Missing Duchess
 

Hi. New to the forum. Anybody know why 46233 Duchess of Sutherland wasn't able to run on the ECML today (3 December 2016)? One of the live updates mentioned a "mishap" and another that the incoming service was late, but that's all.

Hello JoS and welcome to the forum from all the staff, enjoy and all the best.

It was down to a coupling failure between two of the coaches which resulted in the train becoming seperated apparently. It happened on the ECS move to Kings Cross, so there were no passengers on board at the time.

A rather worrying event, which might have repercussions

Was the coaching stock from West Coast Railways ?

According to UKsteaminfo WCRC were the train operating company, so I think the answer is probably yes

Thanks to all for the replies. Glad passengers weren't on board, though I dare say there were some very disappointed people at King's Cross. Hopefully it will be running next week - I hope to be going to York!

WILL it make Ely tomorrow?

Seems not !:eek:

The special was changed to diesel haulage because of "gauging issues" with the Duchess, then the diesel failed so the trip was cancelled.

No idea if the York trip from Norwich tomorrow with the Duchess is on or not. No mention of a light engine move to Norwich that I can see.

What a state of affairs.:confused:

Strange how SO Many gauging issues are causing cancellations of steam haulage all of a sudden, yet not too far back, the loco's involved NEVER had a problem before?