HOT WEATHER HITS MAIN LINE STEAM WORKINGS
Published at 19:12 on Monday 15th July 2013
Tags: Main Line Steam
GWR 'Castle' No. 5029 Nunney Castle pilots Class 47/7 No. 47773 during a test run. Fire risk conditions have dictated that while steam will be allowed to operate, it will be while piloting a diesel locomotive. John Whitehouse
Railway Herald has been told that due to the continuing hot and dry weather, with little immediate project of any significant change, that Network Rail has implemented a ban on steam operations.
However, RH also understands that wise counsels interceded and a more workable arrangement has resulted which will involve some steam operations continuing, albeit with a diesel tucked inside to provide assistance when deemed necessary. The zones affected are the Southern, Western, North east and part of the North West.
West Coast operations manager James Shuttleworth told RH that as a consequence of a positive dialogue with Network Rail Special Trains Unit, the 'Scarborough Spa Expresses' which starts its 2013 season on 15th July, and Wednesday's 'Fellsman' which is slated for haulage by LMS 'Jubilee' No. 45699 Galatea will both operate as advertised, but with a diesel tucked inside the steam locomotive. The 'Shakespeare Express' on 21st July, is also likely to operate similarly to last week's train, with a diesel in the consist.
There is no firm news yet of Pathfinders' 'Tyne-Tees Streak' which is scheduled to operate on Friday, 19th July, but with the North East zone included there must be a huge question mark whether any high speed running would be permitted.
