West Somerset Railway General Discussion

WSR website shows steam engineman special on 30th but nowt on WSR org site roster. Looks like all engines busy so doubt it. Just want to make sure I get to see all trains. Thanks

 

Lots of questions tonight, Tony!

No, there is no list on any website.

SEC on the 30th is classroom only - they get to drive the train on 31st.

Steam should run round at Williton.

Yes.

 

Yes Thxs.

Is a BL to MD return much cheaper than day rover ticket

 

No - it's the same price on a standard timetable (ie. non-gala) day.

 

Why do steam loco crews on the WSR not use high visibility clothing on duty? Just curious.

 

I've often wondered the reasoning, certainly not unique to WSR. presumably authenticity?

 

Essentially because when you are out on the line, you are either on the loco (so aren't going to get hit by a loco coming the other way that hasn't seen you) or - in the event of a failure in section causing the fireman to have to walk to the nearest signal box - you are protected by the fact that the fireman carries the token, so no other engine can enter the section without his knowledge.

Hi-viz is there essentially to draw the attention of loco crews to someone who is on or near the track; therefore, by definition, it can't act as any form of protection for the loco crew themselves, as they are on the engine.

Tom

 

Thanks for the explanation Tom, but surely that doesn't apply in stations when there may be more than one movement going on at once?

 

On Sunday the 4F was carrying a 'high Intensity' headlamp ditto the 7F at the Gala, although the Pannier had oil lamps

Why the modern lamps?

 

I took my two youngest on Sunday, very nice it was too, rode behind the Prairie which was a very lively engine indeed, although t was amusing to see the platfotm hosepipe being used to fill the tanks to the max before departure at BL, I was expecting to see the fireman raiding the fire buckets at Williton.

Nice run back with the 4F - middle son was over the moon to get the Catering Depts last pack of Pringles

 

High-intensity lamps are used for running in the dark. They will be placed on the front at MD, say, if it will be dark by the time they get to BL, some drivers turn them on immediately, some leave it until they think they are needed. The Prairie (not Pannier) was probably carrying one somewhere for use later.

 

On Sunday, last day of service before the November break, the stock from BL was run back to MD after the public service.

Robin

 

Hi viz clothing tends to melt so is not popular on the footplate. The rules state that it need not be worn by crew within 30 feet of the loco (must check that is the correct distance !). I usually have an orange vest in my pocket however when coupling up, it could fall out and be hoovered up by a loose vacuum bag. I should leave it in the cab I suppose.

 

It's as Snifter says. Loco crew (for operational and safety reasons) are exempt Hi Viz when working on or around the locomotive. If we do fail in section (hopefully not) then we have to don Hi Viz before walking to the nearest phone or signal box. Bit of a tip here, I keep one in my footplate bag along with a rule book and my Bardic lamp.
A lot of crews have adopted Orange overalls for use during loco prep so that they are more visible on shed.

 

Is the winter work going to be the completion of the Williton loop extension work which I think is doing the signals.

 

Yes, I believe it is, and in the New Year Seaward Way level crossing at MD together with track either side will be renewed. This is expected to be a major job, cutting the station off from the rest of the railway for a number of weeks, which is one reason why the Spring Gala has been put back to the end of April.

 

Thank you.

 

On SVR loco crew as on Bluebell do not need to wear HV on or about their loco. In addition staff do not need HV when on an approved walking route as defined in the rules.
For example between SVR car park and platform and car park and diesel depot. The wearing of HV is also discouraged on platforms. Sometimes difficult to comply with for example when doing a train check. Whilst you dont need it on the platform when checking that side but when you reach the end of the stock and drop down on the ballast to do the other side you do. As this is usually early morning I do don HV for the walk round

 

Have I missed the volunteer open day for signal/ guardsman?

 

No - its 27th Nov - contact Robin White on robin215white@btinternet.com or 07710 336 807 for details.