Just a thought, but in the thread about extending various heritage lines, a few people have pointed out that operating a longer line becomes expensive for both the operator and passengers, and often comes at the expense of a regular service. So here's a thought. I've done no feasibilty studies and have no experience in this sector so genuine question:
How feasible would it be for a long heritage railway to operate its line in two halves, as if they were two separate railways, meeting at a station in the middle with timetables worked out to dovetail?
So, as a general example (based purely from a quick nosey on Google Maps with no real knowledge of how the line currently operates), should the Wensleydale Railway re-connect to Garsdale, making it approximately 40 miles long, could they operate one service between Northallerton and Redmire as at present, with another between Garsdale and Redmire via Hawes?
- It would require a set of coaches and a small pool of locos for each section.
- Operated as two separate lines with separate tickets (though with possible interconnecting tickets too) except on special occasions such as galas.
- Timetables that work together - so trains arrive at the middle at similar times to allow exchanges, or at regular intervals (say 30 mins) apart.
- Passengers on the S&C could use it as a connection to visit Hawes and Bolton Castle, whilst those at Northallerton or Leeming Bar still get to travel to Redmire as at present with both enjoying beautiful scenery and a good trip.
- At the moment the WR operates its midweek service on Wednesdays as that is Market Day in Northallerton. Market day in Hawes is Tuesday, so a Garsdale - Hawes Service could operate on that Tuesdays for tourists perhaps?
- Operated as two separate charities/trusts/organisations under one owning body. If one doesn't make money, the other doesn't suffer, but with the bonus of being able to swap locos and stock and volunteers and work together.
etc etc?
I imagine it's not feasible, and I've literally just thrown this together as an example. I only chose the WR because I know that there has been talk of an eventual extension to Garsdale that would make it the longest (I think) heritage line in the UK.
I'd be interested in hearing thoughts. Is there a better way to make this work?
How do the Ffestiniog/Welsh Highland railways work - they're two longer lines joined up aren't they?
Cheers!
How feasible would it be for a long heritage railway to operate its line in two halves, as if they were two separate railways, meeting at a station in the middle with timetables worked out to dovetail?
So, as a general example (based purely from a quick nosey on Google Maps with no real knowledge of how the line currently operates), should the Wensleydale Railway re-connect to Garsdale, making it approximately 40 miles long, could they operate one service between Northallerton and Redmire as at present, with another between Garsdale and Redmire via Hawes?
- It would require a set of coaches and a small pool of locos for each section.
- Operated as two separate lines with separate tickets (though with possible interconnecting tickets too) except on special occasions such as galas.
- Timetables that work together - so trains arrive at the middle at similar times to allow exchanges, or at regular intervals (say 30 mins) apart.
- Passengers on the S&C could use it as a connection to visit Hawes and Bolton Castle, whilst those at Northallerton or Leeming Bar still get to travel to Redmire as at present with both enjoying beautiful scenery and a good trip.
- At the moment the WR operates its midweek service on Wednesdays as that is Market Day in Northallerton. Market day in Hawes is Tuesday, so a Garsdale - Hawes Service could operate on that Tuesdays for tourists perhaps?
- Operated as two separate charities/trusts/organisations under one owning body. If one doesn't make money, the other doesn't suffer, but with the bonus of being able to swap locos and stock and volunteers and work together.
etc etc?
I imagine it's not feasible, and I've literally just thrown this together as an example. I only chose the WR because I know that there has been talk of an eventual extension to Garsdale that would make it the longest (I think) heritage line in the UK.
I'd be interested in hearing thoughts. Is there a better way to make this work?
How do the Ffestiniog/Welsh Highland railways work - they're two longer lines joined up aren't they?
Cheers!