West Coast Santa trains 2017

Really? The load will be within the guidelines issued by NR for that time of year with a class 8 up front. Bad weather is not restricted to winter either as a few tours have amply demonstrated this year.

 

That sounds like WCRC covering all eventualities - diesel hauled Carnforth - Lancaster with steam on rear to work train throughout but with diesel on the rear from Lancaster giving the option of remaining on trainset if weather conditions require it; shows WCRC have options planned in advance.

 

With these trains being clearly aimed at families and diners, rather than enthusiasts, I would have thought that a warm train would be a priority - much easier to achieve that with electric train heating.

 

My thoughts exactly. Any protests around authenticity or boxes on the back are pointless. A nice 'santa ' experience in a warm train with a steam loco up front will make a lot of kids and their parents happy.

 

I am sure the theoretically based guidelines will be of great consolation to the crew and passengers should they encounter unassisted difficulties ......

 

You do of course realise that it is the enthusiasts of today who promote steam to the young. It is often todays enthusiasts who take kids to heritage rail and on heritage tours. So it is a sweeping statement to make out that there will not be many enthusiasts on. In dining there are also many enthusiast who choose to pay the extra. Every train is made up of the committed and the interested. Doesn't mean standards should decline.

 

I agree with your general principle but these trains are not the ones to be taking issue with if a diesel is on the back. If it matters to the purists they are well able to seek clarification before travelling and make a choice accordingly.

 

I'll personally be delighted IF? I get to see 35018 working it's second public train in the last 50 or so years on December 3rd.....

To travel behind it will be a huge additional bonus !!

 

OK.

 

I did not say there would not be many enthusiasts on the trains. I merely pointed out that the "target audience" for these trains were families taking thei kids to see Santa and people paying for the experience of enjoying Christmas lunch on the steam train, and I think the vast majority of that audience would prefer a comfortable warm environment to the ice-box conditions that we've experienced in some "steam-heated" tours in the past. I don't like diesels on steam tours, but in this case, if it's a cold day, I don't think anyone should really complain (although I'm sure some will).

 

You know they will complain just look back at older threads,the girls complaining about oil burners etc on the back , as the Everly brothers said So Sad

 

Oh do shut up! The Santa trains are not aimed at enthusiasts, they are aimed at families and they won't give a chuff (see what I did there) about a diesel on the back for insurance. The passengers will want a good day out with all the magic of Santa to entertain the kids. They won't care if there's anything on the back that's not a coal burner. The haulage requirements of any enthusiasts on board are secondary to pleasing the families and entertaining the kids. In fact I would say that anyone booking these trains without wanting to immerse themselves in the family fun is on the wrong train.

 

As I said Ralph its the girls on here who make comments when exhibiting their likeable pics .They should know better but they will never learn

 

Touched a nerve again? And once more you demonstrate how unfit you are for civilised debate. You really should follow your own advice!

Oh and you clearly do not know what the offering is. PART of the train is Santa Special and PART of the train is for a Christmas Dinner which will be occupied to some extent by those who care.

What a strange world where people demand a service for themselves but are happy to fob other off with a substandard offering. Selfish and inconsistent springs to mind.

 

Having concurred with you on certain topics, on this occasion even I think you are on the wrong side of the debate.
The only thing I would urge, in whatever context, is clarity of advertising to allow people the best chance of an informed purchase to suit their personal preferences.

 

You need some tinsel on the hand rails to really give it the festive look.

 

Yawwnnn!