BLS The Wirral Squirrel- TNT Class 40's 3/10/21

[theblackwatch]

The second 40 is available but not in the right place therefore effectively not available.

Presumably getting it into position by moving it 50 miles with 2 days to do it is too difficult?

 

[Iskra]

I can understand operational issues, but the dry train bit seems bizarre. What’s going on with that?

Although to be fair, I wasn’t sure if this tour would go ahead with all the fuel issues, so perhaps a dumbed-down version is better than a cancelled tour.

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[nedchester]

I can understand operational issues, but the dry train bit seems bizarre. What’s going on with that?

Although to be fair, I wasn’t sure if this tour would go ahead with all the fuel issues, so perhaps a dumbed-down version is better than a cancelled tour.

I think LSL have joined the Temperance movement and I suppose the truncated tour will allow participants to go to Chapel seeing as it's a Sunday..........!

 

[Iskra]

I think LSL have joined the Temperance movement and I suppose the truncated tour will allow participants to go to Chapel seeing as it's a Sunday..........!

Have any other Railtours run dry? I’ve never known one!

 

[nedchester]

I can understand operational issues, but the dry train bit seems bizarre. What’s going on with that?

Although to be fair, I wasn’t sure if this tour would go ahead with all the fuel issues, so perhaps a dumbed-down version is better than a cancelled tour.

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40145 is available for traffic as stated by CFPS Chairman John Stephens so someone is lying.

What's all the nonsense about face coverings as well?

 

[John Luxton]

Not a happy bunny when I received my ticket last night. Couldn't care less about motive power.

But a significant chunk of the itinerary amounting to around 2hrs.

Disappointed about the no real ale but that is not too important but puzzled by it.

BUT the face mask rule is unreasonable. I have been wandering round the West Country on the train the other week for several days and barely any of the train crew let alone passengers are wearing them.

Been sold a pup I am afraid.

A discount for the significantly reduced itinerary would be appropriate at least

As someone who has enjoyed several BLS trips I am exceeding disappointed.

Would not have booked.

I wasn't going to throw my penny worth in but as someone has started the ball rolling.

John

 

[Iskra]

Not a happy bunny when I received my ticket last night. Couldn't care less about motive power.

But a significant chunk of the itinerary amounting to around 2hrs.

Disappointed about the no real ale but that is not too important but puzzled by it.

BUT the face mask rule is unreasonable. I have been wandering round the West Country on the train the other week for several days and barely any of the train crew let alone passengers are wearing them.

Been sold a pup I am afraid.

A discount for the significantly reduced itinerary would be appropriate at least

As someone who has enjoyed several BLS trips I am exceeding disappointed.

Would not have booked.

I wasn't going to throw my penny worth in but as someone has started the ball rolling.

John

I'm disappointed too. However, I've had 40145 on the mainline recently and the 40 that will run is a winner. Reasonable chance of the 47 being a winner. It seems rather expensive for what is being served up, but I'm not giving up hope just yet; on the last BLS tour I did where there was an element of disappointment, WCRC made up for it by including a bonus unadvertised 37 as a token gesture. I'm sure the BLS team are equally disappointed and trying to do something behind the scenes to sort something out.

I'm losing faith in LSL though, hopefully BLS are too.

 

[ainsworth74]

BUT the face mask rule is unreasonable. I have been wandering round the West Country on the train the other week for several days and barely any of the train crew let alone passengers are wearing them.

If it's anything like a few other tours I've been on recently with similar requirements I think you'll find no-one cares on the day. Seems like it's more of a box ticking exercise (perhaps for insurance reasons) than something anyone enforces rigidly.

 

[_toommm_]

I went on one of the Summer Syphons, and they only asked face masks to be worn when moving around the train. Has BLS changed their mind with this tour?

 

[Iskra]

I went on one of the Summer Syphons, and they only asked face masks to be worn when moving around the train. Has BLS changed their mind with this tour?

I think it may be a condition of using LSL stock rather than a BLS requirement

 

[John Luxton]

I think it may be a condition of using LSL stock rather than a BLS requirement

The wording on the tickets says on stations as well ... this nothing to do with rolling stock. I didn't book a trip post July 19th to face the Covid Stasi. Requirements should have been clearly stated at time of booking not two days before. I am not trying to be awkward but I expect English National Rail rules to be followed.

 

[Iskra]

The wording on the tickets says on stations as well ... this nothing to do with rolling stock. I didn't book a trip post July 19th to face the Covid Stasi. Requirements should have been clearly stated at time of booking not two days before. I am not trying to be awkward but I expect English National Rail rules to be followed.

I really wouldn’t worry, I’ve been on a number of tours and Covid enforcement has been non-existant.

 

[LA50041]

I went on one of the Summer Syphons, and they only asked face masks to be worn when moving around the train. Has BLS changed their mind with this tour?

According to the E-Ticket that is still the case that masks are not required whilst seated - or have I missed something?

 

[FOCTOC]

They have two days to get it from Bury to Crewe which is not difficult unless of course 'someone' is making it difficult...........

Who would do such a thing? Is this LSL playing games?

 

[JonathanH]

Who would do such a thing? Is this LSL playing games?

If they don't have a driver and / or there isn't a path, 40145 has to stay at Bury. Not exactly 'games'.

 

[FOCTOC]

If they don't have a driver and / or there isn't a path, 40145 has to stay at Bury. Not exactly 'games'.

There's a thing called VSTP. That sorts a path PDQ. However, a driver is more difficult, not that you need a 40 driver as they could tow it using a traction unit they did sign. I asked if someone was playing games - the question hence stands.

 

[nedchester]

If they don't have a driver and / or there isn't a path, 40145 has to stay at Bury. Not exactly 'games'.

But shockingly they can find a driver for Monday to bring 40145 back to Crewe.

LSL need to come clean here. The reason is that their Generator van has failed (for CET and CDL) so they've had to use a Class 47. Basically, LSL are not providing what the BLS asked for. This should be in no way acceptable to the BLS (or anyone hiring a train)

 

[Iskra]

But shockingly they can find a driver for Monday to bring 40145 back to Crewe.

LSL need to come clean here. The reason is that their Generator van has failed (for CET and CDL) so they've had to use a Class 47. Basically, LSL are not providing what the BLS asked for. This should be in no way acceptable to the BLS (or anyone hiring a train)

Is that confirmed fact or mere speculation?

 

[43096]

LSL need to come clean here. The reason is that their Generator van has failed (for CET and CDL) so they've had to use a Class 47. Basically, LSL are not providing what the BLS asked for. This should be in no way acceptable to the BLS (or anyone hiring a train)

Perhaps you could enlighten us as to why a generator van needs CET? And are any of LSL's Mark 1s fitted with CDL?

 

[nedchester]

Perhaps you could enlighten us as to why a generator van needs CET? And are any of LSL's Mark 1s fitted with CDL?

The LSL sets have electronic door locks including the Mk 1s and the train has CET, you need ETH for that.

 

[youngiecj]

I managed to get a refund so kudos to the branchline society, they've always been pretty good in the past a shame things haven't worked out. I need a break from charters though, far too many recently aren't doing what is advertised and £159 is a lot of money.

 

[Cowley]

I managed to get a refund so kudos to the branchline society, they've always been pretty good in the past a shame things haven't worked out. I need a break from charters though, far too many recently aren't doing what is advertised and £159 is a lot of money.

Yes I think fair play to the BLS.
As a caveat you’re of course fully entitled to the refund, but this must have been very difficult for them and it looks like they’ve put a huge amount of work in to this before having the rug pulled from under their feet.
I’d still rather book onto one of their tours than some of the others on the market though.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

BUT the face mask rule is unreasonable. I have been wandering round the West Country on the train the other week for several days and barely any of the train crew let alone passengers are wearing them.

Welsh rules will in any case apply Chester-Wrexham-Dee Marsh, with mandatory masks.

 

[John Luxton]

Welsh rules will in any case apply Chester-Wrexham-Dee Marsh, with mandatory masks.

During that stage everyone is remaining on train - so unless Drakeford's gestapo wish to beam on board - who is to know?

I have done several long trips on a narrow gauge train in Wales in open stock sans mask along with other unmasked people.

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I managed to get a refund so kudos to the branchline society, they've always been pretty good in the past a shame things haven't worked out. I need a break from charters though, far too many recently aren't doing what is advertised and £159 is a lot of money.

Interesting

When did you request it? On receipt of the e-ticket?

As their rules state cancellations must be made within 5 days I and perhaps others might have presumed too late by the time the ticket came through on Thursday evening.

 

[JonathanH]

When did you request it? On receipt of the e-ticket?

As their rules state cancellations must be made within 5 days I and perhaps others might have presumed too late by the time the ticket came through on Thursday evening.

It can be inferred that in the light of the change to the itinerary and details of the tour some relaxation of this policy has been applied.

 

[nedchester]

Welsh rules will in any case apply Chester-Wrexham-Dee Marsh, with mandatory masks.

I doubt the BTP will be raiding the train at Hawarden Bridge...........

On the 50s to Stranraer a few weeks back mask wearing was about 5% throughout the journey (both sides of the border)

 

[_toommm_]

I doubt the BTP will be raiding the train at Hawarden Bridge...........

On the 50s to Stranraer a few weeks back mask wearing was about 5% throughout the journey (both sides of the border)

Yeah I can’t remember any announcements past Carlisle on the Summer Syphon to Falkirk Grahamston.

 

[youngiecj]

During that stage everyone is remaining on train - so unless Drakeford's gestapo wish to beam on board - who is to know?

I have done several long trips on a narrow gauge train in Wales in open stock sans mask along with other unmasked people.

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Interesting

When did you request it? On receipt of the e-ticket?

As their rules state cancellations must be made within 5 days I and perhaps others might have presumed too late by the time the ticket came through on Thursday evening.

It was requested Friday morning after the locos and the track was changed etc. It just didn't represent value for money me and no interest sadly.

 

[Iskra]

It was requested Friday morning after the locos and the track was changed etc. It just didn't represent value for money me and no interest sadly.

That’s good of them to do you a refund on that basis.

I hesitated and left it too late to realistically ask for a refund so I’m going ahead with it anyway, it still has some worth for me, but I’ll be avoiding anything to do with LSL in the future.

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[DeRobeck]

Passing Bache on the Rock Ferry - Chester leg