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Makes absolute sense to me - in the NW they run coupled together or with 156's - means guard can get through to check tickets etc. In Yorkshire, don't see many running around in pairs.
It has a few challenges - length being one of them other than for the mileage aficionados...for the ordinary punter, 22 miles is simply far too long. Kids are bored after 3-4 miles. It is a long siding with an out of service loop in the middle of a forest.
That said, for those who like diesel...
Did the 158 3 cars not have their carpets renewed? If not they used one heck of a cleaner on them as they looked pretty amazing on their return from Brodies
If heritage railways actively promoted diesel usage as the likes of the East Lancs do, I would certainly visit more.
I visited the G&W recently and the opening line from Bert on my arrival was 'I am really sorry but it is a diesel'. My response, 'please don't be, that is precisely why I am...
Northern didn't buy the ex-WMT 323's - they were actually sub-leased from NT to WMT.
Even if NT went for the 350's there is a huge amount of training to be done which means the 323's will be around for a while longer
More seats is ultimately what people want and this solution helps solve that challenge. We should all applaud the growth in rail passenger numbers. Even if the much talked about 350's replace the 323's they still have 3+2 seating and no tables so little improvement other than air-con
Aaaah the heady days of the Rotating Cleric. I don't think I actually sobered up from boarding at Birmingham to topping up in the Toon! Missed the Blackpool South branch completely! Good day out though.
It isn't a surprise from certain quarters but as you say, if the volunteers won't step up, how is the profit achieved. Pretty sure the Boards will have weighed up the commercials.
Ultimately HR's are in a constant battle to survive. They have to do what they can and unfortunately if the odd punter gets fed up with them being in partnership with an external provider it is, frankly, tough.
Reports from a volunteer at the Tanfield was that F&E are a decent outfit and...
I guess it is just 20 years of the same is hard work when you haven't the faintest interest in the intermediate calls. Can't disagree that voice is clear and concise but feels somehow outdated and a bit BBC
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