Steam operation on the Durham Coast route 'under the wires'

I see that Tornado is now booked to run 'under the wires' between Gateshead & Sunderland on 24th April

http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=148

However, the K1 was banned from doing so at very short notice a couple of years ago; from memory because the catenary for Metro trains wasn't robust enough to withstand the exhaust from steam locomotives. Now, is this tour 'wishful thinking' or has there been a change of policy about the Metro's wires, perhaps after someone's investigated properly? Or will there have to be a diesel pilot between Gateshead & Sunderland?

Personally, I'd love to see steam operation along the Durham coast again (I did it behind Blue Peter in late 1997), but I was under the impression, after the K1 episode, that the Metro had now scuppered through operation. Anyone have more info?

 

I understand also that Sunderland is now classed as an underground station. We shall see...

 

NELPG are planning another attempt at this stretch this year with the "Blyth Spirit" on Sat 8th May.
Lets see if either tour gets through.

 

I think this cut & paste from UKSteam answers the question.

60163: York-Newcastle-Sunderland-Hartlepool -Stockton-Darlington with Sunderland - Hartlepool crossed out. (Sorry the strike through didn't copy.) Isn't the route from Ferryhill S Jn to Norton Jn and Stockton rare for steam as well?

Cheers, Neil

 

Neither the K1 nor Tornado will be running this way. There is apparently a total ban on steam haulage via Sunderland.

 

K1 did Ferryhill - Norton twice last year.

 

Apparently the T & W Metro has plastic insulators that no -one will sign off even for a loco in light steam to be towed through

The really really annoying thing is that it was Network Rail who offered the route in 2007 despite being told that it was a no - no, and when the gift horse was offering, and was adamant they were right, who wouldn't have taken them up??

Then 48 hours before the tour after all the tickets had been sold - they changed their minds.

when your lawyer / accountant / etc does this, its called negligence, and someone gets sued.

When Network Rail do it that doesn't seem to apply.

 

Its been classed as that (for fire protection/evacuation) for at least 10 years that I remember.

 

I can assure everyone that no steam loco will run uder the Tyne & Wear Metro wires along the Durham Coast. I'm surprised they have put this routing into print as I would thought both Pathfinder and the A1 Locomotive Trust people would know this route is a no-no for steam.

 

Thanks all - appreciated.

Mark