Railway Touring Company 2016

I'm aware that DBS is currently the only other TOC allowed to run mainline steam passenger services. The reason I mentioned the possibility of others being involved in GB 9 (if it runs at all) is that following last years debacle I would have thought much of the trip would again be diesel hauled. Given that DBS resources are a little thin on the ground North of the Scottish Central belt it might be sensible to use DRS for the days based on Inverness.

The same might also apply if RTC try to run the day trips planned to include the Cumbrian Coast. A poor substitute for steam I know, but some passengers might prefer it to cancellation.

 

DBS has now changed it's name to DB Cargo UK.

https://www.rail.dbschenker.co.uk/rail-uk-en/News_Media/news/10867046/new_brand.html

 

Given the well documented issues with WCRC and in particular VTs pragmatic approach, I do not think that diesel substitution in this case will be acceptable. T&Cs are on very thin ice with this and will probably result in a successful challenge. People have bought a steam tour!

 

I entirely agree with you on all points, but sadly I strongly suspect that we will be in the same situation as last year where RTC, having paid for advance hotel rooms, may be forced into moving passengers around the country just in order to occupy them. With a little luck and more time to plan this year perhaps DB(S) Cargo will be able to resource some steam and hopefully through rail travel (rather than buses/service trains) for the Scottish legs, but this is still far from ideal.

If I was booked this year I would be asking RTC some very direct questions, and in the absence of convincing answers contacting my card company and/or travel insurance provider to seek a full refund. Also I think you are right as regards T&Cs. I don't suppose many on this forum will have been rash enough to book this year, but if such individuals do exist perhaps they could post how RTC have responded so far?

 

Ask yourself, would you buy a car from a dealership if the factory making them was prevented from running? and the dealer could not offer you a delivery date, but still wanted to take your money in the hope that they may be able to get your car , its no different than booking a tour where the company can not guarantee that the provider of the motive power wil be able to provide the booked motive power , you would be rather peeved if you wanted a Daimler and the dealer said, i can give you a Lada. isnt it the same if you booked a duchess and a 37 turned up i would not book any tour right now that has WCRC providing the engine and crew until such time that the situation has been remedied.

 

These circumstances are quite different. Book any steam tour and normally the risk is the advertised loco breaks down at very short notice and cannot be replaced, or fails it FTR on the day with no alternative available. In those predictable circumstances the T&Cs are reasonable and whilst disappointing, a 37 would suffice.

Here we have a large tour that is sold as steam and the operator has no provider of the service. The risk of losing that provider has been known for some time. There has been no apparent contingency planning to mitigate the risk. Therefore the chances of delivering the product were always reduced. As Western Nobleman has stated, claims against the credit card company or even through the courts would have a very high prospect of success.

This is rock and a hard place stuff for RTC with hotels reserved. Did they not have adequate insurance to cover the situation?

 

In the particular case of the KWVR though they currently have no road access due to a weak bridge at Ingrow.

 

Not commenting on the wider issues here, but just to nip this one in the bud, SR is (and was from the start of the planning process for this year's gala) planning to use a TOC other than WCRC for its Diesel Gala loco moves, as indeed it has for many of the years it has run its annual Diesel Gala.

 

Although the Coal Tank managed a road trip to the NVR last year when other locos remained marooned at Haworth. I assume similar small locos could get through.

 

A bridge has been damaged by flooding earlier in the year, and the Coal Tank cannot leave to visit the Bluebell.

 

Yes but is that not a separate issue to the weight restrictions in Ingrow?

 

Back on topic... with confirmation of the Midday Scot how many of RTCs trips have a chance of running in the near future. Midday Scot is not dependent on a WCRC owned loco (well owned by the Chairman) so RTC had options.

 

For the NVR visit the Coal Tank left via Haworth because of the restrictions at Ingrow. The damage from the flooding means that locos can't leave via Haworth either.

 

For April-May, my tuppence is as follows:

Wansbeck- Scrapped due to complexity

CCE- Maybe

Cotswold Venturer- Scrapped as its not an easy route for DB, so pilotman probably necessary

Scot Commemorative- More likely

GB IX- More of the core runs north and south might be resourced due to the longer period of preparation since WCRC's absence, but driver's hours will probably put-paid to some or all of the Scottish branches.

Heart of Wales- Erring on the side of scrapped.

Buxton Spa- Might run with pilotman, as don't DB do a lot around Peak Forest? However, no sign of 70013.

Royal Wessex- More likely, as its closer to where DB's steam drivers are located.

Coast to Coast- As much as I'd like to do it, I doubt this will run.

The Peak Forester- More likely due to London start point.

DISCLAIMER- This is my personal opinion based upon available evidence, and not a snipe at RTC, which based upon the good news surrounding the Midday Scot, is trying its level best to salvage something from its schedule. There is also the small matter of which trips by Cath-Ex will be resourced.

 

Looking fairly accurate at this time. Having pulled the rabbit out of the hat for the Midday Scot on Saturday, surely RTC can be a little more forthcoming on more tours?

 

Can't see a revised Safety Management System being developed, tested, implemented and signed off in such a short timescale. These things require a different culture at all levels in the organisation. The training process usually takes months in itself. Love to be wrong as it's seriously frustrating having so little main line steam. But it's got to be demonstatively safe first and foremost.

 

The Railway Magazine on Facebook reports that the WCR prohibition notice has been lifted. Unless WCR phase in their changes like last time, then you'd think most, if not all, will run?

James

 

I bet you're happy to be proved wrong

 

Bear in mind, my post was written at a time when things were bleak. I've heard there's supposed to be some sort of official announcement at 2pm, but don't quote me on this.