wrote:
On Wed, 7 Jan 2015 07:09:03 -0800 (PST)
David B wrote:
I always thought modern traction actually used less current during initial
acceleration but continued to draw high currents giving them better
acceleration at higher speeds.

378s are quite slow to accelerate on the Watford DC lines so I suspect the
current draw is too mahoosive

They're just slow full stop. They're completely the wrong sort of train for a
metro service. But no doubt the slight design mod of an existing outer suburban
train was the cheaper option.

I happened to have my GPS with me on an LO trip to Watford yesterday, and
found that the peak speed was about 45mph. Considering how closely spaced
the stations are, that's probably not bad, and hardly slower than an S
stock train would do it. S stock trains reach their higher speeds of about
60mph only on the longer non-stop sections, such as Finchley Rd to Wembley
Park.

But LO trains have very relaxed schedules, and often wait longer than
necessary at stops, thus helping achieve their very good punctuality. LU
trains, with their lack of published schedules, don't have to do this.