Steam Corner 11
Steam Corner 11
As with all systems that rely upon the human factor to operate, errors are bound to occur at one point or other: these could manifest themselves in a plethora of ways on the railways, sometimes with amusing consequences for staff and customers alike. At other times, the outcome could be quite serious.
Put a few situations together, and a recipe for disaster could be made quite easily. For an example, the forward view from a steam loco wasn't the clearest at the best of times. Add to that 470 tons of train weight, wet rails, thick fog, and a bay platform with a few wagons parked without a warning lamp. The resultant is evident - a failure to stop before striking the wagons and driving them through the station buildings, whilst still looking for a red lamp which indicates the end of the "road".
Not that it requires much for something to go amiss - a loco in steam could easily be found miles from where it was left if not parked correctly, and heavy freight trains could find their own way downhill if left without an engine after prolonged braking before vacuum braking was fitted (the reason for "catch" points being introduced to de-rail run-aways). Shunting was a most dangerous occupation, and great caution had to be exercised whilst in the yards of loco - sheds or goods depots.
Maintenance is a crucial factor to the safe operation of the railway system; but even track-gangs have their moments. Re-packing track ballast near water troughs was a temptation for the Law of Sod to come into play...... with several gangers soaked from yards away by an express "picking-up", not to mention the danger of the odd falling lump of coal. Signalmen had their own problems too; winter brought frozen points and signals, which were assisted by judicial use of a kettle in several instances. Single line working for semi-fast services bore the risk of black-eyes for a signalman if he held the token too close, or in the worst cases, a broken hand for the fireman from hitting the token exchange pole in error.
Yet despite all of this, Britain's Railways have an extremely good safety record. In comparison to the roads where accidents occur every day without fail, the railway system still shows how it should be done!
Crossing keepers, administration staff, cleaners, station staff; they all have their part to play in the biggest family anyone could join, and doubtlessly have their own stories to tell. Station goods staff faced with problems like an occupied coffin - do we charge by the pound, or do we use the standard adult ticket? Railway staff, however, didn't always wear a uniform - or have two legs, as proven recently in the local press.
"Central", station cat at Leamington Station, has reached retirement through ill- health. The popular Tabby has been diagnosed with arthritis, after serving 13 years of continuous duty, having arrived at the station as a stray kitten. Kind hearted staff made a collection of £70 for her. In recognition of her services, Mike Haigh, the Central Trains deputy managing director, presented Central with an engraved collar, new fleece bedding, a set of dishes, and a certificate of service.
Central is now quite at home with her surroundings, and enjoys the occasional train trip; once as far as Aylesbury - a round trip of 120 miles. Well known to train guards, her return is always guaranteed. Staff have decided to move her from the mess room that she adopted in 1990 to the supervisor's office where she has her own chair, so she can live out her life in comfort at the station that became her home.
On the preservation side of things, the East Lancashire Railway has recently opened their extension to Heywood; for more information, visit their website at www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk . Congratulations to all concerned with this project.
The recent hot weather has led to alternative motive power being used on rail- tours in most areas. No doubt when we get some rain, steam operation will resume, when the risk of lineside fires diminishes.
Meanwhile, the Great Central Railway have recently returned another Stanier class 5 to working order, which featured in the recent Steam Gala. Again, congratulations to all.
And finally, for those in need of a nostalgia trip, try taking a look at www.steamsounds.org.uk , or should I say, a listen. This is a quality site from David Bailey for those enthusiasts that crave a little more, and could prove useful for modellers too !
