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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

    The repainting of our Mk1 dining train set into fully authentic BR livery is a most welcome development and something I have been hoping to see for many a year. The last time these vehicles carried authentic livery was when they arrived from BR locations in the 1980s. Sc1804 came from Perth, E3108 from Bounds Green and W1909 from Old Oak Common, it's last BR use having been in the St Austell to London Motorail trains. The brown and cream fake Pullman livery was horrid. I doubt it would have been improved by the lining out that was intended but never happened. Similarly, named coaches belong to Pullmans, not Mk1 vehicles. Here's hoping W1909 receives correct 'Restaurant Car' lettering when it's turn comes in the Williton paint bay.

    The maroon being applied (Crimson Lake?) is, I think, a lighter shade to that being applied to the regular service rake of maroon vehicles. Anyone know for sure? When the QB previously sported this livery we used to tell diners to look for the maroon coaches when they returned to Minehead station after their afternoon break in the town. They won't stray far now that the QB is booked to run as an attachment, although the official website suggestion that they sample the Turntable Cafe during their 25 minute layover made me chuckle. Coffee and cake between main course and dessert anyone?

    40 years of dining trains on the WSR is due to be celebrated with the 10th May Sunday luncheon train, although this appears to be rather a big secret officially. The only mention, so far, is a heading above the menu for that day on the official QB web page. A considerable number of QB volunteers, past and present, are intending to book on this train but it needs a bit more promotion to elevate this notable event to the status it surely deserves. It is to be hoped the plc will run this particular train with it's own locomotive, not as an attachment. I am due to meet with JJP on another matter shortly and will take the opportunity to raise this.

    It would be nice to have a temporary display board somewhere around the Railway to publicise this significant landmark in the Quantock Pullman/Quantock Belle history. I have plenty of promotional leaflets, menus, etc from the last 40 years that could be used to illustrate some of the history.

    The QB still has huge untapped potential. I have high hopes for the new business model and hope the welcome step-change in catering offer is going to be matched by a similar level of carefully considered and effective marketing. I have my doubts about the decision to habitually run the train as an attachment but let's see how it goes.

    More than ever, the train needs to at least pay it's way to ensure continued survival. That sadly hasn't happened in most recent times. We now have to thank WSRA for making a considerable investment in their vehicles this winter to ensure the rake is presentable and fit for service in 2020, and hopefully beyond. If you've never sampled the QB, or even if you have done so in the past, book this year and savour the experience.
     
  1. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    It is strange they suggest going to the cafe but I guess they are so used to pointing that out!

    I wonder if the regular maroon coaches are going to be used on the MD set so that the QB vehicles match when it runs as a joint service? Over the years I have noticed the MD rake tends to have the BSK. I think it's only the BSK & one buffet in this livery currently so I assume a few TSOs would need painting over the winter.

    I hope 1909 gets the correct lettering too, something very impressive about dining vehicles when done properly.
     
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  2. That's a brilliant idea. I'm sure a couple of TSOs are due through the paint shop soon, perhaps when the QB set is finished. I'll leave it to you to suggest this to the powers that be though! 8 maroon Mk1s behind 92134 would be a fantastic spectacle.

    One advantage of running the QB as an attachment will be the ability to convey dining passenger wheelchairs and buggies in the service train brake. Until now only folding wheelchairs have been accommodated as the QB rake simply doesn't have space for anything bigger. The removal of disabled passenger advice from the QB official information implies that standard WSR policy will now be applicable in this regard.
     
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  3. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    I notice on Steve Edge's website that Williton is where the QB vehicles are being repainted, but also Minehead are currently repainting a BSO. Maybe they are going to be doing a few more, we can hope at least two are TSOs going maroon as for like you say 8 (or even 9!) maroons behind the 9F at the end of April would be special.
     
  4. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Just the same only painted red...
     
  5. Ian Monkton

    Ian Monkton Member

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    From the Ops Notice, accessible TSO 4876 is also at WN for repainting, but colour is not specified! It would make sense for it to be painted maroon, as that seems to be WN's work at the moment, and it would also give the basic 3-coach essential of accessible TSO + Brake + Buffet.
     
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  6. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    Sorry. Anyone have any news on class 47 *North Star*
     
  7. brauntonians

    brauntonians New Member

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    all quiet on here lately, cutting and track gangs doing a grand job
     
  8. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Don't knock it :eek:
     
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  9. Athelwulf

    Athelwulf New Member

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    I'm interested to know what the cost of electricity is for lighting on the line at night. I note from Railcam UK that lighting at Bishop's Lydeard is left on well into the night - presumably to deter vandals and thieves, who can be picked up on CCTV? And is the railway is legally bound to keep lighting for signals on permanently? If the fields at Norton triangle are not fit for much apart from the Rally would they be suitable in part for solar panels, to offset some of the electricity bills? Money may not be available now but perhaps a consideration in the longer term?
     
  10. paulhitch

    paulhitch Guest

    There are all kinds of movement actuated light switches now, plus light sources which use vastly less energy than in the past. No need to think this issue is more difficult than it is.
     
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  11. 5801

    5801 Member

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  12. malcolm imps

    malcolm imps New Member

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    The Norton triangle fields are fit for most things & are used by local farmers for their sheep flocks & WSRA get the benefits & maybe some kebabs for the Steam Fayre ??
     
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  13. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    Lamb Burgers
     
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  14. Jim O'Brien

    Jim O'Brien New Member

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    BAAAAAHHH
     
  15. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    F7359D71-4055-4BA7-A7FA-019114C45053.jpeg
     
  16. Steam Railway Mag quotes 2019 passenger figure as 155,198 (2018: 181,903).

    Difference attributed to long winter closure, lack of spring gala, marketplace uncertainty and Christmas being well below forecast.

    Despite all this a decent profit of 615k for the 9 months to December is recorded as on target, resulting in cash balances as forecast.

    All attributed to 'a WSR spokesman'.
     
  17. GWR have named HST power car 43122 'Dunster Castle'. A future WSR visitor perhaps.
     
  18. Robin

    Robin Well-Known Member Friend

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  19. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    Sounds good. Changing the subject does anybody know if the GWR shuttle will be running in time for the Spring Gala? The 28 bus is still hourly then which restricts our options by train from home
     

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