(12 Nov 2020, 2:00 pm)TEN 6083 wrote It’s parked at Galleries Bus Station in the layover area where the GNE vans park at.


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Would've been 6376 which you seen

(12 Nov 2020, 5:51 pm)L469 YVK wrote Whilst the X1 would benefit from extra muscle plus the fact at the time of order there being uncertainties with WrightBus, the interworking pattens at Consett post COVID needed to become more efficient and the only way of achieving that would be interworking the X30/X70/X71 (X31 standalone).

The above interworking pattern therefore requires low height deckers due to a low bridge in Dunston on the X30.

As things stand right now, the StreetDecks are to stay on the X1 for their main service life (7-8 years) but wouldn't put it past them being cascaded much sooner if and when (and that's a big if and when) things pick up again.

If COVID didn't hit and WrightBus were not in trouble, it would've likely been between the ADL E400MMC & OM936 StreetDeck as the options for the X1.

Personally, I think had Wrightbus not been in trouble, StreetDecks would have been the choice for the X1, be it the 4 or 6 cylinder variant depending on trials with the 6 cylinder.

To me, the purchase of the E400s were ordered as they were the only option and new buses were needed. But in the end with the new interworking patterns it was probably the right choice, even if they ended up in a different place than originally planned

At Saltmeadows this afternoon at back of the yard could be observed
YX70 OKN
YX70 OKO
Presumably 2 OF THE 6152-6155 batch

(12 Nov 2020, 7:41 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Personally, I think had Wrightbus not been in trouble, StreetDecks would have been the choice for the X1, be it the 4 or 6 cylinder variant depending on trials with the 6 cylinder.

To me, the purchase of the E400s were ordered as they were the only option and new buses were needed. But in the end with the new interworking patterns it was probably the right choice, even if they ended up in a different place than originally planned

I think the 6 Cylinder StreetDeck is a great idea by WrightBus to fill the void left by the B9TL and provide a heavy duty competitor to the Scania ADL E400MMC.

But........the integral ADL E400MMC can handle most jobs that an OM936 StreetDeck or Volvo B9TL can. Plus also the fact that the ADL E400MMC qualifies for BSOG (now with both gearbox variants) makes it a no brainer over the OM936 StreetDeck. Yes, granted the interior & bodywork is not as solid as WrightBus products but they do what they say on the tin considering Arriva & Stagecoach have ordered a load of Classic E400 and E400MMC vehicles over the last decade.

Irrespective of the StreetDeck allocation on the X1, I doubt GNE under the current management would've considered the OM934 StreetDeck for the X1 as a first point of call if things had've been all good at WrightBus.

I wish someone from GNE would say what's going on the X45/46/47 and that they we're always or not always planning to get both types of fleets. This thread literally goes round in circles with the same conversation and same answer (don't know) over and over again. I've definitely already discussed it before, I really don't get why it's happening again...

(12 Nov 2020, 8:47 pm)Storx wrote I wish someone from GNE would say what's going on the X45/46/47 and that they we're always or not always planning to get both types of fleets. This thread literally goes round in circles with the same conversation and same answer (don't know) over and over again. I've definitely already discussed it before, I really don't get why it's happening again...

6333 should be getting repainted at some point as no longer needed on the X21 with 2 other Streetdecks off of the 21 joining it was what was initially rumoured but as the there has been no service changes in terms of frequency in the pipeline for the 21 or X45/46/47 then your guess is as good as mine or anyone else's on the forum.

(12 Nov 2020, 8:47 pm)Storx wrote I wish someone from GNE would say what's going on the X45/46/47 and that they we're always or not always planning to get both types of fleets. This thread literally goes round in circles with the same conversation and same answer (don't know) over and over again. I've definitely already discussed it before, I really don't get why it's happening again...

No discussions today

Has been discussions about the X1 and the original order.

I don't think we'll know anything until nearer the time about the X45/X46/X47

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(12 Nov 2020, 8:47 pm)Storx wrote I wish someone from GNE would say what's going on the X45/46/47 and that they we're always or not always planning to get both types of fleets. This thread literally goes round in circles with the same conversation and same answer (don't know) over and over again. I've definitely already discussed it before, I really don't get why it's happening again...

No discussions today about X45/X46/X47 to my knowledge.

Discussion has been around the X1 order.

(12 Nov 2020, 8:27 pm)L469 YVK wrote I think the 6 Cylinder StreetDeck is a great idea by WrightBus to fill the void left by the B9TL and provide a heavy duty competitor to the Scania ADL E400MMC.

But........the integral ADL E400MMC can handle most jobs that an OM936 StreetDeck or Volvo B9TL can. Plus also the fact that the ADL E400MMC qualifies for BSOG (now with both gearbox variants) makes it a no brainer over the OM936 StreetDeck. Yes, granted the interior & bodywork is not as solid as WrightBus products but they do what they say on the tin considering Arriva & Stagecoach have ordered a load of Classic E400 and E400MMC vehicles over the last decade.

Irrespective of the StreetDeck allocation on the X1, I doubt GNE under the current management would've considered the OM934 StreetDeck for the X1 as a first point of call if things had've been all good at WrightBus.

I don't use the route that often, but to me the X1 isn't demanding enough for a 6 cylinder, I think the 4 cylinders will be perfectly adequate. Realistically, the 4 cylinder StreetDeck is probably more than good enough for most of GNE's routes that are currently ran by the B9s.

As I've said before, I've absolutely nothing against the E400, in fact I do think it's probably the better option for the low height vehicles. However, my main issue with their order of E400s was the order of low height vehicles on routes that don't need them. Obviously that probably turned out to be a good move with them ending up on a different route than originally intended.
In fact, one of my favourite buses in the fleet is an E400 (6337, those seats though!) but it's the taller variant that still manages to fit under the bridge at Dunston, which was the main reason for the low height order in the first place!
So, why go for such a low height, at the expense of passenger comfort, when it's not needed? It's not even the walking around, 6337 just feels a lot airier than the rest.

The first couple of E400s have arrived at Saltmeadows for Hexham Depot.


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(12 Nov 2020, 10:20 pm)TEN 6083 wrote The first couple of E400s have arrived at Saltmeadows for Hexham Depot.


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Already been post.

On the off chance (unless GNE are planning to avoid) that a Hexham E400MMC is allocated to a TVT "bait board" where Hexham drivers have their break at the MetroCentre, will some Riverside drivers also be familiarised with the E400MMC?

(12 Nov 2020, 8:47 pm)Storx wrote I wish someone from GNE would say what's going on the X45/46/47 and that they we're always or not always planning to get both types of fleets. This thread literally goes round in circles with the same conversation and same answer (don't know) over and over again. I've definitely already discussed it before, I really don't get why it's happening again...

Perhaps the plans haven't been consulted upon or finalised yet.

These are strange times with all services heavily supported by central government and local authorities - whatever GoNE had planned has probably had to change given the expected long term reduction in the number of passengers travelling.

From my understanding, I don't think there'll be any changes apart from minor timetable adjustments for the foreseeable. As long as the government are subsidising the industry, I doubt there'll be the money or time available to change interworking patterns.

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(13 Nov 2020, 11:49 am)6049 wrote From my understanding, I don't think there'll be any changes apart from minor timetable adjustments for the foreseeable. As long as the government are subsidising the industry, I doubt there'll be the money or time available to change interworking patterns.

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The interworking patterns at Consett will change though. That was the whole point of swapping the StreetDecks for E400MMCs.

Current:
- X31/X45/X46 = 13x
- X47/X70/X71 = 9x
- X30 = 4x

New:
- X30/X70/X71 = 8x
- X31 = 4x
- X45/X46/X47 (same as pre 2019 but limited stop) = 14x

Although total PVR will remain the same, there will be more flexibility for the Consett & Stanley express routes with all services using low height double deck vehicles.

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(13 Nov 2020, 7:32 am)L469 YVK wrote On the off chance (unless GNE are planning to avoid) that a Hexham E400MMC is allocated to a TVT "bait board" where Hexham drivers have their break at the MetroCentre, will some Riverside drivers also be familiarised with the E400MMC?

Saying that, if the following applies:

- StreetLite > StreetDeck (Consett)

Then with E200MMCs currently operating, drivers who are familiar with them should be able to know their way around the E400MMC dash.

(12 Nov 2020, 9:27 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I don't use the route that often, but to me the X1 isn't demanding enough for a 6 cylinder, I think the 4 cylinders will be perfectly adequate. Realistically, the 4 cylinder StreetDeck is probably more than good enough for most of GNE's routes that are currently ran by the B9s.

Out of all GNE's decker routes, I'd probably categorise the following as to whether or not they're suited to an ADL E400MMC or OM934 StreetDeck.

These are NOT order predictions / suggestions by the way but simply a categorisation of routes vs suitable vehicle types.

OM934 StreetDeck
1A/1B, 21, 25, 26/27, 56, 309/X39/310/311, X5/X15, X30(*LH*), X31, X45, X46, X47

*LH* - Would need to be low height

ADL E400MMC 
10/10A/10B/10X, X21, X70/X71, X84/X85

OM936 StreetDeck
X9/X10 (but now a coach operation) and perhaps only in another set of circumstances but I won't go into that on here as it would end up off topic!

(13 Nov 2020, 6:07 pm)L469 YVK wrote Out of all GNE's decker routes, I'd probably categorise the following as to whether or not they're suited to an ADL E400MMC or OM934 StreetDeck.

These are NOT order predictions / suggestions by the way but simply a categorisation of routes vs suitable vehicle types.

OM934 StreetDeck
1A/1B, 21, 25, 26/27, 56, 309/X39/310/311, X5/X15, X30(*LH*), X31, X45, X46, X47

*LH* - Would need to be low height

ADL E400MMC 
10/10A/10B/10X, X21, X70/X71, X84/X85

OM936 StreetDeck
X9/X10 (but now a coach operation) and perhaps only in another set of circumstances but I won't go into that on here as it would end up off topic!

See, for me the X21 is a tricky one, for the majority of the route, the 4 cylinder StreetDeck is more than adequate, it's the motorway section that is the problem.
Then again, it seemed to only be the 16 plate StreetDecks that had an issue on the motorway, the 67 plates were much better, and I'd imagine the 20/70 plates would be even better still. I wonder if the 4 cylinder spare will find it's way down here to try it out.

Other than that, I agree with you.

Also, if I remember correctly, the reason they went with the E400 for the X30 was because it had better interior headroom than the low height StreetDeck, not that the extra power was needed, although even the E400s seem to struggle on the way up Dunston Bank!

Martijn's Live update today, confirmed 3 of the 4 new E400's for the X84/X85 are now here, last 1 to arrive next week...

https://www.facebook.com/100009920923911...2933257724

Off topic slightly but he seems to be a very genuine person.

(13 Nov 2020, 4:15 pm)L469 YVK wrote The interworking patterns at Consett will change though. That was the whole point of swapping the StreetDecks for E400MMCs.

As I said, for the foreseeable, it is unlikely there will be any changes aside from minor timetable adjustments.

I'm well aware that there will be changes when the interworking patterns are brought in, but my point is that it rather is unlikely that it will happen while the government is supporting the industry as priorities are elsewhere.

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(15 Nov 2020, 2:04 am)6049 wrote As I said, for the foreseeable, it is unlikely there will be any changes aside from minor timetable adjustments.

I'm well aware that there will be changes when the interworking patterns are brought in, but my point is that it rather is unlikely that it will happen while the government is supporting the industry as priorities are elsewhere.

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Yeah, not right now they'll change. I do remember January being earmarked but I doubt that changes will happen until things are more steady, when that'll be no one knows.

(15 Nov 2020, 2:04 am)6049 wrote As I said, for the foreseeable, it is unlikely there will be any changes aside from minor timetable adjustments.

I'm well aware that there will be changes when the interworking patterns are brought in, but my point is that it rather is unlikely that it will happen while the government is supporting the industry as priorities are elsewhere.

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I'm not sure what the conditions of the government support is, but I'd have thought it'd be the perfect time to change things up as the financial risk isn't as great

(15 Nov 2020, 2:54 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I'm not sure what the conditions of the government support is, but I'd have thought it'd be the perfect time to change things up as the financial risk isn't as great

But not really a very good time for assessing the results of that change!

(15 Nov 2020, 2:54 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I'm not sure what the conditions of the government support is, but I'd have thought it'd be the perfect time to change things up as the financial risk isn't as great

Me too, wonder if will get changes in January?

I'd assume that any changes will have to be okayed by the powers that be - either local authorities or central government who will probably turn round and say why now and for what reason.

I would hazard a guess, whoever is responsible for subsidising the services has looked at the last pre-COVID timetables and said "I want that one", so thats what they'll get [emoji23]

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(15 Nov 2020, 3:02 pm)Ianthegoon wrote But not really a very good time for assessing the results of that change!

Or perhaps it's a great time because if it doesn't work, it's not negatively affecting that many passengers.

(15 Nov 2020, 3:10 pm)6049 wrote I'd assume that any changes will have to be okayed by the powers that be - either local authorities or central government who will probably turn round and say why now and for what reason.

I would hazard a guess, whoever is responsible for subsidising the services has looked at the last pre-COVID timetables and said "I want that one", so thats what they'll get [emoji23]

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Aren't they mostly just to increase efficiency with improved interworking patterns, I'm sure they could twist that to make it sound like they're saving the government money!

(15 Nov 2020, 3:15 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Or perhaps it's a great time because if it doesn't work, it's not negatively affecting that many passengers.

The point I was making was that the current situation means that management won't be getting a very realistic picture of whether the change is commercially successful or not.

Any current changes certainly will affect the minimum number of passengers, though!!

Go North East X-lines 6377 / NK70 BYV by kieron mathews, on Flickr

6377 has transferred to Riverside



All 4 of the E400s for Hexham are now at Saltmeadows awaiting branding


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(18 Nov 2020, 3:39 pm)TEN 6083 wrote Go North East X-lines 6377 / NK70 BYV by kieron mathews, on Flickr

6377 has transferred to Riverside with 6376 going the opposite way

Why Is 6377 being trialed on the, X9/X10 they're, coaches now so seams pointless putting regular buses on them purposely.

(18 Nov 2020, 4:11 pm)GNE6312 wrote Why Is 6377 being trialed on the, X9/X10 they're, coaches now so seams pointless putting regular buses on them purposely.

It's a hard run and they'll be able to evaluate a range of things such as fuel economy and the mechanics.

I wouldn't say its to test the route for vehicle suitability.

It also gives them a chance to do routine or scheduled maintenance on the vehicles currently allocated.

(18 Nov 2020, 4:11 pm)GNE6312 wrote Why Is 6377 being trialed on the, X9/X10 they're, coaches now so seams pointless putting regular buses on them purposely.

By GNE, It was always going to be the spare bus for service x9/x10


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