Tyne and Wear Metro

[ModernRailways]

Another set is due to go down and a set is due to return tomorrow I believe. Could well be wrong and getting my days mixed up.

 

[Paul_10]

Another set is due to go down and a set is due to return tomorrow I believe. Could well be wrong and getting my days mixed up.

You might be right, they always seem to head down on a Thursday it seems, or at least the last few sets have! Might just be a coincidence though.

 

[142094]

If that is the case then surely the project is going to fall further behind schedule then? You seem to know more than most but from what I seen, a certain number of trains will terminate at Longbenton during the peaks, so surely they can get trains in and out of the eastern half of the depot or will the work include on some junctions leading to the depot?

From various discussions I've had, there will be a few hours break in the possessions at Longbenton and Jesmond to allow trains to go back to the depot for maintenance, and to be replaced by others. Services running south of the river will go up to Haymarket, through the possession to Jesmond, reverse and back to the depot via the Coast. You rightly say that there will be peak trains to Longbenton, but the possession area will extend to past Gosforth East junction (which is why trains can't get to/from the depot as normal).

IIRC 4006 was down and back within a month, although not sure if Huw was also factoring in the work at the depot before it can be passed to return to service.

 

[Kryten2340]

If I remember correctly that icon is still found in newer versions, although I can't say 100% as I tend to use Linux/UNIX these days more, or when in Windows I work at the command line remotely.

I doubt 2000 or NT are being used though, as I don't believe its easily possible to license them now. I'd say we're looking at XPe, or 7e. 7e with the basic theme will still use XP-like icons. (Also - NT 4 doesn't support USB, so that would be an immediate no-no in these devices).

Such devices don't need the latest version though, as the only things that will be getting used are the OS GUI/shell, IO stacks and TCP/IP stack - i.e. just to host the 3rd party application.

Bad to see the suspension today - yes! Interesting that they don't mention the fact people can use Northern though.

Jon

Its Windows XP based as the directory path on the image is Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data. Windows Vista and upwards moved the user settings folder to C:\Program Data

 

[142094]

Some peak services are being cut next week in order to allow the depot to work on some cars before the August possession. There is a timetable change on the Nexus website.

 

[Muzer]

Its Windows XP based as the directory path on the image is Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data. Windows Vista and upwards moved the user settings folder to C:\Program Data

I still have my money on 2000 rather than XP.

 

[Kryten2340]

Does anyone know why there are 20kmh speed restrictions on the QEII bridge?

 

[142094]

Does anyone know why there are 20kmh speed restrictions on the QEII bridge?

Track misalignment, there are a number on the system at the minute due to the recent hot weather.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Been told that there is another set going down to Wabtec tomorrow, and of course one coming back. When I get the numbers I'll update.

 

[Paul_10]

Been told that there is another set going down to Wabtec tomorrow, and of course one coming back. When I get the numbers I'll update.

4017 I am assuming is coming back unless it has already came back without it being seen or reported?

 

[HST Power]

Waiting at the level crossing at Bank Foot today I noticed a few Metro carriages plastered in the livery of Emirates Airways. Its been a while since I was in Newcastle but when were these done?

 

[Crimzz]

Waiting at the level crossing at Bank Foot today I noticed a few Metro carriages plastered in the livery of Emirates Airways. Its been a while since I was in Newcastle but when were these done?

2 Metro cars in Emirates Livery been on for awhile now.

Other day I spotted on the roof of 4026 that it still has the Braathens SAFE logo on one end of the roof.

 

[142094]

4008 is going down now, and I think that it might be 4018 on the way back.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Indeed it is 18 that has arrived back.

 

[ReverendFozz]

Something I have been wondering about the Metro...

Would it ever be possible to use the curve from Manors to West Jesmond for passenger use, and also use the lines round the Depot for passenger service...

I only ask because I have been wondering if this could ever work to run run services from the Coast and North Tyneside to Newcastle Airport with the need to Change at South Gosforth or Monument

 

[Paul_10]

2 Metro cars in Emirates Livery been on for awhile now.

Other day I spotted on the roof of 4026 that it still has the Braathens SAFE logo on one end of the roof.

I noticed that, you would assume it would be gone once its get refurbished but still surprising such an old part of an advert still lives on after all these years.

Speaking of the roofs on metrocars, 4039 has for whatever reason a blue roof on top, noticed this about a month or so ago now.

If 4018 has returned then I assume 4017 must of returned earlier and another set might of went down there? Or its taking longer to fully refurbished 4017 for whatever reason.

 

[142094]

Something I have been wondering about the Metro...

Would it ever be possible to use the curve from Manors to West Jesmond for passenger use, and also use the lines round the Depot for passenger service...

I only ask because I have been wondering if this could ever work to run run services from the Coast and North Tyneside to Newcastle Airport with the need to Change at South Gosforth or Monument

According to some drivers, the Manors curve has been used a few times during disruption between Manors and Monument, but very rarely. Although the signalling system is set up the same as the rest of the network, it is single line for most of it (apart from a passing loop next to old Jesmond station), and trains going from West Jesmond down the loop are held at progressive signals, as the speed around the final section is down to 10 kph. This obviously means that it is slow going, and would have to be factored into timetables. Perhaps we may see it in use in the near future when the modernisation programme moves on.

As for the avoiding line, that is most probably a firm no. When trains do use the avoiding line there has to be protection measures placed at Cheswick Drive crossing, which limits the access to the depot. If there was a regular passenger service, it would mean someone having to be based permanently at the crossing to barrier it off when a train is due.

Speaking of the roofs on metrocars, 4039 has for whatever reason a blue roof on top, noticed this about a month or so ago now.

If 4018 has returned then I assume 4017 must of returned earlier and another set might of went down there? Or its taking longer to fully refurbished 4017 for whatever reason.

Sounds like there has been some sort of repair done on 4039, and a different material used from the original construction.

4017 is still at Wabtec apparently.

 

[tjohnson86]

Interesting that 4017 seems to be taking longer to refurbish, I wonder if this particular car had more damage/corrosion than was anticipated, this may have delayed another car in going down too maybe? Will be interesting to see whether it is this car or 4023 that returns next, 23 went down a couple of weeks after 18.

 

[Paul_10]

Been "one of those days" for the Metro by the looks of it with numerous problems from power supply problems closing the section between North Shields and St James, train failure around the Byker area meaning trains were suspended for a while from Wallsend/Chillingham Road to St James and 4057/4030 was quite a bit delayed from what looks like a door problem at Heworth thus delaying trains to South Hylton and now a power supply problem at Pallion forcing the station to close although I suspect it could be a local area problem, not that it would stop the stupid questions/complaints though.

Too think a major line closure is coming and with all these faults in the last month, you dread to think just how much disruption there could be in the next 3 weeks, not looking forward to the packed trains on a morning/evening thats for sure.

 

[ModernRailways]

Too think a major line closure is coming and with all these faults in the last month, you dread to think just how much disruption there could be in the next 3 weeks, not looking forward to the packed trains on a morning/evening thats for sure.

I reckon there will only be minor disruption during line closure. A lot of the trains have undergone extra maintenance - which hasn't helped matters lately - as some will be away from the depot for a couple of days.

People will moan regardless though. I'm surprised at the amount of people moaning that Pallion has closed. It's not exactly a heavily used station and at this time of day I doubt anyone is really using it other than chavs and the odd person who works in the retail park next to it.

 

[Paul_10]

I reckon there will only be minor disruption during line closure. A lot of the trains have undergone extra maintenance - which hasn't helped matters lately - as some will be away from the depot for a couple of days.

Hmmm 2 days in and both days have had disruption, albeit one of the days was due to flooding. Apparently the service is now suspended between Monument and Heworth - I suppose its better its happening now instead of during the rush hour but of course its still not good too see.

It was also noted that 4038 was running around the Haymarket-South Shields section on its own for a while today whilst 4037 was in Pelaw Sidings with its pantograph down, just reading one of the facebook posts by the admin that single cars will run if one of the trains develop a fault instead of leaving a gap in service. 4037 was seen paired with 4038 this evening so the fault obviously been fixed.

 

[142094]

Hmmm 2 days in and both days have had disruption, albeit one of the days was due to flooding. Apparently the service is now suspended between Monument and Heworth - I suppose its better its happening now instead of during the rush hour but of course its still not good too see.

It was also noted that 4038 was running around the Haymarket-South Shields section on its own for a while today whilst 4037 was in Pelaw Sidings with its pantograph down, just reading one of the facebook posts by the admin that single cars will run if one of the trains develop a fault instead of leaving a gap in service. 4037 was seen paired with 4038 this evening so the fault obviously been fixed.

The flooding yesterday didn't help things, and not much can be done to a car south of the river if it fails - just move it out of the way.

 

[Paul_10]

The flooding yesterday didn't help things, and not much can be done to a car south of the river if it fails - just move it out of the way.

Indeed, but it won't stop people from complaining and of course understandably if you are caught up in the disruption. As per usual, its the people who are not caught up in it and start to complain with their OTT comments like the trains are unsafe and the system needs to close down just get on my nerves although I do refrain from replying back to them!

 

[142094]

Indeed, but it won't stop people from complaining and of course understandably if you are caught up in the disruption. As per usual, its the people who are not caught up in it and start to complain with their OTT comments like the trains are unsafe and the system needs to close down just get on my nerves although I do refrain from replying back to them!

Have to say there are a lot of people on the FB group that probably never travel on the Metro. One was complaining two days ago about the messages popping up on her newsfeed, even though she had 'liked' the page to receive them. The mind boggles sometimes.

 

[blue sabre]

What is the reason for the trains coming to a dead stop and using the horn just feet away from the end of the platform at Haymarket?
There also appear to be some new signalling equipment installed on the track too. Not sure what they are, but they are definitely new.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

The southbound track has been lifted between Jesmond and West Jesmond.
There are lighting towers along side the line to illuminate the worksite and 4 (or more) track maintenance vehicles on the northbound working tonight.

 

[Paul_10]

There also appear to be some new signalling equipment installed on the track too. Not sure what they are, but they are definitely new.

Looks from what I seen just appears to be a red flashing 'STOP' sign which get placed onto the track. They had them at Wallsend when the major line closure occured there also.

For those are not aware, the front of the train now stop where the exit to the station is so unlike in the past where the whole platform is in operation, only half of it is but it seems to make more logical sence to have it this way albeit the gap between the rear and the platform is a fair distance hence staff telling passengers about it.

Not sure why the train stops just before Haymarket and sounds it horn, will try and make sure I'll get on the front car tomorrow to see if there is any boards put up or something.

Also to note 4071 was in Pelaw sidings, which meant for a time today 4001 was operating the South Shields/Haymaket section(assuming its that by its TRB number) on its own. Would of been nice if there was an advanced warning via the PA that the next train was going to be single car only and to make your way towards the front part of the platform as it caught quite a few passengers out.

 

[142094]

What is the reason for the trains coming to a dead stop and using the horn just feet away from the end of the platform at Haymarket?
There also appear to be some new signalling equipment installed on the track too. Not sure what they are, but they are definitely new.

A temporary magnet has been placed just before the platform at Haymarket, and another half way along - this is basically to prevent a train from over-running and going into the worksite. The driver has to stop, obtain permission to proceed from control, sound the horn and over-ride the magnet.

Normally magnets are found at signals - if a train passes over the magnet when the signal is on (i.e. a SPaD), the track brakes are applied. There are also others at locations where there are speed restrictions.

 

[blue sabre]

A temporary magnet has been placed just before the platform at Haymarket, and another half way along - this is basically to prevent a train from over-running and going into the worksite. The driver has to stop, obtain permission to proceed from control, sound the horn and over-ride the magnet.

Normally magnets are found at signals - if a train passes over the magnet when the signal is on (i.e. a SPaD), the track brakes are applied. There are also others at locations where there are speed restrictions.

So that's what the magnets are, I'd always assumed that was an axle counter and the large grids in the middle of the tracks was the magnet.

I noticed the sign before Haymarket this morning: 'Stop Override Procedure'. That makes sense now after that explanation.

 

[142094]

So that's what the magnets are, I'd always assumed that was an axle counter and the large grids in the middle of the tracks was the magnet.

I noticed the sign before Haymarket this morning: 'Stop Override Procedure'. That makes sense now after that explanation.

In most cases the magnet is on the left hand side of the track in the direction of travel. In some places this is different for limits of shunt/ground signals. Sunderland station has a lot of them to prevent over-speeds, which is why a Metro seems to take ages to enter the station on both platforms.

 

[Paul_10]

This will sound a daft question but after obtaining permission from control and the driver overrides the magnet, why must he/she sound the horn? In the event of not sounding the horn, would the track brakes be applied?

 

[transmanche]

This will sound a daft question but after obtaining permission from control and the driver overrides the magnet, why must he/she sound the horn?

I'm guessing that's a standard protocol when being given permission to pass a signal at danger, etc. To warn anyone in the vicinity that an 'unsignalled' move is taking place.