29th may - possible tour up the lickey incline

It happened as recently as last month 60019 standing in for 34067, the 37 didn't isolate the TPWS, came to a halt at the end of the platform and 60019 slipped to a stand

 

Now that is tempting. Just need to work out if I can get there!

 

Just another piece of badly researched (or more probably totally un-researched) mis- information from Cedric Johns in Heretic Rail I fear. The man has undoubtedly never heard of, or seen, the relevant Network Rail sectional appendix which details methods of work for such things. If it's in there why would Net Rail be dis-inclined?

 

It may be a misunderstanding of the reason why 9600 will be coupled to the rear of the train in this instance (i.e. to facilitate the later reversal at Saltley).

 

No - my original statement still stands. The man said that Network Rail was dis-inclined to allow loose banking. That is not true and is permitted on the Lickey incline, whether steam or diesel, at the end of the day it is just another registered locomotive. Whether or not the loco is coupled or loose and why is immaterial, his statement is wrong and demonstrates a complete lack of research and knowledge of what he is talking about. As usual wit such things, it looks as though it was made up on the hoof to fill allocated column inches.As I said if Network Rail were dis-inclined to allow, why would they leave it in the rule book and appendix?

 

As far as im aware banking on the lickey is undertaken by DBS 66's with a modified knuckle coupling, allowing them to uncouple on the move. It would be interesting to know whether that that was a result of pressure from NR or a decision taken internally by EWS.

Chris

 

Whoevers decision it was i doubt it would be a requirement, not everything requiring assistence would have compatible couplings.

As for the Magazine article, i suspect the writer may have looked at the Shap Banker that took place a few years ago as a precedent, difference is Banking is no longer practised in normal circumstances on Shap.

 

Thank you for your re-assurance guys. While the two upfront would have produced some impressive decibels it would have looked a bit odd.

 

Yes, "misunderstanding" may have been too kind. What I really meant was that maybe he got part of the story and made up/assumed the rest to fit.

 

There have abeen a few steam banking turns up the Lickey in preservation, those with 7760 in 2001 and before that 80079 in 199? These all ran with the banker not coupled to the train and just dropping off at Blackwell so there is a precedent for this to happen.

Is the Lickey the only remaining place where banking regularly takes place, other than Victoria station I suppose?

 

That would be more to do with the fact that many modern freight wagons in DB's fleet have only American knuckle couplings and no traditional buffing gear. The modern couplings aren't designed to be pushed against without coupling hence they have to attach when banking. The remote uncouple just allows the banker to leave in teh traditional manor rather than stopping the train. Many other companies new wagons still seem to come of the production line with buffer and screw links.

 

Victoria station is probably the most frequent.. in summer maybe once or twice a week the WCRC 47 then drops off LE to Clapham Junction to await the stock for the return ecs.
Wasnt one of the producers planning this for Weymouth this summer (Or was it a Steam Railway myth ?)

 

Just booked on this, hopefully will be a good trip. Tickets are still available for those who are still considering this run.

 

I'm planning on hopefully seeing the tour go up the Lickey on my way back from the GWSR Gala, are there any provisional timings for it yet? Also, where would be the best place to see the train go up the Lickey, as I have never been before?

Cheers, Lewis

 

Might this be it? - http://www.railwaytouring.co.uk/index.php/the-dorset-coast-express---8-summer-trips.html