Will Covid-19 affect the way we do our hobby for good??

[james60059]

As there's no dedicated thread regarding how the Covid pandemic is affecting our hobby as such (I know there's bits and pieces on other threads) I thought I'd start this up for the sole purpose, and as seeing we have railway professionals on here, it would be good to hear there thoughts too.

First off, is this pandemic likely to affect the way we do our hobby in the long term, for instance will we see enthusiasts at the end of station platforms again at some point, also what about doing rail rovers?. With rail services looking likely to return to full capacity in the next week or 2 will it be OK to do a rail rover again?. From a personal perspective, I'd be more than happy to wear a mask and practice social distancing, I was practicing social distancing before the pandemic as I'm an unsociable git anyway lol

 

[bramling]

As there's no dedicated thread regarding how the Covid pandemic is affecting our hobby as such (I know there's bits and pieces on other threads) I thought I'd start this up for the sole purpose, and as seeing we have railway professionals on here, it would be good to hear there thoughts too.

First off, is this pandemic likely to affect the way we do our hobby in the long term, for instance will we see enthusiasts at the end of station platforms again at some point, also what about doing rail rovers?. With rail services looking likely to return to full capacity in the next week or 2 will it be OK to do a rail rover again?. From a personal perspective, I'd be more than happy to wear a mask and practice social distancing, I was practicing social distancing before the pandemic as I'm an unsociable git anyway lol

Ultimately I think the answer is no. Most elements of the hobby can quite easily adapt.

There may however be a challenge in how others see this.

 

[6862]

While I've never been into spotting, I do enjoy travelling by train, and whenever possible/practical I like to take 'different' routes to get to places. Pre-coronavirus I used to take a trip to London a couple of times a year and use a Day Travelcard to explore parts of the network that I'd not visited before, combining it with quick visits to different landmarks (basically trying to cram as much as possible into one day). Obviously that sort of travel will no longer be possible, so that's the biggest way I see this impacting my interest in railways.

 

[37424]

As there's no dedicated thread regarding how the Covid pandemic is affecting our hobby as such (I know there's bits and pieces on other threads) I thought I'd start this up for the sole purpose, and as seeing we have railway professionals on here, it would be good to hear there thoughts too.

First off, is this pandemic likely to affect the way we do our hobby in the long term, for instance will we see enthusiasts at the end of station platforms again at some point, also what about doing rail rovers?. With rail services looking likely to return to full capacity in the next week or 2 will it be OK to do a rail rover again?. From a personal perspective, I'd be more than happy to wear a mask and practice social distancing, I was practicing social distancing before the pandemic as I'm an unsociable git anyway lol

In the long term probably not but until the transmission of the virus is very low or there is a vaccine then yes.

In the short to medium term a lot of older enthusiasts and those more at risk like myself are likely to avoid Rail.

In the short term the impression from the government is still you should only use Rail if you have to, ie essential journeys and travel to work, Leisure journeys look like being a No No for a while.

 

[yorksrob]

My hobby consists of going to nice places and visiting people by train, so if that were to be prevented long term, it would suggest that we'd become some sort of North Korea style hell hole. So hopefully not.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

First off, is this pandemic likely to affect the way we do our hobby in the long term, for instance will we see enthusiasts at the end of station platforms again at some point, also what about doing rail rovers?. With rail services looking likely to return to full capacity in the next week or 2 will it be OK to do a rail rover again?

Not yet - you'd need to wait until the leisure sector starts to open up, currently planned to be early July, and probably a bit longer.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

In theory Covid-19 could affect my hobby -for better or worse but I hope better. I am really into photographing infrastructure improvements, so if the DafT and government decide that Corona Covid-19 is a pulmonary disease and affects breathing (sarcasm on then off again) and then they see all the cleaner air around during lockdown, it might mean they see sense IF combined with a serious low/net zero carbon strategy. That might mean the supposedly upcoming report on that strategy might mean a rolling programme of electrification. If that happens and is endorsed by the opposition too, I might retire back to the UK early and really enjoy my hobby. OTOH if Graylings ghost makes an appearance the hobby is gone for good for me.

 

[Mag_seven]

This thread is to discuss how COVD-19 will affect our hobby - if anyone wants to discuss anything else they are welcome to start a new thread. Thanks.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

If one is a photographer of railways, I don’t see Covid19 affecting the hobby that much.

 

[david1212]

For me perhaps a grey area what you call hobby or leisure. With trains by and large predictable and to me not interesting I don't do a lot of photography. However often the journey itself is part of the day out rather than just a means of getting to the destination(s) so in that sense hobby rather than just leisure travel. The same applies to railtours. The days of depot open days like Toton back in 1998 and a couple at Crewe not so long after are unlikely again anyway. I did go to Old Oak Common in 2017 and back in 2000. In 1998 and 2010 Blackpool for the tramway were a week or so holiday and other events a long weekend.

Long term the priority will be minimising risk so much is going to depend if a reliable vaccine is developed.

Railtours need to be close to capacity to be viable while I will be hesitant about being potentially sat with 3 unconnected others for 10 - 12 hours. While beyond my budget some book the full catering package but can that be delivered given cramped kitchens? I had two pencilled in for this year. Both initially redated but one now cancelled and I can't see the other running. If it did a difficult decision between risk and supporting the operator.

Open days already are an ever bigger headache to organise with 'elf and safe tea. Covid-19 could well be the final nail in the coffin.

To a point events like Blackpool are better as each journey is shorter and can be broken up more plus for that time masks more acceptable. As we come conditioned to handwashing and sanitiser surfaces are less of a risk to. However too far for a day trip so another factor is accommodation.

As to days out the number of other travellers is a key factor, if you search I have posted my thoughts on distancing elsewhere. It only needs a train to be cancelled for the next to be crush loaded. While journey times are short e.g Marylebone or Baker Street to Victoria the London tube I would see as a big risk.

Hence overall will it affect my hobby for good ? I think likely since there will fewer events to travel to plus rail travel as part of a day out will be a bigger risk. The latter could be partly offset if overall fewer are travelling but service levels are maintained.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

SNIP SNIP
Railtours need to be close to capacity to be viable while I will be hesitant about being potentially sat with 3 unconnected others for 10 - 12 hours.

Yes agreed I do think Railtours will be affected big time. I remember once going on a packed railtour organized by Real Crush Toofew Seats. I got sat next to a person of rather large size. Most uncomfortable experience ever. So to do that in a post- Covid world -well I would not. So this is one area of the hobby that will be affected for quite a few years.

Affected post Covid
Railtours - definitely
Spotting - no
Open days - probably
Photography - no
Travel/haulage - to a degree

 

[david1212]

This is something I did not think about a couple of days ago.

For standard operating days on Preserved / Heritage / Private railways given overall the majority of travellers will be a couple if not a family and stock is either bays of seats around a table or compartments overall demand would not require more 50% of bays or more than one group per compartment so distancing could be maintained. Only popular services e.g. the mid-morning train from Paignton to Dartmouth would need restricting. The main control needed would be gift shops and refreshments where often there is no room to swing the proverbial cat.

However event days rely on many more visitors to cover costs of visiting locomotives etc. Trains are full if not standing, also platforms crowded like rush hour. Unless in time a return to at least close to what was normal up to last year there may well be no more of these.

 

[Qwerty133]

Yes agreed I do think Railtours will be affected big time. I remember once going on a packed railtour organized by Real Crush Toofew Seats. I got sat next to a person of rather large size. Most uncomfortable experience ever. So to do that in a post- Covid world -well I would not. So this is one area of the hobby that will be affected for quite a few years.

Affected post Covid
Railtours - definitely
Spotting - no
Open days - probably
Photography - no
Travel/haulage - to a degree

Debating online whether a certain class 47 ever visited a particular remote station- definitely not

 

[bramling]

This is something I did not think about a couple of days ago.

For standard operating days on Preserved / Heritage / Private railways given overall the majority of travellers will be a couple if not a family and stock is either bays of seats around a table or compartments overall demand would not require more 50% of bays or more than one group per compartment so distancing could be maintained. Only popular services e.g. the mid-morning train from Paignton to Dartmouth would need restricting. The main control needed would be gift shops and refreshments where often there is no room to swing the proverbial cat.

However event days rely on many more visitors to cover costs of visiting locomotives etc. Trains are full if not standing, also platforms crowded like rush hour. Unless in time a return to at least close to what was normal up to last year there may well be no more of these.

Things like only one group per compartment would probably go down well. In fact, it would make me for one *more* likely to visit.

 

[james60059]

Some interesting thoughts and comments here, Thank You.

Judging by various comments and the ongoing government guidelines, doing a rover is out of the question, although from the gen groups, I see the usual lineside posters are starting to come back out now to recommence their spotting and/or photography.

 

[greyman42]

I see the usual lineside posters are starting to come back out now to recommence their spotting and/or photography.

Good on them.

 

[Ianno87]

My enjoyment is riding on trains, be it for work or pleasure, but both reasons are likely to be out of the question for quite some time. YouTube cab ride videos are however half-decent compensation.

I'm also trying to get my 3 year old interested. He still likes to make us stop at the local railway bridge to see the next train, but apart from that there's only so much he can be 'captured' on YouTube videos compared to riding and seeing them.

That's why I'm hoping somewhere like the NRM may be able to reopen to fill the gap and at least let him look at some up close.

 

[james60059]

YouTube cab ride videos are however half-decent compensation.

If you're unaware, search Don Coffey, his cab ride video's are fab. Well worth a look

 

[james60059]

Good on them.

Indeed, I'll be back out joining them once my back decides to behave itself

 

[Ianno87]

If you're unaware, search Don Coffey, his cab ride video's are fab. Well worth a look

Yes, they are superb!

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I'm not a spotter but a photographer and have usually combined my hobby in conjunction with days out (e.g. to see family//friends or the countryside/seaside) unless historical infrastructure or rolling stock is planned for withdrawal. I avoid groups and haven't been on a railtour for many years, so in that respect, Covid-19 won't make any difference to me. I try and visit heritage lines when its quieter (to avoid large crowds) so again, no difference.