A lot of people like the banging fireworks. A lot of weather fans like nature's fireworks, lightning for example. But us train fans think that frosty pantograph fireworks in the winter are the best.
What an extraordinary sight! You can tell the trains are drawing some current as they accelerate up to speed, but need relatively little once there. Certainly fun to watch but probably not great for the contact strips!.... I wonder how long they last in such conditions? Probably just as well the Pendos have a second pantograph if needed!
Coming out of Edinburgh up to cobbinshaw with sleepers with ac loco on one night with fallen snow and frost was spectacular with the pan arcing and reflecting off the snow so much it dazzled you.
@@romw9121 not likely, they're built to withstand extreme forces from the speed of the train, and also the friction from the wires. Plus they have a relatively large surface area so it would have to be in very extreme cases for the pantograph to get damaged severely. Look up what happens to pantographs though when they do get damaged, it's a pretty spectacular outcome
Looking more closely at one of the Avanti WC Manchester to Euston trains it was clear that when the train & its pantograph went under a bridge that the pyrotechnic display stopped therefore this tells us unequivocally that the cause is definitely weather related.
Yes it is most definitely weather related. It is caused by frost on the wires that does it. On this morning it was a bitterly cold -4 degrees. Also along the platform of the up fast (platform 4) the wires are more sheltered by the platform cover in the centre of the platform, so the wires are marginally less exposed. So therefore less arching through that section compared to outside it. But yes, to confirm it’s definitely weather related. It only happens in the early mornings after a sharp frost.
Why would they blow up? That’s what they’re designed for 😄 I think it’s quite easy for people to forget just how much power is in the wires until they see the visuals like this.
They wouldn't blow up, but it is quite surprising the contact strips on the pantograph dont melt or get cut in half when you consider they will have travelled hundreds of miles like that! Obviously they are stonger than they look!
Gosh those pantos look like sparklers on fireworks night lol
A lot of people like the banging fireworks.
A lot of weather fans like nature's fireworks, lightning for example.
But us train fans think that frosty pantograph fireworks in the winter are the best.
Arcing is fascinating to watch, and the noise during arcing is captivating at times.
What an extraordinary sight! You can tell the trains are drawing some current as they accelerate up to speed, but need relatively little once there.
Certainly fun to watch but probably not great for the contact strips!.... I wonder how long they last in such conditions? Probably just as well the Pendos have a second pantograph if needed!
I have watched many videos like this, but have never noticed such conspicuous arcing before. Amazing.
Coming out of Edinburgh up to cobbinshaw with sleepers with ac loco on one night with fallen snow and frost was spectacular with the pan arcing and reflecting off the snow so much it dazzled you.
Maybe all pantographs are brrrrrrrr freezing cold 🥶
Excellent video. Was awesome seeing the sparking pantographs. :)
Yo those pantos spark like hellfire
Lovely Jubbly, great video really interesting to watch.
Those pantograph contact strips must wear out a bit on those frosty days. Nice green copper arcs on the catenary wires.
I've never seen that before! How fascinating to watch 🤩🤩 thank you for this
Amazed it hasn't welded itself!!
👍👍👍
Great video, good luck in 2022🤙🤙🤙
'The early Lark..catches the Spark!'
Nice Pantograph arcing.
Look at this the pantograph is flashing sparks
Five star coverage
Excellent railway video as always.
nice pantograph arching that
Great sparks
Beautiful!
-4 degrees wow
2nd Avanti WC train is a prime example of exactly why people should stay behind the yellow line.😬
Brilliant video, is it the cold and frost that causes the pantographs to arch more?
Frost & ice yeah. The temperatures have to the really low & conditions just right for it. It doesn’t last long once trains start to pick up
@@TrainPlaneHub Also, will the pantographs will damage itself?
@@romw9121 not likely, they're built to withstand extreme forces from the speed of the train, and also the friction from the wires. Plus they have a relatively large surface area so it would have to be in very extreme cases for the pantograph to get damaged severely. Look up what happens to pantographs though when they do get damaged, it's a pretty spectacular outcome
Looking more closely at one of the Avanti WC Manchester to Euston trains it was clear that when the train & its pantograph went under a bridge that the pyrotechnic display stopped therefore this tells us unequivocally that the cause is definitely weather related.
Yes it is most definitely weather related. It is caused by frost on the wires that does it. On this morning it was a bitterly cold -4 degrees. Also along the platform of the up fast (platform 4) the wires are more sheltered by the platform cover in the centre of the platform, so the wires are marginally less exposed. So therefore less arching through that section compared to outside it. But yes, to confirm it’s definitely weather related. It only happens in the early mornings after a sharp frost.
I’m surprised they didn’t blow up the trains with 25,000v running thru the pantograph.
Why would they blow up? That’s what they’re designed for 😄 I think it’s quite easy for people to forget just how much power is in the wires until they see the visuals like this.
What ? It’s what they are for.
@@TrainPlaneHub I live next to a level crossing I know how much leccy the cables run at.
They wouldn't blow up, but it is quite surprising the contact strips on the pantograph dont melt or get cut in half when you consider they will have travelled hundreds of miles like that! Obviously they are stonger than they look!
Is that arching normal and is it safe?
It’s normal in sub zero temperatures when there is frost on the wires.
Flashing light warning