Rare Sight of Snow Plough Test Train 10/12/2009

On a beautiful morning we see 66193 and 66079 arriving at Llandeilo junction with the 2Z99 09.00 Margam to Llanelli Snow Plough Test Train. I have been asked many times how the driver can see with the snow plough up front. There are two areas on the plough cut away on each side to assist with visibilty, there is also a traction inspector on board to help with signal sighting and seeing around blind bends. It is then seen returning to Margam and takes the Central Wales Line to join the Swansea District Line at Hendy Jnc. This is the first time in over 50 years that I've seen a snow plough working on the national rail system....Bob

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Snow Plough
• Test Run
• Margam
• Llanelli
• Llandilo Jnc
• 66193
• 66079
• 10/12/2009

[Trainbuff2008]

Question is how does the driver see where he's going?

[robmasterman]

@Trainbuff2008 There are always two people on the footplate, and there are cut away sections in the snow plough to allow viewing. Don't forget these drivers know the lines like the back of their hands, and will see far less than this when driving in dense fog....Bob

[AtomicFFProductions]

Wow - great job capturing a great, rare sight! I bet they (or similar) have been busy on the GWR mainline this weekend. Truro has had no major snow but looking at the 43 HST sets coming in/going out, it was really heavy up there!

[robmasterman]

@AtomicFFProductions One day I might be lucky to get one of these ploughs actually clearing some snow....bow that would be something...Bob

[1998olie]

@robmasterman well u had a chance did u see one cearing some snow

[robmasterman]

@1998olie I wish I had, that's something that's eluded me all of my life so far...not too much time left now..so here's hoping...Bob

[JmaesN]

A GIANT SNOW PLOW :D

[robmasterman]

@guyswont1 The problem in the South East when it snows heavily is the third rail power system cannot provide the power safely to the trains, so even when these snow ploughs are used there is still a need for the third rail to be cleared.....Thanks very much for your comment...Bob

[robmasterman]

@MrStapletonRoad My pleasure, a few weeks after this we had heavy snow, but the snow plough was not needed unfortunately..that would be a great catch.....Bob

[MrStapletonRoad]

Very smart video, I am glad someone was out to film it. Thanks for sharing it with us all.