Fellsman Season 2016

The Fellsman is a regular programme that runs up and down the Settle and Carlisle line every Wednesday from June till August, and with the news that the S&C will be shut for the remainder of 2016 due to the landslip will the tour either be re-routed along the Cumbrian Coast or go via Shap summit. Statesman Rail are still stating that the tour will be going via the S&C and still have tickets on sale for the public.

 

Shouldn't have to. What they are selling online is what they should be able to deliver. With the S&C out of commission for the rest of the year it really is miss selling.

 

Up until now, there's been a hope that the line would be open by the time the Fellsman gets going. However, now that it's clear it won't be, it's time for Statesman to acknowledge that and at least say whether they're looking at alternatives or just cancelling. In previous years, many of their passengers have been on coach and other package holidays, so the dynamic is slightly different from RTC et al.

 

Can I just say that this constant 'promoter bashing' is really getting on my wick!

The situations (WCRC and now S&C updates to name only two) are changing daily. I cannot and do not speak for Statesman, however our priority at VT has always been to firstly notify the existing passengers of any operational changes and then update the website. If you do it the other way around, you end up with several angry passengers complaining that they read something on the internet before they were contacted.

I bet if you book online, you will get a very pleasant phone call or email within an hour explaining what is going on, what the alternate plan is and what your options are.

 

Last update I had off them was that a single track section with a speed restriction in place might be ready intime for the season, but im not too sure about this as the season kicks off in 3 months time and the work hasn't yet begun because the grounds still moving.

 

So, now that WC are back, what happens with the Fellsmans?
I wonder if the following is being looked at (anti diesel on the back brigade look away now)

Steam Preston to Appleby, 47 on the back. 47 back to Hellifield, steam on the back. Steam Hellifield to Preston via Clapham, 47 on the back.

Gives a bit of variety route wise (I like Settle Jct - Carnforth scenery wise), but the only trouble (so long as a path is available) would be the amount of time in Appleby. As these paths have been booked in advance, is NR responsible for paying for road transport on to Carlisle?

 

Think you mean the Fellsman, as per the title of the thread. The Dalesman starts in York (and is still advertised as Carlisle via the S&C on the West Coast website!)

 

No, no Ralph. Far easier to go on line and moan about it on a forum.

 

Thanks for that, now corrected....but now you mention it, what happens to the Dalesmans - a return to the Harrogate circle Scarborough Spa's?

 

I don't think Harrogate will ever see steam again, but perhaps the closure of the S&C will prompt a return to the Wakefield circle SSEs.

 

Exactly Ben. I'm sure that those involved will update their information when there is something to tell. Until then we will just have to be patient.

 

Shap and back via the Coast would be the best option. Maintains servicing and destination time along with great scenery.

Ops team and loco watering have it off to a fine art.

 

Any particular reason why?

 

Never say never, but there are two reasons why it is unlikely. One is the current traffic density over the line and the other is the bridge clearance problem at Hornbeam Park.

Peter James

 

Speaking as one who has just moved into a house with a garden overlooking the Coast line that sounds like a jolly fantastic idea!

 

A third reason is finding paths into and out of Leeds on the York line. You can't get from the Harrogate line to the avoiding line past Holbeck shed down to Hunslet I don't think.

Will the SSEs really return? They were chalked off two years running in 2013 and 14.

Possibly another option for the Fellsman might be Preston--Lancaster--Hellifield--Leeds avoiding line--Castleford--York returning via Brighouse and Copy Pit. York would be an attractive destination. But I agree probably Workington is going to see more steam than for many a year.

 

Dalesman could always run ECML - Low Fell and Tyne Valley instead to Carlisle. Turn and then reverse.