Grand Central Discussion

[Techniquest]

Am I the only enthusiast who's more bothered about a fast comfortable reliable journey (and not the amount of noise/ pollution)?

On balance, my ideal journey would be, on the current network, a GC HST screaming its guts out from both ends, with a nice bit of clag but also charging along the ECML at top speed whilst relaxing in a comfortable seat. Passing through Retford going north at least, you get the noise, clag and speed, with no danger of getting a bad back from the stiff seats!

As for that Hartlepool Mail offer, I can't spy it on their website. Possibly just I don't know where on it to look!

 

[oldsystem]

As for that Hartlepool Mail offer, I can't spy it on their website. Possibly just I don't know where on it to look!

http://www.grandcentralrail.com/readeroffer

Travel can only be made between Thursday 1st October and Saturday 24th October 2009.

 

[Techniquest]

Aha. Nice one, although no good for me since I need it for December ideally. Plus I doubt any newsagents in the area would be willing to remove the required tokens from the paper and send them to me!

 

[spoony]

Aha. Nice one, although no good for me since I need it for December ideally. Plus I doubt any newsagents in the area would be willing to remove the required tokens from the paper and send them to me!

Chuck some money my way and I don't mind getting them and posting them on. Pity Im unable to use the offer. The Echo is 45p I think plus the price of a stamp and and envelope. Im all heart me

 

[yorkie]

It has been reported on uk.railway that the following press release was issued by Grand Central, however I can't find it on the GC website.

"On Thursday 24 September 2009 Alliance Rail Holdings Limited
(Alliance Rail) issued a press release containing details of a
submission to the Office of Rail Regulation of plans for new 'Open
Access' services on the East Coast Main Line by the Great North
Eastern Railway Company and also plans by the Great North Western
Railway Company for new high speed services on the West Coast Main
Line.

"The board of directors of Grand Central Railway Company Limited
(Grand Central) wish to clarify that:

"1.Ian Yeowart, director of Alliance Rail, was dismissed from his
position as an employee and director of Grand Central on 27 May 2009.
His dismissal is currently the subject of proceedings in the
Employment Tribunal.

"2.Certain of the routes identified by Mr Yeowart in connection with
Alliance Rail's proposed new Open Access plans include routes in which
the Grand Central group has registered an interest with the ORR and on
which Mr Yeowart worked in the course of his duties with Grand
Central.

"3. The board of Grand Central considers that Mr Yeowart remains bound
by certain post-employment obligations owed to the company by virtue
of his former employment. Mr Yeowart also remains subject to
obligations imposed upon him pursuant to the terms of the agreement
relating to his investment in Sula TOC Limited ("Sula TOC"), Grand
Central's holding company (which obligations will continue to apply
for a period of twelve months after he ceases to be a shareholder of
Sula TOC). Grand Central is concerned that, by reason of his recent
actions, Mr Yeowart may be in breach of certain of these obligations,
and is undertaking further investigations in this regard.

"4. Mr Yeowart is currently a shareholder in Sula TOC. His dismissal
by Grand Central, however, entitles Sula TOC's board of directors
under the terms of the articles of association of that company to
require Mr Yeowart to sell his shareholding in Sula TOC. The steps
required to effect such a transfer of his shares are currently in
process.

"5. Grand Central is currently considering its legal position
regarding Alliance Rail's proposed new open access services and
particularly Mr Yeowart's involvement therein."

 

[Demps]

What a load of bollocks this new EU legeslation on exhaust emmisions is, do they really think such a small thing is going to turn the world around, ffs, if the whole of the uk, stopped every environmentally harming proccess (including all transport) the effect wouldnt even be noticable, its complete tosh. Until China, india, russia and the US stop throwing absolutely **** loads of ****e into the air, this tiny legeslation is utterly pointless. I dont care what any of you say, the earth is ****ed, all of this eco, recycling, save the planet, green peace stuff is just putting a smiley face on it.


Long live 'happy' pollution, long live clag.

 

[yorkie]

Demps, that's a bit of a daft view, however you have a good point that this is going to make virtually no difference. We are talking about a relatively small difference between a Valenta and an MTU on just a few power cars, we are talking about a method of transport that is extremely efficient when it comes to power usage, compared to cars and planes.

It is absurd that the rules on environmentally friendly transport are incredibly restrictive, to not allow a new MTU at the present design in 2011, yet the owners of old road vehicles that use polluting engines are excempt from VED, therefore encouraging the practice of using older engines on roads. Equally absurd is our ridiculous Government (who are the opposite of what people voted for in 1997 when they came to power, shifting from left wing to right wing), discouraging rail use by increasing fares by rates greater than inflation and therefore encouraging people to travel by car using less efficient engines.

It's considered more dangerous for passengers to ride in a Mk1 coach than in a car on roads that have a history of many so-called "accidents" (funny that road crashes are always "accidents" but railway crashes never are!) according to the daft 'powers that be' in this country, clearly they must be either insane or simply biased against the railways.

 

[kelladam96]

It has been reported on uk.railway that the following press release was issued by Grand Central, however I can't find it on the GC website.

I notice Grand Central give no reason for Ian Yeowart's dismissal and I believe they are just being awkward, unfortunately since Ian Yeowart's departure, grand central has, I'm afraid changed, for instance they also dismissed other members of staff in the Grand Union area of the company, leading to the GC Magazine ceasing to be published. Without good reason for dismissal I would say it's thoroughly unfair as without Ian Yeowart none of them would be there in the first place and I hope he is successful with his new venture. Thank goodness GC has retained it's onboard, helpful, polite staff.

 

[jopsuk]

Demps, the legislation concerned has, in many stages, massively reduced EU emissions. Yes, we need China amd India and others to do similar, but that's no reason to give a small number of engines an exception on any grounds, especially sentimental ones.

 

[kelladam96]

The GNER/GNWR services are planned to be operated using Polaris Trains from China which are bi-mode, 125mph tilting trains, and I for one hope they are succesful and I think that, if given approval could be better than Grand Central.

You will notice the lack of my grand central signature on my posts, this is due to the post posted by yorkie

 

[Royston Vasey]

What a load of bollocks this new EU legeslation on exhaust emmisions is, do they really think such a small thing is going to turn the world around, ffs, if the whole of the uk, stopped every environmentally harming proccess (including all transport) the effect wouldnt even be noticable, its complete tosh. Until China, india, russia and the US stop throwing absolutely **** loads of ****e into the air, this tiny legeslation is utterly pointless. I dont care what any of you say, the earth is ****ed, all of this eco, recycling, save the planet, green peace stuff is just putting a smiley face on it.


Long live 'happy' pollution, long live clag.

China, India and many others have used European fuel and emissions legislation for road applications for a number of years, and are catching up rapidly. In many cases, standards have been copied verbatim from the European legislation. The fuel sulphur and new vehicle emission standards enforced in India and China (Euro 3, Euro 4) are only a few years behind Europe (only just Euro 5) and will soon achieve parity. So the influence of this legislation is much wider than just Europe; now that heavy duty diesel and non-road applications are legislated for as well, the rest of the world will follow. European action is essential as a precedent.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I notice Grand Central give no reason for Ian Yeowart's dismissal and I believe they are just being awkward, unfortunately since Ian Yeowart's departure, grand central has, I'm afraid changed, for instance they also dismissed other members of staff in the Grand Union area of the company, leading to the GC Magazine ceasing to be published. Without good reason for dismissal I would say it's thoroughly unfair as without Ian Yeowart none of them would be there in the first place and I hope he is successful with his new venture. Thank goodness GC has retained it's onboard, helpful, polite staff.

Let's not be hasty before we know the facts. Here's why:

1. It's entirely correct that they haven't publicised the reason for his dismissal because it is the subject of an ongoing tribunal.

2. There is no reason for the cause of dismissal to be made public, it is not in the public interest (in the legal/media sense)

3. I don't know how familiar you are with employment contracts, but it is commonplace in certain industries to have a clause in there to state that the employee will not go on to work for a company in direct competition within a certain time period. I have been in this situation myself, and have witnessed the legal wrangling over an individual leaving for a competitor. It is normal that the individual is placed on gardening leave and therefore unable to work for another company until contractually free to do so. It appears this may be what is happening here, if GC's statement is correct.

4. It would appear that there is a conflict of interest to Yeowart holding shares in GC's parent company while employed with a competitor and all ties not having been cut, as yet. Theoretically it is possible, we don't know, that Yeowart could be in breach of contract, whatever the reason for dismissal. It is certainly a very rapid comeback while action is pending with his previous employer. It is quite irregular, in my experience in business. I'd be surprised if GC issues that statement without a solid legal basis for it.

 

[kelladam96]

yes, but had GC not dismissed him and in fact most if not all of the grand union team this probably would not have happened, so it's their own fault.

 

[Demps]

It dosent matter how far we have progressed, the earth is already ****ed, its irreversable. What you have said is a load of tosh, car emmisions will never stop for one, your kidding yourself, there are just too many other factors which minimise these recent new changes.

 

[robertclark125]

If Mr Yeowart has to sell his shares, can he sell them to whoever he likes? If Nat Ex hadnt been in trouble, could he have sold those shares to Nat EX?

 

[kelladam96]

If Mr Yeowart has to sell his shares, can he sell them to whoever he likes? If Nat Ex hadnt been in trouble, could he have sold those shares to Nat EX?

yes true which may be why GC aren't that happy

 

[TrainBrain185]

What a load of bollocks this new EU legeslation on exhaust emmisions is, do they really think such a small thing is going to turn the world around, ffs, if the whole of the uk, stopped every environmentally harming proccess (including all transport) the effect wouldnt even be noticable, its complete tosh. Until China, india, russia and the US stop throwing absolutely **** loads of ****e into the air, this tiny legeslation is utterly pointless. I dont care what any of you say, the earth is ****ed, all of this eco, recycling, save the planet, green peace stuff is just putting a smiley face on it.


Long live 'happy' pollution, long live clag.

As far as exhaust emmisions are concerned, the countries you mentioned, their Transit/Transport Admins are actively involved with environment freindly vehicles, even India! The USA Transit ops are extremely active with alternative power, CNG/LNG/Hybrid/Fuel Cell, as are China and Russia. I know that Cummins Engines Inc USA are teamed up with Westport where Cummins-Westport engines are now in widespread use running on CNG fuel.
On the other hand, I agree that non transport pollution from those countries, especially China leave a lot to be desired.
Global Warming? I am very sceptical about the whole thing because we have been cleaner here in the UK in particular for a great number of years yet people still talk crap about this "carbon footprint" which is just another excuse to tax us even more.
Apologies digressing from the various GC debates taking place.

 

[GNERman]

i've just found this and I think it's very interesting...

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6848264.ece

 

[Techniquest]

Chuck some money my way and I don't mind getting them and posting them on. Pity Im unable to use the offer. The Echo is 45p I think plus the price of a stamp and and envelope. Im all heart me

If I wasn't already committed to the SVR diesel gala, I'd have strongly considered that! Alas, I've got too much to do in fall 2009 to be making any frivulous trips :cry:

 

[yorkie]

Demps, the legislation concerned has, in many stages, massively reduced EU emissions. Yes, we need China amd India and others to do similar, but that's no reason to give a small number of engines an exception on any grounds, especially sentimental ones.

Huh? I think you have got the issue confused! It's the MTU engines that there is "no exception" for. The issue is that GC cannot install new MTU engines after a certain date, because the MTU engines no longer meet the emissions standards. There is no restriction on using old engines, as otherwise how would steam and heritage diesels operate?

Now, you may think "Why don't GC install new-design MTU engines that do meet current standards?" well, that won't work as it won't be worth all the effort of gaining acceptance for such a small fleet, and they'd also be non-standard.

 

[Kingfisher200262]

Huh? I think you have got the issue confused! It's the MTU engines that there is "no exception" for. The issue is that GC cannot install new MTU engines after a certain date, because the MTU engines no longer meet the emissions standards. There is no restriction on using old engines, as otherwise how would steam and heritage diesels operate?

Now, you may think "Why don't GC install new-design MTU engines that do meet current standards?" well, that won't work as it won't be worth all the effort of gaining acceptance for such a small fleet, and they'd also be non-standard.

The new R43 MTU engine won't fit in an HST power car.

 

[Techniquest]

So amongst all this froth, has anyone heard any actual news on this? Has GC come forward with proposed dates for MTUing or whatever?

 

[Lampshade]

The new R43 MTU engine won't fit in an HST power car.

You'd have thought they'd have designed the new engine to be compatible with the same trains the old ones were, strange :???:

 

[robertclark125]

Grand Central told me in an e-mail tonight, they are unable to respond to the questions I put to them, regarding Ian Yeowart, due to the coninuing legal issues. Not surprised like, but at least they did tell me a no comment.

 

[andylloyd]

i've just found this and I think it's very interesting...

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6848264.ece

Rather interesting this item.
I wonder if any other info will be released soon?
Seems he's biting a huge chunk compared to GC.......
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Grand Central told me in an e-mail tonight, they are unable to respond to the questions I put to them, regarding Ian Yeowart, due to the coninuing legal issues. Not surprised like, but at least they did tell me a no comment.

RC,
only time will tell I feel........

 

[spoony]

I see GC are advertising for staff. Im thinking about applying for the Sunderland vacancy even though it will be a large drop in pay.

 

[Tin Miner]

Have the 180's been misbehaving? I noticed a couple of cancellations during the week.

 

[jon0844]

3. I don't know how familiar you are with employment contracts, but it is commonplace in certain industries to have a clause in there to state that the employee will not go on to work for a company in direct competition within a certain time period. I have been in this situation myself, and have witnessed the legal wrangling over an individual leaving for a competitor. It is normal that the individual is placed on gardening leave and therefore unable to work for another company until contractually free to do so. It appears this may be what is happening here, if GC's statement is correct.

I'd be interested to see what happens here. It is my understanding that such restrictions are now illegal under EU rules - and the only way they can be 'enforced' is if the previous employer pays the full salary for the period of time someone cannot work elsewhere.

The EU rules suggest that it is unfair to expect someone NOT to work in a similar trade when leaving a company, competition or not, and this is one area that I am sure will be tested in court at some time.

The fact is, unless your boss is willing to pay you NOT to work, you can work your notice and go to a rival the very next day. Suddenly, employers with these restrictive covenants then reconsider and figure there's no problem after all. There are, after all, many other ways around such rules and if you wanted to give away trade secrets then you could easily do so.

 

[spoony]

Well thats it, job application complete and sent in. Might as well give it a go, nothing to lose and everything to gain

 

[Lampshade]

How's 43080 these days? Out of Brush yet?

 

[matt]

Came out of Brush last Thursday