LE Movements and Test Runs 2013.

Third rail arching has been setting fires on the Southern all week

 

Well every year we normally get leaves on the line, which is a danger to any train, but also known to hit the sides of trains too.
The state of lineside ground which NR owns is not a good sign to any tourist, who wanted to see the lovely countryside,and all you see is shrubs,trees and clutter which should have been removed anyway, when working along the tracks.

 

Exactly! NR may cut down trees to prevent adhesion problems to normal services due to leaves on the line in Autumn, but they have no need to clear the low level vegetation (which is what is more likely to catch fire) as that is not usually a problem to normal services.

 

Class 47 + 'Nunney Castle' now returning from Tyseley to Bristol. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O00615/2013/07/12/advanced

 

UK Steam shows 34046 running E+C from Crewe to Carnforth tomorrow. I have heard that this is to be followed by a test run on the usual Hellifield circuit, but I have also heard Thursday mentioned for both of these events. However, whichever date is correct, it will presumably fall foul of the same steam ban that apparently caused today's SSE ECS to York to be led by a diesel. Not much point in doing a test run with a diesel leading, is there?

So where now for 34046?

 

34046 is at Bury,ELR is it not?

 

Sorry, yes, meant Bury to Carnforth.

 

Vegetation does affect modern traction, as mentioned, 3rd rail arcing causes fires in summer, in high winds tree's fall on the line blocking it, in autumn falling leaves affect adhesion (and braking is more the concern for modern traction in this case than slipping), the last two examples of course having the potential for a nasty crash either by colliding with a hefty tree trunk or sliding past a red aspect into a SPAD and into the path of conflicting traffic (I believe an EMU skidded for over 2-3 miles a few years ago), and from a maintenance point of view, overhanging branches scratch paintwork and in extreme cases can smash windows.

Might rarely be steam around to incinerate it now, but lineside vegetation is as big a menace as ever, I could see Bob Crow having a field day if a big incident ever happens due to one of the above.

 

So where does the reported requirement for diesel behind steam on wcr operations leave the 34046 test run?

 

From gen: "34046 'Braunton&#39; passes Manchester Victoria 0809 with 57315 in tow to Carnforth"
The big WCR test loop has also been activated today so guess they're going for loaded test run today too, guess with a box in tow. We'll soon see

 

Perhaps the steam ban only applies to passenger workings?

 

So its not just lineside fires which NR are having to deal with now; All services from Waterloo last evening severely affected by distorted rails from heat ! One thing after another. Anyone know why they should distort in this day and age, is it because they're welded together with no room for expansion ?? And what happens if this should spread because no end in sight yet to the heat levels.

 

I can't see any possible justification for that. A full length test train is almost as likely to cause lineside fires as one with a bit of extra weight from the passengers.

What puzzles me is what is gained by doing a test run where the diesel is doing most of the work. I guess it may qualify 34046 for being pushed around by a diesel in the south west, which is all that lies ahead for the foreseeable future. But once the steam ban ends, presumably a real test run will be required.

 

I guess Braunton's ability to haul a loaded train is not in question as it's worked on the ELR and WSR. It's probably more important to test all of the gubbins needed for mainline running and to run at speeds more than 25 mph. The presence of a diesel would not really affect that.

 

Confirmed that 34046 is being coaled and watered on arrival at Carnforth then out for loaded test run