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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

  1. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Size also isn't everything . Some of my most enjoyable days have been on lines of limited mileage
     
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  2. Alan Kebby

    Alan Kebby Well-Known Member

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    One line is running six different locos of six different types, including two visitors. The other line is running four locos of three (arguably two!) different types with no visitors.
     
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  3. SebWelsh

    SebWelsh New Member

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    I personally don't think it is right to compare the two events. They are both incredibly different offerings to each other and that is intentional. If you only wish to spend £30ish, our event is for you, if you can afford to spend more then maybe the MHR is for you - it's matter of personal choice which it isn't worth arguing over.
    Personally I hope that both events (and the GC gala which is also this weekend) do well enough to make some profit for the railways concerned. I believe in co-operation and whilst there will be a small element of competition when events like this clash, I hope that it doesn't negatively affect the revenues at all.
    Now, where are my Guards flags...!
     
  4. WishIHadAName

    WishIHadAName New Member

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    Will be interesting to see if the feeling on here reflects the amount of enthusiasts visiting for a gala.
     
  5. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    I don't think NP would play a big part in attendance, but the fuel shortages, in certain areas, might.
     
  6. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    Use the train! As I did today.
     
  7. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    I totally agree, but you've taken my quote out of context.

    One railway is running 20 miles for £30.
    The other is running 10 miles for £45.

    So the cost per mile on the MHR is £4.50, the WSR £1.50.
     
  8. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    How am I trolling when I have posted facts?

    The WSR is operating 20 miles DR-NF. 'Dave' is running at the MHR. That's all I said.
     
  9. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    To be fair that’s not the way it read, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought that…
     
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  10. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    VMF I meant. I can't see how the MHR can justify £45. SVR was only £35 wasn't it? They had 2 guests as well.
     
  11. garth manor

    garth manor Well-Known Member

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    Shouldn't WSR charge more to build up reserves for future liabilities ?
     
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  12. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Maybe, point was you just said one is running 20 miles the other a defaced Thomas, no mention of value for money -
    ;)
     
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  13. Alan Kebby

    Alan Kebby Well-Known Member

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    Only if people will pay it. If they charge 20% more and end up with 30% fewer visitors as a result, then they’ll be worse off.
     
  14. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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    The Severn Valley has about twice the number of operational carriages , so the additional capacity means the total cost per person to run the gala is likely to be less.
     
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  15. LC2

    LC2 Member

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    Looking at the timetables, I think you can manage 3 round trips at the WSR (less if you go to MD on the Bus), and 5 on Saturday at the MHR, so the mileage is pretty much the same (WSR is <20 miles each way with the missing mileage into MD).
    So yeah, the MHR is a bit more expensive, but has visitors, whereas the WSR is home engines only.

    Horses for courses really...

    And please, can you refer to the Bagnall by it's proper name "Dave".
     
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  16. D1039

    D1039 Guest

    Route miles, which isn't a comparison I can recall ever seeing made before and one that IMO independent observers wouldn't use.

    Cost/train mileage is more usual, as the shorter line has a timetable with more services. If I've done my sums right it's around 17p and 32p/mile respectively.

    Patrick
     
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  17. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    Very helpfull.
    I can drive to BL in around 2 hours. By train I would have to leave Wareham at 0606, Taunton arrive 1043, then bus to BL probably arrive 1115. Means first train I could get 12:30. If I assume the 2000 from Taunton back at Wareham 2341. Would have to be prepared to assume no delays on last WSR service. Somehow I think not, plus £36.65 fare with a railcard. Also would have to drive Wareham as to early for bus service.
     
  18. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    So nearly double, still a big difference.
     
  19. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    I can drive to BL in about 75mins. The train/bus combo from home to BL took me about 3hrs. £30 exactly train + bus fare vs £20/25 petrol. First train I caught was the 1110.

    The 1605 arrival was about 15min late and the 1620 bus on time, so I missed it and got the hour later train than what I had planned.
     
  20. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    Dunster-Norton Fitzwarren is approx 21 miles.
     

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