LE movements, ECS and test runs 2026

Be difficult to blame the steam for today’s fire on the WCML though. All steam seems to have ran round no issue.

 

As somebody sat on the VT train to Birmingham. I did briefly start to sing "we didn't start the fire"

You've got to find humour in these moments

 

SRWC class No. 34046 'Braunton' working through Beckfoot on the approach to Grayrigg and back to Crewe

 

I was hoping to catch 7029 with the return Cathedrals Express this evening but, thanks to the signalling problems caused by a lineside fire near Acton Bridge, she was held at Huyton for around 2 hours. I did however catch a shot of her at Whiston, on the back of the ECS returning to Lime Street from Warrington after turning and servicing.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55387788440/in/photostream/

 

Support crew of Tornado at NVR have said that a steam ban on the network is coming in to effect midnight and so it will be heading to Darlington tonight.

 

After an overnight stay in Welwyn, 34028 Eddystone and coaching stock from yesterdays White Rose gets a lift with 47802 back to Southall on headcode 5Z58, seen at Hatfield

 

Thanks for the info. Timings are here:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U89290/2026-07-12/detailed

Presumably this is the diesel pilot for the move:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U89080/2026-07-12/detailed

 

Will be very easy to blame steam for the fire, and they have recorded such in the NR daily national log.
A steam loco went past and within minutes the line side is a blaze, not rocket science to figure that one out….

 

Vintage Trains seemed to think Black had been brought forward to today, so seemingly quite lucky to squeeze this in. Hope she is able to get onwards to NYMR at some point.

 

And at the time of posting I was not aware of the closeness of the steam passing, and the fire starting. So apologies for not being psychic. Hindsight and the benefit of more knowledge (From a source which clearly states the info isn’t to be shared) are clearly a wonderful thing.

 

Percy Bysshe Shelley ended his poem, Ode to the West Wind on an optimistic note with the well known line, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? Network Rail end their, Ode to the Fire Risk Level not unsurprisingly, much more pessimistically, If Red is here, can Black be far behind? Evidently not!

Let's hope that the impending steam ban is short lived. Everyone needs to get out and wash the car, clean the windows, dance naked at midnight, whatever it takes to encourage the rain to fall.

 

There's currently a Class 66 waiting at Orton Mere to take Tornado back to Darlington, whilst as I type it's just about to leave Wansford.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U89290/2026-07-12/detailed

Edit: 20.32, just arrived at Orton Mere.

Edit again: 20.43, departed Orton Mere and I swear Tornado's crew have just taken a pizza on to the footplate!

 

I suspect that was the issue, looking at video's on line (yeah I know not the most accurate observation technique) the five was just being hauled in steam and appeared to be doing nothing (albeit I assume regulator needs to be at least cracked for lubrication) whereas Braunton was leading (and leaving Lancaster the sound seemed to be suggesting some work being done) so I assume that driver has to be nominally in charge of the train and thus has to be powering at least to some degree (And controlling the brakes I assume)?

 

Indeed, though the operator, as "engineers", would be cognisant of the potential effect you describe of towing a steam loco in light steam 'dribbling' hot cinders randomly onto the trackbed.
So NR regional controllers mandate a towed steam loco, responsibility for mitigation remains with the operator, surely? Basic risk assessment principles, if the hazard can't be eliminated and the likelihood is high ....... ?

 

Can only assume 5029 (or indeed any steam loco) won't be permitted to move Friday and tour Saturday won't be anything other than 47s.

 

Not if it is black it will not. Hence why Tornado rushed back to Doncaster Sunday evening. No rain forecast down south before (or after) the weekend.
RTC tour is 3 x 33's LSL have a range of diesel types that could possibly be used I guess, but none would require a L.E. move the day before the tour.

 

Here is a short video I captured yesterday of Class 31 Charybdis returning the 4-vep unit 3417 from the Watercress Line to her home at Strawberry Hill. I ventured near to the site of Farnham Junction which was part of the old Tongham branch. Turn up the volume as there was a nice bit of thrash!



Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

Seen at Castleford this morning 0Z26 0510 Grosmont to Leeds Balm Rd Loco (Fhh) 20007,31466,47077 North Star & 20205

If you liked these there are more here
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2026/July-2026/Castleford/i-VWBCNTS

Neil

 

44871 being moved out of steam from Crewe to Fort William with rods off tomorrow