Channel 4 Programme

The restored train at Llangollen:

http://www.wrexham.com/news/llangol...ure-on-finale-of-channel-4-series-152111.html

 

I have to say I think that train looks rather silly - the coaches simply don't look right together!

 

Yes most certainly they make a strange train. Though bear in mind "they" show how coaching stock developed, over roughly a century. From those early 4 wheelers represented by the Isle of Wight carriage, through [granted a Royal] bogie Clerestory, to an early to mid 20th Century carriage with the Gresley BCK and finishing [with another upmarket carriage] Mk1 Pullman. The Mk1 Pullman to a degree representing modern all metal construction.

 

Childish! I had actually hoped better of you, Paul.

You like to lecture us on how wrong the whole of the rest of the world is on your pet hates like on train catering and large steam locos, and expect us all to bow down to your 'superior knowledge and judgement' without being willing to even consider any argument put forward contrary to your view, then condemn others who have reasoned arguments in support of their position on other matters, while, the case of EPOS, refusing to answer the question posed on a number of occasions of why they are worth the considerable extra cost of their use and hence worth scrapping an aspect of the overall heritage experience that you normal rubbish mainline railways for not offering in the same way as certain lines which lie across the Solent for most of us!

In the right circumstances, I would be happy with a preserved Pacer providing services as long as the target market was - they are part of railway history in a number of parts of the country. I am, however, also a part owner of a unique historical coach and actually believe pre-Mark 1s (which I have no problem with at all) fall into a similar category as 'proper' railway tickets - passengers may well not comment on their absence if they have never experienced them, but very much appreciate them once the have!

Steven

 

Look, I am in no position to argue with you in pounds and pence about EPOS. Doubtless there are people out there, who are not part of NP who would disagree with you strongly. All I can say is that I have been held up considerably by a cumbersome manual system for dealing with Gift Aid at one railway but have witnessed, in contrast, how quickly this can be dealt with in conjunction with electronic ticketing, There is a Youtube posting which included the delight of a couple that their infant was issued with a "My first train ticket" from an electronic system. They had no hangups about pasteboard as, I suspect, have most passengers. Essentially an enthusiast obsession I feel, as is a pre-occupation with minutiae.

Now back to the business of this thread.

PH

 

The correct ticket to use with Pacers looks like this......(Day returns for two people)

 

Channel 4 program anyone?

 

Ach, live with it Gary. It’s a fact of life on NP that all threads get derailed arguing about PPP (Paul’s pet peeves); the wonder is that this one last twenty odd pages before it happened...

Tom

 

Forgive me but you need a mirror! I recall, early on your being chided (amongst others) for introducing locomotives into this thread.
Now, to get back to the subject, is this series felt to have been valuable enough to encourage other people to become involved in a second series should Channel 4 wish to commission one?

PH

 

A somewhat belated thank you for this post. The Barnums, a bit like the North Norfolk Quad Arts, is one of those projects (or programmes) I hope succeeds in its entirety for all four coaches. Interesting that the Great Central Rolling Stock Trust has really stepped up its internet news activity with this project over the last few months. OK, its a bit off this thread, but it is one of a number of websites which show regular and interesting updates of carriage restoration. There are many but the weekly North Norfolk C&W blog and monthly Great Western (Severn Valley) Association sites are two other good ones. Coach restoration seems to suite regular updates well and it would be interesting to know if the effort in doing the updates generates supporters, income and new volunteers. I do hope they do.

 

Amongst all the squabbling, just a reminder to anyone who has set the timer on their recorder for Wednesday, that the programme is now being shown on Saturday July 7th at 7:00 pm.

 

Yes I think the series has been overall very good, some interesting and unusual projects chosen. I have to be honest the recent program with Stephen Middleton was probably the bravest restoration. Just looking at the body alone at the beginning I wouldn't have committed myself to doing all that in just 6 months. He seems to have a very understanding wife to be okay with him putting in the man hours/days in that he did and help him to do some of it. A lot was clearly contracted out. It was particularly brave as it seemed to be done more without the backing of a railway also helping to do it. More of a one family project.

I think there was probably a few corners cut. The scene with him putting in a big ball of what looked like putty into a rotten hole in one of the roof boards didn't look great.
It needed a new board. Also where he is angle grinding a single nail looked like it had been set up for the cameras. "Okay Stephen we need a shot of you using a power tool. Find a nail and angle grind it a bit to get some sparks" . No just pulling it out with a claw hammer or mole grips.

Does anyone know if a second series is likely to happen. ? I might be tempted to put my own project forward if so but would need to speak to the others working on it to get their opinions first.

 

I'd imagine it was envisaged as a one off series. However if it's been getting good ratings then who knows.

Might be worth expressing your interest to the production company toplight. Then they can keep you in mind if they do ever make another series.

 

Check out the latest copy of Steam Railway and the article in that, might be worth your while.

 

Surely one missing. Where is the receipt?

 

Not sure if this has been posted in this thread before but just in case it hasn't then:-

 

No.

Sawdust.

 

Last programme was, IMHO, much the least interesting in the series but presumably it had to be done in order to justify the premise. Don't wish to put the projects into any kind of pecking order. The amount of interest aroused in one of these renovations by visitors, both enthusiasts and others, has been substantial.

The IOWSR has produced a supplement to its house magazine, Island Rail News, dealing with the various aspects of the rebuild of Oldbury No. 10 in some detail, including close up pictures of conservation of original material where possible. This is on sale to non-members at £3-50 a copy.

Hopefully the other schemes featured will be producing something similar.

PH

 

Agreed. I did wonder how they were going to pad this episode out to make it an hour long. Seeing how coaches are moved on low loaders was nowhere near as interesting as seeing them being restored. But yes I suppose it had to be done.

How can I get hold of a copy of this supplement? Phone the railway shop and ask them to send me one?

 

Try info@iwsteamrailway.co.uk

PH