Jacobite 2024

But where do we draw the line on what needs CDL and what doesn't?

What about when a SVR Gala train is late arriving and there's people rushing to get a connecting train from Kidderminster NR? Or rushing to get a final order from Captain Cods before closing time.

 

Is that not a big part of the issue, that this was not actually what was happening, on more than one occasion.....despite what was in the Risk Assesment and operating procedures?

Chris

 

This is what some people don’t seem to get, WC promised one thing and didn’t deliver when they said they would during a follow up visit, how difficult is that to Understand?

 

Honestly having reread some of the posts on this thread and the ORR ones it's like trying to have a reasoned discussion with a stroppy toddler.

 

The circularity of this thread is sending me giddy.

Certain combatants seem to think that, by repeating ad infinitum their opinion as to the validity of the ORR or WCRC’s positions, this will somehow break the impasse and reinstate the Jacobite trains.

It won’t.

Iirc WCRC reported a profit of c. £4 to 5 million in their last published results.

So Mr Smith, as one tight Yorkshireman to another, stop being a dick.


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Yes good to see someone saying it like it is.

 

My last trip on a Jacobite was 3 years ago. Far from crowd control, unlike some enthusiast trips everyone remained seated & no interest was shown in vestibules or windows. People found their seats and stayed there. There was a rush to get pictures on Glenfinnan viaduct, indeed the train paused briefly, but I would suggest the stewarding job was perhaps a lot easier than some other trips I've been on. But then again, I don't remember seeing many stewards!
But this trip was during Covid when we were all much more aware of personal space and keeping our distance.
Pure speculation, but perhaps it was this reason that lulled the operator into a false sense of security that caused their issues last year.

 

Yes I feel sure it will run in some form to keep both steam and diesel fans happy it would be a good idea to say in morning run a diesel than in afternoon run steam with cream teas just an idea but unless Mr smith back down and fits CDL it will I think be LSL taking up the job

 

Seems that West Coast ran to Mallaig yesterday as ecs, as well as the LSL train. A good day for 37 fans to be lineside.
I assume that maintains a claim to the path but creates a loss to the company.

 

A local news piece from yesterday: https://www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/ne...alth-and-safety-requirements-angers-residents

Sounds like the resident quoted wants West Coast to keep the doors locked when the train stops at Glenfinnan. We want the tourist's money, but not the tourists.
However, her assessment of the situation is correct.

 

Makes interesting reading even a comment from MR Hoskings and that is rare. time will tell hopefully sooner than later .

This made interesting reading ,even a statement from MR Hoskings his self very unique, Only time will tell .

 

Also this as well which, despite the Francis Bourgeois clickbait headline, is a quite a good article about the LSL special, which was apparently well patronised - https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/f...6186/francis-bourgeois-harry-potter-class-37/

The tide is beginning to turn against WCR I think. The local press this week has definitely started to take a stand against them.

 

I would like to be a fly on the wall for that LSL meeting on Wednesday..

 

Accepting this is local journalism, but I am not sure it is up to WCRC, or any other operator who may run, or even Scotrail with their scheduled services to engage with the local community over chaos at Glenfinnan. If the community is that concerned then maybe they should approach NR about not allowing operators not to stop there, although I am unclear on what basis in law there would be for that.
It is a bit like saying Anfield attracts a lot of people when Liverpool are at home, so do not play the match or if you do do not sell tickets.

 

It's about "externalities". The combination of a famous film location and a tourist operation that goes there drives significant business which it can't really cope with. The question, which comes up in many ways, is whether and how they should contribute to the costs that fall on that community.

 

There has already been a lot of investment at Glenfinnan with a new car park and viewing platform. Unfortunately it is a victim of Harry Potter mania, with many overseas visitors. There is a continual stream of coaches turning up there. This will continue with or without the Jacobite and I'm not sure why any operator should contribute to a 'solution' - they (like many other businesses) are just taking advantage of the film connection to the area. Any solution should lie with the local authority (or National Park Authority if the application is successful), who will likely raise revenue by car park charges or other tourism levies.

 

Interesting read.
Have to say this bit made me laugh though :
“For some enthusiasts sitting on a Class 37 pulled carriage is like someone taking a journey in a Ferarri. To some this is the real deal."