It's lightening that bike (when it doesn't jump out of gear or rattle the teeth out your head). Perfect for leaving in work bike sheds when there are smack heads on the prowl.
I think it's about 15 years old that bike. My fave bike bit the dust when I got ran over on Storeton Road a few years ago.
I like taking it on the train because the exercise fits in well with my day.
Used to drive to work but I was in a car crash and it took me a month to fix my car, so started riding again and it wasn't bad. Chester rush hour traffic is a shit so the travel times can be similar between car and train/bike.
I've rode to Chester a couple of times from Prenton when they had rail replacement buses on. Takes me about an hour twenty to do the journey. Hooton to Chester is the worst bit as it's just void when you get near Capenhurst.
The Westinghouse stock had inward opening manual slam doors. Split barn type (for shunting). They were fitted with compressors for the brakes upon electrification of the Wirral Railway for the "long" runs out to WK & NB. Heaters were fitted at the same time. Prior to heaters being fitted, 3rd Class passengers had to stamp their feet to keep warm. First Class passengers were allowed to set fire to the 3rd Class passengers ! **
You are quite right Neil, prior to that, they had to be charged up with air on every trip at LC,BN and RF. I have the handbook that was given to all Mersey Railway Employees. Tells you how to "plug in" to the charging grids in the platforms - and a million and one other things too.
The 502's & 503's were solid, reliable units and gave good service. Sad to see them go. I've a couple of ex 1st class seats at home. Very comfy !
The 502/503 started to suffer after the loop was built in 1977 as they couldn't handle the gradients very well, particulary around Sandhills. The front doors were cut into the trains at this time. Many of the 502/503 were kept at Mollington sheds pending cutting.
I find it facinating that they actually cut headings into the wapping tunnel when the loop was being built. It's a shame nothing further has happened with this to reinstate passenger services on Canada dock branch.
Class 37's are my fave, saw one on Merseyrail a few months ago pulling an inspection saloon.
Sorry to be controversial but I travel every day in the typical rush hour. Merseyrail put a six car train on to West Kirby but only ever have a three car to New Brighton. Consequently most night we are crammed on like a cattle truck and it does my head in when people are on the trains with bikes when it is this busy. I remember when bikes couldn't go on the train in peak times I think this changed about 12 years ago. There should be a bike only section by the guards cab and then everyone would be happy.
Merseyrail know that cyclists are a source of revenue for them. If I couldn't take my bike on the train, I wouldn't use it as I don't live or work near enough to the stations to walk.
There needs to be appropiate capacity to deal with passengers if that be sending six cars or putting adequate cycle storage on the trains.
I'm sure the new bike parks at the station will benefit some, but not all. It's not the fault of the passenger or cyclist that the train is always too busy.
Check this. Two guards having a conversation next to my bike that was positioned by the doors like on monday. I even asked them if they could move so I could get the bike off the train. Never said a word to me about it being positioned where it was.
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