The Impact of the Heatwave on Heritage Railways

When a Fire Control receives many calls to a fire- whatever the nature or cause, at an appliance from another station is sent as cover, for the originating station. That is likely be some distance away. If, as often happens, extra assistance is required then that appliance is sent to the fire and another appliance from another station sent to maintain the cover. At large fires, where reliefs are required, appliances from distant stations will be sent.
In 1976 I attended fires in Cornwall and Somerset which was some distance from my home station in South Devon.

 

I was guard on set 2 afternoon shift at Swanage yesterday, I was making announcements approaching the burnt out fields at Townsend caused by our steam locos for passengers to see why we were running diesels. Some couldn't understand how steam could set fire to tinder dry grass. It took some explanation that the coal from the fire etc. One chap asked why we don't use a diesel to heat up the water!!!

 

Hold on, I know this one .... it was tried and Kitson bankrupted themselves in the process!

 

And then if you have a smoke generator with the right smell who needs to burn coal !!!

 

I am sure those nice people in Margate could let you have the plans so you could build a full size synchrosmoke generator! Mind you handling a full size smoke oil capsule might be a bit of a challenge!

 

Battlefield Line is the latest to suspend steam services

 

Has anyone mentioned the GCR yet?

From https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/

Due to the predicted hot weather and dry conditions in Leicestershire during August, and resulting elevated risk of lineside fires, steam locomotives will be replaced by heritage diesel traction from Wednesday 10th August until at least Monday 15th August when rainfall is expected and the situation will be reviewed.

Which means more Deltic action!

 

Indeed it does. I’m tempted to toddle off up there in spite of the heat.

 

Steam was working at Welshpool and heading up the bank today!

 

Well, from the DPS news page:

 

Gwili have cancelled all services this weekend because of the heat.

Regards

Matt

 

Dean Forest Railway are now diesel-only this weekend (13/14th) - D9521 is working both days. The fire risk is off the scale, unfortunately.

 

From Chasewater Railway's Facebook page.

SERVICE UPDATE

Due to issues with buckling track we will be unable to operate a passenger service this Saturday, 13/8/23. Our amazing volunteer P-Way team are working hard to repair the track.

Services will operate on Sunday but we are unable to operate the full length of the line, and so therefore services will operate to Chasewater Heaths only, on Sunday 14/8/22. There is no wheelchair access available on trains at Chasewater Heaths during this time.

 

What is the situation with water use if the water company's put in place restriction on use i assume that means at least no washing down of coaches.

 

Businesses are exempt from hosepipe bans usually.

 

That is what was said last week when Southern Water imposed their hosepipe ban. Not sure now drought conditions have been declared in some areas if that changes things or not.

 

Businesses are not always exempt - I recall one previous drought (early 1990s?) where the KWVR were threatened with being banned from filling their locos.

 

I believe its for people who use them for hydrotherapy.