35028 Clan Line to Canterbury Saturday 23rd May

If true, it would seem that the bizarre behavior at Carnforth continues

 

I thought the Stateman rake of Mk 2 air cons was owned by Stateman Rail? Hence why it goes to Nemesis Rail for winter maintenance, rather than Carnforth.

 

Makes sense. Rumour was some weeks ago that Statesman was under offer from a growing outfit in East Cheshire.

 

Have sent email to Statesman Rail asking for clarification. Will share any response.

 

Sadly it is 100% true. I think this covers it more eloquently than any of us could

 

So it will be wcrc diesel hauled then if its back in their hands?

 

You need your backside kicked, I pretty much now much of the inside story here. Clan Line has been stood down by David Smith, DBS had full crews in place. The two drivers Paul Major and Jim Clark will now work the 67, although Jim does not sign 67's so his fireman, Graham Ward will probably need to traction conduct him. The other fireman and the inspector have been stood down. This is WCRC improvement period, yeh right! I have just left a very unhappy Stew Lane, which included tomorrows support crew who were to clean and prepare the loco overnight. This included one person who had travelled 250 miles up from Cornwall. I feel for the MNPS teams and for everyone who has paid in good faith to be hauled by steam tomorrow. All let down by one person. This is a WCRC problem.

 

Depends if they have anything ready in position?

 

Thanks for this Wayne. Shocking behaviour from Mr Smith after what WCRC has just been through. I really feel for the MNLPS. What a waste of time and resources. I don't think the MNLPS will be very helpful to WCRC anymore. It seems Mr Smith still has toys to throw out of his pram......

 

A man subjugated for many weeks suddenly spots an opportunity to exercise some power ........
if only the judgement was as solid as the wealth.

 

Absolutely shocking, the improvement notice from ORR will have still been hot in his hands when he decided to do this.
I hope the press absolutely give him hell over this, he clearly could not give a monkeys for anyone else in the steam charter market, customers, volunteers, railtour operators, anyone who has supported WCRC in the last few weeks. Its two fingers to the lot of ya, what a twisted selfish man he has proven to be after all.

 

I wouldn't want to be a stewarding on the tour tomorrow, after tonight's revelations !

 

This is bizarre. What possible reason would Smith have for making this disastrous decision? Can anyone say?

 

Perhaps someone on the trip could print out Wayne's post for the stewards to hand out tomorrow?

 

I think Smith is being very foolish. He already has ORR's saftey team all over his operation. Now he will attract their "trading standards" team. On the face of it, this looks like willful breach of contract and abuse of WCRC's monopoly position. Statesman, DBS, MNLPS and all the passengers have a very clear set of complaints.

The only good thing is that Smith has really over-stepped the mark this time, and there's no hiding from it. James Shuttleworth and the rest of the management team must be so embarassed at his behaviour. They should take him to one side and point out a few home truths - maybe he'll take it from his closest colleaugues when he wouldn't from anyone else?

 

An absolutely staggering decision. Smithy's not doing himself any favours with the travelling public at the moment.

 

Deafening silence from Statesman. Need to make it clear that if no steam in prospect tomorrow for reasons given on this forum I will expect full refund, and if I don't get it I will take matter further. I have been disappointed many times before. Fire risk, hot boxes, burst tubes etc. Have taken all that. But won't take this lying down. Sean

 

Perhaps you shouldn't be surprised that you can't get an answer from them at 23:00 on the night before the tour. The office is in the far west of Cornwall, and the trains starts from Bristol at 06:20 tomorrow morning! Just remember, this isn't Statesman's fault. They are as much the agrieved party as you are - times 300 passengers! Where were you booked to join the train? Your best bet is probably to turn up and talk to the train manager, and see what he offers you.