Report 11/2026: Unsafe movement of locomotives being coupled on the Bluebell Railway

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At around 15:00 on Saturday 9 August 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 metres (10 feet) before the movement was stopped by another member of staff who was on the platform. The shunter was uninjured but was shaken by the incident.

The incident occurred during the Bluebell Railway’s 65th anniversary mini-gala event. The locomotives, named 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 was able to build up in the cylinders of Fenchurch, which caused it to make an uncommanded movement. This pressure build-up occurred because the regulator valve was not fully closed, which admitted steam into the cylinders. In addition to this, the reverser was not in a position that would have reduced the risk of movement by the locomotive.

Fenchurch had also not been effectively immobilised. This was because its air brake was not fully applied. In addition, the actions the shunter took to prevent Fenchurch from moving were ineffective because they had not been made aware of the type of braking system used by the locomotive.

An underlying factor to the incident was that the Bluebell Railway was not effectively managing the risks associated with coupling air-braked rolling stock.

RAIB has made one recommendation to the Bluebell Railway. This recommends that the railway undertakes a risk-based review of its arrangements for coupling and uncoupling rail vehicles.

The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.