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DBS Throw the toys out the pram ?

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by david1984, Sep 7, 2010.

  1. mattspencer

    mattspencer Well-Known Member

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    Both DRS and GBRF have passenger licenses so could work charters but as Colin has said above they would need steam on their safety case.
     
  2. 73129

    73129 Part of the furniture

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    Will DB drop the VSOE with steam locos but retain the diesel hauled VSOE?
     
  3. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    There is a suggestion that penalties will now be payable by 3rd party loco owners if there vehicle causes delays to other operators and it does apply to Steam
     
  4. 73129

    73129 Part of the furniture

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    Does anyone know what the penalty fee is for causing a delay? Could we be looking at the end of main line charters with heritage locos if loco owners are made to pay for a delay.
     
  5. dp266

    dp266 Member Account Suspended

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    Or will prices rise to accommodate insurance premiums? Rather that that lose what we have...
     
  6. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    Sounds fair enough to me.

    If Owned a vintage car, but couldnt drive, paid a taxi driver to drive my vintage car for me and my friends (who I charged a fee).. then the car breaks down and I ask the driver to pay for towing...

    how much would he want paying and how long would he want to be doing that for if every 3rd time my car broke down ?
     
  7. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Good point. But we then have to address who pays when the taxi driver of the car by accident, or otherwise, causes a problem with the car that blocks the road and causes delays. Much more messy.
     
  8. jane

    jane Guest

    If what you say is true why have we been having a D.B.S. trainee fireman on our torbay express of late?

    all the best
    jane.


    all my comments are mine and mine a lone ;
     
  9. gwr4090

    gwr4090 Part of the furniture

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    This has already been the practice for some time.
     
  10. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    It's the only way they can learn, isn't it? That's the advantage of using DBS who put an experienced former driver as traction inspector on the footplate so he can intervene if there's a problem. I believe that the MNLPS originally went with DBS (EWS as they were) for that reason. I guess that this DBS matter all hinges on the commitment of those that sit above the people we all meet on the locomotives.
     
  11. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    AFAIK, WCRC can, and do, operate air-braked trains as and when needed. I think there is some kind of business partnership between DBS and Riviera which has meant that, recently, trains using DBS crews have also used Riviera stock. However, I don't think there's anything to stop a promoter from hiring Riviera carriages and a WCRC crew if that is the best solution on a particular occassion.

    There already is a near-monopoly situation in the steam rail-tour business with just two suppliers of loco crew and a limited choice of rolling stock suppliers. Indeed, for vacuum-baked only locos, WCRC have a monopoly. I guess WCRC, DBS and Riviera already have to be quite careful not to abuse their dominant positions. The Office of Rail Regulation (?) and the Office of Fair Trading will be aware of the situation.
     
  12. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    But what if their positions do start to be abused? They way things are going, it looks to be getting easier and easier to corner the market in steam and heritage diesel charter work. Surely the market as it stands will favour WCRC even more with a potential demise of DBS? The lack of competition would therefore mean that unless, as you state, a railway promoter actually stipulates the use of Riviera stock and a WCRC driver, the former would effectively be left out in the cold where steam trips are concerned, and runs the risk of WCRC refusing to provide drivers unless they also provided the train. Its an interesting situation...
     
  13. RayMason

    RayMason Member

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    Do WCRC use Riviera stock at present?--I always see WCRC stock on steam spls they crew.
    As others have said,does this mean some of the operations of 60163 6024 71000 35028 will need to find another operator? Or have I mis-understood the phrase "third party...."

    Normally,my feeling is wait for clarification. However, if you enjoy/operate air braked steam locos.........

    Ray Mason
     
  14. jane

    jane Guest

    Hi Big Al, what i ment was what is the point of training up new firemen if they are going to come out of the steam operation ;

    all the best
    jane
     
  15. J Shuttleworth

    J Shuttleworth Member

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    I think some clarification is required. Certainly the latest excitement over DBS is probably a predictable over-reaction to a reminder that they (as we) are under no obligation to operate anything, unless they are completely satisfied with its status. As the rumour (and it appears to be just that) originated within the preserved diesel fraternity, it may well relate to a particular loco only; unless DBS write to all their third-party suppliers, it remains just that, a rumour.

    In respect of steam, all air-braked main line steam locos are currently registered jointly with both steam duty-holders; whether the operator wishes to use a particular loco or an owner wishes to run with one or other or both operators is a matter for them. As DBS have for some years not wished to operate vacuum-braked trains, vacuum-only locos remain with us.

    JS

    WCR
     
  16. Cambrian55

    Cambrian55 Member Friend

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    Thanks for the heads up on the topic James.
     
  17. MAPLE CHRIS

    MAPLE CHRIS Member

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    I seem to remember in the 1980s BR saying steam only had a few years to survive on the mainline and here we are 15 years after the demise of that organisation and there is more steam around than ever before. Until something is actually confirmed by the management of DBS then this is all speculation.Lets wait and see.
     
  18. jamesd

    jamesd Member

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    Maybe DBS fancy a fleet of their own? They're not willing to use third party locos so they'll have to buy some of their own, could we see Tornado in DBS red?

    That's why they're getting rid of all the 60's - to make room at Toton for all those steam engines.

    Or maybe not.
     
  19. Steve from GWR

    Steve from GWR Well-Known Member

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    Well if they were to buy Tornado from the A1 Trust, that would sort out the finances for their next new build :)

    Add 6024 to the shopping trolley and that's maybe one more big problem solved.....

    All seems like a win-win to me

    :behindsofa:
     
  20. 6136

    6136 Member

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    They're getting rid of 60's so they're not going to buy another even if it is a western one.
     

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