Queen Mary Brake EWS

How many Queen Mary's are still left on the net work does anyone know?


Thanks

 

56299 at Bescot (the one just offered for sale) is the last on the national network.

 

Or at least was until she was bought by someone who we don't know the identity of yet \/

 

I know what you mean Tom. Charlie Maddox is not giving anything away except to say that it has gone into preservation, possibly until the deal is dried and dusted and EWS have their money.

Regards
Chris

 

Is there a list out there of all brake vans which are still on the net work.



Thanks

 

That a tall order Lee :smt087 :smt087

Chris

 

probably about none as a train is not allowed to run with out a continuis train brake and ground crew have vans to drive around in now . i know as i am employed by axiom rail as a wagon fitter

 

I was under the impression there were still a few Sharks about for ballast work ? admittedly on the decline.

 

Brake vans can be used for other purposes. There used to be one at Castleford for use on the branch to Allerton Bywater. The line was single track with no run round loop at the terminus. The van was attached to the train for the propelling movement so someone could ride up front and apply the brake, if necessary. Although I don't know of any other examples, I doubt if this was a ubique operation.

 

Certainly was one down to Cattedown (Plymouth) for the scrap and bitumen trains for the propelling movement from the loop at the remains of Plymouth Friary, I presume it is still used for the scraps although I believe the bitumen trains have now ended.

Up until a couple of years ago that was a Queen Mary as well, since then its been a Shark.

 

most of the ballast trains now are plasser or taser trains that run on there own with drivers at both ends according to a coleague there are only 3 brake vans passed for use on national network now

 

Thanks for that, do you happen to know what they are or could you find out please ?.

Regards
Chris

 

app 1 20t standard and 2 sharks

 

I don't know about your area but in the North East and Yorks areas. Ballast trains tend to be Autohopper trains in multiples of 5 or Seacows etc still make an occaisional appearance.
The only time we get the plasser trains is when working with the MOBC. Even then usually followed up with a hopper train.
Trains generally 66 hauled one end only. The only time top and tailed is when operationally required. ie. lack of runround etc.
However not seen a shark on Network in 2 - 3 years now as most ballast profiling now done by road railers. Sometimes though we do get a regulator but not often.

 

round here its plassers or tassers if not they r auto hoppers or these long yellow network rail wagons dont know the carknd tho

 

So does anyone acctually know where it's gone then?

 

There should be a Shark in the PW siding at Shenfield (Essex), well, it was there last Monday anyway...

 

Apparently she is residing at LH Plant at Barton Neddlewood, so perhaps Graham Lee of Hunslet bought it?

 

Apparently that's been there for about 20 years. Got a hot box, so they dumped it in a siding there, only to eventually have the track disconnected to it a few years later! I doubt the cost of saving it would outweigh the benefits of it to be honest...

EDIT: Just realised that that was the tale behind the 'Dog's Kennel' ex SR break van at Manea between March and Peterborough. Dumped in winter '89 apparently! I'll try and find out the story of the Shark later if you want...

EDIT 2: The Shark, apparently still owned by EWS, was also a victim of a hot box, and was dumped there, but overhead lines, and a lack of road access have apparently made it difficult to retrieve. Tho' this one is still connected to the national rail network.

 

Thanks for that Tom, he must have paid a few quid for it though as the highest bidder I know drom North Wales bid at least £3500.00 pounds for it.

Regards
Chris