Pantograph

[pdeaves]

At the GWR class 387 launch today, I happened to notice the pantograph (see image). Can anyone explain the function of the rings at each end, please? Surely not lifting rings?!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I believe they are to avoid having anything pointy on the extremities in order to reduce the risk of arcing.

 

[pdeaves]

Thanks, that makes sense. They do look rather comical to me, for some reason. Do any other EMU classes carry this pantograph design?

 

[Domh245]

Thanks, that makes sense. They do look rather comical to me, for some reason. Do any other EMU classes carry this pantograph design?

The design (BR Brecknell Willis Pantograph) is the pantograph of choice on all modern units. The ringed horns however look to only be on the 387s. The 700s don't appear to have them, nor do the 800s.

 

[AM9]

The design (BR Brecknell Willis Pantograph) is the pantograph of choice on all modern units. The ringed horns however look to only be on the 387s. The 700s don't appear to have them, nor do the 800s.

There are many variants of the BR/BW design and they are constantly evolving anyway.
The airflow around the pantograph can result in rain/ice gathering at points that may induce more discharges so additional surface smoothing may have been necessary.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

Wheb the pantographs are washed, instead of dripping dirty water on the roof afterwards, the detergent makes it collect in the rings and it blows off in harmless bubbles when the train gets under way again.

 

[fowler9]

Wheb the pantographs are washed, instead of dripping dirty water on the roof afterwards, the detergent makes it collect in the rings and it blows off in harmless bubbles when the train gets under way again.

This sounds the most likely answer.