• Low adhesion
• Salisbury Tunnel Junction
• Diversity in rail
Letter from the editor
You’ll have heard all the jokes, all the puns – the wrong kind of leaves, gripping stuff, slip sliding away, leaf it out. But on 31 October 2021, during that strange period between lockdowns, a train from Waterloo to Honiton failed to stop at a red signal and struck a Portsmouth–Temple Meads at Salisbury Tunnel Junction. Both trains continued for some distance into Fisherton Tunnel before they came to a stand, half in, half out.
Thirteen passengers and the driver of the ex-Waterloo required hospital treatment as a result of the accident, which occurred in low adhesion conditions. On page 4, we consider Salisbury and the work that’s under way to help improve matters in the autumn months. Network Rail’s Sue Johnson discusses the work of her company’s Weather Academy, where it is ‘forever autumn’, as action follows planning, follows action year round.
RED 66 considers the wider implications of the weather on train operations. Because if it isn’t the wrong kind of leaves, it’s the wrong kind of snow, and – increasingly – fatigue-inducing temperatures. It will cover a lot of ground. It will be well worth watching when it comes out in September, so look out for it.
Elsewhere in these pages, Freightliner’s Jimmy Pettitt looks at SPADs at STOP Boards, an issue we’re seeing more of in yards, depots and sidings. Network Rail’s Martin Bloomfield looks at the carriage of dangerous goods, and RSSB’s Michael Woods considers station escalator safety. And there’s more besides.
Finally, these are tough times for everyone, and the rising cost of living only makes things worse. If you are having problems, the Railway Benefit Fund can offer confidential advice and financial grants. The Transport Benevolent Fund also offers financial and medical benefits, including a wide range of therapies, grants and advice.
Greg MorseEditor
Watch the RED 66 trailer on climate change
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Corporate memory matters: Barby Sidings 1955Accidents still happen because not everyone gets told about or understands changes in arrangements.
Forever autumnFor some in rail, low adhesion is a year-round challenge. How is Network Rail’s Weather Academy helping?
Data dayOur flagship Annual Health and Safety Report shows a rise in passenger numbers, but a rise in SPADs and work-related violence too.
The lowdownTen minutes with a train driver on the challenges and opportunities presented by autism.
Going up?Is the heightened concern about escalator safety warranted?
Using taxis? Don't compromise on safetyGB Railfreight’s Peter Brockett reflects on the role of taxis in freight operations.
NewswireQuarterly round-up: between April and July this year, several rail incidents occurred, causing injuries and fatalities.
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Cover image credit: Dave Shawcross, DRS
