North Norfolk Railway hopes to run to Cromer from 2015

When are we going to vote a government in that will put an axe through this totally over-the-top nanny state Health & Safety nonsense? As if Mk 1 stock is some sort of health hazard. What planet are these idiots on?

 

Mk.1 stock is not particularly crash-worthy, as has been proven at several accidents over time.

 

I think this is a case of "once you have a law, you can only add to it, not repeal it". The ban was introduced after Clapham and other accidents where Mark 1 crash-worthiness was found lacking but many felt was really to force BR/the TOC/ROSCOs but above all the Treasury to renew the "slam door" fleet south of the Thames.

When the effect on charter stock was discovered, rather than amend the law, an exemption regime was created.

Of course, this was all pre-TPWS and the associated reduction in collision risk. I believe this is part of why barrier vehicles are no longer required to gain exemptions. (Some exemptions never required them anyway).

The door lock issue is due to "unexplained" instances of Mark 2 and 3 doors opening in traffic - I know some in the industry are sceptical that these occurred "for no reason", but the doors concerned were, I understand, all "wrap-round" vehicle end doors, no Mark 1 types (except for "reconstructions" filmed I think on the Mid-Hants using Mark 1s for a BBC "Investigation", which no doubt contributed to the pressure for a legal requirement). The solution for charter stock was offered by the charter industry.

OTMR and GSM-R are industry standards, not legal requirements. Hence, RSSB can issue exemptions. Again, a means of fitting OTMR was offered by the steam industry. I am not sure, however, whether there isn't a legal requirement for an on=board Radio and GSM-R will become the only available system.

Steven

 

Didn't the Panniers trial this last month to Melton Mowbray?

 

That is how it worked during the recent Underground steam events.