SVR General Discussion

The limited as you surmised is a non advertised special train

 

Provisional space left for a possible provisional event?

 

Are there any draft WTTs available to staff yet?

 

They are, on SVRonline (Microsoft 365 site)

 

It always seems bonkers that the Limited is not an advertised train. Folk thinking of visiting the SV may take a casual look at the t/t, conclude that there is actually more going on elsewhere and decide where to go accordingly.

One of the distinguishing factors is (or was??) the SV intensity of operation.

A real own goal for no reason.

 

It utilises one of the smaller locomotives. Until 2012 and again in 2017 the train also carried limited seating for non-dining passengers. A complaint has been the limited seating and overcrowding.

Patrick

 

I didn't say it needs to be generally available for casual travellers - though it would make more sense if it was as a limited stop (Bewdley & Highley only). The point is that not to advertise that it is running (ie show it in the public WTT) undersells the actual level of activity on the line that day for folk interested in the whole scene as well as simply a return train ride.

How does the idea that you solve an overcrowding situation by simply withdrawing the train from general use make any commercial sense?

 

Equally it doesn't make sense to advertise/direct the casual traveller to a lunchtime service that is prone to overcrowding when there is another lunchtime train with more space (I haven't checked timings for 2018).

I'm not sure putting a train in the timetable but saying people can't go on it makes sense either?

I'm not part of the management, operational or marketing teams and I don't have a view whether it should carry casual travellers or be in the timetable, I was just picking up on your points that there was no reason. The website and social media the railway do advertise levels of activity (e.g. "Six locomotives in use on Saturday..."), I'm one of the people that has access to post them

Patrick

 

Moreover the WTT is usually publically available too, other than for galas.

 

I agree that putting non publicly available trains in the public timetable does not make sense. The limited is just one example, although as a regular service it is posibly better known to some. There are many trains, private charter, freights, driving experience etc which run as required rather than regularly. Quite rightly they are not advertised to the public in the timetable booklet. They are communicated to staff in daily notices and amended WTT as necessary

 

The Talyllyn's approach seems reasonable half-way house. At the foot of the timetable web page for any given day, you'll find the locos (planned to be) in steam on that day, which has entries such as "Private charter not available for public travel" additional to details for regular timetabled services.

 

That's similar to the SVR "Locomotives In Use" pages as mentioned above by Patrick. For example the current page at http://www.svr.co.uk/MeetTheLoco.aspx?id=127 shows a non-public "Goods" (actually a brake van special) on the 25th and an ECS trip on the 26th.

 

I actually realised that just after posting, went back and edited... and closed the tab before confirming, then got distracted and forgot all about it. Oops! Ah well, it's not the first silly thing I've said and it won't be the last.

One thing I do rather regret is the reduction in services on off-season Saturdays (which were B this year and very nice it was too), but I can't say I'm terribly surprised about that change. I think that one's just returning to what it was fairly recently, too.

 

"It is with deepest regret we have to announce that all Santa Steam Specials on Sunday 10th December 2017 are CANCELLED.

We have had to make this difficult decision in light of the heavy snow overnight, the continued snow forecast and amber warnings, and complete loss of power at Arley Station where Santa's Grotto is located.

Those booked on today's services are advised not to call us today, and we will contact you this week with further advice on your purchase. Please do not travel to the Railway.

We are so sorry for the inconvenience caused, but we have to consider the safety of our passengers, our volunteers and the safe operation of our Railway.

On behalf of all our volunteers and staff scheduled for duty today we are truly sorry.

www.svr.co.uk/SantaSpecial"

Patrick

 

Same for GWSR & LR according to their official social media sites.

 

Spent a very nice (if a little chilly!) Saturday on the Valley filming the Santa Specials in the snow. I hope you enjoy!

 

Here are 20 photos of the SVR taken 1975 - 1981 which may be of interest.

One shows LNWR 2-2-2 3020 Cornwall at Bridgnorth in 1981, presumably visiting form the NRM.

https://andrewstransport.smugmug.co...ysI/Severn-Valley-Railway-1975-1981/i-9hZ4GP3

Cheers

Andrew N

 

Exactly my era at Bridgnorth when we could steam 15 locos for a Gala, not sure what the record number was, thank you for posting. Amazing how much it has changed, it was so cluttered and untidy. But I loved it!

 

Cornwall was at Bridgnorth for about 3 years; the plan was for her to be restored to working order, but the amount of work involved turned out to make it unfeasible. See https://www.svrwiki.com/LNWR_3020_Cornwall

Interesting to see pictures of Arley in the couple of years between reopening the line and commissioning the signalling.