WCRC Licence Suspended

Thanks, and without wishing to be pejorative, a trade in my professional experience that is not renowned for its universal respect for regulation or authority.

 

All I can say is that, in my dealings with him, I had no problems in any respect. Friendly, efficient and professional (but it was over thirty years ago.)

 

Treat as you find definitely. The attributes you mention will all be required in spades to resolve the current problems.

 

Crikey. What is happening at the West Somerset then? As a former Taunton railwayman, I am surprised I have missed this one!

I think I will search the forum to find it. Sounds like dynamite!!

 

Get a large cup of coffee and arrange for lunch, dinner and breakfast to be served and sit down for a long read......

 

A long read?....Shouldnt that be a Fecking Long Read
Oh and plenty of red bull to keep you awake....

 

The article in RAIL magazine on the issue, published last week is also available online, (link below). Many may have seen it already, and much of the detail is already known, but I did think those who haven't seen it might be interested. If not felt to be helpful, I'm quite happy for it to be removed.

http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/04/02/west-coast-railways-operating-licence-suspended

 

Yes, you really need an audio version for that thread, ☺️

 

It makes war and peace look like a short exciting snappy novel. That thread serves a purpose tho, its a modern incarnation of the isolation wing in a mental hospital.

 

As you say, quite a good summary of the situation. Doesn't look like it has been updated since I posted the link last Thursday, which is no surprise since there's been no new news since, other than a few confirmed tour cancellations.

The questions uppermost in my mind are:

• Even given WCRC's expressed willingness to do everything necessary to satisfy NR, how long is that going to take?
• In the mean time, how deep are WCRC's pockets?
• How much can DBS do to keep steam charters running?

No one around here is likely to be able to answer those questions - at least, not yet!

 

Well it's Wednesday now, wasn't something supposed to happen yesterday according to a previous post ref RTC/WCR?

 

RTC have posted this today on their news page:
"CANCELLED WINTER CUMBRIAN MOUNTAIN EXPRESS 11TH APRIL 201508-Apr-2015
Please be advised that due to ongoing operational restrictions this Saturday's Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express tour has had to be cancelled. We are very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience this may cause."

There are no updates yet from SD. Ben from VT has posted confirmation of what's happening to their April tours in the VT thread.

 

IF they sort it out, will be just in time for a fire risk ban..............

 

Suddenly, the potential cancellation of the vast bulk of the UK's steam tours makes the Belmond Pullman pretty much the only one running for the foreseeable future - from 'mundane' (almost) to a star!

 

There will be the Torbay series and the occasional steam trip from UKRT and Pathfinder as these are also DBS operated.

 

I shall be holding seminars and lectures on the best places to film the BBP, guided tours to the locations are extra as are priority line side tickets. Book now there is bound to be a demand for places. You northern types, don't forget that passport checks are now compulsory, and there will be border posts on the M40, M1 and A1. Whippets are not eligible for pet passports.

 

Think I shall be booking on a Torbay Express soon. They could be oversubscribed this Summer!

 

Speaking for myself, I sympathise with everyone affected, whether FGW, NR signalling centre employees, WCRC employees, Promoter and those passengers who have hundreds of pounds tied-up in future trips. However, as with everying of this ilk, it will probably get worse before it gets better, but its for the best possible reason- a safe railway.

 

Ah the massed ranks who foolishly did not take the offered seminar and line side tours. Poor misguided cheapskates.