Mainline Steam Drivers...

[theironroad]

Anyone know how many drivers there are who are qualified to drive steam trains on Network Rail infrastructure?

I believe DBS and WCRC both have drivers who drive steam on the mainline, any others?

 

[matt]

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway also over a limited route of Grosmont to Whitby and Battersby.

 

[Crawley Ben]

Anyone know how many drivers there are who are qualified to drive steam trains on Network Rail infrastructure?

I believe DBS and WCRC both have drivers who drive steam on the mainline, any others?

Am I right in thinking that DCR also operate Tornado on light engine steam movements only or am I going mad...?

Cheers

Ben

 

[Spamcan81]

Am I right in thinking that DCR also operate Tornado on light engine steam movements only or am I going mad...?

Cheers

Ben

AFAIK DCR have only moved Tornado with a diesel pilot.

 

[E&W Lucas]

The NYMR arrangement is explicitly NOT mainline driving competence. One person has already caused quite enough trouble, by getting confused over this!

Think tens for number of drivers across the country. DBS and WCR as stated.

DCR - they were after a steam case, but that seems to have gone quiet after the Stafford fiasco.

 

[Jamesb1974]

The NYMR arrangement is explicitly NOT mainline driving competence. One person has already caused quite enough trouble, by getting confused over this!

Think tens for number of drivers across the country. DBS and WCR as stated.

DCR - they were after a steam case, but that seems to have gone quiet after the Stafford fiasco.

http://www.raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2013/report162013.cfm

Downloadable as a PDF if anyone wants to know why DCR are thought of as being........... well, I'll let you work the rest out. Yeeeeeha!

 

[alexl92]

Dear goodness me... I read about this in a mag at the time but reading the report... wow. It's a relief but a surprise that nothing really serious happened.

Incidentally what is the top speed of a 47? I thought it was 90 but in this incident 103mph was reached...

 

[Peter Mugridge]

95mph is the maximum permitted for a 47. Subject to the linespeed and signals, of course.

 

[theblackwatch]

AFAIK DCR have only moved Tornado with a diesel pilot.

DCR have operated Tornado light engine without a diesel pilot, and I think 5029 may also have been operated by them as well. DCR's operating licence allows then to run steam, but not in passenger service.

 

[alexl92]

Does operating with a support coach and crew count as 'light engine' in these circumstances?

 

[Llama]

95mph is the maximum permitted for a 47. Subject to the linespeed and signals, of course.

And subject to available brake force, so a light 47 is not permitted anywhere near 95mph.

 

[matchmaker]

95mph is the maximum permitted for a 47. Subject to the linespeed and signals, of course.

47701-47717 were cleared for 100mph.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

47701-47717 were cleared for 100mph.

I thought they'd been dropped back to 95mph about a couple of years ago - I was answering for the current maximum speed but yes you are quite right they were 100mph - which presumably means at least one of them must have been tested to 110mph?

 

[E&W Lucas]

None of which is relevant to the situation in question, see page six of this:
http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Rule_Boo... and Speed Restrictions/GERT8000-SP Iss 4.pdf

The point with DCR, was people trying to get on the main line, without making the necessary and proper commitment. Preserved railways do not equip anyone to function in a mainline environment. It's a profession, not the ultimate manifestation of a preservation hobby.
From what I know, DCR now hire their crews from a legit third party provider.

 

[Jamesb1974]

95mph is the maximum permitted for a 47. Subject to the linespeed and signals, of course.

47701-47717 were cleared for 100mph.

I thought they'd been dropped back to 95mph about a couple of years ago - I was answering for the current maximum speed but yes you are quite right they were 100mph - which presumably means at least one of them must have been tested to 110mph?

All totally irrelevant. Regardless of what the maximum speed of the locomotive is/was, the rule book restricts light engines to 75 mph because they have inferior braking capabilities to a locomotive hauling a train (less wheels to brake with). As was shown in this incident, a light engine travelling at it's maximum speed (95-100-110, argue it out!) can't stop in time. Hence the 75 mph restriction.

Interestingly, class 67's are exempt from this ruling due to their magnificent brakes. I'd imagine the 68's will also be exempt.

 

[6Gman]

http://www.raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2013/report162013.cfm

Downloadable as a PDF if anyone wants to know why DCR are thought of as being........... well, I'll let you work the rest out. Yeeeeeha!

I very, very, very rarely swear, but ..... bloody hell!

That report is terrifying. The thought that I could have been sitting in that Desiro at Stafford with a mad 47 closing in behind at 103mph, no DSD, no NRN and a driver whose route knowledge is ...... questionable.