3. OFF THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
  4. OFF THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW

OFF THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW

This gallery is a sort of compendium of all the bent and the broken, the crashed and the bashed, both steam age and modern, loco and stock, both British and foreign. Most are duplicates of pictures to be found in other galleries, some taken by me and some very obviously not. These pictures are displayed for recreational/information/research purposes only and are not for sale under any circumstances. Every effort has been made to verify the information in the captions but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
PLEASE NOTE : IMPORTANT MESSAGE : Please be aware that I do not sell copies of ANY of my pictures, DO NOT email copies to viewers or allow re-posting on other sites. Neither do I wish to enter into correspondence with any individual or group regarding my pictures or their captions. All comments reflect my personal opinions and I am not prepared to discuss these with anyone. I apologise for this disclaimer but I'm afraid it has been forced upon me. I have no wish to upset anyone and please continue to enjoy my pictures at your leisure.
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MARCH - DM478332 come to grief outside March East Box, 02/88. I don't remember how it came to be here but it was there for some weeks, having lost its wheels shortly after the accident, 27/02/88. You can still see the hole where crane fell through.
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MARCH - DM478332 come to grief outside March East Box, 02/88. I don't remember how it came to be here but it was there for some weeks, having lost its wheels shortly after the accident, 27/02/88. You can still see the hole where crane fell through.

  • LONGFORD (3) - During the early hours of the morning of February 27th, 1974, the bridge carrying the railway across what is now the N63 road was struck by a large container loaded on a lorry. The lorry driver reported the incident to the Gardaí who, in turn, notified CIÉ. However, due to a mix up the wrong bridge was examined by permanent way staff and, as no damage was found, the all clear was given. The bridge and track were subsequently found to be some 13 inches out of alignment.<br /> The train consisted of locomotive A36R with 3106 (4-w Heating/Luggage Van), 1907 (Bk/Std), 1513 (Std), 1508 (Std), 2416 (Cafeteria), 2174(Composite) and 3161 (‘Dutch’ Van). The train was carrying 24 passengers and 3 crew. The locomotive derailed to the left as it crossed the bridge and ended up on its side at the foot of the embankment. The bodywork of 3106 was completely destroyed, while 1907 was severely damaged. The remainder of the train stayed upright, with all vehicles except 2174 and 3161 being derailed. Fortunately there were no major injuries largely due to there being no passengers in the two carriages that went down the embankment. Only the driver was removed to hospital, for precautionary reasons. One passenger received medical attention at Longford station but was fit enough to continue their journey to Dublin.<br /> Recovery work involved re-railing 1508 and 2416 which, along with 2174 and 3161, were brought to Dromod. 1513 was lifted by the Inchicore and Limerick steam cranes and brought to Longford, as was the chassis of 3106. Following the removal of the carriages and vans, the embankment was repaired and the line reopened on the evening of March 4th. A36R, which had come to rest in a very awkward position, was not recovered until the weekend of May 4/5th, by which time a large amount of the locomotive’s brass and copper had been removed by persons from a local ‘caravan park’!<br /> A59R brought the Inchicore steam crane to the Dublin side of the derailment site.<br /> A10R ready to drag coach no.1508 up the embankment. The line of temporary rails can just be seen between the rear of the loco and the man in the white coat. The trackwork and embankment where A10R is standing has already been repaired at this stage to facilitate recovery operations. The smoke rising above 1508 is from the Inchicore steam crane.
  • LONGFORD (4) - During the early hours of the morning of February 27th, 1974, the bridge carrying the railway across what is now the N63 road was struck by a large container loaded on a lorry. The lorry driver reported the incident to the Gardaí who, in turn, notified CIÉ. However, due to a mix up the wrong bridge was examined by permanent way staff and, as no damage was found, the all clear was given. The bridge and track were subsequently found to be some 13 inches out of alignment.<br /> The train consisted of locomotive A36R with 3106 (4-w Heating/Luggage Van), 1907 (Bk/Std), 1513 (Std), 1508 (Std), 2416 (Cafeteria), 2174(Composite) and 3161 (‘Dutch’ Van). The train was carrying 24 passengers and 3 crew. The locomotive derailed to the left as it crossed the bridge and ended up on its side at the foot of the embankment. The bodywork of 3106 was completely destroyed, while 1907 was severely damaged. The remainder of the train stayed upright, with all vehicles except 2174 and 3161 being derailed. Fortunately there were no major injuries largely due to there being no passengers in the two carriages that went down the embankment. Only the driver was removed to hospital, for precautionary reasons. One passenger received medical attention at Longford station but was fit enough to continue their journey to Dublin.<br /> Recovery work involved re-railing 1508 and 2416 which, along with 2174 and 3161, were brought to Dromod. 1513 was lifted by the Inchicore and Limerick steam cranes and brought to Longford, as was the chassis of 3106. Following the removal of the carriages and vans, the embankment was repaired and the line reopened on the evening of March 4th. A36R, which had come to rest in a very awkward position, was not recovered until the weekend of May 4/5th, by which time a large amount of the locomotive’s brass and copper had been removed by persons from a local ‘caravan park’!<br /> A59R brought the Inchicore steam crane to the Dublin side of the derailment site.<br /> Work in progress on recovering Cravens Standard 1508. The steel hawser is attached to the carriage’s draw-hook at this end and to the one on A10R at the other end. Temporary rails were placed under the wheels of 1508 and the locomotive then dragged the carriage up the slope and back on to the running line.
  • LONGFORD (5) - During the early hours of the morning of February 27th, 1974, the bridge carrying the railway across what is now the N63 road was struck by a large container loaded on a lorry. The lorry driver reported the incident to the Gardaí who, in turn, notified CIÉ. However, due to a mix up the wrong bridge was examined by permanent way staff and, as no damage was found, the all clear was given. The bridge and track were subsequently found to be some 13 inches out of alignment.<br /> The train consisted of locomotive A36R with 3106 (4-w Heating/Luggage Van), 1907 (Bk/Std), 1513 (Std), 1508 (Std), 2416 (Cafeteria), 2174(Composite) and 3161 (‘Dutch’ Van). The train was carrying 24 passengers and 3 crew. The locomotive derailed to the left as it crossed the bridge and ended up on its side at the foot of the embankment. The bodywork of 3106 was completely destroyed, while 1907 was severely damaged. The remainder of the train stayed upright, with all vehicles except 2174 and 3161 being derailed. Fortunately there were no major injuries largely due to there being no passengers in the two carriages that went down the embankment. Only the driver was removed to hospital, for precautionary reasons. One passenger received medical attention at Longford station but was fit enough to continue their journey to Dublin.<br /> Recovery work involved re-railing 1508 and 2416 which, along with 2174 and 3161, were brought to Dromod. 1513 was lifted by the Inchicore and Limerick steam cranes and brought to Longford, as was the chassis of 3106. Following the removal of the carriages and vans, the embankment was repaired and the line reopened on the evening of March 4th. A36R, which had come to rest in a very awkward position, was not recovered until the weekend of May 4/5th, by which time a large amount of the locomotive’s brass and copper had been removed by persons from a local ‘caravan park’!<br /> A59R brought the Inchicore steam crane to the Dublin side of the derailment site.<br /> A10R dragging 1508 up the embankment. The hawser connecting the locomotive to the carriage can be clearly seen. The staff controlling the operation are anxiously watching the wheels of 1508 to ensure they remain on the temporary rails.
  • MAIDSTONE EAST - On September 6th, 1993, 47288, whilst working 6M57 Dover to Willesden freight became derailed near Maidstone East and fell onto its side sustaining serious damage. A signal gantry required to be dismantled before a crane could be brought in to right the locomotive. Following spells in store it was finally withdrawn in May 1995, being scrapped in May 1996.
  • MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL CO. - No.74 - 0-6-0T - built 1923 by Kitson & Co. - looks like there's been a slight shunting accident here!
  • MARCH - (1) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal.<br /> At 09:01 hrs on 19 August 2021, a freight train consisting of a class 66 locomotive and 36 container wagons struck a loaded farm trailer at Kisby user worked level crossing, situated near to March, in Cambridgeshire. The train driver applied the train’s emergency brake around 6 seconds before the collision occurred, but the train was still travelling at around 58 mph (93 km/h) when it struck the trailer.<br /> <br /> On September 14th, 2021, Gov.UK issued a preliminary report into the accident, as follows:-<br /> <br /> 'At 09:01 hrs on 19 August 2021, a freight train consisting of a Class 66 locomotive and 36 container wagons struck a loaded farm trailer at Kisby user worked level crossing, situated near to March, in Cambridgeshire. The train driver applied the train’s emergency brake around 6 seconds before the collision occurred, but the train was still travelling at around 58 mph when it struck the trailer.<br /> As a result of the collision, the trailer parted from the tractor that was pulling it and was then dragged along by the train. The leading axle of the locomotive and an unladen wagon in the middle of the train also derailed. The train ran derailed for around 780 metres before it came to a stop.<br /> Both the train and tractor drivers suffered shock following the accident and the train driver was also treated for minor injuries. The locomotive suffered significant structural damage during the accident and level crossing and track equipment were also extensively damaged. Train services were disrupted on both lines for four days while the train was recovered and repairs were made to the track and signalling infrastructure.<br /> Kisby user worked crossing is fitted with a telephone and with user-operated powered (POGO) gates. These gates are not interlocked with the railway’s signalling system. Users are directed by signs at the crossing to use the telephones to obtain permission from the signaller before opening the crossing gates and crossing the railway. RAIB has been unable to find any evidence that a request to use the crossing was made by the driver of the tractor involved.'<br /> So, there you go then!
  • MARCH - (2) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal.
  • MARCH - (3) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal. A shot of the farm crossing, just visible in the far left of this shot, the back of the train not even in sight.
  • MARCH - (4) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal.
  • MARCH - (5) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal. As you can see, Middle Road is not much of a road at all - this is the good bit! I wish them luck if they're going to be heavy equipment in here!
  • MARCH - (6) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal.
  • MARCH - (7) At about 0900 this morning, August 19th, 2021, 66754 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS, hauling 4L02 Hams Hall - Felixstowe South, hit a tractor and trailer loaded with bales on the farm crossing about 600 yards weast of Middle Road LC. The tractor escaped unscathed but the loco collected the trailer, and a goodly amount of the straw bales, and continued for about another 800 yards before it stopped, straddling Middle Road LC. Both drivers received slight injuries. Close examination will show that the trailer is jammed beneath the loco, there is a big dent in the loco's side and straw covers the back of the loco and the leading wagons. It also looks as though the leading bogie of the loco is derailed. One of the Network Rail officials on site told me that he expected it would be at least two or three days before things could be returned to normal.
  • MARCH - 31 276 and 31 405 seem to have been getting a bit too 'close and personal', March Depot, en route to Works, 26/10/86. Perhaps this is what's known as a 'nodding acquaintance'?
  • MARCH - 47 054 on March Depot en route to Works having got itself a little bent, 20/01/87.
  • MARCH - 47 256 has obviously been in the wars! It's seen here at March Depot en route to Crewe Works for rectification, 20/01/87.
  • MARCH - 47 473 at March Depot with considerable accident damage, 20/10/85, en route to Works. Note buffer stuck in the front end just above the right buffer.
  • MARCH - Class 101 DMBS 51507 has, I suspect, been out of traffic for some time. Seen here in Whitemoor Yard en route to Mayer Newmann at Snailwell, 12/84, note that it still sports its 2 character headcode box.
  • MARCH - DM281829, a Midland Railway pattern brakevan, totally vandalised by over enthusiastic shunitng in Whitemoor Yard. Its not often you see a wagon parked inside a brakevan! 11/86.
  • MARCH - DM478332 come to grief outside March East Box, 02/88. I don't remember how it came to be here but it was there for some weeks, having lost its wheels shortly after the accident, 27/02/88. You can still see the hole where crane fell through.
  • MARCH - DM478332 come to grief outside March East Box, 16/02/88. The collapsed crane and wagons from a different angle.
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