indeed,though the layout at Matlock would still have particular items which may cause issue from NRs side, such as unclear sigthing of the trains rear due to the curve, obstructed views with the platform and views caused thus by passengers on a packed platform etc, as well as your backing upto a buffer stop on approach to the tunnel, all of which still make it twitchy to be doing that on a regular basis,especially given the clauses in the NR rulebook S.S.2, SHUNTING/PROPELLING-6.3. where you must drive from the leading cab unless;

you are required to observe handsignals (given that this may be obstructed at Matlock) or

a shunter is observing the movements by radio,(BEST OPTION- ( now at dove holes quarry theyve taken to walking back with the train now following several incidents,the person ensuring they call back the locomotive every few seconds)

even with a good vaccum no gaurantee could be given that your trains as good as stopping on a dime, though generally they are good at doing just that!

the potential hazards aside, even if you were to propel backwards as a normal practice thing at matlock youd first have to send the empties upto riverside to run around, whilst simpler in operations-the extra time taken would still mean a dwell time of around 10 minutes anyhow,so would it really be a saving as such or add more risk, which is the name of the game nowadays to try to reduce risk.

swings n roundabouts

Progress update: Photos 6.6.2011
 

Quick visit to Matlock to view progress. The works train was in attendance. Banner up on the platform advertising the opening. Work in progress on what I assume will be the platform access - quite a long walk from Platform 1. Load of stone which I assume will be to face the raising of the platform. Still quite a bit to do.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Would rather defeat the object surely?

Thanks for all the photos guys..

Can't find any on Peak Rail website. PR no PR lol..

Thanks for the update John. It is looking good and I look forward to a visit soon
Regards
Phil

From East Midlands Trains website

The Peak District
Train services to & from The Peak District

Escape London to breathe in the Peak District country air this Summer. On Monday 's from 6 June until 3 October (excluding 29 August) an all inclusive service will be running from London to the Peak District. First Class return tickets are just £45 and include return rail travel, bus transfer, 2 for 1 entry to Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall or 2 for 1 meals at Le Mistral restaurant in Bakewell. To book your train tickets now use the 'Book a Journey' box on this page and choose Chesterfield as your arrival station and confirm the Monday of your choice.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wouldnt it be nice if they could do this via Peak Rail?

yup weve been thinking that one for years!!, especially as we could provide them layover if needed.:)

Interested to see someone else has spotted this. It has not gone unnoticed to Friends of the Derwent Valley Line that EMT are pushing journeys into the Peak District via bus from Chesterfield (their same Stagecoach group) and also via the Hope Valley & Northern Rail. Clearly someone in their advertising team at London is unaware that they have a very successful service to Matlock (94% passenger numbers growth over 3 years) which they could publicise in preference (the same advertising campaign has been run in previous years). We have been making this point to them & I'll forward your last post to our committee & your suggestion about the Peak Rail connection
Geoff
Friends of the Derwent Valley Line http://www.fdvl.org.uk

well it makes absolute sense to have the coach sat at either matlock and take them to see chatsworth,haddon etc, then on the return they could drop off at rowsley,have a steam train ride back (or dinner on the palatine),then dropping onto the EMT service back home from matlock afterwards, thus having a 2 for 1 day....

They could plug the beauty and history of the Ambergate-Matlock line.