Saphos Trains 2018

I could guess that you do NOT know Ralph - or his commercial experience in the field of railway tours - but I wouldn't be so presumptive. In my opinion Ralph has asked a valid question that shows he understands the economics of railtours / charters and the commercial environment in which they operate; where locomotives have a limited loading then any non-passenger weight carries a penalty it is surely right to question the consequence on passenger loading and the cost charged per passenger.

 

It is, but the saleability of those seats is also a factor.

It will be interesting to see how Saphos do, and observe how the different models of operation perform.


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See FAQs Dress Code. Smart casual. Gentlemen are requested not to wear shorts or sleeveless t-shirts. Whether @iancawthorne can get away with denying he is a gentleman remains to be seen.

 

No comment.

I hope Saphos has a successful first year. It's all looking professional, well presented and hopefully an interesting new chapter in mainline steam.

 

If @RalphW really cannot conceive ANY potential for a ROI in a genny car one might reasonably question those business credentials to which you allude. The question posed by @Dobbs0504 is a valid one, if not strictly germane to the present Saphos arrangements.

 

But under a heading of “Dress Code (Premier Dining)”


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Oh dear, I rather fear Ralph has suceeded in his aim of mischief. If Ralph DOES think an ROI is possible why would he ask the question? If you read my earlier response I ventured how ROI MAY be acheived, applying some rudimentary analysis from someone not claiming to be a business person. The caveat was that a genny is cheaper than a manned loco soley for 'hotel' function. Quite clearly if the diesel is to be used for motive power it is not a valid comparison.
Also mentioned was the fact WC has seen fit to invest in a genny car, presumably not without hope of some return?
As already stated, Saphos has set out its policy sans genny, for now, so I suggest we just watch the developments with interest wishing the firm luck.

 

As most generator vans are also brakes, it could allow the 'train brake' (as opposed to POB) role to be undertaken by the generator car, and hence probably allow 42 or 64 more seats when an ordinary coach replaces the brake van.

However, as @26D_M has noted, as a 'new start up', LSL are keen to gain credibility by having a rescue loco attached. Perhaps after a hopefully issue free period of operation, or at times of year when weather may be less of an issue, this may change.

Steven

 

I suspect @iancawthorne and I were both reading the Icons of Steam link FAQs where the phrase in brackets is omitted.

 

In which case I’ve found a different page in the Saphos T&Cs.


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I've been seated in a compartment in the brake coach on at least two WCRC operated RYTC CMEs

 

Thank you @RalphW - I wasn't sure if there were any saleable seats in the Brake but you have confirmed that there isn't, so at worst a brake generator instead of a brake coach would loose no saleable seats, or, if the weight of the generator car is seen as replacing the greater weight of the diesel, a full seated coach could be provided if the generator was used as brake (and, indeed, possibly staff coach, although there is also the POB for staff).

I am really sorry that people seem to draw inferences from your posts - I wonder why?

Steven

 

Ralph I think was referring to WCRC tours sold by them, not operated by one of their customers such as RTC or SD. The half brake quite often these days is sold, as mentioned above on the CME's and normally on the Dorset Coast Express every compartment seem to gets sold. However back in the day when a rear coach had to be a Mk2 or unoccupied then it was a staff coach. Then the powers that be decided a Mk 1 was safer than a Mk2 on the rear and it all changed again.

 

Err, is that not what you routinely - and baselessly - accuse others of whenever you perceive criticism of a cow you hold sacred?

 

An Adaptation of the first half of a Christmassy Poem by Clement Clarke Moore


The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,


When out on the internet there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the windoze I flew like a ghost,
Tore open the NP Forum and threw up the post.


The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature thread, and eight tiny smears,


With a little old poster, so lively and bubbly,
I knew in a moment it must be Ralph W.
More rapid than eagles the detractors they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;


Now, 26_dm! now Gladiator 5076! now Dobbs0054 and Fred Kerr!
Oh, Pete Thornhill! Bean-Counter! and Alastair!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! Grinches and all!"

Well the Christmas spirit has been blown, how about a Forum New Year's Resolution to be nice to each other

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