neilw
now that's what I call a garden railway
Posts: 284
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Post by neilw on Feb 10, 2017 10:51:26 GMT
yes, I've done it, about 20 years ago, arrived at a signal failure and was unable to make contact by radio so had to take off juice to use hand set to speak to controller. Was nervous about it but not a problem. Wires surprisingly thick and tight when handled. I did not feel any current.
I thought that the Drico telephone which clipped to the wires didn't trip the current, only the emergency phone carried in a wooden box? Or am I out of date?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2017 11:53:38 GMT
yes, I've done it, about 20 years ago, arrived at a signal failure and was unable to make contact by radio so had to take off juice to use hand set to speak to controller. Was nervous about it but not a problem. Wires surprisingly thick and tight when handled. I did not feel any current. I thought that the Drico telephone which clipped to the wires didn't trip the current, only the emergency phone carried in a wooden box? Or am I out of date? Indeed use of a DRICO handset did not discharge traction current, but philthetube is not describing use of said handset. Nor were they still in use "about 20 years ago". |
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Post by John Tuthill on Feb 10, 2017 12:08:24 GMT
I thought that the Drico telephone which clipped to the wires didn't trip the current, only the emergency phone carried in a wooden box? Or am I out of date? Indeed use of a DRICO handset did not discharge traction current, but philthetube is not describing use of said handset. Nor were they still in use "about 20 years ago". I can remember more years ago than I'll admit, a 'Ladybird' type book showing a diagram of how this works. It showed a relay coil energising when the wires were shorted, and the relay contact disconnecting the power. Anyone else remember seeing this? |
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Post by norbitonflyer on Feb 10, 2017 17:35:09 GMT
, a 'Ladybird' type book showing a diagram of how this works. It showed a relay coil energising when the wires were shorted, and the relay contact disconnecting the power. Anyone else remember seeing this? I remember finding such a book in the library, although I don't think it was a Ladybird. Not only did I learn about tunnel telephones from that diagram, but I learned about electrical relays. I must have been about eight years old. I still visualise relays as mechanical devices, exactly as shown in the diagram. |
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Post by stapler on Feb 25, 2017 9:22:41 GMT
A very good explanation of the system of the Drico and the jumper cable method of moving stock in [Ruislip] Depot, can be found in te MoT report into the Redbridge Tunnel Fire of 1960 www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Redbridge1960.pdfAlso contains the info that at the time, LT intended to keep 1927 Standard stock running well into the 60s on the Loop and Epping Ongar etc |
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Post by PiccNT on Mar 22, 2017 14:01:24 GMT
From the 24th April 2017 Tunnel Telephone (TT) Wires will be decommissioned from operational use.
This also includes fixed tunnel telephones on the Heathrow Loop and King’s Cross to Moorgate on the Hammersmith and City Line.
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Post by stapler on Mar 22, 2017 14:18:44 GMT
Piccnt, how will current be switched off after 24 April, then?
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Post by PiccNT on Mar 22, 2017 14:24:02 GMT
We use Connect radio these days or our handheld radios. Can also use autophones located on platforms and various other methods. With the reliability of Connect, it is no longer deemed necessary to keep the TT wires in place as they can cause more problems than they solve.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2017 14:32:13 GMT
From the 24th April 2017 Tunnel Telephone (TT) Wires will be decommissioned from operational use. This also includes fixed tunnel telephones on the Heathrow Loop and King’s Cross to Moorgate on the Hammersmith and City Line. Where has this been publicised? |
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Post by PiccNT on Mar 22, 2017 14:51:45 GMT
Internally as part of an Operational Standard Notice (131).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2017 14:54:26 GMT
Internally as part of an Operational Standard Notice (131). Thanks. I assumed it would have come from the traffic circular but couldn't find an entry about it. |
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Post by John Tuthill on Mar 22, 2017 15:29:26 GMT
We use Connect radio these days or our handheld radios. Can also use autophones located on platforms and various other methods. With the reliability of Connect, it is no longer deemed necessary to keep the TT wires in place as they can cause more problems than they solve. And another piece of history goes  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2017 17:09:53 GMT
We use Connect radio these days or our handheld radios. Can also use autophones located on platforms and various other methods. With the reliability of Connect, it is no longer deemed necessary to keep the TT wires in place as they can cause more problems than they solve. Only when they break which is usually when the tunnels leak abit straight onto them |
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rincew1nd
Administrator
Junior Under-wizzard of quiz
Posts: 10,286 
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Post by rincew1nd on Mar 22, 2017 22:13:43 GMT
From the 24th April 2017 Tunnel Telephone (TT) Wires will be decommissioned from operational use. This also includes fixed tunnel telephones on the Heathrow Loop and King’s Cross to Moorgate on the Hammersmith and City Line. Is this system-wide or line-specific? |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2017 0:21:33 GMT
From the 24th April 2017 Tunnel Telephone (TT) Wires will be decommissioned from operational use. This also includes fixed tunnel telephones on the Heathrow Loop and King’s Cross to Moorgate on the Hammersmith and City Line. Is this system-wide or line-specific? It will be system wide - not sure if all being decommissioned on the same date. Not at work for a few days so cannot dig out the information. There was an RMT communication about this as they are not happy. |
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Post by brigham on Mar 23, 2017 8:55:49 GMT
Who needs these pointless safety devices, when you can save money?
Nothing is going to go wrong!
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Post by bassmike on Mar 23, 2017 12:04:29 GMT
Go wrong--Go wrong --Go wrong
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Chris M
Global Moderator
Forum Quizmaster
Always happy to receive quiz ideas and pictures by email or PM
Posts: 19,761
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Post by Chris M on Mar 29, 2017 17:47:38 GMT
While looking for something else, I've found a demonstration of tunnel telephone wires being used in this video - skip to 6:20.
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Post by MoreToJack on Mar 29, 2017 19:37:36 GMT
Is this system-wide or line-specific? It will be system wide - not sure if all being decommissioned on the same date. Not at work for a few days so cannot dig out the information. There was an RMT communication about this as they are not happy. System wide, at the same time. Theoretically (from the information that I have) they will still work after this date, but will no longer be maintained and, over the coming months and years, will be removed and replaced with new insulated wires (rather than the exposed ones as present) to ensure that the headwall tunnel telephones continue to work. Basically, the ability to 'pinch and rub' and attach a tunnel telephone handset is being withdrawn. This really isn't a massive deal. The last time the wires were used in anger was at least five years ago - probably longer - and many areas spend large time periods of time with the overrides in place due to some fault or another. As I've mentioned, the headwall tunnel telephones will continue to functuon, whilst the widespread use of Connect radio tends to make communication with the controller much quicker anyway. In the event of a train radio failure, SCDs still remain available, although there is no guarantee that these will remove traction current from an area. In an extreme emergency this might mean current stays on for a couple of seconds longer, but at the same time assistance can be rendered much quicker - the conversation would still have to happen if the TT wires were activated. There's also no guarantee (the same goes for a HWTT call) that traction current will be discharged, or recharged, until the controller is spoken to, who in turn will liaise with power control at "Leicester Square"*. That said - I am a little surprised that the fixed Hi-Lo telephones are being decommissioned. When I first was told about the plans it sounded like the TT wires would be replaced across the Combine by these, as they are more reliable and maintain many of the same features of the TT wires. A combination of costs and redundancy (see Connect above), I suppose. (*Is the power control room still at Leicester Square? I should know this, but I don't. A few people have said it's moved, but whenever power control is referred to it's still "Leicester Square", and that's how it's labelled on our phones... Hmm.) |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
Posts: 1,769
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Post by North End on Mar 29, 2017 22:45:28 GMT
It will be system wide - not sure if all being decommissioned on the same date. Not at work for a few days so cannot dig out the information. There was an RMT communication about this as they are not happy. System wide, at the same time. Theoretically (from the information that I have) they will still work after this date, but will no longer be maintained and, over the coming months and years, will be removed and replaced with new insulated wires (rather than the exposed ones as present) to ensure that the headwall tunnel telephones continue to work. Basically, the ability to 'pinch and rub' and attach a tunnel telephone handset is being withdrawn. This really isn't a massive deal. The last time the wires were used in anger was at least five years ago - probably longer - and many areas spend large time periods of time with the overrides in place due to some fault or another. As I've mentioned, the headwall tunnel telephones will continue to functuon, whilst the widespread use of Connect radio tends to make communication with the controller much quicker anyway. In the event of a train radio failure, SCDs still remain available, although there is no guarantee that these will remove traction current from an area. In an extreme emergency this might mean current stays on for a couple of seconds longer, but at the same time assistance can be rendered much quicker - the conversation would still have to happen if the TT wires were activated. There's also no guarantee (the same goes for a HWTT call) that traction current will be discharged, or recharged, until the controller is spoken to, who in turn will liaise with power control at "Leicester Square"*. That said - I am a little surprised that the fixed Hi-Lo telephones are being decommissioned. When I first was told about the plans it sounded like the TT wires would be replaced across the Combine by these, as they are more reliable and maintain many of the same features of the TT wires. A combination of costs and redundancy (see Connect above), I suppose. (*Is the power control room still at Leicester Square? I should know this, but I don't. A few people have said it's moved, but whenever power control is referred to it's still "Leicester Square", and that's how it's labelled on our phones... Hmm.) Power control is at Palestra now along with everything else. From what I gather they were one of the more reluctant movers, for reasons which are entirely understandable. Still referred to as "Leicester Square" though. |
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Post by philthetube on Mar 30, 2017 4:34:24 GMT
It will be system wide - not sure if all being decommissioned on the same date. Not at work for a few days so cannot dig out the information. There was an RMT communication about this as they are not happy. System wide, at the same time. Theoretically (from the information that I have) they will still work after this date, but will no longer be maintained and, over the coming months and years, will be removed and replaced with new insulated wires (rather than the exposed ones as present) to ensure that the headwall tunnel telephones continue to work. Basically, the ability to 'pinch and rub' and attach a tunnel telephone handset is being withdrawn. This really isn't a massive deal. The last time the wires were used in anger was at least five years ago - probably longer - and many areas spend large time periods of time with the overrides in place due to some fault or another. As I've mentioned, the headwall tunnel telephones will continue to functuon, whilst the widespread use of Connect radio tends to make communication with the controller much quicker anyway. In the event of a train radio failure, SCDs still remain available, although there is no guarantee that these will remove traction current from an area. In an extreme emergency this might mean current stays on for a couple of seconds longer, but at the same time assistance can be rendered much quicker - the conversation would still have to happen if the TT wires were activated. There's also no guarantee (the same goes for a HWTT call) that traction current will be discharged, or recharged, until the controller is spoken to, who in turn will liaise with power control at "Leicester Square"*. That said - I am a little surprised that the fixed Hi-Lo telephones are being decommissioned. When I first was told about the plans it sounded like the TT wires would be replaced across the Combine by these, as they are more reliable and maintain many of the same features of the TT wires. A combination of costs and redundancy (see Connect above), I suppose. (*Is the power control room still at Leicester Square? I should know this, but I don't. A few people have said it's moved, but whenever power control is referred to it's still "Leicester Square", and that's how it's labelled on our phones... Hmm.) SCD's can be used only in extreme emergency and even then only at the users choice and discretion. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2017 4:44:38 GMT
They don't arc that much when putting on live track but they can only be removed when traction current is off
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Post by AndrewPSSP on Mar 30, 2017 8:08:40 GMT
These wires are still present and working in the Thames Tunnel (L O ) Are they actively used on Overground, or is it just a remnant from the LU days? |
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Chris M
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Posts: 19,761
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Post by Chris M on Mar 30, 2017 8:25:14 GMT
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Post by bassmike on Mar 30, 2017 12:40:28 GMT
Thanks for that M D
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Post by trt on Jul 19, 2017 9:44:16 GMT
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