Train Truckers

[the green mile]

Has anyone been watching this documentary series on Yesterday Channel (Thursdays at 2100)? It's a fly on the wall account of how Allelys move railway rolling stock around the country. Although there is maybe a bit of over emphasis on the dramas which occur as you would expect to make the programme more interesting, you have to admire the skill and experience of the operatives in manoeuvring their trucks and trailers into and out of tight spots.

I was caught up behind one of these moves last week on my return from Snowdonia. I tried to avoid the Oldbury Viaduct roadworks on the M5 by taking a shortcut from Telford through Bridgnorth and Kidderminster down to Worcester. All was going well until I encountered a very slow queue ahead coming out of Kidderminster. It was a BR Standard class 4 mogul and its tender on two low loaders which were impassable until we reached the dual carriageway section of the A449. In this case it was a different company providing the transport but the kit they were using looked very similar.

One thing which is interesting to read about is the STGO regulations which dictate how oversize loads like these are allowed on the road.

Roy

[Robin Summerhill]

I've watched three of them. As you say, the series shows the skill sets of the drivers and other staff involved in a very good light.

The only downside to the series (in my view) comes by necessity given the subject - go to a railway location, load the cargo, move it, and offload it again at the other end.

[Ashley Hill]

Yes the programme does feel a bit repetitive. Also no mention is made of moving the tenders. Add to that the constant reminder that if it goes wrong it wall fall off the trailer. Still,it's made for the masses and not just the enthusiasts who know better and it's always good to see railway programmes rather than Strictly or Towie!!

[22A]

Watched the episode where they collected new units for Northern from Portbury and transported them to Liverpool.
Someone suggested "Liverpool has a dock; why not sail the boat carrying them straight there"?