Diesel to replace a failed steam loco at a gala

Or the third alternative; in the original timetable put 2 locos paired up so that if there is a failure somewhere in the event you can split them and run one in the failure's path.

We do this at Foxfield and there have been a couple of occasions where it has proved very useful, so far we have yet to have a gala timetable go completely t*ts up!

 

2004 gala spring to mind? ;-)

 

Best thing is not to publish a timetable in advance - then whatever happens on the day can't be wrong!!

 

If I had the luxuary of another steam loco available for the gala at Embsay, I would make use of it... But I don't. The alternative is to kill our crews by asking them to work every turn, or to roster a diesel so that the original timetable can be held to. In my opinion, there is no contest. Life isn't always what we'd like it to be, but the aim is to do as best we can.

It most certainly is NOT taking the mickey. There are limited resources (both human and mechanical), and railways do not set out to extract the urine from passengers - they do the best they can. Remember it is largely a volunteer effort throughout preservation.

 

Fully agree.

Information is the key. If nothing is said about it, then yes it is a betrayal of sorts. Hopefully visitors can appreciate the need to replace locos should they not be fit...

 

Or when the derailment happened at Keighleys gala.. they just went back to the KWVR style basics.. top and tailed shuttles, vintage stock, doubled up industrials and anything else that goes..

In fact it really made the gala a true spirit day out !

magic

 

If no other steam loco is available, substitute the diesel. And give as much publicity as economically possible, (including a quick web site update).

Hardened steam men like myself will see the box, and work around it. Either in photo plans or travel plans. Made easy if all other workings run as advertised.

We all have to accept we are enjoying old machinery. From time to time it will break down. That is inevitable.