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I'm not sure DB have any interest in expanding their charter operation. Outside of Stewart's Lane and Bristol they have very little steam capacity. DRS will happily take on more diesel hauled work. I can see them going for the Belmond Royal Scotsman and Statesman contracts. It is possible...

I do like genius but it isn't always accurate. Also, unit numbers aren't always well positioned. If HST power cars had the numbers in big EWS style it may have been more use.

He was a full time driver for DB though, already qualified to drive modern traction, so it was more a traction conversion after gaining experience as a fireman. In the above example it is West Coast training people from an off the street starting point (as far as rules and regs) are...

Indeed. And apologies for going further off relevance for the thread. It supeises me that WCR were able to run a training course. I can't see two busy businessmen with a wide range if commitments giving full attention to a long and intensive classroom based training course and then the hours...

November 2012 - Road to the Isles newsletter http://www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/westword/nov2012.html

I may be wrong but I seem to remember a year or two ago with much joyful press, West Coast Railways trained and passed two mainline drivers in house. One being Ian Riley, and the second being a chap from the North Yorkshire Moors.

WCR said that it wouldn't affect their tours. I took it to mean the ones they were promoting (though this has still been proved to be wrong) as other promoters - Vintage Trains Ltd, Steam Dreams and the Railway Touring Co have all cancelled tours. Route knowledge is a big headache for...

Virtually all (a couple of exceptions employed by west coast) steam drivers are mainline drivers. Many WCR drivers are retired and working on zero hours contracts (hence why WCR charge less than DB) and they are men of considerable experience. There is a school or thought that the old hands do...

I was under the impression the vsoe coaches could do more, but vsoe liked to keep them to 75 to avoid spilling the soup etc.

Do ASLEF represent and support West Coast Railways drivers these days?

DB are operating one tomorrow. They can do diesel hauled charters and air braked steam hauled trains. Subject to resources of course. DRS can take diesel hauled trips too.

It is normal practice in the rail industry. Rules and regulation, procedures and safety management.

I look forward to May 15th with interest...

They are only talking about the trips they promote. Other promoters will have to make their own arrangements with DB and DRS...

Very informative post that. Also as far as previous incidents go it is worth noting the SPAD on 30/11/13 which became a farce...

They don't seem to realise that the industry safety culture is built on holding hands up and admitting to mistakes. When any individual, department or company tries to cover things up, they tend to come off worse for it.

Don't start me on Virgin only tickets. No really, don't... They are fine if you are happy to abide by the restrictions. The Virgin service on the coast is poor. The Virgin service betweem Chester and Manchester on a Sunday is in my view so limited, Virgin only tickets should not be...

It is not a conspiracy to get rid of steam. DB are still licenced to operate steam traction on the mainline and will continue to operate trains for Belmond (British Pullman), UK Railtours, Patchfinder and Torbay Express Ltd. Hopefully they will also have the resources to pick up some of the...

A film viewed by 235000 people and national press attention. Not sure about suggestions for the theme for the next steam gala though. Maybe a virgin voyager visiting for the diesel weekend...

Of which 44871 45407 46233 70000 35028 Are air braked and currently operational 60007/09 not sure about, last I saw 09 it was in bits at Crewe. 34027 is in bits at Bridgnorth