158 Lights

[trentside]

Was travelling on a 158 earlier today and the carriage lighting kept dropping off. This happened the first time when the doors were closed on departure from a station, then came on as the doors were released at the next. For the rest of the journey the lights were alternating between on and off.

What could possibly have caused this?

 

[WillPS]

Knackered alternator?

 

[headshot119]

It wasn't an un-refurbed ATW 158 was it.

 

[trentside]

It wasn't an un-refurbed ATW 158 was it.

No, it was a refurbished EMT one.

I've remembered something similar on a Northern unit once too.

 

[WillPS]

The alternators on 158s are notoriously weak (hence why plugs have always been rationed).

 

[voyagerdude220]

I've remembered something similar on a Northern unit once too.

Me too- on a Northern 15875x. 2/3 times in 15 mins the lights on the entire train went out for a few seconds one dark Sunday evening.. Didn't seem to affect the performance too much.

 

[trentside]

The alternators on 158s are notoriously weak (hence why plugs have always been rationed).

That makes sense - thanks WillPS.