GERMAN regional operator
GoAhead says incorrect measurements caused it to withdraw part of its fleet
from service in Baden-Württemberg earlier this month, leading to significant
disruption for passengers.
GoAhead removed some of
the 66 Stadler Flirt EMUs from service in mid-February for what it called
“precautionary checks” after measurements apparently showed wide variations in
axle loading and wheel wear in situations where loading should be similar. The
measurements were taken during an ongoing programme to fit the fleet with
onboard ETCS equipment.
Stadler sent specialist
engineers to assist GoAhead staff at Essingen depot near Stuttgart after the
operator made its concerns public on February 14. Independent consulting
engineers also assisted with a rapid review of the problems and how measurement
had been undertaken.
Following four days of
intensive checks, Stadler was able to establish that there were no unexpected
variations in wheel loads and that the apparent problem was the result of
measurement errors by those undertaking the original work. The full fleet was
then returned to service.
GoAhead usually only
schedules up to two EMUs to be maintained each r day, with each train
undergoing more detailed inspection every 40,000km or roughly every six weeks.
