West Somerset Railway General Discussion

The man’s a menace. The reasons for not running into Taunton are not ‘bureaucracy’ or ‘health and safety’ as he said on air but rather some pretty telling realities about local geography (who lives and works where) and economic choices / freedoms like allowing us all to own individual motor cars and free / subsidised bus services.

I note he also used the ‘royal’ ‘we’. I’m not part of your ‘wee’, Alex.

Robin

 

Not an expert on Saab but on more modern two stoke engines the oil isn't mixed with the petrol but carried in a separate oil tank , it is metered to the engine through a control with the throttle , so throttle shut while going downhill = no oil . Fortunately there must be some residual oil in the crankcase and the oils are so much better now the engines survive .

 

The SAAB i was talking about was from the late sixties designed nearly fifty years ago. Technology has moved on a bit!

 

Which departure is 7822 on for Saturday dunster candlelight. Hoping it be the 4pm as I tis be on that train. Thanks for any replies. Merry Xmas.

 

How do we counter his arguments with those in authority. He seems to have got credibilty from those like Minhead Town Council. I wrote a letter to the Chairwmoman three weeks ago and go no answer. We need to present the facts not the fantasy.

 

So, Minehead enjoys a half hourly bus service to Taunton with through rail tickets - something most rural areas would give their eye teeth for. Not only that but it serves the intermediate villages.

Now the only disadvantage is that it isn't that fast so, if the desire is to improve transport links, what about a 'limited stop' service running at peak times? That can be done almost immediately at a fairly low cost.

 

haven't you noticed, these days you will only get to be heard if your opinion matches the accepted "narrative" of our Media. Otherwise forget it- we are voiceless and faceless.

 

I believe it will be 53808 on the 4pm. But I wouldn't put any money on that!

Enjoy your trip.

Steve

 

Can anyone please tell me why when the 09 diesel shunter goes long distance as a goods train, it doesn't have a guard or a brake van?

DJB.

 

Minehead Town Council is a parish council - really of very little importance.

The Planning power resides in the District and County Councils, with which I have some connection.

Mr M has much less influence there among folks with real budgets and proper jobs.

As some will know, I am now one of the Independent members on the Award Panel with will be regulating the flow of community funding from the Hinkley Project. Applications that can deliver real community benefit will be welcome. Egos over-inflated with hot air unable to demonstrate likely benefit will find the Fund much harder to access.

Robin

 

I presume you are referring to the photos of it with the ballast wagons. These wagons are all vacuum-braked and also have their own handbrakes, therefore they do not require a brake van. The guard will travel in the loco.

 

7822 Is currently out of action. This weekends loco's are 6960, 53808 and 53809.

The two 7fs are double heading the QB and DBC return on friday night. Probably one of the last chances to see both 7f's working together double headed on the WSR.

The 4pm Saturday is due to be 53808

 

It can be done in modern times. When Liverpool St was rebuilt they made the new bits match the old very closely.

 

I don’t agree. If the same story goes unchallenged enough times people begin to believe it. Memdoza’s myths need to be regularly debunked.

 

This ought to be in a different thread - re the MH-TN link.
However, as an idiot's guide to costing a rail link, can someone add some figures to the following thoughts, and perhaps add some I haven't thought of. Or do we need someone to spend £50k to say it is rather too costly?

Capital Costs:
1. Track upgrade to 50mph
2. New track from NR boundary to TN platform using old trackbed.

Note: Assume costs amortised over 20 years (feeling generous)

Outgoings:
1. Lease a 2 car DMU to provide a 3 hourly service, OR Two DMUs to increase the service level, OR three DMUs to cover maintenance.
2. Fuel for a DMU or two.
3. DMU Staff costs 7 days a week - driver and conductor/guard (how many drivers/conductors)
4. Paid signalling staff (why would anyone volunteer to signal the 06:48 ex MH)
5. Track access costs for a TOC

Revenue:
1. Fares
2. Annual Subsidy (Clue = (1/20 x capital costs) + (Outgoings - Revenue)

If a chamber of business people are serious, they will be able to obtain the figures to fill in the blanks.... whereupon it is a case of put your money where your mouth is, or find the funding, or shut up.

Perhaps Mr Grayling has a magic money tree that can magic up a large grant?

Robin L.

 

Item 1 not likely to be possible as buildings/plant in way. Huge undertaking and cost even if Network Rail would agree. Major resignalling required to remove need for tokens. Also integration of signaling with Exeter NR panel and WSR. The whole scheme is woof, woof woof..

 

Do you mean by bus or train for the limited stop service?

 

Of course they should be challenged, and debunked. My point was where do you get your platform in the media? That's the the tough bit!

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now #141

Blue Anchor 28 March 1976 / 2017

Two views leaning out of the window of Blue Anchor Signal Box looking east through the Station on opening day in 1976 and as dusk was falling on a November evening in 2017.

Copyright Chris Osment / Robin White

1976


2017

 

Don't forget the incremental costs of station staff and ticket sales. I doubt any volunteers are going to turn up when WSR trains are not operating. There is also additional cost in track maintenance which is currently done during closed periods. The work will have to be carried out overnight to keep a 52 week service operating. Who is going to pay for that ? Will Mr M and the Vicar of Minehead be rolling up their sleeves, replacing sleepers at dark o'clock in the middle of winter ?