I really feel for the driver of the 810 though. They're always going to be left wondering if they could have done something differently.  That's a hard thought to shift.  

The SPAD should have been noted by the signalling system (and thence, the signaller). Is there a standard protocol to be followed by the signaller in such a case?

...  it could be a classic case of the Swiss Cheese Effect, ...

This branch would be great for a class 398 if they can sort some wiring for the line and im sure a 398 will fit in both platforms at Bourne end

Excellent: and market the service as the 'Electric donkey'. The sparks effect will have passenger numbers growing strongly, and people will be like 'Hi, Sparkydonks, how're you doing? Compared to the old train you're as regular as a quartz clock.'

Mark

I'm surprised that little mention has been made that 1B67 was almost 20 late at the time, apologies if I've missed it, that in my view has to have some contribution to the incident.

I think it is just sadly ironic that the express stopped on the fast lines due to an AWS failure. After all, it was just doing its job and failing safe - for the express.

Yes, the whole sequence of events was apparently started by a fault on AWS on the 810, if the 810 hadn't stopped on the fast line then it would have been long gone and crash wouldn't have happened.   So potentially AWS contributed  ...

TPWS would have prevented it, but there’s also other questions needing answers, all or some of which could have contributed to the incident or even prevented it.   The full RAIB report will answer those.  You can’t pin the whole incident on a lack of TPWS. 

***snip***

We have just left Catanzano Lido - 11:45 (54 minutes late!) and following a diversion back and forth across the foot of Italy because the direct line along the sole close is closed for engineering until the end of this month.  And we have just passed through Catanzano 'itself' with a narrow gauge connection, a station in the process of being rebuilt, and few passengers to seen around.  In many parts I get the feeling of their being more staff than passengers but that might to some extent be because I'm choosing truly off-peak (I don't know when the peak might be!)

Let's see.  I do think that ASLEF are treating it as certain the TPWS would have prevented the accident.  It probably would - almost certainly maybe, but I don't see how they can be dogmatic.

TPWS isn’t fitted to all signals, generally only to high risk signals.

Maybe this might be a recommendation of the RAIB given the known risk of crossovers.

16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12

22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

"TPWS has been installed throughout much of Britain’s rail network. Unfortunately, TPWS had not been installed here. If TPWS had been installed, this accident would not have happened, the driver would not have died and no passengers would have been injured"

The indestructible train network that has made Britain famous since the days of Empire has finally been undone by today’s terrible heat.

The UK’s ever-reliable rail infrastructure and punctual rolling stock, which since Queen Victoria’s day has not lost so much as a second’s time in a century, has at last succumbed to the punishing temperature blanketing the country.

Commuter Martin Bishop said: “Mark this day, for at last we see the end of Britain’s era as a world power. The sun has set upon our greatness. The trains are late.

“Indeed, some are not only late but cancelled. For the first time in memory and the annals of history, a passenger may arrive at the station to find his service not running at all.

“Climate change we may disregard. The true tragedy here is that the last bastion of British prestige has crumbled. With no incumbent James Bond, Doctor Who or prime minister, our stalwart trains were all we had left.”

Fellow passenger Nikki Hollis said: “This is an omen comparable to the ravens leaving the Tower of London. If our dependable rail networks have fallen then it’s only a matter of time before these isles sink beneath the waves of the Atlantic.

“I know you’re thinking surely not Southern Rail? Surely their stalwart lines are still running with their renowned clockwork efficiency? Sadly, despite offering excellent value for money, even them.”

No specific mention of TPWS in the RAIB initial report; possibly something they will look into in some detail if the area is fitted with TPWS

24th. Ded again.

Mark