Cathex Ashford Int > Salisbury 12th December

Never mind. It's not like it's the end of the world is it?
DRS and GBRf don't operate ANY steam locos, so it can't be compulsory for charter train operators to use Tornado.

 

Maybe, particularly in the light of recent events, the A1 Trust are quite particular as to which TOC's they are prepared to approach to operate Tornado? (entirely my personal view I hasten to add).

 

Couple of points here :-

1. The loco has had new liners fitted since the toys went out of the pram, is the issue not now sorted, as the contractor certainly is used on other locos operated by WCRC.
maybe Yorkshire Exile can answer this???
2. "60163 has proved itself reliable beyond expectations", think that is a little unfair, a NEW loco, is being cared for and maintained to the highest of standards, its not "beyond expectations", it is as a result of the maintenance.
That is a lesson that can be learned, of all of the trips run, I can only think of 1 failure (air pump), however, their may be others.

 

The contractor used was approved by WCRC, providing their activity was closely supervised, prior to the work being carried out. As I have said before this is about egos.

 

Unusual to hear Mr Smiths outfit being "dragged over the coals" LOL

 

In the newsletters I get from the A1 trust there's never been mention of reconciling with WCRC and I doubt if they would want to now, there's plenty of work with their own sponsored tours and the Belmond Pullman.

 

Which is great, however, she is now laid up until next year, whilst a shortage of loco's is being talked about, and the obvious answer is staring people in the face.

If that means paying her off quicker, having a larger fund for overhauls etc..., you would think the A1 board would want that, maybe not???

 

Yes I think Tornado is best left where it is and not tainted with WCR blood. Not even sure that WCR has a long term future with steam anyway, reading the latest ORR statement. Sorry but that is my view. The only tours I now book ahead with any confidence are those operated by DBS approved engines and in particular Tornado and Clan Line.

Don

 

Agreed - with all the questions over WCRC its hardly a compelling argument that they are entitled to expect to be entrusted with anyone's loco just to make a few quick quid.

A1 Steam Trust clearly have a business plan that works without running tours under WCRC. Arguably with all the questions raised about crewing on WCRC trips that have lead to the current investigations it might be sensible to stick to BPP work and stay out of the taint that may end up around WCRC. In addition bailing out WCRC now by running on their tours helps WCRC out - staying clear leads to a question in the mindof the operators like SD and RYTC as to whether long term operating with an operator that some reliable locos won't be available to is best - which in turn might lead to pressure to set up a competitor to WCRC. At present WCRC continues to exist because its almost the only option which means it gets most of the work which means no-one else sets up to compete. That circle needs a jolt. Personally the only things I'd book under WCRC would be VT operations because they pretty much ensure their tours are right weight and with well cared for locos.

 

Well said Don couldnt agree more

 

This is the dilemma very easy to say let WC go but that doesn't solve the problem it just introduces further problems. No other TOC has the resources to run the Jacobite which is now vital to the economy of Lochaber.
I wish WCRC well in their task of putting their problems behind them, I know a couple of their management team and there has been a lot of work involved in putting things right. It's almost certain that the current criminal charges will result in a substantial fine but let's hope it's not substantial enough to put them out of business.

 

The MD is reputedly very wealthy indeed so any fine is unlikely to be financially ruinous, being essentially a fiefdom by all accounts. A revoked licence is the bigger threat and the most likely source of motivation to get things right, therefore.
Some genuine competition would also drive up standards too.

 

Interesting points. How are you able to say for sure other TOCs are not interested in certain types of work?

 

Not interested in it, as it is not worth the effort and pays poorly maybe.

Maybe if they refused it, the price may increase, to make it more worth it, however, that's thinking outside the box.

Maybe doing the NR work, gains favour with other sections of rail industry....

 

He is also very unpredictable and not easy to negotiate with and I'm being kind here. I wouldn't be surprised if the sanction is too onerous he will just shut down the company.

 

Would be a surprise because he obviously hasn't invested so much in the steam fleet with any thought to earning the outlay back. The obvious conclusion is he has a personal desire to see his engines on the main line so just shutting it down seems unlikely, even if it means paying a fine to the judicial system.

 

Perhaps the majority of any profit earned are reinvested in the purchase or restoration of motive power? Any fines would therefore slow down the restoration of 34016/35018/44932 etc.

Any revocation of passenger licence would mean no point in completing the overhauls of the above locos.

Personally I hope WCRC are able to sort their issues out and are around for many years to come, operating trains safely. However, I fear eventually they will be kicked once too many times(whether justified or not) and say why bother.