Also, do you REALLy think this is the first time this has ever happened :?
I know of at least two incidetns in the past:
1) 56115 on the 'Twilight Grids' railtour back in '04. (which i was lucky enough to be on):
We made our stop at Barnt Green after a long slog up Lickey, but our Departure time came and went. By this time, rumours where flooding through the train that 115 was a failiure and we where going to be capped (or rescued by a shed
hock:
) There was some confusion as to what the problem was though.
At this point, i took a stroll to the front of the train and spoke to one of the EWS crew, who said 115 had a small diesel leak on one of the 'cocks' on the main fuel tank. He went into his bag and brought out a cloth, jumped down between the platform and the loco and wrapped the cloth tightly around the cock, knotting it.
And away we went again!!!!!, about 5 down, all the way to York!
2) A HST at Bath Spa on PADD- WSM service. After hitting a piece of debris, it had a leak on one of the gearbox casings, so was pi$$ing gearbox oil everywhere. It was in rush hour and it wouldve caused complete chaos if he failed the train at Bath. So he legged it to the Buffet car and 'aquired' a cork from a wine bottle. Jumped under the P/C and shoved the cork in the whole (cracked sight-glass lens i think).
Away the train goes to Bristol TM, about 10 down. Train is terminated short at BTM, and set is taken to SPM for repairs. Passengers get there with minimal delay, and the Weston-ers are put on a waiting Wessex service.
I rest my case.....