West Somerset Railway General Discussion

The newspaper's web site [Telegraph] states the map was supplied by Network Rail. The map is included in the article.
The information largely matches the information on the GWR web site, but I suspect this concentrates exclusively on services operated by GWR, so of course they would not include the Minehead rail replacement bus service which they do not operate.

 

The map I saw marked most heritage lines and showed them as closed, even the ones not connected to NR, so I guess that "closed" is the default state, where information has not been received.

 

So it does!

 

The NYMR are suspending their Whitby services too - presumably because there's no signallers available for the mainline.

 

I noticed that one too. I'm guessing 'one engine in steam' is a complete non-starter on the big railway.

 

The irony is that the signaller only gives verbal authority to remove a token. There is no release required. As long as another token is not out a there is nothing stopping a driver from obtaining a token and operating the ground frames and taking the train to Whitby.

 

Possibly some negative publicity though if that happened?

 

The version I have just looked at on the NR site still seems to show the WSR and Swanage in the "closed" grey line on the map category.
Others are now obviously omitted such as the NYMR, but with some like the Bluebell and MHR does the line stop at East Grinstead & Alton or Sheffield Park & Alresford?
There also appears to be no trains on the Marchwood Branch, just like non strike days.
Almost like it has been put together by two people or using an out of date rail atlas.

 

Pity there is a bit more to it than that, Steve. This photo at Glaisdale shows the problem. On the Esk Valley line, as on many remote token operated single lines, you not only need the token but also the signallers permission to proceed. There is also the matter of the various user worked level crossings all of which communicate with Nunthorpe signalbox. And if that is not obstacle enough, there is the down stop board at Sleights where you again need Nunthorpe's permission.. Oh, the things you could do if you didnt have a damned rule book to follow!

Peter

 

As I was trying to say, perhaps not very well, the signaller is in control and gives the necessary permissions but has no physical control of what happens. There are no levers in the box, switches to operate or buttons to press that requires a physical presence. As you say, it is only the rule book and adherence to it that stops the trains from running.

 

I assume the WSR ‘closed’ refers to the HOBC ballast deliveries to Norton, which of course access the triangle.
Several phone calls this am as to whether we are running. Do hope we are not losing business !

Michael Rowe

 

Michael,
The HOBC set based at Fairwater Yard, Taunton, departed on 9th June and is not scheduled to return for 13 weeks, so I don’t think West Somerset will be losing revenue (unless the industrial action continues for a very long time).

 

i meant that passengers might not travel thinking we (WSR) are not running a service. Appreciate the HOBC has left
Taunton but presumably not communicated to the compilers of the map. I think they are saying if you want
to access the MD branch from the Network you cannot. Therefore the MD line must be closed !

Michael Rowe

 

The WSR's official Facebook page did post a message yesterday saying "Customer notice - we are running as normal and are not affected by the current rail strikes."

Tom

 

Sorry, Michael. Misunderstood your post. I thought you were referring to revenue from ballast cleaning.

 

having done a 'quick' search on the web I can not find this announcement anywhere else.

https://www.somersetcountygazette.c...m-yd9WhqgaL6moEG_GCC7e_i50QSGka9LQxwUEqnSEw_4

 

Whilst the NYMR may have less passengers during a national rail strike day, I’d think this is more to do with it not being able to run trains between Grosmont and Whitby (and thus being less of an overall attraction) than any “road carnage” or of intending passengers being unable to use the big railway to access the NYMR. And hopefully the NYMR will be busier on the non-strike days to compensate.

 

What percentage of NYM traffic originates from Whitby?