Regulations regarding idle trains in sidings

[smilerish]

Hello all,
I've struggled to find an answer to this query via search - not sure of the correct terms to search for.
What are the regulations (if any) regarding the power for trains stopped on mainline sidings for extended periods e.g. several hours overnight?
Are they required to maintain full power for safety reasons, or is there nothing to prevent them from shutting down?
I'm thinking specifically of EMU's where they're not in service, but fully powered e.g. all lights are on, compressors keep running, etc. when there's clearly no need for them to move for hours.
All helpful responses and references appreciated.

 

[daikilo]

Hello all,
I've struggled to find an answer to this query via search - not sure of the correct terms to search for.
What are the regulations (if any) regarding the power for trains stopped on mainline sidings for extended periods e.g. several hours overnight?
Are they required to maintain full power for safety reasons, or is there nothing to prevent them from shutting down?
I'm thinking specifically of EMU's where they're not in service, but fully powered e.g. all lights are on, compressors keep running, etc. when there's clearly no need for them to move for hours.
All helpful responses and references appreciated.

As regards "regulations", as far as I am aware, there are none for a train that is confirmed as empty, although I don't know what you mean by "mainline sidings". Indeed, a live unattended train could conxeptually be a hazard.

There could even be local agreements that such stock should be fully shut down to minimise noise.

There could however be approved local practices, which may be weather related, which permit or even encourage a set to be left in a particular mode if it reduces the likelihood of a failure at the next start-up.

 

[83G/84D]

Not sure about the TOC’s but some of the freight companies have instructions in place for certain locations where noise may be an issue.

 

[route:oxford]

I'm thinking specifically of EMU's where they're not in service, but fully powered e.g. all lights are on, compressors keep running, etc. when there's clearly no need for them to move for hours.

LED lights slashes the energy load, compressors aren't a considerable draw either.

There may well be all kinds of maintenance or cleaning going on too.

Just be glad you aren't near diesel carriage sidings like Oxford. They start running from the middle of the night to warm things up.

 

[Dr Hoo]

The basic laws of physics enforce an upper level.
At a large depot like Ramsgate over 30 years ago it was easy to leave enough sets ‘cut in’ such that when a 12-car was moved to go through the washer it could pull the breakers out.
In other words the load was higher at night with stabled sets than with two 12-cars departing Ramsgate in service in opposite directions simultaneously.

 

[ComUtoR]

Ours are left 'cut in' pretty much at all times. The only times we cut them out is when there is a block on.

The problem with cutting out units is when you need to cut them back in. If left for 'several hours' the air will bleed off. Then, when you cut it in, you have to wait until the air is sufficient to release the brakes and set various systems etc. That takes time and time equals money.

Running the compressor full pelt at 0300 in the morning makes quite a racket.

 

[gsnedders]

It's always seemed ironic to have "No Vehicle Idling" signs outside stations when walking down the road you can't breath for fumes from the trains! (Cardington Street outside Euston comes to mind, there.)

 

[edwin_m]

It's always seemed ironic to have "No Vehicle Idling" signs outside stations when walking down the road you can't breath for fumes from the trains! (Cardington Street outside Euston comes to mind, there.)

Although when I stayed in the late unlamented Thistle the pair of Voyagers in the nearest platform was louder than the traffic and nearly loud enough to drown out a normal level of conversation from the room next door. The horrible concrete exterior must have been strong enough, and used up enough of their budget, that they made do with hardboard for the internal walls.

But getting back on topic, the most important thing is to apply the parking brake if it is not the type that applies automaticaly if air is lost. All very well leaving the power on or the engine running but if either fails the air will leak off within a couple of hours, and there is then no other brake.

 

[Matt Taylor]

The SWR 159 and assorted 158s from SWR and GWR remain idling all night at Fratton, the GWR units are moving to Westbury soon for overnight servicing though. At Totton there's a local instruction to shut down engines on 158s that shunt into the yard for any period of time/