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Post by graeme186 on Apr 13, 2011 21:08:29 GMT
There are now two A60 Units that have been on LT/LRT/LUL metals for over 50 years, 5000 and 5002. The 12th June 2011 is of course the date that will mark 50 years since A Stock entered passenger service. The 12th June 2011 conveniently happens to fall on a Sunday. A check of the TfL website reveals that the current upgrade work plans for that date will see no Metropolitan Line service between Moorgate and Aldgate. Interestingly, I'm sure some of you will have no doubt worked out that it would be possible to form up 7-cars of the original 8-car 12th June 1961 formation if 5004 was coupled to 5234, should of course both units be available. Observations?
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metman
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5056 05/12/1961-23/04/2012 RIP
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Post by metman on Apr 13, 2011 21:22:46 GMT
Some celebration should be made. Will 5234 be useable for passengers still? It may have 6036 inside it? Perhaps it can start at Wembley Park, run to Amersham then to Watford via the north Curve and then to Harrow. Reverse to Uxbridge and then run all stations to Moorgate and back to Wembley?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2011 22:04:50 GMT
Totally agree - how about a District Dave get togther where we travel over all the Met lines on A60 stock ,while we still can?  Xerces Fobe |
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Post by citysig on Apr 14, 2011 11:14:11 GMT
I'm afraid there are no plans at this stage to run anything "special" that weekend.
I am sure that when their demise finally arrives, we'll be running some sort of farewell tour - in the same way that the Vic line is doing in a few weeks. But until that time, attention is focused more on (proper) introduction of the S-stock to Aldgate.
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metman
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Post by metman on Apr 14, 2011 11:36:55 GMT
Could you arrange for the two units to at least run together for a few bob?
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Ben
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Post by Ben on Apr 14, 2011 18:31:04 GMT
Seems a shame to miss any oppertunity to celebrate something to do with the company. I mean, who doesn't like celebrations? Also £x * 448 seats....
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 15:23:26 GMT
I agree with both the commemorative run and a forum meet! It has to be done....
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Ben
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Post by Ben on Apr 15, 2011 18:34:17 GMT
Didn't a special run on the pic happen for 30years of the 59ts?
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Post by citysig on Apr 15, 2011 20:04:19 GMT
Could you arrange for the two units to at least run together for a few bob? Much as I'm open to bribery, I'm afraid train composition is too far out of my hands. That is all decided within the depot. Once they're out and about on the railway I can make them do most things, but until that point I'm at the mercy of those within the depths of Neasden ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 10:24:03 GMT
Yesterday I took my first ever trip out of Baker Street to Amersham by A stock. I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a trip on a train more. It truly is a 'Main' line! That the A stock has done this day in, day out, without a break for half a century must be celebrated. I'm with Metman on the route but I'd also add Chesham if possible. How does one go about making the suggestion to LT or do enough of thier important people read this forum?
If nothing else, I feel that there should a 'meet' of some kind. Something should mark the first LT Electric stock to reach 50 years of continuous service. Is there a family-friendly pub close to Amersham? It may be optimistic but I've already put the date on the calendar. I just hope that there are no engineering works to spoil it!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 10:28:58 GMT
That weekend, the Met is suspended Moorgate to Aldgate, so nothing particularly special...
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Post by A60stock on Apr 27, 2011 13:01:33 GMT
amazing, 50 years later and still the same trains, glad to see that they still continue to last,
but why is it that they weren't replaced around 10 years ago (at around 40 yrs old like most other stock is replaced at), i mean wouldn't there be much controversy about the fact that trains dating from 1961 are still in intense regular service!
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metman
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Post by metman on Apr 27, 2011 15:05:46 GMT
They would be if they were rubbish, in poor condition and totally falling apart!
However, these are well built trains, and continue to give good service. They are far from modern, they are not quick off the mark and lack modern systems - which is why I love them!
They were due to be replaced by 1999, however, by the early 80s, it was realised that they could be converted from crew to driver only operation, and when the refurbishment programme came about at the end of the 80s, LUL decided they were good enough for another 15years. They were wrong, they are still going strong.
The fact that they perform so well is one reason why the S stock testing/commissioning can afford to be carried out more gradually.
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Post by norbitonflyer on Apr 27, 2011 17:24:08 GMT
amazing, 50 years later and still the same trains, glad to see that they still continue to last, but why is it that they weren't replaced around 10 years ago ! Relatively simple construction compared with the tube stock, aluminium bodies (look at the contemporary Routemaster bus!), realatively easy workload due to the long distances between stops. |
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Post by A60stock on Apr 27, 2011 18:49:41 GMT
definitely slow of the mark, but have they always been like this? i notice from videos that the 62ts which dates from the same era was alot quicker of the mark! perhaps the a stock could have been like this and they would probably be replaced even later!
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metman
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Post by metman on Apr 27, 2011 21:18:19 GMT
Not really. The A stock were designed to similar specifications of the previous T stock. The reason the A stock accelarates slower is the gear ratio. It is set like this to attain higher running speeds, up to 70mph in the past. Modern trains work differently.
Remember, the A stock has a weak field flag that affects its speed too.
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Post by A60stock on Apr 27, 2011 22:03:34 GMT
is it the only one with weak flag?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2011 23:43:49 GMT
They would be if they were rubbish, in poor condition and totally falling apart! However, these are well built trains, and continue to give good service. They are far from modern, they are not quick off the mark and lack modern systems - which is why I love them! They were due to be replaced by 1999, however, by the early 80s, it was realised that they could be converted from crew to driver only operation, and when the refurbishment programme came about at the end of the 80s, LUL decided they were good enough for another 15years. They were wrong, they are still going strong. The fact that they perform so well is one reason why the S stock testing/commissioning can afford to be carried out more gradually. Was there not also a big question mark over how many new trains would be required as a result of the original Crossrail proposal to goto Aylesbury via HOTH? Not sure if this was planned to totally take over the fast lines HOTH to Watford South junction and then to Amersham or not but I think it was - anyone know? |
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metman
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Post by metman on Apr 28, 2011 7:35:40 GMT
Yes, the Met would only have run Watford and Uxbridge, so perhaps it was being waited on to.
No the A stock is not the only stock with a field flag.
The D stock has two field flags one which affects its coasting point, the C stock has one I think, but it never gets used, the 1973, I think has one too. Not sure about the 72s!
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Post by pgb on Apr 29, 2011 15:03:02 GMT
For once this is one celebration I may actually be around for! As long as I get reminded a few days before!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2011 15:09:11 GMT
Yes, the Met would only have run Watford and Uxbridge, so perhaps it was being waited on to. No the A stock is not the only stock with a field flag. The D stock has two field flags one which affects its coasting point, the C stock has one I think, but it never gets used, the 1973, I think has one too. Not sure about the 72s! D stock doesn't have two weak field flags. It has a weak field flag and a coasting control flag, like you said, but they aren't called the same thing! [/pedant] |
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Post by citysig on Apr 30, 2011 15:04:39 GMT
I don't want to cause too much excitement at this stage, but let me just say that "something" may be being planned to mark the occasion. Suggestions of how the occasion could be marked have been asked for by our management, so we will see  ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2011 16:27:54 GMT
Certainly I was asked to give my views last year (positive, by the way!), after which things went rather quiet. Here's hoping that it may be revived - I am thus keeping my fingers crossed!
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Ben
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Post by Ben on Apr 30, 2011 17:54:11 GMT
Fantastic news, lets hope it comes to fruition! |
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Post by graeme186 on Apr 30, 2011 18:53:39 GMT
That's great news MetControl, thank you for the tip. Fingers crossed.
5004 reached 50 years yesterday on LT/LUL metals and was in service formed up with 5165. Another unit was also due to make 50 yesterday but alas, an unfortunate electrical fault intervened at the wrong time.
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Post by A60stock on Apr 30, 2011 19:25:29 GMT
I'm on 6057 and the sound of the compressorrs sound almost identical to the jubiilee line ones what's going on, has it been replaced?!!
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Post by A60stock on Apr 30, 2011 19:26:27 GMT
Its an a60 as well!
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metman
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5056 05/12/1961-23/04/2012 RIP
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Post by metman on May 1, 2011 7:40:44 GMT
It is an A60 and my favourate unit! It has a Westinghouse DHC5A reciprocating compressors whilst the 1996 stock as a H.R.S version. They are both reciprocating but to my ears there is nothing else that sounds like a DHC5A!
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Post by A60stock on May 1, 2011 13:11:28 GMT
i see why is it the only unit that sounds different to the rest the other units?!
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Post by graeme186 on Jun 3, 2011 20:17:18 GMT
There have been no more postings on this thread for five weeks now so I can only assume (I hope wrongly) that there are no plans to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of 'A' Stock into passenger service next Sunday the 12th June 2011?
Is there anybody who reads / uses this site who is in a position to help ensure that 5004 is used in passenger service next Sunday the 12th June (and also 5010 the following day)? I and I'm sure many others will be extremely grateful! Thank you in anticipation.
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;D
