mdewell's Recent Activity
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mdewell liked Jamessquared's post in the thread Oswestry Update.
'Twas ever thus. Look how older, more established, heritage railways essentially burnt through cheap Mark 1s. A lot are likely to be scrapped in the next ten years. Hopefully the ones that survive will be the ones that are historically most...
Apr 17, 2026 at 8:15 AM -
mdewell replied to the thread Oswestry Update.
My point was that people do pay to travel on them. We often make more money on Wednesdays than we do Saturdays - with much less effort (Although not nearly as much fun for those of us who just want to play trains ;):D ) Most failures seem to be...
Apr 16, 2026 at 7:22 PM -
mdewell replied to the thread Oswestry Update.
Basically, it costs a lot less to operate a DMU (aka Pacer) than it does steam, so for mid-week opening a Pacer makes a little money, whereas a loco hauled (diesel or steam) would lose money. It also only requires 2 train crew. PS. I won't argue...
Apr 16, 2026 at 7:02 PM -
mdewell replied to the thread Oswestry Update.
Above my pay grade, but I know there have been some new relays purchased for the 143619 (which successfully operated it's first service yesterday - a school charter). Having 4 sets but only really needing 1 operating does mean there are potential...
Apr 16, 2026 at 5:13 PM -
mdewell replied to the thread Oswestry Update.
I'm certainly no expert on Pacers, but I think the 142004 is amongst the first batch built (1985) and with the 3 x 2 bench seating and different control layout, it does look quite different internally than the others that we have (even though...
Apr 16, 2026 at 4:54 PM -
mdewell liked flying scotsman123's post in the thread GWSR General Discussion and Operations.
Hey, that's our railway you're talking about there! I think it's accepted wisdom that the line was built quickly, and on the cheap. Combined with the particular local geology and geography, and lack of understanding at the time of construction,...
Apr 16, 2026 at 8:52 AM -
mdewell liked Nick C's post in the thread Rother Valley Railway.
Never, ever, scan a QR code to lay for anything. It's one of the most common scams going...
Apr 16, 2026 at 8:51 AM -
mdewell liked Johnb's post in the thread Bluebell Railway General Discussion.
Each heritage railway has its own niche where it excels, the Bluebell is unsurpassed with its collection of vintage locos and rolling stock. Yesterday's charter with Fenchurch was a good illustration of that. A few results from the day show what...
Apr 16, 2026 at 8:50 AM
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mdewell replied to the thread Oswestry Update.
Me too! :)
Apr 15, 2026 at 4:57 PM -
mdewell liked Kirk Oswald's post in the thread Oswestry Update.
I know a chap who considered buying a Pacer body to keep poultry in, but when he saw the inside decided the hens would stop laying.
Apr 15, 2026 at 4:55 PM
