video record
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Description
The programme introduces some of the problems surrounding the BART carriage in the context of the wider system as a whole.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: TD342, Systems performance: human factors and systems failures
Item code: TD342; 04
First transmission date: 04-04-1976
Published: 1976
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Andrew Millington
Contributors: Ronald John Beishon; Wayne Keithly; John Kirkwood; Wolf Homburger; John Kiely; Ray Carroll; Howard Lewis; Jim Mann; Tony Venturato
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Engineering consultants; Engineering faults; High technology project; Lightweight materials; PBTB; Problems
Footage description: Brief film, shots of BART train pulling into an underground station. Wayne Keithly introduces the programme. John Kirkwood and Wayne Keithly discuss some of the engineering mistakes which were made in designing the BART system (shape of the cars, gauge of tracks, etc). Film shots of BART trains at various points in the discussion. John Beishon, Wolf Homburger and John Kiely discuss the effect of Bay Area geography on the design of the BART. A map of the Bay Area, a map of the BART system and shots of various parts of the Bay Area help to illustrate the points made. Beishon and Ray Carroll discuss engineering problems arising in BART cars as a result of poor choice of materials. They examine an air conditioning oil pump as they talk. Shot of the pump held by Ray Carroll. Beishon and Howard Lewis, inside the BART workshop, discuss failures in BART car propulsion motors due to poor choice of materials. Film shots of a car body being lifted from the bogie and close-ups of the propulsion motor. Shots of propulsion motors being repaired. The programme looks at another aspect of poor choice of materials for BART cars - the friction brakes. Film shots of friction brake components. Commentary by Jim Mann explains the problem. John Kiely and Tony Venturato explain why the BART designers chose to design such a luxurious sophisticated system rather that a simple, more conventional one. Film shots of the inside of a BART car, of the track and train driver from the cockpit and shots of a BART train in service. Shots of the BART headquarters building. John Beishon and Ray Carroll discuss what might be done differently, in the light of past experience, if the BART system had to be designed again from scratch. Credits over film shots of a BART car.
Master spool number: 6HT/72127
Production number: 00525_5239
Videofinder number: 758
Available to public: no