GWSR General Discussion and Operations

As you say, a pleasant way to revise. I did most of my A level revision sat on the platform at the disused Holbeck High Level station in between photographing the remaining steam locos but that was 50 years ago. I sometimes wonder if I'd have got better grades if there had been less distraction!

 

Ah! revision work by the railway. Further up line - north of Stratford upon Avon - in the years following nationalization, I spent many warm sunny days at the halts that were to be found at The Lakes Halt (near Earlwood Lakes) and Whitlocks End. I chose these places as they were quiet and most trains passed through. Other nearby stations were more built up and had more interruptions (people ). There was easy access for a cyclist. Wood End was a great railfaning spot, with a tunnel, but not so easily reached, however a bicycle could be left, unattended, without fear of loss at that time.
When bored with trains the Stratford Canal was within easy reach.
I suspect study was not as intensive as it might have been but it was an enjoyable time and fondly remembered.

 

Visited the GWSR on Saturday for the first time since the extension opened. First train from Cheltenham Racecourse was pretty full, Beer festival was on but I gave it a miss as it looked too busy for me. So I just pretty much stayed on the train, enjoyed a bacon roll and a couple of bottles of very nice elderflower cider. Broadway is very impressive, especially the ticket office. I'll go again soonish on a quieter day and get a better look round the stations.

Well done to all involved.

 

Finding a quiet day is beginning to get harder and harder now, even grey mid-week days! Which is lovely to see, but if it carries on like this next year and I can't get a seat it may have serious effects on my revision!

 

Yes, there is always a price to pay with success.

 

Apologies if the information is shown elsewhere, but I don't seem to be able to find information as to what locos are running on what days on the GWSR Website? The Loco Roster page has an awful lot of TBA for steam locos - even for the next couple of days

https://www.gwsr.com/planning_your_visit/what_to_see_and_do/locomotive_roster.html

 

Now I could be accused of adding 2 and 2 and making 5, but given the proximity to the gala... I could be told off for saying more!

 

S160 due to be running this week according to batt holden limited on Facebook.

 

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According to me too :





Pity there is a 10mph station speed limit, but what a lovely whistle! Described by nearby S&T workers as 'wild west' (of England perhaps...)

I might have a YouTube of this departure later. (Rural Broadband, I think We can use this 'smilie at last: )

 

Waiting over, here is the S160 leaving Broadway today:

 

On another thread, mention was made of a possible plan at the Cheltenham end that would mean a deviation and new trackbed to enable a join up with NR AT Cheltenham, Does any plans exist for this plan, as it would appear to be a cheaper option than any future extension beyond Broadway , and of course, as its at the Cheltenham end, I would think it may attract a certain, clientel for race day specials etc off the national network, by the likes of vintage trains etc .

 

It was described in detail in a letter in the Cornishman, IIRC from ex-chairman Tim Bazely. I'm away from my copies of the magazine at the moment, but will try and fish it out and post it up next week if I find it.

 

A massive disappointment is about to be revealed as you can see.

https://www.gwsr.com/enthusiasts/miscellaneous/Lineside_Passes_2018.html

 

Huh. On the face of it, I don't really understand that. Given that photographers have to do the same personal trackside safety course as we volunteers do (AFAIK), and volunteers can't go trackside unless they've done the course, then why are we any safer than photographers?

 

Dream on brother!

 

Must have been an interesting risk assessment to bring in a full ban.

 

Today's slogan: You can't take the risk.
Will we become a risk free society?

 

Right decision....
Letting non railway staff onto the lineside is a disaster waiting to happen. Also just because they have a lineside pass does not mean they know what they are doing.

 

So a person that has taken the GWSR PTS course only knows what their doing if they’re a volunteer?
Plus if it’s all of a sudden a dangerous place to be, why aren’t passes being withdrawn with immediate effect?