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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

  1. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    As long as it doesn't appear in blue again.

    I want to see it as I remember it as a young lad at my local station at Midsomer Norton. <BJ>
     
  2. aldfort

    aldfort Well-Known Member

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    It would be nice if all the projects on the WSR could progress much more quickly. If only there was more money and more volunteer labour available.
    Until then things will continue to be prioritised by the plc board. If anybody knows of another solution then please do post it here.
     
  3. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    You are correct, of course, that it is a juggling act and the needs of the locomotives that haul the stock are always up against the needs of the stock that the passengers travel in. Unless you happen to own several rare period vehicles (as at The Bluebell), it's understandable that the focus will lean more towards motive power and essential infrastructure than rolling stock even though it is all important. Volunteer labour tends to lean away from coaches as well.

    On the main line, rolling stock has for some time been the poor relation of the steam charter and the condition of a few vehicles would probably make a typical heritage line shudder. But there is no doubt that train sheds as well as locomotive sheds do matter and do save money in the long term.

    So here's an idea, assuming you don't do it currently. When a coach is restored/repainted add a little name plaque listing the key people who did the work. It's not a new idea but if it seems to work for the people who produce the meals at Cook (https://www.cookfood.net/shops/) it might motivate on the WSR.
     
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  4. Bean-counter

    Bean-counter Part of the furniture

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    Ensuring there is an overall plan agreed by all interested parties (probably exists), it is summarised in a nice glossy publication and available to all who might be interested, there is a team charged with moving it forward and finding the necessary funding from the most appropriate places for each aspect of the plan and then seeking grants, making Appeals etc. and focusing on a funding plan is taken forward by an appropriate organisation, preferably who won't be distracted by the pressures of running the day to day train service and has a growing and vibrant membership base to call on.

    If only such an organisation existed.....................:D:eek:

    Steven
     
  5. michaelh

    michaelh Part of the furniture

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    [ thought that it looked very good in blue, but no doubt the "paint it black brigade" will triumph as usual.
     
  6. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    I have no problem seeing a loco in a livery that it ran in when in main line service .....but a blue 7F :eek:, no thank you. <BJ>

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Nice one. :). Meanwhile, back in the swamp..........
     
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  8. Yorkshireman

    Yorkshireman Part of the furniture

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    No moaners please!
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    Nice one! :D
     
  9. paulhitch

    paulhitch Guest

    Just take a look at the C&W update for the IOWSR just added to the website. A mixture of paid and voluntary labour

    PH
     
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  10. Sidmouth4me

    Sidmouth4me Member

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    I wonder what you can possibly mean :)

    Dave
     
  11. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    It's odd that on most railways C+W seems to struggle to get volunteers, we're almost oversubscribed, with almost 90 people on the books I think. No paid staff, but still working four days a week all year. We still manage to keep our two main rakes looking decent, and even occasionally our third rake too (it looked great in our May gala but bits of filler are falling out now!)

    Our CC brake coach is a little faded now, probably still good compared to some WSR coaches, but it's coming in for a repaint, an advantage of the paintshop, a quick repaint doesn't disrupt other work.
     
  12. Athelwulf

    Athelwulf New Member

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    The GWSR runs this blog on repair and maintenance of its coaches, which must help to generate enthusiasm among its volunteers a little:
    http://cwatgwsr.blogspot.co.uk/
     
  13. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    In the GWS Echo which came yesterday, it is interesting to see that the GWS C&W department at Didcot annual budget is the same what the Engine department get each month.
     
  14. aldfort

    aldfort Well-Known Member

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    Can I record a big thank you here to the WSR "orange army" who are out in the wet and windy weather of November taking care of the improvements and repairs to the infrastructure. Loco work can be tough but these guys are the unsung hero's of railway preservation.
     
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  15. Geoff May

    Geoff May New Member

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    A rare bit of good WSRA news!

    From wsr.org.uk
    "A successful steam test for Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219"
    Congratulations to all concerned on a great achievement. Especially to Ryan Pope who started this project whilst an apprentice. I look forward to seeing this loco move under its own steam in the near future.
     
  16. Snifter

    Snifter Well-Known Member

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    Well said. The photos of the Orange Army on www.wsr.org show extensive work underway at Williton and Crowcombe. Well done all !
     
  17. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    Boiler unit now in place with lagging & cladding in place. Saddle tank put on this afternoon with photos to follow of this happening, and the cab to be put in place when I left the Swindon Shed. So most likely just the plumbing to done now.
     
  18. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    I was told this afternoon a start on the repainting of the WSR coaches will be starting in the next week or two using the painting bay in the Swindon Shed.
     
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  19. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    First the two photos of AB 1219 all sorts 001.jpg all sorts 002.jpg
    And a long distant photo of the new point work for the extended Williton Station loop. Next time I will try from the bridge. all sorts 003.jpg
     
  20. Another Yorkshireman

    Another Yorkshireman Member Friend

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    Am I the first to spot that Minehead is now littered with posters from the Chamber of Trade, wanting to set up a campaign group to get regular commuter and through trains ??
     

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