Latest news with #HogwartsExpress'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Steam trains win bank holiday reprieve as Network Rail lifts fire-risk ban
Steam trains will be able to run on the mainline during one of the busiest weeks of the year after heavy rain eased concerns about the threat of track-side fires. Network Rail lifted a steam ban on popular routes in North West England including the Settle & Carlisle and Cumbrian Coast lines, while the operator of the Jacobite train in Scotland said it would switch back to steam from diesel. Amber alerts indicating a risk of fire across the wider network were meanwhile downgraded after downpours on Friday night soaked lineside vegetation that had been tinderbox dry. An expert on Network Rail's special trains team said that months of minimal rainfall had created 'brown corridors' at substantial risk of being ignited by embers jettisoned by steam engines. He said: 'The entire country has been at high alert, but some routes, particularly in the North West, have been forced to ban steam in recent weeks as the risk has just been too great. 'But with the weather turning and rain arriving Friday night and over the weekend, the risk is reducing and steam can once again run on our metals.' This year has seen the driest start to spring in England since 1956, with half the expected rainfall in April and only a quarter of the long-term average in March. The trend continued into May, with warnings of imminent hosepipe bans and a summer drought, and wildfires breaking out in areas including Cumbria, Derbyshire and Dorset. Network Rail responded with a series of curbs on steam trains culminating in a 10-day blanket ban in the North West. However, with the heatwave ending as low pressure systems bring rainy conditions, Network Rail eased the restrictions in time for the spring bank holiday and school break. The decision was based on forecasts from MetDesk, which provides the firm with predictions of fire risk, ice and leaf fall, as well as weather forecasts for every 500 yards of track. North West England was moved from black alert to red status for Saturday, which meant that a steam locomotive could lead a train using limited power, assisted by a diesel engine at the rear. The risk level was dropped to amber on Sunday, simply requiring operators to exercise caution. West Coast Railways, the biggest operator of steam and classic diesel trains on the national network, said the reprieve was vital going into the busiest months for charter operations. James Shuttleworth, the firm's commercial manager, said that the rainfall meant the Jacobite train in the Highlands – dubbed the 'Hogwarts Express' for its appearances in the Harry Potter franchise – will also be able to return to steam traction from diesel. With most of its steam engines based in Carnforth in North West England, the ban had threatened to leave the firm unable to haul trains even in parts of the country that were unaffected. One locomotive in service when the clampdown was announced had been unable to return to base and was abandoned to York. Mr Shuttleworth said the spring had been the driest he had known since 1995, when the newly launched Jacobite service was forced to use diesels. Steam operators responded to months of bans at the time with measures to limit fire risk, including spark arresters and grills on engines. West Coast is now permitted to make its own decisions regarding appropriate traction for the Jacobite in conjunction with managers at Network Rail's Fort William depot. Mr Shuttleworth said: 'You've got to be responsible. It's also about accessibility and whether the fire brigade would be able to get to the site of a potential fire.' In Scotland and other upland areas, he said, there's also the risk of a lineside fire spreading to forestry plantations or seams of peat, with the latter potentially taking months to burn out. West Coast, like other operators, makes clear to passengers that there will be no refund in the event of steam engines being unable to run or breaking down. The reprieve came too late for the Northern Belle luxury dining train, which relied on diesel haulage over the Settle & Carlisle route on Saturday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Iconic viaduct protected for generations to come
Network Rail, along with principal contractor AmcoGiffen, assessed the condition of the viaduct. Concrete repairs were carried out across the structure sympathetically, taking care to replicate its heritage appearance. New safety handrails for staff working at height were installed, along with renewing ballast retention systems at the ends of the structure. Engineers also worked in the River Finnan, protecting the piers from erosion caused by the fast-flowing river. Meanwhile, specially trained rope access technicians descended from the viaduct, reaching and restoring areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. READ MORE: Harry Potter viaduct to undergo £3.4 million in repair work Fencing to prevent Harry Potter fans trespassing on viaduct Repairs begin to world-famous Harry Potter viaduct Laura Craig, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said: 'This project was years in planning due to the complexity of navigating such a large-scale, historic structure. Our highly skilled team faced numerous challenges, from preserving the viaduct's original integrity to implementing modern engineering solutions. Every step of the process required meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage. 'It's an honour to look after the Glenfinnan Viaduct, knowing how much it's loved all over the world. We're proud to see it standing strong and it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.' The Glenfinnan viaduct opened in 1901 and is the largest mass concrete viaduct in Scotland, spanning more than 1,000 feet. The build cost £18,904 at the time, which is around £2 million in today's money. Historic Environment Scotland has designated the structure as Category A, the highest level, meaning it's of significant architectural and historical interest. As part of its preservation, Network Rail refrains from cleaning off efflorescence marks from the rain as it drains through, ensuring the character of the structure remains. Ann MacSween, Head of Planning, Consents and Advice Services at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We welcome Network Rail's investment into the careful repair of this iconic structure. 'Glenfinnan is the most impressive of several mass concrete railway viaducts and bridges along the West Highland Line, which was built 1897-1901. These bridges were mostly designed with an exposed concrete finish, rather than being faced in stone, and are the earliest railway bridges of this style in Scotland. "Over a century after it was first built, Glenfinnan Viaduct still stands strong today, in no small part due to Network Rail's excellent care." The viaduct is an icon of Scottish tourism, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Many pass over the arches aboard ScotRail trains, as well as the 'Hogwarts Express' Jacobite steam train operated by West Coast Railways. Countless more tourists make the trip to Glenfinnan to admire the views from the ground. James Shuttleworth, West Coast Railways' Commercial Manager, added: "Having run 'The Jacobite' for over three decades and celebrated its centenary in 2001, we truly appreciate the historic significance of the viaduct. The recent restoration work has further highlighted its importance, not only as a vital piece of railway heritage, but also as a beloved film star in Harry Potter, for which we proudly provided 'The Hogwarts Express." The restoration of the viaduct is part of a broader programme of work in the Glenfinnan area. A two-year pilot project enhanced the natural habitat by planting trees across approximately 200 hectares to protect, restore and expand rainforest and peatland habitats. Additionally, deer fencing has been installed at Ardmolich to safeguard the newly planted native woodlands from overgrazing. Network Rail is also investing £500,000 to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the viaduct. The project aims to replace life-expired boundary fencing, ensuring the track remains safely separated from public areas.
STV News
25-04-2025
- STV News
Repairs to viaduct made famous by Harry Potter complete after £3.4m project
Repairs to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter movie franchise have been completed as part of a £3.4m restoration project. The popular tourist attraction in the Highlands, made famous worldwide by the Potter films, has undergone an extensive maintenance programme to safeguard its future. Network Rail has carried out concrete repairs across the structure sympathetically, taking care to replicate its heritage appearance. New safety handrails for staff working at height were installed, along with renewing ballast retention systems at the ends of the structure. Engineers also worked in the River Finnan, protecting the piers from erosion caused by the fast-flowing river. Network Rail Specially trained rope access technicians descended from the viaduct, reaching and restoring areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Meanwhile, specially trained rope access technicians descended from the viaduct, reaching and restoring areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: 'This project was years in planning due to the complexity of navigating such a large-scale, historic structure. 'Our highly skilled team faced numerous challenges, from preserving the viaduct's original integrity to implementing modern engineering solutions. 'Every step of the process required meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage. 'It's an honour to look after the Glenfinnan Viaduct, knowing how much it's loved all over the world. We're proud to see it standing strong and it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.' The viaduct opened in 1901 and is the largest mass concrete viaduct in Scotland, spanning more than 1,000 feet. The build cost £18,904 at the time. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has designated the structure as category A, the highest level, meaning it's of significant architectural and historical interest. Network Rail The viaduct opened in 1901 and is the largest mass concrete viaduct in Scotland. As part of its preservation, Network Rail refrains from cleaning off efflorescence marks from the rain as it drains through, ensuring the character of the structure remains. Ann MacSween, head of planning, consents and advice services at HES, said: 'We welcome Network Rail's investment into the careful repair of this iconic structure. 'Glenfinnan is the most impressive of several mass concrete railway viaducts and bridges along the West Highland Line, which was built 1897-1901. These bridges were mostly designed with an exposed concrete finish, rather than being faced in stone, and are the earliest railway bridges of this style in Scotland. 'Over a century after it was first built, Glenfinnan Viaduct still stands strong today, in no small part due to Network Rail's excellent care.' Thousands of visitors every year pass over the arches aboard ScotRail trains and the 'Hogwarts Express' Jacobite steam train operated by West Coast Railways. James Shuttleworth, West Coast Railways' Commercial Manager, added: 'Having run 'The Jacobite' for over three decades and celebrated its centenary in 2001, we truly appreciate the historic significance of the viaduct. 'The recent restoration work has further highlighted its importance, not only as a vital piece of railway heritage, but also as a beloved film star in Harry Potter, for which we proudly provided 'The Hogwarts Express.' The restoration of the viaduct is part of a broader programme of work in the Glenfinnan area as part of a two-year pilot project to enhance the natural habitat. The initiative includes planting trees across approximately 200 hectares to protect, restore and expand rainforest and peatland habitats. Additionally, deer fencing has been installed at Ardmolich to safeguard the newly planted native woodlands from overgrazing. Network Rail is also investing £500,000 to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the viaduct. The project aims to replace life-expired boundary fencing, ensuring the track remains safely separated from public areas. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
