GWSR Broadway Developments

It isn't actually, CRC, Gotherington, Winchcombe and Toddington boxes would all have been staffed. I think there was some rationale for the random stop originally, but AFAIK everyone's agreed with you that it's a bit daft, I doubt it'll be there next year, same with the similar stop at Winchcombe on the middle up trip on the 2 train timetables.

 

It’s actialky quite an important 20 mins. Firstly the driver has to get the token back into the machine, then when 3 locos are in use, we are told to use the column on the end of p2 as the tank at crc is tight on capacity if all crews use it.
Finally and most importantly, this is one if the stops for the crews. We’re already split shifting (4 crews for last weekends 3 engine diagram) and we don’t get a lot of time anywhere. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops next year.

 

I offer post 12631 on https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/west-somerset-railway-operations.508987/page-632 for the Courts review m'lud.

 

My mistake Andy. The time allowed for the token is usually quite short on other timetables though? But you're right, I'd forgotten about the water stop - I imagine that'll be especially important when we get 4270 back. The impression I got was that the 20 minute break wasn't really long enough to be worth much so might as well not bother, but if others think it is worthwhile fair enough. I guess I haven't been around much for the 3 train timetables except on the very first weekend. I agree entirely at your last point, a perusal of the rosters makes for surprising reading.

 

oh no not 4270. I'm not a fan of using freight engines, I had a most uncomfortable ride there a couple of years ago

 

Why is there no water facilities at Broadway I would have thought that having watering at either end of the line would be preferable especially when you are running tank engines, it would make the time table more fluid and it gives no scope for leaving engines at Broadway in the future when the box becomes active, noticing recently when running 3 engines you are becoming close to emptying Toddington tank more so when you running P&O?
You cant have enough water when it comes to steam locomotives!

Nigel

 

It is a bit too early to assume this will be a long term increase, or is the result of novelty with things settling down later. Examples of both exist.

PH

 

I’m hoping to pay a visit to GWSR tomorrow, en route on a long drive. Those long stops may be what makes the trip impractical for me, given the fixed points on my journey.


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I would imagine it is down to cost. Having an additional RO unit (and associated building) is expensive to buy an install, then you need the tanks, pumps, piping etc. One for the future I guess.

 

But then you also miss the advantage that for many of us the extension has put the attraction into “local turf”, think of the people in Evesham for example. Being on the north end only now would I consider going to the GWSR on the spur of the moment although the parking situation is still a problem (soon to be resolved).

P.S. Hayles Abbey: I wonder how popular it would have to get before we get a second platform? Not that it needs it of course.

 

The original station did not possess loco watering facilities, as water would be picked up at Toddington, but neither did it possess a splendid brick built "Henley in Arden" type signal box which it now does. It may well be that a watering facility is built there in future. Best to see how this running season pans out first and money is always part of the equation too. I could not agree more with your last sentence! 42xxs in particular (which were very rare on the GWSR in GWR/BR days) were not known as water carts for nothing. I personally think they're splendid locos.

 

I am not "missing" anything but not assuming anything either.

PH

 

A water tower at Broadway was suggested by a couple of volunteers who offered to build one a couple of years ago, but after a debate it was declared not necessary.

 

Hardly the most pressing thing 2 years ago though! Where you take water is dependant on the timetable and vice versa, when the cafe at Broadway opens I can see any breaks in the middle of the timetable being transferred to Broadway, and then water might be more of a priority, and suddenly a water tower sounds like a more importnt and useful idea than it was 2 years ago when we didn't really know what we wanted.

 

It wasn't a question of urgency or cost at the time of the debate. The counter argument was to the effect that we had big locos with big tenders and a facility at Toddington was plenty.
The offer to build one from scratch (a donor rivetted tank has been identified) is still on the table afaik.

I'm neutral on the subject. Broadway never had one, but was never a terminus. It strikes me as logical to want a water tower at each end of the line. You never know when you might need it.

 

Hmm! Sounds remarkably as if "big chufferitis" has been at work.

PH

 

But it's true! We need engines of at least class 4 to haul our trains now anyway, the only loco that is big chufferitis is P&O, the others are well suited to our loads of 8 coaches.

 

Yes, great isn't it! More big locos please.

 

Bit like no need for a proper station - something like CRC would do - it would look OK from a distance.