Merseyrail 507/508 EMUs in the rain

[davelew99]

Twice in the last few days when i've been on a 508 on the wirral line the driver has been unable to get the power up - every time the power was applied hard it seemed to cut out.

As a result we were crawling out of stations, anyone know if they just don't like heavy rain or is it probably a specific unit (it has happened quite a few times over the last year or so).

 

[northwichcat]

The 507s and 508s are due to undergo a mechanical refurb. They are getting on a bit and originally they were due to be replaced around now.

 

[VP185]

I don't know 507/508's but could it be wheelslip related?

 

[pendolino]

I don't know 507/508's but could it be wheelslip related?

Could well be. I've had a couple of days recently with 455s that have struggled to accelerate after a bit of drizzle. Take power too quickly, the wheels on the MC slip and the overload trips. They have to be coaxed gently with a bit of hand notching. Maybe 508s are the same.

 

[WatcherZero]

Light rain lifts the oil off the rails reducing traction, heavy rain will wash it away.

 

[davelew99]

Could well be. I've had a couple of days recently with 455s that have struggled to accelerate after a bit of drizzle. Take power too quickly, the wheels on the MC slip and the overload trips. They have to be coaxed gently with a bit of hand notching. Maybe 508s are the same.

This sounds likely, thanks for clearing that up

 

[Juniper Driver]

Getting near the leaf fall now,recently around the South West it's got a little bit slippery.

Esp when we have a bit of wind.

507s/8s are very similar to 455's/313's/314's/315's.

 

[Kingfisher200262]

Getting near the leaf fall now,recently around the South West it's got a little bit slippery.

Esp when we have a bit of wind.

507s/8s are very similar to 455's/313's/314's/315's.

Do 507/508 units have sanders?

Does Network Rail run sandite trains on Merseyrail?

 

[headshot119]

Yes they do at least on the open sections. It comes up via the Wrexham to Bidston.

 

[First class]

Yes they do at least on the open sections. It comes up via the Wrexham to Bidston.

The two MPVs actually come from Wigan and travel via Southport.