West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Exactly the sort of thing I had in mind in my previous post, thank you very much!

 

That would be a less safe method of working. It's always best not to introduce a less safe method of working if you don't have to.

In particular, that would introduce a situation where in some circumstances drivers were free to ignore signals without being specifically instructed, and where crews would need to know which set of rules were in operation in order to know how to respond to a Danger signal. To my mind that sounds like a very inadvisable method of working.

There are also issues such as: the train crew would have no guarantee that points would be correctly set

 

And Williton level crossing is another part of the answer!

 

The issues concerning Bradley Manor seem to have overshadowed the problem that has arisen for a WSR volunteer fireman.
Bradley Manor can and will be repaired but losing valuable and dedicated volunteers is something quite different. I suspect he has like many other stalwart WSR volunteers - as far as most onlookers on NP are concerned - played a very full part in drumming up interest in the WSR and particularly volunteers plus his obvious dedication to what they do as a volunteer. I don't now what was written on Facebook as I do nor read it, but I am sure the words were chosen well. A great loss to the line if he walks away from it, in my opinion. He seems to have been, as one or two others have been similarly treated, with little cognisance of their input and strong support for the WSR. Yet another sad episode in the history of the WSR, it never seems to cease!

 

I didn't read @Andy Norman's post as referring to @aldfort

 

No, its another well-known, respected and long standing Fireman from the WSR who has been removed not Aldfort. The comments on Facebook were stating his opinions borne from frustration and management not engaging and were not what I would call rude or derogatory and certainly less forthright than some of the remarks placed here at times (you will note not many WSR people post here anymore, they get attacked if they do). But he was not taken to task under the Social Media policy in any case, just removed from volunteering because......

 

No name in the first paragraph Paul, but there is in the third. That's why I translated it the way I did.
I just read Andy's post and realized I am mistaken. But whoever it is similar comments apply as far as I can see.

PS: My earlier post has been modified to eliminate names.

 

In all other respects, and as confirmed by @Andy Norman above.

 

Level crossings worked from the signal box, points detected by signals, the need not to over-carry tokens (and a few other things I haven’t thought of, I’m sure).

Robin

 

Other posts have probably answered this but it is possible to run "One Train Working" but normally only if signalboxes can be "switched out" with signals cleared/lowered for both directions simultaneously.

Of course such switching out is only possible if the level crossings are not interlocked with the signals.

You may be aware that the KESR runs some trains, such as evening Pullman dining services, under such arrangements. This is only possible because all public road crossings on that line (other than at Tenterden) are technically "Train Crew Operated" (although gatemen may sometimes be provided {and signalmen may operate gates on behalf of the train crew}).
Because of Tenterden gates being interlocked with the signals, both Tenterden and Rolvenden signalmen are required for trains to operate over that section of line, but either or both Wittersham Rd & Northiam can be thus switched out with crossing gates closed across the railway.

 

Permanent way allowed to deteriorate to the extent that, even after emergency work over the winter, it can't take anything heavier than a Manor. Funds running dangerously low. New management determined to deal with both of those issues (though having to sell some of the family silver), but then telling long-standing hard-working volunteers to get lost because of their (real or perceived) sins without going through the specified procedures but instead suspending the orders that include those procedures. And now a locomotive has failed and will need a major and expensive repair. I'm very glad to be only a spectator from afar (aka keyboard warrior), not caught in the thick of it.

BTW Thanks for the answers about one-train operation.

 

How about an Ivatt from the IOWSR as a replacement?

 

Or the ESR? Much closer

 

It's not just firemen being lost - I know of a driver who has chosen to stop driving at WSR because it has all got "too political". I have no direct connection to WSR but even from a distance it really doesn't have a good feel about the way things are currently going...

 

A loan engine is going to cost money, don't matter where from, and that's on top of the repair costs involved with 7802, At a time when the WSR doesn't have money to spare, add into the problem the poor state of the permanent way, which handicaps what you can run, and its an even bigger problem Some times, drastic means is the only answer, It might have been better for the Railway had it gone bankrupt, and a new company and supporters organisation taken over , the line closed whilst the railway got the track up to a proper standard got stock sorted and start a limited steam service from Minehead to Willington , and DMU from there until the lines in a far healthier state financially .

 

I love all the froth, but lets not forget 7802 will be subject to an operating agreement with the West Somerset Railway and a failure as suggested by the earlier photograph will more than likely be subject to an insurance claim.

 

Presumably you mean a Williton

 

Details of the GWR shuttles to Bishops Lydeard

https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...es-to-west-somerset-railway-details-announced

Sent from my SM-J610FN using Tapatalk

 

What is the status of 2-6-0 9351?

 

The status of 9531 (not 9351) is presumably now very important!

I must say I agree with Aberdare's analysis of the photo, and it appears the piston rod fractured partly perhaps some time ago then failed completely at the point of the front of the cotter pin in the crosshead. This could have happened on the SVR, if not transferred to the WSR. And Ben Yates is quite wrong to apportion any blame to the WSR.

I wouldn't have thought this would be covered by insurance in any circumstances, and presumably the Erlestoke Manor Trust who own the loco will have to foot the not inconsiderable bill for the repairs.

It must have been quite a 'BANG' to cause the considerable damage and ejecting of the piston plus severed piston rod out of the front of the cylinder, removing the cylinder cover and most of the studs and a lot of cylinder end damage in the process.

Perhaps 9466 will be given some dispensation, and its travels aborted? That will be interesting, in Board meetings, unless JJP allows the loco to be used completely free of any charge. Perhaps the track upgrade will be brought forward, and an 'emergency appeal' instituted? ( I am completely in the dark as to exactly what track upgrades and where are required other than some mention on here of Blue Anchor loop).

Cheers,

Julian