34067. 'Capital Christmas Express'. 17-11-2012

10:46 Diese just arrived On rear

 

From National Rail enquiries:

A broken down train is causing disruption at Parkstone.

Because of this, there are delays of up to 25 minutes between Weymouth and Bournemouth. These delays are expected to last until approximately 11:30.

 

https://twitter.com/SW_Trains/status/269752660280877056 Oops that's essentially the same info sorry...

 

Thank goodness the rescue diesel was not too far away. The situation could so easily have been far worse. <BJ>

 

Looks as though SWT are doing tremendously well to keep delays down to 25 mins bearing in mind how long Tangmere's been sitting there. Will seriously affect time in London for passenegers and thats a great shame

 

I must say that I was surprised to see the diesel was due to be detached at Wareham. Incidents like this and the one at Martin Mill last year do main line steam no favours at all. It must surely be getting to the stage where NR will insist on diesels being attached to every steam train in the Winter months.

 

47 attached and away 10:46. Arr Bournemouth 10:59, 89L

James at SVN

 

Is there any chance of this going straight up the southern to avoid trailing through Basingstoke and Reading or would that not make much change to timings by the time it finds its way to Paddington

 

SW Trains again at 10.53:
"A steam train broke down between Parkstone and Branksome, which prevented other London bound trains from passing through this area. The steam train is now on the move, and South West Trains are returning to a normal service, although some delays remain."

 

I'd have thought most would be surprised to read the diesel was detached at Wareham given the conditions.

Seems like nothing has been learned from the Martin Mill incident last year whatsoever !

 

I thought all specials had to be risk assessed?

 

Mmmmm... having a diesel on the back.. has this been discussed on here???

 

Even if they are, there should still be scope for changes to arrangements for diesel assistance in response to conditions on the day. We saw it with the "Castle to Scotland" tour in May after all, which was completely turned on it's head at short notice !

 

It Has.....many times. BUT surely the assessment should have said 'leave it on up the hills to Bournemouth ( or Southampton) . Really sad outcome.

 

Absolutely, and it really does leave you wondering how it came to pass with all the experience that must have been on hand.

 

Anyway at Eastleigh now (11:46)

 

Dep Eastleigh 74 mins late. Diesel working hard !

 

On this occasion, a diesel should have been at the back of the train or following light engine. Let's be honest, some locos are more prone to problems with difficult railhead conditions than others. As mentioned previously, it was fortunate that the rescue loco was not too far away. <BJ>

 

Why? Isn't it fairly flat there?

 

Typical ToC making bad publicity for steam! "A STEAM train" has "BROKEN DOWN".
Why mention steam at all?
I wouldn't describe it as broken down either, that means a mechanical failure. Modern traction can slip/stall on bad rail conditions just as well, which has happened. Turbos on the Reading/Guildford line are a recent example.