by geoffs
David Benton wrote:What do they do if a train breaks down ?tow it with another train ?It depends on the nature of the breakdown.
If it is a failure that allows powered movement (such as door interlocks or other safety related issues) then the passengers would be detrained at a station and the train moved empty on a restricted speed to a depot.
If the train cannot move under it's own power, but can be pushed, it is usual for the train behind it to draw-up and push the failed train out to a depot or siding.
If the train cannot move by being pushed (locked wheelsets, derailments etc) then there is an Emergency Response crew who arrive by road with sufficent equipment to make some repairs. They have hand operated four wheel trolleys which can be pushed along the tracks to get equipment to the scene.
If the Emergency Response team cannot effect a repair sufficent to move the train, then the extreme solution is to place skates under the wheels and tow the train out with battery locomotives (which the Underground has for maintenance trains). In this case the train may be split and moved in a number separate movements of some of the cars.