WSR Diesel Gala - Friday 9th- Sunday 11th June 2017

Unlike some other lines, the WSR did have a diesel interregnum with loco hauled passenger and freight services so the event does represent a part of the lines history

 

Robin, i thought, rather foolishly now, it appeared the railway would at least TRY to do something different, but again alas it just seams very much carry on as you were

 

Yeah not enough chance of steam haulage on the WSR is there

 

I worked hard to understand the Diesel enthusiast market and to pass that learning on to the appropriate WSR decision makers. You must judge them by their actions.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Robin

 

Taking that further, it is perfectly authentic to have both steam and diesel running at the weekend in June. The Minehead branch had a gradual transition in the early 1960s, with steam appearing amongst the diesels especially on summer Saturdays. I have seen a photo of a D63xx and a large Prairie doubleheading.

John

 

What about a double headed steam & diesel then?

 

Seems likely to disappoint both groups of enthusiasts.

Robin

 

In the 1960s when steam/diesel double heading occurred the standing instruction was that steam must always be the train engine with any diesel acting as pilot, thus reducing the chance of the diesel catching fire from sparks, cinders etc.

In the 1980s when steam specials occasionally needed diesel pilots (such as under the wires Carlisle - Gretna etc) the driver of Black 5 refused to have a Class 27 diesel as his pilot loco. His reasoning was exactly the same.

 

If you look at the title of this website it states "National Railway PRESERVATION".
The year is 2016 and whether you like it or not Railway Preservation in this year, and for many many more, includes Kettles and Oil Burners.
If you don't like it find another forum to join.

Rant over

 

Why not? Especially if a D63xx could be produced in time (!), but a Hymek plus 4160 or similar should be pretty authentic.

John

 

It's called understanding the market!
The normals and linesiders may not mind it but generally for fare paying enthusiasts :
Those for steam don't want the box to power ,
Those for the diesel don't want to hear the kettle.

Mixing different diesel types is bad enough never mind steam and diesel.

 

I really think the organisers of this event really need to have a chat with those who organise events at railways like the SVR, for years the line from the SVR was something like 'we're a steam railway, what'll happen to those who come along expecting a steam train?' Well it turns out nothing really. Since 2011 The SVR has shown an attitude of 'ok you want a diesel only gala, just show us how much'. Those who do like machines with more than 4 cylinders have backed it up, yes the diesel market is rather fickle, but what's the quote from Wayne's World 2? 'if you book them, they will come' whoever's on this committee, get on the phone, have a chat with those at the SVR, Swanage (sure someone can help there!) or even the Mid Norfolk. If the MNR can attract the numbers they do, on a line that has only one passing loop at the mo. Then get on the phone! It's not difficult! And maybe consider loco's other than 14's, 35's, 42's and 52's...

 

I suppose what might have happened is the railway have spent all the hire/transport costs on the spring steam gala again, they probably wont do much in the Autumn due to the visit of Flying Scot, so apart from mybee the 17 i cant see much turning up. although the use of 7018 will no doubt bring people in, the opportunity of the gala to show off the line to a different crowd SEAMS to have been ignored, but i would be delighted if im proved wrong, however????

 

Can't the Sunday have more steam and be mixed traction day with just diesel fri/sat

 

So last Monday you were boycotting Sunday as there was a steam turn and now you want more steam.
Are you are YTFC or Baldric elsewhere ?

 

Having done the SVR last May ,Thursday(first train)-Sunday (last train into Kidd),the busiest days were Friday/Saturday, the quietest Sunday,and Sunday was no premium fares.

 

If there going to be steam might as well be more than one diagram. Works for the SVR so I've changed opinion.

 

?? No I don't support Yeovil FC.

Had to google Baldric.

1. a belt for a sword or other piece of equipment, worn over one shoulder and reaching down to the opposite hip.
   
   Not sure what it is you're calling me. If you're going to insult me, please use words I can understand. Thank you.