skipness1E

More likely it's built by a robot��

TrainDriverSparky

Automatic Train Operation and driverless trains are two very different things.
I have just over 37 years to state retirement age and I hope not to be replaced by a computer before they have elapsed.

snaxmuppet

You are absolutely right... The Victoria Line on the Underground was designed, and intended to be, driverless but the unions disagreed and they became automated with ATOs. It wasn't only the unions though that had trouble accepting this. A lot of the reason beind not making the Victoria Line driverless was that the public couldn't accept it.

Things have moved on now and so The Docklands Light Railway on the other hand is full automatic and driverless. That obstacle has been overcome by the unions and the public and that is why I believe that fully automatic, driverless vehicles will become a reality eventually. It makes a lot of sense in so many way that it is inevitable. But it is the timescales being touted by the manufacturers that I have an issue with.

Roger

Every time I've been on the DLR, I sit in the front as I like to 'drive' the train.

There's almost always an engineer on board. What's a DLR engineer if not a driver?

bhbloke

I think engineer is overstating the abilities of the CSO, they're supposed to check tickets and be there in case of any issues. The guys in the control room do most of the hard work, with only the occasional bit of shunting required from the person on the train.

You're normally lucky to get the seat at the front so you can pretend to drive, the CSO normally bags that seat and pretends to drive

snaxmuppet

Well... I suppose you could call him/her an engineer or driver but they don't drive the train and have no real engineering skills (in the train sense that is)... they are more of a guard/revenue inspector really.

clarkeysntfc

I wonder what'll happen with these automated push back machines if/when it snows?

msm2000uk

As long as it's the right type of snow, the machines will function.

If it's the wrong type, well then...

M

Ancient Observer

For those opposed to the advances of technology, I would suggest you buy shares in Buggy makers, and whip makers.

T8191

Whilst I tend to share your view, I would note that my typewriter works during power cuts, and (in the context of this thread) my paper boarding pass is not battery dependent.

There is sometimes a fine line between "because we can" and genuine, risk-free enhancements. In this case, it seems a genuine enhancement, provided battery management (30 aircraft before recharging, is it not?) ensures that the little tug-lets are always available.

snaxmuppet

I think it is significant improvement regardless... the operator can move around the aircraft as he moves it and that have to be a huge improvement over one driving and one clearing. I know when I move my caravan with the battery mover it is much safer and easier to move into tight spaces.

Oxon Flyer

How much longer, typically ? Is the time extension in the connect/disconnect, or the push speed ?

Waterhorse

a bit of both, it takes about twice as long but half the manpower. LHR push backs are slow anyway - I have never seen a LHR pushback crew move faster than a shamble. On the other hand they are very diligent and often notice things on the aircraft which is important. The fastest pushback is in DUS where the drivers act like F1 drivers but I have never had a query as to the aircraft state from them.

scottishpoet

The tug can travel at up to 6km/h

https://www.mototok.com/tugs

Owing to the relatively small distance involved I would imagine the impact on the push back would not be more than 1 or 2 minutes but I think at 501 there is some funny manoeuvring as you cant really reverse out and swing the tail to the left so it may have a bigger impact there.

It may take longer to attach the tug but I imagine that could be done while the aircraft is boarding so has no impact on turnround time.

T8191

And the infamous "Waiting for a Tug" may be alleviated by having one "Mototok. shared between 2 stands and parked [whilst charging] between them.

An interesting cost equation ... more mini-tugs v. fewer staff v. more efficient push-back. It could be good.