Use of Fast Lines by District trains

[trc666]

I know that District drivers have route knowledge of the fast lines from Barons Court to Acton Town (and Piccadilly drivers sign the locals), but how often does this happen nowadays and when was the last time a C or D stock used the fast line in service?

[Deleted]

No scheduled workings in the current WTT, but it does happen from time to time, e.g. when there is a failure or 'blockage' on the District Line. Couldn't give a date when it last happened but certainly in the last year or so. Being during times of troubles, it is always 'short notice'.

[21146]

Here is an example from 2009:

www.flickr.com/photos/24772733@N05/3424934630/

[Deleted]

Well done 21146 - glad you were there!!

[Deleted]

Provided that the larger District line stock does not foul the loading gauge of the Piccadilly line route, which normally has smaller trains on it........

[Deleted]

That photo is a perfect example of LU's old way of doing things. Making it flexible! If the same happened at Wembley Park, the met would be suspended rather than taken over the Jubly tracks, because of the removal of crossovers at Finchley Road and the new signalling!

[Deleted]

District stock is "in gauge" between Acton Town and Hammersmith, both roads.

The only problem if such trains were diverted (e.g. EB District over the EB Piccadilly) would be if the points 'failed' just east of Hammersmith, preventing the District train gaining its rightful territory. It could, of course, be put into the siding.

On the other hand, if an EB Picc was diverted over the EB District, and the points failed just east of Hammersmith, the (Picc) train would have to stay put until a pilotman (or should I say pilot person or pilot driver?) could be obtained because Picc crews are no longer 'familiar' with the route to West Kensington.

[roythebus]

I used it once (probably recorded elsewhere on here too) in about 1971 when one of the then new diesel locos blew up under the e/b DR at Acton town on a particular track circuit. We were diverted along the Picc to Hammersmith non-stop. I was surprised how good the ride was in R stock, especially when the picc trains bounced along there!

[Deleted]

Apr 21, 2011 21:39:13 GMT @reganorak said:

the (Picc) train would have to stay put until a pilotman (or should I say pilot person or pilot driver?) could be obtained

Simply "Pilot" in current terminology ;D ;D

[Deleted]

I thought pilot was an aeroplane driver ;D ;D

[Deleted]

Apr 24, 2011 16:32:36 GMT Dstock7080 said:

I didn't think that DR drivers were fully trained on the fast lines?
The Piccadilly Line drivers are road-trained over both tracks. The DR drivers not, so that on occasions of diversion are 'entitled' to a Pilot.

District drivers are route trained over the Piccadilly fast lines (the initial training requirement is one trip in each direction, which may be made by observation from the cab of a 1973 stock) and it falls within the minimum required route knowledge for a District driver, drivers must there after self refresh by observation from the adjacent local lines and certify competence on the 6 monthly TD5 form. If competence is not self certified a class room refresher may be provided (by dvd usualy) continued non-certification will throw up a question of profesional competence. A pilot may still be called for (and should) if the operator does not feel competent, however the delay awaiting the pilot, any consequent delay, diversion or cancellation, will be booked to the operator as staff error. A series of staff errors may again bring up a question of professional competence.