SVR General Discussion

Id like to run a goods, but I’m not sure how to fit it in just yet. I think we need to work a service pattern out that we know works and then go from there

 

I traveled on both the 101 and 108 yesterday - both were very busy.. and then finished off with the 14xx sandwich for a full round trip.... the run back from Bridgnorth in the evening was exceptional, even with the crush loads... when i saw the first Auto roll into Bdy as a single car today i did think that was a bit too prototypical and it was busy all day..... glad that the weather played ball and hopefully the rain held of - it had been storm conditions and rain all day in Brecon.

 

Last full length train into KR 16:15 on a gala day and then the only other service being an auto train some 156mins later. KR is where 90% of the SVR passengers begin and end their day according to the GM. I cannot see how that was thought appropriate. The timetable is a key part of the product.

 

It wasn’t a gala day! It was a Branchline Weekend at normal fares. Not a gala.

As said above a 16:15 ex Bridgnorth has been identified which can be put in next year, but it relies on a 6th train and this year we were not given the budget to have that many trains. Next year will be different.

Ultimately I do think we need to remember this is a new event to the SVR calendar and we have to be able to try things and look at options. We can build the 6th train in to the Saturday for next year which will add another 200 seats, and we can build the Sunday to run the larger sets which would add 300 on today’s seats. But we couldn’t gamble this time and run a high cost event based on maybes. Now we have facts to back up doing more. Railways can’t afford to gamble with money. Concepts have to be proven, and successes will generate better events

 

I will just place on here a big thankyou to everyone who attended or operated the Branchline Weekend this weekend. I can categorically state it’s been a super weekend, and the only complaints is that it’s been too busy! I mean for a heritage railway to be in the position of being busy is an encouraging sign.

Now we know the concept is proven, we can and will upgrade what we do for this event. We can budget properly for what we need to lay on, and we can actually look at where to put certain additional workings on a cost effective basis.

I look forward to showing you all what we can produce in 12 months, but before then we have 4 Steam Galas (Well 3 and a summer mixed traction) to show!

Just some points from me for those interested to consider……
- Last full line train in to KDR at 16:15 is required to meet the workings for the Boogie Lights (Which is a very profitable working)
- Eardington can only take 4 coach trains, so if people want more coaches we lose Eardington.
- It is very much advised not to use more than 4 coaches when RR at Highley as the crossing gets blocked for longer periods of time than is ideal for access.
- The availability of locos and stock at a quiet time of the year was actually unusually high!

 

Sorry to hear you taking a bit of flak here @2857Harry
I like the insight into planning such an event.
Inevitably you can't keep everybody happy.
Don't let the haters bring you down.

 

I will second this. I know I raised a couple of questions and @2857Harry answered them, that is appreciated and your insight is very interesting. Us punters see less than 10% of what goes into planning an event.
The fact that the issue appears that the event proved more popular than expected is only a good thing! It is also excellent that the SVR is innovating, trying something different at an otherwise quiet time of year - & being rewarded. When some other railways are seemingly in 'managed decline' mode, this is fantastic.
I shall also add we were a multi-generational party of 5 (+ K9!) - all of us had a fantastic time (including the dog!!).
More of the same please!!

 

Interesting article ref SVR letter to neighbours following the bridge wall/embankment collapse last year ….
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news...aj5GmDhTd8J4R9lHPg_aem_5EVIly3xB4dX5Nl2GNUDqA

 

Good on the SVR for doing this - that kind of adjacent landowner maintenance issue has come up too often in RAIB reports.

 

I had no idea what Boogie Lights might be so have just looked it up. The SVR's description mentions "pulse-pounding music". There's no accounting for tastes, but you couldn't get me there for love nor money. How do the staff and volunteers involved deal with it? Has someone assessed the risk of safety announcements or urgent warnings being drowned?

 

Of course we have risk assessed it. During the first test train last year, it was tested. Purple lighting have a unit in the brakevan and if necessary, they can turn on a microphone, which will sound through all the speakers throughout the carriages.

I suspect. You are not the target audience.

 

It's a bit like the festive services - not for everyone, but draws a general audience and helps find the "normal" train running.

 

So, in the light of this, will the SVR insurers be trying to recover costs from the owner of the adjacent land at Mor Brook?

 

Tomato tomato. Not a normal running day aimed at enthusiasts.

 

Absolutely not. A normal running day with normal fares, budgeted on normal terms.

 

For the record, I am not a hater and not trying to bring anybody down. I could not attend this event but as I attend SVR events I will always give the timetable a glance over anyway. I thought it was alarming that the last 'full length' train from Bridgnorth was at 15:05 and got in to KR at 16:15, the only train to do so before 18:56 and thought that could well be a problem on the day because this event was always going to be popular. Maybe the SVR management need to have some better belief in their product as all the extra enthusiast events they have put on in recent years have gone better than expected. I am well happy for everybody involved.

 

For gods sake give it a rest and stop moaning especially since you didnt attend .

 

You are correct.

 

Boogie Lights is a family attraction, and a very good one too! Like a lot of things these days the family element is huge, and the market is heavily swayed towards that sector. It’s not an enthusiast heavy market these days, as there is a finite amount.

The Branchline event, although enthusiast themed, was also designed to attract families who maybe can’t afford a full gala but want to come see what the more historically accurate side of the railway is like and re-live the bygone era. It’s a chance to teach young children the history, the romance of steam, etc and to get them hooked.

All events, but the family ones especially, should be seen to be bringing in the next generation who will keep the dream alive even after the “Boogie Lights naysayers” are long gone!