Jacobite 2024

I thought they implied they were not in the market for a Plandamf style operation at all, as opposed to developing the Saphos style tours north of the border.

By the way I thought what was said about Reg 4 and Reg 5 together made WCRs Mk 1 investment decision look a lot more nuanced than the 'just do it' brigade would have us believe.

 

So you say. Fact is neither you nor I know LSL’s intentions. If you wish to believe all you read and hear then that’s up to you.

 

Convincing reasons have been advanced as to why LSL would be unlikely to take over a Jacobite-style operation even if WCR cease to run it. When LSL also say that they have no such intention, it seems perverse to surmise that they might be lying.

 

One thing that hasn't been considered is the view if any Holyrood might take of the Jacobite.

It is important both for the local area and the promotion of Scotland.

The last contract for Scotrail before it was taken back into public ownership included running steam and tourist trains. Funding was also provided for Waverleys replacement boilers partly justified by her position as a Scottish Icon.

 

They may well have a view but I am not sure there devolved powers give them any more rights than running Scotrail. I do not believe they have the right to allocate paths or operators to routes.
Someone who works for Scotrail may have far more knowledge.

 

As long as WCR have the open access paths and are willing to continue, I think there is nothing to talk about. Were that to change for any reason, I could imagine Holyrood stepping in to facilitate another 'bidder' under the Scotrail TOC. Until the events of last week I was thinking Rileys and SRPS could be a good fit. But that is all flights of fancy.

Didn't some MD of Scotrail say the Jacobite was his favourite train because it was the only one which didn't cost public money?

 

The tourist appeal of 'The Jacobite' shows no signs of slowing with the Police now patrolling the climb out of Glenfinnan and moving people on from parking up anywhere but the trains continue to run and did so yesterday as the northern edge of Storm Lillian skirted Lochaber providing some intense downpours and fabulous lighting at times. I've had worse journeys home from working.

 

How can any decision be unplanned?
To make it decision you have to plan to make it, even if it is only about 30 seconds before you do it.

 

All of the shots done from the last 5 days of the Jacobite.

The MK2s are certainly different up there, and the challenge with the camera has been to hide them as best as possible. Evidently from a photographic point of view the lack of people going up there has had consequences for the vegetation growth at many locations, with some now completely lost to the wild.

But from the passenger point of view it shows no sign of slowing. The trains were all full. Theres been a number of bad reports on various online review sites, and I can only imagine how hot it must have been Friday/Saturday in those coaches. Indeed we heard one couple talking about the experience in the pub, saying it was less than satisfactory for their money. We took a walk past the coaches this morning on the AM train, and I certainly wouldn’t want to be in the Blue/Grey or Choc/Cream coach, but the maroons weren’t too shabby.

Overall a good week, but please WCR fit CDL to some MK1s!

 

Super video, thank you. The weather was certainly kind to you for your trip to the north.

 

We only got wet once in 5 days which is very good! Was a lovely trip, really enjoyable.

 

Don't know why you took the warm weather away with you. It's cold and wet here now with the first snow of the winter on the tops this morning.

Peter

 

Sorry Peter! It wasn’t too warm yesterday either haha! Afternoon train had some proper exhaust for the first day of the five we were there infact!

Hope you’re having a fantastic time. We certainly did

 

Also we saw a little snow yesterday in the Glencoe area! It’s only September, nearly got the Xmas tree out!

 

Track access agreement between ORR & WCR for Jacobite paths extended for another 5 years till end October 2029, so looks like they are going nowhere.

 

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/defaul...d-jacobite-6th-s22-supplemental-agreement.pdf

 

Interesting and entirely understandable that the B1 has been taken off it, albeit be interesting to know what (if any) other classes are on there bar Black 5 and K1.

 

Would imagine the K4 would be on there, however I don’t see why that hasn’t come off if so.

But very good they’ve signed up for another 5 years. Very positive, and it shows the ORR/WCR can work on good terms when needed!

 

Now why would the ORR go ahead and sign the 6th Supplemental Agreement relating to the Track Access Contract (Passenger Services) (“The Jacobite”) for WCR to continue to operate the Jacobite until the 31st October 2029 if they were of the opinion that they would be unable to do so ?

Just a thought....