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| Ruislip Lido News | |
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| Topic Started: 4 Jul 2009, 08:57 PM (375 Views) | |
| MuzTrem | 4 Jul 2009, 08:57 PM Post #1 |
Operations Manager
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I thought it might be a good idea to create one thread for future news from Ruislip, to save cluttering up the forum  So, the latest updates:
On a personal note, I also started my Guard training today, something I have waited for for a long time  To round off this update, two pictures of work in progress on the platform extention on the 28th June. Bayhurst was used to bring materials to the site between service trains, using the flat wagon and cement mixer. With Lady of the Lakes also being used by the P-Way gang (on a track possesion between Woody Bay and Wellington) and Graham Alexander and John Rennie on the pasenger service, this meant that all four of our big diesels were used on a non-special event day, a very unusal event.  
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| glastonrail | 4 Jul 2009, 10:40 PM Post #2 |
Dommo
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Very good report there, Murray - nice to see things are progressing. While Robert might not be used on normal service trains, would charters be considered? Seems a shame to restrict a comparatively heritage loco for demonstration trains only... ... Thanks, Dom |
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"There's no such thing as sanity, and that's the sanest fact" M. Knopfler, 1985 Dragon Miniature Railway, Stockport http://www.freewebs.com/dragonrailway | |
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| laalratty | 4 Jul 2009, 11:05 PM Post #3 |
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Fireman
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look forward to future reports with interest
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| MuzTrem | 5 Jul 2009, 06:29 PM Post #4 |
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Operations Manager
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I honestly don't know I'm afraid; I haven't yet been able to ask anyone who would know the definitive answer. TBH, it wouldn't surprise me if the board simply haven't considered the possibility that anyone would want to hire Robert; after all, we aren't really an enthusiast-orientated railway, and whilst we do have facilities for "Group Booking" they are mostly used by playgroups, birthday parties, etc.... However, I expect the answer will ultimately depend on whether or not the insurers are happy for it to work such a train. It was, after all, their doubts over the engine's wheelsets that has caused it to be out of traffic for so long. |
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| MuzTrem | 26 Jul 2009, 06:51 PM Post #5 |
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Operations Manager
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A few more observations from the railway yesterday. Mad Bess returned on Friday but must be steam-tested for the insurers before she can run, so sadly just missed the open weekend. Furthermore, at the end of the day Graham's gearbox suddenly seized just outside Water's Edge station, and the loco could not be moved until the drive shaft had been disconnected. It remains to be seen how serious the problem is. We were also saddened to learn yesterday of the death of one of our longest-serving members, Brian Boreham. Nevertheless, the open weekend was a success in every other respect, with the workshops open to the public and Bess, Robert, Bayhurst and Lady on display in the yard. (Robert was even started up briefly, though AFAIK it didn't move anywhere.) Children were allowed to sit in the cabs of Bess and Robert - always a good PR exercise! Hopefully it is events such as this that will allow us to find the young members that will secure our railway's future. EDIT 29/7/09: I was told today that Graham will be going offsite to have the gearbox repaired, though I do not know where. Removable parts, such as the engine cover grilles and nameplates, have been detached prior to the move. Edited by MuzTrem, 29 Jul 2009, 08:41 PM.
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| MuzTrem | 30 Aug 2009, 06:33 PM Post #6 |
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Operations Manager
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Bess is back! Our steam flagship finally returned to passenger service today without any problems, a testament to the high standard of her overhaul. To prove it, here is a picture of her at Water's Edge station taken just over an hour ago - ah, the wonders of digtal technology! Otherwise, everything is as normal at the railway, except that Graham has not yet returned. A few sleepers were replaced in the run-round loop at Water's Edge today, which required the P-Way toolvan to be taken to the worksite (unusually) on the service train, and returned later. Bess handled the resulting ten-coach train without any problems, demonstrating this she is surprisingly powerful for her small size. |
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| Buddles | 30 Aug 2009, 09:59 PM Post #7 |
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Porter
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Again a really well written report - thanks Muztrem! Its nice to know that all is well up on the Lido, for those that cannot get there often. What status is "Robert" at, these days? Dom made reference earlier to a potential charter with it, if a suitable group of interested enthusiasts could be got together. I for one would be very interested in seeing it in action/riding behind it - with obvious caveats, given that it is effectively now a vintage piece of machinery! If a suitable group of paying enthusiasts could be got together, I wonder if the RSLR would be up for it? |
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| Andrew | 31 Aug 2009, 07:42 AM Post #8 |
CME, Bodgit & Scarper Engineering.
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Hi Murray, Good news about 'Bess'. I don't suppose that there is any way that we could have advanced warning on when she will be steaming over the coming months? I'd very much like to see her but I'm not sure 'The Powers That Be' will allow odd visits on the off chance.... |
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| MuzTrem | 31 Aug 2009, 09:11 PM Post #9 |
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Operations Manager
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Thanks both Buddles, I'm afraid all seems to have gone quiet again on the Robert front - AFAIK it hasn't been out of the workshops since the open day. I think the only way to find out for certain would be to contact the board! Andrew, unfortunately the current roster does not mark Bess's operating days, owing to the uncertainty as to when she would return. I will endeavour to post information here as I get it, but if that fails, then you can try checking the website or calling 01895 622595 (though I'm afraid you have to call during our operating hours if you want to speak to a human being, as it routes directly to the ticket office). The board has been muttering about using her less next year, owing to the rising cost of fuel, but whether this will come to pass remains to be seen... |
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I have been informed that it has been run round Woody Bay station and yard and down the line to Wellington Junction. The intention is that it will haul demonstration trains during special events, but apparently will not haul fare-paying passengers. This means that all five of the railway's diesels are now operational.| « Previous Topic · 12" & 12¼" · Next Topic » |
2:14 AM Nov 28
