Thank you for the explanation, that’s about the same as what I was led to believe.
It still happens, regardless of the deflectors if you’re going to deflect a wave it’ll only end up crashing into the next one behind it. Plus the force of the waves and spray still can affect it!
Anecdotally speaking, you are looking at maybe once every couple of months (less in summer). Raising the wall certainly hasn't eliminated the problem.
That's often been because it wasn't enabled in the first place. It is certainly better than nothing, though far from a complete game changer, for now it's the best we've got!
I've read that across 75 IET units available there are around 103 engines isolated
To prevent damage to the engines
Correct. It is extremely unusual to touch an IET without one or two engines out of use due to the ongoing issue with fauling fuel pumps. The issue seems to be worse than ever right now.
I have heard that faulty fuel pumps are the cause, and because need to remove equipment to get to them, can only replace max of 3 per night.
Was on the 0637 from Plymouth-Pad a few months ago that lost one engine on the climb up Hemerdon, and then a 2nd just before Totnes, was cancelled at Exeter but we lost ~25 minutes in that time
2 engines out wouldn't lead to 25 minutes time lost. I'd say there where other factors at play, possibly a third engine out too. With two engines out, you are losing maybe 4 or 5 minutes between Plymouth and Exeter tops. You'd be surprised at how many 9 cars are currently running about with 2 engines out, it's probably at least half the fleet right now.
There was definitely more at play as at one point we came to a complete stop on the approach to Totnes from what I remember (was oct24th last year), but 2 engines was what they told us over the intercom
Yesterday I was on the 17:03 PAD-PNZ, which was cancelled at Exeter as only 2/5 engines were working (fortunately I was getting off at Taunton). The guard didn't say this specifically, but I'm almost certain this was because 2 engines cannot provide enough power on the Devon Banks. That said, for some reason the unit was allowed to run empty to Laira instead of an easier to access depot like Stoke Gifford (and lose over 10 minutes climbing the banks, delaying the relief service that took its place):
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Presumably as 1703 is a Plymouth driver throughout, getting it to Laira was seen as an easier option than trying to source a driver from somewhere to get it to Stoke Gifford. Running ECS, there is a little less strain on the train as no weight of passengers and can get a clear run up Rattery bank without needing to call at Totnes. We have been told if the train has less than 50 percent power we are completely within our rights to fail it.Yesterday I was on the 17:03 PAD-PNZ, which was cancelled at Exeter as only 2/5 engines were working (fortunately I was getting off at Taunton). The guard didn't say this specifically, but I'm almost certain this was because 2 engines cannot provide enough power on the Devon Banks. That said, for some reason the unit was allowed to run empty to Laira instead of an easier to access depot like Stoke Gifford (and lose over 10 minutes climbing the banks, delaying the relief service that took its place):
Realtime Trains | 5C90 1917 Exeter St Davids to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. | 22/11/2025
Real-time train running information for 5C90 1917 departure from Exeter St Davids to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. on 22/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
