TheTigerMaster
Superstar
Actually, I think you're correct about the visibility issue. I do recall reading that was a problem n
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smallspy
Senior Member
Visibility is the issue - the tail swing of an A is virtually the same as that of a C. On the couple of occasions where they have used A's down at Union Station, they have needed to place a supervisor or a light-duties operator on the platform to keep people clear.
This isn't a problem with the Flexities, as they have a bunch of cameras around the ends of the units to allow for just such a situation.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
nfitz
Superstar
Do the Flexities swing as much? The impression I've had watching is no ... but I haven't really thought about it.
TheTigerMaster
Superstar
Smallspy, what would the TTC have to do to get a ALRV out of Spadina Station if it were stuck in there? I ask because from what I've heard, the CLRV and possibly the ALRV are too weak to push an ALRV out of the Spadina Station tunnel.
smallspy
Senior Member
They don't swing as much, no, but they do have some out swing on curves.
Spadina was built to allow a C to push a disabled A out of it if necessary - notice the different grades on the ramps to the south of the station? As well, the clearances of the tunnels are enough that the brakes can be manually cranked off if necessary.
Union Station, on the other hand, is so tight in terms of clearances that it can be difficult or impossible to crank off an A in the tunnel. And the grades are such that an A would have difficulty pushing a disabled A up out of the tunnel, nevermind a C.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
nfitz
Superstar
What do the Flexities have then? Simply more power? (even with just a single pole?)
georgevicbell
Active Member
So, looks like 4405 was put on a train, has it arrived yet?
Also, taking bets for 4406 - I'm going to go with after the pan-am games...maybe October 3rd...
Also, taking bets for 4406 - I'm going to go with after the pan-am games...maybe October 3rd...
nfitz
Superstar
Reports elsewhere out of Thunder Bay, is that 4406 should be about a month away, and 4407 is just behind 4406. Maybe they've finally ratcheted up their line to one a month.
smallspy
Senior Member
The Flexities were designed from the outset to be able to push a disabled brethren up the grade, or any grade, on the system.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
nfitz
Superstar
smallspy
Senior Member
AC traction, 6 powered axles, modern control systems, automated sand application, more weight on each axle.....need I go on?
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
nfitz
Superstar
Yes, please do! I'm fascinated at the technology of it!
You'd think then that these things would have more acceleration than a CLRV. The impression I had standing next to a 306 operator tailing one of them doing testing, is that they don't, with the operator questioning if the new cars would be able to meet the current overnight 306 schedule, that the CLRVs can do.
W. K. Lis
Superstar
Attachments
robmausser
Senior Member
Perhaps it has to do with trolley pole vs pantograph.
This new streetcar that was testing panto sure seems to be flying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kcfA_TxohI
Bigger car needs more power to accelerate as fast, perhaps the trolly pole just cant give it
smallspy
Senior Member
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a trolley pole. They were used on 100mph interurbans in the Midwest with no issues. And because of the improvement in electronics and control systems, a Flexity at full power is drawing only slightly more than an ALRV.
The TTC is selling it as a "we need to do it because the trolley poles can't handle the strain", but the reality is that they've wanted to upgrade the network to use pantographs for over 30 years now. The new cars are simply providing the justification to the City of Toronto budgeting process to do it.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.