Time for a new train line through the south west - train related news

[Greyhound]

Sadly the hoped late addition to the roster of the new "Betton Grange" isn't happening, but the good news is that it is now due to arrive and work services June-August ! It steamed at Tyseley on the 12th April and will be "running in" on the Severn Valley.

Very good news. The Granges were popular with enginemen, and it was a great pity none survived the 60s cull. I'll look forward to seeing this one.

 

[Colesman Ballz]

The Railway Touring Co's "The Royal Duchy" is running from Bristol to Par and back on Sunday 5th May, scheduled to be hauled by Jubilee Class 45596 Bahamas.
Then those with a fondness for copper capped chimneys and brass safety bonnets a chance to see 7029 Clun Castle pass through and take on the Devon Banks. It is working Vintage Trains "The Great Western Railway" tour from Birmingham to Plymouth via Oxford and Bristol on Friday10th May, before returning on Saturday 11th.

 

[Grecian2K]

Labour's hoped for gradual re-nationalisation / (almost) full re-integration of our railways.
Good or bad? I suppose the devil will be in the detail.
On the plus side, a chance to return to a proper "joined up NATIONAL rail network" (and fare structure) with more rolling stock flexibility and simple pricing
On the negative side, possibly the exclusion of the private freight OpCos which could cause conflict with the passenger side, although the need for close integration with the private road haulage industry probably explains the need.
More negative though IMHO is leaving the provision of all the vital rolling stock of the finance houses (the ROSCos). Surely they are fully sated after decades of milking maximum gain from all that equipment so cheaply gifted over the decades. And not least the short termism embedded in such structures - especially when our tiny remaining capacity for manufacture is facing terminal decimation due to shortage of immediate orders for kit needed for the longer term? Perhaps a compromise solution might be for the new, public "GBR" to finance and provide all new future stock and let the ROSCoS just wither away as all their old contracts finally expire.

Anyway enough about my beloved railways...now on to re-national ownership of Water, Energy Supply & Distribution etc Perhaps one for the government from 2030 onwards if the rail model works?

 

[cannockred]

Labour's hoped for gradual re-nationalisation / (almost) full re-integration of our railways.
Good or bad? I suppose the devil will be in the detail.
On the plus side, a chance to return to a proper "joined up NATIONAL rail network" (and fare structure) with more rolling stock flexibility and simple pricing
On the negative side, possibly the exclusion of the private freight OpCos which could cause conflict with the passenger side, although the need for close integration with the private road haulage industry probably explains the need.
More negative though IMHO is leaving the provision of all the vital rolling stock of the finance houses (the ROSCos). Surely they are fully sated after decades of milking maximum gain from all that equipment so cheaply gifted over the decades. And not least the short termism embedded in such structures - especially when our tiny remaining capacity for manufacture is facing terminal decimation due to shortage of immediate orders for kit needed for the longer term? Perhaps a compromise solution might be for the new, public "GBR" to finance and provide all new future stock and let the ROSCoS just wither away as all their old contracts finally expire.

Anyway enough about my beloved railways...now on to re-national ownership of Water, Energy Supply & Distribution etc Perhaps one for the government from 2030 onwards if the rail model works?

Cant see the Tories doing that

 

[Grecian2K]

Cant see the Tories doing that

I presume you mean the latter?
And you're probably right.
But their 2030 descendents in the "Reform" party??? Quite possibly if they thought they could steal a few votes.

 

[Greyhound]

Steam train this Saturday. The website says it's 34046 Braunton, Al ! Timings: Exeter 1035 outward, then 1721-1730 return.

 

[Colesman Ballz]

Steam train this Saturday. The website says it's 34046 Braunton, Al ! Timings: Exeter 1035 outward, then 1721-1730 return.

For Bulleid Pacific lovers there is really only one place to be this Summer - the Swanage Railway Gala, 7th-9th June. In 2017 they ran their "Strictly Bullied" Gala with no fewer than five in action together, not seen since the demise of steam on Southern Region in July 1967.
This year they are going one better at "Strictly Bulleid 2", with six booked to appear. The rebuilt "34028 Eddystone" which Al got to drive earlier this year together along with 4 "Spam Cans"- no's 34070 Manston, 34072 257 Squadron, 34081 92 Squadron, and 34092 City of Wells plus Merchant Navy 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co.
Provided its overhaul is completed on time there is chance that 34053 Sir Keith Park may even join in to make it a Bulleid "Seventh Heaven".

 

[Greyhound]

Just try to keep Al away !

 

[Alistair20000]

Just try to keep Al away !

Rejoice !

Diary entry made

 

[Greyhound]

For Bulleid Pacific lovers there is really only one place to be this Summer - the Swanage Railway Gala, 7th-9th June. In 2017 they ran their "Strictly Bullied" Gala with no fewer than five in action together, not seen since the demise of steam on Southern Region in July 1967.
This year they are going one better at "Strictly Bulleid 2", with six booked to appear. The rebuilt "34028 Eddystone" which Al got to drive earlier this year together along with 4 "Spam Cans"- no's 34070 Manston, 34072 257 Squadron, 34081 92 Squadron, and 34092 City of Wells plus Merchant Navy 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co.
Provided its overhaul is completed on time there is chance that 34053 Sir Keith Park may even join in to make it a Bulleid "Seventh Heaven".

Just like Exmouth Junction in the 60s.