1306 sold?

On the big railway, if you're not on the approved list, you can't use them, no matter how good a job has been done. Paperwork & paperwork......

 

Depends whose list we are refering to. As Tornado works on NR and is approved for main line running the contractor must be on the NR list and DBs list. That they are not on WCR list is there decision not the industry as a whole. The EU is often not of much use but not aproving a contractor without due reason may well fall foul of EU restrictions on trade issues. The hasstle may not be worth the effort to a small contractor.

 

Think the contractor dispute is a bit of a red herring, as the same contractor has subsequently done work on other loco's operated by that them, and under the safety case that is quoted.

Why would that operator want to use something that has an envied reliability reputation, is always in the public eye, at the expense of there own fleet, that are looking for work????

That is a bit nearer the situation......

 

Do any DBS staff drive or fire for wcr in their time off?

 

Will that argument stand up when 4472 goes mainline ?

 

No. I think that it might be viewed as a conflict of interest. If DBS didn't work charters and steam then the position might be different.

 

Explain 45407,44871,60009 ,61994 and 70013 then West Coast have have always seemed happy to use locos owned by other owners.

 

Add 4464, 60007, 62005, 34046 and 70000 to that list at least.

 

And all those locos listed, may, or may not have used the same engineering company for specialised work, so the argument put forward as to using them has been dis-proved.

Did the operator not run The Talisman, the first mainline excursion, a big "personality" clash is the obvious answer as to the current situation.

A one that does nobody any favours, there are not many Class 8 locos available, as it stands, never mind a reliable one...

 

Not been disproved at all. You alleged that the 60163 issue was more a case of WCRC not wanting to use a third party's loco - to generate work for its own fleet - rather than choice of engineering contractor. Subsequent posts pointed put that WCRC seems quite happy to use third party locos.

 

Yet WCRC operate any number of other 'high profile' locomotives without any problem, and what conflict with their fleet (a range of 5-7 class locos) against an 8P pacific.

I have always assumed WCRC made a simple business decision, based upon the fact that they suggested that A1ST did not use the contractor then A1ST went ahead and did it - I would imagine having your opinions as operator totally ignored would make you less inclined to operate their locomotive.

I am somewhat intrigued why this keeps being laid at WCRC's door. They operate a business and the vast majority of loco's, don't really see any great impact on their business by not operating Tornado - alternatively A1ST decided to go against their advice and have a loco now that does not seem to do much on the mainline (although it is apparently the case that financially this is not a big deal according to various interviews in SR) - if anyone should be instigating a reconcilliation I suggest it should be A1ST.

 

Your second sentence is inaccurate.
The use of the said contractor was agreed with WCRC providing certain guidelines were followed. These guidelines were followed during the completion of the work then the goalposts started moving.

 

I stand corrected, however the point remains that A1st need WCRC considerably more than WCRC need A1ST.

 

I agree with you there.
Guycarr360's post is the relevant one.

 

At last ! We appear to have found someone who knows the truth of the situation ? Could you expand on" then the goalposts started moving" (without obviously jeopordising any future negotiations between the two parties)
Andy

 

Wherever personalities are involved, there will be fallings out. The only side of the tale that if heard is that WCRC have a chip on re 60163.
Sooner or later there will be enough fallings out for a credible alternative to WCRC being brought into existence by the disenfranchised, or everyone will all be friends (in need) again... either of which will be an improvement.

 

I'm just really looking forward for this locomotive to be fired up for the first time this year and to watch the action unfold as the Steam Gala 29-31st

 

Agreed there needs to be creditable competition to WCRC. Having a company with a virtual monopoly position in the market is never a good position. Given all the talk of safety cases lets not forget who maintained Tangmere.

 

I will keep quiet for the time being to give others a chance to take a common sense approach to resolving the issues but I suspect I won't be holding my piece for too long!!!
There has been plenty of time already for the two leading lights to get the toys back in the pram.

 

Anybody know 61306 first day in traffic? Being hidden till the gala?

Many thanks for any info in advance