The Cumbrian Fellsman 7th Feb

From a customer relations point of view the best thing to do is run the train on that day on the alternate route as there will be customers who have booked travel and/or accommodation and do not wish to change date. In my opinion a small compensation in vouchers may be apropriate though this falls outside Past-times Conditions of Travel.

 

I can understand the reasons for what happens - and in the case of this train, if the WCML: is shut, I am amazed it is being allowed to run at all! Yes the WCML is shut, so what? As far as I can gather there is only ONE diverted train in each direction via the S & C during daylight hours and these don't conflict with the steam path. As is normal WCML passengers will endure the delights of the Lune Gorge from the M6 courtesy of a fleet of buses plying between Carlisle and Oxenholme!

Let us not forget we now have additional signals installed on the S & C for the (almost) non-existent additional freight traffic.

In my honest opinion the loss of steam on the Manchester - Hellifield leg and appallingly tedious slow return journey are nothing to do with WCML diversions but more to do with crewing and the additional need for water and coal which both should have been foreseen prior to submission of the proposal. Despite a projected 14.32 return departure from Carlisle it would appear that the train is to be 'put-inside' at Appleby for an hour to follow the next Sprinter - presumably over fears that an engine change at Hellifield could occupy in excess of 30 minutes! So passengers have to endure a 6 hour return journey!

David

 

Tour now includes a pick up/set down stop at Skipton. Dep 09.13, arr back 18.09.

 

Another change to the route, I guess it must now be Man Vic to Leeds to Hellifield. I am booked on this trip and with living in Hellfield the Skipton dep/arr saves a very long drive early in the morning. The question is is it cheaper?

 

Assuming the class 20s arrive at Carlisle on time I should be able to see 46115 at Carlisle Station

 

Having looked at the Past time rail website the pick up and drop off from Skipton doesn't include a discount in the £75 fee despite almost 4 hours shortertrain travel.

Has anyone cancelled their booking as yet and if so are Past time rail happy to do this (in the sense of not creating a fuss!)?

 

I would have loved to have travelled on this train - even more so now that its picking up at Skipton and going both ways over the S&C - but sadly i have an already booked engaugement with my wife in London that day . The chance to ride behind a scot over the S&C is fantastic and whilst i can understand peoples disapointment with the new route i think you need to grab these opportunities whilst you can - sadly i think this year could be quite lean as time goes on in the terms of main line steam as people lose jobs and possibly their homes.

 

Recieved a letter from Past time on Friday fare now £69.50.

 

Past time website showing fare as £69.50 from Skipton but still £75 from Man Vic. As I live at Hellifield I have asked the wife to take me to Manchester in the morning then pick me up at Skipton in the evening and she agreed. It saves 2 and a bit hours behind a diesal in the dark and also a reasonable home time.

 

No mention of Skipton just a fare of £69.50 in the letter i recieved.

 

aemmott - you have a wife in a million!

Seriously, the motive power justifies a bit of a hike on the fares charged last summer by Kingfisher - which perhaps had been a bit too low for their own good.

John

 

Not with a diesel on the back.

 

I do have to agree with that one!!

Re the diesal on the back, with the route change etc if the train isn't full and a coach or two is dropped the diesal will at least make the Scot work a little harder. Any thoughts on loads 10 plus a 47? Not a great picture for the purist though but when I am onboard I this trip like I am being selfish and want to hear her work!

 

I am pretty sure the diesel wouldn't work unless really needed which is highly unlikely

 

Timings don't mention a diesel on the back, only a 47 on the front. From Hellifield timings state 46115 + POB + load 11.

 

Can I ask where you have got the timings? Nothing as yet on UKsteam.

 

Hey ho! Another thread and more mis-conclusions. Firstly, can I correct the latest - no diesel should be expected on the steam legs.

Now, an explanation to the changes. When Past-Time first suggested this trip, NR came back with a set of outline times. Apart from the fact that WCML over Shap is shut on the day, the end-to-end times, whilst theoretically possible, were totally unacceptable (departure from Manchester 06.00, return 21.00, with a corresponding a start from Carnforth 02.30, and back at 00.30; so we agreed a compromise with P-T, as now running.

Whilst certain regulars will carry on complaining/criticising, no doubt, as long as they can still type, it is a reality of the way charters are planned work that request and reality can and do differ and that is unlikely to change. Do you wait until you have confirmed times or do you take a punt? I think the answer is obvious, even if its not acceptable to everyone - the alternative is no business and that is acceptable to no one.

James Shuttleworth
WCR

 

I agree with what you say and am not in any way wishing to start or inflame an argument. I am pleased that you are willing to comment on the forum as yourself and your company rarely talk in the media. I am interested in this final point though.

My own opinion only but...

You say that "I think the answer is obvious, even if its not acceptable to everyone - the alternative is no business and that is acceptable to no one." but I feel significant damage is being done to the industry when the customers loose faith in the promoters ability to run a tour as advertised. It does not bother me so much because I understand the railways, I work on them and I know the background but a large number of bums on seats are the day trippers - people who will be put off rebooking by this kind of operation.

 

The advantages of being a PTR steward.

 

As previously said James - thanks for adding these comments and without wanting to complain/criticise as you put it, it would have been nice if the tour company could have let the fare paying passengers know the reasons. What I fail to understand and this is constructive! Why advertise before the route is confirmed, it was on Past Times website in November some three months before the trip, this engine I would suggest would have sold the trip without the need for everyday punters. Or if you do, at least keep the customer informed of the whys and wherefores of changes.

In real terms I guess I am saying that if I booked with WCR for the Jacobite and was then told I was travelling the Cambrian there is a little different to what was advertised/booked and it may be the punt that will put off the none entusiasts.