Jacobite 2023

On the the contrary Ralph I’d say there’s quite a few of us that grasp the situation and understand what’s going on.
I don’t think the ORR are being awkward just for the sake of it.

If however what’s being posted on here is absolute BS then do you not think it’d be a good idea if someone from the PR department in LA5 issued some sort of statement to put the West Coast side of the story, and possibly nip things in the bud?
How difficult would that be?

 

Just because you’re paranoid Harry, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

 

It could be useful if ORR was to consider the risk to passengers and staff from out of control lineside vegetation on Network Rail.
Never mind people sticking their heads out of windows (like that drunk woman being sick out of an HST droplight near Bristol), but it’s only a matter of time before a train driver or even passengers are severely injured or killed by overhanging tree branches going through windscreens or even side windows.

With the government looking to reduce NR staff numbers by any means possible, surely the Safety AND Economic regulator has a duty to ensure NR is sufficiently staffed and funded to run a safe railway?

 

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/0...nt-on-jacobite-steam-train-cancellations.html

I guess most of those interested have read this. So we do know the problem is one or more of the four points raised in the June prohibition notice.

 

Raises the question why they have not yet hired in coaches which it sounds like they could do to make the ORR happy. Sure Mk2s or 3s may not be as good and might require some for of generator or diesel but unless its just about money surely that's better than nothing for people that have planned their holidays around the Jacobite.

 

What has lineside vegatation got to do with this thread? Maybe start a new thread on the subject for your "shear" enjoyment.

 

Heritage lines generally 'manage' the heads out of windows risk' by keeping the vegetation well cut back, something West Coast cant do for theJacobite

 

Yes but that is not the subject for this thread,this is ORR and West Coast problems.Start a new thread if you want to chat about lineside vegetation.

 

Agree with you all the way,Al! In the last 30 yrs I've had great times photting the Jacobite and long may it continue.Hopefully I be back up there soon!

 

But the chances of this are very low, even without the secondary bolt lock, as per the majority of stock on use on heritage railways. The risk has been brought down to an acceptable level by having a secondary lock.... well, it was until the ORR deem that now you need CDL or stewards at every door.

 

The evidence is the past? This operation has been running in its current form for how many years? How many injuries? How many trips in that time?

 

But whatever you think of the rationality of the regulator's position,

(a) they have come to an agreed way forward with VT, SRPS and LSL, but not WCR

(b) WCR can have their day in court if they really believe that the regulator has misdirected themselves

(c) in the meantime, they are operating under a derogation which comes with conditions. If two inspections a month apart have concluded that the operation is not happening in accordance with the conditions, the regulator is entitled to act as they have.

It's a truly sad day and I really hope damage can be limited.

 

I can’t think why it’s been brought to more modern standards?! Oh yeah perhaps it’s because of the fact we have a more modern railway?

I suppose you object to the talk of steam locos being fitted with ETRMS because it’s too modern and not necessary?

 

Its not about the past! It’s about the future. They have identified a risk that could pose harm to people. They will act on it. They won’t lay around waiting for something to happen because it’s their jobs and their signatures on the line!

Risk prevention and management. It’s what all TOC/FOCs use to run a safe railway!

 

This situation is just a sad mess. Obviously the ORR have found some serious faults and it’s now up to West Coast to sort the situation out and come up with a solution. The Jacobite is the pinnacle of heritage steam operations not just in the UK but globally and for it not to be running because of something completely avoidable is terrible.

 

The thing that gets me is that of all the heritage mainline operations, The Jacobite is both the most obvious for needing a belt and braces approach to safety AND the one that can most afford it. You are far more likely to get passengers who arent used to MK1 doors on WHL than say a brace of Class 50s getting some rare mileage in the midlands, and the coaching stock travels fully sold out for half the year. If the likes of the SRPS can update their MK1s, West Coast surely can.

Watched 45212 pass through Glasgow, running plus support coach. Anyone know if this was always the plan or have the owners decided to bring her home rather than have her sit gathering dust at Fort Bill?

 

Sometimes mid season one of the locos goes back for tyre turning. Could be the reason