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WSR S&D Spring Steam Gala, 5-6 and 10-13 March 2016

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by gwr4090, Nov 14, 2015.

  1. 34098

    34098 Member Account Suspended

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    Yet another person with no consideration for others well we are all glad you enjoyed yourself , doesnt matter that it was at the expense of a few other people does it , cause you had a good time and your all that matters.the world revolves around you it seems.....
    also weather you like it or not diesel thunderbirds have a place at events like this and its not up a siding , its helping out once things go tits up like they have but your too big headed to realise that arent you.
     
  2. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    Thomas

    We certainly don't think we are perfect, and welcome constructive criticism, but you might want to think about the way you express yourself if you want to be taken seriously.

    I happen to be a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport, a Member of the Institute of Railway Operators, an Operations Manager who managed such locations as Waterloo, Dover and Bristol, and have been a WSR operations volunteer from as long ago as 1979. Organising and running a Gala such as that we have all enjoyed is incredibly complex, requiring the participation of many, many people. It is, however, very rewarding.

    And there is always room for a few more. Have you thought of volunteering?

    Kind regards

    Robin White

    EDIT:

    I have just seen your later comments. You really might want to think them through a little more carefully, both in content and the form of your expression.
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2016
  3. Andy Norman

    Andy Norman Member

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    7.5 out of 10 is a view you have of course and thanks for the feedback but I do think it’s a bit on the harsh side from my perspective as one of the volunteer Fireman who was on a number of turns over the period.

    It was clearly a very intense timetable and I don’t recognise much of the slack you mention in it with up to 19 trains running per day (plus the Minehead shuttle). I think it would be fair to say that you managed to photograph many great combinations of trains/engines over the whole Gala most of which can’t be seen together anywhere else (I’ve looked at your Flicker pages, well done, you have a very nice selection of photos).

    Some of the facts of the gala may help to put some context around it, 23 miles each way, 10 stations, 5 signal boxes as you will know. The gala used 10 engines, 3,200 engine miles, 97 PAIRS of engine crew, 7 trains, 73 sets of guards and TTI’s and more Signalmen, Station staff, Workshop staff, Cleaners, QB Staff, café, shop, etc. etc. than can be counted.

    We also had a number of engine problems that were all fixed by the Fitters immediately so no engines were side-lined and no Thunderbirds or GWR engines were needed. Yet it was all completed safely within the rules and the worst thing that happened is that some trains were late running some by 10-15 mins and a small number longer, so all things considered personally I call that a great success. The Line Controllers who had the toughest job made clear decisions when they needed too (as Robin mentioned above) and kept us all informed and working together.

    Yes we could have built more slack into the timetable to be able to pick up time when it slipped but that would have reduced the number of trains and double headed combinations that many of you (me included) were able to photograph in any given day, the Freight Train being banked by a 4F could be deleted so we could have put another passenger train in but the sight of a 7F on the front and a 4F on the back of a freight has already appeared in many places on the internet so I guess it was a popular choice. Ultimately to a degree its a case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

    Perhaps I would extend it to 9 out of 10, with no-doubt a few lessons to learn along the way.

    Lastly would you have a photo in your collection that you wouldn’t mind giving me of 34053 and 34070 on Sunday 6th or 48624 on the 10th, single headed out of Minehead in your collection, I was firing both times and didn’t get the chance to take a picture of us running along the line.
     
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  4. theonlyadsrulz

    theonlyadsrulz Member

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    Well I for one had an enjoyable final day of the gala, even with the delays! I did hear from a friend that there was apparently a points failure at Williton in the morning, which I think lead to 53809 being delayed, which then snowballed into the initial 30 minute delay, is anyone else able to confirm? I will say again that I commend station staff for trying to get trains away ASAP to catch up time, I boarded the 7F/8F doubleheader at Washford 45 minutes down and we arrived into Bishops 35 minutes down so you can't say that people weren't trying!

    I'm sure there are lessons that can be learned from this event, improvements to be made for next time, but for me, aside from a bit of grumbling about late running from myself, it has been a massive success! A few photos from today, my video from this week to follow!

    53808 coasts downhill at Roebuck Crossing.
    [​IMG]

    48624 powers away from Dunster with the returning semi-stopper.
    [​IMG]

    44422 shunting at Dunster.
    [​IMG]

    92214 climbs the bank to Washford from Watchet.
    [​IMG]

    53809 & 48624 pull into Washford.
    [​IMG]
     
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  5. Journalist

    Journalist New Member

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    Amazing disparity between vitriol/personal insult and almost-too-chilled-out-and-accepting in the posts about delays in this thread, with in the middle a lot of good sense from people involved in the gala who are taking the time to explain their reasoning intelligently and therefore don't deserve abuse.

    I really don't get the 'I'm sure people didn't mind paying for a bus' approach at all. I know some people spend incredible amounts attending galas and fair play to them for all they're putting into the local and railway economy, but others are on a much tighter budget. My financial situation was not pretty for a few years and I'm watching every penny when at an event - gala tickets bought at the cheapest advance prices, same with NR tickets to events or if I'm driving doing so in the most fuel conservative way I can, being very, very careful about where I buy food and drink when I'm there, and rarely if ever getting extra souvenirs, and keeping accommodation as cheap as possible by whatever method too. I'd love to splash out more but taking that 'tight' approach now a) means that I can still put 'something' into the railway preservation economy even when relatively cash strapped and b) means I can hopefully be more generous in later years. I keep a very tight track of all spending on spreadsheets and with self-set daily/weekly budget limits and a late train causing an unexpected bus or taxi fare would be a real blow. So delays DO matter, and as I've said in an earlier post, I'm glad the WSR tried to recoup time.

    But I also appreciate the railway trying to keep its advertised attractions in place - whether that was double-headers or goods. On the day I was there, I'm sure some lines would've quickly binned the freight to de-clutter the timetable once things were delayed, but the WSR managed to run it AND catch up most of the delay at the time. If keeping a frippery such as a freight or a double-header was going to cause a 20, 30, 40 minute delay I wouldn't be in favour, but if there was a way to keep the advertised attractions with only a loss of 10 or so minutes I'd back that call - just about. Tricky either way, but even if I felt they'd made the wrong call in any instance I wouldn't think "I'd better rush to the internet and declare that's because the person in charge of that decision is arrogant or lacked testicles". Odd.

    Diesels thunderbirds: yes please. But I'm only saying that because the WSR has a great collection of diesels and I'd never object to a Hymek or Crompton turning up unexpectedly...
     
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  6. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    Your understanding is appreciated. These things are a balance / the art of the possible.

    It is my experience (and I suspect that I have a relatively usual perspective:confused::)) that, on occasion, the 'lack of testicles' aids calm decision making!;)

    Robin
     
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  7. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Having been following this debate from afar, I have a certain sympathy for the Operating Superintendent on the ground: it's easy to claim "if only they'd swapped X for Y, and cut out Z, then magically everything would be OK". But simply swapping engines is not the only concern - if you do so, you have to think about what the knock-on effects will be, such as whether each engine will end the day where it should, or whether crews will thereby end up over hours, or possibly whether crew swaps will still be possible at the correct locations. Having experience (albeit on a different railway) of complicated operating days, they don't just happen magically. What appears an obvious solution to someone rationalising after the event is far from obvious when taken against a ticking clock: making any decision is a non-trivial task.

    Tom
     
  8. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    This is a sensible comment, and Tom @Jamessquared is, of course, an engineman himself. A further consideration is that, on a steeply graded line such as the WSR, a last moment engine-swap may not take account of whether the loco is ready for the task ahead. Blowing off by locos is anti-social and wasteful. On the other hand the fireman needs to be ready to deal with Washford or Crowcombe banks when called upon to do so.

    I am reminded of the three-dimensional chess set that will be familiar to Star Trek fans.

    But no-one is perfect and we do listen to comments, especially the sensible, temperate ones!:)

    Robin
     
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  9. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    And do come back on 10/11/12 June when the diesels will be turning up expectedly....:):Wacky:

    Robin
     
  10. Adam-Box

    Adam-Box Member

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    On the Saturday their was some very good time recovery in the morning. Once Manston's train had left BL (on time) and was delayed by the 9F at Wiliton the Standard 4 left Minhead early to still be on time and to cross Manston's at Blue Anchor. The 9F also terminated at Bishops Lydeard and left their on time, even if it was tender first. After that the trains were running on time as far as I could tell until 53808 crossed templecombe at Blue Anchor and Templecombe was about 20 minutes late, these delays did not seem to be caught up. What was the reason for a) the delay to the 9F and b) The delay to Templecombe?

    However despite the delays it was an amazing Gala, I even spotted myself in a few pictures and Videos.

    BTW Has anyone seen a video of the 4F and Templecombe leaving Bishops Lydeard on Saturday that was quite a site (and sound)
     
  11. Hemerdon

    Hemerdon Member Friend

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    My video from Thursday 10th and Friday 11th March 2016…….



    A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers on the WSR for creating a wonderful event.
     
  12. Ian Monkton

    Ian Monkton Member

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    I was Guard yesterday on the 1045 BL (80042), 1245 MD, 1545 BL and 1745 MD (all 92214). As far as I can tell, my trains did not delay any others, apart from arriving late at BA as someone had noted above, but that is simply because of the time it takes to run from WN to BA!

    What is surprising about the criticisms of the late running is that until this year, one of the main complaints we have had is that the hourly timetable is boring, and that the trains are too slackly timed. So would those people now like the timetable to be changed to an hour-and-quarter one with trains timed to take hour and three quarters for the whole line run? That would mean running less trains (there is a limit to how many trains you can fit into a day) and, if things were running smoothly, even more sitting around at crossing points. Until this year, as far as I can remember, the hourly timetable has coped very well.

    On the 1745 I chatted to a few passengers and whilst people were getting off at BL I apologised for the late running, and everyone who replied said that they didn't mind, they had had a brilliant day. Of course, there could have been some who acted very British and didn't complain!

    Finally, if anyone has constructive criticism and wants their ideas to be given consideration, as Robin said, feed back through her or contact the Special Events Planning Team directly. Don't assume that team read this thread. Even better, come with your expertise and volunteer yourselves, then we will be able to run galas that don't give anyone grounds for complaint!
     
  13. Journalist

    Journalist New Member

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    I'll certainly try as I rarely miss a WSR diesel gala, but you're up against two places I need to be for work (one in Kent, one in Hampshire) at some point on either the Sat or Sun, the North Norfolk Diesel Gala and the 50 tour to Swanage so it's going to be a crammed weekend! Fun challenge, though. Plenty of WSR diesel running days in the diary anyway.
     
  14. Journalist

    Journalist New Member

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    Also, please do keep the complex timetables - I love the variety that recent WSR galas have dished up. When you've got a 3 or even 6-day event, mixing it up so the quieter days have more Williton terminators, freights etc and the peak days are a straightforward hardcore, four all-line sets, hourly plan is a great mixture.
     
  15. Steamchest

    Steamchest New Member

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    Good grief. You have no idea how much time and effort went into this event. Hundreds of people, mostly volunteers, gave their time and energy to give us a first class gala. I sincerely hope than most won't read your ill-informed and demoralising comments. If I was a volunteer reading them, my exhaustion would quickly be followed by exasperation that someone could be so unappreciative. Everybody knows that you can't please all of the people all of the time so please cut them a bit of slack. The statement in your signature relating to rudeness is no excuse for such bad manners.

    For the avoidance of doubt, I have no connection with the Railway other than having attended on both Saturdays in another role.
     
  16. Black Jim

    Black Jim Member

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    Their's always one is'nt there!
    Unfortunately did not make the gala, but re watering & turning engines at Minehead, do they not have the engine off the preceeding train turned & watered & waiting on the middle road by the carriage workshop ready to go when the down train runs in ,as they did in the past?
     
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  17. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Nice to read - as one who prefers to walk on the sunny side of life's street, I agree. I go to galas on the basis that I am going to enjoy myself and if something goes wrong, then I adapt my plans. You know, that's life! If the bar runs out of Exmoor Gold, I might be a bit disappointed, but when I remember that half the world is grateful for a mug of clean water I don't feel like moaning.

    Bus from Williton to Taunton to get a main line connection - well those people would have had to pay a bus fare anyway from Bishops Lydeard if the WSR had run to schedule - the difference isn't really worth a whinge, is it?

    John
     
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  18. Ian Monkton

    Ian Monkton Member

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    I'm intrigued by the statement originally made about people getting a bus back to Taunton from Williton. Does anyone know for sure that this happened? It's a good 10 - 15 minute walk from the station to the town (the buses don't pass the station) and then the service on Monday to Friday is half-hourly until the early evening. The last one to Taunton is at 1913 from Williton.
     
  19. robinguarddriver

    robinguarddriver New Member

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    I was also on duty as Guard yesterday (Sunday).
    My loco crews and myself tried to make back time but the amount of people getting on and off at each station just increased the dwell time so it was impossible to gain any time, this was made worse by the passengers that kept waiting until the very last second to board including a couple of times opening doors after we had started moving which of course means a emergency stop and more wasted time.
    We as staff don't like running late any more than the passengers do!!
    Robin F.
     
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  20. 6026 King John

    6026 King John Well-Known Member

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    I was at the gala for nearly 11 hours on Saturday and found it most enjoyable. I have been to about 25 WSR galas and this was one of the best - probably the best since the last S&D one 10 years ago.
    So, a huge thank you is due to all the staff and volunteers at the WSR. I cannot guess how much work went on behind the scenes. I cannot believe the attitude of the small minority who are making such a big issue of the late running. I accept it may cause difficulties so for some (it doesn't affect me as a drive there) but I can't see that it's a huge problem. It's not as if it finishes terribly late at night and in any case, as someone else says, if things start to run late and getting away on time is such an issue you have to adapt your plans accordingly. I can't imagine that it ruined the experience for too many. A few points to bear in mind:

    1) We are dealing with locomotives and stock that are over 50 years old, some of the locos even older. Mechanical issues are almost bound to occur occasionally and we have to be sympathetic to that. Failures can happen anywhere.
    2) The West Somerset is a very long line with only 3 intermediate passing places and one section (Williton - Blue Anchor) that takes about 25 minutes to cross. Therefore any delays will inevitably have a knock-on effect.
    3) The safe operation of the railway is paramount, and if that means it takes a little longer by allowing people time to change trains safely etc.... then that's the way it has to be.
    4) Many of us have never tried to run a railway - what may seem straightforward to us is probably a lot more complicated than we think. I am confident that most staff at the WSR know what they are doing and we are not qualified to accuse them of operationally poor decisions or to even suggest that they should be replaced with someone more competent!

    Having said all that, the fact that the timetable slipped on four days in a row was disappointing and those in charge should probably have a "lessons learned" kind of session. The only event that on the surface seems inexcusable was that a loco (34098) should leave Minehead with insufficient water to reach the end of the line, but then again there may be more to this than meets the eye.

    Overall though, a great gala as far as I can see and well done to all those who worked so hard to make it happen.
     

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