Great Western Coffee Shop

On Saturday 25th May 1991 the 1130 Newquay to London Paddington derailed near Luxulyan station on the Newquay branch. Fortunately the derailment was at low speed as the driver already had some concerns about the state of the track following the 'down' journey to Newquay. Leading power car 43035 was the only vehicle to derail, deflecting to the left by a few feet. No injuries to either crew or passengers.

In a somewhat difficult place to effect evacuation it was decided to uncouple the rear power car and use that to transport back to Luxulyan station the few passengers that were aboard this early Summer Saturday 'up' service from Newquay to Paddington. This then became the shortest ever HST formation used in passenger service!

The following website gives further detail and has pictures of the passenger rescue operation:

http://www.luxsoft.demon.co.uk/village/hst.html

That's the background to the incident. The reason for starting this topic, on a subject that has been mentioned in passing on the forum in the past, is that I've just discovered a video of Laira's finest using a Bedford Bruff to carry out the re-railing operation. Video was uploaded to youtube earlier this year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idB1X7XGEew

Well done to BNM for finding that (supprisingly good quality for 1991) video. I recognised some of the Par Pway team gauging the track under the coaches.

Health and Safety (whats all that about)  :P :P :o

Fascinating stuff, thank you.



Hard to believe really, I mean TWO AND A HALF First Class Coaches??! ;)

Good spot BNM  ;D
Like STE I also noted some familiar faces.  I had a BR 47 off at a plymouth private siding one evening in the early '90s and Laira were out and had it fixed by midnight!!
Happy days.

Two and a half first class coaches is now VERY last century. Can not expect that sort of luxury these days, lucky to get ANY first class !