Choppers (20),Kettle+Log (50) [01 & 05/4]

Shhhh! No one is meant to know when the DRS 20's run the flasks!

Nothing from me, but DRS might get in a flap over security issues... They do not want souls to know when these flask trains run, despite availability of a published timetable!!!

In a previous incarnation I was Secretary of the National Railway Preservation Campaign, under Chaorman Capt Peter Manisty. I was thus co-opted into the ARPS, Transport Trust, etc. We were based at Marylebone in BR offices above the station. At the time there was of course the turntable there for turning DMU cars to even out tyre wear. We argued that BR should allow steam locos to run from Marylebone, and at the time SLOA were hand in glove with BR's charter operations. Because of our status our suggestion caused a mighty rumpus, and every excuse under the sun was put up as to why this was impossible, including complaints about smoke from domestic properties adjacent to the terminus. It was stamped on from high in a missive delivered by hand to our offices. That was that. Or so we thought.

In due course BR's arguably biggest and most important commercial client at the time, the Post Office asked if they could run a steam special out of Marylebone to celebrate I think it was the centenary of mail by rail, or somesuch. That was of course different! For the reasons just stated this presented no problem at all, and of course did run and broke the ban. That opened the door for further specials.

I wonder if anyone recalls 1971 I think it was when BR allowed a steam loco (Bulleid pacific?) to run from Basingstoke to Salisbury. When the then SR banned steam on their section because of fear over spectators electrifying themselves we pointed out that there was already a precedent and no-one had been fried! Steam locos are now of course allowed under the wires where there is sufficient clearance. It was proven that even if the 25Kv wire actually touched the loco, the current ran to earth and a human could get on and off the loco without being electrocuted. Again this had to be reminded about!

In the pre-private diesel days, when they were banned from BR metals, British Steel had running powers for certain locos to and from BSC lines. And to cap it all the AEC shunter was driven out of Southall Works up to the Brentford branch, then down it and back up to the GWRPG centre in the old Wall's Margerine building!

Going back on topic, I seem to recall that it was an entreprising chap inthe LT Commercial Office in 55 Broadway that organised the tube and surface stock tours, and then went further to start the Sarah Siddons tours. I met him once, and as he was keen, and knew how to pull strings the tours were organised...red tape seems to have been no obstacle.