Jacobite 2026

I don't think this conflicts with what WCR has said.

WCR has conceded the need for CDL across the whole Mk. 1 fleet.
WCR has formally approached ORR (i.e. submitted application) for R5 exemption while the fleet is being fitted. (This only covers vehicles without CDL)
WCR working on timeline for complete CDL fitment.
No timeline agreed with ORR yet.
ORR has not (yet) issued an exemption.

It has not been officially confirmed, but the evidence suggests WCR has begun to fit Mk. 1s with CDL.

 

The WC statement appears to have been reissued today https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/news/the-jacobite-2026-season-update
It doesn't now mention "reaching an agreement with ORR" but does say "we .... are going to install Central Door Locking (CDL) systems across our entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the mainline."

 

Better late than never. Around 10 years too late.

 

I take that to mean there isn't necessarily going to be an R5 exemption any time soon, if ever, and the constraining factor may be having the first set ready to go.
The other "issue" with running the Jacobite with Mk2s is locomotive availability, given that 44871 and/or 45407 have other commitments in coming weeks. Having at least one Mk1 set available for the Jacobite presumably opens up other possibilities. How near is the K1 ready to completing its overhaul?

 

But it does state " To this end, we are currently working in close partnership with the ORR to finalise a timeline "

Dave B

 

That's what WCR claim. I'm not sure close partnership would be a phrase used by the ORR where WCR are concerned.

 

Rubbish

10 years ago, in 2016; ORR were proposing to scrap RSR99 except for Reg 3. Leaving the joint TOC DB Cargo & WCR) Code of Practice for steward controlled doors in place.

 

Is it incorrect to say that in 2018, when renewing the R5 exemption, ORR told WC that it would be the final exemption issued, for a period of five years?
In March 2023, when that exemption period ended WC sought its renewal and was declined by ORR. WC then initiated court action which led to ORR issuing a temporary extension of the R5 exemption, ultimately revoked after the judicial review failed.
Since January 2024 WC, or now iteration thereof, have been seeking to persuade ORR that a new R5 exemption, in some form, is merited.
All told it is well into year 8 of this saga. If WC get their way it could be 2030 before their entire fleet is fitted so "10 years late" would be an understatement. One which I'm sure the owner of LSL would be likely to challenge if ORR relented at this stage.

 

Indeed, it looks like the disingenuity of the statement last week was called out by someone, probably ORR, because it implied the Regulator had made some undertaking beyond simply their obligation to review an application for exemption.
The 'spin' from the WC spokesman seems to have succeeded only in making WC and a few excitable fans dizzy with excitement.
However, the statement today is certainly something which a lot of people never expected - a policy U turn on fitting CDL to coaches which haven't previously been so fitted. Excellent news.

 

I have three questions.

1. Is WCR's application for an exemption specific to the Jacobite or does it relate to all their operations?

2. When coaches are CDL fitted is there some form of type approval and/or inspection and how long does that take?

3. What is known about WCR's CDL system? Is it essentially similar to LSL's and Vintage's? If so, does that open the possibility of a return to the main line of the 10A loco fleet?

 

3 x $64,000 questions!
I reckon your only chance at an answer to any of them is whatever ORR’s press office tell/leak to “Green Signals”.

 

WC's "press office" has been leading the way these last few months so I'm failing to see your beef, twice mentioned now, with ORR speaking in response to railway journalists covering the "story".
Incidentally, your contributions tend towards the defensive of WC side of things - any interest to declare?

 

Perhaps he’s just sensible and doesn’t see the need to criticise WCR at every turn like you.

Good on WCR for fitting, good on them for getting stuff sorted, and good on them for not listening to the marriage waves from people like you

 

If they considered that in '16 they soon rejected it. This ORR document says:
"In 2018 (19 years after the introduction of RSR) HMRI - now the Railway Safety Directorate of ORR, concluded that a sufficient period of time had elapsed for such fitment to be achieved and therefore undertook a redrafting of its guidance on RSR and CDL. In its consultation it proposed cessation of the routine issue of exemptions from 2023 as existing ones expired."
Impact Assessment: Re-issue of ORR guidance on Railway Safety Regulations 1999 (Reg 5 – fitting of central door locking to hinged door carriages)

 

"Sensible"? Disparaging the ORR and Green Signals podcast? Ok.
I don't get the sense you've backtracked, Harry, despite WC themselves reframing the "agreement with ORR" line you cheered last week. As several people tried to point out to you it was simply spin. And you wonder why there is often a negative interpretation of what WC does and says .......

 

They have fitted CDL vehicles not a spin. They are obviously doing the job. They are doing the work. The mainline scene would have been and will be a dam site poorer without WCR so we should support them.

 

I find Nigel Harris condescending, conspiratorial, and holier than thou. Particularly with regard to WCR.
Which is why I dislike his apparent hotline from ORR’s press office with regard to WCR.
ORR should give updates on their own website and not briefings to hacks to put their own “spin” onto.

 

Last week you were hailing the "agreement" with ORR, which WC was claiming to have been struck. There was no agreement and ORR had to say so.
WC has undoubtedly done great things with mainline steam but that is in the past and doesn't make ORR the "enemy". WC has wilfully put at risk all those things you, and many other enthusiasts, hold dear. That they have now belatedly "seen the light" is welcome but it still remains to be seen whether, and to what extent, "former glories" will be restored.

 

So you have a personal animus with Mr Harris. What has that to do with ORR using its press office to answer legitimate questions from journalists when WC is making public statements which are lacking accuracy, to say the least?

 

I mean they have reached an agreement to fit the CDL. That is an agreement. They agree with the ORR.