Is there a problem with the air conditioning on the new units? From the photos it looks as though there are no opening windows on the 777s
When is it ever hot enough for air-conditioning in Merseyside?
Erm, every Summer?When is it ever hot enough for air-conditioning in Merseyside?
Yes they have been. An 8 car has been spotted at Hightown on test.Are the 777's being tested as 8 car formations yet?
I take it you have never ridden on the Merseyrail network at all, let alone during the summer? Much more importantly, the summer weekends!Think it's safe to say that Merseysiders won't enjoy rail air-conditioning this summer meaning the roads could be very busy if it's hot.
I take it you have never ridden on the Merseyrail network at all, let alone during the summer? Much more importantly, the summer weekends!
Steering bogies ? All train bogies (except on some trams) pivot in relation to the body, so do you mean radial steering bogies with independent pivoting axles as on the Class 66 ? If so, they don’t.Do they have steering bogies to avoid the squealing/track wear on the Loop, or just conventional ones? I recall the Jacobs bogies on FLIRTs etc are generally longer than a traditional bogie?
For what it's worth, Walton Sidings are on the original alignment of the Grand Junction Railway between Acton Grange and Bank Quay.If they're in Walton sidings, they (or at least the tops of them) would be visible on the LHS on any* train (travel restrictions apply) leaving WBQ - the WCML is quite a bit higher than Walton sidings, so you get a decent view across the sidings. *Exceptions being any TfW services routed via Walton Jn, in which cased they'd be on the RHS - not sure whether any are going this way during the reduced timetable.
Let me look at the tea leaves in my cup and my horoscope.......Is there any development on the class 777 rollout/delivery/testing/training?
In particular, I heard the battery trials were planned to start around now-does this mean the delivery of one or more 777s (with batteries fitted) in the coming weeks?
The last I heard, about 5 weeks ago, was that a battery fitted unit was expected to arrive at Kirkdale some time in April. It will be temporarily equipped with a 138kWh battery borrowed from one of the units that Stadler are building for TfW, together with a water/glycol cooling system. This is a smaller battery than the size that it is planned will eventually be fitted under each driving car of a 777 but will suffice to prove or otherwise the concept of running the units beyond the limits of the 3rd rail. It is thought that the 138kWh battery will enable at least 10 miles to be covered before recharging, a process expected to take 15 minutes. The intention initially is to test run the unit within the Merseyrail system but with the pick-up shoes lifted. Then, should the battery run down unexpectedly early, lowering the shoes will enable recharging. If the trial is a success then it will be extended to run the train for short distances beyond the 3rd rail.Is there any development on the class 777 rollout/delivery/testing/training?
In particular, I heard the battery trials were planned to start around now-does this mean the delivery of one or more 777s (with batteries fitted) in the coming weeks?
Thank you for the detailed update. I thought one was due for battery trials this month.The last I heard, about 5 weeks ago, was that a battery fitted unit was expected to arrive at Kirkdale some time in April. It will be temporarily equipped with a 138kWh battery borrowed from one of the units that Stadler are building for TfW, together with a water/glycol cooling system. This is a smaller battery than the size that it is planned will eventually be fitted under each driving car of a 777 but will suffice to prove or otherwise the concept of running the units beyond the limits of the 3rd rail. It is thought that the 138kWh battery will enable at least 10 miles to be covered before recharging, a process expected to take 15 minutes. The intention initially is to test run the unit within the Merseyrail system but with the pick-up shoes lifted. Then, should the battery run down unexpectedly early, lowering the shoes will enable recharging. If the trial is a success then it will be extended to run the train for short distances beyond the 3rd rail.
Batteries are expensive items, requiring replacement from time to time, so an economic case will need to be made to justify purchase and installation, even if they are a technical success.
And batteries are also questionable from an environmental perspective, in that mining and transport of raw materials, manufacture, disposal, and need for periodic replacement, all have significant adverse impacts in terms of greenhouse emissions, and disposal of toxic substances. Still better than burning hydrocarbons, but nevertheless, some big challenges to be overcome. Just saying they (and battery powered road vehicles) are not yet the environmental panacea perceived by significant swathes of the media and populace!The last I heard, about 5 weeks ago, was that a battery fitted unit was expected to arrive at Kirkdale some time in April. It will be temporarily equipped with a 138kWh battery borrowed from one of the units that Stadler are building for TfW, together with a water/glycol cooling system. This is a smaller battery than the size that it is planned will eventually be fitted under each driving car of a 777 but will suffice to prove or otherwise the concept of running the units beyond the limits of the 3rd rail. It is thought that the 138kWh battery will enable at least 10 miles to be covered before recharging, a process expected to take 15 minutes. The intention initially is to test run the unit within the Merseyrail system but with the pick-up shoes lifted. Then, should the battery run down unexpectedly early, lowering the shoes will enable recharging. If the trial is a success then it will be extended to run the train for short distances beyond the 3rd rail.
Batteries are expensive items, requiring replacement from time to time, so an economic case will need to be made to justify purchase and installation, even if they are a technical success.
Better to have grid connected charging sections. Can still use a renewable source by buying electricity from a supplier of it, but you can also guarantee the voltage required all the time.
As to how long they last: a Tesla seems to average 1% range loss per 15k miles. Sounds bad at first but most battery extensions are only targeting ~20 mile journeys right now, so the batteries could last a fair old time. Batteries can be recycled, and as more vehicles use them the recycling costs come down.
Not too bad then, fingers crossed this means good things are on the way. Certainly sounds like things are good enough for a rail application
Hmm. Pity Elon Musk doesn't go into the train buisiness. Seems to be into many other things. Wish the raikway had someone with his drive and get things done mantra. KI should really add that Tesla by far have the best battery of any electric vehicle, cooling and motor package. Other manufacturers are a bit behind them in at least 2 of the 3 components.
But what they're doing isnt a secret, and it's still not as good as it can be, so I'm sure the rail industry will find a way to make it work (and make it cost a fortune...).
Indeed like our miraculous reduction in coal fired generation is in part achieved by using interconnectors to import CO2 from Europe or offshore manufacturing to coal centric China. That said its easier to optimise batteries for rail use as the duty cycle is very predictable due to fixed routes and timetables and integrating them as part of an existing EMU means they have high powered charger on board already.And batteries are also questionable from an environmental perspective, in that mining and transport of raw materials, manufacture, disposal, and need for periodic replacement, all have significant adverse impacts in terms of greenhouse emissions, and disposal of toxic substances. Still better than burning hydrocarbons, but nevertheless, some big challenges to be overcome. Just saying they (and battery powered road vehicles) are not yet the environmental panacea perceived by significant swathes of the media and populace!
Any ideas which set this will be? Something like 020 by this stage? Also any ideas if it is still on course for arrival in April?The last I heard, about 5 weeks ago, was that a battery fitted unit was expected to arrive at Kirkdale some time in April. It will be temporarily equipped with a 138kWh battery borrowed from one of the units that Stadler are building for TfW, together with a water/glycol cooling system. This is a smaller battery than the size that it is planned will eventually be fitted under each driving car of a 777 but will suffice to prove or otherwise the concept of running the units beyond the limits of the 3rd rail. It is thought that the 138kWh battery will enable at least 10 miles to be covered before recharging, a process expected to take 15 minutes. The intention initially is to test run the unit within the Merseyrail system but with the pick-up shoes lifted. Then, should the battery run down unexpectedly early, lowering the shoes will enable recharging. If the trial is a success then it will be extended to run the train for short distances beyond the 3rd rail.
Batteries are expensive items, requiring replacement from time to time, so an economic case will need to be made to justify purchase and installation, even if they are a technical success.
Sorry, but I’ve no idea which set will be battery equipped, other than it will be one of the Swiss built examples. Covid has played havoc with the testing schedule and even revised plans have proved impossible to adhere to. If I hear anything further I’ll post details.Any ideas which set this will be? Something like 020 by this stage? Also any ideas if it is still on course for arrival in April?
Cheers
Yeah that's understandable, thanks for the info nonetheless! Hope testing is progressing well despite the challenges facedSorry, but I’ve no idea which set will be battery equipped, other than it will be one of the Swiss built examples. Covid has played havoc with the testing schedule and even revised plans have proved impossible to adhere to. If I hear anything further I’ll post details.
Due to a capacity issue on the Merseyrail Electric Network there will be a requirement to move a number of the class 777 units to locations outside of the network. The class 777 units are Electric Multiple units at a length of 65m and consist of 4 cars units operated by means of a 750dc 3rd rail. The units will have to be hauled over non-3rd rail electrified lines. The number of moves required is unknown at present but it is expected movement from the network will need to commence during the first week in June. The regularity of the required moves will depend upon the number of units delivered to the UK and capacity of the Merseyrail network at the time.
Said this a few times, but why don't they put them in MoD sites until there is a clearer plan regarding driver training and service entry?Merseyrail looking for somebody to do some shuffling of 777s:
Rolling Stock Class 777 Moves
procontract.due-north.com
They have to come to Kirkdale for initial inspection, so sending them on to what is said to be a secured site at Warrington is rather nearer and presumably cheaper than using Longtown. In fact, whoever delivers a set or sets to Kirkdale could perhaps take away one or two others that have passed inspection on the same trip.Said this a few times, but why don't they put them in MoD sites until there is a clearer plan regarding driver training and service entry?