West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Or stupid signs...

Robin

 

I have to admit I have no clue at all what "political correctness" means in this context or how not having it improves railways' operational flexibility. Maybe you could expand?

 

Here we go again.

PH

 

Coincidentally, last night I was watching the excellent YouTube series "All The Stations" and spotted another preserved railway using one of the modern combined "10mph/Whistle" signs that have been mentioned on this thread previously - the Strathspey.

 

Yeah. I hate it too when people seize any opportunity to go on and on about their particular hobby horse...

 

Just thank your lucky stars that whichever H&S genius decided on the "necessity" of recent modern signage at the WSR hasn't made it to the IOW yet.

When they do visit you could end up with "Short Carriage - Don't attempt to board the half that isn't there", "Do not press the non-existent door buttons" and "When returning to the mainland please use the transport provided - Don't attempt to walk".

 

I can understand why a good many heritage/tourist lines are beginning to use up to date and more legible signage. Most are aware that as the 'ambulance chasing fraternity' are quite eager for trade they have to attempt to protect themselves from law suits as they think fit and are able.
Sadly a sign of the times!

 

Choked on my tea there!

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Thanks for a realistic (as opposed to emotional) reaction to a very real issue. I have been told, by the person involved, who ended up having to get "fierce", of his coming out of the booking office to find a family had set up a picnic by the track side, completely ignoring the authentically repro. pre-Grouping "no trespassers" sign. Thus the latter ended up being supplemented by one threatening modern day penalties.

Why people can strain for gnats regarding warning signs whilst swallowing camels in the form of the actual sort of trains people ride is puzzling.

Paul H

 

Nobody has ever provided me with a rational explanation why standing on a platform ramp is more dangerous than standing on the platform. This example's only function appears to be to stop people taking unobstructed shots of locomotives.

 

Believe it's to stop access to the crossing and divert people over the bridge.

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At Bishops Lydeard, as I understand it, the ramps and barrow crossing are open to all (including taking photos) except when a train is due and the red gate is closed across the platform. A quick look at the webcam will confirm.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve, I meant to add the caveat that they were only clised during train movements.

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The red gates are only closed by the crossing keeper when a train is about to arrive or depart, the rest of the time they are open and people go down the slopes and across the barrow crossing just out of shot as the normal way of getting to the other platform. People can still use the road bridge (from which all the shots are taken) via steps both sides as well.

 

Thank you. That provides some explanation for my second sentence (above) although I wonder what has changed from the preceding century and a half or so without the gate. Any comments about my first point?

 

Closed even!

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Unfortunately my mobility buggy does not have a step climbing adaptor so the bridge is not an option. I am grateful for the barrow crossings.

 

It may well be simply because the ramp is not a horizontally level surface and some people might be more prone to stumbling/falling etc. On a ramp your exposure to wheels, rods and other moving parts is greater than at platform level.
As to the second item, well most people were there solely to catch a train in past times, not just to photograph and sightsee. They knew the safest and best place to stand while awaiting their train.
Even so I guess there were many occasions where an inquisitive youngster strayed into possibly dangerous areas but then a quick reprimand by a parent/guardian or someone on the railway staff was usually enough to ease the situation.

 

A layer of cream followed by jam and topped with more cream!