West Somerset Railway General Discussion

It was reported last month that Bob had stepped down as TLW MD.

 

But not ceasing all involvement.

 

His experience will be valuable at the present unsettled time; will help to steady the ship!

 

I do not know Mr Meanley, a fine person no doubt.....however would not someone younger be a better option? I know The WSR did have a younger CME not so long ago, resigning due to an unsupportive Board.

I notice with little surprise the Wagon Group leader quitting getting no comment, he has also ceased all connection with The WSR.

 

Going to open next year with bells, whistles, trumpets and clowns are they?

Here is the current list of Special Events during 2019 on the West Somerset Railway.

• 29 March - Press Day (not for the public)
• 30-31 March - Grand re-opening

 

I assume in WSR parlance, the CME is the management role, not the director?

Does the CME have responsibility for both the mechanical and operational parts of the loco department, or just the mechanical? Does the role encompass carriage and wagon as well, or is it just loco?

Tom

 

Was something in this thread - some while ago admittedly - made, suggesting a Tyseley connection with the Williton restoration facilities? Or was it some thing suggested on the WSR History web site?
Peters 'Ides' comment is interesting.

 

This is is so then it is a very sad event, for all concerned. It should also concern those who have reservations about the future of the line. He came across as someone totally committed to and concerned about his railway.

 

According to the Tyseley website he has stepped down but is staying on in an advisory roll, his Son has taken over his former position.

 

Isn't 7027 - owned by the new WSR plc Chairman at Tyseley for restoration?

 

Tom,

Historically the CME of the WSR (a full time post) has had responsibility for the following functions:-

• All steam locomotives, operation, maintenance and overhaul.
• All coaching stock.
• All wagon stock, including PW vehicles but not including PW road/rail equipment.
• All DMU stock
• All Diesel locomotives, in practice the large diesels are all sub-contracted to the DEPG who reported to the CME.
• All maintenance staff for the above.
• All footplate grades, Diesel drivers, traction inspectors, cleaners etc.
• All workshops, mess rooms, servicing facilities etc for the above.
• Water towers and water cranes.
• Turntable.
• Lifting equipment.
• Servicing pits.
• Budget controller for all of the above plus fuels/water supplies.

The "Safety Case" and later "SMS" both stipulated that the CME had to be a Chartered Mechanical Engineer.

The Board of Directors has normally also had a Chartered Mechanical Engineer as one of their members, although not always.

Andy.

 

Thanks Andy. Thinking of our own case, the workshop management of locos and C&W are separate, reporting to separate board directors; and the locomotive footplate crews are also managed through a separate hierarchy, going up via the Locomotive Superintendent ultimately to the Operations Director. So having it all in one role is a pretty big job.

Tom

 

Perhaps a split of jobs and responsibilities is part of the re-organisation required by ORR ? If so it might explain why it is the "administrative functions and organisational structure" that seems to be the focus of ORR concerns and - perhaps - might see some people taking umbrage at perceived personal slights.

 

Hi, Nick813.

Has he quit? FB only says there are no more working parties etc. May I ask how you know he has quit as I can't find info. to that effect on FB? He was doing a good job and quite a few of us did support the group's work.

 

Hi, Nick813.

Has he quit? FB only says there are no more working parties etc. May I ask how you know he has quit as I can't find info. to that effect on FB? He was doing a good job and quite a few of us did support the group's work.[/QUOTE]

Yes he has quit completely. Handed in his volunteer pass and keys. It may sound like a cliche but his age and health have mitigated against continuing with the wagon group activities particularly. Ken has served the WSR well for a total of over forty years and will be sorely missed. He retains his long service pass and will be seen about the WSR from time to time.

 

Anthony a post on FB may be of help to you:





‎Rich Hiscox‎ to WSR Mechanical Engineering Dept News

1 hr ·
7822 on Steam test today after a boiler washout and fitting of the WSR pattern drop grate. All successful which is great news, her next steaming shall be Empty coaching stock to BL on Friday afternoon ahead of the Dunster by Candle light services

 

A manor, A Hall and by far the best beast last a 7f!

 

Lets hope with someone who commands the respect Bob Meanley does even on an acting basis involved ,That the railway is turning a corner.
Hopefully thats the start of the railway going on to better things,

 

Also 4936, the tender for which was having some work done to it in the shed at Williton at the time of the ASG.

 

Now also the 09 shunter (taken from the wsr.org site)

"Kinlet Hall and Thornbury Castle Ltd have purchased WSR-based Class 09 no D4107 from 4160 Ltd. The new owners say:

The engine has been a good old workhorse for the WSR and since our offer was successful we have signed a long term deal for the engine to remain at the WSR. We will also be naming the old girl Ellie May - plates have been drilled for fitting, hopefully, in December.

28 November 2018
Details kindly provided by Kinlet Hall and Thornbury Castle Ltd"