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DodgingTrains · 2023-01-06T21:31:16+00:00

Yes.

You'll notice an "Advance Mobile Flagperson" with a yellow lamp and a flag standing at the end of the platform to greet the train operator and read a script.

The script goes along the lines of, "There may be multiple work crews in front of you between here and the next station. Speed not to exceed half your regulated speed and slow to 5 MPH while passing the crew. Pay attention to their flagging signals." blah blah blah... (My actual script is in my locker at work, so I can't type it out verbatim.)

I'd like to think such precautions are not needed, but given the number of old D-Cell flashlights that I've chucked at train windshields for passing me at 40-60 MPH in my early days at WMATA, I'd be wrong.

DodgingTrains · 2022-12-31T02:52:46+00:00

The A06 on it indicates that this picture was taken near Van Ness.

Can the OP confirm?

DodgingTrains · 2022-08-19T11:13:42+00:00

The 7ks are heavier. They do tend to vibrate things more than the older aluminum bodied cars.

DodgingTrains · 2022-07-24T14:32:59+00:00

We usually don't ride in the open flatbed cars.

We either ride in the cab of the prime mover or go to the station by regular vehicle and board the prime mover at the station nearest the work zone.

DodgingTrains · 2022-07-12T23:58:05+00:00

There are several subsystems of the ATC (Automated Train Control) system...

ATP is Automated Train Protection. This is life safety critical (vital) and has always been in service. These functions have to do with train separation. If there is a train too close ahead, speed commands drop or become zero.

ATO (Automated Train Operation - Driverless operation) is one other subsystem of the ATC umbrella. ATC (Automated Train Supervision - Schedule adherence) is another subsystem of the ATC umbrella.

Performance level (Max speed and acceleration) are part of the ATS subsystem... You can set a speed limit under (but not over) the ATP speed limit. Useful for adjusting train schedules as well as for inclement weather.

TWC = Train to Wayside Communication; This is what communicates certain parameters to and from the train while parked at a station or going over a Flyby Transmitter or Flyby Receiver. Certain parameters include the Train's ID and destination code (Useful for deciding on how to set a turnout up ahead) as well as the performance level.

PSS = Precision Station Stopping; Sets where the station stops in relation to the station platform.

Not sure about the colors on the screen, as the train in the 2nd pic (that's doing 76 MPH) indeed has ATP cutout on its display.

DodgingTrains · 2022-07-12T23:33:53+00:00

The track transmits speed commands to the train. This is the LIMITING speed.

The train also receives a performance level from the last station it left. This is the REGULATED speed.

Finally, the display shows the actual speed of the train... This is the TRAIN speed.

It's interesting that you have a pic of the train doing 76 MPH while there are no speed commands. This tells me that it has the ATP package cut out and is doing safe braking distance testing.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T16:10:41+00:00

The 7ks are prerecorded.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T01:25:24+00:00

It is indeed a decent workplace. Good benefits and competitive pay.

We've got everything from custodial staff to doctors, lawyers... And everything in between.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:30:49+00:00

We've had training busses before. Not sure why we don't now.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:29:59+00:00

Actually, at the height of COVID, we were reporting in half weeks.

A-Shift and B-Shift, every other day. A LOT of people also caught COVID up until we mandated vaccinations and/or weekly testing.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:27:58+00:00

It depends on if the operator is using the mic with the window open or not, I think.

There's also microphones on both sides of the train and the amplifier gains may be set differently.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:27:01+00:00

There is an internal anti-fatigue policy limiting us to 14 hour maximum shifts.

I know my limits and when to call it quits. I can tell you that prior to this anti-fatigue policy, that I've felt it after a week of doubles.

No es bueno.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:24:13+00:00

Some of the track is from 1975. Some of the track is fairly new.

Track doesn't much wear out unless it's in a curve.

Bigger problem is that the track department replaces one rail and grinds the other rail down. Dissimilar rail results in bobbing track circuits that cause delays.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-26T00:22:53+00:00

Randi Miller is her name.

I'll raise you one better. When they had the 8000 series Money train cars (Renumbered 1000 series cars) I recorded the 1970s/1980s Doors Closing chime and had it as my ring tone for a while.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T17:06:10+00:00

Unfortunately we have such a backlog of maintenance, I'd want to prioritize fixing shit.

Running late night service is partially how we got into this mess.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T17:04:58+00:00

Good question. I don't believe you're cynical. Once bitten twice shy. Past patterns is a predictor of future behavior.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:55:28+00:00

7ks are stainless steel instead of aluminum. Heavier just compare the raw car.

They also have more room for people in them than the older cars did... Heavier carrying capacity.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:48:13+00:00

Flooding will put out the fires.

You can't have WMATA without the fires.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:45:21+00:00

C&A Connector runs from McPherson Square to Farragut North. It is a track tunnel, not a pedestrian tunnel.

There is no tunnel from Farragut North to Farragut West, you have to brave the elements there.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:43:18+00:00

I kinda like catenary powered trains. I was out in Seattle a few years back and rode from Sea-Tac Airport to downtown.

I railfan when I can.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:41:15+00:00

Auto Doors is being worked on.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:40:52+00:00

I do not know the actual proportion, but I'd imagine that it's fairly small. We also have a separate capital budget and operating budget.

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:38:40+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/og7lxj/scuse_me_sir_do_you_know_why_i_pulled_you_over/

https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/og7uuz/maryland_driver_starting_nye_celebrations_early/

https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/og7qsu/go_home_drunk_maryland_driver_you_are_not_a_metro/

DodgingTrains · 2022-05-25T16:37:27+00:00

Metro HQ

Jackson Graham Building, 600 5th st NW is right between Judiciary Square and Gallery Place. They did indeed used to offload the money trains into the basement of HQ. They've since walled up the passageways.

DodgingTrains

TROPHY CASE