Boris

5 minutes ago, keefer said:

Looks like the adaptor clip flying off and landing on the track (after putting a bend in the A4's gangway in the process)

No, that's part of the standard gangway, there is no adapter in use there.

A standard gangway has 2 positions, stowed and in use.  Stowed it is pushed back against the coach end and held in place by two retaining hooks shaped like big cabin hooks, in the in use position it is unclipped pulled forward maybe 6 inches or so and clamped to the similarly extended gangway of the joining vehicle, the gangways are then clamped together with the large clip that gets launched down the track (one each side).  What has happened here is the bottom two thirds of one of the stowage hooks has broken off and so only on third was holding the nearest side in place.  With the motion of the train the nearside of the standard gangway has come unstowed and swung round so that the retaining clamp has got hooked around the buffing plate on the Pullman gangway of the loco tender.  

So there is a new enthusiasts group forming called Northallerton Railway Circle, formerly the Northallerton Area Group of the NYMR, after many years they have decided to cut ties with the NYMR, basically as a result of what is going on with the management of the organisation at the moment, they will fundraise for specific things like the NYMR wagon group but also for other projects on other railways and generally do their own thing.

Best of luck to them.

2 hours ago, Oldddudders said:

It is puzzling that these incidents clearly 'happen' to people who, far from being uncaring employees scraping the company van, are proudly following a favourite hobby. I feel genuinely sorry for them and can imagine the anguish. 

Some of them are as I mentioned people doing unfamiliar things in a job which they only do a couple of days a month.

J15 was down to distracted crew misjudging their permission, GCR incident was down to the bobby not being able to pull the signal and not realising that the reason the traps were still normal which was why the lever was locked in the frame, no idea what the B1 crew were doing!  The standard gangway and the green thing was caused by two thirds of the clip back hook being broken off (and booked multiple times) and it would vibrate out and release the gangway, this time it did it and fouled the Pullman gangway on the A4 tender which nobody noticed when they uncoupled.

Just now, Michael Hodgson said:

And I can imagine the "English"!

 

One wonders why a preserved line needs to connect the corridor tender of an A4 in the first place.

Crew change at Ramsbottom?

It's a standard gangway vs. Pullman gangway, they aren't compatible without an adaptor.

3 hours ago, ikcdab said:

but nothing compares to this - which I have also done on my railway in the privacy of my own home...

 

Yeah, they did everything correctly for passing the signal at danger aside from checking the route!

Didn't occur to anyone that the reason the bobby couldn't clear the signal was that the traps were still normal.  I had a bobby try and do the same thing to me at Goathland a few years ago when we wanted to move the goods set that I had spent all week preparing and tidying up, many rude words were said to him quite loudly.  That's the problem with galas though, people do moves they aren't used to doing and in some cases roster clerks put people in who only come once in a blue moon rather than the regulars out a strange sense of fairness and then wonder why galas go wrong!

2 hours ago, russ p said:

I feel sorry for the residents of Queen Street who's houses were below and away form the road but will now be on it

I'm not looking forward to staying in the Premier Inn either 

Don't use the Ibis either, all the rooms are in a first floor extension over the carpark and a huge bank of airconditioning units that are really noisy.  The Elmbank a little bit further up the road is good and the rooms are at the back away from the road.

It's an interesting piece, my take on it is no direct fare decreases but no fare increases, or smaller ones, for the time being, which would mean a slow decrease in the real terms cost of tickets, which kind of makes sense so its a similar model to what Labour did when they changed the English Heritage business model about 20 years ago and it does work.  I'd prefer to see all maintenance brought in house and not relying on more expensive contractors for jobs as well and there is a decent bit of Network Rail infrastructure that is semi-derelict which needs money spending on it too, it's not politically sexy to tell everyone that we're stopping station building and signal box rooves leaking (for example) but it needs doing.

3 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Sounds good but when I have used a dice system the public at shows can't see what is happening.  Unless the dice falls on the floor.

With my card system I simply put the card in a box where the public can see what I am doing.

 

Or they can see the card on the floor.

 

When I miss the box.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4EL_MRnT8o&t=40s  For a quick video on how I operate Pig Lane.

 

I suppose with a computer generated random system it could be linked in with the controller so when it chooses a loco, the said loco goes through its start up procedure automatically and is ready to roll when the operator wants to move it. 

Or a dice tower, you could probably get a railway themed one, you drop the dice in the top and they roll down a slope and into a tray - you could make that interactive with the public?

You don't need to program anything, just use dice, they come in all shapes and sizes these days.  All you need to do is make a table for each activity/road/failure etc and write it on a table and assign a dice number to it.  You can even add a rare combination so a loco fails and has to be assisted back to a service road etc.

11 hours ago, jcredfer said:

Easy, turn GM off and install the wife in the passenger seat.  It comes with the speed warning feature, too.

Yes, but try and mute it or return it to the manufacturer as defective.....

16 hours ago, Paul_C said:

What are those on the STS tanks, vacuum pipes or air pipes? Forgive my ignorance but what’s the difference?

Air pressure goes up, vac pressure goes down.  Vac bags are fitted to a dummy plug fitting on the headstock that the bag head clips into and is almost self sealing.  Air bags have a tap/cock associated with them being positive pressure which is on the headstock at the top of the bag, they can be retained by a clip/chain or can be left to hang freely.

Vac bags have a 2 inch girth that matches the profile of the standard vac main, whilst air bags are considerably thinner pipes, so the bags on the STS tanks are air bags.

16 hours ago, micknich2003 said:

12114,  shunting the Hump at New Inward Yard, mid '50's. No details.

 

And proof that even the professionals don't get the number straight all the time

Papagoldjuliet pretty much summed it up, although the Farthwath Rolling Stock Group is having problems with the NYMR who have placed all of their vehicles up for sale despite not being owned by the NYMR, NELPG have had a row with the Moors over the Deviation shed, the LNERCA have had their set withdrawn because of tyre wear and many of their volunteers have stopped coming because of no volunteer accommodation at Pickering. 

Let's not forget the celebrity shed master who offered 29 to the GCR for their gala provided the GCR paid a fee to the NYMR without talking to the owning group or offering them the money.... 

11 minutes ago, Wheatley said:

"Daddy, why is that lady on a lead ?"

Why are that mans keys attached to a chain that goes up his kilt?

That one's definitely real!

1 hour ago, rogerzilla said:

I believe the new General Manager is the former marketing lady featured in the TV programme.  Without getting personal, I remember there was an example of a bizarre free ticket strategy in the programme, being her idea, which almost went horribly wrong.

 

Edit: series 1, episode 2, teachers go free

She is not a nice person and has a history of ensuring anyone who disagrees with her quietly disappears, whether paid or volunteer.  They're screwed

4 hours ago, Jeremy Cumberland said:

In 2021, the railway I volunteer on was doing full Covid cleaning between journeys, and the last thing we would have wanted was people getting up and moving about.

The Moors only cleaned down at the end of the day, despite what their publicity said.  A set would drop on lot off in Whitby at 1340 and the same set would take people out again at 1400.

41 minutes ago, BoD said:

I may be being naive, thick, or both, but why on earth would he be asked to do that?

Because in 2021 and I think 2022 the NYMR only allowed prebooked travel and the management didn't want people travelling on the positioning moves for the bookable trains despite running as passenger trains, stopping at stations etc.  So rather than letting passengers buy a ticket and telling them that they may have to move seats if someone turned up with a booking for that seat passengers had to be turned away, I could understand it kind of in peak season but in low season it was crazy, trains ran empty.

I can vouch that "the train is full" is  what booking clerks were told to tell passengers having seen the messages myself.

You can imagine the hassle (to put it politely) this policy caused and most of the volunteer booking clerks left.

36 minutes ago, Railpassion said:

Journey times are extended. Pickering to Grosmont used to be 50 minutes  but now is 1h10 minutes with a lot of waiting around. 

The 1200 departure to Whitby takes 1h50 minutes!!!

 

it was only 45-48 minutes under BR with a higher linespeed, it's been an hour to an hour and 5 minutes in the time I was there, but they have extended the journey times basically because a lack of of suitable locos mean extra changes that have to be factored into the timetable.  

I'm nicking this from the unofficial NYMR forum which is from another disillusioned volunteer that kind of covers what has been going on since covid:

"Firstly I'm going to apologise in advance on two counts. First the likely length of this post and, more significantly, because I am going to be extremely forthright about certain of the hierarchy both recently departed and those who are currently clinging on to a rapidly sinking ship.

Why am I posting? - because for over thirty years (admittedly on and off due to work and family commitments) I volunteered on the line. I packed it in two years ago when the Park Street Politbureau instigated a pathetic pretence of a system which required me to lie to prospective customers. It isn't easy concealing a six or seven coach train with empty seats from passengers I was told to turn away as "full".

As an ex-volunteer I now occupy my armchair, In 2023 I visited as a fare-paying traveller twice. In 2024, unless there is an increasingly unlikely rethink. I won't be visiting at all. What our so called "professional" managers have done and are continuing to do sickens me.

What do I mean? Basically the line , it's stations, it's principles, it's ethos, it entire purpose has ben hijacked by a buch of mealy mouthed, self-serving, PR balls spouting aparachiks who have stolen the line we love from the members, the supporters, the donors and the volunteers, They have turned it into a duff patiche of what a preseved railway should be. They favour pointless press prattle above preservation, they preach but don't practice, they leach but they don't learn, they demand but don't deliver,

A few facts? The NYMR is a substantial line which needs some paid employees which is fair enough. However the NYMR has 8 times the number of paid staff per working volunteer than the average UK preserved line ratio. The NYMR operates diesels on four times more diesel loco miles (as a ratio against steam) than the typical line. Even the diesel infested ELR is eclipsed in comprison.

The new season is about to start and what happens just two weeks later? Goathland, for the average member of the public probably the only station they'll recognised is closed for bridge repairs. Yes I know it needs those repairs - In fact I've known that for about six years now, though it seems to have taken the Park Street mandarins by total susprise. We've had a £10million fundraiser - Surely the necessary monies could have been spent on repairs during the closed season?

What about Joe Public? - The answer seems to be sod them which isn't really a sensible policy objective. In 2022 we turned them way at the booking office, apart of course those we discouraged with compulsory pre booking, or undeciperable website and then farcical fare structure,

So to 2024 as per the NYMR propaganda machine. Laura Strangeway, Acting CEO at the NYMR, said, “Last year marked a huge milestone for the NYMR, celebrating 50 years of our much-loved heritage railway. This year, we have an exciting line up starting with our season opening and a special Easter family experience, as well as huge anniversary milestones for some of our home-fleet engines.In addition to the return of some much-anticipated events, we’re also working hard behind the scenes to put together a brand new ‘Lights, Camera, Traction’ film trail at the NYMR highlighting some of the incredible blockbuster films and TV series that have been filmed here. So watch this space. We are so grateful to each and every member of staff and our volunteers who continue to spread the knowledge and magic of our heritage railway line to all of our visitors. As a charity we rely on the income and donations from our visitors to keep the NYMR steaming ahead and this year is no different. We can’t wait to once again welcome visitors to our living museum."

So a living railway museum highlighting trains? - No just highlighting blockbuster films and TV. How about a diesel gala in June, and unofficially in July, and in August and possibly September.

What about "Through the decades"? - Like the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s? - Why not import air-conditioned MK2F coaches for that true plasticised Inter-City experience. Then stick on the Class 31 diesel to prode electrics to complete the trainset and just maybe as an afterthough a smoke machine on the front which won't be audible due to sealed windows and historic air-conditioning noises.

Spend a million or three constructing a carriage stable but fail to provide enough preserved carriages.

Make sure every advert shows steam but every high season train has to be diesel.

Instead of promoting heritage why not promote personal "celebrity" culture, or better stilll a dung heap on which they can stand for adulation and into which they hopefully then sink.

So to the board I make this promise - I won't be troubling you again unless and until you restore sufficient NYMR steam power rather than the pointless half term hire of a "celebrity" loco that 90% of customers have never heard of. I won't be troubling your tearooms which increasingly resemble American diners, I won't be troubling your booking offies by either buying tickets or as a volunteer selling them. I won't be there when the last disillusioned volunteer finally quits.

Finally if you have decided I'm a boring old fart then yes you're right. I'm also fast approaching that great trainset in the sky and for the last twenty years the NYMR Historical Trust were my main beneficiary to the tune of around £650,000. - Not any more - I don't want to support your three-ring circus, your salaries or your egos. I say to the board you have lost my trust, you have lost my volunteering, you have lost my respect, you have lost my legacy and, most important you have lost the support of virtually every volunteer I've spoken to. You won't often hear a traditionalist quoting Oliver Cromwell addressing parliament in 1653 but I'll do so.

"Gentlemen, you have sat here too long.In the name of God go! "

Do all signalmen wear leather underpants or is it just me?

No, red ones were a thing, I have seen references to them but so far the only image I can find is a colourised B&W photo which doesn't really count as a primary source!

That NSE flowerpot is well nice

49 minutes ago, spamcan61 said:

Are they buying the MK2s or leasing them though,?

I reckon leasing, there is no way they have the cash to buy more stuff.  If they had any sense they would be hired in for the peak season timetable when they need 4 sets rather than all year.

5 hours ago, 5944 said:

Rumours that the railway are getting a set of Mk2 air cons. Partly for the gala for air braked locos, and partly to cover the shortfall in stock with the withdrawal of the teaks. Though surely buying a few sets of tyres for the teaks will cost less than buying a set of grotty Mk2s that haven't turned a wheel for 5 years?

Penny to a pound they'll be arguing with the LNERCA over who has to pay for the tyres, and if its the NYMR that'll take years because  they are financially screwed.

3 minutes ago, John M Upton said:

Seems like a lot of teddy tossing and willy waving going on. If they want to play with their trainset, the must do it by the rules the same as everyone else.

Exactly, I'm allowed to willy wave OR play with the trainset.  I can't get the wife to do either.

27 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

Yes, but has she got CDL or an Exemption Cert? 

Only on the bedroom door when I have to sleep on the sofa

31 minutes ago, BoD said:

Brinksmanship?

A sort of emotional blackmail?

Manipulation of the press?

 

I can’t see the ORR being swayed by any of that.

I think its all of those things, just wait until it gets on the news about there being no Harry Pooter steam train in the Scotland this year and all those disappointed tourists giving interviews about the big nasty men in grey suits in London.  My cynical head thinks its an attempt to get politicians and tourism leaders to put pressure on the ORR, although I would be surprised if it was successful.  Mind you it's the same head that told me it was a great idea to marry Mrs Boris and that has brought so many bruises...