(22 Sep 2020, 6:06 pm)Storx wrote They've changed the side branding aswell it's now Stanley or Consett rather than them seperate which is better imo, kinda want to say the light green text is lighter but not sure on that.

Assuming they don't end up on the X30, the change in branding makes sense since the rest of the routes serve one or the other, not both. 
Although, I'm not a fan of it visually since it looks a bit too long, and a bit awkward only having three, but they're the only common points on the routes!

Actually, I wonder if they could have put Team Valley on since they serve the North end

Really like the red xlines

(22 Sep 2020, 7:00 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Assuming they don't end up on the X30, the change in branding makes sense since the rest of the routes serve one or the other, not both. 
Although, I'm not a fan of it visually since it looks a bit too long, and a bit awkward only having three, but they're the only common points on the routes!

Actually, I wonder if they could have put Team Valley on since they serve the North end

The external branding represents the routes once the new interworking pattern comes into effect - X30/1 and X70/1.

Gateshead would be pushed before Team Valley on the X70/1 but then you’d have another ‘or’ for that or Whickham.


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(22 Sep 2020, 8:38 pm)Dan wrote The external branding represents the routes once the new interworking pattern comes into effect - X30/1 and X70/1.

Gateshead would be pushed before Team Valley on the X70/1 but then you’d have another ‘or’ for that or Whickham.


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Dan,

Has the external branding for the X84/X85 been decided yet? The only common points are Newcastle, Fenham, Denton Burn, Heddon-on-the Wall and Hexham I believe? The X85 continues to Newbrough, while the X84 service Throckley, Wylam, Ovington and Ovingham and many others. 

So Newcastle, Denton Burn, Hexham and Newbrough for the branding?

Also why did 6076 operate the X84/X85 on Thursday last week?

(22 Sep 2020, 8:48 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Dan,

Has the external branding for the X84/X85 been decided yet? The only common points are Newcastle, Fenham, Denton Burn, Heddon-on-the Wall and Hexham I believe? The X85 continues to Newbrough, while the X84 service Throckley, Wylam, Ovington and Ovingham and many others. 

So Newcastle, Denton Burn, Hexham and Newbrough for the branding?

Also why did 6076 operate the X84/X85 on Thursday last week?

Newcastle, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Corbridge and Hexham.


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(22 Sep 2020, 8:38 pm)Dan wrote The external branding represents the routes once the new interworking pattern comes into effect - X30/1 and X70/1.

Gateshead would be pushed before Team Valley on the X70/1 but then you’d have another ‘or’ for that or Whickham.


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Will the X31 with the exception of perhaps a few early morning & mid evening journeys not operate mostly standalone?

6362, 6364 & 6366 have entered service.

(23 Sep 2020, 6:48 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote 6362 & 6366 have entered service.

As has 6370.

The X84/X85 E400 seem to be taking their time, considering they were all part of same order

(23 Sep 2020, 8:59 am)JP6004 wrote As has 6370.

The X84/X85 E400 seem to be taking their time, considering they were all part of same order

How many Streetdecks and/or Enviros are still to enter service or arrive to GNE?

(23 Sep 2020, 11:31 am)ne14ne1 wrote How many Streetdecks and/or Enviros are still to enter service or arrive to GNE?

Dont know what's been delivered but 8 streetdecks and 4 E400 yet to enter service

(23 Sep 2020, 2:08 pm)TEN 6083 wrote There’s an unbranded X1 Streetdeck parked in Washington Depot


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All six of the StreetDecks at Washington are branded - 6364/65/66/70/74/75.

(22 Sep 2020, 1:59 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Wouldn't say a design change, more like they decided to paint the surrounds on the new ones. Looks much better IMO, still not as good as the StreetDecks, but better

Weren't the 69 plates delivered in a different shade of green and required repainting? Could be the reason why the headlights have been painted over.

(23 Sep 2020, 5:45 pm)omnicity4659 wrote Weren't the 69 plates delivered in a different shade of green and required repainting? Could be the reason why the headlights have been painted over.

Best Impressions standard is to have the rear light clusters in body colour opposed to black - which is why 6336 - 6340 were painted in body colour, and also why the last two East Yorkshire batches have them in body colour too.

We've gone with black on this year's intake as an alternative. I personally prefer them black (oo-er..)

(23 Sep 2020, 7:25 pm)Dan wrote Best Impressions standard is to have the rear light clusters in body colour opposed to black - which is why 6336 - 6340 were painted in body colour, and also why the last two East Yorkshire batches have them in body colour too.

We've gone with black on this year's intake as an alternative. I personally prefer them black (oo-er..)

Yeah I prefer the black too.

I’d like to see an Xlines Streetdeck with the front light clusters in black. It might help them blend in more with the fronts of the Xlines Enviros.
Obviously theres no problem as they are now, I’m just curious to see how they’d look as I like things standardised & unified.  
Quick photoshop anyone?

(17 Sep 2020, 9:44 pm)ne14ne1 wrote I don’t really know what the arrows are about or how you’d read out that destination screen in a sentence, but I was purely referring to the font used on the lower screen, it’s a much clearer modern typeface.

Late to the party on this one, but I’m not liking those destination blinds. You read the via points first which is a strange concept. The end point should be first then via points after. Also that blind runs most of the X1 route displaying prominently two destinations it’s already passed, very confusing at Washington Galleries and to a lesser extent in Houghton to know which ones going which way considering Easington Lane is the third thing you read, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the one saying “Gateshead” “QE Hospital” was a Newcastle Bound service! The oxford example is much better.
Overall I’m not sure if via points are ever needed. Does anybody ever have chance to read scrolling via points? When flagging down a bus you haven’t got a chance and at an interchange I’m more likely to use a timetable at the stand/electronic board and just check the bus number matches! 
One thing I do like about the destination blind is the number on the other side to usual, I think that works better, I know others have said it’s against some of the ‘advice’ but I think that could be easier to see?
Oh and the irony of adding ‘arrows’ to the destination blind after just removing ‘Red Arrows’ branding!

(23 Sep 2020, 9:08 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Yeah I prefer the black too.

I’d like to see an Xlines Streetdeck with the front light clusters in black. It might help them blend in more with the fronts of the Xlines Enviros.
Obviously theres no problem as they are now, I’m just curious to see how they’d look as I like things standardised & unified.  
Quick photoshop anyone?

 I can't work out whether I like it or not!
 Every time I look at it I change my mind

(23 Sep 2020, 10:39 pm)Drifter60 wrote Late to the party on this one, but I’m not liking those destination blinds. You read the via points first which is a strange concept. The end point should be first then via points after. Also that blind runs most of the X1 route displaying prominently two destinations it’s already passed, very confusing at Washington Galleries and to a lesser extent in Houghton to know which ones going which way considering Easington Lane is the third thing you read, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the one saying “Gateshead” “QE Hospital” was a Newcastle Bound service! The oxford example is much better.
Overall I’m not sure if via points are ever needed. Does anybody ever have chance to read scrolling via points? When flagging down a bus you haven’t got a chance and at an interchange I’m more likely to use a timetable at the stand/electronic board and just check the bus number matches! 
One thing I do like about the destination blind is the number on the other side to usual, I think that works better, I know others have said it’s against some of the ‘advice’ but I think that could be easier to see?
Oh and the irony of adding ‘arrows’ to the destination blind after just removing ‘Red Arrows’ branding!

It's not that confusing. Buses going to Newcastle and Easington stop at different stops on opposite side of interchange and Houghton. Would you go to bus stop, wait till bus comes to see if your on the right side?

I quite like them, the ultimate destination is more prominent and visible, via points are smaller and dont detract from main destination. I'd imagine arrows used to show via points to make them more eligible. I wasnt a fan at first but its growing on me. At least you dont have the shortening of Easington Lane because it's too big for the screen

(24 Sep 2020, 12:17 am)streetdeckfan wrote  I can't work out whether I like it or not!
 Every time I look at it I change my mind

Nice job! I like it. I think if you put a photo of an enviro alongside it it would look right.

(24 Sep 2020, 7:33 am)JP6004 wrote It's not that confusing. Buses going to Newcastle and Easington stop at different stops on opposite side of interchange and Houghton. Would you go to bus stop, wait till bus comes to see if your on the right side?

I quite like them, the ultimate destination is more prominent and visible, via points are smaller and dont detract from main destination. I'd imagine arrows used to show via points to make them more eligible. I wasnt a fan at first but its growing on me. At least you dont have the shortening of Easington Lane because it's too big for the screen

If you know what side the bus comes at and which destination you need then there's no point in the via points at all...

The via points are there for people who have never used the bus before. For someone who's never used a bus before having -> Gateshead on the front it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the bus to go to Gateshead. It's pointless being there and doesn't help anyone. Unless you get on at Newcastle. A bus going to Easington Lane never goes to Gateshead.

(24 Sep 2020, 8:29 am)Storx wrote If you know what side the bus comes at and which destination you need then there's no point in the via points at all...

The via points are there for people who have never used the bus before. For someone who's never used a bus before having -> Gateshead on the front it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the bus to go to Gateshead. It's pointless being there and doesn't help anyone. Unless you get on at Newcastle. A bus going to Easington Lane never goes to Gateshead.

You'd be surprised at the number of people who do use buses for short-hops between Newcastle and Gateshead, especially those who appear to be infrequent users.

(24 Sep 2020, 8:37 am)Dan wrote You'd be surprised at the number of people who do use buses for short-hops between Newcastle and Gateshead, especially those who appear to be infrequent users.

I think you misunderstood there, it was more about it still being displayed beyond Gateshead say at Wrekenton. Isn't there a system in place where it can automatically update and change the destination depending on where the bus is, I'm sure they used to do that? Would fix the problem here by knocking off Gateshead at Gateshead, QE at the QE and so on so it's just points beyond the place there at; would be less confusing for people. Idm the design too much tbf it's easy enough to read.

could the via points not disappear from the screen after the bus has passed that area? Gateshead disappears at gatehead civic centre, Qe disappears a cardinal hume school ?

(24 Sep 2020, 10:03 am)Rob44 wrote could the via points not disappear from the screen after the bus has passed that area?  Gateshead disappears at gatehead civic centre, Qe disappears a cardinal hume school ?

I'd argue it's useful for people to see where the bus has been too; "oh if I get this bus in the opposite direction it goes to here, good to know".

(24 Sep 2020, 8:44 am)Storx wrote I think you misunderstood there, it was more about it still being displayed beyond Gateshead say at Wrekenton. Isn't there a system in place where it can automatically update and change the destination depending on where the bus is, I'm sure they used to do that? Would fix the problem here by knocking off Gateshead at Gateshead, QE at the QE and so on so it's just points beyond the place there at; would be less confusing for people. Idm the design too much tbf it's easy enough to read.

I recall something being trialled to automatically change the destinations at Gateshead to say 'Eldon Square', 'Market Street' or whatever, but I don't think having static via points throughout the length of the route is either confusing or a new problem. People look at the terminus point, which even in this new destination layout, is still the most prominent wording displayed.

(24 Sep 2020, 11:50 am)Adrian wrote I recall something being trialled to automatically change the destinations at Gateshead to say 'Eldon Square', 'Market Street' or whatever, but I don't think having static via points throughout the length of the route is either confusing or a new problem. People look at the terminus point, which even in this new destination layout, is still the most prominent wording displayed.

Yup that still happens if the vehicle has a newer (GPS equipped?) destination controller. I.e Cobalt & Coast destinations change from Newcastle, to Haymarket etc.   
If only the onboard NSA destination changed to match.

Well I sampled both 70 plates of the E400 and Streetdeck this evening:

Streetdeck wins hands down. Much better build quality, no rattles or squeaks, suspension spot on. Inside the red makes it warm and cosy and seats very comfortable. The red and gold livery looks 10x in person. Only downside was NSA still said Red Arrows as opposed to Xlines. Illuminated logo bit small but cant be helped due to shape of front panel. Still very clear. (Also no front window for the wind to whistle through like on the B9!!)

The E400 was much less comfortable ride, quite a few squeaks and shudders. It was bit nippier than the streetdeck, however felt like the big bad wolf could blow it over. The interior felt cheap and flimsy and theres huge gaps where the window sill meets the front bulkhead. Seats were comfy however still prefer civic v3. The E200s imo are far better.

Maroon base livery for The Crusader and the 5, with the 5 branded as Maroon 5?!

(24 Sep 2020, 7:17 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Maroon base livery for The Crusader and the 5, with the 5 branded as Maroon 5?!

Wrong thread?

(24 Sep 2020, 7:24 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Wrong thread?

Possibly. I wasn't sure which thread actually.

(24 Sep 2020, 7:14 pm)JP6004 wrote Well I sampled both 70 plates of the E400 and Streetdeck this evening:

Streetdeck wins hands down. Much better build quality, no rattles or squeaks, suspension spot on. Inside the red makes it warm and cosy and seats very comfortable. The red and gold livery looks 10x in person. Only downside was NSA still said Red Arrows as opposed to Xlines. Illuminated logo bit small but cant be helped due to shape of front panel. Still very clear. (Also no front window for the wind to whistle through like on the B9!!)

The E400 was much less comfortable ride, quite a few squeaks and shudders. It was bit nippier than the streetdeck, however felt like the big bad wolf could blow it over. The interior felt cheap and flimsy and theres huge gaps where the window sill meets the front bulkhead. Seats were comfy however still prefer civic v3. The E200s imo are far better.

I definitely agree with you there. The new StreetDecks are brilliant.
They're so much more comfortable than the older ones, you wouldn't even believe they're the same type of vehicle. I tried an E400 and StreetDeck back to back on the X45 and the StreetDeck legit felt like it was floating whilst the E400s was clattering about. Not to say the E400s are uncomfortable, but the StreetDeck is in another league.

I think the 'nippiness' depends on the driver, the StreetDecks are surprisingly quick when you get a driver that puts their foot down, but on average the E400s do feel like they have a bit more shove.

The only thing I'd really disagree with you is with the 'red' interior. It's 100% brown. It's nowt like the E400 'red', which is tolerable. It looks bloody awful.