On Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:16:15 +0100, Daniel Smith wrote:


yes, but there are 2 manual driving modes, IIUI
in the one they use on Sundays the computer still has some control which
wont let trains move if it has failed,
in emergency shunt mode all computer systems are disabled allowing moves
to take place at slow speed only that would otherwise not be permitted

I was once told that mode was 'assisted manual'. While a human is
actually driving the computer is still supervising and showing a 'target
speed' on the drivers instrument panel. If the target speed is exceeded,
the computer intervenes.

Emergency manual for when the computer/comms network is down is a
different beast and really is only intended to allow a train to be slowly
driven to the next station to allow the passengers off.


I seem to recall being told there were other modes as well, to deal with
various 'levels' of automation failure, so there are various levels of
'manual control' between emergency slow speed manual, and 'fullly
supervised manual'. I remember asking a PSA about this when they came
forward asked me to move and opened the panel - the next station had some
sort of transponder failure or something and while the automation was
bringing the train to a stand, it wasn't opening the doors. The PSA
pushed the door open button when the train came to a stand, locked up the
panel and went back to their usual spot near the door to 'flag' the train
off.
I seem to recall the drivers ATP display showing the target speed even
with the train in automatic, but I might be imaging that bit.