Driver's Twilight View L3 Circular Quay to Juniors Kingsford

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Driver's Twilight View L3 Circular Quay to Juniors Kingsford

Рет қаралды 5,756

tressteleg1

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 47

@scottyerkes1867 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting use of third rail and overhead wire for power!! Love the city lights! I'm a big city guy and the bûldings that are illuminated at night are exciting. Very nice tram ride!! Thank you!!😀💚💚

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

All of our capital cities are vibrant and alive, at least during the daytime and at weekends too.

@scottyerkes1867 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 Absolutely.

@frederickherring4550 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in a city that had trams. on the same continent. The saying went like a Bondi Tram is still alive in my memory cells

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

That is just half of it. In a situation where somebody said where is Phil? An answer could be that he saw the cops coming and “shot through like a Bondi tram!” l did read once that the expression related to the steam tram days when some of the late night services, if nothing else returning to the depot at the end of the night, did quite amazing speeds.

@luizaugustoramos2520 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, great views! Loved the tram-bus race off the red light @ 19:00.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, one bus sneaked through, but the tram cut off the others 😊😄😆

@luizaugustoramos2520 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 I wish it was a Randwick service so it wouldn’t have had to slow down at the junction…

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

I have covered the Randwick line a couple of times. When doing this one I noticed the 50k speed limit but don’t recall trams going through that fast. If you have not already seen them, those Randwick videos are in this link. Sydney - Driver's View & Cab Rides Trains & Trams NSW kzfaq.info/sun/PLLtOIHp49XNBct-2plDktdgC_tgaYoufq

@billmair568 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting use of third rail or pantograph for powering.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Sydney Lord Mayor did not want overhead wires past a few historic buildings.

@myplace848 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see Sydney enjoying trams again.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

😊👍

@Roadrunnerz45 Жыл бұрын

i believe they always did. construction was always going to have an impact but i always thought it would be extremely popular and it is. both lines, dulwich hill and the cbd. parramatta will as well.

@tressteleg1 Жыл бұрын

One point that seems to never be mentioned much is that generally people hate riding buses but are happy with the smoother and quieter ride of trams. Tramways often operate more punctually, but not quite as much so in Melbourne partly due to lack of tram traffic light priority.

@myplace848 Жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 I enjoy taking the 75, 109 or 48 trams in Melbourne as the ride for me is more enjoyable once outside the city area and more in to the suburbian areas.

@tressteleg1 Жыл бұрын

Once you get past the Richmond areas, they are mostly quite free flowing.

@OliversElevators 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting to see how the trams in Sydney seem to know the speed limits at all times and alert the operator if they're speeding. Here in the USA, most of our light rail lines don't have any sort of speed limit enforcement system built into the trains - they just rely on the train operators to follow the posted speed limits (which they almost always do). However, this lack of enforcement can lead to problems; for example, a train in Phoenix, Arizona recently flew off the tracks doing 35 mph in a 10 mph switch curve because the switch had been erroneously set to the diverging route with the 10 mph curve, but the train operator didn't notice this and thought he was proceeding along the straight track with the 35 mph speed limit, and there was no in-cab speed limit system to alert him of the upcoming speed restriction. The only light rail system I know of in the USA that has a built-in speed enforcement system in its trains is in Dallas, Texas. This system is almost entirely grade separated and trains often run at up to 65 mph between stations. With such high speeds they needed a way to warn operators of large speed limit drops beyond simple wayside speed signs, so they built a speed-limit enforcement system into the trains that reads the track speed limits through transponders placed next to each speed limit sign and displays them in the operator's cab.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not aware if any automatic control. The Gold Coast trams are GPS equipped and I suppose that Sydney is the same. However with strict rules these days, I expect that drivers are almost scared to go too fast. However I was down there 10 days ago and did a night run to Randwick on the L2. The driver of that tram really knew how to push it along, and a few times I saw the speedometer showing a few Km/h faster than permitted, and my camera saw it too. It will be published in due course. The return trip was done in 30.5 minutes, timetable 34 minutes, and the tram was held by control room signals a couple of times. Occasionally we hear of trains flying off the tracks in the US and elsewhere. In fact around 2005 the Tilt Train to Cairns derailed on a curve due to speed, and a few years ago the XPT Sydney to Melbourne derailed not too far from its destination because during trackwork the tracks were set for a passing loop but for reasons I forget, warning signals were not working, and the drivers, who both died, were not told of the situation.

@OliversElevators 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 interesting. I would imagine many tram drivers in Sydney (and elsewhere in Australia) eventually get sick and tired of the unnecessarily low speed limits along their lines. Is it illegal or something for the trams to have a higher speed limit than cars in Australia?

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

When I was a driver at South Melbourne 1988 to 1994, we essentially just drove along with the traffic. Leave the terminus on time and get there when you get there. We worked about five different routes, and it did not matter which one I was on, I usually looked forward to a change to another one at the end of each week. Nowadays with privatisation and bonuses paid to the operator for runs completed on time but not early, at times on some routes drivers have to kill time to avoid running early. I would hate that. Also all sorts of so-called experts are now setting speed limits which at times can be too fast or too slow. The ability of drivers to assess the situation no longer exists especially on the new-build lines. But the only time you really worried about was being finished on time for your meal break and then time to go home. What happened in the meantime did not matter much. It has been found in overseas countries as well as here if trams are allowed to go faster than road traffic, motorists tend to match their speed to that of the trams and thus break the law. ANZAC Parade on the L3 in Sydney is one place where the speed limit of 50 km/h for road and tram is quite stupid, but that is Sydney. And tinpot Melbourne councils are fond of 40 km/h limits in a lot of places which does not help tram speeds.

@OliversElevators 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 yeah, I guess these things have gotten a lot less relaxed in the past few decades. Interestingly, the philosophy for speed limits on light rail lines in the US seems to be one of, “align the track so that it can support the maximum speed limit of the system (which is typically 55 or 65 mph) wherever possible.” So if there’s a straight section of track on a line and the line’s not directly adjacent to or on a roadway, chances are the speed limit will be quite high, even if trains never reach the speed limit on that section of track before they have to slow down for a station or speed restriction. I do feel that older light rail systems, at least here in the US, tend to have generally higher speed limits than newer systems. For example, the light rail system in Dallas, TX (built in the ‘90s) has a max speed of 65 mph and average speed of ~30 mph, including stops, which is quite fast for a light rail system. Although, the rail ROW is almost entirely grade separated from traffic, so the trains can safely run at 65 mph for long stretches of track.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Regarding light rail lines, firstly it needs to be remembered that in most cases, “light rail” was a sales pitch to fool citizens that they were not getting back the old time trams they remember. Quite a few lines have been built in America since my last visit in 1990, and these have mostly been built on fairly straight former railroad tracks in level countryside. These cannot be compared speed -wise with light rail lines squeezed into existing cities where all sorts of other constraints can affect maximum desirable speeds. Also low floor trams where body sections are solidly fixed onto the bogies have lower possible speeds. My local Gold Coast line has a maximum speed of 70 km/h which is achieved on the reservation between hospital and Helensvale railway station, but also across the Nerang River bridge and south of there beside the main road which also has a 70 limit.

@smantle11 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Can’t get to Sydney so I always enjoy these! How recent is this one? I noticed passengers weren’t wearing masks. Cheers.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

There was a brief period in March 2021 when Covid was well under control, and masks were declared unnecessary. How things suddenly changed after that in Sydney!

@Roadrunnerz45 10 ай бұрын

i wonder if the timing has been improved since your video? certainly i have seen cars block those city intersections in the pedestrian zone. i don't know why the tram would not get priority at every light?

@tressteleg1 10 ай бұрын

31 minutes outbound, 32 minutes inbound are the current timetable times so seems to be about the limit for now. On each yearly visit, i see that a few more intersections have got traffic light priority. Nevertheless with George St all limited to 20 km/h, I can’t see much faster timetable speeds being achieved. Cars or pedestrians blocking intersections is another matter. As for the intersections not yet having light priority, it seems to me that the traffic light programmers were essentially ‘dragged kicking and screaming’ into giving trams any priority, but slowly their resistance is being whittled away. Nevertheless this is far better than Melbourne which has NO intersections where an approaching tram will force the traffic lights to let a tram go immediately.

@glennmagann8648 2 жыл бұрын

If the Dulwich Hill line can be accessed at Chinatown from the Cirqular Quay line how come they can't use these trams on that line while the other trams are fixed. You would think they would be able to use all lines. Do you know the reason.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Simple question, answer not so simple! When the idiots in (presumably Transport for NSW) ordered the George St trams, they lacked the brains to stipulate that wheels and body width and heights were the same, so tenderers Alstom supplied what they wanted, and everything was different. When the L1 was designed, some rail freight still was running on the line so wheels had a special bulge on the back so they could go through railway standard pointwork as well as normal tramway style. NSW is sure to make the most complicated decisions so instead of modifying the railway points to tram standards, a job that should take a week or two at the most, they are changing the wheels on some George St trams so they can run on the line. Then there is the problem of a little step and gap at the platforms as George St trams are a spot narrower than L1 trams. This however is tiny compared with some massive railway station gaps. I don’t know if disability advocates are screaming about this minor difference, but that is another possible stumbling block. Hopeless? Certainly!

@glennmagann8648 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 Thanks for that detailed answer. Sounds typical of the decisions that our state govt have made over the years. Our light rail in Newcastle needs to go to more places to be viable i think. There has not been much forward thinking.On another note Gladys said recently when she was still premier that NSW wasnt good at building trains hence all the new ones being imported.....huh. I can remember when Goninans here in Newcastle built the Tangaras and other succsessful trains.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately if the matter we are not so serious it would be farcical. I doubt whether there was ever any intention of making the Newcastle line go further. It was just used as an excuse to justify closing the railway. The choice of capacitor current storage which takes 35 seconds at least to recharge at every tram stop is pathetic, compared with some Melbourne tram stops that last just 7 seconds. State governments, particularly those on the right side of politics, seem to like purchasing overseas saying that saves money, even if it cost heaps to make them fit for service. Anyway it’s the Feds who have to pay the dole money for local workers left without a job.

@georgeronn1263 2 жыл бұрын

Wondering about the traffic control: Since the tram obviously knows through GPS or some other method what the speed limit is supposed to be (you could see it reminding the driver from time to time), could the traffic control signals be timed to prevent the tram from getting too far ahead of schedule? Is within one minute considered on schedule? Heaven knows you don't want to treat the customer to an early arrival.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

In some locations you will see a large circular signal with a red or white bar showing. These are operated by the control room, and I expect that they are used to delay any tram running early, although the chance of that occurring on this line is fairly limited. On my local Gold Coast line, there are about four time points and the traffic lights there won’t give the tram I white T light except for just a few seconds ahead of time at the earliest.

@brianb8516 2 жыл бұрын

When you have frequency of 4-5 minutes (in the shared section) trams running early is hardly an issue. Most people would simply turn up and wait for the next service to arrive. A lot of people use tracking apps and can see if there are any delays.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, for the public, timekeeping is not so much a problem. However there are 2 problems operationally. If the Tramway is operated on the same formula as Melbourne certainly is, the company is fined for services running more than 59 seconds early. Secondly, on the odd occasion that a tram does get a good run it can potentially catch up to the tram in front and such bunching is also undesirable. It may leave a big gap behind itself and cause overcrowding which can delay the following tram. So slowing down the early tram is also desirable. Better traffic light priority at the worst points would help a lot in getting a late running tram back on time and even out the headways.

@thestupidguy806 2 жыл бұрын

if you dont mind would you be able to show us a video on how the third rail works. Im very curious. also because i stept on it and the track and didnt get electrified.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not something that could readily be shown in a video, but this is how it works. You may have noticed that the 3 rail has metal strips separated every few metres by a short section of plastic, nylon or something like that. As a tram moves along, radio signals instruct a lineside box to turn on the next section of steel rail, and turn off the section just passed. So only the steel under the tram is alive and only as required. Nevertheless I avoid stepping on the steel as you never know when it might go wrong.

@thestupidguy806 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 oh thankyou this explained it nicely. i was frightened when i steped on it but relised they sure do something to the track so that people dont get electrocuted . thankyou keep up the amazing work

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

The concept of some type of 3rd rail instead of overhead wires has been used on and off starting somewhere around 1900 but many types had occasional failures to turn off resulting sometimes in dead horses. An earlier version of Sydney’s APS had a shorting skate at the back of the tram and if a section failed to turn off, BANG! Apparently Sydney’s model is a bit better so apparently the trams don’t have that skate.

@thestupidguy806 2 жыл бұрын

@@tressteleg1 oh ok wow thankyou

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

😊👍

@buddy19805 2 жыл бұрын

Very neat tram rails but lucky Melbourne dont have two white edge kerbs beside tracks , as make harder for Cars try U turn any reason

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

In Melbourne more and more track relays are including a low kerb to dissuade motorists from running on the tram lines, but this could be only done on the wider streets like Nicolson Street on the 96 and I suspect some city streets.

@edwardwillis1736 2 жыл бұрын

Great if your time rich... these things are put aoon us by people who will never use them.

@tressteleg1 2 жыл бұрын

Well if you drive your car everywhere, even faster public transport would not interest you. Nevertheless I expect that all the uni students, for a start, who were left struggling with buses will be quite happy with this. And improving traffic light priority at a handful of locations would also make a big difference.