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WHR General Discussion.

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by triassic, Jun 4, 2009.

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  1. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    The whole of Phase 4C is a construction site. We are working to tamp, line and regap the entire section. A few weeks ago there was a five inch gap in the track for the best part of a week. How could regular passenger trains be run under these conditions?

    Oh, and the chances of the current WHHR management handing over a stale biscuit, let alone ten grand, to the FR are vanishingly-small, as I'm sure you realise.

    As for stock movements by road rather than across Cae Pawb, please be assured that the most convenient method - logistically and economically - will always be used.
     
  2. TonyW

    TonyW New Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    I saw last week that the flangeways on Britannia Bridge in Porthmadog have been filled with tarmac again.
     
  3. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Another cyclist was moaning in the local newspaper about falling off after ignoring the signs - better to fill them in again while they arent needed, just for a bit of peace and quiet.

    Chris
     
  4. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Don't these imbeciles read the Highway Code?

    Rule 306
    All road users, but particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should take extra care when driving or riding close to or crossing the tracks, especially if the rails are wet. You should take particular care when crossing the rails at shallow angles, on bends and at junctions. It is safest to cross the tracks directly at right angles.

    And when I were a lad, we all had to do the cycling proficiency test. Surely even the dimmest cyclist must realise they have to look where they're going, read and act on road signs? I know they don't pay any road tax or insurance and use the roads for free, but that's no excuse. Morons.
     
  5. railwayduncan2

    railwayduncan2 New Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    AS someone who occasionally cycles I would of thought the rails would be a clear indication of the hazards-the sign reinforcing it. There are far worse hazards such at pot holes, road users who don't bother to indicate or check before turning into the road to name a few.
     
  6. ryan66

    ryan66 New Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    A strange thing to do, it's almost admitting that they are a danger.
     
  7. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    They are a danger, thats why there's signage to dismount and use the cycle path which crosses them. When the lights are up and trains running im sure this issue will go away, the same way it has on other tramways.

    Chris
     
  8. Enterprise

    Enterprise Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Across most of Europe there are tram rails. These are mostly unsigned. There are many tramlines in the Netherlands which has the highest percentage of trips undertaken by bicycle at over 25%. I think the UK has the lowest percentage of cycling trips in Europe at about 2%.

    I think the problem is simply the conjunction of the unfamiliarity of the new rails and the low level of cycling proficiency in this country.

    I am certain that filling in the flangeways is the wrong course of action but to be expected given the idiotic H&S culture in this country.

    Cheers
    Alan
     
  9. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Im sure its got nothing to do with 'iditotic H&S culture', presumably if the crossing orders are all done then there simply isnt an issue. This is just about minimising bad press for the railway while the crossing is not being used - it also avoids people falling off then giving grief to the staff in the station or those on the phone!

    Chris
     
  10. Enterprise

    Enterprise Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    To be clear, I think the notion that because there are some rail tracks in a road, cyclists are ordered to get off is idiotic and that this is a reflection of the contemporary obsession with risk avoidance. Also, although it is unlikely, if I were to ride one of my bicycles in Porthmadog and had occasion to cross Britannia Bridge, I would endeavour to avoid dismounting!

    Cheers
    Alan
     
  11. renovater

    renovater Guest

    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    In between injuring cyclists and causing many thousands of pounds worth of damage by setting Snowdonia on fire, the WHR are going to have to come up with other ideas for publicity, these are just not working !! R
     
  12. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    That's the problem - people are asked to dismount because the flangways run along, and then across, the road so when people try and cross them at a shallow angle, the front wheel slips off the railhead. With the rarity of tramways in the UK a lot of people just arent aware of how risky it is, as the number of accidents has proved, hence the signage.

    Chris
     
  13. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Are you looking for a discount fare for trolls?
     
  14. renovater

    renovater Guest

    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    You can not expect everyone to be in favour of the WHR, can you ? Certainly not, after the way the WHR 64 has been treated.
     
  15. SillyBilly

    SillyBilly Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    I'm sorry, I do really like the WHHR and the friendly people there, which is why I volunteer there, but it must be said that they haven't really treated the FRCo. in a way which is going to encourage them to sort out an agreement.
     
  16. Gwenllian2001

    Gwenllian2001 Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Perhaps you would care to expand on 'the way the WHR 64 has been treated'. It would be interesting for the rest of us to have the story from someone who is 'in the know'.

    Meic
     
  17. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Don't believe everything you hear. In my experience, the only people giving unequivocal support to the WHHR (they hate being called the 64 Co, you know) are WHHR members and people who don't know the full picture.

    It's down to the WHHR to come up with a workable business plan that delivers benefits rather than inconveniences to the FR if they want the FR to let them run trains on the FR's tracks. Rolling stock complying with the FR rulebook would also help. The section between Harbour and Beddglert will initially be operated as a single token section, meaning all points entering the section will be locked out of use, including the junction point at PenyMount.

    The FR offered the WHHR the chance to run trains using Russell out of Harbour station, but as Russell is still in cardboard boxes...
     
  18. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    As ever there will be two sides to this story. I'm just sad the companies haven't been able to come up with a workable plan to the benefit of both sides. Railway preservation seems to bring out the worst in people. If it's possible to argue about something you can bet your sweet patootie that railway enthusiasts will.
     
  19. pete2hogs

    pete2hogs Member

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    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    It's quite entertaining to read renovater's posts in the pub at Waen while watching another packed train pull into the station, shortly followed by Daddy bringing Little Johnny to admire the Garratt.
     
  20. renovater

    renovater Guest

    Re: WHR, has it a future?

    Thanks, I'm glad i'm not boring you, for the packed trains as i said before, this is THE year for the WHR, but will it last ? I'm totally convinced it won't, as things stand at the present.
     
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