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Post by redbond on May 31, 2016 12:12:43 GMT
There are quite a few of them on the East London Line. They are on key signals, such as terminus platform starting signals and signals protecting junctions, on EL prefixed signals (controlled by East London Line SB).
They are used, however it is very rare for us to get signal failures, which is why you probably thought they're not used. I have only seen one in use in my six years here and that was about four years ago. For those not aware, if a signal can not be cleared for whatever reason, yet the signaller can still set a route, then they can activate the PoSA as a more efficient way of authorising trains to proceed in a high-frequency situation. The trains are still only authorised to proceed at caution up to the next signal.
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Post by redbond on Mar 4, 2016 9:32:23 GMT
Both MOS are in the same configuration as the DMOS they are next to such that each bogie alternates between a semi-powered then a fully powered bogie.
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Post by redbond on Oct 16, 2015 0:14:45 GMT
Perhaps part of the route towards getting nearer to the 24tph would be if the trains accelerated faster and braked more quickly. Maybe this will entail the Class 378's having their operating software modified so that they have acceleration and braking capabilities more like 1992 tube stock and 2009 tube stock. Simon The 5 cars are currently being upgraded with new software which increases traction power, it was unfortunately forgotten about initially! Most of the slow running is due to having a train in the section ahead!
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Post by redbond on Oct 15, 2015 9:28:41 GMT
The core route section (Surrey Quays to Dalston)can accommodate up to 24tph, however at the moment with 16tph it's already very mentally draining on us drivers, as morning and evening rush hours are mostly spent driving on yellow and red signals. From what I've heard it would be extra services, not diverting the New Cross paths, however as it's so early who knows what will happen. Regardless, I can't see any more increases in capacity without some form of automation.
The December timetable is going to see a massive overhaul of the service and the order of trains. West Croydon and Crystal Palace trains will terminate at Highbury, New Cross and Clapham Junction trains will terminate at Dalston Junction. Supposedly this is going to help ease congestion a bit and with Southern and Thameslink's new timetable too, all the services should hopefully run smoother together.
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Post by redbond on Sept 22, 2015 7:59:35 GMT
This need for drivers to deface parts of the cab really annoys me. Why do they do it? Must be the same filthy guys that leave spat out sunflower seeds by the DDS and use the emergency egress steps as a cup holder. Take your litter with you, don't deface the cab and if the blinds work, don't pull them over the HMI bending it out of shape and scratching the screen. I've noticed that a lot of the "5 Car Unit" text has now been written in pen. Leave the cab as you find it, it's not that difficult!
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Post by redbond on Aug 25, 2015 13:29:19 GMT
Since the few upgraded units have been out, I've noticed a decrease in cautionary aspects on the core route, especially when coming from New Cross (where we are closely following a unit from Clapham). I can only assume it's due to the software update, nothing else has changed. Hopefully this will get things moving a bit quicker!
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Post by redbond on Aug 12, 2015 11:40:11 GMT
I once caused a kerfuffle when I selected "Please stand clear of the doors, this train is ready to leave", having not noticed that it was on the previous screen and actually transmitted "Sorry, this train is not in service". Cue a few disgruntled commuters wearily stepping off!
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Post by redbond on Jun 14, 2015 9:43:40 GMT
The wheel lathe at New Cross Gate was removed. The Wheel Lathe building and Heavy Clean were repurposed for in to a new facility to attach the 5th coach to 378s. Wheel Lathing is now done elsewhere.
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Post by redbond on Apr 8, 2015 11:25:58 GMT
Absolute nonsense on both accounts.
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Post by redbond on Apr 8, 2015 1:27:03 GMT
There are three motors per MOS on a 378. One fully powered bogie with 2 motors, the other semi-powered with 1 motor.
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Post by redbond on Apr 7, 2015 12:03:02 GMT
Daz, I'm assuming NLL have started stopping at 5 car boards today? There's a lot of "why are the trains missing a carriage?" tweets today haha!
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Post by redbond on Apr 4, 2015 11:43:59 GMT
Yup it is surprising. That's on DC though, no idea what it's like on AC.
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Post by redbond on Apr 4, 2015 9:15:43 GMT
The 5 car trains take longer to accelerate, they're quite sluggish now compared to the 4 car trains. Braking is much better though, I've not had to change the way I drive at all, braking areas remain the same.
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Post by redbond on Feb 27, 2015 9:02:31 GMT
Trains on NLL/WLL seem to be stopping at 5 car marks now in preperation for when the 5 car trains arrive, caught me out a couple of times in my half asleep state, wait at second car area at Shepherds Bush, actually get on the third car, arrive at Stratford, wait i'm not by the stairs or pink reader! Just wait and see once they do start all stopping at the 5 car mark. On the ELL, twitter was awash with complaints "Why have you taken a carriage off during peak hours?". Yes, there was more than one
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Post by redbond on Feb 21, 2015 6:20:56 GMT
Quote from the Railnews article:
"But the extensions of all-night operation will need higher staffing levels, according to the RMT. The union's general secretary Mick Cash said: "This announcement has been dropped on London by the Mayor as a blatant pre election stunt without a shred of consultation with the union. That is a ridiculous way to conduct important negotiations and to unveil major service developments. RMT is not opposed to extended running but there are massive issues on staffing, safety and maintenance which have not been addressed and which would need to be signed off by our ?reps."
Also sounds like RMT rubbish as New Cross Gate depot has no RMT presence and certainly no reps!
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Post by redbond on Feb 4, 2015 10:12:59 GMT
Conversion is happening quite quickly now. 152 went in last night and I saw the carriage for 153 being delivered. All the '1' series should be done by end of the month, then will start on the '2' series.
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Post by redbond on Jan 23, 2015 20:21:41 GMT
Heading northbound, the last set of doors are locked out, southbound, the last carriage is locked out. The announcements weren't done correctly when repeating as they do something along the lines of this...
"The next station is Wapping. Would customers please note that due to a short platform, the rear doors of the last coach will not open. Please ensure you are traveling in the correct part of the train. Would customers please note that you can only alight from the front 4 coaches, as this station has a short platform....this is coach number....."
The same happens on both platforms at Canada Water.
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Post by redbond on Jan 23, 2015 19:47:24 GMT
It's very irritating. The announcement hasn't even finished by the time I stop at Whitechapel. I usually do an announcement after leaving Shadwell just so people have extra time to move along. However, due to the constant inane rubbish spewed out, I often find that my announcement is ignored and when I put the internal CCTV on, there's still people looking around and then doing a last minute 1 carriage sprint!
The whole PIS system needs an overhaul. On the 5 cars, they've added a "please keep your luggage with you at all times..." message at Surrey Quays between opening the doors and "this is a London Overground service to...". People don't take notice enough as it is and will quickly jump off when they hear "change here for London Overground services to New Cross and Clapham Junction", thinking they're on the wrong train. They then quickly jump back on when they hear it's actually for Croydon or Palace.
Do passengers constantly need to be reminded that they must have a valid Oyster card, or to remember to keep their luggage with them at all times?
Not to mention that at the moment we can't override the automatic PIS to do a manual announcement when they're playing, it's become such an issue that we've had a notice up telling us how to override by using the GSM-R radio!
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Post by redbond on Jan 10, 2015 9:17:58 GMT
Eight 5-car trains in service now, 135 to 142. As the reconfiguration of the depot is pretty much done I've heard that they should be able to knock out 2 a week very shortly.
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Post by redbond on Jan 7, 2015 6:46:53 GMT
That's very odd as no such comment has been heard over here. Further to earlier comment, 141 has stickers on each end and 139 is a 5 car. A carriage has been brought in this morning for the 6th one to be attached.
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Post by redbond on Jan 7, 2015 2:32:35 GMT
There are actually 4 units out there now, although I'm pretty positive there's 5.
135 has the gift wrap on it and "5 car train" sticker on each end. 137 just has the "5 car train" sticker on each end. 141 and 142 have no indication on it at all. (can't remember if 139 is a 5 car or not, I'm sure it is).
The easiest way is to look at the carriage number. On the outside if the number is "384**" it's a new carriage. Internally the number can be seen to the right of the PIS display at each end.
136 was supposed to be the second unit done, however due to the 5th carriage arriving the wrong way round, it is currently still sat lonely and detached in NXG depot.
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Post by redbond on Dec 22, 2014 9:03:57 GMT
There are now 3 five car units in service, 135, 137 and 141.
I personally think they've got the announcements all wrong. Announcing it when the train is just pulling in to the station just isn't enough time for passengers to understand what is going on.
"passengers needn't know what carriage they are in". I disagree, as soon as I pulled in to Whitechapel and put the internal CCTV on, passengers were jabbing at the door open button frantically and looking around panicked until I could here the "this is coach number" message play, then they moved en masse to the next carriage.
One thing that gets me, if they'd just look through the glass in front of them they would see a wall. Why do they still think they can get off there?
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Post by redbond on Dec 10, 2014 19:45:16 GMT
Correct, which is why ELL drivers all sign Battersea Park.
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Post by redbond on Dec 10, 2014 12:20:11 GMT
Most if not all Willesden Drivers sign Platform 17. NXG drivers do not.
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Post by redbond on Nov 26, 2014 17:06:36 GMT
Julie Berry's "This is coach number * of *" was already on the system on each train. I remember during traction training 4 years ago, we were learning hands on the PIS system and playing around with it. I have no idea what combination I pressed but it played through the train. I did the same on a few other units, but 4 years later I can not remember. I shall have to try again next week when I'm back in.
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Post by redbond on Nov 26, 2014 0:42:49 GMT
Only the one so far. 135. Cool, I managed to see and board it at Highbury & Islington just after 2pm today although I have to say I'm not impressed with the SDO announcements, which I did anticipate in the first place. IMHO the SDO announcements of the S7 & S8 stock are way better by a clear mile. I haven't had a chance to drive or ride on the 5 car yet, what do they sound like? We were told it wouldn't be until the first couple of 5 cars are in service before the SDO announcements would be on, and told to do manual announcements until then. The 5th carriages are attached in New Cross Gate depot. The Wheel Lathe and Heavy Clean buildings have been reconfigured to enable this, as such, wheel lathing now takes place in Hornsey.
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Post by redbond on Nov 25, 2014 10:03:37 GMT
Only the one so far. 135.
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Post by redbond on Nov 25, 2014 9:40:49 GMT
That would have been a one off. Unit allocation for the day doesn't work like that, it won't always be on the 1740 from Highbury. The units are on circuits, either alternating at Highbury, going to Crystal Palace and Clapham Junction. Or alternating at Dalston to New Cross and West Croydon. A train coming from Crystal Palace, will go in to Platform 2 at Highbury and form the next Clapham Junction service and vice versa. Same at Dalston. A train returning to Dalston from New Cross will go in to Platform 3 and form the next West Croydon service. Control and Bombardier make the allocation plan the night before, depending on where they need units berthed, for maintenance etc. If you see it in the morning, it should be easy to work out where it will be for the rest of the day, a bit tedious but can be done.
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Post by redbond on Nov 19, 2014 16:52:12 GMT
I don't know about the footbridge, but the extension to the driver's mess room is currently being built in it's place.
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Post by redbond on Nov 15, 2014 12:49:03 GMT
longhedge I think what happens is that Highbury to Dalston is controlled by Network Rail signallers working the North London Line (based in Upminster IECC), while Dalston to New Cross/New Cross Gate/Whatever-the-junction-to-Clapham-is-called is controlled by different Network Rail signallers based at New Cross Gate. Thanks for explanation. NOTE: The `junction to Clapham Junction` is called Silwood. All of the East London Line, up to Highbury platforms 1 and 2, is controlled by signallers at New Cross Gate. Platforms 7 and 8 are controlled by Upminster.
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