Brighton Belle update

My earlier comment was slightly mis-directed (apologies @30854), but my point is still the same. Those who come on to discussion forums and Facebook to criticise grammer or punctuation don't do themselves any favours, and do little to change the situation. If they want to change anything, they should address their criticisms to the writers of the words, in this case the website owner. Moaning on here isn't going to change anything, even if they're just using it as ammunition to have a dig at project they don't like.

@DisusedBranch I'm not complaining about the grammar, so I don't want to change anything - apart from the grammar police whingers.

 

In an ideal world, I'd agree with you, but dangling over the cliff edge, which is what the good folks in Coventry are facing right now, is the reality of things. This being the case, I'd far rather see one set from the 14 remaining Belle carriages out there earning a crust, even if it means unavoidable concessions to modern safety standards to permit mainline operation. Other than continuing as static restaurants, the only other alternative is use as hauled stock, which really doesn't define (at least) the motor cars.

Regarding potential clientele, when all's said and done, the old Belle was a luxury train. If there's a market for that today, where's the difference? Does that mean the solution is less than ideal? Perhaps, but better than any practical alternatives IMO.

That said, if this grubby peasant can ever afford a trip on the restored train and there are no kippers on the breakfast menu....... watch out!

 

Much appreciated... thank you. But the revived Belle had still better have kippers for breakfast .... or there'll be ructions. I eagerly await publication of the menu!!

 

well worth saving up for! I know I will, come hell or high water.
As for luxury, I remember often travelling to London, and my mum, who hadn't a clue about timetables, would just rock up at Brighton, and then complain "Oh NO, it's the Belle" as she forked out the 2/6 supplement. Me, I was as happy as a pig in poo, awash in table lamps and marquetry and jazz-patterned heaven!

 

I hope they proof read it first...

Steve B

 

It is interesting to note that on the few railtours I frequent, the first class dining is the first to sell out and yes, it is a deciding factor for me to travel on a railtour. If there's no first class dining, I don't travel.

 

So its got new headlights, and better bogies. Still, no where near as deserving of the F word and B word as the 60103 FrankenScotsman(which is a lovely engine, please stop demeaning peoples hard work and efforts) its going to be a rare first class journey I suppose,as long as they do Posh Real Ale who cares?

 

Posh Ale? Wozzat? A tenner a pint for some 2.8% 'Stone Brewed Special Reserve' comcoction in a posey glass? Give me a 'quaffable' ale in a jug any (or indeed, every) day of the week!

 

if the alternative is rotting in a siding somewhere or being misused to death as a static restaurant then I welcome the modernised traction equipment that pretty much no-one on here would even know about if they hadn't been told.

 

Hear hear! Many years ago I was a member of the abortive Brighton Locomotive Works scheme. We had two of the old driving motor thirds down there, and at weekends, when we weren't busy breaking every health and safety rule under the sun, we would often look at those two tatty old Pullmans in 6 road, and dream about another life for them back on the mainline. To me, there's nothing more demeaning than seeing one of these grand old ladies being towed up and down half a mile of old branch line by an 09 shunter or something equally unsuitable.
So what, if from the solebars down they are a CIG? At least they have a proper future, and a relatively glamorous one at that.

 

I read that and think it is a post laced with jealousy.

 

Of course the bogies were replaced during its time in service......................

Basically its either going to run or rot, any takers for the latter option?

 

I think this is a great project, despite the fact I am unlikely to pay the prices commanded to ride on it, and i'm a right old leftie. I think it is a shame that a more sympathetic headlight arrangement wasn't possible/achieved but that could relatively easily be rectified in future.

 

Wich would you rather have, a couple of headlights either side of the Pullman Crest or full yellow ends. Its a no brainer, accept the headlights.

As for running gear, those who rode it will admit whilst the interiors were superb the riding was awful

 

Yes and yes! I've heard much stonger adjectives used to decribe the ride quality of the BEL units in their later years.

 

I remember it- even as an under 10, it made an impression. Regular travellers would time their eating and drinking so that nothing was being consumed around Balham or Keymer Junction. Local dry cleaners thrived because of the Belle.

 

Personally I prefer the small yellow warning panel to the headlights (I don't know if that is still an option) but a: I am not paying, so it isn't up to me and b: as I said, I think this is a great project and those headlights are a small price to pay

 

Wasn't that partly to do with the track though? That is jointed track as opposed to continuously welded.

I fully intend to do a ride on this by the way.

 

If it's Keymer Jnc you're thinking of, modern track has improved things northbound out of all recognition, but I can assure you, it's still only strangers and fools who'd risk their hot hot coffee heading south, even in the latest stock!

None of which would stop me riding the rejuvenated Belle either.

 

In what kind of extend will there be modifications done to the Brighton Belle?
I've read they'll build retention tanks for the toilets... that's not very nostalgic and easy to maintain...