AS I write this, there is much uncertainty over the main line steam scene, mainly as a result of West Coast Railways losing its judicial review over the continued use of non-central door locking rolling stock (CDL) on the main line.This decision has resulted in a shortage of CDL-fitted stock for some services being advertised in 2024. It is to be hoped that this can be resolved as soon as possible. In addition, DB Cargo has announced that it will reduce the amount of main line charter work it can undertake. My DBC driver contact has told me that it looks like he won’t be doing much if any future steam work, which is a great shame as DBC has a realistic – and, in my view, operationally correct – attitude to the use of diesels on their steam worked trains; ie, if they are required to assist, then they
