Boden Rail Engineering and Class 50 Diesels

Moderator Note: Posts below have been moved here from the (6)1306 thread in Steam Traction.

Just wait till DCR get they're case.

 

Hmm... that's whole different issue! Let's stick to (6)1306 here. The other matters probably belong in different threads.

 

Yes! Bit of Thread drift there! Apologies!

 

Care to expand?

 

Obviously sold his B1, and I also believe that Boden Rail Enginnering will not be undertaking any more work on Heritage traction as from now.

 

Could that simply be due to the work commitments to DCR and Colas Rail with more work now being taken on leading to less time available to handle "heritage" traction; note also that Boden Rail Engineering now has 2 Class 50 locomotives in its charge - or does diesel locomotives no longer count as "heritage" ?

 

My apolgies my first post should have read "any more CONTRACT work on Heritage Traction" obviously the 50's are his own so thats up to him what he does with those. As regards BRE stopping heritage work I dont know the reasons why but it is rather strange as he has a good reputation for the work he's done.

 

I've always had the impression that Neil Boden was more interested in diesel locos than steam, so it isn't surprising that he eventually sold 61306. ~I think he'd backed himself into a corner by insisting that only he could drive it and the opportunities to hire it out were getting few and far between.

 

Dont think it helped with him and David Smith having a disagreement with that issue too. I kind of understand his reasoning behind it but if I was a WC/DB driver Id be a bit insulted. A driver's a skilled job its not like just anybody can do it.

 

Agreed. I think what is forgotten sometimes is that train driving encompasses rather more than just being able to handle a certain type of traction. The fact that an individual can operate a piece of machinery doesn't mean that has the relevant skills (or, possibly more importantly, that he is compliant with the myriad standards required) to drive trains on Network Rail infrastructure. I suspect it might get more even complicated with the introduction of European train driving licences too.

I have no idea of Mr Boden's level of qualification by the way - my remarks are just intended as a general observation and not directed at him.

 

I do not know where you are getting that from. You seem very confident but you are mistaken. Heritage work is being undertaken now at WWH and will continue to be done. Could it just be that the order book is currently full and there is no room for extra work??

 

I have a friend who works closely with some of the owners of locos there and thats what I've told.

 

A mag I read this month suggested three ? 50007/8 and now 17 ?..
Some one is building a fleet of 100mph diesels...

 

No 8 Thunderer (cracking name) is owned by Mr Garcia Hanson of DCR not sure whats happened to it lately news has been of its been as rare as a West Coast Press Release!

 

50008 would be another good purchase to join the Boden Rail group, if he was after it....

 

Well you should get some better informed friends.

 

50007/17 are owned by Neil Boden. 50008 is nothing to do with Neil. It is sat outside the DCR shed waiting some attention.

 

Should I really? Ok then I can always call another friend of mine who owns one the locos there. Cant get better informed than that can you? :-D

 

When it comes to Washwood Heath even I get a bit confused as to who is who and which locomotives are under whose care, let alone who is the legal owner.
My understanding is that both Boden Rail Engineering and RMS Locotec (BAR subsidiary) are located on the site. One of the two leases the areas used by both from the site owner and subleases the area used by the other to them. The two companies work closely together but are separate. Boden does a lot of work for Colas whilst RMS Locotec do a lot for DCR but both do work on their own locomotives as well as those of individuals associated with the companies and others.
When 61306 was owned by the Bodens it was operated on the national network by DCR. Neil Boden is I understand a qualified driver who drives for DCR on a part-time casual basis. This emphasising the close relationship between the various parties.