Class 377/6 - more info

[455driver]

It's mainly dependent on the braking capability of the combined train. In the case of EMU delivery like this I believe the unit's brakes are available - if you look closely at the first photo (linked to above) you'll notice there's a pipe passing through a temporary cover on the gangway door.

Is this fact or suposition on your part?
There was me thinking that brakes on modern unit were electric, never knew we had a "brake" pipe between coaches!

While the pipe is indeed a brake pipe it will be going straight through the unit (hence the term "through brake pipe") connecting the brakes of the vehicles in front of the unit to the brakes of the vehicles at the back of the unit.

What do you think the extra wagons are for?
They are there for brake force to allow the train to run at a maximum of 45mph, lower brake force equals lower maximum speed.

Do you remember the thread about the 508 being taken from from Eastleigh to the docks and all the numpties saying how silly it was for all the wagons being in the train for no good reason?

 

[Vicpaul]

In the PdF there is nothing out of the ordinary on the desk regarding the separate hill start and I feel bad if I've missed it seeing as I drive these every day

 

[swt_passenger]

Is this fact or suposition on your part?

Supposition?

 

[Class377/5]

Video passing Clapham Junction. You can make out the containers inside instead of seats too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/8737121617/

 

[Southern313]

Only thing I can see different on the desk is the MCB/ADD and line light have appeared to have moved up a "level" and are now next to the interlock light nearest the CPBC. A new yellow button is now on the same "level" as the couple light. If that is the hill start button it's in a strange place!

 

[Aictos]

Is this fact or suposition on your part?
There was me thinking that brakes on modern unit were electric, never knew we had a "brake" pipe between coaches!

While the pipe is indeed a brake pipe it will be going straight through the unit (hence the term "through brake pipe") connecting the brakes of the vehicles in front of the unit to the brakes of the vehicles at the back of the unit.

What do you think the extra wagons are for?
They are there for brake force to allow the train to run at a maximum of 45mph, lower brake force equals lower maximum speed.

Do you remember the thread about the 508 being taken from from Eastleigh to the docks and all the numpties saying how silly it was for all the wagons being in the train for no good reason?

It was like the 395 going to Railfest last year at York, it had least 12 cargo wagons in total to act as the needed brake force, maybe even more!

 

[33056]

Unit definitely NOT braked, hence the class 7 speed. The pipe you can see runs the length of the unit and connects to the three wagons on the rear thus providing a through brake; that is also why there are three wagons each end as that is the minimum number of vehicles with operating brakes that must be on the rear of the train.

 

[notadriver]

The Electrostar cab design looks very dated compared with a Desiro for example. The CBTC is rather large as is the direction selector switch. Desiros have no need for a hillstart button.

 

[Tom C]

So the 456's days are numbered

Oh well, time to get a few rides in before things get even more boring around here

 

[Chrisgr31]

Unit definitely NOT braked, hence the class 7 speed. The pipe you can see runs the length of the unit and connects to the three wagons on the rear thus providing a through brake; that is also why there are three wagons each end as that is the minimum number of vehicles with operating brakes that must be on the rear of the train.

Thanks for all the answers on this. I was also wondering why all the extra wagons and don't need to ask that question now!

 

[cjmillsnun]

In the PdF there is nothing out of the ordinary on the desk regarding the separate hill start and I feel bad if I've missed it seeing as I drive these every day

I thought I saw the button on the handle.

In fact I've highlighted in red where I thought I saw the button

 

[bronzeonion]

The Electrostar cab design looks very dated compared with a Desiro for example. The CBTC is rather large as is the direction selector switch. Desiros have no need for a hillstart button.

Im not a driver but just from looking at it the Electrostar cab looks much better and seems much more ergonomical. The Desiro just looks more cramped, buttons and switches all placed too close to eachother. Also the CBTC does not have brake notches, I would feel more comfortable having fixed notches.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Regarding using the existing brakes on the 377, surely if the unit is not commisioned they would not be allowed to be used?

 

[causton]

Are the windows in two different styles as well? Some have a visible border to them and some do not... is that for a particular reason?

 

[Jedipickles]

Are the windows in two different styles as well? Some have a visible border to them and some do not... is that for a particular reason?

Thats because 377601 isn't fully finished, it's been completed enough to undergo testing runs - 377601 is also missing seats and a finished livery

 

[bicbasher]

So the 456's days are numbered

Oh well, time to get a few rides in before things get even more boring around here

Can't say I'll miss the 456's. Even after the refurb, they're not the easiest to ride for a man of average height.

The only thing I liked about them in the NSE days was that they had toilets.

 

[Tom C]

Can't say I'll miss the 456's. Even after the refurb, they're not the easiest to ride for a man of average height.

The only thing I liked about them in the NSE days was that they had toilets

Far better than the soulless and drab 377's.

Just have to hope that the 2J's from London Bridge to West Croydon all go over to 455's as it was always the poor relation!

 

[Class377/5]

Thats because 377601 isn't fully finished, it's been completed enough to undergo testing runs - 377601 is also missing seats and a finished livery

377602 & 377603 are expected to be the same.

 

[Jedipickles]

377602 & 377603 are expected to be the same.

They'll be finished off before they undergo the mileage accumulation runs I do believe.
377604 I think might be the first to be fully completed...

 

[Class377/5]

They'll be finished off before they undergo the mileage accumulation runs I do believe.
377604 I think might be the first to be fully completed...

The info I e seen, prior to 377601 delivery was first three units on extended testing with Southern getting 377604 first.

As for mileage accumulation, well depends on if you mean testing or acceptance. They are different things it seems.

 

[W230]

Only thing I can see different on the desk is the MCB/ADD and line light have appeared to have moved up a "level" and are now next to the interlock light nearest the CPBC. A new yellow button is now on the same "level" as the couple light.

Like you say a little shift around of LHS things on the desk and back to the 377/2 style DRA.

I'm intrigued as to the what the extra yellow button does though?

 

[notadriver]

On 378s the yellow button is the hill start unless the 377s still have it on the CBTC?

 

[pendolino]

Like you say a little shift around of LHS things on the desk and back to the 377/2 style DRA.

Do you mean the twisty one rather than the push-pull type? Pretty much every 377 in service (on Southern at least) has had the push-pull ones replaced with the twisty ones as the push-pull ones had a tendency to come off in your hand when resetting the DRA. In fact I can't remember the last time I saw a push-pull one other than in the simulators.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

On 378s the yellow button is the hill start unless the 377s still have it on the CBTC?

Apparently it will be on the desk on the /6s. A universally unpopular decision to move it from the CBPC.

 

[W230]

On 378s the yellow button is the hill start unless the 377s still have it on the CBTC?

Yep - it's on the CPBC on 377's.

Do you mean the twisty one rather than the push-pull type? Pretty much every 377 in service (on Southern at least) has had the push-pull ones replaced with the twisty ones as the push-pull ones had a tendency to come off in your hand when resetting the DRA. In fact I can't remember the last time I saw a push-pull one other than in the simulators.

Interesting. I've only driven the 377/5 and they only have the push/pull type though we do have some 377/2 which I think have the twisty style.

Apparently it will be on the desk on the /6s. A universally unpopular decision to move it from the CBPC.

I didn't know they were doing that. I'd go with it being a crap decision though - so you'll have to lean across with the other hand? What was the problem with where it was?!

 

[transmanche]

I'm intrigued as to the what the extra yellow button does though?

Ejector seat?

 

[pendolino]

What was the problem with where it was?!

That question remains unanswered despite being asked many times, from what I've heard.

 

[455driver]

In fact I can't remember the last time I saw a push-pull one other than in the simulators.

Our 458s and some 455s have the push/pull ones.

I wont mention the time a driver (not me) reported a complete power failure and when the fitters turned up the DRA was in but the bulb had blown, fitter promptly pulled the DRA out and power was restored.

Yes he still gets ribbed about it, usually when he is relieving a 458!

 

[Class377/5]

Been stated that a 377/3 will be sent down to Stewards Lane shortly to do coupling tests. Wouldn't be surprised if they also send over a 375 considering the test paths.

 

[RobShipway]

Been stated that a 377/3 will be sent down to Stewards Lane shortly to do coupling tests. Wouldn't be surprised if they also send over a 375 considering the test paths.

If the 377/6 have been built with Dellner Couplers, then the 375's will not work as these were built with different couplers.

Some of the 377's, where originally built as 375's I believe, but when changed to have the Dellner coupler where then designated 377.

 

[Class377/5]

If the 377/6 have been built with Dellner Couplers, then the 375's will not work as these were built with different couplers.

Some of the 377's, where originally built as 375's I believe, but when changed to have the Dellner coupler where then designated 377.

The 375's now have Sellers too. Reason for my comments is that the 377/6 tests will be over SET turf so likely rescue unit would be a 375 not a 377.

 

[A-driver]

The 375's now have Sellers too. Reason for my comments is that the 377/6 tests will be over SET turf so likely rescue unit would be a 375 not a 377.

They would definately be able to be rescued by a 375 as the couplers match, in the same way a 171 can assist a 377. The biggest problem will be software compatibility. A 377&171 can't communicate so they have to be coupled non-electronically (via the ECBIC if I remember my 377 traction course properly!).

The same may be needed for the 375s if the software dosnt match but in the case of a failed train and the line needs to be cleared then any other train with a dellner coupling would work.