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WMR Class 196 Build and Implementation

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43102EMR

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The 170s don't have anywhere near as many problems as the 196s though, or maybe I'm misunderstanding the word "fundamental"?
Problems are to be expected initially as with any new train to be introduced - over time WMR will have ironed them out as more are introduced into service.
 
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skyhigh

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I never personally noticed many physical issues with the 195s, but I do encounter a good few software errors:

Saying some station names too loud
Set up issue, not software issue.
Doors announcing they aren't in use until they get unlocked (which everyone just knows)
Again, this is how the set up was decided (though I would agree it doesn't seem the most sensible choice).
Displays having no idea what side the doors open, often showing the wrong side and then correcting itself
This stems from the fact that there is no connect between ASDO and the PIS system. The PIS will use the planned data to show what side the booked platform will be on. At stations with multiple platforms that can be used, it will still assume it's going into the booked platform until the doors are released on the opposite side at which point it will correct itself to show the actual side that doors have been released on.
Reporting that every carriage on the train is too far and you have to move forwards
Database issue. It is a very unusual to hear that now though - the problem was some stations incorrectly had platforms set at 0m length in the database that the PIS used. This meant that it defaulted to assuming that only the very front door would open. Again, this was due to the disconnect between ASDO and PIS. The ASDO database was correct, the PIS database was not and it took a while for it to be realised they were not getting the information from the same source.
 

Peter Sarf

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...........................

This stems from the fact that there is no connect between ASDO and the PIS system. The PIS will use the planned data to show what side the booked platform will be on. At stations with multiple platforms that can be used, it will still assume it's going into the booked platform until the doors are released on the opposite side at which point it will correct itself to show the actual side that doors have been released on.

...........................
This, to me, is an example of totally pointless information. If it is going to be wrong often enough then it just undermines the value of the rest of the (more) accurate information. It shouts IGNORE all information and trust your own judgement.
 

GalaxyDog

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Most of you are posting from the passenger point of view -- and the irony is, is that the interior, seating etc are nice. Colleague who works them was first over the moon as he gives a damn, and also, full fitted corridor working meant that he could in theory work the train more until --- oh wait. Senior conductors are pretty much tethered to the rear cab because of the duplicity over the door panels promise.

Furthermore, the issues aren't the passenger interiors [yet]. It's all the mechanicals, and the computer and badly fitted electronics and poor build quality - seals and trims aready falling out, the big freeze, three times in three days having to stop a service to do a brake test, list goes on. I'm not looking forward to them reaching our southern waters.
 

pokemonsuper9

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What if instead of having to install many door panels could the guard just get a remote control for the doors so they don't have to install many panels up or down the train the guard just presses a number on a keypad or something and that door acts as the local door then it works just as a handheld panel? (idea that I haven't thought through, please criticise as necessary)
 
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AlexNL

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That's not technically impossible, but comes with its own slew of problems.

To name a few...

1- Safety. GOP panels are in physical locations and need to be operated with a key. A RC can be stolen from a guard and used by miscreant brats. While stealing keys (or just buying them second hand on eBay) is not impossible, there's a smaller chance of wreaking havoc with this as it can only be done from physical locations and it's easy to spot when an unauthorised person uses a GOP.
2- The live railway is a tough environment. How much of a guarantee is there that the remote control will work properly under all conditions, even when in a confined space (underground station) or when you're standing on an overhead electrified line? AC is known to cause interference issues, is the RC system immune enough to that?
3- A remote control will have to work with one train at a time. If there's two trains of the same design in a platform, pressing [close doors] should not close the doors on both. Thus, a pairing mechanism has to be created to couple a RC to a train.
4- However, a train can be formed of multiple units. The remote will have to work with the entire train, no matter where the guard is standing. The pairing mechanism should be smart enough to work from wherever the guard may be standing, but should stop doing so when the train is divided.
5- Since RCs are moveable objects, it's inevitable that pairing has to be redone every now and then. That means some more staff training. It also means that there'll inevitably be disruption caused by a loss of pairing and unfamiliar train crew not succeeding in re-pairing RC to train. Is that acceptable?
6- A remote control means that it'll have to have a battery. What are you going to do when the battery dies midway through the shift?
7- RCs will inevitably end up getting misplaced or lost. What if guard 1 books off and by accident takes the RC home with them? Half an hour later Guard 2 books on and has no RC for the train they're supposed to work. Can the service still run?
8- 5 to 10 years from now, many RCs are likely to be in a poor shape and need to be replaced. Does the manufacturer of the chosen system still supply parts for it? Or even worse, does the company itself still exist?
 

pokemonsuper9

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All completely valid criticisms
1- Safety. GOP panels are in physical locations and need to be operated with a key. A RC can be stolen from a guard and used by miscreant brats. While stealing keys (or just buying them second hand on eBay) is not impossible, there's a smaller chance of wreaking havoc with this as it can only be done from physical locations and it's easy to spot when an unauthorised person uses a GOP.
Are the keys very specific, from my perspective they just look like shapes but I wouldn't be surprised if they have normal key-like works that are just not as easily noticeable.
Obviously they probably have to be standard across an entire class (maybe across a whole family or company)?
I don't know much about the keys I just know they exist.
 

Geeves

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Going off on a tangent a little but while T keys are used on board the key for the door controls is different and more difficult to come by. Probably a good thing in some respects.
 

D365

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What if instead of having to install many door panels could the guard just get a remote control for the doors so they don't have to install many panels up or down the train the guard just presses a number on a keypad or something and that door acts as the local door then it works just as a handheld panel? (idea that I haven't thought through, please criticise as necessary)
Adding guard control pushbuttons to the doors isn’t a difficult task, what’s been difficult is adding the electric signals to the trains.
 

skyhigh

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three times in three days having to stop a service to do a brake test, list goes on
That will improve in time. When our 195s were new it was a major issue, but now they've settled in and "BRAKE TEST REQUIRED" is written at the appropriate places on the docket it's become a non issue. We also quickly learnt that when you get the TCMS alarm for brake test required, there's no need to stop specially to do it, you'll have enough time to get to the end of your trip.
 

GalaxyDog

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That will improve in time. When our 195s were new it was a major issue, but now they've settled in and "BRAKE TEST REQUIRED" is written at the appropriate places on the docket it's become a non issue. We also quickly learnt that when you get the TCMS alarm for brake test required, there's no need to stop specially to do it, you'll have enough time to get to the end of your trip.
The brake test thing was just one reason apparently.
 

david1212

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The access ramps a major issue - the original ramps not long enough to counter the fact that a 196 floor is raised higher than a 170/172 or 158. The solution was to create a separate bridging ramp that is stored separately from the ramp, causing more time lost when needing to assist a wheelchair bound passenger.
....

While across the UK in reality there never will be a standard platform height but there an Access for All Programme having a new train design that needs either a longer ramp or the use of a bridging plate ought not to have been permitted. A lower floor so a shorter ramp rather than the current design(s) for classes 158/170/172 long term would be progress.
 

pokemonsuper9

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While across the UK in reality there never will be a standard platform height but there an Access for All Programme having a new train design that needs either a longer ramp or the use of a bridging plate ought not to have been permitted. A lower floor so a shorter ramp rather than the current design(s) for classes 158/170/172 long term would be progress.
would it not be possible to set a standard height for new stations, that if any stations are going to be largely reworked they should be adjusted to that height (e.g. rural stations that are built on wood)
 

6Gtraincrew

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would it not be possible to set a standard height for new stations, that if any stations are going to be largely reworked they should be adjusted to that height (e.g. rural stations that are built on wood)
There already is, GIRT7020 stipulates 915mm from the railhead
 

AJDesiro

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After 7 journeys on the class 196. I've noticed that the space saver toilet has always been out of order, aside from the first day of operation. Is anyone aware of any issues with them that mean they can't be used, or have I just been unlucky? There seems to always be a queue for the PRM toilet as a result.
 

GWVillager

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After 7 journeys on the class 196. I've noticed that the space saver toilet has always been out of order, aside from the first day of operation. Is anyone aware of any issues with them that mean they can't be used, or have I just been unlucky? There seems to always be a queue for the PRM toilet as a result.
They’ve been in use every time I’ve checked, though it wouldn’t surprise me if there were issues.
 

Liam L

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MDB1images

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Reported on twitter that 196001 & 196006 worked 2J32 17:26 BHM-SHR tonight.

I then make the following as operated in service thus far.....
196001/006.
196101/102/104/107/108/110.
 
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