Steam tours with Compass Tours

I Think Compass tours need to re-introduce the regular steam programme they had as they used to run "The Mersey Moorlander" from Crewe to Carlisle via Liverpool and lets not forget the "Roses Express" trips they had from Southport, Barrow-in-Furness & Hooton. Some Tours I will admit didn't all go as planned but it's just a pity that CMPS arent running regular steam specials at present.

I Would personally like to see more steam specials from Southport as the resort rarely sees any action and the last trip they ran from the resort was SOLD OUT almost instantly, I know as I was on that trip.

I Would personally like to see a tour go along the old Southport to Bootle line as that hasn't seen any charter action since 1991. Some places like Blackpool for example could use a steam tour as that hasn't seen steam action for quite a while.

Who thinks that Compass Tours should have a try at re-introducing some regular steam tours alongside their regular diesel trips and recently the new Pullman trains.

 

Perhaps you should contact Compass and offer your suggestions. You have nothing to lose. <BJ>

 

And I think you will find the operation of mainline steam to be a bit of a closed shop, hence there reluctance to do it, and maybe feeding off the scraps that are left.

That quote came from a well placed source.

 

I Have spoke to them via email and they have said they want to try it but there in the middle of planning the 2015 programme so im waiting to see what they have planned.

 

It's worth remembering that Compass's usual rake is the air brake, air con Mk2 set usually based at Crewe, hardly ideal for steam usage, you could use another rake, but I suspect that's easier said than done when other operators are using them on "busy" days.

Woulden't say mainline steam is a closed shop, but how much spare Mk1/2 pressure vent (and possibly dual braked) stock is there on a summer weekend ?, not much.

 

When they use Riviera. Not when WCRC is the TOC and they use both......try looking on Six Bells for their previous steam tours and you will find the stock was not Riviera Mk2s....and most of their steam tours were Mondays from memory.

 

I know WCRC MK1's feature when Compass use steam, the point was how often do WCRC have a spare MK1 rake at busy times ?, in no particular order they have to provide stock for the Jacobite (2 rakes now), Fellsman, Scarborough Spa, Statesman, Weymouth/Royal Duchy, and any possible diesel tours that day a

That's a lot of operational coaches, are there many operational examples left after those are accounted for ?.

 

The rakes used on NW coast/Fellsman on a Monday. Also no doubt issues with loco/crew availability on days when Welsh Mountaineer/Fellsman/SSE/Scarborough Flyer etc.

 

And it's all well and good saying 'The Mk1's used on Fellsman on Wednesdays, CME's Saturday's and NWCE on Sunday's is this available for Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri, but the fact is being neglected that the stock also needs to be cleaned after each tour and prepped before the next one (including stocking of kitchen/buffet). We also need to account for the exam cycles. How many miles extra would another tour add, and will it conflict with a busy spell later in the year when the coaches are required? Also Crewing has to be looked in to, as sufficient rest days need to be given and bearing in mind many WCRC drivers also do contractual spot hiring to other TOC/FOC's.

Lots of little things go on behind the scenes which make a simple idea such as Compass running a steam railtour, in to a logistical nightmare. All promoters face it, and so you have to be careful about putting too much pressure on the resources of the operating company.

 

Doesnt heritage stock have an upper mileage limit applied to how much it can be used as well ?

 

A few posts on WNXX suggest Compass have sold their business to WCRC. Indeed, the Compass website currently states

Interesting if true that WCRC have taken them over, or at least bought the mailing list. That'll be the second company, after Railtourer, that they've acquired, giving them a lot of names and addresses in the north of England to advertise their tours to.

 

My informant tells me that it is correct, yesterdays tour to Edinburgh was the last under the existing management, in future WCRC will be handling bookings etc but will still use the Compass name for the time being. I was also told that only one member of the Compass team will move to Carnforth.