Scarborough Spa Express 2013

Yes problems linessde fires at Haxby near York so I've been told its to be diesel back from Scarborough. Presumably the diesel will be on it for the rest of the week. So that's the season finishing as it started.

 

47760 tucked inside on return.

 

Railway Herald has the official line from Network Rail - reporting that today's 'Scarborough Spa Express' set off two lineside fires on the route between York & Scarborough, which has caused delay to other services. West Coast Class 47/7 No. 47760 worked 'light engine' from York to Scarborough, and was included in the consist of the steam special back to York, albeit with LMS Rebuilt Royal Scot 4-6-0 No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' leading.

In response to this incident, Network Rail's London & North East Zone, which covers the East Coast Main Line from Kings Cross to the Scottish Borders, has re-introduced its 'Light Steam Policy' with immediate effect. RH understands that the definition of 'Light Steam' is for the steam locomotive to be positioned on the front of the train but dealing only with the braking, while the diesel locomotive within the consist provides the motive power. The only exemptions from this policy concern workings in and around York, connected with movements to and from the National Railway Museum to Holgate Sidings and the turntable, and the North York Moors Railway services between Grosmont and Whitby.

So what will happen to the two booked 90-mph workings with LNER A4 Pacific No. 4464 Bittern from York to Newcastle and return on Friday, and from York to Kings Cross on Saturday? We'll let you know when we find out.

 

That, indeed, is the question! Please do. (and thanks for the background on today's SSE)

 

What worries me even more is the chance of lineside fires on the WCML when the Scot is scheduled to do The West Highlander over Shap and Beattock on September 21. Something else needs to be found to power the train. My 2 cents

take a look at UK steam

 

What worries me more is the suspicion that part of the problem is due to Network Fail not controlling the vegetation then blaming steam traction for the consequent fires; when passing Copthorne on Tuesday morning [both ways] 46115 seemed in fine fettle with 13 coaches - and was diesel-free !

 

I'm rather hoping that Tuesday's fire was caused by an easily traceable fault on 46115, perhaps in combination with a mistake on the part of the footplate or support crew. If it was something specific to that one loco and/or the circumstances on that day, then there's a fair chance that other steam charters passing through the area (Scarborough Flyer, Bittern's high speed runs) will be permitted to run unassisted.

Any news about today's SSE?

 

For all we know, Al, what you describe has probably been going on behind the scenes, but neither WCRC nor NR are likely to tell us directly. I can understand why NR York's immediate reaction was to require diesel assistance on everything while they investigate the circumstances. The question now is whether or not they can spare someone with the right authority to spend a couple of hours to follow it up. That's not guarenteed, given it's still peak holiday season and the relative (i.e. low) priority of charter trains amongst everything else NR Control has to attend to.

 

Also are we certain the locos have caused the fires and not a photographer or other member of the public at the lineside stupidly smoking? Certainly seen irresponsible people smoking on unstaffed stations whilst waiting for steam to pass whilst I've been out and about this week.

Edit - probability is the loco but do the locations suggest humans and cigs might be possible?