Broken Down train at Manningtree on 29/01/15

[smudga331]

Hello,

Having been caught up in this on the 29th January, following a failed 90 on the set that the old Pretendo coaches were placed. I was quite surprised on how the train managed to get taken off the mainline and into a siding. As no rescue loco was readily available, it was decided to attach a fully laden freight train to the rear (the DVT) and then drive it from the failed 90 at the London end and push it into a siding at Colchester Depot. I was wondering if anyone knew if this was a common practice for broken down loco hauled stock or if it is somewhat of a rarity. I've attached a picture too in case anybody is interested.

Regards.

 

[dk1]

Hello,

Having been caught up in this on the 29th January, following a failed 90 on the set that the old Pretendo coaches were placed. I was quite surprised on how the train managed to get taken off the mainline and into a siding. As no rescue loco was readily available, it was decided to attach a fully laden freight train to the rear (the DVT) and then drive it from the failed 90 at the London end and push it into a siding at Colchester Depot. I was wondering if anyone knew if this was a common practice for broken down loco hauled stock or if it is somewhat of a rarity. I've attached a picture too in case anybody is interested.

Regards.

When nothing else is available to rescue & a Liner is behind you then this is the obvious solution & the most expedient way to clear the line. I've pushed a set with another set all the way from Diss to Stowmarket, detrained, then given it another shove into Stowmarket down loop. We no longer have Thunderbirds on the GEML.

 

[DarloRich]

Commandeer whatever is close by to clear the line. I have seen a picture of a tamper getting shoved out of the way by a FL 66 hauling the high output ballast train!

 

[47513 Severn]

How does the driving work in such a situation? I guess it is all done at low speed but the driver in the centre of the train still has no forward visibilty. Is there radio contact with the driver at the front or some other system?

 

[dk1]

How does the driving work in such a situation? I guess it is all done at low speed but the driver in the centre of the train still has no forward visibilty. Is there radio contact with the driver at the front or some other system?

We have been known to use mobile phones in the past but nowadays the signaller can put both drivers in contact with each other via the GSM-R cab radio.

 

[CockneySparrow]

As recent as last year I have seen a 317 push another through Shelford at low speed, both drivers on a mobile

 

[TheEdge]

See this then leads to the most unusual rescue (confirmed)

Has a charter ever been the rescuer? Steam loco? Flasks?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Once covered a gap in the service from Yeovil Jct with "Clan Line" - around 1987 - an ill 50 died south of there - made all local stops with the steam charter - and kept time. Normal passengers transferred to a fresh train at Salisbury...

 

[smudga331]

Thank you all for your replies, I found it interesting and different at the time. It's given me a good read to see different methods that are adopted in a crisis too!

thanks!

James