Cumbrian Coast Express 9/4/16

Well I've read everything posted on here about yesterday's non-event at Preston and this is a summary of what happened (from my point of view) - much has already been said.

We arrived at Preston station at 10.10 (knowing from RTT that the train was running late) so as the original departure was 10.26 we were about 30 mins early for its expected arrival. On checking the screen we found that the train was showing "cancelled", another check of RTT confirmed that it was still heading in our direction. There were 2 or 3 announcements which stated that our train was cancelled due to about 3 words that were absolutely unintelligible - this was not due to poor acoustics but to some need by the announcer to state what followed as some sort of catchphrase in his best announcer's jingle style.

So a conflict, screens say cancelled, RTT shows still on way - what would you do? If it wasn't cancelled and we left, we'd be a no show and no refund. I was convinced it was a mix-up and we would be picked up shortly. About 10.35, I checked this forum, #18 - RalphW - lost a coach before it left Southall, standing room only - I wasn't looking forward to a long stand. Well I didn't get one as at about 10.40 the train came into view and as it moved down the platform it was obvious that it wasn't going to stop. I don't know if I can adequately convey the feelings of disbelief, bewilderment and anger, but mostly a genuine feeling of abandonment, when something you had been looking forward to is suddenly taken away with no explanation.

# 21 - RalphW - "really full only 4 empty seats" - so that's 4 of us could have got on.

# 46 - 30567 - "RTC informed by WCRC that it would take a couple of hours to add a coach at Carnforth and they (RTC) decided they couldn't afford that sort of delay". So a coach was available at Carnforth, despite all sorts of assertions to the contrary it was possible - but not desirable! Big Al # 96 has clearly detailed how this could be done WITHOUT ANY DELAY, I agree. The offer should have been made to those boarding at Preston, stand until Carnforth (say 40 mins max.) then we'll take you to a new coach at the front of the train. If you want the "bells and whistles" - free tea, coffee and bacon roll as recompense for standing (and this stops Preston boarders wandering the length of the train to the buffet). For the same reason, after turning the 3 vehicles, the new coach should be shunted with the support coach to the rear of the train. Had WCRC sufficient notice to extricate, prepare and couple a spare coach behind the support coach. The coaches were due off Southall WCR at 05.25, 46100 and coach left Carnforth Steamtown at 10.03 - enough time?, not according to WCRC!

# 106 - GWR4707 - I agree RTC should have a visible presence at all departure stations. It is RTC's responsibility, and no-one else's, to ensure that passengers are kept informed of changes. "An RTC waist-coated" person on every departure platform with mobile phone access to Train Manager sounds spot on. I nominate Ralph for Preston (only joking!). I have been on Preston when information about excursions from Virgin was good; yesterday was unacceptable - but it's not their job, I'm sure that they've enough to do.

# 109 - RalphW - "why should RTC or WCR have to provide you [anyone on this forum] with these facts" - agreed. However, as an abandoned passenger I feel that RTC should have to provide me with those facts (and provide them to the other passengers if they desire). I have no contractual relationship with WCRC. However, as a result of the questions I ask RTC, they may or may not wish to obtain information from WCRC - up to them; it won't stop me asking. One question I will expect an answer to is how can you sell me 2 tickets for specific seats on the train, in a carriage that was still part of the consist but let someone else sit there and not me and Mrs W.

There was statement somewhere that the failure to stop at Preston could be construed as cowardice on the part of RTC staff. I'm sure it was just for reasons of operational expediency, still if the train had stopped . . . after all what's a small delay between friends, I seem to remember waiting 4 hours last year for a CME to turn up and ending up with 20 mins in Applebly.

I hope that I haven't blamed anyone for anything I firmly believe that if something goes wrong then its the system that needs to change.

Ah well, tomorrow is another day and I foresee a telephone conversation (at least for a starter) between Oswald T Wistle in the blue corner and RTC . . .

I'll keep you posted.

 

Two words - CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Yes many posting here were not on the train. BUT many on here also have experiences in the past of a cavalier attitude towards customer service and respect for those who actually fund the running of the trains - paying customers. Many have been customers of RTC/WCRC. That combination is looking toxic. Whilst all parties pulled off a feat with the Midday Scot, DBC showed the way forward with the way they organised the day.

So some of us may not have been on yesterdays train, HOWEVER, we are looking at the programmes ahead with a view to booking during the next few months. Does yesterdays trip and the apologists for the debacle at Preston make us feel confident in booking an RTC/WCRC tour. I'm not sure. They need to placate the many who are past and potential customers. Simple business maxim - the best prospect for future business comes from existing customers.

 

Thanks for responding Ralph. Unless you are aware of something that I am not then I suspect both of us know just how slim the chances of WCR providing any facts really are, considerably less likely than hell freezing over. As I have already said I have no particular criticism of RTC in respect of yesterday's debacle and it is possible that @meltonnorth or another poster speaking on behalf of RTC may yet reply and provide the clarification sought from WCR in exchange for the tens of thousands of pounds that yesterday's tour will have cost.

I'm not sure who you mean by "all and sundry" but presumably it would include the gentleman referred to in post number 86, Oswald T Wistle (who made several posts yesterday), his wife or the numerous others left standing at Preston. Having collectively paid somewhere between £3000 - £4000 for that privilege I am not sure that referring to them in those terms will be productive in terms of either good PR or future bookings.

If you were not acting in your official capacity as a steward yesterday then of course I can understand your reluctance or inability to provide the information sought and I am sure all reading this can accept that you were not at fault. The problem is that in your posts you have, perhaps inadvertently, given the impression that you were speaking in some official capacity.

I'm sorry that you believe my remarks on this issue unfair Alan, I try to be objective on matters such as this. As per my response to him (above) all Ralph's remarks yesterday seemed to be in the nature of condemning speculation by those not able to join the train compared with the informed/official view from on board. I'm sure that his remarks about the train manager doing his best all the way from Euston are correct, my contention would be that the problem was known to WCR at Southall at least 05.25 or earlier.

You ask why I think Ralph "would know, or be told". The answer is simple, Ralph's posts yesterday imply having that knowledge based on his "inside" status.

You are of course quite right. If an answer were to be forthcoming to that very simple question it would go a long way to dispelling the speculation of which Ralph is so critical.

 

Surely the situation that occurred yesterday has to be sorted between the parties involved and not Nat Pres.
Why should WCR or RTC come on here and comment
Fred Kerr seems to have a sensible theory in his post above
If Newcastle do get relegated I will be blaming WCR and citing points failure lol xx

 

Delighted you had a good day Martin. 46100 is a splendid loco in terms of both performance and appearance.

Please though, spare a thought for those left out in the cold at Preston.

 

What do you mean IF......

 

Does anybody remember when 45000 on arrival at Carnforth had a hot box on the tender and they borrowed the 8f tender and continued.

 

I am genuinely pleased that those on board were treated to what appears to have been an excellent run. I am, of course, extremely annoyed that I was not permitted to be one of them. As regards reseating I hope that you weren't sitting in Mrs W's seat - she WILL find out, and then . . .

 

Yes , but it was 45110. The tour was the 'Laird of Stranraer' over the late May Bank Holiday in 2000.
45110 was not well that weekend, never went to Stranraer and failed at Lockerbie on the return. One of the things which if I recall correctly led to the SVR withdrawing from main line steam running.

edited to add - and the hero of that weekend 45407 of course

The world has changed somewhat since then !

 

Ah so that's why Utd lost at Spurs another West Coast own goal Henry lol

 

Whoopee! The window boys are back! Time to book some tours, me thinks!

 

Please, please, do not attempt to defend the indefensible. There can be no one on the forum who does not have the greatest sympathy for those left stranded on Preston station and to witness the train pass through before their very eyes must have caused great distress to those who had made their way to Preston, probably from far off locations. We've heard from Western Nobleman of the reaction of a passenger who went home because it was announced or displayed as cancelled only to hear that it did run albeit without a Preston stop. He is very angry and has vowed never to travel again. There will be others with the same view. Surely the ultimate blame rests with the operator of the tour. Accurate information could and should have been made available for those passengers. That didn't happen. On Steam Dreams tours, the pick up stations have at least one representative from Steam Dreams who provides updates for passengers awaiting the steam service. Why was their no representative from RTC on Preston platform to assist the 30-or so passengers there. To say that this is a very poor show is a major understatement.

 

I hope they catch the graffiti 'artist' responsible for that!

 

My sentiments entirely. Cold comfort for those stranded on Preston station!

 

You can't ever win Ralph and I don't blame for not trying again .

 

Try telling that to the people left behind at Preston? No, I wasn't one of them. But I am still allowed my say. Reading between the lines, again you imply anyone " never been involved in the charter business" as you put it are "keyboard experts" & not allowed an opinion. Sorry, but I beg to differ.

 

This is getting silly now Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

Ralph its easy and gutless to hide behind a keyboard the men are the ones who go face to face , any time any day ,ah I hear Wings