Total/Partial Steam Ban 2014

Take that man's name Wilson.

 

I didn't write that out very well did I. But Fiona gets me all hot and bothered

 

Don't tell him Pike!

 

Not while the fire service are on strike you don't.

 

Just had an enjoyable trip on the Fellsman today.
Steam on the way up to Carlisle with 48151 and a Class 37 on the back, and just the Class 37 on the return journey.
Until late Tuesday afternoon it was a steam ban, as reported on other threads, and a statement from the tour operator today, but last minute negotiations by the Statesman/WCRC/NR, allowed the outward journey - it left Lancaster just after the 8am FBU ban, but would have got caught up in it between 5-7pm.
I understand that the NR fire risk status defaults to Red before, and during, the FBU strike this week from 14-21st July across all rail routes in England and Wales.
It would seem that regardless of the weather, it rained heavily on the way back; NR have classified that without fire brigade response, even though the risk of a fire is relatively low, the consequences could be potentially severe.
Have to say "well done chaps" to Statesman/WCRC for doing their best today, and am sure similar negotiations are being made, by rejigging schedules, or partial steam, for example, to avoid any further steam bans during the FBU dispute.

 

That small scene was, IMHO, one of the very best in a quite outstanding series.

 

Even more so should she ever wear a dirndl.

 

And I hope the "West Byfleet flammable grass test", will not be carried out while they are on strike. Last reported as done in 2013?

I am sure someone can find a link to it here....................


WARNING............ACHTUNG..............do not try that test at home children. And any adults on Nat Pres, if we ever get any of them here.

 

No need at the moment - no one is disputing the dryness of grass. However, should the time come........

 

Looking at the current conditions I don't hold out much hope for any solo or unassisted main line steam trips for the foreseeable future.
The current rain alarm app shows no rain at all in the UK Mainland at the moment or none approaching.
Any predicated thunderstorms on Saturday may be too little too late.
Also next weeks forecast, in the south anyway, shows temps in the high 20's all week with perhaps maybe the odd shower if you are lucky.

 

Trouble is that it is so dry & hot that any rainfall will just evaporate & not actually make anything properly wet.

 

I've decided that Spring or Fall are probably the best times of year to have a planned vacation to ride behind mainline steam.

 

State the bloody obvious then!

 

Fall? you best be off to see the big boy then.

 

Oh, , I was rather looking forward to that.

When the time does comes, any chance of making a short video of it please?

 

I had a fall last Saturday but the mainline steam probs haven't

I had a fall last Saturday but the steam situation is just the same

 

The way the Union Pacific steam program is being managed right now 844, 3985 and the Big boy (4014) aren't going to be hitting the rails for a long time and that is a long story as well. They do not do the public tours that they used to do

I know you guys are joking with me some.

I'm holding out for Lizzie and that wait is not going to linger on for much longer!

 

Ok, please don't shoot me down in flames (LOL) just yet but how do NR work out the risk of a lineside fire ? I've been looking on the met office (link http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/fire-severity-index/#?tab=map), looks low to moderate fire risk for Yorkshire at the moment. Or am I barking up the wrong tree with this ?