ardbealach

If the steam hauled train stalled at Glenfinnan today and even 'hand sanding' didn't get it moving. Anyone any thoughts on this? As far as I know there has never been problems in the past. Or is the replacement rake heavier than the previous regular set and certainly not added weight from the number of passengers on board - or was there brake drag if vacuum stock was used? (Alisdair)

Thank you 'Team York' for another enjoyable show The Squires emporium was quite an eye opener! (Alisdair)

Maybe they are hoping that the court of public opinion is on their side, and with its backing, they can start running their CDL coaches again. [Alisdair]

WCR could still want out - even if it was profitable. [Alisdair]

Since the start of this debacle over door locks, I cannot help but think that WCR just want to be out of the FW to Mallaig Jacobite operation. They might be making money on the venture - only they have the figures to hand of the profit / loss. But FW is quite a distance from the WCR Carnforth base. If it is a loss making venture, or that they have had enough of running the service, for WCR simply to say publicly that they are giving up the Jacobite operation would bring all manner of opprobrium upon the WCR from the businesses in the Lochaber area who benefit from the service continuing. We all know that the loss of the income from the Jacobite would be quite dramatic for the area if the service ended. If WCR made their own decision to cease running, the local Lochaber contempt for WRC would quite unimaginable, more especially if another operator is unwilling to take on the service. So why should WCR spend money on door locking upgrades if they have no intention in continuing the service? And how much easier is it for them to now formally to withdraw the service and simply blame the ORR for bringing them to the decision of not continuing running the Jacobite. (Alisdair)

I see in the rest if the website for WCR that has been noted by black and decker boy that WCR have a job advert on its 'Careers' page seeking stewards for the Jacobite. (Alisdair)

Another great weekend at the Preston Show with the usual warm welcome by the club members. Bred Albin now back home. Many thanks to Les and his team for another successful show. (Alisdair)

Can you still get postal orders? (Alisdair)

I agree - the two sitting next table back seem to be having just as much fun. (Alisdair)

Given that there are palm trees in the background maybe its somewhere on the Med - or maybe Torquay? (Alisdair)

Delighted to read formally that Warners have picked up the NEC baton. (Alisdair)

That's correct (Alisdair)

Part of the enjoyment after a full day of operating is to find other exhibitors and layout operators in the bar of the hotel. It is a chance to meet up with them as we are too busy operating at the show to hsve a chat. This cannot be done if everyone is staying in their own 'self arranged' accommodation. As an exhibitor in my view there is enough to do in getting the layout and operators ready for a show without the hassle of finding the hotel accommodation as well. As exhibitors we are there to entertain. And in my experience of many years of exhibiting we are always out of pocket after a weekend show, not least the cost of our evening meals. And if the show is a long way from our home base often we are put to the cost of a Sunday night meal as well. Personally I would not consider taking on a show as an exhibitor if our team was given only a minimal allowance and then have to find our own accommodation. (Alisdair)?

Modelu? (Alisdair)