West Somerset Railway General Discussion

A Manor is just under 17 tons as is a Pannier, S&DJR 7F is 16 tons. The Hall is 19 tons so somewhere between 17 and 19 tons.
Given unlimited funds the line could accommodate anything, but be thankful considering the financial situation it is open at all.

 

Basically then restricted to the equivalent of GWR "Blue" route locos?

 

There was a possibility that all the LT Panniers would have come to the line in the early days, along with LT’s stock of spares. For a variety of reasons, some good, some less so, it didn’t happen.

 

Say more!

How suitable would they have been these days?

 

Most say [whilst not a big fan per sa of the Great Western], that the panniers looked smart in London Transport Maroon. Having seen L89 the Worth Valleys Pannier. So for that matter does the Class 20, we had last year on the NYMR, had been looking forward to a ride with it, but the dry weather broke so there was no need for the diesel "Thunderbird" cover . Can but agree with john, come on Robin spill the beans. As it's now well and truly history..........

 

We already run 3 coach trains.

The queue of passengers on the platform could be a timetabling matter. As for summer Sundays we don't run the peak service anyway.

 

When I was General Manager it was seventeen tons twelve hundredweight. However after I retired it was upgraded.
I do not know to what weight.

 

Interesting. I assume that the weights quoted do not include the weight of coal and water.

 

If 6960 is unable to run on the WSR it could move southwards where its owner has 'connections'.

 

Halls have been allowed over the WSR for some time. I've got a picture of 7828 double-heading with 4920 which I took in 1997. It would be rather tough for JJP if neither of his engines could run over the line. I guess the main priority at the moment is to reopen the whole line and to use locos which are safely within the new agreed axle loadings and think about an upgrade when the financial situation is somewhat more rosy.

 

Three coach DMU not steam.
So run three 3 coach trains rather than one 8 coach one?
Whatever the timetable the first steam hauled train from Bishops Lydeard (weather permitting) on summer Sundays is full.

 

If the first steam train left BL at 6.30am it would not be full. If you wait until 10.15am it will be full to overflowing. Somewhere in between there will be a sweet spot. The second train then take those for whom that was too early.
The DMU simply demonstrates that we already run three coach trains without them being overcrowded.

 

IMHO the early DMU is vastly underated. In the summer it is the first movement on the line, which being undisturbed overnight abounds with wildlife, making the trip thoroughly enjoyabe.

 

A couple of thoughts immediately spring to mind on that point. Firstly I suspect many DMU diagrams only need 3 coaches for loadings because it's a DMU. If it was a steam train at the same times, you'd probably need more than 3 coaches. Secondly you need to be careful how early you want to start running trains with respect to volunteers. Train crews probably need to arrive at least an hour before the first departure and loco crews several hours before that, and there is a point at which volunteers won't want to regularly turn up that early. Plus of course, the earlier volunteers turn up, the earlier they'll want (or have to under working hours rules) to leave, which might mean split shifting, which immediately doubles the number of operational volunteers required each day.

 

The WSR has 3 places where it can cross trains (5 places if you include the terminal stations) If somebody can put forward a diagram that permits the WSR to run more trains at times visitors would find suitable and to put forward a compelling business case in support of that diagram than I'm sure the WSR management would sit up and take notice.
Caveats are that:
all trains crews need to finish up from where they started
they cannot be rostered for more than 8 hours
it takes 3 hours to raise steam on a warm loco in the morning
it takes about 45 mins to dispose the loco at the end of the day, more if there is too much fire in it
train prep needs about 1 hour in the morning.
don't forget to allow for shunting, running-round, watering and taking coal during the day.
(Crew breaks would be nice as well if you can fit them in.)

I might give a prize for a really good answer.

 

As this started with a yearning for a Branch Line ethos could I ask if small locos take as long to prepare and dispose?

 

Fab idea!

Could you help by expanding that idea into what extra might be required and also provide a bit of copy.

Sorry but I'd not make much of a Ringo these days - my "mop top" (see current avatar) disappeared years and years ago

Steve

 

Not necessarily. e.g. BR Std with rocking grate, hopper ashpan and self-cleaning smokebox would be a darn sight quicker than baling out a Pannier I'd say, and as a bonus you'd have your knuckles intact too.

 

Funnily enough I just got a very positive e-mail back from the WSR after suggesting it, I dont know much about the Beatles on the WSR other than whats on your excellent website and I suppose it really needs a Hymek - and I am no copywriter, but..................

60's Seaside Express

Follow in the footsteps of the Fab 4, John Paul George & Ringo, AKA The Beatles

Recreate the journey they made over The West Somerset Railway to Minehead in 1964, hauled by Hymek D701* a member of the same class that pulled a Special Train taking The Beatles to Minehead for the filming of A Hard Days Night. Sequences in the film were shot at Crowcombe Heathfield Station and............. We are sorry, but we cant guarantee crowds of screaming admirers when you arrive at Minehead.

 

Chuck in a Beatles tribute band at Minehead station or a local venue and job done.