West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I think that part of the problem is the question of "editing" the image and the consequences. I well recall that when D6700 was involved in a collision at Barrow Hill I was allowed full access to photograph the scene because Barrow Hill staff knew that the images would NOT be edited other than to improve brightness / contrast levels. I understand that the images supported the Barrow Hill case and proved invaluable in supporting the apportionment of blame BUT the point was made that it was because Barrow Hill could guarantee that the images had not been altered that they were acceptable as evidence.

Sadly many images are edited in such a way that, in all innocence, it could hint at faulty procedures, dangerous vehicles and unsafe operations that H&S would take seriously hence the reluctance of many lines (and FOCs / TOCs) to allow publication of photographs except from trusted sources.

 

One favourite subject for perusal are those of lifting operations.
Method of lift, tackle used and what PPE being worn being 3 aspects looked at.
There are more.

 

I can see both sides of this discussion. Certainly from my own point of view, when taking photos in areas that would otherwise be "out of bounds" to members of the public (in my case more usually within a workshop than for infrastructure works, but the general principal is the same), I'm careful firstly to ask permission of whoever is in charge of the area to start taking photos; and secondly to get photos vetted before publication. Doing that seems like common courtesy to me. H&S issues are far from the only reason why one might wish to be cautious - there may be project or publicity reasons why there is a desire to maintain a degree of control over images, such as a project reaching a significant milestone. As an example, when "Beachy Head" was placed on its wheels for the first time, there was a natural desire that the first people to know would be the project supporters - so there was a degree of care to ensure that photos were published first in the supporter's magazine, even though that meant a couple of weeks of an effective embargo. After that, pictures went up in the normal online channels. Sometimes there are commercial concerns - for example, I've been present when the likes of Bachmann and Hornby have been measuring up locos for later production as models - you could cause a degree of embarrassment to both railway and manufacturer were you to casually publish a photo taken at the time without authorisation.

Photos taken from public vantage points are obviously another issue. However, sometimes they can be misleading. I recall a case some years ago in which a photo had been taken, via long lens from a public vantage point, of a worksite at a considerable distance. The photo appeared to show someone working in proximity to a digger without a hard hat. It was however, misleading, since the relative positions were considerably foreshortened, such that the person was in fact nowhere near. It did cause a degree of angst at the time though. Probably the answer in such cases is for the railway to be a bit more proactive with providing "official" photos (or access to accredited photographers), even if it causes a bit of work for the relevant manager to vet such pictures, since clearly there is an appetite for information about major works, and providing it "officially" is likely to result not only in better quality / more interesting photos, but reduce the interest of photos taken from public, but possibly distant, vantage points.

Tom

 

During my time on various construction sites I've often seen different coloured hard hats used to identify skills. Often red for banksmen or slingers, green or white for first aider (especially now you are not allowed to put any stickers on the plastics) etc. Can't see why the wrong colour mattered unless they were using the colour to identify when they were purchased so they'd know all the 'old' hats had been replaced on time.
I did meet one character from north of the border who always bemoaned the fact that he couldn't get a tartan hard hat - His workmates took pity on him and superglued his Tam 'O Shanter onto a normal hard hat. He was most displeased when H&S said he couldn't wear it on site in case the superglue had weakened the structure. He kept it for wearing to and from work and for trips offsite to the local café for 'breakfast'...

 

I saw an old lady working on a construction site in Hong Kong wearing a hard hat over a very wide brimmed straw hat.............

 

Some of us get photographed and then appear on the front of the 2017 WSR timetable. I heard a rumour that a shot taken by Mr Edge had been selected and it was confirmed this morning when I picked up a leaflet at Taunton station. My kids think it's great.

I apologise in advance for any trauma suffered by members of the general public.

 

Very nice, but you look a bit too clean to me.

 

A few years ago there was a Radio 4 programme about Jeffrey Archer's trial & imprisonment which referred to giving him "the oxygen of publicity".

One of the contributors remarked that she wasn't that keen on him receiving the oxygen of oxygen

 

And I thought I'd deleted all copies but it seems one image is still at large

Steve

 

Snifter

Think of it as being the poster child for the railway!
Look at my 'avatar' which graced the cover of our brochure for a couple of years.

 

Good news regarding use of Norton rally field as parking for flying Scotsman September.

Would there be a shuttle service with the DMU?

 

While that is true, it also gives the best opportunity to spot the first cuckoo of Spring.

 

That misses the point.

These individuals are in possession of a controlling interest in loco 4160, a holding professionally valued at well over £100,000 and rightfully belonging to our supporters association, a charity, which they sold to themselves for one seventh of its professionally assessed value.

We wont be giving up until that has been returned. Voluntarily, or through action by the relevant authorities and / or courts.

Just think of us as 'the luggage' in Somerset author Terry Pratchet's 'The Colour of Magic' or the crocodile in Peter Pan.

Robin

 

I understand what you are suggesting.

However, the nonsensical polemics on their website are very helpful in explaining to members why the present trustees are pursuing (or perusing !) the previous incumbents for the monies improperly spent and the shares improperly transferred.

A number of members who actually attended the AGM this year (a total breath of fresh air) have commented on the contrast between their experience and the nonsensical polemics written by folk who did not attend.

I am due to attend the 4160 Ltd AGM in Llangollen in a week's time. It will be interesting to see how that goes.

Kind regards

Robin

 

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Attributed to Voltaire. Still as true to day.