S&C reopening special with Flying Scotsman 31/03/17

From KWVR:
Passenger Train Banking
Under normal operating conditions the banking of passenger trains by a steam locomotive is not permitted. In the past when passenger services have been top and tailed by a steam engine the "banking" engine is towed and gives no assistance. As most will know, Flying Scotsman is not an ideal engine for a twisting 5 mile branchline with severe gradients on tight curves and tight turnouts.

Some have asked questions about the easing of the branch axle loading to allow 'Scotsman' to operate on the line. 60103 exceeds the permitted axle load for the KWVR and is not permitted to pass over a curve of less than 6 chains radius. Its operation has been authorised subject to a number of special restrictions, in particular, 60103 will be limited to 20 mph and must not slip when passing over 4 of our bridges as slipping may damage the bridges in question.

To minimise the risk of slipping the train, which will consist of 8 coaches (including 2 Pullman coaches), will be banked in the rear by our own locomotive and should result in some spectacular departures from Keighley.

 

Banker is to be 90733.

 

I understand the logic of all of the above, and that the crews will drive with the utmost professionalism, but surely the laws of physics will override any rulebook provisions stating "must not slip"?

 

Thanks for the clarification. So it's not been banking as such that I've seen.

 

80079 banked 45110 and train on Lickey some years ago 80079 was no coupledt

 

My inference is at key locations the lead loco will be shut off or a just cracked regulator, whilst by agreement the rear assisting loco provides the traction. Once clear of the restriction the A3 can be opened up a little? Maybe wrong reading by me.

 

Flying Scotsman will be given a Really Good Talking To before its first trip. Having operated on the Isle of Sodor in the past, I am sure that 60103 will understand that this means it must be a very good engine!

Steven

 

Nurse!!

 

No doubt being reminded of what happened to Henry (or was it Gordon ?) and noting that Mytholmroyd Tunnel is big enough to contain the loco !!

 

Is the Society mag still 'Push & Pull'?
Seems pretty apt in the circumstances and appropriate for branch line operation

 

It is. Anyone for a Johnson 0-4-4T and a couple of Push/Pull coaches?

 

Think about it, approaching the 'must not slip bridge' FS closes the regulator, the WD is doing it's stuff at the back, once over the small section, FS opens up, the WD shuts off.................= no slipping.

 

That isn't actually what the quoted passages says, though.

 

I am sure this is going to sound so stupid, but I assume the restriction on steam top and tail is specific to the KWVR working regulations, since there are numerous examples of it being used elsewhere.
Ian

 

Crikey Victor we have independently posted views which seem to correlate!
First time for everything I guess ...... but lets not make a habit of it

 

Getting back to the S&C, the weather forecast is looking a lot better for the return trip!

 

On past performance, then, I guess we should expect a beautiful morning and rain in the afternoon.

 

in rtt ecs from carnforth - Kirkstall loop (Leeds) today cancelled at req of toc. Could that be the stock for tomorrows jaunt over the S & C? also no sign of timings for Fri

 

Replaced with : http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O85396/2017/03/30/advanced direct to Keighley.

Timings for the steam runs unlikely to appear on RTT it would seem.

 

cancel above retimed an hour later and now at wvr