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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 13:39:27 GMT
Hi Everyone, I have just joined the group- pretty much for my love of the A stock! On Monday I saw A stock in service between Eastcote and Rayners Lane, approx 1.45 pm. I do not have any other details as I was walking around a park and was about 100 feet away! My partner works for TFL and has just emailed me this internal buletin. Hope it is of use to you guys! "The last A stock rail tour will take place on 29 September 2012. The tickets will go on sale via the LT museum website on Monday 3 September. Tickets will be priced at: £40 for Adults £15 for children (please note: under 11s are not permitted due to the lack of toilet breaks in the afternoon) This will be a ‘celebratory’ trip, with the chance to purchase memorabilia and talk trains with other enthusiasts. The plan is to operate this A stock train on the line during the few days prior to this last outing, just to make sure everything is working well for the big event. Further details on this to follow." Regards to all, Jason A lot of us know most of that, it's dates and times of the A stock workings prior to the event that will be of most interest. |
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a60
I will make the 8100 Class DART my new A Stock.
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Post by a60 on Aug 22, 2012 14:24:22 GMT
I don't know how far in advance the diagrams have been planned, but what's the betting that one will be running on 21st September? Nonexistant I'd say.
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Post by madandy on Aug 22, 2012 14:30:34 GMT
I don't know how far in advance the diagrams have been planned, but what's the betting that one will be running on 21st September? Nonexistant I'd say. Oh they'll be running ok.......... .........plastered with stickers advertising the farewell tour both on it and maybe S-stock and at stations with an eye on cashing in by running more than one if demand is high. |
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 15:12:00 GMT
an eye on cashing in by running more than one if demand is high. That would be great, but highly unlikely. Got me thinking, what happens if there is emergency engineering works on the day.  |
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Post by 1018509 on Aug 22, 2012 17:45:07 GMT
an eye on cashing in by running more than one if demand is high. That would be great, but highly unlikely. Got me thinking, what happens if there is emergency engineering works on the day. What a question. What if there is a system wide powercut that day? What if both ends of Neasden are blocked in by two derailments? For goodness sake let's get real about this - if anything happens out of the ordinary and can't be remedied swiftly then the tour wiill not happen and it is likely people will get their money back or a ticket for when the tour does run. |
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 17:53:51 GMT
That would be great, but highly unlikely. Got me thinking, what happens if there is emergency engineering works on the day. What a question. What if there is a system wide powercut that day? What if both ends of Neasden are blocked in by two derailments? For goodness sake let's get real about this - if anything happens out of the ordinary and can't be remedied swiftly then the tour wiill not happen and it is likely people will get their money back or a ticket for when the tour does run. It was meant to be half light hearted. Why all this aggression? Are you friends with last poster who had a go at me? BTW you have a PM from me. |
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Post by 1018509 on Aug 22, 2012 18:09:41 GMT
No aggression intended it's just that there have been some pretty hysterical postings on the forum about the demise of the A's.
In answer to your last question, no.
Sorry.
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 18:13:15 GMT
No aggression intended it's just that there have been some pretty hysterical postings on the forum about the demise of the A's. In answer to your question, no. Sorry. You have a PM Please read it. |
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Post by 1018509 on Aug 22, 2012 18:16:36 GMT
Read and replied.
Sorry again.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2012 18:16:46 GMT
2 'A' stock’s on the klondyke at around 17.30, also 1 'A' stock in the yard at Neasden. No ‘A’ stock’s seen in service between 17.30 and 18.00.
Also I complaint about trains entering service at Finchley road ex Neasden, I was waiting for an Aldgate train at Finchley road at 17.30 this evening and train 475 (formed of 21007/21008) pulled in with baker street showing on the front of the train, however Aldgate was shown on the DMI on the platform so this caused some confusion to all passengers expect 3 who got on the train. The train then made the announcement 'This is a metropolitan line train to baker street, the next station is baker street’ (which could be clearer, but that’s another argument) the driver then shut the doors and then I glance back up at the DMI on the side of the train and it now says Aldgate!!!!!! Clearly the driver changed the destination of the train while in the platform at Finchley road, so what I am asking for is could someone remind all T/ops who are entering service at Finchley road ex Neasden to show the correct destination on arrival at Finchley road as it causes confusion to passengers.
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Post by allan60 on Aug 22, 2012 18:18:33 GMT
[/quote]It was meant to be half light hearted. Why all this aggression? Are you friends with last poster who had a go at me?
BTW you have a PM from me.[/quote]
Sorry Harrowman if you got the wrong impression, I just meant that we are all disappointed that the A stock tour is only on its line and not on any other, So if there was a major failure on its proposed route, it would be nice for a last minute diverson of some sort that would please us enthusiasts that would take the Tour on a different line like the District or Piccadilly line.
Sorry
PM has been sent.
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 18:37:57 GMT
Read and replied. Sorry again. Apology gratefully accepted, thanks.  |
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 18:56:31 GMT
allan60 The big difference between our ages does cause misunderstandings.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2012 19:41:34 GMT
£40!!!!  I dont know how much these things costs but that sounds really really expensive! I was actually looking at going to this, it would have been my first forray into the world of rail tours, last day services etc etc. Unfortunately I cant justify spending that amount of money on it. Big shame. I suppose with the A Stock farewell ride being a luxury it's the way of things nowadays. Captive audience and so on........ The equivalent of around 10 pints of decent lager, a cheap restaurant meal out for two, six packs of cigarettes, a seat at a Premiership football game or any number of assorted everyday other things you can do without if you think about it. It all boils down to how important you believe it to be and what you're prepared to go without in order to finance it. I'm not being deliberately provocative here by the way, it's just I couldn't justify it myself as there are similar non-essential things I'd rather not go without to pay for it......if the trains had been red steel like the 38s and the CO/CPs (which may have fired up an emotion in me) then perhaps I'd have considered spending two weeks out of the pub to offset the cost. |
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 20:01:46 GMT
£40!!!! I dont know how much these things costs but that sounds really really expensive! I was actually looking at going to this, it would have been my first forray into the world of rail tours, last day services etc etc. Unfortunately I cant justify spending that amount of money on it. Big shame. I suppose with the A Stock farewell ride being a luxury it's the way of things nowadays. Captive audience and so on........ The equivalent of around 10 pints of decent lager, a cheap restaurant meal out for two, six packs of cigarettes, a seat at a Premiership football game or any number of assorted everyday other things you can do without if you think about it. It all boils down to how important you believe it to be and what you're prepared to go without in order to finance it. I'm not being deliberately provocative here by the way, it's just I couldn't justify it myself as there are similar non-essential things I'd rather not go without to pay for it......if the trains had been red steel like the 38s and the CO/CPs (which may have fired up an emotion in me) then perhaps I'd have considered spending two weeks out of the pub to offset the cost. Very well put, If you have grown up with these trains such as I have, it's worth the money, but otherwise I would probably would give it a miss. |
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Post by citysig on Aug 22, 2012 21:00:04 GMT
Forgive me if I repeat something which has already been said - I've just skim-read the last few pages.
The 2 A-stocks appear to have been spotted in service on Monday just gone. This didn't happen yesterday or today, but may very well happen in the near future. Various "test runs" are currently also fairly regular, with an A-stock running Neasden Depot-Amersham and back around midday. Again this won't be everyday.
The trains are being kept back to allow the modifications to the S-stock to be carried out much quicker than if we didn't have the spare stock. Make the most of them, as they are unlikely to still be running at the end of the year...
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metman
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Post by metman on Aug 22, 2012 21:04:23 GMT
So does this mean the A stock are likely to be running later than we expect or are the mods to the S stock due to be complete by the end of September. Welcome back btw |
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Post by citysig on Aug 22, 2012 21:09:56 GMT
Thanks.
You get the distinct feeling the "last ever A-stock in service" is going to be a bit like that "last ever Chesham shuttle." From what I have heard I cannot see them completing the S-stock mods before the end of the year- but you never can tell. I don't have any information on whether they have started the project, but given that, as far as I know the stock has to leave LU for it to be done, I think we would have heard.
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a60
I will make the 8100 Class DART my new A Stock.
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Post by a60 on Aug 22, 2012 21:53:18 GMT
I echo metman in saying; welcome back MetControl So what are the latest predictions for A Stock requiem services? November? Marvellous isn't it? The Met has had S Stock running for 2 years+ now, and there are still some A Stock lingering on. Still, I'm happy. |
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Post by harrowman on Aug 22, 2012 22:30:49 GMT
I echo metman in saying; welcome back MetControl So what are the latest predictions for A Stock requiem services? November? Marvellous isn't it? The Met has had S Stock running for 2 years+ now, and there are still some A Stock lingering on. Still, I'm happy. A bit reminiscent of the last '59s on the Northern Line, but the major difference being, it was the last line to have guards. |
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Post by citysig on Aug 22, 2012 23:09:11 GMT
I echo metman in saying; welcome back MetControl So what are the latest predictions for A Stock requiem services? November? Marvellous isn't it? The Met has had S Stock running for 2 years+ now, and there are still some A Stock lingering on. Still, I'm happy. And thanks again. As I said I don't have the information to confirm the end of the A-stock. To be honest, Monday's outing of 2 trains in service was a surprise to me, and it wasn't because we were short of spare S-stocks. There is someone somewhere within the walls of the depot who has a little more say on what runs and what doesn't in terms of stock, and will probably know more accurate dates than I do at present. |
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Post by superteacher on Aug 23, 2012 15:11:12 GMT
What surprised me about Monday was the use of the A stock on all day runners. In the off peak, there would be 23 S stock trains not in service and I can't believe that they wouldn't be able to find 2 of them to take over the A stock workings. I agree with what was said earlier in that the A stock were not run as a result of an S stock shortage.
That being the case, can we have some more please!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 15:55:59 GMT
As far as I have been told at this moment in time (doh - company speak - sorry!!), the remaining four A Stocks will not cover for the mods to S Stock (of which about 30 have to go back, with 3 away at one time). I can't say much more at the moment, but watch this space late-September/October. The programme of mods will take quite a few weeks, too.
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Post by madandy on Aug 23, 2012 16:04:10 GMT
Whatever ones views or sentiments this is developing into a bit of a farce.
The S-stock trains were trickling in at a steady rate as intended then no doubt some pompous LU official decided that it would not give a good image of the Underground having 50 year old trains running during the Olympics so the rest were rushed in.
Now they need modification and there is a retention of four old trains which clearly indicates a lack of confidence in the rest of the fleet being able to cover for those being modified.
The whole thing seems a bit of a shambles to be honest caused by vanity..
September 29th is a fortnight after the paralympics and to me indicates a cautious desire to allow time review the S-stock fleet before commitment to to final withdrawal just in case.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 17:59:12 GMT
Disposal of A-stock was classed as a non-core activity, and so along with many other unrelated things has been suspended for the Olympic period. What with the timings of the final deliveries of S8's, that left four trains in London that would hang on seemingly far longer than needed.
I'm not sure how much trouble (if any) I'd get in for declaring the final planned run of A-stock in service, but there has been a date discussed between Ops and the depot, which will be before the railtour.
The constraint on continuing to run A-stock is that they are not being given any more heavy maintenance, and when they become overdue they will be stopped. Throughout the scrapping sequence maintenance due dates have been used to determine which units go when (with the final cycle of several activities having been planned so that the proportion of double enders & de-icers in the fleet remained acceptable). This has ensured that maintenance, and therefore money, has not been wasted on units that would be scrapped shortly after. The final four trains are no different, although the railtour train has been treated as a special case and is getting a bit of extra TLC.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 18:28:11 GMT
Which ones form the railtour train?
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metman
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Post by metman on Aug 23, 2012 18:32:59 GMT
Hopefully 5034+5189. Sadly I don't think it will be the case....
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 18:36:11 GMT
Whatever ones views or sentiments this is developing into a bit of a farce. The S-stock trains were trickling in at a steady rate as intended then no doubt some pompous LU official decided that it would not give a good image of the Underground having 50 year old trains running during the Olympics so the rest were rushed in. Now they need modification and there is a retention of four old trains which clearly indicates a lack of confidence in the rest of the fleet being able to cover for those being modified. The whole thing seems a bit of a shambles to be honest caused by vanity.. September 29th is a fortnight after the paralympics and to me indicates a cautious desire to allow time review the S-stock fleet before commitment to to final withdrawal just in case. ...........I have to say I had a bit of a laugh at this Andy. I really can't see why the retention of 4 A Stock trains can generate such evocative language! Let's be honest, provided the policy doesn't cost you money or affect passengers' journeys (which are the only possible causes for complaint) it's surely of little importance isn't it? If it all goes to the dogs when there's just S Stock and you get delayed for entirely S Stock reasons then you may have a point but until then I really wouldn't worry. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 18:37:02 GMT
Well they both carry some special heritage. Car 5034 which was 5008 - First A stock in service along with 5004.
5188 being the last working example of an A62!
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Post by harrowman on Aug 23, 2012 19:00:03 GMT
I have to admit it does seem laughable looking at the thread title that we have been talking about only 4 trains, for the last few weeks. ;D
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