The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) has continued to sideline its steam locomotive fleet in favour of diesel power, as the Cotswolds continues to bake in rainless, higher-than-average temperatures.
This unprecedented move has affected all services on the popular Cotswold line, which runs for 14 miles between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway.
Collage of locomotives photographed by Joshua Brinsford
Rebecca Denyer, the railway’s recently-appointed Business Services Manager, says: “We decided to withdraw steam over the weekend of 18th July, following a number of small lineside fires that may have been caused by sparks from passing trains.
“While these were quickly controlled by train crews and the fire service, after concerned residents raised the alarm, it underlined just how tinder-dry the countryside is. As a responsible neighbour to a lot of agricultural land, as well as people’s homes, we had little choice but to suspend the use of steam.”
Network Rail had already banned steam locomotives from working special trains on the national network, following some serious lineside fires thought to have been caused by passing locomotives. While not affecting heritage railways, many lines had concluded that the fire risk was too great to continue using steam.
Continued Rebecca: “We hoped that we would be able to return to the use of steam given forecast rain showers, but these were isolated and generally very light and short-lived – not sufficient to mitigate the fire risk.”
Rebecca added that she had visited one of the railway’s neighbouring farmers who was concerned that their standing crops that could be lost if a fire spread out of control. “There are currently a number of wildfires in the UK and the GWSR certainly does not want to be responsible for yet another one.”
The steam ban, however, has proved a bonus for the growing number of people interested in heritage diesels. Over the weekend of 24-26 July, the railway ran one of its most successful ever heritage diesel galas. The event featured 12 locomotives dating from the late 1950s and 1960s, including three from other heritage railways, plus a diesel railcar. The visiting locomotives remained on the GWSR immediately following the Gala and have worked some normal train services, much to the delight of diesel fans.
Noted Rebecca: “We are sorry that the lack of steam will disappoint many visitors. But we hope they understand the seriousness of the situation. But we hope that using some of these historic and characterful diesels, many of which have long disappeared from the national network, has afforded a different but equally enjoyable experience.”
Potentially heavy rain was forecast for the early part of August. “Whether it turns out to be sufficient for us to re-introduce steam traction or not, remains to be seen,” concluded Rebecca.
Travellers are advised to check the railway’s website, and social media for more information.
At present, the railway is offering ‘Kids travel for £1’ and a range of fun activities for youngsters which will be just as enjoyable for families, regardless of the type of locomotive at the front of their train!
