I was working while this happened today (Driver for TfW for reference).
This train, 1J27, was stopped at Telford with reports of smoke coming from the train, suspected to be dragging brakes. Driver onboard performed a rotational test (marking wheels and moving short distance to see if they rotate), which showed some of the axles were indeed not turning.
Real-time train running information for 1J27 1808 departure from Birmingham International to Shrewsbury on 01/02/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Unit was then stuck at Telford waiting for a fitter to attend, who then isolated the brakes on one of the coaches of 158819, at which point it was finally on the move again, at no more than 50mph. Got back to Shrewsbury 84 mins late.
This wasn't the end of it however, as Network rail had to take a possession at Madeley Junction (a junction in the Telford area) to inspect it for damage from 1J27 passing over it with dragging brakes. Line was eventually reopened around 10pm.
At which point a bunch of trapped units started making their way back to Shrewsbury, including interestingly and 8 car 158 formation - two services were coupled together at Wolverhampton while this was happening awaiting the line to reopen, so returned together.
Now, to make this story even more interesting- the unit with dodgy brakes, 158819, is one I saw the day before as well. Had to take it and 158825 around the loop at Shrewsbury to turn it around, so 158819 would be trailing and not driven from while heading to Machynlleth. This was all due to reports of the brakes getting stuck on in Step 2 when the formation was driven from 158819's cab.
Why this unit then ended up back in service the next day, apparently not having been fixed properly, I have no idea.
Basically, this could have all been avoided if 158819 was kept out of service from the day before.
