DBS Throw the toys out the pram ?

This thread on WNXX makes rather interesting reading: http://www.wnxxforum.com/interactive/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=14255

Potentially leaves the Torbays and anything using 60163/71000 in the brown stuff, appears they have virtually surrendered the charter market to Smithy if true.

 

For anyone not registered on wnxx it basically says that DBSchenker have said they will no longer use any 3rd party locos.

 

Sorry Matt, should of realised you needed to be logged in to see it, d'oh!

Basically DBS whining they don't want to operate anyone elses loco's anymore because of delay minutes caused (because their 37/4' are super reliable!) which presumably kills off their charters operations stone dead unless you have an unhealthy attraction to 66's, how they intend to operate Test Trains and works trains over RA5 routes without anyone elses help when their own RA5 loco's are totally knackered is anyone's guess.

I fully expect DBS's customers on being told this to stick two fingers up to Toton and ring up Carnforth in the morning.

 

When is this supposed ban coming into play then?? Today,tomorrow or at the end of commitments??

 

Good question, though DBS seem to change their policies by the hour rather than year, im as much in the dark as anyone else to be honest, just passing on something that could have big implications.

 

This could be an interesting development. Maybe we'll see something in the mags later this month.

 

VSOE?

 

wow, i would be very worried for the industry if we are the mercy of just 1 single steam locomotive operator ?

 

I'm not familiar with WNXX, nor its contributors. How reliable is it as a source of information? How large a pinch of salt should we take with this story? Which part of DBS is saying this? Is it just a suggestion at this stage or company policy? I would expect DBS to review their involvement with steam (and old diesels) every few years, as a matter of routine. It's not their core business, after all. Just because they are reviewing it, though, doesn't mean they'll stop any time soon.

 

WNXX is basically the modern traction equivalent of NatPres, with a healthy number of members who work in the industry such as Harry (of HNRC) and several WCRC employees. There's a few kiddies and wind up merchants too, but its a good place to find out whats happeing in the wider railway industry.

Chris

 

According to the thread, it's come from someone high up in DBS Management, read into that what you will

 

Oh, well, that's potentially the end of Riviera stock on steam outings, as I believe they are only air-braked. I think this may have serious implications for the 'Torbays' and other Pathfinder tours if true.

 

Lucky we don't get any of those on NatPres!

 

if this is true, does west coasts safety case cover the engines that normally are crewed by DBS staff, such as 71000, 35028 and 60163 because i cant see anyone else having the necessary paperwork to pick up any charter work DBS decides it no longer wants , Might we even see VSOE coming under west coast operation and them moving their london base to stewarts lane
im just having day dreams of seeing several engines stabled at the lane and what a choice of motive power you could have for future tours

 

Can one provider manage? Drivers and support crew spring to mind

 

Support crews are provided by the loco owners not DBS so that will not be a problem.

 

You have to look at the list of current derogations issued against the requirements of Railway Group Standards. I'm pretty sure that those three locomotives were on there, but of course whether WCRC would want to operate them is another matter.

This is certainly an interesting development, and one that does leave the main line charter movement in a bit of a quandary. WCRC do a lot of very good work, but it can't be good from a competition point of view to have a monopoly.

Regards,

Dan

 

A bit pie in the sky maybe, but could DRS branch out into the charter business?

 

DRS would need to get a steam safety case approved.
Colin.