SVR Pacific Power 22nd-25th September 2016

I can only remember one incident last year, and this was dealt swiftly by an on-the-ball guard and assisted where possible by a number of the Bewdley boys who were on the train themselves having a bit of a social.

 

Yes, but details on it are sketchy at the moment.

 

I am led to believe there will a few public announcements in the next couple of days (there has been some internal communiques in the past couple of days).

 

Some details of the new format:
http://www.svr.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?a=718
And
http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=100

 

Ridiculous!!

 

Well that's saved me a few days annual leave!

 

I'm a bit lost as to why there seems to be so much outrage about this (granted not here yet, but expressed on the Facebook page if you'd like to read self entitled spleens venting all over the place).

Other than those that have booked annual leave and hotels well in advance nobody is losing out on anything. Granted it would have been better if the valley had recognised from the outset that a scotsman event and a gala would be best marketed separately, but now we have arrived at that outcome surely we have the best of both worlds?

It's a shame to lose overnight running for a year, but it would make little sense with the ticketing arrangements for scotsman and would frankly be bloody freezing in November! It has been clearly stated that overnight running will return next year, it's not the end of an eta, just a hiatus.

I look forward to announcements about visitors for the November gala, which I'm sure won't disappoint.

 

ASG is (was) the event of the year, and for some of us something we look forward to all year. The local businesses will loose out. Non stop trains will hurt the business at local pubs (Highley). The Railway WILL make more money. But it has now lost a lot of good will. The gala and overnights had already been mentioned, hotels and holidays have been booked. To cancel the overnights would have been bad but i may still have come for a gala, but not to be crowded out on a pay by train format. No this is a wrong and bad move.

 

At the Q&A yesterday, it was stated that the only available time for FS visiting was the ASG slot, hence the overlap.

What I disagree with is the addition of Tornado on top of FS. A traditional ASG might have been possible if just FS with the home fleet (and the home fleet should be pretty decent this year as well).

 

I don't personally buy the "local businesses will lose out" line. A five train service and only one diagram of that is non stop and pre book essential. The event will attract good numbers and with a frequent service gives plenty of chance for passengers to frequent local businesses.

I agree that is is disappointing that the SVR initially advertised overnight running and scotsman's visit as part of an ASG, when it has been clear for a little while that such an event isn't really feasible, however they've taken the correct approach now in separating the events.

 

What rubbish. Joe public will be at every vantage point along the length of the line and be spending money in pubs, shops, etc.

 

Maybe a change of the thread title and dates is in order?

 

I have had a quick read on facebook and struggle to believe some of the things said. This event is going to be packed so needs to be an easy to operate timetable no locals and with the maximum amount of seats available so long trains.
The best thing is you know if you want to travel on FS you are going to get a seat.
Assuming this is a 5 train service its a shame only 4 pacifics.

 

At the moment, you never know though I suspect FS ad Tornado won't be exactly cheap...

 

I am not saying they are but it does mean you can hire out other members of the home fleet to cover the cost also this event is going to be very well attended with people already paying a premium price with a booking fee for some trains.

 

I actually think this is a reasonable move by the SVR. It's a bit of an "I wouldn't start from here" situation, and should probably have been announced when Tornado's attendance was made public, but it's surely better than continuing to pretend that this event is an ASG when it quite clearly isn't. The reassurance that all-night running will be back in 2017 is welcome, too. I won't be going to the September event myself, other than to have a brief look at FS from some handy lineside footpath, but the November one might be a different story.

 

I think it's all very disappointing.

I always thought galas were something different for volunteers and enthusiasts.
I don't think I will bother for September. Will wait and see for November.

 

The SVR is becoming more and more like Alton Towers. Soon there will be nothing for the Enthusiast left. Whilst its great to see the line so popular and visited by so many varying people with vastly differing interests can we remember why we are lucky enough to have the railway at all? Preserved by enthusiasts to preserve something of value as it was. The line is available as a tourist attraction all year round. The gala days are a couple of times in the year when there's something specifically targeted at enthusiasts which can obviously be enjoyed by everyone else too. We nearly lost Bridgnorth to some sort of theme park design now we have movie premier type events replacing gala days.

I hope its a roaring success and the SVR make loads of money out of it but for the first time in over 10 years I wont be bothering with one of my most eagerly awaited weekends of the year. If this sort of thing continues I wont be bother renewing my various memberships or contributions to the railway either. Joe Public non-enthusiasts are obviously enough to support the railway now......