(21/07/2016 18:49)wirralbus Wrote: [ -> ]Considering the present set up uses 57 out 59 possible available units , im interested now to see what 50 units does especially at Aintree time .
Where do you get 57 from. Even with major events such as the Grand National, it's less than that
57 is the absolute maximum amount of units , including tactical spares , the other 2 units are in maintainence even at grand national time . If you have seen it operated with less than that the spares have been unavailable for use to becoming failures.
There will be a little holiday major maintainence wise when the new units become available.
The Grand National Saturday is worked by a maximum of 54 units (17 Southport, 10 Ormskirk, 6 Aintree, 3 Kirkby, 4 New Brighton, 5 West Kirby, 6 Chester and 3 Ellesmere Port). It is never any more than that and, excepting the replacement of failed units, I've never seen 57 of the 59 units in operation at any one time.
17 on the Southport means there has to be careful diagramming of where the 17th unit is in the service as one has to be a three car , was your breakdown including the change to the Kirkby services this year during the event for the first time
(22/07/2016 18:40)wirralbus Wrote: [ -> ]17 on the Southport means there has to be careful diagramming of where the 17th unit is in the service as one has to be a three car , was your breakdown including the change to the Kirkby services this year during the event for the first time
On the Grand National Saturday, they use 7 six car and 3 three car formations on the Southport line (this route always has 10 train sets off-peak). It has been this way for several years now.
I don't think the Kirkby line cessation was all day during the meeting earlier this year, just for the morning period. Regardless, the Kirkby line would still have needed its normal allocation of 3 units as in normal service Kirkby trains pass at Sandhills.
Im sure the change was introduced to try and save a unit from the Kirkby line , it would be pointless operationally to have the turnback siding used up for so long .
(28/07/2016 10:25)wirralbus Wrote: [ -> ]Im sure the change was introduced to try and save a unit from the Kirkby line , it would be pointless operationally to have the turnback siding used up for so long .
Nope. It was brought in so that there would be less train movements around Liverpool Central. This would help get the Aintree bound trains departing / arriving on time.
The Northern line takes a double whammy next year as The Open is being held at Birkdale as well as the well rehearsed Aintree now .
(28/07/2016 10:25)wirralbus Wrote: [ -> ]Im sure the change was introduced to try and save a unit from the Kirkby line , it would be pointless operationally to have the turnback siding used up for so long .
With only one minute difference between the Liverpool Central and Kirkby bound departures, there simply isn't enough time for a unit to terminate at Sandhills, reverse in the turnback siding and enter the adjacent platform. You can't reduce the Kirkby line to two units in this instance.
508131 failed in Ormskirk yesterday afternoon it appeared to have lost its air and was hissing loudly. My train the 16:20 formed of 507009 could still get in at the top end due to it being a 3 car but the next service at 16:35 couldn't as it was a 6 car and was turned back at Town Green. Wonder how long it took to get 508131 moved?