Jacobite 2023

I agree, but we all know this is now an issue across the network after years of neglect, so it is now a hazard. Whether it should be like this is a discussion for another day, but it certainly isn't being sorted overnight and it is now a risk that needs addressing. Network Rail would not differentiate between vegetation and structures, either pose a risk - so far easier to say no leaning out.
Of course, for the majority of trains the only thing that takes a beating from branches is the paintwork, not members of the public.

 

As a shareholder in a heritage mainline loco I am angry that Network Rail does not maintain the lineside properly. We have spent thousands of pounds on paint jobs over the years on our loco has been on the mainline. It is scratched every time it goes on the Mainline.
Some of the tree and shrub branches bashing trains this year are close getting big enough to smash side windows of passenger trains. With a risk of injury to passengers.

None of Network Rail, ORR or DfT appear to care.

 

Fully agreed plus what damage is done to coaching stock as well? Do you keep a log of vegetation strikes for each working and submit them with your Responsible Officers report to your TOC?
They do work their way through to Route maintenance functions within NR. It's sort of embarrasing when voluntary groups submit reports when major TOCs don't!

Cheers, Neil

 

I was on the Flying Scotsman between Eastleigh & Romsey when the train had a mighty wack from a branch.

I certainly think that there is a possibility that one day a window could be broken by lineside vegetation

 

Seriously if it’s becoming a major issue then surely it needs to be raised?

And this sounds like a pretty wild idea, but just hear me out on this one, maybe instead of passing comments about people’s correct use of the English Language, on forums like these those at the top of certain TOC’s that seem to be having problems with people who issue them with licenses to operate their trains maybe sit down and have a chat with those at other operators that run similar operations to themselves, Network Rail and the ORR maybe and try to find a workable solution?
Collaboration rather than competition?

Or am I just being half baked?

 

Despite the path being activated at 07.04 this morning RTT now shows that today's morning train has been cancelled. How disappointing for all involved, let's hope the problem can be swiftly resolved.

 

Just an error, in either cancellation from WCRC admin or reporting on RTT, but the train is certainly running today.

 

Excellent news, I didn’t think it would be resolved as swiftly as that.

 

The train is now at Glenfinnan [BJ]

 

I don't think you're being half-baked, but possibly a little naive, if you don't believe regular discussion and sharing of information takes place between like-minded parties - it's just that much of it never reaches the public domain. However, this little corner of the universe has always had more than its fair share of 'perfidious' players.....

Anyway, as others have now pointed out, the morning Jacobite has resumed operation today.

JS

 

Hurrah from the "Like" District and me

 

I think it would be very silly for any operator and/or ORR to give a running commentary on their dialogue on this or any other matter to a railway enthusiast Internet forum or railway enthusiast magazines.

 

Recruiting stewards:
https://tinyurl.com/5adh6sew

 

Old news - see post 220 posted on Monday.

 

Great news that the Jacobite is back up and running. Hopefully West Coast are given the time and space to implement long term solutions to the problems that have occurred.

 

Sam it is indeed great news that the morning Jacobite has returned, nobody is happier to hear that than me and I am sure the West Coast economy will be celebrating too.
West Coast have however just had a period of time to reflect on what they should be doing, unfortunately it was enforced on them. Their (interim) solution is to adjust their operations to the resources they have available, while they recruit more. That seems a sensible response.
They will not be able to reinstate the second service until they have gained enough resources to operate - I am sure this is work they would have preferred to have done in the closed season when there was no earning potential. This whole debacle is costing them a vast amount in lost revenue (presumably which could have been invested elsewhere in the business - eg rolling stock).
Just as I suspect £ might have been behind the initial decision to allow operation with too few staff (let us not forget the one change that did occur this year was an additional coach, but not extra staff), lack of £ should also force reflection now.
As with any serious incident (I'm sure their accountant views it as such), I hope someone is taking the time and space to reflect on how this could have occurred & what (or who) perhaps needs to change to prevent a repeat, but we have been here before unfortunately.

 

Ironically, the West Highland main and extension is the best secondary line in the country for managed vegetation. Unlike pretty much everywhere else, it is managed locally from Fort William by guys that really care about the state of their railway and the experience offered. The improvements and the removal of the 'green tunnel' South of Crianlarich and the worst offending bits on the extension is entirely down to them. It should be the model of bottom up solutions that everywhere else should follow in my opinion.

It doesn't however, negate the 2023 expectation that you need to keep your head in though.

 

Indeed it was self enforced and rather disappointing with WCRC entirely to blame for the situation we have found ourselves in. Now though everyone should be grateful that the Jacobite has resumed operations and that longer term solutions will be implemented for next year and beyond.

 

A rather sweeping statement

 

Any bit you especially disagree with?