RMweb Premium Gwiwer Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 Anyone waiting for the A4 to Par today should be aware that it has failed with a dud big end at Newton Abbot. WCR 47832 is coming down from Bristol as we speak to remove the train. The streak is in Hackney Yard. It's a fascinating experience to be able to "watch" events unfold in real time via the numerous web sites and social media. Facebook friends on the ground and in the industry plus Real Time Trains can make it feel as though I'm actually a part of things. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) That's two steam failures on the Devon main line in a week. How many more before it all comes to an end? Ed sorry, that comes across as if I'm crowing, that is very far from the case. Perhaps the chasing diesel is a good idea, although if it's a 47 then it may simply double the chance of a failure. Edited August 16, 2015 by edcayton Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 Anyone waiting for the A4 to Par today should be aware that it has failed with a dud big end at Newton Abbot. WCR 47832 is coming down from Bristol as we speak to remove the train. The streak is in Hackney Yard. It's a fascinating experience to be able to "watch" events unfold in real time via the numerous web sites and social media. Facebook friends on the ground and in the industry plus Real Time Trains can make it feel as though I'm actually a part of things. Oh dear, what a shame. After the Hemerdon problem the other week, mainline steam seems to be going through the mill a little lately. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 That's two steam failures on the Devon main line in a week. How many more before it all comes to an end? Ed Well in these days of assessing risk, one has to wonder. 60009 has been very reliable though over the last couple of years. There is a certain risk though on any machine that is upwards of 40 years old, letalone one that was built in 1935!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 16, 2015 Well in these days of assessing risk, one has to wonder. 60009 has been very reliable though over the last couple of years. There is a certain risk though on any machine that is upwards of 40 years old, letalone one that was built in 1935!! Hmm, seems I missed one while away on the briny. Anyway these things do happen but shouldn't in the best maintained circles - after all Great Western engineering skill solved the middle big end troubles of the Gresley pacifics over 60 years ago. I realise lubrication problems can happen - and sometimes do - but continuous attention to the engine should minimise the risks of that. I'm also rather surprised that a steam special should be allowed to advance that far into sparsely populated (with locos) country without a shadow trailing closely behind, was someone trying to save a few quid? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 So, what happens now? Disconnect a (probably) centre coupling rod and tow the loco back?? Would they even be able to disconnect such a heavy component without a pit anyway? And you wont get a lorry of the size needed into Hackney, not even close!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 16, 2015 So, what happens now? Disconnect a (probably) centre coupling rod and tow the loco back?? Would they even be able to disconnect such a heavy component without a pit anyway? And you wont get a lorry of the size needed into Hackney, not even close!! I'm sure they'll be working on a plan! The road bridge restriction at Hackney is, of course, a real pain. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium rab Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 Well in these days of assessing risk, one has to wonder. 60009 has been very reliable though over the last couple of years. There is a certain risk though on any machine that is upwards of 40 years old, letalone one that was built in 1935!! For an in depth discussion on the pros and cons of trailing diesels refer to Nat Pres forum! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) 60009 has now gone to Totnes SDR. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O18945/2015/08/16/advanced That's two steam failures on the Devon main line in a week. How many more before it all comes to an end? Ed sorry, that comes across as if I'm crowing, that is very far from the case. Perhaps the chasing diesel is a good idea, although if it's a 47 then it may simply double the chance of a failure. I don't think it was taken like that Ed, certainly not by me anyway. Edited August 16, 2015 by Gary H Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Anyone waiting for the A4 to Par today should be aware that it has failed with a dud big end at Newton Abbot. WCR 47832 is coming down from Bristol as we speak to remove the train. The streak is in Hackney Yard. It's a fascinating experience to be able to "watch" events unfold in real time via the numerous web sites and social media. Facebook friends on the ground and in the industry plus Real Time Trains can make it feel as though I'm actually a part of things. Agree with Rick in Oz. Those of us in foreign climes are lucky to participate virtually immediately with the internet and sites such as this one. Question. In view of the tightness of pathing these days, how does a relief engine fit in with little notification? Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardTrevithick Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Anyone waiting for the A4 to Par today should be aware that it has failed with a dud big end at Newton Abbot. WCR 47832 is coming down from Bristol as we speak to remove the train. The streak is in Hackney Yard. It's a fascinating experience to be able to "watch" events unfold in real time via the numerous web sites and social media. Facebook friends on the ground and in the industry plus Real Time Trains can make it feel as though I'm actually a part of things. A member of staff on the train reported that it was in fact a hot axle box. There were concerns about the A4 prior to leaving Bristol on Sunday morning and "Britannia" was on standby to replace it. Bet WCR wish they did replace it now. 47832 ran from Bristol to Newton Abbot then worked the special to Par. Edited August 16, 2015 by RichardTrevithick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyh Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Interesting - do these problems develop very quickly? I saw the train pass Bridgwater earlier when it appeared to be going very well and then, almost literally, chased down to Devon where we saw it between Bishopsteignton and Kingsteignton, only a mile or so from Newton, where it also looked (admittedly from a distance) that it was going pretty well. It appears,as of 22.45, the return train hasn't quite made it back to Bristol yet - a long day out! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gwiwer Posted August 16, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 16, 2015 Other observers have noted 60009 was apparently OK at Taunton and Tiverton Junction. RTT shows she left the Tiverton loop stop well ahead of time. So far no-one that I'm aware of has posted a report from Exeter or the sea wall. Big end and hot box problems build up - they aren't usually instant - but can go undetected for a while. Is the GW main line equipped with detectors down there? One might have been triggered and that's all it takes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardTrevithick Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Other observers have noted 60009 was apparently OK at Taunton and Tiverton Junction. RTT shows she left the Tiverton loop stop well ahead of time. So far no-one that I'm aware of has posted a report from Exeter or the sea wall. Big end and hot box problems build up - they aren't usually instant - but can go undetected for a while. Is the GW main line equipped with detectors down there? One might have been triggered and that's all it takes. Steam trains nearly always trigger hot axle box detectors so in most cases these are "false" activations. I suspect that the footplate crew had an idea that all was not well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chy Mengrowyn Paul Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) It's a shame whatever. We get few railtours down here now as it is. Despite the excellent relationship when Nunney and Braunton were stabelled at Long Rock, timetable and turning constraints make life difficult for organising tours. PZ turntable asked for as part of revamp of depot.... . Changing direction slightly, our buses will have changed by the time the HSTs go too. First Devon & Cornwall is now First South West and Camborne based and the new disabled access regs mean it's goodbye to some single deck celebrity liveries by the end of the year and most double decks will be replaced too by 2018. With the proposed devolution they may be franchised bringing more changes. It's all change ! Edited August 17, 2015 by Chy Mengrowyn Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I have a feeling you'll be lucky to get a turntable, revamp or no. The powers that be don't seem interested in such frivolities if St Blazey is any example.. Please can anyone answer my question in #110 about pathing - I have no real knowledge of the subject! Brian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 18, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 18, 2015 Question. In view of the tightness of pathing these days, how does a relief engine fit in with little notification? Brian With difficulty sometimes but with the experience signallers have they would have done it with little effort. Luckily it was a Saturday which may or may not have helped. What would not help is the fact that being a light loco move its restricted to 75 MPH. (light loco's with no train in tow have poor braking capabilities hence the 75 restriction. they are restricted to 60 MPH if the line speed is 85 MPH or less) Line speed between BTM and Exeter is predominantly 100 MPH with a little 110 MPH in the middle so its easy for a light loco to delay normal passenger trains. There are however a few loops it could be put inside on the way for faster traffic to pass it and so keep any impact on normal trains to a minimum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks Gary, for the comprehensive explanation. It would appear signalmen have to be on their toes these days! Brian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted August 18, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 18, 2015 The powers that be don't seem interested in such frivolities if St Blazey is any example.. The future use of the St Blazey turntable by WCR is the subject of an emerging agreement with DBS, as I understand it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted August 18, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 18, 2015 Other observers have noted 60009 was apparently OK at Taunton and Tiverton Junction. RTT shows she left the Tiverton loop stop well ahead of time. So far no-one that I'm aware of has posted a report from Exeter or the sea wall. We saw UofSA at Starcross 20 mins early and still seeming well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardTrevithick Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 With difficulty sometimes but with the experience signallers have they would have done it with little effort. Luckily it was a Saturday which may or may not have helped. What would not help is the fact that being a light loco move its restricted to 75 MPH. (light loco's with no train in tow have poor braking capabilities hence the 75 restriction. they are restricted to 60 MPH if the line speed is 85 MPH or less) Line speed between BTM and Exeter is predominantly 100 MPH with a little 110 MPH in the middle so its easy for a light loco to delay normal passenger trains. There are however a few loops it could be put inside on the way for faster traffic to pass it and so keep any impact on normal trains to a minimum. A light engine going to rescue a failed train is given priority and is allowed an uninterrupted run and is signalled as 1Z99. As UofSA on Sunday was failed in a platform at Newton Abbot rather than say at Teignmouth for example it is debatable if 47832 was going to "clear the line" or not as other trains managed to be re-platformed at Newton Abbot. Nevertheless there were significant delays and disruption to other services. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted August 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 20, 2015 Don "Granitechops" has some pictures of UofSA at Buckfastleigh under repair on the Washout at Dawlish thread http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/81949-washout-at-dawlish/?p=1990176 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gary H Posted August 20, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nevertheless there were significant delays and disruption to other services. Again unfortunately! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterbournecm Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 A set of pictures from a few of the nice days in August - outweighed by the days of appalling weather. 66078 on the Treviscoe clays A piece of fortune or rotten luck at Gover? The former trackbed in Drinninck wharf The twins on the St Ives branch at Lelant A Sunday morning shot of 1S59 at St Blazey. The CDAs on the left are due to be cut up soon. Finally, a typical scene of late. FGW class 57s in trouble. Here's 605 hitching a lift to Penzance with 602 after an over night failure at Newton Abbot. Takne at Trenowth with the farmers permission. 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jock67B Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 The usual classy images Craig, thank you. All we can do now is hope for an 'Indian summer' so that you and our other resident lensmen can whet our appetites! Kind regards, Jock. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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