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48624

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by chris meadowcroft, Feb 14, 2010.

  1. TonyMay

    TonyMay Member

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    No, I'm sure they won't like it, and I'm sure it won't happen unless some kind of extremely regrettable financial and/or civil engineering disaster befalls Peak Rail, because of the egos involved on all levels from porter to management. Now, there's nothing wrong with egos, but I do think combining resources would nevertheless benefit both in the long run.
     
  2. lordy

    lordy New Member

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    But why stop at Peak Rail and Wyvernrail? Merge all the Derbyshire schemes - Barrowhill could do with somewhere to run their locos, Butterley could do with a longer line too and have excellent engineering facilities. If we were talking purely in business terms it would make sense, but we're not, we're dealing with businesses that rely heavily on volunteers, and volunteers work where they want to. There is another snag though, from what I've seen Wyvernrail are very limited on siding space, perhaps they have plans to rectify that?

    Lordy
     
  3. huochemi

    huochemi Part of the furniture

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    Sorry, I know it's slightly off topic, but why is the suggestion that preservation schemes get together absurd? Recreating a line that goes from somewhere to somewhere through the Peak seems a rather good idea.
     
  4. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    alternatively all the schemes in the Derbyshire Triangle could get together and jointly market the varied attractions that all offer hopefully increasing visitors not just to one but all . Look at the list and the mouth starts to water with the potential that could be on offer , Wirksworth , Peak Rail, Barrow Hill, MRC, Crich, Run into Staffordshire and you've bot the CVR and Foxfield . all mixed in with Matlock, Bakewell, Buxton , Ashbourne . What Tourist heaven .

    Mix the loco's around , 3 potentially will have main line links . Summer Shuttles Linking the 3 the possibilities are endless
     
  5. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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    As has already been said, it's because these schemes rely on volunteers, and volunteers will work wherever takes their fancy.
    Let's say that there are 3 railways within a particular area; railway A has 50 volunteers and a yearly income of £50,000, railway B has 10 volunteers and a yearly income of £10,000, and railway C has 100 volunteers and a yearly income of £250,000.

    If you merged all the railways together, let's say at railway C, you will NOT end up with a railway with 160 volunteers and a yearly income of £310,000! You are more likely to end up with a railway with around 110 volunteers and a yearly income of maybe £275,000 if you're lucky.
    The other issue is, that these railways have been setup by groups of people who are interested in the particular railway line itself, who is going to tell them (or force them) to pack everything up and merge with another railway 'just because someone thinks it would be a good idea' ?

    Joint marketing is one thing, closure due to lack of volunteer support or visitors is another, but to be forced into mergers is an idea that will never work.


    Keith
     
  6. 61624

    61624 Part of the furniture

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    Its the suggestion that Peak Rail give up and merge with Wyvern Rail that I find baffling - Peak Rail are the more established organisation, with better facilities and prospects. It would make more sense for the Ecclesbourne people to give up and merge with them!
     
  7. TonyMay

    TonyMay Member

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    Some well reasoned and argued points gents.
     
  8. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    I think you undereatimate the Ecclesbourne guys, and I'm a PR member. How many other lines are shrewed enoiugh to make money by using their mainline connection to generate cash by offering test track facilites for example? http://www.mytesttrack.com/
     
  9. 61624

    61624 Part of the furniture

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    I can think of qiuite a few - the NYMR with driver training for poor railhead conditions, the SVR with new generation DMU testing, GCR with high speed testing. The WSR offers rolling stock storage and of course a place for the ballast trains to discharge spent ballast. I think if I dug deeper there are other lines as well - I'm pretty sure the Mid Hants has been used at times.
     
  10. C WALL

    C WALL New Member

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    Been to both PR and Ecclesbourne on several occasions. I'm afraid Ecclesbourne win hands down both in professionalism and friendliness. Last went to peak Rail for the 8F last May and am afraid it will be a long time before I go again. Some staff seem to think they are one of the top railways in the country. they need to take a long hard look at themselves in my opinion. Pity they couldn't visit the same charm school as the DDNGR, cracking little group.
     
  11. amcoward

    amcoward New Member

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    We also do infrastructure testing at the ELR, with sections of the Heywood line passed for 60mph running for test purposes. I suspect most heritage railways will offer these facilities, as they can prove to be a useful source of income at times when the railway isn't open to public services.

    Regards
     
  12. Superheater

    Superheater New Member

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    Don't Dare us !!

    The last time somebody suggested a livery to us we went and did it ! But seriously we did think of the Southern Green and Sunshine lettering as another livery to upset the 'purists' ...... As they say 'watch this space'......
     
  13. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    It is indeed a good source of income. However, I'd recommend that railways stay clear of driver skid training. Trying to drag 7 up to Goathland after such a training session when the track has been coated with soap solution does not make for an easy trip!
     
  14. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    Ok, I like your style - you're duly "dared" and you can blame me! My only concern is that it would be a drain on the funds.
     
  15. Woodster21

    Woodster21 Member

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    Picking up on the merger argument / discussion i believe this was discussed a significant number of years ago before the EVRA became established. Personally it would be a good decision if the Peak line did join the national network - unless a euromillions winner lives in Matlock!
     
  16. Superheater

    Superheater New Member

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    I know it is still a way off, but Don't forget your last chance to see 48624 on Peak Rail for a few (lot of) months......
    (unless we get some surprise dates !!)

    May 1st and 2nd 2010......

    I am going to be Insisting on some test runs on the Friday as she hasn't moved properly since I can't remember when !! And as we know Steam Locomotives are awkward things at the best of times !!!
    Plus we have modified a few things that have Not been tested yet , since you have to be running to test them !!

    I am making the best of this event, and stopping in my caravan at the Grouse and Claret Pub up the road, So should be around for most of the action.
    I will be there later on Friday Afternoon after setting up the van, to give everything the once over.....

    Hope to see you there......
    Come and talk to us, we are the friendliest group I know. All questions answered TRUTHFULLY !!!!

    Simon Hunter.
     
  17. pennysteam

    pennysteam Well-Known Member

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    hmm, wish they had chosen another weekend, could be the only chance we get to see her steaming south and they put the even't on the same weekend as about a dozen other even't including several major ones. Result being while many of us would like to make it we probebly won't. I think you will still do well as it is good weekend date for an even't but due to opting for the weekend that was already over booked many real steam fans will probably be at another even't.
     
  18. Robert Heath No.6

    Robert Heath No.6 Well-Known Member

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    One thought (and it's not a loaded question, purely wondering!), was the date chosen to avoid clashes, or does it coincide with WD150 needing a washout?
     
  19. 48624

    48624 New Member

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    Good grief Mr Hunter, Have you no shame? Fancy admitting to owning a caravan on a public forum!
     
  20. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    Oi! I've got one too :). Only way to get a decent amount of holidays with a young family, short of winning the lottery - and very handy for staying close by heritage lines. Just make sure your tow car has plenty of thrutch ;)
     

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