The Steam Ban around York

Well Maybe it should be not specific loco but rather the success rate and the organizations and how well they do maintenance wise on their locomotives. 35028 has to be kept in immaculate condition for VSOE steam trips. Ian Riley does a superb job with 45407 and 44871. I'm also going to mention 4965 because even NR had trust in her due to VT's successful operations on the Shakespeare as mentioned during the toughest of times this summer and prior.

 

Great news Ralph if so

 

Yes, lets hope there's a press release to confirm it tomorrow. Will now book on Easterling.

 

Two Jubes on the Hadrian for me !

 

I'm really happy for them though. This is well deserved. It is very good because trains during the Christmas Season are many into York especially.

 

5043 failed on her mainline return on the way back from Stratford...

 

Has the lifting of the ban actually been confirmed anywhere yet? If so where?

Don

 

No, but Ralph is quite well-connected, and I was informed last Sunday that there would be a meeting between the parties involved scheduled for yesterday, all being well. However, I still await a press release, or something official.

 

Received an e-mail from RTC today saying the Hadrian (11th October) will be steam both ways over the S&C (Hellifield-Carlisle) due to Network Rail steam ban in York area, and will not use the Tyne Valley line.

 

This weeks Railway Herald also stated the same thing. Maybe the decision had been made on this before the meeting with WCR and NR?

 

It may just be the fact that the high risk fire season has come to an end and NR are allowing steam on their patch regardless of which TOC it is, as from 1/10/14, which is a bit late to re route the tour, get it accepted, then inform the customer.

 

I have heard today that the ban has not been lifted though my source wasn't certain. Does anybody know what the actual situation is?

Don

 

i think this can rank right up there as

'Farce of the year'

anyone else agree

 

Brian Rix

 

DBS operated 5029 Nunney Castle passed through York on 23 September under its own power.

 

Which rather suggests that NR's argument is indeed with WCR and not with steam locos in general.

 

As far as I can see this dispute had not been settled . It us awaiting adjudication by the Access Disputes Committee, case reference ADA 20. No indication of date.It could be settled by negotiation but in view of who is involved this seems unlikely.

Don