Obstruction on the line at Folkestone

[JoshW1992]

Today was a very odd day, with quite a bit of shock involved....

I went to Folkestone to see 66007 and 67025 on the VSOE, and I went to a random footbridge in between Folkestone West and Dollands Moor. There was another footbridge about 100 metres away from where I was, and I noticed some kids messing around on it. I thought nothing of it at the time, but a quick glance back a few minutes later revealed that they had dropped something onto the rails.

So I cycled as fast as I could to the other bridge, where they were. The kids had cleared off, but they had dropped a 2.5 metre long thickish pole onto the line, which completely obstructed the third rail, and the closest running rail. Some people may say the train would have booted it out the way... Not a chance. If a train travelling at around 50mph hit it, it would have been straight off, no doubt about it!

The VSOE was due on the Down Line, and I was worried by this time. On the Up Line, they had dropped a cable drum, which would have probably been booted away by the next train. Both lines showed green signals, and the VSOE was only minutes away...!

I grabbed my phone and called the British Transport Police. I told them everything, and they took all my details and passed the info on to Network Rail.

I then cycled back to the other bridge to check the singal which was about 100 metres before the obstruction. It was still green! Several minutes later it changed to red, as NR had obviously been informed of the obstruction. I cycled back to the footbridge by the pole to see if any NR people had turned up. There was no one....
Suddenly I noticed the 66 approaching! Luckily, it was pulling up at the red signal. If that signal hadnt of been there, then the VSOE would have probably ploughed into the pole, as it is not easily visable at 50mph.
After a quick chat over the phone with the signalman, the train proceeding at about 5mph to the pole. About 5 orange jackets cleared the line, and the train proceeded to Folkestone West.

There was a class 375 sitting about 200 metres behind the VSOE, on the same line, awaiting to enter the station. All the trains had been delayed due to this...

I'm not boasting or anything, but if no one had spotted that pole, the VSOE would have come off the line... (providing the driver didnt see it...) and then what would have happened.

I'm just glad I was there to help out.

:neutral:

 

[richa2002]

Well you don't know the train would have come off the line for sure, trains hit cars and don't always derail. Am quite amused how it took 5 men to move one pole. Surely it was just a case of the 66 driver getting out, clearing it and carrying on?

 

[JoshW1992]

I see your point about the 5 men, but the way that the pole was positioned, the wheels would have jumped it. Ok, it would not have been a serious derailment, but at least the front wheels would have jumped off.

 

[Dennis]

Am quite amused how it took 5 men to move one pole. Surely it was just a case of the 66 driver getting out....

...and getting bricked, or worse.

 

[TheSlash]

I see your point about the 5 men, but the way that the pole was positioned, the wheels would have jumped it. Ok, it would not have been a serious derailment, but at least the front wheels would have jumped off.

The wheels would either of crushed the pole or knocked it out of the way.
The 5 men were probably the local Pway fault team. Details of an incident can vary, so it is probable that 5 people were sent in case it was a large item needed removing.

 

[Guinness]

Been in the right place at the right time and right action taken, well played.

And the Government brands us as "terrorists"..

 

[JoshW1992]

Cheers, I was hesitant about what to do, but I thought that would have been the best option. So i rang the BTP.

 

[westcoaster]

if the pole was touching the juice rail then i and any other driver would not touch/remove it for love nor money. until the juice is off but then i would use something else to move it off with

 

[driver9000]

very much doubt it would have derailed the train, Ive hit large objects before and apart from a thud we stayed on the rails.

Well done for your actions though, dont ever hesitate to phone it in if you see an obstruction on the line

 

[Respite]

but then i would use something else to move it off with

Yeah I would just move it off with my train, dont like that wierd electrickry stuff.:grin:

Well done on your actions anyway, but do be careful as you could end up getting in a sticky situation with the twonks who were doing the vandalism.

Oh & BTW I also would think that it wouldnt of derailed the train, especially with a loco on. I've run over a motorbike before now in a 175 with no probs. But more likely to happen would of been damage to the infrastruture especially with 3rd rail.

 

[JoshW1992]

Yeah, there was a 66 at the front, so perhaps it wouldnt have derailed, but some damage would have occured in some shape or form. Most likely to the rails.

Cheers for the comments guys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just to give everyone an idea of where this incident occured, these photos will help:
http://www.photosbyjosh.fotopic.net/c1547917.html

 

[Ben]

Just out of interest what number did you use to get through to the BTP?

 

[JoshW1992]

Well, i dialed 0800 40 50 40, then it told me to ring without the first 0, so i called 800 40 50 40

 

[Ben]

Thank you.

 

[JoshW1992]

And the Government brands us as "terrorists"..

That is such a good point.. All this 'extra eyes and ears' and stuff... they still hassle us at stations.

 

[Up Carriage Liner]

Sadly, with the school holiday season upon us, more incidents of this nature may be reported over the next six weeks......

 

[Mojo]

Hmm... I've called that number before to report some dodgy dealings going on at my former local station and nobody ever answered, so I just left it. I think if you didn't get anywhere with that and if it was serious (and IMO if I saw something large-ish being dumped on the tracks) then I'd just dial 999.

 

[Guinness]

Hmm... I've called that number before to report some dodgy dealings going on at my former local station and nobody ever answered, so I just left it. I think if you didn't get anywhere with that and if it was serious (and IMO if I saw something large-ish being dumped on the tracks) then I'd just dial 999.

Not necessary, I recall reading recently that BTP and Network Rail are now communicating on the same radios and frequencies for better improved response, so it may be better to ring the 0800 number as 999 could take a few vital minutes more to get in touch with the right Regional NR Department.

 

[JoshW1992]

Yes, I agree, the transition bewteen the BTP and NR must have been quick, as no longer than 5 minutes after i called them, the signal went to red to protect the obstruction.