Tyne and Wear Metro

[Person A]

Isn't the new wash ready yet ? Have been laid up in plaster for past 5 weeks or so, would've thought it would have been at least close to completion.
Been stuck in the house, hopping and hobbling round the house (in a fair bit of pain too, but I digress !)
They also seem to be having more problems with the new sets than I'd imagined.
Teething troubles always happen, though.

 

[142094]

No still not ready yet, need to speed things up as just about all the sets are hacky.

How did you knack yourself? Thought you might have been the guy that did it at Benton but that was more recent.

 

[Kryten2340]

Good luck, that what I do there

I'm through to the assessment stage . Will be next Tuesday. Are they still doing the practical exercise using their software, the lego building, role play and listening test?

 

[blue sabre]

I'm through to the assessment stage . Will be next Tuesday. Are they still doing the practical exercise using their software, the lego building, role play and listening test?

Currently do a group exercise, practical and the bricks. The group assessmen when I did it (October) gave a scenario of a plane crash and a list of items you had been able to salvage. Had to choose 10 items and prioritise them. Don't worry about your choices - or the solution you come to - the key thing is you work together to come up with it, and you give good sound reasoning.

 

[spoony]

Cheers. I have a good shout like as they said they want more than 10 people. Was interviewed for Sage Pay a few weeks ago but withdrew due to the shifts.

Decent money I think on SagePay. But its literally 24/7 365! Not for me, ill stick with my Mon - Fri 9-5 (although they would make you sign an extended hours contract)
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Which product/division are you on? I started in January on Accounts.

And coming back on topic.... Let's see if I can manages to catch a ride on the refurbed sets today - I'll just have my headphones on standby for the door tone!

Im a combi Accounts/Payroll tech.
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Currently do a group exercise, practical and the bricks. The group assessmen when I did it (October) gave a scenario of a plane crash and a list of items you had been able to salvage. Had to choose 10 items and prioritise them. Don't worry about your choices - or the solution you come to - the key thing is you work together to come up with it, and you give good sound reasoning.

I only had to do the Lego exercise and use helpfiles to take a backup. Good luck with the assessment.
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Anyway back on topic from all this Sage business. Saw the refurbished metro at Pelaw on my way home tonight and got a second look. What a horrible noise the door siren is

 

[142094]

Anyway back on topic from all this Sage business. Saw the refurbished metro at Pelaw on my way home tonight and got a second look. What a horrible noise the door siren is

Looks as if it runs empty from the depot to Pelaw ready to start an evening peak working. Within about 10 minutes (not even trying as well), saw the refurbed set, a GC HST ECS to Heaton and a GBRf 66 at Gateshead Stadium this afternoon.

 

[blue sabre]

Looks as if it runs empty from the depot to Pelaw ready to start an evening peak working. Within about 10 minutes (not even trying as well), saw the refurbed set, a GC HST ECS to Heaton and a GBRf 66 at Gateshead Stadium this afternoon.

It was behind my metro today at about 15:20. I got on at Regent Centre, saw it coming out the depot as my train pulled in. Was tempted to get off at South Gosforth and wait for it, glad I didn't now if it runs ecs! Not only that but if I was late for the midwife my lass would have killed me!

 

[142094]

It was behind my metro today at about 15:20. I got on at Regent Centre, saw it coming out the depot as my train pulled in. Was tempted to get off at South Gosforth and wait for it, glad I didn't now if it runs ecs! Not only that but if I was late for the midwife my lass would have killed me!

Probably bad to miss the midwife just to get on the refurbished set, but even worse if you'd have told her it went straight past you!

 

[blue sabre]

Probably bad to miss the midwife just to get on the refurbished set, but even worse if you'd have told her it went straight past you!

Tell me about it. I'm hoping the interior will win me over, must say I'm not convinced by the new livery, still as long as they run on time the appearance is of little importance.

 

[Kryten2340]

Saw it this morning leaving Jesmond heading for Pelaw. Using route number 156. It's been many years since I looked at these so I've forgotten what this route number is. If memory serves me right 100-119 was the airport to south shields line and 120 upwards was St James to Pelaw. This of course was pre Sunderland ap will have probably changes.

 

[142094]

It was on 149 the other day which is a Regent Centre - Pelaw one.

The running numbers will have changed - for example 112 is an early morning South Hylton - Airport service.

 

[Anon Mouse]

Anyone got access to the metro diagrams?

 

[Tramfan]

Saw it this morning leaving Jesmond heading for Pelaw. Using route number 156. It's been many years since I looked at these so I've forgotten what this route number is. If memory serves me right 100-119 was the airport to south shields line and 120 upwards was St James to Pelaw. This of course was pre Sunderland ap will have probably changes.

That's correct, currently 101-112 (Mon-Sat) and 101-110 (Sun) are Airport/South Hylton services, and 121-135 (Mon-Sat), 121-132 (Sun) are St James/South Shields services.

Peak time extras seem to be more random, and these may have changed since I last observed them, but I have 113-115 and 141-149 as being morning services and 116-118, 150-158 as evening services.

In addition, trains seem to use service 171 for numerous purposes, ECS moves, depot shunting etc.

 

[Maninblack]

I’ve just been doing some rough mathematics. Considering the time span, from when the first unit was taken down to Doncaster to the stage where we are at now. Is it not too late for Nexus to order brand new rolling stock? How economical is it to transport the units by road to Doncaster and bring them back with a load of work still to do!! And 4041 is so unreliable at present too! To see how far the units are being stripped down and rebuilt makes me wonder if it would not be easier to work from the original plans and build new saloons and attach them to the original chassis! At this rate the trains are going to be nearly 50 years old before all the units are refurbished!! Or am I just missing the point somewhere?

 

[markydh]

Yes you are. It's not as simple as that. Whilst the government claims that the project is fully funded, etc, that isn't actually the case. Towards the end of each financial year, NEXUS have to submit reports to the DfT on progress so far. Once the DfT are satisfied with the finances of the current tax year (i.e. money has been spent on what NEXUS said it would, there has been no 'significant' overspend and there is proven 'value for money' then the next financial year's worth of capital is released. In other words, the capital that NEXUS are spending on refurbishment was part of the agreed package of funding and therefore cannot be changed without complex and lengthy negotiations with the DfT. New stock is projected to be part of Phase 3 in the early 2020s and is not guaranteed unless NEXUS fulfills the rest of its 'contract' with the DfT for the next 8 or 9 financial years without any hitch. Each year, the amount of block funding dependent on performance increases, with 80% necessitating excellent performance by the time stock is due to be replaced.

 

[142094]

41 was working alright on Thursday, has something happened since?

 

[valenta]

41 was working alright on Thursday, has something happened since?

Saw it yesterday. However it only seems to be working peak time, short services.

 

[Maninblack]

I see! Thanks for your reply markydh. I was just expecting to see a bit more progress. Mind you, I did see the refurbished set today at Pallion this evening at 5:25pm. I would have gone for a joyride if I didn't have a load of frozen food with me. It looks very smart. Even the roof was shining!!
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Yes you are. It's not as simple as that. Whilst the government claims that the project is fully funded, etc, that isn't actually the case. Towards the end of each financial year, NEXUS have to submit reports to the DfT on progress so far. Once the DfT are satisfied with the finances of the current tax year (i.e. money has been spent on what NEXUS said it would, there has been no 'significant' overspend and there is proven 'value for money' then the next financial year's worth of capital is released. In other words, the capital that NEXUS are spending on refurbishment was part of the agreed package of funding and therefore cannot be changed without complex and lengthy negotiations with the DfT. New stock is projected to be part of Phase 3 in the early 2020s and is not guaranteed unless NEXUS fulfills the rest of its 'contract' with the DfT for the next 8 or 9 financial years without any hitch. Each year, the amount of block funding dependent on performance increases, with 80% necessitating excellent performance by the time stock is due to be replaced.

I see! Thanks for your reply markydh. I was just expecting to see a bit more progress. Mind you, I did see the refurbished set today at Pallion. I would have gone for a joyride if I didn't have a load of frozen food with me. It looks very smart. Even the roof was shining!!

 

[Anon Mouse]

The referbished set was out yesterday but it eluded me and my Wife would not allow me to let a metro past while I waited for the referb. Gutted as I saw it pass our metro at Gateshead, then go the other way at Kingston Park as we walked to get our train back!

 

[142094]

Been on Airport services today as well, so looks to be doing full runs instead of just the peak shorts.

Also, had it confirmed the other day that the service currently uses 39 sets in the peak and 33 in the off-peak - which (at peak times) means only 6 sets will be out of use, either at Doncaster, in Gosforth for maintenance or sat spare - so very good job we haven't had a winter like last year.

 

[Paul_10]

Still havant been on these sets yet although I have seen them out on the system, unfortunately I could of went on one of these towards Newcastle but I was going towards Sunderland way and could not risk being late for work!

However I do have free time tomorrow and it would seem my best bet of catching one of these will be either a peak working or an South Hylton-Airport service but knowing my luck, it will be on the Shields-St James' line!

Apparently according to a member on Youtube, in the future the doors will automatically open on there own and they said that was according to a Nexus staff member which I guess is why the Automatic door stickers are there to warn people. Not sure if this is accurate or not.

 

[142094]

If you stand at Monument for a bit (or anywhere else between South Gosforth and Pelaw) you should see it in the space of 20 minutes if it is out.

Apparently according to a member on Youtube, in the future the doors will automatically open on there own

Depends on which member that is For example there is one on there who tells people he has worked for DB and Nexus...

 

[Maninblack]

I was on 4071 this afternoon from Stadium of light to Pallion. I went up to South Hylton and gave it a good inspection before alighting back at Pallion. I am very impressed by the workmanship that has gone into the refurbishment. They feel better than when they left the Metro Camil factory in the late 70s. Only thing that I would question is the door siren. I think it is a bit pointless! The interior is very bright and it felt solid. I think the rest of the pre-refurbished units are in quite a bad state under the skin. Well done Wabtec. I just hope people keep their feet off the seats!!

 

[Paul_10]

If you stand at Monument for a bit (or anywhere Depends on which member that is For example there is one on there who tells people he has worked for DB and Nexus...

Ha! Nope it was not that particular person(although he has posted a couple of videos of him getting telt off by a Nexus/DB staff member and via a PA at South Gosforth) but another train enthusiast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfIrXnXe8YU - 40 seconds in. I have to admit, I was a bit confused by those stickers that says warning automatic doors but if what is said is true then I guess it would make sence.

I also agree that the door opening tone is annoying and a little pointless, even if there is loads of complaints then I highly doubt anything would be done about.

 

[142094]

Haven't seen it out today yet, might have missed it this morning.

 

[hacman]

Saw it heading north through South Gosforth at about 07:45, not sure where to though as I was on the train heading south.

Was likely a Regent Centre service though, given that a train had just departed towards Aiport, and the two behind it were heading to the coast.

Jon

 

[transmanche]

I have to admit, I was a bit confused by those stickers that says warning automatic doors but if what is said is true then I guess it would make sence.

It doesn't need a huge warning sticker though. LU trains don't need one...

 

[Kryten2340]

Saw it heading north through South Gosforth at about 07:45, not sure where to though as I was on the train heading south.

Was likely a Regent Centre service though, given that a train had just departed towards Aiport, and the two behind it were heading to the coast.

Jon

It was in the depot on the western side when I passed there at 9:20 today.

 

[142094]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfIrXnXe8YU - 40 seconds in. I have to admit, I was a bit confused by those stickers that says warning automatic doors but if what is said is true then I guess it would make sence.

Same - when I first saw them I too thought they were going to be fully automatic, however I don't think they will be. I know that isn't 'that' You Tube contributor but they are all of a similar ilk, and so I wouldn't trust anything they say. Of course the question to ask is, if it is to become fully automatic, why not put them on automatic straight away?

The set was out again tonight, saw it terminating at Pelaw - not sure what is was on this morning as I didn't get to Monument til around 9am. Might see it tomorrow, as I'll be on South Tyneside again all day.

Also have to say that the quality of the videos on You Tube is shockingly bad too.

It was in the depot on the western side when I passed there at 9:20 today.

Wonder if the car wash has been completed? I know last week they had a posession on during the day, so were routeing extra trains out of the east departure roads and using South Gosforth siding as a turn around facility.

 

[hacman]

I doubt they would become fully automatic personally...

For starters, the sign is different on the outside of the doors, but I suppose that could always be replaced.

If nothing else, think of how much heat would get wasted in the winter/colder days, and on top of that you have the fact that it would increase the wear-and-tear on the door mechanisms too (even if only slightly).

On a separate note, the refurbished train pulled into Monument heading south at about 17:15 this evening too. Seems that it's starting to see regular and reliable service, which is good.

Jon

PS - glad I'm not the only one who seems to think so highly of some of those YouTube contributors...