MANAGING STEAM OPERATIONS DURING HOT, DRY WEATHER
The recent spell of hot, dry weather has brought with it some stunning conditions for travelling through the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, but it also means we have to take extra care when operating our steam trains.
One of the greatest risks during prolonged dry periods is the possibility of a lineside fire. While our locomotives are maintained to the highest standards and fitted with modern spark arresting equipment, steam locomotives naturally produce hot ash and cinders. Combined with very dry vegetation and windy conditions, this can increase the risk of a fire starting alongside the railway.
At the Brecon Mountain Railway, safety is always our highest priority. Throughout periods of elevated fire risk, we put a range of additional measures in place to reduce that risk and ensure we can respond quickly should an incident occur.
Operating Shorter Trains
One of the most noticeable changes passengers may see is that we sometimes operate with a shorter train.
Reducing the number of carriages means our locomotive has a lighter load to haul up the railway’s steep gradients. This allows the engine to work less hard, reducing the amount of exhaust emissions, cinders and ash produced while climbing. Although this does reduce the number of seats available, it is an important part of our fire prevention strategy.
Looking After the Lineside
Our team works throughout the year to keep the railway corridor well maintained. Vegetation is regularly cut back, grass and undergrowth are managed where practical, and the lineside is kept as clear as possible to minimise potential fuel for any fire.
This ongoing maintenance forms an important part of our overall safety management.
Constant Vigilance
Our crews remain especially vigilant during periods of hot weather. Conditions are continually monitored, and staff are trained to identify any signs of smoke or fire along the route.
If there is any concern, trains can be stopped immediately while the situation is investigated.
Fire-Fighting Train Ready to Respond
We also maintain a dedicated fire-fighting train, equipped to tackle lineside fires quickly should one occur. Positioned so it can be deployed rapidly, it enables our team to respond swiftly anywhere along the railway, helping to minimise the impact of any incident.
Diesel Locomotive on Standby
During periods of increased fire risk, we also keep one of our diesel locomotives available should conditions require it.
If weather conditions deteriorate or the risk becomes unacceptable for steam operation, we can substitute a diesel locomotive to allow services to continue safely wherever possible.
Balancing Heritage and Responsibility
Steam locomotives are at the heart of the Brecon Mountain Railway experience, and we know they are one of the main reasons people come to visit us. Our aim is always to operate steam services whenever it is safe to do so.
However, protecting the beautiful landscape of the Bannau Brycheiniog, our neighbours, and our visitors must always come first. By carefully managing our operations, monitoring conditions, and having robust contingency plans in place, we can continue to offer the magic of steam while responsibly managing the risks that come with operating in exceptionally dry weather.
We appreciate our visitors’ understanding when operational changes, such as shorter trains or the occasional diesel substitution, are necessary. These decisions are never taken lightly, but they help ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the railway safely, both now and into the future.