Massive incompetence from DCR from what has gone on, the driver had been on the duty nearly 14 hours, so had to leave the loco and wagons in situ, the replacement driver found had bust 12 hours.
I think communication from DCR to NR was extremely poor and unfortunately Northern had to deal with the fallout.
The only thing that surprised me was when the DCR driver was asked did they sign somewhere, they actually said they didn’t. So not a case of “eyes down” for once!
The driver had no choice, as no matter what he done, he could not move the train forward once he got to Bryn Station at 18.04hrs, believe me he tried not helped by the wet conditions. It was clear that the train was not going anywhere, so no choice but to pin down, shut loco down and finally finish his shift! DCR were apparently offered loco's but no driver available or those that may of been, did not sign the route for L/E movement to get to Bryn. I believe a Class 60 was available at Chaddesden but no driver.
The train itself 6M89 arrived at Ince Moss Junction on time and as usual practice, it was released onto the mainline once the local stopper had passed (2C24). However, once released from Ince Moss, 6M89 was getting checked by a couple of signals, consequently this added to the issue. Also, the loco used most of the sand from its boxes while attempting to get away from Bryn. The train behind 6M89, being 2C25 to Liverpool Lime St, had to reverse back to Wigan NW and subsequently (temporary) cancelled, as simply the driver did not sign the alternative route being WCML to L&M line. Trains to Wigan from Liverpool LS operated as normal.
As it happens, I travelled by train from Prescot (were my car was parked) to Bryn to record 6M89, so I know all about the consequences of the failure as initially realised I had no train to get back! Anyway some quick thinking and good fortune, I manage to get back to Prescot via Wigan NW and Huyton by train on 1F05 ex Blackpool as the driver had signed the route via WCML and L&M line. Other passengers not so fortunate as it became apparent not all Northern drivers are signed off for the alternative route, hence being fortunate. Other thing I would say that the Avanti Staff at Wigan NW had their work cut out but manage the situation very well and done their best to make sure all passengers were aware and find alternative ways to get their destinations.
This morning I headed to Haydock (for Toy and Train Fair) and decided to go to Bryn for 6M89. A DCR driver and shunter were already there and attempting to make the best of the unfortunate situation and hoping some solutions were on offer. Sadly it seems nothing forth coming so with a dry rail, they decided to have a go after procession of the line was given, as shunter needed unpin the train. Eventually this was carried out and another attempt made to restart the train. It became clear it was not going to happen. In the meantime, either side of this operation, Northern were working single line operation for trains to Liverpool and Wigan with delays as such. Again other operation, loco and driver options were not forthcoming, so plan 'Z' was implemented. With necessary authorisation and staff, it was decided to reverse train to Ince Moss to clear the line, then allow the train to be split into two and work forward to Ravenhead as two separate trains. As we now realise that what eventually happened.
I attached no blame to anyone but the one thing this incident has highlighted, how fragmented this railway has become (due to privatisation in my opinion) and it is an operational nightmare to get any thing done in an emergency (like to rescue a failed train). I am sure other people will have different opinions but this thread is not for that discussion as I am sure the moderators will agree. Sorry.
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