SVR General Discussion

I'm curious about the comment that the class 20 was idling. If so, haven't you just added about 75 tons to the consist (the equivalent of two modern bogie carriages)? In that case, you'd have thought the steam loco would be working significantly harder than it would without the diesel at all!

It seems odd. If you are going to put a diesel in to reduce the workload on the steam loco, surely said diesel has to actually be doing a significant part of the work?

FWIW, and this was 8 years ago, my memory of firing Flying Scotsman on the Bluebell (8 coach train being worked up a 1 in 75 gradient through a tunnel) is that I can't remember seeing any significant sparks from the chimney. Of course, all sorts of things (such as the coal, and the condition of the loco) may be different now.

Tom

 

The post on the SVR diesels page said that FS had been worked harder through the tunnel to build confidence in it's ability to work the train without assistance on the open line. As confidence built the amount of assistance by the 20 was gradually reduced to the point where it was largely idling on the last trip. That was very much not the case on the first trip.

 

First teian diesel basically did the majority, then same train they did a bit of a test in the tunnel climbing to Kidder to see if there was sparks (20 did nothing, FS was worked well). No obvious sparks.

Next trip FS did more. Then last trip did it all. They wanted to try take the 20 off for the last trip, but various issues meant it couldn’t happen.

 

I wouldn't want to be the one who makes the decision, a wrong one and it can alienate the landowners and farmers, a big claim against the railway will also mean higher ongoing insurance costs or exclusions on cover. I worked for a specialist rural insurance company for 30 years that did a lot of research on farm fires identifying the main risks in prolonged dry weather being Spring when the previous year's dead growth wasn't yet covered by the new season's green and later when arable crops had dried off ready for harvesting (i e about now). A wheat field fire at this time of year is frightening, it will spread faster than anyone can outrun it.

 

Totally agree. Not running 75069 today is a very good decision I think. Not so convinced by not running 77 but there we are. I guess the ultimate thing is that we have to protect the FS services so we must do what we can

 

For what it's worth, my 2 pence is the operational decisions made by the SVR are perfectly reasonable and, given the parched lineside and surrounding areas, are most likely the correct ones. I can understand the trepidation in allowing further steam out given the locos available (7714 hasn't ventured further than Bridgnorth for 6 months for example).

I do think the communication should have been better and we gain nothing by being secretive. People are much more likely to be disgruntled about feeling misled than they are about well explained diesel involvement.​

 

7714 back to double heading with the 20 tomorrow on N1.

 

Newly manufactured coolant header tank seam weld has failed …returning to manufacturer on Monday .

 

I fully agree Martin and it is a shame that the triumph of reconnecting the railway in double quick time, using the incredible cooperation of the mainline industry, has become drowned out here by niggles about the FS event. I do get the disappointment and yes there are lessons but clearly there has also been onging careful review in the light of experience gained with FS which has allowed the 20 to be dropped.

 

My shot of 60103 'Flying Scotsman' storming past Crossing Cottage with today's first Bridgnorth-bound service.

 

Great to see Scotsman running solo with the Teaks, a cautious showing as expected but at least everybody went home happy.

 

So me and dad went on our booked Scotsman trip yesterday and we really enjoyed the run with the A3, she sounded great, and we were virtually right by the loco as it went up to Eardington. Great to be back in Bridgnorth and the actual repair to the landslip looked seriously impressive.

However, there were some things that didn't make it the perfect day...

• The constant changing of loco roster and arrangements with no proper announcements to keep public informed as to what was running and doing what, while totally understandable with fire risk, the lack of any communication on this was deeply frustrating
• The footpath by Kidderminster museum was closed, so everyone had to walk into traffic to get into the station, which felt slightly dangerous given how some people drive...
• A chap was checking tickets in every car when we arrived at the car park, causing a traffic bottleneck, and seemed confused when others said they were turning up for the normal services causing more issues
• Being stuck in Kidderminster concourse and not allowed to go onto the platform before the train, meaning it was a big bottleneck and then a mad rush to get onto the train. It felt like London Euston!
• When allowed onto the platform, the train wasn't even open and when we tried to get on we were then told the loco was to shunt the stock back, which seemed to take place with people climbing into the coaches
• Upon returning to Kiddie, we were told by a lovely member of staff that the loco was to sit in the bay for 40 minutes or so, and we could all have a look at it, chat to crew etc
• Not even five minutes later we were then all told somewhat rudely to get off the platform to let everyone else on the next train, to leave in 45 minutes, get onto the platform.
• We had hardly had any time to see Scotsman before this, so were left bemused as to why we were told one thing, to then be told something else almost straight after.
• While I understand there are a lot of people at the railway for this, most of our train had already gone, leaving just a relatively small bunch of us looking at Scotsman
• Given we had no real chance to see the engine we had all paid to see by this point, it felt a little like a slap in the face
• I have seen the station far busier at steam galas during train crossovers, and yet crowd management never felt like an issue then, and it felt over policed at this point for no reason at all
• One member of station staff at Kidderminster was particularly rude about this, and tried to force us all onto one side of the platform where we all ended up squished together, not comfortable for those with mobility issues or those with social anxiety

I would like to however say the trip itself was fab, Scotsman sounded lovely, and the on-board staff and volunteers were super friendly and helpful and the buffet car staff were equally so. The crew of the loco that morning were excellent too, chatted to the lucky passengers that had time to do so and the actual train itself had a superb atmosphere.

And it was amazing to go back to Bridgnorth which for me is the SVR's true home station. And we popped into Eardington for tea and cake and saw the loco blast up the hill, terrific stuff.

So I don't want this to come across as too negative, because there was a lot of good! Nor do I want to sound 'old man shouting at cloud', as I am 27 and a volunteer at another railway and know what a nightmare organising big events etc can be

However, I do feel some aspects of this were mismanaged, and it mostly seemed all at the Kidderminster end of things. Several others also felt, as I could overhear them, that we were being "shepherded" around and given no breathing room to truly enjoy the event.

Perhaps as it was otherwise all diesel, and just a bit chaotic, there didn't seem much of a 'swining sixties' vibe either.

I hope some at the SVR read this and understand where the criticism comes from. Equally, I hope they know the day overall was still a thumbs up and many were just happy to see the line back again. Getting the A3 to do the trips did feel right I will admit.

 

Might be better to email in.

 

E-mail has been sent. Posting here as interested if others have had similar experiences, and in case it perhaps gets picked up by someone who could have missed it otherwise in an e-mail.

 

In the past, paid staff have had a dismissive opinion of forum postings so whilst it might be read, it might not be taken notice of.
I'll put head above the parapet and admit I'm KR station staff. Re your 5th bullet point: The train was unlocked but the guard didn't want anyone to board until FS had attached. Unfortunately he only made this request after the platform gates had been opened (having previously said he was happy to let people on).
The side path is often locked on special events such as 40s and Christmas. It is done to ensure everyone goes via the front and the booking hall.
I do think the measures were a little bit too restrictive on Sunday. Saturday was busier.

 

Steam on regular services back tomorrow with 75069 and 7714.

 

Appreciate the response! Have e-mailed and reworded so it comes across a bit better, rather than a 'forum rant.'

Does make sense re why the path is locked, just with so many cars appearing it felt a bit unsafe for many, but I can see the reasoning for locking.

No event is ever perfect, and for what its worth we did enjoy the trip itself, and great the tickets for the A3s runs sold out so fast for the SVR.

 

Hope today's run went without problems lineside.
When did FS leave. If indeed it has?