Vintage Trains 2016/17 Tours

You won't stop people wondering though. RTC and SD returned to the fray almost as soon as WCRC got permission to start operating again. VT have not. Probably a very good reason but still a bit of a mystery to the outsider. As you say though, time will tell.

 

I find it ironic, that there is always complaints about chat on a chat group

 

VT as an almost self sufficient operation would seem the most likely to look at other options as they only need a TOC for drivers and safety case, therefore not having to change their source of rolling stock or locomotives should they leave the WCRC fold.

Again pointless speculation but I wonder whether they would be looking at some manner of JV with either an existing TOC (who wished to get into the steam market) who possibly working with experienced railwaymen who can bring the knowledge of train operation to establish a much needed new model - I wonder in fact if they are working with many of the experts on here?

As VT have (quite sensibly and rightly) always worked to protect the integrity of their collection I would suggest that the first sign of some development would be a new ltd company being established to develop the concept protecting and keeping it separate from the core collection?

All completely pointless speculation but hey its wasted 10 minutes whilst I supposed to be doing a job I cannot be bothered to do!

 

But (an entirely friendly observation) really how does this differ from the hundreds of posts which have been confidently (and in many cases gleefully) predicting the demise of WCRC for the last 12 months, especially from those who claim to be ITK and thus could potentially have commercial reasons for peddling such speculation as informed fact? These have serious commercial implications for the company and possibly more importantly those they employ?

 

I completely and absolutely disagree with you. No-one actually knows so they are not revealing confidential commercial information. Speculation and discussion about events, scenarios, reasons, actions and consequences is after all one of the main purposes of having an internet forum.

 

I think you're in the same boat as King Canute.

 

In my opinion, those really in the know, about important stuff like commercial operations and contract discussion are going to keep their gobs shut. If they couldn't be trusted to do that they wouldn't be in the know!

 

It does amaze me that when someone dares to speculate about issues which may offend or upset one of the big boys, it is jumped on by those trying to stop it. The joy (and fun) of posting a range of topics including controversial ones, is what stimulates dozens of regular posters on NP. One example is Vintage Trains. I think it is fair to speculate over why they have not announced resumption of tours. I think it is fair to ask "why no news?" or "has WCR sacked them or visa versa?"or "has VT sacked WCR?" etc etc.

Take away the controversial postings and you have a dull, sterile forum. The message is, don't be afraid. As long as you are not breaking the law, carry on with your postings of all sizes and content. Good or bad.

 

Literally speaking yes and of course his name wasn't really Canute but the correct Norse(?) spelling is a little near the knuckle if you get my drift.

 

Proximal Phalanx ?

 

So you've never speculated at all on this forum then.

 

King Canute didn't have a boat. That was why he got his feet wet...

Edit: others got there first.

Further edit: He was a much misunderstood king ...

Tom

 

It would be better if personal favouritism were kept out of the equation, like the WCR doomsayers, the DBS acolytes, Axes weren't ground and vendettas exposed. It would also be better if comment was grounded more on practical, experienced, common sense deduction and conclusions.

Using those criteria, it is strange that VT are very quiet on future operations, therefore it is it is not unreasonable to speculate about it, and logical to conclude something might have happened behind the scenes between WCR and VT

Now if anyone would care to throw their toys out of their pram about that comment, they are welcome, always room for debate from the unhinged.

 

I wonder if it is a big hole, at least in terms of net income? In the 2014 accounts (which are consolidated with Tyseley Loco Works), there is only around £50,000 of gross income, and presumably running trains takes staff resources away from their overhaul activities i.e. not running trains may be no big deal in immediate financial terms.

 

Actually a popular misconception. Canute was not trying to stop the tide coming in. Quite the opposite, he was showing that he did not have the power to stop the tide.

 

Criticisms of speculation mystify me. Sometimes, someone speculating has an idea that the person/company that is the subject of the speculation has not thought about. Often they are good ideas that can and do get taken up. Indirect input.