A Tale Of Two Railways

• Terry Nunn

  • Location: London Road, Dover
  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 4,321
  8 May 2010     14:2350953
  #1      
  As mentioned elsewhere, I've been in deepest Somerset and Devon. Whilst there I sampled two preserved railways. Every year I like to visit different lines. Last year it was Keithley and Worth Valley. The year before that it was the Nene Valley. All of these railways are lovingly restored by volunteers who give up their time to maintain them and keep them running. Locally of course we have East Kent Railway and not far away another of Colonel Stephen's ventures the Kent and East Sussex.
  
  The West Somerset line is brilliant, every detail is correct and faithfully restored.
  
  Imagine my horror when I went to Devon to go on the Paignton and Dartmouth railway. This is just run as a business in conjunction with it's ferry and river cruises. There is no care at all in how it is run. Just look at this typical picture:-
  

  

  
  A P.A. system has been installed so that "ads" can be announced for the other services. The wiring has been fixed with cable clips into the 1950's "Formica" wall covering. It would have taken only a little more time to remove the roof panels and place the wires in the lighting duct. The whole railway is shoddy and does them no credit
  
  Rant over.
  
  Terry
  Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
• Guest 693

  • Registered: 12 Nov 2009
  • Posts: 1,266
  8 May 2010     19:0250985
  #2      
  I think the Paignton & Dartmouth line is a case of pragmatism, Terry. Were it not for the need for commercial success it would have closed permanently some years ago, and my understanding from chatting to one volunteer there was that the consensus felt it better to be open than closed, despite the many obvious failings which you have commented on (rightly, imho).
  True friends stab you in the front.
• Bob Frost

  • Location: Deal
  8 May 2010     19:1350988
  #3      
  Terry, Whilst run as a business I have heard great things about the Wrexham & Shropshire who are giving Virgin Trains a run for their money.
  
  To quote from their own publicity
  
  'The Wrexham & Shropshire way...
  • Peak fares are abolished - a simple flat fare available any time any day
  • A standard class flexible return to London from Shrewsbury costs just £40 with Wrexham & Shropshire. A standard flexible return for the same journey via Virgin Trains costs £173
  • Locally sourced food cooked onboard every train and served to passengers at their seats
  • All tickets booked at www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk can be printed at home or sent as a text message - no more waiting for tickets by post
  • Refurbished trains provide sleek and comfortable travel each boasting 4-star hotel standard toilets
  • We don't use taxpayers' money - we rely on people choosing Wrexham & Shropshire.'
  
  This does not sound like my Deal - London experience!!!!!
• Terry Nunn

  • Location: London Road, Dover
  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 4,321
  8 May 2010     20:5750998
  #4      
  Yes Bob, totally agree, the W&S is a success story, as is Chiltern Trains. All power to the small TOCS, even Hull Trains.
  
  Terry
  Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?