How to much a quick buck off bikes

[TheSlash]

I think the London to Brighton bike ride is this weekend and it set me thinking about the wonderfull idea by the 3 main Southern TOC's, to do away with brake vans
If i ran a railtour company, i'd round up a few spare brake vans that are lying around {Meldon quarry etc}. I'd grab a few spare TSO's and put them into a rake, maybe 3 brakes and 5 TSO's. Then i'd top and tail it with some locos, perhaps 73/2's?
To complete my plan, i'd run a pick up only service from Brighton to London calling at Preston Park, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, East Croydon, Clapham junction and Victoria.
I'd try and make up 2 sets minimum and then run 2 services. From Victoria i'd run the stock into a stabling point near Brighton, ideally Lovers Walk, but possibly Three Bridges. At the time the majority of riders are likely to be finishing at Brighton, i'd then run a few services from Brighton to London, set down only.
Such a shame that ideas can't be copyrighted

 

[paul1609]

Unfortunately the reality is that there are no paths available from network rail to run the trains you describe unless you get preferance as staff.
There are 27,000 bikes taking part how many can you fit in 6 brake vans?

 

[TheSlash]

Alot more than you can fit into how ever many Electrostars
I'm sure on a Sunday, paths are available
I'd look into running a similar service on the Portsmouth direct, only with PARS, it might be quicker to get out and ride

 

[paul1609]

I dont think there would be a path available for the sort of train you are describing on the Brighton Line on a summer sunday afternoon. The double track between keymer junction and Balcombe Tunnel junction has 6 tph scheduled and with the flat junctions and differential stopping pattern I think there is only 1 spare non stop charter path.

 

[Coxster]

Alot more than you can fit into how ever many Electrostars

That goes without saying. Particuarly when FCC and Southern banned bikes on services out of Brighton during the event