|
Post by wimblephil on Jun 1, 2016 6:15:47 GMT
So finally Platform 3 is no more and Platform 2 is a through platform. It's confused the odd commuter, which can be rather amusing! Trains still seem enter the platform quite slowly, but certainly appear to depart a lot quicker... S-Stock still announce the last doors will not open, so I guess an amendment shall be forthcoming...?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on May 18, 2016 18:58:18 GMT
To be fair, if you search for Acton Main Line on Google Maps, then try and find Paddington, it is a fair old distance! Obviously the Tube map gets a little skewed, but I think that's actually quite representative!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Apr 16, 2016 21:01:20 GMT
- additional WB one, added March 2016 Ah so that answers my earlier question. I thought I can't have just missed that one before!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Apr 14, 2016 18:07:00 GMT
Speaking of these, I've only recently noticed the 'big' one opposite the one pictured on the left there.
Is it a recent installation, or have I just been walking around with my eyes closed!?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Apr 11, 2016 20:06:29 GMT
Nominated D Stock workings from today are: M-F 1, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 15, 20, 32, 54, 56, 62, 63, 66, 67. peak workings: 101 102 105 106 107 124 125. All other trains can be formed of either D or S7, with the exception of: 7 must be S7, 125(AM) must be D. Just been having a gander at the May 2015 WTT, and it's interesting to me to note that, and its commencement, the anticipated nominated workings for S Stock were: 7, 32, 56, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 123, 124. ...however, now all but 7, 64 &123, are part of the nominated for D! Is there a reason behind that...?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Apr 1, 2016 9:12:09 GMT
In regards to the refresh, I'm surprised the poles have remained brown, and the seat covers have been given a unique colouring... I thought the idea was that all Deep Level lines were to look the same from now on, hence why the Northern line refurb looks like a Vic-Pic hybrid! ??
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Mar 23, 2016 19:23:04 GMT
Spotted individual line diagrams beneath the advertising boards whilst travelling between Shepard's Bush/Clapham Junction this evening.
There were only ones for Watford Junction - Euston and Richmond/Clapham Junction - Stratford at the time, and each was named as written.
All the Overground Interchanges on the diagrams were labelled as per the routes available from them eg. 'Gospel Oak to Barking' at Gospel Oak, 'Highbury & Islington - Clapham Junction/West Croydon' at Canonbury (note New Cross/Crystal Palace were note detailed; too many words I would suspect!)
So I would presume the plan is to give prominence to the 6 routes that operate? i.e.
Richmond/Clapham Junction - Stratford Highbury & Islington - Clapham Junction/West Croydon(/New Cross/Crystal Palace) Watford Junction - Euston Gospel Oak - Barking Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford - Liverpool Street Romford - Upminster
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Mar 23, 2016 8:50:24 GMT
I suppose that for people who have used them from terminal stations such as Wimbledon, Richmond, Tower Hill, etc, they know about this, but for people who only ever use intermediate stations, it is a bit of a surprise. And even those that do/probably should know still panic at the sound of the door closure chimes. My daily commute sees me using both Wimbledon and Hammersmith stations, and so many people run for the first set of doors when they hear the chime, causing unnecessary panic, crushing, door blocking etc. Personally I keep my eye on the signal whilst walking along the platform; all the whilst it's red, I know I'm safe! I appreciate the average passenger shouldn't have to do that though. It doesn't help that drivers are inconsistent with their behaviour upon departure. Some will just close the doors and set off, no warning - I've often seen people walking along the platform left behind because the train just departs no warning (and once or twice I've been a part of that group when I've not kept one eye on the signal - angry does not cover it!). Some will make an announcement/play the automated 'about to depart' message, close the open doors and set off. Other's will re-open & close all doors and depart. And some will re-open all doors, make an announcement/play the automated message, then close all doors and depart. Personally, I think all should be doing the latter at terminal stations, as it's the greatest help to passangers.
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Mar 14, 2016 22:41:51 GMT
They are updated often, on some on the S stock it still mentions the lift closure at Hammersmith that happened in 2013. This seems like somewhat of a contradiction... Lol! I didn't realise some of the S7's were that bad. Will have to have a proper perusal on my daily commute...!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Mar 14, 2016 20:08:11 GMT
I'm excited bar one point... it's on Channel 5! I'd have more faith in a quality programme if the BBC were still involved. But of course I can't make much comment until after actually viewing it!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Mar 14, 2016 20:06:21 GMT
Not strictly about the S7 stock, but to save starting a new thread...
I've noticed new in-car line diagrams appearing in D Stock, showing the new 'Zone 2/3' in East London. Is it actually worth the cost/effort to update these, since they only have a few months left in service? I'm not sure how much difference it will make to people using these stations? I've yet to see any appear in S-Stock yet...
On the topic of in car diagrams in general, how often are they likely to be updated? What are the costs involved? I'm surprised there's been no investment into digitising these displays. I would think in the long term, it would be cost-beneficial to do so...?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Feb 24, 2016 21:11:44 GMT
I guess I'm one of the few, but personally I prefer them. I hate facing seats unless you're with a friend. It's just awkward to sit opposite somebody you don't know exchanging awkward glances!
I'm fairly short, so can't really speak about any lack of leg room or whatever. And yes, it can be awkward getting out of a window seat if somebody is next to you, but it can be just as difficult trying to scramble out between knees in a facing seats situation, particularly those with a 3+2 arrangement!
When on Southern's Class 377's my personal aim is to nab a forward facing, airline style, priority seat in the driving coach! (depending on the time of day and how full the train is likely to be!)
When it comes to the tube, I prefer longitudinal. For main line, fairy distant journey's though, I agree they're not so great!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Feb 18, 2016 21:42:09 GMT
Thats crazy that they feel they have the right to refuse to alight when instructed to do so. They should be fined for the trouble and delays they contributed to. Some people...!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Feb 6, 2016 21:32:42 GMT
Why should the link be provided free of charge? I don't understand the rationale...?
As already stated, there is a nearby tunnel pedestrian's can use free-of-charge if needs be, with the entrance practically opposite Rotherhite station, though it comes out nearer Limehouse than Wapping. I do have to say though, having used it just the other week to see what it was like, it isn't a particularly pleasant experience, with the traffic just inches from you, and exhaust fumes noticeably filling the air from just a few hundred yards in. You really do feel you are chasing that fresh air for the last leg of it!
With regards to the 'Emirates line', surely the desire to increase patronage in peak times is the need to generate the revenue it requires to run. How would making it free-of-charge achieve that?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Jan 21, 2016 22:40:43 GMT
It is also slightly misleading in suggesting Edqware Road to Richmond/Ealing is possible without changing, but it's no worse than the existing S7 diagrams in that respect Well technically that IS possible, and does happen on the odd occasion! They need to do away with the Hammersmith&City and Circle lines as separate routes. It's one line with two branches in essence! Remove that awful pink, stupid long name and horrible '& City' suffix. That'd neaten and clean things up quite nicely!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Jan 15, 2016 12:17:58 GMT
I see! Sounds plausible!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Jan 14, 2016 17:52:41 GMT
So mystery...! Perhaps just some technical glitch!?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Jan 14, 2016 8:47:35 GMT
SDO is not operative at Wimbledon Park or Southfields and all doors should have opened on all cars. It is possible to put the doors into 'passenger only' mode, whereby the doors will only open if the passengers push the button. This mode should not be used. (service was suspended until 0758, signals failing at Fulham Broadway) Indeed thats why I'm intrigued as to what happened! I was stood right next to a set of doors, I think the middle ones on the third car. After the train came to a stop, the doors did not open, the button on the doors did not light up, but there was apparently a set open a couple of doors up on the next car, and I think the next set down on the car I was on. As I say, it appeared there was just one set open per car, but the train was very packed so I can't guarantee that that is what actually occurred...
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Jan 14, 2016 8:23:16 GMT
I have (another) question! RE: the doors. Just come into Wimbledon Park and it seems only one set of doors per car opened. Is this a feature of the SDO on S-Stock? No announcement or apologies from the T-Op. Severe delays on the branch this morning too, so lucky it only happened at WP and not Southfields too or there'd have been mayhem...!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 22, 2015 20:58:02 GMT
Oh wow was it that long ago! Shows how much attention I've actually been paying then! I'm not surprised it was difficult to come out. It did look pretty snug in it's home!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 22, 2015 9:33:15 GMT
Today I noticed that the buffer stop has been removed at Putney Bridge. When did this happen? The progress of works at the station feels to be progressing at a fairly steady place. Is there a proposed date for when Platform 2 will become the through platform? Looking at the 6 month look ahead, the only Wimbledon branch closure is the May Bank Holiday weekend. Could it be then?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 20, 2015 17:45:26 GMT
Common sense would suggest yes, but we all know how often common sense takes a back seat these days! Aside from the fact that the signs on the front of the trains look like they've been done by children and ruin the appearance of the 378, what possible operational value is gained by them? The passengers can only get in to whatever is provided be it 4 or 5 car/carriage/coach (take your pick) so the signs mean nothing. A stuffed 5 car/carriage/coach (take your pick) train turning up is of no value whatsoever compared to a half empty 4 car/carriage/coach (take your pick). This comes across as rather a grumpy statement I have to say! Surely it's a publicity thing more than anything, to highlight to the people of overcrowded services (whom often moan/complain of trains being too short), that TfL are re-investing income into providing more carriages. The more they see, the better things will appear. It's a perception thing! Once all services are 5-car, no doubt they'll removed, and you can smile again...
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 8, 2015 7:29:21 GMT
Feels like the Olympia service is more subject to advertised running than advertised closures! They clearly want it to DIE....!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 6, 2015 17:45:23 GMT
Cool. Thanks for the informative reply! It sounds like the best solution is to just grab another Oyster card from a machine, call up the helpline and ask for a transfer of the remaining balance plus, the refund I was emailed about. The 16-25 card wasn't loaded onto my Oyster. I wasn't aware it could be to be honest! I bought it 6 months ago at Victoria, so might just take the receipt and ask for a re-issue, and swallow the charge. It was my fault for losing it after all! The main thing I don't like is my name and face on a card floating around at there somewhere! Oh well! Thanks again!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 6, 2015 17:11:10 GMT
I'm wondering if anyone can help with any advice on the below...
I lost my Oyster Card somehow en-route to work on Monday 30th, so have been using contactless since. I really want to get back to Oyster, because the delay at the gate-line for contactless compared to Oyster is significant enough that I don't feel comfortable feeling like I'm causing a hold up during the peak hours!
I went online as soon as I got to work to report it lost and request a replacement. Unfortunately I was met with the message that I'd reported a lost card too many times (I happened to lose my card twice within two weeks last December (Christmas parties!)), and that I'd have to call a Number. I've been so busy with work that I've only just got round to thinking about it.
I logged in again online today to check the journey history to see if anyone might have found it and been using it, and it's showing as being cancelled at East Putney on Weds 2nd. Is this likely to be due to a hand-in to staff, who've then cancelled it, or would somebody have tried to cancel it to get any money off it?
I also had my 16-25 rail card in the holder, so if possible it would be great to retrieve that! If handed in at East Putney, would the staff hold on to it, or would it be sent to Baker Street? Would it be worth a visit to East Putney to try and ask a member of staff, or better just to call the TfL CS? And will I have to make separate calls to the Oyster line for the Oyster card and Lost Property for the 16-25 card? I did try to call the Oyster line today, but was on hold for 15mins so gave up. I'm also worried that it could be costly as the charges info says you *could* be charged up to 40p a minute for 020 and 034 from Mobiles (but isn't 020 just a London Area Code!?). Confused! I've never called an 034 number before, so no idea if I'll get charged for that. My Mobile includes unlimited minutes, so I'm hoping it'll just be covered by that!?
Also...! I strangely got an e-mail on Friday 4th, saying I'm due a £5.90 refund to be collected at Wimbledon. Trouble is that's now linked to the card which has now been cancelled at East Putney right? So how would I get that back? Another call to TfL to ask it to be linked to a new card that I'll inevitably have to get?
What a headache I've caused myself! Any advice would be appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Dec 1, 2015 22:29:10 GMT
And if 4 S stocks arrive per month from now on, all the D's will be gone by late Summer 2016. So all is on track. Is that the plan? So one per week from here on in?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Nov 29, 2015 16:41:24 GMT
Is there a way to describe this in more simplistic terms!? The bit I don't understand is "the Operator has kept the TBC in the braking arc" sorry if I'm being thick! I'm interested in the technicalities of it but don't always understand! Video tech I get, but Trains I'm still playing catchup! Is this the most likely cause tho!? On a separate note, when is the nominated workings scheduled to switch? The TBC is the Traction Brake Controller. You twist it (this provides the dead man functionality, if you let it go, it springs back and the emergency brakes come on) and then push it forward. You can see a picture of it on this page (under "In the cab"), it's the reddish-pink handle with a big yellow button on it (passenger emergency alarm acknowledge). You push it forward to accelerate - the further you push it forward, the more power you draw. You pull it back towards you to brake - the further you pull it back, the harder you brake. If you pull it all the way back, it will slot into the emergency brake position. Now, the way the "handle" (the TBC) moves is through an arc, with 100% brakes at the back and the 0% brakes at the front of the braking arc. Then, of course, there's 100% power at the very end of the full arc. So if it's still within that braking arc, if it's in a braking position, then it's kept in the braking arc. I see! Thanks for the detailed explanation!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Nov 29, 2015 0:21:33 GMT
I've always though they should trial a full on walking escalator and full standing one. I feel this would work better. (Has this been tried before!?). I guess it wouldn't help with queuing at the bottom though? I'm sure a lot of people who actually prefer to walk (myself being on of them) will feel VERY inconvenienced by this though!!
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Nov 29, 2015 0:06:34 GMT
I've just boarded a train at Wimbledon. As I got to the platform, none of the doors on first car were open, but a stream of people were exiting from the rest of the train (which left a lot of people in the first car frantically pushing the buttons!). I assumed that perhaps the train didn't hit it's mark correctly and so none of the first and last doors opened, however upon walking through the train to the last car, all doors were open. Just curious as to what may have caused none of the first to be open, but all of the last? If the train detects it's still within the platform and the Operator has kept the TBC in the braking arc, the train would only keep the front 3-doors closed, if the Operator stopped beyond the mark. Is there a way to describe this in more simplistic terms!? The bit I don't understand is "the Operator has kept the TBC in the braking arc" sorry if I'm being thick! I'm interested in the technicalities of it but don't always understand! Video tech I get, but Trains I'm still playing catchup! Is this the most likely cause tho!? On a separate note, when is the nominated workings scheduled to switch?
|
|
|
Post by wimblephil on Nov 28, 2015 14:36:01 GMT
I've just boarded a train at Wimbledon. As I got to the platform, none of the doors on first car were open, but a stream of people were exiting from the rest of the train (which left a lot of people in the first car frantically pushing the buttons!). I assumed that perhaps the train didn't hit it's mark correctly and so none of the first and last doors opened, however upon walking through the train to the last car, all doors were open. Just curious as to what may have caused none of the first to be open, but all of the last?
|
|