THE KENTISH BELLE ARMISTICE DAY (Tangmere now via Bromley)

Quite correct.

 

Especially with a light pacific doing a bit of rail conditioning ahead!

 

It seems that two conclusions could be reached:

1) An Unrebuilt Bulleid Pacific isn't capable of shifting a moderately sized train from a standing start at the foot of a steep gradient and therefore the use of these engines on the mainline should be restricted to less steeply graded routes.

2) Network Rail shouldn't timetable a steam hauled railtour to stop at the foot of a steep bank. Which leads to: a) if this is the case does this mean the train was too heavy or the motive power unsuitable (see point 1) and b) what guidance did the TOC offer to NR regarding the unsuitability of stopping the train at the foot of such a steep gradient?

 

As I have shifted heavier loads than that up steeper hills from a standing start in worse conditions the addition of a six couple rail conditioning device in front would be totally superfluous....

 

Yeah, twas a tounge in cheek comment me old HSTmaster

 

Unfortunately there are other trains on the network to consider, the Modern Dynamic Thrusting Railway (hereinafter referred to as 'MDTR') does not operate or exist soley for steam charter trains to operate on. In any case a train may be stopped by the signalman should an emergency arise at any point on the Journey. Therefore a train including a charter train be it steam or diesel hauled should be capable of restarting itself from rest from any point on the journey with due regard for any rail conditions that might be encountered. Autumn isnt exactly a new phenonemon is it?

 

:becky:

 

What is this autumn of which you speak?

 

So what about those freights that slipped to a stand on the Marches last year and HST's running about with only a single power car working ?, i somehow doubt DBS have reduced it's loadings.

 

Wrong I afraid. certain DBS flows on certain routes do indeed have reduced loads on, what are known as, back or red days on the adhesion forecast

 

Don't know about freights you'd have to ask a freight person. I am aware however that if a freight train driver believes the load excessive for the conditions en route he may request an assisting / additional loco or have the trailing load reduced.

HST's as you are aware are allowed to operate OEO over the Devon banks under specific instructions. These instructions prohibit such operation in adverse rail conditions.

 

The diesel boys are here to troll and will conveniently ignore the plethora of traction problems that beset the network on a weekly basis but have nothing to do with steam. Locos fail and locos stall, steam, diesel or electric.

 

There can be no doubt that the conditions made life less than easy for both Armistice Day trains and this is well illustrated on this You tube footage showing both trains passing Bickley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y2GTDewq9Y&feature=youtu.be

For information, on the ECS from Sittingbourne Tornado was stopped at the foot of the climb from Faversham to Selling – I believe that climb is four or five miles long at 1 in 90 or thereabouts. The A1 climbed competently despite the leaves and drizzle - an excellent performance by the crew and the locomotive.

 

Rarely do these issues cause a delay of five hours on a journey of six hours though.

No traction unit is failure-proof however, nor will a failure-proof traction unit ever be devised.

 

A different view point is more than welcome, just because it's contrary, isn't necessarily trolling.Some posters have put across constructive rationale.

 

Of course calling them heaps and lumps is constructive rationale, I forgot that.

 

Oh do come on, how much trolling has there actually been on this thread, I've seen a discussion take place, I've seen the railwaymen on here state, based on their professional opinion that, given the load and likely conditions that Tangmere should have had assistance available away from Deal. Some who have posted do actually sign the route and have worked a variety of trains with a variety of traction over it

 

Both fair points. Regardless of traction preferences how much damage is done to future railtour business by the likes of Fridays balls up or the DoG mess on the Torbay?
Assuming the passenger loads aren't only made up of foaming kettle neds, how many normals who just wanted a day out on a 'steam train' going to be persuaded to travel again?
Discuss.....

 

Indeed. It seems to me more likely that 'normals' wanting a day out with something more exotic than a Notworker will make up an ever increasing percentage of the charter train market if it to survive or even grow in these times where every penny counts. If they are exposed to complete farce, they will look at the tour operators name on the sides of the coaches and make note never to book with that outfit again. Planning (including traction provison) manning and competency is now to the fore ever more than it was in the days of black and white simply because expectations are much much higher these days.

 

Sorry I disagree, just read posts #92 & #117 by Dragging Brakes. If that is not inciting trouble , then what is?
Anyway, a pm has been sent to a forum admin.