fwsmVor
On Moderation
Those big yellow things with DXXXXX numbers have always been a mystery to me. Has one ever rescued a stranded train with passengers on board? Could they, even?
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Track machines hauling passenger trains?
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Ashley Hill
Established Member
Some years ago I suggested doing trips with the tamper and Tramm on gala days on the line I volunteer on but was met with total disinterest from the manager (at the time). We could have used our air braked coach or a brake van.
Would such haulage be in demand?
Would such haulage be in demand?
Certainly has happened in preservation, such as at the DCDR 2012 gala:https://www.flickr.com/photos/gm_076/8115911642
Rail Quest
Member
I'd be incredibly interested in seeing such a thing cos of my interest in tampers, engineers trains and the like. Dunno how popular that would be but I'm assuming if one of the big heritage railways managed to do so with a couple of older tampers and perhaps some mainline ones - I can't think of a spotter who wouldn't go based on how rare the whole thing would be!
Going past RTC frequently I’ve seen them attached to inspection saloon 975025 every now and then. Never seen them in movement however (yet).
Without wishing to go off topic, does anyone have a list of the different track machines?
Without wishing to go off topic, does anyone have a list of the different track machines?
Peter Mugridge
Veteran Member
They're listed in the Combined Volume; page 406 onwards in the 2023 issue.
61653 HTAFC
Veteran Member
It wouldn't quite be the same, but has the Network Rail 950 ever been called upon to rescue a failed Sprinter or Pacer? I am of course assuming it has a standard BSI autocoupler, but haven't actually checked.
Narrowgauge725
Member
The Puddock
Member
www.ontrackplant.com lists more or less everything that has ever existed, though you really need to register (for free) to get the most out of it.
zwk500
Veteran Member
There's always some demand but it would be extremely limited, and most of it would be a one-time 'well I've done it now' event.
That looks like a rather fine railway with impressive stock - where is it located?
Narrowgauge725
Member
It is Ravensprings Park home of Brighouse and Halifax Model Engineers BHME.co.uk
Using track machines to work passenger trains would be very limited, even in emergency rescue scenarios; on main lines usually their air compressor and braking systems serve no more than the vehicle itself, and not a large amount of air or brake force for anything else. Even if they have end brake pipe connections that is.
There would be coupler and buffer and general drawgear compatibility issues with almost any type of current day passenger rolling stock you could think of.
Vacuum braked trains would be one step further of complexity.
Spa Valley AIUI did run into something of that ilk this year. IIRC they intended using two different machines but on the weekend only one used that, if I read the runes right, was down to braking.
Be clear, I am not saying it can't be done, where there is a will there is a way - just it is not straightforward.
Digressing, on the continent, once in Germany and once in Slovakia, and with a considerable time interval between, I have been on normal passenger trains on long single lines where track machines have been attached to the rear of the train (presumably to save pathways) and in both cases the machine provided traction; well, at least the engines could be seen to be doing something due to their exhausts.
There would be coupler and buffer and general drawgear compatibility issues with almost any type of current day passenger rolling stock you could think of.
Vacuum braked trains would be one step further of complexity.
Spa Valley AIUI did run into something of that ilk this year. IIRC they intended using two different machines but on the weekend only one used that, if I read the runes right, was down to braking.
Be clear, I am not saying it can't be done, where there is a will there is a way - just it is not straightforward.
Digressing, on the continent, once in Germany and once in Slovakia, and with a considerable time interval between, I have been on normal passenger trains on long single lines where track machines have been attached to the rear of the train (presumably to save pathways) and in both cases the machine provided traction; well, at least the engines could be seen to be doing something due to their exhausts.
theblackwatch
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I'm not aware of it rescuing a train, but I know somebody who had it on the back of their service, coupled to a Pacer I believe, from Manchester to Sheffield once - he was unaware it was on the rear of the service until he alighted at Sheffield!
19Gnasher69
Member
I’ve often wondered whether a heritage railway could use MPVs to top and tail a coach or two on diesel gala shuttle services (eg Keighley to Ingrow or Kidderminster to Bewdley). Presumably, given they run in T&T formation anyway, this is feasible (though I’ll no doubt be corrected!).
trainlogger
Member
"Could they?" Yes, technically. Here is a standard explaining what their limitations are...
COP0037 Iss 3 - Code of Practice for Haulage Capabilities of On Track Machines
This Code of Practice details the haulage capabilities of on track machines (OTM), it should be followed by any route or operator control when considering haulage by an on track machine for rescue purposes.
www.rssb.co.uk
It includes a list of every machine authorised to haul/rescue trains
Townsend Hook
Member
The Windhoff MPVs allocated to High Speed 1 have been used before now to power Network Rail infrastructure monitoring trains - one pair on each end of a set of four Mk1/Mk2 vehicles with a jumper cable run through the set.
Thank you for the information.
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