The Fellsman 2018

I believe the Jacobite hasn't been affected as of yet, but not up there myself today to confirm. James Shuttleworth has confirmed in the past that they operate with a more local procedure worked alongside a local weather monitoring system.

 

Special journey out to get a shot of the 37's for the Big H today


https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/42126969875/

 

Spot on Ian , sadly no video from me as I had a prior engagement with cans of Lager and a patio bathed in sun watching the footie

 

Jacobite is indeed assessed locally and the system works well. All other Routes work on rolling assessment and daily phone conferences with affected operators, underpinned by a fire-risk protocol, which we established jointly some years ago.

Most Routes not unexpectedly currently are declaring High risk, which, in simple terms, mean steam as show pony only. LNW declared a total ban yesterday, without any prior indication - whilst understandable, the legitimacy of that (in the face of the protocol, which is designed to avoid bans) will be reviewed tomorrow morning, in the hope that they fall in line with other Routes and accept reasonable mitigation.

With little sign of rain and continued high temperatures, don’t expect an early return to normal. At the end of the day, NR have duty to all operators and passengers and have to consider whether steam and hot, dry weather together present too high a risk. At least we have some formality to the process!

JS

 

Once again James, a very informative and balanced report about the situation ongoing at the moment. It's very much appreciated.

 

On today's Fellsman the Train Manager made an announcement to explain the absence of steam.

On Monday at 10.30, following a conference call between NR and the 3 steam TOCs, it was agreed that steam could continue with the addition of diesel which would assist away from stops and up gradients. At 18.30 the LNW Area Route Director imposed a 7 day ban on all steam in the LNW Area. An appeal was made to NR's Charter Trains Director, particularly with regard to the timescale. At 20.30 it was confirmed the ban remained.

James Shuttleworth's post provides more information and I wish WCRC well with the appeal; agreed protocols are exactly what they say on the tin and not something to be ridden over rough shod by a petty Emperor (sorry Director).

A bit too much brum-brum for me today and not enough chuff-chuff. Still a good, very hot, day out. Thanks to all concerned and even to NR who found us an earlier path back from Hellifield.

 

If you could see Saddleworth moor right now, as I can from my kitchen window, a steam ban is understandable.

/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-44601027

 

Thank you James for advising the current situation. As with "Insect" and his diesel news it all helps to confirm that WCRC does respect enthusiasts hence willing to share news that helps us record workings from the lineside; we are grateful and respect those who keep we enthusiasts informed.

 

37s in the warmth .My mates footage

 

Excellent comment Fred

 

Like that Ian ,may you receive lots of likes

 

And that is how life should be Steve, good man

 

Yes, just seen the footage on the news. Good new is that by this time next week, we will have well established Westerly winds and rain. So soon time to waive goodbye to this heatwave - thank God.

 

Wow thats brave, someone prepared to put a long range forecast in print. Give that man a job.

 

And sack him on Wednesday 4th July if he is wrong.

 

Yes thanks for that insight James. I did wonder if charter paths (be they steam with or without diesel) or pure diesel are guaranteed once in the schedule? With SWR in meltdown yesterday (figuratively and literally) with for example, the 1505 from from Waterloo terminated at Bournemouth 159 late , the 1535 terminated at Poole 145 late and the 1635 122 late at Weymouth (plus many cancellations and turnbacks) if NR can decide that charter trains "get in the way" at times of Network stress. For example if Royal Ascot was this week would they have still allowed all those charters to delay timetabled passenger services even more?

 

That, of course, may well apply to which area of the UK you live. Certainly the forecast for SW England, near the Channel coast, shows that apart from some fine rain early this Sunday morning, the present weather continues well into July.
Time will tell!

 

Nothing forecast up here in the south of Cumbria, the weather predictor on the BBC only goes up to 10th July and still no rain forecast, also worth bearing in mind that during the similar spell we had at the end May start June, they forecast rain on a number of occasions and it never materialised.

 

Also the amount of rain needs to be considered, a few 'showers' I suspect will not be enough to clear any bans in place either.

 

Weather forecast to date now suggest present systems will last throughout July.