WSR Spring Steam Gala Fri 28th April to Mon 1st May

I'm pretty sure Erlestoke gained a Torbay Express headboard following its double header run with Odney on Saturday, but whether that was done on shed with the aid of a tower or not I don't know!

From what I understand there were some alterations to the loco roster to account for 34027 instead of 4953, but nothing that would result in a full rewrite of it, just moving a couple of things a train earlier or later for example.

 

True - very much 'a nice to have' and not a criticism at all - I appreciate 'Taw Valley' was a late (and great!) addition to the lineup!

 

Yes- I have a photo of the crew fitting the headboard at Minehead, will dig it out later.

I have also just uploaded a video of No.2999 'Lady of Legend' during the gala, including a spin on the turntable and Minehead.
Enjoy

 

Thanks for the reply - that makes a lot of sense!

 

Interesting picture critical thinking Risk Assessment head on........

I wonder how that is lifted on and off the loco.

My other question would be how effective is it- the buffers protrude quite some distance so there is still the opportunity to fall between the guardrail and the Buffer-beam. Is this system just as likely to cause further injury as prevent it?

In my mind, the most simple solution to a lot of this would be to use a variable length work-positioning lanyard clipped into the loco handrail when doing things like cleaning (assuming it is suitably robust- there would need to be some analysis.

Work at height is high on the HSEs priorities currently, highest cause of death in the workplace last year and is consistently in the top 5 for types of RIDDOR reported injuries.

I have posted regarding this before suggesting how solutions can be found and often engineered in and planned in for future- which met with some fairly negative comment, however it is the reality that we all have a responsibility, and our hobby is very much under the spotlight currently.

Chris

Chris

 

Lanyards are usually considered the last resort.

Sent from my XQ-AS52 using Tapatalk

 

The development of a safe system of work is still a work in progress. WSR are working closely with the ORR to develop a system that works and can be deployed on a range of locomotives. The solution shown in the photo is not a one size fits all (for example it would not work on a 4F). The solution shown in the picture is light enough to be lifted on and off by 2 people and of most importance it is quite easy to fabricate so should not cost other heritage lines a fortune. Please also note that it is not the whole solution, when working over a pit covers are also fitted in front and behind the loco. To your lanyard point - please think about the jobs the crew need to do when working on the front of the locomotive with the smokebox door open.

 

Risk assessment specific, and depending on the suitability of the task, we should always be prioritising collective measures where possible.

Also you will note "work positioning" as opposed to fall arrest- fall arrest is mitigation whereas work positioning is fall prevention.

I understand the challenges of coming up with solutions like this- there is no one size fits all for this, I have just been doing some working at Height audits and training for a National Charity that have some really unusual work environments.

Ladders are considered as the last resort generally where other solutions are not practicable.

Chris

 

Ladders have been a big no no for any contractor working for the local authority for a number of years. Trouble is we wrap all our houses in scaffolding to make the job as safe as possible, then a private owner across the road employs 'Mr Jones Roofing' who does the entire job off a ladder!

The building industry has come a long way, but the temptation to cut costs to remain competitive is still a big issue.

I commend the WSR for attempting to come up with innovative solutions in an effort to make these everyday tasks simpler. There is no merit in preserving 19th century working practices, no one comes to volunteer to return home injured or not at all.

 

Good point about doing it on shed, hadn't thought of that.

 

Also a priority for the ORR. A blog by Simon Barber, the ORR's principal inspector of heritage railways, in which he refers to recent falls from height and vehicle runaways as issues of particular concern.

https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/managing-safety-issues-heritage

 

Yes, despite the appearance of a BLP, the event looked amazing.
If I knew all this hub-bub around GWSR was going to happen, I would have visited the WSR instead.

Still, I hope one is held next year [hopefully no strikes by then].

 

Yes, OK, I asked for that.
I meant it wasn't just limited to the Severn Valley because the owners only wanted it to travel mainline.

Suppose both MHR and Bluebell will be drooling now another BLP is avaliable for visits.

 

Rather belatedly I've finally had time to go through photos from last weekend. I managed to visit on the Monday which was my first WSR Gala and was a thoroughly enjoyable day with a very friendly atmosphere on and around the line - many thanks to all involved. A few photos of the guests taken on Monday afternoon around Muddymoor and Kentsford:

 

A few clips from the recent Spring Steam Gala. Superb weekend, well done to everyone involved.

Video Available Here

 

Dates given for 2024's event as 2-6th May (Thurs- BH Mon) in latest issue of Steam Railway.

 

Can you confirm this SebWelsh?
Only I do want to visit you guys again and I don't really want to keep mucking the Minehead Premier Inn about.

 

Those dates printed in Steam Railway mag are not quite correct.

The correct dates are Friday 3rd May to Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2024 (a 4 day event). Those are now set in stone so please book accommodation if you wish!

We will likely get these out formally on the website and social media in the next few weeks.

I've already had a fair bit of success in the hunt for locomotives, it pays to start early it seems!