Tyne and Wear Metro

[Paul_10]

I suppose that could be possible but why would they bring 2 sets out that was not paired together a few hours earlier? And bearing in mind the depot would be more empty than usual because of the extra trains out at the moment then it could be more reasons than that.

Also I don't quite understand why a unrefurbished car and a refurbished car can't be paired for PS, they did that last time with no problems it would appear.

Be interesting in the New Year(Hopefully) if the refurbished sets are paired together or not, I would imagine they will be though.

 

[142094]

Metrocars have been out recently for commissioning runs, then out today for a VIP trip around the Coast and back.

All I've heard that is needed now is a few minor things and driver familiarisation before they are in passenger service.

 

[Person A]

I suppose that could be possible but why would they bring 2 sets out that was not paired together a few hours earlier?

A pair of them DID come out today. There were fitters on the rear car, and I was chatting with the driver while he was at a red at South Gosforth (waiting for MY train)

 

[142094]

A pair of them DID come out today. There were fitters on the rear car, and I was chatting with the driver while he was at a red at South Gosforth (waiting for MY train)

You shoud be getting some familiarisation training soon then - don't think it'll take long to do somehow..

 

[Paul_10]

Theres a photo of 4072's interior on the T&W Metro Facebook page, looks quite nice with the new lighting I have to say but still a bit confused by the two different flooring designs though.

Theres also a photo on the Nexus site showing the new wheelchair alarm button, Out of interest, what is it for? and what fine will there be if there was an improper use or damage to it?

 

[goldsmithb]

Could you put a link on saying with the picture of the wheelchair emergency button?

 

[hacman]

I was under the impression the button would be used to inform the driver of a disabled passenger wishing to alight, thus ensuring they wait and don't try to depart as the passenger is still making their way to the doors.

Obviously this is not the case given that it's labeled "SOS" - which really makes me wonder, as in my mind, that is in a perfect position to get accidentally knocked by peoples bags, or to be pushed by children who are not being kept under control by their parents.

The rest of the interior does look as though it's been finished to a high standard mind - very clean and modern looking...

Anyone know what those black things are under the door equipment boxes? (cant quite see in the photos)

Jon

 

[Paul_10]

http://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/all-change - Bottom left photo.

Of course whatever it says on that sticker will reveal all but it wouldnt surprise me if there are a few idiots who will use it in an improper way.

I'm not sure what those black "boxes" things are either but I am impressed with the interior, it certainly an improvment from the current grey interior. Be interesting how well the refurb sets will remain clean, especially if any snow does arrive with all the grit.

 

[hacman]

The blue sticker says:

"Space for wheelchair user

Users should position the rear of their wheelchair against this wall, and apply their brakes"

Jon

 

[Maninblack]

I think the black boxes above the door casings are either door lights, or sensors. More than likely they will be lights!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I hope poeple keep their feet on the floor and not put them on the seats. It really gets anoying when people dance their feet on the fabric. I hope they remind the thickos that the units have been refited!!

 

[142094]

Probably isn't a sensor - more likely it is a light for the doorway.

 

[alan1962]

Probably isn't a sensor - more likely it is a light for the doorway.

my understanding is that its a passenger counter, it counts the number of passengers boarding and eventually therell be no need for the data collectors.

 

[142094]

my understanding is that its a passenger counter, it counts the number of passengers boarding and eventually therell be no need for the data collectors.

Hmm, may well be. However data collectors will still be needed to see which stations people are travelling to and from, and what ticket type they have. Plus, I wonder what happens to the counter if people are standing in the doorways as they normally do? They might find services in the morning where a few hundred people have been 'counted' but it is actually just someone standing there.

 

[142094]

This website has come to my attention - they want to preserve 4001 in its original state, although I bet they fail to realise that:

a) It has already been refurbished internally
b) Without the current refurbishment it would be very unlikely to last in service much longer.

The fact of the matter is that the 3/4 life refurb is part of the concession agreed between Nexus and DB Regio - i.e. this is a contract which is not going to change.

 

[Paul_10]

I wonder if that website has anything to do with this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6woIaZ2gtq8&feature=channel_video_title

As you say, its already been refurbished internally so I don't see why they are "protesting" against another refurbishment. It seems they are upset by the fact that its very unlikely the livery will be staying on 4001 rather than anything else.

4001 can(and should!) be preserved back to its original livery/interior design when the end of the line arrives, they did that with the TWM Metrobuses and they have been refurbished internally also but some groups manage to put some buses back to their original design.

On a side note, is 4042 down in Doncaster? I never seen it on the system for months now and because it has not been on the system for months now, thats 6 metrocars out of service, DB is probably thankful we have not seen any major snow so far this winter!

 

[142094]

Haven't seen that video Paul, cheers for putting it up. I agree, at the end of its working life it should be saved for preservation, with the original livery. However it is very unrealistic to think that it shouldn't be refurbished. I've also sent you a PM.

 

[Tramfan]

On a side note, is 4042 down in Doncaster?

Yes, I believe it went down in October

 

[Paul_10]

Yes, I believe it went down in October

So I believe thats 4 Metrocars down in Doncaster then unless 4046 is back on Tyneside?

I'm sure I read because they are so far behind with the refurbs then 4 trains at a time will be down in Doncaster.

 

[Tramfan]

So I believe thats 4 Metrocars down in Doncaster then unless 4046 is back on Tyneside?.

Not certain whether 4046 is back yet, but I believe it may be. It does seem an excessive number of units to have unavailable during the winter of all times!

 

[142094]

Not certain whether 4046 is back yet, but I believe it may be. It does seem an excessive number of units to have unavailable during the winter of all times!

TBH they've been quite lucky with the lack of snow, although having this many sets out of use isn't too unusual. The fact is that they are seeing more use now since DB took over, and they wouldn't send too many down in one go in case the inevitable happened.

 

[Kryten2340]

Is there any update as to when the 1st set will be going into service?

 

[142094]

Well, major problems today. Ambulance attending at Benton (heard that a driver slipped on the ice, hope they are alright), power supply problems around Brockley Whins and a failed train somewhere which was affecting services between Hebburn and Pelaw.

 

[Kryten2340]

Well, major problems today. Ambulance attending at Benton (heard that a driver slipped on the ice, hope they are alright), power supply problems around Brockley Whins and a failed train somewhere which was affecting services between Hebburn and Pelaw.

There was no Airport trains running at all. At least when I was going to work there wasn't as I had to bus it to Regent Centre from the Haymarket. According to their Facebook page passengers were stuck on the broken down train for about 3 and a half hours.

 

[142094]

According to their Facebook page passengers were stuck on the broken down train for about 3 and a half hours.

That's what I heard, although I don't know what actually happened to the wires. Still, a battery loco or two could have been sent to rescue it (which may have happened).

 

[Kryten2340]

According to their Facebook page passengers were stuck on the broken down train for about 3 and a half hours.

That's what I heard, although I don't know what actually happened to the wires. Still, a battery loco or two could have been sent to rescue it (which may have happened).

It was 2 and a half hours. One of the guys I work with was stuck on it and didn't get into work until 12:30 when he meant to start at 9

 

[142094]

Probably hampered by the fact it was on Network Rail metals and not the Metro's - takes a bit longer to organise what is going on.

 

[Kryten2340]

Probably hampered by the fact it was on Network Rail metals and not the Metro's - takes a bit longer to organise what is going on.

Aye it was the airport train and it was stuck just before Pelaw junction.

 

[Paul_10]

Out of pure interest, you have any idea which units were involved in the incident yesterday?

Also how come the trains between Hebburn and Pelaw did not run yesterday? I assume it was too dangerous to run trains or something with engineers near by?

On the refurbs, its been reported that 4072 was seen yesterday on the system heading through the tunnels in Newcastle towards Gateshead so the rumour that the air con was too big for the powerlines was false - Of course Huw rubbished this on the Nexus forums.

 

[Kryten2340]

Out of pure interest, you have any idea which units were involved in the incident yesterday?

Also how come the trains between Hebburn and Pelaw did not run yesterday? I assume it was too dangerous to run trains or something with engineers near by?

On the refurbs, its been reported that 4072 was seen yesterday on the system heading through the tunnels in Newcastle towards Gateshead so the rumour that the air con was too big for the powerlines was false - Of course Huw rubbished this on the Nexus forums.

I don't know which units were involved but I believe the issue between Hebburn and Pelaw was also due to a power supply problem of which they were blaming network rail for. Was the problem with the signalling power or the OHLE? If the OHLE how can they blame network rail for it?

I work in the tower at Regent Centre and our canteen is on the 9th floor. I saw one of the new set get shunted towards the east side of the depot on Tuesday (I think it was then anyway). Whether it not it actually went out I didn't see.

 

[swt_passenger]

If the OHLE how can they blame network rail for it?

Because NR are responsible for the whole of the infrastructure from Pelaw Jn on the Sunderland extension, including the OHLE, all the way through to South Hylton?

Surprisingly, the electrical control room that covers the section is in York.