Signalboxes preserved.. oh hang on...

You would think that the news yesterday, that Network Rail and English Heritage are going to give 26 "highly distinctive" signal boxes Grade II listed status, would be good news. We can all think of a SB which should be saved from the wrecking ball. There must be great examples up and down the country which really should be saved. But hang on... what's this? Only two in "the North" ? and both in Yorkshire? But EIGHT in Kent alone? Who on earth came up with that list?

With electrification and resignalling on the way, the Preston - Blackpool line surely has one worth saving?
BBC News article

1968 End of Steam Festival at The ELR

27th & 28th July 2013
A very special invitation is being extended to any railwaymen - and, in particular, steam footplatemen who worked at any of the final steam motive power depots throughout the North West during the last days of British Railways' steam in 1968, to participate in our commemorative event to be held at the East Lancashire Railway at Bury over the weekend of 27-28 July.

Full Details HERE

Steam Ban?

With the continuing run of hot dry weather, it seems that a ban on steam traction is almost inevitable, however we're not there yet. It seems that the Scarborough Spa Express and Fellsman will both run this week, with diesels tucked in behind for assistance, presumably to avoid the steam loco from having to try too hard an thereby reducing the chance of sparks - and resulting fires.

45699 Galatea is booked to take charge of the Fellsman this week, giving the newly restored loco it's first trip round the Settle & Carlisle line in almost 50 years.

Fellsman problems

Today's Fellsman, hauled by 8F 48151, seems to have had problems today, arriving at Preston over an hour late. Some have reported that the loco, which underwent a loaded test last week, sounded "sick".

A class 37 diesel was sent to haul the train back to Carnforth, reportedly due to a chronic shortage of coal.

Log-Jam

Colas 56094 has disgraced itself just past Oxheys Loop, to the north of Preston, whilst hauling the 6J37 Carlisle - Chirk logs. 57304 has been dispatched from Preston to drag it into the station, whilst 4M44 has been put into the loop at Oxheys to allow passenger traffic to pass.

Rescue loco and failed train proceeding very slowly back to Preston, as at 15.00.