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The Impact of the Heatwave on Heritage Railways

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by johnofwessex, Jul 12, 2022.

  1. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    When a Fire Control receives many calls to a fire- whatever the nature or cause, at an appliance from another station is sent as cover, for the originating station. That is likely be some distance away. If, as often happens, extra assistance is required then that appliance is sent to the fire and another appliance from another station sent to maintain the cover. At large fires, where reliefs are required, appliances from distant stations will be sent.
    In 1976 I attended fires in Cornwall and Somerset which was some distance from my home station in South Devon.
     
    longdogs likes this.
  2. Daddsie71b

    Daddsie71b Member Friend

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    I was guard on set 2 afternoon shift at Swanage yesterday, I was making announcements approaching the burnt out fields at Townsend caused by our steam locos for passengers to see why we were running diesels. Some couldn't understand how steam could set fire to tinder dry grass. It took some explanation that the coal from the fire etc. One chap asked why we don't use a diesel to heat up the water!!!
     
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  3. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Hold on, I know this one .... it was tried and Kitson bankrupted themselves in the process!
     
  4. Cuckoo Line

    Cuckoo Line Member

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    And then if you have a smoke generator with the right smell who needs to burn coal !!!
     
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  5. 80104

    80104 Member

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    I am sure those nice people in Margate could let you have the plans so you could build a full size synchrosmoke generator! Mind you handling a full size smoke oil capsule might be a bit of a challenge!
     
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  6. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Member

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    Battlefield Line is the latest to suspend steam services
     
  7. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    Has anyone mentioned the GCR yet?

    From https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/

    Due to the predicted hot weather and dry conditions in Leicestershire during August, and resulting elevated risk of lineside fires, steam locomotives will be replaced by heritage diesel traction from Wednesday 10th August until at least Monday 15th August when rainfall is expected and the situation will be reviewed.

    Which means more Deltic action!
     
  8. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Indeed it does. I’m tempted to toddle off up there in spite of the heat.
     
  9. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    IMG_20220811_122939.jpg Steam was working at Welshpool and heading up the bank today!
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2022
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  10. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    Well, from the DPS news page:

     
  11. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

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    Gwili have cancelled all services this weekend because of the heat.

    Regards

    Matt
     
  12. Clarkea1

    Clarkea1 New Member

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    Dean Forest Railway are now diesel-only this weekend (13/14th) - D9521 is working both days. The fire risk is off the scale, unfortunately.
     
  13. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    From Chasewater Railway's Facebook page.

    SERVICE UPDATE

    Due to issues with buckling track we will be unable to operate a passenger service this Saturday, 13/8/23. Our amazing volunteer P-Way team are working hard to repair the track.

    Services will operate on Sunday but we are unable to operate the full length of the line, and so therefore services will operate to Chasewater Heaths only, on Sunday 14/8/22. There is no wheelchair access available on trains at Chasewater Heaths during this time.
     
  14. Ruston906

    Ruston906 Member

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    What is the situation with water use if the water company's put in place restriction on use i assume that means at least no washing down of coaches.
     
  15. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Businesses are exempt from hosepipe bans usually.
     
  16. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    That is what was said last week when Southern Water imposed their hosepipe ban. Not sure now drought conditions have been declared in some areas if that changes things or not.
     
  17. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes they are, if you are reliant on water usage as part of your business, you will be exempt from restrictions.
    There’s also some bizarre exceptions mind, I read one water company’s guidance allowed the filling of hot tubs!!!
     
  18. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    Businesses are not always exempt - I recall one previous drought (early 1990s?) where the KWVR were threatened with being banned from filling their locos.
     
  19. IndustrialSteamLeeds

    IndustrialSteamLeeds Member

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    I believe its for people who use them for hydrotherapy.
     
  20. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Not according to what I read, well not originally anyway…
     

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