Network Rail said the decision had not been taken lightly. According to Rail magazine, it is an "unprecedented suspension" as, since privatisation, operators have been barred from certain routes but never hit with a total network ban. A Network Rail spokesman said services were suspended from 00:00 on 3 April and would only resume if seven action points are addressed.
The spokesman said: "We have set out a number of actions to address the safety concerns raised and will continue to work with WCR to ensure their services can run safely in future." Network Rail is concerned over a recent Spad (signal passed at danger) incident and the company's response to the problem. Network Rail's suspension notice said it "ranked as the most serious Spad that has taken place this year when the industry risk ranking methodology was applied".
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating. Network Rail said the response from West Coast Railways was "inadequate", in a meeting held on Tuesday. The Carnforth-based company operates charter trips on the picturesque Settle to Carlisle line, which runs through the Yorkshire Dales, as well as, among others, a route taking in Fort William in the Highlands. WCR also owns the Hogwarts Express engine featured in the Harry Potter films.
3 comments:
Do they have any sort of 'Positive Train Control' in use in GB or planned?
You can't just slam a solenoid shut on the steam line and Big Hole the brakes automatically (well you could, but that could cause a bigger accident...) but you can set off a strobe and klaxon that'll raise the dead.
Bruce, what would steam vs. diesel have to do with running a signal? Or braking? The brakes aren't steam-powered, are they?
Thanks,
Lurker111
When they do Positive Train Control the signal system has direct access to the train controls on a diesel or electric prime mover - it can cut the throttle and apply the brakes.
But that would be a whole lot of work to retrofit to a steam engine - The actual throttle valve is usually inside the steam-dome of the boiler, only the linkage comes out. The steam piping stays inside the boiler through the Superheater Coils (if equipped) and down to the main cylinders.
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