West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Anyoñe aware of the time of the ECS of 44422 on the 31st please

 

I am guard for this move.

It is due to leave BL at 11:05, but remember that ECS movements can run early.

Robin

 

No need to wait Robin - just get a couple of Danish pastries from your local bakery

 

I always thought they were her secret stash of smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels in case she got marooned somewhere.....

Robin

 

Warning : May contain nuts.

 

Well the first comment from me is Oh Dear, don't they know when they've been beaten?

The second is well, if 4160 really is (and I quote) "75 tonnes of worn out steel that belongs in a museum!" then it can hardly be worth their while to give it a 10 year overhaul can it? In which case they really ought to sell it for scrap and return the net assets of the company to shareholders....... which would include PJ and MC wouldn't it? Now that really could be described as asset stripping couldn't it?

 

Can someone please give details regarding 60103 visit in September, can't find it anywhere.

 

It really comes down to which heritage railway (s) would want to host the loco given the history. I can't see the WSR PLC being too keen.

 

Where does that quote come from?

Robin

 

http://www.wsra-railway-history.co.uk/news/ where there is another recent missive.

Tom

 

"The only asset of 4160 Ltd is 75 tonnes of steel which has a very limited sale potential, it is more of a liability than an asset in that it is nearly 70 years old and still just about working. It is surely incomprehensible to think that anyone would consider going to court to try and recover compensation when there is overwhelming evidence that their claim is based on the false fabrication of the financial value of 4160 ltd as a whole. Basically it is 75 tonnes of worn out steel that belongs in a museum!"

Paragraph 6 of the update

Patrick

 

Thanks, both.

I had not seen that.

Makes me think the old Trustees / 4160 Directors can hear the sound of the steam roller clanking toward them.....

Robin

 

Quite incorrect. As well as locos the company does have some £250K in cash assets.

 

And a very presentable and salable Class 09 shunter

Robin

 

2017 begins with the end of a significant era. The final WSRA-operated Quantock Belle runs on New Year's Day, wrapping up 37 consecutive seasons of Association operated dining trains. While the Association retains ownership of the train, only time can tell whether WSRA will return to dining train operation at some point in the future. It is also the last train of the ousted lot's final programme and is therefore cause for minor celebration, perhaps tomorrow evening. The train itself is a suitably low-key affair, being a two coach attachment to a timetabled service, hauled by 53808 (I think!). The weather forecast isn't good but let's hope a piccie or two appears on wsr.org.uk, for the record.

We will return on 26th March with a Mother's Day special, the first QB under WSR plc management. That train will herald the start of a new and exciting chapter in QB's long history. All involved intend that chapter to be rewarding, successful and long. As well as planned improvements to service and food offer, including new and varied menus, we expect to be out and about at more WSR special events in 2017 and to have a greater presence at galas. There's a lot to look forward to.

The last 6 months managing QB have been both challenging and satisfying in equal measure, particularly since we returned to full trains, something that again became the norm a few months back. I've learnt a lot about the train these last few months and it's probably a bigger subject than I thought. Onward and upward!

Happy New Year to all Nat Pres readers and contributors. You must all come and visit us at the Wizzer during 2017.

Barrie

 

Bravo to you and the crew.

 

Ah, Yes, but, if they put a valuation on that cash in the same was as they did with shares it would only be £25k (or should that be £2.50?) wouldn't it?

 

I have now had an opportunity to read the recent piece on the WSRA 'hysteria' website.

Much could be said, but it is best that comment be restricted at the moment as the matters of the 4160 shares and other sums spent improperly by the old Trusttes are heading for litigation, and scrutiny by the relevant regulatory and other bodies.

I have some awareness of the steps being taken in this regard and we should have confidence in the present WSRA Trustees to take sensible steps and to keep the membership informed as appropriate.

Robin

 

Very well said Barrie,
I am confident that the improved marketing and timetable integration that the WSR plc will bring to the QB will see it go from strength to strength in 2017 and beyond.