4472 Trip in UK Cancelled Amid Fears of Trespassing Fans

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Mon Apr 11, 2016 9:32 am

As best as I can tell, NOT a parody site, true story being reported by rail mag websites in the U.K.

"This is why we can't have nice things....."

And it's entirely possible North American excursions will be next.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/flying_scot ... _1_4489552

Quote:

A visit to the region by the Flying Scotsman has been cancelled, following safety concerns that spectators might try to get too close to the railway tracks.

The legendary locomotive was due to run a special excursion train – which was already sold out – from Ely to Norwich and back next month.

However, the trip has been called off, amid fears of a repeat of the scenes from February this year, when about 60 people endangered their lives by getting close to the tracks as the engine steamed through St Neots, in Cambridgeshire.

Its journey was halted for about 15 minutes, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds due to knock-on delays for other trains.

Although the Flying Scotsman will continue to run on other routes, organisers say there are too many stretches of the track between Ely and Norwich which could allow spectators to get too close.

Marcus Robertson, chairman of event organisers Steam Dream, said he was devastated for enthusiasts but was adamant it was the right thing to do.

“Everyone involved with this does it because it’s fun and for the love of it,” he said. “But we’ve also got to preserve our British heritage, and we do that by making sure we protect the good reputation of our steam engines.

“Although Network Rail have not said we can’t do the journey between Norwich and Ely, we have decided to do the sensible thing. At the moment the threat to life and limb is too much.”

Mr Robertson hoped that after  the initial excitement of the  locomotive’s return calmed down, then they could put plans in place to bring it back to Norfolk next year instead. It was due to make its  journey from Ely to Norwich  and back on May 25. Passengers  have paid almost £180 for a ticket  but have now been offered refund  and first refusal on other available trips.

See also http://www.ely-news.co.uk/Flying-Scotsm ... story.html

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:32 am

I'm pretty sure this didn't help matters, happening the previous month:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/65340 ... g-Scotsman

Quote:

POLICE are investigating after part of a drone collided with the Flying Scotsman.

The device was flying next to the steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway when its camera became dislodged after the device struck a tree.

Linda Wild, of Whitby, who was travelling in a carriage, said: "We could see a drone on the left-hand side of the train and thought it must be taking photos.

"The next thing we knew there was an almighty crash. It sounded like it had crashed into the roof.

"It was such a shock and could have caused a major accident. What if it had gone through the window?"

British Transport Police has now warned people to keep the drones at least 50 metres away from trains or they could face prosecution.

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

Sadly you're right. But it's mostly just hype to get clicks based on the public's hatred of drones. "Could have caused a major accident"? Well, I suppose, in theory, but how would it be any different than a kid tossing a rock through a window? We can't make the world totally safe.

(No, I don't own a drone, for this exact reason)

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

I'm pretty sure this didn't help matters, happening the previous month:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/65340 ... g-Scotsman

Quote:

POLICE are investigating after part of a drone collided with the Flying Scotsman.

The device was flying next to the steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway when its camera became dislodged after the device struck a tree.

Linda Wild, of Whitby, who was travelling in a carriage, said: "We could see a drone on the left-hand side of the train and thought it must be taking photos.

"The next thing we knew there was an almighty crash. It sounded like it had crashed into the roof.

"It was such a shock and could have caused a major accident. What if it had gone through the window?"

British Transport Police has now warned people to keep the drones at least 50 metres away from trains or they could face prosecution.

70000 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:32 pm

The trip appears to be one originating in London on 25th May and will presumably run as planned between there and Ely, with just the Ely-Norwich section being cancelled.

Certainly on the Ely-Thetford section there are a number of road & footpath crossings in what is classed as the "Breckland" tourist area, so presumably the thought of policing all of these has brought the matter to a head. The topography of the area - the southern part of the fens - is flat, so all crossings of the rail line are on the level. Anyone who was based at either RAF Mildenhall or Lakenheath with the US military will know what the area is like!

Robby Peartree · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 11:16 am **Posts:** 767

I'd much rather hit a drone than the helicopter that was in my path.

Robby

robertjohndavis · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:10 am **Posts:** 2499

Robby Peartree wrote:

I'd much rather hit a drone than the helicopter that was in my path.

Robby

I still have a very clear mental image of the #765 vs. helicopter incident in the swamps of NEPA.

Robby Peartree · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 11:16 am **Posts:** 767

Mine was in a FPA-4 at 40 mph. I think I would have wanted a boiler between us.

Robby