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The S and C was in a sorry state some years ago, but during the mid 2000's a lot of money has been spent on upgrades. Knottingley Drivers(KY) of EWS have booked work upto
Carlisle Kingmoor, and swap, over with Motherwell drivers for the back working.
You have to understand, this line was built for lightweight trains of the 1870's.
Todays MGR Trains can have 1800 tons plus behind the loco.
The problems have been with culverts under the track giving way.
Its no fun for a driver to get derailed at Ais Gill summit,on a pitch black rainy nite, when he is on his own with help miles away.
On a nice sunny day its a good run upto Ais Gill, and when you get over the top, you can feel the trucks buffering up as you go down the bank
Mobile phones have problems on this road, but if you walk up the Coal Road at Garsdale Station a hundred yards, there is a full signal.
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