Why couldn't the Bedford collision units have been placed onto skates and slowly moved into a siding?

[Waterlemon]

Moderator note: Split from

The Bedford collision, recovery process discussion.

This is obviously going to be quite a complex operation and a couple of people have requested that we have a discussion about this, but we felt it better to have it in a new thread. From Network Rail itself...

www.railforums.co.uk

I think the obvious question is why can't the units be put on skates and slowly moved into a siding somewhere?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I think the obvious question is why can't the units be put on skates and slowly moved into a siding somewhere?

The 360 at least is very badly damaged, with the coaches crumpled into each other (probably by design - certainly the anti-override "catchers" worked to keep the unit perfectly in line so the passenger compartments were not compromised in public areas, though tragically the cab didn't fare so well).

 

[800001]

I think the obvious question is why can't the units be put on skates and slowly moved into a siding somewhere?

And where would those sidings be which would allow up to 9 coaches to be held which also has road access and space for a crane to lift the carriages onto the back of Lorry's.

Also needing the roads near those sidings being able to allow lorry's off that size to transit on.

The tram have obviously decided the quickest, easiet and safest way to extract the 9 carriages is in the manner in which they are currently doing so.

 

[swt_passenger]

I think the obvious question is why can't the units be put on skates and slowly moved into a siding somewhere?

Because RAIB will want them taken to a secure indoor environment?

 

[bramling]

I think the obvious question is why can't the units be put on skates and slowly moved into a siding somewhere?

Notwithstanding whether it’s technically feasible, the problem is where do you take them to? The only nearby suitable sidings comparatively nearby would appear to be at Wellingborough. I can’t really see a benefit in doing that, a slight time saving versus probably disrupting another section of railway.

I think getting the vehicles in a state to be moved would also be quite difficult. Virtually every coupler is certain to be damaged with the exception of those on the extreme ends. The vehicles would be unbraked so essentially there would need to be something on each end. Doing this 9 times is going to be very time-consuming, and introduces some level of risk, both to those doing it, and of damage to the infrastructure.

It may *seem* a bit intense what they are doing, but it’s clearly the easiest way. If the access was more difficult then they would probably be looking at finding a way to move the vehicles to the very nearest spot where they could then do the same as what they are.

 

[Waterlemon]

Notwithstanding whether it’s technically feasible, the problem is where do you take them to? The only nearby suitable sidings comparatively nearby would appear to be at Wellingborough. I can’t really see a benefit in doing that, a slight time saving versus probably disrupting another section of railway.

Yeah looking at a map that seems like the most obvious place. Units have been skated further in previous overnight moves.
I assume the benefit would be being able to reopen the slow lines before the 28th.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jun 2026 ==

It may *seem* a bit intense what they are doing, but it’s clearly the easiest way. If the access was more difficult then they would probably be looking at finding a way to move the vehicles to the very nearest spot where they could then do the same as what they are.

Mm I suppose building a temporary road does look very dramatic but in practice it's relatively quick and easy.

Thanks for your reply. Those are some good considerations

 

[Sam 76]

I suspect as well the 360 would not be fit to move under any circumstances and whilst not important of course in the context of the tragic events I can’t see a way in which it will be used again.

As for the 805 as others have said the couplings will be damaged and I suspect they will not want to risk further damage damage to the unit especially given it’s so new.

It really is amazing the speed they have built the area for recovering the trains. Once again showing why it’s the best industry in the country. Coming together in adverse and unimaginable circumstances

 

[hwl]

And where would those sidings be which would allow up to 9 coaches to be held which also has road access and space for a crane to lift the carriages onto the back of Lorry's.

Also needing the roads near those sidings being able to allow lorry's off that size to transit on.

The tram have obviously decided the quickest, easiet and safest way to extract the 9 carriages is in the manner in which they are currently doing so.

Tarmac's huge Elstow aggregate off loading load terminal (with Asphalt and Concrete batching plants) just to the east of the crash site which tick all those boxes. (and hidden behind trees)

 

[hwl]

they might not be able to or want their site shutting down for a week!

The reality is that is in indicative of the state the rolling stock is in e.g. the 810 would need rerailing anyway so why not just load straight on to the low loader when the crane is already attached and lifting.