Fire Risk

A lot of good points in there.

To take the Bluebell as an example, we have something like 30 drivers, but only around half of them have diesel competence of some kind. Moreover, for the class 33 and class 201 that had generally lapsed at the point those units arrived this summer because of the conditions in our CMS about frequency of turns - even the drivers competent on the Hastings Unit had typically had about 10 or 11 months since their last trip, which is too long under our rules. Hence (noted on the Bluebell thread) @Jonnie from the Spa Valley kindly assisting with re-certifying some drivers it.

Loco rostering is also an issue: normally our loco rosters are published early one month for the following one. But the August roster was essentially torn up before it had even really kicked off, and since then we have been working a week ahead. I assume that is because behind the scenes, the powers that be are making a decision on the service we will run and the traction basically from week to week, and the rostering is then being done just for that week. To take my case, I went into August expecting to have four turns, but right now I have one rostered, and with a question mark for anything beyond next weekend. Fortunately being a largely weekend volunteer with a 9-5 job, I hadn't taken any time off work in anticipation of doing some midweek stuff, but undoubtedly some people will have done.

Tom

 

I think it does matter, but how much depends on a number of factors. I've witnessed people walk away when told that they'll get a diesel, but the conversation was simply steam/diesel in the context of a railway whose advertising focused on steam.

If the diesels are well kept, in "old" liveries (yes, that probably does mean BR green), and the railway makes clear that diesels are part of its offer, I don't think the public reaction will be as extreme. That's because one of the major issues is to do with what people expect vs what they're getting.

However, steam is a key draw and demand is likely to fall when steam is not on the menu.

Finally, I'm far from convinced that you can simply do a netting off between demand in a "normal" period and demand now. Enthusiast as I am, I'm much less likely to visit a heritage railway for a slow run in heat traps with limited ventilation, regardless of traction, than I am to visit when the weather is bearable.

 

Do not forget the Class 20, seemingly liked by so many.

 

Yes indeed. Best not to forget that unique style, one off in the class, 2-10-2 South African Class 20 steam loco. Built in SA 1935 and converted to a condensing loco with a type CL condensing tender in 1950. Sadly scrapped in 1961 . It is said to have performed well, and if it had been kept going it would surely have been a candidate for preservation.

Bryan - I would have been one of the so many who liked it if it had survived a lot longer - B