Fellsman Season 2016

Why can't the Fellsman return to the 1980s Cumbrian Coast scenario of Preston - WCML - Carlisle - Furness Coast - Carnforth - Preston; Shap for the hills and Parton for the coast. Perhaps a change of name to the Cumbrian Explorer might be worth considering.

 

As I was planning a Fellsman ride in July I rang Statesman to check what alternative plans are in place - they said a final decision would be made 40days before the first scheduled trip so I did not book and they seemed fine with my comment I would get back to them when they knew what was happening.
With regard to the suggestions being put forward here,it is worth bearing in mind there are pick-ups at Lancaster,Preston,Blackburn,Clitheroe and Long Preston so some of these could not be used for runs along the Cumbrian coast without making the day too long.Out and back to Appleby might work,possibly using 2 engines to/from Hellifield, although it would be difficult for a train load of passengers to find something to do if it's a wet day with the town still recovering from the flood damage earlier in the year.Perhaps coach trips to Carlisle,Penrith or the Lakes could be offered but whether the advertised fares would cover all this is unlikely.

 

I'm booked on the final Fellsman railtour for 2016, as much as I would like to see it run down the S&C as planned it would make a real change to see it go both ways down the cumbrian coast or as was suggested earlier a trip to York running via Lancaster, Hellifield, Keighley & Clapham returning via Brighouse & Copy Pit.

 

The first Fellsman is 15th June, so that is around the 7th May for a final decision. Just over three weeks away.

The Dalesman starts earlier, on the 19th May, so I wonder if there will be an announcement from West Coast first?

 

What is wrong with a Carnforth - Hellifield ecs then Hellifield - Clitheroe - Blackburn - Preston - Lancaster - Carnforth [Water] - Carlisle - Coast - Carnforth [Water] - Lancaster - Preston - Blackburn - Clitheroe - Hellifield then ecs to Carnforth as a circuit. If there is a problem with the circuit perhaps an alternative could be north via the coast and return via Shap but whichever option is taken I venture to suggest that such a "Cumbrian Explorer" itinerary would be equally as popular as the "Fellsman" itinerary

 

Basic question is turning of loco as I understand steam loco on rear travelling tender first is restricted to 45 mph which might affect train running; my plan noted above at least allows for normal turning at Carlisle.

 

The difference is that we are discussing trains carrying passengers when different rules apply I think; ecs movements tend to be less restricted but any passenger-carrying services are more liable to restriction on the grounds of passenger safety. It may also be the case that the recent ORR / WCRC situation has resulted in ORR "trialling" certain restrictions that will be placed on the steam charter market over time; the "fiasco" on Saturday's charter, for example, may be due to the ORR decreeing that trainsets must be either air-brake stock or vacuum-brake stock and not a mix of both hence the only available coach was not compatible with the shortened trainset..

 

What about the Dorset Coast Express as it currently runs? Surely that doesn't go at only 45mph between Weymouth and Southampton Central?

 

Statesman have announced that all 10 Fellsman trains in 2016 have been cancelled due to the closure of the S&C north of Appleby. They also cite the impact of the ORR restriction on the length of trains hauled by Class 5 and 6 locomotives and the retarded market confidence especially in the North West and the reduction in ticket sales following the recent WCRC suspension.

 

How can they partially blame it on the WCR suspension, when surely the main issue was the closure of the S&C which is no great secret. I also would be reluctant to book any tickets knowing full well the S&C will be closed for the majority of 2016. The loading restrictions demanded by the O.R.R also play no effect in people not wanting to book up. No S&C = Lack of interest

 

Sad

 

Shorter trains = less revenue.
I, for one, would be more reluctant to book a WCR tour at the moment compared to another operator which hasn't been suspended from opera. It's an issue of customer confidence.

 

The loading restrictions will come into effect if say that they were trying to make the money back by running say 5 longer trains and transferring passengers over, plus to be fair to them as the NW is the core market for these the issues with WCRC have been quite heavily reported in the mainstream media up here?

I imagine its a whole range of matters which have affected bookings, although as you say I suspect the clsoure of the S&C and thus loss of that leg is the main issue.

Its just a pity there is not time to promote a number of say Preston, Carlisle (via shap) and return via the coast trains, would cover most of the pick up points and be a nice day out with good mileage.

 

I feel for Statesman after all they have been through with their tour program. Last year with 35028 Golden Arrow no show and no Fellsmans this year. This is rough because these are normally sold out trains.