Catering facilities on Heritage Railway trains (ex WSR and SVR Threads)

Yes, we know that's what you think. You don't have to keep saying it over and over and over again.

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My response would be if it loses money why are you doing it? or maybe, what element are you not getting right, Visitors need refreshment, its how you provide it that matters, but done in a way that works for you, Your " Erstwhile Col. Stephens line is in reality now so far removed from the ethos of what the historic light railway was, that its in name only in reality its a steam and diesel hauled mobile leisure activity it has far better track and permanent way, it runs coaches that were never seen on it prior to closure and its not going to in my view be able to revert back to the prototypical branch line without some very difficult decisions, in fact it would most likily kill it off. if it did ,

 

My point though, is imagine what it would be like for the IOW to provide a modern take on that, in a real vintage coach, that the Ventor west set has open compartments make it ideal as long as it don't impact on costs, prehaps an Summer evening special the 2 car rake and a terrier, if you have a terrier already in steam, Canapys and Champaign to start, trundle up to wooton and back, take away the dishes, load up tthe main course, slow run to Smallbrook, and back, load up desserts and coffee , back to wotton, back to Smallbrook as its getting dark, then a atmospheric final run through the darkness back to Havenstreet , have i sold you on it?

 

We used to do exactly what you are suggesting but it took so many of the already busy catering staff away from their main jobs that it was discontinued. During the season their are a number of carvery evenings, due to the lack of open seating with tables the carvery is served in the Calbourne room, a train ride can be taken before or after the meal.

 

Well, I'll take you up on that seeing as it is my wedding anniversary. I'll drop the kids at your place and have a "date" with my missus!

Just having a laugh, but it would be an easy sell to the fairer sex.

 

I dont see where you would need to take so many away, other than in the preparation, as you are talking quite low numbers, and the food need not be hot, it could be Chicken in Aspec, salads, etc, it would be an interesting experiment to look at Edwardian buffets and what their modern take would be, i would imagine much could be self service, on platters etc,

 

Well I was mentioned specifically in a posting by someone with whom one can disagree in a civilised manner, so I answered it. As no doubt I will in future.

PH

 

Hooray! I agree with just about all of this, albeit with some regret. It all shows how easy it is to lose any individuality or USP a line may have when its function is changed. Hence the "sameyness" of so many tourist lines which both irritates and saddens me.

Paul H

 

And what does the change mean to your fabled 'normals?

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Normals? We don't need no stinking Normals!

All those repressed Col. Stephens groupies are going to come flooding out of the woodwork and pay for everything!

 

Oh yes we do!

PH

 

You must walk around with your eyes shut if you think many of our tourist railways are the "same". I know a number of non enthusiasts who visit heritage railways as part of a wider holiday and each has a railway they like more than others. If they were all the "same" as you suggest, then there would be no "favourites." There must be differences between the lines as otherwise people wouldn't be saying they prefer one over another.

 

Bet you're really looking forward to seeing those behind the Class 33 at the diesel gala.

 

Oh yes, i would have put that leather strap to very good use on my visit , and not in the way it was functioning, but an a chastisement way on a little boys legs after he had dropped the droplight for the 7th time

 

To add to the above, my partner has summarised the following lines we've visited together :
KWVR - charming but too short.
DFR - too short with too many stops and starts for the level crossings.
NYMR - decent length journey, nice scenery and an interesting town at each end.
WSR - decent length journey, nice scenery and a charming little harbour at Watchet.
Bluebell - top notch dining on the GA Christmas diner.

 

i wouldnt wrorry after the first trip to Smallbrook, most will be enroute to Ryde general hospital, body parts and bridges with limited clearance tends to result in broken bones

 

Yes Paul, of course we do. I was being ironic but I know you know that ( i hope!)!

Just putting it down for the record, since you hideously disfigured the context of my post by cutting it off at the knees with grim reaper like precision!

 

I certainly am

 

Good heavens - I actually agree with PH

 

There's no helping some.