In the 1980’s British Rail issued a challenge to several companies to design a cheap, lightweight train. The initial prototype, known as LEV-1, was a joint project by the British Rail Research Division and Leyland Motors using a Leyland National bus body mounted on a modification of an existing freight vehicle underframe. This was followed by the two-car prototype class 140, which was built in 1984 at the British Rail Engineering Derby works.
The Pacer class diesel multiple units have their fans and also their critics but at the time they were deployed they undoubtedly saved several branch lines from closure due to their low construction and operating costs.
Fast forward to the present day and we have another low cost solution to branch line railways in the Parry People Mover. The Parry People Mover is a railcar that uses flywheel energy storage to store energy for traction, allowing electric systems to operate without overhead wires or third rail. London Midland, owner of the West Midlands franchise, began operating a single PPM50 (Class 139) unit on the Stourbridge line in 2002 and this was followed by another in 2009.
The only issue I have with the PPM is that, as with the Pacer DMU’s, the design team seem to have taken their inspiration from yet another road vehicle, the Ford Transit Dormobile. The likeness is once again striking and it makes me wonder if those who design new concepts have just given up on forging new ideas.
I wonder what is next, a locomotive based on the Ford Capri perhaps, or how about an extension of the Pacer project utilising a double decker bus?
The number of passenger accidents at railway stations increased last year, official figures showed today.
Eight passengers died in incidents at stations in 2010/11 compared with five in 2009/10, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) said.
RSSB policy, research and risk director Anson Jack said: “Against a background of strong growth in passenger numbers, passenger accidents at stations have increased and the industry needs to identify means to achieve improvement in this area while maintaining safety improvements across the railway industry.”
In 2010/11, for the fourth year running, there were no passenger or workforce deaths in train accidents.
There was just one workforce death in 2010/11, when a worker died from a fall from height.
There were 208 suicides on the railways in 2010/11 as well as 27 deaths through trespass and four pedestrian deaths at level crossings.
Following on from the media hysteria following the sacking of a ticket office clerk for accessing the rails to remove a shopping trolley, I decided to do some research into just how strong trains are. Following an exhaustive study I am now in a position to publish my findings.
Case 1 – When an irresistible force meets an immovable object
100mph train meets stationary nuclear flask = total destruction of locomotive and significant damage to passenger coaches causing serious injury & death.
Case 2 – When an irresistible force meets a movable object
Train travelling at mainline speed hits Renault Espace on level crossing = total destruction of car causing certain death to driver and passengers. Damage to train = scratched paintwork.
Case 3 – When an irresistible force meets a minor object
Due to lack of data I had to use an American example for this case study.
Train travelling at approx 45-50mph hits shopping cart = train chews up trolley and swats it aside causing no damage to the train, no derailment and thus no fatalities of injuries to either train crew or passengers.
Conclusion
After viewing the above case studies I leave up to you dear readers the decision as to whether a person working at a station where trains pass at maximum 30mph is justified in leaping onto a rail line to remove a shopping trolley “to prevent a disaster”. Especially when not holding a certificate allowing this.
As always, if you wish to air your views, please feel free to leave comments in the usual way.
This blog has been designed to allow me to post news & stories from the Railways, both real and model. I also intend to share a few stories from my work as a Revenue Protection Officer along the way.
The opinions expressed on this blog are exclusively mine and in no way, shape or form reflect the opinions of my employer.
Posted by allticketsplease 
All Tickets Please 
Trains vs Objects
May 26, 2011Following on from the media hysteria following the sacking of a ticket office clerk for accessing the rails to remove a shopping trolley, I decided to do some research into just how strong trains are. Following an exhaustive study I am now in a position to publish my findings.
Case 1 – When an irresistible force meets an immovable object
100mph train meets stationary nuclear flask = total destruction of locomotive and significant damage to passenger coaches causing serious injury & death.
Case 2 – When an irresistible force meets a movable object
Train travelling at mainline speed hits Renault Espace on level crossing = total destruction of car causing certain death to driver and passengers. Damage to train = scratched paintwork.
Case 3 – When an irresistible force meets a minor object
Due to lack of data I had to use an American example for this case study.
Train travelling at approx 45-50mph hits shopping cart = train chews up trolley and swats it aside causing no damage to the train, no derailment and thus no fatalities of injuries to either train crew or passengers.
Conclusion
After viewing the above case studies I leave up to you dear readers the decision as to whether a person working at a station where trains pass at maximum 30mph is justified in leaping onto a rail line to remove a shopping trolley “to prevent a disaster”. Especially when not holding a certificate allowing this.
As always, if you wish to air your views, please feel free to leave comments in the usual way.