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Those were the days (and nights). I was part of the Alstom test team recording electrical system parameters. We joined the train at Preston late afternoon and ran direct to Polmadie where there was a crew change. It was then across to Edinburgh via Carstairs and down the ECML to Kings Cross...

That was the original plan but eventually proved too difficult operationally.

The TASS (Tilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision) balise fitted on the track transmits the maximum speed and Tilt authorisation status to the train mounted antenna for the next section. Where applicable this will be the Enhanced Permitted Speed for the train, providing tilt is active. The tilt...

The original Pendolino design was for an 8-car train that could be extended to 9-car or 10-car by the addition of extra trailer vehicles in the middle of the unit. The 8-cars were labelled A,B,C,D,G,H,J,K, leaving a gap for E and F for 9-car and 10-car versions. G,H,J and K were all first class...

Apologies for the delay in responding, the accelerometers are usually mounted on or close to the pantograph head and measure in all three axes (vertical, longitudinal and lateral). Excessive vertical shocks may indicate a "hard spot" at registration supports, longitudinal shocks will detect a...

Most modern electric locomotives and multiple units have a voltage monitoring transformer connected between the pantograph and the main circuit breaker (VCB). This is used to monitor that the supply voltage and frequency are within the acceptable limits. If detected out-of-range, the fault...

The pantograph video is from the PANDAS OLE monitoring system fitted to the Class 350 involved in the incident. The video appeared on the Transmission Dynamics account on LinkedIn within 40 minutes of the incident occurring. Transmission Dynamics are the manufacturer of PANDAS and host and...

Sorcerer said: Which manufacturer? With Alstom the Pendolino technology isn't suitable for speeds over 250km/h, and I'm not sure they offer other tilting technology. The maximum speed limitation is a consequence of the train system architecture. The bogie tilt mechanism precludes the mounting...

The Traction equipment on the Class 222 (and also Class 220/221 Voyagers) is Alstom Onix, designed at Preston. The software parameters are defined by Alstom engineers now based at Widnes / Longsight and implemented by software contractors managed by Alstom in France. The de-tuning of the engines...

When HS2 finally opens between Old Oak Common and Curzon Street I would only anticipate this removing 2 paths per hour (the Avanti Euston - Birmingham fast services). Significant relief to the congested West Coast Main Line South infrastructure is only achieved once HS2 reaches Handsacre...

The Lumo service is passed by the next two Avanti services (1R21 and 1R22) between Colwich and Nuneaton so it already appears to be scheduled onto the slow lines (or held at Nuneaton where it has a scheduled stop).

Thanks, I had missed that one! In some ways this is worse, as the 125mph EPS Pendolino is now followed by a non-tilt service that may (or may not) run at MU speeds, taking up an even longer slot on the timetable graph.

Reference to the introduction of new Lumo services in relation to the withdrawal of the 07:00 Manchester - Euston as a passenger service is spurious to say the least. The Manchester train (3R19 from the 15th December timetable) is scheduled to join the trunk WCML route at Colwich at 07:48:30...

If the VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker) fails to open before reaching the neutral section then yes, an arc will be drawn from the pantograph. Worst case the arc can be drawn across the complete insulated section and short the two power supplies together, resulting in the feeders tripping. Such...

One additional point to add. If a train comes to a stop with the VCB open between the two APC magnets the driver can re-close the VCB by operating the Pan Up / Reset button on the driver's desk. This will allow the train to take power unless the train has stopped with the pantograph on the...

Opening and closing of the VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker) on the pantograph vehicle is triggered by detection of the APC (Automatic Power Control) magnets positioned on the approach to and exit from the neutral section. The distance from the magnet to the neutral may vary with the speed limit at...

Sadly the fibre glass nose cones are replaced on a regular basis so there is a stock at all depots.

390117 now appears to be sat at Carlisle with the pantograph raised, presumably being prepared for onward transit to Polmadie. The obstacle deflector (lifeguard) on the leading bogie proved very effective in ploughing through the debris and minimising the derailment risk for the remainder of the...

Significant corrosion repairs were performed on the Class 175 fleet prior to repainting during the refurbishment programme at Alstom Widnes between 2019 and 2022. It was envisaged that the new paint coating would provide effective protection for the bodyshell for the remainder of the vehicle's...

That is correct. The transformer vehicles mount the transformer and the associated switchgear that connect to each Traction Converter. The rectifiers are on the motor vehicles. The Class 390 Propulsion Case contains two identical power modules, one is configured as the controlled rectifier and...