Cumbrian Coast droplight restrictions

The Restrictions on the northern part of this route are well known, basically that tours are only allowed on the basis that stewards prevent anyone looking out due to some unusually narrow clearances, fair enough really, my question is, does anyone know how far south along the route this restriction extends ?, is it as black and white as Carslisle - Maryport, or is it even further ?, I like to take in a "window view" from time to time, but don't want to incur anyones wrath by jumping the gun.

 

I thought there was also restricted clearances in Whitehaven Tunnel ?

 

There is/was. The two LMS design (BR built in the 50's) TPO coaches used (singly) on the Whitehaven - Huddersfield TPO had slightly narrower bodies than the standard LMS build and DMU's on the coast from the 60's had bars across the door windows to stop heads leaning out IIRC.

The LMS design vehicles were replaced by Mk1's sometime after I ceased to travel in them during the period 1970 -73.

 

Didn't know that...interesting!

 

Steam tours are only allowed on if people are prevented from looking out of the window, as the rule is if anyone is found in breach of this rule the train is then stopped and the person for the cause is then removed at the next possible stop. When I did the Cumbrian Coast with the 8f I waited till just before the station and once we passed under the bridge I just got up and made my move to get a window spot.

 

I Know that I was just saying when it was safe to do so.

 

Wow! I remember that in places on DR in the old East Germany. Up in the Harz I think where the train may have gone very close to the "iron curtain". (Near Benneckenstein?). I think the blinds or something were pulled down so you could not look out of the window. I imagine transgressors would not only have been removed from the train, but shot as well. Is there a firing squad based in Cumbria at all?

 

I say if you insist on sticking your head out of the window when you have been told not to, go for it!

Survival of the fittest and all that....although I do not envy the coach cleaners afterwards.

 

The train actually passed within 100 yards of the border and - if the guard was friendly - he would alert photographers that photography within that portion of the line was "niche erlaubt !" then advise them once clear of the danger zone.

 

Thanks for the replies all, so in effect Carlisle to Maryport it seems, Ralph when you say pax have to remain seated, is that just stay away from the windows or totally seated ?, seems a bit harsh to restrict someone going to the loo or buffet.

 

You want to try putting your head out the window on the Jacobite ! Remember looking at the coaches, when I got off, and they were marked up pretty badly !

 

The instruction from NetRail is between Maryport & Carlisle South Junction in BOTH directions.

It is pretty definite and without exception. It is not just the droplights - "The Person in Charge of the train must also ensure that the persons occupying the vehicles have been advised not to lean out or extend anything out of any window."

These are the rules. If you do not wish to comply, or you wish to debate the validity of them, please do not travel.

BUT if you do wish to travel southbound along the coast behind a double-chimney Castle on 18th April, we have just released some additional Standard Seats - http://www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk/tours/tr_2015_0411.htm

 

Thanks Ben, not questioning the reason for them or anything, just curious where they start and end really as prior to the this thread I just knew it as "a Northern bit of the Cumbrian Coast", which was something less than exact!.

Already booked on this trip hence why I'm asking.