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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

  1. Colin Allcars

    Colin Allcars Member

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    From the WSR Website, 7th April;

    "Currently, it is our intention to cease the issue of lineside passes from the 1 January 2018 on the grounds of safety of the pass holder and railway staff. However, we will closely monitor the use of passes this year and will make a final decision later in the year, in particular taking account of any advice from the Heritage Railway Association with whom we have opened a dialogue on the matter".

    May I therefore urge anyone renewing their passes soon to follow their PTS training to the letter and also cease from abusive comments to WSR staff. It is possible that the WSR may change their mind if we behave ourselves.
     
  2. Andy Norman

    Andy Norman Member

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    I totally agree, time to focus and work to try and keep LSP’s if you want them. I enjoy seeing photos taken along the line, think its good PR and think LSP holders can provide positively to the railway going forward in a number of ways. However I think that LSP holders could go further and present a case for their retention.

    Looking at it from my day job as a Business Consultant (currently as a part of running a Recruitment Business) LSP Holders should consider solutions and a ‘package’ which positively produces a win/win situation for all, that way the WSR has most of the issues removed and a solution which it’s difficult to say no to.

    The press statement dated 7/4/17 on the WSR web-site is the first time somebody has actually stated what the issue is: “on the grounds of safety of the pass holder and railway staff”. It’s likely that there will be a few other side issues but this is the starting point.

    If you read some of the posts here on this subject in the last couple of weeks you will see that mostly LSP’s are responsible people who add to the railway not take from it. It’s a few irresponsible people who feel they have a given right to pay a few quid and then do whatever they wish because the photo is everything and all important that causes the issues and this has to be stopped or it will ruin it for all. These people also moan again often on here when an engine is not facing the right way round for their shot.

    Because everybody acts as individuals it’s then the job of the WSR to arrange everything, sort out non-compliance, answer a thousand questions and take the flak, whilst controlling LSP’s and holding all the risk. Only then to be criticized greatly by the people concerned most likely on this site as ‘the big bad WSR and they will take their money elsewhere’, it’s sometimes understandable but it’s frustrating for all and lose/lose. In my mind the person who called the WSR at Minehead and hurled abuse at a member of staff should not only have their LSP removed permanently but should also be banned from the railway. However that action would fall to the WSR as it’s their problem and no-doubt lead to yet more abuse and a letter from their MP, it’s not worth it for £50.

    So how do you move forward? Should LSP Holders go beyond just sitting back and hoping for the best? Maybe look at industry best practise.

    I’m a military vehicle collector, I take vehicles to shows both large (4,000 vehicles) and small (10 vehicles) where the public and ourselves as owners mix in and around static and moving vehicles on both show sites and roads ranging from Jeeps (1/4 ton) to Challenger Tanks (65 tons). Add to that large vehicle transporters and large amounts of military kit, tents and de-activated weapons (legally held) and you have the same risk profile to an LSP Holder; to put it bluntly if somebody goes under a train or tank they will be killed.

    We have a structure in place to reduce the risk and provide solutions to show organisers who have enough to do without dealing with individuals who have their own agenda. The Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) which is much like the WSRA. The MVT is run by members and we self-regulate ourselves regarding our behaviour.

    There is a code of conduct regarding vehicle movements with the public around and concerning the likes of the public display of de-activated weapons we are very careful how we display them (wandering down a high street whilst on your way to the bank in normal clothes with a WW2 machine gun over your shoulder is highly likely to gain much more unwelcome attention than a WW2 machine gun placed on a WW2 vehicle with us in WW2 uniforms!!).

    We are also beginning to provide Personal Public Liability Insurance as a necessary evil, the MVT is currently looking at a blanket cover as a part of the membership for about £10 a year each, this is in addition to Vehicle Insurance which covers the vehicles on roads and show grounds, this takes away another issue from the show organisers.

    LSP holders could consider forming a group and take away many of the issues from the WSR. This group would be mandatory for a LSP but as LSP holders you would partly control your own destiny. The WSR would of course need to buy into it all and things like PTS and overall control would remain with the WSR but you set the rules of behaviour and you sort out the people who take away from the hobby and don’t add to it. Insurance of some kind could be found and paid for by the group, this removes two issues from the WSR. You could then take it on another stage, look at Steve Edge’s wrs.org.uk site and the MVT web-site, they really add value with photos, information etc. this type of PR is priceless and positive.

    This group could also act as an information route (again wsr.org.uk does a great job already) for gala operations, timetables and which engine is on which train thus reducing the work load of the WSR when they are already busy organising the hundred and one other things whilst being accused of being “secretive” to quote a recent post on here. The information route of course runs both ways so when it could be better or the WSR does get it wrong there is a route for feedback available directly without negative whinging, no outcome and frustration.

    It would take some organising and it won’t stop idiots being idiots but it would form a way forward, maybe both the WSRA and wsr.org.uk are readymade structures that could help (sorry guys if I’ve offered your services and over stepped the mark) or maybe a new group could be formed by just LSP Holders. The great thing is that it’s also self-defining, you usually find that the people who genuinely love taking photos will take the time and effort to do something, whilst those who just want a cheap photo and not be held responsible for anything won’t bother and leave.

    Sorry it’s a long post but I do feel that LSP holders can contribute to the WSR, help PR, financially assist and of course continue to enjoy what you all love doing so these are just ideas to try and help, there is a win/win here somewhere.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
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  3. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    Surely a line of the length of the WSR has many places where photographs could be taken - and most likely are.
    Trespass will always be present and whilst the railway might lose the LSP monetary contributions by disbanding passes they must be quite aware of the high financial costs and great inconvenience to their passengers should a serious accident happen to anyone.
    I am sure this issue is not directed at most LSP holders but we have all seen - and watched the videos - of how unobservant and even excited many folk get particularly when special events are held. Stories are many of stupid and downright dangerous occurrences, especially by those wedded to their mobile 'phones.
    Sadly the time has come when the WSR, like many other tourist lines, have to consider all safety aspects of their operations. When all is said and done they are the ones 'carrying the can'!

    Regarding the ' locomotive motion close ups' and other similar shots maybe the WSR - or one of its constituent parts (and it seems to have many ;)) appoint one or two people to act as official line photographers? These appointees would be known to the management and presumably hold the necessary qualifications/permits to do that job.
     
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  4. Colin Allcars

    Colin Allcars Member

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    It has. And don't call me Shirley.
     
  5. Black Jim

    Black Jim Member

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    [QUOTE="
    Once they are gone, they are gone...

    Tom[/QUOTE]
    That applies to so many things , not only railway related.
     
  6. Maverick

    Maverick New Member

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    What a great explanation of the current situation re wagons.

    Wouldn't it be great to imagine a heritage goods site somewhere along the lines, maybe somewhere that has a goods shed and siding space. Somewhere that could become a fine example of Great Western Railway Heritage...... A real life working goods yard.

    Don't know about you but I think Dunster would be ideal, relocate the PWAY to a new site and transform what we have. Many people stop off at duster for the castle and the village, its an ideal place for a visitor attraction. IMHO far better to spend money and transform it rather than build something new at Bishops Lydeard which may be operationally unusable. Preserve what we have rather than build new! Maybe the Way and S and T might be better placed at Station Farm.

    Chris
     
  7. Bayard

    Bayard Well-Known Member

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    I think you misunderstood me, I should have been more definite, I was referring to the project to return Dunster goods yard back to what it was, not to wagon restoration.
     
  8. Paul Kibbey

    Paul Kibbey Well-Known Member

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    Strangely enough the one in store at the Jurby Transport Museum that came off the Ramsey docks has a gauge of 7 feet ,did Brunel ever get to the IoM ?lol , I'm afraid I don't have a clue why. May be it was only used in the works, the ship yard in Ramsey was quite productive by all accounts, it is hand cranked lifting and hand slewed so I wouldn't imagine any great capacity but it is sturdily built . Dunlop Bell Liverpool is written on the side . You have aroused my interest I'll just have to see if I can find out a bit more .

    Paul . K
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2017
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  9. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    How much work is involved in wagon restoration? Guess it's more than a coat of paint
     
  10. mvpeters

    mvpeters Member

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    I think that what has been mooted so often is:
    To restore Dunster Goods Yard as a working educational exhibit
    To provide a restoration workshop
    To provide covered storage

    Given the present track layout, some creativity would be needed.
     
  11. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    This depends how bad condition they are in as sometimes it is just the woodwork needs work doing on it and the metal work just needing to be cleaned up for a repaint, or a complete rebuild with all of the woodwork removed and repairs to the metalwork as well. Also included some bed time reading for you on how the SVR do theirs. https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/svr-wagons-2017.853464/ https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/svr-wagons-2016.631598/

    A couple of photos of a mink on the SDR with all the side planks removed.

    SOUTH DEVON 07-10-2011 164.jpg

    SOUTH DEVON 07-10-2011 151.jpg

    And what happens when the planks are the wrong width with the bolt holes in the wrong place and in different places in each plank.


    Didcot 31-03-2011 King Edward II 102.jpg

    And when the bolts are in the wrong place as they should be equal spacing on the planks for the pair of bolts and not at the top/bottom and middle.

    SOUTH DEVON 07-10-2011 141.jpg
     
  12. Captain Fantastic

    Captain Fantastic Member

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    It is nice to see a rake of wagons pottering around on the railway,but they take a lot of work to get them into a good condition and it would be lovely to get them some covered accommodation but the list for that is quite long as is, if you take into account the diesels need some and the stock so it won't happen soon, but that's not to say it won't happen ever
     
  13. Ferguson

    Ferguson New Member

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    Sounds like it is time to get a dedicated wagon restoration group up and running, like that on the SVR.
     
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  14. nick813

    nick813 Well-Known Member Loco Owner

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    This could have been done 20 years ago.........like a lot do projects.
    Second fiddle?
     
  15. mvpeters

    mvpeters Member

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    Priorities - money - resources - interest

    Pick any four.....
     
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  16. Duty Druid

    Duty Druid Resident of Nat Pres

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    Ahem, you missed one.......... :mad:
     
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  17. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    trying to book 60103 trip, the website saying tickets available but when you click on booking sold out, are there any tickets left?.
     
  18. Maunsell907

    Maunsell907 Member

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    I think you will find there are a few tickets left. Particularly for the last departure of the day (on certain days, the 12th being one) from Bishops Lydeard. i.e travelling down behind the visiting locomotive, returning from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard behind Flying Scotsman.

    Michael Rowe
     
  19. Ferguson

    Ferguson New Member

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    Please bring your wisdom to the table.
     
  20. Thompson1706

    Thompson1706 Part of the furniture

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    You would normally get the new planks machined to replicate the original size !

    Bob.
     

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