The Fact Compiler has received an intriguing invitation to the Weardale Railway's 1940's themed 'War on the Line' event this weekend (2nd & 3rd of August).
Entering into the spirit of the occasion the Weardale's website promises gunfire, unexploded bombs and air raids.
Unfortunately the railway is one kettle short of a service and is therefore having to use a modern diesel as traction over the weekend.
Unabashed by such operating vicissitudes the website offers the following creative explanation:
"Trains: NB: Due to a direct hit the steam engine is out of commission. The Class 73 diesel will be operating the service between Wolsingham and Stanhope. (Diesel engines were used during the war – the advantage being that during air-raids the lights on the whole train could be switched off all at once)."
Perhaps a perfect illustration of the danger of trusting your PR department to dig you out of a hole. The Fact Compiler fears that the train may not be alone in having its lights out...
UPDATE: Telegrammed by our man in the flying goggles: The main use of loco sized diesel engines during the war was to power the vessels of our gallant submariners (and of course the despicable Hun U-Boats). Warming to his theme Capt. Biggles claimed that replacing a kettle with a class 73 is similar to replacing a Spitfire with a Hawker Hunter!
