Tech safety threat to steam line (BBC News)

[RF News]

New technology to improve track safety could mean the end of steam trains and special excursions on the Cambrian Railway.

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[Deathbyteacup]

.....It's a bit misleading, it's not the end.

Trains *should* be fitted with ERTMS where available. Period. Steam should and will no doubt be included in this.

[richard thompson]

Apparently ERTMS is a bit less steam friendly than present systems, but presumably, there will be thought out, a system if the device fails on the train which could be used for the occasional special?
Richard

[Deathbyteacup]

Originally Posted by richard thompson

Apparently ERTMS is a bit less steam friendly than present systems, but presumably, there will be thought out, a system if the device fails on the train which could be used for the occasional special?
Richard

I'm pretty sure that there must be a technological solution to the problem?

I certainly don't think it'll be the end of steam on the mainline though, there would be outrage, although of course nobody can question the safety benefits of such systems.

I'm sure somebody will figure out a way to retrofit one of these new fangled things to a steam loco.

[Flying Pig]

As usual this is a rather confused article from the Beeb.

ERTMS is currently only being trialled on the Cambrian. Presumably they're doing it there because it's the back of beyond and they can make their mistakes without bringing the UK to a standstill. It's unfortunate for the steam guys that they're running over the very piece of line where the trial is.

AIUI, ERTMS uses the Moving Block principle. Instead of trains moving in and out of geographically fixed blocks, the system sets up a virtual block around a train, based on its speed and physical characteristics. In order to do this it needs to monitor every train's performance continuously.

So it's not surprising that for the duration of the trial only ERTMS compatible stock is allowed onto the system. Non fitted stock would be 'invisible'. Hopefully when it's all over things will return to normal and the steam guys will get track access back.

Originally Posted by BBC News

The European Rail Traffic Management system (ERTMS) is being piloted on the line, before UK-wide installation.

The expression 'piloted' makes it sound like it's ready to go - they've got to try and make it work first !!

And as for UK WIDE !! - we have neither the cash or the infrastructure for this. Only Main Lines with a running speed of >100 mph really need it, so this certainly does not spell the end of steam in the UK.