The 2013 autumn weather was both drier and milder than usual, so leaves remained on trees even after the normal period of operation of the rail head treatment train. When the weather changed to wet and windy at the beginning of December, the combination of major leaf-fall and wet but greasy rails resulted in many incidents of trains sliding, despite sanding and wheel-slip prevention devices. This is a serious problem because it can result in failing to stop at station platforms or signals as well as physical damage to wheels. FGW drivers have been trained, using the Yeoford-Okehampton line, in how to cope with such conditions but it can still be difficult, especially when it is dark, for drivers to identify where a slipping problem is likely to occur. Over-cautious driving results in extended point-to-point journey times and hence can build into substantial delays, so it is a fine balancing act to maintain safety while trying to keep to the timetable.
Normally, at weekends, depots such as Exeter, expect to have a number of dmus undergoing routine maintenance but when units experience serious sliding the consequent wheel flats require the wheels to be changed at the first opportunity. Normally the depots are able to release spare units at weekends to strengthen trains in order to cope with surges in demand such as sporting events or Christmas shopping but clearly this cannot happen when so much extra work needs to be undertaken. On weekday mornings, every available vehicle is needed to cope with commuter traffic and the depots must give priority to getting units back in service for Monday morning.
Very many thanks to Derek for that very comprehensive report - now we understand the problems which FGW have to cope with and are doing their very best to overcome. Well done FGW.
Normally, at weekends, depots such as Exeter, expect to have a number of dmus undergoing routine maintenance but when units experience serious sliding the consequent wheel flats require the wheels to be changed at the first opportunity. Normally the depots are able to release spare units at weekends to strengthen trains in order to cope with surges in demand such as sporting events or Christmas shopping but clearly this cannot happen when so much extra work needs to be undertaken. On weekday mornings, every available vehicle is needed to cope with commuter traffic and the depots must give priority to getting units back in service for Monday morning.
Very many thanks to Derek for that very comprehensive report - now we understand the problems which FGW have to cope with and are doing their very best to overcome. Well done FGW.