Flying Scotsman

Unless the out of gauge applies to service trains, the costs of any penalties will be far far less than the cost of doing the job of sub base and ballast renewal properly, rather than the cheap way of just piling more ballast on top.

 

You also assume that the issues aren't to do with legitimate network changes, say to improve access from platform to train - which can tighten up the gauge.

 

The post I quoted referred to "levels" not side clearances. There has also been talk of reducing the height of locos to make them more gauge friendly - so yes I was ignoring the question of lateral clearances.

 

My footage of Scotsman in action in the south this past month. Hope you enjoy

 

Latest Babble on FB and SR, is that the contract for operation of FS, is out to tender.

Personally cannot see beyond the outstanding job done by IRE, with a 6 year deal on the table, which would see it drop off its 7 year mainline ticket.

Should IRE, not get it, who do you think is well placed to look after her, A1 trust, Icons of Steam, etc.....

 

Public accountability rules probably dictate a tender process has to be undergone due to the value of the contract.
Presumably the tender specification is publicly available? That might yield info as to who bidders might be from what has to be fulfilled.

 

As much as I would delight in the A1 Trust looking after the A3, I am a bit perturbed that it's been put out for tender - IRE have been utterly flawless. Why change something that works and works very well?

 

IRE know FS down to the last nut and bolt, they're are vastly experienced in this sort of thing and I can't see why the present arrangements should change, they've done a good job since taking over what was, to a lot of people, a basket case.

 

Think they have to Simon, as its a government contract, and have to get best value, we all know that could open a can of worms.

However those mentioned, all have proven track records.

Be interesting to see how this pans out, could A1 trust provide 2 support crews in Tornado was also out, ....

 

Provide 2 crews? Oh, ye of little faith....I rather suspect A1SLT could, if they so chose, work out how to build a successful Sturrock 0-6-0+0-6-0 loco and steam tender!

 

Assuming R&SE wish to renew for the longer contract, there are regrettably procurement rules which have to be followed. Not now having a rail connected workshop may be a factor which was not relevant last time.

 

Fair point.

Still bites a bit that common sense can't really prevail.

 

If its not broke don't fix it.

 

"I'm from the Government, I've come to help......."

 

Quite...besides, they don't have to go for the cheapest tender. I'd be surprised if it went anywhere else but Riley's. As Victor said, they know every nut and bolt and furthermore, based on recent outings, they seem to have done a superb job with UoSA too.

 

Indeed; I like the establishing shots of the surroundings in between the shots of 60103 in particular. Sets the atmosphere beautifully IMO.

 

Two reasons:
1) Procurement rules
2) How do you know Ian Riley wants to continue the present arrangement? It may well be that he wants out.

I know of one organisation that has looked at the job and decided to walk away from it.

 

Anyone know how many organisations bid for the job in the first place?

 

I don't see this as a particular problem as I suspect that the NRM will want as much maintenance as possible carried out in its own workshop where it can be seen by the visiting public.

Peter James