Tyne & Wear Metro: Fleet Refurbishment List

[Scott M]

They planning on changing where trains stop on platform 1 at monument? Noticed a new line on the platform and stop sign about 1/5 of the distance shorter than the existing stop sign.

Edit: tbh I am just assuming it is new - I rarely use monement. Could have been there ages ha

 

[ModernRailways]

They planning on changing where trains stop on platform 1 at monument? Noticed a new line on the platform and stop sign about 1/5 of the distance shorter than the existing stop sign.

Edit: tbh I am just assuming it is new - I rarely use monement. Could have been there ages ha

During the line closure a while back trains were turning at Monument. There was also a track magnet and the bolts are still there. Guessing they've been left for any future work.

 

[142094]

The stopping point when travelling south towards Central always has to be in the same place for the CCTV monitors. As has been said if trains are turned back towards Haymarket at platform 1, the stop marker is often short of the 'normal' stopping point for protection reasons (same as at Haymarket platform 2).

 

[S Lowes]

Is there any update on 4002, has to be nearly a year that it's been out action now?

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[Scott M]

During the line closure a while back trains were turning at Monument. There was also a track magnet and the bolts are still there. Guessing they've been left for any future work.

Ahh I see thank you!

The stopping point when travelling south towards Central always has to be in the same place for the CCTV monitors. As has been said if trains are turned back towards Haymarket at platform 1, the stop marker is often short of the 'normal' stopping point for protection reasons (same as at Haymarket platform 2).

I did think those monitors look a bit far away!

Just wondering what you mean by protection reasons?

 

[142094]

Just wondering what you mean by protection reasons?

Depends on where the worksite starts and where the overhead is isolated. Recent work at Monument and Haymarket has meant that the worksite started very near to the end of the platform, so as a protection measure the magnet was in place to stop trains running through the platform and entering the worksite area (and also possibly bridging the gap between the electrified and isolated overhead sections. In addition to this, another magnet is placed at the beginning of the platform which has to be over-ridden. When overriding the magnet, the onboard protection system then limits the driver to 30 kmh, which means if the second magnet was passed (at the end of the platform), the train wouldn't be travelling very fast and the emergency brakes would stop it very quickly.

 

[Scott M]

Depends on where the worksite starts and where the overhead is isolated. Recent work at Monument and Haymarket has meant that the worksite started very near to the end of the platform, so as a protection measure the magnet was in place to stop trains running through the platform and entering the worksite area (and also possibly bridging the gap between the electrified and isolated overhead sections. In addition to this, another magnet is placed at the beginning of the platform which has to be over-ridden. When overriding the magnet, the onboard protection system then limits the driver to 30 kmh, which means if the second magnet was passed (at the end of the platform), the train wouldn't be travelling very fast and the emergency brakes would stop it very quickly.

Ahh I understand, thank you! So sort of an approach control like at St James. Thanks for the insight as always.

Just been on a train where a passenger I was sat near took ill at Hebburn. Noticed a couple of things:

•The ambulence takes ages to come. Perhaps they had triaged him over the phone and decided he was low priority, but we were sat there for almost half an hour waiting

•Driver was brilliant. Sat with the guy comforting him almost the entire time other than contracting control, and kept everyone on train updated. Was a young guy with short ginger hair, someone might know him

•I like that they routed trains around us (we were platform 1 Hebburn, so they routed trains towards shields through platform 2 Hebburn). Often when something like this happens the system seems to come to a standstill, so it's good that they took the initiative on this occasion - and shows how valuable a set of points can be!

 

[MetroCar4058]

There are advantages of a bidirectional line, and that is one it's unlikely that this could be emulated anywhere else on the network. Do you know what was wrong with the guy?

 

[Scott M]

There are advantages of a bidirectional line, and that is one it's unlikely that this could be emulated anywhere else on the network. Do you know what was wrong with the guy?

Could it not be done between Gateshead stadium and Heworth, Felling and Hebburn / Felgate? Points there IIRC.

He said there was something wrong with his heart - was getting pains. Poor guy was distraught at holding the metro up, kept apologising and asking if he could just wait on platform for the ambulence. He looked like he was in his 30s.

Situation wasn't helped by some guy repeatedly saying "I'm ex army and I can tell he's just drunk", eventually leading to another guy defending the unwell passenger and an argument ensuing I know a thing or two about medicine through my own profession and I believe his heart symptoms were plausible - pale, sweating etc, and he told the medics he has a history of heart problems and is medicated for it.

He seemed OK in the end though - managed to walk off the train with the help of the paramedics.

Was somewhat bizarre seeing the signal opposite platform 1 on green - said signal hadn't been used for so long that it wasn't actually a light bulb behind the green covering, it was a little oil lamp. Ok maybe I am exaggerating there.

Was also odd seeing the white lights on on the signal approaching Jarrow (train was routed into Jarrow platform 2 and turned into a coast train as it was too far behind schedule).

 

[142094]

The only sections this can be done under normal signalling are Hebburn and Jarrow, as both platforms are bi-directional (although some platforms may need a dispatcher if travelling in a certain direction. Between Bede platform 2 and Jarrow is also bi-directional, along with Pelaw platform 2 and Hebburn via Pelaw refuge siding.

Between Gateshead Stadium and Heworth would be an unsiganlled wrong-direction move so unlikely to ever happen apart from during disruption. Interestingly between Gateshead Stadium and Pelaw Junction on Network Rail, both the up and down lines are bi-directional in both ways, but I've only seen it in use once.

 

[MetroCar4058]

Does anyone know why there is a Nexus Rail line closure on the 3rd for Network Rail to carry out work on their infrastructure between Pelaw and Gateshead Stadium? Is that because the yard at Felling needs to cross the Metro tracks?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also, on the social media feed the team often mention how the drivers will change the heating settings; I thought this had to be done at the depot?

 

[S Lowes]

I'm not sure about this, but I'm certain that drivers can't alter the heat settings as the heating is provided by excess heat off the traction motors? So the depot would have to alter this

I'm about 50% certain on that although I maybe thinking about a different train

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[MetroCar4058]

I'm not sure about this, but I'm certain that drivers can't alter the heat settings as the heating is provided by excess heat off the traction motors? So the depot would have to alter this

I'm about 50% certain on that although I maybe thinking about a different train

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I thought the same! Maybe it's just social media rhetoric

 

[Tetchytyke]

Also, on the social media feed the team often mention how the drivers will change the heating settings; I thought this had to be done at the depot?

It's just one of those nice things social media bods say to make it look like they're taking the issue seriously. A bit like "I'll report it to control" or "I'll report it to the depot" or whatever.

I see 4001 was out on a Coast train this morning, rather than the peak shorts.

 

[ModernRailways]

Does anyone know why there is a Nexus Rail line closure on the 3rd for Network Rail to carry out work on their infrastructure between Pelaw and Gateshead Stadium? Is that because the yard at Felling needs to cross the Metro tracks?

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Also, on the social media feed the team often mention how the drivers will change the heating settings; I thought this had to be done at the depot?

The line closure is for that, yes. Metro will also be using the time to do maintenance themselves though. I'm unsure of the work being done - I believe it may be drainage related (new drainage and track being laid).

It should also be noted that trains on the Monday early morning will also be disrupted because of the works.


As for the heating, I'm sure it's just the social media team pretending to be helpful. A lot of people, if they've tweeted in, and they get a response may feel like the temperature is changed even though it actually hasn't. They've answered a few questions where they've claimed to have reported an issue and that 'someone is on their way now to fix it' only for it to be still not be sorted the next day.

 

[142094]

The saloon heating can be controlled from the B end cab using a circuit breaker, basically either off or on. Each car used to have a thermostat below ones of the seats which could be changed but since the refurbishment they aren't used by drivers (indeed not many knew about it in the first place).

Part of the problem is where the heat comes from for the saloons. The heating uses waste heat from the traction motors when the trains are braking using the rheostatic brakes. The traction motor when braking reverses so that the motor acts against the forward motion and the kinetic energy is dissipated as heat to the atmosphere (on other systems this can be used as regenerative braking and the power fed back into the overhead but not possible on the Metro).

So if the saloon heating is switched on the heat is fed through from the traction motors into vents under the seats. However, if there is a fault on the system, the heat will still be produced and will be fed through the train. This can also happen if the traction motors are braking a lot more than normal, such as during peak times.

 

[MetroCar4058]

The saloon heating can be controlled from the B end cab using a circuit breaker, basically either off or on. Each car used to have a thermostat below ones of the seats which could be changed but since the refurbishment they aren't used by drivers (indeed not many knew about it in the first place).

Part of the problem is where the heat comes from for the saloons. The heating uses waste heat from the traction motors when the trains are braking using the rheostatic brakes. The traction motor when braking reverses so that the motor acts against the forward motion and the kinetic energy is dissipated as heat to the atmosphere (on other systems this can be used as regenerative braking and the power fed back into the overhead but not possible on the Metro).

So if the saloon heating is switched on the heat is fed through from the traction motors into vents under the seats. However, if there is a fault on the system, the heat will still be produced and will be fed through the train. This can also happen if the traction motors are braking a lot more than normal, such as during peak times.

Thank you for the information! Can I ask a couple of follow on questions: do most circuit breakers vary across the cabs? And what has changed meaning that the thermostat cannot be accessed by the driver?

Cheers in advance!

 

[142094]

All A end cabs have the same circuit breakers and all B end cabs have the same, although there are a couple of differences between A and B end cabs. Some cars are also fitted with equipment which lubricates the wheels but this is non-standard across the fleet.

 

[S Lowes]

Any idea what happened on Wednesday morning?

I got on 4001 at Gateshead around 0910 on a Pelaw terminator with the intention of getting off at Heworth, but as it was 4001 I rode it Pelaw to catch it coming back to Heworth.

Driver done the usual at checked to make sure the train was empty but instead of going into the sidings it went straight up and stopped just outside Pelaw quite far away form the signal to the Sunderland line, then went towards South Shields I assume.

I hung around for a empty peak service and 4001 appeared again from Hebburn direction empty on 103 to the Airport.

Ps 142094 if any drivers have mentioned a little girl with curly hair asking them to beep their horn at Heworth then that's my daughter lol

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[Tramfan]

4082 has received a new version of the Emirates advert, it looks very similar to the version on 4040/4083

 

[MetroCar4058]

Good to see 4001 back out on 105 today and 104 yesterday, I think the doors could do with an overhaul mind! Overall though, its great to get on one of the old trains; personally I think have a more warming feel to them than the refurbished stock, and they certainly don't rattle! Does anyone know why there seems to be continual issues in the Jesmond area? Cheers in advance.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2016-09-22/nexus-announce-plans-to-tackle-autumn-leaves-on-track/

Now, they've invested in two special trains to operate either side of the River Tyne on the metro system.

Has a second RHTT arrived? Or is it just the old Tamper?

 

[ModernRailways]

Has a second RHTT arrived? Or is it just the old Tamper?

I believe they have one RHTT train as well as an adapted Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger runs at night, and the RHTT runs at night and during the day.

They also have mobile teams in problem areas hand applying gel as well as auto applicators which apply the gel to train wheels as they pass an area meaning the trains can spread the gel as they travel. They seem to be testing a lot of new methods this year.

 

[MetroCar4058]

I believe they have one RHTT train as well as an adapted Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger runs at night, and the RHTT runs at night and during the day.

They also have mobile teams in problem areas hand applying gel as well as auto applicators which apply the gel to train wheels as they pass an area meaning the trains can spread the gel as they travel. They seem to be testing a lot of new methods this year.

Ah, so similar to last year. Nexus Rail have been very proactive regading leaf fall this year, although we haven't really had the normal wet conditions yet!

It was good to see 4040 and 4083 operating full services yesterday! 4001 was out of service due to door issues a few days ago, not sure if it's returned yet.

 

[bramling]

Ah, so similar to last year. Nexus Rail have been very proactive regading leaf fall this year, although we haven't really had the normal wet conditions yet!

It was good to see 4040 and 4083 operating full services yesterday! 4001 was out of service due to door issues a few days ago, not sure if it's returned yet.

Is anyone able to post the status of 4002? I was on holiday in Newcastle a couple of weeks back and was lucky enough to get 4001+4040, but no sign of the other two unrefurbished metrocars.

Back in Newcastle in the spring hopefully, here's hoping for 4002+4083!

 

[Scott M]

Yes I also wonder why the network rail line pelaw - Gateshead stadium is equipped for bidirectional signalling - makes me envisage a bygone era when the line was busy enough to warrant it!

Out of curiosity, when going from west Jesmond to Jesmond, there is a signal with two junction indicators; I am assuming the indicator to the left is for entering the bend, but what is the right one for?

 

[ModernRailways]

Yes I also wonder why the network rail line pelaw - Gateshead stadium is equipped for bidirectional signalling - makes me envisage a bygone era when the line was busy enough to warrant it!

Out of curiosity, when going from west Jesmond to Jesmond, there is a signal with two junction indicators; I am assuming the indicator to the left is for entering the bend, but what is the right one for?

I believe they are both for the Manors curve. With the leftmost feather indicating you'll be using the left most track, and the right feather that you'll be using the rightmost track. I haven't been on the Metro (currently away from the country) for a while, and not in that area either, so maybe there has been a new set of points installed or something?

Someone else will hopefully come along and give the proper answer.

 

[142094]

4001 and 02 still out of action, 4002 more for long term maintenance and is still sitting in the shed.

The bidirectional NR lines are probably left over from when the Leamside line was in use. A train can go onto the Leamside line using only the down line though Heworth in the up direction, which would leave the up line (normal Heworth to Sunderland line) free for use. I've only seen both lines used in bidirectional working once when there was a possession.

The signal approaching Jesmond is 609. Normal single yellow aspect gives the route to Jesmond platform 1. A single yellow and junction indicator no.1 gives the route to 613 signal on the Manors curve via 611 ground position light. This is used where trains are going to Manors in the morning. A single yellow and junction indicator no. 2 used to give the route to Jesmond platform 2, but this is no longer a route as the points were removed a while back. The subsidiary signal on 609 gives route to 611 signal which is alongside the Carriage pub, and is used when turning trains back out of service towards West Jesmond without using Jesmond platform 1.

 

[Tramfan]

A single yellow and junction indicator no. 2 used to give the route to Jesmond platform 2, but this is no longer a route as the points were removed a while back..

I notice that the OHL is still there over the former crossover.

I remember seeing a train use it to access Jesmond platform 2 from West Jesmond when a train failed at Haymarket P1

 

[MetroCar4058]

Good to see that Nexus have began the consultation for new rolling stock! Hopefully they will get the funding for not only the stock but expansion of the network also. Perhaps Brexit may benefit us as a method of stimulating the economy?

Has anyone else noticed much LRAH? Many people seem to be moaning on social media (that's a new one!) but I haven't experienced anything significant at all? Apart from the odd spin out on a level crossing there have been no delays to any of my services and as far as I'm aware the treatment train rarely makes a visit up my end. I think Nexus have done a fantastic job so far this year; are people simply moaning for the fun of it or are other parts of the network being hit quite hard? It'd be good to hear everyone else's experience.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I don't want to jinx it, but I've not seen much. There's been a fair few five-minute delays, but that's about it really.