West Somerset Railway General Discussion

HIT don't want the heritage railway themed Thomas events. They are considered to be a rival for their own theme park versions, which are far more profitable to them. That's the reason for the high level of take from those that continue with such events.

 

In 2008, they had a spat with Swanage Railway. Bournemouth's Daily Echo reported:

"
The railway were forced to pull their traditional February half-term Thomas event as licensees HIT Entertainment were demanding Fat Controllers undergo proper training'.

Swanage Railway were left steaming and described the new conditions imposed on them, and other rail companies across the country, as "totally over the top".

Now, HIT have said Swanage Railway's comments to the press in relation to the issue were a "breach of confidence" and they were "forced to conclude" it was no longer feasible to work with them.

It seemingly puts an end to more than two decades of popular Thomas occasions on the Isle of Purbeck, although the railway defiantly insist the half-term fun will continue.

David Green, assistant to the general manager at Swanage Railway, said HIT had "shot themselves in the foot" over the spat.

He said: "Thomas, as far as we are concerned, is history and we are going forward with our family fun days. We are not the only railway in the country who has pulled the plug on Thomas, which would suggest it is no fault of ours.

"Life goes on. We hope our events will still capture the imagination of the public."

HIT's new stipulations dictated anyone playing the Fat Controller at Thomas events were to go on a training course to achieve "a high level of performance".

At least 11 other rail companies have not been offered new Thomas contracts by HIT, while several others have withdrawn themselves."

Robin L.

Full article here:-

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2019788.thomas_trips_may_have_hit_the_buffers/

 

This HIT/ Thomas the Tank Engine exchange just shows me all over again what is so sick about the modern world, in which Britain and USA are perhaps the most obsessed with money.

We can't let kids have any harmless fun, based on the work of the Reverend Awdry many years ago, without turning it into a money spinner for some greedy investor who buys up the rights. Add in, for good measure, some good old British elfansafety and child protection hysteria, and this is what we get.

OK, call me naïve etc, but it just makes me feel sick.

John

 

If it keeps them happy, what is the problem?

 

I didn't suggest it was a problem - merely an observation.

 

I believe that on the Bluebell, the licensors tries to suggest that the Bluebell should pay a fee in order to operate "Stepney the Bluebell engine" until it was pointed out that the engine predated the character by rather more than 80 years. Even so, that was pretty much the beginning of the end, even though the Bluebell has a more direct link to the books than any other standard gauge line; I don't think we have run a Thomas event since 2007. We have a different event on that weekend and it certainly always seems to be busy, while having I suspect considerably lower costs.

Tom

 

Should anyone be interested, I see Minehead will soon have a further accomodation option. From their website, a new Premier Inn is opening on Seaward Way, together with a new Brewers Fayre pub, early in Feb 2017.

Hopefully this will provide more customers for the WSR, and also be of use for the regular volunteers and supporters. Personally I like their early breakfast buffet from 6.30 a.m. on weekdays, or 7 a.m. at weekends, giving more time out and about when visits are limited.

I'm not sure of the exact location, because it doesn't appear on StreetView yet. It seems to be within 15 min. walk of MH station - I wonder if anyone could confirm that?

Usual disclaimers, and other hotels are available.

 

Google is your friend! It shows the address as

Seaward Way, Minehead TA24 6DF

 

More like within 5 minutes of MD station.

Robin

 

Thanks Robin.

 

Actually Robin, I think you're being a bit optimistic (unless you walk very quickly); from the gate by the turntable to Morrison's is near enough five minutes, and then you need to cut through and go past Tesco; I think you'd be pushed to do it in less than 10 minutes.

 

Does it matter? It's additional accommodation and it's close to the station. Good news all round. <BJ>

 

To be fair to Ron, he is probably right. I am fairly fit, and as a signalman I view the station from the level crossing end, which is near the new hotel.

I hear that they believe that a certain amount of their trade will be folk arriving 'the day before' for Butlins 'book in'. And perhaps they might be looking for something to do on that day......

Robin

 

Am I allowed to say that Premier is my favourite chain?

John

 

The costs payable to the Licensor has risen and he controls far more things now than in the past but we have changed the way we stage the event is run to reduce our costs and so it is still worthwhile to run ours. That at the end of the day is what its all about.

Brian

 

That's OK if your railway feels it is still worthwhile. However... consider risks and rewards....the railway takes the risks (hiring, advertising, weather, attendees etc.) and the Licensor takes a fee..I assume regardless of the weather, attendance etc....
The result could well be that HIT takes a fee or however you describe it, and the railway (who provides the "show") may not make a bean, or worse may make a loss.

Robin L

 

Incoming charter train hauled by 34046 just left Frome 26 mins late.

 

What was the number of the diesel on back of charter train?

 

47 666

 

Duff of the devil, then.....

Robin