GWSR Broadway Developments

Quite likely done under an engineers possession.

 

do you mean he who's name we dare not Speak , the one they call wibnamort

 

Don't know what you are going on about. Just avoid the place becoming yet another clonal steam railway and too much money being frittered under the influence of W.I.B.N.

PH

 

Out of interest, (I can't believe I'm doing this) where does WIBN fit when the "nice thing" is appropriate to adding to the heritage? E.g. wooden window frames, which cost more and require more maintenance.

Oh and you'll be pleased to know that we're expanding our on train catering to include the DMU this year, isn't that nice.

 

I was thinking more of Honeybourne; a classic bit of W.I.B.N.

There is a limit to the amount of tea anyone can drink.

PH

 

Agreed, and you know I've always agreed with you on that point.

Try me! It goes to show that there clearly is a market for it, our commercial department are a wily bunch and they won't suggest things like this willy nilly.

 

Stop goading the grumpy dragon.

 

You are being the grumpy one IMHO. Alex and I broadly agree on the matter of Honeybourne.

PH

 

Then you'll condemn the GWSR to remain forever more in the Second Division of heritage railways. Hopefully there will be others with more vision.
Time, as they say, will tell.........

 

Yes
PH

 

That's not very nice.

The GWSR getting to Broadway *will* propel us into the premier league of heritage railways. 15 miles; a beautiful Cotswold village at one end and a gateway to Cheltenham at the other (flat rates of £7 for a taxi into the town centre new for this year). New build groups want to base their engine builds here, we have a strong home fleet of 5 ex-mainline steam locos with an appropriate number under overhaul, 3 rakes of carriages with a huge C+W department to maintain them, I could go on...

 

See you there later this month then.

 

On reflection,it was a bit unkind but it is the easiest thing in the world to start spending rather more money than you have.

PH

 

I am not sure how useful it is to think about "premier leagues" and "2nd divisions", and if the mark of "greatness" is length then it rather runs down some excellent shorter railways. Size isnt everything.

 

But we're not. The fact that Honeybourne is "there" for one day is great, it means we still have potential, and people like that. That's no reason to harp on about it every time someone optimistically suggests it because they're excited that the GWSR is going places.

 

I've never suggested the railway spends money it doesn't have. The railway didn't have the money to extend to Broadway until fund-raising for that purpose began.

 

I couldn't agree more. The K&WVR is one of the best. But in my opinion a main-line connection is required to be 'premier' league. A railway which has a declared aim of reconnecting, and is working towards it, comes close, especially if a main-line station is nearby, so the GCR is undoubtedly premier league. But a railway which is content to remain isolated, and only accessible by road transport, however good in all other respects, will always be second division in my view.

 

...... and we've got to leave something for future generations to get their teeth into, or where's the challenge?

One factor with the Honeybourne link (if, when, as it occurs) is that there'd almost have to finally be some decision on who gets to reinstate the southern rail link into Stratford-upon Avon. My money is still on a single track installation justified as a diversionary freight line.

Wicked thought for the day: Is anyone giving odds on Chiltern services coming into Broadway from the north?

In the meantime, I'm quite content to praise the G-WSR extension teams for a fine job well done and wish all on the line a highly successful operating season.

 

As chiltern only run a sulky service to SOA I would say a million to one on. More likely to be either who ever has the W.Mids franchise or who has the Great western franchise. Making an assumption wont happen in this franchise - love to be proved wrong.

If SOA - Honeybourn is reinstated it is IMHO more likely that a circular would run. Snow Hill, Stratford, Honeybourn, Worcester FS Kidderminster Stourbridge J - Snow Hill - other stations omiyted for ease of post

 

Wychaevon counsellors seem quite keen on those two particular stops one day, although I think they were hoping via steam train!