On 2016\11\25 15:16, d wrote:
On Fri, 25 Nov 2016 12:44:00 +0000
Recliner wrote:
On Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:47:25 +0000 (UTC), d wrote:

On Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:37:10 +0000
Basil Jet wrote:
On 2016\11\25 09:48, Recliner wrote:
If it really is as they say, then this level of failure is much more than
could be explained by wheel flats alone, though that may still be a
contributing factor. But I can't find any news reports about a major
technical problem.


If I counted correctly (unlikely) http://traintimes.org.uk/map/tube/
suggests that there are 35 Picc trains at the moment. The normal number
would be 68 to 78.

Over on District Daves forum they're saying its due to wheel flats from
leaves too. But I don't remember a time half of a lines stock all got serious
wheel flats at the same time and all had to be taken out of service. At the
very least, surely they could form up some 3 car units of servicable cars?
Would be better than nothing.

Yes, looking at that forum, it seems that the problem is down to not
enough RATs, plus, perhaps, poor driving technique.

Unless they've got in a whole new batch of drivers this year I doubt its the
latter. And its not as if autumn leaves are a new occurance. The only thing
that makes sense is if they didn't send a RAT around as much as other years
because some of them are out of service and haven't been fixed in a foolhardy
effort to save a few quid. That turned out well.

I assume the 73TS doesn't have its own sanding gear?

Beats me, but I doubt it.

The only thing I can think of is that various work is being done on
various bits of track across the network to make them more silent for
night time operation. While you might expect that to reduce wheel wear
rather than increase it, perhaps there are unintended consequences for
the 1973 stock. (Clutching at straws here.)