Class 57s being modified

[Brunel]

Network Rail is speeding up its ability to rescue failed electric multiple units with specially adapted Class 57s.
The rescue trains’ brake interface units have been modified to allow drivers to operate their own brakes and those of the failed train together. The train can also operate the safety interlocks, allowing broken-down units to be removed at normal line speed. This means rescues can be completed in 15 minutes.
The Class 57s will also routinely move EMUs between works for servicing.

http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/class-57s-modified-for-faster-rescue

 

[DarloRich]

Old news surely?

 

[Brunel]

Old news surely?

You maybe right, but the article only appeared in Rail Technology yesterday?

 

[swt_passenger]

Perhaps the news is really that that the brake interface units have just been modified to work with the relevant stock, as covered in the article? (Presumably both Electrostars and Desiros, and maybe others?)

It's possible they could previously just couple up and haul the units unbraked - (but don't quote me, I don't know the details of how they worked as originally delivered)...

 

[cj_1985]

what I find most interesting about the article is its reference to the locos being used to move units to/from works...

so if using an NR 57/3 had been an option, why then was one not used for the movement of 377601 from Derby rather than DBS try and rally together a good number of wagons for Brake force, since they lacked suitable translator carriages... is it because GBRf are/were named operator of the locos FOR Network Rail, or is there some other realistic reason

 

[DarloRich]

Perhaps the news is really that that the brake interface units have just been modified to work with the relevant stock, as covered in the article? (Presumably both Electrostars and Desiros, and maybe others?)

It's possible they could previously just couple up and haul the units unbraked - (but don't quote me, I don't know the details of how they worked as originally delivered)...

quote from the article:

The rescue trains’ brake interface units have been modified to allow drivers to operate their own brakes and those of the failed train together. The train can also operate the safety interlocks, allowing broken-down units to be removed at normal line speed. This means rescues can be completed in 15 minutes.

so i assume your supposition to be correct.

 

[Dreadnought]

quote from the article:

The rescue trains’ brake interface units have been modified to allow drivers to operate their own brakes and those of the failed train together. The train can also operate the safety interlocks, allowing broken-down units to be removed at normal line speed. This means rescues can be completed in 15 minutes.

so i assume your supposition to be correct.

Yet when a cable fault knocked the power out near Canterbury stranding a unit a 66 was called to rescue, although it wasn't eventually used, rather than one of these fancy 57s NR have got!

Might also help if the 57s weren't all parked up at Eastleigh :roll:

 

[DarloRich]

could just be a clear the line job - get the nearest thing these asap and get the line open

(Perhaps the mods on the 57 weren't ready for use then so it would have made no difference )

 

[cj_1985]

Yet when a cable fault knocked the power out near Canterbury stranding a unit a 66 was called to rescue, although it wasn't eventually used, rather than one of these fancy 57s NR have got!

Might also help if the 57s weren't all parked up at Eastleigh :roll:

even if the NR 57/3s were stationed at points all over the southern region, and IF 57312 was operational (that IS the one that's OOS at the mo with problems isn't it?)... AIUI half of the fleet have couplers to work with the likes of a 377, while half have tightlock type couplers.... so you would have a 50/50 chance of a 57 with the right coupling being close by.

personally I think the idea behind the purchase/lease of the 57/3s made more sense in theory, than it does in practice due to the limited role for them outwith the winter period.

 

[asylumxl]

How about having a different coupling on each end and making sure the loco is the right way round on arrival?

 

[cj_1985]

How about having a different coupling on each end and making sure the loco is the right way round on arrival?

ok, since I don't know this answer, how many turning points (either loops or triangle junctions, exist across the whole Southern Region.... and that's before considering the paths (used/blocked) and time taken to perform these "turns" in your ideal world etc etc

 

[asylumxl]

ok, since I don't know this answer, how many turning points (either loops or triangle junctions, exist across the whole Southern Region.... and that's before considering the paths (used/blocked) and time taken to perform these "turns" in your ideal world etc etc

It wasn't much of a serious suggestion to be honest.

But if they are stationed at a TMD (Lovers Walk, Selhurst etc) then it shouldn't be too hard to get them in the right direction in the first instance.

 

[DarloRich]

How about having a different coupling on each end and making sure the loco is the right way round on arrival?

how about having everyone use the same coupler

 

[Dreadnought]

could just be a clear the line job - get the nearest thing these asap and get the line open

(Perhaps the mods on the 57 weren't ready for use then so it would have made no difference )

IIRC that was the point of getting the 57s though, to clear the line much quicker than using a loco fitted with an 'emergency' coupler.

Also, if NR have run tests last year with 57s hauling tightlock and dellner fitted units that would suggest the mods are ready for use. If they are not ready would seem odd to have a magazine article about it.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

personally I think the idea behind the purchase/lease of the 57/3s made more sense in theory, than it does in practice due to the limited role for them outwith the winter period.

I have to agree with this point, though to modify them for unit rescues and then not base them around the Southern region to be able to do this seems pointless to me.

 

[455driver]

how about having everyone use the same coupler

And wire the box the same way, mount it at the same height etc!

Bit of a silly idea if you ask me, cant see it catching on.