West Somerset Railway General Discussion

The principle problem is that it is amateur and there is little discipline. I have known of a person who, having turned up on a day when the attraction was closed, proceeded to badmouth something she had not actually experienced. Someone then had to use precious time to reply but of course was constrained from replying in the sort of language she deserved!

Paul H

 

An interesting stat from yesterday's Pullman, given that it carried, I believe, 218 passengers at £395 a head, is that the fare revenue was £86,110.........

Robin

 

Perhaps suggesting that the QB offering needs to be relevant to 2016 & be worth crossing a county or two for?

(and can the QB set livery be adjusted to make it authentic at the next opportunity rather than being theme park pseudo Pullman?)

 

When is the next volunteer information day for new volunteers

 

No need to wait Tony, e-mail Mel Hillman here volunteers@wsrail.net and he'll get the ball rolling for you. Or if you know what you fancy doing then speak to the relevant Station Master or head of department. They don't bite. There is a form to fill in called an R1, I think you can get these from MD office but if you e-mail they will send you one anyway. If you are stuck PM me and I'll get the ball rolling for you.

Same applies for anybody else interested.

 

(and can the QB set livery be adjusted to make it authentic at the next opportunity rather than being theme park pseudo Pullman?)[/QUOTE]

The livery is perfect for it's intended use - normal people rather than the railway livery police.

 

To follow up yesterdays, unofficial gala

Fowler 4F 0-6-0 44422 Approaching Watchet 14th May 2016

Class 35 D7017 Kentsford 14th May 2016

Class 42 D832 Onslaught, Kentsford 14th May 2016

DB Cargo Class 59/2 59201 Mineral Lane Bridge Watchet 14th May 2016

Class 42 D832 Onslaught, Castle Hil 14th May 2016

 

LMS 7F 2-8-0 53808 & 4F 0-6-0 44422 passing Castle Hill on the Pines Express 14th May 2016

Class 42 D832 Onslaught, approaching Castle Hil 14th May 2016

Class 35 D7017 Castle Hill 14th May 2016

GWR Manor 4-6-0 7828 Odney Manor Castle Hill 14th May 2016

Class 35 D7017 & Class 14 D9526 ,Running back to depot. Castle Hill 14th May 2016

DB Cargo Class 59/2 59201 Castle Hill 14th May 2016

DB Cargo Class 59/2 59201 Castle Hill 14th May 2016

 

Great photos, almost a mini gala

 

I hate to argue but I don't agree. It might look fine from a distance but up close it looks unfinished. The stock is painted to look like Pullman stock so why not do it correctly?

 

I hate to argue but I don't agree. It might look fine from a distance but up close it looks unfinished. The stock is painted to look like Pullman stock so why not do it correctly?[/QUOTE]
I agree. If it had been done properly I'd object less. As it is I'm really not keen on it.

 

I hate to argue but I don't agree. It might look fine from a distance but up close it looks unfinished. The stock is painted to look like Pullman stock so why not do it correctly?[/QUOTE]

I would suggest that there are rather more pressing issues with the QB to be dealt with. The whole concept needs to be examined in detail to establish the real running costs so that it can be established what sort of service can, or should be, offered in future. At present it bears little comparison with that on a true Pullman service. That is not to denigrate the hard work of the existing volunteer crews in any way. The management need to decide how to best use the expertise they already have.

 

I hate to argue but I don't agree. It might look fine from a distance but up close it looks unfinished. The stock is painted to look like Pullman stock so why not do it correctly?[/QUOTE]

Indeed - and in a minor way it highlights an important identity crisis on the WSR.

Is the WSR to become a P&DR Mk 2?
or (hopefully) does it aim to portray the railway scene of the SW as accurately as possible within the context of moving 200,000 passengers per year?

 

Indeed - and in a minor way it highlights an important identity crisis on the WSR.

Is the WSR to become a P&DR Mk 2?
or (hopefully) does it aim to portray the railway scene of the SW as accurately as possible within the context of moving 200,000 passengers per year?[/QUOTE]

A set of Mark I coaches can make a very effective and comfortable restaurant on wheels.

BUT they are not Pullmans and mislead if they try to be. Indeed the 'Pullman' name and brand is valuable intellectual property and an offence is committed if coaches are so painted without permission.

The present 'livery' of the Quantock Belle is yet another marker of the wrong path the former Trustees we're on. And a return to an appropriate, historically correct, livery would be another positive marker on the road to propriety.

Robin

 

Can anybody post photos on this thread?
I have lots of lovely wagon photos....WSR wagons........?


:-(

Nick

 

I wouldn't complain Nick!

 

A set of Mark I coaches can make a very effective and comfortable restaurant on wheels.

BUT they are not Pullmans and mislead if they try to be. Indeed the 'Pullman' name and brand is valuable intellectual property and an offence is committed if coaches are so painted without permission.

The present 'livery' of the Quantock Belle is yet another marker of the wrong path the former Trustees we're on. And a return to an appropriate, historically correct, livery would be another positive marker on the road to propriety.

Robin[/QUOTE]

Would you care to expand on the supposed identity crisis on the WSR as opposed to he WSRA? The QB livery seems a side issue that the WSRA have to sort out. At present it offers a reasonable three course meal at price much more than double that which might be paid in many local pubs offering wider choice and similar quality. There are higher priorities than the QB at the present time and, as has been made clear there are no sacred cows so it is possible QB may have to go. Heads for the bunker!

 

I can't see the WSR becoming at all like the Paignton (Dartmouth Steam Railway) line. The eastern end has a bustling town and easy access to the sea and neighbouring Torquay whilst the western terminus has the very historic and lovely town of Dartmouth. Churston serves Brixham and Greenway (as does Greenway Halt for those who like a walk). Once in Dartmouth you have the companies pleasure craft for river cruises , the Paddle Steamer Kingwear Castle, and a a sea cruise or two. There is a tremendous variety for a day out which is what the DSR is all about. As far as the railway is concerned whilst it is a short line it does offer, for part of each direction, some sounds of steam locos very hard at work: it also travels through some of the finest scenery in England.

 

The livery is perfect for it's intended use - normal people rather than the railway livery police.[/QUOTE]

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As patrons of the QB I have to say that Mrs B (and any guests we sometimes have with us) is untroubled by the lack of authenticity with the livery. Rather it is the totality of the experience, the ambience and the standard of performance of the staff in particular, which encourages repeat visits. So just as a personal observation, whatever does need sorting on the QB, livery doesn't seem a priority.

 

When will the loco roster for May 30th be available, does anyone have any idea what it will be?