Fast Driving

In a word, yes. However, the technology used on the Vic currently dates back to the late fifties/early sixties. So we are hoping for a huge leap forward in terms of both performance and comfort. The introduction of 'PM' driving with modern ATO systems also gives more operational flexibility in certain failure modes.

There will be no switching between modes when the train is on the move.

I've come in a bit late to this thread .....

I was an Instructor on the Victoria, until i moved to the District.

I loved the high speed approach, maximum brake of the ATO.

However most of the trains were not too clever at stopping at exactly the right mark. Most over shoot slightly requiring the driver to "cosh" it. In fairness, it doesn't take much to make a judgment call and give it a bit of extra EP brake to slow the train down quicker and produce a stop in the right place - certainly how we taught new drivers. But leave it late (it may be just the last few brake spot commands that the train misses) or driver miss calls and a cosh is the only option alternative to an over run and a requirement to get station staff down to give the "right" for departure with all the consequent delay! (Overrun would not be attributed to the driver though). A much smaller number drop it short ! Officially once stopped the train is then moved into position manually. But again drivers can usually spot this coming and with a deft flash of the handle and key positions take over the approach, release the brakes (or motor as required) and stop the train manually.

I loved in particular the very fast approach to Kings Cross southbound. If the train hadn't started to brake by the time it hit the points it would not stop by the mirrors ! Any one "jumping" there stands very little chance !

When i moved to the District ...well ... D stock seem not to be fitted with brakes ! I still hammer along with fast approaches and maximum braking ! Just it's needed a lot earlier or it aint stopping !
;D ;D ;D

I know a Picc IO that uses the same sort of technique, but then throws it off at the last minute and stops it very smoothly.

I am led to beleive that this was the technique that was taught when the likes of 73ts and D stock were new, but obviously times change and so do what people are taught.

Admittedly Judge there isnt much differnce between the two however the difference between stopping in S1 or S2 compared with Off and Release can lightly be noticed if you get it right, as when you stop in Off and Release, the brake is coming off, meaning that you do not get a jolt as it stops, like you do in S1 or 2. But its a matter of what you are most comfortable with.

I dont think there is anything wrong with your technique anyway!

If you are a standing passenger, the difference is very noticeable.

There's only a risk of overshooting if the approach was too fast and the braking too heavy (ie, left too late) - get the approach right and a smooth stop is no bother at all!!

I can't imagine any IO teaching someone to hold the CTBC in off & release with the doors open - especially as it'd make closing the offside doors (on non refurbs) slightly difficult.

And apart from the lack of notches, the principle is identical to that taught for vacuum brakes on DMUs. Come in on a steady application, ease off a bit if you need to, throw it all off as you come to a stand, then make a light application once stationary.

All it requires is to put enough in to start with: as ADW says it is far easier to do than to describe. Second nature puts it nicely

My I/O for job training had me trying it. But then I was a prodigy! ;D

See, your doing it again! There is nothing wrong with 'C' Stock!
Seriously though, on a 72 we used to do 'you know what' (you know! ) to cut out the Rheo when braking, but I never had to do that on a 'C'.

Never!

Could be worse - you could decide you're coming up short and need to give it a notch...

Well its not so bad, however had another windscreen job yesterday as i was riding ro work up front with a mate of mine, and he did a westinghouse at one of the stations, and was so enthusiastic with the flip round to lap, he reached emcy!

Really scares your Guard!