(Railfanning.org News Wire) — The U.K. Rail Accident Investigation Branch recommended the Bluebell Railway undertake a risk-based review of its arrangements for coupling and uncoupling rail vehicles.
At around 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, a shunter was coupling two steam locomotives together when they unexpectedly moved while the shunter was in between them. The locomotives moved around 3 meters before the movement was stopped by another member of staff who was on the platform.
The shunter was uninjured but shaken by the mishap.
The incident occurred during the Bluebell Railway’s 65th anniversary mini-gala event. The locomotives — Fenchurch and Stepney — were being coupled in preparation for their return to a nearby shed.
The two locomotives unexpectedly began to move because steam pressure built up in Fenchurch’s cylinders, causing an uncommanded movement. This pressure build-up occurred because the regulator valve was not fully closed, which admitted steam into the cylinders.
In addition, the reverser was not in a position that would have reduced the risk of the locomotive moving.
Fenchurch had also not been effectively immobilized. This was because its air brake was not fully applied. In addition, the shunter’s actions to prevent Fenchurch from moving were ineffective because they were not aware of the locomotive’s braking system.
An underlying factor in the incident was that the Bluebell Railway was not effectively managing the risks associated with coupling air-braked rolling stock.
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