On Fri, 19 May 2017 09:36:10 +0000 (UTC), d wrote:

On Fri, 19 May 2017 08:55:38 -0000 (UTC)
Recliner wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 17 May 2017 15:17:11 +0100
Recliner wrote:
As expected, TfL has started the procurement process to replace
two-thirds of the DLR fleet (the B90, B92 and B2K sets), plus extra
stock to increase services. The 43 new generation articulated trains,
entering service from 2022, will be single 87m units, equivalent to
three of the current two-section units (which is how most DLR trains
runs now).

Why do light rail and tram vehicles seem to have a much shorter shelf life
than heavy rail trains? Is it build quality? The DLR trains seem in fairly
good nick to me, I can't see any pressing need as a passenger for them to
be replaced.

It seems the trains only had a 25 year design life, are used very
intensively, and do now need structural work to stay in service:
http://www.plantengineer.org.uk/plan...t-underway-for
docklands-light-railway/154830/

As usual the buy-it-on-the-cheap approach comes back to bite them. You'd have
thought they'd have learnt their lesson with the 92 stock. The other document
mentions a strenuous life for the trains, can't see it myself. There are far
older trams ploughing up and down far steeper inclines around europe that
don't have a nice reserved right of way.

The DLR was certainly built on the cheap. It was that or nothing.

The train design that's now wearing out predates the 92 stock, so they
could hardly learn from it. And it's probably no bad thing that the
current trains are coming up for replacement, as it provides the
opportunity to have more appropriate, longer unit trains built, that
couldn't have been ordered before the Olympics caused the stations and
trains to be extended.