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43175 derailed at Wootton Bassett

43175 derailed at Wootton Bassett_15494603251_o.jpg 43175 derailed at Wootton BassettThumbnails43175 derailed at Wootton Bassett

So the story goes....

Vandals had put gas cannisters on the Down Main between Swindon and Wootton Bassett so reversible working was taking place over the Up Main.

The very-short-formed HST was on a test trip and was put into Wootton Bassett Up Goods Loop to wait for the down train to pass. Unfortunately it didn't stop at SN.145 due to a brake failure and derailed on the traps.

The train passing the signal operated the track that included the Up Main and also broke through the interrupter on the throw-off. The signalling system did its job and replaced SN.662 to danger.

The down HST had already passed SN.662R, and when it rounded the corner towards Broad Pound Bridge and found SN.662 at danger it was too late to stop and passed the signal at danger (Cat C).

The pictures circulating at the time, and the view of passengers on the down HST looking out of the droplights, was that there had been a collision. As can be seen from the photos, however, the traps successfully derailed the test train without fouling the Up Main.

I have been unable to find any references to this accident on the internet, Railways Archive, etc. Maybe because technically it wasn't on or foul of a passenger line the authorities weren't interested? If you have more information please let us know!

c.1994