I can speak a bit about the Bluebell. Everyone in operations planning has been working really hard. I'm not one of those in charge, but I've played my small part. Overnight, the entire train service had to be replanned. We don't have the diesel locos nor the crews to run our full service without steam. So the operations management guys spent a good two days flat out re-writing timetables. Then everyone else - roster clerks, marketing, train planning, etc had to react to these changes. Suddenly, we didn't need ten steam drivers for Bluebell on parade, but three diesel crews. I think some of my colleagues worked through the night. With some quick thinking and clever planning, by day 3 of steam ban, brake van rides were started with steam at Sheffield Park. Other things have been arranged, like footplate access and yard visits. Bluebell on Parade has sadly been cancelled, and a scaled back diesel service instead installed.
7714 has managed fine the previous few weeks with not causing fires. 8 LMS/GW coaches are 7714's limit and that train is busy so needs to be that length. 13268 was on the S2/3 turn which involved a 8 coach mark 1 set including the diner, which is above 7714's limit. The only other available steam is 813 and that's weaker than the pannier, being only allowed 5 mark 1's.
So maybe put a diesel on the longer set and 7714 on a slightly shorter one then? A steam loco working at its limit is bound to have an increased fire risk!
But the result was a lineside fire that has resulted in a steam ban. How much is that going to cost?
But with no diesel roster (none that I could find anyway) on their website. I’d go if there’s something of interest.
I do agree with you. As I said in an earlier post, there‘s no criticism of people working under pressure to keep their railway running. However, they could attract quite a few diesel cranks with an indication of their motive power plans during the steam ban.
Ok, know it gets posted on WNXX but not everyone subscribes so get your point. It's usually on the Railway's website but steam ban continues week by week so can be fluid (took a bit of finding but this hopefully works https://gwsr.com/about/locomotive-roster/)
Great! Thanks.
My thanks to all who got the diesel service going. Had a jolly on The Gin train on Saturday, back this Saturday for The Harvey's beer train
No problem, please ask if need any more info.
Looks to be steam today:
www.talyllyn.co.uk
Like many lines, GCR crews have been operating engines incredibly carefully. All the engines operating are spark arrestor fitted, and being mostly larger locos they don't have to be worked as hard.
I was going to go to the vintage day they are having at the weekend but due to this heat I won't be going.
Tipped it down Today in North Wales so things should be goodLooks to be steam today:
Talyllyn Railway | Timetable
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland is all steam this week according to their recent Facebook loco roster.
That was down to a problem with the rostered engine rather than a steam ban. Next week is currently booked to have both diagrams as steam.
Steam ban on the GWR until at least end of the day on Sunday, just been updated so be 2 diesels out each day this weekend. Not confirmed what is on what at the moment.
I read somewhere that pannier tanks are particularly prone to throwing sparks - it may be that they being worked too hard, and certainly harder than in GWR/BR days, with a few exceptions (e.g. the Brecon & Merthyr line).
To add on Sunday it was steam and diesel operated with two sets in operation, naturally one set diesel hauled and the other steam.
But the kettles have been setting fire to the lineside.
Traditionally, yes. But all SVR based locos have been modified with spark arrestors after several iterations of designs.
