Great Western Coffee Shop

All I can say is:  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oddL3Jpn6UI&feature=endscreen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oddL3Jpn6UI&feature=endscreen)

Ok... Slight over reaction! I'll go back to bed now ;)

To quote the Virgin driver who sent me that link last week...

At least a train cant aquaplane I assume. Dont imagine a modern DMU with under floor engines would be able to do that neither without flooding the engine?

Don't think it's particularly wise doing it with a HST. They have their electric traction motors below the solebar.

Without knowing the circumstances (such as how long the flood water had been there, if any warnings had been given to drivers, what signals were showing etc etc), could it be that this was the first train to pass through the flood - hence the driver not knowing and not slowing down beforehand?

That's a good point, DavidBrown - and a very warm welcome to the Coffee Shop forum.  :)

Sounds likely DB and welcome from me too (I have not been here long either and they are really very patient and helpful folk you will find, best of all, knowledgeable).

I wondered whether, as the tops of the rails were above water, whether there was the slightest risk of a derailment?

I believe it was the first service through the area, with subsequent services being cautioned through the area.