Atomic Systems

Thanks for the technical explination. I'm affraid that I can only speak from my practical experience in working these locos. I describe it as an automatic sanding system because when you get wheelslip the electronics apply sand to the wheelset that slips with no intervention from the driver. Can't s...

Locomotives are used for more varied work, usually involving longer periods of cruising at constant speed, for which the extra flexibility of a notchless controller is welcome. Most of the older British diesels can be multiple-worked, but only when coupled directly together - which means that attac...

Yeah that's correct Glynn. The GM loco's have set power notches for example on a 59 there are 8 where as BR locos you have a free reign. Hope this makes sense.

John.

Most UK diesel locos are notchless. Most have a on position then notches for quarter and half power. This is because the engine control systems are air operated rather than electronic. The class 60 which has a electronic control system also has a notchless power handle or to give it the correct name...

I used to work at OOC as a driver during that period and here's what I remember. 1. 1991 was AFAIK still (very) early days for the Class 166s, so most of the regional services, at least the ones to Oxford, would be composed of NSE liveried Class 47s and Mk I coaches. What would the compositions be l...

The 321s were not introduced until the early 90s, and the 317s didn't start operating on the GE until then either as they were replaced on the MML by 319s. Hate to contradict you but the 321's were around in the late 80's. I had a traction conversion on to 321's. As I said before transferred to OOC...

Oh just to add I used to see 37's working the King Lynn services and 47's on the Norwich services. 31's used to bring ECS from Stratford and work the odd parcel train along with 37's. That would have been early 80's. Couldn't tell you anything about coaching stock formations though. They were replac...

Used to be a Guard at Enfield Town during the mid to late 80's so here's what I remember. In general the 305 non corridor used to work on the suburban routes out of Liverpool Street to Enfield, Chingford, Cheshunt and Hertford East. The corridor stock used to work the semi fast services to Bishops S...