70013: The Jolly Fisherman 9th April.

My post Ralph, was trying to indicate WHY the diesel was there this time, and yes I know most of us on here know why but this time it was warranted,I just wanted to make the point about operational problems regarding this trip.I dont think my post was slagging anybody off whereas busengs continued dig at diesels on steam charters gets annoying. Even a died in the wool steam fan Spamcan 81 said they have a roll to play. I expect this post will be moved as well but I stated my position many times, I just hope 70013 is ok ,thats the important thing.

 

The 37 was left on the rear due to the points at Skegness not being used regularly, therefore not allowing 70013 to run round. As oddsocks said 70013 did work in certain sections on the return which must mean the problem encountered cannot have been that serious. This does raise question as to why it couldn’t of worked the Skegness - Sleaford section at least, which alot of people came for behind steam. Overall what would have been a good day out turned very average.

 

i have heard reports of olly setting fire to the lineside at Abbots Ripton on the outward trip as to why the diesel was put up front any one else heard the same?

thanks al

 

To clarify the situation there were two separate incidents that affected the operation of this train. There is still a loco release crossover in Skegness, platform 4 which it was proposed to use. This would have allowed 70013 to run round its train using platform 5. However it was alleged that Network Rail discovered only a day or so before the tour ran that having not been used for many years these points didn’t work properly and there was a fear of derailment if used. NR therefore stipulated, I believe as late as Friday evening, that the train would have to run in top and tail mode as there no other means of getting the train out of Skegness.

The second incident was when 70013 was declared a partial failure at Skegness with a non-specified firebox problem. It was said it could and would assist the train but was incapable of hauling it on its own. So the diesel ran round to the front the train in the carriage sidings. This begs the question as to why 70013 could not have done this but in the event it was fortunate the diesel happened to there. I have no idea as to the extent of 70013's problems but the word was it could be fixed locally once the firebox had gone cold.

 

I am told it was leaking firebox stays but cannot confirm this as 100% accurate I'm afraid.

 

I do not know this as fact but apparently a support crew member said that the patch in the firebox was coming away.

 

The train ran into the carriage sidings at Skegness, and then the Class 37 ran round in the sidings. By the looks of things, fresh ballast has recently been laid in the carriage sidings, so they have possibly been used for the recent engineer's trains as well as Saturday's railtour.

 

I feel this is unlikely as if this were the case the fire would surely have been dropped straight away? I cannot help but feel that this is the sort of 'scare story' that should not be given a public airing, I am sure by now this rumor will be out there doing the rounds!

 

Update here

http://5305la.org.uk/news.aspx?ID=303

 

Just going to post that link as well Keith! From the news release does not sound to be a serious issue with Oliver Cromwell and should be fixed now DH

 

Was informed today, and backed up with a check of my photos, that the 37 did not have a tail lamp fitted when it went through Spalding, and was stopped at Gosberton.