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[email protected] · April 15th 04, 07:31 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Clive) wrote:

In message ,
writes
Although diamond marks are still there, they are redundant, as are
the coasting boards
How do you know when to shut off and coast?
--
Clive

As Steve says it's down to line knowledge. Drivers have generally had
their own favourite spots for shutting off. In the open section it was
easy because of the scenery, but in the tunnel it was usually a certain
signal, a beer bottle on the cable run (no longer there!), perhaps a
blockjoint, equipment on the tunnel wall, coasting board, reaching a
certain point in the track, etc. It was something that was done without
thinking. A similar thing applies when slowing down in advance for speed
restrictions, even though the restriction sign may not be visible at that
point.

Well, strictly speaking, it WAS! The line Driving Techniques effectively
do away with the old line knowledge as they state the exact point where
drivers should shut off under normal circumstances (i.e. line clear
ahead)- the basis of the techniques being that the driver reaches line
speed as quick as possible, remains at line speed by coasting / braking /
motoring as necessary, then brakes fairly heavy when coming into the
platform - a bit like the principle of auto working.

Because of this, the coasting boards become redundant because a train will
never be coasting, unless doing so to maintain line speed. On the Northern
Line, the coasting boards were out of position for the 95 stock anyway.

Coasting boards are not mentioned any where in the NL driving techniques
and mention of them has now been omitted from the Northern Line
Supplement. One of the problems, on the Northern Line anyway, was that
trainees were still being taught by many I/Ops that they should shut off
at the coasting boards. This was chased up and, it took nearly a year, but
on the Northern Line at least, I now have confirmation that coasting
boards are officially no more! However, like many of the various signs,
the 7 car stopping marks etc., they are still in position although
redundant.

Roger