Churnet Valley in 2012

Well, not according to the Easter weekend advert which has appeared under 'Forthcoming Events' on the CVR website. That's only a week away now.

 

I hope for their sake that they get steam back for the holiday weekend.
The pictures from yesterday I've seen on the web only show the 33 and the DMU though.

 

I have to say I think it's poor that as far as I can see there's not even been a news item posted on the website confirming the use of diesel. What about the people who travel expecting steam (probably 90% of their passengers)?

 

I tried phoning the talking timetable (advertised on the website) to see if that had any gen, but it advertised the next steam service as 29th January - I do hope it doesn't mean 2013! :lol:

 

It says 33102 and the home fleet. Is that just 33021 or is 37075 still running? Hardly much of a gala if all there is going to be there are a pair of 33s.

 

37075's at Keighley now!

 

so just a pair of 33s..........

 

At present yes though efforts are being made to see if something is available for the rest of April.
It is hoped for 6046 to enter traffic at the 1940s weekend. Her bottom end was being worked on when I saw her yesterday.

The CVR fleet of 33s 021 and 201 will be working alongside 04 D2334 and maybe the 104 DMU.

It is hoped to have a least 1 guest diesel loco as well.

 

Don't you mean 102? LOL

 

Yes...

 

Thanks. It would really be useful to get this info up on the website.

 

They'd be my photographs ;D

 

If that's the case then they really should get the website updated, as they are still advertising a steam service over Easter. It could cost them a lot of goodwill, if families turn up expecting steam and don't get it they are not likely to return. Much better to come clean now even if it means less customers this weekend.

 

I don't suppose anybody knows whether the CVR has its own forum?

 

I set one up many years ago but it is not very well patronised. Totally independant from the CVR though.

Suck it and see;-

Churnet Valley Railway - Home

 

Can only second this. It was a close run thing between us visiting the CVR or Llangollen last Sunday, the latter had 44806 down as operating; the CVR nothing - no clues as to whether the trains would be steam or diesel hauled. As it turned out, we chose the CVR because my "other half" wanted to do Cauldon Lowe regardless of what was working it, having 33021 on there was a real bonus for both of us but not everybody likes Cromptons or even diesels and somebody wanting steam could well have turned round and driven away.

It would be an idea to mention on the website when you are planning to use 33021 (or 33102 or any other diesel for that matter) as there is a good chance that somebody who is actually interested in the loco(s) will make the effort to come and visit when they would not otherwise have done so.

 

I understand that the release of the new official website is 'imminent' so let's wait and see what it contains.

 

At the very least, I think it would be worth updating the talking timetable - it doesn't take a minute to record an answerphone message, and Jo Public phoning up to hear the next running day is in January may very well think the place has shut down! Just "Our next operating weekend is ____ with trains departing at ____, these will be diesel hauled" or such like...

 

It's a shame because the railway really seems to be going places but this situation with even those who look on the website unable to find out whether or not steam is running really showcases their shortcomings. I've said before that the website is inadequate in contrast with those of other major heritage railways but was told in response (quite reasonably I thought) that at least it had all the necessary information, even if the design of the site was nothing to shout about. Except it doesn't actually have that information. A quick look at the Severn Valley's site instantly tells you what's running and when, right down to the specific diagrams. Most railways do know these things in advance so it's easy enough to put online. I can only imagine the CVR doesn't employ anybody whose sole job it is to look after the website. They really should, it's the first impression a fair whack of their customers will form of the railway.

 

Latest from the CVR today is that to compensate for the lack of steam they are offering 50% off a future visit to those travelling over Easter.