Neilston motive power?

[Techniquest]

Hi all,

Just a quick question to ask what stock works the morning services to/from Neilston. I originally thought it was 318, but then realised it could be 314s.

Doing this branch on December 10th, as part of my massive Scottish bash, and rather interested in knowing what to expect in terms of traction.

Thanks in advance,

Julian

 

[me123]

All 314s on Cathcart Circle lines. Although occasionally 318s or 334s show up, but this is extremely rare!

In the not too distant future, 320s will replace the 314s, but you won't be affected by this!

 

[Techniquest]

Excellent, I shall look forward to getting a 314 in the book. Did one on the forum meet in 2004, but unfortunately I didn't keep the records safe and lost them.

314s are going in 2009 aren't they?

 

[me123]

Should be, maybe 2010? It all depends on Airdrie-Bathgate and 380 delivery. Once 334s are released to run North Clyde and through to Edinburgh, it is expected that the 320s go to Cathcart and the 314s can finally enjoy a well earned retirement.

 

[Techniquest]

Ah righty, I just recall reading a couple of years back that the 314s were off-lease again by 2009.

I daresay the poor things could do with retiring. Although I do ponder how reliable they are still.

 

[rail-britain]

Reliability of the Class 314s is dire
Sets are quite often put into service with just two of the four traction motors working
As a result they are restricted to the Cathcart Circle, and only just manage the Neilston service!

 

[Techniquest]

Oh right, that is a shame. Hopefully they'll cope OK when I get onto them!

 

[sidthesyphon]

Reliability of the Class 314s is dire
Sets are quite often put into service with just two of the four traction motors working

314s have 8 tractions per unit, there is a traction cut off switch in each cab that cuts out the 4 motors in that coach.

 

[rail-britain]

Rechecked Class 314 specs, for some reason I keep thinking the Class 314 has two traction motors on the DMSO

 

[class 313]

Nah they have 4 motors on each driving end.

 

[rail-britain]

Yes, I am aware the Class 314 has four traction motors per DMSO
For some reason I was under the impression it was only two, as there are normally just four in a PTS vehicle, however in the Class 314 they operate at a reduced voltage hence why there are four and not two

A Class 314 operating on just half of its traction motors is quite common, but they are then restricted to Cathcart Circle duties only
A few years ago one was accidently sent to Wemyss Bay, went up the incline at walking pace!

 

[delt1c]

Our 315's down here give sterling service on Liverpool St serv ices and have just been refurbished, why then should the 314's need retiring, surely they could be refurbished as well.

 

[rail-britain]

The Class 314s have only ever received basic maintenance
They did all receive a mid-life refurb in the mid 1990s, replacing all the trim and fabric
I remember seeing one undergoing such a refurbishment at Glasgow Works
Since then all they have received is basic electrical and systems exams, and the occasional repaint
Given these units are older than the Class 150/2 units which ScotRail returned back to RoSCo, then it is no surprise the Class 314s face the same fate