As the leading locomotive was a steam locomotive, if the Class 47 on the rear was ETS fitted it would have been providing the supply for the train. Unless (of course) if there was a generator van in the train doing that job, in which case the Class 47 was left idling to be ready for the turn around you mentioned.Thanks - I can see that my question was ambiguous! Those are both reasons for the loco being on the back, and in fact this one did turn round east of Newport. But my question was why was the loco idling rather than switched off.
I believe there was some riot with the Kettle at Taunton which lead to the 37 going on the back and giving it a shove.Last Sunday’s tour with 45212 down to Kingswear had a 37 at the rear in both directions which sounded like it was assisting (at least more than taking its own weight).
I wondered if there was some concern about fire risk as it’s been very dry down here?
In a word, no this is not correct.I recall reading some time ago that a condition of running steam on mainlines (and probably any preserved locos) is there must be a second loco in the train as a contingency. Is that correct? Given the fact a great deal of the rail network is set up for push-pull nowadays anyway, it'd make sense for that reason alone. When I saw Flying Scotsman go through the Chilterns last year I think there was a 37 on the back of it burbling away.
In a word, no this is not correct.
You’re not the first person to mention this KingDave.Fair enough. Can't remember where I read it now, but it sounded reasonable at the time.
Especially if the train is from the 19th century and still has vacuum brakes..... Vac brake locos are not exactly plentiful!You’re not the first person to mention this KingDave.
There’s actually plenty of steam specials that do run without a diesel in the consist, but usually they’re used for shunt releases etc.
Certainly useful to have a diesel on the back when things do go wrong though...
Especially if the train is from the 19th century and still has vacuum brakes..... Vac brake locos are not exactly plentiful!
Actually, quite a bit is 21st Century....All current stock certified for mainline running is 20th century
Duly editedActually, quite a bit is 21st Century....
Usual procedure with steam charters London to Weymouth, where the diesel at the rear pulls the train back to Southampton where it reversesIt avoids having to run round the leading locomotive at destination, or other changes of direction.
Going back to the original question which hasn't really been addressed, is one of the reasons for the diesel locomotive idling is that a lot of older big engines can't be turned on and off willy-nilly like a motor car. They have to be pre-heated and lubricating oil circulated around the engine before starting to minimise wear, so it makes sense to leave the engine running so it can be available quickly when needed.