael beat me to it 

(17 Jul 2020, 9:12 am)Michael wrote https://www.facebook.com/100009920923911...9920923911

Here you go

(17 Jul 2020, 10:08 am)JP6004 wrote Michael beat me to it 

Cheers guys
Next week's should be interesting re the cascades.

(17 Jul 2020, 10:13 am)ne14ne1 wrote Cheers guys
Next week's should be interesting re the cascades.

Least he confirmed the cascaded buses will be getting a refurbishment.

(17 Jul 2020, 10:39 am)Michael wrote Least he confirmed the cascaded buses will be getting a refurbishment.

He said refurb means either repaint or internal refurb. No clue as to what will be refurbed. Probs the Consett B9s

(17 Jul 2020, 11:00 am)JP6004 wrote He said refurb means either repaint or internal refurb. No clue as to what will be refurbed. Probs the Consett B9s

No doubt the B9s for the Crusader will get a full internal refurb and external repaint (otherwise the spec will be far lower than the vehicles they replace), the B5s for the X21 will probably just get the external repaint and maybe couple things done inside

(17 Jul 2020, 11:30 am)streetdeckfan wrote No doubt the B9s for the Crusader will get a full internal refurb and external repaint (otherwise the spec will be far lower than the vehicles they replace), the B5s for the X21 will probably just get the external repaint and maybe couple things done inside

Still think the red arrow allocation will be temporary, like the red angel B7s and the cadets on the M2

(17 Jul 2020, 11:35 am)JP6004 wrote Still think the red arrow allocation will be temporary, like the red angel B7s and the cadets on the M2

What would the benefit be of switching them out for different B9s though?

I really didn't understand when Volvo introduced the Euro6 range as to why the Full-Size Single got a larger engine than the Double Deck offering. The B5 never took off in London because it made sense to just order the B5LH which many operators did. The Euro6 B5LH is a fantastic bus, apt for a range of running conditions and a comfortable ride for the passenger.

It is nice to see the B5TLs be redeployed, however, and possibly in an XLines livery.

(17 Jul 2020, 11:42 am)streetdeckfan wrote What would the benefit be of switching them out for different B9s though?

Save on refurb costs, to provide same features as current citaros, allow lower spec vehicles to displace older DD

(17 Jul 2020, 12:39 pm)JP6004 wrote Save on refurb costs, to provide same features as current citaros, allow lower spec vehicles to displace older DD

I honestly don't see them replacing the B9s on the 10 any time soon, I fully expect them to do a full internal refurb on them as well like they did with the Cobalts.

My guess is that all the B9s that they ordered new will get at least a minor internal refurb, with USBs and the new moquette, with some getting the full treatment with tables

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

I haven't been really following this thread and to be honest, I'm a little confused with what's going where. 

From what I can gather, the deckers from the X9/10, are being transferred on to the X21 and will obviously be repainted and given a refresh.

The deckers from the X21 (which include those recently transferred from the 21), and have just been repainted and given a new identity - are going up to Consett.

Some of the deckers from Consett which haven't long been in the colour scheme they carry, are being transferred to the 26/27? Or is that the deckers from the X1?

Would someone be able to clarify please.

(17 Jul 2020, 12:57 pm)Andreos1 wrote I haven't been really following this thread and to be honest, I'm a little confused with what's going where. 

From what I can gather, the deckers from the X9/10, are being transferred on to the X21 and will obviously be repainted and given a refresh.

The deckers from the X21 (which include those recently transferred from the 21), and have just been repainted and given a new identity - are going up to Consett.

Some of the deckers from Consett which haven't long been in the colour scheme they carry, are being transferred to the 26/27? Or is that the deckers from the X1?

Would someone be able to clarify please.

B5's to the X21 + 1 of the current spares

Streetdecks from the X21 to Consett to make up rest of the the Streetdeck allocation on the X45/X46/X47 along side 6 NEW streetdecks.

Red Arrow B9's on the 26/27.

-------------

Full allocations here:

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

(17 Jul 2020, 1:02 pm)Michael wrote B5's to the X21 + 1 of the current spares

Streetdecks from the X21 to Consett to make up rest of the the Streetdeck allocation on the X45/X46/X47 along side 6 NEW streetdecks.

Red Arrow B9's on the 26/27.

-------------

Full allocations here:

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

*I'm off to buy some shares in bus paint. Be back soon*

(17 Jul 2020, 1:32 pm)Andreos1 wrote *I'm off to buy some shares in bus paint. Be back soon*

If you'd bought shares in tape you'd have made an absolute fortune with the amount the supermarkets wasted with the lines on the floor!

(17 Jul 2020, 1:02 pm)Michael wrote B5's to the X21 + 1 of the current spares

Streetdecks from the X21 to Consett to make up rest of the the Streetdeck allocation on the X45/X46/X47 along side 6 NEW streetdecks.

Red Arrow B9's on the 26/27.

-------------

Full allocations here:

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

Personally I still think 6302 - 6305 will go on the X5/X15. No way does the X45/46/47 need a 10 minute DD service, definitely think there's going to be a frequency reduction somewhere.

Well, based on the X45 serving Blackhall Mill, Chopwell and High Spen with the X47 withdrawn, this is how I would personally allocate the new and existing fleet as follows for the XLines double deck routes as well as the Angel 21 (Also including Tyne Valley Ten & Crusader for reference in terms of spare ratios etc)

Potential Service Change Samples

X31/X46 - Interworking
Consett (X46): 00:05
Newcastle (X46): 01:08
Newcastle (X31): 01:15
Stanley (X31): 01:53
Stanley (X31): 02:00
Newcastle (X31): 02:39
Newcastle (X46): 02:45
Consett (X46): 03:45

X45 - Standalone and running via Blackhall Mill, Chopwell and High Spen
Consett (X45): 00:05
Newcastle (X45): 01:23
Newcastle (X45): 01:30
Consett (X45): 02:45

X30/(X70/X71) - Interworking
Consett (X70): 00:52
Newcastle (X70): 01:53
Newcastle (X30): 02:00
Stanley (X30): 02:38
Stanley (X30): 02:45
Newcastle (X30): 03:24
Newcastle (X70): 03:30
Consett (X70): 04:27

X46/X70/X71 (Consett Town Centre to Newcastle every 15 minutes either via Metrocentre or Sunniside) - Not interworking but demonstrating common frequency
Consett Depart: 05 | 25 | 35 | 52
Newcastle Arrive: 08 | 23 | 38 | 53
Newcastle Depart: 00 | 15 | 30 | 45
Consett Arrive: 15 | 27 | 45 | 55

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Allocation Summary for Depots

Consett PVRs (Total PVR of 26x with 3x spare)
- X5/X15 - 4x Wright StreetDeck
- X30/(X70/X71) - 8x ADL E400MMC
- X31/X46 - 8x Wright StreetDeck
- X45 - 6x Wright StreetDeck

Hexham PVRs (Total PVR of 5x with 1x spare)
- X84/X85 - 5x Wright StreetDeck

Riverside PVRs - Including Hexham TVTs (Total PVR of 37x with 5x spare)
- 10/10A/10B - 16x Volvo B9TL
- 26/27 - 14x Volvo B9TL
- X9/X10 - 7x Volvo B11R

Washington PVRs (Total PVR of 14x with 1x spare)
- X1 - 14x Wright StreetDeck

Chester Le Street PVRs (Total PVR of 23x with 3x spare)
- 21 - 8x Wright StreetDeck & 7x Volvo B5TL
- X21 - 8x ADL E400MMC
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Depot Breakdowns

Consett
- Wright StreetDeck 6304-6307 - XLines X5/X15
- Wright StreetDeck 6323-6329 - XLines X31/X45/X46
- ADL E400MMC 6336 - XLines Spare
- ADL E400MMC 6337 - XLines Spare
- ADL E400MMC 6338-6345 - XLines X30/(X70/X71)
- ADL E400MMC 6346 - XLines Spare
- Wright StreetDeck 6370-6376 - XLines X31/X45/X46

Hexham
- Wright StreetDeck 6302 - XLines Spare
- Wright StreetDeck 6303 - XLines X84/X85
- Wright StreetDeck 6330-6333 - XLines X84/X85

Washington
- Wright StreetDeck 6301 - XLines Spare
- Wright StreetDeck 6356-6369 - XLines X1

Chester Le Street
- Volvo B5TL 6308-6314 - Angel 21
- Wright StreetDeck 6315-6322 - Angel 21
- Volvo B5TL 6334 - GoNE Spare
- Volvo B5TL 6335 - GoNE Spare
- ADL E400MMC 6347-6354 - XLines X21
- ADL E400MMC 6355 - XLines Spare

Riverside (Incl Hexham B9TLs)
- Volvo B9TL 6001-6007 - Crusader 26/27
- Volvo B9TL 6043-6044 - GoNE Spare
- Volvo B9TL 6045-6047 - Tyne Valley Ten
- Volvo B9TL 6048 - GoNE Spare
- Volvo B9TL 6049-6055 - Crusader 26/27
- Volvo B9TL 6071-6083 - Tyne Valley Ten
- Volvo B9TL 6099 (from PM) - GoNE Spare
- Wright StreetDeck 6377 - XLines Spare
- Volvo B11R - XLines X9/X10

(17 Jul 2020, 9:12 am)Michael wrote https://www.facebook.com/100009920923911...9920923911

Here you go

---

Must of missed that

Bus confirmed as 6349 on Dan's Flickr

With reference to my earlier post, I can perhaps understand the logic of also having the X31 using low height E400MMCs even if potentially running standalone.

It will provide more flexibility in terms of early morning and early-mid evening rotas where a board might run off or on to an X30.

Bear with as catching up here...

Is the 53/54 that profitable? I know it runs through pretty much the poorest parts of Gateshead so public transport usage is naturally higher but it feels like it’s had fairly regular upgrades or at least improvements over the years versus the rest of the Gateshead and now Riverside network.

Or is it a case of government handouts and the only suitable route for free cash is this one? /cynic

(19 Jul 2020, 10:03 pm)Ambassador wrote Bear with as catching up here...

Is the 53/54 that profitable? I know it runs through pretty much the poorest parts of Gateshead so public transport usage is naturally higher but it feels like it’s had fairly regular upgrades or at least improvements over the years versus the rest of the Gateshead and now Riverside network.

Or is it a case of government handouts and the only suitable route for free cash is this one? /cynic

My guess is they chose the 53/54 because it's a fairly simple, short route which would suit an EV pretty well. It's not far back to the depot if there was an issue with the new vehicles, most of the route is either city centre or going round the streets, both areas where stopping and starting is very common, which is the worst thing for efficiency.

The only other route I could see getting electrified any time soon would be the X66

Considering the Streetlites have been running on it since new and are getting on for 7 years old, I don't think it's fair to say they have had regular upgrades, although it is perhaps slightly better off than some other routes

(19 Jul 2020, 10:19 pm)streetdeckfan wrote My guess is they chose the 53/54 because it's a fairly simple, short route which would suit an EV pretty well. It's not far back to the depot if there was an issue with the new vehicles, most of the route is either city centre or going round the streets, both areas where stopping and starting is very common, which is the worst thing for efficiency.

The only other route I could see getting electrified any time soon would be the X66

Considering the Streetlites have been running on it since new and are getting on for 7 years old, I don't think it's fair to say they have had regular upgrades, although it is perhaps slightly better off than some other routes

Wasn't the 58 next in line? Hence it having the trials for electric buses on it. Quaylink is the other route which has had them and all 3 make sense really. All similar stop start services.

(19 Jul 2020, 10:23 pm)Storx wrote Wasn't the 58 next in line? Hence it having the trials for electric buses on it. Quaylink is the other route which has had them and all 3 make sense really. All similar stop start services.

I could get upgrading Quaylink. It’d be peak MG GNE. Press releases about key city centre touristy route (that nobody really uses aside office staff who can’t face a walk up dean street or twirlies) getting a great new upgrade for this absolutely not key city centre link. Bus equivalent of a new cycle lane down Durham Rd...

(19 Jul 2020, 10:27 pm)Ambassador wrote I could get upgrading Quaylink. It’d be peak MG GNE. Press releases about key city centre touristy route (that nobody really uses aside office staff who can’t face a walk up dean street or twirlies) getting a great new upgrade for this absolutely not key city centre link. Bus equivalent of a new cycle lane down Durham Rd...

It does a bit more than that tbf such as it's the only bus down the bottom of Walker and also the Great Park (where there's massive development going on).

(19 Jul 2020, 10:03 pm)Ambassador wrote Bear with as catching up here...

Is the 53/54 that profitable? I know it runs through pretty much the poorest parts of Gateshead so public transport usage is naturally higher but it feels like it’s had fairly regular upgrades or at least improvements over the years versus the rest of the Gateshead and now Riverside network.

Or is it a case of government handouts and the only suitable route for free cash is this one? /cynic

Yes, it's one of the most popular routes in Gateshead, despite having smaller buses, they fill up fast, drop off fast, then fill up again, most people paid in cash too (pre-corona). I mean 8 buses on a route that small, it's got to be very popular hasn't it?