Another crossing accident at the RHDR
 

A train on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has derailed after hitting a tractor on a farm crossing.
Details in the reports I've seen are sketchy, but it was a steam hauled train, with the locomotive ending up on it's side, the driver is reported to have jumped clear just before impact. The loco could be No.1 'Green Goddess' judging by what I can see in the grainy photos. The coaches all appear to have remained upright. There are reports of 5 people injured, none life-threatening.
There were 2 fatal accidents in 2003 & 2005 when RHDR trains collided with vehicles at 'open' level crossings, which prompted the railway to install automatic half barriers at all public level crossings, but this doesn't apply to the farm crossings on the line.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-37328732

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/tr...-a3341791.html

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/hythe/ne...h-with-102247/

Tony

WHEN for crying out loud will tractor drivers learn that trains have the right of way when signalled to pass?

Bad news. Fortunate thee were no serious injuries. Richard

I've been driving around the USA and always take extra precautions, i.e. slow down and look, then cross quickly, when crossing railway tracks, even guarded level crossings. There are large signs not to stop on the tracks, and certain vehicles such as school buses are compelled to stop and look before crossing.

Thailand gets plenty of them ,nearly all fatal.Pick ups buses mobikes you name it and they all try to get across!!!

RAIB report, as reported by kentonline:

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-m...led-to-116650/

Tractor driver error as he didn't realise the front of the tractor was fouling the running line, but they hadn't been using the crossing correctly all day by not contacting the railway for permission to cross and leaving the gates open, although the RHDR is also said to not have briefed the farm users on how to use the crossing properly.

Tony

Has the loco been repaired or written off?

It is being repaired, not sure when it will be back in action.

Tony