Railpassion

The latest newsletter is here: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/platform-newsletter-june-2021 A not entirely honest explanation of the crossing situation. Also, direct criticism of the Plc by the WSRA. Others will be better placed to comment on the staffing changes. At least the WSR has some stunning views and there are some excellent pictures here and on the WSRA website. The 33 looks well, a credit to the guys at Williton.

Minehead is the centre piece of the WSR. A spacious track layout, ideal for crowds a few steps from the sea with stunning views. The town is well kept and the people are friendly. It certainly is a town worth visiting with Exmoor nearby and stunning beach walks to Dunster. It's a perfect place for families, it's not Padstein but there are reasonable restaurants and sensible prices. I spent a few days there around 2015 and met quite a few volunteers. One took me to a concert of the local orchestra where the audience was over 800. I'd half expected to find a town in decline like many seaside resorts but this was a town that had managed to retain its self-esteem. I was struck by the sheer number of WSR volunteers and their quiet enthusiasm. Things were done well and standards were high on the platform and onboard in the train buffets. That the railway management could even conceive threatening access to the jewel in their crown beggars belief. That the station will be cut off and silent for another high season in the year of the staycation can only mean the people in charge have some sort of death wish. It's such a shame. As for the timetable, not so good for those staying in Minehead, take a look https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/timetables/view/163

I haven't been keeping track of the WSR situation for a while and I read the latest news from the WSR with astonishment. That Minehead, the principal destination, will lose the entire summer due to the level crossing issue demonstrates how badly run the WSR really is. To have this happen after all the ill-feeling over the S&DR business and the earlier feuds must be heartbreaking for so many volunteers and staff. The particular signal arrangements had served the railway well and for the management to indulge themselves on a whim about semaphore signals and historical authenticity after the detailed design had already been drawn up demonstrates that they are not fit to continue in their roles.

Andrew Haines is the anointed one. He's the obvious choice as he will be able to shape and manage the transition. It's why he was appointed at NR as the DfT has been preparing this for some years.

I see you're selling the Lenz on eBay.

uDr your plans inspired me to start in US HO. It's a box car trainset which, so far, I'm really enjoying working on. A simple track plan and lots of shunting. The track is down and scenery is just beginning

Superb footage of the Hiwassee Loop in Tennessee

Erm.....

Indeed, the specification was the problem - even Hitachi told them that. At least the Japanese ambassador got a comfortable chair in Phil Hammond's office, and our man in Tokyo went on to lead Hitachi Europe.

Somehow I think we've been here before. It didn't end well.

With the implications into the worrying collision and derailment at Marsh Lane in Leeds still being investigated and modelled, Hitachi may have more problems to contend with. If trains need to be taken out out of use and stripped down it may be wise to refit the dreary interior with better seats, sensible lighting and more luggage space. A buffet would be nice too. The entire passenger environment could be enhanced whilst sets were away for repair. Meanwhile the railway is paying Jaguar prices for a Honda Accord.

Presentationally I think we've gone from Acorn Antiques to Thunderbirds.

It depends on the regions. Western was cutting back to the bone in the late 60s and 70s. Mainlines were singled yet in the Eastern Region the Redmire branch was still using staffed signal and crossing boxes for basically one freight train a day and the odd trip working for a decade or so longer.

Thanks, I'll take a look. It must be very frustrating to be missing out on so much university life.

Any more developments recently?

Many people in the countryside do not have gas but rely on solid fuel to heat using Rayburns and other boilers. Oil systems are £3000 plus to install not including the radiators. The cost is big deterrent to those on low incomes, particularly those in rented homes. I think we are are on the verge of an enormous crisis if the transition is not skilfully and sensitively managed.

My local wood supplier cuts up pallets for his main supply. The wood burns well and at £1.50 a bag is snip.

Ryo: I'm very well thank you, and you? Berry: I'm particularly well I presume Berry has left the show for a major role in Acorn Antiques. Ooh, aah, what's that? It's Cathy Cat. Ryo: So tell us Cathy, how much do you know about railways? I love it.

I agree, it's over provision when have Theatre box signals where the box remains dark for a route. It's not consistent.

Yes, if both routes are equal speed at divergence two feathers are preferred in the new standards. There's another example on the East Grinstead extension at the Bluebell.

It's not just pets but the general trend of commodification across the developed world. The intent is to turn us from citizens into consumers served by globalised giants who can deliver our 'choices'. It's an attempt to make us define ourselves solely in terms of consumerism in order to monetise every part of life. You can see this in garden furniture where the trends are to encourage not a healthy and peaceful life in the garden but to replicate the sofa lifestyle of indoors in outdoor rooms. Barbecues, fire pits, pizza ovens and a whole range of huge three piece suites in the latest grey plastic complete with garden lighting, tables, steel canopies and shelves are filling our gardens with expensive tat that will end up in landfill within a few seasons. Gone are the days of taking out a cushion to an old iron table and chairs and admiring the wisteria.

Wonderful layout, a real operators delight. Have you any more recent updates? Also, what happens with the high lines?

@Thestationmaster Yes, the first challenge is insulation of every home to drive down energy usage. Hydrogen has a place but only in industrial processes where scale makes sense. Its use in transport will be marginal. Heat pumps may make more sense if local or district heating were tried. As for pets - these days there's an entire industry built around them. When I was a child we fed the dog on scraps and lamb's hearts from the local butcher with other nutrients mixed in. He was fit and happy and brought a lot of joy. He cost little to keep and kept us healthy with two walks a day. Now I visit people and see so many bloated fat dogs riddled with arthritis and a list of vet's bills as long as your arm. Their owners buy SUVs to carry the dog and a whole load of clobber including cages, enormous beds, plastic dog baskets and more.

'Cry God for Harry, England and St George' But at Agincourt Hal the Vth did not cry for St George but for St John of Bridlington. After victory he visited St John's shrine at the enormous priory by the sea.

Yes, lifting of the first bogie occurred at Ufton Nervert. Obstacle deflectors were discussed on HST's to prevent lift but the HSTs were thought to be due for replacement. In the end the HST's have stayed around far longer.