West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Am I alone in feeling a bit queasy at the thought of F&C and a cream tea?

Robin

 

No. A "One or the other but not both" menu.

 

Oh, I don't know......
A leisurely lunch leaving BL, 90 mins at MD to stroll & shop, then a snack on the way back. It certainly works for me.
I'd put the mail catching net out at whichever signal box you're working & see if you can get high speed 'take out' / delivery service.

 

I must get round to suggesting a ‘healthy eating’ Train to the WSR Commercial Department. How about a nice fresh ‘Salade Nicoise’ as the main offering washed down with a cup of green tea and a sparkling mineral water on the return.

Would probably only need one coach...

Robin

 

At least WSR coaching stock is old style with some opening windows if needed.

 

I cannot agree about green tea; it makes me ill, however, it is possibly trend setting idea and worth considering I believe.

 

More likely a Brake van.

 

What about better coffee?? I could settle for Rombouts?

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rombouts-O...qid=1538819990&sr=8-2&keywords=rombout+coffee

3 x 120 for 85.99, or 24p each, better than Instant

 

a few shots from the WSR on Thursday (4th Oct)

 

After looking at the roster on wsr.org I notice that Braunton has been replaced by a class 33 diesel today on the 14:15 MHD - BL service.

Both class 33s are in service today, the other on a Driver Experience Course.

Interesting to see both class 33s pass eachother at Blue Anchor. <BJ>

 

Many heritage Railways fail to grasp that a significant part of their clientelle are, socio-economically, A, B and C1’s, so very ready to pay a little extra for something a bit better.

Robin

 

Indeed. Or who will find the whole experience undermined if served with instant coffee on a dining train with otherwise excellent food (no names, no pack drill, but not something that happened on the WSR).

 

Quite. Like not using the first class coach more and only charging £2 when they do.

 

There was a letter in the recent Talyllyn News from a member aggrieved to have to pay £4 for his dog (a flat fare covering any length of journey / it used to cost 6d in 1964), and a response from the GM to the effect that he was not aware of previous resistance to this, and that it was a nice little earner (and BTW, he could always take out a membership for his dog for £5 and get free travel). I see the WSR charges £2. Not going to change the finances greatly but perhaps worth thinking about?

 

Presumably that would be a rover ticket?

Tom (here all week, folks...)

 

I think heritage railways should be careful about things like this. It's the sort of thing that really incenses people - I've been reading Tripadvisor comments on a heritage railway today (not the TR) and a number of them comment adversely on the charges for dogs - is it worth it for the revenue it raises?

The last time I travelled with my Border Collie on the GWSR (sadly I lost her to bladder cancer on 27 December last), I was much impressed that she was welcomed with a free ride.

 

That 6d was probably a reflection of what Cope/Woodhouse copied from Midland Red!

 

When does Braunton leave the WSR please

 

My experience as a BO clerk is that most dog owners are so pleased that we allow dogs on board that they do not resent the £ 2 standard charge. Some who just want a single from MD to Dunster [two legs £ 4, four legs £ 2] do comment, others ask for a ticket for 'a small dog' , maybe in the hope that we have different rates for big dogs and small dogs. I think there is a strong case for a one-year dog ticket to be available for those buying the Freedom Pass ,[ though it might need a passport sized photo to avoid it being passed around?? ] [!] or a one week dog pass for those getting a 7-day ticket.