SVR General Discussion

One benefit of running diesel's is that I believe the operating costs for the railway are generally cheaper. The downside being that a certain percentage of the customers want and expect a ride behind a steam loco. Are there any figures from the SVR or other railways on the impact of passenger numbers when trains are not steam hauled. Do a significant percentage of passengers simply decide not to travel at all or do many simply try, where they can, to delay their visit until steam is operating again

 

I'd need to find the article, but a few years ago the NYMR was cited as saying passenger numbers went down by at least 50% whenever steam was stopped for lengthy dry periods. I'm certain another has more recently said they see a 70% drop in footfall, but can't remember which line that was at.

 

Consistently about 40% drop at NNR when diesels sub for steam during high fire risk spells.

 

Post on SVR Diesels Facebook page shows services delayed due to leaves on the line at Hampton Loade. Said leaves are still attached to the tree!

 

Lol! (at comment, not incident)

 

A decent sized tree, delays were up to 50 mins but making up time now.

 

Missed opportunity to bill it as a branch line gala IMHO

 

Double Western weekend with D1015 and D1062 in use both days. On Saturday both do two round trips, while on the Sunday only D1015 does 2 rts.

 

Website now states "Due to increased risk of lineside fires, all trains will be hauled by one of our Heritage Diesel fleet until at least the end of August." Yesterday's events in nearby Stourbridge show just what a tinder box the area is.

 

The decision had been made a couple of days ago. The NBI about it came out on Tuesday. There is a review meeting next week but I can't see anything changing anytime soon.
I walked KR to BY via the rifle range and AY to BY yesterday. Scorched is an understatement.

 

Having been in Birmingham yesterday and nearly getting stranded in Lye on the return train due to the line closure with the fire at Stourbridge, the heat yesterday was like nothing I've experienced before. The smoke from the fire was enormous. Unfortunately the hill opposite us at home has also gone up in flames this week as well. The smell of burnt vegetative is horrid with everything covered in ash.
This really is turning into a very destructive period of weather, any idea of running steam would be completely irresponsible.
Well done to the SVR for being on the front foot and advertising the diesels in advance - im sure there will be a few takers for the 52s!