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Welsh Marches Express 12/05/18 (Saphos)

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by andalfi1, May 2, 2018.

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  1. Dobbs0054

    Dobbs0054 Member

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    I agree. As I wrote up thread, this is their trial period. I will watch with interest.
     
    Dobbs0054, May 15, 2018
    #81
  2. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    I'd concur with that, save to add that if the operational plan will necessitate diesel assistance this should be specifically mentioned ideally, rather than simply left to the "expertise" of the customer to deduce. Or use two steam locos!
    Saphos LSL do seem to be attempting to do the right things, on the whole, which bodes well if they end up mostly providing what is purported.
     
    26D_M, May 15, 2018
    #82
  3. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I doubt if anyone on the train was the least bit concerned about a bit of diesel banking on a fraction of the overall mileage. Do we assume that you wrath has now been switched from WCRC to Saphos?
     
    Johnb, May 15, 2018
    #83
  4. class8mikado

    class8mikado Part of the furniture

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    The Grand Hibernian, upto three windows each side, and yes it seems to fly in the face of air-con.
     
    class8mikado, May 15, 2018
    #84
  5. Dobbs0054

    Dobbs0054 Member

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    What wrath? More like your apologist attitude for misleading marketing is universal.

    As others have posted, the Saphos offer was predicated on the diesel being on the back to assist stock movements and provide insurance and the tour would be steam hauled with no diesel assistance. I really don't care who the operator is when they say one thing and do the other. Clearly you are someone who is easy to sell to...
     
    Dobbs0054, May 17, 2018
    #85
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  6. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Whoa there, you can't just go around being even-handed with your criticism! All the accusations of axe grinding, grudges and bias will be undermined and that'll never do
     
    26D_M, May 17, 2018
    #86
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  7. John Merry

    John Merry New Member

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    I was a passenger on this trip. I and my fellow travellers were not amused by the shoving by the 47. Which for the record was considerable and frequent.
    A class 7 with that load would not accelerate from a standstill like it did, even on the level.
     
    John Merry, May 17, 2018
    #87
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  8. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    Someone upthread commented that Saphos were replicating DBC working practices, when it comes to "shovage" looks like that is not the case...
     
    alastair, May 17, 2018
    #88
  9. Dobbs0054

    Dobbs0054 Member

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    I hang my head in shame...
     
    Dobbs0054, May 17, 2018
    #89
  10. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    It certainly looks as though despite the fact that at present the Saphos Trains use DBC footplate crews, the DBC folk seem not to be operating under DBC arrangements. That's unsurprising I guess as, of course, Saphos is a TOC in its own right with separate operating procedures, safety case etc. But the Cardiff experience is definitely a warning message for pure steam folk over future operations that are anywhere other than on the flat.

    I was under the impression that Network Rail and the ORR require the locomotive that is providing the bulk of the propulsion to always be at the head of the train. Presumably when, on balance, it is steam doing the work except when the diesel assists on starts and on hills, the TOC can just get away with it.

    So the jury remains out on this one then.
     
    Big Al, May 18, 2018
    #90
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  11. thegrimeater

    thegrimeater Member

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    How do trains with DBSOs work then?
     
    thegrimeater, May 18, 2018
    #91
  12. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    One power unit, one driver is a big difference for a start.
     
    26D_M, May 18, 2018
    #92
  13. rule55

    rule55 Member

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    The rule book changed several years ago in this regard. I've copied and pasted the relevant bit below:

    Locomotives at both ends of the train or in tandem
    The person responsible: driver

    16.1 Trains with locomotives at both ends of the train
    You can operate a train with powered locomotives at both ends of
    the train in the following circumstances.
    • When the rear locomotives are providing traction power.
    • When the rear locomotives are providing an electrical train
    supply only.

    The change, I believe, was done mostly in order to facilitate the movement of HOBC (high output ballast cleaner) trains which are long and heavy but has also allowed the routine assistance of steam-hauled trains where desired.
     
    rule55, May 18, 2018
    #93
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  14. Bean-counter

    Bean-counter Part of the furniture

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    You surprise me that Saphos are using DBC crews - is that confirmed as being the case for all trips?

    That said, any crew must operate to the SMS of the TOC/FOC which is operating the train in question.

    Steven
     
    Bean-counter, May 18, 2018
    #94
  15. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Well it's lucky then that as far as my experiences tell me and based on what some DBC folk have said, DBC crews just don't like the tail gunner providing any help. But as Cardiff demonstrated, if you set up the impossible then they have no choice.
     
    Big Al, May 18, 2018
    #95
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