A couple of questions about the Supertram

bladesman123 · 27-05-2010, 11:28

1, Can a tram be coupled to another one to make a multiple unit?

2, If a tram fails how is it rescued?

Thanks

Phil-Sheff · 27-05-2010, 11:36

Yes you can couple two trams together, but ive never seen them operate as such together...

Its rescused by another tram...

HeadingNorth · 27-05-2010, 11:44

The necessity of rescuing a broken-down tram is probably the only time at which you would see them coupled together. I suspect that, on safety grounds, they would not (and possibly are not allowed to) run a passenger service with coupled trams.

andyrad29 · 27-05-2010, 11:55

they have couplings behind those big rubber "buffers" on each end

Plain Talker · 27-05-2010, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadingNorth

The necessity of rescuing a broken-down tram is probably the only time at which you would see them coupled together. I suspect that, on safety grounds, they would not (and possibly are not allowed to) run a passenger service with coupled trams.

I would imagine that would be spot on, heading North. it would not be at all safe to run a service, where trams are coupled together. For example, how would both trams safely allow passengers to disembark when there are only three or four tram stops where there would be enough room for both trams to be parked alongside the tramstop at the same time, and there be space to safely open the doors on each tram. Also, having two trams together would cause additional problems with dangerously blocked junctions, and traffic delays whilst the drivers had to prat about aligning each of the trams, safely with the platform.

The only time a tram would be coupled to another would be (for example) when the tram broke down outside our old house on Manor Top. Another tram had to be sent out from the depot, to "rescue" the stranded tram. The "working" tram then towed the "broken" tram back to the depot.

Vrsaljko · 27-05-2010, 18:40

3. Why the hell can't it service Woodseats and south Sheffield!?

eastbound · 27-05-2010, 19:47

lol...............

HeadingNorth · 27-05-2010, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plain Talker

I would imagine that would be spot on...

(reasons I hadn't thought of).

The one that came to my mind was that in the unlikely event of a collision with another vehicle, the combined double tram would not be stable. All the reasons you've come up with are still better ones for not running a double-tram service.

metalman · 27-05-2010, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil-Sheff

Yes you can couple two trams together...

Nine months later you get a new minibus.

bus man · 27-05-2010, 21:54

As stated above trams can be coupled together if one fails - what usualy happens is the failed tram will be approached from behind coulpled up proceed at caution to next stop the passangers on the failed tram will get off onto the platform tram will then go forward for people on pushing tram to get off .

The tram will then proceed to the end of line and either leave failed tram or return the failed tram to depot.

The sheffield trams are not intended to work in tandam in service hence the fact that platforms are only one tram in lengh . It doesnt happen very often I have phtoos of it been doen twice

UncleHonk · 28-05-2010, 09:39

Couple two or three up and you have recreated: "The train". Remember them?
I remember the days when mere mortals could afford to use one!

bladesman123 · 28-05-2010, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by bus man

I have phtoos of it been doen twice

If a tram is coupled to a failed tram, what position is the pantograph in on the failed unit, up or down ?

andyrad29 · 28-05-2010, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladesman123

If a tram is coupled to a failed tram, what position is the pantograph in on the failed unit, up or down ?

I would have thought up as the brake lights and indicators would still work then, i wonder if they have to be wired together then too? or would someone have to be in the one being towed to opperate the lights?

Plain Talker · 28-05-2010, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladesman123

If a tram is coupled to a failed tram, what position is the pantograph in on the failed unit, up or down ?

the tram that had to be rescued from outside my old house at Manor Top actually had a problem with the pantograph, the pantograph would not reach the cable, for some reason, so the towing tram must have provided the failed tram with some power for lights (it was very late at night) as well as using the "good" tram's power for the actual movement of both trams.

bus man · 28-05-2010, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plain Talker

the tram that had to be rescued from outside my old house at Manor Top actually had a problem with the pantograph, the pantograph would not reach the cable, for some reason, so the towing tram must have provided the failed tram with some power for lights (it was very late at night) as well as using the "good" tram's power for the actual movement of both trams.

Was this recently or during the commison trials ?

HeadingNorth · 28-05-2010, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleHonk

Couple two or three up and you have recreated: "The train". Remember them?
I remember the days when mere mortals could afford to use one!

Yes. They were called "last month," when I bought tickets to London and back for a total of £18.

ValleyBoy · 28-05-2010, 23:09

Surely you need leccy to release the brakes [via a compressor ]

Plain Talker · 28-05-2010, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by bus man

Was this recently or during the commison trials ?

It was some years ago, actually, bus man.

It was after the trials, but before the network was fully open. The Meadowhell and Hillsborough/ Middlewood lines were were open, but the section past Manor Top towards Crystal Peaks had only just opened, so it would have been summer 1995 (We moved out of that house in August 95, that's how I remember.) I think the cables were faulty, and that's why the pantograph failed on the broken-down tram.

watchcoll · 29-05-2010, 00:01

saw two trams coupled together just last night, well on thursday night. both said 'out of service' on them and seemed to have some kind of stagecoach coloured bumpers inside them sitting on the floor between the seats. guessing the front one had broked down. this was at manor top

Plain Talker · 29-05-2010, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchcoll

saw two trams coupled together just last night, well on thursday night. both said 'out of service' on them and seemed to have some kind of stagecoach coloured bumpers inside them sitting on the floor between the seats. guessing the front one had broked down. this was at manor top

They were?

In public?

Have they no shame!!!!???!!!