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Post by District Dave on Feb 12, 2008 12:39:56 GMT
Pay to pee at Acton was put in place to stop or at least reduce vandalism which used to result in them being closed most of the time.
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Post by District Dave on Feb 11, 2008 17:54:43 GMT
*snip* if there are going to be a few I/Os on the trip, or other staff, could they not be utilised to tip out the train? Or would this create a complication as they may not all be "on duty" at the time? So long as they're in uniform and/or identifiable as staff that'd be OK - it's sort of what I'm relying on!
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Post by District Dave on Feb 11, 2008 17:39:56 GMT
For the benefit of those of us who don't frequent the District on a daily basis and are coming down specially, could someone provide some info re logistics. Clearly the train is in service and according to the duty details posted by 21146 (many thanks) seems to have quite tight turnarounds. I guess most normal District passengers don't stay on the same train for 8.5 hours So specifcally - where is the best location for a 'PNR'
- where is the best location to get a nice greasy kebab
without missing too much of the action? I think it fair to say that very few sane people would inflict themselves to eight hours on any LU train!! But - as has been alluded too - there are plenty of take away places at Earls Court (and public toilets too) or alternatively there is a kebab/burger/chicken place right near Acton Town (turn right out of the station, cross at the lights and it's more or less in front of you) and toilets in the station too. If running on time you have about twenty minutes from when the train arrives Acton Town West to its return Acton Town East; obviously Earls Court gives much more time - best part of 50 mins. Also, would I be right in thinking that by the time we get finished, there will be no tubes into central London and that the N207 night bus will do from outside Ealing Common station? I'm no expert on night buses, but I'm pretty sure you're right!
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Post by District Dave on Feb 10, 2008 21:20:17 GMT
In response to metman and mjw4849.... Yes, I will be driving. As it stands at present there will be three I/Ops tasked with this arduous duty - and another is also a member here. I plan on joining the train at Earls Court (West) on it's first westbound trip which should be at about 17:23. I *think* it will work out that I'll take over the hot seat at Earls Court East at 21:34 and do its final Upminster -> Ealing -> Ealing Common depot trip. I do hope to be given permission to run passenger from Ealing Broadway -> Ealing Common prior to the train stabling, but this may depend on how many staff are around to 'tip out' the train at Ealing Common as I won't be popular holding up the service in that area at that time of the evening! We'll see.......
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Post by District Dave on Feb 10, 2008 10:50:53 GMT
Now that the end is in sight it seems with a date semi-confirmed I hope someone can arrange a few special touches. I got commemorative posters fitted unofficially in some CO/CP cars and provided A4 printed 'farewell' window notices for the last 'silver' A stock and the last 1959TS on the Northern. Despite 30 years' service in the Operating Dept LU's H&S rules would officially prevent me from entering Upminster yard to do something similar now but I'm sure there are people of this forum who could oblidge. (Fitted behind the double-glazed car windows for best effect.) "Farewell to silver trains on the UndergrounD 1952 - 2008". There are plans in hand ! And I can't see the date will change again - it is now less than a week away after all.........
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Post by District Dave on Feb 7, 2008 18:04:58 GMT
Right - now I'll whisper very quietly whilst no-one is listening........ The intended date is now Friday 15th Feb. The train will work as T106 ex Upminster depot at 16:08 and ultimately stabling in Ealing Common depot at 00:33. The intention is that it will then depart to Derby by road on the 18th Feb. Theoretically (and this is why it cannot be absolutely guaranteed that this will definitely be it's last working) the train could be called for service over the weekend; however there will be no service between Acton Town and West Ken that weekend and almost all trains will de in Ealing Common depot so this is a pretty low possibility. But you didn't hear this from me
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Post by District Dave on Feb 3, 2008 15:20:36 GMT
I am putting pressure on the Powers that Be for permission to publish the date as soon as possible.
Chris - I can say it is not the 12th however.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 25, 2008 12:12:51 GMT
[Admin hat on]
REMINDER:................................
This thread is supposed to be about the running of the last non-refurb.
If anyone wants to continue this discussion about PDO could they start a new thread.
Ta.
[Admin hat off]
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Post by District Dave on Jan 25, 2008 9:34:33 GMT
Got a bit off topic here have we not??? And no, I see no benefit of a poll on the topic. From a staff point of view I want total control over the train doors - full stop. I will open, I will close - if I want to do a selective close/reopen then I will decide. IMHO PDO will never be re-introduced. It plays havoc with headways and those stocks (I'm thinking particularly of the 92TS) which had Pass close as well used to be the playthings of those thinking it'd be funny to shut their mates in the doors etc.......... It's a different matter on suburban rail lines where the timetabled standing time is often in minutes - as you (should ) know - on LU we work in seconds at platforms.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 17, 2008 19:24:58 GMT
edgeware road, paddington and bayswater would be a problem I think you may be confusing the overall lengths of the trains with guaging issues. Certainly my understanding is that we could take a D Stock round the Circle - just don't open the doors! P.S. - And before anyone inevitably raises the matter - yes - the D's do go under the bridges between North Ealing and South Harrow...................................
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Post by District Dave on Jan 14, 2008 19:38:34 GMT
A point to clarify here.....
Although this event will mark the last running of the unrefurbished stock, it is not being run (at least as far as we are aware) as a 'special' but it will be in normal passenger service (though I will not be surprised if there is not a great deal of space for the commuters!).
So - and to emphasise Colin's point - I hope that the behaviours displayed by the enthusiast community (not just members here) will do nothing to encorage the opinion of 'anoraks' in the derogatory sense!
At the moment the only part of the working that may be 'enthusiast only' will be the trip between Ealing Broadway and Ealing Common prior to the train being stabled - and that depends on permission being given for this.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 11, 2008 20:27:53 GMT
I hope it's a weekend thing then I guess more enthusiasts would be able to come As things stand it will not be a weekend working I'm afraid.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 11, 2008 17:49:07 GMT
Can you supply a link for the google group please - I've seen several versions but so far they're all wrong (including some allegedly LU staff only places)!
IMHO that's not unusual - I repeat - we are getting the definitive information.
EDIT: JTD has emailed me the link. The information quoted is wrong. I've told them so.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 11, 2008 16:44:18 GMT
As I mentioned before the final red train was allowed to run in pax service to Ealing Common from Broadway. I think that we might possibly be able to be persuaded to do something similar - we'll need to get an OK 'formally' I expect - but personally I think that's a goer.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 11, 2008 16:09:44 GMT
Although I can't go into the exact details of what we know at the moment, I thought that you may be interested to know that the date fast approaches for the running of the last unrefurbed D Stock. There is a date penciled in for the event, but I have decided that - at least for the time being - we won't announce it 'officially'; I am assured though that I will be told and the Powers That Be have told me that it 'should be published on your web site' (meaning here!) - so more confirmation that this forum is seen as a means of communication to those enthusiastic about London Underground! Also, I'm not going into details about at what times and where it will visit, as - again - this is not finally agreed. However, as planned at present, it will be on a weekday late afternoon and early evening during mid February, almost certainly commencing from Upminster and finishing in Ealing Common Depot. What I can however tell you for sure is the following; there are three Instructor Operators allocated to drive it on this final outing, two of whom are members here - myself and Aspect. So I think you can quickly work out that we'll try to influence the running of the train as much as we can. though as it will almost certainly run in timetabled paths this may not be as successful as we would like. So (and this is the cunning bit ) what I would like (and I'm sure I speak for Aspect too) is to have an idea of how many enthusiasts are likely to be interested so that we can maybe use this as a lever on our bosses to try to make the best of the event that we can. We await your responses........
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Post by District Dave on Nov 29, 2007 14:26:33 GMT
Multiple signal failures - all unrelated.
Started off at Embankment, then one went down in the Plaistow area and finally another in the Aldgate East area.
As a result the service was decimated - trains all over the place, drivers being well over their hours, late meal reliefs, signallers not correctly identifying trains , trains being short tripped.
You name it - it happened.
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Post by District Dave on Nov 19, 2007 16:29:13 GMT
As far as the speed control to W375 is concerned I certainly train to 25mph - I'm pretty sure that when it was first commissioned it was pretty well immediately clear that this was the max speed; it could be that it does drop at 30, but that it's too slow to allow for the closeness of the train!
It was placed due to an alleged compromised overlap on W375 I believe.
Bromley - by - Bow.....
Using my standard move off procedure where gaps are involved of remaining in Series until clear of the gap I don't have a problem (and tried it today with a heavily loaded train) loss of pilot light.
Happybunny - you seem to have a few issues with your training - can you please come and talk to me - I'd be interested to hear more, and to assist if I can.
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7008
Nov 19, 2007 16:33:23 GMT
Post by District Dave on Nov 19, 2007 16:33:23 GMT
Change of plan it seems, I have been advised!
I'm now told that the vinyls will reamin until it goes away - date to be advised to me shortly I hope.
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7008
Nov 14, 2007 15:02:02 GMT
Post by District Dave on Nov 14, 2007 15:02:02 GMT
I have just been advised that in the imminent future 7008, 17008 and 8008 will have the external stickers removed, thus returning it to an aluminium finish. It will, however, retain its red door.
It is expected to depart to Derby in about mid December and will then not see the light of day again until probably the end of May 2008.
So keep your eyes peeled.
I will try to update when the changes have taken place.
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Post by District Dave on Nov 13, 2007 20:26:38 GMT
Though there are a few service advantages in some ways those must date back to way before the LHR service on he Picc, the changes to the DR and the move to ACT as the Picc main crew change point.
IMHO it is more likely to occur than me being 21 again!
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Post by District Dave on Jan 9, 2008 16:49:29 GMT
In fact to my knowlege its only really been the last 2 years ive ever noticed DVAs (although based on forum messages the Central, Northern and Jubilee have had them for ages but I hadn't really noticed them). I'm pretty sure you'll find that all the 'new' stocks (92TS and later) have had them installed since they were built; I'm sure that when there was an Open Day at West Ruislip depot at about the 92TS came into service they were demonstrated then.
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Post by District Dave on Jan 9, 2008 16:43:08 GMT
Hey, new C stock lady and her 'exits'.... please correct me if I am wrong - how do you pronounce this word? I was under the impression it was 'ex - it' , however, my DVA lady insists on saying 'EGG - SIT' . Egg-sit??? Sounds like a broody hen to me! I noticed that today whilst I was accompanying my lastest victim on his road test; not sure there's any improvement or that there are any script changes. Maybe there are some for those C Stocks that venture to Whitechapel for the ELL closure (and the damned DVA still drops out over gaps if the batteries are weak.............) Is this part of TfL's revenge on Emma thingamejig after she posted those spoof announcements on her web site?
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Post by District Dave on Nov 9, 2007 20:47:20 GMT
On a similar point when I joined LU we were told not to apologise for delays etc. as this was an admission that we were in the wrong and therefore an admission of liability (?).....
This seems to have been rethought!
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Post by District Dave on Oct 26, 2007 7:42:10 GMT
One little tip though, which has worked on those I've tested it on - if the train fails a brake test, wind up briefly then release the TBC - tey another brake test, and it will often clear the problem In the context of a train in the depot would your 'tip' work if the traction test switch were to be cut in - thus avoiding actually moving the train but still getting the motors to wind up?
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Post by District Dave on Oct 25, 2007 15:54:38 GMT
Sorry - this is a bit techie and aimed squarely at my DR T/Op colleagues!
Solidbond I know is already aware of a problem relating to these little buggers, but the situation seems to be getting worse.
Some of you may have noticed the TMS occasionally flashing up a Service Brake warning which lasts a few seconds and then disappears; you can guarantee that if you ask for a fitter it stops as soon as he gets in the cab........
But - and this is the point - it's also manifesting itself whilst carrying out a brake test.
Last Friday I was prepping a train in ECMDT with my trainee and we'd carried out a test in the west end unit (7098 for those interested) and repeated the process in the east end unit (7021).
On carrying out the test in both full and slow speed the test initially passed, but then went to fail. We rreturned to the west cab to call the fitter and repeated the test in that cab - it now too showed exactly the same.
The fitter attended, and (from what I could see) by the process of lifting a seat in car 3 and doing 'something' (I know not what) we were then able to get valid passes in both units. On questioning he told me it was the BPMS.
Now - and this is what I want to draw to your attention - the situation repeated itself with at least two trains on Sunday (and I've heard tales of others). Apparently the Depot staff tried to tell the drivers that it was OK and that they could take the trains out as the fault was only a fault with the monitoring system, not with the brake circuits themselves.
That's all very well, but a fail is a fail, and I (and you!) should not move that train until it has been resolved. I checked this with the LSM and he agrees. If it fails it does not enter service.
Incidentally this is not a refurb exclusive problem; it occurs on non-refurbs too.
Here endeth the first lesson - but if anyone wants to comment on this, I'm sure that our interested readers will pick up on the matter.
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Post by District Dave on Oct 25, 2007 15:27:21 GMT
I do inform trainees of this.
I *think* I found it out from the depot staff at some point, rather than having been told it whilst road training. But on the other hand, there is so much information passed during r/t it's not surprising if some gets forgotten!
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Post by District Dave on Oct 25, 2007 15:59:27 GMT
Certainly caused some lovely problems for the morning commute and then it appears someone jumped onto the tracks at Barrons Court at around 10.15 to make matters worse. The piccadilly line train i was on was just climbing the grade from the tunnels when the traction current was switched off... and we rolled back towards the tunnels a bit. I believe that round about the same time as the NLL problem at Gunnersbury, the Picc had a problem at Acton Town, which meant that they were diverting all the Heathrows down the 'local' from Hammersmith! AIUI the Richmonds were pretty quickily diverted to EBDY, albeit that there was one stuck at GB1's; not sure if that just remained there or if they did a WDM back to Turnham Green - I didn't read the daily report this morning!
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Post by District Dave on Oct 28, 2007 21:14:13 GMT
Its a whistle. I've got one and very loud it is too. Indeed it is. Mine has the legend 'LMS' stamped on the side of it; I can't remember now where I bought it but it never fails!
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Post by District Dave on Oct 27, 2007 15:38:23 GMT
I used to rouse sleeping drunks by dipping one of their hands in a fire bucket of cold water. That usually did the trick. Personally I find my Acme Thunderer does the trick if the Control Key rapped on the nearest glass fails to rouse them:)
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Post by District Dave on Oct 27, 2007 8:09:45 GMT
I'm bucking the flow here, but as someone who regularly does the very last trains I nearly always switch off the heating for the last trip. Rousing drunk and drugged passengers is hard enough as it is when the train is cool, it's worse when the train is cosily warm. I'm sure many hundreds of passengers have been prevented from sleeping and have not missed their stop over the years when travelling on my train. Not quite sure if that would meet with the approval of the Mystery Shopper Scorecard standards or Customer Satisfaction Survey targets Jim
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