Kent & East Sussex Railway

Without these two locos I probably won’t be going.

 

When it comes to Public Relations, it's a very difficult subject, but what this does show, is that there is a point where the paying customer does start to think, Am I getting good value for my money, too high, and they will find somewhere else to go, not everyone decides weeks in advance to visit somewhere, unless it's a special event, they want to attend, and are able to pay in advance, and get cheaper fares, turn up on the day and seeing a what to some will be an eye watering price will put some off, How we react is important, especially if we are in any way connected to that railway, railways are not cheap days out, now, everything has gotten more expensive, overheads especially are only going one way, and it's not down, and people just don't have the disposable income, But its best to not come across as being confrontable, it's worth remembering that people sometimes do have legitimate concerns,

 

My understanding is that the Bluebell have decided that they need to retain 31065, to cover their own needs.

 

Errr I never said I offered anyone less than the full fare. I saw how much the fare was and turned round. Nobody died, nobody grew a second head. No tissues left the box

 

Thought this was a discussion on a discussion forum? Obviously not allowed....

 

I think that at least part of the problem here, is that special events tend to be aimed at special customers.

There are likely to be a substantial number of people who like to visit 1940s events, and will pay a little extra for the atmosphere.
A person attending casually, and finding a special event in progress is much less likely to be willing to pay extra for the special features which are arranged.

I think this applies to most special events, for example on one of the railways which still run Thomas events, I personally would avoid visiting on that date. Whereas parents with children of an appropriate age are quite likely to appreciate the event.

Heritage railways are increasingly dependent on the revenue from various special events. This also means a lot of dependance on pre-booking.

I too used to like visiting casually, but I accept the current needs.

 

Very well said

I too avoid cerain special events, but I fully realise that the pure enthusiast experience has to take its turn with those other events if the heritage lines are to have a chance of staying broadly as they are.

Which made last Sunday's Mid Hants Watercress festival a blend of both types of event for those of us/just me obsessed with photographing Bulleid's pacifics, especially when in 1960s weathered condition.

From my point of view the line was nicely split into the popular 'public' event between Ropley and Alresford (where the Watercress festival was in progess in the town), and then the bridge just East of Ropley station to Alton where 34070 reigned supreme.

Regarding the KESR 50th anniversary event, I suspect that could be a mixed event. I hope to go but with no mention of 76017 being made now, I will need to examine the timetable and hopefully loco etc roster and see what 31806 and 32678 are due to do. And as for ticket prices, as soon as I see what is on offer and hopefully make a positive decision, I'll pay whatever is being asked for ticket(s) as I believe heritage railways know what is a reasonable price for an event (and the costs involved) far better than I do!

Bryan B

 

The line-up for the 50th Gala has been announced....

https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/698...FIdHm6yDcD2BZdJq-Tgl9asqy-zA_b1uwi5up6PHV86Zj

Robertsbridge
- Britannia
- 66 718
- Class 73/1

TT - Bod
- U Class 31806
- 4MT 76017
- Knowle tbc
- Hastings
+ buckets?

 

Event page on the website confirms the Austerities but doesn't confirm 76017

 

And will 70000 be repaired in time after its failure on its recent loaded test run?

 

Were there not images of it running today on the ECS thread?

 

Must admit that I've not been on that thread today.

 

Yes Wedgie I agree. Its a bit of a journey by public transport now but if I decide to go the price is very much a secondary consideration. The locos are paramount.

 

Wedgie, Is that Bryan's nick name,, from his school days, I shan't ask why

 

It's from when we worked in almost adjacent offices in the SR HQ at Waterloo station - I got the nickname from Don and or others in the office so all knew which of us was being mentioned etc - based on Wedgewood Benn who was an MP at the time!

 

Indeed. They were good days !

 

Apologies if this is answered elsewhere, but what is happening with 'Poplar'? The Terrier Trust website doesn't seem to have been updated since last year, and I haven't seen any news of it since the unfortunate failure at the Bluebell Terrier Gala..

 

Still in the hands of the insurers.....

 

Is anyone at liberty to say what caused Poplar's failure?

 

Nope.