Number two headshunt the Shunting line in Ramsgate where part of a train ended up hanging over a parapet above a row of houses was taken out of action. Houses below sidings at Ramsgate depot were evacuated after the train being shunted smashed through buffer stops, a sand drag and a parapet wall eventually halting with part of the leading coach overhanging the 70 feet drop. It was the fourth time such an incident had happened.The number one headshunt, was closed in 1987 following the incident that year and number two headshunt was equipped with new buffers and an extra long sand drag. After this accident that, too closed.
Half of one carriage went over the edge of the viaduct in Margate Road and was left teetering 70 feet above the ground for several hours. The only people on the train at the time were the driver and a shunter.
As you can see I have been working on Dave Richards book “Ramsgate All Change” about Ramsgate’s Railways.
Click here to see the rest of the pictures of this accident.
I well remember the incident, before digital photos made us all news hacks... these photos brought it all back. I must admit to motoring under the viaduct and ducking when there's a train going over! A lot of good that'll do me if one fell off!!
ReplyDeleteHi, I cant seem to find anywhere a photo of the first accident in 1987. I remember both accidents well, but have had no joy in finding a photo on line of the first accident?
ReplyDeleteMy husband has some pictures of that train in 1987 we were trying to find the exact date n 1987
ReplyDeleteIf you send me photos of your photos your mobile phone or macro will do this fine I will do a blog post about it
ReplyDelete