At very short notice on Wednesday 7th May we were advised that steam cannot be permitted between the Pelaw Metro Junction and Ryhope Grange under the Metro wires as the catenary wires are of non-standard design, and major damage would have ensued if the train had travelled on that route.
Following receipt of this news that the train could not then operate from Newcastle to Hartlepool via Sunderland, we made strenuous efforts on Thursday 8th May to secure a satisfactory alternative from Network Rail.
However, a proposal to put the diesel on the front of the train at Tyne Yard to haul the train via the coast was rejected by Network Rail as the ban on steam includes locomotives in light steam.
Another option to continue from Tyne Yard and go over the Tyne bridges and return southbound down the ECML to Ferryhill and Stillington was also rejected by Network Rail because locomotive hauled trains are not allowed over the High Level Bridge. The bridge is restricted to RA 5 but special permission is required to cross the bridge and this has not been forthcoming.
In order to make the best of this restriction, the tour has been revised and will now reverse in Tyne Yard and run via Darlington to Hartlepool where we will regain our original route for the day.
By making these changes we will still achieve the majority of what we have set out to do namely:
At the tour planning stage and even after submission of the Railtour specification to Network Rail and the receipt of final timings, NELPG was never given any indication that routing via the coast was a problem until receipt of a communication from Network Rail on 7th May.
We therefore apologise for any disappointment this may cause but hope the revised arrangements enable you to still enjoy the opportunity to travel behind steam to unusual parts of the North East rail system.
Should you have any specific queries as a result of this change please do not hesitate to contact the Tour Manager, Dave Pennock, during the course of the tour.
For and on behalf of NELPG.
Dave Pennock