On Jan 12, 3:29*pm, Huge wrote:
On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:12:41 +0000, MarkVarley - MVP wrote:
I don't often go on the DLR, infact yesterday was the second time ever,
and prompted a couple of questions.

1. are the rails made form recycled corkscrews?!? thats one hell of a
shimmy going on along some stretches, what's that all about?

It's a design flaw, and also the reason why there are sinusoidal wear
marks on the rails and a speed limit.

2. why are there drivers sometimes?

Unionisation?

They can occasionally be driven manually in emergencies, but the
reason why you sometimes see them at the front isn't because they are
driving.

As well as from each doorway, they can also operate the doors from the
front of the train. Sometimes it may just happen to be convenient,
and sometimes, eg at Canary Wharf, they need to be able to use the
mirrors to see both sides.