Better cleaning=longer stock life?

[pjnathanail]

Common sense would seem to dictate that the better you clean and maintain your trains, the longer they last and the less refurbishment you have to give them. However, I haven't actually found that documented anywhere, it just seems sensible.

So, am I correct in my assumption that it does make sense, and if so, is it documented anywhere?

 

[Domh245]

Certainly more care of the interior will result in longer life for said interior. Outside, where it counts, I'm not too sure. On one hand, regular cleaning of the bodywork will get rid of stuff like sulfur dioxide from acid rain (although that is a bit of a weak argument) and cleaning/servicing the underframe parts will probably make sure that none of that fails. But then you have to remember that to do a thorough clean or service means taking a unit of out service for an extended period of time, which can't necessarily be afforded by all fleets

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Most corrosion problems are below the solebar - and also , in the door pockets - good external cleaning helps really from a "presentational" point of view. Mass use of vinyls does save the bodywork on steel units.

 

[dubscottie]

Mass use of vinyls does save the bodywork on steel units.

Not quite true. When the first Class 156's were going for refurbishment, they found massive areas of undetected corrosion under the paintwork.

They were painted using an early version of two-pack paint and the finish was so good nobody noticed the rust underneath. I would think the same would happen under vinyls.

Remember vinyls are only really for the fancy bits that would take to long to paint and offer no corrosion resistance whatsoever.

 

[Domh245]

Although, there are some vinyls which go over everything on the train - like the FTPE 350/4 livery. I believe that it was all vinyls overlaid on the grey livery beneath. Depending on how good the seal is, and how well cleaned it was before the vinyl was applied, there should be little corrosion

 

[physics34]

Although, there are some vinyls which go over everything on the train - like the FTPE 350/4 livery. I believe that it was all vinyls overlaid on the grey livery beneath. Depending on how good the seal is, and how well cleaned it was before the vinyl was applied, there should be little corrosion

and fccs 319s i think...

The vinyl certainly doesnt stay shiny for long and look dull after a short time. Lacquer should be used more.
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i think choice of interior colour also dictates how long the trains are/seem clean and fresh.

Southern seat and carpet colours on 377s and the flooring on the 455s are badly chosen. A standard dark grey colour should be used on the floor.

Darker green seat covers would also be better.