Paignton and Dartmouth Railway

New locomotives would be trated as fixed assets and therefore won't impact on the profit figure that much (other than through depreciation). Also major overhauls and infrastructure projects can be capitalised and the cost spread over a period of time in the accounts. So I don't think the big spending over the past couple of years should have a major impact on the profit figure - but it could on the cashflow.

Mr Barry is right to be concerned about the declining profit figures - but have the majority of shareholders invested in the company to make a massive return? I'd imagine many small shareholders are enthusiasts. I agree with previous posts that he needs to come up with a few plans rather than just moaning about the board which is a very negative approach and doesn't make you many friends.

I have always thought the railway relies a bit too heavily on just running timetabled trains - I think extra evening themes services and a few well planned events would go down well.

 

.

I agree. If you want to invest in something to make you money, go buy shares in BP or something with no tangible enjoyment benefit. People should buy shares in the DVR because they are passionate about heritage steam.

 

Its not really heritage steam though is it as their not shown historically. Its just a company which takes people from a to b and happens to use steam trains! Maybe they could still get all the holiday makers but gradually paint stock in historic colours which would attract the heriatage gricer market whilst not detract from the average off the street tourist market.

 

I suppose its not true heritage no, but its still steam. I agree on the liveries. I know we are told they will never change, but there is absolutely no logic in turning off enthusiasts by sporting odd colour schemes. Joe public would be happy with either, but at the moment enthusiasts (and their £££'s) are being put off. It won't cost any more to put each item of stock right the next time it is due for a re-paint, but it could start attracting the enthusiasts. Its a win-win, and looking at the figures, the DVR can't afford not to be going after every possible market.

The other aspect that has been mentioned is volunteers. Its interesting to see that the WSR is having to make cutbacks, and is turning to its volunteer force. The DVR is stuffed in that department, because it has none.

 

Agree totally! Had a good trip their sunday in the observation coach!

 

If they had one I'd volunteer at once and regularly as its a lot nearer than the SDR, and the SDR methods are far to complicated

 

You must not forget the volunteer group at Churston, not only do they maintain Churston buildings they man the booking office from June to end of October. They also take on work from both Queen's Park and Kingswear.stations.

 

You must not forget the volunteer group at Churston, not only do they maintain Churston buildings they man the booking office from June to end of October. They also take on work from both Queen's Park and Kingswear.stations.

 

I asked to join a while ago but didn't get much joy at the time I have been over to churston a few times though chasing the Torbay Express and have seen what they get up too

 

What's complicated about the SDR methods Scorpian?

 

Should anyone like to volunteer, they can contact John Barrett on 01803.851940.
The volunteers meet twice a week, Sunday mornings 9 -12 and Wednesday evenings from 7pm, also some mornings during the 'running season'.
The work undertaken is mainly painting from the white lines to painting the outside of the workshop/paintshop and of course the main station building.
This year they painted the turntable.
The banks on both platforms also have to be maintained so they are cut back several times a year.

 

Yes; come on Scorpian. What's complicated?

 

Dear all,

The PDSR is looking for new volunteers, we are trying to expand upon the current workings and will need volunteer staff in various "front of house" areas, such as TTI and Station Supervisor roles. If that sounds like something you're interested in please contact the office at Paignton, the best method is probably by post, with a cover letter to:

General Manager,
Volunteer Application,

Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway
Queens Park Station
Torbay Road
Paignton
TQ4 6AF


PS Sensible applications only please!

 

I wasn't sure whether this deserved a new header, but how many people have realised the significance of next year as being the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the railway to Paignton?

Should the P&DSR (or even Network Rail) be laying on some suitable celebrations?

Regards
Steve

 

I think it does, as it covers a wider aspect than just the P&DSR - might get tour promoters interested. I'll do one....

 

New post put up Stu.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17261


Regards
Steve

 

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for your input this year. Here at the PDSR we are trying to move the railway on, making it a better place to visit for enthusiasts and "normals" alike. We have a range of special events booked in for 2009, including our Heritage Weekend, which will hopefully incorporate the ideas from here about "Paignton and the Railway - 150!"
As some of you may be aware the railway company also owns and runs a river boat and bus company, River Link, with whom we offer a whole selection of day trips, this partnership is being brought closer together to provide a more coordinated approach.

Other events next year will see us holding a "blue tank engine weekend" (as im not under license i cant mention his name!), an ice cream festival, a wizards week, services in conjunction with the Dartmouth Food Festival and others.

Trains start again on April 1st.
And again, we hope to be having frequent visits from the various Torbay Express engines, perhaps with a few new ones along the way (Hurricane? Tsunami? Gale Force Winds? O well, something like that would be great!)
Heritage Weekend 19-20th of May (i think).


All details will soon be available on our website www.pdsr.co.uk


Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year.

 

I wouldnt get to excited about the rumour until it is confirmed, although I have heard it a few times from a few different people involved in various aspects of the railway, so you never know.

I would also like to thank you for your useful info over the last year it has been quite interesting and useful allowing me to make quite a few visits to the line this year and hope to do a couple more next year.

 

Given that the general public couldn't give too hoots what colour the engine is or whether the engines and carriages are named or not, the only realistic way of tapping into the so called "new market" would be, as others have quite blatantly pointed out, to remove the orange we've been tangoed lining, remove the names at least at special events and perhaps alter the livery of the coaches. I think the potential that the PDSR has is unbelievable. It is after all the destination of the Torbay Express. Why not cash in on the old GWR marketing. After all, all the hard work has been done for you already. A classic railway in a classic location running classic trains. Its merely a great shame that those in the wrong places of power can't see past the end of their noses.

The PDSR is my closest line, being as I now live in Paignton, but ironicaly I regularly drive hundreds of miles to railways such as the Seven Valley, Great Central, East Lancs, Bluebell, I could go on. Let me think there must be a good reason for this. I will continue to support other local lines such as the South Devon which do a great job at running a railway whilst I stand by and watch the PDSR hopefully run itself into the ground. Here's to hoping!

 

Apart from its great scenery, the P&DR has the benefit that large tender engines don't look out of place because this line used to have main line status with through trains in BR days. Not many preserved lines can say that.

If the new management can see their way to a few more touches of authenticity like getting rid of names on tank engines and getting the livery right, it would be an even more cracking line.

John