Steam Train Through East Anglia

[Gordy1]

i see there is a steam train running on the 31st of August Kings Cross to Yarmouth via Cambridge & Ely so make a note in your diary if you have any standing corn on rout & have your fire extinguishers ready & a compensation form made out to Network Rail

 

[Sonoftheheir]

Ha ha! I would hope that all the corn had been safely gathered in the shed by then.

Norwich to Ely line runs through our farm at prickwillow, occasionally see a steam train come through. More this past year I’d say.

 

[Brisel]

Don't steam engines have spark arrestors? I doubt that no one has considered the fire risk before.

 

[Gordy1]

Not sure if they have spark arrestors but spoke to a railway man when one was running through the area, he said they have to follow the train with fire extinquishers & water when it is tinder dry as they tend to set the embankment on fire!!

 

[Gordy1]

"All is safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin" looking outside at the windy conditions at the moment i think we're having one now!!

 

[David.]

The fireman used to chuck a shovel of cinders out of the fire box, on purpose to clear the embankment vegetation back in the old days.
Likely not in the middle of harvest though...

 

[Gone Shooting]

OOOOH stubble burning and blame the railway

 

[Barleymow]

uncle once set railway embankment on fire when stubble burning

 

[Princess Pooper]

We frequently get steam trains coming through summer and winter, no problems yet , not sure what the fuss is. Of course it happens occasionally but usually only when tinder dry. Far more crop fires caused by combines and balers!

 

[Ley253]

Not really the self propelled kettles fault! Years ago, embankments were kept clean, as fire was a recognised problem. With the advent of diesels and electric traction, they were allowed to become over grown.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

might be good for black grass control, if it were to catch fire that is

 

[Mur Huwcun]

The fireman used to chuck a shovel of cinders out of the fire box, on purpose to clear the embankment vegetation back in the old days.
Likely not in the middle of harvest though...

My grandfather used to say the same and it keeps the embankments clear and tidy, also their neighbour was a train driver and somehow he was managing to loose a shovel full of coal off the train as he passed his own house quite regularly!!!

 

[Chae1]

Field opposite steam railway line caught fire a few summers ago.