Driver-Training Run

Tuesday 10 November 2009

This article was written and closed on Sunday 15 November 2009

Our train, Hastings DEMU no.1001, was used for a driver-training run in the middle part of this day. Planned timings for the trip are available.

Our train was routed into Hastings station to reverse, after which it ran via Tonbridge (reverse), Ashford International, Dover Priory, Deal, Minster East Junction (reverse), Canterbury West, Ashford International (reverse), Rye, Hastings, and back to St. Leonards Depot. The reversal at Minster East Junction produced an even number of reversals, thus ensuring that the train returned home the same way round as it left.

Unit 1001 was formed thus: [leading to Tonbridge] 60116 Mountfield-60529-69337-60501-60118 Tunbridge Wells [leading to Dover and Minster East Jn].

Video

Andy Armitage was riding with the train to provide technical back-up and to assess the train’s behaviour and performance; he shot the following video from the back cab on leaving Rye:

• Back cab view upon departure from Rye towards Hastings

The train accelerates away past the windmill, and Rye town disappears in the background as 1001 heads for Winchelsea.

The camera was resting on the cab window-ledge, and engine-vibration causes some picture ‘wobble’ as engine speed increases.

This video provides a fascinating insight into the view from, and noise in, a DEMU cab. At 2:13, just as the cab passes the AWS magnet and the Whistle board, notice how the engine-note dips briefly as additional load is applied to the generator by Traction Motor Field Weakening.

Photos

The following photos were taken by Andy Armitage.