West Somerset Railway General Discussion

That may be true but it will bring much needed revenue to the WSR. Sadly we cannot ignore the economic realities that help fund our hobby. Without them there would be no heritage lines.

 

My take on the FS visit is that it is not a loco which 'excites' me, but it clearly does chime with a big slice of the general public and I love to see the Railway busy and folk enjoying themselves, so I WILL be on the Railway helping out in some capacity or other.

Robin

 

The SVR had its fair share of doom mongers who were proved wrong. FS attracts a different audience to a run of the mill gala so the protestations by some above who say they are not participating can be ignored. If they stay away that leaves more seats for families and dare I say it normals. And if anyone is wondering of my involvement I rode the FS / Tornado train one day. Guarded FS / Tornado another day and guarded TV on another day.

 

I think it may be an opportunity to 'connect' with a wider audience than the Railway reaches normally, which can only be to the good, especially for services like the Quantock Belle.

We need to be ready to capitalise on the publicity.

Robin

 

I believe that FS is somewhat over-rated, and would prefer to see a visiting GWR loco such as a pannier tank, but Joe Public doesn't agree with me, and has a lot more money to spend! Looking at what FS did for the Severn Valley in September, this has to be good news. I'll try to be there to watch a moment in history.

John

 

You mean like at each end of the line walk down the train and put QB information on each table, as well as the timetables for the railway.

Ps I said I hoped the FS will bring money onto the railway, even though I think this engine is over rated.

 

I'm looking forward to finally seeing down this way.

 

Will there be the normal autumn steam gala ?

 

I hope that we can do rather more, like having 'explainer / ambassadors' at principle station's / on trains to connect with the public, games and offers to engage them and garner e-mail addresses, features to explain the opportunities to volunteer, etc etc

Such an opportunity!

Robin

 

Its something we might not see again, in this paint etc, same with other locos in the recent past,

Best to embrace it and sometimes keep your thoughts to yourself to save alienating people,stock and or locos from ever returning,

I mean if the loco in question raises money to go towards a project on the line or a mega gala, its worth, having it down,

Never know might bring the normals back for the work horses and not just show ponies.

 

With a foot in both WSR & SVR camps I have to say that the FS visit is very important for the WSR if the SVR visit was anything to go by.
The SVR visit was extremely well organised (though there were still learning points) and I am sure that relationships between the two railways will allow the experience gained to be shared.
Personally I find FS unremarkable but what struck me at the event was the very different cross section of visitors many of which had not previously visited the SV (or perhaps any other H Railways). No doubt this was a very valuable introduction to a new audience, a percentage of which will no doubt return.
The SVR event displaced the traditional Autumn Steam Gala for which the railway received considerable criticism but the financial result was a very considerable surplus which will no doubt assist with essential infrastructure expenditure.
What ever your personal view of FS I suggest that WSR supporters would do well to support the visit in whatever way they can recognising the value of the extra revenue which might just find its way into an aspect of the railway dear to you.
If you remain unconvinced have a look here: http://www.svrlive.com/copy-of-news-300516-1-4

 

Thanks for an injection of reality via the SVR web link, the WSR visit will effectively provide an extra Summer high season week.

No doubt the QB team will be considering how to increase the visitor offer on the FS trips by selling the 1st Class QB experience with a suitable menu to suit the theme and time of year.

I would also hope that the WSR comercial department are considering a FS seat reservation web site for the FS trains much like some of the wine and dine train booking web sites on other railways.

Sure this is all in hand and hopefully we are looking at a Win Win Win Win for the WSR !!!

Jeff

 

At least its been offered to the railway on a week which means that , there isnt an issue with it clashing with a gala,

 

lets just hope the action of a few on here don't end up causing 4160 not to return

 

I for one would make a point of avoiding it .

 

To see 9351 working again might tempt me off this rock .

 

Indeed - one learning point from the SV experience is how best to accept bookings. 7,000 advance tickets were sold on DAY 1 of their availability. (yes seven THOUSAND!). That was the total number available & many folk complained of web site crashes, jammed switch boards etc etc and the railway's booking system was really unable to cope with the unprecedented level of interest. There is little doubt that the potential for sales was considerably greater than 7,000.
That & other points need to be fully addressed by the WSR.

 

You would not be alone in that.

 

Good to see the volunteer recruitment pictures on a Steve Edge's website. In particular to see the collaboration between the WSR and the WSRA with the latter' s Hawksworth Saloon being used.

 

Also massive thanks to Kate in the shop, letting us use the cafe as a base, keeping us supplied with hot drinks (needed with the chilly weather) and sorting lunch.
Exactly how the WSR and WSRA can work together for the benefit of the whole railway.
Robin F.