 After a number of attempts to fit a tailrope, the brake van had been shunted back, foul of the clearance point for the loop line.The two opposing vehicles at the separation were finally hitched with a single wire rope connection, but the airbrake hoses could not be connected.The signalman then requested that the train be brought forward so that it was clear of the clearance point so as to permit the approaching southbound number 8 mail train to pass through the loop.