Explosion on Merseyrail line - 8th March 2018

[Leo1961]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/ne...celled-reports-explosion-Merseyrail-line.html

Trains cancelled after reports of 'explosion' on Merseyrail line
Rail passengers reported an ¿explosion¿ on a train this morning as services on the Merseyrail Northern Line were hit by power supply problems.

Does anyone have any details?

 

[Allwinter_Kit]

"3rd Rail Systems Unreliable in Event of Sudden Snowfall" might be a better headline.

 

[Crossforth]

I can’t have been too bad as I’m just leaving Ormskirk on my way into Liverpool

 

[Bletchleyite]

I note that the passengers speak highly of the guard. One kind of situation where one is definitely useful.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

This sort of thing would never have happened in Southern 3rd rail territory

 

[M28361M]

Merseyrail tweeted to explain (photo at attached link):

The collector shoe on the train, which picks up the electricity, has been covered in compacted snow. The snow acts as an insulator, which prevents the electricity getting through to the trains motors, causing damage.

Bad morning for Ormskirk line passengers as no replacement buses available due to road conditions. Train services resumed just after 1100.

 

[trainophile]

Another toiletless train, two hours, cold morning...

 

[Bletchleyite]

Another toiletless train, two hours, cold morning...

The Merseyrail tradition on late evening trains is to "use", ahem, the gangway. Bit easier without a crush-load.

 

[Polarbear]

For those who don't live locally, there was a heavier than expected snowfall in & around Merseyside this morning, which didn't exactly help. It caused a fair bit of disruption all round as some roads became gridlocked/slow-moving during the morning peak. I mention this as a couple of people who were caught up in this were bemoaning the fact that rail replacement buses weren't magically resourced to provide onward travel.

The secret bus depot that's stuffed full of vehicles & drivers just waiting to leap to the rescue of all rail operators is a bit less likely to make it's presence felt when there's snow on the ground & un-gritted roads...!!

 

[trainophile]

The Merseyrail tradition on late evening trains is to "use", ahem, the gangway. Bit easier without a crush-load.

I'm coming back as a man next time!

 

[185143]

There was also a track fault at Hamilton Square at about 14:30.

I was on platform 2 (alternating between platforms 2 and 3) looking for certain units I wanted to top up the mileage on. I let a West Kirby go then returned to platform 2. A 6 car unit passed through ECS then a couple of minutes later there was an explosion and a loud noise, sounded like a grinding noise. This lasted for about 5 seconds or so.

A member of staff was on platform 2 doing a litter pick/security check. He went straight onto platform 3 then came straight back onto platform 2 just as a Chester train was arriving and told us to either board that train or evacuate the station as there was a fire on platform 3!

It was reported on the twitter feed about 5 minutes later as a track fault. As the train I was on left, you could see smoke drifting down the platform-and a couple of Byelaw Enforcement officers onboard suggested it 3rd rail pot fire, which wod make sense. Not an everyday occurance!

 

[TheSel]

I'm coming back as a man next time!

There writes someone who lacks ambition!

 

[trainophile]

There writes someone who lacks ambition!

Haha, good point. I was merely considering the physical advantage of being a bloke in this sort of situation. And I do know about the gadgets sold for laydees that serve a similar function, but having to cart one of those around doesn't appeal, nor having to go back to skirts rather than trousers!

 

[185]

The Merseyrail tradition on late evening trains is to "use", ahem, the gangway. Bit easier without a crush-load.

Unlike prior to the refurb, the new carriage end doors have far too much glass for ladies to err... visit this facility

 

[Statto]

For those who don't live locally, there was a heavier than expected snowfall in & around Merseyside this morning, which didn't exactly help. It caused a fair bit of disruption all round as some roads became gridlocked/slow-moving during the morning peak. I mention this as a couple of people who were caught up in this were bemoaning the fact that rail replacement buses weren't magically resourced to provide onward travel.

The secret bus depot that's stuffed full of vehicles & drivers just waiting to leap to the rescue of all rail operators is a bit less likely to make it's presence felt when there's snow on the ground & un-gritted roads...!!

The Snow came as a surprise was expecting rain, caught the 06.31 from Moreton the train i was on was struggling & couldn't get to speed because of the conditions, sparks going off everywhere from the shoe.

 

[urbophile]

Weird. I live towards the south end of the Northern Line and the snow, such as it was, had melted on roads and footpaths by at least 8.00. My daughter left for work by train before 7.30 and didn't encounter any problems. Clearly north Liverpool had much more snow.

 

[Crossforth]

Weird. I live towards the south end of the Northern Line and the snow, such as it was, had melted on roads and footpaths by at least 8.00. My daughter left for work by train before 7.30 and didn't encounter any problems. Clearly north Liverpool had much more snow.

I was up in North Liverpool and it was terrible yesterday morning. My car stayed firmly on he drive. :P

 

[Ianigsy]

Weird. I live towards the south end of the Northern Line and the snow, such as it was, had melted on roads and footpaths by at least 8.00. My daughter left for work by train before 7.30 and didn't encounter any problems. Clearly north Liverpool had much more snow.

I was staying with family in Birkenhead and when we got up at about 8.30 there was about an inch of fresh snow just starting to melt. Another curious place for weather systems moving diagonally is west Cornwall- far from unknown for St Ives and the Lizard to have rain while Penzance is bright and sunny.

 

[Skie]

Another toiletless train, two hours, cold morning...

Heard from someone who had a relative on this that it was more like 3 hours.

 

[prod_pep]

The unit reportedly involved in this, 508108, is back in traffic today. Clearly no major damage was done.