The Great Britain VIII

In this case is it?

Genuine question given the circumstances.

My guess, it will run with WCRC coaching stock, if (and I'm assuming this) DBS can fill the void, it will be box hauled with, if you're lucky, some steam haulage...........

 

Yes that makes sense as it'll be WCR who speak to DBS, or whoever about picking up the work. They will then communicate what's possible to the RTC. Yes, passengers will not be told until the last minute most likely,but that's nothing new with steam tours of course.

 

Although it's principally for WCRC to negotiate with DBS, I expect it will actually be a 3-way or even 4-way discussion with RTC getting involved and probably NR too, when checking the acceptability of alternative routes, timings, etc. It's not just changes to routes, but the consequences of using different locos. For example, there may need to be extra or different light engine moves, changes to stops for crew changes, watering, etc.

 

Well I certainly hope it's that kind of discussion, and hopefully this experience will lead to more joined up thinking / operating in future. That can only be a good thing.

 

one slight problem, Does DBS have any vacuum braked kocos? as doesnt WCRC have a limited number of Air brake Coaches, and with their safety case suspended, no WCRC stock will be allowed on to NR metals surely

 

WCRC coaches ran with DBS class 67s and traincrew last weekend so no issues there.

 

Yes, I think it's already been stated that WCR's stock hiring arm is unaffected by the suspension of its license to operate as a TOC.

 

Yes, I worded that poorly.

It must be very awkward for RTC at the moment. Do they hold on as late as possible and wait for WCRC to say it can't run, or cancel it now so people have time to change their plans, but leaving themselves liable for the costs. As has been mentioned, there's eight nights worth of hotels and nine days worth of food that might need to be cancelled. People will have taken annual leave to do the tour, booked hotels in London before and afterwards, need to put dogs in kennels etc. There's a group of Germans coming over again as well. I hope they have travel insurance!

 

Most of WCRs mark 1s are dual braked, dual heated.
There is no such thing as a "safety case" since 2006.
TOCs have Safety Certificates underpinned by Safety Management Systems. All approved by ORR.

 

The irony would be DBS operating the GB VIII and using 60163.

 

It would indeed. Sadly I can't see 60163 being finished in time...

 

You could still shove the rolling chasis et al in front of the box, as a "show pony" with DCC, amplifiers & speakers in the smokebox............... and the footplate crew could act as pilot men to let the driver in the box know the road ahead................ ...........

 

To me it will be about Tuesday next week when they have to decide if they have to pull the plug, as if there are people coming from Australia they will need time to change their plans and if the train trip is their first part they will want a chance to book hotels etc to cover the tour dates before they leave.

 

There are definitely people coming from Australia for the tour, currently sitting in Hong Kong Airport trying to find out the latest news via National Preservation! Flying by the seat of your pants is an obvious prerequisite to be a railway enthusiast.

 

could it run diesel hauled through out? by using DRS locos, they have vacuum braked locos on their books, , 47's 37's so all WCRS would be is the stock provider, not ideal, but at least the tour would still run

 

No they don't. DRS locos are all air braked.

 

am i getting them mixed up with another TOC, Devon and cornwall railways? but do they cover or know the routes

 

but surely,while it might be OK with some,diesel throughout would be a travesty compared with the original plan. RTC would have to offer refunds to those who wanted them,wouldnt they?

 

At last WCR have managed to source a loco and coaching stock for the GB VIII.