Recommissioning after Coronavirus

I was probably not clear in my earlier post. It was not a DMU as such, but the carriages that former the inner parts i.e. TSO's. They have more seating to be able to deal, more ideally, with than compartment stock with corridors..

 

When people book a foreign holiday it is a huge financial outlay and planning for a family to go. It is not just the Covid itself but all the disruption to everything at airports, on the plane, the destination etc. What if the return flight gets cancelled ? so it is not surprising people want to cancel. I am supposed to be in Tenerife right now, but the holiday company and airline cancelled the flights, so I wouldn't rebook until all this situation is completely over.

However going to a steam railway can be a spur of the moment decision with minimal risk or planning needed. Visitors will just jump in the car and go. I was on the beach in Weston Super Mare yesterday and the place was packed with visitors and families playing on the beach, although it was noticeable that there were few to no pensioners. All takeaway places were open, but not restaurants and pubs. It was as if no lockdown at all, just the occasional sign to keep 2m apart.

As for visiting a steam railway to travel in open wagons. I wouldn't bother going if that is all that is on offer. Who wants to sit in some dirty wagon ? particularly if it means travelling some distance to get there. Better to just wait a bit until they open properly and there is something running worth seeing. I am not sure too that it would be even allowed on safety grounds.

 

I've just had a thought about on-site overnight accommodation - I personally would struggle to get down without it...

It's another thing on this list I guess

 

I probably wouldn't want to travel in an open wagon for a long journey. But at a steam centre like Didcot or the Bucks rail centre - or even a smaller line like the Swindon & Cricklade - I'd be happy. As mentioned in the previous post the Bristol Harbour Railway regularly runs standard gauge open carriages, so it must be allowed if a safe method of working can be proven. The BHR runs at very low speeds, and from an authenticity point of view externally their wagons look like goods stock. Would be fine (and even enjoyable?) at Didcot or the BRC.

Regarding the class 117 carriages as hauled stock, if the demand was there it strikes me that perhaps wooden partitions could be erected between each set of doors, providing a temporary compartment carriage.

 

I write as a "vulnerable" 70 year old and I am more inclined to say open as much as is allowed, as soon as, and let people decide whether the risk for them and in their situation is worth it. Personally I would rather enjoy what time I have left rather than be locked down for.....how long?.... just to extend my life by possibly two years and still die of something.....and I would pay to park now and watch the (Steam) trains go by!

 

Considering the use of open sided, or totally open carriages/trucks, raises the debatable questions about airborne transmission of Covid-19.
Air conditioning has been also quoted as a spreading agent. However there is still a debate ongoing that airborne spread is possible even with a very light breeze. Some masks would possible prevent spread but the same mask, I believe, should not be worn for lengthy periods due to condensation from breath (how long that is I am not qualified to say).
Church goers, in France wear masks at church services now, presumably on their way to a church as well, but noticeably clergy remove masks after entry into the church. It is not easy to speak at length it seems, when wearing a mask. A solid screen visor would appear to be a safer best, but that has its limitations. Continuous wearing of a mask by railway staff will, I think, be the order of the day. However, they will need a type that is used elsewhere where wearing of masks is essential to work. I doubt they will be cheap. The factors ensuring a safe environment for passengers and staff alike is another expense for the heritage industry.
The world looks like it is becoming a version of the lone ranger at best or at worst gangsters/terrorists.
Weston-super-Mare was mentioned in an earlier post. That place hit the headlines yesterday with an apparent increase of Covid-19 infections. Given the carefree attitudes of many day trippers I doubt it will be unique.

 

From the list of retailers that can reopen on June 15th - a glimmer of hope for the Heritage sector:

Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites.

 

I note in that report it says the driver and fireman wore face coverings. It would be interesting to hear feedback on how that was perceived by the crew - I can imagine it would be pretty unpleasant to do, and also may hinder essential communication between them.

Tom

 

This would not mean trains running if it says retail spaces etc. Gift shops and museums would be fine, if controlled. And that relies on the distancing criteria and other things being maintained.

 

Indeed, although if station cafes were also allowed to reopen there might be some potential there in certain situations. The cafes on the GWSR can attract significant passing trade, and if well marketed as a way to support the railway too then a combined visit to the cafe, shop and just to be able to be in railway surroundings and atmosphere again might be worth a try?
Although again, you still need volunteers to turn up and do it probably, and will they want to if a) they're in any sort vulnerable group (likely) or b) they don't feel like it's that enjoyable a pastime without the occasional passing by of a steam train and everything else going on that makes volunteering such a pleasant and communal experience?

 

What exact sector does the running of heritage railways fall under ? I assume it's hospitality sector ? If so that's a potential July return ! You could also argue that a heritage railway could be classed as a working museum.

 

I don't think it really matters what sector it comes under, if we can't demonstrate that we can take the right precautions, or the precautions are so draconian that either no one will want to turn up or the sums won't add up, then we can't re-open. It may be that some railways are thinking too over-zealously and have written off operations as too difficult based on things they don't actually have to do. I've certainly seen some evidence of this. Equally it's possible it might be the other way. Whilst we've had some interesting documents from the ORR and HRA, I don't think we've had much covering what railways actually need to do to be able to run with passengers. The HRA website does seem to imply that they're working on something though.

 

Tourism site, heritage site, museums with hospitiality and catering thrown in as well. Can we take 3 out of 5 to get going again? It is a small step forward towards reopening.

 

I agree with Big Al!

 

Another challenge is how to get revenue from visitors who want to view but not yet happy to ride

 

This seems promising for the more museum style heritage centres - places like Didcot and Buckinghamshire Railway Centres, Beamish and one or two others who operate a similar approach. Perhaps they will be amongst the first and hopefully sooner rather than later