UP13
Member
- Joined
- 27 Jul 2018
- Messages
- 373
So my understanding is that other railways have had similar issues in the past but had the advantage of no social media to fight it out in public?
Very good point.So my understanding is that other railways have had similar issues in the past but had the advantage of no social media to fight it out in public?
Very good point.
There was quite a bit of trouble on the Mid Hants years ago and articles appeared in the railway press about it which seemed very public at the time, but it was nothing like what happens now.
Some of the issues I believe are related to the level crossing at Minehead, so the station is effectively cut off at the moment. Seems to be no effort made by the Board and the Chairman to get it sorted. They rejected out of hand plans that were ready to go, done by senior S&T engineers. I believe the new equipment is ready at Saltash, but he's decided he doesn't want it.Sad to see the WSR in (seemingly) such a state. I went with family a couple of years back now and loadings appeared healthy for the time of year. One thing that I do think is a problem for the line is the length. It’s too long!. It’s too long a trip for families with kids to ride the entire line (and expensive) It must also take a hell of a lot volunteers to maintain it. Perhaps running from Minehead to half way down the line might be a more viable option?.
Also, the stop at Doniford is nowhere near the holiday park there - and somewhat inaccessible for families with kids/buggy’s etc.
Personally, I find that is the length of the line, and the fact it goes from seaside to hilly areas through changing scenery, that gives it it's attraction. Lose the Bishop's Lydiard end and you lose any chance of traffic coming from Taunton. Maybe there could be a marketing push for families with children to do Minehead - Williton and return as an option, as there's usually a crossing of trains there anyway...Sad to see the WSR in (seemingly) such a state. I went with family a couple of years back now and loadings appeared healthy for the time of year. One thing that I do think is a problem for the line is the length. It’s too long!. It’s too long a trip for families with kids to ride the entire line (and expensive) It must also take a hell of a lot volunteers to maintain it. Perhaps running from Minehead to half way down the line might be a more viable option?.
Also, the stop at Doniford is nowhere near the holiday park there - and somewhat inaccessible for families with kids/buggy’s etc.
I like the photos in post #33. Is the DMU a class 117? I hope the line can survive.
The length can be a real issue. £for mile, the all day rover tickets are really good value. But, as they cost more than other railways locally, such as the DFR, SDR and GWSR, which are all shorter, the public believe it to be expensive.I believe so. They definitely have a 117 and km unaware of any other DMUs.
I hope it survives too. Politics aside, the only thing going against it is its length (both on terms of being expensive to maintain and pushing the boundaries of endurance for a regular family).
Thought it was a 115 unit not a 117. That unit has high backed seats which 117s do not, as far as I'm aware.I believe so. They definitely have a 117 and km unaware of any other DMUs.
I hope it survives too. Politics aside, the only thing going against it is its length (both on terms of being expensive to maintain and pushing the boundaries of endurance for a regular family).
Thought it was a 115 unit not a 117. That unit has high backed seats which 117s do not, as far as I'm aware.
What was the deal at the Watercress? All I know is that their was a falling out with their CME, who was also a locomotive owner, and it resulted in a life ban yet his locomotives were still there for a number of years...
A lot of people appear to have commented on the length of the WSR being an issue - however the Welsh Highland is around 5 miles longer and a full trip is almost a full day with usually the option of a half way trip for those that do not want to commit to a full day. How is length an issue for the WSR and not apparently so for the WHR?
I think length *can* be an issue on the WHR. Not an issue for me, however I've certainly seen some pretty bored families on there.
I would imagine there is a lot more "WOW" factor along much of the WHR route compared to the WSR which is probably just like any average railway view for a lot of the route.
A lot of people appear to have commented on the length of the WSR being an issue - however the Welsh Highland is around 5 miles longer and a full trip is almost a full day with usually the option of a half way trip for those that do not want to commit to a full day. How is length an issue for the WSR and not apparently so for the WHR?
The WHR and SVR arguably have more of a destination at 'the end', wherever you're starting. I imagine most passengers on the WSR originate from Minehead, in which case, where are they going? Watchet is a touristy place to go, but I can't say I'd be fussed about going to Williton or Bishop's Lydeard (again, in my case), and you've got to travel a long way to get to the latter.
WSR traffic is apparently very heavily weighted to start from Bishops Lydeard, not Minehead. It's a journey to the seaside, with good access from Taunton and the M5, not a journey from Minehead to nowhere much.The WHR and SVR arguably have more of a destination at 'the end', wherever you're starting. I imagine most passengers on the WSR originate from Minehead, in which case, where are they going? Watchet is a touristy place to go, but I can't say I'd be fussed about going to Williton or Bishop's Lydeard (again, in my case), and you've got to travel a long way to get to the latter.
As said above, I'd argue the WHR is also more characterful and unique than WSR. Plus, if you're in that area and want to do a shorter journey, you can do the FR and the money still goes in the same company's pot.
The WHR and SVR arguably have more of a destination at 'the end', wherever you're starting. I imagine most passengers on the WSR originate from Minehead, in which case, where are they going? Watchet is a touristy place to go, but I can't say I'd be fussed about going to Williton or Bishop's Lydeard (again, in my case), and you've got to travel a long way to get to the latter.
As said above, I'd argue the WHR is also more characterful and unique than WSR. Plus, if you're in that area and want to do a shorter journey, you can do the FR and the money still goes in the same company's pot.
In terms of commercial sucess;A lot of people appear to have commented on the length of the WSR being an issue - however the Welsh Highland is around 5 miles longer and a full trip is almost a full day with usually the option of a half way trip for those that do not want to commit to a full day. How is length an issue for the WSR and not apparently so for the WHR?
WSR traffic is apparently very heavily weighted to start from Bishops Lydeard, not Minehead. It's a journey to the seaside, with good access from Taunton and the M5, not a journey from Minehead to nowhere much.
Very much so. They have a large free car park at Bishops Lydeard, and during operating hours the Taunton - Minehead public bus service route 28 runs via the station forecourt, and it always serves Taunton mainline station so it's very easy to get to from that end. Its a good day out for anyone staying in or around Minehead as well of course, but parking at Minehead station is pay and display unsurprisingly, being so close to the town centre and seafront. Some of the other stations have limited parking.WSR traffic is apparently very heavily weighted to start from Bishops Lydeard, not Minehead. It's a journey to the seaside, with good access from Taunton and the M5, not a journey from Minehead to nowhere much.
AIUI there's planned to be a three day event at Minehead over the bank holiday weekend, similar to a couple of other recent weekend events. I believe that p-way issues currently restrict them to using a relatively short stretch of line.Despite the pleasant countryside of the WSR, presently there are no trains operating and it seems not for a while yet.
There will be even less attractions at passing stations when the S&D Trust leave Washford. (unless ther is a change of heart by the PLC)
Issues, unfortunately, of the chairman's making. His decisions have lead to the sad state it's in at the moment