Strathspey Railway

"‘Stop abusing our staff!’ says steam railway company defending diesel use during wildfires"

https://archive.ph/l9Euo

 

If I didn't think about it, I'd be amazed that people don't realize right off that i) diesels are being used because of the demonstrated fire risk, and, moreover, that ii) it's horrible that they are abusing volunteers who generally have nothing to do with the decision to use diesels.

Then I wake up and remember that we live in an age where people react on their emotions, instead of thinking things through.

Noel

 

Im in the area at the moment, for most of the week the backdrop has been smoke from a smouldering Cairngorms, clearly visible from Aviemore station itself and all along the line from the train. The road through Glenmore and up to Cairngorm mountain is closed and many businesses up there have been shut. It has been a herculean effort by the community, but unfortunately a large area of extremely rare habitat (& wildlife) has been lost.
Only a blind idiot could look at all that and think it was wise to put a steam loco out. Fortunately, the passengers I was with on Sunday were very understanding and didn't mind the diesel. Clearly a very small entitled minority couldn't vibrate their brain cell enough to link the 2 items.

 

Maybe if the railway advertised what loco would be running would help instead of saying when a enquiry is made "We don't know untill the loco passes the booking office"I should love to go when one of the Ivatt class 2a are out, but not go all the way from the East Midlands on the chance.

 

I think a lot of railways, where possible, could/should do what the NYMR did last year and have a steam loco available for cab visits, maybe brake van rides etc, in a station. At least that then fulfils seeing a steam loco in steam.

The thing is at a lot of lines nowadays you don't see any of the locos that are not in service that day and maybe that's where some people get overly frustrated.

 

You could always ask nicely on here, you will very likely get a reply, I certainly did.

 

Emotions and "vibes" trump logic these days, I'm afraid.

 

Aside from needing a whole other crew to man (or workshop team that could be better placed in the workshop), there isn't really the space at Aviemore. Locomotive run into a small headshunt at an angle so avoid the section that crosses the pedestrian crossing onto NR metal. You may have fitted one of the small locos but the Ivatts would foul the pointwork. I understand the desire but the rubber meeting the road is a very different matter. I'm blanking on what used to be done when there was brakevan rides during Thomas events, I think the they were locked into the loop and the main train was top and tailed.

 

Could it not be done between trains? The railway is fully signalled, just get the loco back on shed before the train leaves Boat of Garten. Obviously down to volunteer availability but assuming the diesel isn't necessarily crewed by the planned steam crew.

 

I think that "age" has lasted since the dawn of humanity. Some Roman Emperors had no more wisdom than Donald Trump.

 

It goes up and down; but you're right, it is/has always been distressingly common.

Noel

 

The diesel was manned by the steam driver certainly on Sunday & Monday.
Having had a very good chat with @Foxontour of this parish, who was extremely kind and hospitable to myself and my dad on Monday (many thanks once again!) - volunteers and resources are in incredibly short supply at the Strathspey. They would most certainly like more help, as they can only just resource the service as it is. I was also extremely impressed with how self sufficient they are up here, & the quality of work being done, needs must given how far north the railway is!!

 

An event that seems to have been missed is this weekend sees a steam and diesel gala.

An excellent day today. Timetable was sensible and the brake van trip with 45025 was fantastic fun.

Hopefully this will become an annual fixture.

Andrew