Severn Valley Modernisation ?

Maybe something to do with this....: http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/ ... 15-august/

 

viewtopic.php?f=106&t=20338&p=302419#p302419

 

So I guess that this service will have to be named the Flying Pig. Oh, shucks! There's an intellectual property issue there.

 

All is revealed.

From the SVR-Online forum is posted this:

http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/latest-news/special-direct-service-from-bridgnorth-15-august/

and this

Patrick

 

Is this real ????? Chiltern are going to a proper passenger service from bridgenorth to London !

I hope Chiltern will be paying access charges and delay minutes to the SVR not to mention the costs of providing staff !

LMG.

 

I believe the train will be operated by Chiltern staff who are also active volunteers on the SVR.

 

It is quite true that there are several active SVR staff who work for Chiltern me included, I worked the test train to Bridgnorth along with my colleaque from Stourbridge. As for LMG's comment about access charges and delay minutes, HaHa HeHe i'd put my own house in order first! \/

 

So Chiltern traincrew are providing their time FREE of charge ? God you guys must really love Chiltern! No bad thing, if the company treat you with respect and like human beings.

Do chiltern really thing enough people want to travel from Brigdenorth to London or points inbetween to make enough money ? especially running on the SVR at 25mph and speeds a lot lower due to track condition etc. What a waste of resources running a 100mph 168 on a heritage line at speeds as low at 5-10mph! Surely the passengers would feel the benifit more if Chiltern increased the number of vehicles on peak hour trains into and out of birmingham and London?

What effect with the use of heavy DMUs have on the SVR track and bridges? Will Chiltern really be paying for the SVR's increased maintenance costs? and will this commerical service have any effect on the SVR cores heritage services? Will the line be used as one long siding to remove the need for bobbies at each box along the route ?

On the face of it......sounds like a good idea but in reality I can see it going wrong sadly.

LMG.

 

Someone sounds a little bitter, methinks.

The train is, I believe a one-off, and is being marketed as such. That is not to say of course that if successful it won't be repeated. And as far a being a waste of resources, far from it. Rather use a 168 at an otherwise off peak time than have it standing on depot. Whilst not a fan of modern traction and having no desire to go to London on 15th August, I wish Chiltern and SVR success in this venture. You never know, perhaps London Midland would like to get their marketing boys to look at something similar. If it positively promotes rail travel, then all's well that ends well. But don't knock Chiltern for trying!

And incidentally, Bridgnorth is spelt without an 'e' and the trackwork on the SVR is as good as it gets on any heritage railway. There is even a section of continuous welded rail, you know.

 

are these units really heavy? kinda doubt that....

 

I understand that if successful Chiltern would operate the occasional train such as for christmas shopping in London, that sort of thing. I would expect that commercial rates would be payed to the SVR for access, as for the staff on that day we'll be paid by Chiltern(and yes they do generally look after their staff). As for track damage, we have operated Class 67 loco's to Bridgnorth on numerous occassions these have an axle loading of 22.5 tons, the Class 168/170 have an axle loading of 11 tons. Dont think we have a problem!!

 

This is an excellent idea! I really hope it goes well for you, it shows that Chiltern are really go ahead (but we've always known that anyway). It's great as well for the SVR, will be a nice bit of publicity! =D>

Now just for the steam loco to drag the unit and you'll be away! =P~

 

I think I have 'sounded' a little hostile to this service, I am and always have been a supporter of Chiltern Railways I strongly belive if every operator including my own London Midland conducted themselves like CR we would have that World Class railway Network Rail keeps yapping about.

I was under the impression that the service was a full time thing straight off, now it appears it only a one off at the moment. My concern would be for the increased ware and tare on the SVR railway and the additional cost of staffing should the service become a permenant feature.

I perfer Chiltern to run in connection with Tyselsey a steam hauled service from Brigdnorth to London, maybe a pair of Halls ?

LMG.

 

No worries, LMG. I'm sure that management at the SVR will have taken into account all relevant factors (traincrew, signalmen, etc etc, plus track access charges) before agreeing to this or any other service. Running trains early from Bridgnorth and late back obviously doesn't interfere with train paths, but crew and signalmen have to be rostered. As has already been mentioned, the 11t axle load means that the 168 is relatively lightweight compared to many of the locos operating on the railway on a daily basis, and now that gauging trials have been completed, there may be the opportunity of connecting the residents of Bridgnorth and Bewdley (and intermediate villages) with the Nation's Capital without having to change trains.

 

They'd need to do some interesting conversion work on one of their carriages to make a suitable barrier/translator coach. :-k
Richard

 

Could that be done ? as long as the unit wa dead / brakes released etc. a steam locomotive could drag a 168, BSI coupler on one end of a MK1 and hock on the otther. Braking is another matter ! or just stick a toad on the rear, job done !

LMG.

 

I am advised that the return leg of this excursion will depart Marylebone at 17.20 calling normal stops to Birmingham Snow Hill then fast to Kidderminster ML arr 20.21, for a steam hauled service to Bridgnorth departing Kidderminster SVR at 20.40.

 

I thought it was booked a class 20 on the return leg to Bridgnorth?